Holiday Spice

September 4, 2017
Chase completes the Shaughnessy series with the youngest sibling—outspoken but sweet Darcy Shaughnessy—finding love with talented, reclusive writer Benjamin Tanner. At the request of her sister-in-law, Savannah, Darcy travels to Seattle to help Ben finish his book and ends up getting snowed in. Used to standing up to her five overprotective brothers, Darcy is tough and occasionally intimidating, but Ben isn’t cowed. He immediately sets her straight when she wrongly accuses him of having inappropriate feelings for Savannah. Once the air is cleared, they use their snow days to indulge in good food, deep conversation, and passionate lovemaking, making it difficult for them to let go when the weather clears and Darcy needs to return home to find a permanent job. They decide to have a long-distance relationship, but the more time they spend in the presence of others, the more their differences begin threatening the love they found with each other in Seattle. Chase maintains the missing matriarch’s connection, ending this wonderful series the same way it started: with great writing, a winsome ensemble, and the perfect blend of heart and sass. Agent: Mark Gottlieb, Trident Media Group.

August 1, 2017
When Darcy goes to work for Ben, an artist, helping him organize his commitments, they find their relationship enhanced by a blizzard.Darcy Shaughnessy's life has always been shadowed by her five older protective brothers, but now that she's a young adult, her North Carolina family's meddling is grating on her. Finding a good arts administration job is hard, and the Shaughnessy clan's tendency to perceive her as flighty and aimless doesn't help. When Darcy's sister-in-law Savannah sends her to Washington state to help an artist friend with a book submission, the two get off to a good start, until Ben waxes eloquent about Savannah. Darcy is turned off--misconstruing his admiration for romantic interest--and her attitude cools, straining their collaboration. When a huge early snowstorm strands her, Ben has the opportunity to explore her sudden hostility. Darcy, used to her brothers' high-handed interference, is surprised by his even-keeled confrontation, and once she gives him a chance, it isn't too long before they're half in love. As the stress-inducing holidays approach, the two decide to pursue a long-distance relationship, hindered by Ben's isolationist tendencies, Darcy's highly social personality, her family's tightknit nature, and their struggle to see Darcy as anything but the baby of the family. Chase's final chapter of the popular Shaughnessy series is a touching and realistic exploration of a couple's decision to take a risk on love despite some "opposites attract" issues and difficult circumstances. A few excessively immature moments--including the first misunderstanding--may make readers wonder what they see in each other, but the satisfying resolution ultimately enhances the journey. A light, fun, yet emotionally complex romance made even more appealing by its redemptive Christmas elements.

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September 15, 2017
Ben Tanner is happiest alone in his woodworking studio, but he needs help writing a book. A friend suggests Darcy Shaughnessy, and they are instantly attracted but unable to act until a huge snowstorm forces them to face their concerns, including Ben's difficulties with celebrating Christmas. This highly engaging romance is one of the strongest in Chase's (A Sky Full of Stars, 2016) excellent Shaughnessy Brothers series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)