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The Shaughnessy Brothers #3
Always My Girl
Falling in love with your best friend? Easy.
Telling them how you really feel? Impossible.
Quinn Shaughnessy believes there's a lot more to life than romance, and he always thought his best friend Anna agreed. But now she's coming out of her shell and dating...and Quinn starts seeing her in a very different light.
Anna can tell Quinn anything, except the big secret she's been hiding for years-that she's fallen in love with him. Now Anna is determined to make a life for herself that doesn't include hopeless pining. But just as she's ready to move on, Quinn seems determined not to let go-and the way he's looking at her might be enough to finally change them from best friends to best everything.
Telling them how you really feel? Impossible.
Quinn Shaughnessy believes there's a lot more to life than romance, and he always thought his best friend Anna agreed. But now she's coming out of her shell and dating...and Quinn starts seeing her in a very different light.
Anna can tell Quinn anything, except the big secret she's been hiding for years-that she's fallen in love with him. Now Anna is determined to make a life for herself that doesn't include hopeless pining. But just as she's ready to move on, Quinn seems determined not to let go-and the way he's looking at her might be enough to finally change them from best friends to best everything.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2016
579 people are currently reading
983 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Chase
142 books2,355 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 239 reviews
June 5, 2016
I'm always looking for some fluffy romance books to be my sorbet and I'm a sucker for the BFF to more plot line, so I was eager to read this one. Sadly, I was disappointed.
Right off the bat, I struggled with Anna and Quinn. She fluctuated between being sort of bratty or a push over and he was sort of an ass most of the time. Everything between them was a push and pull filled with dramatics. There are a lot of secondary characters and they're all just okay. Maybe it's because I haven't read the other books in the series, but I really had no idea who anyone was in relation to the others.
My main problem was that I didn't see the chemistry between Anna and Quinn. When they do finally get together, it felt forced to me. I didn't feel like there was any real growth or changes in either of them. Also?
I kept reading because I was hoping for something to spark. I was certain that somehow it would turn around. Overall, I can see how people will love it, but it just wasn't for me.
**Huge thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
Right off the bat, I struggled with Anna and Quinn. She fluctuated between being sort of bratty or a push over and he was sort of an ass most of the time. Everything between them was a push and pull filled with dramatics. There are a lot of secondary characters and they're all just okay. Maybe it's because I haven't read the other books in the series, but I really had no idea who anyone was in relation to the others.
My main problem was that I didn't see the chemistry between Anna and Quinn. When they do finally get together, it felt forced to me. I didn't feel like there was any real growth or changes in either of them. Also?
I kept reading because I was hoping for something to spark. I was certain that somehow it would turn around. Overall, I can see how people will love it, but it just wasn't for me.
**Huge thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
October 12, 2016
Yay another book where the h has been in love with the H since they were kids but he's been whoring around the entire time. How awesome.
July 18, 2016
Don’t you just love a good romance where the one you love is right in front of you and you do NOT even realize it? Quinn has no use for being tied down to one woman, seriously, why should he when he has such a smorgasbord out there and forever is such a long time? His best friend, Anna, a tomboy kind of girl, may not agree, because she has been carrying a torch for Quinn for years, secretly, of course, because after all, they are best buds.
There comes a time in every girl’s life when she wants love, she wants someone special and because she hasn’t the guts to tell Quinn, the anti-love guy, she is determined to find it somewhere with someone. You guessed it, Quinn is more than just a little upset and dare we say jealous? So, what will he do about it?
Samantha Chase’s Always My Girl is a romance for the truly romantics in all of us. Come on, who couldn’t love two perfectly adorable characters who do such an amazing job of dancing around the Cupid in the room, one of them avoiding the truth and one of them kind of clueless.
Samantha Chase has brought another Shaughnessy brother to his knees, with light-hearted moments, endearing moments and moments that are pure romance. What’s not to love about two people meant for each other, finding love in their best friend?
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 Stars
Series: The Shaughnessy Brothers - Book 3
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN-10: 1492616281
ISBN-13: 978-1492616283
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Number of pages: 352
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
There comes a time in every girl’s life when she wants love, she wants someone special and because she hasn’t the guts to tell Quinn, the anti-love guy, she is determined to find it somewhere with someone. You guessed it, Quinn is more than just a little upset and dare we say jealous? So, what will he do about it?
Samantha Chase’s Always My Girl is a romance for the truly romantics in all of us. Come on, who couldn’t love two perfectly adorable characters who do such an amazing job of dancing around the Cupid in the room, one of them avoiding the truth and one of them kind of clueless.
Samantha Chase has brought another Shaughnessy brother to his knees, with light-hearted moments, endearing moments and moments that are pure romance. What’s not to love about two people meant for each other, finding love in their best friend?
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 Stars
Series: The Shaughnessy Brothers - Book 3
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN-10: 1492616281
ISBN-13: 978-1492616283
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Number of pages: 352
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 4, 2025
Always My Girl is a deliciously sweet contemporary romance, one you can’t help but devour.
Anna and Quinn have been best friends since they were 5. Anna has secretly been pining for Quinn since she started noticing boys but Quinn is clueless.
When Anna decides to look for love, give up on her thing for Quinn, Quinn isn’t happy. He starts to notice Anna in an entirely new light.
Could it be that they are their own biggest obstacle…admitting they are in love with their best friend?
Chase once again impresses me with a heartwarming tale of love and friendship. Fun, heartfelt and sincere, you can’t help but find yourself drawn right into the Shaughnessy family.
I received this ARC copy of How Sweet It Is from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication July 5, 2016.
My Rating: 4 stars
Anna and Quinn have been best friends since they were 5. Anna has secretly been pining for Quinn since she started noticing boys but Quinn is clueless.
When Anna decides to look for love, give up on her thing for Quinn, Quinn isn’t happy. He starts to notice Anna in an entirely new light.
Could it be that they are their own biggest obstacle…admitting they are in love with their best friend?
Chase once again impresses me with a heartwarming tale of love and friendship. Fun, heartfelt and sincere, you can’t help but find yourself drawn right into the Shaughnessy family.
I received this ARC copy of How Sweet It Is from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication July 5, 2016.
My Rating: 4 stars
August 15, 2016
ALWAYS MY GIRL is the third book of The Shaughnessy Brothers but this is the first full-length book I’ve read of Samantha Chase. I jumped on reading this book mainly because I was looking for another series that centered around a family. I’m just a sucker for these kind of stories, so I had some high expectations going on.
For the most part, I liked the book. The writing is eloquent and simple to follow. Although I haven’t read the other books in the series, I found no problem in jumping in. Of course, I was most looking forward to meeting Quinn Shaughnessy. He seems to be a favorite and one readers were looking forward to getting a HEA. I liked Quinn but he didn’t totally win me over. He comes across as really young compared to his brothers, and being in the presence of Anna doesn’t help.
Anna and Quinn have known each other for a long time. There are a few small flashback scenes that build their initial relationship as children, which I think helps in strengthening the romance. However, I did feel like Quinn came off a little bit childish, especially as he runs off because he can’t come to terms with what he thinks of Anna. I mean, it’s sweet, but this isn’t a Young Adult book. I expect a grown man to be able to understand his own emotions by now.
Anna was sweet but not very memorable. I was kind of hoping that there would be more to his story because apart from the romance, nothing else really happens in the story. And because I wasn’t fully invested in the romance, the book just kind of cruised along.
I think if you’re in the mood for a sweet and charming Contemporary Romance that is family-oriented, then you might like this book. However, it didn’t exactly blow me away. Still, I am looking forward to reading more from Samantha Chase.
July 27, 2016
Rosalie's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Quinn Shaughnessy is the family playboy. He's never really had a relationhip in his whole life. The one constant has been his best friend Anna Hannigan moved in next door when the two were kids. Thinking girls are yuck, Anna quickly realized with the suggestion to go swipe some of her mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies, that maybe girls don't have as many cooties as he originally thought.
This read is a best friends for life turned to lovers. I will say the one thing I struggled with the most was both Anna and Quinn's insecurities with each other. I felt, a number of times, that one was making headway, and then the other would do something to mess everything they had worked to get up. I love a HEA, but going through what these went through to get there almost made me wonder if they would even work? This is the third book in this series, but the first I have read. I didn't have to read the other two to follow along with this plot. I never felt lost, but do feel I will go back and read the first two to just get an insight into the brothers' lives before they were snagged and married. Overall, I really enjoyed this read!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Quinn Shaughnessy is the family playboy. He's never really had a relationhip in his whole life. The one constant has been his best friend Anna Hannigan moved in next door when the two were kids. Thinking girls are yuck, Anna quickly realized with the suggestion to go swipe some of her mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies, that maybe girls don't have as many cooties as he originally thought.
This read is a best friends for life turned to lovers. I will say the one thing I struggled with the most was both Anna and Quinn's insecurities with each other. I felt, a number of times, that one was making headway, and then the other would do something to mess everything they had worked to get up. I love a HEA, but going through what these went through to get there almost made me wonder if they would even work? This is the third book in this series, but the first I have read. I didn't have to read the other two to follow along with this plot. I never felt lost, but do feel I will go back and read the first two to just get an insight into the brothers' lives before they were snagged and married. Overall, I really enjoyed this read!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
August 28, 2016
I've had my eye on this one for a while, and finally decided to give it a go. I love friends to lovers stories, so I was immediately pulled into Anna and Chase's story.
Overall, the story was decent, there were some parts that lagged for me, but I had to know how things would play out.
The one reason that this book was a 4 and not a 5 was the fade to black. The author did an amazing job with the chemistry between Anna and Chase. The first time they kissed....
And don't even get me started on the kitchen encounter!
But unfortunately, both scenes were a build up to nothing.
It was just a let down after so much promise and chemistry.
Overall, the story was decent, there were some parts that lagged for me, but I had to know how things would play out.
The one reason that this book was a 4 and not a 5 was the fade to black. The author did an amazing job with the chemistry between Anna and Chase. The first time they kissed....
And don't even get me started on the kitchen encounter!
But unfortunately, both scenes were a build up to nothing.
It was just a let down after so much promise and chemistry.
June 28, 2016
LOVED this book! It's a wonderful friend to lovers story that just had me smiling the whole way through. Quinn Shaughnessy and Anna Hannigan have been best friends since grade school. While Anna has been in love with Quinn for years he's always kept her firmly in the friend zone. To him she's still the tomboy he grew up with only wait...when did she stop being that tomboy and turn into the gorgeous woman in front of him?? Anna's finally decided she's ready to stop waiting on Quinn to notice her and she's ready to find her HEA somewhere else. Suddenly Quinn is noticing her but is it too late???
I love the characters in this series and these two are definite favorites of mine. I highly recommend everyone grab a copy of this one!
I love the characters in this series and these two are definite favorites of mine. I highly recommend everyone grab a copy of this one!
July 3, 2016
3.5 stars
Always My Girl is the third book from The Shaughnessy Brothers series by Samantha Chase. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I suggest you read them all as the characters do appear in each book.
I've enjoyed reading about each Shaughnessy brother find their perfect partner and I was eagerly looking forward to Quinn's story.
Overall I did enjoy watching Quinn and Anna move from friends to lovers. It was amusing watching Quinn finally seeing Anna more than a good friend and as a sensual and beautiful woman.
I just wished I had connected with them more. At different times I found myself questioning their actions and their true feelings, especially Quinn.
But by the end of the book I was happy with the way the author Samantha Chase brought these two together, I was left feeling happy Quinn and Anna would have a happy and full life together.
Looking forward to reading Riley's book next in This Is Our Song.
*A big thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley for the advance copy*
Always My Girl is the third book from The Shaughnessy Brothers series by Samantha Chase. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I suggest you read them all as the characters do appear in each book.
I've enjoyed reading about each Shaughnessy brother find their perfect partner and I was eagerly looking forward to Quinn's story.
Overall I did enjoy watching Quinn and Anna move from friends to lovers. It was amusing watching Quinn finally seeing Anna more than a good friend and as a sensual and beautiful woman.
I just wished I had connected with them more. At different times I found myself questioning their actions and their true feelings, especially Quinn.
But by the end of the book I was happy with the way the author Samantha Chase brought these two together, I was left feeling happy Quinn and Anna would have a happy and full life together.
Looking forward to reading Riley's book next in This Is Our Song.
*A big thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley for the advance copy*
April 30, 2016
With Love Walks In having been a tearjerker, Always My Girl has lightened things up with Quinn and Anna's story. Sometimes less is more. Samantha Chase came back swinging with this hilarious take on romance. Quinn does not do well with change, so when his best friend turns the tables on him and goes from girl next door to woman of his dreams anything can happen. Always My Girl is a fun friends to lovers novel that proves the versatility of Ms. Chase. She can do it all.
November 8, 2016
2 1/2 stars, rounded up because I liked the dynamic with the older brother. However, there's really not much romantic suspense in this novel.
November 11, 2016
2-1/2 stars.
This review is also posted on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Ah, I love best friends to more stories, and I was so excited to check this one out. This is definitely a fast-read and the storyline is okay. I just didn't connect with the characters and felt underwhelmed by everything.
The reason I love BFFs to more is when it's so obvious they should be together, not because they finally take notice of the other person because someone else has them. I know this review isn't supposed to be about my issues, but that's how I felt here. Yes, Anna has been in love with Quinn forever and he didn't know it. But he only figured it out when she started being noticed by other people. *shrugs*
Also, something happens in this book that pretty much turned me off--I felt like it was unrealistic for everyone involved. The cover is adorable and definitely made me want to read the book, and I loved the sense of family and the setting. All in all, this was a cute story, but I found it lacking in the chemistry department and I didn't really care for the characters.
This review is also posted on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Ah, I love best friends to more stories, and I was so excited to check this one out. This is definitely a fast-read and the storyline is okay. I just didn't connect with the characters and felt underwhelmed by everything.
The reason I love BFFs to more is when it's so obvious they should be together, not because they finally take notice of the other person because someone else has them. I know this review isn't supposed to be about my issues, but that's how I felt here. Yes, Anna has been in love with Quinn forever and he didn't know it. But he only figured it out when she started being noticed by other people. *shrugs*
Also, something happens in this book that pretty much turned me off--I felt like it was unrealistic for everyone involved. The cover is adorable and definitely made me want to read the book, and I loved the sense of family and the setting. All in all, this was a cute story, but I found it lacking in the chemistry department and I didn't really care for the characters.
January 29, 2018
Quinn has fewer issues than his older brothers, but he is selfish and thoughtless. To an astonishing degree at times. That being said, I thought his character arc was handled decently. He is very typical middle child. Anna's arc wasn't quite as well handled. I would've liked to see more development there. Years of unrequited love to mutual love romances are always a hard sell for me, but at least I feel like Quinn and Anna are at a good place by the end even though their conflict had one of my most hated romance tropes ever buried in it.
I'm going to take a break before I read Riley's story.
I'm going to take a break before I read Riley's story.
May 21, 2016
This review is based on an ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
4.5
Our poor heroine was BRUTALLY friend zoned by the King Kong of all clueless a$$hats. He finally started to catch on and apologized for his a$$hat-ery around page #200. Immature a$$hats aside, I truly thought this was an adorable read. This is another one that I recommend. Looky friends, I found another author to love :)
4.5
Our poor heroine was BRUTALLY friend zoned by the King Kong of all clueless a$$hats. He finally started to catch on and apologized for his a$$hat-ery around page #200. Immature a$$hats aside, I truly thought this was an adorable read. This is another one that I recommend. Looky friends, I found another author to love :)
July 7, 2018
An older book but I found it to be enjoyable. I did not read the others from this series. I was fine without having read them.
July 7, 2016
A yummy sweet and hot best-friends-to-lovers romance!
She'd always been in love with Quinn. Ever since they were kids. She just... she knew. He was the one for her. Her soul mate. The only problem was Quinn didn't feel the same way. She was his pal. His buddy. There'd never once been anything romantic between them, and if he even suspected how she felt, he'd never let on.
I absolutely loved Quinn's and Anna's best-friends-to-lovers story in ALWAYS MY GIRL by Samantha Chase! The cover is delightful, too - it would have drawn me in all by itself. This is a very sweet read with flashbacks to the couple's childhood memories interspersed with the two in the present day. This is the story of Quinn Shaughnessy and Anna Hannigan.
They have a long history having been best friends since grade school when Anna's family moved in next door to the Shaughnessys.
"I love you, Quinn Shaughnessy. From the very first day when we snuck into my house and stole those chocolate chip cookies and then hid behind the jungle gym, I was hooked."
While Anna's feelings for Quinn have evolved over the years into a serious crush, Quinn continues to think of Anna as a tomboy, the girl-next-door and his best friend. Anna really wants Quinn to see her as a woman, but she doesn't know how to go about that. Quinn has a well-earned reputation as a player. He only seems to be attracted to bimbos - and, even they, only garner his attention for a night or two. Her brother and friends tell her to give up on her fantasy, move on and find her HEA elsewhere.
Quinn sure doesn't expect to meet up with a new version of Anna when he arrives at the beach-side home where his brother's wedding will occur. On the contrary, he expects to be bored out-of-his-mind. He knows his brother's bride-to-be, Zoe, has a few friends attending and he hopes that he can convince one of them to indulge into some pleasurable activities during the long weekend. When he sees a curvy woman sunbathing by the pool, he thinks he's struck gold - until he introduces himself and looks in his best-friend's eyes. He'd never seen her in a bikini before and swallows his tongue knowing he can't hit upon her. His friendship with her is too precious. He does not want to lose what they have and fears that is what would happen if their relationship changed the way his body obviously demands. Now, if he could just get his mind and body to listen!
Samantha took the generic friends-to-lovers storyline, added a dose of tough reality with a slew of trials and tribulations and wrapped the package up tidily with an enchanting HEA. While I wanted to shake Quinn more than once during the telling, he sure said - and meant from the bottom of his heart - the sweetest, most yummiest things. This couple was so genuine - their feelings for each other so strong - that their story came across as intensely real. I was utterly mesmerized.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from this highly entertaining read:
"You're the devil, you know that, right?"
His smile grew and became just a bit wicked. "You know it, sweetheart."
---
Quinn shucked his jeans but left his boxers on as he crawled on the bed and covered her body - kissing her along the way. "I think one of us is still overdressed," he murmured.
She couldn't help but tease him. "I was wondering why you left your boxers on."
And then he rested his forehead against hers, closed his eyes, and smiled. "You're not going to make this easy, are you?"
She shook her head. "I was hoping to make it... hard. Very, very hard."
---
He reached up and cupped her face in his hands. "Did it ever occur to you that I don't want to share you with anyone else? That maybe now that I've realized how much you mean to me, I want to show you as much as I can? Or maybe, because you're so damn sexy and my every freaking fantasy that I can't wait to get you alone, so I can touch you, kiss you, and love you from head to toe?"
This is the first book from the author's Shaughnessy Brothers' series that I've read - so I can attest that it works well as a stand-alone read, Even so, I still enjoyed connecting with the supporting characters who had obviously been featured in the prior books. Be forewarned that ALWAYS MY GIRL will leave you craving more of the Shaughnessy Brothers! They are all so hot and swoon-worthy! I will be catching up with this series soon. I already have both previous books on my reader!
I've enjoyed every book by Samantha that I've read. That said, this is, hands down, my favorite so far. I highly recommend ALWAYS MY LOVE to anyone who enjoys delectable sweet and hot contemporary romances with completely endearing characters!
My review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
4 1/2 Wine Glasses!
She'd always been in love with Quinn. Ever since they were kids. She just... she knew. He was the one for her. Her soul mate. The only problem was Quinn didn't feel the same way. She was his pal. His buddy. There'd never once been anything romantic between them, and if he even suspected how she felt, he'd never let on.
I absolutely loved Quinn's and Anna's best-friends-to-lovers story in ALWAYS MY GIRL by Samantha Chase! The cover is delightful, too - it would have drawn me in all by itself. This is a very sweet read with flashbacks to the couple's childhood memories interspersed with the two in the present day. This is the story of Quinn Shaughnessy and Anna Hannigan.
They have a long history having been best friends since grade school when Anna's family moved in next door to the Shaughnessys.
"I love you, Quinn Shaughnessy. From the very first day when we snuck into my house and stole those chocolate chip cookies and then hid behind the jungle gym, I was hooked."
While Anna's feelings for Quinn have evolved over the years into a serious crush, Quinn continues to think of Anna as a tomboy, the girl-next-door and his best friend. Anna really wants Quinn to see her as a woman, but she doesn't know how to go about that. Quinn has a well-earned reputation as a player. He only seems to be attracted to bimbos - and, even they, only garner his attention for a night or two. Her brother and friends tell her to give up on her fantasy, move on and find her HEA elsewhere.
Quinn sure doesn't expect to meet up with a new version of Anna when he arrives at the beach-side home where his brother's wedding will occur. On the contrary, he expects to be bored out-of-his-mind. He knows his brother's bride-to-be, Zoe, has a few friends attending and he hopes that he can convince one of them to indulge into some pleasurable activities during the long weekend. When he sees a curvy woman sunbathing by the pool, he thinks he's struck gold - until he introduces himself and looks in his best-friend's eyes. He'd never seen her in a bikini before and swallows his tongue knowing he can't hit upon her. His friendship with her is too precious. He does not want to lose what they have and fears that is what would happen if their relationship changed the way his body obviously demands. Now, if he could just get his mind and body to listen!
Samantha took the generic friends-to-lovers storyline, added a dose of tough reality with a slew of trials and tribulations and wrapped the package up tidily with an enchanting HEA. While I wanted to shake Quinn more than once during the telling, he sure said - and meant from the bottom of his heart - the sweetest, most yummiest things. This couple was so genuine - their feelings for each other so strong - that their story came across as intensely real. I was utterly mesmerized.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from this highly entertaining read:
"You're the devil, you know that, right?"
His smile grew and became just a bit wicked. "You know it, sweetheart."
---
Quinn shucked his jeans but left his boxers on as he crawled on the bed and covered her body - kissing her along the way. "I think one of us is still overdressed," he murmured.
She couldn't help but tease him. "I was wondering why you left your boxers on."
And then he rested his forehead against hers, closed his eyes, and smiled. "You're not going to make this easy, are you?"
She shook her head. "I was hoping to make it... hard. Very, very hard."
---
He reached up and cupped her face in his hands. "Did it ever occur to you that I don't want to share you with anyone else? That maybe now that I've realized how much you mean to me, I want to show you as much as I can? Or maybe, because you're so damn sexy and my every freaking fantasy that I can't wait to get you alone, so I can touch you, kiss you, and love you from head to toe?"
This is the first book from the author's Shaughnessy Brothers' series that I've read - so I can attest that it works well as a stand-alone read, Even so, I still enjoyed connecting with the supporting characters who had obviously been featured in the prior books. Be forewarned that ALWAYS MY GIRL will leave you craving more of the Shaughnessy Brothers! They are all so hot and swoon-worthy! I will be catching up with this series soon. I already have both previous books on my reader!
I've enjoyed every book by Samantha that I've read. That said, this is, hands down, my favorite so far. I highly recommend ALWAYS MY LOVE to anyone who enjoys delectable sweet and hot contemporary romances with completely endearing characters!
My review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
4 1/2 Wine Glasses!
July 15, 2016
With ALWAYS MY GIRL, Ms. Chase takes a very simple and common story-line and adds on emotion, history and so much more to make it very engaging without compromising on the sweetness that we have come to expect from her. Friends-to-lovers romances are among my top five favorites so I have been bidding my time until this book since the first mention of this couple in previous books.
Anna Hannigan and Quinn Shaughnessy have been best friends since Anna's family moved in next door to Quinn's, but while Anna's affection for Quinn grew into love, Quinn never saw her as anything but his best friend. Until the day he really looked and realized that his tomboy best friend had become a very attractive woman.
Anna is tired of waiting for Quinn and has decided to move on, but apparently all she needed to get Quinn to notice her was to change jobs and glam it up a bit because he's gone all caveman and territorial on her.
I'll say that it took me some time to warm up to Quinn because he came across as a jackass and was very self-centered in the beginning. I was poised to write him off, until I saw that he was just a clueless man on so many levels, not that his selfishness is excused in any way. He's an all or nothing person and doesn't do well with obstacles. He would rather quit when the going gets tough than hang in there, but that attitude does not get you the girl, a lesson he really needed to learn.
Anna on the other was a likable character - an endearing mix of independence and insecurity, strong in everything but a pushover when it came to Quinn. Between her and Quinn, my patience was severely tested, but I love that they got it together in the end.
A favorite part of this book for me is keeping up with the changes in the lives of the other siblings, especially the previous couples as they take their relationships to the next level.
Overall, this is a cute and heartwarming story and a welcome addition to the series.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Anna Hannigan and Quinn Shaughnessy have been best friends since Anna's family moved in next door to Quinn's, but while Anna's affection for Quinn grew into love, Quinn never saw her as anything but his best friend. Until the day he really looked and realized that his tomboy best friend had become a very attractive woman.
Anna is tired of waiting for Quinn and has decided to move on, but apparently all she needed to get Quinn to notice her was to change jobs and glam it up a bit because he's gone all caveman and territorial on her.
I'll say that it took me some time to warm up to Quinn because he came across as a jackass and was very self-centered in the beginning. I was poised to write him off, until I saw that he was just a clueless man on so many levels, not that his selfishness is excused in any way. He's an all or nothing person and doesn't do well with obstacles. He would rather quit when the going gets tough than hang in there, but that attitude does not get you the girl, a lesson he really needed to learn.
Anna on the other was a likable character - an endearing mix of independence and insecurity, strong in everything but a pushover when it came to Quinn. Between her and Quinn, my patience was severely tested, but I love that they got it together in the end.
A favorite part of this book for me is keeping up with the changes in the lives of the other siblings, especially the previous couples as they take their relationships to the next level.
Overall, this is a cute and heartwarming story and a welcome addition to the series.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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October 18, 2016
My thoughts at about 40-45% where I inevitably gave up:
Quinn is a jackass. We kick off the story with him not recognising a woman he sees all the time because she's wearing a bikini (...so I have to assume he doesn't bother looking at her face). He then immediately tells her to cover up before his brothers get there. Then his widowed father arrives with a new girlfriend, and Quinn throws what amounts to a tantrum like he's not thirty years old. Then it turns out he's the only one that doesn't know his father is dating this woman because Anna didn't tell him and apparently he's so busy restoring classic cars he can't take five damn minutes out of his day to talk to his family. Whatever. Then we've got him hitting on married bridesmaids because he needs to get laid and the wedding is mostly his family. Then we've got him sulking for a while. Anna goes on a date with his friend Jake, who roofies her (and asks her to drink in the least subtle way possible). Apparently, he's been accused of drugging and raping a woman before which Quinn, who's friends with this guy and is clearly comfortable with him, happens to forget. Now I believe the author genuinely wanted to him to forget, but I seriously have some issues with Quinn being friends with this guy. Quinn accuses Anna of dressing sexy--which apparently means wearing heels with a dress (*rolls eyes*)--in order to... get a commission? He accuses her of essentially whoring around to pass the time like he isn't that sort of person. Then Anna and Quinn magically get together based on the powers of his lust and her inability to stand up to him for more than three seconds, and he remains an ass. I think we're supposed to think he's starting to soften and become better but at this point I no longer care.
Gender stereotypes in this book pretty much make up the plot and how the characters react. Anna's brother is overprotective to the point of sheer stupidity. Quinn dominates Anna's life.
And Anna? I really feel like the author wanted her to be different things. She wanted her to be feminine--but not too feminine or fussy because Quinn wouldn't like that. She wanted her to be independent--but she doesn't make any decisions on her own. She wanted her to stand up to Quinn--but not really because reasons. Any self respecting woman would have shoved this guy out of her life forever, and not because she was in love with him for years and he didn't notice (even though it seems fairly obvious at times).
Quinn is a jackass. We kick off the story with him not recognising a woman he sees all the time because she's wearing a bikini (...so I have to assume he doesn't bother looking at her face). He then immediately tells her to cover up before his brothers get there. Then his widowed father arrives with a new girlfriend, and Quinn throws what amounts to a tantrum like he's not thirty years old. Then it turns out he's the only one that doesn't know his father is dating this woman because Anna didn't tell him and apparently he's so busy restoring classic cars he can't take five damn minutes out of his day to talk to his family. Whatever. Then we've got him hitting on married bridesmaids because he needs to get laid and the wedding is mostly his family. Then we've got him sulking for a while. Anna goes on a date with his friend Jake, who roofies her (and asks her to drink in the least subtle way possible). Apparently, he's been accused of drugging and raping a woman before which Quinn, who's friends with this guy and is clearly comfortable with him, happens to forget. Now I believe the author genuinely wanted to him to forget, but I seriously have some issues with Quinn being friends with this guy. Quinn accuses Anna of dressing sexy--which apparently means wearing heels with a dress (*rolls eyes*)--in order to... get a commission? He accuses her of essentially whoring around to pass the time like he isn't that sort of person. Then Anna and Quinn magically get together based on the powers of his lust and her inability to stand up to him for more than three seconds, and he remains an ass. I think we're supposed to think he's starting to soften and become better but at this point I no longer care.
Gender stereotypes in this book pretty much make up the plot and how the characters react. Anna's brother is overprotective to the point of sheer stupidity. Quinn dominates Anna's life.
And Anna? I really feel like the author wanted her to be different things. She wanted her to be feminine--but not too feminine or fussy because Quinn wouldn't like that. She wanted her to be independent--but she doesn't make any decisions on her own. She wanted her to stand up to Quinn--but not really because reasons. Any self respecting woman would have shoved this guy out of her life forever, and not because she was in love with him for years and he didn't notice (even though it seems fairly obvious at times).
May 16, 2016
This series by Chase has been a hit or miss for me and while I have enjoyed the stories out of all of them so far this is my favorite. This is a best friends to lovers story and I always really enjoy those.
This story was well written and funny but it missed the heat of their relationship. Quinn and Anna have been best friends since they were kids and finally while attending his brothers wedding, Quinn finally sees that Anna is in fact a women.
I really liked these two together and was glad Chase had put them together. In the previous books it's mentioned over and over again that Anna has always had a thing for Quinn so I was glad when Quinn finally figured out he had a thing for Anna.
The characters were relatable and the storyline was good but I wanted more heat. With these two it was on a slow boil which would normally be okay with me but with the way that Quinn was written as a alpha I was expecting him to show that side more.
One thing that bothered me was that Anna wanted to change to get Quinn to notice her. She goes to being his best friend to kind of backing off only to try to be someone she isn't and return to herself in the end. Other then that I really liked Anna. She was smart, funny and really the girl next door. I liked how she could be girly yet have this tomboyish way about her.
Overall in the end I was happy they were together. Like I said earlier out of this series so far this had to be my favorite story and I really liked seeing the changes in Quinn when he started to notice things about Anna. This couple had me rooting for them and finally they got their HEA.
If you are looking for a sweet romance I would recommend this book. While it doesn't have sexy scenes it has the romance that keeps you wanting to read more.
This story was well written and funny but it missed the heat of their relationship. Quinn and Anna have been best friends since they were kids and finally while attending his brothers wedding, Quinn finally sees that Anna is in fact a women.
I really liked these two together and was glad Chase had put them together. In the previous books it's mentioned over and over again that Anna has always had a thing for Quinn so I was glad when Quinn finally figured out he had a thing for Anna.
The characters were relatable and the storyline was good but I wanted more heat. With these two it was on a slow boil which would normally be okay with me but with the way that Quinn was written as a alpha I was expecting him to show that side more.
One thing that bothered me was that Anna wanted to change to get Quinn to notice her. She goes to being his best friend to kind of backing off only to try to be someone she isn't and return to herself in the end. Other then that I really liked Anna. She was smart, funny and really the girl next door. I liked how she could be girly yet have this tomboyish way about her.
Overall in the end I was happy they were together. Like I said earlier out of this series so far this had to be my favorite story and I really liked seeing the changes in Quinn when he started to notice things about Anna. This couple had me rooting for them and finally they got their HEA.
If you are looking for a sweet romance I would recommend this book. While it doesn't have sexy scenes it has the romance that keeps you wanting to read more.
June 19, 2016
Always My Girl, book 3 in Samantha Chase's Shaughnessy Brothers series is wonderful and adorable. This story is about Quinn who finally opens his eyes to see that his best friend Anna has somehow sprouted the potential to be more, be girlfriend material, as Anna has pined for Quinn for years.
Quinn and Anna have been best friends since their were young kids, and Anna has always been in love with Quinn. As time marches on she begins to wonder and plot ways for Quinn to notice her in a romantic light. With a bit of help from her closest girlfriend(and Quinn's brother Aidan's wife, Zoe), she puts some plans into action.
Once Quinn realizes that maybe his destiny was right before him for so many years, he begins to contemplate how to successfully bridge the gap from friendship to lovers. Not an easy task for either one of them!
Always My Girl is filled with fun, fights and a gaggle of Shaughnessys! Family is everything and this one is strong and funny and ferocious! Not one member of the family is safe from being the target of some pretty serious teasing!
My favorite moments of these stories are moments shared and remembered with Patriarch Ian and Matriarch, Lillian. Those scenese and moments take my breath away.
This story is filled with surprising turns, the wonderful Hannigan family in a supporting role and Quinn and Anna swimming strongly toward what they both want out of life!
Samantha Chase did a fabulous job of conveying the emotions that come with a great risk! I highly recommend this read!!
Quinn and Anna have been best friends since their were young kids, and Anna has always been in love with Quinn. As time marches on she begins to wonder and plot ways for Quinn to notice her in a romantic light. With a bit of help from her closest girlfriend(and Quinn's brother Aidan's wife, Zoe), she puts some plans into action.
Once Quinn realizes that maybe his destiny was right before him for so many years, he begins to contemplate how to successfully bridge the gap from friendship to lovers. Not an easy task for either one of them!
Always My Girl is filled with fun, fights and a gaggle of Shaughnessys! Family is everything and this one is strong and funny and ferocious! Not one member of the family is safe from being the target of some pretty serious teasing!
My favorite moments of these stories are moments shared and remembered with Patriarch Ian and Matriarch, Lillian. Those scenese and moments take my breath away.
This story is filled with surprising turns, the wonderful Hannigan family in a supporting role and Quinn and Anna swimming strongly toward what they both want out of life!
Samantha Chase did a fabulous job of conveying the emotions that come with a great risk! I highly recommend this read!!
May 23, 2017
3.5 Stars
This book was just okay for me.
I love the friends to lovers trope and, after reading the other books in the series and knowing that Anna has harbored feelings for Quinn for a long time, I was really excited to finally get their story. Sadly, it came up short for me. I didn't really care for either Quinn or Anna in this book. Actually, I didn't really care for any of the Shaughnessy men or their significant others this time around.
While Quinn was very self-centered and kind of a douche, the way his family talked about him to Anna wasn't very cool and I don't blame him for being upset. There's also a choice he makes, only AFTER Anna convinces him to, that everyone gets upset about and blames him for being even more selfish. To be fair, it WAS a dumb decision but they made it out like he didn't try to make the opposite decision, when he did.
Anna was sort of a pushover but not just when it came to Quinn. She let him treat her badly but she also let other people treat her choices and decisions badly. Why didn't she ever speak up on Quinn's behalf when people kept pointing out how he didn't deserve her. Was it okay for her to keep punishing him for his past behavior or should she take some responsibility for not giving their relationship a fair shake either?
Like I said, the book was just okay for me. I like Samantha Chase's writing style and won't hesitate to keep reading her books, even in this series, but I just didn't love this one.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
This book was just okay for me.
I love the friends to lovers trope and, after reading the other books in the series and knowing that Anna has harbored feelings for Quinn for a long time, I was really excited to finally get their story. Sadly, it came up short for me. I didn't really care for either Quinn or Anna in this book. Actually, I didn't really care for any of the Shaughnessy men or their significant others this time around.
While Quinn was very self-centered and kind of a douche, the way his family talked about him to Anna wasn't very cool and I don't blame him for being upset. There's also a choice he makes, only AFTER Anna convinces him to, that everyone gets upset about and blames him for being even more selfish. To be fair, it WAS a dumb decision but they made it out like he didn't try to make the opposite decision, when he did.
Anna was sort of a pushover but not just when it came to Quinn. She let him treat her badly but she also let other people treat her choices and decisions badly. Why didn't she ever speak up on Quinn's behalf when people kept pointing out how he didn't deserve her. Was it okay for her to keep punishing him for his past behavior or should she take some responsibility for not giving their relationship a fair shake either?
Like I said, the book was just okay for me. I like Samantha Chase's writing style and won't hesitate to keep reading her books, even in this series, but I just didn't love this one.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
July 9, 2016
I read this for review at All About Romance and gave it a B-, so 3 1/2-4 stars here. I wrote:
This is the third in the author’s Shaughnessy Brothers series. I enjoyed the previous entry, Love Walks In, and began looking for the next as soon as I finished reading it. This time we have a friends-to-lovers story, in which seemingly everyone but our hero knows that the heroine has been in love with him for years. It took me a while to warm to him, but despite a few problems, this was an enjoyable read and another in the series I can recommend......
For more of my review go here: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
This is the third in the author’s Shaughnessy Brothers series. I enjoyed the previous entry, Love Walks In, and began looking for the next as soon as I finished reading it. This time we have a friends-to-lovers story, in which seemingly everyone but our hero knows that the heroine has been in love with him for years. It took me a while to warm to him, but despite a few problems, this was an enjoyable read and another in the series I can recommend......
For more of my review go here: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
May 15, 2016
Quinn is either going full throttle, or not at all. So when he slows down enough to see his best friend Anna has some sexy curves he can't keep his eyes off of. It throws him for quite a loop. Anna has wanted Quinn to see her as a woman he could be romantic with not just watch a game with the rest of his friends. She changed everything, she's not happy, but if she gets Quinn then it's worth it. The key is to figure out how each can be happy and still be together. Always My Girl can be read as a stand alone, but is more enjoyable if read in order.
August 22, 2017
My Disclaimer:
I was provided a free copy of this book by the author’s representative. I am voluntarily providing an honest review in which all opinions are fully my own. I am not being compensated in any way.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: ✭✭✭✭⭑
I’m so used to reading books written from the gal’s point of view, that when I first started reading this one, I forgot that it’s the Shaughnessy Brother’s series. I was mostly focused on Anna, so my reading of it was a bit different than it might have been had I been thinking straight. But it made it even more interesting later on when Quinn felt put-upon.
Quinn and Anna grew up together. Quinn was all action and speed, and Anna was the tomboy next door. They went and did everything together. They even told each other everything because they were BFFs. As in, Quinn talked to Anna about his girlfriends. A bit much maybe?
Everybody said that Quinn took advantage of Anna’s easy-going nature. She loved to take care of him, so if he called late at night and wanted cookies, she’d bake him cookies and take them to him. Working hard on an engine and can’t stop for lunch? She’d take him a sandwich. She didn’t seem to mind. Would you? Hhmmm.
Their relationship was really cute, but it was sad as well. You could see it had to fall apart before it could get fixed. Anna’s not such a tomboy 25 years later. She’s all dressed up and selling real estate. Guys are hitting on her. And she’s smiling right back at them. Even Quinn notices. But now her big secret that she thought no one knew is about to be revealed. One Quinn isn’t sure how to handle. Will he still see her as his BFF or finally open his eyes and see the woman she’s become? Does he keep on denying it or thank his lucky stars it’s him she’s in love with? Some men need to be hit over the head with things, and others need a talk with their fathers. Guess which way this one went.
Samantha Chase does her usual great job of creating characters that are perfect for each other and letting life stir them up a bit. I even like the cover. It suits the characters to a T. If the rest of this series is anything like Always My Girl, there are a few more books on my TBR list! Highly recommend this book and the rest of the series or anything by this author.
I was provided a free copy of this book by the author’s representative. I am voluntarily providing an honest review in which all opinions are fully my own. I am not being compensated in any way.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: ✭✭✭✭⭑
I’m so used to reading books written from the gal’s point of view, that when I first started reading this one, I forgot that it’s the Shaughnessy Brother’s series. I was mostly focused on Anna, so my reading of it was a bit different than it might have been had I been thinking straight. But it made it even more interesting later on when Quinn felt put-upon.
Quinn and Anna grew up together. Quinn was all action and speed, and Anna was the tomboy next door. They went and did everything together. They even told each other everything because they were BFFs. As in, Quinn talked to Anna about his girlfriends. A bit much maybe?
Everybody said that Quinn took advantage of Anna’s easy-going nature. She loved to take care of him, so if he called late at night and wanted cookies, she’d bake him cookies and take them to him. Working hard on an engine and can’t stop for lunch? She’d take him a sandwich. She didn’t seem to mind. Would you? Hhmmm.
Their relationship was really cute, but it was sad as well. You could see it had to fall apart before it could get fixed. Anna’s not such a tomboy 25 years later. She’s all dressed up and selling real estate. Guys are hitting on her. And she’s smiling right back at them. Even Quinn notices. But now her big secret that she thought no one knew is about to be revealed. One Quinn isn’t sure how to handle. Will he still see her as his BFF or finally open his eyes and see the woman she’s become? Does he keep on denying it or thank his lucky stars it’s him she’s in love with? Some men need to be hit over the head with things, and others need a talk with their fathers. Guess which way this one went.
Samantha Chase does her usual great job of creating characters that are perfect for each other and letting life stir them up a bit. I even like the cover. It suits the characters to a T. If the rest of this series is anything like Always My Girl, there are a few more books on my TBR list! Highly recommend this book and the rest of the series or anything by this author.
August 19, 2018
The whole time I was reading the book, I wasn't sure if I wanted to hug Quinn or smack him. He just seemed to torture poor Anna for no reason. He was portrayed as selfish for the past 15 years and poor Anna was always there for him. At least she started to learn how to be able to say no to Quinn and become her own person. She stops accepting whatever he was throwing at her and got the backbone she needed. She starting looking for more than what he was offering her and I really liked that. Quinn, on the other hand, stays the same person for a long time in this book and I couldn't like him. He was whoring around and then he goes and says that he loves her for a long time? Yeah, right. The three stars I am giving to the book are for Anna.
July 22, 2016
Quinn Shaughnessy always had a need for speed. He was a boy who had to push the envelope until his mom would push back. His mom was a woman of her word and although Quinn at 6 was quite the sweet talker to most all females even then he could not budge his mom or her rules. So when she said no racing on his bike she meant no racing your bike. On this day he was caught red handed. Although he had to try to sweet talk for it was in his DNA she would not relent. He was told to put his bike away. As he was turning to do it his mom was being flagged down by the new neighbor and her kids.
Quinn always the curious one stopped to hear what was going on but with also the hopes that his mom would also forget the bike punishment and want to talk alone and tell him to go ride his bike. The lady was Mrs. Hannigan and her son, Bobby 8-years-old, and daughter Anna 6-years-old. Bobby was the same age as his brother Hugh. Mrs. Hannigan wanted to know if his mom wanted to come over? But she couldn’t because his mom explained that she had twins napping and her older boys too. She would need to go back inside but she was more than welcome to come inside and visit. Then she offered to introduce Bobby to Hugh.
Then his mom did the worst thing ever said to put up his bike and show Anna the jungle gym. What? A girl? Him? Really? So he starts walking not saying a word she says if he is putting his bike away couldn’t they both ride because she has her bike? He looks at her like she has two heads. He says no that his mom said to put it up and that he got in trouble for riding too fast. She’s right you know you do but it was cool. When he looks at her she is dressed not like a girly girl but like a cool girl. Then he snaps out of it and says no he wasn’t she says yeah-you-were! He just shakes his head. She asks about the jungle gym he says behind the garage. He thinks girls are weird.
She asks what does he like for dessert? He says cake. She says Oh! That her mom was going to serve her chocolate chip cookies. Knowing he was punished he knew dessert was more than likely off the table for that night’s dinner too. She says how about going to her house to grab a few of the cookies and box drink to have while playing on the jungle gym. This time when he looked at her she didn’t look so bad after all.
Jumping 24 years ahead. Quinn and Anna are still best friends. Although Anna has always wanted more Quinn has just never seen her that way. He has seen her as more or less a tomboy in tee shirts. So she quit the job at the pub and got into real estate. She changed the way she dressed and even started dating once in a while. All to get the attention of Quinn. Nothing does it like her sitting by the pool. Because now her best friend Zoe, is getting married to Aidan Shaughnessy, Quinn’s oldest brother. She is to be the maid of honor to Quinn’s best man.
Well, when Quinn arrives he’s already in a pissy mood. You see he had grown up to a world champion race car driver who quit at the top of his game after a friend of his was killed in a terrible accident. Now he has a automotive and restoration business not to mention he has now opened several other locations so he is never home with his family. Which he likes since they were always cramped as kids. He’s still cocky and outspoken so spending the weekend trapped (how he sees it) with his family and a few friends on an estate with no amenities, bar, is not his idea of fun. He can’t figure out with his brother’s hotel just a half hour down the road why they are staying at the estate? So when he is greeted by his older brother on his way to the airport telling him to see Zoe in the back by the pool for room assignments he knows that can’t be good.
So when he walks back there the first thing he sees is this sexy full curvy woman laying by the pool on her stomach in a bikini. With a large hat on. He figures it’s one of Zoe’s friend’s. When Zoe meets him midway to the woman and tells him she’ll get him a drink and show him to his room. He says you do that I’m going to introduce myself. Zoe just smiles because she knows what’s coming.
Quinn sits down next to the woman and says, “Hi! Wanted to introduce…” When the woman turns over and says, “Quinn…?” He jumps up almost falling. Face turning beat red his eyes fill with what looks like anger Anna thought. He asks what she thinks she’s doing? She says relaxing until he’s interrupted. He then looks at her and tells her she needs to go in and put some clothes on before his brothers get there. Better yet her brother got there. Anna could only blink at him at first in disbelief after all these years Quinn was finally seeing her as a woman. But then she got pissed off…
This was a funny yet a heart wrenching story of two friends who finally after years of being wonderful friends together find and even hotter romance. Yet they allow what others think, believe, or say to cloud their judgement of their own good common sense about what and who they are together. The torment of self-discovery and past life choices we make can make you think out loud in this story of Anna and Quinn. Sometimes we do for others out of love for them without thought to our own self-respect. Or we tend to take more than we give emotionally out of self-preservation. One thing for sure the chemistry that Quinn and Anna have is an atomic blast. It isn’t until they forget that they are a unit that they lose sight of the prize. I give this 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
Quinn always the curious one stopped to hear what was going on but with also the hopes that his mom would also forget the bike punishment and want to talk alone and tell him to go ride his bike. The lady was Mrs. Hannigan and her son, Bobby 8-years-old, and daughter Anna 6-years-old. Bobby was the same age as his brother Hugh. Mrs. Hannigan wanted to know if his mom wanted to come over? But she couldn’t because his mom explained that she had twins napping and her older boys too. She would need to go back inside but she was more than welcome to come inside and visit. Then she offered to introduce Bobby to Hugh.
Then his mom did the worst thing ever said to put up his bike and show Anna the jungle gym. What? A girl? Him? Really? So he starts walking not saying a word she says if he is putting his bike away couldn’t they both ride because she has her bike? He looks at her like she has two heads. He says no that his mom said to put it up and that he got in trouble for riding too fast. She’s right you know you do but it was cool. When he looks at her she is dressed not like a girly girl but like a cool girl. Then he snaps out of it and says no he wasn’t she says yeah-you-were! He just shakes his head. She asks about the jungle gym he says behind the garage. He thinks girls are weird.
She asks what does he like for dessert? He says cake. She says Oh! That her mom was going to serve her chocolate chip cookies. Knowing he was punished he knew dessert was more than likely off the table for that night’s dinner too. She says how about going to her house to grab a few of the cookies and box drink to have while playing on the jungle gym. This time when he looked at her she didn’t look so bad after all.
Jumping 24 years ahead. Quinn and Anna are still best friends. Although Anna has always wanted more Quinn has just never seen her that way. He has seen her as more or less a tomboy in tee shirts. So she quit the job at the pub and got into real estate. She changed the way she dressed and even started dating once in a while. All to get the attention of Quinn. Nothing does it like her sitting by the pool. Because now her best friend Zoe, is getting married to Aidan Shaughnessy, Quinn’s oldest brother. She is to be the maid of honor to Quinn’s best man.
Well, when Quinn arrives he’s already in a pissy mood. You see he had grown up to a world champion race car driver who quit at the top of his game after a friend of his was killed in a terrible accident. Now he has a automotive and restoration business not to mention he has now opened several other locations so he is never home with his family. Which he likes since they were always cramped as kids. He’s still cocky and outspoken so spending the weekend trapped (how he sees it) with his family and a few friends on an estate with no amenities, bar, is not his idea of fun. He can’t figure out with his brother’s hotel just a half hour down the road why they are staying at the estate? So when he is greeted by his older brother on his way to the airport telling him to see Zoe in the back by the pool for room assignments he knows that can’t be good.
So when he walks back there the first thing he sees is this sexy full curvy woman laying by the pool on her stomach in a bikini. With a large hat on. He figures it’s one of Zoe’s friend’s. When Zoe meets him midway to the woman and tells him she’ll get him a drink and show him to his room. He says you do that I’m going to introduce myself. Zoe just smiles because she knows what’s coming.
Quinn sits down next to the woman and says, “Hi! Wanted to introduce…” When the woman turns over and says, “Quinn…?” He jumps up almost falling. Face turning beat red his eyes fill with what looks like anger Anna thought. He asks what she thinks she’s doing? She says relaxing until he’s interrupted. He then looks at her and tells her she needs to go in and put some clothes on before his brothers get there. Better yet her brother got there. Anna could only blink at him at first in disbelief after all these years Quinn was finally seeing her as a woman. But then she got pissed off…
This was a funny yet a heart wrenching story of two friends who finally after years of being wonderful friends together find and even hotter romance. Yet they allow what others think, believe, or say to cloud their judgement of their own good common sense about what and who they are together. The torment of self-discovery and past life choices we make can make you think out loud in this story of Anna and Quinn. Sometimes we do for others out of love for them without thought to our own self-respect. Or we tend to take more than we give emotionally out of self-preservation. One thing for sure the chemistry that Quinn and Anna have is an atomic blast. It isn’t until they forget that they are a unit that they lose sight of the prize. I give this 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
June 16, 2017
So loving and sweet. A real romantic read. Just really loved it !!!
August 22, 2016
Always My Girl, by Samantha Chase, is book 3 in The Shaughnessy Brothers series. For me, it needed more polish. The story follows Quinn Shaughnessy and Anna Hannigan, best friends who make a go of becoming lovers. Anna’s loved Quinn since they met as children but couldn’t get him to see her as anything but a tomboy. After making a few changes, he finally notices and sparks fly. Before long, Quinn’s past and perceptions begin to haunt them and they have to decide if it’s easier to cut their losses than stay together.
This story was all over the place for me. For one thing, there was an awful lot of Shaughnessys in the story, almost to the point of distraction. Then there’s Quinn’s self-centeredness and straight up denseness. And let’s not forget Anna’s inability to be happy with what she asks for. I don’t know, the plot wasn’t very deep and sort of meandered here and there, filled with things that were minor detours or distractions from Quinn and Anna’s relationship. Quinn was so dense not noticing Anna’s feelings, plus there was way too much time spent on the whole ‘I’m not enough for you/not good enough for you/you’re too good for me’ threads. It distracted from their chemistry. And can I just say that as best friends, neither really had the other person’s back when their friends and family started to cut them down.
Normally I would put this kind of thing behind a spoiler tag, but I don’t like it when I find this in a book so I’m sharing here: there is a scene where a woman’s drink is laced with a roofie. There is no physical contact, attempted or otherwise, only the implication that there might have been based on the dude’s actions but yeah, the whole thing wasn’t handled satisfactorily. And by that I mean swept under the rug. Not cool.
I read books 1 and 2, so I followed up with book 3, but I wouldn’t recommend this book without reading the first 2. Otherwise none of the family stuff will make sense, and as is, there was too much family stuff in this book to ignore it. I found I wanted Quinn and Anna to be happy, but never really believed they could be. In reality, this was a story where two people found they were attracted to each other, changed in ways they felt their significant others would like, and then found themselves miserable. The drama felt manufactured, be it by someone being oversensitive or unable to make up their minds what they wanted and coming off as impossible. *shrugs* It wasn’t my cup of tea.
This story was all over the place for me. For one thing, there was an awful lot of Shaughnessys in the story, almost to the point of distraction. Then there’s Quinn’s self-centeredness and straight up denseness. And let’s not forget Anna’s inability to be happy with what she asks for. I don’t know, the plot wasn’t very deep and sort of meandered here and there, filled with things that were minor detours or distractions from Quinn and Anna’s relationship. Quinn was so dense not noticing Anna’s feelings, plus there was way too much time spent on the whole ‘I’m not enough for you/not good enough for you/you’re too good for me’ threads. It distracted from their chemistry. And can I just say that as best friends, neither really had the other person’s back when their friends and family started to cut them down.
Normally I would put this kind of thing behind a spoiler tag, but I don’t like it when I find this in a book so I’m sharing here: there is a scene where a woman’s drink is laced with a roofie. There is no physical contact, attempted or otherwise, only the implication that there might have been based on the dude’s actions but yeah, the whole thing wasn’t handled satisfactorily. And by that I mean swept under the rug. Not cool.
I read books 1 and 2, so I followed up with book 3, but I wouldn’t recommend this book without reading the first 2. Otherwise none of the family stuff will make sense, and as is, there was too much family stuff in this book to ignore it. I found I wanted Quinn and Anna to be happy, but never really believed they could be. In reality, this was a story where two people found they were attracted to each other, changed in ways they felt their significant others would like, and then found themselves miserable. The drama felt manufactured, be it by someone being oversensitive or unable to make up their minds what they wanted and coming off as impossible. *shrugs* It wasn’t my cup of tea.
July 5, 2016
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I have enjoyed the Shaughnessy Brother's series so far and loved Quinn and Anna's story just as much.
They have been part of the entire series and I has helped in understanding the dynamics of their current relationship. Anna's involvements within the Shaughnessy's.
Quinn has always seemed like the mover and shaker of the family. Always on the go somewhere but not necessarily staying anywhere once he has the chance to get out on his own. From baseball, race car driving, car mechanics & restoration. With this new branch of the restoration business starting up back in his home town, he seems to be here for good. Having his best friend close by has been a hugh help. Anna has always been there for him in whatever he is focused on. She knows how to read him and help him when life get too overwhelming. But when he suddenly starts to see her as a beautiful curvy woman he is not so sure how to process this. He is known as a player and he would never be able to cross that line with Anna. Could he? Maybe she doesn't feel the same way.
Anna and Quinn have been best friends since her family moved in next door. But for Anna, lines crossed in her heart a long time ago. She has put herself through more pain than can be imagined over the years. Watching Quinn with all his conquests, and never once showing her anything beyond friendship. How can he not see that she as falling in love with him. Even so she is always right there when he needs her to pick up the pieces or keep him clam. When she decided that it is time to make him notice her, she as her work cut out for herself. Is this worth the risk of loosing him is somethings goes wrong? But what about all they might be missing if they don't.
Samantha does a wonderful job with this friends to lovers romance. Even though there is so much turmoil in the process, she add some much needed fun and humor as well. Family putting in their opinions on the subject of love can easily get out of hand but in the same breath they can help you sort things out. Even if it is a swift kick in the butt. I hope that Riley is next on the list. I feel like there is more going on than anyone knows right now.... Can't wait.
** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. **
I have enjoyed the Shaughnessy Brother's series so far and loved Quinn and Anna's story just as much.
They have been part of the entire series and I has helped in understanding the dynamics of their current relationship. Anna's involvements within the Shaughnessy's.
Quinn has always seemed like the mover and shaker of the family. Always on the go somewhere but not necessarily staying anywhere once he has the chance to get out on his own. From baseball, race car driving, car mechanics & restoration. With this new branch of the restoration business starting up back in his home town, he seems to be here for good. Having his best friend close by has been a hugh help. Anna has always been there for him in whatever he is focused on. She knows how to read him and help him when life get too overwhelming. But when he suddenly starts to see her as a beautiful curvy woman he is not so sure how to process this. He is known as a player and he would never be able to cross that line with Anna. Could he? Maybe she doesn't feel the same way.
Anna and Quinn have been best friends since her family moved in next door. But for Anna, lines crossed in her heart a long time ago. She has put herself through more pain than can be imagined over the years. Watching Quinn with all his conquests, and never once showing her anything beyond friendship. How can he not see that she as falling in love with him. Even so she is always right there when he needs her to pick up the pieces or keep him clam. When she decided that it is time to make him notice her, she as her work cut out for herself. Is this worth the risk of loosing him is somethings goes wrong? But what about all they might be missing if they don't.
Samantha does a wonderful job with this friends to lovers romance. Even though there is so much turmoil in the process, she add some much needed fun and humor as well. Family putting in their opinions on the subject of love can easily get out of hand but in the same breath they can help you sort things out. Even if it is a swift kick in the butt. I hope that Riley is next on the list. I feel like there is more going on than anyone knows right now.... Can't wait.
** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. **
June 27, 2016
Twenty four years ago, the Hannigans moved next door to the Shaughnessys. Six year-olds Anna Hannigan and Quinn Shaughnessy became best friends almost immediately. Unfortunately for Anna, some years later, she fell in love with Quinn, but he could never see beyond his tomboy best friend. Quinn always took Anna for granted, and as with everyone else, he used his considerable charm to get his way, while Anna always bent over backwards to make him happy.
The Shaughnessys are getting ready to celebrate Aidan’s wedding to Zoe, and the whole family is reunited under one roof. Anna is also there, sunning herself her face hidden by a hat, and Quinn doesn’t recognise her. He finally realises that his best friend is a … girl!
ALWAYS MY GIRL begins as light, humorous fluff, as the house is filled with boisterous Shaughnessys and their friends and significant others. Ms. Chase’s dialogues sparkle with wit, and sound so authentic, you feel part of the family. Anna still carries her torch for Quinn, who suddenly realises what was in front of him all this time, and eventually agrees to have a go at it, and this is where things get awfully messy. Or more to the point, so realistic, that you have the feeling of watching a relationship unfold in real time, with all its joyous moments, as well as heartbreaking ones. Let’s be honest: Quinn was a jerk, a charming one albeit, but still a selfish jerk. And I felt so sorry for poor Anna, whom everybody loves as their buddy, but not as a lovely woman, and wasting decades of unrequited love while watching Quinn live it up.
Both Anna and Quinn are at a crossroads in their lives, and without saying anything else about the plot, not much happened how I expected. There is much character growth, as well as surprising developments with other characters, and even though ALWAYS MY GIRL is the third instalment of the series and there are references to the previous books, it works perfectly as a standalone.
Once again, Samantha Chase displays her immense skills at weaving a compelling story with multilayered characters that will captivate anyone looking for an intelligent and beautifully written story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Shaughnessys are getting ready to celebrate Aidan’s wedding to Zoe, and the whole family is reunited under one roof. Anna is also there, sunning herself her face hidden by a hat, and Quinn doesn’t recognise her. He finally realises that his best friend is a … girl!
ALWAYS MY GIRL begins as light, humorous fluff, as the house is filled with boisterous Shaughnessys and their friends and significant others. Ms. Chase’s dialogues sparkle with wit, and sound so authentic, you feel part of the family. Anna still carries her torch for Quinn, who suddenly realises what was in front of him all this time, and eventually agrees to have a go at it, and this is where things get awfully messy. Or more to the point, so realistic, that you have the feeling of watching a relationship unfold in real time, with all its joyous moments, as well as heartbreaking ones. Let’s be honest: Quinn was a jerk, a charming one albeit, but still a selfish jerk. And I felt so sorry for poor Anna, whom everybody loves as their buddy, but not as a lovely woman, and wasting decades of unrequited love while watching Quinn live it up.
Both Anna and Quinn are at a crossroads in their lives, and without saying anything else about the plot, not much happened how I expected. There is much character growth, as well as surprising developments with other characters, and even though ALWAYS MY GIRL is the third instalment of the series and there are references to the previous books, it works perfectly as a standalone.
Once again, Samantha Chase displays her immense skills at weaving a compelling story with multilayered characters that will captivate anyone looking for an intelligent and beautifully written story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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