Review: The Good Chase – Hanna Martine

The second in the Highland Games series, following Long Shot

Gleann, New Hampshire’s annual highland games always deliver the best of Scottish culture—rowdiness, rugby, whiskey, and unexpected romance…

Even though Shea Montgomery’s swanky bar and distinguished palate have made her a highly regarded whiskey connoisseur, she’s happiest bringing her favorite spirit to various highland games around New England. Her demanding ex made her wary of men obsessed with money and status, and she’s now more comfortable in the country than in the city. Still, when a gorgeous rugby player straight from Wall Street barrels into her whiskey tent, she’s tempted to change her mind…

J.P. Byrne went from poor beginnings to international high roller by using his charisma and wit, and holding fast to his dreams. A strong, independent woman like Shea is exactly what he’s looking for, only he has no idea how to prove he’s more than his three-piece suits—especially when he’s spent years doing just the opposite.

But as Shea and Byrne battle old demons, they discover together that the best remedy for past pain is a good, stiff shot of present pleasure…

Series: Highland Games #2
Release Date: December 2nd 2014
Publisher: Berkley
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Karen
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

THE GOOD CHASE is a captivating story with fascinating characters that slowly draw you in.   Shea Montgomery owns Amber Lounge.  It’s an exclusive lounge that caters to people who are willing to pay exorbitant prices for a taste of the renowned whiskey she purchases.   Shea loves her job, has a unique talent and conducts whiskey tastings all over the country.  Bryne is a wealthy private banker who plays rugby on weekends and also appreciates a good glass of whiskey.  He first meets Shea at one of her whiskey tasting and is intrigued by the beautiful, smart whiskey expert, but every time he makes a move, she puts him off. Shea’s reputation is important to her; she wants to be taken seriously and keeps her focus solely on her career goals.

Byrne and Shea are both strong, successful people and they have many facets to their personalities that they reveal through the course of the story.  Their relationship builds gradually as they learn they can trust each other and feel comfortable opening up and sharing their pasts.  Bryne is a sexy, alpha male and he won my heart.  I admired the way he treats Shea, because even though he doesn’t always agree with her decisions, he reluctantly respects them.  I could sympathize with Bryne and Shea and understand how they thought and made their decisions.  Bryne and Shea are confident, career driven people in their thirties, who have spent all their energies on their careers and left little time for a personal life.  This was a well written story, but I was disappointed with the ending because it felt too abrupt.  That said, I thought Hanna Martine’s story was absorbing with realistic character development and I found myself involved in story from start to finish.