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Southern Belle
Rudy Rae is her name. She also goes by Minnie. She’s a Southern girl, born and raised in Albany, Georgia. Strong women raised her, although some might challenge that statement and view the women who raised her as weak because of how they allowed their husbands to treat them. At the tender age of thirteen years old, she was taught how to sit up straight, fix a man’s plate, and be the submissive wife that she needed to be. In her teenage years, Rudy wasn’t interested in these teachings. Instead, she had her head in her books and was determined to be the complete opposite of the women in her family. She wanted to go to college, graduate, and work in a promising career field where she could take care of herself. In this thing called life, things don't always go the way we plan.
Years go by, and Rudy is officially a woman. Her dreams and desires have fallen by the and been replaced by the duties of a proper southern wife and mother. She’s now married to Zacardi Marshall, the mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. Zacardi is the perfect husband and father from the outside looking in, but he can be a monster behind closed doors.
This book will take you on a journey of lessons. The seeds planted in Rudy’s head as a child played a significant role in how she bloomed as an adult. The same women she vowed to be nothing like might be the women she holds the most in common with.
Years go by, and Rudy is officially a woman. Her dreams and desires have fallen by the and been replaced by the duties of a proper southern wife and mother. She’s now married to Zacardi Marshall, the mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. Zacardi is the perfect husband and father from the outside looking in, but he can be a monster behind closed doors.
This book will take you on a journey of lessons. The seeds planted in Rudy’s head as a child played a significant role in how she bloomed as an adult. The same women she vowed to be nothing like might be the women she holds the most in common with.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
March 14, 2024
Horrifying Read
This is the most heinous book I've ever read.
I can't believe all the trauma this poor woman had to endure.
From people that should have loved and protected her.
If I had to rate this book on the actual content, I would rate it a negative 50k
But it was written so well and had me so completely invested it was hard to put down.
So many triggers. So much abuse. Rudy did not deserve any of this. Bless Iris for standing 10 toes down behind her friend. I just really hope Rudy gets her revenge WITH Green. Hopefully, Zoey is the catalyst that brings that scumbucket to his knees and sends him to h e l l. Literally.
This was my first read by this author...I need to know what happens next but I kind of hope I forget about it and let this entire story rest in pieces.
This is the most heinous book I've ever read.
I can't believe all the trauma this poor woman had to endure.
From people that should have loved and protected her.
If I had to rate this book on the actual content, I would rate it a negative 50k
But it was written so well and had me so completely invested it was hard to put down.
So many triggers. So much abuse. Rudy did not deserve any of this. Bless Iris for standing 10 toes down behind her friend. I just really hope Rudy gets her revenge WITH Green. Hopefully, Zoey is the catalyst that brings that scumbucket to his knees and sends him to h e l l. Literally.
This was my first read by this author...I need to know what happens next but I kind of hope I forget about it and let this entire story rest in pieces.
July 13, 2025
2.75⭐️
I really don’t even know what to say about this one. The pacing was good and I never really wanted to put it down but it wasn’t because it was a good book, more so just to see where this was headed.
Honestly, I was expecting something TOTALLY different when I picked it up. I was expecting historical fiction from the cover and the content at the beginning of the book (definitely misleading)
So imagine my surprise when the setting ended up being in present day! Huh?? How are these things happening now??🤔
It’s almost like historical fiction was the original plan for the book then somewhere it just took a turn to suspense mixed with a little urban fiction.
The theme and flow was kind of all over the place and I can’t say that I’m truly satisfied.
There was sooo much repetition. Topics and points were overused to the point that I was like “okaaaaay, I get it!!”
This left on a cliffhanger but honestly I’m not invested enough to continue.
Definitely one to pick up when you’re in the mood for something to just past the time as I did.
I really don’t even know what to say about this one. The pacing was good and I never really wanted to put it down but it wasn’t because it was a good book, more so just to see where this was headed.
Honestly, I was expecting something TOTALLY different when I picked it up. I was expecting historical fiction from the cover and the content at the beginning of the book (definitely misleading)
So imagine my surprise when the setting ended up being in present day! Huh?? How are these things happening now??🤔
It’s almost like historical fiction was the original plan for the book then somewhere it just took a turn to suspense mixed with a little urban fiction.
The theme and flow was kind of all over the place and I can’t say that I’m truly satisfied.
There was sooo much repetition. Topics and points were overused to the point that I was like “okaaaaay, I get it!!”
This left on a cliffhanger but honestly I’m not invested enough to continue.
Definitely one to pick up when you’re in the mood for something to just past the time as I did.
March 3, 2024
This story starts with Rudy as a 13 year old girl in Albany, Ga. At 13 years old the little girls in the town attend a Little Miss Southern Belle class where Rudy’s grandmother teaches them how to be “good wives”. The kind of wife that keeps her mouth closed. The kind that stays home to tend to the kids while the husband works. The kind that looks the other way when her husband cheats. The kind that will have to take a “beating” every once a while.
Rudy was a small, feisty little thing and she wanted to grow up to be an independent woman. She didn’t desire to be dependent upon her husband- she had dreams.
Imagine my surprise when the story jumps to Rudy being married to the Mayor of Atlanta with FIVE KIDS. Her husband, Zacardi, is the worst mmc I’ve read about in a long time. He was a liar, cheater, abuser, and literally wanted to keep Rudy “barefoot and pregnant”. I really struggled through his POV.
A lot of the beginning/middle of the book were repetitive in my opinion. You didn’t really get to the meat of the story until the end when secrets are exposed. Rudy’s mother and grandmother …horrible people and they continue to pass down trauma. I have faith that Rudy will be the one to break the cycle. I didn’t realize that this would be a series, but I’m open to finding out how this all ends for this family.
Definitely make sure you check the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. There is heavy abuse and colorism throughout the book.
Rudy was a small, feisty little thing and she wanted to grow up to be an independent woman. She didn’t desire to be dependent upon her husband- she had dreams.
Imagine my surprise when the story jumps to Rudy being married to the Mayor of Atlanta with FIVE KIDS. Her husband, Zacardi, is the worst mmc I’ve read about in a long time. He was a liar, cheater, abuser, and literally wanted to keep Rudy “barefoot and pregnant”. I really struggled through his POV.
A lot of the beginning/middle of the book were repetitive in my opinion. You didn’t really get to the meat of the story until the end when secrets are exposed. Rudy’s mother and grandmother …horrible people and they continue to pass down trauma. I have faith that Rudy will be the one to break the cycle. I didn’t realize that this would be a series, but I’m open to finding out how this all ends for this family.
Definitely make sure you check the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. There is heavy abuse and colorism throughout the book.
August 18, 2025
This book really struck a chord with me. I felt such a mix of anger and sadness as I read about Ruby's situation. It’s heartbreaking to think about how she was treated like a punching bag by her husband. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for her to stay with someone so controlling for so long. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships. This story taught me a lot, and I hope others can learn from Ruby's experience as well.
January 8, 2026
This book surprised the heck out of me. Based on the cover, I thought I was going into a historical fiction. I literally had to reread the synopsis, lol. I did enjoy the story, but whew… it was heavy. That monster of a husband had me heated, but not just him, her mama and grandma too. They expected her to be at his every beck and call, damn near barking like a dog. When people say “be submissive to your man,” this is absolutely not what that means. Hell nahhhh. I want no parts! Submissive does not mean accepting abuse just so you can say you have somebody. Her family was full of bird-brain behavior, and it was painful to read. The secrets that came out toward the end were wild. I will be reading book two, but I definitely need a little break first. The husband’s POV made me sick. Watch your triggers please!
August 13, 2024
Omg the ending, left me speechless 😶 let me go read book 2‼️
February 13, 2026
3.5🌟
From the cover and the synopsis, I didn't get what I thought I was getting at all. Not to say the book was bad. I wanted Rudy to STAND UP! And her husband, mother and grandmother was some of the most backwards, disgusting people I have ever seen. Iris was the only character I enjoyed. I will however, read the second part just to see if Rudy puts her big girl draws on!
From the cover and the synopsis, I didn't get what I thought I was getting at all. Not to say the book was bad. I wanted Rudy to STAND UP! And her husband, mother and grandmother was some of the most backwards, disgusting people I have ever seen. Iris was the only character I enjoyed. I will however, read the second part just to see if Rudy puts her big girl draws on!
July 25, 2026
Baby this needs to be a on STARZ because the drama is top teir. Misery loves company. Her mama and grandma were miserable AF, so they made sure she was too. I really want to see how all of this is going to unfold. Book 2 here I come.
July 2, 2025
GWRROOOLLLL….. I finished this book in a day and lemme tell you….. so good! 👏🏾👏🏾
There are SEVERAL TRIGGER WARNINGS such as abuse, abortion, mommy issues, lies etc.
WOW! I did NOT expect all that went on in this book but lemme tell you I ate it UP! I was rooting for Rudy the entire book and was so glad that she finally found some strength by the end.
Zacardi is DEF in my top 5 book villains. I HATED his character. Just pure evil and insanity. I think the mother Porsha came in at a strong #2 and Mimi the grandmother came in at a STRONG #3.
Such a tough story to read but so compelling. I’m immediately gonna read book 2 because THE WAY THAT IT ENDED 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
There are SEVERAL TRIGGER WARNINGS such as abuse, abortion, mommy issues, lies etc.
WOW! I did NOT expect all that went on in this book but lemme tell you I ate it UP! I was rooting for Rudy the entire book and was so glad that she finally found some strength by the end.
Zacardi is DEF in my top 5 book villains. I HATED his character. Just pure evil and insanity. I think the mother Porsha came in at a strong #2 and Mimi the grandmother came in at a STRONG #3.
Such a tough story to read but so compelling. I’m immediately gonna read book 2 because THE WAY THAT IT ENDED 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
September 25, 2024
The way this man got me mad! I’m ready to jump into this book and fight zacardi! Throughout the whole book I was just waiting for Rudy’s inner Madea to do something…anything! Hoping in book 2 she gets her lick back because this man has my blood boiling!
Rubys family is the absolute worst! With every chapter I just kept wondering what else could she go through. But those last couple of pages had me shocked! I’m hooked and can’t wait to dive into book 2.
Please check trigger warnings for this book. A lot of Domestic abuse and gaslighting.
Rubys family is the absolute worst! With every chapter I just kept wondering what else could she go through. But those last couple of pages had me shocked! I’m hooked and can’t wait to dive into book 2.
Please check trigger warnings for this book. A lot of Domestic abuse and gaslighting.
November 15, 2025
Listen to me ! This book is waaaaaaay better than o anticipated! It’s very true to life and situations women , with husbands in power face ! She left no crumbs !
May 13, 2026
Zacardi would die a slow death, if I ever had to cook his meals. The heart of women in my MJB voice is nothing short of extraordinary.
June 12, 2024
Have mercy!!!
The tears I've shed while reading this book. My my my my my 😢. This book is great, but it is very HEAVY. HEED THE TRIGGER WARNING. Just read the damn book.
The tears I've shed while reading this book. My my my my my 😢. This book is great, but it is very HEAVY. HEED THE TRIGGER WARNING. Just read the damn book.
February 5, 2026
secrets
There are some gems in here to pull out and look at. about the ways of the world and the life of a stay at home mom stuck in a toxic situation. What happens in the dark always come to light. The mayor is a monster. Portia is a demon. But they both have their past trauma they stew in to make this toxic soup.
There are some gems in here to pull out and look at. about the ways of the world and the life of a stay at home mom stuck in a toxic situation. What happens in the dark always come to light. The mayor is a monster. Portia is a demon. But they both have their past trauma they stew in to make this toxic soup.
January 12, 2025
I know they say “don’t judge a book by its cover”, but u was not at all expected the drama to unfold the way it did in this book. The pacing was a bit slow for me, but it definitely picked up towards the end. All in all the storyline is decent and interesting enough for me to read the second book in the series. I’m Interested to see what happens in Southern Belle 2.
November 29, 2025
I can wait to read/listen to book 2
May 10, 2026
This story is f’ing horrible. I mean, what the hell? The abuse and lack of family support is just... wow. Lord mercy, I hope this story gets better in Book 2. I have to see this through.
March 7, 2024
wow
I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book but I really enjoyed it. I absolutely dislike everyone in Minnie’s “family”. At least she did have Iris in her corner. Zacardi is the absolute worst person ever. The ending was so gripping to me. I didn’t know what was gonna happen. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book but I really enjoyed it. I absolutely dislike everyone in Minnie’s “family”. At least she did have Iris in her corner. Zacardi is the absolute worst person ever. The ending was so gripping to me. I didn’t know what was gonna happen. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
April 21, 2024
THIS BOOK
This book took me through every emotion and I can’t wait for Minnie to s*** on her husband, mama, grandma, tweety and everyone else who has hurt her. And how ironic that she gets a ride from her husband’s child that she doesn’t know about. I cannot wait to read book 2.
This book took me through every emotion and I can’t wait for Minnie to s*** on her husband, mama, grandma, tweety and everyone else who has hurt her. And how ironic that she gets a ride from her husband’s child that she doesn’t know about. I cannot wait to read book 2.
June 17, 2024
Too much profanity for me
July 2, 2026
BABYYYYYY... Diamond D. Johnson did not come to play with this one! This was my first 5 star read of the month and when I tell you I could NOT put this book down, I mean it. Every time I said "one more chapter," I ended up reading five more.
From the very beginning my heart broke for Ruby. That girl went through entirely too much. Zacardi pissed me off from the first page all the way to the last. He was selfish, narcissistic, manipulative, controlling, and just an evil ass man. Every time he opened his mouth I got mad all over again.
And don't even get me started on Ruby's mama. Porsha had me ready to fight. The things she expected her own daughter to accept and put up with were so sad and honestly made me angry. Thank God Ruby had her best friend because without her, Ruby really had nobody in her corner.
Now BABYYYYY... that ending?!?! My jaw was on the fucking FLOOR. I literally had to sit there for a minute because WHAT?! I did not see that coming at all.
This was my first Diamond D. Johnson book but it definitely won't be my last. As soon as I finish the second book I'm adding more of her books to my TBR because she absolutely ate with this one. If you love messy family drama, toxic relationships, twists that have you staring at the wall, and books that keep you saying "just one more chapter," READ THIS BOOK!
From the very beginning my heart broke for Ruby. That girl went through entirely too much. Zacardi pissed me off from the first page all the way to the last. He was selfish, narcissistic, manipulative, controlling, and just an evil ass man. Every time he opened his mouth I got mad all over again.
And don't even get me started on Ruby's mama. Porsha had me ready to fight. The things she expected her own daughter to accept and put up with were so sad and honestly made me angry. Thank God Ruby had her best friend because without her, Ruby really had nobody in her corner.
Now BABYYYYY... that ending?!?! My jaw was on the fucking FLOOR. I literally had to sit there for a minute because WHAT?! I did not see that coming at all.
This was my first Diamond D. Johnson book but it definitely won't be my last. As soon as I finish the second book I'm adding more of her books to my TBR because she absolutely ate with this one. If you love messy family drama, toxic relationships, twists that have you staring at the wall, and books that keep you saying "just one more chapter," READ THIS BOOK!
January 12, 2026
This book was an emotional rollercoaster! I was pissed off throughout the entire book. Rudy had no breaks. It was disturbing how male-centered her mother and grandmother were to have had her take etiquette classes at a young age to learn how to be submissive to a man and dismiss Rudy’s fears in her household later. Later, Rudy found herself in an abusive marriage, not having agency over her own life, and near death more than enough times. Her only support was her best friend, but Rudy being so fearful of her husband, fell victim to the cycle of abuse. The secrets that came back to back at the end were so heartbreaking and also that car ride from the mystery girl, Zoey was such a twist. Just wow! I pray Rudy gets set free in book 2.
Starts off slow and can be repetitive, then towards the end it picks up.
Starts off slow and can be repetitive, then towards the end it picks up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2025
Between Zacardi & Rudy’s family I was so mad at them the whole story😭😭😭… It’s a tough, heartbreaking read… & the twist at the end I did not expect at all but it all made sense. Debating on whether or not I want to read the second book, the first left on a cliffhanger😒..
I think I will read the second one to see how Rudy’s story ends…
I think I will read the second one to see how Rudy’s story ends…
May 25, 2024
wow
I’m shocked that in this modern day tale there’s mothers who believe it’s ok for their daughters to get abused by a man and take it! Through this whole book I’ve been waiting for his demise!
I’m shocked that in this modern day tale there’s mothers who believe it’s ok for their daughters to get abused by a man and take it! Through this whole book I’ve been waiting for his demise!
May 18, 2025
what’s love got to do with it ?!
Wow! This was very sad yet entertaining. I am dying to see how the story develops and if Rudy will prevail. I’m sure it’s a sequel to follow this because the story ended extremely abruptly in my opinion.
Wow! This was very sad yet entertaining. I am dying to see how the story develops and if Rudy will prevail. I’m sure it’s a sequel to follow this because the story ended extremely abruptly in my opinion.
November 29, 2025
I enjoyed the book, only thing the author was overly descriptive. It started slow but picked up at the end with plot twist. I might read the second book to see how ruby story ends. Give it a read
January 10, 2026
I thought I had submitted my review when I finished. Anyway, this book has a lot of tiggers in it and it’s quite a heavy read but good. Don’t listen to or read it if you don’t like cursing.
February 7, 2026
This book was just ok. A mix of southern and urban flair.
August 10, 2026
Just a hot ass mess! I’ll listen to the second one. But sheesh. Definitely a story where none of the characters are likeable but Full of drama.
April 9, 2024
OMG so good!!!!!
Perfectly written. I never wanted the story to end. I pray there’s a sequel. I have to know what’s Rudy’s next move?!? Sad that I don’t know what to read after this! Speechless, so good.
Perfectly written. I never wanted the story to end. I pray there’s a sequel. I have to know what’s Rudy’s next move?!? Sad that I don’t know what to read after this! Speechless, so good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews