Chasing You was previously published as Take Me Away by Rachel Kirwin.
Iris
Growing up next to the Keller boys was anything but easy for me. I didn’t shine like my sisters. No one ever really noticed me, except for Clay. He stole my heart when I was only eleven years old, and I never got it back. Now that he’s coming around again, I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to resist the temptation – … long I’ll be able to resist the temptation – especially when he’s tall, ripped, and looking sexy as hell.
Clay
When my dad moved us across town and away from the life we knew and loved, a part of me was left behind – tucked deep inside the soul of an Everly beauty. No matter how much time has passed, my thoughts have always made their way back to her. Now that I’m home for the summer, I have one thing on my mind – getting the girl next door.
Chasing You is a new adult contemporary romance that DOES end in a cliffhanger. Book two, Catching You, is available.
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This was a great story about growing up and learning about yourself. Iris has always felt like she was on the outside. She had a crush on Clay, but in true life fashion he sometimes ignores her or plays pranks on her to blend in. They finally get together, but between his mixed signals and an interfering ex. They have a rough time of it. There is a lot if sadness, loneliness and heartbreak. I loved how Iris makes mostly good decisions, but even when she makes bad ones, she acknowledges it. Clay drove me a bit crazy with his wishy washiness, but I think it was his age combined with his family being put in the spotlight with his dad’s job, and a horrible betrayal that made him that way. I love how the author made it easy to connect with Iris. I felt her pain and sorrow along with the giddiness of a new relationship. I can’t wait to see what happens. There is still a journey ahead , and I hope these two can grow with each other.
This was a great start to the series, the characters definitely had their ups and downs, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Iris and Clay.
This is a 3.5 star book review.
I think this book was okay, but the characters and situation came across as pretty immature and underdeveloped. I understand that the characters were still teenagers (or very early twenties), but their arguments and reasonings behind a lot of their actions or feelings felt like those of twelve-year olds.
Clay was a jerk who cared more about the opinions of his family and “friends” then sticking around for his friend and crush, Iris. He hurt her a lot and still played off like the victim of his circumstances by hiding things from her or just generally making Iris feel insignificant to him. Iris, on the other hand, is very sheltered and doesn’t really do much sticking up for herself. She’s naive about life and relationships as evidenced by the fact that Clay was the first and only boy she had liked (or who had paid any attention to her). They fought sometimes and Iris always let Clay come back, which made their relationship pretty toxic to me.
The author did a great job of writing Iris’s unexpected pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage, as well as the after-effects for both characters. I instantly felt sad for both of them, but also a bit relieved. The relationship between Iris and Clay felt immature, rushed, and underdeveloped to make it good enough to enjoy. I was a bit glad that they didn’t end up happily ever after in this book because they didn’t feel ready enough to be together fully. Plus the addition of an unexpected baby would have played a hindering role in making me like the characters or romance better.
There is a second book in this series since this book ends on a cliffhanger. I almost hope that both characters mature a lot more in the next book because as they are right now, I hope they don’t end up together at all. But I guess that’s just my opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoy small town romance storylines they have down home feel to them. The characters are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages and a smooth flow to the storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Iris and Clay have known each other forever; then he becomes her first everything. My heart broke for both of them at various times. They just can’t seem to be on the same page at the same time, still learning how to navigate a grown-up relationship. During the course of the story, she does a lot of growing up, maturing into a confident young woman. He still has a long way to go. This small town-romance tugged at my heart the entire time I was reading. It’s a wonderful story from a new-to-me author, and I’m looking forward to the completion of the story in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first book from this author and I was really excited about reading this after seeing the blurb. I enjoyed the overall plot and thought it moved at a good pace. The characters were a little immature at times but they are also teenagers so that’s expected to an extent. The character I connected most with was Iris, I can vivid remember that time in my life and her thoughts and worries seemed to mimic my own back then. While I didn’t always like Clay and I did enjoy his character and I’m excited to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Iris was quiet and reserved at school and always had a crush on Clay. Clay, his brother and the other kids loved to make fun of Iris. But when Clay was alone with Iris he let her see his true feelings, and he loved her. Not he was home from college and she was graduating and Clay and Iris experienced their interesting and exciting romance with emotional outbursts, alcohol, past loves, death and insecurities trying to keep them apart. Fun read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is sweet with Iris and Clay always wanting to be together but circumstances tears them apart. However, I did have a hard time connecting with them at points. Even though it is young love, they seemed immature at times, especially Clay. I wanted to like him more but he kept making so many mistakes.
This was an okay read. I had a hard time liking Iris and Clay. They used to be friends. Then once his dad became Mayor everything changed. I get that Clay’s family life was hard but he was so unlikable.
Chasing You is the first book in Everly Place. I thought the story was okay, childhood best friends, to enemies kind off. Everly is happy with her books, more than talking to people. She is caring towards her family members. Chase is the mayors son, so he has a image to uphold. But secretly both of them have feeling for one another. These two drove me nuts with not being able to make up their minds. They were so immature too. I will read the next book, only to see how the story plays out. Hopefully they can get their act together and make a solid decision about their relationship
A good start to what promises a good series. Iris and Clay takes us through this and keep us turning the pages. Second chance is in place too it would seem as they reconnect. If from a small town you also recognize the term girl next door and they started as such next door. So we watch as they take the next door and back again with making into this is now, with emotions that sew it together.
Clay and Iris are both young and very immature, leading to a lot of issues when they attempt a relationship. Much of it not talking when they needed to, especially Iris. He was a horse’s behind in other ways, mostly when it came to his family, friends, and ex. He was also a terrible friend to her when they were growing up. Cliffhanger ending. I look forward to the next book!
I received a free copy of this book.
A Story that keeps you on your toes!
‘Chasing You’ by Rachel Leigh is the first book of a duet, it is about Iris and Clay. Ever since Iris was little, she had a crush on Clay, he was nice to her when they were alone. Although, when Clay’s brothers were there, teasing Iris, he acted differently and didn’t stop them. As they grew older, Iris became more conscious of this until one day she called him out on it. Clay is shocked by this and tries to improve his behaviour while doing so he ended up falling for Iris. But life has other plans, will they’re relationship make it to the end?
This book has many twists and turns that will keep you entertained! I enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read the second part of the story!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.