Susan's Review of A Dash of Christmas by Samantha Chase

With a dash of Christmas magic...


Two people who have spent most of their lives being rivals... Learn a little something about following their hearts...

Carter Montgomery broke the family mold when he went to culinary school. Now a successful restauranteur, he's at a crossroads: should he continue on his successful path or look for a new challenge? What he needs is time alone to think things through. But his matchmaking family has other ideas...

Emery Monaghan's no-good fiancé has embroiled her in scandal and she needs a way out. When mentor Eliza Montgomery offers her a refuge, she's relieved―until she realizes that the deal means rubbing elbows with Eliza's son Carter―Emery's childhood nemesis


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A Dash of Christmas is Carter Montgomery and Emery Monaghan’s enemies to friends to lovers story! Loved the characters backstory-they were childhood rivals-and how Eliza Montgomery’s holiday cookbook project brought them together.

Emery learns that her politician boyfriend has been cheating on her. To add to her humiliation, he has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior. By employing this current events storyline, the author makes Emery a relatable heroine. Everyone understands being disappointed by friend or lover but, Emery has been embarrassed beyond belief. Eliza Montgomery offers Emery the perfect place to regroup and hide out from the media; her family’s condo in New York City and enlists her help in a charity project.

Eliza knows that her son Carter,who is helping her with the cookbook, is scheduled to stay at the condo. Eliza makes sure Carter and Emery are at the condo at the same time—she’s learned a lot about matchmaking from her sister- in -law! Sparks fly when the couple realizes they are both working on the same project!

I loved the dynamic between Carter and Emery—they are total opposites and their conversations are fabulous. Samantha Chase is an excellent storyteller—Emery and Carter’s story draws the reader in from the first chapter. Loved that famous chef Carter was appalled that Emery’s breakfast choice was chocolate pop tarts—I could imagine his expression- and that Emery nudged him by saying that grape jelly was her favorite fruit. Carter loved creating his fancy ingredient meals from scratch while Emery had no problem eating frozen pizza!

As Carter and Emery spend time together working on the cookbook-their mutual attraction sizzles and it’s such fun to have them fall in love while arguing about gouda, pop tarts and kettle corn! Their visons of a holiday meal are totally opposite; Carter wanted to create a fancy over the top meal while Emery wanted to eat a traditional turkey dinner with stuffing and mashed potatoes and a few cookies for dessert. Loved that Carter got Emery to try different foods and that Emery’s idea of simple, comfort foods resonated and inspired Carter.

A Dash of Christmas brings the west coast Montgomerys to New York for a mock Christmas dinner comprised of recipes from the cookbook. Loved that Emery spent time with Meghan, Summer, Gabriella and Maylene. Carter and Emery’s story has all the feels—it’s a heartwarming celebration of family, food and love. I am sad that my favorite series has ended and loved that Ms. Chase gave the Montgomery family a perfect Christmas card ending!

Thank you Samantha for writing a fabulous series! I loved William Montgomery and his charming, over the top, matchmaking schemes, adored Gina and Mac, related to Summer, Maylene and Ethan’s romance and cheered for Zach to recover and realize that Gabriella was his perfect match! Megan and Alex’s story will always be special to me—it’s my comfort read. This series is a fan favorite because everyone needs a little magic in their life!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Susan's Review of Suddenly Mine by Samantha Chase

New beginnings are irresistible…

Christian Montgomery is burnt out. The family business is his entire world, and Christian has never stopped trying to atone for a mistake made years ago. His only break from grueling work is sitting on his beachfront deck, watching the California surfers, and wishing he could be that carefree.

Sophie Bennington was happy living in her small Kansas hometown…until she learned her entire life was a lie. So she hightailed it to the West coast, where she loves to surf, even though she’s no good at it, and she’s hoping to start a new career.

A chance encounter shows Christian and Sophie that no matter what happened in the past, the future is bright and new…but only if you have the courage to open your heart…

Samantha Chase pairs stressed out, executive Christian Montgomery with Sophie Bennington, a shy, determined nurse from Kansas in Suddenly Mine. Christian and Sophie’s story is a fabulous journey filled with emotion, great dialogue and a healthy dose of Montgomery matchmaking.

Samantha Chase has created two unique characters in this novel; a Montgomery who isn’t sure if he wants to continue his career in the family business and a nurse who moved cross country to start over with a blank slate. I enjoyed reading this novel because the characters grew with each chapter of the book. Christian and Sophie are not cookie cutter romance characters-they have flaws, job pressures and family issues which made them relatable to me.

Sophie’s life is turned upside down when her grandmother admits to a family secret. She leaves Kansas for California hoping to sort through her feelings and resume her career in nursing. I loved Sophie’s can do attitude. She was determined to learn how to surf—and she got up every time a wave knocked her down. I really liked that Sophie stood up for herself-she was shy and a bit reserved but she was not a pushover! Christian’s life is his job. He needs to atone for a mistake he made years ago. He feels pressure from his father to focus, focus on the family business. Christian feels trapped—he runs an important division of his family business and has no time to himself.

The Montgomery family dynamics are very important in this novel. Samantha Chase makes an excellent, bold decision which shapes the plot. This choice made Suddenly Mine an excellent read because Ms. Chase stayed true to her characters. Suddenly Mine remained Christian and Sophie’s story; not a family drama. Ms. Chase’s fabulous dialogue is showcased when Sophie and Christian come to terms with their reality. Sophie speaks up for herself and their relationship and challenges Christian to see that someone else’s expectations shouldn’t define him. Loved the conversation between Christian and his uncle William Montgomery. Christian’s charming, matchmaking uncle is my favorite character in this series—he knows what to say and when to say it. William words have a huge impact on Christian. Family expectations lead Sophie back to Kansas to face her fears.

In my opinion, Suddenly Mine is Samantha Chase’s best work—this couple has a strong bond but, they have a lot of issues to work through. The book is rich in detail, characters and plot. Ms. Chase’s descriptive voice keeps the reader on the edge of their seat—I wasn’t sure how the last few chapters would play out.

Suddenly Mine is a fabulous romance filled with love, passion and the Montgomery clan. I am SO looking forward to A Dash of Christmas -Carter’s story!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Susan's Review of Until There Was Us by Samantha Chase

He'll have to play his cards just right for her to take a chance on him...
Megan Montgomery has always been careful...except that one time she threw caution to the wind and hooked up with a sexy groomsman at her cousin's wedding. But that was two years ago—so why can't she stop thinking about Alex Rebat?
Alex has been living the good life. He loves his job, has a great circle of friends, and doesn't answer to anyone. The problem? There's only one woman he wants and she ran out on him after one amazing weekend. But now that Megan's coming back to town, Alex hopes he can convince her to take another chance on him...and on a future that can only be built together.

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The Montgomerys Are Back . . . .

Megan Montgomery and Alex Rebat met each other at Zach Montgomery’s wedding and spent a passionate weekend in a Portland, Oregon hotel suite. Alex and Megan kept in touch for a few months but, things didn’t work out. It was hard for them to maintain a relationship as Megan lived in New York and had an overwhelming work schedule. I loved that both Megan and Alex had a strong connection with each other after two years. Samantha Chase took a chance on this couple’s backstory—and it worked! I came to love this couple and read their story in one sitting.

I adored Alex Rebat in I’ll Be There and was thrilled that Ms. Chase had written his story. As Zach’s physical therapist, Alex had a pivotal role in Zach’s recovery. Loved that Megan described Alex as “a force of nature.” Alex is a kind, caring, confident man who is always there for his friends and family. Megan Montgomery is a workaholic who is more comfortable in yoga pants, big sweaters and t-shirts. She has moved cross country to take an IT job with Montgomery Industries and is staying with her cousin Zach and his wife.

I was not sure how this story was going to play out. Was it going to be hook up novel? Until There Was Us is a so much more—it’s a story of how love brings out the best in people. At first, Megan did not appear to be a warm, fuzzy person it took me a few chapters to understand her. I wondered if she was the right one for Alex. Neither Megan nor Alex is perfect and this made the story work for me.

It’s clear that Alex loves Megan with all of his heart. The chemistry between Alex and Megan is apparent when they talk to each other at Zach’s home. Their journey and the struggles they encounter unfold with each chapter of the book. Both characters grow in the story. Alex is patient with Megan as she gains confidence in herself, her job and in their relationship.

Alex is one of my favorite Samantha Chase heroes. He is kind to his patients, a good friend to Zach and listens to Megan and does not push or judge her. Zach, Gabriella, Summer, Ethan and their babies add a dose of reality, friendship and humor to the story. There are lots of references to William Montgomery and his matchmaking skills in but, in my opinion it’s Summer’s sassy pug Maylene who works her magic and brings our couple together! The last few chapters of Until There Was Us are perfectly written; the story flowed effortlessly, the writing was crisp and dialogue was emotional. Megan makes a heartfelt decision and conquers several personal issues when she steps up to do something for Alex.

It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone – to take a leap of faith, close your eyes and hope for the best. Samantha Chase took a leap of faith in Until There Was Us by pairing an unlikely couple and offering them a second chance. I adored this well- plotted story and reconnecting with all of the Montgomerys!

Thank you Samantha for dedicating this book to Celeste and I.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Paper back copy gifted from author

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Montgomery Brothers Series:
Wait for Me (Book 1)
Trust in Me (Book 2)
Stay with Me (Book 3)
Return to You (Book 4)
Meant for You (Book 5)
I'll Be There (Book 6)
Until There Was Us (Book 7)

Susan's Review of I'll Be There by Samantha Chase

'Oh my God. What happened to you?"

Those were the first words Gabriella uttered when she stepped into Zach's home the next day. He was covered in sweat and his hand was bleeding, and she noticed a harried-looking woman wearing scrubs scurrying around collecting things.

Zach glared at her and then at the woman in scrubs. "Good riddance!" he yelled as she walked out the door. It slammed behind her but Zach's eyes were instantly back on Gabriella's. "What the hell are you doing here?"

She kept her back to him for two reasons-one, she needed a moment to compose herself. In all the years she had worked for Zach, Gabriella had never seen him look like this--ragged, almost dirty. Defeated. And two, she was waiting him out to see how long it was going to take for him to start throwing his weight around in an attempt to make her leave.

She had the patience of a saint and nothing else to do today. The ball was in his court.
Her confidence was boosted by the mere fact that they had played this game dozens of times of times in the office, and she was always able to outwit him. Zach hated silence just as much as he hated when people didn't do exactly what he wanted when he wanted.

She'd missed this. And him. 

Zach Montgomery was severely injured in a mountain climbing fall. Zach has returned home to recuperate and is refusing help from his family. He's fired dozens of home health aides and his company Montgomery Enterprises is suffering because he is unable to return to work. William Montgomery has a two-fold plan for his nephew which should get Zach back to work and walking down the aisle. Walking down the aisle? Yes! William Montgomery is a wealthy businessman who dabbles as the family matchmaker.

I'll Be There is the sixth book in Samantha Chase's Montgomery series. The characters and their journey set this book apart from the books in the series. I'll Be There examines what happens when a driven businessman and athlete is severely injured in a sports- related accident. Zach's journey takes him from denial, recovery and finally acceptance as he comes to terms with the fact that he almost died. The author offers a realistic portrayal of a bitter, independent man who doesn't want assistance from anyone until he accepts his situation and chooses recovery over self -pity.

The characters of Zach and Gabriella are multi-faceted and they are very different from the other characters in the series. Although the couple is attracted to each other, their path to romance has several surprising detours. Zach is a perfectionist, he's headstrong and very independent. He is a successful businessman and he loves the challenge of extreme sports in his spare time. Gabriella Martine is a no nonsense type of person. She's Zach's assistant and Gabriella "gets" him. She has worked with Zach and understands him better than most of his family members. Faced with losing his position in his company or accepting Gabriella's help, Zach chooses to work with Gabby. Samantha Chase has created a great heroine. Gabriella's past and her family life are brought to light during the story and it's important for the reader to understand how Gabriella's past has influenced her and plays a part in her choices.

Kudos to Samantha Chase for writing a well-paced look at the emotional and physical issues after a life threatening accident. Loved the mutual attraction between the characters and how it simmered slowly at the beginning of the novel. I'll Be There is a fabulous story of a determined man and the woman who loves him and has strength enough for both of them. I read this book in one day as I was invested in the characters and their story. And I am hoping to read another Montgomery book soon!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Review edited by Brian McGee - Thanks Brian!
ARC provided by Sourcebooks.

The Mongomerys Are Back! Special Pre Order Price for Until There Was Us by Samantha Chase!!

Until There Was Us (The Montgomery Brothers #7)

Megan Montgomery has always been the careful type. Except...one time at her cousin's wedding when she threw caution to the wind and had the steamiest hook-up of her life. But that was two years ago— why can't she stop thinking about it? So when Megan accepts a job at her cousin's company, she does everything she can to avoid Alex—knowing he'll shake up her carefully crafted world.

Alex Rebat's living a good life. He loves his career and friends, but like Megan, he hasn't been able to stop thinking about their passionate encounter. And once Megan moves to town, Alex makes it his personal goal to show her that maybe it's time to start taking a few more risks

Buy Links: Amazon  |Barnes and Noble |  iBooks

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A Note from author Samantha Chase:
Okay, so after much discussion I was able to secure for you – my readers – a price reduction on UNTIL THERE WAS US!! The catch? It is TEMPORARY!! This is a special pre-order pricing of $5.99 (and if you’ve already pre-ordered, you will get the special pricing too so no worries!!). The biggest request I have of you is to PLEASE preorder!! If they see how much readers respond and act on this lower price, then we will continue lowering the prices of my books through them!! So please, help me help YOU by being able to provide lower ebook pricing by taking advantage of this limited time offer!! THANK YOU!

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I was fortunate to read an early copy of Alex and Megan’s story and it’s the perfect addition to the Montgomery series! Summer, Ethan, Zach, Gabriella and Maylene play significant roles in the story! There’s a bit of matching making magic, fabulous characters and a story that will convince readers how sweet a second chance romance can be!

Susan

Throwback Thursday -Featuring Samantha Chase's I'll Be There!

Throwback Thursday

I am so happy to share this review of I'll Be There from December 11,2015. Samantha Chase is one of my go to authors and I looking forward to reading a new Montgomery book soon!

Zach and Gabby's story is my favorite Samantha Chase novel--read my review and you'll see why!

5 Stars! 
★★★★★

Happy Reading,
Susan

'Oh my God. What happened to you?"

Those were the first words Gabriella uttered when she stepped into Zach's home the next day. He was covered in sweat and his hand was bleeding, and she noticed a harried-looking woman wearing scrubs scurrying around collecting things.

Zach glared at her and then at the woman in scrubs. "Good riddance!" he yelled as she walked out the door. It slammed behind her but Zach's eyes were instantly back on Gabriella's. "What the hell are you doing here?"

She kept her back to him for two reasons-one, she needed a moment to compose herself. In all the years she had worked for Zach, Gabriella had never seen him look like this--ragged, almost dirty. Defeated. And two, she was waiting him out to see how long it was going to take for him to start throwing his weight around in an attempt to make her leave.

She had the patience of a saint and nothing else to do today. The ball was in his court.
Her confidence was boosted by the mere fact that they had played this game dozens of times of times in the office, and she was always able to outwit him. Zach hated silence just as much as he hated when people didn't do exactly what he wanted when he wanted.

She'd missed this. And him. 

Zach Montgomery was severely injured in a mountain climbing fall. Zach has returned home to recuperate and is refusing help from his family. He's fired dozens of home health aides and his company Montgomery Enterprises is suffering because he is unable to return to work. William Montgomery has a two-fold plan for his nephew which should get Zach back to work and walking down the aisle. Walking down the aisle? Yes! William Montgomery is a wealthy businessman who dabbles as the family matchmaker.

I'll Be There is the sixth book in Samantha Chase's Montgomery series. The characters and their journey set this book apart from the books in the series. I'll Be There examines what happens when a driven businessman and athlete is severely injured in a sports- related accident. Zach's journey takes him from denial, recovery and finally acceptance as he comes to terms with the fact that he almost died. The author offers a realistic portrayal of a bitter, independent man who doesn't want assistance from anyone until he accepts his situation and chooses recovery over self -pity.

The characters of Zach and Gabriella are multi-faceted and they are very different from the other characters in the series. Although the couple is attracted to each other, their path to romance has several surprising detours. Zach is a perfectionist, he's headstrong and very independent. He is a successful businessman and he loves the challenge of extreme sports in his spare time. Gabriella Martine is a no nonsense type of person. She's Zach's assistant and Gabriella "gets" him. She has worked with Zach and understands him better than most of his family members. Faced with losing his position in his company or accepting Gabriella's help, Zach chooses to work with Gabby. Samantha Chase has created a great heroine. Gabriella's past and her family life are brought to light during the story and it's important for the reader to understand how Gabriella's past has influenced her and plays a part in her choices.

Kudos to Samantha Chase for writing a well-paced look at the emotional and physical issues after a life threatening accident. Loved the mutual attraction between the characters and how it simmered slowly at the beginning of the novel. I'll Be There is a fabulous story of a determined man and the woman who loves him and has strength enough for both of them. I read this book in one day as I was invested in the characters and their story. And I am hoping to read another Montgomery book soon!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Review edited by Brian McGee - Thanks Brian!
ARC provided by Sourcebooks.

I'll Be There by Samantha Chase

'Oh my God. What happened to you?"

Those were the first words Gabriella uttered when she stepped into Zach's home the next day. He was covered in sweat and his hand was bleeding, and she noticed a harried-looking woman wearing scrubs scurrying around collecting things.

Zach glared at her and then at the woman in scrubs. "Good riddance!" he yelled as she walked out the door. It slammed behind her but Zach's eyes were instantly back on Gabriella's. "What the hell are you doing here?"

She kept her back to him for two reasons-one, she needed a moment to compose herself. In all the years she had worked for Zach, Gabriella had never seen him look like this--ragged, almost dirty. Defeated. And two, she was waiting him out to see how long it was going to take for him to start throwing his weight around in an attempt to make her leave.

She had the patience of a saint and nothing else to do today. The ball was in his court.
Her confidence was boosted by the mere fact that they had played this game dozens of times of times in the office, and she was always able to outwit him. Zach hated silence just as much as he hated when people didn't do exactly what he wanted when he wanted.

She'd missed this. And him. 

Zach Montgomery was severely injured in a mountain climbing fall. Zach has returned home to recuperate and is refusing help from his family. He's fired dozens of home health aides and his company Montgomery Enterprises is suffering because he is unable to return to work. William Montgomery has a two-fold plan for his nephew which should get Zach back to work and walking down the aisle. Walking down the aisle? Yes! William Montgomery is a wealthy businessman who dabbles as the family matchmaker.

I'll Be There is the sixth book in Samantha Chase's Montgomery series. The characters and their journey set this book apart from the books in the series. I'll Be There examines what happens when a driven businessman and athlete is severely injured in a sports- related accident. Zach's journey takes him from denial, recovery and finally acceptance as he comes to terms with the fact that he almost died. The author offers a realistic portrayal of a bitter, independent man who doesn't want assistance from anyone until he accepts his situation and chooses recovery over self -pity.

The characters of Zach and Gabriella are multi-faceted and they are very different from the other characters in the series. Although the couple is attracted to each other, their path to romance has several surprising detours. Zach is a perfectionist, he's headstrong and very independent. He is a successful businessman and he loves the challenge of extreme sports in his spare time. Gabriella Martine is a no nonsense type of person. She's Zach's assistant and Gabriella "gets" him. She has worked with Zach and understands him better than most of his family members. Faced with losing his position in his company or accepting Gabriella's help, Zach chooses to work with Gabby. Samantha Chase has created a great heroine. Gabriella's past and her family life are brought to light during the story and it's important for the reader to understand how Gabriella's past has influenced her and plays a part in her choices.

Kudos to Samantha Chase for writing a well-paced look at the emotional and physical issues after a life threatening accident. Loved the mutual attraction between the characters and how it simmered slowly at the beginning of the novel. I'll Be There is a fabulous story of a determined man and the woman who loves him and has strength enough for both of them. I read this book in one day as I was invested in the characters and their story. And I am hoping to read another Montgomery book soon!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Review edited by Brian McGee - Thanks Brian!
ARC provided by Sourcebooks.