Anything by Samantha Chase I will never turn down. She is one of my favorite romance authors. Those who know me will think it's a bit odd that's she's one of my favorites since I normally love and adore New Age contemporary romance with steamy scene and alpha males or sassy heroines. Chase's style does have any of those. I still love the sweet, squeaky clean stories she gives her readers.

I received this novella from Chase's promotional team (their logo is posted at the end of the posting). I was not disappointed.

Mallory Westbrook has crushed on Jack Summerford since she was twelve years old. She decided that this year, she's going to make her move on him. Boy does she. She breaks out of her shy drooling from afar norm to asking Jake to help her. Help with his lips. Even after she captures Jake's attention, things are not as smooth as she hoped.

Jake has worked for Coleman Construction since he was a teen. Zeke and the entire Coleman family is like a second family to him. This is his last summer at the Magnolia Sound, he leaves for college in Colorado in the fall something he's put off for a few years. While at Zeke's 90th birthday celebration, Mallory caught his attention. She didn't have those curves last summer when she came to visit her great grandfather. He knows that he's not the only man who's looking. At first, he tells himself to stay away because of the four year age difference or how Zeke is his mentor or...or...yeah he doesn't buy any of his own excuses either which is why he he caves to her.

Both of them are leaving in the fall, can they do a long distance relationship?

Can their relationship survive?

This novella does NOT end with a HEA. It is a novella prequel to Remind Me, where their story is concluded. It is a nice introduction to the characters. ( )

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Sunkissed Days was a lovely book! I adored all of the characters, especially Pops. He's my new favorite fictional grandpa (and great-grandpa). He's a sweet old man that has lived a very eventful and fulfilling life, and we see how he has impacted the lives of his family and community. Pops also shares a special relationship with his great-granddaughter, Mallory, and the boy next door, Jake. They've both played prominent roles in his life, and he cares about them and their futures. This story really warmed my heart, and made me miss my own grandfather. Zeke (short for Ezekiel and also Pops) was witty and seemed to always know what was going on.

Mallory and Jake have known each other for years, so it wasn't exactly insta-love, but it was close. Jake briefly resisted the attraction, because the four-year age difference had mattered in the past, but quickly succumbed to his emotions and desires (not that Mallory made it easy for him). Mallory has had a crush on Jake for years, and now she's finally old enough to do something about it. I appreciated her boldness and honesty, and really enjoyed the two of them together. They respected one another, and their interactions were sweet and frequently steamy. It was nice watching the two develop their friendship in addition to their romance.

Everything was going really well for Jake and Mallory at the beginning, so I expected them to hit a snag eventually. Unfortunately, I disliked that this particular roadblock could have been solved with more communication. A lack of communication and conversation always bugs me, especially when they've been really open and honest throughout the rest of the book. They shared their secrets, fears, and desires, but when a misunderstanding happens they just don't talk about it. It was heartbreaking, but avoidable. Also, Jake took stubborn to an entirely new level. I really wish he had accepted Pops' help from the start and avoided a slew of other problems, but his pride prevented him from accepting a kind gesture.

There were also a few inconsistencies, but that's likely my review copy and things have been changed since I received it. Mallory would be out on the deck, but then sit down on her bed. At the beginning, Sam pushed the final chair up to the table, but a few sentences later Jake added the last chair -- stuff like that. It's like an itch my brain cannot scratch, so I thought it was worth mentioning.

I was also really curious about Sam! He's Mallory's twin (and I'm weirdly obsessed with books about twins) and seemed really nervous and on edge for most of the book. Clearly something was going on, and I was anxious to find out what it was. I enjoyed the subtle side-stories that surrounded Mallory and Jake. The entire family was fun and felt authentic!

Sunkissed Days was a wonderful prequel to a series I'm really excited to read! The ending was a little hard to choke down, but I understand it's setting up the next book. If Remind Me is anything like this one (minus the painful ending), I'll be a very happy camper.

Originally posted at Do You Dog-ear? on February 26, 2019. ( )

Samantha Chase has a talent for reminding us to remember the emotions we can so easily forget. Sunkissed Days blends a few life lessons into what looks to be an emotional series. For Mallory and Jake a teenage crush could lead to an adult fantasy, if life doesn't get in the way of their happy ending. From heart tingles to heart ache, Chase takes emotions through some serious growing pains with this couple.
( )

Sunkissed Days is the prequel to Samantha Chase’s new Magnolia Sounds series. This story is set 6 years before book one starts & serves to introduce readers to the characters & their backgrounds. Mallory Westbrook has had a crush on Jake Summerford for years. Now she’s given herself a makeover & is determined he’ll see her now. Jake tried to resist but as they spent the summer together, they both realized the strength of their feelings. At the end of the summer, Jake is set to finally start school after saving up some money. Mallory is in school in New York. Will they continue as a long distance romance, break up or will Mallory convince him to switch schools to one closer?

Ms. Chase is starting a new series filled with her unique characters & relationships. Due to this story being the prequel, it has one thing that she typically doesn’t subject her readers to - a cliffhanger. This serves to make her readers even more anxious for the next story than ever. Sunkisssed Days manages to engage the readers from the beginning & gets them involved in the characters lives. Jake & Mallory make us reminisce about first crushes, first kisses & broken hearts. I loved the glimpse into the families lives & how intertwined they all are. I’m impatiently awaiting the first book in the series! ( )