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Gone South #1
Sweet Gone South
Welcome to Merritt, Alabama, where summers are lazy, tea is sweet, and guests are always welcome…
Luke Avery needs a wife to help raise his motherless three-year old. Candy shop owner Lanie Heaven desires a child but can never have her own. When Luke moves into the apartment above Lanie’s shop, she can’t help falling for the sexy single dad and his sweet little girl.
Luke’s not planning to fall in love ever again - but easing the ache of loneliness with pretty Lanie isn’t falling in love. Still, proposing to her could solve all his problems and give his child what she needs.
Lanie believes her dreams of love and family are finally coming true. Until she’s faced with evidence that Luke’s heart is locked away tight. Can Luke learn to slay his demons and put the past to rest? Or will he lose Lanie - and any hope he might’ve had for a sweet life - forever?
**Previously published by Crimson Romance. New edition with a new epilogue. If you enjoyed the previous version, you do not have to buy this one.**
Luke Avery needs a wife to help raise his motherless three-year old. Candy shop owner Lanie Heaven desires a child but can never have her own. When Luke moves into the apartment above Lanie’s shop, she can’t help falling for the sexy single dad and his sweet little girl.
Luke’s not planning to fall in love ever again - but easing the ache of loneliness with pretty Lanie isn’t falling in love. Still, proposing to her could solve all his problems and give his child what she needs.
Lanie believes her dreams of love and family are finally coming true. Until she’s faced with evidence that Luke’s heart is locked away tight. Can Luke learn to slay his demons and put the past to rest? Or will he lose Lanie - and any hope he might’ve had for a sweet life - forever?
**Previously published by Crimson Romance. New edition with a new epilogue. If you enjoyed the previous version, you do not have to buy this one.**
Audible Audio
First published November 26, 2012
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501 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Hunter Pace
59 books116 followersAs Alicia Hunter Pace, Stephanie Jones and Jean Hovey write contemporary romantic comedy and light fantasy with a distinct southern voice.
Stephanie lives in Jasper, AL, where she teaches third grade and wishes for a bigger bookstore. She is a native Alabamian who likes football, civil war history, and people who follow the rules. She is happy to provide a list of said rules to anyone who needs them.
Jean, a former public librarian, lives in Decatur, AL, with her husband in a hundred-year-old house that always wants something from her. She likes to cook but has discovered the joy of Mrs. Paul's fish fillets since becoming a writer.
Stephanie lives in Jasper, AL, where she teaches third grade and wishes for a bigger bookstore. She is a native Alabamian who likes football, civil war history, and people who follow the rules. She is happy to provide a list of said rules to anyone who needs them.
Jean, a former public librarian, lives in Decatur, AL, with her husband in a hundred-year-old house that always wants something from her. She likes to cook but has discovered the joy of Mrs. Paul's fish fillets since becoming a writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 2, 2018
✦ CW: miscarriage (in the past, talked about) and infertility (surprise: she can get preggo tho ugh)
✦ Widower/dad – local judge (rich, political family)
✦ Candy shop owner
✦ I just had too many issues with this one
Here's just a brief rundown of some issues I had:
~ She’s afraid of sex, thinks she’s broken, wants to avoid it at all costs
.....~ No communication about her fears or past experiences – AT ALL
.....~ She expects dry thrusting FFS and is *pleasantly surprised* that it’s not that way this time around
.....~ No foreplay, of course, which is also a big fucking NOPE
.....~ She has a “nice” time, but still no orgasm – or talk about that, either! He’s just like “Oh, she loves this and it feels great to me so yay!”
.....~ No condom?! And then he falls asleep in her for a while?! Ew. In fact, the condom/safe sex is never even TALKED about. But then again, I guess that’s needed for the “surprise! I can get pregnant!” at the end ugh
.....~ Also: sleeping with a boob in each hand and her leg over him? THIS POSITION SOUNDS SUPER UNCOMFORTABLE FOR ALL INVOLVED
~ “He could get used to having someone anticipate his needs” after she shows up out of the blue with a beer for him. FUCK THAT
~ He hated that his late wife would READ their newspaper, USE the crossword, and RIP pages out, leaving it a mess for him to try and read. But the heroine leaves it in pristine condition so she’s PERFECT
.....~ GO FUCK YOURSELF AND BUY A SECOND DAMN PAPER THEN
~ Before they have sex the first time, he suggests they lay in bed and watch CNN? WTAF NO. That would take me out of the mood for fucking life. But they both think this is the best, MOST RELAXING, way to end the day and transition into sex. WUT
~ He really hates her clothes. They’re baggy and ugly – in his opinion. They sounded cutesy to me (lots of candy prints and whatnot, which kind, IDK, matches her entire store and job?! Go fuck yourself, dude.) He even tries to change how she dresses at one point and NOPE.
~ Just . . . UGH. So much ugh here. Honestly, it started out cute enough, but that only lasted maybe 15% or so before I started to get annoyed by things, little by little.
I can't see myself picking up the rest of the series, tbh.
September 3, 2021
hmmmm...woman so desperate for a child she puts up with an asshole still in love with his dead wife.
May 29, 2016
Lanie is a chocolatier who makes devastatingly delicious creations at her candy shop in Merritt. She’s sweet, kind and loves children. It makes her secret of being unable to bear children so terrible. She wants love and family so much. She’s alone after a terrible breakup and when she meets Emma, the little daughter of her new tenant, it’s like a ready made family. She has had pain in her past, “This wasn’t just a broken heart; it was a broken life”. Her ex, Alexander, hurt her badly and losing their baby right after he dumps her for someone else is a life changing event. She gives her up dream of being an early childhood teacher and is a little lost until the candy making.
Luke is charming, a devoted father and a judge in town. He’s also still heavily grieving the loss of his wife and he absolutely isn’t going to be married again. He thinks about his dead wife, Carrie, all the time. He’s a wonderful father and loves Emma so much but he just doesn’t think about what he’s doing to Lanie. He wants her, sure. And Emma loves her. But he doesn’t love her like he loved Carrie, who Luke believes would want him to pine for the rest of his life.
While Lanie and Emma fall immediately in love, Judge Luke definitely not on board like that. He comes across as entitled, or at least spoiled, for a lot of the story. Whereas Lanie is down to earth and gentle, he seems (very nearly) a user at times. He wants Emma happy and goes into the whole thing knowing he’s not going to be what he’s promised Lanie.
I did understand how much Carrie is in his thoughts, his decisions, his reactions. He was married to someone he loved very much, for a long time, and she’s only been gone 18 months. The fact that he had to go through the rumor mill about her makes it even worse. It doesn’t excuse him from wanting everything from Lanie without actually giving anything of himself (well, except sex).
I liked Lanie and Emma both immensely. As a dedicated chocoholic I appreciated Lanie’s talents. I also liked that there were good friends for her. And I loved her grandparents, who took her in when she needed it, gave her time and taught her to be a chocolatier.
I really had to grind my teeth sometimes with Luke. At the point of getting engaged, he goes through boxes to find the engagement ring that was passed down to him but that Carrie wouldn’t have liked. He doesn’t really care if Lanie would like it. It’s a ring he has and he’s going to use it. Or when he throws out the words that make Lanie realize how he really feels. He wants to placate her with jewelry, does he not know her? He is selfish, not wanting to marry but not wanting her out of his bed.
I had a question about the back story of Luke’s deceased wife and best friend. I wondered why Lanie didn’t realize what was going on with herself. I admit – I absolutely hated the ploy to get Luke to see reason. It’s a prop that made the story lose a lot. That sort of trope doesn’t work for me because I wanted idiot Luke to realize what he was doing and missing on his own. The way it happened is too forced and too fairy tale for me. So what was a solid 4 hearts for most of the story lost one for that. But then I had to upgrade some because the narrator did such a great job. I definitely believe I’d have liked this less on ebook.
This was my first listen of Amy Rubinate as a narrator and I have to say, she made Luke sound incredibly sexy. She has the honeyed drawl down pat and she did the man justice, something that is sometimes difficult when narrating other genders. I’ll look for other books narrated by her.
Luke is charming, a devoted father and a judge in town. He’s also still heavily grieving the loss of his wife and he absolutely isn’t going to be married again. He thinks about his dead wife, Carrie, all the time. He’s a wonderful father and loves Emma so much but he just doesn’t think about what he’s doing to Lanie. He wants her, sure. And Emma loves her. But he doesn’t love her like he loved Carrie, who Luke believes would want him to pine for the rest of his life.
While Lanie and Emma fall immediately in love, Judge Luke definitely not on board like that. He comes across as entitled, or at least spoiled, for a lot of the story. Whereas Lanie is down to earth and gentle, he seems (very nearly) a user at times. He wants Emma happy and goes into the whole thing knowing he’s not going to be what he’s promised Lanie.
I did understand how much Carrie is in his thoughts, his decisions, his reactions. He was married to someone he loved very much, for a long time, and she’s only been gone 18 months. The fact that he had to go through the rumor mill about her makes it even worse. It doesn’t excuse him from wanting everything from Lanie without actually giving anything of himself (well, except sex).
I liked Lanie and Emma both immensely. As a dedicated chocoholic I appreciated Lanie’s talents. I also liked that there were good friends for her. And I loved her grandparents, who took her in when she needed it, gave her time and taught her to be a chocolatier.
I really had to grind my teeth sometimes with Luke. At the point of getting engaged, he goes through boxes to find the engagement ring that was passed down to him but that Carrie wouldn’t have liked. He doesn’t really care if Lanie would like it. It’s a ring he has and he’s going to use it. Or when he throws out the words that make Lanie realize how he really feels. He wants to placate her with jewelry, does he not know her? He is selfish, not wanting to marry but not wanting her out of his bed.
I had a question about the back story of Luke’s deceased wife and best friend. I wondered why Lanie didn’t realize what was going on with herself. I admit – I absolutely hated the ploy to get Luke to see reason. It’s a prop that made the story lose a lot. That sort of trope doesn’t work for me because I wanted idiot Luke to realize what he was doing and missing on his own. The way it happened is too forced and too fairy tale for me. So what was a solid 4 hearts for most of the story lost one for that. But then I had to upgrade some because the narrator did such a great job. I definitely believe I’d have liked this less on ebook.
This was my first listen of Amy Rubinate as a narrator and I have to say, she made Luke sound incredibly sexy. She has the honeyed drawl down pat and she did the man justice, something that is sometimes difficult when narrating other genders. I’ll look for other books narrated by her.
November 23, 2016
I love stories that involve a chef, baker, restaurant owner etc., so I thought I'd give this book a chance. It was pretty good, unfortunately the hero is hung up on his dead wife. I'm not a fan of the dead spouse/lover trope, it's hard for me to believe in the HEA. That was the case with this book, the heroine seemed like a replacement for the beloved wife/mother.
Overall it was decent, in part because the (audio) narrator did a great job with the character voices. I enjoyed the author's writing style so I'm planning on reading the next book in the series - Scrimmage Gone South. Hopefully book 2 will be a better fit.
3.5 Stars
** This was an unlimited listen at Scribd, it's also currently KU available in ebook format.
Overall it was decent, in part because the (audio) narrator did a great job with the character voices. I enjoyed the author's writing style so I'm planning on reading the next book in the series - Scrimmage Gone South. Hopefully book 2 will be a better fit.
3.5 Stars
** This was an unlimited listen at Scribd, it's also currently KU available in ebook format.
September 29, 2021
Lanie owns her own little candy shop as well as a small flat on top of it that she wants to rent out to put more money into her business. Someday Luke, a famous Judge from her neighborhood, stands infringe of her door, telling that he wants to rent the room for him and his daughter. While being attracted to Luke she also knows nothing will happen, since Luke lost his wife just around a year ago.
At first I thought this was cute nothing outstanding but still kinde cute. I really love Emma, the little baby girl of Luke, she is so cute. I also like Lanie in the beginning, I like how serious she is about her business and how hard she works for were she is. I also love that she cares so much for Emma.
However later on in the book it felt like she got less and less independent. Like e.g. he buys her something big that she doesn’t want to have and without talking to her but instead of them having a conversation about that, we just get to know that she later thinks he was right with his decision. That really annoyed me.
In general I have to say I am not the biggest fan of Luke. In the beginning he was fine but later on I started to like him less and less. I often felt like he didn’t really care about her.
The worst however was the ending. Don’t get me wrong, there is a hea, kind of, but I felt it’s not a very satisfying one. Their relationship didn’t feel very strong and to be honest in my imagination this relationship is not going to last. I just can’t see them being happy ever after. There happens nothing that gave their bond more strength.
So yeah this was not super terrible. It had a few good moments, overall it was just ok.
At first I thought this was cute nothing outstanding but still kinde cute. I really love Emma, the little baby girl of Luke, she is so cute. I also like Lanie in the beginning, I like how serious she is about her business and how hard she works for were she is. I also love that she cares so much for Emma.
However later on in the book it felt like she got less and less independent. Like e.g. he buys her something big that she doesn’t want to have and without talking to her but instead of them having a conversation about that, we just get to know that she later thinks he was right with his decision. That really annoyed me.
In general I have to say I am not the biggest fan of Luke. In the beginning he was fine but later on I started to like him less and less. I often felt like he didn’t really care about her.
The worst however was the ending. Don’t get me wrong, there is a hea, kind of, but I felt it’s not a very satisfying one. Their relationship didn’t feel very strong and to be honest in my imagination this relationship is not going to last. I just can’t see them being happy ever after. There happens nothing that gave their bond more strength.
So yeah this was not super terrible. It had a few good moments, overall it was just ok.
September 11, 2013
Sweet Gone South is the first in a series (right now there is only a second - hoping for a third!) by the authors known as Alicia Hunter Pace (actually 3 people). I read the other book, Scrimmage Gone South, first because I picked it up on Kindle Deal of the Day. While the series lacks a little heat, I really liked the style. It's close to Nora Roberts, with the town of Merritt, AL being painted so well that it comes to life. There are also great secondary characters, all of it melds so well that you want to live there.
Lanie Heaven (yeah, that's her real name) and Luke Avery end up as neighbors. Surprise! Lanie and Luke both have issues, neither communicates well and there's some family drama. Lanie runs her own business, a candy store, and Luke is the circuit judge. He's also a bit of a spoiled jerk - not intentionally, I think he's just been doted on a bit too much. As someone who is spoiled rotten (me), I can understand how that can be. He's redeemable, he just needs an occasional kick in the rear, IMHO. As you would expect, he gets said kick-in-the-rear. I wish the authors had been more willing to do it head on instead of damsel-in-distress-style but it all worked out in the end, so I shouldn't complain. Ok, but I will. Honestly, I think it would have been so much richer if the women who make up AHP had played this longer and put Lanie in a position where she laid it out for Luke. Alrighty, I'm off my soapbox.
Sweet Gone South is rich, somewhat sweet (sorry for the pun) with a touch of sexy. There's more sizzle than bacon (I'm talking in euphemisms in case we have PG audience), so it's safe to read in public. If you like steamy romance, this may not be your cuppa tea but I'd recommend it as a balance to give you a break from all that smexiness.
Lanie Heaven (yeah, that's her real name) and Luke Avery end up as neighbors. Surprise! Lanie and Luke both have issues, neither communicates well and there's some family drama. Lanie runs her own business, a candy store, and Luke is the circuit judge. He's also a bit of a spoiled jerk - not intentionally, I think he's just been doted on a bit too much. As someone who is spoiled rotten (me), I can understand how that can be. He's redeemable, he just needs an occasional kick in the rear, IMHO. As you would expect, he gets said kick-in-the-rear. I wish the authors had been more willing to do it head on instead of damsel-in-distress-style but it all worked out in the end, so I shouldn't complain. Ok, but I will. Honestly, I think it would have been so much richer if the women who make up AHP had played this longer and put Lanie in a position where she laid it out for Luke. Alrighty, I'm off my soapbox.
Sweet Gone South is rich, somewhat sweet (sorry for the pun) with a touch of sexy. There's more sizzle than bacon (I'm talking in euphemisms in case we have PG audience), so it's safe to read in public. If you like steamy romance, this may not be your cuppa tea but I'd recommend it as a balance to give you a break from all that smexiness.
April 1, 2018
A new-to-me author, (actually a female co-writing team) and a series I'd not heard of before are great additions to my summer reading. The series is set in Merritt, Alabama.
The women writing as Alicia Hunter Pace are excellent writers and their characters are people of substance. Do they have flaws? Of course, but their flaws are not of the arrogant, bimbo-type I've come across lately. These characters are people shaped, like all of us, by events in their lives.
I came to care about the candy maker, and her friends, and the Judge and his little "honeybee."
I'm off now to buy others in this series. I just found the whole series is available as E-books at a little over $2.00 for the series. THAT's a great bargain.
The women writing as Alicia Hunter Pace are excellent writers and their characters are people of substance. Do they have flaws? Of course, but their flaws are not of the arrogant, bimbo-type I've come across lately. These characters are people shaped, like all of us, by events in their lives.
I came to care about the candy maker, and her friends, and the Judge and his little "honeybee."
I'm off now to buy others in this series. I just found the whole series is available as E-books at a little over $2.00 for the series. THAT's a great bargain.
April 11, 2020
I felt bad for Lanie and felt that she should have set out to get someone better for her, I mean she already had had a bad relationship with her ex who dumps her after she loses their baby, so i felt bad for her. She wants a family and ends up falling in love with the neighbors daughter who is a cutie and also the neighbor who is not great, and still hung up on his dead wife, and I can't get over that part. I understand that you grieve but when you can't let go of the past I dont feel like you truly do fall in love or give it a chance. It gets a three because there is no cheating, that is just a no no in my book. So I hope for much happiness for Lanie and Emma
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions..
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions..
November 11, 2018
Sweet Gone South (Love Gone South 1) - PG13/R
Violence: none
Language: fewer than 75, some crass musings
Sex: descriptive kissing; erection as a sexual interest barometer ; sex, but easily skipped
Lanie is a very strong (and pretty dang naive) woman. I admire the mature way she handled her life.
Violence: none
Language: fewer than 75, some crass musings
Sex: descriptive kissing; erection as a sexual interest barometer ; sex, but easily skipped
Lanie is a very strong (and pretty dang naive) woman. I admire the mature way she handled her life.
July 9, 2017
Well just found another series hat I'll have to really all the books! This was very cute, wish the writing was a bit more structured but it had a flow that once you got could follow.
July 12, 2017
I actually REALLY liked this one. On many levels. This is the first in a series that - like the Nora Roberts trilogies - introduces all the characters in the first book and then each subsequent book tackles one of their stories. I love this type of character development - especially if this one gets me more Emma!!
I loved how Lanie grew throughout the story. She learned a lot about herself - and became a stronger person. And I love her relationship with Emma - and Luke too, but more Emma, especially after what she went through in college.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
I loved how Lanie grew throughout the story. She learned a lot about herself - and became a stronger person. And I love her relationship with Emma - and Luke too, but more Emma, especially after what she went through in college.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
April 1, 2020
Full disclosure: the author is my friend. And yet, I don't just give my friends reviews because they are my friends. I loved this story! Alicia Hunter Pace has a Southern voice and knows the dynamics of a Southern town like you would not believe. Merritt, Alabama seems like a real place that's just right down the road.
There's the circuit judge, Luke Avery, who lost his wife in a car accident and has a very precocious 3 year old to raise. And there's Lanie Heaven, a chocolatier who owns Heavenly Confections and who can never have a child of her own.
Sounds like a cliche set up -- but not when Alicia Hunter Pace is finished with it. No, these people are real, and their pain is real, and you are rooting for them from the very start.
There's also a cast of zany characters: the cemetery custodian, Tiptoe Watkins, who has to keep Miss Emmeline from planting corn on her daddy's grave; Tolly and Missy and Lucy, Lanie's best friends as well as women who are Not To Be Messed With; and various husbands, kids, and parents who appear from time to time. There's also circle waffles, gummy pants, and a bee costume. Hilarious, poignant, and feel good. When I closed my Kindle last night, I had that happy feeling that comes from reading a book where everything turns out as it should.
Excellent job by a good friend -- and I can't wait for the next book, SCRIMMAGE GONE SOUTH, which is coming in May. If you don't trust me, just download the sample on your ereader and give it a try. I think you'll see what I mean!
There's the circuit judge, Luke Avery, who lost his wife in a car accident and has a very precocious 3 year old to raise. And there's Lanie Heaven, a chocolatier who owns Heavenly Confections and who can never have a child of her own.
Sounds like a cliche set up -- but not when Alicia Hunter Pace is finished with it. No, these people are real, and their pain is real, and you are rooting for them from the very start.
There's also a cast of zany characters: the cemetery custodian, Tiptoe Watkins, who has to keep Miss Emmeline from planting corn on her daddy's grave; Tolly and Missy and Lucy, Lanie's best friends as well as women who are Not To Be Messed With; and various husbands, kids, and parents who appear from time to time. There's also circle waffles, gummy pants, and a bee costume. Hilarious, poignant, and feel good. When I closed my Kindle last night, I had that happy feeling that comes from reading a book where everything turns out as it should.
Excellent job by a good friend -- and I can't wait for the next book, SCRIMMAGE GONE SOUTH, which is coming in May. If you don't trust me, just download the sample on your ereader and give it a try. I think you'll see what I mean!
March 8, 2013
Totally LOVED this book. It is the story of a Circuit court Judge Luke Avery, who lost the love of his life and is left to raise their three year old Daughter Emma. His wife and best friend were killed in a car accident on their way to the airport. He is focused on being newly appointed to the courts and Raising Emma. He isn't looking for love but his precious daughter falls immediately for Candy Store owner Lanie Heaven.
Lanie also has not been looking for anyone to love. Her one and only relationship not only ended badly, it left her feeling inadequate in bed, and devastated with loss. She is very taken with little Emma, believing she could never have children. Lanie has been faking a love interest to help keep well meaning friends from playing matchmaker with her. Besides having a Big Heart Lanie has Fantastic friends that any girlfriend would love to have.
I can not leave a review without talking about Emma. What a true Gem! She is just so precious. Loved and laughed so hard at the scene at church on Easter Sunday between Father & Daughter. She sounds like a true handful but only in the best of ways. I also found it very endearing the way the author wrote from the prospective of a three year olds thinking and logic. I found myself totally understanding how a three year old would think some things.
Of course there are struggles, challenges etc. but I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more from these two authors. Well Done!
Lanie also has not been looking for anyone to love. Her one and only relationship not only ended badly, it left her feeling inadequate in bed, and devastated with loss. She is very taken with little Emma, believing she could never have children. Lanie has been faking a love interest to help keep well meaning friends from playing matchmaker with her. Besides having a Big Heart Lanie has Fantastic friends that any girlfriend would love to have.
I can not leave a review without talking about Emma. What a true Gem! She is just so precious. Loved and laughed so hard at the scene at church on Easter Sunday between Father & Daughter. She sounds like a true handful but only in the best of ways. I also found it very endearing the way the author wrote from the prospective of a three year olds thinking and logic. I found myself totally understanding how a three year old would think some things.
Of course there are struggles, challenges etc. but I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more from these two authors. Well Done!
November 15, 2015
First, I was totally surprised to find out this author is actually two authors. I had no idea until I was done with the book. They work extremely well together!
I don't know what it is lately, but I've seem to be reading a lot of books with awful covers. This is just another to add to the list. Let me tell you, don't let it deter you from reading this story. Sure, it looks cheesy. And the images look nothing like the characters are described. But there's that very true saying, "don't judge a book by its cover."
I actually thought Lanie's "problem" was going to be something different than what it was. When I realized it wasn't what I thought I was a bit disappointed, thinking an opportunity to shed some light on a medical issue that is often overlooked was missed. But I very quickly realized the reason that was used is also something that is often overlooked and/or not talked about. I loved that Lanie didn't share her secret with anyone because, in real life, I'm sure there are many women who could put themselves in her shoes and it may have even helped someone to open up a bit more.
It did somewhat annoy me that they never really addressed the issue of Luke's first wife and what he thinks the truth was. It just seemed like a teaser that was going to be resolved but it never was. Well, it was but not really clearly. Not a huge deal, but a like a little gnat that won't go away.
I don't know what it is lately, but I've seem to be reading a lot of books with awful covers. This is just another to add to the list. Let me tell you, don't let it deter you from reading this story. Sure, it looks cheesy. And the images look nothing like the characters are described. But there's that very true saying, "don't judge a book by its cover."
I actually thought Lanie's "problem" was going to be something different than what it was. When I realized it wasn't what I thought I was a bit disappointed, thinking an opportunity to shed some light on a medical issue that is often overlooked was missed. But I very quickly realized the reason that was used is also something that is often overlooked and/or not talked about. I loved that Lanie didn't share her secret with anyone because, in real life, I'm sure there are many women who could put themselves in her shoes and it may have even helped someone to open up a bit more.
It did somewhat annoy me that they never really addressed the issue of Luke's first wife and what he thinks the truth was. It just seemed like a teaser that was going to be resolved but it never was. Well, it was but not really clearly. Not a huge deal, but a like a little gnat that won't go away.
March 17, 2021
Laugh out loud funny. This story mixed poignant memories with dashes of disappointments, cupsful of compassion, layers of laughs, and sprinkles of sweet innocence for a successful southern story. Lanie's life was full of unfinished lessons. When she inherited her grandmother's candy shop, she finally found her niche as a chocolatier. As successful as she was in business, Lanie felt like a failure in relationships. Her one main attempt made her feel miserable and reluctant to try again. She is completely immersed in her candy shop, which is a veritable Candyland game down to the painted floor and her candy covered clothes. This is enough for her until Emma smiles her baby smile at Lanie. Emma's dad, Luke, does not feel much like smiling as he struggles to take care of his three year old daughter by himself. As the newly appointed circuit judge, Luke learns to deal with the quirkiness of a small town. Unique situations and vivid descriptions add to the fun in this story: Etheline planting veggies on her daddy's grave; the party that makes Mardi Gras floats seem boring; Emma's honeybee costume complete with stinger; Mrs. Bumpus, the unacceptable nanny; and Lanie wearing her lollipop and jellybean decorated clothes. Luke, Lanie, and Emma eventually bond over circle waffles, chocolate, and hairbows. This is a delightful story that made me laugh and want to eat chocolate. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. I can hardly wait to see what Tiptoe, Etheline, Olive, Tolly, and the rest of the unusual townfolks do next. Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this title.
September 5, 2021
This book went South - DO NOT RECOMMEND
This books starts off cute and with very familiar scenes and sayings for those of us who grew up in the South. It seems like this going to be some of kind of enemies to lovers romantic comedy. I’m in it. Until slowly, the female lead becomes weak and pathetic. Allowing the male lead to push what he wants, how he wants her look and how he sees their future until he simply takes over. The authors constantly write the male lead reflecting on how much he misses and his loves his late wife all while reflecting on how he’s settling for the female lead. As readers of romance you’re probably thinking that there will be some catalyst that motivates her to change and him to change and then all will be right…you’d be very, very wrong. It gets worse! Then the authors, with only 12% left if the book, put the female lead in an unbelievably similar situation as to the male lead’s late wife. Now all of a sudden the male lead loves her so much. WHAT THE HELL! It’s BS! I had skimmed and skipped my way to this point and finally just stopped because at this point this book made me feel terrible. I would even go so far as sayin a bit depressed knowing that female writers are this sexist, validating/accepting double standards, writing antiquated, dysfunctional, disrespectful themes as romance. NO! This is not love and not what women should expect. How do female authors write this? An intelligent, self respecting woman is who should be portrayed. That female lead wouldn’t have put up with any of this even for the little girl. Female authors need to do better by empowering their female readers with positive female characters. This says some much about how the authors see themselves and women in general. Those that rated it highly just make me sad.
This books starts off cute and with very familiar scenes and sayings for those of us who grew up in the South. It seems like this going to be some of kind of enemies to lovers romantic comedy. I’m in it. Until slowly, the female lead becomes weak and pathetic. Allowing the male lead to push what he wants, how he wants her look and how he sees their future until he simply takes over. The authors constantly write the male lead reflecting on how much he misses and his loves his late wife all while reflecting on how he’s settling for the female lead. As readers of romance you’re probably thinking that there will be some catalyst that motivates her to change and him to change and then all will be right…you’d be very, very wrong. It gets worse! Then the authors, with only 12% left if the book, put the female lead in an unbelievably similar situation as to the male lead’s late wife. Now all of a sudden the male lead loves her so much. WHAT THE HELL! It’s BS! I had skimmed and skipped my way to this point and finally just stopped because at this point this book made me feel terrible. I would even go so far as sayin a bit depressed knowing that female writers are this sexist, validating/accepting double standards, writing antiquated, dysfunctional, disrespectful themes as romance. NO! This is not love and not what women should expect. How do female authors write this? An intelligent, self respecting woman is who should be portrayed. That female lead wouldn’t have put up with any of this even for the little girl. Female authors need to do better by empowering their female readers with positive female characters. This says some much about how the authors see themselves and women in general. Those that rated it highly just make me sad.
April 8, 2020
Sweet Gone South by Alicia hunter Pace
Chocolatier Lanie Heaven has good friends, a booming business, and the adoration of the citizens of Merritt, Alabama. But she also has a secret. After the devastating breakup with her longtime college boyfriend, she lost a baby and the hope of ever having a child - the thing she desires above all else.
Though still grief stricken 18 months after the accident that killed his wife and best friend, Judge Luke Avery is lonely for the company of someone other than his three-year-old daughter, Emma. When Luke moves into the apartment above Lanie's candy shop, Lanie and Emma fall in love at first sight, and Luke finds himself along for the ride. It's so easy for the three of them to slip into a life as sweet as the candy in Lanie's shop.
But when Emma calls Lanie Mommy, Luke realizes things have gone too far; he has to propose to Lanie or walk away. He isn't ready for marriage, but engaged isn't married. Lanie eagerly accepts, but as the evidence stacks up, she must accept that Luke's love is not equal to her own.
Can Luke find a way to slay his demons before the sweet life they have created goes completely south
Connecting with the heroine of the book took a little bit. But I came to realize that I as a reader was taking the perspective measure of societal expectations of the heroine. What presuppositions we take away from the people who we “love” actions does pave the image of ourself in our own mind. This book has laughter, self finding and a very adorable 3 years old.
ARC received for a honest review
Chocolatier Lanie Heaven has good friends, a booming business, and the adoration of the citizens of Merritt, Alabama. But she also has a secret. After the devastating breakup with her longtime college boyfriend, she lost a baby and the hope of ever having a child - the thing she desires above all else.
Though still grief stricken 18 months after the accident that killed his wife and best friend, Judge Luke Avery is lonely for the company of someone other than his three-year-old daughter, Emma. When Luke moves into the apartment above Lanie's candy shop, Lanie and Emma fall in love at first sight, and Luke finds himself along for the ride. It's so easy for the three of them to slip into a life as sweet as the candy in Lanie's shop.
But when Emma calls Lanie Mommy, Luke realizes things have gone too far; he has to propose to Lanie or walk away. He isn't ready for marriage, but engaged isn't married. Lanie eagerly accepts, but as the evidence stacks up, she must accept that Luke's love is not equal to her own.
Can Luke find a way to slay his demons before the sweet life they have created goes completely south
Connecting with the heroine of the book took a little bit. But I came to realize that I as a reader was taking the perspective measure of societal expectations of the heroine. What presuppositions we take away from the people who we “love” actions does pave the image of ourself in our own mind. This book has laughter, self finding and a very adorable 3 years old.
ARC received for a honest review
October 26, 2017
This is a new to me author and new to me series. Based on Sweet Gone South it looks to be a fun and entertaining set of books. Alicia Hunter Pace writes with a sassy southern voice that brings her characters to life. The storyline isn't new by any means, but it's one that makes for an interesting and entertaining read.
Luke is a widower with an adorable three-year-old daughter he's been raising as a single dad for most of Emma's life. He's just been appointed as the circuit court judge in his hometown and moved back into his parent's home so they can help him with Emma. Now though it's time to let his mom get back to her life as a senator's wife and for him to stand on his own. That's what brings him to Lanie's door.
Lanie went through a devastating break-up her last year in college which has forever changed her life. There's a secret she holds close to her heart. It's why she hides from much of life. Even her closest friends don't know the extent of her devastation. When Luke asks to rent the vacant apartment above her candy shop Lanie is reluctant to let him. Then she meets Emma and there's nothing she won't do to keep that little girl happy.
Luke and Lanie are in for a rough time before they get to the other side. They may not even make it. There's no high drama, just some very real concerns anyone in their situation would have. Sweet Gone South is a quick and easy read that will have you smiling throughout the book.
Luke is a widower with an adorable three-year-old daughter he's been raising as a single dad for most of Emma's life. He's just been appointed as the circuit court judge in his hometown and moved back into his parent's home so they can help him with Emma. Now though it's time to let his mom get back to her life as a senator's wife and for him to stand on his own. That's what brings him to Lanie's door.
Lanie went through a devastating break-up her last year in college which has forever changed her life. There's a secret she holds close to her heart. It's why she hides from much of life. Even her closest friends don't know the extent of her devastation. When Luke asks to rent the vacant apartment above her candy shop Lanie is reluctant to let him. Then she meets Emma and there's nothing she won't do to keep that little girl happy.
Luke and Lanie are in for a rough time before they get to the other side. They may not even make it. There's no high drama, just some very real concerns anyone in their situation would have. Sweet Gone South is a quick and easy read that will have you smiling throughout the book.
April 10, 2020
This is book one in the Gone South series and was replaced previously back in 2012. This is an updated version. This book was an easy read and I read it in one go. It was evenly paced and kept my attention. I love reading about a southern gentleman that can be an alpha.
Lanie Heaven owns the sweet candy shop in Merrit. She is a free spirit with some emotional baggage from a previous relationship. She feels like she finally has found her calling after dropping out of college a semester before she was done.
Luke is a widowed father, circuit court judge. He needs to find a nanny and somewhere closer to work to live. He is barely making it by himself with the help of his mother. Now she needs to leave to do her thing
I liked this story. The people are great and I liked Lukes’s attitude and how he was with his sweet three-year-old daughter. The relationship between Lanie and her friends is great. The one I loved the most, even between her and Luke is Lanie with Emma. That little girl just tugs at your heartstrings. She is a sweetheart.
The two have so much in common. They are independent and are not looking for a relationship. Lanie longs for a family. Something she will never have. Lukes wants someone to help him with his daughter. These two are attracted to each other but they fight it.
Again, all in all, I enjoyed this book and now I am going to grab the next installment.
Lanie Heaven owns the sweet candy shop in Merrit. She is a free spirit with some emotional baggage from a previous relationship. She feels like she finally has found her calling after dropping out of college a semester before she was done.
Luke is a widowed father, circuit court judge. He needs to find a nanny and somewhere closer to work to live. He is barely making it by himself with the help of his mother. Now she needs to leave to do her thing
I liked this story. The people are great and I liked Lukes’s attitude and how he was with his sweet three-year-old daughter. The relationship between Lanie and her friends is great. The one I loved the most, even between her and Luke is Lanie with Emma. That little girl just tugs at your heartstrings. She is a sweetheart.
The two have so much in common. They are independent and are not looking for a relationship. Lanie longs for a family. Something she will never have. Lukes wants someone to help him with his daughter. These two are attracted to each other but they fight it.
Again, all in all, I enjoyed this book and now I am going to grab the next installment.
July 15, 2017
❣️Meme Chanell Book Corner❣️
Lanie, Luke and little Emma I loved this book.My first time ever reading anything from this author now I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this incredible series.Lanie is a sweetheart whom heart was broken in college which lead to her quitting and doing many random things with no real direction. Lanie thinks that she is not like other women and can't have a sexual relationship. She also was told that she could not have kids after suffering a miscarriage in college. Luke is a widower and single father to little Emma.
He still loves his deceased wife. But wants a mother for Emma. Emma calls Lanie mommy after seeing Lanie and Luke kiss and guess what he wants Lanie to marry him to give Emma a mother. Will Lanie marry Luke without love? Can being Emma's mother be enough after being told she can not have children.
Did Luke find love again?
I enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author. I give this book four stars.
Xoxo,
Meme Chanell Book Corner
Lanie, Luke and little Emma I loved this book.My first time ever reading anything from this author now I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this incredible series.Lanie is a sweetheart whom heart was broken in college which lead to her quitting and doing many random things with no real direction. Lanie thinks that she is not like other women and can't have a sexual relationship. She also was told that she could not have kids after suffering a miscarriage in college. Luke is a widower and single father to little Emma.
He still loves his deceased wife. But wants a mother for Emma. Emma calls Lanie mommy after seeing Lanie and Luke kiss and guess what he wants Lanie to marry him to give Emma a mother. Will Lanie marry Luke without love? Can being Emma's mother be enough after being told she can not have children.
Did Luke find love again?
I enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author. I give this book four stars.
Xoxo,
Meme Chanell Book Corner
May 7, 2020
I don't know how I missed seeing this series earlier, but I'm making up for it now. Pace's stories have a heart and humor reminiscent of Jill Shalvis and yet uniquely their own. In this story (the first of a series), we meet Lainey and Luke and Emma and how can you not fall in love with all 3 of them right off the bat? Emma is the epitome of adorable 3-yr-old. Lainey is lonely but happy, a successful candy maker who, you can tell by the decor in her shop, loves having fun. And Luke is the hard-nosed attorney turned judge and yet you can see all his tenderness and vulnerabilities right away through his interactions with his daughter. It was a joy to see them overcome their baggage and find the answers to their dreams in one another. I love that we see both familiar and new faces in Merritt and I look forward to revisiting in future novels in this series.
April 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this one. I was drawn to this book because Luke is a single dad and Lanie owns a candy shop. I loved Lanie right off the bat. She has a heart of gold, but her past broke my heart. How she sees herself as a potential love for another truly breaks my heart. Now Luke, he had to grow on me. First impressions were not great, but as soon as you see him with Emma all bets are off. We see a gentler side of him that is very appealing. Some of my favorite scenes are with Emma and Lanie. They have a special bond that warms my heart. Some beautiful surprises made me one happy reader. I would definitely recommend this one!
April 6, 2020
This was quite the emotional roller coaster. I loved Lanie. She has quite the tragic past, and it was heart breaking. I loved when she met Emma and they just fell in love with each other. Luke was tough for me. He was so stubbornly sure that he should just pine for his wife that he misses what's right in front of him. I'm glad that he eventually saw the light but he really frustrated me. I really enjoyed the story. The town was brought to life beautifully, and I think that this is a great start to the series. I can't wait to read what happens next.
February 21, 2023
4.5 stars. Lanie Heaven is trying to find her way in life. She has never been able to succeed at anything until she started running her late grandmother's candy shop. Luke Avery arrives in Merritt, Alabama to pick up the pieces after his wife's death. He is just trying to start over and make a life for his daughter, Emma. Luke finds his way to looking at the apartment over Lanie's shop. As they say, "the rest is history."
This is a cute romance. I look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
This is a cute romance. I look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
January 22, 2021
Story was not too terrible, but the main character grated on my nerves! She’s all “whoa is me, I’m not good enough to love, I’ll never find happiness, I’ll never have a family, blah blah blah”. She’s one of those characters who had like zero ability to read a room or think logically without only seeing how a situation affects her. Super annoying! The ending wasn’t the best, but I might try the next in the series.
April 15, 2021
I absolutely love this sweet romance! It is filled with wishes, lost hope and amazing characters. This really pulled me in from the beginning. The feeling of coming home and the fire of new love all packaged together with a happily-ever-after bow. Amy Rubinate does a wonderful job portraying & bringing the characters to life. She is an amazing narrator.
September 19, 2021
Start eye roll! Lanie Heaven has a candy shop and her friends and she doesn't need anything else. Until Luke Avery and his young daughter move into the open apartment above her candy shop. It turns out Lanie does need more - she wants a kid. And she's so desperate, she'll put up with an a$$hole who wants a mom for his daughter 'cuz he's too clueless to do anything himself. Sigh.......
September 25, 2021
I got a free copy of this novel and having never read the author before I didn't know what to expect. It was an easy and light read with good characters and an appealing plot. I especially like the outfits Lanie wore and the description of her diet coke drinking, candy making self.
This is a good first read and I'll be looking for other books by this author.
This is a good first read and I'll be looking for other books by this author.
July 20, 2017
🌟Meme Chanell Book Corner🌟
A great summer read a really sweet romance that I enjoyed from the first page to the last and it doesn't hurt that adorable Emma was thrown in. Can't wait to read the other books in this series
I posted more about this book in my blog.
Meme Chanell Book Corner
A great summer read a really sweet romance that I enjoyed from the first page to the last and it doesn't hurt that adorable Emma was thrown in. Can't wait to read the other books in this series
I posted more about this book in my blog.
Meme Chanell Book Corner
February 18, 2018
I thought this was a cute book. It started off really well and I was really excited about finding a new author I enjoyed. The middle and ending kind of tapered off, but I still enjoyed the book overall.
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