I’m looking for a hot hookup with no strings attached. And I want my older brother’s best friend to step up to the plate…My dating history is lame. My experiences in bed? Even lamer. As the owner of a thriving business, I’m used to calling the shots. But one place I don’t always want to be in charge is in the bedroom.Enter Luke Rodgers. My brother’s best friend. Former major league baseball … Former major league baseball player. A guy who now hangs out on his farm, sweaty and shirtless, as he nurses a shoulder injury.
If the rumors are true, he also likes to work up a sweat behind closed doors. A total MVP in the sack.
Just the take charge guy I’m looking for.
With Luke and I, it’s game on. And it’s all good until Luke decides he wants forever, and he wants it with me.
I’m just not convinced I can trust Luke. Will he keep playing the field and break my heart? Or is he really ready to hang up his cleats for good?
SOUTHERN PLAYER is a full length, STANDALONE romance.
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Review My first read by Jessica Peterson and most definitely not my last. As a matter of fact, I plan to read the the first book in this series as soon as possible. Southern Player is the story of Gracie, Elijah’s sister from Southern Heat, the first book in the series. Gracie has her career life on the fast track. She owns her coffee shop and is working on expanding it. She is “in touch” with her crew and customers. She is on her way to a successful and lucrative life. Her personal life aka her love life is a completely different story. She has not been successful here as she can not find someone that is compatible in relationship goals and wells as her bedroom aspirations. In walks her brothers best friend and her long time crush, Luke. He is a player, well actually a former major league baseball player turned farmer after a debilitating injury. Luke takes it all in stride, he loves being a farmer. He has also had a thing for Gracie since he first met her but she has been off limits as she is her best friends little sister. The question is will Luke take the chance and step in to help Gracie fulfill her list of romantic experiences or should he sit this one out and remain on the friendship bench only to watch Gracie fail romantically. 4 1/2 stars for this mind blowing book hangover!
This was an awesome next chapter in the Charleston Heat Series. There was a different flare to this book, it was based more on the actual relationship and how it progressed. It was not just about someone falling for someone else, they each had their own reasons for going out with each other, and the reasons will surprise you. It was refreshing. It was steamy and emotional, and I loved Gracie and Luke how they were great together. The point of view for vulnerability was different as well, not what I expected as a reader.
The surrounding supporting characters were funny and added just the right amount of flare to the story. The historical aspect was perfect, the Duke Max and Jane.
“I just had the best hookup of my life with a hot, dirty talking farmer. Bad because now I can’t stop thinking about said farmer, felling all gooey and sticky every time I do … ” The various tractor scenes were both hot and steamy and funny. A perfect combination.
Ms. Peterson intertwined both the relationship and the business aspect perfectly for the two characters involved.
I can’t wait for the next chapter.
I received this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jessica Peterson writes the books I crave….strong heros and the kick ass women that love them. I have been waiting for this book since I fell completely head over heals for Eli in Southern Charmer. Eli, the sexy, kind, charming chef who was brought joy by feeding people, mind body and spirit. He was special and I knew his sister Gracie would be special too. Southern Player is Gracie’s book. Gracie is not only smart, beautiful and accomplished, but she is also a romantic at heart. She is looking for a deep, passionate, sexual connection with a man, like the one she reads about in her historical romances. However, she has yet to find the one that not only satisfies her heart but also her soul. Her recent relationships have left her both emotionally and sexually unfulfilled. She’s pretty much given up hope until a chance encounter with Luke. Luke Rodgers is all sunshine, sex and sin wrapped in a yummy six foot three package. He is an ex baseball player who happens to be Eli’s best friend and her teenage crush. Due to a recent injury, his playing days are over and how his focus is solely on his organic vegetable farm. Maybe, just maybe, he is the perfect guy to help her move past her recent relationship insecurities and let her explore her sexual side without fear of judgement or commitment. Forbidden older brother best friend/younger sister romances are my catnip. I love them. Southern Player takes that trope to a whole other level. The heat, the heart and the emotion of their journey was pure perfection. Jessica Peterson gave these characters life and I enjoyed every minute of this read. We also were able to catch up with Eli and Olivia which was a treat. If you are like me and are a fan of strong, sexy heros and the kick ass heroines that they love, then give this series a try, give this book a try and you will not be disappointed.
If Southern Charmer was a journey of discovering our own strength and not apologizing for who we want to be in life, in our business, career and not hesitating to drop all that is considered ‘essential’ nowadays, Southern Player decided that playing with our hearts was the best course of action.
Gracie’s journey reminds us of not being ashamed of who we want to be in bed, in our hearts, at the same time that sheds light – in a very relatable way – in women’s tendency of carrying the blame for everything wrong in a relationship. Luke, despite having every ingredient to be the usual dominant, clueless alpha male hero, adds strength to the plot, not only from his well-endowed physical attributes but from his refreshing normality and ability to just be there for her.
The story continues to weave the passion of the characters for Regency novels, the sense of community that comes from living in the South, and the rescuing of food traditions that were present in the first book of the series. Food porn and puns are plenty, as well as sexy and delicious scenes.
Southern Player is a fun blend of sweet, sexy, and spicy. Grace is a smart, ambitious, and generous woman who is just looking to find her own HEA and a lasting love. She’s been looking for love in all the wrong places, so she decides to try a new approach for a friends with benefits arrangement with the one guy she’s been lusting over for years. Luke is her brother’s best friend, a former baseball player, and a player now that he’s returned home to Charleston. He’s sexy, charming, loves country music, and loves growing things and working the land as a farmer. Buying and building up the farm has been satisfying, but he’s now ready to find love and a family. Once their attraction is out in the open, along with Grace’s wish list, they are free to act on an attraction that’s been simmering for years. Fulfilling Grace’s fantasies is only one step in Luke’s master plan of winning all of her. They have a long-standing relationship, which only grows deeper, as they banter, joke around, discuss their plans, and check items off her list. Southern Player has heart, heat, and great characters.
Jessica Peterson did not disappoint in the this, the second book of her Charleston Heat series. Luke and Gracie’s story can be read completely as a stand alone. However, you will enjoy meeting them in Southern Charmer and will appreciate glimpses of Eli and Olivia’s HEA if you read Southern Charmer first.
There are so may things that I liked about this story. I loved the respect both Luke and Gracie show Eli as their brother/friend and that he demonstrates his love for each of them. I appreciated that Gracie pursues what she needs in order to be true to herself. I appreciated that Luke offers no judgement to her proposal but communicates with her what he wants out of the arrangement. (I really loved the maturity in that conversation.) I loved that the intimate scenes are super-hot yet still realistic. I love that they trust each other enough to be themselves without games. I loved that they really want the best for each other. The food in the story made me so hungry! I am dying for a foodie tour of Charleston. I love that Jessica Peterson weaves a Regency romance novel into the contemporary story, perfectly demonstrating that true love and passion are timeless.
This story allows each character to address their insecurities and be vulnerable with each other. Gracie is smart, confident, sexy, and successful. I just loved her character. Luke is the perfect book boyfriend. My word! He is kind, nurturing, honest, sexy, successful, has plans and dreams, and is so, so hot.
This is a book to reread again and again because it generates such happy feelings inside. I never wanted it to end. I highlighted so many passages. You need to read this boo
Ohhhh sweet, sexy, dirty talking Luke!!!! Loved this story!!! Gracie and Luke are perfect. They both learn and grow so much in this book it’s a pleasure to read! The banter between G & L is priceless. Just a great sexy, funny, feel good read!
What an amazing story!!!!!! I loved Gracie and Luke’s journey. There was so much attraction between them even when Gracie decided that she wanted to use Luke only for sex that wouldn’t stand very long. The connection just grew so much between them. It was nice to read how the player wanted to settle down and the girl who loves fierce wanted no strings attached… it was a nice role reversal treat. Gracie’s brother was a fierce protector of both them but was surprisingly ok with the arrangement as long as no one hurt each other. It was well written had great steamy scenes, the love was strong and fierce and the HEA was amazing!! Great read!! If i could Star more then 5 i would defiantly!
We saw the heat between Gracie & Luke in Olivia & Eli’s book. Ya knew it was going to be sizzling! And, oh my goodness, is it!! Gracie’s feeling out of sorts after her relationship with the oh so dull Nick doesn’t work out. She decides Luke is the perfect solution. He does casual well and very satisfyingly. Ironically, finding out Gracie is finally single, Luke wants more than casual. They both discover so much more. Gracie has so much heart! Talent, strength, grace. Luke doesn’t see himself as more than a farmer but he is so much more. He’s charming, sexy, caring, sweet, dirty, and simply amazing. I love these two!! And Luke’s mamas are hilarious! And of course we get a good dose of Eli & Olivia. Love this series!! I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Southern Player is book two in the Charleston Heat series by Jessica Peterson. This can be read as a stand alone. I started out reading book three in this series and fell in love with it. Then I went back and read book one and now this one. I met both Luke and Gracie in the other books and was so anxious to read their story.
Gracie Jackson is Eli’s little sister, a sister he is very protective of, especially from his best friend, Luke, who has been known for his one night stand ways. Gracie is highly educated and is living her dream in Charleston. She owns her own business, Holy City Roasters, a coffee shop. She’s in the middle of a big addition to the original shop and is preparing for the grand re-opening.
What hasn’t been her dream is her romantic life. Gracie is thirty one years old. She had thought by now she would be madly in love with her soul mate and starting a family. In reality, she’s had a string of bad relationships. Every one leaving her feeling more and more inadequate. Maybe she’s going about this all wrong. Maybe instead of looking for her forever man, she should find someone to hook up with, no strings attached, and try to find her true self, experience some of her secret bucket list, things she never felt comfortable telling her previous boyfriends.
“What if I set my quest for love aside for a bit and explored lust instead?”
Luke Rodgers is a former professional baseball player. When an injury ended his career, he started on part two of his dream, he bought thirty acres and has started Rodger’s Farms. He loves his quiet simple life. He has had plenty of hook ups over his life time but he’s ready to settle down out on his farm, and raise a family. Luke has had a crush on Gracie for over ten years, since they first met. But firstly, she was his best friend, Eli’s little sister. Second, she was never available whenever they happened to cross paths. Now, to his surprise, he finds out that Gracie is single. Maybe it’s finally time to make his feelings known, to pursue the girl he’s dreamed of for so long.
Gracie wants someone she is comfortable with to finally experience some of the things she’s only every fantasized about. Who better than the man she has had a crush on since she was in college, her brother’s best friend, Luke. She knows he’s a player, so he’s the perfect choice.
This is kind of a role reversal where the hero wants the relationship and the heroine doesn’t. But it’s Gracie’s self confidence that says play it cool. Not her heart. And Luke recognizes this. He’s dedicated to proving to Gracie that she can trust him, that he can be her forever guy and at the same time, she can be her true self.
What I loved about this book is that these two were so honest with each other. Luke knew just how to help Gracie to let go of what she thought she should be and embrace who she really was, ask for what she wanted. I think of the three books I have read, this is the hottest. These two were smokin! I think that the kisses in this story were the most intense, emotional, beautiful kisses I’ve ever read. It’s like every kiss held a whole conversation, was full of so much emotion. They were just so much.
“That’s what his kiss is. A capture, a claiming, a pull that has my whole body rising to meet him.”
I did struggle a bit, though, in this book, with their dialogue. I have no idea why. I love a country boy. And I already had a connection to both of these characters from the other books. Just for some reason, for me, I struggled a bit with their interactions. I think it just must be something to do with me. Because I loved the other two books obsessively.
Luke is a country boy, Gracie is a city girl. Can they find enough common ground to make it work? Can Luke convince Gracie that she can trust him with her heart? I do love this series. I definitely want to visit Charleston now. I can’t wait to see what this author has planned next!
“Take all you need. Cause I got a lot to give. And I’m gonna give it all to her.”
Luke and Gracie’s journey together hasn’t always been easy. Yes, they’ve known one and other for over 10 years. There just never seems to be the right time. They both come to the conclusion that they should explore one and other more. Only, Luke fears that his love for the simple life on his farm. Will distract Gracie from her important life dreams. They drove me crazy. Thankfully, they got it right in the end
Loved The Charleston Heat series!!!
I went into this one with a bit of trepidation. The word “player” in the title gave me visions of dirty manwhores, and I HATE dirty manwhores. But I’m so glad I didn’t let my manwhore prejudice get in the way of giving this book a chance, because not only was Luke, the hero, NOT a manwhore, he was a yummy cinnamon roll of the highest order. (And he was UNBEARABLY hot and sexy and a dirty talker, so…yeah, he was pretty much my book boyfriend catnip.)
Plot overview: Grace is fresh from a breakup and lamenting her lack of good sex. She enlists the help of her brother’s best friend to help her check items off her sexual bucket list. EXTREMELY sexy times ensue, as do plenty of emotional, mushy feels. It’s a brother’s-best-friend, opposites attract, friends-to-lovers romance.
Luke. Oh, Luke. Let me count the ways in which I adore him:
1. That sexy Southern accent. I don’t usually find the word “ain’t” hot, but bless his heart, he made it work.
2. Right from the start Luke was honest with Grace about what he wanted. He’s a smitten kitten, which I love. He was willing to help her check items off her sexual bucket list, but he also wanted a relationship. He never pretended any different to preserve his ego or pride. He talked about his feelings LIKE A REAL MAN.
3. No commitment phobia. Yay, Luke!!
4. He lost his baseball career due to an injury, but he wasn’t a sad sack about it. He didn’t mope and whine and lament everything he’d lost. He adapted, moved on, and made a new career for himself. He didn’t use what he’d lost as an excuse to drink himself into a stupor or whore around. He acted like a real-life grown-up.
5. He has chest hair. I can’t stress this enough: REAL MEN HAVE CHEST HAIR. I’m sick of all the hairless chests in romance novels. In fact, I wish the model on the cover of the book had chest hair.
6. He had a few moments of insecurity at the end that made him act like an idiot, but he overcame them and groveled for Grace’s forgiveness in epic fashion. There was a FANTASTIC grand gesture at the end. It might have been 1 of the top 10 grand romantic gestures I’ve ever seen in a romance novel. It was LEGEN–wait for it–DARY.
7. This is a sweet, gentle-natured, supportive, emotionally mature hero who is a dirty talking dominant in bed, but he’s also willing to be submissive in bed if that’s what the heroine wants . It was beyond hot. He was all about what Grace wanted, and I’m not sure there’s anything sexier than that. (Other than a man cleaning the house, which doesn’t happen in romance novels that much. But Grace did at one point think that Luke’s house was clean, so I’m assuming he does indeed clean, too. He’s pretty much perfect in every way.)
Grace was a good heroine, too. I don’t want to make it seem like she wasn’t. She was smart, and talented, and not afraid to go after what she wanted in life and in the bedroom, and I loved that about her. But when she’s standing next to Luke who practically glows with awesomeness, it’s harder to notice her. Sorry, Grace.
So, long-story-short, you need to read this one. Luke is the ultimate book boyfriend, and if you’re looking for a super sexy, super sweet read, you won’t find many that are better than Southern Player. Happy reading!
And feel free to check out the Romance Rehab blog for more rants, raves, book lists and other fun romance-y stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
There’s a fantastic line in Southern Player, where Jessica Peterson pretty much wrote her own review for the book: “Five shooting stars. Or would it be exploding stars? Orgasmic ones, maybe?” And I totally agree- Luke and Gracie’s story was fantastic.
I had been (im)patiently waiting to get to know Luke better since he was introduced in Southern Charmer- an ex-MLB baseball player? Yes please! (And the author confirmed for me on Instagram that he did in fact play for my favorite Cubs!) Luke was just dreamy- a kind, genuine, caring man interesting in finding forever. He and Gracie were perfect together- the witty banter, super-steamy moments, and interactions were so refreshingly real. And just as she did with Southern Charmer, the author again teases us with snippets of historical fiction- it’s a genre I’ve never read but am beginning to see that I am missing out.
I am absolutely loving the Charleston Heat series and cannot wait for the next installment- Jessica Peterson never disappoints.
Lowcountry Heat
There’s not one single thing I didn’t love about this book. Every word spoke to me, every word held my truth. Southern Charmer, in my opinion, is the perfect romance. Emotional, heartfelt, visual, exhilarating, romantic, and one of the sexiest books I’ve ever read. Luke and Grace are my new favorite couple!
What an amazing story!
I loved Gracie and Luke so much!!!
Gracie is a successful entrepreneur but doesn’t seem to be able to find what she longs for in her personal life.
Luke is a former baseball player whose career has been cut short by injury and is now living quiet country life on his farm. He also happens to be the best friend of Gracie’s brother with reputation as “love and leave” guy.
After her last break-up Gracie thinks that some no strings attached exploration with Luke might be just exactly what she needs.
But both Luke and Gracie have been crushing on each other for years and quickly find out that their feelings for each other run very deep.
Southern Player is a beautiful tale of self-discovery and overcoming personal fears.
It has it all – captivating story line, love, humor, steamy and swoony moments, great friends, good food, wonderful community and a “historical romance” that will guide Luke and Gracie to their HEA.
I don’t think I will ever hear the words “ Baby Girl” without be reminded of this book. That is a good thing! This is a story that brings a smile to my face and butterflies in my heart. In other words it warmed my grits. It also deals with real feelings and insecurities that many of us face everyday. It draws our attention to the question how much are you really ready to change about yourself and do you even know, know yourself? How much are your worth and what happens when you assume things about yourself and others? Even though this is a romance novel there’s a lot to this story that should not be skimmed over. There’s one point in the book that I could relate to so well. It wasn’t Gracie’s part either. She showed Luke’s vulnerabilities and I could totally identify with it. We get to see that it doesn’t matter the gender, there are times we all suffer the same insecurities. The author has woven a very entertaining and romantic story with a lot more going on than meets the eye. You want to keep reading this book to the end. Putting it down is not an option. It wasn’t for me and I have the circles under my eyes to prove it.
Seriously, this story will make you swoon, tingle and become more educated about the south. I really want to visit Charleston. The last book took me on a food fest and artistic journey. This time I got to see another part of this beautiful landscape. She paints a realistic portrait though, even describing the heat!!! I have to remember to not visit in the summer.
We also get to meet new and interesting characters and of course are treated to some of our favorites again. Hopefully, we’ ll be blessed with future stories about these gems.
This is a book you don’t want to end. There are some fabulous lines. One of my favorites is, “I’m sweatin’ like a hooker in a church”. I seriously laughed out loud. It took me out. The book is filled with quips that will make your heart happy. And the heat index is way up and I don’t mean the weather temperature. You may even tear up.
I guess I should stop because I will just continue to sing the praises of this beautiful book. These are people you don’t want to leave. What I will say is do yourself a favor and read this book. You deserve it!
Southern Player by Jessica Peterson is book Two in the Charleston Heat Series. This is the story of Gracie and Luke. I haven’t yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Luke is recovering from a shoulder injury and is retiring from the sports scene. Luke is now working to to build up his farm. Gracie is a very independent and hardworking but has never found that personal relationship that she needs. Gracie thinks that Luke might be what she needs and a bargain is thought up. I loved Luke…he was the ultimate book boyfriend for me. Gracie was the heroine that we all look for. I enjoyed their story and will be looking for more books by this author.
Where do you even begin with a tale as enrapturing as Luke and Gracie?
Grits
Coffee
Butt Stuff
This is by far my favorite Jessica book to date. I loved Eli in Southern Charmer, but Luke stole my heart with his extreme country boy ways.
So many great moments from start to finish. The flirty, easy banter between the characters makes you jealous of their bond. The level of care and concern for the others goals whether it be in business or pleasure is admirable.
Speaking of pleasure…Hot Damn! The desire, the need, the frustration all run rampant in this book. Gracie and Luke not only burn up the pages, but the sheets as well. Their friendship and trust sets such a precedent for their exploration of one another.
But with that, comes insecurity and Jessica touches on it all. This book is all encompassing and shows how true passion and a great spark can go one of two ways based on what’s in your heart. Such a well written story that will definitely leave you with a Luke, “Aw, yeah.” when it’s all said and done.
Check out Luke and Gracie in Southern Player to see how it all plays out.
My first read by Jessica Peterson and most definitely not my last. As a matter of fact, I plan to read the the first book in this series as soon as possible. Southern Player is the story of Gracie, Elijah’s sister from Southern Heat, the first book in the series. Gracie has her career life on the fast track. She owns her coffee shop and is working on expanding it. She is “in touch” with her crew and customers. She is on her way to a successful and lucrative life. Her personal life aka her love life is a completely different story. She has not been successful here as she can not find someone that is compatible in relationship goals and wells as her bedroom aspirations. In walks her brothers best friend and her long time crush, Luke. He is a player, well actually a former major league baseball player turned farmer after a debilitating injury. Luke takes it all in stride, he loves being a farmer. He has also had a thing for Gracie since he first met her but she has been off limits as she is her best friends little sister. The question is will Luke take the chance and step in to help Gracie fulfill her list of romantic experiences or should he sit this one out and remain on the friendship bench only to watch Gracie fail romantically. 4 1/2 stars for this mind blowing book hangover!