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Holiday Spice (The Shaughnessy Brothers #6)

Samantha Chase (Goodreads Author)

4.04 · Rating details · 872 Ratings · 233 Reviews

As soon as the mistletoe goes up, that's when life gets really interesting

Darcy Shaughnessy has gotten used to her overbearing brothers chasing away any man she wants to date. But a chance meeting with a brooding - and deliciously handsome - artist is about to make this holiday season one to remember.

There's only one thing Benjamin Tanner loves more than his woodcarving: s ...more

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Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages

Published October 3rd 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

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October 2017 Recommended Romances

129 books — 158 voters

2017 Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense (July - Dec)

188 books — 325 voters

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Sep 21, 2017 Dianne rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult-fiction, holiday-romance, holiday-theme, netgalley, own, romantic-comedy

Even Santa can’t always fill the wishes of a small child. That’s exactly what happened to young Darcy and she never quite got over the pain of never knowing her mother. Now grown up, headstrong, often tactless and very inflexible, Darcy has a heart of gold that has been surrounded by barbs. Ben has shut himself off from the world since the death of his parents just before Christmas. Ben was left to protect, raise and provide for the happiness and futures of his younger brothers, but he forgot to ...more

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Jul 11, 2017 Beth rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley, kindle, own, arc, october-2017, sourcebooks, casablanca, romance, holiday

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 st ...more

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Oct 03, 2017 Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: guiltypleasures-slick

Holiday Spice is one of those romances that had to grow on me as a reader. I’ll admit that while I liked the two main characters in this book, it took me a good long while to love them (almost to the end), however there was something compelling about their story that made me stick with this book, add in the rest of the Shaughnessy family and I really couldn’t put it down because I had to know not only how things between the main characters turned out, but I was hoping for a series ending epilogue to give me the added closure I needed to say good-bye to this large, crazy, fun, and sometimes broken family. Characters than ran hot and cold, an attraction neither one can deny, and some help from Mother Nature made Holiday Spice both an entertaining and frustrating romance.

All of her life Darcy Shaughnessy has been loved, protected and somewhat put on a pedestal by her five older brothers and her father. Losing her mother when she was a baby has left Darcy always wanting her family to be whole. Gregarious and full of life, Darcy surrounds herself with people and will go out of her way to help those she loves, but inside Darcy is still a little girl looking for a mom, someone to confide in, and someone who will understand all the challenges in her life. While Darcy has had many jobs, she has yet to find her passion and that leaves her with time on her hands and being sent by her sister in law to help a cranky, temperamental artist finish out his book for publication.

Benjamin Tanner likes his life on his mountain, his art fulfills him, and he doesn’t mind being on his own. While he enjoys the time he spends with his brothers when they visit, they aren’t super close and he is okay with that. After his parent’s died in an accident, Ben did exactly what his parents would have wanted him to and that was to make sure his younger siblings got a good education and became productive members of society. Putting his skills to work to make sure that happened, Ben is happy to finally be at a place where he loves making his art again. Needing help with the book he was talked into doing he called his friend Savannah Daly, a journalist who did an article on him and someone he trusts, but now married and with a young daughter Savannah couldn’t drop everything to come and help, but she did offer to send her sister in law who she claims is a whiz at organization. Not really thrilled to have someone he doesn’t know in his home, Ben is apprehensive but the minute Darcy storms into his life he knows he might never be the same.

I’ll be flat out honest when I say that I had a lot of issues with Darcy’s hot and cold behavior and her propensity to run when the going got tough. While I get that she was the youngest of six, her immaturity really got on my nerves quite a bit. Ms. Chase did a good job with letting us see growth in her character and I did grow to like her, but it was towards the end and I would have liked more time with the new and improved Darcy. There was no doubt Ben was a bit surly and closed off and he had that introverted artist’s way about him which really threw the outgoing and vivacious Darcy and with the way she jumped to conclusions about Ben it really was a miracle they managed to turn animosity into more, but they did. I won’t deny the chemistry, it was there from the start but I’ll be honest these two were very, very different in the way they approached life and I wasn’t sure they could ever find a middle ground.

This story, this couple had to grow on me, it wasn’t an insta-love situation like I’ve had with so many of this author’s other books. These characters were very complicated, they had a lot of baggage and this book had a bit more angst than I normally like, but overall I did enjoy their journey and the awesome epilogue gave me the closure I needed to say good-bye to this series.

...more

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Oct 12, 2017 Liv ☾ rated it really liked it

✱4 STARS!✱

☾The opening to this book was heartbreaking! I didn't get it at first but the prologue brought tears to my eyes so quick! We're quickly brought to present time where Darcy is meeting Ben for the first time. I loved the pov's in this book because it switched back in forth so much and not necessarily chapter by chapter. It would switch at times where I wished I would get to read Ben's pov and then it happened. literally. It was like the author was reading my mind

☾I've read this series an ...more

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Oct 03, 2017 DJ Sakata rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgallery, holidays, adult-contemporary-romance

Favorite Quotes:

“It would make me crazy. I like order and knowing everything has its place.” “It does have its place. It’s just not there yet.”

Never before had a mundane conversation over breakfast had her ready to throw down on the kitchen floor.

…her emotions. She normally only seemed to have two— happy or pissed off.

What? I know I’m old enough to be his mother— his young mother… I can still appreciate an attractive man!

My Review:

I had a hard time appreciating Darcy for quite some time as she w ...more

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Oct 12, 2017 Irene rated it really liked it

Shelves: beautiful-cover, galley-arc, enjoying-this-series, romance, sourcebooks-casablanca

4 Heartwarming Stars

Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase was a beautiful and heartfelt read.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Darcy and Ben develop. They made me laugh, they frustrated me at times and they made me swoon. These two were perfect for each other and I have no doubt they would have a long and happy life ahead.

description

While I enjoyed Holiday Spice, for me the epilogue stole the show. I laughed, I smiled and I cried, oh boy did I cry.
This was one of the best epilogues I've read in a very ...more

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Oct 06, 2017 Escape into a Booksite rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle

*4 Stars*

ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Samantha Chase book and I did enjoy the storyline. I will be reading the rest of the series since this was a good read.

I liked both the main characters, but I liked Ben more than Darcy I think. I think he was a bit more reasonable, although they both certainly had their moments, and for understandable reasons. They both needed to grow and learn from each other, and it was interesting to see the dynamic between th ...more

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Oct 03, 2017 Jessica Alcazar added it

Shelves: netgalley, review-team, chase-samantha, reviewed-amazon

So this was fun and frustrating but really fun. The story itself wasn't frustrating, but Darcy made me a little twitchy too many times. I fully admit it's a maturity/age thing with me. I can't do the whole hot/cold thing. I'm just way too old for it in real life and fiction LOL But she never took it too far that I didn't fully enjoy the story. So that's the frustrating part for me. And yes, the brothers were a little too OTT for me .. realistic, but a little OTT. But again, it didn't take away f ...more

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Aug 18, 2017 Isha Coleman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads, netgalley

A little holiday magic to experience all year round. That's the best description for Holiday Spice. Every Shaughnessy has had their shining moment and taken a piece of my heart along the way, but Darcy sealed the deal. This time, Ms. Chase went for broke and laid claim to my heart in it's entirety. Darcy, the lone girl in a sea of men has grown into a lovely woman with a beautiful caring soul, but she still has wounds. Ben is a loner. He eats, breathes and sleeps woodcarving. When a cry for help ...more

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Oct 02, 2017 Maree Repa rated it it was amazing

A Christmas Tale

Five Winning Stars

I was absolutely thrilled to enjoy the wonderful sixth book, The Shaughnessy Brothers. Written by my favourite author Samantha Chase. I have so adored this marvellous entire series so far. I was just pleased to enjoy this one in particular, Darcy's book now!!

Benjamin Tanner had always knew his truest place to end up in Washington State. He needed a place that was all his. His own siblings would just hate it here. But this place. But Ben was just different from a ...more

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Dec 09, 2017 Kayla (BOOKadoodles) rated it it was ok

Honestly, I just wanted some Christmas fluff. I skim-read through this, it was enjoyable but I probably would’ve been more interested if I would have read the previous five books in the series. Some parts really lagged for me, but I thought the chemistry between the two main characters was well-written overall.

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Oct 17, 2017 Under the Covers Book Blog rated it liked it

Around this time I'm always on the lookout for holiday reads and I tend to try new-to-me authors in the process. That's what happened with Samantha Chase in this case. I've never read her before and the pretty cover and holiday theme made me do it. It didn't hurt that this is about a recluse hero, always a favorite of mine.

The setup for this story was almost the perfect holiday read. The grumpy hero and the bubbly heroine get snowed in at his home and get to spend some quality time together ...more

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Sep 30, 2017 Lauren rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance

I know it's only October, but I've been in such a holiday book mood lately (case in point: Chasing Christmas Eve). Therefore, as soon as I heard about Samantha Chase's Holiday Spice, and it's "cozy cabin in the woods" setting, I had to have it! Also, isn't that cover just GORGEOUS?! I just love the pink and purple combo.

The result? I LOVED Holiday Spice. It was a read-in-one-day kind of book - I read it at the laundromat, at my favorite coffee shop, while I was stirring my mac and cheese that n I know it's only October, but I've been in such a holiday book mood lately (case in point: Chasing Christmas Eve). Therefore, as soon as I heard about Samantha Chase's Holiday Spice, and it's "cozy cabin in the woods" setting, I had to have it! Also, isn't that cover just GORGEOUS?! I just love the pink and purple combo.

The result? I LOVED Holiday Spice. It was a read-in-one-day kind of book - I read it at the laundromat, at my favorite coffee shop, while I was stirring my mac and cheese that night for dinner! I simply COULD NOT put it down - I was that in love with Darcy and Ben's winter romance.

One of my favorite aspects of Holiday Spice was the setting. Nothing says a holiday read like a snowy, Thomas Kinkade like heaven, and that's exactly what Holiday Spice provided in the form of Ben's cabin and workshop. Samantha Chase did an amazing job of describing it. I especially loved the time she put into describing the wooden artistic touches Ben painstakingly added to his house. I wish it was real so I could go visit!

Over the course of Holiday Spice, I also came to love both Darcy and Ben. Darcy was the most lovable of the two. She was the perfect combination of sweet and sassy, and while her tendency to jump to conclusions irked me to pieces at times, I could admittedly relate because been there done that. I also liked how family orientated she was. Her relationships with her brothers, sister-in-laws and father not only brought laughter and smilies but also some tears (mostly happy tears but some sad ones as well!!). Unlike Darcy, Ben's never had a close relationship with his brothers. Instead, he's used to closing himself off to the world, and living in his own winter wonderland. When he's first introduced, I was instantly swooning, as he's just the right mix of macho and sweet. I especially loved how Darcy came to change his way of thinking overtime. He goes from being someone who can't stand to open up to others to someone who won't let anything get in the way of FINALLY getting that happy ending!

Tying Darcy and Ben together, we get a whole bunch of ROMANCE of course (and really what is a holiday romance without the steamy and hot romance!). I enjoyed how real their connection was. There was no insta-love feelings present here; instead, their relationship developed steadily over time, going from haters to friends to lovers. Most of the book had to do with their day to day interactions and chores, but never was I once bored, because I just loved seeing seeing them be themselves. Darcy's cooking was horrendous yet hilarious, Ben's desire to hide-hide-hide during the snowstorm had me chuckling, and their banter had me laughing and swooning from here till the moon. Seriously, I couldn't get enough.

Grab a piping hot cup of hot cocoa (or your fall-winter drink of choice) and settle in for the long haul, as Holiday Spice isn't a book meant to be read over time, it's a book to be read in one extra-long sitting. However, be prepared, because if you're anything like me, the epilogue will have you outright sobbing!

Grade: A+ ...more

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Oct 05, 2017 Brandi (Brandi Janee's Bookshelf) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-release, contemporary, e-arc, read-in-2017, romance, adult

**3.5 stars**

Darcy Shaughnessy has grown up with her five older brothers and dad. Her mom died when she was a baby so they were all she knew growing up. Flash forward, Darcy is now 25 and she is trying to figure where she's supposed to be in life. As a favor for one of sister-in-law, Darcy ends up in Washington state and gets snowed in with Ben, the guys she went to work with. The story basically takes off from there.

With Holiday Spice being the 6th book in what I believe is a companion series, ...more

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Oct 05, 2017 Becca rated it liked it

3.5 Stars

Holiday Spice is a winter story told from late Fall through the Holidays. I usually wait to read Christmas stories until a bit later but since I am on the blog tour for this one I started early. I have to say that I loved getting those Holiday feels so early!

This is book number 6 in the Shaughnessy Brothers series, but it is the first book I have read and I had no issues with starting so late in the series. This book centers around Darcy, the youngest and only girl in the Shaughnessy 3.5 Stars

Holiday Spice is a winter story told from late Fall through the Holidays. I usually wait to read Christmas stories until a bit later but since I am on the blog tour for this one I started early. I have to say that I loved getting those Holiday feels so early!

This is book number 6 in the Shaughnessy Brothers series, but it is the first book I have read and I had no issues with starting so late in the series. This book centers around Darcy, the youngest and only girl in the Shaughnessy brood. I loved this family so much, they were so close and so warm and inviting. They were the picture of a happy family, despite the loss of Darcy's Mother when she was just a baby.

Darcy travels to the northern part of Washington to help a craftsman work on a feature book of his work. They have an instant attraction but some misunderstandings keep that at bay. I really liked Darcy, she was smart and loyal and had just a bit of stubborn defiance. She was a fun character! Ben is a bit of a mystery at the beginning, he seems to be a recluse who lives so far from everyone working on his wood masterpieces and avoiding society in every way. I actually really liked him, I am an introvert myself so I totally empathized.

When a huge snowstorm hits Washington, the two are snowed into Ben's cabin together. After days of being together the two find that they can no longer deny their feelings for each other. But when the snow clears and they have to return to reality, on opposite side of the country they are unsure if they can make a relationship work.

Holiday Spice was so adorable and gave me lots of warm and fuzzy feels! Being snowed in ,the holidays, the strong family connections. All of this brought a smile to my face. I really enjoyed getting to know Ben and Darcy and their families.

Holiday Spice is perfect to get you into the Holiday mood! It totally reminded me of a Christmas movie you would see on the Hallmark channel and I loved it! I recommend reading this sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas to get you in the spirit! :)

...more

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Aug 18, 2017 Jaime Fiction Fangirls Book Review rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs, to-review-for-netgalley, third-person, closed-door-fade-to-black, blogged, holidays-or-warm-and-cozy

4.5 Stars

What I Liked:
Ben. I love that he's smart and reserved. He's talented and successful. He has a beautiful home set far away from the hustle and bustle of the world. He has a dream kitchen that he actually cooks in. He. Builds. Things. With. His. Hands!!! He's basically my ideal man. Sure he can be a bit stubborn and he has some issues to work through but, in general, he's a pretty great guy.

I liked Darcy and was really excited to see her get her HEA. I've been waiting for her perspectiv ...more

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Oct 03, 2017 Kayla Hemmerle rated it it was amazing

This book has the perfect release date. Weird thing to notice, right? I haven't ever felt like a book came at just the right time, but this book does.

A big reason for that is Darcy and Ben meet well before Christmas, in October. For me, this added some build up to the holiday season and made their story more than a holiday love story.

Darcy is the youngest in the Shaughnessy family and the only girl. I felt the author really captured Darcy's personality perfectly. I say this because at times, I This book has the perfect release date. Weird thing to notice, right? I haven't ever felt like a book came at just the right time, but this book does.

A big reason for that is Darcy and Ben meet well before Christmas, in October. For me, this added some build up to the holiday season and made their story more than a holiday love story.

Darcy is the youngest in the Shaughnessy family and the only girl. I felt the author really captured Darcy's personality perfectly. I say this because at times, I almost felt like she was a little bit bratty, but then I would be able to align with her on her brothers and dad not entirely understanding her. In past books in the Shaughnessy Brother Series, we always see everyone going overboard with Darcy and you can really understand how she feels sort of trapped because it's like she can't ever get on her own two feet.

Ben, on the other hand, has his own family issues to deal with. His parents died two weeks before Christmas, several years back. Since then, Ben doesn't do the holidays. He doesn't do family, he doesn't do traveling. Ben's preference is solitude, which puts him in direct contrast with Darcy, who is social all the time.

Darcy mentions several times that Ben is a man, not a frat boy. I can't really pinpoint why, but I loved that the author chose to have Darcy make this distinction. Maybe it's because as young women, so often we choose someone who might not be the best fit just because someone sort of fits with us. Seeing Darcy realize this is pivotal in a few ways. Throughout the story, we see Darcy trying desperately to make her own way, but not having any luck. With Ben, you can see Darcy's eyes opening up to other possibilities. This includes her career.

This story seems a little bit deeper than some of the books in the series. Each sibling has truths they have to accept and learn from, but Darcy's seemed a bit more intense. This was appreciated because Darcy and her story has been a bit of a buildup throughout the whole series. There is also a scene where Owen dishes out some advice to Darcy, and while it might not be easy to hear, it's a truth that Darcy needs to learn.

This book is the last in the Shaughnessy Brothers Series and I loved the ending. This story summed up the entire series beautifully and I admit that I shed a few tears. The author has created this incredible world with the Shaughnessy family and while I'm sad to see it come to an end, the ending is one the Shaughnessy family would have loved themselves.

Reviewing for A Published Romance
www.apublishedromance.com
www.facebook.com/apublishedromance ...more

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Sep 27, 2017 Sandy S rated it really liked it

HOLIDAY SPICE is the sixth and final installment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS romance series focusing on the Shaughnessy siblings. This is youngest child and only sister Darcy Shaughnessy, and recluse artist Benjamin Tanner’s story line. HOLIDAY SPICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately twenty years earlier the Shaughnessy’s lost HOLIDAY SPICE is the sixth and final installment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS romance series focusing on the Shaughnessy siblings. This is youngest child and only sister Darcy Shaughnessy, and recluse artist Benjamin Tanner’s story line. HOLIDAY SPICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately twenty years earlier the Shaughnessy’s lost their mother to a drunk driver that left six siblings (including a one year old infant daughter) without a mother. Fast forward to present day where the now adult children continue to struggle with the loss.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Darcy and Ben) HOLIDAY SPICE follows the building relationship between Darcy Shaughnessy and artist Benjamin Tanner. Benjamin Tanner is in desperate need of some organization in his life but the shy, quiet and introspective woodcarver prefers the solitude of his cabin in the woods. Enter Darcy Shaughnessy, his friend’s sister in law, and the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the turbulent and emotional relationship between two people whose lives are the complete opposite.

Darcy Shaughnessy is a butterfly who enjoys the boisterous, family get togethers and social functions that allow her to express her ideas and have fun. Growing up the youngest child and only daughter, Darcy struggled with the over –protective nature of five older brothers who chased away all the men she wanted to date. Benjamin Tanner is a loner; a social misfit who battles the need to remain hidden from the paparazzi and social functions that come with being a successful artist but Benjamin also struggles with the holidays-the reminders of everything he has lost- and two younger brothers who would give anything to reconnect with the brother they love.

The relationship between Darcy and Ben begins as a business arrangement that quickly dissolves due to misunderstanding and Ben’s needs for privacy. Their attraction to one another is immediate and palpable but the potential for a long distance relationship begin to build a wall between our leading couple that may be too hard to pull down. The $ex scenes are all implied.

All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. The Shaughnessy’s are a close knit family, and their over –zealous attitude is too much for our story line hero.

HOLIDAY SPICE is a story of family, friendship and love. The premise is entertaining and emotional; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is sweet. HOLIDAY SPICE is the perfect ending to a well-loved series.

www.thereadingcafe.com ...more

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Jan 27, 2018 Novel Grounds rated it really liked it

I got this SUPER fun box from Samantha and Inkslinger PR MONTHS AGO, and finally got the chance to dive into it! This was such a fun read. In the winter time sometimes I want to curl up with a romance that I know is just going to bring the swoon.

I have not read any of the other novels in this series but had no trouble jumping in here.

This book was all about the magic of the holidays. What do you get when you have a man who hates Christmas and a book about the holidays? Well, I can tell you it w ...more

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Oct 04, 2017 Mari rated it liked it

Shelves: 2017reads, arcs, netgalley

3.5 stars

I never read any of the other books in this series but I do love a good Christmas themed story. Plus this story takes place around the same time of release which made it interesting. From the prologue I had a feeling this event will be the a focal point of Darcy's issues later on. Ok so in the present I wasn't sure how to read her, she was complicated losing a mom so young despite getting cared for can have an effect. But I still didn't get why she was being rude and snippy to Ben. Ben 3.5 stars

I never read any of the other books in this series but I do love a good Christmas themed story. Plus this story takes place around the same time of release which made it interesting. From the prologue I had a feeling this event will be the a focal point of Darcy's issues later on. Ok so in the present I wasn't sure how to read her, she was complicated losing a mom so young despite getting cared for can have an effect. But I still didn't get why she was being rude and snippy to Ben. Ben was described as irritable and not social but I only saw a little of that at least he tried.

In a way opposites as Darcy loved the holidays and Ben avoided any of it. Darcy is pretty headstrong and inflexible, childish at times.But she seems to have good intentions just hardened. Same with Ben and his solitude, he lost all his joy with his hardships. They clashed alright helping Ben seemed troublesome and they just rubbed each other wrong. Bossy, prickly and stubborn clash. I like that Darcy loved the season despite everything, while I love the holiday season too not like she does anyway that was cute.

Neither of them anticipated getting snowed in. Well in a way it helped fan those flames that the combustible energy they had. Maybe it'll melt down walls. These two have this flawed way about them that makes it more realistic in character and that's something good. This isn't the typical holiday romance. While yes it has the cheery feel and feel good times it also has a lot of emotion and heartfelt moments. I liked the whole premise and setting I would have loved it if I wasn't as irked with Darcy.

It took a while for me to get feel of things and once I did the Shaughnessy family intrigued me. There was thankfully the character growth from Darcy which I'm happy about it was a painful process it happened. I will catch up on the brothers soon. It may very well take a whole lot of holiday magic to bring these two together. Holiday Spice is indeed spicy, a tad frustrating at times but good family fun. A bit of a spoiler for one who has not read any but the epilogue was a great addition and closure.

*** ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review *** ...more

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Sep 17, 2017 Erin Lewis rated it really liked it

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 arti 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 ...more

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Oct 28, 2017 Linda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, romance, netgalley, christmas

A fun, sexy read despite being frustrating at times...

He was the perfectly flawed man.

Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase is the sixth installment in the author’s Shaughnessy Brothers series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone even though the series features a family whose members appear throughout the books. It’s a fun, sexy read despite being frustrating at times. This is the long-awaited story of Darcy, the youngest and sole female in the Shaughnessy brood, and Benjamin Tanner, an artist and a lo ...more

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Oct 03, 2017 Lynn Lim rated it it was amazing

Shelves: absolute-keeper-shelf, review-authors, review-netgalley

Ok, I put off reading this book for several weeks. You see, I absolutely LOVE the Shaughnessy family and all the phenomenal stories about each family member the spectacular Samantha Chase has created. I did not want the stories about this family to end. Sorry, I am a bit greedy that way. But, I broke down and Darcy’s and Ben’s story is phenomenal!!! I think it is one of my favorites in this series.
My favorite type of romance is one that draws out a lot of emotions for me. Holiday Spice certainly ...more

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Oct 06, 2017 Tiffany Willams rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

"Getting snowed in would not affect him in any way, shape, or form.
Getting snowed in with Darcy? That was a whole other story. It would affect him in every way, shape, and form."

What do you get when you combine a reclusive artist who loves being alone with a girl who is outgoing and just wants to prove to her family that she is an adult?
You get a wonderful love story full of heart, sass, and family dynamic.

Darcy and Ben are thrown together for a work project, but what they didn't expect was the ...more

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Oct 03, 2017 Melissa rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-star

**ARC provided courtesy of InkSlinger PR**
I love a good holiday read; there's just something a little special about them. There is always a little extra magic, a little miracle work that just makes them a little sweeter. Holiday Spice from Samantha Chase definitely brought the holiday spirit for me.

I really liked Darcy. I completely understood her drive. She's best when she's busy, when she can avoid thinking and dwelling on herself. So instead she focuses on everyone and anything else at times. ...more

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Oct 05, 2017 Tiffany Willams rated it it was amazing

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Oct 04, 2017 Richelle Robinson rated it really liked it

I’m a sucker for all things Christmas and especially Christmas romance novels. This book didn’t disappoint as it was a perfect opposites attract type book. Darcy is outgoing and cheery while Ben is broody and a homebody. Their friendship gets off to a rocky start and that's when the story got interesting. I felt like Darcy got off the hook too easily with her assumptions and she was a little bratty. I wanted Ben to put her in her place for the way that she acted but sadly he didn’t at that time. ...more

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Aug 28, 2017 Mona rated it it was amazing

HOLIDAY SPICE: Book #6 in The Shaughnessy Brothers.
Ms. Chase brought tears, laughter and so much more to this book. It's like that in every single
one of the books in the series. But Darcy is different. You'll see why after you read.

Darcy was the only girl in the Shaughnessy household. Growing up with 5 brothers as nice as they are, loving and protective it was hard.

Now as a women she's doing her thing. Truth be told she's a little undecided. That's when her sister in law sends her to help a f ...more

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Sep 27, 2017 Hannah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

ARC REVIEW

I have read and enjoyed the previous book of Samantha Chase that I have read unfortunately none of the previous books I read belonged to this series. But that's not a problem this is just fine as a holiday stand alone.
What happens when an introvert and an extrovert fall in love. Ben lives for his art, he's a wood carver and he's trying to get the word about his art out to more people his PR person suggested a book
and while Ben loves the idea the fact that he has to write stuff is rea ...more

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Aug 27, 2017 Alex Sacha Chris rated it it was ok

Full disclosure, the name of the heroine (Darcy) is the name of my little niece. That put me in the unenviable position of one part amused at her antic, and three part exasperated at her.
First this is book six in The Shaughnessy Brothers series, and Darcy is the last sibling and only sister. Because this is part of a series, and I haven't read the previous books yet, my OCD had been bothering me nonstop. Those hint of the previous book because I haven't them yet made those part less then enjoya ...more

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Play Book Tag: Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase -- 4 stars	3	7	Jan 02, 2018 12:34PM

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Romance

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Holiday > Christmas

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Romance > Contemporary Romance

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About Samantha Chase

Samantha Chase

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New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan's Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40's to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and ...more

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Quotes from Holiday Spice

“Are you telling me there is something better out there than icing in a can? Because I’m finding it hard to believe. That’s been my dirty little secret for years.”

In a move he didn’t see coming, she chuckled and then shifted to straddle him until they were chest to chest. “That’s your dirty little secret?” She shook her head. “We’re going to have to work on that.” — 1 likes

“Head to toe, Ben pressed up against her, and Darcy wanted to rub along him.
There wasn’t room for her to move.
Her back was against the cabinet and counter, and Ben was all over her front.
Would it be wrong to purr? She wondered.” — 0 likes

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