Chaser: A Dive Bar Novel

3.75 stars--CHASER is the third instalment in Kylie Scott’s contemporary, adult DIVE BAR romance series-a spin off from the author’s STAGE DIVE rock series. This is bar owner Eric Collins, and Jean Antal’s story line. CHASER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and back-stories.

Told from first person point of view (Eric Collins) CHASER follows the building relationship between thirty year old bar owner Eric Collins, and new comer Jean Antal-a twenty two year old, pregnant and single young woman who has moved from her home town in Jacksonville, Florida to start a new life in Coeur d’Alene, on the invitation of her friend Nell Hewson. Moving into the vacant apartment above the Dive Bar found our heroine face to face with one of the owners, Eric Collins, the man with whom Jean will fall in love. What ensues is the slow building relationship between Eric and Jean, and the potential fall-out as Jean considers moving back to Jacksonville Florida; and the ongoing turmoil between Eric and his business partner Nell Hewson, a woman whose tirades against our story line hero are nothing less than venomous and rude.

Eric’s reputation as a manwh*re finds our hero the target of Nell Hewson’s countless verbal attacks; Nell’s constant berating and censure gets olds pretty fast for Eric as well as this reader but Eric and Nell’s history is rocky, at best. Eric is determined to clean up his act but the non-stop reminders of his previous reputation is disheartening as Eric struggles to move on from his past. Jean Antal just wants to start over in a new town, far away from her unsupportive parents. Befriending Eric Collins led to a familiar support system that allowed our heroine to survive the early days after her child’s birth. Falling in love was never on the agenda but the heart knows what it wants, against the advice of family and friends. With so many people warning Eric against hurting our story line heroine, it is a wonder he didn’t walk away, and start over himself.

The relationship between Jean and Eric is one immediate attraction tempered by Nell Hewson’s belligerent and constant belittling of our story line hero. With the help of the Dive Bar owners and friends but especially her friendship with Eric Collins, Jean’s life begins to flourish. The slow building romance is palpable; the $ex scenes are limited but passionate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Vaughn and Lydia (Dirty #1), Alex and Joe (Twist #2), Nell and Patrick, as well as Jean’s parents Leah and Will, and Eric’s mother Audrey; Eric’s best friend and owner of the building Andre, Dive Bar staff Taka, Rosie and Boyd, as well as the cameo appearances of the members of the rock band Stage Dive including fan favorite Mal.

The world building continues to focus on the family and friends at the Dive Bar including the acrimonious relationship between Nell and Eric, a relationship damaged by grief and loss. Eric’s growth and his maturity level blossoms throughout the story, a growth noticed by everyone but Nell. The witty, back and forth banter between characters is absent, something that is definitely missing from the last few stories-I miss Mal and his unfiltered antics, playful attitude and sense of humor.

CHASER is a story of friendship, love, family and heartbreak. The premise is intoxicating and inspiring; the characters are energetic and sassy; the romance is intimate and captivating. CHASER is an encouraging and uplifting story about two people finding love against the odds.

REVIEW

Chaser was another fabulous addition tot the dive bar series, this time giving us Eric's tale of finding the one and falling in love. As always this isn't a smooth journey - but it was still well worth it.

Eric is absolutely gobsmacked by Jean from the start - there's something about her that just makes him pant - but it's more than that, it's more than his usual manwhore ways - but the problem lies in making Jean (and everyone else) see that this is something more. I really loved watching Eric grow and change in the story, from deciding he wanted to better and prove his friends and family wrong - to taking risks to be the man Jean and her baby deserved. It really made me fall in love with him all over again and I already kinda loved him from previous books, manwhore and all.

Jean's been through the ringer and though she's still standing, she's guarded and hurt, trying to bring her life together so she can be the best mother she can be. She's not interested in a man - so it's a good thing he's staying away - except when he doesn't.

I love the interactions between these two characters, how they find a friendship between them and how it eventually turns into something more. How Eric quickly falls for the baby as well - it was an organic feeling that developed over time - not rushed and yet no one could deny he was Ada's father after a time.

There were a few things in the book that bothered me - but they had nothing to do with Jean or Eric really - but rather other characters input and reactions to Eric and his changing ways. Bothered me, in that, I felt as close as they were, they didn't clearly see what was happening to their friend, but to be fair, sometimes when you are such a close knit group - it's hard to forget the past and the person you've known for years. It was good to see how hat worked into the story though, because it did feel it led to Eric trying harder and working things out.

Chaser was an amazing story, a story of a man determined to be the right person for the woman he's found a deep connection to - a man who wants a family with her if she'll have him. It's also teh story of a woman who's been the wild child, made mistakes, but is now focused on turning her life around and avoiding bad decisions in the future. And beyond that it's a story about a level of forgiveness between friends and moving past hurts.

This story is full of emotions, a few laughs tossed in, and a deep connection between two people that is strong enough to feel even when they aren't ready to own up to anything.

I have always enjoyed reading books by Kylie Scott and Chaser was no different.

Chaser was a fun, sexy and entertaining read. It is an easy read, meaning not a lot of angst in this story. Which I find a refreshing change of pace once and awhile.

Chaser is the third book in Kylie’s Dive Bar Series. It can be read as a complete standalone and can be read in any order. I don’t feel reading this series out of order would ruin the enjoyment of the stories. This story is told solely from Eric’s POV, which I think is a good way of telling this story. Since the main focus in this book is on Eric’s growth and being a better person, I felt this story could only be told through his eyes. I thought the flow and pace of the story was spot on. I didn’t feel anything dragged on and nothing was rushed. This is truly a slow burn!! But it worked for this couple because each of the characters needed to grow before finding love.

Chaser is about Eric (Joe’s brother and co-owner of the Dive Bar) and Jean. Eric is known to his friends and family as a player and not one to settle down. That is until he meets Jean. Jean is new to town and trying to get settled in. Eric has his eyes on Jean until he sees that she didn’t move into town alone. Jean is very pregnant. So setting his sites on Jean has changed but he is determined to be Jean’s friend and help her along the way. He is also determined to prove his friends and family that he isn’t all about the love em and leave em way. Over the course of the story we watch Jean and Eric form the sweetest friendship. He also bonds with Ada (Jean’s newborn daughter) I loved watching him grow and become the man he wanted to be. I thought the connection between Jean and Eric was relatable and perfect!!!

We do see other couples from the other books in this story as well as other side characters. I loved catching up with other couples in this story. I do have to say I really didn’t like Nell in this story. For being someone’s friend she was pretty cruel to Eric at times and I wanted to smack her, but I was glad to see things sort of changed by the end.

So if you are a fan of Kylie Scott’s books or are just looking for that fun and entertaining read, then you should read this book.

Chaser by Kylie Scott is Dive Bar series #3. Bartender/owner and skirt chaser Eric Collins is having a rough go of it. His friends are grilling him on his womanizing and less than serious business attitude and it appears that everyone, even his own family, agrees with them. Worse yet the hottie that just sat down at his bar is, A.) Friends with his business partner, and past mistake, Nell, so she knows all about him, and B.) very pregnant, and C.) not interested in him. So Eric decides to try to turn his life around, become a better person, and take a break from sex, though no one believes he will make it long.

Jean Antal has left her Florida home to live in the small town her online friend Nell has told her about. Pregnant with a child she has been made to feel bad for keeping she needs to get away and make a new life. Eric is confusing to her at first, flirting, then put off by her pregnancy, besides she knows who and what he is, but she can't help but to slowly make friends with him. When fate conspires to make him the one to takes her to the hospital when her daughter is born their friendship grows deeper, though at times seems to be a dance of one step back before two steps forward.

This book was definitely a relationship building one. Eric tries very hard to be a real friend and grow as a person, but his initial strong attraction to Jean never goes away and as the trust builds between them a real relationship grows. I liked how Ms. Scott built up the whole process, from becoming friends, to the details about babies, parenting and bonding with a child, the realities of intimacy with a young child only a second from waking up, and in the end something more special than either of these characters would have had if their had been a different journey to the finish line.

Overall I very much recommend Chaser by Kylie Scott. I enjoyed the detailed characters and complexities as well as the underlying force pulling Eric and Jean together. Chaser was very well written, thorough and complete.

(I voluntarily reviewed an advance review copy of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)

Gah, I’ve been waiting for Eric’s story since the whole Nell/Pat situation. As such, I sat and read Chaser in one sitting!

I was immediately drawn into Eric and Jean’s story. Of Jean’s attempt to jumpstart her life—one that will include being a single mother. She’s been through the wringer and is hoping that the big move to Coeur d’Alene from Jacksonville, Florida is just what she needs to make a fresh start. What she didn’t count on was the instant spark, the instant connection with Eric.

With Jean, Eric wants to be a better person. A better man who treats women as they deserve. And he wants to do that with Jean. But the pregnancy is a bit of a hindrance, but once the baby arrives there’s no keeping him away. Now if he could just convince the little bundle of joy’s mother that his interest is sincere and real, and more than just a friendship, he'd be even happier.

Oh Eric. You’ve been through a whole lot of upheaval these past couple of years. And you’ve tried to cure your loneliness by plowing through all the available women for a thirty mile radius. I love how you instantly connected with Jean. And that she was relatively immune to your charms. Jean was fun to see come out of her shell—come out and live and enjoy life. And accept help when she needed it as a single mom. Their romance was a lovely slow burn, that really was fun to watch. And the scenes with Eric and the baby are so damn cute too. He's amazing with kids—prepare your ovaries!

But there were some aspects of this book that really hindered my enjoyment—mostly the harping on Eric by Nell and his brothers. Nell came across as a bit of a shrew, never giving Eric the benefit of the doubt and truly being a royal b*tch to him. Sure, their shared history isn’t the happiest, but move on and accept some of blame, too, Nell.

Though I’ve greatly enjoyed all these Dive Bar Series stories, I have to admit Chaser isn’t my favorite of the series, but I am hoping for more!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, given by Netgalley.
thesecretworldofbooklovers.blogspot
I have to accept I was sceptic about reading Eric's story, and who would blame me.
The first chapter in the book I hated him, he was looking for someone to settle down or at least try to so people would get off his back about being insensitive and unreliable when it came to women and life in general.

He singled Jane out and was shocked to find out she was pregnant... not a surprise, since all he could think about was himself. How could he even contemplate getting involved with someone that would soon be a mother.

But destiny had another plan for him and he couldn't get her off his mind.

He tried to avoid her but they were like magnets and he soon realised he couldn't stay away. Maybe being friends wouldn't be such a bad thing.

Jane was young but strong, she fought for her baby and was not ready to give everything up for a guy, that's what made her irresistible in his eyes. She only had eyes for her baby but little by little she also started seeing Eric too.

As we know, love always finds a way, and his and Jane's story would turn out to be a truly beautiful one.

They changed him in the best way possible without him even realising it was happening. He found a part of himself he didn't know he had; caring for someone other than himself might lead him to his best adventure so far, and just maybe, change his life forever.

Seeing him under another light did change my perspective of him, still it's not always good to think we can change people and we will always get the happily ever after we want, they were the lucky ones, but only because he wanted to make this change.

He was ready for more and he found everything he was missing in her and her baby.

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 mischievious 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 f***. 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 who he was 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.

Watching all his friends happy, in love, and settling down, Eric wants that for himself. But his womanizer reputation doesn't make it easy. When he meets Jean, a new resident of the small town, Eric believes all his prayers have been answered. What he didn't expect was Jean being pregnant.
As time passes and Eric and Jean get to know each other, a deep connection bonds them. But can Eric leave his past ways in the past? Can Jean adjust to the small town life away from her family?

I loved Chaser! Told from Eric's POV, Jean and Eric's story is sweet, funny, and sexy, with the right amount of drama, twists, and surprises. It hooked me from the first page and I couldn't stop reading. I loved how Eric and Jean met and how their relationship developed. And when Eric realized Jean was pregnant? Hilarious!

Eric has always been a player but now he wants to settle down. But no one believes him. He can come as a jerk, but deep down he's a very sweet guy that's tired of being the disappointment of his family and friends. Jean is everything he always wanted but he doesn't know if he wants to get involved with someone with already so much complications. I loved how he was always there for Jean and Ada. So swoon worthy!
Jean has been through a lot and now wants a new start for her and her soon to be born daughter. With the support of her new friends, she moves to Idaho and starts over. She's a fighter and a fierce young woman, but she also struggles with what's best for Ada. She never expected to meet Eric and she's afraid of what she feels for him.

Kylie Scott gives us the perfect friends-to-lovers romance. Chaser is perfectly written, the story is phenomenal, and the characters are amazing. If you're looking for a sweet and funny book, look no more! Chaser is the book for you!

Jean is looking to start over and put her mistakes behind her. She may be starting from scratch, but her friendship with Nell was enough to make her move cross country to build a new life.

Eric is notorious as a womanizing, commitment phobe. He goes from one woman to another without looking back or considering the consequences.

I loved watching the friendship between Jean and Eric build. When Eric decided he couldn’t go after Jean, he recognized there was still something between them, even if he thought it couldn’t be something physical. As the friendship built, Eric did the growing up and changing that his friends had already gone through in order to redeem himself (in my eyes) from some of the events he precipitated in previous Dive Bar books.

Along the same vein, I loved watching the changes to Eric’s outlook. He had a lot of making up for his mistakes to do. He had hurt friends with his actions, and while he may have seen the things he didn’t necessarily like about himself in Twist and Dive, he finally had the chance to act on that knowledge in Chaser.

Eric and Jean build a friendship that both come to rely on for so many things. Though they know the value of their friendship, some of their friends have a hard time seeing the benefit of Eric and Jean relying on each other and malign the budding relationship. There were times I just wished Eric’s friends could see the changes that readers could, or would accept that changes as truth rather than an act.

This was a slow build up, in that Jean and Eric build a strong friendship before they muddle with anything physical. I actually really liked that it was a slow burn in this case, because Eric had a lot to atone for. I enjoyed the story arch and it kept me reading to watch how Jean would adjust to life in Idaho and how Eric would adjust to life near an infant.

Eric's reputation is an unreliable, manwhore, bad boy, and his friends don't let him forget it. He is broody, lost, and has not been serious about any women. But he has seen his brother and friends start to settle down so he is at least contemplating the idea.

Jean is new to town and will be his new neighbor. He is attracted immediately, but then sees the baby bump and goes into avoidance mode. She is smart, kind, and sweet, but pregnancy freaks Eric out...and so does his fascination with this one woman.

But when he ends up being at the right place to help her during the birth, the connection blossoms. I loved seeing Eric start to grow as a person and try to be there for Jean and the baby. He's not perfect, but he is trying hard to make changes and be more responsible.

And Jean is a struggling, tired single mom who is glad to have Eric's support. They can be themselves together. Their friendship is important to them, and is a slow burn of attraction. And when Jean wants to move into a more of a friends-with-benefits arrangement, Eric is willing and able. But with their fears, insecurities, and other issues are they just asking for trouble?

This brings back all of the characters from this series Joe, Alex, Vaughan, Lydia, Nell and Pat, and also has some other fun cameos. This group can be supportive and tight-knit, but at other times they could really be hard on Eric. I especially wanted to shake Nell for how she treated him. I liked that he set out to prove them wrong. I enjoyed getting his point of view throughout the story, but sometimes it made me wonder exactly where Jean's head was at. But I loved seeing Eric start to finally figure out what he wanted and needed out of life and trying to be a better man. He was sweet, protective, loving, and so freaking adorable with the baby. He really won me over.

In the previous books, there seemed to be only three things Eric excelled at:
1) Womanizing
2) Being irresponsible
3) Making a killer cocktail
And as part owner and bartender of The Dive Bar, that last one is the only thing useful.
After the tumultuous events of the last year and a half, he's tried to clean up his act a little. But, he's saddened and exhausted by the disappointed looks and low expectations he still gets from family and friends. Feed up with the flack they constantly give him; he decides to do something. Celibacy.

Then he lays eyes on Jean. His perfect woman.

Seven months pregnant, starting over and moving on from disapproving family, Jean moves above the bar to be close to Nell. Spying her at a table on her first visit to The Dive Bar where Nell works as a chef, Eric uses all of his charm and skill trying to pick her up. He thinks he's losing his touch until she stands up and he gets an eye-full of a very pregnant Jean.

Told in the first person, single POV of Eric, what follows is his evolution from immature f*ckboy to responsible, naively romantic adult. Then friendship and love. I didn't think it was possible given his behavior in the previous books, but this author had me wrapped around Eric's finger. He was endearing.

Using pitch-perfect dialog between the characters and immersive world building, I had a hard time thinking of this place and these people as fictional. The Dive Bar feels like you could go there right now and pull up a chair with Eric, Nell or Joe.

Chaser is an adorable, charming romance! I loved every second. Eric tries his hand at love (and adulting), and I was rooting for him the whole way. I've enjoyed every book in this series; I'm sad to see it end.

***The Dive Bar series is a spin-off of the Stage Dive series. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend you do!

Chaser was nothing I expected. I’ve been nicely surprised by Kylie’s writing style before, so I wasn’t expecting anything else. But I didn’t know when I agreed to read the book (very bad from me) that it was told from his POV, and no one else's. It was a very nice surprise and my first book from the male POV. And let me tell you what I thought of it:
Erik is a fun guy to be around. He’s sexy as hell, he has a wonderful sense of humor and yumminess just emanates from him… basically, he’s a total babe. It’s no wonder is a total manwhore, and he knows it. He believes he’s upfront about it and never disappoints the ladies. But lately he finds himself in a moment in life in which he starts questioning if how he’s decided to live is the right way to do it.
Even if Erik is considering settling down and leave all the one night stands behind, there’s something he would never consider… babies. Babies were totally out of his comfort zone. Once upon a time he could’ve been a father, but ultimately it didn’t happen. So having a steady girlfriend, have a committed relationship, growing up (in a way) was something he was willing to do… having a family was a whole other matter. That was, until he met Jane.
One afternoon Jane entered the bar Erik co-owns with his best friends, and completely blows him away. The moment he sees her, he know that she’s the woman of his dreams. He starts planning dates, meeting the parents, living together, … the whole nine yards until he realizes that she’s pregnant. Erik didn’t see that coming, and even if he know that staying away from her is the best for both of them, he keeps being attracted to Jane in one way or another. And I was glad it did, because they’re a wonderful pair together.
There’s a lot of struggle from Erik’s part in surrendering for the feelings he has for Jane. Those were the moments I wished I could read what she was thinking and understand what was going through her head. The author did a wonderful job by depicting everything that was happening, but me being me, I wish I could know her side of the story. There are several times that I wanted to slap Erik and make him get his act together, and I couldn’t be happier about the HEA.
This is a very interesting romance. Seeing how Erik had to give his feelings a chance and put his worries and concerns about commitment somewhere productive (and not allow them to hurt his relationship with Jane). I loved to see how he grew up (and a pair) and finally accepted that there was no other ending than having Jane, and her baby, in his life. There’s also some unexpected twists that add to the story. It is definitely a series you can’t miss. I know I want to read the rest.

Another great opening scene by Ms. Scott. We know the hero, Eric, from the previous books as a manwhore who can be carefree when it comes to money and work. So, when he hits on Jean the new girl in town it’s fun to watch his reaction when he discovers she’s pregnant. *gasp*

His gal pal, Nell, is especially hard on him about how immature he is with his life choices. She has her reasons which we know from the 2 previous books. Even though she thinks she is protecting Jean from Eric it did annoy me that Nell was constantly rubbing his face in his past life choices.

“You’re just not boyfriend material.”

Chaser is told from Eric’s pov and we get to take the journey with him as he becomes a better version of his himself. He realizes he has the power within himself to change even if his friends weren’t quite sure he’d be able to do it. Jean was the one person who wasn’t judging Eric on his past and gave him the benefit of doubt.

“You’re the whole package . . . funny, charming, handsome.”

I really enjoyed watching Eric and Jean’s relationship grow from friendship to lovers. The addition of Ada, Jean’s baby, was so sweet. Nothing is more adorable than a man playing with a baby. Those moments between Eric and Ada melted my heart.

CHASER is set in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. It’s set in the same universe as Dive & Twist. Fans of Kylie Scott are going to love continuing on in the Dive Bar series. You even get to see the guys from the Stage Dive series. On a side note… there was a mention of a beer that is local to my town (Ninaski beer). That was fun to read in a book.

Chaser was my first ever novel by Kylie Scott.

Initially, I was drawn by the gorgeous cover and intriguing blurb and having heard so many good things about this author from fellow book friends, I knew I had to read this book!

I’m so glad I did!

I really enjoyed this book. The fact that it was written solely from Eric’s POV was unique and while I have to admit I do wish we had Jean’s POV as well, it ultimately did not take away from the story.

Eric has a reputation of a manwhore slacker who never takes anything seriously.

Jean seems to have been an ex party girl who moved away from her old life and disapproving conservative parents, in the efforts to start fresh and be the best Mom she could be to her unborn baby.

Both Eric and Jean are drawn to one another and eventually strike up a friendship that is sweet, full of face fanning sexual tension, and absolutely endearing!

Eric is protective and so tender with the baby and such a good friend to Jean. He really looks out for them and the build up from friendship to something more was thrilling and captivating.

The only thing I had a bit of an issue with was Nell’s treatment of Eric. She was just so downright nasty and belittling. I’m new to these books so while she could have very well been justified in her actions, I personally could not find a reason for her behavior and really disliked her character till the very end.

Overall, this was a fantastic read and Kylie Scott is now officially one of the authors I’ll always be looking out for and I’m excited to read the other previous books in the series!

Oh my gosh, I have been anxiously awaiting for Eric's book for forever it seems, and now that it is finally here, it definitely is my FAVORITE Dive Bar book!!

Eric is by far one is the character that has the most to overcome. His past actions in the previous books and him finally meeting the perfect woman but the fact that she is pregnant is a big red flag for him. I really loved that we got to get into Eric's mind, because we get a better gauge on what he is really feeling and how deep his issues really are.

The banter between Eric & Jean were funny and very enjoyable to read. They bounced off each other perfectly. The fact that they started off as friends first was a really big deal, especially with Eric because he isn't used to that. Watching Eric work through his feelings and his issues was really humbling to see, because we see that he really does feel things and he isn't just coasting through life not feeling anything and not taking responsibility.

Jean & Ada really bring a protectiveness and possessiveness that he has never felt. They make his heart full and they make him want to be a better man. Kylie Scott really knows how to write characters to the point where you feel what they are feeling and that you are experiencing what they are experiencing.

Dive Bar is one of my favorite book series and with every book it just keeps getting better and better. The characters are real and their life experiences are similar to what people actually go through. Kylie Scott's words are powerful and will grab your attention and take hold of your emotions and never let go. Eric's story is definitely one of my top reads of 2018 and it will stay with me for a long time.

As almost always happens with any book I ready by Kylie Scott, I loved it. We of course met Eric in the first two books, Dirty and Twist. And it was hard to like him really, at least with the way he was basically a manwhore from the way we got to know him, and what had happened between him and Nell. But this book is told all from his point of view, and that is kind of fun. You see, Eric is just not the sharpest crayon in the box. He's one of those sweet but kinda dumb guys. He had me laughing so much throughout the book. And what I knew about him from the first two didn't matter, because being inside his head really made him grow on me. While there were definitely some things that could cause drama, a pregnant female love interest, Eric's issues with Nell, possibly selling the bar and having to find a new job, this honestly was a pretty light, sweet story. And sometimes it is nice to end a series this way. It was cute the way it all worked out. Eric's abstaining from sex to prove that he could. The going through the bases, the way that Jean blurted out that she thought they should try being friends with benefits before they started that. All of those things had me smiling and loving this story. And as she so often does, my favorite book boyfriend of all time, from the Stage Dive series book Play, Mal Ericson, was in the story a few times. But it wasn't just Mal, all the Stage Dive band members were there, and it was so much fun catching up with all of them, but especially Mal. I loved this series. I don't exactly know what is next from Kylie Scott, but I can't wait to find out, and I can't wait to read it!

The Good
Eric is a charming rogue and he sold this romance all by himself. The story is told strictly from his POV and, while I missed hearing from Jean, I think Eric is funny enough and charming enough make this work. I have a soft spot for loveable rogues, because their emotional journeys can be so satisfying when done well. Eric has spent quite a bit of time being the self-involved jerk of the group, so I wasn’t sure if it would work, but seeing him try to be a better man (without losing his personality in the process) was fun.

The Bad
That first person POV isn’t easy and sometimes, especially here, left me wanting to get into Jean’s head and know what she was thinking. It wasn’t especially clear and while I was convinced of Eric’s love for her, I wanted to be as sure of her feelings for him. But this is a personal preference of mine. I know plenty of readers who love first person POV, and from that perspective, I think Eric is a solid character.

Everything in Between
This can work as a standalone, though you’ll miss out on alot of the developments between the friends and the reasons Eric gets ALOT of shyte from them, especially Nell. If you haven’t read the earlier books, let’s just say if there was one person who has solid reasons for getting on his case, it’s Nell. Frankly, he’s earned all of their doubt, so I didn’t have a problem with it. I think it was an effective way to get a longtime reader like myself on his side, because he needed some humbling moments to make up for his selfishness in previous books.

The Bottom Line
So far, this is my favorite Dive Bar novel, and trust when I say I wasn’t expecting that. I still adore the Stage Dive series with one of my OG BBFs, Mal in it. If you like Mal’s personality type for a book-boyfriend, I think you’ll love Eric and Jean’s romance. I know I did.

**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley, InkslingerPR for review**

This was brilliant! Kylie Scott rocks the male POV! I thought Eric had the best voice, I couldn’t get enough! Page after page I was smiling and feeling emotional all rolled into one. This was so sweet, funny, and charming. My absolute favorite in the series!

I loved this slow burning romance between Eric and Jean. They had a wonderful building friendship and it just filled me up and made me happy. It was really entertaining seeing certain things through Eric’s eyes and the thought process he went through while he figures himself out. I thought Eric had the best internal dialogue ever! I’m totally in love with him and his life crisis. All of Eric’s epiphanies made my heart swell. I kept falling more in love with him as the story went on. This is all Eric's POV and very much his story but I loved the feelings I'd get from Jean, the looks and that contemplation I could feel from her. I really liked her a lot.

I loved seeing all the characters from this series and enjoyed their interactions together, it made for some really funny moments! I also adored some crossover characters too, it made it that much more special. And the baby! Oh my. Eric with the baby pretty much made me melt, those scenes were so heartfelt and sweet, it was awesome. I loved Joe and Eric and their brotherly ways. All the different friendships and dynamics, even the rocky ones. There was a really tense side story happening that stressed me the heck out, I got it and understood, but man was it full of angst. I am super happy with how that all played in the end.

I love a story that makes me feel, that makes me smile and laugh and cry. That fills me up and has me on the edge of my seat waiting for my HEA. This story absolutely did that! Chaser was an engaging, fun, and sweet with the best male POV. Seriously fantastic! I could not get enough of Eric. A must read for sure!

Complimentary copy received for honest review.

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! Another fabulous ending to a Kylie Scott series!

To date, I have yet to not finish one of her books or given any less than 5 stars.

Any who, if you’ve been reading this series then you know what Eric is all about. Late nights at the bar, finding a pretty girl to spend the night with and then do it all over again. Yep, typically hottie who can’t fathom the idea of being in a serious relationship.

Now that’s all about to change………. What he though was innocent flirting leading to a good night, was something he didn’t suspect. A pregnant lady…yup she is one of Nell’s friends and came up here for a fresh start. Oh, and she happened to move into the apartment upstairs next to Eric……

Eric didn’t try anything on Jean. Nell warned him to stay away from her. But there was something about her that he just couldn’t ignore. So Eric tried to be there and help her out in a friendly way. You know, carry the groceries, invite her to gatherings with friends. All the nice things people do for each other.

Then the whole friendship thing changed the day Jean delivered her baby girl. Eric couldn’t get them out of his head. He was there for them all the time and enjoyed bonding with them both. Then a simple request from Jean had turned things into a new direction. It wouldn’t be long after that, that they both get what they always wanted….Each other.

I’m sad to see this series end. I hope Kylie will release a new series super soon!

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 ***

I Voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book

OH my word, I don't care what Nelle thinks but I loved Eric... If you haven't read this series yet, what are you waiting for.

Eric is Joe's brother (Twist), and Eric is feeling a bit down. Everyone has an opinion about him, and he has had enough. It's like nobody thinks he is boyfriend long term type of guy, just in it for a good time. And of course that was him before, but lately he feels like something is missing. And when he meets Jean he is against the fact of being attracted to a pregnant chick. But he also can't deny being attracted to her. But he promised Nelle that he would stay away from her friend and just to prove that he is not 'that' guy anymore he intends on keeping his promise.
But for some reason he just can't stay away from her despite her being pregnant and when she has the baby its like he wants Ada and Jean in his life.
So when Jean makes him a proposition he can't help but take her up on her offer. But will everyone see that his changed and that he might be good for Jean and Ada or will they still see him as the 'hit it and quit it guy'?

I enjoyed this book, it was cute seeing how Eric changed from the person he was to the depending awesome person he became. I seriously wanted to freaking smack Nelle a couple of times but other than that, brilliant story from this author.

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?

5+ sTaRs!!!

I have loved the original series and for me Dirty was a FANTASTIC continuation of the Stage Dive spin off! This book was better to me than Dirty!!

I DID not want to put this book down but sadly work got in the way of me reading.

From the moment that Eric and Jean meet, their chemistry is OFF the charts! It's about a years after Twist and everyone is moving on in life. But for Eric, it's almost like he is just spinning his wheels. Then Jean walks into the bar. Eric being Eric hits on the pretty new comer but little did he notice....that she is about 7 months pregnant!!

Pregnancy or not he is still drawn to her. He tries his hardest to stay away but he gets pulled into her life and just can't get away...not that he wants to.

I loved the progression of the story. It was slow but at a good pace that still held your interest. Not to mention that Eric just has a good personality. He is funny without trying too hard. Half my book is marked up with yellow tabs because I was laughing at his lines! His conversation with the baby and just sometimes dumb things guys say that make absolutely no sense but have you in stitches!

I would highly recommend this book!! I LOVED it!!

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.

Eric's your typical bar owner hottie. He loves women, and spending time with them, intimately. I really thought I was going to hate Eric based off of that persona as well as how his friends and family perceived him. I could not have been more wrong. After watching his brother find a happy ever after, Eric's beginning to see things in a different light. Meeting Jean, wasn't the plan to fall for her. A night of passion, yeah, but finding out she's pregnant can stop any man in his tracks. But there's a connection between them. Eric is able to just be himself without the judgement he's used to. And when Jean's baby arrives a whole new side of Eric opens up. He's still carefree and lovable but Jean and her daughter give him something to be proud of.

I was honestly taken by surprise with how emotional this book made me feel. There's no terrible past from Jean about her child's father. There's no cataclysmic event to force Eric to decide what he wants. This a story about two people (technically three with the baby lol) who fall for each other all out of order. But who are we to judge. You never know what a relationship looks like to the two people in it. And Chaser is the soothing balm after the rough and rich stories of Vaughn and Joe. Scott couldn't have done a better job on Eric's story!

Chaser, the third book in the Dive Bar series, is the story of Eric and Jean.

Chaser is the first book I've read by Kylie Scott, but it won't be the last!
Kylie completely rocked the male POV with Eric. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the book; his inner dialogue was a riot, and I loved his interactions with Ada. So great!

I also appreciated how Eric grew as an individual and found the part of himself (his best self) that he wasn't aware he was missing and searching for.

The slow burn and build of Eric and Jean's relationship was perfection...and so delicious.

I will say that I did not care for (as in, could barely tolerate) Nell. Granted, I don't know what Eric was like in the previous books and I don't know the details of his and Nell's relationship. However, as his business partner and supposed friend, I expected more understanding and respect and friendship in general.

That being said, I would definitely go back and read Alex and Joe's story, and I look forward to what Kylie Scott has in store.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via a Goodreads giveaway.***

After reading the previous two books in this series, and enjoying them, I found myself vaguely disappointed in this installment. I felt that Eric's "man-whore" status was harped on entirely too much, and that no one was believing in his capacity or ability to change! I also hated how much every one felt that he couldn't handle a baby properly, and had to take Ava away from him at every opportunity! I really started to feel for Eric in the story!

Jean was a great character, a perfect match for Eric, as they're both trying to make their lives better. I did hate her indecision when her parents finally entered the equation, but it was also an understandable reaction.

However, I felt that the story's ending was a bit rushed. We had this slow build up of a relationship going, then things start hitting hard and fast, and it wound up rushing the "I love you"s too quickly for me. I think it could have been drawn out a little bit more, had Eric do something totally out of character that demonstrates his love for Jean, and then do the "I love you"s and Happily Ever Afters.

This was a good installment of the series, but not the best one for me.

This is my first time reading anything by Kylie Scott, and I'm eager for more.

Written entirely from Eric Collin's POV, Chaser was so much more than I expected. Eric mainly wants a good time, though lately, he's searching for something else deeper. He's eager to prove he's not the total charming-but-I'm -a-douche-bag character that everyone seems to think he is. Falling for Jean, a new arrival in town and a mother-to-be, doesn't fit his plans, nor makes sense for many reasons. Yet, Eric can't stay away from Jean & baby Ada, no matter how many evasive tactics he tries. Accepting that love & family can sometimes find you when you least expect it is a lesson both Jean & Eric learn as they navigate their not-so-normal relationship.

I really liked how Kylie Scott made us "feel" Eric's frustrations. I felt that she had a good handle on all his emotions, and I liked how she was able to turn his character around from zero to hero in a believable & heartwarming way. His growth and transformation are nothing short of swoon-worthy. The way he was with Ada was adorable! I enjoyed his internal dialogue - it was insightful, as well as hilarious.

This is a great read.

In Chaser, Dive Bar #3, Eric, Mr. Player Extraodinaire is the one about to have his whole life changed by two girls. Yes, you read that right. Two. That one just happens to be an adorable infant makes his fall all that more precious. *wink*

Kylie Scott has a distinct style of writing where she blends the serious with the humorous in such a smooth balanced way that her books are such a joy to read. Her character interaction is always filled with wit while still having substance. This makes for interesting and well crafted characters as well dynamic scenes.

Chaser is a slow-burn romance between bar-owner/reforming bad boy Eric and new to town, new to motherhood, Jean. The chemistry between the two, that morphs from flirting into friendship, to more, to everything, was realistic and honest. I loved that Jean's daughter was a central part of the story. Eric's immediate bond and attachment with baby Ada was so heartfelt and honest.

The addition of past (and future?) characters such as Nell (whew, she is a hard...!), Joe and Alex rounds out a well written, hefty (400 pages) book guaranteed to please.

Eric is frustrated, his own friends do not give him credit for life, considering him only an inconsequential f-boy who only thinks of women. Trying to change this image, he begins to consider the inconceivable: get a fixed girlfriend, but his attempts do not work the way he expects and he ends up approaching Jean.
Jean is the new tenant of the building and has just moved to have a fresh start of life. After an unexpected pregnancy and without parental support, she plans to change her life to take care of her baby.
A beautiful and sweet love story, where friendship has strengthened little by little, where Eric really shows his maturation and strength. Narrated in the first person by him, I followed his journey to the happy end. I connected too much with him and I hoped for everything to happen as he wanted.
I loved the cover and the remarkable presence of this badboy transmitting well the personality of the protagonist. I loved the writing of Kylie Scott and the way she builts the plot from the male point of view and left me in suspense about Jean's feelings until the end.

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!

Hot, sweet, witty, and romantic Kylie Scott delivers an unputdownable read with Chaser. I devoured this book in a matter of hours! It was that good. From moments that had me cracking up to moments that had me tearing up in happiness there wasn’t a thing I didn’t love. This book melted my heart and had me captivated from start to finish.

Eric was such a sweetheart. It was adorable watching him stumble his way into love. Completely clueless on commitment, and definitely clueless about pregnancy and children that didn’t stop him from falling fast and hard for not only Jean, but her baby also. There were so many precious moments in this book just between Eric and Jean’s baby it was impossibly to not fall in love.

The gradual growth from strangers, to friends all the while falling in Love was heartwarming. Both Eric and Jean start out a bit lost in the world and trying to find their way. These two not only fall into one of the sweetest romances, but grow into characters that you can’t help but adore.

Love Kylie Scott and absolutely love the Dive Bar series!!
If you’ve read this series then you have to remember Eric, always up for a good time with the ladies and never been in a committed relationship.
I loved Eric, even if he did act a little immature at times. Sometimes it takes a special kind of person to make you see the light.
Jean moves to a new a new town to start over fresh for her and her baby. Can she get past her insecurities and see something more with Eric?
Absolutely loved being able to see Eric turn into the sweet and caring man I knew he could be. This is definitely a slow burn kinda romance and omg is it ever good!
Eric is definitely my favorite out of this series and will be yours too when you read those oh so sweet moments with baby Ada, and if you haven’t read this series yet no worries because it can be read as a stand-alone.
Loved this slow burn/friends to lovers romance! This book will definitely give you all sorts of feels!

Eric thought he was happy with his life until his friends started pointing out how childish he was. He wanted to prove them wrong. He was looking to start a relationship the only problem with that was everyone knew he was good for a good time but that's it.

When he sees Jean he can't help but start hitting on her, he actually starts to like her attitude and sass. THEN he sees that she's pregnant.

Eric had a lot of growing up to do, his friends were right and he realized it. When he decided to be friends with Jean and be there for her he actually took it serious. I loved watching the transformation of Eric. Loved hearing it from his POV.

Then little Ada made an appearance and oh my goodness I fell in love even harder with Eric!

I was laughing throughout the book, smiling and shaking my head. I felt like I was right there with them watching this relationship blossom and grow.

“This scares me. You scare me.”

“Sweetheart, I’m pretty much wrapped around your finger.”

Oh CHASER! I DEVOURED Kylie Scott’s latest Dive Bar novel, Chaser, in one sitting! It’s so DELICIOUSLY DREAMY. I LOVED being back at The Dive Bar again with the cast of characters at the bar that truly feel like MY friends and family. Eric won me over with his huge heart and new lease on life, and I fell for this hero hard! Jean and Eric had this INSTA-CHEMISTRY, the kind of fire felt through the pages. I ADORED them!

Chaser is so RIVETING and so RAW that it felt so REAL. Chaser CHARMED every ounce of me with its wonderful wit, scrumptious sexual tension, and sweep-me-away moments. I SWOONED so hard! Sweet and spicy like a shot of whiskey, Chaser is a SMOOTH, SLOW BURN straight to the heart.

???? slow-burning whiskey kisses

Chaser was fantastic, the story was brilliant and the characters unique!If you have read this series before, you have already met Eric!I was so excited to read his book and see what Kylie has for him. Chaser is a romantic,sweet and funny story!

Kylie Scott did an amazing job with this one and especially with Eric's POV since the book is all in his point of view!I loved that Eric in the end he isn't the manwhore that everyone think! I loved that he grows up through the story!We can see how sweet,funny and lovely hero he is!The only reason this isn't a 5 stars is because the heroine wasn't as strong as I like my heroines in books but still this didn't make me not to enjoy the book!

Overall, it was a heartwarming story with one of the best male POVs I have ever read!This series is a must read you should definitely read them!

What a stunning, funny, surprising turn of events read that stole my very breath and made me smile. I have to admit, Kylie Scott is a favorite of mine for entertaining reads, but somehow, someway, Chaser still managed to not only surprise me, but to delight the hell out of me!

I loved that our playboy Eric became a parent with Jean. His once carefree lifestyle turned around the moment Eric rescues her as she goes into labor and he became someone truly dependable, sweet, and the ultimate hero in my eyes! I laughed a lot with this book, but there was also so many heartfelt and really sexy ones too that made my clothes feel tight on me. The heat level in this book is a steady 5 and the characters, I can't get enough of them! Miss Scott hit this one out of the stratosphere!

Chaser gets a PERFECTLY ENTERTAINING FIVE SHOOTING STARS!

I loved Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series. Even though I didn’t love book one in this series, I still wanted to give this one a try. It didn’t win me over. I didn’t know that this book was told only in Eric’s POV. I would have loved to see how Jean was feeling. Especially when it came towards her feeling towards Eric.

To be honest, I found this book to be quite boring. I liked the relationship between Eric and Jean. However, I never felt anything but friendship vibes from them. There wasn’t any sparks or funny banter that I look forward to in my books. Also, I hated the way those around Eric wouldn’t give him a break and take him trying to change honestly, especially Nell!

All in all, it was an okay read for me. Nothing that I will reach for again.

**I voluntarily read an advanced copy**

I really enjoyed Chaser. The story has an authentic feel. The relationship progression is well developed. It's easy to find yourself engulfed in the story.

Chaser is the third book in the series. It's Eric's turn to move past his man whore image and settle down. Surprisingly, he finds himself chasing after a single pregnant woman. Jean Antal has moved to start a new life. She making new friends including her neighbor Eric Collins. He had tried to stay away after he had jumped in as Jean's birthing partner but his heart had other ideas.

Chaser is a sweet, heartwarming story. The story captured my attention right from the beginning until the end. 5 Stars!

Note: I've seen two different covers for this book. Neither drew me in. The story is worth looking past either cover.

Chaser by Kylie Scott is a prime example of romance done right. This book may be the third installment of the Dive Bar Series and can most definitely be read as a standalone. So can one can get drunk on Kylie Scott’s writing? And the answer to that, is YES!!!!

Chaser was one of those reads that had the perfect balance of intrigue, entertainment, romance and sweetness to keep readers like myself glued to the pages. I loved everything about this book. It had great chemistry, dialogue and emotions. So if you are looking for a book that had the slow burn romance and a happily ever after that will leave you smiling for days then this is the book for you. What else can I say but Kylie Scott did a terrific job showcasing the palpable bond her hero and heroine felt for each other.

Eric was immediately attracted to Jean when he first saw her, but Jean was 7 months pregnant and he decided avoiding her was his best option. He didn’t want any complications and figured a single mom would be a huge one. Jean was new to Idaho, she was warned off Eric’s and his womanizing ways by their friend Nell. I really liked Jean, but I didn’t really care much for Eric in the previous books or the beginning of this one for that matter. He did redeem himself to me however. Will Eric be able to settle down? Will Jean listen to what everyone else has to say about Eric or will she let his actions speak for themselves? This was probably my least favorite of the three books in this series, but still a good read.

Eric going into this book was a very likeable character. But that's the point of this book to show how someone completely into them selves can grow up. Jean is a young single woman who is 7 months pregnant starting over sh e giving up her wild child ways and becoming the mother she always wished her mom was. Before Eric knew she was pregnant he believed this was his chance to find someone who did not know his history but finding out Jean is pregnant changes things and medicine runs. Which is perfect for Jean as she doesn't need a man right now. But when she goes into labor Eric is there for her and the baby and this connects all three of them like never before but can be change his way for Jean and the baby. Sweet and sexy!

This story was very sweet with no drama, not much anyway, just bickering.
Eric is immediately attracted to the newly arrived Jean..he figured a tumble between the sheets would help him get over her..but she is pregnant so..no way.
The local manwhore finds himself in a peculiar situation and tries to change, turn over a new leaf so to speak.
Jean is greatful for the new friends and can't understand Eric even tho he is always helping her..until the night she delivers the baby and their bond changes.
It was quite charming seeing the man who could bed any woman sweat and fumble his way through an unconventional relationship and a bond with a baby.