Series in Southern United States
Books in Southern United States
A Happier Life
“ New York Times bestselling author and southern sensation Kristy Woodson Harvey” ( Good Morning America ) presents a touching novel about eternal love and the places we call home. The historic houses in the seaside town of Beaufort, North Carolina, have held the secrets of their inhabitants for centuries. One of the most enduring refuses to be washed away by the tide: What happened to Rebecca and Townsend Saint James on that fateful night of their disappearance in 1976? Now, the granddaughter they never knew, Keaton Smith, is desperate for a fresh start. So when her mother needs someone to put her childhood home in Beaufort on the market, she jumps at the chance to head south. But the moment she steps foot inside the abandoned house, which has been closed for nearly fifty years, she wonders if she’s bitten off more than she can chew. Wading through the detritus of her grandparents’ lives, Keaton finds herself enchanted by their southern traditions—and their great, big love. As she gets to know her charming next-door neighbor, his precocious ten-year-old son, and a flock of endearingly feisty town busybodies, Keaton begins to wonder if the stories she has been told about her grandparents are true. Keaton’s grandmother, Rebecca “Becks” Saint James’s annual summer suppers are the stuff of legend, and locals and out-of-towners alike clamor for an invitation to her stunning historic home. But, in the summer of 1976, she’s struggling behind the facade of the woman who can do it all—and facing a problem that even she can’t solve. As Keaton and Becks face new challenges and chapters, they are connected through time by the house on Sunset Lane, which has protected the secrets, hopes, and dreams of their family for generations. “The novel to read this year” (Annabel Monaghan) explores the power of family, the boundless nature of love, and the idea that discovering where we came from just might lead us to A Happier Life.
Blind Tiger
With a “knack for romantic tension and page-turning suspense, this one is a winner.” The year 1920 comes in with a roar in this rousing and suspenseful New York Times bestselling novel by Sandra Brown. Prohibition is the new law of the land, but murder, mayhem, lust, and greed are already institutions in the Moonshine Capitol of Texas (Booklist, starred review). Thatcher Hutton, a war-weary soldier on the way back to his cowboy life, jumps from a moving freight train to avoid trouble . . . and lands in more than he bargained for. On the day he arrives in Foley, Texas, a local woman goes missing. Thatcher, the only stranger in town, is suspected of her abduction, and worse. Standing between him and exoneration are a corrupt mayor, a crooked sheriff, a notorious cathouse madam, a sly bootlegger, feuding moonshiners . . . and a young widow whose soft features conceal an iron will. What was supposed to be a fresh start for Laurel Plummer turns to tragedy. Left destitute but determined to dictate her own future, Laurel plunges into the lucrative regional industry, much to the dislike of the good ol’ boys, who have ruled supreme. Her success quickly makes her a target for cutthroat competitors, whose only code of law is reprisal. As violence erupts, Laurel and—now deputy—Thatcher find themselves on opposite sides of a moonshine war, where blood flows as freely as whiskey. Includes a Reading Group Guide.
Code of the Hills
In this blistering return to Chris Offutt’s acclaimed crime series, Mick Hardin is tested like never before as familial allegiances and old wounds collide, threatening to destroy everything he loves With his signature crackling prose, literary master Chris Offutt has staked out his own territory in crime fiction, a place of familial allegiances, old wounds, and revenge—the code of the hills. His new book, a sharp, twisty southern noir with echoes of James Sallis and Daniel Woodrell, will force Mick to face up to the way of life he thought he’d escaped. Mick Hardin is supposed to be retired, transitioning to civilian life. Back in the hills of Kentucky after a two-year absence, he’d planned to touch down briefly before heading to France, marking the end of his twenty-year Army career. But in Rocksalt, trouble is brewing. Mick’s sister Linda, recently reelected as sheriff, and her deputy Johnny Boy Tolliver are investigating the murder of Pete Lowe, a sought-after mechanic at the local racetrack. Mick doesn’t want to get involved—he wants to say his goodbyes and get out of Dodge. But when he reluctantly agrees to intervene in a family dispute requiring a light touch, he uncovers evidence of an illegal cockfighting ring and another body, somehow linked to the first. And then, Linda steps into harm’s way, leaving Mick to solve the crimes himself. Code of the Hills is a harrowing novel of family—of what we’re willing to do to protect and avenge the ones we love.
Good Girl
USA TODAY BESTSELLER • Lauren Layne brings all the unpredictable heat of Blurred Lines to an all-new cast of characters! Country music’s favorite good girl is hiding away from the world—only to find herself bunking with a guy who makes her want to be a little bad. Jenny Dawson moved to Nashville to write music, not get famous. But when her latest record goes double platinum, Jenny’s suddenly one of the town’s biggest stars—and the center of a tabloid scandal connecting her with a pop star she’s barely even met. With paparazzi tracking her every move, Jenny flees to a remote mansion in Louisiana to write her next album. The only hiccup is the unexpected presence of a brooding young caretaker named Noah, whose foul mouth and snap judgments lead to constant bickering—and serious heat. Noah really should tell Jenny that he’s Preston Noah Maxwell Walcott, the owner of the estate where the feisty country singer has made her spoiled self at home. But the charade gives Noah a much-needed break from his own troubles, and before long, their verbal sparring is indistinguishable from foreplay. But as sizzling nights give way to quiet pillow talk, Noah begins to realize that Jenny’s almost as complicated as he is. To fit into each other’s lives, they’ll need the courage to face their problems together—before the outside world catches up to them. Praise for Good Girl “I couldn’t read this fast enough! Lauren Layne created witty and well-developed characters who pulled at my heartstrings and had me falling in love over and over again! I highly recommend Good Girl, one of my favorites of the year!” — USA Today bestselling author Brooke Cumberland “ Good Girl is a delicious bite of Southern seduction with chemistry that sizzles. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer night.” —Rebecca Yarros, author of the Flight & Glory series Lauren Layne’s New York Times bestselling Oxford Novel series can be read in any order: IRRESISTIBLY YOURS I WISH YOU WERE MINE SOMEONE LIKE YOU I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE I THINK I LOVE YOU Don’t miss any of Lauren Layne’s hot reads: The Love Unexpectedly series: BLURRED LINES | GOOD GIRL | LOVE STORY | WALK OF SHAME | AN EX FOR CHRISTMAS The Sex, Love & Stiletto series: AFTER THE KISS | LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH | JUST ONE NIGHT | THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE The Redemption series: ISN’T SHE LOVELY | BROKEN | CRUSHED The I Do, I Don’t series: READY TO RUN | RUNAWAY GROOM Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Her Island Homecoming
If she stays… Will he stay too? From sand in his shoes to a gecko eating his dinner, Theo Fairfax is way outside his comfort zone in Hawai'i. Sent to convince pilot Sydney Calvert to sell the tour company she just inherited, he finds himself being won over by the tight-knit community, the natural wonders and Sydney’s free-spirited beauty. Could exploring their growing feelings lead to a future as magical as a tropical sunset? USA TODAY Bestselling Author From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging. Hawaiian Reunions Book 1: Her Island Homecoming Book 2: Their Surprise Island Wedding
Kentucky Christmas
A sweet and sexy holiday romance in the Southern Comfort series—set in Hollow Bend, Kentucky, where love (and laughter) are just around the corner. When Andrew Bateman rolls into town in the midst of a snowstorm, his first thought is that the place is hardly big enough for a dog crate, let alone the vet practice he’s looking for. Next thing he knows, his life is flashing in front of him—a depressingly short flash—as he skids right into the side of the local bar. Things start looking up when the vision he wakes to is not the Angel of Death, but a doctor. Well, actually a vet. Make that a vet tech, wearing red mittens. Who invites him home, where every inch is covered in holiday sparkles, cookies to be decorated, and an odd assortment of stray dogs, cats and puppies . . . There’s nothing merrier than a white Christmas in Kentucky! Praise for Sarah Title’s Southern Comfort Romance series “Wild, witty, and wonderful.”—Jo Goodman , New York Times bestselling author “Quite a sexy book.”—USAToday.com “A really cute and fun story . . . It’s sexy and made me laugh!”— Smexy Books “A fast-paced read that provided just as many smiles from the humor as it did sizzles from the romance.”— The Book Diva’s Reads
Mad in Mississippi and Rain Down on Me
From a New York Times– bestselling author, two novellas featuring southern women who have loved and lost—and are surprised by a second chance at romance. Mad in Mississippi Bitsy Yarborough believes she’s played her cards right by marrying her high school sweetheart and settling down to a sweet life in her small southern hometown. Until she discovers, on the night of her fifteenth wedding anniversary no less, an unrecognizable lipstick shade on her husband’s collar and a blue pop-off nail in his tighty whities. Shocked to the core, Bitsy knows revenge is the only answer for the scoundrel she vowed to love forever. So she hires local PI Fisher Means to help build a case against her cheating husband and his harem of hussies. Only to discover she might have a few tender feelings left in her heart—for a man who is most definitely not her husband. . . . Rain Down on Me A life of solitude in a remote cabin in the Ozarks is all Skye Raley wants after the devastating loss of her husband. Until the self-sufficient widow encounters a man stumbling across the road in a thunderstorm, injured and in need of care. Once Skye opens her home to Max Bridger, healing his wounds and hearing the stories of his own lonely life, she discovers a connection to the rugged military man she never dreamed she’d have again. But once the rain stops and Max returns to his world, will her heart ever be content again? “Sharon Sala is a consummate story teller. . . . If you can stop reading, you’re a better woman than me.” —#1 New York Times– bestselling author Debbie Macomber
Never Let Me Go
Fate—and a tornado—just handed them a second chance… Avoiding someone in a small town like Blossom Branch isn’t easy. Still, caterer Marisa Evans has successfully steered clear of charming contractor Jeff Grainger ever since their disaster of a date eighteen months ago. But when the town council pushes them to collaborate on a project, a simple business meeting takes a turn… Suddenly, these two are trapped by a tornado in Jeff’s storm cellar! Jeff was foolish enough to let sweet Marisa get away once. Now that they’re stuck together, is this his second chance to show her he wants to learn from his mistakes?
Run, Rose, Run(With: Dolly Parton)
From America’s most beloved superstar and #1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson comes a thriller about a young singer-songwriter on the rise—and on the run—and determined to do whatever it takes to survive. Every song tells a story. She’s a star on the rise, singing about the hard life behind her. She’s also on the run. Find a future, lose a past. Nashville is where she’s come to claim her destiny. It’s also where the darkness she’s fled might find her. And destroy her. Run, Rose, Run is a novel glittering with danger and desire—a story that only America’s #1 beloved entertainer and its #1 bestselling author could have created.
Secrets at Brambleberry Creek / Secrets at the House by the Creek
Sometimes you need to face the past to find your path in life… A gorgeous, uplifting story about family secrets, unconditional love and staying true to who you are—even when life throws you a curveball. This irresistible novel is perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Elin Hilderbrand and Susan Mallery. Morgan Jo Coyle grew up in the small town of Brambleberry Creek , running across the green fields of Kentucky. But Morgan’s carefree childhood days seem far away, and the pressure is on with the two biggest events of her life just around the corner: the launch of her new family business and her wedding. Will everything go to plan or are Morgan’s dreams about to unravel? Morgan is determined to make a success of the new wine venture with her cousin Amber, to create a future for the beloved farmhouse that means so much to them. As they renovate the creaking old barn, precious memories are unearthed and Morgan finds her mother’s old leather-bound diary. Little does she know, she’s about to discover a secret that will change everything… As the past and present collide, Morgan’s sense of identity is rocked, and then she is faced with devastating news that could shatter everything’s she’s dreamed of. Are Morgan and her fiancé a strong enough team to navigate such an emotional rollercoaster ahead of their big day? Or will their relationship be tested to breaking point? With a business, a wedding and the family home at stake, will Morgan be able to get through the biggest challenges of her life? And can she accept the past in order to move forward with her future? Why readers love Elizabeth Bromke: “ Captivating read from beginning to end! An exciting storyline that leaves you breathless wanting more! … Emotionally heartfelt, enjoyable and fun! … An amazing must read !” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ Amazing and easy to fall in love with … keeps you turning each page until you reach the end .” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ Exceptional … full of friendship, heartache, drama, love, and more… you will need some tissues because this is an emotional book … extraordinary .” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ Absolute joy to read … a clean heartwarming read that will keep you turning the pages .” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ Smashing … immediately pulls you into the story with her storytelling… You will not be disappointed!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ This book won me over. I absolutely loved this book. The storyline was fantastic and the characters made this story seem so real. Loved it .” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ I loved it!!!! Great characters, great stories!!! Great work of fiction!!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sweet Southern Heat
Kissing your enemy is never a good idea, especially when he’s your ex’s surly older brother. But in my defense, he kissed me first. Landon Crawford has always blamed me for the accident that stole his brother’s future, but he doesn’t know what really happened that night. I’ve hidden the ugly truth from everyone for six long years, but in a small town like ours, secrets don’t stay buried forever. When I unexpectedly inherit my grandmother’s bakery, I find myself back in Magnolia Grove and Landon’s orbit. I try to avoid the grumpy mechanic, but fate is hellbent on throwing us together, and the more time I spend with him, the more the line between love and hate starts to blur. The moment we give into our feelings, tragedy strikes again, leaving Landon with an impossible choice: fully give his heart to me or cling to what’s left of his crumbling family. *Sweet Southern Heat is a complete standalone set in the Magnolia Grove Series. It's a small town, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance with plenty of steam, lots of tension, and a guaranteed HEA.
Sweet Southern Heat
Kissing your enemy is never a good idea, especially when he’s your ex’s surly older brother. But in my defense, he kissed me first. Landon Crawford has always blamed me for the accident that stole his brother’s future, but he doesn’t know what really happened that night. I’ve hidden the ugly truth from everyone for six long years, but in a small town like ours, secrets don’t stay buried forever. When I unexpectedly inherit my grandmother’s bakery, I find myself back in Magnolia Grove and Landon’s orbit. I try to avoid the grumpy mechanic, but fate is hellbent on throwing us together, and the more time I spend with him, the more the line between love and hate starts to blur. The moment we give into our feelings, tragedy strikes again, leaving Landon with an impossible choice: fully give his heart to me or cling to what’s left of his crumbling family. *Sweet Southern Heat is a complete standalone set in the Magnolia Grove Series. It's a small town, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance with plenty of steam, lots of tension, and a guaranteed HEA.