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Southern Love #1
Southern Hearts
Country music superstar Austin McBride has everything going for him. His album has gone platinum, and he's about to marry the woman of his dreams. Or is he?
When Austin meets Chef Farrah Rue, there is an instant attraction between them.
All Farrah Rue wants to do is concentrate on making Southern Rose Eatery successful. When Austin offers her the job of catering his wedding, Farrah knows it's the opportunity of a lifetime for her growing business.
When the attraction between her and Austin heats up, Farrah does everything in her power to keep their relationship professional. Will the two manage to maintain their distance, or will they give in and submit to their hearts' desire?
Southern Love is a steamy romance about life, loss, and learning to love again.
When Austin meets Chef Farrah Rue, there is an instant attraction between them.
All Farrah Rue wants to do is concentrate on making Southern Rose Eatery successful. When Austin offers her the job of catering his wedding, Farrah knows it's the opportunity of a lifetime for her growing business.
When the attraction between her and Austin heats up, Farrah does everything in her power to keep their relationship professional. Will the two manage to maintain their distance, or will they give in and submit to their hearts' desire?
Southern Love is a steamy romance about life, loss, and learning to love again.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2014
59 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 18, 2020
3🌟
SPOLER ALERT!!!!The story starts off by introducing the reader to Austin, a famous country singer and his fiancé, Rebecca who are attending a reception. When he meets Farrah, they each feel something that neither is able to put a name to. The book becomes problematic for me when Austin and Farrah finally acknowledge their burgeoning feelings for each other and have unprotected sex, despite the fact that Austin is still engaged.
Additionally, there were several other aspects of the book that I found troublesome. There were quite a few glaring inconsistencies in the story, and there were several threads that just went nowhere. Many editing problems were noted. One instance that stands out in my mind is when Austin asks Farrah to marry him, and “Rebecca” says yes. WTF???😡
Further, In my opinion, there were just too many long I love you conversations and interludes between Austin and Farrah. We know from the story that they each believed they had met their soul mate. Got it. Incessantly rehashing this fact at some point just became tedious.
Surprisingly, overall the book is actually a great story and very compelling notwithstanding the problems delineated above. Since I plan to read the other books in the series that focus on some rather interesting secondary characters from this book, it is my sincere wish that the editing will have improved.
NB to the author:
Please give some consideration to providing advanced notice concerning possible objectionable aspects of the story, e.g., cheating by H/h.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2014
OK, so right from the start, Austin says he is falling for Farrah, that she is his soul mate. So why the heck does he not break up with Rebecca right away?? Why did he drag his feet so much??
Farrah was too stupid to live and too weak. The guy treated her like shit, and she kept coming back. He chose Rebecca over her many times, yet stupid Farrah forgave him each and every time.
The ending is really abrupt. The timeline is kind of off. For example, Farrah says she waited for Austin for months, and then, we get a line that says that it's been two months since they met. Another example, Austin's mom has been dead for 1 year, and when she was diagnosed and given 6 months to live, Austin had just started dating Rebecca. But in another part of the book, it says they have been dating for many years.
Still, I want to read Shane's and Jasmine's story. And Hank's.
Farrah was too stupid to live and too weak. The guy treated her like shit, and she kept coming back. He chose Rebecca over her many times, yet stupid Farrah forgave him each and every time.
The ending is really abrupt. The timeline is kind of off. For example, Farrah says she waited for Austin for months, and then, we get a line that says that it's been two months since they met. Another example, Austin's mom has been dead for 1 year, and when she was diagnosed and given 6 months to live, Austin had just started dating Rebecca. But in another part of the book, it says they have been dating for many years.
Still, I want to read Shane's and Jasmine's story. And Hank's.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2014
I really thought this would be a real romance because I never saw a
description of it being an explicit read. I wish authors would put that warning on their material. If certain words and action happens,
especially while the couple is having sex, or, you know, ever, it's
explicit, I don't read smut. It doesn't show love it shows lust.
I was able to read as far as when they got back to the cabin after she
fell into the water and what I want to know is what is so great about
these two getting together, especially since he is engaged to be
married to someone else and the woman he is having sex with was hired
to cater his wedding. I don't care if the woman he is going to marry is a bit*h sometimes or is stuck up, he asked her to marry him and should have the decency to call off the wedding before hopping into bed with that slut, that's right slut. She knows and has met his fiance, she should of shown some respect for her self and the woman he will marry by saying no. show some feelings and decency for another woman. I wonder how she would have felt if she were in his fiance's shoes.
He could have handled things differently.
Another smut book, that has no romance and people who has no conscience or self respect and cares for no one's feelings but their own. I don't understand how anyone could like or agree with the way these two got together,and if it turns out he was so unhappy with the woman he had chosen to marry, it still does not excuse his actions.
I won't know how it ended and I don't care, I'm sure the author will
make his fiance into a real peace of work to justify what these two
did, nothing can justifies it, in my humble opinion and sure enough
nothing romantic about it either.
I really want to keep supporting this gentry and try new to me authors
but with books like this I don't see the point. Most are catering to
one group of readers. I'm so tired of the black woman being written as
a slut, whore or sleaze and it's always, oh I feel this connection to
him and though my mind is saying no my body is saying yes, and since my mind is so weak I'll go with my body, who cares if I just met him and he could be a serial killer or rapist or even married, my body wants what it wants. Besides he looked at me with such caring when I cried or how gentle he led me across the street, or he helped my mom or something. I know he is a good caring man. did I mention I just met him and I mentioned the connection? the flutter of my stomach, of course I'll let this man walk me home and into bed, I just can't resist.yada yada yada.
Or the, I know he loves me he is my soul mate, isn't he showing it by
sharing me with his family and friends, male and female, he just
doesn't know how to express his self, that's why he whores me out to
everyone.I'm like a pair of his shoes he treasures, he'll only share
with people he loves.
I'll stick to authors i know, the ones who actually know how to write a romance and knows what love truly means, please stop putting out these smuts and putting the name romance on them, it's an insult to the real romance authors out there.
description of it being an explicit read. I wish authors would put that warning on their material. If certain words and action happens,
especially while the couple is having sex, or, you know, ever, it's
explicit, I don't read smut. It doesn't show love it shows lust.
I was able to read as far as when they got back to the cabin after she
fell into the water and what I want to know is what is so great about
these two getting together, especially since he is engaged to be
married to someone else and the woman he is having sex with was hired
to cater his wedding. I don't care if the woman he is going to marry is a bit*h sometimes or is stuck up, he asked her to marry him and should have the decency to call off the wedding before hopping into bed with that slut, that's right slut. She knows and has met his fiance, she should of shown some respect for her self and the woman he will marry by saying no. show some feelings and decency for another woman. I wonder how she would have felt if she were in his fiance's shoes.
He could have handled things differently.
Another smut book, that has no romance and people who has no conscience or self respect and cares for no one's feelings but their own. I don't understand how anyone could like or agree with the way these two got together,and if it turns out he was so unhappy with the woman he had chosen to marry, it still does not excuse his actions.
I won't know how it ended and I don't care, I'm sure the author will
make his fiance into a real peace of work to justify what these two
did, nothing can justifies it, in my humble opinion and sure enough
nothing romantic about it either.
I really want to keep supporting this gentry and try new to me authors
but with books like this I don't see the point. Most are catering to
one group of readers. I'm so tired of the black woman being written as
a slut, whore or sleaze and it's always, oh I feel this connection to
him and though my mind is saying no my body is saying yes, and since my mind is so weak I'll go with my body, who cares if I just met him and he could be a serial killer or rapist or even married, my body wants what it wants. Besides he looked at me with such caring when I cried or how gentle he led me across the street, or he helped my mom or something. I know he is a good caring man. did I mention I just met him and I mentioned the connection? the flutter of my stomach, of course I'll let this man walk me home and into bed, I just can't resist.yada yada yada.
Or the, I know he loves me he is my soul mate, isn't he showing it by
sharing me with his family and friends, male and female, he just
doesn't know how to express his self, that's why he whores me out to
everyone.I'm like a pair of his shoes he treasures, he'll only share
with people he loves.
I'll stick to authors i know, the ones who actually know how to write a romance and knows what love truly means, please stop putting out these smuts and putting the name romance on them, it's an insult to the real romance authors out there.
October 13, 2021
Thank goodness I decided to read this story for myself.
Although I in no way, shape, or form condone cheating, I was able to see it unfold objectively. I was able to see it each party’s point of view. No person was left unscathed.
Austin and Rebecca’s relationship was broken before Farrah became a factor.
Honestly, I can not think of any justification for cheating, but I also do not agree that Austin should be forced to stay in a relationship where he is not happy. Instead of building him up, his fiancé was tearing him down by disregarding his wants and needs, and disrespecting his career.
Either way Austin should have handled his mess better. He should have broken everything off with Rebecca first before pursuing Farrah.
It’s a great book. I recommend it because not all relationships are perfect. You may learn something.
Although I in no way, shape, or form condone cheating, I was able to see it unfold objectively. I was able to see it each party’s point of view. No person was left unscathed.
Austin and Rebecca’s relationship was broken before Farrah became a factor.
Honestly, I can not think of any justification for cheating, but I also do not agree that Austin should be forced to stay in a relationship where he is not happy. Instead of building him up, his fiancé was tearing him down by disregarding his wants and needs, and disrespecting his career.
Either way Austin should have handled his mess better. He should have broken everything off with Rebecca first before pursuing Farrah.
It’s a great book. I recommend it because not all relationships are perfect. You may learn something.
December 20, 2014
An Introduction To Southern Love
*****Rating: 3.5 Stars*****
Austin McBride is a famous country singer engaged to this opportunistic biotch named Rebecca. Austin ain't really feeling her, but he feels the need to settle down and crank out some kids. Meanwhile Rebecca is trying to get PAID. Austin and Becky (my nickname for this hoe) attend a friend's wedding where Austin falls in love with the cuisine and automatically decides he has to have this caterer do the food for his wedding as well. Enter Farrah Rue-chef and restaurant owner. And this is when ish.gets.messy.
Austin and Farrah re instantly attracted to one another. Austin's nose is so wide open. He is shameless in his pursuit of Farrah-mind you while planning his wedding to Becky. You see Becky is a city girl who ain't about that country life but she plays along so she can get that wedding band to deal the deal. Meanwhile, Austin and Farrah are screwing around behind Becky's back. Becky is ignorantly oblivious to it all while her moms is like oh Hell nah, you better check ya man and ol' girl catering ya wedding...
Now, this is where the story stops being good and starts to spiral. Austin is too chicken to break it off with Becky after tapping Farrah numerous times and professing all kinds of love. Meanwhile, Farrah knows it's wrong but can't break it off cause the magic stick is too good. These two got my dang nerves after a while with this back and forth we shouldn't but we can't help ourselves...
Austin was subtly manipulating Farrah throughout this story while Farrah couldn't let go of her past and accept that her relationship with Austin was awkward and wrong, yet genuine. The chemistry was there, but they spent more time battling what was the right thing to do as opposed to acting on what felt right in their hearts.
I look forward to reading Shane's and Hank's stories and hope they aren't as messy as these two acted at times...
*****Rating: 3.5 Stars*****
Austin McBride is a famous country singer engaged to this opportunistic biotch named Rebecca. Austin ain't really feeling her, but he feels the need to settle down and crank out some kids. Meanwhile Rebecca is trying to get PAID. Austin and Becky (my nickname for this hoe) attend a friend's wedding where Austin falls in love with the cuisine and automatically decides he has to have this caterer do the food for his wedding as well. Enter Farrah Rue-chef and restaurant owner. And this is when ish.gets.messy.
Austin and Farrah re instantly attracted to one another. Austin's nose is so wide open. He is shameless in his pursuit of Farrah-mind you while planning his wedding to Becky. You see Becky is a city girl who ain't about that country life but she plays along so she can get that wedding band to deal the deal. Meanwhile, Austin and Farrah are screwing around behind Becky's back. Becky is ignorantly oblivious to it all while her moms is like oh Hell nah, you better check ya man and ol' girl catering ya wedding...
Now, this is where the story stops being good and starts to spiral. Austin is too chicken to break it off with Becky after tapping Farrah numerous times and professing all kinds of love. Meanwhile, Farrah knows it's wrong but can't break it off cause the magic stick is too good. These two got my dang nerves after a while with this back and forth we shouldn't but we can't help ourselves...
Austin was subtly manipulating Farrah throughout this story while Farrah couldn't let go of her past and accept that her relationship with Austin was awkward and wrong, yet genuine. The chemistry was there, but they spent more time battling what was the right thing to do as opposed to acting on what felt right in their hearts.
I look forward to reading Shane's and Hank's stories and hope they aren't as messy as these two acted at times...
June 18, 2014
Romantic
Romantic
This is the first book I've read by this author, great. it had a life lessons, hurts, truth and love. When is Shane's story going to be told.
Romantic
This is the first book I've read by this author, great. it had a life lessons, hurts, truth and love. When is Shane's story going to be told.
November 5, 2018
This book had so much potential. There were so many interesting elements - chef, county music, family ranch, etc. From the first couple of pages, the book immediately reminded me of the Jennifer Lopez movie, The Wedding Planner (?). I thought it would be a slow build romance where the characters got to know each other and then realized they were in love. It really didn't take long and the cop out was that Rebecca, Austin's fiancee, was awful and every one knew it. Show, don't tell. There could have been multiple scenes were we see Austin and Rebecca aren't compatible instead of being told she wanted to shop all the time. Then the whole family identity issue was thrown in. I really wanted to like this story but I think I liked the cover most of all.
In hopes that the series would mature, I tried to read #2 and #3 of the series. #2 went south and #3 wasn't as bad. I think the author needs a better editor or something.
In hopes that the series would mature, I tried to read #2 and #3 of the series. #2 went south and #3 wasn't as bad. I think the author needs a better editor or something.
April 7, 2019
Okay...
This was an ok read. It wasn't great.. But it wasn't bad. I kind of liked how they started off. They became friends And she was some one he could talk to and laugh with. The other woman whom he was going to marry was money hungry... I want to give it three and a half Star...
This was an ok read. It wasn't great.. But it wasn't bad. I kind of liked how they started off. They became friends And she was some one he could talk to and laugh with. The other woman whom he was going to marry was money hungry... I want to give it three and a half Star...
April 3, 2021
A Good Story
This was a good read. I wish it would have been a little more background about Rebecca and Austin because I don't know why they were together. What did Austin see in Rebecca because it was obvious she didn't love him and I would say she barely tolerated him. I liked Farrah and was happy that she and Austin finally got together.
This was a good read. I wish it would have been a little more background about Rebecca and Austin because I don't know why they were together. What did Austin see in Rebecca because it was obvious she didn't love him and I would say she barely tolerated him. I liked Farrah and was happy that she and Austin finally got together.
October 26, 2017
this was a mediocre book. it was just about all tell and very little show. characters were flat and sex scenes were kind of random. the sex was also lame; about as hot as an unused matchstick.
I think this author can do better which is why this book got the second star. ☆☆
I think this author can do better which is why this book got the second star. ☆☆
February 20, 2021
It was a good book
I like to book it was exciting it I like the book it was exciting it action in ITIT had love we that dying love it had for trail it at all that stuff in ITIT was really good
I like to book it was exciting it I like the book it was exciting it action in ITIT had love we that dying love it had for trail it at all that stuff in ITIT was really good
July 2, 2018
Excellent
From beginning to end the story was a range of emotions. Love found a way to win but Rebecca and her mom deserve punishment for their destruction and sabotage.
From beginning to end the story was a range of emotions. Love found a way to win but Rebecca and her mom deserve punishment for their destruction and sabotage.
September 3, 2018
Farrah and Austin
I like this book, I couldn't put this book down. This book had to talk about relationships. At the end story felt rush to me.
I like this book, I couldn't put this book down. This book had to talk about relationships. At the end story felt rush to me.
September 24, 2018
Southern Hearts
Austin and Farrah each has to over come their personal problems in order to see that true love is worth fighting for.
Austin and Farrah each has to over come their personal problems in order to see that true love is worth fighting for.
November 1, 2023
Draggggeeeddd it
This has potential but then it started dragging. I was willing to overlook the small grammatical errors but the story just dragged.
This has potential but then it started dragging. I was willing to overlook the small grammatical errors but the story just dragged.
December 3, 2014
3.50 stars. Overall, I liked the story; however it did get a bit boring when going through the stuff about her mother, grandmother and her biological father. I understood the need to give us an understanding of the hurts and fears regarding her and relationships but it was a lot for such a short book. The romance between Austin McBride, a popular country singer, and Farrah Rue, the owner of Southern Rose Eatery and Catering, unfolded rather quickly but in a believable way. As I read. I expected to find the story about Shane McBride and Jasmine St. Clair and another about the marriage problems and solutions for Hank and Natalie.
February 17, 2016
This book warmed my hearts. Farrah and Austin met in a crazy way, but you could tell the attraction from the start. They both tried to fight their feeling, but the heart wants what the heart wants. It had me feeling some type of way, especially when Farrah and Austin relationship was outed to the media, and she took the brunt of it. I felt extremely sorry for her when her grandma spoke those words to her. This book showed how two hearts found their way to each other even when they weren't looking. God has a way to bring people together in unexpected ways and unexpected moments. I can't wait to read Shane and Jasmine's story.
August 17, 2014
Torn by this story because of the characters falling in love while already being in a relationship. Not to say that it couldn't happen underneath different circumstances just acting on those feelings while in a relationship bothers me. Nonetheless I liked the story and rooted for the other woman (I know I shall burn in the feminist hall of shame). Once an editor gets their hands on it will make it that much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2015
Cover art is fantastic but it will mislead you.
I wasn't impressed by the writing or the flow of the story. It was choppy and the characters were bland. I was not entertained and the plot was predictably boring.
Normally if there's a series that I find uninteresting, I'll still carry on reading because sometimes (in my world) the story gets better after the second book. But I'm going to pass on this one.
I wasn't impressed by the writing or the flow of the story. It was choppy and the characters were bland. I was not entertained and the plot was predictably boring.
Normally if there's a series that I find uninteresting, I'll still carry on reading because sometimes (in my world) the story gets better after the second book. But I'm going to pass on this one.
March 8, 2016
Southern
This was a great book. With good characters . Main character Farrah is a chief who owns her own restaurant. And Austin is a country superstar. They meet and connect instantly. The problem is that one is in a relationship and the other is healing and running away from their past.
This was a great book. With good characters . Main character Farrah is a chief who owns her own restaurant. And Austin is a country superstar. They meet and connect instantly. The problem is that one is in a relationship and the other is healing and running away from their past.
December 4, 2015
A beautiful and inspirational story of breaking down the walls we built to protect ourselves in finding true love. I was a little caught off guard with the spirituality near the end of the story but it wasn't over powering and added just enough to really bring out the emotion of the story. Overall I loved this couple. There were some secondary couples I would love to hear more about :-)
January 2, 2015
Wonderful Read!
This was my first book by Ava Thorn and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Austin and Rue are two people that meet at a time that is far from ideal. They realize they are attracted to one another but have a few obstacles to overcome.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
This was my first book by Ava Thorn and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Austin and Rue are two people that meet at a time that is far from ideal. They realize they are attracted to one another but have a few obstacles to overcome.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
February 17, 2015
It was ok
What an exercise in patience...couldn't believe the lengths this man had to go through to convince this woman that he loved her...the confrontation with the ex fiancee was lacking...and ended to abruptly. I suppose if I purchase the next book in the series, it will let us know if they press charges against the ex and her mother....oh how I miss stand alone novels.
What an exercise in patience...couldn't believe the lengths this man had to go through to convince this woman that he loved her...the confrontation with the ex fiancee was lacking...and ended to abruptly. I suppose if I purchase the next book in the series, it will let us know if they press charges against the ex and her mother....oh how I miss stand alone novels.
July 24, 2016
This book took me through somethings. But in the end it was a happy ending. One that I couldn't put down until I got to the end. I was cheering for this couple and the fight that they had to get back to them as a couple and what they had to go through to get there.
February 11, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed it! Great love story!
September 5, 2016
It was a nice quick read
July 20, 2014
3 1/2 stars.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews