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Jessica Peterson
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Southern Seducer: A Best Friends to Lovers Romance (North Carolina Highlands Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Jessica Peterson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,332 ratings

My name’s Beau, and for the most part, I’ve led quite the charmed life. I left college to play pro ball and collected a few Super Bowl rings along the way. Now that I’ve retired at the ripe old age of thirty-six, I’m in my second career as CEO of a five-star resort in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Sounds great, right?

Well, I just did something real stupid, y’all.

Bel—that’s Annabel to the rest of you—my best friend since college, is struggling as a single mom. So of course I invited her to come stay at my family’s resort for some much needed R&R. But since I didn’t think it through, her visit is going to ruin everything.

How, you ask? Well, first of all, I’ve got a big, bad, ticking time bomb kind of a secret. Once she finds out what I’m hiding, I worry she’ll never look at me the same. Secondly, you remember the part about us being best friends? Well, I kinda maybe always thought there could be more to us. The naked kind of more.

So here’s my new gameplan. I’m going to keep her and that adorable baby Maisie at arm’s length while Bel gets back on her feet, and I will absolutely, under no circumstances, let her in on those naked thoughts of mine. That’s a fumble I can’t afford to make.

Until I do, in a moment of bonfire-and-bourbon induced weakness...

SOUTHERN SEDUCER is a full length, standalone small town novel. It is the first book in the all new North Carolina Highland series.
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  1. Book 1 of 5
    North Carolina Highlands Series
  2. Print length
    416 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    August 13, 2020
  5. File size
    2.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. I’m alone because that’s what’s best for everyone. I’m alone so I won’t destroy lives. But more than anything else, Bel, I’m alone because no one compares to you.
    Highlighted by 81 Kindle readers
  2. I think, maybe, the joy of motherhood isn’t always about kids. It’s about you. Us. Mothers, finding strength of spirit and of self so we can let go of the women we think we should be, and become the women we truly are.
    Highlighted by 75 Kindle readers
  3. I didn’t mean to fall in love with my best friend. I definitely didn’t mean to fall in love with her little family. But here I am, head over heels in love with a life that isn’t mine.
    Highlighted by 75 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

In a moment of bonfire-and-bourbon induced weakness...
I kiss my best friend.
And the fallout could ruin everything.

Editorial Reviews

Review

★★★★★ "A stunner...the more intimate moments being sensational and hot." - Bibliojunkies
★★★★★ "Not only is the love story beautifully poignant, but the steamy romance makes this a page turner." - Marcy, Goodreads
★★★★★ "Hot, sweet, and thought provoking." - Leslie, Goodreads
★★★★★ "I felt every word and emotion expressed DOWN TO MY BONES." - Whitney, Goodreads
★★★★★ "Spectacular, emotional, fun, and wholly special." - Marie's Tempting Reads
★★★★★ "This is a magnificent read that will stay with me for a long time." - Cat, Goodreads

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08FG9T245
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (August 13, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 13, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 2,332 ratings

About the author

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Jessica Peterson

Jessica Peterson

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Jessica Peterson writes romance with heat, humor, and heart. Heroes with hot accents are her specialty. When she’s not writing, she can be found bellying up to a bar in the south’s best restaurants with her husband Ben, reading books with her adorable daughters Gracie and Madeline, or snuggling up with her 70-pound lap dog, Martha.

A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,332 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this romance novel as a best friends to lovers story, with one review highlighting its interesting topics woven into the narrative. The book features well-developed characters, with one customer noting the equal POV between the main characters, and effectively tackles post-partum depression. Customers find the writing authentic and well-crafted, with beautiful descriptions of the background and scenery, and appreciate the humor throughout the story.

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39 customers mention "Romance"35 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, particularly the best friends to lovers storyline, with one customer noting how the 17-year friendship adds depth to the narrative.

"...An enjoyable book with serious issues being presented." Read more

"...Even with the ailments listed, there is happiness, humor, and a lot of love. Bel and Beau’s friendship brings them together to combat these issues...." Read more

"...This book was a sweet, funny and heartwarming story of best friends turning into lovers and all the complications that taking it to the next level..." Read more

"I really enjoyed this sweet small town story about Beau and Bel. I loved all the real life mom struggles that Bel goes through. I felt seen...." Read more

28 customers mention "Character depth"28 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the characters in the book, with one customer highlighting the great chemistry between the main characters and another noting the equal point of view between them.

"...There are a lot of characters contributing to their story and I loved them all, especially baby Maisie...." Read more

"...It has great characters, and support characters, as well as a great thought out plot with a happy ever after, that will warm you all the way down to..." Read more

"...One other thing I liked was it was almost equal POV’s between both characters. And wow, Jason Clarke's voice is deep and sexy...." Read more

"...With a cast of lovable family members and side characters, this story will capture your heart and have you rooting for the happy ending that seems..." Read more

24 customers mention "Emotional content"24 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one customer highlighting its poignant portrayal of post-partum depression.

"...support characters, as well as a great thought out plot with a happy ever after, that will warm you all the way down to your toes. ...." Read more

"...The story itself was very good and it tackled post party Depression, Depression, and degenerative brain disease (CTE), most commonly associated with..." Read more

"...Beau was so sweet and caring with her, but it did take a lot for him to open up with his own struggles and what was going on in his life...." Read more

"...This book taught me it's ok to be vulnerable, and it's ok to feel things, but most importantly to talk about them to someone be it a family member,..." Read more

23 customers mention "Authenticity"23 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book, finding it very real and honest, with one customer noting how the characters feel like real people.

"...Their connection was so raw and rich. They were so honest and real with each other...." Read more

"...There are so many feels in this book. There is a realness you don't often see in romance. But it's perfect. That realness. The feels...." Read more

"...It’s raw and honest and it’s a love letter to new moms. So many of us suffer in those early days and we never admit it...." Read more

"...important contribution to the world of romance literature, with its very real and poignant portrayal of post-partum depression...." Read more

16 customers mention "Writing style"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as well-written and talented, with one customer noting it is written from personal knowledge.

"Southern Seducer is so well written I could see home in my mind every time I closed my eyes...." Read more

"...I love her writing, she doesn't hold back anything and this book is one hundred percent proof of that...." Read more

"I love Ms Peterson’s books and this was just as well written as her others...." Read more

"...You are a truly gifted author and you write from the heart so it comes through the page...." Read more

15 customers mention "Beauty"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautiful, particularly appreciating the background and scenery, and express love for the characters Beau and Bel.

"...her love for food, and everything beautiful about the South in one gorgeous book...." Read more

"...Beau was so sweet and caring with her, but it did take a lot for him to open up with his own struggles and what was going on in his life...." Read more

"...Family going to bat for each other. Lovely North Carolina scenery." Read more

"...This author took me to a beautiful and magical place and you can bet all the word open our there that I will for sure be reading her novels again!..." Read more

12 customers mention "Health issues"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to health topics, with one customer highlighting its realistic portrayal of motherhood struggles and another noting how it addresses important women's health issues.

"...Author, Jessica Peterson did a remarkable job explaining these issues, showing support for them, and quite frankly giving them a voice...." Read more

"...I loved all the real life mom struggles that Bel goes through. I felt seen. And the romance was swoony and spicy." Read more

"...Women's health is very important. Without women their would be no children. Thank you for bringing this to us...." Read more

"This book is everything all women should read! To see the inner workings of PPD after giving birth, was eye opening...." Read more

11 customers mention "Humor"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous.

"...Even with the ailments listed, there is happiness, humor, and a lot of love. Bel and Beau’s friendship brings them together to combat these issues...." Read more

"...This book was a sweet, funny and heartwarming story of best friends turning into lovers and all the complications that taking it to the next level..." Read more

"...But it's perfect. That realness. The feels. Because they're balanced out by the humor. The sweetness. The love. The family...." Read more

"...Also Beau' s family is incredible and funny and I can't wait to read about their future relationships. A must read!!!" Read more

"Prepare to get way into your feelings... ALL OF THEM and to fall in love with these characters"
5 out of 5 stars
"Prepare to get way into your feelings... ALL OF THEM and to fall in love with these characters"
I pre ordered this book on kindle and not even a whole chapter in ordered the paperback. This book is WAY down to earth and VERY relatable. It covers REAL WORLD PROBLEMS. Prepare to get way into your feelings... ALL OF THEM and Prepare to fall head over heels in love with these characters. Jessica went out on a limb and took a risk with this book. Writing about things most people are ashamed to even talk about and I can't be more thankful that she did. If I could give this book a higher rating I would. My words don't do this book justice so do yourself the favor and read it for yourself.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Katie Beasley
    5.0 out of 5 stars BF to Super Bowl Star to Lover
    Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Yall this book was sooooo good! I felt so many emotions while reading this one. I felt like Jessica was writing about me after having my first baby (minus PPD). The fears. The new realities. The not feeling good enough. The overwhelmingness. And I did it with a partner. I just felt weirdly heard. Especially when she started mentioning how no one talks about these things. Anabel's journey through PPD while exploring her new relationship and feelings for Beau was nothing short of incredible. Their connection was so raw and rich. They were so honest and real with each other. They had been through so much together and now they are both in this point in their life where they are broken in a sense. I loved LOVED how their connection changed. I have not read a lot of friends to lovers but MAN I might need some recs on more to read. The angst! The buildup! The connection when sparks fly. The heartbreak when things didn't go how they planned and then the true joy and hope when they did. I felt every possible emotion yall. I laughed out loud and I cried while reading this one. I am truly thankful to Kindle for recommending this one to me!!

    Anabel and Beau have been BFs for 17 years. They have been through literally everything together. College. Relationships. The super bowl. Promotions. Trips. Divorces. You name it. They have done it. EXCEPT for their feelings for each other. They have kind of always been simmering there in the background but neither one of them has owned up to feeling anything in fear of how much it would change their relationship. Well now Anable has just been diagnosed with PPD and Beau has the grand idea of having her and her baby, Maisie, up to his family's world class resort that is a farm for the weekend. Bel feels broken. She is not herself but when she is with Beau she feels different. She doesn't feel like she has to wear a mask. She finds herself recognizing how handsome Beau is. Scratch that HOT Beau is. She finds herself wanting to kiss him and now that they have done that- she wants more. She wants her first time post baby to be with Beau. She gets to experience the ranch with him and the whole time her feelings are getting deeper and deeper. But Beau is keeping her at arms length because he has a major medical condition he is dealing with. He knows he can't give her what she wants- so she decides she will take what she can get while she can get it. She is hoping she will change his mind, but in the end will she? Will she be able to get him to live for tomorrow instead of not planning a future? Will they still be able to be friends after all they have been through?

    Beau has given up on life. He has been hit with a hard diagnosis that reminds him too much of his dad and what he went through. He has made amends with that and has started to plan out the end. He invites Bel out to the ranch for some fun not thinking about how his feelings for her have always been there. He has always wanted more with her and now that she is ready for something he can't give it to her. Ain't that some s*it. But she wants to try other things with him. She is going through hell with her new life situation and is making a point of doing things to keep him busy. He realizes he truly does love her. But he can't give her what she wants can he? He has to let her go because he knows that is what is best right? Or is going to wake up and realize he made a huge mistake?

    I can't recommend this one enough. I am DYING to read the rest of these- especially Millie and Nate. That one sounds like it is going to be straight up tragic. Thank you Jessice for writing such a relatable book and character in Bel.

    If you have any friends to lovers recs let me know :)
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Friendship to love?
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Beau and Annabelle have been best friends since college constantly staying in touch and sharing their lives. They have enjoyed to good times and supported each other in bad times. After a failed marriage Bell decides to have a baby on her own but a C section, a sleepless baby and stress has her experiencing post partum depression. After a successful career in the HFL Beau is fulfilling a lifelong dream of converting his family farm into an exclusive resort with all of is siblings but a medical diagnosis related to his football injuries has him depressed and without hope for his future. When he invites Bell to come stay at the resort while on maternity leave the friendship could turn into the love they have been waiting for if they will take a chance on each other and their future.

    There are a lot of characters contributing to their story and I loved them all, especially baby Maisie. An enjoyable book with serious issues being presented.
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  • Luv2Read
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and scorching hot. 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    What i loved about this book is how well thought out it was. You can tell this story was written from a place dear to her heart.
    It has great characters, and support characters, as well as a great thought out plot with a happy ever after, that will warm you all the way down to your toes. .
    Even though Annabelle Rhodes, has been diagnosed with postpartum depression after having a baby as a single mom her best friend, John Riley Beauregard, (Beau) invites her and her daughter, Maisie, and her mother up to his families mountain resort to relax and allow him to help his best friend.
    When she discovers, that he had been diagnosed with CTE, a chronic brain disorder, caused from playing pro football, she has a desire to help him realize his life isn't over.
    They met in college and never crossed that line, even though they have been attracted to each other since they met.
    They've shared everything together.
    Both of their families can see they belong together, but Beau doesn't want to put Annabelle through the same thing he saw his mom and family go through when his daddy was diagnosed with the same thing.
    I'm so looking forward to the rest of this series. ❤
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Kim H
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this couple and the story
    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I would have given this book more than five stars if I had been allowed. Bel and Beau are one of my favorite couples of all time. Their friendship over 17 years was fun, supportive and loving. To me that made the story.

    The story itself was very good and it tackled post party Depression, Depression, and degenerative brain disease (CTE), most commonly associated with football players.

    This is not a sad story. Even with the ailments listed, there is happiness, humor, and a lot of love. Bel and Beau’s friendship brings them together to combat these issues. Author, Jessica Peterson did a remarkable job explaining these issues, showing support for them, and quite frankly giving them a voice. I know that this book will help some people out down the road.

    I read the book twice, back to back because it was so good. Enjoy this book, which is the first in a series.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering for all women
    Reviewed in Australia on August 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is such an amazingly well written piece of work and I highly recommend it. It's emotional, it's funny and full of crazy family.
    It touches on such a sensitive subject that's never spoken about. Beau and Bel are amazing characters and both suffer with such large dilemmas in their lives and just don't know how to come out the other side.
    It's so powerful in its message about the expectations of a mother.
    Bel is such a strong, powerful independent woman and Beau is this very masculine man who wants to protect everyone he loves. They make a perfect couple and fight through their battles together.
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  • Lorraine Madigan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
    Reviewed in Canada on October 21, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Jessica Peterson has done it again! This book has all the feels for me and she adds in some serious mental health issues in such a fantastic way! I absolutely loved both Beau and Annabel and that the story is told from both of their points of view! I can't wait for Sam and Emma's book!!
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  • Sarah Foster
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt romance read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 29, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    ‘I didn’t mean to fall in love with my best friend.
    I definitely didn’t mean to fall in love with her little family.
    But here I am, head over heels in love with a life that isn’t mine.’

    Former pro-bowl football superstar, John Riley (Beau) Beauregard has retired from a glittering career on the field and is now CEO of a five-star resort in North Carolina. On the surface, life looks sweet, but he’s harbouring a secret that is leading him to live a half life. Annabel Rhodes, his best friend from college, has her own struggles. A failed marriage behind her, she’s just had a baby on her own terms and is dealing with postpartum depression. When Beau suggests she come and stay at his resort for some rest and relaxation before she returns to work, she jumps. But in the idyllic Smoky Mountains, long contained love and secrets are about to come out in an earth-shattering way.

    Southern Seducer isn’t your usual run-of-the-mill friends-to-lovers romance. It deals with some hard-hitting themes, and anyone who has experienced PPD will find the pages raw with truth. The author had her own struggles with depression after the birth of her child and this shows. This book is an incredibly accurate portrayal of depression as well as new motherhood and made me cry several times. Beau’s health issues are also serious, so don’t go into this wonderful book thinking it’s going to be hearts and roses all the way. However, saying all that, I loved this read. It’s heartfelt, steamy, sweet, and an absolute page-turner. Just don’t read it when you’re hungry as by the end, the descriptions of food drove me so crazy, I was about to start eating the beach lounger I was on… If you’re down for a single-mom, second-chance, small-town romance set in a fabulous location, then make Southern Seducer your next read!
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  • Dreamer2207
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very good
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 25, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A fab insight to the realities of post natal depression.

    There are so many romance books at there that never show the reality of life, they show the perceived perfection of relationships and love. Well this books shows how relationships require support and communication.
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  • LucyLou
    5.0 out of 5 stars Please please please read!!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in a series i cant wait to read. It was so refreshing and openly honest about the struggles of a single mother navigating her way through sex and a sex life after having a difficult labour and breast feeding. It was nice to read and for jessica to touch upon subjects that most mothers like myself feel that people don't talk about often or if it all so it was amazing to read about subjects that feel a bit taboo still in this society. Thankyou Jessica peterson I can not wait to read the next in the series and would absolutely recommend to anyone such a great read.
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