Chasing Love: The Owens

Plain Daisy Ranch, Book 5

It was over between Bennett Owens and me—until I had no place to go but back to Willowbrook.

Seven years ago, he walked away, and I built a new life for myself, swearing never to look back. But when my husband is arrested, that life collapses, leaving my daughter and me with nothing but a three-month plan to return to the small ranch town before disappearing again.

Bennett’s a single dad now. Our girls become inseparable on sight, making it impossible to keep him at arm’s length. Especially when I end up working alongside him, where every glance chips away at the walls I’ve built.

The years apart haven’t dulled the pull between us. Bennett remains protective and patient, determined to prove that we deserve a second chance. But he has no idea about the secret I’ve kept since the day he left.

Because once he learns the truth, he may never forgive me. And like it or not, we’ll be bound together forever—by the daughter he never knew was his.

©2025 Piper Rayne Inc. (P)2025 Piper Rayne Inc.

A second chance love story about CHOOSING love over and over again

ARC Review | I should start by saying that this was my first Piper Rayne book, and I wish I had been introduced to her books sooner, because OMG... I have been missing out.

I loved this book, and it further amplifies my belief that the world works in mysterious ways...
To explain, this book was a second chance love story about two single parents... but the best part for me was how the FMC, Delaney, falls in love with the MMC's daughter. How Delaney CHOOSES to be her mother and to love her as her own had me in tears (and I'm not a crier - at all!!).
This resonated so much to me because, uniquely, I HAVE a mom who did not give birth to me, and CHOSE to love me and parent me as her own.
Again - the universe works in mysterious ways, because how would anyone have known that I would be chosen for as an Advanced Reader for a book that resonated SO MUCH with mine and my families story & dynamic.
All I can say is well done, Piper! The complexity of a non-traditional family/parental dynamic was so well written!

And, as I said at the beginning, this was the first book I've read of this series and it has me excited to go back to the beginning and read the rest of the books in the Plain Daisy Ranch series!!

Love that never fades ❤️

Bennet and Delaney’s love story was a long messy one. The first love, first heartbreak, second chances, more heartbreak, and now in present day it’s their third chance at love and happiness. But years of their separate lives and secrets they’ve both kept are threatening that chance now, especially the secret that Laney’s daughter is Bennet’s. These two were meant to be though and their sweet family that came out of it was perfect ❤️

I loved the side characters which were basically all of Bennet’s family. Their interests in Bennet and Laney’s relationship and the way they all kept trying to push them together was very comical. They weren’t really secretive about it at all 😂 And when the truth came out about Bennet having a secret daughter with Laney, the welcoming and love they had for Laney and Leia was everything! 😍

The duet narration was great and the narrators were both perfect for these characters. They did a fantastic job! This book had a good mix of sweetness, angst, yearning, drama, humor, and love. If you’re a fan of any of that, then I totally recommend a listen! ❤️

My poor heart

Oh man, my poor heart. Delaney and Bennett were so sweet. But the drama and the secrets gave my heart palpitations. The spice was great. The store is fantastic. I really truly enjoyed this book so much.

Loved this 🥰

Delaney and Bennett’s story was a ride of high and lows. JF Harding and Erin Mallon did such a great job!

Loved the couple didn’t love the circumstance!

Chasing Love by Piper Rayne

Okay, full honesty — I was so hesitant to read this one. I usually avoid books with any hint of cheating, but because I’ve loved the Daisy River Ranch series so much, I couldn’t skip it. And honestly? I’m glad I didn’t.

Piper Rayne managed to take a trope that normally feels morally gray and make it… surprisingly heartfelt. While I didn’t love the cheating aspect, it never felt glorified or unforgivable — especially given the context. Technically, Bennett and his wife were separated, and since she’d already moved on (and had been unfaithful first), it didn’t feel like traditional “cheating.” That framing — plus the emotional depth of the story — kept me rooting for Bennett and Delaney the whole time.

I’ll admit there were things that didn’t completely work for me. The pregnancy secrecy trope isn’t one I usually enjoy, and Delaney’s decision not to tell Bennett (or anyone) felt frustrating and out of character. The timeline between her relationships and both pregnancies was a bit tight, and I wished Sean had been portrayed more clearly as the wrong person for her. Her letters were strangely tender, which made me conflicted instead of solidifying my support for Bennett and Delaney’s reunion.

But despite those hang-ups, Piper’s storytelling still got me. I fell right back into the heart of this small town and this big, messy, love-filled family. Bennett and Delaney’s chemistry was undeniable, and by the end, I truly believed they were meant to find their way back to each other — even after everything.

Piper Rayne’s ability to make readers care about flawed, human characters is pure magic. I’m so glad I pushed past the trigger warnings and gave this book a chance. It wasn’t perfect, but it was emotional, full of heart, and reminded me why I love this series so much.

Here’s hoping the next book in the Daisy River Ranch world steers clear of the tropes that make me nervous — but brings back all the love, family bonds, and small-town charm that keep me coming back. 💛