[Note: This book was obtained through NetGalley. I was not compensated in any way, and this review is solely my own opinion of this book.]
In Baby, Drive South (Southern Roads)
But all the men in town are getting restless, and they think maybe women will help…both to distract them and to help them stay put instead of heading off to the nearest big city for female company, often never to return.
But when 100 women answer their ad and arrive in Sweetness to much more primitive conditions than they were expecting, the brothers have their work cut out for them convincing the women to stay and meeting their demands for suitable living conditions. Except for Porter, who, in his excitement at seeing a caravan of women on the way to ease the tension in his town, takes a spill off the water tower and breaks his leg.
Luckily, one of the newly arrived women is Dr. Nikki Salinger, fresh from heartbreak and looking for a new start. But her plain looks and serious demeanor leave her not nearly as appealing to the men as her flighty, clothing and makeup obsessed counterparts. On top of that, all the men are used to being treated for their medical issues by Doc Riley, an older man who prefers mountain medicine to conventional and they have no desire to be treated by a woman.
It doesn’t take Nikki long before she realizes she’s made a huge mistake coming to Sweetness.
But as one thing after another keeps Nikki in Sweetness — and close to Porter — things between them heat up. Their falling for each other seemed very natural and believable. There are, of course, many comedic moments, as they navigate their relationship. Nikki’s desire to get as far from Sweetness as possible and Porter’s determination to keep her there create great conflict.
There were several secondary characters in Baby Drive South who were fun, but I was disappointed that none of the other men in town were very present. Maybe that would have made the book too big. 
Also, I would have preferred an expanded ending, as I felt as though Nikki’s change of heart was a bit too abrupt. I’d have liked to read more of her thought process and how she was able to make the decision to stay with Porter.
All that said, I am looking forward to the next books in the series. I developed a fondness for Sweetness, Georgia, and the love and care that the Armstrong brothers were putting into rebuilding. Really liked this book a lot!
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Additional thoughts from a writers point of view…I liked the way Bond handled Nikki’s heartbreaking back story. She had a past, and yes it made her sad, but she was still a doctor and a strong woman. It actually gave me some insight into the current book I’m working on, as my heroine is also heartbroken…but I think she was too wimpy. I got a few flashes of how I could keep my heroine’s pain genuine but not make her seem so sorry for herself.
I think it’s really helpful when books you read give you insight to your writing process!
