Tag Archives: Samantha Chase

Tempt Me (The Donovans 2) by Samantha Chase-review

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Tempt Me (The Donovans 2) by Samantha Chase-review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2022

He hates the holidays. She lives for them. Let the games begin.
A small town, grumpy/sunshine romance from NY Times Best Selling Author Samantha Chase

Six months ago, Liam Donovan met the world’s cheeriest, most upbeat woman at a wedding.
It was the longest two days of his life.
Now she’s his next door neighbor.
Talk about awkward.

Tessa Sullivan believes in always looking at the bright side. Unfortunately, her new neighbor is the most negative man on the planet and seems to have made it his mission to ruin her good mood on a daily basis. She loves to sing, she loves to smile, but more than anything, she loves to decorate for the holidays. The fact that this seems to bug her new neighbor is simply a perk.

After twelve years in the Marines, Liam is more than ready to come home and start the next phase of his life. He’s starting a business, reconnecting with his mildly over-bearing family, and loves the fact that he’s finally got a place of his own. If only his neighbor’s decorations would stay on her side of the property. There isn’t one thing about Tessa that tempts him…until there is. Now she’s all he can think about.

Being friends makes sense.
Becoming lovers was inevitable.
But having Tessa be his forever is more than tempting.

••••••

REVIEW: TEMPT ME is the third instalment in Samantha Chases’s contemporary adult THE DONOVANS romance series. This is former US Marine turned contractor Liam Donovan, and music teacher Tessa Sullivan’s story line. TEMPT ME 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 (Liam and Tessa) TEMPT ME follows the building romance and relationship between former US Marine turned contractor Liam Donovan, and music teacher Tessa Sullivan.Tessa Sullivan is a widow, having married her best friend prior to his death but Tessa struggles to move forward, constantly living in the past where life was easier and calm. Her new neighbor, former US Marine Liam Donovan was about to become the bane of Tessa’s existence as Liam’s grumpy attitude was harshing on Tessa’s perpetually happy outlook until their relationship turns from frenemies to lovers, a relationship that will struggle with ghosts from the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tessa and Liam, and the potential fall out as Tessa struggles between head and heart, and Liam feels like a third wheel in Tessa’s life.

The relationship between Tessa and Liam begins acrimoniously as Liam struggles to accept Tessa’s always positive outlook on life. Liam’s relationship with his siblings is fraught with jealousy and misunderstanding, and their issues begin to affect both his personal and professional life. Tessa has yet to realize her inability to let go may push Liam out of her life but a one on one with someone else shows Tessa that letting go doesn’t me forgetting the past. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Liam’s siblings Patrick, Rhyllie, Jamie and Arianna, Arianna’s fiance Will, and their parents Kate and Shane Donovan, and uncle Ronan. The siblings continue to have a love -hate relationship with one another, fraught with jealousy, misunderstanding and heartache but the parents attitude is a one-eighty from the first two instalments, more empathetic and compassionate towards their adult children.

TEMPT ME is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of grief and acceptance, understanding and love. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is sweet and passionate; the characters are emotional, charismatic but struggling to be.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one DARE ME

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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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Dare Me (The Donovans 1) by Samantha Chase-review tour

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Dare Me (The Donovans 1) by Samantha Chase-review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 4, 2022

One year ago, Arianna Donovan and Will Jameson met on a dare and spent a perfect 24 together before going their separate ways. She thought they would stay in touch, but he disappeared without a word.

Arianna thought she’d moved on. But when Will shows up at a family dinner with her older—and very protective—brother, she’s angry and confused. How could he possibly forget to mention that he was friends with her brother? No one knows about their past and Arianna wants to keep things that way. No matter how tempting Will is.

When he walked away a year ago, Will thought it was for the best. Staying away from Arianna was the smart thing to do, especially with how protective her older brother—his friend and fellow soldier—can be. Time and distance will work wonders when you’re trying to stay away from someone. Now that he’s seen her again, he forgets all about doing the smart thing. He’ll just have to first convince her to let go of her anger and give him another chance.

Will isn’t above playing the nostalgia card, and when he challenges Arianna to a sexy game of truth or dare, she can’t resist. Neither one is ready to tell the world what they’re doing, but how long can they possibly keep things a secret when there are Donovans ready to meddle around every corner?

•••••

REVIEW:DARE ME is the first instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE DONOVANS romance series. This is twenty-three year old, radiation therapist Arianna Donovan, and thirty-two year old architect Will Jameson’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives DARE ME follows the second chance relationship, of a sorts, between twenty-three year old, radiation therapist Arianna Donovan, and thirty-two year old architect Will Jameson. Approximately one year earlier, Arianna Donovan met Will Jameson in San Francisco, twenty-four hours before returning home to Laurel Bay, North Carolina. Believing she had found her soul mate, Arianna tried desperately to convince Will they were meant to be, with the hopes of a long distance relationship in their future but Arianna had no idea that Will knew exactly who she was, and he wasn’t willing to cross the line with his ‘best friend’s’ little sister. Fast forward to present day wherein Arianna is considering leaving Laurel Bay, in search of her own independence away from her suffocating family but Arianna is blindsided when the man she has never forgotten has taken a job working for her brother Liam. All does not go well as Arianna’s family sets a plan into motion to set up Will with Arianna’s older sister Ryleigh, a plan that forces Will into a fake relationship with someone he doesn’t want. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship but secret relationship between Will and Arianna, and the potential fall out when the Donovan family uncover the truth.

The relationship between Arianna and Will is a rekindling relationship that struggles in the face of secrets and lies, and the ongoing interference from the Donovan clan. The Donovan family is controlling and obnoxious, constantly getting involved in one another’s lives, involvement that is pushing away their youngest daughter. The parents try to control their daughters’s lives; the brothers are a constant source of heart ache and intrusion. The family tries desperately to keep the siblings under control but everyone refuses to help our story line heroine when she first returned to Laurel Bay. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied.

We are introduced to the over protective, over bearing and often irritating Donovan siblings: Liam, Patrick, Ryleigh and Jamie; their unpleasant parents Kate and Shane Donovan, and uncle Ronan.

DARE ME is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love. The premise is entertaining but I struggled with the Donovan family dynamic and their overwhelming need to interfere and control which made my reading experience difficult and anxiety-filled affecting the overall enjoyment. DARE ME is a well written story line but the character’s attitudes, personalities and presentation were problematic for this reader. 

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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Kiss The Girl (Magnolia Sound 11) by Samantha Chase-review tour

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Kiss The Girl (Magnolia Sound 11) by Samantha Chase-review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 16, 2022

Savannah James is no stranger to heartache and loss. It wasn’t enough to lose two sets of parents, now she’s losing the only person she has left. Escorting Cash Coleman back to Magnolia Sound so he can say goodbye to his family is a no brainer if it means she gets to spend whatever time he has left with him. Once he’s gone, it’s back to her lonely life in Seattle. At least, that’s what she thought would happen before she met Cash’s family—and his youngest son.

When it comes to his father, Jackson Coleman isn’t short on anger. So when the old man comes back to Magnolia Sound to say goodbye, he’s determined not to care. But with Cash comes Savannah, and Jackson starts to question everything he’s ever thought about his father—like why was he able to be a parent to a friend’s daughter when he couldn’t even be there for his own sons? As much as Savannah represents everything he resents about Cash, he also can’t deny the intense attraction he feels for her.

After a lifetime of being left behind, Savannah finally found the one person she wants to stay. But in order to have a chance at a happily ever after with Jackson, she’ll have to fight every instinct she has to not get attached.

••••••

REVIEW:KISS THE GIRL is the eleventh instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MAGNOLIA SOUND romance series. This is massage therapist Savannah James, and former US Marine Jackson Coleman’s story line. KISS THE GIRL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as it pertains to Jackson’s father Cash.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jackson and Savannah) KISS THE GIRL follows in the wake of Cash Coleman’s return home to say good bye. Cash Coleman left his wife Grace and their three young sons years ago but has returned to his home town of Magnolia Sound in an effort to make amends and say good bye in the face of his cancer diagnosis but Cash’s three sons Austin, Garrett and Jackson have battled with their father’s disappearance, a disappearance that left the family struggling to make ends meet. With Cash’s return comes massage therapist Savannah James, a young woman who is closer to Cash than most of his family, a closeness that Cash’s son Jackson struggles to accept. As Cash’s only friend, Savannah is hoping to allow Cash the time to say good bye but falling for Jackson Coleman was never in the cards. What ensues is the building relationship between Jackson and Savannah, and the potential fall-out as Savannah struggles with issues of trust, and battles between head and heart knowing her time in Magnolia Sound is coming to a close.

The relationship between Jackson and Savannah begins innocently with neither one knowing the other’s connection to Jackson’s father Cash. Jackson feels betrayed not only by his father but by the woman with whom he is falling in love, a young woman who has lost everyone she has ever loved. As Jackson and Savannah’s relationship begins to grow, with a little help from Cash, Savannah must come to terms with not only rejection but with the grief of losing a man she so dearly loved. The $ex scenes fade to black or are mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous story lines. No one is immune to the return of Cash Coleman, the emotional fall out is heart breaking.

KISS THE GIRL is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love; of mistrust and misunderstanding, jealousy and acceptance, love and loss, grief and death. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the characters are real and charismatic; the romance is subtle and passionate.

 

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
Always on My Mind

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 I Do Over by Samantha Chase-review tour

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The I Do Over (Meet Me at the Altar 6) by Samantha Chase-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2022

For 48 hours, they were married. But that was a long time ago.

Seventeen years ago, Maddie Christopher told one little white lie, and it has been wreaking havoc on her life ever since. At the time, the lie was worth it—it meant she got to marry the man she loved, however brief a marriage it was—but now she’s ready to finally move on. But in order to do that, she needs to find the man whose heart she broke all those years ago and finally apologize.

Knox Channing has everything he could have asked for in life—after a career in the Navy SEALs, he’s now running a thriving security firm with his two best friends. The only thing that would make it better is if he wasn’t the lone single guy in his friend group. But after having had his heart broken once, he’s not looking to go back there. Or at least that’s what he thought before Maddie showed up in his office.

He swore that he would never let himself fall for anyone again, much less for the woman who once broke his heart. But sometimes you fall in love with the most unexpected person at the most unexpected time. Twice.

•••••

REVIEW:THE I DO OVER is the sixth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MEET ME AT THE ALTAR romance series. This is thirty four year old, physio-therapist Maddie Christopher, and thirty-five year old, former Navy SEAL/security consultant Knox Channing’s story line. THE I DO OVER 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 THE I DO OVER focuses on the second chance relationship between thirty four year old, physio-therapist Maddie Christopher, and thirty-five year old, former Navy SEAL/security consultant Knox Channing. Seventeen years earlier, high school sweethearts Knox Channing and Maddie Christopher, crosses state lines, returning home married, ready to start their lives together but Maddie’s father exploded, sending Maddie away, leaving a heart broken Knox in the wake. Having joined the Navy, Knox spent fifteen years as a US Navy SEAL, a position that allowed him to start the SEAL SECURITY firm with his two best friends, friends that are about to discover the truth. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Maddie and Knox, and the potential fall-out as Maddie struggles between head and heart, family and friendships, Knox and love.

Maddie Christopher’s life was destroyed the day her father sent her away. For close to seventeen years, Maddie has struggled in the wake of losing the only man she would ever love, a man she betrayed when everything spiralled out of control. Needing to apologize, Maddie heads to North Carolina to confront the man she has never forgotten, a man who still holds a grudge against our story line heroine. Knox Channing never knew hurt like the hurt Maddie Christopher inflicted seventeen years earlier. With her arrival in North Carolina, Knox struggles between head and heart, knowing he may never be able to trust the woman that broke his heart.

The relationship between Knox and Maddie is one of second chances: a rekindling relationship that would continue to struggle in the face of the past, and the present that refuses to let go. The $ex scenes all fade to black.

We are reintroduced to Knox’s fellow Navy SEALs and business partners: Daniel Alexander and Josie Sullivan (You May Kiss the Groomsman 3), Xander Madden and Daisy Sinclair (The Proposal Playbook 4), all of whom struggle with Knox’s rekindling romance with the woman who broke his heart.

THE I DO OVER is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and heart break. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is seductive and sweet; the characters are determined and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

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

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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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

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

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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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.

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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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