Showing posts with label southern. Show all posts
Showing posts with label southern. Show all posts

Monday, November 11, 2019

Catch a Falling Star by Cindy Roland Anderson {Review}

Catch a Falling Star: Hudson Brothers Romance (The Royal Palms Resort Romance #4) by Cindy Roland Anderson
Kindle Edition, 212 pages
Published October 18th 2019 
Source: Kindle Unlimited
*As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small kickback with qualifying purchases.
 
 https://amzn.to/2NVkOHP    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48512283-catch-a-falling-star
 
She dreams of happily ever after. He doesn’t believe in love. What happens if their hearts belong together?

Londyn Montgomery has had enough of doing what her parents want, especially when they’re determined to marry her to a man who isn’t faithful to her. She decides to run away, hoping to find out who she is and what she wants out of life. In her desire to escape a life of being controlled, she speeds straight past Sheriff Owen Hudson and narrowly avoids a ticket. She vows to stay off his radar, but destiny has other ideas, placing Owen and Londyn on a path that leads straight to a future neither one of them planned for. 
 
My Review: 5 Stars
 
I'm finding that this author is the queen of writing the cutest first encounters ever! And don't worry--the fun didn't stop there. I couldn't wipe the dorky permagrin off my face throughout this one, although there were times when the grin turned into a full fledged smile of swoon, because this one was super swoony!
 
Brooding and handsome Sheriff Owen swept me right off my feet as the instant and intense attraction zinged between him and Londyn. I absolutely loved Owen and Londyn, flaws and all, and their chemistry was flammable--I couldn't get enough. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking to watch Londyn find herself, but the Southern charm that oozed through the pages definitely helped and gelled it all together. I loved everything about this story!
 
I cannot wait for the rest of the Hudson brothers series because these men are gentlemen, devastatingly handsome, and insanely intriguing. Bring them on!
 
Content: mild+ romance (some innuendo/affair, kissing--some passionate)

Monday, November 19, 2018

A Tree for the Billionaire by Michelle Pennington {Review}

https://amzn.to/2RYGB1J
A Tree for the Billionaire (A Southern Billionaire Romance) by Michelle Pennington
Kindle Edition, 134 pages
Publication: November 19th 2018 
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given
 https://amzn.to/2RYGB1J   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42731970-a-tree-for-the-billionaire
A woman who's lost her heart. A man who's just discovered his.

Getting hired as the personal assistant to the intelligent and attractive billionaire Christopher Warren seemed like a fairytale come true for Kate Ryan, but two years later, she hands in her two-weeks notice just before Christmas. How can she keep working for him day after day when she's in love with him? Not even the most beautiful and fascinating women in the world hold his interest, so there’s clearly no chance for her. Unfortunately, Mr. Warren seems determined to change her mind.

Christopher has felt estranged from the world his whole life, but no matter how lonely he is in the midst of his hectic life, he can’t seem to develop deep, lasting feelings for any of the woman he’s dated. But even as he decides to focus on business, his assistant Kate hands in her resignation. Determined not to lose her, he decides to spend everyday he has convincing her to stay. But staying in a remote cabin in the Smokey Mountains while Kate fills it with Christmas trees and gingerbread was not what he had in mind.

Kate has plans of her own.

My Review: 5 Stars

There's more to life than money and this is especially apparent as Kate tries to deliver a good, old-fashioned Christmas to her soon-to-be ex-boss, Chris. He's had everything money can buy, a plethora of beautiful women to date, and an assistant who knows him better than he knows himself, yet he doesn't seem to own true happiness. On the other hand, Kate has given her all to this dream job, but can't do it anymore because she's in love with this unattainable man.

I love the orderly drive that Kate possesses and even in the face of leaving her job, she's willing to give a little bit more to show Chris some true and simple love and tradition. I enjoyed watching Chris open his eyes to the world around him and to what's right under his nose.

The romance is a slow and sizzling burn, much like the steam from a hot tub out in the winter chill, but it's wholesomely satisfying. And I must say--the epilogue was the icing on top of this beautiful cake. This is one story that will ward off the frosty air and warm the heart.

Content: mild, swoony romance 

Friday, September 22, 2017

Blue Moon Kisses by Cindy Roland Anderson {Review}


Blue Moon Kisses (Georgia Moon Romance #3)
by Cindy Roland Anderson
332 pages, September 2017


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36230374-blue-moon-kisses?ac=1&from_search=true

At age twelve, Ashlee Nichols fell in love with her brother’s best friend, Beau Jacobsen. Everyone thought she was cute and that her crush was simply that…a crush. But her young heart had known he was the one, and she had planned on marrying him as soon as she was old enough. Unfortunately, when she confessed her feelings to Beau, he’d laughed, patted her on the head and told her he was flattered. Sure, Beau had been twenty-two at the time, but she knew she wouldn't always be a little girl. Just when she turned eighteen and was finally old enough to date him, Beau joined the Army and was deployed to Afghanistan. Now, six years later, Beau is back in Mitchel Creek, Georgia for a few weeks. He’s hotter than ever…and still ten years older, something he can’t seem to get past. He still sees Ashlee as a glorified little sister…or does he?


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My Review: 5 Stars

I love Anderson's books so much! From her lovely covers, to her fascinating plots, to her adorable characters, and her fun and exciting romantic moments, I feel like it's Christmas morning whenever I get to read a new story by her.

Ashlee has had an unrequited crush on her older brother's best friend forever. This girl is spunky, sassy, darling, and a magnet for trouble. I love how she's not shy about her feelings, yet she's not a stalker and overbearing. She's larger than life and I love her flirtatious little encounters with Beau. Speaking of Beau, his shy and awkward reactions to Ashlee is purely entertaining and endearing. It's amazing how a big, bad Army guy can bumble so much around this beauty. The chemistry that smolders and simmers with every encounter almost set my Kindle on fire! The situations that arise are comical, yet believable and So. Much. Fun!

Anderson captures the Southern charm and swoon-worthy relationships in a very delightful and fun way. I laugh; I sigh; I swoon. I honestly can't flip the pages fast enough and find myself completely immersed in the book, not wanting it to ever end because it's so darling and romantic. I've loved this series, with each book telling the story of one member of this enthralling family. This is one series that clean romance lovers won't want to miss!

Content: mild, swoony romance

*I received a copy, which didn't influence my opinion in any way.*

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Buy Link:

http://amzn.to/2yh1taR

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Kiss Me in the Rain by Lindzee Armstrong {Review}

Kiss Me in the Rain (A Destined for Love Romance: Mansions) by Lindzee Armstrong
Publication: September 19th 2017  

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35617860-kiss-me-in-the-rain?ac=1&from_search=true


Will she risk the home she treasures for the man she loves?

Cypress Grove has always been a treasured constant in Layla's perfect life. Now the mansion will be sold to the highest bidder if she doesn’t date an investor's son. The problem? The man she really wants just rolled into town.

Tyler is done being responsible and never going after what he wants. Layla's finally given him the courage to quit grad school and use his student loans to flip houses. And he's decided to move near Cypress Grove to do it.

When Layla happens upon suspicious ledgers at the mansion, her family's financial woes take a sinister turn. As Tyler and Layla work together to find the culprit, the attraction between them threatens to burst into flames. But admitting their feelings could spell disaster for Cypress Grove.


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My Review: 4.5 Stars 

I haven't ever been to the South, but I can sure picture the beautiful and historic mansions that dot the landscape and Armstrong does a really good job of bringing my visualizations to life. I especially enjoyed learning more about Tyler's house project because I can't look at something and picture the potential, so it's fun when others can do that.

Layla and Tyler are secondary characters in Armstrong's offering in the Destined for Love Romance: Europe set, but I think this story can stand on its own if you haven't read that one yet. Tyler and Layla had a connection in Europe, but he feels she's way out of his league and when he decides he's all in, he discovers that she's got a new boyfriend. Little does he know, it's a relationship of convenience.

I love the way this author uses mystery, suspense, and danger to balance out the romance, taking the plot to a deeper level. Don't get me wrong--the romance and sparks are definitely still there, but the characters are forced to connect in other ways. I loved watching it all unfold and although some parts a little predictable, there are still plenty of surprise twists. This story is a great start to this new set and I can't wait for the others!

Content: mild romance (kissing).

*I received a copy which didn't influence my opinion in any way. All thoughts are my own.*

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Buy Link:

http://amzn.to/2gZfZN9

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Sweet Tea and Kisses {Review}



Sweet Tea and Kisses

Kindle Edition, 552 pages
Published August 7th 2017 by IndieWrites

Discover the alluring world of the South with six sweet contemporary romance novellas from New York Times, USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors.

Chase fireflies that glitter on starry nights, listen to the call of the cicadas, and smell the luscious scent of magnolias as you experience the adventures of cowboys, brides, second chances, and unexpected romance all set in Atlanta. Don’t miss your chance to fall deeper in love as you explore the South through the eyes and hearts of these unforgettable characters.

A Kiss is Just a Kiss by Melinda Curtis, USA Today Bestselling Author. Kitty Summer has a wedding to stop. She’s sure the groom doesn’t love her sister, but how can she prove it? By testing his fidelity with one very public kiss, of course.

Taste of Tara by Shanna Hatfield, USA Today Bestselling Author. Falling in love never tasted so sweet… Pastry chef Tara Tarleton has one month to live out her dreams on a plantation in the South. Reality falls far short of her expectations until a chance encounter with a hunky horse wrangler changes her mind.

The Wedding Charm by Susan Hatler, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author. In order to retrieve and deliver an antique charm before her best friend’s wedding, maid of honor Sarah Carlton must fake being in love with her childhood nemesis, best man Ben Atkins.

Sassy Bride by Ciara Knight, USA Today Bestselling Author. A Cinderella meets Rich Charming tale set in small town, Georgia, full of sass and sacrifice. Can a girl form the wrong side of town win over the ugly in-laws, or will she lose her happily ever after forever?

It Could Happen to Us by Lucy McConnell, Contemporary Romance Author. An irresistible contemporary romance about a not-so-humble cop who splits his raffle ticket with an unlucky waitress and the actor who falls in love with her.

Hit and Run Love by Jennifer Peel, Award Winning and Bestselling Author. What happens when a no-nonsense lawyer and her ex-boyfriend, a police officer, run into each other? Lots of sparks, literally and figuratively. Will this be another hit and run? Or, this time around, will Harrison be able to convince Kallie to give up her running shoes?

The Sweet Tea and Kisses Boxed Set by the Sweet Six authors will have you falling in love with the South with every turn of the page.


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My Review: 4.5 Stars

It's no secret that I'm a lover of sweet romances! This collection is all about romance and it all takes place in the South. Really...what more could you want?! I love that there are different authors included because the voices are all unique and bring the characters to life. And best of all, the stories are short enough that you can read one a day (or in a sitting), but they're long enough to leave a reader completely satisfied.

The Southern charm oozes out of the pages and the love in the air kept a permagrin on my face. These are all great authors and I'm seriously in love with love, sweet tea, and smoochy, swoony kisses!
Content: one or two had very mild language; all had mild romance

*My thanks to the publisher, through Netgalley, for a copy. This did not affect my opinion.*

Friday, September 1, 2017

It Could Happen to Us (Magnolias and Moonshine #8) by Lucy McConnell {Review}



It Could Happen to Us (Magnolias and Moonshine #8) by Lucy McConnell
Kindle Edition, 114 pages
Published April 18th 2017 by Orchard View Publishing 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34197028-it-could-happen-to-us
An irresistible contemporary romance about a not-so-humble cop who splits his raffle ticket with an unlucky waitress and the actor who falls in love with her.

Allie Laurel Gray never wins anything. That’s why she’s shocked when a police officer returns with a winning raffle ticket to have lunch with baseball player Anthony Green and actors Mark Dubois and Beau Aikin. The prize includes a night at a hotel and since Allie’s apartment is being fumigated—again!—she agrees to go. Besides, who wouldn’t want to have lunch with three beautiful men?

Overwhelmed and a bit intimidated by the guys, Allie tries to keep a low profile. But Mark DuBois will not let her slip by unnoticed—in fact, he notices everything about her and Allie is quickly charmed by his gentle kindness.

Luck, especially Allie’s luck, can’t hold on forever and she’s soon forced to make a choice between her heart and saving Mark’s reputation so he can gain custody of his daughter.

Winning the lottery was easy compared to winning at love.
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My Review: 4 Stars
Cinderella has nothing on Allie Gray. As a waitress, she receives the tip of a lifetime when she's given half of a raffle/lottery ticket that allows her to attend an event with a few celebrities. I always wonder how I would act/react to being in close company to celebrities whom I admire. I would hope that I wouldn't fangirl too hard and could be like Allie.
 Mark is a charming, swoony celebrity and it throws him off when Allie doesn't gush over him. They have an instant connection, but that doesn't mean they don't have challenges to overcome and it's easier than it should be for Allie to throw it all away for a good cause. I'm not a fan of drama, but I'm a big believer that the best things in life require effort, so I like to see characters have to work for what they want because it means it's worthwhile.
I love a cute, swoony story and this one delivers. In my perfect world, everyone would be nice and sweet, but it's always good to have a villain and again, this one delivers. This book is really a lot of fun.

Content: mild romance

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Buy Link:
http://amzn.to/2g4HcRO

Thursday, August 31, 2017

The Sassy Bride: Gone With the Bride (Magnolias and Moonshine #1) by Ciara Knight {Review}



The Sassy Bride: Gone With the Bride (Magnolias and Moonshine #1) by Ciara Knight
Kindle Edition, 96 pages
Published April 10th 2017 by Defy the Dark 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34116953-the-sassy-bride
Abandoned by her parents and left to raise two sisters, Sadie Dixon has spent her life sacrificing for her family. When the eldest son of the rich Dumont family, Ashton, wins her heart and hand in marriage, he showers her with every advantage money can buy. But when their worlds collide, Sadie faces the first sacrifice she isn't sure she can make: leaving her family and lifelong dreams of owning a bakery behind for the man she loves.
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My Review: 4 Stars
I'm the oldest in my family and I can't imagine being left to raise my siblings while I was still a kid myself, but that's just what Sadie finds herself doing. She's a girl who is full of resentment for her lost dreams and lack of support, yet she works very hard to make her way in life and to be the mom her two sisters don't have. I have to admire her dedication to family and her passion for baking.
Ashton is such a great guy! Although his family is very wealthy, he's not conceited at all and he always seems to put Sadie's needs first. Man, that guy is always thinking about her and how to ease her burdens. But...it's hard to choose between the family you've known and the family of your future and he's not perfect.
Usually this type of story is about a couple meeting and falling in love, despite obstacles or doubts, but this one doesn't fit that mold, which kept it interesting for me. It made me think: would I choose family over money? Love over family? Money over love?  
Although this book is less than 100 pages, I felt the author did a really good job in developing the plot and the characters, especially the one (who shall remain nameless) that I couldn't stand. This is a great beginning to a fun series (they do not have to be read in order).   
Content: mild romance
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Buy Link:
http://amzn.to/2g4qdiG

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Taste of Tara (Magnolias and Moonshine #9) by Shanna Hatfield {Review}



Taste of Tara (Magnolias and Moonshine #9)
by Shanna Hatfield
Kindle Edition, 140 pages
Published April 29th 2017 by Shanna Hatfield 
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34214879-taste-of-tara?ac=1&from_search=true
 
Pastry Chef Tara Tarleton doesn’t want much out of life except to have a successful career and someday visit the South. When the opportunity arises to spend a month on a plantation near Atlanta helping bring a living history event to life, she jumps at the chance. Filled with grand visions of channeling a southern belle, disappointment settles over her when reality comes to call. Plagued with allergies, humidity, and a creaky old house, she’s ready hand over her mint julep and return home. Then she meets a man who rescues her from thugs, bugs, and herself.

Life has taught Brett Cutler to enjoy one day at a time. That’s exactly what he’s doing when a beautiful girl runs into his arms as she tries to escape men intent on harming her. From that moment on, he’s ready to plan the next fifty years of his future. The only problem is the woman who’s captured his heart has no intention of staying in town.

Taste of Tara is a lively, fun read that captures the sweet romance of following your dreams, no matter where they may lead.
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My Review: 4 Stars

Right from the start, I thought, "My sister would love this!" because of all the "Gone With the Wind" references, especially with the names. How clever are they?!

Tara is a Southern Belle at heart and it really shows when she has a chance to work as a pastry chef in Georgia. Her mannerisms, speech, and looks are a throwback to Scarlett O'Hara and she's in her element in this new job. Her romance with Brett (I almost typed "Rhett") is a little fast, but his Southern cowboy charm is hard to resist, even for a reader like me. I think Tara really caught him off guard and it's kind of sweet and adorable.

The mishaps that Tara experiences would have had me packing my bags to go home. That said, I couldn't help smiling and wondering what could happen next--and something always did. 
 
I love it when Tara has a chance to channel Scarlett, which really seems to turn up the notch in the romance area. There are a lot of fun moments, mingled with a few sappy times, but the food and charm completely won me over in the end.

Content: mild romance

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Buy Link:
 
http://amzn.to/2vQ2A2G

 
 

Friday, August 25, 2017

A Kiss is Just a Kiss (Magnolias and Moonshine #17) Melinda Curtis {Review}



A Kiss is Just a Kiss (Magnolias and Moonshine #17) by Melinda Curtis
Kindle Edition, 96 pages
Published April 27th 2017 by Purple Papaya, LLC 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34204963-a-kiss-is-just-a-kiss?from_search=true
Kitty Summer has a wedding to stop. She's sure the groom doesn't love her sister, but how can she prove it? By testing his fidelity with one very public kiss, of course.

That one kiss leaves Kitty stranded in Florida without her purse or cell phone and with her dotty grandmother and one jilted groom, aka Beck O’Brien. With only her bridesmaid dress to her name, Kitty needs Beck to help her get Granny back to Atlanta. And Beck needs Kitty to help him locate his bride so he can win her back. But the closer they come to finding Maggie, the more Beck wonders if a kiss is just a kiss.
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My Review: 4 Stars
I can think of plenty of ways to stop a wedding besides kissing the groom, but that's what Kitty does to try and prove that her younger sister's fiance, Beck, isn't really committed. Can you imagine?!

Kitty is a great character. As the oldest in my family too, I can understand her need to be there for her sisters, to protect them and help them. These sisters seem like a handful for sure, but I'm not sure that gives Kitty the excuse to do what she did--she took things a lot further than I would have! 

Understandably, she needs to work things out with her sister, Maggie, and ends up on a wild goose chase across Florida to find her--with a jilted groom and a crazy grandma as her sidekicks. And it's that situation right there that brings the humor, adventure, love, and tenderness to the story. I couldn't stop smiling and laughing at the antics that Grandma Dotty causes, which leave Beck and Kitty in the middle of the aftermath. Beck sure does handle the situation with more patience and gentleness than I ever could have imagined.

Even with all of the antics popping up all over the place, there is an solemn and sweet underlying thread that gently tugged on my heartstrings. I absolutely adored the ending, as well as the whole entire journey. This is one series that I don't want to miss.

Content:  mild romance
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Buy Link:
http://amzn.to/2w1HEEp

  

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}


Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson
Paperback, 232 pages
Published September 2016 by Covenant Communications 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31499647-southern-charmed?ac=1&from_search=true
Lila Mae Guidry is a Southern girl through and through. As a fourth-generation Latter-day Saint in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she’s proud of her heritage as both a Southerner and a Saint—and she doesn’t take kindly to people who disparage either. Ten years ago, Max Archer was just that kind of jerk. As the mission president’s son, Max spent his entire three years mocking the South . . . and teenage Lila. After Max’s family moved away, Lila forgot about her sworn enemy. Almost.

When a new job brings a grown-up Max back to Baton Rouge, Lila is less than thrilled with his reappearance, especially since everyone seems intent on throwing her together with this old adversary. Yet fight as she may, Lila soon realizes resistance is futile—their connection is undeniable. Max embodies everything she wants in a man—except perhaps the most important thing—her life is rooted in the city she loves, but his dreams are bigger than Baton Rouge. With such mismatched visions of the future, Max and Lila are faced with a life-altering decision: jeopardize their aspirations or risk losing love.
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My Review: 5 Stars
There's something about that South that gives me the warm fuzzies. I've never lived there, but I love the way the people are so true to their roots, are so polite, and have a way of making everyone feel like warm honey. This book exemplifies the Southern hospitality and really brings Baton Rouge's way of life to life.
Lila is all grown up and teaching school. She wants to be married, but her prospects are slim. When Max comes back to town, she's expecting the same "punk" from her teenage years, but discovers that sometimes people grow up. He's everything she wants--on paper--but he didn't grow up in the South and isn't rooted to it like she is. And that's where priorities come in: what is most important?
The characters in this book are religious (LDS/Mormons), and while I didn't feel it was preachy at all, some readers who aren't familiar with the faith may be lost at some of the events and terminology. It's refreshing to read a story with these types of characters in such a culturally rich setting. I love Lila, her matchmaking mother, and Max. I especially loved the little side angle of Lila's teaching. She sounds amazing, especially with the way she is able to handle and reach out to her students at this rough high school. I love romantic connections and the chemistry is full of tension so thick, you could almost cut it with a knife. This is a darling story and one that I really enjoyed.
Content: mild romance; moderate religious elements. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
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Buy Links:
http://amzn.to/2cZDR0L
 https://deseretbook.com/p/southern-charmed?variant_id=143441-paperback

About the Author:

Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She consumes astonishing amounts of chocolate, chick flicks, and books. After meeting her own husband on the Internet, she is now living happily married in Southern California with her growing family and a series of doomed potted herbs. 

Giveaway: 
   
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour:

  

Monday, March 30, 2015

Review/Giveaway: House Divided by Jennifer Peel

House Divided (1)

house dividedHouse Divided
There is a law irrevocably decreed in the state of Alabama that you must choose a team. You're either an Auburn fan or an Alabama Fan. There is no fence sitting or waffling. It’s one or the other. However, it doesn't mean that you can’t fall in love with someone from the opposing side. They even have a name for it ... House Divided. Ellie Eaton and Brady Jackson were just such a couple, but unfortunately they were separated by more than just their loyalty to a university. Against the odds and against the rules, Ellie and Brady dove right into the forbidden current of friendship and then love. Their sweet, innocent romance was one for the storybooks, but old rules and family prejudices ultimately tore them apart, just as they were each ready to depart to their beloved universities, Ellie to Auburn and Brady to Alabama. But years later, when near tragedy strikes, they're brought together again and given a second chance at love, this time with help from some very unlikely sources. House Divided is a sweet romance filled with southern charm, a dash of humor and, for good measure, a pinch of lies and intrigue. 

My Review:
Ellie and Brady are from feuding families. Not only do their families cheer for opposing football teams, which is huge in this small Alabama town, but the town is divided into sides because of something that happened years ago. You're either on the Eaton side or the Jackson side and there's no middle ground. Forbidden to be friends, in the same school classes, or even to talk to each other, these two find themselves secretly falling in love during high school, until family duty tears them apart. Fast forward ten years. Brady and Ellie find themselves getting reacquainted and given a second chance, but things don't go as smoothly as they hope. I love it when there are obstacles to overcome and when things are hard. The best things in life don't come easy.

I completely fell head over heels in love with the South and with this couple. Brady is a swoon-worthy hero. He's so loyal, dedicated to everything in his life, and a good ol' Southern boy with manners, charm, and persistence to prove it. Ellie has been hurt and refuses to let her guard down...until she just can't fight it anymore. She's independent, yet not so much that she can't let a man take care of her.

The story is full of fun characters and situations that were written in a very visual way. Brady's niece, Caroline, and Ellie's aunt, Aunt Lu, stole the show. Both are so sweet and full of spunk.

I am completely hooked on Jennifer Peel's books! They are on my favorites shelf, are full of fantastic, clean romance, and the situations are realistic and not sugar-coated. The characters all feel as if they are good friends and I can't stop thinking about them after I close the book. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by her!

Content
Clean romance (kissing, brief mention of unwed pregnancy, mild innuendo); no violence; mild language (2-3 mild words); mild religious elements (it's the South--church is a part of life, but nothing is preachy). Clean!


Praise for the Book
"House Divided was one of those books that made me want to ignore my children, my to-do list, my need for food, and pretty much anything else that would keep me from reading. Jennifer Peel has a real gift for depicting first love, heartbreak, and hope."

"A tender, soft, story that truly is a gem to read."

"Ms. Peel has created a story that stands as a tribute to true southern gentility, it's foibles and strengths. Truly a beautiful read that gives heart and meaning to true devotion. She truly knows how to weave a story that has beauty and true southern charm."

Excerpt

He kept pace with me nicely and reached for my hand. There were too many people around for me to pull away from him. I wouldn’t embarrass him like that. He grinned at me. He knew me too well. On the elevator, I refused to look at him, but I knew he was looking at me. I could feel it. Before we reached the ground floor, he leaned over. "Ellie, you’re so pretty when you try to ignore me."

I was ready to turn and look up at him with my icy glare, but he had the sweetest, sappiest smile on his face and I just couldn’t. I couldn’t help but smile back at the fool, but I did shake my head at him. As we walked off the elevator, he leaned in again. "You’re even prettier when you smile at me."

I lightly elbowed him.

He chuckled.

As soon as we made it to the parking lot and were alone, I tried to let go, but he anticipated. He pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around me.

"Let go of me, Brady Jackson."

"Ellie Eaton, I have no intention of ever letting you go again, and I’ll pick you up and throw you over my shoulder if I have to."

"You would do no such thing."

"That sounds like a challenge, darlin’."

"Don’t you dare, Brady! I’ll scream."

"Even better," he said as he scooped me up without any effort and threw me over his shoulder. He apparently still worked out like an athlete. I could feel his muscles, which kind of made me forget that I was completely furious with him for taking such liberties with me.

"Brady Jackson, put me down! I’m not seventeen anymore and I’m not your girlfriend!"

"No, you’re definitely not seventeen anymore," he responded salaciously. "The last ten years have done your body good. You filled out quite nicely. And as far as you being my girlfriend, that’s just a technicality I plan on fixing.

"I can’t believe you just said that. Does your momma know you talk like that?"


 
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Jennifer Peel HeadshotAuthor Jennifer Peel
 I'm a Colorado native who currently calls Alabama home. I'm the mother of three amazing children who have grown up way too fast. I enjoy the mountains, vacations at the beach, date night with my husband, late night talks with my kiddos, touring model homes, and pink bubblegum ice cream. I grew up on the Western Slope in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I learned to love the beauty of the outdoors, but not camping--unless staying overnight at the Marriott counts. I met my husband while living in Denver and then several years later we traded the beauty and majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the art and culture of Chicago, Illinois. My family and I enjoyed living near this world class city, despite the crazy cold winters, but new adventures awaited in Northern Alabama--just six hours away from Orange Beach, Alabama. These three magical places (the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Chicago, and Orange Beach) are the inspired locations used in several of my books.


Jennifer Peel

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