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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Southern Heartbreaker by Jessica Peterson will break your heart and put it back together again. It features Eva and Ford, characters from the previous three interconnected books in the Southern Heat series, who now get their chance to shine as our hero and heroine.
Ford is a hot single dad, venture capitalist, and brother to Greyson from Southern Gentleman. He is finally getting his life back on track after losing his wife four years ago and reconnects with his former college girlfriend, Eva. You can’t help but love him even though he broke her heart when he left her a decade ago. He is so humble and contrite when he asks for forgiveness, and just when you think everything is going to be ok, it’s not.
This book will take you on a very real life journey as she navigates her feelings as a self-employed blogger, chef, and author; her parent’s relationship; her relationship with her ex and can she trust it to last this time, and most importantly, her role in the life of his four- year-old daughter, Bryce, who is just adorable.
While the other books had me laughing out loud, this book was more emotional and pulled at my heartstrings. It was very relatable to me from Ford’s protective point of view. I was a single mom of three kids under nine and raised them 100% alone. While Ford and Eva both had family nearby so our situations were not the same, I understand his being overwhelmed with all that life brings as a single parent. I also understand Eva’s right to choose and decide if she likes her life the way it is, or with Ford and Bryce in it as they are a package deal. I admired how honest they both were with their feelings, and how they gave each other space when needed.
Jessica always writes great character development, and throughout the story, you will see how Eva and Ford lift each other up and make each other better people. They had amazing chemistry and sexy times, and it was obvious how comfortable they were with each other as both friends and lovers.
This book also features recurring scenes with Eli and Olivia, Grey and Julia, Gracie and Luke, and Eva’s younger sister, Alex, whom I am hoping gets a book of her own. You don’t have to read the others in this series to enjoy Southern Heartbreaker, but I recommend that you do!
I was so happy to get back to this series. Jessica always has a way to make me smile when reading her books.
Ford and Eva’s story is a great second chance romance. These 2 were hot and heavy back in college but went there separate ways and when time passes they are able to grow and do what they wanted to in their lives. 10 years is a long time but when fate brings you together you need to look at this as a sign.
This was a refreshing story and I can’t wait for more if there are more to this series. This can be read as a standalone but I would recommend you reading the 3 other books. Each one is unique and I really want to visit Charleston now.
Second chance romance…Ford and Eva met in college, and separated because…reasons.
Now they’ve come together again, as real adults. Ford is a single dad, and Eva doesn’t think she wants kids.
There are some lessons here. Family is what you choose to make it. Boundaries are important. And sometimes imperfection can be perfect.
This was an interesting book…while I truly enjoyed it, it felt like it wasn’t quite as standalone as the others. Some of the interactions with the other characters really needed the other books to make them work well.
I just finished an ARC copy this book, the fourth in the Charleston Heat series, and I’ll admit that I’m a little sad that it’s over. I’ll probably have to read it again just so I can enjoy it again!
This book is a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the other books in the series, especially Southern Gentleman, book #3, as it will inform some background relationships mentioned in this book.
This book is the story of Ford and Eva, former college sweethearts who have been apart the last 10 years. Eva is a successful pit master, blogger and cookbook author who is looking for inspiration for her next book, prompting her move back to her hometown of Charleston. Ford is a successful venture capitalist and single dad who is all work, no play as he’s taking on the burden of running the business when his brother, Greyson (who you meet in book #3) steps back for some much needed family time.
Ford and Eva meet again at Greyson and Julia’s baby shower (which is teased in book #3) and quickly pick up where they left off. I won’t go into too many (very steamy) details, but suffice it to say, they are still very much attracted to each other and bring out the fun side of each other. However, Eva has sworn she won’t have kids, so getting involved with Ford also means a relationship with his daughter. Can she have a relationship with Ford without giving up everything she’s worked so hard to achieve? Can Ford let Eva back into his life and into his daughter’s life? You’ll have to read on to find out!
As with all of Jessica’s books, I love how real her characters are. I love that there is truly a village of friends and family that surround these characters, offering support and advice, and a whole lot of love. There is nothing contrived about the relationships, which is refreshing and makes me love Jessica’s books even more. Add in the beauty of Charleston, SC, and you have an irresistible combination that will keep you hooked until the end.
Here’s hoping this is not the end of the Charleston Heat series…or at least there’s a spin off in the works so we can stay in touch with these characters and meet more of their village.
I loved every second of reading Southern Heartbreaker, the fourth book in the Charleston Heat series. This second chance and single dad romance would read wonderfully as a standalone, although characters from previous books in the series do appear and certainly are fantastic enough on their own for everyone to go back and read the rest of the series.
One of my favorite things about this series is how food-centric it is- I love the connection the characters have to food and Jessica Peterson is masterful in her dish descriptions and makes me so hungry!
Eva is a bad-ass BBQ pit master looking for inspiration for her next (overdue!) cookbook. Reconnecting with college love Ford gives her that and more. Ford is not only drop dead gorgeous and the one Eva never got over, he’s also a pretty darn perfect single dad. Their chemistry is as hot as they remember from college.
I related so much with Eva and her struggle to find a balance between career and personal life. It’s a real struggle most women today face. Jessica Peterson handled the issue with grace and wisdom and her ability to write internal monologues is just another one of her many talents.
Southern Heartbreaker will definitely be on my Best of 2019 list!
This series has been such a joy to read but Southern Heartbreaker was by far my favorite. Eva and Ford were college sweethearts who didn’t survive college. Fast forward 10 years and they meet again at a baby shower for his brother and her best friend.
Eva loves her life but when she meets up with Ford again, all of the college feelings and chemistry come back. The only thing that complicates the situation is a sweet little girl named Bryce.
I was so scared of angst in this book but it was just the right amount. Lovers of this series will be satisfied with the conclusion.
I keep saying it, but y’all: these books just keep getting better and better! I needed Ford and Eva’s story as soon as I finished Southern Gentleman, and good Lord.. these two did not disappoint!!
Ten years ago, Ford broke Eva’s heart when they graduated college. She’s dated some since then but has never found anyone who came close to making her feel the way Ford did. She has spent her time and energy as a blogger (back before everyone was doing it) a cookbook author, and trying to hold her parents failing marriage together. She’s come back home to hopefully find some inspiration for her new book, when she runs into Ford at Julia and Grey’s baby shower.
Ford has always regretted how he ended things with Eva and the cruel things he said. When he broke her heart he ended up breaking his own, and started comparing her to every woman he dated after her. He’s surprised that after all this time, the explosive chemistry and that undeniable pull is still between them. They spend more time together after the baby shower and I absolutely love how Ford sincerely apologises to Eva for all the hurtful words he said to her– words that she has carried around with her every since. I also love how she forgave him when she realized how sincere he was, and how grown-up Ford is so different than the boy she used to know. (I also loved how they didn’t let that be the reason why that they weren’t together now. That dealt with the issue from the past and moved on. That’s so rare in romance novels, and real life!!)
It becomes clear that these two were always meant for something big, but there’s just one thing holding Eva back: Ford has a daughter, and she absolutely doesn’t want kids. She’s seen first hand that her mother has to sacrafice her own dreams for her kids and the husband that barley acknowledges her existence, and Eva doesn’t ever want to feel trapped like that. She wants to fulfill her every dream she has in her life without feeling like she’s settling. Even though this disappoints Ford, he gets it. And the kicker? He doesn’t judge her or try to persuade her to change her mind. HALLELUJAH in a bag pipe. Men, take notice of that. Women should not have children just because society tells us from an early age that we’re supposed to want to experience the beauty of raising kids. Not every woman wants that, and that’s totally ok. If she chooses later in life to have kids, more power to her, women shouldn’t have to be guilted into having kids, and Ford GETS that. That is just so damn refreshing.
Eva brings out a side to Ford that he forgot existed: fun. Being a single parent, running a company, and keeping himself functioning is more than most can handle, but he’s determined that Bryce (his four year old daughter) knows that all is hard work is for her, and how much he loves her. Even though he genuinely loves being a parent, be acknowledges that it’s exhausting, thank-less, and you rarely have any time for yourself. Eva makes him realize that he’s still a man, and even though he loves his life, he can still put some of his needs first too. They embark on just having ‘fun’ with each other, since Eva doesn’t want to be a parent, and doesn’t want to break three hearts in the process if she were to choose to walk away, but we all know how these situations turn out, right? Just after one day of sailing, good conversation, fun, and *fun*, the more they both realize that the way they felt back in college is not only resurfacing, but is greater than they ever experienced. But with how incredibly busy they both are (seriously, it’s insane) will Eva be able to trust her heart enough to want to live the rest of her life with Ford and Bryce, or will she worry that she’ll end up like her mother and her dreams will always be pushed to the side? You’ll just have to read in order to find out! 😉
There’s so many things I absolutely LOVED this book. I had the intention of just reading a little bit while I had some time, but before I knew it, I was 40% in and could NOT put this book down!! Jessica always sucks me in with her words, and how amazing each one of her characters are. I loved both Ford and Eva, and little Bryce was just adorable!! I touched on this in my review of Southern Gentleman, but I am so amazed by how authentic this author is about parenting, and all the feelings it comes with it. I have two small terrors — I mean children– myself and I related to how both Ford and Eva felt. And let me tell you: the sex screens in this book are SO HOT. Especially the sexting scene. Whew!!
Seeing all of our amazing characters from the precious books, and the snippets we got from Olivia’s new historical romance was another thing that was just amazing. Here’s hoping that Eva’s sister and her grumpy beau get a story of their own, because I’m not ready to leave this world!!
I can’t stop gushing about these books, but don’t just take my word for it: go out and buy these books so you can experience first hand why Jessica Peterson is one of my favorite authors!!
**I I received an advanced copy of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Ford and Eva bring all the feels!!! A second chance / single dad romance that brings the heat…in the kitchen and out. Add in an adorable four year old who helps make step parenting look easy and you have the perfect combination of sweet, hot and sexy. I love love love the way Ford and Eva want this relationship so much that they think it has to be perfect and when they realize that the relationship only has to be perfect for them….amazing! Watching both Ford and Eva transform made this story for me!
I can’t wait for more from Ms. Peterson!!!
Excellent second chance, single dad romance. Eva and Ford meet again, almost 10 years after he broke her heart; the sizzling chemistry is still there, but now Ford has a 4 year old daughter and Eva must decide if she can forgive him for the past and whether she’s ready and able to be a mother to his child. This is the 3rd in the Charleston Heat series and Jessica Peterson doesn’t disappoint – steamy sex scenes, humorous banter and heart-tugging emotions, making it a page-turning read. I always enjoy seeing what characters from the other books in the series are up to and especially loved the excerpts from Olivia’s historical romances!
Southern Heartbreaker is a sweet second chance romance that I couldn’t put down. Eva and Ford have a second chance at a relationship where fate put them back in each other’s lives. They are older, wiser, but have been living separate lives for a long time, so now they have a chance to rediscover what their relationship could be.
I so enjoyed reading this story as their past familiarity grew to be a new fresh chance at something that neither were ready for in the past. Ford has been married and now is a widower with a sweet, sassy daughter that is his life. Eva has followed her dreams to become a successful cookbook author combining her passions of food and writing. She now has to make a big decision and see if she is willing to modify her dreams in order to have Ford and his beautiful daughter as a part of her life and her heart.
4.5 Stars
What a great second chance story. Ford is just so amazing and so great for Eva. I really liked the journey Eva goes on during the story. Just because you think your life is going in one direction does not mean that is the way it is meant to go.
4.5 Stars
There is a reason that this author is one of my favorites. She writes multi-faceted characters that have depth, balanced with a dash of a story within a story, and real emotions. There is always a hidden message in her books which is also a bonus.
I was very interested in reading Ford’s story since he was first introduced. There was something about wanting to unpack everything that was on his plate since he was a widower and single dad. I was right to be intrigued because he was everything I wanted and more. I appreciated that the author gave merit to his struggles and fears about being the best dad he could be, the best son, the best workwise. To the point, that he lost the time he needed to also dedicate to himself. He was trying to be perfect but in trying to be perfect he lost his chance to be fun. Until Eva. Eva was a the opposite of him in so many ways. She balanced him by just pursuing her passion. Yet, in pursuing that passion she also became focused on being perfect and even though she had the dream that she wanted did it really amount to anything if she was also trying to be perfect at the cost or chance of having anything more? Their struggles and fears were real and heartfelt and I sympathized with them. They deserved this second chance.
Add in a feisty little girl named Bryce that won my heart in book 3 and totally stole it in this book, some super hot steamy times and finally, add in new snippets of a Oliva’s (character from the first book in this series for those that have not read it) which are always a delight to read and this book was fantastic. As someone that doesn’t read historical romance, I would totally read these books that the snippets come from because they are that good and they also tie into the message that the author has for the characters which Is just another reason that I adore this author. It is a different twist but I really like that it is uniquely hers. I will be sad when this series ends and they aren’t there anymore.
I loved these characters and this series. Greyson and Julia still have my heart but this one is a close second. I highly recommend it to everyone.
4.5 Stars for Southern Heartbreaker
Jessica Peterson is a new author to me but that’s about to change because after reading this second chance romance I’m struggling to understand why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now.
Ford Montgomery and Eva Lang have a history, he broke her heart many years ago and truth be told she never really got over him and when they run into each other again she is shocked to find that attraction is still there for both of them but there is an added twist because Ford is now a single dad to an adorable 4 year little girl named Bryce…..
Eva may have thought she would never want children but seeing Ford with his daughter sends her hormones into over drive and that’s when the fun and games begin as this couple reconnect.
This love story can certainly be read as a stand-alone the fact I hadn’t read the previous books didn’t detract from the enjoyment I got from this great read. Sizzling chemistry with lots of witty banter all add to the enjoyment and let’s not forget the classic one liners the adorable Bryce comes out with. I will certainly be looking at other works from this author as soon as time permits. This is a book you will want to one click.
Ford and Eva were college sweethearts, but when Ford felt the pressure to be the best once graduation came, he decided Eva wasn’t good enough and broke up with her.
Almost a decade later, Eva is back in her hometown, trying to write a second cookbook and keep up with work demands. When her path crosses with Ford, she sees that he is a different person now, but also a lot the same. The chemistry between them was never lacking, but their situations are different now. Eva isn’t sure she wants the family life with kids, and Ford is a single dad widower. They fall back into love quickly, but neither are sure if it can be lasting with such massive differences between them.
Second time around shows perfection isn’t required for HEA
Ford is simply delicious! We knew he was hot, but, oh my, he’s off the charts!
Eva came home to throw her bestie, Julia a baby shower, but she’s also hoping home will help jump start her muse. Little did she expect running into her ex (and Gray’s brother), Ford would turn out to be the start of something good.
Ford’s adorable daughter makes parenthood seem possible. A lesson Eva needed. Lots of lessons are learned along the way.
1.) Frozen pizza tastes just as good as from scratch when you get family time in.
2.) Be mindful of your time. Over extending yourself does no one any favors.
3.) And when your chemistry is sizzling hot, you can’t let that person or yourself walk away.
4. ) Children or relationships don’t mean you have to give up your dreams.
Floved dirty talking, sweet Ford and sassy, independent, strong Eva.
And I can’t wait for more Charleston heat.
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
‘Southern Heartbreaker’ takes me back to Charleston to fall in love with more of Jessica Peterson’s characters. This book is the fourth book in the series, and I was lucky to be given an advance copy to review.
The book is about Eva, a cookbook author who is struggling to find inspiration for new recipes after the hit of her first book. She is beautiful, successful, and is a famous pit master who has a passion for making dishes that provide comfort.
She returns back to Charleston in the hope of finding inspiration, but is also faced with decisions about her life, and also bears witness to her parents marriage, and how it’s not the painted picture of romance that she reads of, and their unhappiness unsettled her. To make things worse, she also bumps into her ex Ford at her best friends baby shower, and is forced to smile through the encounter whilst remember how much of a jackass he once was.
However, time has changed not only Eva, but Ford. He is now a single father, returning to work full time whilst living under his own pressure in the hope of easing his brothers life as he embarks on parenthood. He is very conscious of the need to give back to those who helped him through a hard time. Originally he was perhaps too young to understand Eva’s ambition, but now it’s as if everything has aligned and not only has their attraction returned for one another, but he is the friend she needs, the rock and support she has been looking for, and he certainly turns her world upside down.
I loved Ford as a character, he is serious businessman by day, and you enjoy Eva’s ability to remind him of the need to unwind and not be so serious. He is an amazing father to his little girl Bryce, and I just loved how supportive and caring he is of Eva, reminding her that she can’t fix everything, and helping her seek the inspiration she’s been in need of.
A well written book that kept my attention. Ideal for romance lovers.
Eva and Ford are #relationshipgoals! They are fabulous together. It took so much for them to get to their happily ever after, but they made it. I totally get where Eva came from where she made it to. It isnt easy stepping up but she showed her true character. Ford is HOT! That is all I can say about him.
I love Jessica’s Charleston Heat series. Book 4 in the series is a second chance romance.
Eva and Ford are amazing characters. Definitely can be read as a stand alone book but I highly recommend you read the whole series.
Collage sweethearts, 10 years later. Ford, now a single dad is struggling to find balance in his life, working and raising his young super cute daughter. Eva, a successful blogger and author, struggles with writer’s block and her parents’s faultering marriage.
I really wanted to hate Ford for the way he broke Eva’s heart. Not sure I would have been able to forgive him. But he calls himself out, calls himself a jackass for the way he treated her and tries to show her how much he has changed from the cocky kid he used to be.
When Ford and Eva come together again, the chemistry is definitely still there, sparks are flying, hot, hot, hot!!! And as they get to know each other again, they just seem to click, inspire each other and balance each other out.
These two obviously love each other, but how can they mesh their busy lives. Ford loves his daughter and is looking for a partner to share their life, whereas Eva loves her career and believes she doesn’t want kids. She watched her own mom give up on her dreams to become a full time mom. The heart of this book is watching how these two work through their differences, make mistakes and learn that you can compromise and not sacrifice your dreams. You can’t be all things to all people. You can’t be perfect in all things. You need to find the balance that works for you in work, in family, in parenting and step-parenting.
Love this book.
Part of the Southern Heat series, this book can definitely be read as a standalone, but starting from the beginning (with the very delicious Eli) is highly recommended. Ford and Eva were lovers in college, then were abruptly over at graduation. 10 years later, they are reunited at the baby shower of family/close friends (Greyson and Julia from Southern Gentleman). Lots of unresolved feelings come to light after a decade of chasing dreams. Ford’s a single dad now, Eva has built an enviable career. There are still a few things standing in the way of their happy ending.
Ford is a dirty-talking, funny and deeply caring man. The affection for his daughter makes him irresistible. Eva has to figure out how to get over herself. 🙂 Will they or won’t they? Enjoy!
Another amazing installment in the Charleston Heat series. Ford and Eva have chemistry on top of chemistry. It’s a great second chance/ single dad read. Eva moves back to town and sparks fly. Eva may try to fight it, but you can’t fight the universe. Ford with his daughter Bryce is absolutely precious. She’s one of my favorite children characters ever. No one could resist that. Not only is this a great romance, but there are several very important life lessons sprinkled in. Definitely read this one, and if you haven’t read the first three then do that too.