All I wanted to do was run away, I never expected to crash into his arms…
After leaving the city life behind to escape my loveless marriage, I moved to small town Havenbarrow for a fresh start.
What I didn’t expect was to find myself drawn to the town’s black sheep.
They called him troubled. Cold. A man with a dark past.
What everyone seemed to miss about Jax was the splashes of light in … was the splashes of light in his eyes. The random acts of kindness he performed when no one was watching. The way he made me smile and laugh.
Jax helped unpack the baggage I’d been carrying around with me. He was patient with my pain and gentle with my scars. He was the stillness during my hurricane.
Yet when both of our pasts came back to haunt our present days, we realized quickly that sometimes love stories didn’t end the way we’d hoped.
Sometimes you were left with only the damage from the storm.
*Book One in New Compass Series of Standalone Novels.
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Tears. I had tears streaming down my face at 4am while I finished reading this GEM of a story. Don’t let the tears scare you away, they came from the depths of my heart. They were born from the beauty of first love, forgiveness and the beauty of the life you can have. I love when a woman finds her strength in the eyes of someone that completely loves them for who they are to the core. When they have found themselves settling, and life hits them with something that has them forging their own way through and awakening the person they were always meant to be. No one delivers this beautiful journey more eloquently than Ms. Cherry. She has a ways of embracing a characters strengths and flaws as one and making their soul speak to you from the pages of the story. You FEEL the story all the way through you. You WANT for these fictional characters as if you are within them. You BELIEVE it with your whole heart and soul. These stories are not just something you open, read and soon forget. They are now woven within you as if the experiences were yours as well. Not every author can deliver this within the pages, but Ms. Cherry ALWAYS does.
This story is completely needed in this craziness we have been thrust into. To remind you of the beauty of love, loyalty, and soul wrenching experiences that build and strengthen who we are, who we want to be. This was more than a love story. It is a life found tale, and I LOVED every word of it. Readers! If you read with more than your eyes, if you embrace the fact that your heart and soul will be forever changed, read this book. It will not let you down. xo
Forse da “Southern Storms” mi aspettavo qualcosa di più. D’altra parte quest’autrice mi ha conquistata con le storie della sua serie “Elements” e con tutto che questo libro ci si avvicina molto, non è proprio allo stesso livello.
Kennedy, la protagonista, porta sulle spalle il peso di una tragedia che di solito non vediamo affibbiata alle donne in questo tipo di storie. È stata una vera sorpresa e l’incipit mi ha catturato come pochi altri perché, per una volta, abbiamo qualcosa di diverso. La protagonista è spezzata, è vittima di un abuso psicologico che fa paura al solo pensiero. “Ecco che usciamo dagli stereotipi” mi sono detta. Sì, beh, non proprio. Kennedy aveva tantissimo potenziale come personaggio, ma stranamente la Cherry non scava a fondo come invece è suo solito fare. Il dramma resta lì, in superficie, e sì, comporta qualche difficoltà per l’eroina, ma non la sbilancia nemmeno così tanto.
Sull’altro lato della medaglia abbiamo Jax che inizialmente sembra il solito modello della Cherry, ma poi si rivela essere quello che di solito sono i personaggi femminili. Sì, lui ha l’anima tormentata da un passato che lo divora vivo, ma in un certo qual modo ha imparato a conviverci, è già arrivato alla fine del suo percorso quando lo conosciamo.
Il rapporto tra i due è piacevole da guardare mentre si sviluppa, è quasi una coccola perché le sensazioni che trasmette sono autentiche.
Eppure qualcosa non mi ha convinta.
Voi lo sapete che io non sono una fan dell’angst, ma qui è stato tutto troppo semplice. I due paiono avere un po’ di difficoltà a comprendersi, ma poi quando l’ostacolo viene superato… tutto liscio come l’olio.
Non fraintendetemi, sapete che io amo quando i personaggi usano il cervello e risolvo i problemi da persone adulte, ma il problema è che qui di problemi non ce ne sono proprio.
Per emozionare il libro emoziona e fa il suo dovere, ma d’altra parte dalla Cherry non mi aspetto niente di meno, tuttavia ho avuto come la sensazione che l’autrice non sentisse suo il contesto di cui scriveva. E sì, lo so che pare assurdo, voglio dire, ha scritto anche di una rock star e non è un contesto che davvero si conosce. Però, boh, rispetto agli altri suoi libri questo lo definirei easy.
In generale, comunque, è un’ottima lettura. Le emozioni sono vive e io mi sono commossa più di una volta, non posso negarlo.
La Cherry anche con le storie più semplici sa colpire dritta al cuore.
Però la cosa più bella di tutto il libro, per me, è stato il continuo riferimento a film, serie tv e cartoni animati. Ritrovare Frozen, Una Mamma per Amica, Aladdin e chi più ne ha più ne metta, in questo libro mi ha davvero avvicinata tantissimo alla storia.
E ora ho una voglia esagerata di far ripartire Gilmore Girls dal primo episodio.
There’s something so effortlessly enjoyable and so desperately romantic about a Brittainy Cherry novel.
Southern Storms was no exception. I fell so easily into the writing and the storytelling, highlighting passages that spoke to me or touched me with their sheer loveliness. I had no trouble attaching myself to the delightfully offbeat Kennedy and the darker, more subdued Jax. Their “opposites attract” vibe worked for me and I loved how they fit together – like puzzle pieces filling in the empty spaces, offering steadfast support, and unfailing loyalty to each other.
These are two broken characters – and there were definitely some moments that left me feeling a little sobby. But I loved the way they healed themselves. I loved that they didn’t depend on the other for healing. Instead, they held each other up, providing a safe, loving space, while they did the work themselves. This was such a beautiful thing to read.
On top of that, the romance offered that sort of desperate, kismet sort of feel which I find utterly irresistible. It was swoony and breathtaking and heart-wrenching and heartwarming and just beautiful.
The secondary character game was strong. While there were a few standouts that added some depth and delightfulness to the story,
Connor, in particular, was a scene-stealer extraordinaire and added some fantastic levity to a storyline that could have felt dramatic and heavy. He was fantastic and I wouldn’t mind getting a deeper glimpse into his life at some point down the road.
I felt like there were a couple of loose ends that weren’t wrapped up as much as I would have liked. While I loved how much beautiful closure Kennedy got from her past trauma, I think I would have liked some more closure from the relationship end of Kennedy’s past. That said, overall I completely enjoyed this story. It’s a sort of friends-to-lovers meets second-chance meets opposites attract and it was simply lovely. Southern Storms was a solid start to an exciting new series, and I absolutely cannot wait for more!
From the first page to the last, this book makes you forget time. It sucks you right in in a world full of emotions. It was a pleasure to follow the road of healing of these beautiful broken characters.
I loved Jax and Kennedy as kids, I absolutely adored those flashbacks!
I only wish I could have felt the connection between the grown-up version of Kennedy and Jax. I saw it and I adored how they cared for each other. The love between them was so obvious, but I didn’t really feel it. Nevertheless, they way their story is told, is enchanting and will make you believe in the sun after the storm again.
Inside this book there is so much healing, so much love, so much good. If you are a lover of second chance romance without unnecessary drama, full of realness and all the feels, this one is definitely for you!
Another Brittainy Cherry masterpiece, I absolutely adored Jax and Kennedy’s love story! These two became fast friends when they were kids and formed an unbreakable bond. They were unexpectedly torn apart only to have fate intervene decades later when they find themselves in the same small town. By this time, they’ve both experienced so much tragedy and are so broken it was a wonder they had room to open up to one another again. But their journey of healing and finding their way back to one another was so inspiring and heartfelt. I was rooting for them the whole way through!
Frankly, it’s so incredible to read a story where the characters and the author are just GOOD people! This story was so refreshing and I love the personal touches along the way. For example, Kennedy’s struggle with anxiety attacks; such a real feeling and situation and Brittainy tackles it like a freaking champ as she does in her personal life as well! So proud of you, Brittainy! Congratulations on another incredible book and a start to what I am quite positive will be another great series!!
More than just a romance novel, this story adresses questions of grief, guilt, healing, forgiveness…
Brittainy C Cherry’s writing is always so full of emotions, so sweet, so raw, so true . She uses symbols and metaphors that add to her beautiful message of hope.
Kennedy and Jax are broken, or think so. They both survived horrific traumas and try to deal with it.
At chapter 1 Kennedy is married to an odious man. A man who tried to shut her light. I really REALLY hate him! Younger she was so colorful, so alive. She just needs to be surrounded by people who really love her to find her true self back. She needs to be loved and feel lovable.
Jax is the black sheep of his little town, he built walls around him because he thinks he’s not worthy of love. He surrounds himself with darkness. He’s grumpy but when he loves someone he really cares.
They both carry so much pain, so much guilt, it’s sometimes painful to read.
Kennedy and Jax were bff when they were younger… And now years later, they both need a friend more than ever.
Destiny joins together them again and they begin a beautiful journey where they learn how to heal by laughing and crying and talking and listening and moving on hand in hand… By being true to who they really are.
It’s not always easy for them, their pain is deep, their past is heavy, some people are so so mean… There are hurtful memories, panic attacks, guilt…
«Sometimes in life we need to be pushed to be reminded that we can still move.»
Jax helps Kennedy to shine again and she brings her light in his life. They’re pefect for each other. They are best friends and lovers. They have the kind of relationship we all tend to.
They learn not to fight the storms but to make it theirs, to be better, to be stronger.
They give each other exactly what they need: acceptance, space, time, support, comfort, love…
«He was the broken hero, the one who wasn’t meant to save me, but who was meant to save himself and he was doing that.[…] I didn’t want Jax to fix me _that was my own job. That said, i did want to be inspired by his growth to see that i , too, could grow, could heal…»
Jax is… my new bookboyfriend… The scene where Kennedy has a panic attack under the rain… OMG OMG OMG!!! The scene with the ice cream OMG OMG OMG. And the bubbles… and his kindness with Joy… And the scene near the end behind Kennedy’s house… OMG OMG OMG!!!
The secondary characters are important to the story. Connor… i want a whole book with Connor! He’s sooooooo funny, and real, and pushing with Jax, and helpful and… amazing!
Joy is so sweet, so kind. Yoana, Kennedy’s sister, is the best sister ever! Marie made me laugh out loud, Eddie is the shrink we all need lol.
Of course we’re in a small town so there are small minded and judgemental people too…
The author tells us it’s ok to be different and imperfect, it’s better than ok, we should be proud of our imperfections and our quirks . «Mama said the best people are the imperfect ones, because the best adventures in life don’t come from perfect things.»
Soooo my advice: read this book but don’t try to steal Jax, he’s mine!
I always anticipate a new book from this amazing author. This 5 star story was everything and so much more. Oh the feels.
Kennedy has suffered through the unimaginable. Her sister lets her stay at one her house so she can get her footing back. Jax is the broody sexy plumber in town. Little did they know they share a past.
Oh the feels of this story. The characters made me feel so much. It was an addicting and highly entertaining story. Beautifully written with a storyline that kept me hooked to this page turner.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
L’autrice nous livre ici une magnifique histoire de résilience, d’entraide, d’amitié et d’amour, j’ai adoré les personnages, l’alternance entre leurs deux points de vue mais aussi entre passé et présent, je n’ai pas pu le lâcher avant d’en avoir les tenants et les aboutissants et j’ai aimé me laisser étonner par certaines choses. Ils sont hyper touchants tous les deux, ont vécu des drames mais sont bien entourés et leur histoire est magnifique grâce aux mots de l’autrice. On survit tant bien que mal avec eux jusqu’à ce que tout explose et on se rend alors compte que le destin auquel croit Kennedy est réellement présent. Une intrigue qui ne nous laisse pas souffler tant qu’ils n’ont pas plus de rires que de larmes et on les quitte d’une magnifique manière !
4.5 stars
Kennedy Lost desperately needed a new start. Moving to a small town was a big change to her life, especially having to deal with the people including the designated town’s black sheep, Jax Kilter. But as their pasts converged, they had to learn to weather the storms or risk drowning in it.
There are not many authors who managed to handle the delicate balance of creating a vulnerable heroine with a spine of steel that is likable and relatable to the readers. This author has it in spades. I loved watching how Kennedy evolved throughout the book.
Jax immediately earned an extra point from me for how much I could relate to him. He carried a burden of his past from a young age. He’s cold, grumpy and abrasive with a warm core that only selected few got to see.
The story was sad with heartbreaking situations but the book itself was light. There were a lot of funny moments and I absolutely adored Connor who stole every scene he was in. And what I loved the most about this story is how the characters worked to fix themselves instead of each other.
Southern Storms is a story of overcoming adversity. It would appeal to readers looking for a slow burn, small-town romance.
4.5 stars!!!
Southern Storms is the first book in Brittainy’s newest series and I’m already OBSESSED. I couldn’t read this book fast enough!!! Brittainy sure knows how to tug at your heartstrings.
I absolutely loved the characters!!! The ones that weren’t jerks though. The whole time I was reading I either had a smile on my face, tears in my eyes, or fanning myself.
The reason I didn’t rate this 5 stars was because I felt a couple things were left unresolved. I also felt some things were a bit rushed.
I’m anxious to see if the rest of the books in this series will be from characters already introduced or completely new. Either way, I’ll be here for them!!!
After every storm, the sun would shine again.
My heart my freaking heart. This book was so beyond heartbreakingly beautiful. I love Jax & Kennedy soooo much
These two separately are going through so much. Both dealing with hurt, pain and guilt from losing loved ones in horrible accidents they blame themselves over. As they are trying to heal, better themselves and move forward they find a way to let each other in and slowly break down those walls that are built so high. Kennedy & Jax together are so perfect.
Kennedy was such a strong, caring, kind soul who was so utterly lost, broken and brought down for the way she was dealing with her grief. She deserved so much more support and warmth from her husband but he was just an a**hole so I’m glad she got out of that situation before he destroyed her.
Jax oh my heart it beats for him. I LOVED HIM SO VERY MUCH. so many times I wanted to reach in and hold on to him and never let go. He was grumpy, cold & distant at times but he was so incredibly compassionate, patient, understanding, a little stubborn and frustrating. He was a broken soul so worthy of love if only he would let it in. I loved how much he cared about the people in the town who needed it the most. His guilt, heartache & childhood killed me and I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much in a book before. I want to keep Jax he now belongs to me #sorrynotsorry
“I missed you, Moon,” I confessed. “I missed you more. I missed your light so damn much. I’d been living in darkness for so long… I missed you…”
With small town romances comes small town people and this book had quite the assortment. Some fantastic others not so much.. I loved Joy she was such a bright spot in this town. Connor was one of my fav side characters ever I loved how he was funny, witty, ridiculous but so genuine & kind. Eddie & Marie aswell as Yoana & Nathan were also great.
There were also those few who I disliked (Amanda, Penn & Cole will just be erased from my memory) and wished maybe there would’ve been more confrontation, consequences and closure where they were concerned but the book was more about Kennedy & Jax so I chose to ignore that
I don’t think I’ll ever get over this story but it does deal with some hard topics so take caution when reading and TW necessary for emotional and physical child abuse.
“she was the sun. She was my sun. I fell in love with the sun, and she kept my cold heart warm.”
book aesthetic made by me. I do not own the pictures, all found via pinterest
The Elements series is my favorite from Brittainy Cherry and this first book of the new series has the same feel for me, so I am all in!
I love a good prologue one that grabs a hold and does not let go until the very end. That is exactly what this prologue did,
Brittiany has this way with her storytelling that brings out all the different emotions. She can take you from laughing to crying in 2.3 seconds. I find myself chuckling many times throughout the story.
Her characters are so genuine so lovable even when they are not playing nice. These characters have so much personality, love their banter, that is when I chuckle to myself.
Both main characters are so very hurt and damaged with life and the people in it. Their story is a combination of emotional, heartbreaking and uplifting a long-lost friendship and second chances. From start to finish this story captivated my attention. As always Brittainy gifted us with an incredible epilogue.
And the secondary characters added such an extra layer to this already incredible story. Especially Joy and Connor! I absolutely loved their relationship with Jax, Joy with her sneakiness and Connor and his constant jabbering!!
I can’t wait for the next gem from this author!!
2.5 stars
Previously, I have only read Eleanor & Grey and Landon & Shay by this author and they were SO GOOD! Those are the books I have to use as comparisons to this one. It saddens me to write this review because I had high expectations and this book just didn’t meet those AT. ALL.
I liked the first 10% of the book and Brittainy was able to describe the heartache and panic that Kennedy went through and was still going through with an asshole abusive husband after losing her daughter and parents, and how it was still effecting her life. I liked the ending and some of the support characters.
GREAT concept but poor execution. The voice I heard in this book just wasn’t the same CONSISTENT writer voice I heard in the two aforementioned books I loved by this author. One reviewer described this book as “a hot mess” and, sadly, I feel the same way but throw some cheesy lines on top. 🙁
I do appreciate the opportunity to read and review this ARC copy for an honest review.
Wow, Southern Storms just moved to the top of my most favorite books list. I laughed, I cried, and fell in love with both, Jax and Kennedy. This book really hit home with me. Not my life personally but watching a friend go through many of the same struggles as Jax and Kennedy. This book is realistic as their struggles and reactions are portrayed so realistically. I shed many tears throughout this book and my heart hurt for both of them. What truly stood out was both the love and support Jax and Kennedy gave each other even in both of their darkest times.
Brittainy C Cherry is an EPIC author. The writing is so real and makes you just FEEL!! Once you pick up this book just let the Storm consume you. There will be no coming back until the last word is read. This story is so true to life that is will be maybe uncomfortable at times. Keep pushing through and you will see that the Sun still shines despite the clouds. The storm will always pass. Pick up this book and devour it. If I could rate it higher than 5 stars I most definitely would. This book rocked my world!!
Holly yessss, she did it again!!!
Brittainy has a very special way to delivered a book with such an amazing characters, she got me crying since first chapter with the way Kennedy was treated by her husband, he’s words and actions towards her are despicable and so horrible, so when Kennedy is force to reach for her sister, who’s only had kindness and received her with so much love and caring I was so happy for her.
That was the problem with Penn—he saw my sadness and proved that side of me wasn’t worth loving. So, I was working harder and harder to not let that side of me slip out anymore. I didn’t want to push any more people away with my grief. I wanted people to stay.
Fake it till you make it, Kennedy.
Jax is the black sheep of the town who doesn’t care what people think about him, but thinks not always are what they look like and Jax is the proof of that, he is kind and caring with those who deserves his attention and when he discovers that Kennedy is her Sun from summer camp his first instincts is to push her away but Kennedy is not going to let that happen, at this part we start to see a little bit of the little girl who was full of live and determination. She give him space but was there when he needed to talk and with the pass of the days they’re recovered that complicity and love that both deserved.
Jax’s body was wrapped around mine as he pulled me in close to him and held on as if he had plans on staying there for the rest of his life. His big, strong arms pooled around my whole frame, and I melted. I melted against his body and his soul. I melted into the history of our yesterdays.
He smelled like cedar and my favorite memories.
If I was crying while reading Kennedy and Jax and all what they been through and lost, I do cry too but happy tears with Connor’s personality, he is a sweet boy who adds such an awesome laughs to this story, I love him not just for the laughs but because he is a real unconditional friend to Jax.
“Listen, if you two are bumping uglies, then that’s something I can get behind. I’m all about my bro getting laid, and if you need me to plant a few seeds as your wingman, I’m all in. Are you doing her yard to get into her garden? Are you trying to lay down some cucumbers next to her peach tree? Is there an oversized eggplant—”
“Connor!” I shouted. “Shut up.”
I love how Kennedy and Jax look for each other regardless they’re own pain and heart broken.
Brittainy show us again through her characters that no matter how much we suffer in life there’s always brightens and great people who would stand and hold us to be the best we can be. Happiness is what we all deserves and I don’t care if is just in a book I want my hero’s get their HEA.
Another beautiful book by an amazing author.
“You make me want to get better,” I whispered as his strong arms held me close. He planted a kiss on my forehead. “You’re making me better,” he replied.
Thank you so much for my ARC to Brittainy Cherry and SocialButterflyPR
I absolutely loved this book. Kennedy is married to a jerk that always belittles her. When he kicks her out of their home and asks for a divorce, she goes to her sisters house. Her sister sets her up in a house she recently renovated in a small town named Havenbarrow. Jax is Havenbarrows resident a-hole. Jax and Kennedy both have been through a lot of tragedy and heartache. My heart broke for both of them. Jax wasn’t friendly with people, but he was a good man. The few friends he did have he treated really well. He and Kennedy helped each other heal and it was beautiful watching them fall in love. This story was written really well and I think everyone will enjoy this book.
This book has healing powers!! Two broken people with life struggles brought together for a second time… kismet!!
Jax and Kennedy have such an incredible story. Both struggling with past family tragedies. What I love about this book is how they heal together through each other and the amazing community around them!
It’s a great reminder that life is better when we don’t do it alone. We all have daily struggles and life struggles and it’s ok to open up and depend on those who are in our lives.
Thank you Brittainy Cherry for this reminder!! A top 2020 read for me!!
Another fantastic read by the incredibly talented Brittainy C. Cherry! The writing was exactly what I needed in this world we are living in right now. A great escape that I could not put down. From the first page I was captivated by these characters and their story.
Kennedy is healing from some heavy loss. First the loss of a child and then she escapes a marriage that was drowning her and she shows up on her sisters door step ready for a fresh start. She is dealing with so much grief and anxiety she does not know where to begin healing.
Jax is so broken and bruised on the inside. He is drowning in pain and is suffering. He appears on the outside to be this angry, distant, lonely guy but deep down there is SO much more. Deep down he will make your heart swoon and fall in love. My heart 100% bled for him. He has this beautiful, gorgeous soul that deserves all the love in the world if he would just let it in. He has a tender heart and goes above and beyond for the people in the town who need it and I loved that the most about him.
These two characters brought out the best and worst in each other. So much angst, pain, joy, heartache and love. A love so big there is no chance I will forget it anytime soon.
With every single book Brittainy writes she leaves a huge imprint on my soul. Her words are poetic, impactful and always leave me wanting more. With Southern Storms she has weaved a truly emotional heart wrenching story that will break you apart and put you back together by the time you are done and will leave you with a full happy heart by the end. 5 stars is not enough. Fantastic read. Highly recommend!
**ARC received in exchange of an honest review.
This was a sweet read. Jax and Kennedy have had tragic events happen that have them struggling. Jax comes off as a jerk and Kennedy has anxiety. They find themselves connecting and it makes their lives better. They finally get the love that they deserve just for being themselves and not what or who other people want them to be. I enjoyed reading their story.
Well now Ms. Brittainy Cherry you are going to give a certain male romance author (name sounds like Harks) a run for his money when it comes to your latest book Southern Storms. Wow the feels just kept on coming with every page that I turned. I don’t believe I have read such a heartfelt, soul wrenching, sweet, romantic story in a long time. This book has a little bit of everything; friendship, love, humor, loss and an overwhelming about of heartbreak that brought the two main characters together. Oh Lordy, Lordy the things this story did to my emotions. I was gutted every time Kennedy had a panic attack and could completely understand where her pain came from. Cherry has an amazing talent for writing emotions that make you feel them right along with the characters, and don’t get me started with the amazing characters. All I can say is I loved them, from the nosy busy bodies to the outgoing, funny, young entrepreneur. Southern Storms is book one of the Compass Series and I highly suggest you put it at the top of your TBR list. 5- amazing stars for Southern Storms by Brittainy Cherry.
Kennedy Lost is broken and really doesn’t believe she will ever be whole again. Jax Kilter is the town a*&h&^e and prefers not to “people” on most days. When Kennedy and Jax meet in a field of daisies the overwhelming sense of déjà vu almost clouds over Jax’s anger at Kennedy trespassing on his property. Jax and Kennedy are both in need of a friend, even if they refuse to admit it. As the two get to know each other their tragic past come back to haunt them and the Southern Storms that blown in every evening are nothing compared to what Jax and Kennedy must face. The question is will Jax and Kennedy be there to face the storms together or will their hurt keep the sun from ever shining on their faces again?