Tag Archives: Samantha Chase

Groomed to Perfection by Samantha Chase-Review tour

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Groomed to Perfection (Meet Me at The Altar 5) by Samantha Chase-Review tour

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Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3GcE5OY

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 10, 2022.

In just one night, she stole his jacket…and his heart.

Shy baker Emilie Michels never thought she’d meet her Prince Charming. Especially not at an event she’s working at. But when a handsome stranger finds her hiding in a corner and strikes up a conversation, she can’t help but be drawn in. Unfortunately, duty calls and she’s forced to flee, leaving the man of her dreams behind. All she has to remember that night is his first name and the suit jacket he gave her to stay warm.

Family has always come first for the Vandergrifts. It doesn’t matter what Cooper might want out of his life, his parents have had a plan for him since the day he was born. His mother even has his wedding all planned out, despite the fact that there’s no bride in the picture. But when Cooper walks into the Meet Me at the Altar offices for a cake tasting and finds himself face to face with the woman he met at a party all those months ago, he thinks it might be time to finally have a say in his love life.

Cooper had resigned himself to a life that would be all about family obligations, but just a few hours with Emilie have him convinced that maybe he could be something else. It’s just a matter of deciding whose happiness matters more: his family’s or his own.

•••••••

REVIEW:  GROOMED TO PERFECTION is the fifth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MEET ME AT THE ALTAR romance series. This is baker Emilie Michels, and businessman Cooper Vandergrift’s story line. GROOMED TO PERFECTION 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 third person perspectives (Emilie and Cooper) GROOMED TO PERFECTION follows the building romance and relationship between baker Emilie Michels, and businessman Cooper Vandergrift. Emilie Michels met a handsome stranger at a wedding, a wedding her company Meet Me at The Altar was catering but Emilie did not reveal her association to the business, and the handsome stranger did not reveal his association with the bride or the groom. An appointment for an upcoming engagement and wedding found Emilie face to face with the Vandergrift family, and the handsome stranger had been added to the list of upcoming weddings, a wedding without a bride or a potential suitor. Enter Cooper Vandergrift, and the man with whom Emilie will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Emilie and Cooper, and the potential fall-out as Cooper’s mother is unable to accept Emilie in her son’s life.

Cooper Vandergrift knows his place in the family, and as the heir to the family fortune and business, Cooper’s life is no longer under his control. Falling for Emilie was easy, keeping Emilie in his life is much harder in the face of his inability to stand up for himself or the woman he loves. Emilie Michels never expected to fall in love with Cooper Vandergrift but when she finds herself treated like the help, and forced to do the ultimate walk of shame, Emilie knows it is time to move on without the man that she loves.

The relationship between Emilie and Cooper is one of immediate attraction but Emilie quickly discovers she is no match for Cooper’s controlling mother. Emily is forced to believe she is not worthy of Cooper’s love, and a family engagement part finds Emily on the outside looking in without any sense of support or happiness. The $ex scenes are all implied.

The secondary and supporting characters include Emilie’s co-workers at Meet Me at the Altar: Josie, Daisy, Skylar and Lea, as well as former Navy SEALs Daniel, Xander and Knox. We are introduced to Cooper’s brother Beau, his fiance Kim, as well as Cooper’s parents Archer and Evelyn Vandergrift; and Emilie’s feisty grandmother.

GROOMED TO PERFECTION is a Cinderella-esque story of family and relationships, money and power, acceptance and understanding, friendships and love. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is sweet; the characters are energetic, determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

The Engagement Embargo
With This Cake
You May Kiss the Groomsman
The Proposal Playbook

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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Always on My Mind (Magnolia Sound) by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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Always on My Mind (Magnolia Sound) by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3h5YnyE

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 22, 2022

Returning to Magnolia Sound was never part of the plan. Then again, Parker Bishop rarely had one. Yet after confessing her love to her best friend right before his wedding, she needs time to lick her wounds from the disastrous scene that unfolds. After the unsympathetic welcome she receives from her parents and siblings, Parker finds herself absentmindedly driving through town in search of a place to stay.

That’s when she spots the flier and a familiar name…

Ethan Harlow enjoys the peace and quiet. Unfortunately, finding a moment of it becomes impossible when the flier he posts for a roommate brings Parker crashing into his life. Of course, he remembers her from high school. It’s impossible to forget little miss popular who was always the center of attention. All he wanted was to split the rent and keep to himself. Instead, Parker transforms his home and makes him question the dreams he gave up out of fear of stepping out of his comfort zone.

The attraction they feel to one another makes crossing the line from roommates to lovers seem inevitable. But the more Parker encourages Ethan to pursue his dreams, the less likely it becomes that they can have any kind of future together. Can they find a way to claim their happily ever after or will their individual paths make a future impossible?

••••••

REVIEW: ALWAYS ON MY MIND is the tenth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MAGNOLIA SOUND romance series. This is college professor Ethan Harlow, and Parker Bishop’s story line. ALWAYS ON MY MIND 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 third person perspectives (Ethan and Parker) ALWAYS ON MY MIND sees another Coleman-Bishop heir find their own happily ever after. Months earlier Parker’s great grandfather Coleman died, leaving a little part of himself, and Magnolia Sound to his great grandchildren, grandchildren and heirs. As one of the founding families of Magnolia Sound, the Coleman-Bishop clan owned a large number of properties and business, business that apparently skipped over our story line heroine. Parker Bishop, always the proverbial nomad, was gifted money, and a letter asking her to enjoy her life travelling the world but Parker would soon discover that her best friend was getting married, and she would be homeless in a matter of days. Returning to Magnolia Sound, our heroine was not easily accepted by her family and friends, and once again, homelessness was but a matter of hours on the horizon. Enter college professor Ethan Harlow, and the man with whom Parker would fall in love. Ethan has a room available for rent but Parker is not the type of person Ethan is looking for. What ensues is the roommates to friends to lovers relationship between Ethan and Parker, and the potential fall-out as Ethan reaches his own professional crossroad, a crossroad that could pull Ethan out of Parker’s life.

Parker Bishop has always been unsettled and a little erratic; a person who struggled in school, having no direction in life, including no direction for her immediate future. Parker’s siblings and family never understood our story line heroine, and Parker felt she was always on the outside looking in, without benefit of support or love. Renting a room from Ethan Harlow, meant the possibility of putting down roots in Magnolia Sound, but our heroine’s inability to settle, to remain in one place, pushes at our story line hero who struggles with the roommate he never wanted. Ethan Harlow remembers Parker Bishop from their days in high school but never expected to find a roommate and lover in our story line heroine. When Ethan is offered the opportunity of a lifetime, Ethan must chose between Parker or going it alone.

The relationship between Parker and Ethan begins acrimoniously as Ethan struggles to accept the over the top nuances of our story line heroine. Parker battles with issues of low self-worth and low self-esteem such that she finds the negativity in everything including her small chances at success.Having lived her life fighting for acceptance, it is only a matter of time before she begins to think that she is not worthy of friendship or love.Battling between head and heart Parker has plans for a future, a future that may not include the man that she loves. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including Parker’s judgemental and stifling siblings, none of whom support our story line heroine. From her mother to siblings, cousins and friends, Parker constantly fights for a place in the family, a family that sees Parker as nothing more than a loose end.

ALWAYS ON MY MIND is a story of family, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is passionate; the characters are struggling to move on with their lives.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Sunkissed Days
Remind Me
A Girl Like You
In case You Didn’t Know
All the Befores 3.5
And Then One Day
Can’t Help Falling in Love
Last Beautiful Girl
The Way The Story Goes
Since You’ve Been Gone

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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The Proposal Playbook by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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The Proposal Playbook (Meet Me at the Altar 4) by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/31TorJj

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 1, 2022.

He’s a former Navy SEAL from the school of hard knocks.She’s a cheery wedding planner writing a guide to happily ever afters.Who knew cupid’s arrow could come in the form of a five-pound bag of flour?

When Daisy Sinclair gleefully offers to help her brother come up with the perfect proposal, she has no idea how time-consuming the project will become. Or, how it would make her the target of mockery from one rather grumpy former SEAL. Xander thinks he’s got her all figured out. She is determined to prove him wrong. Just because she’s more cheer than sneer doesn’t give him the right to pass judgment on her.

As the son of a woman who walked away from her family, Xander Madden believes he’s destined to follow in her footsteps. Which makes Daisy’s ridiculously chipper ramblings about the wonders of love all the more irritating. Still, there’s something about her that he can’t ignore. Although… he probably should, considering every time he opens his mouth, he says the wrong thing.

Just when Xander thinks he can avoid the trappings of her sunny disposition, Daisy smacks him with a five-pound bag of flower and suddenly she’s all he can think about. The pair have nothing in common except an undeniable attraction. Is a future for them possible when Daisy’s looking for forever and Xander can’t even commit to tomorrow?

•••••••

REVIEW:THE PROPOSAL PLAYBOOK is the fourth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MEET ME AT THE ALTAR romance series. This is grade school teacher/wedding planner Daisy Sinclair, and former US Navy SEAL turned security specialist Xander Madden’s story line. THE PROPOSAL PLAYBOOK 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 third person perspectives (Daisy and Xander) THE PROPOSAL PLAYBOOK follows the building romance and relationship between grade school teacher/wedding planner Daisy Sinclair, and former US Navy SEAL turned security specialist Xander Madden. Xander and Daisy’s respective co-workers are also friends and family but Xander’s reputation as a ‘one and done’ kinda guy doesn’t sit well with our story line heroine but the palpable sexual attraction between our couple is masked by their animosity and hostility towards one another, that will slowly turn into something more. What ensues is the frenemies to lovers relationship between Daisy and Xander, and the potential fall-out as their large group of friends throws a proverbial bucket of cold water of their growing love.

Daisy Sinclair is all about the romance, and is disgusted by the lack of passionate and tender overtures when it comes to proposals including her older brother’s sad attempts to ask for his girlfriend’s hand in marriage. Designing and writing a proposal playbook, Daisy finds herself dreaming of a romance but the man with whom she is falling in love doesn’t do relationships, romance or happily ever afters. All of his life Xander Madden has been told he is not worthy having watched his mother walk out of his life, leaving a negative impression on our story line hero. Believing he is not the type to settle down, Xander has seen all of his ‘relationships’ as temporary and no real.

The relationship between Xander and Daisy is a frenemies to lovers, secret affair between two people with different views of love and romance. Trying to keep their barely veiled attraction and relationship on the down-low, Xander and Daisy find themselves facing off against co-workers and friends, forcing our couple in opposite directions to keep harmony and peace. The $ex scenes fade to black and are mostly implied.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and well-meaning but their actions throw shade on our couple’s growing love. We are reintroduced to Daisy’s business partners Josie, Skylar, and Lea, as well as Xander’s business partners Daniel and Knox.

THE PROPOSAL PLAYBOOK is a sweet and tender story line. The premise is captivating; the romance is passionate; the characters are charismatic but a little bit broken.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

The Engagement Embargo
With This Cake
You May Kiss the Groomsman

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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His for the Holidays by Samantha Chase -review tour

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His for the Holidays by Samantha Chase -review tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 14, 2021.

What better way to unwind from the stress of a family Thanksgiving, than escaping with an armload of Christmas cookies?

Hannah Christy was eager to head home and devour her treats in solitude, while doing some prep work for the promotion she was vying for. Those plans came to a screeching halt… along with the elevator…. trapping her inside with her sexy neighbor.

After being trapped with his match-making family over Thanksgiving, getting stuck in an elevator was a welcome reprieve for Gage Lawson.

If it was up to him, he would gladly stay stranded well into the new year. Especially since his neighbor has a whole treasure trove of ideas on how to pass the time. The best Christmas cookies he’s ever tasted. Delicious spiced wine. Fun getting-to-know-you games. It’s the most holiday merriment he’s had in a long while.

Somewhere in the midst of it all, Gage comes up with the perfect plan. A fake romance to help make both their family get-togethers more jolly! To his surprise, Hannah agrees to be his for the holidays. Yet with the mistletoe in full bloom, and her on his arm, Gage soon realizes their little Christmas show isn’t enough. He wants her for real… and forever.

Roast the chestnuts and hang the stockings, Gage has a plan! With the help of the 55 and over residents, magical flurries, and a never-ending supply of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows, he’s determined to show Hannah that Christmas is the most wonderful time of year to fall in love.

•••••••

REVIEW: HIS FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Samantha Chase is a stand alone, contemporary adult, romance story line focusing on twenty-eight year old, interior designer Hannah Christy, and communication analyst for cyber security Gage Lawson.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Hannah and Gage) HIS FOR THE HOLIDAYS follows the fake relationship between Hannah Christy and Gage Lawson. A broken elevator finds our couple meeting for the first time, commiserating about family expectations and the upcoming holidays. Desperate to avoid another holiday where his mother and sisters set him up with neighbors and friends, Gage asks Hannah to be his pretend girlfriend for the holiday season. Having learned of some disappointing news at work, Hannah makes plans to move on, without looking back. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Hannah and Gage, and the potential fall-out as their time together comes to a close but Gage is hoping for something more.

Hannah Christy doesn’t have plans to go home for the Christmas holidays, and Gage’s offer comes on the heal of bad news for our story line heroine. With nothing better to do, Hannah agrees to Gage’s proposal but continues to struggle with her stalled career. Meeting Gage’s large extended family finds our heroine enjoying the holidays more than she could have ever imagined but Hannah has no plans to stick around, and our heroine does what she does best, she runs.

The relationship between Hannah and Gage begins as a fake relationship that quickly turns into something more. Gage’s mother and sisters take advantage of Hannah’s visit, leaving a frustrated Gage in their wake. Spending time together means taking their relationship to the next level but Hannah is quick to remind Gage that they are not a forever kind of relationship. The $ex scenes are mostly implied or fade to black.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Gage’s siblings and their mother, and friends and neighbors preparing for the upcoming holiday.

HIS FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a sweet and charming holiday story. The premise is entertaining; the romance is captivating; the characters are desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

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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Snowy Ever After by Samantha Chase/Stefanie London-review

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Wedding Wonderland (Snowy Ever After  Anthology) by Samantha Chase/Stefanie London-Review 

ebook ONLY 99¢ USD Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 16, 2021

What could be better than a holiday wedding?
How about two?

Join bestselling authors Samantha Chase and Stefanie London for a whole lot of love this holiday season with Snowy Ever After!

With some of your favorite Magnolia Sound and Patterson’s Bluff residents, we can guarantee you’ll get all those small town, holiday feels with guaranteed happily ever afters and I Do’s!

WEDDING WONDERLAND by Samantha Chase:

SAVE THE DATE!You are cordially invited to the wedding of Mia Kingsley and Austin Coleman.
Or you will be if a snowstorm doesn’t blanket the town with piles of fresh snow, making the trip to the chapel near impossible.
But the Coleman family is not about to let a measly little storm ruin Mia and Austin’s perfect day. After all, Magnolia Sound is just the place for a perfect wedding wonderland.

DESTINED FOR FOREVER by Stefanie London

Romantic comedy screenwriter, Lily Dunn, watches her life go from happily ever after to crappily ever after when she gets dumped on live television.

Facing her overprotective family at her cousin’s wedding is not ideal. They think she’s not cut out for cutthroat Hollywood. How can she prove she’s moved on? Pretend to have a new man, of course. The only rule is: keep it fake.

But the chemistry with her former high school crush burns hotter than an open fire. Can two bruised and battered hearts find the kind of love that only happens in the movies?

••••••

REVIEW:

NOTE: My review covers WEDDING WONDERLAND by Samantha Chase

WEDDING WONDERLAND by Samantha Chase is a contemporary adult romance story line, a part of the author’s MAGNOLIA SOUND series, found in the SNOWY EVER AFTER anthology. This is author Mia Kingsley and Austin Coleman’s continuing story line. Mia and Austin’s story begins in THE WAY THE STORY GOES (Magnolia Sound #7).

NOTE: Several characters from Samantha Chase’s Magnolia Sound, Meet Me at The Altar, and Enchanted Bridal series cross over into the current story line.

Told from third person perspective WEDDING WONDERLAND focuses on the preparation for a holiday wedding for our story line couple. Unable to settle on a date, a deadline looming for her latest novel, and her mother all but taking control, Mia struggles to make time for what should be a happy event. Frustrated by his beloved’s inability to settle down, Austin suggests a Christmas wedding, a wedding with only a few weeks to plan. With the help of family, friends, and local business owners, Mia and Austin’s wedding in Magnolia Sounds is all set to go until a snow storm puts a stop to everyone’s plans.

WEDDING WONDERLAND is a quick read; a fast paced, enchanting and heart warming story of romance, family, friendships and love-the perfect read for the holiday season.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

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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You May Kiss the Groomsman by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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You May Kiss the Groomsman by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 24, 2021

It seemed like a good idea at the time…

When Josie Sullivan agrees to marry her friend Tyler, it’s just so he’ll get a promotion at work. That’s what friends do, right? But what should have been a quick, quiet affair starts to look like the real thing when his family shows up in the middle of the “proposal.” Now, it’s no longer a quick stop at the courthouse during a lunch break, but a full-blown wedding and there’s nothing Josie can do to stop it.

There was no way he could hold his peace…

Daniel Alexander hasn’t been home in years. After fifteen years as a Navy SEAL, he’s more than ready to return to civilian life. Being away for so long, he’s missed a lot of his younger brother’s life and it seems like he’s back just in time to stop him from making the biggest mistake of his life. No matter how he breaks it down, something’s just not adding up about this wedding and he’s determined to figure out why. And he’s not just trying to stop it from happening because he’s finding himself wildly attracted to the bride-to-be.

Or because they can’t stop kissing each other.

Josie had given up on finding her own happily ever after and as her attraction to Daniel keeps growing, she’s suddenly regretting her decision to help out a friend. Now she just needs to decide if she wants to kiss the groom…or the groomsman.

•••••••

REVIEW: YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN is the third instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MEET ME AT THE ALTAR romance series focusing on the woman who work for, and own Meet Me at the Altar Wedding and Catering services. This is wedding planner Josie Sullivan, and former Navy SEAL turned security specialist Daniel Alexander’s story line. YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN 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 third person perspectives (Daniel and Josie) YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN follows wedding planner Josie Sullivan as she ‘pines’ for a wedding and family of her own. When her best friend Tyler suggests they marry one another for business purposes only, Josie battles between head and heart knowing a marriage of convenience means a marriage without love but when Jose meets former Navy SEAL Daniel Alexander, our heroine, knows there is only one choice, and that choice means turning down the proposal she never wanted to accept. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Daniel and Josie, and the potential fall-out as a lack of communication, heart break and rejection force our heroine to walk away from the man that she loves, possibly losing a friendship in the process.

The relationship between Daniel and Josie is one of immediate attraction but our heroine is easily manipulated by her best friend Ty. If not for meeting Daniel Alexander, Josie would have probably agreed to a marriage of convenience but quickly discovers that she has been taken advantage of, and easily coerced into something she didn’t want to do. Daniel never expected to fall for his brother’s fiancée but something about their ‘relationship’ was awkward and wrong. Falling for Josie was easy, breaking her heart was easier still. There are no $ex scenes-everything fades to black or is mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and well-meaning secondary and supporting characters including Josie’s business partners Lea and Skylar, Josie’s brother Elliott, as well as Josie’s best friend Tyler, and his extended family; and Daniel’s business partners and former Navy SEALs Xander and Knox.

YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, a definite lack of communication, issues of trust, and heart break and pain. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is sweet and sexy; the characters are challenging and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

The Engagement Embargo
With This Cake

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

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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Since You’ve Been Gone (Magnolia Sound) by Samantha Chase-review

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Since You’ve Been Gone (Magnolia Sound #8) by Samantha Chase-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 29, 2021

Emmaline Ryan has always been the smart, shy girl who plays it safe. But all that’s gotten her is a divorce and a mountain of debt to pay off courtesy of her ex-husband. Needless to say, she’s stopped believing in miracles and fairy tales a long time ago. Except now she’s in desperate need of one those miracles if she wants to save her family’s animal rescue. Emmaline knows just where to go for help, but that means putting her faith in the hands of the man who once broke her heart without even realizing it.

Garrett Coleman met the girl of his dreams when he was just eight years old – only, he never told her. But that was years ago. Now, Garrett has become a reluctant social media star – the shirtless #HotDoc and #SexyVet who saves scared and helpless animals. Sure, it’s been great for business, but he’d give anything for people to see the real him, preferably with a shirt on. When a visit home to Magnolia Sound has him running into the shy girl he left behind, he sees his chance at the future he never thought he deserved.

Unfortunately, he’s not the only one back in town, and wooing Emmaline just became a lot more complicated. A lot has changed since he’s been gone and Garrett is going to have to prove that he’s up to the challenge. Emmaline might still be the sweet and quiet girl he left behind, but he’s not sure she willing to wait.

•••••••

REVIEW:SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE is the eighth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MAGNOLIA SOUND romance series. This veterinarian Dr. Garrett Coleman, and speech therapist Emmaline Ryan’s story line. SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE 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 third person perspectives (Emma and Garrett) SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE follows the friends to lovers relationship between veterinarian Dr. Garrett Coleman, and speech therapist Emmaline Ryan. Garrett and Emmaline had been best friend for as long as they could remember but junior high found Emma falling for someone, leaving a heart broken Garrett behind. Fast forward to present day wherein Emmaline Ryan, now a divorced speech therapist, helps run her mother’s shelter for homeless animals but the shelter’s doctor is about to retire, and take with him the only veterinarian clinic around. Enter Dr. Garrett Coleman, a veterinarian without a ‘home’ and a man without someone to love. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Garrett and Emma, and the potential fall-out as Garrett’s past continues to destroy any semblance of happiness in the Coleman clan.

Garrett Coleman is known on the social media sites at #HotDoc for the shirtless videos of himself and dogs looking for a home but Garrett is without a permanent employer, and finds himself going from town to town looking to settle down. A visit home brings Garrett up close and personal with the girl he has always loved but the Coleman patriarch Cash Coleman, who has been AWOL for more than twenty years, breezes back into town, leaving another swath of heart ache and pain in his wake. Unable to see beyond the failures of his life, Garrett struggles with his future including a future with the woman he loves.

The relationship between Garrett and Emma is a friends to lovers. Garrett has loved Emma for most of his life but never took the step to make Emma his own. After a failed marriage, Emma struggles with opening up her heart but the return of Garrett give Emma hope for the future but nothing is ever as real as it seems. There are no $ex scenes-everything fades to black or is mostly implied.

We are reintroduced to Garrett’s brother Austin and his fiancé Mia Kingsley; their mother Grace Coleman and her boyfriend Dominic Jones; financial investor Ryder; Emma’s mother Christine and her husband Ed ; Doc McEntyre; and Cash Coleman.

SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; of betrayal and heart break; dissolution and acceptance. The premise is engaging and emotional; the romance is sweet and sexy; the characters are energetic and dynamic. SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE is a wonderful addition to the Magnolia Sound series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Sunkissed Days
Remind Me
A Girl Like You
In case You Didn’t Know
All the Befores 3.5
And Then One Day
Can’t Help Falling in Love
Last Beautiful Girl
The Way The Story Goes

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE (Magnolia Sound 5) is on sale for ONLY 99¢ for a limited time

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Samantha ChaseNew 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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With This Cake by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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With This Cake (Meet Me at The Altar 2) by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 4, 2021

Cheery baker dreams of finding Mr. Right…

When your last name is Baker, it’s really only a matter of time before it also becomes your job title. Some might see it as a self-fulfilling prophecy, but for Leanna, being the go-to baker for Meet Me at the Altar is a dream come true. There’s nothing she loves more than to create the perfect desserts to help couples celebrate their big days. But despite what they say about the way to a man’s heart being through his stomach, Leanna has yet to lure her perfect man with her sweet treats.

Uptight workaholic dreams of being left alone…

If Brody King is going to take time off, he would much rather it be to train for his triathlon and not his brother’s engagement party. It would be one thing if it was just a regular party, but no, his brother and his bride-to-be had to go over the top and plan a full week of family togetherness and ridiculous wedding games. There’s no way he’s going to survive it.

When Brody crashes into Leanna and a hundred cupcakes are ruined, he does the only thing he can–he offers to help her make more. All it takes is a few cups of sugar and a dash of vanilla before Brody is craving not just Leanna’s sweet treats, but the baker herself.

•••••••

REVIEW:WITH THIS CAKE is the second instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MEET ME AT THE ALTAR romance series focusing on the woman who work for, and own Meet Me at the Altar Wedding and Catering services-Skylar, Lea and Josie. This is baker and co-owner Josie Baker , and hotelier businessman Brody King’s story line. WITH THIS CAKE 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 third person perspectives (Josie and Brody) WITH THIS CAKE follows the building romance and relationship between baker and co-owner of Meet Me At The Altar Bakery Josie Baker, and hotel businessman Brody King. Brody’s brother engagement party is an extravagant and over the top, four day affair, and our hero let it be known he was none too happy about the excess weekend but meeting the bride’s cousin, and pasty chef Josie Baker gave Brody second thoughts about the overpriced and flashy party, a party wherein he was determined to have fun with our story line heroine but a one-night stand ended poorly, and Josie struggled in the wake of embarrassment and humiliation. In an effort to reconnect with Josie Baker, Brody devises a plan, a plan that will see our couple together for the foreseeable future. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Brody and Josie, and the fall-out as the King family dynamics proves that a little competition threatens the relationship between our leading couple.

Brody King is a workaholic but in order to get the promotion he things he deserves, Brody has to prove he is the right man for the job but Brody never expected to meet Josie Baker, a woman who makes him reconsider what it is he truly wants from life and the future. Josie Baker is tired of the bridezillas including her cousin and her upcoming wedding but Josie enjoys baking, and her relationship with Brody sees our heroine baking for the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Josie and Brody begins accidentally as Brody literally knocks our heroine and her cupcakes to the ground. When his family sees Brody as nothing more than a screw up, Brody sets into motion a plan to prove he is worthy, including a relationship with our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are all implied and fade to black.

There is large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Josie’s business partners Lea and Skylar, and her cousin Charlene: Brody’s brother Travis, and their parents Marshall and Sylvia King.

WITH THIS CAKE is a story of family and relationships, power and struggle; romance, forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating; the romance is sweet and tender; the characters are strong, independent and energetic. WITH THIS CAKE is a welcome and wonderful addition to Samantha Chase’s MEET ME AT THE ALTAR.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE ENGAGEMENT EMBARGO.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

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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