What do you think?
Rate this book
North Carolina Highlands #3
Southern Sinner
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Until I brought my fake girlfriend home.
When I took a seat next to the gorgeous brunette at the blackjack table, I had no idea it would be the start of the hottest weekend of my life. By day, Stevie and I dominate the casinos of Sin City.
By night, I dominate her in my penthouse suite.
Then my brother Samuel ruins it by asking me to come home for his engagement party.
Because he’s not just getting married. This isn’t a normal celebration for me. His future bride is my "one who got away." The girl I may or may not still be in love with.
The catch? He wants me to prove I’m over his fiancée before they set a date. So I ask Stevie to double down on our chemistry and pretend to be my girlfriend.
We set our ground rules: lots of sex, plenty of pretend smiles, and no strings.
But we’re not only gambling with the truth. We’re gambling with our hearts.
They say every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. But Stevie’s past may force us to fold on our future before it’s even begun.
SOUTHERN SINNER is a full-length, standalone novel in the North Carolina Highlands Series.
When I took a seat next to the gorgeous brunette at the blackjack table, I had no idea it would be the start of the hottest weekend of my life. By day, Stevie and I dominate the casinos of Sin City.
By night, I dominate her in my penthouse suite.
Then my brother Samuel ruins it by asking me to come home for his engagement party.
Because he’s not just getting married. This isn’t a normal celebration for me. His future bride is my "one who got away." The girl I may or may not still be in love with.
The catch? He wants me to prove I’m over his fiancée before they set a date. So I ask Stevie to double down on our chemistry and pretend to be my girlfriend.
We set our ground rules: lots of sex, plenty of pretend smiles, and no strings.
But we’re not only gambling with the truth. We’re gambling with our hearts.
They say every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. But Stevie’s past may force us to fold on our future before it’s even begun.
SOUTHERN SINNER is a full-length, standalone novel in the North Carolina Highlands Series.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2022
417 people are currently reading
2837 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Peterson
44 books5,025 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
Want to read
March 19, 2021Hank's story!
April 12, 2021
OMG, this is easily the best, and hottest, book in the series! I have such a massive girl crush on Stevie, and Hank completely OWNS my heart!!! I know this is very hypocritical, but I usually hate age gaps when the woman is the older one, but fuck me, I loved Stevie's confident vulnerability. I want to be her when I grow up.
And Hank?! Good lord. He is the epitome of the perfect man. Looks like my husband needs to step up his game!😂😂
But seriously, this is the perfect book! I was smiling and giggling most of the time I was reading, or i was very teary and turned on. The best of combinations, I tell ya! Just do yourselves a favor and one click this as soon as you can!! You won't regret it!😊
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
**Full RTC
**edited to add: can I just say how much I love the fact that Stevie had pubic hair? Society always has such strong opinions about how much hair a woman should have, where the hair should or shouldn't be, and to have such a voluptuous BADASS woman have a hairy vagina?! I'm all here for it. And the fact that Hank LOVED it?! Hell. Yes. Idgaf what you do with your body and where you have hair or where you don't, as long as you are comfortable that is all that matters. And we don't need to be pandering to those who find it disgusting (both men and women alike) for how we groom ourselves. Or for how we don't. You want a hairless pussy cat? You do you, boo. You wanna rock out like it's still the 70's, bush and all? GO FOR IT. You wanna have hair on your armpits/legs/arms and still embrace your body? YES QUEEN. The two are not mutually exclusive. Love yourselves the way you are! I have how vapid society has always been, and it just gets worse as the years go on. As long as you are happy, who the fuck cares?
And that's my tangent for the night. Welcome to my wine induced Ted talk.🙌🙌
And Hank?! Good lord. He is the epitome of the perfect man. Looks like my husband needs to step up his game!😂😂
But seriously, this is the perfect book! I was smiling and giggling most of the time I was reading, or i was very teary and turned on. The best of combinations, I tell ya! Just do yourselves a favor and one click this as soon as you can!! You won't regret it!😊
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
**Full RTC
**edited to add: can I just say how much I love the fact that Stevie had pubic hair? Society always has such strong opinions about how much hair a woman should have, where the hair should or shouldn't be, and to have such a voluptuous BADASS woman have a hairy vagina?! I'm all here for it. And the fact that Hank LOVED it?! Hell. Yes. Idgaf what you do with your body and where you have hair or where you don't, as long as you are comfortable that is all that matters. And we don't need to be pandering to those who find it disgusting (both men and women alike) for how we groom ourselves. Or for how we don't. You want a hairless pussy cat? You do you, boo. You wanna rock out like it's still the 70's, bush and all? GO FOR IT. You wanna have hair on your armpits/legs/arms and still embrace your body? YES QUEEN. The two are not mutually exclusive. Love yourselves the way you are! I have how vapid society has always been, and it just gets worse as the years go on. As long as you are happy, who the fuck cares?
And that's my tangent for the night. Welcome to my wine induced Ted talk.🙌🙌
April 10, 2021
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. I loved this book. Did I mention that I LOVED THIS BOOK?!?!?! When I tell you that I inhaled this book I mean it. Once I started reading there was no stopping, the next thing I knew I had reached the end and hoping if I kept clicking more pages would appear. Jessica most certainly outdid herself with this story and especially with Hank and Stevie.
I have such a girl crush on Stevie. She was such a breath of fresh air and I loved her confidence and her take no crap attitude. I also loved that she showed her vulnerability, it spoke volumes and it added to the incredible and hardworking badass that Stevie was. I freaking loved her.
I can’t think of Hank and not have a smile on my face. He was exceptional and I hardcore loved him. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to voice it. He’s charming, endearing, selfless, caring, and sexy as f***. He’s so sweet and a gentleman, but behind closed doors *fans self* I loved that dirty side to him too. Hank brought the swoon and I ate that right up.
Hank and Stevie brought the heat times 100. They have an undeniable attraction and it showed the moment they met. The chemistry between them is so believed and not over-the-top. I loved how they were themselves with each other, no pretenses, just them. I loved seeing them navigate through their feelings for one another and how they opened up and showed their vulnerable side. They communicated so well with each other and it was refreshing to read. Did I mention Hank and Stevie brought the heat? Because hot damn the fire between them was scorching hot. I adored and loved them to pieces, they were simply *chef’s kiss*
Southern Sinner was everything I needed and more. I loved this fake relationship romance, and I must say I highly enjoyed the Bridgerton references. It goes without saying that I loved Hank and Stevie, but I also loved all the Beauregard family. They are such a group of fun loving people and I just adored them. I’m so excited for more of the North Carolina Highlands series and I can’t wait for Rhett’s book.
*Thank you Valentine PR for this ARC*
I have such a girl crush on Stevie. She was such a breath of fresh air and I loved her confidence and her take no crap attitude. I also loved that she showed her vulnerability, it spoke volumes and it added to the incredible and hardworking badass that Stevie was. I freaking loved her.
I can’t think of Hank and not have a smile on my face. He was exceptional and I hardcore loved him. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to voice it. He’s charming, endearing, selfless, caring, and sexy as f***. He’s so sweet and a gentleman, but behind closed doors *fans self* I loved that dirty side to him too. Hank brought the swoon and I ate that right up.
Hank and Stevie brought the heat times 100. They have an undeniable attraction and it showed the moment they met. The chemistry between them is so believed and not over-the-top. I loved how they were themselves with each other, no pretenses, just them. I loved seeing them navigate through their feelings for one another and how they opened up and showed their vulnerable side. They communicated so well with each other and it was refreshing to read. Did I mention Hank and Stevie brought the heat? Because hot damn the fire between them was scorching hot. I adored and loved them to pieces, they were simply *chef’s kiss*
Southern Sinner was everything I needed and more. I loved this fake relationship romance, and I must say I highly enjoyed the Bridgerton references. It goes without saying that I loved Hank and Stevie, but I also loved all the Beauregard family. They are such a group of fun loving people and I just adored them. I’m so excited for more of the North Carolina Highlands series and I can’t wait for Rhett’s book.
*Thank you Valentine PR for this ARC*
April 20, 2021
I'm just sober enough to realize if I'm not careful, I'm gonna catch real feelings for my fake girlfriend.
And I'm just drunk enough to wonder if that wouldn't be an entirely bad thing.
HANK! Ugh, I adored him. Here he is, trying to heal his heart and what better way to face your brother that won the heart of the girl of your dreams other than to bring a fake girlfriend to the engagement party? This was going to be fun.
Ok, first of all, I loved the name Stevie. She just sounded badass, and that would be a great description of her. She is her own woman, knows what she wants AND what she doesn't want.
These two were FIRE. So one of the main reasons I love reading Jessica's books is because the bedroom...shower...counter...whereEVER scenes are always amazing. But there was something about these two that was just explosive!
I hope that I don't have to miss this crew for too long, because I'm dying to see where this series goes next!
Peterson does it again! But you guys, the steamy scenes in this one ARE HER BEST! You are going to want to check this one out!
And I'm just drunk enough to wonder if that wouldn't be an entirely bad thing.
HANK! Ugh, I adored him. Here he is, trying to heal his heart and what better way to face your brother that won the heart of the girl of your dreams other than to bring a fake girlfriend to the engagement party? This was going to be fun.
Ok, first of all, I loved the name Stevie. She just sounded badass, and that would be a great description of her. She is her own woman, knows what she wants AND what she doesn't want.
These two were FIRE. So one of the main reasons I love reading Jessica's books is because the bedroom...shower...counter...whereEVER scenes are always amazing. But there was something about these two that was just explosive!
I hope that I don't have to miss this crew for too long, because I'm dying to see where this series goes next!
Peterson does it again! But you guys, the steamy scenes in this one ARE HER BEST! You are going to want to check this one out!
April 20, 2021
I thought the previous book in the series was steamy perfection, I wasn’t prepared for this one. And it isn’t just a hot read–it’s also a beautiful love story.
It starts right where Southern hotshot ends. Hank needs to get away from his brother and the woman he loves in order to move on. He travels the world for months and meets Stevie in Vegas. And that’s the beginning of this mess.
Stevie and Hank were so compelling! The romance between the young-ish hot attentive ex football star, and the older thick free spirited but jagged divorcee, was delicious from start to finish. It was scorching hot, but it was also about changing and moving on from past mistakes. Hank and his devotion were there to round Stevie’s edges, while Hank needed a more mature partner to think of his life differently. And yes, even though intimacy has a huge place in their story, each steamy scene is actually the excuse for them to discover each other and learn about their boundaries.
Like in the previous book, the Beauregard family–and their amazing resort–was a big part of the story. Their dynamics, and the way they deal with their problems. It’s the reason why Hank has this stupid idea to bring a fake girlfriend to his brother’s engagement party, after all. The scenes between Stevie and any of the Beauregard clan member were delightful. I loved their interaction.
Either you’re looking for just a sexy read, or you prefer more meaningful relationship, you’ll enjoy this book!
Quickie
- Series: North Carolina Highlands #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #fake relationship #age gap #older woman younger man #big girl #instalust #orgasmotron
- Triggers: misogyny
- Main couple: Stevie Carter & Hank Beauregard
- Hotness: 5++++/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + Stevie is big girl, she’s described as such (not just curvy), but also as a super hot girl
- – I wanted to slap Milly
It starts right where Southern hotshot ends. Hank needs to get away from his brother and the woman he loves in order to move on. He travels the world for months and meets Stevie in Vegas. And that’s the beginning of this mess.
Stevie and Hank were so compelling! The romance between the young-ish hot attentive ex football star, and the older thick free spirited but jagged divorcee, was delicious from start to finish. It was scorching hot, but it was also about changing and moving on from past mistakes. Hank and his devotion were there to round Stevie’s edges, while Hank needed a more mature partner to think of his life differently. And yes, even though intimacy has a huge place in their story, each steamy scene is actually the excuse for them to discover each other and learn about their boundaries.
Like in the previous book, the Beauregard family–and their amazing resort–was a big part of the story. Their dynamics, and the way they deal with their problems. It’s the reason why Hank has this stupid idea to bring a fake girlfriend to his brother’s engagement party, after all. The scenes between Stevie and any of the Beauregard clan member were delightful. I loved their interaction.
Either you’re looking for just a sexy read, or you prefer more meaningful relationship, you’ll enjoy this book!
Quickie
- Series: North Carolina Highlands #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #fake relationship #age gap #older woman younger man #big girl #instalust #orgasmotron
- Triggers: misogyny
- Main couple: Stevie Carter & Hank Beauregard
- Hotness: 5++++/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + Stevie is big girl, she’s described as such (not just curvy), but also as a super hot girl
- – I wanted to slap Milly
April 20, 2021
First up - this book checked off all my boxes for what I love in a contemporary romance. So lets start with the good stuff - I LOVED IT.
Hank and Stevie have an instant connection after a 24 hour sex-a-thon in Vegas that was Totally HOT and Totally Sweet. Fast forward - The expectations of family past come rearing their heads and Hank pretty much doesn't wish to deal with the awkward. Enter in Stevie part 2. 72 hours of fake relationship and twister in the sheets should be enough. Right? Riiiggghhhttt
First, love the idea that these two have life experience. Been there done that and don't want a repeat of past mistakes. Although this would seem to have the making of angst and push/pull, it's not. They both acknowledge their chemistry but have different outlooks on their futures. They fell hard and fast (goodness I love a good instalove), but how to make it work? Read to find out.
Things I loved -
- Hank and Stevie we fairly open books about needs. Eventually, this opened up to wants. Nice to see two characters finding their way without pulling teeth.
- The story focused on the hurdle of making it work rather than this will never work.
- Nice inclusion of past characters into the story without feeling lost. (Yes, I think you can read as a standalone.)
Things to consider -
- For me, I got nothing for you. It was just a delightful, romantic story I enjoyed reading.
- It's super hot when they do the deed so if you prefer tamer books, I would make skip over these parts because *BOOM* they were hot.
I love Jessica Peterson's storytelling. Her heroines are always this blend of alpha with a shimmer of vulnerability that wants you to claim them as your very own. Hank is no exception.
My Recommendation: Buy it!
Hank and Stevie have an instant connection after a 24 hour sex-a-thon in Vegas that was Totally HOT and Totally Sweet. Fast forward - The expectations of family past come rearing their heads and Hank pretty much doesn't wish to deal with the awkward. Enter in Stevie part 2. 72 hours of fake relationship and twister in the sheets should be enough. Right? Riiiggghhhttt
First, love the idea that these two have life experience. Been there done that and don't want a repeat of past mistakes. Although this would seem to have the making of angst and push/pull, it's not. They both acknowledge their chemistry but have different outlooks on their futures. They fell hard and fast (goodness I love a good instalove), but how to make it work? Read to find out.
Things I loved -
- Hank and Stevie we fairly open books about needs. Eventually, this opened up to wants. Nice to see two characters finding their way without pulling teeth.
- The story focused on the hurdle of making it work rather than this will never work.
- Nice inclusion of past characters into the story without feeling lost. (Yes, I think you can read as a standalone.)
Things to consider -
- For me, I got nothing for you. It was just a delightful, romantic story I enjoyed reading.
- It's super hot when they do the deed so if you prefer tamer books, I would make skip over these parts because *BOOM* they were hot.
I love Jessica Peterson's storytelling. Her heroines are always this blend of alpha with a shimmer of vulnerability that wants you to claim them as your very own. Hank is no exception.
My Recommendation: Buy it!
April 13, 2021
Slow clap. My favorite of the series and my favorite Jessica Peterson hero period. Hank was open and honest, and purely good and decent despite his past mistakes. A 40-year-old heroine who knows who she is and loves herself for it and only hesitates when she falls in love for fear of losing herself, not because she doesn't think she's good enough for the gorgeous man a decade younger, was a huge breath of fresh air. I tore through this book in a day and couldn't put it down. Jessica Peterson managed to make the hottest sex scenes ever sweet and intimate at the same time. That is true talent, and this is a truly fantastic book. 5 blackjack stars!
April 18, 2021
Southern Sinner is Hank and Stevie’s story and I believe can read and enjoy their romance as a stand-alone although I’m sure if this is your first read in this series you will certainly want to play catch-up with the previous books.
An instant attraction formed over a blackjack table leads to a night of passion, it’s was only meant to be one night, what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas but none of those rules seem to apply for Hank and Stevie. Hank is in Vegas trying to put his work and love life behind him but he ends up meeting the woman he didn’t even know he was looking for because what starts as lust soon turns to love. Stevie has her own problems and baggage so why is the man she met at a blackjack table haunting her dreams. I fell hook, line and sinker for this couple, I loved the swoon worthy Hank and I adored the strong, sassy Stevie, the chemistry is intense and watching this couple come to grips with their feelings was wonderful. A captivating romance that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.
An instant attraction formed over a blackjack table leads to a night of passion, it’s was only meant to be one night, what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas but none of those rules seem to apply for Hank and Stevie. Hank is in Vegas trying to put his work and love life behind him but he ends up meeting the woman he didn’t even know he was looking for because what starts as lust soon turns to love. Stevie has her own problems and baggage so why is the man she met at a blackjack table haunting her dreams. I fell hook, line and sinker for this couple, I loved the swoon worthy Hank and I adored the strong, sassy Stevie, the chemistry is intense and watching this couple come to grips with their feelings was wonderful. A captivating romance that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.
July 7, 2021
Holy Hank! I loved this book! Jessica Peterson has written another steamy, hot, and passionate story. I absolutely adored Hank and Stevie and their journey to find their HEA. Southern Sinner is book 3 in the North Carolina Highland Series, and it was does not disappoint one bit!
After finishing Southern Hotshot, Hank seriously needed to redeem himself, and my oh my did I fall fast and hard for Hank! Hank's grumpy exterior and troubled interior goes through a complete 180 to recover after his heartbreak from Emma. In walks, gorgeous, confident Stevie and all bets are off. Seriously, I loved Stevie's tell it like it is attitude! Hank and Stevie have instant undeniable chemistry that is super hot. (Jessica can write some steamy love scenes!) I loved how these two characters interacted with each other, along with all the other characters we know and love from Blue Mountain Farms Resorts. Plus, Jessica does a fabulous job describing the setting and references to current Pop Culture. (I loved Bridgerton too!)
This may be my favorite of the North Carolina Highland Series so far! Hank and Stevie give off serious couple goals! I just love, love, loved this book! I could not put it down. Jessica also sets the readers up perfectly for Rhett's book next!
After finishing Southern Hotshot, Hank seriously needed to redeem himself, and my oh my did I fall fast and hard for Hank! Hank's grumpy exterior and troubled interior goes through a complete 180 to recover after his heartbreak from Emma. In walks, gorgeous, confident Stevie and all bets are off. Seriously, I loved Stevie's tell it like it is attitude! Hank and Stevie have instant undeniable chemistry that is super hot. (Jessica can write some steamy love scenes!) I loved how these two characters interacted with each other, along with all the other characters we know and love from Blue Mountain Farms Resorts. Plus, Jessica does a fabulous job describing the setting and references to current Pop Culture. (I loved Bridgerton too!)
This may be my favorite of the North Carolina Highland Series so far! Hank and Stevie give off serious couple goals! I just love, love, loved this book! I could not put it down. Jessica also sets the readers up perfectly for Rhett's book next!
April 13, 2021
Southern Sinner is book three in the North Carolina Highland Series by Jessica Peterson, and they keep getting better and better. I loved the Charleston Heat series too! I just wish I could click my heels three times and be transported to Blue Mountain Farm set in North Carolina near Ashville, because the author describes it so beautifully.
Jessica has a beautiful way with words and all of your senses will be on high alert…whether it’s walking in the woods, cooking in the expansive kitchen, mixing it up in the brewery, drinking at the bar, or sexy times in the bedroom and all over the place, you will be on an emotional high because this author can write!
I am always impressed with her expansive knowledge of so many subjects and learn something from every book I have read in her catalog. A self-proclaimed foodie and wine lover, Southern Sinner expands to include a heroine who made her dreams come true by creating her own beer under her own label, Lady Luck’s Brewery. I love a woman who takes a risk even though it’s scary, works her butt off and makes her own success! Stevie Carter is confident, strong, and such a giant flirt. She has curves and knows how to use them, is comfortable in her own skin, and I couldn’t love her more.
Hank Beauregard, retired pro-football player now Director of Guest Relations at the Farm, is on a six-month plus bender with his brother, Rhett, a pro-football player. He's mending his broken heart and pride, having lost his love interest to his brother, Samuel, a professional chef, who was featured in Southern Hotshot.
Hank and Stevie’s meet cute was epic in Sin City and so much fun to read! She has so much class and is a card shark, and I just loved how she ruled the room and captured Hank’s interest from their very first moment. Hank is ten years her junior, and I loved their sexual chemistry and how enamored they were with each other. There were so many steamy pages I almost put my head in the freezer to cool off! Loved the references to “Bridgerton” and how they could have fun, be real, and had each other’s backs.
Hank is a man I want to marry. Marry me Hank, please! Let me be your older woman, LOL. He’s not afraid to be vulnerable or say he is sorry, loves his family, makes his woman feel special and loved, is very generous if you know what I mean and scores a 100+ with the dirty talk and bedroom eyes, is a hard worker with a few bucks (more like millions) to spare, loyal and honorable with great character, and is built like a brick house.
But even though Stevie has sass and smarts, she is guarded with a failed marriage behind her and was reluctant to try again. I admired how she dug deep and examined her own character flaws so she wouldn’t repeat the mistakes she made in the past. Loved how these two both had issues and were able to talk about them honestly and work it out, making their own rules as they go. With her living and working in Nashville and him in the Highlands, these two don’t have it easy. But handsome, hunky Hank is a hard man to turn down, especially when he needs her the most.
I loved Hank and Stevie. This is a stand-alone, but trust me, you will want to read the others in this series, too, and get to know this amazing family and their story! They work together, along with their brother Beau, CEO, and his wife, and their meddling sister, Milly, who is the Event planner at the Farm and has secrets of her own. So much going on! And who will Rhett fall for? This series is a must read!
Jessica has a beautiful way with words and all of your senses will be on high alert…whether it’s walking in the woods, cooking in the expansive kitchen, mixing it up in the brewery, drinking at the bar, or sexy times in the bedroom and all over the place, you will be on an emotional high because this author can write!
I am always impressed with her expansive knowledge of so many subjects and learn something from every book I have read in her catalog. A self-proclaimed foodie and wine lover, Southern Sinner expands to include a heroine who made her dreams come true by creating her own beer under her own label, Lady Luck’s Brewery. I love a woman who takes a risk even though it’s scary, works her butt off and makes her own success! Stevie Carter is confident, strong, and such a giant flirt. She has curves and knows how to use them, is comfortable in her own skin, and I couldn’t love her more.
Hank Beauregard, retired pro-football player now Director of Guest Relations at the Farm, is on a six-month plus bender with his brother, Rhett, a pro-football player. He's mending his broken heart and pride, having lost his love interest to his brother, Samuel, a professional chef, who was featured in Southern Hotshot.
Hank and Stevie’s meet cute was epic in Sin City and so much fun to read! She has so much class and is a card shark, and I just loved how she ruled the room and captured Hank’s interest from their very first moment. Hank is ten years her junior, and I loved their sexual chemistry and how enamored they were with each other. There were so many steamy pages I almost put my head in the freezer to cool off! Loved the references to “Bridgerton” and how they could have fun, be real, and had each other’s backs.
Hank is a man I want to marry. Marry me Hank, please! Let me be your older woman, LOL. He’s not afraid to be vulnerable or say he is sorry, loves his family, makes his woman feel special and loved, is very generous if you know what I mean and scores a 100+ with the dirty talk and bedroom eyes, is a hard worker with a few bucks (more like millions) to spare, loyal and honorable with great character, and is built like a brick house.
But even though Stevie has sass and smarts, she is guarded with a failed marriage behind her and was reluctant to try again. I admired how she dug deep and examined her own character flaws so she wouldn’t repeat the mistakes she made in the past. Loved how these two both had issues and were able to talk about them honestly and work it out, making their own rules as they go. With her living and working in Nashville and him in the Highlands, these two don’t have it easy. But handsome, hunky Hank is a hard man to turn down, especially when he needs her the most.
I loved Hank and Stevie. This is a stand-alone, but trust me, you will want to read the others in this series, too, and get to know this amazing family and their story! They work together, along with their brother Beau, CEO, and his wife, and their meddling sister, Milly, who is the Event planner at the Farm and has secrets of her own. So much going on! And who will Rhett fall for? This series is a must read!
April 22, 2021
For me there’s something very special about older woman, younger man when it’s done right and this was done sooooo right.
Hank and Stevie have the kind of chemistry romance books are made of. I loved their physical connection almost as much as their emotional one. I fell for them at the same time they fell for each other. This author writes the best characters!
This one definitely has a “dirty” vibe which I enjoyed. Add in the witty dialogue, LOL moments and a cast of supporting characters who always bring a smile to my face and I was a very happy reader.
I received an arc of this book.
Hank and Stevie have the kind of chemistry romance books are made of. I loved their physical connection almost as much as their emotional one. I fell for them at the same time they fell for each other. This author writes the best characters!
This one definitely has a “dirty” vibe which I enjoyed. Add in the witty dialogue, LOL moments and a cast of supporting characters who always bring a smile to my face and I was a very happy reader.
I received an arc of this book.
June 28, 2021
5 Star Review Southern Sinner (North Carolina Highlands #3) by Jessica Peterson
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, or does it? Book three in the North Carolina Highlands series and I was hooked from the first to the last chapter. Ms.Peterson wove a story with characters who you couldn’t help but fall for and this was an entertaining read.
This is Hank and Stevie’s story and it was one that had me on the edge of my seat whilst reading. Having met in Vegas they embark on a sizzling hot relationship but have no plans to take it further once they leave. However all that changes when Hank’s brother Samuel refuses to set a wedding date until he is certain that Hank is over his ex who happens to now be Samuel’s fiancee.
Convincing Stevie to return home with him as his fake girlfriend, you just know that complications are going occur. I fell hard and fast for Hank whilst Stevie is one of those women that I could easily see as a friend; she is feisty, sassy and independent.
The chemistry between them is scorching and they were well suited to one another. I also loved how confident Stevie was in herself despite having come out of a marriage that has left her jaded. She is a savvy business women who is not afraid of hard work.
Southern Sinner is a little gem, one click on release, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, or does it? Book three in the North Carolina Highlands series and I was hooked from the first to the last chapter. Ms.Peterson wove a story with characters who you couldn’t help but fall for and this was an entertaining read.
This is Hank and Stevie’s story and it was one that had me on the edge of my seat whilst reading. Having met in Vegas they embark on a sizzling hot relationship but have no plans to take it further once they leave. However all that changes when Hank’s brother Samuel refuses to set a wedding date until he is certain that Hank is over his ex who happens to now be Samuel’s fiancee.
Convincing Stevie to return home with him as his fake girlfriend, you just know that complications are going occur. I fell hard and fast for Hank whilst Stevie is one of those women that I could easily see as a friend; she is feisty, sassy and independent.
The chemistry between them is scorching and they were well suited to one another. I also loved how confident Stevie was in herself despite having come out of a marriage that has left her jaded. She is a savvy business women who is not afraid of hard work.
Southern Sinner is a little gem, one click on release, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
April 21, 2021
Hank and Stevie's story was superlative! Stevie was the perfect Daphne to Hank's Simon as they began their Bridgerton Affair! I couldn't have imagined a better fit for either of them!
After Hank and Stevie's meet cute and insta -attraction/lust, Hank realizes Stevie could be the one. She has fears of becoming what she was, submissive and lost, unheard and unimportant. Her brewery is everything to her and she won't be shoved back into a corner and dismissed. Hank and his family are like no family she has seen before. The men are all in, giving 100% just like the women. While Hank and Stevie play their charade, she wonders if he is playing or for real.
The vulnerabilities these two expose are heartbreaking. As Stevie opens up her heart more and more, the more scared she becomes of losing her identity. This book will captivate you as this couple struggle to find their HEA. The epilogue is great and the Bonus Epilogue is heartwarming 💖
After Hank and Stevie's meet cute and insta -attraction/lust, Hank realizes Stevie could be the one. She has fears of becoming what she was, submissive and lost, unheard and unimportant. Her brewery is everything to her and she won't be shoved back into a corner and dismissed. Hank and his family are like no family she has seen before. The men are all in, giving 100% just like the women. While Hank and Stevie play their charade, she wonders if he is playing or for real.
The vulnerabilities these two expose are heartbreaking. As Stevie opens up her heart more and more, the more scared she becomes of losing her identity. This book will captivate you as this couple struggle to find their HEA. The epilogue is great and the Bonus Epilogue is heartwarming 💖
September 8, 2021
I hate to say it but I went into Southern Sinner with really low expectations because the first two books in this series were a real struggle for me, but I’ve enjoyed this author’s work in the past and I hate leaving a series unfinished. I jumped into this one and knew from the first chapter this was going to be a story I enjoyed. Insane chemistry from the start, two people who aren’t afraid of going after what they want from one another, and smart, witty dialog were all front and center. Throw in charismatic characters and Southern Sinner was a hit for me.
Following a f*ck-up of major proportions with his brother and girlfriend, Hank sets off on a sabbatical with his younger brother Rhett and nine months later he has no clue when he’ll return to Ashville and his family’s luxury resort business. When he sits down at a blackjack table in Vegas next to a brunette who makes his heart skip a beat, he has no idea how important she’ll become to him in a short amount of time.
The last ten years have taught Stevie several things, but the most important is that she is capable of taking care of herself. After her marriage crashes and burns, she loses her job, and her home, Stevie took the knowledge she had and she’s made a name for herself as the owner of Lady Luck’s Brewhouse. She’s happy in her life; professionally her business is flourishing and expanding and personally she has a few people she can call when she feels the need to hook up and she’s good with that or at least she thinks she is until Hank sits down at the table next to her and she has to figure out if she wants to fold or go all in.
I loved these two together and the way they fell so easily into a friendship and yes a f*ukship as well. There was no doubt they had sizzling chemistry but it was also easy to see they enjoyed each other’s company outside the bedroom. I loved that Hank appreciated Stevie’s business sense and her no nonsense approach to relationships so it was no wonder when he needed someone to help convince his family he was over his infatuation with her brother’s girlfriend, he asked her for help. One long weekend together though, made both Hank and Stevie begin to realize that they were feeling way more than a “fake relationship” but with them living hours apart there wasn’t an easy answer, not to mention Stevie’s fear of anything resembling a committed relationship. I appreciated that Stevie took the first step in reconciling which I know was hard for her, but I appreciated even more that she and Hank were able to have a calm, rational conversation without a bunch of angst to figure out how to move forward.
Southern Sinner was an extremely sensual and steamy story with a lot of emotion to balance it out, making it an engagingly wonderful romance.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Following a f*ck-up of major proportions with his brother and girlfriend, Hank sets off on a sabbatical with his younger brother Rhett and nine months later he has no clue when he’ll return to Ashville and his family’s luxury resort business. When he sits down at a blackjack table in Vegas next to a brunette who makes his heart skip a beat, he has no idea how important she’ll become to him in a short amount of time.
The last ten years have taught Stevie several things, but the most important is that she is capable of taking care of herself. After her marriage crashes and burns, she loses her job, and her home, Stevie took the knowledge she had and she’s made a name for herself as the owner of Lady Luck’s Brewhouse. She’s happy in her life; professionally her business is flourishing and expanding and personally she has a few people she can call when she feels the need to hook up and she’s good with that or at least she thinks she is until Hank sits down at the table next to her and she has to figure out if she wants to fold or go all in.
I loved these two together and the way they fell so easily into a friendship and yes a f*ukship as well. There was no doubt they had sizzling chemistry but it was also easy to see they enjoyed each other’s company outside the bedroom. I loved that Hank appreciated Stevie’s business sense and her no nonsense approach to relationships so it was no wonder when he needed someone to help convince his family he was over his infatuation with her brother’s girlfriend, he asked her for help. One long weekend together though, made both Hank and Stevie begin to realize that they were feeling way more than a “fake relationship” but with them living hours apart there wasn’t an easy answer, not to mention Stevie’s fear of anything resembling a committed relationship. I appreciated that Stevie took the first step in reconciling which I know was hard for her, but I appreciated even more that she and Hank were able to have a calm, rational conversation without a bunch of angst to figure out how to move forward.
Southern Sinner was an extremely sensual and steamy story with a lot of emotion to balance it out, making it an engagingly wonderful romance.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
April 17, 2021
Oh my damn there are not enough fire emojis in the world to describe the heat level of this book!
Hank and his "Blackjack Babe" are explosive from the second they meet and they only get impossibly hotter the longer they are together.
Though one of the things Jessica is a master at is invoking the emotional ride and development with the steamy. I think it's safe to say I'm obsessed with these two together.
So grab a fan to help handle the heat and double down with this amazing book and get ready to sin!!! 100% recommend.
Hank and his "Blackjack Babe" are explosive from the second they meet and they only get impossibly hotter the longer they are together.
Though one of the things Jessica is a master at is invoking the emotional ride and development with the steamy. I think it's safe to say I'm obsessed with these two together.
So grab a fan to help handle the heat and double down with this amazing book and get ready to sin!!! 100% recommend.
November 4, 2025
Book 3 and it's about a character that I don't really care for and boom I finish the book and it's a great read. I love that HEA looks different for these two main characters that's not the normal. Peterson nails it!
April 11, 2021
Oh my heavens I loved Hank and Stevie! We have another swoon worthy Beauregard man and a feisty sassy woman that will literally bring him to his knees. Their instant attraction at the blackjack table was pure unhinged sizzle. When a one night fling that they both need turns into a let's just have the weekend we both know that this chemistry is not going to fade.
Stevie Carter just coming off a marriage that made her a different woman and she did not like her one bit. Now this smart savvy woman has a growing brewery business that she started form the ground up and it is flourishing. She wants to let go and have fun and Hank seem like he fits that ticket.
Hank is on a whirlwind journey to forget he wanted his brother's girlfriend bender and Vegas is the where your sins can stay forgotten. When he bellies up to the blackjack table he has no idea how Lady Luck is about to shine down on him! Sexy, sassy, sweet, emotional and enlightening, fell in love with them and their world.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Stevie Carter just coming off a marriage that made her a different woman and she did not like her one bit. Now this smart savvy woman has a growing brewery business that she started form the ground up and it is flourishing. She wants to let go and have fun and Hank seem like he fits that ticket.
Hank is on a whirlwind journey to forget he wanted his brother's girlfriend bender and Vegas is the where your sins can stay forgotten. When he bellies up to the blackjack table he has no idea how Lady Luck is about to shine down on him! Sexy, sassy, sweet, emotional and enlightening, fell in love with them and their world.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
April 22, 2021
I finished this beautiful book at 1 am and it is totally worth the exhaustion I feel today!
Hank and Stevie are so much more than I thought and I loved getting to know this Beauregard! Hanks gentle heart and Stevie sass were fire from the start and that never cooled! With every interaction and spoken word you could feel their bond grow and could help falling with them!
I loved being witness to both characters growth throughout the book and more importantly seeing this family grow as well! The Beauregard clan is one of my fave book fans because Peterson has done such an amazing job making them feel real and relatable!
Hank and Stevie are so much more than I thought and I loved getting to know this Beauregard! Hanks gentle heart and Stevie sass were fire from the start and that never cooled! With every interaction and spoken word you could feel their bond grow and could help falling with them!
I loved being witness to both characters growth throughout the book and more importantly seeing this family grow as well! The Beauregard clan is one of my fave book fans because Peterson has done such an amazing job making them feel real and relatable!
April 22, 2021
Southern Sinner
(North Carolina Highlands #3)
Written by: Jessica Peterson
Please excuse any steam you see coming from this review, because OMG this book was so hot!
Hank Beauregard had to get away from the family business and the family, especially Samuel and Emma! When ones heart is shattered the best way to try to mend that heart is to get away, in Hank’s case his getaway was about nine and a half months. Has his heart healed at all? He’s not sure but he knows his family won’t buy any kind of nonsense story about him being ready to come home, so he comes up with a plan! Bring a fake girlfriend for the engagement weekend and put on a show like Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings did in Bridgerton. I don’t know about you but I can see all sorts of potential problems with this!
Playing the role of his loving girlfriend, is Stevie, the lady he learned a few things from in Vegas, like Doubling Down on ace’s and eights, that her company makes some fine beer, that she twerks like a super star and yes, it is possible to stay in the hotel room for days enjoying all that hot combustible push and pull between them. Hank convinces Stevie to come down to Ashville and “play the part of the girl he can’t get enough of”. Odd because the reality is she is the girl he can’t get enough of!
I thought the Southern Charmer books were hot, goodness me, this was hotter. Hank and Stevie had this whole steamy hot volcanic stuff going on between them and well….You know what I’m saying!
Jessica Parker writes great love stories and she gives readers amazing characters. Stevie has gone through a storm and comes out stronger, knowing what she wants, willing to work hard and always plays hard. In the Beauregard family we see five strong men, all athletes and a sister who can corral those men with a shake of a finger!
I loved watching the character development of both Hank and Stevie from Vegas until the end of this book. The author gives readers humour, angst, family problems and a whole lot of enjoyable reading. Jessica Peterson is one of my go to authors and I loved this book! Now about Rhett???
(North Carolina Highlands #3)
Written by: Jessica Peterson
Please excuse any steam you see coming from this review, because OMG this book was so hot!
Hank Beauregard had to get away from the family business and the family, especially Samuel and Emma! When ones heart is shattered the best way to try to mend that heart is to get away, in Hank’s case his getaway was about nine and a half months. Has his heart healed at all? He’s not sure but he knows his family won’t buy any kind of nonsense story about him being ready to come home, so he comes up with a plan! Bring a fake girlfriend for the engagement weekend and put on a show like Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings did in Bridgerton. I don’t know about you but I can see all sorts of potential problems with this!
Playing the role of his loving girlfriend, is Stevie, the lady he learned a few things from in Vegas, like Doubling Down on ace’s and eights, that her company makes some fine beer, that she twerks like a super star and yes, it is possible to stay in the hotel room for days enjoying all that hot combustible push and pull between them. Hank convinces Stevie to come down to Ashville and “play the part of the girl he can’t get enough of”. Odd because the reality is she is the girl he can’t get enough of!
I thought the Southern Charmer books were hot, goodness me, this was hotter. Hank and Stevie had this whole steamy hot volcanic stuff going on between them and well….You know what I’m saying!
Jessica Parker writes great love stories and she gives readers amazing characters. Stevie has gone through a storm and comes out stronger, knowing what she wants, willing to work hard and always plays hard. In the Beauregard family we see five strong men, all athletes and a sister who can corral those men with a shake of a finger!
I loved watching the character development of both Hank and Stevie from Vegas until the end of this book. The author gives readers humour, angst, family problems and a whole lot of enjoyable reading. Jessica Peterson is one of my go to authors and I loved this book! Now about Rhett???
April 12, 2021
I am a big Jessica Peterson fan and was eager to dive into Southern Sinner. Although Southern Sinner is the third book in the North Carolina Highlands series, it can be read as a standalone. That said, events happened in book two that have a big impact on this one, so I do recommend reading the series in order.
I’ll be honest and say this was a four-point-five-star rating, and I came close to giving this a five-star rating. I’m one of those horrible people who look for reasons to round down instead of up, though. Many will gladly round up, and it is clear to see why.
Southern Sinner is a story that sucks the reader in with ease, leaving them wearing a huge smile as things play out. It is easy to fall in love with both main characters, ensuring you’re desperate to see how everything comes together. The chemistry is sizzling, the characters are amazing, and the storyline grips with ease. It is a story that is impossible to put down, leaving you hooked on every detail.
The reason I decided to round down this one – one that had a wide grin on my face for most of the story – is because most of the references went over my head. This is on me – the fact I’m unaware of pop culture references – but it’s something I always feel a bit weird about in books. No matter how entertaining pop culture references are, they are always going to become dated at some point. That was only a little thing, though, and a slightly bigger reason is the ending didn’t quite wow me as much as I had hoped. I loved the way things played out, I adored the way they made their own happy ending, yet it didn’t hit quite as hard as the feels at the start of the book. That’s just me being the party pooper who hunts for rounding down reasons, though.
All in all, Southern Sinner was another fabulous read from Jessica Peterson. It’s certainly one of my favourite books from the author, and I cannot wait to see what book four brings.
I’ll be honest and say this was a four-point-five-star rating, and I came close to giving this a five-star rating. I’m one of those horrible people who look for reasons to round down instead of up, though. Many will gladly round up, and it is clear to see why.
Southern Sinner is a story that sucks the reader in with ease, leaving them wearing a huge smile as things play out. It is easy to fall in love with both main characters, ensuring you’re desperate to see how everything comes together. The chemistry is sizzling, the characters are amazing, and the storyline grips with ease. It is a story that is impossible to put down, leaving you hooked on every detail.
The reason I decided to round down this one – one that had a wide grin on my face for most of the story – is because most of the references went over my head. This is on me – the fact I’m unaware of pop culture references – but it’s something I always feel a bit weird about in books. No matter how entertaining pop culture references are, they are always going to become dated at some point. That was only a little thing, though, and a slightly bigger reason is the ending didn’t quite wow me as much as I had hoped. I loved the way things played out, I adored the way they made their own happy ending, yet it didn’t hit quite as hard as the feels at the start of the book. That’s just me being the party pooper who hunts for rounding down reasons, though.
All in all, Southern Sinner was another fabulous read from Jessica Peterson. It’s certainly one of my favourite books from the author, and I cannot wait to see what book four brings.
April 22, 2021
4.5 stars!
Southern Sinner was such an incredible book, I said at the end of Southern Hotshot that Hank deserved a hell of a woman to sweep him off his feet and wow did Jessica deliver with Stevie!!
Hank has fled his family’s North Carolina resort after making a huge mistake, falling for his brother’s girl. Running from his responsibilities and the hurt he caused, he meets Stevie in Las Vegas at a blackjack table, and is instantly blown away by her independence and her ability to go after exactly what she wants. Stevie’s celebrating her divorce and agrees to a no strings attached fun weekend, and amicably leave each other after two nights. But when Hank realises it’s time to go home and face the music, he also sees that he is going to have to prove to his brother he’s moved on, and what better way than with a fake girlfriend. Despite Stevie’s reservations, she agrees, to one more weekend with Hank at the resort, but neither of them could have expected how quickly those fake feelings would turn real. Will they both be able to move past the past in order to have a real future together?
Stevie and Hank just clicked from the start, seeing through each other’s walls almost instantly. Because the relationship always had a time limit on it, it meant they were almost less reserved about revealing things about their pasts, which backfired massively as it meant they both opened up to the other in ways they had never been before. Both had valid reasons to avoid long term commitment, and when they bared them, they were fears that a lot of people can relate to. Jessica has this way of making parts of her books relevant to real life in a way that’s unexpected, because you almost don’t realise you relate to the characters until you go through each emotion with them.
Stevie thought she had finally found her stride in life, free from her marriage and thriving in her business, she was ready to be the woman she had always wanted to be. Having grown up in an old-fashioned household and carrying those traits into her own marriage, it made her desperately unhappy, and she was trying her best to get as far away from that version of herself as possible. However, meeting Hank showed her that blocking the chance of any kind of relationship out of her life would cause the same level of unhappiness, and for the right guy, one who could be her equal in every way, it would be worth putting her heart back on the line.
Hank was desperate to make amends for the mistakes he made and tried to do it in the way he thought was best, but nearly created more of his own heartbreak along the way. But he knew that the connection he had with Stevie wasn’t just because of their whirlwind weekend in Vegas, it stemmed from something more, he just didn’t know what, and he wanted another chance to explore that. However he never expected to prove that what he thought was love with his brother’s girl, was actually just a desire for something like their relationship, someone who he could build a life with, care for and make a mess with, and that Stevie fit that gap in his life perfectly.
Every book by Jessica I have loved, and Southern Sinner was no different. Each book in this series so far has been equally as good but for different reasons, each bringing a new perspective of looking at life, but with the insane level of steam, emotion, and angst that you know and love from her writing. She wrote about Stevie and Hank’s pasts so well, showing that while neither of them were perfect, they were right for one another and that despite their fears, they were both willing to take a gamble in pursuit of happiness.
*I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily left my honest review.*
Southern Sinner was such an incredible book, I said at the end of Southern Hotshot that Hank deserved a hell of a woman to sweep him off his feet and wow did Jessica deliver with Stevie!!
Hank has fled his family’s North Carolina resort after making a huge mistake, falling for his brother’s girl. Running from his responsibilities and the hurt he caused, he meets Stevie in Las Vegas at a blackjack table, and is instantly blown away by her independence and her ability to go after exactly what she wants. Stevie’s celebrating her divorce and agrees to a no strings attached fun weekend, and amicably leave each other after two nights. But when Hank realises it’s time to go home and face the music, he also sees that he is going to have to prove to his brother he’s moved on, and what better way than with a fake girlfriend. Despite Stevie’s reservations, she agrees, to one more weekend with Hank at the resort, but neither of them could have expected how quickly those fake feelings would turn real. Will they both be able to move past the past in order to have a real future together?
Stevie and Hank just clicked from the start, seeing through each other’s walls almost instantly. Because the relationship always had a time limit on it, it meant they were almost less reserved about revealing things about their pasts, which backfired massively as it meant they both opened up to the other in ways they had never been before. Both had valid reasons to avoid long term commitment, and when they bared them, they were fears that a lot of people can relate to. Jessica has this way of making parts of her books relevant to real life in a way that’s unexpected, because you almost don’t realise you relate to the characters until you go through each emotion with them.
Stevie thought she had finally found her stride in life, free from her marriage and thriving in her business, she was ready to be the woman she had always wanted to be. Having grown up in an old-fashioned household and carrying those traits into her own marriage, it made her desperately unhappy, and she was trying her best to get as far away from that version of herself as possible. However, meeting Hank showed her that blocking the chance of any kind of relationship out of her life would cause the same level of unhappiness, and for the right guy, one who could be her equal in every way, it would be worth putting her heart back on the line.
Hank was desperate to make amends for the mistakes he made and tried to do it in the way he thought was best, but nearly created more of his own heartbreak along the way. But he knew that the connection he had with Stevie wasn’t just because of their whirlwind weekend in Vegas, it stemmed from something more, he just didn’t know what, and he wanted another chance to explore that. However he never expected to prove that what he thought was love with his brother’s girl, was actually just a desire for something like their relationship, someone who he could build a life with, care for and make a mess with, and that Stevie fit that gap in his life perfectly.
Every book by Jessica I have loved, and Southern Sinner was no different. Each book in this series so far has been equally as good but for different reasons, each bringing a new perspective of looking at life, but with the insane level of steam, emotion, and angst that you know and love from her writing. She wrote about Stevie and Hank’s pasts so well, showing that while neither of them were perfect, they were right for one another and that despite their fears, they were both willing to take a gamble in pursuit of happiness.
*I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily left my honest review.*
April 19, 2021
ABSOLUTELY FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC!!!!!!!!
Hank and Stevie are FIRE ,FIRE,FIRE !! Super Hot they actually sizzle.
This is such a great story Jessica Peterson yet again has written two wonderful incredibly real and relatable characters who are both strong and vunerable at the same time. I found this an emotional book just as much as it is sexy and fun and flirty....because Hank and Stevie are a perfect match..but there are emotional blocks in the way and the fact that they live miles apart from one another...Which stops them from having a real kind of relationship.
Stevie had a bad marriage for years and is reluctant to commit to any relationship, she wants her freedom and never wants to be tied down ever again....Until she meets the gorgeous dream boat that is Hank in Vegas were a one night stands turns into a sexy weekend..,before they part ways.
Stevie is a strong,sexy confident woman I really admired her because after what she had been through in her crappy marriage she built herself back up and emerged with a Love for herself and an assertivness she didn't have before.Although the scars from her marrieage has made her cynical and afraid to and that frustrated me especially when Hank was everything she did deserve.
Hank has his own issues he wants nothing more than to have a wife and children,but after the drama he had with his brother Samuel and his Fiance Emma,he decided to do some travelling and doesnt want to rush into anything too soon.
I felt so bad for Hank because no matter how hard he tries he can't seem to find his happiness and he is really lonely.
So when he has to go home to prove to his brother Samuel and Emma that he is ok with their relationship,he gets back in touch with Stevie to ask her to play his fake girfriend for one weekend,no strings just sex and fun.....If only it was that simple.
Oh Jessica,Jessica,Jessica...what did you do to me with Southern Sinner Stevie and Hank both excited me and frustrated the hell out of me I just wanted them to be together,but they were a real rollercoaster...a rollercoaster I didn't want to get off..Because I absolutely LOVE being back on Blue Mountain farm resort,I Love the Beauregard Family...
I Categorically, unreservedly Adore this book.
What else is there left to say..Everyone who reads this series and Southern Sinner included will be able to connect some way with the characters and the things they are going through.Jessica's words are very descriptive and from the heart I was totally hypnotised.
This is a must read and a fantastic story and a perfectly mesmerising 5 Star read.
EXCELLENT !!
Hank and Stevie are FIRE ,FIRE,FIRE !! Super Hot they actually sizzle.
This is such a great story Jessica Peterson yet again has written two wonderful incredibly real and relatable characters who are both strong and vunerable at the same time. I found this an emotional book just as much as it is sexy and fun and flirty....because Hank and Stevie are a perfect match..but there are emotional blocks in the way and the fact that they live miles apart from one another...Which stops them from having a real kind of relationship.
Stevie had a bad marriage for years and is reluctant to commit to any relationship, she wants her freedom and never wants to be tied down ever again....Until she meets the gorgeous dream boat that is Hank in Vegas were a one night stands turns into a sexy weekend..,before they part ways.
Stevie is a strong,sexy confident woman I really admired her because after what she had been through in her crappy marriage she built herself back up and emerged with a Love for herself and an assertivness she didn't have before.Although the scars from her marrieage has made her cynical and afraid to and that frustrated me especially when Hank was everything she did deserve.
Hank has his own issues he wants nothing more than to have a wife and children,but after the drama he had with his brother Samuel and his Fiance Emma,he decided to do some travelling and doesnt want to rush into anything too soon.
I felt so bad for Hank because no matter how hard he tries he can't seem to find his happiness and he is really lonely.
So when he has to go home to prove to his brother Samuel and Emma that he is ok with their relationship,he gets back in touch with Stevie to ask her to play his fake girfriend for one weekend,no strings just sex and fun.....If only it was that simple.
Oh Jessica,Jessica,Jessica...what did you do to me with Southern Sinner Stevie and Hank both excited me and frustrated the hell out of me I just wanted them to be together,but they were a real rollercoaster...a rollercoaster I didn't want to get off..Because I absolutely LOVE being back on Blue Mountain farm resort,I Love the Beauregard Family...
I Categorically, unreservedly Adore this book.
What else is there left to say..Everyone who reads this series and Southern Sinner included will be able to connect some way with the characters and the things they are going through.Jessica's words are very descriptive and from the heart I was totally hypnotised.
This is a must read and a fantastic story and a perfectly mesmerising 5 Star read.
EXCELLENT !!
April 19, 2021
Could anything be better than returning to Blue Mountain and the Beauregard family?!? I've loved this series from the beginning, and it just keeps delivering.
We knew Hank's story was going to be an emotional one. He departs on his "retirement bender" to get space away from his family, especially Sam and Emma. All he has is working in the family business and his unrequited love of Emma, his brother's fiance. Hank's determined to stop putting his family first and give himself top priority. He wants the same kind of happiness that Sam and Emma have.
A chance meeting the blackjack turns into an instant attraction, weekend Vegas fling for Hank and Stevie. Hank parlays their incredible weekend connection into a fake girlfriend to convince Sam and Emma that he's moved on. But is he gambling with his heart?
Hank and Stevie are such a special couple! These two are the poster children for things happening at the right time and place. They have both been burned by love and have sworn off it. But from the moment that they meet, it is clear that they have something special if they are willing to open their hearts to love again. I wanted to scream when it looked like they were willing to walk away. But these two work together to solve their problems. Once they figure out how to be true to themselves while loving each other, their path to achieving their goal of "roots and wings" becomes clear.
I can't say enough about how much I loved Hank. He's a book boyfriend all-star! Not only is he thoughtful, generous, and a family man, Hank is incredibly supportive of Stevie's career (and Stevie is a bada$$ businesswoman). Hank proves nice guys don't always finish last.
As always, Jessica Peterson is so adept at telling entertaining stories with honesty and heart. Her characters work hard to resolve their issues so they can move on to realistic happily ever afters.
Southern Sinner is now my new favorite of this series! Who am I kidding? All of them are favorites! I'm ready for the next story within this big, loving, meddling, foul-mouthed family!!!
We knew Hank's story was going to be an emotional one. He departs on his "retirement bender" to get space away from his family, especially Sam and Emma. All he has is working in the family business and his unrequited love of Emma, his brother's fiance. Hank's determined to stop putting his family first and give himself top priority. He wants the same kind of happiness that Sam and Emma have.
A chance meeting the blackjack turns into an instant attraction, weekend Vegas fling for Hank and Stevie. Hank parlays their incredible weekend connection into a fake girlfriend to convince Sam and Emma that he's moved on. But is he gambling with his heart?
Hank and Stevie are such a special couple! These two are the poster children for things happening at the right time and place. They have both been burned by love and have sworn off it. But from the moment that they meet, it is clear that they have something special if they are willing to open their hearts to love again. I wanted to scream when it looked like they were willing to walk away. But these two work together to solve their problems. Once they figure out how to be true to themselves while loving each other, their path to achieving their goal of "roots and wings" becomes clear.
I can't say enough about how much I loved Hank. He's a book boyfriend all-star! Not only is he thoughtful, generous, and a family man, Hank is incredibly supportive of Stevie's career (and Stevie is a bada$$ businesswoman). Hank proves nice guys don't always finish last.
As always, Jessica Peterson is so adept at telling entertaining stories with honesty and heart. Her characters work hard to resolve their issues so they can move on to realistic happily ever afters.
Southern Sinner is now my new favorite of this series! Who am I kidding? All of them are favorites! I'm ready for the next story within this big, loving, meddling, foul-mouthed family!!!
April 17, 2021
This book starts off H.O.T and doesn't let up.
Hank is just the total package isn't he? Gorgeous, caring, family man, driven. He's younger than Stevie but so mature and knows what he wants out of life. He's a dream and a half .
Stevie is ah-mazing!! She's confident, beautiful and comfy in her body! What I loved most about her character and how the author wrote her is that she has total body confidence and overall confidence in herself. This chick is no youngster still trying to find herself, she has arrived at 40 yrs old and damn happy in her own skin!
The heat level in this book is SCORCHING! No slow burn and it stays blazing hot the entire book. I had to fan myself and try not to jump my husband while I read this book!!
Besides the amazingly hot sex scenes there's a really sweet love story with no drawn out angst which I appreciated. There's also this amazing family that I fell in love with along the way. The prologue of this book had me wanting to know what happens next for this family!
This is my first Jessica Peterson book and won't be my last. I really love her writing style and how vivid her descriptions were about each location. It made me want to go back to Vegas, go to the Blue Ridge Mountains and definitely visit The Biltmore !
Hank is just the total package isn't he? Gorgeous, caring, family man, driven. He's younger than Stevie but so mature and knows what he wants out of life. He's a dream and a half .
Stevie is ah-mazing!! She's confident, beautiful and comfy in her body! What I loved most about her character and how the author wrote her is that she has total body confidence and overall confidence in herself. This chick is no youngster still trying to find herself, she has arrived at 40 yrs old and damn happy in her own skin!
The heat level in this book is SCORCHING! No slow burn and it stays blazing hot the entire book. I had to fan myself and try not to jump my husband while I read this book!!
Besides the amazingly hot sex scenes there's a really sweet love story with no drawn out angst which I appreciated. There's also this amazing family that I fell in love with along the way. The prologue of this book had me wanting to know what happens next for this family!
This is my first Jessica Peterson book and won't be my last. I really love her writing style and how vivid her descriptions were about each location. It made me want to go back to Vegas, go to the Blue Ridge Mountains and definitely visit The Biltmore !
April 22, 2021
Gotta admit, this book was HOT. One of the hottest I've read in a while and Hank completely won me over. He's on top of my book boyfriend list. Stevie, I just loved her. I'm not usually into age gaps where the woman is older, but this story was written so well I was hooked immediately. Definitely give this book a read! You won't be sorry you did. ~Andrea
"I am so not a fan of the older woman younger man storylines but I think Jessica has just converted me.
As she is a one click author for me I truly did go in blind and honestly I am thankful that I did because I probably would have passed on all the epicness that is Hank & Stevie.
Hank is hotter than hades, but Stevie absolutely stole the show. What a magnificently written character. Every book ever written should have Stevie goals - she is a standout.
I love this series and with this new release I can definitely feel a reread in the very near future.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book." ~Sharon
"I am so not a fan of the older woman younger man storylines but I think Jessica has just converted me.
As she is a one click author for me I truly did go in blind and honestly I am thankful that I did because I probably would have passed on all the epicness that is Hank & Stevie.
Hank is hotter than hades, but Stevie absolutely stole the show. What a magnificently written character. Every book ever written should have Stevie goals - she is a standout.
I love this series and with this new release I can definitely feel a reread in the very near future.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book." ~Sharon
April 24, 2021
*A portion of my review also appears on the Bibliojunkies Goodreads page and the Bibliojunkies blog*
This is an absolute winner for me because it takes a different path to what I think is a HFN for the couple.
The good:
✔️Younger guy, older woman
✔️Independent woman (Stevie) who declares aloud what she does and doesn’t want (wants the fun but not the hassle of a committed relationship as she’s recently finalized her divorce)
✔️She’s an entrepreneur
✔️Hank’s not intimidated by her ambition or success
✔️He’s totally supportive of her aspirations
✔️Close-knit family
✔️Steamy moments
Not so great:
✖️I hated Stevie’s self-doubting moments which kept her inert and unable to let her guard down. She stood in her own way of her own happiness. I understood where it all came from but I was still so frustrated on her behalf.
✖️Close-knit family - the flip side. They got really into Hank and Stevie’s business. That always makes me cringe no matter what the story or who the author is
Bonus:
➕Hello cliffhanger! Just drop that bomb on us and walk away, why don’t you, Jessica Peterson? 😉😆
If you’re in to the fake dating, long distance that complicates things, and overcoming some serious trust issues to get to that HFN/HEA, this is it!
*Source: ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
This is an absolute winner for me because it takes a different path to what I think is a HFN for the couple.
The good:
✔️Younger guy, older woman
✔️Independent woman (Stevie) who declares aloud what she does and doesn’t want (wants the fun but not the hassle of a committed relationship as she’s recently finalized her divorce)
✔️She’s an entrepreneur
✔️Hank’s not intimidated by her ambition or success
✔️He’s totally supportive of her aspirations
✔️Close-knit family
✔️Steamy moments
Not so great:
✖️I hated Stevie’s self-doubting moments which kept her inert and unable to let her guard down. She stood in her own way of her own happiness. I understood where it all came from but I was still so frustrated on her behalf.
✖️Close-knit family - the flip side. They got really into Hank and Stevie’s business. That always makes me cringe no matter what the story or who the author is
Bonus:
➕Hello cliffhanger! Just drop that bomb on us and walk away, why don’t you, Jessica Peterson? 😉😆
If you’re in to the fake dating, long distance that complicates things, and overcoming some serious trust issues to get to that HFN/HEA, this is it!
*Source: ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
April 9, 2021
Make sure you have a bucket of ice water on hand, because this is Jessica's steamiest book yet! WOW! Like, WOW! I was fanning myself the entire time reading this because the chemistry between Hank and Stevie is off the charts from the minute they meet!
Stevie is one of the best heroines I've EVER read! I love how imperfectly perfect she is. She has flaws, but they way she overcame her past, and how she is fierce and rocks her curve is just inspiring to read! I wish I had a little more Stevie in me.
And Hank?! Holy swoony feels! I want a Hank! This isn't the Hank we saw in Southern Hotshot -- I fucking adore this man, and fell in love with him! I wanted to wrap him in a hug, and never let him go!
This was such an amazing story, and the writing was unlike anything you're ever read! There's steam, there's heart, there's humor...it's everything you love in a Jessica Peterson book amped up to new heights! I could feel everything while reading this book...IT IS THAT AMAZING!!
Do yourself a favor and pickup this series, because it's one of my absolute favorites, and Hank and Stevie will make you fall in love!
Stevie is one of the best heroines I've EVER read! I love how imperfectly perfect she is. She has flaws, but they way she overcame her past, and how she is fierce and rocks her curve is just inspiring to read! I wish I had a little more Stevie in me.
And Hank?! Holy swoony feels! I want a Hank! This isn't the Hank we saw in Southern Hotshot -- I fucking adore this man, and fell in love with him! I wanted to wrap him in a hug, and never let him go!
This was such an amazing story, and the writing was unlike anything you're ever read! There's steam, there's heart, there's humor...it's everything you love in a Jessica Peterson book amped up to new heights! I could feel everything while reading this book...IT IS THAT AMAZING!!
Do yourself a favor and pickup this series, because it's one of my absolute favorites, and Hank and Stevie will make you fall in love!
April 17, 2021
Hank Beauregard left the family business with his brother Rhett to go on a retirement hiatus after the Emma disaster. Many months later he ends up in Vegas and meets a fascinating woman Stevie. Stevie is in Vegas on a girls weekend abd celebrating her divirce from her dispecable husband. She is in for fun but nothing else. Hank and Stevie hit it off and after their fun weekend they reluctantly walked away. This life affirming moment makes Hank realize that he is over Emma and ready to go home. What comes next is a series of lies and half at will bring Hank and Stevie at a point where they either leap or walk away. Funny, witty, heartwarming could best describe these two characters,but most of all their intense chemistry and attraction for each other will act as a magnet to pull you into their journey to discovery and acceptance. I volunteered to read this amazing story and I can't wait to see what's in store with the remaining sibblings Rhett and Milly!
April 19, 2021
Smokin HOT!!
From the beginning I knew Hank and Stevie were going to be showstoppers! Everything in Vegas was stunning, so much fun, and even when Stevie tried to pull back then, Hank was trying to draw her out. I love, LOVE her confidence, Hanks sense of fun, and his willingness to let it all hang out to get what he wants!
Stevie is my favourite character by Jessica Peterson so far! Smokin HOT, completely confident in her own skin, she knows exactly what she wants and is not afraid to ask for it! I love Hamk's sensitivity, his kindness, his ability to stretch to give Stevie what she needs, just YUM!!
Southern Sinner is absolutely fantastic, the sex is OUT OF THIS WORLD, and that scene in Hank's bar? Just dang! Y'all are not ready for the steam and sweet Jessica Peterson's bringing this time!!
From the beginning I knew Hank and Stevie were going to be showstoppers! Everything in Vegas was stunning, so much fun, and even when Stevie tried to pull back then, Hank was trying to draw her out. I love, LOVE her confidence, Hanks sense of fun, and his willingness to let it all hang out to get what he wants!
Stevie is my favourite character by Jessica Peterson so far! Smokin HOT, completely confident in her own skin, she knows exactly what she wants and is not afraid to ask for it! I love Hamk's sensitivity, his kindness, his ability to stretch to give Stevie what she needs, just YUM!!
Southern Sinner is absolutely fantastic, the sex is OUT OF THIS WORLD, and that scene in Hank's bar? Just dang! Y'all are not ready for the steam and sweet Jessica Peterson's bringing this time!!
April 21, 2021
I am so not a fan of the older woman younger man storylines but I think Jessica has just converted me.
As she is a one click author for me I truly did go in blind and honestly I am thankful that I did because I probably would have passed on all the epicness that is Hank & Stevie.
Hank is hotter than hades, but Stevie absolutely stole the show. What a magnificently written character. Every book ever written should have Stevie goals - she is a standout.
I love this series and with this new release I can definitely feel a reread in the very near future.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
As she is a one click author for me I truly did go in blind and honestly I am thankful that I did because I probably would have passed on all the epicness that is Hank & Stevie.
Hank is hotter than hades, but Stevie absolutely stole the show. What a magnificently written character. Every book ever written should have Stevie goals - she is a standout.
I love this series and with this new release I can definitely feel a reread in the very near future.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews