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Darlin'
Sons of Anarchy meets Hart of Dixie in this Fun and Flirty Romantic Comedy
When Savannah Kingsley’s runaway little brother joins the infamous Sons of Sorrow Motorcycle Club, she is hellbent on dragging him back home—kicking and screaming if she has to. Trading her designer heels for a cross-country rescue mission, Savannah crashes headfirst into Jesse Paxton, the cocky (and annoyingly gorgeous) Vice President of the SoCal chapter.
JP only cares about three things: his bike, his bar, and his brothers. That is until Savannah turns his entire world upside down—one sassy darlin’ at a time.
With a brother who refuses to come home, a dangerously hot biker as her new roommate, and a suspiciously charming cartel member breathing down her neck, Savannah’s glamorous life just got a little bit more complicated.
But if there’s one thing this Southern belle knows, it’s how to turn lemons into lemonade— a perfect bevy for a scorching hot summer full of laughs, lies, and love.
Please check content warnings on the author's website.
When Savannah Kingsley’s runaway little brother joins the infamous Sons of Sorrow Motorcycle Club, she is hellbent on dragging him back home—kicking and screaming if she has to. Trading her designer heels for a cross-country rescue mission, Savannah crashes headfirst into Jesse Paxton, the cocky (and annoyingly gorgeous) Vice President of the SoCal chapter.
JP only cares about three things: his bike, his bar, and his brothers. That is until Savannah turns his entire world upside down—one sassy darlin’ at a time.
With a brother who refuses to come home, a dangerously hot biker as her new roommate, and a suspiciously charming cartel member breathing down her neck, Savannah’s glamorous life just got a little bit more complicated.
But if there’s one thing this Southern belle knows, it’s how to turn lemons into lemonade— a perfect bevy for a scorching hot summer full of laughs, lies, and love.
Please check content warnings on the author's website.
349 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2025
214 people are currently reading
1067 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Lewis
8 books260 followersE.L. Lewis has always been a die-hard romantic. Born in Ukraine and raised in Canada, she grew up devouring love stories in every form she could find—and now she writes her own. A multi-genre romance author, she brings readers tales filled with sugar, spice, and heart, ranging from dangerous mafia romances to laugh-out-loud rom-coms. Between the pages of her books, readers will find first loves, last loves, and the epic journeys in between.
Her heroines are complex, confident, and unforgettable—and her love interests? The kind who would walk straight into hell if it meant winning their girl’s heart.
When she isn’t dreaming up new characters and plots, E.L. is living her own happily ever after in Orange County with her husband and their pup. She spends her days listening to Taylor Swift, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and showing up to airports far earlier than necessary.
Her heroines are complex, confident, and unforgettable—and her love interests? The kind who would walk straight into hell if it meant winning their girl’s heart.
When she isn’t dreaming up new characters and plots, E.L. is living her own happily ever after in Orange County with her husband and their pup. She spends her days listening to Taylor Swift, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and showing up to airports far earlier than necessary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
avoid-not-for-me-bad-tropes
September 22, 2025Would love safety on this!!!! Manwhore? Is he with club chicks or w anyone after meeting the h. And hopefully she ain’t no VIRGN
June 3, 2025
This entire book was just straight up fun vibes with a southern belle FMC x biker gang MMC dynamic and I ate it up. This is definitely lighter than the author’s typical dark/mafia romances (although some serious themes are still touched on) and I loved what she was doing here! I need more romcoms like this from her.
I absolutely adored Savannah. She’s so funny, such a sweetheart, had a lot of fight in her. I really liked her humor and overall character arc. I don’t know if it’s just me but I keep reading her dialogue in a southern accent. Her relationship with her brother was really sweet and wholesome because she cares so much for him. Also really enjoyed the found family vibes in a small town setting as Sav became acquainted with the MC gang and got over her own misconceptions.
The romance between Jesse and Sav definitely started as a slowburn, though it moved faster than I expected. I loved them together. However, I wanted more from it! The banter and tension was definitely there but things resolved way too quickly after the third act conflict. I would have preferred some chapters in Jesse’s POV too.
The story does have the typical cliches, some minor plot holes, and a slightly predictable plot twist. But it didn’t significantly affect the reading experience because I was having too much fun with this book from the start😌.
While I wanted to see more of the gang subplots/conflicts, I get that this is written more as a romcom. The other characters were very likable with enough depth and I wouldn’t mind if this became a series👀 Beau and Mar’s story would be interesting to read about tbh because I’m intrigued by them.
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!!
I absolutely adored Savannah. She’s so funny, such a sweetheart, had a lot of fight in her. I really liked her humor and overall character arc. I don’t know if it’s just me but I keep reading her dialogue in a southern accent. Her relationship with her brother was really sweet and wholesome because she cares so much for him. Also really enjoyed the found family vibes in a small town setting as Sav became acquainted with the MC gang and got over her own misconceptions.
The romance between Jesse and Sav definitely started as a slowburn, though it moved faster than I expected. I loved them together. However, I wanted more from it! The banter and tension was definitely there but things resolved way too quickly after the third act conflict. I would have preferred some chapters in Jesse’s POV too.
The story does have the typical cliches, some minor plot holes, and a slightly predictable plot twist. But it didn’t significantly affect the reading experience because I was having too much fun with this book from the start😌.
While I wanted to see more of the gang subplots/conflicts, I get that this is written more as a romcom. The other characters were very likable with enough depth and I wouldn’t mind if this became a series👀 Beau and Mar’s story would be interesting to read about tbh because I’m intrigued by them.
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!!
August 13, 2025
Did I stay up until 2am because this book was an unexpected delight? Yes, Yes I did. Do I regret it today …. Absolutely not!
This one had the classic “good girl meets bad boy” setup. A pageant queen falling for a biker daddy? Obviously. Like, what the feck else were they gonna do start a knitting club?
It’s witty, it’s sassy, and Savannah totally surprised me. When we first meet her, she’s got the backbone of a wet noodle, barely standing up to her overbearing mother. But then Jesse swaggers in with his “I’d love to ruin you” energy and suddenly Savannah’s got teeth. She’s funny, she’s sassy, and I swear I had to pause reading at one point because she dropped a line so good I choked on my tea.
And the best part? Watching her start to question the whole “be a good girl, follow the rules, make mummy proud” southern belle bullshit. She’s like, Wait… what if I want something else? Something messy? Something mine? Cue the feminist fist pump.
Now. Third act breakup. Did it make my eyes water? Yes. Did I love how it was handled? Absolutely not. Felt rushed, a little half-baked, like the author went “eh, close enough” and shoved it out the door. Could’ve been juicier.
But holy dickballs, the banter was delicious, the chemistry was hotter than the leather seats of a Harley in summer, and the side characters? Perfection. If this becomes a series, I’m camping outside the bookstore with snacks.
Overall it’s a quick fun read that I reckon would get any reader out of a slump.
Fave quotes
I glower at him. "Don't cuss at me." "Or what?" he asks, smirking. "You'll pepper spray me?" "Don't tempt me with a good time," I snap back.
"Are you a good girl, princess?" I cry out as he freaking tortures me. And as I near my peak, I feel him pulsing inside of me, his own release mere seconds away. "Say it, Savannah. Say it for daddy."
This one had the classic “good girl meets bad boy” setup. A pageant queen falling for a biker daddy? Obviously. Like, what the feck else were they gonna do start a knitting club?
It’s witty, it’s sassy, and Savannah totally surprised me. When we first meet her, she’s got the backbone of a wet noodle, barely standing up to her overbearing mother. But then Jesse swaggers in with his “I’d love to ruin you” energy and suddenly Savannah’s got teeth. She’s funny, she’s sassy, and I swear I had to pause reading at one point because she dropped a line so good I choked on my tea.
And the best part? Watching her start to question the whole “be a good girl, follow the rules, make mummy proud” southern belle bullshit. She’s like, Wait… what if I want something else? Something messy? Something mine? Cue the feminist fist pump.
Now. Third act breakup. Did it make my eyes water? Yes. Did I love how it was handled? Absolutely not. Felt rushed, a little half-baked, like the author went “eh, close enough” and shoved it out the door. Could’ve been juicier.
But holy dickballs, the banter was delicious, the chemistry was hotter than the leather seats of a Harley in summer, and the side characters? Perfection. If this becomes a series, I’m camping outside the bookstore with snacks.
Overall it’s a quick fun read that I reckon would get any reader out of a slump.
Fave quotes
I glower at him. "Don't cuss at me." "Or what?" he asks, smirking. "You'll pepper spray me?" "Don't tempt me with a good time," I snap back.
"Are you a good girl, princess?" I cry out as he freaking tortures me. And as I near my peak, I feel him pulsing inside of me, his own release mere seconds away. "Say it, Savannah. Say it for daddy."
September 24, 2025
I don’t typically read the “motorcycle club” trope often. Nothing against them, at all, I’m just more drawn to sports tropes. But the book cover art drew me in and I just had to check it out. Not your typical mc club book, more humor than sweetbutts, Savanah was like a fish out of water at the clubhouse and around the members and it was funny to read about them all getting used to the obvious differences. She’s a southern beauty queen thrown in a roommate’s situation with VP Jessie. Jessie had Golden Retriever vibes, which in a real MC club I’m sure is frowned upon, but in this cute romance it worked. I was swooning. The found family aspect was heartwarming and the overall message is as old as time, don’t judge a book by its cover. Well this one you can cause they both are adorable.
May 23, 2025
Thank you to the author for sending me this e-arc. Here are my thoughts:
If you like SOA (sons of anarchy) meets sweet home Alabama you’ll love this. I DEVOURED this book. Literally could not stop reading it.
I want more…please tell me there is more??? The banter in this was so so good. And the friends banter too. I feel like I was sucked right into this world.
Jesse and Savannah were so cute. And I love how much Savannah grew throughout the book. And Jesse. Sheesh.
Overall, this book was amazing. Just want more of it.
If you like SOA (sons of anarchy) meets sweet home Alabama you’ll love this. I DEVOURED this book. Literally could not stop reading it.
I want more…please tell me there is more??? The banter in this was so so good. And the friends banter too. I feel like I was sucked right into this world.
Jesse and Savannah were so cute. And I love how much Savannah grew throughout the book. And Jesse. Sheesh.
Overall, this book was amazing. Just want more of it.
May 27, 2025
Rating: 4.5
I just want to thank E.L. Lewis for giving me the opportunity to read this arc. This book was such a fun read!! 💕💕💕
I actually have not read a “Son’s of Anarchy” vibe books/ motorcycle gang, if you will. And boy did I enjoy this.
In the beginning it starts off with the main MC’s hating each other bickering with not actual tension and things change when they are faced with terrible news and the chemistry changes. I loved every bit of it.
The FMC is super cute, adorable and southern but I love that she learns to stand up for herself in the end, and allows herself to loosen up a bit.
The MMC truthfully I feel like his growth was being able to open up about himself, the grief of his moms passing closed him off and the FMC helped him heal in that.
Truly a palette cleanser, If you love a mafia, like story I think this is a good one. I really enjoyed it it hehe
I just want to thank E.L. Lewis for giving me the opportunity to read this arc. This book was such a fun read!! 💕💕💕
I actually have not read a “Son’s of Anarchy” vibe books/ motorcycle gang, if you will. And boy did I enjoy this.
In the beginning it starts off with the main MC’s hating each other bickering with not actual tension and things change when they are faced with terrible news and the chemistry changes. I loved every bit of it.
The FMC is super cute, adorable and southern but I love that she learns to stand up for herself in the end, and allows herself to loosen up a bit.
The MMC truthfully I feel like his growth was being able to open up about himself, the grief of his moms passing closed him off and the FMC helped him heal in that.
Truly a palette cleanser, If you love a mafia, like story I think this is a good one. I really enjoyed it it hehe
June 16, 2025
DNF @19%
The writing of the characters are not to my liking so I'm calling it quits. :/
Cute cover though.
The writing of the characters are not to my liking so I'm calling it quits. :/
Cute cover though.
June 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // Darlin’ by E.L. Lewis
I could absolutely see this being a movie. The chemistry, the banter, the emotional depth—it all just leaps off the page like it’s ready for the screen.
Let’s start with the banter, because damn. It’s snappy, natural, and downright addictive. Jesse and Savannah go toe-to-toe in a way that had me grinning and cackling more than I’d like to admit. Jesse? He’s chaos and charm all rolled into one. And the way he riles Savannah up? Elite behavior. Peak fictional man.
Now, as someone actually from Alabama (and also kind of allergic to it, emotionally speaking 😂), I don’t get to see characters from my state being written with this much heart and nuance—unless it’s for something tragic or crime-related. So seeing Savannah as a fully fleshed-out, sharp, messy, real Alabamian woman made me feel seen in a way I didn’t expect. And yeah, it made me happier than I’m willing to fully unpack.
Family dynamics in Darlin’ hit hard. Their momma absolutely knew what was going on, and while I wish there’d been a little more resistance or complexity in the forgiveness arc, I still appreciated how layered and raw the family relationships felt. The bond between all the characters? Felt lived-in, flawed, and beautifully messy—just like real life.
Favorite quote? There are too many, but these two are burned into my brain:
• “Death is the only guarantee in life. It’s the one thing we can all collectively look forward to.” – Jesse
• “If Jesse’s like a brother to you, don’t you find it kind of strange that you’re trying to get him laid?” “That’s a bit too Alabama, even for me.” – Savannah
E.L. Lewis knocked this one out of the park. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and sharply written—Southern grit with a whole lot of soul. I freaking loved this book.
I could absolutely see this being a movie. The chemistry, the banter, the emotional depth—it all just leaps off the page like it’s ready for the screen.
Let’s start with the banter, because damn. It’s snappy, natural, and downright addictive. Jesse and Savannah go toe-to-toe in a way that had me grinning and cackling more than I’d like to admit. Jesse? He’s chaos and charm all rolled into one. And the way he riles Savannah up? Elite behavior. Peak fictional man.
Now, as someone actually from Alabama (and also kind of allergic to it, emotionally speaking 😂), I don’t get to see characters from my state being written with this much heart and nuance—unless it’s for something tragic or crime-related. So seeing Savannah as a fully fleshed-out, sharp, messy, real Alabamian woman made me feel seen in a way I didn’t expect. And yeah, it made me happier than I’m willing to fully unpack.
Family dynamics in Darlin’ hit hard. Their momma absolutely knew what was going on, and while I wish there’d been a little more resistance or complexity in the forgiveness arc, I still appreciated how layered and raw the family relationships felt. The bond between all the characters? Felt lived-in, flawed, and beautifully messy—just like real life.
Favorite quote? There are too many, but these two are burned into my brain:
• “Death is the only guarantee in life. It’s the one thing we can all collectively look forward to.” – Jesse
• “If Jesse’s like a brother to you, don’t you find it kind of strange that you’re trying to get him laid?” “That’s a bit too Alabama, even for me.” – Savannah
E.L. Lewis knocked this one out of the park. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and sharply written—Southern grit with a whole lot of soul. I freaking loved this book.
June 5, 2025
Darlin’ by E.L. Lewis
4.5⭐️
3🌶️
Thank you to @ for the opportunity to read this arc!
This book was so fun! It was hilarious and campy in the same way that a 2010's romcom would be. The characters were delightfully charismatic, and I genuinely can’t say I disliked any of them!
The main couple reminded me why I love the enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine trope so much! They balanced each other perfectly and I could feel the chemistry brewing from their first scene.
Savvy as a leading lady was surprisingly complex and I saw her as a very Elle Woods character where we think she’s one thing but by the end she has evolved. Her relationship with her brother and its evolution throughout the story was really beautiful. You could tell that Savvy wanted to mend things even if her prejudices towards his new lifestyle often got in the way
Their parents were interesting because I they ended being well meaning yet misguided people instead of the irredeemable jerks I thought they were going to be. I like how they learned to compromise with their kids in the end and work to build a better relationship with them.
JP meanwhile is exactly who I thought he was. A grumpy hardshell with a gooey center. I also don’t think i need to say this but he was hot as sin! His backstory surrounding his mom’s death felt like it meshed really well with his overall character and I thought the progression was pretty natural and not too info dumpy.
Andy’s character and how she related to JP was also interesting because I thought she would be an antagonist all the way to the end but much like the Kingsley parents she managed to grow on me by the end.
I believe that a story is only as good as its supporting characters and that’s why this one was so amazing. Everyone from the SOS guys to their “old ladies” and their budding friendship with Savvy and even the siblings parents were perfectly written. Like I said I don’t think there was a single person who I hated…all the way through at least! The gang brought a lot of comedy to scenes and I could not get over the Kingsley parents and their over the top attitudes!
The plot was fun and easy to follow but the plot twist still managed to surprise me. And I loved how they wrapped up the story and made it meaningful. The beauty pageant being the ending scene was a great call back to the beginning and I think the decision to make Savvy lose perfectly showcased her growth and her newfound ability to let herself be ok with failure. And of course I love that we got to see JP punch someone one last time.
E.L. Lewis can definitely count herself on my list of authors to immediately ARC read for! This book was such an amazing time and I laughed from start to finish.
4.5⭐️
3🌶️
Thank you to @ for the opportunity to read this arc!
This book was so fun! It was hilarious and campy in the same way that a 2010's romcom would be. The characters were delightfully charismatic, and I genuinely can’t say I disliked any of them!
The main couple reminded me why I love the enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine trope so much! They balanced each other perfectly and I could feel the chemistry brewing from their first scene.
Savvy as a leading lady was surprisingly complex and I saw her as a very Elle Woods character where we think she’s one thing but by the end she has evolved. Her relationship with her brother and its evolution throughout the story was really beautiful. You could tell that Savvy wanted to mend things even if her prejudices towards his new lifestyle often got in the way
Their parents were interesting because I they ended being well meaning yet misguided people instead of the irredeemable jerks I thought they were going to be. I like how they learned to compromise with their kids in the end and work to build a better relationship with them.
JP meanwhile is exactly who I thought he was. A grumpy hardshell with a gooey center. I also don’t think i need to say this but he was hot as sin! His backstory surrounding his mom’s death felt like it meshed really well with his overall character and I thought the progression was pretty natural and not too info dumpy.
Andy’s character and how she related to JP was also interesting because I thought she would be an antagonist all the way to the end but much like the Kingsley parents she managed to grow on me by the end.
I believe that a story is only as good as its supporting characters and that’s why this one was so amazing. Everyone from the SOS guys to their “old ladies” and their budding friendship with Savvy and even the siblings parents were perfectly written. Like I said I don’t think there was a single person who I hated…all the way through at least! The gang brought a lot of comedy to scenes and I could not get over the Kingsley parents and their over the top attitudes!
The plot was fun and easy to follow but the plot twist still managed to surprise me. And I loved how they wrapped up the story and made it meaningful. The beauty pageant being the ending scene was a great call back to the beginning and I think the decision to make Savvy lose perfectly showcased her growth and her newfound ability to let herself be ok with failure. And of course I love that we got to see JP punch someone one last time.
E.L. Lewis can definitely count herself on my list of authors to immediately ARC read for! This book was such an amazing time and I laughed from start to finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2025
This? 10/10…10/10!!
I was giggling and swooning the whole way through. Definitely one of my new favorite romcoms!
I loved every minute of this book! I DEVOURED it.
This was my first E.L. Lewis book and I’ll definitely be reading more! I can’t wait for the next one!
If you love broody bikers, southern belles, bad boy meets good girl, tension, flirting, banter off the charts, and forced proximity? This one’s for you.
It was a perfect summer read and I loved Jesse and Savannah’s story. Seeing Savanah grow into herself and choosing what she wants, not letting others dictate her, made me so happy!
My favorite quote would have to be:
"So my advice to everyone, not just young women, is to get to know people before you judge them and brush them off as other, because, if you're lucky like me, you might find a best friend, a sister, even a—" I take a breath, my heart on the verge of breaking all over again. "Maybe even a soulmate."
✨Southern belle pageant queen who doesn’t cuss
✨Cocky tattooed biker who loves teasing the daylights out of her
✨Reluctant roommates (forced proximity 😍)
✨Slow burn that sizzles
✨Over the top friend group
✨Smutty book club
✨He calls her princess
✨Super soft enemies to lovers
✨Banter galore x1000 (OFF THE CHARTS)
✨All the found family vibes
✨She’s a lil judgy but working on it
✨Secrets and hidden agendas
✨Beach read vibes (perfect summer read!)
This is a motercycle club romcom so be sure to check your triggers!
Thank you to E.l. Lewis for the advanced reader copy!
This is an honest review I’m leaving voluntarily
I was giggling and swooning the whole way through. Definitely one of my new favorite romcoms!
I loved every minute of this book! I DEVOURED it.
This was my first E.L. Lewis book and I’ll definitely be reading more! I can’t wait for the next one!
If you love broody bikers, southern belles, bad boy meets good girl, tension, flirting, banter off the charts, and forced proximity? This one’s for you.
It was a perfect summer read and I loved Jesse and Savannah’s story. Seeing Savanah grow into herself and choosing what she wants, not letting others dictate her, made me so happy!
My favorite quote would have to be:
"So my advice to everyone, not just young women, is to get to know people before you judge them and brush them off as other, because, if you're lucky like me, you might find a best friend, a sister, even a—" I take a breath, my heart on the verge of breaking all over again. "Maybe even a soulmate."
✨Southern belle pageant queen who doesn’t cuss
✨Cocky tattooed biker who loves teasing the daylights out of her
✨Reluctant roommates (forced proximity 😍)
✨Slow burn that sizzles
✨Over the top friend group
✨Smutty book club
✨He calls her princess
✨Super soft enemies to lovers
✨Banter galore x1000 (OFF THE CHARTS)
✨All the found family vibes
✨She’s a lil judgy but working on it
✨Secrets and hidden agendas
✨Beach read vibes (perfect summer read!)
This is a motercycle club romcom so be sure to check your triggers!
Thank you to E.l. Lewis for the advanced reader copy!
This is an honest review I’m leaving voluntarily
May 17, 2025
I absolutely loved reading Darlin'. Savannah is a sassy and assertive beauty queen who refuses to back down. And JP is the tough biker (who is as sweet as a marshmallow on the inside) who begrudgingly gives her a place to stay because of her brother.
The author has done a phenomenal job weaving this story together and crafting dialogue and an inner POV for the FMC that is on point for a Southern belle caught up in the MC lifestyle. It's also laugh out loud funny!
I read this book in less than 24 hours ... completely devoured it! Thanks for letting me be an ARC reader!!
The author has done a phenomenal job weaving this story together and crafting dialogue and an inner POV for the FMC that is on point for a Southern belle caught up in the MC lifestyle. It's also laugh out loud funny!
I read this book in less than 24 hours ... completely devoured it! Thanks for letting me be an ARC reader!!
June 9, 2025
This was such a quick and fun read. Savannah and her southern-isms had me cackling. Being in the south and knowing the pageant world I could see it all happening.
I loved her determination to find her brother, her commitment to him. Her sass kept me in stitches. Jesse having to put up with her was so good. Their banter was hysterical. When he put her in his mommas boots I swooned!
I loved her determination to find her brother, her commitment to him. Her sass kept me in stitches. Jesse having to put up with her was so good. Their banter was hysterical. When he put her in his mommas boots I swooned!
July 17, 2025
Exactly what I needed to read. It’s light and hilarious, straight up fun. Not like any other MC romance books I’ve read, I really enjoyed it. Sav gives me barbie vibes which I lived and Jesse was just chefs kiss 🔥
May 20, 2025
I was blessed with the advanced readers copy of Darlin’, which releases June 9th, and I’m excited to tell y’all all about it!
Darlin’ is about an Alabama pageant queen who finds out the brother she hasn’t seen or heard from in 3 years is apart of a motorcycle gang. She leaves home with no money to her name and not so great parents in her wake to head to California to find him! Along the way she finds love and family where she absolutely did not expect it!
I absolutely TORE through this book. I had 170 pages under my belt before I even put it down for the first time. Which is crazy because when I first opened it I was so disappointed! Not because of anything wrong with the book, but because I’M a spoiled princess and usually only read books with a dual POV. So, I’ve come to expect it and probably wouldn’t have given this the chance it deserves had it not been an ARC.
(I know that that’s not great but like I said, spoiled. Unfortunately, I want that mans opinion.)
I was so bummed not having Jesse’s POV during this book because I just KNOW it would have been EVERYTHING! But I totally understand why we didn’t have that. The plot twist that came of it because we didn’t nearly made me have a stroke🤣
This book was pretty different from most romances I read. First of all, there wasn’t a lot of “omg Jesse is so hot” “omg I wanna climb that man like a tree” every other page for the whole 200 of the slow burn. It was actually really organic and chill, but the way it came together was actually PERFECT👩🍳😘
After the third act break up, because yes, there is one, I actually started CRYING because it was so unexpected and perfect.
I do feel like it was missing something, however I can’t tell you what. I know we’ve all felt that way about a book before though! It was cute and awesome to see this family come together and for Savannah to find herself through it!
Darlin’ is about an Alabama pageant queen who finds out the brother she hasn’t seen or heard from in 3 years is apart of a motorcycle gang. She leaves home with no money to her name and not so great parents in her wake to head to California to find him! Along the way she finds love and family where she absolutely did not expect it!
I absolutely TORE through this book. I had 170 pages under my belt before I even put it down for the first time. Which is crazy because when I first opened it I was so disappointed! Not because of anything wrong with the book, but because I’M a spoiled princess and usually only read books with a dual POV. So, I’ve come to expect it and probably wouldn’t have given this the chance it deserves had it not been an ARC.
(I know that that’s not great but like I said, spoiled. Unfortunately, I want that mans opinion.)
I was so bummed not having Jesse’s POV during this book because I just KNOW it would have been EVERYTHING! But I totally understand why we didn’t have that. The plot twist that came of it because we didn’t nearly made me have a stroke🤣
This book was pretty different from most romances I read. First of all, there wasn’t a lot of “omg Jesse is so hot” “omg I wanna climb that man like a tree” every other page for the whole 200 of the slow burn. It was actually really organic and chill, but the way it came together was actually PERFECT👩🍳😘
After the third act break up, because yes, there is one, I actually started CRYING because it was so unexpected and perfect.
I do feel like it was missing something, however I can’t tell you what. I know we’ve all felt that way about a book before though! It was cute and awesome to see this family come together and for Savannah to find herself through it!
June 15, 2025
this book was a vibe and i loved every second of this. a southern belle x biker???
wham bam thank you ma'am.
if you are looking for a palette cleanser, with a playboy biker and a rebellious southern pagant queen, THIS IS IT. ENJOY THE RIDE.
wham bam thank you ma'am.
if you are looking for a palette cleanser, with a playboy biker and a rebellious southern pagant queen, THIS IS IT. ENJOY THE RIDE.
June 5, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
I love when the burly biker MMC meets his match in a firecracker barbie FMC—and that's what Darlin' was giving. I watched Sons of Anarchy, so I get the gist of the biker gang and I absolutely loved the Sons of Sorrow—so much so that I told my bestfriend how entertaining this book was.
Savannah Kingsley is our pageant queen and Miss Alabama. Her mom raised her to be poise, posh, and the queen she is. However, her mom is kind of a terror. She's constantly criticizing her and judging Savvy. We find out that Savvy has hired a PI to find out where her brother Beau is. Beau ran away from home after his graduation party three years ago and has not been in contact with the family since. She receives a call from her PI and finds out that Beau has been spotted in California, joined a biker gang, and has mug shots. Savannah runs away to California with the goals to bring Beau home.
Jesse Paxton is the VP of the Sons of Sorrow and our grumpy, sly, and jokester MMC. When Sav gets to California, Beau isn't there and so Jesse (being the kind and sweet man he is LOL) offers Sav a place to stay for the night. One night turns into a week, and a week turns into a whole summer.
I always love a good found family trope and we find that for Sav in Darlin'. Sav meets Marlow (her brother's fiance), Andy (Jesse's ex), Pippa, and they all eventually get close—even if Andy was rude in the beginning. I just feel like you can't be part of a biker gang or associated with them without having a little bit of a bite to your bark.
Jesse and Savvy bring out the best in each other and their banter was hilarious. I was rooting for them all the way. I was worried that the conflict point was going to fall short for me, but I'm so glad that I was wrong because it exceeded my expectations. I'm happy with the way the conflict was resolved and the supportive ending that Sav got when the Sons of Sorrow surprised her at the pageant.
I'm also really glad that Caroline and John (Sav & Beau's parents) came around. I was so angry with them at the beginning with the way they treated their kids, but when Beau came to Alabama to see Savvy after the conflict fall out, Caroline and John changed—immediately. Yes, they weren't happy with what they saw, but they kept their mouths shut and still continued to support their kids.
Darlin' was a fun and quick read, had me giggling from all the jokes and kicking my feet when Jesse and Savvy would banter, and it now has me thinking that I need to go finish Sons of Anarchy.
I love when the burly biker MMC meets his match in a firecracker barbie FMC—and that's what Darlin' was giving. I watched Sons of Anarchy, so I get the gist of the biker gang and I absolutely loved the Sons of Sorrow—so much so that I told my bestfriend how entertaining this book was.
Savannah Kingsley is our pageant queen and Miss Alabama. Her mom raised her to be poise, posh, and the queen she is. However, her mom is kind of a terror. She's constantly criticizing her and judging Savvy. We find out that Savvy has hired a PI to find out where her brother Beau is. Beau ran away from home after his graduation party three years ago and has not been in contact with the family since. She receives a call from her PI and finds out that Beau has been spotted in California, joined a biker gang, and has mug shots. Savannah runs away to California with the goals to bring Beau home.
Jesse Paxton is the VP of the Sons of Sorrow and our grumpy, sly, and jokester MMC. When Sav gets to California, Beau isn't there and so Jesse (being the kind and sweet man he is LOL) offers Sav a place to stay for the night. One night turns into a week, and a week turns into a whole summer.
I always love a good found family trope and we find that for Sav in Darlin'. Sav meets Marlow (her brother's fiance), Andy (Jesse's ex), Pippa, and they all eventually get close—even if Andy was rude in the beginning. I just feel like you can't be part of a biker gang or associated with them without having a little bit of a bite to your bark.
Jesse and Savvy bring out the best in each other and their banter was hilarious. I was rooting for them all the way. I was worried that the conflict point was going to fall short for me, but I'm so glad that I was wrong because it exceeded my expectations. I'm happy with the way the conflict was resolved and the supportive ending that Sav got when the Sons of Sorrow surprised her at the pageant.
I'm also really glad that Caroline and John (Sav & Beau's parents) came around. I was so angry with them at the beginning with the way they treated their kids, but when Beau came to Alabama to see Savvy after the conflict fall out, Caroline and John changed—immediately. Yes, they weren't happy with what they saw, but they kept their mouths shut and still continued to support their kids.
Darlin' was a fun and quick read, had me giggling from all the jokes and kicking my feet when Jesse and Savvy would banter, and it now has me thinking that I need to go finish Sons of Anarchy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
Savannah Kingsley, Miss Alabama, finds herself stranded in Hawkridge, California when she leaves her home town to find her brother, Beau, who left town one night after graduation and never came back. For 3 years, she prayed she would find him, and one day, her prayers were answered. She lands on the doorstep of the Sons of Sorrow, a well known motorcycle gang, where she meets Jesse Paxton. Savannah ends up staying with Jesse until Beau comes back from his run with the crew. What’s supposed to only be a week, turns into so much more. Savannah has to learn to live with a man who swears like a sailor, is covered in tattoos and regularly commits crimes while Jesse has to learn how to live with a pageant queen who eats rabbit food, can’t swim, and rearranges his living room furniture. Through the story, lies are told, secrets are revealed, and love blossoms in this small town rom com.
I loved this book so much!! It’s a steamy slow burn with fun banter between all characters. The side characters are loud and meddling but you learn to love them. I read Savannah’s character in the voice of Georgia from Ginny and Georgia and Jesse’s voice as CM Punk from WWE 🤣 (don’t judge me those are the vibes I get lol). The banter between Savannah and Jesse is so much fun and their friendship/relationship feels so natural. If I had to pick a favorite character though, it’s definitely Pippa, one of the ladies Savannah meets at The Hog. She’s a smut reading momma who isn’t afraid of what other people think and I wish I was her. This book has the perfect amount of spice and the sexual tension begins as soon as Savannah and Jesse meet. Once they finally give in, it’s sooooo good. (Baking cookies in the kitchen is my favorite scene 😮💨)
Overall, I loved the story and I adored E.L. Lewis’s writing. I plan on reading more of this author’s work very soon!
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
I loved this book so much!! It’s a steamy slow burn with fun banter between all characters. The side characters are loud and meddling but you learn to love them. I read Savannah’s character in the voice of Georgia from Ginny and Georgia and Jesse’s voice as CM Punk from WWE 🤣 (don’t judge me those are the vibes I get lol). The banter between Savannah and Jesse is so much fun and their friendship/relationship feels so natural. If I had to pick a favorite character though, it’s definitely Pippa, one of the ladies Savannah meets at The Hog. She’s a smut reading momma who isn’t afraid of what other people think and I wish I was her. This book has the perfect amount of spice and the sexual tension begins as soon as Savannah and Jesse meet. Once they finally give in, it’s sooooo good. (Baking cookies in the kitchen is my favorite scene 😮💨)
Overall, I loved the story and I adored E.L. Lewis’s writing. I plan on reading more of this author’s work very soon!
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
June 8, 2025
Thank you E.L. Lewis for the eARC 🫶📚
I have never seen Sons of Anarchy, but a big Hart of Dixie fan! And boy oh boy, this book did not disappoint! Guess I have to start Sons of Anarchy now because I have been influenced! 🫡🏍️
Darlin’ was such a fun and easy read! It had me giggling to cackling! Actually laughing out loud. The banter was bantering! And the spice, was delish!
Savvy, our sweet southern pageant queen! I looooove southern sayings and Savvy’s sayings were so silly. Kinda made me miss living in the South because some of the things I’d hear (sometimes I knew what they meant, most of the time I had no clue, but they just somehow made sense! 🤣) So don’t mind me just reading this book in a southern accent! 🤭
Oh JP, our grumpy VP of the Sons of Sorrow biker gang. He may be all big and tough, but he really is just a sensitive sweetie pie. I actually loved his vulnerable scenes. I do wish we had some Jesse POVs.
Savvy and JP are true ‘opposites attract’ and they just worked perfectly for me! JP helped loosen Savvy up to show her carefree and wild side. She was able to find out who she wants to be. Not who her mom wants her to be. They both were able to confide their fears and struggles with each other. And together, they found ways to help each other heal. I loved seeing their love story unfold in all the ways it did. They both unlocked parts of them that needed to be set free.
Hawkridge seems like a hoot! Inside its tough exterior, you just have a funny and loving community. I kind of wish we had more of the scary biker gang plot, but I did enjoy seeing all the good they did for their community. I loved the MCs and the supporting characters were just as good! I hope E.L. Lewis decides to write a little something-something for the other couples 😉
4.75 ⭐️
I have never seen Sons of Anarchy, but a big Hart of Dixie fan! And boy oh boy, this book did not disappoint! Guess I have to start Sons of Anarchy now because I have been influenced! 🫡🏍️
Darlin’ was such a fun and easy read! It had me giggling to cackling! Actually laughing out loud. The banter was bantering! And the spice, was delish!
Savvy, our sweet southern pageant queen! I looooove southern sayings and Savvy’s sayings were so silly. Kinda made me miss living in the South because some of the things I’d hear (sometimes I knew what they meant, most of the time I had no clue, but they just somehow made sense! 🤣) So don’t mind me just reading this book in a southern accent! 🤭
Oh JP, our grumpy VP of the Sons of Sorrow biker gang. He may be all big and tough, but he really is just a sensitive sweetie pie. I actually loved his vulnerable scenes. I do wish we had some Jesse POVs.
Savvy and JP are true ‘opposites attract’ and they just worked perfectly for me! JP helped loosen Savvy up to show her carefree and wild side. She was able to find out who she wants to be. Not who her mom wants her to be. They both were able to confide their fears and struggles with each other. And together, they found ways to help each other heal. I loved seeing their love story unfold in all the ways it did. They both unlocked parts of them that needed to be set free.
Hawkridge seems like a hoot! Inside its tough exterior, you just have a funny and loving community. I kind of wish we had more of the scary biker gang plot, but I did enjoy seeing all the good they did for their community. I loved the MCs and the supporting characters were just as good! I hope E.L. Lewis decides to write a little something-something for the other couples 😉
4.75 ⭐️
July 3, 2025
Savannah is trapped in a life of family responsibility. Her father is running for governor of Alabama, and her mother micromanages every detail of her life. She is on track for the Miss USA pageant, eats (barely), exercises, works on routines, sleeps, and wakes up to do it all again. She’s not happy, but this is the life of an Alabama socialite daughter…right?
When word reaches her about the location of her brother who disappeared 3 years ago, she rushes off to California to find him and bring him home.
Little does she know that he’s changed his name, found a family and life of his choosing, gotten engaged, and joined the motorcycle club Sons of Sorrow.
•
What happens when Savannah decides to spend the summer in California and makes choices of her own for the very first time? What happens when the vice president of the club falls for the Southern Belle? Is there any world in which this story has a happy ending?
•
•
The “Sons of Anarchy” meets “Hart of Dixie” description is 100% accurate. As I loved both of those shows, this book was a winner for me. I loved the characters, storyline, and the twist at the end. It was a quick, fun read.
When word reaches her about the location of her brother who disappeared 3 years ago, she rushes off to California to find him and bring him home.
Little does she know that he’s changed his name, found a family and life of his choosing, gotten engaged, and joined the motorcycle club Sons of Sorrow.
•
What happens when Savannah decides to spend the summer in California and makes choices of her own for the very first time? What happens when the vice president of the club falls for the Southern Belle? Is there any world in which this story has a happy ending?
•
•
The “Sons of Anarchy” meets “Hart of Dixie” description is 100% accurate. As I loved both of those shows, this book was a winner for me. I loved the characters, storyline, and the twist at the end. It was a quick, fun read.
May 26, 2025
She’s a Southern Belle, and he’s a bad boy in a biker gang. They shouldn’t exist in each other’s worlds, and yet due to some shocking circumstances, they’ve found themselves drawn to each other. They say opposites attract, but are Jesse and Savannah too different to have a happily ever after?
This was such a fun read! If you love men on motorcycles, you’ll love this. I will admit that this book certainly has some cliches about biker gangs, but it was grounded in reality enough for me to still really enjoy the story. I really loved seeing the character growth in Savannah, maybe more than I loved the actual romance in the story. This was super entertaining and I hope we see more books set in this storyline! Also, the book dedication alone was enough to move me emotionally.
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Bad Boy + Good Girl
Trigger Warnings: Gang Violence, Eating Disorders, Calorie Counting, Gun Violence
Big thank you to E.L. Lewis for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All words are my own.
This was such a fun read! If you love men on motorcycles, you’ll love this. I will admit that this book certainly has some cliches about biker gangs, but it was grounded in reality enough for me to still really enjoy the story. I really loved seeing the character growth in Savannah, maybe more than I loved the actual romance in the story. This was super entertaining and I hope we see more books set in this storyline! Also, the book dedication alone was enough to move me emotionally.
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Bad Boy + Good Girl
Trigger Warnings: Gang Violence, Eating Disorders, Calorie Counting, Gun Violence
Big thank you to E.L. Lewis for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All words are my own.
June 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 Stars
🌶 - Spice Level
Savannah runs away from her responsibilities being in pageants in Southern Alabama. She's been looking for her brother for years after he left, only to discover his states away and in a Motorcycle Club.
When she gets to his location, she's like a fish out of water and completely misjudged the whole club as she gets to know everyone. I will say this is definitely motorcycle club light. There's barely any talk of dark themes and more of her trying to fit in or be babysat until her brother shows up. She falls for one of his brothers and learns some new skills she didn't have as a miss pageant princess. There are some spicy scenes, but they are fairly tame, which doesn't overtake the plot. I enjoyed this opposites attract story.
Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: June 9, 2025
🌶 - Spice Level
Savannah runs away from her responsibilities being in pageants in Southern Alabama. She's been looking for her brother for years after he left, only to discover his states away and in a Motorcycle Club.
When she gets to his location, she's like a fish out of water and completely misjudged the whole club as she gets to know everyone. I will say this is definitely motorcycle club light. There's barely any talk of dark themes and more of her trying to fit in or be babysat until her brother shows up. She falls for one of his brothers and learns some new skills she didn't have as a miss pageant princess. There are some spicy scenes, but they are fairly tame, which doesn't overtake the plot. I enjoyed this opposites attract story.
Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: June 9, 2025
July 9, 2025
If I could recommend any book to you right now, it would be this one. It’s definitely my new favourite book of the year. It was absolutely hilarious and so swoon worthy, I adored every single character. MC romances always have the best found family trope and this definitely had that!
I adored Savannah, her growth through the book was so great to read. The banter between her and Jesse was just too funny, I laughed for the majority of the book. They were so cute also. They are 100% the same person and made for each other!!
“Darlin’, I’m like a weed; there’s no getting rid of me. And if you do, I’ll just come back stronger and more resistant.”
My favourite quote, oh how I love Savannah
It such a great storyline overall too, the slightest suspense where you wonder what will happen next. I definitely need more of this world! I will be rereading this book forever to get my fix!!
I adored Savannah, her growth through the book was so great to read. The banter between her and Jesse was just too funny, I laughed for the majority of the book. They were so cute also. They are 100% the same person and made for each other!!
“Darlin’, I’m like a weed; there’s no getting rid of me. And if you do, I’ll just come back stronger and more resistant.”
My favourite quote, oh how I love Savannah
It such a great storyline overall too, the slightest suspense where you wonder what will happen next. I definitely need more of this world! I will be rereading this book forever to get my fix!!
June 7, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much! I loved the banter, the romance, the character development, and the references sprinkled throughout. At first glance, you would think Savannah and Jesse would be completely opposite of each other but they have more in common than they realize. They’re both sassy and love their family but most of all, they love to tease, sass, and always keep each other guessing.
This Heart of Dixie meets Sons of Anarchy book is perfect for fans of banter, slow burn that sizzles, soft enemies to lovers, reluctant roommates, nicknames, found family and so much more!
P.S. I would love for a Beau and Marlow story!
Thank you E.L. Lewis for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this fun book!
This Heart of Dixie meets Sons of Anarchy book is perfect for fans of banter, slow burn that sizzles, soft enemies to lovers, reluctant roommates, nicknames, found family and so much more!
P.S. I would love for a Beau and Marlow story!
Thank you E.L. Lewis for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this fun book!
May 28, 2025
*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*
I really love the idea of this book. Hart of Dixie but with bikers?!? Ummm yes please. The characters are likable and enjoyable. I was hooked from the very beginning. While I love some good bantering, this book felt like it was just one big giant banter, it felt a little overdone at times as well as the word babe. Nonetheless I still very much enjoyed this book. The ending is adorable and I love a good character redemption. This book is just a lot of fun.
I really love the idea of this book. Hart of Dixie but with bikers?!? Ummm yes please. The characters are likable and enjoyable. I was hooked from the very beginning. While I love some good bantering, this book felt like it was just one big giant banter, it felt a little overdone at times as well as the word babe. Nonetheless I still very much enjoyed this book. The ending is adorable and I love a good character redemption. This book is just a lot of fun.
May 28, 2025
This book was so cute. I love the clash of colorful and peppy with dark and broody. The romance in this was great, but I felt like it could be a bit more. It was the only thing that kept this from a 5 star read from me. The characters are amazing in this and I love all of their stories. This was such a fun romance to read!
June 4, 2025
I loved the show Sons Of Anarchy and The Mayans, so this was right up my alley. This is a sweet version of the shows. More of the side of a girl who doesn't know the dirty parts of a club. Jesse was a great MMC!! Omg, when he said call me daddy, I was like oh yes please!! lol
July 31, 2025
Absolutely loved the banter in this. Had a fun plot with sprinkles of seriousness. I just wish the editing side was a touch better. There were a few grammar issues and some of the “country” lines just didn’t make sense honestly…
July 21, 2025
I LOVED this. So cute and funny
August 5, 2025
3.5 stars. This was lots of fun! It was cringe in moments and a little half-baked in terms of the plot, but the banter was very fun and this was exactly the kind of book I was looking for right now.
June 12, 2025
✅My thoughts:
What a fun, quick read!
I loved getting to know Jesse and Savvy!
💜southern belle pageant queen
🤎cocky tattooed biker
💙smutty book club
💚banter and snark
The banter and sarcasm was on point for sure!
And, the spice? Was perfect!
Perfect summer/beach reading to add to your tbr list!
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme
What a fun, quick read!
I loved getting to know Jesse and Savvy!
💜southern belle pageant queen
🤎cocky tattooed biker
💙smutty book club
💚banter and snark
The banter and sarcasm was on point for sure!
And, the spice? Was perfect!
Perfect summer/beach reading to add to your tbr list!
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme
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