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The Dartmouth Diaries #4
Chasing Victory: A Romantic Comedy
Another perfect holiday book with lots of romance and laugh-out-loud comedy, Chasing Victory is the fourth entry in the Dartmouth Diaries.
Kit Davies has been dating the gorgeous Captain Jason Buchannan for six months. Six whole months of being wheeled out as his significant other at various Naval functions. While she's not convinced she has the makings of a future Officer's wife, things have been pretty good, and at least she hasn't caused a diplomatic incident—yet.
Then one memorable evening, Jason drops a bombshell. His father's health is failing and he wants to retire from the Royal Navy, and relocate to his crumbling ancestral home in the wilds of Scotland. And he wants Kit to go with him.
But Kit has too much unfinished business in Dartmouth to just up sticks and leave. She's worked hard to build up her Event Management business, then there's her best friend Tory who's just had a baby, and her Aunt Flo who to date still hasn't told Kit the whole truth about her father.
When Hollywood superstar Noah Westbrook agrees to help finance Jason's plans to convert his pile of ruins into a luxury hotel, Kit begins to get desperate. How can she leave everything she's ever known for a man she's only known for six months? It's no secret that she has trust issues, not to mention a ridiculous fear of change. In fact, burying her head in the sand is probably her strongest talent...
Decision time comes as Jason's father Hugo goes missing from hospital. It's no surprise to anyone that Tory's irresponsible father is at the bottom of it, but in deciding to drag his old friend on an impromptu road trip across the country, the meddling Admiral may finally have gone too far…
Chasing Victory is the perfect laugh-out-loud, feel-good book for fans of funny love stories, especially quirky British Romantic Comedies.
Kit Davies has been dating the gorgeous Captain Jason Buchannan for six months. Six whole months of being wheeled out as his significant other at various Naval functions. While she's not convinced she has the makings of a future Officer's wife, things have been pretty good, and at least she hasn't caused a diplomatic incident—yet.
Then one memorable evening, Jason drops a bombshell. His father's health is failing and he wants to retire from the Royal Navy, and relocate to his crumbling ancestral home in the wilds of Scotland. And he wants Kit to go with him.
But Kit has too much unfinished business in Dartmouth to just up sticks and leave. She's worked hard to build up her Event Management business, then there's her best friend Tory who's just had a baby, and her Aunt Flo who to date still hasn't told Kit the whole truth about her father.
When Hollywood superstar Noah Westbrook agrees to help finance Jason's plans to convert his pile of ruins into a luxury hotel, Kit begins to get desperate. How can she leave everything she's ever known for a man she's only known for six months? It's no secret that she has trust issues, not to mention a ridiculous fear of change. In fact, burying her head in the sand is probably her strongest talent...
Decision time comes as Jason's father Hugo goes missing from hospital. It's no surprise to anyone that Tory's irresponsible father is at the bottom of it, but in deciding to drag his old friend on an impromptu road trip across the country, the meddling Admiral may finally have gone too far…
Chasing Victory is the perfect laugh-out-loud, feel-good book for fans of funny love stories, especially quirky British Romantic Comedies.
Audible Audio
Published August 10, 2023
422 people are currently reading
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About the author
Beverley Watts
48 books255 followersBeverley spent 8 years teaching English as a Foreign Language to International Military Students in Britannia Royal Naval College, the Royal Navy’s premier officer training establishment in the UK. She says that in the whole 8 years there was never a dull moment and many of her wonderful experiences at the College were not only memorable but were most definitely 'the stuff of fiction.' Her debut novel An Officer And A Gentleman Wanted is very loosely based on her adventures at the College.
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 15, 2025
Constant Farts and Humping Dogs
I read all of the Shackleford sisters' books and I've just completed book 4 of The Shackleford Diaries; they all have been entertaining. What I don't understand is the CONSTANT reference to farts in the storyline. It makes so sense and is crude and unnecessary. Is passing gas a huge comic relief "thing" in the UK? I find it to be a bit lazy on Ms. What's part. Perhaps it's because I'm over the age of 12! And what's up with all of the dog humping? To me, at least, it's NOT funny - it tells that these characters are too self absorbed to train their pets properly. My 7 year old English Chocolate Labrador, Ziggy, has more manners than these dogs and some of the characters! I've made it this far, in the series, so I'm going to trudge through the rest. Hopefully all of this farting and humping will "pop their clogs" in the remaining books!
I read all of the Shackleford sisters' books and I've just completed book 4 of The Shackleford Diaries; they all have been entertaining. What I don't understand is the CONSTANT reference to farts in the storyline. It makes so sense and is crude and unnecessary. Is passing gas a huge comic relief "thing" in the UK? I find it to be a bit lazy on Ms. What's part. Perhaps it's because I'm over the age of 12! And what's up with all of the dog humping? To me, at least, it's NOT funny - it tells that these characters are too self absorbed to train their pets properly. My 7 year old English Chocolate Labrador, Ziggy, has more manners than these dogs and some of the characters! I've made it this far, in the series, so I'm going to trudge through the rest. Hopefully all of this farting and humping will "pop their clogs" in the remaining books!
March 29, 2022
All comes good
Kit and Jason are finally getting along, but Jason's father's health is declining. When he has a stroke, Jason hurries home to Scotland to be with him. What occurs as a result of his father's need for home care is much as should be expected since the Admiral has decided to become involved. It rather reminded me of an episode of the Pink Panther!
You'll enjoy this comedic race to the end, and undoubtedly as I, be anxiously awaiting the next book of the series!
Kit and Jason are finally getting along, but Jason's father's health is declining. When he has a stroke, Jason hurries home to Scotland to be with him. What occurs as a result of his father's need for home care is much as should be expected since the Admiral has decided to become involved. It rather reminded me of an episode of the Pink Panther!
You'll enjoy this comedic race to the end, and undoubtedly as I, be anxiously awaiting the next book of the series!
January 7, 2024
hilarious and heartwarming
This book in the series had me in tears of laughter at the antics of the characters I couldn’t put this book down it was so good I binge read it in 2 days I didn’t want it to end the authors style gets you literally inside the story easily so well that you can easily picture each character, if you want a good plot with lots of laughs then you need to read this book 💕
This book in the series had me in tears of laughter at the antics of the characters I couldn’t put this book down it was so good I binge read it in 2 days I didn’t want it to end the authors style gets you literally inside the story easily so well that you can easily picture each character, if you want a good plot with lots of laughs then you need to read this book 💕
September 8, 2024
Chasing Victory: A Romantic Comedy(The Shackleford Diaries Book4)
I cannot begin to tell you how funny and amazing this writer is!, I have enjoyed reading these 4 book up to now and can’t wait to sit down and continue reading. I am laughing out loud at the antics of the Admiral and Kit plus Tory. The comical ideas are simply amazing written around a serious book. Do read this series you will be amazed how entertaining they are 💕
I cannot begin to tell you how funny and amazing this writer is!, I have enjoyed reading these 4 book up to now and can’t wait to sit down and continue reading. I am laughing out loud at the antics of the Admiral and Kit plus Tory. The comical ideas are simply amazing written around a serious book. Do read this series you will be amazed how entertaining they are 💕
November 16, 2024
3.5⭐️
I’ve been listening to The Dartmouth Diaries on Libby am enjoying the lighthearted romance. Chasing Victory (book four) was just as entertaining as the first three—until the ending. It felt like the author either ran out of steam or just wanted to wrap things up quickly, leaving it abrupt and unsatisfying. It left me a bit let down, so it’s a 3.5 out of 5 stars from me. Honestly, it’s made me unsure if I want to carry on to the next book, so I might leave it for a while!
I’ve been listening to The Dartmouth Diaries on Libby am enjoying the lighthearted romance. Chasing Victory (book four) was just as entertaining as the first three—until the ending. It felt like the author either ran out of steam or just wanted to wrap things up quickly, leaving it abrupt and unsatisfying. It left me a bit let down, so it’s a 3.5 out of 5 stars from me. Honestly, it’s made me unsure if I want to carry on to the next book, so I might leave it for a while!
August 23, 2025
OMG I laughed until I cried
Reading this series in order is the best way to gather history on the characters involved. Insecure female heroines. Alpha males and geriatric dinosaur nosy bodies, it’s a laugh fest. Don’t drink too much fluid or you’ll pee in your pants laughing. I read and listen to an audiobook which is excellent. I highly recommend this series, Beverley Watts is an incredible writer. I’m addicted!
Reading this series in order is the best way to gather history on the characters involved. Insecure female heroines. Alpha males and geriatric dinosaur nosy bodies, it’s a laugh fest. Don’t drink too much fluid or you’ll pee in your pants laughing. I read and listen to an audiobook which is excellent. I highly recommend this series, Beverley Watts is an incredible writer. I’m addicted!
June 6, 2023
lovely books
I’ve read all four in order back-to-back so it’s been one long, hilarious saga! So glad that I did.
I must say sometimes I want to shake her two heroines who have such trust issues but she does an excellent job of helping us understand WHY they have issues. And no surprise - happy ending.
I’ve read all four in order back-to-back so it’s been one long, hilarious saga! So glad that I did.
I must say sometimes I want to shake her two heroines who have such trust issues but she does an excellent job of helping us understand WHY they have issues. And no surprise - happy ending.
November 17, 2022
bit confusing
Not really my sense of humour so didn’t laugh much. Pleasant story but found it a bit confusing at times who the characters were. The story kept changing from one to the other didn’t really grip me.
Not really my sense of humour so didn’t laugh much. Pleasant story but found it a bit confusing at times who the characters were. The story kept changing from one to the other didn’t really grip me.
July 19, 2023
The fourth title in the Dartford Diaries series. The Westbrook family is growing. But as always, trouble is never far away from one of the extended gang or another. Kit and Jason along with Flo are those whose stories full this episode mainly.
May 1, 2024
loved it great read
A great read so funny laughed & cried at the same time the Admiral is priceless and the Chaplain wind problem made me laugh out loud could just imagine it a great series well worth a read
A great read so funny laughed & cried at the same time the Admiral is priceless and the Chaplain wind problem made me laugh out loud could just imagine it a great series well worth a read
May 2, 2025
Slapstick!
There is a lot going on in Chasing Victory. There is the antics of the Admiral, love, a major breakup, meeting Kit’s sociopath father, Aunt Flo has cancer…. If you like watching slapstick comedy, you will enjoy reading this book.
There is a lot going on in Chasing Victory. There is the antics of the Admiral, love, a major breakup, meeting Kit’s sociopath father, Aunt Flo has cancer…. If you like watching slapstick comedy, you will enjoy reading this book.
August 12, 2025
Another Good Romantic Comedy by Beverly Watts
Unknown why the title is Chasing Victory when the book is about Kit, Victory’s best friend. Regardless, I enjoyed the book and laughed out loud in several places at the admiral’s antics.
Unknown why the title is Chasing Victory when the book is about Kit, Victory’s best friend. Regardless, I enjoyed the book and laughed out loud in several places at the admiral’s antics.
January 2, 2026
Great books for a series. The characters are delightful. Simple writing style. Quite relatable. However I don't like cheap laughs, so skipped those bits with lots of eye rolls.
Books are getting simpler, so I make concessions...alot. Younger audiences might find them funnier.
Books are getting simpler, so I make concessions...alot. Younger audiences might find them funnier.
June 24, 2018
Fantastic,
WAs with all the other books, this one is brilliant, great you touches of humour, love all the characters, a definite recommend to everyone
WAs with all the other books, this one is brilliant, great you touches of humour, love all the characters, a definite recommend to everyone
September 25, 2021
Fantastic series
Great read the series kept me reading till the end and laughing aswell would recommend to anyone who wants a good holiday series
Great read the series kept me reading till the end and laughing aswell would recommend to anyone who wants a good holiday series
May 13, 2022
Great
Another great part of this story, it will be a shame to lose Kit, from th his group of friends, but I'm sure she will be in on any future mischief that goes on.
Another great part of this story, it will be a shame to lose Kit, from th his group of friends, but I'm sure she will be in on any future mischief that goes on.
October 16, 2022
hilarious great read
Such a lovely story but oh so funny too. The Admiral and the actions he takes makes this a delightful funny read where you can’t help but laugh out loud.
Such a lovely story but oh so funny too. The Admiral and the actions he takes makes this a delightful funny read where you can’t help but laugh out loud.
November 6, 2022
Awesome Victory
Again love the antics ish this book and now cannot wait to read book 5. Definitely need to know what Wilson happen next.
Again love the antics ish this book and now cannot wait to read book 5. Definitely need to know what Wilson happen next.
December 29, 2022
Wow I couldn't put this book down, needed to find out what was going to happen to all the characters especially Kit
June 7, 2023
another great book in the Victory series
I’m really hooked on reading the Victory series, I’ve now read 4 books and I’m looking forward to the next one.
I’m really hooked on reading the Victory series, I’ve now read 4 books and I’m looking forward to the next one.
August 22, 2023
Hilarious!
Love this series. I’ve laughed out loud reading each book so far. Can so visualise the characters. Could easily make a tv series or film
Love this series. I’ve laughed out loud reading each book so far. Can so visualise the characters. Could easily make a tv series or film
September 7, 2023
Brilliant story, fantastic narration, laugh out loud story. Highly recommend this title but please read the series in order. Wish I could give it 10 stars
January 23, 2024
Loved loved loved this book. Had me laughing out loud. Definitely my favourite in the series so far although I loved all the books. The admiral is just the most crazy amusing character ever.
March 13, 2024
Happy reading
A light hearted read. Just the thing for this miserable weather. A nice cuppa and Kindle, great for the afternoon.
A light hearted read. Just the thing for this miserable weather. A nice cuppa and Kindle, great for the afternoon.
April 26, 2024
Laugh aloud funny
Love the series and the shacklefold series as well. Very addictive. Waiting for more books from the author. Or more stories about the characters.
Love the series and the shacklefold series as well. Very addictive. Waiting for more books from the author. Or more stories about the characters.
October 27, 2024
Another hilarious read in the Dartmouth Diaries series.
November 7, 2024
Life on a rollercoaster
Loved this laugh out loud, hilarious and heart warming story of what has become my 2 best friends. The anticipation of what happens next is amazing.
Loved this laugh out loud, hilarious and heart warming story of what has become my 2 best friends. The anticipation of what happens next is amazing.
February 14, 2025
Great Read
This fourth book is equally as funny as the previous three in the series
The antics of The Admiral are hilarious and increasingly eccentric.
Can't wait for book 5
This fourth book is equally as funny as the previous three in the series
The antics of The Admiral are hilarious and increasingly eccentric.
Can't wait for book 5
May 20, 2025
Good, easy read full of good humour
May 26, 2025
This set of books are the best reads I have had for a very long time. I have enjoyed other books but not like the 4 books I have read so far can't wait to start book 5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews