Chasing The Buckle

by Britney O'Neal

Imagine waking up to find that your life has become hilariously and heartbreakingly entwined with the one person you never expected to love... again.

Two years ago, after a night a little too full of laughter and drinks I, Whitley, shook hands with Dawson, my brother's irresistible best friend, sealing a drunken agreement. Little did I know, this playful bet would turn into a legally binding contract. It's a cruel twist of fate, especially because I once secretly crushed on Dawson, believing he would never see me in the same light.

Now, a court order has thrust me into a bizarre six-month marriage with him. Dawson, charming as ever and always getting under my skin, is serious about making our crazy deal work. He's determined to show me that what started as a mistake might just be the most incredible thing to happen to us.

Navigating this unexpected partnership, I rediscover Dawson in a new light. He's not just my brother's friend anymore; he's a man who truly sees me. But with my final semester of college ticking away, hidden secrets and looming future plans begin to strain what we're building.

Torn between my father's expectations and my own heart's desires, I stand at a crossroads. Do I follow the path laid out for me, or do I choose a new journey with Dawson?

This isn't just a book; it's an immersive experience. Click "Buy Now" and prepare to be engulfed in a relationship that defies expectations, grows in unconventional ways, and leaves a lasting impression.

Join Whitley and Dawson on their extraordinary journey in this standout new adult romance book today…

Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Cowboy Romance

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2024

About the author

I'm a Florida girl, born and raised. I live in a small town in central Florida with my hubby, my son, and our dog, Zoey. When I'm not writing (or reading a good book), I'm spending time with family.

Reviews

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and spicy NA romance navigating family expectations, conflicting emotions, friendship, loyalty, and relationships struggles.
This has a ton of drama with everyone hating Whitley's boyfriend Brad, a secret engagement, then throwing in a surprise contract marriage to her brothers best friend from a forgotten drunken deal years ago.
This unusual relationship helps brings them closer together and show they were meant to be, and are what each other needed. But it doesn't make the journey easy with relationship insecurities, long distance struggles, secrets, career conflicts, family pressures, plus rodeo drama too.
One to read if you enjoy cowboy romances and second chances.

✨Cowboy romance
✨Brother best friend
✨Arranged/contract marriage
✨Friends to lovers
✨Childhood crush

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

More a 4 1/2 ⭐️ I really enjoyed Chasing The Buckle. This has all the tropes I love brother’s best friend, friends to lovers, teenage crush and throw in a cowboy romance and you have a very enjoyable read. Britney definitely takes you on an emotional journey when you read one of her books and this one doesn’t disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danielle Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this! I laughed through the whole thing. From the way the main characters got together, through their ups and down and at the end. The relationship had its struggles but I feel like it was tackled well and the growth was obvious. I feel like the author did a great job with the characters we weren't supposed to like, and trust me I didn't like them. I'm also hoping we hear more about the main character's brother if this story continues! A must read!

[Felicia Tousey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a southern girly, I'm the first to jump on a cowboy romance and the brothers best friend trope was just the cherry on top. When a court ordered six month wedding takes place, you're not sure exactly what to expect. I found this book had its share of emotions. The journey through family, friendship, loyalty, and relationship struggles kept me at the edge of my seat and at times yelling at the FMC. Very enjoyable book ❤️

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang

This was such a great anxiety brother's best friend romance. I love how it ended and that they did get a happy one. This book kept you wondering if the couple was going to make it. I highly recommend it if you like a spicy, anxiety romance.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main 3 characters in this great book are Whitley the little sister to Jonathan and his best friend Dawson. Jonathan and Dawson are cowboys, and they participate as much as they can in the rodeos. And they are both very good. When Whitley was younger, she had a big crush on Dawson, and she still seems to like him. One night when they were all 3 out at a bar Dawson and Whitley made a pact that if neither one of them was married in two years, then they would marry each other and they shuck hands on it.
She met Brad during college and started dating him. He had a lot of money and was a poor little rich boy, spoiled and stuck up. After they had been dating for about 6 months they got engaged and planned on getting married when she graduated college. None of her family or friends liked Brad. He did not fit into Whitley's world, but she could not see that and kept defending him when anyone talked bad about Brad. They had not told her parents that they were engaged and when she told Dawson one day, he told Jonathan and that meant her parents now knew. Her parents called a family meeting. Both of them were enraged that she would be engaged to Brad and especially not tell anyone about it. They told her she was too young, to wait a while before getting married since it was such a big step. Basically, they just did not approve of her marrying Brad. Dawson finally said that she would not be marrying Brad because she had already promised to marry him. He even took her to court and let the Judge make the final ruling on their verbal contract. The Judge ruled in Dawson's favor and said they had to get married and could not get a divorce for at least 6 months. A few minutes later they got their marriage license. and the same Judge married them.
Would this marriage last? Or would they both be counting the days till the 6 months was up? Would they both finally admit to the feelings they had for each other? Would Whitley miss Brad and all that he could offer her? You can find all of these answers in this fantastic book. I know you are going to love reading as much as I did.
I got this book from BookSirens and will be happy to leave my review.

[Elicia Meairs]

Title: Chasing The Buckle

Author: Britney O'Neal

Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis:

"Chasing The Buckle" narrates the unexpected journey of a young woman who finds herself bound in marriage to her brother's best friend, Dawson, after a drunken agreement. Despite her initial intentions, she becomes entangled in a century-old law that mandates six months of marital ties. As they navigate their forced union, the protagonist grapples with conflicting emotions, family obligations, and the realization that Dawson might be her perfect match. With graduation looming, the strain on their relationship intensifies, leaving their fate uncertain.

Review:

In "Chasing The Buckle," Britney O'Neal crafts a captivating narrative filled with romance, friendship, and the complexities of family dynamics. From the outset, readers are drawn into the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the protagonist as she navigates the unexpected twists and turns of her newfound marriage to Dawson.

O'Neal skillfully explores themes of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness, weaving together a heartfelt story that resonates with authenticity. Through the evolution of the characters, particularly the protagonist and Dawson, readers witness the transformative power of love and the strength found in unexpected connections.

The author's writing style is both engaging and accessible, propelling the reader forward with each turn of the page. While the plot may venture into predictable territory at times, the genuine emotion and depth of the characters ensure that the story remains compelling until the very end.

"Chasing The Buckle" delivers on its promise of a sweet and spicy romance with a guaranteed HEA. Whether you're a fan of friends-to-lovers tales or simply seeking an uplifting read, this novel is sure to captivate and delight. Dive into the world of the protagonist and Dawson as they navigate the uncertain path ahead, and discover the true meaning of love, loyalty, and second chances.

Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 3 out of 5]

College student Whitley finds herself marrying her brother' best friend when he cashes in on their drunken marriage pact agreement from years prior, against her fiancé's wishes. Dawson's chasing rodeo star fame, forcing his and Whit's marriage onto the rocks as the distance and pressure from her family keep them at each other's throats. Whit needs to stand up and make some difficult decisions, or face losing the man of her dreams.

Cowboys and heartbreak. It's a thing. Whitley was kind of a pushover, first from her dad, then ex-fiancee, then husband, and a few times in between. She has Dawson on the ropes, fixated on his past escapades with buckle bunnies prior to the start of their relationship, and she won't let him forget he ever looked at another girl. Dawson was so focused on his rodeo dreams that he was driving his marriage onto the rocks and was refusing to budge. Whitley's family was so hot and cold that it drove me bananas. Her dad needs an attitude adjustment, and her brother needs to get his head out his a$$ and go after his girl. And everyone needs a chill pill. But there were a few laugh out loud moments that made the story enjoyable doe the most part. That abrupt ending, though, felt like the author ran out of time to finish the story.

[Arcs and Betas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing the Buckle is written in a world that I knew nothing about before reading this book: the rodeo. Dirt and sweat and rough and tumble cowboys create the backdrop for this contemporary romance.

I appreciated the deep plot, this isn’t just meet cute and happily ever after. When the book opens, Whitley is dating Brad, a businessman who borders on boring. But Whitley’s brother and his best friend provide excitement by competing in rodeo.

Everything is shaken up when an outdated law forces a marriage, and not to Whitley’s long term boyfriend. It’s Dawson, her brother’s best friend, who steps in, shaking up Whitley’s life.

It’s not at all smooth sailing from there. As the characters work through the hardships of real life, I felt myself commiserating with them. This isn’t a book that gives them a HEA and nothing goes wrong ever again. It’s raw and emotional, not a fairy tale with sparkles and rainbows.

There is good supporting character development, it doesn’t feel as though the main characters exist in a vacuum.

Overall it was an interesting look intro rodeo culture with a gripping romantic plot.

[Tishana Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a relatively quick cowboy romance for me! It was definitely a “busy” read, with a lot happening and different aspects to the storyline itself (a boyfriend, a contract marriage, secrets, family relationships, etc). I will say Britney’s writing style was something that I really enjoyed, although I’m not a huge fan of the single POV through the entire novel. (Still good though).

I absolutely loved Dawson as the MMC. It was very interesting to see the brother’s best friend troupe be done in a cowboy romance (this is the first book I’ve seen it done in)! Whitley got on my nerves through parts of the book to the point, I wished she would stand up for herself and what she wanted for her own life, not what others wanted for her. But I also know how family can be, so I understand why Britney wrote Whitley’s story like she had. Overall, a great read and well recommended if you want a cowboy brother’s best friend book on your TBR!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of “Chasing the buckle” for an honest review.

This is a quick ‘brother’s best friend’ read.

Spice: 1/2 🌶️

A few things I didn’t like:
•I felt that the FMC was a doormat and never stood up for herself. A few of her inner ramblings just felt childish and unnecessary.
•I didn’t like that with the whole story is in single POV and random thoughts of her inner monologue was in italic. I didn’t see the point of certain sections being emphasised.
•I felt the ending was very abrupt and there was no real closure.

I’m also used to reading dark romances with open door explicit spice, so this story felt a bit flat on the spice.

Overall a cute story, I read it in one sitting.
I loved Dawson.


Happy reading!
🤠😊

[Novels & Needles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC in return for my honest review.

💜 Friends to lovers
💜 Arranged marriage
💜 Teenage crush
💜 Brother’s best friend
💜 Cowboy

This was my first read from Britney and I enjoyed it for what it was, a great little brother’s best friend, arranged marriage contemporary romance.

Would I have preferred it if it was in Dawson’s POV as well as Whitley’s? Absolutely but that’s mainly because I feel you get a much better connection with the main characters if it’s dual POV.

Did I love them both as individual characters regardless? Definitely, they worked so well together and watching them develop as a couple and get their HEA was heartwarming. Plus he calls her Cupcake 😫

I really didn’t like Brad, I’m so glad we moved on from him nice and quickly 😂

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

This book had a lot of potential.

A bet made with a friend to be married in 2yrs time. Only to fall in love with someone else instead.
They’re forced to wed by a weird outdated law but then they spend the whole rest of the book fighting about her dad wanting what’s best for her. Dawson hangs up on her several times. Blames her for all the fights. Refuses to ever quit rodeo. Then all of a sudden there’s a rushed ending and he’s retired. And why was it mentioned so much that she wore tight jeans that dig into her stomach?

It wasn’t a terrible read. It just… it didn’t make sense.

[Crysta Headley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want all the emotions and spic this the book for you!
A cowboy romance that had me hooked from the beginning. You will not be able to put this book down. My husband laughed at me because every time he turned around and if I wasn't doing anything, I was reading this book.
I have so much I want to say about this book, but I don't want to spoil anything. Just trust me, you NEED to read this book, especially if you love the rodeo scene.
I definitely could relate to how Whitley felt with the long distance.
At times, I just wanted to scream at Whitley, but I still loved her the entire time.

[Ashley Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars
I really liked how the relationship developed throughout the book. At points I just wanted to yell at Whitley for her to realize what was right in front of her. I liked that as time goes on you can tell the love only grows stronger even through harder times. Britney takes you on an emotional roller coaster, but in the end it all comes together. I would highly recommend this book.

[Candice Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story! Whitley and Dawson are the cutest couple! The spicy is so well written but doesn’t take over the plot! I loved the romance. The only reason I didn’t give this book a 5 star is because the ending fell a little flat for me but nevertheless still an amazing story I would recommend to anyone that’s into cowboy romance!

[Sara Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet with a capital T! This was such a beautiful love story filled with second chances, learned lessons, and a raw realness. There’s just something about a story without over dramatics or too much fluff where you can truly feel like you are one of the characters. I could relate on such a personal level and it made reading all that more enjoyable. I hope there’s more to this world so I can continue living in it! 🥰

[Monica Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing the buckle

I do not usually read more western style stories, but this book was great. It did a good job explaining and seeing things from a different angle that I was not aware of. At first I wasn't sure where the story was going but whit and Dawson are amazing together. The spice is good too!

[Rose Helg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book

This was an Good Book. I couldn't put it down. This book has wonderful characters, its entertaining, action, Rodeo rider, HEA, witty, funny, Brother best friend, contract marriage, secrets, family relationships, teenage crush, friends to lovers, Cowboy, romantic, and so much more. This was an Good book.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
this was so so cute and fun, i had a blast reading this one!! im so thankful for the opportunity to get an arc and read it early! i really adored the plot and the characters (except brad, ew). without trying to spoil anything, i would love to see a sequel with two certain characters.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5- I loved this book, it was such an emotional ride to read and I adored it. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars, was because I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style.


A.R.C. and honest review

[Aurora Bauer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but it fell short for me. I don’t think this was a book for me. I feel like the plot was there, however, I feel like the writing style is what brought it down for me. It seemed like a lot of listing of what the characters were doing rather than storytelling! I don’t think everyone will feel the same way, but it definitely wasn’t for me.

[Paula A Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to receive an advanced copy of Chasing the Buckle. Honestly, it isn't the usual kind of book I read, but I loved the story. It was exciting and full of heartbreak.

[Paige Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 2.5-2.75
The storyline was lacking. It was just a run around of this couples quickie marriage and the last 30% of the book was just them arguing about the same thing. I almost couldn’t finish it🫣

[Robin Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute little read, was just the type of palate cleanser I was looking for. Adorable and romantic and sometimes frustrating due to family loyalty!

[Sandy Gutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a crazy hard fought for relationship!! It had a lot of ups and downs but they got the happy ending.

[Sylwia Guc-Czarnota · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story of love. Sweet and bitter at times , I have enjoyed it , read it in one sitting ,although some of reactions from FMC were giving me mixed feelings . I cannot say I felt connected to main characters very much . Overall good story :)

[Briana Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Kept me wanting to read!!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

chasing the buckle

I really enjoyed this book I was hooked from the first page was a easy enjoyable read I would recommend it

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was a great lighthearted read that had me so invested I read it in one sitting. Dawson & Whitley’s relationship is so sweet once they get past the pretence of pretending not to like each other. I like the way they both support each other and their dreams, I also liked that it showed them learning to cope through tough times it definitely made them more relatable. If you like cowboy romance then you’ll love this book.