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Gone South #3
Simple Gone South
The last time Brantley Kincaid had an argument with someone, he was eighteen years old—and he regrets it like he will never regret anything again. If only he had not balked at going to pick up his grandfather that day, his mother would not have driven into the path of a truck and there would be two fewer graves in Merritt Cemetery. Though a frequent visitor, he hasn't lived in Merritt since burying his mother and grandfather. But now he's coming back and it might not be so easy to hide behind his wit and charisma.
Outwardly, interior designer Lucy Mead is a beautiful, confident professional. Inside, she's the friendless, overweight girl who spent her life following her archeologist parents all over the globe. And who could forget those teenage years of turmoil and unrequited love? It would have been kinder if Brantley had not known she was alive rather than treating her like Robin to his Batman. She carries the humiliation to this day.
Their friends and Brantley's family are delighted when he sets his sights on Lucy, though Lucy isn't so sure. She cannot deny the attraction, but something is wrong. Does he really love her, or does he see her as a refuge and another way to run from his grief?
If she can’t find answers, what could be a simple, sweet life might go completely south.
Outwardly, interior designer Lucy Mead is a beautiful, confident professional. Inside, she's the friendless, overweight girl who spent her life following her archeologist parents all over the globe. And who could forget those teenage years of turmoil and unrequited love? It would have been kinder if Brantley had not known she was alive rather than treating her like Robin to his Batman. She carries the humiliation to this day.
Their friends and Brantley's family are delighted when he sets his sights on Lucy, though Lucy isn't so sure. She cannot deny the attraction, but something is wrong. Does he really love her, or does he see her as a refuge and another way to run from his grief?
If she can’t find answers, what could be a simple, sweet life might go completely south.
288 pages, ebook
First published November 4, 2013
85 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Hunter Pace
59 books116 followersAs Alicia Hunter Pace, Stephanie Jones and Jean Hovey write contemporary romantic comedy and light fantasy with a distinct southern voice.
Stephanie lives in Jasper, AL, where she teaches third grade and wishes for a bigger bookstore. She is a native Alabamian who likes football, civil war history, and people who follow the rules. She is happy to provide a list of said rules to anyone who needs them.
Jean, a former public librarian, lives in Decatur, AL, with her husband in a hundred-year-old house that always wants something from her. She likes to cook but has discovered the joy of Mrs. Paul's fish fillets since becoming a writer.
Stephanie lives in Jasper, AL, where she teaches third grade and wishes for a bigger bookstore. She is a native Alabamian who likes football, civil war history, and people who follow the rules. She is happy to provide a list of said rules to anyone who needs them.
Jean, a former public librarian, lives in Decatur, AL, with her husband in a hundred-year-old house that always wants something from her. She likes to cook but has discovered the joy of Mrs. Paul's fish fillets since becoming a writer.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 2, 2018
3.5/5. Entertaining but marred by some ultimately not entirely convincing parts. Ever since awkward and somewhat chubby 15 year old Lucy fell in love with the slightly older and very handsome Brantley, her best friend's other BFF, they have been in and out of each other's spheres for the last 20 years or so. More out than in, although for a brief moment in time many years ago, they so very nearly had something going on. Until Brantley bolted, just frustratingly short of popping her cherry. Since then, Lucy has been doing the bolting, whenever Brantley comes back to town to visit his family and friends. It's not an easy task finding excuses to disappear, especially since they share common group of friends.
Brantley left his home town soon after a car accident took the lives of his mother and grandfather. He still blames himself for the tragedy, the guilt of which continues to affect his approach to life, to relationships, to the idea of coming home. But he is back here after breaking up with his volatile girlfriend, and his grandmother has plans to keep him in town for good. And who ever can resist a meddling grandmother, motivated by love?
For the first time in a long time, Lucy finds herself unable to escape Brantley's presence. They interact, Lucy with caution and her heart well under wrap, while Brantley greets her with great enthusiasm and warmth. In fact, he absolutely cranks up the charm to the max, determined to ensnare her. This is where my forehead furrowed, my eyebrows were raised. I didn't get his behaviour. It was like he saw Lucy for the first time, rather than the umpteenth time, deciding that he had to have her, and he was rather stalkerish about it, refusing to accept her initial rejection and expressions of disinterest. It was no wonder, Lucy was wary. Where did this sudden obsession with Lucy come from, when she was perfectly resistible before? I found him frankly a bit creepy, and not that charming. His smile was too bright, his jokes too light - he just tried too hard. And Lucy, the poor dear, she did try initially, but when the subject of her youthful infatuation throws himself at her feet, she has no choice but to concede.
The book and the characters did improve towards the end when there was more emotional attachment and less physical leering. Actually, I was surprised that the the book's intimate scenes were rather tame compared to some CRs, but that was okay by me. The storytelling was fine, and if Brantley didn't come across as such a sleaze, I would have rated this higher.
The narrator did a decent job voicing this audiobook.
Brantley left his home town soon after a car accident took the lives of his mother and grandfather. He still blames himself for the tragedy, the guilt of which continues to affect his approach to life, to relationships, to the idea of coming home. But he is back here after breaking up with his volatile girlfriend, and his grandmother has plans to keep him in town for good. And who ever can resist a meddling grandmother, motivated by love?
For the first time in a long time, Lucy finds herself unable to escape Brantley's presence. They interact, Lucy with caution and her heart well under wrap, while Brantley greets her with great enthusiasm and warmth. In fact, he absolutely cranks up the charm to the max, determined to ensnare her. This is where my forehead furrowed, my eyebrows were raised. I didn't get his behaviour. It was like he saw Lucy for the first time, rather than the umpteenth time, deciding that he had to have her, and he was rather stalkerish about it, refusing to accept her initial rejection and expressions of disinterest. It was no wonder, Lucy was wary. Where did this sudden obsession with Lucy come from, when she was perfectly resistible before? I found him frankly a bit creepy, and not that charming. His smile was too bright, his jokes too light - he just tried too hard. And Lucy, the poor dear, she did try initially, but when the subject of her youthful infatuation throws himself at her feet, she has no choice but to concede.
The book and the characters did improve towards the end when there was more emotional attachment and less physical leering. Actually, I was surprised that the the book's intimate scenes were rather tame compared to some CRs, but that was okay by me. The storytelling was fine, and if Brantley didn't come across as such a sleaze, I would have rated this higher.
The narrator did a decent job voicing this audiobook.
September 3, 2021
what was up with this hero? he was so weird! i thought he was mental.
June 1, 2017
Simply Charming!
Such clever writing, and such a sweet, tender story. I raced through the book, which had been on my To Be Read shelf for a couple of years. Now I wonder why I didn't crack it open earlier.
Such clever writing, and such a sweet, tender story. I raced through the book, which had been on my To Be Read shelf for a couple of years. Now I wonder why I didn't crack it open earlier.
January 10, 2024
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down.
December 4, 2013
Alicia Hunter Pace's Simple Gone South is a five star standout!
There's something about romances set in the south that just draw me in. I find my brisk northern mind slowing down as I read along dreaming of sweet tea, honeysuckle, and southern drawls. One series that I discovered recently is Alicia Hunter Pace's Gone South - and I love it! Book three, Simple Gone South was just released and is simply a fabulous entry in the contemporary romance category.
I was fascinated by the character of Lucy and her quick exit from parties and events when playboy Bradley was to appear in Sweet Gone South (book 1); Scrimmage Gone South (book 2); and "Slugger Gone South" in Take Me Out (book 2.5) - and figured there was an interesting backstory. Simple Gone South (book 3) offers that story and more in a really touching and sensitive love story that made me pull out the box of Kleenexes to have on hand.
It's perfect time of year to read this as the story occurs in the fall and early winter (i.e. Thanksgiving and Christmas play a role). But I would suggest reading the previous three entries in the series (see above) as the characters interrelate and the stories are just so beautiful.
In Simple Gone South we discover that player Bradley has some hidden depths that guard emotional trauma, while Lucy needs to learn to trust in love and friendship. I really liked both of them and had fun with the description of their careers (restoration architect and interior designer). Their friends who feature prominently in the previous stories play a strong role here as well and the warm southern hospitality will melt the winter cold away…
There's a refreshingly innocent quality about this series that engages the reader along with humor, romance, and touching (and sometimes quite heated) love scenes. I do hope you'll add this to your must-read shelf as I have and enjoy a little southern comfort along the way.
Fab Fantasy Fiction: http://www.fabfantasyfiction.com/2013...
There's something about romances set in the south that just draw me in. I find my brisk northern mind slowing down as I read along dreaming of sweet tea, honeysuckle, and southern drawls. One series that I discovered recently is Alicia Hunter Pace's Gone South - and I love it! Book three, Simple Gone South was just released and is simply a fabulous entry in the contemporary romance category.
I was fascinated by the character of Lucy and her quick exit from parties and events when playboy Bradley was to appear in Sweet Gone South (book 1); Scrimmage Gone South (book 2); and "Slugger Gone South" in Take Me Out (book 2.5) - and figured there was an interesting backstory. Simple Gone South (book 3) offers that story and more in a really touching and sensitive love story that made me pull out the box of Kleenexes to have on hand.
It's perfect time of year to read this as the story occurs in the fall and early winter (i.e. Thanksgiving and Christmas play a role). But I would suggest reading the previous three entries in the series (see above) as the characters interrelate and the stories are just so beautiful.
In Simple Gone South we discover that player Bradley has some hidden depths that guard emotional trauma, while Lucy needs to learn to trust in love and friendship. I really liked both of them and had fun with the description of their careers (restoration architect and interior designer). Their friends who feature prominently in the previous stories play a strong role here as well and the warm southern hospitality will melt the winter cold away…
There's a refreshingly innocent quality about this series that engages the reader along with humor, romance, and touching (and sometimes quite heated) love scenes. I do hope you'll add this to your must-read shelf as I have and enjoy a little southern comfort along the way.
Fab Fantasy Fiction: http://www.fabfantasyfiction.com/2013...
October 30, 2017
Heartwarming. That's it. That's the word for this book. Brantley Kincaid has been seen in/out of all the books in this series. He's Missy's BFF and is definitely in the cool kids' club. He just hasn't been around for more than a couple of days at a time since he left for college. But now he's been drawn back into life in Merritt. Will he stick this time?
Lucy has a history with Brantley. No one knows about it. Heck, Brantley doesn't even really know how much it's affected his relationship with Lucy. He just knows that every time he's in town she's not. The rest of the group is beginning to notice this occurrence, too. Lucy denies any connection between her sudden trips and Brantley's visits. Except this time Brantley sneaks into town and Lucy doesn't have a chance to get outta Dodge. Oh, well, she's sure that Brantley is leaving soon. Surely she can stick it out for a couple of weeks, right?
This is second chance that barely had the first chance. It's a heartwarming story of grieving, healing, and discovery. It's finding out that running isn't always the answer.
Lucy has a history with Brantley. No one knows about it. Heck, Brantley doesn't even really know how much it's affected his relationship with Lucy. He just knows that every time he's in town she's not. The rest of the group is beginning to notice this occurrence, too. Lucy denies any connection between her sudden trips and Brantley's visits. Except this time Brantley sneaks into town and Lucy doesn't have a chance to get outta Dodge. Oh, well, she's sure that Brantley is leaving soon. Surely she can stick it out for a couple of weeks, right?
This is second chance that barely had the first chance. It's a heartwarming story of grieving, healing, and discovery. It's finding out that running isn't always the answer.
December 3, 2022
really sweet, southern charm
Lucy & Brantley are so sweet, but have so many misconceptions about each other. But perhaps, with the help of their lovely family & friends, they will figure out that they are perfect for each other.
Sweet, many southern lingo to enjoy & the Christmas traditions of the town are adorable!
Lucy & Brantley are so sweet, but have so many misconceptions about each other. But perhaps, with the help of their lovely family & friends, they will figure out that they are perfect for each other.
Sweet, many southern lingo to enjoy & the Christmas traditions of the town are adorable!
September 26, 2022
Great series
I loved Lucy and Brantley, it is so sad that Brantley carried all that grief and guilt for so many years. I was very happy that he and Lucy got it together. I definitely recommend this series.
I loved Lucy and Brantley, it is so sad that Brantley carried all that grief and guilt for so many years. I was very happy that he and Lucy got it together. I definitely recommend this series.
October 3, 2019
This is a cute, romantic and sweet story. I really like this series.
September 4, 2022
Loved this one. I'm enjoying this series.
March 28, 2023
The Gone South series is not for me. I loved Pace's other series though.
December 15, 2025
lovely book
January 7, 2017
Heart Warming
Very heartwarming book I love all the Gone South books. Great light hearted reading. These books made me laugh out loud and cry also. My only disappointment is there are only 4 books in this series.
Very heartwarming book I love all the Gone South books. Great light hearted reading. These books made me laugh out loud and cry also. My only disappointment is there are only 4 books in this series.
November 19, 2013
In Simple Gone South by Alicia Hunter Pace, Brantley Kinkaid has blamed himself for his mother and grandfather’s death when he was eighteen years old. He keeps wondering if he had not argued with his mom and if he had only gone to pickup his grandfather as requested if the accident would not have happened. But no matter what he knows that arguing leads to no good, and he makes he sure that he does not argue with anyone no matter what.
That’s why no matter what his on again off again girlfriend did or said he just let it go and got back together with her soon after. Until the day she took it too far and he was the one to end the relationship, this time definitely. Read More...
That’s why no matter what his on again off again girlfriend did or said he just let it go and got back together with her soon after. Until the day she took it too far and he was the one to end the relationship, this time definitely. Read More...
April 7, 2018
Lucy Mead and Brantley Kincaid are the main characters in this novel in the Gone South series. The main setting is again Merritt, Alabama.
The co-authors, who write as Alicia Hunter Pace, have done a fantastic job of creating and developing these characters. They carry over from one book to the next, so I would encourage anyone starting the series to read them in order.
The co-authors, who write as Alicia Hunter Pace, have done a fantastic job of creating and developing these characters. They carry over from one book to the next, so I would encourage anyone starting the series to read them in order.
January 17, 2017
Contemporary romance - no cliffhanger.....
Kindle Unlimited standalone in series. She's wanted him for years but he only saw her as family friend then as a woman but one he wants but runs away from before anything happens. Now he's back in town and wants her but can she trust he want run?
Kindle Unlimited standalone in series. She's wanted him for years but he only saw her as family friend then as a woman but one he wants but runs away from before anything happens. Now he's back in town and wants her but can she trust he want run?
February 7, 2015
very good
I enjoyed this story but can't say I loved it. I loved the characters but there seemed too much building up about the town and residents and not enough about Brantley and Lucy 4.5 stars
I enjoyed this story but can't say I loved it. I loved the characters but there seemed too much building up about the town and residents and not enough about Brantley and Lucy 4.5 stars
December 29, 2016
Romance of all time!
Loved it... must read this book again and again. So, glad all of the characters were revisited. Made the read flow so well... wonderful ending, too.
Loved it... must read this book again and again. So, glad all of the characters were revisited. Made the read flow so well... wonderful ending, too.
June 30, 2021
The series has been good. I'd recommend to anyone who wants a light read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews