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Hot Pursuit
Get ready for your new obsession – meet Lydia and Tom. Bound to her enemy in a race against the clock…
In need of the money, Lydia Smith happily signed up to ‘flee for her life’ on a survivalist reality show but finds herself contemplating running for the hills instead when her partner turns out to be her one-night-stand Tom Dereborn.
The two shared an unforgettable weekend of passion a year ago, but she hasn’t heard a word from him since. Now, trapped alone with Tom, with the show’s ‘hunters’ on their tails, suppressed emotions boil over and the past starts repeating itself. Soon it’s more than just the money that’s at stake – it’s also Lydia’s heart!
In need of the money, Lydia Smith happily signed up to ‘flee for her life’ on a survivalist reality show but finds herself contemplating running for the hills instead when her partner turns out to be her one-night-stand Tom Dereborn.
The two shared an unforgettable weekend of passion a year ago, but she hasn’t heard a word from him since. Now, trapped alone with Tom, with the show’s ‘hunters’ on their tails, suppressed emotions boil over and the past starts repeating itself. Soon it’s more than just the money that’s at stake – it’s also Lydia’s heart!
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2024
74 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
June 9, 2024
3.5 🌟
“𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙬𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙢𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚. 𝙐𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙮𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙣𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙇𝙮𝙙𝙞𝙖. 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙄'𝙢 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙤. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.”
Hot Pursuit follows Lydia, a hyper-independent woman with an extremely rough upbringing. She applies to be on a reality tv show where she’s “running for her life” so she can fix up the house her grandmother left for her as a young child. Little does she know that while she’s on the show she is going to be partnered up with an unforgettable two night stand, Tom. Tensions rise as they fight to win the race while neither person wants to admit or even address the chemistry they had together.
𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
The reality show portion of this book was SO well done. I was invested in the race, and how they were going to make it to the end. Though there was somehow of a flow and build up to Lydia and Tom’s relationship, something felt like it was missing and I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
One of my favorite things about this book is the depth of the FMC and MMC, Lydia and Tom. As the reader, I felt like I really knew them and god, Lydia’s character was scarily relatable to me. The author did such an amazing job portraying how trauma can affect you into adulthood.
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙪𝙥𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜.”
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, quick read and I’ll definitely have to keep an eye out if she releases anymore books!
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
🥾 Reality TV show premise
🥾 Forced proximity
🥾 Semi enemies to lovers
—————————————————
Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🫶🏻
“𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙬𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙢𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚. 𝙐𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙮𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙣𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙇𝙮𝙙𝙞𝙖. 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙄'𝙢 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙤. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.”
Hot Pursuit follows Lydia, a hyper-independent woman with an extremely rough upbringing. She applies to be on a reality tv show where she’s “running for her life” so she can fix up the house her grandmother left for her as a young child. Little does she know that while she’s on the show she is going to be partnered up with an unforgettable two night stand, Tom. Tensions rise as they fight to win the race while neither person wants to admit or even address the chemistry they had together.
𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
The reality show portion of this book was SO well done. I was invested in the race, and how they were going to make it to the end. Though there was somehow of a flow and build up to Lydia and Tom’s relationship, something felt like it was missing and I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
One of my favorite things about this book is the depth of the FMC and MMC, Lydia and Tom. As the reader, I felt like I really knew them and god, Lydia’s character was scarily relatable to me. The author did such an amazing job portraying how trauma can affect you into adulthood.
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙪𝙥𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜.”
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, quick read and I’ll definitely have to keep an eye out if she releases anymore books!
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
🥾 Reality TV show premise
🥾 Forced proximity
🥾 Semi enemies to lovers
—————————————————
Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🫶🏻
May 30, 2024
Three stars! I was impressed with the reality show/race portion of the book... it was very well done! The romance was so so, the MMC was hard to cheer for . The FMC was just okay. Overall, a solid book. Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!
June 13, 2024
3 ˖⁺‧✮
another reality tv show in book🫣
it was so fun to read. i am a visual reader and i literally could see everything from the book. throughout my reading i forgot that instead of watching tv i was sitting with my book.
why 3 starts?
some tropes this books has are very popular and i feel like some people would enjoy them, but i didn’t feel anything toward them. sometimes i think them being alone did THE think, not the feelings🤷🏼♀️soryyyyyy i liked the cute moments between them, but that’s it.
i would didn’t survive in similar circumstances…
thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for approving my request. reviews are my own opinion.
another reality tv show in book🫣
it was so fun to read. i am a visual reader and i literally could see everything from the book. throughout my reading i forgot that instead of watching tv i was sitting with my book.
why 3 starts?
some tropes this books has are very popular and i feel like some people would enjoy them, but i didn’t feel anything toward them. sometimes i think them being alone did THE think, not the feelings🤷🏼♀️soryyyyyy i liked the cute moments between them, but that’s it.
i would didn’t survive in similar circumstances…
thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for approving my request. reviews are my own opinion.
July 22, 2024
I really wanted to love this book but I just couldn't get into it.
It seemed like the author was trying to make the reader understand why Tom was unhappy with his job but it just made him come off as a dick. I didn't love how he acted at the beginning and I feel like he did little to redeem himself.
I chucked this on the DNF pile at 25%
It seemed like the author was trying to make the reader understand why Tom was unhappy with his job but it just made him come off as a dick. I didn't love how he acted at the beginning and I feel like he did little to redeem himself.
I chucked this on the DNF pile at 25%
May 22, 2024
When Lydia Smith signs up to be on a reality TV show, she has no idea Tom Dereborn will also be a contestant. Lydia and Tom had a two-night one-night stand 11 months ago and it was one of the best experiences of her life! Unfortunately, it didn't end well when Tom practically rushed her out the following morning and never spoke to her again. She is shocked when she sees him at work, but unfortunately, things are still the same. Tom does not seem to want to talk to her, and whenever he does say something, he comes across annoyed by her presence. Now, they are paired together on a reality show called Fleeing For Your Life, with a prize of $100K. They both have to deal with each other and make it all the way to the end.
Being a fan of game show books and an enemy-to-lover trope, I thought I would easily love this one. Unfortunately, this book was a huge miss for me. The story felt very lacking and flat, I did not find it funny, and the spice, given the cover, was surprisingly not there. As far as the characters, Tom is extremely unlikable. He gets defensive and pissed off a lot, and as a result, he is often rude to Lydia, way more than she deserves. I understand possibly trying to incorporate a grumpy/ sunshine trope, however Tom was simply rude and disgusting. I was not a fan of him at all, and it made the story much harder to like. 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and Cassie Connor for this ARC!
Being a fan of game show books and an enemy-to-lover trope, I thought I would easily love this one. Unfortunately, this book was a huge miss for me. The story felt very lacking and flat, I did not find it funny, and the spice, given the cover, was surprisingly not there. As far as the characters, Tom is extremely unlikable. He gets defensive and pissed off a lot, and as a result, he is often rude to Lydia, way more than she deserves. I understand possibly trying to incorporate a grumpy/ sunshine trope, however Tom was simply rude and disgusting. I was not a fan of him at all, and it made the story much harder to like. 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and Cassie Connor for this ARC!
June 10, 2024
Hot Pursuit
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Cassie Connor
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Harper Collins and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: In need of the money, Lydia Smith happily signed up to ‘flee for her life’ on a survivalist reality show but finds herself contemplating running for the hills instead when her partner turns out to be her one-night-stand Tom Dereborn.
The two shared an unforgettable weekend of passion a year ago, but she hasn’t heard a word from him since. Now, trapped alone with Tom, with the show’s ‘hunters’ on their tails, suppressed emotions boil over and the past starts repeating itself. Soon it’s more than just the money that’s at stake – it’s also Lydia’s heart!
My Thoughts: Lydia Smith is in need of money to fix up her grandmother’s house that she inherited. She decides to join this reality tv survivalist show. Her partner is none other than Tom Dereborn, whom she had a weekend fling with a year ago and never heard from again. He completely ghosted her and at work he completely ignored her and when he had to have contact with her, he seemed annoyed to be speaking with her. With emotions at high gear, it starts to bleed over into the reality show. Tension starts to build as the race goes forward, and they are trying with everything to win the race without even giving a second thought to the chemistry they shared two years ago. This follows the tropes of reality tv, forced proximity, rivals, second chance, and enemies to lovers.
I loved the reality portion of the story, it really was outstanding. The reality tv show was call “Fleeing For Your Life,” and had a winning cash prize of $100k. The author immerses me into the race and I was absolutely invested in the outcome. Now the romance and relationship part between Lydia and Tom was good but I felt like there was something missing, and I am not sure what. Lydia was strong, independent, brave, and healing from childhood trauma. Tom was charming, sexy, and rude. Tom would stand up to his family about a girl he cared about and was overall, a very unlikable character. I think he was supposed to come off as the grumpy character, but he just seemed dismissive and rude to Lydia. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and intriguing. The author’s writing style was endearing, spicy, funny, and engaging.
This was a cute and fun read. It was fun to read how Evie and Tom reconnects in the most bizarre way, a reality tv show. This is the second book I have read from Connor and I enjoy her style of writing that is easy on the eyes. I would recommend this story to other readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Cassie Connor
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Harper Collins and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: In need of the money, Lydia Smith happily signed up to ‘flee for her life’ on a survivalist reality show but finds herself contemplating running for the hills instead when her partner turns out to be her one-night-stand Tom Dereborn.
The two shared an unforgettable weekend of passion a year ago, but she hasn’t heard a word from him since. Now, trapped alone with Tom, with the show’s ‘hunters’ on their tails, suppressed emotions boil over and the past starts repeating itself. Soon it’s more than just the money that’s at stake – it’s also Lydia’s heart!
My Thoughts: Lydia Smith is in need of money to fix up her grandmother’s house that she inherited. She decides to join this reality tv survivalist show. Her partner is none other than Tom Dereborn, whom she had a weekend fling with a year ago and never heard from again. He completely ghosted her and at work he completely ignored her and when he had to have contact with her, he seemed annoyed to be speaking with her. With emotions at high gear, it starts to bleed over into the reality show. Tension starts to build as the race goes forward, and they are trying with everything to win the race without even giving a second thought to the chemistry they shared two years ago. This follows the tropes of reality tv, forced proximity, rivals, second chance, and enemies to lovers.
I loved the reality portion of the story, it really was outstanding. The reality tv show was call “Fleeing For Your Life,” and had a winning cash prize of $100k. The author immerses me into the race and I was absolutely invested in the outcome. Now the romance and relationship part between Lydia and Tom was good but I felt like there was something missing, and I am not sure what. Lydia was strong, independent, brave, and healing from childhood trauma. Tom was charming, sexy, and rude. Tom would stand up to his family about a girl he cared about and was overall, a very unlikable character. I think he was supposed to come off as the grumpy character, but he just seemed dismissive and rude to Lydia. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and intriguing. The author’s writing style was endearing, spicy, funny, and engaging.
This was a cute and fun read. It was fun to read how Evie and Tom reconnects in the most bizarre way, a reality tv show. This is the second book I have read from Connor and I enjoy her style of writing that is easy on the eyes. I would recommend this story to other readers.
May 29, 2024
⛺️Hot Pursuit ❤️🔥 by Cassie Connor
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC, I’m leaving this honest review voluntarily!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(3.5)🌶️🌶️🌶️
“I never felt such desperation to get so close to someone. It was as if a jar of fireflies had been emptied into my brain, dazzling me with sparks. Every long, slow, drugging drag of his lips over mine made them brighten, and when his tongue touched mine, they exploded, sending cascading vibrations fizzing down through my sternum.”
My thoughts: This was very easy to read! I like the writing style and how both characters had a lot of personality. It started off so clear and straight to the point but didn’t feel so rushed. Their obvious attraction to each other made this so entertaining. I did feel like Tom’s character was hard to like, we were given his background for more about him but still, he should have the balls to stand up to his family for the girl he cares so much about especially after she stands up for him. I do like how he took care of Lydia, we like an attentive nurturing and protective man, just wish his personality was better. Both of them had heavy emotional baggage and it made a lot of sense on why they worked so well together and what makes them a great couple. The epilogue was cute and I definitely still recommend this to anyone who enjoys spicy second chance romance with the feeling of rivals to team mates to lovers with a fun survival aspect.
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC, I’m leaving this honest review voluntarily!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(3.5)🌶️🌶️🌶️
“I never felt such desperation to get so close to someone. It was as if a jar of fireflies had been emptied into my brain, dazzling me with sparks. Every long, slow, drugging drag of his lips over mine made them brighten, and when his tongue touched mine, they exploded, sending cascading vibrations fizzing down through my sternum.”
My thoughts: This was very easy to read! I like the writing style and how both characters had a lot of personality. It started off so clear and straight to the point but didn’t feel so rushed. Their obvious attraction to each other made this so entertaining. I did feel like Tom’s character was hard to like, we were given his background for more about him but still, he should have the balls to stand up to his family for the girl he cares so much about especially after she stands up for him. I do like how he took care of Lydia, we like an attentive nurturing and protective man, just wish his personality was better. Both of them had heavy emotional baggage and it made a lot of sense on why they worked so well together and what makes them a great couple. The epilogue was cute and I definitely still recommend this to anyone who enjoys spicy second chance romance with the feeling of rivals to team mates to lovers with a fun survival aspect.
May 18, 2024
Title: Hot Pursuit by Cassie Connor
Release Date: June, 7th, 2024
3.5 Stars
Lydia Smith reluctantly finds herself partnered with her one-night-stand, Tom Dereborn, on a survivalist reality show. Despite their shared passion from a year ago, Tom has been silent since then. Now, trapped together with the show's hunters chasing them, old emotions resurface, and Lydia must confront her feelings while racing against time to survive. As they navigate the challenges, Lydia realises that more than just money is on the line—her heart is at stake too.
This book, despite its reality TV setting, is worth reading even if you're not a fan of the genre. It's a quick read with engaging main characters and suspenseful on-the-run segments that keep you guessing.
However, the banter fell a bit short of expectations, and the romance lacks the expected spice, despite the promising cover.
Thank you to The Publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter ,The Author Cassie Connor & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Release Date: June, 7th, 2024
3.5 Stars
Lydia Smith reluctantly finds herself partnered with her one-night-stand, Tom Dereborn, on a survivalist reality show. Despite their shared passion from a year ago, Tom has been silent since then. Now, trapped together with the show's hunters chasing them, old emotions resurface, and Lydia must confront her feelings while racing against time to survive. As they navigate the challenges, Lydia realises that more than just money is on the line—her heart is at stake too.
This book, despite its reality TV setting, is worth reading even if you're not a fan of the genre. It's a quick read with engaging main characters and suspenseful on-the-run segments that keep you guessing.
However, the banter fell a bit short of expectations, and the romance lacks the expected spice, despite the promising cover.
Thank you to The Publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter ,The Author Cassie Connor & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2025
Silly little book
I actually really enjoyed this book, I read it really quickly because it genuinely got my attention and made me want to carry on reading as soon as I put it down. I only gave it 4 stars tho because it just didn't have enough to give it 5, there's nothing wrong with it I just didn't LOVE it. I really really liked the main characters - I thought Lydia was extremely loveable and extremely relatable, her reaction to embarrassment literally made me think that someone reached into my brain and used that. Tom was also a great character even when he was being a bit of a knob - his care and attention to Lydia, especially with the birthday celebration that he did for her was so so lovely and made me so happy for a fictional character that she got to experience that. The whole premise of the book was such a good idea and I really enjoyed the whole on the run romance, overall very good book
I actually really enjoyed this book, I read it really quickly because it genuinely got my attention and made me want to carry on reading as soon as I put it down. I only gave it 4 stars tho because it just didn't have enough to give it 5, there's nothing wrong with it I just didn't LOVE it. I really really liked the main characters - I thought Lydia was extremely loveable and extremely relatable, her reaction to embarrassment literally made me think that someone reached into my brain and used that. Tom was also a great character even when he was being a bit of a knob - his care and attention to Lydia, especially with the birthday celebration that he did for her was so so lovely and made me so happy for a fictional character that she got to experience that. The whole premise of the book was such a good idea and I really enjoyed the whole on the run romance, overall very good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2024
good lord this was such a cutie!! i’m normally not a huge fan of game show romances, but this was so well done and hit every note for me. i need more from this author asap!
August 10, 2024
This was my first time reading anything written by Cassie Connor. I really enjoyed the writing and the plot and all the British terminology.
May 22, 2024
The idea of the plot was very intriguing, but in my opinion, it was the only intriguing thing.
Lydia meets Tom on a work assignment but that was not the first time they'd met. The first time was a year before when they had a one night stand, in their words, the most wonderful night they had spent ever. Things finished abruptly and a bit rudely so that means they hate each other now.
I didn't particularly like Tom at first, he is entitled and acts superior. Lydia is okay I guess. The stories behind their pasts and their upbringing felt incredibly important to who they are now, but the author didn't spend much time in a "revelation" of sorts. The book goes on and on about how Lydia was brought up and when she told Tom one of his comments was "You're awesome". Wow
Also, I didn't understand some of the choices they made and I was expecting a lot more spice, as the cover suggests, but it's even less than average.
And last, it was very tiring reading Tom and Lydia saying "I love yous" in one chapter and in the next to go back to their usual behavior to shut people out. To go back to declaring their feelings again after two chapters.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Lydia meets Tom on a work assignment but that was not the first time they'd met. The first time was a year before when they had a one night stand, in their words, the most wonderful night they had spent ever. Things finished abruptly and a bit rudely so that means they hate each other now.
I didn't particularly like Tom at first, he is entitled and acts superior. Lydia is okay I guess. The stories behind their pasts and their upbringing felt incredibly important to who they are now, but the author didn't spend much time in a "revelation" of sorts. The book goes on and on about how Lydia was brought up and when she told Tom one of his comments was "You're awesome". Wow
Also, I didn't understand some of the choices they made and I was expecting a lot more spice, as the cover suggests, but it's even less than average.
And last, it was very tiring reading Tom and Lydia saying "I love yous" in one chapter and in the next to go back to their usual behavior to shut people out. To go back to declaring their feelings again after two chapters.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 28, 2024
DNF at 44% (skimmed through to 56%) - this was really MEH for me - nothing horrible but nothing especially enjoyable and just not worth continuing. There wasn’t any fun banter or fun anything, really - them being “on the run” was just kind of boring and kind of unrealistic and poorly thought out? Like I know this is for a TV show but how is this safe for them? It really doesn’t seem to be. And them breaking into abandoned houses to sleep and hiding away with the luggage on a coach and not paying for the ride etc etc - none of this seems especially legal. And if this is for a TV show, what kind of footage are they even going to have? They’re hardly filming anything. FURTHERMORE in what I read there was only one spicy scene and it was pretty brief and nothing memorable. Sooooo…. (I wouldn’t mind someone writing a spoiler-heavy review so I can hear how the rest of it goes but I just don’t see it being worth my time to finish properly).
June 23, 2024
Having made a memorable splash with her debut novel "Love Under Contract," Cassie Connor is back with a unique take on a reality TV trope, blending a mix of second chances, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy vs. sunshine, and a dash of suspense!
A connection between strangers unlike any other. Two nights of unbridled passion. The memory burns deep in the recesses of Lydia Smith's mind until that memory turns into reality when she lays eyes on the one man who has ruined her for any other. Tom Dereborn turned her life upside down, but just as quickly as he swooped in, he was gone. A year had passed with no contact, no reunion, nothing but memories of the best weekend of her life. Now, they are reunited as unexpected colleagues on a work trip, and he pretends not to know her or even acknowledge what they shared. Two can play that game until the stakes change. What should have been a brief encounter on a business trip has turned into a living nightmare. Hoping to save her grandmother's house, Lydia signs up for the reality show "Fleeing for Your Life." What she didn't expect was to see Tom at the tryouts. Worse yet, they somehow end up partnered together. Trapped with her newfound nemesis, Lydia must decide what's worse: not winning and watching her grandmother's house fall into further disrepair, or being stuck with the last person on earth she wants near her heart ever again!
The reality TV aspect adds a fun twist. It introduces external challenges (weather, environment, nondescript characters) and heightens the importance of the secondary characters (the hunters, other teammates, and family members). We're not only following Lydia and Tom, but we also get a grand tour of the countryside, complete with unpredictable obstacles from the "hunters."
Cassie's portrayal of Tom is a fascinating yet risky approach. Initially, you're happy to accept the enemies-type connection. Tom is unpleasant, crass, and Lydia seems to have dodged a bullet. But given the luxury of a dual POV, we gradually understand that his apathetic demeanor is a defense mechanism.
His inner conflict is what makes Tom's character fascinating; however, what makes the approach risky is the emotional whiplash he imposes on Lydia. Some may deem his erratic behavior as bordering on abusive.
The pace of the story was incredibly slow but engaging. We experience the reality show's process in real-time, sharing every waking moment with the characters. Each day seems to be composed of two chapters, providing a dual perspective and allowing the reader to always know where the minds of the characters are at any point in the story. This choice of narrative created a 360-degree reveal that was suspenseful and engaging, with the romance taking a backseat.
While I loved most aspects of the book, two things bothered me. One issue likely stems from it being an ARC. With better editing, "Hot Pursuit" could easily be rated a solid 4 to 5 stars. Again, this may already be resolved, but if it stands, I will warn readers of the presence of redundancy and the bizarre switch between overly extravagant vocabulary usage and more basic vernacular. It makes you wonder what is causing the large discrepancy—is it overuse of a Thesaurus or simply the start-and-stop nature of the writing process with external factors influencing the terminology used? Whatever the cause, it pulls away from the story.
The other concern involves the intimate moments feeling out of place. As mentioned above, the story has placed romance in the backseat and the suspense of the reality TV show in the forefront. Removing the flashbacks of their initial encounter, as well as the steamy campsite moment and spicy cottage scenes, would have zero effect on the narrative.
What tipped the book from a 3-star to a 4-star read was the last few chapters. Once we finally understood Lydia and Tom, were back on the road, and moving towards the conclusion of the reality show, everything just slid into place perfectly. At this point, it was hard to put the book down. The need to know what happened next and how it would all end drove out any other concerns that may have arisen previously.
As Cassie has a third book, "The Big Game," hitting the stands in January 2025, I am curious to see what approach she takes. Her writing is evolving, and while the love for this book isn't as strong as it was for "Love Under Contract," the learning process between the two may make her third book the best one yet!
A connection between strangers unlike any other. Two nights of unbridled passion. The memory burns deep in the recesses of Lydia Smith's mind until that memory turns into reality when she lays eyes on the one man who has ruined her for any other. Tom Dereborn turned her life upside down, but just as quickly as he swooped in, he was gone. A year had passed with no contact, no reunion, nothing but memories of the best weekend of her life. Now, they are reunited as unexpected colleagues on a work trip, and he pretends not to know her or even acknowledge what they shared. Two can play that game until the stakes change. What should have been a brief encounter on a business trip has turned into a living nightmare. Hoping to save her grandmother's house, Lydia signs up for the reality show "Fleeing for Your Life." What she didn't expect was to see Tom at the tryouts. Worse yet, they somehow end up partnered together. Trapped with her newfound nemesis, Lydia must decide what's worse: not winning and watching her grandmother's house fall into further disrepair, or being stuck with the last person on earth she wants near her heart ever again!
The reality TV aspect adds a fun twist. It introduces external challenges (weather, environment, nondescript characters) and heightens the importance of the secondary characters (the hunters, other teammates, and family members). We're not only following Lydia and Tom, but we also get a grand tour of the countryside, complete with unpredictable obstacles from the "hunters."
Cassie's portrayal of Tom is a fascinating yet risky approach. Initially, you're happy to accept the enemies-type connection. Tom is unpleasant, crass, and Lydia seems to have dodged a bullet. But given the luxury of a dual POV, we gradually understand that his apathetic demeanor is a defense mechanism.
His inner conflict is what makes Tom's character fascinating; however, what makes the approach risky is the emotional whiplash he imposes on Lydia. Some may deem his erratic behavior as bordering on abusive.
The pace of the story was incredibly slow but engaging. We experience the reality show's process in real-time, sharing every waking moment with the characters. Each day seems to be composed of two chapters, providing a dual perspective and allowing the reader to always know where the minds of the characters are at any point in the story. This choice of narrative created a 360-degree reveal that was suspenseful and engaging, with the romance taking a backseat.
While I loved most aspects of the book, two things bothered me. One issue likely stems from it being an ARC. With better editing, "Hot Pursuit" could easily be rated a solid 4 to 5 stars. Again, this may already be resolved, but if it stands, I will warn readers of the presence of redundancy and the bizarre switch between overly extravagant vocabulary usage and more basic vernacular. It makes you wonder what is causing the large discrepancy—is it overuse of a Thesaurus or simply the start-and-stop nature of the writing process with external factors influencing the terminology used? Whatever the cause, it pulls away from the story.
The other concern involves the intimate moments feeling out of place. As mentioned above, the story has placed romance in the backseat and the suspense of the reality TV show in the forefront. Removing the flashbacks of their initial encounter, as well as the steamy campsite moment and spicy cottage scenes, would have zero effect on the narrative.
What tipped the book from a 3-star to a 4-star read was the last few chapters. Once we finally understood Lydia and Tom, were back on the road, and moving towards the conclusion of the reality show, everything just slid into place perfectly. At this point, it was hard to put the book down. The need to know what happened next and how it would all end drove out any other concerns that may have arisen previously.
As Cassie has a third book, "The Big Game," hitting the stands in January 2025, I am curious to see what approach she takes. Her writing is evolving, and while the love for this book isn't as strong as it was for "Love Under Contract," the learning process between the two may make her third book the best one yet!
May 31, 2024
I think I need to check out Cassie Connor and her other book Love Under Contract. I enjoyed Hot Pursuit. The concept was a mix between the tv game show "The Amazing Race" and The Hunger Games (only without the killings).
The story is about a race of contestants to win prize money. Our leading lady is Lydia, who had a hard childhood but always likes to look on the bright side of life if that life means that she is in control and independent. Our leading man is Tom, an aspiring and cocky future film director who gets pushed around by a controlling family that only shows love when you win it. Tom and Lydia met almost 1 year prior to the start of the story over a hot, heavy, and sexy weekend, but things turned weird. Now they are paired together again.
I enjoyed Lydia's character because she is a realist but always an optimist. She knows how to stand on her own two feet because she had to learn how to fend for herself. Most of the first chapters of the book are told from Lydia's POV and I have to say, I had quite a chuckle when we were inside her head. There were certain moments where I got Bridget Jones vibes from Lydia.
Tom was harder to decipher. At the beginning of the book, we didn't get many chapters from his POV, and when we finally did, the chapters were not fully from his side.
Side note I found this distracting and confusing. The chapters clearly had breaks in them to let the reader know when there was a shift in time or place. However, it also would sometimes indicate the change of POV from the characters but there was nothing to tell you that you were changing from Lydia to Tom or vice-versa until you had started reading. I got used to it after a while but I think this could have been done better. Hopefully this is something that will be corrected in future editions.
Tom was hard to get to know. He would give snippets or comments as to what his family was like or what he wanted to do with his future, but he was never transparent with the details. I would have enjoyed stories or memories from his childhood to explain how his family got the way they were or why Tom felt he couldn't be honest with them about his passions. Truthfully, I would have enjoyed this from Lydia as well to help us understand even better the kind of people her parents were, what she had to do to take care of herself at such a young age, and how her grandmother was the only person there for her.
At the beginning of the book, we quickly find out that Tom and Lydia know each other. As I said, they had a wild, sexy weekend together almost one year before the start of the story. However, we didn't get many details of what that weekend entailed. We know how they parted ways after their 48-hour rendezvous. We get some information as to how they met at the start of that weekend, but there is little description of the attraction they felt for each other, the lust and connection they made over those 48 hours, etc. So here we are, in the present, where Tom and Lydia are on a team together to win a race with a large sum of cash money. During their time crossing the country together there are obvious moments of attraction and steamy moments they share. However, the lead-up to those moments isn't very convincing because I am missing the details of the initial attraction or the flirting and physical buzz they are sharing.
I enjoyed the concept of the book, I liked the details and how they came together. I just needed a bit more background information on the attraction they felt for each other to really feel their connection. I love how Lydia was selfless and but everything on the line to help Tom. Her feelings for him were noticeable, and I did believe in them. Tom's were the ones I wasn't too sure about. Like I said, we got much more information from Lydia's POV and more of the book was from her side. Tom's chapters didn't start out too deep, so we didn't get a chance to really know him too well, so I didn't get to connect.
Overall, I think this story has great potential and is good for a quick read. It will definitely make you smile while reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this ARC copy.
The story is about a race of contestants to win prize money. Our leading lady is Lydia, who had a hard childhood but always likes to look on the bright side of life if that life means that she is in control and independent. Our leading man is Tom, an aspiring and cocky future film director who gets pushed around by a controlling family that only shows love when you win it. Tom and Lydia met almost 1 year prior to the start of the story over a hot, heavy, and sexy weekend, but things turned weird. Now they are paired together again.
I enjoyed Lydia's character because she is a realist but always an optimist. She knows how to stand on her own two feet because she had to learn how to fend for herself. Most of the first chapters of the book are told from Lydia's POV and I have to say, I had quite a chuckle when we were inside her head. There were certain moments where I got Bridget Jones vibes from Lydia.
Tom was harder to decipher. At the beginning of the book, we didn't get many chapters from his POV, and when we finally did, the chapters were not fully from his side.
Side note I found this distracting and confusing. The chapters clearly had breaks in them to let the reader know when there was a shift in time or place. However, it also would sometimes indicate the change of POV from the characters but there was nothing to tell you that you were changing from Lydia to Tom or vice-versa until you had started reading. I got used to it after a while but I think this could have been done better. Hopefully this is something that will be corrected in future editions.
Tom was hard to get to know. He would give snippets or comments as to what his family was like or what he wanted to do with his future, but he was never transparent with the details. I would have enjoyed stories or memories from his childhood to explain how his family got the way they were or why Tom felt he couldn't be honest with them about his passions. Truthfully, I would have enjoyed this from Lydia as well to help us understand even better the kind of people her parents were, what she had to do to take care of herself at such a young age, and how her grandmother was the only person there for her.
At the beginning of the book, we quickly find out that Tom and Lydia know each other. As I said, they had a wild, sexy weekend together almost one year before the start of the story. However, we didn't get many details of what that weekend entailed. We know how they parted ways after their 48-hour rendezvous. We get some information as to how they met at the start of that weekend, but there is little description of the attraction they felt for each other, the lust and connection they made over those 48 hours, etc. So here we are, in the present, where Tom and Lydia are on a team together to win a race with a large sum of cash money. During their time crossing the country together there are obvious moments of attraction and steamy moments they share. However, the lead-up to those moments isn't very convincing because I am missing the details of the initial attraction or the flirting and physical buzz they are sharing.
I enjoyed the concept of the book, I liked the details and how they came together. I just needed a bit more background information on the attraction they felt for each other to really feel their connection. I love how Lydia was selfless and but everything on the line to help Tom. Her feelings for him were noticeable, and I did believe in them. Tom's were the ones I wasn't too sure about. Like I said, we got much more information from Lydia's POV and more of the book was from her side. Tom's chapters didn't start out too deep, so we didn't get a chance to really know him too well, so I didn't get to connect.
Overall, I think this story has great potential and is good for a quick read. It will definitely make you smile while reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this ARC copy.
December 30, 2024
Hot Pursuit is a fun read. It features a variety of loveable tropes (unexpected reunion with a one night stand, forced proximity, one bed-ish), supported by the unique concept of a reality show in which contestants must travel from the Lake District to London without getting caught by former SAS ‘hunters’.
Both protagonists had difficult upbringings in very different ways. Lydia’s was hinted at an awful lot without much deeper context or background being provided which I think is a shame. Each are likeable in their own ways, but hard to root for overall. Tom, in particular, was consistently rude for apparently no reason. They’d snap at each other constantly but provide no context as to why. One can deduce maybe it’s because they’re hungry or cold or in denial about their feelings, but the reasons are very rarely given and so it just ends up being quite frustrating to read.
The premise is definitely intriguing, but leaves a lot to the imagination as we only get to see the hunted’s perspective. I would have loved to have been given more information on the hunt at the end of the book. The stakes never seemed too high, because the hunters were often absent so perhaps the chase would have felt more intense and dangerous if we’d been given that perspective too. I’d also have liked to have read more about the logistics of being ‘on the run’. How are they washing? How do they go to the toilet? Maybe just me, but there was something almost glamorising about their time in the wild and I’d have loved to have read more about how, presumably, unhygienic the concept is. A lot of attention was given to the weather which was great, but what about the other cons of being lost in the middle of nowhere?
I’ve rated Hot Pursuit 3.75 because I really was invested in the characters and the story. However, I couldn’t rate it higher because there was ample opportunity to add so much depth and suspense that was just lacking. There was also a noticeable amount of errors, creating confusing sentences that cause a reader to break focus.
Both protagonists had difficult upbringings in very different ways. Lydia’s was hinted at an awful lot without much deeper context or background being provided which I think is a shame. Each are likeable in their own ways, but hard to root for overall. Tom, in particular, was consistently rude for apparently no reason. They’d snap at each other constantly but provide no context as to why. One can deduce maybe it’s because they’re hungry or cold or in denial about their feelings, but the reasons are very rarely given and so it just ends up being quite frustrating to read.
The premise is definitely intriguing, but leaves a lot to the imagination as we only get to see the hunted’s perspective. I would have loved to have been given more information on the hunt at the end of the book. The stakes never seemed too high, because the hunters were often absent so perhaps the chase would have felt more intense and dangerous if we’d been given that perspective too. I’d also have liked to have read more about the logistics of being ‘on the run’. How are they washing? How do they go to the toilet? Maybe just me, but there was something almost glamorising about their time in the wild and I’d have loved to have read more about how, presumably, unhygienic the concept is. A lot of attention was given to the weather which was great, but what about the other cons of being lost in the middle of nowhere?
I’ve rated Hot Pursuit 3.75 because I really was invested in the characters and the story. However, I couldn’t rate it higher because there was ample opportunity to add so much depth and suspense that was just lacking. There was also a noticeable amount of errors, creating confusing sentences that cause a reader to break focus.
May 26, 2024
I really wanted to like this one, being a big fan of game shows and the enemies to lovers trope, but it was a huge miss for me. When Lydia Smith signs up to be on a reality TV show, she has no idea Tom Dereborn will also be a contestant. Lydia and Tom had a one night stand almost a year ago and she had such a great time and thought the feeling might be mutual. Unfortunately, it didn't end well because Tom basically made her leave the next morning and never spoke to her again. She is shocked when she sees him at work, but unfortunately, things are still the same. Tom doesn't seem to want to talk to her, and whenever he does say something, it seems as though he doesn't like her and doesn't even want her in his presence. Now, they are paired together on a reality show called Fleeing For Your Life, with a prize of $100,000. They have to come together, compete, and make it all the way to the end in order to win the competition and the prize money. Honestly, the story felt very lacking and flat. The potential was there but it just was boring and didn't have any of the elements that I thought it would. It wasn't very funny, and the spice was just not there. Tom is an extremely unlikable character and actually seems mean and borderline cruel. He is actually quite rude to Lydia and does not treat her well. I understand trying to incorporate a grumpy/sunshine trope, as well as the enemies to lovers trope, but this just seemed over the top and makes you not even want to root for them as a couple. I was not a fan of Tom at all, and made me not enjoy the book at all. Also, Lydia's name debacle seemed like such a huge deal and then it just kind of faded away, which I didn't like. I just feel like this book could have been so much better, as the potential was truly there, but I didn't really care for it.
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and Cassie Connor for the eARC of this book.
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and Cassie Connor for the eARC of this book.
June 8, 2024
Hot Pursuit by Cassie Conner is a game show trope romance that Lydia is doing with her grumpy one time one night stand and now coworker. I will not waste a lot of time on a summary as most people know with this book is about what I will say is in the beginning I thought Tom was a real jerk not to mention the way they talked about sex we’re like two teenagers who recently agreed to start using curse words because it seems they cannot get enough of the derogatory base language used by uneducated children. Not only that I would in no way shape form or fashion be flattered by someone telling me seeing me again caused them to have a hard on. There is more than one way to skin a cat and also to get your thoughts across without using such crude Kress vocabulary. Due to Lydia‘s childhood however I can definitely see why she would be attracted to someone who is borderline cruel but I also liked the fact we got to meet his parents and see that he definitely got that from them. I also loved that despite the way they treated her Lydia was still magnanimous kind and didn’t let their behavior dictate hers. I do want to call BS on having intimate relations right after dislocating her shoulder and having a gash in her leg that needed stitches but… Yeah… Yes let’s get it on despite my serious medical injuries. I thought the whole name thing was ridiculous I mean they have laws against naming your children such things but I digress my love-hate relationship with this book had me giving it three stars when it comes to romance I am usually a fade to Black and like NU window more than seventh grade descriptions of sex but I also felt bad for Lydia and was happy Tom eventually started taking up for her. I do think it was only OK funny and not lol and LMFAO but if you like seventh grade humor and detailed sex you may enjoy this book. I want to think one more chapter for my free arc copy via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
May 25, 2024
• Hunted and in Hot Pursuit •
I’ve read and enjoyed Cassie Connor’s previous novel “Love Under Contract”, so I was intrigued by the adventurous plot line of “Hot Pursuit.”
From the plot description, I expected a romcom. However, as someone who usually prefers angsty romance, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the main characters carried heavy emotional baggage. Tom and Lydia both struggle with trust issues due to a lack of or conditional love, making them somewhat emotionally unavailable.
Initially, they share a lot of resentment towards each other. However, the circumstances of forced proximity and being hunted quickly bring them closer, reigniting their physical relationship. Unfortunately, their personal development occurs mostly independently, especially Tom’s, which feels forced. They share their bodies and a few deeply personal facts, but they don’t communicate their feelings much. When they finally do, it feels sudden and unexpected. While this lack of communication might reflect their brokenness and emotional isolation, it made it difficult for me to connect with them and believe in the depth of their love.
Despite enjoying the characters and finding the enemies-to-lovers romance entertaining, I felt the story could have delved deeper into the themes of family trauma and toxicity.
One significant issue I had with suspending disbelief was Lydia’s failure to change her name upon reaching legal age, given her meticulously controlled facade. Especially since this detail is not addressed in relation to Tom, making it seem unnecessary.
Overall, I enjoyed reading “Hot Pursuit” and recommend it to readers who favour a spicy, second-chance enemies-to-lovers romance with a thrilling survival aspect.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me with this ARC.
I’ve read and enjoyed Cassie Connor’s previous novel “Love Under Contract”, so I was intrigued by the adventurous plot line of “Hot Pursuit.”
From the plot description, I expected a romcom. However, as someone who usually prefers angsty romance, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the main characters carried heavy emotional baggage. Tom and Lydia both struggle with trust issues due to a lack of or conditional love, making them somewhat emotionally unavailable.
Initially, they share a lot of resentment towards each other. However, the circumstances of forced proximity and being hunted quickly bring them closer, reigniting their physical relationship. Unfortunately, their personal development occurs mostly independently, especially Tom’s, which feels forced. They share their bodies and a few deeply personal facts, but they don’t communicate their feelings much. When they finally do, it feels sudden and unexpected. While this lack of communication might reflect their brokenness and emotional isolation, it made it difficult for me to connect with them and believe in the depth of their love.
Despite enjoying the characters and finding the enemies-to-lovers romance entertaining, I felt the story could have delved deeper into the themes of family trauma and toxicity.
One significant issue I had with suspending disbelief was Lydia’s failure to change her name upon reaching legal age, given her meticulously controlled facade. Especially since this detail is not addressed in relation to Tom, making it seem unnecessary.
Overall, I enjoyed reading “Hot Pursuit” and recommend it to readers who favour a spicy, second-chance enemies-to-lovers romance with a thrilling survival aspect.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me with this ARC.
June 1, 2024
Lydia is independent and wears her heart on her sleeve. Tom struggles to meet his parents’ expectations and is emotionally unavailable. A year ago, they spent a passionate weekend together and went their separate ways.
🏕️ Forced proximity
🏕️ Slow burn
🏕️ Heightened emotions
Lydia gets picked to be on a reality show where she has to find her way to London without getting caught and gets paired with, of all people, Tom. Money is the endgame. Their feelings for each other never seemed to dissipate over the past year and it all comes to the surface while running for their lives.
As it turns out, we find out that Tom puts up walls because of his childhood. Lydia struggled as a child but in other ways. The emotional instability of both is their downfall. Because of this, I wanted to shake Tom but tell Lydia to speak her mind like she has the rest of the book. I found myself rooting for both of them but frustrated because they both gave each other mixed signals.
This was written with a POV from both characters and the character’s name was at the beginning of each chapter. There were breaks in some chapters that did not make a smooth transition in switching the POV. I had to go back and start at the breaks once I figured out who was speaking.
This is a slow burn romance and emotionally charged. The tension didn’t break until the end. It is relatable and it kept my attention. It didn’t take long for me to finish reading. I wouldn’t mind seeing this turned into a movie. 🎥
Special thanks to #NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this #ARC to review. Publication date is set for June 7, 2024.
#HotPursuit #BookReview #HarperCollinsUK #HarperCollins #OneMoreChapter #CassieConner #Hardback #TurnthePage #Virginia
🏕️ Forced proximity
🏕️ Slow burn
🏕️ Heightened emotions
Lydia gets picked to be on a reality show where she has to find her way to London without getting caught and gets paired with, of all people, Tom. Money is the endgame. Their feelings for each other never seemed to dissipate over the past year and it all comes to the surface while running for their lives.
As it turns out, we find out that Tom puts up walls because of his childhood. Lydia struggled as a child but in other ways. The emotional instability of both is their downfall. Because of this, I wanted to shake Tom but tell Lydia to speak her mind like she has the rest of the book. I found myself rooting for both of them but frustrated because they both gave each other mixed signals.
This was written with a POV from both characters and the character’s name was at the beginning of each chapter. There were breaks in some chapters that did not make a smooth transition in switching the POV. I had to go back and start at the breaks once I figured out who was speaking.
This is a slow burn romance and emotionally charged. The tension didn’t break until the end. It is relatable and it kept my attention. It didn’t take long for me to finish reading. I wouldn’t mind seeing this turned into a movie. 🎥
Special thanks to #NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this #ARC to review. Publication date is set for June 7, 2024.
#HotPursuit #BookReview #HarperCollinsUK #HarperCollins #OneMoreChapter #CassieConner #Hardback #TurnthePage #Virginia
June 10, 2024
Rating: 4/5
Spicinessl: 2/5
Imagine being on Hunted or The Amazing Race but your partner is your two-night stand. Lydia and Tom are stuck together out in the wild trying to evade the tv show's "hunters" all while evading their feelings for one another. After having an amazing two-night stand months ago, they discover they are now coworkers and after poor second meeting, they aren't exactly friends. But as fate would have it, they end up paired together for a tv show their company is involved with. Both has reasons they want to win the money, but they must learn to rely on each other to make that happen.
This is enemies to lovers, but less playful than the normal trope. Sure, there's the normal bickering but Lydia and Tom both have complicated upbringings that have warped their idea's of love. Eventually, they find strength through each other to learn to not only love others but themselves. Honestly, I loved them as characters so much individually. From Lydia's shame in her habits gain from a childhood of learning to rely only on herself to Tom's need to earn his parents' love through accomplishments, each chapter gave more insight into their behavior and it was both heartbreaking but amazing to hear.
I also love Lydia's strength. I feel like so often strong, independent woman are written as sassy woman which don't get me wrong I love, but it was so interesting to read about Lydia and how she never back down. She was reasonable and meet adversity head on every time. It wasn't showy, but it was so admirable.
Great, exciting read! (Only thing I'm mad about is there was no name reveal at the end.)
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me this arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Spicinessl: 2/5
Imagine being on Hunted or The Amazing Race but your partner is your two-night stand. Lydia and Tom are stuck together out in the wild trying to evade the tv show's "hunters" all while evading their feelings for one another. After having an amazing two-night stand months ago, they discover they are now coworkers and after poor second meeting, they aren't exactly friends. But as fate would have it, they end up paired together for a tv show their company is involved with. Both has reasons they want to win the money, but they must learn to rely on each other to make that happen.
This is enemies to lovers, but less playful than the normal trope. Sure, there's the normal bickering but Lydia and Tom both have complicated upbringings that have warped their idea's of love. Eventually, they find strength through each other to learn to not only love others but themselves. Honestly, I loved them as characters so much individually. From Lydia's shame in her habits gain from a childhood of learning to rely only on herself to Tom's need to earn his parents' love through accomplishments, each chapter gave more insight into their behavior and it was both heartbreaking but amazing to hear.
I also love Lydia's strength. I feel like so often strong, independent woman are written as sassy woman which don't get me wrong I love, but it was so interesting to read about Lydia and how she never back down. She was reasonable and meet adversity head on every time. It wasn't showy, but it was so admirable.
Great, exciting read! (Only thing I'm mad about is there was no name reveal at the end.)
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me this arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.
June 29, 2024
♡ ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (rounded up to 4) ♡
🌶️ 1/5
I really enjoyed this book! This was my first Cassie Connor read, and it was the perfect romcom to read and relax. I’ll definitely be finding and reading Cassie’s Love Under Contract when I can 💗
Tom and Lydia were both chasing their dreams, and, as a result, got paired up on a gameshow after spending a weekend together a year before. I don’t think I’ve read a game show-based romance before, but I feel like this one was well done, and I’d definitely read more in this style. The competition elements were written well, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the inclusion of them 🏃♂️🏃♀️
There was lots of banter and chemistry between the two characters, and I loved watching them grow in themselves and together. There were so many funny and cute moments that I really enjoyed reading. Still, there was such a good emotional element, and Tom and Lydia both had such lovely growth through the story 🫶
Tom and Lydia came from such different backgrounds but they still both struggled through their circumstances and came out better on the other side. I like Cassie’s take on people from different backgrounds facing struggles; that while Tom and Lydia’s childhoods were so different they both had hard lives, and neither was harder or better than the other 💗
Tropes:
🏃♀️Banter
🏃♂️(Lovers to) Enemies to Lovers
🏃♀️Forced Proximity
🏃♂️Grumpy/Sunshine(ish)
🏃♀️Reality TV/Game Show
🏃♂️Dual POV
Hot Pursuit was a great read, and I would recommend this to anyone who wants a cute and fun read with enemies-to-lovers elements in it 🫶💗
*I received an eARC copy in exchange for my honest review of this book*
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the chance to read this book 💗
🌶️ 1/5
I really enjoyed this book! This was my first Cassie Connor read, and it was the perfect romcom to read and relax. I’ll definitely be finding and reading Cassie’s Love Under Contract when I can 💗
Tom and Lydia were both chasing their dreams, and, as a result, got paired up on a gameshow after spending a weekend together a year before. I don’t think I’ve read a game show-based romance before, but I feel like this one was well done, and I’d definitely read more in this style. The competition elements were written well, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the inclusion of them 🏃♂️🏃♀️
There was lots of banter and chemistry between the two characters, and I loved watching them grow in themselves and together. There were so many funny and cute moments that I really enjoyed reading. Still, there was such a good emotional element, and Tom and Lydia both had such lovely growth through the story 🫶
Tom and Lydia came from such different backgrounds but they still both struggled through their circumstances and came out better on the other side. I like Cassie’s take on people from different backgrounds facing struggles; that while Tom and Lydia’s childhoods were so different they both had hard lives, and neither was harder or better than the other 💗
Tropes:
🏃♀️Banter
🏃♂️(Lovers to) Enemies to Lovers
🏃♀️Forced Proximity
🏃♂️Grumpy/Sunshine(ish)
🏃♀️Reality TV/Game Show
🏃♂️Dual POV
Hot Pursuit was a great read, and I would recommend this to anyone who wants a cute and fun read with enemies-to-lovers elements in it 🫶💗
*I received an eARC copy in exchange for my honest review of this book*
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the chance to read this book 💗
June 28, 2024
This story starts with our two main characters meeting at a job site where they recognize each other from a past weekend they had together where the sparks were definitely flying. There is some tension between them from the get-go as they haven't been in contact since their chance meeting and weekend fling, and they seem to be butting heads at every chance they get. Soon after this, they realize they're unexpectedly both two contestants on a new reality show where teams of two have to work together to survive in the wilderness and make their way to a rendezvous spot in London without being caught. This novel is filled with tension, action, and some really great character development.
I was really happy reading the two different POVs of our MCs throughout this book, and I loved that it was very obvious when the POV switched between the characters. Sometimes I find in books like this that I have to go back and re-read pages because I got the characters mixed up, but I didn't have any trouble with that here. Both characters had unique backgrounds that you can see how they were shaped by their pasts, and it was really nice getting to see them open up to each other slowly throughout their journey. As a reality TV lover, I did find myself having a hard time really throwing myself into the plot as it seemed a little disjointed that there were not actual cameras following them around, but I think it made for some good drama and unique instances where the couple was forced to be closer together, which is a trope I can always get behind!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book!
I was really happy reading the two different POVs of our MCs throughout this book, and I loved that it was very obvious when the POV switched between the characters. Sometimes I find in books like this that I have to go back and re-read pages because I got the characters mixed up, but I didn't have any trouble with that here. Both characters had unique backgrounds that you can see how they were shaped by their pasts, and it was really nice getting to see them open up to each other slowly throughout their journey. As a reality TV lover, I did find myself having a hard time really throwing myself into the plot as it seemed a little disjointed that there were not actual cameras following them around, but I think it made for some good drama and unique instances where the couple was forced to be closer together, which is a trope I can always get behind!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book!
May 26, 2024
4.5 rounded down to 4. I picked up this book because I thought it would be a super fun rom-com and did not see the emotional one-two coming. But boy, oh boy, did I love it.
Lydia and Tom shared a weekend of no-strings attached passion that completely ruined them for anyone else. But, a year later, when Tom shows up at a work site as Lydia's new co-worker, their professional relationship gets off on the wrong foot. The two of them audition for a reality show where they must flee from bounty hunters and end up paired together. Can the two of them work together?
Was Hot Pursuit a fun rom-com? Yes. I could name so many cute and hilarious moments, but many of them would be spoilers, so let's just settle on saying it won't disappoint in this department. Did it also spark a deep emotional connection in me for both main characters? Also yes. When I reached the hurt/comfort, I thought it was going to be about the physical toll of show and not the emotional baggage they brought with them. But Cassie Connor provided both and it was beautiful.
Cassie was raised by neglectful parents and learned to rely on herself. Meanwhile, Tom's parents were the opposite; meddling in his life to the point that home was not a safe space to be himself. Watching these two extremes of control come together not only for the show but for each other-and themselves-was the highlight of the book.
Pick it up for the reality show escape; stay for the emotional payoff.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Lydia and Tom shared a weekend of no-strings attached passion that completely ruined them for anyone else. But, a year later, when Tom shows up at a work site as Lydia's new co-worker, their professional relationship gets off on the wrong foot. The two of them audition for a reality show where they must flee from bounty hunters and end up paired together. Can the two of them work together?
Was Hot Pursuit a fun rom-com? Yes. I could name so many cute and hilarious moments, but many of them would be spoilers, so let's just settle on saying it won't disappoint in this department. Did it also spark a deep emotional connection in me for both main characters? Also yes. When I reached the hurt/comfort, I thought it was going to be about the physical toll of show and not the emotional baggage they brought with them. But Cassie Connor provided both and it was beautiful.
Cassie was raised by neglectful parents and learned to rely on herself. Meanwhile, Tom's parents were the opposite; meddling in his life to the point that home was not a safe space to be himself. Watching these two extremes of control come together not only for the show but for each other-and themselves-was the highlight of the book.
Pick it up for the reality show escape; stay for the emotional payoff.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2024
🌸 Hot Pursuit - Cassie Connor
📝 🎬 🎥 🪨 🌄 🏕 ☕️ 🎒 🏡
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.5/5
Thank you netgally for the arc in exchange for my honest review. ♡
Pub Date Jun 29 2024
Lydia gets sent on a job in Barcelona, where she is to meet a new colleague to help her with this insurance claim. Only her new colleague is the guy she had a two night stand with eleven months ago that has ruined her for all other men. Tom claims to not recognise Lydia but a few weeks later when their works staff gets put forward for a pilot on a new survival show, they find them self in very close proximity and truths they have never said to eachother or anyone comes to light.
This was super cute. I loved both of their pov and didn't favourite one of the other which is strange for me. I loved the idea of the tv show, although I think they cheated a bit 😂 this was an all-around cute romance. Enemies to lovers, close proximity, work through personal trauma, family issues, kind of story.
I did mark it down a little because I found there to be a few plot holes for me. Nothing major, just didn't add up. But I dont want to give spoilers.
I would have loved to see the conversation between the two mcs and her name, though. 🤔 that would have been hilarious.
🤍
"I think it's dried mouse bollocks, which have had a passing acquaintance with a teaspoon of tomato puree."
'Live in the present. Be present.'
"Im not telling you, you already know - it just makes me ... fall a little bit more in love with you."
"You're everything."
📝 🎬 🎥 🪨 🌄 🏕 ☕️ 🎒 🏡
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.5/5
Thank you netgally for the arc in exchange for my honest review. ♡
Pub Date Jun 29 2024
Lydia gets sent on a job in Barcelona, where she is to meet a new colleague to help her with this insurance claim. Only her new colleague is the guy she had a two night stand with eleven months ago that has ruined her for all other men. Tom claims to not recognise Lydia but a few weeks later when their works staff gets put forward for a pilot on a new survival show, they find them self in very close proximity and truths they have never said to eachother or anyone comes to light.
This was super cute. I loved both of their pov and didn't favourite one of the other which is strange for me. I loved the idea of the tv show, although I think they cheated a bit 😂 this was an all-around cute romance. Enemies to lovers, close proximity, work through personal trauma, family issues, kind of story.
I did mark it down a little because I found there to be a few plot holes for me. Nothing major, just didn't add up. But I dont want to give spoilers.
I would have loved to see the conversation between the two mcs and her name, though. 🤔 that would have been hilarious.
🤍
"I think it's dried mouse bollocks, which have had a passing acquaintance with a teaspoon of tomato puree."
'Live in the present. Be present.'
"Im not telling you, you already know - it just makes me ... fall a little bit more in love with you."
"You're everything."
May 18, 2024
2.5⭐️
Lydia y Tom tuvieron una aventura corta hace uno casi un año la cual no terminó bien, él fue grosero.
Ambos trabajan en una aseguradora como ajustadores, ella es muy buena es su trabajo y él solo le hace porque es lo que sus padres esperan, pero quiere ser director de cine.
Once meses después de su fin de semana juntos se vuelven a ver, resulta que ahora trabajan en la misma aseguradora, pero él finge que no la conoce porque no hace la cosa de las relaciones y sentimientos.
La empresa tiene un reality que se graba cada año, entonces Lydia se inscribió y tendrá que pasar por un a serie de pruebas para ser seleccionada, quien gane recibirá un premio de $100,000. Obviamente él también se inscribe para poder dejar su trabajo y ella para arreglar la casa que le dejó su abuela.
El reality consiste en que son llevados con los ojos vendados a un lugar desierto y los participantes tienen que llegar cierto lugar, deben evitar ser atrapados por lo cazadores y tienen 5 días para llegar.
Los dos han tenido vidas difíciles, ella con unos padres alcohólicos y negligentes, él con padres que la apariencia lo es todo y la felicidad no existe en su vocabulario.
La razón de mi calificación es que como lector sabía porque Tom actuaba de esa manera, pero Lydia no y dejo que la tratara mal repetidamente.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Lydia y Tom tuvieron una aventura corta hace uno casi un año la cual no terminó bien, él fue grosero.
Ambos trabajan en una aseguradora como ajustadores, ella es muy buena es su trabajo y él solo le hace porque es lo que sus padres esperan, pero quiere ser director de cine.
Once meses después de su fin de semana juntos se vuelven a ver, resulta que ahora trabajan en la misma aseguradora, pero él finge que no la conoce porque no hace la cosa de las relaciones y sentimientos.
La empresa tiene un reality que se graba cada año, entonces Lydia se inscribió y tendrá que pasar por un a serie de pruebas para ser seleccionada, quien gane recibirá un premio de $100,000. Obviamente él también se inscribe para poder dejar su trabajo y ella para arreglar la casa que le dejó su abuela.
El reality consiste en que son llevados con los ojos vendados a un lugar desierto y los participantes tienen que llegar cierto lugar, deben evitar ser atrapados por lo cazadores y tienen 5 días para llegar.
Los dos han tenido vidas difíciles, ella con unos padres alcohólicos y negligentes, él con padres que la apariencia lo es todo y la felicidad no existe en su vocabulario.
La razón de mi calificación es que como lector sabía porque Tom actuaba de esa manera, pero Lydia no y dejo que la tratara mal repetidamente.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 26, 2024
eARC from NetGalley, thank you!
This book was a fun, quick read. It follows a couple who had a weekend together almost a year ago, and never spoke again. They meet up again when he starts working at her company, and then they enter into a reality TV show together.
The spice was pretty good, but I wouldn't call this as spicy as the description makes it out to bed. There are three or four explicit scenes. The main plot of the book is the reality show where the two are running from "hunters." It was hard to get into that aspect of the book, because I feel like the rules of the show weren't explained very well. There don't seem to be cameras following them, so I'm not sure what the audience would be viewing? They also proceeded to break a lot of laws, and it took me away from the story with the unrealistic circumstances.
The writing was overall good, but I did notice some chapters switch perspectives without warning, which felt like weird little hiccups in the story. It took me a second to realize we were now in the other main character's point of view. I also had gripes about miles and mph being used, even though these characters are very, very British and the book is set in London. That just seemed like an odd oversight.
Overall, this book was pretty good and very quick to get through. I'd recommend it if you want an easy read with spice and lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers.
This book was a fun, quick read. It follows a couple who had a weekend together almost a year ago, and never spoke again. They meet up again when he starts working at her company, and then they enter into a reality TV show together.
The spice was pretty good, but I wouldn't call this as spicy as the description makes it out to bed. There are three or four explicit scenes. The main plot of the book is the reality show where the two are running from "hunters." It was hard to get into that aspect of the book, because I feel like the rules of the show weren't explained very well. There don't seem to be cameras following them, so I'm not sure what the audience would be viewing? They also proceeded to break a lot of laws, and it took me away from the story with the unrealistic circumstances.
The writing was overall good, but I did notice some chapters switch perspectives without warning, which felt like weird little hiccups in the story. It took me a second to realize we were now in the other main character's point of view. I also had gripes about miles and mph being used, even though these characters are very, very British and the book is set in London. That just seemed like an odd oversight.
Overall, this book was pretty good and very quick to get through. I'd recommend it if you want an easy read with spice and lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers.
June 2, 2024
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.50 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
“I'm a survivor. I'm me both because of and in spite of my upbringing.”
This was fun! I really liked the idea of this story being set around being in a reality game(?) show. A bit on the unbelievable side but still enjoyable despite it. It definitely made for an entertaining read. I was going to rate this book a solid 3/5 but the last chapters which was surprisingly emotional redeemed it a bit for me.
I think the main reason why I couldn't rate this book any higher is because of the relationship between the MCs. Both Lydia and Tom were interesting on their own...but together? I didn't really feel it. This was a good example of: being told that the characters had chemistry, versus actually reading and feeling that the characters had chemistry (if you know what I mean). Also, Tom was insufferable for the longest time that I wondered how and why Lydia even liked him at all...let alone liked him enough to allow things to progress between them when she did. They happened too fast and not in a natural (or realistic) way. Their relationship by the end was really good at least, but how they got there was too forced for me and I just couldn't let it go.
• Enemies to Lovers
• Second Chance
• Forced Proximity
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Family Drama
• Reality TV show
***ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review***
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
“I'm a survivor. I'm me both because of and in spite of my upbringing.”
This was fun! I really liked the idea of this story being set around being in a reality game(?) show. A bit on the unbelievable side but still enjoyable despite it. It definitely made for an entertaining read. I was going to rate this book a solid 3/5 but the last chapters which was surprisingly emotional redeemed it a bit for me.
I think the main reason why I couldn't rate this book any higher is because of the relationship between the MCs. Both Lydia and Tom were interesting on their own...but together? I didn't really feel it. This was a good example of: being told that the characters had chemistry, versus actually reading and feeling that the characters had chemistry (if you know what I mean). Also, Tom was insufferable for the longest time that I wondered how and why Lydia even liked him at all...let alone liked him enough to allow things to progress between them when she did. They happened too fast and not in a natural (or realistic) way. Their relationship by the end was really good at least, but how they got there was too forced for me and I just couldn't let it go.
• Enemies to Lovers
• Second Chance
• Forced Proximity
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Family Drama
• Reality TV show
***ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review***
June 10, 2024
What a fun book! Cassie Connor’s book is lighted-hearted & so fun to read! Lydia & Tom are fleeing for their lives to win on a new reality tv show. The prize money will help both of them achieve goals they have been working for but they are going to have to work together to win. Just one thing, they don’t like each other very much.
Things I loved about this book:
💜 Lydia & Tom: Just love how they developed through the book
🥾 Enemies to Friends to Lovers: It really is complicated - they have history, lost touch, reunite (anger issues!) & are forced to work together to achieve their goals
💜 Opposites Attract: Both Lydia & Tom are very different but as the story moves forward the two find out they have a little more in common then they thought
🥾 Steamy Scenes: Extreme! I need to say no more.
💜 Vulnerability: Both Lydia & Tom fight this & are afraid of letting too much go. It is difficult to open up when there are so many reasons to stay closed off. However, I enjoyed the natural progression & what happens when they finally let their walls crumble a little at a time
💜 Strong Character Traits: The are both strong characters in different ways but the qualities they have end up complimenting each other & helping one another
🥾 The Cottage Stay: all time favorite part of the book! I cannot say anymore!!
Cassie Connor’s book brings both smiles and the perfect happily ever after. I will definitely be reading this one again!
Things I loved about this book:
💜 Lydia & Tom: Just love how they developed through the book
🥾 Enemies to Friends to Lovers: It really is complicated - they have history, lost touch, reunite (anger issues!) & are forced to work together to achieve their goals
💜 Opposites Attract: Both Lydia & Tom are very different but as the story moves forward the two find out they have a little more in common then they thought
🥾 Steamy Scenes: Extreme! I need to say no more.
💜 Vulnerability: Both Lydia & Tom fight this & are afraid of letting too much go. It is difficult to open up when there are so many reasons to stay closed off. However, I enjoyed the natural progression & what happens when they finally let their walls crumble a little at a time
💜 Strong Character Traits: The are both strong characters in different ways but the qualities they have end up complimenting each other & helping one another
🥾 The Cottage Stay: all time favorite part of the book! I cannot say anymore!!
Cassie Connor’s book brings both smiles and the perfect happily ever after. I will definitely be reading this one again!
May 17, 2024
This was an okay read, not one that I wanted to give up reading but not one that I overly enjoyed.
I thought for a long time that Tom was not going to be the hero. He was like an anti-hero. He was entitled and waspish and ungentlemanly, and I hated him. I hated him for so long for the way that he kept talking to and treating Lydia, that when he started trying to be a hero, I didn't want to know.
The banter wasn't as snappy as I usually enjoy, and the spice (considering it has chillies on the front cover) wasn't that spicy. It felt flat somehow. Maybe because I didn't like Tom. I don't know.
The plot was a great idea, and I liked the little subplots that the journey took the couple on.
I also couldn't understand some of the choices like the whole build-up of Lydia's name, and then I don't remember Tom finding out about it? It felt like it was building to this huge moment where she would tell him because she finally trusted him, and it was this huge sign that she loved him. But it just died and went away? Unless I missed it.
The romance went from hatred to love a bit too instantly, the progression feeling like juddering stops up the hill instead of a smooth climb.
Yeah. It was an okay read. I think the idea of the plot was the best part.
I thought for a long time that Tom was not going to be the hero. He was like an anti-hero. He was entitled and waspish and ungentlemanly, and I hated him. I hated him for so long for the way that he kept talking to and treating Lydia, that when he started trying to be a hero, I didn't want to know.
The banter wasn't as snappy as I usually enjoy, and the spice (considering it has chillies on the front cover) wasn't that spicy. It felt flat somehow. Maybe because I didn't like Tom. I don't know.
The plot was a great idea, and I liked the little subplots that the journey took the couple on.
I also couldn't understand some of the choices like the whole build-up of Lydia's name, and then I don't remember Tom finding out about it? It felt like it was building to this huge moment where she would tell him because she finally trusted him, and it was this huge sign that she loved him. But it just died and went away? Unless I missed it.
The romance went from hatred to love a bit too instantly, the progression feeling like juddering stops up the hill instead of a smooth climb.
Yeah. It was an okay read. I think the idea of the plot was the best part.
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