Jessica PetersonCritiques

Depressing

Beau and Bel have a special kind of friendship that lasts for years and years even though they both are afraid to act on any underlying feelings they both have, its perfection. The readers can tell that these two characters fates is written in the stars and one that we hope they will finally act on, but things don’t always end up that way. Beau, as an ex-football star, has health issues and it causes him times he just doesn’t know how to cope with them, so he doesn’t want to tie anyone especially Bel down with his problems. I totally understood Bel and the way the author addresses the issues all new mothers go through was on point. The depression, the way we look at ourselves, the way we worry if we are good enough, she explained it perfectly and I loved how she never pointe done way was the right way for everyone and that everyone dealt with things differently and that was ok. Growing up and living in the Smoky Mountains the author nailed it on the head and made me happy to be part of the mountain life. I am excited about this series and can not wait for more.

Holy Hotness first the relationship and connection between “Blue” and “Lady V’ online is beyond hot and full of tension that had me blushing and fanning my face which I loved! I know that these two won’t make sense in my review, but I don’t want to spoil anything just trust me and read!! We are introduced to Emma wo is a wine sommelier working at The Beauregard’s lodge trying to prove herself. Emma wants so badly to prove herself and her career are important because she sometimes feels like she isn’t enough and is constantly battling with herself about if she chose the right path in life, but this is the only time she shows any vulnerability really and that is inside her own head, outwardly she is brave, confident, and amazing. She can hold her own against the broody Beauregard brother, Samuel who is upset she is even there. Samuel feels like he also must prove himself everyday even though he pretty much runs things at the lodge, especially the food and wine department and Emma coming on board has threaten his work or so he thinks. Samuel was betrayed before and never thinks he is good enough, so my heart hurt for him, but also, the way he was mean to Emma made me want to smack him around too. These two are pure perfection for each other as they buttheads because Samuel needs Emma’s honesty and Emma needs Samuel’s tender care. Things happen and afraid of crossing lines they try to avoid the inevitable, but can they see a way around their obstacles or fall to what stands in their way? Such a good read and can’t wait for more Beauregards!!

Beau and Bel have a special kind of friendship that lasts for years and years even though they both are afraid to act on any underlying feelings they both have, its perfection. The readers can tell that these two characters fates is written in the stars and one that we hope they will finally act on, but things don’t always end up that way. Beau, as an ex-football star, has health issues and it causes him times he just doesn’t know how to cope with them, so he doesn’t want to tie anyone especially Bel down with his problems. I totally understood Bel and the way the author addresses the issues all new mothers go through was on point. The depression, the way we look at ourselves, the way we worry if we are good enough, she explained it perfectly and I loved how she never pointe done way was the right way for everyone and that everyone dealt with things differently and that was ok. Growing up and living in the Smoky Mountains the author nailed it on the head and made me happy to be part of the mountain life. I am excited about this series and can not wait for more.

Holy Hotness first the relationship and connection between “Blue” and “Lady V’ online is beyond hot and full of tension that had me blushing and fanning my face which I loved! I know that these two won’t make sense in my review, but I don’t want to spoil anything just trust me and read!! We are introduced to Emma wo is a wine sommelier working at The Beauregard’s lodge trying to prove herself. Emma wants so badly to prove herself and her career are important because she sometimes feels like she isn’t enough and is constantly battling with herself about if she chose the right path in life, but this is the only time she shows any vulnerability really and that is inside her own head, outwardly she is brave, confident, and amazing. She can hold her own against the broody Beauregard brother, Samuel who is upset she is even there. Samuel feels like he also must prove himself everyday even though he pretty much runs things at the lodge, especially the food and wine department and Emma coming on board has threaten his work or so he thinks. Samuel was betrayed before and never thinks he is good enough, so my heart hurt for him, but also, the way he was mean to Emma made me want to smack him around too. These two are pure perfection for each other as they buttheads because Samuel needs Emma’s honesty and Emma needs Samuel’s tender care. Things happen and afraid of crossing lines they try to avoid the inevitable, but can they see a way around their obstacles or fall to what stands in their way? Such a good read and can’t wait for more Beauregards!!

What could possibly go wrong for wedding planner Milly when she agrees to plan her ex’s wedding? For Milly it seems like everything goes wrong, she is face with Nate more now than ever, her feelings for him never changed, but he isn’t hers anymore and she never knew why he left. While she is the perfect professional to Nate and his fiancé she can’t help her feelings that keep coming up maybe she just wants closure but she has to keep reminding herself she can’t go there. Nate has moved on to some degree with his fiancé but there is also something that made him leave Milly that has always plagued him but he tries to keep moving forward he just has to keep Milly at a distance, yet fate keeps throwing them together. What will happen when their attraction becomes too much and Nate’s need to be there for Milly? Will Nate move forward with his fiancé even if things aren’t lining up for them anymore? If things changed between Nate and Milly could she risk having her heart broken again? With their past history is second chances on the horizon and if so can they overcome the obstacles that stand in their way? This book was amazing! I loved Nate and MIlly but also I loved the family that stood with them.

The writing is good as is the editing. It has more thoughts than dialogue which I'm not a fan of. I thought Olivia was selfish....it was ALL about her issues regarding finding her "new" self. Eli was losing The Jam but Olivia barely acknowledged it. I loved Eli's character so much. All in all not a bad read. I loved the Charleston setting and the secondary characters. I didn't like the whole writing the romance novel and then we had to read some of what she wrote. Kind of like a book within a book. Just not for me but I'm sure others would love it. I'm moving on for now without continuing.

This is a contemporary romance novel set in Charleston, SC and overall a cut above the usual fare of material in the genre. Olivia is a woman who seems to have it all; but recognizes that something isn't right when her boyfriend proposes and she hesitates. Instead, she decides to take a month break from her life and try her hand at writing a romance novel. Eli, her next-door neighbor and an accomplished chef, ignites instant interest... Both have issues with self-esteem and insecurities; but come across as very human and the relationship they develop, realistic. There is one graphic sex scene which may gave pause, not because of it exoticism (it's not particularly kinky), but it also brings to the fore some of Olivia's psychological issues. To the author's credit however, the issue is addressed and not dismissed with fantastical euphemisms or tropes. It's a solidly plotted story, well-edited and as a bonus, the descriptions of the food are mouthwatering!

Southern Hotshot starts off HOT HOT HOT. I knew I was going to love it by the first few chapter. Jessica Peterson did not disappoint. Great second installment of the NC Highlands series and I cannot wait for more. It was fun to see the woman be a little more alpha than in many stories.

This review is for the audiobook version. Jason Clarke is particularly sexy with the southern drawl and Virginia Rose is also great as Emma. They make a great team.

4.2 stars

Another charming book by a one-click author. I loved the characters, their story, and the chemistry. It made for a delicious spicy book.

Recommended highly as is this series.

4.5 stars

There truly is something special about this author and the stories that she writes. There is just something true and authenticate about the characters that make me gravitate to them. She doesn't just write about things that are politically correct or perfect. Instead, she jumps right in and shows them as they deal with everything from fail at a specific dream, or in this case, struggle with what everyone says should be this perfect time in a new mother's life.

I felt a kindred spirit with Bel, because I was EXACTLY where she was almost 30 years ago to the day. Only then, it really was not talked about. I felt broken and didn't know if I was ever going to be whole again. I kept it secret and cried alone every time I took a shower and then put on a perfect smile on the outside. The struggle was real and therefore refreshing to read that about a strong woman who also struggled with it. I liked that she was okay about talking about her feelings. I loved all the support in her world because it truly does take a village.

I enjoyed Beau talking about this as well, and his battle in a couple of different ways. Mental Health issues are not textbook, and I liked that the other again made it acceptable to have the conversation. My favorite part of the story was the emails. I liked that they were something from the past but prefaced in a way where these characters were in the present. It was almost like it was coming full circle. I loved that these two finally had the timing right to give this a shot. Definitely a great book and the bonus epilogue was great too and answered a lingering question in regards to Annabel that I had.

looking forward to more from this family. I am sure they will all be a hit, filled with Southern Charm, and the perfect romance.

This is the fourth in the Study Abroad series. Fred and Rachel are a bit nerdy and sweet together, yet their attraction is red hot. Fred wants a forever girl but Rachel is returning to the United States in a few weeks, so they decide just to remain friends until they can no longer deny their attraction to each other. I loved Fred's internal dialogue as he worked through his angst at how he feels about Rachel and whether they could/should be more than friends. Jessica Peterson was able to make him sensitive, caring and respectful without seeming weak - on the contrary, he is completely swoonworthy! There were some truly heart-wrenching moments that had me holding back tears, which speaks to how well-written and realistic they were, and made the HEA all the more satisfying.
All the books in the series can be read as standalones, but I would highly advise starting at the beginning, with Spanish Lessons, and reading them through in order.

Great first in the series! Loved Kit - the sensitive Alpha - so loyal and constant. How could Emily not choose him from day one?! Loved the concept of the fake engagement and LOVED the chemistry between Kit and Emily. The epilogue has a sneak-peek of Aly and Rob - can't wait for the next in the series Royal Rebel!

I love this royal family!! When she was tricked into attending the Queen's matchmaking event at the Royal Ascot, Jane never expected to meet someone like Charlie. Little did she know that Charlie was a con man, planning to steal a priceless Andy Warhol painting kept in her bedroom. Their connection was instant and Jane and Charlie were smoking hot together. Charlie's con quickly fell by the wayside, and he was left with the dilemma of how to extricate himself from the con and his conning life without being found out and losing everything, so that he and Jane could be together. I have to admit that as i was reading the book, I wondered how Charlie's history could be dealt with in a way that still allowed for a HEA....the resolution was ingenious and made a reunion between Jane and Charlie feasible and believable for the story. Loved seeing Kit & Emily and Rob and Aly and finding out what they have been up to, and looks like Jack may have his own love story soon too!

Loved this enemies to lovers royal romance! Rob and Aly were so good together - humorous, emotional and loads of steam! It was also great to "see" the royal wedding of Kit and Em, along with a surprise twist. I'm very much looking forward to reading about Jane's HEA.

I can't say enough good things about this book by Jessica Peterson. She does a wonderful job of describing Charleston - I almost feel like I could go there and walk the same streets she has described in the book. Just the right amount of everything in this romance - humor, angst, sweet romance and steamy love scenes (Can Jessica Peterson ever do love scenes!!!!) - she brings Eli and Olivia to life. If you're a foodie - wow! - the descriptions are decadent and I can almost taste them myself. I loved the realness of both characters, their quirks, their flaws. I could really relate to Olivia's dilemma of doing what she loves vs doing what is safe and easy. Eli helped her bring out that side of herself; he was already doing what he loved, but at the same time, he had to come to terms with the reality of learning to recover from failure. Southern Charmer is one of my very favorite reads this year and I can't wait to read more from this series.

You can't go wrong with Jessica Peterson. I loved this followup to Southern Charmer. Luke and Gracie are ever so hot together! Great dialogue, steamy and original sex scenes, emotion, humor - everything you want in a romance novel. Eli and Olivia are back and without spoilers...Luke's moms are priceless! Southern Player can be read as a standalone, but do yourself a favor and read Southern Charmer first to get the complete Charleston Heat experience!

Greyson and Julia butt heads right from the start, he comes across as a grumpy egomaniac, but despite not getting along on the job, their chemistry is off the charts! When she finds out she is pregnant, she is surprised to discover another side of him - one that is a loving family man, who welcomes her into his family - something she has been missing since her father passed away. Jessica Peterson does a great job of portraying the pregnancy experience in a realistic way along with the emotions of the characters. As always, the dialogue is witty, love scenes are steamy and the involvement of the other Southern series characters made it a book that I couldn't put down.

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!

Great start to a new series! Jessica Peterson manages to incorporate the very real issues of postpartum depression and brain injury into a story that is sweet, sexy, humorous and at times heartwrenching. She offers a realistic picture of what postpartum sex is really like, but addresses it in a way that's humourous and relatable. Love the mothers in this story and the whole family! I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Samuel and Emma's story is the second in the North Carolina Highlands series. The chemistry between the two of them was off the charts! Loved the interactions between the two of them, the Alpha/Beta role-reversal in their relationship and the surprise plot-twist I didn't see coming. I enjoyed getting to see Beau, Bel and Maisie again and the rest of the Beauregard family. Can't wait to read Hank's story in Southern Sinner!

Hank and Stevie are smoking hot!! This is the third book in the North Carolina Highlands series and it's my favorite by far. I love the age gap, the fact that Stevie is a strong, independent, accomplished woman AND the fact that Hank finds that so sexy. Any book by Jessica Peterson is guaranteed to be a great read!

This was a well written and charming story. The pace flagged occasionally when emotional turmoil became repetitious. The characters were interesting.

A good story.

One of my favorites of 2019

I didn't think it was possible to love this author or series more than I already did. I was wrong. This book hit me in all the feels. The humor, the candidness about the reality of pregnancy, the chemistry, the fears/hopes, and southern charm had me sucked in. I swooned, I laughed,and I rejoiced watching this unlikely couple succeed.

I love how the author incorporated romance books into life lessons and making it more than okay to fall in love and also read romance. The bonus scenes from Oliva's (previous character) fictional historical romance was an added bonus.

I highly recommend this book and series to everyone. This was hands down my favorite so far. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the next book.