Lenora Worth does second chances really well and Southern Hero exemplifies that skill.
Both Sam and Maddie have endured shattering relationships and neither is inclined to dip their toes in the water again, so when they meet and feel irresistibly attracted to each other they both fight the urge to act on impulse.
Set in Louisiana, this book has that lazy southern charm feel to it. Even though it's winter, there's a sense of the sultriness I always associate with that part of the world. There's also the strong impression of family and caring and healing as Sam and Maddie get to know each other though there are road blocks to. Sam really doesn't want to risk his heart again.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Southern Hero. I liked the characters. I liked the setting and I liked the plot. I'm really looking forward to Lenora Worth's next offering.

Lenora Worth wrote a really sweet story with an enjoyable premise and well developed characters; even the secondary characters felt realistic.

This is the second in a series, I would recommend reading the first so you have a full understanding of how everyone is connected but Worth writes so well you can read this as a standalone and still feel like you’re getting a complete story.

The way she sets up her scenes and provides detailed descriptions on even the most seemingly miniscule items makes you feel like you’re really there a part of the family, friends and events.

She created some fun chemistry between Sam and Madeline so they seemed like they felt reality based. The emotional journey they went on was written so convincingly and exquisitely you felt like you were being pulled along as an invisible observer.

The only negative thing about the book was that it ended. Thankfully though, another is yet to come so we can follow along with more of Lenora Worth’s charming writing talent.

A well-written story about two people with baggage afraid to risk again. I liked how the hero was gradually involved in the heroine’s family and community warmth and dynamics and how that hospitality was healing in various ways.
I really enjoyed the portrait of rural Louisiana, the Mardi Gras and all the secondary characters.
I disagree with the blurb where the hero is characterized as “a reclusive war hero” - he owns the Surf Shack (in Florida), he has clients; I would, instead, call him a loner. And it’s cute to watch his awakening and getting smitten with the heroine despite all his resistance – at least, he’s very sincere about it (“I’m not in love,” Sam replied. “But I’m in like. A lot of like.”, 49%, quote from ARC).
Even if a bit lacking in chemistry, I’ve enjoyed this story about a special place with special people, and I look forward to read Melissa and Judson’s story in “Driftwood Bride”.

While Maddie is happy for her sister she’s less than pleased to learn that through the shenanigans of members of her family her ex-husband will be in attendance. Even though they’ve divorced, and he’s moved on to a new marriage, Evan cannot and will not leave Maddie in the past. His constant interference in her life, the irritating assumption that he still has a say in what she does and his unending need to meddle in her life. He won’t let go, considering his former wife as still his property. The fact that he will be here at the wedding has thrown Maddie for a loop and she’s gone off to be alone and let the tears flow.

Sam is a loner and quite happy to remain that way. He’s been hurt and used in his past, and it’s left him rather cold and calculating. While trying to comfort a crying woman, he discovers that she is the maid of honor to his best man. Somehow it’s discovered that he has to deliver a toast which since he has no belief in love or happy ever afters will be difficult to write. They come to a mutual plan – Maddie will write the toast and Sam will pretend to be with her and be a buffer against her former husband. No one should get hurt, simply helping each other out over the hours of the wedding. If only life were that simple.

The Southern Hero is a fun romance. I could definitely feel for both Maddie and Sam, life hasn’t been exactly fair to either of them. When they allowed the attraction between them blossom, it became a charming love story. And I have to admit it was enjoyable to see certain people put in their place.

This title was published as Driftwood Hero at one time, so be sure that you haven’t read it under that title before you purchase.

If you’re looking for a fun, entertaining love story between two people who have a right to be a bit suspicious of love then this is a story you should have on your reading list.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

"Driftwood Hero" by Lenora Worth is book two in the "Driftwood Bay" series. This is Madeline Sonnier Parker and Sam Hinson's story.

Madeline, "Maddie", is still dealing with the hurt from her divorce. She hasn't told her parents the complete story of her divorce. Madeline didn't realize how hard her sister Michelle's wedding was going to be for her, especially with being the "maid of honor".

Sam is dealing with difficult times in his life, but keeps everything inside. He is the "best man" for Brodie, Michelle's finance. Sam doesn't do weddings, but is hoping to make it through without embarrassing himself for his good friend.

Sam wants Madeline to help him with the "best man" speech. Madeline asks Sam to help her aggravate her ex-husband. This agreement to help each other brings up fears, insecurities, and old hurts.

When Sam and Madeline meet they are immediately drawn to each other. This is a clean romance, but it does not take away from the sensuality between them. The intimate interactions between Sam and Michelle were very sensual, a whisper in the ear, a simple touch of his fingers to her lips. Sam is hot!

This is a sweet romance between two people dealing with old hurts and fears who get a second chance at true love. This book can be read as a standalone, but you get a better understanding and connection to all the characters if you've read book one. As in Lenora Worth's book one, "Driftwood Cowboy", the description of the scenery and food made the reader feel like you were there and could smell and taste the food. I also loved the cover of this book. Another great book by Lenora Worth. I look forward to reading additional books by Lenora Worth.

I received a copy of this book from Tule Publishing for an honest review.

Sam Hinson is a recluse and a war hero not in his mind in the mind of others. He has been asked by his best friend Brodie Steven to be the best man and it is not until he arrives for the wedding that remembers all of the other gatherings that take place prior to the wedding. Sam enjoys his quiet time alone and of course not having to talk to people unless he really must. Now he is introduced to the maid of honor Madeleine Parker who is dealing still with the betrayal from her ex-husband and has not told her family want really happened to cause the divorce because she is afraid her daddy will shot him,( I’m for the daddy) just saying. When he realizes that he must give a toast which means speaking in front of everyone he would rather be back on the battle field. Madeleine agrees to help him and in turn they end help helping each other. Though they are scared when they start to have feelings for one another she is taken by surprise when Sam stands up for her against her ex-husband and when he faces he fear at the wedding can she do the same with her family and more importantly with Sam who she now fears that she has lost. This is a very story and has wonderful characters. A very good book, and worth the read.