Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt of Test Drive by Samantha Chase

Author: Samantha Chase

Series: RoadTripping #3

Release Date: June 23, 2020

Willow Andrew’s life is a hot mess.

Coming from a family of successful professionals, the fact that at twenty-seven she still doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up doesn’t sit well. Desperate not to disappoint her grandmother, she invents a fake boyfriend so Gammy won’t worry so much. It seemed a victimless lie... until Gammy announced that Willow AND her boyfriend needed to be present at her 75th birthday party. Or else. Out of time and options, Willow turns to the sexy bartender she’s been secretly crushing on for help.

Levi Sullivan has his life in order and thrives off helping others.

In fact, he would do anything to help out a friend. But he’s angling for far more than friendship with Willow. Entranced by the clumsy beauty since the first time he watched her trip over nothing, he happily agrees to a chance to spend more time with her. Fake romance or not, he’s determined to use their long-distance road trip to turn a game of pretend into something more.

Warning—the roads ahead will twist and turn with laugh-out loud moments and sizzling chemistry. But traffic should be aware, the journey ahead is far more important than the destination.

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Test Drive is the third book in the Road Tripping Series.  It definitely cn be read as a stand alone. This one is willow and Levi's story.  Along with the road trip trope, it's also a fake boyfriend trope.  For the most part, I enjoyed the romance.  What really save it for me was Levi.  I loved his character.  Loved his outlook on life and love.  But, I'll be honest, it took me a long time to warm up to Willow.  Is anyone really that clumsy?  Apparently, because I was reminded of it on almost every page.  Her insecurity drove me crazy.  I just couldn't see someone wanting to put up with that long term.  She did grow on me toward the end and I could see she was finally gaining some confidence and was willing to stand up for herself.    My favorite character was Gammy.  I hope I'm that spunky when I'm her age.  She was hilarious.  I do think it's worth checking out.

Excerpt

“I must say, Willow. Well done.”

It was really hard to relax in the massaging chair while getting the world's greatest foot rub when all your grandmother wanted to do was talk about sex.

The car ride over had been hell.

The only silver lining was that her mother had opted out of getting pedicures–she thought the salons were too unsanitary.

I wish I had thought of that…

“Gammy, please…”

“All I’m saying is I…” She paused and seemed to consider her words. Reaching over, she held one of Willow’s hands. “Now, don’t be upset with me, but…”

“But…?”

“But I was beginning to think you made him up.”

Eyes wide, Willow had no idea what to say. Her mouth seemed like it was moving, but no words came out.

“You were always so vague on the phone whenever we talked about Levi, and at first, I thought you were just being shy. Then I thought you didn’t want to share because the relationship was new and you didn’t want to jinx it.” She sighed. “But after a while, I thought he was a figment of your imagination, and honestly, I didn’t want to embarrass you by calling you out on it.”

Maybe I can go for a bikini wax and get away from this.

“When the two of you pulled into my driveway though, hoo-wee! I got a glimpse of Levi and thought, what a lucky girl you are!”

Seriously, hot wax all over my crotch would be less painful…

“And his hands! Oh, my…he has the kind of large hands that you know can make you tingle in all the right places!” She shook Willow’s hand excitedly. “Is he a good kisser?”

“Gams, I’m really not comfortable talking about this with you. Or anyone, really. What Levi and I have is…private.”

“Sweetie, there’s nothing wrong with sharing just a little bit. It’s all harmless fun. I mean, I’m 75 years old. It’s not like I haven’t been where you are. I mean, your grandfather–God rest his soul–was a wonderful husband and a fantastic lover…”

“OH MY GOD!” her hands flew over her ears.

“Sex is a healthy part of life! I’m not asking for specifics, just a general idea. Although, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish for you to have a fantastic sex life too. You’re young and pretty and have such a curvy little body! Honestly, I wish my boobs were still…”

“Lalalalala!” Willow cried out as she stuck her fingers in her ears.

Gammy swatted at her arm. “I never would have pegged you for a prude, Willow. I have to say, I’m a little disappointed.” And with a dramatic sigh, she turned her attention to the nail attendant who was massaging her feet. “That feels wonderful. Thank you.”

They sat in silence for several minutes until Willow couldn’t take it anymore. “Okay, Gam, here’s the thing,” she began carefully. “I’m just not used to…you know…talking sex with anyone other than my friends. My mother never talks about it…”

“Your mother’s too uptight.”

No argument there…

“You know what I’m saying. We never did this before and…”

“You never brought a sexy boyfriend here before.”

“We never did this before,” she repeated for emphasis. “And I’m not comfortable this.”

“Would it help if I told you a little about my sex life?”

Oh, dear God…

“Remember the night I beat you at Words With Friends and I mentioned I was going out with Donald?”

“If I say no, can we change the subject?”

“No.”

“What if I say yes? Then can we change the subject?”

“I’m ignoring you and telling my story,” Gammy said stubbornly. “Now, I wouldn’t say that Donald is my steady beau, but we do out together once a week, and he has been known to spend the night.”

Groaning, Willow turned her head and rested it on her hand.

Again.

“Viagra is a game-changer, let me tell you.”

“I really wish you wouldn’t.”

“But I really miss the spontaneity, you know? Sometimes it would be nice to just be able to…you know…do it whenever we wanted rather than waiting those pesky thirty minutes.”

Another groan.

“One time, Donald took two pills instead of one!” She laughed joyously. “Now that was a memorable night!”

“Levi’s an amazing kisser! And his hands are a little rough and scratchy, and I love the way they feel against my skin! And the sex is the stuff of fantasies!” Willow blurted out loudly and then noticed the entire nail salon had gone quiet.

Dammit.

Gammy gave her a knowing grin. “I knew I’d wear you down.”

“Gammy…” she whined.

“The stuff of fantasies, huh? Bravo!”

“Yup. Fantasies.”

Mainly because that’s the only point of reference I have where sex with Levi is concerned…

“I’ll say it again, Willow. Well done. I think he is absolutely perfect for you.”

About the Author

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than forty titles under her belt! When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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