The Devil in the Deep South

by Amy Craig

When a tornado destroys Taylor’s small-town bookstore, an Atlanta billionaire brings in heavy equipment to clean up the mess, but the pieces no longer fit.

Taylor envisions her small-town Georgia bookstore as a community gathering place. When a tornado destroys the historic brick building and much of downtown Ronan, an Atlanta bigshot brings in heavy equipment to clean up the mess. Torn between her loyalties to the town and her desire for the executive, she picks up the pieces of her life, but rebuilding Ronan requires more than lumber and nails.

Hardened by the Army, losing his brother and industrial competition, Christopher knows he’s leading another man’s life, but Taylor convinces him to reconsider his future. He’s determined to have her by his side, but he can’t imagine living in her backwoods town.

ebook

Published March 22, 2022

About the author

Amy Craig lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with her family and a small menagerie of pets. She writes contemporary romances featuring intelligent heroines. She can't always vouch for the men. In her spare time, she plays tennis and expands her husband’s honey-do list. Before pursuing writing, she worked as an engineer, project manager, and incompetent waitress. For more information and social media links, visit www.amy-craig.com

Reviews

[Agata · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting story has a good plot line. The romance, emotions between the characters were enjoyable. The characters were able to truly come off the page and become real. You can feel their struggles and understand their decisions. The cast of characters had me feeling as if I knew almost everyone in town. There is a chance to get to know each of them, especially Taylor and Christopher. I loved every character in the book but my favourite is Ms. Tina. She is such a "little crazy" woman in her own way.

I received this copy from Voracious Readers Only and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I respect this far more accurate depiction of small town America; it's not the glossy idyllic Hallmark-esque vibe we are all so used to. Raw and relatable with normal characters, flaws and all.
Should be marketed as a Christian romance with all the biblical references and church heavy references but otherwise a good read.

[Linda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor owns a bookstore in Ronan a small town. Taylor has a friend Plucky who runs the coffee shop at the store. Taylor’s family is deeply religious and she posts scriptures on her website for Ronan Books. The City Manager Jonathan brought a special guest in the store. Christopher is an ex military who is now the CEO of Ocelot. Ocelot is looking at opening a new warehouse in Ronan. Christopher likes Taylor immediately but she doesn’t like him. Taylor and Plucky are at the bookstore when the storm hits. There is a tornado but everybody thinks it won’t hit Ronan. Christopher is in Atlanta watching where the tornado will hit and he keeps telling Taylor to take cover. Taylor doesn’t until her daddy tells her to get in the basement. Taylor and Plucky rode out the tornado in the basement of her bookstore. Days later Christopher can’t get a hold of Taylor so he decides to go down to Ronan with some equipment Ocelot has been testing, electrical machinery. Christopher knows he has feelings for Taylor. Taylor can’t understand why Christopher has come to help but all the help is needed. Christopher finally wins Taylor over by actually working to clear the destruction from the tornado. Christopher and Taylor end up having sex but it was more than a one night stand. Taylor won’t leave Ronan and Christopher can’t leave Atlanta. Will Christopher convince Taylor to be his girlfriend? Will Taylor convince Christopher to run for governor? Will Christopher and Taylor find love and happiness out of the devastation of the tornado?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[P.L. Jonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Amy Craig, so I didn’t know what to expect other than it is an erotic contemporary romance. Once I got through the slow opening, the story really picked up and held my interest to the end. I kept turning the pages, wanting to know what would happen.

Amy created fully developed characters with humor and human flaws that are believable. I connected with the main characters Taylor, the bible verse quoting, community loving, bookstore owner, and Christopher, a likable sensitive and strong billionaire who I found very appealing. The other characters bring the small-town community together and an understanding of what makes Taylor tick and why she is so committed to her town, especially when a terrible tornado destroys much of the town, affecting everyone in it. Other twists and surprises in the story add to its page-turning experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and recommend it to romance readers who appreciate strong messages and a satisfying conclusion.
. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting romance! These two people seem to have nothing in common, but we see how their values mesh so well throughout the book. The tornado is the perfect metaphor for the winds of change in both the rural community Taylor loves and the larger world Christopher represents. The author shows us how they both change and go forward together. The other characters are also very compelling. I hope some of them get their own stories. This is romance at its best--complex people in a complex world who still find love and passion for each other and compassion for others.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's rich and grumpy and she's sweet and sassy. You know this is going to be a match up that will definitely grab your attention. The chemistry between them is undeniable and the banter is enjoyable. The story is well written and flows smoothly from page to page holding your interest. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I’ve read by Amy Craig and I want more. I love a good small town romance and this did not disappoint.

Taylor owns a bookstore in her small town of Ronan. She grew up religious and incorporates that into her store. Christopher is a CEO of Ocelet in Atlanta and former military. Upon visiting Ronan for opening a new warehouse there, he meets Taylor and instantly likes her but she doesn’t bat an eye his way. After a tornado ravishes through Ronan, Christopher brings equipment to help clean up and rebuild.

I love the banter between these two. You will be laughing one minute and swooning the next. The steam was great and the storyline ever better. Secondary characters, I want more of them! Though they eventually fall for each other, he can’t leave Atlanta and she won’t leave Ronan. Can they work it out? Such a great read.

I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[S.J. Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for romance fans who like a story they can really immerse themselves in. We learn so much about both the main characters over the course of the book it almost feels like you know them in person. Taylor and Christopher both have their faults, but you know that together they well become bigger than the sum of their parts. Compromise is a the name of the game, and deciding where lines are. That is very human and made the romance very real.
There is just the right amount of spice to keep it exciting, but the driving force of the narrative is definitely the character interaction.
Taylor's bible references won't be for everyone, so I do feel they should be mentioned. But it should also be mentioned that they are an important part of her character, so even though it did not resonate with me personally, I could absorb it as part her her that was relevant to her motivations.
And Christopher I could just eat with a spoon.
One for the fans of the slow-burn, small-town romance full of sweetness and light with just the right amount of conflict to keep it interesting.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Don't ask me to give up my dream without defending yours." Taylor (a/k/a Peaches) has given her all to her hometown of Ronan, only to find that so much of what she knows is a lie. But when much of the town is leveled by a tornado, she can't bear to leave it behind, wanting to believe the best in her friends and neighbors. Christopher barrels into town with his equipment, hellbent on saving them all. And on making Taylor his. They're complete opposites, not seeming to have much in common, and yet they're so well matched. The banter between them is incredible and well-balanced. The hopeless romantic in me is heartbroken at the thought that he can't live in Ronan, and she won't go to Atlanta. The author does a great job wrapping up this couple. My favorite character is Ms. Tina - what a card! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil in the Deep South by Amy Craig is a good, and enjoyable small town romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The romance, emotions between the characters were enjoyable to read, they were able to truly come off the page, and become real to the reader. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I always love is banter in a romance. If two characters can verbally spar back and forth, it makes me want to root for them to have their HEA. Christopher and Taylor are no different. I enjoyed seeing a small town that is super similar to the one I grew up in. If you're looking for a feel good romance with southern, small town vibes, check this one out!

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author. I really enjoyed this story and I will be reading more from this author. However the reason I gave it four stars is because it was written in the third person point of view which is a deal breaker for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stéphanie Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for Voracious Readers Only. From page one, you are sucked into the story of the small town, its inhabitants and the man who will come and try to "rescue" them all. It's a fast and entertaining read.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! These characters could have an entire book series. I found myself invested in their lives and want to see how it goes later in the future.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Trigger Warnings include:
mentions of assault

Mr. Christopher Durand was making the usual rounds to look for the prime location for his company’s next factory, but when he walked into Taylor’s small town bookstore, everything changed. Well, it at least set things off in a new direction for them both. It’s the tornado that truly changes everything. Christopher may be all the way in Atlanta, but he can’t stop thinking about Taylor. He needs to be reassured she’s safe. So, he packs up, pulls strings, and heads back to her small town to help rebuild. For good reason, Taylor assumes he’s there for all the wrong reasons, so she doesn’t trust his intentions. But their tension becomes undeniable! So naturally, they do something about it! Christopher comes with loaded baggage, but Taylor comes with some of her own. It becomes more than just sexual tension and a battle of wits! They’re both living their lives for others, so their walls are up pretty high. But if there’s anyone who could take them down, it’s each other. While they rebuild Taylor’s small town, they rebuild their own trust, and discover what they truly want, need, out of life. Things start to escalate, just in time for them to make big chances. Everything happens for a reason, right? I couldn’t tell you how many times I waited for Christopher to run back to his skyscrapers. But he never faltered, he never let her go, or even entertained the idea. Walking away from Taylor was never an option for him. With everything that happened towards the end, the ending felt a little abrupt. I would have loved to know how Taylor found her bearings, if they found the right balance.

My Favorite Quotes:
• “I only had eyes for you.”
• “If you keep returning my kisses, those thin cotton panties won’t do you much good, and you’ll have more than wet hair to explain.”
• “Stop looking at me like you want to eat me.”
• “Come for the tour, and stay for the hanky-panky.”
• “The food trucks were brilliant, but I’m ready to eat your p!ssy and hear you scream my name.”
• “Right now, I belong below you.”
• “I don’t want to be a guest. I want to be family.”
• “Give me a quiet spot, and I’ll give you a reason to yell.”
• “I didn’t know how much I needed your heart until I almost lost it.”

6/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Enemies to Lovers
6/10 Slow Burn
7/10 The CEO Type

[Katie Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil in the Deep South by Amy Craig
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶/5
Taylor is a hard-working bookstore owner who loves her small town. A chance encounter with Atlanta’s Most Eligible Bachelor/Billionaire Christopher will throw her for a loop. Mother Nature decides to wreak havoc on the town Taylor loves. Will Christopher’s help draw him closer to Taylor or further away? If you like Small-Town Romances and Billionaire Romances this one is for you!

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a dialogue driven story that I sometimes had to go back a few pages to figure out who was speaking at a particular time.

It was a unique book in that it was written around a tornado hitting a small town and how the people all worked together to recover. Christopher was a billionaire from Atlanta and originally visited Taylor’s bookstore in the small town before the tornado and couldn’t stop reading and commenting on her Facebook posts for the store.

This was the first book I have read by this author and it gave me mixed feelings. The romance between Christopher and Taylor was my favorite part and was done really well. Some of the secondary character conflicts seemed random and in some cases disconnected from the main story. The Bible verses were certainly part of the story, but the actual role of religion seemed incomplete.

Some of these observations may be personal preference so please read the book yourself and enjoy the atmosphere of the “old” south.

I received an advance copy of the book to read and wrote this voluntary review after reading it.

[Karen Weiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story and the plot for the most part. I am hoping this was an advanced readers version I was reading. If not, you should fire the editor. There were so many spelling and grammar errors that it Kind of drove me nuts. However, what I did not like about the book was that there was a strong focus on faith and scripture BUT there were also raunchy words and sex scenes. I would have preferred the sex scenes be intimated and leave out the use of slang sex words. To me it’s either a Christian book or it’s not. I did not care for the mix. That is my honest opinion. I received this book from voracious readers only to read and review.

[Jennifer Stottlemyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK AND THE CHARACTERS. IT WAS A FANTASTIC READ, AND EXECUTED VERY WELL. IT REALLY HIT HOME HOW TAYLOR STRUGGLED WITH HOW SHE THOUGHT THE WORLD AND THE PEOPLE SHE KNEW AND TRUSTED WERE BUT IN REALITY LIES AND CORRUPTION STEPPED IN. GOOD MORAL STORY WITH A LITTLE SPICE KICKED IN.

[Glenda Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t rush reading this book. The cast of characters had me feeling as if I knew almost everyone in town. You’ll love getting to know each of them, especially Taylor and Christopher. I’d love to read another book featuring the next chapter in the lives of those we got to know so well.

[Aksita Sarangi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting story has a good plot line .The romance, emotions between the characters were enjoyable.The issues faced by a small town girl and the Handsome billionaire devil is really great.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Becky Setterfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Call me strange, but I always enjoy it when the main characters are sassy, distant and arrogant towards each other in the beginning, wat hing their character arcs from that always interests me.

I am not all that religious but enjoyed the religious connections from the South and the way she used it in a modern sense and not forcing it down people throats.

An enjoyable read. Thank you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am feeling very conflicted about how to rate this book. I truly enjoyed this story. The characters were able to truly come off the page and become real. You can feel their struggles and understand their decisions. I have never experienced a natural disaster to the extent that was depicted in this story, and I feel like I now better understand the experience. The story telling is great. I felt that I understood the characters and their motivations/decisions. I truly enjoyed getting to know these spunky and lively characters.

What threw me through a loop is the entrenched religion in this story. I understand that religion is a way of life, especially in the south. I appreciated the fb posts and they made the story come alive. Those were an essential part of getting to truly understand and relate to the characters. However, I kept getting thrown through a loop when religion discussed in their relationship. To read about her faith then have a steamy chapter right after? It was very jarring. Since I’m comfortable with that reality/lifestyle, it didn’t detract from the story. Two people of different religious depth is a reality. However I don’t think the spicy chapters belonged in such a book. Hence one star detracted.

I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Voracious Readers and the author. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[jenniO · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my usual type of book, I got into the book at first but lost interest. I struggled to stay with it. It wasn't for me. I liked the general plot of the story but not the bible quotes they got a bit much.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give this book 2.5 stars out of 5. It had real potential for me in the beginning. I was hooked and loving it until about 30% in. Then it remained about a 3 star until 80%. So, for me, it just got harder to read. I loved the premise and I love the initial chemistry between the characters. Here is what made this book lose stars for me. First, the religious aspect of the book just kinda weirded me out. Taylor is quoting the Bible on every page but then there’s also F bombs being dropped and Christopher talking about eating her out. At first I thought her little social media quotes for inspiration and Christopher’s responses were fun and flirty. But after a while the combination of the two turned me off after a while. Taylor even thinks in Bible verses some times. Plus the whole part with the ex boyfriend being abusive and her mom thinking that’s okay because the Bible demands obedience from women to their men was a major turn-off. Next, the inner dialogue got annoying because it didn’t seem like anything normal people would honestly think. For instance, Taylor thinking in Bible verses? Now, the ex boyfriend. He didn’t seem to really serve any purpose. He was mentioned and then he even walked up and said hi once. That was it. The same goes for Christopher’s ex. She was around a lot in the beginning of the book and then I guess she just finally decided to go back home? And finally, Taylor herself. Her emotional connection to her tiny town was endearing at first. But as the story went on, she was just the nosiest person. Like, seriously—get over yourself Taylor! People can live without you and they don’t need you all up in their business, trying to save them like some martyr all the time. I really wanted to like this book, but I’m sorry. It was just too ridiculous for me. I received an arc for my honest review and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rach3l · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the banter between Christopher and Taylor and it was interesting to learn all the small town secrets. I wasn’t expecting all the Bible references but that didn’t bother me. Overall a decent read.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

[Smut Report]

Heat Factor: It gets pretty steamy, but it’s later in the book and it’s not heavy.

Character Chemistry: One of those hate then love ‘em type books

Plot: Christopher is a billionaire and grandson of a state senator/presidential hopeful from Georgia who took over his brother’s business and is looking for a new place to build a state-of-the-art factory. Taylor is a small-town, southern, bookseller who is the glue of her community. Then Christopher can’t stay away, and Taylor and Christopher both end up having to re-examine the lives they think they wanted.

Overall: One of the more accurate depictions of a small town I’ve seen—slow, but with good character development.

I feel like most “small-town” romances veer right into caricature territory, and I never really realized it until I read this book. Which, I realized, is kind of a double-edged sword…because small towns are notorious for being gossip mills, but they’re also jam-packed with dark and uncomfortable secrets. Generational poor choices. Simmering resentments. As the saying goes in Minnesota, “they’ll give you the shirt off their backs if you’re in need, but you’ll never get an invite into their living room”.

In this book we have two larger-than-life people who are both clearly not fulfilled and capable of more, but they just seem stuck. Christopher is living his brother’s dream, but he doesn’t seem to know what his own dreams are. Taylor is running a community cornerstone, her bookstore, but she’s wasting her talents with small local events and clubs. Christopher and Taylor start exchanging barbs on social media after Christopher tours her store after a site visit for his potential future factory location, and despite their differences (he’s a bit of a smug, philosophical know-it-all, and her social media success is built on gifs of baby animals and bible verses, so it’s like, pretty polar opposite) they can’t seem to stop talking to each other. When a tornado strikes the town of Ronan, Christopher brings his company’s resources to help rebuild the town while Taylor tries her best to rebuff his kindness (and advances).

Read our full review at The Smut Report

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

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[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this novel by Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review.
In the beginning I thought this novel had a lot of potential. I really enjoy reading novels with small town charm and small town characters that are easy to fall in love with. I absolutely love a strong alpha male, as well as the added drama of a jealous ex. Unfortunately, despite the potential I just couldn’t seem to get into this book. The small town characters didn’t resonate with me and I found myself increasingly annoyed with the religious undertones and frequent bible quotes. I don’t mind a few bible versus and inspirational quotes here and there; however, in this case I felt it was over done. If the novel was labeled a Christian Romance I may have chosen to read it but I have to be in the mood for it. There were some steamy scenes that may be a barrier to being marketed as a Christian Romance but I wonder if being marketed as such would avoid reader confusion or disappointment.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taylor Lenore owns the local bookstore in her hometown, Ronan, Georgia. Christopher Durand, CEO of Ocelot Enterprises, is in Ronan to see if the town would work for their new factory. Taylor doesn’t like Christopher on sight. He decides to go back to Atlanta and continue his search. A tornado comes through Ronan and Christopher decides to send some heavy machinery to help clean up the town. Taylor and Christopher butt heads throughout the book. They are attracted to each other. Christopher was a great book boyfriend whereas Taylor was not a good book girlfriend. She was preachy, saw things in black and white only, and spouted scripture frequently. I liked Christopher but not Taylor. There are some town secrets revealed but I feel the author was a little vague in the details. The title was a misnomer.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book I've read written by Amy Craig; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

She has written a good book. The story is about Taylor & Christopher; she’s from the small town Ronan; he’s from Atlanta. When a tornado destroys her bookstore and and a lot of the downtown area his brings in his equipment to clean up the mess.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.