Chantel Everett has always been the center of a storm. From the moment she appeared on TLC years ago, her life has been a whirlwind of family feuds and high-stakes romance. But nothing prepared fans for the 2025 spinoff 90 Day: Hunt for Love. Most people expected more of the same—maybe a new international beau or a dramatic showdown with her mother, Karen. Instead, they got a revelation that shifted everything we thought we knew about the Atlanta-based nurse.
It wasn't just a dating show. For Chantel, it was a pivot.
The Truth About Chantel Hunt for Love
If you watched the premiere in May 2025, you saw the setup. Eight singles from the 90 Day franchise were dropped into a luxury retreat in Mexico. The cast was a "who’s who" of reality TV chaos: Colt Johnson, Tiffany Franco, and even Tim Malcolm. Chantel arrived fresh off her divorce from Pedro Jimeno and a failed spark with Giannis in Greece. She admitted she was in her "hoe phase," a comment that immediately went viral.
But as the weeks progressed, something felt off.
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Chantel seemed distant. She wasn't the "main character" we expected. While other cast members were getting into messy hot tub arguments, Chantel appeared to be in her own head. She even went on a date with a 25-year-old named Joe, admitting he gave her "butterflies." Yet, the real story wasn't happening in Mexico. It was happening back in Georgia.
The Ashley Bowen Connection
The biggest shocker came during the August 18 finale and the subsequent Tell All episodes. Chantel finally admitted why she hadn't been fully "present" during the filming of Hunt for Love. She had a secret. Before she even flew to the retreat, she shared a kiss with a long-time family friend, Ashley Bowen.
Honestly, it changed her entire perspective.
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Ashley isn't just a random friend. She’s an actor, music artist, and producer who had been close with Chantel’s brothers first. That kiss haunted Chantel throughout the filming process. While she was trying to "hunt for love" among the show's contestants, she realized her heart was already occupied. During the Tell All, she officially came out, stating she was ready to explore her sexuality and her relationship with Ashley.
Why the Fans Are Divided
Not everyone is buying the romantic narrative. On forums like Reddit, viewers have been vocal about the "NPC" (non-playable character) energy Chantel gave off during the season. Some fans think she was just there for a paycheck or to "speed-run" her way out of the "divorced woman" label. Others pointed out that her mother, Karen, still seems to have a massive influence on her life, even appearing during the Tell All to toss pastries and perform "mystical" rituals that left the rest of the cast speechless.
There's also a bit of a "clout" conversation happening.
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Since the show aired, Chantel has been heavily promoting Ashley’s music, including the album Freaky Girl. Some cynical viewers wonder if the relationship was a calculated move for a new storyline. But for those who have followed Chantel since her debut, the change in her demeanor is hard to ignore. She seems more guarded but also more certain of herself.
Reality vs. The "Hunt"
Hunt for Love tried to use "love coaches" to help the singles, but they were largely panned by the audience. One coach notably sided with Jeniffer Tarazona in a dispute with Cole, leading fans to call the professionals "useless." Chantel herself seemed to find more clarity through self-reflection than any guided exercise. She realized she didn't want a "fixer-upper" and she didn't want to be forced into a mold that didn't fit anymore.
Actionable Takeaways from Chantel's Journey
Chantel's experience on Hunt for Love actually offers some pretty solid life lessons if you look past the reality TV glitter.
- Stop the Speed-Running: After a major breakup, the urge to find a replacement is huge. Chantel tried to force the dating game in Greece and Mexico, but it didn't work until she looked at what was already in front of her. Give yourself permission to be "off" for a while.
- Acknowledge the "Background" Feelings: If you're on a date and thinking about someone else, you're wasting everyone's time. Chantel’s "butterflies" for Joe were real, but they were overshadowed by her feelings for Ashley. Honesty—mostly with yourself—saves a lot of drama.
- Audit Your Support System: Karen Everett is a lot. While family loyalty is great, Chantel's struggle to tell her mother personal things is a red flag. If your family "dims your spark," it’s time to set some boundaries.
- Embrace the Pivot: Coming out on national television at 34 is a massive move. It shows that it’s never too late to redefine who you are, even if you’ve been in the public eye for a decade as one thing.
The biggest takeaway? Chantel didn't find love on the "Hunt." She found it by stopping the search and looking at her own life. As of early 2026, Chantel and Ashley are engaged, following a romantic proposal at a castle in Georgia. It turns out the best way to win a dating show is to realize you don't need to be on one.
If you're looking to follow the latest updates on Chantel and Ashley, focus on their official social media channels rather than the tabloid rumors. The engagement news from December 2025 is the most current verified milestone in their relationship.