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The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge #5
Craving You
A Small Town, Second Chance, Surprise Pregnancy, standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author, Samantha Chase
A sexy weekend fling at a wedding.
That’s all it was supposed to be.
And it was, until two little pink lines appeared.
Hailey Donovan was never impulsive. Well, until that weekend at her cousin’s wedding when she met the most attractive man she’d ever seen. They danced, they flirted, and at the end of the night, she threw caution to the wind and agreed to spend the weekend with him. It was never supposed to be more than that—it made no sense to keep in touch when they lived a thousand miles apart. A positive pregnancy test and a mild panic attack later, she kind of wishes they’d stayed in touch. As if that wasn’t enough, turns out her baby-daddy-to-be is her cousin’s new brother-in-law. Things are about to get extremely complicated.
Everything in Max Calloway’s life is coming up roses. Sort of. He was currently living above his brother’s garage, but the expansion of his cybersecurity business and investing in the family bar was going to help change that. And if that wasn’t enough, he’d had the most exciting weekend of his life with a beautiful woman. It’s just too bad he hadn’t been able to convince her to stay in touch. But his luck must really be turning because Hailey’s coming back to Sweetbriar Ridge for a visit, and he’s determined to get her to give them a chance.
Then she tells him he’s going to be a father.
They may be doing things a little out of order, but Max doesn’t let that stand in his way. He’s determined to prove to her that what they have is real. But first Hailey needs to learn to trust that what’s happening between them is more than just a craving.
A sexy weekend fling at a wedding.
That’s all it was supposed to be.
And it was, until two little pink lines appeared.
Hailey Donovan was never impulsive. Well, until that weekend at her cousin’s wedding when she met the most attractive man she’d ever seen. They danced, they flirted, and at the end of the night, she threw caution to the wind and agreed to spend the weekend with him. It was never supposed to be more than that—it made no sense to keep in touch when they lived a thousand miles apart. A positive pregnancy test and a mild panic attack later, she kind of wishes they’d stayed in touch. As if that wasn’t enough, turns out her baby-daddy-to-be is her cousin’s new brother-in-law. Things are about to get extremely complicated.
Everything in Max Calloway’s life is coming up roses. Sort of. He was currently living above his brother’s garage, but the expansion of his cybersecurity business and investing in the family bar was going to help change that. And if that wasn’t enough, he’d had the most exciting weekend of his life with a beautiful woman. It’s just too bad he hadn’t been able to convince her to stay in touch. But his luck must really be turning because Hailey’s coming back to Sweetbriar Ridge for a visit, and he’s determined to get her to give them a chance.
Then she tells him he’s going to be a father.
They may be doing things a little out of order, but Max doesn’t let that stand in his way. He’s determined to prove to her that what they have is real. But first Hailey needs to learn to trust that what’s happening between them is more than just a craving.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2025
171 people are currently reading
162 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 117 reviews
August 13, 2025
Not super keen on the surprise pregnancy trope, but this was sweet. RTC
Hailey & Max
What to expect:
~ dual 3rd person POV
~ small town Virginia setting
~ one night stand resulting in surprise pregnancy
~ steamage is fade to black mostly
Series notes:
This book in the series is a little different because Hailey is a cousin and not a Donovan sibling like the rest of the books. I still think it's a good idea to read them in order so that you can familiarize yourself with the family and know who's who and what's what.
Narration notes:
I am a broken record, but I really wish there was a male narrator even though she does a really good job with male tones.
Hailey & Max
What to expect:
~ dual 3rd person POV
~ small town Virginia setting
~ one night stand resulting in surprise pregnancy
~ steamage is fade to black mostly
Series notes:
This book in the series is a little different because Hailey is a cousin and not a Donovan sibling like the rest of the books. I still think it's a good idea to read them in order so that you can familiarize yourself with the family and know who's who and what's what.
Narration notes:
I am a broken record, but I really wish there was a male narrator even though she does a really good job with male tones.
April 5, 2025
Je savais que Samantha Chase faisait partie des grandes autrices de romances américaines, telles Melissa Foster, Kristen Proby, Carrie Ann Ryan et tant d'autres (qui nous présentent différentes séries mais liées entre elle, se situant dans de petites villes avec les valeurs que cela suppose ) mais je ne l'avais jamais lue.
La 1ère chose que je dois dire (et qui fait la force de ces auteures) est que j'arrive au tome 5 et que ça ne m'a pas gênée : au contraire, ça m'a donné juste envie de lire les histoires de ses frères, soeurs ou cousins/cousines ou de ses amies.
Ici, nous découvrons Hailey Donovan (visiblement c'est THE grande famille dans son univers), une jeune professeur de yoga, qui découvre dès le début du roman qu'elle est enceinte du frère du mari de sa cousine (elle l'a rencontré lors de leur mariage quelques semaines auparavant et bien qu'elle ne soit pas coutumière du fait, elle a cédé à son attirance pour lui et a passé le week-end avec lui d'où ce résultat).Une fois la nouvelle avalée, elle va décider d'aller le voir pour lui annoncer la nouvelle mais ce qu'elle ne s'attendait pas est que Max veuille à la fois s'investir dans la vie de ce bébé à venir mais surtout nouer une relation sérieuse et forte avec elle.
Mais la jeune femme, qui a été blessée et qui a vu son univers bouleversé par cette grossesse inattendue, va-t-elle pouvoir répondre aux attentes du jeune homme? Ce dernier qui était en pleine expansion professionnelle, pourra-t-il dégager du temps pour la convaincre qu'il sera là pour elle et leur futur bébé et ainsi lui démontrer que l'alchimie qu'il y a entre eux n'est pas que sexuelle et qu'ils ont un avenir en commun? eh bien, vous le saurez si vous voulez découvrir cette autrice et cette histoire qui m'ont vraiment bien plu, même si Hailey m'a aussi souvent énervée.
C'est aussi une belle histoire avec de la tension et de jolies scènes touchantes, drôle avec une famille, des amis qu'on aimerait connaître, et l'ambiance petite ville.
Je lirai donc les prochains.
Chronique complète ici : https://solysbooks.blogspot.com/2025/...
La 1ère chose que je dois dire (et qui fait la force de ces auteures) est que j'arrive au tome 5 et que ça ne m'a pas gênée : au contraire, ça m'a donné juste envie de lire les histoires de ses frères, soeurs ou cousins/cousines ou de ses amies.
Ici, nous découvrons Hailey Donovan (visiblement c'est THE grande famille dans son univers), une jeune professeur de yoga, qui découvre dès le début du roman qu'elle est enceinte du frère du mari de sa cousine (elle l'a rencontré lors de leur mariage quelques semaines auparavant et bien qu'elle ne soit pas coutumière du fait, elle a cédé à son attirance pour lui et a passé le week-end avec lui d'où ce résultat).Une fois la nouvelle avalée, elle va décider d'aller le voir pour lui annoncer la nouvelle mais ce qu'elle ne s'attendait pas est que Max veuille à la fois s'investir dans la vie de ce bébé à venir mais surtout nouer une relation sérieuse et forte avec elle.
Mais la jeune femme, qui a été blessée et qui a vu son univers bouleversé par cette grossesse inattendue, va-t-elle pouvoir répondre aux attentes du jeune homme? Ce dernier qui était en pleine expansion professionnelle, pourra-t-il dégager du temps pour la convaincre qu'il sera là pour elle et leur futur bébé et ainsi lui démontrer que l'alchimie qu'il y a entre eux n'est pas que sexuelle et qu'ils ont un avenir en commun? eh bien, vous le saurez si vous voulez découvrir cette autrice et cette histoire qui m'ont vraiment bien plu, même si Hailey m'a aussi souvent énervée.
C'est aussi une belle histoire avec de la tension et de jolies scènes touchantes, drôle avec une famille, des amis qu'on aimerait connaître, et l'ambiance petite ville.
Je lirai donc les prochains.
Chronique complète ici : https://solysbooks.blogspot.com/2025/...
March 18, 2025
Oh my goodness, Craving You was such a delightful rollercoaster! I couldn't help but fall head over heels for Max—he's the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend: sweet, caring, and unwaveringly supportive. From the moment he learned about the baby, his commitment and determination to win Hailey over had me swooning.
Hailey's journey was a bit more tumultuous. Her indecisiveness and insecurities did test my patience at times, but witnessing her growth and self-discovery by the end made it all worthwhile. The story flowed effortlessly, keeping me hooked with its blend of drama and romance. And that ending? Absolutely heartwarming and romantic—it left me with the biggest smile.
Hailey's journey was a bit more tumultuous. Her indecisiveness and insecurities did test my patience at times, but witnessing her growth and self-discovery by the end made it all worthwhile. The story flowed effortlessly, keeping me hooked with its blend of drama and romance. And that ending? Absolutely heartwarming and romantic—it left me with the biggest smile.
July 25, 2025
A sweet rom com from an outstanding series keeps the entertainment rolling. A one weekend fling leads to an unplanned pregnancy that leaves the participants wondering if this is a real relationship or being forced because of a baby on the way. Wonderful characters make you fall in love with them, the small-town setting keeps you in love with everyone and the fabulous plot will have you turning pages or staying up way late listening depending on your choice of reading style. FYI: The narration is fantastic and really helps bring the story to life. The story is written in a manner that makes it feel like you are living the experience along with the characters as you feel like they are real life people that you know rather than characters on a page.
March 26, 2025
I absolutely love the Donovan series and each book seems to be better than the last, if that’s possible! Ever since I read the end of Seeing You, I’ve been so excited to read Max, Marcus’ brother, and Hailey, Billie’s cousin’s, story. Right from the start, they’ve had amazing chemistry and the more they got to know each other, it’s easy to see how perfect they are together! Hailey has some issues from her past that she has to work through but Max patiently waits for her to get past them. Her family can definitely be overwhelming but I love seeing a family who is always there for each other, no matter what. The small town of Sweetbriar Ridge is charming and I always love a return visit! I can’t wait for Hailey’s sister Sloane’s book next!
June 8, 2025
This may be one of my favorite surprise pregnancy books.
Max = 🟢🟢🟢 flags all the way
I loved Max and Hailey . Max is literally the perfect book boyfriend.
Max = 🟢🟢🟢 flags all the way
I loved Max and Hailey . Max is literally the perfect book boyfriend.
March 22, 2025
Samantha Chase has done it again! I absolutely loved Seeing You, the fifth book in her The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series! I can honestly say that Seeing You is an incredible accidental pregnancy love story, which filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions, I was hooked from the first few pages, and it was impossible to put it down. Seeing 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-rush author for me. I love a second chance 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 Seeing 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? Seeing You is an accidental pregnancy love story between Hailey Donovan, nutritionist, who also taught yoga and Pilates and Maxwell “Max” Calloway, cybersecurity analyst, who owned his own small business. Hailey and Max met at Billie and Marcus’s wedding. Hailey is Billie’s cousin and Max is Marcus’s brother. They are immediately attracted to one another. After spending the entire weekend together, Hailey returns to her home in Florida. She soon discovers that is pregnant and returns to Sweetbriar Ridge to tell Max she is pregnant and discuss co-parenting. Hailey is staying at Billie and Marcus’s house, while Max lives above their garage. Conversation between Hailey and Max flow easily, and I love that they share secrets with each other that they have not shared with anyone before. I love the chemistry between them. As Hailey and Max spend time together living in Billie and Marcus’s home while they were away, things change between them, especially with their dates to the lodge. I love the heart-to-heart conversations that take place in Craving You. I love the changes that Max and Hailey are willing to make to have a life together, and how their families help make their dreams come true. I love that they both inadvertently like the same house. An unexpected plot twist puts their life together in jeopardy. I love how the plot twist is resolved. I was so happy that Max and Hailey finally admitted their true feelings for one another. I love the ending of their love stories and all the surprises that are revealed. I especially love how Hailey proposes and then Max proposes as well and the significance of the engagement ring that Hailey was giving to Max, and their happily ever after. I love all the changes that Max and Hailey make in their lives to have a future with one another. Another favorite part is the epilogue, it is the perfect ending of their love story. Craving You was an amazing love story; I am so glad that Max and Hailey got the happily ever after. I loved all the surprises that filled the pages of this love story. 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. Craving 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. I loved catching up with the Donovan siblings and their spouses. It felt like a family reunion, 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 Sweetbriar Ridge in Craving You. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? Love how the book hints as to who will be the next Donovan to fall in love in the series. I cannot wait to read the other stories in The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series. Highly recommend this beautifully written love story. Received an advanced copy from the author.
April 9, 2025
This is another book in the Donovan Family series by Samantha Chase. It is just as sweet and swoony as the other ones. This one picks up where Seeing You left off. During Seeing You, we know that Hailey and Max hook up but we don’t know all the details.
The book opens with Hailey finding out she is now pregnant with Max’s baby because of that weekend during the wedding. The problem is that Hailey lives in Florida and Max is back in Sweetbriar Ridge and has no idea that he is a dad. Sloane, Hailey’s sister, finds the pregnancy test in the trash can of her bathroom and makes her own up to what is going on. Together, they come up with a plan to get Hailey back to Sweetbriar Ridge to tell Max what is going on.
Max Calloway is in the middle of a big transition in his life. He has recently moved out of his dad’s house and is no longer his primary care provider. He has moved into the small apartment above the garage of his brother Marcus’s house. It was Marcus and Billie’s wedding that he and Hailey hooked up at. Marcus and Billie are newlyweds and don’t mind having Max around and love having him for dinner.
As Hailey comes into town, the gossip lines open up and try to figure out why she is here and what she is doing. Billie is happy to have her as their guest. It is then that she finds out that Max is living above the garage. She figures that there is no time like the present to let him know that he will be a father. Needless to say, he is very surprised by this news but kicks into Mr. Cinnamon Roll mode. He is ready to take on all the responsibilities that come with being a father and would love nothing more than marry Hailey as well. Unfortunately, Hailey is not on the same page as Max and is a bit freaked out about how quickly Max is ready to just into the deep end with her.
Between her reluctance of going knee deep with Max, no job prospects on the horizon if she decides to move to Sweetbriar Ridge, and the fact that the entire Donovan clan is meddling in their business, the story begins to unfold between Max and Hailey.
This story does a great job of touching on a surprise pregnancy, dealing with getting to know someone and build a life with them, meddling parents, and trying to carve out your own identity. I love how all these stories build on each other and I love how they support each other through the ups and downs of life. This is a great rom-com and it is definitely a closed door type of novel. Do not expect any spice with this book but it doesn’t need it. The character development and story line are enough.
The book opens with Hailey finding out she is now pregnant with Max’s baby because of that weekend during the wedding. The problem is that Hailey lives in Florida and Max is back in Sweetbriar Ridge and has no idea that he is a dad. Sloane, Hailey’s sister, finds the pregnancy test in the trash can of her bathroom and makes her own up to what is going on. Together, they come up with a plan to get Hailey back to Sweetbriar Ridge to tell Max what is going on.
Max Calloway is in the middle of a big transition in his life. He has recently moved out of his dad’s house and is no longer his primary care provider. He has moved into the small apartment above the garage of his brother Marcus’s house. It was Marcus and Billie’s wedding that he and Hailey hooked up at. Marcus and Billie are newlyweds and don’t mind having Max around and love having him for dinner.
As Hailey comes into town, the gossip lines open up and try to figure out why she is here and what she is doing. Billie is happy to have her as their guest. It is then that she finds out that Max is living above the garage. She figures that there is no time like the present to let him know that he will be a father. Needless to say, he is very surprised by this news but kicks into Mr. Cinnamon Roll mode. He is ready to take on all the responsibilities that come with being a father and would love nothing more than marry Hailey as well. Unfortunately, Hailey is not on the same page as Max and is a bit freaked out about how quickly Max is ready to just into the deep end with her.
Between her reluctance of going knee deep with Max, no job prospects on the horizon if she decides to move to Sweetbriar Ridge, and the fact that the entire Donovan clan is meddling in their business, the story begins to unfold between Max and Hailey.
This story does a great job of touching on a surprise pregnancy, dealing with getting to know someone and build a life with them, meddling parents, and trying to carve out your own identity. I love how all these stories build on each other and I love how they support each other through the ups and downs of life. This is a great rom-com and it is definitely a closed door type of novel. Do not expect any spice with this book but it doesn’t need it. The character development and story line are enough.
March 24, 2025
CRAVING YOU is the fifth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE DONOVANS: SWEETBRIAR RIDGE romance series, a spin off from the author’s THE DONOVANS. This is nutritionist and yoga instructor Hailey Donovan, and cybersecurity expect and bartender Max Calloway’s story line. CRAVING YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Max and Hailey) CRAVING YOU follows in the wake of a one-night stand between nutritionist and yoga instructor Hailey Donovan, and cybersecurity expect and bartender Max Calloway. A one night stand with the groom’s brother at her cousin’s wedding resulted in an unexpected pregnancy for our story line heroine. Hoping for a smooth reveal, Hailey drove five hours to confront the man with whom she would fall in love. Max Calloway is at a crossroads. Having recently sold his house to move to Sweetbriar Ridge to help his ailing father John, Max is living above his brother’s garage, rethinking his plans for the future until the arrival of Hailey Donovan pulls Max in another direction, potential husband and father.
The world building follows the rekindling relationship between Max and Hailey, as Hailey struggles with not only with her pregnancy but a new start with our story line hero. Max is all in; is hoping for marriage and family but Hailey is mistrusting in the face of a prior betrayal.
The relationship between Hailey and Max is one of second chances-of a sort. A one-night stand quickly turns into something more, and Max is determined to prove they are worthy of their own happily ever after. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.
There is a large ensemble cast of pushy but well meaning secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous story lines. We are reintroduced to Marcus and Billie (Seeing You), Hailey’s sister Sloane, and their high-handed, in your face yet over protective parents Bridget and Kevin Donovan, Billie’s siblings Jade, Ashly and Chloe, and Max’s father John. I was struggling to like Bridget and Kevin, because of their verbal and emotional attack against our story line heroine.
CRAVING YOU is a story of family and friendships, acceptance and mistrust, relationships and love. The premise is engaging and captivating but the Donovan family dynamics can be overwhelming. The characters are energetic; the romance is fated and seductive.
copy supplied for review
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Max and Hailey) CRAVING YOU follows in the wake of a one-night stand between nutritionist and yoga instructor Hailey Donovan, and cybersecurity expect and bartender Max Calloway. A one night stand with the groom’s brother at her cousin’s wedding resulted in an unexpected pregnancy for our story line heroine. Hoping for a smooth reveal, Hailey drove five hours to confront the man with whom she would fall in love. Max Calloway is at a crossroads. Having recently sold his house to move to Sweetbriar Ridge to help his ailing father John, Max is living above his brother’s garage, rethinking his plans for the future until the arrival of Hailey Donovan pulls Max in another direction, potential husband and father.
The world building follows the rekindling relationship between Max and Hailey, as Hailey struggles with not only with her pregnancy but a new start with our story line hero. Max is all in; is hoping for marriage and family but Hailey is mistrusting in the face of a prior betrayal.
The relationship between Hailey and Max is one of second chances-of a sort. A one-night stand quickly turns into something more, and Max is determined to prove they are worthy of their own happily ever after. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.
There is a large ensemble cast of pushy but well meaning secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous story lines. We are reintroduced to Marcus and Billie (Seeing You), Hailey’s sister Sloane, and their high-handed, in your face yet over protective parents Bridget and Kevin Donovan, Billie’s siblings Jade, Ashly and Chloe, and Max’s father John. I was struggling to like Bridget and Kevin, because of their verbal and emotional attack against our story line heroine.
CRAVING YOU is a story of family and friendships, acceptance and mistrust, relationships and love. The premise is engaging and captivating but the Donovan family dynamics can be overwhelming. The characters are energetic; the romance is fated and seductive.
copy supplied for review
March 29, 2025
Hailey Donovan and Max Calloway have a super-hot fling when they attend the wedding of her cousin and his brother. The weekend is so electrifying and mind-blowing that neither of them can forget it. Since no phone numbers are exchanged they cannot even try to reconnect, even though they both anxiously want to see each other again.
However, when Hailey and Max finally meet each other again, it is only because she has some shocking news to share with him. - Hailey is pregnant. Consequently, she leaves her home in Florida to visit Max in Sweetbriar Ridge and reveal her staggering news.
When she meets him again, at her cousin’s house, the two of them become aware of their fiery chemistry. Max wants to date her and give their relationship a chance. But Hailey is sure that he will abandon her when she reveals her condition.
However, Max does not react as Hailey expects. He wants to get married and be an in-person father to his child. Hailey, who has had some bad experiences with men, does not want to get married just because she is pregnant. She suggests that she move to Sweetbriar Ridge and they co-parent their child.
When Hailey refuses to get married, Max plans to use their time together to prove that their feelings are real. Readers will adore Max as he goes out of his way to be the perfect man who takes care of his pregnant wife and their unborn child.
On the other hand, Hailey, who is usually not impulsive, panics because she doesn’t trust Max’s feelings or the reasons he wants to marry her. In fact, Hailey spends most of her time in panic mode because she is so overwhelmed by everything that is happening to her.
Readers will be fascinated with the many complications that the pregnancy and Hailey’s family causes. Plus, how does Max finally convince Hailey to trust him? What will eventually change her mind?
This love story is beautiful and heart-warming!
However, when Hailey and Max finally meet each other again, it is only because she has some shocking news to share with him. - Hailey is pregnant. Consequently, she leaves her home in Florida to visit Max in Sweetbriar Ridge and reveal her staggering news.
When she meets him again, at her cousin’s house, the two of them become aware of their fiery chemistry. Max wants to date her and give their relationship a chance. But Hailey is sure that he will abandon her when she reveals her condition.
However, Max does not react as Hailey expects. He wants to get married and be an in-person father to his child. Hailey, who has had some bad experiences with men, does not want to get married just because she is pregnant. She suggests that she move to Sweetbriar Ridge and they co-parent their child.
When Hailey refuses to get married, Max plans to use their time together to prove that their feelings are real. Readers will adore Max as he goes out of his way to be the perfect man who takes care of his pregnant wife and their unborn child.
On the other hand, Hailey, who is usually not impulsive, panics because she doesn’t trust Max’s feelings or the reasons he wants to marry her. In fact, Hailey spends most of her time in panic mode because she is so overwhelmed by everything that is happening to her.
Readers will be fascinated with the many complications that the pregnancy and Hailey’s family causes. Plus, how does Max finally convince Hailey to trust him? What will eventually change her mind?
This love story is beautiful and heart-warming!
March 30, 2025
Samantha Chase has done it again with *Craving You*, a super sweet, heartwarming and captivating addition (book #5!) to the Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series that I absolutely adored. This book kept me engaged with its irresistible characters, fantastic writing, and a plot that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Hailey Donovan and Max Calloway are the beating heart of this story, and I couldn’t get enough of them. Hailey, a Florida nutritionist and yoga instructor with a cautious yet endearing spirit, feels like someone I could be friends with! —her struggles with trust and her unexpected journey into motherhood had me rooting for her every step of the way. Then there’s Max, the cybersecurity expert and bartender who’s equal parts charming and determined. If you read the prior book in the Sweetbriar Ridge series, you'll remember him as the tough brother holding his wayward sibling in order. His unwavering devotion to Hailey and their future together melted my heart. Their chemistry leapt off the page! .... Their a one-night stand turned into a beautifully messy, fated romance that I couldn’t stop smiling about.
What makes this book truly terrific is Ms. Chase’s writing—it’s smooth, engaging, and packed with emotion. She has a gift for weaving humor, tenderness, and just the right amount of tension into every scene. The plot, with its surprise pregnancy twist and the push-pull of Hailey and Max’s evolving relationship, is perfectly paced. It’s a rollercoaster of feels, from the swoony highs to the moments of doubt that make their happily-ever-after all the more satisfying.
*Craving You* is everything I love about romance: characters you can’t help but fall for, writing that pulls you in, and a story that leaves you warm and fuzzy. Samantha Chase has delivered a gem that I highly recommend! —trust me, you’ll be Craving every page of this one!
I received an ARC; this is my honest review
Hailey Donovan and Max Calloway are the beating heart of this story, and I couldn’t get enough of them. Hailey, a Florida nutritionist and yoga instructor with a cautious yet endearing spirit, feels like someone I could be friends with! —her struggles with trust and her unexpected journey into motherhood had me rooting for her every step of the way. Then there’s Max, the cybersecurity expert and bartender who’s equal parts charming and determined. If you read the prior book in the Sweetbriar Ridge series, you'll remember him as the tough brother holding his wayward sibling in order. His unwavering devotion to Hailey and their future together melted my heart. Their chemistry leapt off the page! .... Their a one-night stand turned into a beautifully messy, fated romance that I couldn’t stop smiling about.
What makes this book truly terrific is Ms. Chase’s writing—it’s smooth, engaging, and packed with emotion. She has a gift for weaving humor, tenderness, and just the right amount of tension into every scene. The plot, with its surprise pregnancy twist and the push-pull of Hailey and Max’s evolving relationship, is perfectly paced. It’s a rollercoaster of feels, from the swoony highs to the moments of doubt that make their happily-ever-after all the more satisfying.
*Craving You* is everything I love about romance: characters you can’t help but fall for, writing that pulls you in, and a story that leaves you warm and fuzzy. Samantha Chase has delivered a gem that I highly recommend! —trust me, you’ll be Craving every page of this one!
I received an ARC; this is my honest review
March 16, 2025
I just finished Craving You by Samantha Chase, and I have to say — this book is absolutely adorable. Even though it’s the fifth book in The Donovans (Sweetbriar Ridge) series, it’s the first one I’ve read, and now I’m definitely ready to go back and start from the beginning!
Craving You follows Max and Hailey’s love story, and while I’m not typically drawn to the “love at first sight” trope, Samantha Chase executed it beautifully. Max’s immediate connection with Hailey was heart-melting, but what truly won me over was how respectful he was of Hailey’s emotional process. Hailey is healing from a painful past relationship, and Max’s patience and understanding made their connection feel both genuine and deeply touching.
The pacing of their relationship is definitely fast — due to an unexpected outcome to their steamy weekend at a family wedding — but I was completely on board for it. Sometimes you just need a romance that sweeps you up quickly, no matter the circumstance, and this book delivers that perfectly. What also stood out to me was the balance of sweetness and intimacy. While this book isn’t overloaded with spice, there’s enough chemistry and tension to let you fill in the blanks — subtle but effective.
I’m also incredibly grateful to Samantha Chase and the Author Agency for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. It’s clear that she has a gift for creating relatable characters and heartfelt romances, and now I can’t wait to dive into books 1 through 4 to see how the rest of the Donovan family’s stories unfold.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, emotionally satisfying romance with a swoon-worthy hero and a heroine who’s finding her strength, Craving You is definitely worth picking up. Highly recommend!
Craving You follows Max and Hailey’s love story, and while I’m not typically drawn to the “love at first sight” trope, Samantha Chase executed it beautifully. Max’s immediate connection with Hailey was heart-melting, but what truly won me over was how respectful he was of Hailey’s emotional process. Hailey is healing from a painful past relationship, and Max’s patience and understanding made their connection feel both genuine and deeply touching.
The pacing of their relationship is definitely fast — due to an unexpected outcome to their steamy weekend at a family wedding — but I was completely on board for it. Sometimes you just need a romance that sweeps you up quickly, no matter the circumstance, and this book delivers that perfectly. What also stood out to me was the balance of sweetness and intimacy. While this book isn’t overloaded with spice, there’s enough chemistry and tension to let you fill in the blanks — subtle but effective.
I’m also incredibly grateful to Samantha Chase and the Author Agency for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. It’s clear that she has a gift for creating relatable characters and heartfelt romances, and now I can’t wait to dive into books 1 through 4 to see how the rest of the Donovan family’s stories unfold.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, emotionally satisfying romance with a swoon-worthy hero and a heroine who’s finding her strength, Craving You is definitely worth picking up. Highly recommend!
March 22, 2025
Satisfyingly Swoon Worthy!
This book has so many things that I love. Surprise pregnancy, second chance, small town vibes and lots of swoon worthy moments from the MC. This is my first Samantha Chase book and now I have to go back and read her previous books because I enjoyed this one so much. Hailey and Max were such a great couple. One passionate weekend at a family wedding and a surprise pregnancy later leave these two trying to navigate their future. Their chemistry is undeniable, but do they have more than just attraction to try a relationship for real?
I loved how Max was such an upstanding guy. He cares about his family and friends. He’s honest, dependable and is 💯 all in to becoming a father. This man showed up time and time again. He’s not too proud to admit when he’s wrong and he’s everything you could want in a book boyfriend. Hailey is just as lovely. She’s a good match to Max and someone you’d like to be friends with. I love the banter these two shared and enjoyed the relationships between Hailey her sister and her cousins. You really get that large family feel where everyone is in each other’s business, but you can’t help, but love them anyway. The relationship between Max and Hailey had tons of sweet and spicy. You get all the sweetness in how Max cares, loves and supports and how Hailey is always putting others first. Then you get that spice with how hot these two are together. Your heartstrings will be pulled on in all the good ways throughout the story and the HEA is will be everything you want.
This was a sweet romance with lots of pining, steam and heart warming moments. I really loved it and highly recommend curling up with a blanket, a cup of something yummy and this great book! 10/10 recommend.
This book has so many things that I love. Surprise pregnancy, second chance, small town vibes and lots of swoon worthy moments from the MC. This is my first Samantha Chase book and now I have to go back and read her previous books because I enjoyed this one so much. Hailey and Max were such a great couple. One passionate weekend at a family wedding and a surprise pregnancy later leave these two trying to navigate their future. Their chemistry is undeniable, but do they have more than just attraction to try a relationship for real?
I loved how Max was such an upstanding guy. He cares about his family and friends. He’s honest, dependable and is 💯 all in to becoming a father. This man showed up time and time again. He’s not too proud to admit when he’s wrong and he’s everything you could want in a book boyfriend. Hailey is just as lovely. She’s a good match to Max and someone you’d like to be friends with. I love the banter these two shared and enjoyed the relationships between Hailey her sister and her cousins. You really get that large family feel where everyone is in each other’s business, but you can’t help, but love them anyway. The relationship between Max and Hailey had tons of sweet and spicy. You get all the sweetness in how Max cares, loves and supports and how Hailey is always putting others first. Then you get that spice with how hot these two are together. Your heartstrings will be pulled on in all the good ways throughout the story and the HEA is will be everything you want.
This was a sweet romance with lots of pining, steam and heart warming moments. I really loved it and highly recommend curling up with a blanket, a cup of something yummy and this great book! 10/10 recommend.
March 26, 2025
This is the 5th book in The Donovans(Sweetbriar Ridge)series featuring Max and Hailey's charming emotional second chance,small-town, surprise pregnancy romance. We begin this story right where we left off in Seeing You where Max and Hailey meet at her cousins wedding and the attraction between them was instant. Max is the most handsome man that Hailey's ever seen they dance, they flirted and their chemistry is strong enough that Hailey decides to be impulsive and she spends the weekend with Max. They agree that it's only for the weekend and that they aren't going to keep in touch afterwards since they live so far apart. Everything changes when the pregnancy test comes back positive and Hailey has a mild panic attack wishing that they had stayed in touch. Max's life is really on the upswing even though he's living above his brothers garage he's expanding his cybersecurity business. Max also plans to invest in the family bar not to mention the incredible weekend that he spent with the beautiful Hailey he just wishes that they would have stayed in touch. Now he knows that his luck has definitely changed because he just found out Hailey's coming to Sweetbriar Ridge for a visit. Max is determined that he's going to get Hailey to give them a chance when he sees her again Max didn't expect her to tell him that he's going to be a father. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this charming emotional second chance, small-town, surprise pregnancy romance to see what happens. I would definitely recommend reading this wonderful book since nobody writes small-town romance quite like Samantha Chase.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2025
I really liked that this story started right after the previous one ended. Hailey and Max had a great weekend together at the wedding but who knew that there would be something or should I say someone to remember that weekend by. I liked how we had Hailey realizing she was pregnant and then her sister showed up for their girls’ dinner and she didn’t hide the evidence well enough, and Sloane found the pregnancy test. Really love Hailey and Sloane and their relationship and as we continue, we realize that yes Max needs to know he’s going to be a father, but Hailey and Max are both continuing to think about each other. I knew Max would step up when he found out and of course he did, however it was Hailey who was having trouble grasping that Max was all in, in more ways than just wanting to be there for her, be a dad and support her. I wasn’t a fan when her parents showed up but then Max, being who he is smoothed over the situation and Hailey didn’t like that. These two were hot and cold a lot during this book but we did find out why Hailey has some issues with commitment and forever, which I totally understand but there were times when she wasn’t so nice to Max. I was so happy when Hailey took the leap and who knew that they were both on the same page, finally. I’m thrilled for Hailey and Max and how they each ended up with something they both wanted in town, and I am also excited to see Sloane getting her book, can’t wait to read it. Great book!
March 28, 2025
Craving you was a fabulous weekend fling, accidental pregnancy, small town romance story. Right away I was pulled into the storyline as Hailey finds out that she is unexpectedly pregnant and trying to figure out a way to tell Max. When she decides that she needs to do it sooner rather than later she's off to Sweetbriar Ridge. Max has been doing nothing but thinking about Hailey since they spent the weekend together but not sure whether or not he should reach out to her to try something long distance. When he finds out from her cousin that she is headed for a visit he has no idea that he is really the person she is wanting to see. While the news is definitely surprising, Max handles it fabulously and decides that having Hailey and the baby in his life is a must. The trick is convincing Hailey that he really is all in and is falling for her fast. Because of things in her past she keeps her heart very guarded and struggles to let Max in completely. However, the chemistry that they have with each other can't be denied and slowly Max is able to begin to break down the walls Hailey has up. Throw in some well-meaning relatives and friends and there are some wonderful heartfelt moments. The writing was fantastic and the ability to see past characters in this series always makes me love a book even more.
Can Max prove to Haley that they belong together? Will they get their happily ever after? You're going to want to one click this ASAP to find out.-By Alisa
Can Max prove to Haley that they belong together? Will they get their happily ever after? You're going to want to one click this ASAP to find out.-By Alisa
March 24, 2025
Another amazing read by Samantha Chase. I fell in love with Max from the beginning. From the start he took responsibility. Hailey was the one who was overwhelmed and cautious of things moving too fast. She worried that if not for the pregnancy would they still be together. Max was ready to marry her although his “proposals” were far from romantic.
From the first night they were together Max felt something for Hailey. But he didn’t think it would go anywhere because of the distance they lived from each other. Now that she has moved near him they can try,
Hailey must learn to trust again. After her last relationship she is scared to open her heart. But Max isn’t going anywhere. Everyone tells her what a good guy his is. The support he gives her, the little things he does for her seems to chip away the walls she has around her heart.
Can he be the real thing? Can they be more roommates or co-parents? Is what they have a forever kind of love. Does he really love her after being together for such a short time.
Love doesn’t have a time table. When it’s right it’s right. There are people who are together for years before they realize they are in love and there are others like Max and Hailey who are lucky to find it so soon.
A beautiful love story. Not the typical way things go but it works for them and together they found their forever.
From the first night they were together Max felt something for Hailey. But he didn’t think it would go anywhere because of the distance they lived from each other. Now that she has moved near him they can try,
Hailey must learn to trust again. After her last relationship she is scared to open her heart. But Max isn’t going anywhere. Everyone tells her what a good guy his is. The support he gives her, the little things he does for her seems to chip away the walls she has around her heart.
Can he be the real thing? Can they be more roommates or co-parents? Is what they have a forever kind of love. Does he really love her after being together for such a short time.
Love doesn’t have a time table. When it’s right it’s right. There are people who are together for years before they realize they are in love and there are others like Max and Hailey who are lucky to find it so soon.
A beautiful love story. Not the typical way things go but it works for them and together they found their forever.
March 26, 2025
Max and Hailey have a great weekend together at all Billie and Marcus’ wedding festivities- little did they know things would change forever. And in the best of ways. They were already completely entranced by each other after the weekend they shared was over, neither one really knew how to go about reconnecting… that is until a surprise pregnancy forced her hand and Hailey decided it was time to revisit Sweetbriar Ridge and tell Max… And Max responds is typical swoon-worthy fashion. He is willing to do whatever it takes to be there for Hailey no matter what happens between them and where they end up…
Craving You has all the Donovan family, Sweetbriar Ridge elements we love.-The huge, loud and crazy family(with a little bit of drama), the small town, the fade to black romance, a charming mmc, his grand gestures to win the girl of his dreams, the HEA…
My favorite part of this book (without spoilers of course!) is chapter 13 when Hailey went for it. IYKYK. I LOVED reading a book where the fmc doesn’t fit the typical fmc romance mold!
Although this is a surprise pregnancy story I really enjoyed that the whole story wasn’t about the pregnancy itself but about Max and Hailey and how they figure out the dynamic between the two of them over everything else. It was a refreshing change to how most surprise pregnancy storylines go. ❤️
Craving You has all the Donovan family, Sweetbriar Ridge elements we love.-The huge, loud and crazy family(with a little bit of drama), the small town, the fade to black romance, a charming mmc, his grand gestures to win the girl of his dreams, the HEA…
My favorite part of this book (without spoilers of course!) is chapter 13 when Hailey went for it. IYKYK. I LOVED reading a book where the fmc doesn’t fit the typical fmc romance mold!
Although this is a surprise pregnancy story I really enjoyed that the whole story wasn’t about the pregnancy itself but about Max and Hailey and how they figure out the dynamic between the two of them over everything else. It was a refreshing change to how most surprise pregnancy storylines go. ❤️
March 19, 2025
The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge #5
While at her cousin's wedding, Hailey Donovan meets Max Calloway who is the groom's brother. They hit it off and end up spending the weekend together. After the wedding Hailey goes back to Florida where she lives only to find out several weeks later she's pregnant. Since they didn't exchange phone numbers nor have they kept in touch Hailey isn't sure what she's gonna do but knows she needs to tell him.
Max Calloway is currently living above his brother's garage, something he hopes to change soon. Everything in his life seems to be going well. He owns a cybersecurity business that he has been expanding and he wants to invest in a family bar since the town really doesn't have one.
When Hailey comes to visit her cousin she sees Max and tells him she's pregnant and he's gonna be a dad. He's shocked but wants to make it work with Hailey.
After her last relationship she has a hard time trusting not to mention she lives in Florida. Is she willing to move and give Max a chance?
4 stars
I laughed when Hailey and her sister Sloane were talking about telling her mom she was pregnant.
Max is a sweetheart and wanted to do everything he could for Hailey if she would only let him.
While at her cousin's wedding, Hailey Donovan meets Max Calloway who is the groom's brother. They hit it off and end up spending the weekend together. After the wedding Hailey goes back to Florida where she lives only to find out several weeks later she's pregnant. Since they didn't exchange phone numbers nor have they kept in touch Hailey isn't sure what she's gonna do but knows she needs to tell him.
Max Calloway is currently living above his brother's garage, something he hopes to change soon. Everything in his life seems to be going well. He owns a cybersecurity business that he has been expanding and he wants to invest in a family bar since the town really doesn't have one.
When Hailey comes to visit her cousin she sees Max and tells him she's pregnant and he's gonna be a dad. He's shocked but wants to make it work with Hailey.
After her last relationship she has a hard time trusting not to mention she lives in Florida. Is she willing to move and give Max a chance?
4 stars
I laughed when Hailey and her sister Sloane were talking about telling her mom she was pregnant.
Max is a sweetheart and wanted to do everything he could for Hailey if she would only let him.
March 24, 2025
Sweet, funny, and emotional.
When a weekend fling turns into a surprise baby, Max Calloway is ready to jump in and be there for his baby and the beautiful Hailey Donovan. Max is handsome, charming, and intelligent, and ready to settle down with a wife and family. Hailey is enjoying her life in Florida as a yoga instructor and nutritionist. The positive pregnancy test following a weekend fling at her cousin’s wedding is a surprise she wasn’t counting on. She’s not ready to rely on anyone except herself but is willing to move to Sweetbriar Ridge to co-parent. Max sees a future for them and is going to change her mind.
I love the Donovans and the large, crazy, and meddlesome family. They really can be a lot, but their antics come from a place of love. This is a sweet, funny, emotional, and beautiful tale of love, friendship, and learning to trust again. Max is a swoon-worthy and understated type of hero that you just want to hug. We first met him in his brother Marcus’ book “Seeing You” and I’m so happy he got his own HEA. I love the way he wins Hailey over little by little, showing up when necessary and being a rock for her. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put this book down. It was fast-paced, emotional, and humorous.
When a weekend fling turns into a surprise baby, Max Calloway is ready to jump in and be there for his baby and the beautiful Hailey Donovan. Max is handsome, charming, and intelligent, and ready to settle down with a wife and family. Hailey is enjoying her life in Florida as a yoga instructor and nutritionist. The positive pregnancy test following a weekend fling at her cousin’s wedding is a surprise she wasn’t counting on. She’s not ready to rely on anyone except herself but is willing to move to Sweetbriar Ridge to co-parent. Max sees a future for them and is going to change her mind.
I love the Donovans and the large, crazy, and meddlesome family. They really can be a lot, but their antics come from a place of love. This is a sweet, funny, emotional, and beautiful tale of love, friendship, and learning to trust again. Max is a swoon-worthy and understated type of hero that you just want to hug. We first met him in his brother Marcus’ book “Seeing You” and I’m so happy he got his own HEA. I love the way he wins Hailey over little by little, showing up when necessary and being a rock for her. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put this book down. It was fast-paced, emotional, and humorous.
March 24, 2025
I loved the instant sparks between Hailey and Max, their connection that grows deeper and stronger, as well as their devotion and loyalty to their families. Their close knit families make this book even more enjoyable, Their teasing, advice and encouragement is just what Hailey and Max need as they make changes in their lives and try to make their new relationship work, not only because of the love growing between them, but also for the baby arriving in a few short months. Max is steadfast, charming and determined to show Hailey that he is ready to be a supportive partner and father. He doesn’t rush her or get impatient because she is hesitant and has doubts. He just shows up, offers her support, takes care of her and tries to make her happy. I loved the insight into what each was thinking and feeling, and the texts between all the characters. Those texts are often humorous, insightful and show how close the relationships are between the characters. This heartwarming and entertaining book just makes my heart happy. I look forward to reading Sloane’s book.
I wholeheartedly recommend this charming book.
I wholeheartedly recommend this charming book.
March 25, 2025
Max has moved into an apartment above his newly married
brother’s garage in Sweetbriar Ridge as he continues to look for a local house. He has his own cybersecurity business and has moved to Sweetbriar Ridge to be closer to family especially with his brother recently moving back home to the area. Hailey is part of the Donovan clan but lives in Florida near her family. She has been to Sweetbriar Ridge multiple times in her life to visit her cousins and has always wanted to move there. Max and Hailey meet and his brother’s and her cousin’s wedding and share an intimate weekend and they went their separate ways figuring a long distance relationship was not in the cards for them even with their instant attraction. Now a positive pregnancy test has them back together again and trying to figure out their future as well as the future for their baby.
Love this author and she is a go to read for me. She has strong characters with great stories that pull you right in. I love to lose myself into her books. There is fun, laughter, serious times, nosy family, love, and many swoon worthy moments as this story comes together.
brother’s garage in Sweetbriar Ridge as he continues to look for a local house. He has his own cybersecurity business and has moved to Sweetbriar Ridge to be closer to family especially with his brother recently moving back home to the area. Hailey is part of the Donovan clan but lives in Florida near her family. She has been to Sweetbriar Ridge multiple times in her life to visit her cousins and has always wanted to move there. Max and Hailey meet and his brother’s and her cousin’s wedding and share an intimate weekend and they went their separate ways figuring a long distance relationship was not in the cards for them even with their instant attraction. Now a positive pregnancy test has them back together again and trying to figure out their future as well as the future for their baby.
Love this author and she is a go to read for me. She has strong characters with great stories that pull you right in. I love to lose myself into her books. There is fun, laughter, serious times, nosy family, love, and many swoon worthy moments as this story comes together.
March 26, 2025
💖 Craving You by Samantha Chase is an absolutely beautiful love story that completely stole my heart! From the very first page, I was swept away by the emotions, the deep connection between the characters, and the way Samantha Chase crafts such a breathtaking romance.
This book had everything I adore—heartfelt moments, undeniable chemistry, and a love that felt so pure and real. The emotions ran deep, making me feel every longing glance, every stolen touch, and every moment of vulnerability between these characters. Their journey was gorgeous, emotional, and so incredibly satisfying that I never wanted it to end.
Samantha Chase always delivers romance that is filled with heart, warmth, and just the right amount of angst to keep you completely hooked—and Craving You was no exception. I was fully invested, completely swooning, and smiling like crazy by the time I reached the last page.
💫 If you love deeply emotional, beautifully written love stories that will have you feeling everything, Craving You is an absolute must-read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Heartfelt, swoony, and completely unforgettable—I adored every second!
This book had everything I adore—heartfelt moments, undeniable chemistry, and a love that felt so pure and real. The emotions ran deep, making me feel every longing glance, every stolen touch, and every moment of vulnerability between these characters. Their journey was gorgeous, emotional, and so incredibly satisfying that I never wanted it to end.
Samantha Chase always delivers romance that is filled with heart, warmth, and just the right amount of angst to keep you completely hooked—and Craving You was no exception. I was fully invested, completely swooning, and smiling like crazy by the time I reached the last page.
💫 If you love deeply emotional, beautifully written love stories that will have you feeling everything, Craving You is an absolute must-read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Heartfelt, swoony, and completely unforgettable—I adored every second!
March 24, 2025
Craving You by Samantha Chase, book five in The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series, is an emotional roller coaster of instant attraction, unexpected consequences, and a love story that grabbed me from page one not letting go until I read the last one. Attending her cousin’s wedding Hailey Donovan meets the groom’s brother, Max Calloway, and sparks fly as they fall into attraction and a short fling. It was supposed to be one night of passion but for Max and Hailey it quickly became complicated.After returning to Florida, Hailey discovers she’s pregnant. Strongly believing she needed to let Max know of the situation, she returns to Sweetbriar Ridge. From the moment Max learned about the baby, his commitment and determination to win Hailey was amazing and so different from many men. He was sweet, caring, and unwaveringly supportive of Hailey. Hailey’s reaction was quite different and a bit more unsettling and chaotic. Max was so respectful, patience, and understanding of Hailey’s emotional process. Her indecisiveness and insecurities tested my patience at times, but witnessing her growth and self-discovery by the end made it all worthwhile.
There were a few humorous scenes throughout this wonderful story: but my favorite is when Hailey and her sister, Sloan, unexpectedly tell their mother about the pregnancy. I enjoyed catching up with the Donovan siblings and their spouses and love the hints as to who will be next to fall in love.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
There were a few humorous scenes throughout this wonderful story: but my favorite is when Hailey and her sister, Sloan, unexpectedly tell their mother about the pregnancy. I enjoyed catching up with the Donovan siblings and their spouses and love the hints as to who will be next to fall in love.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 22, 2025
Hailey hooks up with the grooms brother, Max, at her cousins wedding. She doesn’t expect to end up pregnant! Max can’t stop thinking about that weekend, he wants to see Hailey again and get to know her more, so he’s ecstatic when he finds out she’s coming to visit. When she tells him she’s pregnant he’s shocked but happy. It may be moving fast but it’s everything he wanted with her, even though they barely know each other. Can Max convince Hailey he’s all in and not just because of the baby or will Hailey refuse to believe the truth until it’s too late?
This book was sweet, clean and oh so good! It gave me total Natasha Madison vibes with the big, sprawling family all up in each others business and I loved every second! I need to go back and read the other books in this series and all the other series too because I already know I’m going to be hooked!
This is an ARC review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC copy of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it
This book was sweet, clean and oh so good! It gave me total Natasha Madison vibes with the big, sprawling family all up in each others business and I loved every second! I need to go back and read the other books in this series and all the other series too because I already know I’m going to be hooked!
This is an ARC review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC copy of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it
March 25, 2025
Another beautiful love story by Samantha Chase. I loved every moment of Max and Hailey’s journey. They are such lovable and strong characters.
They had not seen each other since their hot weekend tryst at a wedding, and because of the long distance between them, they did not bother exchanging numbers despite their attraction. They just really didn’t figure on seeing each other again.
But a very big surprise changes all of that. Neither was expecting it but they both certainly embrace it and I love that. Her family on the other hand, not so much. Well mostly her parents, at first that is.
Max was all in from the get go, but Hailey needed some more time to trust in her new relationship with Max and in their future. But they both planned on doing right by their little strawberry whether that be as roommates or a couple.
Great story, fantastic characters, and a whole lot of love, topped off with a happily ever after. Everything I always expect and get in a Samantha Chase romance.
I cannot wait for the next book in this wonderful series!
They had not seen each other since their hot weekend tryst at a wedding, and because of the long distance between them, they did not bother exchanging numbers despite their attraction. They just really didn’t figure on seeing each other again.
But a very big surprise changes all of that. Neither was expecting it but they both certainly embrace it and I love that. Her family on the other hand, not so much. Well mostly her parents, at first that is.
Max was all in from the get go, but Hailey needed some more time to trust in her new relationship with Max and in their future. But they both planned on doing right by their little strawberry whether that be as roommates or a couple.
Great story, fantastic characters, and a whole lot of love, topped off with a happily ever after. Everything I always expect and get in a Samantha Chase romance.
I cannot wait for the next book in this wonderful series!
March 25, 2025
This is the fifth book in the Sweetbriar Ridge series. I haven’t read them all but just the last three and they are interconnected but you could read them as standalone. In this book Hailey and Max meet at his brother’s and her cousin’s wedding. They have an instant attraction and spend a great weekend together. After the weekend Hailey return home to Florida and although she thinks about Max she doesn’t contact him. Two months later she discovers she is pregnant and makes a trip to Sweetbriar Ridge to tell him the news. Max is excited and anxious to see Hailey again. When he hears the news he is quick to say let’s get married and figure this out. Since Hailey was contemplating moving to Sweetbriar Ridge that is not the problem. Hailey is more concerned that they are rushing things and that whatever spark or attraction they have may not last. Great story of two people planning to have a baby and trying to figure stuff out. Love the whole family involvement. This is a lighthearted enjoyable story.
March 26, 2025
while it had its moments, it didn’t fully win me over.
What I Liked:
✅ Charming small-town setting – Sweetbriar Ridge feels warm and familiar, with a strong sense of community.
✅ Likeable main characters – Hailey is independent, and Max is protective, making them an easy-to-root-for pair.
✅ Emotional depth – A few heartfelt conversations added genuine moments of connection.
✅ Supportive side characters – I loved the Donovan family’s presence and the way they uplifted the story.
What I Did Not Like:
❌ Insta-love – Hailey and Max’s relationship developed too quickly, making it hard to feel fully invested.
❌ Predictable plot – The story followed a familiar formula with minimal surprises.
❌ Lack of tension – Their challenges were resolved too easily, leaving little emotional payoff.
❌ Not enough character depth – I wanted more personal growth beyond their romance.
Overall, Seeing You is a light, comforting read, but the rushed romance kept me from loving it. Ideal for fans of low-angst, small-town love stories!
What I Liked:
✅ Charming small-town setting – Sweetbriar Ridge feels warm and familiar, with a strong sense of community.
✅ Likeable main characters – Hailey is independent, and Max is protective, making them an easy-to-root-for pair.
✅ Emotional depth – A few heartfelt conversations added genuine moments of connection.
✅ Supportive side characters – I loved the Donovan family’s presence and the way they uplifted the story.
What I Did Not Like:
❌ Insta-love – Hailey and Max’s relationship developed too quickly, making it hard to feel fully invested.
❌ Predictable plot – The story followed a familiar formula with minimal surprises.
❌ Lack of tension – Their challenges were resolved too easily, leaving little emotional payoff.
❌ Not enough character depth – I wanted more personal growth beyond their romance.
Overall, Seeing You is a light, comforting read, but the rushed romance kept me from loving it. Ideal for fans of low-angst, small-town love stories!
March 27, 2025
When the Donovan Clan gets together it can be a party in itself.so when Hailey Donovan comes to Sweetbriar Ridge for her cousin Billie’s wedding .. meeting a handsome stranger was not on her list let alone he being Billie’s Brother in law ..
We all know one thing leads to another and Hailey and Max Calloway spend and enjoyable weekend together. So when it ends and Hailey goes back to Florida why does it seem like these two have regrets ??
Except the regrets are NOT what you might think !! These are regrets of NOT keeping in touch or even trying a long distance relationship since they hit it off so well.
So when 2 little lines show up ALL the regrets fade away and then the good stuff happens !!
The dynamics of these two trying to make it work with just know each other a short amount of time doesn’t matter because when you know you know !! These is not a handbook for what the time period to fall in love is and these two prove it !!
Phenomenal story and cant wait for more of the Dovovan Clan .. and the Callaways !!
We all know one thing leads to another and Hailey and Max Calloway spend and enjoyable weekend together. So when it ends and Hailey goes back to Florida why does it seem like these two have regrets ??
Except the regrets are NOT what you might think !! These are regrets of NOT keeping in touch or even trying a long distance relationship since they hit it off so well.
So when 2 little lines show up ALL the regrets fade away and then the good stuff happens !!
The dynamics of these two trying to make it work with just know each other a short amount of time doesn’t matter because when you know you know !! These is not a handbook for what the time period to fall in love is and these two prove it !!
Phenomenal story and cant wait for more of the Dovovan Clan .. and the Callaways !!
March 20, 2025
𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮 is the 5th book in the spin-off series, The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, featuring a sweet second chance, surprise pregnancy romance for Hailey and Max. When a passionate post-wedding hook-up results in two lines that change everything, Hailey and Max have decisions to make and feelings to sort out! I knew I would love this story, when I read the last book, and I was right! Max was totally swoon worthy in his mission to prove his commitment to Hailey, and I loved their connection throughout. The barrage of meddling Donovans were a blast with their endless support and banter, girls’ nights, and more. Whether it was the low-key spice that fit the story or the dramatic moments, or the frustrating moments as Hailey fought their connection, I enjoyed the roller coaster! I can’t wait for Sloane’s story, as she’s quite the character!!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
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