Stranded in Starlight Cove

Starlight Cove #0.5

by Brighton Walsh

I've been avoiding my best friend's little sister for three long years because I shouldn't be attracted to a woman a decade my junior. But when she calls and begs me to bail her out of another one of her disasters, I drop everything to rescue her. I spend way too much on a last minute plane ticket to Starlight Cove, Maine, with nothing on my mind but getting her butt safely back to Havenbrook as soon as possible.

At least until I arrive and realize I'm trapped right along with her. And now I have to figure out how to avoid the one woman I'm not supposed to want while we're stuck in a tiny cottage that has only one bed...

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Novella, Ebooks, Small Town Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

120 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

Award-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brighton Walsh spent nearly a decade as a professional photographer before taking her storytelling in a different direction and reconnecting with her first love: writing. When she’s not lost in her own made up worlds, she’s probably either reading or shopping—maybe even both at once. She lives in the Midwest with her real life hero of a husband, her two kids—both taller than her—and her dog who thinks she’s a queen. Her boy-filled house is the setting for dirty socks galore, frequent dance parties (okay, so it's mostly her, by herself, while her children look on in horror), and more laughter than she thought possible. Visit her online at brightonwalsh.com.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Stranded in Starlight Cove is a short and sweet prequel novella and my first introduction to Brighton Walsh's books. When Clara finds herself stranded and alone in Starlight Cove, she calls her brother's best friend and her childhood crush, Drew, who drops everything to rescue her, no questions asked. Drew had been keeping Clara at a distance to avoid his attraction and feelings for her but there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for her. She was a mix of innocence and temptation to him but he had always considered her to be off-limits. Until one night, he finally stopped holding back.

Clara was impulsive and irresponsible but I loved how she knew what she wanted and went after it. The age gap was the major issue between Drew and Clara, even more than Clara's brother finding out about them, but I would have preferred her brother to have more resistance to their relationship. I also thought Clara acted a bit naive and immature at times, regardless of her age, and she trusted too easily. I would have liked to see this story further developed into a full-length book with a deeper dive into the characters.

Drew and Clara were perfect together! I loved how Drew was so grumpy and protective of Clara and the way he held onto his restraint. When he let go, of course the sparks would be explosive! But how would they indulge in their fantasies and then walk away?

Aiden Snow and Maxine Mitchell narrated the audiobook beautifully as they brought Drew and Clara to life and I loved that this was duet style. This made for a fun escape for an afternoon of listening and I look forward to reading more of the Starlight Cove series.

Read if you like:
✨️Brother's Best Friend
✨️Age Gap
✨️Grumpy/Sunshine
✨️Childhood Crush
✨️Protective MMC
✨️Forced Proximity
✨️One Bed
✨️Small Town Meddling

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This introduced me to the author. It made me want to read the next one in the series. They did a great job leading up to that couple. I absolutely love both narrators. She did a fantastic job choosing them highly recommend

[Ignacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect story to introduce fans to both of Brighton Walsh series: Starlight Cove and Havenbrook.

The story of Drew and Clara was a nice surprise and a quick and cute read. It has likable characters and top-notch tropes: Brother's best friend, Grumpy x Sunshine and Pinning for each other.

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!!! I’m so happy we got Drew’s story! He and Clara were definitely meant to be together! I’m so happy Drew got his chance at love! 💜

Can’t wait to start the next series! Those siblings are going to be fun! 🥰

[Loz (Smutstagram_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok 🙌🏼 I’m officially a Brighton Walsh fan and ready to read all of Starlight Cove!

‘Wildfire.’ That is all!

I’m always a sucker for the forbidden story line of a brother’s best friend romance and Clara and Drew were no different.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun little intro into Brighton’s Starlight Cove Series! This was a super quick audiobook that had my fav trope — brother’s best friend 😛🤭🎧

Listennnn if you don’t like spice pretty quickly this won’t be for you but it was a fun little time!

[Bren · Rating 4 out of 5]

listened the audiobook and... omg the MMC narrator. His voice was perfect 👌🏼

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Super quick read, less than 2 hours.
Would recommend for those who like age gap couples with fast burn spicy romance

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun introduction to what will undoubtedly be a fantastic series. This one is a brothers best friend, age gap romance between Clara and Drew. When Clara calls Drew to come rescue her when her car and belongings were taken while on vacation things heat up. These two have crushed on each other hard for a couple years but never acted on it. Drew believed the 10 year age gap he had on her was too much.

This is one of those books that you just wish were longer so you could spend more time with the characters!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara screwed up bad. Again! And the only person she could call for help was her brother's best friend Drew. The guy she'd had a crush on for years and who already thought of her as a child. And here she'd gone and proved him right again.

Drew's day couldn't get much worse than having a pumpkin  latte spilt all over his shirt but he was soon proved wrong when an argument on the plane leads to glitter flying all over his damp shirt.

Drew's the cool, calm, and collected one except when it comes to his feelings for Clara, who happens to be ten years younger than him. Finding out he and Clara are now stranded in small town Starlight Cove and forced to share a double bed in the only available cabin is asking too much.

Sweet, sexy and entertaining!

[Tanya (Girl Plus Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

This was a cute introduction to Starlight Cove and the characters that (I assume) will be featured. This was one of those liked-it-but-didn't-love-it ones for me. Nothing wrong with it and I enjoyed it well enough, but I'm also not in a rush to jump into the new series.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun introduction to a fantastic series. Stranded in Starlight Cove by Brighton Walsh is a sweet, sexy, and entertaining age-gap romance that I just wish were longer so I could spend more time with these characters. The book is narrated by the fabulous Aiden Snow and Maxine Mitchell. The story follows Clara, who has found herself in a massive mess after her car and belongings were taken while on vacation. With nowhere else to turn, she calls the one person she’s crushed on for years: her brother's best friend, Drew.

Clara feels like she’s constantly proving Drew right—that she’s just a "kid" who can’t get it together—but the reality is that they have both been crushing on each other hard for years. Drew, the cool, calm, and collected billionaire, has spent three long years avoiding her because he feels their ten-year age gap is too much. However, when he gets that call for help, he drops everything and spends a fortune on a last-minute ticket to Maine, intent on getting her safely back to Havenbrook as quickly as possible.

Of course, nothing goes according to plan. Between a spilled latte and a glitter-filled argument on a plane, Drew’s day goes from bad to worse, culminating in the two of them being stranded in a small town. Forced to share a tiny cabin with only one bed, the tension between them finally hits a breaking point. Watching the "alphahole" facade crumble as he realizes he can no longer avoid the one woman he isn't supposed to want is such a treat.

The audiobook experience was incredible, particularly thanks to the narration. Maxine Mitchell captures Clara’s vulnerability and resilience perfectly, and Aiden Snow—with that signature deep voice—is the absolute perfect choice for a brooding, protective MMC like Drew. It’s a super quick listen that delivers big on the "brother’s best friend" trope and has me so excited for the rest of the series!

[Aspen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot give higher than a 3, even though Drew is an absolute saint for dealing with Clara. I honestly hate people who use people and I'm sorry but that's exactly what Clara has been doing, whether she realizes it or not doesn't matter. She knew she could count on him, knew he'd come running to help her and then when he did show up, she continued to take advantage of that kindness and his money without a care in the world all because she didn't want to show up without her car and let her brother know how she fucked up. It is so absolute stupid how you can treat someone you love like this. How is Drew less important than your college friend who took your car and left you stranded and may or may not come back in a few days when he's the one you love? The guy took a break from work, spent money on a last minute flight, will be footing the bill for food and the cabin, AND she had the nerve to ask for more? To spend a couple of days waiting for her "friend" to come back with her car and her belongings all the while forcing Drew to stay here with her and pay for everything? Sorry but that was a bitch move and he honestly deserves better than her.

And that whole bar scene? Nah, she was even more of a bitch for that shit. She was already taking too much from him to add geeting piss ass drunk and then dancing with every Tom, Dick and Harry, and THEN pulling the "well since you don't want me" bullshit card of absolute bratness when the guy literally came to her rescue and is putting up with all this? Yeah, no sorry Honey but you don't deserve him and you certainly aren't mature enough for him and it shows.

Look I love Brighton Walsh but sometimes.. sometimes I question why authors make the most annoying fmcs.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!! After reading a few romance bombs from other authors (new to me) I decided to get back to authors that I’ve liked. Enter Brighton Walsh!

Things I liked:
1) this was a nice crossover/tie in (?) of Starkight Cove to Heavenbrook.

2) MMC Drew: It was so sweet (and hot) how much he wanted Clara but was resisting.

3) I adored Clara, even her insecurities of being ‘the screw up’. Brighton did it right. Clara’s insecurity was not shoved down our throat constantly. It was there, you felt it but I never once thought ‘ok, we get it!’ I also loved how Drew pointed out in a defensive manner for her/to her that she was not a ‘screw up’.

4) loved seeing the crew from Starlight Cove before Brady gets together with Luna and seeing Addison being a matchmaker.

This book makes me want to go back and re-read Brady/Luna and Finn/Willow stories.

What I didn’t like:
Can’t think of a single thing!

I tend to get irritated when authors continually use something repetitively (a nickname, description of a look such as ‘he smirked’). I thought she was going to do that with Drew’s nickname for Clara ‘wildfire’ and she bordered on it but mixed it up enough that I didn’t get tired of it.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

The audio version was free through another author's newsletter and I think that's how I acquired this book. I listened to it on BookFunnel. I'm not sure I've read anything else by this author. Anyway, I didn't really care for this very much. Clara is 22 and feels pretty immature/naive/trusting. Drew is 10 years older and her brother's best friend. Drew flies to Maine (from Mississippi, I think) to rescue Clara from yet another situation she's gotten herself into (she went camping with a friend she knew was not reliable/trustworthy and the friend stole Clara's car which contained her suitcase/purse/money/etc., thus leaving her with nothing but her cell phone). Such a big deal was made of the age gap on the hero's side and the heroine was described as so immature. It's like she gets through life thanks to the goodness of others. It was just annoying. The sex scenes were kind of cringe, too. I'm glad it was a novella or I probably would not have finished.

[romance reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute novella about characters from the Havenbrook series that are in Starlight Cove. So we see some of the characters in Starlight Cove which I always enjoy.

We know Drew is Finn's twin brother from reading the Havenbrook series. He was mostly a secondary character. And Clara is the sister of Drew's best friend.

Drew has been attracted to Clara for a little while and she's always been in love with him. But he's always thought he was too old for her and she needed someone her own age so he's kept away.

Clara's also kind of prone to messing up but this time the mess up is a bit bigger than she can handle on her own. Clara goes on one of her random trips and gets a bit stranded and calls Drew for help. And he comes running of course.

Now Clara and Drew have to wait for her car to come back and while doing so they have to stay in a tiny cabin with one bed.

Drew and Clara can only hold back their attraction to each other for so long and since this is a Novella, things heat up pretty fast. And things kind of go pretty quickly after this.

This was a really cute introduction to Starlight Cove. I loved seeing Drew and Clara get together.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Clara finds herself in another mess she calls her brother's best friend, Drew to help her. Drew has been trying to keep his distance from Clara because he thinks she is too young for him. Drew flies to Clara's rescue and realizes that she doesn't have her car. Drew has been Clara's crush for years. The owners of the Starlight Cove Inn let Clara stay there and let her help to make some extra money. Clara becomes friends with Addison, one of the owners. Addison decides to give Drew and Clara a little push to show how they feel about each other. This was a really good book! Loved the crossover between Havenbrook and Starlight Cove.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, clever and romantic interlude way up in Maine. Whether it is spring break, graduation celebration or just a risqué few days, the writing is great, and the storyline made me smile. She had long had a crush on her brother's best friend; he noticed her for years but was ten years her senior; what would all this mean and when would emotions take over. Enjoyed a shorter book as sometimes life gets in the way, and I just need an excellent story in fewer words. I recommend this book for those that enjoy sensual scenes and a book that makes you grin on every page.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sexy novella. The storyline is that she has wanted him forever. He has been interested in her for a couple of years, but he considers her off limits. When she calls and says she's stranded in Maine, he gets on the first flight to help her. The book is a setup for getting them in bed. So if you don't want an explicit book, don't read this one. But if you do, this is hot.

I listened to the audio version. Both narrators were very good.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the Starlight Cove series!
I loved Drew and Clara together. She has a crush on him for years, and vice versa, but Drew thinks that he’s too old for her, being 10 years older.
He comes rushing to her when she needs his help, and things get heated when there is only one cabin for them to share.....

This review is based on the audiobook. Duet narration by Bryant Walker & Maxine Mitchell was also great!

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 STARS! This is a short & steamy romance with the "I'm in love with my brothers bff" trope. Loved the setting & found it a fun read. Very spicy too. Only problem with it is that there isn't much characters development so you don't connect too much to any character. Overall, this is a quick and entertaining read if you don't over think it lol.
Also highly recommend the audiobook. It was very good!

[Michelle Guiraud · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audiobook was an okay read for me. I discovered over the years that I am not exactly a fan of novellas... nothing specifically wrong with it, but I am not a fan of age gaps either, and Clara was super immature. It kinda of confused me with so much over praising from Drew, and she was clearly acting like a reckless teen. Anyhow... I am not sure I am reading the cuckoo nest yoga teacher story.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually listened to the audiobook of this narrated by Aiden Snow (love his voice!) and Maxine Mitchell.

Little freebie that was only 2 hours, 36 minutes long that I decided to knock off my audiobook list while waiting for my next book in a series I'm listening to that's on hold at my library.

Cute novella that appears to be an introduction to a new series called Starlight Cove that's a spinoff from the Havenbrook series.

[Stephs.bookshelf09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick easy read. And the narrators did a great job as always.

I loved getting Clara and Drew’s little story. Just adds to my love for starlight cove. Give you enough background to other characters and just enough to make you want more! They get their happy ending when Drew whisks in to save Clara after she is left stranded on a cross country adventure. Landing in starlight cove and opening us up to this whole little world.

[Monzerrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The writing pulled me in right away, and I felt connected to the characters almost immediately. The emotions felt genuine, the relationships developed naturally, and nothing felt forced. The pacing was steady and easy to follow, making it a smooth, comforting read. By the end, I felt satisfied and emotionally full. Overall, it was a solid, feel-good story that stayed with me after I finished.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a cute novella.

When your best friends sister is in trouble and you fly to her immediately and have to share a small tool together and always both had a crush on each other, what's the worst that could happen 😏

This was narrated in duet by Maxine Mithcell and Aiden Snow, and their voices together are magic!!

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this fun audiobook novella. Drew is so conflicted about being too old, falling for his best friend’s little sister but everyone knows how he feels. Except Clara - the little sister. After another screw up she calls Drew for help, and being stranded with him in Maine, can only add to the tension.

[Alyssa J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish we could give half stars because this would be a 3.5 for me. This is a new to me author. Super cute and short read. Brothers best friend, age gap, all the things we love. I loved the setting & enjoyed the story but wish I had more to go off. This is part of a series so I def need to check out the rest of the series!

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drew and Clara

Cute short introduction to the series. Clara is stranded in Starlight Cove when her friend takes off with her car and all her belongings. She calls Drew her brother's best friend and her long time crush. I listened and enjoyed this story. Look forward to more.
I listened to it through BookFunnel.

[Brooke Roper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short book introducing me to the folks in Starlight Cove. Looking forward to following Drew and Clara back to Mississippi for the Havenbrook series and staying in Maine for the Starlight Cove crew. Won’t be my last Brighton Walsh book in 2024. Well written!