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Havenwood #1
Giving Chase
KELLAN
I wasn't supposed to fall for my older brother's best friend. Unfortunately, that ship sailed when I was a teenager, even though Chase Hawthorne always treated me like nothing more than a younger sibling. Things were worse after my parents died. Chase was sweet and supportive, which only strengthened my feelings for him. But then he'd act like I couldn't take care of myself, and that part didn't go over well with me. Yeah, I had a habit of screwing up. I'd always been the weird boy in our small town, but just like my big brother, he took overprotective to a new level. Until one night when I was eighteen and Chase and I hooked up. It was a ding to the ego that he left town right afterward. Ridiculously, I'm still not over him.
CHASE
I betrayed my best friend, Griffin, the night I messed around with Kellan. So I ran--first to the Marines, then into law enforcement. Ten years later, I'm back home, this time as a patrol officer rather than a troublemaker's son. Oh, and unable to keep my hands off Kellan Caine. There's always been something about him...the way he stands strong in who he is, even when he's standing alone. I'm trapped between someone I want more than anything and Griff, the guy who's like family to me. Yet the more time I spend with Kellan, the harder it becomes to deny there's something real between us.
With my dad stirring up trouble, and me going behind my best friend's back, everything's a mess. The more tangled the web gets, the more I realize I need Kellan. And that there might be something in the Hawthorne family history that'll make me lose both Kellan and Griffin for good.
I wasn't supposed to fall for my older brother's best friend. Unfortunately, that ship sailed when I was a teenager, even though Chase Hawthorne always treated me like nothing more than a younger sibling. Things were worse after my parents died. Chase was sweet and supportive, which only strengthened my feelings for him. But then he'd act like I couldn't take care of myself, and that part didn't go over well with me. Yeah, I had a habit of screwing up. I'd always been the weird boy in our small town, but just like my big brother, he took overprotective to a new level. Until one night when I was eighteen and Chase and I hooked up. It was a ding to the ego that he left town right afterward. Ridiculously, I'm still not over him.
CHASE
I betrayed my best friend, Griffin, the night I messed around with Kellan. So I ran--first to the Marines, then into law enforcement. Ten years later, I'm back home, this time as a patrol officer rather than a troublemaker's son. Oh, and unable to keep my hands off Kellan Caine. There's always been something about him...the way he stands strong in who he is, even when he's standing alone. I'm trapped between someone I want more than anything and Griff, the guy who's like family to me. Yet the more time I spend with Kellan, the harder it becomes to deny there's something real between us.
With my dad stirring up trouble, and me going behind my best friend's back, everything's a mess. The more tangled the web gets, the more I realize I need Kellan. And that there might be something in the Hawthorne family history that'll make me lose both Kellan and Griffin for good.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2020
About the author
Riley Hart
108 books6,504 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
March 17, 2020
I never get tired of the "falling for my older brother's best friend" trope. In this case, Kellan, an art teacher, falls for Chase, a veteran and police officer.
Chase and Kellan have a moment when Kel is 18, but Chase disappears for over a decade and basically ignores Kellan during that time, even though he keeps in touch with Griff, his bestie and Kel's older brother.
When Chase returns as the new cop in town, sparks fly pretty much immediately.
Highlights:
~ plenty of sexy action
~ very mild relationship drama (the guys communicate very well, which I always appreciate)
~ a pretty decent suspense/crime plot involving the murder of Kel and Griff's parents (don't worry; the suspense element doesn't overwhelm the romance)
~ the MCs (I liked Kellan's quirky nature and Chase's quiet, determined personality)
~ the secondary characters (especially Kel's BFF Josh)
~ interesting family dynamics (the relationship between Kellan and Griff is at once supportive and codependent)
~ epilogue with HEA ending
The story dragged a little in the middle, but overall I enjoyed it and am excited to continue with this series (can Josh's story be next please?).
Chase and Kellan have a moment when Kel is 18, but Chase disappears for over a decade and basically ignores Kellan during that time, even though he keeps in touch with Griff, his bestie and Kel's older brother.
When Chase returns as the new cop in town, sparks fly pretty much immediately.
Highlights:
~ plenty of sexy action
~ very mild relationship drama (the guys communicate very well, which I always appreciate)
~ a pretty decent suspense/crime plot involving the murder of Kel and Griff's parents (don't worry; the suspense element doesn't overwhelm the romance)
~ the MCs (I liked Kellan's quirky nature and Chase's quiet, determined personality)
~ the secondary characters (especially Kel's BFF Josh)
~ interesting family dynamics (the relationship between Kellan and Griff is at once supportive and codependent)
~ epilogue with HEA ending
The story dragged a little in the middle, but overall I enjoyed it and am excited to continue with this series (can Josh's story be next please?).
November 21, 2020
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story - 3.25 stars
I liked it enough. Nothing special, just a feel good Saturday book.
Story - 3.25 stars
I liked it enough. Nothing special, just a feel good Saturday book.
March 18, 2020
4.5 Stars
I very much enjoyed this new series-starter by Riley Hart. Hot, passionate and emotionally engaging, this small-town M/M romance left a lasting impression.
Featuring one of the most tangible and passionate best-friends-brother/brother’s-best-friend tropes I’ve ever read, Giving Chase was an emotionally charged read, full of complex characters facing comprehensible personal dilemmas, centering around lifelong friendships, loyalty, and a love worth risking it all for.
I adored Kellan and Chase. Kellan with his sass and confidence, and determination to fight for what he wanted most (and damned well deserved) – i.e. Chase – and Chase, who was a bit slower on the uptake but whose loyalty and respect for best friend Griff was truly commendable, even when he finally admitted to himself that his feelings for Griff’s younger brother Kellan were more immense and undeniable than anticipated.
These two were incendiary. From the very first pages, showing them as teenagers experiencing the first spark of potential to be more than friends and made-family, to the later pages of the story where, as grown men, they were embracing their love and passion for one another and working to reconcile those feelings with Griff’s conflicted reaction – a reaction which held great weight coming from the person who was most important to Kellan and Chase, beyond one another.
There was a lot of back and forth should I/shouldn’t I in this relationship, particularly in regards to Chase as he weighed his feelings for Kellan against his brotherhood with Griff, and, arguably, some of his inner struggles were a bit repetitive, but because the emotions and the relationships (friendship, familial and romantic) were all so well-developed and explored in full, I completely understood why Chase fought so hard against his feelings for Kellan and what their relationship could cost him. I do believe the outcome was well worth the struggle, resulting in a very happy and satisfying read once Chase finally went all-in and became determined to fight for Kellan with everything he had.
Chase and Kellan were truly lovely together and I can’t wait to read more about the characters of Havenwood in future instalments.
I very much enjoyed this new series-starter by Riley Hart. Hot, passionate and emotionally engaging, this small-town M/M romance left a lasting impression.
Featuring one of the most tangible and passionate best-friends-brother/brother’s-best-friend tropes I’ve ever read, Giving Chase was an emotionally charged read, full of complex characters facing comprehensible personal dilemmas, centering around lifelong friendships, loyalty, and a love worth risking it all for.
I adored Kellan and Chase. Kellan with his sass and confidence, and determination to fight for what he wanted most (and damned well deserved) – i.e. Chase – and Chase, who was a bit slower on the uptake but whose loyalty and respect for best friend Griff was truly commendable, even when he finally admitted to himself that his feelings for Griff’s younger brother Kellan were more immense and undeniable than anticipated.
These two were incendiary. From the very first pages, showing them as teenagers experiencing the first spark of potential to be more than friends and made-family, to the later pages of the story where, as grown men, they were embracing their love and passion for one another and working to reconcile those feelings with Griff’s conflicted reaction – a reaction which held great weight coming from the person who was most important to Kellan and Chase, beyond one another.
There was a lot of back and forth should I/shouldn’t I in this relationship, particularly in regards to Chase as he weighed his feelings for Kellan against his brotherhood with Griff, and, arguably, some of his inner struggles were a bit repetitive, but because the emotions and the relationships (friendship, familial and romantic) were all so well-developed and explored in full, I completely understood why Chase fought so hard against his feelings for Kellan and what their relationship could cost him. I do believe the outcome was well worth the struggle, resulting in a very happy and satisfying read once Chase finally went all-in and became determined to fight for Kellan with everything he had.
Chase and Kellan were truly lovely together and I can’t wait to read more about the characters of Havenwood in future instalments.
June 25, 2024
|| 3.5 stars ||
Well, then. This was quite a pleasant surprise: I liked it more than I thought I would!
This is a love story with the brother’s best friend trope, and I thought it was done mostly well.
I liked how Chase and Kellan’s dynamic played out: at first, I loved how Chase was protective of him, almost like a brother but not quite, while later, I loved how Chase realised Kellan gave him more joy, warmth and security than anyone else; even more so than his best friend ever could.
I appreciated that Chase always cared about Kellan, and that he never only saw him as his best friend’s little brother; he always took notice of Kellan’s feelings and treated him gently. He wasn’t an arsehole or acted indifferent; he was sweet and nurturing from beginning to end.
Kellan, of course, had been in love with Chase ever since he was a young teen, and I quite liked how his love never wavered. He was pretty devoted, but not to the point where he would beg for attention. He was confident and self-assured, even if he did love Chase before Chase felt the same way. Or, at least, long before Chase realised he felt the same.
This was also a second-chance romance and it was handled nicely and carefully; I felt like them making amends wasn’t rushed, but it also wasn’t drawn out. Kellan did not hold much of a grudge for wasted time, and Chase’s side was easy to understand too. You can’t fault the guy too much for not wanting to fuck over his best friend like that, so I got it. And the reunion and re-getting to know each other was entertaining to watch.
Honestly, I liked this part more than I did when they actually got together. It’s probably why the first part of the story was better for me than the second: The book almost got a little bit boring at that point. Although, I did genuinely like these two together as a couple, so that still kept me plenty invested throughout.
Overall, I thought this was a sweet story with well-developed emotions and good chemistry.
'Havenwood' series:
1. Giving Chase - 3.5 stars
2. Murphy's Law - 2.5 stars
3. Hard Knox - 3.0 stars
4. Griff's Place - 2.5 stars
Well, then. This was quite a pleasant surprise: I liked it more than I thought I would!
This is a love story with the brother’s best friend trope, and I thought it was done mostly well.
I liked how Chase and Kellan’s dynamic played out: at first, I loved how Chase was protective of him, almost like a brother but not quite, while later, I loved how Chase realised Kellan gave him more joy, warmth and security than anyone else; even more so than his best friend ever could.
I appreciated that Chase always cared about Kellan, and that he never only saw him as his best friend’s little brother; he always took notice of Kellan’s feelings and treated him gently. He wasn’t an arsehole or acted indifferent; he was sweet and nurturing from beginning to end.
There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Kellan. Never had been.
Kellan, of course, had been in love with Chase ever since he was a young teen, and I quite liked how his love never wavered. He was pretty devoted, but not to the point where he would beg for attention. He was confident and self-assured, even if he did love Chase before Chase felt the same way. Or, at least, long before Chase realised he felt the same.
“I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you since I was fourteen years old. I don’t remember what it’s like not to love you, and I don’t know how to stop.”
This was also a second-chance romance and it was handled nicely and carefully; I felt like them making amends wasn’t rushed, but it also wasn’t drawn out. Kellan did not hold much of a grudge for wasted time, and Chase’s side was easy to understand too. You can’t fault the guy too much for not wanting to fuck over his best friend like that, so I got it. And the reunion and re-getting to know each other was entertaining to watch.
Honestly, I liked this part more than I did when they actually got together. It’s probably why the first part of the story was better for me than the second: The book almost got a little bit boring at that point. Although, I did genuinely like these two together as a couple, so that still kept me plenty invested throughout.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Loving me. I’m gonna do everything in my power to deserve it.”
“Chase… you already do. Don’t you know that?”
Overall, I thought this was a sweet story with well-developed emotions and good chemistry.
'Havenwood' series:
1. Giving Chase - 3.5 stars
2. Murphy's Law - 2.5 stars
3. Hard Knox - 3.0 stars
4. Griff's Place - 2.5 stars
December 1, 2021
*3.5 stars*
I listen to a lot of Riley Hart audiobooks (she gets amazing narrators), and I think this series has a lot of potential. Giving Chase was a pleasant, "older brother's best friend"-to-lovers plotline, with some compelling twists and turns. I think it wasn't anything mind-blowing, but it got me very interested in this series. Great narration.
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I listen to a lot of Riley Hart audiobooks (she gets amazing narrators), and I think this series has a lot of potential. Giving Chase was a pleasant, "older brother's best friend"-to-lovers plotline, with some compelling twists and turns. I think it wasn't anything mind-blowing, but it got me very interested in this series. Great narration.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
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November 1, 2022
3.5*** stars
I really liked Kellan & Chase. Sadly I was quite bored with their story tho. Don't know exactly why. Maybe the pacing was off or something. But it was overall a good and sweet one I enjoyed.
Btw, I know it wasn’t for everyone but I thought the baby boy was pretty hot. But then, I like the smut RH writes in general *lolll And I mean, the “record me”??? *phew
All in all I wasn’t impressed much with this book, but given that this has the lowest avg. rating in the whole series by far I guess I���ll give at least the next book a try.
Kale Williams kinda saved it for me with the audio.
*********
Havenwood Series:
Book 1 - Giving Chase - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Murphy’s Law - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 3 - Hard Knox - 4.0 stars
Book 4 - Griff’s Place - 4.25 stars
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Loving me. I’m gonna do everything in my power to deserve it.”
“Chase…you already do. Don’t you know that?”
I really liked Kellan & Chase. Sadly I was quite bored with their story tho. Don't know exactly why. Maybe the pacing was off or something. But it was overall a good and sweet one I enjoyed.
Btw, I know it wasn’t for everyone but I thought the baby boy was pretty hot. But then, I like the smut RH writes in general *lolll And I mean, the “record me”??? *phew
All in all I wasn’t impressed much with this book, but given that this has the lowest avg. rating in the whole series by far I guess I���ll give at least the next book a try.
Kale Williams kinda saved it for me with the audio.
*********
Havenwood Series:
Book 1 - Giving Chase - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Murphy’s Law - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 3 - Hard Knox - 4.0 stars
Book 4 - Griff’s Place - 4.25 stars
March 7, 2020
Giving Chase by Riley Hart hooked me from the start, and I ended up reading it one sitting.
-Best friend's little brother
-Loved Kellan & Chase
-Dual POVs
-Chemistry
-Secret hook-ups
-Casual to more. Excellent job on the relationship development.
-A little bit of mystery
-Bisexual
-Awesome group of friends
-Small town
-And an über sweet ending
All I know is that I need the next book stat!
Giving Chase is a fantastic start to the Havenwood series.
March 13, 2020
This was just okay for me. I used to really like this author, but we just don't mesh these days.
The writing style just doesn't work for me.
The baby boy made me cringe.
The grammar in parts, not good.
Characters were mostly likable, but several on the annoying side.
It was fine. But I don't think I will continue with this series.
The writing style just doesn't work for me.
The baby boy made me cringe.
The grammar in parts, not good.
Characters were mostly likable, but several on the annoying side.
It was fine. But I don't think I will continue with this series.
March 15, 2020
I loved this, it was such a fun read. I am usually a sucker for best friend's brother/brother's best friend stories, and this one was no exception.
Kellan is the younger brother of Griffin, who is 5 years older, and Griffin has a best friend, Chase who is 4 years older than Kellen, and Kellen has been in love with him since he was 14 year old. When Kellen is 18 years old and Chase 22, they have an encounter that goes beyond friendship and Chase, who is fiercely loyal and doesn't want to lose his friendship to Griffin, runs and doesn't come back to their small hometown until ten years later.
Kellan and Griffin lost their parents when Kellan was 14 in a robbery that ended in their deaths, and Griffin has been overprotective of Kellan like crazy ever since he came back from college to take care of Kellan. Chase, who grew up in a broken home with a verbally and emotionally abusive father, who felt loved for the first time when Griffin decided to be his friend and kind of take him into his family, know how protective Griffin is of Kellan, and know Griffin will kill him if he finds out they're together...only, when Chase comes back to down, it doesn't take long for Chase and Kellan's attraction to not be able to be ignore, and Chase can't stay away.
There's something else going on in their small town too now that Chase is back in town. Chase is a new deputy, and a robbery happens, as well as something else to Chase and Kellan that shakes up their world.
I really enjoyed this one, I loved Kellan's and Chase's chemistry and I loved the story, it was fun and entertaining. Classic Riley Hart, I loved it. I can't wait for the next one in this series, which will be about Lawson, one of Griffin's friends in this story.
Two thumbs up from me, definitely recommend!
Kellan is the younger brother of Griffin, who is 5 years older, and Griffin has a best friend, Chase who is 4 years older than Kellen, and Kellen has been in love with him since he was 14 year old. When Kellen is 18 years old and Chase 22, they have an encounter that goes beyond friendship and Chase, who is fiercely loyal and doesn't want to lose his friendship to Griffin, runs and doesn't come back to their small hometown until ten years later.
Kellan and Griffin lost their parents when Kellan was 14 in a robbery that ended in their deaths, and Griffin has been overprotective of Kellan like crazy ever since he came back from college to take care of Kellan. Chase, who grew up in a broken home with a verbally and emotionally abusive father, who felt loved for the first time when Griffin decided to be his friend and kind of take him into his family, know how protective Griffin is of Kellan, and know Griffin will kill him if he finds out they're together...only, when Chase comes back to down, it doesn't take long for Chase and Kellan's attraction to not be able to be ignore, and Chase can't stay away.
There's something else going on in their small town too now that Chase is back in town. Chase is a new deputy, and a robbery happens, as well as something else to Chase and Kellan that shakes up their world.
I really enjoyed this one, I loved Kellan's and Chase's chemistry and I loved the story, it was fun and entertaining. Classic Riley Hart, I loved it. I can't wait for the next one in this series, which will be about Lawson, one of Griffin's friends in this story.
Two thumbs up from me, definitely recommend!
June 3, 2020
4 Stars!! ❤️ 💘 Loved it!! I'm a sucker for best friend's brother type of tropes and there are so many of those in MM romances, but this one totally stood out 😍
Kellan's brother Griff and his BFF Chase are like Kellan's pseudo guardians in the absence of real parents (who died tragically when Kellan was a young teen). More than the over-protectiveness of the duo, what bothers Kellan is Chase's inability to see him as more than a kid-brother or "twerp" as Chase affectionately calls him. All that changes one night when in a moment of extreme vulnerability, Chase and Kellan share a kiss and more. But Chase's guilt of having betrayed his friend's trust and family baggage makes him flee Havenwood to join the military and Kellan doesn't see or hear from him for 10 years. They again come face to face a decade later when Chase returns to his hometown as the newly minted local police officer. 👮♀️
Chase's hometown has changed, his life has changed and yet his attraction to Kellan has remained unchanged. 😍Kellan too has tried to move on, but somehow his feelings for Chase are reignited as soon as they meet.💘 Despite the awkwardness in the beginning, the inexplicable magnetic attraction brings them together again and what they forge together, is more than just a physical relationship💞🔥💕. As they slowly learn to accept that what they feel for each other is "love"❤️; their new relationship is threatened by the same forces that drove Chase to leave town so many years ago💔. Can Chase and Kellan find peace and acceptance in Havenwood? 💝
The story is emotional without becoming too heavy, it is steamy and yet romantic in its essence and there is a tiny mystery towards the end which thankfully does not overshadow the overall story about friendship, family, love and understanding. The supporting characters are all very intriguing, especially Griff and Josh. I'm looking forward to reading all of their books🤩. Highly recommended! 👍👍
Kellan's brother Griff and his BFF Chase are like Kellan's pseudo guardians in the absence of real parents (who died tragically when Kellan was a young teen). More than the over-protectiveness of the duo, what bothers Kellan is Chase's inability to see him as more than a kid-brother or "twerp" as Chase affectionately calls him. All that changes one night when in a moment of extreme vulnerability, Chase and Kellan share a kiss and more. But Chase's guilt of having betrayed his friend's trust and family baggage makes him flee Havenwood to join the military and Kellan doesn't see or hear from him for 10 years. They again come face to face a decade later when Chase returns to his hometown as the newly minted local police officer. 👮♀️
Chase's hometown has changed, his life has changed and yet his attraction to Kellan has remained unchanged. 😍Kellan too has tried to move on, but somehow his feelings for Chase are reignited as soon as they meet.💘 Despite the awkwardness in the beginning, the inexplicable magnetic attraction brings them together again and what they forge together, is more than just a physical relationship💞🔥💕. As they slowly learn to accept that what they feel for each other is "love"❤️; their new relationship is threatened by the same forces that drove Chase to leave town so many years ago💔. Can Chase and Kellan find peace and acceptance in Havenwood? 💝
The story is emotional without becoming too heavy, it is steamy and yet romantic in its essence and there is a tiny mystery towards the end which thankfully does not overshadow the overall story about friendship, family, love and understanding. The supporting characters are all very intriguing, especially Griff and Josh. I'm looking forward to reading all of their books🤩. Highly recommended! 👍👍
March 23, 2020
This made me feel old. I'm not old as far as I am concerned but reading this kind of made me feel like I am.
I think these guys just read really young to me even though they weren't super young.
The Baby Boy? OH MY GOD, kill me now. Gross. I hated this. Is this a thing? Again, maybe I'm just too old for this story.
10 years is also a long, long, long time and a lot changes but nothing seemed to in this story.
I dunno.
I'll probably read the next one but this one didn't really wow me.
I think these guys just read really young to me even though they weren't super young.
The Baby Boy? OH MY GOD, kill me now. Gross. I hated this. Is this a thing? Again, maybe I'm just too old for this story.
10 years is also a long, long, long time and a lot changes but nothing seemed to in this story.
I dunno.
I'll probably read the next one but this one didn't really wow me.
March 11, 2021
I loved the first part. But didn't care much for the second part. As usual Riley Harts writing is stellar.
January 6, 2021
Safety:
Chase (32) bi
Kellan (28) gay
-They know each other since forever but kellan felt in love with Chase when he was 14. When he was 18 they kissed and he gave Chase a bj, it was his first kiss but Chase at 22 was already experienced and hadn’t seen him other than brotherly until this moment.
-Ten years go by and Josh had his fair share of men while Chase avoids relationship but doesn’t avoid sex and had shared his bed with countless women and men, he was with women more though.
- After Chase left he kept contact with his best friend and Kell older brother Griff who would tell his stories of Chase and all the girls he was hooking up.
- Before he left Chase was always getting laid and the woman he lost his virginity to and had a fuck buddies thing going on during high school and later when he was 20 showed up. Nothing happened but this cause some jealous.
- Kellan best friend Josh always cause some jealous to Chase, they hooked up one time, Kell suck him off but decided to be friends cause they don’t like each other romantically.
I felt like Kellan love Chase more, Chase talked about how during these ten years he would think about Kellan with and desire him but I really didn’t feel it. Kellan talked about how every guy he was with he wished it was Chase and this pissed me off cause it obviously Chase was thinking the same fucking women and other men.
I didn’t like it too much. It is kinda boring
Chase (32) bi
Kellan (28) gay
-They know each other since forever but kellan felt in love with Chase when he was 14. When he was 18 they kissed and he gave Chase a bj, it was his first kiss but Chase at 22 was already experienced and hadn’t seen him other than brotherly until this moment.
-Ten years go by and Josh had his fair share of men while Chase avoids relationship but doesn’t avoid sex and had shared his bed with countless women and men, he was with women more though.
- After Chase left he kept contact with his best friend and Kell older brother Griff who would tell his stories of Chase and all the girls he was hooking up.
- Before he left Chase was always getting laid and the woman he lost his virginity to and had a fuck buddies thing going on during high school and later when he was 20 showed up. Nothing happened but this cause some jealous.
- Kellan best friend Josh always cause some jealous to Chase, they hooked up one time, Kell suck him off but decided to be friends cause they don’t like each other romantically.
I felt like Kellan love Chase more, Chase talked about how during these ten years he would think about Kellan with and desire him but I really didn’t feel it. Kellan talked about how every guy he was with he wished it was Chase and this pissed me off cause it obviously Chase was thinking the same fucking women and other men.
I didn’t like it too much. It is kinda boring
March 17, 2020
This author and I just don’t fit anymore. I haven’t read a good book from them in ages, and I’m starting to think it’s me that changed because her writing is still the same as always.
An extra note, it all starting going wrong after ‘baby boy’ I just can’t with this nickname 😱 he even used it in front of the brother and the friends, and sorry just nope lol!
A shame because I love this trope of falling in love with brothers bestie. Oh well, onwards we go 🤷🏼♀️
An extra note, it all starting going wrong after ‘baby boy’ I just can’t with this nickname 😱 he even used it in front of the brother and the friends, and sorry just nope lol!
A shame because I love this trope of falling in love with brothers bestie. Oh well, onwards we go 🤷🏼♀️
Read
March 11, 2020This was just ok for me. I’m not sure how to rate it. Two stars seems too harsh but three seems wrong too because I can think of loads of other books that I’ve given three stars to and enjoyed way more. So, for now, I’m leaving it unrated. 🤷🏻♀️
Riley Hart is very hit or miss for me. The, “brother’s best friend,” is one of my favorite tropes but this didn’t work all the way. I didn’t feel the connection between Chase and Kellan and, don’t yell at me, there was too much sex and I started skimming parts.
I would still probably read the next one.
Riley Hart is very hit or miss for me. The, “brother’s best friend,” is one of my favorite tropes but this didn’t work all the way. I didn’t feel the connection between Chase and Kellan and, don’t yell at me, there was too much sex and I started skimming parts.
I would still probably read the next one.
April 7, 2021
Não me canso de MM clichês😅Clichês que curto : Melhores amigos que se apaixonam, cara apaixonado pelo melhor amigo do irmão, rivais que se apaixonam, gay apaixonado por hetero que não é tão hetero assim e por aí vai 😅
Giving Chase foi uma delicinha de ler, ando menos exigente com enredo, se tiver um romancinho gostoso capaz de esquentar meu coração...acaba me agradando. Conheço leitores que ler tanta coisa e nunca tá satisfeito com nada, talvez o problema não esteja nos livros mas sim na pessoa ( cof, cof minhas primas).
Giving Chase foi uma delicinha de ler, ando menos exigente com enredo, se tiver um romancinho gostoso capaz de esquentar meu coração...acaba me agradando. Conheço leitores que ler tanta coisa e nunca tá satisfeito com nada, talvez o problema não esteja nos livros mas sim na pessoa ( cof, cof minhas primas).
February 27, 2023
I loved my first book by Riley Hart, The Endgame, very much, and was subsequently disappointed with her other books, so eventually gave up reading more.
This series intrigued me, though. Since the 4. book, Griff's story, was the book I wanted to read most and I didn't wamt to miss out on the connections between the group of friends, I had to start from the beginning.
Thankfully I didn't hate this book, haha.
I'd rate it around 3,5 stars, because there was nothing really negative for me, it was entertaining and I never felt like skipping paragraphs.
The writing style wasn't anything to write home about though, it was a bit disappointing.
3,5 stars
This series intrigued me, though. Since the 4. book, Griff's story, was the book I wanted to read most and I didn't wamt to miss out on the connections between the group of friends, I had to start from the beginning.
Thankfully I didn't hate this book, haha.
I'd rate it around 3,5 stars, because there was nothing really negative for me, it was entertaining and I never felt like skipping paragraphs.
The writing style wasn't anything to write home about though, it was a bit disappointing.
3,5 stars
August 3, 2020
It's a very nice story, but probably not one of those that I will remember for years.
I have a definite soft spot for stories where both lovers have been in love for years and eventually reunite. This is just such a story. And it also partially touches on one of the motives that I like even more - a second chance. So I'm not surprised that I like this story.
In such stories, one of the most difficult issues is always finding a good reason why the couple broke up. It must be credible enough for me and compatible with the character's psychology. In this case, there is no problem with it. Chase's behavior is completely in line with his experiences and personality. Moreover, it's so consistent that I don't even mind that Kellan and Chase are hiding their relationship, although it's not something I like in my books.
But the strongest point of this book are the fantastic characters. I like everyone. Chase and Kellana, who together make an amazing couple, but separately are also interesting and complicated characters. Kellan's brother, Griffin. And, of course, Griffin's and Kellan's friends. I can't wait to read their stories and I think it might be soon.
The author managed to create wonderful characters to which I became easily attached. I am also very glad that she managed to avoid the trap of stupid decisions of her characters. They behave quite rationally and consistent with their personality. Remarkably, there's not much drama in this story either. Despite the fact that there is a good background for this - both the whole situation of the forbidden romance and the past of both main characters.
As a result, we get a pretty good story which I would definitely recommend. Who know, maybe I'll keep coming back to these characters, even if not to the story itself.
I have a definite soft spot for stories where both lovers have been in love for years and eventually reunite. This is just such a story. And it also partially touches on one of the motives that I like even more - a second chance. So I'm not surprised that I like this story.
In such stories, one of the most difficult issues is always finding a good reason why the couple broke up. It must be credible enough for me and compatible with the character's psychology. In this case, there is no problem with it. Chase's behavior is completely in line with his experiences and personality. Moreover, it's so consistent that I don't even mind that Kellan and Chase are hiding their relationship, although it's not something I like in my books.
But the strongest point of this book are the fantastic characters. I like everyone. Chase and Kellana, who together make an amazing couple, but separately are also interesting and complicated characters. Kellan's brother, Griffin. And, of course, Griffin's and Kellan's friends. I can't wait to read their stories and I think it might be soon.
The author managed to create wonderful characters to which I became easily attached. I am also very glad that she managed to avoid the trap of stupid decisions of her characters. They behave quite rationally and consistent with their personality. Remarkably, there's not much drama in this story either. Despite the fact that there is a good background for this - both the whole situation of the forbidden romance and the past of both main characters.
As a result, we get a pretty good story which I would definitely recommend. Who know, maybe I'll keep coming back to these characters, even if not to the story itself.
October 24, 2020
De lo más flojito que he leído de la autora. Para mí, le falta mucha tensión, sentimiento, no vale con contarlo, el lector lo tiene que sentir, ha habido momentos en que me ha parecido incluso aburrido.
Want to read
November 30, 2020Elfonso Twinkletoes made my evening with this gift and a super sweet note! Thanks for both of those, I really appreciated it! 💕
December 20, 2020
3.5 rounded up because the two MC communicated very well and that's refreshing. This is a brother's best friend story done right. Sometimes with this trope I don't get why the best friend is in love with the brother and not the best friend himself (looking at you Not Just for Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs) but here it made sense that two men were friends and the other two were lovers, it could not be any other way. Their relationship was well paced and I understood Chase's hesitations and reservations. I liked the "mystery/investigation". My only 2 complaints were that it dragged a bit in the middle (goodreads says it's 222 pages long but it is really 360 pages long) so I feel that it could have been trimmed down. The second one is the nickname "baby boy" that I don't like in general but was especially odd here because Chase calls Kellan that and Kellan likes it even though he insists repeatedly that he does not want to be seen as a kid because he is an adult. I felt that it did not fit the character at all. Otherwise it was really enjoyable and I will continue on with the series.
October 9, 2020
I love Riley Hart, so it was a must for me to read this series.
Giving Chase is a great start to the Havenwood series.
Altough I really didn't like Kellan's childish side and Chase's endearment, I loved them and all the other characters.
Really look forward to Law's and Knox's stories.
Giving Chase is a great start to the Havenwood series.
Altough I really didn't like Kellan's childish side and Chase's endearment, I loved them and all the other characters.
Really look forward to Law's and Knox's stories.
April 22, 2022
time of death: 36%
not even the sex can save me 😵😵💫
not even the sex can save me 😵😵💫
August 1, 2020
4 stars
Falling in love with my brother’s best friend. LOVE this trope.
Kellan has loved Chase since he was 14. Chase thought of Kellan like a little brother. So when lines were blurred when Kellan was 18, Chase felt guilty and ran.
10 years later... Chase is back. Kellan’s still pissed. Can they deny their attraction? Of course not! This is a romance after all.
But Kellan’s brother may have a few words to say when he finds out his brother and his best friend have been spending a LOT of time together behind his back.
Once Kellan’s anger subsided, he knew he’d take Chase any way he could get him. And Chase began to realize he was feeling a bit more than just brotherly love towards Kellan.
“Kellan had always looked at me as if I was important, as if I mattered, in ways no one else ever did.”
I loved this book. It was full of hotness and hurt/comfort with a dash of mystery thrown in.
Falling in love with my brother’s best friend. LOVE this trope.
Kellan has loved Chase since he was 14. Chase thought of Kellan like a little brother. So when lines were blurred when Kellan was 18, Chase felt guilty and ran.
10 years later... Chase is back. Kellan’s still pissed. Can they deny their attraction? Of course not! This is a romance after all.
But Kellan’s brother may have a few words to say when he finds out his brother and his best friend have been spending a LOT of time together behind his back.
Once Kellan’s anger subsided, he knew he’d take Chase any way he could get him. And Chase began to realize he was feeling a bit more than just brotherly love towards Kellan.
“Kellan had always looked at me as if I was important, as if I mattered, in ways no one else ever did.”
I loved this book. It was full of hotness and hurt/comfort with a dash of mystery thrown in.
March 24, 2020
This was a sweet Riley Hart read. The characters are all likable and the story flows nicely. The ending works well.
September 10, 2023
4⭐️ brother’s best friend romance where young Kellan pines for his big brother’s best friend, Chase, for over a decade. Of course Riley’s writing is always passionate and intense. I liked that this one had a mystery plot on the side which made it interesting. I loved Kellan and the side characters but the only problem is I just couldn’t really connect with Chase. He felt a bit bland and didn’t have a clear personality, which made it difficult for me to understand what Kellan saw in him—other than hero-worship and pity that Chase’s home-life was so bad.
October 24, 2021
Kellan ha vivido en el pueblo de Havenwood toda su vida, es quizas, uno de los hombres gay mas abierto en el pueblo y eso le ha causado muchos problemas a lo largo de su vida, pero nada de eso ha impedido que logre casi todos sus sueños, aunque el unico que no ha podido alcanzar regresa al pueblo, el mejor amigo de su hermano Chase.
Chase salio huyendo de Havenwood para buscar una vida mejor, pero tambien huyo de los sentimientos encontrados que tiene por el hermano pequeño de su mejor amigo. Sin embargo, su momento de regresar ha llegado y debera no solo enfrentar a la gente del pueblo que tanto lo menosprecio, sino tambien los sentimientos hacia el ahora no tan pequeño Kellan.
La relacion entre Kellan y Chase debera afrontar no solo el dolor de su hermano Griff, sino tambien el odio del padre de Chase y las malas intenciones de algunos pueblerinos por su orientacion sexual, ambos deberan ser fuertes y confiar en sus amigos y familia para superar todo.
El libro como tal es bastante bueno, tiene buenos dialogos, los protas estan bien definidos, los secundarios tienen el suficiente interes como para querer ver que pasa despues con ellos, y la trama es sencilla pero bien llevada. En fin, es un buen libro para pasar el rato, que entretiene y te deja algunas reflexiones sencillas.
Lo que menos me gusto fue la poca descripcion de los ambientes, apenas me pude imaginar la cabaña de Chase, y la casa de Kellan, ni el bar de Griff. No queria descripciones detalladas, pero me hubiera gustado algo como "Tenia una buena vista del patio desde la entrada" o "En la cocina podiamos estar los dos con tranquilidad", algo como para poder imaginarme el espacio, porque eso fue quizas lo que mas me costo de este libro.
Sin embargo, la serie promete, quiero saber que va a ser de los otros personajes, con quien va a terminar Griff? Josh ya esta enamorado de alguien pero no quiere aceptarlo? Max y Law son pareja? Para eso voy a continuar con la serie, esperando que sea tan entretenida como hasta ahora.
Chase salio huyendo de Havenwood para buscar una vida mejor, pero tambien huyo de los sentimientos encontrados que tiene por el hermano pequeño de su mejor amigo. Sin embargo, su momento de regresar ha llegado y debera no solo enfrentar a la gente del pueblo que tanto lo menosprecio, sino tambien los sentimientos hacia el ahora no tan pequeño Kellan.
La relacion entre Kellan y Chase debera afrontar no solo el dolor de su hermano Griff, sino tambien el odio del padre de Chase y las malas intenciones de algunos pueblerinos por su orientacion sexual, ambos deberan ser fuertes y confiar en sus amigos y familia para superar todo.
El libro como tal es bastante bueno, tiene buenos dialogos, los protas estan bien definidos, los secundarios tienen el suficiente interes como para querer ver que pasa despues con ellos, y la trama es sencilla pero bien llevada. En fin, es un buen libro para pasar el rato, que entretiene y te deja algunas reflexiones sencillas.
Lo que menos me gusto fue la poca descripcion de los ambientes, apenas me pude imaginar la cabaña de Chase, y la casa de Kellan, ni el bar de Griff. No queria descripciones detalladas, pero me hubiera gustado algo como "Tenia una buena vista del patio desde la entrada" o "En la cocina podiamos estar los dos con tranquilidad", algo como para poder imaginarme el espacio, porque eso fue quizas lo que mas me costo de este libro.
Sin embargo, la serie promete, quiero saber que va a ser de los otros personajes, con quien va a terminar Griff? Josh ya esta enamorado de alguien pero no quiere aceptarlo? Max y Law son pareja? Para eso voy a continuar con la serie, esperando que sea tan entretenida como hasta ahora.
January 23, 2022
I'm a fan of small-town romance series where each book features a new couple while previous couples pop up in the background. So, I was pretty eager to read this series, especially since I've read a few other books by Riley Hart and enjoyed them. Unfortunately, this first book is really weak. The plot is nothing special (a second-chances romance with the younger sibling of a childhood best friend), the angst is really boring, the drama that occurs at the 70% mark is really dumb and its resolution was beyond obvious, and honestly, I have a lot of trouble taking a romance seriously when one of the nicknames they give each other is "baby boy." Like... no, ew, gross. Idk, I may give the next book a chance because like I said, I like small-town romances, but I have a bad feeling that literally everyone is going to end up queer and that's just silly. So. Yeah.
April 16, 2021
I really like this book. There were many great characters besides the mcs. I am very much looking forward to read their stories too.
However I also liked Kalen and Chase a lot. They had good chemistry and were pretty cute together. I also liked that while it took them ages to get together there really stick to each other from there on.
I also liked the story about the parents of Griff and Kalen. I kind of wish their would have been more of a confrontation at the end but it was fine like it is.
Also would have liked to see a little more interaction with the people from the small town regarding the photo incident.
Besides that I enjoyed reading this. It was a great book.
However I also liked Kalen and Chase a lot. They had good chemistry and were pretty cute together. I also liked that while it took them ages to get together there really stick to each other from there on.
I also liked the story about the parents of Griff and Kalen. I kind of wish their would have been more of a confrontation at the end but it was fine like it is.
Also would have liked to see a little more interaction with the people from the small town regarding the photo incident.
Besides that I enjoyed reading this. It was a great book.
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