Sweet Southern Trouble
Harmony Homecomings #4
By: Michele Summers
Releasing May 2nd, 2017
Sourcebooks Casablanca
In Sweet Southern Trouble (Harmony Homecomings #4) by Michele Summers, all Marabelle Fairchild needs to do is convince Nick Frasier and his celebrity pals to be a part of the bachelor auction she's putting together for a fundraiser. Sounds easy enough, except she gets more than she bargained for when he asks her to be his fake fiancée in exchange for giving her what she wants from him. However, when their relationship starts becoming more real than fake, will Marabelle take a chance on Nick or will her fear of happy ever after have her running scared?
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Summers, and I've got to say I've been missing out on some fantastic reading, if all this author's other books are like this one. In the way, it encompasses such riveting main and secondary characters that will leave a reader wanting more of them; well-written dialogue which is the perfect balance of amusing and intense; and a fast-paced plot that will hook you from the beginning and have you so wrapped up in what the hero and heroine are going through that you'll be at the end of the book before you know it. The way this story started had me feeling sorry for the heroine and her having to deal with the women on the committee that are asking her to do -- what seems -- the impossible. Will she be able to secure Nick's co-operation?
The dialogue was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine. Her mother is a tad over-the-top and a touch snobbish the way she expects Marabelle to do what she wants at the drop of a hat. Why is Marabelle so afraid to show her mother the woman she shows to everyone else? Why does she give in so easily to what her mother wants her to do and wear? She can't possibly be that scared of her mother's reactions, could she? However, in saying that, I liked how the hero helped her deal with her mother by showing the heroine that she's perfect in every way. Really, Nick is the Triple 'D' threat - delicious, delightful and downright dangerous to a woman's heart because of all that he does for the heroine's self-esteem. The way he boosts her up, so she doesn't take whatever her mother says too much to heart.
All the characters within this book were very entertaining. There were those that I loved and those that I loved to hate, especially the woman that Marabelle is trying to do her best to keep from getting her hooks into Nick. Can she get a clue that Nick isn't interested? Then there's the guys that Nick coaches with the way they treat Marabelle like their own personal chef and like she's one of their own. I liked how they're not afraid to offer her advice when they feel she's about to make the wrong choices and that they're willing to risk her wrath. What are friends for, if not to make sure you're happy forever instead of just a moment in time?
As for Marabelle, she's one of the best heroines I've read lately. She's strong, brave, independent, and I liked that she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Certainly, Nick needed to be challenged by her smart mouth, her ability to keep him on her toes and have his life shaken up a bit. Moreover, I could understand why she was so adamant about keeping her and Nick's relationship casual, because she doesn't want any relationship she has to turn out like the one her parents have. Yet, it was palpable that she and Nick were different than her parents. Can she realize that before it's too late?
Overall, Ms. Summers has penned an enthralling read with a hot romance that illustrates how this couple bring out the best in each other and that they shouldn't let anything keep them apart. The way this story ended was perfect, because Marabelle is very possessive of Nick and isn't about to let anything or anyone come between them. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, because of their talk about their favorite things. Who knew Marabelle could find more ways to annoy her mother? I would highly recommend Sweet Southern Trouble by Michele Summers, especially if you enjoy the fake relationship trope or books by authors Lori Wilde or Jill Shalvis.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Summers, and I've got to say I've been missing out on some fantastic reading, if all this author's other books are like this one. In the way, it encompasses such riveting main and secondary characters that will leave a reader wanting more of them; well-written dialogue which is the perfect balance of amusing and intense; and a fast-paced plot that will hook you from the beginning and have you so wrapped up in what the hero and heroine are going through that you'll be at the end of the book before you know it. The way this story started had me feeling sorry for the heroine and her having to deal with the women on the committee that are asking her to do -- what seems -- the impossible. Will she be able to secure Nick's co-operation?
The dialogue was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine. Her mother is a tad over-the-top and a touch snobbish the way she expects Marabelle to do what she wants at the drop of a hat. Why is Marabelle so afraid to show her mother the woman she shows to everyone else? Why does she give in so easily to what her mother wants her to do and wear? She can't possibly be that scared of her mother's reactions, could she? However, in saying that, I liked how the hero helped her deal with her mother by showing the heroine that she's perfect in every way. Really, Nick is the Triple 'D' threat - delicious, delightful and downright dangerous to a woman's heart because of all that he does for the heroine's self-esteem. The way he boosts her up, so she doesn't take whatever her mother says too much to heart.
All the characters within this book were very entertaining. There were those that I loved and those that I loved to hate, especially the woman that Marabelle is trying to do her best to keep from getting her hooks into Nick. Can she get a clue that Nick isn't interested? Then there's the guys that Nick coaches with the way they treat Marabelle like their own personal chef and like she's one of their own. I liked how they're not afraid to offer her advice when they feel she's about to make the wrong choices and that they're willing to risk her wrath. What are friends for, if not to make sure you're happy forever instead of just a moment in time?
As for Marabelle, she's one of the best heroines I've read lately. She's strong, brave, independent, and I liked that she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Certainly, Nick needed to be challenged by her smart mouth, her ability to keep him on her toes and have his life shaken up a bit. Moreover, I could understand why she was so adamant about keeping her and Nick's relationship casual, because she doesn't want any relationship she has to turn out like the one her parents have. Yet, it was palpable that she and Nick were different than her parents. Can she realize that before it's too late?
Overall, Ms. Summers has penned an enthralling read with a hot romance that illustrates how this couple bring out the best in each other and that they shouldn't let anything keep them apart. The way this story ended was perfect, because Marabelle is very possessive of Nick and isn't about to let anything or anyone come between them. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, because of their talk about their favorite things. Who knew Marabelle could find more ways to annoy her mother? I would highly recommend Sweet Southern Trouble by Michele Summers, especially if you enjoy the fake relationship trope or books by authors Lori Wilde or Jill Shalvis.
OVERALL RATING:
BLURB:
An ambitious Southern belle
Marabelle Fairchild knows she's a gal who can get things done. Feeling unappreciated at the exclusive private school where she's a kindergarten aide and varsity tennis coach, Marabelle determines to score with the next big fundraiser. What she doesn't expect? A smokin' hot football coach to throw her off her game...
A reclusive NFL bachelor...
NFL coach Nick Frasier is Raleigh's most eligible bachelor, but he wants to focus on his career...not his playboy status. He doesn't need a smart-mouthed, pint-sized kindergarten teacher pestering him. So he cuts Marabelle a deal―in exchange for Nick sponsoring a bachelor auction starring him and his gorgeous celebrity pals, Marabelle will pose as his fiancée to ward off unwanted advances.
BUY LINK: Amazon
You haven't read Sweet Southern Bad Boy? That book was sooooo good. You need to read it. Can't wait to read this book. Love your review.
ReplyDeleteYay!! I'm lovin that you loved SSBB. It's one of my faves. Hope you get to read SST too; I think you'll like it!
DeleteI will definitely be reading SST and I'm sure I will love it just as much as I loved SSBB.
DeleteThank you so much for the great review! I'm thrilled that you loved SST. This was the very first book I wrote so Nick and Marabelle have a special place in my heart. ;-)) Hope you get to read the others; I think you'll like them. Thank you again for writing a wonderful review...you made my day!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Michele. I'm glad you liked the review. The words 'wonderful review' from an author always brighten my day. I will definitely get around to reading the other books of this series.
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