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Southern Gentleman #1
Justified Love
“Grabbing the beers and starting to turn towards the dance floor, I felt a slight tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I lost it and dropped the two bottles on the ground. I couldn’t hear the crashing of the glasses the way my heart was beating so loudly out of my chest. It’s him. Colton Wilson!”
For as long as she could remember small town girl, Carrington Mason had been smitten with Avery High School quarterback, Colton Wilson. The only obstacle standing between her and her destiny was an entitled blonde named Paisley Parker, along with 100 lbs of extra baggage.
Determined to change her fate, Carrington moves to New York City to attend Columbia University. Graduating at the top of her class, Carrington becomes a well-known, well-respected attorney. After receiving a heartbreaking phone call from her father pleading for her legal expertise, Carrington is forced to return to the very place she loathed the most.
Returning to Avery, it seems nothing has changed since high school, especially her feelings for Colt. Exploring her new found body and attitude, Carrington is determined to change her and her family’s fate including catching the eye of her crush. With the help of her two best friends, Harley and Skye, Carrington sets out to capture the man of her dreams while saving her father’s farm. Will luck be in her corner when faced with unforeseen obstacles? Will Carrington be able to find justice or love?
For as long as she could remember small town girl, Carrington Mason had been smitten with Avery High School quarterback, Colton Wilson. The only obstacle standing between her and her destiny was an entitled blonde named Paisley Parker, along with 100 lbs of extra baggage.
Determined to change her fate, Carrington moves to New York City to attend Columbia University. Graduating at the top of her class, Carrington becomes a well-known, well-respected attorney. After receiving a heartbreaking phone call from her father pleading for her legal expertise, Carrington is forced to return to the very place she loathed the most.
Returning to Avery, it seems nothing has changed since high school, especially her feelings for Colt. Exploring her new found body and attitude, Carrington is determined to change her and her family’s fate including catching the eye of her crush. With the help of her two best friends, Harley and Skye, Carrington sets out to capture the man of her dreams while saving her father’s farm. Will luck be in her corner when faced with unforeseen obstacles? Will Carrington be able to find justice or love?
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2015
20 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 15, 2015
Editorial Review
Nicole Hite is a new author, but she writes as though she's a seasoned one. Justified Love is the story of Carrington and Colton. They grew up together - both secretly smitten with the other. Years later, when Carrington is called back home to help her father with a legal issue, Carr and Colt connect on a level they've always dreamed of.
This book...WOW...hot...passionate...sweet...suspenseful...I love how this can be a stand alone book and the fact that we will be reading more about Colt and Carrington in her future books as other characters are focused on.
I love the writing style. I think her best talent is her descriptive writing skills. I can literally SEE what's happening in the story as I read. I found myself laughing out loud, crying...swooning even.
You won't regret purchasing this book. I can't wait for the next installment.
Nicole Hite is a new author, but she writes as though she's a seasoned one. Justified Love is the story of Carrington and Colton. They grew up together - both secretly smitten with the other. Years later, when Carrington is called back home to help her father with a legal issue, Carr and Colt connect on a level they've always dreamed of.
This book...WOW...hot...passionate...sweet...suspenseful...I love how this can be a stand alone book and the fact that we will be reading more about Colt and Carrington in her future books as other characters are focused on.
I love the writing style. I think her best talent is her descriptive writing skills. I can literally SEE what's happening in the story as I read. I found myself laughing out loud, crying...swooning even.
You won't regret purchasing this book. I can't wait for the next installment.
July 2, 2015
4 Stars!
I really enjoyed this book. Light, fun, sweet, and steamy, this is a sweet second chance romance between high school friends who never found the right time to confess their feelings. This book deal with some serious subjects and quite emotional ones.
This is Carrington and Colton's story. Carrington was bullied in school. Having only two close friends, she counted down the days until she could flee her small town and never return. She always liked the popular guy and high school quarterback, even if he didn't act like she existed. Now, years later she is a different woman. A lawyer, accomplished, and confident n her own skin, she sets out to right some of the wrong in her pasts and help her dad along the way. And if she gets Colton along the way, well that's just a bonus.
I liked these two together. It seems Colton was not the man that Carrington remembered. In his place was a strong man who wanted the girl he didn't think he could have. And Carrington, she was amazing, Sweet and funny, she was just a wholesome girl. I was rooting for these two.
I recommend this book.
Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
I really enjoyed this book. Light, fun, sweet, and steamy, this is a sweet second chance romance between high school friends who never found the right time to confess their feelings. This book deal with some serious subjects and quite emotional ones.
This is Carrington and Colton's story. Carrington was bullied in school. Having only two close friends, she counted down the days until she could flee her small town and never return. She always liked the popular guy and high school quarterback, even if he didn't act like she existed. Now, years later she is a different woman. A lawyer, accomplished, and confident n her own skin, she sets out to right some of the wrong in her pasts and help her dad along the way. And if she gets Colton along the way, well that's just a bonus.
I liked these two together. It seems Colton was not the man that Carrington remembered. In his place was a strong man who wanted the girl he didn't think he could have. And Carrington, she was amazing, Sweet and funny, she was just a wholesome girl. I was rooting for these two.
I recommend this book.
Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
June 29, 2015
I received this book as an ARC in return for an honest review.
As I read “Justified Love”, I was constantly changing my mind. I loved the synopsis and immediately decided this is a book I want to read and I did enjoy reading it.
I think everyone is aware of the “mean girls” at high school; the ones who think they are so much better than anyone else so as I was reading this book, I was hoping that Paisley Parker was going to get her just desserts. Even her name made me cringe. That, in itself, kept me reading until the end.
But there were a lot of things/situations that I was unfamiliar with, probably because I’m an Aussie. I like books where I can identify with the characters, maybe not completely, but in some way. So even though I could understand the whole being overweight and not popular concept, these things detracted from the story for me.
I came to the conclusion that this book was just not for me.
I gave Justified Love 4 stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
As I read “Justified Love”, I was constantly changing my mind. I loved the synopsis and immediately decided this is a book I want to read and I did enjoy reading it.
I think everyone is aware of the “mean girls” at high school; the ones who think they are so much better than anyone else so as I was reading this book, I was hoping that Paisley Parker was going to get her just desserts. Even her name made me cringe. That, in itself, kept me reading until the end.
But there were a lot of things/situations that I was unfamiliar with, probably because I’m an Aussie. I like books where I can identify with the characters, maybe not completely, but in some way. So even though I could understand the whole being overweight and not popular concept, these things detracted from the story for me.
I came to the conclusion that this book was just not for me.
I gave Justified Love 4 stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
January 12, 2015
Hot, steamy, and lots of fun
I absolutely loved this book. I decided to check it out after hearing about it on Facebook. It was great. I could not put this book down! The relationship between Carr and Colt is so hot, it will make you melt. Carr has to face Colt again after she returns home for a family emergency. Colt hears Carr is back in town and he goes out of his way to meet up with her. These two finally learn what they should have seen years ago, they are meant for each other. A great first book by this new author! I am looking forward to the next one!
I absolutely loved this book. I decided to check it out after hearing about it on Facebook. It was great. I could not put this book down! The relationship between Carr and Colt is so hot, it will make you melt. Carr has to face Colt again after she returns home for a family emergency. Colt hears Carr is back in town and he goes out of his way to meet up with her. These two finally learn what they should have seen years ago, they are meant for each other. A great first book by this new author! I am looking forward to the next one!
May 11, 2015
Really really a cheese fest
The writing was pretty good though a bit amateurish. Not a lot of depth to male lead. Everyone really acted very new adult rather than later new adult, almost high schoolish. The flashbacks got to be so many I skimmed over because I didn't care anymore. The repetition of I can't believe I'm here with Colt, too much. The run ins with former bully, too much. Just an okay read that will hit the spot for those not looking for a whole lot of depth.
The writing was pretty good though a bit amateurish. Not a lot of depth to male lead. Everyone really acted very new adult rather than later new adult, almost high schoolish. The flashbacks got to be so many I skimmed over because I didn't care anymore. The repetition of I can't believe I'm here with Colt, too much. The run ins with former bully, too much. Just an okay read that will hit the spot for those not looking for a whole lot of depth.
June 28, 2015
Originally posted at Revenge of the Feels
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
Justified Love is one of the sweetest, funniest, and definitely most enjoyable contemporary romance read I’ve had in a while!
Oh god, the humour in this novel is too much! Literally. I can’t stop laughing or smiling to myself when I was reading this! This is such a wonderful novel!
(Honestly, my mom thought I was crazy for the constant smile on my face as I stare at my kindle while reading!)
Onto the characters…
Carrington Mason is such a beautiful person and definitely a force to reckon with! She wasn’t confident in herself because of her extra baggage but that changed when she moved to New York City.
For starters, she became one badass attorney! Carrington has become a different person yet some things about her still remains the same. Her feelings for Colton Wilson, for one, didn’t change.
Colton Wilson, Avery High School quarterback where you will think he’s a jerk, an ass, and most of the uncouth personalities a typical high school quarterback will have.
THAT’S. WHERE. YOU. ARE. WRONG.
(Or I was wrong!)
Colton is so nice, sweet, hot, really good in being a sexy ass (from how Carrington describes him)!
Haha, okay, Colton is a really awesome person. He’s someone where you have to personally read this novel to understand more!
All I want to say is, Carrington Mason and Colton Wilson will have you laughing and crying and probably swearing too!
This novel is about how people missed out on the ones they love because of what they think, how they think. I guess you could say, if you’re destined to be with the one you love, you will find him/her back eventually!
Highly recommended for all readers, especially fans of Fabiola’s Sweet on Wilde and those who love sweet contemporary romance novels!
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
Justified Love is one of the sweetest, funniest, and definitely most enjoyable contemporary romance read I’ve had in a while!
Oh god, the humour in this novel is too much! Literally. I can’t stop laughing or smiling to myself when I was reading this! This is such a wonderful novel!
(Honestly, my mom thought I was crazy for the constant smile on my face as I stare at my kindle while reading!)
Onto the characters…
Carrington Mason is such a beautiful person and definitely a force to reckon with! She wasn’t confident in herself because of her extra baggage but that changed when she moved to New York City.
For starters, she became one badass attorney! Carrington has become a different person yet some things about her still remains the same. Her feelings for Colton Wilson, for one, didn’t change.
Colton Wilson, Avery High School quarterback where you will think he’s a jerk, an ass, and most of the uncouth personalities a typical high school quarterback will have.
THAT’S. WHERE. YOU. ARE. WRONG.
(Or I was wrong!)
Colton is so nice, sweet, hot, really good in being a sexy ass (from how Carrington describes him)!
Haha, okay, Colton is a really awesome person. He’s someone where you have to personally read this novel to understand more!
All I want to say is, Carrington Mason and Colton Wilson will have you laughing and crying and probably swearing too!
This novel is about how people missed out on the ones they love because of what they think, how they think. I guess you could say, if you’re destined to be with the one you love, you will find him/her back eventually!
Highly recommended for all readers, especially fans of Fabiola’s Sweet on Wilde and those who love sweet contemporary romance novels!
February 22, 2015
3.75 Boot Scoot Stars
You might not be used to seeing gals in cowboy boots, but I am. Or even guys dressed in suits and cowboy boots. That's the norm here in Texas where this book is set. Lots of boots and shorts, bathing suits, and suits here.
Carrington left her home town as soon as possible. And didn't come back. She has been away from home, starting her career and only missing her home town in her dreams. Her dad needs her back home and her lawyering skills. (is that a word?)
Colt was the star quarterback on the football team. Back in high school, Carrington had a crush on him. But she hasn't kept up with him since then. She just thinks about him all the time. All. The. Time. It's a little creepy that she still thinks about him. All. The. Time.
When Carrington arrives back she finds that her home town has existed in a time warp. Nothing has changed. Nothing. The mean girl is still the mean girl. All her old friends are there and have not moved forward at all. At. All. Even sexy Colt is still there. And Carrington wastes no time in getting what she has been dreaming of for years.
I truly took the walk of shame right now. Too bad it was more like strut my inner slut...
Carrington is figting for her dad's farm. But that part of the story is not the part you will read it for. Carrington is smart and funny and finally able to unleash her confident side.
He totally exceeded my expectations in the erection selection department.
The story was good. Carrington and Colt will make you happy. You root for them. This is a really good first book from Ms Hite. She has a great grasp on small town Texas. The friends were great and I will definately read the next book.
You might not be used to seeing gals in cowboy boots, but I am. Or even guys dressed in suits and cowboy boots. That's the norm here in Texas where this book is set. Lots of boots and shorts, bathing suits, and suits here.
Carrington left her home town as soon as possible. And didn't come back. She has been away from home, starting her career and only missing her home town in her dreams. Her dad needs her back home and her lawyering skills. (is that a word?)
Colt was the star quarterback on the football team. Back in high school, Carrington had a crush on him. But she hasn't kept up with him since then. She just thinks about him all the time. All. The. Time. It's a little creepy that she still thinks about him. All. The. Time.
When Carrington arrives back she finds that her home town has existed in a time warp. Nothing has changed. Nothing. The mean girl is still the mean girl. All her old friends are there and have not moved forward at all. At. All. Even sexy Colt is still there. And Carrington wastes no time in getting what she has been dreaming of for years.
I truly took the walk of shame right now. Too bad it was more like strut my inner slut...
Carrington is figting for her dad's farm. But that part of the story is not the part you will read it for. Carrington is smart and funny and finally able to unleash her confident side.
He totally exceeded my expectations in the erection selection department.
The story was good. Carrington and Colt will make you happy. You root for them. This is a really good first book from Ms Hite. She has a great grasp on small town Texas. The friends were great and I will definately read the next book.
June 19, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Carrington returns home to Avery after a phone call from her father asking for legal help. She hadn't been back since high school graduation. Being bullied and having her life made miserable didn't leave Carrington with to many warm memories of home. She missed her father and grandmother and her two best friends Harley and Skye. Not even that could get her to return. How can she tell her father no. In all these years he has never asked her for anything. She just hoped and prayed she could get through the visit and not run into Cole. The high school football player she has a major crush on back then. And so what that she still had dreams about him. He would never look twice at the over weight nerd girl. Even now after losing the weight he still didn't think she stood a chance.
What a sweet romantic book. Carrington was a wonderful character. She was feisty and finally had the guts to stand up for herself. Running into Cole her first night home wasn't exactly what she had planned but she held up great. Cole, sexy, sweet friendly Cole. To him Carrington returning meant he might finally get his chance with her. He never saw her as she saw herself. Wonderful story and I love how the relationship grows between Carrington and Cole.
Carrington returns home to Avery after a phone call from her father asking for legal help. She hadn't been back since high school graduation. Being bullied and having her life made miserable didn't leave Carrington with to many warm memories of home. She missed her father and grandmother and her two best friends Harley and Skye. Not even that could get her to return. How can she tell her father no. In all these years he has never asked her for anything. She just hoped and prayed she could get through the visit and not run into Cole. The high school football player she has a major crush on back then. And so what that she still had dreams about him. He would never look twice at the over weight nerd girl. Even now after losing the weight he still didn't think she stood a chance.
What a sweet romantic book. Carrington was a wonderful character. She was feisty and finally had the guts to stand up for herself. Running into Cole her first night home wasn't exactly what she had planned but she held up great. Cole, sexy, sweet friendly Cole. To him Carrington returning meant he might finally get his chance with her. He never saw her as she saw herself. Wonderful story and I love how the relationship grows between Carrington and Cole.
January 21, 2016
I really don't know what to think of this book. When I saw it on Amazon and read the content I was like "Wow, this sounds good!" and then I started to read and it got from super to okay. Normally I have no problems when a book is badly formatted but this one got me irritated. No only the linespacing and stuff but also the going back and forth between present and past. This got me confused when one moment we were in the present and then the story goes on and in the next sentence we are suddenly in the past.
However, I really liked the general storyline and the love story between Carrington and Colton. This was what let me finish the book when I was sometimes questioning myself if I should stop reading. Still, I think there were some parts that could have been better. What I found a bit unbelievable was that Carrington comes back for her father and his emergency and then it takes days for her to really put some work into his problems. It was like a story simmering in the back and sometimes I wanted to scream at Carr to stop swooning and mooning over Colton and help her father. And in the end all was a bit rushed.
The closure for Granny and the happy ending was my reward for sticking to the book and not give up early on. However, I'm not interested to read the other books about Carr's friends.
However, I really liked the general storyline and the love story between Carrington and Colton. This was what let me finish the book when I was sometimes questioning myself if I should stop reading. Still, I think there were some parts that could have been better. What I found a bit unbelievable was that Carrington comes back for her father and his emergency and then it takes days for her to really put some work into his problems. It was like a story simmering in the back and sometimes I wanted to scream at Carr to stop swooning and mooning over Colton and help her father. And in the end all was a bit rushed.
The closure for Granny and the happy ending was my reward for sticking to the book and not give up early on. However, I'm not interested to read the other books about Carr's friends.
June 29, 2015
Twist you don't expect from a story that sounds like your normal small town love. Carrington (Carr) was bullied and overweight in high school. She had a crush on Colt since they were younger. Her BF's Skye and Harley and Carr are three peas in a pod and after graduation insist that Carr leave to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer in NY.
Now in her 30's and she is a successful lawyer and has lost weight while still crushing on Colt. She takes a leave from work to go back to Avery, TX to help her dad with a legal issue. Her BF's find a way for Carr and Colt to finally admit that they both have feelings for each other. Starting a relationship, dealing with your bully from high school and working on a case for her dad makes her stronger than ever. Drama of course is involved and boy is it good!
She is free to return to NY, but doesn't know how to break this to Colt. Colt one-ups her and makes an offer she can't refuse. Does she stay in small town, Avery or go back to the big apple, NY? Grab Justified Love and see if they get their HEA or not cause this twist is so good you won't be disappointed in reading this!
Now in her 30's and she is a successful lawyer and has lost weight while still crushing on Colt. She takes a leave from work to go back to Avery, TX to help her dad with a legal issue. Her BF's find a way for Carr and Colt to finally admit that they both have feelings for each other. Starting a relationship, dealing with your bully from high school and working on a case for her dad makes her stronger than ever. Drama of course is involved and boy is it good!
She is free to return to NY, but doesn't know how to break this to Colt. Colt one-ups her and makes an offer she can't refuse. Does she stay in small town, Avery or go back to the big apple, NY? Grab Justified Love and see if they get their HEA or not cause this twist is so good you won't be disappointed in reading this!
June 26, 2015
This book was so so good! I could relate to Carrington so much. I got picked on a lot in school but my friends stuck by my side. Anyway, I loved she finally got her chance to stand up to the mean girl and got the chance to get the guy. Carrington and her friends were picked on constantly in school. After graduation she was determined to prove herself. Making a name for herself in New York City at a very respectable law firm. Trouble is brewing at home and she's needed. Carrington throws herself into saving her families farm. During this time, she is hanging out with her crazy outspoken friends and Colton...Her feelings are still strong for him and it turns out he's always had a thing for him. His career choice ended quickly and is now working for his dad. He's unhappy but Carrington makes him see life a little differently. Carrington is able to win the love of her crush and the town. This story was really funny, sweet and worth reading. I loved seeing Carrington stand up for herself and watching the bad people fall.
September 16, 2015
3.5 Stars
I received a copy of this from the author for an honest review.
I'm not sure how I really feel about this book to be honest, I liked it, I just didn't love it. I felt it took too long to get into the actual story and I understand it was setting the back story but for me there was a little too much. To me there were a few parts of the story that were a little predictable.
I really liked Carr, she had it so tough growing up and I can totally relate since I had similar treatment at school! The weight issue as well hits very close to home and I felt the author covered that well!
I don't really know what to say about Colt, I didn't have such a great impression of him since he never stood up to Paisley but in the end I kind of got where he came from with that!!
Like I said above this story was a little predictable at times but I must admit it kept me reading and I wanted to find out what happened!!
Thank you for the opportunity to review
July 2, 2015
What is there to say about this book other than it was simply AMAZING!
I enjoyed every page of this book, from beginning to end. I love books that portray women with such independence and Justified Love fit perfectly into that category. Carr was an amazing character as was Colton and their relationship was too sweet.
I will admit that I was a little put off from Colton by the way Carrington talked about him in the beginning, but he himself changed that quickly with the way he spoke to her after they reconnected. He was so sweet and such a gentlemen trying to win her heart.
I love this series and I cannot wait to start the next one in line, with Skye and Wyatts story. I just hope it is as good as this one.
I enjoyed every page of this book, from beginning to end. I love books that portray women with such independence and Justified Love fit perfectly into that category. Carr was an amazing character as was Colton and their relationship was too sweet.
I will admit that I was a little put off from Colton by the way Carrington talked about him in the beginning, but he himself changed that quickly with the way he spoke to her after they reconnected. He was so sweet and such a gentlemen trying to win her heart.
I love this series and I cannot wait to start the next one in line, with Skye and Wyatts story. I just hope it is as good as this one.
June 28, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.
Nicole Hite maybe a new author but Justified Love is a fab read.
Growing up Carrington Mason is the overweight girl in school the one the bullies aim for and she has the biggest crush on school quarterback Colton Wilson. After graduation she leaves her home town of Avery for the bright lights of New York City and her dream job. Years later she returns a different young women and on a night out with her best friends bumps into Colton. A great story of finding true love, with great characters that I can't wait to read more about.
Nicole Hite maybe a new author but Justified Love is a fab read.
Growing up Carrington Mason is the overweight girl in school the one the bullies aim for and she has the biggest crush on school quarterback Colton Wilson. After graduation she leaves her home town of Avery for the bright lights of New York City and her dream job. Years later she returns a different young women and on a night out with her best friends bumps into Colton. A great story of finding true love, with great characters that I can't wait to read more about.
June 25, 2015
Justified Love (The Southern Gentleman Series Book 1) by Nicole Hite was given to me to review. This book was a great love story you have Carr who was a little overweight and made fun of in school so she leaves after she graduates and hopes to never come back. You have Colt who is the football star and big guy in school who everyone loves. The thing is people don’t realize that things aren’t always what they appear to be. Carr gets a phone call from her dad to come home and her whole life gets turned upside down. This was a great book and I can’t wait to read the next. Carr and Colt and all their trails get 5 stars from me.
July 1, 2015
What a sweet story! I loved every minute of it. Carrington had left home after graduation and never looked back. She had fond memories of her crush on Cole but he never noticed her in high school or so she thought. Asked to come home by her father due to legal issues, Carrington reunites with her friends and of course runs into Cole. These two have instant chemistry and maybe she was not as invisible in school as she thought. This story was fun to read because of her best friends and the romance between Carrington and Cole. There were moments of humor and suspense with a mix of sexy romance.
July 2, 2015
I have to be honest and I did find this book slow to get going, however once I became invested in the characters that all changed. Carrington and Colt grew on me enormously through the book. Carrington and her love for her Grandmother and Daddy shone through and how she saw karma and justice being served to the bullies and crooks of the town was done with class. I think I would have been more like Harley and just wanted to kick ass!! Colt is a dream boat, he loves Carrington but will he be able to stand up to his parents in order to prove his love? This group of friends is funny, quirky and a whole lot of sass but they are great!! Roll on book 2 ~ 4 stars!!
April 19, 2015
Wonderful story
Loved the foundation of all the relationships in this story. Made for wonderful read. Glad to see karma being a birch. Look forward to next book.
Loved the foundation of all the relationships in this story. Made for wonderful read. Glad to see karma being a birch. Look forward to next book.
February 28, 2018
Great read
I loved this book!!! Carr was amazing and put so much together! Colt was hot and smart! Together they were fantastic!
I loved this book!!! Carr was amazing and put so much together! Colt was hot and smart! Together they were fantastic!
November 2, 2015
Overall Rating: 4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆
Take one high powered NYC boot scooting lawyer from Texas mixed with her ‘All American’ high school crush then add in a true Southern twist and you will have the first book in Nicole Hite’s The Southern Gentleman series. Carrington Mason and Colton Wilson two exceptional individuals formed a unique bond in high school that even though neither recognized at the time, survives in Ms. Hite’s novel Justified Love.
As soon as graduation was over, Carrington left Avery, Texas behind. During her formative years those bad girls that we all love to hate made her their target. An overweight geek with a crush on the school’s quarterback gave them plenty of opportunity to inflect damage. With her own girl posse as backup, Carr survived those years even though the scars on her soul lingered. She is now a successful high powered attorney with a prominent firm in New York. When her father requests her help with a legal matter, she makes plans to go home and help him. She is no longer the overweight, insecure girl that left. Carrington just hopes she does not run into Colton, but a girl has to do what a girl needs to do for her family.
Colton had always felt like a big disappointment to his father. He never felt good enough for his parents. During high school he was looked at as the golden boy, the guy everyone wanted to be or be with, but he had wanted a geeky shy girl. Carrington intrigued him and he wanted to know more about her, but she was driven away by others. Now Carr had returned and he was not letting her get away again. Colton is painted as a man that loves deeply and is intensely loyal. The care and protection he lavishes on Carrington is beautiful. He is still all male and dominates while developing his relationship with Carrington. Long hidden secrets begin to unfold and they threaten to destroy the relationship he is building with her.
Interaction between the two main characters is sexy and sweet at the same time! The friendship that the author develops between Carrington and her girl posse is a true high point in this book. The way they are used as a support system for each other is also a brilliant and remarkable part of the story. The conclusion allowed the reader a glimpse of the couple’s future together. Great read and a must for anyone’s library!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Justified Love
Nicole Hite
Take one high powered NYC boot scooting lawyer from Texas mixed with her ‘All American’ high school crush then add in a true Southern twist and you will have the first book in Nicole Hite’s The Southern Gentleman series. Carrington Mason and Colton Wilson two exceptional individuals formed a unique bond in high school that even though neither recognized at the time, survives in Ms. Hite’s novel Justified Love.
As soon as graduation was over, Carrington left Avery, Texas behind. During her formative years those bad girls that we all love to hate made her their target. An overweight geek with a crush on the school’s quarterback gave them plenty of opportunity to inflect damage. With her own girl posse as backup, Carr survived those years even though the scars on her soul lingered. She is now a successful high powered attorney with a prominent firm in New York. When her father requests her help with a legal matter, she makes plans to go home and help him. She is no longer the overweight, insecure girl that left. Carrington just hopes she does not run into Colton, but a girl has to do what a girl needs to do for her family.
Colton had always felt like a big disappointment to his father. He never felt good enough for his parents. During high school he was looked at as the golden boy, the guy everyone wanted to be or be with, but he had wanted a geeky shy girl. Carrington intrigued him and he wanted to know more about her, but she was driven away by others. Now Carr had returned and he was not letting her get away again. Colton is painted as a man that loves deeply and is intensely loyal. The care and protection he lavishes on Carrington is beautiful. He is still all male and dominates while developing his relationship with Carrington. Long hidden secrets begin to unfold and they threaten to destroy the relationship he is building with her.
Interaction between the two main characters is sexy and sweet at the same time! The friendship that the author develops between Carrington and her girl posse is a true high point in this book. The way they are used as a support system for each other is also a brilliant and remarkable part of the story. The conclusion allowed the reader a glimpse of the couple’s future together. Great read and a must for anyone’s library!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Justified Love
Nicole Hite
February 5, 2016
I was pleasantly pleased with the book and series. Each story played out differently compared to the typical rich businessman falls for a regular girl. It kept the story unique and kept my attention throughout. It is nice to read something that is different.
The story has some steamy sexual scenes throughout which add to the story. They don’t take place of the story line. As you read through each book you feel so many different emotions. You loved the characters and wanted to beat them senseless at other times. You find yourself rooting for the couples. It is about real struggles that people face every day. Each book keeps you connected to the characters although you can read each book separately. There are a few predictable moments in the book however there are some interesting and unexpected twists that will keep you wanting to know more.
There were a few typos and in the third book one page had a part that repeated itself however overall it is a very good read. The writing seems to be fairly smooth and developed; with time I think the author will improve and gain a more mature writing style.
If you enjoy a different story with some steamy sex, then you would enjoy this book/series.
The story has some steamy sexual scenes throughout which add to the story. They don’t take place of the story line. As you read through each book you feel so many different emotions. You loved the characters and wanted to beat them senseless at other times. You find yourself rooting for the couples. It is about real struggles that people face every day. Each book keeps you connected to the characters although you can read each book separately. There are a few predictable moments in the book however there are some interesting and unexpected twists that will keep you wanting to know more.
There were a few typos and in the third book one page had a part that repeated itself however overall it is a very good read. The writing seems to be fairly smooth and developed; with time I think the author will improve and gain a more mature writing style.
If you enjoy a different story with some steamy sex, then you would enjoy this book/series.
February 11, 2016
Carrington moved away from Avery right after HS. She was constantly made fun of by the 'mean girl' of the town. Colton has been the man of her dreams from the time she was 5 years old only they didn't really talk in HS.
Carrington is called back to Texas to help her dad, she is a lawyer and has lost a lot of weight. When she runs in to Colt he knows who she is and starts flirting with her. He claims he has always wanted to get to know her better - it is sweet but seems almost too perfect. I didn't expect to be so easy for them to start a relationship.
Avery is trying to save her family farm and slowly but surely all of the pieces fall into place and she is able to make sure the rightful owners get all they are supposed to have.
Carrington is called back to Texas to help her dad, she is a lawyer and has lost a lot of weight. When she runs in to Colt he knows who she is and starts flirting with her. He claims he has always wanted to get to know her better - it is sweet but seems almost too perfect. I didn't expect to be so easy for them to start a relationship.
Avery is trying to save her family farm and slowly but surely all of the pieces fall into place and she is able to make sure the rightful owners get all they are supposed to have.
January 18, 2016
Needs work
First and foremost, this book needs an editor and proofreader. A few hints: the plural of breast is not breast. Distain is not a word. There are rules for punctuation - commas have a purpose.
A good proofreader would make a big difference in making this an smooth read. However, the writing seems juvenile. Courtroom scenes should at least have some basic guidance by someone familiar with the law. The dialogue between the protagonists sounds like high school kids.
I think with some maturity and grammar assistance, the author has the potential to write something better than predictable Harlequin-type romance stories.
First and foremost, this book needs an editor and proofreader. A few hints: the plural of breast is not breast. Distain is not a word. There are rules for punctuation - commas have a purpose.
A good proofreader would make a big difference in making this an smooth read. However, the writing seems juvenile. Courtroom scenes should at least have some basic guidance by someone familiar with the law. The dialogue between the protagonists sounds like high school kids.
I think with some maturity and grammar assistance, the author has the potential to write something better than predictable Harlequin-type romance stories.
February 27, 2016
This story was good and really kept my attention. A classic 'underdog girl gets the jock' type story, but this has the emotional side too. I would've given this a 4 star if it wasn't for :-
*the story needs editing. Some silly spelling mistakes and line spacing issues etc.
*it took a little long for the story to get around to the whole house thing
* I'm pretty sure the whole legal side of things wouldn't have been solved that quickly .
But, editing issues aside, this is written well, great story and I'm off to read the second instalment :)
*the story needs editing. Some silly spelling mistakes and line spacing issues etc.
*it took a little long for the story to get around to the whole house thing
* I'm pretty sure the whole legal side of things wouldn't have been solved that quickly .
But, editing issues aside, this is written well, great story and I'm off to read the second instalment :)
June 10, 2016
Oh this is so bad. So Carrington gets bullied in school while the football start looks on and does nothing. Which btw is her crush. Years later she returns home with a positive attitude and better body. But is still obsessed with this guy. If he cared back in school about her then he should've done something then, not years later when it doesn't count anymore. And to be that obsessed about someone who never cared for you in the beginning is poor reflections on the supposed character growth.
November 17, 2015
I bought the three book set and the first book was good southern gentleman stuff. It is a bit of a story I've heard before with the Muffintop Carrington Mason forever in love with HS hot guy Colton Wilson. This is the first book written by this author and was good enough for me to go on to book 2.
August 16, 2016
Hot, southern & sassy!
Super sweet and utterly romantic book with lots of Southern charm. Carrington runs away from her small hometown after completing highschool. Years later she's come home to help out here dad. Carrington left her hunky crush Colt behind. He's turned into a hunky southern gentleman. Follow along on their journey together.
Super sweet and utterly romantic book with lots of Southern charm. Carrington runs away from her small hometown after completing highschool. Years later she's come home to help out here dad. Carrington left her hunky crush Colt behind. He's turned into a hunky southern gentleman. Follow along on their journey together.
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