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The Donovans #5
Kiss Me
Saying “I Do” to her boss seemed like a harmless solution to a potentially harmful problem.
But the only problem now is that she wants the marriage to be real.
When Marissa Barrett finds herself in a dangerous situation with her family, she needs help. Fast. Normally the queen of problem solving, this is one instance where she just can’t seem to find a solution on her own. All she wanted from her boss was help finding an attorney. But before she knows exactly how it’s happened, they’re standing in front of a justice of the peace.
Patrick Donovan would do anything to help Marissa. After all, she’s been helping him run his business for years. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t wildly attracted to her, but there was no way he would ever act on it. Plus, with his meddling family looking to see him settle down, the last thing he needed was any kind of romantic relationship. But when Marissa turns to him for help, suddenly he sees a way to do it that benefits them both.
One year of marriage. That was the agreement.
But everything’s negotiable, right?
*Each book in the Donovans series can be read as a standalone*
A Small Town, Marriage of Convenience, Workplace, Standalone Romance
But the only problem now is that she wants the marriage to be real.
When Marissa Barrett finds herself in a dangerous situation with her family, she needs help. Fast. Normally the queen of problem solving, this is one instance where she just can’t seem to find a solution on her own. All she wanted from her boss was help finding an attorney. But before she knows exactly how it’s happened, they’re standing in front of a justice of the peace.
Patrick Donovan would do anything to help Marissa. After all, she’s been helping him run his business for years. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t wildly attracted to her, but there was no way he would ever act on it. Plus, with his meddling family looking to see him settle down, the last thing he needed was any kind of romantic relationship. But when Marissa turns to him for help, suddenly he sees a way to do it that benefits them both.
One year of marriage. That was the agreement.
But everything’s negotiable, right?
*Each book in the Donovans series can be read as a standalone*
A Small Town, Marriage of Convenience, Workplace, Standalone Romance
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2023
177 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Chase
142 books2,357 followersSamantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
September 28, 2023
4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ The Donovans #5
Others in the series ~ The Donovans
Publication date ~ July 18, 2023
Page Count ~ 288
Audio length ~ 7 hours 26 minutes
Narrator ~ Carly Robins
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ small town, boss/employee, fake relationship, friends to lovers, forced proximity, no steamage
Patrick & Marissa have grown close, in a strictly platonic way, over the 5 years they've worked together. When Marissa needs help due to her mother's declining health and her brother's destructive behavior Patrick comes up with a solid plan ~ they'll enter into a marriage of convenience in order to protect her assets. And to get meddling mom, Kate, off his back will be an added bonus.
Not hard to figure out what is going to happen if you've read the fake relationship trope before. I liked how they didn't have to force themselves to be together since they are already so comfortable with each other, so it just seemed natural. As usual there's a bit of miscommunication 3rd act shenanigans because neither think the other feels the same way they feel.
Overall, another delightful Donovan read. I'm sad this series is over, but we met cousin, Levi, who will begin a whole new series featuring more Donovan's ~ coming out in September 2023.
Series notes:
All of the Donovan's are heavily involved in each installment, so just read them in order.
*Thanks to Samantha Chase and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ The Donovans #5
Others in the series ~ The Donovans
Publication date ~ July 18, 2023
Page Count ~ 288
Audio length ~ 7 hours 26 minutes
Narrator ~ Carly Robins
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ small town, boss/employee, fake relationship, friends to lovers, forced proximity, no steamage
Patrick & Marissa have grown close, in a strictly platonic way, over the 5 years they've worked together. When Marissa needs help due to her mother's declining health and her brother's destructive behavior Patrick comes up with a solid plan ~ they'll enter into a marriage of convenience in order to protect her assets. And to get meddling mom, Kate, off his back will be an added bonus.
Not hard to figure out what is going to happen if you've read the fake relationship trope before. I liked how they didn't have to force themselves to be together since they are already so comfortable with each other, so it just seemed natural. As usual there's a bit of miscommunication 3rd act shenanigans because neither think the other feels the same way they feel.
Overall, another delightful Donovan read. I'm sad this series is over, but we met cousin, Levi, who will begin a whole new series featuring more Donovan's ~ coming out in September 2023.
Series notes:
All of the Donovan's are heavily involved in each installment, so just read them in order.
*Thanks to Samantha Chase and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
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July 14, 2023Pre-Order KISS ME now!!!
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July 13, 2023
Thank you to Valentine PR and Samantha Chase for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a sweet, simple, and cute rude! I really enjoyed both Patrick and Marissa are MCs (at least for the first 60% of the book). I did find the pacing a bit off. At times it would drag and then suddenly BAM like fifteen different things were happening. The third act conflict really bothered because it just really severed my connection with Marissa. I felt like her reaction was way out of left field and didn’t really connect with me. I loved the family dynamic. I enjoyed the growth of the relationship between Patrick and Marissa! Overall a solid read
This was a sweet, simple, and cute rude! I really enjoyed both Patrick and Marissa are MCs (at least for the first 60% of the book). I did find the pacing a bit off. At times it would drag and then suddenly BAM like fifteen different things were happening. The third act conflict really bothered because it just really severed my connection with Marissa. I felt like her reaction was way out of left field and didn’t really connect with me. I loved the family dynamic. I enjoyed the growth of the relationship between Patrick and Marissa! Overall a solid read
July 13, 2023
Some romances are angsty, rıp-your-heart-out, and full of drama, and some are light, fun, easy reads. This marriage of convenience for the last single sibling with a rowdy family and interfering mother is the second kind.
Patrick Donovan works diligently to keep her personal life personal and to keep his matchmaking mother out of his business. He's the premier real estate agent in Laurel Bay, and a lot of his success is due to his organized, go-getter of an assistant, Marissa Barrett.
But when the personal life Marissa tries so desperately to keep personal intrudes into the rest of her life, Patrick wants to help her. He proposes they get married, which will solve a couple of problems. It will keep her family at bay as well as keeping his mother from trying to fix him up with random women, especially for his siblings upcoming weddings over the next year.
I’ve loved each romance in this series, and Patrick and Marissa's story was no different. Of course, fake becomes real, and they both have a bit of learning and growing to do along their road to forever. Charming, fun, and heartfelt, I have no doubt you’ll love this one just as much as I did!
Patrick Donovan works diligently to keep her personal life personal and to keep his matchmaking mother out of his business. He's the premier real estate agent in Laurel Bay, and a lot of his success is due to his organized, go-getter of an assistant, Marissa Barrett.
But when the personal life Marissa tries so desperately to keep personal intrudes into the rest of her life, Patrick wants to help her. He proposes they get married, which will solve a couple of problems. It will keep her family at bay as well as keeping his mother from trying to fix him up with random women, especially for his siblings upcoming weddings over the next year.
I’ve loved each romance in this series, and Patrick and Marissa's story was no different. Of course, fake becomes real, and they both have a bit of learning and growing to do along their road to forever. Charming, fun, and heartfelt, I have no doubt you’ll love this one just as much as I did!
July 20, 2023
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Patrick and Marisa have worked together for the last five years. When he learns of her family troubles, he has a solution that will help the both out.
With Marisa's mother in the hospital and her deadbeat brother trying to get what he thinks he deserves, Marisa has had about all she can stand. Patrick has a bright idea that they get married and put everything in his and her married name so her brother will stop harassing her. And with them being married, Patrick's mother will stop trying to marry him off to every single girl she meets.
While their marriage of convenience is more than they both realize, neither of them know how the other feels and that is making things harder at times.
I love stories that have big families and they are close like Patrick's family and the way they accepted Marisa is just what she needed. If they would only tell each other their true feelings, then the real marriage can begin. Even though I think it already has.
I really enjoyed this story even with Marisa's troubles and Patrick's crazy loving family. I also loved the texting between the Donovan siblings, they were so funny at times. I need to go back and read the others in this series and see what I missed.
Patrick and Marisa have worked together for the last five years. When he learns of her family troubles, he has a solution that will help the both out.
With Marisa's mother in the hospital and her deadbeat brother trying to get what he thinks he deserves, Marisa has had about all she can stand. Patrick has a bright idea that they get married and put everything in his and her married name so her brother will stop harassing her. And with them being married, Patrick's mother will stop trying to marry him off to every single girl she meets.
While their marriage of convenience is more than they both realize, neither of them know how the other feels and that is making things harder at times.
I love stories that have big families and they are close like Patrick's family and the way they accepted Marisa is just what she needed. If they would only tell each other their true feelings, then the real marriage can begin. Even though I think it already has.
I really enjoyed this story even with Marisa's troubles and Patrick's crazy loving family. I also loved the texting between the Donovan siblings, they were so funny at times. I need to go back and read the others in this series and see what I missed.
July 5, 2023
Kiss Me by Samantha Chase, book five in The Donovans series, is a marriage of convenience story between Patrick, the last Donovan sibling and his assistant Marissa Bennett. Marissa finds herself in a dangerous situation with her family, mainly due to her no good brother Daren, and needs help. Patrick Donovan would do anything to help his assistant. She has been helping him run his business and holds it together. All his siblings are in relationships and getting married, so his meddling mother puts her focus on setting him up. When Marissa needs some help from Patrick, he comes up with a solution to benefit them both. They marry for a year, in the hope that this will give Marissa the support and security she needs to stays safe as she battles her brother and Patrick's family stops setting him up in dates. What neither counted on were the deep feelings they had buried coming to the surface and complicating things as the sparks start flying. This is ultimately a romance that has good looking characters, a great supportive family and some drama. We also get to catch up with the other four siblings and their significant others, plus we meet some new family members as well… meaning more Donovan books in the future. I highly recommend Kiss Me to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 19, 2023
If you love a good marriage of convenience like I do, then this one is on you need to read. This is book five in the Donovan's series, and this is Patrick and Marrisa's story. When Marrisa finds herself in trouble, Patrick is right there to help. So, between helping Marissa out with what she needs, and Patrick tired of his mom meddling in his non existent love life, getting married for a year to help each other out just makes sense. But now, feelings that they had for each other are starting to make their way to the surface. Will these two part after a year, or will they have a HEA? I thought this book was really cute and sweet, and I've enjoyed the whole series. Definitely check them out.
July 5, 2023
I LOVE Samantha Chase! I’m a major fan-girl when it comes to this gal - show me an upcoming book release in her name and I’m desperate to get my hands on it! I’m working through her back catalogue as well. This, The Donovans series, is definitely my favourite and I’m so excited we’re about to get a spin-off for their cousins!! I was sad when I thought this was the end…
I thought a couple of the others in this series were my fave - but I was wrong. This one - this is my fave! It’s sooooo good, and Patrick has so many hidden depths we didn’t know about until his assistant Marissa needs his help when her Mom is hospitalized and her low-life brother is creating major (scary) problems for her. He comes to her rescue not just with a spare room and friendship, but a marriage of convenience to get her brother off her back. What happens from there is where the story goes off the rails and gets really good and why it’s my favourite in the series!
I completely and totally recommend this one to every romance reader out there - but you’ll want to read the whole series to get the background history of the whole Donovan family (all the characters feature very prominently throughout).
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Valentine PR, and this is my honest feedback.
I thought a couple of the others in this series were my fave - but I was wrong. This one - this is my fave! It’s sooooo good, and Patrick has so many hidden depths we didn’t know about until his assistant Marissa needs his help when her Mom is hospitalized and her low-life brother is creating major (scary) problems for her. He comes to her rescue not just with a spare room and friendship, but a marriage of convenience to get her brother off her back. What happens from there is where the story goes off the rails and gets really good and why it’s my favourite in the series!
I completely and totally recommend this one to every romance reader out there - but you’ll want to read the whole series to get the background history of the whole Donovan family (all the characters feature very prominently throughout).
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Valentine PR, and this is my honest feedback.
July 13, 2023
Another perfect Samantha Chase series.
Kiss Me might be my favorite book of the Donovan series! I loved Patrick! I enjoyed how he was mysterious through the first books, and no one knew what his character was going through. I adored how he not only wanted to do the right thing but needed to be able to fix things for Marissa. She is so capable, strong, and intelligent, that she’s been taking care of herself all her life. Even though Patrick knew this, he still had to be there for her and be a strong landing place for her. He was all in right from the beginning.
The families and small towns in a Samantha Chase book as places I want to move to and families, I want to be a part of. These Donovans are probably my favorites. The text chains between the siblings are hysterical and show how close they are to each other and how intertwined their lives are. Their mom is a hoot. I have to admit, she took some getting used to from the first book in the series, but now I just love her and want to give her a big hug. It was hilarious to watch Patrick get flustered, and Marissa knows just what to say to ‘handle’ her. I hope we’ll get to see more of Uncle Ronan (the family gossip) since the next series is with his kids. I’m looking forward to the Donovan cousins and their stories.
Kiss Me might be my favorite book of the Donovan series! I loved Patrick! I enjoyed how he was mysterious through the first books, and no one knew what his character was going through. I adored how he not only wanted to do the right thing but needed to be able to fix things for Marissa. She is so capable, strong, and intelligent, that she’s been taking care of herself all her life. Even though Patrick knew this, he still had to be there for her and be a strong landing place for her. He was all in right from the beginning.
The families and small towns in a Samantha Chase book as places I want to move to and families, I want to be a part of. These Donovans are probably my favorites. The text chains between the siblings are hysterical and show how close they are to each other and how intertwined their lives are. Their mom is a hoot. I have to admit, she took some getting used to from the first book in the series, but now I just love her and want to give her a big hug. It was hilarious to watch Patrick get flustered, and Marissa knows just what to say to ‘handle’ her. I hope we’ll get to see more of Uncle Ronan (the family gossip) since the next series is with his kids. I’m looking forward to the Donovan cousins and their stories.
July 18, 2023
First I must say how much I adore this cover. It’s just gorgeous.
When I pick up a #SamanthaChase book, I know I’m going to be happy. I’ll be left satisfied and smiling at having read a 5 ⭐️ romance. This latest book in the #TheDonovansseries is the perfect addition. I just loved it.
When I pick up a #SamanthaChase book, I know I’m going to be happy. I’ll be left satisfied and smiling at having read a 5 ⭐️ romance. This latest book in the #TheDonovansseries is the perfect addition. I just loved it.
July 8, 2023
Marissa work for Patrick for a few years, she doesn't share her life drama with him, he gets shock of his life learning about latest trouble and he step up to help. To help, they have to get married, he will help her but she will help him too.
Everything seems great till one kiss.
What a wonderful storyline, so happy that Patrick finally get his HEA.
Everything seems great till one kiss.
What a wonderful storyline, so happy that Patrick finally get his HEA.
July 9, 2023
Patrick and Marissa clicked in business, but could they add a personal relationship without damaging their working relationship? Marissa’s brother… seriously bad dude. I love it when the siblings rib each other. Light read for a summer day.
July 18, 2023
Marissa Bennett finds herself in a dangerous situation with her family and needs help. Patrick Donovan would do anything to help his assistant. She has been helping him run his business and holds it together. All his siblings are in relationships and getting married, so his meddling mother puts her focus on setting him up. When Marissa needs some help from Patrick, he comes up with a solution to benefit them both. They marry for a year, and she stays safe from her family, and Patrick's family stops setting him up in dates. What neither counted on were the deep feelings they had buried coming to the surface and complicating things.
I will admit, this book had a bit of a convoluted fake marriage plot. It was a little to convenient that both thought the marriage would solve their problems. However the relationship that developed between Marissa and Patrick was sweet. Both of these people had feelings for each other long before this plot, but buried them so deep that they wouldn't even acknowledge them, because it was "off-limits". Watching them realize their feelings and then acting on them was intense. Patrick was a total protector and wanted to keep Marissa safe and would stop at nothing.
Marissa has had a tough life, but I felt we were missing some of the story. We heard a lot of what happened in Marissa's family, but missed a lot of the "doing" where we saw interactions between her and her mom, or her and her brother.
I liked that this series ender does set up for a new series with the Donovan's Cousins. I look forward to reading other Samantha Chase novels. Thank you to NetGalley and Valentine PR for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
I will admit, this book had a bit of a convoluted fake marriage plot. It was a little to convenient that both thought the marriage would solve their problems. However the relationship that developed between Marissa and Patrick was sweet. Both of these people had feelings for each other long before this plot, but buried them so deep that they wouldn't even acknowledge them, because it was "off-limits". Watching them realize their feelings and then acting on them was intense. Patrick was a total protector and wanted to keep Marissa safe and would stop at nothing.
Marissa has had a tough life, but I felt we were missing some of the story. We heard a lot of what happened in Marissa's family, but missed a lot of the "doing" where we saw interactions between her and her mom, or her and her brother.
I liked that this series ender does set up for a new series with the Donovan's Cousins. I look forward to reading other Samantha Chase novels. Thank you to NetGalley and Valentine PR for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
July 18, 2023
It’s been done before, but not like Samantha can. A fake relationship with your boss, what could possibly go wrong? Marissa was dealt a crappy hand with her family. Patrick was a great support, as were all the Donovan family. Is there an HEA in there future when every day brings chaos and drama into their lives? Order this book ASAP, you won’t want to miss it.
July 18, 2023
Kiss Me, captivated me
from the very first page.
It's everything & more in
this engaging, moving, sexy
& intriguing romance.
What possibly can happen
when Patrick, suggests a
marriage of convenience?
You will fall in love with
Patrick & Marissa.
Great characters I could
believe in. I could not put it down.
Can't wait for Loving You,
Book 1 in the new
Sweetbriar Ridge series!
A Must Read!
from the very first page.
It's everything & more in
this engaging, moving, sexy
& intriguing romance.
What possibly can happen
when Patrick, suggests a
marriage of convenience?
You will fall in love with
Patrick & Marissa.
Great characters I could
believe in. I could not put it down.
Can't wait for Loving You,
Book 1 in the new
Sweetbriar Ridge series!
A Must Read!
July 18, 2023
I absolutely loved this book, 5/5 stars! I thought it was a super cute quick read. I finished it in one day, I couldn’t put it down. This is the first book I’ve read by Samantha Chase and I can’t wait to read her other books. This book is released July 18,2023. Thank you to Samantha Chase and Valentine PR for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
July 6, 2023
This really fell flat for me. The premise is absolutely something I usually enjoy but there was really no chemistry between these characters. It’s not a taboo workplace romance, everyone seems pretty accepting and they don’t hide their relationship (obviously, it’s a marriage of convenience), which is totally fine I enjoy sweet romances as well but this isn’t sweet either. They have stilted conversations back and forth and most of the time the hero Patrick seemed to think heroine Marissa was oblivious or kind of dumb (this is all my impression/interpretation). Things like she’d say “do you remember (blank)?” And he’d reply “uhh yeah you mean yesterday?” weirded out in his internal monologue. Some variation of this happened many times. The whole thing was awkward.
I thought maybe the spice would help my rating but it’s mostly fade to black and feels like it’s happening to different characters. I have no clue why they were even interested in each other. The other non-romance plot got extremely repetitive and the third act conflict was pretty random.
All in all I would’ve DNFed if it wasn’t an ARC. Thank you to NetGalley and Valentine for the opportunity to read this, I really wished I enjoyed it more.
I thought maybe the spice would help my rating but it’s mostly fade to black and feels like it’s happening to different characters. I have no clue why they were even interested in each other. The other non-romance plot got extremely repetitive and the third act conflict was pretty random.
All in all I would’ve DNFed if it wasn’t an ARC. Thank you to NetGalley and Valentine for the opportunity to read this, I really wished I enjoyed it more.
December 28, 2023
I loved this book I liked the characters and their personal life stories and I liked how they built their relationship and I can’t wait to read more from her
March 17, 2024
It was an ok read but longer than necessary because no one wanted to say what they were thinking
July 18, 2023
Kiss Me by Samantha Chase, is the fifth book in The Donovans Series, Marissa Barrett, has been Patrick Donovan's assistant, for five years, in the real estate agency he manages, and is a very intelligent, capable and effective woman in her work, for which she has earned Patrick's respect and in recent months they have become something like friends, but Marisa has a somewhat chaotic personal life, with a father who abandoned them, an alcoholic mother and a brother who has become has become a criminal and has sworn to make life miserable for her and her mother. She feels like she is dealing with the weight of the world. When Patrick finds out, he decides to return from the trip he was to support her and help her in any way he can, except that he never thought that things in Marisa's life were so bad. Patrick is also dealing with some personal charges, he is the only Donovan brother who is single and in the midst of his brothers and sisters' weddings his mother has him in her sights to find him a wife, which has Patrick doing everything he can to flee from this. When Marisa finds herself cornered with the situation of her brother and Patrick, pushed by an idea from her uncle, it occurs to him to propose to Marissa the deal that will ensure both of them the peace of mind they need, for him to get rid of his mother with the hunt for wives and for Marissa the solution to put in the contract of the house and with that her brother cannot do anything, this is a marriage of convenience for a year and after that year they will divorce and continue their lives without problems, but everything will get complicated when they start to live together and get to know each other beyond the work environment and the feelings arise.
It's a sweet, fresh story with funny moments and you will also shed a few tears, I loved the characters, and all the Donovans and their partners are entertaining, I loved the group chat, I was laughing with them during a large part of the story, is a very beautiful story with a beautiful love story. Highly recommended!!
*Thanks to Samantha Chase and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
Kiss Me de Samantha Chase, es el quinto libro de la Serie The Donovans, Marissa Barrett, es la asistente de Patrick Donovan, desde hace cinco años, en la agencia de bienes raíces que el maneja, y es una mujer muy inteligente, capaz y eficaz en su trabajo, por lo que se ha ganado el respeto de Patrick y en los últimos meses se han convertido en algo así como amigos, pero Marisa tiene una vida personal algo caótica, con un padre que les abandono, una madre alcohólica y un hermano que se ha convertido en delincuente y ha jurado hacerles la vida imposible se encuentra lidiando con el peso del mundo, cuando Patrick se entera decide adelantar el viaje de regreso para apoyarla y ayudarle en lo que pueda, solo que jamás pensó que las cosas en la vida de Marisa estuvieran tan mal. Patrick también se encuentra lidiando unas cargas personales, él es el único hermano Donovan que se encuentra soltero y en medio de las bodas de sus hermanos y hermanas su mama lo tiene en la mira para buscarle esposa, cosa que tiene a Patrick haciendo lo posible por huir de esto. Cuando Marisa se ve arrinconada con la situación de su hermano y Patrick, empujado por una idea de su tío, se le ocurre proponerle a Marissa el trato que les asegurará a ambos la tranquilidad que necesitan, para él quitarse a su madre de encima con la cacería de esposas y a Marissa la solución para poner en el contrato de la casa y así su hermano no pueda hacer nada, esto es un matrimonio de conveniencia por un año y luego de ese año se divorciaran y seguirán sus vidas sin problemas, pero todo se complicará cuando convivan y se conozcan mas allá del ambiente laboral y los sentimiento surjan.
Es una historia dulce, fresca con momentos graciosos y también derramarás unas lagrimitas, me encantaron los personajes, y todos los Donovan y sus parejas son entretenidos, amé el grupo de los hermanos, estuve riendo con ellos durante gran parte de la historia, la verdad que una hermosa historia con una bella historia de amor. ¡¡Altamente Recomendada!!
*Gracias a Samantha Chase y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
It's a sweet, fresh story with funny moments and you will also shed a few tears, I loved the characters, and all the Donovans and their partners are entertaining, I loved the group chat, I was laughing with them during a large part of the story, is a very beautiful story with a beautiful love story. Highly recommended!!
*Thanks to Samantha Chase and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
Kiss Me de Samantha Chase, es el quinto libro de la Serie The Donovans, Marissa Barrett, es la asistente de Patrick Donovan, desde hace cinco años, en la agencia de bienes raíces que el maneja, y es una mujer muy inteligente, capaz y eficaz en su trabajo, por lo que se ha ganado el respeto de Patrick y en los últimos meses se han convertido en algo así como amigos, pero Marisa tiene una vida personal algo caótica, con un padre que les abandono, una madre alcohólica y un hermano que se ha convertido en delincuente y ha jurado hacerles la vida imposible se encuentra lidiando con el peso del mundo, cuando Patrick se entera decide adelantar el viaje de regreso para apoyarla y ayudarle en lo que pueda, solo que jamás pensó que las cosas en la vida de Marisa estuvieran tan mal. Patrick también se encuentra lidiando unas cargas personales, él es el único hermano Donovan que se encuentra soltero y en medio de las bodas de sus hermanos y hermanas su mama lo tiene en la mira para buscarle esposa, cosa que tiene a Patrick haciendo lo posible por huir de esto. Cuando Marisa se ve arrinconada con la situación de su hermano y Patrick, empujado por una idea de su tío, se le ocurre proponerle a Marissa el trato que les asegurará a ambos la tranquilidad que necesitan, para él quitarse a su madre de encima con la cacería de esposas y a Marissa la solución para poner en el contrato de la casa y así su hermano no pueda hacer nada, esto es un matrimonio de conveniencia por un año y luego de ese año se divorciaran y seguirán sus vidas sin problemas, pero todo se complicará cuando convivan y se conozcan mas allá del ambiente laboral y los sentimiento surjan.
Es una historia dulce, fresca con momentos graciosos y también derramarás unas lagrimitas, me encantaron los personajes, y todos los Donovan y sus parejas son entretenidos, amé el grupo de los hermanos, estuve riendo con ellos durante gran parte de la historia, la verdad que una hermosa historia con una bella historia de amor. ¡¡Altamente Recomendada!!
*Gracias a Samantha Chase y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
July 16, 2023
Samantha Chase has done it again! I absolutely loved Kiss Me, the fifth book in her The Donovans series and the final book in the Laurel Bay series! I can truly say that Kiss Me is an incredible love story, which filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions, and it was impossible to put it down. I loved every moment on every page. Samantha Chase continues to deliver the incredibly written love stories that I LOVE to read. I love a marriage of convenience love story, the Laurel Bay, Maine setting, and the amazing characters, they feel like family! Samantha Chase does not disappoint her readers with all the feels in Kiss Me and has once again delivered an amazing story filled with everything that I have come to love about and expect from her books. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, big loving families, and caring friends, who always support each other? I love how Samantha Chase always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. Samantha Chase continues to deliver all that and so much more. I am not sure how she does it, but Samantha Chase has once again given her readers another remarkable book. Kiss Me is filled with all the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments and plot twists that I have come to love and expect in a Samantha Chase love story, I especially loved the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Samantha Chase continues to prove that she is an incredible storyteller. I love that she writes her stories from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. Kiss Me is a marriage of convenience love story between Patrick Donovan, who runs his own real estate company and Marissa Barrett, his assistant. Marissa is having personal issues with her family. Her mom recently signed over the ownership of their family home to Marissa, without telling her son Daren. Marissa’s mother then suffers a stroke and ends up in the hospital. While she is in the hospital, Daren ransacks the house and spreads gas around the perimeter. Patrick invites Marissa to move in with him along with her cat Mr. Meowgi. I love how Mr. Meowgi torments, Patrick. They then decide to marry quietly so that Patrick and Marissa will own her mother’s home and Patrick will have a date for his siblings’ weddings. Conversation between Marissa and Patrick flows so easily. I love the chemistry between them. I love that as Marissa and Patrick spend time together as husband and wife their relationship changes. I love that Marissa eventually ends up moving from the guest bedroom to spending the nights in Patrick’s bed. I love that Marissa discovers her next career opportunity. Which leads to an unexpected plot twist that puts Marissa and Patrick’s relationship in jeopardy, and once again changes things between them. I love the changes that Patrick is willing to make to do what is best for Marissa. I love that Patrick seeks out help from his brothers to resolve things with Marissa. I love the heart-to-heart conversations that Marissa has with her mom. I love how Kate keeps making plans for Marissa and Patrick to get married in the church. I was so happy that Patrick and Marissa finally admitted their true feelings for one another, and that Patrick proposed again with a ring that holds significance for Patrick. Another favorite part is the epilogue and the happily ever after, especially when Tessa includes Marissa in her wedding to Liam. I love all the changes that Patrick and Marissa make in their lives to have a future with one another. Kiss Me was an amazing love story; I am so glad that Patrick and Marissa got the happily ever after. I loved all the surprises that filled the pages of this love story. I love all the characters in this series. I enjoy all the interactions among the Donovan siblings, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing and the descriptions of the Laurel Bay in Kiss Me. I love the family text stream; it is one of my favorite parts. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I loved every moment. I loved meeting the Donovan cousins at Ronan’s birthday party and Will and Adrianna’s wedding, and I cannot wait to read their love stories in the Donovans Sweetbriar Ridge series. Highly recommend this beautifully written love story.
July 21, 2023
Check out our full post for KISS ME on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series – and Patrick is the last Donovan sibling who is single and his mother is definitely not going to let that stand, but he manages to beat her to the task. Amusingly, we get to meet some of their cousins who are all single, so we are in for some more Donovan stories yet!
Patrick is an interesting member of the Donovan clan, he is certain that he does not want love, or that it is a good thing, even though his siblings all falling in love has been a revelation. Then his mother turns her attention to him, and he has to find a solution. Then Marissa, his long time assistant, has family problems, which he realises he can solve by marrying her – a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Amusingly, we soon find out that they both are attracted to each other, and now are in a marriage of convenience, which means they need to stay away from each other... except when with others as they need to appear to be genuinely married. It is a complicated arrangement, and their chemistry is delicious.
I really enjoyed how this all played out, and in spite of Marissa's family troubles, she ends up with exactly the family that she deserves.
Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Patrick and Marissa have worked together for the last five years. When he learns of her family troubles, he has a solution that will help them both out.
With Marissa's mother in the hospital and her deadbeat brother trying to get what he thinks he deserves, Marissa has had about all she can stand. Patrick has a bright idea that they get married and put everything in his and her married name so her brother will stop harassing her. And with them being married, Patrick's mother will stop trying to marry him off to every single girl she meets.
While their marriage of convenience is more than they both realize, neither of them knows how the other feels and that is making things harder at times.
I love stories that have big families and that are close like Patrick's family, and the way they accepted Marissa was just what she needed. If they would only tell each other their true feelings, then the real marriage could begin. Even though I think it already has.
I really enjoyed this story, even with Marissa's troubles and Patrick's crazy loving family. I also loved the texting between the Donovan siblings, they were so funny at times. I need to go back and read the others in this series and see what I missed.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
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July 25, 2023Ok, Ms. Chase, you win!! I did not think any book could knock my favorite in this series, Save Me (Book 3 of this series) out of the top spot. Kiss Me won the top spot in this series for me because you see, Ryker Masella is a tattoo artist like my son, and at the time of the release he was getting ready to marry his now beautiful wife. I sort of fell hard for Ryker and Ryleigh’s story. So, back to my thoughts of Kiss Me: Book 5 of The Donovans (Laurel Bay) series, I! LOVED!! THIS!!! BOOK!!!! I loved is so much that as of this moment in time, I have read it twice, pre-ordered the audio version from Audible, and have listened to it twice as well!!
Kiss Me and this rest of this series reminds me why I love Ms. Chase’s writing so much, the reason also makes me a bit envious, the larger than large family comradery that takes place in her books.
I love how Mrs. Donovan was constantly trying to find matches for her children, and how it irritated the heck out of all her children. I wonder what she is going to do now, that all her children are paired up with their future???
Ok, on to Patrick and Marissa. How can 2 people be so afraid to tell each other the truth?!? Yes, I understand it was a fake marriage, at first anyway, but why???!!! I really enjoyed watching them come out of their so-called shells and finally realize that their marriage was real. I will say this, Patrick moves towards the end REALLY worried me. I could have backfired. Sorry Ladies, I refuse to give anything away…
I think the reason I love book series so much is the fact that we sometimes get to see how previous characters are doing.
And, even though this is the final book of this series, I have discovered, that the series WILL go on with another branch of the Donovan family. YAY!!!!
Thank you, Ms. Chase, for sharing your writing talents with your readers. I know you have given me MANY hours of enjoyment reading your fabulous books.
I would also like to thank Ms. Carly Robins for doing such a phenomenal job performing this wonderful book as the narrator. You just bring the books you perform to life for me. So, thank you as well.
I was gifted with a copy of this wonderful book for my thoughts and opinions of the book. I LOVED every phenomenal word!!!
Thank you for reading my review. What are you waiting for? Go hit that purchase button from your favorite retailer and start reading this fabulous book. And when you finish come back and give us your thoughts about the book. I have been told that the authors and narrators really appreciate it!
Kiss Me and this rest of this series reminds me why I love Ms. Chase’s writing so much, the reason also makes me a bit envious, the larger than large family comradery that takes place in her books.
I love how Mrs. Donovan was constantly trying to find matches for her children, and how it irritated the heck out of all her children. I wonder what she is going to do now, that all her children are paired up with their future???
Ok, on to Patrick and Marissa. How can 2 people be so afraid to tell each other the truth?!? Yes, I understand it was a fake marriage, at first anyway, but why???!!! I really enjoyed watching them come out of their so-called shells and finally realize that their marriage was real. I will say this, Patrick moves towards the end REALLY worried me. I could have backfired. Sorry Ladies, I refuse to give anything away…
I think the reason I love book series so much is the fact that we sometimes get to see how previous characters are doing.
And, even though this is the final book of this series, I have discovered, that the series WILL go on with another branch of the Donovan family. YAY!!!!
Thank you, Ms. Chase, for sharing your writing talents with your readers. I know you have given me MANY hours of enjoyment reading your fabulous books.
I would also like to thank Ms. Carly Robins for doing such a phenomenal job performing this wonderful book as the narrator. You just bring the books you perform to life for me. So, thank you as well.
I was gifted with a copy of this wonderful book for my thoughts and opinions of the book. I LOVED every phenomenal word!!!
Thank you for reading my review. What are you waiting for? Go hit that purchase button from your favorite retailer and start reading this fabulous book. And when you finish come back and give us your thoughts about the book. I have been told that the authors and narrators really appreciate it!
July 8, 2023
Heroine kinda in danger? Sounds good. Fake Marriage/Marriage of Convenience? Yes, please. Boss/Employee relationship? Sign. Me. Up!
Kiss Me is the 5th and final book in Samantha Chase's The Donovan's series and I adore Patrick and Marissa so much. These two have been working together for 5 years and not only is Marissa the glue to Patrick's real estate empire but they have become each others best friend as well. They are at that level of friendship that they can almost read each other without saying a word- so when Marissa tries to hide her life basically imploding while Patrick is away on a business trip, well- let's just say he didn't quite buy what she was selling. And when he finds out what exactly is happening- he goes straight into fix it mode for her- not to mention helping her will also get his mother's match making eyes off him.
Patrick was always kind of the recluse in the Donovan family so far in the series- so I didn't know what to expect with him besides kind of keeping things close to his vest and life revolving around work. I was pleasantly surprised with his protectiveness, loyalty and thoughtfulness, and while he might not be the biggest joker in the family he had some moments of humor. Marissa is a sweetheart- life dealt her a crappy hand but she is still so caring, hardworking and while she has her timid moments there is some spark in her as well.
While I do love the fake relationship/marriage trope I didn't 100% love it for this story. I can see the angle that Samantha was creating but it was also a bit odd. Just like the weird relationship between Patrick and Marissa's cat- sure it added a little humor and cute filler to the story but did it really add anything to the story? Maybe, maybe not.
I did like the ease of Patrick and Marissa's relationship. They were comfortable together and that familiarity made this book easy to read. Things aren't too hot or intense between them and it definitely is a fade to black kind of romance- but they didn't seem to have issues in that department. Overthinking is the downfall between these two but luckily they don't take too long to work out their issues.
I will say that I am extremely excited for more of the Donovan's with a spin-off series of the cousins! There is some serious tensions there between them and their dad (Uncle Ro) and honestly they just seem fun- and if they have a text chain that is anything like the Laurel Bay Donovan's I can't wait for it!
Kiss Me is the 5th and final book in Samantha Chase's The Donovan's series and I adore Patrick and Marissa so much. These two have been working together for 5 years and not only is Marissa the glue to Patrick's real estate empire but they have become each others best friend as well. They are at that level of friendship that they can almost read each other without saying a word- so when Marissa tries to hide her life basically imploding while Patrick is away on a business trip, well- let's just say he didn't quite buy what she was selling. And when he finds out what exactly is happening- he goes straight into fix it mode for her- not to mention helping her will also get his mother's match making eyes off him.
Patrick was always kind of the recluse in the Donovan family so far in the series- so I didn't know what to expect with him besides kind of keeping things close to his vest and life revolving around work. I was pleasantly surprised with his protectiveness, loyalty and thoughtfulness, and while he might not be the biggest joker in the family he had some moments of humor. Marissa is a sweetheart- life dealt her a crappy hand but she is still so caring, hardworking and while she has her timid moments there is some spark in her as well.
While I do love the fake relationship/marriage trope I didn't 100% love it for this story. I can see the angle that Samantha was creating but it was also a bit odd. Just like the weird relationship between Patrick and Marissa's cat- sure it added a little humor and cute filler to the story but did it really add anything to the story? Maybe, maybe not.
I did like the ease of Patrick and Marissa's relationship. They were comfortable together and that familiarity made this book easy to read. Things aren't too hot or intense between them and it definitely is a fade to black kind of romance- but they didn't seem to have issues in that department. Overthinking is the downfall between these two but luckily they don't take too long to work out their issues.
I will say that I am extremely excited for more of the Donovan's with a spin-off series of the cousins! There is some serious tensions there between them and their dad (Uncle Ro) and honestly they just seem fun- and if they have a text chain that is anything like the Laurel Bay Donovan's I can't wait for it!
July 21, 2023
4.25stars-KISS ME is the fifth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE DONOVANS romance series. This is real estate investor Patrick Donovan, and his assistant Marissa Barrett’s story line. KISS ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary..
Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Patrick and Marissa) KISS ME follows the building romance and relationship between . Marissa and Patrick are friends but Marissa’s personal life is spiralling out of control, and in an effort to protect his employee and his friend, Patrick offers up a marriage of convenience, a marriage in which our couple has set an expiry date. Patrick Donovan never thought he would ever marry or fall in love but living with Marissa makes their ‘fake marriage’ seem all too real, a reality that Marissa struggles to accept. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Marissa and Patrick , and the potential fall-out as misunderstanding threatens the growing love between our story line couple.
The world building continues to focus on the Donovan clan, and their pushy albeit determined mother who wants to see all of her children married and happy. Marissa and Patrick’s spontaneous wedding is a bit of a black mark for the matriarch to accept; and Marissa battles between head and heart knowing their fake arrangement feels all too real.
The relationship between Marissa and Patrick is a friends to lovers; a marriage of convenience in which Patrick is hoping to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. Keeping separate rooms and lives is nearly impossible, and falling for one another was ultimately in the cards. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including all of Patrick’s siblings, their significant others, as well as cousins; Patrick’s parents Kate and Shane Donovan, and uncle Ronan. We are introduced to Marissa’s brother Daren. When the Donovan clan gets together, everything is a little frenetic and frantic.
KISS ME is a story of family, relationships, greed and addiction, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is heart breaking and engaging; the characters are numerous and dynamic; the romance, once again, is subtle and sweet.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for review
Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Patrick and Marissa) KISS ME follows the building romance and relationship between . Marissa and Patrick are friends but Marissa’s personal life is spiralling out of control, and in an effort to protect his employee and his friend, Patrick offers up a marriage of convenience, a marriage in which our couple has set an expiry date. Patrick Donovan never thought he would ever marry or fall in love but living with Marissa makes their ‘fake marriage’ seem all too real, a reality that Marissa struggles to accept. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Marissa and Patrick , and the potential fall-out as misunderstanding threatens the growing love between our story line couple.
The world building continues to focus on the Donovan clan, and their pushy albeit determined mother who wants to see all of her children married and happy. Marissa and Patrick’s spontaneous wedding is a bit of a black mark for the matriarch to accept; and Marissa battles between head and heart knowing their fake arrangement feels all too real.
The relationship between Marissa and Patrick is a friends to lovers; a marriage of convenience in which Patrick is hoping to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. Keeping separate rooms and lives is nearly impossible, and falling for one another was ultimately in the cards. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including all of Patrick’s siblings, their significant others, as well as cousins; Patrick’s parents Kate and Shane Donovan, and uncle Ronan. We are introduced to Marissa’s brother Daren. When the Donovan clan gets together, everything is a little frenetic and frantic.
KISS ME is a story of family, relationships, greed and addiction, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is heart breaking and engaging; the characters are numerous and dynamic; the romance, once again, is subtle and sweet.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for review
July 19, 2023
(3.5⭐️’s) This may have minor SPOILERS so be warned🚩
Kiss Me- Patrick and Marissa’s Story
I’m usually not a big fan of the whole Fake Dating Trope, it’s not usually my jam, but in this story it actually works pretty well. I think it’s because the H and h are really into each other before the Fake Marriage comes into play. With him being her boss, they both never wanted to cross that line so they hid their feelings for one another. But having to marry each other gave them the push they really needed. The whole transition was actually pretty smooth and the story flowed really well.
THE H (Patrick): I always knew he was the smart one of the bunch. As much a he wanted to jump in and save the h, he knew she could save herself, and told her just that. He’s definitely a keeper.
THE h (Marissa): This girl is as tough as nails, with a soft and smooshy heart. But I will say, I’m actually surprised she didn’t break earlier with all the crap her family was putting her through. Thats a lot for one person to have to carry on their own. I’m just glad she knew when she needed help and didn’t turn the H away.
SIDE CHARACTERS: Loved seeing all the characters from the other books all happy and in love. Now the h brother on the other hand, OMG, that guy was a piece of work. I’m soo happy he got what was coming to him.
ENDING: HEA. These two definitely loved one another. Never had a doubt.
TRIGGERS: Drug Addiction and Mental Abuse (h brother, on and off page). Stroke (h mother, off page but the aftermath is on page)
STANDALONE: I’ll always recommend reading a series in order because IMO it’s more enjoyable that way. However, if you don’t mind mild spoilers about the other characters in this series, then you can start with this book.
OVERALL: I really enjoyed this book and am sooo happy to find out theres more Donovans coming are way. Yes, you read that right! The Donovan cousins are getting their own series. At the end of this book, we get a teaser chapter for “Loving You, which is the first book in The Donovans Sweetbriar Ridge Series and let me just say, I’m already hooked. But the best part…we only have to wait 2mos till that bad boy comes out. Woohoo!! I’m soo ready.
Happy Reading🖤
Oh, and I received an ARC from NetGalley but this review is 100% all me.
Kiss Me- Patrick and Marissa’s Story
I’m usually not a big fan of the whole Fake Dating Trope, it’s not usually my jam, but in this story it actually works pretty well. I think it’s because the H and h are really into each other before the Fake Marriage comes into play. With him being her boss, they both never wanted to cross that line so they hid their feelings for one another. But having to marry each other gave them the push they really needed. The whole transition was actually pretty smooth and the story flowed really well.
THE H (Patrick): I always knew he was the smart one of the bunch. As much a he wanted to jump in and save the h, he knew she could save herself, and told her just that. He’s definitely a keeper.
THE h (Marissa): This girl is as tough as nails, with a soft and smooshy heart. But I will say, I’m actually surprised she didn’t break earlier with all the crap her family was putting her through. Thats a lot for one person to have to carry on their own. I’m just glad she knew when she needed help and didn’t turn the H away.
SIDE CHARACTERS: Loved seeing all the characters from the other books all happy and in love. Now the h brother on the other hand, OMG, that guy was a piece of work. I’m soo happy he got what was coming to him.
ENDING: HEA. These two definitely loved one another. Never had a doubt.
TRIGGERS: Drug Addiction and Mental Abuse (h brother, on and off page). Stroke (h mother, off page but the aftermath is on page)
STANDALONE: I’ll always recommend reading a series in order because IMO it’s more enjoyable that way. However, if you don’t mind mild spoilers about the other characters in this series, then you can start with this book.
OVERALL: I really enjoyed this book and am sooo happy to find out theres more Donovans coming are way. Yes, you read that right! The Donovan cousins are getting their own series. At the end of this book, we get a teaser chapter for “Loving You, which is the first book in The Donovans Sweetbriar Ridge Series and let me just say, I’m already hooked. But the best part…we only have to wait 2mos till that bad boy comes out. Woohoo!! I’m soo ready.
Happy Reading🖤
Oh, and I received an ARC from NetGalley but this review is 100% all me.
July 23, 2023
**ARC REVIEW**
I was so excited to read this book as Patrick was the last Donovan sibling to get his happily ever after!! You can easily read this book as a stand-alone :)
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥
If you love these tropes, you will enjoy reading this book!
💍Family Saga
💍Fake Relationship
💍Forced Proximity
💍Friends to Lovers
💍Marriage of Convenience
💍Roommates to Lovers
💍Small Town
💍Workplace Romance
Marissa Barrett currently works as an assistant to Patrick Donovan and enjoys working for him. Unfortunately she is having problems with her brother who is unhinged and controlling. Due to her brothers antics, her mother ends up having a stroke and she finds her house broken into and trashed. She doesn't know what to do and keeps finding herself falling apart in front of her boss.
Patrick Donovan has been pretty much married to his job working in real estate and he is the last Donovan sibling who his mother is trying to marry off. He and Marissa have been working together for 5 years and they have always kept their relationship strictly professional. When he finds Marissa upset over her family situation he wants to be there to help her anyway he can. When Marissa needs help with someone signing onto her lease so her brother can't take the house from her, Patrick finds himself offering to marry her.
The deal is for them to stay married for 1 year and hopefully that will give Marissa enough time to sort out her issues and for him to have his mother off his back about finding someone. However, how long can they keep the ruse up when feelings start to bubble to the surface and they have to live in close proximity to each other plus see each other in the workplace as well?
I loved this book so much! It was a beautiful love story! I loved Mr Meowgi the cat!!! I loved the Donovan family dynamics as well and how they welcomed Marissa beautifully into their family.
Samantha really knocks the small town romance series out of the park!! I am really looking forward to "Loving You" the first book in the The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series next!
Thanks for Samantha and Valentine PR for kindly sending me the arc to read and review. This review is my own honest opinion on the book :)
I was so excited to read this book as Patrick was the last Donovan sibling to get his happily ever after!! You can easily read this book as a stand-alone :)
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥
If you love these tropes, you will enjoy reading this book!
💍Family Saga
💍Fake Relationship
💍Forced Proximity
💍Friends to Lovers
💍Marriage of Convenience
💍Roommates to Lovers
💍Small Town
💍Workplace Romance
Marissa Barrett currently works as an assistant to Patrick Donovan and enjoys working for him. Unfortunately she is having problems with her brother who is unhinged and controlling. Due to her brothers antics, her mother ends up having a stroke and she finds her house broken into and trashed. She doesn't know what to do and keeps finding herself falling apart in front of her boss.
Patrick Donovan has been pretty much married to his job working in real estate and he is the last Donovan sibling who his mother is trying to marry off. He and Marissa have been working together for 5 years and they have always kept their relationship strictly professional. When he finds Marissa upset over her family situation he wants to be there to help her anyway he can. When Marissa needs help with someone signing onto her lease so her brother can't take the house from her, Patrick finds himself offering to marry her.
The deal is for them to stay married for 1 year and hopefully that will give Marissa enough time to sort out her issues and for him to have his mother off his back about finding someone. However, how long can they keep the ruse up when feelings start to bubble to the surface and they have to live in close proximity to each other plus see each other in the workplace as well?
I loved this book so much! It was a beautiful love story! I loved Mr Meowgi the cat!!! I loved the Donovan family dynamics as well and how they welcomed Marissa beautifully into their family.
Samantha really knocks the small town romance series out of the park!! I am really looking forward to "Loving You" the first book in the The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series next!
Thanks for Samantha and Valentine PR for kindly sending me the arc to read and review. This review is my own honest opinion on the book :)
July 16, 2023
Patrick and Marissa, the main characters in this book, are extraordinarily multi-faceted characters. Readers will be captivated by their display of genuine emotions.
Patrick is the only Donovan child left who is not married or engaged. Thus, his mother drives him crazy with her constant attempts to find a wife for him.
Marissa has been Patrick’s assistant for years and plays an essential part of his real estate business. Unfortunately, she grew up in a very dysfunctional family. Her father walked out years ago, and her mother is a drug addict. Plus her brother, Daren, is a bully and a criminal who has threatened Marissa and their mother all of his life.
Daren is enraged because, when his mother moved into an assisted living home, she put her home into Marissa’s name and gave it to her to live in. Now his goal is to bully and violently intimidate them until they give him their house. Fortunately for Marissa, Patrick is always there to comfort her during her brother’s attacks.
Eventually, Patrick comes up with an unusual idea. He suggests that he and Marissa marry, so he can add his name onto Marissa’s house deed. He hopes this will make it more difficult for Daren to steal the house Thus, they decide to enter into a marriage of convenience where they will live as roommates. Thus, they agree to secretly elope, and then after one year, they plan to divorce and move on with their lives. When they tell Patrick’s parents, they lie and say that they have been secretly dating.
However, Marissa and Patrick have always been secretly attracted to each other. Neither of them acted on it because they did not want to ruin their friendship and their wonderful working relationship. Nevertheless, while living together in such close proximity, they can’t keep their hands off of each other.
Although Marissa and Patrick have discovered the joys of being married, they are always worried that, if things don’t work out, they will have ruined their friendship.
Samantha Chase creates a very complex plot. It contains non-stop action, riveting suspense, many twists and turns, and a villain with absolutely no conscience.
Patrick is the only Donovan child left who is not married or engaged. Thus, his mother drives him crazy with her constant attempts to find a wife for him.
Marissa has been Patrick’s assistant for years and plays an essential part of his real estate business. Unfortunately, she grew up in a very dysfunctional family. Her father walked out years ago, and her mother is a drug addict. Plus her brother, Daren, is a bully and a criminal who has threatened Marissa and their mother all of his life.
Daren is enraged because, when his mother moved into an assisted living home, she put her home into Marissa’s name and gave it to her to live in. Now his goal is to bully and violently intimidate them until they give him their house. Fortunately for Marissa, Patrick is always there to comfort her during her brother’s attacks.
Eventually, Patrick comes up with an unusual idea. He suggests that he and Marissa marry, so he can add his name onto Marissa’s house deed. He hopes this will make it more difficult for Daren to steal the house Thus, they decide to enter into a marriage of convenience where they will live as roommates. Thus, they agree to secretly elope, and then after one year, they plan to divorce and move on with their lives. When they tell Patrick’s parents, they lie and say that they have been secretly dating.
However, Marissa and Patrick have always been secretly attracted to each other. Neither of them acted on it because they did not want to ruin their friendship and their wonderful working relationship. Nevertheless, while living together in such close proximity, they can’t keep their hands off of each other.
Although Marissa and Patrick have discovered the joys of being married, they are always worried that, if things don’t work out, they will have ruined their friendship.
Samantha Chase creates a very complex plot. It contains non-stop action, riveting suspense, many twists and turns, and a villain with absolutely no conscience.
July 16, 2023
Patrick and Marissa’s story is engaging and rather tangled. Marissa has been Patrick’s assistant for five years and they have a friendly rapport, but until recently he hadn’t known much about her personal life. Now her personal life has become not only more chaotic, but also dangerous. In the past few months her drug addict brother has upped his campaign of terror on both her mother and Marissa in an attempt to get more money from them. Her mother has recently suffered a stroke and now her brother has centred his efforts for control on Marissa. Patrick can’t bear to see her so upset and overwhelmed or to think about her in danger. He suggests a marriage of convenience in order to help her with legal matters involving her brother and for her protection. The marriage would also keep his matchmaking mother at bay as well. They agree to a year of marriage, all the while wondering how they will keep their attraction to the other hidden. They also agree to keep their reasons for marrying a secret, though eloping is bound to raise a lot of questions. It doesn’t take long at all for the sparks they are trying to deny to become a blaze of desire they can’t and don’t wish to control. From this point on their story involves wrestling with their emotions, doubts and fears while also dealing with her increasingly demanding brother and their guilt over lying to his family. Will they have their own happily ever after like his siblings have found?
I loved these two characters together. Everyone around them has wondered when they would finally get together since their chemistry is palpable. They were surprised at the elopement, but not at Patrick and Marissa being together. Patrick’s big family is loud, loving and supportive, something Marissa has never had, but is happy to join. It was wonderful to catch up with the characters from the previous books in the series. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I loved these two characters together. Everyone around them has wondered when they would finally get together since their chemistry is palpable. They were surprised at the elopement, but not at Patrick and Marissa being together. Patrick’s big family is loud, loving and supportive, something Marissa has never had, but is happy to join. It was wonderful to catch up with the characters from the previous books in the series. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
July 16, 2023
Once again, I can’t believe we are at the last book in this series and of course we’ve saved the best for last. What a great book and it was very interesting to see Marissa and Patrick and how they’ve just recently gone from their relationship at work boss/employee to starting to become friends and Marissa’s life has fast forwarded that to husband/wife. These two have always had a private crush on the other but neither has acted on it. Unfortunately, Marissa has a major problem with her personal life involving her brother Daren who is a criminal and has always been horrible to Marissa and expects everything pretty much given to him and if that doesn’t work, he will make threats and take it. It was really hard to see Marissa having to deal with so much but once she and Patrick made their agreement and got married, she has someone by her side to help her with that situation. I loved seeing Patrick and Marissa together and how they both kind of let their guards down and have a little fun and I loved how her cat Mr. Meowgi didn’t want to have anything to do with Patrick initially but eventually warmed up to the situation, after leaving a trail of destruction. I thought we were in the clear with Patrick and Marissa but when she decides to expand her knowledge and do more in real estate, that struck Patrick the wrong way and she walks out leaving him. Eventually they come back together and talk about why Patrick is so upset about Marissa expanding her horizons and they seem to be back on track. I also liked that we got to meet Donovan’s cousins since that series will be heading our way next. I’m always sad when a series ends but this ended on a great note for not only Marissa and Patrick but the whole family as well. I’m hoping that maybe we’ll get a glimpse of the OG Donovan’s in this new and upcoming series with their cousins. Great Story!
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