Chaser: Dive Bar 3 (Dive Bar, #3)

by Kylie Scott

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Chaser is the second book in the Dive Bar series and it can be read as a stand-alone. This is Eric Collins’ story. I first met Eric in book 2 of the series. His action showed his immaturity. When I learnt he would be the focus of this installment, I was curious to learn what made him tick.

Eric is owns a share of the Dive Bar where he works as a bartender. He is the consummate womanizer and is not looking to be involved in a long-term relationship. Then he met Jean, but when he discovered she would be his neighbour, he figured all bets would be off. Especially because she was seven months pregnant. This interfered with his attempts to prove to his friends he was not the low life womanizer they thought him to be. He tried staying away, but then he came to her aid the night she went into labour. Since they slowly developed a bond, one that went beyond friendship. Will Eric finally get the chance to prove to his friends he is relationship material?

I was prepared to dislike Eric based on my previous knowledge of him. Actually, at the start of the story he was vain and unreliable. He was more an anti-hero. However, as the story developed he proved to be a responsible young man. Someone you can rely on in times of trouble. As a result, I found myself rooting for him throughout the story.

Watching him bond with Jean and her baby was a wonderful experience. I loved how he was there for her during her lowest and highest points. Knowing he had no reason to help Jean but watching him being there for her anyway was heart-warming and all around a joy to witness. It was at this moment I saw beyond his selfish facade to his kind-hearted personality.

I loved how the romance developed. Theirs was not an insta-love connection. What started out as a friendship, slowly developed into a passionate connection that neither could deny.

Despite being a cute and adorable read, I had some issues. One of which involved the POVs from the story was narrated. I have no issue when the narration is done from one of the protagonists POV. However, in this case it did not work well enough for me. As the story was narrated from Eric’s POV connecting with him came natural. I related to his fears regarding love and relationships. I believe with Jean’s POV the story would have been so much more appealing. Not having her POV made it difficult to connect with her. I could not put a finger on her feelings for Eric. I did not feel any chemistry between them.

Another thing, which prevented me from connecting with Jean, was the lack of information regarding her past. I was aware of the reason for her relocation but beyond that, nothing else was disclosed.

I did not appreciate how Nell, who is also a co-owner of the bar, treated him. She kept putting him down and constantly tried to make him feel guilty for things, which happened between them in the past. They both were affected by this incident, but she acted as if she was the only one who was hurt. Even though she has moved on with her life. It would seem she could let go of the past and every chance she got she kept reminding Eric about it.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, this was a sweet and heart-warming read. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.