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javalenciaph's review
5.0
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.
Made for Us is the first book in the new contemporary romance series from bestselling author Samantha Chase entitled The Shaughnessy Brothers. Aidan Shaughnessy is the eldest in a brood of six and has always been there for his father and siblings, especially after his mother passed away when he was eighteen. His family has told him to loosen up and enjoy his life but it isn't until he has Zoe Dalton working with him that he discovers a woman who isn't afraid to put him in his place and tell him like it is. They're both workaholics, but Zoe shows Aidan that it's okay to have fun and seize the day every now and again. However, when the family dynamic in the Shaughnessy household begins to change, Aidan finds himself pinning the blame on his new girlfriend, putting a strain on their very new but promising relationship.
There are several times that Aidan is described as someone who has a proverbial stick up his butt and it's obvious that there's a certain superiority complex going on with the guy, but I can see where he's coming from when it comes to his family and his business. He's very protective of his family and he likes things done a certain way when it comes to work, but those are two things that allow him to maintain control, believing that bad things aren't going to happen for as long as he has a firm grip on the situation. Zoe is as serious about her work as Aidan but she also knows how to be carefree and enjoy her leisure time. She's someone that Aidan can't easily manage or control, which is quite frustrating for someone like him, but once he relaxes into their relationship, it's easy to see that she's good for him and his sense of well-being.
The Shaughnessy family is composed of different personalities and it'll be interesting to see as to how each of the other siblings will find their happily-ever-after. I think it's safe to assume that Quinn Shaughnessy will be paired up with his best friend Anna Hannigan and that's one story that I'll certainly be anxious to read once it's out. With such a diverse group of characters, The Shaughnessy Brothers series looks like it'll be filled with a good mix of stories and I hope each one will be distinct from the others. This first book stirred up my emotions and I really enjoyed Aidan and Zoe's love story as well as the family interactions that have laid the ground work for the rest of the books to come in the series. Made for Us has drama and angst but it also has a fair amount of humor and enough romance to satisfy me. I'm giving it 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.
Made for Us is the first book in the new contemporary romance series from bestselling author Samantha Chase entitled The Shaughnessy Brothers. Aidan Shaughnessy is the eldest in a brood of six and has always been there for his father and siblings, especially after his mother passed away when he was eighteen. His family has told him to loosen up and enjoy his life but it isn't until he has Zoe Dalton working with him that he discovers a woman who isn't afraid to put him in his place and tell him like it is. They're both workaholics, but Zoe shows Aidan that it's okay to have fun and seize the day every now and again. However, when the family dynamic in the Shaughnessy household begins to change, Aidan finds himself pinning the blame on his new girlfriend, putting a strain on their very new but promising relationship.
There are several times that Aidan is described as someone who has a proverbial stick up his butt and it's obvious that there's a certain superiority complex going on with the guy, but I can see where he's coming from when it comes to his family and his business. He's very protective of his family and he likes things done a certain way when it comes to work, but those are two things that allow him to maintain control, believing that bad things aren't going to happen for as long as he has a firm grip on the situation. Zoe is as serious about her work as Aidan but she also knows how to be carefree and enjoy her leisure time. She's someone that Aidan can't easily manage or control, which is quite frustrating for someone like him, but once he relaxes into their relationship, it's easy to see that she's good for him and his sense of well-being.
The Shaughnessy family is composed of different personalities and it'll be interesting to see as to how each of the other siblings will find their happily-ever-after. I think it's safe to assume that Quinn Shaughnessy will be paired up with his best friend Anna Hannigan and that's one story that I'll certainly be anxious to read once it's out. With such a diverse group of characters, The Shaughnessy Brothers series looks like it'll be filled with a good mix of stories and I hope each one will be distinct from the others. This first book stirred up my emotions and I really enjoyed Aidan and Zoe's love story as well as the family interactions that have laid the ground work for the rest of the books to come in the series. Made for Us has drama and angst but it also has a fair amount of humor and enough romance to satisfy me. I'm giving it 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars. ♥
barbistull's review against another edition
4.0
Zoe Dalton has recently relocated to North Carolina from Arizona following the passing of her mother. Fulfilling her mother's dream of visiting the ocean, she finds a job at a local interior decorating business. It is at this business where she is told that she is going to work for a very difficult customer, Aiden Shaughnessy.
Aiden is the eldest of the Shaughnessy siblings, and after the loss of his mother seventeen years ago, he basically assumed the role of second parent in the raising of his siblings. As such, he was stubborn and thought that he always knew the right way to do things. When Zoe showed up at his model home to go through the work of the prior designer, Aiden was taken back by her approach.
The tension and sparks between Aiden and Zoe were flying, but they both were such strong personalities that it was difficult to make work. This book was a bit of a whirlwind, but ends with a HEA.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received an advanced copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Aiden is the eldest of the Shaughnessy siblings, and after the loss of his mother seventeen years ago, he basically assumed the role of second parent in the raising of his siblings. As such, he was stubborn and thought that he always knew the right way to do things. When Zoe showed up at his model home to go through the work of the prior designer, Aiden was taken back by her approach.
The tension and sparks between Aiden and Zoe were flying, but they both were such strong personalities that it was difficult to make work. This book was a bit of a whirlwind, but ends with a HEA.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received an advanced copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
mamabears_fabulous_book_finds's review
5.0
I want a Shaughnessy brother!
Ok, this is the first book in the series, and i am totally hooked!!! If you don't read this entire book in one sitting, I really admire your restraint! There is nothing better than an amazing woman shaking up the carefully planned out and controlled life of an Alpha man.
Ok, this is the first book in the series, and i am totally hooked!!! If you don't read this entire book in one sitting, I really admire your restraint! There is nothing better than an amazing woman shaking up the carefully planned out and controlled life of an Alpha man.
nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review
5.0
Aiden Shaughnessy has always been in control. After helping his dad raise his younger siblings after their mothers death, Aiden is known for being set in his ways and has an answer for everything. But when Zoe ends up being his interior designer all bets are off. Will Aiden change his ways and open his heart to let Zoe in? Or will the entire Shaughnessy clan be too much for their relationship? With wonderful characters and an emotional story about dealing with the death of a parent this is a beautiful story. The family sucks you in and the pages fly by quickly. I cannot wait to read more of this series.
brandypainter's review against another edition
2.0
I read the 5th book in this series [b:A Sky Full of Stars|32470587|A Sky Full of Stars (The Shaughnessy Brothers, #5)|Samantha Chase|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1494443210s/32470587.jpg|53061230] a few months ago and thought it was delightful. I wanted to go back and start from the beginning to read all the brothers stories. I'm sick right now and binged through the first 3 this weekend. I'm beginning to think Owen is the only delightful member of this family and that's why his book was so good.
This first one is almost painful to read because Aidan is such a jerk. I get that he has issues. (They ALL have issues. Which is understandable given they lost their mother young, but therapy would've gone a long way here I think.) But Aidan's issues mean that he behaves in a way I would never find admirable in a potential partner. I wanted Zoe to run far far away. He improves and is working on it by the end, but still feel like he needs to work on his life before he can be a decent boyfriend/fiancee/husband.
This first one is almost painful to read because Aidan is such a jerk. I get that he has issues. (They ALL have issues. Which is understandable given they lost their mother young, but therapy would've gone a long way here I think.) But Aidan's issues mean that he behaves in a way I would never find admirable in a potential partner. I wanted Zoe to run far far away. He improves and is working on it by the end, but still feel like he needs to work on his life before he can be a decent boyfriend/fiancee/husband.
bookloverchelle's review
3.0
A new-to-me author in a brand new series, I enjoyed the potential that Samantha Chase has provided the reader for a fun, contemporary romance series in a small town. Aiden is the oldest of six siblings, living close to family in the small town he grew up in. He owns and runs a construction company and is meticulous with every detail including the decorating for his model homes. When Zoe moved to be closer to the ocean from Arizona she was ready to start a new chapter in her life. Her first day working as the designer for Aiden she knows she's in for a challenge because the man is just stubborn, but is still attracted to him. She's ready to keep their relationship professional but when a hurricane blows through and they are stranded close together their relationship takes a turn. But when the sun comes out suddenly Aiden is gone and Zoe is left picking up the pieces. Can the man who wants to control it all let go of his heart and show Zoe that she should take a chance on him? A really sweet story. It earned 3 stars from me because they are closed door sex scenes. I prefer stories that get a little more down and dirty. Other than that, fun read!
jen286's review
4.0
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
4.5 stars
Made for Us is the first book in the Shaughnessy Brothers series and oh did I love it. I am glad there are so many Shaughnessy siblings so I have lots of stories to look forward to! I cannot wait to read them all!
Aiden is the oldest of the Shaughnessy kids and he has taken it upon himself to be the one everyone counts on. He helped raise his siblings when his mom died when he was eighteen. He is like a second father to them and is always there when anyone needs him. He has not dated much, he likes everything to be perfect, he doesn't deal well with change, and he always thinks he knows what is best. He builds houses and is working with a design company to get his show homes perfect. Only the designer working the job did not do what he told her to and he is not a happy camper. Why couldn't she just do what he had said?
Enter Zoe, designer extrodiaire and someone who can give Aiden a run for his money. She is called in to fix the first designers mistakes and she was amazing. She sees all the little things that are wrong, the construction things, the paint colors, etc. She knows Aiden is a tough customer, but she is more than able to keep up with him. Oh they are so perfect for each other!
That first day they meet was so great to read. Oh, I loved them both. Aiden isn't used to anyone questioning him or talking back to him. He just makes decisions and expects people to just follow him. He likes Zoe right from the start, but she is working for him so he should stay away. I loved him. I loved how he thought about everything and he was so adorable trying to figure out what is wrong at times. Like that first day he gives Zoe a ride home and asks if she has had dinner yet. She hadn't so he just assumes that a) she will eat dinner with him and b) the Italian place they are driving by will be fine. They are both hungry, here is a restaurant, what could be the problem? He was so cute! Zoe of course is not very happy that he didn't even ask her what she wanted to eat or if she would even eat with him. I loved it. I loved the way he thought and would be confused by how Zoe didn't think the same way he did. I really did feel bad for him at times. Poor Aiden not understanding other people. It was so cute.
Zoe is not a push over. She is just as stubborn as Aiden is. She is living on the beach, loving life, and has a crush on Aiden. She saw that first night how he is not just the tightly wound jerk that he usually is on the job site. She sees there is more to him, but she doesn't think he sees anything in her. When a hurricane is expected to hit the coast things heat up for the two of them. They have a lot of issues, but it didn't take away from the story. Aiden needs to learn to talk to Zoe and share things with her and Zoe needs to learn to tell Aiden when something bothers her as he won't get it on his own. He is definitely not one of those guys that will just pick up on what is wrong. He just doesn't think the same way.
Aiden does have a lot of issues to work through himself. He has always kept his family separate and when Zoe starts to become a part of the family it freaks him out. He doesn't like change at all and this is a big change. People are treating him differently, his family is treating him differently, and he doesn't like it. He is just so adorable! I loved him so much. Before they can find their happily ever after he needs to work through his issues and oh he was great. The end was so cute!
Through it all you get to meet the rest of the family. There is only one girl and I cannot wait for her story. She has to put up with 5 overprotecting brothers. I cannot imagine. Really I want to see all of them happy in love. I am so glad I have another great series by this author to fall in love with. Made for Us might be my favorite of her books thus far. Aiden and Zoe were just too cute and perfect together. I just loved this book so much!
4.5 stars
Made for Us is the first book in the Shaughnessy Brothers series and oh did I love it. I am glad there are so many Shaughnessy siblings so I have lots of stories to look forward to! I cannot wait to read them all!
Aiden is the oldest of the Shaughnessy kids and he has taken it upon himself to be the one everyone counts on. He helped raise his siblings when his mom died when he was eighteen. He is like a second father to them and is always there when anyone needs him. He has not dated much, he likes everything to be perfect, he doesn't deal well with change, and he always thinks he knows what is best. He builds houses and is working with a design company to get his show homes perfect. Only the designer working the job did not do what he told her to and he is not a happy camper. Why couldn't she just do what he had said?
Enter Zoe, designer extrodiaire and someone who can give Aiden a run for his money. She is called in to fix the first designers mistakes and she was amazing. She sees all the little things that are wrong, the construction things, the paint colors, etc. She knows Aiden is a tough customer, but she is more than able to keep up with him. Oh they are so perfect for each other!
That first day they meet was so great to read. Oh, I loved them both. Aiden isn't used to anyone questioning him or talking back to him. He just makes decisions and expects people to just follow him. He likes Zoe right from the start, but she is working for him so he should stay away. I loved him. I loved how he thought about everything and he was so adorable trying to figure out what is wrong at times. Like that first day he gives Zoe a ride home and asks if she has had dinner yet. She hadn't so he just assumes that a) she will eat dinner with him and b) the Italian place they are driving by will be fine. They are both hungry, here is a restaurant, what could be the problem? He was so cute! Zoe of course is not very happy that he didn't even ask her what she wanted to eat or if she would even eat with him. I loved it. I loved the way he thought and would be confused by how Zoe didn't think the same way he did. I really did feel bad for him at times. Poor Aiden not understanding other people. It was so cute.
Zoe is not a push over. She is just as stubborn as Aiden is. She is living on the beach, loving life, and has a crush on Aiden. She saw that first night how he is not just the tightly wound jerk that he usually is on the job site. She sees there is more to him, but she doesn't think he sees anything in her. When a hurricane is expected to hit the coast things heat up for the two of them. They have a lot of issues, but it didn't take away from the story. Aiden needs to learn to talk to Zoe and share things with her and Zoe needs to learn to tell Aiden when something bothers her as he won't get it on his own. He is definitely not one of those guys that will just pick up on what is wrong. He just doesn't think the same way.
Aiden does have a lot of issues to work through himself. He has always kept his family separate and when Zoe starts to become a part of the family it freaks him out. He doesn't like change at all and this is a big change. People are treating him differently, his family is treating him differently, and he doesn't like it. He is just so adorable! I loved him so much. Before they can find their happily ever after he needs to work through his issues and oh he was great. The end was so cute!
Through it all you get to meet the rest of the family. There is only one girl and I cannot wait for her story. She has to put up with 5 overprotecting brothers. I cannot imagine. Really I want to see all of them happy in love. I am so glad I have another great series by this author to fall in love with. Made for Us might be my favorite of her books thus far. Aiden and Zoe were just too cute and perfect together. I just loved this book so much!
stumpfed's review
3.0
I thought when I requested an ARC of this book that I would be getting in on the first of a hot series of brothers (and a sister) dealing with life and finding love. If this first book is any indication, we are just dealing with a fluffy over romanticized old fashioned detail ridden beach novel. It's not bad, but it wasn't great. The family has huge potential. This book was a dead mother downer in some really unnecessary ways. I'm not sure I'll keep reading, but if you like those relationship roller coasters and "I wish I hadn't said that so here is my over the top/solve everything gesture" then this book is for you.