Chester Falls Volume One

Chester Falls #0.5-3

by Ana Ashley

What do a bookstore owner, a prince, a fashionista and a bodyguard have in common?
They’re all about to find their own swoon-worthy romance with a happy ever after.
Welcome to Chester Falls where anything is possible, the cinnamon buns are to die for, and love is always just around the corner.

The Chester Falls Collection Volume One includes:

How to Catch a Bookworm (short story)
How to Catch a Prince
How to Catch a Rival
How to Catch a Bodyguard

How to Catch a Bookworm
Ben doesn’t believe he can find love. Tristan just broke up with his cheating ex.
Chance brought them together once, but fate, and a meddling friend ensure they meet again. Will Ben and Tristan put the past aside for a chance of a future together?

How to Catch a Prince
Hiding from the press in the Connecticut countryside isn’t how Prince Kristoff of Lydovia wants to spend his time. But one fateful bump into the shy, aspiring artist, Charlie, and Kris quickly changes his mind.
Now he’s Charlie’s fake boyfriend and plus one at a family wedding. Not to mention the undeniable chemistry between them.
What could possibly go wrong?

How to Catch a Rival
Both Tom and Wren have very good reasons for wanting to win the Chester Falls Pride Festival Bake-Off, even if neither have ever baked a single cupcake.
When the heat moves from the kitchen to the bedroom, will Tom and Wren put their rivalry aside? Or is what they stand to lose more important than their growing feelings?
In this story of opposites attract, sit back and watch as the sparkliest resident of Chester Falls gets his own true love.

How to Catch a Bodyguard
Sometimes life has a way of bringing back what was always yours.
Connor hasn’t just had a bad day or bad week. More like a bad year. Things have been going downhill since he dumped his girlfriend and to top it all of his house has been ransacked.
James’s first and only instinct is to protect Connor from whoever is trying to harm him. But will being his secret crush’s bodyguard end up putting his heart in harm’s way?

Genres: M M Romance

719 pages, ebook

First published March 20, 2020

About the author

Meet Ana Ashley, your friendly neighborhood romance author!
Ana has been lost in the pages of books for as long as she can remember, taking a few amusing missteps with her childhood writing attempts. But everything changed when she discovered the magical world of LGBTQ+ romance—cue the confetti!


Ana's books offer sweet and sexy romance with a charming mix of humor and heart. Getting her guys together wouldn't be the same without the meddling but well-intentioned cast of secondary characters, who always insist on having their own story.


When she’s not crafting heartfelt tales, you can find her indulging in her favorite pastime of baking delicious treats, enjoying quality time with friends, or staying up late immersed in the pages of a good book.

You can find out more about Ana and her works-in-progress by joining her Newsletter. To sign up visit Ana's website anawritesmm.com

Reviews

[Dee]

DNF on the first story, it felt too bland

[Julie Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Catch a Bookworm: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This short introduction to Chester Falls is actually my second read in this universe - the first one I read was How To Catch a Billionaire in the Elite Connections anthology.

This one was a little too insta-love for me. I liked Ben well enough, and I found his desire to be a different version of himself for a few hours very relatable. But I felt his and Tristan’s relationship to move very quickly without us seeing them spending much time together. Nevertheless, it was a cute story and fairly steamy given how short it was.


How to Catch a Prince: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Charming, funny, sweet and hot - I got a glimpse of Charlie and Kris when I read How To Catch A Billionaire in the Elite Connections anthology, and I’ve been looking forward to reading their origin story! Fake dating turned into real feelings - and I adored seeing these two fall for each other, starting with them literally falling into each other! I appreciated seeing glimpses of characters from the prequel novella, and without having looked up all the books in the series, I have a feeling I know who some of the future couples will be! There’s some drama in this story but it’s relatively angst free, and mostly just lots of feel-good moments between the two main characters.


How to Catch a Rival: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

(Finished at 4am as I couldn't sleep not knowing how it ended!) Tom was Charlie’s roommate in book 1, and moved to Chester Falls shortly after the events of the first book in the story where he’s making a life for himself. Everything is going to plan until Wren, his bosses’ eldest son, comes back from California, with his football player build and eyes to get lost in.

This book was more slow-burn than the previous, but I adored both main characters so much! There’s a little bit of angst, a lot of rivalry, a baking competition with a grand prize and a lot of meddling friends and family — including Kris and Charlie from book 1, some of their friends and family, and Tom’s younger brother Troy, who’s one of the main characters of the How to Catch a Billionaire novella in the Elite Connections anthology!


How to Catch a Bodyguard: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

So much drama, quite a bit of angst, former best friends reunited after 15 years — easily the best in the series so far! Loved how closely connected this story was with the previous ones, picking up right near the end of book 2 and how much the characters of the previous stories were present in this one, with Connor being Charlie’s brother and also friends with Tom and Wren, and James being Kris’ head of security and close friend. I also love me a second chance, friends to lovers romance, and this one definitely was both! There was lots of mutual pining for each other, a spiteful someone out to hurt one of the characters, and an overprotective, tiny turtle repeatedly trying to injure the other. I laughed a lot, and thoroughly adored this book!

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a boxset is a collection of the first 3 books of the Chester Falls serie by Ana Ashley. This one also includes book 0.5.

Book 0.5: How to Catch a Bookworm
This novella takes place before the first book. This novella is about Ben and Tristan. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy and very well written.

Book 1: How to Catch a Prince
This book is about Kris, a prince and Charlie. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy and very well written.

Book 2: How to Catch Rival
This book is about Tom and Wren. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy and very well

Book 3: How to Catch a Bodyguard
This book is about Connor and James. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy and very well written.

I really like this series!

[Reading*Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Performances: 5 Stars
Stories: 4 Stars

This series marked my first time hearing narrator Nick Hudson, and listening to him bring these loveable characters and their charming town to life has been delightful. He's done a wonderful job voicing this series, delivering animated and solid performances that hit the right emotional notes.

*"How to Catch a Bookworm" (Book 0.5): 4 Stars. What a delightfully smokin' hot introduction to Chester Falls! The first chapter alone was scorchin', and is it any wonder because the chemistry between MCs Ben and Tristan was crackling from the moment they met. Beyond the high heat level, this was a very sweet novella and a terrific start to the series.

*"How to Catch a Prince" (Book 1): 3.5 Stars. This fake-turned-real relationship between bookstore manager Charlie and in-disguise Prince Kristof is a cute story with just a touch of identity-reveal angst. I didn't find Kris running from the royal spotlight and hiding out stateside to be especially compelling, and his deception was all easily resolved in the end, but I enjoyed how sweet and playful he and Charlie were together. My favorite aspect of this story was Charlie's outspoken best friend Tom, who steals every scene he's in.

*"How to Catch a Rival" (Book 2): 4.5 Stars. This is a fluffy, cozy, heated blanket of a story that warmly wraps around and makes your heart happy. With the "Rival" title, I was somewhat expecting more of an enemies-to-lovers tale (an enjoyable trope), but I was pleasantly surprised by this being a sweet, low-angst love story. That MCs Tom and Wren fall in love while competing in a baking contest, could that be more "small town"? Love it!

*"How to Catch a Bodyguard" (Book 3): 4 Stars. Bodyguard James reconnects with childhood best friend and first crush/kiss Connor years after moving away from Chester Falls. Their second chance romance has a slow-burn feel to it as they get to know each other as adults, confront past hurts and unrequited feelings, and Connor questions and explores his bisexuality for the first time.

There's an added layer of emotion and mystery as Connor's life is in danger, which heightens the overall low-angst and James's feelings of protectiveness. I'd also be remiss not to mention Connor's mischievous pet turtle Bubbles, which is a hoot. I'd suggest first reading/listening to Book 1, where James is introduced as Prince Kristof's security detail and Connor as Charlie's brother, for some background on secondary character connections.

This is a cozy collection of sweet small-town romances best read/listened to in order, given the stable of recurring secondary characters that builds throughout the highly interconnected Chester Falls series. I received this free review copy audio book bundle by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 overall stars

Bookworm = 5 stars

This was a very cute, fast pace, no angst, low steam, instalove quick read with fabulous characters with instant amazing chemistry that were an adorable couple. I loved the serendipity plot.

Prince = 3.5 stars

This is def a me issue not a book issue. I typically can't get into royalty/famous person books. I see enough of that anytime I look on TV or FB. Regardless I did find this one easy to get through with all the pros of the other books.

This was a cute, fast paced, low angst, steamy, instalust, quick read with fabulous characters with instant amazing chemistry that were an adorable couple. On the one hand you get that instalove feel where they know they found their person but still get the hesitation for feelings due to them being in the same country temporarily and the implied short term fling status. So it isnt o.t.t instalove. I absolutely loved all of the characters. I did listen to it all in one listen and I enjoyed the romance part I just can't rate it higher cause all these secret identity/outed famous people stories tend to feel the same to me. I did love the small town feel though and the family. Chester falls is such a great place.

Rival = 4 stars

This was a fast pace, angsty, low steam, quick read. The characters had instant amazing chemistry and were an adorable couple for the most part. I did love both the characters for the most part especially Tom but both characters did have some flaws that annoyed me a bit at times. I enjoyed the story overall but found the angsty part to be very random and unnecessary.

Bodyguard = 4.5 stars

Like the others this was also a fast paced, angsty, quick story. This one had a little more steam than the previous books.
They really were a sweet couple with great chemistry. Though unlike the previous ones this is sort of a 2nd chance romance with plenty of resistance so it didnt have that instalove feel. I can't say that I instantly loved the characters cause they frustrated me til more of their history was revealed. I really grew to love the characters though. Even the love affair betweeen the dog and the turtle was cute lol. I really loved this story and listened to it all at once. I left off half a star cause like I said stubborn men frustrate me but the cause behind their resistance was heartbreaking and made sense to me in the end. I couldn't judge them too harshly even if it was somewhat angsty. I also really enjoyed the subplot that was very interesting with a little suspense.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOW TO CATCH A BOOKWORM
Short and super sweet. Tristan and Ben's meet-cute moment in the bar leaves them both wishing for more. Ben's fear has him holding out on calling. It's a good thing he has a meddling best friend. Tristan is just a great guy who wants to have his HEA and is willing, with a little help, to pursue it with Ben.

HOW TO CATCH A PRINCE
Lots of fun and low on the angst. Charlie and Kris literally fall head over heels for each other when they meet. They started off as 'fake' but they really never were. Charlie's family is amazing and adds a lovely layer to the story.

HOW TO CATCH A RIVAL
Tom and Wren have explosive chemistry and tempers. Oh boy did these two have struggles with assumptions and wearing their emotions on their sleeves. At times all I could do is see them as a couple of tweens stomping around, muttering insults, and being dramatic. Tom is the queen of unicorns and glitter with his goddess Coco Chanel guiding him. Wren is a big 'ol coward. Hiding who he is and painting himself into corners due to his fear. I loved Wren's family, they added a lovely element along with all of Tom's friends.

HOW TO CATCH A BODYGUARD
This is a story full of second chances. Connor and Jamie lost each other as best friends in childhood and reconnected only to have to walk away again. Both are carrying old wounds and assumptions. At the first sign of trouble though, James goes running to help Connor. Spending time together brings some confusing feelings for Connor and James has to face his past. I loved that when James finally opens up to Connor, Connor just supports him. No finger pointing or blaming James for his lack of action, just understanding and being there as a listening ear.

Highly recommended author and series

Audiobook: Nick Hudson does a superb job

[Justine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

an audio review

How to Catch a Bookworm is a short sweet story about Ben and Tristan. What started out as a hook up at a bar turned into so much more. This really is the sweetest story, Ben and Tristan are so cute together. I love how others in town try to help get them together.

How to Catch a Prince is Book 1. Adorably sweet. This is a make you feel good story. Prince Kristof hides out in Chester Falls only to met Charlie and the two literally fell over each other. Kris helps out Charlie in being his fake boyfriend at his sister's wedding only somewhere along the line their relationship turned very real.

How to Catch a Rival is Book 2. This is Tom and Wren's story. Tom, whom we met in the first book and is Charlie's best friend, is a wonderful character. I love how open he is with himself and knows what he wants. Wren comes home to help out his family's business, where Tom happens to work. I enjoyed Tom and Wren's little rivalry. They had so much chemistry and really are better together. It was nice to see Wren accept himself.

How to Catch a Bodyguard is book 3. This story is about Connor and James whom we also first met in book one. I love their second chance story. These friends to lovers go through a lot to understand their feelings for each other. And have to deal with a crazy young man in the process. They definitely earned their happy ending. And Bubbles, you gotta love Bubbles. This is an enjoyable series and I recommend it.

Narrator Nick Hudson does a fabulous job. You can really tell he loves what he does. There's a happiness in his voice that comes across in his narration of these characters.

[Lesetiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️⭐️️

I had recently listened to my first book by Ana Ashley and really enjoyed her great writing style. When I heard about this boxed set, it was the perfect opportunity to listen to more books by this author.
These four stories add up to a fantastic glimpse into the small town life of Chesters Falls and its residents. I enjoyed all 4 stories, though I have to say my favorite is "How to Catch a Bookworm".
The characters are great described and at times a bit quirky, but endearing. I took all the boys into my heart along with their found families. It was fun to listen to the boys and their experiences in Chester Falls. And you get a lot to enjoy: Opposites that attract as well as second chances. What runs through all the story is that as a listener you experience a lot of warmth and love and everything was told in an entertaining way. It is sometimes humorous, but in between a few tears are shed, but as a listener you can always look forward to a happy ending.

Nick Hudson is a talented narrator who has given all the characters distinctive voices. This bundle is a feel-good audiobook that deserves 4.5 stars!

I requested a free copy of the audiobook and this is my honest opinion that I am volunteering

[isthisakink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed bag.

Do not get mad.

But this series, while I love so much about it, is shaping up to be a bit… messy? No, I don’t dislike it, but there’s a lot missing and so many unanswered questions, and things that never get clarification or resolution. It’s weird.

And then there’s Tom. I’m sorry, I’m not his fan.

Oh, yeah… also the mechanics. They were awful. This was clearly edited using some sort of AI, because the mistakes are wild. It was really difficult to read.

The swoon and the romance and the fairytale situations and the good stuff were SO good, though. It hit all of my inner fluff goblin’s buttons. I will be reading the next volume with gusto.

3.5/5 overall. Because the misses were b i g. There were so many issues, but I still recommend reading! No hate, just moderate levels of confusion and slight annoyance because of the weirdness. Notes for each individual book within the collection on GR.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Catch a Bookworm
A cute start to the Chester Falls series. Ben loves his bookstore, but he needs to bring it into the future and make it his own. Tristan just walked away from a cheating ex when they meet. He needs to decide if he is ready to move on soon.

How to Catch a Prince
Charlie and Kris are opposites. Kris is trying to lay low from a terrible situation he was not involved in, and Charlie is visiting for his sister's wedding. One fake relationship and neither expressing their true feelings.

How to Catch a Rival
Tom is a wonderful, sparkling character. Wren is trying to keep himself away from Tom because he is very attracted to him and has not come out to his very accepting parents, for some reason.

How to Catch a Bodyguard
Conner does not know how to feel about his former best friend returning to Chester Falls after disappearing when they were 15. James only knows he loves Conner but is at odds with himself. James is emotionally vulnerable and Conner is facing some physical danger.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid 4.5

I listened and read this bundle but my review mainly focuses on the audio

I'd previously listened to a couple of the Chester Falls books but only one in this great value bundle.
Ana Ashley has created a lovely small town feel with a host of great characters. Nick Hudson has used his talent to give them distinctive voices, easily juggling a big cast over all the books.
I think this might end up as a comfort listen. It has a lot of sweetness and doesn't get top heavy. There is some drama but mostly it's just couples falling in love in a mostly accepting town

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series so much! This is a boxset of the first four books and it’s so good. Each story is so sweet and their romances make me so happy. I love this small town and all these characters. The town is full of love and joy and the characters are so sweet. The entire book has many sweet moments and very good character development. I loved the narrator too. Helped bring the amazing characters and their stories to life!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review:
A wonderfully sweet collection of stories filled with humor, heat, and a dose of drama and angst. I liked how friendly the community of Chester Falls is and how the main characters are connected to each other in some way. Nick Hudson did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. The way he read certain lines made the characters feel more alive, like you were a part of the story.

[Phyllis Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice stories

These are nice. Not exceptional, but well worth a read. Good characters you would want to get to know.
The only small problem is that she is writing about Americans, but now and then it is obvious that she learned English from England not the American version. There are a few times she says something that just won’t make sense if you are only comfortable with American terms.

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Ana Ashley and this series is the main reason for it. One of the best series ever written, each book is about dreams becoming true, soulmates finding each other, is about love and home and heart, all happening in a beautiful little town. I enjoyed so much this boxset with all these captivating love stories together in one place. Simply perfect! Loved it!

[Marguerite Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

The editing sucks!¡¡!! This series is fantastic. If you are one that hates messed up time lines, huge spelling errors, and screwed up character descriptions as the series progresses ... Don't. Read. These. But you will be missing out. Because they are really cute. Oh....and it does not take 9 hours to drive from Connecticut to Atlanta. Just saying.

[Laora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town love
I always like a bundle when there is a series involved. This was a nice bundle with several couples finding their person.
Narration: Nick Hudson has a pleasant voice that embraces you throughout the stories.
Enjoy this fairly uncomplicated hea/ hfn lives.
📚 4,5 🎧 4,5 Overall 4,5

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these stories!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read.

All of these stories were great and I enjoyed each of them. They had emotion, heat, fun, sweetness and even some intrigue. Highly recommended.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️