Susan's Review of the I Do Over by Samantha Chase -- Meet Me at the Altar -- #6

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

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

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

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

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Samantha Chase created two relatable, dynamic characters. Knox Channing is a complex character. The former Navy Seal served with distinction and a partner in a successful security firm. He never, ever dates a girl more than one time. I wanted to discover the reason –was he afraid of commitment? – did he have a broken heart? Maddie Christopher is a successful physical therapist who wants to settle down and get married. Something is stopping her—she needs to ask someone for forgiveness.

Both Maddie and Knox are flawed characters. Samantha Chase switches the story up by having the heroine be the character that needs forgiveness. And it WORKED! Maddie made a big mistake that torpedoed her relationship with her parents, friends and most of all Knox. Knox joined the Navy to avoid the anger of his parents. Ms. Chase does not downplay Maddie’s actions as she owns her mistakes and knows she needs to ask Knox for forgiveness. I related to Maddie’s mistake; she was young in love and terrified of her father’s anger. It doesn’t change what she did—but, I could understand why she reacted the way she did.

Forgiveness is the key element to this romance. Samantha Chase writes a story full of emotion and balances it with a healthy dose of romance, friendship and challenges. Loved this storyline because it’s told with a different twist; it’s Maddie who needs to step up, own her mistakes and ask for forgiveness. Maddie knew she needed to speak with Knox in person—she needed to face the fire—and this had me rooting for Maddie and Knox! Samantha Chase crafts believable story about high school lovers who reunite 17 years later. She adds in the perfect amount of backstory to highlight the couples different career paths and life experiences and keeps the focus on the connection between Maddie and Knox.

Maddie and Knox’s story is a second chance romance with all the feels. Loved the engaging characters who drew me into their love story and had me rooting for their happily ever after from the first page.

Add the I Do Over to your beach bag this weekend—am sure you will love the fireworks between Maddie and Knox as much as I did!!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of Groomed To Perfection by Samantha Chase----Meet Me at the Altar #5

Ready to head back to the Meet Me at the Altar office and see who's falling in love and heading for their own happily ever after?

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

Shy baker Emilie Michaels never thought she'd meet her Prince Charming. Especially no at an event she's working at. But when a handsome stranger finds her hiding in a corner and strikes up a conversation, she can't help but be drawn in. Unfortunately, duty calls and she's forced to flee, leaving the man of her dreams behind. All she has to remember that night night is his first name and the suit jacket he gave her to stay warm.

Family has always come first for the Vandergrifts. It doesn't matter what Cooper might want out of his life, his parents have had a plan for him since the day he was born. His mother even has his wedding all planned out, despite the fact that there's no bride in the picture. But when Cooper walks into the Meet Me at the Altar offices for a cake tasting and finds himself face to face with the woman he met at a party all those months ago, he thinks it might be time to finally have a say in his love life.
Cooper had resigned himself to a life that would be all about family obligations, but just a few hours with Emilie have him convinced that maybe he could be something else. It's just a matter of deciding whose happiness matters more: his family's or his own.

Fairy lights and a liberal dash of pixie dust create the perfect backdrop for Emilie Michels and Cooper Vandergrift romance. They meet at a society wedding – he’s a guest and she’s part of the catering crew. Cooper asks Emilie to stay and the couple talk for hours without revealing why they are at the wedding. The couple share a magical kiss before Emilie leaves with Cooper’s coat.

Samantha Chase’s Cinderella inspired novel Groomed to Perfection is filled with captivating characters, family drama and a classic Disney inspired romance. As the oldest son, Cooper Vandergrift is expected to take over the family business. Although he enjoys designing and building, he’s being pushed into a career and a life that does not appeal to him by is overbearing mother. Samantha Chase creates a wonderful hero in Cooper. I loved his easy going nature and cheered for him when he realized that he had to step up in order to claim his future.

Emilie has been one of my favorite characters in the series—she is a loyal friend to her business partners and always has a tub of frosting or a plate of cookies in times of stress. Emilie is hard working and family oriented-she takes care of her grandmother before heading into work. Enjoyed getting to know her parents and her grandmother—the best Samantha Chase character ever—she was a hoot!

Loved that Emile and Cooper supported each other. Both characters had dreams—Cooper wanted to work in the design department. Emilie wants to open a bakery at the Meet Me at the Altar offices. Loved the couples chemistry and Cooper’s relationship with Emilie’s grandmother was perfect—so sweet! Samantha Chase writes a heartfelt romance for this couple who realize family is more important than social standing, you can choose your future and a dream is a wish your heart makes!

I enjoyed every word of Groomed to Perfection and I know you will too!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Amazon

Five Fun Facts About: GROOMED TO PERFECTION from Samantha Chase


1) There was a scene in the movie "Sabrina" where she was hiding in a tree and watching a society party on the property. That was partial inspiration for Cooper and Emilie's meet cute.

2) Another movie that inspired part of the book was "And Officer and a Gentleman". I may have watched that ending scene about a dozen times!

3) I wrote part of the book while staying at a hotel for the weekend for a mini-writing-retreat. It had a great view of downtown Raleigh and it made me write a scene where Cooper and Emilie are dining at a restaurant with a similar view.

4) I tend to go on sites like Zillow for inspiration for where my characters live. Cooper comes from a wealthy family and I had a hella good time looking up places for him! It's a huge time suck, but oh so satisfying!

5) There is a bit of a Cinderella theme to this book but I didn't want to be obvious with it. So instead of her leaving a shoe behind, she takes his jacket! Lol!

**BONUS FACT: I tell people this book is a cross between Cinderella and the original TV show, Dynasty. For those of you around my age, you may remember the version with Joan Collins, Linda Evans, and John Forsythe. Trust me when I tell you we have a VERY Dynasty-ish scene in this book!**

Susan's Review of The Playbook Proposal by Samantha Chase--Meet Me at the Altar Book 4

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

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

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

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

Samantha Chase creates the perfect story for wedding planner Daisy Sinclair and ex-Navy Seal Xander Madden. The entertaining banter between the engaging heroine and grumpy hero and their off the charts chemistry drew me into the story immediately.

The pairing of Daisy and Xander surprised me. The words sweet, helpful and family describe Daisy. She loves her job at Meet Me at the Altar and all things romance. Xander has left the Navy and has started a security business—he’s all about work and structure. He’s not into commitments or family. Xander misjudges Daisy—he thinks she’s way over the top with her ideas of romance and wedding proposals- until Daisy mistakes Xander for a burglar and smacks him in the jaw with a 5 pound bag of flour!

Loved the author’s version of the couple’s meet cute! After being smacked by a bag of flour Xander sees Daisy in a different light and realizes that he is attracted to her. The push-pull of the relationship as perfectly written as Xander is not quite sure what do with his feelings. Samantha Chase digs deep with Xander—he’s a complicated character with a lot of baggage. I could feel Xander’s very real attraction towards Daisy and his fear of taking the next step. And I absolutely loved that Daisy turned the tables on Xander! Loved that she was sassy, honest and forthright and that combination wowed Xander.

The Proposal Playbook contains the perfect blend of emotion, romance and conflict. Daisy and Xander’s story will tug at your heart strings in such a good way. I was invested in this story from page one and rooted for this couples romance. Can’t wait for the next book in the Meet Me at the Altar series!!!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Amazon

Susan's Review of You May Kiss the Groomsman by Samantha Chase -Meet Me at the Altar #3

It seemed like a good idea at the time…

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

There was no way he could hold his peace…

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

Or because they can’t stop kissing each other.

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

Samantha Chase writes an engaging, heartfelt story for Josie Sullivan and Daniel Alexander. The instant attraction between Josie and Daniel drew me into their story.

Josie Sullivan is an independent, confident businesswoman who can handle any business- related crisis. In the past year, her brother Elliot has married Skye; Josie’s friend and business partner. Skye and Elliot are celebrating the birth of their new born daughter. Lea who owns Meet me at the Altar with Josie and Skye is newly engaged. Samantha Chase crafted this piece of the story perfectly-it was so relatable. Josie was thrilled for Skye and Lea but, at the same time she was realizing that something was missing in her life.

Tyler Alexander and Josie have been friends for years. He is all about himself and his career. Tyler offers Josie a marriage of convenience with a one year commitment—so he can make partner at his law firm. The author does a fabulous job scripting this piece of the story. Tyler knows Josie is feeling left out and he pushes at Josie to accept his offer and then disappears on a work assignment.

Tyler’s older brother, Daniel Alexander has returned home after 15 years in the navy. The former Navy Seal and his partners have started a security business. The instant attraction between Daniel and Josie was HOT. The undeniable chemistry paired with Josie’s commitment to Tyler was perfectly written and I rooted for Josie and Daniel to own their feelings.

You May Kiss the Groomsman is a fun twist on the marriage of convenience storyline. The charming characters, the steamy romance and the family drama kept me engaged in this book. The relationship between Skye, Lea and Josie changes and develops during each novel. Loved that their commitment to each other and their growing business remained strong as they balanced their love and work lives.

Samantha Chase scores a hat trick with the Meet Me at the Altar series! Each novel is filed with engaging characters and heartfelt romance. I love that this series is a little edgier, the romance is more sensuous and the each couple faces different challenges.

Am wondering who will Meet Xander and Knox At The Altar?

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author