The book was a very typical romance with nothing iumping out at me as memorable. It was enjoyable, but not something I would read again or rave about. The narrator is boring. Need to liven it up with diet or dual narration and I think that would help a lot.

If you love, Love and Other Words, Variation, Happy Place, and Final Offer, you should read Seeing You! This is a cute small town, second chance romance. Similar to small town authors like Elsie Silver and Deveny Perry, the Donovan Series is actually interconnected standalones, so you can read them in any order!

Thank you Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for my free ALC in exchange of an honest review!

Taylor song: If This Was A Movie

“Come back to me like you would before you said “it’s not that easy”

Seeing You is a sweet fade-to-black romance featuring Billie, a former finance professional who moves back to her hometown and becomes a local baker, and Marcus, her childhood best friend and boyfriend of 10 years, who stayed behind when Billie headed back to Sweetbriar Ridge.

This story was very cute and enjoyable. By no means the pinnacle of romance books but fun nonetheless. The narration did a great job, and I thought the small town setting was really fun! I would’ve liked to have seen more depth in the characters’ stories and more background info or flashbacks from their relationship.

Marcus was kind of a red flag for a lot of the book, but I think his turn around mostly redeems him - though I would’ve liked that to be a little more fleshed out too.

All that being said, I enjoyed this book for what it was, and I’m very tempted to read the other books in the series now. I’m wondering if reading them first would have enhanced my reading experience for this book, though it can definitely be read as a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for the honest review!

I enjoy listening to Samantha Chase's audiobooks. I love small-town, contemporary romance. This storyline was heartwarming and the characters are easy to like. The narrators brought this book to life with emotional performances that had it rolling like a movie in my head.

I had missed a couple books in the series, but I didn’t feel a bit lost. This author is way less spicy than I typically read, but a good story is a good story. I’m not usually a fan of second chance stories, but it seems like that’s been changing. This one was really well done. Billie finally gets her chance. She’s always the one looking after everyone else. Marcus couldn’t get away from Sweetbriar fast enough, but it’s looking a lot better now.

Aw! This is a cute one. Once lovers, now enemies. Billie is reunited with her ex when he comes into town to care for his father. There is much animosity between the two. It doesn’t look like there is going to be a resolution anytime soon. Her ex does not understand why she gave up her high profile, high paying job in the city to become a baker. He feels like she gives too much to her family and does not take care of herself.

This is a sweet story. Very enjoyable and easy to listen to. 3.5 stars rounded up to four.

OK so first off I like the narrator and I normally like the stories this author writes. This was one where I like the story, but man did I want to reach through my ear buds and shake the main characters. He wouldn't listen to what she was saying about not wanting to back to DC and was happy with her new career. She finally forgave him, but in the same turn still wanted him even though some of the same issues still existed.

I absolutely loved this small town second chance romance. I loved Billie Donovan, the girl who thought she had it all but was made to choose the love of her life or her family. Her ex fiancé Marcus Calloway wanted her to make that choice, the hardest decision of her life. Billie assumed she would never have the chance for love again and was coming to terms with it until Marcus came back to their small town during to his father having an accident and needing help and care. Marcus coming back changed everything, they both needed closure until they went to dinner to get that closure and ended up kissing and then all the feelings came rushing back. Marcus wanted Billie to come back to DC with him and back to their life they had before but Billie didn’t want to leave Sweetbriar Ridge.

I couldn’t stop listening to this book, I finished it in one day. It was just THAT good. Their romance is exactly the type of book I love, think Hallmark movie where someone gets back with the love of their life. Billie and her sisters and their bakery. The scene when Billie smashed a banana chocolate chip muffin in Marcus face the day she sees him for the first time in ten years. I loved just how far Marcus went to get Billie to trust him and give him another chance. The ending of this book it completely melted my heart, Marcus went above and beyond to work with Billies family to build her a dream home without her knowing till the plan was ready to be executed. He made her dream kitchen and a home big enough of kids and entertaining and a yard for their dogs to play in. I just gush over a happy ending book and I am so glad that Marcus and Billie got married and are starting their family.

If you like to read:
* Small Town Romance
* Second Chance Romance
* Enemies to lovers
* Standalone romance

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance listening copy of this book and thank you to Samantha Chase for giving me this opportunity. This is all my own words and voluntarily written.

Thank you to @netgalley and @dreamscapemedia for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Samantha Chase's 'Seeing You' delivers another engaging small-town romance within the Donovan series, showcasing her talent for crafting compelling characters and intricate family dynamics. While familiarity with the previous books enhances the experience, 'Seeing You' stands effectively on its own, offering a satisfying story for new readers.

The audiobook narration is a highlight, with the narrator bringing the characters and storyline to life with exceptional skill. The performance captures the nuances of each character, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.

What truly resonated with me was the relatability of the characters. The close-knit family dynamic and the genuine friendships portrayed in the book are both heartwarming and aspirational. Billie's journey is particularly compelling. Her decision to leave a high-powered career to return to her small-town roots speaks to her independence and her commitment to family. Her strength and generosity are portrayed with authenticity, making her a truly admirable character. The storyline itself is well-paced, offering unexpected twists and a satisfying resolution.

'Seeing You' reinforces Samantha Chase's ability to deliver enjoyable and emotionally resonant romances. This book, like her others, offers a delightful escape into a world of heartwarming connections and fulfilling relationships. I eagerly anticipate her next work.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #dreamscapemedia #seeingyou #samanthachase

I am so glad Billie finally got her story! Billie has always been hard and stubborn, but loved her family fiercely. So fiercely she walked away from Hudson and her big time career to focus on her family and small town life. With Hudson back in town temporarily to help his dad, can these two exist in the same small town? The tension between them definitely helps pull the story along quickly.

This book was shelved before I had a chance to listen to it and give an objective feedback. Very sad about it since I couldn’t wait to read it.

Another great book for Samantha Chase. Small town romance full of family drama, great characters driven plot, likeable characters, the book has it all. This is part of the Donovan series, so you don't want to miss out on the other books, but it's not necessarily needed to follow along with this one. However, the small town and big family part of the series is so so worth the reads.
The narrator of this audiobook was great. She really brought out the characters and storyline. I don't know that I would've asked for a better narrator.
What I loved:
-the characters. They are all so relatable. I can see myself being close knit with all of them and find myself wanting the friendship and family bonds that they have.
-the independence. Biullie walked away from her career that would earn her a high figured salary to be part of her small town family. Little does her ex know that she's doing better with what she has now, that she would have been even with her career in finance in a big city. Billies bad assery sees all levels and challenges them. She helps her family because she can and because it gives her joy.
-the storyline left me with some unexpected surprises while tying up all loose ends

What I didn't love:
-I never like it when a good book ends. But Samantha leaves little hints and clues for the next one. The next never disappoints.

I always look forward to reading a Chase novel. This one was no different and I look forward to the next one.

I devoured this one in a single day!

This was my first Samantha Chase book and I'm an instant fan! This small town, second change romance was everything I wanted. The audiobook narration was great so I would recommend listening or reading with your eyeballs.

Catch me downloading all of Samantha Chase's other books now.

This one ultimately wasn’t for me. I didnt like the MMc until the very end, and even then it was questionable. He was annoying, condescending, and cared way too much about money. It wasn’t until he was going to lose the FMC that he even thought of ways they could be together without her giving up everything for him. I thought she took him back too easily without him really showing that he’s changed.
The narration itself was good.

I've been fortunate to have been gifted most of this series by NetGalley. This book is about one of the Donovan sisters, Billie, and her second chance romance with Marcus. While in general I have enjoyed the Donovans series, which is why I keep requesting the books on NetGalley, I did NOT like the MMC- Marcus. Billie and Marcus were compatible when they were working in finance in the city, but ever since Billie left Marcus for a change of pace and a different life 10 years ago, their compatibility went down the drain. Marcus can't understand why Billie would choose the small town simple life and throw away everything she worked for in the city. Throughout this whole book, I thought Marcus was an entitled asshole, and the author does a good job of establishing that early on in the book. Unfortunately, I could not see past that as Marcus started to decide what he wanted. They even mentioned that he was having his cake and eating it too, at the expense of Billie. I am glad that Billie took a stand against that. Marcus thought the best way to solve problems was to throw money at it and that theme kept on throughout the ENTIRE book. I just didn't believe his character arc, and I don't think that he is a changed man. I think he will hurt Billie in the future and not even realize it, just like he did 10 years ago. I usually really enjoy second chance romance, but in this case, my dislike for Marcus outweighed my like of the second chance trope. #netgalley #seeingyou

Thanks to Netgally for granting this ARC audiobook. Before I started it, I did not realize this was a fourth book in the series. Thankfully, Seeing You is great as a stand alone. I found the narrators to be great, and I enjoyed hearing the charisma and banter. This was a cute love story.

Originally reviewed: 1/25/25; Edited Update: 2/20/25

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 chance 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.

I really wanted to love this book. The female main character was great and well developed. However the male man character was insufferable and ruined the whole thing for me

Billie Donovan walked away from her fiance, Marcus Calloway, giving up a lucrative financial career and their relationship to live in their hometown and be closer to her family. Now, years later, Marcus is back in Sweetbriar Ridge after swearing he would never come back, to help care for his ailing father. When Marcus walks into the bakery/cafe/bookshop that Billie co-owns and bakes for, it sparks a new beginning for the two of them. But will that mean that one of them has to give up on their own personal dreams to have a happy ending?

OK, this was a seriously cute story for the most part, very Hallmark movie vibes and I loved Billie and her family. I haven't read/listened to any of the other books in the series so this was my first introduction to everyone. I also thought Marcus' dad and brother were really sweet and charming. However, I did not love Marcus and spent most of this book being annoyed at the way he kept stringing Billie along and not taking her seriously. He redeemed himself in the end, but the seeming sudden change of heart gave me whiplash.

The audiobook narration was good although I thought the way the narrator read Marcus' dad sounded a little...constipated?

I'd like to read more of the books in this series if I have a chance. Fun setting and characters.

This small town romance was an easy audiobook to listen to although the characters were quite frustrating to me. I especially didn't like Marcus. I feel like that was how it was supposed to feel at first but I never truly warmed up to him. He just seemed like too much of a jerk to like. I also felt like a 10 year gap was pretty big to have no communication after you up and leave him right before a wedding especially with her loving in their hometown. I did really enjoy a Billies characters though and the family dynamics in the book.