Count on Me: A Southern Small Town Romance

I really enjoyed this one even if life had a way of trying to put all kinds of road blocks in my way of reading it. Caroline Mendoza has finally come home to Petal, Georgia, after being away, pushed away, after her mother's murder and her father being accused and convicted of the murder and sent to prison where he died. She grew up convinced of his innocence and became a lawyer and now it looks like they might finally have some traction to finding the actual killer. Although along the way she has picked up a stalker. She also has caught the eye of Royal Watson and he likes what he sees. These two have explosive chemistry and Royal starts out as laid back but when his woman is threatened he is alpha through and through and it is H-O-T. All the supporting cast of Petal characters come out to play and make for interesting side lines and even the side story with Anne is enough to raise an eyebrow but Caro handles it as a good Southern woman lawyer should and it is spectacular. I wish life had left me alone because I could have spent a wonderful afternoon reading this one and probably give it 5 stars but reading it in spurts brought me down to 4.5 but I highly recommend it. I would deem it standalone if you choose and not be lost. **Received this ARC for review from the publisher from NetGalley**

Lawyer Caroline Mendoza has returned to Petal, Georgia with one goal in mind uncovering the truth and proving her father’s innocence. No one with stand in her way, not her family, not the town and definitely not the indecently and undeniably hot, Royal Watson. This Petal, Georgia romance is emotionally gripping and very suspenseful. The characters are strong, bold and have an inner core of strength that really draws readers to them. Royal and Caroline have some super sizzlin’ chemistry and rock readers’ world with their sweet and extremely passionate romance, although the story is also chock full of emotional angst that tugs at readers hot, this couple proves that love has no bounds which makes readers sign in heartfelt envy. The story takes place at a steady pace that keeps reader thoroughly engaged from the very beginning with suspense and the drama of a divided town, divided family and some downright ugly people that should really mind their own business. The author has a gift for getting real and own to the nitty gritty of a situation that readers can easily identify and relate to. So, once again, Petal, Georgia has it going on and the Chases are front and center as they adopt Royal and Caroline into their ever growing family and the hero and heroine overcome adversity and reach for their happily ever after in this heartwarming emotionally gripping romance.

Good