The Darkest Chase

Dark Hearts of Redhaven #3

by Nicole Snow

Two complete opposites fall into a heart-ripping fairy tale in this scorching hot small-town grumpy sunshine romance.

Life is just full of crazy surprises with teeth.
One day you're the forever single wallflower keeping up the boring family furniture shop.
The next, you're getting mouth-to-mouth from a scary hot stranger who wants to make your life a thriller novel.
Yes, my disaster has a name.

Micah Ainsley.
Everything I'm not. Nothing remotely good for me.
He's all wolf—moody, savage, and ferociously protective.
I'm a human puppy.
He thrives on secrets.
Everybody knows what I had for breakfast.
He's experienced. So experienced.
I've never even been kissed.

But when he needs my help to take down a rich creep who just happens to be my new client, I'm game.
I'm ready to live a little.
I'm eager to prove I'm more than a hot mess with a cross-eyed crush on a coldhearted man who's too old for me.

Then another surprise bites me in the face.
The night Micah claims me.
The moment our wrong becomes reality and there's no going back.
The darkest chase is on and it only ends one way—sweet dreams or total devastation.

All the small-town sugar, spice, and angsty goodness in one epic slow-burn romance. Remember to breathe as you watch Redhaven's coldest man thaw for the little spark he'll fight like mad to keep.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Small Town Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Suspense

478 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2024

About the author

Nicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.

Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty.

Current fan favorites include her Enguard Protectors series, accidental love novels, plus long beloved MC romance thrillers like the Grizzlies and Deadly Pistols.

Find more about Nicole here:

Website: http://nicolesnowbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolesnowbo...

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nicol...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicoleSnowBooks

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Snow/e/...

Reviews

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Dark Hearts of Redhaven series and although it can be read as a standalone if you read the first two books you will have a better idea of the goings on in the creepy little town of Redhaven. Trust me when I say you will NOT be disappointed as those books are just as amazing as this one!
Ms Snow has an incredible ability to describe a person or scene with such detail that you can’t help but feel totally creeped out, terrified, relieved, happy and tingle-y (in a good way) all over. I found this book quite intense and dark yet just like the theme throughout there was always lightness to keep the balance from tipping too far to the darkness.
Micha is the “shadow man cast in permanent moonlight”. A small town cop with a mysterious past had me guessing until the “reveal” and I did not see that one coming!
Talia is a town local who has been sheltered all her life but is starting to take a chance at doing things that scare her. She learned early on that no one would step in to save her so she is stubbornly independent, with a backbone of steel and a heart of gold. She is the light to Micha’s darkness.
The chemistry between these two is undeniable right from the start and when they finally succumb to their feelings the intensity of their light and darkness is a heady combination. But they have both been “wounded” from previous experiences and these wounds will take time to heal for both of them.
As usual, Ms Snow has rounded out the story with great supporting characters, both good and bad. The men from the Redhaven Police Force are still the solid protectors of the town and the darkness of creepy Ephraim Jacobin ( whose appearance is always a prelude to bad things) is balanced by the light and love of Talia’s grandfather. And Rolf, because every story needs a dog!!
This is a book that I wish I could read for the first time again. So, if you are looking for a story with suspense, swoon worthy moments and a great dog this is the book for you.
I received an free advance review copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkest Chase is the third book in the Dark Hearts of Redhaven series and can be read as a standalone. BUT I highly recommend that you read the first two books in the series, The Broken Protector and The Sweetest Obsession, beforehand so you can get to know all the characters, get the 411 on what has happened so far in Redhaven, and be able to follow along and not feel like you are missing out on something. I have read all three and I feel like I need to go back to the beginning and refresh my memory on all the players and details. Make sure that you block out time to read this book from start to finish because it is so good that you won’t want to put it down!

The Darkest Chase takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride filled with secrets, angst, and delicious sugary spiciness in this slow-burn, fairy-tale like romance between Micah Ainsley and Talia Grey. Micah Ainsley is a grumpy lone wolf with a vengeance that has driven him to follow his plan precisely for years. Nothing could break his focus or distract him from what he needs to do or so he thinks… Talia Grey is a sunshiny sheltered girl who has no idea what dangers and evil are walking the streets of her beloved hometown. These two start off as strangers, just two people who smile at each other while walking down the street. And as they start spending time together and learning more about each other, their relationship evolves into something else completely. The sparks between them begin to ignite and the tension between them will only build until it’s only a matter of time until fireworks go off. And boy do those fireworks go off with a bite!

The mystery behind Redhaven and its residents still remains unsolved. No one seems to know anything about anything or no one brave enough wants to come forward to shed any light on the darkness that shadows the town. But when things seem to get a little dicey around Talia, Micah uses his learned skills and goes into beast alpha protector mode to ensure that no harm will come to her and vows to do whatever it takes to make sure that she is safe.

There is so much more I want to say, but I refuse to ruin this book for you. So if you have been wanting to read this book, this series, or even books by this author, this is your sign to do it NOW! The Darkest Chase releases July 19th so make sure that you one click this book today so at the strike of midnight you can dive into this book without issues.

I am a huge fan of the authors and have read almost all of her books in her backlist. It is safe to say that this series might be my favorite next to The Heart’s Edge series. One of the things I love about the author is her ability to a phenomenal job at crafting her talent to bring you a sugary spicy romance between two beautiful broken souls who find themselves while piecing each other back together. And the added mystery in this book just makes me love her even more! All the elements of a book all together in one and that makes my book loving heart happy! Bravo Nicole Snow on another successful book and I can’t wait to hear all the love and praise you will get for it on release day!

[Laura Reads Too Much · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have to say, I'm a big fan of Nicole's and a big fan of Micah and Talia!
Micah is a small town cop who doesn't quite fit in and has an adorable older dog who is ex-force.
Then we have Talia who works with her Grandpa in a woodworking business - it sounds amazing to me!

Two complete opposites, both have had to deal with being different and both in need of their someone.

An interesting read with adorable characters and a dog that will steal your heart

[JP · Rating 1 out of 5]

New Top 5 least favorite FMC

I don’t even know where to start with this one. Honestly, the whole series is terrible, but this one is the cherry on top.

I really wanted to like this one (and the whole series). NS is a favorite author and I loved the Twin Peaks kind of vibe…but what the heck happened to her writing??? So overdone…I found myself hating the smexy scenes and pretty much any of the embarrassingly overblown descriptions of either the MMC or the FMC. Cringe.

I loved that the MMC wasn’t your tropey Greek God and that the FMC had a significant health issue. But that was where any positive feelings about this book ended.

I’m a lifelong severe asthma sufferer and none of this rang true in any way. If she truly had such delicate lungs, working in a wood shop around all the shavings and dust, and the chemical fumes would be A TOTAL NON-STARTER. One minute, she’s grown out of it…the next minute, a basic conversation sends her to death’s door. There is not an eye roll emoji big enough for the utter baloney that whole plot device was in this book.

And now let me summarize the painfully awful FMC: is a delicate, naive, self-sheltered, weak woman who acts and thinks more like a 12 year old. Gets angry when she’s treated like she acts and thinks. It’s laughable that she whines that she can handle all the big bad terrible awful things and people and then proceeds to completely shut down after a pretty innocuous conversation. How is this our heroine??

And WHY, Ms. Snow, can the men in this series swear like sailors, but the women can only use words like “flipping”…? Cringe again.

Last, Micah just gave me the ICK factor. He’s honestly inept at his job…”hey…let’s meet in public all the time while working ‘undercover’ with each other…then be surprised when the bad guy figures it out. And all the biting and the fact that he’s not a gentleman. Doesn’t open her car door for her when her grandpa is watching him drop her off after a night of ravaging her. Lets her walk home alone in the dark several times. Doesn’t help tend to the marks he leaves on her. Completely uninvolved and ambivalent about the wedding. Speaking of…thigh high boots on a heterosexual man as wedding attire?? Um…no. Go ahead and google it…

Overall, this was a throw at the wall book.

[Lisa Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

slow start

Was a slow start to read but it got better as I kept reading so glad they got everyone in the end

[Ashly Paredes · Rating 2 out of 5]

high key took me forever to want to read this story. some spicy scenes but this series was the same thing over & over again

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good, it took me a few pages to get into the rhythm but as soon as I caught it I was really attached to the story and anxious to know what would happen next!!!

I loved seeing Micah trying to think about what kind of man Talia wanted him to be, when she only wanted him just as he was even with his darkest parts. They are literally the light and the dark in each other's life, but that strangely fits in the most realistic and unique way ever to the point of being beautiful to see the way each one fits into each other's way of being, being able to meet what they both need🥹🤍

[Rose Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was hard to rate. The story was excellent. It moved along very well. The characters were great. It was a nice continuation of our Redhaven series. But...gosh darn. The author had to go and ruin it with the rheumatoid arthritis misinformation. For all that is good and holy, please do your research before you give a character a medical condition. I will straighten this out for you:

RA is an autoimmune disease, similar to lupus in many ways. It's where the immune system attacks a person's joints (mainly) but organs as well. It causes joint pain, but a slew of horrible issues with it, include extreme fatigue, joint swelling and tenderness, fevers, and flu-like feelings. If you have a chance, ask someone with RA, lupus, or psoriatic arthritis how horrendous it is. So, this is not just arthritis. Treatment is not giving someone pain pills and that's it. You get put on immunosuppressants to make your immune system stop misbehaving. It also cannot be cured with surgery. You only do surgery for the disease when a person's joints are so warped from damage caused by the disease that mobility becomes a problem. But guess what...you still have the problem.

Also, Talia's grandpa would not have been able to do any kind of woodworking with RA unless it was in remission. If it was in remission, he most likely wouldn't need surgery...or pain pills. Many people with RA can barely turn faucets and button clothes, and bro makes furniture all day? Oh, heck no. So, yes. The author should have picked a different illness or done better research. There are forums everywhere where people talk about their life with it. (By the way, this is the same for literally every illness. There's no excuse for an author to not have at least a somewhat good handle on an illness.) It ticks me off because people with RA have a hard time being taken seriously because people think it's "just arthritis," and then they have to go and combat stuff like this. So, here. I have educated.

Funnily enough, the rest of the book was excellent. No complaints otherwise.

[Linda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talia is the apprentice for her grandfather Gerald at A Touch of Grey a woodworking shop. They live in Redhaven and Gerald has been summoned to the Arrendell mansion to give a bid on some work. Gerald is suffering from a form of dementia so Talia goes to the mansion. Xavier Arrendell is the one who meets with her and he gives Talia the creeps because of the way he talks to her and looks at her. Xavier wants to redo the whole mansion which would be a lot of money for A Touch of Grey. Talia’s truck broke down after she got to the mansion so she has to walk back to the shop. Talia figures the money will get grandpa into a medical trial for dementia. Talia has asthma and she has an attack when she gets to town and she collapses. Micah is an officer for the Redhaven PD. As he is walking to the station he sees a woman collapse. He gives her mouth to mouth and Talia slowly comes around. Micah has been trying to find a way to get Xavier for the death of Jet who is Micah’s brother from drugs. Micah was abused by his father growing up. Micah is an albino and he was teased growing up and his father was one of the people who teased him and beat him. Micah has a darkness in him. When Micah finds out that Talia is going to be working at the Arrendell mansion he comes up with a plan. Micah wants Talia to see what Xavier and the Jacobins are doing so they go camping. Micah wants Talia to spy on Xavier for him. Talia agrees to help and she is drawn towards Micah even though he is gruff and short. Micah and Talia go camping again and see Xavier, the Jacobins who are the local moonshine distributors and Police Chief Bowden at a portable drug making facility. When a hiker is found dead Micah knows that it is related to Xavier and the Jacobins. The more time that Talia spends with Micah she starts falling in love with him develops feelings for him. They have sex, which is the first time for Talia, and Micah is rough and he is possessive. Micah is more on the rough and dark side of sex. Micah feels something for Talia. Talia finds a camera that belonged to the hiker in a drawer in Xavier’s desk. Xavier gave Talia a check for the deposit for the remodel. It was for $900,000, plenty to get help for grandpa Gerald’s dementia. Talia gave the camera to Micah. Micah broke Talia’s heart. The check bounced and Xavier called about cashiers check and she had to get it now. Micah has found what he needs. Micah feels terrible for hurting Talia. Will Micah and his fellow officers be able to catch Xavier and his crew? Will Micah be able to save Talia from Xavier? Will Talia forgive Micah? Will Micah and Talia get a second chance? Will Rolf, Micah’s dog help save the day? Will Micah and Talia find love and happiness together in Redhaven?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via BookFunnel.

Awesome Redhaven Officer and A Touch of Grey romance!

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of secrets, vengeance and redemption. It also includes a grumpy/sunshine romance, lots of spicy interaction and thrilling intrigue. Micah is a man with many secrets who is set on a path of vengeance. An encounter with Talia, more like a rescue of sorts, leads to a slight change in his plans that he hopes will yield the results he is looking for in a more timely matter. Micah, like Talia, has been an outcast or oddity to be bullied in the past. Growly, grumpy and distant, he has more than enough reasons to not trust others and to keep largely to himself. Innocent, sweet and beautiful Talia seems to be the perfect pawn to use to get more information on his target and his plans. The fact that he feels drawn to her and wants to claim her for himself is something he tries to ignore. He also tries to ignore the overwhelming need to keep her safe and protected. That need is quickly gaining on his need for vengeance. Those sparks he feels even when thinking about Talia, the deeply possessive and protective feelings couldn’t possibly be love, could they?

Unlike him, Talia trusts too easily and believes that Micah is telling the truth and would never hurt her. She feels safe in his company and wants to know why he has the haunted and angry look in his eyes. Talia thinks he is a better man than he gives himself credit for. She is willing to help Micah even though she is afraid of Xavier, the wealthy and powerful man he wants her to spy on and who has employed her and her grandfather for an exorbitant sum of money. Talia feels a connection to Micah which quickly leads to much deeper feelings she finds difficult to hide. For him and her grandfather she will be brave, careful and smart, and do her best not to get caught snooping. If that happens, it is not the consequences for herself that bother her, rather it is the consequences that Micah and her grandfather could face that worry her. What happens when she learns Micah’s secrets?

Micah and Talia’s story is full of secrets, (some of them rather dark), unexpected twists and some very tumultuous feelings. They make reading this book very intriguing and absolutely riveting. This book has my wholehearted recommendation.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an unusual one for Nicole Snow. I don’t remember the other two books in the series specifically, but this one is a lot darker than her usual fare. It’s a grumpy/sunshine story and a revenge story and if not exactly coming of age, then coming into oneself. It’s opposites attract and small town romance. It’s all of these things, but it feels like a heavier book (sometimes a little too heavy, but I enjoy all of Snow’s work) because it’s a dark, gothic romance with fairy tale undertones, and if you don’t think fairy tales are dark, you’ve been thinking of Disney rather than Grimm.
I enjoyed the gothic undertones of this book, with the heroine being a damsel in distress sometimes and full of grit at others (I’d call her plucky but she’s not an orphan in the 1800s), and with the hero full of darkness (Snow using irony because he’s an albino) and misunderstood. The bad guy who caused the death of Micah’s brother (REVENGE!) is appropriately sinister. And there is a bit of the gothic (maybe Victoria Holt) heroine about Talia, falling in love with the mysterious and brooding hero. Cue the coordinating sets of emotional baggage (complete with matching train case and hatbox).
Throughout, Snow used vampire imagery (super gothic) and also light parallels to fairy tales, particularly Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood, with particular imagery casting Micah as the wolf. He really explodes it when he is stalking up to the bad guy and says “Little pig, little pig…” leaning into the wolf persona. Snow White because she has asthma and he must give her the kiss of life (mouth to mouth) in order to bring her back.
The zexytime (it’s a slower burn) is both mythic and feral, recalling the vampire and the wolf and not skimping on the biting.
Sometimes the imagery got a little clunky, but usually the imagery enhanced the story. Dark, yes. Gothic, yes. And ultimately, it’s a solid story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redhaven dark secrets unleashed, again!

The Darkest Chase (Redhaven Book 3) by Nicole Snow takes the reader to the sleepy small town of Redhaven, nestled in the mountains of North Carolina. Micah, one of Redhaven's finest, is not what he seems, although his actions and deeds are spurred by the best of intentions. Talia, a lifetime resident and sweet innocent finds herself involved in a dangerous investigation that puts her completely out of her comfort zone while making her feel alive and vital in ways she never thought she would. Then there's the ever-antagonistic Arrendells and the crazy hillfolk, The Jacobins. If there's something shady in Redhaven, these two families are probably eyeball deep and masterminds behind it all.
Ms. Snow keeps the reader on their toes with this suspenseful romance, throwing a curve ball or two in the form of plot twists and a revelation I was not expecting. I love Micah and Talia together. Their romantic story is sweet and steamy while also demonstrating just how essential they are to one another. Talia's grandfather is wonderful too. I loved how special the relationship between him and Talia was; heartwarming and at times heartbreaking.
Overall, the suspense build-up is masterful! The characters are engaging and captivated my heart from the beginning. Micah is just one of those awesomely grumpy, alpha heroes that sweep the heroine and the reader off their feet. And Talia? She shines throughout, but also finds out exactly what she's made of and how strong and resilient she is. Best of all, everyone finds happiness while Micah and Talia explore their HEA.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.

[Robin Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampire Man and his Shortcake

Nicole Snow’s latest Redhaven book, The Darkest Chase definitely doesn’t disappoint. This series is a little darker with some gothic undertones (think 1960’s Dark Shadows villains). Talia Grey, along with her grandfather Gerald owns Redhaven’s custom furniture shop Touch of Grey. Gerald, once a vital and vibrant widower is struggling with early onset Alzheimer’s and rheumatoid arthritis in his hands. Talia, his apprentice and heir, struggles with debilitating life threatening asthma. When Officer Micah Ainsley gives Talia mouth to mouth after she suffers a deadly
asthma attack it’s “game on”. Immediately attracted to each other he convinces her to be his eyes and ears inside the Arrendell estate. Sounds easy enough except the scion of the family that hired her, Xavier, makes her extremely uncomfortable with his slimy ways and inappropriate lack of respect for her personal space and there is a creepy crone of a woman named Eustace Jacobin giving off serial killer vibes as she skulks around the house in spite of not having any business there. Both Micah and Talia have more baggage than a family of six on a two week visit to Disney (she spent the majority of her childhood in and out of the hospital due to her asthma and he was born an albino with all of the health issues that entails and was saddled with a violent alcoholic father that loved to beat both Micah and his brother Jet every chance he got.)
With more twists and turns than a mountain road this book will have you gasping with surprise and staying up uttering “just one more chapter”as you’re not willing to put it down for the night. A Kindle Unlimited offering, everyone should hurry to snatch this book up. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Snow does it again with her third book in the Dark Hearts of Redhaven series. I was deep into the story of Talia and Micah by the first chapter. Talia works with her grandfather in his custom woodworking business. He is struggling with the early stages of dementia and some days are better than other. On one day, he had an appointment at the Arrendell mansion but was a bit confused, so Talia took the meeting for him. Seeing Xavier Arrendell was very unsettling for Talia and, as she quickly walked home, she had an asthma attack in the town square. Micah, a policeman with the Redhaven force, stops and gives her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to help her find her breath.

He is trying to find a way to catch the Arrendells moving drugs and Talia is the perfect person to help him, as she will be working in the house for several years, redesigning all the rooms. Talia is instantly attracted to Micah, and they begin a very steamy relationship.

As their relationship deepens, so does the mystery and danger with the Arrendells and the other unsavory characters in his world. It becomes a cat and mouse game with Talia being the mouse. It is a wild ride once Xavier becomes aware of Talia's spying on him and the danger becomes all too real.

'The Darkest Chase' is a wonderful, nail-biting story of love, redemption, lies, and truths. I highly recommend this book, as well as the first two books in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Menor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talia Grey works with her grandpa in their family's custom furniture business aptly named A Touch Of Grey. When she's offered a ridiculous amount of money for custom work from the family on the hill, the Arrendells, it's a no brainer. They could use the money, especially her grandpa.
The day was turning out to be a little exciting mixed with a little crazy for Talia, but when she has an asthma attack in the town square, her day becomes even crazier.
Micah works for the Redhaven PD and he just so happens to be at the right place at the right time, when it comes to Talia. Although they have never met, this one instant will change the course of both their lives.
The Arrendells have been accused of many things, most of them guilty as charged but always given a blind eye from the town's Chief of Police. Micah sees Talia's new found business venture as his "in" to righting a wrong from his past. If Talia isn't careful, Micah won't be the only man obsessed with her. And if Talia becomes a target, will Micah be able to protect her or will history repeat itself? The Arrendells and the Jacobin family seem to be working on something together and they may be getting help from someone who is suppose to be an ally. If this goes sideways, Talia will definitely be collateral damage, but to what extent remains to be seen. Talia could be left with a broken heart or worse.

With lots of action, tension and intrigue, who wouldn't get pulled into this book after reading the first few chapters?!? A strong, yet unlikely heroine and her fantasy man, ex NYPD turned small town cop, form an unstoppable duo in pursuit of justice, not only for personal reasons but for their town. Fantastic storyline and a wild ride worth taking! I highly recommend this book!

[Deeanna- ReadLaughRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and suspense

Nicole Snow has a way of making the romance and suspense work together in tandem so well that you sometimes forget what genre you’re actually reading. She also has a way of creating these imperfect characters like Micah and Talia that make you love them right off the bat. This series has been fantastic with completely different kinds of spice and drama with each book. Being from a small town in NC that is likely about 2hrs away geographically from the fictional town of Redhaven makes me like it even more. The villain family in this series very much reminds me of the people we call The BBQ Mafia in our area. Mostly because of the wealth, power and influence in the community. And I’m sure our BBQ Mafia comes with their own closet full of skeletons the rest of us know nothing about. But I will say this. The NC girl in me had issues with one thing in this book though. Nobody around here is inviting you in and putting on a tea kettle unless they’re a transplant from north of the Mason Dixon. We’ve all been drinking the diabetes in a Tupperware jug known as sweet tea since most of us were still on a bottle. You want a soda? It’s Coke or Cheerwine. You want something hot? You’re getting coffee. Not hot tea.

[Zoe Jones-Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have Micah, a cop on a personal mission whose singularly been investigating the mystery of Redhaven but has yet to find the proof he needs. Then there’s Talia, she’s been invited to Arundell mansion to quote for a job to redo the mansion. Enter Xavier Arundell, he’s come home to carry on the family business, but not everything is quite as it seems. To both myself and Talia he gives off predatory, uncomfortable creepy vibes. Although she needs the money she’s hesitant to take the job, until Micah comes to her aid during a medical episode. When he finds out about her job he sees a golden opportunity to bring her into his mission and use her as an informant. For a girl that’s led a sheltered, naive life, getting herself involved with Micah promises more than just justice but also a chance at life and love. He never expected to fall in love with her. Where does that leave his mission?, Can he keep her safe whilst doing his job?, Will he have to sacrifice both her life and her love to complete his mission?. The only way to find out is to READ THIS BOOK!. It’s a dark, creepy, spooky return to Redhaven with many secrets, revenge, danger, a lot of angst and a slow burning romance that had me gripped throughout.

[Kim (Chipperbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The basics- this is a standalone however there are other books that are interconnected, if you want all the details and such.

Micah is on the local PD and he has been looking into a certain family for years. Everyone I town knows them. You know, the people who run the town, so to speak. Well, their town how 2 families that are ver powerful and he knows they are dealing in illegal stuff. He just has to prove it.

Talia and her grandfather own a woodworking company in town. When THE family wants her to refurnish his whole home, Talia is not comfortable with it but needs the money. She has heard all the rumors and quite frankly is nervous and scared to work with him. Enter Micah. He and Talia meet up and strike a deal. The more they work together, the closer they get. But Micah is holding in some secrets and now Talia is in danger.

Good read overall. This read a bit long but like how everything came together, almost. The chemistry between Micah and Talia was fire. Very entertaining.

I received an ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great instment in this series wirhin Redhaven from Nicole Snow.

Two opposites meet by chance and end up helping each other.

Talia grey is quiet and unasumming. Helping her Grandfather in the family business. When an invitation comes from the richest family who own most of the town Talia jumps at the chance to make more income to get the money for medical bills for her beloved Grandfather. Her inital meeting with Xavier Arrendell leaves her feeling uneasy and after her truck breaks down and she has to walk home this brings on breathing attack causing her to black out.
Micha Ainsley is part of Redavens police dept while doing the aily ciffee run he sees Talia coolapse in the main square and rushes to help. Finding her inhaler in her purse doesnt get her breathing under control he starts mouth to mouth, when the woman starts breathing on her own both just stare at each other.

When Talia tell Mixha where she has been and why she had to walk Micha becomes more interested.

Can these two completely opposite people work together to get the answers to the secrets Micha holds close? Can the opposites come to mean more to each other than either could ever have imagined?

[Marcia Brodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micha, the darkness, saved Talia, the light, and she saved him right back!!!

The Darkest Chase continues the story of Redhaven, a small town tucked away in North Carolina, and is a very intense and emotionally heartfelt story that has it all, danger, fear, uncertainty, intrigue, and lust with a side order of love. The characters have a steamy attraction to each other and captured my heart as I continued to turn page after page till the last word was read. 
You will instantly fall in love with Micah Ainsley, a handsome pale-skinned Junior Sergeant of the Redhaven Police Department. His dark past has taken a toll on him. Talia, a wood craftsman at her family furniture shop, A Touch of Grey. She’s meek and suffers from chronic asthma which is how the story begins. Their sassy, sarcastic banter with each other was witty and hilarious. The chemistry was undeniable and their passion was off-the-charts! ❤️‍🔥It's HOT and STEAMY with a sweet happily-ever-after!!!❤️‍🔥

NicoleSnow does such a fantastic job of making you feel like you are a part of the story. You will absolutely without a doubt fall in love with this book!💞

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.💋

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

Buckle up because you are about to go on one heck of a roller coaster ride with this book. This is the story of Micah and Talia. Micah is a man with a plan and he doesn't stray from that plan. He has followed it for years. He does not let a single thing distract him from what he thinks he needs to do. That is until he meets Talia. She has been sheltered her whole life. So much so that she doesn't know what evils and things lurk on the streets of her small town. At first these two just know who the other is and smile on the streets. But the moment they actually start spending time together, and start to get each other that the sparks and angst are flying all over the place. I loved the mystery of the town of Redhaven. No one knows anything about what in the world is with this town. But when things get crazy for Talia Micah is not about to let anything happen to this girl who is stealing his heart. This book was so good. I devoured it. I could go on and on about it but I can't. I have to stay quiet about what is going on in this book because there is so much and I really want to talk about it. You guys need this book in your life. You don't want to miss it.

[J Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Book 3 in the Redhaven series is Micah and Talia story. Talia works with her Grandpa making custom furniture. Micah is a police officer at Redhaven PD. Talia ends up taking a custom order from the Arrendell family and it just might change her life, maybe not in a good way where this family is concerned. Micah ends up meeting Talia and saving her after an asthma attack. Micah has no love for the Arrendell family, he wants to bring them down for his brother's death. Micah realized that Talia is his way into the family but will using her put her at risk?

I liked the grumpy/sunshine relationship Talia and Micah have and I liked how they fit together as a couple. I was annoyed with Micah and his need for revenge and the lengths he would go to get it, I felt bad for Talia. I get it I would want revenge if someone hurt my sibling as well. Talia was sweet and kind and just what Micah needed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a bad book by Ms. Snow…her reputation holds!
This series has been as entertaining as her previous books; maybe even moreso. There are really devious characters, seriously dangerous people, some whose alliances are questionable and some whose losses will be painful. Fortunately, there is a perfect HEA.
If you like steamy, spine-tingling, suspense-filled stories with incredible characters, you will want to read this book! Another sizzler for Ms. Snow. How does she continue to give us these amazing characters going through astounding events with steam and touching moments? Wait for it, there is a twist, and…you will know when to cheer! Loved 27yo Talia Grey whose asthma literally crippled her early life. And then there is 35yo Micah Ainsley who takes a little more persuading to like. But he ends up being worth our admiration. Many of the secondary characters are memorable especially grandpa Gerald and Rolf. Great story and I am so glad that I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.

[Margery · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new reader to Ms. Snow's work, for me, this was a tad dark, yet well written. It kept me in suspense and could not predict where the story line was heading. The characters came alive as well as their locations. Micah has lost his brother from drug usage. Micah has made it his personal path to find and take down the man he suspects is responsible. Talia runs into Micah during an asthma attack as he is giving her mouth to mouth. She is shy, few friends and avoids many things because of her asthma. As an apprentice to her grandfather in his wood shop, she interviews for a job at a house on the hill who's walls hide many secrets. As she and Mica get to know each other small town secrets add to the mystery of Xavier. Micah ha been following him closely, but, with Talia hired to work in his home, Micah sees this as an opportunity to get inside information on Xavier. Bottom line, as with all great page turning romance suspense stories, poor Talia winds up getting hurt by Micah. She has fallen in love, but, will Micah fix things? Will they wind up together? will Micah finally get his man? I enjoyed reading this book.

[Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am no stranger to Nicole Snow's works. It is easy to get absorbed in the small towns, the characters and the world she creates filled with mystery, suspension and romantic tension. The Darkest Chase adds grumy/sunny to a list of amazing books.

I didn't realize this was the third book in a series. You can read it as a stand alone, like I did. I did wonder about Xavier's brothers and the people who impacted by their machinations. So I will be reading the first two books.

I liked the flawed main characters: Talia - once sickly and severely asthmatic, sheltered and a little socially awkward; and Micah: a survivor of abuse, consumed by the death of his brother and the unwavering push for vengeance, at any cost.

I enjoyed the push and pull of the story, similar to the defining first meeting of Micah and Talia. Micah is quite dark, but Talia's light proves strong. There are adult moments and words, references to physical and substance abuse, and a standoffish dog named Rolf.

I recommend this read, but warn that you will want to block off time to read it in one day! I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout, but my review is my honest thoughts. 4.5 stars

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return to Redhaven in N. Carolina to once again battle the Arrendells. This time with Xavier in the crosshairs. Micah Ainsley is fairly new to the town and is a member of the local police department. He also happens to be an albino which has many challenges for him. Talia Grey the granddaughter of Gerald Grey an artistic woodworker. Talia is a wood artist in her own right. She has her own challenges with severe asthma and her grandfather battles dementia. Talia is trying to run the business for her grandfather and earn money to get him some better healthcare. After a meeting with Xavier Arrendell where he asks for her to redecorate his entire mansion Talia has a severe asthma attack on the street. On the street that Micah is walking down. He rushes to her rescue and a relationship begins. He asks Talia to help him bring Xavier to justice as he feels it’s Xavier who’s dealing the drugs that are killing people. The question now is whether or not Talia will agree to be part of Micah’s plan and his life. Will they get a HEA?

[Escape to the pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book (and I haven’t read the first 2 in the series)

I did feel it stood really well as a stand-alone but there were small elements that were clearly covered in the previous books, but this didn’t detract at all.

Both such interesting characters, both Micah and Talia were different in their own ways and the author celebrated those differences and brought out the true realities of them

I admit this book is a little of lots of genres in some ways, it’s a thriller packed with a mystery stuffed with lots of romance……I even though I’d wondered into a PNR by accident at one point 🤣

Despite this it’s a page turning read with lots of action

The one downside for me is that in the end I didn’t feel like anything really got resolved for Micah in relation to his feelings about his family and his brother. A minor point though and didn’t spoil the rest of the book for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilled that Nicole is continuing her series in Redhaven!
I fell in love with Talia with how she deals with the Arrendells’ 3 piece uniformed servant who delivers an envelope for her grandfather. Talia visits Xavier the next day as they need the job to help her grandfather seek treatment for dementia and arthritis. When Talia leaves the hill upset, it triggers an asthma attack that police officer, Micah witnesses and steps in to help. Micah asks Talia to look for clues while she works at the Arrendells. To convince her to help, Micah takes Talia on an overnight camping trip to show her what he suspects. As the plot twists with a visiting nature photographer, Talia continues with the job despite the danger, and the creeps from Xavier. Will Micah’s secret complicate matters as Micah and Talia discover they are almost the perfect Yin and Yang. How will it all end? Will Micah get his man? Will Talia lose her heart to Micah? You have to read to find out and know that it is an absolutely faultless ending!

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Dark Hearts of Redhaven series and can be read as a standalone. The other books in the series are The Broken Protector and The Sweetest Obsession are both standalones. I read The second book and recommend that one reads both of the first books for back story and inter-connecting characters. Talia and Micah will grab your attention right at the beginning and it won’t take you long to become emotionally involved with them. An age-gap, slow burn romance that is overflowing with lots of drama, angst and emotion. A page-turner that will cause you to lose a little sleep. Well written with strong, well-developed characters. The author did a wonderful job with this story and it’s one you will enjoy. I read a free advance copy via the author and voluntarily chose to write a review,

[Brenda Motza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love a Nicole Snow book! This one DID NOT disappoint!

Talia works with her grandfather making handcrafted furniture. She or should I say, her grandfather, had been summoned to the big house on the hill for a meeting. Now, if you have read the other two books in this series, you know that the residents are super wealthy and super weird. After her meeting with Xavier, the last remaining son, she has an asthma attack as she gets back to town and Officer Ainsley, Micah, just so happens to be in the right place at the right time.

Micah's background is complicated. And knowing where Talia just came from, he can't but help himself in asking her for help on a personal matter. Completely off the books.

Wow! What a ride this book was. It's a bit darker than Nicole's usual books but still a great read.