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The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge #1
Loving You
He never planned to stay in Sweetbriar Ridge.
Then the perfect woman fell into his arms.
A small town, single mom, friends to lovers romance from New York Times Best Selling Author Samantha Chase
Not everyone in Sweetbriar Ridge is as sweet as the town name would suggest. But single mom Jade Mackenzie is up to the challenge of winning over the town if that's what it takes to make her new shop a success. After all, this is just the latest in a long string of battles she's had to face. Since she's given up on men–all of them except for her son–she can throw all her energy into the new business. Or so she thought until the most charming and too-good-looking-for-his-own-good man walked into her shop. And she literally falls into his arms.
Levi Donovan knows how to charm his way through life; winning people over is just what he does. But no amount of charm can save him when he's at the center of a scandal that costs him his position at a prestigious ad agency. With no other choice, he's forced to return home to Sweetbriar Ridge, the small town he left behind the first chance he got. When he meets the owner of the new coffeehouse, he starts to think that small towns aren't so bad. And when he finds out Jade needs a little help promoting her new business, Levi makes it his mission to help her make the shop a success. That's just what a good friend does.
No matter how hard she tries to resist, Jade can't help but be swept away by Levi's good looks and the sweet way he interacts with her son. But Levi isn't staying, and getting attached would be a mistake. Levi always swore he would never settle in Sweetbriar Ridge, but could loving Jade be reason enough to stay?
*Each book in the Donovans series can be read as a standalone*
Then the perfect woman fell into his arms.
A small town, single mom, friends to lovers romance from New York Times Best Selling Author Samantha Chase
Not everyone in Sweetbriar Ridge is as sweet as the town name would suggest. But single mom Jade Mackenzie is up to the challenge of winning over the town if that's what it takes to make her new shop a success. After all, this is just the latest in a long string of battles she's had to face. Since she's given up on men–all of them except for her son–she can throw all her energy into the new business. Or so she thought until the most charming and too-good-looking-for-his-own-good man walked into her shop. And she literally falls into his arms.
Levi Donovan knows how to charm his way through life; winning people over is just what he does. But no amount of charm can save him when he's at the center of a scandal that costs him his position at a prestigious ad agency. With no other choice, he's forced to return home to Sweetbriar Ridge, the small town he left behind the first chance he got. When he meets the owner of the new coffeehouse, he starts to think that small towns aren't so bad. And when he finds out Jade needs a little help promoting her new business, Levi makes it his mission to help her make the shop a success. That's just what a good friend does.
No matter how hard she tries to resist, Jade can't help but be swept away by Levi's good looks and the sweet way he interacts with her son. But Levi isn't staying, and getting attached would be a mistake. Levi always swore he would never settle in Sweetbriar Ridge, but could loving Jade be reason enough to stay?
*Each book in the Donovans series can be read as a standalone*
ebook
First published September 19, 2023
About the author
Samantha Chase
132 books2,208 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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April 22, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, #1
Setting ~ Virginia
Publication date ~ September 19, 2023
Page Count ~ 290 (15 chapters + e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 20 minutes
Narrator ~ Carly Robins
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ small business owner, single mom, small town, friends with benefits, friends to lovers, no steamage
Levi & Jade
Jade is trying to make a nice life for her and 8 year old son, Silas, by opening her own business. Books and Beans is a bookstore/coffee shop combo in their quaint town of Sweetbriar Ridge. There were some early snafu's, but the business took off with a little help from some friends.
Levi is back in his hometown and he's not too thrilled about it. He loves the hustle and bustle of big city life, and this town doesn't even have food delivery, gasp, can you believe it? As he spends more time with Jade he starts to think that maybe he's found someone that can change his tune.
I felt like they clicked and were sweet together. He was so good to Silas right from day 1, too, which was so cute. Hated the 3rd act breakup, as usual. I could have went without the whole saga with Levi's mom, too.
Overall, it was pretty delightful and a great start to the series. I'm looking forward to each of Levi's 3 sisters finding their happily ever after.
Series notes:
Samantha likes to give us small town romance series and this one will follow a whole new branch of Donovans. I like that some characters from The Donovans: Laurel Bay series make an appearance and are referenced as to how their lives are coming along. I like to be kept up to date on previous characters I fell in love with. With that said if you have time read that series first, if not I suppose it's not a big deal if you don't.
I was lucky enough to have an ebook and an audio copy.
Narration notes:
Carly did a fine job as always, but I've said it many times that I wish there was a male narrator too.
*Thanks to the author, Valentine PR and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, #1
Setting ~ Virginia
Publication date ~ September 19, 2023
Page Count ~ 290 (15 chapters + e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 20 minutes
Narrator ~ Carly Robins
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ small business owner, single mom, small town, friends with benefits, friends to lovers, no steamage
Levi & Jade
Jade is trying to make a nice life for her and 8 year old son, Silas, by opening her own business. Books and Beans is a bookstore/coffee shop combo in their quaint town of Sweetbriar Ridge. There were some early snafu's, but the business took off with a little help from some friends.
Levi is back in his hometown and he's not too thrilled about it. He loves the hustle and bustle of big city life, and this town doesn't even have food delivery, gasp, can you believe it? As he spends more time with Jade he starts to think that maybe he's found someone that can change his tune.
I felt like they clicked and were sweet together. He was so good to Silas right from day 1, too, which was so cute. Hated the 3rd act breakup, as usual. I could have went without the whole saga with Levi's mom, too.
Overall, it was pretty delightful and a great start to the series. I'm looking forward to each of Levi's 3 sisters finding their happily ever after.
Series notes:
Samantha likes to give us small town romance series and this one will follow a whole new branch of Donovans. I like that some characters from The Donovans: Laurel Bay series make an appearance and are referenced as to how their lives are coming along. I like to be kept up to date on previous characters I fell in love with. With that said if you have time read that series first, if not I suppose it's not a big deal if you don't.
I was lucky enough to have an ebook and an audio copy.
Narration notes:
Carly did a fine job as always, but I've said it many times that I wish there was a male narrator too.
*Thanks to the author, Valentine PR and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
September 17, 2023
I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Dreamscape Media.
3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐🎧
Small town - Check!
Single Parent - Check!
Bookstore/Coffee Shop -Check!
I loved many things that happened in this story, and there were a few things that I didn't jive with, but overall, I enjoyed the story.
Jane is ready for a new chapter in her life. She is embarking on opening her book/coffee shop, Books & Beans. She has everything lined up for success, but her son's father's family seems to make it very hard for her to succeed. That doesn't get Jane down. She just keeps coming up with new ways to get her business name out there. One of the employees has a brother who is in need of a job enter in Levi. He has excellent ideas, and Jane's business starts to thrive.
Levi and Jane have chemistry, and they come together. They both had common themes they could bond over. Levi has issues with his father. And Jane is having problems with her son's father's family. They bond and get closer.
There is a bit of drama, but it adds to the story in the right ways.
Carly did a great job with the narration.
3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐🎧
Small town - Check!
Single Parent - Check!
Bookstore/Coffee Shop -Check!
I loved many things that happened in this story, and there were a few things that I didn't jive with, but overall, I enjoyed the story.
Jane is ready for a new chapter in her life. She is embarking on opening her book/coffee shop, Books & Beans. She has everything lined up for success, but her son's father's family seems to make it very hard for her to succeed. That doesn't get Jane down. She just keeps coming up with new ways to get her business name out there. One of the employees has a brother who is in need of a job enter in Levi. He has excellent ideas, and Jane's business starts to thrive.
Levi and Jane have chemistry, and they come together. They both had common themes they could bond over. Levi has issues with his father. And Jane is having problems with her son's father's family. They bond and get closer.
There is a bit of drama, but it adds to the story in the right ways.
Carly did a great job with the narration.
Currently reading
September 22, 2023Welcome to Sweetbriar Ridge where Donovan cousins Levi, Chloe, Ashlynn, and Billie (Uncle Ronan's kids) live!! First up: Levi Donovan!! ❤
https://www.chasing-romance.com/lovin...
https://www.chasing-romance.com/lovin...
September 15, 2023
This was a sweet, dual POV, single mom, small town romance and the first in a new series featuring the Donovan siblings. Full of complicated family drama and tons of heart, I really enjoyed this one, especially the focus on opening a bookstore/cafe in a small town and trying to help revitalize local businesses. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Laura Pavlov. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: fade to black/closed door
Steam level: fade to black/closed door
September 10, 2023
3.5 stars. Loving You is a small town, friends to lovers, opposites attract romance between a single mom heroine and a cinnamon roll hero, with loads of family drama!
Jade is a single mom to her 8-year old son Silas and just opening her own business in her smalltown of Sweetbriar Ridge. Her new store, Books and Beans, is a bookstore and coffee shop and she can use all the help she can get with a town that seems determined to see her fail because of her past. Enter Levi Donovan. Levi is from Sweetbriar Ridge as well, but moved away for his advertising job in the city. But after getting fired, he has no other choice but to come back to his smalltown. He ends up staying with one of his sisters, who happens to work with Jade, and she asks Levi to help out Jade’s new store!
The romance in this starts off as a friends with benefits situation, eventually leading to more. The romance was pretty easy and low angst, but the drama in this story really comes from all the family drama for both Levi and Jade. Levi has complicated feelings toward his dad and that comes to a head, and then Jade has issues with her child’s father and his family. I wasn’t super invested in the characters or the family dramas, but the audiobook narrator Carly Robins did a great job at keeping me entertained to finish this one. I will say the story started off stronger for me. This was my first read from this author and I’d check out more from them in the future!
Thanks so much to Dreamscape for an audio ARC via NetGalley, all thoughts in this review are my own. Loving You has a pub date of September 19, 2023.
Jade is a single mom to her 8-year old son Silas and just opening her own business in her smalltown of Sweetbriar Ridge. Her new store, Books and Beans, is a bookstore and coffee shop and she can use all the help she can get with a town that seems determined to see her fail because of her past. Enter Levi Donovan. Levi is from Sweetbriar Ridge as well, but moved away for his advertising job in the city. But after getting fired, he has no other choice but to come back to his smalltown. He ends up staying with one of his sisters, who happens to work with Jade, and she asks Levi to help out Jade’s new store!
The romance in this starts off as a friends with benefits situation, eventually leading to more. The romance was pretty easy and low angst, but the drama in this story really comes from all the family drama for both Levi and Jade. Levi has complicated feelings toward his dad and that comes to a head, and then Jade has issues with her child’s father and his family. I wasn’t super invested in the characters or the family dramas, but the audiobook narrator Carly Robins did a great job at keeping me entertained to finish this one. I will say the story started off stronger for me. This was my first read from this author and I’d check out more from them in the future!
Thanks so much to Dreamscape for an audio ARC via NetGalley, all thoughts in this review are my own. Loving You has a pub date of September 19, 2023.
December 5, 2023
Samantha Chase's Loving You is the first book in her new Sweetbriar Ridge series. Sweetbriar Ridge is a charming rural town with all the interesting characters Chase writes so well. I know we can count on many future stories from this world. This series is a Donovans spinnoff, but you can read all these books as standalones.
Jade is such a lovely character, I liked her instantly and wanted her to find her happily ever after. While I knew Levi wasn't a great choice for a long-term boyfriend, I had no doubt that Jade could play the long game and end up the winner.
Super sweet, and very enjoyable, Loving You is a win.
The audio is nicely performed by Carly Robins.
an audiobook copy of Loving You was provided by Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Jade is such a lovely character, I liked her instantly and wanted her to find her happily ever after. While I knew Levi wasn't a great choice for a long-term boyfriend, I had no doubt that Jade could play the long game and end up the winner.
Super sweet, and very enjoyable, Loving You is a win.
The audio is nicely performed by Carly Robins.
an audiobook copy of Loving You was provided by Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
September 11, 2023
3.5⭐️ 🎧🎧Audio Review🎧🎧
Loving you is a small town romance, book one to The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series.
Jade is a single mom who is opening her own book/coffee shop in her small town hoping to not fail. She meets Levi who moves back to his hometown to stay with his sister after being fired from his job. They start off as friends with benefits and have a lot of chemistry. They both have a lot of family drama! It was a fun read and my first book with this author.
Tropes…
Small Town
Friends to Lovers
Single Mom
Cinnamon Roll Hero
Family Drama
The audio was told in a 3rd person POV which I don’t always like but this narrator Carly Robins did a great job with this one.
Thanks to NetGallery & Valentine PR for this Audio ARC
Loving you is a small town romance, book one to The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series.
Jade is a single mom who is opening her own book/coffee shop in her small town hoping to not fail. She meets Levi who moves back to his hometown to stay with his sister after being fired from his job. They start off as friends with benefits and have a lot of chemistry. They both have a lot of family drama! It was a fun read and my first book with this author.
Tropes…
Small Town
Friends to Lovers
Single Mom
Cinnamon Roll Hero
Family Drama
The audio was told in a 3rd person POV which I don’t always like but this narrator Carly Robins did a great job with this one.
Thanks to NetGallery & Valentine PR for this Audio ARC
September 15, 2023
This was such a cute small town romance. I loved the little bookshop and cafe!! Jade is a single mom just trying to get her little business going. Levi just lost his job and his heading back to his hometown to figure out what he's going to do next. Jade needs help advertising for the bookshop and low and behold Levi is the perfect man for the job! These two were just so cute from the very beginning and I love how good Levi was with Jade's son. He was always making sure to include him in things and it made my little heart so happy to see. Jade and Levi had great chemistry, got along so well and both deserved to be happy! So cute!! Highly recommend!
September 5, 2023
Quick Summary: A Donovan clan kickoff
My Review: Loving You by Samantha Chase is book one in the new Sweetbriar Ridge series. Just like the original series on the Donovans of Laurel Bay, this one is rich in family drama, antics, and love.
About the Book: Levi Donovan's life is about to change. Although he has to return home with his tail between his legs, he is soon humbled by his circumstances in the best way. Hard truths, overdue confessions, and the love of a good woman might just have something to do with his transformation.
Jade Mackenzie is no stranger to hard work. Since she became an adult, she has had to care for herself and her son. Now that she is a business owner, she has to hustle to make sure everything goes well. When a community nuisance attempts to sabotage her business, she has to enlist the help of a very attractive Donovan. Is it possible that she might just get her happily ever after?
My Final Say: I absolutely adore the Donovans. I have followed this family through Laurel Bay, and now I am excited to embrace the Donovans of Sweetbriar Ridge. I cannot wait to read more!
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Series: Yes
Status/Level: Sweet and spicy (🍬🌶💞)
Formats: Audiobook and E-book
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publishers (Dreamscape Media, Valentine PR & Literary Management), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own.
My Review: Loving You by Samantha Chase is book one in the new Sweetbriar Ridge series. Just like the original series on the Donovans of Laurel Bay, this one is rich in family drama, antics, and love.
About the Book: Levi Donovan's life is about to change. Although he has to return home with his tail between his legs, he is soon humbled by his circumstances in the best way. Hard truths, overdue confessions, and the love of a good woman might just have something to do with his transformation.
Jade Mackenzie is no stranger to hard work. Since she became an adult, she has had to care for herself and her son. Now that she is a business owner, she has to hustle to make sure everything goes well. When a community nuisance attempts to sabotage her business, she has to enlist the help of a very attractive Donovan. Is it possible that she might just get her happily ever after?
My Final Say: I absolutely adore the Donovans. I have followed this family through Laurel Bay, and now I am excited to embrace the Donovans of Sweetbriar Ridge. I cannot wait to read more!
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Series: Yes
Status/Level: Sweet and spicy (🍬🌶💞)
Formats: Audiobook and E-book
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publishers (Dreamscape Media, Valentine PR & Literary Management), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own.
September 30, 2023
🎧AUDIO🎧 & 📚STORY📚 Rating & Review: 4 SOLID STARS ON BOTH!
If you’re ever in the mood for a sweet and low angst read, Samantha is one of the best there is. Loving You showcased her voice and style perfectly. The romance journey between Levi & Jade was sweet & fun and the dramatics in the story were not directly caused by either one of them. They happened as kind of secondary plots that affected them personally, but not their journey. Yes, of course they had the proverbial conflict that always happens at the last minute that most of the time is ridiculous because it resolves itself in a blink, but the action/drama of the story was third-party shenanigans. You’re going to have to read the book to get more details on this! LOL
I got to experience this story via audiobook, which is not normally my cuppa when it’s only one narrator but Carly Robbins is very versatile with her voices and is growing on me more and more the more audiobooks I listen that she has narrated. However, it still makes me very #twitchy when a story has dual POV and only one narrator. The missed opportunity of bringing that character’s POV to life in a more genuine way just makes me grrrrrrrrrr *shrug*
ALC provided by Dreamscape Media via NetGalley for review.
If you’re ever in the mood for a sweet and low angst read, Samantha is one of the best there is. Loving You showcased her voice and style perfectly. The romance journey between Levi & Jade was sweet & fun and the dramatics in the story were not directly caused by either one of them. They happened as kind of secondary plots that affected them personally, but not their journey. Yes, of course they had the proverbial conflict that always happens at the last minute that most of the time is ridiculous because it resolves itself in a blink, but the action/drama of the story was third-party shenanigans. You’re going to have to read the book to get more details on this! LOL
I got to experience this story via audiobook, which is not normally my cuppa when it’s only one narrator but Carly Robbins is very versatile with her voices and is growing on me more and more the more audiobooks I listen that she has narrated. However, it still makes me very #twitchy when a story has dual POV and only one narrator. The missed opportunity of bringing that character’s POV to life in a more genuine way just makes me grrrrrrrrrr *shrug*
ALC provided by Dreamscape Media via NetGalley for review.
September 30, 2023
A small town single mom meets a city boy. Say. Less.
After 8 long years of struggling, Jade feels like things in her life are finally falling into place. With the opening of her new bookstore/cage "Books and Beans", her fresh start is within reach. Some people around town are less than thrilled though.
Levi is back in town after losing his jobb-- begrudgingly might I add. But after spending more and more time with Jade, he finds himself wanting things he has never wanted before.
This was such a sweet small town romance. I absolutely love when characters just click. -- & that was Jade and Levi. The way Levi just fit into the picture flawlessly, how he included Silas in everything, my momma heart exploded.
One of my favorite things from this book though had to be Levi's character development. I love a good growth in a story.
I cannnnot wait for the next book in this series!!
Thank you to @valentine_pr_ & @samanthachaseromance for my gifted copy
After 8 long years of struggling, Jade feels like things in her life are finally falling into place. With the opening of her new bookstore/cage "Books and Beans", her fresh start is within reach. Some people around town are less than thrilled though.
Levi is back in town after losing his jobb-- begrudgingly might I add. But after spending more and more time with Jade, he finds himself wanting things he has never wanted before.
This was such a sweet small town romance. I absolutely love when characters just click. -- & that was Jade and Levi. The way Levi just fit into the picture flawlessly, how he included Silas in everything, my momma heart exploded.
One of my favorite things from this book though had to be Levi's character development. I love a good growth in a story.
I cannnnot wait for the next book in this series!!
Thank you to @valentine_pr_ & @samanthachaseromance for my gifted copy
January 21, 2024
It's a new series, second chances, single mom, and a wonderful storyline that hooked me. Jade and Levi make a great team, and she did not know she needed him. Jade is working hard to make a life for her and her son. With the help of family she opens her own business. Even with the early hiccups, she remains positive, but with the help of her friends, she succeeds. Levi has returned home; he is a big city guy. Can Jade change his attitude?
September 9, 2023
Samantha Chase has done it again! I absolutely loved Loving You, the first book in her new The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge! I can truly say that Loving You is an incredible love story, which filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions, and it was impossible to put it down. I loved every moment on every page. Samantha Chase continues to deliver the incredibly written love stories that I LOVE to read. I love a love at first love story, the Sweetbriar Ridge setting, and the amazing characters, they feel like family! Samantha Chase does not disappoint her readers with all the feels in Loving You and has once again delivered an amazing story filled with everything that I have come to love about and expect from her books. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, big loving families, and caring friends, who always support each other? I love how Samantha Chase always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. Samantha Chase continues to deliver all that and so much more. I am not sure how she does it, but Samantha Chase has once again given her readers another remarkable book. Loving You is filled with all the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments and plot twists that I have come to love and expect in a Samantha Chase love story, I especially loved the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. I love that she writes her stories from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. Loving You is a love at first sight love story between Levi Donovan, who recently lost his job in marketing and Jade Mackenzie, single Mom of eight-year-old Silas and owner of the new bookstore/coffee shop Books & Beans. Levi loses his job following a recent scandal that he was involved in at his job with Creative Alexandria. Levi thought he would have a new job in no time and when that is not the case, he heads home to Sweetbriar Ridge to visit his sisters and mother. Jade and Levi meet when Jade literally falls into Levi’s arms when she falls from a ladder while restocking books. Levi is attracted to Jade, but he is on a dating hiatus after what happened at his previous job. Jade is not sure she wants a relationship, because of what transpired between her and Silas’s father. The following day Jade realizes her hero is none other than her employee, Billie’s brother. Levi starts assisting Jade increase Books & Beans social media presence and offered other marketing ideas to increase her sales. I love the book recommendation that Jade gives a customer looking for a book whose hero is a rock star. Conversation between Jade and Levi flows so easily and I love that they share secrets with each other that they have not shared with anyone before. I love the chemistry between them. As Jade and Levi spend time together with Levi helping Jade with her marketing things change between. I love the changes that happen with Levi’s relationships with his father and sisters, and how he offers marketing advice to other stores in Sweetbriar Ridge. I love how the truth is revealed about what really happened between Levi’s parents when they divorced, that leads to a heart-to-heart conversation with his father, Ronan which leads to Ronan suggesting Levi reach out to his cousin, Patrick for assistance. I love that Levi’s plans become a reality, with the help of Patrick, Marissa, and Ryder Ashford, (loved catching up with them) and that Levi finds his dream job. An unexpected plot twist puts Jade and Levi’s relationship in jeopardy, and once again changes things between them. I love the changes that Levi is willing to make in his life to stay in Sweetbriar Ridge and have a life with Jade. I was so happy that Levi and Jade finally admitted their true feelings for one another, Another favorite part is the epilogue and the happily ever after, especially Levi’s proposal and that he included Silas in the proposal. I love all the changes that Levi and Jade make in their lives to have a future with one another. Loving You was an amazing love story; I am so glad that Levi and Jade got the happily ever after. I loved all the surprises that filled the pages of this love story. I love all the characters in this series. I enjoy all the interactions among the Donovan siblings, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing and the descriptions of the Sweetbriar Ridge in Loving You. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I cannot wait to read the other stories in The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series. Highly recommend this beautifully written love story.
September 8, 2023
This is a new spin-off series from the Donovan's and is the Donovan cousins in Sweet Briar Ridge. Levi Donovan left Sweet Briar Ridge as soon as he could. He now has to return home, unemployed, no job leads and lacking money. Jade Mackenzie is no stranger to the gossip of Sweet Briar Ridge, but she still loves most of the people in town. She has been working to better her life for her and her 8 year old son, without the support of the father. She has decided to open up a book and coffee shop, however a community naysayer seems to have it out for Jade and attempts to sabotage her business. She turns to Levi for some help with advertising plans. Both are attracted to each other, but neither want to get attached. Secrets are uncovered and plans go awry in this series opener.
This book was full of small town charm, with a great friendship, witty banter and two people undeniably attracted to each other. Jade is a great heroine, and a wonderful parent to her son, given some of the drama that surrounds his father. Levi comes off as immature and self centered at the beginning, but really seems to grow as the story progresses. I also liked how he communicated with both Jade and his siblings in the book, not leaving things that he felt were problems to grow out of hand.
I do wish that we got a bit more of Silas, and seeing how this new family developed. We knew that they were doing things together, but only really talked about it after it had happened. I like when the kids are included in single parent romances, as it is building a relationship around not one, but two people.
I thought this was a great start to this series and I look forward to the other books that take place in Sweet Briar Ridge! Thank you to NetGalley and Valentine PR for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
This book was full of small town charm, with a great friendship, witty banter and two people undeniably attracted to each other. Jade is a great heroine, and a wonderful parent to her son, given some of the drama that surrounds his father. Levi comes off as immature and self centered at the beginning, but really seems to grow as the story progresses. I also liked how he communicated with both Jade and his siblings in the book, not leaving things that he felt were problems to grow out of hand.
I do wish that we got a bit more of Silas, and seeing how this new family developed. We knew that they were doing things together, but only really talked about it after it had happened. I like when the kids are included in single parent romances, as it is building a relationship around not one, but two people.
I thought this was a great start to this series and I look forward to the other books that take place in Sweet Briar Ridge! Thank you to NetGalley and Valentine PR for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
September 10, 2023
A sweet small-town romance to entertain while making you swoon in delight! A single mom struggles to raise her adorable 8 year old son while opening her new bookstore-coffeeshop when a dreamy man with no desire to stay in the small town drops into her life...or should I say she drops into his arms...cue swooning here. The book has ample angst of will they, won't they and while both characters grow and find that everything they thought they knew about their lives might not be completely true. Some of the characters, including the male lead, are introduced in the 5th book of this author's series, The Donovan's. Now you don't have to read the Donovan series to enjoy this book, but you would be missing out on tons of entertainment and a quality foundation that sets the stage for these characters. This is the first book in a spin off series from the Donovan's. I am absolutely hooked and can't wait for more from these characters. This author weaves small town romance like no one else and if you love a good Hallmark romance, well then buckle up and get ready for this sweet ride as you are going to love it! The audiobook is wonderful and the narrator does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and setting the tone.
September 17, 2023
Me encanta esas historias que se desarrollan en los pueblos pequeños .
Tenemos a Jade que está luchando en este pueblo al abrir una librería y pues algunas personas no le están haciendo el trabajo fácil pero como quiere que su hijo tenga un muy buen futuro quiere hacer que funcione.
Por otro lado tenemos a Levi que parece que la vida le está dando algunos golpe, era una estrella en su trabajo y pues termina despedido y vetado de las demás empresa lo que hace difícil conseguir trabajo así que no le queda más remedio pasar un tiempo en el pueblo donde vive su familia para poder formar un plan sobre su futuro.
Fue un libro súper dulce y tierno me gustó mucho la relación que se va estableciendo entre jade y Levi aunque también ame como Levi trataba a Silas el hijo de 8 años de Jade.
Algo que no me gusta en los libros es cuando está narrado en 3 era persona pero con este libro no le ví ningún problema y llegué a disfrutarlo al máximo, tanto así que lo leí en una sola noche, si al otro día parecía un sombie pero este libro mereció la pena de mis desvelo
Tenemos a Jade que está luchando en este pueblo al abrir una librería y pues algunas personas no le están haciendo el trabajo fácil pero como quiere que su hijo tenga un muy buen futuro quiere hacer que funcione.
Por otro lado tenemos a Levi que parece que la vida le está dando algunos golpe, era una estrella en su trabajo y pues termina despedido y vetado de las demás empresa lo que hace difícil conseguir trabajo así que no le queda más remedio pasar un tiempo en el pueblo donde vive su familia para poder formar un plan sobre su futuro.
Fue un libro súper dulce y tierno me gustó mucho la relación que se va estableciendo entre jade y Levi aunque también ame como Levi trataba a Silas el hijo de 8 años de Jade.
Algo que no me gusta en los libros es cuando está narrado en 3 era persona pero con este libro no le ví ningún problema y llegué a disfrutarlo al máximo, tanto así que lo leí en una sola noche, si al otro día parecía un sombie pero este libro mereció la pena de mis desvelo
September 19, 2023
Thank you Valentine PR & Samantha Chase for an eARC of Loving You!
This was my first Samantha Chase book & I truly loved it! Loving You is a sweet, small town romance with a side of family drama.
Jade is a single mom just opening her new business, Books & Beans, & needs some help with outreach. Levi left their small town, Sweetbriar Ridge, years ago but suddenly got fired from his advertising job & finds himself back in his hometown staying with one of his three sisters. It turns out Levi is the perfect person to help Jade’s business!
Jade & Levi have such a sweet story & I loved watching their relationship grow. They both deal with their family drama & learn how to depend on & support each other through that. I was so happy with the ending & can’t wait for Levi’s sisters to get their stories, too!
if you’re a fan of..
☕️small town romance
📚single mom
☕️cinnamon roll mmc
📚opposites attract
☕️friends to lovers
📚family drama
☕️close proximity
📚fade-to-black / closed door romance
..I highly recommend this book!
This was my first Samantha Chase book & I truly loved it! Loving You is a sweet, small town romance with a side of family drama.
Jade is a single mom just opening her new business, Books & Beans, & needs some help with outreach. Levi left their small town, Sweetbriar Ridge, years ago but suddenly got fired from his advertising job & finds himself back in his hometown staying with one of his three sisters. It turns out Levi is the perfect person to help Jade’s business!
Jade & Levi have such a sweet story & I loved watching their relationship grow. They both deal with their family drama & learn how to depend on & support each other through that. I was so happy with the ending & can’t wait for Levi’s sisters to get their stories, too!
if you’re a fan of..
☕️small town romance
📚single mom
☕️cinnamon roll mmc
📚opposites attract
☕️friends to lovers
📚family drama
☕️close proximity
📚fade-to-black / closed door romance
..I highly recommend this book!
September 25, 2023
⭐️4/5 | 🌶️ 2/5 | Opposites Attract | Cinnamon Roll MMC | Small Town | Single Mom | Family Drama | Third Act Breakup
** I received this book as an ARC from Valentine PR. My review and opinions are solely my own and given freely. **
This was such a comfort read for me. Lots of heartwarming moments between our MCs and their families. This was my first read for Samantha Chase and would not be my last.
Our MMC Levi, is our self-assured Cinnamon Roll Hero. Growing up in the small town of Sweetbriar Ridge, the first opportunity he got, he left to chase a grander life. Dominating in the PR industry, he was living the dream in the big city… that is until he gets fired for fraternizing with a client who is married and also happens to be very connected in the industry and basically blacklisted him from other firms. After much persuasion from his sisters, he moves back ‘temporarily’ to Sweetbriar Ridge and meets Jade.
Jade is our sweet, and selfless single mom who had just opened her own coffee & book shop. Jade has had a long and rough history with the town and is no stranger to gossip due to his ex’s mother whose life goal is to torment her and sabotage her business. Levi gets enlisted to help Jade with marketing and other small businesses. There was an instant attraction between our MCs and the chemistry was undeniably there. Levi was such a perfect MC who was very communicative and respected Jade’s boundaries when it came to her son. I loved seeing the development in Silas and Levi’s relationship and honestly, he was swoony from start to finish.
This is the story of Levi learning to appreciate the simpler and slower way of life as his feelings for Jade progress. As for Jade, it’s about overcoming her fears as a single mom and accepting the fact that Silas may want to do things that take after his father. We learn about Jade and Levi’s families and how truths about the past come up, and hard conversations need to be made in order to move on. I love how the book revolves around the importance of openly communicating. The epilogue was so perfect, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
** I received this book as an ARC from Valentine PR. My review and opinions are solely my own and given freely. **
This was such a comfort read for me. Lots of heartwarming moments between our MCs and their families. This was my first read for Samantha Chase and would not be my last.
Our MMC Levi, is our self-assured Cinnamon Roll Hero. Growing up in the small town of Sweetbriar Ridge, the first opportunity he got, he left to chase a grander life. Dominating in the PR industry, he was living the dream in the big city… that is until he gets fired for fraternizing with a client who is married and also happens to be very connected in the industry and basically blacklisted him from other firms. After much persuasion from his sisters, he moves back ‘temporarily’ to Sweetbriar Ridge and meets Jade.
Jade is our sweet, and selfless single mom who had just opened her own coffee & book shop. Jade has had a long and rough history with the town and is no stranger to gossip due to his ex’s mother whose life goal is to torment her and sabotage her business. Levi gets enlisted to help Jade with marketing and other small businesses. There was an instant attraction between our MCs and the chemistry was undeniably there. Levi was such a perfect MC who was very communicative and respected Jade’s boundaries when it came to her son. I loved seeing the development in Silas and Levi’s relationship and honestly, he was swoony from start to finish.
This is the story of Levi learning to appreciate the simpler and slower way of life as his feelings for Jade progress. As for Jade, it’s about overcoming her fears as a single mom and accepting the fact that Silas may want to do things that take after his father. We learn about Jade and Levi’s families and how truths about the past come up, and hard conversations need to be made in order to move on. I love how the book revolves around the importance of openly communicating. The epilogue was so perfect, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
September 19, 2023
✨Review✨
***
Loving you was such a sweet and great read. I loved the characters and the writing was so good. Levi was awesome. He was sweet and so helpful. Jade was fierce. I loved her love for her son and her caring personality. The storyline was so good and the story was easy to read and fast paced. This was a great opening for this new series and I cannot wait to see the girls and their match ups.
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 🩷🩷🩷🩷
Spice: 🔥
***
Thank you to Samantha Chase and Valentinepr for the ARC to review.
***
***
Loving you was such a sweet and great read. I loved the characters and the writing was so good. Levi was awesome. He was sweet and so helpful. Jade was fierce. I loved her love for her son and her caring personality. The storyline was so good and the story was easy to read and fast paced. This was a great opening for this new series and I cannot wait to see the girls and their match ups.
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 🩷🩷🩷🩷
Spice: 🔥
***
Thank you to Samantha Chase and Valentinepr for the ARC to review.
***
September 20, 2023
Loving you is a small town single parent romance. That I adore!!
Jade is a single mom of the adorable Silas and she is open a bookstore, coffee shop in her hometown. Her store is a place I would definitely want to visit!
Levi found himself in a situation were he ended up moving back to his hometown a place he never wanted to move back to.
After a chance meeting Jade and Levi hit it off but try to keep things from getting serious for several reason. I feel in love with Loving it. Although Levi is a Donovan if you have read any of the other Donovan books this one has a different vibe but it is just as wonderful! The storyline was great, and all though they had their struggles to deal with throughout it was just a great book. I feel in love with the characters and the small town of Sweetbriar. I also loved the fact that you saw some of the other characters from past books, it was a great added bonus. Loving you is Seriously so sweet. I didn’t want it to end and am looking forward to seeing more of the town and people of SweetBriar.
Jade is a single mom of the adorable Silas and she is open a bookstore, coffee shop in her hometown. Her store is a place I would definitely want to visit!
Levi found himself in a situation were he ended up moving back to his hometown a place he never wanted to move back to.
After a chance meeting Jade and Levi hit it off but try to keep things from getting serious for several reason. I feel in love with Loving it. Although Levi is a Donovan if you have read any of the other Donovan books this one has a different vibe but it is just as wonderful! The storyline was great, and all though they had their struggles to deal with throughout it was just a great book. I feel in love with the characters and the small town of Sweetbriar. I also loved the fact that you saw some of the other characters from past books, it was a great added bonus. Loving you is Seriously so sweet. I didn’t want it to end and am looking forward to seeing more of the town and people of SweetBriar.
February 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
I adored this book. Levi and Jade are both going the big life changes when they meet each other. Their journeys both hold some weight and they are each learning how to navigate. Levi ends up using his expertise in advertising to help boost Jades new business. Together the relationship they grow is so sweet. They both never expected one another but they are enchanted none the less. I adored them and all of the additional characters that we meet. I can’t wait to see what else happens to the Donovan’s!
🌶️
I adored this book. Levi and Jade are both going the big life changes when they meet each other. Their journeys both hold some weight and they are each learning how to navigate. Levi ends up using his expertise in advertising to help boost Jades new business. Together the relationship they grow is so sweet. They both never expected one another but they are enchanted none the less. I adored them and all of the additional characters that we meet. I can’t wait to see what else happens to the Donovan’s!
September 11, 2023
I loved this!! Jade and Silas are the sweetest mother son pair. Levi walks in and man! I am a sucker for books with bookstores and coffee shops and this one doesn’t miss. Not super spicy, a little fast paced, yet some very believable conversations between characters. I loved how the characters pasta were introduced and brought relevant into their current lives!
September 6, 2023
**Audiobook Review 🎧
Such a cute into to not only Samantha Chase as an author but the whole series as a whole. If I understand correctly this piggy backs off of another series that she has that I will be checking out! This one just focuses on a small town called Sweetbriar Ridge
Audiobook wise this was such an easy listen. & done so well. Such a sweet & heartwarming small town romance that I couldn’t get enough of! I think Chase did an amazing job on introducing the other characters & already starting on their characteristics ! I can’t wait to continue this series!
I’d like to thank NetGalley & Dreamscapes Media for my copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Such a cute into to not only Samantha Chase as an author but the whole series as a whole. If I understand correctly this piggy backs off of another series that she has that I will be checking out! This one just focuses on a small town called Sweetbriar Ridge
Audiobook wise this was such an easy listen. & done so well. Such a sweet & heartwarming small town romance that I couldn’t get enough of! I think Chase did an amazing job on introducing the other characters & already starting on their characteristics ! I can’t wait to continue this series!
I’d like to thank NetGalley & Dreamscapes Media for my copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.
September 10, 2023
Unexpected Surprises!! Levi thinks his life is over after being fired from his job but everything changes when a beautiful angel falls from the sky. Levi and Jade’s story is realistic, romantic and full of the unexpected. This was a wonderful introduction to the other side of the Donovan family and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next Donovan to fall in love!
September 11, 2023
I'll be honest, I was pretty disappointed it was a closed door romance when I first started reading, but as I continued to read I was rooting for these characters and falling in love with them. it didn't matter. I really liked Chase's writing style and would read more from them.
October 12, 2023
This was a sweet small town, single mum, friends brother romance. A easy and enjoyable story. Levi really grew on me as the book went on. The audio was also enjoyable. I like Carly Robins narration. I do however wish this was dual narrated but that is personal preference.
September 19, 2023
Loving You is the fabulous first book in the Sweetbriar Ridge series. Levi and Jade are wonderful together and have great chemistry. I love the small town romance and all the characters. Can't wait for the next book!
September 19, 2023
I have been a fan of Samantha Chase since I first discovered her books. With this book I loved the small town feel and how the characters seemed to gravitate towards each other. And how they helped each other out. While the characters seemed to discover there love for each other quickly I love how they had their own set of obstacles and how they each had their own set of problems but neither of them seemed to think they were worse off than the other.
It was definitely a cleanser after reading so many dark romances. I definitely recommend it!
It was definitely a cleanser after reading so many dark romances. I definitely recommend it!
February 26, 2024
I'm so happy that Samantha Chase is writing more books about The Donovans! I love the Donovan family series, and this book series now focuses on the cousins of the Donovans. Levi moved away from his small town to seek a big city life, but things fall apart for him when he loses his job. Because he's unable to find another job, he decides to go back to his small town of Sweetbriar Ridge to live with his sister. While he's at home, he runs into Jade.
Jade is a single mom, and she has just opened up a coffee shop and bookstore. She hasn't dated much since she became a mother, but she is interested in Levi. Levi's sister works at Jade's shop, and they are friends. Levi helps Jade with marketing for her business, and sparks fly. As they become friends, Jade is hesitant to start a relationship with Levi because she knows that he is only staying there temporarily.
Levi really cares for Jade's son, and it is so sweet! This book is sweet and a little bit spicy, and Jade and Levi's connection is so cute! I loved seeing appearances from the Donovans, and we got some updates on how they are all doing.
I listened to the audiobook, and Carly Robins continues to be a great narrator for Samantha Chase's books.
Read this book, if you like:
Small town romance
Friends to lovers
Forced proximity (they work together)
Sweet single mom and a cinnamon roll MMC
A sweet romance with a little bit of spice
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this book.
Jade is a single mom, and she has just opened up a coffee shop and bookstore. She hasn't dated much since she became a mother, but she is interested in Levi. Levi's sister works at Jade's shop, and they are friends. Levi helps Jade with marketing for her business, and sparks fly. As they become friends, Jade is hesitant to start a relationship with Levi because she knows that he is only staying there temporarily.
Levi really cares for Jade's son, and it is so sweet! This book is sweet and a little bit spicy, and Jade and Levi's connection is so cute! I loved seeing appearances from the Donovans, and we got some updates on how they are all doing.
I listened to the audiobook, and Carly Robins continues to be a great narrator for Samantha Chase's books.
Read this book, if you like:
Small town romance
Friends to lovers
Forced proximity (they work together)
Sweet single mom and a cinnamon roll MMC
A sweet romance with a little bit of spice
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this book.
March 15, 2024
Oh my if you loved the other Donovan's your going to fall hard for this side of the Donovan's clan. This one is amazing and sucks you into that small town world again just a bit further away.
Levi thought he had the world in his hand BUT that came crashing down on him. So he decided returning to sweet bryer ridge his home town he could well pick up the pieces. But from the time he got back and stoked just for a coffee after a long drive he never knew that the angel who fell from the latter was about to make his dreams come true.
Jade is the single mom trying to make it on her own and making her dreams of a small coffee shop with books and comfy corners to curl up to read in come to life. UT what she didn't know is the day she fell from the latter into the handsome strangers arms would change her and her sons life for the better.
You need to grab this one and read it to see how it all plays out. I can't wait to see what comes next for this series
Levi thought he had the world in his hand BUT that came crashing down on him. So he decided returning to sweet bryer ridge his home town he could well pick up the pieces. But from the time he got back and stoked just for a coffee after a long drive he never knew that the angel who fell from the latter was about to make his dreams come true.
Jade is the single mom trying to make it on her own and making her dreams of a small coffee shop with books and comfy corners to curl up to read in come to life. UT what she didn't know is the day she fell from the latter into the handsome strangers arms would change her and her sons life for the better.
You need to grab this one and read it to see how it all plays out. I can't wait to see what comes next for this series
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