Susan's Review Of Dare Me by Samantha Chase--Book 1 Donovans Series

One year ago, Arianna Donovan and Will Jameson met on a dare and spent a perfect 24 together before going their separate ways. She thought they would stay in touch, but he disappeared without a word.

Arianna thought she’d moved on. But when Will shows up at a family dinner with her older—and very protective—brother, she’s angry and confused. How could he possibly forget to mention that he was friends with her brother? No one knows about their past and Arianna wants to keep things that way. No matter how tempting Will is.

When he walked away a year ago, Will thought it was for the best. Staying away from Arianna was the smart thing to do, especially with how protective her older brother—his friend and fellow soldier—can be. Time and distance will work wonders when you’re trying to stay away from someone. Now that he’s seen her again, he forgets all about doing the smart thing. He’ll just have to first convince her to let go of her anger and give him another chance.

Will isn’t above playing the nostalgia card, and when he challenges Arianna to a sexy game of truth or dare, she can’t resist. Neither one is ready to tell the world what they’re doing, but how long can they possibly keep things a secret when there are Donovans ready to meddle around every corner?

Samantha Chase’s Dare Me has the best meet cute!

One year ago, Arianna Donovan met Will Jameson on a dare. The couple spent a perfect day sightseeing in San Francisco and ended their romantic date watching the sun rise. Ari hoped to convince Will to try a long distance relationship-but-he ghosted her! Imagine her surprise when her brother Liam brought Will to family dinner! Best scene ever!

Ari graduated from college and completed an internship in California before returning home to Laurel Bay. She enjoys her independence and has a great job as a radiologist. Her parents and brothers view her as the “baby sister” they do not understand that she is an intelligent woman with a challenging career. She’s tired of her parents trying to control her and wants to put miles between herself and her overbearing family.

Will’s family life is the total opposite from Ari’s. Raised by his Mom who recently passed—he has no one to go home to. He is looking to put down roots after completing his last tour for the Marine Corps. His dream is to design affordable housing for single parent families. Will and Liam decide to develop a piece of property and he begins to settle into his apartment.

Love the Truth or Dare game that the author weaves through the novel. The game adds so much humor and fun as the questions are asked, answered, feelings are revealed and the chemistry sizzles. The answers quickly move Ari and Will’s story from friends to lovers. I loved Ari’s sassy independent nature and that Samantha Chase allowed both Will and Ari to grow during the novel. Ari became such a relatable, dynamic character with each chapter and watching Will fall head over heels in love with Ari was swoon worthy.

Dare Me is the first book in Samantha Chase’s Donovan series. I adored Ari and Will’s sexy truth or dare romance. The characters are appealing, the romance sizzles and the connection between Ari and Will is genuine. Looking forward to the next book in the series—Tempt Me.

If you are looking for a fun, flirty, heartfelt read treat yourself to Samantha Chase’s Dare Me! I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Susan's Review of The Summer Cottage by Annie Rains

This summer, they'll learn that home is where the heart is.

Somerset Lake is the perfect place for Trisha Langly and her son to start over. As the new manager for the Somerset Cottages, Trisha is instantly charmed by the property's elderly residents and her firecracker of a new boss, Vi Fletcher. But Trisha is less enchanted by Vi's protective grandson Jake. No matter how tempting she finds the handsome lawyer, Trisha knows that if Jake discovers the truth about her past, she'll lose the new life she's worked so hard to build.

Jake Fletcher left Somerset Lake after a tragic loss, but he's returning for the summer to care for his beloved grandmother, hoping Vi will sell the run-down cottages and finally slow down. There's just one problem: Trisha, Vi's new employee. She's smart, beautiful, and kind, but Jake's job is to protect his grandmother's interests, and his gut is telling him Trisha's hiding something that could jeopardize Vi's future. However, as they spend summer days renovating the property and bonding over their love for the town, Jake realizes that Trisha is a risk worth taking--if only she can trust him with her secrets . . . and her heart.

Annie Rains is one of my favorite authors. Her compelling characters, their stories, and descriptive voice me into her stories. Ms. Rains crafts a fabulous story for Trisha Langly and Jake Fletcher. Loved the plot premise- Trisha has been hired by Jake’s grandmother to oversee her rental cottages while Jake’s parents have asked him to convince his grandmother to sell the properties.

Grandmother Vi has asked them to work together to bring the cottages back to life. The chemistry simmered between Jake and Trisha as they worked side by side renovating the cottages, spent time with Trisha’s son Petey and attended community events. The couple’s slow burn romance was perfectly paced- loved reading how their friendship became so much more.

Love Annie Rains’ descriptive voice. I could picture Jake and Trisha sitting on the dock watching the sunset over Somerset Lake. I could hear Petey asking Jake a zillion questions about fishing, camping and flying. Loved the chapter where Trisha attended Tess’s book club. Trisha expected to be part of a book discussion—she left being part of a circle of supportive friends.

The Summer Cottage pulled at my heartstrings because Trisha made a difficult choice to move from Sweetwater Springs to Somerset Lake. She realized that she and Petey needed a fresh start. I loved the themes of honesty, forgiveness and hope in the novel. Family, home and community were important to Trisha and Jake—this made the book a 5 star read for me!

I adored the author’s Sweetwater Springs series. I am glad I joined Trisha and Petey in Somerset Lake! Loved the characters of Vi, Mr. S, Della Rose and Lucy and can’t wait to read more about them!

I highly recommend The Summer Cottage-- It’s a beautifully written small town romance filled with love, family drama and fantastic characters. Kick off your flip flops, grab a glass of wine and settle in for a heartfelt, sweet romance at Somerset Lake!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC from the publisher

Interview with Annie Rains

Susan: The Summer Cottage features Trisha and Petey Langley who were featured in the last Sweetwater Springs novel Reunited on Dragonfly Lane. Why did you choose Trisha and Petey to cross over to the new series?

Annie Rains: To be honest, characters sometimes just show up and demand to have their stories told. That’s what Trisha did. I didn’t know quite yet that my Sweetwater Springs series was over when she took her place as Sophie’s best friend in Reunited on Dragonfly Lane. Trisha’s move from Sweetwater Springs to Somerset Lake seemed like a natural next step for her at the end of book 7, and for me as well. It felt serendipitous in a way.

Susan: I loved getting to know Trisha and Petey and seeing them settle into Somerset Lake. I enjoyed reading about their journey—the road towards healing, trust and acceptance was not easy. The themes give the reader so much to think about. Was it difficult to write their story?

Annie Rains: Actually, I felt like Trisha’s and Petey’s story came very easy for me. I think everyone at some point in their lives has kept an aspect of their life hidden for fear of rejection from others, whether it be where you live, what you do, or what’s going on in your home life. I pulled from that one thread to write Trisha’s story. It’s hard to truly connect to someone else when you’re closed off the way Trisha is in the beginning of the book. I loved watching her open up to the town of Somerset Lake and to Jake. I enjoyed writing her and Petey’s arcs.

Susan: Petey is adorable! Such an inquisitive little boy with an adventurous spirit! His personality leaped off the pages of the book! He reminded me of my younger brother! Is he based on someone you know?

Annie Rains: Well, I work with children in my day job as a school-based occupational therapist. Petey’s inquisitive nature is a match for half the children I know, ha ha. I get asked a hundred and one questions throughout the day about a wide range of topics. I knew when I was writing Petey that I wanted him to have that same curious nature. As I wrote him, he really became his own character though. He’s not based on any one person in real life.

Susan: Loved that Trisha joined the Thursday night book club. Will any of the book club ladies be featured in the new series?

Annie Rains: Yes! I’m writing Tess Lanes story right now. She’s the owner of Lakeside Books. Her story is a lot of fun. It’s called TRUE LOVE BOOKSHOP and it’ll release next summer (2022).

Susan Tell us a little bit about the next Somerset Lake book— The Christmas Village!

Annie Rains: The Christmas Village is Lucy Hannagan and Miles Bruno’s story, and swoon! I loved writing these two! This is a second chance romance. Miles broke Lucy’s heart when they were young. After losing her mother last year, Lucy is living all alone in a huge pink house in The Village, an older neighborhood in Somerset Lake. She’s working to pay off her mom’s debt so she decides to rent out the apartment above her garage. Enter Miles Bruno who needs a temporary place to live. Miles convinces Lucy to enter the neighborhood annual Christmas decorating contest, which would further help pay down her mom’s debt. So it’s a book full of lights, tinsel, second chances, and new beginnings. This will be my first trade-sized paperback and I’m so excited for October 12th!

Thank you so much for sharing my book with your readers!!

Susan's Review of Reunited on Dragonfly Lane By Annie Rains-- Sweetwater Springs #7

Boutique owner Sophie Daniels certainly isn't looking to adopt a dog the day veterinarian Chase Lewis convinces her to take in Comet. A rambunctious puppy with a broken leg may not be the best choice for a first-time pet owner. And house calls from the handsome doctor—her high school sweetheart who's just moved back to Sweetwater Springs—may not be the best choice for her heart either. 

Chase has come home to help his nephew but finds that he's forgotten just how much he enjoys small-town life. However, sooner or later, he's going to have to face the past and his unresolved feelings for Sophie. Now that Comet needs both their help, Chase is going to let the four-legged matchmaker work his canine magic. Then Chase will prove to Sophie that first love is even better the second time around. 

Annie Rains creates a heartwarming story for veterinarian Chase Lewis and boutique owner Sophie Daniels in the latest addition to the Sweetwater Springs series. Reunited on Dragonfly Lane is a well plotted, poignant second chance romance filled with captivating characters.

Ten years ago, a climbing accident turned Sophie’s world upside down. Instead of going to college, she broke up with Chase, her high school boyfriend, and spent a year in rehab. Annie Rains has crafted a heroine who appears to be happy and content. In truth, Sophie has not forgiven herself for the decision she made while on the mountain. This mistake changes Sophie both physically and emotionally and in doing so makes her a flawed but, relatable character.

Chase moved back to Sweetwater Springs to support Trisha, his former sister- in -law and his nephew Petey. Chase’s brother was convicted of embezzlement and his family is suffering repercussions. He’s a dedicated vet who loves all outdoor sports; mountain bike riding, climbing, fishing. Loved that he has unresolved issues—with Sophie and his brother—and is not quite sure how to resolve them.

An injured Border collie puppy named Comet brings the couple together. The sexual chemistry between the couple sizzled which enabled the author to create a slow burn romance for Sophie and Chase. They have been given a valuable gift- the opportunity to build a relationship built on trust and forgiveness.

 
Reunited on Dragonfly Lane grabbed my heart from the first page because Sophie survived and made a difference in her community. Her journey was very emotional, inspirational and heartwarming. I loved that kindness and forgiveness were the key themes in this novel Sophie and Chase brought out the best in each other—this made this captivating novel a 5 star read! 

I have enjoyed every book in this series and will miss the characters, their stories and the close knit community. Sweetwater Springs is the type of series that can be reread and appreciated with each reading. Am looking forward to the authors next series—Somerset Lake! 

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher

Interview with Annie Rains

Susan: Why do you think the Sweetwater Springs series resonated with readers? And do you have a favorite couple? 

Annie Rains: I think Sweetwater Springs resonated with readers because it was a wholesome small town with lovable characters, quirky hotspots, and lots of dogs. A lot of readers have mentioned over the years that they wish Sweetwater Springs was a real place. I would have to agree. I loved stepping into that world every morning. I’m so glad that readers felt the same way when they opened the books! 

Susan: This book really grabbed my heart because Sophie survived and made a difference in the community. Her journey was very emotional , inspirational and heartwarming. I loved that kindness and forgiveness were key themes in this novel. Was it difficult to write Sophie’s story? 

 
Annie Rains: It was so much more difficult that I expected it to be. I really didn’t know Sophie’s story when I decided to write it. She’d been in all the books, but I didn’t feel like I knew very much about her. As her story slowly evolved, there was a bit of research to do. I usually add pieces of myself in some small way to help myself feel connected to the characters, but Sophie is nothing like me. So, in that way, it was more difficult. I enjoyed writing her story and getting to know her. I’m glad that she was able to get her happy ending. She really deserved one! 

 
Susan: What was the inspiration for Sophie’s Fairy Godmother closet? 

 
Annie Rains: A friend of mine created a similar place at her church a couple years ago. She collects nice clothes to help people who need work wear so that they can interview and become gainfully employed. She is so passionate about this charity, and that inspired me to make this part of Sophie’s story. 

 
Susan: Why do you think readers love second chance romances? Are they difficult to write? 

 
Annie Rains: I think readers love second chance romances because they come with elevated emotions and feelings from page one. There’s already a rich backstory and landscape of emotion to pull from, and it’s easier to become invested in the relationship. They’re the easiest stories to write for that reason. When two characters have never met, you have to build that connection between them. If they’ve already met, fallen in love and broken up, the connection is already there along with lots and lots of messy emotions. 

Susan: Loved Comet and his role as a matchmaker in the novel. I loved that this series covers featured the character’s homes and dogs. Any plans to have a corgi on a cover soon? 

 
Annie Rains: I love a corgi! The school that my children attend often has a corgi in the front office. It tugs on my heartstrings and I can easily see this breed on the cover of one of my books some day 🥰 

Susan: What can you tell us about your new series Somerset Lake? 

Annie Rains: For my Somerset Lake series, I drew inspiration from Lake Lure, NC where the Dirty Dancing movie was filmed. It’s a beautiful lakeside town, a bit old-fashioned, and there are a few quirky places that define small towns. One of the many things I love about small towns is that everyone knows each other and there’s a lot of opportunity for friends to enemies and second chances. Readers will see that in my new series. You’ll meet Sophie’s best friend, Trisha Langly, in Reunited on Dragonfly Lane; she’ll be the heroine in the first book in my Somerset Lake series: The Summer Cottage. 

 
Susan: Thank you Annie Rains for stopping by the blog today! I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed each book in the Sweetwater Springs series! I can't wait to read The Summer Cottage!