He was the bad boy I fell for in college. Now he’s a sexy single dad and Charleston’s most successful venture capitalist. Dominant and decisive, Ford Montgomery is used to getting what he wants. And he just set his sights on me…Ford Montgomery was my first everything.First love. First guy I slept with.First heartbreak when he dumped me without explanation.A decade later, it’s just my luck he’s … decade later, it’s just my luck he’s the first guy I run into after moving back to my hometown of Charleston. Three piece suit, tie, and a watch worth more than my car—being a mogul looks good on Ford. So does being a doting dad to his adorable four-year-old daughter.
I tell myself I can resist him. But one impulsive, ill-advised kiss later, and Ford is in hot pursuit. He’s determined to make up for his past mistakes, and convinces me to give him a second chance.
What started as fun between the sheets gets really serious, really fast. Problem is, I swore I’d never give up the dreams I worked so hard for to settle down and do the family thing.
But seeing Ford light up around his daughter—seeing how he’s chasing his ambitions while rocking fatherhood—is making me rethink what I want out of life.
It doesn’t help that behind his corporate veneer is the bad boy I fell in love with. And bad boys aren’t afraid to play dirty…or break hearts.
SOUTHERN HEARTBREAKER is a full-length, STANDALONE romance. It is part of the Charleston Heat Series, which is a series of interconnected standalone novels set in the steamy southern town of Charleston, South Carolina. The books can be read in any order.
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Y’all need this story in your life!! Southern Heartbreaker was absolutely amazing!! If I didn’t have to sleep or go to work, I would have finished this story in one sitting, as Ford and Eva were downright addicting!! The dirty dancing, the boat ride, the sexting (hot AF!)….these two were just burning up my kindle!! Add in appearances from all the Charleston Heat couples and one adorable 4 year old girl – I just don’t know how this story could have been any better. Loved every minute of it, and I still have a smile on my face thinking about it. It’s single dad/second chance awesomeness – one of my absolute favorites of 2019!
I loved every word of Ford and Eva’s second chance romance. The re-connection, redemption and give and take that they both experienced. This story was A+mazing! I loved the cameos from other Charleston Heat characters. I loved glimpsing those stories, it was like seeing old friends while enjoying my time with the new ones.
Top scenes:
1)90s rap and dive bar date. Loved the throw back feel to it all. Reliving those *glory* days while also dealing with the consequences now that they aren’t in their 20s had me laughing so hard!
2) The boat date. Holy steaminess. L-O-V-E-D it.
Southern Heartbreaker is a sweet and sexy second chance romance. Ford and Eva fell in love in college and then he broke their hearts after graduation. Ford is now a sexy single dad to the adorable Bryce and loving the venture capitalism firm he runs with his brother. Eva just moved back to Charleston looking for inspiration to write her second cookbook. She’s sassy, fiercely independent, creative, and a perfectionist. Seeing each other again brings back the chemistry and connection they once shared. Despite the past, they can’t resist picking up where they left off. Jessica Peterson delivered once again with a contemporary story that a lot of women can relate to. In Southern Heartbreaker, you will get an entertaining cast of characters, strong friendships, family, banter, romance, and heat.
Two of my favs combined in one. Single parent and second chance romance! In typical Jessica Peterson style this story gives you all the feels. Swoony single dad. Strong ambitious heroine. Adorable tiny human. Plus you get all your fav supporting characters from the previous books in the series!!!!
Oh how I loved this one! Stories like this make my reader heart happy! This is the kind of book that had me smiling and sighing the whole way through. Jessica turned me into a fangirl with the first Southern book and this series just goes from strength to strength.
I’m a sucker for a single dad book. They always grab me. Well Ford – he’s Single Dad Gold! Single Dad Perfection. And Eva – she’s a firecracker who’s brave enough to be a little broken too. Add in the chemistry he shares with Eva & holy panties on fire I’m a happy girl. Ford gives good dirty talk, like Oscar worthy kinda dirty talk… Ensure hubs, boyfriend or BOB with fresh batteries is available while reading!
“On your knees,” he growls, straightening. My body cries out at the loss of his touch.
I blink. “What?”
He’s working at the tie of his board shorts with swift, sure fingers.
“You heard me. I want you to get on your knees.”
“But I’m—”
“Remember how good it would be?” He looks at me. “When I’d make you wait?”
I. JUST. LOVE. HIM!!!!
Special mention of the fact that the author yet again kept the love story “real”. I think it’s one of my favourite aspects of her writing. The characters are flawed, their relationships feel genuine and the HEA is often hard won.
Slow Burn, with Some Sweet Southern Heat
I can describe this book best as it has sweet heat, with a pinch of laughter, and a dash unadulterated fun. This slow burn romance was written to perfection. No doubt that this is one book that I will read over and over again. I thoroughly enjoyed the 4th installment of Jessica Peterson’s Charleston Heat Series.
Super hot dad Ford Montgomery also known as DILF, runs into his former love as he balances going back to work at his business full time while his brother and partner spends some maternity time off work. Eva Lacy comes back to town to be closer to family and start over. Sparks fly between Ford and Eva as they rekindle old flames.
I loved this book, it was romantic, funny, heartwarming, and plenty of HEA.
How can you describe one of the best stories you have read this year??? Witty, sexy, funny, captivating, enthralling and more. Eva and Ford’s story is fabulous, can’t put down. The characters are real with real issues, struggling single parent with child. Ford is a widower trying to give his best to his cute daughter Bryce. One day at Grey and Julia’s baby shower he meets his first love Eva. Eva is an author of cookbooks and a blogger. From that point on, they will take you through their journey to love, family, career struggles and everything that makes up everybody’s daily life as we all know it. The story is heartfelt, leaves you a warm fuzzy feeling and a big smile on your face! I honestly volunteered to review this fabulous story!!!
Mouthwatering
Everything about this book was mouthwatering! Ford and his sweet daughter, Eva and her family recipes, the air, the heat, the locales, the boat, the boat, the boat.
Ford and Eva are busy, successful professionals, and when they decide to give their romance a second chance something’s got to give. But as always, Jessica Peterson writes adult problems, with adult resolutions. And I love her for that. If you’re looking for a perfectly crafted second chance southern romance, you need to read this sweet, sexy Southern Heartbreaker!
Y’all!!! This Book! Author Jessica Peterson has, once again, set the bar higher! She takes us directly into the heart of not only Charleston, but of the characters Ford and Eva as well.
Ford is a suited, tatted, single, hot dad…a DILF, actually…
“You run a company. You’re a single parent. How the hell do you stay in such great shape?”
“5 a.m. workouts. It’s the one thing I try to do for myself on a daily basis. Helps me stay sane.”
“And hot. It helps you stay really hot. I hate to use this term because, well—it is what it is. But Ford, you are a total DILF.”
Eva is a cook-book writer, blogger, and chef…struggling to write her next book, and decidedly against having children…and still broken hearted about the way Ford broke her heart 10 years ago.
Ford was my first everything. First boyfriend. First love. First guy I slept with.
He was also my first real heartbreak. The kind that doesn’t leave you. Took me years to get over him.
Between the characters, the storyline, the sexting, the innuendos, and the phrases Jessica used in this fourth book in the Charleston Heat series…Good God!!!! I highlighted MANY passages in this book!
I just know this man makes me feel things I haven’t felt in a very long time.
Confident. Inspired. Safe.
Safe, not in the sense that everything is going to be okay. But safe in the sense that I’ll be okay even if everything else isn’t.
There was so much emotion and heart in this book! I felt the character’s feelings, I pictured every scene, I had tears of heartbreak (literally!) and tears of happiness. I laughed, I cried (real tears, y’all!)…I just enjoyed this book so very deeply! The humor…OMG! The humor in this is fantastic!
Is sex on the first date too much, too soon? Asking for a friend.
I love the continuation of Olivia’s writing with “My Marriage to the Marquess”, the boat scene, the heat between Ford and Eva…and of course, Bryce, Ford’s 4 year old daughter. The way author Jessica Peterson wrote this potential “step-parent” situation was so realistic!
“…You don’t have to be perfect to be a good parent, Eva. You don’t have to be perfect to deserve anyone’s love. Not Bryce’s, not Ford’s. Not your family’s. You just have to be there.”
Soooooo….to sum up my review of Southern Heartbreaker…I can’t tell you enough how much I adored this book! It has ALL THE FEELS! It is an emotion-filled, entertaining, dual POV, second-chance, southern small-town, piece of perfection! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could…but since I can’t, Southern Heartbreaker is a solid 5 star read from me!
Single dad tropes are becoming one of my favorites. What’s not to love? A hot dad, a sexy hard working man and a lover who knows his way around in the bedroom.
This describes sexy as sin Ford Montgomery to a T!! But, he’s lonesome too after losing his wife and when his old flame from a decade ago walks back into his life, he’s stunned by their rekindled chemistry.
Eva is a strong, independent woman, until she looks at Ford and then all her strength melt away. She’s a sucker for his devilish charm and so was I.
They both want to have it all, but will fate bring them together forever this time or finally cut the ties completely.
Find out when you grab your copy of this great story.
Souther Heartbreaker is a second chance romance featuring Eva and sweet, sweet single dad Ford. These two love birds were college sweethearts and while hot and heavy in college, on graduation day Ford broke Eva’s heart because, clearly, they were on different paths. Fast forward to years later and Eva moves back to Charleston. Eva’s a little stalled in her professional life and tends to take on concerns that she truly doesn’t need to take. She and Ford meet up again and the attraction is still there for them, but they want/need different things in their lives. The story is actually very common in these days and times and the author did an excellent job articulating modern life, the feelings of not doing enough and just being overwhelmed. This is a great read.
Visits to Charleston and this group of friends is always a treat. Between the food and the novel in a novel, I always think about starting to read historical romances and wanting to eat all of the things.
Ford and Eva’s story is a heartbreaking second chance. There’s loss and previous relationship hurts to overcome but when two people are as meant for each other as these two are, no obstacle is insurmountable. I was all about Ford before I started this book, but in the beginning, I changed my mind. I needed to see him work for a second chance with Eva and he definitely put some work in.
I love this group and all of the pairings that have come out of this series. I can’t wait to see who gets their HEA next!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Eva and Fords story. Though this is the 4th book in the Charleston Heat series, it can be read as a standalone. I am not sure how she does it, but I always seemed to get so wrapped up into all his stories, that before I know it I have been reading for hours. This story was no different, the characters are written well and get the feel you know them so well. They are both strong willed and have life beliefs they feel are so strong that won’t be changed!
I always enjoy visiting Charleston through the eyes of Jessica Peterson. Southern Heartbreaker takes us back to Ford and Eva’s story. The author gives you a sexy single dad, off the charts chemistry, self-discovery, and an amazing second chance. Oh, and a super cute kid. You get glances of the characters from the first three books in the series, but this could totally be read as a standalone.
If you love a world where the food makes you hungry, the couple make you swoon, and the steam is hotter than Folly Beach in the middle of July, this book (and series) is for you
The Charleston Heat series is on fire once again! Ford and Eva are so good together. Ford is this totally hot, tattooed single dad. Even someone like me, who isn’t much of a kid person, can’t deny how sexy a man who cares for a young daughter can be. Ford is so great with Bryce that it just makes your heart melt. He’s just a sweet, sexy, practically perfect man. What’s not to love?
Now Eva was especially near and dear to my heart. I relate to her on so many levels. She shares a lot of the same struggles and fears that I have had. It was so incredible to read such a complex and real character. I loved watching her grow and adapt to her situations, even if I did want to grab her by the shoulders and shake her at times.
The writing here was so impeccable that I felt every bit of the intense love our main characters shared. I was even exhausted just reading about what Ford and Eva were living through. I was fully immersed into the story. All of the emotions throughout were real and raw. Without giving too much away, I just want to say that I loved the ending. It was a bit subdued, but that’s what made it absolutely perfect for these characters.
Really loved Ford and Eva’s story!
Eva is a strong, smart woman determined to make her own way in the world writing cookbooks that honor her cultural heritage. Ford is a smoking hot, single dad trying to get over his wife’s death. Eva and Ford were college sweethearts and meeting again at Julia and Grey’s baby shower can’t rekindle an old flame..or can it? He broke her heart, broke her, the day and the way that he broke up with her all those years ago.
Despite the baggage they both carry and all the reasons “why not” , their chemistry is off the charts and it challenges Eva to rethink her mostly deeply held convictions. Not going to say anything more except that you’ve got to read this book!
It can be read as a standalone but you will meet so many wonderful Jessica Peterson characters from her Charleston Heat series that you will want to go back and read the previous three books in this wonderful series.
A steamy second chance romance! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read
This second chance as love with the single daddy will make you swoon. Ford and Eva’s past is one that has haunted both of them can they move past the past and into the future. I am in love with the Charleston Heat Series and all the Charleston references.
Overall Grade: ++
Okay, here’s the thing. Romance, as with any genre, has its standards. We call them tropes: friends to lovers, forbidden, older man/younger woman, older woman/younger man, so on and so forth. How does a writer keep it fresh? How do they write stories and keep their readers engaged when the tropes don’t really change? I’m fairly new to reading romance (almost two years). There are preeminent writers I have yet to read (I know…it’s wrong. Give me time.). I have plenty of time to expand my breadth of romance reading. Yet, even if I do, it’s possible that the romance might become stale if writers don’t play with the tropes. I try to mix it up as much as possible by reading a variety of sub-genres. I read just about everything from the smuttiest of smut to the most elevated of romance. What I have found for myself is a preference for authors who infuse and weave in social relevance and significant topics of our day into their writing. It might be the Master’s in Lit that drives this for me; I’m not sure. What I do know is that I like the romances that inspire my thinking, that keep meat on the bone of the story. I want an author to challenge me with their writing, with their storytelling, even when I want to be entertained by the romance. There are a handful of authors who do this for me. Jessica Peterson is one of those authors.
If you’ve read any of my former reviews on her Southern series, you’ll see my thoughts on the profundity of her writing. Yes, she writes romance within the tropes of romance. But her romances are the epitome of female empowerment. More specifically, she uses her romance to illustrate the struggles of women in our society. She crafts her heroines in a way that challenges our thinking about the conflicts of living as women. And it’s inspired and important.
Jessica Peterson’s newest book, Southern Heartbreaker, is no different. Every time she releases a book, I’ll be honest, I’m waiting to be underwhelmed. This has more to do with my love for her storytelling than it has to do with her. Her stories are so thoughtful that I wait for a story where I’m not challenged and, by extension, disappointed. This has yet to happen. And Southern Heartbreaker is probably my favorite of them all, meaning that it had the most impact on me. I was definitely not disappointed or underwhelmed by this story.
This is a second chance romance between Eva and Ford. They were college sweethearts, drowning in their love for each other. On graduation day, Ford breaks up with Eva because he perceives she isn’t ambitious enough. This breaks Eva’s soul, but she works hard to heal her broken heart and follow her dreams to be a writer and a pitmaster. Years later, Ford and Eva meet at a baby shower for her best friend, Julia, and Ford’s brother, Greyson. On meeting again, the sparks fly. They clearly still have chemistry. Yet, Eva is initially reticent to move forward with Ford given his treatment of her in the past. Even more, Ford has a daughter, and Eva has never wanted children. After a few more meetings, Eva must decide if she should walk away from Ford and their connection or change her mind about decisions she made in the past. Will she choose Ford and his daughter, Bryce, or will she walk away from him forever, leaving a Ford-sized hole in her heart?
At face value, this story utilizes the second chance trope. Ford and Eva reconcile easily, and Ford’s apology of his treatment of Eva at the break up helps this. In terms of the trope, the story-telling is fairly easy. Once Ford is in, he’s all in, and he is, honestly, the first one committed to a future. He is everything you love about a modern hero: he’s respectful of Eva, he’s thoughtful of her, he’s enlightened and responds to her feelings with maturity. He quite frankly is the preeminent male feminist. This is a man whose intelligence allows him to love Eva where she needs it. The few times he attempts to “man-splain” her he recognizes it quickly and asks for forgiveness. In doing so, it doesn’t make him any less masculine. Instead, he becomes sexier and attractive. This is the genius of Jessica Peterson. She imagines what mature, “woke” relationships can look like in today’s society. Even more, it isn’t heavy-handed in its delivery. Instead, it’s natural to her story-telling. Ford is swoony, not because he’s gorgeous. He’s swoon-worthy because he’s a masculine moderate male. His intelligence and emotional maturity are far more attractive than his looks.
Now, Peterson’s real power in Southern Heartbreaker lies in Eva, her heroine. Through her characterization, we are treated to a discussion about (1) motherhood and (2) perfectionism as a means to control every outcome. Eva’s past most definitely informs her present. She comes from a family where her mother sacrificed portions of her life for motherhood and marriage. This has left her mother dissatisfied and discouraged. Her parents’ marriage is fraught, and her mother’s unhappiness influences Eva’s perceptions of marriage and motherhood. Through Eva’s struggle to decide to enter a relationship with Ford, a single father, Peterson encourages us to consider motherhood. We still live in a society that expects women to become mothers. Yet, Eva allows us to reconsider this. Peterson pushes against this expectation through Eva’s dilemma. Is it possible to become a mother and hold onto the important pieces of yourself? Is it possible to follow your dreams without sacrificing them for children? Even more, do all women need to become mothers? These questions underscore Ford and Eva’s romance. And they are important questions to consider. While I’ve had a child, I have felt the struggle with maintaining my identity and dreams while raising my son. I found myself here in Eva’s story, and this is Peterson’s genius. This is where she challenges her reader through this oft-used trope of second chances.
Even more, having been a mother, I know the struggle of wanting to do it well. As a Type A perfectionist myself, this can be problematic and crazy-making. Anyone can look at Pinterest and see how that forum pushes this type of thinking. Through both Ford and Eva’s stories, Peterson illustrates the troubles with trying to do everything perfectly. It simply cannot be done without burning out. Once again, through their story, she reminds us that we don’t have to be Pinterest perfect moms or dads or people. We simply need to be present. It’s the depth of these messages that bind my heart to Peterson’s stories. I saw myself so clearly in Eva and Ford’s struggles, and it made the story headier for me. It’s why I loved it so much.
There is a clear place for all romance. One romance or sub-genre or trope is not necessarily better than the other. Given our mood and need for the day, we can decide the type of romance we want to read. That is the beauty of writing. However, Jessica Peterson is doing something so important here. With Southern Heartbreaker, her newest book, and the other books of the Southern series, she’s offering us contemplative romance, romance that seeks to challenge our thinking while it entertains and titillates us. In a world where women are still struggling to find their voice, still struggling to push against societal norms about what it means to be a woman, Eva and Ford’s romance reminds us to find our own space, to live our own lives, to be thoughtful about our discussions and connections with each other. Most importantly, it’s a suggestion that love can ultimately conquer all if we are honest and love from our own expectations.
Southern Heartbreaker by Jessica Peterson is a contemporary, second chance, single parent romance told in first person, dual POV. Although it’s the fourth book in the Charleston Heat series, it can be read as a complete standalone.
When blogger and cookbook author, Eva Lacy, returns to her hometown in search of inspiration, she doesn’t plan on reconnecting with her college ex-boyfriend, Ford Montgomery. Ten years ago, he broke her heart and they haven’t spoken since. Workaholic, venture capitalist and single parent, Ford, is pleasantly surprised when he runs into his college ex-girlfriend, Eva, at a baby shower. He always regretted the way he ended things between them and it seems that the years haven’t diminished their undeniable chemistry. Ford wants to give things another try, but he’s a father now and Eva has never wanted children.
Will Eva give Ford a second chance? Is there room in her life to pursue her dreams and also have a family? Or will she be forced to choose between the two? Will Ford and Eva find a way to make things work, or will they part as friends? Read and find out!
I loved Eva and Ford’s story! They were both loveably flawed, fantastic characters. I loved how understanding and accepting Ford was with Eva as she worked through her hang-ups, and how they both supported and brought out the best in each other. This beautiful story was heartfelt, sexy, romantic, and fun. Highly recommended!
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
Fate, Food, and Family!
Southern Heartbreaker is a deliciously, dirty and delightful read. We once again get to delve into the world of food and all the ways it connects us to our experiences. Including our memories of and bonds to family. Ms. Peterson also weaves a historical romance story flawlessly into this sexy, contemporary romance. The parallels of these two stories are beautiful and thought provoking. Not only for the readers, but for the characters, as well.
The chemistry between Ford and Eva is heady and achy and hot as hell! They share a history, a connection, and a mutual admiration that can’t be denied. It feels hopeful and freeing. Ford loves Eva’s passion for life. Eva loves Ford’s intelligence and resilience. They bring out the best in each other. There’s no pressure to be more than who they are together. Until they put pressure on themselves. Will they break under the pressure or will they emerge stronger than ever? This story has all the feels: angst, passion, joy, hope, fear, and especially love. Southern Heartbreaker stretches the confines of societal expectation and reexamines the term star crossed. Fate always finds a way!