He’s sexy. He’s southern. And he won’t stop showing up at my door half naked. Meet Elijah Jackson, my hot new neighbor…From the outside looking in? I’ve got it all. Prestigious job. Pretty house. And a perfect boyfriend who just proposed with the perfect ring.I should feel ecstatic—but instead, I feel suffocated. So I break up with my boyfriend, hop in my car, and head south.Charleston, South … south.
Charleston, South Carolina: home to stunning architecture, sultry accents, and—oh yeah—my perpetually shirtless neighbor, Elijah Jackson.
As if his abs for days and inked up deliciousness aren’t enticing enough, he also encourages me to chase down my dreams. And the chemistry between us? Hotter than the kitchen at Eli’s restaurant.
But I still have a life a thousand miles away. One I’ve worked really hard to build. And I don’t know if I can just leave it all behind.
I have to choose. A choice Eli doesn’t make any easier by inviting me out to his cabin for a long weekend. Just the two of us. And one bed. I swear to God this southerner is out to charm the panties right off me. Just this once, I might let him…
SOUTHERN CHARMER is a slow burn, standalone romance with no cheating. It’s the first book in the CHARLESTON HEAT series, set in Charleston, South Carolina.
The books in the Charleston Heat series are interconnected standalone romances, and can be read in any order.
SOUTHERN CHARMER: Eli and Olivia’s story
SOUTHERN PLAYER: Luke and Gracie’s story
SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN: Greyson and Julia’s story
SOUTHERN HEARTBREAKER: Ford and Eva’s story
more
I’m on a roll with feel-good romances, and Elijah + Olivia gave me all of the FEEL-GOOD I could ever need in Southern Charmer. I love that Jessica has these two characters work on finding THEMSELVES before they truly find the connection they need, and it made me love the story that much more. A sweet, sexy, slow-build of a book, this first Charleston Heat novel was everything I needed in a sultry, no-frills, two-people-fall-for-each-other romance. I’m ready for Book 2 right about now. 🙂
Jessica Peterson is a new author to me, and one I decided to dive into after finding myself intrigued with the concept for her Charleston Heat series. Southern Charmer was the first in the series of standalone contemporary romance novels that take place in Charleston, SC.
In the inaugural story, Olivia is a New York academic fleeing her life of complacency and the picture-perfect gilded cage she finds herself trapped in. She finds herself challenging what she really wants our of life when she meets Eli, a successful chef of the cities most popular restaurant who finds himself struggling with his newest restaurant on the brink of closure.
Eli and Olivia come from different worlds – she’s used to chasing the “perfect life” that’s been laid out for her while struggling with the idea that she wants something different. Meanwhile Eli is someone who chases happiness, even at the expense of his own success. In the Charleston heat, Olivia gets to know her next-door neighbor with a penchant for going shirtless, and learns to slow down and enjoy her life with him by her side.
Of course it isn’t easy – Olivia is only in town for a month and is going to have to return to her old life for at least a couple months. Her perfect life also included the perfect boyfriend who just proposed with the perfect ring. The proposal is the tipping point to her taking a step back, breaking things off, and fleeing to Charleston to re-evaluate her life. While she decides Eli is who she wants he has his own uncertainties. Those insecurities make the normally patient charmer lose his patience and push for more than Olivia is ready to give in an attempt to feel secure when his new restaurant is failing.
Olivia and Eli were amazing together – they’re relationship is complicated and messy and so real. Eli is talented and oh so sweet – he supports Olivia’s dreams 100% in a way no one else ever has. Olivia is equally talented and brave, finding herself opening up to Eli in ways she is terrified to do despite him not always reciprocating.
Normally I might be annoyed that a lot of their conflict arises from something a 10 minute conversation could fix but the way Peterson writes it is masterful. They aren’t non-communicative because it’s convenient for the plot. Their communication problems are something neither of them are aware they have because the issues they are each experiencing are external to their relationship – and their relationship is just a shield. They each have to resolve their REAL issues independently (and recognize them!) before they can come back together.
soo good
I enjoyed Olivia and Eli’s story. I enjoyed the instant passion and intimate recognition each found in each other. The author wrote a highly passionate love story between two seemingly opposites who were nevertheless going in similar directions with parallel goals. The chemistry was so hot, you fully expected the words to set fire to the page. Peterson also captured the Southern charm of the people and places of the South, so that this southern girl felt right at home with the flow of the language and mannerisms unique to the South.
I, however, would have enjoyed more of a introduction to the characters of Grace, Eli’s sister, and Luke, Eli’s close friend. The author hints at a bit of possible love match for these two but I didn’t feel as if their personalities were really explored enough as secondary characters. The author does, however, teases just enough to wet your appetite for more from them. Hopefully in book two?
This is definitely an opposites attract, find your bliss, passionate happily-ever-after that warmed my romance loving heart.
Delectable, delightful read! I definitely felt the Charleston vibe! It made me miss South Carolina so much.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 4/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 4/5
Secondary Characters~ 4/5
The Feels~ 4/5
Pacing~ 4/5
Addictiveness~4/5
Angst~ 4/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 4:5
Theme or Tone~ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 4/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 4/5
Originality~ 4/5
Ending~ 4/5
Book Cover~ SEXY
Series~ Charleston Heat Novel
Source~ Kindle eBook – Borrowed from KU
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Jessica Peterson, captures the feel of Charleston SC to a tee. The smells, sounds and architecture. The people, the restaurants and the culture are all layed out in this story.
Eli Jackson, is a chef with one restaurant that is flurrishing and one that is going under.
Olivia had the perfect life. Home, job, family, status, tenure and money and now a boyfriend who is proposing. But, she’s not happy.
She takes sometime to figure things out but, also wants to pursue her passion. She wants to write a romance novel.
Her friend offers her home in Charleston, SC and she take her up on it.
Her friend doesn’t mention, that she has a sexy chef for a neighbor.
One thing leads to another and they hit it off.
As they work through the demons that are plaguing them, they must grow to be able to have there happy-ever-after.
A southern charmer of a story for sure.
So looking forward to Luke and Gracie’s story.
Thank you, Jessica Peterson, for taking my heart back to Charleston SC again.
I really enjoyed this book! Jessica Peterson is a new-to-me author. Southern Charmer popped up in my KU suggestions on Amazon and it sounded fun so I decided to give it a try.
The first two thirds of the book get 5 stars. I loved how it started. I loved Eli and how confident and carefree he was. I loved how he inspired (not pushed, this is an important difference) Olivia.
Olivia is a self proclaimed people pleaser and has practically lived her life for everyone else. She’s living in a fake-happy bubble that’s suffocating her. She takes a sabbatical in Charleston and finds not only the love of her romantic life but the love of her life life: herself.
“I’m hit by the wild idea that that is all that matters. Not what other people think. Not what other people expect. But how I feel and what I want.”
Where I got frustrated was unfortunately with Eli, at about the two thirds mark. He has a failing restaurant and ends up taking all his pain out on Olivia. He becomes a different person and is rather cruel to her for no good reason. I felt it extremely out of character for him. I was hoping his grovel would be better and more intense. While Olivia took 4ish months to really come into her own, I also felt his attitude of, “it has to be her coming to me so I don’t push her again,” was incorrect. He was a huge dick to her and should have apologized and THEN gave her more space. This is why I dropped a star.
It all worked out and I did like how it ended. I enjoyed the book enough to read the next in the series, which I’m off to read!
There’s at least 4 very detailed sex scenes, two masterbation scenes (both Eli) and one very heavy petting/kissing scene. Everything is very very detailed and explicit. Very very sexy, but very explicit. Many uses of the f- word and other curse words. If you don’t like explicit sex and curse words then I’d skip this one. Otherwise, I’d say enjoy!
This was my first book by this author, and it won’t be my last. Olivia is at a crossroads in her life. She feels suffocated in her “perfect” life, when her boyfriend of three years proposes, she can’t say yes. She decides to take a month off to figure out what she wants to do. Her boyfriend says they should take a break, hoping she will realize they belong together. Olivia decides to stay at her friend’s house in Charleston and pursue her passion, writing romance novels. Of course, her neighbor is the sexy chef Eli. Their chemistry is off the charts, and they get to know each other over great Southern food and Olivia’s book. Loved both characters, and loved the slow burn of their love story.
After reading this heartfelt story, I think I may move to Charleston! The story of Elijah and Olivia gives you all the feels! When Olivia decides she needs a break from her crazy life, she heads to Charleston, SC to get her head together. Never did she expect to meet someone like Elijah. He blew her away with his good looks and charm. Something she wasn’t used to back home. As they embark on a whirlwind relationship, Olivia develops strong feelings for Elijah, but is her heart ready for someone like him? And Elijah is dealing with some of his own issues, can he make it work between them? This story will captivate you from the very first word to the very last. I loved this story so much and highly recommend everyone reads it!
I loved this slow to combust, insta-love story of Olivia and Eli. Olivia is to be commended for ability to say no when she realizes that her true self isn’t happy making everyone else happy. For loving herself and having the strength to change careers and dare to do what she wants. Eli, with his delicious kitchen skills makes for a starved reader! They’re both dealing with personal issues and it was great seeing them working things out, hitting rock bottom and piecing themselves back together again.
*** 4.5 Stars ***
Southern Charmer by Jessica Peterson is a slow burn, contemporary romance told in dual POV. It’s the first book in the Charleston Heat series and can be read as a complete standalone.
Olivia’s life is perfect – or so it seems. She has the perfect job as a tenured professor and the perfect boyfriend who just proposed with the perfect engagement ring. So then why can’t she just say yes? Why doesn’t it feel right? Instead, she tells him that she needs time to think things over. Then Olivia leaves town on a trip to her friend’s house in Charleston, South Carolina to figure out what she really wants out of life. While she’s there, she plans to pursue her unfulfilled dream of writing a romance novel.
When Olivia meets Eli, her neighbor the chef, she is intrigued by him. Not only is he gorgeous and usually shirtless, but he seems so happy and free. She envies the confidence he has in his career choices. He’s true to himself and doesn’t seem to care what his critics have to say. Olivia and Eli are attracted to each other and have great chemistry. They form a friendship that develops into more as she shares her writing while they share meals that he prepares. Eli provides Olivia feedback, inspiration, and encouragement to keep pursuing her dreams.
What will happen when Olivia’s vacation ends? Will she discover she already has everything she wants and go back to her perfect life in New York? Or will she stay and start a new life in Charleston? Can she and Eli make it through the challenges they encounter together?
I loved Eli and Olivia’s story! It’s about identity, self-love and pursuing the things in life that truly bring you happiness. It was fun, flirty, sexy, romantic, and inspiring!
It was a very enjoyable book to read. Eli and Olivia are made for each other, but they just did not realize it at the time. Olivia is coming off of a bad proposal and she’s “thinking about it” down in Charleston, SC, which is way far away from Ithaca, NY. The food, the drinks and the atmosphere are wonderful for Olivia to figure things out. Eli is a successful chef with two restaurants but he is having issues with his second restaurant. There’s only a short time frame for Olivia to make up her mind about her life back in NY, and Eli pushes her a bit to far and the connection is broken. You could tell that Olivia’s book was a reflection on her real life and it was very sweet to go through that process of writing a chapter and leaving it in Eli’s mailbox for him to read and critique. I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it.
I received this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
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Definitely a keeper!
I adored this southern love story! Lost, lonely girl, runs from it all to right her romance novel, only to bump into a very hot ,sweet talking chef, who brings out something warm and sensual in her. And her writing. They are a funny, lovely pair of people that try as they may to take it slow, at her behest, dive in and fall in love. Though unfortunately, love stories ways come with a little strife and a large helping of finding yourself and who you are so you can be the best possible person for someone else. Loved th romance, the writing, the humor and the strife! Definitely hit the mark!
Love! Love! Love this book!
This was just a great book! It is not just the characters I loved but the location itself. I had a short visit to Charleston a few years ago, but now I want to go back to absorb more of the sights, sounds and taste of Charleston.
Olivia decided she needed a break; from her job, her family and the marriage proposal. She is giving herself one month in Charleston to see if she really did “have it all.” What she finds there is not just her real passion, but so much more. Eli is also going through a life change, he is an amazing chef and owner of two restaurants, unfortunately one is not doing so well and he is taking it very hard, albeit privately. I loved these two together, Eli believes in Olivia so much and his response to her admitting she is a romance author was awesome! Olivia calms Eli’s sense of inadequacy and lightens his mood. Their story is a bit of a slow burn, Eli goes very slowly for Olivia, but they have some hot chemistry. I had a slight issue with both characters, Olivia for not coming clean regarding Teddy and Eli not groveling a bit more with the things he said to Olivia. But all in all, I really enjoyed this book.
Olivia came to Charleston to see if she had what it took to be a romance author. The proposal from her boyfriend Ted shook her, made her realize that she wasn’t happy. Sure, everyone said she was happy; she had a great career which made her stomach hurt, she had a great boyfriend who didn’t understand her love of romance. She wanted to take the chance to see if pursuing her dream made her happy. If not, she would return to her life in New York. Right when she arrived she met Eli and she was completely blown away. Before she knows it, she is in love with the city and her life. But will she have the courage to pursue all that makes her happy, including Eli?
Wow, Southern Charmer is everything that the cover promises and more! Eli is a chef and handsome; ripped with a southern accent, so he is off the charts hot. Add in that he hates wearing shirts and it puts him in the stratosphere. He was a unique hero, beta more than alpha and it was so dang attractive it was insane. Olivia was really fun to watch grow, discovering what she loved and wanted to have in her life. She was nervous but worked through her fear. Unexpectedly the plot took a few turns that surprised me which doesn’t happen too often. This was my first experience with Jessica Peterson and it will definitely not be my last. 6 stars for Southern Charmer!
I really enjoyed this southern romance. I loved the slow burn between Eli and Olivia. Eli was the perfect southern gentleman, while also being completely dominant and sexy in the sheets. Olivia wasn’t my favorite heroine, but she did grow on me throughout the book. My only complaint with this book is I would’ve liked more dialog and interaction between Eli and Olivia rather than the constant internal dialog both characters carried on throughout the entire story. Still an easy to read, fun and sexy story. I can’t wait for Luke and Gracie’s story.
All is great in Olivia’s world, and yet, when her seemingly perfect boyfriend proposes, all she can think about is driving a thousand miles in the other direction. Her goal is to clear her mind and maybe write the romance book she’s always wanted to.
What she finds is her hot new neighbor, Elijah, and the thoughts and feelings he stirs up in her. He has all the right ingredients, and she isn’t just referring to the homemade biscuits the famous chef made for her. Though, she readily admits to checking out his own god-given buns.
Not only is the chemistry between them enough to spark a five-alarm fire, but Eli supports her dream of becoming a writer and encourages her to go for it. Considering everyone back home thinks she should face reality and focus on her job at the university, and the prestige that goes with it, she wants to reach for the stars. If she fails, she fails, but at least she knows she tried.
For Eli, his life couldn’t get any better…until it does. His sexy new neighbor blows his mind and soon they’re sharing parts of their lives they never could with anyone else He’s soon asking her opinion on recipes and impatiently waiting for the next chapter in her historical romance.
Both are hooked on what they’ve found, but Olivia’s life is somewhere else, and she’s set to live it without another man…or is she?
Can Eli show Olivia she needs to fight for what she wants? Will Olivia follow her dreams and heart? Will she admit her feeling for Eli and the life they could have together are real? Will Eli convince Olivia to stay? Can these two see the love they’ve found together is the once in a lifetime kind? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as a woman runs from her past and finds her future at the same time. I love that, even though she may not have consciously been aware of it, she knew something was off with her life and took the steps to figure out what she wanted. Everyone thought she had the perfect life, and maybe it was, but just not for her. As for Eli, he instantly recognized something in Olivia and didn’t hesitate to go after her. – By Elizabeth
This is my first book by Jessica Peterson
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Charleston Heat
Dual POVs
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
Mmm, mmmmh! This was a totally delicious morsel from Jessica Peterson, that has left my mouth salivating.
And I’m not just talking about the fine food and mouthwatering drinks described within it’s pages, the delightful soul stirring imagery of Southern life in Charleston, or the wonderful colours of it’s characters.
First and foremost I’ve fallen for a “Southern Charmer”, Eli Jackson is utterly delectable and the searing chemistry between he and his Yankee girl, Olivia, is a satisfying meal for the heart!
I’ve never been to the South, but I’ve always had this imagery of warm welcomes, a familiar sense of community and a laid back, relaxed pace of life about it that this book breathes from the pages.
More so it’s literally Eli’s easy charm that sold this story for me, and the man sure has a talented mouth, and I’m not just talking about his southern drawl.
I really loved Peterson’s exploration of what it’s really like to write romance and the struggle for it to be viewed as a serious genre. There was no glossing over how hard this profession can be, especially for those in the indie world, and by making Eli an enthusiastic advocate, well, you just gotta love the man even more.
As Olivia’s and Eli’s friendship deepens and their connection heats up, it was a refreshing change to see the characters experience loss, as well as love, and find their own ways in dealing with it and working through it, rather than rely on the other person to fix it, or for things to be fixed in the course of the story that’s so often the case in the pursuit of a HEA.
This heart warming well paced mature romance was an easy 5 stars for me and I’ll definitely be returning to the South to catch Luke and Grace’s story!