Chasing Stars

by Mercedes Siler

Ares
I’d always seen her, even when I pretended not to. It shouldn’t have come to this. Now there’s nothing I can do to get her out of my head. I’m consumed by her. I want her, but at the same time, I’m not sure it’s the right thing to do.

Nikki
I’ve spent my whole life fighting to keep my life in order. I can’t lose focus. Not today. Not with him—my best friend’s brother. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t forget about him. The question is if I let him get too close, will I lose everything, including my one opportunity for true love?

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2015

About the author

Mercedes Siler writes gritty, steamy new adult fiction and romance about beautifully flawed people finding their way in life and falling in love in the process. She is the author of a few awesome New Adult short stories and a couple of pretty cool full-length novels. And she’s got about a million more just waiting to be written.

Mercedes lives in beautiful, hot, Southern California with her loving husband and the three best kids a lady could ask for, two cats, Burger and Little Jimmy, and a Guinea pig named Sandy.

She looks forward to getting to know readers on the social medias, and having stirring discussions about funny memes, basic human rights, and her hate for washing dishes.

www.facebook.com/mercedessilerauthor
www.twitter.com/mercedessiler
www.pinterest.com/mercedessiler
www.instagram.com/mercedessiler
https://mercedessiler.tumblr.com

Reviews

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super lucky and won Chasing Stars & Easy in an instagram giveaway, so loved both ...but we are only human so we find faves don't we??! Mine was Chasing Stars ...I just felt I connected a bit more with these characters. that HEA ending. such a touching read. both books are on or in Kindle Unlimited, if you are there as well? Check them out. oh to be young again. gosh i am not that old. lol!! I really love the book cover on Chasing Stars as well. Both deserve a read for sure. Will read more from Mercedes Siler in the future. I'll keep an eye out to see where she goes next ... check her out!

[MJM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki has had a very difficult childhood with an addict mother [but we don't know what of], no father on the horizon and a younger brother, Dexter, that she basically brings up. Her best friend is Persephone and her twin brother is Ares [love the Greek God names!]. Nikki has been in love with him for some time but never revealed her feelings. He feels the same but know that she has so much on her p[late that he doesn't want to add to her complicated life. Until, that is, that he and she go camping and really talk to each other. Thus begins their love affair. But he's moving to New York in January and they haven't been using birth control. His sister has an abortion and Nikki is not coping well when he leaves. Can these two young lovers stand a chance at happiness and a HEA? To find out you're going to have to get a copy of 'Chasing Stars' by Mercedes Silar, read it and find out. No spoilers from me. At times, the pace of the book was slow and I just wished they would talk to each other instead of all the angst. But, nevertheless, it was entertaining and I do recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of young love, and hopes and dreams, and shattering realities. Nikki is making the best of a bad situation. Ares is on his way to realizing his dream. Before I even started reading, I loved these two. I love how she sheltered her little brother. I love how he wanted to get to know her better, as she was a friend of his sister. She was afraid of messing things up. I'm an old lady and this is what I know, take that chance. Be careful. Be safe. But, don't be afraid to follow your heart and take that chance. This story is beautiful.

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ares and Nikki are perfect for each other. Their young lives are full of drama and we are taken for a ride as these two are learning to navigate thru the feelings that are now coming to life. I loved watching these two grow and deal with real life issues. In the end, I'm so happy they got the happily ever after they deserve. Although I was a little scared for a minute because things were starting to look impossible. Their young love is strong and they were able to make it till the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a glorious story about first love and learning to take a chance in life to get what you want. Niki is in a bad situation but will do what she needs to in an effort to protect her brother. Ares is getting his dream but needs to work to add Nikki into his life. This is an emotional roller coaster that draws you in and never lets you go You will need tissues but you will never forget the love that swept you up during the reading of this book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young love Realistic plot twists mixed with the characters dreams and hopes makes an eventful and joyous journey of finding yourself and love. I loved both Nikki and Ares, I thought that they were both suited to each other. Ares is finding and realising his dreams and Nikki is trying to make her way through life and make it as best as she can. This book is romantic, Suspenseful and funny. This book had an amazing story, Amazing Characters that Developed throughout the book. This was the first book that I read from this Author and I can honestly say that I will be reading more of her. 

[Marianne Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family drama.
Relationship drama.
Drugs, alcohol, and sex.
Life choices.
Rewards and consequences.
Life and death.
It’s all wrapped in this story focused around the relationship between Nikki, a beauty living a life of abuse, and Ares, a young man raised with his sister in a divided family.
This story is a reminder that you never truly know the struggles someone else is going through. When you think you have it bad, there is someone out there that has it worse.
Each chapter is titled either Nikki or Ares and told from that character’s point of view.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL!❤
On heck of a beautifully written read that will continue to haunt you long after the last page has been read! There is so much pain and love infused throughout this amazing read that is heart-wrenching and heart-warming! Tissues are a must! A non-stop emotional rollercoaster ride, intense, exciting, enjoyable, gripping twists and impossible to put down! An amazing must read! A fusing book hangover that will be impossible not to fall in love with!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good romance read. The story has a good pace to the read. The story has pain, love infused throughout, heart wrenching, and heart warming read. The characters are good. The story will take the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride through the giddy, uncertain highs, and beautiful disaster of a young love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very emotional story.
Nineteen years old should be just nineteen years enjoying life,have fun
Nikki is none of this. Living with abuser,her mother, taking care of 10 years old,working 2 jobs.
Ares is her girlfriend twin brother.
Their relationship is very shaky but developing very mature towards end of the book.
It have some twists and turns but I was definitely rooting for them

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY loved this book. The characters were completely believable for their ages and the pacing was superb. Are you supposed to review the sex? Well, it was hot. Or should I say hawt? Which is what you expect from a romance novel, right? If you like romance, this is definitely for you. Highly recommended!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

she was always there and he see her but he tries not to.he wants her but things are not so simple. she find herself wanting him and she is torn as it is her best friends brother. will she give him a chance or lose the change of finding her true love? see what she will decide
i was gifted a copy by the author and i enjoyed it so much that i want to review

[Katie Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to receive an arc to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just couldn't get enough of it and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I recommend that you read it.

[Kat Drennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A roller-coaster ride through the giddy, uncertain highs and beautiful disaster of young love. I really liked the voice in this novel. The pacing was right and carried me along to a satisfying ending.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by this Author that I have read I found it to be a well-written story that kept my interest throughout. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way the author created the characters in this story. They came across as relatable and believable. A beautiful story of life...love, heartbreak, sacrifice and hopefully something we all wish for - a HEA.

[Geraldine Streit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written it’s a touching story. But for me it s a bit over dramatic. Characters are interesting .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good storyline that is captivating. The characters are intriguing and well developed. I did like reading this book.

[Sacha Fortuné · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacha's Book Reviews Blog

4.5 stars

This is my second book by this author, and I only wish I’d read it first (as it was written first) rather than going backwards. The more recent one I read — “Easy” — stopped my world to such an extent that I don’t think I can even objectively judge another book by her. But I’ll try! Here goes:

The Pros & Cons
“Chasing Stars” was awesome. I love love love love love how you really feel like you’re in these characters’ heads, feeling every conversation and every doubt and every sorrow. The sentences ramble the way my mind does sometimes, and it’s so refreshing to read something that feels like the way you think. When the scenes get sexy, your entire body twinges and ripples with the character’s.

A couple of my faves:

“I need man smell and man arms and man skin and sweat. I just need someone to hold me together and make me feel like nightmares are just nightmares and I’ll be okay.”

“Oh my God. Ares kissed me. I am so happy my insides are coated in glitter and confetti. But I’m also on the edge of tears because it doesn’t change anything. I can’t have him. He’s not mine.”

Nikki’s friendship with Persephone feels so much like one of mine from my past that it’s scary. The supportive, silent friend bolstering the other who clearly has a much better life; the sacrifices we make as young women; and that seesaw of love/hate that make you wonder how you were ever even friends with this person in the first place… yup. Bang on.

Also, Ares’ male stupidity at times was just awesome. Yes, he was a complete clunkhead, but unfortunately that’s kind of how young guys (or any guys, if we’re being entirely honest) can be at times! Both he and Persephone won your hearts by the end though, never mind the up and downs along the way when you want to knock them down.

I also really appreciated all the adult relationships interwoven into the story — Nikki’s mother is terrifying, but is well balanced with Persephone’s and Ares’ mother who treats Nikki like one of her own and even takes on her younger brother as well. The father characters also bring a nice balance to round out the story, showing that past negativity does not necessarily always need to permeate the present and the future, and there is room for growth and change and maturity from both sides of the generational gap.

Conclusion
There were a couple of moments that I was hoping for a *wee* bit more to push me over the top, but overall this was a stellar read and a fabulous debut novel, and I would recommend to anyone needing something that grabs at your emotions and doesn’t let you go until the end.

___________
This review also appears on my blog. Visit to read more of my reviews: Sacha's Book Reviews Blog

Also be sure to check out Sacha's Must Read Recommendations

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[Paperback Kingdom]

REVIEWED BY PAPERBACK KINGDOM BOOK BLOG

>> This book was our February Monthly Reading Challenge book. <<

You know that book you wished for (or are currently wishing for) that would be perfect during those awkward years where you just got out of high school? You're not quite an adult yet, not in an established career, and maybe you don't know what you want from life. But you're not a school kid anymore either, and you know about the world and how it works and what adult life is like. Remember wanting a book like that?

This is that book, guys! 

This is that book!

 🌟 🌟 🌟

The Good Points:

🌟 Diverse characters-- both of the main characters had a unique, cultural background. 

🌟 Characterisation in general-- for the most part, the characters were well written and had a lot of depth and backstory to them. Even side characters were well written. It was good that each character had their own hobbies and interests, and family life too. 

🌟 Storyline-- the story was interesting and there was a lot happening. It was especially good because it focused on hard topics, and the main characters were an age group that don't commonly appear in novels. It was very real, raw, and reflective of both the good and bad things some people go through in our everyday world.

Things That Could Have Been Improved:

🌟 The flow-- sometimes it's hard to follow because there is not enough description walking the reader through events. Sometimes characters appear in doorways without the reader being told that they've arrived, or they jump from scene to scene. 

Recommended For:

Readers aged between 17 - 20. It's not recommended for younger audiences than 16 because of the sexual themes-- they're not graphic but they're there all the same. Anyone older than 20 could definitely enjoy it too, but by that stage of your life, the relatability to the characters might have worn off. 

>> To view the full review, click here <<

>> To join our Monthly Reading Challenge, click here <<

[Tanya]

He knew he should not look at her but he has now and he cannot get her out of his mind. She has been fighting to get her life in order and she cannot let anything mess it up. Are they meant to be together? Will they get together? Is love just around the corner? See if it is