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Chelsea is out of work, between homes and nearly out of money when, while filling out job applications at a busy bus depot, she find the opportunity of a lifetime simply lying in the trash. It's a prepaid vacation voucher - room, meals and clothing all included. All she has to do is get on a bus and for the next ten days she'd be sleeping in a bed instead of her car. Unfortunately, the voucher is for a place called The Castle and no one lives in Granger for long without hearing one or two things about that very adult resort. Still, prepaid is prepaid, and just because she goes to the resort doesn't mean she has to participate, right?
Then she meets Selena, and suddenly Chelsea's a slavegirl in a BDSM wedding, an unwilling confidant in a secret Sara can't bear to tell Jackson, the enigma Master Marshall just can't figure out...and then there's Kade. The big bad wolf, Selena calls him. The biggest and baddest the Castle has ever known. Everyone warns her to steer clear of the playboy Master, but right from the very start steering clear is the one thing Chelsea can't bring herself to do. From the moment he smiles at her - the moment his experienced touch burns into her skin - she's drawn.

Poor Little Red, she never had a chance.

"Chasing Chelsea" is the fifth book in Maren Smith's Masters of the Castle series.

ebook

First published January 1, 2014

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208 people want to read

About the author

Maren Smith

156 books1,132 followers
Fortunate enough to live with my Daddy Dom, I am a Little, coffee fanatic, dog and cat mom, was an administrator for six years at my local BDSM dungeon, and have since become a Utah resident and submissive to the love of my life. An International and USA Bestselling Author several times over, I have penned more than 160 novels, novellas and short stories, and am the author of the Masters of the Castle and Daddy’s Little series.

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5 stars
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127 (33%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Becca.
521 reviews62 followers
July 6, 2014
In a departure from my usual series reading, this is the only book I've read in the Masters of the Castle series. It may have added to my enjoyment to have read the other books first, but I don't think it had any effect on my understanding of how things worked in this fantasy vacation resort called, "The Castle".

I enjoyed the backdrop of a BDSM - anything goes - vacation destination as much, or more than, the the relationship between Kade and Chelsea. They were okay, and the scenes between them were hot enough, but, in my opinion, there wasn't a great deal of depth or connection felt with either one. The story behind Chelsea being at the Castle felt forced, with the author trying to show what a good person she was despite the fact she was not there under valid circumstances. It was hard for me to get a handle on Chelsea because she shifted from wide eyed innocent to someone who was pretty comfortable with her sexuality.

The writing was generally solid, but it needed a good edit for continuity and character consistency.

So it was a fun romp, but not a riveting one. I recommend this book for those times a lighthearted, easy read with a little heat is called for.
Profile Image for Cécile Smits .
1,468 reviews286 followers
April 26, 2019
This is turning out to be a very delectable series,and i love seeing all the usual suspects returning with each story. All of them growing within their relationships.

This one is about Chelsea,who desperately needs a place to stay. Living in her car,without a job,isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. So when she hears a couple argue about his choice for a hotel,and finds the tickets in the trash,she thinks hard,she thinks long,and decides there’s no harm in using those for herself. Right? Only the hotel turns out to be the Castle,and she’s soon out of her depth with everything going on.

Master Kade is one of the few founding members that’s still single,and he insists he will never fall....until he finds himself chasing an ever elusive Chelsea. Once he gets his hands on her,he intends to enjoy that delectable redhead and move on.

Follow them throughout the Castle,and find out if Chelsea gets caught.....in more ways than one.
Profile Image for Rachel Anne Kieran.
119 reviews9 followers
July 6, 2021
I wrote this in a review of a previous volume in this series:
"The emphasis on consent is clear throughout all of this series (though not all of her books, which is why I can't read her historicals), but there is more understanding of character dynamics and more communication between the characters about the role that kink can or does play for them, what each wants and needs etc. In the books in which more experienced kink players are the protagonists, unfortunately this essential part of any relationship (or scene) is skipped, which for me makes the books far less rich and the characters less dimensional."
This one had tropes that pull you in quickly (mistaken/stolen identity), as well as a deeply sympathetic protag living in her car and in need of a place to stay, but again, there's that want for communication and more reflection and communication upon revelation.
Profile Image for Shari.
871 reviews76 followers
September 26, 2020

The Delight
Another light-hearted story with a lot of sensuality. One secret that will have ramifications, a novice out of her element and a Dom not ready to fall, but unable to stop the momentum.


Review
Chelsea is out of work, living in her car, and desperately looking for a new job before her savings run out. While filling out an application for the coffee shop in Granger, Ohio, she overhears an argument between a couple who storms out in anger but also dumping a folder filled with all the documents for a vacation. She watches them leave in their personal car and thinks this is a chance to eat, sleep in a bed, and job hunt from luxury. You don't live in Granger without knowing what goes on in The Castle, but she thinks she doesn't have to participate. Hopping aboard the bus, she takes on the name Beth only to befriended by Selena, a submissive on the way to marry her Daddy Dom. Everything goes crazy after that.

Selena recruits her for her slave wedding, drags her away from the orientation only to find out Sara (Saving Sara) has a secret she isn't sure is good news and generally gets lost and chased by security. Taken to the Master's office, she lies telling them she broke up with her Dom and will go by the secret name Chelsea as no one goes by their own name, so Beth is out since they think that is her name. She denies needing a Dom and tries to stay out of people's way but fate and Kade won't let that happen.

Kade is one the few single Masters left and he plans to keep it that way. He never gives false hope, but he also likes the spice of variety. He notices Chelsea from the moment she steps off the bus and intends to be her Master for her stay. Not used to being turned down, Kade must figure out what she is trying to hide. She denies him once, then twice, but that is the last time he will allow her to escape his touch, his mastery of his ownership. But Chelsea's avoiding things have caught Master Marshall's eye and while he can't put his finger on what is up, he knows Chelsea isn't' all she says she is. But when Spanking 101 led by Kade starts, Marshall realizes her forms are wrong and Kade gets what he wants: Chelsea. And Chelsea learns she is kinkier than she ever thought.

A bet is made and now the piper must be paid, so Kade introduces Chelsea to both pleasure, punishment and submission. But will her secret catch up with her?

Kade was that playboy you love to hate. He is a player, but he also is a solid Dom. He teaches 101 BDSM sessions with a calm, funny attitude that draws the audience to him. It also draws women both attached and unattached to him as well. I think the one who doesn't want him is his downfall, but also the one who intrigues him enough to learn more about and draw submission from. Let's just say the harder he had to work at it the more he finds he falls.

Chelsea for her part really tries not to charge things to the room, stay to herself and just find a job as she can. But this isn't a vacation spot to be alone, read in gardens or not participate. And it goes noticed right away that things aren't exactly as they seem. She learns more about herself through Kade, but having no way to support herself, she does what she needs to and feels the guilt associated with it.

I had a great time learning about these two and watching as they both learned more about themselves while also enjoying the sexuality they both exude. There are spankings, funishments as well as punishments. I also loved seeing Sam, Marshall, Jackson, Sara, Selena, Kaylee and more in this story. There is some happy news for some of the characters and a realization that maybe they can't live at the Castle forever. Rounding out the story, we get more characters to love.


Challenges Met

Reading Challenge #48
Review Writing Challenge #55
Bad Boys of Romance #23 - Sex Toy
Literary Pickers #49

Series



About the Book
Chasing Chelsea by Maren Smith
CHASING CHELSEA BY MAREN SMITH
Chelsea is out of work, between homes and nearly out of money when, while filling out job applications at a busy bus depot, she find the opportunity of a lifetime simply lying in the trash. It’s a prepaid vacation voucher—room, meals and clothing all included. All she has to do is get on a bus and for the next ten days she’d be sleeping in a bed instead of her car. Unfortunately, the voucher is for a place called The Castle and no one lives in Granger for long without hearing one or two things about that very adult resort. Still, prepaid is prepaid, and just because she goes to the resort doesn’t mean she has to participate, right?

Then she meets Selena, and suddenly Chelsea’s a slavegirl in a BDSM wedding, an unwilling confidant in a secret Sara can’t bear to tell Jackson, the enigma Master Marshall just can’t figure out...and then there’s Kade. The big bad wolf, Selena calls him. The biggest and baddest the Castle has ever known. Everyone warns her to steer clear of the playboy Master, but right from the very start steering clear is the one thing Chelsea can’t bring herself to do. From the moment he smiles at her - the moment his experienced touch burns into her skin - she’s drawn.

Poor Little Red, she never had a chance.

Publisher's Note: While this is the fifth book in Maren Smith's hugely popular Masters of the Castle series, it can be read as a standalone, as can all the others. The series numbers are just a guideline as to recommended reading order.


Preview

Profile Image for Danielle  Gypsy Soul.
3,174 reviews80 followers
February 16, 2015
I don't read a lot of erotic romance and this is the only book I've read in the Masters of the Castle series. I don't know if it would have been more enjoyable if I had read the others and got a chance to reconnect with previous characters but it wasn't necessary, the book was stand alone. I enjoyed the background of BDSM, vacation destination of "The Castle". In fact I enjoyed that more than the relationship between the H and h. The scenes were definitely hot but there was no real connection between them. They knew nothing about each other, there was never any interest between either character to try to learn about the other, except for what they liked during sex. Which is okay, except when they suddenly decide they are in love. I had a hard time with Chelsea's character because she went from I don't belong here, I'm innocent to being very comfortable with her sexuality. There could have been better editing as well. In one scene she has a severely broken hand/wrist and needs to go to the emergency room but she doesn't and then you never hear anything else about it. The ending seemed really rushed to me. Overall, I enjoyed the book and it's a good book for a quick erotic read and I may even read the others eventually.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,673 reviews83 followers
August 2, 2020
Have you ever made a mistake and it seemed like as soon as you did it Murphy's Law stepped in and everything that could go wrong did? I really, really felt bad for Chelsea. Knowing what she did was wrong, I really empathized with her since I've been in the situation she was in. I just didn't find an all-expense vacation. And then even when she kept trying to stay out of the spotlight and not become noticed, Fate decided she needed a happier path and kept putting people and situations in her way, causing the mistake to loom even bigger. And Kade!! What can I say about Kade except you can't always judge a book by it's cover? But he cultivated that cover so, so well that it made it hard for me to like him in the beginning. This was such a thought-provoking, emotional, and learning experience for me to read this book. And just so you know, if you haven't read any of the "Masters of the Castle" books, you can't NOT have a reaction to the storyline or the characters. They're just magical.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,866 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2022
Desperate

Chelsea is homeless and desperate when she takes the receipt for a paid vacation at the Castle out of the trash. Posing as Beth, she is quickly drawn into the people and activities at the BDSM club. Kade is interested especially when she runs from him. Their attraction grows but it has to be temporary. She's a guest with a limited vacation and he's a player. Hot action and fun interactions that lead to an HEA.
100 reviews
July 4, 2019
Hot hot hot

I’ve read so many of The Masters of the Castle series now I’m not sure why this was so much hotter but it was. It actually had me breathless at times and I had to stop a couple of times as well, if you know what I mean. Highly recommend this one it certainly got my motor running 😉
Profile Image for Sherry Wood.
578 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2020
Awesome book!!

This is such an amazing book!! It has everything, a little mystery, some humor and amazing chemistry between the characters. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it!!
Profile Image for AGirlAndHerLibrarian Girl.
480 reviews32 followers
August 19, 2024
Girls YouTube Channel – Stacked with Reviews (not this book though!)

NOTE: This is a bit of a series review rather than each book in the series!)

Okay let's put my cards on the table shall we - I needed smut, I needed Alpha, I needed 'Sir's and 'Sweetheart' endearments and control. I found it in these. They are written by different authors but they keep the continuity of the whole 'Castle' really well. You have the BDSM Resort through it's early stages, through big events like disaster and Charity Auctions - and I have loved ALL of them.

I have read 10 single titles in two weeks, plus the chunk of Witness Protection books that come in one compendium - and I just realised I missed a whole other chunk so I will be back to them soon... but...

It's not high flying writing, it's mostly realistic, certainly all the BDSM play stuff is but some of the quickly falling for each other is a little squiffy. I will say that the psychological issues dealt with by the 'Masters' or 'Sir's throughout the books was really well done and quite affecting in places.

OF NOTE: Owning 'O' is deeply affecting, or at least it was to me.

PLEASE READ THE TRIGGERS - there are quite a few in there and mention of quite a full things.

Many of the books are written by authors who are in the lifestyle and I think that shines through in the writing.

P.S. Love bookmarks? Want to print them out and use them as often as you like? Love ephemera and junk journal’s and prints too? Try out my new website The Witchery Woo.IES Review
Profile Image for Cozen.
634 reviews32 followers
May 4, 2018
Well having just needed a bit of adult content then what I was getting into with City of Bones (basically the lack there of it) I found this book fitting my instant needs. I can admire the writing skills the author has and I also enjoyed some of the earliest scene with her dodging Kade's seductive allure. It was comical. I especially loved the Mr. Snape bit in there as well.

I found that I could definitely relate to the heroine and I loved that this story had the appropriate amount of the other couples to where I can guess where their stories lines were.

The star down from a five was because despite a lot of seduction, there was still that "Something" that was missing in order for me to feel that the two lead characters would feel "IN LOVE" or acknowledge having those feeling after only 4-6 days together. It just didn't make that reach for me. Others may disagree with me on this.

Otherwise, on side note. Mainly to author but others may chime in on this as well. Why didn't one single person, especially Chelsea, tell Selena that her "Furry" topic discussion was topping out at like four times?... suggesting that she might have a little more interest in that kind of play then she is willing to admit. Just saying.

All in all, it was a good book to read for a while. Though, I am miffed at the "She was reading in the garden" jab at the end. I would have to say that reading is an amazing experience to have with the right sort of book. Someone once said that it is the only time where you can be anyone or in any place instantly without leaving the confines of your home, but I understand it just might have been a bigger jab to their performance capabilities.
Profile Image for Marybeth.
2,289 reviews21 followers
May 12, 2014
A wonderful new story in the Masters of the Castle series. Chelsea has been out of work for quite a while and she is almost to the end of her savings. While at the coffee shop, she overhears a couple arguing. Once they leave, she follows them and sees the man throw an envelope in the trash. In it are two tickets to the Castle. She doesn’t know what the Castle is about, but she likes the idea of free room and board while she searches for a job. On the bus to the Castle, she meets Selena, who is going to marry Bill, one of the Masters of the Castle. Selena treats her as an old friend and invites her to be in her wedding. Chelsea is overwhelmed by the whole thing! Finally, she wanders by the Nursery and is shocked by what she sees. She has never envisioned a life like this. Of course, everyone thinks she has! It’s like and episode of I Love Lucy! Eventually, she meets Kade and they start to fall in love.
I really liked this new addition to the series. We meet all the old characters and check up on what’s going on in their lives, we meet new characters (like the twins) and we can’t wait to find out what is in store for them. This is a good book for someone new to D/d because it explains a lot about what is going on as Chelsea is new to the situation as well. Wonderful book!
Profile Image for Katherine Deane.
Author 45 books158 followers
July 15, 2014
Ok, let me go on the record first, by saying I love everything Maren Smith writes!

This latest story from the Masters of the Castle series, is a fantastic addition, and can be read as a stand alone.

I loved the previous stories, and appreciated seeing the former characters in this story.

Down on her luck, Chelsea, was a wonderfully realistic character. I loved her determination and strength, and the fact that she didn’t bow down to the Castle’s favorite playboy, Kade.

Not understanding why his fellow Doms were tying themselves to just one woman each, Kade was the epitome of the player. And women threw themselves at his feet.
All except for Chelsea.

I loved seeing them together, warring with their own desires and fears.

This story was so freaking hot! The spankings and the sex were scorching- some were public!

The plot was fun and easy to follow, and the different characters added to a very entertaining mix.

My favorite scene was definitely the chocolate painting. Mmmmmm!

I can’t wait for the next book!

I love this series!
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,673 reviews83 followers
August 2, 2020
Have you ever made a mistake and it seemed like as soon as you did it Murphy's Law stepped in and everything that could go wrong did? I really, really felt bad for Chelsea. Knowing what she did was wrong, I really empathized with her since I've been in the situation she was in. I just didn't find an all-expense vacation. And then even when she kept trying to stay out of the spotlight and not become noticed, Fate decided she needed a happier path and kept putting people and situations in her way, causing the mistake to loom even bigger. And Kade!! What can I say about Kade except you can't always judge a book by it's cover? But he cultivated that cover so, so well that it made it hard for me to like him in the beginning. This was such a thought-provoking, emotional, and learning experience for me to read this book. And just so you know, if you haven't read any of the "Masters of the Castle" books, you can't NOT have a reaction to the storyline or the characters. They're just magical.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,969 reviews175 followers
May 31, 2014
Master Kade and Red
Over hearing an argument from a snobbish couple at a coffee house while leaving an application for employment, then to witnessing them throw away an envelope for a vacation at "The Castle", what is an out of work, living in her car girl to do? Well, after debating, she boards the bus to the Castle for 10 days. It is prepaid and a place to live and eat, while sending out resumes looking for a job. What a total shock to Chelsea, never knowing what "The Castle" really is, an adult getaway for whatever sexual pleasures or proclivities one can imagine. Then on the bus she is befriended by Selena and from there, everything goes out of order due to Selena's enthusiasm. But Chelsea plays along out of fear of being found out a fraud. Chelsea becomes a challenge for a seasoned Dom like Kade. This is their story and it will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Kelly.
371 reviews
May 14, 2015
Maren Smith just keeps them coming. Chelsea's adventures at the Castle are enough to make any vanilla run. Until she realizes she doesn't want to any more. Kade is as sexy as he is frustrating. Together, you know there will never be a dull moment. I could see another full book about their exploits alone. Or a book based on the misadventures of the 'sisterhood' that has been formed by the main ladies of the Castle.

An enjoyable read that will leave you gasping or laughing. Make sure you read all of the Master's of the Castle books. Even out of order they are good.
Profile Image for Angie.
2,455 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2014
Kade couldn't stay away from Chelsea something about her drew him in. Chelsea was in fear of getting caught cause she wasn't who she said she was. This was a really good story. Kade was running from his feelings, but he couldn't outrun them. Chelsea was afraid to fall for Kade since she knew she was leaving soon. Trouble seemed to follow Chelsea, but she made some really good friends and they stuck up for her when she needed them. This is a good series!
Profile Image for Dar.
4,543 reviews93 followers
December 21, 2015
When the mighty fall, it is extra enjoyable, and in this case, he doesn't even see what happens until, wait for it, timber, over her goes!

Some things he says and does may seem off, but it fits exactly as it should in his mindset. He has to has to do this to realize he isn't who he thinks he is anymore. While it may hurt others while he figures this out, they too need to see his change

In the end, it all works out, and both our characters needed this to happen to get them whole and together!
Profile Image for Katy Beth Mckee.
4,702 reviews65 followers
May 10, 2014
Chelsea takes advantage of what looks like a free trip but finds so much more. Kade makes fun of the other masters and their drift to commitment is about to come back and bite him. What a fun way to start another installment in the Master Series.

Cause of course they end up in a collision course and things start getting out of hand from there out out.
Profile Image for Laurel.
505 reviews8 followers
May 24, 2014
I have read all of the castle books and they get better and better. This one has it all, hot sex, humor, action, romance and a great storyline. I loved Chelsea. She got so much more then a free vacation and Kade was a very alpha master and Dom who finds more then he expected.
Profile Image for Book Red.
76 reviews
November 29, 2014
3.5 , the flow of this book just didn't work as well for me. This is a great series!
Profile Image for Kelly.
371 reviews
July 16, 2017
So much fun!!! Kade is hot and deserves getting the runaround by Chelsea who is lost in the alien world of the Castle.
Profile Image for Lu.
516 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2016
So far this is the best book of the series. Chelsea may be submissive but she doesn't take any shit. It was fun seeing hardcore Dominick on the run.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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