When Yasmin returned to Canary Bay, she was desperate for things in her life to change. After raising her younger sister for most of her teenage years, Yasmin was just trying to get through the year.
The plan was simple: • Spend time as much time as possible with Millie • Get accepted into New Hope University • Read as many books as she could
Chase and his friends are pretty much family. Each have their own pasts and struggles, but they will always look out for each other, protect each other, and don't easily let people into their circle.
When Yasmin shows up on his driveway at 6am wearing princess pyjamas and blurting out "Are you a serial killer?" Chase doesn’t know what to think or understand why he is drawn to her.
The attraction is instant. He can see the pain in her eyes and recognises the wall she's built around herself. He knows he'd do anything to protect her. Surprisingly, his friends feel the same way when they meet her.
But what happens when they both find out that this isn't the first time they've met?
Will Yasmin be able to let Chase and his friends in and finally have the family she's craved?
Chase and the girl who came back is part of the New Hope World. There will be multiple books focused in or around New Hope and plenty of character cameos and crossovers, however each book will be able to be read as a standalone.
Amber Davis is an avid reader who after lots of encouragement from her friends, decided it was time to put pen to paper and write the book that had been niggling at her for some time. Amber suffers from multiple autoimmune and invisible illness diseases and because of this, some of these illnesses are discussed in her books through the life of some of her characters.
She is passionate about bringing awareness to these conditions.
She owns a merch printing company with her best friend and has a whole bunch of other projects on the go.
When she isn’t working or reading, she’s binge watching TV shows and re-watching ALL the Disney movies, especially the classics. She’s a massive fan of all things Disney and has quite a large collection of books and Elmo’s.
Amber is originally from Queensland but has been living in Melbourne with her dog Bella for the past 7 years.
I'm going to start off with what I loved: the friend group/found family aspect was beautiful, and I liked how the author was able to represent and teach the reader about diabetes. I read the book only really caring about the gang, the sisters, GW, and Mumma Nat, because their relationships with each other were just incredible.
Now for what I didn't like: this book was straight out of Wattpad, with all of the cliches to go with it. How the characters were described in the beginning and their reunion where they suddenly feel safe and all their walls immediately drop. The rich best friend who has the money to solve every problem and buys them anything and everything. The guy who gets roped into an arranged marriage because his dad owes someone a lot of money. Even her trauma! All of it just had me rolling my eyes, because I'd read it a thousand times before. Her trauma was so cliche; I mean come one, deadbeat mom sells you to her dealer and you get kidnapped? It's unrealistic and overplayed, and the author didn't even put a real story behind it. Just plopped it in there expecting everyone to be okay and move on.
I really only read this book for the found family aspect, I stopped looking at it as a romance a couple chapters in. For the found family alone, I would have given it 4 stars, but everything else just brings it down to a 2, maybe a 2.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The third book in a row that I wanted to put 3.5 stars but they don't exist, so I chose and 3 stars is the winner. I liked this book, I really did but things just happened way too fast. The love, the friendship, the action, it was all in the space of a few weeks and that's not realistic, things don't happen like that. Chase was sweet and Yasmin had a lot on her shoulders, they did fit together and were soulmates but their love was way too fast. The friendship between her and his group of friends was way to much too. Somethings that happened were way over the top. If all the action had happened in the span of months instead of weeks, it would be perfect but as it is, wasn't, it just made me cringe sometimes. I will read the the next book in the series because I'm curious despite thinking Arden is way too much, all that he does, I just don't like it
This gives me strong Y/N vibes. It feels like it lacks a lot of detail that could potentially make it a better book. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it. It was just very stereotypical.
My favourite was the plot, like Yasmin learning to make friends, drama with her family life, and trying to manage her health condition. I enjoyed reading about how Chase doted over her, like taking her to a book shop. Arden was enjoyable to read and brought a lot of the comedy to the book, which really livened it up. Allys characters allowed Yasmin to have another female friend whilst also showing how she's badass and can stick up and/or put the boys in their place. Rhys characters was overall enjoyable because who does like a broody dark and mysterious man?
I feel like with description wise and character development, it could have gone so kuchen further and allowed more insight into these characters. Also, towards the end, i feel like it was very rushed to get to a closing point. I also dont like how it ended on an unnecessary cliffhanger. I hope that within the next ones, the author continues to play with this.
I felt like the pacing was very strange, especially in the first few chapters. Everything happened too fast and too slow at the same time. Then every time I felt like there was a good build up for the climax of the story it wouldn't amount to anything. The ending also came out of nowhere.
I think this book has all the parts to make it a good story, but its like a puzzle that was put together wrong. I liked the characters and I felt like it could be a good book but it was just a lot for how short it was.
I’m not even a quarter of the way through this book but I don’t possess the vocabulary to explain how insanely uncomfortable this book already makes me It terrifies me I’m not sure I’ll make it through the book
The absolute best way to describe this book was “wattpad story”.
It genuinely felt like I was reading a wattpad story written by a 14 year old trying to dream up a new life. Don’t get me wrong, this was a YA book, and I knew that going in, but you can write a YA book without seeming like a child yourself.
This book had everything every wattpad story has. An Insta love couple with a super popular guy and a “not like other girls” new girl, a friend group who grew up like siblings and decide she’s their missing piece, one randomly super rich friend so they never need jobs and have all their meals delivered, house keepers, crazy expensive parties, and custom built apartments, etc. And then of course the random gang affiliations that make zero sense and aren’t explained properly lol
Duo pov. It was so cringe and childish feeling. It was like insta love but also friends at very young age to splitting up then together. I ended up skipping chapters.
The past always comes back and for Yasmin and Chase it’s here and it’s time for truths to be told!
This story was definitely a sweet romance and I loved every word! Yasmin is a fighter who paves her own way but getting to have someone like Chase take some of the load and hold her Was something Yasmin never thought possible!
What really makes me love this story is the secondary characters and just how much they were there for their person.
i get that this is the authors first book, which is why i gave it a try! i tried not to judge it by its cover (…) and i knew the fmc has a chronic illness which i think is important to be seen in romance!
that being said, sadly this was one of the poorest written books i’ve read:( not every avid reader should be a writer LOL! things i dislike: insta love (✅), “i looked into her eyes and i could see the trauma and anger in them after we made eye contact once (✅), multiple paragraphs straight that are only one sentences (✅)…. anyway. i almost dnf at 15% but i pushed thru cuz that’s what i do. anywho. sorry
This book looks like it’s written by some 15 year old girl on Wattpad. I feel like the story could’ve been so good, but the writer just wasn’t quite sure how to go about it and how to really make sense of what she was trying to tell us. The plot in the end doesn’t make sense and feels way too intense for how the main character is behaving.
I want to start by saying that YA contemporary romance is not my go to genre but I was just so intrigued by the synopsis of Chase I couldn’t not give it a go. And I am so glad that I did because this book grabbed me and held me from start to finish.
Chase and the girl who came back is the debut novel from Australian author Amber Davis and follows the story of Yasmin and Chase. Chase has lived in New Hope, a fictional Australian town, his entire life and has a close knit friendship group including Arden, Rhys and Ally. Yasmin is a book lover who has moved to New Hope to escape something from her past. She has a complicated relationship with her absentee father and is responsible for looking after her younger sister. When Chase and Yasmin meet they instantly feel a connection and are overwhelmed by a familiarness that neither of them can place.
While Yasmin and Chase are the main characters in this book they are supported by a wonderfully fleshed out cast of secondary characters that form a “found family” for Yasmin and her sister. This relationship between the cast and their interactions with one another are so wonderful, wholesome and realistic. It was a pleasure to read a story that prioritised the interpersonal relationships of the characters. It really helped me immerse myself into the story.
Chase features many tropes throughout including found family and instant love (to name only a few) and while found family has always warmed my heart I have always disliked instant love because I felt that authors don't take the time to develop their characters when they use this trope. By comparison, Davis introduced an instant love element between Chase and Yasmin but still took the time to develop a connection and a history between them before they truly fell in love. I thought this was so well done and was one of my favourite things about the book. There are other tropes throughout the book which I also adored *cough* Rhys’ storyline *cough* but that is delving too far into spoiler territory and you will just have to read it for yourself.
There is an abundance of Disney references in this book and it was a lovely sense of familiarity for me as the reader in this fictional setting. I adored Yasmin’s love of books and her sense of style and how despite her struggles in life she still has compassion for all those around her. It was refreshing to have a female main character with health problems. I believe this is important representation for literature and for people in general but especially is important for readers with the same conditions. Being able to see yourself represented in literature is where we should be moving as a society and Davis has done a wonderful job with this.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series because Chase ends on a cliffhanger and I need the next book ASAP. If it was written and in my possession I have no doubt I would have immediately continued on with it despite it being after midnight when I finished.
To summarize, Chase is a heart felt, well written, feel good read that kept my captivated from start to finish. Davis has created a fantastic cast of characters that will be followed throughout the series and each has their own important story to tell. Chase is hands down a new favourite of mine and I am ready for more!
Chase is the debut novel by Amber Davis. It's a cute, quirky, contemporary rom-com. It is honestly the perfect feel-good read, and I didn't want it to end!
The characters are fantastic. I loved Yasmin as the protagonist because she was so relatable. A disney loving, book obsessed introvert who would rather stay in her pajamas all day? I actually think the author has based her on me, and I'm flattered.
Chase is the perfect love interest. He's charismatic in a way that isn't douchey, and he seems to fit with Yasmin perfectly.
Speaking of douches, Arden is the perfect Chuck Bass wannabe. He's charming and loveable, all while getting exactly what he wants. He also seems like such a caring friend that I'd love to have in my life! (Not just for the free stuff, however I wouldn't say no to all the gifts he'd throw my way)
The other characters are also fantastic. They fit well together to create the perfect story.
This novel is short but sweet. It's written so well, especially for a debut. I honestly can't wait to read the second novel, because I absolutely devoured this one!
DNF pg 12 of 259. This is some of the worst writing I’ve ever tried to read. Repetitive, choppy, incredibly detailed for no reason. In twelve pages she’s told me her entire story but not shown me a thing, met the probably love interest and - though she’s normally reserved and shy - immediately tells him her problems with less then one sentence from him. This book is giving horrific pick-me vibes and doesn’t have the grace of good writing to make me want to read it anyway. No thank you, I’m good.
I skipped ahead and tried to read a little more to give it a fair chance. My god it got worse. She’s diabetic but I don’t think the author did ANY research on diabetes or if they did it’s rough at best. The father talks to her like a jealous ex and she skips around scenes like crazy. Dialogue is horrible and the scene work is non existent. Can I give this less than one star?
OH MY GOD This books was the literal fucking cutest. I AM NOT OKAY WITH THE CLIFFHANGER FIRST OFF ALL. Just had to clear that up before I spend years talking about how cute this book was and how much I loved it.
This was the most wholesome yet incredibly powerful trauma filled read I have experienced in a long time. I loved the exploration of childhood best friends, it gave me hardcore hopeless (Coho) vibes and I was living for it. I also really enjoyed the exploration of diabetes and the representation of that condition that was explored through both Julia and Yasmin, but also the effects that it has on those around them and how they had to navigate life with diabetes as well.
The romance was so freaking adorable, even though it was starting to feel a little fade to black and there is MAJOR slow burn that remains unfulfilled between Chase and Yasmin, however it wasn’t bad, like I thought I would hate it, but Amber Davis made up for it with her incredible writing and character development.
I love a good side character and the fact that this friend group was so connected and truly was a family. I LOVE. Ever since Off Campus and reading about how connected they were as a friend group and family, I absolutely love when authors play on that and this was done oh so well. Even the inclusion of the siblings was soo good!
I am ready for the other members books. And Amber if you try and pull any major stunts in relation to the cliffhanger, girl you better watch your back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
These 3 main points really made me happy with how this debut novel came out.
1. We have quite a few main/side characters, BUT there was no point where I was confused as to who was who. Each character had their own personality and that is the biggest thing for me with books. So when any character was mentioned, I was like "Yup, I know who this is and their personality."
2. The absolute envy worthy friendships that were built along the way, strengthened, & tested throughout this was so refreshing. Yes there is romance, but the balance of this was absolutely brilliant. I legit want this friendship group. Arden is the cutest of beans and so supportive, I CAN'T EVEN.
3. This contemporary fiction is not your average book. This book actually reacts to things that you wish you could do in real life! Some of the romance bits were interesting, but it just showed how cute and cheesy Chase and Yasmin are! 🙈
The ending was an absolute cliff hanger and I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!
There were so many moments in this book that I absolutely adored! I loved all the disney and pop culture references, a fave being "the Brooke". The way this group of friends interacted with eachother and how their friendship was different but the same with each person, I don't know how to explain, but them being family is clear! It makes me excited to see them develop more as the series continues. One thing that really stood out to me was how they made sure to include their younger siblings in their plans, it's the little things like that for me.
Even though this one is Chase and Yasmin's story, Arden is definitely my fave! Don't get me wrong, Chasmin are still amazing, but Arden... 😍. He's just such a thoughtful and fun character thay I can't wait to read his book, and see how he gets on with new girl in New Hope 😂
The only thing I really didn't like was the ending... those who know... know 😢
I knew from the beginning that this book was going to be a good read!! Turns out it is an epic read!! A few key points are: 1. This books makes you want to have these characters as friends in real life!! I mean can I get a best friend like that!! 2. These characters have such interesting back stories! I wanted to know every character on a deeper level! 3. I REALLY NEED THE NEXT BOOK!! HURRY UP!! ❤
I will recommend this book over and over!! Such an amazing person wrote this book and it turned out just as amazing!! Congratulations Amber on a successful launch!!
I DNF at around 40%. I got to the birthday party and “Little People” were part of the act and Ally is flipping out because she has “Lollypopguildophobia” and decided to call a quits. That is extremely offensive and not funny in the slightest. Additionally, those whole book is dripping with “I’m not like other girls” energy. Girls have it hard enough, if you can’t write a book without making your main lead act like she’s better than other girls, maybe you need to practice writing better characters before you publish a book.
Loved loved loved this book! Chase and Yas are the cutest couple imaginable. Plus this story isn't just about romance, no this story dives into PTSD, trauma and the fracturing if a family. This was so beautifully written that I cried, laughed and loved along with the characters. Can't wait for more from this author!
Ame este libro de principio a fin, el found family, Chase y Yasmin fueron muy adorables, la historia me atrapo como no tienen idea.
El principio vemos a Yasmin teniendo un poco de problemas pero estos se van haciendo mas ligeros luego de que conoce a Chase y a sus amigos los cuales AME porque dios mío mas adorables y familiares no pueden ser, me sentí feliz y quiero un Arden en mi vida YA MISMO @ universo lo estoy esperando. Este par de tortolitos para mi fueron almas gemelas, no vi nada malo con su relación, como empezó, como progreso TODO FUE HERMOSO!!!! además de que Yasmin tiene una enfermedad de la cual yo sufrí por un tiempo pero a muy bajo nivel, y verlo representado acá mas rodeada de tanto amo y cariño me hizo sentir calidez en mi corazón.
Este libro es todo lo que esta bueno en esta vida, me encanta la manera de escribir de esta autora y ténganlo por seguro que no será el ultimo libro que lea de ella ❤️🩹🥺
As a diabetic this book literally made me fucking cringe. If arden knows so much about low bloods, why has he let her fall asleep with a 2.1 blood sugar??? Where are her regular blood sugar checks, injections, carbohydrate counting ect?
I literally have had to give up on this book after the 6th chapter because it's hard to read, maybe the diabetes becomes more prominent?
I appreciate what the author is trying to do but this made me physically cringe.
That aside this was just very wattpad and sorta the type of book that would be wrote by a tween ngl🤢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book gave all the feels. It was the perfect boy/girl next door vibes. Such a beautiful representation of diabetes and the way it was handled in the story was well thought out. I loved the chemistry between Chase and Yasmin and the way that he and his friends took such great care of her and her sister *chefs kiss. Yasmine found her found family and they found their missing piece. Can’t wait for all the other books in the New Hope Universe.
Cute book, found is as a TikTok recommendation and decided to take the leap, just didn’t expect it to be so Highschool (the TikTok gave off some older spicy content that was not present). I must have misread as I thought they were in college, but I really enjoyed a cute and simple read. I am curious since this will be turning into a form of a series on what more it will entail.
I think i would give this book 3.5 stars if I had the option, but I feel like it was a little more deserving of a 4 than a 3. I fell in love with Chase and Ardan and as cliche as the story may be, I love me a good love story. I think the plot was a bit fast and there were details that didn’t add up for a while, but eventually resolved themselves.