Ford (7 Brides for 7 Soldiers #7) by Samantha Chase-Review & Excerpt Tour

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Sandy

FORD ( 7 Brides for 7 Soldiers #7 ) by Samantha Chase-Review & Excerpt Tour

FORD
7 Brides for 7 Soldiers #7
by Samantha Chase
Release Date: September 12, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Ford

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iBooks /ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 12, 2017

There are three things Ford Garrison wants more than anything: to build, to report to no one, and the chance to live his life without the prying eyes of the good folks of Eagle’s Ridge. Having spent ten years in the Navy as part of their construction battalion, he was able to live out most of that dream. Two out three wasn’t bad, right? Now that he’s out of the service, things aren’t falling into place quite as easily as he hoped and he ends up back home with all eyes on him.

It wasn’t as if Callie had gone out of her way to end up in Ford’s path, but somehow that happened all on its own and the town gossips were having a field day! Could she help it that she was living in the house Ford had hoped to claim as his own or that the work on his grandmother’s ranch meant they were living not fifty-feet away from each other?

Ford was determined to come home, do a job to help his grandmother and leave. Callie James is a distraction and she represents everything he has spent years running away from. Now he’s at odds with his friends, his family and himself about where his home and future are going to be.

Could he walk away from Eagle’s Ridge a second time?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: FORD by Samantha Young is the seventh and final instalment in the multi-authored 7 BRIDES FOR 7 SOLDIERS romance novella series focusing on 7 former military heroes (family and friends) who return to their home town of Eagle’s Ridge. This is thirty year old Navy sailor and carpenter Ford Garrison, and twenty six year old kindergarten teacher Callie James’ story line. FORD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Some of the characters cross over between story lines and authors.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ford and Callie) FORD looks at the building relationship between Ford Garrison, and Callie James. When Ford got the call that his beloved eighty-eight year grandmother’s house had been damaged in a recent storm our hero returns home to discover that the once feisty woman now lay injured in the hospital with less than happy prospects for a return to her once independent lifestyle and way of living; and a childhood acquaintance is currently renting the cottage on the family owned property. Enter Callie James, Eagle’s Ridge newest kindergarten teacher and the woman with whom Ford will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance between Callie and Ford, and the potential fall-out as Ford finds himself trapped between family obligations, and his need to run from everything Eagle’s Ridge represents-both past and present including the small town gossip, and never quite meeting the expectations of his otherwise successful parents and kin, in this Ford’s attitude is a bit disconcerting; the maturity level is questionable as he struggles to accept what is and what could be.

Ford Garrison had no idea what his grandparents had in store for his future but returning to Eagle’s Ridge our hero discovered more than he could have ever imagined including the knowledge that his heart truly belonged in the town in which he grew up. Callie James has had a crush on Ford for as long as she can remember but Ford’s need to escape the small town mentality and busybodies of Eagle’s Ridge meant there was an expiry date on their growing love-a love Callie knew was about to break her heart. As Ford struggles between head and heart, Callie begins to pull back fearing the loss of the man that she loves. The $ex scenes fade to black or are mostly implied.

All of the previous 7 BRIDES FOR 7 SOLIDERS story line ‘heroes’ make a cameo appearance or play a secondary and supporting roles. We are introduced to Ford’s beloved grandparents Ben and Margaret Garrison, his parents as well as Callie’s mother Ruthie James.

FORD is a story of family and friendship; expectations and revelations; falling in love and letting go of the past. The premise is heart warming; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is passionate.

READING ORDER
Book 1 – RYDER by Barbara Freethy
Book 2 – ADAM by Roxanne St. Claire
Book 3 – ZANE by Christie Ridgway
Book 4 – WYATT by Lynn Raye Harris
Book 5 – JACK by Julia London
Book 6 – NOAH by Cristin Harber
Book 7 – FORD by Samantha Chase

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

ford teaser 3

excerpt

“What are you working on out here? More wreaths?”
With a soft laugh, she pulled back and stepped out of his arms. “I am. Doing something like this is normally very soothing for me. When I got home, I came right out here rather than going into the cottage.”
“And did it help?”
Callie shook her head. “Unfortunately, it was so quiet out here, and I’ve already made four of these wreaths so I didn’t even have to think about what I was doing.”
“So your mind immediately went to your mom.”
She nodded. “Exactly.”
Stepping around her, Ford examined the wreath. It looked exactly like the one she had given him for his grandmother’s front door, but now he took the time to look at the details. It seemed so simple at first glance, but when he realized how much time went into weaving the lights and how tedious that could be, he was more than a little impressed. The vine was fragile, and he knew he’d more than likely crush some of it if he tried to do it himself.
Unable to help himself, he reached for one of Callie’s hands and studied it. It was small and delicate. Her fingers were slim and smooth. No wonder she could do work like this. He looked at her face and saw her studying him, her expression serious.
And Callie rarely looked serious or intense. Her features were always relaxed or smiling. This was…different.
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her palm. “I was just noticing how intricate this work is,” he said gruffly. “I’m a little in awe of what you do.”
“Me? But…what you do is so much more—”
Ford placed a finger over her lips and shook his head. “I’m in awe of you,” he repeated, and slowly pulled her in close again.
Callie’s lips parted on a soft gasp as her eyes met his. And those beautiful eyes seemed to have a million questions in them, and Ford only had one answer.
He kissed her.
Slowly. Sweetly. He savored her as she melted against him. She hummed as her arms wrapped around him and in that instant, Ford knew what he had to do.
He lifted his head and looked down at her. Her lips were wet and her cheeks were flushed and she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. So many nights over the last week they’d been like this, and right now, Ford knew he wanted more.
“Come home with me, Callie,” he murmured against her lips before resting his forehead against hers.
“Yes.”
Never had a single word sounded sweeter.

about the author

Samantha Chase Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook /Instagram / Newsletter / Bookbub /

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than forty titles under her belt! When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

Inkslinger 2

Holiday Spice (The Shaughnessy Brothers #6) by Samantha Chase-Review,Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Sandy

HOLIDAY SPICE (The Shaughnessy Brothers #6) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

HOLIDAY SPICE
The Shaughnessy Brother #6
by Samantha Chase
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Holiday Spice

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

Darcy Shaughnessy has gotten used to her overbearing brothers chasing away any man she wants to date. But a chance meeting with a brooding — and deliciously handsome — artist is about to make this holiday season one to remember.

There’s only one thing Benjamin Tanner loves more than his woodcarving: solitude. Then he gets snowed in with Darcy in his cozy cabin in the woods, and their heated feelings begin to melt the icy barrier between them.

With Ben’s need for privacy and Darcy’s love of family and social life, will opposites still attract once the snow clears and the holiday festivities come to an end?

••••••••••

REVIEW: HOLIDAY SPICE is the sixth and final installment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS romance series focusing on the Shaughnessy siblings. This is youngest child and only sister Darcy Shaughnessy, and recluse artist Benjamin Tanner’s story line. HOLIDAY SPICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately twenty years earlier the Shaughnessy’s lost their mother to a drunk driver that left six siblings (including a one year old infant daughter) without a mother. Fast forward to present day where the now adult children continue to struggle with the loss.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Darcy and Ben) HOLIDAY SPICE follows the building relationship between Darcy Shaughnessy and artist Benjamin Tanner. Benjamin Tanner is in desperate need of some organization in his life but the shy, quiet and introspective woodcarver prefers the solitude of his cabin in the woods. Enter Darcy Shaughnessy, his friend’s sister in law, and the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the turbulent and emotional relationship between two people whose lives are the complete opposite.

Darcy Shaughnessy is a butterfly who enjoys the boisterous, family get togethers and social functions that allow her to express her ideas and have fun. Growing up the youngest child and only daughter, Darcy struggled with the over –protective nature of five older brothers who chased away all the men she wanted to date. Benjamin Tanner is a loner; a social misfit who battles the need to remain hidden from the paparazzi and social functions that come with being a successful artist but Benjamin also struggles with the holidays-the reminders of everything he has lost- and two younger brothers who would give anything to reconnect with the brother they love.

The relationship between Darcy and Ben begins as a business arrangement that quickly dissolves due to misunderstanding and Ben’s needs for privacy. Their attraction to one another is immediate and palpable but the potential for a long distance relationship begin to build a wall between our leading couple that may be too hard to pull down. The $ex scenes are all implied.

All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. The Shaughnessy’s are a close knit family, and their over –zealous attitude is too much for our story line hero.

HOLIDAY SPICE is a story of family, friendship and love. The premise is entertaining and emotional; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is sweet. HOLIDAY SPICE is the perfect ending to a well-loved series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Made For Us
Love Walks In
Always My Girl
This Is Our Song
A Sky Full of Stars
Holiday Spice

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

This was not what he had planned.
Maybe it was what he had fantasized about, but this was not what he had planned.
But the instant Darcy’s lips touched his, Ben was lost. From the first time he’d laid eyes on her, he’d wondered how she’d feel in his arms.
Now he knew. Amazing.
From the first time he watched her move, he wanted to know how she’d feel moving against him.
Now he knew. Incredible.
From the first time he’d seen her smile, he wanted to know what her lips would feel like as he kissed her.
Now he knew. Sexy as hell.
His arms banded around her waist until he made sure there wasn’t even room for a breath between them. She went up on tiptoes to press even more intimately against him—which he totally appreciated—and it allowed his hands to linger and cup her denim-clad bottom.
And what a denim-clad bottom it was.
Gently, he squeezed it and even considered grabbing it harder and lifting her onto the counter, but he wasn’t ready to let go of the full-body contact just yet.
It was insanity. One minute, she was frustrating the hell out of him in a nonsexual way, and the next, he was so consumed with need for her that he almost didn’t recognize himself. This wasn’t the man he normally was. He didn’t pounce; he didn’t even think of initiating anything physical in a situation that was so mundane.
And breakfast was pretty mundane.
When Ben chose to sleep with a woman, there was, well, there was a certain protocol to it for him. There were the required three dates. There was the kiss good night that would build in heat over the course of the dates, and then it was normally at her house. Never here. Never in his bed. His home was just that—his. It was his sanctuary, and he was possessive of it. But right now, all he wanted—almost more than his next breath—was to have Darcy in his bed.
Under him.
Over him.
Another growl escaped before he could stop it.
For a moment, he allowed his lips to leave hers, because he was desperate to taste her in other places. His mouth trailed along the delicate line of her jaw, her throat, and up to nip at her ear, a spot he quickly learned made her knees buckle and had her gasping.
Good to know.
But she wasn’t having any of it for long. With her hand firmly anchored in his hair, she let him know the instant she wanted to kiss him again, and he went willingly. Over and over, his mouth slanted over hers until he thought he’d simply consume her. Tongue tangled with tongue. Breath mingled with breath. Never had the act of kissing seemed so carnal. So indecent and so damn erotic.
And that’s when he knew standing at the kitchen sink was no longer cutting it. He needed her. Wanted her. And from the sounds she was making and the way she was moving against him, Darcy felt it too.
This time when he reached down and cupped her ass, he lifted her up onto the counter. Stepping in close until he was firmly pressed against the juncture of her thighs, he cursed their clothes. Cursed the fact that the nearest soft surface was so damn far away. And cursed the fact that she tugged at his hair as she pulled away from him.
“Ben, wait,” she panted.
Well, shit.
A little dazed, he forced himself to open his eyes and focus on her. Her lips were wet and red and a little swollen, and her skin was flushed.
So. Damn. Sexy.
Resting his forehead against hers, he took a minute to catch his breath.
Was he supposed to apologize? Step away and start shoveling? Hell if he knew, but he was going to stay quiet and let Darcy say whatever it was she was thinking. So he didn’t move, and once his breathing was back to normal, he almost felt as if he was holding it.
“What are we doing?” she asked quietly.
Was she serious? Those were some fairly obvious moves going on, on both their parts! How could she be questioning it? And on top of that, she was the one who had initiated it! Lifting his head, he looked at her.
“I thought we were kissing,” he said simply.
She blushed, and it was sexy as hell to see. His fingers twitched with the need to touch her cheeks and feel the heat there.
“I…I know, but…I guess I’m just a little confused as to where that all came from.”
She was confused? Because now he was a little beyond that himself. Taking a step away, he frowned. “Why don’t you tell me?” he began levelly. “Since you were the one who reached up and pulled me into the kiss in the first place.”
The blush was instantly replaced by a look of mild annoyance. Darcy jumped from the counter, placing her hands on her hips. “I guess I got caught up in what I thought was a moment. I mean you came over and crowded me into the cabinets and then started touching me—out of the blue, might I add—so I guess I thought you were into it too.”
Oh yeah. He had forgotten about that part. Once she had reached up and kissed him, Ben had pretty much forgotten about his own actions leading up to it. “Fine. Yes. I came over here and—” He stopped and cursed, raking a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I wanted to do that since you first showed up here.”

Holiday Spice promo

About the author

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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Complicating (Preston’s Mill #3) by Noelle Adams & Samantha Chase-a review

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Sandy

COMPLICATING (Preston’s Mill #3) by Noelle Adams and Samantha Chase-a review

Complicating

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 17, 2017

Forget all those other accidental pregnancy romances you might have read.

Daisy and Carter don’t have a one-night stand…because it’s thirty minutes in a back room at a wedding reception. And Carter isn’t a bad boy baby-daddy…except for the motorcycle, tattoos, and attitude. Daisy doesn’t have the typical issues with her pregnancy…if you don’t count the morning sickness, food cravings, and occasional horniness. And Carter doesn’t hang around all the time, wanting both her and the baby…until he falls in love.

But they definitely don’t become a happy family…right away.

Daisy has always been a good girl. She’s never done anything wild or spontaneous until she has a little too much to drink at a wedding and has a fling with a sexy stranger. She thought they were careful, but accidents happen. And now she’s going to have the baby of a man she barely knows.

Carter is her opposite in every way and completely the wrong man for her. They can still work out a reasonable arrangement regarding the baby. But the more time she spends with him, the less reasonable she feels. And he’s acting all possessive and protective, so it gets harder and harder to convince herself that he’s just the father of her baby.

She wants him to be so much more.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: COMPLICATING is the third installment in Noelle Adams /Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult PRESTON’S MILL romance series focusing on the town and people of Preston’s Mills. This is Daisy, Preston’s Mills librarian, and Norfolk mechanic Carter Hayes’s story line. COMPLICATING 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 Carter) COMPLICATING follows the building relationship between Preston’s Mill uptight, shy librarian Daisy, and motorcycle riding, tattooed mechanic Carter Hayes. While attending Chris and Heather’s wedding Daisy was challenged by her best friend Chloe to hit on three men throughout the evening, and in doing so Daisy came face to face with the man who would become an integral part of her future. A quickie in the closet with Carter Hayes leads to an unplanned pregnancy, and Daisy is all but willing to go it alone without the help of the child’s father. Carter maybe a little rough looking for the small town of Preston’s Mill but he is a man who is determined to be a part of his child’s life. What ensues is the back and forth, emotional roller coaster as Carter tries to support the mother of his child while said mother does everything to push Carter out of their lives with her fierce need to be totally independent.

COMPLICATING is a story about two people unprepared for the future that is about to change their lives. The heroine’s immature attitude and lack of compassion as it pertained to the father of her child made for many difficult moments throughout the story. For most of the story line Daisy was unwilling to compromise or let go of her preconceived notions and ideas . As hard as Carter tried to be a part of Daisy and his unborn child’s life, he couldn’t quite live up to Daisy or the town’s perception of the perfect father image. And of course, to complicate matters, Carter panics on more than one occasion as the reality of the situation hits too close to home.

The relationship between Daisy and Carter begins as a dare that quickly morphs into a lifelong connection with the impending birth of their son or daughter, and because of the forced situation the emotional ties that would have otherwise developed in a loving relationship were few and far between. Months will pass before any semblance of love or togetherness is permanently offered due to the heroine’s inability to accept what Carter was willing to offer, and even then, the profession of love felt forced and underwhelming. The limited number of $ex scenes are mostly implied.

COMPLICATING was a difficult read for me as I struggled to accept the heroine’s attitude and immature behavior. Carter, as the expectant father, was willing to stand up and do everything he could for the mother of his child but Daisy’s need to be independent of the man with whom she would fall in love, was disconcerting and uncomfortable especially at a time when some men are unwilling to accept responsibility for an unplanned child. This was not a case of rampant feminism but of a woman unwilling to look at the bigger picture. Although COMPLICATING is a story of fiction, the heroine’s attitude was unacceptable (for me) under the circumstance, as Carter never gave any indication that he would be an unwilling or unacceptable father, and yet he was quickly judged unsuitable by the people of Preston’s Mill-small town mentality not one of my favorite tropes. As with everything in life, opinions are subjective, and other readers may see a different side to the story line heroine.

Oh, and the cover is completely wrong. Carter is said to be well-built, with unruly dark hair, covered in tattoos; and Daisy is a woman with long red hair. Not quite the image portrayed on the story-book cover.

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

A Sky Full of Stars (The Shaughnessy Brothers #5) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on June 6, 2017 by Sandy

A SKY FULL OF STARS (The Shaughnessy Brothers #5) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

A Sky Full of Stars

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / ibooks /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 6, 2017

The stars are about to align in the newest Shaughnessy brothers romance!

WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE
Brilliant astrophysicist Dr. Owen Shaughnessy feels more connected to the cosmos than to people. He’s great with calculations, but when he leads a team of scientists to study a famous meteor shower, he doesn’t factor in his free-spirited artist assistant Brooke Matthews.

LOVE CAN DAZZLE YOU
Polar opposites in personality, the friction between them threatens to derail the project. But the beauty and mystery of the night sky draw Owen and Brooke together―and she’s going to surprise him in ways the stars never could.

••••••••••

REVIEW: A SKY FULL OF STARS is the fifth installment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS romance series focusing on the Shaughnessy siblings of North Carolina. This is astrophysicist Dr. Owen Shaughnessy, and artist Brooke Matthews’ story line. A SKY FULL OF STARS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Owen is rock star Riley Shaughnessy’s twin brother.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Owen and Brooke) A SKY FULL OF STARS follows the building relationship between astrophysicist Dr. Owen Shaughnessy, and flamboyant artist Brooke Matthews. With the department’s upcoming trip to Red Rock, Nevada Owen’s mentor Dr. Howard Shields asks a favor on behalf of his twenty eight year old niece Brooke Matthews. Brooke is an artist and her specialty is the night sky. A meteor shower would be the perfect muse for our heroine’s talent but Owen’s nerd-like, painfully shy, and emotionally withdrawn personality is not a match for the out-going Brooke Matthews. What ensues is the building relationship between our leading couple, and the fall out when Owen’s issues of trust come to the forefront.

Brooke Matthews is an outgoing, exuberant young woman whose past is shrouded secrets and pain. Raised on the pageant circuit, our heroine walked away from her life to focus on what she loved and what she lost. Owen is the socially awkward, quiet but brilliant genius who prefers to work alone without the distraction of human interaction but his relationship with Brooke Matthews brings out a distinctly different side to our leading hero-a side that is willing to step up and take a stand. The $ex scenes are mostly implied and fade to black.

All of the Shaughnessy siblings and their significant others play secondary and supporting roles. With the arrival of the next generation there are some awkward moments for the family patriarch Ian Shaughnessy, and his lady love.

The world building continues to follow the Shaughnessy sibling dynamics: Owen’s struggle to accept his position within the family; and sister Darcy’s need to get out from under the protective bubble of five older brothers.

A SKY FULL OF STARS is a sweet, clean romantic story line that sees another Shaughnessy brother find his happily ever after. The premise is emotional and realistic-I truly felt for Owen’s predicament. The characters are passionate; the romance is intimate. A SKY FULL OF STARS is an encouraging and delightful look at family and love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Made For Us
Love Walks In
Always My Girl
This Is Our Song
A Sky Full of Stars

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

A Sky full of Stars promo

excerpt

“That was…interesting.”
“I never thought I’d see those two mediums used together.”
“I may have to stab my own eyes out to make sure I never see it again,” Brooke said and then shuddered. They had just left the art gallery, and she waited until they were at the corner before looking at Owen. “I am so sorry.”
He looked taken aback by her apology. “Why?”
“That was horrible! Everything in there was offensive and tasteless and just…wrong! I can’t believe an art professor would recommend that to anyone!”
“Maybe he didn’t know exactly what kind of art was being displayed.”
Brooke shook her head. “He had to know. He raved about the whole thing—like he was familiar with the kind of work this guy did!”
“Maybe he’s into that kind of thing. There were a lot of people there who were praising pretty much everything they saw.”
Even though she knew Owen was right, she was still horrified. All of the pictures featured nudes in cages—and then there was wire caging coming out of the picture to give it a 3-D effect. Splashes of color looked as if they were just thrown onto the canvas, and all in all the exhibit had been fairly horrific to her. Brooke didn’t consider herself a prude, but these images were definitely not something she would have chosen to see.
Ever.
And now she was mortified because she had invited Owen along. To his credit, he didn’t seem the least bit fazed by the whole thing. It was possible he was trying to be polite and didn’t want to offend her in case she found the work interesting. But after the first five minutes of being there, Brooke had wanted to escape. Somehow, however, Owen had drawn her into conversation as they walked around the gallery and made several observations that had her wondering if he really didn’t see what was so…bizarre about the entire thing.
And that had been eye-opening for her. They stayed much longer than she’d imagined they would—especially after seeing the art—but they had talked the entire time, and after a while, she didn’t even notice their surroundings. She simply enjoyed the conversation, which turned to the architecture of the building rather than the show.
“So that was an art showing,” Owen said conversationally.
She nodded. “I really wish it had been a better experience.”
“Is this the sort of thing you want to do? Have your paintings displayed in one particular gallery?”
“I think so. That was one of the reasons I went to talk to Dr. Kennedy. I really wanted his input on ways to get my name out there to some of the local galleries. I was hoping he’d give me some insight into how to get started.”
Without commenting, Owen simply nodded.
“I don’t know about you,” she began, “but the thought of walking back to the pier is just a little exhausting. Would you mind if we grabbed a cab?”
“Not at all.” Walking to the curb, he quickly hailed one, and once they were inside, he instructed the driver where to take them.
“Thank you,” Brooke said, resting her head back on the seat. “I know I could have made the walk, but I’m just worn out.”
“It was a lot of walking,” he agreed. “I’ll have the driver drop you at your car and take me back to my hotel.”
“Oh.”
Turning his head toward her, he looked at her until she met his gaze. “What’s wrong?”
She shrugged. It was silly to be disappointed. Looking at the clock on the dashboard, she knew it was late—almost midnight—but she wasn’t ready for the night to end.
“I just thought I’d drive you back there, and maybe we could have a drink or something before we called it a night.”
He studied her for a moment, and she was afraid she had been too forward and he was going to turn her down.
“I’d like that,” he said, surprising her yet again.
“Good,” she said, smiling.
The ride to her car took only a few minutes, and Owen paid the driver and thanked him as they climbed out. Silently they walked to her car, and for the first time that night, she truly felt nervous. There wasn’t anything she could put her finger on, but for some reason Brooke knew it was a big deal that they were out together tonight and they were both unwilling to let the night come to an end.
Or perhaps she was seeing only what she wanted to see.
They stopped next to her car, and she turned to him. “I don’t think I know what hotel you’re staying at.”
“It would probably be easier for me to drive. That is…if you don’t mind.”
Brooke willingly handed him the keys, and they were on the move minutes later. Traffic was a little bit lighter than it had been earlier in the evening but still heavier than she would have expected for this time of night. Everything was lit up, and the sidewalks were still crowded, and she loved the energy of it all. They turned off the main road, and Owen pulled into an underground garage and parked.
“I was so busy people-watching I didn’t even notice where we are.” There was a possibility that was the wrong thing to admit to, but…
“That’s okay,” he said, taking the keys out and handing them to her. Neither made a move to get out of the car though.
She watched him for a moment—noticed how he was staring at the steering wheel and how he seemed to be thinking about something but she had no idea what. Turning in her seat, she faced him. “Owen—”
“I’d like to kiss you,” he blurted out.
Her eyes went wide, and her heart beat madly in her chest. “You…you would?”
Owen looked at her, his dark eyes so full of emotion. He shook his head. “I’m sure there was a more eloquent way to say that, but…I’m not very eloquent,” he added quietly.
Reaching out, Brooke took one of his hands in hers—relishing the warmth she found there—and marveled at how large it was. And there was strength there. He didn’t have the hands of a man who sat behind a desk pushing papers around, and the skin-on-skin contact was far more arousing than she thought possible. “You’re more eloquent than you think you are,” she said softly.
The look he gave her said he didn’t quite believe her. “I had a wonderful time with you tonight, Brooke, and I know we’re going to go inside and have a drink, and we’ll talk some more and…well…the longer we talk and the later it gets, it’s going to make me want to kiss you even more. It’s wrong for me to want to, but—”
“Why is it wrong?” she interrupted.
And there were those eyes that had her more than ready to crawl across the seat and into his lap. There was a vulnerability in his eyes that was almost her undoing.
“I hurt you. I know you didn’t say anything about it, but I know Howard probably talked to you and told you about Red Rock.” He looked away and shook his head. “It was wrong of me to do it like that. I should have talked to you myself. I’m sorry.”
“Owen, I’m not going to lie to you. I was hurt, and yes, I was pretty angry with you earlier. I know we haven’t known each other very long, but I thought we were at least becoming friends. I hated hearing about your decision from my uncle, but…I kind of understand why you did it that way. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision for you to make.”
“None of this is easy,” he murmured and then looked up at her again. “I’m not good at this sort of thing—playing it cool and pretending I’m not interested in you when in fact I am. So…I’d completely understand if you didn’t want to stay and have that drink or talk like we’d planned. You’re probably sitting there trying to figure out a nice way to tell me to get out of the car.”
Brooke was about to correct him, but Owen kept talking.
“I thought about hiring you, but I couldn’t. Not because I don’t want you on the trip, but because I knew I couldn’t handle working with you every day and having you close by while I’m attracted to you. And knowing you were only there because you wanted to paint and that you weren’t interested in me.”
Now she had to speak. Before he could get another word out, she squeezed his hand and got his attention. “But you’re wrong.”
He didn’t seem to understand what she was talking about.
“I do want to go on this trip to paint—I’m not going to deny that—but…Owen, I’m attracted to you too. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, and the more time we spend together, the more I want to spend with you. I was afraid maybe you didn’t want me on the trip because I wasn’t smart enough or—”
She never got to finish.
Owen closed the distance between them and cupped her face in his hands as his lips claimed hers.

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One More Kiss (Shaughnessy: Band on the Run #1) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Sandy

ONE MORE KISS (Shaughnessy: Band on the Run #1) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

One More Kiss

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM / ibooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 7, 2017

Matt Reed was living the dream until a bad career move sends him back to his hometown for much-needed privacy. Instead, he finds someone he never expected: the woman whose steamy kiss he remembers like it was yesterday.

Vivienne Forrester finally has her life in order… until Matt moves back to town. She doesn’t want to think about the time she threw caution to the wind with him, but running into him everywhere, it’s impossible not to.

•••••••••

REVIEW: ONE MORE KISS is the first installment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult BAND ON THE RUN romance series- a spin off from her Shaughnessy Brothers Series. This is guitarist Matt Reed, and food blogger Vivienne Forrester’s story line. You do not have to have read the original series to understand or follow One More Kiss. Any important information from the previous series is revealed where necessary. We were first introduced to Matt in THIS IS OUR SONG (Shaughnessy Brothers #4).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Matt and Vivienne) ONE MORE KISS is a story of forbidden romance between guitarist for the band Shaughnessy Matt Reed, and foodie blogger Vivienne Forrester. For years Vivienne has had a crush on her brother’s best friends, the now famous rock guitarist Matt Reed, and when she finally had the nerve to do something about it, Matt was whisked from her life without a backwards glance. Fast forward two years and Matt Reed comes back to his hometown following a disastrous Broadway debut and attempt at a solo career. Hiding out until the media frenzy died down, Matt would find refuge at the home of his childhood best friend Aaron Forrester, wherein a relationship will ignite with his best friend’s younger sister. What ensues is the growing love between two people who have no idea how the future will unfold.

The romantic relationship between Matt and Vivienne is slow to develop as our story line couple dance around one another while Matt adjusts to time alone. Vivienne works from home and Matt offers to be her ‘guinea pig’ and taste test the recipes Vivienne has to offer. The romance is passionate; the $ex scenes are implied.

Riley and Savannah Shaughnessy (This Is Our Song) play secondary and supporting roles, as well as several members of the band who are also struggling in their personal and professional lives- while the band is on hiatus, Riley finds success with a solo career, Matt will find love, Julian begins to manage the career of an up and coming female star, and Dylan all but implodes. We are introduced to Vivienne’s brother Aaron-an over protective older brother who isn’t happy about Matt’s interest in his younger sister; and Matt’s father-a man who made Matt’s younger life miserable as the memories continue to assault our story line hero.

ONE MORE KISS is a story of romance and love; of second chances, trial and error, and acceptance of what was and what will be. The premise is sweet and lighthearted; the romance is sensual and tender; the characters are colorful and inspiring. ONE MORE KISS is a heartwarming look at falling in love and a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

“What if I’m already too far gone?”
“You’re not,” she replied softly. “You’re sitting her and telling me what you see in yourself. If you were really too far gone, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” She paused. “Now you can be whatever kind of guy you want. It’s totally up to you.”
He straightened and looked her straight in the eye – his expression less angry and more pleading. “I’d like to be the kind of guy you don’t cringe away from.”
Well damn. “I didn’t cringe,” she said, going for light and teasing. She even forced herself to grin.
Rather than speak, he simply held out his hand to her again. His gaze held hers as he waited.
There wasn’t an option. Doing her best to have no reaction at all, Vivienne stood and walked toward him and placed her hand in his.
And felt more alive than she had in years.
His hand was large, his skin rough and warm. Her eyes met his and if she wasn’t mistaken, he looked just as shaken as she was. Her lips parted and she took a slow, shaky breath. Matt’s hand closed around hers and he gently tugged her down onto the sofa beside him. She sat stiffly for a moment and then – as if of one mind – they relaxed against each other. Vivienne’s head was on his shoulder, his arm around her and it felt…nice.
Natural.
Like everything she’d been waiting for.
Now what? How was she supposed to act? What was she supposed to say that didn’t come out as her begging Matt to kiss her? Touch her?
She should have stayed in the cottage and let him have his meltdown and recovery on his own. Now she was stuck here and had no way to get up and leave without it being completely obvious that she was no better than the hundreds of girls he’d been with over the years.
She visibly shivered even as the proverbial bucket of cold water was dumped on her in her mind.
“You okay?” he murmured, his voice low and gruff against her ear.
Not trusting her voice, she nodded.
They sat in somewhat companionable silence for several minutes. Vivienne’s mind wasn’t quiet for even one of them. When she noticed the sheet music out on the piano, she twisted slightly and looked up at him. “You play the piano?”
He chuckled softly and – if she wasn’t mistaken – placed a light kiss on her temple. “Sort of.”
“What does that mean?” she asked, forcing herself to laugh even though all she could think about was the fact that his lips had just touched her.
“I’ve tried it several times over the years, but while I was sitting here today doing nothing, I decided to give it a try. It was a little intimidating and I still basically suck at it, but I’m better at it than I was yesterday.”
“I was forced to take lessons for years. My mother was obsessed with me learning. I was relieved when I moved out on my own and didn’t have room for a piano in my apartment. Then Aaron went and built this house and bought one. Every time our parents come to visit I’m obligated to play a little. If I’m not mistaken, that’s their old sheet music you’re using.”
“That would explain why Aaron didn’t have anything from the last decade or two.”
She chuckled. “He really didn’t even need it. I think it was just something my parents passed on to him. Lord knows I didn’t want it.”
“Sounds like you hate it.”
She shrugged. “I think hate is a strong word for it, but it’s very different when you play for pleasure and when you’re doing it because you’re expected to. I used to love to play the popular songs – I have an ear for it now and can play a lot of them without sheet music – and it used to make my mother crazy!” She couldn’t help but laugh at the memory. “Whenever she was nearby, I’d be playing Mozart or Beethoven, but as soon as she would leave I would break into some N’Sync or Backstreet Boys.”
“Ugh! Not the boy bands!” he cried in mock disgust.
“What can I say?” she said, unable to control her laughter. “It’s the music I was listening to!”
“Please tell me you don’t still listen to it?” he begged. “If you could sit down and play anything right now, what would you play?’
“Oh…don’t do that…”
“Why not?”
“Because now I feel like I’m under the microscope. Like you’re going to criticize my choice in music – especially if I pick something that’s not one of your songs or something.”
Matt pulled back and shifted so they were fully facing one another. She immediately missed the heat of his body pressed up against hers.
“No pressure. Just honesty. I’m genuinely curious. If no one was here, what would you play?”
“Classic Elton John,” she said without hesitation. “I love his music. All of it. But his earlier stuff is my favorite.”
“I was working on one of his songs earlier, and I have to admit, it didn’t sound half bad.”
“Prove it,” she challenged, a grin on her face and a twinkle in her eye.
“No way,” he replied, shaking his head. “That’s not fair.”
“How is it not fair? You’re a musician. You play music in front of tens of thousands of people all the time. Why can’t you play one song on the piano for me?”
“Because I barely know how to play it.” Then he stopped, and Vivienne did not like the look on his face. Matt stood and held out his hand to her again. “Play it with me.” His voice was so soft as was his expression and, this time, she fit her hand into his without hesitation.
Together they sat on the piano bench and Matt set up the sheet music and started to play.
Only…he couldn’t.
At least, it’s how it seemed to Vivienne.

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This is Our Songby Samantha Chase- Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Sandy

THIS IS OUR SONG (The Shaughnessy Brothers #4) by Samantha Chase-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

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About the book: Release Date December 6, 2016

She knows him by reputation
Riley Shaughnessy knew that to stand out in his large family, he’d have to go big. Making a name for himself as a musician wasn’t easy, but he followed his dreams to rock-star success. But the relentless expectations of fans is not helping the slump he’s in now. So of course the person who attracts him is the woman who is not impressed by fame.

Which gives Riley Shaughnessy a lot to prove
Entertainment reporter Savannah Daly is completely unfazed by pretty-boy rock stars. She’s just here to get her interview and write her story. But spending an entire month with the Shaughnessys is going to show Savannah a side of Riley she never could have guessed.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THIS IS OUR SONG is the fourth installment in Samantha Chase’s THE SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS romance series focusing on the Shaughnessy family. This is rock star Riley Shaughnessy, and entertainment reporter Savannah Daly’s story line. THIS IS OUR SONG can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Seventeen years earlier the Shaughnessy’s lost their mother to a drunk driver that left six siblings (including a one year old infant) without a mother. Fast forward to present day where the now adult children continue to struggle with the loss. Riley’s connection to his mother is blessed with musical memories and an endearing song.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Riley and Savannah) THIS IS OUR SONG focuses on struggling rock star Riley Shaughnessy. Going solo should have been easy but one year earlier a scathing article debunking Riley’s stardom hit too close to home and our hero struggles to complete his latest album. To keep Riley in the spotlight, his publicist demands he willingly participates in a magazine interview that will find our hero falling in love with the entertainment reporter. Enter Savannah Daly-a journalist who goes into the interview with preconceived notions about Riley Shaughnessy, and a woman who battles her attraction to the man that calls to her heart.

Riley is a world famous rock star whose solo career has come to a grinding halt. Unable to complete his latest album Riley’s recording contract is in jeopardy-writer’s block and a fractured ego add to Riley’s list of personal demons. Savannah is a journalist who is reluctant to participate in Riley’s comeback. Entering into the Shaughnessy circle of family and friends finds our heroine falling in love with the Shaughnessy family and the man who will steal her heart. But Riley and Savannah’s future lies in jeopardy when the past catches up and fractures the building love between our leading couple. The $ex scenes are implied and fade to black.

All of the Shaughnessy brothers and sister Darcy, as well as patriarch Ian Shaughnessy and his girlfriend Martha play secondary and supporting roles. The Shaughnessy family continues to grow, and the next generation is close at hand.

THIS IS OUR SONG is a sweet, romantic story of family and love; struggle and moving forward; forgiveness and letting go of the past. The premise is heartwarming; the characters are passionate; the romance is intimate without the use of sexual imagery or text. Samantha Chase’s THE SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS is will captivate your imagination.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Made For Us
Love Walks In
Always My Girl
This is Our Song

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt

He didn’t just beat her in the best of three.
Oh, no. That would have been too easy.
No, Savannah—who realized too late that she was a very sore loser—kept egging him on until he finally put the paddle down after beating her in twelve games. Twelve! Why did she have to keep taunting him? Even while they were playing she couldn’t make herself ask him anything important. They talked about useless stuff—favorite bands, favorite foods—hell, at one point she’d even asked him his favorite color.
She hung her head low in defeat and put her paddle on the table. Riley had excused himself and went to get them each a drink. She prayed it was vodka. Something to make her forget this humiliation.
His prize at the end of the first three games was that she’d stay and have dinner with him.
After the next three she’d stay for a movie.
She really thought she was going to beat him in the third round. Unfortunately, it had been her biggest loss, and he’d simply chuckled and said he’d have to think about his reward. And he’d repeated that after the fourth and final win.
Riley cleared his throat when he walked back into the room and handed her a glass of ice water. They drank in silence for a few minutes. “That was fun,” he finally said, and Savannah realized he wasn’t being obnoxious and he wasn’t gloating. He genuinely looked like he’d had a good time.
And despite all the losing, Savannah would have to agree. It was fun.
“How do you feel about salmon for dinner?”
“It’s one of my favorites,” she said and was relieved he wasn’t gloating.
“It’s kind of early yet. Maybe we can watch a movie first?”
That was a reasonable request, and she agreed. Together they picked out a classic Neil Simon movie from 1967, Barefoot in the Park. “Ooo…Robert Redford.” She sighed. “Another favorite.”
Tucked away in a corner was one of the biggest flat-screen TVs Savannah had ever seen. Riley noticed her stunned look. “It’s one hundred ten inches. They don’t come any bigger than this right now. The picture’s great too.”
Two oversized recliners were centered in front of the screen and they each sat down. Riley started the movie and within minutes Savannah was more relaxed and they were both laughing along with the story.
She kicked her sandals off and tucked her feet up on the chair beside her. Next she pulled the clip out of her hair so she could relax her head against the back of the comfortable chair. Looking to her right, she saw Riley was watching her. His expression was intense and for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what was wrong. “Is everything okay?”
He didn’t answer right away.
“Riley?”
“I still have to decide what I get for winning those last two rounds,” he said, his voice low and gravelly.
Savannah nodded, hypnotized by the way his eyes had gone so dark.
“I’m going to combine them into one request,” he said, and it sounded more like a warning than a statement.
“Okay.” Her own voice was almost a breathy whisper.
Leaning closer, Riley’s eyes zeroed in on her lips before meeting her eyes. “Savannah?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m going to kiss you. Twice.”
“Oh.”
His hand snaked out and around her nape and slowly drew her closer to him. And then his lips touched hers and Savannah’s brain simply stopped functioning.

Guest Post

I’m one of those people who can multi-task. To a point. I do like almost complete silence while I write with the exception of my Sounds of the Ocean soundtrack playing. I can have twenty tabs open online and be on social media while I’m writing, but please don’t make me listen to anything! But amazingly enough, on most of my books I do end up with a playlist that helps me get the job done.

I just don’t listen to it while I’m writing.

I turn to it when I’m blocked – when I’m stuck in a scene and need to get hyper-focused on my characters. This is Our Song was kind of easy to have a playlist to because Riley is a musician. There were songs that I felt like I could imagine him singing or that the lyrics really applied to him.

So what was on my list and why? Here’s just one of the songs that was on my This is Our Song playlist!

True Love by Glenn Frey:

Even though Riley’s a world-famous rock star who is used to getting what he wants and not really having to work too hard at it because of his talent, that actually works against him with Savannah. Glen Frey’s song is all about learning to work toward true love and how rewarding that can be!

Favorite Line:
Out of the blue, out of the night
You came along and you changed my life
You got me feeling things, I swear I never felt before

I was lucky with This is Our Song because of Riley’s career. Some books it will just be a single (as in one) song that is on my playlist to help me over the humps. And sometimes I’ll have to listen to that song like five times in a row to get me in the proper mindset to write what I need to write.

Happy listening and I hope you enjoy This is Our Song!!

~~Samantha Chase~~

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Friday Night Brides by Samantha Chase-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Sandy

Friday Night Brides by Samantha Chase-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES
by Samantha Chase
Release Date: May 3, 2016
Genre: adult,contemporary, romance

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00033]

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About the book: Release Date May 3, 3016

Four women.
Twenty years.
Five hundred bridal fashion shows.

They’ve been friends since they were five, and modeling for Enchanted Bridal has been as much of a part of their lives as their friendship has. And this season has them seeing more than new wedding trends.

Hailey’s family owns Enchanted Bridal and she knows there’s a possibility that someday it will be hers. She’s not sure that’s the path she wants to take, but she does know that she’s been hopelessly crushing on the perfect man and bridal show model Logan Baxter III. While failing to gain Logan’s attention, she can’t seem to get rid of the less-than-perfect man – and model – Jackson Carr. He’s big and bold and tattooed – pretty much everything Hailey despises. And yet…there’s something about him that has Hailey questioning her definition of perfect.

Becca’s got a knack for dating the wrong kind of guys. When her current boyfriend publicly dumps and humiliates her, she’s devastated. Wanting to run and hide, she’s mortified that the stranger who had witnessed the entire scene is now part of the Enchanted Bridal family. But when Max Abrams offers her comfort and tells her that he thinks she’s beautiful, she has to wonder if maybe getting dumped by Mr. Wrong has finally led her to her very own Mr. Right.

Angie’s loud and feisty and completely fearless. That is until she gets dumped by the one guy she really had feeling for. It opens her up to insecurities she didn’t know she had and she’s not sure what to do about it. But when Sean Patterson comes back into her life in a big way, she’s not sure she’s ready to forgive and forget quite so easily. His persistence and her stubbornness make for an exciting chase, however, but at the end of the season, it’s ultimately up to her if she’s ready to quit running.

Ella’s been planning her perfect wedding to Dylan Graham since she was twelve. Together for thirteen years, Ella’s beginning to wonder if that number really is bad luck. She can’t focus on all that’s right in her life because all she can think about is what she may be missing. Their parents have taken over their wedding, her friends all seem to be in crisis and Dylan’s just not listening to her fears. Not one to ever make waves, she suddenly finds that that’s exactly what she’s doing and turning everyone’s life upside down in the process. The life that she once considered boring is now the one she longs for, but it may be too late.

Four friends.
Four crossroads.
Four possibilities for happily ever after.

••••••••••

REVIEW: FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES by Samantha Chase is a contemporary, adult romance story focusing on four life-long friends –Hailey, Becca, Angie and Ella. For close to twenty years our foursome have ‘modeled’ bridal wear –flower girls to brides- for Enchanted Bridal, a bridal shop owned by Hailey’s mother Judith. FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES looks at the struggles and romantic heartbreaks of four friends who believe the ‘grass is always greener on the other side’. There is a prequel novella-THE WEDDING SEASON-that introduces Angie’s friend Sean. You do not have to read the novella to enjoy FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES.

Told from several third person points of view FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES follows the friendships, relationships, personal discoveries, and the good and bad times of four friends who have had one another’s backs for as long as they can remember. Of the four, Ella is the only one in a committed relationship, bound for the altar, but a relationship that begins to crumble when Ella wants what the other girls have.

FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES focuses on each of the four heroines through the ups and downs of relationship nightmares, falling in love, and moving on. There are moments of humor and fun; heartbreak and sorrow; love and passion but in the end Hailey, Becca, and Angie find love where they’d least expect it, while Ella takes back what it is she thought she lost.

Samantha Chase writes a sweet, romantic and entertaining tale of friendship and love. The premise is lighthearted and enchanting; the characters are an eclectic mix of passionate and fun; the romances are emotional and real. FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES is a fantastic read for every romance fan and romantic at heart.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Click HERE for more information and to read an excerpt from FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES by Samantha Chase

Guest Post

Romance covers-How much say does an author have? Do you believe a cover can make or break the success of a book?

Okay, so…funny story. When I first wrote “The Christmas Cottage”, I had no idea how to create a cover and had no idea where to find someone who did. Working with CreateSpace, they have free templates for you to use to create your cover. So I used it. I thought I did a good job, I was happy with it, but some of those early reviewers were unimpressed.

Like seriously unimpressed.

But it didn’t hinder sales on that book, oddly enough. That was the second book I had published and it’s the book that really launched my writing career. But after that book, I found a cover artist and let her design everything from that point on. However, I picked the pictures that I wanted and she worked with the fonts and the layout and really made something out of my two cents.

Working with a publisher was a completely different story. I don’t pick the pictures, I don’t pick the layout. The first five books we did together, they had those covers ready to go before I even had an idea of what we were doing. But when they presented them to me, I did get to say ‘This couple doesn’t work’ or ‘The heroine in the book is a brunette and you’ve got a blond’ and they made the changes. They’ve been very good like that. I believe you need to establish early on – and in your contract – that you have a final say in the covers.

Have I ever rejected a cover? Absolutely! Do I feel good about it? No! Someone is putting in a lot of time and effort to put them together and I always feel bad when I don’t like them, but at the end of the day, it’s my name on the cover and it needs to be something that I like or that I’m proud of.

Can a cover make or break the success of a book? I believe it can certainly hurt your chances of success. For example – when I was self-publishing and put out the first three books in my Montgomery series, I knew the layout that I wanted. Book one – “Wait for Me” – the cover was beautiful. I mean I seriously loved it and so did readers. That book did extremely well! I believe it hit #4 on B&N’s top 100 and was in the top 100 in the Kindle Store. Book two – “Trust in Me” – didn’t do as well. And to be honest…I didn’t particularly like the cover. It was still totally my ideas but I was on a time crunch and I didn’t put as much thought in to it and the sales figures showed. Book three – “Stay With Me” – did great in sales and the cover was pretty and appealing. So from a cover vs. sales standpoint, you could say that the cover of book two was partially to blame.

Back to my traditionally published books, we changed the style of the covers with the release of “I’ll Be There”. We went in a completely different direction. I was so caught up in the new look, that I didn’t pay as much attention to the couple on the cover. I got a lot of negative feedback from readers who thought they were very “blah” and they weren’t people who inspired them to want to pick up the book. I get it. But the sales were okay on that book. Not great but it had some good weeks. So we’ve really been working on that and the cover of my upcoming “Always Me Girl” has done extremely well in pre-order figures. Why? That cover is stunning. There is no other way to describe it. I love it. I want to wallpaper my office in it!

From personal experience, I’m more prone to purchasing a book that looks appealing from the cover – that’s what will initially grab my attention. Whereas a poorly designed or unappealing cover won’t even make me look at the back cover blurb.

Bottom line. Covers help. Make it appealing. Make it the best you can. And do what you can to have a say in it. It’s your name on the cover and you need to be happy with it.

~~Samantha Chase~~

about the author

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giveaway

Samantha and her publicist are offering an ecopy of FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES to THREE (3) commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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7. Giveaway is international

8. Giveaway runs from May 11-16, 2016

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Love Walks In (The Shaughnessy Brothers #2) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Sandy

LOVE WALKS IN (The Shaughnessy Brothers 2) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Love Walks In

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

About the book: Release Date April 5, 2016

The Shaughnessy Brothers are back

He lives by a schedule. Aubrey Burke is on the run from an about-to-be-disastrous mistake when resort owner Hugh Shaughnessy catches her climbing through his office window. Until Aubrey tumbled into his life, Hugh had relied on work and discipline to safeguard a heart damaged by family tragedy. Now his careful world will never be the same.

She lives for the moment. Hugh’s approach to life and love is the opposite of Aubrey’s, but she soon finds herself falling hard for the handsome hotel mogul. There’s a darker reason behind her “live for today” attitude than Hugh could possibly know, but for the first time Aubrey dares to hope this man’s love might make it worth taking a chance on the future.

••••••••••

REVIEW: LOVE WALKS IN is the second installment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS romance series. This is resort owner Hugh Shaughnessy, and corporate planner Aubrey Burke’s story line. LOVE WALKS IN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Seventeen years earlier the Shaughnessy lost their mother to a drunk driving accident that left six siblings (including a one year old infant) without a mother. Fast forward to present day where each child continues to struggle with the loss but none more so than Hugh, who blames himself for his mother’s death.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Aubrey and Hugh) LOVE WALKS IN focuses on the building relationship between Aubrey and Hugh, as Aubrey begins a new chapter in her life. On the run from a last minute marriage, Aubrey finds herself the latest ‘organizer’ for Hugh Shaughnessy’s numerous resorts wherein our heroine is the lead designer for a series of executive wine promotions and exotic getaways. What ensues is forbidden relationship between Aubrey and Hugh, and Hugh’s struggle to let go of the past.

The relationship is one of immediate attraction but Hugh never saw himself in a committed relationship. Aubrey’s history with her parent’s failed marriage versus Hugh’s tight knit loving family finds our couple at opposite sides of the relationship fence. Like most of Samantha’s story lines, the $ex scenes are all implied, and fade to black.

Youngest sibling and only sister Darcy; brothers Aidan and his fiancée Zoe Made For Us (Book 1) , Quinn, Riley and Owen, as well as patriarch Ian Shaughnessy all play secondary and supporting roles throughout the story. We are introduced to Aubrey’s long suffering mother whose reputation is a case of mistaken belief where her only child is concerned. There is a possible story line set up for Owen with a long-time family friend who has been in love with the Shaughnessy brother for quite a long time.

LOVE WALKS IN is a sweet, romantic story. The premise is enjoyable; the characters are real; the romance is clean and ‘safe for work’.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

“Aubrey! I’m home!”
Looking up, she saw a very happy and relaxed-looking Hugh standing in the doorway. If she wasn’t mistaken, he might even be a little bit tipsy. She almost giggled at the thought. Men didn’t get tipsy, did they? “Hey, you,” she said, smiling up at him.
“Whatcha doin?” he asked, walking slowly across the room until he could plop down on the bed beside her.
“I was just going to read for a bit while I was waiting for you.” His hair was tousled, his shirt was untucked, and he looked completely adorable to her. Reaching out, she ran a hand through his hair. “How was your night?”
Hugh stretched out beside her as he kicked his shoes off. “I took fifty bucks from my brother. It was awesome.”
She chuckled. “Which brother?”
“Owen,” he said around a yawn. “Served him right. Trying to trick me up with math.”
Her brows furrowed. “Math?”
“Yeah. Such a smarty pants. Thinks he knows everything. But I beat him. He may know about angles and lines and spots but I know how to provide a good distraction,” he said with a silly grin.
“So you cheated.”
“Ha! That’s a good one! No, I did not cheat. I just happened to notice how Owen kept sneaking looks at this girl standing over by the jukebox. So while he was doing his geo…geolo…geomethology…”
“Geometry?”
“Yeah…so while he was doing that stuff in his head, I went over and introduced myself, then brought her over to meet Owen.” He laughed. “Then he forgot all about how to do…you know…and Riley and I were able to kick his and Aidan’s butts. It was fun.”
Yeah, he was definitely a little tipsy and it was adorable. It was nice to see he could unwind and have fun with his brothers. “I’m glad you had a good time.”
“How about you, darlin? Did you have fun tonight?”
“I did. Anna made burgers and…”
“Oh, man! And I missed it?” He sat up and looked around for his phone. Pulling it from his pocket, he began scrolling through his contacts.
“Hugh? What are you doing?”
“I’m starving. Do you think she’ll make some more?”
“Who?”
“Anna,” he said with a huff. “Sheesh.”
“Hugh Shaughnessy, you cannot call Anna now and ask her to make you a burger!” She tried to sound firm but couldn’t stop laughing at the confused look on his face. “Give me the phone.”
“But…do we have any burgers here?”
She shook her head. “Nope. Sorry. No burgers.”
“Well damn,” he muttered, flopping back down on the bed. Looking over at her, he smiled sleepily. “They were good, right?”
Nodding, she said, “Yup. They were.” Aubrey knew he was going to be asleep in a matter of minutes, but figured she’d humor him for a little bit longer. “Do you want me to make you something to eat? Or maybe just a little snack?”
“Mmm…”
Turning on her side to face him, she nudged him around until she got him undressed down to his boxers and even managed to get him under the blankets. He made several sloppy attempts to kiss her but she kept it playful to distract him. By the time he was settled, she was exhausted.
“Sweet dreams, wonderful man,” she whispered, kissing his cheek.
Hugh smiled sleepily. “Love you,” he murmured in response. Aubrey was glad his eyes were closed and he was already snoring softly, because she was certain the look of shock on her face would have been hard to explain.
Did he really mean what he’d said? Was it possible Hugh was really in love with her? It was hard for Aubrey to wrap her head around. No one had ever said it to her before. And to be honest, Hugh really hadn’t said it to her either—not consciously, anyway.
But now that it was out there, she had a feeling it was going to be pretty hard to forget.

About the Author

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Samantha Chase, a creative writing teacher, released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Since then, she has published seventeen more titles and has become a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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