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Chasing Sunsets
A week in paradise, on the company dime, with your best friend - What could be better? How about a night with the ex-military SCUBA instructor? Or what if it turns into more than just a night?
Gabriel wanted nothing more than to escape the same old lonely day to day he always faces. When he and Deepa decide to spend an extra week in paradise and get in a couple adventures after their work conference, he never would have guessed he would find himself tongue-tied and stupid, on his knees, at the feet of their drop-dead gorgeous and cranky as hell SCUBA instructor. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Sonny, and Cher… this wasn’t how this trip was supposed to go.
Cade wasn’t even supposed to be the one leading this little diving excursion, but when his roommate turns up MIA and calls in a favor, he finds himself tripping over a silver-haired little shark in the waters of his perfectly controlled life. Quiet, stoic, all too serious, his life doesn’t have room for noise, for color, for distractions. Until Gabriel turns up literally at his feet, forcing Cade’s cranky self into a full-on Technicolor world, at least for the weekend. But what if he wants to be more than just a vacation fling for this little shark?
Chasing Sunsets is a contemporary MM vacation romance between a grumpy SCUBA instructor and glittery ball of sunshine. This book is full of snarky best friends, endless banter, nerdy references galore, and steamy fun on a boat under the stars. You may never be able to listen to baby shark the same way again after reading this.
Gabriel wanted nothing more than to escape the same old lonely day to day he always faces. When he and Deepa decide to spend an extra week in paradise and get in a couple adventures after their work conference, he never would have guessed he would find himself tongue-tied and stupid, on his knees, at the feet of their drop-dead gorgeous and cranky as hell SCUBA instructor. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Sonny, and Cher… this wasn’t how this trip was supposed to go.
Cade wasn’t even supposed to be the one leading this little diving excursion, but when his roommate turns up MIA and calls in a favor, he finds himself tripping over a silver-haired little shark in the waters of his perfectly controlled life. Quiet, stoic, all too serious, his life doesn’t have room for noise, for color, for distractions. Until Gabriel turns up literally at his feet, forcing Cade’s cranky self into a full-on Technicolor world, at least for the weekend. But what if he wants to be more than just a vacation fling for this little shark?
Chasing Sunsets is a contemporary MM vacation romance between a grumpy SCUBA instructor and glittery ball of sunshine. This book is full of snarky best friends, endless banter, nerdy references galore, and steamy fun on a boat under the stars. You may never be able to listen to baby shark the same way again after reading this.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2023
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 23, 2023
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“Give me tonight. Just tonight. Let us have one more night together before we have to make any decisions. One more night before the real world closes in.”
“One more sunset.”
Yes, I am once again baffled at myself that I am reading a novella, after I've sworn them off - BUT, shockingly enough, Chasing Sunsets wasn't half-bad as I thought it would be. Told in dual POV, the insta-love affair of Cade and Gabriel didn't hold back any punches in their steamy sex scenes or their affection for each other.
“So what, I would be? Your employee? Where would I stay? Would there be enough for me to do to make rent and pay bills and all that shit? What would I be?”
“You’d be mine. Full stop. Just mine.”
It's a whirlwind of a Hawaiian by-chance vacation romance that sweeps both of them off their feet and realizing that they're each other soulmates - the one person who makes their life complete. Gabriel, in the hopes of finding his one true love and settling down, gets roped into a scuba-diving lesson, where he meets the very gorgeously attractive Cade, who equally finds himself captivated by this beautiful puppy of a student. 💞💞
Very swoon-worthy, very lovey-dovey, very much in tune with each other, that despite my dislike for the insta-love trope, I had a silly grin on my face as I watched their chemistry heat up the pages. 🔥🔥 I figured, if you are going to read a novella - this is to be expected - the bonus point is when it's written well, and makes you connect with the characters, and I'm glad it worked here! 😄
“It means I’m done chasing sunsets.” I lean in and press a quick kiss to his lips, finally opening my eyes to look at him. “It means that wherever you are,” I kiss him again, “that’s where I want to be.” another kiss. “If you’ll have me.”
Gabriel and his bestie, Dee's friendship was honestly one of the highlights of this sweet short read! Totally agree with Cade's observations - how they flirted between snarky and affectionate, I got whiplash as much as he did!
And it was well-written! Funny, sexy, smart, witty banter, fantastic supportive friends, and still choke-full of fun feels, J.E. Joyce captured perfectly how love can just brighten up your day, your life, no matter how hard you deny that what you're feeling is actually love. And that when that bright sun is out of your life, then what then?? How do you move on from what you knew in your heart wouldn't last - couldn't last?
"I don't know who I am anymore now that he’s gone? It’s been a handful of days, not even, since I first saw him on his knees at my feet on that damn dock. Love at first sight isn’t a concept I believe in, something I have ever bought into. Lust at first sight, sure. Infatuation, why not. But full-on love?
There’s no way. Love is hard won, and hard-fought, but worth it when you manage to build it. Build it, not have it fall at your feet on a random Friday in January, and then refuse to get in the damn water while on a dive."
I never expected to be so emotionally invested in someone else's happiness, but the fact that they got their HEA - albeit in a very convenient fashion - it still was so rewarding to read. 🥰🥰
“Give me tonight. Just tonight. Let us have one more night together before we have to make any decisions. One more night before the real world closes in.”
“One more sunset.”
Yes, I am once again baffled at myself that I am reading a novella, after I've sworn them off - BUT, shockingly enough, Chasing Sunsets wasn't half-bad as I thought it would be. Told in dual POV, the insta-love affair of Cade and Gabriel didn't hold back any punches in their steamy sex scenes or their affection for each other.
“So what, I would be? Your employee? Where would I stay? Would there be enough for me to do to make rent and pay bills and all that shit? What would I be?”
“You’d be mine. Full stop. Just mine.”
It's a whirlwind of a Hawaiian by-chance vacation romance that sweeps both of them off their feet and realizing that they're each other soulmates - the one person who makes their life complete. Gabriel, in the hopes of finding his one true love and settling down, gets roped into a scuba-diving lesson, where he meets the very gorgeously attractive Cade, who equally finds himself captivated by this beautiful puppy of a student. 💞💞
Very swoon-worthy, very lovey-dovey, very much in tune with each other, that despite my dislike for the insta-love trope, I had a silly grin on my face as I watched their chemistry heat up the pages. 🔥🔥 I figured, if you are going to read a novella - this is to be expected - the bonus point is when it's written well, and makes you connect with the characters, and I'm glad it worked here! 😄
“It means I’m done chasing sunsets.” I lean in and press a quick kiss to his lips, finally opening my eyes to look at him. “It means that wherever you are,” I kiss him again, “that’s where I want to be.” another kiss. “If you’ll have me.”
Gabriel and his bestie, Dee's friendship was honestly one of the highlights of this sweet short read! Totally agree with Cade's observations - how they flirted between snarky and affectionate, I got whiplash as much as he did!
And it was well-written! Funny, sexy, smart, witty banter, fantastic supportive friends, and still choke-full of fun feels, J.E. Joyce captured perfectly how love can just brighten up your day, your life, no matter how hard you deny that what you're feeling is actually love. And that when that bright sun is out of your life, then what then?? How do you move on from what you knew in your heart wouldn't last - couldn't last?
"I don't know who I am anymore now that he’s gone? It’s been a handful of days, not even, since I first saw him on his knees at my feet on that damn dock. Love at first sight isn’t a concept I believe in, something I have ever bought into. Lust at first sight, sure. Infatuation, why not. But full-on love?
There’s no way. Love is hard won, and hard-fought, but worth it when you manage to build it. Build it, not have it fall at your feet on a random Friday in January, and then refuse to get in the damn water while on a dive."
I never expected to be so emotionally invested in someone else's happiness, but the fact that they got their HEA - albeit in a very convenient fashion - it still was so rewarding to read. 🥰🥰
July 4, 2023
DNF @ 16%.
95% of the reason for DNFing is the annoying amount of pop culture references. I almost DNF’d at 10%, and again at 15%… and that one last percent was the last straw. Good Omens, Thor Ragnorak, WoW, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Joe Versus the Volcano, Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, “Daniel Craig’s stepping out of the Mediterranean in Casino Royale”, Manu Bennett, etc.
The other 5% is split between Gabriel and Dee being annoying (how many times do you need to call each other “bitch”), and the use of “nonexistent gay boy ovaries explode”… ovaries exploding isn’t a good thing, even when they are nonexistent ones.
95% of the reason for DNFing is the annoying amount of pop culture references. I almost DNF’d at 10%, and again at 15%… and that one last percent was the last straw. Good Omens, Thor Ragnorak, WoW, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Joe Versus the Volcano, Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, “Daniel Craig’s stepping out of the Mediterranean in Casino Royale”, Manu Bennett, etc.
The other 5% is split between Gabriel and Dee being annoying (how many times do you need to call each other “bitch”), and the use of “nonexistent gay boy ovaries explode”… ovaries exploding isn’t a good thing, even when they are nonexistent ones.
January 30, 2023
This is such a great insta-love, over the top M/M romance! Set in dreamy Hawaii, Cade and Gabriel’s whirlwind of a relationship is both hot and ridiculously sweet. Throw in all of the fabulous supporting characters and quippy one-liners and you’ve got yourself one fantastic and fun novella.
January 31, 2023
I absolutely LOVED it!! Gabe and Cade were true soulmates!!!! I love how they meet and are drawn to each other instantly! I felt every single emotion throughout the whole book!!! I laughed, I cried! I love Gabe’s bestie and all of Cade’s friends! Let’s not forget the smexy times🔥🔥🥵🥵🤤🤤 So freaking AMAZING!!!! I love them so so much!!! I can’t WAIT for more from this author! You are so freaking talented!!! Highly highly recommend this book ❤️❤️❤️
February 5, 2023
Ok so this is my first by J.E. Joyce and I can’t wait to see what comes from this up and coming author. This book has the romance of the hot scuba instructor, the fun bestie who is your ride or die. I have never fallen in love with a book so quickly. I was hook line and sinker for these two. Gabriel and Cade were just so much fun to watch. And Cades roommates. I loved that we were also introduced to their friends. I became invested in their lives. I love their chemistry but also the way their story played out for them. Not everything is going to be easy. Always leave a card. I couldn’t put this book down. I can not wait to see what happens next. I absolutely recommend this book.
February 3, 2023
Chasing Sunsets is a fun, sweet (but plenty steamy) M/M vacation romance. Even in this short story, you can't help but love Cade and Gabriel, and I really want see more of the side characters (and it seems it may be set up where I'll get my wish). The snark and banter were spot on across the board, but especially between Gabriel and his friend Dee. The romance was definitely insta-lovey, but it's near impossible to not be in the context of a novella (or a vacation romance for that matter), so I knew what I was getting from the start in that regard. I did KINDA want to deduct a star for the fact that I've been humming "Baby Shark" for two days now, but I didn't ;)
February 21, 2025
A work conference for flamboyant Gabe and his catty BFF, Dee, in a paradise-resort for free? Sure!
Going on a Scuba Excursion with a super hot, although grumpy, Instructor Cade and then spending the night with him? HELL YEAH!
What happens when the vacation ends? What if one hot night turns into multiple nights?
So...I love a good M/M romance, good pacing, banter and humor, a rom-com, spice that loosens your collar and happens multiple times, and is that there, yes....BUT....
-parts of the characterization of both MCs made them feel less ideally matched due to choices or things they say; their character arc felt kind of weak too. (I do understand that its a novella, so I have to remember that you don't have all the pages to accomplish everything)
-If you like spice like I do, yay great, however, unless you suspend disbelief, one of the scenes definitely wouldn't happen this way because OUCH! for both parties, so it made the other spice scenes feel a bit sore-inducing, even if still collar-loosening.
All in all, if you want hot guys, a tropical location, spice, and a romance, maybe its for you.
Going on a Scuba Excursion with a super hot, although grumpy, Instructor Cade and then spending the night with him? HELL YEAH!
What happens when the vacation ends? What if one hot night turns into multiple nights?
So...I love a good M/M romance, good pacing, banter and humor, a rom-com, spice that loosens your collar and happens multiple times, and is that there, yes....BUT....
-parts of the characterization of both MCs made them feel less ideally matched due to choices or things they say; their character arc felt kind of weak too. (I do understand that its a novella, so I have to remember that you don't have all the pages to accomplish everything)
-If you like spice like I do, yay great, however, unless you suspend disbelief, one of the scenes definitely wouldn't happen this way because OUCH! for both parties, so it made the other spice scenes feel a bit sore-inducing, even if still collar-loosening.
All in all, if you want hot guys, a tropical location, spice, and a romance, maybe its for you.
April 29, 2025
This was a delightful, quick read for me, and I’m usually a slow reader!
The banter between all the characters in this book was spot on to the conversation my queer friends and I have with each other—the dialogue especially flowed like some of the gay group chats I’m in with my friends, all of which have chaotic queer coded names like ‘Haus of Ciccone’ or ‘original tired ass show girls’… IYKYK! Bravo at capturing the reference-heavy dialogue style of wild twinks!
As a gay man, I can say I know several spitfire twinks like Gabriel (I’m actually engaged to one😂) and just as many loving, grumpy dominant guys like Cade.
In the era of queer book banning, this was one of my favorites of the year thus far. Definitely get yourself a copy!
The banter between all the characters in this book was spot on to the conversation my queer friends and I have with each other—the dialogue especially flowed like some of the gay group chats I’m in with my friends, all of which have chaotic queer coded names like ‘Haus of Ciccone’ or ‘original tired ass show girls’… IYKYK! Bravo at capturing the reference-heavy dialogue style of wild twinks!
As a gay man, I can say I know several spitfire twinks like Gabriel (I’m actually engaged to one😂) and just as many loving, grumpy dominant guys like Cade.
In the era of queer book banning, this was one of my favorites of the year thus far. Definitely get yourself a copy!
February 12, 2024
I was thoroughly embarrassed at the level of millennial, pop-culture nonsense that was in this (baby shark, lady gaga, tom hanks, Madonna, to just name a few)...also the huge stereotypes of gay men is so boring, this feels like it was written by a straight woman who fetishizes gay men and wants a 'gay best friend.'
There's zero depth to the characters and their relationship. If it was going to be all smut then don't bother with the shitty backstory. Makes zero sense.
I'd give negative stars if I could.
There's zero depth to the characters and their relationship. If it was going to be all smut then don't bother with the shitty backstory. Makes zero sense.
I'd give negative stars if I could.
February 1, 2023
Fun ad sexy read!
Loved this book so much. Esp the setting as I'm Hawaiian myself. Loved everything about it. It's funny as hell - def wouldnt ’t read it in public. Highly recommended!
Loved this book so much. Esp the setting as I'm Hawaiian myself. Loved everything about it. It's funny as hell - def wouldnt ’t read it in public. Highly recommended!
February 2, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author and it was so amazing. I loved Gabriel and Cade and their adventure into love with each other. It has such wonderful characters and the storyline keeps you wanting more. I can't wait to see what this author offers us next.
February 6, 2025
A fun, rompy beach read (that was perfect for pulling me out of my snowstorm slump). The character development was incredible - expertly using familiar tropes to reel you in, then fleshing them out with a twist to make them seemingly effortlessly 3 dimensional.
February 16, 2024
It was a very light story. No depth but funny, well not that funny !! The dialogs were so superficial and juvenile !
It passed the time !!
It passed the time !!
July 11, 2024
Totally OTT insta-love romance with no depth at all.
But for these few pages I actually enjoyed Gabriel's attitude and snark. 😂 😍
3.5 stars
But for these few pages I actually enjoyed Gabriel's attitude and snark. 😂 😍
3.5 stars
January 16, 2026
2.5 rounded up! I think this author is so fun, but instalove & heavy millennial references is just not for me. I’ll try another by them sometime!
November 29, 2025
An ok read I guess, have to admit to a certain amount of skimming.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews