Y’all ready to dive into a world where sweet tea flows like water, front porches are for storytelling, and the air is thick with romance? Welcome to our roundup of Southern romance books that’ll whisk you away to the heart of the South. These stories are filled with charming heroes, strong heroines, and the kind of heartwarming moments that make you want to move to a small southern town.
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21 Southern Romance Books to Swoon Over
In the South, it’s all about the way of life. From charming towns with quirky characters to heartwarming family traditions, each book offers a taste of Southern living and the perfect southern vibes. Get ready to fall in love with these Southern romance books.
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The Secret to a Southern Wedding by Synithia Williams
Set in Georgia
Dr. Imani Kemp heads back to Peachtree Cove, Georgia, determined to stop her mom from marrying a man she just met online. Imani, a top OB-GYN, doesn’t expect to clash—and spark—with the groom’s son, Cyril Dash. Cyril’s determined to protect his dad’s newfound happiness, and Imani’s fierce protectiveness over her mom makes for a sizzling enemies-to-lovers showdown. Family secrets and past heartaches stir the pot in this mix of second chances and small-town charm.
The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred
Set in Arkansas
Alix French and Nick Anderson’s bond starts with bee balm and blossoms into a deep, complicated love. Raised on sweet tea and cornbread, Alix’s life shatters when Nick leaves town after his abusive father’s death. Fifteen years later, divorced and rebuilding, Alix’s world flips again when Nick returns. They face old wounds and truths, leading to an emotional rollercoaster filled with small-town drama, second chances, and the healing power of love.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred book review
Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre
Set in Georgia
Hollywood bad boy Cole Masten lands in Quincy, Georgia, to film a movie, shaking up small-town life and Summer Jenkins’s world. Cole, fresh off a messy divorce, meets his match in the feisty Southern belle who can cook and bluff like a pro. Sparks fly and opposites clash in this entertaining story of big-screen drama meets small-town sass.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre book review
Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper
Set in Georgia
Big-city event planner Margot Cary finds herself in Lake Sackett, Georgia, after a career mishap. Surrounded by the quirky McCready family, who run a funeral home and bait shop, Margot navigates small-town life with humor and a bit of chaos. Enter Kyle Archer, the local school principal and fellow outsider, who shows her the charms of Southern living.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Sweet Tea & Sympathy by Molly Harper book review
Ain’t He Precious? by Sawyer Bennett
Set in North Carolina
Trixie Mancinkus, Harvard Law grad turned small-town lawyer, reunites with her ex in Whynot, North Carolina. Eleven years ago, she left him and the big city behind. Now, he’s back to help her with a legal case, and the sparks fly all over again. It’s a clash of city sophistication and Southern sweetness, complete with plenty of humor and heart.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Ain’t He Precious? by Sawyer Bennett book review
Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas
Set in Texas
Liberty Jones dreams big in Welcome, Texas, but life throws her curveballs. She’s determined to rise above her humble beginnings, even as she falls for Hardy Cates, a man with his own ambitions. When Hardy leaves town, Liberty faces new challenges alone until a billionaire tycoon enters her life. This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, love, and resilience.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas book review
Ready to dive into reading Lisa Kleypas’ contemporary series? Check out the Travis Family series guide.
Ain’t She Sweet? by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Set in Mississippi
Sugar Beth Carey returns to Parrish, Mississippi, broke and desperate. Once the town’s spoiled princess, she’s now facing the wrath of her former friends and her bitter enemy, Winnie Davis. And then there’s Colin Byrne, who she tried to ruin years ago, now rich and powerful, and ready for revenge.
Lavender Morning by Jude Devereaux
Set in Virginia
Jocelyn Minton inherits an eighteenth-century house and a mysterious letter from her late friend, Edilean Harcourt. Moving to the small town of Edilean, Virginia, Joce uncovers secrets from 1941 and meets a handsome young lawyer hinted at in Edilean’s letter.
Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts
Set in Mississippi
Caroline Waverly seeks solace in Innocence, Mississippi, after a tumultuous love affair, only to find herself in the midst of a serial killer’s spree. Tucker Longstreet, a charming local, and a series of murders disrupt her peace. As federal agents investigate, secrets surface, casting suspicion on Tucker. Caroline, drawn into the killer’s path, faces danger in this blend of small-town intrigue and steamy romance.
Butterfly Bayou by Lexi Blake
Set in Louisiana
Nurse practitioner Lila Daley needs a fresh start after a tragedy, and Papillon, Louisiana, seems perfect. She’s ready to run the town’s medical clinic, despite the quirky locals, gator sightings, and golf cart wars. Enter single dad Sheriff Armie LaVigne, who’s smitten by this fish out of water. Sparks fly, but when Lila’s past threatens their budding romance, Armie must decide if he can trust her enough to find a true happily ever after.
The Secret Fling by Gena Showalter
Set in Oklahoma
Ex-con Jase Hollister is trying to stay out of trouble in a small town, but Brook Lynn Dillon makes that impossible. Brook Lynn needs a job, and Jase’s offer comes with irresistible charm and a no-strings-attached fling. Their chemistry is off the charts!
Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Secret Fling by Gena Showalter book review
Southern Charmer by Jessica Peterson
Set in South Carolina
Elijah Jackson, the sexy, shirtless neighbor in Charleston, South Carolina, is everything Olivia needs to escape her suffocating life. She ditches her perfect job and boyfriend, seeking solace in the sultry South. Eli’s encouragement and their undeniable chemistry make leaving her old life tempting. But when he invites her to his cabin for a weekend of steamy romance, Olivia must decide if she’s ready to give it all up for a chance at true happiness.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Southern Charmer by Jessica Peterson book review
In Moonlight and Memories by Julie Ann Walker
Set in Louisiana
Maggie, Cash, and Luc share a past tangled with heartbreak and secrets. Ten years ago, Cash stole Maggie’s heart and left for the army, dragging Luc with him. Now they’re back in New Orleans, confronting old wounds. Cash, struggling with a brain injury, and Luc, once Maggie’s only friend, must navigate their complicated love triangle.
Grab this book on Amazon or read an excerpt from In Moonlight and Memories by Julie Ann Walker
Southern Chance by Natasha Madison
Set in Alabama
Kallie fled her small town after a scandal, but returning to help a friend brings her face-to-face with Jacob, the man she left behind. As the town sheriff, Jacob never expected to see Kallie again. The town gossip is buzzing, and old feelings resurface.
Where I Belong by J. Daniels
Set in Alabama
Mia returns to Alabama for a fun summer, but her childhood nemesis, Ben, is there to ruin it. After an unexpected one-night stand, Mia realizes she’s just slept with the guy she hates most. Ben can’t forget Mia and is determined to prove he’s changed. With plenty of steamy encounters and a dose of humor, this best friend’s older brother romance will keep you hooked.
Easy Love by Kristen Proby
Set in Louisiana
Eli Boudreaux, the youngest CEO of Bayou Enterprises, meets his match in Kate O’Shaughnessy, an investigator hired to uncover an embezzler in his company. Despite his playboy reputation, Eli’s charm and protectiveness surprise Kate. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Kate’s mission complicates things. As she digs deeper, Eli finds himself falling hard. When the culprit is revealed, Eli must decide how far he’ll go to keep Kate by his side in this steamy Southern romance.
Until November by Aurora Rose Reynolds
Set in Tennessee
November leaves New York’s chaos for small-town Tennessee, working at her dad’s strip club. Enter Asher Mayson, who, despite his rough start, is determined to make November his. With fate pushing them together, Asher’s protective nature clashes with November’s independent spirit.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Until series by Aurora Rose Reynolds book reviews
Sultry with a Twist by Macy Beckett
Set in Texas
June Augustine returns to Sultry Springs, Texas, for community service, supervised by her first love, Luke Gallagher. Nine years apart hasn’t cooled their chemistry—if anything, it’s hotter than ever. As they work side-by-side, old feelings resurface, challenging their resolve. This second-chance romance blends humor and heat, making those Texas summer nights unforgettable.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Sultry with a Twist by Macy Beckett book review
Check out our interview with Macy Beckett about the start of the Sultry Springs series.
Vampires, Hearts & Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston
Set in Louisiana
Victoria takes a trip to New Orleans with her estranged best friend, Henry, to find a vampire and save her dying father. This heart-wrenching and joyful YA novel combines the thrill of vampires with a touching story of love and desperation. Victoria’s journey is full of challenges, beignets, jazz, and the hope of finding a miracle.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Vampires, Hearts & Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston book review
Getaway Girl by Tessa Bailey
Set in South Carolina
Addison Potts returns to Charleston and finds herself playing getaway driver for Elijah, a jilted groom. Elijah, future mayor of Charleston, finds solace in Addison, despite their unlikely friendship. Their chemistry and the public disapproval add spice to this fun, wedding-themed rom-com. Tessa Bailey crafts a story full of southern charm, unexpected friendships, and sizzling romance.
The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward
Set in Kentucky
In the bourbon capital of the world, the Bradford family rules with wealth, secrets, and scandal. Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crosses paths with Tulane, the prodigal son. Their tumultuous past and the return of old family tensions create a gripping tale of love, deceit, and southern privilege. J.R. Ward’s novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the power struggles of a wealthy dynasty.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward book review
Check out our series guide for The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward so you know where to start reading it and what to expect.
There you have it—21 swoon-worthy southern romances that bring all the charm, drama, and heart you could ask for. Now, it’s your turn! We’d love to hear about your favorite southern romance reads. Drop a comment below and share the southern love! And if you’re looking for more book recommendations, stick around and explore some of our other lists below. Happy reading, y’all!
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