Always My Girl

Starred review from May 9, 2016
Unrequited love is discovered along the shores of North Carolina in Chase’s delightful, superbly written third Shaughnessy Brothers contemporary (following Love Walks In). When former race car driver Quinn Shaughnessy catches Anna Hannigan, his childhood best friend, sunbathing, he realizes he’s been chasing the wrong curves. He’s lived his life on the road, so he’s never seen the tomboy in anything skimpy. Anna has been in love with Quinn for years and is determined to get him to see her as a desirable woman. With the encouragement of a winsome ensemble of supporting characters, the lovers embrace a romantic relationship; however, Quinn has to change his unintentionally selfish ways, and Anna wonders whether she has the patience to wait on his transformation. Clever retorts add comic relief to strong lessons about giving and self-esteem. Vivid descriptions, endearing yet flawed characters, and a steady pace add vibrancy to the well-developed plot. Agent: Mark Gottlieb, Trident Media Group.

May 1, 2016
In Chase's latest Shaughnessy Brothers romance, Quinn becomes attracted to his childhood best friend, Anna Hannigan, who's nursed a crush on him for years. When Anna quits working at the pub to become a realtor and trades in her jeans and sneakers for more traditionally feminine clothing, the men in her small town notice. Unfortunately, Anna has only ever had eyes for Quinn. She decides to become his dream woman, and when that fails, she decides that the best tactic is to make him jealous by flirting with one of his colleagues. Unfortunately, the guy slips drugs into Anna's drink and she barely makes it to the bathroom to call for help. The author packs a lot of plot points into this book but either resolves them too quickly or bails when they aren't working. Eventually the story becomes driven by emotion. Quinn loves Anna but feels he isn't good enough for her and pouts when other people confirm this, pushing her away. Anna loves Quinn but can't deal with his selfishness. A good therapist might suggest that all their problems could be solved by communicating honestly with one another. Fortunately, the implied sex helps them do so. The writing is clear and easy to read. Quinn is not very likable, but the rest of the characters are well fleshed out. (Though readers who haven't read the prequels might feel a little lost by the sheer number of characters.)Pretty standard stuff here: emotionally unavailable dude proven wrong by a headstrong woman. Not a bad choice for some chaste comfort.

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