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Oakport Beach #2
Southern Hearts
It was just a kiss.
A kiss from the preacher’s daughter.
And I loved every second of it.
I would take 8 seconds of my lips on hers over any bull ride, anytime, anywhere.
Each time I kissed my younger sister’s best friend she still managed to slip through my fingers and I couldn’t seem to keep her. I thought I had time.
When the news of her broken engagement runs rampant through town, I’m ready this time. This time I won’t lose her.
But when the truth about her break up surfaces, will she still look at me the same way?
*Each book in the Oakport Beach series can be read as a standalone.*
A kiss from the preacher’s daughter.
And I loved every second of it.
I would take 8 seconds of my lips on hers over any bull ride, anytime, anywhere.
Each time I kissed my younger sister’s best friend she still managed to slip through my fingers and I couldn’t seem to keep her. I thought I had time.
When the news of her broken engagement runs rampant through town, I’m ready this time. This time I won’t lose her.
But when the truth about her break up surfaces, will she still look at me the same way?
*Each book in the Oakport Beach series can be read as a standalone.*
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2020
11 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Emily Bowie
29 books592 followersEmily Bowie is a USA Today bestselling author. She's from a small town in Western Canada.
From the time she could place her thoughts on paper, she has been making characters come to life through her writing. She loves her white wine cold, her heels red, and her books spicy.
She married her high school sweetheart and they have two amazing children.
From the time she could place her thoughts on paper, she has been making characters come to life through her writing. She loves her white wine cold, her heels red, and her books spicy.
She married her high school sweetheart and they have two amazing children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 9, 2020
I raced and I mean RACED through this novel. This was one of those books that I read in one sitting and didn't put down from start to finish because it was THAT good.
This was the novel I needed to read at the time I picked it up. I loved both of the main characters and the story was fun, romantic, humorous, and mixed with the perfect amount of angst.
For those that love a good story involving the 'friends-to-lovers' trope, I'd give this book a try. Although this story does have a hint of the 'second chance' trope, I think the 'friends-to-lovers' trope would be more appropriate as a label and it was done incredibly well.
I'm really looking forward to continuing this series and reading Frankie's story because even in this novel, there was some mystery and intrigue introduced surrounding her character.
***Thank you to Give Me Books Promotions as well as the author Emily Bowie for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review***
This was the novel I needed to read at the time I picked it up. I loved both of the main characters and the story was fun, romantic, humorous, and mixed with the perfect amount of angst.
For those that love a good story involving the 'friends-to-lovers' trope, I'd give this book a try. Although this story does have a hint of the 'second chance' trope, I think the 'friends-to-lovers' trope would be more appropriate as a label and it was done incredibly well.
I'm really looking forward to continuing this series and reading Frankie's story because even in this novel, there was some mystery and intrigue introduced surrounding her character.
***Thank you to Give Me Books Promotions as well as the author Emily Bowie for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review***
December 10, 2020
Haven’s feeling for Danger have always been deeper than friends however she didn’t believe he felt the same way so she was determined to protect not only their friendship but her friendship with his sister as well.
The biggest regret in Danger’s life is that he didn’t pursue Haven. Now that she is suddenly single he is determined to push the boundaries of her relationship but a secret could derail their relationship before it really begins.
Haven and Danger have always belonged together and with a little maturity and understanding they will realize it as well.
The biggest regret in Danger’s life is that he didn’t pursue Haven. Now that she is suddenly single he is determined to push the boundaries of her relationship but a secret could derail their relationship before it really begins.
Haven and Danger have always belonged together and with a little maturity and understanding they will realize it as well.
December 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, this book captured me from the very start and I could not put it down until the last page was read. It moves along at a nice enjoyable reading speed. Has characters that will capture your heart and by the end you have fallen in love with them and a story that will keep you interested and reading until the end. This is a must read, no doubt about it.
December 21, 2020
4 Stars
Review by Alysia
Up All Night with Books Blog
Late Night Support Group
Southern Hearts was heartwarming with the best friends to lovers aspect. Southern Hearts is the second book in the series Oakport Beach series. Even though this is in a series, it is most definitely a standalone, as you don't hear much about Crash and Piper from Crashing Hearts. Which I know some people like but personally I'd rather hear more about the first couple after their book. Southern Hearts gave me the warm and fuzzies, and gave me all the Hallmark movie feels. As much as I love my action and suspense. It's sometimes nice to read a small-town love story.
Haven has had a crush on her best friend's brother for as long as she can remember, They have had a rocky past but she just loved him anyway.
Danger has loved his little sister's best friend forever. He felt that she could do so much better than him, and all he wanted to do was make sure she was happy. He was run off any players that just wanted to mess with her heart for the fun of it. She never knew any of the things he did to make sure she was happy.
There were points in Southern Hearts that I just wanted to smack them and tell them to wake up and smell the roses, that the other person loved them. But, I guess that's what makes a good book. The fact that I felt I was there with them and would be able to smack them. Frankie's story is next and I'm ready!!
*ARC was given in exchange for an honest review*
Review by Alysia
Up All Night with Books Blog
Late Night Support Group
Southern Hearts was heartwarming with the best friends to lovers aspect. Southern Hearts is the second book in the series Oakport Beach series. Even though this is in a series, it is most definitely a standalone, as you don't hear much about Crash and Piper from Crashing Hearts. Which I know some people like but personally I'd rather hear more about the first couple after their book. Southern Hearts gave me the warm and fuzzies, and gave me all the Hallmark movie feels. As much as I love my action and suspense. It's sometimes nice to read a small-town love story.
Haven has had a crush on her best friend's brother for as long as she can remember, They have had a rocky past but she just loved him anyway.
Danger has loved his little sister's best friend forever. He felt that she could do so much better than him, and all he wanted to do was make sure she was happy. He was run off any players that just wanted to mess with her heart for the fun of it. She never knew any of the things he did to make sure she was happy.
There were points in Southern Hearts that I just wanted to smack them and tell them to wake up and smell the roses, that the other person loved them. But, I guess that's what makes a good book. The fact that I felt I was there with them and would be able to smack them. Frankie's story is next and I'm ready!!
*ARC was given in exchange for an honest review*
December 8, 2020
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 2 in the series but seemed like it runs concurrent with book 1 so it easily stands alone. It stars Danger, who is a rodeo star and Haven, who is teacher and her father is the town preacher. Her parents have a very deep love and she has always dreamed of finding that relationship.
In this story she is newly broken engaged and Danger is her long time close friend offers her a place to live and maybe a second chance at love. But he also had a part in the broken engagement so he fears that truth coming out.
Danger realizes that he needs to grow up and get his chance with Haven. He has always had feelings for her but he almost lost her and so this is his trying to make a relationship with Haven work.
I LOVED this story so much. This author is a fantastic writer and I love this small town and the people that live in it. Its very much a wonderful second chance at love story with two people in their 20's who fell in love as teens but now have to grow up and give each other a second chance so they don't lose each other.
This is book 2 in the series but seemed like it runs concurrent with book 1 so it easily stands alone. It stars Danger, who is a rodeo star and Haven, who is teacher and her father is the town preacher. Her parents have a very deep love and she has always dreamed of finding that relationship.
In this story she is newly broken engaged and Danger is her long time close friend offers her a place to live and maybe a second chance at love. But he also had a part in the broken engagement so he fears that truth coming out.
Danger realizes that he needs to grow up and get his chance with Haven. He has always had feelings for her but he almost lost her and so this is his trying to make a relationship with Haven work.
I LOVED this story so much. This author is a fantastic writer and I love this small town and the people that live in it. Its very much a wonderful second chance at love story with two people in their 20's who fell in love as teens but now have to grow up and give each other a second chance so they don't lose each other.
November 27, 2020
“What about the love that lasts the ages, that simmers along until it explodes, making every small feeling extraordinary, catching you by surprise?”
Love isn't defined by just one person, place, or thing, Love is something that is more than a feeling for Haven and Danger, It’s something that these two have had a hard time to express to one another because do you want to tell your best friend yours in love with them? Lines once crossed can never go back to what they once were. Is it possible that everything Danger has done for Haven was to protect her or was it to ruin her life so that he can be her Hero? Can Haven See past the Best friend line between Her and Danger that he is what she has always wanted?
Southern Hearts is a fun book that will have you laughing and rooting for Haven and Danger to see what is in front of them deep down that they have both been avoiding for a long time. Emily Bowie is a very Talented Writer who brings you heartwarming stories that will have you begging for more for more in each and every book.
Love isn't defined by just one person, place, or thing, Love is something that is more than a feeling for Haven and Danger, It’s something that these two have had a hard time to express to one another because do you want to tell your best friend yours in love with them? Lines once crossed can never go back to what they once were. Is it possible that everything Danger has done for Haven was to protect her or was it to ruin her life so that he can be her Hero? Can Haven See past the Best friend line between Her and Danger that he is what she has always wanted?
Southern Hearts is a fun book that will have you laughing and rooting for Haven and Danger to see what is in front of them deep down that they have both been avoiding for a long time. Emily Bowie is a very Talented Writer who brings you heartwarming stories that will have you begging for more for more in each and every book.
November 26, 2020
Southern Hearts by Emily Bowie a five-star read that will warm even the coldest of hearts. This is number two in the Oakport Beach series, but they can be read as stand-alone stories, Danger and Haven will just warm you, she will make your heart grow more than you can imagine. Best Friends are always a goodie in my book, especially Danger and Haven as they have the added dilemma of Haven also being best friends with Frankie, and well on that not I can not wait for Frankie’s story!! Can you imagine, falling in love with your best friend, and seeing him go and wow other women with his bull riding skills, and the fact that if it goes wrong you don’t just miss him, but his sister who is your other best friend. Then the pressure of being the good girl who teaches Sunday school and has just been let down almost at the altar. Do not miss this amazing author, and this amazing series.
December 9, 2020
I loved Danger and Haven’s story. It was the sweetest small town kind of romance. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone, but you should go read Crash and Piper’s book first. You get a really funny Danger in that book that really lays the foundation of who he is, which is a funny guy with a big heart. Haven wasn’t as developed of a character as Danger was, and I was a little disappointed in that part. This book runs in parallel with book 1 for the most part. And my biggest disappointment about it was the fact that we didn’t get to attend Danger’s large screen tv shower which had been my favorite part in book one. Also, the ending felt a little too abrupt, kind of short and sweet, but abrupt nonetheless. And speaking of short, the book itself is on the short side as well, so if you’re looking for a good read to knock down on a rainy afternoon, you got it.
December 28, 2020
Emily Bowie is a new-to-me author, and I found Southern Hearts to be a delightful friends-to-lovers romance. There's a hint of second chances in there, as Danger and Haven shared a few kisses and more as teens. They never dated, but they had feelings that run deep, and were constantly around one another as she is his little sister Frankie's best friend.
Now, Danger and Haven are both in their 20s, she's coming off a broken engagement and finds herself as Danger's housemate. It's the perfect scenario for Danger to finally make his move. And while things go great between Danger and Haven at first, he's holding on to a secret that could ruin everything he's built with the girl of his dreams.
Southern Hearts is sweet and funny, a little angsty, and has all the small-town romance feels. This book is a second in a series, but reads as a standalone.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Now, Danger and Haven are both in their 20s, she's coming off a broken engagement and finds herself as Danger's housemate. It's the perfect scenario for Danger to finally make his move. And while things go great between Danger and Haven at first, he's holding on to a secret that could ruin everything he's built with the girl of his dreams.
Southern Hearts is sweet and funny, a little angsty, and has all the small-town romance feels. This book is a second in a series, but reads as a standalone.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
December 8, 2020
This is the 2nd book in this fantastic series and is Danger and Haven’s story. Danger is charming, funny, and a bull rider with a huge heart, while Haven is the daughter of a preacher and she teaches Sunday school. These two are complete opposites yet together they are perfect. Haven had loved Danger for years, but he never seemed to reciprocate her feeling, but when she ends her engagement, will they finally admit their feelings towards each other. The sparks fly between them but when disaster strikes will this be the end of them? This is a well written story which is humorous, entertaining, heartwarming, and with heartbreak and emotions. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend for all.
November 28, 2020
Small town GREATNESS!!
Emily did an excellent job! Her words had me hooked from the beginning. She knows how to hit the heart in just the right stops to keep you reading!
I absolutely loved Danger and Haven!
Danger is the epitome of every woman’s fantasy. I mean bull rider hello! Muscles - hotness 😰! I loved their banter and how he pushes Haven to know her own strengths!
Haven is a perfect heroine. She is strong with everything constantly being thrown at her. And she keeps Danger on his toes.
Trust me you want to read this. They are perfection!!
**ARC received for an honest review!**
Thank you Emily for this perfect story and the opportunity to read it! Keep them coming PLEASE!!
Emily did an excellent job! Her words had me hooked from the beginning. She knows how to hit the heart in just the right stops to keep you reading!
I absolutely loved Danger and Haven!
Danger is the epitome of every woman’s fantasy. I mean bull rider hello! Muscles - hotness 😰! I loved their banter and how he pushes Haven to know her own strengths!
Haven is a perfect heroine. She is strong with everything constantly being thrown at her. And she keeps Danger on his toes.
Trust me you want to read this. They are perfection!!
**ARC received for an honest review!**
Thank you Emily for this perfect story and the opportunity to read it! Keep them coming PLEASE!!
December 7, 2020
I have been routing for Danger. I loved him in book one, and this book. Oh, this book made me fall in love even more. Haven and Danger are the complete example of opposites attract, but in the end, they're not really opposites at all. Full of love, courage, and bravery, these two are on a rollercoaster, which they've been on pretty much their entire lives.
Danger may be able to handle riding bulls for a living but Haven throws him off and he's in for a lot of challenges.
I laughed, I cried, but I enjoyed every single word.
Danger may be able to handle riding bulls for a living but Haven throws him off and he's in for a lot of challenges.
I laughed, I cried, but I enjoyed every single word.
December 7, 2020
Book two and my heart melted. It was so much fun to read this best friends to lovers story. My favorite trope is second chance and boy o boy if anyone ever needed a second chance, these two are it.
I loves how they kept trying to take care of each other but now giving in. The attraction was always simmering beneath and when it exploded it was fireworks. I really liked Derek aka Danger. He was funny and had a heart of gold. Even though at times I wanted to slap him silly I still fell hard for him. And Haven could also use a slap or two but the way she loved him made up for everything else.
After finishing this I'm more than ready to read Frankie's story next.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog ***
I loves how they kept trying to take care of each other but now giving in. The attraction was always simmering beneath and when it exploded it was fireworks. I really liked Derek aka Danger. He was funny and had a heart of gold. Even though at times I wanted to slap him silly I still fell hard for him. And Haven could also use a slap or two but the way she loved him made up for everything else.
After finishing this I'm more than ready to read Frankie's story next.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog ***
December 11, 2020
A sweet and sexy friends to lovers story about how 2 people finally realize that what has been in their faces for years, is how it is supposed to be. Once Danger finally decided to stop hiding he shared his feelings and it all made sense as to why Haven just couldn't settle. ~Jen
Southern Hearts is the first of this series and by this author that I have read. I loved reading and following Danger and Haven's story. I found the book a joy to read and had a hard time putting it down once I started. I will definitely be checking out the first book in the series and any other books by this author. ~Dawn
Southern Hearts is the first of this series and by this author that I have read. I loved reading and following Danger and Haven's story. I found the book a joy to read and had a hard time putting it down once I started. I will definitely be checking out the first book in the series and any other books by this author. ~Dawn
December 9, 2020
I am as blown away by the 2nd book as I was by the first!
Emily Bowie has a brilliant writing skill and it shines in ‘Southern Hearts’ this has everything, swoon worthy, laughter and a couple of twists.
”If only she knew. I have done everything in my life to keep her happy”
Haven and Danger have been Best friends for years but what happens when they each want more but afraid to go for it you find someone else while the other does what they can to not let that happen.
Follow Haven and Danger in this exceptionally good romance.
Emily Bowie has a brilliant writing skill and it shines in ‘Southern Hearts’ this has everything, swoon worthy, laughter and a couple of twists.
”If only she knew. I have done everything in my life to keep her happy”
Haven and Danger have been Best friends for years but what happens when they each want more but afraid to go for it you find someone else while the other does what they can to not let that happen.
Follow Haven and Danger in this exceptionally good romance.
December 10, 2020
My favorite book in the series thus far!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔ Small Beach Town
✔ Preacher's Daughter
✔ Bull Riding Cowboy
✔ Best Friends Brother
Danger and Haven were more than I could have wanted! Emily wrote their story beautifully!
I read Southern Hearts in one sitting, its so good! I'm a sucker small town romances and this one is utterly perfect! I devoured every word! 💛
Now I just need Frankie's story!!
*I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔ Small Beach Town
✔ Preacher's Daughter
✔ Bull Riding Cowboy
✔ Best Friends Brother
Danger and Haven were more than I could have wanted! Emily wrote their story beautifully!
I read Southern Hearts in one sitting, its so good! I'm a sucker small town romances and this one is utterly perfect! I devoured every word! 💛
Now I just need Frankie's story!!
*I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2020
I am loving this town and all the characters in it. This story is just divine. The small town where everyone knows everyone else's business is just wonderful to read about. The only problem was the book was just too short, the writing is so compelling and so well done that I wanted to keep on reading about everyone’s lives.
Danger is a real charmer and I could see his attraction to Haven from a mile away. Some men are so self-destructive though, that they can’t work out how to deal with their feelings. I was screaming at him to stop messing about and claim Haven! Haven is the preacher's daughter and has loved Danger ever since she could understand the meaning of the feeling. The whole town is just idyllic and I really want to move there.
This series is getting better with every book. I can’t wait for Frankie's story.
Danger is a real charmer and I could see his attraction to Haven from a mile away. Some men are so self-destructive though, that they can’t work out how to deal with their feelings. I was screaming at him to stop messing about and claim Haven! Haven is the preacher's daughter and has loved Danger ever since she could understand the meaning of the feeling. The whole town is just idyllic and I really want to move there.
This series is getting better with every book. I can’t wait for Frankie's story.
December 7, 2020
You only need 8 seconds to change your life, at least that’s all it took for Haven and Danger. Emily Bowie gave us her own twist on the friends to lovers trope in this second story in the Oakport Beach series.
Haven and Danger have been best friends since they were children, the pastors daughter and the sexy rodeo rider. They have also been in love with each other that whole time, yet they never believed in themselves enough for them to see it.
This is a sweet romance that will hit all of your emotions. You get to see some of your other Oakport friends and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Haven and Danger have been best friends since they were children, the pastors daughter and the sexy rodeo rider. They have also been in love with each other that whole time, yet they never believed in themselves enough for them to see it.
This is a sweet romance that will hit all of your emotions. You get to see some of your other Oakport friends and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
December 7, 2020
Southern Hearts
Emily Bowie
Emily has become one of my favorite authors!!
I love small town romance and she know just how to make my heart smile !! I love this series!! Love love love. !!
She wrote a wonderful friends to lovers book!! I could
Not put it down !!!
I can’t wait for more in this series !!!
Emily Bowie
Emily has become one of my favorite authors!!
I love small town romance and she know just how to make my heart smile !! I love this series!! Love love love. !!
She wrote a wonderful friends to lovers book!! I could
Not put it down !!!
I can’t wait for more in this series !!!
December 9, 2020
This was a sweet story of Haven and Derek "Danger"
"Do you remember what you asked me?" "I asked if you could teach me to be good. You took your job very seriously to, I might add." "You were my first."
They've both have been crush on one another over the years but something always intervened.
After Haven breaks off her engagement she's in a funk and looking to jump back into life. She goes out with her best friend Frankie and is surprised by Frankie brother Danger.
Danger doesn't like how Haven has been feeling and decides to offer her his spare room. Haven moves in and thing start to ignite from there.
"Do you remember what you asked me?" "I asked if you could teach me to be good. You took your job very seriously to, I might add." "You were my first."
They've both have been crush on one another over the years but something always intervened.
After Haven breaks off her engagement she's in a funk and looking to jump back into life. She goes out with her best friend Frankie and is surprised by Frankie brother Danger.
Danger doesn't like how Haven has been feeling and decides to offer her his spare room. Haven moves in and thing start to ignite from there.
December 11, 2020
Southern Hearts is the first of this series and by this author that I have read. I loved reading and following Danger and Haven's story. I found the book a joy to read and had a hard time putting it down once I started. I will definitely be checking out the first book in the series and any other books by this author.
December 14, 2020
Southern Hearts is a friends to loves romance novel. It will tug on your heart and make you sigh while reading it. I was hooked right from chapter one and couldn’t stop reading. I enjoyed Danger’s carefree personality but when he has is mind set that’s it, he gets what he wants. Haven is sweet and caring just what Danger needs. A nice change of pace and great escape read!
Review by Raychel
Review by Raychel
December 13, 2020
Danger and Haven were adorable. I loved how much he protected her and wanted to make her happy. Haven tried to move on but it just didnt stick. Her heart knew all along that marrying someone else wouldnt make her happy. They were a cute couple and it was a quick and fun read.
December 7, 2020
This book is utter perfection. I don't think there was anything I didn't enjoy while reading this story. I loved the characters and the storyline so much I didn't want to stop reading till I got to the end and even then I wanted more. A fantastic story.
December 16, 2020
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book is absolutely worth the read. I was hooked from the very first page.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book is absolutely worth the read. I was hooked from the very first page.
September 3, 2020
My favorite one so far!
Danger is adorable!!
Review to come... early beta read.
Danger is adorable!!
Review to come... early beta read.
December 9, 2020
Small town romamce Yes Please !!. This is Danger and Haven story. Haven just came from a broken engagement and she return to her home town. Her long time friend Danger offers her a place to stay. This is a friends to lover romance. Can Danger prove he has grown up and is ready for a second chance?.
I love their moment together 🥰
I love their moment together 🥰
November 26, 2020
Southern Hearts is a wonderful friends to lovers story and is my first by Emily Bowie.
Haven and Danger are the best of friends even if they are both on different life paths. Those paths have crossed on more than one occasion but something always seems to be standing in their way. When Haven discovers her fiance isn't who she thought will she and Danger finally pull their head out of the sand and find their HEA.
I loved this story and I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
Haven and Danger are the best of friends even if they are both on different life paths. Those paths have crossed on more than one occasion but something always seems to be standing in their way. When Haven discovers her fiance isn't who she thought will she and Danger finally pull their head out of the sand and find their HEA.
I loved this story and I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
November 24, 2020
I enjoyed every minute of this book. Danger and Haven have been friends since they were kids. They've both have harbored feelings for each other. When they finally give in, the sparks fly off the page, but when disaster strikes, will they hold on or walk away? I highly recommend reading this one. It's filled with funny moments, heartbreaking moments, and heartwarming moments. I loved it.
November 16, 2020
*proofread*
Haven and Danger have a long history.
When Haven needs her best friend, he is there for her.
When all those past feelings return they take the plunge into ‘more than friends’ territory.
But, when all the truths come out, will Danger run?
Or will Haven finally wrangle her rodeo Romeo?
Haven and Danger have a long history.
When Haven needs her best friend, he is there for her.
When all those past feelings return they take the plunge into ‘more than friends’ territory.
But, when all the truths come out, will Danger run?
Or will Haven finally wrangle her rodeo Romeo?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews