A journey around the world with the man of her dreams but will the secret she's keeping be what brings everything to an abrupt halt? Freedom. That’s all I want. From expectations and obligations. From the mundane life I’ve created for myself. My parents think I’m having a mid-life crisis. My best friend thinks I’ve gone crazy. I think I’m ready to finally start living. To take chances and explore all that life has to offer. After all, we only get one. What we do with it is up to us. This is going to be a journey I’ll never forget, and not just because my sexy-as-f*ck neighbor is along for the ride. Our arrangement is simple. We don’t get personal. No strings attached. It’s all about sex. He may have the ability to melt my panties but this isn’t about him. Or us. Or what could be if circumstances were different. It’s about checking every item off my bucket list before my time is up.
I'm a Michigan girl, born and raised. My addictions include: coffee, chocolate, coffee, avoiding adulting, coffee, and coffee. My favorite season is fall. My favorite color is teal. And my favorite genre to read and write is romance. I refuse to 'stay in my lane' when it comes to my books. You'll find I write everything from young-adult to sweet contemporary to steamy new adult. #noregrets Looking for a place to start with my books? Check out A Moment Too Late (small-town second chance romance) or The Lake State University series (new adult, steamy college romance). Thanks for being here and happy reading!
This sweet and emotional story is hard to put down . . .
How many of us are brave enough to leave a secure, safe life to pursue happiness in the great unknown? Jessa decides to leave her job and her everyday life, which has felt like nothing but work since college graduation, and take the plunge, much to the dismay of her parents and best friend. With a bucket list in hand, she challenges herself to live the life she's been dreaming of. Her list and rules don't allow for romantic distractions, but Jackson, in spite of her efforts to keep things physical and not emotional between them, is more than a distraction. Her journey towards happiness hits an impossible road block, and she discovers that life is truly about the love she has been denying herself, and those who love her, for too long.
This was one of those books that brings out all of the feels, makes you ask questions about your life, and gives you hope when you think there isn't any. Jessa had a bucket list of things she wanted to do, and that's exactly what she decided to do. She quit her job, sold everything she could, and packed up her belongings to knock off her bucket list of all of the things she ever wanted to do. Jackson, her hot no-strings neighbor, stops by to see what she up to, and her best friend volunteers him to accompany her. Thinking he'll probably leave her at some time during the trip, she allows him to go with her to her first destination.
The story follows the two on the adventure of a lifetime, through the amazing places on her list, the fun things she wanted to do when she wrote the list in the first place, and the silly and wonderful things they add to the list as they go along. There is fun and fire, heartache and hope as they make their way through each day and discover things about each other they didn't know and the courage it takes to do the things they didn't know they could do.
This is the first story I've read by this author, and I truly enjoyed it. It made me laugh out loud, catch my breath, and cry tears of heartache and happiness. I was drawn in from the beginning and wished I had the resources to take the trip of a lifetime she was taking. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this story and had a hard time putting it down. And I look forward to reading more by this author.
I've read one other book by this author and that book was total perfection! I was a little scared going into this one because the author broke me in another book, but because she was able to do that I know that I would read her other work.
Jessa is had to talk about. I loved her and how stubborn she was. She had a dedication to living her life the way she wanted to that I had so much respect for her.
Jackson is the type of hero that makes your heart beat faster and your tummy fill with butterfly's. I loved him, everything he did for jessa was amazing and he proved how amazing he was.
I loved the bucket list plot line. They are so fun and leave me with a sense of peace, making me wish that I could do a bucket list and fulfill it. Maybe some day I will. After reading this story, it makes you wonder and want to do it. There is so much more to the bucket list plot but the other things you have to experience on your own.
I loved how they had been "together" for like 2 years but this whole books is their courting stage and getting to really know each other. It was fun and flirty but at the same time deep and insightful. We get the pleasure of getting to know the characters while they get to know each other and it was fun. They had amazing attraction and you can feel it even though the sex scenes were fade to black, it was still enjoyable.
Amber is the best friend ever! There is said it: she tops all best friends I've ever read and I am so glad jessa hails her. She made this story that much better.
In the end this story left me with the insight to never give up, fight for what you want, beat the odd when life is dragging you down, accept help and above all else, live your life! This is more then just a love story, this book is an experience. 5 stars #2OCCJD
Rachael Brownell literally gave me a heart attack about I want to say 50% in. I can't remember the exact spot because OMG I did not see what happened happening and I was in shock. I had to go back and reread it to make sure what I read was correct. From that point on my heart was in my throat waiting for something bad to happen. I held my breathe more times than not.
Ok...so Chasing Fate is a loving story about Fate and how it can step in at unexpected moments and make you fight for something you didn't know you wanted. This book had my emotions all over the place. The hot sex wasn't too bad either.
Jessa was on a mission to fulfill her bucket list. She wanted to live in the moment and experience everything life had to give. What she wasn't expecting was for someone to tag along on her trip with her and change her plans. You really need to pick up your copy and read it. If I go into more details it will ruin the experience for you. Halfway through this book I was expecting an ugly cry which never happened instead it was tears of joy and happiness.
This is the first book I read of Rachael's but it definitely won't be my last. Even though this book had my emotions all over the place I truly loved getting to know Jessa.
As everything in life, things are not always what they seem and neither are they the way we wish they were. Case in point Jessa years ago made a to do list of things before she dies, well now is the time. She quits her job, packed up her apartment, cleared out her bank account and sold most of her valuables. Her best friend thinks she has lost her marbles, her Parents do not approve of her idea and oh lets not forget. The only thing she did not plan on, her neighbour Jackson, and this is where this all gets very interesting and complicated . The story was well writen, characters were fantastic, I could not stop reading I needed to find out what happens, and sorry wont tell you, but be ready great story, get some tissues ready too.
You need to read this book if you have ever created a bucket list. I knew I would like the book from the blurb, but I didn't realize that I would be recommending this book to all of my friends, coworkers and relatives. I did not expect that twist a third of the way into the book. I will be purchasing more books from this author.
A sweet story of love, friendship and determination. Jackson was wonderful! So glad he helped Jessa realize she needed to fight. *I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This is my first book from this author and definitely will not be my last. Overall great book with HEA ending. Loved Jenna and how strong she was. And Jackson, I loved how much he loved and supported Jenna with everything. So much happened in this book I loved all the twist it had. Dear grab your tissues your going to need them! Thanks for a great read Rachael.
Wow! This book has done something other books have not been able to do. Make me cry throughout while reading it. I'm not a cryer when I read. There might have been a tear escape now and then through a handful of books but I've never cried off and on through half a book before. What does this mean? It means that I got so invested in the characters of a book, not just the main characters but all the characters, that I could not contain my emotions. That is rare storytelling at its finest. This is the first book I've read by Rachael Brownell and after I'm done with this review I'm buying another. Slowly over time as Jessa is crossing things off her bucket list on a trip of a lifetime with her sexy neighbor Jackson, she begins to confront the things that emotionally scare her. We are taken on a journey across the world, but it's the Jessa's emotional journey that is the pivotal moments in this story. Grab some tissues and read an epic tale of love and pain. ****I received an ARC of this book, but voluntarily reviewed this book wth my honest opinion.****
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC. I gave this story 5 stars because still after a week I'm thinking about this story and telling people about it. I went in with expectations that it would be a cute love story and by the blurb I figured I would like it. Well, how this story transpired was completely unexpected. I won't give anything away but I am thrilled that this book wasn't what I was expecting and am so glad I was given the opportunity to read this.
For those of you who enjoy a good ugly cry book, Chasing Fate should be your next read. Jessa did frustrate me at times, but only because she kept trying to fight her feelings. And Jackson. Oh Jackson. He is so sexy and sweet. I will gladly travel the 1world checking things off my bucket list. I will also be sure to keep adding things to it so it never ends! Chasing Fate is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and yell at your Kindles.
It started with a bucket list made in college. A list that Jessa didn’t think about for years . . .until she quit her job, emptied her bank account and decided it was time to start living and checking off every item on that list.
Even though her friends and family thinks she is crazy, Jessa is ready to live each and every day like it is her last. She plans to tackle her list alone, but when her best friend suggests her her neighbor with benefits Jackson go on the trip with her, he readily agrees.
Jessa may have thought she was prepared to tackle the world and her list on her own, but nothing could have prepared her for Jackson. And, while Jessa may think she knows what fate has in store for her at the end of her trip, Jackson has other ideas that will having them chasing a future together, even when circumstances make it seem impossible.
Let me start with saying, make sure you have a box of tissues ready, because you are going to need them! Chasing Fate is not my typical type of read, but I’m so glad that I did! This book is super emotional, fun & flirty, full of romance and simply gorgeous!
The characters in this book were extremely well written. Jessa is so very strong and trying to do the best for her and those that love her. She’s got a lot to deal with and is trying to make the best of the hand she has been dealt. Jackson is simply amazing and unexpected! The man I thought was nothing more than a friend with benefits ends up being super supportive and unwavering in his love for Jessa no matter what is thrown at them. And, Amber wins the award for best friend ever.
I don’t want to say much more, because the beauty of this book is watching the journey unfold. I will say that I hate an ugly cry book, but this was a gorgeous story. It makes you want to live life to the fullest and appreciate all the things, big and small that you have the opportunity to experience. 4.5 Stars!
This was my first book from this author of this is her style and level of writing, she will be one of my one-click authors. This was such a beautifully written sweet, emotional story that had me hooked from page one. It makes you open your eyes to what has been right in front of you but was too scared to take a chance on.
Jess's quits her job and decides to live the life she's been dreaming and with a bucket list in hand she prepares for he trip of a lifetime. She just didn't expect her friend-with-benefits, Jackson to come along, breaking down her walls and ignoring her rules of keeping him at a distance.
I loved reading the passion between Jessa and Jackson, it was hot, sizzling and a once in a lifetime true love. Watching their relationship change and grow was awe-inspiring, it was so pure and beautiful.
When the truth about her trip was revealed it destroyed me and well lots of tissues were needed, I even had to put the book down a few times as I couldn't read through my tears.
The emotional journey Jessa went on was really embedded in my heart, with Jackson's unwavering support and her friend Amber's letters that showed she knew her best friend better then Jessa knew herself.
You will need a hell of a lot of tissues and a bottle Of wine for when you've finished but please read this book it's one of the best ones I've read this year so far.
⭐️I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of his book in exchange for an honest review from the author ⭐
By the end of this book, I was in love with the story and especially Jackson. He's the sort of man that puts the happiness of his love before his and would do anything to ensure she was happy. For a good portion of the book we're just along for the joy ride with Jessa and Jackson. I loved the idea of the bucket list and actually following through with completing it. To have the bravery of Jessa to have the guts to travel alone - even though she ends up not doing that.
I'm coming to learn that Rachael Brownell's books all appear to be a fluffy joyful story on the surface. But underneath it all is an important message. The message of this one was that with the support of friends and family you can make it through the toughest times of life. I love the positive message all of Rachael's books give and that makes her a one-click author for me.
Chasing Fate is a story about Jessa, who decides that she needs to finally accomplish all the items she added to her "bucket list" in college. Jessa has decided to quite her job, cancel her apartment lease and sell all over her belongs she cannot bring with her on her excursion. We follow Jessa and Jackson, her neighbor and "friend", as they mark of the items on her list and add more items as she travels around for a few months.
From the start, I had decided that Jessa was hiding something from everyone. Once it all comes out, it is a race against everything to finish the list and beat her fate.
I loved Jackson! He was always there when Jessa needed him and he refused to let her just walk away.
This is a bittersweet story of love and friendship and focuses on Jessa and her best friend Jackson and their journey of discovery as they travel together to complete Jessa’s bucket list...
There were some really touching moments, together with humour and the odd plot twist just to keep the storyline fresh... the characters are so well developed and described and I was invested in the outcome of their relationship, desperate for there to be a HEA, however unlikely that appeared to be...
I loved this skilfully written and engaging story about two people who take a chance when fate steps in ...... Quirky Blind Date with a Book provided me with a copy of this book from the author.
4.5 Star review of Chasing Fate by Rachael Brownell
This was a new author to me. The premise intrigued me and I couldn't wait to read this story and boy was I in for an amazing read. Would you be brave enough to quit your job, sell everything and leave behind your family and friends to embark on a path of uncertainty? No matter how exciting it sounds, I don't believe that I could be that brave.
This was an emotional book to read. Jessa is determined to cross items off her bucket list. What she doesn't count on, is Jackson who will turn her life and her list upside down. Will she allow herself to fall for the intriguing and determined man who is obviously attracted to her? Or will she bury her head in the sand and move on?
There were twists and turns to the story-line which I won't reveal as I do not want to spoil it. The connection between Jessa and Jackson was tangible, perhaps because the author was able to convey so much emotion in her words.
We all at one point or another want to pick up and leave and in this story Jessa does that. This was a great read that I recommend and I will be looking to read more of Ms. Brownwell's books.
This was such a lovely emotional story that I just couldn't put down. Jessa and Jackson just made me swoon. I loved them, they where just perfect together.
I loved the bucket list and I've already told my husband that I want us to do one together. Needless to say he loved the idea.
As with life this story shows that you should never give up, fight for what you want and believe in. Highly recommend picking up Chasing Fate by Rachael Brownell, you wont regret it.
Bought this as a freebie alert! Rating: ⭐⭐/5 Fine but not happy with it.
I mean, don't get me wrong. It was interesting and had some good quotes. It's just that I felt that many things happened in this book and the main plot was actually unexpected and that's when I stopped reading it for weeks. 😂 I felt this was a fast paced reading and also written in a detailed but not specific kind of way. The title has more meaning than it seems. I would read other book of Rachael but only if it's shorter than this one, or less complicated.
This is my first Rachel Brownell story. And it was amazing. I got this book on a "blind date" and I was nervous. I'm a highly emotionally person and I hate when I know I'm gonna end up bawling. But this book was so well written, that even though i shredded some tears, it fixed me afterwards. Rachel was able to fixed all the hurt and I love Jackson. He is what perfect men aim to be. Definitely worth a read.
Jessa had made a list a long time ago with the ten things she wanted to do before she died. Jessa forgot all about the list but found it again and it now holds a new meaning to her. Jessa is determined to do this alone but her friend and next door neighbor isn’t having that at all. Jackson wants to come along with Jessa on her adventure and also is determined to take their relationship to another level. Once he finds out everything she is going through will she allow him just to be their for her?
I thought this book was a good read. The beginning of the book was hard for me to get into but once I kept reading the more I was pulled into their story. I loved how each character had their own issues that they needed to comes to terms with in order to mover forward in their journey.
This one has some feels involved and I could tell there was a secret within the first 2 chapters. Love the characters, especially Jackson. I felt like Jessa was a little more stubborn than she needed to be at time but I am probably described the same way. Their chemistry was great though. I also liked reading the descriptions of far away places. I thought the last few chapters were really well done.
This is definitely a 5 star read! I fell in love immediately with the characters in this beautiful story, Jessa is so determined and maybe a little stubborn and Jackson is supportive and always there for her. You will laugh, cry and cry again.... have tissues handy at all times while reading! Not only has the very talented Author Rachael Brownell written a beautiful true to life story, it is a story that had me thankful for my life and thinking of what is really the important things in this crazy life. There is so much I could say about this amazing book but the best thing I can recommend is that you read it for yourself and fall into this amazing story!!!!
Chasing Fate is such a fitting title for this gripping edge of your seat bucket list narative. The synopsis of this contemporary romance drew my eyes in. The beautiful tale has twists to keep you craving more. This novel is lively & amorous yet arcane & visionary. A journey across the world that takes you through a passionate excursion. Jessa's character is compelling & complex. Jackson is an absolute sweetheart with a sexy side. I loved Jackson as his character was so loveable. The writing style is exquisite. I absolutely love this tear jerker novel.
Wow when I started this book I wasn’t sure what to expect but wow is all I can say! It’s a beautiful story packed with lost of love and hope! This is an amazing book for anyone trying to find their place in the world! The world and life can get tough but never give up, fight for what you want and hold close to those who love you, truly love you!
This is the first book I have read by Rachael. I absolutely adored Jessa & Jackson. I didn't read the description of the book so I didn't know she was dying. I think me not knowing made the book 10 times better. It kept that mystery about it till she told Jackson.
Try not to get all emotional and cry during this book. You'll want to read Chasing Fate.
This was at times a heart warming read and other times heart wrenching. Jessa for the most part was hard to warm up to. I know she has issues but the first couple chapters she was a pill but as the story progressed, I started to warm up to her. I loved Amber and wished she was my best friend. Jackson was a sweetheart. The letters at the end gutted me but I’m glad how the story ended.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. It was obvious from the beginning that Jessa was keeping a secret. I wasn't sure how that would turn out, but I actually like how the author handled this. It was a good book. My first by Rachael Brownell, but I'm going to read more.
I absolutely loved this book. It was so full of fun and emotions. Jackson and Jessa were meant to be, whether Jessa knew it or not.
Jessa decides one day out of the blue that she's going to quit her job and take a year off to check off her bucket list. What she didn't expect was her next door neighbor and frequent fun time buddy to be joining her too!