Chasing Trouble

The Chase #1

by Samantha Lau

Catch him. Kiss him. Kill him. Jax hasn’t decided yet.

Holden has always been good at slipping through the cracks, but this time he's in deeper than ever. Jax is no ordinary bounty hunter. He’s infuriatingly attractive, with a swagger that screams trouble and a smile sharp enough to slice through steel. The moment Jax catches up to him, all Holden wants to do is drag that hot hunter into the nearest dark corner and find out if his lips taste as dangerous as they look.

Jax is done playing games. Holden is a slippery bastard, always one step ahead, grinning like he’s in on some cosmic joke no one else gets. He’s cocky, arrogant, and—damn it—way too good-looking for Jax’s sanity. Every encounter feels like a match to a fuse, setting off sparks Jax knows will only end in an explosion. If only it wasn’t so tempting to catch him… and not just because there’s a bounty on his head.

But they’re not the only ones playing the game. With enemies closing in and dangerous cargo hidden in the depths of space, it’ll take more than quick reflexes to survive. The line between hunter and hunted is blurring fast, and if Jax and Holden aren’t careful, they could destroy each other long before they find out what’s waiting for them at the end of the chase.

Chasing Trouble is Book 1 in The Chase Series.

288 pages, Paperback

Published January 24, 2025

About the author

Samantha Lau weaves enchanting M/M romance across genres, creating stories where love knows no boundaries—whether between species, social classes, or parallel dimensions. Her unique blend of Eastern and Western storytelling traditions brings fresh energy to the romance genre, crafting tales that range from cyberpunk adventures to tender contemporary love stories.

Drawing from her multilingual background and love of diverse cultures, she creates rich worlds where the impossible becomes possible and love blooms in the most unexpected places. Her stories feature everything from shape-shifting nagas and passionate demons to cyberpunk runners and small-town fae, but at their heart, they're always about two people finding their way to each other.

When not crafting new worlds or spending time with her beloved dogs, Samantha explores different languages and cultures, finding inspiration for her next love story in every new discovery.

Try one of her books now and be transported to a new world!

Reviews

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in space as we follow bounty hunter Jax as he is chasing down his nemesis, smuggler Holden. To say he was obsessed was an understatement.
Jax was driven and took his life serious not one to crack a smile, Holden was complete opposite with his ready smile and his constant flirting, he really grated on Jax's nerves but there was something about Holden that caught Jax's attention. Don't tell me he was only obsessed for the bounty.
When things get serious as they try and run from common enemies it gets explosive and lives are at threat.
I enjoyed this story and it was a refreshing change for me. The romance is a slow burn and don't expect a lot of spice. Enemies to lovers and forced proximity Jax and Holden are HFN and I am curious to see what happens next with this unlikely pair

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble on the Way . . .

Holden is a smuggler on the run from Jax, a bounty hunter. The two of them have very different personalities that would seem to repel each other. Holden has a confident playful type of attitude, smiling and flirting, knowing his teasing is annoying Jax. But something about him calls to Jax who is competent, thorough, and takes things seriously, having no time for “play”. But when the danger ramps up and they have a common foe, will they join together to survive and escape their enemies? The fast-paced, action-packed twists and turns will definitely hold the reader’s attention as these two are working to survive… and to discover what the future, if they have one, will bring.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Chasing Trouble by Samantha Lau. It's the first book in The Chase series. I liked Jax and Holden's story. This book has lots of flirting from Holden, but not a lot of spicy scenes. It's definitely an enemies-to-lovers story. I enjoyed watching Holden wear down Jax's defenses. I liked DOTA and was glad she was able to be transferred to the other ship. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was dubious at first due to the space setting but i really liked following and Holden's story. Great characters, Holden who was Jaxs complete opposite and loved his flirtatious behaviour. However at first he grates on Jax's nerves giving an enemies-to-lovers vibe. I enjoyed following them as Holden wears his defenses. Not alot of spice it's all about the relationship build!.

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

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character development was top-notch and my favorite part of this novel. The emotional intimacy was great, and the plot was quick and fast-paced. I finished it in one sitting. I did expect more spicy scenes than there were, not that the lack of spice is a dealbreaker, but it could have used a little more in the scope of this novel. All in all, solid 4 stars. I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest, unbiased review.

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely written enemies-to-lovers story. Holden is very flirtatious and worked hard to wear down Jax's defenses. With Jax always in serious mode, it was a challenge accepted.
Holden went from aggravating to finally building a bond between them.

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