Well, well, well, hello there cover model! He's good-looking, isn't he? I thought so. Anyway, I'm supposed to be interested in the story not the guy on the cover. So let's look at that.

At its heart Taking Chase is a story about healing and resilience, my favorite! Plus, it's set in a small town, another favorite! And, we get to know the entire community, not just the main characters, yay! The only thing that would have made it better was a cowboy, but I won't hold that against the book. I'd already give it more than 5 stars if I could a cowboy would mean I'd have to re-evaluate my entire rating system.

Cassie is a survivor. After suffering through several miserable years with an ex-husband who put her through unspeakable trauma, she regains control of her life and moves to the small town of Petal, Georgia. She's been in the town for mere minutes when she's rear-ended by none other than the Sherif's mother. It turns out the community is what she needs to heal. It's not a quick or easy process but with the help of Shane and the community, she finds her strength. Her character was so well developed and I don't think there's a person who can't relate to her on at least some level. Some of her actions annoyed me, but I let it slide because she's been through a lot and those actions come from a place of self-preservation.

Cassie's situation was dealt with in a very honest and compassionate manner. I appreciated the glimpses into her insecurities and the baggage she carried. I also appreciated the way the author focused on the ways she was moving past the trauma and not on all the ways her past held her back, it was refreshing.

Shane, where can I even start talking about Shane? He's the best book boyfriend I've had all month! He was super patient and understanding when dealing with Cassie and helping her overcome her issues. It was wonderful to watch. As the Sherif, he's accustomed to being in control, but with Cassie, he has to more careful. This is one of those rare books where the hero is without a doubt an alpha-male but isn't an overbearing jerk.

All right, time to talk about the steamy scenes because I know some people (obviously not me) read just for the sexy bits. I'm just going to come right out and say is consent is sexy. That was one of my favorite parts of the book, consent was always explicit. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. I also appreciate how even though the book is about a woman who survived a terrible situation, the author allowed her to have sex and enjoy it.

However, my two criticisms of this book also come from the sexy scenes. First, some bedroom dialogue was, uhm, clinical. Shane says things like "I want to hear the sounds you make when you climax," I'm sure I'd be laughing too hard to even consider climaxing if anyone ever said that in the bedroom. But, to each their own, I guess.

My second criticism is with some words the author uses to describe the action. "He sliced into her body with his cock," the first time I read a sentence like this I shrugged it off. But it seems to be a constant throughout the book. I don't know about anyone else but when I think of the word "sliced" it's related to violent imagery, not sexy. It's a small thing, but it bothered me a lot because we learn early on that Cassie has scars from being stabbed. Sliced is a word I would use to describe a stabbing. I don't know, it felt weird to me.

Petal, Georgia is a small town. I happen to love small towns. However, it's not often a book can authentically convey the challenges and perks unique to the setting. This book captured it beautifully. From the way gossip and news of Cassie's arrival in town spread like wildfires; to the built-in support system that forms for no reason other than geographic location. I fell in love with the town and the people who live in it.

I see this is an older book being republished as I requested the book on Netgalley with a pub date in 2018.

The hero is a sheriff and the heroine, Cassie, is an abused woman on the run. Started out quite well, but I am sorry to say it is not my cup of tea. I thought the characters were a bit overdone and unrealistic. It might have to do with the writing style and the way the characters communicated.

This is ofcourse only my opinion and I am sure lovers of small town stories with a bit of suspense thrown in will enjoy it.

I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Most of the time you already know how a story will end, but it's the journey the author takes you on to get there which speaks volumes. Ms Dane did a remarkable job of creating believable characters and scenarios to keep you engaged, often keeping you guessing as to when the inevitable to happen.

I especially enjoyed that the story didn't start out with the tragedy that Carrie went through at the hands of her psychotic ex-husband...but was revealed as the story progressed..an excellent hook to keep you reading. An ingenious method to guide the reader through the very end to a HEA.

This ARC book was complimentary. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

3 stars
I got this book of net galley because of the cover. Then I realized I read this book before with the old cover. The story was good. A little predicable.

I'm pretty sure Shane is off his game, but like just a tad, “well, it’s not hard. Thinking of you, that is. So uh, what did you do back in Los Angeles?” Cassie sure knows how to boost a man's ego, “I like that you have hair on your chest. It makes you even more masculine. And my goodness are you masculine. It makes me all shivery.” Shane sometimes has to soothe his woman's beastly side, “you are indeed way hotter, darlin’. I can’t believe you confronted my ex on the street.” He snorted. “Thanks for defending my honor.” I loved this book, Cassie and Shane were good for one another.

Thanks for redeeming Shame! After the first book I didn't think it was possible. Cassie is a great match for him and takes his ego on every chance.
Loved this story. Second read was just as good as the first read.

Such a fabulous story! I loved every part of Cassie and Shane's story, their chemistry, the way they fight and grow, the fact that it took a year and a half to get where they ended up, the action and twisty suspense moments, everything was just perfect.
Can't wait to read more about the Chase clan. There are still two brothers to go;).

This book was written several years ago and my review is for the new publication of it. As far as I’m aware there are very few changes apart from a little clean up editing wise. This is the second in the series that features the Chase family of Petal, Georgia and from the very beginning it’s clear just how close this sprawling family is.
Cassie is reinventing herself following her abusive marriage and the condition it’s left both her mind and body in. The last thing she needs is a suspicious, meddling town sheriff but Shane is very interested in finding out what makes the pretty newcomer tick. Shane hasn’t really wanted a woman since his heart was broken years before but very quickly realised that Cassie in spite of her secrets holds his attention so could she possibly be the one?
Cassie has flashbacks to the terror that her husband inflicted on her. Unable to practice medicine she’s bravely trying to build a new life but a certain, very persistent Chase man slowly but surely worms his way into her wary heart.
Two very stubborn people with chemistry off the charts. I loved that Shane was this über patient teddy bear . He’s not perfect and actually comes off as previously a bit of a player but once he sets his sights on Cassie honestly there’s no other woman for him, sigh ! You will root for this couple and enjoy their tumultuous journey to a happy ending. Plus the Chase family are such sweeties that you will definitely want to know what happens next.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
Cassie was on the run from her abusive ex-husband.
She knew for sure that if he found her, he would kill her.
She hopes that Petal, Georgia will be a safe haven for her.
Shane is afraid to give love a second chance.
He was dumped by his fiance, which left him with a scarred heart.
Is Cassie the one that will heal Shane's heart ?
When danger comes will Shane be able to protect Cassie ?
I loved the storytelling + the characters
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!