NOW A USA TODAY BEST SELLING BOOK Buried secrets never stay hidden in the South.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 … 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.
Jacob
Being 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.
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REVIEW: 2 STARS
“Do you love me?”
“My heart doesn’t beat without you.”
I….I….I just can’t. Basically, Natasha’s books – after DNF’ing the last book I read, and then trying this one, I’ve come to one conclusion: I just don’t like them. They’re not for me. So here goes a rough review. This was originally a DNF, but I was able to talk myself into trying to finish so I could carry on with the series. I’m not so sure that worked out in my favor because now I want the third book but there is no way I’m going to read it now, because not only did this one not work for me, but the second one didn’t either. I *wish* the amount of eye rolls didn’t outnumber the amount of sighable moments that I was hoping to get with this book. Gosh, it was completely frustrating to have a book/series that was promised to be full of angst and amazing moments to fall incredibly short. Common sense and logic lacked immensely, while style and fashion come into play during this entire book in the most ridiculous of moments. The characters were literally being dressed right in front of you throughout the entire book, and there was absolutely no reason to do that. And apparently, all these characters wear are white jeans or shorts, and off the shoulder shirts. On a farm. In Louboutins.
UGH!!! I am so frustrated because what was promised and what was delivered are two vastly different things. There was not ONE OUNCE of angst in this book. Not one. I was counting on that to get me through this series. Not only was the entire premise of the book a complete slap in the face to Kallie, but Jacob’s allegiance was given to the WRONG PERSON. It was so angering to the point of yes, he claimed to love her, but clearly he didn’t respect her enough to speak up and speak out. And Savannah – she needs to be smacked. I don’t care about the circumstances behind her circumstances, you don’t mess with your best friend and lie to your other best friend. So they are ALL stupid. Writing this review riled me up all over again – I apologize. But ridiculous decisions only add drama – and of course, how else will the story progress without ridiculous drama for drama’s sake? I am not here for placed and staged drama.
One big lie that preempts another big lie. The problem is, the value of that one lie supersedes the value of the other. It’s stupid and it pissed me off for 2/3 of the book! *breathing*
It’s apparent why she’s such a win for so many readers because she does have a great flow and she’s a super easy read. I’ve enjoyed her before and was hoping to add to it with this series. The reasons why I struggle are many, but this one was so very repetitive and it’s very structured and systematic. I like the variables of a mystery but I also like the guaranteed security in a romance. I won’t lie about any of that, but when you are repeating the last two pages of one chapter and recapping it in another POV in the beginning of the next chapter, you are wasting my time and making the story suffer for the word stuffing that is happening. It was so so soooo very frustrating.
And the mom? All she does is cook. It’s like she has no other worth other than to cook throughout two books. Don’t get me wrong, I know the south is centered around food and comfort and family; I get it. I’ve lived there, I have seen it. She had food for every single reason – but she played no other valid part of this story, and that carried on into the second book as well. Add to it: Kallie and Olivia, all they ever talk about is not having carbs and sugar and they haven’t had it is in so long. Blah blah blah. It was a very weird dynamic mixed into this storyline. It just felt so out of place to me.
Everything was as it appeared: surface-scratching level depth without any real laid background. Light and easy, delightfully cheesy. Predictable, too. None of which I like. Add to it, the ridiculous fashion parade that waltzed through this book (and into the next) just left me with a questionable opinion on the girls in general – as in, shallow. And repetitive. I know I mentioned that already….but you get my point now.
Madison can write so well but she puts so much ridiculous and immature drivel in her books that is completely unnecessary!! I was yelling at my husband about it while I was reading. Why any man would do that to the love of his life is beyond me. Madison resorts to unnecessary drama to drive the story forward yet all it did was stall my love for it. Unfortunately, I now know I am done with this series. Between this book and the second one I read (one after the other), I knew I needed to walk away and just count my losses. I am bummed because they all had promise and that third book looks amazing, but I don’t want to walk away from yet another book frazzled.
“She was a girl when she left, but there is no mistaking that Kallie Barnes is all woman now.”
~BEE
Another 5-star read from Natasha. This book was heart-breaking and uplifting all at the same time. I cried, laughed and couldn’t put it down. Natasha never disappoints and this new series is heading toward another series I’ll read over and over from her. Kallie is not only a strong heroine, but she also has vulnerabilities that make her so much more real. I loved her and cried along with her for everything she was put through. Jacob was beyond an alpha he is up there as one of my favorite book boyfriends. His love and devotion even after everything were touching. His dedication to his friend was so strong. I love him. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
I cannot tell you how in love I am with this novel! It’s love people, pure and genuine love!
A new series by Natasha Madison that completely captured my heart and soul. I couldn’t get enough. I was totally addicted and fell so hard for Southern Chance. Kallie and Jacob’s story was a sheer delight to read. It oozed mountains of warmth, joy and so many heart-warming and touching moments. Then add to that just the right amount of edge, heartbreak, angst and pain….It was just the perfect amount of emotion bound together beautifully in this breathtaking novel.
I also want to give a special shout out to a few others. To Casey who oozes deliciousness, Savannah who somehow and quite un-expectantly took a piece of my heart, Beau who is all kinds of perfect and Olivia who exudes everything you could want in a best friend. These guys are all kinds of awesome and I feel for all of them. It wasn’t hard not to, and I can say with confidence that if you as a reader pick this novel up you will fall just as hard as me.
A perfect start to a new series that I look forward to soaking myself into. I can see that we are in for one EPIC ride with the crew from the Southern Series.
5 stars
Sexy, angsty, and wonderful second chance romance!
This book was nothing I expected when I started it. I knew from the blurb that the deep rooted love of Kallie and Jacob was beyond high school sweethearts but I was not prepared for how deep their love went. One wrong choice dictated 8 years of their lives. Both Kallie and Jacob made mistakes, both did what they needed to do at the time to get through life but both always held true to their love. A love like that can weather the storm but certainly not without heartache. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster of love, heartache, heartbreak and just maybe a ‘southern chance’.
This book is an intense emotional journey that had me crying, gasping for breathe, and wanting to throw punches all at once. This story follows Kallie and Jacob who are high school sweethearts, the town lovebirds, and perfect soulmates but one night at prom changes it all. This night Jacob helps a friend because he is a loyal and a sweet man, he just didn’t know how devastating it would actually be on his life until Kallie runs from him and doesn’t look back. After having her heart shattered and leaving town from the man she loves and hates Kallie has spent 8 years away until she has to come back to help a friend out. This was such a tragic and beautiful story where both characters like to think they hate each other but once they are brought back together their souls know it was never truly over. Secrets are revealed and healing starts to begin but a few characters had me fuming mad and I think it is going to take a lot for me to find redemption in them and their half attempted apologies for ruining two people’s lives. I’m looking at you Savannah and Cristine. I was so happy that Jacob and Kallie work things out because no two people deserved to be together and happy than these two because of all the time that was wasted, miscommunications, and tragedies along the way. I can’t wait for the next book which will be a different couple but I’m hoping we get more answers to questions that we didn’t in book one like the mysteries surrounding Olivia, will the secret of Savannah come out, and how will everyone cope with it all?!?
I just love a second chance romance!!!
Laugh, cry, and love your way through
Southern Chance is definitely an emotional journey of love, loss, and forgiveness. Swoon, rage, and feel every ounce of pain right there with Kallie and Jacob, I know I did.
4.5 Warm hearted second chance romance
Southern Sunshine is a perfect addition and a fantastic ending to the much loved Southern series! It encompasses everything that we have come to expect from this series including memorable characters and a storyline that will warm your heart.
Reed and Hazel have a second chance at something they started six years earlier now that they are both back in their hometown. There are a few surprises in store for Reed when he sees Hazel again and meets her sweet daughter, Sofia.
This story will warm your heart, make you smile and keep you believing in happily ever afters.
Wonderful characters and story loving and sweet, cry worthy but not in a bad way. loved it.
This is by far my fav small town romance series!! It was full of drama and suspense! It held my attention for sure! Can’t wait for the next couple in this series!
5 stars for Southern Change by Natasha Madison. This is book one in the Southern Series. Kallie and Jacob were once inseparable, but someone/ something tore them apart. I am going to say this was an emotional part of the story. Kallie left and was gone for 8 years now with danger around the corner she is back and the truth of what tore her world apart will be revealed. “ “For eight years, I’ve thought of this right here. I thought that you could give me answers. I thought you could tell me, but now I know it doesn’t matter. Nothing matters because in the end you chose her.” I shrug now, keeping the sob at bay. “It would have been magical.” I say. “It would have been everything that I’ve ever dreamed of.” “What would?” he asked, and I see a tear roll down his cheek. “Our life”” God this book gutted me. I wanted to tear Jacob apart at one point. Not going to lie. If you like a book that will rip your heart out, stomp on it, and then slowly repair it then this book is a book for you.
Bold character who hook you from the first page. I couldn’t put this bool down!
This book has the perfect mix of all the elements we love in an exceptional romance. You’ll fall head over toes for Kallie and Jacob as they become the best versions of themselves on their road to forever, and their story is one you won’t soon forget. Brian Palino & Morais Almeida do a wonderful job portraying & bringing the characters to life.
You will love this book. It goes to show things aren’t always what they seem, so don’t jump to conclusions with all the facts. Sometimes what might seem like a mistake can be the best thing in happen. You will laugh, cry and wonder what the heck, but you will find out the answers as you read. It is a page turner and you will want to keep reading.
Loved this beautiful story.
loved it
Book was confusing. I didn’t think it explained situation.that caused breakup. Just a lot of sex.
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I love all her books!! So I recommend her to anyone who haven’t read her books yet!
4
Spanish & English Opinion
ESP ::
Me encantan las historias de segundas oportunidades en el amor. El mensaje es crecer, aprender, perdonar y este libro es un excelente ejemplo.
Definitivamente, hay elecciones de algunos personajes que no entiendo pero justo ese es el motivo por el que me gustan mucho estas historias. Es poder aprender y empatizar a través de las historias de otros.
Kallie y Jacob tienen un amor increíble. Me encanta que la historia rompe clichés acerca de la forma en que un hombre con el corazón roto actúa (entiéndase, tener sexo con todas las mujeres que puede) y de hecho, me gustó la actitud que ambos tuvieron. Una forma más en que mostraron total sincronía.
ENG ::
I love second chance romances. They are angsty and all about learning, growing and forgiving.
This book carries that example perfectly. Although I question some of the choices, that’s what I enjoy the most. Being able to learn, to imagine and to empathize through others’ stories.
Kallie and Jacob have an epic romance. I love the fact that both of them acted similar in regards of waiting for each other, I love that he was not with everyone just because he was trying to forget (which is a cliche).
There were nice things about this book breaking chicles which I enjoy. A great second chance romance book!