⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC.
Garret has been in love with Emma since they were in the 3rd grade. He never wanted to ruin their friendship by dating so he never said anything. Fast forward several years Emma’s divorced and Garrett has be come a vet. A chance meeting bring them back together but can they get past all the obstacles in their way? It’s a really cute, fast read and number 8 for Magnolia Sound series by Samantha Chase.

I was in the mood for a light romance and that’s what I got. If you love Hallmark romances, this is for you! It was just what I needed in between some heavier books. I recommend if you want something predictable but super cute.

I received the Since You've Been Gone audiobook as part of a NetGalley giveaway.

Emmaline Ryan is still picking up the pieces of her life years after a divorce that financially and emotionally ruined her. Working as a speech therapist and helping out at her family's dog rescue, she's finally beginning to find her footing. One day, her old friend Garrett Coleman reenters her life. Now a veterinarian with a large social media following, he too is trying to figure out his next steps as he navigates a career move. As they spend time together, sparks are reignited, but their lives seem to be pulling them in opposite directions. Emma and Garrett will need to figure out how they fit into one anothers' lives and futures.

I appreciated the somewhat unique take of this romance, in that there wasn't a lot of "will they or won't they." They got together relatively quickly and the bulk of the book is about finding a way to navigate their issues, which solves a lot of the common issues with romance novels. However, I didn't love the narrator--her pace was slow (I listened at 1.25x) and her affect was a bit...snooty? Which in turn made it difficult to relate to the characters. Despite that, however, it was a decent romance whose approach is classic with a novel bent.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced audiobook copy of "Since You've Been Gone" by Samantha Chase in exchange for an honest review.

"Since You've Been Gone" by Samantha Chase is a sweet second-chance story. It was a very quick listen and I found myself rooting for Emmaline and Garrett. The storyline was predictable, but enjoyable.

My biggest annoyance, and it might just be an audiobook thing, was the amount of time "beautiful girl" was used. I began to cringe each time I heard it. It didn't feel natural. Otherwise, the narrator was fantastic.

I didn't realize that this book was part of a series. I will likely check out the other books in the Magnolia Sound series to see who else in town has their story told.

*I received a free audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review*

This book follows our main character Emma (which apparently it's Emmaline? But the narrator was pronouncing it Emily so I was very confused when I read the synopsis after reading) who has been having a rough go of it. After high school and college, she married her, now, ex-husband which ended in a nasty divorce. But now, her animal rescue is going to be out of a vet, and they are not sure what to do.

There's also Garrett who's the stereotypical hot vet who is known for being shirtless in videos to promote animal health and those to be adopted. He was top of his class and is now looking for a job. Oh, and he totally might be in love with his girl best friend from high school, Emma.

This was a super cute and sweet story, but overall forgettable. This was a ride. There were some parts I really liked and other of which I didn't care for. And the ending? I guessed it about an hour in. BUT that might be exactly what you are looking for, I know I was.

Very sweet romance, nothing earth-shattering but exactly what you want out of a book like this! left feeling all the warm fuzzies :)

I will admit...I didn't realize this book was number 8 in the series. However, this book made me want to RUN to my local bookstore and buy the first 7. Samantha Chase's writing style is very pleasant and enjoyable! I can literally vision my life in Magnolia Sound--which many books fail to do.

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 romance novel, I can see becoming a movie. It was more of a movie feel kind of story. It was a cute read, but a little too cheesy for my liking. I did not like the character of Cash or how the author threw him into the story. I did not know it was a series, so I may have to go back and read the rest of the books. If you enjoy a cheesy romance novel then this is the story for you.

Thank you Net Galley for an audio copy of Since You've Been Gone by Samantha Chase. I didn't love this. I thought the romance wasn't structured very well. It was just kind of there, no anticipation.

I requested (and received) a copy of the audio book of Since You've Been Gone by Samantha Chase, because I have read several of books by this author and always enjoyed them. Since You've Been Gone fits with what I have found before and I am grateful to Netgalley and the publisher, Dreamscape Media. Before continuing with the review I want to complement the narrator, Carly Robins. She is an excellent narrator.

Garrett credits Emmaline for helping him succeed in high school by tutoring him and helping him to read. Recently graduated from Veterinary School he returns home while looking for his first clinic and runs into the recently divorced Emmaline. The spark is still there.

The story takes the reader along as the couple reunites and then tries to reconcile themselves to not being able to be together and then the hope that maybe, just maybe there could be a way.

The story comes with several plot lines and characters. They are, for the most part, the kind of people you want to live by and meet at the corner pizza place or bakery for lunch and a chat. This book is part of a series, but is definitely a stand-alone read.

#NetGalley #DreamscapeMedia #CarlyRobins #SamanthaChase #SinceYouveBeenGone #romance #puppies

I am so glad I gave this book a chance. I expected the typical second chance romance book, but this was so much more.

The family dynamic that Emmaline has with her family both biological and not, sets the story for a perfect setup of blended families and friends or partners that are your family. While there were some characters or story lines that were obviously explored in previous books, not having read those did not distract me from the books or take me out of the story at all.

The relationship between Emmaline and Garrett was a bit fast, for realistic standards, but the back story of how they grew up so close and all they went through when they were younger left us as the readers rooting for them to all win.

When I hit the hour and forty five minute mark left in the book I had no idea what else could be explored. It looked like it could all be wrapped up with a pretty bow, but man was I wrong. While the story didn't end exactly like I thought or wanted it to, it was perfect for the situations in the story and provided redemption and growth for other parties in the story. What a refreshing and fantastic read.

This summer, I have been loving so much romance and finding some of my favorite books. Unfortunately, this is just not my style of romance. I really wanted to love this small town, second chance romance between two animal lovers but it was slightly too cheesy for me. If you like hallmark romance movies, this is exactly that in book form.

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.

I really wanted to love this book, but it just was not the cute romance I expected.

I mean, there was a cute romance, but there were too many things that took away from the story instead of adding to it. Like the stuff with the dad, I'm sure it was meant to create conflict and depth for Garrett's character, but it only left me disappointed and feeling like the book was unfinished.

The narrator was good. I'm not too picky, as long as I can listen in 3x speed and still understand them, then I'm good.

*Thank you to the publisher for this eARC.

A second chance love story, animal rescue and a wonderful cast (except for one). I was in from the moment I pressed play and loved every moment of listening time! Emmaline is recovering from the emotional and financial ruin her ex-husband has left her in. Garrett, her best friend from childhood has been hopelessly in love with her since he first laid eyes since before they hit double digits. He is literally wandering the east coast looking for the right veterinary clinic to work in and yet has rejected every one as he feels he has become nothing more than a punchline and advertising boon for his employers who seemingly care nothing about his actual skills and only want him to take off his shirt and make more videos. They’re both gun shy and afraid to acknowledge and give in to their feelings for fear of losing each others friendship. Through sheer determination, grit, a wonderful family and the desire to do better alone and together they manage to find their way to each other. This was a truly sweet fun listen. Though I have read the entire series (an most everything this author has written) you can read this as a standalone and still love it as much as I did. I hope you do.

I absolutely loved this audiobook. If like me, you are new to the series, rest assured this is a stand alone.
Emmaline Ryan and Garrett Coleman were friends in HS. She was the shy one, the one that had Garrett’s heart but when he was about to ask her to the prom, someone else did and he never told her how he felt.
Eventually, Emma married and divorced that person, and now she’s back home helping her family while also working as a therapist.
Thanks to Emma’s help in HS , Garrett was able to continue his studies and become a veterinarian. But he’s not happy with the job offers and goes home to visit his brother and family.
Emma and Garrett meet again, never realizing that this time around feelings , and the past would reignite their friendship. But can they have a future? What happens if Garrett decides to leave again?
This was a touching, at times heartbreaking as well as heartwarming story about friendships, family or lack there of, dreams, hope, second chances and new beginnings.
I would like to add that the narrator did an excellent job with the delivery of the various voices.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own

dad added for nothing
hell used a lot

Emmaline is the shy nice girl from a small town that has never thought of leaving, especially not after her high school boyfriend and husband abused her emotionally and economically and disappeared.
Garrett has been in love with Emmaline since they were kids but when he lost his chance with her he left town and didn't want to go back.
Now Garret is back in Magnolia as he ponders which job offer to take and their friendship has resumed, but is anything else there for them?

This was a cute although cheesy fast paced story and was very enjoyable. The characters are flawed and insecure but it makes sense due to their past. My complaints to lower it to 3 stars are that the exclamation "hell!" was said so often, by every single character, it became almost a joke in my head, and I didn't understand why one major plot was introduced when it didn't really get resolved so it felt like it was introduced just for the sake of drama but nothing else.

I would still consider it a fun, light summer read and if you like friends to lovers, small town girl, hot veterinarians, and hallmark movies, this is one for you.

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

This book is the story of childhood friends Emma and Garrett. I was relieved to see that this book did not have the insta-love trope that has become so common lately. This couple actually had a good foundation of friendship and you could see that coming off really well in the writing of the book that they did know each other and had a good connection from the very beginning. They both have their own issues to deal with as well as many cases of miscommunication throughout the story which is what drove the plot forward. Overall the pacing of this novel was good and it was intriguing enough to want to keep listening. I ended up finishing the whole book in one day while cleaning and it was easy to still follow along.
The one complaint I might have is that the story really revolved around Garrett's career as a Vet who went viral for shirtless advertisements more so than it ever really discusses Emma's career. Her career is only brought up really a couple of times at the beginning of the book and then it isn't really talked about much after that. This was just something that I noticed though, not a major flaw or anything.
The narrator really did a good job and there was a seamless switch when going between different characters.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book to others and I will definitely be picking up some of the other books in this series as it is part of the Magnolia Sound series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free audiobook ARC for an honest review.