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Southern Comfort #4
Nemesis
Chosen as one of the Best Reads of 2013 by Kindles & Wine Blog.
What happens when your childhood nemesis turns out to be the love of your life?
That’s only one of the dilemmas Sadie Rose Mayhew must face when she returns to her childhood home. Seeking a fresh start after her broken engagement, Sadie moves into the house she left behind as a teen. Neglected since the death of her grandmother, Sadie sets about putting the place back together just as surely as she’s repairing her life – the main problem at first being her next door neighbor.
Sadie remembers Declan Murphy as the pesky little brother of her best friend Kathleen, the fly in the ointment of her childhood. And when they encounter each other again on an adult playing field, the sparks they struck against each other as kids turn to full-fledged pyrotechnics – especially when Sadie’s life is threatened on one of her first nights in town by two very aggressive burglars with an agenda.
There is something in Sadie’s grandmother’s house that her last renter left behind, something valuable enough to drive men to kill.
And as both Sadie and Declan learn, sometimes your enemies are closer than you think.
What happens when your childhood nemesis turns out to be the love of your life?
That’s only one of the dilemmas Sadie Rose Mayhew must face when she returns to her childhood home. Seeking a fresh start after her broken engagement, Sadie moves into the house she left behind as a teen. Neglected since the death of her grandmother, Sadie sets about putting the place back together just as surely as she’s repairing her life – the main problem at first being her next door neighbor.
Sadie remembers Declan Murphy as the pesky little brother of her best friend Kathleen, the fly in the ointment of her childhood. And when they encounter each other again on an adult playing field, the sparks they struck against each other as kids turn to full-fledged pyrotechnics – especially when Sadie’s life is threatened on one of her first nights in town by two very aggressive burglars with an agenda.
There is something in Sadie’s grandmother’s house that her last renter left behind, something valuable enough to drive men to kill.
And as both Sadie and Declan learn, sometimes your enemies are closer than you think.
522 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
75 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Clark O'Neill
23 books247 followersOne fine day in the not-too-distant past, Lisa Clark O’Neill left Wittenberg University with a BA in English, which she promptly neglected. After working as an interior designer, decorative artist, and Montessori art teacher (there may have been a BA in art as well,) she finally settled into the role of mother to two very fine children. However, two years of doing the stay-at-home-mom brain cell melt drove her to pull out a pen and one of her old college notebooks. That turned into six manuscripts. Lisa spent subsequent years avoiding housework by burying her nose in just about every romance novel she could get her hands on, after completely falling in love with the genre. Her own work falls into the romantic suspense sub-genre, with strong comedic undertones. Two of Lisa's recent novels, Circumstantial Evidence and Malice, were chosen as Best Reads of 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 22, 2015
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Quick summary
Sadie Rose Mayhew got a pair of ortho-soled shoes from her fiancé for Christmas and it was the proverbial last straw. She calls off the wedding and returns to Charleston, her hometown, and lands right in the path of her childhood nemesis, Declan Murphy.
A bit of background
Sadie was raised by her grandmother who lived next door to the Murphys. Declan terrorized her as a child (think snakes, frogs, those kind of things). The adult version is a rather surly and difficult man who seems thrown by her return.
What I loved about this story
I wasn't excited to read Declan's story...until I started it. First, it begins with a chilling prologue, setting the tone for the suspense aspect. It's similar to those movies where the audience is in on what's really going on and you're screaming at the characters to watch out!
Next, I was immediately drawn into the romance when Declan sees Sadie for the first time and is just knocked out. I got a quick glimpse under that unpleasant veneer and knew the feisty Sadie was going to be perfect for him.
Lastly, when the romance and suspense intersected, I could barely breathe or put the book down. It's that good.
The bottom line
It's impossible to say much more without spoiling the story. It's steamy and scary, full of surprises and twists. I keep thinking this series can't sustain the momentum and am now convinced, without a doubt, it will. If you like Karen Rose, you'll love these stories. Right now, there's only one book remaining but the author has shared some exciting plans for other stories to come. I'll be buying them as soon as they're released.
Quick summary
Sadie Rose Mayhew got a pair of ortho-soled shoes from her fiancé for Christmas and it was the proverbial last straw. She calls off the wedding and returns to Charleston, her hometown, and lands right in the path of her childhood nemesis, Declan Murphy.
A bit of background
Sadie was raised by her grandmother who lived next door to the Murphys. Declan terrorized her as a child (think snakes, frogs, those kind of things). The adult version is a rather surly and difficult man who seems thrown by her return.
What I loved about this story
I wasn't excited to read Declan's story...until I started it. First, it begins with a chilling prologue, setting the tone for the suspense aspect. It's similar to those movies where the audience is in on what's really going on and you're screaming at the characters to watch out!
Next, I was immediately drawn into the romance when Declan sees Sadie for the first time and is just knocked out. I got a quick glimpse under that unpleasant veneer and knew the feisty Sadie was going to be perfect for him.
Lastly, when the romance and suspense intersected, I could barely breathe or put the book down. It's that good.
The bottom line
It's impossible to say much more without spoiling the story. It's steamy and scary, full of surprises and twists. I keep thinking this series can't sustain the momentum and am now convinced, without a doubt, it will. If you like Karen Rose, you'll love these stories. Right now, there's only one book remaining but the author has shared some exciting plans for other stories to come. I'll be buying them as soon as they're released.
June 16, 2017
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
Another great addition to the series. I really enjoyed this book, although I did feel a bit frustrated now and then by several characters seeming oblivious to all the obvious weird stuff going on around them.
I like this author and look forward to reading more by her.
Another great addition to the series. I really enjoyed this book, although I did feel a bit frustrated now and then by several characters seeming oblivious to all the obvious weird stuff going on around them.
I like this author and look forward to reading more by her.
December 31, 2013
I picked this one up free from Amazon, and I'm SO glad I did! I'd never heard of this author before, but by the end of Nemesis, I quickly bought her other books in the Southern Comfort series. One of the best romantic suspense books I've read in quite a while, Nemesis was dark and dirty and gritty and sexy, all in a laugh out loud package that tempered the violence and gave you humor totally relatable to your own childhood. I can't say enough great things about this book & can't wait to dive into another work by this talented author!
December 12, 2015
I found this as a free read on Kindle and its one of my better finds. Southern suspense and great characters create a really good read. Lisa Clark O'Neill has woven together some well developed and likable characters - they have just the right mix of flaws and strengths that makes them human and likable. Even with Declan's issues (more than a little a surly) , he makes a great hero because he deals with his issues and does the right thing. It doesn't hurt that he's steeped in southern awesomeness. The author has you liking the good guys and wanting the bad guys caught. In addition to well developed main characters, the secondary characters are nicely developed but they don't overshadow the main story. The suspense plot is solid and the story moves well. I would read more from this author and would recommend this book.
November 4, 2013
If you haven't read any works by Lisa Clarke O'Neill, you're missing out on some terrific reads. Without fail the author once again delivers an engaging novel full of mystery, suspense, and romance; not to mention terrific characters. You could read the books out of order as they can be read as stand-alones. However, I highly suggest you start out with "Serendipity," book 1 in the "Southern Comfort" series. I can't wait to read her next book, "Obsession." I just hope we don't have to wait too long for it.
December 10, 2013
I got this book free from Amazon. It was amazing!! As soon as I finished this one, I bought the first book in the series. You can read out of order as I am finding out (just finished the first one in the series)but man I love this series. Perfect combination of mysteries, angst and romance!
my-kindle-freebie-to-read
December 8, 2013 FREE TODAY 12/8/13 on Amazon
US LINK: http://amzn.com/B00FJ5JK6Q
UK LINK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FJ5JK6Q
CDN LINK: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00FJ5JK6Q
US LINK: http://amzn.com/B00FJ5JK6Q
UK LINK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FJ5JK6Q
CDN LINK: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00FJ5JK6Q
February 25, 2017
I wasn't much of a Declan fan from the previous book but Lisa sure knows how to change a reader's mind. Declan Murphy is a surly man, who has a supportive family even though he pushes them away every chance he gets. Behind that veneer is a man who takes responsibility beyond shame and guilt for what happened to his mother. He has never forgiven himself and that has held him back in several aspects of his life.
Sadie Mayhew has known Declan ever since he was born and endured his torture living as the next door neighbor. After stepping out on her fiancé, Sadie decides to return to her home to her grandmother's place to find herself again. After the first night, she gets chased out by some robbers looking for an item believed to be hidden in the house by the last renter, whose body has shown up in a bathroom stall. Sadie turns to Declan for help seeing as he still lives next door, and the chemistry between them exploded. Without time to really discover what's really between them, they're targeted by the same people who broke into Sadie's house and their fight to get free was super intense.
Like I said, I really had a change of heart with Declan after I understood him better. The banter between him and Sadie was funny, clever, and suit both their personalities. The suspense element was well done, I was tensed the last half of the book, not knowing what's going to happen next with the bad guy still lurking around. The action happens right till the very end of the book and made for a great read.
Sadie Mayhew has known Declan ever since he was born and endured his torture living as the next door neighbor. After stepping out on her fiancé, Sadie decides to return to her home to her grandmother's place to find herself again. After the first night, she gets chased out by some robbers looking for an item believed to be hidden in the house by the last renter, whose body has shown up in a bathroom stall. Sadie turns to Declan for help seeing as he still lives next door, and the chemistry between them exploded. Without time to really discover what's really between them, they're targeted by the same people who broke into Sadie's house and their fight to get free was super intense.
Like I said, I really had a change of heart with Declan after I understood him better. The banter between him and Sadie was funny, clever, and suit both their personalities. The suspense element was well done, I was tensed the last half of the book, not knowing what's going to happen next with the bad guy still lurking around. The action happens right till the very end of the book and made for a great read.
December 8, 2013
a very unexpected good read!
I saw that this facebook page I follow (three chicks and their books) posted a book that was free.. temporariliy (?).
For some odd reason, free books kinda click into my mind that they suck, that weren't that good so why make people pay for a crappy book.
So they tend to automatically be bad for me. mental head thing
Fortunately that wasn't the case for this book.
As I said in my progress reading thing, the style of this book was kind of written like Poughkeepsie. different POVs from a lot of the characters, not just the couple mentioned in the blurb, and they all tie together.
I was expecting a very modern reunion book. Like girl comes back to town finds out the boy who used to annoy the hell out of her is hot, then they hook up.
Well we still get that, but we also get a crime mystery. Not your typical psycho one, this one has you thinking. Kind of makes you wonder what's going to happen next.
I wouldn't say it's the best mystery out there, I mean it's not like a huge riddle that you just can't crack. I was able to find out who did this and who did that. It's just not.... cliche.
OVerall, It was a great book that I was happy to get for free!
I saw that this facebook page I follow (three chicks and their books) posted a book that was free.. temporariliy (?).
For some odd reason, free books kinda click into my mind that they suck, that weren't that good so why make people pay for a crappy book.
So they tend to automatically be bad for me. mental head thing
Fortunately that wasn't the case for this book.
As I said in my progress reading thing, the style of this book was kind of written like Poughkeepsie. different POVs from a lot of the characters, not just the couple mentioned in the blurb, and they all tie together.
I was expecting a very modern reunion book. Like girl comes back to town finds out the boy who used to annoy the hell out of her is hot, then they hook up.
Well we still get that, but we also get a crime mystery. Not your typical psycho one, this one has you thinking. Kind of makes you wonder what's going to happen next.
I wouldn't say it's the best mystery out there, I mean it's not like a huge riddle that you just can't crack. I was able to find out who did this and who did that. It's just not.... cliche.
OVerall, It was a great book that I was happy to get for free!
February 13, 2014
What happens when your childhood nemesis turns out to be the love of your life?
That’s only one of the dilemmas Sadie Rose Mayhew must face when she returns to her childhood home. Seeking a fresh start after her broken engagement, Sadie moves into the house she left behind as a teen. Neglected since the death of her grandmother, Sadie sets about putting the place back together just as surely as she’s repairing her life – the main problem at first being her next door neighbor.
Sadie remembers Declan Murphy as the pesky little brother of her best friend Kathleen, the fly in the ointment of her childhood. And when they encounter each other again on an adult playing field, the sparks they struck against each other as kids turn to full-fledged pyrotechnics – especially when Sadie’s life is threatened on one of her first nights in town by two very aggressive burglars with an agenda.
There is something in Sadie’s grandmother’s house that her last renter left behind, something valuable enough to drive men to kill.
And as both Sadie and Declan learn, sometimes your enemies are closer than you think.
Enjoyable and easy read. well developed characters and a credible story line
That’s only one of the dilemmas Sadie Rose Mayhew must face when she returns to her childhood home. Seeking a fresh start after her broken engagement, Sadie moves into the house she left behind as a teen. Neglected since the death of her grandmother, Sadie sets about putting the place back together just as surely as she’s repairing her life – the main problem at first being her next door neighbor.
Sadie remembers Declan Murphy as the pesky little brother of her best friend Kathleen, the fly in the ointment of her childhood. And when they encounter each other again on an adult playing field, the sparks they struck against each other as kids turn to full-fledged pyrotechnics – especially when Sadie’s life is threatened on one of her first nights in town by two very aggressive burglars with an agenda.
There is something in Sadie’s grandmother’s house that her last renter left behind, something valuable enough to drive men to kill.
And as both Sadie and Declan learn, sometimes your enemies are closer than you think.
Enjoyable and easy read. well developed characters and a credible story line
Read
February 13, 2015I love these books!
Declan is a real son of a bitch and builds his reputation though the prior books in this series, which is why his story is so satisfying. This is the old tale of how the boy that pulls your pigtails really likes you, only grown up and with lots of heat. Well, mostly grown up as we get the story of the two main protagonists, Declan and Sadie, going back to their tumultuous childhoods. Sadie had dealt with Declan pulling her pigtails and tormenting her for years. Then time and circumstances separate them and Declan begins his journey into being the biggest ass he can be for reasons that are revealed through the course of the book. Declan redemption and love story is full of nail biting suspense, harrowing action sequences and a really beautiful story of true love and introspection. 5 stars again Lisa! Bravo!
Declan is a real son of a bitch and builds his reputation though the prior books in this series, which is why his story is so satisfying. This is the old tale of how the boy that pulls your pigtails really likes you, only grown up and with lots of heat. Well, mostly grown up as we get the story of the two main protagonists, Declan and Sadie, going back to their tumultuous childhoods. Sadie had dealt with Declan pulling her pigtails and tormenting her for years. Then time and circumstances separate them and Declan begins his journey into being the biggest ass he can be for reasons that are revealed through the course of the book. Declan redemption and love story is full of nail biting suspense, harrowing action sequences and a really beautiful story of true love and introspection. 5 stars again Lisa! Bravo!
January 13, 2014
Once again, this author nailed it. Another great book. The characters, setting, story, suspense and humor take us into another place because you can really get into this book. Add that to a love/hate relationship between the two main characters which turns into just plain love when they least expect it. Some really bad guys trying to do them in just strengthens it more while a twin brother and a best friend (sister to twin brothers) help them through it in unexpected ways. You just simply can't go wrong with this author. Like the saying goes, where has she been all my life? I hope she is here to stay and just keeps on putting out those great books. A definite winner.
January 14, 2014
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS MADE ME REMEMBER ALL THE HORRIBLE LITTLE DECLAN'S I KNEW. DECAN & SADIE WERE HILARIOUS, I LOL SO MANY TIMES I STARTING GETTING LOOKS. THEY HAD A VERY STEAMY HOT LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP. THE ONLY THING I SORTA DIDN'T LIKE WAS THE DRAWN OUT ENDING SEEMS IT COULD HAVE ENDED SOONER. MAYBE I WAS JUST IN A HURRY TO SEE HOW IT WAS GONNA END. HOWEVER I LOVED THIS BOOK AND THAT'S A REALLY ROCKIN' COVER KINDA STRANGE BUT I LIKED IT TOO. ;D
July 20, 2016
Very good book, explains a lot about Declan's behavior in other books. I loved the interaction of the main characters. This is a great suspense, mystery romance. I like how the characters overlap from book to book with the exception of the first book. I would like to know more about them.
December 20, 2013
Like the previous books I've read of Lisa's, this one stands on its own. Great characters and intriguing storyline keeps you reading. If I could have taken off from work I would have. Don't hesitate to read setting she has written. She is a gifted author.
November 23, 2013
I generally don't like arguing lovers but this story was great, a good blend of humor and misunderstanding. Lots of excitement and I liked the twin relationship too. Wonderful series
December 9, 2013
An unexpectedly fun read! Most of my free Amazon reads are so blah but you never know what gem is in the rubble and this one kinda was a gem.
December 19, 2013
Great book! Drama, suspense, humor, romance. A page turner. Happily surprised. The series looks great too
December 13, 2013
Good
Omg this was a good book. I didn't know it apart of a series. I need to start from the beginning. Great job
Omg this was a good book. I didn't know it apart of a series. I need to start from the beginning. Great job
January 11, 2014
Really enjoyed this, proper in depth characters, great mystery/suspense/romance that sucks you in, has it's lighter moments too, nice balance.
June 16, 2014
It was a very interesting, well thought out story. The writing superior, great references and the dynamics of the characters. It's worth the read
December 12, 2013
Really good!! Suspense, mystery, humor and romance!
December 11, 2017
This lady can write, that's a fact.
Okay, I skipped Serendipity and Deception. I read Forbidden first then Nemesis. The romance aspect of this book was fascinating. Declan and Sadie knew each other from young as Sadie and Declan's older sister were best friends. Btw, Sadie was 2 years older than Declan.
Declan has been a thorn to Sadie's existence since young. He always came out with creative ways to torture her. However, Sadie did not lie on the ground and say, "Go ahead Declan,do your worst" She always fought back. Their banters were frequent and hilarious.
The crime/thriller aspect.
I found it quite boring and dragging. The perpetrators went to hell and back, murdering, kidnapping, impersonating just for a
For those who have never read anything by this author before, do give it a try.
Okay, I skipped Serendipity and Deception. I read Forbidden first then Nemesis. The romance aspect of this book was fascinating. Declan and Sadie knew each other from young as Sadie and Declan's older sister were best friends. Btw, Sadie was 2 years older than Declan.
Declan has been a thorn to Sadie's existence since young. He always came out with creative ways to torture her. However, Sadie did not lie on the ground and say, "Go ahead Declan,do your worst" She always fought back. Their banters were frequent and hilarious.
The crime/thriller aspect.
I found it quite boring and dragging. The perpetrators went to hell and back, murdering, kidnapping, impersonating just for a
For those who have never read anything by this author before, do give it a try.
August 27, 2017
Must read!
I start reading one of these books, and I just immediately get sucked in. It's romantic suspense at its best, scorching chemistry, with edge of your seat suspense. I like O'Neill's books because the romance isn't cheesy. Her straightforward writing style is easy to read, and the characters are well developed. Highly recommended!
I start reading one of these books, and I just immediately get sucked in. It's romantic suspense at its best, scorching chemistry, with edge of your seat suspense. I like O'Neill's books because the romance isn't cheesy. Her straightforward writing style is easy to read, and the characters are well developed. Highly recommended!
October 20, 2019
“I… need her to be safe.”
Declan had no idea the little pest next door would turn out the way she did. After so many years away from home, Sadie comes home to find her best friends brother and her personal nightmare is all grown up.... These two are the definition of opposites attract! Super series! Awesome read! Enjoy!!!
Declan had no idea the little pest next door would turn out the way she did. After so many years away from home, Sadie comes home to find her best friends brother and her personal nightmare is all grown up.... These two are the definition of opposites attract! Super series! Awesome read! Enjoy!!!
June 22, 2017
AWESOME BOOK!!! Declan and Sadie are a great couple. I also love the friendship relationship between Kathleen and Sadie. If you haven't read any of a Lisa Clark O'Neill's books you are missing out.
September 11, 2017
Ms. Clark-O'Neill is a recent find for me - I enjoy her writing style and characters. A fun, fast paced read - just the way I like um!
December 14, 2018
I liked this book. It was of course predictable but a good read with plenty of on the edge of your seat excitement !
August 8, 2019
Nemesis review
Nemesis is the fourth fast paced romantic suspense book in the Southern Comfort series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill.
Nemesis is the fourth fast paced romantic suspense book in the Southern Comfort series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill.
December 13, 2019
Wow! The most exciting of them all up to now. Even harder than ever to put down —-but a gal’s got eat and sleep. Now on to book 5 —Obsession.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews