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Heart of the Storm #1
Loving the Chase
Charming, adventurous Zach Chase has always craved the spotlight, and now he’s on the hunt for publicity for his family’s storm-chasing business. So when a reality TV network approaches him with the idea for a show profiling their work, he can’t resist. But the last person he expects to walk into the meeting is the former love of his life.
Production assistant Maddi Hayes was once engaged to Zach—until she was almost killed by a tornado he was out chasing. She walked away from her fiancé and their future together, convinced she’d always come second to his dangerous career.
Dreading the show and anxious over working so closely with Zach, Maddi also knows this project could mean big things for her career. If only Zach weren’t still so infuriating…and so infuriatingly sexy. Can they finally let go of their stormy past? Or will the passion still raging between them win in the end?
Production assistant Maddi Hayes was once engaged to Zach—until she was almost killed by a tornado he was out chasing. She walked away from her fiancé and their future together, convinced she’d always come second to his dangerous career.
Dreading the show and anxious over working so closely with Zach, Maddi also knows this project could mean big things for her career. If only Zach weren’t still so infuriating…and so infuriatingly sexy. Can they finally let go of their stormy past? Or will the passion still raging between them win in the end?
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First published August 25, 2015
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About the author
Sharla Lovelace
18 books836 followersSharla Lovelace is the Bestselling and Award Winning Author of five standalone novels, the exciting Heart of the Storm series, and the fun and sexy Charmed in Texas series, all featuring sexy small town love stories with heat and humor. Being a Texas girl through and through, she's proud to say she lives in Southeast Texas with her husband, a souped up golf cart, and two crazy mutts.
Sharla is available by Skype for book club meetings and chats, and loves connecting with her readers! See her website www.sharlalovelace.com for a complete book listing, info on upcoming events, and to sign up for her newsletter.
You can follow her as @sharlalovelace on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Sharla is available by Skype for book club meetings and chats, and loves connecting with her readers! See her website www.sharlalovelace.com for a complete book listing, info on upcoming events, and to sign up for her newsletter.
You can follow her as @sharlalovelace on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 7, 2015
”She was all he never wanted, and he lost her to a storm.”
This was a very well written story that for a few reasons just didn’t do it for me. I found this story boring although well done. Yes there is a great cast of characters that are introduced that the author will be utilizes in future books in the series. This story doesn’t end in a cliffhanger and the next book in the series will be another couple. Still, I seriously dragged through this one simply bored. I think the author nailed her writing, the cover, a great family but didn't have any WOW whatsoever in this one.
I loved the premise of the story, of two former lovers meeting again to work on a tornado chasing reality television show. The family was great but I think the fault was totally on the two main characters, who fell completely flat for me.
”His mom told him that he thrived in chaos, but he thrived in this woman too. And she wasn’t chaos. She was his grounding force.”
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This was a very well written story that for a few reasons just didn’t do it for me. I found this story boring although well done. Yes there is a great cast of characters that are introduced that the author will be utilizes in future books in the series. This story doesn’t end in a cliffhanger and the next book in the series will be another couple. Still, I seriously dragged through this one simply bored. I think the author nailed her writing, the cover, a great family but didn't have any WOW whatsoever in this one.
I loved the premise of the story, of two former lovers meeting again to work on a tornado chasing reality television show. The family was great but I think the fault was totally on the two main characters, who fell completely flat for me.
”His mom told him that he thrived in chaos, but he thrived in this woman too. And she wasn’t chaos. She was his grounding force.”
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 13, 2015
Electrifying, action-packed, emotional and sexy. A moving story about family, love, loss and second chances that will make your skin tingle with fear and excitement with its accomplished storm chasing scenes and will put a blushing smile on your face with the slow burn attraction between the heroes.
Zach Chase, along with his siblings, was born to chase storms and continue in his father’s footsteps. But it’s not just about the adrenalin pumping pursuit. Their goal is to provide information that could help others. When a TV producer contacts him regarding a reality show that would feature his family and their work he immediately jumps on board. But coming face to face with his ex-fiancée when he steps into a meeting was the last thing he expected. Can he go on with the show knowing he’ll be interacting with the only woman he’s ever loved?
After a near death experience, scared and crushed that she would always come in second place, Maddi Hayes fled the town of Cody, Texas seven years ago never looking back. She didn’t just leave behind her future with Zach, she left her friends and family. Now that she’s forced to not only work in close proximity with Zach but go back to her home town, old wounds and memories are surfacing and the powerful love and attraction between Zach and Maddi is as powerful now as it was before, but can it withstand the imposing power of the storms they chase?
I knew I would love this book after I read the uncommon premise about storm chasers attached to Sharla Lovelace’s name and I wasn’t disappointed. As with her previous books, her writing is flawless, the plot is interesting. I loved the detail given in order to build a basis for the series and every single character was well developed.
While keeping an overall poignant tone she adds excitement and kept me engaged with storm sequences that pop up like an action movie. Even though the start between Maddi and Zach was a bit slow we were introduced with an entire set of appealing, charismatic secondary characters that not only enrich the story but who I look forward to getting to know more in subsequent books.
Through flashbacks we learned about the dreadful events the led to Maddi’s heartbreaking departure. How she was left completely alone to face death in the eye and be second next to a storm.
I felt for both and how much Maddi leaving Zach devastated them, but also loved them equally. Even though everyone thought Zach did nothing he was a strong man and good son who honored his father in multiple ways and sought to build his own path. And Maddi proved her strength over and over, first by making the difficult but necessary choice to leave and then facing her fears and coming back.
They were both also fun with great banter and a chemistry that was kept at a low, simmering burn because of pain, resentment and inability to repair old wounds. Until not even the elements could deny the connection between them. The slow and unyielding push-pull between Zach and Maddi progressed to the point I couldn’t put the book down until I knew how their second chance would work out.
Loving the Chase is book #1 in the Heart of the Storm series by Sharla Lovelace. It is a full-length, second chance, contemporary romance about knowing what’s most important. It’s full of excitement, drama and passion. Told from both points of view.
Rating: 4.5 stars
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
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“He understood it. The buzz, the rush, the physical pull of such a magnificent monster when it’s so close it’s looking at you. Taunting you. Breathing on you.”
Zach Chase, along with his siblings, was born to chase storms and continue in his father’s footsteps. But it’s not just about the adrenalin pumping pursuit. Their goal is to provide information that could help others. When a TV producer contacts him regarding a reality show that would feature his family and their work he immediately jumps on board. But coming face to face with his ex-fiancée when he steps into a meeting was the last thing he expected. Can he go on with the show knowing he’ll be interacting with the only woman he’s ever loved?
“She was all he ever wanted, and he lost her. To a storm.”
After a near death experience, scared and crushed that she would always come in second place, Maddi Hayes fled the town of Cody, Texas seven years ago never looking back. She didn’t just leave behind her future with Zach, she left her friends and family. Now that she’s forced to not only work in close proximity with Zach but go back to her home town, old wounds and memories are surfacing and the powerful love and attraction between Zach and Maddi is as powerful now as it was before, but can it withstand the imposing power of the storms they chase?
I knew I would love this book after I read the uncommon premise about storm chasers attached to Sharla Lovelace’s name and I wasn’t disappointed. As with her previous books, her writing is flawless, the plot is interesting. I loved the detail given in order to build a basis for the series and every single character was well developed.
While keeping an overall poignant tone she adds excitement and kept me engaged with storm sequences that pop up like an action movie. Even though the start between Maddi and Zach was a bit slow we were introduced with an entire set of appealing, charismatic secondary characters that not only enrich the story but who I look forward to getting to know more in subsequent books.
Through flashbacks we learned about the dreadful events the led to Maddi’s heartbreaking departure. How she was left completely alone to face death in the eye and be second next to a storm.
“She didn’t leave you because she fell out of love with you, Zach. She left because she couldn’t play second fiddle to the rain. You’ll chase a funnel cloud to the moon and back, baby, but you didn’t even chase her to Dallas.”
I felt for both and how much Maddi leaving Zach devastated them, but also loved them equally. Even though everyone thought Zach did nothing he was a strong man and good son who honored his father in multiple ways and sought to build his own path. And Maddi proved her strength over and over, first by making the difficult but necessary choice to leave and then facing her fears and coming back.
“Life is messy baby. It’s raw and gritty. The best stuff always is.”
They were both also fun with great banter and a chemistry that was kept at a low, simmering burn because of pain, resentment and inability to repair old wounds. Until not even the elements could deny the connection between them. The slow and unyielding push-pull between Zach and Maddi progressed to the point I couldn’t put the book down until I knew how their second chance would work out.
“His mom told him that he thrived in chaos, but he thrived in this woman, too. And she wasn’t chaos. She was his grounding force.”
Loving the Chase is book #1 in the Heart of the Storm series by Sharla Lovelace. It is a full-length, second chance, contemporary romance about knowing what’s most important. It’s full of excitement, drama and passion. Told from both points of view.
Rating: 4.5 stars
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
August 17, 2015
4 second chance stars for Loving the Chase. The story lost a whole star because the first 40% of it was just too slow for me but I'm so glad I stuck with it because Zach so did not let me down. Second chance romances are so nice to read because it gives hope for all the broken couples of the world. I would say stick with the story and you'll be very pleased you did.
Zach is a storm chaser and he even chased one on the day of his wedding to Maddi. Zach's charming, good looking, adventurous, loyal, and loving. Since the story allows for the reader to see his inner turmoil it is hard to not like him. Maddi is hardworking, sweet, clever, and not quite over Zach no matter the years that have passed.
I said the beginning of the story takes some adjusting to because of the slow pace but I promise the first chapter is a pretty good attention holder. I just need a bit more movement between the love interests so that is why after the first chapter until around 45% I struggled to stay interested. The read is pretty darn good so I look forward to the second story in this series.
Zach is a storm chaser and he even chased one on the day of his wedding to Maddi. Zach's charming, good looking, adventurous, loyal, and loving. Since the story allows for the reader to see his inner turmoil it is hard to not like him. Maddi is hardworking, sweet, clever, and not quite over Zach no matter the years that have passed.
I said the beginning of the story takes some adjusting to because of the slow pace but I promise the first chapter is a pretty good attention holder. I just need a bit more movement between the love interests so that is why after the first chapter until around 45% I struggled to stay interested. The read is pretty darn good so I look forward to the second story in this series.
August 18, 2015
Let me start off by saying this was not your usual run-of-the-mill backdrop for a romantic read. Congratulations to Ms. Lovelace for coming up with a unique concept for a book series. As a NetGalley reviewer, I always dread writing a critical review. Fortunately, this one will be easy to write, because, honestly, there wasn’t anything not to like about this second chance romantic tale. The writing flowed, was engaging, and there was a great cast of believable, well developed characters. You felt the danger/angst involved, not just in storm chasing, but in our leading couple, Zach and Maddi, struggles in dealing with the aftermath of their broken relationship from seven years earlier. There were just enough flashbacks to bring past and present together, without any whiplash effect. Also, with only one brief steamy scene, there was plenty of time for the storyline to progress. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, that part occurred 60% in with their first kiss at around 40%.
So if you are chasing after your next great romance read, I highly recommend you consider Loving the Chase (Book 1). Good news! There appears to be a second book in the works…The Sweetest Chase. Here’s to hoping it is Eli’s HEA.
Title: Loving the Chase, Series: Heart of the Storm (Book 1), Author: Sharla Lovelace, Pages: 352, stand-alone, HEA, no cheating, not overly steamy.
(This review is based on ARC ebook generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)
So if you are chasing after your next great romance read, I highly recommend you consider Loving the Chase (Book 1). Good news! There appears to be a second book in the works…The Sweetest Chase. Here’s to hoping it is Eli’s HEA.
Title: Loving the Chase, Series: Heart of the Storm (Book 1), Author: Sharla Lovelace, Pages: 352, stand-alone, HEA, no cheating, not overly steamy.
(This review is based on ARC ebook generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)
September 1, 2015
First half of the book moved a bit slow but then it picked up in the second half and I was hooked. Great couple, great supporting characters with an edgy suspenseful story. Definitely offered a little something different which is what I like.
One of my favorite movies is Twister so this appealed to me straight away just from the blurb and cover. Great start to this series and looking forward to the next installment. AND... This can be read as a stand alone... no cliffies is always a bonus!
ARC was provided by Montlake Romance
One of my favorite movies is Twister so this appealed to me straight away just from the blurb and cover. Great start to this series and looking forward to the next installment. AND... This can be read as a stand alone... no cliffies is always a bonus!
ARC was provided by Montlake Romance
August 23, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.
I've seen movies and television shows about storm chasing, but I think this is the first time I've seen storm chasing as an important element in not just one book but an entire series of books. It isn't merely thrown in or mentioned sporadically because it's such a huge part of the Chase siblings, who are the stars of the Heart of the Storm series. I found myself excited every time Zach and his siblings would hop into their customized SUVs and chase down a storm. My attention wasn't just limited to wanting to find out how Zach and Maddi were going to get back together, especially after such a heartrending end to their relationship seven years prior, which is why this was such an enjoyable overall reading experience for me.
The Chase siblings--Eli, Simon, Zach, and Hannah--each appear to have personalities of their own while all still loving the same thing: storm chasing. They all seem to command attention so I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series and see how the others end up getting their happily-ever-afters. There's another sibling, Hannah's twin Levi, but he isn't a storm chaser and he doesn't live in the area, so naturally, he's the one I'm most curious about. This series starter did the job it was supposed: introduce readers to the recurring cast of characters while presenting a love story that stands on its own. Zach and Maddi's love story was fresh and fun while tugging on my heartstrings. Loving the Chase gets five stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.
I've seen movies and television shows about storm chasing, but I think this is the first time I've seen storm chasing as an important element in not just one book but an entire series of books. It isn't merely thrown in or mentioned sporadically because it's such a huge part of the Chase siblings, who are the stars of the Heart of the Storm series. I found myself excited every time Zach and his siblings would hop into their customized SUVs and chase down a storm. My attention wasn't just limited to wanting to find out how Zach and Maddi were going to get back together, especially after such a heartrending end to their relationship seven years prior, which is why this was such an enjoyable overall reading experience for me.
The Chase siblings--Eli, Simon, Zach, and Hannah--each appear to have personalities of their own while all still loving the same thing: storm chasing. They all seem to command attention so I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series and see how the others end up getting their happily-ever-afters. There's another sibling, Hannah's twin Levi, but he isn't a storm chaser and he doesn't live in the area, so naturally, he's the one I'm most curious about. This series starter did the job it was supposed: introduce readers to the recurring cast of characters while presenting a love story that stands on its own. Zach and Maddi's love story was fresh and fun while tugging on my heartstrings. Loving the Chase gets five stars. ♥
January 21, 2020
Eeeeeekkk!!! I am such a HUGE fan of Sharla Lovelace. I absolutely adored her book "Don't Let Go" so I could not wait to get my hands on Loving the Chase and WOW, it did not disappoint.
I am such a fan of the second-chance romance and Sharla really knows how to bring out all the feels.
What an epic romance for two incredible characters who I will keep with me for a very long time to come
I am such a fan of the second-chance romance and Sharla really knows how to bring out all the feels.
What an epic romance for two incredible characters who I will keep with me for a very long time to come
August 25, 2015
*3.5 stars*
August 10, 2015
Maddi Hays and Zach Chase are both about to get a big opportunity that could make both of their careers. Unfortunately, it also brings them back in close contact seven years after a devastating break up.
Soon she finds herself back in the town she used to call home with people who were her adopted family. and with the only man she ever loved, but lost and never got over.
Zach has always been the magnetic, charming, adventurer seeking the rush and thrill and wanting to control the weather. He would do "whatever it takes". But on the day it mattered most, he let her down. Maddi was sweet, devoted, and loving. But she did not feel like she was first choice and eventually she had to what she felt was best for her. So they had limited closure and a parting that left a lot of heartache in its wake.
Now Zach and Maddi have serious sexual tension and foreplay. Sparks fly every time they are near, but they are tempered by pain, regrets, and resentment. They both never really got over the hurt, but both don't know how to fix it either because they can't seem to get past their strong reactions to each other. They are both vulnerable, lost and extremely tense during this period of their "new normal".
Maddi also has to face Zach's brothers and sister and a whole town she abandoned for her own self preservation. She has to come to terms with who she was, who she now is, and what she wants out of life. She has a lot of mending fences and need to repair relationships.
At the heart of the story is the Chase family: Eli, Simon, Hannah, and Zach along with their mom Lou and Granabelle (Another brother Levi is just talked about but not present in this installment). There are also some friends that are important to the side plots. I really enjoyed the banter and rapport with the family and friends. But also a huge side character are the storms they chase. They add danger, drama and cause destruction. The Chase family is drawn to them as a calling to help others and gather information, but they also provide an adrenaline rush.
This is a second chance love story about reconnection, repair, and priorities. It is about finding what is most important and fighting for it.
Is the love of the chase more important than love itself? Will they find stability or will they be ripped apart again?
This couple doesn't just have to worry about feelings and love, but also about risks, jobs, sacrifice, and survival. They bring out both the best and the worst in each other and their relationship is as volatile and unpredictable as the storms themselves. They just have to figure out if they can be the one to ground the other so that their love can survive in a world full of chaos. This was sweet, suspenseful, angsty, and romantic.
I will admit that it started out a bit slow and I had trouble connecting with the characters at first. But about a third of the way through I began to get more interested and engaged and it kept getting better. I found myself wanting to find out what was going to happen, immersed in the suspense, and eager to learn more about all of their relationships. It also sets up stories for the siblings in upcoming books in the series. There are a lot of hidden feelings, drama, and history swirling under the surface between some of them and I am already invested and intrigued by their stories.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Soon she finds herself back in the town she used to call home with people who were her adopted family. and with the only man she ever loved, but lost and never got over.
Zach has always been the magnetic, charming, adventurer seeking the rush and thrill and wanting to control the weather. He would do "whatever it takes". But on the day it mattered most, he let her down. Maddi was sweet, devoted, and loving. But she did not feel like she was first choice and eventually she had to what she felt was best for her. So they had limited closure and a parting that left a lot of heartache in its wake.
Now Zach and Maddi have serious sexual tension and foreplay. Sparks fly every time they are near, but they are tempered by pain, regrets, and resentment. They both never really got over the hurt, but both don't know how to fix it either because they can't seem to get past their strong reactions to each other. They are both vulnerable, lost and extremely tense during this period of their "new normal".
Maddi also has to face Zach's brothers and sister and a whole town she abandoned for her own self preservation. She has to come to terms with who she was, who she now is, and what she wants out of life. She has a lot of mending fences and need to repair relationships.
At the heart of the story is the Chase family: Eli, Simon, Hannah, and Zach along with their mom Lou and Granabelle (Another brother Levi is just talked about but not present in this installment). There are also some friends that are important to the side plots. I really enjoyed the banter and rapport with the family and friends. But also a huge side character are the storms they chase. They add danger, drama and cause destruction. The Chase family is drawn to them as a calling to help others and gather information, but they also provide an adrenaline rush.
This is a second chance love story about reconnection, repair, and priorities. It is about finding what is most important and fighting for it.
Is the love of the chase more important than love itself? Will they find stability or will they be ripped apart again?
This couple doesn't just have to worry about feelings and love, but also about risks, jobs, sacrifice, and survival. They bring out both the best and the worst in each other and their relationship is as volatile and unpredictable as the storms themselves. They just have to figure out if they can be the one to ground the other so that their love can survive in a world full of chaos. This was sweet, suspenseful, angsty, and romantic.
I will admit that it started out a bit slow and I had trouble connecting with the characters at first. But about a third of the way through I began to get more interested and engaged and it kept getting better. I found myself wanting to find out what was going to happen, immersed in the suspense, and eager to learn more about all of their relationships. It also sets up stories for the siblings in upcoming books in the series. There are a lot of hidden feelings, drama, and history swirling under the surface between some of them and I am already invested and intrigued by their stories.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2016
4.25 stars
Sharla Lovelace is a new-to-me author. I first read one of her shorter stories on the upcoming anthology, The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine, because I was lucky enough to be granted the ARC by the publisher from Netgalley. Lovelace's story in that anthology, "Enchanted by You" is my favorite of the three; I loved the emotion that packed within the short time-span. So I decided to give this one a try, seeing that it also had the second-chance trope, which is my all-time favorite trope in romance.
Seven years ago, right on their wedding day, Zach decided to chase storm one more time despite Maddi's asking him not to. Then the storm hit their place, with Maddi surviving because she was buried underneath their bookshelves. After that, Maddi said that she couldn't do it anymore, couldn't be the second place in Zach's life. So she walked out from him, never looked back. Until they meet again in present time, when Zach's family become the object of a newly developed reality show and Maddi happens to be the production assistant...
Oh, boy, did this one deliver ALL the RIGHT feels for me!! I swore, I tried to stop myself from bursting in tears when I read the book, because I was at public transportation (I was reading the last 1/3 part on my way to the office). I LOVED how Lovelace wrote down the couple and the conflict between them. The conflict felt right and believable considering the hero's occupation as part of storm chaser family (his Dad died from the storm as well, so I could understand Maddi's fear). The emotion was STRONG and PALPABLE, I felt it bleeding from pages, and squeezed my heart!!
While the beginning felt a little bit slow, but soon I was highly charmed by the characters : Zach, Maddi, and definitely the rest of the Chase family. Even if I didn't really understand (or sure) what the grandmother was up to, with her connection with the reality show. Didn't matter; the most important thing was that Zach and Maddi just grabbed my heart and I wanted so badly for them to work things out, to resolve their issue and the pain, because clearly they loved each other still.
The only reason I couldn't rate this higher was because of that -- I mean, despite of the beautiful lovely ending, I couldn't help to think that Zach and Maddi never really talked and resolved Maddi's fear and Zach's job, you know? I mean, yes, I believe they were getting wiser after Maddi being involved in this reality show as well, to see what Zach's did with her own eyes ... and for Zach to see what would have happened with Maddi while he was away. However, I never felt like they addressed things directly.
Also, I was a bit annoyed that Zach's other talent stay hidden as a secret. Somehow I thought that could be another option for their lives outside the storm chasing, and his family needed to know that.
But all in all, this was a winner for me. I definitely will read the next book -- even if the blurb worried me considering that the heroine is engaged to someone else already.
Sharla Lovelace is a new-to-me author. I first read one of her shorter stories on the upcoming anthology, The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine, because I was lucky enough to be granted the ARC by the publisher from Netgalley. Lovelace's story in that anthology, "Enchanted by You" is my favorite of the three; I loved the emotion that packed within the short time-span. So I decided to give this one a try, seeing that it also had the second-chance trope, which is my all-time favorite trope in romance.
Seven years ago, right on their wedding day, Zach decided to chase storm one more time despite Maddi's asking him not to. Then the storm hit their place, with Maddi surviving because she was buried underneath their bookshelves. After that, Maddi said that she couldn't do it anymore, couldn't be the second place in Zach's life. So she walked out from him, never looked back. Until they meet again in present time, when Zach's family become the object of a newly developed reality show and Maddi happens to be the production assistant...
Oh, boy, did this one deliver ALL the RIGHT feels for me!! I swore, I tried to stop myself from bursting in tears when I read the book, because I was at public transportation (I was reading the last 1/3 part on my way to the office). I LOVED how Lovelace wrote down the couple and the conflict between them. The conflict felt right and believable considering the hero's occupation as part of storm chaser family (his Dad died from the storm as well, so I could understand Maddi's fear). The emotion was STRONG and PALPABLE, I felt it bleeding from pages, and squeezed my heart!!
While the beginning felt a little bit slow, but soon I was highly charmed by the characters : Zach, Maddi, and definitely the rest of the Chase family. Even if I didn't really understand (or sure) what the grandmother was up to, with her connection with the reality show. Didn't matter; the most important thing was that Zach and Maddi just grabbed my heart and I wanted so badly for them to work things out, to resolve their issue and the pain, because clearly they loved each other still.
The only reason I couldn't rate this higher was because of that -- I mean, despite of the beautiful lovely ending, I couldn't help to think that Zach and Maddi never really talked and resolved Maddi's fear and Zach's job, you know? I mean, yes, I believe they were getting wiser after Maddi being involved in this reality show as well, to see what Zach's did with her own eyes ... and for Zach to see what would have happened with Maddi while he was away. However, I never felt like they addressed things directly.
Also, I was a bit annoyed that Zach's other talent stay hidden as a secret. Somehow I thought that could be another option for their lives outside the storm chasing, and his family needed to know that.
But all in all, this was a winner for me. I definitely will read the next book -- even if the blurb worried me considering that the heroine is engaged to someone else already.
March 4, 2018
So, allow me to clarify why this is on my DNF shelf even though I technically did get through the book from start to end: it's because I skimmed. I skipped around the subplots and jumped right to the few parts of the story I wanted to know.
Overall, this was just a bust of a book, and the ending really killed me. I don't really consider this a spoiler since it's mega obvious from the kind of book this is that the leads end up together--the real plot twist would be a romance novel that just goes "eh, they had a swanky romance but it wasn't meant to be."
Anyway so, the whole point of this story: Zach and Maddi were long-time lovers from youth into their twenties. Zach is a storm-chaser who puts himself in constant peril, Maddi tried to deal with it until Zach chased a storm on their wedding day and that same storm tore apart their apartment and nearly killed her, leaving her so traumatized and so done with Zach choosing storms over her, she up and leaves. Seven years later, her job as a TV production assistant or something lands her back in Zach's life and they have immediate intention because of their old chemistry and blah blah blah because they didn't stop loving each other--Maddi just refused to let storms be more important than she is. Well after the tension pops and they fuck in the rain and mud on Zach's lawn (uhm, gross?) the climax is that another storm almost kills Maddi and all the Chase family and Maddi leaves again and then Zach like has this relevation, I guess, and goes to see Maddi and literally just goes "Hey, from now on you're first in my life. I'm not giving up chasing storms because when I die is When God Says So so like, yeah, marry me, cause I'm SAYING you will be first but doing 100000% nothing to change the many valid concerns you have as my significant other or like trying to help you deal with your trauma from almost dying in tornadoes twice--it's just now that we'll get married on a SUNNY day so I CAN'T go off chasing a storm and maybe leave you alone to die in rubble!"
And she accepts.
And I'm just... so what's the message here? Don't consider maybe not doing something stupid like drive your truck into a literal tornado all the fucking time because Only God Determines When You Die? Don't make any concessions because you love and respect your spouse? Don't literally ever choose a dumb hobby over your wife who is a person you should love and respect and make a few concessions for? Like Zach is 31 and has been chasing storms for like 20 years at this point so him just like... dialing it back... maybe doing literally anything besides driving a car into a fucking tornado, wouldn't be bad? Like he's had his run so why isn't marriage and becoming a carpenter a swell idea for him?
Idk maybe that's just me but I feel like that ending really invalidated literally the entire book because the idea was "Zach's life ruined his relationship because he made storm chasing #1 over his girl, girl is now totally traumatized by his life of storm chasing, to remedy this, Zach should either give up or heavily change up how her participates in collecting data on storms to make relationship work" but all he really does is promise to be more considerate of when he goes out to drive a truck into a tornado.
Also, sidenote: Basically storm-chasing is Zach's adrenaline rush hobby that he's too addicted to to give up for his traumatized love and that isn't really even a job because his fucking grandmother pays for it so im calling that shit a hobby. And by the way, an adrenaline rush is not unlike having a drug addiction because the nature of drug addictions is that they increase or block brain chemicals so you feel great and adrenaline is a brain chemical that heightens your senses and stops feelings and pain and all kinds of positive shit (and also some bad shit) so you can get def addicted to adrenaline. Like it's not purely harmless you can actually get an overload of the shit and die. It's just that you flirt with danger instead of ingesting substances to change up your brain's chemical levels.
Anyway that's my take on this I don't recommend the book but it's not like, the worst. I just find it inane in its actual plot rather than truly problematic.
Also like, there's this weird subplot of the sister literally waiting around for her asshole high school sweetheart's kid to go off to college so they can hook up behind his wife's back that he knocked up while he was dating and the sister and then married because he knocked her up and I'm just ?????????? like why is this just "eh that's fucked up but whatever" with these characters.
Overall, this was just a bust of a book, and the ending really killed me. I don't really consider this a spoiler since it's mega obvious from the kind of book this is that the leads end up together--the real plot twist would be a romance novel that just goes "eh, they had a swanky romance but it wasn't meant to be."
Anyway so, the whole point of this story: Zach and Maddi were long-time lovers from youth into their twenties. Zach is a storm-chaser who puts himself in constant peril, Maddi tried to deal with it until Zach chased a storm on their wedding day and that same storm tore apart their apartment and nearly killed her, leaving her so traumatized and so done with Zach choosing storms over her, she up and leaves. Seven years later, her job as a TV production assistant or something lands her back in Zach's life and they have immediate intention because of their old chemistry and blah blah blah because they didn't stop loving each other--Maddi just refused to let storms be more important than she is. Well after the tension pops and they fuck in the rain and mud on Zach's lawn (uhm, gross?) the climax is that another storm almost kills Maddi and all the Chase family and Maddi leaves again and then Zach like has this relevation, I guess, and goes to see Maddi and literally just goes "Hey, from now on you're first in my life. I'm not giving up chasing storms because when I die is When God Says So so like, yeah, marry me, cause I'm SAYING you will be first but doing 100000% nothing to change the many valid concerns you have as my significant other or like trying to help you deal with your trauma from almost dying in tornadoes twice--it's just now that we'll get married on a SUNNY day so I CAN'T go off chasing a storm and maybe leave you alone to die in rubble!"
And she accepts.
And I'm just... so what's the message here? Don't consider maybe not doing something stupid like drive your truck into a literal tornado all the fucking time because Only God Determines When You Die? Don't make any concessions because you love and respect your spouse? Don't literally ever choose a dumb hobby over your wife who is a person you should love and respect and make a few concessions for? Like Zach is 31 and has been chasing storms for like 20 years at this point so him just like... dialing it back... maybe doing literally anything besides driving a car into a fucking tornado, wouldn't be bad? Like he's had his run so why isn't marriage and becoming a carpenter a swell idea for him?
Idk maybe that's just me but I feel like that ending really invalidated literally the entire book because the idea was "Zach's life ruined his relationship because he made storm chasing #1 over his girl, girl is now totally traumatized by his life of storm chasing, to remedy this, Zach should either give up or heavily change up how her participates in collecting data on storms to make relationship work" but all he really does is promise to be more considerate of when he goes out to drive a truck into a tornado.
Also, sidenote: Basically storm-chasing is Zach's adrenaline rush hobby that he's too addicted to to give up for his traumatized love and that isn't really even a job because his fucking grandmother pays for it so im calling that shit a hobby. And by the way, an adrenaline rush is not unlike having a drug addiction because the nature of drug addictions is that they increase or block brain chemicals so you feel great and adrenaline is a brain chemical that heightens your senses and stops feelings and pain and all kinds of positive shit (and also some bad shit) so you can get def addicted to adrenaline. Like it's not purely harmless you can actually get an overload of the shit and die. It's just that you flirt with danger instead of ingesting substances to change up your brain's chemical levels.
Anyway that's my take on this I don't recommend the book but it's not like, the worst. I just find it inane in its actual plot rather than truly problematic.
Also like, there's this weird subplot of the sister literally waiting around for her asshole high school sweetheart's kid to go off to college so they can hook up behind his wife's back that he knocked up while he was dating and the sister and then married because he knocked her up and I'm just ?????????? like why is this just "eh that's fucked up but whatever" with these characters.
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Loving The Chase is the first story in the series, Heart of the Storm by Sharla Lovelace. We are introduced to a family of storm-chasers, their friends and their romantic adventures.
Zach and Maddi have past history. Seven years ago, on what was supposed to be the best day of their lives, Zach decided to fit in one fast storm chase. Unfortunately for them both, the storm came to Maddi – and it destroyed more than the building they had shared.
Today Zach is heading for a meeting that will change lives and bring the past, present and future crashing into each other much like the storms he and his family chase. Maddi is now the assistant to the Associate Producer on a new reality series pilot featuring the Chase family. She never expected to come face to face with Zach again. Oh, she’s never stopped loving him no matter how hard she’s tried. But the storms were always first with him and she got tired of being in second place. She was supposed to be behind the scenes on this pilot, Nichole was the lead but today she finds herself sitting in for her boss and across the table from the man who broke her dreams and her heart.
Zach has never forgotten the consequences of one wrong decision on the one important day that should have belonged to Maddi. His love for her was as strong today as it ever was. But she had made her decision and he honored it, no matter how much it hurt and left him half alive. Zach found himself among “suits” today because he believe that this reality show was the best way to get the funding his family needed for their storm chasing equipment. Okay, sure there were other ways to fund it, but this way also got the information out about storms, tornados and safety planning for those destructive events. So it was a winning proposal all around in his mind. He’d have to do some fast talking to get his brother, Eli onboard – but he’d face that bridge once he knew this project was a go. The last person he expected to see in this meeting was the woman who had always held his heart in her hands.
Since Loving The Chase is the first novel in this new series, I was excited to fall into this dangerous and thrilling world of storm chasers. World-building and characters relationships matter to me when investing my time and money into a series. Ms Lovelace took the time to build a fascinating world and believable characters to populate it. Yes, there is building in the beginning of this story. No, I did not find that slow moving since it is building the emotions and reasons why I should give a hoot about this family and their dynamics… and this entire series. I mention this because I don’t want you to miss out on an amazing story because there is a slow build up to the storm action. Storms happen in their own timing, none can be hurried along. The same goes for a good series, the people and events have a beginning, a middle and a conclusion. Please don’t miss the best parts because you don’t get to go on a chase in the first chapter.
Maddi reluctantly returns to Cody, Texas. Once her home. Once the place she felt the most alive with a family that loved her as their own, even before she and Zach had fallen in love. She’s going to have to face people she has hurt and she is unsure of how to deal with the emotions that simply will not settle down. She loved these people to this day and prayed for at least warmth instead of the cold welcome that she felt she deserved.
The dynamics of the Chase family are entertaining, funny and so real to life. I am looking forward to all of their individual stories in future novels.
Just like the storms building, Maddi and Zach will find their way back to each other. But once again – one bad decision will change lives.
I was caught up and captivated by Maddi and Zach’s story. We come into the story understanding that they love each other, seeing that love be rekindled was a joy. The storm action is intense, vivid and as close to a real tornado that I ever want to come. Loving The Chase is a wonderful story of family, lovers, the thrill of the storm chase and a good lesson in how actions have consequences, even if we don’t see them at the time.
I would highly recommend Loving The Chase for anyone who loves a thrilling, adventurous romance with a family that’s so easy to fall in love with. I plan on following the Heart of the Storm series – and I think after reading this one, you will too.
*I received an e-ARC of Loving The Chase from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Loving The Chase is the first story in the series, Heart of the Storm by Sharla Lovelace. We are introduced to a family of storm-chasers, their friends and their romantic adventures.
Zach and Maddi have past history. Seven years ago, on what was supposed to be the best day of their lives, Zach decided to fit in one fast storm chase. Unfortunately for them both, the storm came to Maddi – and it destroyed more than the building they had shared.
Today Zach is heading for a meeting that will change lives and bring the past, present and future crashing into each other much like the storms he and his family chase. Maddi is now the assistant to the Associate Producer on a new reality series pilot featuring the Chase family. She never expected to come face to face with Zach again. Oh, she’s never stopped loving him no matter how hard she’s tried. But the storms were always first with him and she got tired of being in second place. She was supposed to be behind the scenes on this pilot, Nichole was the lead but today she finds herself sitting in for her boss and across the table from the man who broke her dreams and her heart.
Zach has never forgotten the consequences of one wrong decision on the one important day that should have belonged to Maddi. His love for her was as strong today as it ever was. But she had made her decision and he honored it, no matter how much it hurt and left him half alive. Zach found himself among “suits” today because he believe that this reality show was the best way to get the funding his family needed for their storm chasing equipment. Okay, sure there were other ways to fund it, but this way also got the information out about storms, tornados and safety planning for those destructive events. So it was a winning proposal all around in his mind. He’d have to do some fast talking to get his brother, Eli onboard – but he’d face that bridge once he knew this project was a go. The last person he expected to see in this meeting was the woman who had always held his heart in her hands.
Since Loving The Chase is the first novel in this new series, I was excited to fall into this dangerous and thrilling world of storm chasers. World-building and characters relationships matter to me when investing my time and money into a series. Ms Lovelace took the time to build a fascinating world and believable characters to populate it. Yes, there is building in the beginning of this story. No, I did not find that slow moving since it is building the emotions and reasons why I should give a hoot about this family and their dynamics… and this entire series. I mention this because I don’t want you to miss out on an amazing story because there is a slow build up to the storm action. Storms happen in their own timing, none can be hurried along. The same goes for a good series, the people and events have a beginning, a middle and a conclusion. Please don’t miss the best parts because you don’t get to go on a chase in the first chapter.
Maddi reluctantly returns to Cody, Texas. Once her home. Once the place she felt the most alive with a family that loved her as their own, even before she and Zach had fallen in love. She’s going to have to face people she has hurt and she is unsure of how to deal with the emotions that simply will not settle down. She loved these people to this day and prayed for at least warmth instead of the cold welcome that she felt she deserved.
The dynamics of the Chase family are entertaining, funny and so real to life. I am looking forward to all of their individual stories in future novels.
Just like the storms building, Maddi and Zach will find their way back to each other. But once again – one bad decision will change lives.
I was caught up and captivated by Maddi and Zach’s story. We come into the story understanding that they love each other, seeing that love be rekindled was a joy. The storm action is intense, vivid and as close to a real tornado that I ever want to come. Loving The Chase is a wonderful story of family, lovers, the thrill of the storm chase and a good lesson in how actions have consequences, even if we don’t see them at the time.
I would highly recommend Loving The Chase for anyone who loves a thrilling, adventurous romance with a family that’s so easy to fall in love with. I plan on following the Heart of the Storm series – and I think after reading this one, you will too.
*I received an e-ARC of Loving The Chase from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
August 16, 2015
This is a book full of hope, love, lost, learning, overcoming, dealing with, support, chasing your dreams and losing love because of your dreams. The author gives you a very heart touching read with two people who love so much one left behind the other could not live with the danger of his job. It seems like yesterday that Zach watched love walk away when she returns it feels so right like there hasn’t been years since he last saw her. The sparks fly as they met again each remembering the past and how it was, their love so strong the one thing that tore them apart was he couldn’t give up the chase.
Zack has been chasing storms almost since he was in diapers, his father was a storm chaser who raised all his kids to the thrill of adventure, the excitement, the rush of danger as they chase storms and gather information to help those around them stay safe. He found the love of his life everything was great until that one day when she looked at him with a suitcase in her hand and said I can’t take this anymore and left. It tore his world apart and left him empty as years pass he keeps his heart locked up with one nightstands in hopes someday she might come back. When a reality TV network approaches him with the idea for a show featuring his family chasing storms Zack is thrilled. When he goes in for talks and in walks his past he is floored. The attraction is still as strong as it always was. Can he do this show, keep his heart, and be able to walk away from her or is this his second chance to have the women he loves.
Maddi found the love of her life when on the most important day her fiancé was out chasing storms. When the tornado hit she was left alone sure she was going to die. When Zack pulled her out of their destroyed home she said I can’t take this anymore gets in her car and starts a new life. There isn’t a day that goes by she doesn’t miss him. No other man can compare to the man or the love she has for Zack. When one call puts her right back in the middle of her past that she is trying to outrun coming face to face with Zack and his family. Is this a second chance at love or will she always take second place to The Chase.
The author gives you wonderful characters you can relate with an outstanding plot. As you read you feel you are in the storm and see it played out before your eyes. My heart really did beat faster when they was trying to outrun the tornado. I found I was flipping the pages to see the outcome. This is really a pretty fast pace read that pulls you in at times keeping your heart in your throat as they chase the stormy weather and the storms in their heart. I really like all the characters there isn’t one I didn’t care for each character adds so much to the story that you want to know more about each one. I would have to agree with Maddi and would have left like she did, being in and outliving a tornado is mind blowing. Knowing the man you love does this as a living is hard to live with. The grandmother tries to show a harder side of herself but she really is just a marshmallow it seem she keeps her cards close to her chest not giving away all that she has planned for her family. She keep me smiling with her sassy ways. Each brother has a story to tell as we will see in the upcoming books. I can’t wait to see what Eli deal is and if Hannah gets her hearts desire. I wonder if the brother who walked away if he will come back with his family. I know it must be hard for him to be single parent. The next story is going to be able Quinn and Simon they have been dancing around each other it will be interesting to see what is in store for them. I loved how the author brought Eil around to their way of thinking in return giving Maddi a chance to voice her feeling for Zack. This is really an emotional read in so many ways. The author gives you a well written wonderfully told story of the one who got away, bring them together for a second chance not only with each other but with their family. When you walk away from someone you walk away from the love of their family and friends. The author shows how that affects everyone, it isn’t always easy to forgive or forget when your heart is on the line.
This is one book I would enjoy reading again it really touched me bring me laughter and smiles. This is somewhat of a normal family (well normal families do not chase tornadoes) with normal issues. People you can relate to as you watch them go through heartbreak, sorrow, reaching out to each other to live another days. If you are looking for a read that will keep your attention, that is fast pace, with action, thrills than pick up “Loving The Chase” you will not be disappointed.
Zack has been chasing storms almost since he was in diapers, his father was a storm chaser who raised all his kids to the thrill of adventure, the excitement, the rush of danger as they chase storms and gather information to help those around them stay safe. He found the love of his life everything was great until that one day when she looked at him with a suitcase in her hand and said I can’t take this anymore and left. It tore his world apart and left him empty as years pass he keeps his heart locked up with one nightstands in hopes someday she might come back. When a reality TV network approaches him with the idea for a show featuring his family chasing storms Zack is thrilled. When he goes in for talks and in walks his past he is floored. The attraction is still as strong as it always was. Can he do this show, keep his heart, and be able to walk away from her or is this his second chance to have the women he loves.
Maddi found the love of her life when on the most important day her fiancé was out chasing storms. When the tornado hit she was left alone sure she was going to die. When Zack pulled her out of their destroyed home she said I can’t take this anymore gets in her car and starts a new life. There isn’t a day that goes by she doesn’t miss him. No other man can compare to the man or the love she has for Zack. When one call puts her right back in the middle of her past that she is trying to outrun coming face to face with Zack and his family. Is this a second chance at love or will she always take second place to The Chase.
The author gives you wonderful characters you can relate with an outstanding plot. As you read you feel you are in the storm and see it played out before your eyes. My heart really did beat faster when they was trying to outrun the tornado. I found I was flipping the pages to see the outcome. This is really a pretty fast pace read that pulls you in at times keeping your heart in your throat as they chase the stormy weather and the storms in their heart. I really like all the characters there isn’t one I didn’t care for each character adds so much to the story that you want to know more about each one. I would have to agree with Maddi and would have left like she did, being in and outliving a tornado is mind blowing. Knowing the man you love does this as a living is hard to live with. The grandmother tries to show a harder side of herself but she really is just a marshmallow it seem she keeps her cards close to her chest not giving away all that she has planned for her family. She keep me smiling with her sassy ways. Each brother has a story to tell as we will see in the upcoming books. I can’t wait to see what Eli deal is and if Hannah gets her hearts desire. I wonder if the brother who walked away if he will come back with his family. I know it must be hard for him to be single parent. The next story is going to be able Quinn and Simon they have been dancing around each other it will be interesting to see what is in store for them. I loved how the author brought Eil around to their way of thinking in return giving Maddi a chance to voice her feeling for Zack. This is really an emotional read in so many ways. The author gives you a well written wonderfully told story of the one who got away, bring them together for a second chance not only with each other but with their family. When you walk away from someone you walk away from the love of their family and friends. The author shows how that affects everyone, it isn’t always easy to forgive or forget when your heart is on the line.
This is one book I would enjoy reading again it really touched me bring me laughter and smiles. This is somewhat of a normal family (well normal families do not chase tornadoes) with normal issues. People you can relate to as you watch them go through heartbreak, sorrow, reaching out to each other to live another days. If you are looking for a read that will keep your attention, that is fast pace, with action, thrills than pick up “Loving The Chase” you will not be disappointed.
August 17, 2015
Sharla Lovelace knows how to write a great second chance romance and with Loving the Chase, she does not fail to deliver.
The story about Zach and Maddi, separated for 7 years because of a devastating event that made her leave and never wanted to look back. Now they are face to face again and the love never died. The passion is still in both their eyes and the chemistry literally burned up my ereader in each and every scene. You can feel the desperation from both of them whenever they are in the same room together. OMG the longing is so evident, it's enough to want to dive into the pages of this story and make them see reason. Thankfully Zach's close-knit family did the job for me.
Zach and his family are storm-chasers and if you happen to be lucky enough to love one of them, constant worry is a part of your life forever. What drove Maddi away the first time has come back to rear it's ugly head once again but this time she is determined not to fall back into Zach's arms. She is in the small town of Cody to do a job: be a part of the crew that want to make a reality show about the Chase family and their many exciting adventures. But with the love of her life present at every turn, it's a wonder if Maddi and her heart will once again survive.
This book is beautifully written and I was thoroughly riveted from the very first words. Second chance romance is my favorite and watching Zach and Maddi pine for each other, tiptoeing around their actions, their words, made my own stomach do flips. The very passionate scene in the rain was both heartbreaking and joyful. Their journey is never an easy one but with the help of a wonderful group of secondary characters, mostly family members from both sides, there is hope these two will find their way back to each other. I am thrilled there will be more in the series since there are many loose ends and blossoming relationships that I need more of.
A wonderful way to end the summer. Highly recommended.
5 solid stars.
The story about Zach and Maddi, separated for 7 years because of a devastating event that made her leave and never wanted to look back. Now they are face to face again and the love never died. The passion is still in both their eyes and the chemistry literally burned up my ereader in each and every scene. You can feel the desperation from both of them whenever they are in the same room together. OMG the longing is so evident, it's enough to want to dive into the pages of this story and make them see reason. Thankfully Zach's close-knit family did the job for me.
Zach and his family are storm-chasers and if you happen to be lucky enough to love one of them, constant worry is a part of your life forever. What drove Maddi away the first time has come back to rear it's ugly head once again but this time she is determined not to fall back into Zach's arms. She is in the small town of Cody to do a job: be a part of the crew that want to make a reality show about the Chase family and their many exciting adventures. But with the love of her life present at every turn, it's a wonder if Maddi and her heart will once again survive.
This book is beautifully written and I was thoroughly riveted from the very first words. Second chance romance is my favorite and watching Zach and Maddi pine for each other, tiptoeing around their actions, their words, made my own stomach do flips. The very passionate scene in the rain was both heartbreaking and joyful. Their journey is never an easy one but with the help of a wonderful group of secondary characters, mostly family members from both sides, there is hope these two will find their way back to each other. I am thrilled there will be more in the series since there are many loose ends and blossoming relationships that I need more of.
A wonderful way to end the summer. Highly recommended.
5 solid stars.
September 2, 2015
Yes, the book title is a cheesy play on character names but you will be sadly mistaken if you skip this book because of it. Sharla Lovelace has done it again. She has taken a second chance romance and added herself to one of my favorite authors. I came across one of her books early in the summer (Don’t Let Go) and enjoyed it so when I saw Loving the Chase come across my recommended list I figured it was time to find out if this was an author worth following. She is. I am now working my way through her other books waiting for Heart of the Storm #2 to be released in Feb 2016.
Zach Chase is part of a family of storm chasers, 2nd generation at that. All the kids have been taught by their parents, and all the kids bring different skills to the table. Zach is most like his dad, who died 12 years ago chasing one of those tornados. Zach has the instincts, Eli is the analytic of the results, Simon is the meteorologist, Hannah is the photographer/videographer.
Madison (Maddie) Hayes is an associate producer for Infinity. But her past is in Cody, TX with Zach Chase. A tidbit of information that she had managed to keep to herself when her boss, Nicole Brian, pitched the idea of doing a storm chaser reality show that featured a family of storm chasers, The Chases. Maddie thought she could stay in the background and keep her past under control but situations created a situation where not only was she thrust in the middle, she was left in charge of the production of the entire show.
The past is a funny thing, it’s there and sometimes chemistry and history are a heady mix that just shouldn’t be ignored. People get hurt, feelings get trampled but what does it take to put everything back on the right path. The path to happiness is often gritty and dirty, that’s part of what makes the highs so great but can you find your way to let yourself be that vulnerable. That’s what Zach and Maddie have to find for themselves and for each other.
Zach Chase is part of a family of storm chasers, 2nd generation at that. All the kids have been taught by their parents, and all the kids bring different skills to the table. Zach is most like his dad, who died 12 years ago chasing one of those tornados. Zach has the instincts, Eli is the analytic of the results, Simon is the meteorologist, Hannah is the photographer/videographer.
Madison (Maddie) Hayes is an associate producer for Infinity. But her past is in Cody, TX with Zach Chase. A tidbit of information that she had managed to keep to herself when her boss, Nicole Brian, pitched the idea of doing a storm chaser reality show that featured a family of storm chasers, The Chases. Maddie thought she could stay in the background and keep her past under control but situations created a situation where not only was she thrust in the middle, she was left in charge of the production of the entire show.
The past is a funny thing, it’s there and sometimes chemistry and history are a heady mix that just shouldn’t be ignored. People get hurt, feelings get trampled but what does it take to put everything back on the right path. The path to happiness is often gritty and dirty, that’s part of what makes the highs so great but can you find your way to let yourself be that vulnerable. That’s what Zach and Maddie have to find for themselves and for each other.
August 18, 2015
The story of Zach and Maddi.
Zach is a storm chaser - meaning he and his family follows storms and tries to get video and still-film coverage of storms and especially tornadoes.
Maddi is a production assistant at a news channel.
When she first sees Zach, we find out that they have a history. She comes from the same small town, and in fact, thought of his mom as her own. They also had dated and were almost married at one time!
When the news channel proposes a reality show based on following the family during the storm tracking, Maddi finds herself between a rock and a hard place when she is to be the one to supervise production of the first few episodes.
The chemistry between Maddi and Zach is off the charts!
I was trying to think of one thing I could even say negatively about this story, but I could come up with nothing! The author weaves a story that is so real I could hear a friend tell it to me and believe it happened in real life! Are there frustrating moments - definitely! Are there sexy moments that get your heart beating - YES! Heartbreaking moments that make you want to boohoo- absolutely!
When someone asks for a good book, this is my new go-to for recommendations! I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out! I want stories about the entire Chase family! STAT!
Romance Readers received this book from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
Zach is a storm chaser - meaning he and his family follows storms and tries to get video and still-film coverage of storms and especially tornadoes.
Maddi is a production assistant at a news channel.
When she first sees Zach, we find out that they have a history. She comes from the same small town, and in fact, thought of his mom as her own. They also had dated and were almost married at one time!
When the news channel proposes a reality show based on following the family during the storm tracking, Maddi finds herself between a rock and a hard place when she is to be the one to supervise production of the first few episodes.
The chemistry between Maddi and Zach is off the charts!
I was trying to think of one thing I could even say negatively about this story, but I could come up with nothing! The author weaves a story that is so real I could hear a friend tell it to me and believe it happened in real life! Are there frustrating moments - definitely! Are there sexy moments that get your heart beating - YES! Heartbreaking moments that make you want to boohoo- absolutely!
When someone asks for a good book, this is my new go-to for recommendations! I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out! I want stories about the entire Chase family! STAT!
Romance Readers received this book from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
August 18, 2015
The story of Zach and Maddi.
Zach is a storm chaser - meaning he and his family follows storms and tries to get video and still-film coverage of storms and especially tornadoes.
Maddi is a production assistant at a news channel.
When she first sees Zach, we find out that they have a history. She comes from the same small town, and in fact, thought of his mom as her own. They also had dated and were almost married at one time!
When the news channel proposes a reality show based on following the family during the storm tracking, Maddi finds herself between a rock and a hard place when she is to be the one to supervise production of the first few episodes.
The chemistry between Maddi and Zach is off the charts!
I was trying to think of one thing I could even say negatively about this story, but I could come up with nothing! The author weaves a story that is so real I could hear a friend tell it to me and believe it happened in real life! Are there frustrating moments - definitely! Are there sexy moments that get your heart beating - YES! Heartbreaking moments that make you want to boohoo- absolutely!
When someone asks for a good book, this is my new go-to for recommendations! I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out! I want stories about the entire Chase family! STAT!
Romance Readers received this book from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
Zach is a storm chaser - meaning he and his family follows storms and tries to get video and still-film coverage of storms and especially tornadoes.
Maddi is a production assistant at a news channel.
When she first sees Zach, we find out that they have a history. She comes from the same small town, and in fact, thought of his mom as her own. They also had dated and were almost married at one time!
When the news channel proposes a reality show based on following the family during the storm tracking, Maddi finds herself between a rock and a hard place when she is to be the one to supervise production of the first few episodes.
The chemistry between Maddi and Zach is off the charts!
I was trying to think of one thing I could even say negatively about this story, but I could come up with nothing! The author weaves a story that is so real I could hear a friend tell it to me and believe it happened in real life! Are there frustrating moments - definitely! Are there sexy moments that get your heart beating - YES! Heartbreaking moments that make you want to boohoo- absolutely!
When someone asks for a good book, this is my new go-to for recommendations! I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out! I want stories about the entire Chase family! STAT!
Romance Readers received this book from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
September 30, 2015
When I started reading "Loving the Chase," I was so afraid it would follow the story line of the hit movie, 'Twister.' I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book has a riveting tale of its own without shadowing the popular movie. "Loving the Chase" is a story about a family of storm chasers that began back with their father and consumed three of his sons as well as his daughter. The family dynamics ring true as the inter-workings of each of their individual relationships unfold and you cannot help but root for Zach to be successful in his dream to expand and make their work reach even more people. He goes to pitch his idea to a reality television network and unexpectedly finds his ex-fiancé, Maddi, not only working there but soon in charge of the whole show. New dynamics emerge as she re-enters the family's world yet they never lose their genuineness. Things are revealed a bit at a time about the past and the present of Zach and Maddi's relationship as well as the rest of the family's relationships with her. This is truly a heart-felt tale of love and good people in a regular family with all of their miss-connects as well as the strong bonds with each other. While the power of a tornado is never looked lightly upon or forgotten, it is shown in new and realistic ways which are truly eye-opening. This was one of the most pleasant reads I have read in a while and all I can say is "this is not one to miss!"
June 27, 2015
This is the third novel by Sharla Lovelace that I've read. I started with Don't Let Go and was instantly in love with the author's style.
I was practically bouncing like a little kid when I began reading Loving the Chase. And I quickly became disappointed. I love Sharla Lovelace's books because of the great characterization and the emotion that you can't help but feel along with the characters. This book felt more like a regular romance that you can pick up anywhere. It felt like it was more about the storm chasing than the characters.
Then, about 1/4 through the book, it changed. It was about the characters. They were real and I began to really connect with the book. It became what I've come to expect from a book by Sharla Lovelace. The storm chasing was still prominent, but it fit all of a sudden.
This book is great. It is exciting, yet still very emotional and real. I loved every single member of the Chase family, and I can't wait to read about the rest of their stories.
Basically, I loved this book. I am going to die waiting for 2016 when the second book will come out.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was practically bouncing like a little kid when I began reading Loving the Chase. And I quickly became disappointed. I love Sharla Lovelace's books because of the great characterization and the emotion that you can't help but feel along with the characters. This book felt more like a regular romance that you can pick up anywhere. It felt like it was more about the storm chasing than the characters.
Then, about 1/4 through the book, it changed. It was about the characters. They were real and I began to really connect with the book. It became what I've come to expect from a book by Sharla Lovelace. The storm chasing was still prominent, but it fit all of a sudden.
This book is great. It is exciting, yet still very emotional and real. I loved every single member of the Chase family, and I can't wait to read about the rest of their stories.
Basically, I loved this book. I am going to die waiting for 2016 when the second book will come out.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2016
4.5 Twisting Stars
This book was right down my "tornado alley"! I am majorly into watching documentaries or movies about storm chasing. I've just always been into them. A few years ago, my youngest son started watching them with me. I was ecstatic! As long as he doesn't wanna go out there himself and "for real" start chasing storms. Then, we will have a problem.
I've never read a romance book with storm chasers though. I loved it! It's an awesome idea for a story. I found out the author is a funnel follower also. How cool.
What made it even better though was that it's also a Second Chance Romance (one of my favorite sub genres). They were awesome together too. The series surrounds a family of 4 brothers & 1 sister, her best friend, their Mom and Grandmother. Nutty family, but I guess we all are in our own way, huh?
It had some great action in it but there were also some slow spots too. So, it all kinda evened out.
Lots of chemistry through the story but only one really hot scene. It was wild though. I was fine with that cuz there's so much else going on.
Obviously, I recommend the book and am moving on to the second one. Yay, can't wait!
This book was right down my "tornado alley"! I am majorly into watching documentaries or movies about storm chasing. I've just always been into them. A few years ago, my youngest son started watching them with me. I was ecstatic! As long as he doesn't wanna go out there himself and "for real" start chasing storms. Then, we will have a problem.
I've never read a romance book with storm chasers though. I loved it! It's an awesome idea for a story. I found out the author is a funnel follower also. How cool.
What made it even better though was that it's also a Second Chance Romance (one of my favorite sub genres). They were awesome together too. The series surrounds a family of 4 brothers & 1 sister, her best friend, their Mom and Grandmother. Nutty family, but I guess we all are in our own way, huh?
It had some great action in it but there were also some slow spots too. So, it all kinda evened out.
Lots of chemistry through the story but only one really hot scene. It was wild though. I was fine with that cuz there's so much else going on.
Obviously, I recommend the book and am moving on to the second one. Yay, can't wait!
June 28, 2015
Ya'll I cannot even begin to imagine that I will be able to do this book justice with words. I loved this book so hard that I already want to read it again. I've always loved all things weather related, but I've had a deep rooted love for storms and tornadoes since I was a child. I never thought in a million years that I would read a book that captures that feeling. But Loving the Chase proved my theory wrong. I've seen the chaos a tornado leaves behind,I've even seen an EF1 and an EF2. And I feel that Sharla did an out of this world job describing it all. Not only from the prospective of a chaser but from a survivors stand point as well. This whole book played out like a movie in my head, which is just another reason why I cannot wait to reread it. I don't think I've ever found myself looking forward to a series as much as I am now.
I was totally put over the top by the surprise after the story ended. Alls I know is I definitely have some baking to do.
I received a copy of Loving the Chase from NetGalley in return for leaving an honest review.
I was totally put over the top by the surprise after the story ended. Alls I know is I definitely have some baking to do.
I received a copy of Loving the Chase from NetGalley in return for leaving an honest review.
August 26, 2015
Zach Chase and Maddi Hayes were engaged until he left on a storm chasing trip and she was injured when their apartment was destroyed by a tornado. After that, she wan't able to stand having anything to do with her storm chaser. Now, a few years later, Maddi is a production assistant for a TV network that wants to profile Zach's storm chasing family in a reality TV show. As Maddi and Zach are around one another again, it soon becomes clear that the feelings and attraction remain. Maddie has to decide if she can trust Zach not to always put his career before her.
This was a good contemporary romance. I really like the storm chasing aspect of the story. I liked the characters, but thought Maddi was overzealous in blaming Zach for the injuries she suffered in the previous tornado. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
This was a good contemporary romance. I really like the storm chasing aspect of the story. I liked the characters, but thought Maddi was overzealous in blaming Zach for the injuries she suffered in the previous tornado. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
August 25, 2015
I very much enjoyed this novel. When a young woman in thrown into a meeting who someone who chases storms and she find out that the man sitting across the table from her is her ex-fiance and she hasn't talk to him since walked away from him on their wedding day because she was scared from the storm that destroyed their home and she was along. She still loves him, and he hasn't gotten over her. But they are trying to be professional. To make it worse her boss who is suppose to be doing this promo has thrown her to the wolves. The whole entire family are part of the crew and they all loved her. This was a wonderful story of forgiveness, a little scaryness and some wonderful strong men and women. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
September 16, 2015
First half was a little slow but this book picked up and kept me completely captivated. I love second chance love stories and Sharla writes them so well. Full review to come
April 1, 2018
I didn't want to give this book (or any written by Sharla) a bad review but it was like reading "Twister: Extended Edition Revisited", and that wouldn't have been a bad thing at all because Twister is actually one of my favorite movies (I'm an action movie kind of girl) and actually one of the reasons why I bought this book, but it felt totally unoriginal. The tornado scene was very much like the one in "Just one day" and the country dance scene very much like the one in "Don't Let Go". Actually Maddi was a copy/paste of Jules, a woman all over the place that annoyed the hell out of me. There were so many things that pissed me off about this book that I almost didn't finish it.
For starters I couldn't understand Zach at all. He's the one who goes to the network and wants to be part of a reality tv show and yet he doesn't want the cameras or the crew following him. And when Maddi actually grows a pair and follows them anyway because that's acually her job, she has to beg for forgiveness for putting everyone in danger. Hello? They were in danger already, it's what they do. What the hell was the tv show supposed to be about? Maddi's lemon bars? The whole tv show angle was poorly developed to say the least, it wasn't even there.
Then there's the whole Blakely thing. I actually would have prefered the book being about Blakely than Maddi, I tell you that. The woman wanted to have sex with a hot stranger in a stairway and she's dragged through the mud the entire book. Like she's some kind of lesser kind of woman for asking what she wanted. She asked him, he said no, she turned around and moved on with her life with a smile. Maddi could learn a thing or two from her. If Blakely was a man no one would have given the whole thing a second thought. God, it pissed me off so much.
And let's talk about Maddie with her chuckles, sobs, giggles, tears... They tell you she's a professional and a strong woman but she's all over the place, she does nothing professional but to put a mic on people, and she has to get rescued every single time. She also has to apologize like a million times when I felt Zach and Hannah were the ones owing her an apology (or a thousand), for leaving her on her wedding day and for NEVER going after her. Oh, yeah, that's true love and friendship.
Anyway, I didn't like anything about the book but the actual writing, because Sharla is good at that, but the story pissed me off big time.
For starters I couldn't understand Zach at all. He's the one who goes to the network and wants to be part of a reality tv show and yet he doesn't want the cameras or the crew following him. And when Maddi actually grows a pair and follows them anyway because that's acually her job, she has to beg for forgiveness for putting everyone in danger. Hello? They were in danger already, it's what they do. What the hell was the tv show supposed to be about? Maddi's lemon bars? The whole tv show angle was poorly developed to say the least, it wasn't even there.
Then there's the whole Blakely thing. I actually would have prefered the book being about Blakely than Maddi, I tell you that. The woman wanted to have sex with a hot stranger in a stairway and she's dragged through the mud the entire book. Like she's some kind of lesser kind of woman for asking what she wanted. She asked him, he said no, she turned around and moved on with her life with a smile. Maddi could learn a thing or two from her. If Blakely was a man no one would have given the whole thing a second thought. God, it pissed me off so much.
And let's talk about Maddie with her chuckles, sobs, giggles, tears... They tell you she's a professional and a strong woman but she's all over the place, she does nothing professional but to put a mic on people, and she has to get rescued every single time. She also has to apologize like a million times when I felt Zach and Hannah were the ones owing her an apology (or a thousand), for leaving her on her wedding day and for NEVER going after her. Oh, yeah, that's true love and friendship.
Anyway, I didn't like anything about the book but the actual writing, because Sharla is good at that, but the story pissed me off big time.
January 24, 2018
This is the first book in the Heart of the Storm series by Sharla Lovelace. I am looking forward to this series and what the author is going to bring to us with it. Her writing is so smooth and intriguing that you will not want to put this book down until you know how it is all going to end for Zach and Maddie.
Zach, as well as his siblings, have the storm chasing gene in them that they all inherited from their dad. Zach's dad had a goal in mind though when he was chasing these storms, to provide information to help others. Although these storms get your adrenaline going, he not only liked the chase but wanted to do something good with it all.
When a TV producer contacts Zach about his family's business and making a show about it, he is pumped. This will help them in a lot of ways. What Zach does not expect is the punch in the gut when he goes to the meeting they have set up about the show and sees his ex, Maddie. Can Zach get past their past and move on to be able to produce the show?
Maddie made the difficult choice to leave Zach years ago when she was almost killed because he chose the storms over her. Maddie knew that she would never be able to compete with the storms and what Zach wanted to do for a living, she would always come second place. She was not ok with that and made the choice to move on.
The sparks between Maddie and Zach are still there and as they grow closer again, will the storms still be in the way of their relationship Maddie wants? This is a great read about second chances and makes you realize that not every story you hear about broken hearts ends bad. Sharla Lovelace also introduces us to side characters that I am sure we will be seeing more of in the next books in this series. This series is going to be a steamy one for sure!
Zach, as well as his siblings, have the storm chasing gene in them that they all inherited from their dad. Zach's dad had a goal in mind though when he was chasing these storms, to provide information to help others. Although these storms get your adrenaline going, he not only liked the chase but wanted to do something good with it all.
When a TV producer contacts Zach about his family's business and making a show about it, he is pumped. This will help them in a lot of ways. What Zach does not expect is the punch in the gut when he goes to the meeting they have set up about the show and sees his ex, Maddie. Can Zach get past their past and move on to be able to produce the show?
Maddie made the difficult choice to leave Zach years ago when she was almost killed because he chose the storms over her. Maddie knew that she would never be able to compete with the storms and what Zach wanted to do for a living, she would always come second place. She was not ok with that and made the choice to move on.
The sparks between Maddie and Zach are still there and as they grow closer again, will the storms still be in the way of their relationship Maddie wants? This is a great read about second chances and makes you realize that not every story you hear about broken hearts ends bad. Sharla Lovelace also introduces us to side characters that I am sure we will be seeing more of in the next books in this series. This series is going to be a steamy one for sure!
November 29, 2020
I happened to introduce my kids to the movie 'Twister' recently, which got me really wanting a good storm chaser romance (I am a huge fan of Molly E. Lee's Love on the Edge series!). While searching, I found this.
And boy, did I find what I was looking for! This was seriously a great read, sucking me in from page one. Pardon the pun. :P
The characters are all rich and vibrant, from our two leads, Zach and Maddi, to smaller characters like old family frenemy, Harlan. You learn to love this ensemble of characters throughout this book, and that makes everything mean more.
Maddi has spent 7 years trying to escape her old life, and the love - 'family' and otherwise - she left there. She gets thrown back into it all unexpectedly, and has to wrestle with all that that means. She was a force, but also a bit impetuous. I liked her spirit and really felt for her.
Zach is raw, and passionate, about everything. He is the heart of his team. I loved the fact that he was written with as much, if not more, vulnerability than Maddi. That doesn't always occur with male romance leads. He wears his feelings on his sleeve, and is just a GOOD guy.
The chaos in this is perhaps a lot less of the twister kind, or even the "reality tv" kind, than might be expected from the synopsis. These things move the plot along, but are secondary to the PEOPLE. Which I think really works.
I think something else I loved was the focus on feelings over lust. Zach and Maddi have chemistry that can't be ignored, and there is a slow burn, but it really isn't a bunch of hard-ons and lustful feelings between them. There's no "Lets just scratch the itch" to muddy the water. It was refreshing!
That said, and speaking of mud & water, a particular storm scene most certainly topped a list of interesting and sexy locations! 😆
4.5 Stars
And boy, did I find what I was looking for! This was seriously a great read, sucking me in from page one. Pardon the pun. :P
The characters are all rich and vibrant, from our two leads, Zach and Maddi, to smaller characters like old family frenemy, Harlan. You learn to love this ensemble of characters throughout this book, and that makes everything mean more.
Maddi has spent 7 years trying to escape her old life, and the love - 'family' and otherwise - she left there. She gets thrown back into it all unexpectedly, and has to wrestle with all that that means. She was a force, but also a bit impetuous. I liked her spirit and really felt for her.
Zach is raw, and passionate, about everything. He is the heart of his team. I loved the fact that he was written with as much, if not more, vulnerability than Maddi. That doesn't always occur with male romance leads. He wears his feelings on his sleeve, and is just a GOOD guy.
The chaos in this is perhaps a lot less of the twister kind, or even the "reality tv" kind, than might be expected from the synopsis. These things move the plot along, but are secondary to the PEOPLE. Which I think really works.
I think something else I loved was the focus on feelings over lust. Zach and Maddi have chemistry that can't be ignored, and there is a slow burn, but it really isn't a bunch of hard-ons and lustful feelings between them. There's no "Lets just scratch the itch" to muddy the water. It was refreshing!
That said, and speaking of mud & water, a particular storm scene most certainly topped a list of interesting and sexy locations! 😆
4.5 Stars
July 17, 2020
Unpopular opinion:
This would've been better as a miniseries, with actors and settings and music to nuance the corniness and angst. As a novel, the melodrama and flashbacks just came across flat and grasping. Plus, the author indulges in slut-shaming. I love the concept. But the execution left me unfulfilled. I came for the storm chasing. I left because it was a maelstrom of cliches and predictable, impulsive character actions that chased me away. Not awful, but not memorable.
This would've been better as a miniseries, with actors and settings and music to nuance the corniness and angst. As a novel, the melodrama and flashbacks just came across flat and grasping. Plus, the author indulges in slut-shaming. I love the concept. But the execution left me unfulfilled. I came for the storm chasing. I left because it was a maelstrom of cliches and predictable, impulsive character actions that chased me away. Not awful, but not memorable.
January 30, 2018
This story had a lot of fire so it kept me reading. However, it was supposed to be about a reality TV show and there was very little producing going on. The main character was more hung up on her relationships than her work which could have made sense if you felt she was working at all. So although the story was good, it was very unidimensional.
January 30, 2020
Every time I thought I knew the next scene U was thrown a curve ball! loved the drama
If th are a fan of drama and suspense mixed with romance as I am you will want to read this one. I could not put it down
If th are a fan of drama and suspense mixed with romance as I am you will want to read this one. I could not put it down
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