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Harmony Homecomings #3

Sweet Southern Bad Boy

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An Amazon Best Book of the Month!

He's Got Something She WantsWhen Katie McKnight gets lost location-scouting for her father's TV studio, she stumbles upon the perfect setting for their angsty new teen vampire series-a remote barn house unfortunately occupied by a grouchy, disheveled, and incredibly sexy man who instantly mistakes her for the new nanny. Should Katie tell him the truth, or get her foot in the door? She's Got Everything He NeedsBestselling author Vance Kerner doesn't just have writer's block-he's been run ragged ever since he was saddled with taking care of his brother's three kids, an adopted kitten, and a runaway mutt. The last thing he needs is a teen drama defiling his property, but with fascinating and unconventional Katie underfoot charming the entire Kerner household, Vance is finding it harder and harder to say no.

Harmony Homecomings Find My Way Home (Book 1)Not So New in Town (Book 2)Sweet Southern Bad Boy (Book 3) Praise for the Harmony Homecomings "Packed with emotion and off-the-charts sexual tension." -RT Book Reviews for Find My Way Home "Will keep you hooked from the beginning to the end." -Harlequin Junkies for Not So New In Town"Sexy and fun! This small-town romance proves you can go home again." -Macy Beckett, acclaimed author of the Dumont Bachelors series for Not So New In Town

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2016

39 people are currently reading
625 people want to read

About the author

Michele Summers

4 books194 followers
ROMANCE DESIGNED TO MELT YOUR HEART!

SWEET SOUTHERN TROUBLE is coming May 2nd. Read all about Marabelle, a pint-size kindergarten teacher, and how she wrangles a bunch of big, tough professional football players to help with her auction. Nick, NFL head coach, doesn't know what hit him when he crosses paths with this tiny tornado! Can't wait for you to read about their funny banter and sweet budding romance.

Let me know if you enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed writing it.

All four books can be purchased from your favorite retailer. Happy reading!

Would love to hear from you. Drop me a line at michelesummers1112@gmail.com or join my newsletter to get the latest news, updates, or sneak peeks. You can sign up on my website: www.michelesummers.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Beth.
3,102 reviews301 followers
November 6, 2025
Katie McKnight wants to show her family that she has what it takes to make it. Treated like an inferior her entire life, nothing she does makes them happy. This is her last shot to make it work and she must convince a bestselling author, Vance Kerner, to let a TV studio use his historic home for a new show.

Mistaken as the nanny, Katie finds herself helping Vance out of bind with his young nephews and niece. Whiling to do just about anything, Katie agrees to continue helping Vance if he will just sign the paperwork to make things right with her family.

Vance just wants to convince Katie to stay with him forever while her father, mother and ex-fiancée only care about controlling Kaite.

Sweet Southern Bad Boy is a double barrel loaded with sexual tension, just waiting to explode all over Vance’s and Katie’s lives.

Sweet with that all important sexy, Sweet Southern Bad Boy brings home town charm to the pages.

I received this ARC copy of Sweet Southern Bad Boy from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication December 6, 2016.

Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books399 followers
December 10, 2016
So we have a location scout on her last chance with the studio who finds the perfect setting only it's owned by a writer reluctant to extend to the craziness of his life with adding Hollyweird to a book deadline and responsibilities for his brothers three precocious kids. Bargaining is at its finest when the sparks of attraction fly, small town gossip sizzles, secret deals are struck in this sizzling, fun small town romance.

Sweet Southern Bad Boy is the third book in the Harmony Homecoming series. I wasn't paying attention and picked it up based on the blurb and new to me author. Turns out, I got lucky and this worked fine as a standalone. I could see who the earlier couples were and there were references to their situations, but no series spoilers were given so I can easily go back for the others if I want.

Katie McKnight needs to prove herself to her famous producer dad and her occasional fiance who is kissing her dad's butt to advance with McKnight Studios. Nobody thinks she has talent or skill or the ability to stick with a career. She will prove herself by nailing the contract on the location for her dad's popular teen vampire TV show. Vance Kerner's barn and farmhouse are exactly perfect. If only she can talk the attractive flirting writer into signing the papers. Katie is so determined that she agrees to watch his energetic nephews and niece to allow him to make a writing deadline even while she is confused over his attraction and approval of her when her 'taking a break' fiance seems uninterested.

Vance is at wits' end when the cute location scout shows up and whips his brother's kids into shape. He's got writer's block, but it really has little to do with the distraction of the kids. This latest book in his trilogy is just not coming to him. With Katie's arrival blow the winds of change for Vance, for his dad, and for a chance at love if the secrets he's keeping don't ruin it all.

Alright, this one was in the tone I enjoy for light southern small town romance. The quirky denizens of Harmony were colorful and the gossip was flowing fast. The overall feel for the story was more over the top than I like when it came to the town craziness and his friends' 'interventions' in his love life, but it was still a fun element.

Vance is a home town boy and everyone knows his business and has an opinion including his matchmaking friends. He was a rebellious teen after his mom died and his dad's strictures and withdrawal divided them. He's had his affairs, but for the most part has settled down to his work and doing what he can for family. He quickly acts on his attraction to Katie and patiently pursues her though she pulls back each time. The way he kept secrets around her made it obvious what the big conflict was going to be in the end- yep, those secrets will come out, buddy.

Katie on the other hand has no real roots, but her whole life has been spent as a doormat for her self-absorbed parents. Katie acts mousy and looks mousy and has trouble believing a guy like Vance is really interested and she has no clue what to do with his interest. She is the product of long-term emotional abuse from parents who put her down constantly so she can't see her gifts, skills, personality, and looks like everyone in Harmony does. I struggle with this type of heroine because I don't have a lot of patience for the sort of stuff she allowed and put up with, but I also was angry on her behalf and really wanted her to come into her own and tell her parent's off.

I really felt Katie's need to stand on her own and Vance's need for a repaired relationship with his dad were more front and center than the romance which came on quick with the feelings of love once they did something about the attraction. It made sense that they had to deal with individual situations before they were ready for something together.

All in all, Vance was definitely a Sweet Southern Bad Boy and Katie was a fun California girl to match him in this light, slightly spicy small town Contemporary Romance that I can recommend to those who enjoy it, too.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tonya Lucas.
1,266 reviews19 followers
June 3, 2017
Michele Summers Sweet Southern Bad Boy is truly a wonderful, hilarious, up-lifting book from the 1st page to the final sentence.
What do you get when a stressed out author is taking care of his brother's three young- hyper adorable children, an extremely important book deadline, and no clue as to what's about to happen to him, when a Hollywood location scout appears at his door? Mistaken identity, that's a sure bet. Katie only wants to talk to him about using his old farmhouse as a movie location for her father's Hollywood production company, what she finds is not what she's expecting.
Mr. Pirate-sexy himself, ohh la la, is that relief or annoyance in his eyes, she's experiencing?
Vance Kerner only wants to finish his 3rd book in his Honor series, but writer's block has taken root and three young children are demanding more than he bargained for, so thank goodness the nanny has finally arrive, or has she??
Neither expected the saving grace they find from one another.
Vance and Katie both face unexpected turmoil from their dad's, very heartbreaking, but together they find their strengths and courage to heal the grief that plagues them both. Together they emerge on the other side stronger than ever.
Harmony, NC., might have been Katie's unexpected destination, but it may very well be her life-altering fate.
This is truly one of the most fun-entertaining books I've read all year. So grab your beach towel, a favorite beverage, and indulge yourself into Harmony, NC., and enjoy the hot sexy-fun that's about to unveil itself.
Michele Summers does not disappoint, she lights this one on fire with sweet southern passion, she sparks!!!
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
December 27, 2016
Slick's Review

Sometimes I’ll admit I judge a book by its cover and Sweet Southern Bad Boy is one of them; I saw the cover and decided it looked like something I’d like, then I read the description and I knew I had to take a chance on this new to me author and I’m so glad I did. There was something endearing about the downtrodden heroine, the intriguing but closed off hero, his adorable nephews and niece, the crazy town folks, and the impossible situation they found themselves in. This book was charming, it was humorous, it was witty and it was sexy and I loved every single minute I spent inside its pages.

Katie McKnight knows she’s found the perfect house for her father’s next mini -series, now she only needs to convince her dad and the man who owns the house and property. Making a deal with NY Times best-selling author Vance Kerner to help with his nephews and niece for the next month as he finishes the third book in his series, seems like a great idea but the more time she spends with Vance the more confused her life seems to get.

There was something magical about the relationship between Katie and Vance and considering they didn’t even get physical until very late in this book. I loved the way Vance appreciated every facet of Katie’s personality and her ability to wrangle the kids into submission with her unusual but effective tactics. Katie’s ability to see past Vance’s manwhorish tendencies and her determination to get to the bottom of his rift with his father, made me love her even more. I also appreciated how much she respected the people of the town and the town itself and while she was there to secure a location for the mini-series, it soon became evident that Katie was beginning to want more out of her life than being at her father’s beck and call.

Sweet Southern Bad Boy was an absolute delight, I laughed so many times, I rejoiced, and I even shed a tear or two, but overall this book was low on drama and high on fun and sexiness and I can’t wait to discover more from author Michelle Summer.

Review copy given with no expectations.
Profile Image for Mona Garg.
207 reviews7 followers
February 5, 2017
Thanks Goodreads' FirstReads for my review copy.

Katie McKnight is a location scout for her father's company, McKnight Studios. She comes upon a remote barn house in the small southern town of Harmony, the perfect setting for their upcoming teen vampire miniseries. Her repeated knocking brings her face-to-face with Vance Kerner, who, to Katie resembles a sexy pirate. "Pirate Man" immediately assumes she is the nanny sent by the agency. Although a bestselling author, he is currently responsible for, and overwhelmed by, the care of his brother's three kids. Hearing that he is running late for a meeting and hoping to win him over, Katie offers to watch his nephews. This earns her his gratitude and...a kiss.

The story, told from the points of view of both Katie and Vance, gives the reader a sense of each's backstory and take on events. Besides the main protagonists, there are several quirky and memorable peripheral characters that were fun to meet. They all had their distinct personalities. Summers' writing style is very readable. She uses simple language and vivid descriptions. The humor interspersed throughout provides comic relief from the more serious, emotional parts.

Katie and Vance come from different worlds. Vance grew up in a small town, while Katie was raised in glamorous Hollywood. But family dysfunction doesn't discriminate and is something they have in common and bond over. Early on, the chemistry and sexual tension between them is off the charts. The reader eagerly anticipates the eventual break and, when it inevitably comes, the scenes are passionate and very graphic.

I loved this book. I looked forward to reading it. I wanted to finish it, and yet I didn't, so am having somewhat of a book hangover. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed, unsatisfying, and incomplete. I wanted just a bit more of Katie and Vance. That being said, I very much enjoyed my first title by Summers and was thrilled that an excerpt from her upcoming Sweet Southern Trouble was included at the end.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,089 reviews13 followers
December 6, 2016
I love small town romances, and SWEET SOUTHERN BAD BOY is sure to appeal to anyone that loves this genre. Vance is a writer with writer's block and also responsible for his sister's kids while she recovers from an accident. Katie enters his life when she comes to scout sites for her father's movie business.
Katie is smart and she does a lot of changing in this story. She has a way with kids and this brings a lot of fun to the story. Unfortunately, she is not strong when it comes to her family or ex-boyfriend. She loves teaching kids but is manipulated into returning to the family business. To them, she is a failure. To me, this brings a sense of realism to the story. People can be one way out in the world, but the dynamics can be quite different in family.
Vance is fascinated by Katie and the magic way she handles the kids. There are lots of sparks between the two as they get to know each other. The road to romance hits some bumps when Katie's dad tries some more interfering, but the sexy Vance shows that the "bad boy" has a real good side, especially with those he loves. I haven't read a book by Ms Summers before, but I will definitely be reading more of her writing in the future. This story is fun and sexy and it hit the right notes with me.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,564 followers
December 12, 2016
I adore small town romances. Quirky townspeople. Central gossip spots. Everyone knowing everyone. Everyone knowing everything . . . Sweet Southern Bad Boy ticks off all the boxes. I adored my time spent in Harmony, North Carolina today as I devoured the story of Katie McKnight and Vance Kerner.

Katie is out scouting locations for her father’s TV studio, when she comes across what is the perfect setting for the teen vampire series. Out to prove she’s cut out for this job, Katie musters the courage to knock on the door only to be greeted by the gorgeous, gruff owner and mistaken for the new nanny.

To say Vance has had his hands full is an understatement. A best-selling author under tight deadline who’s suffering from crippling writer’s block and watching his brother’s three young children, kitten and dog for his recovering sister-in-law needs all the help he can get! When Katie graces his doorway—Vance is relieved, until he finds out just exactly what she’s there for—and no way in hell is he going to grant her access to his property . . . well, not today . . . maybe he’ll agree tomorrow . . .

Gah. From their very first meeting, the attraction and sexual tension is piqued between Katie and Vance. I LOVED how Katie took charge of the three kids and, quite honestly, Vance too. Their banter was flirty and fun from their first few minutes. Add in Vance’s life-long friends Brogan, Lucy, and Bertie and Bertie’s husband, Keith, plus all the town gossips—nothing gets past the Harmony residents, even the most outrageous of rumors. I loved how the town rallied around Lucy and Vance. The diner rumors and tryouts for the TV series were a hoot too!

“Told ya’, they’re filming sex.”
“Vance is making porno with that Hollywood gal?”
“He’s a porn star. Never did believe he wrote no books.”
“Don’t worry. It’ll die down, and they’ll be onto something else . . . eventually,” Bertie said.


Sweet Southern Bad Boy is book three in the Harmony Homecomings series but it’s a complete stand alone. But I will be going back to read the first two books, I had too much fun with these characters and want to spend a lot more time in Harmony with them. ~ Missy, 5 stars
Profile Image for patrick Lorelli.
3,756 reviews37 followers
March 23, 2017
Katie McKnight is working for her father who owns a movie studio and she thinks she has found the perfect location for a new series that they are going to be making. She loves the house, the old trees, and is just the feel for the vampire series. What she does not except is the screaming coming from inside the house and the little boy she is looking at who is a mess, along with the inside of the home. When she meets the owner Vance Kerner who is an author and is late for a meeting, she cannot get a word in edge wise because of all of the noise. After a fantastic whistle that calms everyone down for a short while she explains that she is not the nanny from the agency, but a location scout for a movie studio. She also agrees to watch the three children while he goes to his meeting. Vance is so taking by Katie that he wants to do anything to keep her there with him. He is watching his brother’s three children while he is deployed and his sister in law is recovering from a fall she took. Taken back by the quietness and the house being cleaned when he comes back from his meeting the two of them come to an agreement of Katie helping him with the children so he can meet his deadline for his new book, and will sign the contract. This at least is what he tells her because Vance has fallen for her and just does not know how far yet. Both of them are attracted to one another, and at the same time have to work through issues with their fathers. What really makes this book is all of the characters that surround these two people and how the author weaves them in and out of the story to make it funny, or a little serious at times. Both the lead characters are ones everyone likes and everyone wants them together but they need to take care of the past in order to have a future. This is a very good book, and has some very funny moments. I really enjoyed all of the characters also. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Profile Image for LeeAnne.
491 reviews6 followers
December 13, 2016
3.5 Stars

I think this book has a good premise but it’s very slow and I did a lot of skimming.

Katie McKnight’s father owns a movie studio and Katie has held a ton of jobs for him, never able to make one work. Now her father has her scouting places for his next movie and Katie’s already managed to screw up once, knowing this is her last chance she heads to the home of Vance Kerner, bestselling author, hoping she can convince him to let them film on his property. When Katie arrives at Vance’s he thinks she’s the nanny for his 3 nieces and nephews and she’ll pulled into his crazy life. Vance knows straight off the bat that Katie is something special and wants to keep her in his life forever, even if it requires he lie to her about what he knows her father is really up to.

I did really like the chemistry between Katie and Vance and the mystery that went along with both Vance and Katie having issues with their fathers. I also really enjoyed that it’s not an instant love – they both grow as people and develop a friendship before a relationship.

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Profile Image for  Reading In Pajamas .
1,091 reviews105 followers
December 13, 2016
Spotlight, Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: SWEET SOUTHERN BAD BOY (Harmony Homecomings) by Michele Summers http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-7ln
►Enter Rafflecopter (5 Copies of FIND MY WAY HOME) ➢ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...
Publication Date: December 6, 2016
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars

REVIEW:
I completely enjoyed this contemporary romance about a big city girl finding herself in a small southern town. I connected with Katie right away and completely understood her falling for sexy Vance. The eclectic town-folk added a fun touch to the story and made it seem so real. At one point, Vance did something that I didn’t really like. I settled in, thinking that Katie would react like in other books. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. She reacted like I would and I loved it. This book made me smile, cringe, swoon and tear-up. It hit all my buttons.

*Review copy provide by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle http://amzn.to/2dCEBua
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,250 reviews52 followers
December 7, 2016
I LOVED this book. I was completely sucked in. It resulted in a book hangover. Katie is my favorite character and one of my favorite heroines I read about. I can relate to her. It was beautiful to watch her blossom in Harmony. The children were so adorable. Then you have Vance. He's definitely a bad boy with a sweet side along with his sexy side. I laughed a lot while reading this one and that usually means a winner in my book. I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Julia.
125 reviews39 followers
July 1, 2017
Cute romance with quirky small-town charm.

Unfortunately, I think it will become dated very quickly due to pop culture references.

3 🌟 = I liked it but I don't think there was anything particularly outstanding about it.
4,816 reviews16 followers
December 12, 2016
Katie was a location scout who wouldn't have any luck at all if it wasn’t for bad luck. Katie had went looking for a perfect location for a horror miniseries and she found it in rural North Carolina. Katie had a manila envelope with the McKnight studio contract with her. It was Katie’s last shot before she was fired by her dad. When Katie knocked a little boy- or so she thought opened the door then .a giant of a man said he was glad she was finally there as he had to hurry to a very important meeting. This man was Vance and he thought she was a nanny sent by the agency he had contacted. The nanny was to take care of Danny who was three, Dover who was five, and Donald who was seven. It had been a while since Vance had help by the looks of the kitchen that was in a mess. Vance was the children’s uncle who was watching the kids while their mother recuperated from a skiing accident that broke both her legs and three ribs when she was with her husband Erik who was Vance’s brother but now back in Afghanistan in charge of training and advising Afghan partners. Katie finally made it clear she wasn’t the nanny Vance was hoping for but she would watch the kids for the couple of hours Vance needed for his meeting if he would give her fifteen minutes of his time when he returned. Vance gave Katie a quick hard kiss before he left and Katie felt it all over her body unlike with Tad her boyfriend. Tad and Katie were on a break for almost four months now Tad had wanted the break. Over the past two years Katie has worked with her dad’s studio as a production runner, production assistant, even boom operator but nothing seemed to fit Katie. Vance was a writer and was suppose to be writing while taking care of Erik’s kids. Mike was Vance’s friend and agent and who Vance was having the meeting with. Vance only had four weeks to get his book done before the deadline. Vance also had the kids for another four weeks. When Vance told his agent who was at his house Mile told Vance to keep Katie there until he got back to Vance as she was a link to selling his books to McKnight Studio and have the books be made into a screenplay and then a movie. Vance already had went through three agencies to find a nanny for the kids , Vance believed the kids purposely scared them all away. Vance’s dad also owned some of the property they lived on and he would have had a meltdown with anything being filmed on the property. When Vance got back from his meeting the house was cleaned and the kids were behaving. Katie used a military approach to deem punishment and a reward if the kids were good. Danny was dressed as the girl she was when Vance returned then she threw a temper tantrum and had to go to boot camp after that Danny behaved. Katie offered to watch the kids the next four weeks then Vance could work on his book and reach his deadline. In return Vance would sign the contract to use his land. Vance talked Katie into staying for dinner then a for a glass of wine. Then Vance’s friends showed up and before Katie knew what was happening she was standing in Vance’s master suite while Vance went to the barn. Vance had had an office installed in the barn with a living space. Katie could easily give into Vance’s charm but she felt that wouldn’t be a good idea. No matter what Katie did she
Couldn’t please her parents. Katie had taught for five years in the public school system but her father and mother wore her down and she quit as being a Mcknight she had to work for the studio in some capacity. Katie still wasn’t sure how she ended up watching three kids and Vance hadn’t signed the contract yet. Katie and her boyfriend Tad were on a break until Katie could prove she could stick to this job and do it right. Tad had been a nice guy until he started working at the studio for her father and be a butt kisser. Tad had also started on Katie about her career choice and she felt betrayed. Katie and Vance bot desire each other but Katie feels she can’t let it happen.
I loved this book , i just enjoyed reading it. I hated how Katie’s parents treated her and thought they knew what was best for Katie after all she was twenty eight years old. They wouldn’t put Katie’s happiness first and I didn’t like that at all. I loved how Katie finally did what she had to do. I feel the book had a great plot and I absolutely loved the characters especially the General and all the people of Harmony just added to the story. I love the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kathy .
3,801 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2016
3.5 stars

The newest installment in Michele Summers' Harmony Homecomings series, Sweet Southern Bad Boy is a charming romance between a California cutie and a grouchy Southern author. This latest release can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the previous novels as well.

Twenty-eight year old Katie McKnight is hoping that finding the perfect location for an upcoming miniseries will finally impress her impossible to satisfy father. The youngest of three siblings, she has never quite measured up to her parents' unrealistic expectations and as a result, she gave up her teaching job in order to work in the family business. With extremely low self-esteem due to her mother's disparaging comments about Katie's appearance and her loathsome (sort of ex) boyfriend Tad's equally withering observations, Katie is a bit of a doormat who finds it impossible to stand up for herself. Absolutely convinced she has found the right place for her father's next project, Katie has her work cut out for persuading the owner to sign the contract.

Novelist Vance Kerner is under deadline but temporarily caring for his brother's rambunctious children leaves him little time or energy to work on his novel. Initially mistaking Katie for his newly hired nanny, he agrees to listen to her proposition in exchange for her taking care of the kids. Vance has no intention of allowing her father film on his property but Katie hopes that over time, she'll convince him change his mind so she agrees to work for him temporarily while he writes his novel. Vance has a serious case of lust for Katie, but this bad boy is really a Southern gentleman in disguise so he tries to keep his distance from his curvaceous nanny.

On paper, Vance and Katie are perfect for each other but their relationship follows a formulaic pattern with very predictable external conflicts and betrayals. Katie's self-doubts quickly become repetitive and since she loved her career as a teacher, it is impossible to understand why she allowed her father to manipulate her into giving up her job to work for him. It is also a little incomprehensible that Katie allows her self-absorbed and shallow mother's comments to have such a negative effect on her self-image. Katie's relationship with Tad is also a little hard to believe since she clearly sees that he is using her as a stepping stone in his career. Why she does not cut him loose is a complete mystery and it is incredibly frustrating that she continues to let him get to her. Her father's sneaky behind the scenes maneuvering is also a source of irritation and it is extremely maddening that Vance allows himself to get sucked into his scheme. It is very easy to guess how Katie is going to react once she learns the truth about what has been happening behind her back but thankfully, this is just the impetus she needs to finally discover her backbone, confront her parents and make decisions about her future that are based on what is best for her.

Despite some frustration with overused plot devices, Sweet Southern Bad Boy is a cute romance between two very likable characters. Insta-lust quickly turns to insta-love which results in a very fast progression of Vance and Katie's relationship. With plenty of witty banter, cutsey nicknames and a cast of quirky characters, this latest outing in Michele Summers' Harmony Homecomings series will appeal to readers who enjoy small-town romances.
Profile Image for Mommaleena.
678 reviews14 followers
December 7, 2016
SWEET SOUTHERN BAD BOY (Book 3: Harmony Homecoming Series) by Michele Summers

•Pirate Man

What an amazingly wonderful instant love at first sight love❤️ story. Although both main characters had some major growing/changing they needed to do before they could settle down and be not only happy with themselves, but each other. I absolutely enjoyed reading their journey along the way! It was not only my first Michele Summers book, but my first Harmony Homecoming book and although this is book #3, I didn't feel lost while reading it. Each story could be tag as a standalone novel, I do however look forward to reading not only the first two books that are already published... ​Find My Way Home (Book One: Harmony Homecomings Series) ~ Bertie and Keith's story, Not So New In Town (Book Two: Harmony Homecomings Series) ~ Lucy and Brogan's story, and Sweet Southern Trouble (Book Four: Harmony Homecomings Series) that's due out May 2017! Not only is this an exciting series, but an author I plan to follow to see what she comes out with besides this series, awesome job!

While on a job scouting for her father's famous Hollywood movie studio, Katie McKnight gets lost, but feels she's found the perfect shooting location for her father's upcoming zombie teen miniseries. Even though it has all the requirements/specifications that the set has listed, it's not the location her father wants, he wants it on the coast. Katie is doing everything she can to get the owner of the property to sign the contact, even going as far add to saying she'll be his life in many whole he finishes his third novel as long as he signs her contract.

Vance Kerner is a New York best selling author who's 3rd novel's deadline is fast approaching. However with his brother deployed and his sister in-law laid up in bed after an accident leaving her with two broken legs, it leaves him to care for his two nephews and niece until she can get back on her feet. But finding the time to write is extremely impossible, there just isn't enough hours in the day. Vince has a newfound appreciation for his sister in-law who for all intense purposes is a single mother while her husband (his brother) is deployed, how in the world does she do it all? In comes who Vance thinks is the nanny here hired from the agency... However, there kiss have chased them away and no new ones are coming. Katie is a lifesaver who arrived in the nick of time to save Vance's butt. He's late for a meeting about his book and she astonishes him with her immediate control over the three kids whom he lives dearly, but they run him ragged. His once clean house shows it too!

Can Katie help wrangle the kids so Vance can get his book finished on time? Will he in turn sign the contact so Katie can prove to her father she can do the job? How hard will things get between Katie and Vance, the towns playboy, does he change his ways? You'll have to read SWEET SOUTHERN BAD BOY (Book 3: Harmony Homecoming Series) to find out, but oh boy is worth your time! I received an ARC via Tasty Book Tours through NetGalley in exchange for an honest blog tour review. Due to sexual situations, this book is recommended for readers 17 and older!
Profile Image for Penny.
610 reviews15 followers
December 27, 2016
3.5 “Pirate man” Stars

Vance is a best-selling author in trouble. Between a deadline looming, his three under-seven-years-old nephews living with him, and a case of writer’s block, he is drowning. When a pretty woman knocks on his door just as he needs to head into a meeting, he takes her for the expected nanny. Only Katie is not a nanny but a location scout for her father’s Hollywood studio. When Vance laughs in her face after hearing her reason for being on his property, she offers him a deal, she’ll help with his nephews so he can go to his meeting if he listens to her proposal.

Katie has been jumping from job to job in her father’s company. Since she was heavily encouraged to leave her teaching position and come work in the family’s enterprise, she hasn’t found the right fit. Now, being a location scout allows her to play with her photography, the other thing she enjoys besides her passion for teaching. Unfortunately, Katie needs to not suck at this job or she will disappoint her father. Again. So it’s paramount that Vance agrees to her proposal of using his house as a set for the studio’s next mini-series.

Vance doesn’t need another distraction, and Katie with all her sweetness and incredibly compelling natural charm is one big sexy distraction. He also desperately needs help with the kids if he ever wants to finish this book. So they strike a deal, Katie will move in and help him with his nephews whom she seems to have a natural way with, and he’ll consider the studio’s deal. Katie hasn’t had the most perfect childhood, she’s grown accustomed to being a disappointment to both her mother and father. Add a currently-on-a-break-until-she-can-prove-herself git of boyfriend and her self-esteem was practically non-existing.

Vance has never been more drawn to a woman as he is to Katie, but he can’t allow himself to go there. Well, he tries to keep his distance and fails. When things between them start to go well Vance’s choices could jeopardize everything they’ve built. I’m not fond of insecure, backbone-less heroines, so Katie’s lack of ability to stand up to her overbearing parents was not my favorite part of this story. Fortunately, she begins to make changes along the way which slowly turn her into a much more likable character for me. She’s sweet, caring and incredibly crafty with the kids.

Vance was charming, funny and although it took him some time to acknowledge his feelings for Katie, he did redeem himself by the end.

All in all, Sweet Southern Bad Boy was a fun, light and sweet romance with crazy kids, an even crazier town filled with busybodies and steamy sexiness and I had a great time reading it.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Profile Image for Danielle.
1,339 reviews51 followers
September 20, 2016
I have only read the previous book by Ms. Summers in this series so when I saw Sweet Southern Bad Boy was up for review of course I had to read it. Just the title alone had me clicking request and then the Blurb just sealed the deal.

Katie wants to please her parents and that's something she has never been good at. She has a new position with her father's tv studio as a location scout and this is her last chance to prove she can do the job. When Katie arrives at the perfect house she has no idea what the owner will say about filming there but when Vance opens the door and thinks Katie is the new nanny she will do just about anything to get him to listen to her proposal.

Vance is watching his brother's three young children while his sister in law is recovering from an accident. After all family helps family, but when the kids are going through nannies like water and his deadline coming up he needs the help. He should have known the beautiful Katie wasn't a nanny from the way she was dressed but he needs to get to a meeting. After promising if she watched the kids he would listen to her proposal what he doesn't expect is wanting her to stick around for good.

I really enjoyed this story. Sweet Southern Bad Boy was cute, funny and everything I love in a romance novel. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and how close they all were or becoming. Summers has a special talent in bringing out their personalities that balanced each other out. While Vance was bold with his attention, Katie was a little more on the "this is only business" but I loved the fight she gave herself.

The kids made this book even better. While they weren't Vance's kids I enjoyed watching this family play house and just knew that Katie would end up fitting into this family. The love scenes were just the right amount of steamy and emotional for the couple. It just wasn't about having sex but bonding them in a way they weren't expecting. They had chemistry, desire, and passion.

All the characters developed over the four week period in a timely manner especially Katie. She went from wanting to please her family to finally figuring out she needed to please herself first. It took a lot of guts for her to want to start a new life and new career and I could see Vance and her new friends helped put it all in prospective for her. She finally wasn't alone and I'm glad Summers wrote it how it was.

As far as the ending went, I did think it was a little extreme but I don't want to spoil it for those who plan on reading it. I would have rather it gone a different way but overall I loved Sweet Southern Bad Boy and suggest everyone buy it!
Profile Image for Kristen Johnson.
1,173 reviews48 followers
December 6, 2016
In trying to win favor with her father and prove herself to not just him, but her ex, Katie's trying to do the best job she can as location scout for her father's upcoming miniseries. When she stumbles upon what she feels could be the perfect location, Katie's willing to do anything to get the owner's agreement. But Katie doesn't know what her father's got going behind her back, and doesn't realize how her life is about to change from this stumbled upon location and the people in it.

Vance didn't realize what he was getting himself into by agreeing to keep his brother's children while his sister in law healed from an injury. He's got a fast approaching deadline for his latest book, a lack of words, and no clue how he's going to finish while keeping all of the kids alive. When Katie stumbles onto his property and lands on his doorstep offering to keep the kids while he takes a meeting, he's wary but all to happy to accept her help. But to get her help, he's got to listen to her sales pitch, something he already knows he doesn't want to agree too, but desperation and a little something else tug at him to keep her there.

Sweet Southern Bad Boy was a fun read! I really enjoyed both characters and getting to know them. They definitely had their own problems, mostly family issues, but I liked how they could help the other see things that they hadn't before. Katie helped Vance and his estranged father come to a mutual understanding and eventually forgiveness, while Vance helped Katie see that she needed to break free from her father's control and be who she was. I really liked the underlying connection between Katie and Vance that grew as she watched the kids and continued to wait for his approval for use of his land.

This book took was about more than these two characters finding love together. It was about forgiveness, about finding your own way, even if it meant rebelling against those who should love you for who you are. It was a story about standing up for yourself, about doing what you love and last of all, it was a story of finding love where and when you least expect too.

Michele Summers grabbed me into the story from page one, curious to see if Katie would be able to swing Vance to her side, and then she hooked me further with the hilarity that was a grown man trying to wrangle three kids who seemed to be reigning supreme. The writing was beautiful, the chracters unique and relatable, and the story fun; all together Sweet Southern Bad Boy was a book I couldn't wait to finish reading.
Profile Image for LJT.
1,257 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2016
4.5 Stars!

​​​​​Sweet Southern Bad Boy by new to me author Michele Summers, is a fun and sexy small-town romance. This charming story is replete with desire, cuteness, and cast of very eccentric characters. Although this is the third book from the author's Harmony Homecomings series, it can be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone.

Harmony, North Carolina is where best-selling author Vance Kerner calls home. He has written over a dozen war thrillers, and now he is suffering from writer's block. Finding time to write is difficult, because Vance is temporarily taking care of his brother's three young children, and they are quite a handful.

Twenty-eight year old Katie McKnight is the daughter of one of Hollywood's movers and shakers. Her father has always run her life, and Katie has never been able to stand up to him. Thus, she has held various positions within his TV organization and has never been successful. Her heart belongs to photography and educating children, which her father believes to be bad career choices. She ends up on Vance's doorstep while scouting locations for her father's new miniseries.

Katie and Vance share an instant attraction, which evolves into so much more. She takes over the care of his niece and nephews, while he finishes his book and signs the contracts for the use of his property for the miniseries. They fall in love very quickly and challenge each other indirectly.

I enjoyed this novel and Ms. Summers's uncomplicated method of storytelling. Katie and Vance are wonderful together and I loved the way the author developed them both individually and as a couple. Their sexual encounters are steamy and the emotion they share is tangible. This is a well-written book with some twists and turns that kept me entertained from beginning to end.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for BookSnuggle.
1,233 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2016
If you need a fun and steamy romance to escape for a little while, then "Sweet Southern Bad Boy" is for you. This book was so much fun! Katie and Vance are so great together. I was hooked from the beginning to the end.

"Sweet Southern Bad Boy" by Michele Summers is book number three in the "Harmony Homecomings" series. This is Katie McKnight and bestselling author Vance Kerner's story.

Vance is on a deadline to complete a novel and he has writer's block. Well, in his defense he has taken responsibility to care for his brother's three kids while deployed and their mother is recovering from an injury. Saying his brother's three kids are very energetic children is an understatement.

Katie is out to prove to her father that she is not a loser. She wants to find the perfect location for her dad's miniseries. Katie decides that Vance's home is the perfect spot for this miniseries but Vance is not on board.

Katie needs Vance to agree to using his home for her dad's mini series and Vance needs help with the kids so that he can attempt to meet the deadline on his novel. Not to mention that they both have family issues that are not resolved. Then to top it off the sexual tension between them is off the charts. So, how will they deal with this situation?

Vance and Katie's story was a blast to read. It was so much fun to read and a great stress reliever. A fantastic funny, hot, and heartfelt story.

FYI, includes mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jess O. (From Jess to You).
1,365 reviews38 followers
February 6, 2017
"4 out of 5 stars!! Katie (Kathryn) has been called a free-spirit most of her life, though the term wasn’t one of endearment and it was something she always tried to curb because of her parents domineering ways. Therefore, when she meets Vance it is under the guise of trying to have him sign a contract so she’ll have the rights to use his house and land in one of her father’s upcoming movie productions as an attempt to get into good light with her Dad. Yet what seems so simple at first, turns into controlled chaos when Vance and Katie get into another arrangement all together. Now with their lives pushed together, they find shared common ground, shared passions, but what will happen with them once their deadline arrives and their arrangement ends? Will they find that being together is truly where their hearts are at, or is moving on best for the both of them?

An unexpected delight that knocked me out of left field. I had been hearing about this novel non-stop for a while, and because I really enjoyed Ms. Summers’ "Not So New In Town" (Book 2), I was excited to check this novel out too. Yet though it had the charming dynamic, I anticipated from a Ms. Summers novel I was surprised when the plot hits you sideways and takes you on a ride that you didn’t foresee coming. All in all..."

Read more of this review and TWO TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2017/02/feasted-on-harmony-homecomings-series.html
Profile Image for Wyldrabbit.
219 reviews9 followers
September 15, 2016
Book 3 of this series. I have not... I repeat.. have not read the first couple books, so I am sure that if I did, the book would come together better. :) Fast Paced energetic book. Great flow. I liked Vance quite a bit. I was not hooked on Katie or her California lifestyle and speak. I got hers more than his. I did like the exchanges between Vance and Katie and it is apparent that this author moves with a younger generation, which is great. I don't see that half as much as I want to. This was a fun read. I enjoyed it. The only thing that drew away from the story was the writing career was kind of too well plotted and his friends were not as I would have expected. All were quick and too all together. I did love it, and will recommend it . :)

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,767 reviews56 followers
September 24, 2016
Marie's Tempting Reads Netgalley ARC Review:

Fun, sexy, flirty, Sweet Southern Bad Boy will charm and delight you! The first thing that popped out at me was this incredibly sexy cover. Then the blurb drew me in and the story sealed the deal. I fell in love with Katie and Vance. Their chemistry was off the charts HOT HOT HOT and the romance sizzled and crackled...like a nice lightening storm. I was SO impressed with this writing that I want to shout it out on the rooftops!

I really anjoy a romance that is both fun and sigh-worthy. Sweet Southern Bad Boy definitely was both and I LOVED IT. I am going to be looking out for more books by Michele Summers, that is for sure.

Sweet Southern Bad Boy gets a BAD TO THE BONE FIVE SHOOTING STARS! Don't miss out on a romance that will delight you and excite you. Its sexy and yummy..an absolute treasure!
Profile Image for Becky Burciaga.
1,530 reviews18 followers
November 8, 2016
A wonderfully sweet and entertaining story filled with humor, passion, romance and A LOT of very quirky characters. The story starts off at a fast pace and rapidly hooks you for a truly fun ride loaded with Southern charm. Vance and Katie have a chemistry that fairly leaps off the page, quickly becoming an enjoyably sweet and sexy pair; you'll find yourself emotionally invested long before the story reaches the midway point. Ms Summers has done a fantastic job in the continuance of the series with a succinct backstory bringing you up to speed on the key characters, without taking away from the current story. Her characters are extremely likable, with distinct personalities and voices. I look forward to more from her in the coming year.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
12 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2016
Summers has done it again! I can’t tell you how much I loved this story. I don’t even know where to begin. Katie and Vance was such a fun couple to fall in love with. Their chemistry is off the charts and reading about all the other characters in Harmony was like coming home again. This story will keep you laughing, with a few tears thrown in for good measure, and a real happy ever after that will melt your heart. If you haven’t read Summers, you need to start NOW. She’s my new go-to contemporary romance writer. All three of her books can be read as stand alones, so feel free to start with this one; it’s my favorite so far. 5- STARS for sure! Can’t wait for the next one. Way to go Ms. Summers!
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,916 reviews172 followers
November 27, 2016
It is gratifying when an author can entertain and rearrange commonplace stereotypes. Ms. Summers stirs up some serious sex appeal while delivering a sassy ball of laughs and heart along the way. Within the pages of Sweet Southern Bad Boy lies heated encounters, cuddly troublemakers and an aura of irresistible fun. To babysit or not to babysit? Kids, a man in over his head and a major dose of tender humour. That's just the recipe for a fun filled afternoon courtesy of a clueless duo. Definitely something to talk about.
Profile Image for Happily Mary After.
1,013 reviews139 followers
December 1, 2016
Sweet Southern Bad Boy by Michele Summers is a thoroughly enjoyable book. It’s fun, romantic and sexy and features a cast of endearing characters set in a charming small town. Vance Kerner might be my new book boyfriend, because he’s genuinely just sweet as the book's title implies in a hot, bad boy’s body. He helped Katie find her inner strength and realize her own beauty. Sweet Southern Bad Boy is an all around wonderful story and not to be missed!

ARC kindly provided by publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
1,396 reviews11 followers
November 11, 2016
I kept wondering if Katie walked around with a sign on her back that said, "walk all over me". By the time she finally gets a clue, it's almost too late.
I don't see the"bad boy" in Vance. I saw a family man that will do anything for those that he loves. So when Katie becomes one of the people that he loves, he stops at nothing to fix everything so they can be together. Katie however had a few ideas of her own.
Profile Image for Pam.
474 reviews
February 24, 2017
New author for me and I really loved this book I didn't realize it was book 3 in a series so now I am going to go and get the other books to read them. I loved the character Vance and Katie McKnight was great. They are surrounded by a great cast of characters including 3 kids (one is a girl who thinks she is boy) a cat, dog and some very funny busy bodies in a small town. Great story and I can't wait to read the rest.
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