Devin Maxwell has made automotive repairs his life. Being the lone mechanic in Sweetbriar Ridge hasn’t left him with a whole lot of free time and up until now, he hasn’t minded. But now that the business is finally solid, he decides to take a weekend just for himself to try and figure out what his next big thing in life should be. He never expected the answer to be found on the side of the highway…
All MacKenzie Holland wanted was the chance to live the life she wanted without dealing with other people’s expectations. That’s what had spurred her last-minute cross-country trip. Well, that and a cheating ex. If only her car had cooperated.
Stranded on the side of the road left her feeling as if her great adventure was over before it had even begun. Devin getting car back to Sweetbriar Ridge was easy. Getting it fixed? That was going to take some time.
With a town festival set to begin and a shortage of hotel rooms, MacKenzie finds herself not only relying on Devin to get her car back on the road, but also for a place to stay and a job. And the longer she stays, the more she becomes drawn to the sweet little mountain town, and Devin.
Getting stranded on the side of the road seemed like the worst thing that could happen. Little did she know, it was really just the beginning of her greatest adventure yet.
Samantha 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.
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge Others in the series Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ April 23, 2024 Page Count ~ audio exclusive for now, book will not come out until 2025 Audio length ~ 8 hours 8 minutes Narrator ~ Carly Robins POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ small town, strangers to roommates, roommates to lovers, workplace romance, insta-love, no steamage
Devin & MacKenzie meet when her classic car breaks down on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, in a storm to boot. Devin just so happens to be the best mechanic in town, so he can't help but offer his services to a damsel in distress.
Side note ~ I do have to mention that her GPS didn't seem to be working because the route doesn't make a whole lot of sense. She's going from New York to Oregon, but ends up in Virginia. Perhaps taking the scenic route?
Due to a festival there isn't a room to rent in the whole town, so MacKenzie reluctantly accepts Devin's offer of his spare room. Not because he's creepy, but she doesn't want to be a burden due to her unresolved mommy issues. But the room, or the labor for her car, doesn't come for free as she'll be working in his shop at the front desk.
Per usual with this series we have full on small town vibes and outsider, MacKenzie, is welcomed with open arms by all. I love that there was a festival everyone was looking forward to attending. I'm not big on festivals, but even I would like to go to it, minus the ferris wheel as I'm not a fan of those, give me a roller coaster any day.
Anyway, a smidgen of no communication, as usual, but overall I liked both of them separately and as a couple. They were both so sweet. His grand gesture might have been one of the most adorable ones I've read.
Narration notes: Carly narrates all of Samantha's books, so my ears are settled with the fact that I'll never get a second narrator for the male parts. She does a great job, though, so that's good at least.
Series notes: This one is a little different in this series because neither character is a Donovan, but it takes place in Sweetbriar Ridge, so we still interact with some of the Donovans. It's unnumbered and is best read between Teasing You and Wanting You.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
This was a fairly predictable but cute romance. It’s a little frustrating that she gave up so easily on tracking down her mom but who could honestly give up a hunk like Devin?
🌀Synopsis MacKenzie’s car breaks down in the middle of nowhere but thankfully Devin happens to be on his way home when he finds her. He also happens to own the nearest mechanic shop too. Low on funds, MacKenzie isn’t sure she can afford the repairs and she’s desperate to keep heading west. Heading to find her mom. With the town hotel fully booked, Devin decides to make MacKenzie an offer. He can stay at his house for free and he’ll repair her truck if she agrees to do some office work for him. He needs to hire someone for the front desk but until then it is chaos. She agrees, knowing it’s probably the only way to get her on the road again. She quickly falls in love with the town, the girls who treat her like one of their own, and it’s not long before she’s in love with Devin too. Still convinced she wants to find her mom but not sure she wants to leave him, MacKenzie and Devin have a couple little white lies that keeps her in town a little longer. Now she needs to decide if she’s done running or if she wants to skip town and leave her heart behind.
Another wonderful visit to Sweet Briar, this time to follow a member of the town as he might have found his soul mate on the side of the road. This series is a branch off of the Donavon family series which also means we get to see characters from the original series pop into this book and while there are Donavon relatives that have stories in the series this series encompasses the entire town. This story takes the instalove damsel in distress story and makes it even better. I think it is so relatable as many of us can't quite figure out where we are supposed to be or what we are supposed to be doing until we stumble into the right situation or person while others of us have their lives planned out for years and start checking off goal points as they go. However, as they say you can plan all you want, but life will come along and laugh at you! A sweet romance story in a small town that will have you swooning with delight. The books are fantastic, but I like the audiobook version as the narrator really helps bring the characters and their emotions to life for the listener. The only problem I have with the book is that I finished it too quickly so now I am back to waiting for the author to write another!
Prepare for 8 delightful hours of a charming small-town romance featuring a lonesome mechanic, Devin, and MacKenzie, who embarks on a cross-country journey toward a fresh start. Although part of a series, it can be read (or listened to in this case) as a standalone.
After catching her cheating boyfriend red-handed, MacKenzie impulsively packs a bag and sets out on a cross-country roadtrip to start anew. Along the way, her car breaks down, leaving her stranded on the side of the road. As luck would have it, Devin, a passing mechanic from Sweetbriar Ridge, offers to repair her car. She accepts reluctantly but finds herself with no accommodation and not enough money to pay for the repairs. Devin, ever the gentleman, offers her his spare bedroom and temporary employment in his workshop to cover the costs.
While the outcome may be predictable (thanks to their close proximity), the sparks flying between Devin and MacKenzie are heartwarming and make for an endearing and loveable couple. The secondary characters, likely from earlier books in the series, play a role in bringing them together and become like a found family for MacKenzie.
While 8 hours may seem like a lot, trust me when I say you'll likely find yourself binge-listening to this audiobook in one sitting. Carly Robbins does a fantastic job narrating this book.
3.5 ⭐️ This book was well written but not my scene. It was a fade to black romance and had a single narrator.
I listen to a lot of audiobooks and I am fine with a single person narration, but for me, the narration didn’t work for this book. It would have felt more natural and easy to listen to as a dual narration.
The love story was cute but not just not for me. I think plenty of people will enjoy the author but I don’t think I’ll try another book
I have just finished listening to my third Samantha Chase's audiobook, and she never disappoints. I would like to thank Dreamscape and NetGalley for the Advance Listening Copy. The story is about MacKenzie and Devin, and it's incredibly cute. If you're a fan of small-town romance, then you will love this book. It's a warm and charming story that will make you smile. The audio narration is also well done, bringing the characters to life.
This book was sweet. So incredibly sweet. Devin and Mackenzie met by happenstance when her car broke down on the side of the road. He is traveling back to Sweetbriar Ridge and she is getting as far away from her old life as possible. What she doesn't count on is her bad luck getting worse when her car is going to take at least a week to fix and there is no room at the inn. Literally. So she is forced to stay with Devin and work at his shop to also help with some of the cost to fix her car. If you are looking for a light romance read that will just leave you content, this is your book. If insta-love is your jam, then this is also your book. It didn't leave me with lots of butterflies but it also never emotionally broke me so it is just a nice in between sweet romance. If you want to believe in fate and being in the right place at the right time, you will love this.
Devin and MacKenzie are thrown together in this cute small town romance that had me smiling throughout as I listened. The narration was fantastic and kept me enthralled. Our two characters were sweet together and though I'm not a huge fan of instalove, I did enjoy their love story, especially with the strong found family trope running hot.
Oh how I love the Donovan family and Sweetbriar Ridge and Finding You did not disappoint. When fate brings Devin and MacKenzie together you just sit back and watch their relationship unfold. What a great story.
This is a very basic romance that uses the “stuck together” trope. The spice level includes build up, but the door is never open. It felt a bit too light in almost every aspect and I failed to be able to make a connection to the story or characters. Ultimately, I think this style of romance just isn’t for me. I like easy light reading, but this just isn���t my particular flavor. Could be perfect for someone looking for a small town romance with low/no spice.
Thank you Dreamscape Media, Samantha Chase, and NetGalley for my advanced copy review. My opinions are my own.
Plot - 2 Writing and Editing - 3 Character Development - 2 Narration - 4 Personal Bias - 2 Final Score - 2.8
Finding You is part of The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series. This book is about Devin and MacKenzie and is told from both of their points of view.
Devin and MacKenzie meet when he finds her stranded on the side of the road. He owns an automotive repair company and offers to help fix her car. There are no hotel rooms available so he lets her stay with him, and offers her a job to help pay for the repairs.
As they are living/working together feelings start to develop. However, she plans to leave once her car is done. What happens when the car is finished. Does she continue on in her journey to find her mother who abandonded her as a kid? Or does she stay with Devin and continue on in their relationship?
I loved these two characters, and am excited to continue on in this series!
Samantha Chase has done it again! I absolutely loved Finding You, an interconnected book in The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series! I was hooked from the first few pages, and it was impossible to put it down. Finding You had my interest from the start, and I fell in love. I loved every moment on every page. Samantha Chase continues to deliver the incredibly written love stories that I LOVE to read and is a must-read author for me. I love a small-town love story, the Sweetbriar Ridge setting, and the amazing characters, they feel like family! Samantha Chase does not disappoint her readers with all the feels in Finding You 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? Finding You is a love story between MacKenzie Holland and Devin Maxwell, mechanic, and owner Sweetbriar Ridge Auto Care. MacKenzie discovers that he live in boyfriend is cheating on her. She takes everything she owns and decides to drive cross country from Syracuse, New York to Oregon to look for her estranged mother, since she has a fear of flying. On her way through Virginia her classic Mustang breaks down on a rainy night and Devin comes to her rescue. He not only arranges to have her car towed to his shop but offers her a place to live and a job. MacKenzie plans to leave Sweetbriar Ridge once her car is fixed, her old insecurities make her want to leave this small-town. Conversation between MacKenzie and Devin flow easily. MacKenzie makes improvements to the procedures and systems at the shop. As MacKenzie and Devin spend time together things change between them. I love all the things that MacKenzie and Devin do together as they explore Sweetbriar Ridge, especially the class reunion and the fair. I love the heart-to-heart conversations that take place in Finding You. I love the changes that Devin and MacKenzie are willing to make to have a life together. I love how both MacKenzie and Devin sabotage the car in hopes of extending MacKenzie’s stay. An unexpected plot twist puts their life together in jeopardy. I love how Devin reenacts their first meeting, and I was so happy that he and MacKenzie finally admit their true feelings for one another, that they each want MacKenzie to stay in Sweetbriar Ridge, and the changes that they make to have a life together. I was happy that MacKenzie was able to reconnect with her mother. I love the epilogue that takes place to months later. It is the perfect ending of their love story and especially Devin’s proposal to MacKenzie and where it takes place, and their happily ever after. I love all the changes that Devin and MacKenzie make in their lives to have a future with one another. Finding You was an amazing love story; I am so glad that Devin and MacKenzie got the happily ever after. I love all the surprises that filled the pages of this love story. 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. She continues to deliver all that and so much more. I am not sure how she does it, but she has once again given her readers another remarkable book. Finding You is filled with all the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, plot twists, and surprises 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. 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. I love all the characters in this series, especially how all the women befriended MacKenzie. I loved catching up with the Donovan siblings and their spouses. It felt like a family reunion. I enjoy the descriptions of the Sweetbriar Ridge in Finding You. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? Highly recommend this beautifully written love story. Finding You was initially released as an audio book only, so the events of the book are out of sequence in the storyline and take place prior to the third book in the series. Received an advanced copy from the author.
MacKenzie Holland comes home one day and discovers her boyfriend cheating on her. She then decides this is a good time for her to go to Oregon and find her mother. Her mother had abandoned her years ago, and MacKenzie has not heard from her since. Although Mackenzie has a good life with her father, this estrangement from her mother has always bothered her. Therefore, since her father’s recent death, she decides that now is a good time to try to reconnect with her.
On her way to Oregon, MacKenzie’s classic car, a Mustang, breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Since her phone is dead and the road is empty, she has no way to get help. Fortunately, Devon Maxwell, the only mechanic in Sweetbriar, finds Mackenzie stranded and crying on the road. He tows her car back to his garage and offers to fix it for her.
When MacKenzie tries to find a place to stay, she discovers there are no empty rooms available. Next weekend, the school in Sweetbriar Ridge is having a school reunion and, shortly thereafter, the town will be holding a big festival to celebrate the re-opening of their local ski slope. Therefore, Devon offers to let MacKenzie stay in his spare bedroom while she waits for him to order parts and fix her car.
From the first time Devon meets MacKenzie, he realizes that he has that she is someone special. So, when he realizes she has no money to pay for fixing her car, he offers her a job at the office in his garage.
Gradually and unexpectedly, MacKenzie finds herself drawn to Sweetbriar Ridge. The good-natured people in this easy-going small town immediately welcome her and treat her as one of their own. Plus, MacKenzie realizes that her feelings for Devon are growing stronger every day.
Meanwhile, as MacKenzie falls in love with Devon and this town, she wants to stay. However, she has mixed emotions about what to do about her mother. She still feels it is important to become reconnected with her. Yet she has never felt happier than she does living in this loving town of Sweetbriar Ridge.
Devon, too, has fallen in love with MacKenzie and does not want her to leave. But, he does not feel it is right to ask her to stay and give up her chance to reconnect with the only family she has left.
However, it wasn’t until the end of the book that I was really sure how Samantha Chase would get these two stubborn lovers together and allow them to do what they consider to be the right decision. Will you?
Devin and MacKenzie’s story is entertaining and endearing. Both are ready for the next chapter in their lives to unfold. After devoting all his time to it for the past few years, Devin’s business is doing well. He has plenty of friends, but something or someone is missing. After the death of her father, MacKenzie is on a quest to find her mother who left when she was young. Unfortunately, her classic car breaks down seemingly in the middle of nowhere, but luckily Devin comes to her rescue. In short order, MacKenzie finds herself in the quaint and very friendly town of Sweetbriar Ridge, waiting on parts to fix her car and rooming with the very attractive Devin since a festival has made finding any other accommodation virtually impossible. She agrees to work for him to help pay for the costly repairs her car needs. Neither expected the sparks, the feeling of rightness or the connection between them. With her stay in town just temporary, both are guarding their hearts, but there are a few matchmakers who are determined to see them together forever.
It is so easy to like these characters and become drawn into to their story. Devin is a genuinely good guy. He puts no pressure on MacKenzie, makes sure she feels comfortable and safe, and tries hard to keep things casual between them. His patience and kindness are rewarded when MacKenzie finally relaxes her guards around him. MacKenzie seems rather standoffish, rude and demanding when she first meets Devin. Trust comes hard for her, but Devin earns it. MacKenzie is tenacious, a tad vulnerable and understandably a bit wary of opening herself up to others again after having her heart and soul bruised so often by others. She can be sarcastic, but she also has a sweet side. She finds it impossible not to fall for Devin, Sweetbriar Ridge and its welcoming citizens. MacKenzie has found someplace and someone to call home.
Quick Summary: A good man meets a good woman romance
My Review: Finding You by Samantha Chase is book #3 in The Donovans of Sweetbriar Ridge series.
About the Book: A small town mechanic looking for something more in his life and a brokenhearted damsel seeking to blaze a new trail for her life meet and fall in love. They grow to trust and care for each other deeply. With an imminent departure looming over their heads, what will happen to their hearts?
About the Characters: Devin - > Helpful, dedicated, committed, knight in shining armor type MacKenzie - > Lonely, strong-willed, independent, searching for home
About the Narration: The narrator, Carly Robins, did a wonderful job of making this installment come to life.
My Final Say: In Sweetbriar Ridge, the magic of love is guaranteed to be found. I love this place. Every book adds a new layer to what I've come to know and love about the residents there. I adore this series, and this book was no exception. I am all in!
Other: Readers who enjoy romances with a down home feel and a close knit community will love this series.
Book 1: Loving You Book 2: Teasing You Book 3: Finding You Coming Soon...Wanting You (Expected Publication in May 2024)
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media, Chasing Romance, Inc.), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review. I have thoroughly enjoyed acquainting myself with this author and her many works.
When I first requested this book, I didn't realize it was part of a series. But you best believe I've binge read this whole series (and the original Donovan series) in 4 days. Then I was surprised that this is sort of a spin-off of that series due to not being about any of the Donovans. I guess the characters will play a big part in the rest of the series since their story had to be told? (Even though Avery and Leo didn't get a book...) I'm not sure. It felt odd to have non-Donovan related characters as the main characters in a series strictly surrounding the Donovan siblings. I feel like this could have been in a spin-off series called Sweetbriar Ridge. Even so, I liked the book. Especially all the scenes with the characters we already know and love.
Devin and MacKenzie were cute characters. I like them both together and separate. Devin is an all-round good guy. A definite knight in shining armor. MacKenzie is a quintessential damsel in distress, searching for a place to belong after her dad passed away and she caught her boyfriend cheating. I'm not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope, instalove, or "hiding all my feelings" trope, and this book had all three. I'm glad everything was cleared up fairly quick. This book also had found family, and I liked how the whole town embraced Mac like she was their own. The ending was adorable, with Devin's grand gesture.
Narration: Carly did a great job narrating the book. I do wish there was a male narrator for Devin's POV.
3.5/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, DreamScape Media, and Samantha Chase for an audio ARC of this book!
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy for my honest opinion.
Finding You is such a cute story about MacKenzie and Devin. Devin finds MacKenzie stranded on the side of the road with a broken down car just as her life has also fallen apart. Hesitant, MacKenzie stays with Devin and works for him while her car is fixed so that she can be on the road to meet her mother. With no other family, MacKenzie feels like she has to find her mother, who left her when she was a young girl, and is determined to drive to Oregon to make that happen. However, spending time in Sweet Briar Ridge with Devin and all of its wonderful people has MacKenzie realizing she might not be ready to leave just yet.
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The narrator does a great job and she made this book an easy listen.
I loved Devin, he really was a good guy who fell in love with MacKenzie the moment he saw her. He did so much for her and I really liked that he was genuine with everything he did for her. I also thought it was good that there were parts where he would get frustrated with Mackenzie and call her out on what was going on. I liked MacKenzie, but sometimes she even frustrated me as a listener when it came to Devin. I felt like she wanted him to be the one to start everything between them. I did like how she was open to being friends with the other women in town. I loved that they were open and wanted her to be a part of their friend group.
Overall, this was such a cute, small town romance, love at first sight audiobook. I would definitely recommend this book if you want a cute, quick listen.
This is a standalone book set in the world of The Donovans of Sweetbriar Ridge. It is a series I have not read, but I am about to start, I did not feel lost at all and thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance. We follow Devin Maxwell, a mechanic in Sweetbriar Ridge who is on his way home from somewhere when he runs across a broken down 1966 Mustang convertible, his dream fixer-upper. Sprawled across this car, in the pouring rain is MacKenzie Holland. MacKenzie just left her boyfriend after discovering him cheating on her, she packed up everything she could fit in her car and took off from New York to head to Oregon to reconnect with her mother. Neither of our MCs was looking for love and yet love has no timeline. This book is a sweet love story that toes that instalove line. It basically is instalove as they fall in love within two weeks. There are no spicy scenes, but the love story is sweet and warms your heart. Though instalove is not normally something I can stand, it was done really well in this case. It was primarily characters getting to know one another in forced proximity, while one was a hot mess trying to figure out their life. It also helped that MacKenzie was getting to know plenty of other characters so she fell in love with the man, the friends, and the town itself. I would have preferred a narrator for each POV, but Robins did do a great job with her voices and giving life to all of the characters. Reading this story made me want to pick up the series this was set in. If you love a small-town summer romance this is definitely one for you. It is short, and sweet, and gives you that great summertime feel.
Samantha Chase’s Finding You (The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge) is a heart-stealing, five-star read that transports you to the cozy, vibrant town of Sweetbriar Ridge. This novel, nestled within the beloved Donovans series, delivers a fresh, creative storyline that’s bursting with swoon-worthy moments and beautifully crafted character development. Devin and MacKenzie, the story’s magnetic leads, are so authentic and relatable you’ll feel like you’ve known them forever. Their unexpected meeting and connection sparks with charm and warmth, drawing you into a romance that feels both heartfelt and exhilarating.
What elevates this book in my mind is Ms. Chase’s ability to weave in beloved Donovan family members (I’m thinking Levi, Chloe, and Ashlynn) from previous Sweetbriar Ridge stories. For series fans, it’s like stepping into a lively family reunion, filled with familiar faces who bring laughter, love, and a sense of home. If you’re a new reader, don’t despair! You’ll feel just as welcomed, as the story stands firmly on its own … and brace yourself because you’ll want to download the whole series!
Set against the backdrop of Sweetbriar Ridge’s small-town allure, with its festivals and close-knit community, the story has tender romance with emotional depth, making every page a joy to read.
Whether you’re new to the Donovans or a devoted fan, Finding You is a must-read that delivers all the feels. Grab this book, curl up, and let Devin, MacKenzie, and the Donovan clan sweep you away into a world of love and connection in Sweetbriar Ridge!
Big thanks to the author for the ARC and the opportunity to share my review!
This book was so stinking sweet! I have really enjoyed this series so far, but this one might be my favorite right now. Devin is the most swoon worthy guy. Mackenzie is such a sweetheart deep down who just needs someone to care for her after having so many life dramas hit her.
Mackenzie is on a road trip to escape her dead end job and a cheating boyfriend when her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, She's in luck when Devin, the mechanic, stops to offer his assistance. The only problem is that the small town of Sweetbriar Ridge, where Devin lives and works, has no available hotel rooms and non nearby. She's forced to accept his offer to stay in his guest room while he fixes her car. To help with paying for the car and him letting her stay with him, she takes a job as his office assistant. Naturally the small town of Sweetbriar Ridge fully bring Mackenzie into their fold and she and Devin can't fight their attraction for long.
I just really felt so at home with this story. The openness and acceptance of this small town of a stranger was so wholesome. I love how they all look after each other and want something good for one of their own. Devin and Mackenzie are both such sweet, caring people and they really made me swoon. I would say this is a very light hearted, quick read and have your heart feeling so warm and cozy. I also really enjoy the narrator that has been chosen for this series. She does such a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life!
Thank you Netgalley and Samantha Chase for an advanced listener copy!
Love has no time limit. There are people who are together for years and marry only to get divorced within the first year and then there are some who meet and marry within the first few months and stay together forever. When you meet the one, time means nothing. Mackenzie has no one now that she just broke up with her cheating ex and her dad passed away only a short time ago. The only other “family” she has is her mother who left Mackenzie and her dad years ago and never looked back. She is trying to find her way and thinks if she reaches out to her mom maybe that will help. But sometimes family is not by blood alone. For the short time she has been in Sweetbriar she has found friends and people who make her feel like family. Devin “rescued” her n the side of the road and has taken her into his home and also his life. To Mackenzie he is too good to be true. She doesn’t trust easily because of what she has gone through but the more time she spends with him and his friends and family the more she feels like she is part of a family. She says she is only in town until her car is fixed. But the more time she spends here the less she wants to leave. Even in this short time her feelings for Devin are getting stronger. Sometimes life takes us to a place we never saw coming but it is the right place for us. In searching for who and what she wants in life could it be she found it in a small town she never expected to be in and also a forever love and happily ever after she never saw coming.
Part of a series spun off of a series, spun off of a series.... Completely works as a stand alone.
Mackenzie packs her things and heads off for a fresh start. Not long after she begins her trek from New York to Oregon, her classic Mustang breaks down. Devin Maxwell, the owner of the auto shop in Sweetbriar Ridge, comes across her stranded on the side of the road. He is a saint- he offers to tow the car, offers her a job while he fixes it, and even allows her to stay in his guest room when all of the local rooms are booked. This is a romance novel, so of course their quasi-forced proximity leads to love, lol.
In case you are unfamiliar with this series, this is fluff. Both Mackenzie and Devin are very sweet and I like them together. However, being fluff, you have to suspend reality at times. Like why Mackenzie would be anywhere near Virginia when traveling from New York to Oregon. (Devin is on a return road trip, but they are not that far out of Sweetbriar Ridge- close enough to dispatch one of his tow trucks.)
I do feel this series would be enhanced by embracing the town. Throw a group of old busy bodies for some comedic relief. I love series when they are Stars Hallow-ish.
Carly Robbins narrates. While I have no complaints, I always hope for a second narrator for the male's POV. Maybe if I mention it enough times, someone will listen.
I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
In the tender pages of this heartfelt romance, the intricacies of broken families finding solace and forming unexpected bonds come to life. From the outset, the narrative envelops readers in a world where love blossoms amidst adversity, crafting a mosaic of emotions that resonate deeply within the soul.
What distinguishes this narrative is its exploration of found families - those chosen connections that become pillars of support and companionship. As the characters navigate life's trials together, they uncover the transformative power of genuine relationships, forging ties that endure through hardship and joy alike.
Dialogue serves as the lifeblood of the story, seamlessly blending humor with moments of profound sincerity. Whether through light-hearted banter or heartfelt conversations, each exchange feels authentic and compelling, drawing readers deeper into the lives of the characters.
As I accompanied these captivating individuals on their journey, I was moved by their shared experiences of love, loss, and ultimately, redemption. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the resilience inherent in the human spirit and the profound impact of meaningful connections.
In summary, this romance offers a touching portrayal of the human experience, celebrating the beauty of found families and the enduring power of love. With its evocative narration, engaging characters, and poignant dialogue, it leaves an indelible mark on the heart long after the final page is turned.
Finding You is the third book in Samantha Chase’s Sweetbriar Ridge series. Devin Maxwell is doing well! He owns the best, albeit only, garage in Sweetbriar Ridge, has several good men working for him, and has finally taken a long weekend to visit his grandparents. As he travels home from his visit thinking about how he has achieved so many goals and what he wants to do next, Devin encounters a broken down classic Mustang with a curvaceous young woman bent over the engine under the open hood. As Devin pulls over to help her, Mackenzie Holland, a very gun shy young woman, hesitates his offer of help. But stranded on a very lonely mountain road, and with a dead cell phone, it seems accepting Devin’s help is the only real option.
Devin has dreamt of restoring a classic muscle car such as Mackenzie’s Mustang and offers Mackenzie free towing and fixing the car’s issues. Not accustomed to anyone offering her help but in no position to not accept Devin’s offer, Mackenzie goes back to Sweetbriar Ridge with Devin only to discover there is no place to stay other than Devin’s guest room. And there is no way to pay for the repairs except to accept Devin’s offer to manage his office and front desk.
This only scratches the surface of this delightful tale. Although this story only touches on the Donovan family as Devin’s friends, they are still integral to this very interesting story. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
We are back in the small town of Sweetbriar Ridge where everyone knows you and though at times nosy, they always have your back. This time the story belongs to a friend of the Donovans, Devin Maxwell, owner of the local auto shop. After leaving a cheating boyfriend, losing her father and tired of dealing with pleasing others, MacKenzie Holland has decided to drive her deceased father’s classic car cross-country . She hopes that when she gets to Oregon, she’ll be able to find and speak to the mother that abandoned her and her father when she was a child. An unexpected car breakdown and a deluge of rain, finds her stranded in the middle of nowhere. That is, until a handsome man comes to her rescue. Neither Dev nor Mac expected the attraction or what was to come afterwards. Once Dev fixes her car, will Mac leave behind Dev and the town she has come to love or will she realize that she has found a true home with Dev and Sweetbriar Ridge? This was a sweet and touching story about family or lack thereof, new friends, new beginnings and second chances in life and love. Another wonderful story by this talented author. Carly Robins did a great narration with the various voices, bringing the story to life. I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Dreamscape. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This is an installment in the Sweet Briar Series, can be a stand alone but the back story would add another element to the story line and character development. This story takes the damsel in distress story and makes it even better. With a broken down car and broken dreams her life has not been easy, but with the love of a new man. Devin is the perfect leading man with his sweet caring side mixed with his good looks and small town charm. I loved MacKenzie and Devin together and really enjoyed seeing their relationship unfold. I think it is so relatable as many of us can't quite figure out where we are supposed to be or what we are supposed to be doing until we stumble into the right situation or person while others of us have their lives planned out for years and start checking off goal points as they go. However, as they say you can plan all you want, but life will come along and laugh at you! A sweet romance story in a small town that will have you swooning with delight. If you are looking for a light romance read that will just leave you content, this is your book. If insta-love is your jam, then this is also your book. It didn't leave me with lots of butterflies but it also never emotionally broke me so it is just a nice in between sweet romance. Thanks to Dreamscape Media, Valentine PR, and NetGalley.
Finding You is my first Samantha Chase Novel and I loved it. This is Devin & MacKenzie's story and these two meet when her classic car breaks down on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, during a storm and Devin happens to be passing by, and stops to help.
Being the only mechanic in town, and being the gentleman he is, he can't help but offer his services to fix the car and then ends up offering Mac a place to stay while he fixes her car and then a job to help cover the cost of the repairs. I liked Mackenzie's strength and independence but I'll admit she did frustrate me a couple times in the story, however both she and Devin were perfect together
Due to the close proximity, sparks was soon flying been these two and I loved how easy it was with them. Their story was a light, heartwarming romance that will make you smile as their relationship blossomed.
I loved the secondary characters and the found family aspect of the story. This small town, strangers to roommates to lovers, insta-love, workplace romance, was an entertaining read and I would recommend it.
🎧 This novel was narrated by Carly Robins who did a wonderful job with the narration. I found her voice was well suited to the characters and she brought the story to life. It was a pleasure listening to her narrate this novel.