Romance is in the Southern air in these novels. Whether they’re spending the summer together in a small town, avoiding feelings for each other in Appalachia or looking for second chances on the coast, these couples know that the South can be the perfect place to fall in love.
Take a look at these seven romance novels set in the South and discover the charm of the region!
If you’re participating in the Crazy4Fiction Reading Challenge, pick a book to fulfill the Southern romance or set in a state you haven’t lived in prompt!
McKenna and Nate
Not What We Pictured
By Becca Kinzer
Tennessee
All McKenna wants to do is see her sister get engaged. But when her plans go awry and the heirloom ring meant for her sister accidentally ends up with Nate, a handsome stranger, McKenna travels to his small hometown in Tennessee to get it. Little does she know, Nate’s luggage was lost by the airline.
McKenna has no choice but to wait until Nate’s luggage is returned. Over the course of the summer, McKenna and Nate grow closer as they help renovate a local B&B and plan a community concert. The quirky townspeople add laugh-out-loud moments to this forced-proximity rom-com.
Opal and Lincoln
Beach Haven
By T. I. Lowe
South Carolina
Opal and Lincoln couldn’t be more different if they tried. Opal is the free-spirted owner of a funky ocean-side boutique. Lincoln is a new-to-town military veteran who wants to shut out the world. When Opal tries to befriend the ex-Marine and offers him a job at her store, Lincoln gruffly dismisses her.
But then a hurricane strikes and Opal’s store is damaged. As Lincoln helps Opal restore her business, they both start to heal from the wounds of their past and consider what their futures could look like. This grumpy-sunshine romance is the perfect summer beach read.
Lizbeth and William
The Heart of Bennet Hollow
By Joanne Bischof DeWitt
Virginia
This Pride and Prejudice retelling is set in an Appalachian coal mining town in 1904. There, Lizbeth and her family try to preserve the family farm while the coal mine goes up for sale. Coal barons descend on the town, among them the very rich—and very single—William.
Lizbeth and William butt heads over what should be done with the mine, but as they continue to meet around town, Lizbeth questions her first impression. She’ll have to confront her own prejudices and decide if the future she’s always imagined is the one she truly wants.
Josie and August
Driftwood Dreams
By T. I. Lowe
South Carolina
Josie and August have known each other since high school, but while August went away to college and Paris to pursue art, Josie put aside her artistic dreams to stay in South Carolina to help her dad. But now August is back and asking for Josie’s help.
August knows Josie has closed off parts of herself since her mother’s death. He hopes to awaken Josie’s artistic side by asking her to join him in opening a children’s art camp. To fulfill their dreams, Josie and August will have to put aside their apprehension in this friends-to-more romance.
Cadence and Joshua
All Through the Night
By Tara Johnson
Washington, DC
During the Civil War, Cadence longs to do her part for the Union. Turned away from being a nurse, Cadence looks to use her soothing singing voice to help injured soldiers in the hospital. But one doctor stands in her way.
Joshua is a doctor at Judiciary Square Hospital and works clandestinely to help turn the tide of the war. He can’t have Cadence destroying his carefully laid plans. But when Cadence gets caught up in a secret society Joshua’s been investigating, the course of their lives will change forever in this rivals-to-more historical romance.
Sophia and Weston
Sea Glass Castle
By T. I. Lowe
South Carolina
Both Sophia and Weston settle in the small town of Sunset Cove after devastating circumstances. Sophia, a newly single mom, is supported by her family and friends in a town she loves but is struggling to find her place. All Weston wants to do is fade into the background of a small town and survive.
But the nosy townspeople want these two eligible singles to find love. So to get them off their case, Sophia and Weston cook up a fake-dating scheme. All the time spent together gives them hope for a second chance neither had thought they’d find.
Josephine and Dodge
In These Hills
By Tamera Alexander
Tennessee
City suffragist Josephine is on the run from a deadly rally in Atlanta and eager to find a small town to hideaway in. Dodge, a local ranch foreman, reluctantly agrees to give her a ride to Lynchburg, Tennessee, and Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House.
As Josephine searches for work so she can support herself, she discovers the only job matching her skills is at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Working at the distillery puts her in close contact with Dodge and they both start to reconsider their impressions of the other in this opposites-attract historical.
