Chasing Destiny

Chasing #2

by J.P. James

Trace:

Meeting Nick was a dream come true. When he knocked on the door, I could barely breathe because I had no idea that my roommate’s dad was so hot. Nor did I realize he was a world-famous chef. But sparks flew, and soon I was ensconced in Nick’s arms. Who could have guessed that I would fall in love with my best friend’s dad?

But the chasm between us is great. Nick is a master chef with his own cooking show, while I’m a student intern. He’s sold thousands of cookbooks and has millions of fans, whereas no one knows me. The problem? Nick has to pretend to be straight for his mostly female audience. This is crazy; it’s the twenty-first century, and no one should have to hide. This is an affront not only to my core beliefs and values, but also to the entire LGBTQ+ community.

But Nick says I’m wrong - he has to respect his audience because they pay the bills. I’m conflicted and hurt, not to mention angry and emotional. Is this what our relationship has come to? Money and fame over love? Or is there something more?

Nick:

I’ve worked hard to get to where I am. It’s not easy being a top chef. Maybe I don’t dice every tomato or make every strand of pasta myself anymore, but there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with my job. I show up on set every morning, and people expect a particular image when they think of Chef Nick: handsome, smiling, and most importantly, available. My female audience thinks I’m straight and likes to fantasize about dating me. But after I meet Trace, my son’s best friend, everything’s thrown into turmoil. Trace thinks that I should shout my sexual orientation from the rooftops and let my audience see that I’m dating a man. God knows, that’s exactly what I’d like too.

But Trace doesn’t get it because he’s never suffered. He’s never eaten ramen by candlelight or let his car break down because he couldn’t afford repairs. Trace doesn’t know the sacrifices I’ve made to get to where I am today. The problem? I’m desperately in love with him. But how can I resolve the tension between my work and personal lives? My handsome lover is hell-bent on getting his way, but at what cost?

***Chasing Destiny is a full-length MM romance with no cliffhangers and no cheating.***

Genres: M M Romance

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2019

Reviews

[Denise H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The established Chef and the new fashion worker, get busy !
Here we have Chris’s Dad, Nick, 45, famous Chef, falling for Trace, Chris’s roommate.

Trace, 21, is in college, working the summer for a fashion magazine, soon to graduate. Nick is doing well with his successful restaurant, an upcoming cookbook and preparing for his new TV cooking show. Agent Damon doesn’t want Nick to “come out” and ruin his fan base, there are too many people depending on him. He wants to come out and quit hiding his feelings for Trace.

So there is a mess, angst, and some bad judgement. Younger Trace and older Nick seemed juvenile at times, stiff conversations, and uncomfortable together, but in the end, Nick has a surprise for Chris, and then Trace‘s surprise.
I liked the first book in this series with Dane and Chris so much more, but, IMO, this one had weaker characters. Some editing is also required.
The story is interesting, the combining of family and friends unusual,
plus I like the older/younger trope. The sexy times are steamy and fun.

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[Ed Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This reminds me of an old soap opera. There was a lot of telling, but not much action. I found myself bored and skimming all the constant crying and over blown emotions. I also found the first time that Nick and Trace got together made me feel uncomfortable. Trace seemed needy and strange and it was as if Nick was taking advantage of him.

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to the series. Nick (Chris’s dad) is totally focused on his career and restaurant. When he crosses paths with Trace he finds his attention on him. Since Trace is Chris’s college roommate that makes for an interesting snag in things. While Nick is portrayed as a selfless person he doesn’t come across that way. He doesn’t seem overly attentive to his son even at graduation. He acts completely invested in his career even though he makes it known he is worried about a number of employees or so he uses that excuse to stay in the closet. Trace on the other hand in some ways is much more mature. He does have his periods of drama but overall I felt he came across as the more level headed one, except where Nick is concerned. The sex is more than hot. The relationship drew me in hoping to see it go where it should. The road to finally getting Nick out is somewhat entertaining. I really liked Skylar adds a lot to the story. I felt she more than has a story of her own but I’m not sure where it would fit in this series. I also see Damon having a story. I love this series and can’t wait for the next.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this wonderful, emotional MM romance. It has a well-written plot filled with unexpected occurrences & interesting characters that have complex personalities with each of them having their own needs & goals.
There is: a top male chief (Nick Evens) is pretending to be straight but is highly attracted to his son’s (Chris) best friend & roommate (Trace Ericksen) & they get involved with each other- now Nick will have to make a decision between his career or love, Nick’s agent (Damon), some homophobia, twists & turns, intrigue, drama, friendship, doubts, attractions, determination, advice, manipulations, admittance, disagreements, accusations, complications, betrayal, emotional turmoil, heartache, confrontations, some violence, declaration, surprises, verbal banter, friendship, happiness, love, steamy scenes & a beautiful happy ending. I would recommend this MM romance to people who enjoy reading this genre.

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Nick meets Trace when visiting his son Chris. A relationship isn't something he was looking for right then because of his chance at a hot tv show for his chef skills. Coming out wasn't optional with a up and coming star, as his agent/friend Damien tells him. Trace is felling the burning pressure that Nick is putting on him with his fake date with a young beautiful woman. Can the love the two have hold under the strain of stardom pressure to appear one way in the spot light? When Trace calls it quiets, who will break first on what is now missing in his life without the real love. This was a great read with a gut twisting moment for Nick. Is stardom really more important than love? Highly recommend for a great sweet age-gap romance.

[Angelique · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first time I have read this author,the blurb is fun and sexy.I love may-december
romance.so there I begun and sad to say,this one is not my cup of tea.
I like,steam,fun,loving,drama,angst,suspence and all in between,serious,smutt bring it
on I like to read it.
Chasing Destiny,is the story about Nick and Trace.The plot seems nice and fun.
The story has a thin line between cheap porn movie from the 70s and steamy sexy times.
in the todays modern world.I find it strange to open a door and almost within 15 minutes
(not even) to have seks,(what I can remember even unsafe sexs).
that is weird and makes a story cheap,not sexy.
second chapter suddenly they are 3 months in a "secret relationship".no build up, nothing.
the story was nice enough to pass as a nice bedtime smutt but not much more.

2 stars for the trouble,I want more from a "professional" writer.

Arc was given by the author.

[Raecharmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trace and Nick are best friends and have been fighting their feelings for one another for awhile. However one day they finally give in and are together. Things would've been somewhat hard for a normal relationship but theirs isn't exactly normal. Nick is about to start his own cooking show and hasn't come out as gay so he has to hide who he is and what Trace is to him from everyone. Trace doesn't want to be anyone's secret so this causes a lot of problems between them. Can Nick go against his agent advice and come out when he is just getting started? will Trace still be there when he does?

This is a good story that will draw you into their lives and have you rooting for them as a couple. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Nick's caring attitude with Trace from the beginning, but I really wanted to hurt him (Nick). I'm a huge fan of age gap, and this one hits that sweet spot. Damon was an obnoxious, selfish, greedy, short sighted agent for Nick. He worked my last nerve. He was wrong!! Many women lust after gay men because they are hot, and why not appreciate that hotness!! The way Nick told Trace about Skylar was crass! I didn't blame Trace for his reaction. Nick says he's "gone" on Trace, but he sure didn't act like it. Nobody wants to be a hidden dirty secret!!! Nick should have protected that budding relationship better. I was disappointed that Nick didn't come clean sooner. That was a huge risk. Some surprises, twists, and support from unlikely sources. Swooning over the ending!!!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written sweet coming out love story with Nick,the older man and famous chef and Trace ,his son's roommate , meeting and falling in love. Problem : no one knows Nick is gay and he can't tell anyone in order to save his TV reputation. The author brings tons of drama and anxiety as well as the hot romance. There's enough twists,turns and surprises to keep things interesting with the author doing a fantastic job bringing them together and fighting for their love. I enjoyed and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was truly wonderful MM romance. One of the things that I really appreciated abiout this story was the strong sense of realism to it. This is not just a light anf fluffy, everything is sunshine and kittens read. Love isn't always easy, life forces you to make choices and the best laid plans go awry. I feel that alll these things lend a very genuine feel to Nick and Trace's romance. I loved these characters and I thought that their story was both emotional and beautiful. This is my truthful, freely posted review.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book and following Nick and Trace as they meet when Nick takes a box to his son’s dorm and meets his roommate Trace. They have chemistry together and start seeing each other secretly and things are going well. Until Nick tells Trace that he is going on a publicity date with a woman and they breakup after an argument. Nick realises that he wants to protect his career but also wants to be honest and openly be with Trace.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love New York City Style

Restaurants. Haute couture. Central Park. A soap opera star. Publicity agents. Fashion models. Jealousy. Love. Parenting. Television series. Chefs. Friendship.

Everything, plus romance and conflict, adding up to a story with twists and turns. The closet can be an awful place. Whatever you do don’t stay too long.

I received an ARC from the author.

[Marguerita Howze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick and Trace

Lust at first sight!! WOW, how can they continue on without Nicks son finding out. This book has all the feels. Finally finding someone for yourself but can he come out to the world? What will it do to all the work he has put in to his business? Can he lose the man he loves? One click this book and go on this journey with them.

[Sharon Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read From J.P.

What a.wonderful story!! I love all things J.P. This story was wonderful
From beginning to end!! I can't wait for the next book!!