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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This is the series where I found this author and I’ve really enjoyed each and every book. This is a really cute single dad second chance romance. Ford and Eva dove right back in when they were brought back together, and I loved how Eva stuck to her guns, yet found a way fit Ford and Bryce into her busy life. I really hope this series isn’t over because not hearing Joe Arden’s southern drawl really would be a crime. I volunteered to listen and review a complimentary copy of this. All opinions are my own.
I love second chance romance and when you add in a sexy single dad, I can’t resist! This fourth book in the Charleston Heat series is Eva Lacy and Ford Montgomery’s fun, emotional and steamy romance.
Eva and Ford were college sweethearts until Ford blindsided her and broke her heart on graduation day. Now years later, they are both successful, and back in the same city. Eva is a pit master/chef with a successful Blog, and a best selling cookbook. She has writers block for her next cookbook, so she moves back home to hopefully find some inspiration. She unexpectantly runs into the one man she has worked hard to forget. Ford Montgomery is a successful venture capitalist and a widowed father of an adorable little girl, Bryce. He has only gotten better with age, and how sweet he is with his daughter, makes it impossible for her to resist him. Eva is the one that got away for Ford, and he has regretted his rash action ever since. Now Eva is back in his life and he is determined to prove he is a better man and they are meant for each other. But Eva has hopes and dreams and isn’t sure being a mom fits in with those plans. I thought Eva and Ford were so perfect together. They both worked hard, were close to their families, and their chemistry was explosive.
I loved the narration by Joe Arden, and Emma Wilder. They really brought out the push/pull between both Ford and Eva and allowed us to experience their vulnerabilities and growth, and their sexual tension was palpable! I really enjoyed this fun, emotional and sizzling romance!
Southern Heartbreaker: A Single Dad Romance
Charleston Heat, Book 4
By: Jessica Peterson
Narrated by: Joe Arden, Emma Wilder
Single dad romances are a favorite of mine, so when given the chance, I love to listen! This is my first book by Jessica Peterson, and it definitely will not be my last! A story of second chances and parenting, strong family ties and learning the balance of all that comes with it. Ford and Eva were together in college and when they graduated, Ford decided they should split. Now ten years later, the two meet again at a baby shower. The two have intense chemistry, and seem to almost pick things up where they left off. But a broken heart is not something easily forgotten, and when Eva sees Ford with his little girl, there needs to be some serious consideration for this goal oriented woman. Will they find a happy medium? So much fun, this listen brings out realistic views of life. There are so many things to consider and I love how Peterson takes a look at it from all sides. It’s book #4 in the Charleston Heat series, and though I can tell there is crossover characters from the previous books, it completely stands alone, letting us enjoy just Ford and Eva. And Brice steals the show, with her 4 year old innocence and bubbly personality. I loved this story and can’t wait to go back and catch up on the others in the series.
Emma Wilder and Joe Arden are fantastic as always. Using their southern accents to bring this to life just makes it all the more authentic. And Wilder’s voice for Brice is amazing! You would think it’s really a little girl! This is a fun listen you don’t want to miss!
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Southern Heartbreaker is the 4th book in Jessica Peterson’s Charleston Heat Series and tells the story of Ford and Eva. This was a good addition to the series. I loved Ford. He is a devoted single dad. He is successful in business and is Grayson’s (from Southern Gentlemen) brother and business partner. His daughter Bryce was adorable and loved her sweet and sassy attitude. Eva I didn’t like as much. She was stuck in her head a lot. She had the same argument with herself over and over and it became hugely repetitive. There were big communication issues that grated on my nerves. Eva and Ford had good chemistry and I love the family and friendships in this series and feel it was worth the read but just not my favourite.
Southern Heartbreaker is a second-chance romance for Ford and Eva who we were introduced to us in book 3 (Southern Gentleman). These two college sweethearts who went heavy and strong throughout those years broke up when Ford decided to break things off upon their graduation. Eva always felt slighted by the breakup and how he did it. He said some condescending and hurtful things about how her dreams not aligning or being ambitious enough and went on his way. Ford admits that he was stupid and didn’t know what he was doing back then. Who hasn’t done stupid things in their youth? Now he’s older, wiser, a widow and a dad. Life has taught him a lot since then. Eva in the meantime pursued her own dreams despite what Ford said and achieved success as a food blogger and then with her first cook book. Feeling the pressure of writing her second book and afflicted with the lack of inspiration, she hopes a return visit home will spark something in her. Turns out Ford is that spark. They reconnect and relive the better moments from their high school years while also dealing with the reality of what they have going on now. They both have full plates but rekindling their previous magic seems to jump-start their creative juices and shift their perspectives on life.
What can I say? It’s another hit for Peterson! Each book has featured a special set of circumstances and in Southern Heartbreaker it’s about two people trying to bend and mold their passions to fit nicely side by side with their responsibilities. Their reunion does come with complications. Ford, who has never before prioritized personal time over his devotion to his kid or his career has to learn that it’s okay to take a break every once in a while. Eva has to accept that Ford and his daughter, Bryce are a package, and it’s an overwhelming commitment for someone who’s never considered having children. I did think she overreacted under stress at times but then, who doesn’t? Ford and Eva get their sexy on quite a bit and these are the scenes we’ve come to expect from Peterson. There’s one moment that I absolutely adored and it’s when Eva remarks about how his tattoos are perfectly covered up by his name brand shirts but she knows what’s under there. I just liked that bit of info because it felt so personal and intimate. Ford is so professional and put together for so much of his adult life these days and then he’s with Eva and all of a sudden they’re the naughtiest, kinkiest couple around. It’s just good to see them happy.
Jessica Peterson’s Charleston Heat series is borne out of love for the city and its culture, and is enticing comfort food for the romance reader’s soul. Southern Heartbreaker shows that Peterson always delivers heart and passion in her stories and is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience that sizzle and sweetness!
~ Bel
* Source: ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Seriously hot, addictive and swoon worthy Southern Heartbreaker by Jessica Peterson is a must read.
If you haven’t started this series and love a good romance with a side of humour, seductiveness and seriously hot characters then go purchase Southern Charmer (Book one) to start this amazing journey.
Being back in Charleston the last person Eva expected to run in to so soon was her old flame, Ford Montgomery.
He was her first for many things, including her first real heartbreak; now he’s a successful adventure capitalist, single dad and has his sights set on her.
Wanting to build her dream and become the successful business woman, Eva finds herself caught in a web of dreams and desire. Only question is, will Eva once again become putty in the sexy as sin Ford’s arms.
I wish this novel could never end. I absolutely adore the Charleston Heat series and find it extremely hard to ever put down. I’d been waiting what felt like forever to have Eva & Ford’s story and was so over the moon when I got it. I love them so much, they’re like fireworks to read.
I highly recommend this novel and the whole series.
In book 4 of the Charleston Heat series, we get the standalone book of Ford and Eva. Ford is a widower and single dad who was Eva’s first love but who left her heartbroken when at their college graduation he dumped her because he no longer believed her dreams were ambitious enough for him. Eva is a pit master with a successful food blog and one best-selling cookbook to her name with another on the way. Despite the heartbreak and scoffing at her dreams (which Ford had previously loved and supported), Eva has managed to make her dream come true.
They find themselves meeting for the first time since their breakup 10 years ago at the baby shower of one of Eva’s friends and Ford’s brother. Despite the passage of time and circumstances of their separation, it’s clear their chemistry is still off the charts. Eva is hesitant to connect with Ford again given how he treated her when they broke up. Nonetheless, Ford is determined to win her back – the single parent life has left him feeling overworked and Eva brings out a different side of him that he has missed.
Of course, there is one tiny complication – Ford is a single parent and Eva is adamant that she doesn’t want children. She likes her life the way it is and she doesn’t want to give it up. Her own parents’ poor relationship convinces her that motherhood would mean she’d eventually give up everything that defines her – all her hobbies, personal aspirations, and career. However, her connection with Ford is otherwise so strong that she finds herself wondering if she could do the step-parent thing.
I really liked how Eva’s storyline was approached here; too often women are told that they’ll “change their mind” or that they don’t know what they want. Eva knows what she wants but what she wants is informed by her parents experiences. That’s fair and valid and her relationship with Ford causes her to question if she can overcome the fears about parenting her parents instilled in her – not for her to suddenly realize she was “wrong”. Her relationship with Ford is simply strong enough for her to want to work through her issues and see if she’s open to the possibility.
I once again find the the use of a romance book the heroine (Eva in this case) is reading that mimics the journey of the MCs to be a bit much. While the romance book being read in the book is sometimes used to demonstrate how novels can help people processes complex emotions and empathize with others, it feels like it’s a literary device that is doing all the heavy lifting in pushing forth the overall narrative and character development just as often.
Another winner installment for this series.
Ford Montgomery and Eva Lang met ten years ago. He was her first love but also her first heartbreak. When life brings them together again, Eva realizes that the sizzling that was there years ago is still alive and kicking, but there’s also a little twist to their encounter, Ford has a little girl. Problem is, Eva doesn’t want kids. Can these two get over their issues from their past and can Eva learn to love a little girl who needs a mother?
I absolutely loved Eva’s drive to have a career and the life she always dreamed about, I think her reluctance of having children was driven by fear that she was going to lose all she worked so hard for. Until she meets Bryce, Ford’s little girl, she doesn’t realize that she can have it all without losing her identity. Ford regrets breaking Eva’s heart while his own heart is still in pain due to losing his wife, but he has put all his time and energy into taking care of his beautiful girl and work. What Ford and Eva has is magical, the chemistry is hot, and their times together are very steamy and passionate.
This book show us that sometimes work is not everything, that sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and realize that all you imagine was going to fulfill you is not what is going to make you accomplished. Love this series! Highly recommended!!!
4.5 Stars!!
Ever since I finished Southern Gentleman this book has been one of my most anticipated reads! Being a fan of the rest of the Charleston Heat books I was so excited to get back into this series! I couldn’t put this book down and I loved it so so much!
Eva and Ford’s journey was unique from the start! I loved that there was history between them! I adored Ford’s bond with his daughter and Eva’s drive when it came to her work.
Ford and Eva were human which shined through their emotions and lives. I found their realness to be so very beautiful and refreshing. They absolutely stole my heart!
Ms.Peterson packs all the heart, heat, and feels with Southern Heartbreaker!
*I volunteered to read and review a Copy of this book from Social Butterfly PR / the author*
Southern Heartbreaker is the first book by Jessica that I have read and let me tell you I love it. I fell in love with the characters. Especially with it being single dad romance, I love them stories. Through it all we go with Eva and Ford as what they have is like omg!!! I keep hearing there from another book so I’m going to have to look into it and read it!!!
*5star read!!
Once again, this author has made Charleston heat up! Ford and Eva have an impressive storyline filled full of steamy chemistry, a little angst, a little hope, lots of love oh, and did I mention steamy chemistry? As with the other books in this series, the secondary characters made the book even more perfect! I’ve loved reading this Charleston Heat Series.
This book was cute and sweet, it had a touch of everything that made for a great read. Second chance romance, hot single dad, grumpy H, a sweet h and set in the south. I loved the story and the steamy chemistry between both Ford and Eva. A stand alone that makes for a great weekend read.
What an amazing read. After I finished this book, I was ready to head to Charleston to find me a man like Ford. Everything you would expect from a southern story you will have in this book, from caring people, the word ya’ll and of course good home cooking. I have to praise Jessica Peterson for the foods mention in this book. Overall this book is worth all the 5 stars.
Ford and Eva have a magnetic pull towards each other and that pull, takes you into their story with a combination of sexy dancing, intense flirting and great conversation. The entire story flowed easily, the storyline was engaging and the characters were exciting .
Ford is a single dad and he struggles with finding that balance of work, time for himself and spending enough time with his daughter who by the way is a cute little sassy 4 year old that keeps you laughing.
The moments where guilt was eating him up because he was out enjoying some adult time instead of being with his daughter, was something most single parents know all to well. That detail was written that as a single parent, I connected with Ford and understood his feelings.
Eva, is home to work on her next cook book and also to help with her family. She doesn’t want children and she doesn’t date men with kids. Her home life growing up and seeing the struggles of her mother and the sacrifices she made, has lead Eva to that choice.
Author Jessica Peterson did such a great justice to single parents and also to women who decide that they want a career and not family. She didn’t favor one over the other, the writing captured the true essence of both sides, the highs and the lows.
I recommend to this book because the entire time I spent reading , I laughed so much and could not stop wanting more of each character and the story. The times that Eva and Ford hung out, I actually felt like I was in the club with them. The emotions felt in every situation makes reading this book that much better. I promise this is one book you have to read, the experience you take away after reading will last a lifetime.
Great story. Eva and Ford have amazing chemistry. He’s an awesome dad and has clearly matured a lot from the kinda-shallow kid he was when he was younger. I loved his confidence and take-charge nature. Eva was a good character too, she’s obviously carrying scars from her upbringing, and it was good to see her realize that she is not responsible for her parents’ happiness. Looking forward to more books in this series. I love the setting in Charleston–i’ve never been there but reading these books almost makes it feel like I have.
You know how when you start a book, you just know that it is going to be epic?? Well, that is how I feel with this book and it is EPIC! I absolutely love this series, and this book just proves it. The story of Ford and Eva will wrap itself around your heart and make you fall in love with them. Ford and Eva knew each other years before, breaking up as all young in love people do, and meet years later at a friends baby shower. The sparks are still there, the lust is still there, and the love is most definitely there. But Eva has plans for her life and being a step-mom to Ford’s daughter, is not in her plans, or is it?? This story perfectly depicts the ups and downs of single parenthood, step parenthood and how to juggle family and career. So many times while reading, I could relate to how hard being a parent is, but how rewarding as well. Also the fact that the chemistry between these two is chart topping! Phew! Hand me a fan to cool me down! Can these two make a go of a relationship? Can Ford change Eva’s mind about motherhood? You will need to read this phenomenal story to find out. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. They are all utter perfection.
I love second chance romance stories. Eva and Ford are a perfect example. They’ve both endured many changes in the 10 years they’ve be apart. But once they reconnect it’s like no time has passed. They have many hurdles ahead of them. Thankfully they get their HEA!
I loved this second chance romance! I love that Eva & Ford still had some strong chemistry after all these years!! Eva was wary because of her history with Ford, but I liked that she couldn’t stay away and that she got to see the new side of Ford. I loved how swoony Ford was! Seeing him with his little girl was so sweet! I had a hard time putting the book down because I wanted to see what would happen between these two!!
4.5 brilliant stars for this amazing second chance, single dad story that will touch your heart. Eva thought she had it all until the man she loved dumps her on college graduation day! Ford let his dreams of a life with Eva die when he chased the dream of career, power and money. Fast forward ten years when their paths cross once again at a baby shower. Their lives have taken them down very different paths but their pull for each other has not decreased. Now will they be able to overcome their differences and find a compromise in their hearts to bring this new family together. It is a long journey filled with all the struggles of everyday life.
4.5 brilliant stars for this amazing second chance, single dad story that will touch your heart. Eva thought she had it all until the man she loved dumps her on college graduation day! Ford let his dreams of a life with Eva die when he chased the dream of career, power and money. Fast forward ten years when their paths cross once again at a baby shower. Their lives have taken them down very different paths but their pull for each other has not decreased. Now will they be able to overcome their differences and find a compromise in their hearts to bring this new family together. It is a long journey filled with all the struggles of everyday life.
This book was WOW! Hot! Amazingly good! A Single Dad Second Chance Romance! Ford and Eva were sweethearts in college but Ford broke her heart when he thought they were heading in different directions after graduation.
Now fate brings them together years later when Ford’s brother marries Eve’s best friend and is expecting their first child. Eve comes home to help with the baby shower and to get some inspiration for her next cookbook which she is behind on the deadline.
Ford is raising his adorable 4 year old daughter Bryce since his wife died months after her birth. When he sees Eve, it is immediate attraction for them both! These two were steamy together! And the boat! Oh, man, the boat!
Eve doesn’t want children and Ford has one and wants more. Doesn’t appear to be a future for them. But there is a right now. A summer fling. The attraction is too strong for them to control. And the Charleston Heat is steaming things up! The delicious food and southern charm of South Carolina has the tone set for a perfect heat-singed romance! This is a book that you won’t be able to put down!
This is Jessica Peterson’s Charleston Heat Series and if you haven’t read any of the others you are fine to read this one. They are standalone books but do have reoccurring characters appear in each other’s books. You will want to read all of them and wait anxiously for the next release!