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Starlight Cove #4
Reckless Heart
Turns out the gorgeous stranger I had a one-night stand with is not only my sister’s best friend but also my new employee.
Worse? I shared a whole lot more with Avery than one mind-blowing night.
I told her my deepest, darkest secret.
Despite my constant worry that she’ll let the truth slip to my family, I can’t stay away from her. And when we’re tossed together for an out of town trip and forced to share a room with only one bed, the chemistry between us finally explodes...again.
I have no problem making her see stars—or breaking the bed. The trouble is, the longer our secret relationship goes on, the more I want to keep her.
But she’s eight years my junior, the sunshine to my grump, and I know her free spirit wants more than the small town of Starlight Cove can offer.
I know no doubt no one could ever give her more pleasure than I will, but I refuse to hold her back.
Even if that means letting her go when her three month contract is up.
Worse? I shared a whole lot more with Avery than one mind-blowing night.
I told her my deepest, darkest secret.
Despite my constant worry that she’ll let the truth slip to my family, I can’t stay away from her. And when we’re tossed together for an out of town trip and forced to share a room with only one bed, the chemistry between us finally explodes...again.
I have no problem making her see stars—or breaking the bed. The trouble is, the longer our secret relationship goes on, the more I want to keep her.
But she’s eight years my junior, the sunshine to my grump, and I know her free spirit wants more than the small town of Starlight Cove can offer.
I know no doubt no one could ever give her more pleasure than I will, but I refuse to hold her back.
Even if that means letting her go when her three month contract is up.
372 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2023
2063 people are currently reading
15960 people want to read
About the author
Brighton Walsh
53 books2,130 followersAward-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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 675 reviews
September 18, 2023
3.5 stars
Reckless Heart is another very steamy small town romance in this fun series with the tropes of sister’s best friend, an 8 year age gap, and a H focused on the h’s pleasure. I've really enjoyed this family and Starlight Cove, but this particular story fell a bit short for me on the emotional side of the romance unfortunately. I do think personal preferences came into play here and I could definitely see how others wouldn't be bothered by the same things I was and would rate this higher so please don't be discouraged from reading this very good story.
Aiden (H) and Avery (h) were so full of heat and fire and tension. From their very first meeting, which was a great one, chemistry abounded. Aiden's stressed and overwhelmed working with his siblings on his family's resort, but also balancing a secret life as a popular fantasy author. Avery's a bit lost and in town to meet up with her college best friend as she waits on an opportunity for a lifelong dream. They have a ONS and Aiden makes sure Avery's very, very...very happy. Then the morning comes, Avery's plans change, and the next time they meet up, they realize the connection and that they'll be in close proximity for months now. While still having sparks and with Avery knowing Aiden's secret about being an author. Cue forced interactions, opening up, lots of steamy times, and both of them having to face the music when it comes to their dreams. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither are virgins (H had situation ships that weren't fulfilling and were rare and h hadn't had a relationship for a while if I remember right).
I've been pondering why I didn't love this the way I thought I would. I think one reason is because when Aiden and Avery first meet, Avery refers to him as a book boyfriend come to life and I think that inadvertently, the references created a distance for me where I felt like she didn't see all that Aiden was from a more personal standpoint. Then she's the one that really pushes the initial distance between them and Avery's the cause of the third act separation, so I had a hard time with my connection towards her. Some of that was also probably because Avery does have that unsureness to what she's doing and because of that she stumbles a bit here and there, making her an imperfect but relatable character. I just had a hard time relating to her. Aiden was great and he needed to be shown that he could be vulnerable with others with his desires. He was supportive and caring, if grumpy at times, and he was so loyal to his family.
I think I've driven home the point already that this is a fast burn and high steam story. I might not have been in the mood for that when I read it because I did wish that I was feeling more of their emotional connection. They certainly do bond and spend sweet moments together. I wanted more of those on page though. The third act separation made sense for what needed to happen, as a wake up call and growth, but didn’t make sense in how it actually played out in my opinion. It made me question more of that emotional connection because of the specific actions that were taken. Avery does make up for it and she does grovel and take responsibility however.
Aiden's siblings continue to be a highlight, I love their family dynamic, even when they're not getting along. The family text messages are hilarious. I esp loved seeing Beck and Everly because they're amazing. Avery's mom was both flighty and loving, but I wish Avery'd had that supportive base. Her other BFF is a character from another series (which I haven't read) but did also pop up on page through phone calls and seemed like a great supporting character for Avery. Aiden's dad, who's been a millstone around their necks and a dirty secret through the series, does have a couple of scenes and I thought what happened was excellent in that this big thing was addressed head-on, even if the impetus for it was hard.
The ending was strong with Aiden and Avery in their HFN but really you know they're going to be together forever. No more secrets and just both of them finding their footing in their new, happy normal. There's a lead-in for Addison's book (the sister) and it's going to be a second chance and brother's best friend. I still need to circle back and read book 1 of this series, along with a couple others by this author.
Reckless Heart is another very steamy small town romance in this fun series with the tropes of sister’s best friend, an 8 year age gap, and a H focused on the h’s pleasure. I've really enjoyed this family and Starlight Cove, but this particular story fell a bit short for me on the emotional side of the romance unfortunately. I do think personal preferences came into play here and I could definitely see how others wouldn't be bothered by the same things I was and would rate this higher so please don't be discouraged from reading this very good story.
Aiden (H) and Avery (h) were so full of heat and fire and tension. From their very first meeting, which was a great one, chemistry abounded. Aiden's stressed and overwhelmed working with his siblings on his family's resort, but also balancing a secret life as a popular fantasy author. Avery's a bit lost and in town to meet up with her college best friend as she waits on an opportunity for a lifelong dream. They have a ONS and Aiden makes sure Avery's very, very...very happy. Then the morning comes, Avery's plans change, and the next time they meet up, they realize the connection and that they'll be in close proximity for months now. While still having sparks and with Avery knowing Aiden's secret about being an author. Cue forced interactions, opening up, lots of steamy times, and both of them having to face the music when it comes to their dreams. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither are virgins (H had situation ships that weren't fulfilling and were rare and h hadn't had a relationship for a while if I remember right).
I've been pondering why I didn't love this the way I thought I would. I think one reason is because when Aiden and Avery first meet, Avery refers to him as a book boyfriend come to life and I think that inadvertently, the references created a distance for me where I felt like she didn't see all that Aiden was from a more personal standpoint. Then she's the one that really pushes the initial distance between them and Avery's the cause of the third act separation, so I had a hard time with my connection towards her. Some of that was also probably because Avery does have that unsureness to what she's doing and because of that she stumbles a bit here and there, making her an imperfect but relatable character. I just had a hard time relating to her. Aiden was great and he needed to be shown that he could be vulnerable with others with his desires. He was supportive and caring, if grumpy at times, and he was so loyal to his family.
I think I've driven home the point already that this is a fast burn and high steam story. I might not have been in the mood for that when I read it because I did wish that I was feeling more of their emotional connection. They certainly do bond and spend sweet moments together. I wanted more of those on page though. The third act separation made sense for what needed to happen, as a wake up call and growth, but didn’t make sense in how it actually played out in my opinion. It made me question more of that emotional connection because of the specific actions that were taken. Avery does make up for it and she does grovel and take responsibility however.
Aiden's siblings continue to be a highlight, I love their family dynamic, even when they're not getting along. The family text messages are hilarious. I esp loved seeing Beck and Everly because they're amazing. Avery's mom was both flighty and loving, but I wish Avery'd had that supportive base. Her other BFF is a character from another series (which I haven't read) but did also pop up on page through phone calls and seemed like a great supporting character for Avery. Aiden's dad, who's been a millstone around their necks and a dirty secret through the series, does have a couple of scenes and I thought what happened was excellent in that this big thing was addressed head-on, even if the impetus for it was hard.
The ending was strong with Aiden and Avery in their HFN but really you know they're going to be together forever. No more secrets and just both of them finding their footing in their new, happy normal. There's a lead-in for Addison's book (the sister) and it's going to be a second chance and brother's best friend. I still need to circle back and read book 1 of this series, along with a couple others by this author.
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September 20, 2023
5 ⭐️ OMFG this book is perfect!
This is only the fourth book I've given a 5-star this entire year and it's so worth it. Because AIDEN!? I know he's not real but wowwww. What a man.
This book is the fourth in the Starlight Cove series, and I'm going to be so honest and say that I've not read a single one before this. Still, everything made sense. And although the family relationships and couples are obvious references to past books, I didn't feel like I was missing something -or I like couldn't grasp the complexity of the relationships, bonds, personalities, etc.
This story is about Aiden, a resort manager by day, fantasy erotica writer by night... and kind of also by day. That's part of the problem. Aiden has been all over the place. After his latest book went viral, he's been struggling to juggle between his two very demanding jobs.
Avery, though, is a bit of a loose cannon who wants adventures and thrills in her life. When her mother promises her that her boyfriend of the month can get Avery into her dream career -flight attendant- she drops everything to move across the country to pursue this seemingly perfect opportunity. On her way, she stops to visit one of her best friends from college in the small town where she co-manages a resort with her brothers. When Avery's friend has to cancel their dinner plans after some fiasco at work, Avery finds herself alone in the local pub next to the honest man she's ever seen, who almost chokes on his beer after reading her 'Buy me books and tell me to stfuattdlagg' t-shirt. You can guess where this is going...
Now, I had never seen that acronym before, and the fact that it took me 0.5 seconds to figure out what it meant says entirely too much about me as a person, but we are going to blow past that lol. Aiden is perfect. There's just no other way to put it. Is it borderline unrealistic to think that a man like this could ever exist, in any plane of existence whatsoever? Yes, it very much is. But, again, we read romance books for the fantasy. This man is the perfect fantasy. I know that pleasure Doms exist. This man, though... this man is unreal. I'm pretty sure 4 out of the 5 stars I've given this book are just Aiden's. Avery is great, but I found myself unable to relate to her at times, so she gets the full 1 star that's left. Sns Avery. Still, even though there were things I didn't relate to, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story at all.
The third act break up was expected and, honestly, I kind of loved it. I don't know how, because I am the #1 Third Act Breakup Hater, but it made complete sense for the storyline and for the characters themselves. I love the interactions with Aiden's brothers and sisters-in-law, I loved that they wanted to fix up the lighthouse and move there... I just loved this whole book.
I could keep gushing about it, but I'm going to stop myself here.
Oh, wait, I do have one complaint about this book: I don't love the cover. I know that we're **not supposed to judge a book by its cover** and blablablah... We all do it. There are too many books out there, and there needs to be some deterrence somewhere. Mine (and many people's) is book covers. I almost passed on this book because of it, but I'm so very glad I didn't.
So, yeah, I definitely recommend this book -to anyone and everyone. - I mean if like open-door books. If not, then don't read any of my recs lol.
We all need more books with pleasure doms as MMCs - because seriously, holy sh!t!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
This is only the fourth book I've given a 5-star this entire year and it's so worth it. Because AIDEN!? I know he's not real but wowwww. What a man.
This book is the fourth in the Starlight Cove series, and I'm going to be so honest and say that I've not read a single one before this. Still, everything made sense. And although the family relationships and couples are obvious references to past books, I didn't feel like I was missing something -or I like couldn't grasp the complexity of the relationships, bonds, personalities, etc.
This story is about Aiden, a resort manager by day, fantasy erotica writer by night... and kind of also by day. That's part of the problem. Aiden has been all over the place. After his latest book went viral, he's been struggling to juggle between his two very demanding jobs.
Avery, though, is a bit of a loose cannon who wants adventures and thrills in her life. When her mother promises her that her boyfriend of the month can get Avery into her dream career -flight attendant- she drops everything to move across the country to pursue this seemingly perfect opportunity. On her way, she stops to visit one of her best friends from college in the small town where she co-manages a resort with her brothers. When Avery's friend has to cancel their dinner plans after some fiasco at work, Avery finds herself alone in the local pub next to the honest man she's ever seen, who almost chokes on his beer after reading her 'Buy me books and tell me to stfuattdlagg' t-shirt. You can guess where this is going...
Now, I had never seen that acronym before, and the fact that it took me 0.5 seconds to figure out what it meant says entirely too much about me as a person, but we are going to blow past that lol. Aiden is perfect. There's just no other way to put it. Is it borderline unrealistic to think that a man like this could ever exist, in any plane of existence whatsoever? Yes, it very much is. But, again, we read romance books for the fantasy. This man is the perfect fantasy. I know that pleasure Doms exist. This man, though... this man is unreal. I'm pretty sure 4 out of the 5 stars I've given this book are just Aiden's. Avery is great, but I found myself unable to relate to her at times, so she gets the full 1 star that's left. Sns Avery. Still, even though there were things I didn't relate to, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story at all.
The third act break up was expected and, honestly, I kind of loved it. I don't know how, because I am the #1 Third Act Breakup Hater, but it made complete sense for the storyline and for the characters themselves. I love the interactions with Aiden's brothers and sisters-in-law, I loved that they wanted to fix up the lighthouse and move there... I just loved this whole book.
I could keep gushing about it, but I'm going to stop myself here.
Oh, wait, I do have one complaint about this book: I don't love the cover. I know that we're **not supposed to judge a book by its cover** and blablablah... We all do it. There are too many books out there, and there needs to be some deterrence somewhere. Mine (and many people's) is book covers. I almost passed on this book because of it, but I'm so very glad I didn't.
So, yeah, I definitely recommend this book -to anyone and everyone. - I mean if like open-door books. If not, then don't read any of my recs lol.
We all need more books with pleasure doms as MMCs - because seriously, holy sh!t!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
September 25, 2023
RATING: 4.75✨
SPICE: 🌶🌶.5
Trope/Setting Highlights:
✔ Little over ~300 pages
✔ Spicy contemporary romance
✔ PLEASURE DOM MMC
✔ SECRET FANTASY EROTICA ROMANCE WRITER MMC
✔ Best friend’s brother
✔ Post one-night-stand
✔ Spicy-book loving FMC (and MMC for that matter!)
✔ Age-gap (older MMC, 8 year gap)
✔ Secret relationship (well they tried at least)
✔ Grumpy MMC x sunshine FMC dynamics
✔ Free-spirted FMC x more controlled MMC
✔ Boss MMC x employee FMC
✔ BDSM elements in spice
✔ “Good girl” dirty-talking MMC
✔ Forced proximity and one-bed tropes
✔ Third-act breakup/separation
✔ HEA
Review:
🚨🚨🚨ALERT ALERT PLEASURE DOM MMC 🚨🚨🚨 I’ll be the first to admit I’m partial to a pleasure dom MMC story 😉
“For my grandma who once told me my books could be dirtier. Challenge accepted…”
When a book dedication starts out like that, you know you’re about to have a good time. And boy did I ever.
And if the dedication isn’t enough, here’s the first line of the book:
”Considering how my week had been going, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that I was standing in the resort’s parking lot, wearing a suit covered in glitter, while trying to corral three rolling cases filled with dildos.”
Really sets the scene, huh?
Reckless Heart by Brighton Walsh is a smalltown, best-friend’s brother, contemporary romance that is the fifth book in the Starlight Cove series. While it was obvious to me as a first-time reader to this series that there are already paired up couples present in this book so a bit of additional context was missing for me, I never felt truly lost or out of place. In fact, reading about the supporting cast of couples only made me want to pick up their novels even more, and kick myself for not doing so sooner! It looks like the overall series follows the set of McKenzie siblings.
Reckless Heart is the story of Avery, a free-spirit looking for her way in life, OK on finding it in different things all over the world. Her next adventure? Her mom’s latest hunk of the month claims he can get her into flight attendant training faster than the average track. What better way to see the world?
Reckless Heart is also the story of Aiden, one of the McKenzie brothers who runs a resort in Starlight Cove with some of his other siblings. From outward appearances, Aiden is a hardworking, no-nonsense kind of guy, but lately he’s been slacking around the resort due to his secret double life:
Aiden is actually A.M Kinsey, an erotica fantasy romance writer who, thanks to the power of social media, went viral and is now a fairly famous household name.
After Avery and Aiden meet, hit it off, and have a fiery one-night stand, Avery leaves him in bed the next morning to pursue flight attending. At least, she was, until her mom called and let her know the position wouldn’t be available for another 3 months. Luckily Avery’s college best friend has a great opportunity for her: a short-term guest relations job at her family’s resort. Little does Avery know her best friend’s sister – and new boss – is Aiden, her one-night stand partner.
The slow-burn, forced proximity tension was GIVING in this book. The push and pull of the main couple, the fact that they were just so hot for each other they couldn’t stay away, it was all delicious. And with the combination of spice tropes here, like pleasure dom and BDSM elements, plus really great dirty talk, I would say this book got so, so much right in balance.
I loved that the main characters bonded over fiction, and especially that it’s the MMC who is the fantasy erotica author, such a refreshing twist. I loved how their love of spicy fiction played such an integral part in their sex life and emotional connection.
I totally don’t think I’m doing this book justice with my review. I really, really loved this one. The only reason I docked off from 5 stars is that
If anything in my review sounds interesting or enjoyable to you, I beg you to check this book out. Wonderfully written, great spice, and good pacing. YOU WON’T REGRET READING THIS ONE!💕
Now onto backlogging everything else Brighton Walsh has written.
SPICE: 🌶🌶.5
Trope/Setting Highlights:
✔ Little over ~300 pages
✔ Spicy contemporary romance
✔ PLEASURE DOM MMC
✔ SECRET FANTASY EROTICA ROMANCE WRITER MMC
✔ Best friend’s brother
✔ Post one-night-stand
✔ Spicy-book loving FMC (and MMC for that matter!)
✔ Age-gap (older MMC, 8 year gap)
✔ Secret relationship (well they tried at least)
✔ Grumpy MMC x sunshine FMC dynamics
✔ Free-spirted FMC x more controlled MMC
✔ Boss MMC x employee FMC
✔ BDSM elements in spice
✔ “Good girl” dirty-talking MMC
✔ Forced proximity and one-bed tropes
✔ Third-act breakup/separation
✔ HEA
Review:
🚨🚨🚨ALERT ALERT PLEASURE DOM MMC 🚨🚨🚨 I’ll be the first to admit I’m partial to a pleasure dom MMC story 😉
“For my grandma who once told me my books could be dirtier. Challenge accepted…”
When a book dedication starts out like that, you know you’re about to have a good time. And boy did I ever.
And if the dedication isn’t enough, here’s the first line of the book:
”Considering how my week had been going, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that I was standing in the resort’s parking lot, wearing a suit covered in glitter, while trying to corral three rolling cases filled with dildos.”
Really sets the scene, huh?
Reckless Heart by Brighton Walsh is a smalltown, best-friend’s brother, contemporary romance that is the fifth book in the Starlight Cove series. While it was obvious to me as a first-time reader to this series that there are already paired up couples present in this book so a bit of additional context was missing for me, I never felt truly lost or out of place. In fact, reading about the supporting cast of couples only made me want to pick up their novels even more, and kick myself for not doing so sooner! It looks like the overall series follows the set of McKenzie siblings.
Reckless Heart is the story of Avery, a free-spirit looking for her way in life, OK on finding it in different things all over the world. Her next adventure? Her mom’s latest hunk of the month claims he can get her into flight attendant training faster than the average track. What better way to see the world?
Reckless Heart is also the story of Aiden, one of the McKenzie brothers who runs a resort in Starlight Cove with some of his other siblings. From outward appearances, Aiden is a hardworking, no-nonsense kind of guy, but lately he’s been slacking around the resort due to his secret double life:
Aiden is actually A.M Kinsey, an erotica fantasy romance writer who, thanks to the power of social media, went viral and is now a fairly famous household name.
After Avery and Aiden meet, hit it off, and have a fiery one-night stand, Avery leaves him in bed the next morning to pursue flight attending. At least, she was, until her mom called and let her know the position wouldn’t be available for another 3 months. Luckily Avery’s college best friend has a great opportunity for her: a short-term guest relations job at her family’s resort. Little does Avery know her best friend’s sister – and new boss – is Aiden, her one-night stand partner.
The slow-burn, forced proximity tension was GIVING in this book. The push and pull of the main couple, the fact that they were just so hot for each other they couldn’t stay away, it was all delicious. And with the combination of spice tropes here, like pleasure dom and BDSM elements, plus really great dirty talk, I would say this book got so, so much right in balance.
I loved that the main characters bonded over fiction, and especially that it’s the MMC who is the fantasy erotica author, such a refreshing twist. I loved how their love of spicy fiction played such an integral part in their sex life and emotional connection.
I totally don’t think I’m doing this book justice with my review. I really, really loved this one. The only reason I docked off from 5 stars is that
If anything in my review sounds interesting or enjoyable to you, I beg you to check this book out. Wonderfully written, great spice, and good pacing. YOU WON’T REGRET READING THIS ONE!💕
Now onto backlogging everything else Brighton Walsh has written.
September 10, 2023
4.5 ⭐
MCs:
- Aiden, 34
- Avery, 26
Book info:
- Grumpy / Sunshine
- Bestfriend's brother
- No cheating, opd
- With third act breakup
- Non-virgin MCs
- One night stand
- Forced proximity
- One bed trope
- Hidden Identity
- Small town romance
- Pleasure Dom *coughs* 🥵
- Workplace romance
- Family dynamics
- Exhibitionism (a little bit)
- HFN (in a relationship)
- Bonus epilogue
Notes:
- Aiden, isn't giving me a manhoe vibes. He's been celibate for months in the present time. Also, when he indulge, he only had sex twice in a month with his current "situationships". So no, he's not a manhoe but he had arrangements before.
- Avery is equally experienced just as well (thank God) and she's been celibate too for months.
- Mabel, do I have to say more? Grandmas in small town romances are really savages and I love the no-filter attitude they have. It was comical reading scenes where she's included. 😂
- STFUATTDLAGG and COHALMPLAGB
So, they met one night at a bar and they click after Avery realized Aiden is a fellow smut slut *swoons* 😂 after she realized he understood the "STFUATTDLAGG" on her shirt. They talked and had the hottest and most explosive night together. I mean he gave her I think six or seven Os but who's counting right? Lucky girl for finding a pleasure Dom. Hahaha.
Anyway, next day came and she was supposed to leave town but her mom called and told her that the opening for the flight attendant training is for another three months. Which would render Avery jobless and penniless. Thankfully, her college bestie and Aiden's sister, offered her a temporary job in their family business.
Then Addison (bestie) introduced Avery to her siblings and that includes Aiden. It was definitely a shocked for both of them, but Avery put up a wall and boundaries between them and she avoided him most of the time.
But Addison is a freaking meddler who kept throwing these two together. She sent them to a weekend stay for "research purpose", made all the itineraries, and booked a one bedroom for the whole stay. 😂 With all the sexual tension between them, let's just say that they used that time together wisely, probably intensely that they broke the bed on the last day of their stay. 🤣
This is the steamiest *so far* in this small town series, and I just want to say gimme my own Aiden 😂 Maaan, these two are so perfect for each other, banter, antics, kinks 😉 and everything in between. This is a light, spicy, and sweet rom-com overall and so fun to read. It was going so well until the conflict that came around at the 80%.
Tbh, had they only talked and didn't assume, the third act breakup wouldn't even happened. But on the other hand, I also felt that Avery needed to go to that "dream job" to really know how she feels about her childhood dream. But yeah, the way she just abruptly left didn't sit well with me.
Anyway, they were separated for two weeks. And Avery pulled every string to go to Germany as fast as she could to apologize and confess her love for Aiden. She didn't need to grovel that long because Aiden took her back after her sorry and I love you.
Overall, I loved every minute of it and I'm just happy to read this. So far in this series, I think Aiden is the hottest McKenzie brother. He's an erotic fantasy author and pleasure dom! I mean what could I ask for more? He's the perfect embodiment of a book boyfriend 🥵😩 Avery, you lucky witch. 😂
Anyway, this is so worth reading and recommending. Loooooove it so much! ❤️
MCs:
- Aiden, 34
- Avery, 26
Book info:
- Grumpy / Sunshine
- Bestfriend's brother
- No cheating, opd
- With third act breakup
- Non-virgin MCs
- One night stand
- Forced proximity
- One bed trope
- Hidden Identity
- Small town romance
- Pleasure Dom *coughs* 🥵
- Workplace romance
- Family dynamics
- Exhibitionism (a little bit)
- HFN (in a relationship)
- Bonus epilogue
Notes:
- Aiden, isn't giving me a manhoe vibes. He's been celibate for months in the present time. Also, when he indulge, he only had sex twice in a month with his current "situationships". So no, he's not a manhoe but he had arrangements before.
- Avery is equally experienced just as well (thank God) and she's been celibate too for months.
- Mabel, do I have to say more? Grandmas in small town romances are really savages and I love the no-filter attitude they have. It was comical reading scenes where she's included. 😂
- STFUATTDLAGG and COHALMPLAGB
So, they met one night at a bar and they click after Avery realized Aiden is a fellow smut slut *swoons* 😂 after she realized he understood the "STFUATTDLAGG" on her shirt. They talked and had the hottest and most explosive night together. I mean he gave her I think six or seven Os but who's counting right? Lucky girl for finding a pleasure Dom. Hahaha.
Anyway, next day came and she was supposed to leave town but her mom called and told her that the opening for the flight attendant training is for another three months. Which would render Avery jobless and penniless. Thankfully, her college bestie and Aiden's sister, offered her a temporary job in their family business.
Then Addison (bestie) introduced Avery to her siblings and that includes Aiden. It was definitely a shocked for both of them, but Avery put up a wall and boundaries between them and she avoided him most of the time.
But Addison is a freaking meddler who kept throwing these two together. She sent them to a weekend stay for "research purpose", made all the itineraries, and booked a one bedroom for the whole stay. 😂 With all the sexual tension between them, let's just say that they used that time together wisely, probably intensely that they broke the bed on the last day of their stay. 🤣
This is the steamiest *so far* in this small town series, and I just want to say gimme my own Aiden 😂 Maaan, these two are so perfect for each other, banter, antics, kinks 😉 and everything in between. This is a light, spicy, and sweet rom-com overall and so fun to read. It was going so well until the conflict that came around at the 80%.
Tbh, had they only talked and didn't assume, the third act breakup wouldn't even happened. But on the other hand, I also felt that Avery needed to go to that "dream job" to really know how she feels about her childhood dream. But yeah, the way she just abruptly left didn't sit well with me.
Anyway, they were separated for two weeks. And Avery pulled every string to go to Germany as fast as she could to apologize and confess her love for Aiden. She didn't need to grovel that long because Aiden took her back after her sorry and I love you.
Overall, I loved every minute of it and I'm just happy to read this. So far in this series, I think Aiden is the hottest McKenzie brother. He's an erotic fantasy author and pleasure dom! I mean what could I ask for more? He's the perfect embodiment of a book boyfriend 🥵😩 Avery, you lucky witch. 😂
Anyway, this is so worth reading and recommending. Loooooove it so much! ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
I was so close to giving this book 4 stars, but Avery? She was fucking selfish the last few chapters.
September 28, 2023
Out of context quote made me so eager to start it even tho it’s the 4th book in a series and i don’t regret it, this was so fun. I read it in one seating and ruined my sleeping schedule.
Loved the idea so freaking much “he is an erotic fantasy author and she is a romance reader” and the tropes were so good (age gap, small town, workplace romance and one night stand with your best friend’s brother) but all was on the light side, fast paced and it was such a cozy read but also the spice???? It was so hot been a while since i have read good spicy scenes.
It’s always the unnecessary and repetitive 3rd act breakup i gave up at this point i just pretend it doesn’t exist.
I don’t know if it was intentional but i loved that there wasn’t detailed description of the characters, you can imagine whoever you want and not that annoying “ocean blue eyes” description every 3 lines. Definitely good read if you are expecting nothing but a good time.
Loved the idea so freaking much “he is an erotic fantasy author and she is a romance reader” and the tropes were so good (age gap, small town, workplace romance and one night stand with your best friend’s brother) but all was on the light side, fast paced and it was such a cozy read but also the spice???? It was so hot been a while since i have read good spicy scenes.
It’s always the unnecessary and repetitive 3rd act breakup i gave up at this point i just pretend it doesn’t exist.
I don’t know if it was intentional but i loved that there wasn’t detailed description of the characters, you can imagine whoever you want and not that annoying “ocean blue eyes” description every 3 lines. Definitely good read if you are expecting nothing but a good time.
September 17, 2023
2.5 ⭐
Aiden was the biggest surprise of all the McKenzie siblings and his story and him as a book boyfriend had, in theory, everything to become a favorite but sadly the story was lacking everything that I loved from the previous books.
Aiden and Avery's chemistry was hastily build, those smutty scenes became a bit too much when you consider we had a shallow FMC who severely lacks credibility. Her whole story with her mom and her dream job was so rushed and plain absurd.
AND everything happened so fast between them that I didn't even see that conflict coming. It was too messily handled.
P.S.: you know there's something that's not working when you start skipping the smut.
Aiden was the biggest surprise of all the McKenzie siblings and his story and him as a book boyfriend had, in theory, everything to become a favorite but sadly the story was lacking everything that I loved from the previous books.
Aiden and Avery's chemistry was hastily build, those smutty scenes became a bit too much when you consider we had a shallow FMC who severely lacks credibility. Her whole story with her mom and her dream job was so rushed and plain absurd.
AND everything happened so fast between them that I didn't even see that conflict coming. It was too messily handled.
P.S.: you know there's something that's not working when you start skipping the smut.
August 27, 2023
I swear, this series just keeps getting better.
I loved Avery and Aiden. Their chemistry could probably choke someone and I was living for it. I loved seeing the family dynamic, the matchmaking, the meddling, and of course, Mabel.
The HEA is a given with Brighton's books and this one was so good. Yes yes, I definitely wanted more at the end, but I loved what we got and I'm pretty much beside myself at the set up for Addison's book.
Overall, another fantastic and spicy story (JFC, the mouth on Aiden). I will read Brighton forever because she always delivers.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Avery and Aiden. Their chemistry could probably choke someone and I was living for it. I loved seeing the family dynamic, the matchmaking, the meddling, and of course, Mabel.
The HEA is a given with Brighton's books and this one was so good. Yes yes, I definitely wanted more at the end, but I loved what we got and I'm pretty much beside myself at the set up for Addison's book.
Overall, another fantastic and spicy story (JFC, the mouth on Aiden). I will read Brighton forever because she always delivers.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
April 21, 2024
3.5⭐️
October 10, 2023
Deducting one star bc of Avery (h)
Literally hated her in the last few chapters bc of how selfish she was.
⚠️ SAFETY DETAILS: ⚠️
Cheating:no
Sharing:no
OM drama: a lil jealousy scene where h drunkenly messaged him about a cute bartender (who was actually Brady - Aiden's Brother) and he got jealous
OW drama:none
Sex scene with OM or OW: none
Virgin/manwhore: no virgins or manwhore
Separation: yes for two weeks
Celibate during separation: yes
Condoms: used the first time and then not
HEA: HFN. There are epilogues (not included in the book tho) but I'm not interested in reading them
SAFE?: for me, yes.
Literally hated her in the last few chapters bc of how selfish she was.
⚠️ SAFETY DETAILS: ⚠️
Cheating:no
Sharing:no
OM drama: a lil jealousy scene where h drunkenly messaged him about a cute bartender (who was actually Brady - Aiden's Brother) and he got jealous
OW drama:none
Sex scene with OM or OW: none
Virgin/manwhore: no virgins or manwhore
Separation: yes for two weeks
Celibate during separation: yes
Condoms: used the first time and then not
HEA: HFN. There are epilogues (not included in the book tho) but I'm not interested in reading them
SAFE?: for me, yes.
September 12, 2023
Super spicy
Yeah, I definitely underestimated how spicy this was going to be, lol! I've been meaning to check out this new-to-me author, so a duet narration audiobook felt like the perfect way to try. And it was! The sparks started flying between this couple within a few pages, and it wasn't long after that before I was feeling the heat. Walsh calls this hero a "pleasure dom," and I wasn't quite sure what that entailed until suddenly I did... wow, okay, I get it now! He's all buttoned-up professional in the streets and O-obsessed predator in the sheets. That first spicy scene makes a statement, and I was excited for a tension-filled, sexy read. It's a great combination of small town/workplace romance and high heat treat, with a little bit of best friend's brother/secret romance added to the mix. I actually wouldn't have minded less focus on the spice and more on the emotional connection, but it made for a quick, blush-inducing binge.
The story follows Aiden, an overworked guy with a secret. He's been helping run the family business for a long time, but his new secret side gig as a spicy romantasy author has been eating up a lot of his time. So when Aiden meets a fiery woman in a bar and the two quickly bond over darkly delicious romance books, he does something out of character - spend one filthy, entirely pleasurable night with her. The only problem? Turns out Avery isn't a stranger passing through town, she's his little sister's college friend and apparently his new temporary employee. Aiden most certainly wouldn't have said or done the things he did if he had known who Avery was, but that's the danger in hooking up with a nameless stranger. As the two develop a working relationship and share close quarters, they find it difficult to forget how well they worked together in entirely different ways.
I've been wanting to try Walsh's work, and this ended up being the perfect first book to try. It's part of a series for sure, but the nature of Aiden and Avery's first meeting makes it easy to jump right in, and everything essential about Aiden's family is explained without issue. I was expecting a sexy small town romance, so I was a little taken aback by the level of heat. Not in a bad way, really, because it makes the book absolutely fly by. It's not all that long to begin with, so the plentiful spicy scenes make up a decent portion of the pages. I enjoyed the first half at a low 5/high 4-star level, but I needed the emotional connection to delve deeper in the back half for this to earn a full 5 stars. I loved the way Avery pushed Aiden and their chemistry was off-the-charts, but I had minimal investment in the relationship itself. I really enjoyed Aiden though; he has characteristics of other heroes I've read about, but he truly felt fresh and different in other ways. And he's pretty intense in the bedroom, focused so intently on Avery's pleasure. It ended up being a fast, sexy read, and I can see myself returning to Walsh's work when I want an easy, super spicy romance.
Audio note: With Jason Clarke and Savannah Peachwood performing in duet-style narration, you can't go wrong! That's what convinced me to give this a try, and they did not disappoint. The runtime (under 8 hours) was also perfect for bingeing, and I had no trouble finishing this in one sitting. It starts out SUPER spicy and stays that way throughout, so I really don't recommend this as a workday listen. You might find that you're fanning yourself in front of your coworkers if you do, just saying. But this was light and relatively low angst, so it worked well in the format. And I'm certainly not complaining about Clarke narrating all that spice! So I highly recommend the format.
Yeah, I definitely underestimated how spicy this was going to be, lol! I've been meaning to check out this new-to-me author, so a duet narration audiobook felt like the perfect way to try. And it was! The sparks started flying between this couple within a few pages, and it wasn't long after that before I was feeling the heat. Walsh calls this hero a "pleasure dom," and I wasn't quite sure what that entailed until suddenly I did... wow, okay, I get it now! He's all buttoned-up professional in the streets and O-obsessed predator in the sheets. That first spicy scene makes a statement, and I was excited for a tension-filled, sexy read. It's a great combination of small town/workplace romance and high heat treat, with a little bit of best friend's brother/secret romance added to the mix. I actually wouldn't have minded less focus on the spice and more on the emotional connection, but it made for a quick, blush-inducing binge.
The story follows Aiden, an overworked guy with a secret. He's been helping run the family business for a long time, but his new secret side gig as a spicy romantasy author has been eating up a lot of his time. So when Aiden meets a fiery woman in a bar and the two quickly bond over darkly delicious romance books, he does something out of character - spend one filthy, entirely pleasurable night with her. The only problem? Turns out Avery isn't a stranger passing through town, she's his little sister's college friend and apparently his new temporary employee. Aiden most certainly wouldn't have said or done the things he did if he had known who Avery was, but that's the danger in hooking up with a nameless stranger. As the two develop a working relationship and share close quarters, they find it difficult to forget how well they worked together in entirely different ways.
I've been wanting to try Walsh's work, and this ended up being the perfect first book to try. It's part of a series for sure, but the nature of Aiden and Avery's first meeting makes it easy to jump right in, and everything essential about Aiden's family is explained without issue. I was expecting a sexy small town romance, so I was a little taken aback by the level of heat. Not in a bad way, really, because it makes the book absolutely fly by. It's not all that long to begin with, so the plentiful spicy scenes make up a decent portion of the pages. I enjoyed the first half at a low 5/high 4-star level, but I needed the emotional connection to delve deeper in the back half for this to earn a full 5 stars. I loved the way Avery pushed Aiden and their chemistry was off-the-charts, but I had minimal investment in the relationship itself. I really enjoyed Aiden though; he has characteristics of other heroes I've read about, but he truly felt fresh and different in other ways. And he's pretty intense in the bedroom, focused so intently on Avery's pleasure. It ended up being a fast, sexy read, and I can see myself returning to Walsh's work when I want an easy, super spicy romance.
Audio note: With Jason Clarke and Savannah Peachwood performing in duet-style narration, you can't go wrong! That's what convinced me to give this a try, and they did not disappoint. The runtime (under 8 hours) was also perfect for bingeing, and I had no trouble finishing this in one sitting. It starts out SUPER spicy and stays that way throughout, so I really don't recommend this as a workday listen. You might find that you're fanning yourself in front of your coworkers if you do, just saying. But this was light and relatively low angst, so it worked well in the format. And I'm certainly not complaining about Clarke narrating all that spice! So I highly recommend the format.
Read
June 16, 2024Aiden and Avery
I might revisit, I was bored… I don’t like MMCs I perceive as weak…
I might revisit, I was bored… I don’t like MMCs I perceive as weak…
February 18, 2025
Oh my goodness. This book was something else. Aiden is a fucking man! His and Avery’s initial meeting was the greatest moment ever. Sheesh this book was SPICY, but it was very well-done🙈 I didn’t read the other books in the series before this, but now I need too.
October 6, 2023
it was okay, pretty spicy, but not a lot of plot
September 17, 2023
I love a good book boyfriend and the idea that he was the one doing the writing is great! But this was very one note, flat, unimaginative, and lacking in any real story. They met, they screwed, they let daddy issues get in the way, they reunited. It had so much potential but it didn’t meet the mark.
July 23, 2024
4,75⭐️
I loved this book!! So steamy,sweet,cute and charming! AVERY AND AIDEN ARE SO PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER AHHH!!! WONDERFUL READ!!
I loved this book!! So steamy,sweet,cute and charming! AVERY AND AIDEN ARE SO PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER AHHH!!! WONDERFUL READ!!
October 29, 2025
“She’d bring her sparkle into a place that felt drab…that felt exhausting…and brighten up the entire space—me right along with it.” —Aiden McKenzie
4.25🌟
gasping choking gurgling squeaking wheezing screaming fainting throwing up
WHOA. WHOA. WHOA. Super damn, once again. It’s true that the farther this series goes, the more appealing it gets. But the real truth tho, it gets smuttier with every book, and I am NOT okay (but int the best way possible). Good god, this one was way filthier than the first three, and here I thought book three was the sluttiest of all?! But apparently there are still two more books?? Lord helps me. I was not expecting another explosively smutty small-town romance, but here we are. Emotionally smothering, sexually scorching, and somehow still sweet? It delivered. I enjoyed every messy, steamy second of it.
Reckless Heart is Brighton Walsh at her absolute filthiest; banter, tension, chemistry, and dirty talk so scorching it might violate the sanity of human being. Aiden McKenzie is the resort manager by day, viral fantasy erotica author by night (and also by day, which is kind of the problem). He’s the kind of fictional man who makes you question reality because wow. Pleasure Dom coded, emotionally fluent, and borderline unreal in the best way. Honestly, 4 out of 5 stars go straight to him. I’ve been dying to know what’s simmering beneath that calm exterior, and when it’s revealed he’s hiding a full emotional storm behind that quiet facade, yet still soft for the people he loves? I was gone. Avery is a thrill-chasing loose cannon who lands in Starlight Cove after a career detour and a canceled dinner with her bestie (Addison), only to end up at the pub next to the most honest man she’s ever met, who just so happens to be Addison’s brother. Cue the accidental one-night stand. Sure, Avery’s selfishness threw me off at times, but honestly? It made sense. And it didn’t take away from the messy, magnetic tension between her and Aiden.
Their banter? Scorchingly smothering. Their chemistry? Choking hazard level. And the steam? Oh boy, the steam was top tier. The plot flows with breezy pacing and cozy vibes, and sure, the third-act breakup makes an appearance, but I simply pretend it doesn’t. Between meddling siblings, found-family chaos, and Mabel being iconic as ever, this was easily one of the most fun, feral reads of the year. And while it didn’t lean as hard into the beachside setting as the previous book yet again, the series still wraps me in that warm, homey feeling I crave every single time. 🌊🏡🌅
Along with this, massive shoutout to Jason Clarke and Savannah Peachwood for absolutely devouring this duet narration. Game-winning performances, no doubt. They brought Aiden and Avery to life with pure magic. Her sunshine warmth and his grumpy charm collided into a perfect storm of steamy romance. I’ve loved them solo, but together? Dream duo status unlocked. 🎧💥🔥 Wheezed for minutes. Melted for hours. Swooned for days.
And yes, don’t even get me started on Addison bcs her teaser drops in book three had me feral. From book one, she’s been the youngest McKenzie sibling and easily the savagest. Raised by five chaotic brothers, shaped by grit and loyalty, she’s been through it all and still fights to be the best for her family. Now the news? Chase who happens to be Levi's best friend, who also happen to be Addison's first heartbreak from freshmen year, is back in town. I couldn’t be more eager. So yeah, I’ll be racing into Possessive Heart like its hoarding emotional tension, buried history, and the next sibling chaos. 💥🏃🏻♀️
September 11, 2023
I love this series, and I love Brighton Walsh…
I’ve been really pushing this series. Every new release has been super good. They’re kind of perfect, and certainly extra spicy, and if you’re not reading them… you’re missing out.
📔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: Reckless Heart, book four in the Starlight Cove character series by Brighton Walsh.
📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: One night stand, workplace romance, sister’s best friend, found family, opposites attract, hidden identity, small town romance.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Aiden is operating his family’s resort and moonlighting as a romance author. When one of his books goes viral, he’s hit with more responsibilities, all while trying to keep his identity a secret. So it’s a relief when he spends one incredible night with a woman, and tells her his secret. Except the next day he gets to meet his little sister’s best friend and their newest resort employee, and it’s the very same woman who knows everything about him.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I feel like if there’s one thing I can say here, it’s that Brighton Walsh certainly knows how to write spice.
This is one of those “rating it a 3.5 because it doesn’t include kink… but I still almost was reading one-handed” moments.
I love this series and how Brighton Walsh writes. It’s all tension and steam and some swoony romance and some major dirty talking. Bonus is they’re all about 300 pages, so they’re not a deep and long undertaking.
I don’t have a favorite of the series - the first three books were equally as good - but Aiden kind of shocked me with his book boyfriend ways. Him and Avery had incredible chemistry from the start, and man was she a lucky lady.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶
🆓️ on KU
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
I’ve been really pushing this series. Every new release has been super good. They’re kind of perfect, and certainly extra spicy, and if you’re not reading them… you’re missing out.
📔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: Reckless Heart, book four in the Starlight Cove character series by Brighton Walsh.
📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: One night stand, workplace romance, sister’s best friend, found family, opposites attract, hidden identity, small town romance.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Aiden is operating his family’s resort and moonlighting as a romance author. When one of his books goes viral, he’s hit with more responsibilities, all while trying to keep his identity a secret. So it’s a relief when he spends one incredible night with a woman, and tells her his secret. Except the next day he gets to meet his little sister’s best friend and their newest resort employee, and it’s the very same woman who knows everything about him.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I feel like if there’s one thing I can say here, it’s that Brighton Walsh certainly knows how to write spice.
This is one of those “rating it a 3.5 because it doesn’t include kink… but I still almost was reading one-handed” moments.
I love this series and how Brighton Walsh writes. It’s all tension and steam and some swoony romance and some major dirty talking. Bonus is they’re all about 300 pages, so they’re not a deep and long undertaking.
I don’t have a favorite of the series - the first three books were equally as good - but Aiden kind of shocked me with his book boyfriend ways. Him and Avery had incredible chemistry from the start, and man was she a lucky lady.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶
🆓️ on KU
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
December 10, 2024
For some reason I am continuing to read this series.
This one was my least favorite to date.
Aiden, the man in a suit, secret book writer
And that’s basically where his personality stayed.
I know he knows how to use his D. So much that it got a little old. Spiciest book of the series tho if that’s what you’re looking for.
Avery. The one night stand passing through. His sisters good friend.
The only personality trait of hers I can think of is: likes to get railed by Aiden.
The dad plot line was the most interesting part of this book. And why I’m sticking around.
Next one has a hockey boy so fingers crossed.
This one was my least favorite to date.
Aiden, the man in a suit, secret book writer
And that’s basically where his personality stayed.
I know he knows how to use his D. So much that it got a little old. Spiciest book of the series tho if that’s what you’re looking for.
Avery. The one night stand passing through. His sisters good friend.
The only personality trait of hers I can think of is: likes to get railed by Aiden.
The dad plot line was the most interesting part of this book. And why I’m sticking around.
Next one has a hockey boy so fingers crossed.
January 4, 2024
(3.75) I was unexpectedly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I started it not expecting much of a plot but found otherwise once I started reading. The storyline was exciting and kept me engaged. The characters were detailed and developed throughout the story. I enjoyed the dual POV chapters as well. I was a little disappointed by how the third act break up was dealt with, specifically by the FMC. However, I thought the ending was well written!
September 10, 2023
This book was def TRYING to do a lot. It was really trying to be hot and add a flare to the spice, but it felt so cringe, awkward, & forced. As did their relationship. I’m trying to figure out what drew them to eachother and why they wanted to be together, even having finished it.
I love this series and the family so much!! I was really hoping for Levi’s books next but obviously we are getting Addison’s second chance enemies to lovers. Unfortunately for Aiden & Avery, this was my least favorite of the series so far. The best part of this book was Aiden kicking their dad out. I’ve hated that dynamic throughout the books and I’m glad he’s gone.
I hope that the next one comes out soon, I found myself forgetting who everyone was between 3 & 4 and was trying to remember everyone / their partners as I read this one.
I love this series and the family so much!! I was really hoping for Levi’s books next but obviously we are getting Addison’s second chance enemies to lovers. Unfortunately for Aiden & Avery, this was my least favorite of the series so far. The best part of this book was Aiden kicking their dad out. I’ve hated that dynamic throughout the books and I’m glad he’s gone.
I hope that the next one comes out soon, I found myself forgetting who everyone was between 3 & 4 and was trying to remember everyone / their partners as I read this one.
September 13, 2023
This was an ok, easy read for me.
I never thought I’d say I felt like there was too much smut, but honestly I felt exhausted just thinking about it.
I did like Aiden and wish we saw even more growth from him after everyone finding out his secret. And I liked Avery too, but didn’t feel like I knew too much about her.
Overall, it felt a bit rushed, and I just wasn’t connecting to the characters like I wanted to.
I am somewhat intrigued by Addison’s book next, but it’s second chance and it’s been many years, so chances are, I’ll probably hate it. 🖤😂
I never thought I’d say I felt like there was too much smut, but honestly I felt exhausted just thinking about it.
I did like Aiden and wish we saw even more growth from him after everyone finding out his secret. And I liked Avery too, but didn’t feel like I knew too much about her.
Overall, it felt a bit rushed, and I just wasn’t connecting to the characters like I wanted to.
I am somewhat intrigued by Addison’s book next, but it’s second chance and it’s been many years, so chances are, I’ll probably hate it. 🖤😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2023
The dedication reads: 'For my grandma who once told me my books could be dirtier. Challenge accepted.'
So that's your warning.
So that's your warning.
November 4, 2023
When he writes erotic fantasy books😩
March 22, 2025
I give this book a 3.5, but I rounded it down.
To start off, this book gave me nothing. Like it genuinely just felt like nothing. There was absolutely no lead up to the relationship; but I mean it was a “one night stand trope,” so obviously they have a one night stand so I wasn’t surprised that their was smut in the first chapters. They realized that they’re connected and they have to see eachother and stay in the same house for multiple months.
The mmc also gave me nothing, sure he was an attractive praise dom or whatever, that was hot I guess. But other than that, he genuinely just gave me absolutely nothing. Everything he said was just “eh.” Usually there are atleast a few lines that has me swooning but he said nothing that really made me have to close the book and walk around/ squeal. But anyways, to give a run down. His name is Aiden, he owns part of his family resort, and he’s a secret smut writer. I know the author made him a “sexy smut author” to have us like “oooohh.. *bites lips*” but I genuinely didn’t gaf about him.
Now, let’s go to the fmc. She atleast gave me SOMETHING. But she was really annoying at some parts. Avery, the fmc, goes into a bar with a book and a shirt that says this random smut abbreviation, I don’t feel like going back and seeing what it was. Aiden sees the shirt and obviously knows what it is because it’s about smut, and he like, “damn.” He tells her that he likes her shirt and Avery’s like, “Omg! You know what my shirt means?” And Aiden nods, so they continue talking and end up having the one night stand. Ya’ll.. kid you not the AMOUNT of times she said “book boyfriend,” actually genuinely aggravated me.. I’ll let yall experience that though. Other than that, she was okay. I didn’t hate her nor did I like her.. but atleast she gave me more than Aiden.
!!SPOILER ALERTS ABOUT THE PLOT!!
The actual plot is okay, it’s not anything out of the ordinary or different. They live together after thinking they would never see each other. Her best friend from college is Aiden’s sister. And she was the one who actually has been setting them up. She purposely put them into rooms close together, and she sent them away on a trip together. I will give credits where credits are due though.. it was refreshing to see that the sister actually tried to pin them together instead of being the annoying, “But he’s my brother!! You can’t have him!” type. Thank god for that because if she was I would’ve rated this book a one star. They end up growing close and actually start liking, even loving eachother. One day Avery’s mom calls her and says that she married a man who can get her a flight attendant job, a job she’s wanted for a long time. Avery is very happy, but instead of leaving in a few more weeks she has to leave that day. She ends up leaving without a word, without saying bye.. and as you probably can put together, Aiden and everyone is hurt and mad.
Personally, I wouldn’t be as mad because I’d never want to keep someone from their dream. I wouldn’t hesitate to break things off with someone to find themselves and their dream, because those things are permanent. But Aiden was super mad, and it was lowkey funny. 😭 Anyways, two weeks later goes by and Avery realizes her mistake and goes back to the resort. Addison, the sister is obviously upset with her but ends up telling her where Aiden is. He’s at this book convention so Avery flies to him and has this mediocre confession of love and Aiden literally says, “But, you left..” SHUT UUUUUPPPPPP. SHE LITERALLY LEFT HER DREAM AND FLEW TO YOU, STOP CRYING AND GO TO HER! LIKE IT WAS NEVA THAT SERIOUS.
Anyways, they get together and everyone knows he’s a smut writer and now they’re living a great happy life. You may be wondering why I have this book a 3 stars even though i spent the whole review shitting on it. That’s a good question actually, I don’t know why I didn’t give this book a 1 star. It wasn’t insufferable to read, I read it in like 3 days. It just genuinely gave me nothing. I will say the smut was great.
Thank you for reading this review! It honestly sucked but I just didn’t have anything great to say about the book. Like if you read my “King of Sloth” book review it’s way better, which isn’t surprising cause that book was great and enjoyable, but I’m talking about the actual review.. I promise I’m a good book reviewer 😭💔.
For the ones who love smut.. or who’d rather skip it.. here are the spicy/smut chapters! ❤️
3 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 21.
To start off, this book gave me nothing. Like it genuinely just felt like nothing. There was absolutely no lead up to the relationship; but I mean it was a “one night stand trope,” so obviously they have a one night stand so I wasn’t surprised that their was smut in the first chapters. They realized that they’re connected and they have to see eachother and stay in the same house for multiple months.
The mmc also gave me nothing, sure he was an attractive praise dom or whatever, that was hot I guess. But other than that, he genuinely just gave me absolutely nothing. Everything he said was just “eh.” Usually there are atleast a few lines that has me swooning but he said nothing that really made me have to close the book and walk around/ squeal. But anyways, to give a run down. His name is Aiden, he owns part of his family resort, and he’s a secret smut writer. I know the author made him a “sexy smut author” to have us like “oooohh.. *bites lips*” but I genuinely didn’t gaf about him.
Now, let’s go to the fmc. She atleast gave me SOMETHING. But she was really annoying at some parts. Avery, the fmc, goes into a bar with a book and a shirt that says this random smut abbreviation, I don’t feel like going back and seeing what it was. Aiden sees the shirt and obviously knows what it is because it’s about smut, and he like, “damn.” He tells her that he likes her shirt and Avery’s like, “Omg! You know what my shirt means?” And Aiden nods, so they continue talking and end up having the one night stand. Ya’ll.. kid you not the AMOUNT of times she said “book boyfriend,” actually genuinely aggravated me.. I’ll let yall experience that though. Other than that, she was okay. I didn’t hate her nor did I like her.. but atleast she gave me more than Aiden.
!!SPOILER ALERTS ABOUT THE PLOT!!
The actual plot is okay, it’s not anything out of the ordinary or different. They live together after thinking they would never see each other. Her best friend from college is Aiden’s sister. And she was the one who actually has been setting them up. She purposely put them into rooms close together, and she sent them away on a trip together. I will give credits where credits are due though.. it was refreshing to see that the sister actually tried to pin them together instead of being the annoying, “But he’s my brother!! You can’t have him!” type. Thank god for that because if she was I would’ve rated this book a one star. They end up growing close and actually start liking, even loving eachother. One day Avery’s mom calls her and says that she married a man who can get her a flight attendant job, a job she’s wanted for a long time. Avery is very happy, but instead of leaving in a few more weeks she has to leave that day. She ends up leaving without a word, without saying bye.. and as you probably can put together, Aiden and everyone is hurt and mad.
Personally, I wouldn’t be as mad because I’d never want to keep someone from their dream. I wouldn’t hesitate to break things off with someone to find themselves and their dream, because those things are permanent. But Aiden was super mad, and it was lowkey funny. 😭 Anyways, two weeks later goes by and Avery realizes her mistake and goes back to the resort. Addison, the sister is obviously upset with her but ends up telling her where Aiden is. He’s at this book convention so Avery flies to him and has this mediocre confession of love and Aiden literally says, “But, you left..” SHUT UUUUUPPPPPP. SHE LITERALLY LEFT HER DREAM AND FLEW TO YOU, STOP CRYING AND GO TO HER! LIKE IT WAS NEVA THAT SERIOUS.
Anyways, they get together and everyone knows he’s a smut writer and now they’re living a great happy life. You may be wondering why I have this book a 3 stars even though i spent the whole review shitting on it. That’s a good question actually, I don’t know why I didn’t give this book a 1 star. It wasn’t insufferable to read, I read it in like 3 days. It just genuinely gave me nothing. I will say the smut was great.
Thank you for reading this review! It honestly sucked but I just didn’t have anything great to say about the book. Like if you read my “King of Sloth” book review it’s way better, which isn’t surprising cause that book was great and enjoyable, but I’m talking about the actual review.. I promise I’m a good book reviewer 😭💔.
For the ones who love smut.. or who’d rather skip it.. here are the spicy/smut chapters! ❤️
3 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 21.
December 7, 2023
This!!! Finally!!! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I finally found a contemporary romance book that seems somewhat... Plausible? I mean, yes, some coincidences are a bit too much of a coincidence and there are a few things left in the air, but the entire plot seems so much more plausible than in any other contemp romance book that I have read! 😱 I think this one actually deserves for you to give it a try.
October 6, 2025
DNF
A severe lack of emotional connection.
I can see through the allure of an author making an extremely unlikely situation happen, on top of that, in a not so believable way. Usually, I’m caught up in the chemistry and it’s easier to have plausibility. But in this case, a 34 year old man who ticks all the boxes physically, runs a resort and has time to be a ‘smut slut.’ Politely, give me a break.
A woman who has no personality except the fact that she reads romance novels.
Utterly bonkers.
A severe lack of emotional connection.
I can see through the allure of an author making an extremely unlikely situation happen, on top of that, in a not so believable way. Usually, I’m caught up in the chemistry and it’s easier to have plausibility. But in this case, a 34 year old man who ticks all the boxes physically, runs a resort and has time to be a ‘smut slut.’ Politely, give me a break.
A woman who has no personality except the fact that she reads romance novels.
Utterly bonkers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
Kind of repetitive ngl
April 14, 2025
Holy smokes. Aiden McKenzie may have broken me for all other book boyfriends. I devoured this book and then had to take a moment to process just how hot, funny, charming and completely satisfying it was to read. Plus, I’m pretty sure I highlighted the whole thing. Reckless Heart is the fourth book in the Starlight Cove series, and Brighton Walsh keeps crushing my expectations. Aiden’s a smoking-hot alpha who writes romance, enjoys giving pleasure (ahem) and pays attention to the little things. Pair him with spunky, smut-reading Avery and it’s romance goals! Following a one-night stand with a gorgeous woman with a bunny tattoo, Aiden returns home to discover she’s also his little sister’s best friend. Brighton Walsh creates a world filled with complete characters, hilarious moments, and seriously enviable spicy scenes. I absolutely loved it! A must-read again and again for me. So so good!
ALC UPDATE: I just listened to this book and Jason Clarke and Savannah Peachwood SMOKED the narration. It is just as good as an audiobook and maybe even hotter because Clarke’s voice is deep, grumbly, spicy perfection! Savannah Peachwood is incredible as always!
ALC UPDATE: I just listened to this book and Jason Clarke and Savannah Peachwood SMOKED the narration. It is just as good as an audiobook and maybe even hotter because Clarke’s voice is deep, grumbly, spicy perfection! Savannah Peachwood is incredible as always!
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