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The Westmorelands #7

The Chase Is On

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WHAT CHASE WESTMORELAND WANTED...

Something sure looked tempting, and Chase knew it wasn't on his restaurant's menu. His new neighbor Jessica Claiborne was as deliciously enticing as the confections she created--so enticing, Chase was finding it difficult to concentrate on anything but the curve of her lips.

CHASE WESTMORELAND GOT!

Jessica couldn't deny the heat that sparked every time Chase was near. But she had a secret, one that could destroy the desire she saw burning in his eyes. Yet if she wanted a chance with Chase, she was going to have to reveal the truth and withstand the heat that was bound to go beyond the kitchen.

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

100 people are currently reading
575 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Jackson

898 books3,595 followers
In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

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5 stars
715 (54%)
4 stars
377 (28%)
3 stars
184 (14%)
2 stars
26 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie (TheRebelliousReader).
6,898 reviews30 followers
August 13, 2019
4 stars. I had to warm up a bit to both Jessica and Chase. Jessica comes off kinda childish in her interactions with Chase in the beginning and Chase wasn’t the most interesting guy from the start but as the story went on they both developed wonderfully and I ended up loving both of them. I loved that he owns a restaurant and she owns a bakery and they really bonded over that.

My main gripe with this book is that Jessica has a secret that she keeps from Chase until he finds out about it himself which is not a favorite trope of mine at all. She had plenty of opportunities to tell him the truth but she didn’t which sucked but luckily the blow out wasn’t dragged out and was resolved pretty quickly because at that point their relationship had grown so strong. The ending was super cute and sets up the next book really well so I’m excited to get to that one soon.


{Challenges completed:
✔Romance Readers Reading Challenge: The Bachelor Team Challenge - Week 7
✔For Love of a Book: Baking Challenge
✔For Love of a Book: Greatest Love Stories Challenge}
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,102 reviews626 followers
February 3, 2017
Really sweet love story between Chase and Jessica.
After a misunderstanding leads to a family rivalry between Westmorelands and Grahams- we move years forward.
Chase runs his restaurant successfully. When Jessica with her sweet confectionaries moves next door, he is instantly attracted.
After a bad start, they both fall head over heels.
But Jessica hides a secret..
Really cute scenes with almost no angst.
Safe read
4/5
Ps. All the yummy food made me hungry!
Profile Image for Whit.
3,650 reviews51 followers
January 3, 2018
Sweet, spicy and sizzling! Delicious Cravings is the name of Jessica's new bakery. Her new neighbor is Chase Westmoreland, the owner of the biggest and best restaurant in the neighborhood. Too bad years ago, Chase's grandfather accused Jessica's grandfather of stealing his family's secret recipes. Will this ancient family feud destroy any chance of romance for Chase and Jessica?
Profile Image for Byron Washington.
732 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2020
Very formulaic, but it works for Brenda Jackson, so why change? Recommended for those who desire a slow and easy read. No major drama, just Hallmark Channel type romance. No muss, no fuss.

Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Profile Image for Gabrielle.
59 reviews
April 15, 2022
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK.. CHASE AND JESSICAS STORY WAS BEAUTIFUL… LOVE THE PAST PLOT THAT INVOLVED THE GRANDPARENTS… LOVE WINS !!!
46 reviews
February 21, 2012
Chase Westmoreland's siblings have married and now all eyes are on this dreamy restauranteer. Business is good and the last thing Chase needs in his life is a serious relationship. That was his mantra until he laid eyes on Jessica Claiborne, his new neighbor. Jessica is opening a bakery two doors down from the highly successful Chase's Place.

After a rocky start, sparks fly and Chase makes it clear that he will never marry because his trust in women was ruined by a previous relationship. He demands honesty from those in his life. Well, as luck will have it, Jessica has a secret that will ultimately test the strength of their relationship. Not my favorite Westmoreland novel; a little too predictable, I thought Chase deserved more.

I love you Ms Jackson!
Profile Image for Angela .
98 reviews
November 10, 2020
This is #7 of the Westmoreland Series

Chase Westmoreland, a restaurant owner and Jessica Claiborne, a bakery owner. Jessica comes to Atlanta from California, to open her own bakery after a career change from being a lawyer and fulfill a promise to her grandmother on her death bed to clear her grandfather’s name. Because of a disagreement between her grandfather, Carlton Graham and the Westmoreland grandfather, Scott Westmoreland, Jessica is determined to get answers. Apparently, years ago, Scott Westmoreland blamed Carlton Graham his business partner for giving his family recipes away to another restaurant owner. Which resulted in bad blood and loss friendship between the men.

Jessica opens her bakery in the same area as Chase’s restaurant. When she meets Chase and realize he is a Westmoreland, she knows not to get close or involved, but despite the feud between their grandfathers, she is captivated by Chase. Without telling Chase who she is, they develop a friendship and an intimate & steamy relationship. Although, neither is looking to get serious, because of their hurtful past. Everything is going well, until Chase finds out who Jessica is, and all hell breaks loose. Chase feels betrayed and without listening to Jessica’s explanation for not telling him who she was, he calls off their relationship angrily and storms off. Thinking about how he reacted and how much he loves Jessica and knowing she loves him too and finding out Carlton Graham did not give the family recipes away to another restaurant, he makes amends with Jessica.

They had so much sex, it did not seem real. These two had me tired, just reading about it. I love the chemistry they had with each other and although things went a bit sour for a moment, I appreciated that they came together. I got hungry reading about the food; the chocolate chip cookies and the smothered pork chops. They were a perfect match, one a cook and one a baker, they could not go wrong. I give this book a 3.75 out of 5 stars. It was a nice story; short, sweet and to the point. I recommend this book, but I doubt it will be a re-read.

Cast:
 Zazie Beetz as Jessica Claiborne
 Broderick Hunter as Chase Westmoreland
Profile Image for Kesha.
440 reviews10 followers
November 6, 2018
Good book, although predictable. The heroine wasn't a virgin, she had sex once 8 years prior, BUT wait, when her and the Hero have sex, she was a virgin because apparently her hymen was still intact (her first didnt get that far). INSERT SUPREME EYE ROLL!!!! Secrets were withheld, although they were quickly resolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christine (KizzieReads).
1,795 reviews106 followers
February 23, 2023
I liked the story, I just couldn't get behind the fact that she kept her secret knowing what she did about Chase and his past. That's just something that could've really blown up in her face and really solidified his attitude towards women. There was a lot of chemistry between them and a they moved very quickly towards a relationship.
Profile Image for Valerie Petry.
28 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2024
As always the love story is epic. I love the way the Westmorelands keep it real with one another. It's cute when they pledge to never marry, then meet that love of their life and are completely floored when love hits them. Strong, prideful, but can admit and acknowledge their flaws. This book had my mouth watering, with the descriptions of the food though!!
Profile Image for Mattie.
1,983 reviews8 followers
May 10, 2021
It was ok, but it was kind of boring to me. Heroine not telling hero truth of who she was after knowing how much issues he has with trust seemed super stupid. Then for her just to decide to sell her business and run away was so cowardly when she was the one responsible for him being mad. Np.
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,213 reviews6 followers
July 10, 2024
Good book and writing✍🏾

This author takes a familiar romance and adds mystery, family feud and instant admiration quickly becomes love. The food, chocolate and baked goods had me heading into my kitchen.
Profile Image for Chareese H..
553 reviews
September 15, 2025
Enjoyed the Love Story of Chase & Jessica. The narrator did a great job in telling the story as I listen to audiobook. On to the next audiobook and I will definitely recommend this series of Brother/Cousins :).
Profile Image for Rebecca.
884 reviews14 followers
March 4, 2018
Loved it

I love these Westmorland men. Chase was so endearing. Jessica was just a sweetheart. Can't wait to read the next book. I would highly recommend this book.
12 reviews
November 17, 2018
Loved it, great charecter development, but story does not drag! Amazing chemistry between main characters. Loving the westmoreland series!
Profile Image for Sherry Rowe.
56 reviews4 followers
October 19, 2019
My favorite

If this group of Westmorelands Chase's story was the most believable. Very entertaining. A nice way to wrap up the five brothers and one sisters saga.
Profile Image for Leandra Engelbrecht.
14 reviews
January 5, 2021
Another one in the series that didn't blow me away. A lot of build up but the ending was so unsatisfactory. Going to take a break from the Westmorelands.
Profile Image for Donna Sutay-Cooke.
202 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2021
This one was a fun romance with a touch of cold case mystery added to the mix. Bonus points for chocolate and creative fun with chocolate.
12 reviews
November 15, 2021
great love

I love the westmoraland, I have entire collection. Brenda Jackson is just the best on love history. Chase and Jessica love is fantastic.
Profile Image for Alisa.
1,504 reviews8 followers
June 23, 2023
The Westmoreland men are truly something else. Stubborn but so worth it.
Profile Image for Turtleberry Turtleberry.
Author 49 books50 followers
December 18, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Saw the third-act breakup coming from a mile away but was still glued to the story to find out what happened.
Profile Image for Carolyn Ginyard.
33 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2025
It was good. Had a little mystery in it and I did not see that coming! 🤣
Profile Image for Toni.
248 reviews53 followers
November 29, 2010
(read as e-book, but it looks like a book version will be re-published in 2011.)


This is part of the highly enjoyable and extensive Westmoreland series. Jessica Claiborne left her law career to follow her true passion of cooking. She moves from California to Georgia to open a chocolate shop and to hopefully clear the name of her deceased grandfather. He was accused years earlier by his best friend, a restaurateur, of stealing secret family recipes and selling them to a competitor. Jessica has no idea that her new shop is just steps away from Chase Westmoreland's...the grandson of her grandfather's accuser.


Their attraction for each other is undeniable but Jessica struggles whether to tell Chase who she really is now or should she wait until her investigation into their grandparent's history is complete.
Profile Image for Toni.
710 reviews
December 15, 2014
Another winner for the Westmoreland's. Chase Westmoreland is not happy with the owner of Delicious Cravings because of the chaos it's creating in the parking situation for his restaurant, Chase's Place. Jessica Claiborne has apologized to the other businesses, and they've been understanding. Chase wasn't when she came to apologize and offer him some of the treats she makes.
Chase takes Jessica a peace offering, a generous special of the day from his restaurant. The Sparks between them every time they're near each other ignite a desire they can't ignore. The problem, their grandfathers were business partners who parted on bad terms. Jessica is aware of this, Chase isn't.
Profile Image for Norma.
321 reviews14 followers
May 13, 2016
Your simply delicious that's how Chase Westmoreland sees Jessica Claiborne for the rest of his life. But before they can get there they have to get past old pain and lost of trust. Jessica has promised her grandmother she would clear her grandfathers name. Opening a sweet shop down the street from Chase's restaurant doesn't help matters at all. Being a die- hard bachelor for life doesn't mean you will stay one. It is said that what Chase wants, Chase gets.!! When he meets Jessica that is what he thinks. The past has a way of showing its ugly head when your not looking. Is their love strong enough to survive her family secret.
Profile Image for Yolanda.
50 reviews9 followers
August 16, 2013
Chase was trying so desperately not to give his heart away that he did not see Jessica coming in to put his heart on lock. Jessica was not looking for a relationship when she moved to Atlanta but to vindicate her grandfather's name. However, Love has a mind of its own.

Brenda Jackson took no prisoners in spinning this love tale with a dash of mystery imposed. The book read like poetry and as always the love scenes tastefully written but still have you crossing your legs while reading. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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