Chase

Chase is the second book in the American Extreme Bull Rider Tour series written by author Barbara Dunlop. Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the advance copy.

Really enjoyed this book. While it is not overly long I felt it was fully developed in plot and character. Sweet little Riley, who is around 4, mistakes Chase (same name and general build and a bull rider) for his dead father. While sad, it was also sweet how Chase reacts and treats the boy with such kindness, and of course falls for the pretty widow. Hard to put this one down. Highly recommend this book and author and hope there are more to come. Lots of brothers here that need a book.

I love netgalley, I've been able to read so many awesome books. Dunlop is an amazing new author for me and I'm so excited I was about to read Chase!

This was my first time reading this author. I enjoy single parent books and this one had a different twist. I loved that Chase was trying to do the right thing but was really freaking out inside.

Nice flow to the story. A little bit of tension. I liked Maddy's big brothers. Hoping maybe to get their stories as the series goes on. Of course Riley just made the story. Loved him to pieces!

Great read!

This book had me divided; some parts of it were too adorable and sweet while the other was just seethe-inducing. Of course, the blurb clued in what to expect in the story but the manner of which said betrayal occurred? Let me tell you, skinned-alive slooowly was too good for the supposed best friend and fiancée. Then, being thwarted a grovelling scene got me batshit crazy! I mean, really!?!

But let's talk the good points: Chase had some of them besides the hero, keen to be independent heroine, and cute almost-four-year-old Riley who's adamant Chase was his daddy (same first name, similar last name, almost look-alike appearance). Chase and Riley's endearing yet heartbreaking interactions aside, I really enjoyed the author's writing here: the easy pace, the adult (Chase and Maddy) acting their age instead of fed on pure lust and didn't rush their attraction.

The last one third pages was very busy though, with lots hint on stuff but not quite delivering the whole story. I referred to the appearance of Maddy's brothers and her friend, who seem itching to tell stories of their own - which I predict would be a whole other series of its own.

As for the MCs, this part was also where I felt Chase decision swing was such a let down. And story-wise, from a leisure walk it suddenly escalated into sprinting without warming-up. Understandably the author wanted to end the story on the positive notes; but the approach just didn't feel satisfactory for me, especially those of the former best friend appearance. I definitely wish for more than just "forgiven, bygone, we should catch-up" they dished up here.

But overall, I think the Chase/Riley combo just turned me to mush. I'm a sucker for a lad adoring his (supposedly) father and man dotted on a tyke; which was why despite all the grumblings I gave this story a moderate rating. :)


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Disturbingly contrived. Chase Garrett happens to be a bull rider like the deceased Chase Barrett, looks like him, sounds like him, and Mandy's 3-year-old little boy thinks this Chase is his real dad.

Surely I'm not the only one who can't get past the fact that this kid needs counseling instead of the characters pandering to his confusion. And surely I'm not the only one who finds this many coincidences too contrived to be believable.

Loved this story of how Chase and Maddie managed to find true love despite circumstances trying to pull them apart. Maddie's son Riley was the character that was the pivotal to the plot. Love to read more in this series.

This was quite an intriguing story Ms. Dunlop has penned in this second book of the American Extreme Bull Riders Association series, encompassing a heroine needing to find a way to help her son deal with the loss of his father; a hero determined to find a way to convince the boy he rescued that he's not his father without having the boy think he's the bad guy; and a wonderful array of secondary characters in the heroine's brothers. Brothers that are a little overprotective and don't want to see the heroine hurt. The way this story started had me feeling sorry for the heroine, because her son is so young and missing his father. Will she find a way to get through to him?

As for the dialogue, it was hard not to sympathize with both the main characters when it came to their back stories and all that they go through to achieve happy ever after. Chase was badly hurt by what his best friend and fiancée did to him, and it's understandable why he doesn't want to give forever after a chance. Yet, I liked that the hero was willing to do whatever it takes to help Maddy with her son, even if it means telling a white lie until Maddy's son is ready to hear the truth. It shows how kind and considerate Chase is, and how much Maddy and her son are coming to mean to him that he would do something -- it seemed -- he might not normally do. Because if anyone knows how much lies and secrets can hurt when exposed, it's the hero.

While Maddy, she's strong and brave in everything she's had to deal with since the death of her husband, and I could understand why it's hard for her to explain things to her son that his dad isn't coming back. In some ways, Chase is a blessing in disguise for her son as he's a reminder of her late husband by having the same name, similar looks and in having the same career. However, I felt Maddy should have been a little more courageous in getting her son to realize that Chase isn't his father, instead of Chase taking on the responsibility that he did. Her son needed to know the truth sooner rather than later. Although, in saying that, the way Maddy's son finally realized that Chase wasn't his father was a good and gentle way for the boy to learn the truth.

Overall, Ms. Dunlop has penned a delightful read in this book about a hero and heroine needing to heal from the hurts of their past relationships to achieve the happy ever after they both deserve. Since it's palpable that these two are good for each other. The way this story ended had me smiling, because Chase needed to find a way to forgive those that wronged him if he was to have a chance at winning Maddy back and Maddy needed to realize how she really felt about her late husband and how it was completely different than what she feels for the hero. But most of all, I liked Chase's final words to Maddy. I would recommend Chase by Barbara Dunlop, if you enjoy cowboy romances or second chance romances.

Sweet, beautifully crafted story about second chances, love and bulls! Meet Chase Garrett, extreme bull-rider! At a competition, a three year old, Riley, sees Chase and mistakes him for his own dad, Chase Barrett! Riley can't be talked out of the mistake, even by his beautiful mother, Maddy. What a pleasure to read an endearing story with fabulous characters! Contemporary romance lovers will enjoy this cowboy/bull rider story with a realistic plot and plenty of love. A big recommendation for this engaging tale!

Chase by Barbara Dunlop will be available May 16, 2017 by Tule Publishing. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

I have to admit that stories where a child is the matchmaker extraordinaire like this one just tug on the reader's heartstrings -well they do on mine! Riley Barrett's Dad, Chase, was killed in a bull riding tragedy but when he hears the announcement and sees Chase Garrett, another bull rider, he presumes it is his father returning to them. He's only three years old and rushes to hug his 'Daddy' with near tragic results as Chase is still in with the Bull he'd just ridden. This is the dramatic start to this heartwarming romance between Chase and Riley's Mum, twenty two year old Maddy Barrett.

As Chase is still reeling from the betrayal of his fiancée with his supposedly best friend and Maddy is struggling with her memories of her husband and the determination of her twin and other brothers, this won't be a smooth ride for any of them. Helping Riley accept that Chase isn't his Dad reincarnated and dealing with their feelings make this a beautiful, engaging story. It has great characters, a very moving plot and plenty of surprise twists and turns along the way. I admit to thoroughly enjoying it!

I was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and chose to read and review it. This is my honest opinion after reading it.

I really liked this book. I found it engaging and enjoyable from the start. This book is a great second addition to the American Extreme Bull Riders Tour series but is a complete stand alone. (Seriously, they couldn't come up with a shorter series name?)

Our heroine, Maddie, is a smart and serious widow with one son. She is doing her best in trying circumstances and I understood her character and wanted her to find a happy ending with our hero, Chase, from the point that they met. She is young but strong and willing to do whatever it takes for her son to flourish.

Chase, is a super guy. He is quiet but caring and willing to help someone in need however he can. He is a Hero with a capitol "H" willing to put his own life at risk to save others. I know that he was attracted to Maddie, but I think he would have gone out of his way to help Riley (Maddie's young son) even if he had no attraction to Maddie at all.

I really liked all of the supporting characters except the original Chase. Maddie's brothers were all interesting and well written and I would love to see a series about the brothers as well.

It is worth noting that the book is sad, not because of what happens in the book but because of how the loss of his father affects Riley. Death is very confusing to young children and we see Riley struggle with both the concept of death and how to accept the death of his father which is just plain sad to see.

I have never read anything by Barbara Dunlop before but I will be on the look-out for more books by here.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance or romances with the whole western Marlboro man vibe.

4 In the Eyes of the Beholder Stars
* * * *
I don't know about you, but I have had so many people over the years tell me I look just like someone else...either a friend from school or a personality from films. They say we all have a mirrored image of ourselves out there... so for a little boy to confuse another man to be his deceased dad is not hard to understand. Add the fact that they had the same first name, rode bulls and were cowboys...Heck, I would think he was the same, too.

Chase Garrett is trying to make his mind not think of the life he once thought was his...He had sold a beautiful parcel of land because his fiance wanted to stay rooted where she had grown up... close to her family and friends. Chase was thrilled with the knowledge he was going to surprise her with the sale... and it was perfect timing because she was pregnant with his baby. He was all set to tell her his big news when he saw his best friend's pick up parked in her driveway.

Well, there could be any number of reasons why it was there at 4AM...sure, maybe he got hammered and was in the guest room or on the couch...

Unfortunately for everyone...that was not the case... and when the bedroom door opened, she was not alone...Oh, and the baby wasn't Chase's either.

All of this was what Chase was blocking out when he decided to accept the invitation to the American Extreme Bull Rider Tour. He was doing just fine, thank you very much and had stayed on the back of a bull that was a brute. He was in the process of leaving the ring when out of the blue a little boy came running from the stands, calling out Daddy and some how got into the ring. Time stood still ...and Chase ran to the area where the boy was...hoping to beat the bull. As he covered the boy with his body, the hoof of the bull hit him hard. The good news was the riders who distract the bulls in the ring got there and both he and the boy were able to leave safely.

At the medical station, Chase was sitting with this child who kept calling him Daddy, clinging to him and refusing to allow his mother to take him...Maddy was so sorry Chase was hit by the bull and kept repeating it to him. After Riley finally let someone take him from Chase...he was able to listen to Maddy's explanation of what happened.

It seems the father had passed 7 months ago and strangely enough his name was Chase Barrett! He also had the same coloring and similar features...Oh and were Bull Riders, so it was easy for an almost 4 year old to think Daddy was back from Heaven... Just like he was always back from other cities and trips.

Maddy didn't know what to do... She thought she had gotten through to her son that his father was dead. It was a hard time for her and she did her best to explain it all...but obviously it hadn't taken hold. This Chase did have some features that could look like her deceased husband... but at the same time, she clearly saw many of the differences too. He was so nice to Riley and went with the flow, easy going... not like the other Chase...He had risked his own life to save her son...

Now Maddy had to figure out how to make sure Riley understood his real Daddy was gone.
She also had to understand why she felt these little sparks every time this Chase did something nice for all of them.

This is a tale of love... all kinds and the willingness to see things for what they Really are...These two people have more going for them then the connection of Riley...although it is very strong. There is true love the both of these two develop and they both will have to come to terms with it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this entry; all of Maddy's brothers and her best friend Piper worked perfectly. You could sense there was a backstory with one or two of the brothers concerning Piper...and although I don't think it will be tackled in this series.... I think there will be another series set later in Marietta, that might.

This new series so far has been a strong one. Each entry has a certain mind set and makes for easy reading. In all, it looks to have 8 books by 8 different authors.

Tanner (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #1) by Sarah Mayberry Tanner (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

The second book in the series, each story written by different authors, is charming and heartwarming, with a dose of drama through in...the author has provided the perfect mixture of each to keep the story captivating and moving throughout the book. The relationship between Chase and Maddy is filled with passion, but what really steals the story is the relationship between Chase and Riley. It will pull at the heartstrings, yet be heartbreaking at times. There are moments of subtle humor that catch you unexpectedly, especially when Maddy's brothers are involved.

All in all, this a quick read, and even though it is the second in the series, it stands perfectly on its own.

This ARC book was provided by the Publisher and Netgally, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

I was a little dubious as to the premise of this story but was absolutely won over. Chase and Maddie were such a great couple and Chase's past combined with the possibility from his point of view that Maddie was, like Riley, substituting him for her first husband made for compelling reading. He was such a sweet, nice guy (though he tried to dispute it), accepting Riley's affections from the get-go. Who knows if their decision to keep up the pretense somewhat was "right" or "wrong", the author did a terrific job of making the reader understand they were doing the best they could in an unusual and tough situation. I cannot wait for more on all of Maddie's brothers and am intrigued by what happened in the past that with regard to Piper, Eli, and Lucas.

I really enjoyed this story by Ms Dunlop. Our main characters, Maddy, a widow with a 3 yr old , and Chase, a bull rider, are both complex, imperfect and interesting individuals who are good hearted but also filled with insecurities, hurt and fears of loving again.
When Chase rescues 3 year old Riley from being stomped by a bull, Maddy and Chase develop a friendship and sparks are flying . Will they trust their feelings, and each other or will they walk away to avoid being hurt.
Throw into the mix four opinionated though loving brothers, a friend who has secrets of her own, and a cute boy, and you have a story worth reading.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley and Librarything. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Chase by Barbara Dunlop
American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #2

This series is written by a variety of authors with all of the stories focused on attractive interesting manly rodeo bull riders. The sport is dangerous but can be lucrative and seems to have some interesting men competing…and all the men in this series will no doubt find the perfect woman.

The blurb explains the intro to the story and pretty much what it will be about. Chase has been cuckolded in the past year and Maddy has been widowed. Both have pain to deal with but are also ripe for a relationship. Riley, Maddy’s son, is the catalyst that gets them together which then leads to their spending time together doing rather mundane family type things that allows the couple a bit of time to know one another. How it all works out is kind of up in the air at times even though you know the two should and probably will end up together.

I have a feeling this is the first book in a series that Dunlop plans to write. Why do I think this? Because Maddy has four brothers aching to have their stories told and then a friend of Maddy’s shows up, Piper, and she seems to need her story told as well…so…there were hints at books in the making to interest the reader. And, I would like to read those stories ;)

What did I think? I liked the premise for the story and the interactions of the characters. I felt that perhaps a bit more was needed to justify Chase’s reasoning and actions toward the end, especially after he had seemed so reasonable before becoming a bit unreasonable. All in all this was an easy and quick read that allowed a bit of insight into bull riding, provided a romance and the hook for a potential series for the author to write in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – this is my honest review.

3 Stars

Chase is the second story in the multi author American Extreme Bull Riders series. Each story is written by a different author and therefore has a very singular flavour.

While I enjoyed Chase and Maddy’s story, with it’s heart-wrenching moments between Chase and Riley; it was sometimes just a little too sweet for my tastes.

Overall a good book which I’m sure will appear to many readers and have us all waiting impatiently for the next instalment in this interesting series.

This was a great story. Showing very eloquently how the mind of a child works and how difficult some things are for them to understand. Chase was very thoughtful in his delings with Riley so as not to hurt him. Maddy and Chsee together once the lhey let down the inhibitions were explosive and hot!

I adored this story, I simply loved it. I guess you just give me big-hearted cowboys and little boys who idolize them and women who swoon over them and I am sold, sealed and delivered. Well, it wasn't quite that simple deal actually, because the author weaved a tale that touched the emotions, from tears to smiles to laughing out loud and swooning, head over heels falling for the characters and feeling their emotions.
From the very start, in the prologue, the feelings start to rumble and I was immediately drawn to Chase Garrett, feeling his pain and cheering him on to a better and brighter future. And then the first chapter just broke my heart because of the little Riley. The fear was palpable, the tension is high, the confusion tangible in the air.
And the intensity of the beginning holds through the tale. Every single emotion is underlined and felt deeply. Yet the story is not all angst, drama, and family troubles. There are moments of joy, passion, humor, and charm. There are conflicts that are real and reasonable, but there are also adoration and attraction, love and passion, an unwavering family bond, and the love between a man and a son-of-heart.
This was a story that I ended up inhaling in one sitting. The intensity, depth, and vigor held my interest and I could not think to put it down until the very end. A lovely story, indeed!
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

3.5 stars for Chase by Barbara Dunlop

I liked this book well enough but it didn't reach out and grab me like the first in the series did. I enjoyed the story between the two MCs but I wish we'd had some closure with whatever was going on between the heroine's brothers and her friend Piper.

I felt the last third of the book kind of fell apart and I was disappointed with the reason Chase had to walk out on Maddy. It needed to be a bit more fleshed out.

There were some grammatical and spelling errors throughout, which need to be cleaned up, like using then instead of than.

I'd love to read more on the secondary characters. Hopefully we can see what was up with Piper and Eli/Lucas.

3.5 Stars Chase is the second book in the American Extreme Bull Rider Tour series this one written by author Barbara Dunlop. Each story is written by a different author to make up the books in this series. I liked Chase and Maddy’s story it was well paced although a little too sweet at times it still held you invested from beginning to end. I look forward to seeing where these authors take us next

This book starts off with a whole lot of coincidences, which lead Riley to believe that our hero Chase is his deceased father. It’s kind of far-fetched, but to be honest I didn’t care, because Chase and Riley are beyond adorable. Yeah, yeah, the relationship between Maddy and Chase is good too, but to be honest the real love story here is between the cowboy and the kid. It’s a mad situation, but I fell for the pair of them.

I did like Maddy. She’s strong and independent and is no fool. The situation she lands in is difficult, but I liked how she handled not just Riley and Chase, but the interference of her many brothers. I also liked how the relationship between her and Chase isn’t rushed, despite their fairly instant attraction.

I liked Chase too. He’s sexy and compassionate and the way he cares about both Riley and Maddy is lovely. However, towards the end some of his demons come back to haunt him, causing drama for the sake of drama. I could have dealt with it, except for a certain conversation right at the end which infuriated me. Closure is nice and all, but that was over the top unnecessary and left me annoyed.

That aside, though, this was lovely. Cute and easy and adorable, and full of intriguing brothers that are begging to have their own stories told – especially concerning a certain woman and her teenage son – plus there’s a Marietta connection, which always makes me smile. So if you like seeing a rough, tough bull rider brought to his knees by a cute kid and his independent mother, give this a go. I’m glad I did, and I can’t wait to see these characters show up in Marietta sometime soon.

I could not put this book down and I ended up reading it in just a few short hours. It pulled me in from the start and had me rooting for the characters.

Here’s what’s going on. After finding out his fiancée is cheating on him and is pregnant by his best friend, Chase throws himself into the world of bull riding determined to avoid woman. Although that changes when he saves three-year-old Riley, who believes Chase is his deceased father, and falls for the little boy’s mother. Maddy’s not sure how to convince her son Chase isn’t his father, so they decide to work together and break it to Riley slowly, although there’s one little problem. Maddy is falling head-over-heels for Chase but can she convince him she’s in love with him and not just wanting to recreate the family she lost?

Chase totally stole my heart. He’s had a lot that he’s had to come to terms with in his personal life but he still managed to give his undivided attention to Riley. Instead of being annoyed that this little kid was clinging to him, he just held Riley closer and wanted to protect him. Even though I enjoyed Chase and Maddy getting to know each other, it was Chase and Riley that sold me on the book.

For the most part, I liked Maddy. She’s a good mother and she’s determined to stand on her own two feet. But I didn’t care for the way she chose to lash out after she fought with Chase, she handled it very poorly on her part and, truthfully, what she was upset about was trivial and it was unfair to both Chase and her son.

The romance felt very realistic. It was slow to start and I enjoyed that they took time to get to know each other and figure out what was best for Riley before taking it to the next level.

I also enjoyed getting to know Maddy’s brothers and Piper, whose story I’m anxiously awaiting.

Although I enjoyed this one, there were several reasons I gave it a 3.5. The ending was way too rushed. The story had a nice even flow then it hit the 90% mark and it seemed to go at warp speed. If a few extra chapters had been added, it wouldn’t have felt so rushed and cramped at the ending. I wasn’t thrilled that the major blowup of the story resulted from lack of communication. Seriously people, just open your mouth and do some talking. And the last thing that irked me was the condomless sex, twice, people, twice. I kept waiting for the oops, I’m pregnant moment to pop up, which it never did. What irritated me even more about the lack of protection was the fact Maddy married her first husband because Riley was the product of unprotected sex.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. There were some things that could have been handled differently, but I had fun with it.

This book melted by heart from the first chapter. Chas has joined the American Extreme Bull Riders Tour with a broken heart of betrayal when he saves a little tyke, Riley from a bull at a tour. Maddy single mom to Riley, is a widow of a former Bull rider. Chase has the same name as her former husband and even looks like him. Riley has it in his mind that his daddy has returned. Maddy soon finds herself falling in love with Chase too. Maddy has brothers that like to interfere and think they know what is best for her.

A great book that I could not put down. Loved the characters. I wish everyone has a Chase in their lives. Poor little Riley, I just fell in love with him. Maddy, needs to find her happily ever after, and it might just be Chase!

This is the second book in the series but completely stand alone stories.

"The American Extreme Bull Riders Tour" what a great series. This is the second book in the series I have read and let me tell you, they are fantastic. Each author has done an excellent job telling their stories

This one had great chemistry between Chase and Maddy. The story was an great romance story with a very cute twist. It was fast paced and didn't lag in excitement. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley