I love a good second chance romance. Childhood sweethearts gone wrong finally get the chance to make it right. Billie & Marcus have always loved each other, but life got in their way. They wanted different things and that hasn’t changed, but after spending time together again Marcus finally starts to see that what he wants isn’t what he needs. As he sees everyone else’s happiness he realizes that city life may not be all there is and that he could be happy in a small town with the right person by his side. Their struggle is real, but their love is stronger than all the hurdles they face. Their story is sweet and tugs on all the heartstrings. I love the family support system within the Donovans, their love is always a shining point. At the core this story is all about Marcus showing Billie that he can be someone to count on, that he can be a partner. Once he realized this, all the pieces fall in place.
Narration is read with a smooth candor that is really easy to listen to.

Honestly this was such a sweet read. It truly renewed my love for second chance romance. I had read two this year that made me think it wasn't for me. However, Samantha Chase didn't take half the book for MMC to realize his faults and I loved that. The end made me feel whole and honestly had me tearing up a little. I will definitely be going back and reading book 1-3 and CANNOT wait for book five which I feel will be MMC's brothers story. The narrator was fantastic and will be adding her to my listen list.

This book was very homey and sweet but the MMC, Marcus was making me want to slap him. How many chances is Billie going to give him before he wakes up. In the end, he eventually gets it but man that was somewhat painful to witness. The in between moments were wonderful and I really liked Billie's character and how she stood up for what she wanted and insisted that she was happy even though Marcus was basically telling her otherwise. This is labeled as a second chance romance but it's more like an unlimited chance romance where Billie lets Marcus be an ass half the time (imho).

The audio narration by Carly Robins is done well.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first time reading/listening to a Samantha Chase book, but I've been meaning to check her out for awhile. I even have a book checked out on Hoopla at the moment (Irresistible Love) that I'm planning to listen to. I also really like the narrator Carly Robbins (although I think most of her work I've listened to has been under her pseudonym). All of that being said, this book didn't totally work for me and was a bit of a mixed bag, although your mileage may vary.

So some of the elements I liked: Some of the bickering between the former couple was a lot of fun and the side characters were great. I was able to follow this as a stand alone even though this is the fourth book in the series. I bet people who've read all the books up to this one will enjoy all the character updates. And I legitimately laughed out loud during the scene where the FMC and MMC run into each other when she's with her nephew.

As for what didn't work for me: This book both felt rushed and chaotic, but also dragged and was boring. None of the steps forward in the plot felt earned. It sometimes felt nonsensical. Like in one scene they're talking and then in the next scene they're fighting and then in the next scene they're sleeping together, repeat. It didn't feel like there was character growth.

(SPOILER) Also, I did not find the resolution to be remotely romantic and instead found it to be super problematic. I'm sure others will disagree, but I just don't find it romantic when someone buys someone a house that they're previously unaware of. I cannot imagine not playing a role in the decision of where I live. That's insanity. And he renovated the kitchen without her input!!!! A professional baker! Seriously? Not a fan.

Another pet peeve of mine, which I've seen in other books, is how conversations are had. There's so much unnecessary detail that adds nothing to the story and my adhd is not a fan. I don't like hearing every day chit chat in my stories. I want everything to matter. There was literally a conversation at one point about where to go eat and who should drive that added nothing to the story. I don't care that the cafe has good burgers or that one brother should drive over the other because of how their cars are parked.

Carly Robins did a good job with her narration, although I'm also not a fan of one narrator for dual POVs. Hire a dude for the MMC! Still love her though.

Anyway, this is by no means a bad book and others will enjoy it. It's just not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧

I was provided this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The audio of this book was good. I usually don’t like just one narrator but this one worked fine. The narrator who I rely do enjoy did a great job embodying each character.

This is the 4th book in the Donovan’s series. But it can be read as a standalone. But may being said I am gonna dive into the first 3 now. I love a good small town second chance romance.

Another one from Samantha Chase that you just HAVE TO LOVE!!

Billie Donovan has finally settled into her life. She co-owns Books and Beans and is finally in a happy place in her life!
Although, at times, she still feels a bit sad that she missed out on the happiness that her sisters have found…the love, the life, and the babies. But, she knows that she did find her true love once…in Marcus (not Hudson, as noted in the book blurb…)
She and Marcus met when they were young. They had great plans and dreams! And they were together for a long time… But when Marcus’ Mom got sick, well, his whole life changed…and Billie no longer felt like she was a part of it…

But that was a long time ago, and she really hasn’t seen him since…
So, when he turns up one day at her store, well, tempers flare, and feelings arise that haven’t been felt for quite some time…

As usual, Samantha Chase writes books that make you WANT the main characters to PLEASE…work it out!

As we meet the family members and friends, we come to form a bond with all of them. And, we get a glimpse into the happiness, as well as the craziness, of raising kids…and family life! 😬❤️😉

Can we ever truly get a second chance on love? Can we move on from the past? Check this one out to see the story of Billie and Marcus…and their whole, big, crazy family!

4 big ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#SeeingYou by #SamanthaChase and narrated nicely by #CarlyRobins!
Of note…this is book #4 in the series, but can be read alone…

*** IT RELEASES TODAY, 1/28/25, SO LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES NOW!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an ARC of the audiobook! I was lucky enough to get a copy yesterday as a preview!!

As for me… You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads.
Insta: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

Oh I adore small town romance and this book was no different. Carly Robins did an amazing job as always bringing the characters to life. There is just something about coming back and reigniting an old lost love that hits differently and Samantha Chase nailed it with this story.

Seeing You turns the heart inside out. Chase pushes the boundaries of emotion while exploring the fragility of life. From the heartbreak of loss to the yearning for something more, Marcus and Billie are an enigma of the soul. Haunting with a side of hope.

This book was such a sweet read that flowed well and showed a side to second chance romance that I haven’t seen before. I love the FMC and how she became her true self and how that needed to be enough. I like that the MMC had to learn what he truly wanted and do what needed to be done to hopefully achieve it. The side characters were good and so was the plot. I like that the epilogue really let the reader with a picture of how life would be for them in a way that wasn’t making the story feel incomplete. Definitely recommend this!

Oh my gosh! 5 big stars. I absolutely loved this book and listened to it in one sitting! It was so cute and funny and I loved all the characters. I didn’t know this was a series and has other books and I’m going to read the other 3!
I loved the characters and the couples in this book. It’s a second chance love story. Thank you so much for the ARC copy of this book!

Seeing You is Book 4 in The Donovans:Sweetbriar Ridge series by Samantha Chase. Even though it's part of a series, I think it could be read as a stand alone. Samantha Chase books are so good though, I definitely recommend reading the series in order!

The book was narrated by Carly Robins, who did an excellent job differentiating her voice for Marcus and Billie, making it easy to follow each character’s perspective.

Publication Date- January 28 2025
#SeeingYou #NetGalley

Cute, a tiny bit cheesy and predictable but in a good way. With this series you always know what to expect, though Marcua our hero was a bit harder to warm up to. He was obstinate about silly things.

I love revisiting Sweetbriar Ridge!

This second chance romance brings together two people who truly despise one another after calling off their engagement a decade ago. Their sharp, witty banter kept me hooked as they navigated their journey back to one another, uncovering how much they've grown and changed along the way.

It was such a treat to return to Sweetbriar Ridge and reconnect with familiar faces! That said, this book works beautifully as a standalone, making it perfect even if it's your first visit to this charming town! The audio was so beautifully narrated, I felt like I was a resident of the town as well.

Quick Summary: A second chance romance...Donovan style

My Review: Seeing You by Samantha Chase is book #4 in The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series.

About the Book: "She walked away and spent years wondering what could have been. He’s hated her from the moment she walked away from their future. They thought they needed closure. But maybe what they need is a second chance."

In My Own Words: A second chase romance where two lovers reunite after 10 years

Question: Is it possible to heal from a broken heart?

About the Characters:

Marcus - > Stubborn, opinionated, rigid, career-oriented, adversarial, childish, "numb and going through the motions"

Billie - > Family-oriented, focused, hopeful, strong, connected

The Donovan Family - > Loyal, funny, protective, supportive

About the Conflict: The push and pull between the lead couple was ongoing. It served as a heavy weight in the waiting. Choices and decisions, partner expectations, poor communication, and more were a part of their journey. It worked.

About the Narration: This novel was narrated by Carly Robins. Carly is always an exceptional narrator. She knows how to inflect emotion and express character sentiment so well.

My Final Say: This is another wonderful installment from the Sweetbriar Ridge series. All of the Donovan stories are charming. The family connection is real. Marcus and Billie's story dealt with very realistic issues. As a bonus, I loved seeing and hearing about all of the other family members updates.

Other: I love this series!

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to an audio ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I am grateful for the opportunity to review this work.

If Samantha Chase writes it, I am going to read/listen to it! I love the Donovan’s and Billie has been the stable older sister in her siblings lives and its finally her turn. Her ex-fiancé, Marcus, comes back into town to help care for his dad who has had some health problems. He had no idea that Billie was running the local bakery back home and is confused on why she would be doing that instead of working in finance making so much more money. They decide to get closure, but can’t stay away from each other when he is in town. Sweetbriar Ridge is starting to grow on Marcus, but he is not sure if he can give up his big city life to win Billie back.

Billie has been one of my favorites so far in this series. She reminds me so much of my older sister who takes care of everyone else and will always show up. Marcus on the other had was not my favorite. He was so immature and selfish and the fact that he kept calling Billie just a lowly baker and making fun of her job even after she explained that it was her passion and she loved it… I, personally would not have given him a second chance at all 😂 I loved getting to see the Donovan clan from the previous stories and this was such a fun, cute listen