Chasing the Runaway Bride

Bliss #3

by Michelle Jo Quinn

Alternate Cover Edition can be found here.

Even undisputed queens of dark scowls have their secrets, and for event planner, Chase, her biggest one yet is about to be revealed: She’s in love.

Too bad it’s not the first time.

In one afternoon, when her past collides with her present, old secrets she’s kept hidden for so long are revealed, and Chase has to make a decision—
Return to the life she’s left behind, or stay where she has built a life on her own.

And when the heart she’s protected for so long threatens to break, who will step in to repair the damage? Daniel—the knight in shining armor from her past, or Alex—the surprise sweetheart from her present?

Or will running away again be the easiest way out of it all?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2015

About the author

Michelle is addicted to romance. She believes in happily ever afters and loves writing about couples who get there.

When not writing, she props her feet up on her favorite lounger and binges on Netflix shows, or reads one or two books at the same time. She enjoys red wine, dark chocolate, cake, and can talk your ears off about delicious food. Travelling is high on her list, whether alone, with friends or family.

Michelle lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two amazing children and a cuddly maltese-yorkie dog named Scarlet.

Join Michelle's Monthly Newsletter: http://bit.ly/MJQUINNNEWSLETTER

Reviews

[Sarah Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love reading series books and today is no exception. We reviewed Chasing the Runaway Bride which is the third book in the Bliss Series book. If you are looking for a good series, then I'd recommend this one. Book 1 is Confessions of a Wedding Planner and it is one of my favorites right now. It is the story of a wedding planner, Veronica, who is in charge of planning her ex boyfriend's wedding but the French best man is causing all sorts of trouble. Book 2 is a novella and the continuation of book 1, The Bachelor's Proposal.
That all being said, Book 3, Chasing the Runaway Bride, is the story of Veronica's business partner, Chase. I am going to try to not to include spoilers but they may be unavoidable. If you want to read this series, I'd recommend that you start from book 1 but I think the books can be read on their own. After reading book 1 and 2, I was completely in love with Chase and I was waiting impatiently for this book to come out.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat: ♥♥♥♥♥

General Rating: 5.5/6 Glass Slippers

Chase has a past. While everyone has a past, Chase has a family, a life, a fortune, and an ex fiance that no one, including her best friend Veronica, knows about. She has spent several years reinventing herself and trying to work out what makes her happy. So far, her event planning business, her friends, and her motorcycle top the list. But then a sexy french guy walks into her life and chances everything. On top of her past, Chase also doesn't believe in true love o hopeless romantics.

Alex is in the states to visit his brother and on the way, he runs into the formidable Chase. She is sexy, smart, and full of spunk. But she just seems to want a good time. However, with every kiss, Alex can't help but fall more in love with her. That is until he finds out that Chase's ex fiance has come back into the mix.

Now, Chase has to decide what kind of life she wants to live. Long ago she left home, left her family, left the love of her life, and left everything she knew. Now she has the chance to get all of that back. The only question is, does she actually want it? Or maybe she wants something else that is a bit more exotic.

First things first, Michelle Jo Quinn has some of the best covers I have ever seen. I love all of them and I am constantly taken aback. Let's be honest, I really do judge a book by its cover. However, they are more than just a pretty face.

One of the places that a lot of series books fail, is that the characters sound the same or they are stereotypes of different personalities. I didn't feel that way about Chase. She is different from Veronica but she isn't a stereotype of an overly ambitious woman or feminist. But she doesn't take any crap from anyone and she owns her sexuality.

Alex...I love his job. He takes pictures from all over the world. It is what a lot of people would love to do. On top of that, he is a family man. He works alongside his grandmother in the fields of their vineyard as if he isn't unbelievably wealthy on his own. He is basically a dream man with a set of abs to go with it.

The romance scenes are a bit more intense than in the first book. After all, Chase and Alex spend several nights curled up in his hotel room. But, it doesn't cross the line to erotica and I don't think it would make any romance lover uncomfortable. I liked the scenes and they were different than the scenes with Veronica and her man. This is truly something I value since so many authors have trouble creating different types or romantic situations. They were fun scenes and I fell in love with Chase all over again.

I enjoyed the story, and the characters immensely. Veronica's story does continue in this book and I love when you get to continue to hear about characters you've connected with. I can't wait to see what else Michelle Jo Quinn comes up with.

[Aline · Rating 2 out of 5]

El instalove se hizo presente pero no de buena manera. Ya que los personajes principales se enamoraron casi a primer vista y se rehusan a este sentimiento perooooo durante todo el libro sus interacciones son mínimas y se conoce poco de ellos como pareja por lo que yo no sentí la química.

Chase había sido un personaje importante y con cierto carácter pero en esta ocasión sentí su actitud muy berrinchudo y era justamente de todo de lo que se quejó en la historia y no tuvo desarrollo significativo, mientras que los POV de Alex no decían nada relevante o significativo.

Nuevamente se nos da a entender que otros personajes tienen datos que serán revelados en el transcurso pero esto no sucede por lo que la historia igual que los anteriores libros fue plana, y los personajes nunca tienen revelaciones solo dan a entender al lector lo que pasa pero nunca se enfocó en lo que debería, aplicando nuevamente el abarcar mucho y apretar poco por lo que no se desarrolló como tal en las partes de importancia.

2.5 ⭐️

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Chasing the Runaway Bride" by Michelle Jo Quinn. I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, however, I would gladly recommend this book to fans of the contemporary romance genre. This series has been a fun read, with each one building nicely on the previous story. The first two focused on Nica and Levi and we were first introduced to Chase as a sub character, but I was excited to read that she would be the feature of this book.
The story is well written and flows easily, wrapping you up and grabbing your attention right away. The characters are enjoyable to read and leave you wanting to know more about their stories. I can't wait to see what comes next after this one.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

[Emma Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book from this author....Absolutely loved this story! The 3rd book of the series(but can be read as a standalone) and what a book it was. Chase has built up the barrier to her heart so big that she doesn't expect anyone to be able to knock it down.... along comes Alex and slowly those walls start to crumble until surprise visitors to Chase's office change everything....
Really great read and really nice to hear from Nica and Levi too. A brilliant series and I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader. Copy of this book

[Karja26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd instalment in his series and it just keeps getting better and better! I could find no fault in the story line as its very gripping, throughout I was routing for both Chase & Alex. There were moments I was like "No, No, No chase what are you doing / thinking!!!"

She's such as strong character you never really thought of the vulnerability she hides. Alex, well I've loved him since day 1, he's such a strong character and a perfect compliment to Chase. Got fingers cross we see more of these characters as they are absolutely FABULOUS!

Great job Michelle **thumbs up**

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

So excited for Chase's story. Chase was hiding from her past but when her past collides with her life now it can't be good, especially since Alex is in her life. I enjoyed this story but it was torture not having Chase & Alex together sooner. They know they belong together but something just keeps them apart. Love reading their story and seeing Veronica & Levi too.

I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book

[Linda Maidani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story with great characters, romance and intrigue. It was so sad at times. Chase and Alex belonged together. She had to go back and face her previous life, but found out her new life was what she needed. The ending was great. I love all the books from this author and can't wait for her next one. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and highly recommend it to lovers of this genre.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart wrenching novel, Chasing the Runaway Bride draws the reader into the turmoil that sums up Chase's life. When Alex comes onto the scene, he immediately sees right through her tough exterior and meets her head on. Their relationship is tempestuous at best, but two people who have known pain and loss have to learn to navigate their way through the memories they hold to find each other. When Chase's past comes to find her, she is devastated and the tough chick reverts to the docile child she had once been, forcing her to find herself all over again. Through it all, Alex finds that he cannot relinquish her and despite their on-again, off-again relationship, he seeks insight into what makes Chase the woman she is. As I closed this book, I was left feeling a little sad for the waste of so many years and the pain carried in their hearts. I received a copy of this book as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sammi Sweetsz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. While hiding from her past she never expected after 10 years for the past to come storming back into her life. At the same time a new love interest that she tries to hate come breaking down all her well built walls.

[Brenda Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

The third book in the series is definitely hotter than the previous two, but appropriate for the characters involved. Thank for a few days of deep romance. I needed that.

[Tamika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my least favorite book in the series. It really disappointed. I did not approve of the spoiler alert ~~~~~~~~~~no marriage~~~~~~~~~
So yeah. But I did enjoy the book, that’s the only reason it got 3 stars

[Jeon Jhestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's nice to read from the POV of Chase. The first two books of the series will make you wander what events made her the woman she was in the series. Of course the Laurent brothers is another plus to the story considering how yummy they are

[Jerri L Brueno · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different type of leading lady

The title is not what is expected. Love that the ending is not the usual. I totally enjoyed the entire series

[Jeciel Uy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its really good.....

[Ashley Bos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one

So love this series, I read them in 4 days. Bravo Michelle!!! I am a fan, keep on writing! Thanks

[Rebecca Embry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become so invested in the lives of these characters I can't seem to put the books down. To bad the series is coming to an end.

[Bookish_Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice to finally learn what made Chase who she is.

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is book 3 in this series I haven't read any of the prior books. It wasn't difficult to understand the background of the character's from the prior books. This story is about Chase and Alex. I loved the play on the title of this book with the main heroine's name. Alex and Chase have an instant attraction to each other but Alex has been running for the past 10 years from demons in her life and has put up a massive wall around her heart. Alex slowly tries to break it down. But when he gets close to toppling that way people from Chase's past come walking back in and emotions get high. I really enjoyed following this love story and was rooting for Alex the whole time. I did like seeing how much of a gentleman Daniel was when he was with Chase, but it bothered me how he tried to assert himself into "Chase's" life like 10 years hadn't passed. I also kind of wished that Alex had stepped up a little more instead of walking away and letting the two of them figure things out on their own (hey, I happen to like an assertive man, as long as he's the right man). I love happily every after's and I'm always get when the hero and heroine get their HEA. I couldn't be happier that with the ending. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing the Runaway Bride, by Michelle Jo Quinn, is the third book in the Bliss series. This is Chase's story. Chase is Veronica/Nica's best friend, and also business partner in Bliss Events. Nica's story is shared within the first two books of the series. In this third installment, we learn all about what makes Chase who she is and why we love her snarky character.

Chase's past & present collide in a way she never anticipated and she has to choose which path she wants to take. Through this story, we learn more of Chase's past and the choices she made, to include why. We also see her relationship dynamic between Daniel/Danny and Alex. Which will she choose to hold her heart and her future?

I enjoyed reading this book. Michelle's characters are humorous and funny on/off throughout the story. She gives dynamic to them. I love how old characters from the previous books are incorporated, as well as, new characters introduced... could there be more Bliss to occur?

This has been a great series and I loved reading every word!!

[Crystal Wilke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Chasing The Runaway Bride is the first book I have read by Michelle. Chasing The Runaway Bride is book 3 in the Bliss series. I plan on reading the first two books because I enjoyed book 3. But you don't need to read Confessions of a Wedding Planner or The Bachelors Perfect Proposal. Chasing The Runaway Bride is a standalone. There were happy, angry, sad and tearful times throughout the book. I wish there would be more about Alex. The book is mainly in Chase's point of view, Alex has a couple of sections where he has his point of view. Then again it could be in the first two books.

Chase has secrets and has built a wall up around her heart for the past 10 years. That's till Nica her best friend and business partner is getting married. Alex is Levis brother and they are reconnecting after a decade. Alex also has been hurt and has put a guard up around his heart. That is until he meets Chase his Hayati. Will the past or the present be Chase's Future?

[Rhonda Brant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read from this author, and I must say I really enjoyed it. Did not know that this was the 3rd book in the series, but you can read it as a stand alone, only a few unanswered questions that would probably be answered if the first two books were read. Loved the friendship between Nica and Chase. Alex was perfect for Chase, although it was a bit confusing when he took off to Italy suddenly. Didn't quite get the Cara relationship with Alex, but the story finally briefly brushed over what the situation was. I would have loved knowing more about the situation with Charity and Char, a bit confused with that part of the book. Nica and Levy were great together, loved the baby scene! Chase's father was endearing and very heartwarming, loved the relationship the two of them had, especially when he finally found her again. Overall a pretty good book, will definitely circle back and read the first two books so I can get the full scope of all the characters.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Dee Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chase is in complete denial of her past: her real name, family, her trust fund, her ex fiancé. She builds a new life for herself. She and her best friend, Nica are partners in an event planning business but Nica has no idea of the secrets Chase holds. Then Alex enters the picture and he has his own issues: he is in complete denial of his deeper feelings. So when he and Chase have a casual fling, deeper feelings grow and he refuses to acknowledge them. This leads to misunderstandings between them, mixed signals and careless, foolish decisions. To confuse matters more, Chase's past comes to light and the ex fiancé reappears. Excellent story about the affairs of the heart, of the pain that results from denial of true deep feelings. A good clean romance where one feels the loving situations without the need for eroticism. I  voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Four stars.

[Bel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The runaway bride in this scenario happens to be Chase, a fiesty harley driving independent women who has lived her life in San Francisco for the past ten years, leaving behind her family and ex-fiance. She has secrets that not even her best friend Nica is aware of, and all these come crashing down when her parents make an improptu visit to her after ten years of no contact. During this time she has built up many walls and convinced herself that she is happy on her own, so when she meets Alex, the brother of Levi, her best friend's husband and sparks immediately fly, she stills keeps her guard up and distances herself even though she feels the attraction. I loved all the secondary characters and the way the relationship slowly built between Alex and Chase. A great read with lots of heart. I recieved this ARC for my honest review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read any of this authors work, and it will definitely not be the last. This is the third book in the “Bliss” series, but this can be read as a standalone. However, I for one, will be going and 1-clicking the previous two!
This is the story of Chase and Alex. Chase is feisty, smart, with secrets and a past, when she meets sexy Frenchman Alex. These two have an instant intense attraction to each other, and as Alex works hard to break through Chase’s barrier around her heart, the appearance of an ex fiancé in the mix does not help the situation. When the past and present collide, who will Chase choose? You really need to read this for yourself to find out!
This author has written a beautiful story, and I was hooked from the very beginning. I look forward to reading more of this authors work.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I really liked it. Although it is book three in the series I didn't feel too lost while reading, especially with Chase. Reading the other two books might have helped to understand the other characters a little more, but it didn't take away from following this book. I loved Chase and Alex together! However, her ex-fiancee comes back into the picture and Chase has a choice to make. Will she pick Alex or Daniel? You'll have to read this story to see for yourself.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

[Joanna Brocklehurst smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thinking I should have possibly read books one and two in the series first as I appear to have missed something when it came to characters such as Veronica and her new husband.
However, that being said, it was only minor things I was questioning, so it would be possible to read this without the other books in the series, I will be going back to read them though.
I really got into this book, it was funny, yet sweet and sassy. A really good read. I can’t wait to read her other works.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Alex but had a hard time liking Chase. I understand not wanting to be hurt but she was such a b!tch to him most of the time that I wanted to smack her and tell him to find someone else. It did get better but she's a pill and it took awhile for her to get over herself. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. The opinions and views on it are my own.

[Charity Chimni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Chase's story! She has such a hard exterior which Alex is able to reach. The runaway bride really goes into Chase's past and uncovers the events that shaped the woman she is today. A story filled with turmoil, the past, passion, love, and being true to yourself!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Chase's story and seeing how all the other characters are doing as well. Michelle Jo Quinn's writing style flows well and draws you in, keeping your interest. Loving this whole series!
Btw, I received an arc of this.

[Mea Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase is a badass. Alex is...he's a lot of things. Their story is adorable.