Book Review: Giving Chase (Chase Brothers) by Lauren Dane

Giving Chase is the first book in the Chase Brothers series by Lauren Dane. While originally published in 2006 it was recently re-released with some minor updates and changes. 

When landscaper Kyle Chase takes notice of Maggie Wright, all of Petal, Georgia, wonders what the quiet schoolteacher is hiding underneath her tight bun and boring blouses. Even Maggie doesn’t quite get it, but after a failed relationship and a disastrous attempt to get back out there, she’s no match against the famous Chase charm, and Kyle has it in spades. Kyle wants Maggie in his life—and in his bed—and he doesn’t mind getting down and dirty to prove it. For years he’s avoided the kind of trouble that comes with “good girls” like her, but Maggie’s the best trouble he’s ever been in. He craves more of it. And more of her. But even as their love grows into thoughts of forever, a hidden danger from Maggie’s past threatens to tear them apart. And when Maggie suddenly disappears, Kyle must put his faith in his family and race to save the love of his life before he loses her forever.

Giving Chase is a story that surprised me more than once. Maggie is a sweetheart that has not idea how attractive she is thanks to her family. What the blurb leaves out is that Kyle is the third guy she tries to date in a short period of time. The first is possessive and she heads the warning signs and calls it quits. The second is Kyle's brother- which leads to all sorts of doubt and complications that are the heart of the story. As usually, Dane does a wonderful job of bringing her characters to life.  Maggie and her friends are wonderfully dynamic and have great interactions. The Dane family is wonderful, and I wish every town had a family like this- not just because of the number of hot, well raised guys, but because they honestly care about each other and those around them. There were moments of the book that did not work for me, but those are because of my hang ups rather than anything with the book. I will admit that I do enjoy the new books from Dane much more- but while waiting for new books strolling through the Chase brother series could be a good diversion, and make the new books shine even more once I get my hands on them.

Giving Chase is an early book from Dane, and I can see how much she has grown as a writer. The read was fast and engaging, but not my favorite romance from her.