Levi wanted more than he thought his hometown could give him, so he left to pursue his career goals. When he receives a professional setback he returns, and his sister convinces him to help Jade promote her book/coffee store against the forces that are against her, and he realizes what truly matters.

Jade is a single mother to her son Silas who is trying to ensure the success of her store however not everyone wants her to succeed. She knows that Levi’s skills in advertising would help but she also knows that she needs to protect her and her son’s heart as his time in town is only temporary.

This is a great start to a new series, and I am looking to the stories of Levi’s siblings. A heartwarming romance with all the feels as Levi and Jade find love where they least expect it.

Loving You is the first book in Samantha’s new series, Sweetbriar Ridge. It’s such a feel good, small town romance.

Jade is a single mom that just opened a book store in her small town but it seems around every corner something goes wrong. Levi is a charming marketing executive who fled their small town as soon as he could and never looked back. He loves his job and city life until a bomb is dropped in his lap. A scandal sends him back to his home town, ashamed and jobless.

This was such a feel good romance that reminds me of Hallmark movie. It was wholesome and sweet. Single mom romances always hit me in the feels when you see the hero with her kid.

The audio was really good too! It is third person POV so there is only one narrator, Carly Robins. She did such a fantastic job!

Read if you love:
-small town
-single mom
-friends to lovers
-bookshop owner
-closed door

3.5 stars - this was so cute!

* small town romance
* single parent
* book shop owner (FMC)
*dual POV

This was an adorable small town romance! I really enjoyed Jade and Levi and overall liked their story, but didn't love it? Regardless, it's def a quick read and low angst. I really enjoyed the audiobook!

Loving You is the debut novel in a new 'small town romance' series by Samantha Chase featuring The Donovan family of Sweetbriar Ridge and the people who steal their hearts.

I really enjoyed this especially since I've found this series right at the start and know what I have to look forward to in the future.

I was easily swept along in the story and got caught up in the lives of both the main and secondary characters.

The story is, at times, emotional but Jade's strength was a joy to behold and she kicked some serious butt.

I wonder which of the Donovans will be next?

This was such a cute and straight forward love story! Single mom Jade is starting her own business but having trouble with the townies. Levi is a marketing man who ends up in his home town and is drawn to Jade. They had such sweet chemistry and I devoured this one is one sitting. This is the first book in a new series called "The Donovan Series" and I'm so excited to see who else is going to sweep me away in the upcoming books! This was my first book by Samantha Chase but it definitely won't be my last.

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲
• Small town romance
• Single Mom
• Friends to Lovers

Thank you to @valentine_pr_ and @samanthachaseromance for an ARC and also to NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read Samantha Chase before and this audiobook was amazing! I received this as an arc from NetGalley and I fell in love with the characters.
Jade Mackenzie is a single mom and she is opening a store in a small town. Levi comes back to town after losing his job for sleeping with a client that he didn't know was married. He was a very successful advertisement agent. Jade has hired Levi's sister in her store and his sister asks him to help her. Jade is facing so many obstacles and her son's grandmother is doing all she can to sabotage her success. Levi steps in and he has no plans to stay in town. They begin to fall and love and soon he realizes that staying may be worth it.
Levi meets with his cousin to try and build up their small town and he brings people who want to invest. Jade is a strong female character and she does what she has to take care of and protect her son.

This small town romance will leave you wanting more. I am a single mom and could relate to Jade and her protectiveness. She finds a man who not only loves her, but her son. We will be ordering this for my library and I can't wait for more books from this series.

Small town single mom, meets man down on his luck back in his hometown. Jade is a single mom just trying to do her best. Levi is forced home after an unfortunate work incident and he is not happy about it. Jade and Levi start start become friends and slowly morph into more. A closed door romance, extremely sweet. Levi is incredible with Jade's son.

Listened via net galley and enjoyed the audio book. Carly did a fantastic job. I did miss having a male narrator.

Wholesome, funny, and cute. Jade is a single mom with a new business she's trying to get off the ground. Levy is a hot shot marketing guy who left the smalltown & hope never to be back. Only to get fired and blacklisted for sleeping with a clients wife. Only to be forced to go back home despite how temporary he thought it would be. Family secrets and lies come to light to make this book even better. I wish it was a 2 Narrators but I loved it either way! Cover was great and can't wait to keep reading the other series.

Oh, how I love and adore Samantha Chase and everything I’ve read from her! The Donovans series in Laurel Bay is incredible, and now this new spin-off series for their cousins, The Donovans of Sweetbriar Ridge - I’m in heaven! I wasn’t ready to leave the characters when the previous one ended, so coming back and getting a visit with the previous family, even if it was brief, was just amazing!

I loved this story just as much as the previous series - Samantha Chase is such a spectacular author and anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity yet to read her many books is really missing out!! It’s incredible, with fantastic characters, great story development, depth, just the right drama, previous character overlap and steam vs romance. I can’t get enough of her books!

Levi Donovan returns to Sweetbriar Ridge after a career glitch in the big city, figuring it’ll be short-term. He runs into Jade, someone he knew in high school. She’s now a single mom… just opening a book store. Her son is very special, and he and Levi strike up a friendship. He starts helping out the local businesses with advertising while he’s trying to find another big-city position, while getting closer to Jade - all the while trying to remember why he didn’t want to remain in the small town, and also reconnecting with his father in Briar Ridge and figuring out why he left.

I absolutely recommend everyone grabs this book - it’s the start of a new series so a great place to discover a fantastic author (though there are crossover characters so better to know the cousins first). I highly recommend getting this one in audio - narrated by Carly Robins, one of the very best! Her voice was perfect for this story and she always does a perfect job.

I received an advance read and listen copy from NetGalley and Valentine PR & Literary Management, and Dreamscape Media, and this is my honest feedback.

A sweet small town romance in true Samantha Chase ways. We meet some new and some familiar characters in this sweet love romance about two people trying to figure out how to navigate their lives. Jade is a single mom who is trying to give her son the best life she can while dealing with the vitriol and roadblocks her sons paternal grandmother keeps throwing her way as she cannot deal with the fact that she created a spoiled horrible son who abandoned his own son so she blames Jade. Then there is Levi, who under the belief that he was at the top of his field. After a faux pas and set-up he loses his job and all the cache and lifestyle that goes and moves back home. It’s a lovely easy listen to a wonderful happily ever after. Enjoyable narration added to the listening experience.
Uprated to 4 stars from what would have been a 3.5 rating is half stars available.

* Small town romance
* Single mother
* Best friends brother
* Friends to lovers
 
Audio review - narrated by Carly Robbins
 
3.5 stars for story
5 stars for performance
 
This was a sweet contemporary romance that finds our MCs both in a bit of limbo. Levi has just lost his job and is back in Sweetbriar with his sisters while Jade is just opening up a coffee shop / bookstore. The story was a good one and I loved how understanding Levi is when it comes to Jade's son Silas. It's a nice romantic story and it's given a fun look at Levi's sister who I'm hoping we get to know a lot better in subsequent books in the series.
 
Carly Robbins was outstanding as a narrator. I do tend to steer clear of single narrators when listening to story in dual POV but she was amazing. There were times when I forgot I was listening to only one person and that due to the skill she showed in voicing multiple characters in such a talented way.
 
I can't wait to continue this series and hope to do so in audio since this one was so good.

Another great series starter from Samantha Chase. Small town romance at its finest, add in single mom and a hero that returns to his small town.

I cannot wait to continue this series and see what happens with Levi's sisters.

This is my first Samantha Chase book and I really enjoyed this story.

Jade is a single mom who’s opening her dream cafe/bookstore. She faces several challenges but she is determined to make it a success. I love her growth throughout the story and how she finds her voice to stand up for herself.

Levi has just returned home after losing his job. He’s at a bit of a crossroads and is trying to figure out his next steps. He’s smart, charming and resourceful…determined not to stay in this small town.

Jade and Levi have an instant attraction to one another but both are very cautious….neither wants to get hurt. They help one in different ways and realize how much they need each other.

Carly Robins delivered an amazing performance in the audiobook. She gave the characters perfect voice, emotion and personalities. I enjoy audiobooks as they give the story a whole new experience through voice.

Jade and Levi's story is the perfect story to introduce us to Sweetbriar Ridge. This single mom romance gives you all the feels as Levi discovers that he doesn't need the hustle and bustle of a big city. He just needs Jade and her little boy. My heart melted at watching Levi connect with Jade and her son and fall in love again with the town he grew up in. It was fun to see some of the Donovans from the first series pop up in here. And so glad to meet Uncle Ronan's kids! I can't wait for more of this series!

The narrator did a great job with this story. She told it well and was very engaging.

I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Dreamscape Media.
3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐🎧

Small town - Check!
Single Parent - Check!
Bookstore/Coffee Shop -Check!

I loved many things that happened in this story, and there were a few things that I didn't jive with, but overall, I enjoyed the story.

Jane is ready for a new chapter in her life. She is embarking on opening her book/coffee shop, Books & Beans. She has everything lined up for success, but her son's father's family seems to make it very hard for her to succeed. That doesn't get Jane down. She just keeps coming up with new ways to get her business name out there. One of the employees has a brother who is in need of a job enter in Levi. He has excellent ideas, and Jane's business starts to thrive.

Levi and Jane have chemistry, and they come together. They both had common themes they could bond over. Levi has issues with his father. And Jane is having problems with her son's father's family. They bond and get closer.
There is a bit of drama, but it adds to the story in the right ways.

Carly did a great job with the narration.

Wow, this first book in Chase's new Donovan's spinoff series, Sweetbriar Ridge, has all the feels! Jade Mackenzie loves her life in her small town of Sweetbriar Ridge. She is a single mom to a young son, Silas, and is taking a chance on her dream of opening a bookstore/coffee shop. Levi Donovan couldn't wait to leave town to make his mark on the world. Now he is back home after losing his job. He is looking for something to do to make money until he gets his next break and leaves again. His sister talks him into helping Jade promote her new business after someone sabotaged all her efforts. Levi and Jade work well together, and enjoy each other's company. The more they get to know each other, the harder it is to ignore their attraction. Jade is falling fast for Levi, especially when he is so good with her son. But can she risk her heart with a man whose heart is in the big city? Levi is also enjoying getting to know his sisters again, and with his new found longing for Jade and Silas, his priorities begin to change. Can he find contentment in the small town he couldn't get out of fast enough? I loved Jade and Levi together and the sweet little family they were making together. Jade is so strong, determined, and loving, and I loved watching Levi grow into the thoughtful, caring, charmer he was meant to be.
Carly Robins did an amazing job bringing this wonderful story to life. She nailed all the characters perfectly, making me feel every emotion they went through, and made me laugh out loud, and totally swoon. Robins helped make this heartfelt, sweet & steamy small town romance even more entertaining!

4.5 out of 5 stars

Firstly, Carly Robins is one of my favorite narrators for romance novels and was already excited when I heard her voice.



Jade is a single mom who is opening her own bookstore in town, but is running into some issues due to town gossip and sabotage. Levi is an advertiser from the big city, but after losing his job he comes home to visit family and discover what he is doing next.

Jade needs help advertising the bookstore in a good light and luckily Levi is the perfect person for the job.

This is a quick romance read that held my interest from the beginning. I can't wait to ccontinue with the series when it comes out.

🎧ARC & AUDIO REVIEW📱

Loving You is the first book in the new series, The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, featuring a sweet friends to lovers romance for Levi and Jade. Jade is a hard-working single mom trying to get her new coffee and book store off the ground, but the town seems to be conspiring against her, thanks to drama from her past. When Levi Donovan is forced to come home after losing his prestigious marketing job, running into Jade changes everything. The spark between them is immediate, so they agree to a short-term arrangement. Can they get through their past issues in order to be more?

After enjoying the Laurel Bay Donovans, I was excited to jump into this new spin-off. The world building is great with more Donovans to love. The relationship between Jade and Levi is low drama and mild spice, but plenty of love, even if Levi doesn’t see that at first. The drama comes from his family and her past, and there’s plenty of it, with a surprise or two. I normally really love the small town vibe, but I didn’t like how easily this town turned on Jade and why. She proved herself and it turned around, but I was frustrated at first. I loved the evolution of Levi’s relationships with his family, as well as the way he bonded with Silas. If anyone deserved the chance at building a happy family its the three of them! I look forward to reading Ashlynn’s story!

I also received an audio ARC from Valentine PR via NetGalley narrated by Carly Robins. It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to an audiobook with a single narrator, but she did an amazing job performing all the different characters and reflecting the different emotions and drama that affected the main couple.

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#LovingYou #SamanthaChase #ContemporaryRomance #AdultRomance #FamilySaga #CloseProximity #friendstolovers #OppositesAttract #ReturningtoHometown #SiblingsBestFriend #SingleMom #SingleParent #SmallTown #WorkplaceRomance #StartingOver #NetGalley #audiobook

4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, #1
Setting ~ Virginia
Publication date ~ September 19, 2023
Page Count ~ 290 (15 chapters + e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 20 minutes
Narrator ~ Carly Robins
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ small business owner, single mom, small town, friends with benefits, friends to lovers, no steamage

Levi & Jade
Jade is trying to make a nice life for her and 8 year old son, Silas, by opening her own business. Books and Beans is a bookstore/coffee shop combo in their quaint town of Sweetbriar Ridge. There were some early snafu's, but the business took off with a little help from some friends.

Levi is back in his hometown and he's not too thrilled about it. He loves the hustle and bustle of big city life, and this town doesn't even have food delivery, gasp, can you believe it? As he spends more time with Jade he starts to think that maybe he's found someone that can change his tune.

I felt like they clicked and were sweet together. He was so good to Silas right from day 1, too, which was so cute. Hated the 3rd act breakup, as usual. I could have went without the whole saga with Levi's mom, too.

Overall, it was pretty delightful and I'm looking forward to each of Levi's 3 sisters finding their happily ever after.

Series notes:
Samantha likes to give us small town romance series and this one will follow a whole new branch of Donovans. I like that some characters from The Donovans: Laurel Bay series make an appearance and are referenced as to how their lives are coming along. I like to be kept up to date on previous characters I fell in love with. With that said if you have time read that series first, if not I suppose it's not a big deal if you don't.

I was lucky enough to have an ebook and an audio copy.
Narration notes:
Carly did a fine job as always, but I've said it many times that I wish there was a male narrator too.

Samantha Chase is one of my go to authors so when I heard she was releasing a new series I was very excited and Loving You was everything i expected and so much more. Book one in The Donovan’s Sweetbriar Ridge Series is Levi Donovan and Jade MacKenzie’s journey and if single parent, small town romances are your jam look no further than this great read or listen.
The narration is by Carly Robbins and she does a great job bringing this story and the characters to life. She is easy on the ears and she does a good job with all the emotions running through this book.
Jade and Levi are not long for love but we all know we can’t always control what our heart wants and more importantly when a child is involved a lot depends on the relationship built with them. Levi is only looking to be in Sweetbriar Ridge until it’s time to move on. He has no plans to move home indefinitely until Jade and her son Silas walked into his life, what starts as friendship soon turns into so much more.
This story touched me on so many levels, I love single parent and small town romance, I adored Jade and Silas and just as a friendship was built between Jade and Levi, I found myself opening up to him as he also built his relationship with Silas. This is an entertaining and emotional journey with just the right amount of angst and humour. Looking forward to what’s coming next from Sweetbriar Ridge.