What do you think?
Rate this book
Rainbow Cove #1
Trust with a Chaser
an alternate cover edition can be found here
His secret fling with a hot older cop isn’t supposed to feel this good…
Mason Hanks is back in his hometown, Rainbow Cove, Oregon with big dreams of opening an inclusive bar and outrunning his family’s reputation. Resuming his teenage infatuation with the sexy cop who used to try to rein in his family is absolutely not in his plans.
An irresistible connection…
Nash Flint wants to keep his community safe and enjoy the occasional burger in peace. Mason represents change—and temptation. He’s not supposed to enjoy Mason’s cooking or company this much. And he’s not sure how much longer he can resist the delicious attraction between them.
Here comes trouble…
When their unlikely friendship takes a sexy turn, they try to keep things casual. Nash believes he’s too set in his ways for Mason, and Mason worries that his family’s behavior will ruin any future with Nash. But they can’t control their sheet-scorching passion. Or their deepening feelings. Hard choices loom. Is a future together worth the risks?
Trust with a Chaser is a May/December stand-alone gay romance with a hot hero in uniform, opposites attract, plenty of sexy times, and one hard-fought, guaranteed happy ending with no cliffhangers. The book has a new cover, but the same fan-favorite story inside!
His secret fling with a hot older cop isn’t supposed to feel this good…
Mason Hanks is back in his hometown, Rainbow Cove, Oregon with big dreams of opening an inclusive bar and outrunning his family’s reputation. Resuming his teenage infatuation with the sexy cop who used to try to rein in his family is absolutely not in his plans.
An irresistible connection…
Nash Flint wants to keep his community safe and enjoy the occasional burger in peace. Mason represents change—and temptation. He’s not supposed to enjoy Mason’s cooking or company this much. And he’s not sure how much longer he can resist the delicious attraction between them.
Here comes trouble…
When their unlikely friendship takes a sexy turn, they try to keep things casual. Nash believes he’s too set in his ways for Mason, and Mason worries that his family’s behavior will ruin any future with Nash. But they can’t control their sheet-scorching passion. Or their deepening feelings. Hard choices loom. Is a future together worth the risks?
Trust with a Chaser is a May/December stand-alone gay romance with a hot hero in uniform, opposites attract, plenty of sexy times, and one hard-fought, guaranteed happy ending with no cliffhangers. The book has a new cover, but the same fan-favorite story inside!
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
About the author
Annabeth Albert
120 books3,836 followersFrequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 603 reviews
August 14, 2020
I am trying to find words to tell you all how much I LOVED this story. It was absolutely perfect in every way.
I love gritty romances that aren't all fluffy and perfect. Still, this wasn't a dark romance either. It was just the perfect balance between a fictional romance and real life problems - and funny enough, the one thing that stayed in my mind after reading this is:
No matter how AMAZING the sex is, at the end of the day, two guys in love realize that what they really need is things like cooking and unwinding together after a hard day at work.
And THAT's what makes the whole thing a relationship.
Which is - for me - the essence of romance and the part that carries on in our real lives. It may sound crazy, but this story really touched me on many levels.
Chief of Police Nash Flint rules his town of Rainbow Cove (OMG, I just realized I love the name of the town, LOL), just like his father had done before him. His job is his main priority and it is in his professional role that the people of Rainbow Cove know and respect him.
Nobody knows the lonely gay man he actually is.
Things get shaken up a little, when a new tavern opens up, replacing a long established diner, but now catering to a... let's say: diverse crowd.
Mason, Adam and Logan (who I assume will each feature in their own book) are gay friends who moved from Portland to this sleepy corner to establish a gay friendly infrastructure.
Mason Hank's family, however, originally comes from Rainbow Cove and their reputation isn't the best.
So Chief Flint doesn't give Mason the time of day, knowing that another Hanks family member is the last thing he needs in his town.
What he does need, though, is lunch. And despite the tavern being an openly gay-friendly establishment, stoic and quiet Chief Flint takes his lunch breaks there regularly, getting to know Mason Hanks a little more with each day...
This story is so beautiful. Gosh, I just love characters like Nash Flint. Mason is just as wonderful, I admit that, but you have a guy like him in almost every romance: Openly gay, positive attitude, hoping for love and happiness...
Flint, however, is like my craving for dark chocolate. I don't like to need it, but I can't live without it. He's in the closet, unwilling to share anything about himself, yet feeling drawn to the younger, happier man like a fly to a light bulb.
And you know, the two hitting it off will hurt them both. And when things fall apart (like you know they will...), it's such a fascinating journey to see how they find common ground and love again.
This is truly one of the most rewarding romances I've read this year. I totally understand that it isn't what many people prefer in romance, but I still recommend this, because it is EXACTLY what I like my romances to be like.
Memorable and full of rewarding emotions that carry over to real life. I absolutely love this.
5 stars and a top 10 favorite in this reading year for me!
I love gritty romances that aren't all fluffy and perfect. Still, this wasn't a dark romance either. It was just the perfect balance between a fictional romance and real life problems - and funny enough, the one thing that stayed in my mind after reading this is:
No matter how AMAZING the sex is, at the end of the day, two guys in love realize that what they really need is things like cooking and unwinding together after a hard day at work.
And THAT's what makes the whole thing a relationship.
Which is - for me - the essence of romance and the part that carries on in our real lives. It may sound crazy, but this story really touched me on many levels.
Chief of Police Nash Flint rules his town of Rainbow Cove (OMG, I just realized I love the name of the town, LOL), just like his father had done before him. His job is his main priority and it is in his professional role that the people of Rainbow Cove know and respect him.
Nobody knows the lonely gay man he actually is.
Things get shaken up a little, when a new tavern opens up, replacing a long established diner, but now catering to a... let's say: diverse crowd.
Mason, Adam and Logan (who I assume will each feature in their own book) are gay friends who moved from Portland to this sleepy corner to establish a gay friendly infrastructure.
Mason Hank's family, however, originally comes from Rainbow Cove and their reputation isn't the best.
So Chief Flint doesn't give Mason the time of day, knowing that another Hanks family member is the last thing he needs in his town.
What he does need, though, is lunch. And despite the tavern being an openly gay-friendly establishment, stoic and quiet Chief Flint takes his lunch breaks there regularly, getting to know Mason Hanks a little more with each day...
This story is so beautiful. Gosh, I just love characters like Nash Flint. Mason is just as wonderful, I admit that, but you have a guy like him in almost every romance: Openly gay, positive attitude, hoping for love and happiness...
Flint, however, is like my craving for dark chocolate. I don't like to need it, but I can't live without it. He's in the closet, unwilling to share anything about himself, yet feeling drawn to the younger, happier man like a fly to a light bulb.
And you know, the two hitting it off will hurt them both. And when things fall apart (like you know they will...), it's such a fascinating journey to see how they find common ground and love again.
This is truly one of the most rewarding romances I've read this year. I totally understand that it isn't what many people prefer in romance, but I still recommend this, because it is EXACTLY what I like my romances to be like.
Memorable and full of rewarding emotions that carry over to real life. I absolutely love this.
5 stars and a top 10 favorite in this reading year for me!
July 22, 2017
Very HOT. Very SWEET.
I cannot wait for more books in the Rainbow Cove series!
Mason is an absolute sweetheart. He's non-judgmental, giving, and willing to trust Nash, even when Nash is stubborn and scared.
Nash isn't a bad guy; he's just repressed and so set on following in his father's footsteps, he forgets his own dreams. But once Nash sees the light, he's all in.
The sexual tension is SCORCHING! These two have amazing chemistry.
I consider the ending a tentative HEA ... very hopeful, with a few issues left unresolved. Mason and Nash are solid and willing to work through life's ups and downs together.
I really liked this story. Annabeth Albert continues to be one of my favorite authors in this genre.
I cannot wait for more books in the Rainbow Cove series!
Mason is an absolute sweetheart. He's non-judgmental, giving, and willing to trust Nash, even when Nash is stubborn and scared.
Nash isn't a bad guy; he's just repressed and so set on following in his father's footsteps, he forgets his own dreams. But once Nash sees the light, he's all in.
The sexual tension is SCORCHING! These two have amazing chemistry.
I consider the ending a tentative HEA ... very hopeful, with a few issues left unresolved. Mason and Nash are solid and willing to work through life's ups and downs together.
I really liked this story. Annabeth Albert continues to be one of my favorite authors in this genre.
August 9, 2017
Pure, excellent Annabeth Albert goodness!
Annabeth Albert is an author that I've come to rely on. There are very few authors that I feel like can guarantee me a great read and Annabeth Albert is one of them. Trust with a Chaser is a perfect example of her consistency.
Annabeth Albert gets people. She gets what drives her characters, and she makes each and every one of her men feel real and complete. I adore her characters in all her books and I adored them in this one.
I have a weakness for closeted men, and I just loved Nash and his buttoned-up, repressed, dying-to-be-emotional self. I could feel the loneliness and self-hatred radiating off him, and I wanted to give him a hug (and more... wink, wink) so badly. He is the gruff cop of my dreams.
I also loved how Mason cracked Nash piece by piece. He snuck under his skin, and I adored the journey from sidelong glances to full-on romance.
The chemistry is electric. These two crave each other on another level!
My only issue is that, for some reason, this book didn't quite keep me glued to my kindle like I was expecting. I enjoyed the whole story, but it took me about four days to finish, which is a long time for me. I think it is just that the book is an easy, low angst read, so you don't feel that tense feeling when you put it down. It's easy to jump right back into the story.
I can't wait to read more Rainbow Cove books because I KNOW they are going to deliver. Annabeth Albert is off to a great start!
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Annabeth Albert is an author that I've come to rely on. There are very few authors that I feel like can guarantee me a great read and Annabeth Albert is one of them. Trust with a Chaser is a perfect example of her consistency.
Annabeth Albert gets people. She gets what drives her characters, and she makes each and every one of her men feel real and complete. I adore her characters in all her books and I adored them in this one.
I have a weakness for closeted men, and I just loved Nash and his buttoned-up, repressed, dying-to-be-emotional self. I could feel the loneliness and self-hatred radiating off him, and I wanted to give him a hug (and more... wink, wink) so badly. He is the gruff cop of my dreams.
I also loved how Mason cracked Nash piece by piece. He snuck under his skin, and I adored the journey from sidelong glances to full-on romance.
The chemistry is electric. These two crave each other on another level!
My only issue is that, for some reason, this book didn't quite keep me glued to my kindle like I was expecting. I enjoyed the whole story, but it took me about four days to finish, which is a long time for me. I think it is just that the book is an easy, low angst read, so you don't feel that tense feeling when you put it down. It's easy to jump right back into the story.
I can't wait to read more Rainbow Cove books because I KNOW they are going to deliver. Annabeth Albert is off to a great start!
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
January 3, 2025
That's definitely a 3.5 and I can't really decide whether I want to go up or down. However, as there were a few things that bothered me, I'm going down this time, but that doesn't mean it was a bad book.
I'm actually rather positively surprised that I managed to finish it. I had started this book months ago knowing full well that the plot would upset me and the chances of liking it were pretty slim.
I think I should stay away from such heavy closet cases. The drama that inevitably comes with such stories is not how I get a happy reading experience.
However, the plot and characters are really good and the writing style is not bad either. I especially liked the moments Mason and Nash spent alone together where there was no conflict. Cooking and fishing together were things I really enjoyed.
And then also the sexy times. They have their own dynamic and something special too.
He kissed like he ate—a starving man who didn’t know when he’d next get hot food or a chance to enjoy a meal. There was a fair bit of wonder and surprise in our connection, too—as if he hadn’t expected to enjoy it so much, like he was surprised to find himself devouring what was in front of him. And he absolutely made a buffet out of my mouth, nibbling and teasing until I opened up, allowing him to feast in earnest. 😳💗😳
Nash being in the closet was inevitably going to be emotionally heavy and it's a shame the author didn't let him jump over his shadow sooner. I would have liked to have done without this form of drama, but that's simply my problem.
I do like how his inner struggles are portrayed though.
All I knew was that I wanted more of this feeling of him surrounding me, more of these unfamiliar emotions that seemed to fill up long-empty spaces inside me. I wanted—needed—this man in my life. 🥰💔🥰
Why I don't rate this book higher is the handling of Mason's family drama. It's intense, no question, but it scratches the surface too much for me and by the time it escalates there's very little of the book left and I just don't think it's fleshed out enough.
So for me it's a case of, here's a good 50 pages missing to bring this to a proper conclusion.
I will definitely be reading the second book in this series, I just realized yesterday that it has a lumberjack in it…sooooo yummy....
I'm actually rather positively surprised that I managed to finish it. I had started this book months ago knowing full well that the plot would upset me and the chances of liking it were pretty slim.
I think I should stay away from such heavy closet cases. The drama that inevitably comes with such stories is not how I get a happy reading experience.
However, the plot and characters are really good and the writing style is not bad either. I especially liked the moments Mason and Nash spent alone together where there was no conflict. Cooking and fishing together were things I really enjoyed.
And then also the sexy times. They have their own dynamic and something special too.
He kissed like he ate—a starving man who didn’t know when he’d next get hot food or a chance to enjoy a meal. There was a fair bit of wonder and surprise in our connection, too—as if he hadn’t expected to enjoy it so much, like he was surprised to find himself devouring what was in front of him. And he absolutely made a buffet out of my mouth, nibbling and teasing until I opened up, allowing him to feast in earnest. 😳💗😳
Nash being in the closet was inevitably going to be emotionally heavy and it's a shame the author didn't let him jump over his shadow sooner. I would have liked to have done without this form of drama, but that's simply my problem.
I do like how his inner struggles are portrayed though.
All I knew was that I wanted more of this feeling of him surrounding me, more of these unfamiliar emotions that seemed to fill up long-empty spaces inside me. I wanted—needed—this man in my life. 🥰💔🥰
Why I don't rate this book higher is the handling of Mason's family drama. It's intense, no question, but it scratches the surface too much for me and by the time it escalates there's very little of the book left and I just don't think it's fleshed out enough.
So for me it's a case of, here's a good 50 pages missing to bring this to a proper conclusion.
I will definitely be reading the second book in this series, I just realized yesterday that it has a lumberjack in it…sooooo yummy....
December 28, 2017
3.5 Stars
Mason’s family always were/are trouble. But Mason is different than them. People in town knows Mason as a Hank (his family name) and this bothers him so much because he tried so hard to show others he’s not like his brothers. So when Mason comes back to town to manage a restaurant with two of his friends, chief Flint decides to go there and say hi to Mason and see himself everything’s alright! And what he saw was trouble but in another way that kept him go there everyday/night! But Flint couldn’t be with him or any other guy, he even can’t come out as a gay let alone be wit one in the town!
"He thought I had no heart, but the truth was that he was it. He was my heart, my world, my everything. And hell if I knew how to walk around, do my job with that heart missing. Hell if I wanted to."
This one was a sweet-easy read, maybe so low in angst! But it was enjoyable one! I liked both characters, especially Mason. He was younger than Flint but was more mature than him! Flint was like a grumpy old man! I didn’t like Mason didn’t say anything to him when he treated him that way! He should say something, he deserved more! His silence was on my nerves!
Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the first installment in the "Rainbow Cove" series but it can be read as a standalone and I’m looking forward to reading the second book. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I hope you like it!
Mason’s family always were/are trouble. But Mason is different than them. People in town knows Mason as a Hank (his family name) and this bothers him so much because he tried so hard to show others he’s not like his brothers. So when Mason comes back to town to manage a restaurant with two of his friends, chief Flint decides to go there and say hi to Mason and see himself everything’s alright! And what he saw was trouble but in another way that kept him go there everyday/night! But Flint couldn’t be with him or any other guy, he even can’t come out as a gay let alone be wit one in the town!
"He thought I had no heart, but the truth was that he was it. He was my heart, my world, my everything. And hell if I knew how to walk around, do my job with that heart missing. Hell if I wanted to."
This one was a sweet-easy read, maybe so low in angst! But it was enjoyable one! I liked both characters, especially Mason. He was younger than Flint but was more mature than him! Flint was like a grumpy old man! I didn’t like Mason didn’t say anything to him when he treated him that way! He should say something, he deserved more! His silence was on my nerves!
Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the first installment in the "Rainbow Cove" series but it can be read as a standalone and I’m looking forward to reading the second book. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I hope you like it!
August 30, 2017
4.25 Stars!
I almost didn't read this one. AA is very hit or miss for me, and it's usually miss. I almost always strongly dislike one of her MCs.
But something about this one called to me. And while it did have the potential for dislike and drama it never really went there.
I was sucked in pretty much from the get-go. I really liked the bit of enemies-to-lovers vibe we got. I enjoyed the build-up of their friendship and more. And when they give in to each other it was SMOKING.
Things lulled a bit in the middle but I was always still invested. There's a bit of a blow-up, if you will. But it wasn't over-the-top or drawn out.
Overall, I really liked this one and I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
I almost didn't read this one. AA is very hit or miss for me, and it's usually miss. I almost always strongly dislike one of her MCs.
But something about this one called to me. And while it did have the potential for dislike and drama it never really went there.
I was sucked in pretty much from the get-go. I really liked the bit of enemies-to-lovers vibe we got. I enjoyed the build-up of their friendship and more. And when they give in to each other it was SMOKING.
Things lulled a bit in the middle but I was always still invested. There's a bit of a blow-up, if you will. But it wasn't over-the-top or drawn out.
Overall, I really liked this one and I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
October 14, 2017
This was a great read! It ticks so many YES! boxes:
.) age gap (13 or so years, pretty perfect)
.) enemies to lovers (wow, this almost felt 'Romeo and Juliet' inspired - whole families are at feud with each other here. Mason's brother is just the pits. I hated him with a fervor!)
.) a cop (yes, he is tall and gorgeous and uses his aviators to his advantage) and a chef (who knows how to stealthily seduce the object of his affections with good food)
.) a good amount of angst (Nash is deeper in the closet than Narnia. It takes a whole lot of drama to shake him up enough to even peek out of it), but not so much of it I needed someone to hold my hand.
.) great secondary characters with a lot of promise of further books.
Totally enjoyed this! Off to read book 2.
Recommended.
.) age gap (13 or so years, pretty perfect)
.) enemies to lovers (wow, this almost felt 'Romeo and Juliet' inspired - whole families are at feud with each other here. Mason's brother is just the pits. I hated him with a fervor!)
.) a cop (yes, he is tall and gorgeous and uses his aviators to his advantage) and a chef (who knows how to stealthily seduce the object of his affections with good food)
.) a good amount of angst (Nash is deeper in the closet than Narnia. It takes a whole lot of drama to shake him up enough to even peek out of it), but not so much of it I needed someone to hold my hand.
.) great secondary characters with a lot of promise of further books.
Totally enjoyed this! Off to read book 2.
Recommended.
October 4, 2017
*phew* Made it to 40% and then I couldn't do it anymore.
I did not care for Nash AT ALL.
My dog dude, get your head out of your ass... Your back-and-forth was giving ME whiplash, now imagine how Mason should feel.
I really, REALLY didn't understand why Mason would keep trying. Nash was rude, acting like an asshole and kissing/regretting so much, that I really just wanted to ask him to grow up.
And that's the other thing: doucheman was 39, it's not like he had a foot in the grave, but the story was drenched in the idea that being older than 30, was a one-way-trip to the retirement home in Florida.
*ugh* yeah this was a big DNF for me. I might give the second book a try, but the way Curtis was portrayed in this one has me hesitant *sideeyeing book 2*.
I did not care for Nash AT ALL.
My dog dude, get your head out of your ass... Your back-and-forth was giving ME whiplash, now imagine how Mason should feel.
I really, REALLY didn't understand why Mason would keep trying. Nash was rude, acting like an asshole and kissing/regretting so much, that I really just wanted to ask him to grow up.
And that's the other thing: doucheman was 39, it's not like he had a foot in the grave, but the story was drenched in the idea that being older than 30, was a one-way-trip to the retirement home in Florida.
*ugh* yeah this was a big DNF for me. I might give the second book a try, but the way Curtis was portrayed in this one has me hesitant *sideeyeing book 2*.
September 4, 2017
Me before I started : As much as I loved « status update », since then, I haven’t click with this author but the reviews keep refering to « sexy sheriff » and I’m too curious (yeah, that’s the word I want to use) to not try.
Me after I read it : I had the same feelings than Dani : ”Very hot, very sweet…The sexual tension is SCORCHING! These two have amazing chemistry » .
A small town in Oregon, with a struggling economy and some families with bad rep and continuous clash with the police. Mason is trying to raise above that and, after some time spent training in Portland, he opens a gay-friendly and trendy tavern with the help of some of his friends. And can’t help flirting with Nash, the “sexy sheriff”. It’s such a bad idea on many levels : because he has a lot on his plate with his new business, because of the behaviour of his family, because “grumpy” Nash is in the closet, but still…
The patient but relentless chase is fun, sweet and hot, full of cooking and fishing lessons and I loved seeing Mason succumbing to Mason’s smiles and sweetness and opening up to all the possibilities in front of him. Even the twist was entertaining for me and my sappy side was well satisfied with the ending, especially as it leaves with more to come in Rainbow Cove.
Recommended for fans of stories with a grumpy sheriff, an age-gap and sexy moments.
Me after I read it : I had the same feelings than Dani : ”Very hot, very sweet…The sexual tension is SCORCHING! These two have amazing chemistry » .
A small town in Oregon, with a struggling economy and some families with bad rep and continuous clash with the police. Mason is trying to raise above that and, after some time spent training in Portland, he opens a gay-friendly and trendy tavern with the help of some of his friends. And can’t help flirting with Nash, the “sexy sheriff”. It’s such a bad idea on many levels : because he has a lot on his plate with his new business, because of the behaviour of his family, because “grumpy” Nash is in the closet, but still…
The patient but relentless chase is fun, sweet and hot, full of cooking and fishing lessons and I loved seeing Mason succumbing to Mason’s smiles and sweetness and opening up to all the possibilities in front of him. Even the twist was entertaining for me and my sappy side was well satisfied with the ending, especially as it leaves with more to come in Rainbow Cove.
Recommended for fans of stories with a grumpy sheriff, an age-gap and sexy moments.
August 8, 2017
Mason was fine. Sherriff Sexy - couldn't stand him. I made it to 60% before DNF.
July 22, 2017
Trust with a Chaser by Annabeth Albert is the first book in the Rainbow Cove series. It takes place in a small (fictional) Oregon town, and it involves a sheriff and one of the town's black sheep. Nash Flint is the town's sheriff and hides his truth because of small town mentality but most importantly his dad's shadow. Although his dad was a good man, he was also narrow-minded and judgemental. Nash has a hard time not hearing his father's believes in his head.
After years of being away, black sheep by association Mason Hanks has returned to Rainbow Cove. He knows the low esteem the town holds his family in (which isn't entirely unfounded), but he's determined to succeed and make a name for himself. Now he has a new tavern, and he has big ideas of making Rainbow Cove an LGBT friendly travel destination.
Nash decides to try the new establishment in town and to his surprise enjoys the food and one of the new owners. Although he tries to fight his attraction to Mason, he can't ignore their chemistry and the mere fact that Mason makes him happy. Will he allow his job and his father's ghost to come between them?
Some of my highlights:
-Mason. I loved everything about him, and he's one of my favorite characters I've read this year. His heart and loyalty to his family, his humor, and unselfishness- what was there not to like?
-Nash. He was stubborn and a bit frustrating, but it was ok. The love that he has for the citizens of the town shone through, and his character grew as the story progressed.
-Narration. The story is told from alternating POVs.
-If you love sexual tension and push n pull, then you'll enjoy this one.
-Sweetness. There was an underlining sweetness to this story that made it a lovely enjoyable read.
-Chemistry. When Nash finally decides to give in these two are on fire!
-The end. It concludes with a strong HFN that leaves you knowing things will work out and the end.
All in all, Trust with a Chaser was a great start to a new series! If you're looking for a sweet story with a side sexiness, then make sure you read this book! 4.25 Stars. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
August 3, 2017
I'm not going to lie. I was enjoying this right up to about 90%. I love a good May/December romance. Throughout the book, Flint was characterized as an older man that's set in his ways. I could deal with that up until I find out he's *gasp* THIRTY-F'N-NINE!!! WTF?!? This is not some guy heading into retirement. He doesn't have one foot in the nursing home and one in the grave. When did being close to 40 start to mean old age? Maybe I missed his age being mentioned earlier in the book, but seeing it when I did pissed me off. I had to go back and reimagine everything. That made every interaction concerning their age difference seem ridiculous to me. Sigh... I'm trying to recapture the good vibe I had before hitting that point. I'll try to rate this when I'm over my disappointment in the way his age was portrayed.
July 21, 2017
Trust with a Chaser kicks off Annabeth Albert's new series,Rainbow Cove, which I'm going to love, judging from this first book.
The setting is Rainbow Cove, a town on the southern Oregon coast. Nash Flint, aka Sheriff Sexy, is the chief of police. After following in his father's footsteps, he tries hard to keep everything in town under control, all the while hiding who he really is. Because job comes first.
Mason Hanks returns to Rainbow Cove after 10 years of living in Portland, with a goal: to turn the old bar into an LGBTQ friendly tavern, a fun and safe destination that will hopefully help bringing more tourists in Rainbow Cove. What he doesn't expect is for Chief Flint to walk into his shop.
There is slow burn, but not too much. Flint and Mason come together relatively fast, because they have crazy chemistry. There is a lot of back and forth from Flint's part, which bordered on too much sometimes, but I liked how it played out in the end. The smexy times were plenty and delicious as well!
There are two reasons tha cause the conflict in this story: First, Flint's refusal to leave the closet, or do anything that could potentially out him. This makes him seem a little paranoid sometimes, but really who can judge him for that? Coming out is a big deal, a very personal deal anyway. Growing up the way he did, and with that burdain on his shoulders, his bahaviour really resonated with me.
Second, Mason is a Hanks. The only person in his family who hasn't had trouble with the law. Mason might be nothing like his father and brothers, but the name alone is enough to push people away.
There is also a significant age gap (Flint is 40 and Mason is 27), but honestly, it didn't feel that big. Mason was very mature, experienced and determined. He was also hard-working and humble, and I love these qualities in a person. All in all, Mason was my favorite character. He was very patient with Flint, when a lot of people would have given up on him, but he also knew when and how to push.
Albert did a wonderful job with the world building. After reading only half of the book, the small town and its people already felt familiar to me, and I'm already invested in a lot of secondary characters' stories. We have Logan, the mild mannered cook, Adam, the ginger lumberjack and Mason's best friend, Curtis, the eccentric wood carver, and even the uptight city-boy Brock.
I think that fans of the author will love this book. Just don't expect a lot of plot twists and WHOA moments. Recommended for a steamy, low-angsty read with a small town feeling and a HEA.
The setting is Rainbow Cove, a town on the southern Oregon coast. Nash Flint, aka Sheriff Sexy, is the chief of police. After following in his father's footsteps, he tries hard to keep everything in town under control, all the while hiding who he really is. Because job comes first.
Mason Hanks returns to Rainbow Cove after 10 years of living in Portland, with a goal: to turn the old bar into an LGBTQ friendly tavern, a fun and safe destination that will hopefully help bringing more tourists in Rainbow Cove. What he doesn't expect is for Chief Flint to walk into his shop.
There is slow burn, but not too much. Flint and Mason come together relatively fast, because they have crazy chemistry. There is a lot of back and forth from Flint's part, which bordered on too much sometimes, but I liked how it played out in the end. The smexy times were plenty and delicious as well!
There are two reasons tha cause the conflict in this story: First, Flint's refusal to leave the closet, or do anything that could potentially out him. This makes him seem a little paranoid sometimes, but really who can judge him for that? Coming out is a big deal, a very personal deal anyway. Growing up the way he did, and with that burdain on his shoulders, his bahaviour really resonated with me.
Second, Mason is a Hanks. The only person in his family who hasn't had trouble with the law. Mason might be nothing like his father and brothers, but the name alone is enough to push people away.
There is also a significant age gap (Flint is 40 and Mason is 27), but honestly, it didn't feel that big. Mason was very mature, experienced and determined. He was also hard-working and humble, and I love these qualities in a person. All in all, Mason was my favorite character. He was very patient with Flint, when a lot of people would have given up on him, but he also knew when and how to push.
Albert did a wonderful job with the world building. After reading only half of the book, the small town and its people already felt familiar to me, and I'm already invested in a lot of secondary characters' stories. We have Logan, the mild mannered cook, Adam, the ginger lumberjack and Mason's best friend, Curtis, the eccentric wood carver, and even the uptight city-boy Brock.
I think that fans of the author will love this book. Just don't expect a lot of plot twists and WHOA moments. Recommended for a steamy, low-angsty read with a small town feeling and a HEA.
August 4, 2017
Trust with a Chaser is another winner for me, coming from the pen of Annabeth Albert. It has just the right balance between family conflicts (that serve as angst) and slow-burn romance.
Despite the age-gap -- and the fact that Mason comes from criminal family while Nash is basically the law there in Rainbow Cover, Oregon -- I thought these two characters were really good for each other.
Sure, I might get a little frustrated with Nash and his unwillingness to step out of his closet to reach his happiness (and maybe I can't EVER understand people who are "married to their job", it's just that, a job!). But that makes the relationship progress really good (and believable). Plus Mason is pretty mature despite his younger age; probably have to do with him being the "black sheep" of the Hanks family.
I thought the last-minute family drama () would need more additional pages for the last chapter though. I mean, *grin*
All in all this is a GREAT start for a new series. Cannot wait to read the next book!
Despite the age-gap -- and the fact that Mason comes from criminal family while Nash is basically the law there in Rainbow Cover, Oregon -- I thought these two characters were really good for each other.
Sure, I might get a little frustrated with Nash and his unwillingness to step out of his closet to reach his happiness (and maybe I can't EVER understand people who are "married to their job", it's just that, a job!). But that makes the relationship progress really good (and believable). Plus Mason is pretty mature despite his younger age; probably have to do with him being the "black sheep" of the Hanks family.
I thought the last-minute family drama () would need more additional pages for the last chapter though. I mean, *grin*
All in all this is a GREAT start for a new series. Cannot wait to read the next book!
August 28, 2017
Comencé el libro muy dudosa, la autora tiene historias que me han encantado y otras que no me han gustado nada. Además, los personajes policías no son my cup of tea.
Pues no debería haber tenido miedo, al final me ha gustado mucho. Muy entretenido, me ha encantado como Annabeth va relatando cómo se van enamorando poco a poco e intentan solventar los problemas que se van interponiendo, fundamentalmente las dudas del personaje policía de hacer pública su condición sexual.
No es perfecto, con alguna situación muy exagerada. Pero muy bonito. Me apetece mucho leer el siguiente.
Pues no debería haber tenido miedo, al final me ha gustado mucho. Muy entretenido, me ha encantado como Annabeth va relatando cómo se van enamorando poco a poco e intentan solventar los problemas que se van interponiendo, fundamentalmente las dudas del personaje policía de hacer pública su condición sexual.
No es perfecto, con alguna situación muy exagerada. Pero muy bonito. Me apetece mucho leer el siguiente.
August 6, 2017
Yes! Yes! Yes!
This book gave me all the complicated feels that made the characters burrow right into my heart. I love the Rainbow Cove universe and all of the characters who live inside of it. I need Logan and Curtis' book, like, yesterday!
Side note: the covers for this series are cheesy AF.
This book gave me all the complicated feels that made the characters burrow right into my heart. I love the Rainbow Cove universe and all of the characters who live inside of it. I need Logan and Curtis' book, like, yesterday!
Side note: the covers for this series are cheesy AF.
August 10, 2017
3.5 stars
It's a kind of enemies-to-lovers story as well as a coming out one. Nash and Mason come from the same small town which is slowly dying from lack of tourists and jobs. They have an age difference of about ten years but living in the same small town they knew who the other was. Now that Mason is back in town, out and proud and trying to establish his tavern, they meet again and they can't stay away from each other.
Mason doesn't feel like he can be out, because of his job, his family and the expectations of the community. At first, they are trying a casual and secretive thing, sneacking around and trying to appear as nothing more that accuantances and occasional dinner buddies.
For Mason that arrangement gets old fast but he wants what he can get from Nash so he decides to keep quiet and try to enjoy this while it lasts. He has his own family issues though, with his father's health getting worst, his brothers being trouble-makers and his little niece in need of a safe and stable environment.
I liked Nash and Mason together, their relationship seemed possible and I could see why they connected so much. They had some trust issues between them but that was normal because of how different they where and how secretive their relationship was at the beginning.
In the end they got their HEA of course but not without a few bumps along the road. We also got to see them a few months after everything got resolved in a sweet epilogue that established their future together.
I enjoyed reading this first book of Annabeth Albert's new series and I'll keep following the stories of the Rainbow Cove folks but the Out of Uniform universe is definitely remaining my favorite.
Now, I'm waiting to see what this author is going to come up with for Curtis and Logan. I'm not missing this couple!
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
It's a kind of enemies-to-lovers story as well as a coming out one. Nash and Mason come from the same small town which is slowly dying from lack of tourists and jobs. They have an age difference of about ten years but living in the same small town they knew who the other was. Now that Mason is back in town, out and proud and trying to establish his tavern, they meet again and they can't stay away from each other.
Mason doesn't feel like he can be out, because of his job, his family and the expectations of the community. At first, they are trying a casual and secretive thing, sneacking around and trying to appear as nothing more that accuantances and occasional dinner buddies.
For Mason that arrangement gets old fast but he wants what he can get from Nash so he decides to keep quiet and try to enjoy this while it lasts. He has his own family issues though, with his father's health getting worst, his brothers being trouble-makers and his little niece in need of a safe and stable environment.
I liked Nash and Mason together, their relationship seemed possible and I could see why they connected so much. They had some trust issues between them but that was normal because of how different they where and how secretive their relationship was at the beginning.
In the end they got their HEA of course but not without a few bumps along the road. We also got to see them a few months after everything got resolved in a sweet epilogue that established their future together.
I enjoyed reading this first book of Annabeth Albert's new series and I'll keep following the stories of the Rainbow Cove folks but the Out of Uniform universe is definitely remaining my favorite.
Now, I'm waiting to see what this author is going to come up with for Curtis and Logan. I'm not missing this couple!
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
August 31, 2017
It's never going to work between them is it?
Out and proud, 28 year old entrepreneur Mason Hanks comes from a family usually found on the wrong side of the law.
Deep in the closet, 39 year old Nash Flint followed in his father's footsteps to become the most upstanding (if rather lonely) Sheriff for Rainbow Cove.
They don't have anything in common. They'd have to travel miles to even meet in the middle. But when their eyes meet and the sparks fly, what wouldn't they do to make it work?
A solid, adult, low-angst romance.
Other than a few typos, well written with good pacing. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Out and proud, 28 year old entrepreneur Mason Hanks comes from a family usually found on the wrong side of the law.
Deep in the closet, 39 year old Nash Flint followed in his father's footsteps to become the most upstanding (if rather lonely) Sheriff for Rainbow Cove.
They don't have anything in common. They'd have to travel miles to even meet in the middle. But when their eyes meet and the sparks fly, what wouldn't they do to make it work?
A solid, adult, low-angst romance.
Other than a few typos, well written with good pacing. I'm looking forward to the next book.
July 18, 2017
The uncertainty in his voice pricked at me. He deserved better than me, deserved someone who would hold his hand on the way to the car, someone who would proudly share food with him back home, someone he could introduce to his friends with no awkwardness.
Well, I know it's not the first time this author has made me cry, and maybe I'm extra susceptible because of hormones, but I think this is the first of Albert's books to have me fighting tears at three different points in the story. Three.
"Why is the world always trying to tell me what sort of man to be?"
Closet stories are always difficult to read about. Compound that by the fact that Nash Flint is not only the Chief of Police of Rainbow Cove but that Rainbow Cove is also exactly what it sounds like : a small town. Half populated by a younger and more progressive community, wanting to capitalize on their coastal location and be known as LGBTQ+ friendly, there's still the very present traditionalist generation who like things the way they are and are full of judgment for those who don't conform. Which is just one of the many reasons Nash has kept his orientation hidden under the radar.
I surely did love living in this town where everyone knew my business, right down to the fact that I was dining alone again on a meal targeted to weight-conscious older women.
Enter Mason Hanks, youngest son of a local family who tend to be troublesome or in trouble, he's come back to the Cove after the death of his mother to be closer to his family and in an attempt to help revamp a local tavern into a queer-friendly hotspot. He's fighting against his family's reputation, fighting to start up a business, and fighting his attraction to the older Nash who, quite unexpectedly, seems willing to support the Rainbow Tavern.
"That Sheriff Sexy?"
"Adam told you that ridiculous nickname?"
"That he did. Forget my Bonobos shirt fetish. Next time I'm here I'm wearing my 'I'd bottom you so hard' t-shirt."
I really really really am loving all these age gap stories, especially when it's older characters with a decade or two between them, and TRUST WITH A CHASER was no exception. Nash was constantly cracking jokes at himself, in a rather resigned defeatist kind of way, for pushing forty and how Mason's twenty-seven was too young for him, but while the dancing around they did in the early stages of their relationship was fun, I loved the slow, hesitant, burn of their friendship more than anything else.
On my disastrous last trip to Portland, I'd worn my usual off-duty wardrobe of a polo and Wranglers. The first guy I'd worked up the nerve enough to approach had called me grandpa and laughed. Apparently, I was officially near death by gay standards and no longer prime hookup material.
That isn't to say their flirty and sexytime wasn't topnotch. It was. Albert knows what she's about. The added element of the cooking lessons was just too adorable for words, too. But there was one particular scene between these two that was just.. yeah, hot, but pulsing with emotion and honestly the tenderness between these two was so great. But it was hard, too, for them to keep their interactions secret and on the downlow and that obviously had repercussions but the connection between them was wonderful and watching them know it had to end, know they didn't want to, and try and hold on anyway.. heartbreaking.
"I am so glad that man isn't my type. Sexy as hell, but he's going to make you go gray, Mase."
"I'm not hung up on him."
"Dude. If you were a deer, you'd be up on a roof rack, shit out of luck. That kind of hung up."
It wasn't all rainbows and secret-hookups, though. This story felt a bit more subdued than Albert's norm and honestly that's not a bad thing at all. There were still a lot of funny little moments scattered throughout the story but it was far less quippy than her other stories. Probably because these are older characters with a different set of responsibilities than owning a bakery or being in the military (not that either of those aren't worthy or important responsibilities, of course). But I liked the change up. I liked the new faces, Mason's friends specifically, and while the town was basically cleaved in two between those who were accepting and those who were not so much willing to wave the flag, it was realistic. Sadly, as a society, we aren't all there yet.
It had been far, far too long since I'd been simply Nash, the slightly confused, more than a little turned-on man, and not Flint the figurehead.
There was another element to this story, however, that I feel.. less than satisfied over. Events kind of bottleneck for a certain member of Mason's family and while I definitely like that he got what he deserved after having to tolerate reading about his behaviour and disregard for his family (all of which made me very uncomfortable, I hate these kind of family dynamics, but it's so well done on Albert's part to make me feel it so viscerally) I was also kind of confused about the vandalism. I'm still not really sure why it was happening or what the point was. Maybe there wasn't one. I just wish something had been said to kind of explain it.. even if only to acknowledge there hadn't been a reason.
"My principles are all I have--"
"Fuck that. You had me."
That said, back to our leads, I really enjoyed Nash's struggles; not only on a personal level but professionally, too. I thought that was such an important aspect to touch on, to address, and while it does cause some angst and heartache, he stuck to it, and I loved that. Mason's unexpected situation both broke my heart and put it back together again and the end.. well, remember the tears? Yeah, those.
I wasn't so far gone with my own troubles that I couldn't sense his sadness or see the regret in his eyes. He was giving me this, giving me tonight, but part of him was saying goodbye.
I can't wait for more from this series, I can't wait to see the next pairing (I see you crazy wood carver and pretty chef!), and, well, it's obvious there will never not be a book that Albert writes that I won't read. As always : recommended.
4 "I waited too long for someone like you. I don't want to wait anymore for a life with you" stars
** I received an ARC from the author (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
Well, I know it's not the first time this author has made me cry, and maybe I'm extra susceptible because of hormones, but I think this is the first of Albert's books to have me fighting tears at three different points in the story. Three.
"Why is the world always trying to tell me what sort of man to be?"
Closet stories are always difficult to read about. Compound that by the fact that Nash Flint is not only the Chief of Police of Rainbow Cove but that Rainbow Cove is also exactly what it sounds like : a small town. Half populated by a younger and more progressive community, wanting to capitalize on their coastal location and be known as LGBTQ+ friendly, there's still the very present traditionalist generation who like things the way they are and are full of judgment for those who don't conform. Which is just one of the many reasons Nash has kept his orientation hidden under the radar.
I surely did love living in this town where everyone knew my business, right down to the fact that I was dining alone again on a meal targeted to weight-conscious older women.
Enter Mason Hanks, youngest son of a local family who tend to be troublesome or in trouble, he's come back to the Cove after the death of his mother to be closer to his family and in an attempt to help revamp a local tavern into a queer-friendly hotspot. He's fighting against his family's reputation, fighting to start up a business, and fighting his attraction to the older Nash who, quite unexpectedly, seems willing to support the Rainbow Tavern.
"That Sheriff Sexy?"
"Adam told you that ridiculous nickname?"
"That he did. Forget my Bonobos shirt fetish. Next time I'm here I'm wearing my 'I'd bottom you so hard' t-shirt."
I really really really am loving all these age gap stories, especially when it's older characters with a decade or two between them, and TRUST WITH A CHASER was no exception. Nash was constantly cracking jokes at himself, in a rather resigned defeatist kind of way, for pushing forty and how Mason's twenty-seven was too young for him, but while the dancing around they did in the early stages of their relationship was fun, I loved the slow, hesitant, burn of their friendship more than anything else.
On my disastrous last trip to Portland, I'd worn my usual off-duty wardrobe of a polo and Wranglers. The first guy I'd worked up the nerve enough to approach had called me grandpa and laughed. Apparently, I was officially near death by gay standards and no longer prime hookup material.
That isn't to say their flirty and sexytime wasn't topnotch. It was. Albert knows what she's about. The added element of the cooking lessons was just too adorable for words, too. But there was one particular scene between these two that was just.. yeah, hot, but pulsing with emotion and honestly the tenderness between these two was so great. But it was hard, too, for them to keep their interactions secret and on the downlow and that obviously had repercussions but the connection between them was wonderful and watching them know it had to end, know they didn't want to, and try and hold on anyway.. heartbreaking.
"I am so glad that man isn't my type. Sexy as hell, but he's going to make you go gray, Mase."
"I'm not hung up on him."
"Dude. If you were a deer, you'd be up on a roof rack, shit out of luck. That kind of hung up."
It wasn't all rainbows and secret-hookups, though. This story felt a bit more subdued than Albert's norm and honestly that's not a bad thing at all. There were still a lot of funny little moments scattered throughout the story but it was far less quippy than her other stories. Probably because these are older characters with a different set of responsibilities than owning a bakery or being in the military (not that either of those aren't worthy or important responsibilities, of course). But I liked the change up. I liked the new faces, Mason's friends specifically, and while the town was basically cleaved in two between those who were accepting and those who were not so much willing to wave the flag, it was realistic. Sadly, as a society, we aren't all there yet.
It had been far, far too long since I'd been simply Nash, the slightly confused, more than a little turned-on man, and not Flint the figurehead.
There was another element to this story, however, that I feel.. less than satisfied over. Events kind of bottleneck for a certain member of Mason's family and while I definitely like that he got what he deserved after having to tolerate reading about his behaviour and disregard for his family (all of which made me very uncomfortable, I hate these kind of family dynamics, but it's so well done on Albert's part to make me feel it so viscerally) I was also kind of confused about the vandalism. I'm still not really sure why it was happening or what the point was. Maybe there wasn't one. I just wish something had been said to kind of explain it.. even if only to acknowledge there hadn't been a reason.
"My principles are all I have--"
"Fuck that. You had me."
That said, back to our leads, I really enjoyed Nash's struggles; not only on a personal level but professionally, too. I thought that was such an important aspect to touch on, to address, and while it does cause some angst and heartache, he stuck to it, and I loved that. Mason's unexpected situation both broke my heart and put it back together again and the end.. well, remember the tears? Yeah, those.
I wasn't so far gone with my own troubles that I couldn't sense his sadness or see the regret in his eyes. He was giving me this, giving me tonight, but part of him was saying goodbye.
I can't wait for more from this series, I can't wait to see the next pairing (I see you crazy wood carver and pretty chef!), and, well, it's obvious there will never not be a book that Albert writes that I won't read. As always : recommended.
4 "I waited too long for someone like you. I don't want to wait anymore for a life with you" stars
** I received an ARC from the author (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
August 21, 2023
Dulce, romántico, lindo
Flint ha sido el sheriff del pueblo desde que su padre murió, pero siempre ha mantenido sus "inclinaciones" ocultas por miedo a perder su trabajo. Pero cuando regresa Mason Hanks, y re-abre la taberna donde siempre solía ir a comer, se da cuenta que su atracción por el es mucho más poderosa de lo normal. Pero el no puede ser gay en público, Mason será capaz de estar con el si se esconden? Flint será capaz de aceptar sus sentimientos?
Este es un libro dulce, romántico, sencillo, con un poquito de drama pero un final feliz. Los poetas son lindos y dulces. El sheriff es el típico hombre duro que tiene el peso y las expectativas del pueblo en sus hombros. Y Mason es el típico joven que quiere superar sus origenes y ser mejor. En fin, hacen una bonitos pareja y el autor sabe cómo lleváranos a verlo.
En fin, es un bonito libro romántico, inicio de una serie, que seguro continuaré más adelante.
Flint ha sido el sheriff del pueblo desde que su padre murió, pero siempre ha mantenido sus "inclinaciones" ocultas por miedo a perder su trabajo. Pero cuando regresa Mason Hanks, y re-abre la taberna donde siempre solía ir a comer, se da cuenta que su atracción por el es mucho más poderosa de lo normal. Pero el no puede ser gay en público, Mason será capaz de estar con el si se esconden? Flint será capaz de aceptar sus sentimientos?
Este es un libro dulce, romántico, sencillo, con un poquito de drama pero un final feliz. Los poetas son lindos y dulces. El sheriff es el típico hombre duro que tiene el peso y las expectativas del pueblo en sus hombros. Y Mason es el típico joven que quiere superar sus origenes y ser mejor. En fin, hacen una bonitos pareja y el autor sabe cómo lleváranos a verlo.
En fin, es un bonito libro romántico, inicio de una serie, que seguro continuaré más adelante.
August 2, 2017
2.75 Stars
I know I'm in the minority with this one. I usually always am. *sighs*
I really, really liked Nash. Grumpy, stoic MC's with a heart of gold are totally my shit and if it wasn't for him, I'm pretty sure I would have DNF'd this one.
I just gotta say though, I am over the 'getting involved with a closeted guy and hoping he'll come out of the closet for you and then getting made when he doesn't' trope, especially when the other MC pushes despite knowing this. It irks me.
Nash is older and the author makes him sound decrepit and he's not yet 40 years old! He has been in the closet his entire life due to the his job as Chief of Police and the weight of his father's memory. Mason grew up the good kid in a family of criminals and troublemakers but you wouldn't know by how most people treat him. He does not want his family to know he's interested in a cop because Nash was the one who put one of his brother's in prison and bad blood between his family and the police. When the two meet their each intrigued with the other. This part I liked I felt like it was genuine and I liked their banter and how they were slowly getting to know each other.
But, as the mutual attraction grew between them....Nash kept trying to pull back and kept trying to explain to Mason why he was in the closet and why he wanted to stay there. But Mason kept pushing for Nash to get involved with him to the point where I felt it was begging and pushy, but he completely agrees to a friends with benefits type relationship where Nash fucks him and Mason teaches him how to cook. Mason and Nash are actually really good together. Nash has a tendency to act like a old man and Mason draws him out and breathes life into his lonely world.
But eventually as their feelings grow, the hiding and the secrets start to be a bit a much...for both of them. However, Mason just kind of gets pissed and hurt by Nash because Nash doesn't want him to meet his family yet. Nevermind that mason doesn't want Nash around his family, either. It's all Nash. Seemed like a double standard to me. But Mason eventually decides to end things because people are starting to get suspicious and he doesn't actually want to be the reason Nash is forced out. But then, his brother and his baby mama are arrested while driving drunk and domestic violence while their daughter is in the car. Nash is on scene but because of the situation with Mason he kind of takes a backseat and lets his partner take the lead. When Mason finds out, he loses his shit because Nash didn't notify him directly of what happened and because Nash didn't go easier on his family. WTF??? His brother and gf were arrested for driving drunk and hitting each other with THEIR CHILD IN THE CAR. Mason bypasses that and just drops everything on Nash...being in the closet, not putting him first before his job, being ashamed of him. Just shit that wasn't entirely fair.
Then what happens? After being in the closet for 38 years, Nash finally decides to come out. And it was so anti-climactic. His Mom gave him shit but when he stood up to her, she backed down right away...same thing with a few others, but most were accepting. He says he did it for himself but it felt like it was all for Mason. He recuses himself from his brothers case, he comes out, he brings the community down to help Mason in court, he helps him in gaining custody and fixing up the house and practically kisses Mason's ass. What the fuck did he do wrong? He never lied, he never manipulated Mason or the situation, he never tried to get Mason to set aside his professional integrity....that was all Mason. And when Mason finally apologizes for all the mean shit he said, it feels like bullshit.
Ugh. This is why closeted tropes aren't my cuppa, I kinda hold a grudge. I cannot stand the emotional manipulation. Once Mason went down that road, I stopped liking him and it's hard to continue to like a story once you don't like one of the MC's.
I'm giving it 2.75 because I really liked Nash. If it wasn't for the closeted plot and the big fight, I would have totally loved him and Mason together and given this story a much higher rating.
I know I'm in the minority with this one. I usually always am. *sighs*
I really, really liked Nash. Grumpy, stoic MC's with a heart of gold are totally my shit and if it wasn't for him, I'm pretty sure I would have DNF'd this one.
I just gotta say though, I am over the 'getting involved with a closeted guy and hoping he'll come out of the closet for you and then getting made when he doesn't' trope, especially when the other MC pushes despite knowing this. It irks me.
Nash is older and the author makes him sound decrepit and he's not yet 40 years old! He has been in the closet his entire life due to the his job as Chief of Police and the weight of his father's memory. Mason grew up the good kid in a family of criminals and troublemakers but you wouldn't know by how most people treat him. He does not want his family to know he's interested in a cop because Nash was the one who put one of his brother's in prison and bad blood between his family and the police. When the two meet their each intrigued with the other. This part I liked I felt like it was genuine and I liked their banter and how they were slowly getting to know each other.
But, as the mutual attraction grew between them....Nash kept trying to pull back and kept trying to explain to Mason why he was in the closet and why he wanted to stay there. But Mason kept pushing for Nash to get involved with him to the point where I felt it was begging and pushy, but he completely agrees to a friends with benefits type relationship where Nash fucks him and Mason teaches him how to cook. Mason and Nash are actually really good together. Nash has a tendency to act like a old man and Mason draws him out and breathes life into his lonely world.
But eventually as their feelings grow, the hiding and the secrets start to be a bit a much...for both of them. However, Mason just kind of gets pissed and hurt by Nash because Nash doesn't want him to meet his family yet. Nevermind that mason doesn't want Nash around his family, either. It's all Nash. Seemed like a double standard to me. But Mason eventually decides to end things because people are starting to get suspicious and he doesn't actually want to be the reason Nash is forced out. But then, his brother and his baby mama are arrested while driving drunk and domestic violence while their daughter is in the car. Nash is on scene but because of the situation with Mason he kind of takes a backseat and lets his partner take the lead. When Mason finds out, he loses his shit because Nash didn't notify him directly of what happened and because Nash didn't go easier on his family. WTF??? His brother and gf were arrested for driving drunk and hitting each other with THEIR CHILD IN THE CAR. Mason bypasses that and just drops everything on Nash...being in the closet, not putting him first before his job, being ashamed of him. Just shit that wasn't entirely fair.
Then what happens? After being in the closet for 38 years, Nash finally decides to come out. And it was so anti-climactic. His Mom gave him shit but when he stood up to her, she backed down right away...same thing with a few others, but most were accepting. He says he did it for himself but it felt like it was all for Mason. He recuses himself from his brothers case, he comes out, he brings the community down to help Mason in court, he helps him in gaining custody and fixing up the house and practically kisses Mason's ass. What the fuck did he do wrong? He never lied, he never manipulated Mason or the situation, he never tried to get Mason to set aside his professional integrity....that was all Mason. And when Mason finally apologizes for all the mean shit he said, it feels like bullshit.
Ugh. This is why closeted tropes aren't my cuppa, I kinda hold a grudge. I cannot stand the emotional manipulation. Once Mason went down that road, I stopped liking him and it's hard to continue to like a story once you don't like one of the MC's.
I'm giving it 2.75 because I really liked Nash. If it wasn't for the closeted plot and the big fight, I would have totally loved him and Mason together and given this story a much higher rating.
October 18, 2017
3,5 y mucho mejor de lo que esperaba, creo que me recuerda a los primero libros que leí de la autora pero mejorados.
Pareja monosa, adulta y que huye del "drama-llama". Continuaré con la serie ;)
Pareja monosa, adulta y que huye del "drama-llama". Continuaré con la serie ;)
August 16, 2021
Audiobook-4💫
Story-3.5 💫
This is the 1st book in the Rainbow Cove series. And, at this point, no one is going to be surprised if I say that I have already read the 2nd book, Tender with a Twistof this series. I mean it was an age difference, a BDSM romance between a chef and a recluse artist, who can blame me for not reading it first. In reality, I picked this book only because it was narrated by Iggy Toma.
Summary-
Mason comes from a troublesome family. But, he wants to be different so he returns to his native small town to open an LGBTQ friendly bar with his two other friends. But, it's not easy to thrive in a small town with his good-for-nothing family, nosey people, and sudden rise of vandalism.
On top of all this, he is on the radar of Sheriff Nash Flint, who sees him as nothing more than another member of the good for nothing 'Hanks' family. And, even against his better judgment, he started a casual thing with the deeply closeted Sheriff.
Characterisation-
Mason is a do-gooder. He wants to improve his business, be there for his family, and also wants to continue the casual encounters with Nash. And, it's frustrating for both him and ME.😂😂😂
Nash Flint is a second-generation Police officer. He is never ready to come out because he does not want to tarnish the legacy of his dead father and a constant reminder from his mother. He lives for his town, always ready to do his job.
We get a lot of other side characters but none of them is fully developed. It's a four-book series so yeah, maybe we get to see them in later books.
Romance-
There is a 13 year age difference in both the MCs. And, up to 50% of the book, all we get to see is a constant push-pull. Nash is closeted plus he doesn't want anything to do with Mason, whose whole family hates Sherrif Nash. But, we get lots of moments where either Mason is trying to feed Nash. Even though the relationship is casual, we get some super sweet moments.
And, please don't ask me about the smut, because Iggy Toma made it feel too sexy. I don't know what I would have thought if I had read the ebook.
It's a pretty decent book if you like age-gap romance, closeted MC, lots of family drama and small-town shenanigans. I actually got bored in the end because of too much family drama. But, still, I think, I liked it more because of the audiobook narration by Iggy Toma and Marc Bachmann
Story-3.5 💫
This is the 1st book in the Rainbow Cove series. And, at this point, no one is going to be surprised if I say that I have already read the 2nd book, Tender with a Twistof this series. I mean it was an age difference, a BDSM romance between a chef and a recluse artist, who can blame me for not reading it first. In reality, I picked this book only because it was narrated by Iggy Toma.
Summary-
Mason comes from a troublesome family. But, he wants to be different so he returns to his native small town to open an LGBTQ friendly bar with his two other friends. But, it's not easy to thrive in a small town with his good-for-nothing family, nosey people, and sudden rise of vandalism.
On top of all this, he is on the radar of Sheriff Nash Flint, who sees him as nothing more than another member of the good for nothing 'Hanks' family. And, even against his better judgment, he started a casual thing with the deeply closeted Sheriff.
Characterisation-
Mason is a do-gooder. He wants to improve his business, be there for his family, and also wants to continue the casual encounters with Nash. And, it's frustrating for both him and ME.😂😂😂
Nash Flint is a second-generation Police officer. He is never ready to come out because he does not want to tarnish the legacy of his dead father and a constant reminder from his mother. He lives for his town, always ready to do his job.
We get a lot of other side characters but none of them is fully developed. It's a four-book series so yeah, maybe we get to see them in later books.
Romance-
There is a 13 year age difference in both the MCs. And, up to 50% of the book, all we get to see is a constant push-pull. Nash is closeted plus he doesn't want anything to do with Mason, whose whole family hates Sherrif Nash. But, we get lots of moments where either Mason is trying to feed Nash. Even though the relationship is casual, we get some super sweet moments.
And, please don't ask me about the smut, because Iggy Toma made it feel too sexy. I don't know what I would have thought if I had read the ebook.
It's a pretty decent book if you like age-gap romance, closeted MC, lots of family drama and small-town shenanigans. I actually got bored in the end because of too much family drama. But, still, I think, I liked it more because of the audiobook narration by Iggy Toma and Marc Bachmann
July 21, 2017
I swear, about five pages into Trust With a Chaser, I just felt this huge sigh of pure enjoyment because I knew I was starting a great read and boy, did Trust With a Chaser deliver. I love the tone of this book, the characters, the setting and Annabeth Albert's top-notch writing and give it 4.5 stars.
Mason Hanks returns home after 10 years in Portland with a dream of building a business and revitalizing his home town of Rainbow Cove. But some things never change; Mason is still defined by his family's rowdy reputation .... and Nash Flynn, Rainbow Cove's chief of police, still deserves his "Sheriff Sexy" nickname.
Almost forty, Nash followed his hard-nosed, hard-line traditionalist father into law enforcement and to the public he's "the consummate bachelor cop, totally married to the job" but Nash has spent a lot of lonely nights believing he can never come out and live his life as a gay man. Mason's father (and the rest of his family with their attitude that nothing is ever their fault and law enforcement is just out to get 'em) makes Mason strive to be a better man than his brother Freddy in prison and his weasely brother Jimmy.
Nash and Mason are instantly attracted to one another (Nash calls Mason the "flame to the carefully guarded kindling that was my life") and their relationship moves from "We’re both consenting adults. I’m not asking you to fly a Pride flag at City Hall. This would be just for tonight" to "Our hearts had gone and gotten tangled while we were supposed to be having careless fun, and now I had no clue what came next." Their sexual chemistry is combustible and Annabeth Albert sure knows her way around very steamy scenes. Although Nash is about 15 years old than Mason, the story doesn't really focus on the age difference, but more on these two good men who struggle to make their relationship work:
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Mason Hanks returns home after 10 years in Portland with a dream of building a business and revitalizing his home town of Rainbow Cove. But some things never change; Mason is still defined by his family's rowdy reputation .... and Nash Flynn, Rainbow Cove's chief of police, still deserves his "Sheriff Sexy" nickname.
Almost forty, Nash followed his hard-nosed, hard-line traditionalist father into law enforcement and to the public he's "the consummate bachelor cop, totally married to the job" but Nash has spent a lot of lonely nights believing he can never come out and live his life as a gay man. Mason's father (and the rest of his family with their attitude that nothing is ever their fault and law enforcement is just out to get 'em) makes Mason strive to be a better man than his brother Freddy in prison and his weasely brother Jimmy.
Nash and Mason are instantly attracted to one another (Nash calls Mason the "flame to the carefully guarded kindling that was my life") and their relationship moves from "We’re both consenting adults. I’m not asking you to fly a Pride flag at City Hall. This would be just for tonight" to "Our hearts had gone and gotten tangled while we were supposed to be having careless fun, and now I had no clue what came next." Their sexual chemistry is combustible and Annabeth Albert sure knows her way around very steamy scenes. Although Nash is about 15 years old than Mason, the story doesn't really focus on the age difference, but more on these two good men who struggle to make their relationship work:
I knew how to be a good cop. I knew how to do my job. I knew how to be a respectable man, but I wasn’t sure I knew how to be the man Mason needed."Trust with a Chaser" is the first book in Annabeth Albert's new series and there are a lot of interesting characters that I look forward to reading about - Mason' BF Adam, Logan, chainsaw artist Curtis, Brock - and seeing how the small town of Rainbow Cove develops. I highly recommend Trust with a Chaser!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
July 17, 2017
3.5* stars
This is a good start to a new series from Annabeth and sees a whole host of characters set in a fictional Oregon coastal town trying to reinvent itself as an LGBTQ+ holiday destination.
I loved Mason, determined to do better than his no good family when he returned to his home town. Nash took a while to warm too but he fit his character well.
I also love a good May to December romance and there was enough of an age gap here for it to work well, Nash being nearly 40 to Mason's 27.
There's a small amount of angst, mostly due to Nash's fears about coming out in a town which still thinks his hard headed father was the best Police Chief they've ever had, footsteps he finds it hard to walk in.
Mason's deadbeat brother also adds to the tensions as he keeps landing his daughter on Mason without warning, which adds to the complications of their relationship.
This one is perhaps lacking a little of the lightness which I've found in Annabeth's previous books but it works for this setting. There's none of the quirky nerdism of her Gaymers series or the military banter found in the Out of Uniform books but there is still some humour.
For me though, the vandalism sub plot didn't work at all and wasn't really explained as to why those responsible for it would be doing it.
I did enjoy the book though and I'm looking forward to finding out more and seeing what happens with Curtis and Logan and who will be the right guy for Adam.
#ARC provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
This is a good start to a new series from Annabeth and sees a whole host of characters set in a fictional Oregon coastal town trying to reinvent itself as an LGBTQ+ holiday destination.
I loved Mason, determined to do better than his no good family when he returned to his home town. Nash took a while to warm too but he fit his character well.
I also love a good May to December romance and there was enough of an age gap here for it to work well, Nash being nearly 40 to Mason's 27.
There's a small amount of angst, mostly due to Nash's fears about coming out in a town which still thinks his hard headed father was the best Police Chief they've ever had, footsteps he finds it hard to walk in.
Mason's deadbeat brother also adds to the tensions as he keeps landing his daughter on Mason without warning, which adds to the complications of their relationship.
This one is perhaps lacking a little of the lightness which I've found in Annabeth's previous books but it works for this setting. There's none of the quirky nerdism of her Gaymers series or the military banter found in the Out of Uniform books but there is still some humour.
For me though, the vandalism sub plot didn't work at all and wasn't really explained as to why those responsible for it would be doing it.
I did enjoy the book though and I'm looking forward to finding out more and seeing what happens with Curtis and Logan and who will be the right guy for Adam.
#ARC provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
August 1, 2017
4.5 stars – Annabeth Albert is one of my favorite authors in the genre because, regardless of the topic, her books always contain easily understandable and believable characters, just the right balance of sweetness and heat, and emotionally complex situations that rarely fail to generate the feels I love so much about romance novels. The first book in her new Rainbow Cove series, Trust with a Chaser, fits that characterization perfectly. In fact, upon completion, the first two things I thought were how I liked the book a great deal and how it was 100% “Annabeth-y.”
After several years away from his small hometown in coastal Oregon, Mason Hanks returned with the big dream of turning it into a LGBTQ-friendly tourism spot. To that end, he and two close friends converted the town’s old tavern into a hip and welcoming restaurant and bar. But his desire to be an upstanding citizen of Rainbow Cove is at odds with the prevailing impression the town has of his family’s reputation. And no one knows about the troublemakers in the Hanks family more than the town’s chief of police, Nash Flint, or “Sheriff Sexy” as Mason’s friends call him. Just like his father’s was before him, Nash’s single-minded focus is his job keeping the citizens safe, and that leaves him little time to worry about being single and gay in the small, conservative town. Since their families have always been at odds with one another, Mason certainly should not be piquing Nash’s interest, but when lunches at the tavern make it obvious the attraction goes both ways, and the resulting agreement for sex on the down low ultimately gets their hearts involved, family obligations and the small-town gossip mill suddenly force them to face the reality they’ve known all along, that their relationship can’t succeed unless they are willing to make the tough decision to fight for what they want most.
The overwhelming theme of the romantic arc in Trust with a Chaser is this knowledge that a real relationship between them cannot be. They are opposite in many ways: to name only a couple of things, Mason is in his twenties while Nash is nearly forty, and Mason is proudly out gay man while Nash keeps his sexuality hidden. But what makes the relationship doomed is the thing they have in common, the fact that they are each a product of their individual families, families that have a long-standing animosity for each other and would be completely vexed if they found out Mason and Nash were even buddies, let alone fuckbuddies or something more. Both of them know this, and they acknowledge it to each other, right from the start. It adds a delicious layer of sexual tension while the build lasts. It’s not quite a Romeo and Juliet story (because, yes, there is a happily ever after, and it’s one that’s more the “real life” sort in that they’ll still have challenges to come, though their surviving as a couple is not a question), but it has that palpable sense of foreboding pervading the entire middle of the novel, something that adds a great deal of intensity and feeling as they each start to realize that they wish they could have more.
To be honest, while this sense of foreboding was a necessary, and very welcome, dimension of the novel, by around the two-thirds mark, I started feeling the story was dragging because every time the two were together, one or both of the characters—the story is written in alternating first-person-past point of view, sometimes switching perspectives midchapter—have the thought (if not vocalizing it outright) about how they shouldn’t be doing this or something similar to that. While it didn’t take much longer for the inevitable, and somewhat predictable, scene where the shit hits the fan so that I quickly stopped feeling like the story was dragging, I think the constant reminders made the plot device a little less effective than it could have been. I wish, for example, that there had been at least one set of a few consecutive scenes where things are growing between them, giving one or both of them hope that maybe they could make it work until something that isn’t just in their thoughts happens, something real to set them back to the reality that it can’t work. As a whole, this is a minor issue that’s probably more a preferential thing on my part.
Outside of this one issue, there was only one other thing I felt could have been improved in Trust with a Chaser. Since it involves the resolution of one of the side plots, I can’t go into detail other than to say I was surprised that it didn’t create a bigger reaction for Mason once the truth came out about it. But as a whole, these issues were only minor annoyances. The book’s smooth and comfortable flow made it a relatively quick read, even more so because it has the familiar tone that I’ve come to expect when reading a book by this author.
Whenever I have read more than a few books by an author—I’m up to ten now for Annabeth Albert—I’m often apprehensive when the author releases a book that starts a new series, primarily because I worry that I know the author’s storytelling too well to where the book will feel familiar instead of something new. But Trust with a Chaser lived up to my storytelling expectations while still hooking me with a fresh story that kept me turning pages and giving me all the right feels I crave when reading a romance. And this is why Annabeth Albert continues to be on my list of go-to authors in the genre.
The author and/or publisher generously provided me a complimentary copy of Trust with a Chaser in exchange for this fair and honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
After several years away from his small hometown in coastal Oregon, Mason Hanks returned with the big dream of turning it into a LGBTQ-friendly tourism spot. To that end, he and two close friends converted the town’s old tavern into a hip and welcoming restaurant and bar. But his desire to be an upstanding citizen of Rainbow Cove is at odds with the prevailing impression the town has of his family’s reputation. And no one knows about the troublemakers in the Hanks family more than the town’s chief of police, Nash Flint, or “Sheriff Sexy” as Mason’s friends call him. Just like his father’s was before him, Nash’s single-minded focus is his job keeping the citizens safe, and that leaves him little time to worry about being single and gay in the small, conservative town. Since their families have always been at odds with one another, Mason certainly should not be piquing Nash’s interest, but when lunches at the tavern make it obvious the attraction goes both ways, and the resulting agreement for sex on the down low ultimately gets their hearts involved, family obligations and the small-town gossip mill suddenly force them to face the reality they’ve known all along, that their relationship can’t succeed unless they are willing to make the tough decision to fight for what they want most.
The overwhelming theme of the romantic arc in Trust with a Chaser is this knowledge that a real relationship between them cannot be. They are opposite in many ways: to name only a couple of things, Mason is in his twenties while Nash is nearly forty, and Mason is proudly out gay man while Nash keeps his sexuality hidden. But what makes the relationship doomed is the thing they have in common, the fact that they are each a product of their individual families, families that have a long-standing animosity for each other and would be completely vexed if they found out Mason and Nash were even buddies, let alone fuckbuddies or something more. Both of them know this, and they acknowledge it to each other, right from the start. It adds a delicious layer of sexual tension while the build lasts. It’s not quite a Romeo and Juliet story (because, yes, there is a happily ever after, and it’s one that’s more the “real life” sort in that they’ll still have challenges to come, though their surviving as a couple is not a question), but it has that palpable sense of foreboding pervading the entire middle of the novel, something that adds a great deal of intensity and feeling as they each start to realize that they wish they could have more.
To be honest, while this sense of foreboding was a necessary, and very welcome, dimension of the novel, by around the two-thirds mark, I started feeling the story was dragging because every time the two were together, one or both of the characters—the story is written in alternating first-person-past point of view, sometimes switching perspectives midchapter—have the thought (if not vocalizing it outright) about how they shouldn’t be doing this or something similar to that. While it didn’t take much longer for the inevitable, and somewhat predictable, scene where the shit hits the fan so that I quickly stopped feeling like the story was dragging, I think the constant reminders made the plot device a little less effective than it could have been. I wish, for example, that there had been at least one set of a few consecutive scenes where things are growing between them, giving one or both of them hope that maybe they could make it work until something that isn’t just in their thoughts happens, something real to set them back to the reality that it can’t work. As a whole, this is a minor issue that’s probably more a preferential thing on my part.
Outside of this one issue, there was only one other thing I felt could have been improved in Trust with a Chaser. Since it involves the resolution of one of the side plots, I can’t go into detail other than to say I was surprised that it didn’t create a bigger reaction for Mason once the truth came out about it. But as a whole, these issues were only minor annoyances. The book’s smooth and comfortable flow made it a relatively quick read, even more so because it has the familiar tone that I’ve come to expect when reading a book by this author.
Whenever I have read more than a few books by an author—I’m up to ten now for Annabeth Albert—I’m often apprehensive when the author releases a book that starts a new series, primarily because I worry that I know the author’s storytelling too well to where the book will feel familiar instead of something new. But Trust with a Chaser lived up to my storytelling expectations while still hooking me with a fresh story that kept me turning pages and giving me all the right feels I crave when reading a romance. And this is why Annabeth Albert continues to be on my list of go-to authors in the genre.
The author and/or publisher generously provided me a complimentary copy of Trust with a Chaser in exchange for this fair and honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
August 14, 2017
I didn't like this all that much. It's one of those books that just left me a little irritated, a little confused and a lot disconnected.
I don't understand why Mason came home. It seems he ran from this town and is now back and nothing has changed. I understand there are plans for the future but still. It doesn't seem like a nice place to live honestly. Nash seems to hate it too. He hated the tourists. Hates the crimes. Hates his job.
I didn't understand the connection between Mason and Nash. For Nash it almost seemed convenient. I know the other guys called him sexy but Mason never seemed to feel that unless I missed it.
Mason should disown his family. I don't even care that they are his family. He should have nothing to do with them. Not to mention the fact that he is nothing like them, hasn't even been in town for years and he is still judged by his last name. Why would he want to live here?
I finished this Saturday morning and a couple days later these are the things I remember.
Oh well. I think I expected it to be a cute small town romance and to me it wasn't.
I don't understand why Mason came home. It seems he ran from this town and is now back and nothing has changed. I understand there are plans for the future but still. It doesn't seem like a nice place to live honestly. Nash seems to hate it too. He hated the tourists. Hates the crimes. Hates his job.
I didn't understand the connection between Mason and Nash. For Nash it almost seemed convenient. I know the other guys called him sexy but Mason never seemed to feel that unless I missed it.
Mason should disown his family. I don't even care that they are his family. He should have nothing to do with them. Not to mention the fact that he is nothing like them, hasn't even been in town for years and he is still judged by his last name. Why would he want to live here?
I finished this Saturday morning and a couple days later these are the things I remember.
Oh well. I think I expected it to be a cute small town romance and to me it wasn't.
February 7, 2023
3.5 stars
Mason Hanks has returned to his hometown of Rainbow Cove and opened up an lgbt+ inclusive bar. He's determined to overcome the shadow of his infamous family's name and reputation, caused by the criminal activities of his brothers.
Nash Flint is the chief of police. He's closeted and afraid of the damage being out might cause his reputation. He's also had a lot of run ins with Mason's brothers. But despite all that he can't fight the attraction he has towards Mason.
With the odds stacked against Mason and Nash, their fwb was destined to become more.
Trust with a Chaser was an enjoyable read, but the conflict of Nash always trying to hide their relationship for most of the book did put a damper on things.
Mason Hanks has returned to his hometown of Rainbow Cove and opened up an lgbt+ inclusive bar. He's determined to overcome the shadow of his infamous family's name and reputation, caused by the criminal activities of his brothers.
Nash Flint is the chief of police. He's closeted and afraid of the damage being out might cause his reputation. He's also had a lot of run ins with Mason's brothers. But despite all that he can't fight the attraction he has towards Mason.
With the odds stacked against Mason and Nash, their fwb was destined to become more.
Trust with a Chaser was an enjoyable read, but the conflict of Nash always trying to hide their relationship for most of the book did put a damper on things.
October 3, 2017
A local boy from the wrong side of the tracks, making good, who is attracted to a closeted cop - it's a familiar pattern. But the key is always in the details and the writing. This author writes characters I care about, with realism, and a plot that works and does not drop into melodrama. A solid, smooth-reading and warm story that I enjoyed.
August 23, 2020
I enjoyed the first half of this with the flirting and banter and the yes/no...I can’t...but I want to...and I have...but I shouldn’t... (which normally annoys me). I think it worked for me here because I liked Nash. He was in the closet, honest about it and how it wasn’t likely to change. Where’s Mason was the one encouraging it, yet having all these pissed off feelings about it.
Still...I was liking it. Then here comes the drama and it’s wrapped up pretty easily. Nash is all of a sudden out and proud and they’re together forever and that’s the end of the story. Which is nice...but not as fully satisfying as I’d hoped. It just felt rushed and didn’t match the pace of the first half. But it’ll be nice to see how their story pans out in the background of the next few books.
Still...I was liking it. Then here comes the drama and it’s wrapped up pretty easily. Nash is all of a sudden out and proud and they’re together forever and that’s the end of the story. Which is nice...but not as fully satisfying as I’d hoped. It just felt rushed and didn’t match the pace of the first half. But it’ll be nice to see how their story pans out in the background of the next few books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 603 reviews