Once and Again: Petal, Georgia #1 by Lauren Dane

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Published: 8/30/2011

Buy here

Rating: Snack









For Lily Travis, coming back home to Petal, Georgia was bittersweet. Her father had left  her mother for a 20 year old bimbette and her mother was in a tailspin of drugs and alcohol. Her 15 year old brother was ruining his future by cutting school and hanging with a dangerous crowd. Not seeing any other option, Lily gives up her life in Macon, and heads back to Petal to take control of the situation.  It’s not all bad though, her BFF, Beth Murphy, lives in town. Lily has missed their closeness and could certainly use a friend right now. Unfortunately Nathan Murphy, Beth’s brother and Lily’s first love, also lives in town. He’s also her brother’s English teacher. He broke her heart once  and it took her years to get over the devastation. She’s a much wiser woman now, and there is no way he’ll ever have the opportunity to hurt her again.

   Lauren Dane is one of the rare authors that can coax me into reading straight up contemporary romance. Her books are such enjoyable reads that I have finished the book before I even realize that I'm into it. Her heroines are always strong, intelligent sassy women, and her heroes are always alphas who appreciate their women's strengths. The heat factor in Lauren's books is always off the charts, which doesn't hurt my feelings at all. In this story, we are reunited with the hunky Chase boys, and the Murphy clan, who have all intermingled now. We also get to watch Lily's hero, Nathan, grovel and pursue his woman in the finest of Southern traditions. Even though this is a relatively short story, it packs a mighty wallop and was great fun to read. It runs the gamut from heartbreaking to heartpounding in a masterful fashion. If you're looking for a quick escape, this is very high on my recommendation list. You won't be disappointed.