Susan's Review of Tangled Up In You by Samantha Chase

They'll change each other's fate...

One fateful night Bobby Hannigan sustains a gunshot wound that could end his career as a police officer. If that's taken from him, he doesn't know what he'll do. The only ray of hope is Teagan Shaughnessy—a kindhearted single mom who understands his struggles...
Teagan and her young son have just moved back to the Carolina coast to be near family. When she meets Bobby, the timing feels wrong, but everything else feels oh-so-right. Bobby and Teagan each had plans for their own futures. But they're finding that those plans are meaningless if they can't be together...



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Samantha Chase’s Tangled Up In You is an honest and heartbreaking story of one man’s struggle to accept that an injury may prevent him from returning to a job that he loves. I loved Bobby Hannigan’s relationship with Quinn Shaughnessy in the earlier books in this series, especially when Quinn started to date his sister Anna. Their give and take relationship is tested as Quinn is tasked with telling Bobby about the extent of his injuries. Ms Chase kept the characters true to themselves in this poignant, important conversation. These paragraphs are perfectly written-honest, heartbreaking and emotional. Most importantly, they set the tone for the story.

Teagan Shaughnessy and her five year old son Lucas have moved from Colorado to North Carolina for a fresh start. Her parents have relocated with them and Teagan has found her dream job as an elementary school guidance counselor. Lucas’ father died before he was born. Teagan is a strong self-sufficient single mom who earned both her undergrad and graduate degrees while caring for her son. Lucas is Teagan’s world until Bobby shows up at a family barbeque.

Samantha Chase writing style has evolved in this series-she excels in writing small town stories filled with relatable characters. In Tangled Up In You, she digs into the emotional after effects of a life threatening injury and the unexpected, tragic loss of a loved one. Being a cop defined Bobby Hannigan. Teagan’s life was turned upside down when Logan, her fiancé was killed in Afghanistan. She has concentrated on her studies and her son comes first.

I loved how Bobby and Teagan’s story unfolded during this book. Teagan tells Bobby that they can only be friends but, that quickly changes. Their chemistry sizzled and their sensuous love scenes were perfectly written for this couple. Loved how the relationship between Bobby and Lucas developed—lots of humor when Bobby teaches Lucas how to play ball.

The conflict between these two strong willed characters kept me reading—Bobby is all about being a cop and Teagan is afraid that one day he will not come home. Samantha Chase has written a book centered on family; what it means to be part of a family, how to accept unconditional love and most of all to have faith in each other.

Ms. Chase’s descriptive voice kept me reading – as I wasn’t sure how the story would play out. I enjoyed this fabulous story—it has all the feels—and – yes, she made me cry—again!

Reviwed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by publisher




The Shaughnessy Brothers series:

Made for Us (Book 1)

Love Walks In (Book 2)

Always My Girl (Book 3)

This Is Our Song (Book 4)

A Sky Full of Stars (Book 5)

Holiday Spice (Book 6)

Susan's Review of One More Moment by Samantha Chase

Julian Grayson is taking a break
...from his cheating fiancée
...from his band
...from his life in the spotlight

Charlotte Clark is devoted to her work
...to save the world
...to help the homeless
...to get a broken man back on his feet

When Charlotte Clark offers to pay for Julian Grayson's coffee, the world-famous drummer assumes she wants something from him. But Charlotte has no idea who he is, and Julian can't resist keeping up the charade—being incognito is a novelty and a relief. He'll have to tell her...eventually. But as Charlotte cheerfully undertakes to transform his life, Julian realizes there's something about her that gives him what he hasn't felt in years: hope.

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Do you believe that a random act of kindness can change your life?

Social worker Charlotte Clark pays it forward and buys coffee and muffins for the unkempt, cranky guy ahead of her in line at her local coffee shop. The man starts to argue with her and she smiles and responds ‘pay it forward.’ Charlotte has no clue that she’s bought Shaughnessy drummer Julian Grayson breakfast while Julian has no idea what ‘pay it forward means.’ Charlotte’s charity drew me into the story. She is genuine, compassionate person who loves the beach, her job and her community. I adored Charlotte and her desire to help people.

After leaving his cheating ex-fiancé at the altar, Julian is back in California after a three -month cross country trip. He’s angry, emotionally burned out and he’s avoiding his Shaughnessy band members; Riley, Matt and Dylan. He is so surprised that Charlotte doesn’t want something from him- an autograph, picture or a hookup. He is so jaded that he can’t accept a cup of coffee from someone without immediately thinking the worst.

People ask me why I read Samantha Chase’s novels. I ADORE her characters. I can connect with Ms. Chase’s honest, flawed characters. You might see a glimpse of your brother, sister, husband or best friend in her stories. Each character is unique and grows within the story. I connected with Charlotte and Julian’s story immediately. I loved watching this couple who seemed so very different fall in love. Loving Charlotte brought out the best in Julian. I loved the scene when he asked Charlotte what she would do if she had an entire day off. He made her dreams of reading at the beach come true; a simple but heartfelt gesture. The couple has obstacles to overcome. Julian needs to acknowledge his feelings towards his ex-fiancé and move forward. Most importantly, Julian needs to accept that Charlotte loves him; not what his money can buy her.

One More Moment is so much more than a rock band book. This novel tackles several social issues. Homelessness, unemployment, trust, communication and commitment are integral pieces of the storyline. Samantha Chase’s strong narrative voice shines in this story as Julian struggles with anger, loss and self-doubt. Even though the chemistry between the couple is off the charts, falling in love doesn’t come easy for Charlotte and Julian. Their struggles are real and their journey had several unexpected twists and turns.

If you are looking for a book with all the feels… one click ONE MORE MOMENT! I am sure you will adore this compassionate character driven story!

I enjoyed each of the Band OnThe Run novels. Each book tackled a tough subject – ill-advised career decisions, drunk driving, anger and avoidance—and wove in humor, compassion and love. I connected with each character and became immersed in their journeys. I recommend each one of the books within the series

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased on Amazon

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Shaughnessy Brothers: Band on the Run Series:
One More Kiss (Book 1)
One More Promise (Book 2)
One More Moment (Book 3)

Always My Girl by Samantha Chase

Sometimes the love that’s closest to you is the hardest to see.

Quinn Shaughnessy’s two older brothers have found their true loves … but Quinn’s not about to join that parade. Nope, as he tells his best friend Anna, there’s a lot more to life than getting tied down to one person. He’s positive tomboy Anna will be on his side — except she’s inexplicably developing other interests — even dating! Suddenly Quinn is seeing Anna in a very different light.

Quinn has been Anna’s buddy since they were both five years old. She can tell him anything — except the one big secret she’s been hiding for years — that she’s fallen in love with him. Now Anna is determined to make a life for herself that doesn’t include pining for Quinn. Falling in love with your best friend? Easy. Telling them how you really feel? Impossible.

‘Um…is that one of your friends from Arizona? Aidan didn’t mention anyone being here yet.” He took a couple of steps past Zoe, a grin slowly appearing on his face as he appreciated the curvy, half- naked woman on the chaise. She was wearing a tiny blue bikini and was all tanned limbs.
“Uh…Quinn? Zoe began.
Quinn sat down on the chaise Zoe had vacated and cleared his throat. “Hey, he said smoothly. ‘I’m Quinn, Aidan’s brother.
Anna turned over, the large floppy hat falling behind her.
Quinn quickly stood and stumbled and fell backward over Zoe’s chaise. ‘Holy shit! Anna? He slowly came to his feet. What the hell? 

Always My Girl is a superbly written- character driven novel. Samantha Chase has created an imperfect hero in her third Shaughnessy Brothers book. Quinn is the self- absorbed, oh, so charming brother who is annoying and opinionated. A former race car driver, Quinn has returned home and opened a series of car repair and restoration shops. His focus is on his career. Restoring a friend’s classic cars will bring prestige and future business to his shop. In order to gain a lucrative account, will Quinn put family or his business relationships first?

Samantha Chase is known for her unique characters, their real life issues and dialogue. Quinn is my least favorite of the Shaughnessy clan. I didn’t appreciate how he treated Anna or his siblings. The author does a fabulous job with Quinn’s backstory which helped me understand this complex character. Loved the conversation between Quinn and Ian—this heartfelt, emotional talk brought to light Quinn’s relationship with his mother and provided Ian the opportunity to give Quinn a swift kick in the butt. This conversation was deftly written—just the right amount of humor and frank talk—not too preachy. Ian made Quinn think about his choices. 

Anna Harrington is more than the girl-next-door. She is the heart of the Quinn family. She is always there when Quinn, Zoe, Aidan or Darcy need her. Anna realizes she needs to move on and start living for herself, and that takes courage. As Anna decides to re-enter the dating scene, the author includes several well -written dramatic scenes that made an impression on me. The novel portrays Quinn and Anna’s journey from friendship to lovers in an honest, touching way. Samantha Chace stays true to the character of Quinn and the path to happiness for the couple follows quite a bumpy road. Always My Girl is different take on the typical friends to lovers story and it works! 

If you are looking for a captivating romance with great characters, pick up Always My Girl! 

Buy Links:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks |BAM

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Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Since then, she has published seventeen more titles and has become a New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author. She lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Reviewed By: Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher.

Graphic provided by the author.

Samantha Chase’s Love Walks In | Spotlight

The Shaughnessy Brothers are back!

He lives by a schedule

Aubrey Burke is on the run from an about-to-be-disastrous mistake when resort owner Hugh Shaughnessy catches her climbing through his office window. Until Aubrey tumbled into his life, Hugh had relied on work and discipline to safeguard a heart damaged by family tragedy. Now his careful world will never be the same.

She lives for the moment

Hugh’s approach to life and love is the opposite of Aubrey’s, but she soon finds herself falling hard for the handsome hotel mogul. There’s a darker reason behind her “live for today” attitude than Hugh could possibly know, but for the first time Aubrey dares to hope this man’s love might make it worth taking a chance on the future.

Samantha Chase, a creative writing teacher, released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Since then, she has published seventeen more titles and has become a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two sons in North Carolina. http://www.chasing-romance.com/

Love Walks In Buy Links:

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Aubrey was curled up in bed with the TV remote, flipping through the channels, trying to find something to watch. Honestly, with hundreds of channels, it shouldn’t be this hard, she thought.

It was late for her. The eleven o’clock news was over and all of the late-night talk shows were starting up. It had been so long since she’d watched any of them, she wasn’t sure which channel to go to or what she’d find.

“Maybe I should read,” she muttered, looking around for her Kindle. She was a one-click addict—there had to be something on there to pique her interest. Shutting off the TV and reaching for the nightstand drawer, she let out a squeak of surprise when the phone rang. A slow smile crept across her face when she saw Hugh’s name on the screen.

“Hey,” she said softly, relaxing back onto her pillows.

“I didn’t wake you, did I?” Hugh asked.

“Nope. I was just sitting here trying to figure out what to do with myself. It was a toss-up between late-night TV and a book.”

“Book. Always go for the book. You’ll sleep better.”

She chuckled. “I’m not too sure about that. I found I sleep better when you’re next to me. And we didn’t read a single word.”

He groaned. “You’re killing me.”

“Okay, sorry,” she said. “So tell me how your first day at home was. Did you get to have dinner with everyone?”

“Oh…yeah,” he said sourly, and Aubrey knew something was up.

“Out with it, Shaughnessy. What’s going on?”

He told her about his father’s plans for the house and why he wasn’t particularly thrilled about it. “What about your brothers? Do they feel the same?”

“Hell no. They spent a good portion of the night telling me why I was wrong.”

She could hear the pout in his voice and her heart went out to him. “I’m so sorry. What can I do? Do you want to come here for a few days?”

“I do…but if I leave it’s just going to give them more ammunition.”

“You’re entitled to feel the way you feel, Hugh. They don’t have to agree with it or even like it, but you don’t have to change for them. Chances are they do things you don’t like or agree with. Right?”

He sighed. “What’s your point?” There was no animosity in his tone, only curiosity.

“Just because they think or do things differently than you, do you love them any less?”

“Well…no.”

“So don’t let this bother you. You’re probably the only one still thinking about it. Take this time to enjoy your visit with your father and your brothers. If they give you grief about it, just shake it off.”

“Easier said than done. And you should know that. Weren’t you on the receiving end of family grief only a week ago?”

Aubrey was quiet for a moment. “That’s different, Hugh. Your brothers aren’t being mean to you or belittling you for the sake of being cruel. They’re probably doing it more out of good old-fashioned sibling teasing.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

It still stung. “So,” she began cheerily, “what are your plans? Anything exciting?”

He outlined his plans to help his dad with the yard work, to see his brother Aiden’s house, and to look at some property for a potential new resort.

“Sounds like you’re going to have a lot to do.”

“I suppose.”

There was that tone again. “Hugh? Come on. There’s something wrong. I can hear it in your voice.”

He was silent for a long moment, and just when Aubrey thought she’d have to prompt him, he said, “I miss you.”

Her heart melted at his words. “You just saw me this morning,” she said quietly.

“I know, but this last week we’ve been around each other all the time. And now…now I wish you were here with me.”

Samantha Chase’s Love Walks In is a wonderful opposites attract romance. Runaway bride Aubrey Burke climbs into hotel owner Hugh Shaughnessy’s window and into his heart. The characters and their stories drew me into this flawlessly written story which centers on the subjects of forgiveness, second chances and family ties. 

Each member of the Shaughnessy family has dealt with the loss of their mother during the past 17 years. Love Walks In provides insight into Hugh’s struggle with his perceived role in the tragedy. Hugh is a by-the-book, detail oriented person. He sticks to his work schedule and thrives on routine. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could relate to the character of Hugh. He helped Aubrey escape from her fiancé but I felt that he didn’t feel for her situation until he heard her crying on his deck. Hugh understood that Aubrey needed someone to comfort and support her, not judge her. This simple, well-crafted scene sets both the stage and the tone for the couple’s romance. 

Aubrey reminded me of a caged bird. She longed to escape from her disapproving, controlling parents. Aubrey sees life as an adventure, she wants to try new things and travel. Hugh and Aubrey get to know each other as they work on a major wine campaign for the resort. The author does a fabulous job with the careful pacing of the couple’s romance. The progression from friends to lovers works perfectly in this novel. Travelling for the campaign puts Hugh and Aubrey in close contact; they work together, eat together and confide in each other. 

Samantha Chase has the ability to write honest, emotional dialogue for her characters which enables the reader to closely identify with them. I loved the from- the-heart conversations between Hugh and Aubrey and the humorous back and forth banter between Hugh and his family. 

Love Walks In amazed me because it’s so much more than an opposites attract romance. The author mixes the right amount of humor, drama and family in this contemporary novel. Hugh and Aubrey’s story resonated with me. The conclusion and the epilogue were perfect for this couple—the last few chapters were fabulously written and full of surprises!

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

Edited By Brian McGee 

ARC provided by Sourcebooks

Made for Us Samantha Chase

Zoe Dalton has been  tasked with an impossible job. A difficult client has already fired her predecessor. Zoe wonders what she is in for as she drives to the construction site to meet the client Aidan Shaughnessy, the owner of Shaughnessy Construction.

"I take it that this is a test to determine if I can see that the problem is in the details. Let me assure you, Mr. Shaughnessy, that I do. I have a real problem with craftsman who rush through a job and put out shoddy work. I think the homeowner deserves a house that has been put together perfectly. And for the finishes and decorating," she said as she stood a bit taller, "we want the potential buyers to come in here and not only want to buy this house, but to want their own to look as perfect as the model. If not better."

He quirked a dark brow at her. As much as Aiden hated to admit it, he was impressed. And he wasn't impressed easily. Zoe Dalton had not only seen everything he'd wanted her to see, but she had even picked up on an issue or two that has escaped him.

Not a easy thing to do.

Aiden continued to stand there and look at her, so Zoe figured she'd better nudge him along."Are we ready to hit the upstairs? I have a list of problems with the staircase."

And in that moment Aidan Shaughnessy thought he might have met his match.

The first two chapters of author Samantha Chase's Made for Us are fast-paced and contain the right amount of emotion, drama and dialogue. I was drawn into the story immediately because these pages set the stage for the emotional conflict within the novel and provided insight into the characters of Aidan and Zoe. Both Aidan and Zoe have suffered the loss of a parent. Aidan's mother died sixteen years ago and he is still grieving for her. Zoe moved from Arizona to North Carolina six months ago after her mother's death. Aidan can't move forward and although Zoe thinks of her mother often and feels her loss, she has accepted her death . 

Samantha Chase has created a different hero in Made For Us. Aidan is brusque, very demanding and controlling. He doesn’t have the qualities found in a typical romance novel hero, he’s not the charming , billionaire business man who drives a Mercedes. Aidan is a down to earth hero with every day issues! He is a successful contractor who thrives on routine and stresses out when things do not go as planned. 

Kudos to Samantha Chase for writing a exceptional love story. I am glad that she chose to write Aidan and Zoe’s story instead of the typical formula romance novel to start off her new series. Death , grief and destruction are not what a reader expects in a contemporary romance--these elements work in this story and set it apart from a typical read. Samantha Chase writes a strong female character in this novel and it was so refreshing to read. Loved how the author balanced Aidan and Zoe’s passionate love story with the threat of the storm moving towards their town. 

Made for Us sets the stage for the new series perfectly with its elegant prose and sincere dialogue. It contains several surprising plot twists which adds to the story's authenticity. 

I am looking forward to the second Shaughnessy Brother book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman 

ARC from Sourcebooks
Graphics from Samantha Chase.