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Magnolia Sound #8
Since You've Been Gone
Emmaline Ryan has always been the smart, shy girl who plays it safe. But all that’s gotten her is a divorce and a mountain of debt to pay off courtesy of her ex-husband. Needless to say, she’s stopped believing in miracles and fairy tales a long time ago. Except now she’s in desperate need of one those miracles if she wants to save her family’s animal rescue. Emmaline knows just where to go for help, but that means putting her faith in the hands of the man who once broke her heart without even realizing it.
Garrett Coleman met the girl of his dreams when he was just eight years old – only, he never told her. But that was years ago. Now, Garrett has become a reluctant social media star – the shirtless #HotDoc and #SexyVet who saves scared and helpless animals. Sure, it’s been great for business, but he’d give anything for people to see the real him, preferably with a shirt on. When a visit home to Magnolia Sound has him running into the shy girl he left behind, he sees his chance at the future he never thought he deserved.
A lot has changed since he’s been gone and Garrett is going to have to not only prove that he’s up to the challenge, but that he’s willing to stay this time.
Garrett Coleman met the girl of his dreams when he was just eight years old – only, he never told her. But that was years ago. Now, Garrett has become a reluctant social media star – the shirtless #HotDoc and #SexyVet who saves scared and helpless animals. Sure, it’s been great for business, but he’d give anything for people to see the real him, preferably with a shirt on. When a visit home to Magnolia Sound has him running into the shy girl he left behind, he sees his chance at the future he never thought he deserved.
A lot has changed since he’s been gone and Garrett is going to have to not only prove that he’s up to the challenge, but that he’s willing to stay this time.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2021
44 people are currently reading
365 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 152 reviews
August 2, 2021
It was delightful! A sweet, light, small town romance. I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other again. They were so cute together. A good summer read for vacation. I highly recommend listening to this novel that was narrated by Carly Robins if you love romance. This is book 8 in the series and can be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via Netgalley.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via Netgalley.
July 30, 2021
A nice, easy read was what I needed between all the fantasies I've been reading lately. This was cute and passed by quickly and I appreciated that I could have it in the background while doing other things and not get lost. Emma and Garrett are a good match, they have a lot in common and years of friendship to build on. They get together fairly quickly and didn't have too much relationship drama. I enjoyed the small town setting and the puppies were especially adorable!
I didn't realize this was the 8th book in the series and I might go back and read the others. I'm also looking forward to the next book because there are some loose ends that I'd like to see tied up. I'm hoping Ryder's book is next, he's mysterious and I want to know his story.
The narrator had a pleasant voice to listen to, though I wish there was another narrator for Garrett's parts to balance it out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the copy
I didn't realize this was the 8th book in the series and I might go back and read the others. I'm also looking forward to the next book because there are some loose ends that I'd like to see tied up. I'm hoping Ryder's book is next, he's mysterious and I want to know his story.
The narrator had a pleasant voice to listen to, though I wish there was another narrator for Garrett's parts to balance it out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the copy
June 28, 2021
5 Star Review of Since You've Been Gone (Magnolia Sound #8) by Samantha Chase
Ms. Chase’s writing is so descriptive they I can easily visualize myself in Magnolia Sound and I love visiting this town. This is Emmaline (Emma) Ryan and Garrett Coleman and I was invested from the fist to the last paragraph.
At a cross roads, Garrett returns to Magnolia Sound for the weekend and to re access what he wants out of life. Running into the woman he has loved since he was 8 years old, he is determined that this time she know his feelings, but is it fair to her, after all he isn’t planning on staying, or is he?
Could fate finally put these two together? Nothing worth having comes easy and Garrett finds that he is not the only one with feelings and doubts. When the past comes back to haunt them, will it break them apart for good or give them the opportunity to forge a relationship that will stand the test of time?
I really felt for both characters, particularly Emma, she has so much going on, trying to help her parents’ animal rescue shelter, working full time and trying to keep an eye on her siblings and it is all becoming too much to handle. Could Garrett be the answer to her prayers?
As I have come to expect from a Samantha Chase book, it was well written with characters that are human, ones that you cannot help but want to learn more about; easy to relate to, likeable and “real” they could be a member of your family, or a close friend.
I had so many emotions reading this book and have no hesitation in recommending it.
Ms. Chase’s writing is so descriptive they I can easily visualize myself in Magnolia Sound and I love visiting this town. This is Emmaline (Emma) Ryan and Garrett Coleman and I was invested from the fist to the last paragraph.
At a cross roads, Garrett returns to Magnolia Sound for the weekend and to re access what he wants out of life. Running into the woman he has loved since he was 8 years old, he is determined that this time she know his feelings, but is it fair to her, after all he isn’t planning on staying, or is he?
Could fate finally put these two together? Nothing worth having comes easy and Garrett finds that he is not the only one with feelings and doubts. When the past comes back to haunt them, will it break them apart for good or give them the opportunity to forge a relationship that will stand the test of time?
I really felt for both characters, particularly Emma, she has so much going on, trying to help her parents’ animal rescue shelter, working full time and trying to keep an eye on her siblings and it is all becoming too much to handle. Could Garrett be the answer to her prayers?
As I have come to expect from a Samantha Chase book, it was well written with characters that are human, ones that you cannot help but want to learn more about; easy to relate to, likeable and “real” they could be a member of your family, or a close friend.
I had so many emotions reading this book and have no hesitation in recommending it.
June 24, 2021
At a cross roads of his life, Garrett finds himself back home reconnecting with the one woman who he has always loved but never felt he was good enough for. With a nasty marriage behind her, Emma needs to figure out how to be herself again. Just when the two realize that the other makes them complete, burdens from the past come back to make everything difficult and knock Garrett down. Can Garrett realize that his self worth is not based on the thoughts or actions of others? Or will he once again walk away from the one woman he has always loved? With characters that the reader wants to reach inside the book and give them hugs as well as others they want to smack upside the head this was another wonderful addition to the Magnolia Sound series. Once again Samantha Chase proves that family dysfunction goes hand in hand with finding a better future and true and honest feelings are her forte. Simply put - we all want to be part of the family in Magnolia Sound.
August 6, 2021
Thank you so much Net Galley & Chasing Romance for an ARC of this book!
This book was such a delight! I have never read a book from the author and did not realize that this was part of the series. I don't think I needed to read others to follow the story but I did look and saw that the book prior focused on Garrett's brother and girlfriend.
The story focuses on two childhood friends whose timing just kept missing one another. Emmaline always had a crush on Garrett and Garrett always had a crush on Emmaline. But Emmaline went to prom with another classmate and ended up marrying him. Garrett had tried to remain friends with Emmaline but her husband did not like that. We fast forward to today and both are single. After some flirting back and forth, Garrett went for it. I was really happy to see that we did not have to wait until the end of the book for them to get together.
Of course things don't always go as planned. Garrett is trying to figure out what he where he wants to place roots. He became known as the veterinarian who takes off his shirt to gain attention for that particular vet clinic (which did remind me of an episode of "Schitt's Creek"). He did not want to be a joke and to be taken seriously.
There were lots of ups and downs and then a visitor came through the town that was unexpected. Everything in Garrett & Emmaline's life was affected by this visitor.
The book ended with all the loose ends wrapped up and just made me smile.
The audio of this was really great & I got through it rather quickly. Being invested in the story also helped. I definitely will have to look into the back catalog of books & keep my eye out for future books from this author.
This book was such a delight! I have never read a book from the author and did not realize that this was part of the series. I don't think I needed to read others to follow the story but I did look and saw that the book prior focused on Garrett's brother and girlfriend.
The story focuses on two childhood friends whose timing just kept missing one another. Emmaline always had a crush on Garrett and Garrett always had a crush on Emmaline. But Emmaline went to prom with another classmate and ended up marrying him. Garrett had tried to remain friends with Emmaline but her husband did not like that. We fast forward to today and both are single. After some flirting back and forth, Garrett went for it. I was really happy to see that we did not have to wait until the end of the book for them to get together.
Of course things don't always go as planned. Garrett is trying to figure out what he where he wants to place roots. He became known as the veterinarian who takes off his shirt to gain attention for that particular vet clinic (which did remind me of an episode of "Schitt's Creek"). He did not want to be a joke and to be taken seriously.
There were lots of ups and downs and then a visitor came through the town that was unexpected. Everything in Garrett & Emmaline's life was affected by this visitor.
The book ended with all the loose ends wrapped up and just made me smile.
The audio of this was really great & I got through it rather quickly. Being invested in the story also helped. I definitely will have to look into the back catalog of books & keep my eye out for future books from this author.
July 27, 2021
Emma needed to rediscover her worth, and Garrett needed to understand he was worthy. Together, they were so much stronger. Sometimes, it was frustrating to see Garrett sabotaging things, but he found his way when he needed to. A great addition to the series!
July 2, 2021
Since You’ve been Gone is the eighth book in Samantha Chase’s Magnolia Sound series. Loved this second chance romance featuring Emma Ryan and Garrett Coleman.
Emma and Garrett approach situations differently. Emma is a problem solver; she’s survived a messy divorce, she’s figured out how to pay down her ex-husband’s credit card debt and she enjoys her family and career as a speech therapist. She has one problem that she can’t solve—continued funding for her family’s animal shelter.
Emma comments on an Instagram video featuring her childhood friend veterinarian Garrett Coleman. The video has gone viral as it features a shirtless Garrett working at an animal shelter. Garrett reads the comment and stresses out—should he comment back? Call her? He’s had feelings for Emma since high school and has never acted on it. I loved that Garrett had a hard time making decisions—he is overly cautious and over thinks everything. Every. Single .Thing. Even though, he’s a media sensation with the hashtag #sexyvet; he lacks self-confidence.
Loved the relationship between Garrett and his brother Austin. Samantha Chase excels at creating “brother banter” and the conversations between Garrett and Austin add a lot of laughter and insight to the story. The brothers understand each other and challenge each other. The secondary characters of Austin, Mia, Ryder, Grace and Dominic add humor and drama to the novel and are significant to the plot.
Samantha Chase adds an additional layer to the story line when a character returns to Magnolia Sound, stirs up trouble and disappears without a trace. This plot choice added a lot of intrigue to the story and provides an additional story ARC for several characters in future books. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series!!!
Samantha Chase has created a wonderful second chance story for two star crossed lovers. Emma and Garrett’s past drew me into the story. Garrett’s indecision concerning his feelings towards Emma have haunted him for years. Emma wondered if they could have been more than friends, too. These feelings make this novel relatable. Who hasn’t wondered what could have been…..
I highly recommend Since You’ve been Gone! Emma and Garrett’s path to their HEA will pull at your heartstrings and make you believe in second chances. Settle in with a glass of wine and enjoy every word of this fabulous novel!
Emma and Garrett approach situations differently. Emma is a problem solver; she’s survived a messy divorce, she’s figured out how to pay down her ex-husband’s credit card debt and she enjoys her family and career as a speech therapist. She has one problem that she can’t solve—continued funding for her family’s animal shelter.
Emma comments on an Instagram video featuring her childhood friend veterinarian Garrett Coleman. The video has gone viral as it features a shirtless Garrett working at an animal shelter. Garrett reads the comment and stresses out—should he comment back? Call her? He’s had feelings for Emma since high school and has never acted on it. I loved that Garrett had a hard time making decisions—he is overly cautious and over thinks everything. Every. Single .Thing. Even though, he’s a media sensation with the hashtag #sexyvet; he lacks self-confidence.
Loved the relationship between Garrett and his brother Austin. Samantha Chase excels at creating “brother banter” and the conversations between Garrett and Austin add a lot of laughter and insight to the story. The brothers understand each other and challenge each other. The secondary characters of Austin, Mia, Ryder, Grace and Dominic add humor and drama to the novel and are significant to the plot.
Samantha Chase adds an additional layer to the story line when a character returns to Magnolia Sound, stirs up trouble and disappears without a trace. This plot choice added a lot of intrigue to the story and provides an additional story ARC for several characters in future books. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series!!!
Samantha Chase has created a wonderful second chance story for two star crossed lovers. Emma and Garrett’s past drew me into the story. Garrett’s indecision concerning his feelings towards Emma have haunted him for years. Emma wondered if they could have been more than friends, too. These feelings make this novel relatable. Who hasn’t wondered what could have been…..
I highly recommend Since You’ve been Gone! Emma and Garrett’s path to their HEA will pull at your heartstrings and make you believe in second chances. Settle in with a glass of wine and enjoy every word of this fabulous novel!
August 18, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this audiobook to listen to through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Since You’ve been Gone by Samantha Chase, narrated by Carly Robbins, is the 8th book in the author’s Magnolia Sound series. It can be listened to as a standalone. I found the story to be a lovely second chance at love, friends to lovers, small town romance. Garrett Coleman recent veterinary grad has become an internet sensation for some videos he made to help place rescued dogs. The celebrity makes him uncomfortable because he wants to be find a job that wants him for his veterinary skills and not just his good looks and six pack abs. A weekend visit to Magnolia Sound to visit family has him reconnecting with the girl he’s been in love with since he was 8 years old. Emmaline Ryan is feeling overwhelmed, buried in debt from her ex-husband and worried about how her family’s pet rescue will function with her stepfather out of commission due to back surgery, running into her former best friend Garrett is the one bright spot in her day. Their relationship grows from friendship to love, but just when everything seems to be going well, Garrett’s hopes come crashing down and he simply can’t figure out how it can possibly all work out. I enjoyed listening to this audio book and do recommend it.
The narrator does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Steam Level: Medium.
Publishing Date: August 10, 2021. #SinceYouveBeenGone #SamanthaChase #CarlyRobbins #DreamscapeMedia #NetGalley #RomanceAudioBooks #SmallTownRomance #FriendsToLovers #SecondChanceAtLove #RomanceReader #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #ContemporaryRomance
The narrator does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Steam Level: Medium.
Publishing Date: August 10, 2021. #SinceYouveBeenGone #SamanthaChase #CarlyRobbins #DreamscapeMedia #NetGalley #RomanceAudioBooks #SmallTownRomance #FriendsToLovers #SecondChanceAtLove #RomanceReader #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #ContemporaryRomance
June 29, 2021
Going back to Magnolia Sound is like going home. At that’s what it should be. What it is for Garrett Coleman is a place where he feels he needs to prove himself over and over. He would love nothing more than to settle down with his childhood love, not that she knows that. Emma Ryan is living one day at a time. She is trying to get out from under the financial mess her ex husband left her with. When Garrett appears on her social media shirtless supporting an animal adoption clinic, she thinks about what could have been and how much she misses her best friend.
I really loved this book. These two have been friends since they were eight and grew together, supported each other through some obstacles and fell in love with each other ( but didn’t know what to do about it). They find themselves again with those fluttering feelings and nothing to stop them this time. Well except all those financial worries. Garrett prides himself on being able to take care of whomever he’s with and his current lack of a job is an issue. Oh he’s got plenty of offers but all of them have a stipulation that he’s not to keen on. Emma just wants Garrett to be happy where he lands. She has a plan to pay off the debt she owes and then getting the house where she can adopt her favorite dog. I love the connection between them and their love for animals in need. This takes an emotional turn that I didn’t expect and was floored by where it took me.
I really loved this book. These two have been friends since they were eight and grew together, supported each other through some obstacles and fell in love with each other ( but didn’t know what to do about it). They find themselves again with those fluttering feelings and nothing to stop them this time. Well except all those financial worries. Garrett prides himself on being able to take care of whomever he’s with and his current lack of a job is an issue. Oh he’s got plenty of offers but all of them have a stipulation that he’s not to keen on. Emma just wants Garrett to be happy where he lands. She has a plan to pay off the debt she owes and then getting the house where she can adopt her favorite dog. I love the connection between them and their love for animals in need. This takes an emotional turn that I didn’t expect and was floored by where it took me.
September 1, 2021
Im new to the world of audiobooks so this is only the 2nd audiobook I’ve listened to. I worried I wouldn’t be able to stay focused on it while I listened but this narrator was great and helped keep me hooked.
I love a good romance and I mean… combine a hot veterinarian and an adorable dog shelter in need of help with childhood friends turned lovers and you’ve got yourself a pretty great romance combo. Mix in the family drama that this book also had and its a pretty great story. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves the friends to lovers trope and books about cute dogs.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the audiobook of the title. All opinions remain my own as always.
I love a good romance and I mean… combine a hot veterinarian and an adorable dog shelter in need of help with childhood friends turned lovers and you’ve got yourself a pretty great romance combo. Mix in the family drama that this book also had and its a pretty great story. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves the friends to lovers trope and books about cute dogs.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the audiobook of the title. All opinions remain my own as always.
June 29, 2021
Since You've Been Gone, Garrett and Emma's story, Is a welcome return to Magnolia sound. Long separated best friends,for him because of Vet school and her because of a bad marriage, are reunited after literally bumping into each other at the grocery store. This friends to lovers story will warm your heart. As with all Samantha Chase's books, you'll be in for a sweet story with some twists and turns. You get it all, puppies, doggies a little angst, and a HEA. I love this series and recommend them all. Great beach reads or snuggle up by the fire reads.
June 29, 2021
Since You've Been Gone was a fantastic read. You immediately got lost in the world of Garrett and Emmaline. They were best friends throughout school and went their separate ways. Now that Garrett is back in town trying to figure out what is next for him, the feelings resurface when it comes to Emmaline. Emmeline has been playing it safe since her divorce and keeping to herself. Garrett rekindled her feelings again and when the two of them get together sparks fly! I loved every minute of this story and all of the characters.
June 24, 2021
Excellent!! This story really touched my heart. Emmaline (Emma) and Garrett’s story goes from a long time friendship to discovering their mutual feelings and the family entanglements and life that intercedes. The way Emma and Garrett navigate their way through it all to come out on the other side is sweet and beautiful. I loved Emma’s independence when it came to what she wanted and the way she was able to give Garrett his confidence back. From the first paragraph I couldn’t put it down.
June 29, 2021
I absolutely love the Magnolia Sound series!! Garrett and Emmaline are no exception. Even though their families are far from perfect, their story proves you can always move to a better future and a new beginning.
January 23, 2025
Samantha Chase knows how to write romance. Every book I read in this series gets better and better. The characters speak to me and jump off the page. I was especially sad when this one ended because I wanted more.
September 1, 2021
Since You’ve Been Gone
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@samanthachaseromance
This was the cutest, sweetest, most precious story! Second chance & friends-to-lovers tropes are two of my favorites. Throw in a hot guy with puppies and I was sold! 😉 I listened to this as an audiobook and I found myself smiling the entire time. Such a feel good love story!
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@samanthachaseromance
This was the cutest, sweetest, most precious story! Second chance & friends-to-lovers tropes are two of my favorites. Throw in a hot guy with puppies and I was sold! 😉 I listened to this as an audiobook and I found myself smiling the entire time. Such a feel good love story!
dnf
August 18, 2021A super sweet, super light romance! Not what I’m going for right now, but a perfect summer escape read
July 7, 2021
5 BEAUTIFUL STARS!! Amazing beautiful story from this fabulous author. Emmaline and Garrett story is beautiful and put a smile on my face. They will touch all your emotion buttons all the way through. Samantha Chase has been one of my favorite authors for years and this book is why....page turning and perfect words.
June 27, 2021
This story really touched my heart! Garrett is at a cross roads of sort with his career. He's been using his training as a vet to teach others about animals while thinking about where he wants to settle. His family wants him to return to Magnolia Sound. The woman he has loved since he was child, Emma has returned after her divorce. She needs to find who she is now and reconnecting with Garrett has helped while she helped him discover his confidence.
August 9, 2021
What can I say? This author has done it again! She took me back to Magnolia Sound and I didn't want to leave!!! Emma Ryan is working her butt off to keep it together. After a messy divorce and struggling to pay down her ex-husband's debt he left her with and taking care of her parents, she is barely keeping her head above water. Her animal rescue is struggling and she doesn't know if it is going to make it. When she makes a comment on Garret Coleman's IG account he doesn't know whether to comment back or not. He has had feelings for her forever, really...forever...since grade school. I love how he overthinks everything, every thing, really! He is an accidental social media sensation and these two make the cutest couple. Each have things going on and really don't know which way to turn but know they want to turn to each other. Will this second chance on love really turn out for the win when forces are coming at them from all angles? Definitely a recommendation for the perfect beach read of this summer!
**Received this ARC for review**
**Received this ARC for review**
June 1, 2022
This was a very enjoyable second chance trope audiobook. Ms. Chase's writing is descriptive and the dialog is just what it needs to be in order to make you feel like you know the characters and want to take part in their lives.
Since you've been gone takes us to Magnolia Sound and here we find Emma trying to help out her parents with their dog rescue facility as they are facing some tough times. She's dealing with some tough times of her own, but she's the type that just keeps plugging away and doing the best she can.
Garrett is a veterinarian who's back in town for some family things. He's always had a thing for Emma, but nothing ever came of it. Now he discovers that her marriage to one of his old friends fell apart and she's available again. The problem is, he's job hunting in other states. Apparently, the practices he's interviewing with want him mainly because of some social media videos he did in the past with his shirt off to get pets adopted. His self worth is in the toilet.
Once Emma discovers that he's been into her for years...game on! Is there any way possible that they can make this work? Of course there is! After all, it is a romance. I love my HEA's!
This is a cute romance that is a great diversion from the stuff that's going on in the world today. The narration by Carly Robins was awesome! Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Since you've been gone takes us to Magnolia Sound and here we find Emma trying to help out her parents with their dog rescue facility as they are facing some tough times. She's dealing with some tough times of her own, but she's the type that just keeps plugging away and doing the best she can.
Garrett is a veterinarian who's back in town for some family things. He's always had a thing for Emma, but nothing ever came of it. Now he discovers that her marriage to one of his old friends fell apart and she's available again. The problem is, he's job hunting in other states. Apparently, the practices he's interviewing with want him mainly because of some social media videos he did in the past with his shirt off to get pets adopted. His self worth is in the toilet.
Once Emma discovers that he's been into her for years...game on! Is there any way possible that they can make this work? Of course there is! After all, it is a romance. I love my HEA's!
This is a cute romance that is a great diversion from the stuff that's going on in the world today. The narration by Carly Robins was awesome! Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
July 5, 2021
Samantha Chase has done it again and has delivered another wonderful romance with Since You’ve Been Gone, the eighth book in her Magnolia Sound series. I love the Magnolia Sound series and each book in the series keeps getting better and better. I think that Since You’ve Been Gone is my favorite book in the series, who does not love a friends to lovers love story? Samantha Chase has once again provided her readers with amazing characters. I love all the characters in Since You’ve Been Gone, they feel like family! Who doesn't love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, and big loving families, who always support one another? Samantha Chase continues to deliver all that and so much more. Reading Since You’ve Been Gone felt like catching up at a family reunion, and seeing how the lives of the other characters in the series have changed and all the babies! I so enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series. Samantha Chase has once again shown that she is an amazing storyteller. Since You’ve Been Gone did not disappoint, I could not put it down and loved every page. I enjoy how Samantha Chase writes from the perspective of the two main characters. That way you get to know what is going on in each of their minds. Since You’ve Been Gone is a wonderful love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud and the bittersweet moments that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments eyes filling with tears. Since You’ve Been Gone is filled with such moments, and with so much more. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a Samantha Chase love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Since You’ve Been Gone is the story of Emmaline “Emma” Ryan, children’s reading specialist and her best friend Garrett Coleman, veterinarian and great-grandson of Ezekiel Coleman, founder of Coleman Construction and one of the founding fathers of Magnolia Sound. Emma and Garrett were childhood friends, and Garrett has been in love with Emmaline since he was eight years old. Not knowing, Garrett’s feeling for her, Emma married her high school sweetheart and divorces him. Garrett has returned home to Magnolia Sound for a long week end to be part of the ground breaking of Austin and Mia’s new home. Garrett is currently a social media star, because of his shirtless videos encouraging pet adoption. Emma finally gives in and watches Garrett’s videos and leaves him a message. Garrett is currently interviewing for permanent veterinarian positions, and is just passing through. Garrett and Emma begin spending time together and things quickly heat up between the two of them. s Garrett spends more at Happy Tails, Emma’s family pet rescue facility, he and Emma grow closer. As they spend more time together, they share secrets that they haven’t revealed to each other or with anyone before, and realize they may have something more than friendship. I love that both Garrett and Emma were both so vulnerable and that each of them changed because of their love for one another. Then a surprise plot twist that I did not see coming changes everything that they had built with one another. Things change when Emma decides to take matters into her own hands and ask others to assist her in building a future for her and Garrett. I loved the story and am so glad that both Emma and Garrett got their happily ever after that they waited so long for. I love all the surprises that Samantha Chase has included in Since You’ve Been Gone. My favorite part in the book is the epilogue and how it wraps up all the details of the happily ever after, and it did not disappoint, I loved Garrett’s proposal and how he works on making Emma’s dreams come true! Since You’ve Been Gone contains all the elements that I have love most in a Samantha Chase story, romance, great characters and setting, bittersweet moments and the plot twist that ties it all together. Amazing story. I could not put it down. Highly recommend this friends to lovers love story.
June 30, 2021
SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE is the eighth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MAGNOLIA SOUND romance series. This veterinarian Dr. Garrett Coleman, and speech therapist Emmaline Ryan’s story line. SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Emma and Garrett) SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE follows the friends to lovers relationship between veterinarian Dr. Garrett Coleman, and speech therapist Emmaline Ryan. Garrett and Emmaline had been best friend for as long as they could remember but junior high found Emma falling for someone, leaving a heart broken Garrett behind. Fast forward to present day wherein Emmaline Ryan, now a divorced speech therapist, helps run her mother’s shelter for homeless animals but the shelter’s doctor is about to retire, and take with him the only veterinarian clinic around. Enter Dr. Garrett Coleman, a veterinarian without a ‘home’ and a man without someone to love. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Garrett and Emma, and the potential fall-out as Garrett’s past continues to destroy any semblance of happiness in the Coleman clan.
Garrett Coleman is known on the social media sites at #HotDoc for the shirtless videos of himself and dogs looking for a home but Garrett is without a permanent employer, and finds himself going from town to town looking to settle down. A visit home brings Garrett up close and personal with the girl he has always loved but the Coleman patriarch Cash Coleman, who has been AWOL for more than twenty years, breezes back into town, leaving another swath of heart ache and pain in his wake. Unable to see beyond the failures of his life, Garrett struggles with his future including a future with the woman he loves.
The relationship between Garrett and Emma is a friends to lovers. Garrett has loved Emma for most of his life but never took the step to make Emma his own. After a failed marriage, Emma struggles with opening up her heart but the return of Garrett give Emma hope for the future but nothing is ever as real as it seems. There are no $ex scenes-everything fades to black or is mostly implied.
We are reintroduced to Garrett’s brother Austin and his fiancé Mia Kingsley; their mother Grace Coleman and her boyfriend Dominic Jones; financial investor Ryder; Emma’s mother Christine and her husband Ed ; Doc McEntyre; and Cash Coleman.
SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; of betrayal and heart break; dissolution and acceptance. The premise is engaging and emotional; the romance is sweet and sexy; the characters are energetic and dynamic. SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE is a wonderful addition to the Magnolia Sound series.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives (Emma and Garrett) SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE follows the friends to lovers relationship between veterinarian Dr. Garrett Coleman, and speech therapist Emmaline Ryan. Garrett and Emmaline had been best friend for as long as they could remember but junior high found Emma falling for someone, leaving a heart broken Garrett behind. Fast forward to present day wherein Emmaline Ryan, now a divorced speech therapist, helps run her mother’s shelter for homeless animals but the shelter’s doctor is about to retire, and take with him the only veterinarian clinic around. Enter Dr. Garrett Coleman, a veterinarian without a ‘home’ and a man without someone to love. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Garrett and Emma, and the potential fall-out as Garrett’s past continues to destroy any semblance of happiness in the Coleman clan.
Garrett Coleman is known on the social media sites at #HotDoc for the shirtless videos of himself and dogs looking for a home but Garrett is without a permanent employer, and finds himself going from town to town looking to settle down. A visit home brings Garrett up close and personal with the girl he has always loved but the Coleman patriarch Cash Coleman, who has been AWOL for more than twenty years, breezes back into town, leaving another swath of heart ache and pain in his wake. Unable to see beyond the failures of his life, Garrett struggles with his future including a future with the woman he loves.
The relationship between Garrett and Emma is a friends to lovers. Garrett has loved Emma for most of his life but never took the step to make Emma his own. After a failed marriage, Emma struggles with opening up her heart but the return of Garrett give Emma hope for the future but nothing is ever as real as it seems. There are no $ex scenes-everything fades to black or is mostly implied.
We are reintroduced to Garrett’s brother Austin and his fiancé Mia Kingsley; their mother Grace Coleman and her boyfriend Dominic Jones; financial investor Ryder; Emma’s mother Christine and her husband Ed ; Doc McEntyre; and Cash Coleman.
SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; of betrayal and heart break; dissolution and acceptance. The premise is engaging and emotional; the romance is sweet and sexy; the characters are energetic and dynamic. SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE is a wonderful addition to the Magnolia Sound series.
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 29, 2021
Since You’ve Been Gone is a fabulous “friends to lovers” and “second chance at love” romance and I could not wait for it to hit my Kindle!! These days, I never expect anything less from the phenomenal Samantha Chase. Since You’ve Been Gone is the 8th book in Ms. Chase’s Magnolia Sound series. And, in my opinion, the series just keeps getting better and better.
I love the fact that part of the story is the saving, and adoption of pets (kudos, Ms. Chase for making your readers, not that we needed it, aware of these animals’ plights). All my furbabies have been rescues.
As I sit here thinking about what to write in my review I am smiling about Emma and Garretts story. I really loved them being best friends growing up, and each afraid to tell the other of their feelings. But this led to a disaster of a marriage and divorce for Emma. Communication, folks!!! Communication would have saved them a whole lot of heartache!!!
Emma’s ex knocked her confidence in herself to an all time low. Because of this, when Garrett comes back to town, she does not want to even see him, she is too ashamed of what has become of her life. Garrett certainly does not see her as a failure. He still sees here as the most beautiful girl, both inside and out.
I loved watching these two come to know each other again. They are definitely meant for each other.
I LOVE book series, a LOT. Because, we get to see some of the previous characters and how their lives are going. I really enjoyed seeing how Emma fangirled over Mia and how they became friends in spite of it.
This book also has ALL OF THE FEELS! Definitely love, but also laughter, comedy, and tears (both happy and sadness) but also anger. Anger especially when…. STOP, sorry Ladies, I do not want to give anything away. I will say this, Ms. Chase, I want to know what happens between G and D. Again, sorry Ladies, not giving anything away.
I was gifted with a copy of this fabulous book for my reading enjoyment and opinions of the book. Phenomenal, a must read, I could not put it down, I did one of my “all-nighters” reading it, it was so good!!! I love this book so much that I already purchased the audio copy of it (darn!!! It does not come out until August 10th!!!
Thank you for reading my review. I know you will enjoy this book as much as I have, so what are you waiting for hit that purchase button from your favorite retailer. You will not be disappointed.
I love the fact that part of the story is the saving, and adoption of pets (kudos, Ms. Chase for making your readers, not that we needed it, aware of these animals’ plights). All my furbabies have been rescues.
As I sit here thinking about what to write in my review I am smiling about Emma and Garretts story. I really loved them being best friends growing up, and each afraid to tell the other of their feelings. But this led to a disaster of a marriage and divorce for Emma. Communication, folks!!! Communication would have saved them a whole lot of heartache!!!
Emma’s ex knocked her confidence in herself to an all time low. Because of this, when Garrett comes back to town, she does not want to even see him, she is too ashamed of what has become of her life. Garrett certainly does not see her as a failure. He still sees here as the most beautiful girl, both inside and out.
I loved watching these two come to know each other again. They are definitely meant for each other.
I LOVE book series, a LOT. Because, we get to see some of the previous characters and how their lives are going. I really enjoyed seeing how Emma fangirled over Mia and how they became friends in spite of it.
This book also has ALL OF THE FEELS! Definitely love, but also laughter, comedy, and tears (both happy and sadness) but also anger. Anger especially when…. STOP, sorry Ladies, I do not want to give anything away. I will say this, Ms. Chase, I want to know what happens between G and D. Again, sorry Ladies, not giving anything away.
I was gifted with a copy of this fabulous book for my reading enjoyment and opinions of the book. Phenomenal, a must read, I could not put it down, I did one of my “all-nighters” reading it, it was so good!!! I love this book so much that I already purchased the audio copy of it (darn!!! It does not come out until August 10th!!!
Thank you for reading my review. I know you will enjoy this book as much as I have, so what are you waiting for hit that purchase button from your favorite retailer. You will not be disappointed.
August 18, 2021
Since You've Been Gone
by Samantha Chase
Narrated by Carly Robins
I received an audiobook arc from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
I quickly recognized the narrator as the same narrator from The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang so I was very pleased with that. Fantastic narration and excellent sound quality.
I have not read this author before. This is #8 in her Magnolia Sound series. However I don’t feel like I was missing much info by not having read the previous books.
This is a small town second chance romance one person stayed one returns situation. Being from a small town myself some of the drama is relatable. However some plot points lacked support. The hero struggled in school so much that the heroine tutored him when they children and with extreme tutoring he made Cs. But then went on to “graduate at the top of his class” at vet school. One of my very good friends is a vet. And vet school is hard. And she is super smart. She was my college roommate and was at undergrad on a full ride academic scholarship and even she said Vet school was hard. Of course there’s no reason that someone with a learning disorder couldn’t become an amazing vet but it didn’t make sense that all of a sudden he would go from Cs with tutoring to As without additional explanation.
There’s almost no reference to any actual veterinary shop talk other than “exams”. My friend constantly had crazy stories from internships in vet school. It made it feel that the career was a fluffy accessory.
If this kind of thing doesn’t bother you then you’ll like the book better than I did.
This is a fade to black, closed door, low steam romance where they are vague about the physical interactions.
The relationship conflict arc largely stemmed from avoidable miscommunications and lack of talking things out. The other situational conflict arcs were more interesting but minimally resolved and while it does not end on a cliffhanger it makes sense that it’s part of a series and may be resolved in a later book.
It can be a little saccharine sweet but sometimes that is what someone is looking for. So if that’s you, Enjoy! For me this was 3.5/5 stars.
by Samantha Chase
Narrated by Carly Robins
I received an audiobook arc from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
I quickly recognized the narrator as the same narrator from The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang so I was very pleased with that. Fantastic narration and excellent sound quality.
I have not read this author before. This is #8 in her Magnolia Sound series. However I don’t feel like I was missing much info by not having read the previous books.
This is a small town second chance romance one person stayed one returns situation. Being from a small town myself some of the drama is relatable. However some plot points lacked support. The hero struggled in school so much that the heroine tutored him when they children and with extreme tutoring he made Cs. But then went on to “graduate at the top of his class” at vet school. One of my very good friends is a vet. And vet school is hard. And she is super smart. She was my college roommate and was at undergrad on a full ride academic scholarship and even she said Vet school was hard. Of course there’s no reason that someone with a learning disorder couldn’t become an amazing vet but it didn’t make sense that all of a sudden he would go from Cs with tutoring to As without additional explanation.
There’s almost no reference to any actual veterinary shop talk other than “exams”. My friend constantly had crazy stories from internships in vet school. It made it feel that the career was a fluffy accessory.
If this kind of thing doesn’t bother you then you’ll like the book better than I did.
This is a fade to black, closed door, low steam romance where they are vague about the physical interactions.
The relationship conflict arc largely stemmed from avoidable miscommunications and lack of talking things out. The other situational conflict arcs were more interesting but minimally resolved and while it does not end on a cliffhanger it makes sense that it’s part of a series and may be resolved in a later book.
It can be a little saccharine sweet but sometimes that is what someone is looking for. So if that’s you, Enjoy! For me this was 3.5/5 stars.
June 23, 2021
Returning to Magnolia Sound feels like coming home. The Carolina coast is a special place, and stepping foot in this small town makes all those wonderful visits I’ve had to the coast come rushing back in vivid color.
Emmeline Ryder and Garrett Coleman were best friends since they were eight years old. She helped him study when his grades were failing, and he made her feel less out of place, even when he became popular playing sports. But a boyfriend that led to a lousy marriage and veterinary school separated them by distance and time.
Garrett has come back to Magnolia Sound for his brother’s groundbreaking on his new home. While Garrett would love to look up the girl who's always held a special place in his heart, it’s not fair to either of them when he's only in town for the weekend. But when their shopping carts run into each other at the grocery store, all efforts to stay away are washed out with the tide.
Emma has her hands full between a full-time job, younger siblings to help out with, and her parents' animal rescue she dedicates a lot of time to. To make things even more hectic, the rescue’s vet is retiring and her step-father's upcoming back surgery will put him out of commission for six months.
There's so much going on with this one and there's never a dull moment. Garrett's career choices, efforts to save the Happy Tails animal rescue, and financial challenges due to Emma's deadbeat ex-husband are just a few. I read this in one sitting, devouring the words as fast as possible, impatient to learn how things turned out. And don’t let this one fool you. Even with Chase's signature fade-to-black scenes, there's still plenty of steam and enticing chemistry to make your romantic heart happy.
Family and community are strong, along with a little angst due to frustrations and disappointments. But love, support and second chances win out, making for the most exquisite manipulation of emotions. These perfectly flawed characters will easily make a place for themselves in your heart, so make sure you get your hands on this one as soon as possible!
Emmeline Ryder and Garrett Coleman were best friends since they were eight years old. She helped him study when his grades were failing, and he made her feel less out of place, even when he became popular playing sports. But a boyfriend that led to a lousy marriage and veterinary school separated them by distance and time.
Garrett has come back to Magnolia Sound for his brother’s groundbreaking on his new home. While Garrett would love to look up the girl who's always held a special place in his heart, it’s not fair to either of them when he's only in town for the weekend. But when their shopping carts run into each other at the grocery store, all efforts to stay away are washed out with the tide.
Emma has her hands full between a full-time job, younger siblings to help out with, and her parents' animal rescue she dedicates a lot of time to. To make things even more hectic, the rescue’s vet is retiring and her step-father's upcoming back surgery will put him out of commission for six months.
There's so much going on with this one and there's never a dull moment. Garrett's career choices, efforts to save the Happy Tails animal rescue, and financial challenges due to Emma's deadbeat ex-husband are just a few. I read this in one sitting, devouring the words as fast as possible, impatient to learn how things turned out. And don’t let this one fool you. Even with Chase's signature fade-to-black scenes, there's still plenty of steam and enticing chemistry to make your romantic heart happy.
Family and community are strong, along with a little angst due to frustrations and disappointments. But love, support and second chances win out, making for the most exquisite manipulation of emotions. These perfectly flawed characters will easily make a place for themselves in your heart, so make sure you get your hands on this one as soon as possible!
August 15, 2021
Since You’ve Been Gone, by Samantha Chase, is a sweet story that will not disappoint Ms. Chase’s fans. Emma is still recovering from the debt dumped upon her by her lousy ex husband, Steven. She is a speech pathologist who does all she can to give her students one-on-one attention including hours of after school tutoring. Any extra time she has she donates to Happy Tails, her mom and stepdad’s animal rescue shelter. They are filled to capacity and facing some difficulties of their own when her stepdad has the needed back surgery and six months of rehab that will follow.
Garrett Coleman and Emma have been friends since 3rd grade. However, even though there were sparks, neither wanted to jeopardize their friendship by acting on it. So he went off to school in one direction and Emma, along with her ex, went in another. Now Garrett has returned to Magnolia Sound at the request of his older brother Austin for a family event. On his first evening home he and Emma run into each other by accident when her grocery cart bumps him. Instead of groceries, they head down the shopping center to a favorite pizza parlor to catch up. This sets the tone for Garrett to finally act on his feelings toward Emma.
As this begins to play out, something else happens as they catch lunch in his cousin’s restaurant. His deadbeat dad who has been absent for 20+ years walks in and their eye contact is immediate. This throws yet another curve ball. The first curve was the many job offers Garrett’s veterinary degree has brought in. However, even though he graduated at the top of his class, it is the hot doc shirtless videos he has done for various shelters to find homes for animals that the offering companies are interested in. Feeling a lot like a piece of meat, Garrett is over doing this sort of thing which seems to be a condition of employment.
With several twists and more than one turn, this is a refreshingly delightful story. I very much enjoyed this audio book and narrator Carly Robins and I do recommend this book!
June 29, 2021
Garrett and Emma’s story in Since You’ve Been Gone, book eight in Samantha Chase’s Magnolia Sound series, is an emotional and heartwarming tale where friends become lovers. Garrett Coleman knew that Emmaline Ryan was the girl for him when he was only eight years old; only he never told her becoming her best friend instead. Years later, he followed his dreams to become a veterinarian and a reluctant media star; the shirtless #HotDoc and #SexyVet, saving scared and helpless animals. That role has been great for the places he was helping, but now he’s only seen as that person and not the real Garrett, well-qualified and with a shirt on. Emma has always been the smart, shy girl who plays it safe. Not that it helped her when her ex-husband ransacked their bank accounts and left her with a mountain of debt to pay off. Once the divorce was final and her ex disappeared, she stopped believing in fairy tales and miracles. Emma’s family animal rescue is in need of help placing all their animals, but she is reluctant to contact Garrett for help. Garrett returns to Magnolia Sound at the request of his brother, Austin, and unexpectedly runs into Emma. Catching up over dinner, these two friends connect on many levels, deciding that it was time to explore the connection they shared. The magnetism between these two, along with the cracking electricity and sizzling chemistry led to wonderful story of pursuing dreams, passions, and learning that it’s okay to ask for help from those who love you.
Ms. Chase wrote a wonderful, heartwarming and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing secondary characters giving Emma and Garrett a chance at love, happiness and the possibility of a forever together. I highly recommend Since You’ve Been Gone to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Chase wrote a wonderful, heartwarming and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing secondary characters giving Emma and Garrett a chance at love, happiness and the possibility of a forever together. I highly recommend Since You’ve Been Gone to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 27, 2021
Since You’ve Been Gone
Magnolia Sound #8
Samantha Chase
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I would never have imagined how much the Magnolia Sound series would sky rocket over its time. Each story is something new but always with an underlying message, Since You’ve Been Gone is a new favourite for me. I love relatable characters, but when a secondary character, really takes centre stage, it makes it even better.
Emmaline (Emma) Ryan, is still reeling from being dumped by her husband and left with a mountain of debt… She’s works as a Speech Therapist looking after kids from the surrounding schools, in her free time she helps out at Happy Tails, a rescue shelter for dogs. One pupper has her wrapped around her little finger, little Axel, is a dog small in size, BIG on personality, sadly that makes my harder to adopt out!
Vet doctor, Garrett Coleman is in a working slump. He is only known as Hot Doc, the vet with no shirt, it seems the world is more interested in his physique then his impressive work ethic and being a damn good veterinarian. As he heads back to Magnolia Sound, he has one plan fund a new clinic to work in, find his new home, what he didn’t expect was returning to find the girl he loved since primary school.
Bumping into each other is pleasant as it is sexy. Garrett and Emma have a long time relationship, that starting very early in their lives. While Garrett struggled with learning as a child, it was Emma who stood up with him, helped him learn and pass everything to become the incredible talented man he is now. Garrett has never forgotten what Emma dis for him, so chalking is a new relationship was just easy…. But while both carry scars from their past, and unclear futures going forward, will Magnolia Sounds new couple be over before they even start.
Magnolia Sound #8
Samantha Chase
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I would never have imagined how much the Magnolia Sound series would sky rocket over its time. Each story is something new but always with an underlying message, Since You’ve Been Gone is a new favourite for me. I love relatable characters, but when a secondary character, really takes centre stage, it makes it even better.
Emmaline (Emma) Ryan, is still reeling from being dumped by her husband and left with a mountain of debt… She’s works as a Speech Therapist looking after kids from the surrounding schools, in her free time she helps out at Happy Tails, a rescue shelter for dogs. One pupper has her wrapped around her little finger, little Axel, is a dog small in size, BIG on personality, sadly that makes my harder to adopt out!
Vet doctor, Garrett Coleman is in a working slump. He is only known as Hot Doc, the vet with no shirt, it seems the world is more interested in his physique then his impressive work ethic and being a damn good veterinarian. As he heads back to Magnolia Sound, he has one plan fund a new clinic to work in, find his new home, what he didn’t expect was returning to find the girl he loved since primary school.
Bumping into each other is pleasant as it is sexy. Garrett and Emma have a long time relationship, that starting very early in their lives. While Garrett struggled with learning as a child, it was Emma who stood up with him, helped him learn and pass everything to become the incredible talented man he is now. Garrett has never forgotten what Emma dis for him, so chalking is a new relationship was just easy…. But while both carry scars from their past, and unclear futures going forward, will Magnolia Sounds new couple be over before they even start.
June 29, 2021
Magnolia Sound is a fictional North Carolina town that I always enjoy visiting via Samantha Chase’s books. This visit is no exception.
Emmaline is a speech therapist who loves her hometown, her family and a three-legged dog named Axel. Her ex-husband left her with a large credit card debt and a wiped-out savings account, so she is working hard to get back on her feet financially. Her stepdad needs back surgery and she worried how the family animal rescue center will survive while he recuperates.
Garrett has been in love with Emmaline since he met her in the third grade but before he could let her know how he felt, she married someone else. Now that she is divorced, he may have a chance to win her heart. But standing is his way is his lack of a job and his frustration at being known as the “Hot Doc” due to posing shirtless to promote various animal rescue centers. He wants to be taken seriously as a veterinarian but the only job offers he is getting involve marketing and promotion rather than working with the animals.
When he comes back to Magnolia Sound to figure out what to do with his career, he and Emma renew their friendship and begin to explore their true feelings. Garrett's return may be just what her family's rescue center needs but things are complicated. His long-lost father resurfaces and a financial windfall may be in the offing for Garrett—but things may not be as they appear.
This is a touching story of friendship, unrequited love, and the support of a small-town community. I enjoyed the book and do not hesitate to recommend it and any of the other books in the series. It can stand alone but I would suggest reading the whole series as they are fun and just a bit sexy!
Emmaline is a speech therapist who loves her hometown, her family and a three-legged dog named Axel. Her ex-husband left her with a large credit card debt and a wiped-out savings account, so she is working hard to get back on her feet financially. Her stepdad needs back surgery and she worried how the family animal rescue center will survive while he recuperates.
Garrett has been in love with Emmaline since he met her in the third grade but before he could let her know how he felt, she married someone else. Now that she is divorced, he may have a chance to win her heart. But standing is his way is his lack of a job and his frustration at being known as the “Hot Doc” due to posing shirtless to promote various animal rescue centers. He wants to be taken seriously as a veterinarian but the only job offers he is getting involve marketing and promotion rather than working with the animals.
When he comes back to Magnolia Sound to figure out what to do with his career, he and Emma renew their friendship and begin to explore their true feelings. Garrett's return may be just what her family's rescue center needs but things are complicated. His long-lost father resurfaces and a financial windfall may be in the offing for Garrett—but things may not be as they appear.
This is a touching story of friendship, unrequited love, and the support of a small-town community. I enjoyed the book and do not hesitate to recommend it and any of the other books in the series. It can stand alone but I would suggest reading the whole series as they are fun and just a bit sexy!
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