Tag Archives: Samantha Chase

Craving You (The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge 5) by Samantha Chase

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Craving You (The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge 5) by Samantha Chase-Review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March

A sexy weekend fling at a wedding.
That’s all it was supposed to be.
And it was, until two little pink lines appeared.

Hailey Donovan was never impulsive. Well, until that weekend at her cousin’s wedding when she met the most attractive man she’d ever seen. They danced, they flirted, and at the end of the night, she threw caution to the wind and agreed to spend the weekend with him. It was never supposed to be more than that—it made no sense to keep in touch when they lived a thousand miles apart. A positive pregnancy test and a mild panic attack later, she kind of wishes they’d stayed in touch. As if that wasn’t enough, turns out her baby-daddy-to-be is her cousin’s new brother-in-law. Things are about to get extremely complicated.

Everything in Max Calloway’s life is coming up roses. Sort of. He was currently living above his brother’s garage, but the expansion of his cybersecurity business and investing in the family bar was going to help change that. And if that wasn’t enough, he’d had the most exciting weekend of his life with a beautiful woman. It’s just too bad he hadn’t been able to convince her to stay in touch. But his luck must really be turning because Hailey’s coming back to Sweetbriar Ridge for a visit, and he’s determined to get her to give them a chance.

Then she tells him he’s going to be a father.

They may be doing things a little out of order, but Max doesn’t let that stand in his way. He’s determined to prove to her that what they have is real. But first Hailey needs to learn to trust that what’s happening between them is more than just a craving.

••••

REVIEW:CRAVING YOU is the fifth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE DONOVANS: SWEETBRIAR RIDGE romance series, a spin off from the author’s THE DONOVANS. This is nutritionist and yoga instructor Hailey Donovan, and cybersecurity expect and bartender Max Calloway’s story line. CRAVING YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Max and Hailey) CRAVING YOU follows in the wake of a one-night stand between nutritionist and yoga instructor Hailey Donovan, and cybersecurity expect and bartender Max Calloway. A one night stand with the groom’s brother at her cousin’s wedding resulted in an unexpected pregnancy for our story line heroine. Hoping for a smooth reveal, Hailey drove five hours to confront the man with whom she would fall in love. Max Calloway is at a crossroads. Having recently sold his house to move to Sweetbriar Ridge to help his ailing father John, Max is living above his brother’s garage, rethinking his plans for the future until the arrival of Hailey Donovan pulls Max in another direction, potential husband and father.

The world building follows the rekindling relationship between Max and Hailey, as Hailey struggles with not only with her pregnancy but a new start with our story line hero. Max is all in; is hoping for marriage and family but Hailey is mistrusting in the face of a prior betrayal.

The relationship between Hailey and Max is one of second chances-of a sort. A one-night stand quickly turns into something more, and Max is determined to prove they are worthy of their own happily ever after. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of pushy but well meaning secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous story lines. We are reintroduced to Marcus and Billie (Seeing You), Hailey’s sister Sloane, and their high-handed, in your face yet over protective parents Bridget and Kevin Donovan, Billie’s siblings Jade, Ashly and Chloe, and Max’s father John. I was struggling to like Bridget and Kevin, because of their verbal and emotional attack against our story line heroine.

CRAVING YOU is a story of family and friendships, acceptance and mistrust, relationships and love. The premise is engaging and captivating but the Donovan family dynamics can be overwhelming. The characters are energetic; the romance is fated and seductive.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Loving You
Teasing You
Wanting You
Seeing You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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Seeing You (The Donovans:Sweetbriar Ridge 4) by Samantha Chase

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Seeing You (The Donovans:Sweetbriar Ridge 4) by Samantha Chase-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2025

She walked away and spent years wondering what could have been.
He’s hated her from the moment she walked away from their future.
They thought they needed closure. But maybe what they need is a second chance.

Billie Donovan was so close to having it all. But years ago, she was forced to walk away from Marcus Calloway, choosing her family over their shared future. Since then, she’s accepted that she’s just not meant to have the happy ending she’s seen all her siblings find. Her family is happy and that’s all that’s ever mattered. But when Marcus walks back into her life, Billie is forced to finally face the choices she made all those years ago.

But not before she smashes a muffin in his face when he unexpectedly walks into her bakery.

Marcus has spent years hating the woman he once vowed to love forever, and he felt righteous in that anger because she tore their world apart. When he’s forced to return to Sweetbriar Ridge to help care for his ailing father, he’s shocked to find Billie running the local bakery. They had been a financial dynamic duo all those years ago—building an empire that would guarantee them a life of luxury. So why was she just a lowly baker?

A question that earned him a face full of muffin.

They both swore they needed closure, but what should have been a simple conversation awakened old passions. Suddenly, Marcus isn’t as eager to leave Sweetbriar Ridge, and Billie must decide if she’s prepared to give her heart to a man who doesn’t always see who she really is.

••••••

REVIEW: SEEING YOU is the fourth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult SWEETBRIAR RIDGE: THE DONOVANS romance series-a spin off from the author’s THE DONOVANS series. This is financial advisor Marcus Calloway, and bakery owner Billie Donovan’s story line. SEEING YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Billie and Marcus) SEEING YOU follows the rekindling but contemptuous relationship between financial advisor Marcus Calloway, and bakery owner Billie Donovan. Billie and Marcus were teenaged sweethearts, both successful financial advisors in DC, but ten years earlier, Billie walked away from a future with Marcus, returning home to Sweetbriar Ridge, in the hopes of finding some peace and happiness with her life. Fast forward to present day, Marcus returns to Sweetbriar Ridge in the face of his father’s age and illness, coming up close and personal with the woman he once loved, only to receive a face full of muffin from an angry Billie Donovan when he suggests working as a baker was beneath her education and status. Desperate to convince our heroine she should leave town and return with him, Marcus finds himself the villain in a town where all of the support goes to the woman he once loved.

The world building focuses on the back and forth between our story line couple. Billie wants to stay in Sweetbriar Ridge where she is happy and has established her own business but Billie wants her own happily ever after and she doesn’t see it with Marcus, in the his stakes world of finance. Marcus is a snob; likes expensive things and often looks down on those he consider beneath his worth, and in this, most of the people in Sweetbriar Ridge, consider Marcus a non-entity, and would prefer he left for good.

The relationship between Marcus and Billie is one of second chances; a rekindling romance that continues to struggle with dual futures, dual aims, dual beliefs, and constant misunderstanding and misdirection. Marcus wants Billie to move back to DC but Billie has found peace in small town living. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

The secondary and supporting characters include several of the previous story line couples and characters including; Billie’s siblings Levi and his wife Jade, Ashlyn, and Chloe; who all have our heroine’s best interests at heart, and their parents Marie, and estranged father Ronan;and Marcus’ brother Max, and their father John.

SEEING YOU is a story of struggle, assumptions and acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is inviting an emotional; the romance struggles in the face of different views and expectations; the characters are dynamic and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Loving You
Teasing You
Wanting You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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Baking It Merry by Samantha Chase-review and tour

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Baking It Merry by Samantha Chase-review and tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Apple /Google Play /

Add to Goodreads: https://geni.us/BakingItMerryGoodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19, 2024

Everyone in the building loved the bake shop a lot.
Except for the guy on the top floor, who most certainly did not.
If it were up to him, there wouldn’t be a hint of Christmas in the building.

For two months out of the year, Daphne Noelle got to live her dream of owning a bakery. Her little pop-up bake shop—one that looked just like a gingerbread house—brought joy to every customer who stopped by to enjoy her sweet treats. She loved meeting people and making them smile, and being in such a festive setting every day was just the icing on the cake! For the last three years, everything had gone smoothly, but this year, there was one guy who was determined to ruin it all.

One of the things Tristan appreciated most about the office complex where his architecture firm was located is how upscale and elegant it was. Unfortunately, every year for eight long weeks, a holiday shop set up in the lobby, turning it into the equivalent of a traveling circus, and the bake shop booth was the worst offender. The giant gingerbread house was an eyesore and the woman running it was too cheery for his liking. This year, he was determined to do everything he could to have her and her booth removed.

When Tristan finds himself in the middle of a delicate family situation, only Daphne can help him. Now, he’ll have to beg and plead and promise to be on his best behavior while dealing with her exuberant holiday joy. But the more time he spends with her—and the more awkward situations she saves him from—he begins to realize there’s more to her than over-the-top holiday cheer. And maybe, when you’re with the right person, Christmas can mean a little bit more.

••••

REVIEW: BAKING IT MERRY by Samantha Chase is a contemporary adult, holiday romance focusing on architect Tristan Knight, and website designer / baker Daphne Noelle.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Tristan and Daphne) BAKING IT MERRY follows the enemies to lovers, fake relationship between architect Tristan Knight and baker Daphne Noelle. Every holiday season, Daphne Noelle and a group of artisans are contracted to set up a mini holiday market on the ground floor of a local office complex but this particular season Daphne finds herself the unwitting target of a holiday Grinch with the name of Tristan Knight. For some particular reason, Tristan aims his anger and attitude at our story line heroine until the day he discovers his mother is demanding Tristan take control of the holidays parties. With his tail between his legs, Tristan contracts Daphne to cater the family and business parties, a contract that that quickly evolves into something more but Tristan’s mom sees a happily ever after, and caught in a ‘compromising position’ Tristan offers up a fake relationship to appease everyone involved. As the holidays ensue, so does their relationship, a relationship that will implode with the appearance of manipulation and betrayal.

The world building focuses on the fake relationship that quickly grows into something more but Daphne struggles with the false narrative of their workplace affair, a narrative in which friendships and family will lose in the end.

The relationship between Tristan and Daphne is an enemies to frenemies to lovers, fake relationship. Tristan’s mother is desperate to see her son married and happy, and sees an opportunity to set a plan into motion, a plan that will see our couple, heart broken and lost. Tristan is quickly falling for the woman that calls to his heart but Tristan is a snob, and his earlier behavior will threaten any chance at a happily ever after. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including both Tristan and Daphne’s parents, as well as Tristan’s assistant Faye, co-workers and local artisans.

BAKING IT MERRY is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is enchanting and charming; the characters are sassy and determined; the romance is subtle and seductive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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UNDENIABLE LOVE (Wylder Love 3) by Samantha Chase-review tour

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UNDENIABLE LOVE (Wylder Love 3) by Samantha Chase-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Apple /Google Play /

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/460pdRn

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2024

She’s a small town girl looking to escape her monotonous life.
He’s the NFL superstar looking to return to his roots.
Twelve years ago, he nearly destroyed her family.
Now they’re working together and the attraction she feels is…completely undeniable.

Lucy Dawson dreamed of leaving South Creek. But just went that dream is about to become a reality, the plans go out the window thanks to a two-timing ex and the wedding photographer they’d hired. Now she has to come to grips with not only having to stay in her hometown a little longer, but finding a purpose there. The last person she expected to give her that purpose and offer her everything she’s been looking for was the man who nearly destroyed her family a decade ago.

For twelve years, Jax Wylder has lived with the guilt of causing the accident that nearly took his best friend’s life. Now that he’s looking at retirement after a successful NFL career, he wants to give back to his community—and maybe help clear his conscience—by opening a camp for kids with disabilities. It won’t change what happened to his best friend, but it’s something he feels strongly about. When he learns that Lucy is a pediatric physical therapist, she’s the perfect person to enlist for help. Only he’s surprised to learn that she not only despises him, but blames him for everything that’s gone wrong in her life.

It doesn’t take long for Lucy to realize that she might not have the entire story about Jax and that fateful night twelve years ago. Now she has to balance making amends and fighting the inconvenient but undeniable attraction she feels for him. They have a lot to overcome, but there’s no denying that sometimes there really is a fine line between love and hate.

••••••

REVIEW: UNDENIABLE LOVE is the third instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult WYLDER LOVE romance series-a spin off from the author’s THE MONTGOMERY BROTHERS and the BAND ON THE RUNS series. This is professional football player Jax Wylder, and pediatric physio-therapist Lucy Dawson’s story line. UNDENIABLE LOVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Lucy and Jax) UNDENIABLE LOVE follows the enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend romance and relationship between our story line couple. Twelve years earlier, Jax Wylder’s life imploded when a car accident nearly destroyed his best friend’s life. Fast forward to present day, Jax is hoping to open a camps for kids with disabilities, and his best friend’s sister is recommended as part of the team. Enter pediatric physio therapist Lucy Dawson, the woman with whom Jax will fall in love. Lucy has spent the last ten years hating our story line hero; blaming Jax for destroying her brother’s future football career, but never knowing the entire truth about what happened or why. When Lucy discovers her fiancé is having an affair, our heroine decides to take a chance with Jax and his kids camp, never expecting to fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Lucy and Jax, and the potential fall-out as Lucy finds herself on the sidelines when Jax’ career begins to implode.

The world building follows the every changing family dynamics of both the Dawson and Wylder’s family. The Wylder brothers are tight, supporting one another through personal tragedies and triumphs but an unwelcome call reveals secrets from the past. While Lucy struggles to keep her relationship with Jax a secret, she knows that once revealed, will send the Dawson family into a tailspin.

The relationship between Jax and Lucy is a best friend’s sister / enemies to lovers in the wake of the accident twelve years earlier. Lucy has placed all of the blame on our story line hero but once the truth is revealed, Lucy sees something more in Jax, than the man she once hated. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters most of whom are members of Lucy and Jax’ extended families: Noah and Lily (Irresistible Love 1), Simon and Juliette (Indescribable Love 2); Lucy’s brother Tyler Dawson , and her best friend Gemma.

UNDENIABLE LOVE is a story of misunderstanding and blame, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is engaging and sensitive; the characters are animated; the romance is tender.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Irresistable Love
Indescribable Love

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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Indescribable Love (Wylder Love 2) by Samantha Chase-review

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Indescribable Love (Wylder Love 2) by Samantha Chase-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 16, 2024

He’s the pop superstar dubbed the friendliest celeb alive.
She’s the jaded publicist forced to represent him.
Working together should be impossible.
But the connection they find in each other is…completely indescribable.

Whenever his childhood became too much, Simon Bennett could always find comfort and escape in music. Like any kid, he’d thought about becoming a big star, but he’d never imagined the level of success he’s found. When documentary producers approach him for some behind the scenes footage for his fans, he isn’t prepared for the painful memories they unearth that he’d rather keep quiet. But when you’re known as one of the sweetest guys in the business, no one takes you seriously when you try to push back.

Juliette Bellucci has a reputation for being a strong and confident publicist. Unfortunately, when you keep working with celebrity trainwrecks who make the wrong kind of headlines, that reputation doesn’t mean a whole lot. And with her latest fiasco still in the press, she’s this close to losing her career and everything she’s worked for. Enter Simon Bennett–the quintessential good guy and her chance at redemption. After all, how can working with the nicest guy in the world go wrong?

Nothing about them makes sense, and yet the closer they become, the more they realize they belong together. Keeping their relationship a secret was supposed to keep them out of trouble, but when Simon’s past threatens to destroy his present, everyone is quick to blame Juliette and her bad track record. When the glare of the spotlight disappears, will they realize the indescribable love they share is the foundation to the future they both want?

•••••

REVIEW:INDESCRIBABLE LOVE is the second instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult WYLDER BROTHERS romance series-a spin off from the author’s THE MONTGOMERY BROTHERS and the BAND ON THE RUNS series. This is lead singer Simon Bennett Wylder, and publicist Juliette Bellucci’s story line. INDESCRIBABLE LOVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Simon was first introduce in ONE MORE CHANCE /BAND ON THE RUN 4.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Simon and Juliette) INDESCRIBABLE LOVE follows publicist Juliette Bellucci as she is tasked with ensuring a documentary about singer Simon Bennett runs smoothly but Juliette’s last few contracts have gone exceedingly wrong, and Simon is her final chance at proving herself worthy of the title she holds. Simon Bennett Wylder does not want to be part of a documentary about his life, and wants strict guidelines regarding information about his past. Meeting publicist Juliette Bellucci stirs something deep within our story line hero but a perceived betrayal pushes Juliette out of his life, leaving Simon stagnating in the ruin of his personal demons. What ensues is the building romance and forbidden relationship between Simon and Juliette, and the potential fall-out when betrayal forces Simon to walk away from the woman he loves.

The world building follows the building relationship between Simon and Juliette, a relationship predicated upon close proximity; an forbidden affair in the face of Juliette’s role in his life. As Simon and Juliette are pulled into one another’s orbit, someone else is determined to take them down. Both Simon and Juliette’s pasts are mired in betrayal and abuse, and in this, they become one another’s faux-therapists in the face of heart break and loss. Juliette is a strong willed and aggressive publicist who is about to face another questionable job.

The relationship between Simon and Juliette is one of immediate attraction but both Simon and Juliette know that to proceed with their attraction could end in a spiral. Living together for the sake of the documentary finds Juliette becoming more than friends with our story line hero, a man who is falling for a woman he will blame for everything spiralling out of control. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and determined: Simon’s management team members: Mick Tyler, Simon’s assistant Nikki and her partner Celia; film producers Max Yearsley and Jacob Ward, and Simon’s father Greg Wylder. We are reintroduced to Simon’s brothers Jax and Noah, who are over protective of their brother. Jax’s story is next.

INDESCRIBABLE LOVE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and greed, power and control, struggle and recovery, forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is understated; the characters are charming yet desperate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one IRRESISTIBLE LOVE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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Wanting You (Sweetbriar Ridge: Donovans) by Samantha Chase-review

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Wanting You (Sweetbriar Ridge: The Donovans 3) by Samantha Chase-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4c5JtUG

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 21, 2024

She’s the quiet, small town girl who gets along with everyone. Except him.

He’s the new guy in town who’s determined to turn her world upside down.

All Chloe Donovan ever wanted was to teach kindergarten and live a simple life in Sweetbriar Ridge. Until she decides she wants more in her life. Like maybe a good man to share her quiet life. But when she meets Tanner Westyn, Sweetbriar Ridge’s biggest ego-maniac and newest kindergarten teacher, she can’t help but feel unsettled with all the new changes happening around her town. Especially the unexpected feelings Tanner sparks in her.

A former champion Alpine skier, Tanner loves competing in all aspects of his life. But with his skiing career behind him, he’s ready to tackle the next phase of his life—teaching. When he lands in Sweetbriar Ridge, a town with a brand-new ski resort, he looks forward to quiet days on the slopes. The one thing he didn’t anticipate is how much his competitive nature would rub his new neighbors and colleagues—especially Chloe—the wrong way. What started as a schoolroom challenge with Chloe quickly snowballed into something else outside the school walls.

Everything about Tanner annoyed, frustrated, and intrigued Chloe. But when their heated banter evolves into looks of longing and a connection that can’t be denied, she starts to question if they could even have a future together. But if Tanner doesn’t want to lose Chloe, he will have to accept that coming in second place means more when the person you love takes the win.

•••••

REVIEW:WANTING YOU is the third instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE DONOVANS: SWEETBRIAR RIDGE romance series-a spin off from the author’s THE DONOVANS series. This is former professional skier Tanner Westyn turned teacher, and teacher Chloe Donovan’s story line. WANTING YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Tanner and Chloe) WANTING YOU follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Tanner Westyn is embarking on a new career, a primary school teacher, but never expected to find himself teaching kindergarten in Sweetbriar Ridge. Meeting fellow kindergarten teacher Chloe Donovan doesn’t start well, in fact, Chloe is put off from the very start. Chloe Donovan has been teacher of the year twice, and Chloe sees Tanner as her only competition, so much so, that her attitude towards our hero is questionable at best. Having already established herself at the school, Chloe offered Tanner some help but Tanner was willing to go it alone. Completing out of his element, Tanner struggles in the beginning but quickly discovers he is just as able as our story line heroine. What ensues is the building but sometimes acrimonious relationship between Tanner and Chloe, and the potential fall-out as Chloe struggles with Tanner’s ongoing fame and his growing popularity amongst the teachers and students, and his ability to easily fit in everywhere.

The relationship between Chloe and Tanner begins acrimoniously. From the outset, Chloe’s most is out of joint, and Tanner’s former lifestyle will become a bone of contention. Tanner Westyn is only trying to do the best for his students but Chloe’s need to outshine Tanner is threatening their growing relationship. Both are competitive but Chloe continues to struggle with jealousy and her lack of maturity is not a good look. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied or fades to black.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom are Chloe’s large extended family. We are re-introduced to Chloe’s embattled parents.

WANTING YOU is a story of family and struggling relationship, acceptance and love. The premise is endearing and sweet; the romance is subtle; the characters are dynamic but liking the heroine may take some time.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Loving You
Teasing You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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Teasing You (The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge 2) by Samantha Chase

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Teasing You (The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge 2) by Samantha Chase

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /Apple /

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3RNuzc2

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 26, 2024

Ashlynn Donovan’s life just hit rock bottom. She lost her job, there are no prospects on the horizon, and she just unknowingly flashed the hot new firefighter in town. This isn’t the first time she’s embarrassed herself in front of him, but she was prepared to react the same way she did years ago – by running away. But Reid’s persistent and isn’t ready to let her get away a second time.

Reid Baylor always hoped to return to Sweetbriar Ridge—the only place he’s felt a connection to after a lifetime spent moving from place to place. When he learns of an opening in the fire department, he jumps at the chance to return to the small town he wants to call home again. And just when he thinks life can’t get any better, he runs into the one girl he’s never been able to forget. But reminding Ashlynn of their embarrassing first meeting might not have been the best move, especially when he wants to prove that he’s the man for her.

When Ashlynn is suspected of arson for the fire at her former workplace, Reid’s dream of becoming a fire inspector is on the line—and so is any chance he had with Ashlynn. Will his chance at getting both his dream job and the girl of his dreams go up in flames?

••••••

REVIEW:TEASING YOU is the second instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE DONOVANS: SWEETBRIAR RIDGE romance series-a spin off from the author’s THE DONOVANS series. This is hair stylist Ashlyn Donovan, and firefighter Reid Baylor’s story line. TEASING YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information form the previous story line or series is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Reid and Ashlyn) TEASING YOU follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Reid Baylor has crushed on Ashlyn Donovan for as long as he can remember but when he family moved away from Sweetbriar Ridge, Reid never expected to see Ashlyn again. Fast forward to present day, Reid is returning Sweetbriar Ridge as a firefighter but a friend’s engagement brings Reid up close and personal with our story line heroine. Ashlyn Donovan is struggling in the wake of losing her job but a suspicious fire at her former place of employment points a finger at Ashlyn Donovan, and a new relationship with Reid Baylor threatens any and all hopes for a unbiased investigation. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Reid and Ashlyn, and the potential fall-out as the investigation into the fire pushes Reid out of Ashlyn’s life, as Ashlyn struggles to prove she is not the guilty party.

The world building focuses on second-chances, of a sort. Reid and Ashley’s high school friendship was tumultuous at best, and his return to Sweetbriar Ridge only adds insult to injury when everything begins to spiral out of control. Someone is pointing fingers at our story line heroine, and her relationship with Reid is collapsing in response. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of familiar secondary and supporting characters including many of whom we met in the previous series. We are introduced to Ashlyn’s twin Chloe, their old sister Billie, as well as the return of their brother Levi and his girlfriend Jade.

TEASING YOU is a story of betrayal, jealousy and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is spirited ; the characters re animated and determined; the romance is passionate.

click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one LOVING YOU

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Reviewed by Sandy

 

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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Irresistible Love (Wylder Love 1) by Samantha Chase-review tour

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Irresistible Love (Wylder Love 1) by Samantha Chase-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 30, 2024

She’s the darling ballerina of the renowned Montgomery’s.

He’s the sexy numbers nerd who works for her family.

Three years ago at a New Year’s Eve party they had a moment and kissed at the stroke of midnight.

Now she’s back and everything is…irresistibly complicated.

Lily Montgomery has danced her way through life, getting opportunities that few get, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t earned every single one. But with a career-ending injury, she returns home to nurse her wounds and figure out what comes next. What she didn’t expect was seeing the ruggedly handsome man she impulsively kissed three years ago and the simmering attraction that still burns between them.

Noah Wylder is committed to his five-year-plan – climbing the corporate ladder at Montgomerys. Three years ago, that plan almost got derailed thanks to an unexpected kiss with Lily. He’s since put in the work to redeem himself and stay under the radar. When she suddenly reappears, he can’t seem to escape her or the memory of their kiss. He knows in order to keep his job, he has to make sure he stays away from the alluring woman that’s never left his mind.

When Lily comes to him needing his help in figuring out what is happening within the Montgomery family, sneaking around leads to heated glances and harmless kisses. Will they realize that the connection they share is real, lasting, and irresistible for either of them to resist?

••••••

REVIEW:IRRESISTIBLE LOVE is the first instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult WYLDER LOVE romance series- spin off from the author’s THE MONTGOMERY BROTHERS and the BAND ON THE RUNS series. This is businessman Noah Wylder, and dancer Lily Montgomery. Noah Wylder was first introduced in A MERRY MONTGOMERY CHRISTMAS, and his brother Simon ONE MORE CHANCE /BAND ON THE RUN 4. You do not have to have read the original series to follow the story.

Told from omniscient third person perspectives (Noah and Lily) IRRESISTIBLE LOVE focuses on the acrimonious relationship between our story line couple. Approximately three year earlier, a New Year’s Eve kiss between our couple was followed by Lily Montgomery’s disappearance into her dancing, and Noah always on edge working for the large and successful Montgomery family but Lily’s return to the family fold in the wake of a potentially career ending injury meant facing off against one another at every opportunity. Covering for the Montgomery’s while the family was on vacation, Noah never expected to be pulled into Lily’s schemes as she endeavors to uncover her grandfather’s secrets before the family gets home. What ensues is the second chance (of a sorts) relationship between Noah and Lily, and the potential fall-out as Lily struggles with her future, pushing Noah aside for the sake of her career.

The world building follows several paths including Lily’s imploding dance career and a possible career ending injury she refuses to accept; as well as Noah’s battle with low self esteem, Lily’s immature attitude and over the top reactions, and the secrets the Montgomery patriarch had hoped to keep quiet.

The relationship between Noah and Lily is tempestuous at best. Three years earlier, a New Year’s Eve kiss between our couple sent Lily into a tail spin, and Noah became the target of Lily’s over protective father. Fast forward to present day, Noah and Lily struggle to let go of the past but find themselves working together with a gentle nudge from the man in charge. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and energetic secondary and supporting characters including William Montgomery, and his brother Robert; several generations of Montgomery siblings (Mac, Lucas, Jason), as well as the return of Noah’s brothers Simon and Jax, and Lily’s friend and fellow dancer Drea.

IRRESISTIBLE LOVE is a story of secrets and lies, obsession and power, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is endearing yet dramatic; the romance is subtle; the characters are struggling but charismatic and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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