Holiday Magic! Samantha Chase brings all the feels in the final book in her Shaughnessy’s series. This was really such an excellent story. It was super off the chart-sizzling hot but more than that, it was really entertaining, so incredibly sweet, had a bit of drama, and a lot of emotion.
There is definitely more to Darcy than meets the eye and I loved her story. She is such a survivor and so caring but doesn’t see herself how others do. Loved her journey as she figured everything out. Ben wasn’t what I expected either. From that very first scene of them connecting you could tell he was just a genuinely good guy. So sweet, selfless and sexy. It was wonderful how their time secluded together in the snowstorm brings their sizzling chemistry, passion and emotions to life. Don’t miss their incredible story.
The author’s talent for combining genuinely moving romance ensure that the story is as intense as it is emotional. Loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

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.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Samantha Chase
Series: The Shaughnessy Brothers (Book 6)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

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I'm grieved to report this book didn't work for me at all. It's been long enough since I dipped into this series that I was completely lost - I couldn't really keep track of relational ties or past plot lines. What I could follow was fine, but nothing I'd like to return to. Definitely a "it's not you, it's me" review, though, as I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more if I knew the history well.

Savannah Shaughnessy is too busy to help her artist friend Ben Tanner with his book. In her place, she sends her sister-in-law, Darcy. Darcy is super organized and she just knows she’ll be able to help him.

Ben Tanner is a loner and enjoys his solitude. When his parents were killed a few years back, he finished raising his two younger brothers and helped pay for their college. Because his parents were killed right before Christmas, he refuses to participate in the holiday.

Darcy Shaughnessy is the youngest of the siblings. Having survived growing up with five older brothers and no mom, she can hold her own. Her dad and brothers overindulged her in her youth and are very overprotective. She’s been quite the spitfire, flitting from job to job, bossing her family around and wanting to get away from them to not wanting to be so far away.

When Darcy shows up at Ben’s cabin, they immediately start butting heads. Ben’s alpha male attitude to Darcy’s you can’t intimidate me attitude.

I wasn’t as fond of this book as previous ones. I didn’t like Darcy as much as I did in previous books. She came off as immature. Ben was pretty arrogant to start with, but he mellowed some. Their coping skills are completely opposite and incongruous. Hard to see them working as a couple.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

3.5 Stars
We have watched Darcy grow into a beautiful young lady throughout the series. Darcy and Ben's story was a good book with lots of emotion and growing of the characters but I have to say that I didn't feel the same connections with her and Ben as I felt with the other Shaughnessy children.

Darcy is looking to start a career and move to the next step of her life but she seems to be struggling. Finding the right career, unsure if she really wants to be close to family or somewhere else in the world. She does however love the closeness that she feels when around her family. Being the youngest and very young when her mom passed away, she seems to strive better with the attention of her family. Interested in the arts she agrees to go help a friend of her sister-in-laws with a book about his creations.

Ben is used to being by himself to do as he pleases. He works and enjoys his quiet solitude, not answering to anybody. Heck he doesn't even spend time with his brothers any more than necessary. It is the not the relationship they have. Since taking over things after his parent passed away, it is almost like he is afraid to let people in. When Darcy shows up at his place to help him, she intrigues him like no one has before. Will he let her in?

Will Ben and Darcy find their way? Will they learn to let the past go and enjoy the present?

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

A sweet tale of two people who didn't realize how badly they needed to find their other half. This is the first Shaughnessy book I've read, and it works as a standalone. We get enough information about her family to appreciate them, but this is clearly Darcy and Ben's story. Both Darcy and Ben have some issues over the death of their parent(s), and as the book goes on they realize their coping mechanisms aren't working. It's great to see that alongside their love story is the tale of them finding peace with their familial relationships. There was great chemistry with Darcy and Ben, though it is fade to black, so don't expect anything too exciting. I liked the characters, and I thought the conflict came out of the story naturally. I'd recommend this one and now I want to read about the rest of the family!

I have been waiting for Darcy's story since the first book and boy did this one live up to my expectations! You learn so much more about how she feels, how she became the way she was, and why she loves as hard as she does. On the surface Darcy and Ben are opposites. But when they are forced to work together, then later snowed in, mutual attraction leads to becoming lovers. But do they each have it in them to change for themselves to make them better for each other?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

I have to confess that I have not read the previous books, and I truly believe that it not only put me at a disadvantage but also affected my rating of the book.
I finished it because I felt responsible to do so as an ARC reviewer, otherwise , that would not have been the case.
The pro, I enjoyed Ben’s character, disposition and maturity. He was definitely more balanced of a character than Darcy. Darcy I found to be a con for the story. Her characterization was like a yo-yo, up and down and every which way. At times mature, at others extremely immature. Yes, she had issues about her Mother’s death, but with maturity you CAN overcome them or at least accept them.
All that said, the plot of the story is that each has their perception or lack thereof of Christmas because of their past experiences. Finding that middle ground and maybe each other is what’s all about. In addition , as the author highlights, it is finding peace with their past, their family and life is what’s going to be needed for them to find happiness.
For me, the epilogue was the very best part of the book. A very touching and heartwarming finale.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Wow! Just WOW! Samantha Chase is an amazing author. One of the best ever. Samantha really can write. She writes with all her heart. Samantha puts all she has into her books. No stone left unturned. Samantha Chase has all the elements that make an amazing author. However I truly feel Samantha Chase went above and beyond her usual in Holiday Spice.

I found Holiday Spice to be the BEST ever book Samantha Chase has written and that is definitely saying something since every book is beyond amazing. Holiday Spice is different from all the others because this book has literally everything. You have love, love lost, tragedy, heartbreak, romance, drama, angst, healing and grief as well as some heart swoon worthy moments and a touch of humor. You get so much emotion in one book.

In Holiday Spice we finally read Darcy Shaughnessy's story. Let me just say you know nothing of Darcy til you read Holiday Spice. The few glimpses we get of Darcy in the other 5 Shaughnessy stories were nothing. You really learn all about Darcy in Holiday Spice. My heart truly ached for Darcy in the aspect of having lost her mom at such a young age and being raised by only men.

In Holiday Spice we meet Benjamin Tanner. Ben is a recluse. He lives away from everyone. He builds things with his hands that are breathtakingly beautiful. A few years earlier Ben suffered a tragedy that forever changed his world. Enter Darcy. Darcy is sent to help Ben with his book project. From the moment Darcy and Ben meet Sparks fly. You can see their chemistry. Darcy changes Ben's life completely. Just amazing.

Holiday Spice had my heart swooning and had me crying and even laughing a bit. Holiday Spice had all the elements and more that make a perfect read. Holiday Spice is the last book in the Shaughnessy Brother's series and I'm telling you it is the best. Samantha Chase out did herself here. Samantha stole my heart forever with Holiday Spice. I highly recommend Holiday Spice to every romance lover. The best book ever. I give it five stars and two thumbs up.

All good things must come to an end, so though I was so excited when I received the ARC for "Holiday Spice," I was also sad because I know that in this book I will be saying good to the Shaughnessy clan.

For the past two years, since the first book "Made for Us" was released, the Shaughnessys became my virtual neighbors. They are the wholesome family who lives next door. They might not be there all the time and when they get together it is a ruckus. Still, there is familial love. And as the brothers find the loves of their lives, there is also romance.

The final book in the series, "Holiday Spice" is the journey of Darcy Shaughnessy, the youngest of the brood and the only girl. Far from the North Carolina family homestead, Darcy finds herself stranded and snowed in with the brooding yet very handsome Benjamin Tanner.

Opposites attract! Darcy who is the life of the party is like a flame to the moth of the loner almost anti-social Benjamin. Accepting their feelings for each other is just part of the hurdle. The next one is introducing Ben to the all her 5 brothers, their significant others, her father and a possible stepmother. Then, there is the distance. Washington is in the Pacific Coast while North Carolina is in the Atlantic Coast. Sustaining a relationship when geography is against you is very hard.

For Darcy, the question becomes – familial love or romantic love. She will have to choose and it is the hardest one she has to make in her young life.

A great read and a beautiful final book. I loved it and hated it. I love Darcy's story, the same way I loved the stories of her brothers. I hated it because I know that this is the last chapter. When I reached the final page, it was like saying goodbye to my neighbors whom I really like.

Thank you Samantha Chase for creating very lovable and unforgettable characters. And I hope you have another series planned!

"Holiday Spice" is Rated T for Teens.

Darcy Shaughnesssy has missed having her mom in her life due to her tragic death, but her dad and overprotective brothers have always been there for her. When she goes to help out Savannah’s friend, Ben, in Washington, Darcy finds her true love. Of course, life is messy and Ben and Darcy have to find a way to make their love work for not only them, but for their families. This book made me cry at the end which hardly ever happens, but oh, it tugs at the heartstrings. Very well written!

I will preface my review by stating I have not read any of the previous books in this series and did find that it stood alone very well.

I adore a good Christmas story. And even more, I always love me a good mountain man. Luckily, this story does a fairly effective job of combing both for me. For those looking for stories that revolve around Christmas, I'd call this 'Christmas light'. It's a reoccurring theme but it's not overwhelming. It's mentioned more than described if that makes sense. The focus of the story is really the relationship between Darcy and Ben, it just happens to have a slight Christmas theme in my opinion.

I'm not going to lie, although I enjoyed Darcy, she's kind of a brat. But being the youngest in a family of all boys, I suppose that's understandable. She has her endearing qualities and does mature throughout the book. The banter between she and Ben is pretty cute and this is kind of a hate to love story which I also loved.

Ben... oh Ben. Despite some of his issues: 1. He can be a jerk when he wants and 2. He is stubborn as heck, he really is a good guy and perfect for Darcy. They have to sacrifice equally to make their relationship work and the story is really about them acknowledging that and being mature enough to make those sacrifices.

I loved the setting and the way Ben's house is described is basically my dream home. I felt the cold along with the characters, I definitely felt their happiness and sadness. Overall, I'd recommend this book and I'm even curious enough about some of Darcy's brothers that I may go back and read a book or two at the beginning of the series (specifically the twins).

I was so excited about Darcy's book. She has been a favorite for a longtime. I love the story line of the book. the story is about Darcy Shaughnessy has always had her brothers chasing away any man she wants to date. But than she meets an artist, Benjamin Tanner likes to woodcarving. They both get snowed in and I hope you will read and see what happens.

Ben and Darcy couldn't be more opposite if they tried. Where Ben is introvert, broody and prefers solitude, Darcy is out going, bubbly and social. Darcy loves Christmas and Ben hasn't celebrated in years, of course there is a reason for that. But as they say opposites attract and when snowed in together makes it impossible to ignore.
Holiday spice is an emotional roller coaster that will make you laugh, cry and feel so much more. They both had issues from their parents deaths and it was both heartbreaking and heartwarming the way they dealt with it. This is the last in the Shaughnessy series and I hate to see it end.
I loved this story and would happily recommend.

A sweet love story centred around the way two very different people damaged by the loss of a loved one who find redemption and the Christmas spirit in each other.
Ben's parents died in an accident just before Christmas, and while he raised his brothers and ensured they received an education and a chance to chase their dreams, he has walled himself off in his mountain home and lost himself in his art as carver.
Darcy has been searching for the perfect family all her life. She knows her father and 5 brothers love her but she doesn't remember the mother who died when she was very young. When her sister-in-law convinces her to work with Ben to finish the edits on a book that showcases his amazing carving, she finds, in him, a man who baffles, frustrates and attracts her like no one she's ever met.
Samantha Chase writes compelling characters who are at once strong and fragile, much like Ben's carvings. You can't help but ache for them, even when you just want to throw the book across the room in frustration at their determined wrongheadedness.
A great read, perfect with a glass of eggnog and a warm fire at Christmas or any time.

I loved this one, it is a sweet light hearted romance, that was so easy to read. I loved all the dynamics of the family and the main characters. It is very well written and flows nicely. I loved this whole series and can't wait for more from this author.

Darcy and Ben share similar stories in regards to the losses they've each lived with. I sympathize with Darcy, especially growing up as she did: the baby of the family, the only girl and no mother. Both she and Ben had vaguely similar upbringings, but the characters we meet in this book didn't really wow me. They would alternate between being sarcastic and obnoxious.

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