Title: Thrill of the Chase
Author: Kathryn Nolan
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genres: Adventure, Romance
Representation: WLW
Thrill of the Chase is one of those books that is just about perfectly put together . . . perfectly balanced. It's got just the right amount of adventure and romance; the right mix of personalities; the right blend of intimate romance and extended family drama; and a near-perfect pacing that keeps you fully engaged, anxiously turning pages to see what's next. This was my first encounter with Kathryn Nolan, and you can rest assured I'll be reading more.
Harper is a reporter who not only refuses to ride the coattails of her father's legacy but is chasing the one story he could never land. She's after the famously elusive treasure hunter Monty Montana and the legend of the Blackburn Diamonds―but standing in her way is the infuriating (and exciting) Eve. Monty's niece and sometimes partner in treasure hunting, she's chasing her aunt as well, fiercely protective of the older woman's privacy, and determine to find the diamonds before her rivals.
The enemies-to-lovers trope is explored to perfection here, with it taking a long while before Harper and Eve give in to their affections, but doing so for all the right reasons. Together, they lead the reader through research, discussion, chasing treasure, evading competitors, and doing some actual treasure hunting. All too often these stories are weighted heavily on the side of romance, scarcely paying lip service to the adventure, but here it all works.
Layered atop that treasure hunt, and tying together the stories of Eve and Monty, is a slow unveiling of a slice of queer history that casts the treasure hunt in a whole new light. Sure, a few pieces come together too easily, and there are coincidences that require a little "willing suspension of disbelief" to work, but it all works for the right reasons, so it's entirely forgivable.
In the end, the Thrill of the Chase is the thrill of the read, and getting to know these women, their history, and their passions is a treasure all its own.
Rating: ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ 1/2
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Comments
Post a Comment