I loved Taking Chase by Lauren Dane. Actually I love all her Chase Brothers stories. She has written a total of three in this series. The latest is in E Book format at Samhain Publishing. Taking Chase is Ms. Dane's second book in the series set in Petal, Georgia. This for me was perhaps her most challenging in characters as in the first book Shane, our hero in book 2, was not especially likable, heck I actively disliked him because of the way he treated the heroine. However Ms. Dane not only made Shane likable she made me fall in love with this complex hero. Shane is the sheriff in Petal and it is a good thing because with a Mom like Polly Chase it pays to have the law on your side. Polly is one of my favorite on going characters in Petal. She not only keeps the Chase boys in line but also is a grand dame of Petal. She sports big hair, wears high heals and has a penchant for not driving well. I know you will come to adore her as much as I have in the Chase Books.

Shane is still recovering from a broken heart and is determined to never involve his heart again in a relationship however with a Mom like Polly he does not stand a chance keep his heart in tact. Now enters Cassie Gambol, she is not looking for love but just a place to stay when "BAM" Polly rear ends Cassie's car. Polly just happens to be applying makeup to her face at the time. This start the fast paced fun filled ride in Taking Chase. There is drama and suspense as Shane is trying learn more about the intriguing Cassie. Cassie is hiding a secert that Petal's sheriff is determined to find out. Will that effect their relationship? You will have to read "Taking Chase" to find out!

Ms. Dane is an auto buy for me, the strength, emotions and sheer love she brings in her stories make her books keepers. Cheers for "Taking Chase" and the series that makes me want to move to Petal, Georgia!

This is an enjoyable book, even though being rather simplistic. No surprises, moderately hot sex, with some characters more interesting than others. I found this book better than the first Chase book, Giving Chase, although that was also fun, albeit another quick read. Certainly nothing too heavy. My biggest gripe with Taking Chase (and also Giving Chase) is the insipid quality of the covers. None of the people shown on the covers look particularily interesting. I don't like to make negative comments about any one's appearence, but the Chase brother in Taking Chase is supposed to be big, ruggedly handsome, and around thirty years old. The cover model looks about 19, pouty, and not terribly erotic-looking. I'm sure in real life the guy is very nice and good looking, but not the cover-boy for this book. The same, unfortunately, can be said about the cover model for Giving Chase. You can't judge a book by its cover is true. Although, if one has to imagine the Chase brothers looking like the cover models (and the heroines are just as bad), then best ignore the covers and just enjoy the books. The best thing about these books is getting to know the Chase family. "Mom" is great. I think she is the most interesting of all the characters, although she, also, is very stereotypical. I have just looked at several of the Samhain book covers on line and none of them show people as erotic and sexual as the books seem to indicate they should be. I will, however be buying the next two Chase brothers books. As I said, I find the Chase family fun.

Cassie Gambol has left her old life far behind and moved to the small town of Petal, Georgia. Her ex-husband effectively ended her career as a vascular surgeon when he attempted to kill her. He then fled while awaiting sentencing. Cassie, formerly known as Carly Sunderland, had no choice but to take on a new identity and move from Los Angeles, California. She has high hopes of being able to integrate herself into the tiny community with the minimum amount of fuss. She'll soon discover just how unrealistic that idea, especially since as soon as she drives into town she's rear-ended by the pint-size mother of the town sheriff.

Shane Chase has been zealously guarding his bachelorhood since his fiancé cheated on him with his best friend. From the moment he meets Cassie at his mother's newest fender bender, Shane instinctively knows that she's hiding something. She's beautiful and he's attracted to her but previous experience has taught him that women are not to be trusted.

Being involved in a traffic accident right after entering Petal brings Cassie to the attention of the entire town - something she was trying very hard to avoid. The Chase family has taken it upon themselves to make sure that Cassie feels welcome in the community - despite her protests. Shane's interest is more than friendly, and Cassie is forced to admit to herself that she is attracted to the large, overwhelming sheriff. Cassie knows that he is nothing like her ex-husband but that doesn't stop the fear or panic attacks. Shane quickly puts the clues together and realizes that more than likely Cassie is running from an abusive ex. He's determined to help her and he has the support of his entire family. How is Cassie possibly going to be able to withstand the friendly gestures of the whole Chase family? What will happen if her ex-husband does manage to find her?

TAKING CHASE is the second book in Lauren Dane's CHASE BROTHERS series. These stories are fun, fast paced, and full of heart. All of the brothers are sinfully sexy but what I really love about them is the closeness they share with their families and the absolute respect they have for their mother. You just have to love a guy who respects his mom! We were first introduced to Shane in GIVING CHASE and he was still reeling from being cheated on and wasn't ready for a serious relationship. Readers will adore Cassie. She's survived domestic abuse and comes away from it a strong person full of hope and a need to get on with life. In order to be together both have to struggle through their own fears but it's well worth the extra effort. I'll definitely be watching for the rest of the books in this series.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)