Out-lanta

Second Chance #4

by Tina DeSalvo

Tina DeSalvo welcomes you to the Magnolias and Moonshine Anthology, where you’ll fall in love with the South in another Second Chance story…

An afternoon off to take in the sights of Atlanta turns into an adventure Luke Marcelle didn't expect and didn't want. When runaway bride, Ania Darska, jumps into his car in a cloud of satin, lace and feathers, she frantically shouts for him to drive. The gun-wielding groom she just left at the altar leaves Luke no choice. Now, he is stuck with the mysterious bride from Poland, a very dangerous groom chasing after them, and a road-trip back to Cane, Louisiana because she has no money, no plan, no passport and no one else to call for help.

Love and laughs find a way into their journey and give them both a Second Chance as Luke uncovers there is much more to Ania's escape out of Atlanta.

Genres: Romance

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2017

About the author

Tina DeSalvo grew up in the suburbs of New Orleans, only minutes from the French Quarter. She moved to Cajun Country after college to take a job as a broadcast journalist. Like New Orleans had, now she gathered inspiration for what would become her wonderful fiction characters from the rich culture, unique traditions and lively events of the bayou community. Tina's Second Chance Novel Series are Contemporary stories of love, mystery, laughter and Cajun Charm.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out-lanta by Tina DeSalvo
From the Magnolias and Moonshine series where you’ll fall in love with the South
A Second Chance novella. Can be read as a stand-alone but better if you’ve read at least the first novel titled Elli by Tina DeSalvo.
A bride in full white gown and veil jumped into Luke’s car with a request to “Drive!” Luke didn’t react until the Ruby pointed out the gun in the hand of one of the chasing men. Ruby and Tante Izzy make Luke responsible for getting the woman to their home where they can help her. So begins the multi state drive where Luke and Ania get to know each other.

The architectural details included in their touring was intriguing enough for me to write down for my own future travels. I’ve been to Atlanta but wasn’t able to play tourist. Anita’s joy in the art, architecture and ocean was uplifting and sweet.
A romance novella that enhances the beauty of the South.

[Margaret Dombrowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the love of Baczi

This is a quick read novella which has Tante Izzy packing heat, and it's not because of her arthritis! Interesting take on the mob and I loved Ania's background. The HEA is that Luke can admit his sincere love for Ania.

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a runaway bride with a hint of the mob. This was a quick and enjoyable read. I haven't read the other books in the series, but I will. The book starts off with a bit of action when Ania jumps into Luke's car to escape a marriage she doesn't want. The two try to avoid the jilted groom and his gun. As Luke and Ania make their way back to Cane, they get to know each other. There are little things that they do for each other which shows how much they care. Although this was a novella, I still felt like I got to know the characters.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Out-lanta" by Tina Desalvo is part of a couple of different series. The more books I read by Tina, the bigger of a fan I am becoming. Her books just suck me right in, and I laugh out loud more times than not when I am reading them. Luke is in town and taking photos, and as he thinks he is done, a runaway bride is jumping into his car and yelling for him to drive. Now Luke has his hands full with Ania. My favorite scene was when Ania and Luke were talking about food, and Luke was asking if Ania was a chef or something, and he said the only chef he knows is Chef Boyardee. I laughed so loud when I read this part. I enjoyed reading about their road trip from Georgia to Louisiana and how their bond grew stronger.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is very well written, smooth flowing and easy to read. The author did a great job portraying the characters and their emotions.

I love the characters. Luke owns his own construction company. He is so passionate about what he does. He is committed to doing the very best that he can at everything he does. He is stubborn. He takes great pride in his work.

Ania has been dealt a rough hand in life. She is in a dark and desperate place and will do anything to get out of it. Although she may not realize it, she is strong and a fighter. Not many people could go through what she did and come out ok.

This book is full of mystery, suspense and a bit of romance. I highly recommend this book. Review for Mommy's Naughty Playground

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased Out-lanta by Tina DeSalvo at RWA in Denver this summer (along with a few other gems of hers). Let me just say this: Tina is a beautiful soul! We chatted about New Orleans (which is where she lives) and books, of course. She is a very down to earth person and a talented writer.

I give this story 5 stars! I read this delightful novella on the way home from Denver because I clearly couldn't wait to dive into it! The story is full of southern charm and lovable characters. If you don't already love the south, you will after reading Out-lanta. I absolutely love southern romance novels and this novella hit the spot; it definitely sparked my curiosity of the other books in the Magnolias and Moonshine series.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good road trip story. I only wish this one would have come with the photos described in the book. The trip through the Deep South came alive through Luke and Ania’s travels and I now want to visit. The growing romance between Luke and Ania is only enhanced by the fun settings. While I wanted Ania to trust Luke sooner than she did, I really enjoyed this quick trip to the South and a return to Cane, Louisiana.

I voluntarily reviewed this novella.

[Rae Latte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out-lanta by Tina DeSalvo is a must read addition to your e-reader! Grab your favorite cocktail or glass tumbler filled with your drink of choice. Then settle in for a roadtrip from Atlanta to Cane, Louisiana!

If you loved reading Gone With the Wind for the majestic feel of Atlanta and Runaway Bride then you're going to love this fabulous story packed with wit, charm, sass and a little spice ;)!

[Theresa Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story with Ania and Luke!

[Patricia Zashkoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story! A runaway bride, the Russian mob and a group of Louisiana ladies on a road trip to Atlanta with a photographer friend. What could go wrong? Apparently, quite a lot. They help the runaway bride who is running from the groom by picking her up. They manage to get away but not before several shots are fired at them. The bride is terrified and so are they but they vow to protect her and take her back to Louisiana with them. The photographer starts to have feelings for the bride who is very mysterious about her past. This story is funny, scary and heart warming. I would recommend it.

[Kia Evans Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book when I met Tina at RAGT 2018. Tina is a rare gem. Having been to NOLA over many years. It was great to read this book. The characters were funny and very connected. Tante Izzy was a scream of laughter. Although the story started I’m Out-lanta. A bride running from her wouldn’t be soon to be groom.

I highly recommend this book and others written by Tina!!

[Alicia Justice · Rating 1 out of 5]

I honestly DNF'd this one. The way it's written and the language used in this book made me think that there were tons of editing mistakes. I don't like reading slang! Sucked because I really wanted to like it. Though it has saved me some money, I was going to buy the series and read them. Not now.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a warm romance with a spice of drama. They remain me of being around my family.