Making Chase by Lauren Dane

Published By: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 1 June 2008
Provided By: Myself
Series: Chase Brothers

Tate Murphy is a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. She grew up a million miles away from the easy life Matt Chase has had. She's spent her life pulling herself and her siblings up and out of that trailer by the railroad tracks and she hasn't looked back.

Matt Chase is a dream of a guy and she's certainly not going to turn down a short fling with one of the most handsome men she's ever seen! Matt Chase has watched each one of his brothers find love and he knows he's ready for that too. It's all a matter of finding the woman who captures his heart. He's certainly sampled his fair share of them but none has moved him the way Tate Murphy does when he goes to her shop to thank her for some cookies and a thank you note.

But as Matt gets to know Tate and appreciate her strength and unique beauty, he also realizes she's got some big self esteem issues about her past. To build a future, he's got to find a way past some big road blocks.

- My Review -

*** Possible Spoilers ***

Matt Chase lost his chance with Liv, when he didn't want to commit, and now she's his sister-in-law. But being the last of the Chases without a wife is a little boring, and Matt now thinks he's ready to find his own women—one that perhaps his brothers haven't dated before. In the fourth and finale book in the Chase Brothers series by Lauren Dane, Matt finally gets his chance to show readers his true nature in Making Chase.

Being an EMT Matt's used to saving lives, but when Tate Murphy is hit by a car, and falls into his path, Matt might not be able to save his own heart. Tate, the oldest girl  of the Murphy clan, has had a rough life, but she and her siblings have moved on to bigger and better things than their trailer park heritage. She has seen success in a her professional life, but is now looking for it in her personal life. And Matt might just be the answer. Plus, owning a successful hair salon with her sisters across from the EMT station might be the best thing in Tate's life. With a constant view of Matt Chase going to and from work, what girl wouldn't want to swoon. But, when Tate actually gets the chance to meet Matt in person it goes all wrong. One thank you later, and Tate is possibly the cook and women Matt's been looking for. Yet, with a past that haunts her Tate, thinks she's not the girl for him. Matt thinks otherwise and sets out to show Tate the truth.

As the conclusion to the series, Making Chase leaves a impression on readers letting them see all of the characters from books one through three come together. The story of Matt and Tate is excellent, and leaves you wondering who's cooking Matt possibly likes better,  Tate's, Maggie's, or his mother's. I highly suggest reading the whole series, because Lauren Dane knows what she is doing when she writes about these swoon worthy Chase men. And when you get to Making Chase you'll just be falling head over heals for Matt and Tate.

Making Chase is preceded by Giving Chase (Kyle and Maggie), Taking Chase (Shane and Cassie), and Chased (Marc and Liv). A spin off series called Petal, Georgia continues to follow the characters from the Chase series, and more specifically the Murphy family from Making Chase. This series currently includes Once and Again (Nathan Murphy) and Lost in You (Beth Murphy).

See my reviews of: Giving Chase, Taking Chase, and Chased.

- Links -

Goodreads | Lauren Dane

Chased by Lauren Dane

Published By: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 1 September 2007
Provided By: Myself
Series: Chase Brothers

Marc must face the biggest challenge of his life-convincing Liv Davis that he means to love her forever.

Liv Davis had just about given up on her happily ever after. Burned by love more than once, she's beginning to think Mr. Right wasn't in the cards for her. Marc Chase is a confirmed bachelor and lover of women-lots of them. He's determined not to fall head over heels the way his brothers have. Until he kisses Olivia Davis and realizes head over heels may not be such a bad thing after all!

Can Liv open her scarred heart for this younger ladies man? She loves Marc more than she can begin to admit but she's terrified of being rejected again. Marc faces a challenge greater than he's ever faced before. Making a woman believe he's more than just a great bedmate-making her believe he's in it for good. In the end it will all come down to two days in a hotel and a bet. Can they both win?

- My Review -

When Liv Davis' best friend, Maggie met Kyle Chase sparks flew. And as Liv finds out the Chase boys are hard to resist, having dated Matt Chase a few months ago. But those sparks didn't last, and as she finds out the sparks with her current boyfriend don't either. Liv is to the point of giving up on dating and her dream of grow old with a man. Even though Matt didn't work out, Live might just need to give the last of the Chase boys a chance. The third book Lauren Dane's Chase Brothers series, Chased is the story of the youngest of the bunch, Marc and how he might finally get what he wants, a women to love.

As the mayor's right hand, Liv has her plate full. She might have a tough girl exterior but she has a heart that may have been broken one to many times. All she wants is to find a love that will last a lifetime and maybe have a few kids. With opening his new gym, Marc is on his own path towards success and wants to share that with someone. But as the youngest of the Chase boys, Marc is sometimes over looked, and he is determined to not let Liv do that to him. As one of his newest clients, Liv might just be the person Marc wants to settle down with. But when feelings form and sparks fly high, Liv puts up a defensive front blocking Marc out. Differences in age becomes Liv's main argument for not wanting a relationship with Marc. And in the end he must make her see that age doesn't matter; that he's ready to be the man she wants for her future.

What I enjoyed the most about Chased was the fact that I already knew Liv and Matt as secondary characters but got to dive into their lives more through this book. As I've said before Lauren Dane does a great job with her Chase Brothers series, and within Chased we see the the family expand. But Dane  also leaves a girl wanting her own country hunk like one of these boys to cuddle with. Chased is preceded by Giving Chase (Kyle and Maggie) and Taking Chase (Shane and Cassie), and is followed by Making Chase, the final book of the Chased Brothers series which tells Matt's tale. A spin off series called Petal, Georgia continues to follow the characters from the Chase series, and includes Once and Again and Lost in You.

See my reviews of: Giving Chase and Taking Chase

- Links -

Goodreads | Lauren Dane

Taking Chase by Lauren Dane

Published By: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 1 February 2007
Provided By: Myself
Series: Chase Brothers

Cassie Gambol is on the run. In what seems like another lifetime, her ex-husband nearly ended her life and effectively ended her successful career as a vascular surgeon. But even though the justice system found him guilty of attempted murder, he fled while awaiting sentencing and Carly Sunderland became Cassie Gambol.

Fleeing Los Angeles, she heads to small and off the map Petal, Georgia to start her life again.

Shane Chase, a man who’s held himself away from commitment since his fiance dumped him several years before knows the beautiful newcomer is hiding something. He’s wildly attracted to her strength and her underlying vulnerability as well.

But the last thing Cassie wants is another big, overwhelming man who wants to control her life. A battle begins between Shane, who knows what he wants and Cassie, who knows she needs to do everything she can to keep a distance between herself and the very handsome sheriff.

But Cassie’s ex is back and he wants her dead.

- My Review -

Escaping her past, Cassie Gambol, was attempting to find peace and quiet in Petal, Georgia. She expected to be left alone and to find a quiet job. But when she crashes into Polly Chase on her way into town, she's in for a whirlwind of southern charm. Relentless Polly won't give up on apologizing, and her sheriff son might have taken a liking to Cassie. Picking up where the Lauren Dane's last Chase Brothers book, Giving Chase left off, Taking Chase tells the story of Shane the oldest brother of the group of four.

Being the sheriff of Petal, Georgia would be less of a hassle for Shane Chase, if his mother stopped getting into car accidents. Her latest accident with Cassie Gambol though might just be the most helpful his mother has ever been with helping him romantically. Unlike before, when Shane dated Maggie in Giving Chase, Shane isn't just in this for the joy of taking a girl out. He wants to get to know Cassie at a personal level, and she's running in the opposite direction. Coming out of a life threatening relationship with her ex-husband, Cassie is on the run. Her husband has threatened her more than once, ruined her career, and he's run away from his the law on an attempted manslaughter conviction. Hesitant as she is Cassie can't seem to stay away from Shane. And when Cassie's gives Shane a chance it's nothing but sparks flying everywhere. But when her ex is actively searching for Cassie, will the handsome sheriff be able to protect her from the man she once loved.

Taking Chase lets readers dive even more into the complex charm of the south, but shows readers how one screwed up relationship can give way to taking a chance. The second novel of the Chase Brothers series, Taking Chase tops within my top fifteen favorites, and having read the whole series I can attest that I am a huge Lauren Dane fan. She continues to give readers a dynamic outlook on both the interactions of the Chase brothers, but also how listening is crucial in building relationships. Taking Chase is preceded by Giving Chase, Kyle and Maggie's story, and is followed by Chased (Marc) and Making Chase (Matt). The spin off series Petal, Georgia also includes Once and Again and Lost in You.

To see my review of Giving Chase click here.

- Links -

Goodreads | Lauren Dane

Heart of Dixie by Tami Hoag

Published By: Bantam Books
Genre: Country Romance
Release Date: September 1, 1991 (Republished in 2008)
Provided By: Myself

She was a blond goddess, a box office megastar. Every woman wanted to be her; every man wanted to bed her. But over a year ago Devon Stafford vanished without a trace. As a biographer, Jake Gannon had taught himself to follow the clues of a person’s life story like a detective. As an ex-Marine, he was accustomed to being firmly in control. But when his car died in a little town called Mare’s Nest on the Carolina coast, he had to admit he’d come to a dead end.

There he met a .38-toting tow-truck driver named Dixie La Fontaine. She was no celebrity, but Dixie had an irresistible sex appeal all her own. What did this down-to-earth woman know about a missing movie star? Surprisingly, quite a lot. And Jake was going to uncover it all…if Dixie didn’t end up shooting him first

- My Review -

When actress Devon Stafford disappeared a year ago she left no trail. With a little help from Devon's past history though Jake Gannon, a self taught detective and mystery writer, has learned of a small town called Mare's Nest where the allusive megastar might be hiding. Chock full of lovable animals, messes, and of course Dixie La Fontaine's .38 gun, Heart of Dixie, takes readers for a romantic heart stopping boat ride. But, when Jake visits little Mare's Nest he'll learn more about love and himself, than about the megastar he's been searching for.

When Dixie La Fontaine, rounded the bend in her tow-truck to take Jake's brand new Porsche into the shop, he had hardly any clue what Mare's Nest would give him. Knowing Devon Stafford used to vacation in Mare's Nest during her summer vacations, this was Jake's starting point on his search. Forced to stay in the small town until his Porsche's fixed, Jake gets to know the gun toting Dixie. And as their friendly relationship begins to bloom into something more, he realizes that Dixie's hiding a big secret. But, having sworn off men, Dixie doesn't realize that Jake's kindness and charming California personality is warming her heart from it's slumber. Yet, as Jake's heart becomes into the care of Dixie, can Mare's Nest's biggest secret be kept?

Heart of Dixie by Tami Hoag's gives readers heart break and the reality of fame within it's 280 pages. Sending readers diving straight into the deep end of Dixie and Jake's whirlwind romance. It's an enjoyable book, that leads readers wondering what happens next.

- Links -

Goodreads | Tami Hoag

Tough Enough (Anthology)

Published By: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 20 March 2013
Provided By: My Friend

The Cowboy
After their disastrous parting, Margaret Lark thought she was through with Rafe Cassidy. So when he shows up on her doorstep a year later with a shocking proposal, Margaret has no choice but to put her heart on the line again—even if it means winning back the cowboy who stole it in the first place.

The Cougar
Jim Cunningham's Arizona ranching family has been feuding with Rachel Donovan's for over a century—but forbidden fruit always tastes the sweetest to this handsome cowboy. Jim wants desperately to mend the rift between the families—and to find out if Rachel is the woman he has always wanted.

Murder at Last Chance Ranch
Teddi MacLane's no-account, soon-to-be-ex-husband has just turned up dead—in Teddi's house, just days after she threatened to kill him. Now Teddi needs the help of her high school sweetheart, Sheriff Jake Rawlins, to clear her name…and to mend her heart.

- My Review -

The Wild West, where the men and women still roam the plains looking for their partners. But something typically always messes it up and that's when it's time for them to prove their Tough Enough. As an anthology of classic romances, Tough Enough features the risks and choices that three rowdy cowboys and cowgirls take to find their love.

The Cowboy written by Jayne Ann Krentz, features a more contemporary view of the cowboy. When Margaret Lark gives up information to her boss about her boyfriend Rafe Cassidy's business deals, she gives up on a future life of love. But, when Rafe returns a year later, after relieving his flaming temper, Margaret has but one choice really: that is to stay with him. In this sweet heart wrenching book/novella, Jayne Ann Krentz weaves a winning set of characters and an interesting plot line for all cowboy turned executive lovers.

Written by Lindsay McKeena The Cougar, another almost full length book or novella, puts two enemies in a hazardous situation: should they love each other? Almost like a Romeo/Juliet situation, Jim Cunningham has loved Rachel Donovan since he was in sixth grade. The only thing that held him back then from telling her was their fathers, both enemies in the cattle industry. But when Rachel returns from England to help her sisters save the ranch, Jim has another chance, but he struggles internally. Will he give up his own namesake to tell her?

A short story, Murder at Last Chance Ranch, is a cowboy mystery that focuses around Teddi MacLane's soon to be ex-husband. Slipping in her murdered husband's blood as she walks into her house, Teddi is automatically accused of killing him by the people in her small town. And her only get out of jail card is to relying on her ex-boyfriend Sheriff Jake Rawlins.

Overall Tough Enough gives a reader three stories, placing you right into the heart of the west. And in the heart of the tough west it turns out there can be true love after all.

Check out my friends review of Tough Enough at her blog here.

- Links -

Goodreads | Jayne Ann Krentz | Lindsay McKeena | B.J. Daniels

Giving Chase by Lauren Dane

Published By: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 1 September 2006
Provided By: Myself
Series: Chase Brothers

Some small towns grow really good looking men! This is the case with the four Chase brothers. The home grown hotties are on the wishlist of every single woman in town and Maggie Wright is no exception.

Maggie has finally had it with the men she's been dating but a spilled plate of chili cheese fries drops Shane Chase right into her lap. The sheriff is hot stuff but was burned by a former fiancee and is quite happy to play the field.

After Shane's skittishness sends him out the door, Maggie realizes that Kyle Chase has had his eye on her from the start. Now that Shane has messed up, Kyle has no intention of letting anything stop him from wooing her right into his bed.

Despite Maggie's happiness and growing love with Kyle, a dark shadow threatens everything-she's got a stalker and he's not happy at all. In the end, Maggie will need her wits, strength and the love of her man to get her out alive.

- My Review -

When one brother screws up, another picks up. The Chase brothers, of Petal, Georgia, are most likely one of the hottest group of men around. And through Lauren Dane's series, you get to meet each and everyone of them, in their fabulous glory. First up to bat however, is Kyle, in his contemporary country romance, Giving Chase.

Maggie Wright comes from a family that cherished beauty. Beaten down by her sister and mother to a point where she can't see her own beauty, this history teacher is skeptic she'll find a man in her home town of Petal. But when the Sheriff and oldest Chase brother lands at her feet she can't help but go out with him. With persistent charm and whit, much like his mother, Kyle saw the beauty in Maggie the minute Shane started dating her. When Shane screws up, and Maggie almost give up hope, Kyle puts that southern charm on and woos her. Yet, a shadow threatens to take away everything that Kyle and Maggie have started, and this shadow might just rip them apart.

Dane's Giving Chase gives readers a touch into the romantic south, but brings into her novel, the all to stark realty of what a stalker can do. Having read the whole series, Giving Chase, can give you a dynamic look into the relationships that are later seen in between the brothers throughout the rest of the series. Even though you don't have to start with Giving Chase, I suggest you do because it's my favorite. Other books, which are all currently published, in the series included: Taking Chase (Shane), Chased (Marc), and Making Chase (Matt). There is also a spin-off series featuring the Murphy family from Making Chase, the first book was released in September 2012 and is called Once and Again. This series can be read alone, and the second book Lost in You is set for publication in March 2013. Lauren Dane has also written and is planning to write several short stories entitled Visits to Petal, to keep you up to date on the families of Petal, Georgia; currently Alone Time is published and is free.

- Links -

Goodreads | Lauren Dane

Smooth Irish by Jennifer Saints

Published By: Smashwords
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 8 December 2009
Provided By: Myself
Series: Weldon Brothers

Four years ago a tragedy made Jackson Weldon turn his back on life. He wanted nothing more than doing a gig with his guitar every now and then to put a sandwich on his plate and gas in his tank. But a few dates with Nan Miller several months ago had him finally wanting something more. Her in his bed. Only she walked before that happened and his hunger for her alone has grown until he can't think of anything but her.

Nan has lived her life by a plan and she isn't about to mess it up by getting involved with a man going nowhere. That's why she walked out on Jackson, seventy one days ago. Only, she can't get him out of her mind or escape him in her dreams, night or day. So when he comes riding in on his Harley again, she wonders if she should take him up on his offer for an uninhibited weekend. But their no strings ride leads them both to an end that changes everything they ever believed they wanted or deserved out of life

- My Review -

Throwing you straight into the meat of the story Smooth Irish is a fast paced read that should have you glued to your book or e-reader for some time. If you haven't picked up the first book in the Weldon Brothers series, Wild Irish by Jennifer Saints, you'll still be able to understand the second book. Smooth Irish involves intense attraction and a country setting, and Irish men that set your blood a tingling.

Jackson Weston, the oldest of the Weston boys, only has one thing in his life that could possibly make him want to forget his past, a women. That women is Nan (Nancy) Miller, and she holds the heart of this smooth talking, ill planning, Irish man. Nan hard working and award winning nurse, has been counting the days since Jackson and her relationship ended seventy one days ago. She doesn't want to keep count of the days, but something is holding her back from moving on. And when Jackson gives her an opportunity to move on, it might just be her chance to force this man out of her dreams. But when things spiral out of her controlled plans, Nan is forced to confront Jackson and help him cope with his past.

Between the first of the Weldon's babies being born, and the rest of the clan moving up in the world it's no surprise that by the end of Smooth Irish these boys capture your heart. The Weldon Brothers series also includes, Hard Irish, the third Weldon of the brothers books, and the series should also include one other book as well.

- Links -

Goodreads | Jennifer Saints