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The Shaughnessy Brothers #6
Holiday Spice
As soon as the mistletoe goes up, that's when life gets really interesting Darcy Shaughnessy has gotten used to her overbearing brothers chasing away any man she wants to date. But a chance meeting with a brooding – and deliciously handsome – artist is about to make this holiday season one to remember. There's only one thing Benjamin Tanner loves more than his solitude. Then he gets snowed in with Darcy in his cozy cabin in the woods, and their heated feelings begin to melt the icy barrier between them. With Ben's need for privacy and Darcy's love of family and social life, will opposites still attract once the snow clears and the holiday festivities come to an end? The Shaughnessy Brothers
Made for Us (Book 1)
Love Walks In (Book 2)
Always My Girl (Book 3)
This Is Our Song (Book 4)
A Sky Full of Stars (Book 5)
Holiday Spice (Book 6) What People Are
"Delightfully satisfying...a Christmas to remember. " ―USA Today Happily Ever After for A Christmas Cottage/Ever After
"So much more than just a romance." ― Night Owl Reviews for Always My Girl "Fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillips may also enjoy Chase." ― Booklist for Love
Made for Us (Book 1)
Love Walks In (Book 2)
Always My Girl (Book 3)
This Is Our Song (Book 4)
A Sky Full of Stars (Book 5)
Holiday Spice (Book 6) What People Are
"Delightfully satisfying...a Christmas to remember. " ―USA Today Happily Ever After for A Christmas Cottage/Ever After
"So much more than just a romance." ― Night Owl Reviews for Always My Girl "Fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillips may also enjoy Chase." ― Booklist for Love
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 3, 2017
401 people are currently reading
853 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Chase
143 books2,356 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 323 reviews
December 9, 2021
2.5
Truth be told if this wasn’t a Christmas-themed story, I would have dropped this about 100pp in, but I was in the mood for a holiday happy ending.
This would make a perfect Hallmark movie (except it was missing the mandatory Christmas tree lot scene). Solitary artist, charming and engaging heroine, and a overly large and slightly meddling family.
Maybe because I didn’t realize it was the sixth in a series (too many references to the other characters) or because it wasn’t as funny as I prefer, it just wasn’t the Christmas-themed romance I’d hoped for — but I’ve got time to try another before the big day arrives!!
In the meantime, may all your holiday reads be merry and bright!! 🎅🎄🤶
Truth be told if this wasn’t a Christmas-themed story, I would have dropped this about 100pp in, but I was in the mood for a holiday happy ending.
This would make a perfect Hallmark movie (except it was missing the mandatory Christmas tree lot scene). Solitary artist, charming and engaging heroine, and a overly large and slightly meddling family.
Maybe because I didn’t realize it was the sixth in a series (too many references to the other characters) or because it wasn’t as funny as I prefer, it just wasn’t the Christmas-themed romance I’d hoped for — but I’ve got time to try another before the big day arrives!!
In the meantime, may all your holiday reads be merry and bright!! 🎅🎄🤶
September 22, 2017
Even Santa can’t always fill the wishes of a small child. That’s exactly what happened to young Darcy and she never quite got over the pain of never knowing her mother. Now grown up, headstrong, often tactless and very inflexible, Darcy has a heart of gold that has been surrounded by barbs. Ben has shut himself off from the world since the death of his parents just before Christmas. Ben was left to protect, raise and provide for the happiness and futures of his younger brothers, but he forgot to allow himself to be human, to seek joy and to take a chance on life. Instead, he became a hermit, shielding his heart, creating his art and avoiding any form of relationships. When Darcy Shaughnessy was hired to help Ben created his latest book about his art carvings, the clash of the Titans was about to begin as they found each other to be prickly, pig-headed and maybe just a little too bossy.
This oil and water combo only needed a lit match to send flames soaring and billowing smoke to hide their inner feelings. The possibility that just maybe they may have found that one special soul that was made just for them may seem impossible for even the most romantic among us! I had moments of wanting to rattle both Darcy's and Ben's cages, which only made this romance that much more intriguing, because whoa, neither of them were all that likable at times. Yep, flawed, just like real-life!
Lots of pain, miscommunication, over the top anger and smoldering attraction are in this holiday tale from Samantha Chase! HOLIDAY SPICE is one of those holiday romances that will give you hives, give you giggles and give you heartache as each character’s past is revealed and the resultant scars glow an angry red. If you believe in Christmas Miracles, you will believe in the miracle that these two will get beyond their reciprocal abrasiveness and find the warmth and love they both want and deserve.
Settle in and get ready to be witness to how difficult it can be for poor Cupid when complex emotional angst goes epic and family butts in one too many times!
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Shaughnessy Brothers - Book 6
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 3, 2017)
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
Genre: Holiday Romance
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
This oil and water combo only needed a lit match to send flames soaring and billowing smoke to hide their inner feelings. The possibility that just maybe they may have found that one special soul that was made just for them may seem impossible for even the most romantic among us! I had moments of wanting to rattle both Darcy's and Ben's cages, which only made this romance that much more intriguing, because whoa, neither of them were all that likable at times. Yep, flawed, just like real-life!
Lots of pain, miscommunication, over the top anger and smoldering attraction are in this holiday tale from Samantha Chase! HOLIDAY SPICE is one of those holiday romances that will give you hives, give you giggles and give you heartache as each character’s past is revealed and the resultant scars glow an angry red. If you believe in Christmas Miracles, you will believe in the miracle that these two will get beyond their reciprocal abrasiveness and find the warmth and love they both want and deserve.
Settle in and get ready to be witness to how difficult it can be for poor Cupid when complex emotional angst goes epic and family butts in one too many times!
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Shaughnessy Brothers - Book 6
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 3, 2017)
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
Genre: Holiday Romance
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 1, 2025
Darcy was left motherless in a family of all boys. She hoped that she would find a mother figure her entire life but it has been one disappointment after another.
Ben was left guardian to his younger brothers after his parents died. Young and inexperienced he learned to shield his heart from pain by hiding in his artwork.
Darcy is recommended by her sister-in-law to assist in her stead to Ben. Ben doesn’t like change, so to say he is unhappy to see Darcy is an understatement. Combatting for the start, Ben and Darcy have a rocky and explosive chemistry that cause many miscommunications and lots of hurt feelings in their fiery romance. It would take a Christmas Miracle to see these too get past their emotional scars. When you pick up Holiday Spice be ready to sit down and watch the fireworks.
I received this ARC copy of Holiday Spice from Sourcebooks Casablanca. This is my honest and voluntary review. Holiday Spice is set for publication October 3, 2017.
Ben was left guardian to his younger brothers after his parents died. Young and inexperienced he learned to shield his heart from pain by hiding in his artwork.
Darcy is recommended by her sister-in-law to assist in her stead to Ben. Ben doesn’t like change, so to say he is unhappy to see Darcy is an understatement. Combatting for the start, Ben and Darcy have a rocky and explosive chemistry that cause many miscommunications and lots of hurt feelings in their fiery romance. It would take a Christmas Miracle to see these too get past their emotional scars. When you pick up Holiday Spice be ready to sit down and watch the fireworks.
I received this ARC copy of Holiday Spice from Sourcebooks Casablanca. This is my honest and voluntary review. Holiday Spice is set for publication October 3, 2017.
October 3, 2017
Holiday Spice is one of those romances that had to grow on me as a reader. I’ll admit that while I liked the two main characters in this book, it took me a good long while to love them (almost to the end), however there was something compelling about their story that made me stick with this book, add in the rest of the Shaughnessy family and I really couldn’t put it down because I had to know not only how things between the main characters turned out, but I was hoping for a series ending epilogue to give me the added closure I needed to say good-bye to this large, crazy, fun, and sometimes broken family. Characters than ran hot and cold, an attraction neither one can deny, and some help from Mother Nature made Holiday Spice both an entertaining and frustrating romance.
All of her life Darcy Shaughnessy has been loved, protected and somewhat put on a pedestal by her five older brothers and her father. Losing her mother when she was a baby has left Darcy always wanting her family to be whole. Gregarious and full of life, Darcy surrounds herself with people and will go out of her way to help those she loves, but inside Darcy is still a little girl looking for a mom, someone to confide in, and someone who will understand all the challenges in her life. While Darcy has had many jobs, she has yet to find her passion and that leaves her with time on her hands and being sent by her sister in law to help a cranky, temperamental artist finish out his book for publication.
Benjamin Tanner likes his life on his mountain, his art fulfills him, and he doesn’t mind being on his own. While he enjoys the time he spends with his brothers when they visit, they aren’t super close and he is okay with that. After his parent’s died in an accident, Ben did exactly what his parents would have wanted him to and that was to make sure his younger siblings got a good education and became productive members of society. Putting his skills to work to make sure that happened, Ben is happy to finally be at a place where he loves making his art again. Needing help with the book he was talked into doing he called his friend Savannah Daly, a journalist who did an article on him and someone he trusts, but now married and with a young daughter Savannah couldn’t drop everything to come and help, but she did offer to send her sister in law who she claims is a whiz at organization. Not really thrilled to have someone he doesn’t know in his home, Ben is apprehensive but the minute Darcy storms into his life he knows he might never be the same.
I’ll be flat out honest when I say that I had a lot of issues with Darcy’s hot and cold behavior and her propensity to run when the going got tough. While I get that she was the youngest of six, her immaturity really got on my nerves quite a bit. Ms. Chase did a good job with letting us see growth in her character and I did grow to like her, but it was towards the end and I would have liked more time with the new and improved Darcy. There was no doubt Ben was a bit surly and closed off and he had that introverted artist’s way about him which really threw the outgoing and vivacious Darcy and with the way she jumped to conclusions about Ben it really was a miracle they managed to turn animosity into more, but they did. I won’t deny the chemistry, it was there from the start but I’ll be honest these two were very, very different in the way they approached life and I wasn’t sure they could ever find a middle ground.
This story, this couple had to grow on me, it wasn’t an insta-love situation like I’ve had with so many of this author’s other books. These characters were very complicated, they had a lot of baggage and this book had a bit more angst than I normally like, but overall I did enjoy their journey and the awesome epilogue gave me the closure I needed to say good-bye to this series.
October 14, 2017
✱4 STARS!✱
☾The opening to this book was heartbreaking! I didn't get it at first but the prologue brought tears to my eyes so quick! We're quickly brought to present time where Darcy is meeting Ben for the first time. I loved the pov's in this book because it switched back in forth so much and not necessarily chapter by chapter. It would switch at times where I wished I would get to read Ben's pov and then it happened. literally. It was like the author was reading my mind
☾I've read this series and all of the books in it, but to be honest I forget a lot of the couples included. However, I could tell that if I remembered I would've been very pleased because all of the brothers and couples are featured in this book!
☾I love how closed off Ben is, I think often it's the woman in the story (at least the books that I read) that are closed off to their partner. It was a nice reversal during this book, especially the whole Christmas/Family troubles from Ben's side.
☾I have to say I didn't think the ending was all too believable. I won't get into details because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But I'm talking about when Ben calls his brother!
☾Overall I enjoyed this but didn't love it. I read this after a five star book and had very high expectations coming out of that book. Maybe that's why I rated it 4 instead of 5, not sure! It just wasn't a 5 for me but it was a cute, happy story!
☾The opening to this book was heartbreaking! I didn't get it at first but the prologue brought tears to my eyes so quick! We're quickly brought to present time where Darcy is meeting Ben for the first time. I loved the pov's in this book because it switched back in forth so much and not necessarily chapter by chapter. It would switch at times where I wished I would get to read Ben's pov and then it happened. literally. It was like the author was reading my mind
☾I've read this series and all of the books in it, but to be honest I forget a lot of the couples included. However, I could tell that if I remembered I would've been very pleased because all of the brothers and couples are featured in this book!
☾I love how closed off Ben is, I think often it's the woman in the story (at least the books that I read) that are closed off to their partner. It was a nice reversal during this book, especially the whole Christmas/Family troubles from Ben's side.
☾I have to say I didn't think the ending was all too believable. I won't get into details because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But I'm talking about when Ben calls his brother!
☾Overall I enjoyed this but didn't love it. I read this after a five star book and had very high expectations coming out of that book. Maybe that's why I rated it 4 instead of 5, not sure! It just wasn't a 5 for me but it was a cute, happy story!
October 4, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
“It would make me crazy. I like order and knowing everything has its place.” “It does have its place. It’s just not there yet.”
Never before had a mundane conversation over breakfast had her ready to throw down on the kitchen floor.
…her emotions. She normally only seemed to have two— happy or pissed off.
What? I know I’m old enough to be his mother— his young mother… I can still appreciate an attractive man!
My Review:
I had a hard time appreciating Darcy for quite some time as she was a bossy, selfish, and inconsiderate brat who as the youngest of six children and the only girl, was used to getting her way whether it was though tantrums, mulish behavior, or being a major pain in the ass, and she certainly had that mastered. She was pushy, thoughtless, highly social, and as stubborn as a bulldog. In contrast, Ben was an introverted semi-recluse who lived quietly and alone in a kitted-out cabin in the woods where he created, sculpted, carved his art. Ben was the oldest of three orphaned brothers and had always been the responsible one who worked hard and helped his younger brothers achieve. And while opposites attract, the process isn’t always pretty or easy. I enjoyed their sassy and multi-textured story as well as catching up with the rest of the large, diverse, and alluring Shaughnessy family. But alas, Ms. Chase has run through all the siblings, I am curious to see what she conjures next.
“It would make me crazy. I like order and knowing everything has its place.” “It does have its place. It’s just not there yet.”
Never before had a mundane conversation over breakfast had her ready to throw down on the kitchen floor.
…her emotions. She normally only seemed to have two— happy or pissed off.
What? I know I’m old enough to be his mother— his young mother… I can still appreciate an attractive man!
My Review:
I had a hard time appreciating Darcy for quite some time as she was a bossy, selfish, and inconsiderate brat who as the youngest of six children and the only girl, was used to getting her way whether it was though tantrums, mulish behavior, or being a major pain in the ass, and she certainly had that mastered. She was pushy, thoughtless, highly social, and as stubborn as a bulldog. In contrast, Ben was an introverted semi-recluse who lived quietly and alone in a kitted-out cabin in the woods where he created, sculpted, carved his art. Ben was the oldest of three orphaned brothers and had always been the responsible one who worked hard and helped his younger brothers achieve. And while opposites attract, the process isn’t always pretty or easy. I enjoyed their sassy and multi-textured story as well as catching up with the rest of the large, diverse, and alluring Shaughnessy family. But alas, Ms. Chase has run through all the siblings, I am curious to see what she conjures next.
December 20, 2020
"Part of her wanted to chuck the book across the room, but she really was a sucker for a holiday romance."
I was on chapter 3 and debating whether I should continue reading this book or move on, when I got to that quote from this book 😆 I didn't like Darcy and Ben much at the beginning. Once I learned more about their backgrounds, they started to make to make more sense to me. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but I think this works fine as a stand-alone holiday romance.
I was on chapter 3 and debating whether I should continue reading this book or move on, when I got to that quote from this book 😆 I didn't like Darcy and Ben much at the beginning. Once I learned more about their backgrounds, they started to make to make more sense to me. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but I think this works fine as a stand-alone holiday romance.
October 21, 2017
4 Heartwarming Stars
Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase was a beautiful and heartfelt read.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Darcy and Ben develop. They made me laugh, they frustrated me at times and they made me swoon. These two were perfect for each other and I have no doubt they would have a long and happy life ahead.
While I enjoyed Holiday Spice, for me the epilogue stole the show. I laughed, I smiled and I cried, oh boy did I cry.
This was one of the best epilogues I've read in a very long time and the perfect way to end this amazing series.
Thank you Samantha Chase for sharing the Shaughnessy siblings with us, it's been a joy getting to know them.
*Get your copy here*
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
B&N - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/holi...
iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/holi...
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase was a beautiful and heartfelt read.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Darcy and Ben develop. They made me laugh, they frustrated me at times and they made me swoon. These two were perfect for each other and I have no doubt they would have a long and happy life ahead.
While I enjoyed Holiday Spice, for me the epilogue stole the show. I laughed, I smiled and I cried, oh boy did I cry.
This was one of the best epilogues I've read in a very long time and the perfect way to end this amazing series.
Thank you Samantha Chase for sharing the Shaughnessy siblings with us, it's been a joy getting to know them.
*Get your copy here*
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
B&N - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/holi...
iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/holi...
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
October 7, 2017
*4 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Samantha Chase book and I did enjoy the storyline. I will be reading the rest of the series since this was a good read.
I liked both the main characters, but I liked Ben more than Darcy I think. I think he was a bit more reasonable, although they both certainly had their moments, and for understandable reasons. They both needed to grow and learn from each other, and it was interesting to see the dynamic between the two and watch things change.
I was also really interesting in the idea of Bens job - I can imagine the beautiful pieces he would've been making for clients and it wasn't a typical run of the mill job like in some books. It was intriguing and beautiful and suited his character.
The family dynamics of both Darcy and Ben were so different in this novel, and it highlights how different each and every family can be in real life situations.
I don't want to say too much about the book because I don't want to spoil things, but I would recommend, and as I said, I would like to read the other books in the series as well.
Review also on my blog - Holiday Spice - Samantha Chase
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ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Samantha Chase book and I did enjoy the storyline. I will be reading the rest of the series since this was a good read.
I liked both the main characters, but I liked Ben more than Darcy I think. I think he was a bit more reasonable, although they both certainly had their moments, and for understandable reasons. They both needed to grow and learn from each other, and it was interesting to see the dynamic between the two and watch things change.
I was also really interesting in the idea of Bens job - I can imagine the beautiful pieces he would've been making for clients and it wasn't a typical run of the mill job like in some books. It was intriguing and beautiful and suited his character.
The family dynamics of both Darcy and Ben were so different in this novel, and it highlights how different each and every family can be in real life situations.
I don't want to say too much about the book because I don't want to spoil things, but I would recommend, and as I said, I would like to read the other books in the series as well.
Review also on my blog - Holiday Spice - Samantha Chase
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September 1, 2018
So this was fun and frustrating but really fun. The story itself wasn't frustrating, but Darcy made me a little twitchy too many times. I fully admit it's a maturity/age thing with me. I can't do the whole hot/cold thing. I'm just way too old for it in real life and fiction LOL But she never took it too far that I didn't fully enjoy the story. So that's the frustrating part for me. And yes, the brothers were a little too OTT for me .. realistic, but a little OTT. But again, it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
When this book first came up for review I was a little sad because I knew we were going to say goodbye to a really great family. Darcy is the last of the Shaughnessy pack. The only girl to boot. I knew she was going to be a force of nature and she proved me right! The perfect match for the loner, Ben. They made for a great couple to read. They made me laugh and smile and by the end, my heart was full, really really full.
This series has been an excellent reading experience. I've read it from the beginning and altho you can read these books in any order you want, I don't really recommend it. They're a family that sticks to each other and by each other at all times so it is best to read them in the order they were written. You're just gonna have to trust me on that :)
Copy provided for early review
When this book first came up for review I was a little sad because I knew we were going to say goodbye to a really great family. Darcy is the last of the Shaughnessy pack. The only girl to boot. I knew she was going to be a force of nature and she proved me right! The perfect match for the loner, Ben. They made for a great couple to read. They made me laugh and smile and by the end, my heart was full, really really full.
This series has been an excellent reading experience. I've read it from the beginning and altho you can read these books in any order you want, I don't really recommend it. They're a family that sticks to each other and by each other at all times so it is best to read them in the order they were written. You're just gonna have to trust me on that :)
Copy provided for early review
August 18, 2017
A little holiday magic to experience all year round. That's the best description for Holiday Spice. Every Shaughnessy has had their shining moment and taken a piece of my heart along the way, but Darcy sealed the deal. This time, Ms. Chase went for broke and laid claim to my heart in it's entirety. Darcy, the lone girl in a sea of men has grown into a lovely woman with a beautiful caring soul, but she still has wounds. Ben is a loner. He eats, breathes and sleeps woodcarving. When a cry for help leaves him stranded with an optimistic beauty, this lone wolf, may just find his soulmate. With an open heart and arms wide open, Ms. Chase ends her Shaughnessy series with a romance that has classic written all over it.
October 17, 2017
Around this time I'm always on the lookout for holiday reads and I tend to try new-to-me authors in the process. That's what happened with Samantha Chase in this case. I've never read her before and the pretty cover and holiday theme made me do it. It didn't hurt that this is about a recluse hero, always a favorite of mine.The setup for this story was almost the perfect holiday read. The grumpy hero and the bubbly heroine get snowed in at his home and get to spend some quality time together which fast forwards their connection. The holidays are hard on him because of his family past and she's the opposite, loving everything about Christmas and spending time with her family. They were a good match!
I definitely like the hero more than the heroine. She has her own issues to work through and maybe this is where not reading this series in order would've helped me because she got on my nerves a bit when she constantly needed to have her family on top of her. I was more on Ben's side on a lot of the issues they had about that, but maybe that's just me. The heroine is definitely so different from myself that I just wanted to throttle her quite a few times.
But as much as I enjoyed the setting, the hero and the plot in this book, there was never a deep connection between this story and myself. While sweet and a fast read, I had no trouble putting this one down. And I think, overall, it's not left me rushing to pick up the next Samantha Chase book just yet. However, it was still an enjoyable read with plenty of seasonal charm so if that's what you're in the mood for then this one will get you ready to pack your bags and find your own snowed in cabin to visit.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
December 9, 2017
Honestly, I just wanted some Christmas fluff. I skim-read through this, it was enjoyable but I probably would’ve been more interested if I would have read the previous five books in the series. Some parts really lagged for me, but I thought the chemistry between the two main characters was well-written overall.
May 3, 2024
Such a sweet, wonderful love story. This one brought all the feels. Full review to come!
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.
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When I started this book, I didn't realize it was a part of a series. But I didn't feel totally lost as to who the characters were. Sure, I missed the entire backstory, but I got enough here that I understood who was who. But now, I want to go back and start with book 1!
I was quickly lost in Ben and Darcy's world. They were both headstrong and stubborn and didn't give in to others. She was there to work and that was it. Until there was more :) I enjoyed the push and pull these characters had with each other and their chemistry was off the charts! Darcy was quick to jump to conclusions and even though she was attracted to Ben, she knew she couldn't go there with him. Thankfully, she had her family to talk to and help her to see she was being unreasonable and she had to say I'm sorry to him. However, she did it in her own way and they soon found themselves stuck with each other for a few days. I thought their story was cute, sweet and so swoony! I really enjoyed their journey, their pasts and their potential future. I HIGHLY recommend this story, but if you're like me, you want to start at the beginning.
.
.
.
When I started this book, I didn't realize it was a part of a series. But I didn't feel totally lost as to who the characters were. Sure, I missed the entire backstory, but I got enough here that I understood who was who. But now, I want to go back and start with book 1!
I was quickly lost in Ben and Darcy's world. They were both headstrong and stubborn and didn't give in to others. She was there to work and that was it. Until there was more :) I enjoyed the push and pull these characters had with each other and their chemistry was off the charts! Darcy was quick to jump to conclusions and even though she was attracted to Ben, she knew she couldn't go there with him. Thankfully, she had her family to talk to and help her to see she was being unreasonable and she had to say I'm sorry to him. However, she did it in her own way and they soon found themselves stuck with each other for a few days. I thought their story was cute, sweet and so swoony! I really enjoyed their journey, their pasts and their potential future. I HIGHLY recommend this story, but if you're like me, you want to start at the beginning.
October 1, 2017
I know it's only October, but I've been in such a holiday book mood lately (case in point: Chasing Christmas Eve). Therefore, as soon as I heard about Samantha Chase's Holiday Spice, and it's "cozy cabin in the woods" setting, I had to have it! Also, isn't that cover just GORGEOUS?! I just love the pink and purple combo.
The result? I LOVED Holiday Spice. It was a read-in-one-day kind of book - I read it at the laundromat, at my favorite coffee shop, while I was stirring my mac and cheese that night for dinner! I simply COULD NOT put it down - I was that in love with Darcy and Ben's winter romance.
One of my favorite aspects of Holiday Spice was the setting. Nothing says a holiday read like a snowy, Thomas Kinkade like heaven, and that's exactly what Holiday Spice provided in the form of Ben's cabin and workshop. Samantha Chase did an amazing job of describing it. I especially loved the time she put into describing the wooden artistic touches Ben painstakingly added to his house. I wish it was real so I could go visit!
Over the course of Holiday Spice, I also came to love both Darcy and Ben. Darcy was the most lovable of the two. She was the perfect combination of sweet and sassy, and while her tendency to jump to conclusions irked me to pieces at times, I could admittedly relate because been there done that. I also liked how family orientated she was. Her relationships with her brothers, sister-in-laws and father not only brought laughter and smilies but also some tears (mostly happy tears but some sad ones as well!!). Unlike Darcy, Ben's never had a close relationship with his brothers. Instead, he's used to closing himself off to the world, and living in his own winter wonderland. When he's first introduced, I was instantly swooning, as he's just the right mix of macho and sweet. I especially loved how Darcy came to change his way of thinking overtime. He goes from being someone who can't stand to open up to others to someone who won't let anything get in the way of FINALLY getting that happy ending!
Tying Darcy and Ben together, we get a whole bunch of ROMANCE of course (and really what is a holiday romance without the steamy and hot romance!). I enjoyed how real their connection was. There was no insta-love feelings present here; instead, their relationship developed steadily over time, going from haters to friends to lovers. Most of the book had to do with their day to day interactions and chores, but never was I once bored, because I just loved seeing seeing them be themselves. Darcy's cooking was horrendous yet hilarious, Ben's desire to hide-hide-hide during the snowstorm had me chuckling, and their banter had me laughing and swooning from here till the moon. Seriously, I couldn't get enough.
Grab a piping hot cup of hot cocoa (or your fall-winter drink of choice) and settle in for the long haul, as Holiday Spice isn't a book meant to be read over time, it's a book to be read in one extra-long sitting. However, be prepared, because if you're anything like me, the epilogue will have you outright sobbing!
Grade: A+
The result? I LOVED Holiday Spice. It was a read-in-one-day kind of book - I read it at the laundromat, at my favorite coffee shop, while I was stirring my mac and cheese that night for dinner! I simply COULD NOT put it down - I was that in love with Darcy and Ben's winter romance.
One of my favorite aspects of Holiday Spice was the setting. Nothing says a holiday read like a snowy, Thomas Kinkade like heaven, and that's exactly what Holiday Spice provided in the form of Ben's cabin and workshop. Samantha Chase did an amazing job of describing it. I especially loved the time she put into describing the wooden artistic touches Ben painstakingly added to his house. I wish it was real so I could go visit!
Over the course of Holiday Spice, I also came to love both Darcy and Ben. Darcy was the most lovable of the two. She was the perfect combination of sweet and sassy, and while her tendency to jump to conclusions irked me to pieces at times, I could admittedly relate because been there done that. I also liked how family orientated she was. Her relationships with her brothers, sister-in-laws and father not only brought laughter and smilies but also some tears (mostly happy tears but some sad ones as well!!). Unlike Darcy, Ben's never had a close relationship with his brothers. Instead, he's used to closing himself off to the world, and living in his own winter wonderland. When he's first introduced, I was instantly swooning, as he's just the right mix of macho and sweet. I especially loved how Darcy came to change his way of thinking overtime. He goes from being someone who can't stand to open up to others to someone who won't let anything get in the way of FINALLY getting that happy ending!
Tying Darcy and Ben together, we get a whole bunch of ROMANCE of course (and really what is a holiday romance without the steamy and hot romance!). I enjoyed how real their connection was. There was no insta-love feelings present here; instead, their relationship developed steadily over time, going from haters to friends to lovers. Most of the book had to do with their day to day interactions and chores, but never was I once bored, because I just loved seeing seeing them be themselves. Darcy's cooking was horrendous yet hilarious, Ben's desire to hide-hide-hide during the snowstorm had me chuckling, and their banter had me laughing and swooning from here till the moon. Seriously, I couldn't get enough.
Grab a piping hot cup of hot cocoa (or your fall-winter drink of choice) and settle in for the long haul, as Holiday Spice isn't a book meant to be read over time, it's a book to be read in one extra-long sitting. However, be prepared, because if you're anything like me, the epilogue will have you outright sobbing!
Grade: A+
October 5, 2017
**3.5 stars**
Darcy Shaughnessy has grown up with her five older brothers and dad. Her mom died when she was a baby so they were all she knew growing up. Flash forward, Darcy is now 25 and she is trying to figure where she's supposed to be in life. As a favor for one of sister-in-law, Darcy ends up in Washington state and gets snowed in with Ben, the guys she went to work with. The story basically takes off from there.
With Holiday Spice being the 6th book in what I believe is a companion series, I feel like I missed out on some things coming into it during this story line. Darcy and her family love each other and it is clear how close they are whenever they are mentioned. However, I didn't have the time to personally connect with them. There was a lot of references that were made and they went completely over my head. I also found it hard to keep up with the brothers and who each of them was married to. That being said, I would like to go back to the beginning and learn about each of the members of the family and see more of the family dynamics between all of them.
It was interesting learning about Darcy and Ben. The two of them are so different but they also have a lot of similarities. As can be expected this sometimes causes issues between them. Both Darcy and Ben have become so set in their ways but when they meet they challenge each other to face their fears. There was some miscommunications on both ends but there was always an undeniable attraction between them. Their relationship is not perfect but that's what I enjoy so much. It's only October but Holiday Spice has already gotten me into the Christmas spirit. Make sure to add this one to your holiday reading list.
My Blog: Brandi Janee’s Bookshelf
Darcy Shaughnessy has grown up with her five older brothers and dad. Her mom died when she was a baby so they were all she knew growing up. Flash forward, Darcy is now 25 and she is trying to figure where she's supposed to be in life. As a favor for one of sister-in-law, Darcy ends up in Washington state and gets snowed in with Ben, the guys she went to work with. The story basically takes off from there.
With Holiday Spice being the 6th book in what I believe is a companion series, I feel like I missed out on some things coming into it during this story line. Darcy and her family love each other and it is clear how close they are whenever they are mentioned. However, I didn't have the time to personally connect with them. There was a lot of references that were made and they went completely over my head. I also found it hard to keep up with the brothers and who each of them was married to. That being said, I would like to go back to the beginning and learn about each of the members of the family and see more of the family dynamics between all of them.
It was interesting learning about Darcy and Ben. The two of them are so different but they also have a lot of similarities. As can be expected this sometimes causes issues between them. Both Darcy and Ben have become so set in their ways but when they meet they challenge each other to face their fears. There was some miscommunications on both ends but there was always an undeniable attraction between them. Their relationship is not perfect but that's what I enjoy so much. It's only October but Holiday Spice has already gotten me into the Christmas spirit. Make sure to add this one to your holiday reading list.
My Blog: Brandi Janee’s Bookshelf
October 5, 2017
3.5 Stars
Holiday Spice is a winter story told from late Fall through the Holidays. I usually wait to read Christmas stories until a bit later but since I am on the blog tour for this one I started early. I have to say that I loved getting those Holiday feels so early!
This is book number 6 in the Shaughnessy Brothers series, but it is the first book I have read and I had no issues with starting so late in the series. This book centers around Darcy, the youngest and only girl in the Shaughnessy brood. I loved this family so much, they were so close and so warm and inviting. They were the picture of a happy family, despite the loss of Darcy's Mother when she was just a baby.
Darcy travels to the northern part of Washington to help a craftsman work on a feature book of his work. They have an instant attraction but some misunderstandings keep that at bay. I really liked Darcy, she was smart and loyal and had just a bit of stubborn defiance. She was a fun character! Ben is a bit of a mystery at the beginning, he seems to be a recluse who lives so far from everyone working on his wood masterpieces and avoiding society in every way. I actually really liked him, I am an introvert myself so I totally empathized.
When a huge snowstorm hits Washington, the two are snowed into Ben's cabin together. After days of being together the two find that they can no longer deny their feelings for each other. But when the snow clears and they have to return to reality, on opposite side of the country they are unsure if they can make a relationship work.
Holiday Spice was so adorable and gave me lots of warm and fuzzy feels! Being snowed in ,the holidays, the strong family connections. All of this brought a smile to my face. I really enjoyed getting to know Ben and Darcy and their families.
Holiday Spice is perfect to get you into the Holiday mood! It totally reminded me of a Christmas movie you would see on the Hallmark channel and I loved it! I recommend reading this sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas to get you in the spirit! :)
Holiday Spice is a winter story told from late Fall through the Holidays. I usually wait to read Christmas stories until a bit later but since I am on the blog tour for this one I started early. I have to say that I loved getting those Holiday feels so early!
This is book number 6 in the Shaughnessy Brothers series, but it is the first book I have read and I had no issues with starting so late in the series. This book centers around Darcy, the youngest and only girl in the Shaughnessy brood. I loved this family so much, they were so close and so warm and inviting. They were the picture of a happy family, despite the loss of Darcy's Mother when she was just a baby.
Darcy travels to the northern part of Washington to help a craftsman work on a feature book of his work. They have an instant attraction but some misunderstandings keep that at bay. I really liked Darcy, she was smart and loyal and had just a bit of stubborn defiance. She was a fun character! Ben is a bit of a mystery at the beginning, he seems to be a recluse who lives so far from everyone working on his wood masterpieces and avoiding society in every way. I actually really liked him, I am an introvert myself so I totally empathized.
When a huge snowstorm hits Washington, the two are snowed into Ben's cabin together. After days of being together the two find that they can no longer deny their feelings for each other. But when the snow clears and they have to return to reality, on opposite side of the country they are unsure if they can make a relationship work.
Holiday Spice was so adorable and gave me lots of warm and fuzzy feels! Being snowed in ,the holidays, the strong family connections. All of this brought a smile to my face. I really enjoyed getting to know Ben and Darcy and their families.
Holiday Spice is perfect to get you into the Holiday mood! It totally reminded me of a Christmas movie you would see on the Hallmark channel and I loved it! I recommend reading this sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas to get you in the spirit! :)
December 12, 2019
2.5
There were good and bad elements of this book. It explores the relationship between Ben, an introvert, and Darcy, an extrovert. It was an interesting contrast and sometimes it worked, other times it was a little annoying. Darcy is pushy, childish, and overly clingy with her family, while Ben is the mature adult and it kind of didn't work for me. A lot of the dialog was not like real conversations, the characters would talk out loud to themselves and note how odd it was that they were talking to themselves. There were just a lot of little things that didn't sit right.
Overall it didn't make me mad but I don't think it's worth reading other books from this author.
There were good and bad elements of this book. It explores the relationship between Ben, an introvert, and Darcy, an extrovert. It was an interesting contrast and sometimes it worked, other times it was a little annoying. Darcy is pushy, childish, and overly clingy with her family, while Ben is the mature adult and it kind of didn't work for me. A lot of the dialog was not like real conversations, the characters would talk out loud to themselves and note how odd it was that they were talking to themselves. There were just a lot of little things that didn't sit right.
Overall it didn't make me mad but I don't think it's worth reading other books from this author.
September 3, 2017
4.5 Stars
What I Liked:
Ben. I love that he's smart and reserved. He's talented and successful. He has a beautiful home set far away from the hustle and bustle of the world. He has a dream kitchen that he actually cooks in. He. Builds. Things. With. His. Hands!!! He's basically my ideal man. Sure he can be a bit stubborn and he has some issues to work through but, in general, he's a pretty great guy.
I liked Darcy and was really excited to see her get her HEA. I've been waiting for her perspective on losing her mother and seeing how she dealt with it in comparison to her brothers.
What I Didn't Like:
Maybe it's because my personality sits a little closer to Ben's, but I struggled with the pushy, outgoing side of Darcy. On one hand she seems insecure and misunderstood. On the other, she acts like she knows what's best for everyone and doesn't understand Ben's resistance to spend so much time with family and in social situations. She longed for someone to love her for her and to not push her but she didn't seem to have the same respect for Ben.
I both liked and disliked her brothers in this one. I get so annoyed by overly intrusive family members and the brothers were borderline annoying about her surprise relationship with Ben. I like that they had good intentions and want to look out for her but getting upset that she had the opportunity to fall in love without them knowing was kind of ridiculous.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book (Especially Ben) and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, sweet & light-hearted romance. I'm sad to see this series come to an end but I have a feeling this won't be the last time we hear of the Shaughnessys.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
What I Liked:
Ben. I love that he's smart and reserved. He's talented and successful. He has a beautiful home set far away from the hustle and bustle of the world. He has a dream kitchen that he actually cooks in. He. Builds. Things. With. His. Hands!!! He's basically my ideal man. Sure he can be a bit stubborn and he has some issues to work through but, in general, he's a pretty great guy.
I liked Darcy and was really excited to see her get her HEA. I've been waiting for her perspective on losing her mother and seeing how she dealt with it in comparison to her brothers.
What I Didn't Like:
Maybe it's because my personality sits a little closer to Ben's, but I struggled with the pushy, outgoing side of Darcy. On one hand she seems insecure and misunderstood. On the other, she acts like she knows what's best for everyone and doesn't understand Ben's resistance to spend so much time with family and in social situations. She longed for someone to love her for her and to not push her but she didn't seem to have the same respect for Ben.
I both liked and disliked her brothers in this one. I get so annoyed by overly intrusive family members and the brothers were borderline annoying about her surprise relationship with Ben. I like that they had good intentions and want to look out for her but getting upset that she had the opportunity to fall in love without them knowing was kind of ridiculous.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book (Especially Ben) and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, sweet & light-hearted romance. I'm sad to see this series come to an end but I have a feeling this won't be the last time we hear of the Shaughnessys.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
January 10, 2025
I started it so I had to finish it. But it was not done without monumental struggle. 😝
December 26, 2020
Holiday Spice
Finally the youngest and only girl of the Shaughnessy family gets her story.
Overall I liked this book. It was a quick read, and had a nice flow.
Ben and Darcy.
Outwardly, opposites in every way. Darcy is loud, talks non stop, loves being the center of attention. She’s a social butterfly, she loves her family fiercely. Ben hates crowds, noise and socializing. He loves his brothers but barely tolerates being in their company. Deep down, they both have structured their lives around the loss of a parent. And have a lot more in common than they think.
If you’ve read the earlier books, specifically This is Our Song, you briefly met Ben, when he was interviewed by Savannah.
Darcy has been around in every one of her brothers books.
I loved Ben, like the other men in this series, he has issues associated with the death of a parent. He has taken on the role as a pseudo parent to his two younger brothers. Getting them through college and settled into their careers. But he prefers the solitude and isolation of his mountain cabin, where he can work in peace. He’s an extremely talented artist. His wood carvings and sculptures are in high demand. He has a waiting list that will keep him working for years. After his interview with Savannah he was talked into putting together a book of his work. When she is unable to complete the project, her sister in law is sent in to get the book to the finished stage before being shipped out to be published.
I struggled with Darcy. When we met her in the first book, she was seventeen. She was coddled and spoiled. Overly protected by her father and brothers. Each of her brothers has stated they they are scared of her. She has a way of intimidating and bullying to get her way. I was hoping as she grew up and was able to move away from her family for college and various jobs, that she would have outgrown this childish behavior. But that didn’t happen. Even now at the age of twenty five, she’s prone to stomping her foot and pitching fits to get her way. She’s quick to jump to conclusions and slow to forgive. She’s attracted to Ben, but soon finds out her usual tactics are not going to work with him.
Ben is extremely patient with Darcy, even going so far as to spend time with her boisterous, large family. But, he’s as set in his ways as she is in hers. It doesn’t take long to figure out, as much as he loves her, he can’t live the way she needs to live. Ultimately it takes interventions from both of their families to knock some sense into them. And get them moving forward.
This book is different from the others in that it’s Darcy’s dads POV in the prologue and the epilogue. It felt like this should have been the last book in the series, with how he wrapped things up.
It was a good story.
It’s told in dual points of view.
No cheating.
No cliffhanger.
It is a clean read. Very little cursing, no descriptive sex scenes. Very PG-13.
HEA.
Finally the youngest and only girl of the Shaughnessy family gets her story.
Overall I liked this book. It was a quick read, and had a nice flow.
Ben and Darcy.
Outwardly, opposites in every way. Darcy is loud, talks non stop, loves being the center of attention. She’s a social butterfly, she loves her family fiercely. Ben hates crowds, noise and socializing. He loves his brothers but barely tolerates being in their company. Deep down, they both have structured their lives around the loss of a parent. And have a lot more in common than they think.
If you’ve read the earlier books, specifically This is Our Song, you briefly met Ben, when he was interviewed by Savannah.
Darcy has been around in every one of her brothers books.
I loved Ben, like the other men in this series, he has issues associated with the death of a parent. He has taken on the role as a pseudo parent to his two younger brothers. Getting them through college and settled into their careers. But he prefers the solitude and isolation of his mountain cabin, where he can work in peace. He’s an extremely talented artist. His wood carvings and sculptures are in high demand. He has a waiting list that will keep him working for years. After his interview with Savannah he was talked into putting together a book of his work. When she is unable to complete the project, her sister in law is sent in to get the book to the finished stage before being shipped out to be published.
I struggled with Darcy. When we met her in the first book, she was seventeen. She was coddled and spoiled. Overly protected by her father and brothers. Each of her brothers has stated they they are scared of her. She has a way of intimidating and bullying to get her way. I was hoping as she grew up and was able to move away from her family for college and various jobs, that she would have outgrown this childish behavior. But that didn’t happen. Even now at the age of twenty five, she’s prone to stomping her foot and pitching fits to get her way. She’s quick to jump to conclusions and slow to forgive. She’s attracted to Ben, but soon finds out her usual tactics are not going to work with him.
Ben is extremely patient with Darcy, even going so far as to spend time with her boisterous, large family. But, he’s as set in his ways as she is in hers. It doesn’t take long to figure out, as much as he loves her, he can’t live the way she needs to live. Ultimately it takes interventions from both of their families to knock some sense into them. And get them moving forward.
This book is different from the others in that it’s Darcy’s dads POV in the prologue and the epilogue. It felt like this should have been the last book in the series, with how he wrapped things up.
It was a good story.
It’s told in dual points of view.
No cheating.
No cliffhanger.
It is a clean read. Very little cursing, no descriptive sex scenes. Very PG-13.
HEA.
September 28, 2017
HOLIDAY SPICE is the sixth and final installment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS romance series focusing on the Shaughnessy siblings. This is youngest child and only sister Darcy Shaughnessy, and recluse artist Benjamin Tanner’s story line. HOLIDAY SPICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately twenty years earlier the Shaughnessy’s lost their mother to a drunk driver that left six siblings (including a one year old infant daughter) without a mother. Fast forward to present day where the now adult children continue to struggle with the loss.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Darcy and Ben) HOLIDAY SPICE follows the building relationship between Darcy Shaughnessy and artist Benjamin Tanner. Benjamin Tanner is in desperate need of some organization in his life but the shy, quiet and introspective woodcarver prefers the solitude of his cabin in the woods. Enter Darcy Shaughnessy, his friend’s sister in law, and the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the turbulent and emotional relationship between two people whose lives are the complete opposite.
Darcy Shaughnessy is a butterfly who enjoys the boisterous, family get togethers and social functions that allow her to express her ideas and have fun. Growing up the youngest child and only daughter, Darcy struggled with the over –protective nature of five older brothers who chased away all the men she wanted to date. Benjamin Tanner is a loner; a social misfit who battles the need to remain hidden from the paparazzi and social functions that come with being a successful artist but Benjamin also struggles with the holidays-the reminders of everything he has lost- and two younger brothers who would give anything to reconnect with the brother they love.
The relationship between Darcy and Ben begins as a business arrangement that quickly dissolves due to misunderstanding and Ben’s needs for privacy. Their attraction to one another is immediate and palpable but the potential for a long distance relationship begin to build a wall between our leading couple that may be too hard to pull down. The $ex scenes are all implied.
All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. The Shaughnessy’s are a close knit family, and their over –zealous attitude is too much for our story line hero.
HOLIDAY SPICE is a story of family, friendship and love. The premise is entertaining and emotional; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is sweet. HOLIDAY SPICE is the perfect ending to a well-loved series.
www.thereadingcafe.com
SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately twenty years earlier the Shaughnessy’s lost their mother to a drunk driver that left six siblings (including a one year old infant daughter) without a mother. Fast forward to present day where the now adult children continue to struggle with the loss.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Darcy and Ben) HOLIDAY SPICE follows the building relationship between Darcy Shaughnessy and artist Benjamin Tanner. Benjamin Tanner is in desperate need of some organization in his life but the shy, quiet and introspective woodcarver prefers the solitude of his cabin in the woods. Enter Darcy Shaughnessy, his friend’s sister in law, and the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the turbulent and emotional relationship between two people whose lives are the complete opposite.
Darcy Shaughnessy is a butterfly who enjoys the boisterous, family get togethers and social functions that allow her to express her ideas and have fun. Growing up the youngest child and only daughter, Darcy struggled with the over –protective nature of five older brothers who chased away all the men she wanted to date. Benjamin Tanner is a loner; a social misfit who battles the need to remain hidden from the paparazzi and social functions that come with being a successful artist but Benjamin also struggles with the holidays-the reminders of everything he has lost- and two younger brothers who would give anything to reconnect with the brother they love.
The relationship between Darcy and Ben begins as a business arrangement that quickly dissolves due to misunderstanding and Ben’s needs for privacy. Their attraction to one another is immediate and palpable but the potential for a long distance relationship begin to build a wall between our leading couple that may be too hard to pull down. The $ex scenes are all implied.
All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. The Shaughnessy’s are a close knit family, and their over –zealous attitude is too much for our story line hero.
HOLIDAY SPICE is a story of family, friendship and love. The premise is entertaining and emotional; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is sweet. HOLIDAY SPICE is the perfect ending to a well-loved series.
www.thereadingcafe.com
January 27, 2018
I got this SUPER fun box from Samantha and Inkslinger PR MONTHS AGO, and finally got the chance to dive into it! This was such a fun read. In the winter time sometimes I want to curl up with a romance that I know is just going to bring the swoon.
I have not read any of the other novels in this series but had no trouble jumping in here.
This book was all about the magic of the holidays. What do you get when you have a man who hates Christmas and a book about the holidays? Well, I can tell you it was magic.
Also not only did we have the magic, but the chemistry between these two was electric. I love a good instant connection and these two had it in spades.
Heartfelt and truly just lovely, Samantha delivers a story that you will enjoy first page to the last.
Add to Goodreads
Buy On Amazon:
Synopsis:
As soon as the mistletoe goes up, that's when life gets really interesting
Darcy Shaughnessy has gotten used to her overbearing brothers chasing away any man she wants to date. But a chance meeting with a brooding - and deliciously handsome - artist is about to make this holiday season one to remember.
There's only one thing Benjamin Tanner loves more than his woodcarving: solitude. Then he gets snowed in with Darcy in his cozy cabin in the woods, and their heated feelings begin to melt the icy barrier between them.
With Ben's need for privacy and Darcy's love of family and social life, will opposites still attract once the snow clears and the holiday festivities come to an end?
The Shaughnessy Brothers Series:
Made for Us (Book 1)
Love Walks In (Book 2)
Always My Girl (Book 3)
This Is Our Song (Book 4)
A Sky Full of Stars (Book 5)
Holiday Spice (Book 6)
What People Are Saying:
"Delightfully satisfying...a Christmas to remember. " --USA Today Happily Ever After for A Christmas Cottage/Ever After
"So much more than just a romance." --Night Owl Reviews for Always My Girl
"Fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillips may also enjoy Chase." --Booklist for Love
October 5, 2017
3.5 stars
I never read any of the other books in this series but I do love a good Christmas themed story. Plus this story takes place around the same time of release which made it interesting. From the prologue I had a feeling this event will be the a focal point of Darcy's issues later on. Ok so in the present I wasn't sure how to read her, she was complicated losing a mom so young despite getting cared for can have an effect. But I still didn't get why she was being rude and snippy to Ben. Ben was described as irritable and not social but I only saw a little of that at least he tried.
In a way opposites as Darcy loved the holidays and Ben avoided any of it. Darcy is pretty headstrong and inflexible, childish at times.But she seems to have good intentions just hardened. Same with Ben and his solitude, he lost all his joy with his hardships. They clashed alright helping Ben seemed troublesome and they just rubbed each other wrong. Bossy, prickly and stubborn clash. I like that Darcy loved the season despite everything, while I love the holiday season too not like she does anyway that was cute.
Neither of them anticipated getting snowed in. Well in a way it helped fan those flames that the combustible energy they had. Maybe it'll melt down walls. These two have this flawed way about them that makes it more realistic in character and that's something good. This isn't the typical holiday romance. While yes it has the cheery feel and feel good times it also has a lot of emotion and heartfelt moments. I liked the whole premise and setting I would have loved it if I wasn't as irked with Darcy.
It took a while for me to get feel of things and once I did the Shaughnessy family intrigued me. There was thankfully the character growth from Darcy which I'm happy about it was a painful process it happened. I will catch up on the brothers soon. It may very well take a whole lot of holiday magic to bring these two together. Holiday Spice is indeed spicy, a tad frustrating at times but good family fun. A bit of a spoiler for one who has not read any but the epilogue was a great addition and closure.
*** ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review ***
I never read any of the other books in this series but I do love a good Christmas themed story. Plus this story takes place around the same time of release which made it interesting. From the prologue I had a feeling this event will be the a focal point of Darcy's issues later on. Ok so in the present I wasn't sure how to read her, she was complicated losing a mom so young despite getting cared for can have an effect. But I still didn't get why she was being rude and snippy to Ben. Ben was described as irritable and not social but I only saw a little of that at least he tried.
In a way opposites as Darcy loved the holidays and Ben avoided any of it. Darcy is pretty headstrong and inflexible, childish at times.But she seems to have good intentions just hardened. Same with Ben and his solitude, he lost all his joy with his hardships. They clashed alright helping Ben seemed troublesome and they just rubbed each other wrong. Bossy, prickly and stubborn clash. I like that Darcy loved the season despite everything, while I love the holiday season too not like she does anyway that was cute.
Neither of them anticipated getting snowed in. Well in a way it helped fan those flames that the combustible energy they had. Maybe it'll melt down walls. These two have this flawed way about them that makes it more realistic in character and that's something good. This isn't the typical holiday romance. While yes it has the cheery feel and feel good times it also has a lot of emotion and heartfelt moments. I liked the whole premise and setting I would have loved it if I wasn't as irked with Darcy.
It took a while for me to get feel of things and once I did the Shaughnessy family intrigued me. There was thankfully the character growth from Darcy which I'm happy about it was a painful process it happened. I will catch up on the brothers soon. It may very well take a whole lot of holiday magic to bring these two together. Holiday Spice is indeed spicy, a tad frustrating at times but good family fun. A bit of a spoiler for one who has not read any but the epilogue was a great addition and closure.
*** ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review ***
September 18, 2017
4 Star Review of Holiday Spice (The Shaughnessy Brothers #6)by Samantha Chase
My favourite holiday of the year is Christmas; and I love stories about Christmas, throw in a couple who get snowed in and interfering family and you have Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase, a new author to me.
Although I enjoyed this book for the majority, there were parts that had me frustrated and at times annoyed.
Darcy, the youngest and only girl in the Shaughnessy family has accepted a temporary job to assist an artist. When she arrives on the other side of the country, she meets Ben, the sexy but brooding artist she has been employed to help. Initially they are both attracted to each other, but sometime during g their first night together, Ben manages to annoy Darcy with something he says. Ben, who is not the most socially apt person has no clue what is wrong and so begins the frustration.
Ben is the opposite to the friendly, outgoing, Christmas and family loving Darcy, so much so in fact that due to a family tragedy years before he no longer celebrates Christmas and though not estranged from his brothers, he doesn’t go out of his way to seek his only family out.
Darcy is often frustrated by her brothers interference in her life, so it was rather annoying that she chose to do to the same to Ben. Both Ben and Darcy each had demons from their past to overcome before they could reach their happily ever after.
I really liked Ben, Darcy not so much however by the end of the book I was on board with these two being together. I liked how strong and determined Ben was, yes he was miss guided at times but his genuine feelings for Darcy and the way he helped her to put her life into perspective was great to read. I will also say that Darcy certainly did the same for Ben, it was just that she was a tad more annoying in the way she did it.
Although I enjoyed this book and will when time permits, go back and read the brothers stories I do feel it may have been better to have read the previous books in the series first..
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through the publisher and NetGalley
My favourite holiday of the year is Christmas; and I love stories about Christmas, throw in a couple who get snowed in and interfering family and you have Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase, a new author to me.
Although I enjoyed this book for the majority, there were parts that had me frustrated and at times annoyed.
Darcy, the youngest and only girl in the Shaughnessy family has accepted a temporary job to assist an artist. When she arrives on the other side of the country, she meets Ben, the sexy but brooding artist she has been employed to help. Initially they are both attracted to each other, but sometime during g their first night together, Ben manages to annoy Darcy with something he says. Ben, who is not the most socially apt person has no clue what is wrong and so begins the frustration.
Ben is the opposite to the friendly, outgoing, Christmas and family loving Darcy, so much so in fact that due to a family tragedy years before he no longer celebrates Christmas and though not estranged from his brothers, he doesn’t go out of his way to seek his only family out.
Darcy is often frustrated by her brothers interference in her life, so it was rather annoying that she chose to do to the same to Ben. Both Ben and Darcy each had demons from their past to overcome before they could reach their happily ever after.
I really liked Ben, Darcy not so much however by the end of the book I was on board with these two being together. I liked how strong and determined Ben was, yes he was miss guided at times but his genuine feelings for Darcy and the way he helped her to put her life into perspective was great to read. I will also say that Darcy certainly did the same for Ben, it was just that she was a tad more annoying in the way she did it.
Although I enjoyed this book and will when time permits, go back and read the brothers stories I do feel it may have been better to have read the previous books in the series first..
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through the publisher and NetGalley
November 21, 2017
A fun, sexy read despite being frustrating at times...
He was the perfectly flawed man.
Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase is the sixth installment in the author’s Shaughnessy Brothers series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone even though the series features a family whose members appear throughout the books. It’s a fun, sexy read despite being frustrating at times. This is the long-awaited story of Darcy, the youngest and sole female in the Shaughnessy brood, and Benjamin Tanner, an artist and a loner. She lives in North Carolina. He lives high in the mountains in Washington State.
The story opens with a prologue illustrating a sad memory of Darcy’s when she was six-years-old and had made a heartbreaking Christmas wish for a Mom that Santa didn’t fill. While Darcy was surrounded by her father, brothers, neighbors and friends, she had never known her Mom and the pain of her loss was palpable.
The story then picks up in the present day where Darcy is grown up with no love prospects and looking for a job. Darcy accepts a temporary assignment helping Ben, a friend of her sister-in-law’s, create a book about his one-of-a kind art carvings. Since Ben lost his parents two weeks before Christmas six years ago, he had stopped celebrating the holiday and had essentially become a hermit focusing on his art and raising his two younger brothers. His brothers have since moved on, but not Ben, who still lives reclusively. Prepare for fireworks when the two prickly, set-in-their- ways main characters share a strong chemistry and, at times, over-the-top bullheadedness.
My heart went out to Darcy at her lifelong sense of loss. However, I confess that the heroine’s lack of maturity seemed too much and grated on me. Darcy ran hot and cold with no in-between and, when things got tough, she would take flight. I found it easier to relate to serious Ben who had immersed himself in his work concentrating on putting food on the table for his brothers and then educating them, without the support of other family. On their way to a HEA, there was a lot of emotional pain, angst, tantrums and family meddling. The two were so pigheaded that sometimes I didn’t care for either, but I definitely sympathized with Ben more. That all said, there’s plenty of love and humor in this tale too. I found Ben’s art to be fascinating and Darcy’s talent for organization to be awesome. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the breathtakingly gorgeous, but treacherous, snowy scenery which the author describes so vividly that I felt it as well as saw it in my mind’s eye. The two get snowed in at his home courtesy of Mother Nature and spend some quality time together which fast forwards their connection. Together the two rocked it… if they could just learn to meet half-way.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Holiday Spice:
“Are you telling me there is something better out there than icing in a can? Because I’m finding it hard to believe. That’s been my dirty little secret for years.”
In a move he didn’t see coming, she chuckled and then shifted to straddle him until they were chest to chest. “That’s your dirty little secret?” She shook her head. “We’re going to have to work on that.”
---
Right now, all he wanted --- almost more than his next breath --- was to have Darcy in his bed.
Under him.
---
“I like order and knowing everything has its place.”
“It does have its place. It’s just not there yet.”
This series has been a wonderful immersive experience. While I experienced many exasperating moments of wanting to shake some sense into Ben and Darcy, their story was infused with the magic of the Christmas season with plenty of redeeming shining moments. The ending was perfect and the book served as the quintessential wrap-up for the series. The epilogue was so wonderful that I confess to shedding some happy tears as I literally inhaled it. For fans of the series, Holiday Spice should not to be missed. I would recommend the entire Shaughnessy Brothers series to anyone who enjoys family-oriented romances.
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there:http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
He was the perfectly flawed man.
Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase is the sixth installment in the author’s Shaughnessy Brothers series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone even though the series features a family whose members appear throughout the books. It’s a fun, sexy read despite being frustrating at times. This is the long-awaited story of Darcy, the youngest and sole female in the Shaughnessy brood, and Benjamin Tanner, an artist and a loner. She lives in North Carolina. He lives high in the mountains in Washington State.
The story opens with a prologue illustrating a sad memory of Darcy’s when she was six-years-old and had made a heartbreaking Christmas wish for a Mom that Santa didn’t fill. While Darcy was surrounded by her father, brothers, neighbors and friends, she had never known her Mom and the pain of her loss was palpable.
The story then picks up in the present day where Darcy is grown up with no love prospects and looking for a job. Darcy accepts a temporary assignment helping Ben, a friend of her sister-in-law’s, create a book about his one-of-a kind art carvings. Since Ben lost his parents two weeks before Christmas six years ago, he had stopped celebrating the holiday and had essentially become a hermit focusing on his art and raising his two younger brothers. His brothers have since moved on, but not Ben, who still lives reclusively. Prepare for fireworks when the two prickly, set-in-their- ways main characters share a strong chemistry and, at times, over-the-top bullheadedness.
My heart went out to Darcy at her lifelong sense of loss. However, I confess that the heroine’s lack of maturity seemed too much and grated on me. Darcy ran hot and cold with no in-between and, when things got tough, she would take flight. I found it easier to relate to serious Ben who had immersed himself in his work concentrating on putting food on the table for his brothers and then educating them, without the support of other family. On their way to a HEA, there was a lot of emotional pain, angst, tantrums and family meddling. The two were so pigheaded that sometimes I didn’t care for either, but I definitely sympathized with Ben more. That all said, there’s plenty of love and humor in this tale too. I found Ben’s art to be fascinating and Darcy’s talent for organization to be awesome. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the breathtakingly gorgeous, but treacherous, snowy scenery which the author describes so vividly that I felt it as well as saw it in my mind’s eye. The two get snowed in at his home courtesy of Mother Nature and spend some quality time together which fast forwards their connection. Together the two rocked it… if they could just learn to meet half-way.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Holiday Spice:
“Are you telling me there is something better out there than icing in a can? Because I’m finding it hard to believe. That’s been my dirty little secret for years.”
In a move he didn’t see coming, she chuckled and then shifted to straddle him until they were chest to chest. “That’s your dirty little secret?” She shook her head. “We’re going to have to work on that.”
---
Right now, all he wanted --- almost more than his next breath --- was to have Darcy in his bed.
Under him.
---
“I like order and knowing everything has its place.”
“It does have its place. It’s just not there yet.”
This series has been a wonderful immersive experience. While I experienced many exasperating moments of wanting to shake some sense into Ben and Darcy, their story was infused with the magic of the Christmas season with plenty of redeeming shining moments. The ending was perfect and the book served as the quintessential wrap-up for the series. The epilogue was so wonderful that I confess to shedding some happy tears as I literally inhaled it. For fans of the series, Holiday Spice should not to be missed. I would recommend the entire Shaughnessy Brothers series to anyone who enjoys family-oriented romances.
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there:http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
October 3, 2017
Ok, I put off reading this book for several weeks. You see, I absolutely LOVE the Shaughnessy family and all the phenomenal stories about each family member the spectacular Samantha Chase has created. I did not want the stories about this family to end. Sorry, I am a bit greedy that way. But, I broke down and Darcy’s and Ben’s story is phenomenal!!! I think it is one of my favorites in this series.
My favorite type of romance is one that draws out a lot of emotions for me. Holiday Spice certainly does this, it is an emotional roller coaster ride from the prologue, thru to the epilogue. The tears both happy and sad started Christmas morning when Darcy came…. Oops, Sorry no spoilers from me. I will say I started crying like a baby, here and several additional spots in the book. AND I LOVED EVERY FREAKING WORD I READ!!!!
I love the family dynamics of the Shaughnessy family. You can see the love that comes through whenever the family is together. They are a family that anyone would love to be a part of. Each family member has met the “love of their lives” and Darcy is no different with Ben. I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two fall in love. Then, when her brothers found out, oops!! Both Darcy and Ben have issues dealing with the death of their parent or parents, they each are handling it different, but the same.
Ms. Chase certainly knows how to write the best kind of emotional romance books. She sucks you in from the very beginning until the very end. I have yet to find a book by Ms. Chase that I have not absolutely loved, and Holiday Spice is no exception.
I was gifted with a copy of this wonderful book for my honest opinion.
Thank you for reading my review. Now, what are you waiting for, go hit that one-click button, you will not be sorry.
Ms. Chase, phenomenal finish to a spectacular series. Kudos!!!
My favorite type of romance is one that draws out a lot of emotions for me. Holiday Spice certainly does this, it is an emotional roller coaster ride from the prologue, thru to the epilogue. The tears both happy and sad started Christmas morning when Darcy came…. Oops, Sorry no spoilers from me. I will say I started crying like a baby, here and several additional spots in the book. AND I LOVED EVERY FREAKING WORD I READ!!!!
I love the family dynamics of the Shaughnessy family. You can see the love that comes through whenever the family is together. They are a family that anyone would love to be a part of. Each family member has met the “love of their lives” and Darcy is no different with Ben. I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two fall in love. Then, when her brothers found out, oops!! Both Darcy and Ben have issues dealing with the death of their parent or parents, they each are handling it different, but the same.
Ms. Chase certainly knows how to write the best kind of emotional romance books. She sucks you in from the very beginning until the very end. I have yet to find a book by Ms. Chase that I have not absolutely loved, and Holiday Spice is no exception.
I was gifted with a copy of this wonderful book for my honest opinion.
Thank you for reading my review. Now, what are you waiting for, go hit that one-click button, you will not be sorry.
Ms. Chase, phenomenal finish to a spectacular series. Kudos!!!
October 3, 2017
**ARC provided courtesy of InkSlinger PR**
I love a good holiday read; there's just something a little special about them. There is always a little extra magic, a little miracle work that just makes them a little sweeter. Holiday Spice from Samantha Chase definitely brought the holiday spirit for me.
I really liked Darcy. I completely understood her drive. She's best when she's busy, when she can avoid thinking and dwelling on herself. So instead she focuses on everyone and anything else at times. I get that; it's her coping mechanism. My heart ached for Darcy and what she went through but I really loved getting to see her grow here.
Ben. Oh Ben. Who doesn't love an emotionally guarded introvert? He's hot, sweet underneath it all AND works with his hands? No brainer-sign me up for this guy! I loved seeing him try to handle his feelings for Darcy and balance his sense of self with that.
These two have chemistry, there's no denying it. Neither of them are expecting each other, neither of them want to want the other-which just made this fun. However, aside from their heat they both carry some pretty intense emotional baggage. Seeing them expose their inner scars and hurts was so sad but seeing them help each other heal? Well that was beautiful.
This book really worked as a holiday story. In fact, I don't know that Darcy and Ben would have worked without this setting. The extra bit of magic was there in this story for sure. This is technically the last book in a series but can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone. I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
**This and other reviews can be found on our blog, Booked All Night, http://www.BookedAllNightblog.com**
I love a good holiday read; there's just something a little special about them. There is always a little extra magic, a little miracle work that just makes them a little sweeter. Holiday Spice from Samantha Chase definitely brought the holiday spirit for me.
I really liked Darcy. I completely understood her drive. She's best when she's busy, when she can avoid thinking and dwelling on herself. So instead she focuses on everyone and anything else at times. I get that; it's her coping mechanism. My heart ached for Darcy and what she went through but I really loved getting to see her grow here.
Ben. Oh Ben. Who doesn't love an emotionally guarded introvert? He's hot, sweet underneath it all AND works with his hands? No brainer-sign me up for this guy! I loved seeing him try to handle his feelings for Darcy and balance his sense of self with that.
These two have chemistry, there's no denying it. Neither of them are expecting each other, neither of them want to want the other-which just made this fun. However, aside from their heat they both carry some pretty intense emotional baggage. Seeing them expose their inner scars and hurts was so sad but seeing them help each other heal? Well that was beautiful.
This book really worked as a holiday story. In fact, I don't know that Darcy and Ben would have worked without this setting. The extra bit of magic was there in this story for sure. This is technically the last book in a series but can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone. I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
**This and other reviews can be found on our blog, Booked All Night, http://www.BookedAllNightblog.com**
October 5, 2017
I’m a sucker for all things Christmas and especially Christmas romance novels. This book didn’t disappoint as it was a perfect opposites attract type book. Darcy is outgoing and cheery while Ben is broody and a homebody. Their friendship gets off to a rocky start and that's when the story got interesting. I felt like Darcy got off the hook too easily with her assumptions and she was a little bratty. I wanted Ben to put her in her place for the way that she acted but sadly he didn’t at that time. As the story progressed we got to see the characters in a different light as they are both dealing with some heavy issues. This part of the book I loved because they both helped heal each other and I’m a sucker for those kinds of reads. As expected we had some drama but I liked the way it was resolved this time around. Ben put his foot down and Darcy finally matured. Even though this was book number six in the series I didn’t feel lost at all. I enjoyed seeing the other characters and after reading I will be starting the series from the beginning. This book was well written, evenly paced, we had some laugh out loud moments and some very soul searching and heartbreaking moments. Plus it was based around Christmas which is my favorite time of the year!
*ARC REVIEW*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
*ARC REVIEW*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
August 28, 2017
HOLIDAY SPICE: Book #6 in The Shaughnessy Brothers.
Ms. Chase brought tears, laughter and so much more to this book. It's like that in every single
one of the books in the series. But Darcy is different. You'll see why after you read.
Darcy was the only girl in the Shaughnessy household. Growing up with 5 brothers as nice as they are, loving and protective it was hard.
Now as a women she's doing her thing. Truth be told she's a little undecided. That's when her sister in law sends her to help a friend with his book. Darcy isn't sure, but she's going to give it her all. Ben Tanner was not what she expected.
Darcy was a force to be reckoned with. Ben thought all was going well until after there first meeting. It wasn't until she finally told him what had her so upset. He wasn't sure about this whole thing from the get-go. His friend Savannah told him she was perfect. It was her sister in law.
The more Ben and Darcy spent together did they see something in the other that connected. An appreciation of sorts. They brought a sense of vulnerability in each out as well. What each longed for.
How would they go about it? They both needed to stop and regroup. Would they?
Buy to find out what happens.
Highly suggest reading and all the ones before. All the brothers are great!
Ms. Chase brought tears, laughter and so much more to this book. It's like that in every single
one of the books in the series. But Darcy is different. You'll see why after you read.
Darcy was the only girl in the Shaughnessy household. Growing up with 5 brothers as nice as they are, loving and protective it was hard.
Now as a women she's doing her thing. Truth be told she's a little undecided. That's when her sister in law sends her to help a friend with his book. Darcy isn't sure, but she's going to give it her all. Ben Tanner was not what she expected.
Darcy was a force to be reckoned with. Ben thought all was going well until after there first meeting. It wasn't until she finally told him what had her so upset. He wasn't sure about this whole thing from the get-go. His friend Savannah told him she was perfect. It was her sister in law.
The more Ben and Darcy spent together did they see something in the other that connected. An appreciation of sorts. They brought a sense of vulnerability in each out as well. What each longed for.
How would they go about it? They both needed to stop and regroup. Would they?
Buy to find out what happens.
Highly suggest reading and all the ones before. All the brothers are great!
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