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North Carolina Highlands #1
Southern Seducer
I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff in my life. But sleeping with my best friend tops the list.
Annabel and I have been close since college. When I left school to play pro football, she was there. While I collected Super Bowl rings and cars worth more than the house I grew up in—she was there.
I always assumed we’d end up together. Everyone did.
But by the time I retired from football, Bel was married. I thought I’d missed my shot at love.
So I buried myself in my new job as CEO of Blue Mountain Farm, a five-star resort my family and I built in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. It seems like a good place to be alone with the secret I have to keep from her.
Now Bel is a divorced single mom, struggling to raise her daughter on her own—and it’s my turn to be there for her.
So I invite her and the baby up to the resort for some much needed R&R.
Then, in a moment of bonfire-and-bourbon induced weakness, I kiss her.
And the fallout could ruin everything.
SOUTHERN SEDUCER is a full length, standalone novel. It is the first book in the all new North Carolina Highland series.
Annabel and I have been close since college. When I left school to play pro football, she was there. While I collected Super Bowl rings and cars worth more than the house I grew up in—she was there.
I always assumed we’d end up together. Everyone did.
But by the time I retired from football, Bel was married. I thought I’d missed my shot at love.
So I buried myself in my new job as CEO of Blue Mountain Farm, a five-star resort my family and I built in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. It seems like a good place to be alone with the secret I have to keep from her.
Now Bel is a divorced single mom, struggling to raise her daughter on her own—and it’s my turn to be there for her.
So I invite her and the baby up to the resort for some much needed R&R.
Then, in a moment of bonfire-and-bourbon induced weakness, I kiss her.
And the fallout could ruin everything.
SOUTHERN SEDUCER is a full length, standalone novel. It is the first book in the all new North Carolina Highland series.
364 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2020
2217 people are currently reading
4816 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Peterson
44 books5,044 followersJessica Peterson writes romance with heat, humor, and heart. Heroes with hot accents are her specialty. When she’s not writing, she can be found bellying up to a bar in the south’s best restaurants with her husband Ben, reading books with her adorable daughters Gracie and Madeline, or snuggling up with her 70-pound lap dog, Martha.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 498 reviews
March 25, 2021
3 Stars!
... An empowering story at the mountains.
The story was supposed to be emotional, because y'all know, the heroine was diagnosed with postpartum depression. I liked how the author brought this topic and acknowledged the difficulties of every mom out there who also suffers with PPD. Y'all know, the leaking breasts, needing lube every time they had sex, etc. It was very detailed. However, I couldn't connect with the story because y'all know, it wasn't for me.
Note: This is a friends to lovers romance.
Y'all know what? I loved Southern Hotshot. I so much loved it that it became one of my top favourite this year. Southern Seducer is the first book in the series and I skipped it because I'm not a fan of "single parent" trope. But I adored Beau, so I gave his story a chance, which y'all see, didn't turn out well.
The story was great. The characters were amazing. The writing was captivating, as usual. I swear I've already loved Jessica Peterson since I read Southern Hotshot. But like I've said before, this book wasn't written for me. Still and all, I recommend it!
... An empowering story at the mountains.
The story was supposed to be emotional, because y'all know, the heroine was diagnosed with postpartum depression. I liked how the author brought this topic and acknowledged the difficulties of every mom out there who also suffers with PPD. Y'all know, the leaking breasts, needing lube every time they had sex, etc. It was very detailed. However, I couldn't connect with the story because y'all know, it wasn't for me.
Note: This is a friends to lovers romance.
Y'all know what? I loved Southern Hotshot. I so much loved it that it became one of my top favourite this year. Southern Seducer is the first book in the series and I skipped it because I'm not a fan of "single parent" trope. But I adored Beau, so I gave his story a chance, which y'all see, didn't turn out well.
The story was great. The characters were amazing. The writing was captivating, as usual. I swear I've already loved Jessica Peterson since I read Southern Hotshot. But like I've said before, this book wasn't written for me. Still and all, I recommend it!
"I cry because I’m so in love with him, and I feel lucky to be a part of this extraordinary man’s extraordinary life."
July 3, 2024
4.5⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ North Carolina Highlands #1
Setting ~ North Carolina
Publication date ~ book ~ August 13, 2020, audio ~ January 11, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 416 (57 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 1 minutes
Narrators ~ Jason Clarke, Virginia Rose
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ retired pro footballer, billionaire, single mom, postpartum depression, close proximity, best friends to lovers, some steamage
Beau (36) & Annabel (35)
Beau is retired from the NFL and running a fancy schmancy resort with his family. When he learns his bff, Bel, is having a tough time he invites her and her mom to stay for a few weeks. He is going through his own health struggles that he’s finding hard to deal with.
Time to decompress at the resort seems like a fantastic idea to Annabel. She is a single mother to a 4 month old daughter and is suffering from postpartum depression. I don’t have experience with this myself, but I felt like the author did a phenomenal job showing the effects of it.
They have been best friends for 17 years, there for each other through thick and thin, but never mentioned their true feelings for each other as to not rock the friendship boat. Now, being in close proximity to each other is making it hard for them to ignore their feelings.
The emails from through the years were a great way to tell the story of their strong friendship and how close they are without really doing a past timeline. The family dynamics are tight knit for both families. The support system was wonderful all around. I liked that Annabel’s mom didn’t just come along to babysit and she found someone to occupy her time. The series will follow Beau’s siblings so it was nice to meet them and get a couple of snippets of what's to come.
Overall, while I do think 17 years is an awful lot of wasted time, this is one of the top best friends to lovers books I’ve read. It's not a secret where the story is going to lead us, but it’s more of an emotional journey of them finding their way to each other as they deal with their own issues separately and together. I didn't care for the 3rd act of course, but I can possibly, maybe, but not really, but yeah sure see why it happened. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Narration notes:
They both did a lovely job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ North Carolina Highlands #1
Setting ~ North Carolina
Publication date ~ book ~ August 13, 2020, audio ~ January 11, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 416 (57 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 1 minutes
Narrators ~ Jason Clarke, Virginia Rose
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ retired pro footballer, billionaire, single mom, postpartum depression, close proximity, best friends to lovers, some steamage
Beau (36) & Annabel (35)
Beau is retired from the NFL and running a fancy schmancy resort with his family. When he learns his bff, Bel, is having a tough time he invites her and her mom to stay for a few weeks. He is going through his own health struggles that he’s finding hard to deal with.
Time to decompress at the resort seems like a fantastic idea to Annabel. She is a single mother to a 4 month old daughter and is suffering from postpartum depression. I don’t have experience with this myself, but I felt like the author did a phenomenal job showing the effects of it.
They have been best friends for 17 years, there for each other through thick and thin, but never mentioned their true feelings for each other as to not rock the friendship boat. Now, being in close proximity to each other is making it hard for them to ignore their feelings.
The emails from through the years were a great way to tell the story of their strong friendship and how close they are without really doing a past timeline. The family dynamics are tight knit for both families. The support system was wonderful all around. I liked that Annabel’s mom didn’t just come along to babysit and she found someone to occupy her time. The series will follow Beau’s siblings so it was nice to meet them and get a couple of snippets of what's to come.
Overall, while I do think 17 years is an awful lot of wasted time, this is one of the top best friends to lovers books I’ve read. It's not a secret where the story is going to lead us, but it’s more of an emotional journey of them finding their way to each other as they deal with their own issues separately and together. I didn't care for the 3rd act of course, but I can possibly, maybe, but not really, but yeah sure see why it happened. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Narration notes:
They both did a lovely job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
August 13, 2020
Author Jessica Peterson has taken a “taboo” medical condition and brought it right to the forefront of the romance world…and did an incredibly tasteful job! Heroine Annabel, suffers from post-partum depression. I am applauding you, Jessica! You brought realism to this character…because, as you know…being a new mom is not always roses and rainbows!
I finish my coffee when it’s still hot. I even get to poop in peace.
Best. Morning. Ever.
This first book in the North Carolina Highlands series by Jessica Peterson sets up the Blue Mountain Farm resort storyline…and oldest son, Beau, is the hero of Southern Seducer and is struggling with his own medical diagnosis…but trying to help his best friend, Bel, get through her PPD…without crossing the line of no return. However, when both parties are on the edge of falling over, what is to stop them?
Beau means so, so much to me. Too much. Maybe that’s the problem. Was this inevitable? The build up of a decade of sexual tension, deep connection, and mutual support coming to a head? Was this meant to happen? Or am I just longing for familiarity because I’m more lost and lonely than I’ve ever been before?
I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. The topics, the characters, the families, the storyline, the setting…ALL of it just blends together so perfectly to create this incredible read! And the innuendos...OMG...they were fantastically spread throughout this whole book! Southern Seducer is the perfect start to this series and I am anxious to get my hands on the next book in the series! 5 stars!
I finish my coffee when it’s still hot. I even get to poop in peace.
Best. Morning. Ever.
This first book in the North Carolina Highlands series by Jessica Peterson sets up the Blue Mountain Farm resort storyline…and oldest son, Beau, is the hero of Southern Seducer and is struggling with his own medical diagnosis…but trying to help his best friend, Bel, get through her PPD…without crossing the line of no return. However, when both parties are on the edge of falling over, what is to stop them?
Beau means so, so much to me. Too much. Maybe that’s the problem. Was this inevitable? The build up of a decade of sexual tension, deep connection, and mutual support coming to a head? Was this meant to happen? Or am I just longing for familiarity because I’m more lost and lonely than I’ve ever been before?
I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. The topics, the characters, the families, the storyline, the setting…ALL of it just blends together so perfectly to create this incredible read! And the innuendos...OMG...they were fantastically spread throughout this whole book! Southern Seducer is the perfect start to this series and I am anxious to get my hands on the next book in the series! 5 stars!
November 12, 2020
SOUTHERN SEDUCER, the first book in my all new North Carolina Highlands Series, is NOW LIVE and available for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Think bourbon, bonfires, and beefy, bearded men galore. While this book is not connected to the Charleston Heat series, you may see a familiar character's name pop up here and there. I can't wait for y'all to meet the Beauregard boys and their lady loves!
Be sure to join my Facebook reader group, The City Girls, for exclusive excerpts and giveaways galore!
Be sure to join my Facebook reader group, The City Girls, for exclusive excerpts and giveaways galore!
August 14, 2020
1.5 DNF Stars
DNF @ 35%
Eh, it was okay. After reading the blurb I was expecting something a lot different than what I got. Maybe some unrequited love, maybe some funny moments, and maybe some cute kid stuff, which there wasn't any of. Instead, it was a bit more of an "emotional" book, if you can call it that. It had a lot of deeper subjects such as depression, dementia, and a single mom (my fave), which I normally enjoy reading about, but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters or situations in this. There was just too much going on with the characters that it seemed a bit... unrealistic maybe and the execution of it all was very lacking.
They have pretty much loved each other from the first time they met, 17 years before, but never told the other because one of them was always in a relationship and I think they were afraid of holding each other back, but when they were explaining that, it just sounded like a lot of excuses to me. Like they just wanted to live their lives and sleep with other people and not bother or something. I could have used a little trying or jealousy or heartache from one of them. And after it being 17 years, and how they are both going through a lot of stuff, I think I wanted a little more tension or growing into their feelings or really getting to know how they feel about each other. Just SOMETHING to make me feel any chemistry between them, but literally right off the bat, they're just constantly horny for each other, like full on imaginative sex scenes, and any tension that may have happened just took a nose dive.
Even after the first kiss scene, I was expecting maybe the hero would be chasing after her and trying to show how he feels about her or maybe trying to hide his feelings from her or something, but instead she's the one that tells him how she feels about him right after the kiss, and he ends up pushing her away saying they can't be together because he might end up like his father who had deteriorating dementia even though he's supposedly loved her for so long, and is fine being with her still just as friends, and it just became even more eh to me. Just more excuses.
The heroine also got on my nerves A LOT. I'm not trying to mother shame or mental illness shame or anything like that btw, but I couldn't stand the heroine and how she dealt with motherhood and her depression. It just felt like she was constantly complaining and whining how nothing goes right like how she wanted it to. She also has a 4 month old baby in this that was conceived by artificial insemination, and not from her ex husband like I thought, so I'm not sure why her divorce kept getting brought up, unless the ex is gonna magically appear sometime later in the book. Anyways, her baby being only 4 mo, I expected her to be a lot more in the book, but I felt like the heroine was never with her. Someone else was always constantly taking care of the baby because she was so stressed out and depressed with PPD, and when she was with the baby, it was just whining nonstop about the baby, and again, not to shame PPD, but just her attitude made her seem shallow and maybe a bit selfish to me. It felt like everything was nonstop about her, and I never fully connected to her because of that. So pretty much the heroine was either complaining about herself, crying, or just horny. Very repetitive.
Besides all the characters, which were all, again, just okay for me, the actual writing and dialogue was a bit bland and VERY wordy. Things and explanations were also over told, and it started dragging which I then started skimming until I DNFed.
Overall, this was just blah. It is my first book by this author, and I might try another one, but I'm iffy on it. This one just fell flat and couldn't keep my interest at all, but maybe it's because it is a new release, which they all seem to suck nowadays LOL.
Safety (up until 35%)
·No OW/OM drama but mentions of exes, hero just got out of a relationship
· Heroine was divorced I think a couple years before and has a 4 mo baby
· No Virgins
· Both were with OP before book, but not during
DNF @ 35%
Eh, it was okay. After reading the blurb I was expecting something a lot different than what I got. Maybe some unrequited love, maybe some funny moments, and maybe some cute kid stuff, which there wasn't any of. Instead, it was a bit more of an "emotional" book, if you can call it that. It had a lot of deeper subjects such as depression, dementia, and a single mom (my fave), which I normally enjoy reading about, but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters or situations in this. There was just too much going on with the characters that it seemed a bit... unrealistic maybe and the execution of it all was very lacking.
They have pretty much loved each other from the first time they met, 17 years before, but never told the other because one of them was always in a relationship and I think they were afraid of holding each other back, but when they were explaining that, it just sounded like a lot of excuses to me. Like they just wanted to live their lives and sleep with other people and not bother or something. I could have used a little trying or jealousy or heartache from one of them. And after it being 17 years, and how they are both going through a lot of stuff, I think I wanted a little more tension or growing into their feelings or really getting to know how they feel about each other. Just SOMETHING to make me feel any chemistry between them, but literally right off the bat, they're just constantly horny for each other, like full on imaginative sex scenes, and any tension that may have happened just took a nose dive.
Even after the first kiss scene, I was expecting maybe the hero would be chasing after her and trying to show how he feels about her or maybe trying to hide his feelings from her or something, but instead she's the one that tells him how she feels about him right after the kiss, and he ends up pushing her away saying they can't be together because he might end up like his father who had deteriorating dementia even though he's supposedly loved her for so long, and is fine being with her still just as friends, and it just became even more eh to me. Just more excuses.
The heroine also got on my nerves A LOT. I'm not trying to mother shame or mental illness shame or anything like that btw, but I couldn't stand the heroine and how she dealt with motherhood and her depression. It just felt like she was constantly complaining and whining how nothing goes right like how she wanted it to. She also has a 4 month old baby in this that was conceived by artificial insemination, and not from her ex husband like I thought, so I'm not sure why her divorce kept getting brought up, unless the ex is gonna magically appear sometime later in the book. Anyways, her baby being only 4 mo, I expected her to be a lot more in the book, but I felt like the heroine was never with her. Someone else was always constantly taking care of the baby because she was so stressed out and depressed with PPD, and when she was with the baby, it was just whining nonstop about the baby, and again, not to shame PPD, but just her attitude made her seem shallow and maybe a bit selfish to me. It felt like everything was nonstop about her, and I never fully connected to her because of that. So pretty much the heroine was either complaining about herself, crying, or just horny. Very repetitive.
Besides all the characters, which were all, again, just okay for me, the actual writing and dialogue was a bit bland and VERY wordy. Things and explanations were also over told, and it started dragging which I then started skimming until I DNFed.
Overall, this was just blah. It is my first book by this author, and I might try another one, but I'm iffy on it. This one just fell flat and couldn't keep my interest at all, but maybe it's because it is a new release, which they all seem to suck nowadays LOL.
Safety (up until 35%)
·No OW/OM drama but mentions of exes, hero just got out of a relationship
· Heroine was divorced I think a couple years before and has a 4 mo baby
· No Virgins
· Both were with OP before book, but not during
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2020
When I read the blurb for this book I was really excited to read it. I love friends to lovers and single parent romance. But when it came time to read this book I just wasn't feeling it. I am new to this author and I wasn't aware it was a serious, emotional contemporary romance. And I really need to be in the right mood for that. With everything going on at the minute all I wanted was to read something light and fluffy.
But I started this and I hate not finishing so I forced myself to keep reading and really it didn't do the book any justice. The story was great. And the subject matter was one that I loved seeing in print. So many people think you have a baby and suddenly you know how to parent and life is all sunshine and roses. But even without PPD being a first time parent is hard and often overwhelming.
So I really wish I had read this book when I was in the right mood to enjoy it more because I know I would be raving about it. The characters were great and I loved that we saw them warts and all. I definitely plan to read the rest of this series as the secondary characters were as awesome as the main.
But for now I'm off to read something light and fluffy.
But I started this and I hate not finishing so I forced myself to keep reading and really it didn't do the book any justice. The story was great. And the subject matter was one that I loved seeing in print. So many people think you have a baby and suddenly you know how to parent and life is all sunshine and roses. But even without PPD being a first time parent is hard and often overwhelming.
So I really wish I had read this book when I was in the right mood to enjoy it more because I know I would be raving about it. The characters were great and I loved that we saw them warts and all. I definitely plan to read the rest of this series as the secondary characters were as awesome as the main.
But for now I'm off to read something light and fluffy.
dnf
January 26, 2025dnf 45%
I need me a southern love story
* Depression
* PPD (Postpartum Depression)
I need me a southern love story
* Depression
* PPD (Postpartum Depression)
August 13, 2020
I was saying to a friend the other day that we all learn to write in school, pretty much anyone can write, but some people are storytellers - Jessica is one of them.
One of the reasons I love her storytelling is that the books always feel genuine. The characters are people that I feel I could be friends with and the subjects included are very real.
This story touches on PPD in a way that acknowledges how common it is and how it’s okay to not be okay. How love can find you when you’re at your most vulnerable and how with the right person you can be braver than you dreamed. It’s the type of book you finish with a smile.
Beau is Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame kinda delicious & I have to say I can’t wait for more stories from his very yummy brothers.
I received an arc of this book.
One of the reasons I love her storytelling is that the books always feel genuine. The characters are people that I feel I could be friends with and the subjects included are very real.
This story touches on PPD in a way that acknowledges how common it is and how it’s okay to not be okay. How love can find you when you’re at your most vulnerable and how with the right person you can be braver than you dreamed. It’s the type of book you finish with a smile.
Beau is Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame kinda delicious & I have to say I can’t wait for more stories from his very yummy brothers.
I received an arc of this book.
December 10, 2020
Amazon US / Amazon Worldwide
Newly divorced and a single mom has given way to a diagnosis of postpartum depression. So it makes sense that Bel (Annabel)'s best friend, Beau, comes to the rescue and invites her out to his farm for a visit. She had no idea that visit would change her life and their friendship irrevocably.
Beau has always been in love with his best friend. But now is not the time to tell her. No, not when his future is wholly uncertain, and she needs stability and happiness and forever.
Dang...I loved this friends to lovers story! Beau and Bel broke my heart more than once, but put it back together at that sweetheart of an ending. Feelgood, emotional and sweet story of two best friends who should have been more from day 1 and now have forever in their sights.
ARC via Valentine PR for an honest review.
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August 30, 2022
3.5 More Than It Seems Stars-Be Seduced For FREE!!!!
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I love reading Romance. There is so much variety and talent out there, I will never make a dent in all of it. It is always a pleasure when something unexpected happens. Jessica Peterson is more than capable to write a straightforward tale but with this book, she weaves lots of heart, humor, concern, and care. The feelings about babies, families, and the need for control are seriously looked at.
What also works is that there is a daddy who is working hard to take care of his daughter, have a career, and has the need for control. All of these elements work with a sexy story and strong character development.
This is a new series and it will be interesting to see what other insights Jessica Peterson brings to us.
Southern Seducer (North Carolina Highlands #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Southern Hotshot (North Carolina Highlands #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I love reading Romance. There is so much variety and talent out there, I will never make a dent in all of it. It is always a pleasure when something unexpected happens. Jessica Peterson is more than capable to write a straightforward tale but with this book, she weaves lots of heart, humor, concern, and care. The feelings about babies, families, and the need for control are seriously looked at.
What also works is that there is a daddy who is working hard to take care of his daughter, have a career, and has the need for control. All of these elements work with a sexy story and strong character development.
This is a new series and it will be interesting to see what other insights Jessica Peterson brings to us.
Southern Seducer (North Carolina Highlands #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Southern Hotshot (North Carolina Highlands #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 13, 2020
This book deserves all the dang stars and a standing ovation!
I thank you from the bottom of my mom heart Jessica for writing about a topic that most shy away from! Postpartum depression is not easy and it’s so debilitating when your a first time mom! I loved how you described it and you tackled it with no fear! Thank you so much for that! This book was so much more than just a story for me! I love books that take me out of the real world but I also love a story that reflects real life and that’s exactly what this story did!
Annabel was such an amazing heroine and I loved that she fought for herself, for beau and for their love! Beau is also such an amazing hero! He had to dig deep but in the end he proved just how strong and amazing he is!
This book is the start of a series I can’t wait to get more of!
I thank you from the bottom of my mom heart Jessica for writing about a topic that most shy away from! Postpartum depression is not easy and it’s so debilitating when your a first time mom! I loved how you described it and you tackled it with no fear! Thank you so much for that! This book was so much more than just a story for me! I love books that take me out of the real world but I also love a story that reflects real life and that’s exactly what this story did!
Annabel was such an amazing heroine and I loved that she fought for herself, for beau and for their love! Beau is also such an amazing hero! He had to dig deep but in the end he proved just how strong and amazing he is!
This book is the start of a series I can’t wait to get more of!
July 17, 2024
Yall this book was sooooo good! I felt so many emotions while reading this one. I felt like Jessica was writing about me after having my first baby (minus PPD). The fears. The new realities. The not feeling good enough. The overwhelmingness. And I did it with a partner. I just felt weirdly heard. Especially when she started mentioning how no one talks about these things. Anabel's journey through PPD while exploring her new relationship and feelings for Beau was nothing short of incredible. Their connection was so raw and rich. They were so honest and real with each other. They had been through so much together and now they are both in this point in their life where they are broken in a sense. I loved LOVED how their connection changed. I have not read a lot of friends to lovers but MAN I might need some recs on more to read. The angst! The buildup! The connection when sparks fly. The heartbreak when things didn't go how they planned and then the true joy and hope when they did. I felt every possible emotion yall. I laughed out loud and I cried while reading this one. I am truly thankful to Kindle for recommending this one to me!!
Anabel and Beau have been BFs for 17 years. They have been through literally everything together. College. Relationships. The super bowl. Promotions. Trips. Divorces. You name it. They have done it. EXCEPT for their feelings for each other. They have kind of always been simmering there in the background but neither one of them has owned up to feeling anything in fear of how much it would change their relationship. Well now Anable has just been diagnosed with PPD and Beau has the grand idea of having her and her baby, Maisie, up to his family's world class resort that is a farm for the weekend. Bel feels broken. She is not herself but when she is with Beau she feels different. She doesn't feel like she has to wear a mask. She finds herself recognizing how handsome Beau is. Scratch that HOT Beau is. She finds herself wanting to kiss him and now that they have done that- she wants more. She wants her first time post baby to be with Beau. She gets to experience the ranch with him and the whole time her feelings are getting deeper and deeper. But Beau is keeping her at arms length because he has a major medical condition he is dealing with. He knows he can't give her what she wants- so she decides she will take what she can get while she can get it. She is hoping she will change his mind, but in the end will she? Will she be able to get him to live for tomorrow instead of not planning a future? Will they still be able to be friends after all they have been through?
Beau has given up on life. He has been hit with a hard diagnosis that reminds him too much of his dad and what he went through. He has made amends with that and has started to plan out the end. He invites Bel out to the ranch for some fun not thinking about how his feelings for her have always been there. He has always wanted more with her and now that she is ready for something he can't give it to her. Ain't that some s*it. But she wants to try other things with him. She is going through hell with her new life situation and is making a point of doing things to keep him busy. He realizes he truly does love her. But he can't give her what she wants can he? He has to let her go because he knows that is what is best right? Or is going to wake up and realize he made a huge mistake?
I can't recommend this one enough. I am DYING to read the rest of these- especially Millie and Nate. That one sounds like it is going to be straight up tragic. Thank you Jessica for writing such a relatable book and character in Bel. I would also like to mention that I listened to half of this one on Audible and Jason Clarke NAILED Beau's accent. Both of the narrators were fantastic!
If you have any friends to lovers recs let me know :)
Anabel and Beau have been BFs for 17 years. They have been through literally everything together. College. Relationships. The super bowl. Promotions. Trips. Divorces. You name it. They have done it. EXCEPT for their feelings for each other. They have kind of always been simmering there in the background but neither one of them has owned up to feeling anything in fear of how much it would change their relationship. Well now Anable has just been diagnosed with PPD and Beau has the grand idea of having her and her baby, Maisie, up to his family's world class resort that is a farm for the weekend. Bel feels broken. She is not herself but when she is with Beau she feels different. She doesn't feel like she has to wear a mask. She finds herself recognizing how handsome Beau is. Scratch that HOT Beau is. She finds herself wanting to kiss him and now that they have done that- she wants more. She wants her first time post baby to be with Beau. She gets to experience the ranch with him and the whole time her feelings are getting deeper and deeper. But Beau is keeping her at arms length because he has a major medical condition he is dealing with. He knows he can't give her what she wants- so she decides she will take what she can get while she can get it. She is hoping she will change his mind, but in the end will she? Will she be able to get him to live for tomorrow instead of not planning a future? Will they still be able to be friends after all they have been through?
Beau has given up on life. He has been hit with a hard diagnosis that reminds him too much of his dad and what he went through. He has made amends with that and has started to plan out the end. He invites Bel out to the ranch for some fun not thinking about how his feelings for her have always been there. He has always wanted more with her and now that she is ready for something he can't give it to her. Ain't that some s*it. But she wants to try other things with him. She is going through hell with her new life situation and is making a point of doing things to keep him busy. He realizes he truly does love her. But he can't give her what she wants can he? He has to let her go because he knows that is what is best right? Or is going to wake up and realize he made a huge mistake?
I can't recommend this one enough. I am DYING to read the rest of these- especially Millie and Nate. That one sounds like it is going to be straight up tragic. Thank you Jessica for writing such a relatable book and character in Bel. I would also like to mention that I listened to half of this one on Audible and Jason Clarke NAILED Beau's accent. Both of the narrators were fantastic!
If you have any friends to lovers recs let me know :)
August 13, 2020
5 Star Review Southern Seducer (North Caroline Highlands #1) by Jessica Peterson
Having read several books by Jessica Peterson and enjoyed her style of writing, I was looking forward to reading the first book in her new series. Ms.Peterson wove a story with characters you couldn’t help but fall for.
This is Annabel (Bel) and Beau’s second chance at love story and may well be my favourite book I have read so far from this author. For Beau, Bel is the one who got away, however fate works in mysterious ways and now Bel is a divorced mother to a gorgeous little girl Maisie and Beau has the opportunity and means to give her a helping hand.
I fell hard and fast for Beau whilst Bel is one of those women that I could easily see as a friend. She is feisty, sassie, independent, a wonderful mother and I loved her. I was impressed with the way the author handled the issue of postpartum depression,particularly if you are a first time mother. It is an issue that is often swept under the rug, as she handled it with dignity and respect.
There were times, I laughed, times I cried but at the end of the book, I was left with a smile on my face. Southern Seducer is a little gem, one click on release, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Having read several books by Jessica Peterson and enjoyed her style of writing, I was looking forward to reading the first book in her new series. Ms.Peterson wove a story with characters you couldn’t help but fall for.
This is Annabel (Bel) and Beau’s second chance at love story and may well be my favourite book I have read so far from this author. For Beau, Bel is the one who got away, however fate works in mysterious ways and now Bel is a divorced mother to a gorgeous little girl Maisie and Beau has the opportunity and means to give her a helping hand.
I fell hard and fast for Beau whilst Bel is one of those women that I could easily see as a friend. She is feisty, sassie, independent, a wonderful mother and I loved her. I was impressed with the way the author handled the issue of postpartum depression,particularly if you are a first time mother. It is an issue that is often swept under the rug, as she handled it with dignity and respect.
There were times, I laughed, times I cried but at the end of the book, I was left with a smile on my face. Southern Seducer is a little gem, one click on release, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
August 2, 2020
This book has all the feels. Once again Jessica hit it out of the Park. Beau and Annabell have been close friends for 10 years. She is struggling after having a baby which she did on her own. She takes his offer and goes to take a vacation up at his Ranch Resort. Beau is struggling with his own demons and it comes out as they both try to support each other. Will love win? Hot sex scenes and triumph of own struggles....what a book!
July 28, 2021
This book gave me all the feels. A punch to the heart in the best possible way. There were tears, goosebumps and feels during every chapter! Beau and Annabel have such a beautiful story...it’s raw, real and gritty. Life isn’t all sunshine and flowers, there are storm clouds too. Jessica does a beautiful job balancing these because life is hard, and we don’t always talk about it. I’ve never been pregnant, but having struggled with depression, I connect with Annabel on so many levels! The history between these two and the relationship they have is so strong and so essential to who they are you can’t help but cheer for them along the way! I fell in love with Beau and Annabel, and Maisie, and loved their journey and healing along the way.
You just know when authors pour their heart and soul into a story, and this is one of them! Jessica tackles (pun intended) these very real issues with dignity, humor and heart. Bravo on a truly magnificent story! This is one I’ll be recommending to everyone ❤️
You just know when authors pour their heart and soul into a story, and this is one of them! Jessica tackles (pun intended) these very real issues with dignity, humor and heart. Bravo on a truly magnificent story! This is one I’ll be recommending to everyone ❤️
August 9, 2020
(ARC REVIEW) This book took me by surprise! It was not exactly what I've come to expect from the author, but it's wonderful that an author's talents grow and change as they do. It has her signature heat and southern charm, but it does delve into some darker topics as well.
The balance between the dark and light is so well done. There are some raw, gut-punching, heart wrenching moments but there are also plenty of light and sexy parts. There are a lot of hot and steamy scenes that describe postpartum sex in a very real way. I loved that it wasn't immediately sunshine and rainbows.
I am always in favor of speaking up about mental health, so I applaud the author for writing about postpartum depression and the struggles of new motherhood. It was real and raw and made my heart hurt. Beau also had his share of mental health woes so it was beautiful to watch two people who are struggling come together, despite their challenges. It's not painted as "love heals all" thankfully, but they do realize they don't have to push love aside in order to heal and thrive.
The friends-to-lovers relationship felt entirely believable. I loved the honesty between them and the love that existed and changed throughout their journey.
I loved the setting of the book and know that it will be a great backdrop for the rest of the series! This is Jessica Peterson at her finest and I can't wait for more!
The balance between the dark and light is so well done. There are some raw, gut-punching, heart wrenching moments but there are also plenty of light and sexy parts. There are a lot of hot and steamy scenes that describe postpartum sex in a very real way. I loved that it wasn't immediately sunshine and rainbows.
I am always in favor of speaking up about mental health, so I applaud the author for writing about postpartum depression and the struggles of new motherhood. It was real and raw and made my heart hurt. Beau also had his share of mental health woes so it was beautiful to watch two people who are struggling come together, despite their challenges. It's not painted as "love heals all" thankfully, but they do realize they don't have to push love aside in order to heal and thrive.
The friends-to-lovers relationship felt entirely believable. I loved the honesty between them and the love that existed and changed throughout their journey.
I loved the setting of the book and know that it will be a great backdrop for the rest of the series! This is Jessica Peterson at her finest and I can't wait for more!
November 28, 2020
Southern Seducer, book one of the new North Carolina Highlands series by Jessica Peterson, is one of my favorite reads this year. It’s so real, relatable, emotional, and funny, with themes of friends-to-lovers, second chances, forgiveness, family values, acceptance and healing, perfectly blended throughout.
The author graciously tackles a very personal and debilitating mental health condition as our heroine, Annabel Rhodes, a new single mom, suffers from post partum depression. She and Beau have been best friends since college and Jessica seamlessly blends the past with the present to help readers understand their sincere connection and why they remained best friends all these years without ever pursuing a romantic relationship. I truly believe in soul mates and this beautiful, passionate story will make a believer out of you too.
John Riley Beauregard, affectionately known as Beau to everyone except his mom (because moms never forget your given name), went on to play professional football after college, as did his brothers. Since they first met, he had shared all of his hopes and dreams with Annabel, including his plan to open a five-star resort in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina where he grew up. I have been to Ashville and this area is as breathtaking as Jessica poetically describes in Southern Seducer. And this resort is just the getaway that Annabel needs to recharge and relax with her beautiful newborn daughter, Maisie, when she reaches out to him for comfort.
There are so many things I loved about each of them, mostly their honest relationship and how they have been there for each other for almost two decades. I love that they are older now and how they always remained in touch and each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Both have been in other relationships, but they never once lost their connection or ease of being with one another. I loved their flirty, dirty, banter over the years, their inside jokes, their shared love of books and poetry, their commitment to family, and enjoyment of the simple things in life.
While they can’t control what is to be, they can realign their career goals and make the most of their life right now. So many of us stay the course of what is familiar and comfortable, and I so admire people who take chances and that is why I respect these two so much...they chased their own dreams and happiness and as a result, took control of their lives and destiny. They could admit their faults and ask for forgiveness, and genuinely enjoyed being their true selves with each other.
I loved all of his siblings and his mom, his ability to be honest and vulnerable about his own health condition, his fears, his appreciation of nature, and his hard work to make his vision of the resort a reality. He treated Annabel like the treasure that she is and my heart swooned how he instantly connected with sweet Maisie.
These two were not perfect by any means, and that is what is so beautiful about this book. They aren’t trying to be, they accept each other’s faults and build each other up and it’s so endearing, as love should be. It gave me goose bumps and hope, and I truly loved every page of their journey. There are times this book is really funny, while also being very tender, and often steamy! Southern Seducer begins with the two of them being single for the first time at the same time, and it doesn’t take long for them to act on their feelings. No slow burn here, they’ve been pining for each other for years!
I especially enjoyed reading the other romances brewing, and was happy her mom found love, too! I am looking forward to the rest of this series as each of the Beauregards find their own HEA. The epilogue and the bonus epilogue into the future were my favorite chapters. Loved it!
The author graciously tackles a very personal and debilitating mental health condition as our heroine, Annabel Rhodes, a new single mom, suffers from post partum depression. She and Beau have been best friends since college and Jessica seamlessly blends the past with the present to help readers understand their sincere connection and why they remained best friends all these years without ever pursuing a romantic relationship. I truly believe in soul mates and this beautiful, passionate story will make a believer out of you too.
John Riley Beauregard, affectionately known as Beau to everyone except his mom (because moms never forget your given name), went on to play professional football after college, as did his brothers. Since they first met, he had shared all of his hopes and dreams with Annabel, including his plan to open a five-star resort in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina where he grew up. I have been to Ashville and this area is as breathtaking as Jessica poetically describes in Southern Seducer. And this resort is just the getaway that Annabel needs to recharge and relax with her beautiful newborn daughter, Maisie, when she reaches out to him for comfort.
There are so many things I loved about each of them, mostly their honest relationship and how they have been there for each other for almost two decades. I love that they are older now and how they always remained in touch and each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Both have been in other relationships, but they never once lost their connection or ease of being with one another. I loved their flirty, dirty, banter over the years, their inside jokes, their shared love of books and poetry, their commitment to family, and enjoyment of the simple things in life.
While they can’t control what is to be, they can realign their career goals and make the most of their life right now. So many of us stay the course of what is familiar and comfortable, and I so admire people who take chances and that is why I respect these two so much...they chased their own dreams and happiness and as a result, took control of their lives and destiny. They could admit their faults and ask for forgiveness, and genuinely enjoyed being their true selves with each other.
I loved all of his siblings and his mom, his ability to be honest and vulnerable about his own health condition, his fears, his appreciation of nature, and his hard work to make his vision of the resort a reality. He treated Annabel like the treasure that she is and my heart swooned how he instantly connected with sweet Maisie.
These two were not perfect by any means, and that is what is so beautiful about this book. They aren’t trying to be, they accept each other’s faults and build each other up and it’s so endearing, as love should be. It gave me goose bumps and hope, and I truly loved every page of their journey. There are times this book is really funny, while also being very tender, and often steamy! Southern Seducer begins with the two of them being single for the first time at the same time, and it doesn’t take long for them to act on their feelings. No slow burn here, they’ve been pining for each other for years!
I especially enjoyed reading the other romances brewing, and was happy her mom found love, too! I am looking forward to the rest of this series as each of the Beauregards find their own HEA. The epilogue and the bonus epilogue into the future were my favorite chapters. Loved it!
August 7, 2020
Southern Seducer is the first book in Jessica Peterson’s North Carolina Highlands series, and it sets the scene for what promises to be another addictive series. As a big fan of the author, I’m always eager for more, and this one did not disappoint.
This first book in the series deals with very real topics, looking at things from a perspective that is rarely seen. It’s real, it’s raw, and that makes it an incredibly addictive read. You’re sucked into the story in no time, you fall for the characters with ease, and the topics included in the story mean you are invested in every moment. Although some of the elements of the story hit hard, Jessica Peterson ensured I had a smile plastered on my face for much of the book because I was deep in love with the way things were developing between the characters.
Add in all the promise of what is to come in the future books, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the future books in the series.
This first book in the series deals with very real topics, looking at things from a perspective that is rarely seen. It’s real, it’s raw, and that makes it an incredibly addictive read. You’re sucked into the story in no time, you fall for the characters with ease, and the topics included in the story mean you are invested in every moment. Although some of the elements of the story hit hard, Jessica Peterson ensured I had a smile plastered on my face for much of the book because I was deep in love with the way things were developing between the characters.
Add in all the promise of what is to come in the future books, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the future books in the series.
Read
August 9, 20254/5⭐️
I adoreeee Jessica Peterson's Lucky River Ranch series, and thought it'd be fun to have a look at her other series that she's written previously. And this one was fun! There were some instances when I thought the plot was a bit slow but I enjoyed the characters and the ranch setting. Can't wait to continue the rest of the series
I adoreeee Jessica Peterson's Lucky River Ranch series, and thought it'd be fun to have a look at her other series that she's written previously. And this one was fun! There were some instances when I thought the plot was a bit slow but I enjoyed the characters and the ranch setting. Can't wait to continue the rest of the series
August 17, 2020
Jessica Peterson continues to pull out all the stops in her latest release Southern Seducer.
One thing Jessica is not afraid of doing is pushing the envelope. She empowers the women that read her novels, not just for a fun and sexy escape, but to let them know that they are not alone.
That she sees us.
She sees us mothers, young and seasoned, that don't have the picturesque birth, labor or postpartum. That we can easily lose ourselves in the heavy fog that follows when everyone asks how are we not over the moon?
Well, I was definitely not over the moon after my first child. I felt completely overwhelmed, depressed and guilty. Guilty that I started to regret my decision on becoming a mother. "Who thinks that!?", is what I would say to myself. Turns out, a lot of people.
This book is going to create a sisterhood. A sisterhood of women that are not ashamed of their postpartum journey. That are now(even 12 years later like me) going to embrace that we are stronger for what we've gone through to come out the other side.
So be ready for some naked truths in this one, because Jessica puts it all out there. Lube and all :)
One thing Jessica is not afraid of doing is pushing the envelope. She empowers the women that read her novels, not just for a fun and sexy escape, but to let them know that they are not alone.
That she sees us.
She sees us mothers, young and seasoned, that don't have the picturesque birth, labor or postpartum. That we can easily lose ourselves in the heavy fog that follows when everyone asks how are we not over the moon?
Well, I was definitely not over the moon after my first child. I felt completely overwhelmed, depressed and guilty. Guilty that I started to regret my decision on becoming a mother. "Who thinks that!?", is what I would say to myself. Turns out, a lot of people.
This book is going to create a sisterhood. A sisterhood of women that are not ashamed of their postpartum journey. That are now(even 12 years later like me) going to embrace that we are stronger for what we've gone through to come out the other side.
So be ready for some naked truths in this one, because Jessica puts it all out there. Lube and all :)
August 13, 2020
Souther Seducer is a friends to lovers romance, but it’s so much more!
I’ve read this author for a while now, and she has mastered writing human feelings and emotions on paper. I know she’s a new Mom and I am just absolutely floored by her ability to tap into what a new Mom goes through and write it, even in all it’s messy, raw glory write there for everyone to read. So for that my hat is off to her!
As far as Beau and Annabelle’s story, it’s complicated. I like friends to lovers stories, which I love, but it’s pretty clear these two had bonded and had a very close relationship even before we meet them.
Beau and Annabelle are going through major things in their lives, Annabelle has just had a baby and is going through a tough time and Beau has possible life altering issues himself that he can only see one view of, he’s kind of broken, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to help Annabelle.
The emotions are high, you might cry a little, you’ll shake your head in agreement to Annabelle’s experience as a first time Mom if you’ve had kids yourself, but, there is all kind of love in this book and it lightens things up and warms your heart. I’m excited for this series and I can’t wait for all the siblings HEAs!
I’ve read this author for a while now, and she has mastered writing human feelings and emotions on paper. I know she’s a new Mom and I am just absolutely floored by her ability to tap into what a new Mom goes through and write it, even in all it’s messy, raw glory write there for everyone to read. So for that my hat is off to her!
As far as Beau and Annabelle’s story, it’s complicated. I like friends to lovers stories, which I love, but it’s pretty clear these two had bonded and had a very close relationship even before we meet them.
Beau and Annabelle are going through major things in their lives, Annabelle has just had a baby and is going through a tough time and Beau has possible life altering issues himself that he can only see one view of, he’s kind of broken, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to help Annabelle.
The emotions are high, you might cry a little, you’ll shake your head in agreement to Annabelle’s experience as a first time Mom if you’ve had kids yourself, but, there is all kind of love in this book and it lightens things up and warms your heart. I’m excited for this series and I can’t wait for all the siblings HEAs!
August 13, 2020
Never has a book really spoke to me on such a personal level. As a mom of two and having struggled myself after pregnancy I felt so seen by this book. The struggle of going back to work and the affects of breastfeeding. I was so happy Jessica wrote this book. As moms we always are the hardest on myself. This book reminded me also of how amazing we can be.
Let’s talk Beau! Wow his struggles I cannot imagine! I am glad he was able to open his heart up and find his happiness.
Milly, to go through having a baby alone I cannot imagine. I am so glad Beau offered to take her away from it all. I am glad she took the zoloft and realized it didn’t make her a failure! I loved these two but now I need the whole series because the side characters were just as amazing!
Let’s talk Beau! Wow his struggles I cannot imagine! I am glad he was able to open his heart up and find his happiness.
Milly, to go through having a baby alone I cannot imagine. I am so glad Beau offered to take her away from it all. I am glad she took the zoloft and realized it didn’t make her a failure! I loved these two but now I need the whole series because the side characters were just as amazing!
August 26, 2020
One of the rawest, honest, and heartfelt stories I’ve read recently. Because of its honesty, you can feel how relatable it is. It’s not an easy feat to bare one’s soul in a book like Jessica does, and you can sense she is speaking from experience. But instead of being a tale of woes, it’s a beautiful, beautiful story.
I’m a fan of Jessica’s ability to create strong heroines, who are also real, fallible without following a predictable path and this new story doesn’t shy from it. A great book for those of us who are rediscovering ourselves as mothers, as women, as lovers.
I’m a fan of Jessica’s ability to create strong heroines, who are also real, fallible without following a predictable path and this new story doesn’t shy from it. A great book for those of us who are rediscovering ourselves as mothers, as women, as lovers.
December 29, 2020
Beau and Annabelle have been best friends for 17 years. They have seen each other through many milestones and the ups and downs of life. I really loved it when they open up to each other and the feelings and attraction they have buried for so long. I love how their friendship allows them to know and trust each other in ways that are not present in the beginning of many relationships. I also love the heat and laughter they bring to the bedroom as they have fun together in that way too.
This book offers a very real look at new motherhood; the exhaustion, the anxiety, the doubts, and all of the emotions that can be completely overwhelming. I really appreciated the way Beau is also dealing with his own troubling diagnosis and contemplating his options for the future. More than anything I love how they support each other and work together toward a future that is not guaranteed, but their commitment to seizing the hope and happiness in each day is. The characters and their struggles are very true to life, making their HEA especially sweet. If you are looking for a book that has emotion, heat, realistic relationships, characters with solid family support (and ultimately the ideas of living for the moment while hoping for the future) then you will not want to miss this one.
This well-written book is written in first person with dual POV.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC from the author.
This book offers a very real look at new motherhood; the exhaustion, the anxiety, the doubts, and all of the emotions that can be completely overwhelming. I really appreciated the way Beau is also dealing with his own troubling diagnosis and contemplating his options for the future. More than anything I love how they support each other and work together toward a future that is not guaranteed, but their commitment to seizing the hope and happiness in each day is. The characters and their struggles are very true to life, making their HEA especially sweet. If you are looking for a book that has emotion, heat, realistic relationships, characters with solid family support (and ultimately the ideas of living for the moment while hoping for the future) then you will not want to miss this one.
This well-written book is written in first person with dual POV.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC from the author.
August 19, 2020
Jessica Peterson is a fairly new author to me and I was excited to start one of her series at the beginning instead of playing catch up, I wasn’t disappointed, this book was everything I expected, everything I had heard was true and it ticked all my boxes.
Annabel is the one who got away and Beau has never really gotten over her but fate works in mysterious ways and now she is back in town as a divorced mum with an adorable little girl called Maisie. Will Annabel give Beau another chance, will Beau step up and be the man this family needs, well I guess you need to read the book to find that out.
This romance ticked all my boxes, I loved this couple and I fell hard and fast for Beau, the chemistry is sizzling and the banter is witty, add in the classic one liners only a child can deliver and you get the perfect read. I laughed, I sighed, I smiled and I cried but every tear I shed was worth it’s wait in gold because this is a book that I will read over and over . All that’s left for me to say is please one click this gem of a read, you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to see where this very talented author takes us with the rest of her new North Carolina Highlands Series.
Annabel is the one who got away and Beau has never really gotten over her but fate works in mysterious ways and now she is back in town as a divorced mum with an adorable little girl called Maisie. Will Annabel give Beau another chance, will Beau step up and be the man this family needs, well I guess you need to read the book to find that out.
This romance ticked all my boxes, I loved this couple and I fell hard and fast for Beau, the chemistry is sizzling and the banter is witty, add in the classic one liners only a child can deliver and you get the perfect read. I laughed, I sighed, I smiled and I cried but every tear I shed was worth it’s wait in gold because this is a book that I will read over and over . All that’s left for me to say is please one click this gem of a read, you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to see where this very talented author takes us with the rest of her new North Carolina Highlands Series.
April 16, 2021
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*
3.5 “You’ve got this.” “Honey.” Kisses
Oooooh boy, I love it when this happens…Southern Seducer was just what I was looking for and now I’m sucked into this brand new book world that has me a million different kinds of excited. There is no way to accurately describe this feeling…it’s more than giddiness and considering I’m already so in love with the Beauregard Family, I have super high hopes for what is to come in the North Carolina Highlands Series. Annabel and Beau were something I wasn’t even expecting…I mean, I looooooove the friends to lover’s trope something fierce, but I feel like they next leveled the game with their story. Jessica put some unique twists and I loved how original it felt while still giving me the same feels that I love so much.
Annabel Rhodes…I really really liked Bel. A lot. I found myself relating quite a bit to her – I think it might have been the only child thing. I loved her independence…how she did what she wanted to do and didn’t let anything hold her back – whether it was with work or her personal life, she got it done and that was awesome. I loved her relationship with her mom – I can definitely relate to that as well (and…side note, I also loved what happened to her mom in the book – it was super cute and unexpected!). It was tough seeing Bel struggle…but I loved how honest she was about it. The mask was off…walls were down…no more façade – we got the bare bones truth and reality of her struggle and I wanted to applaud her honesty. Difficult to read or not, it felt necessary…it felt good to face some of the hard things that aren’t talked about because they’re nothing to be ashamed about – it’s not like she asked for any of the feelings or realities of what she was facing, it’s just a fact of life and something that happens to so many others. I loved the truth and the rawness about it…it felt so authentic and it made me love Bel more.
John Riley Beauregard Jr…oh my goodness this man! Beau was a charmer with a capital C – I challenge anyone not to fall in love with him! He’s just too good…like despite the fact that he’s gorgeous and rich, he may have a slightly inflated ego (that he can back up)…but deep down he’s a good old southern boy that was raised right and it shows through everything that he does. He has such a huge heart and the thing he loves most in this world is looking after the people that he cares about…even if it means protecting them from himself. I hated Beau’s outlook on his future…I hated that he automatically predicted what was going to happen and refused to see it any other way. I got it…I understood where he was coming from…but I disagreed and it hurt to see what he was putting himself and others through. Still didn’t stop me from loving the shit out of him though…because I knew it all came from a good place.
Bel and Beau…are my kryptonite! They have the thing I crave most in couples and that will always make me fall head over heels without even trying – History!!! I looooooooove a couple with good history and they have almost two decades worth…and I loved getting every single moment of their past. I also loved how Jessica showed their past, through their emails - so freaking cute and very effective. I loved how they met…how close they stayed despite careers and life in general, it showed how important they were to each other. I loved their Word Porn club…I loved how real and natural they were with each other – it really didn’t matter what they were doing, they were always so at ease with each other. Moving from friends to a couple was just as natural as breathing and it was beautiful to experience. Another thing I loved about these two…they’re an older couple – not that they’re ancient or anything, but mid-thirties, they’ve had plenty of experience and know what they value and appreciate it and it shows with the way that they treat each other. These two just made such a perfect couple together, I loved every second of them.
So…honesty time, this is my first time reading a Jessica Peterson book – but what a book to pop my cherry with! I really do enjoy her style – it reminds me a lot of Melanie Harlow, who is one of my top favorite authors – so that definitely got my spidey senses tingling. The pacing and flow was really good and I felt so connected to all the characters – obviously Bel and Beau the most, but she infused such life into all of them, it was impossible not to fall for everyone. I love books that are based around families and like I already said at the beginning, I’m beyond in love with the Beauregard family and this is only book 1 – so that is a great sign to me. There were a couple times when it felt like things got a bit repetitious, which is one of my pet peeves – mainly it had to do with Bel or Beau’s personal problems and their inner thoughts. It was a bit doom and gloom and kind of trying to rain on the parade which was another reason why it caught my attention, but none of that was the end of the world.
The ending was…picture perfect. More than I could have asked for – I mean I could sit here all day long and say Beau should have done more groveling and Bel should have made him work for it more…but to be fair, it wouldn’t have made sense with their characters and the way everything came together it was just too amazing not to fall in love. I am soooooooo excited to get to the rest of these siblings - ESPECIALLY Milly!!! I’m a little miffed that she isn’t next, but I cannot be mad that we’re getting Samuel and Emma next with Southern Hotshot - the sparks were flying off those two from the minute we meet them in Southern Seducer, so I cannot wait to see what happens to them!
3.5 “You’ve got this.” “Honey.” Kisses
Oooooh boy, I love it when this happens…Southern Seducer was just what I was looking for and now I’m sucked into this brand new book world that has me a million different kinds of excited. There is no way to accurately describe this feeling…it’s more than giddiness and considering I’m already so in love with the Beauregard Family, I have super high hopes for what is to come in the North Carolina Highlands Series. Annabel and Beau were something I wasn’t even expecting…I mean, I looooooove the friends to lover’s trope something fierce, but I feel like they next leveled the game with their story. Jessica put some unique twists and I loved how original it felt while still giving me the same feels that I love so much.
Annabel Rhodes…I really really liked Bel. A lot. I found myself relating quite a bit to her – I think it might have been the only child thing. I loved her independence…how she did what she wanted to do and didn’t let anything hold her back – whether it was with work or her personal life, she got it done and that was awesome. I loved her relationship with her mom – I can definitely relate to that as well (and…side note, I also loved what happened to her mom in the book – it was super cute and unexpected!). It was tough seeing Bel struggle…but I loved how honest she was about it. The mask was off…walls were down…no more façade – we got the bare bones truth and reality of her struggle and I wanted to applaud her honesty. Difficult to read or not, it felt necessary…it felt good to face some of the hard things that aren’t talked about because they’re nothing to be ashamed about – it’s not like she asked for any of the feelings or realities of what she was facing, it’s just a fact of life and something that happens to so many others. I loved the truth and the rawness about it…it felt so authentic and it made me love Bel more.
‘I hold her hand in mine against my chest and bend my neck, resting my cheek against her head. There’s an ease to the way our bodies interact. An arousing familiarity, a rightness. The air between and around us vibrates with energy.
After a while , I can’t tell who’s holding whom.
Maybe we’re holding each other.
Maybe being held is what we both need.’
John Riley Beauregard Jr…oh my goodness this man! Beau was a charmer with a capital C – I challenge anyone not to fall in love with him! He’s just too good…like despite the fact that he’s gorgeous and rich, he may have a slightly inflated ego (that he can back up)…but deep down he’s a good old southern boy that was raised right and it shows through everything that he does. He has such a huge heart and the thing he loves most in this world is looking after the people that he cares about…even if it means protecting them from himself. I hated Beau’s outlook on his future…I hated that he automatically predicted what was going to happen and refused to see it any other way. I got it…I understood where he was coming from…but I disagreed and it hurt to see what he was putting himself and others through. Still didn’t stop me from loving the shit out of him though…because I knew it all came from a good place.
‘The world is quiet around us, but my heart is thundering in my chest. For a second, I close my eyes because it’s all just too damn much.
Here it is , the break I needed more than I knew.
The pleasure, too.
It’s the pleasure of being with my dear friend. The pleasure of allowing myself to be cared for.
The pleasure of enjoying the day, rather than just surviving it.’
Bel and Beau…are my kryptonite! They have the thing I crave most in couples and that will always make me fall head over heels without even trying – History!!! I looooooooove a couple with good history and they have almost two decades worth…and I loved getting every single moment of their past. I also loved how Jessica showed their past, through their emails - so freaking cute and very effective. I loved how they met…how close they stayed despite careers and life in general, it showed how important they were to each other. I loved their Word Porn club…I loved how real and natural they were with each other – it really didn’t matter what they were doing, they were always so at ease with each other. Moving from friends to a couple was just as natural as breathing and it was beautiful to experience. Another thing I loved about these two…they’re an older couple – not that they’re ancient or anything, but mid-thirties, they’ve had plenty of experience and know what they value and appreciate it and it shows with the way that they treat each other. These two just made such a perfect couple together, I loved every second of them.
‘He’s pouring himself into me, the things he’s feeling and the things he doesn’t know how to say.
He’s saying them with his lips and his tongue.
He’s ardent. All in. I get lost in the kiss, allowing him to take and take and take. My time. My breath.
My heart.’
So…honesty time, this is my first time reading a Jessica Peterson book – but what a book to pop my cherry with! I really do enjoy her style – it reminds me a lot of Melanie Harlow, who is one of my top favorite authors – so that definitely got my spidey senses tingling. The pacing and flow was really good and I felt so connected to all the characters – obviously Bel and Beau the most, but she infused such life into all of them, it was impossible not to fall for everyone. I love books that are based around families and like I already said at the beginning, I’m beyond in love with the Beauregard family and this is only book 1 – so that is a great sign to me. There were a couple times when it felt like things got a bit repetitious, which is one of my pet peeves – mainly it had to do with Bel or Beau’s personal problems and their inner thoughts. It was a bit doom and gloom and kind of trying to rain on the parade which was another reason why it caught my attention, but none of that was the end of the world.
‘The give and take between us is so effortlessly perfect.
We get it. I get her. She gets me.
It’s never been this way with anyone else.
And I know, somewhere in the space between skin and bones and soul, that it’ll never be this way with anyone but Annabel.’
The ending was…picture perfect. More than I could have asked for – I mean I could sit here all day long and say Beau should have done more groveling and Bel should have made him work for it more…but to be fair, it wouldn’t have made sense with their characters and the way everything came together it was just too amazing not to fall in love. I am soooooooo excited to get to the rest of these siblings - ESPECIALLY Milly!!! I’m a little miffed that she isn’t next, but I cannot be mad that we’re getting Samuel and Emma next with Southern Hotshot - the sparks were flying off those two from the minute we meet them in Southern Seducer, so I cannot wait to see what happens to them!
April 30, 2023
For New Mothers Only
The story started out really slow. To me, it felt like everything was being dragged out.
At 16% Some issues with this couple were crystal clear, but some things had me trying to figure out what was going on with Beau. Why did he say he can't have her?
At 22% I'm screaming in my head praying to The Writers Nine Muses of Heaven and Earth... "Please don't let this be that No-Communication BS"...
At 31% I've got a lump in my throat and I'm tearing up. And, I'm screaming in my head again... "No Freaking Way!"...
At 60% Their first time coupling seemed like robotic manipulation not making love.
This story was a rollercoaster ride for me. And, I've had female characters that I had a moment of bad feelings for, but this is the first time I've read a story that I can say I really disliked the female character. There were so many times Annabel would say something about the baby or being a mother that just made me furious with her. I have to believe it’s because I don’t understand Postpartum Depression and what can happen to a woman emotionally after childbirth. I just couldn't relate.
The narration by Jason Clarke and Virginia Rose was really good. Neither narrator did much of a southern accent, but I didn't care. One other thing I liked was it was almost equal POV’s between both characters. And wow, Jason Clarke's voice is deep and sexy. He sounded just like Beau's description of a six foot three, two hundred fifty-five pound linebacker.
This is my third read by Jessica Peterson and I loved the previous books. Unfortunately, I have to say I found most of this story extremely wordy. The balance of narrative and dialogue is very important to me, but my opinion of this story is not going to hinder me from reading more of this author's wonderful stories.
Good Read
The story started out really slow. To me, it felt like everything was being dragged out.
At 16% Some issues with this couple were crystal clear, but some things had me trying to figure out what was going on with Beau. Why did he say he can't have her?
At 22% I'm screaming in my head praying to The Writers Nine Muses of Heaven and Earth... "Please don't let this be that No-Communication BS"...
At 31% I've got a lump in my throat and I'm tearing up. And, I'm screaming in my head again... "No Freaking Way!"...
At 60% Their first time coupling seemed like robotic manipulation not making love.
This story was a rollercoaster ride for me. And, I've had female characters that I had a moment of bad feelings for, but this is the first time I've read a story that I can say I really disliked the female character. There were so many times Annabel would say something about the baby or being a mother that just made me furious with her. I have to believe it’s because I don’t understand Postpartum Depression and what can happen to a woman emotionally after childbirth. I just couldn't relate.
The narration by Jason Clarke and Virginia Rose was really good. Neither narrator did much of a southern accent, but I didn't care. One other thing I liked was it was almost equal POV’s between both characters. And wow, Jason Clarke's voice is deep and sexy. He sounded just like Beau's description of a six foot three, two hundred fifty-five pound linebacker.
This is my third read by Jessica Peterson and I loved the previous books. Unfortunately, I have to say I found most of this story extremely wordy. The balance of narrative and dialogue is very important to me, but my opinion of this story is not going to hinder me from reading more of this author's wonderful stories.
Good Read
August 23, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Southern Seducer is the first book in the brand-new North Carolina Highlands Series, and I LOVED it. A friends-to-lovers romance with super relatable characters and struggles that left me with a warm and content feeling at the end.
Beau and Annabelle have been best friends for almost two decades, since meeting at a party in college. Through romances, failed relationships, heartbreaks and triumphs, no matter the circumstance they were always there for each other.
I am a sucker for a gorgeous hunk of a man and an adorable baby, and this book had in spades. My ovaries were screaming with every scene Beau and baby Maisie were in together. Sigh.
There were so many highlights of this book that I loved. The family dynamic, the incredible characters and the descriptive setting that had me feeling like I was truly there experiencing it myself.
I must applaud the author for her insight on postpartum depression. I admire the bravery it must of taken to write about such a sensitive topic and bring awareness to others. It is definitely a subject that isn’t spoken about enough and hopefully this allows other mothers and women to know they aren’t alone and to try not to worry so much about the expectations and pressures of being the perfect mother.
I’m super excited for the next instalment in the series and to read Samuel and Emma’s story.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Southern Seducer is the first book in the brand-new North Carolina Highlands Series, and I LOVED it. A friends-to-lovers romance with super relatable characters and struggles that left me with a warm and content feeling at the end.
Beau and Annabelle have been best friends for almost two decades, since meeting at a party in college. Through romances, failed relationships, heartbreaks and triumphs, no matter the circumstance they were always there for each other.
I am a sucker for a gorgeous hunk of a man and an adorable baby, and this book had in spades. My ovaries were screaming with every scene Beau and baby Maisie were in together. Sigh.
There were so many highlights of this book that I loved. The family dynamic, the incredible characters and the descriptive setting that had me feeling like I was truly there experiencing it myself.
I must applaud the author for her insight on postpartum depression. I admire the bravery it must of taken to write about such a sensitive topic and bring awareness to others. It is definitely a subject that isn’t spoken about enough and hopefully this allows other mothers and women to know they aren’t alone and to try not to worry so much about the expectations and pressures of being the perfect mother.
I’m super excited for the next instalment in the series and to read Samuel and Emma’s story.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2020
This is an ARC review. All opinions are solely my own.
Southern Seducer by Jessica Peterson is book one of her new series North Carolina Highlands. I can see where a few of her next books of this series are going to come from and I am here for it.
Annabel and Beau are friends since college who were always meant to be together. Life got in the way. When they both needed their friendship to lean on things get solidly moved out of the friend zone.
I could tell by the intimacy of the writing this was very personal for Jessica Peterson. I'm a member of her Facebook group and follow her on Instagram so I knew a little of her home life. She discusses a very private subject in a way many women have described. My heart goes out to her. Thank you for sharing.
I know that Samuel and Emma get the next book and I'm thinking the rest of the Beauregard family will get stories. But let's not leave out Lizzie and Larry. That could be a cute novella.
Southern Seducer by Jessica Peterson is book one of her new series North Carolina Highlands. I can see where a few of her next books of this series are going to come from and I am here for it.
Annabel and Beau are friends since college who were always meant to be together. Life got in the way. When they both needed their friendship to lean on things get solidly moved out of the friend zone.
I could tell by the intimacy of the writing this was very personal for Jessica Peterson. I'm a member of her Facebook group and follow her on Instagram so I knew a little of her home life. She discusses a very private subject in a way many women have described. My heart goes out to her. Thank you for sharing.
I know that Samuel and Emma get the next book and I'm thinking the rest of the Beauregard family will get stories. But let's not leave out Lizzie and Larry. That could be a cute novella.
August 13, 2020
Annabel is a divorced single mother who is struggling through an emotional time in her life as she loves her daughter with her whole heart but is also dealing with postpartum depression as well. The one person who is there for her is Beau, who has been her best friend for nearly two decades.
Beau is going through an emotional time of his own as he adjusts to his retirement from professional football and is focused on managing the family resort. He arranges for Annabel to say at the resort so that he can be there to support her as she adapts to her new normal.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Annabel and Beau. With every word they said and every action they made the deep connection between them was visible. Now that neither of them are in relationships the heat between them escalates but it is the way they are there for each other through the good times and the bad that shows how strong their relationship truly is.
Beau is going through an emotional time of his own as he adjusts to his retirement from professional football and is focused on managing the family resort. He arranges for Annabel to say at the resort so that he can be there to support her as she adapts to her new normal.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Annabel and Beau. With every word they said and every action they made the deep connection between them was visible. Now that neither of them are in relationships the heat between them escalates but it is the way they are there for each other through the good times and the bad that shows how strong their relationship truly is.
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