Cover Image: Until There Was Us

Until There Was Us

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Member Reviews

I really enjoyed this story. Chase has a great style that always keeps you interested. I liked the mix of family and friends and how they all mesh together. This was a romance worth reading.

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PHENOMENAL READ!!! In my opinion, Samantha Chase’s Until There was Us and her Montgomery Brothers series ranks right there with Bella Andre’s Sullivan series, and Nora Robert’s Inn Boonsboro Series (another Montgomery series, by the way). This series are the books that hooked me to Samantha Chase and her phenomenal writing.
Megan Montgomery and Alex Rebat…. Sigh. The steam factor, although implied, is sooo hot, at some points, I thought my ereader was going to catch fire. I love the strength, the unknown strength that Megan Montgomery has. The way she is determined to live up to and surpass the “Montgomery” name. I LOVED each and every character, welllll, maybe not EVERY one. I wanted to smack Megan’s father upside the head and tell him to get his head out of his a…. stop, PG, have to keep the PG. What he does to his own children. Sorry folks, not going to give anything away. You will need to read this wonderful book to find out what he does and did…..
From reading this wonderful book, I can see the possibility of many more in the future. I cannot wait.
I was gifted with a e-book copy of this book for my reading enjoyment and I cannot wait until it is release in the audio version so I can add it to my collection.
Kudos Ms. Chase on another spectacular story/book.
Thank you for reading my review. Now… YOU!!! Yes, you, the one reading my review. What are you waiting for? Go hit that one-click button. You will definitely enjoy this book!!!

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the seventh in the series – and if you are a Montgomery fan then you will definitely enjoy this book. As well as Megan getting her happily ever after, we also catch up with Zach and Summer... previous beneficiaries of William Montgomery's matchmaking!

This time though, it is wife and sister-in-law who decide that they know how to find Megan a match... well really, they saw her with Alex at Zach's wedding two years ago and started plotting. Little did they know that, in fact, the two of them recognised their attraction to each other. Sadly, work and the small matter of living 3,000 miles apart came between them, but now Megan has moved to Portland too.

Megan has put a lot of pressure on herself to succeed and prove her father wrong about her abilities and has become very focussed on her performance. Moving to Portland and working for Zach is an attempt to make some changes. She knows that she is likely to see Alex but has no idea whether he has forgiven her neglect of him.

As we discover, Alex is still harbouring some serious annoyance at her behaviour. He does not understand how she could put work before a relationship, but he cannot deny that he still cares for her. As he gets to know her, he realises just how her priorities are skewed by her beliefs about work. He also knows that she is the one, so he makes some compromises and is patient. Megan is a lovely person, just rather lost, so it is both fun and very moving watching the two of them fall in love with each other.

They both have to deal with issues, and I have to say that Alex's relationship with Danny caused me to cry more than once. Beautifully written and so important to the whole story.

Another great match up – and surely Christian deserves his chance soon?

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Sadly, I’m tapping out a 35% with this one...

I read romance novels, so clearly I’m a romantic at heart. But apparently I’m also a cynic, because starting out this book and discovering the main family - men included - are a bunch of matchmakers had me rolling my eyes. Confession: this is my very first Samantha Chase book. But I see her books all the time, so I decided to give her a chance. This book had me a little concerned from the beginning of the prologue. It didn’t get any better for me when chapter one began.

Sometimes you read a book and you could swear the hero, heroine, and supporting characters are actually real people. Other times they seem like plastic caricatures of people, and have me wondering if anyone would really act or talk like that. The latter is how I felt about the characters in this book. Much of the character development was revealed through awkward conversations - often by one character talking about another when that person wasn’t there. It just seemed an odd way to build a story, and I couldn’t muster up the interest to keep reading (especially when I have SO MANY other books to read right now).

I really wanted to like this book. I know Samantha Chase is a prolific, popular author - there is a whole shelf of her books (with multiple copies of most titles!) at my local library, so clearly the demand for her books is there. I love the covers of her books - they are romantic and sweet looking. And the plots seem lighthearted and fun. But I just couldn’t get into this story. Maybe it’s because I’m coming in so late in the series and thus not emotionally connected with anyone in the stories. However, I believe any single book in a good series should be able to stand on its own and pull a reader in and compel them to read ALL the books in that series. And this one didn’t. For whatever reason, this author’s writing style just doesn’t work for me. There’s nothing terrible about it, so maybe I’ll give another book by Ms. Chase a try sometime in the future.

I gave it four days and kept feeling like I had to read. That’s not how I want to feel about a book. So I’m moving on. And quite frankly, I’m a little proud of myself for getting over my “I start a book I must finish it” mentality. Life is too short to read a book that I’m not enjoying!

*thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

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This was my first book to read in this series. It was a sweet contemporary romance. The characters were very likeable. I would read more from this series.

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Alex and Megan shared a passionate weekend two years ago, but things didn’t work out at the time: long working hours and long distance were more than they could take.
Since then, they never saw each other or so much as exchanged texts. But they never stopped thinking about the unforgettable weekend that brought them together in the first place.
Now, Megan has moved to Portland, Alex’s hometown, to work with her cousins for the family’s business crossing their paths once again.



So, obviously, this is a second chance romance. Two years ago Megan’s mind was always on her work. She lived for her job and didn’t have the time for a relationship with Alex. Or with anyone else for that matter. But now things are different because she’s working with her family who won’t let her work until the wee hours.

Besides that, Alex is persistent. He’s confident that what they shared was special so he’s trying his hardest to show her that there’s more to life than work. So they start off by being friends: hiking together, driving around so Megan can meet her new town… they basically do everything they can to spend time together, as friends!

And we all know where that leads them! This a sweet romance rather than a steamy one. In the beginning, the storyline progressed really slowly thanks to Alex’s efforts that would go on for way too long in my opinion but, overall, I would describe this book as a light and cozy read that you can enjoy in two days time!

Although the book features the entire cast of the Montgomery Brothers Series, this book can be read as a standalone.

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3.75 stars

An unconventional low angst second chance romance that started as a wedding fling that turned into a long distance romance that went awry. The second time around wasn't smooth either ans awkward when they met again Alex and Megan. Megan had to work through her issues and interesting how she's the workaholic in this scenario. I can relate to her in her in way not being girly and not social aspect. But that's about it.

Alex is heck of a patient nice guy even if Megan made mistakes, he got angry and hurt rightly so. He forgave though and persistent and show her around being new to the area. He was way nicer than anyone would be I feel. Megan was too cold at times, her reasoning didn't make sense to me until later on. I liked that Alex helped Megan in finding herself and making her start to blossom. I didn't feel that vice versa much, a she stepped up though finally maybe a little but still.

I liked this book on the second half more than the first, I had more interest in the latter. It works well as standalone though and it was easy enough character wise. While Alex and Megan took the really long road they got there when it came down to it. I still look forward to reading the other Montgomery though.

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I wasn’t impressed with this book. It’s my first by the author and probably my last. It all felt too generic. The two main characters meet and spend a weekend together. Two years later they are still thinking of the each other. Despite that, when they do meet up again it takes forever for them to decide to date. There is so much filler that really wasn’t necessary, and for some reason the author seems to love using an exclamation point. I also wasn’t thrilled with the female lead needing to get a make-over. Why do female authors still write that tired, and sexist, trope? This just wasn’t enjoyable for me.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

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Loved Megan and Alex's story. I didn't initially connect with her as much as some of the other characters in this series, but give her a chance and you'll love her before the end. Seeing the other family members is always a bonus too!

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Samantha Chase has done it again. Until there Was Us another hit written with our beloved Montgomery family as characters. We have briefly meet Alex before as he is a physical therapist and had the job of helping another Montgomery. (I won't say who in the event someone hasn't read the series yet) but in the end it's his strength and patience which helps so many of those many give up on. Now we have Megan she is a Montgomery cousin and well let's just say Megan is feisty, she is your typical work-a-holic never taking time to step back and smell the roses as they say. And wow can she have an attitude and I think in a way that's putting it nicely. When her and Alex meet at a family wedding they seem to hit it off and have an amazing fun field weekend. But where does it go from there? Two years of being together in the end and it seems their relationship isn't progressing the way Alex would have wanted. Does he step away or does he stick it out? Does Megan give Alex the chance to become more or will her work life consume her to the point of running him off? Until there was Us is the story of many peoples lives these days, relationships, work, and just finding time to be alone is hard work. Will they be able to find the way to keep it together or will it just be too much for them to handle? This is a must read especially if you tend to fall in love hard with characters who really are true to life. Samantha Chase another awesome hit. Great read. Another sleepless night read. Couldn't put it down.

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I know I read all of the books in the Montgomery's series, however I felt this was the first one. Megan and Adam's story reminds us that even though thing are already set in our lives and we are not ready to make to make the changes we need to, sometimes we need to just listen to our instincts and make those changes.


** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

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Life can pass us by in the blink of an eye when you’re consumed with your career. The daily toll began to effect your health and the ability to spend time with the ones you love. Megan found out the hard way working ten hour days wasn’t worth it and she needed something else. Accepting a job across the country she is given a second chance on everything that has passed her by and finally begins to experience all life has to offer.

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This was my first foray into the Montgomery Brothers and I found the matchmaker grandparents highly amusing. Especially with the long game they had going for Alex and Megan.

Until There Was Us is a sweet second chance romance. It starts with a "bang" and becomes something more...

The feisty computer nerd and the physical therapist make a unique couple. It's not entirely a picnic. Some ups downs and crazed wild animals are present in the pages of this book. So watch out for hiding workaholics, a rabid bear like creature, and the great outdoors (totally said in a spooky voice over).

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This book was not only a second chance romance, but also a story of a woman trying to discover who she wants to be and the man who helps her find her way there.

I really enjoyed both characters and I loved watching Megan give herself permission to fall for Alex. Megan has spent her life at the office, always trying to prove herself to her father. This has left her little time for a social life – something that she feels she can’t afford to have if she is going to be taken seriously. When a new job opportunity arises and she decides to not only take a chance with a new position in a new state, but also to take a good look at her life and figure out what she wants, she knows she is making the right move. And knowing this is where Alex lives and she hasn’t been able to get him out of her head for the past two years…yeah, that may have been a bonus when it came to making her decision.

I was a bit annoyed with Megan at first with the way she treated Alex. I get that the Montgomery family is an “in your face” group and sometimes, for your own sanity, it’s best to keep things quiet, and, that she didn’t end things well with Alex two years prior, but she was a bit cold and callous to Alex and it really didn’t sit well with me. I get that she was making some major changes in her life and needed to focus on one thing at a time, but she could’ve handled him and the situation better. What I did love though was Alex and the fact that he refused to give up on her and the hope he had that they might explore what could happen between them. He didn’t push her, but I loved that he spent so much time helping her figure out who she was and what she might want. And then for her to be able to support Alex when he needed it, well…I just loved the way these two came together – and how Megan finally understood that love doesn’t follow a timeline, but operates on its own schedule and looks different for everyone.

One of the best things about a series is being able to have ongoing storylines and characters interwoven, and this book did a great job with that. From the matchmaking that has been going on, to the relationship between the cousins and the various members of the families, this book helped you catch up with some previous couples and also laid the groundwork for future stories in the series.

Overall this was a great read that had a good dose of the feels, just a little bit of angst, and whole lot of happy ever after. A must read for any true romantic!

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A sweet, romantic story of second chances and learning to balance life and love.
Megan and Alex met two years ago at her cousins wedding. While they had instant chemistry, living on different sides of the country and Megan's workaholic tendencies stopped them from having anything real. It's been two years and they still can't stop thinking about each other. Now Megan has started working with family in the same place that Alex lives. Can they move past all that happened before and start something new?
I will admit I had some trouble connecting with this story at first, in the end I fell for these characters, and I couldn't help but want them to find their happy.

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Until There Was Us is the seventh book in the Montgomery Brothers series. I love these stories where they have a past together, even if just a brief weekend then come together again. Megan and Alex's story kept me intrigued throughout. This is definitely one not to be missed.

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Alex has been friends with the Montgomerys since he was Zach's PT. He is loved by all. He is too good to be real. He is there for everyone, adjusting his schedule to his clients needs even if it disrupted his plans. He is a fixer. I did like some of his romantic gestures.

Megan has been trying to get her father's acknowledgement and approval of her chosen career for as long as she can remember, without success. She has been killing herself working 80+ hour weeks, having no social life, and basically isolating herself even at work.

Alex and Megan met and had a secret weekend fling during Zach's wedding 2 years ago. Alex wanted to continue seeing her long distance, but Megan blew him off after 3 months of struggling. Despite this, they each still thought about the other frequently. Megan accepts a job with Zach and moves to town. She isn't sure what to do about Alex and doesn't let him know she's back in town. Alex is thrilled when he discovers she back and hopes for a second chance.

Megan "melted" at least 8 times in this book. I don't know how my eyes didn't roll right out of my head. Once or twice ok, but there are so many other ways to say this. This story seemed to go on forever. It moves slowly and is frequently repetitive. I just couldn't connect to the characters. And Megan's secret? Seriously? Once again rolling my eyes. I had to force myself to finish.

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

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UNTIL THERE WAS US is the seventh instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary adult THE MONTGOMERY BROTHERS romance series focusing on the Montgomery siblings and cousins. This is IT specialist Megan Montgomery, and physical therapist Alex Rebat’s story line. UNTIL THERE WAS US 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 (Alex and Megan) UNTIL THERE WAS US follows the second chance romance between IT specialist Megan Montgomery, and physical therapist Alex Rebat. Two years earlier, at her cousin Zach Montgomery’s wedding to Gabriella Martine, Megan met and spent a wild weekend with Zach’s friend and former physical therapist Alex Rebat. In the ensuing months Megan would begin to pull back from a possible long distance relationship only to break Alex’s heart when all was said and done. Fast forward to present day wherein Megan is offered the opportunity to work with her cousin in Portland knowing that the possibility of running into Alex was a guaranteed, sure thing. A weekend of painting for Alex, and a day out with the girls for Megan ends with the rekindling friendship between our story line couple. What ensues is the second chance romance between Megan and Alex, and the potential fall-out when Megan is offered the chance of a life-time, and Alex’s life spins out of control with the loss of someone close.

Megan Montgomery struggles with issues of low self-esteem; a workaholic trying to prove she is good enough or better than anyone expected. Alex Rebat battles the self-imposed guilt of sins from the past-a guilt that begins to fester with an unexpected loss.

The relationship between Megan and Alex is a rekindling friendship; a second chance at a happily ever after. The slow building romance finds Alex biding his time with the woman with whom he has fallen in love. The $ex scenes are mostly implied and fade to black.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Zach and Gabrielle (I’ll Be There #6), Ethan and Summer (Meant For You #5), as well as Megan’s meddling parents, aunts and uncles, and her long suffering brother Christian.

UNTIL THERE WAS US is a story of family and friendship; guilt and second chances; falling in love and letting go of the past. The premise is realistic and encouraging; the characters are sassy, spirited and energetic; the romance is tender and affectionate, UNTIL THERE WAS US is a passionate, touching and delightful story.

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Before reading this book, I previously finished reading my second 5-star rating story for 2018. They have similar plots that I had to re-read this before writing my review to make sure I am not confusing one story from another. The protagonists in this book are smart and strong-willed. Also, the female lead has issues while the male lead is fairly normal.

Megan is workaholic and that is not a compliment. Similar to being alcoholic, her being workaholic has ruined her relationships and, personally speaking, her life. I get that women feel the need to prove themselves worthy in a work environment. We do more hours at work if we can, but that is our common misconception. It is not always in the quantity but with the quality, we tend to forget that. Megan represents most women I know, they are great at what they do but, maybe, they overwork themselves.

Alex is a wonderful man. Ten points for being close to reality because he is not a filthy-rich character. Another ten points for being able to handle Megan and her issues without being dominant. I like him having real opinions about Megan’s line of thinking, I appreciate that he doesn’t find them cute because that’s what happens in most romance stories and I’m tired of it.

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The Montgomerys are an amazing family with charm! In UNTIL THERE WAS US, Samantha Chase weaves another glorious story based on matchmaking...or wait is it fate?

Megan and Alex meet at a wedding and hit it off instantly! By their obvious attraction, it is clear that they want to be near each other as much as possible. Too bad they live on opposite sides of the country!

Two years after their chance, romantic meeting, Megan and Alex find themselves in the same geographic location, once again! This time they have to get out of their own ways to take the risk of a relationship based on a whole lot of longing!

There was flirting, There was fun, there were reunions with former favorite characters, especially Summer, Zach and Gabriella! And Let's hear it for Maylene!

It was fun to follow the ways Alex and Megan navigated their course to true love!! Another epic romance from the incredible Samantha Chase!! Yay for Montgomery Mania!!

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