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Havenbrook #2
Troublemaker
My best friend’s sister was never mine to crave, but that sure as hell didn’t stop a troublemaker like me.
I’ve wanted Rory Haven since high school. It doesn’t matter that I’m eight years her junior or that the feisty single mom is still way out of my league.
She’s small town royalty, and the only thing royal about me is my last name.
Being forced to work together day in and day out is the best kind of torture. I really should stop pushing her buttons, but I can’t seem to help myself.
No matter how hard she tries to hide it, I hear the way her breath catches whenever I get too close. And when I throw down a challenge that I can do what her worthless ex never could, she can’t resist.
Our chemistry is undeniable. But brick by brick, she’s determined to keep me out. I know a thing or two about building walls, and hers are as high as they come.
Fortunately for us, I’m also good at knocking them down.
Rory Haven doesn’t just own my heart—she owns me. Always has, always will. And if she thinks I’m walking away this time, she's about to learn I always fight for what's mine.
*This book was originally published as Hometown Troublemaker in 2019 and significantly edited and updated in 2025*
I’ve wanted Rory Haven since high school. It doesn’t matter that I’m eight years her junior or that the feisty single mom is still way out of my league.
She’s small town royalty, and the only thing royal about me is my last name.
Being forced to work together day in and day out is the best kind of torture. I really should stop pushing her buttons, but I can’t seem to help myself.
No matter how hard she tries to hide it, I hear the way her breath catches whenever I get too close. And when I throw down a challenge that I can do what her worthless ex never could, she can’t resist.
Our chemistry is undeniable. But brick by brick, she’s determined to keep me out. I know a thing or two about building walls, and hers are as high as they come.
Fortunately for us, I’m also good at knocking them down.
Rory Haven doesn’t just own my heart—she owns me. Always has, always will. And if she thinks I’m walking away this time, she's about to learn I always fight for what's mine.
*This book was originally published as Hometown Troublemaker in 2019 and significantly edited and updated in 2025*
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2025
126 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Brighton Walsh
53 books2,145 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 63 reviews
March 15, 2025
Always love Brighton's books for a lazy Saturday read! Doesn't take too long to get to the 🔥 scenes & there's always a HEA.
Nash is such a sweetheart book boyfriend & while Rory doesn't come across great in the first book of the series she becomes a whole lot more relatable when we get a pov inside her head.
I voluntarily read an ARC of the re-release this book, it's one to read (and re-read for sure!)
Nash is such a sweetheart book boyfriend & while Rory doesn't come across great in the first book of the series she becomes a whole lot more relatable when we get a pov inside her head.
I voluntarily read an ARC of the re-release this book, it's one to read (and re-read for sure!)
March 1, 2025
I hadn’t read this series from Brighton before, only Starlight Cove, so I am glad she’s done a re-work and re-release - it gave me the push to read it!
This was such a heart-warming, small town read. In this book, I really felt embedded into this town and world. The dialogue is written so you can hear the southern accents in your mind. You get a lot of interactions and bits that make you familiar to the people in town.
There’s a lot of fun, teasing build-up between Nash and Rory. Rory is a bit prim and proper and Nash knows how to get under her skin a bit. When Rory and Nash finally get together in bed, her prim and proper responses had me giggling while simultaneously finding the whole thing really hot.
I absolutely loved the theme of her awakening to herself, from being the model southern housewife with kids as was expected to having a big life smackdown where she spends some time meeting herself and her own passions and interests. I like that they both struggled a bit with feeling like they were enough and that they both had things they needed to stand up for within their own lives.
The sisters, again like in book 1 - I really enjoyed their relationships and the growth and changes they have with each other and I can see that may likely continue through the other books.
It had me giggling and smiling pretty often and just all the warm fuzzies. I was so, so happy for Rory breaking out of her “ice queen” self, and Nash as the perfect personality to mesh with her. This was a nice, sweet and spicy read.
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
This was such a heart-warming, small town read. In this book, I really felt embedded into this town and world. The dialogue is written so you can hear the southern accents in your mind. You get a lot of interactions and bits that make you familiar to the people in town.
There’s a lot of fun, teasing build-up between Nash and Rory. Rory is a bit prim and proper and Nash knows how to get under her skin a bit. When Rory and Nash finally get together in bed, her prim and proper responses had me giggling while simultaneously finding the whole thing really hot.
I absolutely loved the theme of her awakening to herself, from being the model southern housewife with kids as was expected to having a big life smackdown where she spends some time meeting herself and her own passions and interests. I like that they both struggled a bit with feeling like they were enough and that they both had things they needed to stand up for within their own lives.
The sisters, again like in book 1 - I really enjoyed their relationships and the growth and changes they have with each other and I can see that may likely continue through the other books.
It had me giggling and smiling pretty often and just all the warm fuzzies. I was so, so happy for Rory breaking out of her “ice queen” self, and Nash as the perfect personality to mesh with her. This was a nice, sweet and spicy read.
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
March 2, 2025
Book 2 in the Havenbrook series picks up about a year after book 1 ends. Now you really get to meet the oldest Haven sister, Rory and her youngest sister’s best friend Nash.
Now I love the age gap trope, but have never really cared for reverse age gap. This book really surprised me and softened my stance. I did not mind it one bit, in fact, I LOVED Nash and Rory.
I loved her really having to start her life over again and I loved him finding out he is someone worth staying for. It was a beautiful story of healing for both of them all with the small town of Havenbrook, Mississippi providing small town drama and family dynamics.
I’m so excited to see sister Mac get her story next. I’m enjoying watching the Haven sisters find their happiness.
Now I love the age gap trope, but have never really cared for reverse age gap. This book really surprised me and softened my stance. I did not mind it one bit, in fact, I LOVED Nash and Rory.
I loved her really having to start her life over again and I loved him finding out he is someone worth staying for. It was a beautiful story of healing for both of them all with the small town of Havenbrook, Mississippi providing small town drama and family dynamics.
I’m so excited to see sister Mac get her story next. I’m enjoying watching the Haven sisters find their happiness.
March 2, 2025
These books have been reworked and I've been loving getting back to this series.
I really liked Rory and Nash. They're both hard working, loyal, and working to uphold a certain reputation. I loved all of the chemistry, button pushing, and open conversations. Of course, it's fun to see everyone else, as some of the best scenes were when the sisters were together.
Plot wise, it was good. There are a few moving pieces here and it was satisfying to see Rory and Nash lay down their armor with the other person. I know I'm being greedy, but I would have loved to see more of a future take for these two. I'll settle for their cameos in book 3.
Overall, a strong addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one.
****Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Rory and Nash. They're both hard working, loyal, and working to uphold a certain reputation. I loved all of the chemistry, button pushing, and open conversations. Of course, it's fun to see everyone else, as some of the best scenes were when the sisters were together.
Plot wise, it was good. There are a few moving pieces here and it was satisfying to see Rory and Nash lay down their armor with the other person. I know I'm being greedy, but I would have loved to see more of a future take for these two. I'll settle for their cameos in book 3.
Overall, a strong addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one.
****Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
March 17, 2025
I think Nash King might be my new #bookboyfriend I loved this book! Rory and Nash are total opposites and they have amazing chemistry. I loved that she was a little older than him too! She recently got divorced and is dealing with small town gossip and discovering more about who she wants to be.
I loved the banter and overall fun in this book. There are a lot of laughs and back and forth. Rory really had her walls up and I loved how Nash broke them down!! I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the books in this series!
✨What To Expect:
🏡Small Town
💖Single Mom
🔥Opposites Attract
💋Reverse Age Gap (She’s Older)
❤️🔥Annoyance to Lovers
💚Best Friend’s Sister
🧲Forced Proximity
💕It’s Always Been You
🌶️Steamy Scenes
I loved the banter and overall fun in this book. There are a lot of laughs and back and forth. Rory really had her walls up and I loved how Nash broke them down!! I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the books in this series!
✨What To Expect:
🏡Small Town
💖Single Mom
🔥Opposites Attract
💋Reverse Age Gap (She’s Older)
❤️🔥Annoyance to Lovers
💚Best Friend’s Sister
🧲Forced Proximity
💕It’s Always Been You
🌶️Steamy Scenes
March 20, 2025
Brighton’s books never disappoint me. She knows how to write a story that is captivating and with characters who have unbelievable chemistry!
Rory Haven’s ex husband is living with the woman he cheated on her with, her oldest daughter blames her for their divorce, and she is broke. Enter Nash King, a younger local contractor who is working to take over the family business.
Rory is such a strong and fierce FMC and Nash has the perfect foul mouth.
Tropes You’ll Love:
✨Best Friend’s Sister
✨Opposites Attract
✨Age Gap (She’s Older)
✨Single Mom
✨Forced Proximity
Rory Haven’s ex husband is living with the woman he cheated on her with, her oldest daughter blames her for their divorce, and she is broke. Enter Nash King, a younger local contractor who is working to take over the family business.
Rory is such a strong and fierce FMC and Nash has the perfect foul mouth.
Tropes You’ll Love:
✨Best Friend’s Sister
✨Opposites Attract
✨Age Gap (She’s Older)
✨Single Mom
✨Forced Proximity
March 5, 2025
Brighton Walsh is releasing updated versions of her Havenbrook series! I read them back in summer 2021 when I’d just started reading as a hobby again, and she immediately became an auto-buy author for me. Her books are bingeable with fierce female leads, and they are always 🔥🔥🔥
In addition to new covers these have been updated to be first person, dual POV, and they’re re-releasing over the next few weeks in Kindle Unlimited. Troublemaker is book 2, and it just dropped yesterday. These are all set in a small southern town and center around a family of sisters. Bonus: If you like a working class king, @brighton_walsh is gonna be a fav. Go forth and binge!
In addition to new covers these have been updated to be first person, dual POV, and they’re re-releasing over the next few weeks in Kindle Unlimited. Troublemaker is book 2, and it just dropped yesterday. These are all set in a small southern town and center around a family of sisters. Bonus: If you like a working class king, @brighton_walsh is gonna be a fav. Go forth and binge!
did-not-finish
April 23, 2025DNF @ 20%
I enjoyed the beginning, but then suddenly I couldn’t keep track of all the characters. Maybe I should have read this series in order, instead of jumping in at Book 2.
I did skip to the end though, to see the FMC’s cheating ex-husband and ex-best friend get their comeuppance
I enjoyed the beginning, but then suddenly I couldn’t keep track of all the characters. Maybe I should have read this series in order, instead of jumping in at Book 2.
I did skip to the end though, to see the FMC’s cheating ex-husband and ex-best friend get their comeuppance
June 25, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Nash and Rory
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Nash and Rory
March 8, 2025
I loved watching Rory find herself in this book. And Nash King? Phew...that man is something else. As always, read the book so fast and couldn't put it down. Even when I desperately needed sleep. A pleasure as always Brighton.
April 18, 2025
I was graciously gifted an ARC of the rewrite and am providing my honest review!
Rory Haven was the first failure and oldest daughter to the mayor of Havenbrook after many lines of male heirs. However, she has what appears to be the perfect life: married with 2 kids, never a hair out of place and she always made her dad happy. After finding out at the end of Charmer (Book 1) that her husband had cheated on her with her best friend, Rory is trying to handle her divorce in a small town and navigate who she was before marriage. I think Rory is relatable in how we all want to make our parents happy with our choices and sometimes even at the expense of our own happiness.
She spends a drunken evening at the Willowtree with the supervision of Nash King. The two butted heads with the development of the Willowtree and have continued to work on some projects around town based on the success of the bar. This is when Nash's childhood crush turned into more.
Nash King is the town contractor that has to mend the reputation that his father precedes. When discovering his father may be selling the family business, Nash is under a time crunch to attempt to make the business stay busy and get more money to buy his dad out. He decides to partner with his best friend's sister to continue design build projects together in exchange for remodeling/upgrading her new house.
They knew they were compatible at job sites, however they learn while talking about rooster wallpaper how compatible they are in other areas of life. Brighton's spice never disappoints!
Rory has many internal battles as she suffers judgement of the town from her failed marriage, and neglecting her own happiness. You get to root for the first born people pleaser as she finally does things for herself!
I loved getting to know Natalie more and about her friendship with Nash. I loved the continued healing of the sisters as they realize they all want to make their Dad proud. I LOVED the adorable declaration of love. And I loved how Nash loved Rory through it all.
Rory Haven was the first failure and oldest daughter to the mayor of Havenbrook after many lines of male heirs. However, she has what appears to be the perfect life: married with 2 kids, never a hair out of place and she always made her dad happy. After finding out at the end of Charmer (Book 1) that her husband had cheated on her with her best friend, Rory is trying to handle her divorce in a small town and navigate who she was before marriage. I think Rory is relatable in how we all want to make our parents happy with our choices and sometimes even at the expense of our own happiness.
She spends a drunken evening at the Willowtree with the supervision of Nash King. The two butted heads with the development of the Willowtree and have continued to work on some projects around town based on the success of the bar. This is when Nash's childhood crush turned into more.
Nash King is the town contractor that has to mend the reputation that his father precedes. When discovering his father may be selling the family business, Nash is under a time crunch to attempt to make the business stay busy and get more money to buy his dad out. He decides to partner with his best friend's sister to continue design build projects together in exchange for remodeling/upgrading her new house.
They knew they were compatible at job sites, however they learn while talking about rooster wallpaper how compatible they are in other areas of life. Brighton's spice never disappoints!
Rory has many internal battles as she suffers judgement of the town from her failed marriage, and neglecting her own happiness. You get to root for the first born people pleaser as she finally does things for herself!
I loved getting to know Natalie more and about her friendship with Nash. I loved the continued healing of the sisters as they realize they all want to make their Dad proud. I LOVED the adorable declaration of love. And I loved how Nash loved Rory through it all.
March 18, 2025
ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review
Troublemaker is my new favorite Havenbrook book! Sorry, Nat & Asher, but Rory & Nash were everything I hoped for from a reverse age gap and more: I fell in love with their dynamic as a couple and their project partners, their personal stories, and the pace the author gave to the book, and I was so happy to learn more about these characters and the Heaven girls.
I think I should start by saying that Rory was a character who really pissed me off in Charmer, and although her change was evident towards the end of the first book, I didn't really know what to expect from her. That said, I can confirm that Rory has become one of my favorite characters written by Brighton Walsh! It broke my heart, but I also really enjoyed reading her dealing with the rumors surrounding her throughout the book, the complications with her daughters, and how she always maintains her composure with everyone around her. But the best part was reading her learning to show herself as she really is, leaving behind that mask that hurt her so much over the years and confronting the people who hurt her in the bravest and funniest way. I was also very happy that the author gave me more Rory moments with Will & Mac, that she added a bit of family drama with Nat's attitude toward Rory, and that she gave me that moment of the two of them on a phone call that melted my heart and amused me so much.
Nash was a character I was dying to read about. I loved his confident, flirtatious, and direct personality. I loved reading him ALWAYS trusting in Rory's talent and loving his work. I also really enjoyed learning about the strong and unconditional friendship he has with Nat & Asher and how much they both mean to him. His personal and family history really broke my heart, especially when reflected in the insecurities this character has. But I loved that despite that, Nash knows exactly what he wants, says what he thinks, and more importantly, what he feels, and knows how to make the people around him feel how important they are.
One of the things I loved the most about Nash & Rory?s love story was knowing that Nash has always been in love with her, but his feelings are forbidden because Rory is his best friend's older sister, she is eight years older than him and the two come from different worlds, also, Rory can't seem to stand Nash's personality and their disagreements on his projects are constant, BUT the attraction between them is obvious and things happen at the perfect pace for these characters. I really liked that neither of them stops to mess with the other because it gives a very funny touch to their dynamic, I also really enjoyed reading Nash supporting Rory when she needs it, doing things to keep Rory and the girls happy and simply seeing and loving the real Rory, who has an incredible growth throughout the book and also manages to give Nash everything he's never had.
🏘️Nash: 5/5
🏘️Rory: 5/5
🏘️Plot: 5/5
🏘️Love Story: 5/5
🏘️Secondary characters: 5/5
🏘️Universe: 5/5
🏘️Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 5/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Troublemaker es mi nuevo libro favorito de Havenbrook! Perdón Nat & Asher, pero Rory & Nash fueron todo lo que esperaba de un reverse age gap y mucho más: me enamoró su dinámica de pareja y compañeros de proyectos, sus historias personales y el ritmo que la autora le dio a el libro y me hizo muy feliz conocer más de estos personajes y de las chicas Heaven.
Creo que tengo que empezar diciendo que Rory fue un personaje que me hizo enojar mucho en Charmer, y aunque su cambio fue evidente hacia el final del primer libro, no sabía muy bien que esperar de ella. Dicho esto, puedo confirmar que Rory se convirtió en uno de mis personajes favoritos escritos por Brighton Walsh!! Me rompió mucho el corazón, pero también me gustó mucho, leerla enfrentar los rumores a su alrededor a lo largo del libro, las complicaciones con sus hijas y como siempre mantiene la compostura con todos los que la rodean, pero lo mejor de todo fue leerla aprendiendo a mostrarse tal cual es, dejando esa mascara que tanto daño le hizo a lo largo de los años y confrontando de la manera más valiente y divertida a las personas que le hicieron daño. También me hizo muy feliz que la autora me diera más momentos de Rory con Will & Mac, que agregara un poco de drama familiar con la actitud de Nat hacia Rory, y que me diera ese momento de las dos hablando por telefono que me derritió el corazón y me divirtió tanto.
Nash era un personaje que me moría por leer. Me encantó su personalidad segura, coqueta y directa, amé leerlo confiando SIEMPRE en el talento de Rory y amando su trabajo, también disfrute mucho conociendo la amistad tan fuerte e incondicional que lo une a Nat & Asher y lo mucho que ellos dos significan para él. Su historia personal y familiar rompió mucho mi corazón, especialmente cuando se refleja en las inseguridades que este personaje tiene, pero me encantó que a pesar de eso, Nash sabe muy bien lo que quiere, dice lo que piensa, y más importante, lo que siente, y sabe como hacer sentir a las personas a su alrededor lo importantes que son.
Una de las cosas que más amé de la historia de amor de Nash & Rory fue saber que Nash siempre ha estado enamorado de ella, pero sus sentimientos son prohibidos porque Rory es la hermana mayor de su mejor amiga, es ocho años mayor que él y los dos vienen de mundos diferentes, además, Rory parece no soportar la personalidad de Nash y sus desacuerdos en sus proyectos son constantes, PERO la atracción entre ellos es obvia y las cosas pasan al ritmo perfecto para estos personajes. Me gustó mucho que ninguno de ellos se detenga para meterse con el otro porque eso le da un toque muy divertido a su dinámica, también me gustó mucho leer a Nash apoyando a Rory cuando lo necesita, haciendo cosas para mantener a Rory y las niñas felices y simplemente viendo y amando a la verdadera Rory, quien tiene un crecimiento increíble a lo largo del libro y también logra darle a Nash todo aquello que nunca había tenido.
🏘️Nash: 5/5
🏘️Rory: 5/5
🏘️Trama: 5/5
🏘️Historia de amor: 5/5
🏘️Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🏘️Universo: 5/5
🏘️Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 5/5
Troublemaker is my new favorite Havenbrook book! Sorry, Nat & Asher, but Rory & Nash were everything I hoped for from a reverse age gap and more: I fell in love with their dynamic as a couple and their project partners, their personal stories, and the pace the author gave to the book, and I was so happy to learn more about these characters and the Heaven girls.
I think I should start by saying that Rory was a character who really pissed me off in Charmer, and although her change was evident towards the end of the first book, I didn't really know what to expect from her. That said, I can confirm that Rory has become one of my favorite characters written by Brighton Walsh! It broke my heart, but I also really enjoyed reading her dealing with the rumors surrounding her throughout the book, the complications with her daughters, and how she always maintains her composure with everyone around her. But the best part was reading her learning to show herself as she really is, leaving behind that mask that hurt her so much over the years and confronting the people who hurt her in the bravest and funniest way. I was also very happy that the author gave me more Rory moments with Will & Mac, that she added a bit of family drama with Nat's attitude toward Rory, and that she gave me that moment of the two of them on a phone call that melted my heart and amused me so much.
Nash was a character I was dying to read about. I loved his confident, flirtatious, and direct personality. I loved reading him ALWAYS trusting in Rory's talent and loving his work. I also really enjoyed learning about the strong and unconditional friendship he has with Nat & Asher and how much they both mean to him. His personal and family history really broke my heart, especially when reflected in the insecurities this character has. But I loved that despite that, Nash knows exactly what he wants, says what he thinks, and more importantly, what he feels, and knows how to make the people around him feel how important they are.
One of the things I loved the most about Nash & Rory?s love story was knowing that Nash has always been in love with her, but his feelings are forbidden because Rory is his best friend's older sister, she is eight years older than him and the two come from different worlds, also, Rory can't seem to stand Nash's personality and their disagreements on his projects are constant, BUT the attraction between them is obvious and things happen at the perfect pace for these characters. I really liked that neither of them stops to mess with the other because it gives a very funny touch to their dynamic, I also really enjoyed reading Nash supporting Rory when she needs it, doing things to keep Rory and the girls happy and simply seeing and loving the real Rory, who has an incredible growth throughout the book and also manages to give Nash everything he's never had.
🏘️Nash: 5/5
🏘️Rory: 5/5
🏘️Plot: 5/5
🏘️Love Story: 5/5
🏘️Secondary characters: 5/5
🏘️Universe: 5/5
🏘️Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 5/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Troublemaker es mi nuevo libro favorito de Havenbrook! Perdón Nat & Asher, pero Rory & Nash fueron todo lo que esperaba de un reverse age gap y mucho más: me enamoró su dinámica de pareja y compañeros de proyectos, sus historias personales y el ritmo que la autora le dio a el libro y me hizo muy feliz conocer más de estos personajes y de las chicas Heaven.
Creo que tengo que empezar diciendo que Rory fue un personaje que me hizo enojar mucho en Charmer, y aunque su cambio fue evidente hacia el final del primer libro, no sabía muy bien que esperar de ella. Dicho esto, puedo confirmar que Rory se convirtió en uno de mis personajes favoritos escritos por Brighton Walsh!! Me rompió mucho el corazón, pero también me gustó mucho, leerla enfrentar los rumores a su alrededor a lo largo del libro, las complicaciones con sus hijas y como siempre mantiene la compostura con todos los que la rodean, pero lo mejor de todo fue leerla aprendiendo a mostrarse tal cual es, dejando esa mascara que tanto daño le hizo a lo largo de los años y confrontando de la manera más valiente y divertida a las personas que le hicieron daño. También me hizo muy feliz que la autora me diera más momentos de Rory con Will & Mac, que agregara un poco de drama familiar con la actitud de Nat hacia Rory, y que me diera ese momento de las dos hablando por telefono que me derritió el corazón y me divirtió tanto.
Nash era un personaje que me moría por leer. Me encantó su personalidad segura, coqueta y directa, amé leerlo confiando SIEMPRE en el talento de Rory y amando su trabajo, también disfrute mucho conociendo la amistad tan fuerte e incondicional que lo une a Nat & Asher y lo mucho que ellos dos significan para él. Su historia personal y familiar rompió mucho mi corazón, especialmente cuando se refleja en las inseguridades que este personaje tiene, pero me encantó que a pesar de eso, Nash sabe muy bien lo que quiere, dice lo que piensa, y más importante, lo que siente, y sabe como hacer sentir a las personas a su alrededor lo importantes que son.
Una de las cosas que más amé de la historia de amor de Nash & Rory fue saber que Nash siempre ha estado enamorado de ella, pero sus sentimientos son prohibidos porque Rory es la hermana mayor de su mejor amiga, es ocho años mayor que él y los dos vienen de mundos diferentes, además, Rory parece no soportar la personalidad de Nash y sus desacuerdos en sus proyectos son constantes, PERO la atracción entre ellos es obvia y las cosas pasan al ritmo perfecto para estos personajes. Me gustó mucho que ninguno de ellos se detenga para meterse con el otro porque eso le da un toque muy divertido a su dinámica, también me gustó mucho leer a Nash apoyando a Rory cuando lo necesita, haciendo cosas para mantener a Rory y las niñas felices y simplemente viendo y amando a la verdadera Rory, quien tiene un crecimiento increíble a lo largo del libro y también logra darle a Nash todo aquello que nunca había tenido.
🏘️Nash: 5/5
🏘️Rory: 5/5
🏘️Trama: 5/5
🏘️Historia de amor: 5/5
🏘️Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🏘️Universo: 5/5
🏘️Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 5/5
May 15, 2025
I’ve read Brighton Walsh’s Charmer quite some time ago, but because I am not a fan of the age-gap trope, I decided to give the rest of the series a miss. This one, Troublemaker, the second book in the series, popped up in my “suggestions” feed recently and I decided to give it a try; it did not disappoint.
I started out thinking that Nash was too young (25) and the age gap too big (8), but that was not the case. Nash was very well written as a character; he was mature, responsible, knew what he wanted (Rory) and went after it/her. Rory’s growth was great to behold. From what I can recall of her character in Finn and Willow’s book, she was not likeable at all (snobby, sarcastic, a snitch, disagreeable, etc. etc.). This book, however, gave us a peek into Rory’s mind, and the difference between how she presented herself to the world vs. who she really was on the inside was more than a mile long.
In this book, we were introduced to a Rory who was a normal, really likeable woman, mother, daughter and sister; one whose divorce forced her to get in touch with who she really was. Although, I will never know why the FMC’s in romance novels love their alcohol so much – they forever have a drink in their hand and get tipsy more often than not.
Maybe this is just part of small-town culture, but a grown woman referring to her father as “Daddy” was cringeworthy; this was an issue I had with the first book as well. And although Rory’s character growth was beautiful to see, I wished that she had stopped pretending to the outside world as long as she did. All this thinking and realizations unfurled in her mind, but that is where it stayed for most of the book; she only showed her true self to the rest of the town at the end of the book – Nash was the only one who saw the real Rory throughout. It would have been nice if she came out much earlier.
The growing love between Nash and Rory was too low-key in my view. They had chemistry, started a fling that carried on for months, and they never talked about where it was going. This fling eventually turned into love, but how or when it happened was not something the reader did not get to see. Instead, we were told that they loved each other, and I missed walking that journey of discovery with the characters. Nash and Rory never discussed her relationship with her ex-husband or how she felt about him or the fact that she realized that she never loved him in the first place and got married for the wrong reasons. If those discussions did take place, the reader was not privy to it.
Even in book one, the dad was made out to be this unreasonable, controlling person who interfered in his daughters’ lives. This dad's controlling behavior, however, played out in the background. The reader did not get to see him in action – well, maybe in two short scenes – hence, as a somewhat villain in the story, I felt he was grossly neglected. Rory told her dad off at the end, but that was too easy – a build-up of their eventual confrontation would have added more depth to that specific plotline.
I liked Nash and Rory’s story and will be moving on to the next book in the series: Heartbreaker. I must add, though, that I really did not like Natalie - Nash's BFF and Rory's sister - because of how she treated Rory in this book. I know Natalie has a book as well, and I guess I will have to decide if I'm going to read it once I get there. But who knows, the author might just surprise me with a likeable FMC like she did in this one.
I started out thinking that Nash was too young (25) and the age gap too big (8), but that was not the case. Nash was very well written as a character; he was mature, responsible, knew what he wanted (Rory) and went after it/her. Rory’s growth was great to behold. From what I can recall of her character in Finn and Willow’s book, she was not likeable at all (snobby, sarcastic, a snitch, disagreeable, etc. etc.). This book, however, gave us a peek into Rory’s mind, and the difference between how she presented herself to the world vs. who she really was on the inside was more than a mile long.
In this book, we were introduced to a Rory who was a normal, really likeable woman, mother, daughter and sister; one whose divorce forced her to get in touch with who she really was. Although, I will never know why the FMC’s in romance novels love their alcohol so much – they forever have a drink in their hand and get tipsy more often than not.
Maybe this is just part of small-town culture, but a grown woman referring to her father as “Daddy” was cringeworthy; this was an issue I had with the first book as well. And although Rory’s character growth was beautiful to see, I wished that she had stopped pretending to the outside world as long as she did. All this thinking and realizations unfurled in her mind, but that is where it stayed for most of the book; she only showed her true self to the rest of the town at the end of the book – Nash was the only one who saw the real Rory throughout. It would have been nice if she came out much earlier.
The growing love between Nash and Rory was too low-key in my view. They had chemistry, started a fling that carried on for months, and they never talked about where it was going. This fling eventually turned into love, but how or when it happened was not something the reader did not get to see. Instead, we were told that they loved each other, and I missed walking that journey of discovery with the characters. Nash and Rory never discussed her relationship with her ex-husband or how she felt about him or the fact that she realized that she never loved him in the first place and got married for the wrong reasons. If those discussions did take place, the reader was not privy to it.
Even in book one, the dad was made out to be this unreasonable, controlling person who interfered in his daughters’ lives. This dad's controlling behavior, however, played out in the background. The reader did not get to see him in action – well, maybe in two short scenes – hence, as a somewhat villain in the story, I felt he was grossly neglected. Rory told her dad off at the end, but that was too easy – a build-up of their eventual confrontation would have added more depth to that specific plotline.
I liked Nash and Rory’s story and will be moving on to the next book in the series: Heartbreaker. I must add, though, that I really did not like Natalie - Nash's BFF and Rory's sister - because of how she treated Rory in this book. I know Natalie has a book as well, and I guess I will have to decide if I'm going to read it once I get there. But who knows, the author might just surprise me with a likeable FMC like she did in this one.
March 2, 2025
Brighton Walsh broke the mold with Nash and Rory in “Troublemaker”. It is the second book in the Havenbrook Series. It is an opposites attract, reverse age gap, single mom romance that had me cheering when the fire ignited between them.
Rory is the eldest Haven daughter, and has always lived up to the perfect expectation set for her. She has lived as the dutiful daughter, wife and mother until it all comes crashing down. After her divorce, she starts to entertain her dream of working beyond town hall and following her home design dreams. She had been working on this hustle on the side (you see this in book 1) and in this book she strikes up a working relationship with Nash (he has a construction business with his dad). Nash (this beautiful man is 8 years younger…Rory used to babysit him) sees the Rory who is bubbling underneath.
I thought I loved the first book, and dear lord, Rory and Nash came flying into my orbit. Nash has the beautiful golden retriever energy and Rory is the closed off and guarded woman who just wants to find her new normal fresh off her divorce. Brighton made me feel that elder sister, “duty calls” energy with both sadness and frustration for her. And then Nash comes in and flips her all around and shows her the other side of herself and it is so beautifully written. As they both start to fall for each other, the sparks start flying with tenderness and plenty of spice.
What I love so much about Brighton’s writing, and this story in particular, it that the characters are so real, the world is easy to picture, and the spice is potent while not overwhelming the story. It is consistently delicious and sprinkled between moments of everyday life. The growth Nash guides Rory to, and the journey she goes on as her own person, had me feeling emotional in the best way.
Rory is the eldest Haven daughter, and has always lived up to the perfect expectation set for her. She has lived as the dutiful daughter, wife and mother until it all comes crashing down. After her divorce, she starts to entertain her dream of working beyond town hall and following her home design dreams. She had been working on this hustle on the side (you see this in book 1) and in this book she strikes up a working relationship with Nash (he has a construction business with his dad). Nash (this beautiful man is 8 years younger…Rory used to babysit him) sees the Rory who is bubbling underneath.
I thought I loved the first book, and dear lord, Rory and Nash came flying into my orbit. Nash has the beautiful golden retriever energy and Rory is the closed off and guarded woman who just wants to find her new normal fresh off her divorce. Brighton made me feel that elder sister, “duty calls” energy with both sadness and frustration for her. And then Nash comes in and flips her all around and shows her the other side of herself and it is so beautifully written. As they both start to fall for each other, the sparks start flying with tenderness and plenty of spice.
What I love so much about Brighton’s writing, and this story in particular, it that the characters are so real, the world is easy to picture, and the spice is potent while not overwhelming the story. It is consistently delicious and sprinkled between moments of everyday life. The growth Nash guides Rory to, and the journey she goes on as her own person, had me feeling emotional in the best way.
March 11, 2025
Rory & Nash were reverse age gap couple goals!
I'll be the first to admit I was not a fan of Rory in Charmer (book 1 in the Havenbrook series), and was waiting for someone to knock her down a peg or two, or ten, but she was so much more under all the pretense and fake facade than I ever could've imagined. I ended up loving her so darn much. Nash could not have been a more perfect man for her and the reverse age gap made their love story so much more for me.
A recently divorced single mom of two, trying to find her way in their judgmental small town, Rory is finding it difficult to do what makes her happy and stop caring what everyone else thinks and wants from her. She's silently spiraling and the only one that seems to get her and truly see her is her younger sister's best friend, Nash. Try as she may she could not resist the temptation that was Nash and that man took her walls and obliterated them.
The banter between these two was top tier. It added so much to their relationship, and I adored the way Nash got all hot and bothered by her bossiness and sassy mouth. The spice was spicy! Whoo wee! Hot. Hot. Hot.
It's been a long time since a series has kept me as entertained and captivated as Havenbrook and I am loving it! I was all in from the first chapter in Charmer, then Troublmaker made me fall in love with this family, and I just know Heartbreaker and Faker are going to ruin me. Brighton Walsh has been an auto read author for me since I read Rebel Heart, and Havenbrook just reiterated that for me. She writes the swooniest hero's, the fiercest FMC's, and the perfect mix of romance, banter and spice.
I'll be the first to admit I was not a fan of Rory in Charmer (book 1 in the Havenbrook series), and was waiting for someone to knock her down a peg or two, or ten, but she was so much more under all the pretense and fake facade than I ever could've imagined. I ended up loving her so darn much. Nash could not have been a more perfect man for her and the reverse age gap made their love story so much more for me.
A recently divorced single mom of two, trying to find her way in their judgmental small town, Rory is finding it difficult to do what makes her happy and stop caring what everyone else thinks and wants from her. She's silently spiraling and the only one that seems to get her and truly see her is her younger sister's best friend, Nash. Try as she may she could not resist the temptation that was Nash and that man took her walls and obliterated them.
The banter between these two was top tier. It added so much to their relationship, and I adored the way Nash got all hot and bothered by her bossiness and sassy mouth. The spice was spicy! Whoo wee! Hot. Hot. Hot.
It's been a long time since a series has kept me as entertained and captivated as Havenbrook and I am loving it! I was all in from the first chapter in Charmer, then Troublmaker made me fall in love with this family, and I just know Heartbreaker and Faker are going to ruin me. Brighton Walsh has been an auto read author for me since I read Rebel Heart, and Havenbrook just reiterated that for me. She writes the swooniest hero's, the fiercest FMC's, and the perfect mix of romance, banter and spice.
March 12, 2025
After seeing bits and pieces of Rory’s life and how she was forced to be the perfect “oldest sister” in the first book in this series, I was so excited to do a deep dive into Rory because I just knew she was going to be a complex and interesting character. And as always, I was not disappointed in the slightest, this book was fantastic!
Rory, after being spurned by her now ex husband on multiple occasions, is now a single mother of two and is finding herself forced back into the workforce after years of being a stay at home mother. She’s forced to work for her father, who we know from the previous book is an absolutely awful, piece of work of a man.
Nash, when given the news that he has less time than he thought to pull together the funds to purchase the family business, suggests a partnership with his best friends older sister. Rory and Nash have worked together, in the first book, on the Willow Tree bar and were highly sought after for their work and design expertise.
This partnership blossoms into an unlikely friendship and while there is an age gap between the two, with Rory being eight years older, they work well together in all facets of their life.
Can Rory allow herself to see beyond the gossip and stares of the small town busy bodies and allow herself a chance at true happiness? Can the two of them grow together and find that perhaps you find exactly what you need, even when you’re not actively on the lookout for it.
Another absolute win by Brighton, who is my go to for banter, spice and absolutely amazing characters. The spice in this book is amazing, and the family drama and dynamics keep the book fast paced and interesting.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Rory, after being spurned by her now ex husband on multiple occasions, is now a single mother of two and is finding herself forced back into the workforce after years of being a stay at home mother. She’s forced to work for her father, who we know from the previous book is an absolutely awful, piece of work of a man.
Nash, when given the news that he has less time than he thought to pull together the funds to purchase the family business, suggests a partnership with his best friends older sister. Rory and Nash have worked together, in the first book, on the Willow Tree bar and were highly sought after for their work and design expertise.
This partnership blossoms into an unlikely friendship and while there is an age gap between the two, with Rory being eight years older, they work well together in all facets of their life.
Can Rory allow herself to see beyond the gossip and stares of the small town busy bodies and allow herself a chance at true happiness? Can the two of them grow together and find that perhaps you find exactly what you need, even when you’re not actively on the lookout for it.
Another absolute win by Brighton, who is my go to for banter, spice and absolutely amazing characters. The spice in this book is amazing, and the family drama and dynamics keep the book fast paced and interesting.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
March 19, 2025
I could not put this book down. It’s funny, romantic, witty and completely unputdownable! And don’t worry, there’s plenty of spice! There’s something so relatable about Rory and Nash’s relationship and their banter is on point! Nash's love for Rory and his seamless entry into her world are natural and unforced. It’s an age-gap romance (she’s 8 years older) and normally I’m not crazy for them. However, Rory’s new reality and discovery of herself combined with Nash’s patience and humor with her had me smiling and swooning as he loved her hard through every moment. I was consumed by this book - left breathless, waiting for their next interaction. The way he loved her is everything and the way she could be real with him, when she couldn’t be with anyone else in her life, had me feeling hopeful for every woman who’s yearning for something more for themselves.
Rory’s ex-husband cheated on her and left her and her two daughters for her best friend (ooof). On her own, Rory refuses to live her new life the way she used to and instead of accepting the strings attached help from her father, she’s working two jobs and living in a major fixer upper. Nash worked with Rory on a construction project before her divorce and has had a crush on her for years. Now that she’s single and looking for work, he offers her a partnership where her design skills are paired with his construction jobs. It also gives him the chance to be with her and explore their explosive chemistry. It’s a character-driven age-gap romance where the journey of both characters leads them to one another in a melt-your-heart and set-your-panties-on-fire love story. Absolutely recommend! 5 stars. 2 peppers.
Rory’s ex-husband cheated on her and left her and her two daughters for her best friend (ooof). On her own, Rory refuses to live her new life the way she used to and instead of accepting the strings attached help from her father, she’s working two jobs and living in a major fixer upper. Nash worked with Rory on a construction project before her divorce and has had a crush on her for years. Now that she’s single and looking for work, he offers her a partnership where her design skills are paired with his construction jobs. It also gives him the chance to be with her and explore their explosive chemistry. It’s a character-driven age-gap romance where the journey of both characters leads them to one another in a melt-your-heart and set-your-panties-on-fire love story. Absolutely recommend! 5 stars. 2 peppers.
March 19, 2025
Every book in this series “Havenbrook” by @brightonwalsh is absolutely a 5 star read. Complete with romance, rowdiness, and southern charm, this series has everything you look for in a small down romance.
Charmer: Will and Finn’s story. I love a second chance romance and this one was perfect. The doubt snd fear at starting new felt incredibly real, and Will’s personal struggles with finding balance in her life were so relatable on a romantic and personal level. Absolutely loved!
Trouble Maker: Rory and Nash’s story. Going in I knew, I was going to love Rory. As an oldest daughter myself, I completely relayed to the pressure she felt growing up. I loved Nash’s carefree attitude and how it helped Rory to open up and love herself. Adored!
Heart Breaker: Mac and Hudson’s story. As a wild child, outdoors lover, Mac spoke to me. I remember doing tons of the same things she did while I was growing up, and reading it filled me with feelings of nostalgia and joy. Hudson’s relentless devotion to her, every part of her, made me swoon immediately. 10/10.
Faker: Nat and Asher’s story. Nat is the sister I felt through the rest of the series that I would be the least similar to, but I was wrong. So many parts of her story, where she traversed learning new roles and abilities within the family she chose, spoke to me in ways I’m just learning myself and a hopeful mom-to-be. I can’t wait to experience those things myself in real life, puke and all.
Overall series, HIGHLY recommend. You get a little bit of everything with these characters, you won’t be disappointed
Charmer: Will and Finn’s story. I love a second chance romance and this one was perfect. The doubt snd fear at starting new felt incredibly real, and Will’s personal struggles with finding balance in her life were so relatable on a romantic and personal level. Absolutely loved!
Trouble Maker: Rory and Nash’s story. Going in I knew, I was going to love Rory. As an oldest daughter myself, I completely relayed to the pressure she felt growing up. I loved Nash’s carefree attitude and how it helped Rory to open up and love herself. Adored!
Heart Breaker: Mac and Hudson’s story. As a wild child, outdoors lover, Mac spoke to me. I remember doing tons of the same things she did while I was growing up, and reading it filled me with feelings of nostalgia and joy. Hudson’s relentless devotion to her, every part of her, made me swoon immediately. 10/10.
Faker: Nat and Asher’s story. Nat is the sister I felt through the rest of the series that I would be the least similar to, but I was wrong. So many parts of her story, where she traversed learning new roles and abilities within the family she chose, spoke to me in ways I’m just learning myself and a hopeful mom-to-be. I can’t wait to experience those things myself in real life, puke and all.
Overall series, HIGHLY recommend. You get a little bit of everything with these characters, you won’t be disappointed
March 3, 2025
Rory is a recently divorced mother of two, whose ex husband cheated on her. Nash is her traveling sister’s best friend. Sparks fly when they’re thrown together for work and it’s not long before the chemistry and tension builds and the spice gets spicy!
I love how much Rory grows and comes into her own in this story. Nash is such a supportive character and he helps her realize her dreams. They have such great banter together that kept bringing a grin to my face.
I love how we get plenty of sister time and get to see what her sister Willow is up to since Willow and Finn were the focus of book one. You don’t have to read book one though to dive into this one. The family dynamics are great in this one as well and add tension in some aspects (looking at the “dads” in this one 🤬), while also adding so much heart and spunk with Gran (seriously made me wish I could be having lunch with my Grandmas).
The writing kept me glued to the page even though this is reread for me (though this edition is newly updated!) because Brighton writes such easy and natural prose that I couldn’t put it down! This is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE ROMANCES, so of course I highly recommend you check it out!!
What you get:
💜opposites attract
💜best friend’s sister
💜age gap (FMC is older)
💜it’s always been her
💜small town setting
💜hilarious dialogue that will make you LOL
💜witty and emotional writing
I read an advanced copy of the new edition.
I love how much Rory grows and comes into her own in this story. Nash is such a supportive character and he helps her realize her dreams. They have such great banter together that kept bringing a grin to my face.
I love how we get plenty of sister time and get to see what her sister Willow is up to since Willow and Finn were the focus of book one. You don’t have to read book one though to dive into this one. The family dynamics are great in this one as well and add tension in some aspects (looking at the “dads” in this one 🤬), while also adding so much heart and spunk with Gran (seriously made me wish I could be having lunch with my Grandmas).
The writing kept me glued to the page even though this is reread for me (though this edition is newly updated!) because Brighton writes such easy and natural prose that I couldn’t put it down! This is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE ROMANCES, so of course I highly recommend you check it out!!
What you get:
💜opposites attract
💜best friend’s sister
💜age gap (FMC is older)
💜it’s always been her
💜small town setting
💜hilarious dialogue that will make you LOL
💜witty and emotional writing
I read an advanced copy of the new edition.
September 1, 2025
Troublemaker by Brighton Walsh is book two in the Havenbrook series, and it was such a fun read. We first meet Rory in book one, but this is her chance to really shine—and her story pulled me in right away. Fresh off a messy divorce after her husband cheats with her best friend, Rory is left juggling single motherhood, a job she doesn’t love, and the pressure of always feeling she needs to be the responsible, older sister who puts everyone else first. She’s so busy holding it all together that she forgets to take care of herself.
Enter Nash King—her youngest sister’s best friend—and the chemistry between them leaps off the page. I loved how Nash has always truly seen Rory for who she is, even when she doesn’t see it herself. Watching Rory navigate her new reality—standing up to her father, rediscovering her passions, learning to care for herself as much as she does for her daughters—was such a rewarding journey. And the ending? Absolute perfection. She finally gets everything she’s always deserved, and it felt soooo good.
I adore the world Brighton Walsh has created in Havenbrook. It’s heartfelt, charming, and full of characters you want to root for. This book made me even more excited for books three and four—I can’t wait to dive back into this small town and see what’s next.
Enter Nash King—her youngest sister’s best friend—and the chemistry between them leaps off the page. I loved how Nash has always truly seen Rory for who she is, even when she doesn’t see it herself. Watching Rory navigate her new reality—standing up to her father, rediscovering her passions, learning to care for herself as much as she does for her daughters—was such a rewarding journey. And the ending? Absolute perfection. She finally gets everything she’s always deserved, and it felt soooo good.
I adore the world Brighton Walsh has created in Havenbrook. It’s heartfelt, charming, and full of characters you want to root for. This book made me even more excited for books three and four—I can’t wait to dive back into this small town and see what’s next.
March 7, 2025
A new cover, reworked story, and new title. Love it all!
This 2nd book about the eldest Haven sister, Rory, is a delight. Rory and the younger Nash are definitely not supposed to be together. Talk about an unlikely couple! But they are seriously two who you root for throughout this story.
Rory is dealing with a failed marriage. A cheating husband. Two children. And scandal like this just doesn’t happen to the “perfectly put together” Haven sister. Nash is Rory’s youngest sister’s best friend and to make matters more complicated, Rory and her youngest sister barely speak. But all of this doesn’t stop Rory and Nash from finding themselves attracted to each other, having some hot, steamy, secret times together, that ultimately turn into so much more.
I fell in love with Nash. Immediately! He’s just what Rory needed all along. And Rory, who was so reserved and always determined to be exactly what their overbearing daddy (the Mayor of Havenbrook) expected, comes into her own here and I loved her finally finding her authentic self.
Great story. Didn’t want this book to end. Bring on book 3!
This 2nd book about the eldest Haven sister, Rory, is a delight. Rory and the younger Nash are definitely not supposed to be together. Talk about an unlikely couple! But they are seriously two who you root for throughout this story.
Rory is dealing with a failed marriage. A cheating husband. Two children. And scandal like this just doesn’t happen to the “perfectly put together” Haven sister. Nash is Rory’s youngest sister’s best friend and to make matters more complicated, Rory and her youngest sister barely speak. But all of this doesn’t stop Rory and Nash from finding themselves attracted to each other, having some hot, steamy, secret times together, that ultimately turn into so much more.
I fell in love with Nash. Immediately! He’s just what Rory needed all along. And Rory, who was so reserved and always determined to be exactly what their overbearing daddy (the Mayor of Havenbrook) expected, comes into her own here and I loved her finally finding her authentic self.
Great story. Didn’t want this book to end. Bring on book 3!
March 15, 2025
Thank you to the author for the eARC.
Troublemaker features our next Haven sister, Rory. Rory was…a difficult character to like in Charmer, but I knew that I’d love getting to know the real her.
Her MMC is Nash, eight years younger than her, and best friends with her little sister. She even babysat him when they were both kids. But Nash has been pining for her for 10 years, and now that she’s divorced, there’s nothing stopping him from shooting his shot.
Troublemaker was such an enjoyable read. Rory is basically having a life crisis, coming to terms with what she wants, accepting herself, and not letting other people (mostly men and gossipy townspeople) stop her for going after her dreams. And Nash is the one that is always 100% supportive and pushing her to be honest and open and be herself.
The age gap didn’t feel problematic; with Nash’s upbringing, he has been basically an adult for most of his childhood.
There was a third act break-up that I was prepared for, but Rory’s grand gesture was really heartwarming and saved the day. Overall, Troublemaker was a perfect mix of small town, spice, and forbidden and I was totally here for it.
Troublemaker features our next Haven sister, Rory. Rory was…a difficult character to like in Charmer, but I knew that I’d love getting to know the real her.
Her MMC is Nash, eight years younger than her, and best friends with her little sister. She even babysat him when they were both kids. But Nash has been pining for her for 10 years, and now that she’s divorced, there’s nothing stopping him from shooting his shot.
Troublemaker was such an enjoyable read. Rory is basically having a life crisis, coming to terms with what she wants, accepting herself, and not letting other people (mostly men and gossipy townspeople) stop her for going after her dreams. And Nash is the one that is always 100% supportive and pushing her to be honest and open and be herself.
The age gap didn’t feel problematic; with Nash’s upbringing, he has been basically an adult for most of his childhood.
There was a third act break-up that I was prepared for, but Rory’s grand gesture was really heartwarming and saved the day. Overall, Troublemaker was a perfect mix of small town, spice, and forbidden and I was totally here for it.
March 17, 2025
🔥 Troublemaker by Brighton Walsh is the kind of romance that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go! It’s packed with off-the-charts chemistry, sizzling tension, and all the heart-fluttering moments that make you swoon HARD.
From the get-go, this book had me hooked. The banter? Sharp, hilarious, and absolutely perfect. The attraction? Undeniable. And the romance? A slow, tension-filled ride that had me grinning, sighing, and swooning in equal measure. Brighton Walsh knows exactly how to craft characters that feel so real—flawed, passionate, and utterly irresistible together.
But Troublemaker isn’t just about the sparks flying and the delicious push-and-pull—it’s about finding love when you least expect it, letting go of fear, and taking a chance on something real. It’s sweet, sexy, and packed with all the moments that make your heart race and your soul ache for more.
💫 If you love grumpy vs. sunshine vibes, witty banter, and a romance that’s both steamy and so full of heart, then Troublemaker is a book you need in your life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Flirty, fun, and full of heart—this book is EVERYTHING I wanted and more!
From the get-go, this book had me hooked. The banter? Sharp, hilarious, and absolutely perfect. The attraction? Undeniable. And the romance? A slow, tension-filled ride that had me grinning, sighing, and swooning in equal measure. Brighton Walsh knows exactly how to craft characters that feel so real—flawed, passionate, and utterly irresistible together.
But Troublemaker isn’t just about the sparks flying and the delicious push-and-pull—it’s about finding love when you least expect it, letting go of fear, and taking a chance on something real. It’s sweet, sexy, and packed with all the moments that make your heart race and your soul ache for more.
💫 If you love grumpy vs. sunshine vibes, witty banter, and a romance that’s both steamy and so full of heart, then Troublemaker is a book you need in your life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Flirty, fun, and full of heart—this book is EVERYTHING I wanted and more!
March 9, 2025
Delicious! This book is just delicious! The forbidden relationship, the town gossip, the swoonworthy caretaking and the heartwarming trust that's hard won.
Nash King remains one of my favourite of Brighton Walsh's heroes. He's cheeky and smug, he's caring and thoughtful and underneath it all he is just as vulnerable as Rory.
Rory is an amazing heroine. Her character evolves, learns, changes so much in their story. She comes into her own and learns to trust her own voice rather than those that had been putting her down or limiting her in the past.
The chemistry Nash and Rory have will set your kindle on fire from the beginning. Rory is so prim and proper and I love how Nash shocks her with his dirty talking. There is a lot of caretaking in their relationship - Nash not only looks after Rory in the bedroom but he makes dinner and pays attention to her hopes and dreams which no other man has done for her.
This was a re-read for me and I love it just as much, if not more each time I read.
Nash King remains one of my favourite of Brighton Walsh's heroes. He's cheeky and smug, he's caring and thoughtful and underneath it all he is just as vulnerable as Rory.
Rory is an amazing heroine. Her character evolves, learns, changes so much in their story. She comes into her own and learns to trust her own voice rather than those that had been putting her down or limiting her in the past.
The chemistry Nash and Rory have will set your kindle on fire from the beginning. Rory is so prim and proper and I love how Nash shocks her with his dirty talking. There is a lot of caretaking in their relationship - Nash not only looks after Rory in the bedroom but he makes dinner and pays attention to her hopes and dreams which no other man has done for her.
This was a re-read for me and I love it just as much, if not more each time I read.
March 14, 2025
Rory has survived a horrible marriage and a divorce from her douchebag husband. To make ends meet, she works at the town hall part-time while caring for her two young daughters. To her surprise, she builds a connection with Nash, her younger sister’s best friend, who is eight years younger.
As they work closely together on their renovation projects, Nash soon sees the real Rory for who she is—not the ice queen, but a woman who is smart, strong and passionate about her job. I loved how Nash treats her right and even cooks for her. And that expensive cupcake ….just wow!
Besides the romance, I really loved seeing Rory’s journey towards finding herself and prioritising her own happiness. She lost so much in her marriage, by prioritising someone who was totally not worth her time. Nash is truly the right person to be by her side, allowing her to fight her own fights, but always there for her when she needs someone.
As they work closely together on their renovation projects, Nash soon sees the real Rory for who she is—not the ice queen, but a woman who is smart, strong and passionate about her job. I loved how Nash treats her right and even cooks for her. And that expensive cupcake ….just wow!
Besides the romance, I really loved seeing Rory’s journey towards finding herself and prioritising her own happiness. She lost so much in her marriage, by prioritising someone who was totally not worth her time. Nash is truly the right person to be by her side, allowing her to fight her own fights, but always there for her when she needs someone.
March 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest review :)
Oh wow.
This book is easily my favourite Brighton Walsh book out of the ones I’ve read!
Within literally the first 50 pages I knew it was going to be a 5⭐️ read for me!
This book introduced me to the finest man on the planet, mr Nash King!
It also introduced me to a trope I’ve never read about before. Rory, our FMC was a newly divorced single mum of 2 after being cheated on. Now, I hate cheaters with a passion, but at least it means a fine ass man can come on in and make us believe in love again!
I loved loved loved this book so much and am obsessed with Rory and Nash
He’s everything you could want! A sexy, shirtless construction worker who is definitely not afraid to get down and dirty, but is also the most loyal man you’ll ever meet. I mean, he wanted Rory for years and still waited for her while she got married and had kids!
Their relationship was super cute and I love the two of them together!
I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest review :)
Oh wow.
This book is easily my favourite Brighton Walsh book out of the ones I’ve read!
Within literally the first 50 pages I knew it was going to be a 5⭐️ read for me!
This book introduced me to the finest man on the planet, mr Nash King!
It also introduced me to a trope I’ve never read about before. Rory, our FMC was a newly divorced single mum of 2 after being cheated on. Now, I hate cheaters with a passion, but at least it means a fine ass man can come on in and make us believe in love again!
I loved loved loved this book so much and am obsessed with Rory and Nash
He’s everything you could want! A sexy, shirtless construction worker who is definitely not afraid to get down and dirty, but is also the most loyal man you’ll ever meet. I mean, he wanted Rory for years and still waited for her while she got married and had kids!
Their relationship was super cute and I love the two of them together!
March 6, 2025
Rory Haven is an Academy Award winning actress- or at least she should be with how well she has hidden her pain and unhappiness behind the veneer of unforgiving perfection she presents to the world. As the eldest sibling, she has shouldered the brunt of her daddy’s disappointment in her and her sisters’ lack of the right chromosomes. The only positives she received from her marriage to her sorry excuse for a husband (and human being) were her beautiful daughters. Her divorced status may be the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back as her facade starts to fissure and the woman Nash has known was there all along begins to emerge and he is the perfect counterpart on her journey of self discovery. Filled with family, friends, tender moments and steam, this one will make you laugh, tear up and possibly make you blush while providing the impetus for a return visit to Havenbrook.
March 24, 2025
I didn’t read this series when it was originally published, so I can’t speak to the growth and revisions, but I am thankful for the eARC provided by the author for a review - all opinions are my own.
I love Brighton’s Starlight Cove series so I was so excited to come to Havenbrook.
“Fuck the people who say you're too. Too old, too much, too demanding, too whatever." She waved a hand in the air. "It's all bullshit. You're exactly the right amount.” I found so much of myself within Rory. I loved her relationship and chemistry with Nash. Rory is a very nuanced character that we really see blossom and find herself again after everything. I’m so excited to see how each of the characters grow throughout the series.
Troublemaker is an age gap, opposites attract, sister’s best friend small town romance.
I love Brighton’s Starlight Cove series so I was so excited to come to Havenbrook.
“Fuck the people who say you're too. Too old, too much, too demanding, too whatever." She waved a hand in the air. "It's all bullshit. You're exactly the right amount.” I found so much of myself within Rory. I loved her relationship and chemistry with Nash. Rory is a very nuanced character that we really see blossom and find herself again after everything. I’m so excited to see how each of the characters grow throughout the series.
Troublemaker is an age gap, opposites attract, sister’s best friend small town romance.
March 31, 2025
I really enjoyed Troublemaker by Brighton Walsh, book two in the Havenbrook series, a heartwarming, reverse age gap, small town romance full of spice, heart, longing and family as this story takes place about a year after the first one, featuring the eldest Haven sister, Rory and her youngest sister’s best friend Nash. Rory expected to be perfect: a dutiful daughter, wife and mother, until it crashes down around her. After her divorce, she starts to think about her dream of working beyond town hall by following her home design dreams. She had been doing some designs on the side and begins a working relationship with Nash; who has a construction business with his dad. Nash sees beneath Rory’s façade, showing her all that is possible.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this newer edition of the book, though I purchased the original.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this newer edition of the book, though I purchased the original.
February 28, 2025
A sexy, southern small-town, reverse age-gap (she’s older) romance!
“From the beginning, I’d been myself, completely. He’d welcomed all the broken, bruised, cracked, messed-up pieces of me. And he loved me in spite of them. Loved me because of them.”
The chemistry between Nash and Rory is 🔥🔥🔥! I loved the banter and southern back talk between these two. Although their personalities are the exact opposite, they’re perfect for each other. Nash has had a crush on Rory for a decade, but thought he’d never have a chance with her. Rory has spent her life trying to please others at the expense of her own happiness.
A very entertaining read!
This is the second book in the Havenbrook series.
“From the beginning, I’d been myself, completely. He’d welcomed all the broken, bruised, cracked, messed-up pieces of me. And he loved me in spite of them. Loved me because of them.”
The chemistry between Nash and Rory is 🔥🔥🔥! I loved the banter and southern back talk between these two. Although their personalities are the exact opposite, they’re perfect for each other. Nash has had a crush on Rory for a decade, but thought he’d never have a chance with her. Rory has spent her life trying to please others at the expense of her own happiness.
A very entertaining read!
This is the second book in the Havenbrook series.
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