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Gilcrest University Guys #1
Chasing Chance
There are moments in your life that become part of you. They become so ingrained in your memory that you can’t let them go, no matter how hard you try. Some may seem small and insignificant when they happen. Others are so big and important that you know, even while you’re in the moment, that your life will be forever changed. For me, almost all those moments—both the small and insignificant as well as the big and important—were moments I shared with Chance Wyrick.
If I were in a support group for hopelessly pathetic gays, I’d have to introduce myself by saying, “Hi, I’m Andy Michaelson and I can’t stop myself from thinking about Chance Wyrick.”
From the time we met, when we were only six years old, and for the next twelve years, he was my best friend. I fell in love with him along the way. I couldn’t say exactly when it happened, only that it happened.
Words of advice:
Never fall in love with your best friend, especially if he’s one of the most popular kids at school, the best high school quarterback in the state, or if he happens to be your next-door neighbor.
But most of all…
Never, I repeat never, fall in love with your best friend if he’s straight. Nothing good can come of it. Trust me.
Our friendship was over before we finished our last year of high school. My best friend became my ex-best friend. I hoped to forget about him when I went off to college. But Chance followed me there. So did all the memories.
I tried to forget him. I did. But he was more beautiful than ever. He was the starting quarterback for Gilcrest University. He was larger than life. He was impossible to ignore. We hadn’t spoken in years, but the memories still hit me out of nowhere, and they still hurt.
By the time I started my third year at Gilcrest, I was beginning to think I’d never be over him.
As it turns out, I was right…
Chasing Chance is the first book in the Gilcrest University Guys series. It’s a full-length, “friends to lovers” romance novel. It has “coming out” and “first-time gay” themes, is stocked full of STEAM, heartache, and laughter, and it has a guaranteed happy ending. The series will follow the love stories of four college friends. Chasing Chance is the first of two books that will tell Andy and Chance’s love story. Look for book two, Catching Chance, to come out next month!
If I were in a support group for hopelessly pathetic gays, I’d have to introduce myself by saying, “Hi, I’m Andy Michaelson and I can’t stop myself from thinking about Chance Wyrick.”
From the time we met, when we were only six years old, and for the next twelve years, he was my best friend. I fell in love with him along the way. I couldn’t say exactly when it happened, only that it happened.
Words of advice:
Never fall in love with your best friend, especially if he’s one of the most popular kids at school, the best high school quarterback in the state, or if he happens to be your next-door neighbor.
But most of all…
Never, I repeat never, fall in love with your best friend if he’s straight. Nothing good can come of it. Trust me.
Our friendship was over before we finished our last year of high school. My best friend became my ex-best friend. I hoped to forget about him when I went off to college. But Chance followed me there. So did all the memories.
I tried to forget him. I did. But he was more beautiful than ever. He was the starting quarterback for Gilcrest University. He was larger than life. He was impossible to ignore. We hadn’t spoken in years, but the memories still hit me out of nowhere, and they still hurt.
By the time I started my third year at Gilcrest, I was beginning to think I’d never be over him.
As it turns out, I was right…
Chasing Chance is the first book in the Gilcrest University Guys series. It’s a full-length, “friends to lovers” romance novel. It has “coming out” and “first-time gay” themes, is stocked full of STEAM, heartache, and laughter, and it has a guaranteed happy ending. The series will follow the love stories of four college friends. Chasing Chance is the first of two books that will tell Andy and Chance’s love story. Look for book two, Catching Chance, to come out next month!
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2019
About the author
M.E. Parker
8 books189 followers Librarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Mary Esther Parker
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 9, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this friends-to-enemies-to-lovers second chance book, including numerous flashbacks from age six to eighteen, but this is only the first half of Andy and Chance's story.
After being estranged for 4 years, all while attending the same high school, then college, the boys reconnected during Thanksgiving break of their junior year.
The feelings and fears felt genuine, with some fairly mild steam thrown in, but this book ended with them becoming boyfriends during Christmas break of that same year.
I'll be reading the second book next, but fear that it's going to be ALL DRAMA (homophobia, religion, general bullshit), which I tend to hate, so fingers crossed.
4 stars for this first step toward Andy and Chance's HEA.
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December 23, 2022
Mais interessante do que pensei que seria ( Chance e Andy me pegaram💕) pronta para o próximo livro
Read
April 4, 2019I'm throwing in the towel. This book had a lot of potential, but it had too many flashbacks. I'm not typically a fan of them, to begin with, but sometimes don't mind them if they're conducive to the story. In Chasing Chance there were too many, I found them boring, and disruptive to the story flow.
No rating.
No rating.
June 20, 2019
Son dos libros, no se pueden leer en solitario puesto que la historia se desarrolla en los dos.
No hay nada que me guste más que un friends to lovers, amigos de la infancia que se enamoran, enamoramiento secreto, gran revelación, bla bla bla. Esta historia no podía pintar mejor, pero se queda todo en el blurb.
La primera parte es entretenida, ellos son adorables, la he disfrutado, aunque en concreto la escena en la que todo comienza me parece absurda. Pero bueno, lo perdonamos, son muy monos, son jóvenes, están enamorados...
La segunda parte se me ha hecho mucho más pesada, con muchos ojos entornados, fundamentalmente por la cantidad de veces que a esta gente se le cae una lágrima, y resulta que se la limpian con el hombro, que alguien me explique cómo se hace eso.
Para pasar el rato.
No hay nada que me guste más que un friends to lovers, amigos de la infancia que se enamoran, enamoramiento secreto, gran revelación, bla bla bla. Esta historia no podía pintar mejor, pero se queda todo en el blurb.
La primera parte es entretenida, ellos son adorables, la he disfrutado, aunque en concreto la escena en la que todo comienza me parece absurda. Pero bueno, lo perdonamos, son muy monos, son jóvenes, están enamorados...
La segunda parte se me ha hecho mucho más pesada, con muchos ojos entornados, fundamentalmente por la cantidad de veces que a esta gente se le cae una lágrima, y resulta que se la limpian con el hombro, que alguien me explique cómo se hace eso.
Para pasar el rato.
April 11, 2019
Andy and Chance are friends for over more than twelve years from when they were six. Only four years ago after Andy outed himself to Chance, suddenly Andy was ghosted by Chance, not one word after that. Andy stayed behind with a broken heart.
Now they meet again, unexpected and Chance just doesn’t know how to make up for the lost years. Far in the closet for his father, his football coach and teammates.
I loved this one, not just another “sport guy in the closet” story. They had a past and we get to know it widely. I loved Andy’s kind personality. I loved his supportive friends, specially Cameron! I even loved Chance who stumbled and struggled through life.
Good, clear written story. The emotions in this read were so well described, I felt it deeply.
Beside the emotional parts it was also funny at times and at moments quite serious.
The sort of flashbacks did clarify a lot. This story had a smoothly flow and appealing emotional moments! The characters were beautifully flawed and adorable.
Overall a captivating and heartwarming story!
At the end I’d understand there will be a continuation with these guys and hopefully I can get my hands on that one!
Now they meet again, unexpected and Chance just doesn’t know how to make up for the lost years. Far in the closet for his father, his football coach and teammates.
I loved this one, not just another “sport guy in the closet” story. They had a past and we get to know it widely. I loved Andy’s kind personality. I loved his supportive friends, specially Cameron! I even loved Chance who stumbled and struggled through life.
Good, clear written story. The emotions in this read were so well described, I felt it deeply.
Beside the emotional parts it was also funny at times and at moments quite serious.
The sort of flashbacks did clarify a lot. This story had a smoothly flow and appealing emotional moments! The characters were beautifully flawed and adorable.
Overall a captivating and heartwarming story!
At the end I’d understand there will be a continuation with these guys and hopefully I can get my hands on that one!
March 24, 2019
While I was totally excited about this book, I have some mixed feelings about how it played out.
Chance and Andy have been best friends since they were just kids. They did everything together, to the point where Chance's parents questioned/warned him about being gay. It just wasn't an option in their home. Andy's parents were glad to see him happy.
But when they were in high school, everything changed and Chance ghosted Andy when he came out. Now, in college, circumstances put them back into each other's lives and they are weathering the storm of feelings that they both have for each other.
I think the jock/nerd trope can be really fun to read when it's done right. To me this was very cliche. I felt like Chance got away with being so closed off and Andy put up with it all. Told from alternating POV's we got in Chance's head and could see how he felt, which helped me not completely hate him, but I just really wanted him to be a little less in the closet at the end of the day.
There wasn't enough here for me to be okay with the relationship the way it was and not feel like it was getting into 'dirty little secret' territory.
The story ended abruptly with a blurb for book 2, which is the continuation of their story as they both go home for Christmas break. I'd have liked a bit more of a warning or some kind of wrap up of this book before just ending it, but that wasn't to be. I'm hoping the next story will give Chance and Andy the relationship they deserve.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
Chance and Andy have been best friends since they were just kids. They did everything together, to the point where Chance's parents questioned/warned him about being gay. It just wasn't an option in their home. Andy's parents were glad to see him happy.
But when they were in high school, everything changed and Chance ghosted Andy when he came out. Now, in college, circumstances put them back into each other's lives and they are weathering the storm of feelings that they both have for each other.
I think the jock/nerd trope can be really fun to read when it's done right. To me this was very cliche. I felt like Chance got away with being so closed off and Andy put up with it all. Told from alternating POV's we got in Chance's head and could see how he felt, which helped me not completely hate him, but I just really wanted him to be a little less in the closet at the end of the day.
There wasn't enough here for me to be okay with the relationship the way it was and not feel like it was getting into 'dirty little secret' territory.
The story ended abruptly with a blurb for book 2, which is the continuation of their story as they both go home for Christmas break. I'd have liked a bit more of a warning or some kind of wrap up of this book before just ending it, but that wasn't to be. I'm hoping the next story will give Chance and Andy the relationship they deserve.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
July 29, 2021
We’re gay! And in love!
Sorry about the ghosting.
Quarterback sneaking.
Sorry about the ghosting.
Quarterback sneaking.
December 17, 2019
Great friend-to-lovers MM romance. This book kept popping up as a recommendation in the Kindle Store and I’m so glad I read it. It’s funny and sweet and extremely sexy.
I’ve been in a reading rut lately. The majority of my recent books have been underwhelming. I can say that I never once rolled my eyes or got bored with this story. The writing was good and the story comforting. The side characters were also great. I’m hoping to get more Cameron in future books.
Highly recommend.
I’ve been in a reading rut lately. The majority of my recent books have been underwhelming. I can say that I never once rolled my eyes or got bored with this story. The writing was good and the story comforting. The side characters were also great. I’m hoping to get more Cameron in future books.
Highly recommend.
March 27, 2019
2.5 stars that I am rounding up somewhat against my better judgement.
This is a very lightweight story so far. It is a bit hard to judge because it is really only half a book. It is short and has an abrupt ending. I would complain that some stuff was not required for the story but it is hard to tell. Maybe we need it for the end of the book? It is really hard to say what was good as there just was not enough to judge it completely. So here are random thoughts that may or may not stay that way once I read section 2 (if I remember when it is actually released)
- Chance and Andy are nice characters
- I liked that it was not really about a gay boy convincing his straight best friend that they can be more than friends.
- The flashbacks had some fairly serious discrepancies in them. I would like to say it was because they are unreliable narrators but I think it is actually an error in writing.
- For the most part the flashbacks worked in well however they were a bit too long.
- The groundwork was put down for the books of each friend, however it was done quite clumsily.
- The stupidity of Andy thinking "I have to talk to Chance about telling my roommmate" and then not doing so and expecting his roommate to be blind and deaf to made me shake my head.
-Chance's father was a cardboard cliche. Maybe he will be redeemed later.
This is a very lightweight story so far. It is a bit hard to judge because it is really only half a book. It is short and has an abrupt ending. I would complain that some stuff was not required for the story but it is hard to tell. Maybe we need it for the end of the book? It is really hard to say what was good as there just was not enough to judge it completely. So here are random thoughts that may or may not stay that way once I read section 2 (if I remember when it is actually released)
- Chance and Andy are nice characters
- I liked that it was not really about a gay boy convincing his straight best friend that they can be more than friends.
- The flashbacks had some fairly serious discrepancies in them. I would like to say it was because they are unreliable narrators but I think it is actually an error in writing.
- For the most part the flashbacks worked in well however they were a bit too long.
- The groundwork was put down for the books of each friend, however it was done quite clumsily.
- The stupidity of Andy thinking "I have to talk to Chance about telling my roommmate" and then not doing so and expecting his roommate to be blind and deaf to made me shake my head.
-Chance's father was a cardboard cliche. Maybe he will be redeemed later.
February 7, 2021
I didn't like Chance very much, closeted asshole that he is but I loved Andy. Such a sweet person. All he ever wanted was a relationship, which he's not able to have because of his dickheaded ex-best friend. Cam's story was what attracted me to this series in the first place but I'm glad I read this one.
June 20, 2019
3.75 STARS This is my review for both books in this series - you need to read both of them - this one doesn’t wrap up the story. While I didn’t lovit it was entertaining. This story was about childhood friends who had a bit of a falling out and reconnecting. I just felt as if it turned on a dime so quickly.
April 6, 2019
Dammmn, the story was just cut off!! I didn't like that.
But I still want to know if Andy & Chance will get their chance together.....
Read
October 21, 2020DNF. Not for me. Time of death: About halfway through. 🤷🏻♀️
September 16, 2020
I'm a sucker for childhood friends and second chance romances, so yes, I did love this premise. I liked the characters and it would have been much better if the story was better written. 3 stars is an ADEQUATE rating because I did indeed like it and I will move on to the next book!
(please give me more recs on childhood friends/second chance romances gah I need more)
(please give me more recs on childhood friends/second chance romances gah I need more)
December 9, 2019
I seriously adored this book, it was so real and raw. I loved it. Queue in single tear, it was that good. Minus one star for being a cliffhanger type ending.
April 9, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Childhood best friends to lovers is an absolute favorite trope of mine and this book absolutely called to me. I have read other books by this author and this one also held my attention. The book is highly character driven as we see Andy and Chance meeting at a young age and then several key points as they went through high school. Their earlier years are shown in flashbacks and the scenes blend easily as a recalled memory.
Although the boys grew up next to each other, they had different upbringings as Chance’s father was the local pastor. As the boys got older, Chance’s father did not approve of their friendship and when Andy came out, the family friendships were fractured as well. Chance’s father is not on page much, but it is easy to see the long shadow he continues to hold over Chance’s life. Chance didn’t know how to handle Andy coming out, as well as his own feelings, so he shut everything down hurting Andy and himself in the process.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Childhood best friends to lovers is an absolute favorite trope of mine and this book absolutely called to me. I have read other books by this author and this one also held my attention. The book is highly character driven as we see Andy and Chance meeting at a young age and then several key points as they went through high school. Their earlier years are shown in flashbacks and the scenes blend easily as a recalled memory.
Although the boys grew up next to each other, they had different upbringings as Chance’s father was the local pastor. As the boys got older, Chance’s father did not approve of their friendship and when Andy came out, the family friendships were fractured as well. Chance’s father is not on page much, but it is easy to see the long shadow he continues to hold over Chance’s life. Chance didn’t know how to handle Andy coming out, as well as his own feelings, so he shut everything down hurting Andy and himself in the process.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
April 8, 2019
Cliffhanger alert. This couple has another book before we wrap up their story. This is not a bad one. Old themes but told well enough to keep you invested. Andy and Chance are good cahracters both with struggles of their own but have always had a deep bond. I will read the next one because I want to know how the ex best friends to lovers story ends.
March 26, 2019
THE MORE YOU KNOW (shooting star... RAINBOW): The author notes: "Chasing Chance" is the first book in the Gilcrest University Guys series. It’s a full-length, “friends to lovers” romance novel. It has “coming out” and “first-time gay” themes, is stocked full of STEAM, heartache, and laughter, and it has a guaranteed happy ending. The series will follow the love stories of four college friends. "Chasing Chance" is the first of two books that will tell Andy and Chance’s love story. Look for book two, "Catching Chance," to come out next month!" Be aware that we aren't getting Andy and Chance's complete story in "Chasing Chance" and the ending is up-in-the-air and incomplete.
I must admit that I love the best-friends-to-lovers trope and the first part of this book is sweet as 6-year-old Chance and Andy become best friends and have a great childhood that includes camping together and building a great tree house that Chance designs (he's always been interested in becoming an architect). We get alternating POVs here and through a series of flashbacks see how good things are between the two boys ... until they aren't.
Chance's father is a minister who preaches that homosexuality is a perversion and Chances takes the easier road by denying his sexuality and playing the role of the perfect son / starting quarterback while dating a sweet girl who plays on giving him her virginity the night of their prom. Chance is more than a bit of an asshat when he completely ghosts Andy for their last year of high school, and even though they both end up at Gilcrest University, they don't run in the same circles. Until they meet again in an incredibly improbably scene and they discover their friendship is still as strong as ever, plus a sizzling sexual component.
While I found the plot entertaining, so much of THIS book is just setting the stage for the NEXT book in the series by introducing characters and setting. For example, we meet Andy's roommate Cameron and their friends Ben and Jory who I assume will be the MCs in upcoming books, and it appears that Cameron's story is happening concurrently with "Chasing Chance" as he is mysteriously taking calls in another room and seems to be up to something. But my pet peeve is that nothing is really resolved between Chance and Andy as the book ends suddenly (in mid-sentence) as they are headed home for Christmas break. The first chapter of the next book serves as an epilogue of sorts, but I really dislike the way the author choose to conclude this book.
I've giving "Chasing Chance" 3.5 stars because I like the plot, find the characters interesting, want to learn more about Chance and Andy's romance and relationship, and I look forward to getting Cameron, Ben and Jory's stories in future books. The "ending" did not work for me, and I would have liked more focus on Chance and Andy and advancing their relationship. But, as always, I realize other readers may not feel the same way, so give this one a read and let me know what you think!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
I must admit that I love the best-friends-to-lovers trope and the first part of this book is sweet as 6-year-old Chance and Andy become best friends and have a great childhood that includes camping together and building a great tree house that Chance designs (he's always been interested in becoming an architect). We get alternating POVs here and through a series of flashbacks see how good things are between the two boys ... until they aren't.
Chance's father is a minister who preaches that homosexuality is a perversion and Chances takes the easier road by denying his sexuality and playing the role of the perfect son / starting quarterback while dating a sweet girl who plays on giving him her virginity the night of their prom. Chance is more than a bit of an asshat when he completely ghosts Andy for their last year of high school, and even though they both end up at Gilcrest University, they don't run in the same circles. Until they meet again in an incredibly improbably scene and they discover their friendship is still as strong as ever, plus a sizzling sexual component.
While I found the plot entertaining, so much of THIS book is just setting the stage for the NEXT book in the series by introducing characters and setting. For example, we meet Andy's roommate Cameron and their friends Ben and Jory who I assume will be the MCs in upcoming books, and it appears that Cameron's story is happening concurrently with "Chasing Chance" as he is mysteriously taking calls in another room and seems to be up to something. But my pet peeve is that nothing is really resolved between Chance and Andy as the book ends suddenly (in mid-sentence) as they are headed home for Christmas break. The first chapter of the next book serves as an epilogue of sorts, but I really dislike the way the author choose to conclude this book.
I've giving "Chasing Chance" 3.5 stars because I like the plot, find the characters interesting, want to learn more about Chance and Andy's romance and relationship, and I look forward to getting Cameron, Ben and Jory's stories in future books. The "ending" did not work for me, and I would have liked more focus on Chance and Andy and advancing their relationship. But, as always, I realize other readers may not feel the same way, so give this one a read and let me know what you think!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
March 24, 2020
Chasing Chance By M.E. Parker
( Gilcrest University Guys #1)
This was such a surprised to me , I didn’t expect to like it that much.
I fell for the characters fast and really hard , I truly connected with them and every emotion they bring to the table , they were too good constructed.
In this story we got Chance and Andy , they were childhood friends but go in different ways when they stared college , despiste of being in the same university , But one event brings them together again and the butterflies start to fly around.
I could feel the pain behind them and every time they were separated I was screaming to my kindle to finally bring this two soulmates together, I cried a lot cuz I related to their story , truly love them.
This book is a duet ( Catching Chance)
_____________________ SPANISH
Este libro fue una agradable sorpresa para mi.
Caí por los personajes bastante rápido , conecte mucho con ellos y cada emoción que sentían dentro de ellos o dejaban salir al mundo. Están muy bien construido.
En esta historia tenemos a Chance y Andy , ellos eran amigos de la infancia pero fueron en caminos distintos cuando eran adolescentes a pesar de ir a la misma universidad pero un evento los vuelve a juntar y esto hace que las chispas vuelvan a explotar entre ellos.
Pude sentir el dolor detrás de ellos y cada momento que duraron separados yo solo le gritaba a mi kindle para que ya POR FIN Se juntaran. Llore bastante porque me identifique mucho con su historia.
Este libro tiene una continuación llamada Catching Chance.
_____________________
( Gilcrest University Guys #1)
This was such a surprised to me , I didn’t expect to like it that much.
I fell for the characters fast and really hard , I truly connected with them and every emotion they bring to the table , they were too good constructed.
In this story we got Chance and Andy , they were childhood friends but go in different ways when they stared college , despiste of being in the same university , But one event brings them together again and the butterflies start to fly around.
I could feel the pain behind them and every time they were separated I was screaming to my kindle to finally bring this two soulmates together, I cried a lot cuz I related to their story , truly love them.
This book is a duet ( Catching Chance)
_____________________ SPANISH
Este libro fue una agradable sorpresa para mi.
Caí por los personajes bastante rápido , conecte mucho con ellos y cada emoción que sentían dentro de ellos o dejaban salir al mundo. Están muy bien construido.
En esta historia tenemos a Chance y Andy , ellos eran amigos de la infancia pero fueron en caminos distintos cuando eran adolescentes a pesar de ir a la misma universidad pero un evento los vuelve a juntar y esto hace que las chispas vuelvan a explotar entre ellos.
Pude sentir el dolor detrás de ellos y cada momento que duraron separados yo solo le gritaba a mi kindle para que ya POR FIN Se juntaran. Llore bastante porque me identifique mucho con su historia.
Este libro tiene una continuación llamada Catching Chance.
_____________________
March 20, 2019
I loved this book. I can't wait for the continuation coming soon, but yeah, this is a great book. Both characters, Chance and Andy, are realistic, sympathetic characters you love from the first page. The flashbacks were handled perfectly and I had to keep reading because I wanted to know how these to men find their happiness. Although it doesn't end in this book, and continuations usually bug me, but I can't wait for Chance and Andy's story to continue.
Andy and Chance have been friends since Chance and his family moved in next door when they were six. They were inseparable every day since. But as they grew older, Andy came to the realization he was gay and attracted to his best friend, but one night ended their friendship abruptly, breaking his heart. But you can't be mad at Chance, especially after you learn about his past through his POV.
Many times this book made me smile and with low angst, it's a great read. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops and I'm excited about the other books in the Gilcrest Series!! A must read!!
Andy and Chance have been friends since Chance and his family moved in next door when they were six. They were inseparable every day since. But as they grew older, Andy came to the realization he was gay and attracted to his best friend, but one night ended their friendship abruptly, breaking his heart. But you can't be mad at Chance, especially after you learn about his past through his POV.
Many times this book made me smile and with low angst, it's a great read. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops and I'm excited about the other books in the Gilcrest Series!! A must read!!
Want to read
October 15, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/15/2020)! 🎁
November 16, 2020
3.5 stars
July 11, 2021
Detour to Happiness
Great beginning to the series. Both MCs are likable and mildly flawed. Sidekick roomies provide the correct amount of sass. Good parent/bad parent. The Feels are real, my friend. 3.75 for camping.
Great beginning to the series. Both MCs are likable and mildly flawed. Sidekick roomies provide the correct amount of sass. Good parent/bad parent. The Feels are real, my friend. 3.75 for camping.
April 17, 2019
DNF 87%. I got bored. The first half of the book was annoying as hell having a flashback every few pages. The story didn't really pick up until 60%. The story had real good potential with childhood-friend-to-lover troupes and coming out drama but simply failed to execute any of it well. The characters came out as superficial and hollow and I just wasn't feeling it. I finally gave up.
January 5, 2023
Just as good if not better the 2nd time around. Will be rereading again soon. Also wish these were audiobooks.
1st read - Feb. 22, 2021
2nd read - May 16, 2021
3rd read - Nov. 13, 2021
4th read - Jan. 4, 2023
1st read - Feb. 22, 2021
2nd read - May 16, 2021
3rd read - Nov. 13, 2021
4th read - Jan. 4, 2023
March 20, 2019
This is the second gay romance I'm lucky enough to both ARC and BETA read for M.E. Parker and boy, can she knock them out of the park. Both Chance and Andy are adorable, amazing, swoon worthy and easy to get invested in. They seem to compliment each other on every level. Where Andy is happily out of the closet, Chance is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. It doesn't help that his deeply religious dad, is the father at the local church. So Chance was raised to thinking being gay is wrong. This have held him back for so many years. Though he still doesn't feel like he can be himself all the time, one thing is certain: he never feels more like himself than when he's with Andy.
What I really liked about this book was the natural progression of things, and the friends-to strangers-to lovers path we follow Andy and Chance on. Though, their journey is filled with ups and downs, there's no forced or unnecessary conflict. No stupid misunderstandings that threaten the happiness of the MC's. That in itself could make this romance boring, however the secondary characters are over simply amazing. They're quirky, interesting, funny, lovable and so unique. On top of that M.E. Parker clearly shows her talent for writing, with the character growth - and I don't just mean regarding sexuality. The biggest lesson to be learned in this book is the difference between keeping a secret, and keeping someone a secret. The constant battle of keeping those two apart keeps Chance on his toes.
Even though, this is only the first book in Andy and Chance's story the book doesn't end on a cliffhanger. And the next book will be out already next month, which I'm so excited for!!
What I really liked about this book was the natural progression of things, and the friends-to strangers-to lovers path we follow Andy and Chance on. Though, their journey is filled with ups and downs, there's no forced or unnecessary conflict. No stupid misunderstandings that threaten the happiness of the MC's. That in itself could make this romance boring, however the secondary characters are over simply amazing. They're quirky, interesting, funny, lovable and so unique. On top of that M.E. Parker clearly shows her talent for writing, with the character growth - and I don't just mean regarding sexuality. The biggest lesson to be learned in this book is the difference between keeping a secret, and keeping someone a secret. The constant battle of keeping those two apart keeps Chance on his toes.
Even though, this is only the first book in Andy and Chance's story the book doesn't end on a cliffhanger. And the next book will be out already next month, which I'm so excited for!!
March 28, 2019
OMG! I absolutely Love ME Parker's Chasing Chance!
It's the story of Andy and Chance, former best friends, who haven't spoken in years. Now, junior year of college is here, and the young men are reunited. Of course, Andy is still head over heels for Chance.
Their story is one of a closeted quarterback and his ex best friend. It explores the troubles with being an out athlete, which is hands down one of my favorite tropes. It tackles important issues, such as homophobia and religious parents.
I love the friendship the two boys had growing up. It was their everything, as they spent all of their time together. Of course, their loss of that friendship is heart-breaking. It's horrible to read that their once promise to be best friend's forever was broken. Cue tears!
Andy and Chance are super sweet together. They're both likable, relatable, and sympathetic characters. They've faced a lot together, as well as separately. But they have the kind of friendship that needs to be more. They absolutely belong together.
I love the easygoing tone of this book. Every moment is sweet and despite the angst, it's not too heavy or overwhelming.
Damn! I love Chasing Chance. It's a beautiful story of unending feelings, forgiveness and understanding. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I can only hope it's just as amazing, and I'm super excited for Andy and Chance to truly get their happily ever after.
June 1, 2019
Andy and Chance had been best friends since they were kids. But when Andy came out, Chance ghosted Andy. Now they're both at Gilcrest University, but still not in each other's lives.
Chance has always regretted how he handled Andy's coming out, for more than one reason. Lately he's been questioning himself, his desires, and the direction of his life. He's realizing that he doesn't love football as much as he used to, and he really misses Andy. Is there a hope in the world that Andy will ever allow him back in his life?
I am on the fence about Chasing Chance. On one hand, I liked Andy and his friends, and even Chance. But, and that's a big but, I didn't like how Andy so quickly forgave Chance, and didn't really demand an explanation. I'm hoping there's resolution of their relationship, of their feelings, in book 2, but I have to say the ending in book 1 was abrupt and unsatisfying.
ARC via LesCourt ARC Team for an honest review.
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April 19, 2022
This was a good friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance for the most part. It's even hard to call it enemies because both Andy and Chance never really stopped wanting each other.
Andy and Chance have been best friends since they were six. There are some cliche things that happen between these two during their teen years. Their friendship abruptly ends early in their senior year.
Fast forward 4 years and they are brought back together. Now, to get to this point took a while in my opinion. There were A LOT of flashbacks and I am NOT a fan of flashbacks. A couple is usually ok, but this had A LOT.
Not much seemed to happen in this book other than background. Nothing is really resolved other than their friendship. Things start to move in the last couple of chapters so I guess it's on to the next book to see where it goes...
Andy and Chance have been best friends since they were six. There are some cliche things that happen between these two during their teen years. Their friendship abruptly ends early in their senior year.
Fast forward 4 years and they are brought back together. Now, to get to this point took a while in my opinion. There were A LOT of flashbacks and I am NOT a fan of flashbacks. A couple is usually ok, but this had A LOT.
Not much seemed to happen in this book other than background. Nothing is really resolved other than their friendship. Things start to move in the last couple of chapters so I guess it's on to the next book to see where it goes...
August 26, 2022
This book is far from perfect. At times the writing felt a bit amateur but overall I’d say it was pretty well written. I especially enjoyed it once the MCs entered each other’s lives again.
At first I wasn’t sure where I’d land. I wasn’t connecting with the characters and I was impatient. Too much reminiscing about the past! Too much pining for one another! But the backstory does set things up nicely and made the reunion sweeter. And the pining added to the tension! I was also obsessed with the characters and immediately grabbed book 2. There is something to be said for a book that gets you invested!
Triggers
Homophobia, coming out fears
At first I wasn’t sure where I’d land. I wasn’t connecting with the characters and I was impatient. Too much reminiscing about the past! Too much pining for one another! But the backstory does set things up nicely and made the reunion sweeter. And the pining added to the tension! I was also obsessed with the characters and immediately grabbed book 2. There is something to be said for a book that gets you invested!
Triggers
Homophobia, coming out fears
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