Remember Eric? He got up to all sorts of shenanigans in Twist that actually turned out okay in the end but he has a very mischevious side to him that is revealed more in this story.

Eric lives above the Dive Bar that he co owns with Lydia and Nell in his recently refurbished apartment. He has a bit of a love/hate thing with Nell and they often butt heads on just about everything. They have a bit of history together and as a result of this Nell has a very low opinion of Eric. To be honest, I think that she was really harsh on him and wanted to jump in and defend his honor, lol!

Eric does have a bit of a reputation with the ladies and it’s hard to shake a lifetime habit that he actually enjoys – casual sex with beautiful girls. When a gorgeous babe comes into the bar one night he is on high alert. He is particularly attracted to her impressive rack and gorgeous curves.

‘It’s like I always say: life is like taking off a girl’s bra. You never know exactly what you’re gonna get, but however it turns out, it’s basically awesome.’ 

Needless to say he is shocked to find out that not only is Jean a good friend of Nell’s, she is also pregnant and about to move into the apartment next to his. Talk about a mind fuck. Putting all of that aside though, this is the first time that Eric has felt such a strong connection to a woman and he can’t really stop thinking about her.

Thus begins a friendship of sorts which then gets more up close and personal when Eric is the one Jean leans on when she goes into labour. Eric finds himself in situations and doing things he never he imagined he would. He has this urge to help & protect both Jean and her new baby.

I loved watching this story unfold and how Eric emerged from manwhore to who he is when he is with Jean. This is a story that was filled lots of ‘awww’ moments and left me with warm fuzzy feelings in my heart.

4.5 stars!

This is the third book in the Dive Bar series, and though this book could be read as a standalone, be aware that you will be diving into a world with an already-established group of friends, family and colleagues, and you will be missing some context – though a good overview is given.

In the series timeline it’s been a little while since the last book, and things have moved on a bit for this group. And Eric Collins is feeling the shift. He is the bartender and part owner of Dive Bar, and he’s had some pretty big things to contend with over the last few books. Honestly, I haven’t been his biggest fan, and with his solid reputation as a conscienceless “fuckboy”, it’s clear that even those close to him don’t think that highly of him. But Eric is turning over a new leaf. He’s suddenly wanting something more than what he’s had in the past, and his journey to do that throughout this book is something truly special.

This book is written entirely from Eric’s POV, and it didn’t take him long to completely win me over. I loved getting inside of his head as we get to know how playful, funny and completely endearing he is, and he is a wonderful narrator for his story.

    Life is like taking off a girl’s bra. You never know exactly what you’re gonna get, but however it turns out, it’s basically awesome. 


Eric is determined to make changes in his life, and that starts with a vow to stop sleeping around and actually find somebody to have a relationship with. With one glance at a gorgeous woman who steps into his bar, he thinks he’s found somebody he actually wants to spend time with. She’s gorgeous, and after a bit of flirting he learns that he’s attracted to more than just her looks. But then he gets a really good look at her and discovers that she’s heavily pregnant. Not the kind of commitment he was looking for, no matter how badly he wants to change.

    Man, I still couldn’t believe this was happening. God hated me or something. Pregnant women and me were enema. Anathema. Whatever. 


But even with her impending single motherhood, there is something about Jean that lures him in, and Eric very quickly becomes friends with her. He can’t just switch off his attraction to her and figures there’s nothing wrong with hanging out with her. And then when he’s the one that just happens to be there when Jean goes into labour, it creates a new bond between them and something significant shifts inside him as he finds himself drawn to the little family.

    Jean and Ada were the best things to happen to me in a long time. Being with them made me feel good, gave me a purpose. They made me want to be better, to do better. No messing around, no sex or anything to make things confused. I was going to be someone they could both rely upon if it killed me. 


OMG, I love the setup for this book! A badass boy who falls for a baby is such a beautiful thing to watch, and seeing Eric with little Ada is ovary-exploding gooeyness! He’s so straight-up and matter of fact about it, still keeping true to his jokey self, but his obvious care for Ada is so beautiful to see. As is the way that he continues to be there for Jean, falling hard for her without fear or reservation, and I freaking loved it!

    “Do I look that bad?”
    “No. You look fine.”
    “The whole yoga pants, old T-shirt, and messy hair things really works for you, huh?”
    I just smiled. The truth being that her whole existence worked for me. Jean breathing and moving and being herself was beautiful in every way. 


The progression of things between them is gorgeous, with lots of fun, banter and sweet moments. And the mix between heartfelt, fun and sexy is fantastically balanced as they begin to test the limits of things between them and everything begins to change – made all the more awesome through Eric’s open and hilarious narration.

    “If you want, I’ll show them to you later.”
    “Sorry, what?” My gaze returned to her face.
    Only to have her point to her breasts. “I said, I can show them to you sometime if you want.”
    “I would like that very much.”
    “Okay then.” She grinned. “Next make-out session, no shirts. Agreed?”
    I was a total winner at life. Forget how much money currently sat in my bank account. Ignore my maturity levels and emotional stability or lack thereof. Jean had offered to show me her tits. The year had only just started and mine was already made. 


The rest of the Dive Bar crew all form a part of the story, and I loved catching up with them. I was annoyed at Nell’s behaviour, thinking she was incredibly unfair towards Eric, but her journey with him is an important part of his story and there were clearly changes that needed to be dealt with before either of them could move on. But I loved seeing everybody else watch Eric’s development, especially when it came to him and Jean.

    “Jean and I are just friends.” He gave me a long look. “Dude, swear to God, you’re going to get sick of spinning that shit someday soon and I for one cannot wait to see what happens.” 


This is a beautiful story. Wonderfully written with humour, wit and heart, and a hero that you cannot help but completely fall for. Jean is the perfect match for Eric and they are fantastic together, and the addition of little Ada to the story just made it all the more adorable. I was completely swept up in Eric’s story, and in the gorgeous romance – the bad boy falling hard is always a brilliant thing to see - and I absolutely loved this one.

]Avec ce tome consacré à Eric, Kylie Scott clôt joliment la trilogie 'Dive Bar', en proposant une romance drôle et mignonne, entièrement écrite du point du vue du héros (trop bien !!!).

Vous avez oublié Eric ? C'est le frère de Joe, héros tome 2. Beau gosse par excellence, c'est un mec superficiel qui saute sur tout ce qui bouge et a bien du mal à regarder une jolie fille dans les yeux lorsqu'il lui parle, si vous voyez ce que je veux dire ... C'est vraiment le dragueur de service dans toute sa splendeur, le mec immature que même ses potes commencent à ne plus pouvoir supporter. À force de se prendre dans les dents des réflexions désagréables mais ô combien réelles, Eric décide de changer, pour leur prouver qu'il peut assumer ses responsabilités et même se passer de galipettes !! 

Alors on ne va pas se mentir, Eric est au début un vrai crétin, le genre de mec lourdingue qu'on tolère en soirée mais qu'on n'a pas vraiment envie de fréquenter sur le long terme (ça tombe bien lui non plus !), vous savez ce mec collant et lourd qu'on croise forcément en soirée ? Cependant, il est attachant dans sa bêtise, il en fait trop, mais il est marrant. Et quand Jean (à prononcer comme le nom du pantalon, sous peine de croire sinon que vous allez lire un M/M) arrive dans sa vie, ça va lui faire tout drôle ...

Comme dans le tome précédent, la romance s'esquisse doucement, ce qui est quelque chose que j'apprécie particulièrement dans mes lectures, et que j'ai trouvé ici réussi et  approprié à la situation que traverse chacun des personnages.

Eric et Jean vont construire une jolie amitié, le dragueur va s'assagir et gagner ses galons d'homme, même s'il dérape à quelques reprises. Son évolution est réaliste, sa prise de maturité ne se fait pas en un claquement de doigt, et ses "rechutes" montrent bien que ça ne se fait pas en un jour et comme on dit 'chassez le naturel, il revient au galop'.
Néanmoins, sa façon de s'occuper de Jean et de Ada est absolument craquante, la complicité qu'il construit avec cette dernière a de quoi charmer, et Kylie Scott maîtrise à la perfection ces scènes qui font soupirer les lectrices devant tant de mignonnitude.

La complicité amicale va évidemment déboucher sur autre chose, et si les choses mettent du temps à se mettre en place, elles rendent la romance d'autant plus tangible et porteuse de sens pour l'un comme pour l'autre. Ils forment un joli couple complémentaire, et j'ai beaucoup aimé la façon pragmatique avec laquelle Eric fait taire les doutes et les insécurités de sa chérie.

Vous l'aurez compris, j'ai pris beaucoup de plaisir à lire ce roman. J'aime vraiment  l'écriture et l'univers de Kylie Scott et ses personnages vont me manquer. Oh et j'ai oublié de vous dire ... que nos rockeurs font une apparition en guest dans le livre et que Mal gagne encore une fois la place de chouchou dans mon cœur dans les héros imaginés par Kylie Scott !

5 Stars!


This book!  This freaking book!  I am completely enamored with Eric!  This book gave me all the feels and then some.

I have to be honest here.  I have never read a book where I have felt so much for a character.  In the previous books in the Dive Bar series, Eric has been portrayed as the irresponsible playboy, which he was.  There is no question about that.  However, the loss of his unborn child affected him more than he let on.  So, now, Eric gets is book and his story is told and my God it was so so so good! 

So, I get that Eric is this playboy, all arrogant and irresponsible, but his friends and family's lack of faith in him was cringeworthy.  Seriously, Nell was a straight up B to him, about him and behind his back.  I kind of wanted to punch her face.  The entire book is told from Eric's POV and being in his head is both difficult and amazing.  He is complex and yet simple and I just felt for him so much.  

This entire series has been great, but this book stands out as a shining star!  I dare you not to fall in love with Eric!

BIANCA

Book #3 in this great series!

And it was just as cute as the other 2!

We meet all the others again - Joe, Vaughn, Pat, Nell ... and even Mal ☺...

And we're back in the bar, of course.

Eric is part owner. And he loves his bar and his job as sexy barkeeper.☺
But he doesn't love his life anymore. Not the way he's been living it for so long now. He wants something new, different. But a mother? He wanted change, but not that fast and that much. But he just can't stay away from Jean. So adorable!!!

The poor guy. He wants to prove to all his friends and family that he can be a real adult and that he can be trusted. But mostly he has to prove it to himself.


I really enjoyed reading this book!

It was such an adorable romance. Funny, cute, a bit moving and heartbreaking. I just loved those cute Eric & baby moments!


I wouldn't mind seeing the bar and everybody on TV one day!


Great Characters. Not much drama. Lots of funny moments and some sexy moments. Great, sweet Romance.

I really loved it! Eric is amazing. He's trying so hard - but nobody believes in him. But of course we know that he'll prove them all wrong in the end! ☺

CHASER was such an adorable & sweet & moving romance! About a guy who is finally ready to grow up and CHASE his happily ever after. Run to your nearest amazon for your very own Eric - this one is MINE!!! Even though I could do without the ponytail!☺


A tiny little thing that bothered me a bit. Why did Jean move to Idaho? Yes, she knows Nell from talking online. BUT?! She doesn't have a job, a career? What did she go to college for? Does she have any plans for her future? Nothing was mentioned about that at all. A bit weird.

Also, Nell ... I hated her a lot with the way she acted towards our poor Eric. She got better, but only in the very end of the book. She was really mean!

But still ... adorable book. READ IT!


JANEANE
Yes! It is time for all things Eric. You may remember him as Joe's brother - you know, the one Joe pretended to be on his dating profile?

Well, now it is his story, and to me, Chaser is the best story in the series so far.

My heart hurts for Eric as everyone around him treats him like a no hoper, a man whore, leaving him feel useless. No one even pays attention that he isn't the way he was, that he has been changing.

Gah, I wanted to slap the lot of them with my Kindle - especially Nell who I have always kinda adored. But this book she is just a nasty b!tch to Eric for 95% of the book and I really disliked her.

I adore Jean the minute she walks into the bar. Yes she has her secrets, and her baby, and that's all she needs in her life. But Eric works his way into her life and her heart, she knows the man he is.

Oh my goodness, the cuteness overload with Eric and baby!

I really enjoyed Chaser. I loved getting back to the Dive Bar, to the guys and gals that run the place.

Ooooh and there may have been a visit from my favourite blonde drummer and his band!

I loved Eric chasing his HEA and proving to himself and everyone around him the man he really is.

Sweet, sexy, tender and loving with a few tears thrown in the mix, Chaser was one that I just couldn't stop reading.

Can't wait to see what Ms Scott brings us next.

Book 3 of the Dive Bar series focuses on Eric, co-owner with Nell and Lydia. He meets a beautiful young woman in the bar one day, only to discover she's pregnant. Eric and Jean, the young pregnant woman become friends. And despite his player status, things start to change once the baby is born.

I've read the entire Stage Dive and Dive bar series and I've liked them all, and I think Eric's book is in the top 3. I loved watching Eric's growth and transformation during the course of the book. I really hated Nell though - she was such a horrible bitch to Eric. I get that she was pregnant, and they have history, but she was really just awful.

Jean was just a total sweetheart. She was such a good mom and tried so hard. Jean moved to Idaho from Florida, knowing one person, because her parents were awful and she needed to get away from them. 

The story is told entirely from Eric's point of view. While I'm a big fan of first person POV, I would have preferred for the story to be told from both Eric and Jean's POV. Jean's young and a single mother, so I think I would been able to empathize a little bit more hearing from her directly.

This is a real slow-burn romance, but the payoff is so worth it. Very good read. I would recommend this book and the whole series.

Chaser

**received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Eric’s book because of how he acts and what happens in the first two, but I loved this book.He captures your heart with how he tries to change and do the right thing. And how he takes care of Jean and Ada is so sweet! Kylie Scott does an amazing job showing how ones person can learn from what happen before and finally find something that makes him feel wanted.

Eric is known as a playboy and after all that happened between him and Nell he still hasn’t changed. But when a newcomer comes to town, she captures his attention, until he finds out she is pregnant.

Jean is trying to start over after being forced to leave home when her parents don’t want to accept her pregnancy. And the friendship she has started with Nell definitely helps starting over. But what she isn’t expecting is Eric. He is nothing like she expects and ends up being exactly what she needs.

As they navigate their relationship and deal with Nell and the rest of the gang, they might find exactly what they are looking for. Eric is finally changing his ways and Jean is starting to see she can make it on her own. But will it be enough? Or will their insecurities and the chance to go back home come between them?

Kylie Scott.  What could little ole me say about this wonderful writer that hasn’t been said time and time again? She is a brilliant writer with outstanding stories and strong characters that will stay with you forever. She proves this again with Chaser.

When we met Eric in Twist and he wasn’t exactly the Hero. A self-absorbed man ho always looking for a good time. He worries more about appearances than he does about substance. With the changes that are happening to his friends and brother, he takes a hard look at his life.

Then Jean walks into his bar. Pregnant Jean. She’s smart, sweet, sassy and new to town. Needing to get away from the situation she found herself in, she accepts Nell’s offer to come to Coeur d’Alene. 

Despite Nell’s threats of bodily harm, Eric finds himself drawn to Jean. A true friendship develops between Eric and Jean. He’s there for her when baby Ada is born, he’s there for her when the New Mommy trials and tribulations threaten and he’s there for her when she decides that she wants more than a friendship with Eric.

Told from Eric’s POV, Kylie let us in on his inner dialogue and let us in on the highs and lows that he experienced during this transformation from bad boy to a good man.
A great read that I will recommend again and again.

Chaser by Kylie Scott
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Oh Eric your man whoring ways are coming to an end my friend!!  
Eric..we all remember Eric right???  He is part owner of the Dive Bar and certainly has no issue with the ladies.  He doesn’t mind all the attention he gets from his friends, or does he??  Maybe man whoring is not all he is good for??  Maybe, just maybe he wants *Gasp* More???  Eric IS a good guy but he just cant seem to keep it in his pants so to say.  What eligible, good looking guy would???  But then SHE arrives into town and everything changes.
Jean leaves Florida because she need a new life plan.  Jean goes to the Bar to meet her new friend Nell who is also going to help her start her life over.  When Eric sees Jean he is all “Hey How You Dion’?” until the baby bump pops out from under the table…yikes.
Since the two are going to be neighbors they quickly find a friendship of sorts but when the baby comes he see a new side to both of them and their new found feelings.
Eric…what can I say? I love a naughty guy who gets into trouble but I also loved seeing the character growth from the books until his book.

3.5 Stars

Eric Collins, one of the owners of The Dive bar, has always been known to his family and friends as the "manwhore." The guy who will hit on any woman that walks into the bar. They don't take him seriously and determined that he will stay a bachelor forever. But that's until the beautiful Jean walks into the bar. 


Jean is starting over to make a new life for herself and her soon to be baby, Ada. And meeting the flirty Eric Collins was not in her plans to get her life together. But much to her surprise (and the surprise by his friends and family), Eric has stepped up for Jean and Ada. The attraction between Jean and Erik is hot and the bond Eric formed with baby Ada is nothing but sweet. 

And when they decide to have a friends with benefits relationship, feelings start to get complicated.  But can a playboy change his way?

I received a copy via NetGalley and voluntarily left a review and all opinions are my own. 

After reading Trust by Kylie Scott, I just knew I had to open up Chaser and jump heart first into another of her fictional worlds. It wasn't long and I was completely wrapped in all of the characters in Dive bar and falling hopelessly for both Eric and Jean. I absolutely adore the tight knit group of friends at Dive bar and enjoyed all the laughter, love, and heat between the characters. 

Eric Collins had my heart from the moment I got to know his goofy, sexy, loveable character. He kept me laughing, shaking my head from his self talk and antics and at times burning up from the sexual heat between him and Jean. I loved seeing him fall head over heels not only for the heroine but also for her newborn which had him wrapped around her finger from the moment he set eyes on her. Nothing causes me to go all gooey inside for a hot tatted up hero like a man who is besotted with a baby. I loved watching Eric slowly morph from the man whore to a family man and found myself feeling angry towards other characters who didn't trust him to mature and change into the man that he was always meant to be. 

Jean Antal is a heroine that I quickly came to love. She is a bit of a wild child who is being reformed into a woman who becomes more selfless and puts her child before all others. I love a woman that grows through the story and you see her do it with every bonding moment between her and her child. I also adored her sense of humor and her quick wit which made her even more beautiful in my eyes. 

Kylie Scott delivers a soul searching, heart warming read about two characters that are transformed by love for one another and parental love. I highly recommend Chaser for a story that pulls on your heartstrings and much as it revs your libido. Kylie knows how to write romance exactly as I like it...sweet and hot! I have grown to love and admire Kylie's stories and characters and I look forward to reading many more!

It was always going to be uphill battle for Eric Collins to be taken seriously. He’s a manwhore extraordinaire, and the very idea of monogamy is one he himself would have laughed at not a few months ago. However, with everyone around him settling down he’s weighed up the benefits and feels he has what it takes to be a one woman man.

As part owner of Dive Bar there’s no shortage of potential women to date, but longevity is the name of the game. He bides his time until his roving eye lands on newbie to the bar, Jean Antal. Eric is taken with Jean right away, and he’s not put off by the fact that the attraction seems to be one sided. He’s serious about finding a meaningful connection but the breaks are well and truly pumped once he discovers his new potential match is also a soon to be mother.

Her time chatting with Eric was a momentary welcomed relief from the stressors in her life. Her family situation as well as impending single motherhood do not leave any time for frivolities. She knows she should avoid the playboy but he happens to there to lend a hand whenever she finds herself in need. As time goes by it becomes harder to co-sign the nature of their relationship as purely friendship. Eric evolves into a character that I would go to bat for without a doubt. He’s caring and dependable and he proves himself to be unadulterated boyfriend material.

Owing to my love of Eric, my only gripe would be the lack of confidence his friends had in his transformation. Other than that, I adored every last drop of this story. It was emotional and sweet and far more intimate than expected.

5 Fab Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Kylie Scott is hands-down one of my absolute favorite romance authors.... she writes the most fabulous characters.... all with such amazing senses of humor and self awareness.... especially when it comes to her male characters... I think I’ve fallen in love with all of them and Eric is no exception.... this book was told entirely from the male point of view and I loved it.... I think the only thing I missed out on a little was getting to know Jean a bit better....

Eric is the player... he’s never been in a committed relationship.... and he is definitely not getting involved with seven months pregnant Jean, babies kind of scare him.... Eric’s inner dialogue throughout this entire book was quite hilarious.... I found his character development so wonderful and reel..... The friendship that develops between him and Jean was refreshing and his moments with baby Ada  were quite adorable..... I love a good friends to lovers story and this one was perfection!

You can read this book as a standalone, although characters from the previous books are definitely involved... and bonus the StageDive  boys make an appearance...and Mal was up to his same old shenanigans, loved that!

Strongly recommend to fans of romance, with fabulous characters, and a little fire🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

*** thank you to Kylie Scott, the publisher, and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***

The Delight

It's always a delight to head back to Dive Bar where friends tell you the brutal truth, people work hard and the local bar is the place to go. Kylie hits it out of the park once again with a story of an unlikely hero and a woman making her way on her own in the most unlikely ways.

Review

In Chaser, we head back to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where a local bar seems to be the gathering place for a group of friends, the owners, and the love affairs they are having. If you have read the Stage Dive series, then you will see them again in this story. Oh, MAL! Let's not forget to mention that this story is told in first person, entirely from the perspective of Eric, or as Nell calls him, fuckboy.

So a little background may be needed here. Nell and Eric own Dive Bar. She is the cook and he is the bartender. Nell was recently divorced from her husband, and Nell and Eric make a mistake and sleep together. This resulted in a pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage and Nell going back to her ex-husband and remarrying him. Awkward? Yes and no.

Now Nell is pregnant again with Pat's baby and Eric is kind of lost and dumb. He sleeps with women, uses them, but also pleasures them and moves on. Nell loves him as a friend, but also thinks he is a fuck up and constantly rides his ass during the story. In book one, they also took on another partner, Lydia.

In walks Jean to the bar and Eric misses a fact on the first meeting as she is sitting...she's pregnant. Having a one-nightstand, she gets pregnant and can't find the father. Her parents want her to give the baby up for adoption and she has had enough. She packs up her things and moves to Coeur d’Alene after meeting Nell on a message board.

While Eric is trying to reform himself, Jean is going through pregnancy. They become stand-offish friends in a way as they live in the same building. When Jean goes into labor, Eric is the only one there for her, but he also flakes out because this is a lot of responsibility.

This is a sweet romance in one way as Eric falls for Jean's daughter while also falling for Jean. Nell is riding his ass all the time, but through it all he is really trying to change himself. Everyone doubts him, which makes him more determined than ever to be a better person.

We get to know Jean and not get to know her as the story is all from Eric's perspective. I often wondered what Jean did for a living. I may have found out, but if so, I don't recall. She's very organized and really gets Eric. When she has time to get out of the funk that being a single parent to an infant can get you in, she realizes her attraction to Eric is bigger than just being horny.

I was expecting to come in and really dislike Eric. He did some things that ticked me off, but he was also one messed up dude in the head. By taking a vow of celibacy, he also became more in tune to his own wants and needs.

While I said this was sweet, I don't mean it wasn't sexy. These two combust when they finally get together. They may not be a conventional couple, but they know how to get it on!

The romance felt real, and heartwarming, while the secondary characters kept everyone on their toes. I can't wait for the next book and I just finished this one. Can I say I am addicted to this series!

The best thing about this book is that it’s written from Eric’s point of view. This is an uncommon tactic and I appreciated the author’s decision to do so. Eric’s actions in the previous Dive Bar series have significant consequences so getting his point of view was incredibly helpful in understanding him better.

Frustratingly, I could not connect with this book. I struggled to understand the actions of the characters and I did not buy into the romance between Eric and Jean. It felt like they were settling for a mate that was conveniently in their vicinity as opposed to being soul mates.

3.5 Stars

Eric Collins may be a co-owner of Dive Bar, but he is by far the least relied on member of the staff. Determined to change how he is viewed by everyone, he decides it's time to start taking his responsibilities seriously, and he gives himself a break from his many no-strings-attached relationships.

When Jean Antal moves to town, she is someone Eric could be seriously interested in... if not for her very pregnant status. But, unable to stay away for any real amount of time, he finds himself not only a part of Jean's life, but her newborn daughters as well...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eric is viewed as a man who doesn't take much seriously and he spends his time sleeping with women and then moving on quickly. Now that we are privy to his story and his own inner-most thoughts, we get to see how sweet, funny and completely irresistible he is.

When Jean shows up at the Dive Bar, she is pregnant and has just uprooted her life to start fresh. Everyone rallies around her and they pitch in to do whatever they can to help her with her move and to welcome her as a part of their group of friends. And while Eric initially avoids her and the entanglement she represents, it isn't long before his efforts to stay away fail him.

I felt like Eric was dumped on a lot from the people who were supposed to be his friends, and while he didn't let it get to him, I loved that Jean stood up for him despite him not believing he actually deserved it. 

Their relationship is an unconventional one, with one very adorable newborn who raises all the stakes, but Eric and Jean do their relationship their way... no matter what the world around them thinks...

Chaser is a sweet, slow burn romance standalone and book number three in the Dive Bar series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

This book has been gifted by the author but it had no influence on my willing and always honest review.

 4 stars

 This book was quick, easy and fun to read.

This review contains spoilers if you haven’t read the other books of the series. It’s best to be read in order even if you could read it as a standalone without being too lost.

Characters:

Eric. Bartender and part owner of The Dive bar and restaurant. Womanizer. Easy on the eyes and smooth talker he has a way with women. He also has never committed to someone and had accidentally made his friend Nell pregnant while she was on a break with Pat.

She lost the baby in an accident and is back with Pat pregnant again.

To say she holds a grudge against Eric would be the understatement of the year!

She is on his back all the time berating him and telling Eric basically that he is useless and shying from his responsibilities.


Jean. She just arrived heavily pregnant from a one-night stand. Her parents have rejected her as she refused to have an abortion or give the baby away for adoption.

Jean is young and a little bit lost.

 Relationship

From the first time Eric laid his eyes on Jean she’s occupied his thoughts.

Yes Eric is offended by Nell’s comments about his inability to commit and be serious at work and outside of work. He is determined to prove them all wrong and is dead set on having a girlfriend. Or go on an abstinence journey.

Soon enough Eric will hang out with Jean in a totally sexless relationship. She’ll be his first real female friend.

I’m not telling more about the plot.

It’s not a complicated story but I loved the family feel. We have a tight knit bunch of friends bickering and having each other’s back. Jean will find the support of great people with Eric’s friends and family.

I also loved Kylie’s kind of humor as Eric’s inner dialogs were downright funny! Or the banter between the different characters. It volleyed back and forth between these friends and family and gave a warm cozy yet humorous feeling.

“That’s right,” I said. “To even suggest that we would pout is an affront to our masculinity.” “Yeah.” I nodded. “What he said.” “Everyone knows brooding is very manly. Lots of testosterone involved.” “Especially when I do it,” I added. “The word you were looking for was probably ‘smoldering.’”
 

It was really pleasing to witness Eric’s character development. He may have been thirty he was still immature chasing his pleasure consequences be damned.

Eric at the beginning of the story:

“Your attention span makes a gnat look gargantuan.”

But Jean’s appearance and Nell’s comments changed it all!

It was fun, light, sweet with no dead moments.

There is a reason why I love Kylie Scott’s books. You never know what you’re going to get when you read her books. If you’ve read the Dive Bar series before, you know the type of guy Eric is- A prime example of self-absorbed, fun loving, no commitment, seriously good looking (Not fair!) guy. I was a little apprehensive about reading Eric’s story, I mean, he’s fun for a secondary character but the lead? nah… well, A thousand apologies Kylie. You’ve made me shut my opinionated mouth hahaha. Remember that saying? Don’t judge a book by it’s cover? Ladies, I’d like you to meet Eric Collins.
I have a very strong feeling you are going to love this man just as much as I did.

I absolutely enjoyed reading Chaser..I loved the pace of the book! It felt very realistic. I felt really bad for Eric because I really didn’t like the way everyone jumped into conclusion and judged him for his past reputation without giving him a second chance. I especially despised Nell in this book (I know! Totally unexpected).
I will say this, This book isn’t bombarded with angst and passion that’s unrealistic… it’s a slow pace- get to know me-Friends first, maybe? kind of book. There were some hilarious moment in this book like the first time Eric held the baby (I admit I cackled like a crazy person because that scene was so funny!).

I loved reading Eric and Jean’s story unfurl right in front of my eyes- it was sweet, calming, supportive, witty and let’s be honest, HOT!

I am going to put this out there and say it- I think Eric has become my favourite from this series. Why you ask? Because I loved his non-flashy way of loving and support Jean and her baby. Don’t get me wrong, he was romantic AF but in the most unconventional way and I love him more for that.
I highly recommend Chaser to you, I know you will enjoy reading it.

With every Kylie Scott book I read I love her writing and strong characters more and more. I started off with the Stage Dive series and while I really liked it I didn’t seem to fall in love with those characters as much as everyone else did. The Dive Bar series was where I truly fell for her style of writing and could appreciate how much thought and passion she put into every word she wrote. 
 
The Dive bar series started off strong with Vaughan and Lydia and I thought they were the pinnacle and never to be bettered. And then I read Twist and fell for Joe and Alex. We met Eric in Twist and I’m sorry to say that I didn’t have high hopes for him or his story. I’ve read so many romances where the Womanising Douchebag is turned into a good boy and the thrill of the read has become redundant for me. I avoid these books like the plague because I’ve read far too many of them. This is entirely my fault for always falling for the bad boy…
 
After months away from arrogant players I went into Chaser with high hopes. And my goodness were those hopes exceeded! I really enjoyed Chaser being solely from Eric's POV. It was a really nice change and I think Kylie wrote Eric's POV perfectly! 

Eric was a breath of fresh air to me, he felt different. He wasn't your typical womaniser who disrespected woman, he was mature about his actions and there was no angst ridden reason as to why he was who he was. He also didn’t appear to be your typical arrogant player. There was no ‘treat em mean, keep em keen’. There was just Eric being straight up about what he wanted from life. After the devastating circumstances he went through at the end of Twist I decided I needed to know how Eric’s story ended.  
 
If I had to name my favourite thing about Kylie Scott’s writing it would be the strong independent REAL female characters she writes. Ever since Lydia in Dirty I’ve respected the hell out of Kylie for her strong characters. While they know how to ask for help when they need it, They’re no damsel in distress! 
 
Jean has been my favourite of the series. Not only is she a strong independent woman but she's also a woman full of trust and forgiveness and is willing to always see the best in everyone around her. Due to the situation she's in and her history she could've been a very jaded character but I think Kylie Scott did us all a favour when she made Jean the type of woman she did. 

I really enjoyed Chaser, so much more than I thought I would! Kylie Scott's writing just goes from strength to strength and I will forever respect her for the characters she writes. Yes, they make mistakes, No, they're not model skinny but they're so damn real! Kylie Scott's writing is alway a joy and I always come away from her books feeling confident about myself and the decisions I've made in life and to me that is one of the greatest things about reading. A good book distracts you from every day life but a great book teaches you and inspires you to make a better life for yourself. 

I commend Kylie for writing real woman.

Finding the right one…

I think it’s true that love makes sense when you find the right one to share your heart with. Before the right one, you test the waters and think it's love, then, it gets hard and it's just not worth it. Well, it’s different when you’re really in love. There are no ends and it's never too hard. You’re both pushing and pulling to make it work. In my case, sometimes he pushes me out of my comfort zone (which I HATE), and other times I’ll pull from him and take too much. But, in the end, I’ll pull his cord and he’ll push my buttons (OMG, I’m such a dirty bird) but it still comes back to the fact he lights my world and I turn him on...or so he tells me.

Eric hadn’t met the right woman for him until she walked into his bar. Well, she was right looking (besides the baby in her belly), she was the right personality (besides the baby in her belly) and the right attitude (besides the baby in her belly). Eric found the right woman…who was a wee bit occupied with the baby in her belly.

I’ve got to say, Kylie Scott gets blokes. Chaser was completely seen through Eric’s eyes. Sometimes, it can be hard having to gauge feelings and emotions from a hero. Eric, well, we know that he’s dealing with a lot of emotions but he’s completely manipulating things in his mind to lessen the blows. 

Eric feels guilt – "well, I guess I shouldn't be trusted". Sorrow – "I don’t deserve pity for my loss because it’s my fault". Affection – "I’m told I’m not a good bet in a relationship, so I should only offer friendship". 

Eric keeps barriers up because he doesn’t trust himself to be everything that Jean and Ada need.

Then, he just accepts that he wants Jean and Ada. Fullstop...the end...this is how it's going to be.

Yep, Kylie Scott really gets blokes.

Obviously, Eric takes a wee while to come to that conclusion. While he gets there, we are treated to a fabulous story about a recovering manwhore who meets and falls for a young woman who’s pregnant and later becomes a mother to a beautiful baby girl. 

I loved seeing the fun and games of having a newborn from the outside looking in. I could completely sympathise with the sleepless nights, worry about their health and wellbeing and stress over getting it right. There is no way in hell I’d go back and have more of those little hellions who scream blue murder if you DARE to have a shower. I do miss snuggles, cheeky, drooly grins and the beauty of looking down at your baby as they sleep peacefully in your arms. It was fun looking in but I’m happy to only observe.

I really enjoyed Chaser. It was funny, sweet and very believable. There is NO WAY a new mother wants to hook-up or start a relationship straight after childbirth. It takes time and a level of trust must be earned before things can move forward. Eric never rushes Jean and I loved him more for it. Chaser was paced extremely well. The heat doesn’t come until later in the book but it was perfect timing. 

If you’re a Kylie Scott fan, you are going to love Chaser. She gets it right on so many fronts. I highly recommend.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.