What do you think?
Rate this book
Catalina Dreams #4
Chasing Chad
It’s time for pedicabby extraordinaire, Andy Molina, to find his man. For the couple of years he’s lived on Catalina Island, Andy has been happy not to get tied down to any guy...or to any plan for his future. But eventually, chickens will come home to roost. Especially if one of the chickens is a father with high expectations for his son.Because while Andy’s been living the life of a laid back beach bum pedi-cab driver, there’s more to him than meets the eye. There’s also more to Chad, the buff blond snorkeling guide who Andy’s been keeping an eye on lately. After a couple of mucked up first impressions, it’s easy for Andy to dismiss Chad as just another island himbo, and for Chad to dismiss Andy as kind of a jerk. But even if these two discover the specialness in each other, could Andy’s question mark of a future tear them apart all over again?Find out in the fourth book of the Catalina Dreams series!
192 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2020
5 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 20, 2021
I feel like odd man out, but this just didn’t work for me. I just couldn’t believe Andy and Chad were a good couple. Andy was pretty unlikable until almost the end. He was pushy and a bit of a jerk. Chad came off as standoffish. It took me three days to read this very short novel because I kept going to read something else. I still love I. M. Flippy and will continue to read her books. Other people seemed to love this book so maybe I was just not in the right mood.
November 12, 2020
I was given a free arc copy from the author for review.
3.5 stars
This is the fourth book in this series but can be read as a standalone. I actually have only read book 3 as an arc in addition to this one and both stand on their own. They may name drop friends from previous books but it's just that. No big deal.
This book was cute without being over the top too mushy. The angst is low. I found the 2 MCs to be likeable. What with Andy riding around on his pedicab and Chad with his fish facts and his love of marine biology. I thought they were well written, well developed. I thought they had great chemistry with each other. The sexy moments are really mild and I actually had to think back and ask myself did they?....there's one scene for sure but like I say not that memorable. The plot is good and I did read it all in one go and didn't find any parts boring but I'd say the plot was just ok. I loved book 3 so much more.
Andy is rich. A typical trust fund baby on the outside. He has a fancy apartment and works when he feels like it, driving a pedicab for fun. He has been on Catalina for a couple years after telling his father he was taking a gap year from school. His father is a rich restaurant owner in LA and wants his son to take over but that isn't what Andy wants. He is told come home or be cut off.
Then Andy meets Chad who works multiple jobs to make ends meet. He is a waitor and also gives snorkeling and boat tours. He is also couch surfing with 2 others. His big dream is to remain on Catalina but also to attend a prestigious University in Marine Biology.
I rate this 3 stars due to the lack of heat, the way less interesting plot compared to the last book, the few parts that seemed unrealistic (nobody's calling the cops on Walter???), and what little angst that was there could of been avoided with communication. It was obvious from the start that Andy loved Chad to the point where he was ready to make big life changes and yet he wouldn't share his ideas with him. I found it hard to believe. Also, it seemed strange that he would rather enrage his father by saying nothing than say hey I got an idea. To me it felt like he was in a nothing else to lose situation so it didn't make sense to keep hiding it even if everyone ended up thinking it was a bad idea
3.5 stars
This is the fourth book in this series but can be read as a standalone. I actually have only read book 3 as an arc in addition to this one and both stand on their own. They may name drop friends from previous books but it's just that. No big deal.
This book was cute without being over the top too mushy. The angst is low. I found the 2 MCs to be likeable. What with Andy riding around on his pedicab and Chad with his fish facts and his love of marine biology. I thought they were well written, well developed. I thought they had great chemistry with each other. The sexy moments are really mild and I actually had to think back and ask myself did they?....there's one scene for sure but like I say not that memorable. The plot is good and I did read it all in one go and didn't find any parts boring but I'd say the plot was just ok. I loved book 3 so much more.
Andy is rich. A typical trust fund baby on the outside. He has a fancy apartment and works when he feels like it, driving a pedicab for fun. He has been on Catalina for a couple years after telling his father he was taking a gap year from school. His father is a rich restaurant owner in LA and wants his son to take over but that isn't what Andy wants. He is told come home or be cut off.
Then Andy meets Chad who works multiple jobs to make ends meet. He is a waitor and also gives snorkeling and boat tours. He is also couch surfing with 2 others. His big dream is to remain on Catalina but also to attend a prestigious University in Marine Biology.
I rate this 3 stars due to the lack of heat, the way less interesting plot compared to the last book, the few parts that seemed unrealistic (nobody's calling the cops on Walter???), and what little angst that was there could of been avoided with communication. It was obvious from the start that Andy loved Chad to the point where he was ready to make big life changes and yet he wouldn't share his ideas with him. I found it hard to believe. Also, it seemed strange that he would rather enrage his father by saying nothing than say hey I got an idea. To me it felt like he was in a nothing else to lose situation so it didn't make sense to keep hiding it even if everyone ended up thinking it was a bad idea
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2020
You should never judge a book by its cover; a lesson most learn the hard way. In this case, a lesson both Chad and Andy learn the hard way. Once that’s corrected, and put aside, they realize there’s actually a lot they really like about each other. Despite their mutual attraction, and genuine interest, there’s a pesky little thing, called money, that threatens to come between them, repeatedly. Mostly because of Chad’s pride, but also because of Andy’s dad’s ultimatum. Watching them struggle, and come to terms was heartbreaking at times. I am happy with how things turned out for our leading men, and I think you will be, too.
This was a fun, low angst, goofy grin inducing book. It was well written, and utterly delightful. Most of the characters, besides Andy’s family, have been in previous books. We met Andy back in book one, when he was eyeballing Charlie’s man, and we met Chad in book two, when he saved Todd’s from drowning. This was their turn to find love. It was good to catch glimpses of the other men.
Despite being book 4 in a series, and sharing characters from the other series, this book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. You won’t feel lost or confused, because the author does a great job at including enough info that you know what they’re talking about. The series is enjoyable, though, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you ended up going back to the beginning to read the other stories. So far, book one and four (this one) are my favorite. I just loved Andy’s spunk from the moment I first met him.
***I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
This was a fun, low angst, goofy grin inducing book. It was well written, and utterly delightful. Most of the characters, besides Andy’s family, have been in previous books. We met Andy back in book one, when he was eyeballing Charlie’s man, and we met Chad in book two, when he saved Todd’s from drowning. This was their turn to find love. It was good to catch glimpses of the other men.
Despite being book 4 in a series, and sharing characters from the other series, this book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. You won’t feel lost or confused, because the author does a great job at including enough info that you know what they’re talking about. The series is enjoyable, though, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you ended up going back to the beginning to read the other stories. So far, book one and four (this one) are my favorite. I just loved Andy’s spunk from the moment I first met him.
***I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
November 13, 2020
This is the fourth book in the series but it can easily be read without first reading all the previous books. It is well written and easy to read. This is the story of Andy, the pedi cab driver/owner. While taking a break after getting his degree, Andy moved to Catalina to recharge and refresh. Here he has been living a beach bum kind of existence without working on his plan for the future. Well the time of reckoning is coming. Either Andy comes up with a plan quickly or his father, who is bank rolling his life, will come up with one for him. Enter Chad. Chad is a struggling snorkeling guide and waiter. Working two jobs, he is trying to save up enough money to go to an exclusive and expensive Marine University. Since Chad is built like a Viking, Andy assumed that he was a person without much substance. When they first meet at a party, Chad realizes that Andy is from money and considers him a jerk.
This is the story of how their relationship finally comes together in spite of both their insecurities. I liked the chemistry between them and their interaction. I had a hard time with the way Andy was portrayed. He is a well educated man and able to express himself yet he doesn't come forward with his dream plan every time someone asks about it. He literally has nothing to lose and yet he still keeps quiet. I didn't find that went along with the way his character was portrayed.
This is sweet story. It is not my favorite but it is still a good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the story of how their relationship finally comes together in spite of both their insecurities. I liked the chemistry between them and their interaction. I had a hard time with the way Andy was portrayed. He is a well educated man and able to express himself yet he doesn't come forward with his dream plan every time someone asks about it. He literally has nothing to lose and yet he still keeps quiet. I didn't find that went along with the way his character was portrayed.
This is sweet story. It is not my favorite but it is still a good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2020
Andy makes a terrible first impression on Chad. He sees the muscles, and the name, and--not much else. In fact, Chad's first, second, and third impressions of Andy are all the same: that he's a spoiled rich kid-- cute, but annoyingly privileged. Both of them learn, over the course of the novel, that there's more to each of them, and that they can face life's challenges better together. I loved Chad from the start of this novel: his drive, his quiet ambition, his patience and resilience won me over. Andy was a harder sell, because he really is a spoiled rich kid, but one with depths and dimensions that he thankfully manages to develop as the novel goes on. Catalina is a beautifully picturesque setting, and Andy's family are boisterous and surprisingly awesome, after some initial tension. The relationship between Chad and Andy brings out the best in both of them, and it's lovely to see them build from annoyed acquaintances to friends to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2020
I received a free copy/ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think Andy’s story has been the one I was most excited for since we met him in Moored Heart, and I.M. Flippy did not disappoint!
Andy, Catilina’s local pedicab driver trying to find a direction for his life, and Chad, the snorkel tour instructor with dreams of being a marine biologist, come together in Chasing Chad and their romance is so sweet. I really loved both characters’ personalities right from the start. I was wondering who could match Andy’s enthusiasm we had seen in the previous books of the series, and Chad is definitely it! Both guys spend a majority of the book being so supportive and sweet to one another, I couldn’t help but love their journey.
As always I wish we could have spent more time with the characters, maybe diving more into Chad’s relationship with his family as it compared to Andy’s, or with how Chad’s roommates dealt with their new info about Chad. However I still say this is my second favorite book of the series so far, just behind Moored Heart! Eagerly awaiting I.M. Flippy’s next adventure!
I think Andy’s story has been the one I was most excited for since we met him in Moored Heart, and I.M. Flippy did not disappoint!
Andy, Catilina’s local pedicab driver trying to find a direction for his life, and Chad, the snorkel tour instructor with dreams of being a marine biologist, come together in Chasing Chad and their romance is so sweet. I really loved both characters’ personalities right from the start. I was wondering who could match Andy’s enthusiasm we had seen in the previous books of the series, and Chad is definitely it! Both guys spend a majority of the book being so supportive and sweet to one another, I couldn’t help but love their journey.
As always I wish we could have spent more time with the characters, maybe diving more into Chad’s relationship with his family as it compared to Andy’s, or with how Chad’s roommates dealt with their new info about Chad. However I still say this is my second favorite book of the series so far, just behind Moored Heart! Eagerly awaiting I.M. Flippy’s next adventure!
November 13, 2020
When you take a gap to look for yourself, sometimes, you find more. Andy in Catalina, drooling over the deliciousness of the summer tourists. Charlie & Gus are no longer available wingmen. They found their 'one'! Andy claims responsibility for all his friends' matchups. He noticed Chad's good looks and assumed he had nothing going on upstairs. Chad worked the snorkeling tours and driving the glass bottom boat. He also worked as a waiter at Zoukas'. He shared an apartment with 3 other guys trying to save money to pay for school. He slept on the couch. Andy drove a pedal taxi living in a Condo paid for by his dad. He never told his friends he was rich. Did they know? Chad and Andy carried luggage that sometime got in the way of their relationship. They challenge each other. Does the challenge go to far, ask too much? Will Andy find himself? Can Andy give Chad confidence? How will Andy's family see Chad? Will Chad's abusive dad catch up to him? Good story. Great character development. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Catalina Dreams series, but it is a complete standalone. Andy and Chad live in Catalina Island, and have recently started a relationship. Andy is the son of a self-made rich restaurant owner in L.A., but he has been living in Catalina Island for the past two years, ever since he graduated college. His father allowed him to take some time off after college, but now it's time to come back home and work at the family business.
Chad grew up poor with an absentee father, and works as a snorkel instructor on the beach but his dream is to be able to attend a high end institute and become a marine scientist. Andy's dream is to open a shelter for LBGT kids who have nowhere to go, like Chad had been, but he's aware his father wants him at the family business and will cut him off if he doesn't return. Chad and Andy are well aware that their relationship can't last because their circumstances are pulling them apart. Can they find a way to stay together while following their individual dreams?
Chad grew up poor with an absentee father, and works as a snorkel instructor on the beach but his dream is to be able to attend a high end institute and become a marine scientist. Andy's dream is to open a shelter for LBGT kids who have nowhere to go, like Chad had been, but he's aware his father wants him at the family business and will cut him off if he doesn't return. Chad and Andy are well aware that their relationship can't last because their circumstances are pulling them apart. Can they find a way to stay together while following their individual dreams?
November 26, 2020
This is romantic, charming and entertaining. Andy is flirty, charming and confident. Until he actually meets the guy he calls Beefcake, who he has been crushing on. Beefcake is actually a hard working, determined and shy Chad. Chad turns Andy down a few times, but that doesn't stop Andy from chasing him. It isn't until Chad hurts himself, and has to let Andy help him, that the two learn that their preconceived notions about each other is wrong. Andy is so impressed with Chad, he becomes unsure of himself, which makes Chad more confident. Andy is impressed because Chad has overcome a lot, and has a dream he's working towards. Chad is impressed because Andy us a rich boy who has dreams of helping kids like he was. These guys are so adorable and caring and protective. The storyline has several surprises, which turns it into a very different story than how it starts and will leave a smile on your face.
December 3, 2020
Didn't love this as much as the other books in the series (especially Booked for Love). The romance between Andy and Chad was kind of meh, and it felt like they went from mutual mistrust to madly in love over the course of one day. The pacing was strange too; the big climax occurred in the middle of the book, and then the plot kind of fizzled out, with the focus more on Andy's professional dreams and family dynamics than his romance with Chad. Maybe it's time for Ms. Flippy to move on to a new setting with different characters. I still find her writing breezy, light and enjoyable, but this book was a slight disappointment.
November 17, 2020
Delightful slow-burn romance where differences make the relationship even more special. These guys have some first meetings that don't go well due to incorrect assumptions. I really loved these characters and we get to really know them as they slowly go from wrong impressions to actually learning each other. Andy and Chad, both have their dreams and they have a lot to learn from each other. I liked the pacing of the story and I found myself enjoying and reading in one sitting. There is a little angst but it is mostly a warm and feel-good story.
This is book four of the Catalina Dreams series and it can be read as a stand-alone story.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
This is book four of the Catalina Dreams series and it can be read as a stand-alone story.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
November 21, 2020
So far out of the previous books in this series, this story was my favorite. I absolutely loved Andy and adored Chad. Andy was so sweet (very snarky and full of life) and he really did "chase" Chad. He didn't give up after being shot down a couple of times...he was determined. Chad had his issues but when he finally warmed up to Andy, that's when the full enjoyment for me begin. I had a lot of laughs, some tears, and a whole lot of smiles. Very little angst but a whole lot of romance. Their romance was sooooooooo sweet with HOT moments that made them a HOT couple. Absolutely loved it...everything about this story was wonderful and I'm glad I was given a chance to read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2021
Best book I've read in a long time!
Within a few PAGES I fell in love with these characters, and they're written so well. I love their personalities, their backstories, their interactions and the way they talk to each other. I was rooting for them the whole time and in the end there, I had to skip forward a chapter or two and cheat-read, because I needed to know what was to happen! XD
The surrounding characters were also very well-written and likeable, and the whole thing painted a lovely little picture of their corner of the world on Catalina island.
It was just ... it left me with a warm feeling in my heart and a smile on my face. A lovely, lovely feelgood-book that I highly recommend! I really enjoyed reading this.
Within a few PAGES I fell in love with these characters, and they're written so well. I love their personalities, their backstories, their interactions and the way they talk to each other. I was rooting for them the whole time and in the end there, I had to skip forward a chapter or two and cheat-read, because I needed to know what was to happen! XD
The surrounding characters were also very well-written and likeable, and the whole thing painted a lovely little picture of their corner of the world on Catalina island.
It was just ... it left me with a warm feeling in my heart and a smile on my face. A lovely, lovely feelgood-book that I highly recommend! I really enjoyed reading this.
November 2, 2020
Andy has been avoiding his future for two years, driving a pedi-cab and hanging out with friends. Chad runs snorkel tours and waits tables part time so he can make enough money to finish college. When these two meet, it's definitely NOT love at first sight, and that makes their future run-ins even more comical. I loved the way their feelings toward each other evolved as they got to know more details of their lives. They each had their own issues that make them less than ideal partners, but love has a way of not caring about the small stuff. These two will make you laugh, and cry....and even make you a little warm under the collar!
May 13, 2023
Flippy! It's perfect!! People, if you've never read an I.M. Flippy book, you are missing the quintessential SoCal author! Every note is L.A. perfection, or in this case, Catalina personified. Every single setting is spot on, from the Catalina Express to Two Harbors on the other side of the island. So so so perfect! And all the people, I swear, are guys I either know or have seen in passing. Yeah, even Walter Frankel. Oh, Andy's father was absolutely magnificent at that point. Sigh! I'm only upset because I don't have any new Flippy stories to read now...
November 12, 2020
Lovely sweet romance.
This is an enjoyable romance between two very likeable characters, Andy and Chad. They initially don’t think much of each other but once they realise that their first impressions were incorrect they start to get to know each other better. After a couple of small bumps along the way they get their HEA and their dreams come true.
This book flows along at a nice even pace that keeps you engaged. There’s light and fluffy moments balanced out with a little bit of angst.
It’s a lighthearted feel good read that was an enjoyable way to fill in an afternoon.
This is an enjoyable romance between two very likeable characters, Andy and Chad. They initially don’t think much of each other but once they realise that their first impressions were incorrect they start to get to know each other better. After a couple of small bumps along the way they get their HEA and their dreams come true.
This book flows along at a nice even pace that keeps you engaged. There’s light and fluffy moments balanced out with a little bit of angst.
It’s a lighthearted feel good read that was an enjoyable way to fill in an afternoon.
November 13, 2020
The stories here on Catalina Island are so special. Chad and Andy bring their love story to life and allow us along for the fun. Stereotyping is never okay and Andy was guilty and so was Chad upon their first meetings. I enjoyed Andy’s loyalty Chad. They were great together. Andy’s family proved amazing as well. This story was sweet with a bit of a traumatic past for Chad but with Andy their future is bright. A lovely story with a tremendously happy ending. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
November 17, 2020
Andy and Chad are so different and they have been on different paths through life. But what is cool in this story is that they meet at an intersection of their lives and these opposites find attraction and take their time discovering in one another the things that are special and lead to them developing connection to one another. Andy finally gets what some of his friends have gotten - he found someone to enjoy his life with. This was good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2020
Ugh! What else can I say but Andy got EXACTLY the story he needed. As a headstrong opinionated character through the first three Books it was about about time he met his match in Chad. And Andy has a secret that no one knew.....for someone who was so open it was a doozy. Chad didn’t like Andy - which made Andy want him more! Their relationship Is not without angst but they got their HEA and made the world a better place
November 14, 2020
I loved this story!!! Andy is the local pedicab driver on Catalina Island and Chad is the snorkel instructor. Their personalities clash in the beginning, but their feelings quickly evolve. They are both supportive to one another. The character and relationship development were excellent. This quickly became one of my stories from the Catalina Dreams series. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
November 17, 2020
Chad & Andy are the complete opposite yet so perfect for each other. Chad has his future planned out but Andy doesn’t. As each event unfolds in their story the closer these two get & eventually fall in love! Unfortunately, some things come out about Andy that threaten to tear these two amazing men apart but love prevails &
Things work out the way they are suppose to! This was such a sweet story as has been the whole series! ❤️😀
Things work out the way they are suppose to! This was such a sweet story as has been the whole series! ❤️😀
November 23, 2020
Chad and Andy seemed like a mismatch at first -- but when hidden depths are revealed, bridges are built and a beautiful romance develops. It was entirely satisfying to see things blossom for Andy in particular, and to read a story where the characters have such interesting and nuanced backstories that influence how they interact with each other, which sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Andy's family make a rich (literally and figuratively) background to this story.
I loved this addition to the Catalina series, and seeing all of the lovely guest appearances from Catalina characters!
I loved this addition to the Catalina series, and seeing all of the lovely guest appearances from Catalina characters!
November 9, 2020
Andy is care-free and is the life of the party but has a secret. Chad has been on his own since he was a teenager and works hard for what he has. They each have their own dreams. When they meet they rub each other the wrong way but when they really get to know each other things change. I really enjoy this book.
November 11, 2020
This is an entertaining story with strong characters in Chad and Andy. The author does a great job building their relationship and gives them quite a few obstacles to overcome along the way. She paints her scenes vividly and moves the story fluidly and brings all the feels in this romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
November 17, 2020
I really enjoyed the way the author took two characters who initially seemed sort of shallow and aimless and allowed us to learn about their true depths of character. Both men had great backstories and watching them start off like oil and water, only to eventually mesh in such a perfect way kept me hooked.
November 20, 2020
Hm... I am such a huge fan of this author, but I have to admit that this Catalina series has not blown me away. This one was... fine? 🤷♀️ Forgettable. Without any real conflict. I skimmed a lot. Had it been my first read by this author, I wouldn't be back, but since I know she also has stories like her first ones in her, I'll keep right on reading her new releases as they come out.
November 13, 2020
Sweet story. I.M. Flippy Catalina stories are proving to be a great read. Despite their bumpy start, Andy and Chad found the worth in each other. Good job!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews