Chasing Jackson

by Jayda Marx

Chase – I’ve been in love with my best friend Jackson for two years; nearly the whole time I’ve known him. We do everything together, including going to the club every week. And every week I watch him sneak off to the back room to hook up with some random guy. Not that I can blame him for that; I’ve never admitted my feelings to Jackson. The man looks like tattooed sex on a stick and I’m a short, skinny nerd. I could never be good enough for him.

Jackson- I’m a piece of crap but at least I can admit it. I hook up with random guys every week, but it never means anything; it’s just nameless, emotionless fun with other pieces of crap. The only person who sees me as being worth anything is my best friend Chase. He’s everything I wish I could be; kind, sweet, understanding. He’s too good for this world, and definitely too good for me.

*This M/M friends to lovers romance is for readers 18 and up! It has no cheating or cliffhangers and a very happy HEA! It contains a man whose heart is bigger than he believes, a sweetheart who is stronger than he thinks, a hilarious mother and a very spoiled wiener dog.
**My stories tend to be low on angst because it hurts my heart. They are, however, packed with sexy scenes, heartwarming moments and a healthy dose of humor.

Author’s Note

Thank you for your interest in my book! My stories tend to be low angst because it hurts my heart; I like getting to the good stuff and live for fluff. If “instalove” isn’t your thing, my books may not be for you. I want my readers to finish my books with a smile on their face and a fierce case of the warm and fuzzies. Laughter is guaranteed, and each read delivers its own type of drama. Thanks again for taking a look and happy reading!

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Gay, Contemporary Romance

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2019

About the author

I live in rural Ohio with my husband and two sons who drive me nuts, but I love them with all my heart. I enjoy reading and writing romance of all types, but gay romance is my forte and favorite! Twice the sexy men? Yes, please! My books tend to be low angst because it hurts my heart, but they do contain lots of heartfelt moments, steamy scenes and a healthy dose of humor. Thank you to everyone for checking out my page and I hope you enjoy my books. Happy reading!

Reviews

[BelleLovesRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 4.5/5 — A heart-squeezing, laugh-out-loud pining turned comfort read
🌶 3/5 — Tender kisses, steamy touches, and some seriously swoony boyfriends

Jayda Marx strikes again with another cozy, low-angst M/M romance that hit me right in the feels. This was the perfect mix of tender, fluffy, and downright hilarious. The kind of book that wraps around you like a warm-ass weighted blanket on a rainy day. 🥹☁️

Chase, oh my sweet brokenhearted baby... the poor guy has been suffering in silence for two freaking years, watching the love of his life, Jackson, hook up with random guys every weekend. His pain?? Palpable. I wanted to scoop him up and never let him go. 😭💔

And Jackson?? LMAO what a clueless, sexy himbo. But once he found out about Chase's feelings, he didn’t play around—my man locked that shit down fast. No unnecessary drama, just immediate sweetness, a little steam, and a lot of soft boyfriends being adorable. 💞🔐

The second half of the book? Just vibes. Pure heartwarming, cavity-inducing goodness. It felt like being wrapped in kisses and cuddles. 🥰💕

Also?? I LOVED the side characters—Tony and Bryce had so much chaotic energy. I need their story like, yesterday. 😆🫴🏻

If you're looking for a quick, sweet, low-angst, best-friends-to-lovers M/M romance, this one is perfect. It'll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe scream into a pillow just a little. 🫶🏻✨️

-
Quotes:

"You’re everything and I’d give my left nut to be
with you. And that’s saying something because it’s my favorite nut.”
“Why is it your favorite?”
“I don’t know. It just has more character than righty.”
-
When Chase answered, my jaw dropped. He looked like a sexy accountant. My mouth watered at the sight.

“You look so handsome,” Chase greeted.
“You…yes…hot,” I answered stupidly.
-
Look at him, he could have anyone he wants. I knew I should be happy just to be included, but I was a selfish bastard and wanted Chase all for myself.

I’ll piss a circle around Chase to stake my claim if I have to.
-
“Can I ask you a favor?”
Kidney? New car? Did he decide he really did want my left nut?
Because this steak knife looks like it could get the job done. “Of course.”
-

⚠️ Detailed spoiler below ⛔️

RC and MCs:
👨🏻‍🔧📚 MM, mostly strict top/bottom with one switch scene at the end
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Jackson Cole aka Jax 26yo and Chase Montgomery 21yo
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Jackson: A mechanic
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Chase: Bookstore worker turns full-time published author
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Jackson: Top, dom, around 6ft4/193cm, green eyes, black hair, beard, muscular, 8inches/20cm
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Chase: Bottom, sub, twink, 5ft5/165cm, skinny, blond curly hair, blue eyes, glasses

Genre and tropes:
👨🏻‍🔧📚 MM contemporary romance
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Best friends to lovers
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Years of Pining
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Hurt/comfort
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Roommates
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Tatted-up MC
👨🏻‍🔧📚 J/P protective MC
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Himbo MC
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Virgin MC
👨🏻‍🔧📚 First times
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Size difference
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Pet names: Baby, sweetheart

Safety info:
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Angst: Low
👨🏻‍🔧📚 OW/OM drama: Jackson being the oblivious himbo he was, hooked up with other men during the 2 years Chase was in love with him. Once he knew, he stopped immediately. Chase almost hooked up with another man, but nothing happened in the end.
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Cheating/sharing: No
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Third act breakup: No
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Ending: HEA
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Epilogue: Yes
👨🏻‍🔧📚 POV: Dual, 1st person
👨🏻‍🔧📚 Series structure: Standalone

Spice and kinks:
Frotting, blowjob, rimming, toungefucking, bareback, handjob, praise (good boy, one scene), mild spanking (one scene)

CW/TW:
Emotional hurt (heartbreak from unrequited love), mild violence, alcohol consumption, abusive alcoholic parent, homophobia

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐

This was exactly the kind of low-angst, sweet, cozy, easy, and spicy book that I needed at the moment. Don't let my rating fool you; I enjoyed this thoroughly.

I love the gruff, bigger MC + cinnamon roll MC dynamic; it never gets old. The way Jackson protected Chase from the old people hitting on him, ughhh *chefs kiss* 😘 The humor was top notch. ("I'd give my left nut to be with you. And that's saying something because it's my favorite nut.")

It wasn't perfect. Their dynamic faltered a little at the end, and it felt like the MC's personalities were blending together. There were grammar errors, which bugged me but didn't hinder my enjoyment. There were a couple moments where consent wasn't clear between the MC's, but maybe the author didn't write the scene the same way it played out in her head. It was a bit too sweet, and needed a bigger conflict perhaps. The only real conflict is at the beginning; when Chase leaves the apartment because he can't deal with his feelings for Jackson.

P.S... very clever of the author to put both their names in the title. 😏😏

[vrstal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Content Warnings for book: Homophobia, slut-shaming

Kink: Light D/s

An older Jayda Marx that shows, as it's pacing is not what I was expecting. Not as instant as I'm used to, though I suppose all the pieces were there (roommates so already living together, one MC was pining before the book starts).

Jackson is a himbo, and Chase is a sweet twink. Overall, not a bad short read if you like friends to lovers.

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Jackson - Jayda Marx

Chase and Jackson have been sharing a 2 Bedroom apartment for over two years. They became besties not long after Chase moved in. Chase is a nerdy looking 5’ 5”, slim built man, he has gorgeous curly hair and wears glasses. He works in a Bookstore but has another secret part time job. He is so adorable everyone loves him. Everyone that is, except Jackson.

Jackson works at the local Auto shop as a mechanic. He doesn’t do relationships. When Chase and Jackson go out to gay clubs as friends on Friday evenings, they dance together for a while but when things get too hot, Jackson seeks out a target and goes to the back room with him.

He’s always done that when he’s out with Chase, but one night when Jackson disappears with someone, Chase can’t take it anymore. He heads for the exit and leaves. A sleazy character tries to grab him and prevent him from leaving. Causing Chase some aggravation until a big burly man steps in and helps him outside. He waits with him, chatting until Chases’s Uber arrives.

When Chases arrives back at the apartment he packs a bag and all his toiletries and leaves. He just can’t take living with Jackson anymore.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author and both appear to be outside of her normal writing style. This one was angst free, great secondary characters, and quite mushy and fluffy.

No triggers really, except possibly the mentioning of an abusive, alcoholic father, as an off page character detail.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/11/2021)! 🎁

[Ta Am · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a lovely quick read with sooo much sweetness in it. Near no drama, just love and caring and laughs. Loved it.

[Kindle Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Can’t resist a good friends to lovers romance :)

[Shawn Cha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love jayda Marx

I’ve been reading most of jayda’s books and I must say out of all the authors on amazon this one is my favorite. I love how she incorporates everything.
There are moments when your just soul destroyed because you look at life and think there is no one this perfect without faults. I love how jayda goes and gives you a reason to learn and accepts ones fault.
Chase has been in love with Jackson’s for 2 years since they became roommates and every time Jackson hooks up with someone chase dies a little inside. In your mind your just like ugh you can do so much better chase don’t waste your time on a man who is just like every other man who just seeks the pleasure of the body and not the soul. But as your reading you learn Jackson is not a bad person just needs guidance. In a way I wish the jayda had put in why Jackson is that way I mean no one wakes up one day thinking They’re less and so they going to go sleeping around
As much as it hurts your heart to see chase going through heartbreaks over and over from seeing Jackson do that you realize everyone needs love and sometimes sticking around is just worth it.
Jayda’s books has a thing that rings around first times and it makes you think of either your or someone else’s first time. In a way its not important but how she writes it and makes you really learn to love the characters is beyond me.
The book just really worked well and now I need fo go read more books by jayda. Thank you for giving us these amazing stories.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers couldn't get any sweeter

I have to admit that I'm a bit obsessed with Jayda Marx's books and have every one that's out there, but for some reason I missed reading this one until now. Once again Jayda proved my obsession is completely founded because Chasing Jackson is an adorable friends-to-lovers story that hits all the right feels! Jackson and Chase are wonderful MC'S and perfectly suited for each other. I loved the secondary characters of Tony and Bryce and Jackson's mother, Bernice, and they just add the right amount of extra depth to the story, as well. There's lots of swoony moments and plenty of heat and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Definitely another favorite and easily recommended. 5/5*

[DC · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, apparently I’m with the minority because I just didn’t find this to be all that good. The characters were flat and one-dimensional and I just didn’t feel the words on the page coming to life. The dialogue between Chase and Jackson was eye-roll inducing, and not in a good way. The writing definitely needed editing and the author needs to find a more appropriate use of “whenever” because it was always in the wrong place. And please find some other terms of endearment; “baby” has worn out its welcome.

[Ankita Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet and comfy read by Jayda Marx! I loved Chase and Jackson's story (also, good work with the word play in the title with their names) and especially the ending. The pining part was beautiful, slightly tear jerking but then the getting together more than made up for it!

I love friends-to-lovers stories and I absolutely adored this one.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this one took me by surprise. It was fluffy, sure, but it had all the feels that I look for reading a story. by far my favorite of the few books I've read by this author. Most were only meh for me, but this one I really liked. The title of the book is misleading, it's just a play on the OTP names, Chase and Jackson. If anyone is chasing in this story, it's Jackson.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good.

I love friends to lovers and Chase and Jackson being best friends make it even better. Jackson is so oblivious and Chase is such a sweetheart with hidden claws. They were such a joy to read.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Mostly does what it says on the tin. Low angst, which I've been seeking out more often, and the two voices are distinct from each other. However, I think the author would benefit from an editor, especially for dialogue passages.

[~BookNeeds~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson, come on how are you so clueless?? My heart went to Chase having to go through his heartache because of Jackson. I wish it wouldn’t have taken that long (2yrs) for Jackson to realize how he felt about Chase.

[Nicole Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute story about Chase and Jackson and how they end up together after being friends. This has a low level of angst in it, so if you like a story to not have a lot of conflict then this is a story for you.

This has a HEA and some steamy scenes.

[Amos24601 · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the ooey gooey goodness, right here in this book! Jax and Chase were adorable. What a light and easy read. Little to no angst, just a beautiful love story with a little heat sprinkled in.

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

My fault for not learning my lesson... DNF at less than 30%.

[Kelli D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

A good friends to lovers book, I'm not much for Instalove but I always enjoy Jayda's books so can always look past it.

[Flo G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lectura rápida, entretenida, divertida, dulce y sexy.
El problema es que no creo recordarla en unos meses.
Pero para salir de un bloqueo y simplemente disfrutar una relación linda, está genial.

[Fangirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute weekend read that made me smile.

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

one-click strikes again

Marx is an autobuy for me and this sweet story just cements it. like all of her stories its sweet, low in angst, and super high in romance. its a nice fluffy story that will keep you grinning except for the bit that makes you cry.

no, the story isnt original or ground breaking but it will make your chest swell and give you butterflies through the whole thing. i NEVER REGRET buying a jayda marx book. EVER.

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* A great read

A great friends to lovers story, unrequited love becomes real. A most enjoyable read with relatable characters and a wiener dog. I laughed I almost cried, This book had the right amount of fluff to keep me reading, it's not my favourite of the authors work but is nevertheless a great read.

[A Mom AC · Rating 2 out of 5]

Editing needed

The story was ok. Predictable and simple. Nothing new or exciting. Neither character was relatable or stood out. I feel bad, but it was a very forgettable story. Also, editing was needed.... desperately! It was really distracting. I usually like her stories. Quite the bummer.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet low angst story

I am enjoying these angst free or low angst books as it us what I need at the moment. This one is no different Jax (Jackson) and Chase have house-shared for 2 years, and as friends know each other well, and the change from friends to lovers was sweet and believable.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story.
It's not so much of instalove because they have known for a long time, and Chase has been in love with Jax forever. Once the secret is out, I love that the relationship takes place for more than half of the book, compared to many other books where it only happens by the end. There is no unnecessary drama while they are together and it's just perfect, I love them.

[andrea moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Jackson

Chase and Jackson are best friends and roommates and total opposites. Chase has been in love with his bestie for years and when Jackson finally figures out what’s going on they live happily ever after

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disliked both MCs. DNF.

[Samantha Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

Short, sexy, and sweet with only a smidge of angst. These two best friends were perfect together. I reccomend it.