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The Shaughnessy Brothers #5
A Sky Full of Stars
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.
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.
370 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 6, 2017
About the author
Samantha Chase
130 books2,207 followersSamantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
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May 30, 2017
Finally the brainiac, "Clark Kent" brother gets his book!
Chase writes fictional characters that pop off the pages and right into your heart with real life circumstances and emotions. Makes me feel like I'm catching up with an old friend with each and every installment in this series.
Simply a cute, feel good, contemporary romance that tugs at your heart strings and brings a smile to your face.
I received this ARC copy of A Sky Full of Stars from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. This is my honest and voluntary review. A Sky Full of Stars is set for publication June 6, 2017.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Samantha Chase
Series: The Shaughnessy Brothers (Book 5)
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: June 6, 2017
ISBN-10: 1492616346
ISBN-13: 978-1492616344
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-sk...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Full-Stars...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-sk...
Reviewed for:
Chase writes fictional characters that pop off the pages and right into your heart with real life circumstances and emotions. Makes me feel like I'm catching up with an old friend with each and every installment in this series.
Simply a cute, feel good, contemporary romance that tugs at your heart strings and brings a smile to your face.
I received this ARC copy of A Sky Full of Stars from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. This is my honest and voluntary review. A Sky Full of Stars is set for publication June 6, 2017.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Samantha Chase
Series: The Shaughnessy Brothers (Book 5)
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: June 6, 2017
ISBN-10: 1492616346
ISBN-13: 978-1492616344
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-sk...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Full-Stars...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-sk...
Reviewed for:
June 7, 2017
I’m a lover of romance from the sweet reads to the raunchy, and Samantha Chase does sweet like no other. Never once have I missed a sex scene in one of her books because they are so full and rich that I’m satisfied just knowing they are satisfied. A Sky Full of Stars was an emotional read, because both the hero and heroine have both lost someone in their lives and while the losses were very different they both still felt the loss greatly even after many years. Poignant but with a sense of wonder and light that comes from new love, A Sky Full of Stars is my favorite book in this series so far.
Owen Shaughnessey has loved the stars since he was a young child and he is a leading astrophysicist, but in his eyes he still sees the shy, awkward, geeky boy who was tormented by his peers even with his four brothers and his younger sister stepping in to protect him. So when his mentor and colleague introduces him to his beautiful niece and suggest she be his assistant on an upcoming science trip to the desert, Owen is confused and ruffled; never has anyone affected him like the beautiful Brooke Matthews and knows someone who looks like her would never want someone like him.
While on paper these two seem complete opposites him being a professor of science and shy and her being an outgoing artist who was once a cheerleader and pageant queen, they connect on a deeper level and Brooke begins to realize that while shy; Owen is charming, fun, and a good man and knows he would never want someone like her. I loved that both these characters were concerned they weren’t good enough for one another and that with each moment they spent together they revealed more and more of the person they were beneath their exterior. Brooke felt compelled to learn more about Owen’s work and she worked hard to understand why it was so important to him. She claimed he challenged her to be smarter, but in reality she was always smart she just didn’t have anyone other than her Uncle who believed she was more than her good looks. I love that Brooke helped Owen take more risks, enjoy like outside his carefully planned box, and prove to himself, his family, and the world that under that shy man there was more to him.
Every minute of this book was special even the times they were both filled with self doubt because they learned to accept who they were and branch out from their normal. Both characters showed great growth during this book which always makes me happy. I especially loved the scenes with the entire Shaughnessey family mainly because they all began to realize that their shy, geeky brother was so much more and while they had always loved and protected him and felt he was perfect just the way he was, they also saw that by putting him in that box, they had done him a disservice.
A Sky Full of Stars was a perfect contemporary romance filled with laughter, turmoil, and a whole lot of love. Samantha Chase—you done good girl!!
ARC provided for a voluntary review.
June 9, 2017
3.5 stars.
This is my first time to be introduced to the Shaughnessy family and since I haven’t read the previous installments of this series yet, I was a little afraid that I might get overwhelmed with too much information about the things I know nothing about. Like maybe one of the characters will start talking about the things that happened in the last book and I’ll be left feeling like everyone is in the secret except for me. That often times happen with some of the standalone series I’ve read in the past. Fortunately, this is not the case on this one. The author managed to introduce me to the Shaughnessy without overwhelming me. She made me fall in love with each member of the family and made me feel as if I was with them from the beginning of the series.
This was a cute read. I find it refreshing that for once, the guy is the one having confidence issues with opposite sex. I love Owen and Brooke is just perfect for him. They’re both wonderful characters but I admit I love Owen just a tad bit more than Brooke. I enjoyed reading how he slowly overcame his social awkwardness and how he finally accepted the one thing his family keeps telling him, that nothing is wrong with him and that nothing is wrong with being different from other people. I also love Brooke’s relationship with her uncle and how she slowly redeemed herself from her past mistakes.
This is the kind of book where you just can’t help but love all the characters especially the Shaughnessys. They are such a wonderful family. Their love and support for each other is just amazing. Owen and Riley are adorable. Superman and Clark Kent. That tween connection thing is just so sweet.
The only reason why I’m giving this a 3.5 star rating is that I felt like it started a little slow. In fact, I was even tempted to put off reading it for another time. Luckily for me, I kept reading and it finally picked up at around 30 percent and I couldn’t put it down ever since. I’m really glad I continue reading it.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read. It was a well spent rainy afternoon with this family and I’d definitely be reading more about them. I think I have a crush on Quinn so I might be reading his book next. Or Maybe Riley’s. Or maybe I’ll just start from the beginning. Whatever. Bottom line is, I’m gonna be reading the previous installments of this series.
ARC provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for an honest review.
This is my first time to be introduced to the Shaughnessy family and since I haven’t read the previous installments of this series yet, I was a little afraid that I might get overwhelmed with too much information about the things I know nothing about. Like maybe one of the characters will start talking about the things that happened in the last book and I’ll be left feeling like everyone is in the secret except for me. That often times happen with some of the standalone series I’ve read in the past. Fortunately, this is not the case on this one. The author managed to introduce me to the Shaughnessy without overwhelming me. She made me fall in love with each member of the family and made me feel as if I was with them from the beginning of the series.
This was a cute read. I find it refreshing that for once, the guy is the one having confidence issues with opposite sex. I love Owen and Brooke is just perfect for him. They’re both wonderful characters but I admit I love Owen just a tad bit more than Brooke. I enjoyed reading how he slowly overcame his social awkwardness and how he finally accepted the one thing his family keeps telling him, that nothing is wrong with him and that nothing is wrong with being different from other people. I also love Brooke’s relationship with her uncle and how she slowly redeemed herself from her past mistakes.
This is the kind of book where you just can’t help but love all the characters especially the Shaughnessys. They are such a wonderful family. Their love and support for each other is just amazing. Owen and Riley are adorable. Superman and Clark Kent. That tween connection thing is just so sweet.
The only reason why I’m giving this a 3.5 star rating is that I felt like it started a little slow. In fact, I was even tempted to put off reading it for another time. Luckily for me, I kept reading and it finally picked up at around 30 percent and I couldn’t put it down ever since. I’m really glad I continue reading it.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read. It was a well spent rainy afternoon with this family and I’d definitely be reading more about them. I think I have a crush on Quinn so I might be reading his book next. Or Maybe Riley’s. Or maybe I’ll just start from the beginning. Whatever. Bottom line is, I’m gonna be reading the previous installments of this series.
ARC provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for an honest review.
June 18, 2017
4.5 stars
November 6, 2018
2.5
I wanted to like this book so much and I'm surprised I didn't. After all, I like characters who are different and I could totally relate to the hero who doesn't take risks and prefer to be alone than surrounded by people. While I'm more introvert than outgoing, I'm not as shy as Owen but there was something about his attitude that was just a little too innocent for my taste. And there's a couple of time where I thought there was something juvenile in the way the MC thought or acted. But to be honest, my real complain is that from what I've read of the blurb, I thought the MC would go on a scientific adventure and while we followed their journey to romance and self-acceptance, it was not the special trip I expected (and Brooke never became Owen's assistant). In my opinion, the greater quality of this book was also it's weaker point. The first part it's almost too slow, there's lots of hesitation, doubts and Owen and Brooke both wait for the other to make the first move. It was unusual but interesting, but then we lost this originality in the second part of the story and as Owen gained confidence, he also lost his quirkiness, which I think was one of the best part of the book. Don't get me wrong, it was cool to see him finally speak his mind and that Brooke's presence in his life made him step out of his comfort zone, but it felt like the second part was just fill with false tension and too many quarrel and argumentations between the MC and with some secondary characters as well. So I guess I was disappointed because I expected something else.
I wanted to like this book so much and I'm surprised I didn't. After all, I like characters who are different and I could totally relate to the hero who doesn't take risks and prefer to be alone than surrounded by people. While I'm more introvert than outgoing, I'm not as shy as Owen but there was something about his attitude that was just a little too innocent for my taste. And there's a couple of time where I thought there was something juvenile in the way the MC thought or acted. But to be honest, my real complain is that from what I've read of the blurb, I thought the MC would go on a scientific adventure and while we followed their journey to romance and self-acceptance, it was not the special trip I expected (and Brooke never became Owen's assistant). In my opinion, the greater quality of this book was also it's weaker point. The first part it's almost too slow, there's lots of hesitation, doubts and Owen and Brooke both wait for the other to make the first move. It was unusual but interesting, but then we lost this originality in the second part of the story and as Owen gained confidence, he also lost his quirkiness, which I think was one of the best part of the book. Don't get me wrong, it was cool to see him finally speak his mind and that Brooke's presence in his life made him step out of his comfort zone, but it felt like the second part was just fill with false tension and too many quarrel and argumentations between the MC and with some secondary characters as well. So I guess I was disappointed because I expected something else.
June 6, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
I don’t even know how to describe it. Honestly, just the sight of her left me speechless… she walked in and… the entire room was brighter…
Studies have shown that this is why you used to get wedgies… When you are out with a beautiful woman— to whom you are attracted— the last thing you should be thinking of is whether you’re going to get seven to eight hours of sleep!
Superman and Clark Kent… I always wanted to be Superman… Riley always took the cape… It was who we were destined to be, I guess.
Owen, you and I are not men who believe in whimsy or things we can’t prove. We’re practical and realistic. But I can tell you this— that day when I first laid eyes on your mother, I believed that dreams come true. I believed in love at first sight. And I believed in the power of wishing on a star and the possibility of fairy tales.
I like how you engage in the geek talk.
My Review:
I savored this charming story from beginning to end. Owen and Brooke were an endearing, adorable, and delectably sweet couple. I relished the gentle and considerate nature in how they treated each other, even when they weren’t together. Their relationship developed rapidly with an instant attraction and their blossoming relationship was fun and enjoyable to witness. The storyline was highly eventful and full of feels with occasional bits of steam. Owen was a brilliant astrophysicist who was reserved, overly focused on his scientific field, and generally uncomfortable in social settings. Brooke was a former beauty queen/cheerleader/mean girl with a scary smart yet nerdy brother whom she had tormented most of her life - until he was no longer around. Brooke and Owen had both reached a crossroads in their lives, both grieving past and present losses and dealing with unusual family dynamics and I adored how they supported, respected, and comforted each other. The writing was engaging, entertaining and emotive, and was deftly laced together with thoughtful insightfulness that squeezed my heart and may have stung my eyes a few times as well. A Sky Full Of Stars is not only my favorite of the series but is also my favorite Samantha Chase book to date. Owen is definitely the cream of the crop as he is not only the best and the brightest but also the sweetest of the entire Shaughnessy clan.
I don’t even know how to describe it. Honestly, just the sight of her left me speechless… she walked in and… the entire room was brighter…
Studies have shown that this is why you used to get wedgies… When you are out with a beautiful woman— to whom you are attracted— the last thing you should be thinking of is whether you’re going to get seven to eight hours of sleep!
Superman and Clark Kent… I always wanted to be Superman… Riley always took the cape… It was who we were destined to be, I guess.
Owen, you and I are not men who believe in whimsy or things we can’t prove. We’re practical and realistic. But I can tell you this— that day when I first laid eyes on your mother, I believed that dreams come true. I believed in love at first sight. And I believed in the power of wishing on a star and the possibility of fairy tales.
I like how you engage in the geek talk.
My Review:
I savored this charming story from beginning to end. Owen and Brooke were an endearing, adorable, and delectably sweet couple. I relished the gentle and considerate nature in how they treated each other, even when they weren’t together. Their relationship developed rapidly with an instant attraction and their blossoming relationship was fun and enjoyable to witness. The storyline was highly eventful and full of feels with occasional bits of steam. Owen was a brilliant astrophysicist who was reserved, overly focused on his scientific field, and generally uncomfortable in social settings. Brooke was a former beauty queen/cheerleader/mean girl with a scary smart yet nerdy brother whom she had tormented most of her life - until he was no longer around. Brooke and Owen had both reached a crossroads in their lives, both grieving past and present losses and dealing with unusual family dynamics and I adored how they supported, respected, and comforted each other. The writing was engaging, entertaining and emotive, and was deftly laced together with thoughtful insightfulness that squeezed my heart and may have stung my eyes a few times as well. A Sky Full Of Stars is not only my favorite of the series but is also my favorite Samantha Chase book to date. Owen is definitely the cream of the crop as he is not only the best and the brightest but also the sweetest of the entire Shaughnessy clan.
January 30, 2019
This book was quite honestly one of my most anticipated of the year not because I've been blown away by this series, but because I've been madly in love with Owen Shaughnessy since he appeared in the very first book. And as he made brief appearances in subsequent books, I was so eager for his turn at love. I wasn't disappointed. This was a very sweet book. Owen as a hero is to die for.
You don't really need to read the previous books to get this one, although the other couples (his brothers and their wives) make appearances. But if you have, you know going into this book that Owen is "painfully shy" (as he's described more than once). I find this so endearing (and so does Brooke, the protagonist of this book). I will take a shy, "geeky" hero over a super alpha one any day of the week. They're so rare, and I just...adore them!!
Talking to women makes Owen so nervous that he has panic attacks. Aside from his sister, the only other women he's comfortable around are his brothers' significant others, and that's only after getting to know them (in each book, when he first meets a brother's new girlfriend, he's extremely shy and doesn't talk much). I was surprised to learn in this book that Owen had apparently dated women before (they were all colleagues in the science field, it seems)--and even had some relationships--because his brothers never even knew he was dating. I half expected him to be a virgin (he's not).
He's completely brilliant and very socially awkward. In previous books, I felt he exhibited some behaviors commonly associated with Asperger's and wasn't sure if he was supposed to be on the spectrum. He's often described as not making eye contact; he takes everything very literally (e.g. he doesn't seem to pick up on idioms); and his conversations tend to revolve around obscure scientific facts (he's an astrophysicist). But Asperger's is never mentioned in this book, and here he's portrayed more as someone who just isn't comfortable in social settings because he was always "the nerd" growing up in a family of very popular brothers. He says he always knew he was "different" and that his mother (who died when he was 10) always encouraged him to embrace this part of himself; but it seems to be more that he's basically a genius and this was apparent from a very young age.
Owen is introduced to Brooke through her uncle, a fellow professor at the university in Chicago where Owen is giving a series of guest lectures. Brooke is an artist who has relocated to Chicago where she hopes to make some connections and find inspiration. Her uncle has proposed that Brooke accompany Owen on a trip he's taking students on in order to observe a meteor shower because she loves painting the night sky. Her uncle feels that it's a win-win situation: Brooke can help Owen socialize with the students, which he's not comfortable with, and she can have time to paint or sketch during the day.
Brooke is beautiful, and Owen can barely talk to her when they're introduced. She really is lovely and very nice (now), and she is instantly smitten with Owen because she thinks his shyness is adorable. She thinks he didn't like her at all when they were introduced because she's...flaky? There's this whole element to Brooke's character in which she judges herself very harshly for being a self-described former "mean girl" who bullied her own brother, who was also very "geeky" growing up. (I put quotations marks around all of these terms because I feel like they're all sort of stereotypes that are played up in the book, but more on that later.) Brooke thinks there's no way someone as brilliant as Owen could be interested in her, when in fact Owen is similarly smitten with her and too shy to talk to her because he doesn't think a beautiful woman like her would be interested in him.
Brooke is very persistent and goes out of her way to try to befriend Owen and get to know him. He's a little taken aback by this, but eventually they start hanging out together and exploring Chicago, developing a friendship of sorts. I wouldn't call this book a slow burn, because they start dating before the halfway mark, and the book really allows us to explore them in a relationship setting. But I will say they only very gradually realize that they're into each other in a romantic way, and I thought this was one of the cutest parts of the book. I also thought it was so wonderful that Owen was so careful about getting her consent for anything they did, from their first kiss to the first time they have sex. And even beyond their physical relationship, he's so selfless with her needs, and he shows her in so many little ways that he really listens to her even though he's not the most talkative person or the most open with his feelings. There is nothing sexier than that to me!
Alas...the love scenes are one of my gripes. I've complained about this in every book in this series so far, so never let it be said I'm not consistent. But I do not understand the fade to black love scenes. I find them so frustrating because I feel like I'm being shut out of some important moments of intimacy between the protagonists. It really isn't the need to read something graphic or super descriptive. But I don't understand the willingness to describe foreplay and build-up but then just close the bedroom door on your characters when they have sex? I find it odd. The first time characters have sex in a book is usually some kind of important character development or step in the relationship, unless it's a one night stand scenario (and I'm not a big fan of books with that premise for that very reason). So here, especially with a character who is so shy, and their decision to sleep together is really a big step for them, to cut the reader out of a sex scene feels wrong. Just my opinion.
Another reason why I knocked down the rating a bit (because honestly, this book deserves 5 stars just for Owen!) is because I did sometimes feel like it was a little too stuck on stereotypes to drive the narrative. Owen was the geeky science nerd. Brooke was the beauty pageant ditzy girl. They changed as adults, but these are things they have both really internalized. Having said that, this book does a great job showing how they bring out the best in each other without becoming new people. Brooke helps Owen come out of his shell, and in turn, he gives her confidence--because deep down, Brooke is very insecure and she always puts herself down as being unintelligent, something Owen never lets her believe about herself.
This book starts setting up the final(?) one in the series about the only girl in the family, Darcy. I am not sure if I'm interested enough to read that one, since I mostly read the others to get glimpses of Owen, but knowing he might make an appearance in that one is incentive... :)
Note: This book fulfills "Quintet" in the Letter Q Challenge.
You don't really need to read the previous books to get this one, although the other couples (his brothers and their wives) make appearances. But if you have, you know going into this book that Owen is "painfully shy" (as he's described more than once). I find this so endearing (and so does Brooke, the protagonist of this book). I will take a shy, "geeky" hero over a super alpha one any day of the week. They're so rare, and I just...adore them!!
Talking to women makes Owen so nervous that he has panic attacks. Aside from his sister, the only other women he's comfortable around are his brothers' significant others, and that's only after getting to know them (in each book, when he first meets a brother's new girlfriend, he's extremely shy and doesn't talk much). I was surprised to learn in this book that Owen had apparently dated women before (they were all colleagues in the science field, it seems)--and even had some relationships--because his brothers never even knew he was dating. I half expected him to be a virgin (he's not).
He's completely brilliant and very socially awkward. In previous books, I felt he exhibited some behaviors commonly associated with Asperger's and wasn't sure if he was supposed to be on the spectrum. He's often described as not making eye contact; he takes everything very literally (e.g. he doesn't seem to pick up on idioms); and his conversations tend to revolve around obscure scientific facts (he's an astrophysicist). But Asperger's is never mentioned in this book, and here he's portrayed more as someone who just isn't comfortable in social settings because he was always "the nerd" growing up in a family of very popular brothers. He says he always knew he was "different" and that his mother (who died when he was 10) always encouraged him to embrace this part of himself; but it seems to be more that he's basically a genius and this was apparent from a very young age.
Owen is introduced to Brooke through her uncle, a fellow professor at the university in Chicago where Owen is giving a series of guest lectures. Brooke is an artist who has relocated to Chicago where she hopes to make some connections and find inspiration. Her uncle has proposed that Brooke accompany Owen on a trip he's taking students on in order to observe a meteor shower because she loves painting the night sky. Her uncle feels that it's a win-win situation: Brooke can help Owen socialize with the students, which he's not comfortable with, and she can have time to paint or sketch during the day.
Brooke is beautiful, and Owen can barely talk to her when they're introduced. She really is lovely and very nice (now), and she is instantly smitten with Owen because she thinks his shyness is adorable. She thinks he didn't like her at all when they were introduced because she's...flaky? There's this whole element to Brooke's character in which she judges herself very harshly for being a self-described former "mean girl" who bullied her own brother, who was also very "geeky" growing up. (I put quotations marks around all of these terms because I feel like they're all sort of stereotypes that are played up in the book, but more on that later.) Brooke thinks there's no way someone as brilliant as Owen could be interested in her, when in fact Owen is similarly smitten with her and too shy to talk to her because he doesn't think a beautiful woman like her would be interested in him.
Brooke is very persistent and goes out of her way to try to befriend Owen and get to know him. He's a little taken aback by this, but eventually they start hanging out together and exploring Chicago, developing a friendship of sorts. I wouldn't call this book a slow burn, because they start dating before the halfway mark, and the book really allows us to explore them in a relationship setting. But I will say they only very gradually realize that they're into each other in a romantic way, and I thought this was one of the cutest parts of the book. I also thought it was so wonderful that Owen was so careful about getting her consent for anything they did, from their first kiss to the first time they have sex. And even beyond their physical relationship, he's so selfless with her needs, and he shows her in so many little ways that he really listens to her even though he's not the most talkative person or the most open with his feelings. There is nothing sexier than that to me!
Alas...the love scenes are one of my gripes. I've complained about this in every book in this series so far, so never let it be said I'm not consistent. But I do not understand the fade to black love scenes. I find them so frustrating because I feel like I'm being shut out of some important moments of intimacy between the protagonists. It really isn't the need to read something graphic or super descriptive. But I don't understand the willingness to describe foreplay and build-up but then just close the bedroom door on your characters when they have sex? I find it odd. The first time characters have sex in a book is usually some kind of important character development or step in the relationship, unless it's a one night stand scenario (and I'm not a big fan of books with that premise for that very reason). So here, especially with a character who is so shy, and their decision to sleep together is really a big step for them, to cut the reader out of a sex scene feels wrong. Just my opinion.
Another reason why I knocked down the rating a bit (because honestly, this book deserves 5 stars just for Owen!) is because I did sometimes feel like it was a little too stuck on stereotypes to drive the narrative. Owen was the geeky science nerd. Brooke was the beauty pageant ditzy girl. They changed as adults, but these are things they have both really internalized. Having said that, this book does a great job showing how they bring out the best in each other without becoming new people. Brooke helps Owen come out of his shell, and in turn, he gives her confidence--because deep down, Brooke is very insecure and she always puts herself down as being unintelligent, something Owen never lets her believe about herself.
This book starts setting up the final(?) one in the series about the only girl in the family, Darcy. I am not sure if I'm interested enough to read that one, since I mostly read the others to get glimpses of Owen, but knowing he might make an appearance in that one is incentive... :)
Note: This book fulfills "Quintet" in the Letter Q Challenge.
June 6, 2017
Originally reviewed for www.buriedunderromance.com
A SKY FULL OF STARS, the fifth installment in the wonderful Shaughnessy Brothers series by Samantha Chase, is a realistic and emotional look at the world of giftedness. One by one, brilliant scientist Dr. Owen Shaughnessy has watched his brothers fall in love and get married. It’s his turn now to find love, but since Owen is more comfortable in the company of a telescope than he is with people, finding love could be a real challenge.
Owen has always felt different, even in his own family. He is more serious, studious and sensitive than his brothers, and he always feels awkward in social situations. If someone does show an interest in Owen, he often feels that they are using him to get to his twin brother Riley, a famous rock star. No wonder he is skeptical when pretty redhead Brooke Matthews shows up in his class and actually seems to be enjoying the lecture he is giving.
Brooke, an artist, is trying to find her way out of the world of beauty pageants and social engagements that her mother created for her. Her Uncle Howard is a close friend of Owen’s and he feels that, if he could get them together, there might be something to the cliché that opposites attract. He sends Brooke to sit in on Owen’s class, and he suggests that she might make a great assistant for him on a project he is leading in the desert. It would give her a chance to paint the desert skies, and a chance to get to know Owen. Owen’s not sure he wants an assistant but he can’t get Brooke out of his mind, and Brooke, who usually paints night skies, inexplicably finds herself painting Owen’s face.
I completely loved Owen. The author captured the awkwardness and insecurities of Owen, the gifted child, perfectly. The scenes with his mother were both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Owen, the introverted, misunderstood adult, was emotional and clueless when it came to relationships of any kind. It was often painful to watch him maneuver through situations where he felt uncomfortable or lacked confidence. Once again, the author captured the struggles of many gifted people perfectly: Extremely smart in so many things but so uncomfortable and unsure in others.
Brooke, too, was very well written. Confident in social situations, she was, however, always wondering if people could see beyond the beauty queen exterior. She was fascinated by Owen but worried that he would become quickly bored with her because she wasn’t smart enough. The steady plot is totally driven by these two characters and their efforts to find a relationship.
While I would highly recommend that everyone read the other books in the Shaughnessy Brothers series, I don’t feel you have to have read them before you read A SKY FULL OF STARS. The author gives you enough background on the loving and fun-loving Shaughnessy family that you can read this novel without feeling like you’ve missed something.
Samantha Chase has once again delivered a satisfying chapter into the lives of the Shaughnessy Family. I’m hoping sister Darcy also gets her own book, too, and I don’t want this wonderful series to come to an end!
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book.
A SKY FULL OF STARS, the fifth installment in the wonderful Shaughnessy Brothers series by Samantha Chase, is a realistic and emotional look at the world of giftedness. One by one, brilliant scientist Dr. Owen Shaughnessy has watched his brothers fall in love and get married. It’s his turn now to find love, but since Owen is more comfortable in the company of a telescope than he is with people, finding love could be a real challenge.
Owen has always felt different, even in his own family. He is more serious, studious and sensitive than his brothers, and he always feels awkward in social situations. If someone does show an interest in Owen, he often feels that they are using him to get to his twin brother Riley, a famous rock star. No wonder he is skeptical when pretty redhead Brooke Matthews shows up in his class and actually seems to be enjoying the lecture he is giving.
Brooke, an artist, is trying to find her way out of the world of beauty pageants and social engagements that her mother created for her. Her Uncle Howard is a close friend of Owen’s and he feels that, if he could get them together, there might be something to the cliché that opposites attract. He sends Brooke to sit in on Owen’s class, and he suggests that she might make a great assistant for him on a project he is leading in the desert. It would give her a chance to paint the desert skies, and a chance to get to know Owen. Owen’s not sure he wants an assistant but he can’t get Brooke out of his mind, and Brooke, who usually paints night skies, inexplicably finds herself painting Owen’s face.
I completely loved Owen. The author captured the awkwardness and insecurities of Owen, the gifted child, perfectly. The scenes with his mother were both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Owen, the introverted, misunderstood adult, was emotional and clueless when it came to relationships of any kind. It was often painful to watch him maneuver through situations where he felt uncomfortable or lacked confidence. Once again, the author captured the struggles of many gifted people perfectly: Extremely smart in so many things but so uncomfortable and unsure in others.
Brooke, too, was very well written. Confident in social situations, she was, however, always wondering if people could see beyond the beauty queen exterior. She was fascinated by Owen but worried that he would become quickly bored with her because she wasn’t smart enough. The steady plot is totally driven by these two characters and their efforts to find a relationship.
While I would highly recommend that everyone read the other books in the Shaughnessy Brothers series, I don’t feel you have to have read them before you read A SKY FULL OF STARS. The author gives you enough background on the loving and fun-loving Shaughnessy family that you can read this novel without feeling like you’ve missed something.
Samantha Chase has once again delivered a satisfying chapter into the lives of the Shaughnessy Family. I’m hoping sister Darcy also gets her own book, too, and I don’t want this wonderful series to come to an end!
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book.
June 8, 2017
Samantha Chase's "A Sky Full of Stars" is a sweet romance between two complete opposites who fall in love-at-first-sight. The Heroine quickly brings out the Hero's inner badass surprising his friends and family alike. Dr. Owen Shaughnessy's the last of his brothers to find his perfect mate. The only person to accept him for who is was his mother, who passed away when he was ten years-old. Owen's convinced no other woman will accept him as he is. Brooke Matthews's a converted "Mean Girl". She was the "popular cheerleader" who made fun of shy and awkward kids like Owen and her own brother. But she's changed she sees the special qualities those people bring to the table. When she meets Owen, she doesn't see a Weird Geek she sees a handsome, kind and intelligent man. A man who's too good for her; one she doesn't deserve.
"A Sky Full of Stars" is a wonderfully poignant and sweet romance. The main characters are charming and engaging. Although Owen's continuous falling back on the labels of "weirdo", "strange", "odd", and "geek" grow old; it is understandable. Yet mildly irritating. Both Owen and Brooke do undergo a lot of emotional growth making them quite intriguing. Owen's siblings are a lot of fun especially Darcy and Quinn. In fact, Quinn's downright hilarious. There are tender moments and just plain tear-jerking scenes. They are more "pretty cry" scenes as opposed to an "ugly cry" ones. Samantha Chase creates an interesting storyline pairing a pop-culture and unaware astrophysicist with a former beauty queen and aspiring artist. "A Sky Full of Stars" is a lovely and sweet romance which is a pleasure to read.
To read the entire review please visit: http://wp.me/p4XqxF-1WV
This novel was provided, voluntarily read, and honestly reviewed
"A Sky Full of Stars" is a wonderfully poignant and sweet romance. The main characters are charming and engaging. Although Owen's continuous falling back on the labels of "weirdo", "strange", "odd", and "geek" grow old; it is understandable. Yet mildly irritating. Both Owen and Brooke do undergo a lot of emotional growth making them quite intriguing. Owen's siblings are a lot of fun especially Darcy and Quinn. In fact, Quinn's downright hilarious. There are tender moments and just plain tear-jerking scenes. They are more "pretty cry" scenes as opposed to an "ugly cry" ones. Samantha Chase creates an interesting storyline pairing a pop-culture and unaware astrophysicist with a former beauty queen and aspiring artist. "A Sky Full of Stars" is a lovely and sweet romance which is a pleasure to read.
To read the entire review please visit: http://wp.me/p4XqxF-1WV
This novel was provided, voluntarily read, and honestly reviewed
July 4, 2017
A Sky Full of Stars is a heartwarming story one man’s courage to believe in himself and the woman who has faith in him and their relationship. Once again, Samantha Chase has written a novel which has exceeded my expectations.
Samantha Chase’s flawless descriptive writing style draws the reader into Owen and Brooke’s story. In the first chapter of the novel, Dr. Owen Shaughnessy notices that an attractive woman has walked into his lecture about meteor showers. Owen is surprised when the woman approaches him and apologizes for being late to his class. She explains that her uncle, Howard Shields, suggested that she attend the lecture. Dr. Shields enters the lecture hall and introduces Owen to his niece; artist Brooke Matthews. Ms. Chase cleverly provides the connection between Owen’s scientific interest in the meteor showers and Brooke’s desire to view the stars through an artistic lens. The author also uses this scene to give insight into the intelligent, shy character of Owen Shaughnessy and compares it with Brooke’s open, easy going personality.
Samantha Chase continues to explore how the death of Lillian Shaughnessy has affected each member of her family. Lillian understands that Owen is extremely intelligent and supports his desire to learn about science. My favorite scenes in the book were when Owen remembered that his Mom encouraged him to reach for the stars and be the best person he could be. Owen associated the stars with his mother’s love.
Ms. Chase creates one of a kind characters that appeal to me. The attraction between Brooke and Owen was apparent during their first conversation. Samantha Chase includes a superhero thread throughout the novel from Owen and Riley’s childhood which emphasizes the twins’ perceived roles in their family. Owen was Clark Kent to Riley’s Superman. Brooke’s faith in Owen and a superbly written heart-to heart conversation with his father enabled Owen to reconcile his feelings. Brooke’s uncle, Owen’s sister Darcy and Riley play pivotal roles throughout the novel. Readers of the Shaughnessy series will adore the cleverly written surprises are included in the last few chapters of the book.
Samantha Chase’s flawless descriptive writing style draws the reader into Owen and Brooke’s story. In the first chapter of the novel, Dr. Owen Shaughnessy notices that an attractive woman has walked into his lecture about meteor showers. Owen is surprised when the woman approaches him and apologizes for being late to his class. She explains that her uncle, Howard Shields, suggested that she attend the lecture. Dr. Shields enters the lecture hall and introduces Owen to his niece; artist Brooke Matthews. Ms. Chase cleverly provides the connection between Owen’s scientific interest in the meteor showers and Brooke’s desire to view the stars through an artistic lens. The author also uses this scene to give insight into the intelligent, shy character of Owen Shaughnessy and compares it with Brooke’s open, easy going personality.
Samantha Chase continues to explore how the death of Lillian Shaughnessy has affected each member of her family. Lillian understands that Owen is extremely intelligent and supports his desire to learn about science. My favorite scenes in the book were when Owen remembered that his Mom encouraged him to reach for the stars and be the best person he could be. Owen associated the stars with his mother’s love.
Ms. Chase creates one of a kind characters that appeal to me. The attraction between Brooke and Owen was apparent during their first conversation. Samantha Chase includes a superhero thread throughout the novel from Owen and Riley’s childhood which emphasizes the twins’ perceived roles in their family. Owen was Clark Kent to Riley’s Superman. Brooke’s faith in Owen and a superbly written heart-to heart conversation with his father enabled Owen to reconcile his feelings. Brooke’s uncle, Owen’s sister Darcy and Riley play pivotal roles throughout the novel. Readers of the Shaughnessy series will adore the cleverly written surprises are included in the last few chapters of the book.
May 22, 2017
A Sky Full of Stars by Samantha Chase is another brilliant masterpiece. Once again, this talented writer, has brought me to tears. Her story is full of emeotions that pulled at my heart strings. Sad, hilarious, frustrated and loved. A book that made readers feel something is a book worth reading. A Sky Full of Stars has it all.
Inside this latest novel, Samantha Chase features the brainiac brother. Dr. Own Shaughnessy. He's hot, clever, and the sweetest man ever. But little by little, I got to view his bolder side. His personality is one that intrigued me. All his life, his family stood up for him. Telling him, he's normal. When everyone else said differently. As an adult, a lot of that feeling of not being normal transferred over...making it harder for Dr. Owen to believe in himself. Yet, his family continued to tell him, he's perefect. I love the Shaughnessy family. Yes, they're loud and different, but they're loyal. They love each other.
A Sky Full of Stars is about Dr. Owen finding the courage to believe that he's perfect the way he is. That he's normal. It's a real struggle for the man who is so talented. Then, as the plot unfolds, his world gets shaken. Enter Brooke Matthews. A girl trained for beauty pageants. Together their lives will be rocky. As in the real world, nothing comes easy...these two will cry, laugh, love, and fight. I enjoyed watching them grow. Also, themes of loss, love, and courage are found on every page. Overall, I highly recommend A Sky Full of Stars to all.
I received this copy from the publishers. This, is my honest review.
Inside this latest novel, Samantha Chase features the brainiac brother. Dr. Own Shaughnessy. He's hot, clever, and the sweetest man ever. But little by little, I got to view his bolder side. His personality is one that intrigued me. All his life, his family stood up for him. Telling him, he's normal. When everyone else said differently. As an adult, a lot of that feeling of not being normal transferred over...making it harder for Dr. Owen to believe in himself. Yet, his family continued to tell him, he's perefect. I love the Shaughnessy family. Yes, they're loud and different, but they're loyal. They love each other.
A Sky Full of Stars is about Dr. Owen finding the courage to believe that he's perfect the way he is. That he's normal. It's a real struggle for the man who is so talented. Then, as the plot unfolds, his world gets shaken. Enter Brooke Matthews. A girl trained for beauty pageants. Together their lives will be rocky. As in the real world, nothing comes easy...these two will cry, laugh, love, and fight. I enjoyed watching them grow. Also, themes of loss, love, and courage are found on every page. Overall, I highly recommend A Sky Full of Stars to all.
I received this copy from the publishers. This, is my honest review.
November 7, 2017
During the first couple chapters I was unsure about this, but I really ended up enjoying it. It was a refreshing change to have such a shy and withdrawn hero. It was weird starting with the fifth book in a series as all of the characters from the other books are in this one too. But I do have a weak spot for large families with intriguing dynamics. I'm definitely going to be reading the rest of the books in the series.
May 6, 2019
4.5 Geeky Stars
I just love the socially awkward geeks with a heart of gold. Owen is just the perfect match for this strong heroine. Loved this one to pieces.
I just love the socially awkward geeks with a heart of gold. Owen is just the perfect match for this strong heroine. Loved this one to pieces.
May 22, 2017
Creativity is a trait that continues to draw me to author, Samantha Chase. Never has her understanding of the heart been more obvious than Owen Shaughnessy. I knew A Sky Full of Stars would be special and Ms. Chase did not disappoint. In Owen she dreamed up a unique hero that is as clueless as he is unforgettable. He's book smart but emotionally he's like a baby bird learning to spread his wings. He feels deeply, yet doesn't fully ascertain how to express what he feels. In Brooke, he finds his total opposite, but he also learns to not overthink life, LIVE IT. In no way should this couple work but they do. They bring out the best in each other as each learns how to be true themselves.
June 6, 2017
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.
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. Owen’s connection to his mother is their love of the stars, and the memories that remind him of everything they lost
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.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 5, 2017
First off CONGRATULATIONS to the spectacular Samantha Chase on another totally fabulous book in the Shaughnessy “Brothers” series. Yes, Ms. Chase I have a question about this, for which I will ask at the end of the review.
This is the story about the “Brainiac” in the Shaughnessy family, Owen. I absolutely LOVED Owen. He is the sibling that I relate to most. No, absolutely not in the brain category, but, in the backwards, painfully shy description. I was ecstatic when Ms. Chase paired him up with Brooke Matthews. She is the “free spirited” outgoing, artistic person that I felt Owen needed to bring him out of his shell. I tremendously enjoyed watching Brooke and Owen learn to understand the other and first become friends and then lovers, and finally fall “in love”. I LOVED how Owen was blown away the first time….. Stop, I am sorry I do not give spoilers in my reviews.
I think the reason I am so absolutely fascinated about this series, is the sense of family, and how any one of the members of this family will drop everything if one of their siblings, or their father need something. You can see the love that they share between each other even when one sibling is angry at another, when Riley…... Woops, I said no spoilers.
OK, Ms. Chase, here is my question: Why did you name the series, “The Shaughnessy “Brothers” Series, when I know for a fact, from a VERY reliable source, that the last book is this series is about the Shaughnessy “Sister” Darcy?
Now for the most important item, I need to thank Sourcebooks, NetGalley, and most importantly, Samantha Chase for the gift of the ARC of this phenomenal book for my honest opinion.
This phenomenal book releases on June 6th, 2017 at midnight. It can be ordered from the following major outlets:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-sk...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Full-Stars...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-sk...
Thank you for reading my review. Now, what are you waiting for, hit one of the links above, and one click. In my opinion, you will not be disappointed.
This is the story about the “Brainiac” in the Shaughnessy family, Owen. I absolutely LOVED Owen. He is the sibling that I relate to most. No, absolutely not in the brain category, but, in the backwards, painfully shy description. I was ecstatic when Ms. Chase paired him up with Brooke Matthews. She is the “free spirited” outgoing, artistic person that I felt Owen needed to bring him out of his shell. I tremendously enjoyed watching Brooke and Owen learn to understand the other and first become friends and then lovers, and finally fall “in love”. I LOVED how Owen was blown away the first time….. Stop, I am sorry I do not give spoilers in my reviews.
I think the reason I am so absolutely fascinated about this series, is the sense of family, and how any one of the members of this family will drop everything if one of their siblings, or their father need something. You can see the love that they share between each other even when one sibling is angry at another, when Riley…... Woops, I said no spoilers.
OK, Ms. Chase, here is my question: Why did you name the series, “The Shaughnessy “Brothers” Series, when I know for a fact, from a VERY reliable source, that the last book is this series is about the Shaughnessy “Sister” Darcy?
Now for the most important item, I need to thank Sourcebooks, NetGalley, and most importantly, Samantha Chase for the gift of the ARC of this phenomenal book for my honest opinion.
This phenomenal book releases on June 6th, 2017 at midnight. It can be ordered from the following major outlets:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-sk...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Full-Stars...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-sk...
Thank you for reading my review. Now, what are you waiting for, hit one of the links above, and one click. In my opinion, you will not be disappointed.
December 26, 2020
A Sky Full of Stars
Owen and Brooke, an opposites attract story.
I really liked this story.
Owen and Brooke, on the surface are polar opposites. But the deeper you get into their story, the more you see how much they actually have in common.
Owen is the youngest boy in the Shaughnessy brood. He has a twin brother who is a rockstar, but he has always been one to sit back and observe. Painfully shy, socially awkward and genius level smart, he had a hard time fitting in, even in his own family. He struggled with the social part of school, he was teased, and taunted but his brothers always looked out for him. Now, as an adult, he’s a leading astrophysicist, speaking and teaching at universities across the country. But unfortunately still horribly shy.
Brooke is a free spirit. Loud, bubbly, confident and beautiful. She was groomed from an early age to compete in beauty pageants. She never finished her college degree, still has no clue what she’s going to do to support herself. She’s hoping to turn her love of art and her painting into a career. When her uncle suggests she would be perfect as Owens assistant on a trip onto the desert to observe a meteor shower, she’s hoping he agrees so she can paint the stars while there.
They have a instant connection when they meet. But Owen doesn’t want or need an assistant. Brooke knows she can help him be more at ease with his students. Even if he doesn’t agree, she would like to spend time with him. Something he doesn’t understand. Beautiful women don’t want to spend time with him.
I liked both characters. Being in Owens head was difficult at times, experiencing the teasing, even as an adult was embarrassing and humiliating for him.
Brooke has her own issues that are equally painful and heartbreaking to read. Her past actions catch up to her and leave Owen questioning her true feelings for him.
The majority of the book is Brooke and Owen getting to know each other, in and around Chicago. Their time in the desert is only a tiny bit of the story.
I always love when the characters return home to North Carolina, we get to catch up with the past couples. A family reunion of sorts.
Owen and Brooke have a lot of ups and downs, but they do eventually get to their happy ever after.
This book is a clean read. Very PG. Very little cursing. No descriptive sex scenes.
I’m looking forward to Darcy’s story.
Owen and Brooke, an opposites attract story.
I really liked this story.
Owen and Brooke, on the surface are polar opposites. But the deeper you get into their story, the more you see how much they actually have in common.
Owen is the youngest boy in the Shaughnessy brood. He has a twin brother who is a rockstar, but he has always been one to sit back and observe. Painfully shy, socially awkward and genius level smart, he had a hard time fitting in, even in his own family. He struggled with the social part of school, he was teased, and taunted but his brothers always looked out for him. Now, as an adult, he’s a leading astrophysicist, speaking and teaching at universities across the country. But unfortunately still horribly shy.
Brooke is a free spirit. Loud, bubbly, confident and beautiful. She was groomed from an early age to compete in beauty pageants. She never finished her college degree, still has no clue what she’s going to do to support herself. She’s hoping to turn her love of art and her painting into a career. When her uncle suggests she would be perfect as Owens assistant on a trip onto the desert to observe a meteor shower, she’s hoping he agrees so she can paint the stars while there.
They have a instant connection when they meet. But Owen doesn’t want or need an assistant. Brooke knows she can help him be more at ease with his students. Even if he doesn’t agree, she would like to spend time with him. Something he doesn’t understand. Beautiful women don’t want to spend time with him.
I liked both characters. Being in Owens head was difficult at times, experiencing the teasing, even as an adult was embarrassing and humiliating for him.
Brooke has her own issues that are equally painful and heartbreaking to read. Her past actions catch up to her and leave Owen questioning her true feelings for him.
The majority of the book is Brooke and Owen getting to know each other, in and around Chicago. Their time in the desert is only a tiny bit of the story.
I always love when the characters return home to North Carolina, we get to catch up with the past couples. A family reunion of sorts.
Owen and Brooke have a lot of ups and downs, but they do eventually get to their happy ever after.
This book is a clean read. Very PG. Very little cursing. No descriptive sex scenes.
I’m looking forward to Darcy’s story.
August 25, 2017
Owen is a rare mixture of intelligence and shyness, and although he lacks self-confidence when it comes to social interactions – especially with beautiful women – he has a certain strength about him that will make women swoon. He’s absolutely adorable in a very masculine kind of way, and I couldn’t love him more.
Brooke used to be the mean, popular girl in school, but she’s nothing like that now. Readers don’t get a first-hand glimpse of her past life – it’s mentioned -so there’s no hard work involved in liking her. She’s genuinely nice, sweet, and talented. She, too, sees in Owen what he continues to overlook, and the heat that simmered beneath their vulnerable surfaces added a lot of spice to their union, despite the low heat level of the book. Now, that’s some talented writing – but this is Chase, so I’m not surprised.
I've loved the Shaughnessy’s since the first book, and my affection grows with each addition to the series. I love the way each story begins with a story about the hero/heroine and a memory with their deceased mother, who’s already passed at the start of the first book, but who has a big presence, nonetheless. Owen is a twin, and he’s a lot more tame than his brother, but they’re both very honorable. All of the Shaughnessy’s are. The way Brooke and Owen took care of each other, and they way they just naturally fit despite their differences had my heart fluttering, my eyes watering, and my attention hooked. Owen is science, where Brooke is art, but they supported and took a genuine interest in each other and their professions. They are both very forgiving, mild-mannered, and honest. I rooted for them the whole way.
This is pure magic!
Brooke used to be the mean, popular girl in school, but she’s nothing like that now. Readers don’t get a first-hand glimpse of her past life – it’s mentioned -so there’s no hard work involved in liking her. She’s genuinely nice, sweet, and talented. She, too, sees in Owen what he continues to overlook, and the heat that simmered beneath their vulnerable surfaces added a lot of spice to their union, despite the low heat level of the book. Now, that’s some talented writing – but this is Chase, so I’m not surprised.
I've loved the Shaughnessy’s since the first book, and my affection grows with each addition to the series. I love the way each story begins with a story about the hero/heroine and a memory with their deceased mother, who’s already passed at the start of the first book, but who has a big presence, nonetheless. Owen is a twin, and he’s a lot more tame than his brother, but they’re both very honorable. All of the Shaughnessy’s are. The way Brooke and Owen took care of each other, and they way they just naturally fit despite their differences had my heart fluttering, my eyes watering, and my attention hooked. Owen is science, where Brooke is art, but they supported and took a genuine interest in each other and their professions. They are both very forgiving, mild-mannered, and honest. I rooted for them the whole way.
This is pure magic!
June 6, 2017
Wahoo the Shaughnessy's are back! A Sky Full of Stars is book 5 in the series. This could be a stand alone but I highly recommend you read the books in order. You'll get better appreciation of the story.
Owen Shaughnessy is a brilliant young man. Because of his intelligence his struggles with interacting with others outside of his family. There is a special place in my heart of Owen.
Brooke Matthews is the niece of Howard, Owen's mentor. She is an artist that loves to paint the night sky. Howard feels that she can assist Owen on an upcoming trip he is leading to study a meteor shower and to also meet her want to paint the night sky.
This is a true story of opposites attract. They struggle in their relationship because of their insecurities but they also gain more confidence as individuals because of the others' support. This is a real heartwarmining story.
What I really liked about this story is that we get to revisit and catch up with the other Shaughnessy's and their significant others. We also get examples of how the 'twin' connection (almost like telepathy) works between Riley and Owen. Being a twin myself I found that very enlightening as being a twin myself my twin and I have experienced some of those type situations too. That made me connect more with the story.
I'm really looking forward to revisiting with the Shaughnessy's in the future. Love this family!
Owen Shaughnessy is a brilliant young man. Because of his intelligence his struggles with interacting with others outside of his family. There is a special place in my heart of Owen.
Brooke Matthews is the niece of Howard, Owen's mentor. She is an artist that loves to paint the night sky. Howard feels that she can assist Owen on an upcoming trip he is leading to study a meteor shower and to also meet her want to paint the night sky.
This is a true story of opposites attract. They struggle in their relationship because of their insecurities but they also gain more confidence as individuals because of the others' support. This is a real heartwarmining story.
What I really liked about this story is that we get to revisit and catch up with the other Shaughnessy's and their significant others. We also get examples of how the 'twin' connection (almost like telepathy) works between Riley and Owen. Being a twin myself I found that very enlightening as being a twin myself my twin and I have experienced some of those type situations too. That made me connect more with the story.
I'm really looking forward to revisiting with the Shaughnessy's in the future. Love this family!
June 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Each book in this series start with a prologue with the Shaughnessy Brother dealing with their mother's death when they were kids. In A Sky Full of Stars, we see a beautiful scene with six year old Owen and his mum that had me tearing up.
I've been looking forward to reading Owen's story since the very first time we met him. Highly intelligent and a successful astrophysicist, Owen is shy, socially awkward and a bit geeky. He believes that he is different from others, even though his family tell him otherwise.
Brooke is the niece of Owen's good friend and mentor, Howard. Brooke is an artist who paints the sky and is hoping Owen will hire her to help him on an upcoming project so she can have a chance to paint in the desert. Brookes is beautiful, open minded and full of love and life.
Brooke and Owen's romance is sweet and beautiful. Their differences are what makes them a perfect match. They bring out the good in each other and I loved their honesty. It was wonderful seeing Owen come out of his shell and even stand up to his family who don't make a good first impression when they meet Brooke.
A Sky Full of Stars is a heart warming story and I adored it. Owen's book was worth waiting for. I'm glad to see that the Shaughnessy sister Darcy will be getting her own book. I look forward to reading Holiday Spice later this year.
June 9, 2017
I knew that Owen's book was going to be special and I think it's my favorite by far of all the books. They just keep getting better and better with each one!
Owen Shaughnessy has always been the odd man out in the family. Not that they didn't love him, or he wasn't apart of the gang, he's just always been the socially awkward and brainiac of the family. And being the twin of the Rockstar - Riley... he's always been the Clark Kent to his Superman.
Then Owen meets Brooke Mathews and his world is rocked to the core. She's his total opposite - Outgoing, artistic and able to take life by the horns and make everything sunny. But Brooke has her own fears and demons. As the two become close, Brooke helps Owen step out of his introverted shell and whether he knows it or not, Owen helps Brooke too. But Owen's old insecurities rear it's ugly head up and he doesn't know which way to take this "relationship".
I was pulled in with Owen and Brooke. Yes they were total opposites but their chemistry just made you smile anytime they were together. Owen broke my heart... his love for his mother and the memories he held on to. Brooke was refreshing and lovable from the start and the perfect match for Owen. I adored the book hard.
Owen Shaughnessy has always been the odd man out in the family. Not that they didn't love him, or he wasn't apart of the gang, he's just always been the socially awkward and brainiac of the family. And being the twin of the Rockstar - Riley... he's always been the Clark Kent to his Superman.
Then Owen meets Brooke Mathews and his world is rocked to the core. She's his total opposite - Outgoing, artistic and able to take life by the horns and make everything sunny. But Brooke has her own fears and demons. As the two become close, Brooke helps Owen step out of his introverted shell and whether he knows it or not, Owen helps Brooke too. But Owen's old insecurities rear it's ugly head up and he doesn't know which way to take this "relationship".
I was pulled in with Owen and Brooke. Yes they were total opposites but their chemistry just made you smile anytime they were together. Owen broke my heart... his love for his mother and the memories he held on to. Brooke was refreshing and lovable from the start and the perfect match for Owen. I adored the book hard.
June 30, 2017
This was a delightful read! This is the first time I've read a Samantha Chase novel, but I plan to look into her other books. On the outside, Owen and Brooke couldn't be any more different. Owen is stern, practical, and a nerdy scientist. Brooke is whimsical, hopeful, and an aspiring artist. Opposites attract in a whirlwind romance and the couple finds that they have a lot more in common than they think. There are trials along the way, that I don't want to spoil. I love a nerdy hero and Owen's character was so sweet!
Though the timeline progresses quickly, I thought the romance bloomed perfectly. As I mentioned, I plan to read Chase's other books in the series because a large part of the book interacts with couples from the previous books, including a rockstar romance and a friends-to-lovers romance. It was a relatively quick read, one sitting for me. Overall, there isn't a thing I'd change other than making it longer. If you're looking for a sweet, romantic read, I'd recommend this book.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Though the timeline progresses quickly, I thought the romance bloomed perfectly. As I mentioned, I plan to read Chase's other books in the series because a large part of the book interacts with couples from the previous books, including a rockstar romance and a friends-to-lovers romance. It was a relatively quick read, one sitting for me. Overall, there isn't a thing I'd change other than making it longer. If you're looking for a sweet, romantic read, I'd recommend this book.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2018
If it's one thing I have learned since hopping on the Samantha Chase train is that this woman can wrote feel good romance like a champ! Every book has me smiling ridiculously wide and my heart is always full!
The journey of Owen Shaughnessy and Brooke Matthews was the thing dreams are made of . Polar opposites to the naked eye, but under the surface, both had layers that drew them together perfectly. Brooke gave Owen the opportunity to really grow and own himself. He has always been protected by his siblings (since he was the 'shy' one) however his attraction to Brooke forced him to have the confidence he already possessed deep down inside. To push himself for love :) Owen gave Brooke the push and drive she needed to see herself as more than just a pretty face. Reading their story made me unbelievably happy you guys. These characters ... this whole series ... is overwhelmingly poignant. It so much bigger than a romance story. It's a story of growth and self-worth and family and love. It is really well written and very well thought out.
Copy provided via NetGalley for review
The journey of Owen Shaughnessy and Brooke Matthews was the thing dreams are made of . Polar opposites to the naked eye, but under the surface, both had layers that drew them together perfectly. Brooke gave Owen the opportunity to really grow and own himself. He has always been protected by his siblings (since he was the 'shy' one) however his attraction to Brooke forced him to have the confidence he already possessed deep down inside. To push himself for love :) Owen gave Brooke the push and drive she needed to see herself as more than just a pretty face. Reading their story made me unbelievably happy you guys. These characters ... this whole series ... is overwhelmingly poignant. It so much bigger than a romance story. It's a story of growth and self-worth and family and love. It is really well written and very well thought out.
Copy provided via NetGalley for review
April 19, 2017
This is the fifth book in the Shaughnessy brothers. Owen has always been more unique that all of his brothers. A scientist who most of the time is in his own world. While being a guest professor in Chicago in walks in his classroom a woman who he couldn't keep his eyes off of. He soon finds out Brooke is the niece of his friend Howard. Brooke is an artist who specializes in painting the sky and stars and wants to go with Owen on his expedition to Grand Canyon. At first Owen is thrown into a tailspin because he never dealt with a woman like Brooke before and wanders if she can truly be into him or if he's just an obligation to her wanting to accompany him. This books was so touching although I have enjoyed reading this series this title was very touching, to see Owen blossoming into being a man who not only is passionate about his science but going after a woman he falls for hard. Of course we get to catch up with the rest of the Shaughnessy and see what the rest of them are doing. Also in this title we deal with a death of a loved one and recovering from past hurts. Was given an arc from negalley.
May 30, 2017
This book!! It was fabulous! A sweet, sexy, emotional story about Owen, the genius astrophysicist, and Brooke, mean girl turned artist. The story had everything you could want. I especially liked how each of these characters had to overcome self-doubt in order to find their HEA. And now I'm anxiously awaiting Darcy's story!
September 4, 2017
Chase's Shaughnessy Brothers series is uplifting and (mostly) light. I've been reading them out of order, which doesn't seem to make much difference in following the story lines. These books are a lovely end of the day escape!
June 19, 2017
4.5 stars
April 21, 2019
Well this was a nice audio surprise to be I'm duet style! I thought with the meet cute moment and up to the first 1/4 that this was going to be 5 stars. Then it dragged even though some parts were sad, it didn't have that emotional punch for me and the story was a bit too drawn out.
July 22, 2017
This book is part of The Shaughnessy Brothers series. It was a very enjoyable read about the romance between an academic and an artist.
June 15, 2017
4.5 Stars
One of my favorite character types in romance is the shy, awkward, nerdy type. Whether it be the hero or the heroine, there's just something about those types of characters that I really love. Owen Shaughnessy is that guy. Even amongst a sea of astronomy students and peers he's alway felt like the odd man out.
Brooke is used-to-be-in-beauty-pageants beautiful, she's smart, outgoing and passionate about art and the stars. When her uncle encourages her to introduce herself to his colleague, Owen, and try to convince him to let her go on a trip to observe a meteor shower, she never expected to fall for the awkward genius, but there's simply no denying their connection.
I adore the opposites attract trope, especially when you see that Owen and Brooke aren't really all that different when it comes down to the important stuff. Unfortunately, everyone has their insecurities and doubts and sometimes those insecurities overshadow the obvious love two people share. When even some of your own family members doubt the possibility the two of you could really work things get shaky.
I loved watching as Owen opened up to Brooke and how she helped bring out the confident, strong man he always was but didn't always project outwardly. They are the true epitome of a couple that brings out the best in each other. The rest of the Shaughnessy brothers, particularly Riley, really upset me this time around. I understand their shock after their first initial introductions to Brooke but Riley took things a step further and was pretty awful to Owen. I loved seeing Owen stand up for himself and for Brooke though!!
I've completely enjoyed this series so far but I've really been looking forward to Darcy's story, which is up next!! I can't wait.
One of my favorite character types in romance is the shy, awkward, nerdy type. Whether it be the hero or the heroine, there's just something about those types of characters that I really love. Owen Shaughnessy is that guy. Even amongst a sea of astronomy students and peers he's alway felt like the odd man out.
Brooke is used-to-be-in-beauty-pageants beautiful, she's smart, outgoing and passionate about art and the stars. When her uncle encourages her to introduce herself to his colleague, Owen, and try to convince him to let her go on a trip to observe a meteor shower, she never expected to fall for the awkward genius, but there's simply no denying their connection.
I adore the opposites attract trope, especially when you see that Owen and Brooke aren't really all that different when it comes down to the important stuff. Unfortunately, everyone has their insecurities and doubts and sometimes those insecurities overshadow the obvious love two people share. When even some of your own family members doubt the possibility the two of you could really work things get shaky.
I loved watching as Owen opened up to Brooke and how she helped bring out the confident, strong man he always was but didn't always project outwardly. They are the true epitome of a couple that brings out the best in each other. The rest of the Shaughnessy brothers, particularly Riley, really upset me this time around. I understand their shock after their first initial introductions to Brooke but Riley took things a step further and was pretty awful to Owen. I loved seeing Owen stand up for himself and for Brooke though!!
I've completely enjoyed this series so far but I've really been looking forward to Darcy's story, which is up next!! I can't wait.
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