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Sweet Southern Heat #1
Sterling
She ran from a past that defined her. He ran from a secret that could destroy her. Thirteen years later, they run into each other. Can their love stand the test of time?
When Claire Cunningham was five years old, she was taken.
She's spent the rest of her life running from her past, from her pain... from that day. Fate brings Claire back to the small town of Clover Creek, Texas to help care for her gram.
The minute she bumps into Jayce Sterling, her high school sweetheart, Claire realizes some old flames never burn out-they burn hotter. The man in front of her now is so very different from the boy who walked away from her thirteen years ago. Being with Jayce would be so easy, so right.
There's just one thing holding her back. Something she's not ready to deal with yet. A secret she'd rather keep hidden from the judgmental eyes of a small town. But soon, she'll find out she's not the only one with secrets. Jayce has one of his own, and this one could cost him everything,
When Claire Cunningham was five years old, she was taken.
She's spent the rest of her life running from her past, from her pain... from that day. Fate brings Claire back to the small town of Clover Creek, Texas to help care for her gram.
The minute she bumps into Jayce Sterling, her high school sweetheart, Claire realizes some old flames never burn out-they burn hotter. The man in front of her now is so very different from the boy who walked away from her thirteen years ago. Being with Jayce would be so easy, so right.
There's just one thing holding her back. Something she's not ready to deal with yet. A secret she'd rather keep hidden from the judgmental eyes of a small town. But soon, she'll find out she's not the only one with secrets. Jayce has one of his own, and this one could cost him everything,
267 pages, ebook
First published September 10, 2019
43 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Delaney Foster
34 books747 followersJust a simple girl who enjoys long walks down the book aisle, a good mimosa, and writing love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 2, 2019
This book was just OK for me. 😫 There were parts I enjoyed like the storyline with her Grandmother and the hero's Dad.👍 It was also a relatively quick and easy read. 🌀 However, the plot overall was weak and underdeveloped. 👎 The romance was lackluster. 😪 The only reason the hero even saw the heroine again after 13 years was by coincidence, and then BAM he suddenly never stopped loving her? 👀 Uh, ya, that never stopped you from fucking multiple women. 😒 In fact, he was planning on screwing Monica the very night he gets a call to come home. 🎯 So please don't feed me the "I've always loved you line" If he genuinely felt that way he would have attempted to make things right before 13 years passed. 😠 Especially since the reason he left was super anti-climatic. 😔 Last, it was all wrapped up in a very rushed ending... 👎
So yea...this had some good things and some not so good things. 👍👎 I gave it a bonus star for the dementia storyline with Claire's grandmother, and Jayce's interaction with his Dad...🌟🌟🌟 Bonus, there was also a yummy sounding recipe thrown in! 😂
September 11, 2019
Sterling was sooo good!!!!! Delaney Foster did an amazing job with this book!!!! I absolutely loved it!!!!
August 16, 2019
ATTENTION!!!
Ladies and Gentlemen!!!
Jayce is MINE!!!!
Sweet and Sexy is what it’s all about...
Lost and Found Love....
A full circle, second chance love story...
Each had there reasons for leaving....
Each had there reasons for returning....
Was it FATE bringing them back together or just pure coincidence?
An explosion waiting to happen...
The spark is still there but can time heal the wounds....
Claire and Jayce were just something else. The angst between the two was indescribable and amusing at times.
Delaney Foster grabbed my attention from the beginning and held on tight all the way to “THE ENDISH”. I hope that means we are getting more of those two because I am
Addicted and need more of Jayce!!!!
Oh yeah and in case you forgot Jayce is MINE!!!! Back off :)
Ladies and Gentlemen!!!
Jayce is MINE!!!!
Sweet and Sexy is what it’s all about...
Lost and Found Love....
A full circle, second chance love story...
Each had there reasons for leaving....
Each had there reasons for returning....
Was it FATE bringing them back together or just pure coincidence?
An explosion waiting to happen...
The spark is still there but can time heal the wounds....
Claire and Jayce were just something else. The angst between the two was indescribable and amusing at times.
Delaney Foster grabbed my attention from the beginning and held on tight all the way to “THE ENDISH”. I hope that means we are getting more of those two because I am
Addicted and need more of Jayce!!!!
Oh yeah and in case you forgot Jayce is MINE!!!! Back off :)
September 6, 2019
Oh my...I absolutely loved this book, this story, these characters! This story is well written and gives you a look at a small town with it's quaintness and people, nosey one's too as well as the families of two children who grew up together, fell in love and lost each other due to a secret that the boy couldn't have come to light because of the girl he loved. Now they are grown, living their own lives away from that small town until family emergencies bring them both back to where everything started; where they started. Can they find that love they once had all those years ago?
I loved Claire and Sterling and their story. I even loved how he thought to protect her by keeping a secret that probably would have kept them together if he would have told her upfront, yet managed to keep them apart for years. Now here they are, face to face, both harboring the feelings for each other that they never let go of. Will Claire's broken heart be mended by the handsome man she knew as a boy? Will Sterling finally reveal the real reason he took off after graduation, never to return again? And will Claire finally stand up to her ridged mother??? Yea, she was a real peach!
A beautiful story with some very heartwarming as well as heartbreaking moments, this story will captivate you and bring you right along with Claire and Sterling as they try to rekindle what once was, all while trying to take care of their ailing family members. I absolutely loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough! 10 stars for this 5 star read!
I loved Claire and Sterling and their story. I even loved how he thought to protect her by keeping a secret that probably would have kept them together if he would have told her upfront, yet managed to keep them apart for years. Now here they are, face to face, both harboring the feelings for each other that they never let go of. Will Claire's broken heart be mended by the handsome man she knew as a boy? Will Sterling finally reveal the real reason he took off after graduation, never to return again? And will Claire finally stand up to her ridged mother??? Yea, she was a real peach!
A beautiful story with some very heartwarming as well as heartbreaking moments, this story will captivate you and bring you right along with Claire and Sterling as they try to rekindle what once was, all while trying to take care of their ailing family members. I absolutely loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough! 10 stars for this 5 star read!
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October 26, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/26/2019)! 🎁
September 9, 2019
What a Wonderful Storyline. The author did an amazing job with Sterling. The storyline is touching, heartwarming and so believable. I don’t know the author but from this story I have to believe she has lived through a part of the events that unfold in this story. I don’t do spoilers so at this point all I can say is, there is no way the events, maybe not all of them but some of them, won’t touch your soul and cause you to remember a time in your life or perhaps a time you are currently living through. Cryptic I know but once you read this amazing book you will totally understand my comments and yes I have lived through many of them myself.
Young and dumb fearing the truth will destroy Claire, the woman he loved then and still loves to this day (14 years later), Sterling runs from his small hometown to hold onto a secret that he feels if it gets out it will destroy Claire. But in his wake he left a devastated young woman who struggles to this day. Both desperately looking for happiness but knowing their hearts will never get past their first love. When events in both their lives bring them back to their hometown, what happens when they have to face the past and each other, absolutely took my breath away. My emotions took a heck of a ride through this heartbreaking, heartwarming, fun, romantic storyline. I Highly Recommend grabbing this one up, curing up on the couch and simply enjoying. You won’t be sorry you did. 2 Thumbs Up and 5 Outstanding stars for Sterling.
Young and dumb fearing the truth will destroy Claire, the woman he loved then and still loves to this day (14 years later), Sterling runs from his small hometown to hold onto a secret that he feels if it gets out it will destroy Claire. But in his wake he left a devastated young woman who struggles to this day. Both desperately looking for happiness but knowing their hearts will never get past their first love. When events in both their lives bring them back to their hometown, what happens when they have to face the past and each other, absolutely took my breath away. My emotions took a heck of a ride through this heartbreaking, heartwarming, fun, romantic storyline. I Highly Recommend grabbing this one up, curing up on the couch and simply enjoying. You won’t be sorry you did. 2 Thumbs Up and 5 Outstanding stars for Sterling.
August 21, 2019
This story grabbed me from the first page. Claire is sick with worry but the author's description of the situation had me laughing! This story has its ups and downs of emotion, but its a great second chance romance! The characters are believable and are people that you'd love to know, as well as Clover Creek, the community where most of the story takes place. Jayce's best friend is so much fun! I loved their banter! But I really enjoyed the reconnecting of Jayce & Claire!
The author also tastefully includes family members with a disease that is effecting more and more families: Dementia. So much to learn from the interaction within this story line.
This is well written with a dual POV and I'm excited that it's Book 1 of Sweet Southern Heat Series because that means there's more to come!
The author also tastefully includes family members with a disease that is effecting more and more families: Dementia. So much to learn from the interaction within this story line.
This is well written with a dual POV and I'm excited that it's Book 1 of Sweet Southern Heat Series because that means there's more to come!
August 22, 2019
I loved this tale of a second chance love. Claire and Jayce both have things they ran away from, but situations brought them both back home, causing their paths to cross. The events and characters were relatable, even delving into dementia, how it affects the individual, and their loved ones around them.
There were some giggle worthy moments, as well as the longing these two characters felt. I certainly fell in love with them, hoping things work out, all while falling in love with their small town. I hope we get to see more of them, and learn more about Clover Creek.
There were some giggle worthy moments, as well as the longing these two characters felt. I certainly fell in love with them, hoping things work out, all while falling in love with their small town. I hope we get to see more of them, and learn more about Clover Creek.
August 14, 2019
Loved every word of this delightful, steamy 2nd chance romance. Watching 2 people try to understand what happened then and try again now has always been one of my favorites and this one certainly gave me all the feels!!😍😍
September 10, 2019
Sterling is a second chance romance. I loved Claire and Jayce and how they try to figure out what went wrong, and then to move on and try again. It gave me all the feels. I loved the dynamic between these two. It's a must real.
September 5, 2019
Oh my. Claire's story will suck you in and keep you begging for more. I absolutely loved this book. I couldnt put it down
September 11, 2019
I was pulled in from the very first few pages of this book and immediately fell in love with Claire! Delaney Foster writes in a way where you can connect with her characters because you feel as though they are talking to you and you can get to know them personally. I love that! Sterling brings us Claire and Jayce, high school sweethearts. Jayce left town without saying goodbye to Claire and the two of them lived their own lives apart for a long time. Only now, fate has brought them back to their home town and back to each other. They each have secrets they are harboring but can't deny their attraction and the feelings they have for each other that never really faded away. This book is really easy to relate to with realistic things that people go through every day, which made me fall in love with it that much more! I've read several of Delaney's books and she never disappoints! I definitely recommend Sterling for romance fans! You won't regret it!
August 16, 2019
Can a second chance at love work? What if the love never died?
When Claire and Jayce are thrown together because of familial circumstances sparks fly! It’ll take more than that to mend a broken and confused heart though.
You’ll LOVE the interaction between these two. Delaney Foster does a FANTASTIC job of bringing the characters to life.
Prepare to be enthralled the entire time!
When Claire and Jayce are thrown together because of familial circumstances sparks fly! It’ll take more than that to mend a broken and confused heart though.
You’ll LOVE the interaction between these two. Delaney Foster does a FANTASTIC job of bringing the characters to life.
Prepare to be enthralled the entire time!
September 12, 2019
💖Slow burn passionate second chance romance – I loved it💖
Delaney Foster is a new to me author and straight out of the gate the humour drew me in; I knew I was going to love this book! Second chance romances are a favourite of mine and I was completely into this reasonably quick and easy read. For me, Sterling was a slow burn, but the passion between Claire and Jayce was high as they rediscovered their love.
In fact, I loved everything it. It encompassed the reason I love the small town trope. It’s the character of the people surrounding our lovers, their quirky motivations, the closeness of the inhabitants whether it’s a good or a bad thing, and the way that a town almost breathes with a life of it’s own. I write this with Mrs Abraham and her B&B in mind.
Sterling is also a book that speaks of life’s lessons if you care to listen. It shows that forgiveness gives back to the person who was wronged and that running away from problems can punish the wrong people. It also tells of the sneaky way that dementia can steal loved ones away from not only their families, but themselves. Some of the most beautiful of life’s words that I have read in a long time are between the pages of this book, so I can honestly say I’ll be looking to read more from Delaney Foster in the future.
It’s also the type of book to read when you are looking for a slice of heaven on a dreary day, or for a light read among the dark. I’ve heard lovers of dark reads say that it is necessary to lighten the mind at times, and this book is most definitely one I would recommend. 4.5 stars for all of the love and all of the feels.
Delaney Foster is a new to me author and straight out of the gate the humour drew me in; I knew I was going to love this book! Second chance romances are a favourite of mine and I was completely into this reasonably quick and easy read. For me, Sterling was a slow burn, but the passion between Claire and Jayce was high as they rediscovered their love.
In fact, I loved everything it. It encompassed the reason I love the small town trope. It’s the character of the people surrounding our lovers, their quirky motivations, the closeness of the inhabitants whether it’s a good or a bad thing, and the way that a town almost breathes with a life of it’s own. I write this with Mrs Abraham and her B&B in mind.
Sterling is also a book that speaks of life’s lessons if you care to listen. It shows that forgiveness gives back to the person who was wronged and that running away from problems can punish the wrong people. It also tells of the sneaky way that dementia can steal loved ones away from not only their families, but themselves. Some of the most beautiful of life’s words that I have read in a long time are between the pages of this book, so I can honestly say I’ll be looking to read more from Delaney Foster in the future.
It’s also the type of book to read when you are looking for a slice of heaven on a dreary day, or for a light read among the dark. I’ve heard lovers of dark reads say that it is necessary to lighten the mind at times, and this book is most definitely one I would recommend. 4.5 stars for all of the love and all of the feels.
September 16, 2019
Original review
This book was provided by the author through Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Delaney Foster and Give Me Books Promotions!
Sterling is the first book in the Sweet Southern Heat series and tells the story of Claire and Jayce.
Sterling is the first book I’ve read by Delaney Foster and I really liked it! I love reading ‘small town’ and ‘second chance’ Romances so this was such a good read for me! It was really hard to put this book down because I enjoyed it so much.
I really liked Sterling because of the story and the characters. Claire and Jayce are amazing characters, they both have things they ran away from but fate brought them back together. I also really liked the double perspective, it makes you get to know the characters even better!
Sterling was such an enjoyable read and I cannot wait to read the other books in the Sweet Southern Heat series!
This book was provided by the author through Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Delaney Foster and Give Me Books Promotions!
Sterling is the first book in the Sweet Southern Heat series and tells the story of Claire and Jayce.
Sterling is the first book I’ve read by Delaney Foster and I really liked it! I love reading ‘small town’ and ‘second chance’ Romances so this was such a good read for me! It was really hard to put this book down because I enjoyed it so much.
I really liked Sterling because of the story and the characters. Claire and Jayce are amazing characters, they both have things they ran away from but fate brought them back together. I also really liked the double perspective, it makes you get to know the characters even better!
Sterling was such an enjoyable read and I cannot wait to read the other books in the Sweet Southern Heat series!
April 7, 2020
Such a gorgeous story
This was fate showing us, she does work in mysterious ways!
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be.
A lighthearted story of second chances and revealed secrets leading way to mended hearts.
Just as sweet as pecan pie 🧡
This was fate showing us, she does work in mysterious ways!
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be.
A lighthearted story of second chances and revealed secrets leading way to mended hearts.
Just as sweet as pecan pie 🧡
October 15, 2020
Avoiding Clover Creek was where Claire avoided, her parents and her past were there, where Jayce Sterling left her with no explanation. A call from her mother has her heading back, leaving her parents she didn’t expect to see Jayce at their door looking as sexy as he ever was.
Seeing Jayce at the B & B she knew she still wanted him, arriving at her grandmother’s she noticed things weren’t the same, her Gram had let things go. Spending time with her Gram, Claire forgot why she left Clover Creek, and seeing Jayce fixing the fence shirtless didn’t help.
When Claire showed up to dinner, they have some small talk she wants to know about his company, she’d kept up with him, thinking he’d moved on to something better, it was time to let her know. When he tells her everything, he’s ever done was for her she runs.
Claire knows she can’t loose herself with Jayce again he left her, she wouldn’t survive again, and she pushes him away, there both leaving again, but he says he doesn’t want anyone else, or anyone else to have her, nothing can stop them from happening it’s that simple, but can she believe him.
Finally hearing why Jayce left, why he thought he ruined her life, she knows they could have talked about it then, but he wouldn’t have made something with his life, they wouldn’t be who they are now.
“Not all secrets are kept to hurt people, Claire Bear. Sometimes we keep secrets out of love.” – Gram
Is her Gram right, can they have a second chance, can she let go of the past.
Seeing Jayce at the B & B she knew she still wanted him, arriving at her grandmother’s she noticed things weren’t the same, her Gram had let things go. Spending time with her Gram, Claire forgot why she left Clover Creek, and seeing Jayce fixing the fence shirtless didn’t help.
When Claire showed up to dinner, they have some small talk she wants to know about his company, she’d kept up with him, thinking he’d moved on to something better, it was time to let her know. When he tells her everything, he’s ever done was for her she runs.
Claire knows she can’t loose herself with Jayce again he left her, she wouldn’t survive again, and she pushes him away, there both leaving again, but he says he doesn’t want anyone else, or anyone else to have her, nothing can stop them from happening it’s that simple, but can she believe him.
Finally hearing why Jayce left, why he thought he ruined her life, she knows they could have talked about it then, but he wouldn’t have made something with his life, they wouldn’t be who they are now.
“Not all secrets are kept to hurt people, Claire Bear. Sometimes we keep secrets out of love.” – Gram
Is her Gram right, can they have a second chance, can she let go of the past.
September 11, 2019
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed this second chance romance. The connection between Jayce and Claire is evident right from the start. Their history is heartbreaking as well. As life throws them some curveballs, these two rekindle or at least try to what they had, and honestly it is heartbreaking finding out what caused it all. I really felt for Claire because of everything she had to endure. Having to hide things from people she loves because of them being so judgemental is so heartbreaking! Then you have Jayce, who is trying to right a wrong that wasn’t even his fault in the first place.
Overall, this story hits you really hard with the feels and wraps you up in a beautiful romance where they find their place again with each other through unfortunate circumstances!
Overall, this story hits you really hard with the feels and wraps you up in a beautiful romance where they find their place again with each other through unfortunate circumstances!
October 25, 2019
He ran. He couldn't handle he weight of the truth he carried, the pain it would cause the person he held closest to his heart. She ran. She couldn't handle the devastating loss of control, her mother, loosing him, it was all too much. He thrived. She survived. Neither healed. Now their back facing all of the lies and pain, the truth and consequences. This is a book about two that face all of the past demons to find their forever. The guilt and neglect and all that the 13 years allowed to fester. It's a great read from an author that is new to me. The characters are naturally drawn together and the healing is so complete that you feel it. It's an emotional read that will tug at your heartstrings. It's got some steam that doesn't take over the story yet leaves you with a smile. This standalone read is a great lead into the series with characters that carry over into the other books.
September 12, 2019
Jayce and Claire were high school sweethearts until Jayce left them both with broken hearts. He made what he thought was the best decision at the time when he left without letting her know and no further contact.
Years later they both find themselves back in their hometown for their families. The chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever but will the secrets of their pasts destroy their second chance?
Full of emotion this is a sweet and sexy story about love, family and second chances.
Years later they both find themselves back in their hometown for their families. The chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever but will the secrets of their pasts destroy their second chance?
Full of emotion this is a sweet and sexy story about love, family and second chances.
January 30, 2020
Very good book. Ms. Foster has drawn us to Clover Creek and made us stay for a bit. Bringing us into the lives of Claire and Sterling, making us wish there was something like that out there for us as well. The love that Sterling and Claire still have for one another after all these years is deep but Claire is still hurt after the way Sterling just left her with no explanation.
A must read.
Kh
A must read.
Kh
June 21, 2021
Sticky Sweet Romance
Claire is a woman from a very small town. Not really knowing what she wants to do after many random jobs she ends up a teacher in another small town. That is until she gets a call that her grandmother is unwell. She heads back home. And her first day there she sees the one that got away. Jayce Sterling. Every more handsome then she remembers. And he only has eyes for her.
Claire is a woman from a very small town. Not really knowing what she wants to do after many random jobs she ends up a teacher in another small town. That is until she gets a call that her grandmother is unwell. She heads back home. And her first day there she sees the one that got away. Jayce Sterling. Every more handsome then she remembers. And he only has eyes for her.
June 22, 2021
Arwww this is such a beautiful read.
Jayce Sterling and Claire Cunningham was childhood sweethearts from the start. As the years went on it seemed they were inseparable. Things happened that neither of them understood untill Jayce new the truth at a young age, so when he got to 18 he just left, leaving Claire heartbroken. Now years later they both end up back in their own old town. Secrets have a way of coming out. Loved it. Now onto book 2
Jayce Sterling and Claire Cunningham was childhood sweethearts from the start. As the years went on it seemed they were inseparable. Things happened that neither of them understood untill Jayce new the truth at a young age, so when he got to 18 he just left, leaving Claire heartbroken. Now years later they both end up back in their own old town. Secrets have a way of coming out. Loved it. Now onto book 2
July 21, 2021
I loved this book so much! Claire and Jayce had been high school sweethearts and then Jayce leaves town without a word to Claire. Years later circumstances bring them together again and sparks still fly between them. What will happen when they finally face the past? I especially enjoyed the banter and dynamic between Claire and Jayce. A terrific second chance romance and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
November 17, 2020
This was another unique, scintillating and interesting romance from author Delaney Foster.
I read the blurb thinking I knew what was going to happen going into this one but that was certainly not the case. Sterling has Delaney's signature brand of angst, balanced out wonderfully with terrific characterisation, an intriguing plot and snappy dialogue.
I read the blurb thinking I knew what was going to happen going into this one but that was certainly not the case. Sterling has Delaney's signature brand of angst, balanced out wonderfully with terrific characterisation, an intriguing plot and snappy dialogue.
October 11, 2021
These story is sweet and full of second chances at life and of course love. Who doesn’t wish they could have a do over and Jayce and Claire get the perfect opportunity. But can they let go of the past for another chance at their happiness after they both return home? Read this to find out what happens with these two as they heal and move forward.
January 19, 2022
Perfection
I have just started reading Delaney Foster's books, and I just have to say that I am so addicted to her stories! I can't believe I haven't read any of her books in the past! So far every one of her books that I have read, I cannot put them down once I start!
Loved this book which was about second chances.
I have just started reading Delaney Foster's books, and I just have to say that I am so addicted to her stories! I can't believe I haven't read any of her books in the past! So far every one of her books that I have read, I cannot put them down once I start!
Loved this book which was about second chances.
October 6, 2022
Sterling (Sweet Southern Heat Book 1):
Finding out about Claire's past in the beginning really helped to understand her feelings. They way they met again after so long was like it was meant to be. The kitchen scene!! So fun! Oh my gosh! It was his nana was the one... oh my gosh.... I HATE her mother like what the hell!!! But I'm so glad that he wasn't going to let her go. I love their ending.
Finding out about Claire's past in the beginning really helped to understand her feelings. They way they met again after so long was like it was meant to be. The kitchen scene!! So fun! Oh my gosh! It was his nana was the one... oh my gosh.... I HATE her mother like what the hell!!! But I'm so glad that he wasn't going to let her go. I love their ending.
October 25, 2020
Sterling
I really enjoyed this story about Jayce and Claire. It was a very sweet and easy read about two people who have known each other for years and finally their lives have come together. Great book. ❤️❤️
I really enjoyed this story about Jayce and Claire. It was a very sweet and easy read about two people who have known each other for years and finally their lives have come together. Great book. ❤️❤️
June 23, 2021
Second chance
Claire and Jayce have a sweet love story. One that is a second chance at love. Young love with obstacles but when they return home at the same time their connection and love can’t be undone.
Claire and Jayce have a sweet love story. One that is a second chance at love. Young love with obstacles but when they return home at the same time their connection and love can’t be undone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews