Buried secrets never stay hidden in the South.OliviaWhen you find out that your fiancé is arrested for swindling over ten million dollars from his clients, you do what any sane woman would do. You escape reality and go undercover, trading in your city-girl Louboutins for country-pumpkin cowboy boots. It wasn’t a forever change—it was temporary. I only had to stay here until things back home got … things back home got straightened out, or so I thought.
Casey
I was riding horses before I was walking, or at least that was what they told me. I always knew I would take over the family farm. It’s in my blood.
Country boy at heart, the minute I saw her dragging her luggage up the gravel driveway I knew she was out of my league.
I shouldn’t have started anything with her, because I knew she was just passing through.
I couldn’t stop it, I fell in love with her. Even though I knew, in the end, she would leave me.
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I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by author)…
3.75 stars
This story focuses on Casey, Kallie’s older brother, and Olivia, Kallie’s best friend.
We pick up right where we left off in Southern Chances and that’s with a shooting at Casey’s house. If you read Southern Chances (which you totally should!), you know that Kallie and Olivia are in danger because of Olivia’s horrible ex-fiancé, Dominic. Kallie brought Olivia to her hometown to keep her safe and it just so happens that Casey is the perfect man for the job.
Now at first I was worried it was going to be like those books where the woman thinks she is a burden to her friends and leaves her safety to protect them; I’m glad to say that is not the case, but Olivia did get on my nerves from time to time. Casey was totally swoon-worthy and did whatever was necessary to protect his “darlin;” turns out there is more to Casey than just being a cowboy.
I did enjoy the story, but Olivia’s constant rejection of the love her friends and Casey gave her, did get a little annoying although I understood the reason. Our couple is a bit perfect, so there is no major obstacle to solve between them so other than the danger everything is sweet and steamy with no angst.
Dominic was turd burger and I’m glad he got what he deserved.
Also I did get a bit confused because in Southern Chances apparently Olivia and Casey were kissing or “dry humping” (as Kallie stated) frequently, but in this book it stated that they didn’t kiss much or at all until the relationship started changing.
I am very intrigued by the ending of this book because it leads into Southern Storm, which tells the story of Beau and Savannah; I just can’t wait to see where this goes.
Book two in the series and it’s time for Kallie’s best friend Olivia to tell her story. I adored Casey he was protective and without him realising it she has worked her way into his heart. The family is such an important part of this story, the way they took Olivia into their lives made me so happy. Olivia has such a sweet soul that you can’t help but like her. To say Casey is stubborn is an understatement,his inner conflict about a possible relationship was written well. The mix of the romance and suspense was pitched perfectly . I can’t wait for the next book I think it’s going to be emotional.
Famous hockey players, police detectives, stuffy suits, famous actors, and now a cowboy, what do these all have in common, well the phenomenal writing abilities of Natasha Madison of course. Each and every story she writes, has my heart and soul, though there are some I will fall harder for than others, by the end of each story, her words will have made me fall in love with another fictional character.
Cowboy Casey Barnes is one of her hottest, most complicated heroes to date, but you just can’t help falling for his tough, but hot as hades exterior, and the heart of gold, cheeky, generous and loving person he is on the inside.
If like me, you are an über fan of Ms Madison, you will remember Casey as the older brother of Kallie, along with Olivia, who is Kallie’s best friend that she has brought home to her family farm to keep safe after her ex fiancé got her caught up in his criminal ways.
Southern Comfort begins at the exact moment Southern Chance ended, but starts from Olivia’s point of view. The action and mystery hit you from page one, and you are left with questions that keep you guessing until the very end. In this book, Natasha has weaved a story where you can never guess what is going to happen next, there are many elements at play here, which make this one of my absolute favourite NM books of all time.
Casey is a mystery, he has secrets he’s hiding, but everything he is is good, he’s a protector, both of his family, and those he loves, which quickly includes Olivia, even if he won’t admit it to himself for a long time. He is the whole package with a brooding, mysterious side as well as a cheeky, fun loving country side to him too and you just can’t help but swoon every time he calls Olivia Darlin’
Olivia has lived a hard life, never feeling good enough and never being given the love and attention she deserved, she has taken the scraps thrown her way in the past, but now she’s stronger. After finding her ex in a compromising position, then being caught up in his criminal activities, she vows never to let a man hurt her again. When she meets Casey though, she can’t help but fall. They both believe it’s only temporary, this isn’t Olivia’s home, and as soon as it’s safe to, Olivia plans to return to her life, but feelings change and an attraction that burns as hot as theirs, can’t possibly be short term.
I found myself falling hard for both Casey and Olivia. I was so invested in their story, I felt a part of it, turning each and every page entirely too quickly, to see how their love story would play out. As with all Natasha Madison books, she gave Casey and Olivia a happily ever after, far beyond my expectations, and a love story I can only wish for.
A million save a horse, ride a cowboy stars.
Olivia Young has escaped LA and headed for the country after she caught her ex-fiance, Dominic Albano, cheating on her and then learning that he was caught embezzling from his work. Now she is trying to put everything behind her but it’s soon clear that someone is after her.
Casey Barnes has had feelings for Olivia sent he met her and now with her staying with him at his ranch he will do whatever he can to keep her safe. Yet as he begins to fall in love with her, he knows it’s likely that it will be his heart that ends up broken when she returns to her life in LA when the threat is gone.
Can Casey keep Olivia safe when it’s clear that someone isn’t giving up on getting to Olivia and can he keep it professional?
This was a great book filled with some awesome twists and turns that keep you hooked from beginning to end!
I thought Olivia was a great character and I liked how well she adapted to country life. At the same time I understood why she didn’t want to endanger her best friend Kallie or her brother, Casey, and the rest of their family. I can’t imagine how spooked she was when she felt as though someone was always watching her.
I loved Casey and how protective he was over Olivia. He was going to do everything to keep her safe, yet he also never revealed some of the things about himself and how he was so able to keep track of everything going on around the ranch. That being said I was surprised that the bad guys kept getting through and close to the house.
There was so much sexual tension between Casey and Olivia and I loved that both cared but also had reservations due to what was going on. Casey knew that Olivia staying at the ranch was only temporary and he was afraid to get much more attached.
I was so happy when things finally started happening between the two of them!! The stuff with Olivia’s phone was very scary and this is the second time lately that I have read a book where a phone is so easily manipulated into being tracked.
The end made me so happy and I did a huge happy dance!!
Love these characters!
3.5 – 4 Cowboy & Darlin’ Stars!
As soon as I finished reading Southern Chance I couldn’t wait for the next book in The Southern Series to be released! I picked this one up as soon as I could and I was so happy to get back into this series!
I was pulled in from the first couple of chapters and from that point on I didn’t put it down until I finished reading it in one sitting. I enjoyed this story!
Casey and Olivia’s journey was one that had me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next. I really liked these two characters and getting to be in their minds.
With Southern Comfort, Ms.Madison has created another great read! I can’t wait wait for the next book in this series, Southern Storm!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
Olivia & Casey are pulling us into their world in Southern Comfort.
Casey is a swoon worthy cowboy that is by far all that and a bag of chips. I absolutely fell in love with him and all that he is. Natasha gave us an in-depth look at who he is and the world he has made for himself .
Olivia is a beautiful character inside and out. She has so much past baggage that she now questions what she really wants and she doesn’t want to burden anyone with her problems. Casey has given her shelter and protection in his home and they have been slowly discovering who they really are when they are together . Olivia brings out the protective nature in Casey that he feels she doesn’t deserve .
It was beautiful watching this relationship blossom. I was swooning each time Casey used the term of endearment Darling with Olivia. Yes they had very strong struggles and oh so many hurdles but together they may find out anything is possible . Loved them !
~~Michele McMullen ~~
After reading Southern Chance, we got a glimpse of what was to come in Southern Comfort. And hands down, Casey and Olivia’s story takes the cake as my absolute favorite from this series. I suppose you could read this as a standalone, but I wouldn’t recommend it. To get a little bit more insight of who these two are (AND the supporting characters) and what’s currently happening, it’s better to start from the beginning.
Going off of what we know from the first book in the series, I was pretty eager to get to their story. When it starts, these two are already coming into the story with a pretty strong connection and Casey seems to be in much deeper than I anticipated. And I was absolutely terrified on what direction it would go because this could be very heartbreaking story.
Much like Southern Chance, the mystery and suspense is kicked up into high gear in Southern Comfort. Secrets are being held and as we slowly start to learn the truth, there’s nothing but trouble heading Olivia’s way. But having someone like Casey on your side, he was the best person to have by her side.
I loved how selfless Casey was especially when it came to Olivia. He fell in sooo deep with her even though he knew that there was a limited amount of time with her. I definitely had to praise his restraint because he knew it would end in heartbreak.
This might actually be my favorite book by Natasha Madison, it read so differently than her previous books. And she was able to surprise with a couple of her twists throughout this book. The angst was real in this one, but not to the point where it was overbearing. Add in the slow burn factor and you have a pretty phenomenal read.
Where I struggled with the first book in the series, this one was absolutely EVERYTHING. We learn more truths about a specific character and I’m still not sure the third book in this series… I just hope that Natasha will be able to change my mind.
**AN ARC WAS PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW**
Natasha Madison
Oh man this was Amazing. When the first book ended I was not happy with that ending, but was so glad when this one picked up right where it left off.
Casey and Olivia had instant attraction when they met, but for some reason both of them was reluctant to start a relationship, due to the fact that Olivia wouldn’t be there for long. But eventually it didn’t work and Casey couldn’t deny his feelings for Olivia. But if you think that Olivia had secrets in her past, you would be totally surprised by Casey’s secrets.
I loved that Casey was so super protective of Olivia. He wouldn’t let her leave until he was sure she was out of danger. And not to mention the passion between them was off the charts. I loved it. This author knows how to mix the romance, the drama and the suspense all together. It was a great story and man I can’t wait for Savannah and Beau’s story. Going to be angst galore
This is the second book in this series and I was waiting for it after finishing Southern Chance I needed to know what had happened and what Olivia’s story was.
Natasha is knocking it out of the park with this series. She has filled it with suspense, secrets, lies, and danger mixed with drama, angst, emotion, passion and love. I was captivated from beginning to end, unable to put this down until I had finished it.
I honestly can’t wait for book 3 in this series! the tension on this story has played along in the background since the beginning so I can’t wait to see how everything is going to play out.
Wow just wow. I didn’t think that southern chance could be topped but I stand corrected.
Olivia and Casey’s story had my emotions all over the place, hard hitting and from page one you can’t put it down. Do not read this while out and about as I read it at work and had more tears running down my face than anything. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Savannah and Beau
Wow!! I just love Natasha Madison’s words… From the very first page to the very last I simply DEVOURED this story.
Firstly…. Casey. What can I say?! He’s the epitome of strong, commanding, brooding Cowboy. And he also has so much more about him. I was so excited to read about his character and discover so much more about him – there were definitely some surprises along the way. Him and Olivia were perfect for one another.
I really liked Olivia’s character and loved learning more about her too. Olivia is running away and hiding from her past. If you’ve read the first book in the series you’ll already know a little of Olivia’s backstory. However it is all explained again and this book could still be read as a complete standalone.
This was just a brilliant ‘Southern’ romance story will all sorts of heat, humour, passion and angst. It ad everything I wanted with just the right amount of twists and drama. I loved it!
And I am now really looking forward to the 3rd instalment!!
This is the second book in the series and could be read as a standalone but it will be so much better if you start at the beginning.
Olivia finds herself in hiding thanks to her ex-fiance. Thankful for her best friend who takes her to her hometown. Convinced that when this is all over she will go back to her life and work. But the longer she stays with Casey and his family the more she begins to understand the true meaning of family. The more she begins to crave it.
Casey lives two lives and makes it work pretty seamlessly. In fact many are not even aware of the second part of him. He is successful in so many ways, but has closed his heart off after being hurt by the one he loved. Determined not to go that road again. He finds himself drawn to Olivia but trying to no avail to keep her at arms length while comforting her.
Could Olivia’s biggest nightmare actually help her find her fairy tale? Could she find, love and home in the safety of Casey’s arms. Could Olivia be the one to get Casey to open his heart again?
This book is filled with love and family. But the side of suspense that is mixed in so well, kept me turning pages to see what happened next. I loved this book and am so excited to see what Beau and Savannah bring us next.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Book 2 in this Southern series from Natasha, and she delivers another fascinating and breathtaking read, based around Casey and Olivia this times, its filled with adventure, intrigue, suspense, passion, friendship and family loyalty, a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Olivia has been through a lot in her life, a miserably family upbringing and then we find out just what her ex was up to, what a douche! But someone is definitely after Olivia at Casey’s family ranch where they are holed up and it keeps Casey and the police on their toes while they try and find out who, all whilst trying to protect the family.
Told from dual POV’s there is a lot of angsty suspense going on in this one! I loved both of these characters, Olivia has had in rough and is not used to being loved and around a loving family, whilst Casey was brought up with this but has had his heart broken in the past. Both are drawn to each other but try to resist, knowing this is just a pit stop for Olivia until she is safe. Lots of sexual tension but also anxiety and stress with the situation that surrounds them.
Casey is the perfect southern cowboy, all protective, loyal and caring, full of southern charm but he is keeping a big surprise under that cowboy hat, he is all that plus so much more!! A fantastic read overall, I’m looking forward to the next one in this series.
Brilliant story that will exhaust the emotions – silly, sweet, mysterious and thrilling. The story of Casey and Olivia was certainly worth the wait. You caught bits and pieces in Southern Chance but you were never truly privy to what was going on behind closed doors. It’s always difficult to deal with the past but when it finally catches up with Olivia you are never sure if the ax is going to fall on any story that the future may hold. I want to tell you, keep reading because when the secrets are exposed you will find more than just Olivia has skeletons hiding in their closet. I am emotional spent now but still anxiously awaiting the story behind Savannah. Natasha Madison will have you hooked from book one so be prepared for a bumpy thrill ride that will leave screaming for more in the end.
Southern Comfort is a wild ride from start to finish! This story starts off with a bang, literally, and just takes off from there. Readers are introduced to Olivia in Southern Chance, so definitely read that first. All you know is that she’s running from something in her past, which eventually is explained in this book. A damsel in distress, one hot cowboy willing to come to her rescue and do whatever it takes to protect her…sign me up! One twist after another will keep you on the edge of your seat and unable to put this book down. This was quite possibly the fastest I’ve ever devoured a book, and I highly recommend this series!
Now I’ve been steadily following Natasha Madison since her very first published novel. Every time I read her latest, I feel like it’ll be a new favorite but nothing has ever reached that same feeling that the Heaven and Hell series evoked in me, until this series. This sweet southern family is a group that I really think most are going to be pulled toward. It’s a family that’s so open and caring, they’re fun and loving.
Casey and Olivia are insanely adorable together. I’m serious when I say I could not get enough of them. Casey is charming, just as any good southern man should be. I love the way he was basically struck dumb upon seeing Olivia. It’s one of the main things that endeared me to him… really how can you not be totally smitten when a man is just struck dumb when his eyes lands on THE woman for the first time. I still can’t help but think back on their first meeting and just be tickled by him.
Natasha Madison rides this balance between incredibly high and insanely hot sexual chemistry with the suspenseful, dangerous feel. I know my emotions were right up there with them! Her writing is layered and deep. She gives us this well-rounded story and all the tension I could stand! I’ve been struggling with actual reading lately and she made it impossible to even consider pulling out my introvert bookmark! The story was compulsive from the first page but had this slow feel to it that you can only achieve in the south!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
This book is about Casey and Olivia, whom we met in the previous book. This is a stand alone, but it makes the story richer if you read book one first. Casey and Olivia are thrown together under suspenseful circumstances…circumstances that reveal that Casey is more than just a pretty cowboy face. Under all that hotness, he is harboring a secret pastime..which comes in handy for the situation that Olivia has found herself in. This couple dance around each other, one thinking the other will be leaving in a hot second, and one struggling with the voices of the past possibly impacting the future. What is created here is a group and town of characters that you feel as if you want to find a moving van and buy the house next door to one of these families. Great read in the series.
Oh my Casey is my new favorite cowboy. He’s the perfect gentleman, bad a$$, and dirty man in the sheets that will make you say save a horse. Olivia just can’t seem to catch a break. Can she open her heart up to Casey and can he see past her fancy city ways. These two may seem like complete opposites but they were made for each other. This book has the perfect amount of romance, suspense, surprises, and cowboy ridding that will leave you breathless until the end. This book is my new favorite by Natasha Madison and made me panting for more.
This time it’s Kallie’s best friend, Olivia, and her brother Casey’s journey. Olivia came with Kallie back to Kallie’s hometown to hide from the trouble her ex brought to her. That trouble continues into Southern Comfort and boy is it serious trouble. But she has Casey, hot cowboy turned uh let’s say skilled with a computer guy, whose protective tendencies flare up when he meets his sister’s gorgeous friend.
But he knows to keep his hands (and his heart) to himself because Olivia is planning on returning to LA as soon as her trouble is cleared up, so he refuses to give into what his heart and mind are telling him he feels for her. But we all know that intentions often get left by the wayside when the heart and libido get involved…
I really liked Southern Chance, but I freakin’ LOVE Southern Comfort! The main reason? Casey, plain and simple. He’s so damn swoony – a protective alpha with a heart of gold, brought to his knees by the love for and of a sweet and feisty city girl. Add in suspense and a great cast of secondary characters, and Southern Comfort ended up being one of the best romances of 2020.
Thoroughly obsessed and invested in this series! After the abrupt ending from the last book, I was so excited to dive in and see what happened, as well as see where the relationship between Olivia and Casey went. Olivia has been distraught over her past and come out of a really tough childhood that she survived, but she can’t seem to catch a break. Finding solace in Casey and the rest of his family, they help to protect her from the mystery of why her ex is after her. Casey is an onion of a character – as the book goes on there is more and more layers peeled off about him that make him such an intriguing character. I feel like the majority of the book they kept fighting the explosive chemistry between them, and there were times I wanted to smack both of them for not seeing what was right in front of them. The added bonus of the crazy twists of why people are after Olivia and the ending of it all was the icing on top of the cake for this book. Not as explosive of a cliffhanger like the last book, the ending scene left me dying for more and I am itching to get my hands on the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.