Southern Heat: A Steamy Romance Filled With Charm, Secrets & Scorching Chemistry

By Cassie Marie

In "Southern Heat," Chief of C.I.A. A.J. is recovering from a traumatic event that has left him struggling with panic attacks and nightmares. Despite his reputation as the good man, A.J. feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. But everything changes when he meets his new next-door neighbor, Jesse. With her smart and sexy demeanor, she sees through A.J.'s shadows and offers him a glimmer of hope.

 

As they become closer, the physical connection between A.J. and Jesse becomes incendiary, grounding him in a way he never thought possible. But Jesse is hiding a secret that could destroy everything they've built. If A.J. finds out the real reason she's in town, he'll never forgive her. Jesse's not interested in a relationship, but the chemistry between them is too intense to ignore. Will they risk everything for a short-term fling, or will they decide that exploring their connection is worth the risk?

 

As they navigate the dangerous waters of their growing relationship, A.J. and Jesse must face the dangers that lurk in their small town. With danger around every corner, will they be able to trust each other enough to make it through the trials ahead, or will their secrets tear them apart? "Southern Heat" is a steamy romance full of heart and danger, that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cassie Marie
• Release date: Feb 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223626770

Cassie Marie

I am a down-to-earth person who is passionate about learning & sharing that knowledge with as many people as i possibly can. I beleive that knowledge is power & you can never gain enough in thi lifetime. I love being able to share my passions & the things i know with anyone who is willing & wanting to learn. There is nothing better then the spark in someones eye when they finally learn something for the first time.....simply priceless! ♥♥♥

Book preview

Chapter 1: Good  Brother

A.J.  had always been known as the good brother. With his charming Southern accent, easy smile, and a wink for everyone, he was a favorite among the townsfolk of Youngsville. As the chief of c.i.a., A.J. had earned a reputation for being fair, just, and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was respected by his peers and loved by his community.

But now, A.J. was recovering from being shot, and his once-charming demeanor was overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He felt like a broody shell of the man he once was. A.J. wasn't about to let anyone in his life know he was struggling. He couldn't bear the thought of being seen as weak or vulnerable, especially after years of being a pillar of strength in the community.

The bullet wound had healed, but the emotional scars were still fresh. A.J. would often wake up in a cold sweat, his heart racing, and his mind plagued with memories of the shooting. The sound of the gunshots would echo in his head, and he would feel as if he was reliving the whole ordeal all over again. The once-confident chief of c.i.a. was now plagued by self-doubt and uncertainty.

Nash's family had tried to be there for him, but he had shut them out. He didn't want them to see him like this, weak and vulnerable. A.J. had always been the protector, the one who looked out for his family and his community. He didn't know how to be the one who needed help.

The town of Youngsville had noticed the change in Nash. The once-charming chief of c.i.a. had become reclusive, avoiding social events and community gatherings. The townsfolk were worried about him, but no one knew how to approach him.

A.J. was alone in his struggle until the day he met his new neighbor, Jesse. She was smart and sexy, with a sharp wit and an independent spirit that intrigued Nash. From the moment they met, A.J. felt a connection with Jesse, something that he hadn't felt in a long time.

Jesse seemed to see right through Nash's tough exterior. She noticed the shadows that haunted him, the fear and uncertainty that he carried with him. A.J. was surprised that he was able to let his guard down around Jesse, something that he hadn't done with anyone else.

A.J. didn't know what it was about Jesse that made him feel safe and secure. Maybe it was her quiet strength, her unwavering confidence, or maybe it was just the way she looked at him, as if she knew all his secrets and loved him anyway.

As A.J. and Jesse spent more time together, their physical connection grew stronger. The chemistry between them was incendiary, and it grounded A.J. in a way that nothing else