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Southern Heart #4
Southern Devotion
Olivia
"Surprise me." The words slipped out before I even knew I was saying them.
David has asked me to marry him every single day. Sometimes with a smile, sometimes in passing, but always with hope in his eyes. Deep down, we both knew that I wasn't ready.
But now I am.
I'm ready to begin our forever. Ready for the life we've dreamed about during long talks and quiet nights. I've kept that future at arm's length for too long, afraid to reach for it. But not anymore. It's time to start our life together.
David
I knew from our very first date that she was the one.
I've asked her to marry me more times than I can count, though never on one knee. Not properly. Not officially. I always knew she wasn't quite ready, but I wanted her to know that I was.
Now, everything's different.
She's ready. And this time, when I get down on one knee and ask her to be mine forever, it has to be perfect.
"Surprise me." The words slipped out before I even knew I was saying them.
David has asked me to marry him every single day. Sometimes with a smile, sometimes in passing, but always with hope in his eyes. Deep down, we both knew that I wasn't ready.
But now I am.
I'm ready to begin our forever. Ready for the life we've dreamed about during long talks and quiet nights. I've kept that future at arm's length for too long, afraid to reach for it. But not anymore. It's time to start our life together.
David
I knew from our very first date that she was the one.
I've asked her to marry me more times than I can count, though never on one knee. Not properly. Not officially. I always knew she wasn't quite ready, but I wanted her to know that I was.
Now, everything's different.
She's ready. And this time, when I get down on one knee and ask her to be mine forever, it has to be perfect.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
512 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Kaylee Ryan
101 books6,382 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has earned the affectionate title of “Queen of Swoon” from her devoted readers. With over sixty romance novels to her name, Kaylee has built a beloved catalog of heartfelt stories that celebrate love in all its tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony forms. Her signature blend of charm, chemistry, and genuine happily-ever-afters has captivated readers around the world.
When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.
When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
November 11, 2018
💖 lovely 💖
October 30, 2018
IT'S LIVE!
If you have read the Southern Hearts Series, this is a must read!
I am just over the moon for this story. There is something about these characters that just feel comfortable. It feels like people that you would want to hang with in real life. It was great revisiting some of the couples from former book, getting a much needed update on their lives.
Dave and Olivia were constant secondary characters in the first 3 books. Always there, being supportive friends. Never wavering in their love. I was afraid there may be a lot of pushing away by Olivia and that was absolutely not the case. Olivia realized right from the start that her hesitation (not about her love for David) was unwarranted and she made it known. I loved it. The lengths that David went for her was pure romance. Sweet, loving and touching. I was thrilled to see them get a much deserved HEA!
This was a safe read with zero ow/om drama. No angst, just pure love. It can be read as a standalone, but there is a lot of reference to their friends/family who were heroes and heroines of the first 3 books.
If you have read the Southern Hearts Series, this is a must read!
I am just over the moon for this story. There is something about these characters that just feel comfortable. It feels like people that you would want to hang with in real life. It was great revisiting some of the couples from former book, getting a much needed update on their lives.
Dave and Olivia were constant secondary characters in the first 3 books. Always there, being supportive friends. Never wavering in their love. I was afraid there may be a lot of pushing away by Olivia and that was absolutely not the case. Olivia realized right from the start that her hesitation (not about her love for David) was unwarranted and she made it known. I loved it. The lengths that David went for her was pure romance. Sweet, loving and touching. I was thrilled to see them get a much deserved HEA!
This was a safe read with zero ow/om drama. No angst, just pure love. It can be read as a standalone, but there is a lot of reference to their friends/family who were heroes and heroines of the first 3 books.
November 4, 2018
Sweet novella with likeable MCs and secondary characters. Don’t remember anything about these characters in the previous books but he really was devoted to her.
October 27, 2023
This book is like planning a wedding. With all of that cheesy ness, over the top picture perfect. Not my thing.
I listen to it because joe arden narrates the male part. Aside from that.... meh..
2 stars
I listen to it because joe arden narrates the male part. Aside from that.... meh..
2 stars
October 14, 2018
This has been an amazing series, and I'm kind of sad to see it go! But I'm also happy that Olivia and David finally have their story told! We knew they belonged together, knew they were meant for one another, right from the beginning, because their story started right along with Evan and McKinley's, and they stayed strong throughout Aaron and Whitney's and Mike and Jaime's stories. Now it's their turn!
This was a beautiful story, full of love, support and patience. David's infinite patience and enduring love for Olivia, makes him the kind of man that we all swoon over, and wish for in our own lives. Olivia is confident in David's love for her, but let's doubt about other things creep in, holding her back from accepting what she wants in life. It just goes to show that even the strongest, most confident woman can be brought low by self doubt.
This isn't a story about beginnings. It's not a story about that first blush of love. It's about the kind of love that stays strong through everything, the kind that never wavers, holding true through adversity until the HEA is finally realized. This charming, magical story holds my heart, and promises to become one I will read over and over again, whenever I need a reminder that love is worth the wait!
This was a beautiful story, full of love, support and patience. David's infinite patience and enduring love for Olivia, makes him the kind of man that we all swoon over, and wish for in our own lives. Olivia is confident in David's love for her, but let's doubt about other things creep in, holding her back from accepting what she wants in life. It just goes to show that even the strongest, most confident woman can be brought low by self doubt.
This isn't a story about beginnings. It's not a story about that first blush of love. It's about the kind of love that stays strong through everything, the kind that never wavers, holding true through adversity until the HEA is finally realized. This charming, magical story holds my heart, and promises to become one I will read over and over again, whenever I need a reminder that love is worth the wait!
October 31, 2018
Southern Devotion by Kaylee Ryan was a great surprise. Oliva and David, who we meet and interact with throughout the series, finally get their story. David has always known Olivia is the woman for him, but something held her back. She knows David loves her, but can she finally move forward and have everything she has ever wanted?
David was absolutely perfect. He was patient, caring and so damn loving. He always put Olivia first and took care to show her every day what she meant for him. Though Olivia always held back in the past, she begins to see what they could share. They were utterly perfect together!
I loved Southern Devotion by Kaylee Ryan. It was such a sweet story. A quick read with great characters and so swoony! I loved seeing old friends and getting to see them happy. A great addition to the series!
4.5 stars! Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
David was absolutely perfect. He was patient, caring and so damn loving. He always put Olivia first and took care to show her every day what she meant for him. Though Olivia always held back in the past, she begins to see what they could share. They were utterly perfect together!
I loved Southern Devotion by Kaylee Ryan. It was such a sweet story. A quick read with great characters and so swoony! I loved seeing old friends and getting to see them happy. A great addition to the series!
4.5 stars! Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
February 11, 2023
Southern Boys and Girls
I loved this sweet series all the couples were cute as heck. Some of the stories were repetitive but it was in a good way! This one being the last was a great one for Olivia and David. I liked getting to follow them and their story which included all the updates from the other couples.
I loved the background being Kentucky because that’s where my Mom is from and I spent a lot of fun summers in Kentucky with second cousins and those southern boys are hot hot hot! Lol
I loved this sweet series all the couples were cute as heck. Some of the stories were repetitive but it was in a good way! This one being the last was a great one for Olivia and David. I liked getting to follow them and their story which included all the updates from the other couples.
I loved the background being Kentucky because that’s where my Mom is from and I spent a lot of fun summers in Kentucky with second cousins and those southern boys are hot hot hot! Lol
January 25, 2020
This one was a bit syrupy sweet, but it worked. Olivia and David were living a happy life, but just waiting for Olivia to green light more. Once that happened it was full steam ahead. I loved how David was able to surprise Olivia and give her what she wanted. I especially loved the 10 year anniversary party, so great for them and all the couples.
May 6, 2024
I’m was so excited to read all about Olivia and David! Their love story was so beautiful! I’m so happy they got there happily ever after! Such a sweet ending to such a beautiful series! 💛🥰❤️
October 30, 2018
I’ve been in love with this group of friends and characters since I’ve picked up Evan and Kinley’s story. Ms. Ryan created characters I’d love to call my friends. And Olivia and David are no exception! I’m just sad to see the end to this wonderful group of characters!
I couldn’t wait for Olivia and David’s story! I’ve adored them and couldn’t wait to see their happily ever after. Ms. Ryan did not disappoint. Sweet, heartwarming, and that southern charm I love so much when reading these books!!
And we get to see Evan and Kinley, Whit and Aaron, and Mike and Jamie. I love seeing all these characters interact and I have to say it’s one of my favorite series. This group of characters will stay with me and in my heart. I’ll miss them but I’ll always love the chance to go back and revisit them! Ms. Ryan blew these characters away and I couldn’t be happier to know and love them!
I couldn’t wait for Olivia and David’s story! I’ve adored them and couldn’t wait to see their happily ever after. Ms. Ryan did not disappoint. Sweet, heartwarming, and that southern charm I love so much when reading these books!!
And we get to see Evan and Kinley, Whit and Aaron, and Mike and Jamie. I love seeing all these characters interact and I have to say it’s one of my favorite series. This group of characters will stay with me and in my heart. I’ll miss them but I’ll always love the chance to go back and revisit them! Ms. Ryan blew these characters away and I couldn’t be happier to know and love them!
October 30, 2018
Southern Devotion it’s the final book in the Southern Heart series. Throughout this entire series we’ve had glimpses of David and Olivia’s love, but haven’t gotten to see just how perfect they are. David and Olivia are so in love and he pulls out all the stops to let her know just how special she is to him. Get ready to swoon and fall for all the southern charm and sweet romance that pours off of the pages. Perfect ending to this series!
April 15, 2023
This was one amazing, sweet, heartwarming story. Oh the feels you will feel. You'll be hooked from the first page, you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat by the last. You are definitely going to fall in love with David and Olivia. There really isn’t any word to describe how amazing this book is.
November 2, 2018
Awww, Olivia & David's story is so adorable!! The perfect, no-drama love story that's been in the making throughout the series. I loved getting to catch up w/ everyone, seeing everyone come together as a family, taking those next steps in life. Absolutely the perfect bite of story for this group!!
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January 3, 2019
Southern Devotion is the last installment of Southern Heart! What a sweet and beautiful journey David & Olivia had! Fantastic ending to a fantastic series! Awesome epilogue 10yrs on David done good on his surprise for Oliva, great to also see where the gang are at 10yrs on!
September 12, 2018
This story gave me all the extra I wanted from the southern series. This is Olivia and David love story. After many years of dating it's time for them to get their HEA. It's a beautiful love story.
October 16, 2018
Review will be posted soon!
December 4, 2018
3.5 Stars
Once again, Kaylee Ryan writes the perfect Southern male in book four of her Southern Heart Series, Southern Devotion. David Harris is everything you could ever want in a man. Sweet, kind patience of a saint. He is ready to give Olivia the world if she will just take it.
Olivia has been seen throughout this series alongside David. Their relationship splattered through pages but never really the forefront or given much value. So when reading Southern Devotion I almost expected Ryan to back track giving us insight on what we missed. The turmoil, the angst, the heart ache of why these two were together. Instead, Ryan gives us just a happily every after.
While that may be exciting to some readers, I was a little sad I missed out on all the conflict between Olivia and David. They were just too perfect. Olivia's reason for hesitating was trival at best and honestly had little to no merit. I just needed more from these two characters.
Like all of Ryan's books, this one I read cover to cover in one evening. Regardless if I thought this story was too perfect, I still enjoyed revisiting some of my favorite characters I've read over the last year or two. Each couple brings so much love to the table you find it hard to resist, which is why I continue to come back book after book, release after release to read a book by Ryan.
Once again, Kaylee Ryan writes the perfect Southern male in book four of her Southern Heart Series, Southern Devotion. David Harris is everything you could ever want in a man. Sweet, kind patience of a saint. He is ready to give Olivia the world if she will just take it.
Olivia has been seen throughout this series alongside David. Their relationship splattered through pages but never really the forefront or given much value. So when reading Southern Devotion I almost expected Ryan to back track giving us insight on what we missed. The turmoil, the angst, the heart ache of why these two were together. Instead, Ryan gives us just a happily every after.
While that may be exciting to some readers, I was a little sad I missed out on all the conflict between Olivia and David. They were just too perfect. Olivia's reason for hesitating was trival at best and honestly had little to no merit. I just needed more from these two characters.
Like all of Ryan's books, this one I read cover to cover in one evening. Regardless if I thought this story was too perfect, I still enjoyed revisiting some of my favorite characters I've read over the last year or two. Each couple brings so much love to the table you find it hard to resist, which is why I continue to come back book after book, release after release to read a book by Ryan.
November 1, 2018
Another amazing book by Kaylee Ryan.
The completion of this series was perfect. I was thrilled with the story and all of the characters. Kaylee has a way to make you as the reader feel like even though you are not in the story you are a part of the family. When reading any of her books you get transported into the story with the way she describes the scenes and the emotion behind it. After you finish reading them you always want more. Kaylee Ryan has made her novels timeless. I am not alone when I say I have reread many of her books countless times. This book is no different. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
The completion of this series was perfect. I was thrilled with the story and all of the characters. Kaylee has a way to make you as the reader feel like even though you are not in the story you are a part of the family. When reading any of her books you get transported into the story with the way she describes the scenes and the emotion behind it. After you finish reading them you always want more. Kaylee Ryan has made her novels timeless. I am not alone when I say I have reread many of her books countless times. This book is no different. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
August 10, 2022
Before I read this novella, I wondered if it was really necessary. I mean, we know Olivia has a great boyfriend in David so what else do I need? Well, this novella proved me wrong. I did need it. It was a romantic short story about a woman who has been doubting her life's direction and putting off making a deeper commitment with her man because she isn't where she thought she would be. I loved that Olivia never doubted her love or relationship with David and all the "aha" moments she had during this book. It was such a fun way to end the series. It would have been okay with me if this had been full length, but a novella was perfect as well.
November 26, 2018
Southern Devotion was a total swoon worthy romance. Two people who have loved each other for years, owned each other’s hearts but one has let fear stand in the way of their forever. When Olivia finally decides she has held up their future for an unsubstantiated fear she becomes impatient when David doesn’t seem to be acting fast enough. When the man who is her forever pulls out all the stops to give her the dream proposal and wedding she might just be blown away by how far this man will go for her. A beautiful love story with a shining heart filled ending.
January 16, 2020
Thank you Kaylee!
You have redeemed the name Dylan for me. I had PTSD from another book series plus my own personal experience. As a result I've avoided this book. But as I'm currently in the process of reading all your available books on Amazon I broke down and I'm so glad I did. This Dylan is nothing like my past experiences. He is a wonderful figmentation of your imagination. The depth of his love was beautiful to witness and I will tell other Dylan-phobic people to read this book as away to desensitized them from their Dylan trauma.
You have redeemed the name Dylan for me. I had PTSD from another book series plus my own personal experience. As a result I've avoided this book. But as I'm currently in the process of reading all your available books on Amazon I broke down and I'm so glad I did. This Dylan is nothing like my past experiences. He is a wonderful figmentation of your imagination. The depth of his love was beautiful to witness and I will tell other Dylan-phobic people to read this book as away to desensitized them from their Dylan trauma.
November 2, 2018
Completely amazing
This book had me swooning at David's feet. I don't think I've ever read about a more devoted and romantic man in my life. Olivia had everything she ever wanted right in front of her.I she let her fear stop her from the life she was dreaming about. David knew all he ever wanted or needed was Olivia. Don't hesitate to jump into this amazingly romantic and hot read.
This book had me swooning at David's feet. I don't think I've ever read about a more devoted and romantic man in my life. Olivia had everything she ever wanted right in front of her.I she let her fear stop her from the life she was dreaming about. David knew all he ever wanted or needed was Olivia. Don't hesitate to jump into this amazingly romantic and hot read.
June 8, 2020
Olivia has watched everyone in her circle of friends get married and starting families. However, Olivia has yet to allow Dave to propose. Finally she tells him to "Surprise Me" and that is all he needs to not only give her the ring he has had for her but to also give her the wedding of her dreams. Every woman could only hope and dream that the man in their loves were as romantic and awesome as Dave. The perfect ending to the series.
June 10, 2020
Great ending
God these books are so good. I can't get enough of them. These one didn't let me down, just like the first three it had me crying and laughing. I know we got a little bit of Olivia's story through out all the other books but wish hers could have been a little bit longer. But loved it just the same. Once again I going to hope for more book's in the southern hearts series.
God these books are so good. I can't get enough of them. These one didn't let me down, just like the first three it had me crying and laughing. I know we got a little bit of Olivia's story through out all the other books but wish hers could have been a little bit longer. But loved it just the same. Once again I going to hope for more book's in the southern hearts series.
August 31, 2021
I wish it was longer…. But still Beautiful
Oh my! Just from the small amount that Kaylee gave me of David and Olivia’s story has me wanting to know all about them. I will make the same statement I did two books ago:
I can please have a dozen of this men togo?
If you are reading this review and have not started with the first book stop right now and get that one.
Let’s see what is next?!
Oh my! Just from the small amount that Kaylee gave me of David and Olivia’s story has me wanting to know all about them. I will make the same statement I did two books ago:
I can please have a dozen of this men togo?
If you are reading this review and have not started with the first book stop right now and get that one.
Let’s see what is next?!
November 4, 2018
Beautiful closure to a Great Series
A beautiful ending to a beautiful series. We finally were able to get David and Liv’s story. David was full of sweet words and actions. The way he loved Liv and stuck with her through her worries gave you all the warm and fuzzies. TrueType a warm and loving story.
A beautiful ending to a beautiful series. We finally were able to get David and Liv’s story. David was full of sweet words and actions. The way he loved Liv and stuck with her through her worries gave you all the warm and fuzzies. TrueType a warm and loving story.
April 24, 2020
Perfect ending!
I can't say it enough, I LOVED this series!! Every single book became my new favorite as I read each. Every character and couple became my new favorite and I loved how they were still in every book and story! This was the perfect ending to this series, was so glad to see Olivia and David get their happily ever after!
I can't say it enough, I LOVED this series!! Every single book became my new favorite as I read each. Every character and couple became my new favorite and I loved how they were still in every book and story! This was the perfect ending to this series, was so glad to see Olivia and David get their happily ever after!
May 12, 2020
Sweet and Short. Enjoyed how completely invested David was in starting a life with Olivia. He knew she was the one for him just needed her on the same page. I really enjoyed his continued Surprises that he sprang on Olivia once she gave him the green light. Great tie up to the series and awesome epilogue.
September 24, 2023
Oh my what a wonderful and beautiful conclusion to a great series by the talented Kaylee Ryan!! I have loved Olivia all through the other books as her personality shone through and David my oh my he is divine! So perfectly suited and this sweet novella had me feeling all the feels! I am sad it’s over but I look forward to reading more from Kaylee.
October 31, 2018
Beautiful ending to a great series!
Beautiful ending to a great series! This entire four book series was Good! Every single book, but I think my favorite was Mike's story in book three. It made me cry and smile when they finally got their hea!
Beautiful ending to a great series! This entire four book series was Good! Every single book, but I think my favorite was Mike's story in book three. It made me cry and smile when they finally got their hea!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews