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Southern Bride #8
Fated Hearts
It was only meant to be a short trip—up to Chicago for two days and then back to Texas. At least, that was the plan until a massive snowstorm leaves me trapped in Chicago at a local hotel with no definite timeframe of when I can go back home. If that wasn’t a crazy-enough turn of events—I wake up to a beautiful princess standing in my hotel room.
She was definitely a sight to behold, but she’s not the least bit thrilled to see me—think Momma Bear finding Goldilocks lying in her bed type of annoyance.
You see, my princess turned out to be a tired and angry traveler who had been double-booked…in my hotel room. With no rooms left anywhere in the city, we are forced to bunk together to ride out the storm. Now all that’s left to determine is will we survive each other.
After a rocky start and some much-needed rest, Analise and I soon forge a friendship that turns into a no-strings-attached fling.
When the fairytale we got lost in melts away, we have an even bigger storm to weather that we never saw coming. The one where I’m faced with the uncertainty of having to walk away from the one woman who has opened a part of my heart I had thought was as frozen over as the city we found each other in.
Fated Hearts is a stand-alone novel and the last book in the Southern Bride series.
She was definitely a sight to behold, but she’s not the least bit thrilled to see me—think Momma Bear finding Goldilocks lying in her bed type of annoyance.
You see, my princess turned out to be a tired and angry traveler who had been double-booked…in my hotel room. With no rooms left anywhere in the city, we are forced to bunk together to ride out the storm. Now all that’s left to determine is will we survive each other.
After a rocky start and some much-needed rest, Analise and I soon forge a friendship that turns into a no-strings-attached fling.
When the fairytale we got lost in melts away, we have an even bigger storm to weather that we never saw coming. The one where I’m faced with the uncertainty of having to walk away from the one woman who has opened a part of my heart I had thought was as frozen over as the city we found each other in.
Fated Hearts is a stand-alone novel and the last book in the Southern Bride series.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2021
69 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Elliott
107 books6,539 followersKelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.
Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.
Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.
Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.
To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
www.kellyelliottauthor.com
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December 30, 2021It had promise but after a while it became tiring and repetitive and was dragging with the couple being on and off. I tried until I couldn’t anymore and dnf it @ 76%.
September 6, 2021
4.5 STARS
As always you can find my FULL REVIEWS & MORE on my Review Blog -> CLICK HERE
September 28, 2021
See the full review & more at HarlequinJunkie
An HJ Top Pick!!
As sad as I am to see Kelly Elliott’s Southern Bride series end, I don’t think we could have asked for a more entertaining or heartwarming finale than we have in Fated Hearts.
What a fabulous time I had reading Annalise and Roger’s romance. It didn’t hurt that it started off with them being stranded together in Chicago during a snowstorm having to share a room, considering forced proximity stories are among some of my faves. Their meet-cute was surely memorable–and something I think readers will have a ridiculous amount of fun with. Roger and Annalise competing against each other was hilarious as well... Read More
An HJ Top Pick!!
As sad as I am to see Kelly Elliott’s Southern Bride series end, I don’t think we could have asked for a more entertaining or heartwarming finale than we have in Fated Hearts.
What a fabulous time I had reading Annalise and Roger’s romance. It didn’t hurt that it started off with them being stranded together in Chicago during a snowstorm having to share a room, considering forced proximity stories are among some of my faves. Their meet-cute was surely memorable–and something I think readers will have a ridiculous amount of fun with. Roger and Annalise competing against each other was hilarious as well... Read More
August 23, 2021
Do you believe in Fate? Well if yu don't you will after reading this book. I loved the Southern Brides by Kelly Elliot and I am sad to see it end.
Kelly has this way of breaking my heart and then piecing it back together. And one f the best parts of this book was that she bought back one of my favorite characters.
Annalise and Rodger were meant to be together. They was just something that was there from the moment they met..
Kelly has this way of breaking my heart and then piecing it back together. And one f the best parts of this book was that she bought back one of my favorite characters.
Annalise and Rodger were meant to be together. They was just something that was there from the moment they met..
August 22, 2021
First, I’m really sad to see this series end. Second, I think Ms. Elliott might have saved the best for last! Let’s just say since Truitt showed up in the ER with Roger with him in book one I’ve been intrigued. And Roger and Annalise’s story did not disappoint! Ms. Elliott still blows me away with every book and every word she writes! I can’t wait for more!
September 27, 2021
I'm so sad this series is coming to an end, but Kelly Elliott really did leave the best for last. Fated Hearts plays to my inner googly-eyed princess; forever believing in the power of an HEA, the fairy tale romance, fate leading two hearts together. I went to this story blind, a brief read of the blurb, and I was happily surprised by the turn of events, my heart was so elated!! One of my favorite things is instant chemistry - Roger and Annalise have chemistry in spades, it's literally jumping off the pages and giving me goosebumps.
I don't want to give away the story, so I'll say this: this story fulfilled all the reasons why I read romance! I 100% believe in destiny and fate and that there is a hand guiding our paths. When you can't ignore that there is something simmering in the background that you can't put your finger on but you can feel it in your pulse. That is Fated Hearts, you can feel this electrified pull between these fantastic characters. She believes in fairy tales, in princes sweeping a princess of her feet and falling in love so deep you feel it in your bones. I felt that in every page, every chapter of this book. It gave my heart all the feels and it's everything I could have wanted for Roger and Anna. This swoony romance is definitely a must read!!!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
I don't want to give away the story, so I'll say this: this story fulfilled all the reasons why I read romance! I 100% believe in destiny and fate and that there is a hand guiding our paths. When you can't ignore that there is something simmering in the background that you can't put your finger on but you can feel it in your pulse. That is Fated Hearts, you can feel this electrified pull between these fantastic characters. She believes in fairy tales, in princes sweeping a princess of her feet and falling in love so deep you feel it in your bones. I felt that in every page, every chapter of this book. It gave my heart all the feels and it's everything I could have wanted for Roger and Anna. This swoony romance is definitely a must read!!!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
September 28, 2021
What a fun read, a series of situations bringing two hearts together. Is it coincidence or fate? I adored everything about the book, from the first meeting to the competitions. Roger and Annalise have a quick connection, but will they stick to the no strings agreement?
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
September 6, 2021
5 What’s Meant to Be Stars!!!
The minute I started reading Roger and Annalise’s story I was completely sucked in and didn’t put my kindle down until I turned the last page. While I’m sad to see this series end, this is truly the perfect ending to one of my most favorite series!!!
These two are perfect for each other. Neither one is looking for a relationship, which if you’ve read Lucky in Love you know what a player Roger is and to see him “brought to his knees” by this beautiful woman was both delightful and scorching hot because they’re chemistry is sizzling!! And the fact that they met by chance under somewhat hilarious circumstances somewhat sets the tone for this book.
What’s the true message of this book, is that fate has a way of bringing a person into your life when you least expect it, and it’s the best thing to ever happen to you. This is Roger and Annalise’s story! You’ll laugh, cry, swoon, and have the biggest smile on your face when you’re finished reading this book. I for one will absolutely be reading this series again and again so I can revisit some of my most favorite Kelly Elliott characters!
The minute I started reading Roger and Annalise’s story I was completely sucked in and didn’t put my kindle down until I turned the last page. While I’m sad to see this series end, this is truly the perfect ending to one of my most favorite series!!!
These two are perfect for each other. Neither one is looking for a relationship, which if you’ve read Lucky in Love you know what a player Roger is and to see him “brought to his knees” by this beautiful woman was both delightful and scorching hot because they’re chemistry is sizzling!! And the fact that they met by chance under somewhat hilarious circumstances somewhat sets the tone for this book.
What’s the true message of this book, is that fate has a way of bringing a person into your life when you least expect it, and it’s the best thing to ever happen to you. This is Roger and Annalise’s story! You’ll laugh, cry, swoon, and have the biggest smile on your face when you’re finished reading this book. I for one will absolutely be reading this series again and again so I can revisit some of my most favorite Kelly Elliott characters!
![Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572307419i%2F47676940._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 26, 2021
I absolutely adore the Southern Bride series and Fated Hearts was the perfect final book in the series.
Roger is stuck in Chicago due to a snowstorm and ends up scoring a room in a hotel. Annalise is also stuck in Chicago due to the weather….and ends up in the same hotel Roger is staying. They are two strangers, who are never going to see each other again, why not enjoy their time together? Well, fate has other plans in mind.
I loved the banter between Roger and Annalise. I loved that they were pushing each other’s buttons from the start and challenging each other. The moment they met there was also a connection between them, there was chemistry from the start. I loved how everything progressed with them throughout the course of the story. There is just so much to love about these two characters and they are perfect for each other.
Fated Hearts is the perfect mixture of emotions, heat, and sweetness. This is a book that you’ll easily get lost in and read it in a day.
If you’re looking for a small town, strangers to lovers, forced proximity romance this is one to check out!
Roger is stuck in Chicago due to a snowstorm and ends up scoring a room in a hotel. Annalise is also stuck in Chicago due to the weather….and ends up in the same hotel Roger is staying. They are two strangers, who are never going to see each other again, why not enjoy their time together? Well, fate has other plans in mind.
I loved the banter between Roger and Annalise. I loved that they were pushing each other’s buttons from the start and challenging each other. The moment they met there was also a connection between them, there was chemistry from the start. I loved how everything progressed with them throughout the course of the story. There is just so much to love about these two characters and they are perfect for each other.
Fated Hearts is the perfect mixture of emotions, heat, and sweetness. This is a book that you’ll easily get lost in and read it in a day.
If you’re looking for a small town, strangers to lovers, forced proximity romance this is one to check out!
September 28, 2021
Roger and Annalise meet in an unexpected way. Both stuck in a snowstorm, they are both booked in the same hotel room. Imagine Roger’s surprise when a strange woman shows up in his room. And imagine her surprise when she enters the room and a man is sleeping in the bed. What transpires is fun and hot. These two were so good together. But then it’s time to go. Does fate intervene to bring them back together? And what about any issues from the past- will they get in the way? You need to read to find out.
I loved this book. It was a quick read for me. The writing, the characters, the banter- it was all perfect. I laughed and swooned and smiled. Roger is so sweet and I felt bad for him at times. But Annalise is perfect for him. What a great way to end the series!
An arc was provided for an honest review.
I loved this book. It was a quick read for me. The writing, the characters, the banter- it was all perfect. I laughed and swooned and smiled. Roger is so sweet and I felt bad for him at times. But Annalise is perfect for him. What a great way to end the series!
An arc was provided for an honest review.
September 29, 2021
Having read Ms.Elliott's work many times before I always look so forward to her books! I've been meaning to pick up this series ever since it was announced. When i read the synopsis for this book i knew i had to pick it up first. I enjoyed this story so much!!
Right from their very first unforgettable meeting, Annalise and Roger's journey pulled me in! I really liked how these two were brought together. I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out which i enjoyed. I loved the chemistry between these two. I felt so many things with them as well!
With Fated Hearts, Ms.Elliott has created such a good read that will pull you in quickly! I can't wait to go back and read the previous books in this series!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*
Right from their very first unforgettable meeting, Annalise and Roger's journey pulled me in! I really liked how these two were brought together. I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out which i enjoyed. I loved the chemistry between these two. I felt so many things with them as well!
With Fated Hearts, Ms.Elliott has created such a good read that will pull you in quickly! I can't wait to go back and read the previous books in this series!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*
September 28, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 “I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe in fate. There is a reason for everything. And sometimes, fate meets destiny.”
What You’ll Find:
✔️Smalltown Romance
✔️Stranded
✔️One Bed
✔️Steamy
✔️Dual POV
Fated Hearts is a fun, heartwarming and steamy love story that you won’t want to put down! If your a believer of fate, this one is definitely for you!
The plan was a short trip to Chicago for Roger. A snowstorm changes all that. Stuck in a hotel for an unknown timeframe gets even more interesting when the hotel double books his room. Analise is not happy to find a naked man in her hotel room. But when she realizes there are no other rooms, she agrees to bunk with him. What they don’t expect is for their initial attraction to heat up after some friendly competition. And that makes walking away when the storm clears harder than either of them thought.
I really enjoyed this one! It was fun, heartwarming and oh so steamy! Roger was everything. Playful, but tender and sweet. Though a dirty talker too! Analise is strong and independent but with a hidden vulnerability. These two warmed my heart and lit my kindle on fire. I normally, am not a fan of instalust/love but I was so captivated by this couple and their story, it has me second guessing my own preferences!
Little minor things didn’t work for me, but they did not impact my overall enjoyment. You may need to suspend reality, or perhaps have similar beliefs in certain places. At times I wanted to dive a little deeper in their backgrounds. But, at the same time, I also loved that it was just about them, and their connection in the now. Overall a fun, spicy, feel good story with minimal angst that I definitely recommend!
*Thank you to the author and Grey’s Promo for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What You’ll Find:
✔️Smalltown Romance
✔️Stranded
✔️One Bed
✔️Steamy
✔️Dual POV
Fated Hearts is a fun, heartwarming and steamy love story that you won’t want to put down! If your a believer of fate, this one is definitely for you!
The plan was a short trip to Chicago for Roger. A snowstorm changes all that. Stuck in a hotel for an unknown timeframe gets even more interesting when the hotel double books his room. Analise is not happy to find a naked man in her hotel room. But when she realizes there are no other rooms, she agrees to bunk with him. What they don’t expect is for their initial attraction to heat up after some friendly competition. And that makes walking away when the storm clears harder than either of them thought.
I really enjoyed this one! It was fun, heartwarming and oh so steamy! Roger was everything. Playful, but tender and sweet. Though a dirty talker too! Analise is strong and independent but with a hidden vulnerability. These two warmed my heart and lit my kindle on fire. I normally, am not a fan of instalust/love but I was so captivated by this couple and their story, it has me second guessing my own preferences!
Little minor things didn’t work for me, but they did not impact my overall enjoyment. You may need to suspend reality, or perhaps have similar beliefs in certain places. At times I wanted to dive a little deeper in their backgrounds. But, at the same time, I also loved that it was just about them, and their connection in the now. Overall a fun, spicy, feel good story with minimal angst that I definitely recommend!
*Thank you to the author and Grey’s Promo for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 3, 2021
I'm so so sad that this series has come to an end but I've loved every single minute of it. Its been such an amazing series and Kelly definitely saved the best till last. This has got to be my favourite from this whole series.
Annalise and Roger meet in an unexpected way. They're both stuck in a snowstorm and they're both booked in the same hotel room... I'm not saying anymore just trust me it's fab.
I loved it so much. The characters, the banter and the story it was all perfection. I was swooning, smiling and laughing all the time. Annalise is absolutely perfect for Roger.
The perfect way to end the series!
Annalise and Roger meet in an unexpected way. They're both stuck in a snowstorm and they're both booked in the same hotel room... I'm not saying anymore just trust me it's fab.
I loved it so much. The characters, the banter and the story it was all perfection. I was swooning, smiling and laughing all the time. Annalise is absolutely perfect for Roger.
The perfect way to end the series!
October 5, 2021
Fated Hearts
This is a great love story!! Stranded and forced to share a hotel room an attraction formed and an opportunity to have a quick affair with no looking back…but will it be the last time they see each other? Loved the characters so much, glad to see Truitt again and I was happy to see Roger as well. This is such a sweet story and a MUST read! Highly recommend it
This is a great love story!! Stranded and forced to share a hotel room an attraction formed and an opportunity to have a quick affair with no looking back…but will it be the last time they see each other? Loved the characters so much, glad to see Truitt again and I was happy to see Roger as well. This is such a sweet story and a MUST read! Highly recommend it
August 27, 2021
Loved it!! So sad this series has come to an end.
Roger and Annalise meet whilst stranded in Chicago during a snow storm. They are both attracted to each other and decide to have a little fling whilst they are stranded, I mean what can it hurt they are never going to see each other again!
Fate has a different idea though!
Roger and Annalise meet whilst stranded in Chicago during a snow storm. They are both attracted to each other and decide to have a little fling whilst they are stranded, I mean what can it hurt they are never going to see each other again!
Fate has a different idea though!
September 30, 2021
I have loved every book that Kelly has written and this one was no different. I’m so sad that this series is over but couldn’t have loved the ending more.
October 2, 2021
The final book in this series didn’t disappoint- but Kelly never does! A beautiful story and solidifying my desire to visit Texas one day!
October 25, 2021
Loved
Annalise and Roger are hilarious. They meet by sharing a hotel room during a snow storm. Attracted to each other but fight it by arguing all the time. HEA.
Annalise and Roger are hilarious. They meet by sharing a hotel room during a snow storm. Attracted to each other but fight it by arguing all the time. HEA.
September 29, 2021
ARC for honest review with no compensation Received from Greys PR
Fated Hearts is book 8 and the final book in the Southern Bride series by Kelly Elliott and what a way to end this series!
What happens when you get stranded in a snowstorm, the hotel double books your room, find a man sleeping in said room?? Read on to find out what fate has on store for Robert and Annalise!
Thank you Ms. Elliot for such an amazing series, well written, chemistry, laughter, tears and so much more but with a HEA!!
Fated Hearts is book 8 and the final book in the Southern Bride series by Kelly Elliott and what a way to end this series!
What happens when you get stranded in a snowstorm, the hotel double books your room, find a man sleeping in said room?? Read on to find out what fate has on store for Robert and Annalise!
Thank you Ms. Elliot for such an amazing series, well written, chemistry, laughter, tears and so much more but with a HEA!!
September 29, 2021
I loved 🥰 this book! The whole series was amazing! 🤩❤️
September 28, 2021
My favorite book of 2021. Kelly Elliott is always a must read…drop-everything-you’re-doing author for me. Fated Hearts is the last book in the Southern Brides Series and Kelly took this series out with a bang. She honestly saved the best for last. Annalise and Roger’s love story will have your heart turning to mush. Entertaining, emotional, and so heartwarming.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
September 16, 2021
Written in the 5 stars!
Fated Hearts is the eighth and final book in Kelly Elliott's Southern Brides series, following the story of Roger and Annalise.
If you're familiar with the Southern Brides series and like myself, are a massive fan of it, you'll recognise one of the two names above from a previous book also in this series. Fans of Kelly Elliott will recognise Roger Carter from Lucky in Love as Truitt's brother. Fans have been screaming for Roger story for THE longest time and at last, his story is now in our laps.
For those of you who haven't read the series or haven't read Roger's introduction in Lucky in Love (I highly recommend you go back and read from the beginning with Love At First Sight), you're in for a treat!
Fated Hearts, although at the end of the series, is the perfect pick-up end of the series read if you're just starting it. Starting here will not spoil the other books, and you'll meet a sweetheart of a man to boot!
If, like me, you're a seasoned Kelly Elliott reader, you've got the feel for how she writes and the vibes that come off her characters and their situations. We're used to the sweet--but still nonetheless sexy--southern men who could charm their way out of anything, men who can make us swoon till we're puddles on the ground, and romance us as readers like no other man can. What we get with Fated Hearts and with Roger, is a man who's all that but for this read, Kelly has upped the spice and I'm here for all the new flavour.
No time is wasted as we begin reading the first chapter, and everything we've all been thinking and know of Roger Carter, starts to happen. Having read about Roger from Lucky In Love, we think we know him pretty well. Keywords here are 'we think'. Often, we are proven wrong in just how much we think we know our characters and sub-characters, and I'm thrilled to say that I was once more, proven wrong. Happily wrong. All main characters have the turning point moment, also known as the 'eureka' moment, when they begin to change from what they've always saw/thought about themselves, and into who they thought they would never in a million years be.
Roger is no different.
Seeing Roger blossom into the man he never thought he could or would be, only made me cheer him on even more. Yes, I'll always love the sides to him that push buttons, walk the line and fill my mind with the dirty jokes that make Roger, Roger, but seeing him go on the journey needed to finally reach his own happily ever after mentally and emotionally, only makes this read more rewarding. I applaud Kelly for expressing a man's emotional vulnerability in a respectful way, and reinforcing the message that it is okay for men to show emotion, feel fear/scared, and put out into the open all that is usually kept to themselves.
Moving on from Roger (oh, if I must), if ever there was a read that was the epitome of its title aside from literally placing the very words in the book, its this one! No matter if you're a believer of fate or not, it is clear that the numerous situations Roger and Annalise find themselves in, fate's hand is most definitely being played! It's both laughable (in a good way), and fist-to-the-face obvious that no matter what these two characters thought would be their end, their fate, the real fate would always show them the way. Giving us plenty of gasps, laughs and surprises along the way too!
Not to mention, woah holy snowman in a blizzard, their off the charts, sauna-steaming chemistry! From the beginning, its evident to them both that there is something there between them other than on-the-spot lust for a stunning stranger. What is unpredicted--much like the situation that brings them together in the first place--is just how many sparks end up a-flyin'.
Hold onto your devices and paperbacks with oven-proof gloves for this one, Roger's moves and Annalise's passion literally leaps out of the pages, courses through your body and makes those cheeks flame!
The end to the Southern Brides series brings more than a tear to the eye, it comes with so much more. Everyone takes away different things from each read, but I think we can all agree that one of the collective messages from this book and Roger & Annalise's story is this, have faith in fate. Life is already as unexpected as it can get, with none of us knowing how things will be no matter how hard we fight to remain in control, it's the uncontrollable and unexpected that are meant to be. It could either be the best thing to happen to you or the worst, but the best thing is to be prepared and to be open-minded by some of the very things we might doubt are not true or are not real. And that is exactly what both Roger and Annalise learn along the way.
This series has been filled with love, promises, interests, luck, home, going away and plenty of foolish moments, and has been brought to one of the best endings I've read from a book series, full of fate and an overflow of heart.
Thank you to Kelly for crafting a truly shelf, binge, and five-star worthy series none of us will ever forget or fall out of love for. Say 'I do', to the Southern Brides series, and find your happily ever after.
Fated Hearts is the eighth and final book in Kelly Elliott's Southern Brides series, following the story of Roger and Annalise.
If you're familiar with the Southern Brides series and like myself, are a massive fan of it, you'll recognise one of the two names above from a previous book also in this series. Fans of Kelly Elliott will recognise Roger Carter from Lucky in Love as Truitt's brother. Fans have been screaming for Roger story for THE longest time and at last, his story is now in our laps.
For those of you who haven't read the series or haven't read Roger's introduction in Lucky in Love (I highly recommend you go back and read from the beginning with Love At First Sight), you're in for a treat!
Fated Hearts, although at the end of the series, is the perfect pick-up end of the series read if you're just starting it. Starting here will not spoil the other books, and you'll meet a sweetheart of a man to boot!
If, like me, you're a seasoned Kelly Elliott reader, you've got the feel for how she writes and the vibes that come off her characters and their situations. We're used to the sweet--but still nonetheless sexy--southern men who could charm their way out of anything, men who can make us swoon till we're puddles on the ground, and romance us as readers like no other man can. What we get with Fated Hearts and with Roger, is a man who's all that but for this read, Kelly has upped the spice and I'm here for all the new flavour.
No time is wasted as we begin reading the first chapter, and everything we've all been thinking and know of Roger Carter, starts to happen. Having read about Roger from Lucky In Love, we think we know him pretty well. Keywords here are 'we think'. Often, we are proven wrong in just how much we think we know our characters and sub-characters, and I'm thrilled to say that I was once more, proven wrong. Happily wrong. All main characters have the turning point moment, also known as the 'eureka' moment, when they begin to change from what they've always saw/thought about themselves, and into who they thought they would never in a million years be.
Roger is no different.
Seeing Roger blossom into the man he never thought he could or would be, only made me cheer him on even more. Yes, I'll always love the sides to him that push buttons, walk the line and fill my mind with the dirty jokes that make Roger, Roger, but seeing him go on the journey needed to finally reach his own happily ever after mentally and emotionally, only makes this read more rewarding. I applaud Kelly for expressing a man's emotional vulnerability in a respectful way, and reinforcing the message that it is okay for men to show emotion, feel fear/scared, and put out into the open all that is usually kept to themselves.
Moving on from Roger (oh, if I must), if ever there was a read that was the epitome of its title aside from literally placing the very words in the book, its this one! No matter if you're a believer of fate or not, it is clear that the numerous situations Roger and Annalise find themselves in, fate's hand is most definitely being played! It's both laughable (in a good way), and fist-to-the-face obvious that no matter what these two characters thought would be their end, their fate, the real fate would always show them the way. Giving us plenty of gasps, laughs and surprises along the way too!
Not to mention, woah holy snowman in a blizzard, their off the charts, sauna-steaming chemistry! From the beginning, its evident to them both that there is something there between them other than on-the-spot lust for a stunning stranger. What is unpredicted--much like the situation that brings them together in the first place--is just how many sparks end up a-flyin'.
Hold onto your devices and paperbacks with oven-proof gloves for this one, Roger's moves and Annalise's passion literally leaps out of the pages, courses through your body and makes those cheeks flame!
The end to the Southern Brides series brings more than a tear to the eye, it comes with so much more. Everyone takes away different things from each read, but I think we can all agree that one of the collective messages from this book and Roger & Annalise's story is this, have faith in fate. Life is already as unexpected as it can get, with none of us knowing how things will be no matter how hard we fight to remain in control, it's the uncontrollable and unexpected that are meant to be. It could either be the best thing to happen to you or the worst, but the best thing is to be prepared and to be open-minded by some of the very things we might doubt are not true or are not real. And that is exactly what both Roger and Annalise learn along the way.
This series has been filled with love, promises, interests, luck, home, going away and plenty of foolish moments, and has been brought to one of the best endings I've read from a book series, full of fate and an overflow of heart.
Thank you to Kelly for crafting a truly shelf, binge, and five-star worthy series none of us will ever forget or fall out of love for. Say 'I do', to the Southern Brides series, and find your happily ever after.
September 18, 2021
I absolutely loved Fated Hearts, the eighth and final book the Southern Bride series, by Kelly Elliott! Kelly Elliott has once again delivered another wonderful romance with Fated Hearts and continues to provide readers with amazing characters and a story with all the feels. I can truly say, that Fated Hearts is an incredible love story, that is filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions and I could not put it down. I loved every moment on every page. Fated Hearts was a bittersweet book for me knowing that it is the eighth and final book in the Southern Bride series. Each book in the series got better and better and I have loved each one of them, but I truly believe that Fated Hearts is my favorite book in the series. I truly believe that Kelly Elliott saved the best book in the series until last! I love all the characters in Fated Hearts and how feel like best friends! Who doesn't love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, and loving friends, who always support one another? Kelly Elliott continues to deliver all that and so much more. Kelly Elliott has once again proven that she is an incredible storyteller. Fated Hearts truly did not disappoint. One of my favorite parts is how Kelly Elliott incorporates the title of the book into the love story. I love that she writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. Fated Hearts is filled with secrets shared and discovered. Fated Hearts is a wonderful love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a Kelly Elliott love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing. My favorite moments are the ones that cause me to sigh, say aww to myself with tears filling my eyes. Fated Hearts is filled with such moments, and with so much more. Fated Hearts is a love at first sight story about Annalise Michaels and Roger Carter. Annalise and Roger meet in the same Chicago hotel room after being snowed in following a snowstorm. I love their initial meeting. They agree to have a no strings attached fling while they are stranded in Chicago. Neither one shared much personal information, so they were both surprised when they meet at a car rental counter in the San Antonio airport. Annalise is relocating to Boerne to be the general manager at The Montclair and will work down the street from Roger’s law office. As Annalise and Roger begin to spend more time together, they both realize that they have feelings for the other. Roger is haunted by a past relationship and an unexpected plot twist causes a change between them and their relationship. I truly loved the descriptions of their wedding day. Who doesn't love stories about falling in love at first sight? Fated Hearts is filled with bittersweet and poignant moments and the surprise plot twists, that I have come to love and expect in Kelly Elliott's stories. I love how Fated Hearts felt like a family reunion and gave readers the opportunity to catch up with the characters in Lucky in Love. My favorite part of this series are the epilogues, I truly love how they go above and beyond the happily ever afters. I love that this epilogue takes place severa; years later, so that the reader gets to see how Annalise and Roger’s lives have changed. Fated Hearts is an incredibly written love story and I loved every moment, even though it was bittersweet to say goodbye to the Southern Bride series. I especially love the ending of the story. I love how Kelly Elliott includes the details of the dresses on the cover of the book in the story. Highly recommend this beautifully written story.
November 29, 2021
A Captivating & Heartfelt Romance! Fabulous Story & Narration 🎧📚🎧
Fated Hearts
Southern Bride, Book 8
By: Kelly Elliott
Narrated by: Laurie West, Christian Black
This is a fabulously delightful romance novel and I loved everything about it, from Kelly Elliott’s wonderful writing style to the amazing characters and storylines she created to the perfectly cast narration who bring it all to life from the pages to your ears. The story swept me in immediately, grabbing my attention and captivating it for the entire book. Both were on their way home, but a winter storm cancelled all flights. Roger was smart to book a hotel room as soon as he found out, exhausted he checked in and went to bed. Annalise booked a room too, the first thing she did was take a shower, the next thing was to go to bed, but when she came out of the shower, she was shocked to find a man sleeping in her bed. That scene was hilarious, the thoughts in Roger’s dreamy state and her thoughts about his attire, or rather the lack of attire. No other rooms available, both were exhausted, and neither got a bad vibe from the other, so they agreed to make it work. Roger is not a relationship type of guy, but he felt drawn to Annalise and she felt the same about him. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and Annalise stepped out of her comfort zone to give in to that chemistry for a steamy affair figuring they would never see each other again once the airport re-opened, they’d head to their destinations, no questions asked and no expectations. They had such a great time together they had second thoughts about that, thinking they should have exchanged personal information so they could keep in touch. But fate takes care of that for them, it turns out her new hometown is the same as Roger’s in Texas. Roger does not do relationships, he has his reasons, but there was something about Annalise and how good they were together that makes him second guess himself. But he let his past haunt him and hold him back from moving forward. I loved how everything played out in this beautifully written and plotted story with plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions and emotional moments, some lighthearted ones that will make you smile and a steamy hot meant to be romance. Kelly Elliott, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Laurie West and Christian Black are talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They have a complete understanding of the characters they portray, give each a voice that fits their character’s persona to a tee, sounding believable in every role they played and just as I picture the characters to sound. Laurie West played Annalise’s role with perfection, Christian Black did the same for Roger. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and projected them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fantastic listen.
Fated Hearts
Southern Bride, Book 8
By: Kelly Elliott
Narrated by: Laurie West, Christian Black
This is a fabulously delightful romance novel and I loved everything about it, from Kelly Elliott’s wonderful writing style to the amazing characters and storylines she created to the perfectly cast narration who bring it all to life from the pages to your ears. The story swept me in immediately, grabbing my attention and captivating it for the entire book. Both were on their way home, but a winter storm cancelled all flights. Roger was smart to book a hotel room as soon as he found out, exhausted he checked in and went to bed. Annalise booked a room too, the first thing she did was take a shower, the next thing was to go to bed, but when she came out of the shower, she was shocked to find a man sleeping in her bed. That scene was hilarious, the thoughts in Roger’s dreamy state and her thoughts about his attire, or rather the lack of attire. No other rooms available, both were exhausted, and neither got a bad vibe from the other, so they agreed to make it work. Roger is not a relationship type of guy, but he felt drawn to Annalise and she felt the same about him. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and Annalise stepped out of her comfort zone to give in to that chemistry for a steamy affair figuring they would never see each other again once the airport re-opened, they’d head to their destinations, no questions asked and no expectations. They had such a great time together they had second thoughts about that, thinking they should have exchanged personal information so they could keep in touch. But fate takes care of that for them, it turns out her new hometown is the same as Roger’s in Texas. Roger does not do relationships, he has his reasons, but there was something about Annalise and how good they were together that makes him second guess himself. But he let his past haunt him and hold him back from moving forward. I loved how everything played out in this beautifully written and plotted story with plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions and emotional moments, some lighthearted ones that will make you smile and a steamy hot meant to be romance. Kelly Elliott, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Laurie West and Christian Black are talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They have a complete understanding of the characters they portray, give each a voice that fits their character’s persona to a tee, sounding believable in every role they played and just as I picture the characters to sound. Laurie West played Annalise’s role with perfection, Christian Black did the same for Roger. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and projected them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fantastic listen.
September 28, 2021
I read my first Kelly Elliot book, Wanted, years ago and fell in love with her writing, characters, and stories in that series long before I was a book reviewer or blogger. At some point, I kind of lost track of her new books but found my way back to her with the Meet Me in Montana series. Fated Hearts is the 8th and final book in her Southern Bride series. It is a complete stand-alone novel. All of them can be read as stand-alone titles. This is only the fourth book in that series that I’ve read, and I didn’t read any of them in the order they were published. And I was never lost with the characters or the plots.
Fated Hearts is the story of two people destined to meet and fall in love, despite one of them (*cough* Roger) being incredibly pig-headed and resistant to changing his thought patterns. The same cannot be said of Annalise as she’s just jumped full steam ahead into a much-wanted life change. I loved how ready for adventure she was from the beginning and that she wasn’t looking for any man to save her. Compliment her, yes. Save her, no. Roger was simply painfully stubborn, fighting his feelings and his heart every step of the way. I’ve never wanted to smack some sense into a character so badly. Despite his obstinance being the biggest stumbling block, eventually, these two do get their HEA.
Fated Hearts is chocked full of elements of fairy tales, yet has some very angsty moments, all topped off with just a hint of paranormal in a sweet sense. While not my favorite of the series, it was still gripping and entertaining enough to keep me turning pages long after I should have been sleeping. Kelly Elliot consistently delivers romance with heart, characters you can’t help but love, and plenty of moments that will make you swoon and smile, even while breaking your heart at times.
Fated Hearts is the story of two people destined to meet and fall in love, despite one of them (*cough* Roger) being incredibly pig-headed and resistant to changing his thought patterns. The same cannot be said of Annalise as she’s just jumped full steam ahead into a much-wanted life change. I loved how ready for adventure she was from the beginning and that she wasn’t looking for any man to save her. Compliment her, yes. Save her, no. Roger was simply painfully stubborn, fighting his feelings and his heart every step of the way. I’ve never wanted to smack some sense into a character so badly. Despite his obstinance being the biggest stumbling block, eventually, these two do get their HEA.
Fated Hearts is chocked full of elements of fairy tales, yet has some very angsty moments, all topped off with just a hint of paranormal in a sweet sense. While not my favorite of the series, it was still gripping and entertaining enough to keep me turning pages long after I should have been sleeping. Kelly Elliot consistently delivers romance with heart, characters you can’t help but love, and plenty of moments that will make you swoon and smile, even while breaking your heart at times.
September 28, 2021
Sad to see the Southern Brides Series coming to an end but love that Ms Elliott saved this book for the last. A wonderful story of unexpected fated love is just what the doctor ordered. Characters with amazing chemistry, a good amount of banter and competition to make you smile while reading.
After some long days of meetings the only thing Roger wants is to get on his flight and head home to sleep for a couple of days. Mother nature has some different plans when a crazy snow storm has him holed up in a hotel in Chicago until it blows over.
Analise is excited to get started with her new life. A new job in a smaller new town with some beautiful scenery to be the backdrop, what's not to be excited about. When she discovers she is stranded thanks to the snow, she gets herself a room instead of being stuck at the airport. She certainly wasn't expecting someone in her bed. How can this happen?
When Roger and Analise realize they are stuck together while they wait out the storm, they decide they might as well enjoy each others company. I mean why not, they won't see each other again, right. A decision to not share personal information and forget everything else for a couple of days, sounds fun. But as the fun comes to a close they are both feeling things they weren't expecting to feel. Imagine their surprise when they suddenly find each other once again when arriving at their destination.
Is it coincidence or is fate stepping in? Will Roger realize that he can't fight the feelings and it is time to let go of the past?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
After some long days of meetings the only thing Roger wants is to get on his flight and head home to sleep for a couple of days. Mother nature has some different plans when a crazy snow storm has him holed up in a hotel in Chicago until it blows over.
Analise is excited to get started with her new life. A new job in a smaller new town with some beautiful scenery to be the backdrop, what's not to be excited about. When she discovers she is stranded thanks to the snow, she gets herself a room instead of being stuck at the airport. She certainly wasn't expecting someone in her bed. How can this happen?
When Roger and Analise realize they are stuck together while they wait out the storm, they decide they might as well enjoy each others company. I mean why not, they won't see each other again, right. A decision to not share personal information and forget everything else for a couple of days, sounds fun. But as the fun comes to a close they are both feeling things they weren't expecting to feel. Imagine their surprise when they suddenly find each other once again when arriving at their destination.
Is it coincidence or is fate stepping in? Will Roger realize that he can't fight the feelings and it is time to let go of the past?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
September 28, 2021
Check out our full post for FATED HEARTS on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
FATED HEARTS is the eighth installment in the Southern Bride series. It can be read as a standalone. I have only read a few in this series and had no issues nor did I feel like I was missing any information.
The last thing Roger wanted to do was stay another night in Chicago, but the weather had other plans. After sweet talking his way into a hotel suite close to the airport, all he wants to do is sleep. Having a half-naked woman waking him up was definitely not in his plans. She is as shocked to see him as he is to see her. Finding their room is double booked and they are forced to share, hoping the weather will break sooner rather than later.
I loved the banter between Roger and Annalise. Kelly Elliott has such a way with words that you can feel the chemistry between the characters build. I was brought to tears more than once but loved every minute of it.
I can't wait to go back and read the rest of this delicious series!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
September 29, 2021
All the feels..
Fated Hearts (Southern Bride Book 8)by Kelly Elliott
What would you do if you were stranded with no way of knowing how long? To be completely honest I would freak the freak out.
I cannot tell you just how much I enjoyed this book. This book is amazingly written I could not read it fast enough. It had me so engaged I could not put it down. It is a very entertaining contemporary romance that will have you laughing yet at the same time it pulls at your heartstrings.
Fated Hearts is about Roger and Annalise which to begin with don’t meet on the best of circumstances. They are both stormed in and to top it off they are double booked into the same hotel room. I love how Roger and Annalise love to push each other's buttons. They really enjoy one-upping each other, and make bets which is a very hot foreplay of sorts to them. It was very hot really enjoyed how they liked to up each other and ante up the attraction. From the start, there was this magnetism between these two characters that was palpable and really jumping off the pages.
I loved their connection and the way they developed their relationship in the small-town environment. This book was also a very deeply emotional story as well . You can feel the struggle and the undeniable connection through the word on each page. I have so many feelings about this book but must keep it short because if I keep going I run the risk of giving too much and ruin it for people.
I could not put down this book and thoroughly enjoyed the steamy journey of these two amazing people who were fated to be together. I couldn’t have been luckier to get an ARC.
Fated Hearts (Southern Bride Book 8)by Kelly Elliott
What would you do if you were stranded with no way of knowing how long? To be completely honest I would freak the freak out.
I cannot tell you just how much I enjoyed this book. This book is amazingly written I could not read it fast enough. It had me so engaged I could not put it down. It is a very entertaining contemporary romance that will have you laughing yet at the same time it pulls at your heartstrings.
Fated Hearts is about Roger and Annalise which to begin with don’t meet on the best of circumstances. They are both stormed in and to top it off they are double booked into the same hotel room. I love how Roger and Annalise love to push each other's buttons. They really enjoy one-upping each other, and make bets which is a very hot foreplay of sorts to them. It was very hot really enjoyed how they liked to up each other and ante up the attraction. From the start, there was this magnetism between these two characters that was palpable and really jumping off the pages.
I loved their connection and the way they developed their relationship in the small-town environment. This book was also a very deeply emotional story as well . You can feel the struggle and the undeniable connection through the word on each page. I have so many feelings about this book but must keep it short because if I keep going I run the risk of giving too much and ruin it for people.
I could not put down this book and thoroughly enjoyed the steamy journey of these two amazing people who were fated to be together. I couldn’t have been luckier to get an ARC.
September 14, 2021
What a great story to end this series! Roger and Annalise meet after a snowstorm leaves them both stranded in Chicago and are somehow double booked into the same hotel room. While attracted to each other, due to Roger’s past, he’s not interested in any sort of relationship, but the attraction he feels keeps pulling them together. As fate would have it, once they have a steamy fling together and are on flights home, those flights take them to the same city, and they find out that they are both headed to the same town, where Rogers is from and Annalise is relocating to, it throws a wrench in their “no strings attached” fling. Unable to stop thinking about each other, Roger seeks Annalise out and they decide to continue what they started in Chicago, and Annalise thinks things might go somewhere between them, until Roger’s past catches up to him and he changes course. Thanks to the characters of the people in town, this couple gets a real chance at things, and they get the HEA that they both deserve. I wish that we got more backstory on these two – while we get to understand Roger and why he is skittish, we don’t get much on Annalise, and I think it would’ve added to the characters and their development as well as get to know them better. Overall, I loved the book and while I’m sad that this series is over, I can’t wait to see what Kelly comes out with next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 28, 2021
Before I start this review I want to share that I have not read every single book in this series. I came upon this series in the later books so the earlier ones I have not read. When I started this book, I felt that I was missing some information on the male lead in this book, Roger Carter who is Truitt Carter's brother. So I went back and read Lucky In Love (book 4).
In the previous book Roger is a huge flirt and he has a fling with nurse Lucy, but beyond that he just comes off as a big playboy. In this story we learn more about him, his fears, his hotness and his past and why he is the way he was. This book seems to take place I would say about 2-3 years after Lucky in Love.
This book we meet Roger Carter who is gorgeous and he gets stuck in Chicago for two nights with a big snowstorm. He meets a beautiful blond traveler named Analise when his room is the last one available and that's how he acquires a roommate. The way they meet was the hottest first cute meet scene I have read in a long time.
And thats all I can say without spoiling the story. This was a very fun story with lots of hot scenes and a BIG twist of fate bringing two people together. It made me sigh, giggle and even bite my nails. It was an awesome story to end this series, which I absolutely adore. I wish we'd get more stories because I met some awesome characters.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In the previous book Roger is a huge flirt and he has a fling with nurse Lucy, but beyond that he just comes off as a big playboy. In this story we learn more about him, his fears, his hotness and his past and why he is the way he was. This book seems to take place I would say about 2-3 years after Lucky in Love.
This book we meet Roger Carter who is gorgeous and he gets stuck in Chicago for two nights with a big snowstorm. He meets a beautiful blond traveler named Analise when his room is the last one available and that's how he acquires a roommate. The way they meet was the hottest first cute meet scene I have read in a long time.
And thats all I can say without spoiling the story. This was a very fun story with lots of hot scenes and a BIG twist of fate bringing two people together. It made me sigh, giggle and even bite my nails. It was an awesome story to end this series, which I absolutely adore. I wish we'd get more stories because I met some awesome characters.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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