What do you think?
Rate this book
Texas High: Skye #1
Chasing Skye
I have to get out of here.
I’m drowning in this small town, in my parents’ tiny house filled with big rules and even bigger anger. And there’s only one thing that can get me out.
Volleyball.
But Shelby’s out to take everything I’ve worked for away from me over a stupid grudge.
She won’t stop at sabotaging my volleyball position. No, she’s out for blood. That means she’ll attack me everywhere it counts. Volleyball, weightlifting, my friendships, and Kellum.
I’ve done everything, given everything, sacrificed everything I can to create a future for myself.
Will it be enough?
For a book that will grip your heart from page one, start reading Chasing Skye today. Fans of the Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky will fall for this first book in the Texas High Series!
I’m drowning in this small town, in my parents’ tiny house filled with big rules and even bigger anger. And there’s only one thing that can get me out.
Volleyball.
But Shelby’s out to take everything I’ve worked for away from me over a stupid grudge.
She won’t stop at sabotaging my volleyball position. No, she’s out for blood. That means she’ll attack me everywhere it counts. Volleyball, weightlifting, my friendships, and Kellum.
I’ve done everything, given everything, sacrificed everything I can to create a future for myself.
Will it be enough?
For a book that will grip your heart from page one, start reading Chasing Skye today. Fans of the Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky will fall for this first book in the Texas High Series!
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2018
About the author
Kelsie Stelting
49 books1,780 followersKelsie Stelting is a body positive romance author who writes love stories with strong characters, deep feelings, and happy endings.
She currently lives in Colorado. You can often find her writing, spending time with family, and soaking up too much sun wherever she can find it.
Visit www.kelsiestelting.com to get a free story and sign up for her readers' group!
She currently lives in Colorado. You can often find her writing, spending time with family, and soaking up too much sun wherever she can find it.
Visit www.kelsiestelting.com to get a free story and sign up for her readers' group!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 13, 2018
Both book 1 and 2 are basically high time teen drama.
Skyes POV.
Skye lives in a very strict household. Her parents are not very warming and they always have a chip on their shoulders. Skye gets the brunt of their frustration. Which means very little time for outside play; therefore leaves little room to have friends. The few friends she had; aren’t really friends after all. Junior year in highschool and all she wants to do is play volleyball. She is very good and gets the spot a senior, Shelby, wanted. What does that lead too? U got it; a not very friendly teammate that finds ways to make life difficult.
The whole book is Skye trying to hold her head above water but all she gets are: bullies, loser friends, a difficult household and all time highschool drama. Among everything; she is so boy crazy. All she wants to do is get noticed by Kelllum.
Volleyball season is over about halfway through the book; which leads to another sport basketball. Not that great but she is determined. Before it barely began something happens that makes life even more difficult.
The book ends with to be continued.
No sex, no kissing (maybe a peck) but it does have major highschool drama.
Such a teen book but I enjoyed it anyway. Lost two stars bc I got tired of Skyes constant rambling on why she was the one always getting picked on, rambling about her loser friends that she should have kicked to the curb in the beginning, and the flaws about herself. I wish the author would not have made her character so weak but then again there is always a Skye in everyone school. (Which sucks)
Book Two was the same way; had more boy characters involved and a little more kissing.
She did face other types or drama and u could tell she was starting to find herself. I was actually looking forward to book 3 but it’s not out and honestly, I will prob forget about this series when it does.
Wait for book 3. Remember these books are all about highschool drama. And unfortunately, it happens in our on school system.
Skyes POV.
Skye lives in a very strict household. Her parents are not very warming and they always have a chip on their shoulders. Skye gets the brunt of their frustration. Which means very little time for outside play; therefore leaves little room to have friends. The few friends she had; aren’t really friends after all. Junior year in highschool and all she wants to do is play volleyball. She is very good and gets the spot a senior, Shelby, wanted. What does that lead too? U got it; a not very friendly teammate that finds ways to make life difficult.
The whole book is Skye trying to hold her head above water but all she gets are: bullies, loser friends, a difficult household and all time highschool drama. Among everything; she is so boy crazy. All she wants to do is get noticed by Kelllum.
Volleyball season is over about halfway through the book; which leads to another sport basketball. Not that great but she is determined. Before it barely began something happens that makes life even more difficult.
The book ends with to be continued.
No sex, no kissing (maybe a peck) but it does have major highschool drama.
Such a teen book but I enjoyed it anyway. Lost two stars bc I got tired of Skyes constant rambling on why she was the one always getting picked on, rambling about her loser friends that she should have kicked to the curb in the beginning, and the flaws about herself. I wish the author would not have made her character so weak but then again there is always a Skye in everyone school. (Which sucks)
Book Two was the same way; had more boy characters involved and a little more kissing.
She did face other types or drama and u could tell she was starting to find herself. I was actually looking forward to book 3 but it’s not out and honestly, I will prob forget about this series when it does.
Wait for book 3. Remember these books are all about highschool drama. And unfortunately, it happens in our on school system.
May 19, 2018
Love Kelsie's work so much, and this new book does not disappoint! Can't wait for the next one!
April 12, 2018
Lonesome Skye - I usually don't read much about this age group, but this is an excellent story about a high school junior and her trials. This is a well written, intriguing story filled with a gamut of emotions that keeps the reader rooting for the main character. All the characters are developing through out the story and I find their dialog realistic and mature instead of moronic. I didn't like the way the book ended, but I assume there's more to the story coming. It's not a cliffhanger, but I did want to keep following her story. I'm interested in reading more by this writer; plus she understands and practices proper editing. I do wish I had read this book before All The Things He Left Behind, since one is past and the other future in some of these characters' lives.
All The Things He Left Behind - This is my first story by this author and I enjoyed it! It is well written and a pleasure to read an author's work who understands the value proper punctuation and editing. The characters are developed just enough for the story. Ms. Stelting's vivid descriptions keeps the reader immersed in Saf's starting over. It's almost like hearing a conversation on the front porch while drinking coffee with a friend. Has an overview of the story, which I appreciate knowing what the book is about before I read it.
All The Things He Left Behind - This is my first story by this author and I enjoyed it! It is well written and a pleasure to read an author's work who understands the value proper punctuation and editing. The characters are developed just enough for the story. Ms. Stelting's vivid descriptions keeps the reader immersed in Saf's starting over. It's almost like hearing a conversation on the front porch while drinking coffee with a friend. Has an overview of the story, which I appreciate knowing what the book is about before I read it.
April 15, 2018
Lonesome Skye relates an interesting and realistic story of a high schooler. Kelsie Stelting makes you feel with her main character, Skye. There are a few good things that happen to Skye, but mostly life is rough for her. This is a solid YA book with the exceptions of a little foul language. It's an enjoyable book for older readers too. I look forward to reading the second book.
I was given a complimentary copy and am choosing to write a review and share my opinion.
I was given a complimentary copy and am choosing to write a review and share my opinion.
April 15, 2018
I was given a free copy by the author. The title is spot on this is not going to be a fluffy light book. It is funny at times, but this book is about the hardships that is growing up such as a crush that may or may not like you. I like this book although Skye can be frustrating at times, I keep hoping she will find someone that would be a true friend worthy of her trust. The ending has me wanting to know what is going to happen next for sure!
April 19, 2018
This book is captivating. I was hooked from the first word and couldn’t put it down until the end. Poor Skye has to deal with so much High School drama but she is strong and she will make it out alive. I cannot wait to read the next part in this story because Skye definitely has more to say. I loved reading this book and definitely recommend it for your reading pleasure.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2018
I loved this book! I did not want to put it down. I would even read it if I woke up in the middle of the night. I can’t believe the ending though and I will be in pain until I find out what happens. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 15, 2018
I enjoyed reading this story. And I hope next book we see Skye find a true friend. I recommend this book if you like to read clean stories.
July 10, 2021
Not my cuppa...
There wasn't any romance until I DNFed. I don't much care for the sports bit. It made my legs ache even though Skye was doing the weights, not me. Argh! Just not my cuppa. Off to read the next romance book on my Kindle.
There wasn't any romance until I DNFed. I don't much care for the sports bit. It made my legs ache even though Skye was doing the weights, not me. Argh! Just not my cuppa. Off to read the next romance book on my Kindle.
June 14, 2020
First Impressions
I wasn’t completely sure how I felt after reading the first chapter of “Chasing Skye”. Something I had to remind myself was that I was giving a different genre a chance with this book so I really had to search my thoughts and figure out if I didn’t feel pulled in because I’m not used to books like this, or if it was because of the book itself. After all this, I can say I learned a bit more about volleyball right off the bat, considering it’s Skye’s primary sport.
Thoughts While Reading
After some reflection, I decided that the writing style of this book was different than I was used to. Skye seemed to have less dialogue with other characters and that did a few things. First, I felt that it made the book feel more passive and that we weren’t experiencing everything first hand. Considering the book was written in first person, this gave me some weird vibes. Second, because there was less dialogue, for us to experience everything that was happening, we saw more internal monologue within Skye.
Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem. But I noticed early on that I had a very different high school experience than Skye did. During the first half, the book seemed a little shallow and vapid. I don’t disagree that her experiences are not similar to someone out there, but I had a hard time relating to her until later in the book.
Skye has a fairly strained relationship with her parents in the book. They aren’t supportive and it seems that they view her as more of a burden. I appreciated seeing a variety of relationships, positive and negative. But I thought some of the characters seemed really one-dimensional and that made it a little hard to relate to the story as well.
In terms of romance, I didn’t feel content with the lack of development in Skye’s love life, but if anything, I wanted to read the sequel more. Overall, I wanted more background as to how she developed her crushes because with the different characters Skye was interested in, I couldn’t see the chemistry.
Final Thoughts
Even though I didn’t love this book, the end of “Chasing Skye” left me wanting to know what was next for Skye. I wanted to know if things got better for her and if she was able to have her happily ever after. As mentioned earlier, I received this book, and it’s first sequel, as part of the Bookworm Box’s digital YA book box for May of 2020.
I’ll be adding “Becoming Skye” to my reading schedule for later this year so stay tuned because Skye’s journey isn’t over yet.
I wasn’t completely sure how I felt after reading the first chapter of “Chasing Skye”. Something I had to remind myself was that I was giving a different genre a chance with this book so I really had to search my thoughts and figure out if I didn’t feel pulled in because I’m not used to books like this, or if it was because of the book itself. After all this, I can say I learned a bit more about volleyball right off the bat, considering it’s Skye’s primary sport.
Thoughts While Reading
After some reflection, I decided that the writing style of this book was different than I was used to. Skye seemed to have less dialogue with other characters and that did a few things. First, I felt that it made the book feel more passive and that we weren’t experiencing everything first hand. Considering the book was written in first person, this gave me some weird vibes. Second, because there was less dialogue, for us to experience everything that was happening, we saw more internal monologue within Skye.
Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem. But I noticed early on that I had a very different high school experience than Skye did. During the first half, the book seemed a little shallow and vapid. I don’t disagree that her experiences are not similar to someone out there, but I had a hard time relating to her until later in the book.
Skye has a fairly strained relationship with her parents in the book. They aren’t supportive and it seems that they view her as more of a burden. I appreciated seeing a variety of relationships, positive and negative. But I thought some of the characters seemed really one-dimensional and that made it a little hard to relate to the story as well.
In terms of romance, I didn’t feel content with the lack of development in Skye’s love life, but if anything, I wanted to read the sequel more. Overall, I wanted more background as to how she developed her crushes because with the different characters Skye was interested in, I couldn’t see the chemistry.
Final Thoughts
Even though I didn’t love this book, the end of “Chasing Skye” left me wanting to know what was next for Skye. I wanted to know if things got better for her and if she was able to have her happily ever after. As mentioned earlier, I received this book, and it’s first sequel, as part of the Bookworm Box’s digital YA book box for May of 2020.
I’ll be adding “Becoming Skye” to my reading schedule for later this year so stay tuned because Skye’s journey isn’t over yet.
August 27, 2024
While I usually enjoy book series that can be read as standalone or at least provide a satisfying conclusion for the characters by the end, this book didn't deliver on that front. As the first in a series, it had the average length of similar books but ended on a cliffhanger that left me feeling frustrated. Weeks later, I still haven't picked up the next book, knowing it might just leave me hanging again.
One of the main issues I had with this story was that the motivations and emotions of the characters weren't always clear. Perhaps this was due to the fact that it centres on high schoolers, but I've read other coming-of-age stories that managed to be both accessible and relatable to a wide audience. Unfortunately, this book missed the mark.
The protagonist's isolation also contributed to my struggle with the story. With extremely strict parents, a long-lost sister, and friends who seemed to change direction with the wind, there was a lack of hope throughout the narrative. It made the book feel heavy and sad, without much light at the end of the tunnel.
While there may be readers who enjoy the complexity of the character's struggles, I found it difficult to connect with the story on an emotional level. If you're looking for a series with more closure at the end of each instalment or a coming-of-age story that feels more universally relatable, this one may not be the best fit.
One of the main issues I had with this story was that the motivations and emotions of the characters weren't always clear. Perhaps this was due to the fact that it centres on high schoolers, but I've read other coming-of-age stories that managed to be both accessible and relatable to a wide audience. Unfortunately, this book missed the mark.
The protagonist's isolation also contributed to my struggle with the story. With extremely strict parents, a long-lost sister, and friends who seemed to change direction with the wind, there was a lack of hope throughout the narrative. It made the book feel heavy and sad, without much light at the end of the tunnel.
While there may be readers who enjoy the complexity of the character's struggles, I found it difficult to connect with the story on an emotional level. If you're looking for a series with more closure at the end of each instalment or a coming-of-age story that feels more universally relatable, this one may not be the best fit.
October 21, 2022
I don't know what to think about this book. I really loved Skye and her character and the internal dialogue and the way she feels. I like the way she tries to overcome adversity and the way she treats even crummy people. I expected this to have a romance but it doesn't, which was disappointing and misleading from both the description of the book and the illustration... And then every guy in the book is hot and flirtatious but then nothing evolves? Its misleading, for sure... But because Skye was so likeable I stuck with it.
Unfortunately, I can't help feeling like nothing happened the whole book. It is just a very long build up for the next one, and it doesn't leave me with any sense of completion here.
I hope the story of loveable Skye in the next book is a little more interesting
Unfortunately, I can't help feeling like nothing happened the whole book. It is just a very long build up for the next one, and it doesn't leave me with any sense of completion here.
I hope the story of loveable Skye in the next book is a little more interesting
July 3, 2020
Oh man, that was painful. Skye, the main character, spends the entire book feeling sorry for herself. I think we’re supposed to empathize with her, but I don’t really blame all of her so-called friends for ditching her. Although, they couldn’t have been that close to drop her so quickly and efficiently. I have no desire to know if she even wakes up from the “life-changing event” that ends the book.
Also, I note know way more about both basketball and volleyball then I did what I played in high school. I remember there being drama, but at least there was some entertainment value.
Don’t get me started on the boy crazy aspect, either. Oy vey!
Also, I note know way more about both basketball and volleyball then I did what I played in high school. I remember there being drama, but at least there was some entertainment value.
Don’t get me started on the boy crazy aspect, either. Oy vey!
August 14, 2019
Great characters
My rating system:
✩ Hated it
✩✩ It was okay
✩✩✩ Liked it
✩✩✩✩ Really liked it
✩✩✩✩✩ Loved it
A well written tale of the struggles that can come from trying to find your place as a young adult. Skye is struggling to find what she wants from life and what exactly it is that brings her happiness and how hard it can be when everything starts to fall apart. It's relatable to anyone who may have struggled with the same things growing up and you gain a kinship with Skye and get stubbornness on not giving up, regardless of what's thrown at her.
My rating system:
✩ Hated it
✩✩ It was okay
✩✩✩ Liked it
✩✩✩✩ Really liked it
✩✩✩✩✩ Loved it
A well written tale of the struggles that can come from trying to find your place as a young adult. Skye is struggling to find what she wants from life and what exactly it is that brings her happiness and how hard it can be when everything starts to fall apart. It's relatable to anyone who may have struggled with the same things growing up and you gain a kinship with Skye and get stubbornness on not giving up, regardless of what's thrown at her.
June 9, 2026
This was like the clean, middle grade version of Mean Girls. That’s it. That’s the plot.
Skye spends the entire book focused on a mean girl, chasing friends who dropped her the first chance they got, and pining after a boy who doesn’t give her the time of day. I should’ve just gone back to high school for these things.
The ending pissed me off. I get cliffhangers, but come on. I thought I was missing chapters it was so abrupt.
I made the mistake of reading Abi’s trilogy before this, so I know where Skye’s story is going. That might be part of my trouble with getting through it.
Skye spends the entire book focused on a mean girl, chasing friends who dropped her the first chance they got, and pining after a boy who doesn’t give her the time of day. I should’ve just gone back to high school for these things.
The ending pissed me off. I get cliffhangers, but come on. I thought I was missing chapters it was so abrupt.
I made the mistake of reading Abi’s trilogy before this, so I know where Skye’s story is going. That might be part of my trouble with getting through it.
September 30, 2021
Amazing
I loved this story. I found myself feeling exactly like the main character does. I cried with her. I just wish that it didn’t end with a cliffhanger. I know it’s part of a series but I think I would have preferred for it to be a stand alone and get the whole story in one book because I read this boom in like 3 hours and I could have kept going. Great story though. Will have to read the rest of the books to find out what happens.
I loved this story. I found myself feeling exactly like the main character does. I cried with her. I just wish that it didn’t end with a cliffhanger. I know it’s part of a series but I think I would have preferred for it to be a stand alone and get the whole story in one book because I read this boom in like 3 hours and I could have kept going. Great story though. Will have to read the rest of the books to find out what happens.
June 29, 2026
I liked the main character and always like a good sports story but this seemed to drag on. I am still not sure what the primary plot line is. It felt like volleyball was a story, then basketball, there wasn't enough with Kellum to make it a romance, and there weren't a lot of positives in her life.
Basically this book was depressing and didn't go anywhere. The numerous errors in grammar also really bothered me along with the ending which just abruptly cut off.
Basically this book was depressing and didn't go anywhere. The numerous errors in grammar also really bothered me along with the ending which just abruptly cut off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2019
Okay
Aggravating, all that to end on a cliff hanger?!
This novel was okay, not the best that I have read but definitely not the worst. I enjoyed this book for the majority of the storyline but towards the end I felt it was too drawn out. I wish they could have wrapped it up a little sooner, I feel like it would have worked out better.
Aggravating, all that to end on a cliff hanger?!
This novel was okay, not the best that I have read but definitely not the worst. I enjoyed this book for the majority of the storyline but towards the end I felt it was too drawn out. I wish they could have wrapped it up a little sooner, I feel like it would have worked out better.
August 19, 2020
I don’t even know how I finished this book. As a volleyball player myself, a libero nonetheless, I liked those parts. But that was all this book was about. Volleyball practice, tournaments, basketball practice and tournaments. There is no romance in this book. It was like reading the same thing over and over again.
December 19, 2022
I have read this author many times with her Curvy Girls series, which is high school based. This book is also high school based, however, I wasn't as interested. Not the authors fault, this truly was directed toward female high school readers and not mature romance readers like myself. Will leave my review at that.
December 24, 2019
Great teen story
If you are looking for a great teen novel this is it. Major cliff hanger ending though. Great writing, excellent character development, teenage drama, sports the whole way through, crushes, emotional roller coasters...A little bit of everything.
If you are looking for a great teen novel this is it. Major cliff hanger ending though. Great writing, excellent character development, teenage drama, sports the whole way through, crushes, emotional roller coasters...A little bit of everything.
July 20, 2020
was impressed with Skye that she was able to pick herself up and move on after each and evert time she was knocked down. You will certainly go on an emotional ride with Skye, but it is oh so worth the read. Kelsie, thanks for another great book
February 27, 2021
This was a pretty good book (will probably read the next one). It moved just a little slow for me. Also, I would have like Skye to be portrayed as a stronger individual. She just a tiny bit dramatic (yes I know stuff was very hard for her). Overall it was a good read. 👍🏼
May 30, 2021
Could be a three or four star book if a good editor took a crack at it. As it is, the book contains many grammar errors, homonym errors, as well as several inconsistencies.
For my clean readers: language, including f-bomb, excessive bullying, and boy-craziness with innuendos.
For my clean readers: language, including f-bomb, excessive bullying, and boy-craziness with innuendos.
June 7, 2026
An empathetically hopeful, instructive story about a period in a girl's life characterized by the presence of mistakeable elements of human nature, though there is unmistakably painful endurance needed from her!
July 26, 2026
Aside from how the parents treat Skye, I see my high school self in her. She's a bigger girl, with lots of crushes and friendship drama. I wasn't a sports girl like her, but I just feel like I'm reading my past life. Definitely looking forward to continuing her story and see where this goes.
June 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was a cute, sweet quick read for me. I liked the concept and thought the author did a great job of putting it all together.
July 20, 2021
ha ha, what?
October 30, 2023
Loved getting to know skye better. This book is a good read.
May 14, 2024
What an amazing story. Skye ‘s life isn’t easy living with her parents. They’re never in a good mood. She knows she has to do something but what. Don’t miss out on this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews