This is another enjoyable romance by Samantha Chase. I have enjoyed the other books in the Donovans series, and this one was great too! Carly Robins did an amazing job, as always, with the narration. When I hear her voice, it immediately brings me back into the Donovans, and it makes me so happy!

Back to Sweetbriar Ridge a cute small town. Ashlynn and Reid's story is so sweet but also laced with some drama. I fell in love with this town and characters in book one.

Ashlynn is a sassy, outspoken girl. She lets loose that's for sure lol the humour with her kept me going.

Reid is just dreamy. Being called back to a small town because he felt that's where he belonged and he sure did. His goals and drive is commendable.

It was a tad insta lovey for me I felt like. With their past circumstances I hope for a little more push back lol but overall such a sweet story. I loved getting to know this town more and all the other characters involved as well. Patiently waiting for the next one...

🎧 The narration was great. I do wish there had been dual narrators to add even more elements to the story, however Carly Robins did a great job!

Super cute, fade to black romance! If you love romance but aren’t a fan of *details* I highly recommend! This is a second chance, hometown, firefighter romance. Reid returns to his home town for a job when he is reintroduced to Ashlynn, his high school crush. Of course Ashlynn has to go and embarrass herself in front of him in almost the same way she had before.

Not by her choosing, Ashlynn puts herself and Reid in a horrible situation that jeopardizes her life and his career. I think Reid had to do a little too much groveling to rectify his “wrongs” in the situation. I think that Reid handled the situation probably better than most anyone would, all things considered. But alas, I am not Reid and Ms. Chase did an amazing job of tying everything together and ending the story with a HEA.

A charming second chance story!

Ashlynn and Reid are the perfect example of right place, wrong time. They begin under a bit of enemies to more vibes stemming from their high school days, then they form a genuine friendship.

It took me some time to warm up to Ashlynn, but I'm so glad I did, cuz her character growth was worth waiting for. I wanted to shake some sense into Reid a time or two, but what character thinks rationally all the time?

I enjoyed the small town rally around it's newest firefighter and the sassy hairdresser wrongly accused of a crime.

The audiobook for Teasing You put me through all the feels and I loved every moment. I can't wait for more in the Sweetbriar Ridge series of The Donovans!

Tropes:
Frenemies to ❤️
Small town
Mystery/drama
Embarrassing past
Firefighter golden retriever hero
Feisty twin heroine

1🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for gifting me this ALC of the audiobook to review.

I love romance books but alas this one was a bit underwhelming for me. I would even say that my standards are pretty low, as long as the main characters don’t exhibit “red flag behaviour” and there is a bit of chemistry, a slightly compelling story, likeable characters or just nice vibes, I am happy.

Sadly, this book did not succeed in ticking any of these boxes for me, apart from the fact that there was no obvious “red flag behaviour”. The book is set in a small town, but unfortunately, there is no cosy small-town feeling to the book at all. The only thing that let the readers know that this book is in fact set in a small town was by mentioning that it was a small town and the fact that gossip spread widely. None of this adds any cosy vibes and the way everyone is in each other's business without actually supporting one another seems more toxic than anything.

I felt that there was no chemistry between the love interests. They meet again, and have a bit of an awkward encounter, the MMC decides he in fact likes the FMC and pursues her for a day or so, they get together, and that’s it in terms of romantic pursuit - there’s no sexual tension whatsoever. The fact that they knew each other in high school does not strengthen the believability of their connection either, because it is only mentioned that everyone always thought that the FMC was hot, therefore the MMC also thinks she is hot.

One of the reasons for the lack of chemistry between the characters might also be because the description of the characters was pretty shallow as well. We know what they do for work, we know the names of their best friends and maybe what they look like (but not sure because I never remember and don’t pay attention to physical descriptions of characters).

I already mentioned that the romantic story was lacklustre. The additional storyline of the Arsen allegation just made me angry, because that is just not how investigations work and had I read this as a book, not an audiobook, I would have skipped this part of the book entirely because it was not just aggravating and a little anxiety-inducing, but also very predictable. The MMC’s handling of the situation did not make me believe in this relationship any more than I previously did either. Then there is another small subplot about the FMC’s family. I feel like I was missing some parts of the story because this is the only book I have read in this series. This part of the story felt very shallow as a result.

In terms of the audiobook, the narrator wasn’t bad, but this book could have definitely profited from a dual narration.

Reid & Ashlynn
* ARC Review
*3.5 rounding up
-He falls first
- Second Chance
-Fireman MMC
-Suspenseful plot
-Low steam / spice
-Dual POV / single narration audio

Reid and Ashlynn went to high school ten years ago but Reid moved for his firefighter job. He was used to moving as a child, but nothing quite felt like home besides Sweetbriar Ridge. An opportunity arises where he is able to move back and take a promotion. Of course this would happen when Ashlynn is going through some drama of her own- and is accused of arson when the salon she previously worked at catches fire.

Ashlynn was a bit on the dramatic side. I felt like she overreacted on multiple occasions. Events that should have been deemed as humorous she made a big deal of and held grudges. She was hot headed.

Reid was a sweetheart, but a touch on the pushover side. He needed to stand up to Ashlynn and balance her some. He came across like he lacked some self esteem, but he was so enamored by her.

The mystery in the plot was somewhat predictable, but that's ok. The romance was sweet, no real spice I recall. A touch on the insta-love side once feelings were shared.

While listed as a standalone, I'm not sure that is the case. It would be beneficial to read book one first. I had both ebook and audio, but chose not to listen to much. Carly Robins does an amazing job but to no fault of hers, a dual pov narration desperately needs a second male narrator.

I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaving a review voluntarily. Many thanks to publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review early. Thank you to Valentine PR for ebook and Netgalley for audio.

This is a great listen. Carly Tobins did an amazing job with the narration. She gave the characters perfect voice, emotion and personality.

Ashlynn has run into some bad luck…she is not having a good day. And to top it off she flashes her HS crush. She is fiesty, very outspoken and is determined to prove she’s innocent.

Reid is back in town in town, after being away, to work at the fire station . He hasn’t had the best life growing up but he is a hard working, kind man that protects others.

Ashlynn and Reid reconnect - they have amazing chemistry, banter, overall dialogue and determinations. I love their conversations and Ryan helps bring a little calm to Ashlynn. They work well together very well..although there is some drama and doubt along the way…they work through the tough times and come out even better.

This is a great series to read or listen to.

This series by Samantha chase is easily becoming a comfort and a favorite and the narrator was so perfectly picked out! I love the family dynamic and how comforting the characters and their stories are. Second chance is a fave trope of mine and I love a firefighter hero. Carly Robbin’s did a perfect job bringing the story to life!

Teasing You was a cute small town romance. I liked FMC Ashlynn’s relationship with her siblings and appreciated the way the author approached her difficult relationship with her father.

Reid was super dreamy, but it felt like the chemistry between him and Ashlynn was missing some heat.

Carly Robins was great as narrator and had a really wide range in her voices. I do think the story could have benefitted from dual POV narration but it didn’t take away from the story that it was missing.

Read if you love:
Small Town Romances
Second Chance Romance
Firefighter MMC
Independent FMC

Overall, a cute read that I liked but didn’t wholly love. I found my attention wandering while listening and wasn’t overly invested.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Samantha Chase for a review copy. These are my honest thoughts.

This was a cute, quick read that I listened to in a day.

🔥 Firefighter
🔥 Small Town
🔥 Unrequited Teenaged Crush
🔥 Forced Proximity (Neighbors)

Ashlynn is out of a job and being accused of horrible things. Her new neighbor is the guy who embarrassed her in high school and he won’t go away.

Reid is back in the only town that’s ever felt like home. And the girl who he never got a shot with just happens to be his new neighbor.

I enjoyed their romance and all his sweet and big gestures.

This is definitely not the first book in the series but I had enough information to get a general gist of book 1. And to be curious about future books coming up.

I thought the narrator did a pretty good job at narrating both the male and female chapters.

Thank you Deamscape Media for the gifted alc

3.5/5

Small Town, second chance romance, Samantha Chase and Donovons' series.. what more could you ask for? I love and highly recommend Samantha Chase if you need quick, easy, feel good romance reading. While her spice is closed door, you can feel the characters chemistry and well developed storylines. My only complaint with this particular story was the way the MMC acted toward the end, bit of a cop out.. he could've grovelled more! The audio was fantastic, Carly Robins did a great job! My only wish would be for male and female narrators to truly differentiate.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ALC!

Thank you Dreamscape Media for early access to this audiobook! These are my honest thoughts.

This is my first Samantha Chase novel, and I loved it. It was really easy to listen to, the narrators were great, and the foundation for this story was super fun. I will be headed back to Sweetbriar Ridge in order to catch up on this series, and I'll be looking forward to the continuation of this series, as well!

I loved the childhood enemies-to-lovers vibes of this book so much. There was something so satisfying about our FMC letting her guard down around someone who had previously caused her humiliation. She works through some trauma she struggled with as a result of her parents divorce, and our MMC sort of bulldozed his way into her heart (but in a green flag way? like, by making her dinner?). It was hard to ignore her neighbor upstairs that kept making a ton of noise.... loved that part of the story, too!

Other things I loved:
- The community aspect and the MMC moving to be a firefighter in the small community
- The sisters and their bond; especially working at the cafe and co-signing a loan for a salon, sleepovers, dining & dashing but in the FMC livingroom, etc.
- The dates the MMC planned for the FMC were... ROMANTIC
- The suspenseful part of the story was very fun and silly? It worked?

ALC REVIEW

Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Spice Rating: 2/5 🌶️
Audiobook 5/5 🎧

What to Expect:
❤️Second Chance Romance
❤️Small Town Romance
❤️Frenemies to Lovers
❤️Firefighter MMC
❤️Cosmetologist FMC
❤️Family Drama
❤️Sassy FMC

Although I own several of Samantha Chase's books, this is the first opportunity I've had to read or listen to one. I will definitely be making time to read or listen to more. Teasing You is the second book in the Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone.

I am a sucker for a second-chance romance and really enjoyed Ashlynn and Reid's story. After years of not seeing each other, Ashlynn Donovan and Reid Baylor reunite in their hometown of Sweetbriar Ridge. Ashlynn is a cosmetologist in the process of opening her own salon. Reid moved back to Sweetbriar Ridge to pursue career advancement within the fire department. Reid had a crush on Ashlynn when they were in high school. When he runs into her at a friend's engagement party, it's clear Ashlynn has no interest in being around him, but Reid will not let her get away again. He is determined to prove to Ashlynn that they are good together.

This story is not what I expected and takes an unexpected turn when Ashlynn is suspected of arson. Ashlynn and Reid's connection is tested when Reid is encouraged, via town gossip, to keep his distance from her to protect his career. I loved Ashlynn and Reid's chemistry and was rooting for them. The story includes some spice, but not that much. This is more of a romantic suspense book.

Samantha Chase combines romance, family dynamics, friendships, meddling townspeople, humor, and drama. If you like small-town, second-chance romance reads, this one is perfect.

NARRATION:
Carly Robins did a wonderful job. I mostly lean towards dual or multiple narration, but Carly did a great job voicing the female and male characters. The narration flowed very well, and I could easily listen to this story in one sitting. Carly brought the characters to life. She spoke well and with inflection, making the audio lively and entertaining.

Thank you to Samantha Chase, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.

Teasing You is the second book in The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series. This is a frenemies to lovers, small town romance.

Ashlynn and Reid had a cute love story with humorous moments, mild drama and spice. I loved their chemistry and how they overcame their own obstacles in life.

Carly Robins did a nice job portraying these characters and bringing them to life.

Audiobook Review: "Teasing You" by Samantha Chase, Narrated by Carly Robins

The story follows Ashlynn Donovan, a feisty and outspoken local who has just hit rock bottom after losing her job and having no prospects on the horizon as there is only one hair salon in this small town. To make matters worse, she accidentally flashes Reid the new firefighter in town again. She and Reid Baylor went to high school together, but meet again years later at their best friend's engagement party. Ashlynn is not too thrilled to see him, but Reid hopes to prove that he is the man for her and has had feelings for her since high school.

Reid has always hoped to return to Sweetbriar Ridge, the only place he's ever felt a connection to after a lifetime of moving from place to place. But when Ashlynn is suspected of arson for the fire at her former workplace, Reid's dream of becoming a fire inspector and his chance with Ashlynn is on the line.

Carly Robins narrates the story, giving a good performance. However, at times I wished for both a female and male narrator to give a clearer understanding of each different POV.

If you enjoy stories about love in small towns and second chances, then this book is perfect for you. It's a cute and heartwarming story, and I look forward to the next audiobook by Samantha Chase.

𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐘𝐎𝐔
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Story 2/5 Narration 4/5)
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: Closed Door Romance

❤️Third POV/Single Narrator
🔥Firefighter/Hairdresser
❤️Second Chance
🔥Family Drama
❤️Frenemies to Lovers

Ashlyn Donovan just got fired from her job, and s if things cannot get any worse, the guy who used to humiliate her in high school just moved back in town. Reed Baylor is looking for an opportunity to become an inspector and thought moving to a developing town is the best chance for him. Even more, now he meet Aslyn again, he is excited to possibly mend their strained relationship. Vt when Aslyn becomes suspect of a fire incident, what will he do to?

NOTHING, that's what he does.
Can you believe this man?
He left his woman when she was in trouble cause it's gonna cost him his job, instead of backing her up. Ghosted her, and then came back to DEMAND her forgiveness? What a spineless coward. And that grand gesture as a grovel, extremely corny, I had secondhand embarrassment.

I love the Donovan family, and particularly Ashlyn as the FMC. She is very feisty and not afraid to speak her mind, and I find that very likable. I enjoy the little bit of groveling that Reed does at the beginning to make up for his mistake in high school. Plot-wise, it was a bit predictable, we know somehow it will be revealed eventually as it was very obvious from the get-go.

However, the way Reed acted during the third act conflict just killed him as the MMC, God I found it so hard to forgive him. Apart from that last part, I actually had a good time listening to this, too bad the last 25% were a letdown.

🎧𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄🎧
Carly Robins did an amazing job narrating this audiobook, the story was told from Third POV, so she has to do a variety of characters, male or female. I think she did a splendid job differentiating from one character to another, and I enjoyed my time listening to this audio, I recommend it to fans of sweet clean romance.

*Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the copy of the ALC and Valentine PR for the copy of the ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily*

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape media for the ALC for my honest review in Teasing You.

This is the second book in the Donavon, Sweetbriar Ridge series that can be read as a standalone. If you love small town second chance romances and enemies to lovers tropes this book is for you. This was a well written story and an easy listen. The narrator did a good job narrating this story. I really enjoyed how sweet Ashlynn and Reid story evolved.

This is the first book by this author I have read. I was excited to read this after reading the blurb and seeing the tropes.
A firefighter, friends to lovers, second chance romance.
She's suspected of arson and he needs to prove it wasn't her.
But he doesn't really do that, he starts to believe it could be her. And doesn't really put up a fight for her.
I wasn't a huge fan of either Reid or Ashlyn. Reid felt like he had no umph to him, like he wasn't very good at protecting Ashlyn. Ashlyn was annoying at times. There was a lot of drama involved some completely unnecessary.
Overall it was a fun easy read. I enjoyed parts of the story.

I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.

Teasing you is my 5th or 6th Samantha Chase book. I've been reading them out of order but that doesn't seem to matter as long as you know everyone will have their happy ever after. This one was Ashlynn and Reid's story. It was an enjoyable ride though the "who burned down the beauty shop?" was unnecessary and just sad. No one dies but to be treated that way is cruel. And Reid's reaction could have been better though, of course, he comes around in the end. I think I may have made him grovel a bit more but that's just me.

All in all an enjoyable read and I will continue to pick up Samantha Chase's books.