I’m a fan of Samantha Chase and enjoyed her recent series, The Donovans (of Laurel Bay). This is a new break-off series featuring Donovan cousins who live five hours away in Sweetbriar. This allows for some crossover appearances. The story begins with cocky Levi Donovan losing his job in marketing and moving home to Sweetbriar to live with his sister. He always thought he was meant for bigger things than this small town of 1500.

Jade Mackenzie is a a single mom of 8 year old Silas. The father isn’t in the picture. She is opening her new store, Books and Beans, a mixed book store and coffee shop. Levi’s sister Billie is the baker for the treats at the shop and encourages Levi to help with some marketing ideas. I like that Jade is realistic and very honest with her thoughts and feelings. The sparks are there and she wants to embrace them even if Levi may not be staying in town. Levi has to find a future for himself and realizes he may not have the wanderlust he once did.

Because it is the first in the series some time is spent getting to know his three sisters who I assume will get their romances in upcoming books. The spice factor is low to med with characters getting steamy but with limited descriptions or fading to closed door. The son is important to the overall story but his interaction is limited as much of the time he is away at summer camps. Overall I’m invested in these lighter romances about realistic people. I’ll be waiting for Teasing You that is the romance for Levi’s sister Ashlynn. A preview chapter is included in my ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Valentine PR & Literary Management for the ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.

Loving You is the first book in the new series The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge by Samantha Chase. The author says these can be read as stand-alone, but I recommend you read Peaceful Harbor to get some back story. Each of these interconnected series follow a family group as they find their happily ever afters.
This is a small town romance that is friends to lovers.

Jade Mackenzie is a single mom trying to make a success of her new business, Beans and Books. But dealing with small town issues in Sweetbriar Ridge and gossip is putting a damper on her success. Her focus has always been her son. Men have not been in the picture, and she's been okay with that until she literally falls into one's arms.

Levi Donovan never thought he'd be back in his hometown. He couldn't escape fast enough to make a name for himself in advertising marketing. Yet, here he is looking at his life through the lens he hasn't truly been willing to see. And making decisions based on others to make a difference in the town and the life of the woman he wasn't expecting, but now feels he can't live without.

We met the Donovans through their father, Ronan, in the Peaceful Harbor series. And remember, everything is not always as it appears.

I didn't read "The Donovans" (original) series prior to this book, so I wasn't familiar with the family. But I do like Samantha Chase (she's a local author to me), so I gave this new series a chance. I enjoyed it. It's very much Hallmark-y in plot and spice. Boy leaves his small town to do bigger and better things in the big city. Girl is a single mom raising her kid in the small town and just trying to hold it all together. Boy returns home when he gets fired and he doesn't think he'll like being back in his small town. Girl resists guy since she thinks he will leave. Guy has a change of heart and pursues girl. And they live happily ever after as a big happy family.

I loved that Levi didn't completely ignore the pull of a relationship with Jade. Of course, originally he was dead set on going back to Alexandria since he didn't think there was anything for him in his hometown compared to the big city. But he does come around pretty quickly and see the charm and good things about Sweetbriar Ridge. I love how supportive he is of Jade and how he even steps in to help make coffee when she needs extra hands at her newly opened coffee shop.

Jade was definitely a stubborn character. She annoyed me at times, but I get that she felt she had to do it all on her own to prove something. Her big blow up at the end was definitely over-the-top.

I loved the idea of a book store and coffee shop. Those are my two favorite things! The whole developer part seemed way too unrealistic. I mean I'm pretty sure there are already existing book stores/coffee shop combos out there, so it didn't seem that unique of an idea that could be expanded. But it helped the plot and led to a HEA.

I wish we had more of Silas, Jade's cute son. I always love single parent romances and the kids usually steal the show. This time, Silas was only included occasionally, which was a bummer.

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!

I loved the author’s series of the Donovans of Laurel Bay and was very excited the ones in Sweetbriar Ridge were getting their stories.
This one introduces the readers to the children of their estranged Dad Ronan Donovan and this one belongs to Levi Donovan.
Levi left Sweetbriar Ridge to spread his wings with no interest in returning. But the loss of a job he loved has him returning home. A place he hopes to be leaving in just a couple of weeks once he finds a hew job. Whom he never expected to meet is single mom Jade Mackenzie, the owner of a new business in town. The same woman who would rock his life and make him reevaluate his life and his future.
This is a story about family , new beginnings in life and love and second chances in both.
Reminding us that life is messing but when you find the one that “gets you” , it will make the ride a great one.
I did have one issue with the story which had me giving it 4 stars instead of 5. The author’s description of bypass surgery is not truly accurate. It is a serious surgery that takes as much as 6 hours or more, not a couple of hours and a couple of days in the hospital , but rather easily 7-9 days in CICU and the recover is 3 months with lots of cardio rehab.
That said, I did enjoy the story and am looking forward to more of them in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

I have read quite a few by Samantha Chase and I think this is my favorite so far by her! This is a small town, opposites attract romance between Jade and Levi. Jade is opening Books and Beans, a bookstore + coffee shop in her hometown of Sweetbriar Ridge. Levi Donovan comes back to town to stay with his sister who happens to bake for the coffee shop in Books and Beans. He starts to stop by the shop to see Jade and eventually meets her son, who he also enjoys spending time with. This story was so sweet and I love when good things happen to characters who have had people against them for a long time! There was some spice but I also loved the relationship that evolved between Levi and Jade's son.

This was my first read by Samantha Chase and it definitely won’t be my last.
This book is a wholesome, charming read with the single parent, small town trope, and closed door romance. Right off the bat I enjoyed that Jade was such a strong, independent, single Mom, and business owner. The vibes of Sweetbriar Ridge were so warm and comforting that I immediately wanted to go to Books and Beans and cozy up with a good book and lemon loaf. Levi was an easy character to like. Although he made a big mistake, he was able to redeem himself early on with his good looks and charm.
Overall, I think you should read this book if you’re looking for sweet swoon worthy romance, small-town charisma, and characters with big hearts!
I would like to thank NetGalley and Valentine PR & Literary Management for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is a sweet, slow build story of family, love, forgiveness, and second chances.
Levi was recently fired from his position as a high profile ad exec, and has gone home to his small town he couldn't wait to leave as a boy. His sisters and mom are happy to see him, but there is a lot of lingering resentment of the time he spent away from them all.
Jade is a struggling single mom, determined to make a go of her new coffee/book store. Everything seems to be going well, except her ex's parents aware determined to make her life miserable and sabotage her success.
An accidental meeting between Levi and Jade sends some sparks flying. But they each have a whole lot of baggage that needs to be dealt with if they have any chance of a future.
I love the characters, and all their real feelings and reactions. The storyline was captivating and had me rooting for a few characters at different times. Looking forward to seeing what is next for this family.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

HUGE thank you to Valentine PR & Literary Management as well as Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read/listen to and review this book.

I've been so freaking excited for this spin off series to start! It was everything I had hoped and more. Samantha Chase does not disappoint and Carly Robins is the perfect narrator for this series!

Here we are in Sweetbriar Ridge, finally!!! Here we go with Levi Donovan and his humbling tale. A poor judgement choice gets Levi fired from his super important, all consuming job and now no one will touch him. Levi ends up back home to try and get his life together and the first person he stumbles across when he arrives back in town is Jade, single mom trying to get her own business started. Jade has her own issues, her ex's mother has been doing her level best to blacklist Jade in Sweetbriar Ridge for the past 9 years.

This one is so good! If you have not read the Donovans of Laurel Bay I highly recommend starting there, but all the books can be read as stand alone if you really wanted to.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Valentine PR & Literary Management for this ARC of Loving You by Samantha Chase. It was one of my first books that I have read of Samantha's and I loved it! Levi was forced to move back home to Sweetbriar Ridge. He was not planning on staying permanently. That is until he met Jade and her son Silas. Jade was opening a new bookstore/coffee house, which she was hoping for it to succeed in their little town. Levi helped Jade along the way with doing so, and so did his sister Billie. Both Jade and Levi fall for each other's looks, personalities, and huge hearts. I absolutely loved Jade and Levi's story! I cannot wait to read more books by Samantha Chase!

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.

Loving You continues Samantha Chase’s Donovan’s series with this first story featuring the cousins who live in the extremely small town of Sweetwater. Levi Donovan considered himself a successful advertising professional until he was fired and suddenly finds himself unable to find another position immediately. Needing to regroup Levi returns home where his sister Billie introduces him to Jade McKenzie, a single mom in the process of opening a new business. Levi suddenly finds himself involved in an escalating family drama involving his estranged father Ronan, who left his family years ago as well as a growing relationship with Jade…and perhaps the town he has tried so hard to separate himself from. This book will definitely keep readers completely engaged until the last period. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

If you're looking for a sweet and wholesome romance, check out LOVING YOU by Samantha Chase

Featuring single parent and a small town, this romance is a closed door romance.

I loved Levi's growth throughout the story and loved seeing Jade's tenacity in the face of some pretty rubbish situations. Her adorable son was just the sweetest - and that ending!

In this book you follow up Jade who’s a single mom living in a small town where she just opened a book and coffee shop. Jade is really sweet and soft person, and I liked her right away. Levi is our MMC and yikes, it took me a bit to like him. Levi is fired from his marketing job after getting involved with a client so that was a big red flag to me. He was selfish, self center and kind of too much. He ends up moving to the small town where he grew up with his family while he’s looking to find another job. There he meets Jade and his sister twist his arm to help Jade with some marketing for her store.

Levi grew so much as a character which I loved, he went from selfish and arrogant to down to earth, helpful and mature. He was also very communicative and never let things fester. Definitely great arc for him.

I will say that the plot about Silas paternal grandmother went on for too long which was unnecessary but oh well, I still enjoyed it.
I do wish we would’ve gotten more interactions from Silas and Levi or just Silas in general since he was barely there and this was a single parent trope.

Overall good and easy short story.
3.5 stars.
This can be read as a standalone and there is no spice.

Massive thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-arc of Loving You.
All opinions expressed on this review are solely mine.

Jade is a single mother to an 8 year old. Levi is a hot shot in a big city before he gets fired and comes back to his hometown. They meet and have chemistry. They both have baggage they need to work through. This book was so cute & wholesome. I didn’t know what to expect but enjoyed.

Thank you NetGalley & Valentine PR for eARC in exchange for an honest review!

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.

This is a series for another branch of the Donovan family. We meet Liam Donovan and Jade McKenzie. Liam has to return home after he loses his PR job after doing something very stupid. In fact, I found Liam to be annoying before he finally grows up about 2/3 of the way into the book. Jade is a single mom with a young son who has opened a bookstore/coffee café. She runs into problems started by her son's estranged grandmother. This plot seemed to be a bit of a stretch, even if it is a small town. It was good to be able to catch up with some of the previous Donovans but overall I wasn't blow away with this one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.