Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Tennessee Whiskey #1

Southern Poison

Rate this book
Ace Dalton is the middle son, the black sheep of the family. Drinking, women, gambling—welcome to Ace’s world.

Until dear old dad cuts off Ace’s credit cards and forces him to work at the family distillery, insisting that it’s time for Ace to grow up.

But whiskey isn’t the only thing brewing at Dalton Enterprises when an environmental agency files a class action lawsuit, forcing them to cease and desist production. Meanwhile, Ace falls for the one woman in Nashville, Tennessee who doesn’t want him—Callie Harrison.

Can he win her over and save the family business or will the pressure be too hot for Ace to handle?

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2021

21 people are currently reading
217 people want to read

About the author

Shauna Jared

21 books100 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
44 (43%)
4 stars
30 (29%)
3 stars
19 (18%)
2 stars
6 (5%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for MyDogAteMyBookReview.
212 reviews46 followers
September 11, 2021
I want to be Ace’s sunflower 🌻 I would down that man like a shot of whiskey.

I loved this book, this series is going to be 🔥

Ace didn’t have my heart from the start, at first I wanted to throat punch him. But he won me over.
Profile Image for Sahana Ramnath.
1,133 reviews31 followers
August 28, 2021
Totally loved this contemporary romance! It was a perfect 2 hour read, and was really wholesome and feel-good ❤️

I loved that both the characters had a good growth, both individually and together.

Callie learns to love herself, and at the same, also learns that it's okay to open herself up to love. I also LOVED that she was an artist, a painter to be exact. All the descriptions of paint colors and brushes and stuff had me like 🤍🤍

Ace finally figures out what he wants in life. He's lead a self-destructive life so far, struggling to settle down and stick to his goals, and this book shows his struggles and his efforts in a real manner 🤍🤍

Callie and Ace's scenes together were amazing. They were so sweet, they're all perfect for rereading ❤️

The story was beautiful throughout, I teared up in a lot of places 🥲 the whole book was written so well, I could hardly keep it down ❤️ I'm very excited for book 2 in this series as well.. based on the few scenes that book 2's pair had in this book, I'm sure it's gonna be explosive 😂🤍
Profile Image for Lizzie Stanley.
Author 9 books215 followers
September 3, 2021
The moment this awesome book mentioned the story of Clytie in Greek mythology, I was done. And then Ace quoted Keats, and I was a puddle on the floor.

What an awesome book!!! Both Ace and Callie were intensely likeable, and the predicament they both found themselves in was a real nail biter. Their happily ever after was so heartwarming that it made all the chomped cuticles worthwhile 😁 a book to keep forever.
Profile Image for Christina.
Author 12 books409 followers
August 24, 2021
More than a romance, Southern Poison is a sweet and sexy coming-of-age story.

Callie has been burned before, and she can't imagine risking her heart again. Ace is a spoiled rich boy who has a reputation for being a player. But Ace is a poet at heart, and a tattooed heartthrob. Callie can't resist. For Ace, Callie is everything he never knew he wanted, needed. The attraction between them is undeniable, but can they step out of their comfort zones to trust and be trustworthy?

Outside of their bubble of burgeoning romance, there's the small matter of Ace's family business struggles, gambling debts coming due, and a family trust with a strange stipulation: Life getting in the way of happiness.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were nuanced and the story compelling. It's a little bit heartwarming, a little bit heartbreaking, and it's totally worth it all.

*I read this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,031 reviews23 followers
August 31, 2021
Ace Dalton is a rich entitled arrogant son. Everything has been handed to him on a silver platter. Until his father cuts him off at the knees.
Callie is not the kind of woman he would go for but everything he needs. There story is sweet and I enjoyed it very much. This is my first book by this author and I’m sure I’ll enjoy many more in the future.
Profile Image for Brittany (happy.ending.always).
1,243 reviews47 followers
October 3, 2021
Ace Can Always Be My Sunflower 🌻🔥

Holy yes! I loved this book so much. It was incredible. I love the storyline. I loved the passion and push and pull between Ace and Callie. I loved Shauna Jared’s writing. This is an awesome book you must read and must devour!!!
Profile Image for Eclectic Review.
1,684 reviews5 followers
March 4, 2022
Contrary to what the author's bio says, this book is not paranormal at all, so I'm guessing she is branching out to contemporary romance. I seem to be on a roll with poor little rich manchild characters lately and this book is no exception. I picked it up because I am scheduled for a blog tour on book 2 of the series and I was advised to read book 1 to get a background on the characters. I'm so glad I did because this one ends in a cliffhanger. And the cover on this one? Yummy!!!

Ace Dalton is one of the heirs to Dalton Enterprises, a whiskey distillery in Tennessee. Ace is known as the black sheep of the family who gave up trying to please his controlling father a long time ago. Ace enjoys parties, women, and spending his father's money like it's going out of style.  Until his father cuts him off and forces him to work in their family's company as a glorified assistant. Unknowingly, his father has put a target on Ace's back when he owes a big chunk of money to a notorious "collection agency". If that isn't enough, Ace is manipulated into being a candidate for an auction at a charity benefit. Enter the beautiful woman who has won three dates with him via her manipulative grandmother. The attraction is immediate, but the timing is bad and the cost is too high.

Callie Harrison is an artist and a woman done with relationships. Her last one left her vulnerable and guarded. But her grandmother is determined to get Callie married to the love of her life despite Callie's protests. Callie is obligated to take this gorgeous man on three dates as part of the charity auction's guidelines, but she is not expecting much considering his playboy ways. He just may surprise her.

Callie and Ace have some baggage coming into their relationship; however, they can't help the attraction they feel for each other. Callie's guardedness and Ace's vulnerability give them the foundation to change their ways as they respect each other's boundaries and open up their hearts.  Callie is fearful of having her heart destroyed by a man who has it all, but she realizes that she can't run from things that get difficult,  especially matters of the heart. Sometimes you have to take risks. Ace is constantly trying to get his father's approval and he just needs to man up and take control of his life by being honest with his feelings. I was delighted to see him rally for his family business and fight for the woman he loves. I love sunflowers and the story of Clytie in Greek mythology. I was also intrigued by Ace's beautiful poetry and Callie's painting. It's nice to see characters with various ranges of interests.

There are many supporting characters that add depth to the story. Callie's grandmother loves her granddaughter very much and gives great advice to Ace when he comes looking for Callie. Ace's younger brother Jasper is a big supporter of his Ace, and Ace's older, sterner brother Nick is more aloof and single-minded though he does come around later on.  As for Ace's dad, he's a controlling, manipulative bastard who treats his middle son Ace like crap. Is the elder man, redeemable? I'm looking forward to reading book 2 to find out.

I enjoyed this feel-good contemporary romance with its explosive family dynamics, instant love, and genuine growth of many of the characters. The story tells us to not fear setbacks but to embrace them and live the best life we can. It also embraces family relationships and standing up for what's right.
Profile Image for Skylar Shoar.
Author 5 books68 followers
August 30, 2021
Ace Dalton is exactly what I expected from the blurb, and on first introduction, this playboy could easily be an unlikable character. But I found myself quickly rooting for him to succeed not only in love but in all areas of his life. Cut off from the family's fortune, Ace has no choice but to halt his extravagant lifestyle and join the family business.

All of this leads Ace to Callie - an artistic and tenacious woman whose previous relationship has left her guarded.

Attraction is no problem for Ace and Callie, but Ace's past playboy ways force him into present situations he can't avoid.

I won't lie, I was frustrated with parts of this story but at the same time, I couldn't stop reading. My heart broke for Ace at times as he battled with his conscience (don't worry, there is no cheating) and I loved how his youngest brother, Jasper, was always loyal and understanding.

Get ready for some family drama, sweet, romantic moments, and steamy scenes.

While Southern Poison does not end on a cliffhanger, Ms. Jared has concluded this story in a way that makes me believe there is more to come. And I am here for it!

Overall, the characters were relatable, the writing was great, the flow was consistent, and the HEA put a big fat smile on my face.

My favourite quote from the book:

"It was as if until this very moment, I hadn’t truly been alive. My life had been in black and white, and suddenly, I was seeing it in technicolor. There was a spark of light in the cold, dark recesses of my heart for the first time in—well, ever."
Profile Image for Libby.
313 reviews16 followers
August 30, 2021
Ace Dalton was labeled as the "black sheep" of the family.  He figured "if ya can't beat 'em, join 'em."  Due to some bad luck and his father finally having enough of his shenanigans,  he is cut off and has been informed that he will join his brothers and father working for the family distillery. 

Callie is a sweet girl who has had some hard life lessons to learn. Tragedy, an abusive ex, and a well-meaning but meddlesome grandmother who just wants to see her happy leave her with her heart hardened to love.  The only love she has is for her art. Callie's grandmother still has a few suprises and she dupes her into accompanying her to a charity bachlor auction.

Ace and Callie gave me all the feels and had me in love with them from their first meeting on a bench.  The chemistry is off the charts and these two are meant for each other, but can they figure it out before the clock runs out?

This was my first read by this author, and I loved it.  I'm a sucker for the bad boys who have to fight for what they want.  This one has it all! The heat, spice, and drama were real and I felt connected with them.   Highly recommend it with a box of tissues and a good amount of water for the heat!
Profile Image for Evie Alexander.
Author 18 books1,004 followers
October 24, 2021
Ace is the bad boy middle son of a Tennessee whiskey baron. He doesn't need a job. He's already fully employed as a skirt chasing, gambling, drinker of the hard stuff. But when dad cuts the purse strings and the family company is thrown onto the rocks, he has some serious growing up to do. Enter Callie. He's totally her type but she doesn't ever want to get hurt again and doesn't know if she can trust Ace. He doesn't think he deserves her, and when he's drawn into the family business, expected to use a past fling to gain information, his life starts to spiral out of control.

I loved this book. It deals with difficult themes that most of us have had to grapple with at one point or another. Is our path set or can we change who we are? What happens when we don't meet other people's expectations? Are we truly deserving of love? I was rooting for Ace and Callie and my heart was put through the wringer several times before they both got the happy ending they deserved.

I thoroughly recommend this book and can't wait to read more from this author!
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,436 reviews156 followers
September 1, 2021
Being new to Ms.Jared's work I've been looking so forward to picking up her books! I was scrolling on social media and stumbled across a teaser for this book and could not contain my excitement for it! I knew I had to read it first! I enjoyed this story so much!

Once I started Ace and Callie's journey I ended up finishing it in one sitting! I got into the Tennessee Whiskey world right away and I really liked how the ball got rolling from the start. I was so glad to be able to to get into both characters minds and digging deeper! Both characters had me feeling so many things throughout as well!

With Southern Poison, Ms.Jared has created such a good read that'll be sure to get your attention quickly! I am so looking forward to more of the Tennessee Whiskey world!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Profile Image for L.M. Dalgleish.
Author 11 books902 followers
September 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It was sweet and sexy in equal measures, which made it a really easy read; I just wanted to keep turning the pages, and I read it in one go! At the start I thought it was going to take me awhile to warm to the rich, entitled, Ace, but he won me over easily and I was soon cheering him on in his quest to sort out his life and win Callie’s heart. I loved that he had such a poetic soul, it’s something we don’t see enough of in contemporary romance these days. I liked that Callie had an inherent strength and she didn’t just fall back at Ace’s feet. The two of them were really able to come to grips with what they needed and wanted for themselves and from each other before they achieved their well-earned and absolutely beautiful happily ever after. This was my first book by Shauna Jared, but it definitely won’t be my last!
Profile Image for Daphne Elliot.
Author 28 books1,235 followers
August 26, 2021
Southern Poison is a steamy, swoony contemporary romance. I was so wrapped up in Ace and Callie I finished it in one night!

Ace Dalton is a overgrown man child and black sheep of the Dalton family struggling to find his way. Initially I disliked him but he grew on my throughout the book, completely winning me over with his big heart and his poetic soul. Callie is jaded after a terrible breakup and facing pressure from her grandmother.

I enjoyed the character's journeys - maturing and growing together - and the spectacular HEA. This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last!
Profile Image for Geraldine.
161 reviews6 followers
August 26, 2021
Firstly I just have to say, I loooove this authors writing style. There's something so smooth but completely hooky about it. I'm instantly transported into whatever world she's tempting me with and there I happily stay.
This new series is no exception to this rule. I loved it, the story, the characters, their relationship, the hints at what's to come in the next ones. Everything.

Please read it.
IT GOOD.

When I saw the opportunity for an ARC I snatched it and clutched in my excited claws.
This is my honest review. 🙂
Profile Image for Kristy Perkins.
Author 34 books44 followers
August 29, 2021
I honestly cannot begin to express how amazing this book is!

I was hooked from the first sentence. Main characters Callie & Ace are intense! Their relationship with one another is fire at first sight and true love in the end. Their growth throughout the story, both personal and together, is beautiful. I absolutely loved it and hung to every single word written.

My heart was tugged so many times. I cried, laughed, and cheered for them. I was even tempted to divorce my husband just so I could marry Ace!

Callie’s grandmother is more then meets the eye so don’t give up hope on her in the beginning. She’s just a loving parent as well!

Oh my! I can’t wait for more! I need more!
Profile Image for Alana Rodriguez.
4 reviews
August 30, 2021
Southern Poison gets all the stars.
Shauna managed to add so many different layers to this plot.
The characters are easy to love and yet far from perfect, they have insecurities, make questionable choices, but they learn and grow and it’s enjoyable to read their journey into personal growth and finding real love.
The plot is well-rounded that leaves you wanting more, which is a good thing, because I’m sure book 2 of this series will be equally as good!
Profile Image for Lena Moore.
Author 11 books50 followers
September 4, 2021
Oh Ace!

A action packed, pocket rocket lust induced read ! Ace and Callie's story is about taking a chance, letting go of prior inhibitions and allowing the chips go fall where they fall.

I loved Ace from the get go because who doesn't love a bad boy covered in ink ! Callie was a bit of a hardass which I loved, too !

A quick read packed with a punch. I look forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for LivingLovingReading.
214 reviews13 followers
September 5, 2021
Ya’ll! Ace and Callie? You need to read their story! This sweet but steamy contemporary romance is the perfect read for any romance lover! It’s full of heartfelt moments, stupid boy mistakes, and a girl afraid to open her heart again. This is a must read, five star, do not miss romance that will leave you swooning and wanting more!
Author 16 books7 followers
September 11, 2021
Hot Damn!

I started reading this at bedtime and that was the worst I could have done if I actually wanted to sleep. I couldn't put this book down! From the great descriptions and character development to the romance of hot, steamy moments, it's definitely a must read! I can only hope book 2 comes out faster than planned...
Profile Image for Heather Edwards .
767 reviews18 followers
August 30, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much! My first book by Shauna Jared and I can't wait to read more of her books! I loved the characters *Ace & Callie and their love story ❤. I love how descriptive Shauna is with her characters in this book! I easily pictured how Ace and Callie looked like in my head! These 2 went through obstacles but in the end they overcame them which I was so happy for!
Profile Image for Ava Hunter.
Author 13 books1,490 followers
September 15, 2021
I really loved this book! Shauna Jared is a new-to-me author and sometimes that can be daunting, but it paid off! I love Ace and the Dalton family she crafted in this book. Even though the book's on the shorter side, the characters were well-written and the storyline and romance fully fleshed out. jared is a great writer and I can't wait to read more in this series.
Profile Image for Linda MARIE Pankow.
Author 37 books47 followers
August 24, 2021
I loved this one!

But heres why....

I read this in less than 5 hours it was an amazing book and I loved every minute of the book. The love between the two misfits seems improbable but it's really fitting. 😍
Profile Image for Traci Bookstagram.
1,066 reviews51 followers
January 19, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was my first of Shauna Jared’s books & I seriously need to check out more of her books! First off we get the bad boy who is forced to reform is ways. Add in his creative side and I don’t know how you could possibly not fall for him! Then we get the artist who has given up on giving her heart away. On the surface these two shouldn’t work, but they are absolutely perfect!

This book not only has great growth from the main characters, but I love how Ace’s relationship changes and grows with his family.

This book is seriously amazing & I cannot wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Heather in FL.
2,063 reviews
February 3, 2022
This was an interesting story, though it was seriously amazing how quickly Ace went from man-whore to 100% into Callie. Still, it was super cute. How they were thrown together by her grandmother, how they both wanted to get out of it but then realized how much chemistry they had. Ace seemed a bit immature at the beginning, rebelling against his father and basically just being a schmuck. Even at first when his dad made him work at the family business... but it wasn't what Ace thought he should be doing. But over the course of the story, he seemed to mature and he became "worthy" of Callie. Nice set-up for the next in the series.
Profile Image for WhiskeyandReading.
2,739 reviews
June 8, 2022
This is a great first book for the series. Ace drove me insane but once he stepped up he amazed me. Callie was so sweet and so innocent. They were a perfect pair.
Profile Image for Adrianna.
451 reviews6 followers
May 29, 2022
This is Tennessee Whiskey Book One it follows Ace and Callie. I was not sure I liked Ace in the very beginning. He had a lot of growing up to do. However very quickly it became clear that he was going to be a great guy. He struggles but his journey was good. I absolutely loved these two.

Ace has been living irresponsibly off of his family’s money, when his dad decided enough is enough and cuts him off forcing him to get a job he isn’t happy about it. Not because he thinks his dad is wrong but because he didn’t see it first. He is twenty eight years old with nothing to show for it.

When an environmental group sues his family’s whisky distillery he tries his best to help his family get to the bottom of their claims.

Callie is an artist doing well on her own. She had her heart broken and is skeptical to try again. When she meets Ace she only gives him a small chance at her grandmother’s insistence.

When things get complicated and a past comes back to bite him in the butt will their new budding relationship survive?
Profile Image for AddictedToReadingRomance.
763 reviews30 followers
May 29, 2022
Ace and Callie are amazing together

Southern Poison: Tennessee Whiskey Book One it’s a pretty great book. Amazing beginning for these Dalton Brothers, Nick, Ace and Jasper. Ace being the middle one is the black sheep and he does everything to keep the title. Meeting Callie change everything. Their relationship is something between force proximity and pre arrangements. I definitely loved this story so much. It’s funny, romantic, s3xy and a little bit dark. Callie is perfect for him, she managed to makes him “grown up” and do something for love. Callie and Ace, both sunflowers in this story. I totally love this couple, I enjoy the reading, I hardly slept at all, I needed to finish. Can’t wait for Nick and Amelia, it’s gonna be heated.
Profile Image for The Lusty Literarians.
828 reviews45 followers
December 6, 2021
Enjoyable Characters!

Southern Poison is a quick and enjoyable read. I really liked these characters. I enjoyed them so much that I actually wish this story was longer! Ace is a tattooed bad boy with massive daddy issues and a strong lack of motivation when we first meet him. It doesn’t take long for him to want to change his ways. I liked that he wasn’t trying to change his behavior only for Callie. He wanted to be better for himself and his family as well. I also liked how issues were discussed as soon as they came up. There were no mind games being played between Callie and Ace. Sure he left out a sorta crucial piece of information, but even that didn’t feel like too much of a betrayal. Overall I liked this story, the intro to the Dalton brothers, and the breadcrumbs for book two.
Profile Image for Angelica Young.
290 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2021
sweet and steamy

Jared leaves the supernatural behind in this contemporary romance, but she keeps the sweet steam that makes you come back for more! Neither of the main characters want to want each other, lucky for them they’re perfect for each other! Add that to an interesting plot that will no doubt tie into the next book and you’ve got a 5star read!
Profile Image for K. Forest.
Author 5 books91 followers
December 1, 2021
I could not put this book down! I fell in love with both the female and male MC!

Callie the sweet artist could not resist Ace who is a spoiled, tattoo hunk who happens to be in a bind. The author created an amazing smooth romance story and created sweet and spicy characters just like Tennessee Whiskey!

I highly recommend this book.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.