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Southern Roads #1
Road Not Taken
Eight years ago, Colt Huntington left Reed Hollow in the back of a cop car… and took Kelsie Lynch’s heart with him.
Now he’s back for his grandmother’s funeral, and the town that never forgot his scandal is ready to watch him burn all over again. Kelsie should be safe. She’s rebuilt her life, buried the hurt, and sworn off the boy she loved in secret… the one person she can’t have.
Except Colt isn’t a boy anymore. And the chemistry between them is still a spark to dry grass.
In a small town full of rumors, old scars, and one brother who still doesn’t know the truth, Kelsie and Colt are forced to protect what’s left of their lives… or risk everything for the love they never got to claim.
A heart-wrenching, dual-POV small-town romance about healing scars and reclaiming lost love. Perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Natasha Madison. Contains mature themes.
Now he’s back for his grandmother’s funeral, and the town that never forgot his scandal is ready to watch him burn all over again. Kelsie should be safe. She’s rebuilt her life, buried the hurt, and sworn off the boy she loved in secret… the one person she can’t have.
Except Colt isn’t a boy anymore. And the chemistry between them is still a spark to dry grass.
In a small town full of rumors, old scars, and one brother who still doesn’t know the truth, Kelsie and Colt are forced to protect what’s left of their lives… or risk everything for the love they never got to claim.
A heart-wrenching, dual-POV small-town romance about healing scars and reclaiming lost love. Perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Natasha Madison. Contains mature themes.
- GenresRomance
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 22, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! 2 second chance romance. Colt goes back to his home town , after leaving it 8 years ago when his mother kicked him out. He never thought he’d go back. He got a call that his grandma died. That he needed to go back.
Kelsie a romance writer who struggles to believe in love since her one love ( Colt) left 8 years ago. She hasn’t found anyone since then that got her to believe in love and happily ever after.
Colt knows he can’t stay so he has to stay away from Kelsie. For him. She the sun and and the moon and all the things in between. He knows he can’t resist her.
She convinces him to spend the little bit of time he’ll be in town with her. She assured him she can handle it.
Colt is afraid to tell anyone about them being together. He’s afraid her brother who is is best friend will kill him for getting together with his sister. The sneak around. She helps him renovate his grandmother’s house.
Will Kelsie survive when Colt leaves? Will Colt be able to leave her again? Can they keep the secret from Kelsie’s brother Bryce? You must read to find out!! You won’t be disappointed
Kelsie a romance writer who struggles to believe in love since her one love ( Colt) left 8 years ago. She hasn’t found anyone since then that got her to believe in love and happily ever after.
Colt knows he can’t stay so he has to stay away from Kelsie. For him. She the sun and and the moon and all the things in between. He knows he can’t resist her.
She convinces him to spend the little bit of time he’ll be in town with her. She assured him she can handle it.
Colt is afraid to tell anyone about them being together. He’s afraid her brother who is is best friend will kill him for getting together with his sister. The sneak around. She helps him renovate his grandmother’s house.
Will Kelsie survive when Colt leaves? Will Colt be able to leave her again? Can they keep the secret from Kelsie’s brother Bryce? You must read to find out!! You won’t be disappointed
March 13, 2026
This was my first book from Author Amanda Layne. It was gifted to me so I could read the series before being an ARC reader for book 4.
This book was very well written with a few twists and turns that I didn’t expect.
Colt had a hard childhood. His father walked out on him and his mother when he was little. His mother’s an alcoholic. His only saving grace was his grandmother. And his best friends little sister, Kelsie.
Kelsie always had feelings for Colt but nothing could happen, he was her brothers best friend. And she was in a relationship.
Colt has to return home when he learns of his grandmothers passing. He’s hoping it’ll only be a few days. He doesn’t want to see Kelsie. Dreading seeing his mother but is pleasantly surprised when he see’s Bryce - his best friend.
Has his mother changes? What will happen when he see’s Kelsie? What has his Grandmother left for him?
Can’t wait to read book 2 - Broken Roads.
This book was very well written with a few twists and turns that I didn’t expect.
Colt had a hard childhood. His father walked out on him and his mother when he was little. His mother’s an alcoholic. His only saving grace was his grandmother. And his best friends little sister, Kelsie.
Kelsie always had feelings for Colt but nothing could happen, he was her brothers best friend. And she was in a relationship.
Colt has to return home when he learns of his grandmothers passing. He’s hoping it’ll only be a few days. He doesn’t want to see Kelsie. Dreading seeing his mother but is pleasantly surprised when he see’s Bryce - his best friend.
Has his mother changes? What will happen when he see’s Kelsie? What has his Grandmother left for him?
Can’t wait to read book 2 - Broken Roads.
July 16, 2025
Road Not Taken was EVERYTHING I want from a brother's best friend, small town romance. This book had a it all, young love, longing, friendship, found family, small town, secrets, drama, and spice.
Amanda Layne wrote from each Colt's and Kelsie's perspective with so much thoughtfulness and emotion. I felt everything they felt as I was reading. It felt like I was a part of each of them, living their lives alongside them.
"Friends don't look at you the way he does"
"With a constant look of disdain?"
"If that is disdain, give me some. That man looks at you like he wants to devour you"
This story is sweet, wholesome, romantic, and emotional and with just enough spice to keep it fresh and just enough drama to keep you flipping pages.
Amanda Layne wrote from each Colt's and Kelsie's perspective with so much thoughtfulness and emotion. I felt everything they felt as I was reading. It felt like I was a part of each of them, living their lives alongside them.
"Friends don't look at you the way he does"
"With a constant look of disdain?"
"If that is disdain, give me some. That man looks at you like he wants to devour you"
This story is sweet, wholesome, romantic, and emotional and with just enough spice to keep it fresh and just enough drama to keep you flipping pages.
February 21, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this. It was really sad to read about Colts life and everything he went through. I enjoyed being able to see both Colt and Kelsies point of view. I was rooting for them to officially end up together the whole time. I loved how romantic Colt was and everything he did to protect Kelsie. It was nice to see Colts character growth and see him over come his insecurities. That plot twist regarding Lance surprised me. I’m super satisfied with how it ended.
I didn’t like was how much Colt growled. It was weird. I wish that Lance hadn’t gotten away so easily with everything he did to Kelsie.
I can’t wait to read Amelia and Owen’s story soon!
I didn’t like was how much Colt growled. It was weird. I wish that Lance hadn’t gotten away so easily with everything he did to Kelsie.
I can’t wait to read Amelia and Owen’s story soon!
July 26, 2025
Road Not Taken by Amanda Layne is an absolute gem that grabbed me and didn’t let go. Layne masterfully weaves a story full of heart, vulnerability, and the emotional complexity of life's unexpected turns. The characters felt so real, flawed, relatable, and deeply human. I found myself rooting for them through every twist and turn.
What sets this book apart is the way it explores the power of choice and the beauty that can come from embracing the unknown. It's not just a romance or a drama.
Amanda Layne’s writing is heartfelt, with just the right balance of emotion and hope. If you're looking for a story that stays with you long after the last page, this is it. I can’t recommend it enough!
What sets this book apart is the way it explores the power of choice and the beauty that can come from embracing the unknown. It's not just a romance or a drama.
Amanda Layne’s writing is heartfelt, with just the right balance of emotion and hope. If you're looking for a story that stays with you long after the last page, this is it. I can’t recommend it enough!
August 22, 2025
Colt and Kelsie have both loved each other since childhood but never shared this fact with each other. Colt doesn’t think he is worthy of Kelsie and has worked hard to become something worthy. Has he achieved his goal?
I really enjoyed this story. It felt like a quick read, but not at the expense of good character and plot development. I wanted to learn more about the mayor and his son just because I’m curious about some of their motivations. Otherwise, I didn’t feel like there tons of holes to questions unanswered.
I really enjoyed this story. It felt like a quick read, but not at the expense of good character and plot development. I wanted to learn more about the mayor and his son just because I’m curious about some of their motivations. Otherwise, I didn’t feel like there tons of holes to questions unanswered.
October 9, 2025
This book is the perfect small town romance with a little bit of spice! Colt returns to his small town to find his childhood crush still there and single now. Kelsie finally has hope of finding love after past bad experiences.
This book doesn’t make you wait long for the two main characters to get together and there is a small amount of spice as well as their romance heats up with a bit of drama.
This is a light Romantic read for anyone who loves small town happily ever after stories.
This book doesn’t make you wait long for the two main characters to get together and there is a small amount of spice as well as their romance heats up with a bit of drama.
This is a light Romantic read for anyone who loves small town happily ever after stories.
July 18, 2025
This was my first book by Amanda. It will NOT be my last. I loved every second of this book. Colt and Kelsie were so good.. Colt just wanted to prove he could be something after the way he grew up. Kelsie just wanted what she always thought she'd never have... Colt. Once they get past their own issues they were amazing.
July 31, 2025
I couldn’t put it down!! I love Colt & Kelsie so much! Probably the best second chance romance I’ve ever read. Amanda did such an amazing job describing the characters and settings. They were both so relatable. You get swoon with some spice, brothers best friend, small town romance. I can’t wait for the rest of this series!
August 2, 2025
an amazing cute story
I couldn’t put this book down! It was a southern-style brothers-best-friend trope with a twist of second chance and a dash of “oh my lord” when it came to the spice. I don’t know how this author managed to make a sweet, cute book, also so sexy! What a talent!
I couldn’t put this book down! It was a southern-style brothers-best-friend trope with a twist of second chance and a dash of “oh my lord” when it came to the spice. I don’t know how this author managed to make a sweet, cute book, also so sexy! What a talent!
April 23, 2026
This is the perfect, small town, second chance romance where we find that colt was the right person at the wrong time. It's wholesome, sweet, emotional, romantic with a slight bit of drama. It's everything anyone could want from a brother's best friend, small town romance. I would highly recommend.
Recieved arc from author.
Recieved arc from author.
February 22, 2025
Love this!
Colt and Kelsie are just the best! I loved their story and how perfect they are for each other. They have such a sad beginning but seeing them overcome everything and be together is just *chefs kiss*
Colt and Kelsie are just the best! I loved their story and how perfect they are for each other. They have such a sad beginning but seeing them overcome everything and be together is just *chefs kiss*
April 20, 2025
Good love story. LOTS of misspelling and grammatical errors. Made it a little difficult to read at some points. Not spicy. Overall cute story.
March 3, 2026
Second chance romance in small town. Well written and engaging. Love an underdog that comes out on top. There were some loose ends but this is book 1 of the series.
December 25, 2025
Small towns know everything- false
This is only half cozy! Don’t come here for Hallmark style love!
Kelsie- loved Colt but he’s always seen her as her brother’s annoying sister, so when he comes back to town? He is naturally scowling like she is spilled milk he stepped in!
Colt- I left town, had to get away, but now Gran died and I must go back. Just 3 days. Must avoid Kelsie.
Oh F that plan is out the window. What do I do? Am I worthy of her? She’s my best friends sister!
Trust me- the possessiveness of Colt mixed with the scared side of Kelsie? Absolutely love this.
Face the small town love, healing that ensues!
This is only half cozy! Don’t come here for Hallmark style love!
Kelsie- loved Colt but he’s always seen her as her brother’s annoying sister, so when he comes back to town? He is naturally scowling like she is spilled milk he stepped in!
Colt- I left town, had to get away, but now Gran died and I must go back. Just 3 days. Must avoid Kelsie.
Oh F that plan is out the window. What do I do? Am I worthy of her? She’s my best friends sister!
Trust me- the possessiveness of Colt mixed with the scared side of Kelsie? Absolutely love this.
Face the small town love, healing that ensues!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews