Simple Gone South

Love Gone South, Book 3

De: Alicia Hunter Pace

Narrado por: Amy Rubinate

The last time Brantley Kincaid had an argument with someone, he was 18 years old - and he regrets it like he will never regret anything again. If only he had not balked at going to pick up his grandfather that day, his mother would not have driven into the path of a truck, and there would be two fewer graves in Merritt Cemetery. Though a frequent visitor, he hasn't lived in Merritt since burying his mother and grandfather. But now he's coming back, and it might not be so easy to hide behind his wit and charisma.

Outwardly, interior designer Lucy Mead is a beautiful, confident professional. Inside, she's the friendless, overweight girl who spent her life following her archeologist parents all over the globe. And who could forget those teenage years of turmoil and unrequited love? It would have been kinder if Brantley had not known she was alive rather than treating her like Robin to his Batman. She carries the humiliation to this day.

Their friends and Brantley's family are delighted when he sets his sights on Lucy, though Lucy isn't so sure. She cannot deny the attraction, but something is wrong. Does he really love her, or does he see her as a refuge and another way to run from his grief?

If she can't find answers, what could be a simple, sweet life might go completely south.

©2013 Alicia Hunter Pace (P)2016 Insatiable Press

Excellent Narrator, Mediocre Characters

First the narrator was extremely entertaining, with a mild southern accent that totally fit the setting without being corny. Second, the author has a wonderful sense of humor and the ability to depict a small town with an eclectic variety of supporting personalities.

However, I thought the main characters Lucy and Brantley seemed too bland and immature for their ages (early 30s) and life experiences. I kept wishing that some of Missy's joy and confidence would rub off on them.

Lucy was incredibly insecure about her fuller figure, constantly obsessing about calories and not feeling attractive enough. For a successful, healthy woman with lots of friends, Lucy didn't like herself which made me want to slap her silly.

Likewise, Brantley was stuck in the past, wallowing in guilt over the death of his mother and grandfather (more 10 years ago). I felt sympathetic for his loss but annoyed that he refused to work through his feelings and embrace happiness.

Simple Gone South was mildly entertaining but could have been amazing.

Great story but!

I love this series, but in this book the narrator on several occasions calls the main character. Bradley, not Brantley, and gets several other things incorrect which is distracting. the narrator does a good job of portraying the different characters, in fact, I wish she had done the other series that spin off of this one rather than the narrator they had.