North Carolina Highlands by Jessica Peterson: Southern Charm with Serious Heat
The Series Snapshot
Author: Jessica Peterson
Total Books: 5 Books (Completed)
Primary Sub-Genre: Contemporary Southern Romance
The Vibe: A luxurious blend of "bonfire-and-bourbon" cozy vibes and high-heat angst. Think Yellowstone scenery meets a spicy Hallmark movie, set at a five-star resort where the Beauregard siblings find love (and trouble).
Our thoughts on each category…
Narration:
MMC: The Beauregard brothers are top-tier. From grumpy chefs to reformed playboys, they are protective, growly, and obsessed. Each male character has a good development arch and there is some beautiful growth sprinkled throughout.
MFC: Strong agency here. We have single moms, ambitious career women, and heroines who aren't afraid to demand what they want in bed.
Writing Quality: Engaging and fluid. Peterson balances the emotional heaviness (postpartum, family feuds) with witty banter perfectly.
Plot Quality: The "family business" subplot ties the books together well without overpowering the romance. While there’s not a whole lot that’s jaw dropping about these plots, they are certainly true to their various tropes and guaranteed crowd pleasers.
Character Development: The growth is real. These aren't just fluff; the characters deal with CTE, grief, and past trauma.
Romance: High angst and huge payoff. The connection always feels earned.
Spice Level: Consistently steamy. Ranging from "sensational" vanilla to explicit sexting and exhibitionism.
Kinkiness: Mostly vanilla-plus, but Southern Hotshot introduces sexting/roleplay elements and Southern Sinner brings the Vegas heat.
Violence: Low. The drama is emotional and relational, not dangerous.
The Series Review (The Meat)
The Setting & Dynamic
Welcome to Blue Mountain Farm, the Beauregard family’s sprawling five-star resort in the Smoky Mountains. The setting is a character in itself—lush vineyards, high-end kitchens, and mountain cabins that force our couples into proximity. The tension is driven by the family legacy: the Beauregard siblings are fighting to keep their late father’s dream alive while navigating messy local feuds and their own damaged pasts.
Feminine Focus & Spice
Peterson writes spice that feels empowering. The heroines are often grappling with real-world issues—like Bel in Southern Seducer navigating postpartum depression, or Emma in Southern Hotshot fighting for her career in a male-dominated industry. The heat isn't just for show; it’s often the catalyst for emotional vulnerability. Expect praise, "teach me" moments, and a refreshing amount of male groveling.
Couples
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Tropes
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Spice
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Couples ~ Tropes ~ Spice ~
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Couple: Beau & Bel
Core Tropes: Best Friends to Lovers, Single Mom, Forced Proximity
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
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Couple: Samuel & Emma
Core Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Workplace Rivalry, Secret Identity (Sexting)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
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Couple: Hank & Stevie
Core Tropes: Fake Dating, Vegas Wedding, "Brother's Ex" Drama
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
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Couple: Rhett & Amelia
Core Tropes: Second Chance, Surprise Dad/Nanny, High School Sweethearts
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
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Couple: Nate & Milly
Core Tropes: Romeo & Juliet (Family Feud), Forbidden Love, Second Chance
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spoiler Alert
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Spoiler Alert ~
The Verdict
Best Book: Southern Hotshot (Book 2) – The "You've Got Mail" sexting trope combined with workplace rivalry is absolute perfection.
Spiciest Book/Scene: Southern Sinner (Book 3) – The Vegas penthouse scenes are… educational.
Most Emotional: Southern Playboy (Book 4) – Watching a playboy NFL star learn to be a dad to a toddler is pure kryptonite.
Who Should Read This: Readers who love the small-town family dynamics of Devney Perry or Meghan Quinn but want a slightly steamier, more luxurious Southern setting.
Where to Find: [Amazon] | [Kobo] | Jessica Peterson’s Site
