Sacramento, California - Present Day

When Amanda St. Claire falls into Chase Tremaine’s lap at his sister’s wedding, he couldn’t have been more surprised. Not only has the gawky teenager filled out in all the right places, but she’s gorgeous besides. Even more surprising is her comment when she disentangles herself. Just what did he do to get Amanda so angry with him? After the wedding, Chase, a police detective, stops by the station before going home, where his partner points out the fact that Amanda might be included on a potential hit list. Two “money men” in a local business have been murdered very recently, and Amanda, a self-employed accountant, recently started working with this company. Intrigued by the beautiful woman he saw at the wedding, Chase decides to run by Amanda’s house to be sure she’s safe.

After the humiliating scene at her best friend’s wedding, Amanda would like nothing more than to fall asleep and pretend she had never fallen into the lap of the man she’s had a crush on since high school. Her sleep is interrupted, however, by some out-of-place noises that warn Amanda that she may have an intruder. With the help of her handy iron, Amanda manages to knock the shadowy figure down -- only to realize her intruder is Chase. Though she doesn’t really believe she’s in any danger, she agrees to allow Chase to spend the night on her couch. The police protection the following day is a bit too much in her opinion. At least until someone shoots at her.

NO ACCOUNTING FOR CHASE is an engaging story. Amanda has had a crush on her best friend’s big brother for what seems like forever, and she’s sure that he still doesn’t see her. Of course, landing in a guy’s lap tends to make an impression, but Amanda is not the awkward young girl willing to do anything to get Chase’s attention. Despite her intentions, she does a very good job of accomplishing just that. On Chase’s part, no matter what he tells his partner about Amanda’s safety being a part of his job, he knows that there is much more to what he feels towards her. Although their road to romance is a rocky one, for the most part it's the external problems that make things difficult. Because, while Amanda can’t imagine anyone wanting to hurt her, somebody does want her dead and will stop at nothing to make sure that happens.

An interesting tale, look for NO ACCOUNTING FOR CHASE.

Jennifer Bishop