"A trove of adventure, romance, and queer joy that’s not to be missed."—Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Books of 2025 When rivals Harper and Eve are forced to team up on a high-stakes treasure hunt, sparks fly, secrets unravel, and the biggest prize might just be their hearts.
Reporter Harper Hendrix is chasing a career-making story—and the legendary Blackburn Diamonds are her ticket to the top. She’s smart, ambitious, and definitely not distracted by the infuriatingly hot antiques salvager standing in her way.
Eve Bardot has spent years searching for the diamonds, and she’s not about to let a pesky, too-charming reporter ruin her shot. But when rival treasure hunters close in, Eve and Harper strike an uneasy truce to track down the prize together.
Their partnership? Purely strategic. The bickering? Nonstop. The chemistry? A complete disaster.
As clues pile up and tension turns explosive, Harper and Eve must decide what’s more the hunt…or falling for each other.
Kathryn Nolan (she/they) is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author. Her steamy romance novels are known for their slow-burn sexual tension, memorable characters, and big, hopeful feelings.
Kathryn is a bisexual bookworm and femme cutie with big Leo energy. They love to spend their free time hiking, camping and traveling. When not on the road, they live in their hometown of Philly with their cute husband and giant-eared rescue pup, Walter.
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I was gifted an eARC via Entangled Publishing, this was my very first one and I am so so so happy about it!
On a surface level point of view, I absolutely loved this book. So many laugh out loud moments that were filled with humor, but also this adventure plot line that just kept me interested. If there was an Indiana Jones movie that was gay, this is it! Alexa, please play Casual by Chappell Roan.
On a much deeper note, this book is being released in such a pivotal time. This book stresses the importance of queer spaces and the sanctity of those spaces and stories, and how they deserve to be told. This is needed much more than ever, as queer voices and stories are being erased from history as we know it.
The ending of this book brought me to tears, because regardless of who you are, we each deserve to live a life worth dying for, and even a love worth dying for. This book gave such a reminder that sometimes you just need to say fuck it and live your life unapologetically. I hope that those who read this book when it comes out, shares that same experience and feeling.
This book is so much more than just fiction and it serves such a greater purpose than that. I hope everyone enjoys it the same way I did.
I received an ARC of Thrill of the Chase by Kathryn Nolan from NetGalley and Entangled: Amara, and I am beyond grateful because this one absolutely knocked me off my feet. The book is expected to publish on July 1, 2025, and I already know it’s going to be one of my standout reads of the year. If you’re looking for a sapphic romance that brings adventure, chemistry, history, and heart, put this on your TBR immediately.
From the very first chapter, Nolan’s writing pulled me in. Harper Hendrix is a reporter whose journalism career is hanging by a thread. Her last shot is a high-stakes story about the long-lost Blackburn Diamonds—if she can find them and the elusive treasure hunter Monty Montana, who has evaded the public eye for decades. Harper is driven, ambitious, and trying very hard not to be distracted by Monty’s infuriating, beautiful niece, Eve Bardot.
Eve is an antiques salvager with deep connections to the legend Harper is chasing. Protective of her aunt’s privacy and wary of journalists, Eve wants nothing to do with Harper. But as rival treasure hunters close in and the mystery deepens, the two women reluctantly team up. What starts as a purely strategic alliance turns into something much more: a connection neither of them expected and can’t seem to resist.
The chemistry between Harper and Eve absolutely sizzles. Nolan is a master of slow burn romance. The bickering and banter between the two felt authentic and often hilarious, and the tension between them built in such a natural, satisfying way. I loved how their relationship evolved—from mistrust and guarded attraction to genuine understanding and deep affection. The payoff was worth every moment of yearning and angst.
But Thrill of the Chase isn’t just a romance. It’s also a beautifully crafted adventure story and a moving exploration of queer history. The treasure hunt at the center of the plot uncovers the story of a queer woman who dared to live and love openly in the early 20th century, despite the enormous risks. Watching Harper and Eve piece together this hidden history was powerful. There’s something so poignant about two modern queer women reclaiming a lost part of their community’s past. It reminded me of the importance of preserving queer stories, especially in a time when they are still too often erased or ignored.
Nolan handles these themes with care and honesty. The story never feels preachy; instead, it resonates on a deeply emotional level. There were moments that made me tear up—particularly the revelations about Priscilla and Adeline’s love story and the parallels to Harper and Eve’s own journey. As one character says in the book, queer and trans people have always existed, no matter how hard society tries to erase them. That message felt like both a truth and a call to action.
The adventure itself is incredibly fun. The plot moves at a brisk pace as Harper and Eve follow clues across canyons, abandoned towns, and sun-drenched desert trails. The descriptions are vivid and immersive—I could practically feel the grit beneath my feet and see the fireflies lighting up the night sky. The story has a cinematic quality that would translate beautifully to the screen. Think Indiana Jones meets National Treasure, but make it sapphic.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is how unapologetically queer it is. Nolan doesn’t just insert a romance into an adventure plot; she centers queer experiences, joy, and resilience throughout the entire narrative. From the historical storyline to Harper and Eve’s present-day relationship, the book celebrates queer love in all its forms. In a publishing landscape that still needs more diverse, authentic stories, Thrill of the Chase is a shining example of what inclusive storytelling can and should be.
The side characters also deserve a shout-out. Monty Montana, in particular, is a standout—fierce, funny, and full of heart. The dynamic between Monty and Eve added so much emotional depth to the story, as did the exploration of family, chosen and biological. Even the book’s antagonist, Jensen, was layered and interesting, adding stakes and tension without falling into one-dimensional villain territory.
And I can’t forget to mention the writing itself. Nolan’s prose is gorgeous without being flowery, sharp without sacrificing warmth. She knows exactly when to punch with humor and when to tug at the reader’s heartstrings. Some passages were so beautiful, I had to stop and reread them. Her dialogue sparkles with wit and authenticity, and her ability to convey longing and vulnerability is unmatched.
If I had one small critique, it’s that a couple of the treasure hunting sequences felt a bit slower than the rest of the action—but honestly, the character work and emotional stakes more than carried those moments. By the time I reached the final chapters, I was fully invested in every layer of the story: the mystery, the romance, the history, and the hope.
The ending was everything I wanted—heartwarming, affirming, and true to the journey these characters had taken. I finished the last page with happy tears and a full heart.
I can’t recommend Thrill of the Chase highly enough. It’s the kind of book that entertains you while also leaving a lasting impact. If you love queer romance, adventure stories, or simply beautifully written books that celebrate love in all its forms, this one is for you.
Huge thanks again to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing/Amara, and Kathryn Nolan for the opportunity to read this ARC. I’m already counting the days until release so I can grab a finished copy and shout about it to everyone I know.
This had an interesting premise that just didn’t get off the ground. Adventure in the wilds is fine and dandy, as long as there is downtime and a natural ebb and flow to the story. Instalust is also fine if it’s explored properly. This had neither. It was “I hate her so much, for no real reason. But I wanna stare at her collar bone while we are trapped in an abandoned mine.” It was taking me forever to try and get to halfway.
Thrill of the Chase was a wonderful sapphic romance that completely surprised me in the best way! At its core, it’s a romance but woven into the story is a mystery and a rich, emotional journey that explores queer love both now and in the early 1900s. The way the author connects past and present queer experiences is beautifully done and added so much depth to the story.
The chemistry between the main characters? Incredible. Their banter, their bickering, it was everything. The romance was hot, sweet, and full of heart. I was hooked from page one, and the treasure hunt kept the plot fast-paced and exciting. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!
Huge thanks to Entangled Publishing for the ARC. I absolutely loved this one and can’t recommend it enough!
this was very very cute and lovely to read, especially during pride month. the writing felt a bit too much for me, a bit too circular, and sometimes i kept dozing off. my main issue with the book is that it felt a bit too generic and it didn't stand out among so many other romance books featuring the same themes and the same tropes.
overall, i had a good time and would like to read more from the author!
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for a review
This one was truly amazing and so much different than anything else I’ve read in a long time! Journalist meets grumpy antique store owner, to form an epic bond on the hunt for missing jewels. This had so many twists and turns, and every new piece of info made me want more! I did this in a buddy read and actually ended up binging the entire thing. This was a new to me author and I want to read more moving forward.
I received a free copy from Tantor Audio and voluntarily reviewed it.
When I first saw this book I knew I wanted to read it, the treasure hunt plot line combined with romance sounded so fun. After I got declined for a review copy on Netgalley I saw Tantor was doing the audiobook and requested that. And I am so glad I did as I loved this book and the narrator was awesome, so I am glad I got it in audio.
Thrill of the Chase is told from two perspectives. One is reporter Harper who visits New Mexico to find the famous treasure hunter Monty Montana and get Monty to do an interview for the journal she works for. And then there is Eve who runs a salvage store and is Monty's niece and will let no one get close to Monty, not that she knows were Monty is either.
After listening to the first hour I was wondering if this was going to be a bust. Harper was every annoying reporter stereotype packed in one, pushy and persistent, only focused on her goal and job and not listening to no. She ofcourse clashes with Eve right away and rivals to lovers is never my favorite trope. There also wasn't really any treasure hunting yet. Luckily I decided to continue and the next hour of listening changed my mind. Harper and Eve team up together to search for the buried treasure and slowly open up to each other and I was hooked.
I loved this story. Both Harper and Eve feel like real people and they are so relatable. Something about their stories and struggles really resonated with me. And I loved the message this book had about finding yourself, making time to see the sunrises and enjoy life and live it for yourself and no one else. Both of these characters had some tough parts in their past and when they open up and share those vulnerable and hard parts with the other it was so heartwarming. And I loved that scene with Eve taking Harper seriously when she said she was afraid of ghosts, instead of making fun of her. They might snap at each other at first, but the interesting part is that they really see the other. And then when that turns into passion was amazing. There is a bit of steam as well and i really could feel the connection between these tow both emotionally and physically.
There is a third act breakup and I was really hoping there wouldn't be, but I actually didn't dislike it as much as in most books and that's saying a lot. It made sense given their backstories how they acted and I do think they needed that brief time apart to figure things out. The apologies felt sincere and when they get together again it feels like they dealt with some of those hurts of their past and wouldn't let it come between them again.
And then there's the treasure hunt. I really liked the treasure hunt storyline. There's just something so fun and adventurous about it all, but it also goes deeper than that with the actual story connected to the treasure hunt. And it really matters to both of these characters. I really understood why this story was so important to them, why they wanted to find out what happened to those diamonds and to lady who was said to have stolen them. I liked seeing them find clues, go out there with their metal detectors to try and find something, find more information and hints. And then when at the end it all come together it was so great. I liked how this historical story and the treasure hunt intermingled with the rest of the plot.
The narrator was really good and the narrator gives each main character such a distinct voice I could always tell which point of view I was in. And all the characters really have their own voice and vibe. I liked how she brought the characters to life and added to their personalities with her narration. She also adds emotion to the voices and it really just felt so well done. I am really grateful I got listen to this one as it was awesome.
To summarize: This book was so good. I loved the romance and how these two character really see the other and share so much about themselves with the other. Something about their stories and struggles really resonated with me and it was so powerful to resonate with the story in such a way. I liked Eve and Harper together and the way they open up to the other, they felt so real and alive. And I enjoyed reading about them. The treasure hunt plot line was so fun, I liked the adventurous vibe it added to the story and I really liked reading about all the clues and hints they find along the way. I liked finding out the whole story of the diamonds and the history of the people surrounding them. I also liked how it made sense why Eve and Harper were after these diamonds and why this story meant so much to them. There are some interesting side characters as well that I liked getting to know along the way. The narrator was awesome and gave both Eve and Harper a distinct voice so I always knew whose point of view it was. She did all the voices really well and I really enjoyed listening to this one.
Thank you to Netgalley, Entangled publishing and author Kathryn Nolan for providing me with the eARC of “Thrill of the Chase”, in exchange for my honest review. Publication date: July 1st, 2025
I am not usually a crier when it comes to books- but admittedly, this one made me tear up. Happy tears only though. Very happy tears.
This was an interesting read, and quite unique! To date, I have not read anything with a similar storyline. So if you are looking for something new, this might be perfect for you! - Sapphic romance - Enemies to lovers - Treasure hunt/Uncovering lost/unknown history plot
Here we meet two main characters: Harper, a reporter that is trying to get information from a well-known treasure hunter who is in hiding. Eve, the niece of that treasure hunter, who is determined to keep her aunt safe from said reporter, while also on a mission to discover the location of hidden diamonds and to discover the truth about the identity of the woman who hid them. The romance between these two is honestly perfect. They balance each other out nicely and I felt like they had a real connection.
It was really heartwarming to read the points made in the story about the existence of queer identities throughout time. It discusses how queer people are not simply a product of modern-day society. They have existed forever- even though many of them had to remain hidden or have been written out of history altogether. I thought this was impactful, and a pretty awesome message.
There were brief mentions of non-binary/gender non-conforming and transgender identities at a few points throughout the book, which I thought was great! (They are not significant characters to the story, however)
Overall, I thought this was fun! I enjoyed the authors writing style, the romance between the characters, the unique plot and the acknowledgment of several different LGBTQ+ identities that I don’t typically see represented in many books. I would absolutely recommend giving this book a read.
Who doesn’t love a treasure hunting queer couple? The first few chapters of this book gave an amazing glimpse into the MCs lives and their reason behind doing the things they do but it also allowed us to glimpse things that had caused them to build walls higher than the Empire State Building around their hearts. Watching them work through things… the tension… the absolute devastation of not finding their goal, it gave us a multi faceted look at relationships in any space but even more so in the queer space where things have had to be hidden and done behind closed doors for such a long time. Getting to watch as they uncovered queer hero’s from a previous era, to come to terms with their trauma and their love was absolutely beautiful. 5 stars all around for me, well written, beautiful imagery and an amazing focus on mental health. Love love love!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this book so much!! There is adventure (think Indiana Jones, but make it gay,) banter, heart, queer history and a buried treasure. This story felt honest and authentic and the themes of acceptance and existence and found family were done so well. Yes this story is fun but it also feels so timely and important. There are some really emotional moments too, so keep some tissues handy.
I think this would make the perfect #summerread or #beachread. Harper and Eve have the best chemistry and banter - they were just so much fun to read about! I loved the tension that built between them - they had me laughing out loud.
I loved how the author wove the history behind the buried treasure into the story. I also really liked the secondary characters. If you love romance books with adventure and heart, I think you will love this book!
✨What To Expect ❤️🔥Rivals To Lovers 🏳️🌈Sapphic Romance 💞Forced Proximity 🏜️Gay Adventure 💖Found Family 🔥Slow Burn 💎Treasure Hunt 😂All The Banter 🌵New Mexico 💫Mental Health Rep
Harper Hendrix has eleven days to save her journalism career. She plans to write a ground-breaking article about a treasure hunter and a missing fortune. But the person she wants to feature has gone completely off-grid. Her last hope is convincing the missing woman's niece to help her.
Eve Bardot is a historian with a passion for antiques. She doesn't trust reporters after years of watching them write horrible stories about her aunt. So, she doesn't want anything to do with the persistent newcomer, no matter how pretty she is. Her goal is to find the diamonds on her own terms.
When other treasure hunters start sniffing around, the two form a reluctant alliance. They'll have to brush aside their fiery bickering and work together. But maybe the true treasure is the connection that they’ve found in each other.
🧭Adult Fiction 💎Sapphic Romance 🌵Journalist x Historian 🧭Mystery Adventure 🌵Reluctant Allies to Lovers 💎Open Door
'Thrill of the Chase' is a gem that perfectly combines romance, adventure, mystery, and queer history. It has a fast-paced plot that kept me engaged the whole way through. The setting was captivating as it progressed across canyons, desert trails, and other landscapes.
The development of Eve and Harper’s relationship is well-balanced with their investigation. This story isn’t exactly rivals to lovers, but it comes close. The attraction between them simmers from the start, largely due to arguments that feel like constant foreplay. They share meaningful conversations, unintentional date nights, and a little trauma bonding.
The background story examines an heiress who disappeared over a century ago. It’s meaningfully and thoughtfully interwoven with the characters in the present. I loved that two queer women were searching for the truth about a queer woman. Even with so many decades between them, they still felt a shared sense of community with her. It reminded me of the Queen Cleopatra conspiracy theory that only a woman can find her tomb. There’s something so satisfying and poetic about that. It results in a conclusion that's poignant and heartwarming.
Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Amara for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
There were parts of the story I really enjoyed I was frustrated that they were searching for diamonds with a metal detector because they believed they would be in a metal box for some reason, I was even more irritated when there was actually a metal box... I enjoyed the story, I'd probably read it again but it's written at a reading level I'm definitely above so it's a quick read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
looooooved this!!!! awesome mystery with a great reveal in the end (and overall good twists), great characters and romance/dynamic, lots of fun stuff about new mexico + southern queerness (THEY WENT LINE-DANCING AHHHHHHHHH), awesome action/adventure scenes! just ate up the audiobook!
I loved everything about this story. The romance is perfect the adventure is top notch. I just couldn't help but root for these strong women to find their treasure.
Harper is on a mission to get an exclusive interview from Monty a renown treasure hunter who's been in hiding for a very long time. Unbeknownst to her she'd find Eve and set on a whirl wind adventure. These two tackle trauma while also piecing together mysteries of the past.
The representation in this book was fantastic! That love conquers all and everyone deserves to love who they want and be their authentic selves. A perfect read for Pride Month in my opinion. I was rooting so hard for everyone.
I was lucky enough to get an eARC from Entangled for an honest review.
This isn't my usual read, but I did enjoy the message as a whole.
This book is about finding the courage and strength to go against the grain. It's about empowerment to chase the dreams that make you happy -- to hell what people think. It's about strong bonds of love, friendship, and found family.
Harper and Eve are the center of a beautiful story backed by decades of similar stories who also pave their way through a readers heart. Such a good read. :)
I really wanted to like this book, as the premise sounded like a lot of fun, but it was exceptionally mediocre and frustrating to read.
First, every aspect of the story is unrealistic. While I'm forgiving of some stretching of reality to move a story forward, I expect contemporary romance to be mostly grounded in reality and usually research.
How does it make any sense that her magazine would send her out to find someone who hasn't been found for decades on threat of demotion of her not finding her? why would they block out inches for a story that seems unlikely to happen? the whole dynamics of her job seem unrealistic.
Then, the entire treasure hunt is so bizarre. They're choosing seemingly random locations in a vast desert to dig on the off chance that someone buried some diamonds, with no actual reason to believe the diamonds were buried in the first place. also, apparently it's ok to just show up and dig massive holes anywhere you want without any permissions. then, we're to believe that someone was able to use exact coordinates to find something in 1900 without GPS. if you want to know how insane this is, check out the history of surveyors getting a latitude wrong for decades for state boundaries... also somehow the coordinates are so detailed that they know the exact spot on which to dig. finally, at the end, they get the location from the locket, but somehow their competition gets to the exact same spot without that clue... how?!?
Second, the romance is just wholly unconvincing. I like forced proximity that leads to intense feelings over a short time, but this one really strains credulity.
Finally, it could use a bit more spice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed the idea behind this book- it very much felt like a queer Indiana Jones. I loved the main characters and their tension. There were so many different plots and some I didn’t feel had great conclusions. It makes sense with how much was really happening that not everything could be addressed though. The other aspect I had a bit of an issue with was just the overall romance moved too quickly for me once it started. The ending of the book did not feel realistic to me at all- and I didn’t believe the relationship could last long past the end of the book. The mystery behind the diamonds was my favorite part, and I loved seeing all the clues and trying to figure out the story behind the whole mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
I had the honor of receiving an E-ARC for this book.
Harper is a by the rule book reporter, looking to get her career defining interview with famous treasure hunter Monty Montana. She is determined that nothing can throw her off course.
Eve is a Salvador of old antiques and somewhat of a protector of Monty in the town of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She’s not about to give easy access to the knowledge she has of Monty, but doesn’t mind pushing Harper‘s buttons along the way.
Reluctantly, they ended up teaming up for an epic treasure hunt that Monty abandoned years prior. But as they’re going through this adventure together, they’re finding out there’s more to each other than meets the eye and they can’t deny the strong pool they have for each other.
Review: I enjoyed this cute adventurous romance story. I am a sucker for treasure hunting with mysteries and clues. The slow burn tension is well written all the characters are very likable. The spicy scenes are beautifully done.
What would’ve put this book over the top for me was definitely more of the clues and treasure hunting. It is in there, but I really wanted this book to have more of that within the plot along with the budding romance.
“No one gets to dictate the truth of who you really are.”
I had a lovely time with this romance filled with queer joy. Be warned, you’ll get caught in the thrill of the chase too, and in all the interlaced quests, and will turn page after page. Because this book isn’t only about a treasure (even though the hunt is super fun), it’s also about finding your roots, and choosing them as you find yourself. Eve and Harper start as complete opposites, yet their motivations are pretty similar. Both want to escape their “parental models” but try to find a connection with their familial legacy at the same time. At the beginning of the book, Eve is more advanced in this path, yet she will discover herself too. But Harper is the one with the most beautiful evolution, as she questions everything in her life, thanks to that article she’s supposed to write. That felt very empowering to see these women choose themselves first after living a life to do the opposite. But what I loved the most is how their quest reveleaded a lot of different queer stories, sewed in the mystery. It was a very cute mirror of their blossoming relationship, but also particularly emotional (yes, I cried with the last reveal).
Thank you to the author and Entangled publishing for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own
Harper is a reporter vying for a promotion sent from New York to Santa Fe to hunt down the elusive treasure hunter Monty Montana for an exclusive interview. She meets Monty's niece Eve and ends up teaming up with her to find the Blackburn Diamonds after she is told Monty will never do an interview with another journalist after being burned by them in the past. Things start to heat up between Eve and Harper as they follow leads, adventure through treacherous terrains, and chase clues in a race against other treasure hunters.
This was an adventurous romance that took the reader on a fun ride. It has plenty of banter between our main characters as they navigate their feelings, learn to trust each other, and follow what their hearts want. The plot was entertaining, and the backstory of the treasure has such an important lesson of love and perseverance for our characters to take lessons from. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more stories to read from Kathryn Nolan in the future!
This book was so wonderful. Such a happy story of queer joy and learning to build a life you love even when you weren’t given the tools to do so. There were some repetitive points, such as the mention of “what happened to Monty and Ruby” without exposition as to what that entailed, but it was minor in the grand scheme of the novel. It also hit my pet peeve of the main characters calling each other by their last names as a show of animosity, but it did taper off considerably throughout the book. The spice was actually quite good, and not overdone (only one true spice scene), and I have to give a huge shoutout to the audiobook narrator, Annalee Scott, because I am very picky with romance audiobooks and she really nailed this performance. The storyline was fun and engaging, and the ending had me in (happy) tears. Perfect light summer read with plenty of action.
I've been anxiously awaiting this book for months now so when I finally got my hands on it, I planned to read it as soon as possible! Rivals to lovers, Indiana Jones style and i knew I'd be hooked from the start and I wasnt wrong! Eve and Harper have amazing chemistry and sparks from the start but when Eve finds out who Harper is, their relationship turns from fun and flirty to targeted banter made to drive the other crazy which just ends up being another version of flirting for these two!
Eve and Harper repeatedly end up on the same trail for the missing diamonds and it drives them both crazy as they cannot avoid each other, but it also makes them learn more about each other and save each other's life more than a few times! I loved seeing these two open up to each other and just really break through their fears as Eve learns she can trust Harper and as such Harper gets the best experience of her career!
I also loved the conflict between the two, but while also still trusting each other and not screwing the other over in the hunt for the diamonds. I also loved the treasure hunt, it was the perfect way to make a book suspenseful without adding in a ton of crime or killers!
Thrill of the Chase was an enjoyable and fast-paced read with a compelling dynamic between the two main characters. Harper’s drive and determination paired so well with Eve’s guarded and protective nature—it made for a great push-and-pull relationship that kept me hooked.
I especially loved the treasure hunting aspect. It added an exciting layer of adventure and mystery that complemented the slow-burn romance perfectly. The tension, both romantic and situational, kept the pages turning.
That said, I do wish the book had been a bit longer. The story had so much potential, and with more time, it could have fleshed out the characters and plot even more deeply. A little more development would have made the emotional payoffs and action sequences hit even harder.
Overall, a great read with memorable characters and a unique concept—I just wanted more of it!
Thanks to Entangled for the eARC for this one but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. :(
Almost immediately, I didn’t connect with the writing style. The phrases as sentences and sentences with too many words to convey an idea both really turned me off.
I tried to continue for a bit to see if I would get used to it but honestly, I was so very bored. Also, I didn’t like the insta-lust here where they lay eyes on each other and it’s like fireworks go off.
So I will bow out here. I hope this one works for others!
Reporter Harper Hendrix has something to prove. Eve Bardot has a family legacy to protect. Both are searching for legendary missing diamonds in the Southwest. They tentatively and reluctantly join forces despite strong misgivings about each other’s motivations. Bickering and banter ensue. Sparks fly. The chase is on.
This was a fun sapphic romance with a lot of adventure and intrigue! The mystery aspect kept me on my toes. I really liked both FMCs and their chemistry was strong! The resolution was a little too convenient/coincidental/unbelievable for me- for how messy the road to get there was, the ending felt too shiny and clean. On the whole, I enjoyed Thrill of the Chase and I’ll definitely be reading more books by Kathryn Nolan!
Thank you to Entangled: Amara and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
A thrilling, heart-stopping adventure you won’t forget!
Kathryn does it again—“Thrill of the Chase” is an electrifying blend of mystery, romance, and breathtaking storytelling. Harper, a tenacious reporter, is determined to track down the legendary treasure hunter Monty Montana, who’s been off the radar for decades. But instead of finding Monty, she crashes headfirst into Eve—Monty’s fierce, protective niece—and the tension is instant.
The chemistry between Harper and Eve? Combustible! They argue, they challenge, they resist—but the pull between them is undeniable. As their search leads them deep into Santa Fe and beyond, what begins as a hunt for Monty shifts into a gripping chase for long-lost stolen diamonds. Secrets unfold, emotions simmer, and every page pulses with intensity.
Kathryn’s vivid writing brings every scene to life—the desert sunsets, the dust in the air, the quiet hum of history woven into the landscape. And that first kiss? Perfection!
This book is an emotional whirlwind that celebrates queer love, adventure, and resilience - buckle up for the ride of a lifetime!
Well, overall I thought it was an OK read. It wasn’t my favorite as while it wasn’t a long book it didn’t have me flipping the pages and took me a few days to complete.
However, I think many will love the adventure and romance that unfolds through four the book. This couldn’t have been a situation where I just wasn’t in the mood for the content but that’s not the books fault! The characters were well written and had some fun exchanges. I also thought the plot while not unique it’s not a common one of late so it felt a bit like a throwback which i appreciated. I do think the book is well plotted out and has a great arc to it. It comes out July 1st 2025 so get it on your TBR!
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Entangled Publishing through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it ⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it) ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
I received an eARC for this book from Entangled Publishing and participated in a Read along for it as well via Facebook. The entire experience was a blast but that's not what you're here for so about the book.... 😉
Keeping things spoiler free, I would recommend this book for anyone looking for and adventurous romance with strong rivals to reluctant allies to lovers, tension, banter, and a mysterious treasure hunt. There is also some fantastic spice, if that's your thing. Keep in mind that there isn't a ton of it but what there is feels rewarding after the build up. I loved both of our FMCs and several of the other characters, looking at you Cleo ❤️.
Only reason the I gave 4/5 is there were some parts that played out a little predictably and I'm not one who gives out many 5's. In other words, don't mind my picky self and give this one a go if you're thinking about doing so. I doubt you'll regret it.
What a heartwarming conclusion 🥰. This book was really slow to start but the payoff at the end is 100% worth it. This is such an important story for LGBTQ+ voices. Whether that is having to hide in the early 1900s or the lack of a parent’s love today. We need more stories like this to bring awareness and empathy to the world. Thank you to Entangled and NetGalley for the ARC.
What a fun book! Harper and Eve go on a treasure hunt and discover that falling in love is the best treasure you can find. The queer rep was bursting at the seams and the vibes were giving Holes, in the best way possible. Harper's transition from uptight reporter just looking for a story, to her being part of the story and helping solve the case, showed how much an adventure can change a person for the better. Eve's growth from taking everything on her own shoulders to accepting help proved that putting trust in someone can create the best outcome in any situation.
There were some emotional moments and a bit of spice that were really nicely balanced to make this a super enjoyable read!
The audiobook narration by Annalee Scott was really good. That said, I'm not a big fan of dual-POV books with only one narrator, because it's hard to remember whose head we're in at any given time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled: Amara for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!