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Hearts of the South #11
All I Need
"'Hearts of the South' continues to be a series I look forward to, and one I can recommend without reservation." -The Good, The Bad and The Unread "Linda Winfree continues to impress me with her unforgettable and well written characters." -Book Binge He's nothing she wants...but everything she needs. Hearts of the South, Book 11 Two years after she buried the love of her life, ER physician Savannah Mills remains buried in her work and keeps her heart under lock and key. But if anyone could tempt her banked desires to come out and play, it's her neighbor. A couple of casual interactions with the former police officer has her considering a friends-with-benefits arrangement. Emmett Beck is forging a new career after an on-duty shooting nearly cost him everything. His love life has been in cold storage during his recuperation, but when Savannah proposes a no-strings relationship, his body warms to the idea. After all, it's just sex. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty-once Emmett realizes that hot kisses and steamy nights aren't enough. And that he's fallen in love with a woman who intends to never love anyone again. Warning: Contains a younger man determined to be everything his woman needs, in bed and out, and an older woman unafraid to explore her wild side. Also features cops who talk like cops.
274 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2016
6 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Linda Winfree
26 books87 followersHow does a high school English teacher end up plotting murders? She uses her experiences as a cop’s wife to become a writer of romantic suspense! Linda Winfree lives in a quintessential small Georgia town with her husband and two children. By day, she teaches American Literature, advises the student government and coaches the drama team; by night she pens sultry books full of murder and mayhem.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 22, 2016
1 extremely disappointing and frustrating star. DNF @30%.
Due to personal reasons, I no longer review books that get less than three stars from me. In order that I can remember why a book didn't work out for me, I've decided to file them accordingly. Meaning, I had to extend my shelves substantially.
QUOTES FOR YOUR PERUSAL
Her husky laugh shimmered over him.
His deep chuckle tickled her ear.
His lashes fell under an onslaught of sensation—her scent, her skin under his hands, the feel of her around him as she posted on him.
Posting = riding his dick.
Confusion reigned, snarling his mind and gut into matching knots. How had the touching and teasing, that kiss, turned into the worst sex of his life?
Warmth flushed her neck, and her pulse flickered in her throat.
Resting against the railing, Savannah fought down a flutter of nervousness, complicated by flashes of remembered pleasure at having him inside her.
Frustration curled through her.
Fury detonated in his chest, sending heat up his neck and across his shoulders.
Panic seared her throat and bloomed into deeper sobs.
Somehow Emmett’s clean scent lingered in the closet, and she hardened her heart. She would not let him take Gates’s place. No one could do that.
...and her heart plunged to her feet.
A leftover tendril of her anger from the night before stirred to life.
Anger pulsed in her throat, and she wanted to cry.
Emmett’s ears buzzed with anger.
The extent of his jealous stupidity exploded in his brain.
He rotated his head to look at Bennett.
******************************************
Pre-reading All I Need:
Younger hero, older heroine.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Samhain Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Due to personal reasons, I no longer review books that get less than three stars from me. In order that I can remember why a book didn't work out for me, I've decided to file them accordingly. Meaning, I had to extend my shelves substantially.
QUOTES FOR YOUR PERUSAL
Her husky laugh shimmered over him.
His deep chuckle tickled her ear.
His lashes fell under an onslaught of sensation—her scent, her skin under his hands, the feel of her around him as she posted on him.
Posting = riding his dick.
Confusion reigned, snarling his mind and gut into matching knots. How had the touching and teasing, that kiss, turned into the worst sex of his life?
Warmth flushed her neck, and her pulse flickered in her throat.
Resting against the railing, Savannah fought down a flutter of nervousness, complicated by flashes of remembered pleasure at having him inside her.
Frustration curled through her.
Fury detonated in his chest, sending heat up his neck and across his shoulders.
Panic seared her throat and bloomed into deeper sobs.
Somehow Emmett’s clean scent lingered in the closet, and she hardened her heart. She would not let him take Gates’s place. No one could do that.
...and her heart plunged to her feet.
A leftover tendril of her anger from the night before stirred to life.
Anger pulsed in her throat, and she wanted to cry.
Emmett’s ears buzzed with anger.
The extent of his jealous stupidity exploded in his brain.
He rotated his head to look at Bennett.
******************************************
Pre-reading All I Need:
Younger hero, older heroine.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Samhain Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
October 28, 2017
The eleventh book in the Hearts of the South series by Linda Winfree. Savannah Mills is an ER Physician temporarily assigned to the hospital in Chandler County, GA. She lost the love of her life about 2 years before and essentially stopped living. Now she is living next door to Emmett Beck, a former police officer who was injured in the line of duty. He is getting better now and hopes to get back to work soon. Savannah and Emmett are both looking for no strings relationships. Or are they?
Another good addition. Probably not my favorite of the series but still a good read. Strong characters and story ran at a good pace. Never a dull moment. I don't know if she plans on continuing the series but I hope she does as I feel there are some unresolved issues.
Another good addition. Probably not my favorite of the series but still a good read. Strong characters and story ran at a good pace. Never a dull moment. I don't know if she plans on continuing the series but I hope she does as I feel there are some unresolved issues.
July 20, 2016
Two people who were not looking for love end up connecting emotionally but the road to giving into feelings and happiness is a hard one.
I'm enjoying these new books in the series that seem to be centered around the deputies that work for the Chandler County Sheriff's Department. Its kinda like getting the children stories of a beloved series.
Emmett Beck has been on medical leave recovering from a gunshot wound. Its been a long recovery and he's bordering on depression with anger as he doesn't know if he is going to be physically able to go back to the doing the job he loves. Emmett is good friends with Clark Dempsey who is a EMS, Troy Lee and Rob Bennett who are deputies (and the main characters of previous books). He's been studying hard to complete courses so if he isn't approved to return to duty he can get some type of desk job in the law enforcement field. During one of his time sitting out on his porch he meets his new neighbor and has an instant spark but immediately distinguished it cause he doesn't believe in love.
Savannah Mills is the sister of the heroine from the last book who help her brother in law through some very dark times. She is an ER doctor who lost her fiance two years ago and is still deeply mourning his death. When she meets Emmett she too feels that spark but has no desire to ever get in a relationship again but wouldn't mind a friends-with-benefits with no emotional attachments affair.
For once it was the guy that just couldn't do the no emotions sex. Both Emmett and Savannah had past baggage they were carrying around that had to be dealt with and even when Savannah finally gave in to let go of her past Emmett was not to trusting she meant it based on his baggage.
There are some side stories going on through out. Emmett's sister leaves her abusive husband and returns to town and eventually returns to work at the ER where there is some history between her and another ER doctor (hopefully we get more scoop on that in a future book). There is also some suspense with a sniper constantly taking aim at EMS and law enforcement.
These new books are more romance than suspense like the earlier books in the series but I love this authors voice and the stories she writes.
I'm enjoying these new books in the series that seem to be centered around the deputies that work for the Chandler County Sheriff's Department. Its kinda like getting the children stories of a beloved series.
Emmett Beck has been on medical leave recovering from a gunshot wound. Its been a long recovery and he's bordering on depression with anger as he doesn't know if he is going to be physically able to go back to the doing the job he loves. Emmett is good friends with Clark Dempsey who is a EMS, Troy Lee and Rob Bennett who are deputies (and the main characters of previous books). He's been studying hard to complete courses so if he isn't approved to return to duty he can get some type of desk job in the law enforcement field. During one of his time sitting out on his porch he meets his new neighbor and has an instant spark but immediately distinguished it cause he doesn't believe in love.
Savannah Mills is the sister of the heroine from the last book who help her brother in law through some very dark times. She is an ER doctor who lost her fiance two years ago and is still deeply mourning his death. When she meets Emmett she too feels that spark but has no desire to ever get in a relationship again but wouldn't mind a friends-with-benefits with no emotional attachments affair.
For once it was the guy that just couldn't do the no emotions sex. Both Emmett and Savannah had past baggage they were carrying around that had to be dealt with and even when Savannah finally gave in to let go of her past Emmett was not to trusting she meant it based on his baggage.
There are some side stories going on through out. Emmett's sister leaves her abusive husband and returns to town and eventually returns to work at the ER where there is some history between her and another ER doctor (hopefully we get more scoop on that in a future book). There is also some suspense with a sniper constantly taking aim at EMS and law enforcement.
These new books are more romance than suspense like the earlier books in the series but I love this authors voice and the stories she writes.
July 5, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Savannah Mills is not looking for a relationship. She had that until she lost it in the blink of an eye. Two years ago she buried her fiance and built a wall around her heart. So now she is looking for a man that will share her bed but nothing else. And she thinks she has found that in her hunky neighbor Emmett Beck.
Emmett is recovering from a gun shot that nearly cost him his life and he might not get back in a patrol car. So he is taking courses maybe for a desk job at the station. When Savannah offers to buy him a beer, he turns her down but wonders why he did that. She is sexy and something about her pulls at him.
When she offers a friends with benefits arrangement, Emmett is OK with it until he notices she is distant with a blank expression on her face and he stops things. After she leaves from feeling rejected, Emmett knows he wants more but convincing Savannah might not be so easy.
Can he make her see that taking it one day at a time is what they both need? Will Savannah hurt him while trying to make herself believe she doesn't have feelings for him? Can both of them get past their own past and live for the future?
I really liked this story, you don't see enough of the older woman, younger man stories and it kept me reading just to see what would happen next. This is a first for me from Linda Winfree and I can't wait to read more from her.
Savannah Mills is not looking for a relationship. She had that until she lost it in the blink of an eye. Two years ago she buried her fiance and built a wall around her heart. So now she is looking for a man that will share her bed but nothing else. And she thinks she has found that in her hunky neighbor Emmett Beck.
Emmett is recovering from a gun shot that nearly cost him his life and he might not get back in a patrol car. So he is taking courses maybe for a desk job at the station. When Savannah offers to buy him a beer, he turns her down but wonders why he did that. She is sexy and something about her pulls at him.
When she offers a friends with benefits arrangement, Emmett is OK with it until he notices she is distant with a blank expression on her face and he stops things. After she leaves from feeling rejected, Emmett knows he wants more but convincing Savannah might not be so easy.
Can he make her see that taking it one day at a time is what they both need? Will Savannah hurt him while trying to make herself believe she doesn't have feelings for him? Can both of them get past their own past and live for the future?
I really liked this story, you don't see enough of the older woman, younger man stories and it kept me reading just to see what would happen next. This is a first for me from Linda Winfree and I can't wait to read more from her.
April 25, 2016
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Samhain Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I am a big fan of this author and, in particular, this series. I was very excited to get an opportunity to read the latest book in the Hearts of the South series. So it’s really difficult for me to write this review because I didn’t enjoy Savannah and Emmett’s story.
I’ve been trying to think how put into words what didn’t work for me in this time around. I think it boiled down to several things:
1. My least favourite kind of heroine in a romance is someone who shields herself behind the facade of being a mega b*%ch to keep herself from being hurt. It’s so cliche and never comes across as convincing to me. I don’t buy it and, worse, it infuriates me. In All I Need, Savannah was suffering from major grief over the death of her fiancee. I really felt for her, but not enough to excuse her terrible treatment of Emmett. Grief doesn’t give you a free pass to be a horrible person. I wasn’t able to bond with her at all.
2. The “romance” between Savannah and Emmett was a bit disjointed. I think that’s because much of the story was spent with misunderstandings and the H and/or h pushing one another away. So when the romance actually happened, I didn’t really feel what was bringing them together or causing their feelings to grow. It seemed a bit forced for me.
3. There wasn’t enough insight into what was going on in Emmett’s head. I had no idea what prompted his broodiness or temper tantrums and so he just came off as immature to me.
4. The story seemed to be missing key “scenes” which would better fill a reader in on the temperature for where the plot was at and what everyone was feeling. It was like I was locked outside of a house, able to peek into the window and see things happening but not having a clue what anything meant because I couldn’t hear any of the dialogue. One good example was
Overall, I think the story just lacked the depth, romance and good storytelling I’m used to reading in my Linda Winfree books.
Disappointing read for me.
I am a big fan of this author and, in particular, this series. I was very excited to get an opportunity to read the latest book in the Hearts of the South series. So it’s really difficult for me to write this review because I didn’t enjoy Savannah and Emmett’s story.
I’ve been trying to think how put into words what didn’t work for me in this time around. I think it boiled down to several things:
1. My least favourite kind of heroine in a romance is someone who shields herself behind the facade of being a mega b*%ch to keep herself from being hurt. It’s so cliche and never comes across as convincing to me. I don’t buy it and, worse, it infuriates me. In All I Need, Savannah was suffering from major grief over the death of her fiancee. I really felt for her, but not enough to excuse her terrible treatment of Emmett. Grief doesn’t give you a free pass to be a horrible person. I wasn’t able to bond with her at all.
2. The “romance” between Savannah and Emmett was a bit disjointed. I think that’s because much of the story was spent with misunderstandings and the H and/or h pushing one another away. So when the romance actually happened, I didn’t really feel what was bringing them together or causing their feelings to grow. It seemed a bit forced for me.
3. There wasn’t enough insight into what was going on in Emmett’s head. I had no idea what prompted his broodiness or temper tantrums and so he just came off as immature to me.
4. The story seemed to be missing key “scenes” which would better fill a reader in on the temperature for where the plot was at and what everyone was feeling. It was like I was locked outside of a house, able to peek into the window and see things happening but not having a clue what anything meant because I couldn’t hear any of the dialogue. One good example was
Overall, I think the story just lacked the depth, romance and good storytelling I’m used to reading in my Linda Winfree books.
Disappointing read for me.
July 22, 2016
I cannot tell you how thrilled I am with the new releases in the Hearts of the South series by Linda Winfree. I have been reading this series for years and thought the series was finished. It was a great surprise when Linda Winfree released two new books in 2016.
The latest release, All I Need is another great addition to the series. ER doctor, Savannah Mills, has been an emotional robot since the death of her fiancé two years ago. She has buried herself in her work. She hasn't allowed herself to invest in new friendships. The only people she allows in are her sister and brother in law ( book 10 characters). She has even transferred to the small town ER where they live. When she meets her new neighbor, she senses a kindred soul. Another person not ready to invest in relationships or long term commitments. She's ready for a friend, she's ready for sex, and she's ready to take baby steps back into the world. What she's not ready for is a relationship or an emotional connection.
Emmett Beck has spent the last year recovering from a gun shot wound that put his career as a police officer in jeopardy. He's at the point where he's ready to go back to work. The question is what kind of work is he capable of doing. He has spent the last year mentally and physically preparing himself for the next step. He also has been dealing with a strained relationship with his only sister and trying to pacify his mother. His family is a mess. When he meets his new neighbor, he's ready for a friend that is outside his social circle and not a part of the small town gossip. What he didn't count on was falling for the beautiful doctor and wanting more than friendship. He wants more than a friends with benefit relationship. He has learned patience in the last year and he's willing to wait for Samantha.
Emmett is back to work. An unknown sniper is killing or injuring the EMS units in their town. His sister's life has fallen apart. His mother is in denial. His father has shown his true colors for the last time. Samantha is running from him. Emmett has his work cut out for him. He has to prove to Samantha that he is all in and she is all he needs.
Once again Linda Winfree wrote an exceptional book that tapped into the soul. All I Need is a wonderful small town, southern romance with a touch of romantic suspense.
July 11, 2021
The H is 26 years old and recuperating as he had been shot on duty and h is a 34 year old ER Doctor who has lost the love of her life. They both come together with the H falling hard and fast for her and she is reticent about falling in love again. The plot that involves paramedics being shot by a sniper in addition and doesn’t deter their chemistry and the story but enhances it. Definitely recommend this author and this series. This is the 3rd book in the series I have read and am planning to read the others.
July 22, 2016
4.25 Stars
Linda Winfree’s 11th book in her Hearts of the South series caught me by surprise. I picked it up because the story line features an older woman/younger man trope, which I don’t see a lot of. Ironically, the age difference between Savannah and Emmett is inconsequential to the story, I actually forgot about it, but it was for all the right reasons.
All I Need is such a lovely book, one that has lingered with me and left me missing the characters. As the latest in a long series, I feared going in that I’d feel like I was missing something, but it was quite the opposite. Immersing myself in All I Need was like being welcomed with open arms into a close-knit community.
Savannah lost her fiancé to a tragic accident and has sworn to never allow herself to be emotionally vulnerable again. When she meets her new neighbor, there’s an immediate attraction that leaves Savannah considering a “friends with benefits” arrangement. Emmett was almost killed a year ago when he was shot while on duty. His painful recovery has left little time for romantic involvements and he quickly agrees to Savannah’s proposal of physical intimacy without emotional entanglements.
I’ve read this story a thousand times, but Winfree doesn’t settle for the formulaic emotional arc that we see so often. Instead, Savannah and Emmett’s road to love is realistic and poignantly emotional as these two face their tragic pasts. It’s the characters’ vulnerability that truly sets All I Need apart. The push and pull between these two characters brought tears to my eyes more than once. And while we see from the start what motivates Savannah, it’s Emmett’s journey that truly moved me as childhood insecurities and Savannah’s refusal to commit emotionally leave him raw.
As mentioned earlier, the community of characters made me feel welcome. Emmett and Savannah are part of an extended group of friends made up of service providers: police officers, EMTs, doctors, and nurses. The small-town Georgia setting gives the characters a shared history that’s organic and warm, the banter between characters true. Both main characters have important, close-knit relationships that draw the reader in and each character stands out as someone familiar. Winfree acknowledges the Christianity that is inherent in the deep south, but does so in a non-preachy way, the characters’ spirituality as much of a part of them as their drive to serve their community professionally.
4.25 stars for All I Need. Heat level: 4
I received this book from RockStarLit in exchange for honest feedback.
Linda Winfree’s 11th book in her Hearts of the South series caught me by surprise. I picked it up because the story line features an older woman/younger man trope, which I don’t see a lot of. Ironically, the age difference between Savannah and Emmett is inconsequential to the story, I actually forgot about it, but it was for all the right reasons.
All I Need is such a lovely book, one that has lingered with me and left me missing the characters. As the latest in a long series, I feared going in that I’d feel like I was missing something, but it was quite the opposite. Immersing myself in All I Need was like being welcomed with open arms into a close-knit community.
Savannah lost her fiancé to a tragic accident and has sworn to never allow herself to be emotionally vulnerable again. When she meets her new neighbor, there’s an immediate attraction that leaves Savannah considering a “friends with benefits” arrangement. Emmett was almost killed a year ago when he was shot while on duty. His painful recovery has left little time for romantic involvements and he quickly agrees to Savannah’s proposal of physical intimacy without emotional entanglements.
I’ve read this story a thousand times, but Winfree doesn’t settle for the formulaic emotional arc that we see so often. Instead, Savannah and Emmett’s road to love is realistic and poignantly emotional as these two face their tragic pasts. It’s the characters’ vulnerability that truly sets All I Need apart. The push and pull between these two characters brought tears to my eyes more than once. And while we see from the start what motivates Savannah, it’s Emmett’s journey that truly moved me as childhood insecurities and Savannah’s refusal to commit emotionally leave him raw.
As mentioned earlier, the community of characters made me feel welcome. Emmett and Savannah are part of an extended group of friends made up of service providers: police officers, EMTs, doctors, and nurses. The small-town Georgia setting gives the characters a shared history that’s organic and warm, the banter between characters true. Both main characters have important, close-knit relationships that draw the reader in and each character stands out as someone familiar. Winfree acknowledges the Christianity that is inherent in the deep south, but does so in a non-preachy way, the characters’ spirituality as much of a part of them as their drive to serve their community professionally.
4.25 stars for All I Need. Heat level: 4
I received this book from RockStarLit in exchange for honest feedback.
July 27, 2016
All I need didn't really work for me. Emmett and Savannah were both to scared to find the trust in their relationship. The couple wasn't on the same page , Emmet had insta love while Savannah still pinned for her dead fiance.
I liked Savannah in the beginning of the book. It seemed like she wanted to break free from her past but throughout the book it was evident she was still hung up on her dead fiance to make new bonds with Emmett.
Emmett has a lot on his plate at the moment. I think throwing in a relationship with an emotionally distant women isn't the best thing for his well being. His friends and family are dysfunctional and he needs to concentrate on that .
The author also forgot a few storylines. Landra's ex-husband wasn't brought up again and the shooter was a bit uneventful.
Revived a copy for a honest review.
I liked Savannah in the beginning of the book. It seemed like she wanted to break free from her past but throughout the book it was evident she was still hung up on her dead fiance to make new bonds with Emmett.
Emmett has a lot on his plate at the moment. I think throwing in a relationship with an emotionally distant women isn't the best thing for his well being. His friends and family are dysfunctional and he needs to concentrate on that .
The author also forgot a few storylines. Landra's ex-husband wasn't brought up again and the shooter was a bit uneventful.
Revived a copy for a honest review.
April 20, 2016
**ARC from Net Galley and Samhain**
Yes! This book had it cover to cover. Older female, younger male which worked very well. Dealing with grief and how individual it is. Savannah who buried her emotions and Emmett who dealing with his in his own way. I liked the easy and difficult conversations between them, the honesty was refreshing, the sexual aspects weren't over done, just enough to see the steam. And interesting how they channeled their emotions into that. I'll admit I do like a good "cop" book. And to watch their feelings evolve and unsure of their footing. Made for a good storyline. Kept my interest.
Author did a great job and I really liked this book.
thank you for allowing me to review this.
Yes! This book had it cover to cover. Older female, younger male which worked very well. Dealing with grief and how individual it is. Savannah who buried her emotions and Emmett who dealing with his in his own way. I liked the easy and difficult conversations between them, the honesty was refreshing, the sexual aspects weren't over done, just enough to see the steam. And interesting how they channeled their emotions into that. I'll admit I do like a good "cop" book. And to watch their feelings evolve and unsure of their footing. Made for a good storyline. Kept my interest.
Author did a great job and I really liked this book.
thank you for allowing me to review this.
January 9, 2017
This review is based on an ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
THIS WAS AWESOME!! This contemporary romance had a christian flair. There is so much I want to say about this book. Point #1. We all deal with our grief differently and at our own pace. Point #2. Being related to a lot of 1st responders the shooting scenes were very poignant for me. Point #3. I loved the religious message delivered by Ms.Winfree via her characters. Point #4. This does not end in a cliff hanger and I do so wish I was able to read the whole series because it is that good, but you don't need it to follow along. Point #5. Where can I get an Emmett? I want one of my very own lol.
THIS WAS AWESOME!! This contemporary romance had a christian flair. There is so much I want to say about this book. Point #1. We all deal with our grief differently and at our own pace. Point #2. Being related to a lot of 1st responders the shooting scenes were very poignant for me. Point #3. I loved the religious message delivered by Ms.Winfree via her characters. Point #4. This does not end in a cliff hanger and I do so wish I was able to read the whole series because it is that good, but you don't need it to follow along. Point #5. Where can I get an Emmett? I want one of my very own lol.
February 11, 2019
Reread - for Troy Lee fix!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews