From USA Today bestselling author Kacey Shea comes the epic conclusion to Chase and Alicia's story.
"I can’t be the one to rescue you. You have to save yourself."
I never expected Alicia Martin to walk back into my life. Not after the way she left. Not after her letter. Yet here she is, more alluring than ever, and with a secret that flips my world on its axis.
Three years ago I would have done anything to be with her, but now things are different. Complicated. I have a life here in Richmond, one I’m proud of and worked hard to build.
That doesn’t mean I’ve given up hope.
If anything, she’s restored my belief in second chances. The last time we were together, I gave her plenty of reasons to run. This time, I’ll convince her to stay.
Kacey Shea is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance. She enjoys writing strong and smart heroines, heroes with hearts of gold, and stories that deliver a satisfying, well-earned happily ever after.
When she's not writing you will find her tracking down one of her three children, drinking iced tea by the gallon, or planning her next escape from the Arizona heat.
Kacey enjoys interacting with her fans so please feel free to stalk her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
I'm the author of Caught in Us and I am so happy release day is here! This duet was my personal Everest. There were so many things life threw at me, and I wasn't sure I'd ever finish Chase and Alicia's story. What resulted is this book--one I am so proud of and one that not only completes the story, but finalizes a series I've been writing for five years!
There will be a bonus epilogue available to my newsletter subscribers next week and even though this is the final book in the "Caught" series, it's not the last firefighter romance you'll get from me--or the last you'll see of these characters. I'm a tease, I know!
Thank you for your support and love. I'm forever grateful to readers who take a chance on my work, buy my books, and read my stories. Thank you!
(audiobook) With the way the previous book ended, I didn’t know what to expect. It wasn’t this. It doesn’t mean it wasn’t good though.
Alicia broke up with Chase and ran away because she was afraid he would relapse. And she stay away for three years for the same reason. But she left with a little souvenir. As much as she justifies it, I couldn’t get behind her. It was kind of hypocritical. Sure, she knows something about relapse, since she did, but she has no reason to think she wouldn’t again. And yet it’s the fear of Chase relapsing that keeps her away, while he gave no indication that he would–besides his little slip.
I get that she has a troubled past, and that her present isn’t that good either. But she annoyed me greatly. She had double standard down to an art. With her friends, with Chase’s girlfriend, with her half-sister… She’s so much the center of her own world that she has troubles seeing it from another perspective.
But I still weirdly rooted for her and Chase. Maybe because Chase deserved to be happy, and she was his happiness. He had turned his life around during the time they were apart. His summer with Alicia changed everything for him. The only thing that bothered me was his claim that he had moved on. It was true, he had a girlfriend. But as soon as Alicia is back, it’s like she never left. At least he doesn’t cross the line and becomes a cheater.
Despite all their flaws, I loved them together. They had cute moments when they couldn’t be anything other than friends. The way they acted around Alicia’s kid was also adorable. And once they get together, it’s hot. Finally, I loved the way they were ready to turn they life around–again–to stay together. As I said before, I rooted for them.
The family drama was interesting, but I didn’t feel there was any closure. Either things stayed the same, or they were accepted and the characters just moved along. I don’t think anyone could move on with their life with that much unhealed trauma.
What brought the book to another level? The narration. Both narrators are usually great, and they nailed their character this time. Chase’s cockiness as well as his emotional moments were perfectly expressed by the male narrator, and the female narrator did well with Alicia’s struggles. You can’t help but be moved by them.
Quickie
- Series: Caught #4 (second part of the second duet, directly follows the previous book) - Hashtags: #firefighter romance #second chance #surprise baby #single mom #addiction recovery - Triggers: past alcoholism, mention of past child abuse, emotional abuse - Main couple: Alicia Martin & Chase Matthews - Hotness: 4/5 - Romance: 4/5 - + Chase’s devotion to his kid - – Alicia keeps making stupid choices
Kacey Shea, what have you done to my heart? Will I ever recover from the angst wounds in my heart after reading Caught in Us? Will I ever get down from the emotional high full of swoon, heartbreak, second chance goodness and all consuming true love? Only time will tell but right now, I can only ask you not to miss this brilliantly written epic second chance romance.
You have to read the first book of Alicia and Chase, Caught in the Chase first. Three years have passed since Alicia left Chase with a letter and went to London to fulfill her career dreams. Chase is now a sober, happy and whole person and he feels he has moved on. But then Alicia comes back for her best friend Jill's wedding...who is also Chase's future sister in law. And they realise that their sizzling hot and heartfelt connection hasn't faded at all. But Alicia has kept secrets from Chase and her life is in shambles. Will they find their happily ever after?
I won't lie. I didn't exactly love Alicia at the end of Caught in the Chase. When they met, Chase was an unstable person and addict in recovery. And being a recovering addict herself, Alicia couldn't trust him with her heart. But I thought she would have more empathy for Chase because she went through something similar. But in this story the author really made my heart break for this fierce woman. The world has been against her and she did what she thought as best. And I feel so sad for her guilt and pain and heartache. I am proud of how she decided to open herself to others knowing she will be hurt even more. And I am so in love with Chase for being the man she needs. He has transformed and now he thinks a lot clear and reasonably. Well he is still the brooding, possessive, controlling and uber hot alpha. But he is also a man with golden heart with much better control on his impulses and anger. Alicia made mistakes but she paid her penance and Chase was right there for her. I could feel the power and depth of their love right in my heart. The author's words brought all the swoony, ugly, raw, beautiful, flawes and perfect emotions to life.
While reading Caught in Us by Kacey Shea my heart felt like it will burst open and never become whole. But she did deliver a heartwarming happily ever after of hope and redemption and new beginning. A must read for every reader.
Oh my gosh. I knew this book would obliterate my heart and then slowly put the pieces back together, but I was in NO WAY prepared for the pain and beauty Kacey Shea put me through. Hold my tears, this is going to be a long and gushing review!
So first things first, this is NOT a standalone, and you must read Caught In The Chase first. You won't be able to fully understand/connect to Alicia and Chase if you don't. This book picks up three years after Alicia left to pursue her dreams, and Chase is now a sober and happy man. *hallelujah!* He believes he is moved on from Alicia, and is really just living his life to the fullest, all the while being HAPPY. (that really did have to be said twice!) but when Alicia comes back for her BFF's wedding, who happens to be Chase's soon to be sister in law -- holy guacamole! It's not long before the sparks between Alicia and Chase catch flame once again, but when all the secrets Alicia has been hiding comes to light, will they ever have a chance to have a happy ending? Or will they be doomed to be almost lovers?
Look, I didn't exactly like Alicia at the end of the last book. I hated how she left Chase when he needed her the most, even though their relationship was toxic at times, you could tell just how much he loved her.. so her leaving a LETTER of all things just really made me not want to like her again.. and then she crawled her way back into my heart all over again. Alicia has been through the ringer her entire life, and she is just overcome with all the pain and heartbreak she has endured.. and leaving Chase was the hardest thing she has ever had to do, but she know she HAD to do it. Ugh, the tears are coming again!
This was just angsty, and slow burn perfection. These characters really embedded themselves in my heart and I just know they will never leave. They did so much work -- both individually and together-- to truly work as a couple and I was just in awe of how freaking AMAZING it all is. Their journey was so hard and painful, but it led them to be the happiest they had ever been, to a happiness neither of them ever expected, and that alone is all worth it.
All I can say that this is truly a MUST read duet, and to really stock up on all of the tissues before reading. This is definitely Kacey's BEST work!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
This book is the conclusion of Chase and Alicia’s story, which started in Caught in the Chase. So you really must read that book before you start this one. It is also the fourth entry in the Caught series. These books do feature interconnected stories and while you can enjoy each of the couple's romances as a standalone, I think you will have a much deeper and more pleasurable reading experience if you read them all and in the order recommended by the author.
These two have really taken us on a monumental journey as their relationship evolved and their story unfolded. Honestly, I feel like my emotions have been all over the place with these two. This makes perfect sense because these characters have a raw, real life genuineness to them. They have flaws and issues and have been known to make bad decision and heartbreaking mistakes. So I've been anxiously awaiting this book to see how everything wraps up and I was not disappointed!
A wealth of intense and deep emotions flows throughout this book and that ensures your hearts get a very serious workout. A skillfully crafted blend of drama, angst, twists and poignancy creates a potent and powerful storyline that delivers massive feels, a few tears and ultimately some major heart melting swoon. I am freely posting an objective review.
The conclusion to Alicia and Chase’s story that began in Caught in the Chase. It is also the fourth book in an interconnected series. I would recommend starting at the beginning.
As Caught in the Chase was an emotional journey, this book begins three years later but just as emotional. Be prepared for angst, drama, secrets, and twists, buttoned up for a beautiful ending. Alternating past and present, we get to catch up on the missing years. I mostly loved the flaws of Alicia and Chase, the mistakes that make them the people they are. I had a hard time putting this book down, and the wait was worth it!
I received an advanced copy from the Author; this is my voluntary review.
This is an ARC review. All opinions are solely my own.
Caught in Us by Kacey Shea is the follow up book to Caught in the Chase. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and I can honestly say I didn't know what twist this book was going to take. For the record: I AM HERE FOR IT!! This series must be read in order to fully appreciate the story.
Alicia is returning to Richmond for a friend's wedding and to mend some relationships. The only relationship she hopes to leave where it is, is the one that could destroy her. Chase. These two are combustible. When they are forced together, truths are told, lives are changed.
This book discusses addiction and can be triggering for readers just as it was triggering for Alicia and Chase.
Kacey Shea outdid herself with this duet within the series. This book hits on so many issues without feeling overwhelming.
Caught in Us is the conclusion to Chase & Alicia's story so YOU HAVE TO READ Caught in the Chase (Book 1) FIRST! It's been three years since Alicia left Chase to follow her dreams over the pond, and maybe just maybe to take care of herself. She's home to attend one of her best friend's wedding to Chase's brother and yes, it's very complicated & emotional from the jump as Alicia had cut off everyone who mattered to her. Chase is doing great, and has even moved on or so he thought, but since she's pretty much his soulmate, that connection is ever present. However, Alicia has some secrets, and she's only on vacation but her life is destroyed in a very short period of time. She certainly has some issues asking for help, so maybe just maybe this trip will teach her to do just that, not to mention actually take responsibility for hurting her besties as well. Caught in Us is a highly emotional read that had me trying to keep my eyes from going rogue as Kacey Shea has such a talent for making the readers feel all the pain like it's our own. You don't want to miss out on this story as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This was the absolute perfect ending for Alicia and Chase! Caught in the Chase had such a cliffhanger, so I was very excited to see whether Chase managed to keep his demons quiet and why Alicia felt she leave for England. Chase totally has the ultimate redemption, he definitely came a long way since book 1. I wanted to dislike Alicia because she jumped to a BIG conclusion in the last book and also was waaaaay too secretive with everyone, but by the end of the book she managed to mostly redeem herself. It was great that we got to see each of the couples and how their relationships progressed. I loved the glimpses of Paws, Matty and Tyler which were an awesome touch. I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Teddy Hamilton, which felt like the quintessential Alicia and Chase.
Caught in Us is the conclusion to Chase and Alicia's story that we have anxiously been waiting for. Their story is not all hearts and flowers but what it is, is an emotional heart wrenching love story that will grab hold of your heart and soul and at times squeeze so hard that you will be left breathless. This part of their story takes place three years later and with it come secrets, revelations, regret, doubt and emotions so intense that they will shock you to the core. Two broken souls that must try to move forward but will the past and fear hold them apart. It is packed with drama, angst, passion and heartbreaking moments. As this poignant conclusion to what has been a roller coaster of a ride with your emotions ends you will be caught up in what ultimately is a powerful and intense love story.
Well what can I say?! This was as epic as I knew it would be! Chase and Alicia's conclusion was everything. Everything!! I don't cope well with cliffhangers so how I lasted I have no idea but I can say hand on heart that it was worth the wait. The change in Chase was incredible! He completely turned his life around and there was no trace of the man we saw in the beginning. This read did more than pull on the heartstrings, it obliterated them and then slowly and carefully pieced them back together. It was emotional, filled with angst, suspense and drama but also brought all the feels and the heat!! Absolutely fantastic!!
Emotional. Intense. Powerful. Passionate. This is a great continuation of the "Caught” Series and the second book showcasing Chase and Alicia's journey. The power of their connection (before and after the reveal) and their transformation, redemption, undeniable love and devotion took my breath away. Kacey's writing, plot and dialogue is superb. I loved the angst...the happily ever after was Chase and Alicia finding each other and discovering that they would rather have each other... "the one who holds their heart". Bravo! I received an advanced copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving an honest review.
3 years have passed since Alicia left for London. Alicia is back for her first visit home since she left for Cam and Jill's wedding. Things have changed and both Alicia and Chase have moved on ..... or have they really?
secrets come to light and your heart will be held on by a thread at certain points but this was an incredible ending to this couple's book! The journey of finding their way back isn't easy but the love and devotion is fierce. Such a captivating story and characters, I loved reading these books.
I loved this poignant but beautiful conclusion of Chase and Alicia’s story! Alicia return's home after 3 years away from her friends and family with a surprise no one saw coming. Chase has worked hard to make a new life for himself and to be a man he can be proud of. He even thought he was in love until Alicia walks back into his life. Now he can't stop thinking of her. Alicia isn't sure about her place with her family and friends, feeling like an outsider, that she brought on herself. But now that she is back, making amends with those she loves, she might be ready to think about the future. But when tragedy strikes, and temptation threatens all her hard work, will she be strong enough to stay? I loved this rollercoaster journey of redemption, forgiveness, hope and love. I thought Shea did a great job addressing difficult issues with honesty and empathy. It made the way that Chase and Alicia work thru the complications of their lives feel authentic and made me cheer for their HEA even harder. Chase and Alicia's story is filled with pain and sorrow but it also has a beautiful new beginning, filled with hope, healing, forgiveness, and love that will stay with you long after the last page.
This is the conclusion to the duet and wow what a conclusion. The book starts 3 years after Caught in the Chase and Alicia has returned for Cam and Jill's wedding. Her feelings for Chase are still there but he has moved on and is now in a relationship. When they first meet the chemistry is still there but what will happen when he finds out the big secret she has been keeping. The book is full of emotion and plenty of drama but can they get their hea. An absolute must read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Teddy and Savannah really brought these characters to life. Such a great job telling the final chapters of Chase and Alicia’s story. ( audiobook) Chase and Alicia meet again and comes with some surprises and questions. My heart was full and happy at the end. Kacey Shea did a great job balancing the Angst and love. As always no shortage of family and friend craziness and loyalty. 5 stars across the board. I received a advance copy for a voluntary honest review.
What an emotional conclusion to Chase and Alicia's story! This was an emotional, slow burn, make you want to punch these characters a few times (Alicia I'm looking at you ) read. One that I could not put down. Seriously, the way in which Kacey Shea has delivered their journey will break your heart and put it back together piece by beautiful piece. SO GOOD!
This is the conclusion of Chase and Alicia's story. A real, heart-wrenching one. It was beyond good. I could not put it down. I felt so many emotions reading their story. But I was so invested in their story no matter how heartbreaking it was. I just couldn't help but read to find out what happened to these two.
Caught In Us is the conclusion to Chase and Alicia's story. This book picks exactly where the previous book left off. These two made me want to shake the so badly. The tension in this book is palpable and the steam is off the charts. I'm glad these two for their stuff together. I can't wait to see what Kacey Shea has for us next.
I absolutely loved this story! So much emotions. So much angst! Chase and Alicia broke me and slowly put me back together. It’s raw and painful and so so good! I loved this whole series! A definite must read.
So much emotions - good and bad. Second chances will cost you in the the trust and ’feeling’ department. I loved the conclusion of their story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Oh my heart!!!! It takes a lot to make me remember that the narrators are reading an amazing book and not actual people in these situations! Took me two days to listen to it and I couldn’t put it down!
Wow real emotional rollercoaster. This is part 2 of Alicia and Chase's story and cannot be read as a stand alone, you need to read Caught on Chase first.
3 years after Caught on Chase, Alicia and Chase find themselves back in thier home town getting ready for Alicia's best friends wedding. Chase has managed to move on in his life and the last person he expected to see again was Alicia. But, she doesn't arrive back alone !!
Alicia and Chase's journey is full of ups and down, tears and laughs. It's the kind of book that you know the ending to but just can't see how they get there.
Caught in Us…give me a beat…wow. Okay maybe I’m ready. I read caught in the Chase and Caught in Us back to back because honestly there is no other way to read it. Caught in the Chase destroyed my heart. I was devastated in the worst way. I ugly cried and wanted to throw things. But I then gather my wits about me and dove into Caught in Us head first with my heart dangling from my chest cavity. I’m so glad I did. So many secrets. So much betrayal and heartache. It all there, every emotion you can think of is smooched into this story, this emotional roller coaster, it was too much and not enough all at the same time. I’m still reeling from it all. All I can say is beware the tears will fall. Grab your tissues and a huge bottle of wine…you are gonna need it. I received a free advanced copy to read and review.
I am going to write this review about all 4 books in the “Caught Up” series! Each book added to the whole story! Alicia & Chase…. What a mixed-up mess their lives were! We saw that mistakes, and bad moments happened, but they don’t control our lives! The issue of sobriety was so interwoven into their story, the consequences of being out of control of one’s life! We saw and felt their struggles… we saw Maverick forgive his friend, and through Chase he didn’t give up! Alcoholism is such a horrible disease because it is something we give to ourselves! Some say it’s because we are weak, have no control… but hey, in times of stress and the unknown, counting down from ten helps us gain some control! Something we all need in our lives!
Caught in US: It's sad what they have been through but everything has made Chase and Alicia stronger. It was a great continuation of what they have been through. It was a very emotional story but I really enjoyed it.
This duet is so well written and one I highly recommend. This is book two and the rest of Chase and Alicia's story. Book one left us with Alicia leaving the country and Chase left to pick up his heart and to continue with his struggles to heal and find his future. When Alicia comes back for Jill and Cam's wedding there is a lot that has happened in the three years she has been gone and the secrets she has kept from all of them may blow up in her face.
These characters are so loveable and I can't express how happy I am with where Chase started and where he ends. He wasn't a likeable person in the beginning of this series but he has grown up and manned up and I will say Chase is one of my favorite characters in a long time. I enjoyed all the drama that was in this story because that is real life and not everyone has a fairytale. Some struggle and have to fall down several times before they learn to stand tall and that was both Alicia and Chase. They had a rough childhood and because of that they both had struggles to deal with but they get there. This book has a HEA but it isn't easy getting there. Loved the story.