Book Shelf: Chasing Forever Down (Drenaline Surf #1) by Nikki Godwin

After seventeen-year-old Haley Sullivan meets a mysterious stranger who plays by his own rules, she's more than determined to learn every trick of the trade from the master himself. But her dream-chasing mentor disappears after that night, and according to the local newspapers, he's been dead for years. Knowing he's very much alive, Haley enlists best friend Linzi to join her on a scavenger-hunt-style road trip that ultimately lands them in the surf town of Crescent Cove, California. Mystery guy is no mystery here, though – he's Colby Taylor, the west coast's biggest professional surfer.

If Haley wants to talk to the wave rider again, she'll have to get past his four intimidating bodyguards who are highly skilled in the business of sending starstruck fangirls back to where they belong. Haley is up for the challenge if it means chasing her dreams and escaping the perfectly corporate future that's been planned for her. But dealing with these bodyguards isn't exactly what Haley imagined it'd be. Sure, being thrown off a jet ski sucks, but falling in love with one of them might just be worse.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Chasing Forever Down is the first book in Nikki Godwin's Drenaline Surf series and see's a seventeen year old Hayley chase her dreams when she embarks on a spur of the moment journey to discover the whereabouts of the mysterious stranger she met the night before. What abounds is an expected journey of discoveries in this fun, light hearted tale of sun, surf and friendship.

I have to say Chasing Forever Down was a really fun book to read. I'll be honest, I wasn't drawn in as immediately as I was reading Nikki Godwin's other story, American Girl on Saturn, but once Chasing Forever Down did catch my attention, I was well and truly hooked.

Following seventeen year old dreamer Hayley Sullivan after she meets a mysterious stranger at a party only to have him then disappears on her, Chasing Forever Down details the adventure Hayley, and her friend Linzi find themselves on as they race halfway across the country to find this mysterious man his family believes is dead but who is very much alive; living the high life as the west coasts most popular surfer, Colby Taylor.

This book was really different in terms of what I've read before. Whilst it seems like a very basic idea, Godwin does a good job of twisting things. Think the story sounds typical....girl chases boy, finds boy, ends up with boy.... and on and on? Wrong! I was pleasantly surprised to discover that, while the story begins with Hayley meeting Colby, and then looking for him after he disappears on her, Chasing Forever Down actually centers around the other people in Colby's life--his "bodyguards".

As Hayley attempts to reach Colby through each of the young men surrounding him, she slowly gets to know them and learns about the lives they lead outside of Colby; surprising herself when she discovers something unexpected.....real friendship and happiness.

I will say that there were so many characters in Chasing Forever Down, almost too many at times to keep track of. That being said, I think Nikki did a really good job giving them individual personalities and allowing them to all play their own roles in the story.

Something I've noticed with Nikki's books is that she's very adamant about writing strong, solid friendships between her male and female characters and this is something I just love seeing! I really loved how Hayley went to find Colby Taylor, but ends up finding deeper friendships and a feeling of home through those around him in Chasing Forever Down.

As far as the characters go, A.J. was lovable as a cheeky, tattooed and reckless hooligan who worms his way into Hayley's heart and soon becomes her best friend, Vin was perfect as the mysterious con artist who actually has a whole other side and life to him, Reed was great as an all-round nice guy and Topher stole my heart with his larrikin ways. Kale, Alston, Linzi...they all provided comic relief to the story and enhanced the reading experience.

I don't want to give away too much, but Godwin does a great job adding that perfect touch of romance to the story. With so many male characters, in the beginning it's not evident just who will become Hayley's love interest (or is it?!?) but it's still a lovely written romance that develops over time and isn't too much too soon.

Featuring a fantastic cast of characters, a fun storyline and plenty of excitement, Chasing Forever Down is a really great little read. I wasn't ready for the story to end when it eventually did so, but I'm looking forward to seeing more of Hayley and the guys in the next book!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Oops! I Read Again Tours and the author (Thank you Diane and Nikki!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords
My Recommendation: If you like fun and flirty stories then this is perfect for you
Cover: Honestly, I'm not that impressed. The cover could be better
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes, I'm very much looking forward to the second book