Natasha Madison

KallieI fell in love with him when I was seven. I scraped my knee, and he helped carry me inside.Our love story was the talk of the town until a woman told everyone she was pregnant with his baby. The only rational solution was to high tail it out of town and never come back.My best friend needed a place to hide, and you can’t get much more covert than my family farm, so I came back. For her. It was supposed to be temporary, and I wasn’t supposed to see him, but that’s what happens when you live in a small town where everyone knows each other. JacobBeing the sheriff in a small town was never my dream. My father died and my older brother took off, so I had to be the one to look after my mother. I stayed. I fulfilled my duties as a son and I protected my hometown. My life wasn’t perfect, but I was content. Until I locked eyes with a ghost from my past, Kallie. I thought it was my imagination, it couldn’t be. I loved her most of my life, but now I hated her. The town gossip mill was going into overdrive. I kept my head down and my mind off of the woman who shattered my heart when she ran away. She didn’t give me a chance to explain, it didn’t matter to her then. I didn’t matter. A second chance is never promised, but now that mine is right under my nose, I’m not sure I can take it.

Southern Chance

Laura Mitchell Hutchinson

Problematic on SO many levels. 

Not even sure why I bothered. Yup, this was sexist and kind of misogynistic in parts, FULL of plot holes with an entirely unbelievable storyline, had a few grammar mistakes toward the end, and was painful to read as the author kept alternating POV by retelling the same scene from the other character's perspective.

I got this for free from Apple iBooks as part of their 'first in series free' promotion, after seeing it had a high rating on Goodreads and also that some of my colleagues told me they enjoyed 'trashy romance' as an easy form of escapism.

The main character Kallie was nice enough. The plot made NO sense. The leading man was yet another of those types who gets angry (to the point of describing violent intentions) when another man so much as BLINKS in the direction of 'his woman', plus he is forceful and won't take no for an answer (meeting his son that night when she would rather wait a week, getting in the car when she doesn't want to he picks her up and forces her in, forcing her to stay the night at his place when she doesn't feel comfortable because his son is there and they only just met). WHAT. Am I the only person who is entirely turned off by anger, possessive and forceful behaviours? I don't understand how this trope keeps popping up in romance -- even good contemporary romance.

It's one redeeming quality was a really great opening chapter. All downhill from there and I found myself hate-reading. Like if MAFS was a book.

I am reading 21 genres in 2021. This one ticks the box #trashyromance #usa

Totally Addicted to Reading

I had a wonderful time with this book. Southern Chance by Natasha Madison was a captivating, heart-warming and emotional romance that had the right blend of drama and angst to keep me entertained. From the moment I began reading, I knew I would have a difficult time putting it down. I read it in one sitting; it was that good.

Southern Chance is the first in a new series of standalones. Each story will be focused on a different couple, but the characters will interconnect throughout the series.

I found this story to be well written and the characters relatable. I believe though that the pain and heartache that Jacob and Kallie could have been avoided if trust and communication had taken precedence in their relationship eight years ago. Instead, when events spun out of control, instead of waiting to hear Jacob’s side of the story, Kallie fled to paths unknown to Jacob, leaving him devastated and broken hearted. Eight years later, they got a second chance to make amends. There were hurdles in the form of family secrets and guilt, but eventually they cleared them and claim their second chance at happiness.

The author gave readers hints of a secondary romance, which will be followed up in the second book. This involves Kallie’s brother and her best friend, Olivia. There is a mystery surrounding Olivia. She is running from danger and needed somewhere to hide. Kallie, who had not been home since leaving eight years ago, offered her sanctuary in her hometown. I am curious to know how this would play out. Book two can’t come soon enough.

Kallie exuded strength and intelligence. She was fun loving and proved to be a relatable character. Her emotional turmoil resonated with me.

Jacob’s life had never been the same after that fateful incident 8 years ago. His selfless nature led to him losing the most important person in his life. I am sure what to think of him sacrificing his happiness with the woman he loved to help a friend. A sacrifice, which had painful consequences for all involved. 

Conclusion/Recommendation
Southern Chance was a small town emotional second chance romance that delivered all the feels. A great start to the series.

Southern Chance

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