Review: Literary, etc Review
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 6, 2013
I'm a big fan of lovers reunited and when I came across the opportunity to review Robin Covington's His Southern Temptation, I couldn't resist. I haven't read the first book in the series, A Night of Southern Comfort, and while I don't think it's necessary to read it before reading His Southern Temptation, I think it would help because you'll be familiar with a lot of the characters mentioned. That being said, His Southern Temptation, is a good a standalone book.Like any person growing up in a small town, David "Lucky" Landon couldn't wait to leave and his chance came when he enrolled in the US military. As a former assassin in the military, he's done things he wishes he could forget. He decides he wants to buy his father's farm, but before he does, he has one more job to do. He's hired to find the whereabouts of Sarah Morgan and the case is proving more than he bargained for; no one will talk to him regarding Sarah. Meanwhile Taylor Elliott is only in town to help pack and sell her family's house. Thinking an intruder is in the house she holds him at gunpoint and realizes it's none other than Lucky. The feelings she had for him resurfaces and both must come to grips with what it all means. Will they be able to put the past aside or will they once again go their separate ways?I really enjoyed Covington's writing and His Southern Temptation is a fast paced read. In terms of characterization, the characters are interesting and well-written. We find out how long Lucky and Taylor have known each other and the reason why they aren't together. The differences between their backgrounds are also pointed out, with Lucky growing up on a farm and Taylor being part of a prominent wealthy family. Taylor has some relationship issues. Her parents haven't had an ideal marriage and she's afraid of heading down the same path. The constant relationship / no relationship discussion got a bit old especially once Taylor had made her mind. I understand her mother's point when she tells Taylor she needs to live to her life and basically outlined what she gave up, but at the same time Taylor has had YEARS to think this through. That was my only small annoyance. While there are a lot of secondary characters, you'll enjoy them. I loved Sheriff Burke and his untimely arrival in three memorable scenes involving Lucky and Taylor. The real standout secondary character is Taylor's brother, Teague. He's so stuffy and proper and I can't wait for someone to come and turn his world upside down.The mystery of Sarah Morgan plays a minor role and while I was disappointed there wasn't more to it, I realized after reading, this isn't about Sarah, but about Lucky and Taylor. While I wanted to give it a three, I debated with the rating. In the end, the romance between Lucky and Taylor is the center of the novel and because of that, I gave it a four.My favorite quotes:It was time to channel the late, great Patrick Swayze and take "Baby" out of the corner."Maybe what you're looking for isn't a place but a person."I'll be going back to read A Night of Southern Comfort and am really looking forward to reading Teague Elliott's story. If you're a fan of romance, I recommend His Southern Temptation. Just be warned: it's a sizzling read. You might need a cold shower or two after.**This review appears on my blog**