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Magnolia Grove #4

Rugged Southern Charmer

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A childhood friends to lovers, small town romance

I never imagined I’d be back in my hometown, unemployed, and feeling like a failure. Getting involved with someone at work is a huge mistake, especially when he’s a famous football player, and I’m just a therapist they can easily replace.

The silver lining is reconnecting with my best friend…even if he is hot now. I can ignore that detail, right? I hope so because Dean’s helping me fix my grandma’s old cabin so I have a place to stay, and between seeing him shirtless and working with his hands, I might just give in to temptation.

Crossing that line should be awkward, but when he kisses me on a dare, I feel like he’s sparked life into me.

My time in Magnolia Grove is temporary while I figure out my next steps, and falling for Dean is not a part of my plans.

But sometimes challenges lead us back to where we’re meant to be.

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2024

29 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Fabiola Francisco

46 books942 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,128 reviews105 followers
May 2, 2024
A quick, second chance, small town romance. Rae Lynn has returned home after losing her job, she really loved that job. But coming home means crossing paths with Dean, and he could not be happier.

The two have great chemistry, hilarious banter as they reconnect, but will they ever be more than friends?

This series has been one good story after another, and I am excited to read who we meet next.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
572 reviews
August 31, 2024
This series is full of pathetic heroines…nothing good ever happens to them prior to hero, or after the hero . The hero of course has a life before and after - what rubbish is this.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,499 reviews56 followers
April 24, 2024
Rae Lynn and Dean were best friends growing up. Over the years they've lost contact because life happened but Rae Lynn is back home and when they reconnect, they begin going down memory lane. But spending time as adults makes them see that their bond is special and with a little push of their 3 best friend (Matty), they get a chance to explore if their friendly feelings could turn into more.

What neither expected just how strong they would feel once they've fallen in each other's arms. But Rae Lynn did not return home to stay and it's up to Dean to show her just how special their home town and he is.

This story was read in one sitting and left me with a huge smile on my face. It's been a minute since I've read a story that felt right from start to finish. I can't wait to see the next installment in the series create another HEA.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Steph's Romance Book Talk.
2,873 reviews1,401 followers
April 28, 2024
4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

A sweet childhood friends to lovers story. I love a man that puts the dreams of his love above his wants for them to stay.

Video review available in Week 17: Apr 21 – Apr 27, 2024, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
Profile Image for Alice.
605 reviews11 followers
April 24, 2024
Rae Lynn and Dean were friends since they were kids.
Now she's back in town to heal her wounds. Good thing that Dean's there to revive their friendship and make her forget.
But... is it really just friendship or could there be more?

Rugged Southern Charmer by Fabiola Francisco is part of the Magnolia Grove Series and my first book of said series.

I absolutely love her books and this one wasn't an exception! ❤️
Of course I fell in love with Rae Lynn and Dean right from the beginning!
Friends who see each other again years later? Yes, please! 😍🥰🙏
Awwwww! I looooove a good Friends-to-Lovers story!
Now that Rae Lynn is back in town they can spend some time again, go down memory lane and... some more. 😌😁🤗
There are comforting feelings from the past... but also new feelings both never really expected to feel for each other.
Awwwwww! They definitely stole my heart. ❤️
Well, Dean absolutely stole my heart, for sure... 😍😍😍
How he treats her... OMG, I swooned A LOT!

So there's just one thing I've to complain about... Their story was too short! LOL

All in all I loved the storyline with all the heartwarming and sizzling and sexy and comforting emotions. What a great love story! 😍

This is my honest review in my own words.
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,057 reviews66 followers
April 25, 2024
Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)

After having her life turned upside down, Rae Lynn headed home, luckily just in time to help out her brother and his family while his wife is on bed rest. Being home shows Rae Lynn just how much she has missed her family, her friends, and Dean. Dean had been her best friend and crush back in the day, but she knew she couldn't cross the line. For Dean, Rae Lynn is and always has been the one, but he wasn't going to hold her back and never said anything so she could have her dream. With her back home it gives him a second chance to make her his, but he knows there is a chance she will leave again, for her dream. If there is a choice to make, will she pick Dean?

This is the fourth in this collection, but this actually could stand on it's own as the events actually start before book one did, so you're not missing anything. I really enjoyed this story, the whole friends to lovers aspect. We get low drama which I found lovely, but the naughty bits are super hot, which I also found lovely :) I give Rae Lynn and Dean 5 stars.
Profile Image for Deanna Hopping.
399 reviews
April 24, 2024
RaeLynn moved back home after getting fired from her personal trainer job with the NFL, but most people think she's home to help her sister-in-law whose doctor has made a point to tell her to destress and relax for at home for the rest of her pregnancy. So RaeLynn is now running her niece to school and in charge of her sister-in-law's flower shop. but soon she will run into well more like yell at her former friend from high school Dean she didn't even realize it was him at first. Not one memory from her past doesn't involve Dean in one way or another. But now that they are older and Rae isn't just the tomboy hanging out with the guys or just a member of the football team, she's a grown woman and Dean is just as good looking as he was in high school just more muscles. But they both don't know that each other is starting to have feelings that are more than friends. Will they give in to these feelings and possibly ruin their friendship or keep their feelings buried deep down to keep what they already have.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
May 5, 2024
Rugged Southern Charmer by Fabiola Francisco is book 4 in the Magnolia Grove Series. This is the story of Rae Lynn and Dean. Dean and Rae Lynn used to be best friends growing up. But time pulled them away. Now Rae Lynn is back and they think to start their friendship up again but this time they see they felt more than friendship. Enjoyed.
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,427 reviews32 followers
April 25, 2024
𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 by Fabiola Franciso is the 4th book in the multi-author Magnolia Grove small town romance series, featuring a sweet and spicy best friends to lovers story for Dean and Rae Lynn. After a bad choice in men jeopardizes her career, Rae Lynn finds herself returning to her hometown to help her pregnant sister-in-law. She quickly runs into her best friend, Dean, who is surprisingly even hotter now than he was in high school. They start to hang out often, and a fateful game of truth or dare changes everything. She’s supposed to go back to her life in the city, but she never planned on falling in love. What will become of this new relationship between these old friends?

This is such a fun series! I absolutely loved this author’s take on Dean and Rae’s fall from friends to lovers! I could feel their shock at the obvious attraction between them, especially on Rae’s part. They were so relatable and entertaining with all the witty banter and flirting, and I loved the friendship dynamic that they had with Mattie as well! Dean and Rae had plenty of spicy chemistry that just added an extra layer to their already strong relationship. I love how seamlessly the world building flows into this book. There are so many characters adding to the story, some from previous books and some new. Rae’s brother, sister-in-law and niece, Winnie, were fun characters. My only disappointment really is that with all the mentions of Sasha’s high-risk pregnancy, we don’t get to see how it turned out, even with the epilogue. Other than that, I really enjoyed these characters and their story! I look forward to seeing what happens next in this unique Magnolia Grove world.

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶

#RuggedSouthernCharmerFabiolaFrancisco #bestfriendstolovers #friendstolovers #smalltownromance #ReturningtoHometown #steamyromance #spicybooks #NewRelease #mustread #MagnoliaGroveSeries #FabiolaFranciscoAuthor
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,261 reviews61 followers
May 2, 2024
Step into the enchanting world of Magnolia Grove, where romance blooms amidst the Southern charm and the air is filled with the sweet scent of magnolias. Fabiola Francisco's latest instalment, "Rugged Southern Charmer," the fourth book in the series, weaves a spellbinding tale of love, friendship, and second chances.

From the very first page, readers are transported to the picturesque town where childhood best friends Rae Lynn and Dean reunite after years apart. Rae Lynn's return, initially intended to be a brief visit, becomes a journey of rediscovery as she finds herself drawn back into Dean's orbit. Their effortless rapport from childhood is reignited, but this time, there's an undeniable undercurrent of passion simmering beneath the surface.

Ms Francisco's masterful storytelling effortlessly captures the essence of Magnolia Grove, casting its irresistible spell not only over the characters but over readers as well. As Rae Lynn and Dean navigate the complexities of their evolving relationship, the magic of the place weaves its way into every moment, infusing their romance with an irresistible charm.

Yet, amidst the backdrop of blooming romance, there's a question lingering in the air: Can Dean win Rae Lynn's heart? Will Magnolia Grove work its enchantment, as it has on countless readers, and guide them to their happily ever after?

With her trademark breathtaking style, Ms Francisco delivers a heartwarming tale that will leave readers spellbound. "Rugged Southern Charmer" is a testament to the enduring power of love and the enchanting allure of a place where magic is woven into every corner. So, step into Magnolia Grove and let yourself be swept away by the romance that awaits within its charming embrace.







Profile Image for Erin Jacob.
39 reviews
May 15, 2024
Rugged Southern Charmer by Fabiola Francisco is the fourth book in the Magnolia Grove series – 12 books by 12 different authors. This book features a sweet (and spicy!) best friends to lovers story for Dean and Rae Lynn. So many of the previous characters from the first three books in this series make a reappearance, including Mattie and Emma!

After losing her dream job thanks to an ex-boyfriend, Rae Lynn returns home to Magnolia Grove to help her brother and his wife as she is on bed rest during her pregnancy. What Rae Lynn didn’t realize is how being home would make her realize how much she had missed her family and friends, including Dean. For Dean, Rae Lynn has always been the one, but he wanted her to pursue her dream, so he never told her how he really felt. Rae Lynn is supposed to go back to her life in the city once her sister-in-law gives birth, but she never planned on falling in love with Dean.

Wow! This book was SO good! The chemistry between Dean and Rae Lynn was undeniable! Fabiola Francisco did such a great job with continuing the Magnolia Grove series! It was filled with the best swoony moments and A LOT of steamy spice (like 3/3 spice!)

Thank you, Fabiola Francisco and Enticing Journey, for allowing me to review this ARC!
Profile Image for ReadonReader.
2,650 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2024
Returning home after losing her job, Rae Lynn is full of regret and isn’t looking for anything in the love department for a while. She is stepping up to help her family and runs into Dean who was her best friend growing up. Dean is determined to show Rae Lynn that they may be grown now, but the memories they have are something neither can ever forget. The more time they spend together new feelings begin to change to something more than friendly and boy do things really get hot. This story was such an amazing one that I devoured in no time and I have to say that Dean is one of my favorite guys this author has written. The author has way of creating these small town stories that grip your heart and take you to the town making you want to be there heroine in the stories because the guys are such great, loyal guys with mouths that will make you blush in all the right ways and Dean is one of them. Days after reading their story I am still in love with these characters and can’t stop going back to read it.
1,487 reviews6 followers
April 29, 2024
Cute second chance romance.

So I love a best friends to lovers story and I am enjoying this series and how the stories interconnect yet still standalone. You get to see other aspects of previous characters’ lives which is fun!

Rae Lynn is back in her hometown helping out family and recovering from a relationship gone wrong which led to her losing her job. She reconnects with her two best friends - Dean and Mattie! She has truly just been friends with both, but there’s just something about a grown up Dean that makes her heart beat a little faster.

Unbeknownst to her, Dean is feeling the same way and a drunken dare leads to the start of something more than friendship. But Rae is determined to just be in town for a short time while Dean’s career is firmly in their hometown.

Can these two find a way to make it work? Will they communicate enough to make it work? You’ll have to read to find out.

This is an entertaining series and this is an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily requested and read an uncorrected advance reader copy.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
July 22, 2024
I'm going to start out with saying KUDOS TO THE FEMALE KICKER ON THE BOYS FOOTBALL TEAM! Rae Lynn was living her dream in her career working on football players when a relationship stopped in its tracks. She's now home to help her brother & SIL out while said SIL has to slow down because of her pregnancy. It takes time before she runs into Dean, one of her childhood best friends, and the sparks are flying between them. Neither are trying to ruin that friendship that they're starting up again, and it takes the help of the third in the friendship to push them into something more. I LOVED these two together, and it definitely helped that there's no real drama to any of it, just two people finding their way with their perfect mate. I mean, her chosen career could have them separated but I'll never tell that's for sure. This story had a whole lot of heat with a kicker of sweetness that had me sighing, humor in spades, hilarious supporting cast of course, and romance at its very best! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,248 reviews72 followers
April 22, 2024
Loved! Such a cute fun read…that I really enjoyed. Rae Lynn has lost a job that she loves and is now back home figuring things out. She loves helping her family more than anything, but knows she needs to find another job…eventually. Dean could not be more excited to have Rae Lynn back in town. These two have undeniable chemistry and a great connection. The banter between these two old friends is laugh out loud funny and boy do they belong together. I loved this story sooo much. Two friends reconnecting and falling head over heels for each other. Loving someone so much that you want them to follow their dreams no matter what. This was a well layered story with a well written fast paced story. A story with fun characters. I truly enjoyed every character in this book and the amazing story they told. This author never disappoints and I always look forward to seeing what is coming out next.
824 reviews9 followers
April 26, 2024
This Magnolia Grove series has become one of my favorites and it is because of stories like this one! Rae has to leave the city where she moved to live out her dreams and go back to Magnolia Grove where she grew up. The locals think she has moved back to help her pregnant sister-in-law and Rea likes it that way, so she can avoid the gossip. During high school Rae played football and her two best friends were guys from the team. Dean, never left Magnolia Grove and has a successful business, while Matty has a successful pro football career, but injury finds him back home. The three friends take up right where they left off, but Dean and Rae seem a pull towards a stronger connection. That is all I will share, because you NEED to read their story for yourselves! It is well written and the characters seem real. You will find yourself becoming immersed in the story and hoping for the best for the characters.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,568 reviews134 followers
April 27, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Fabiola Francisco but it certainly won’t be the last. I’m loving my visits to Magnolia Grove which is a multi author series and I’m finding so many new authors who I will be checking out as soon as time permits. If you love small town, friends to lovers romances look no further than Rugged Southern Charmer which is Magnolia Grove #4. This is Dean and Rae Lynn’s heartwarming story.
Rae Lynn needs a fresh start after recently losing her job she decides to return to her small hometown. The last thing she expects is to reconnect with her best friend from childhood, Dean. What follows is a heartwarming, entertaining read that is guaranteed to leave you smiling.
This book touched me on so many levels and it’s a wonderful addition to one of my favourite small town series.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,238 reviews219 followers
April 26, 2024
5 Star Review Rugged Southern Charmer (Magnolia Grove #4) by Fabiola Francisco
 
Fabiola Francisco is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across her books before. This was a well written, entertaining read that ticked all the boxes for me.
 
It was wonderful being back in Magnolia Grove for Dean and Rae Lynn’s story. I enjoy friends to lovers, small town romances and this was a heartwarming story that left me with a smile on my face.

After losing her job Rae Lynn returns home as she is at a crossroads. Reconnecting with her childhood friend Dean she is shocked to see how attractive he is. The connection they have is strong and as their relationship blossomed it was heartwarming. They really have a connection based on friendship.
 
 
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,601 reviews78 followers
April 30, 2024
4 star

The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

The below books are part of this series if you want to read those books(s) first
Single Southern Flirt by Cary Hart
Sweet Southern Memories (Magnolia Grove #2) by C.A. Harms

This is Rae and Dean’s story. After coming back to her hometown Rae is struggling with everyday life. When she meets up with her best friend Dean she is happy about reconnecting. But in all the years they have known each other they were only ever friends but the heated looks say that is about to change. But will it be like the last time she started to fall for someone? Will she lose everything? Or will Dean be the one she should have been the whole time?

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
May 8, 2024
When an error in judgement results in Rae Lynn being unemployed, she returns to her hometown to be there for her sister in-law as the end of her pregnancy approaches. Her plan isn’t to stay however reuniting with Dean, her best friend while growing up, might just change her mind.

Dean couldn’t be happier that Rae Lynn is back in town and their friendship resumes like they have never been apart. The only difference this time is that he is going to show her they were always meant to be together and the only place she belongs is with him.

This is a enchanting friends to lovers story as Rae Lynn and Dean finally acknowledge their true feelings for each other and find the happiness they both deserve.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.2k reviews257 followers
April 25, 2024
This is the fourth book in this incredible series, and this is Dean and Rae’s journey.
These two have been best friends since childhood but have lost touch over the years. When Rae come back to her hometown, homeless and unemployed, Dean helps her to fix up her grandma’s old cottage, and over time they realise that their feeling are more than friends.
This is a well written story which is easy to read, with friends / lovers, emotions, challenges, humor, witty banter, engaging and realistic characters, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,312 reviews20 followers
April 25, 2024
Rae Lynn is back in her hometown trying to make a life for herself. She is a beautiful soul and I loved her immediately. When she runs into her best friend Dean she's shocked but so excited. Dean is the hometown contractor who loves everyone and has a zest for life. When these two see each other again you can feel their deep friendship. Dean takes her down memory lane and it's a joy to see how their friends go from the past to the present. However, Rae Lynn has a life she needs to get back to and these two will have to figure out what is more important their love for one another and the life they want to build or Rae Lynn's dreams? Read all about this beautiful couple.
Profile Image for Kamila Mykhailiuk.
1,449 reviews12 followers
April 25, 2024
I absolutely loved and adored this book. Wonderful characters and interesting plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

Rae Lynn and Dean were childhood friends. Years later they see each other again when Rae Lynn is back in Magnolia Grove. Dean is now a famous football player and she happens to be therapist for his team. Between him helping her fix her grandmother’s old cabin, shirtless most of the time and their easy banter and friendship, she’s tempted to cross the line. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were meant to be with each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re a fan of friends to lovers, small town romance then you’re definitely going to love it.
Profile Image for N.D. Jackson.
Author 18 books256 followers
April 27, 2024
I love a good friends to lovers romance, and I am particularly fond of them when there were no pre-existing feelings. Coming home and starting over are other favorites of mine and this story, Rugged Southern Charmer was a delightful story that put a smile on my face.

Dean and Rae Lynn were not just good friends back in the day, they were on the high school football team together! How awesome is that? Anyway there was a lot of reminiscing which seemed to help Rae Lynn get over the drama that sent her running back to her small southern town.

This was a fun romance with a major dose of the feels. A solid addition to the Magnolia Grove story.
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,240 reviews42 followers
April 28, 2024
Dean and Rae Lynn's story is well written and enjoyable from beginning to end. Rae Lynn lost the most important thing to her, the job she loved as a sports trainer. She comes back to Magnolia Grove to start over and figure out what she is going to do. She runs into an old friend Dean. These two were inseparable as kids al through school but Rae Lynn left for her dreams. The spark is still there but will these two realize what is right there in front of them? I love the chemistry between these two not only are they best friends but it becomes so much more. Another great addition to the Magnolia Grove series.
Profile Image for Janet Taggart Baldwin.
907 reviews21 followers
April 29, 2024
BEST FRIENDS TO LOVERS - SMALL TOWN ROMANCE!

Rae Lynn comes home after being fired from her sports therapy job because of a player. She's helping her brother out while his wife is on bed rest during her pregnancy. She meets back up with Dean, her best friend when she was in school, and they are as close as ever. Actually even more close.

Dean knows what he wants and he goes after it, or should I say her. Rae doesn't plan on staying in her small hometown, its just temporary. I loved these two together and their witty banter was hilarious! Just a sweet, fun, perfect book!
809 reviews18 followers
May 5, 2024
I’m loving Magnolia Grove. And Dean and Rae Lyn are such great characters. I’ve read Fabiola Francisco’s work from the first time I could.. and will continue to read her work. I love the characters, and the storylines she’s chooses and situations she chooses to put her characters in make them interesting to read and so much fun.

Rae Lyn comes back home after losing her sports therapy job because of a relationship. She and Dean have been friends for years, but have never been together as a couple. Dean realizes he wants more… but what does Rae Lyn want? It’s an amazing read, and you’ll fall in love with Magnolia Grove just like I did.
Profile Image for LLS.
925 reviews22 followers
April 25, 2024
What a cute addition to this series! Dean and Rae Lynn have been best friends since childhood and that's all they have ever been. When Rae Lynn"s relationship ends and causes her to lose her job, she retreats back home. She runs into Dean and realizes he has changed in her eyes. Dean feels the same. Neither wants to ruin their friendship but can't help catching feelings for each other. I really enjoyed reading their journey to happiness! Loved seeing characters from previous books in this series.
1,179 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2024
Rae returns to Magnolia Grove after a failed relationship also meant she lost her sports therapy job. Dean and Rae were always friends growing up but lost touch when Rae moved away. However, now she is back, Dean is determined to persuade her to stay as his feelings for her are now far more than friendly. Rae too realises she is closer to Dean now. As their relationship develops they try and find a way, with the help of hometown friends, to have a future together.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,008 reviews57 followers
April 26, 2024
Rugged Southern Charmer is a friends to lovers story that takes you on an emotional journey. When Rae Lynn returns to her hometown and stumbles across her childhood best friend, feelings will stir that both Rae and Dean have never felt before. Their story is filled with chemistry, passion and plenty of reminiscing. As Dean struggles to ensure he doesn’t hold Rae back from fulfilling her dreams he might end up losing the one person that holds his heart. A beautiful small town romance that will steal your heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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