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Tee'd Up For Trouble
One American Billionaire + One Irish Pub Owner = Trouble
Burned by betrayal, Jax Caldwell, golf’s answer to Henry Cavill, needs a break from the spotlight. He didn’t expect to find it in the form of a busted Porsche on a muddy road leading to the edge of Ballybeg, Ireland.
The only vacancy in town is a cramped room above The Banshee’s Rest, a crumbling pub owned by the fierce, breathtaking Deirdre Gallagher.
Dee has no time for spoiled American playboys, no matter how sinful their smiles—she’s too busy trying to save her family’s legacy and protect the village from developers hell-bent on paving over their lands.
As sparks fly and their slow-burn attraction threatens to boil over, old betrayals resurface—ones that could cost Dee her everything, and Jax, the woman he’s fallen in love with.
Set against the lush, wild landscape of Ireland, Tee'd Up For Trouble is a small-town sports romance that features your favorite
🍀 Cinnamon Roll Hero
🍀 Grumpy (she) vs. Sunshine (he)
🍀 Sports Romance
🍀 Perceived betrayal
🍀 Other Woman/Man Drama
🍀 Irish Village Quirkiness
🍀 No Cheating
🍀 Complete Standalone
NOTE: This book is going to be republished soon as "TILL THERE WAS YOU" and will be part of Maya Alden's A Modern Vintage Romance series. There may be some new content in the republished work.
Burned by betrayal, Jax Caldwell, golf’s answer to Henry Cavill, needs a break from the spotlight. He didn’t expect to find it in the form of a busted Porsche on a muddy road leading to the edge of Ballybeg, Ireland.
The only vacancy in town is a cramped room above The Banshee’s Rest, a crumbling pub owned by the fierce, breathtaking Deirdre Gallagher.
Dee has no time for spoiled American playboys, no matter how sinful their smiles—she’s too busy trying to save her family’s legacy and protect the village from developers hell-bent on paving over their lands.
As sparks fly and their slow-burn attraction threatens to boil over, old betrayals resurface—ones that could cost Dee her everything, and Jax, the woman he’s fallen in love with.
Set against the lush, wild landscape of Ireland, Tee'd Up For Trouble is a small-town sports romance that features your favorite
🍀 Cinnamon Roll Hero
🍀 Grumpy (she) vs. Sunshine (he)
🍀 Sports Romance
🍀 Perceived betrayal
🍀 Other Woman/Man Drama
🍀 Irish Village Quirkiness
🍀 No Cheating
🍀 Complete Standalone
NOTE: This book is going to be republished soon as "TILL THERE WAS YOU" and will be part of Maya Alden's A Modern Vintage Romance series. There may be some new content in the republished work.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
341 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Maya Alden
55 books1,172 followersA top 20 Amazon Bestselling Author, Maya Alden pens angsty contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
April 2, 2025
Jax is one of my FA favorite Maya characters. If you have read No Ordinary Love you already know Jax.
This book is a stand alone so it is not necessary to read it but it is a fantastic book.
Jax is so different from the men Maya writes he is sunshine to her grumpy. He is calm patient and loving and cute as hell. Dee has been hurt and her defenses are up around Jax until they aren’t. So what you have here is a role reversal and hell if it doesn’t work well in this one.
This book is light and funny there were times I was laughing out loud. There is still plenty of angst and drama but iMaya handles it with humor. The picture Maya paint of Ballybeg is surreal I could see the rolling green hills.
Another winner for Maya Alden on the way.
This book is a stand alone so it is not necessary to read it but it is a fantastic book.
Jax is so different from the men Maya writes he is sunshine to her grumpy. He is calm patient and loving and cute as hell. Dee has been hurt and her defenses are up around Jax until they aren’t. So what you have here is a role reversal and hell if it doesn’t work well in this one.
This book is light and funny there were times I was laughing out loud. There is still plenty of angst and drama but iMaya handles it with humor. The picture Maya paint of Ballybeg is surreal I could see the rolling green hills.
Another winner for Maya Alden on the way.
May 10, 2025
Sweet story. No real angst or conflict between H and h.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
Oh my holy macaroni....this was the best best best book ever. Such. Afun read and Jax is my book boyfriend. This was super exciting and such a feel good book. Like I love that she messes up and not H for once. He's so sweet especially when he asks Paddy to lie about the car and defends her against the ex at the pub. I totally loved Liam, it was bittersweet with his cancer story. Such a darling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
Jax! I was so excited to see Maya was writing a book for Jax, who was perfect book boyfriend material from No Ordinary Love (which was awesome btw if you haven’t read it).
Tee’d Up for Trouble is a grumpy/sunshine, sports romance with cozy Irish vibes. I loooved the setting of Ballybeg, Ireland and our heroine, the local pub owner of the Banshee’s Rest (coolest name ever), Dee was a perfect match for Jax.
I love a heroine who speaks her mind and takes no nonsense. Dee was such a great character. She’s a redhead so you know how fiery they can be! Jax is stranded in the beautiful Irish countryside after his friend’s Porsche breaks down and of course, he’s stuck because you’re in rural Ireland and you’re not getting exotic car parts here at the drop of a hat. He meets our heroine and rents a room at her lovely Inn and Pub. Jax steps in to help after learning Ballybeg is being scouted for takeover by rich investors wanting a shiny new, Irish golf course. Not while our boy Jax is around! And of course, there are plenty of fun local characters that will have you laughing at their antics. I love small town vibes with the local eccentrics and gossip. It’s always a blast to visit a setting like this.
Dee was cheated on by her ex and is reluctant to start anything or except help from an American PGA champion playboy. Can’t say I blame her, but Jax can’t help his attraction to the local lass and he’s soon swept off his feet. Their back and forth banter was so funny and cute as the story went on and you could feel them falling for each other and Dee get knocked over by her growing feelings. A perfect Spring time read, especially if you’re feeling up for a little reading travel 🍀
Tee’d Up for Trouble is a grumpy/sunshine, sports romance with cozy Irish vibes. I loooved the setting of Ballybeg, Ireland and our heroine, the local pub owner of the Banshee’s Rest (coolest name ever), Dee was a perfect match for Jax.
I love a heroine who speaks her mind and takes no nonsense. Dee was such a great character. She’s a redhead so you know how fiery they can be! Jax is stranded in the beautiful Irish countryside after his friend’s Porsche breaks down and of course, he’s stuck because you’re in rural Ireland and you’re not getting exotic car parts here at the drop of a hat. He meets our heroine and rents a room at her lovely Inn and Pub. Jax steps in to help after learning Ballybeg is being scouted for takeover by rich investors wanting a shiny new, Irish golf course. Not while our boy Jax is around! And of course, there are plenty of fun local characters that will have you laughing at their antics. I love small town vibes with the local eccentrics and gossip. It’s always a blast to visit a setting like this.
Dee was cheated on by her ex and is reluctant to start anything or except help from an American PGA champion playboy. Can’t say I blame her, but Jax can’t help his attraction to the local lass and he’s soon swept off his feet. Their back and forth banter was so funny and cute as the story went on and you could feel them falling for each other and Dee get knocked over by her growing feelings. A perfect Spring time read, especially if you’re feeling up for a little reading travel 🍀
September 2, 2025
amazing!! I loved Jax and Dee's love story! Jax was definitely a cinnamon roll hero and Dee was fierce!! it was a perfect combo. also the supproting secondary characters were all outstanding!! From Saoirse telling Jax he is rich enough to be as old as he wants to Liam, the pincher, Geraldine and Seamus arguing about their pets!! It was awesome.. and those animals!! they were lovely too!! Fergus, Poppy, Molly Moo! and Johny the goat who has Abandonment issues!! haahah..it was a feel good, laugh heartily and as loudly as u can type of book!! I loved the entire good vibe of the book!! it was amazing and i loved it!! so 5 stars it is!!
February 22, 2025
Are you in need of a new book boyfriend? Look no further, because Jax is your man! He is your cinnamon roll alpha hero. This story is marked safe for your e-reader, tablet, or kindle. If you end up throwing your tablet, it will be at your husband, because you will want to know why he can’t be more like Jax 😂This is a great palate cleanser between the arsehole and cheating stories I have read recently. If you are an angst junkie, (because I sure am) this is not one of those. This is a sweet love story that will wrap you up in warmth and bagpipes. It will take you to beautiful Ballybeg, Ireland.
Now while in Ballybeg you will want to drop in at the local pub and inn, The Banshee’s Rest, run by our very attractive red headed heroine Dee. She is hardworking, doesn’t mince words, and is very suspicious of outsiders. Enter the hero(Outsider)….The hero Jax is left stranded in Ballybeg after his friend’s Porsche has mechanical issues. Being a small town and all, getting parts for the vehicle is no easy feat. So, Jax is directed to Dee’s pub where she lets out rooms. Jax very quickly becomes enamored with the people in Ballybeg, including the very attractive Dee. When he finds out that Ballybeg is on the fringe of being taken over by investors for a fancy golf course, he moves into action to assist the villagers he has fallen in love with to keep their village intact.
🍀 Enemies to Lovers🍀 Opposites Attract🍀 Grumpy (she) vs. Sunshine (he)
I would say this is enemies to lovers light version, I think the opposite attracts is a better description. Both characters have had bad luck in the love stakes. Neither of them are looking for love. Dee has built up walls. Her boyfriend of 3 years cheated on her, she lost her parents to a car accident, and later her sister to cancer. So yeah, loving sucks when you are always losing those you love. It will take a special someone to break down those walls. Enter the special someone: Jax not only plays golf, but he is a player off the greens as well. He had a girlfriend once upon a time, but when he decided to forgo the life of an executive in southern Charleston and leave the old money ways behind, she skipped out. Now he has quick interludes which probably works best for his lifestyle where he needs to travel around the world to be in tournaments. Between Dee and Jax sparring there is an attraction that can’t be denied. However, Jax seems to realize quite quickly that what he is feeling is not mere attraction.
🍀 Sports Romance (he's a PGA champion)- He is wealthy as all get out, and he plays professional golf. He is sought after for endorsements, and he keeps off the social media. He doesn’t comment on rumors, until he actually falls in love for the first time in his life.
🍀 Small Town Quirkiness-This town is full of fun characters that you will fall in love with. You have toddler Fiadh, who is after everyone’s biscuits, you have elderly Liam Murphy who see’s nothing wrong with grabbing Dee’s arse since he isn’t long for this world(cancer). He see’s a lot and if he doesn’t touch your heart, than you do not have one. You have Geraldine and her precious dog poppy, who is often terrorized by the thought of Seamus’s snake Fergus. Ronan, cook, and bff of Dee, who is the cook for The Banshee’s Rest.
🍀 No Cheating-Absolutely not. There isn’t even a hint of cheating. Both have ex bf and gf, but none of the exes are a threat to Dee and Jax. Dee’s ex is a threat to the village however.
🍀 Complete Standalone- This is indeed a complete stand alone, However…. In Maya Alden’s book No Ordinary Love, Jax was the pseudo love interest of the heroine Amara. Actually, he and Amara had no sparks, but he was a really good friend to her when her love life imploded. Many readers fell in love with Jax and wanted him to be the hero. MA wasn’t planning on a book for Jax but listened to her readers and gave him his own book to shine. Boy, does he shine! I am so happy he found Dee. They are a match made in fecking heaven!
☘️Evil is afoot- Ex boyfriend of Dee, and his cheating buddy Aiofe are out to make some money by promoting a golf resort which would leave many of the locals homeless. Thank Goodness Jax is there to support Dee and the townspeople. He swoops in to help save the day.
☘️Funny moments- Ok, I added this blurb, but there were some very cute/funny moments throughout the book. The banter between the h and H, the other characters, and lines like this:
(This was in reference to one of the evil doers, her name was Aiofe “She was every bit as irritating as her name was to pronounce…” 😂😂I can’t tell you how many times I have read an Irish or Scottish name and have scratched my head trying to figure out how to pronounce it.
After a delicious round of sex between Jax and Dee.
She gets a little weepy. Jax: “Fuck. No, no. There’s no crying after monkey sex.”
He definitely doesn’t like to see his Dee upset.
☘️food and drink- every time I read a MA story I have a hankering for the food and drink she describes. Her descriptions are vivid, and I swear I can actually smell the food through my tablet.
This is a heartwarming story. There is mention of hallmark movies in the book, and there are definitely similarities. Maya, as always leaves us with a great epilogue/wrap up.
Yes, I did receive this as an ARC. No, I am not paid, influenced, or bff’s with the author. Maya writes the stories I want to read. I am always grateful for the opportunity to read her stories. I never hesitate to click on a preorder for her.
Now while in Ballybeg you will want to drop in at the local pub and inn, The Banshee’s Rest, run by our very attractive red headed heroine Dee. She is hardworking, doesn’t mince words, and is very suspicious of outsiders. Enter the hero(Outsider)….The hero Jax is left stranded in Ballybeg after his friend’s Porsche has mechanical issues. Being a small town and all, getting parts for the vehicle is no easy feat. So, Jax is directed to Dee’s pub where she lets out rooms. Jax very quickly becomes enamored with the people in Ballybeg, including the very attractive Dee. When he finds out that Ballybeg is on the fringe of being taken over by investors for a fancy golf course, he moves into action to assist the villagers he has fallen in love with to keep their village intact.
🍀 Enemies to Lovers🍀 Opposites Attract🍀 Grumpy (she) vs. Sunshine (he)
I would say this is enemies to lovers light version, I think the opposite attracts is a better description. Both characters have had bad luck in the love stakes. Neither of them are looking for love. Dee has built up walls. Her boyfriend of 3 years cheated on her, she lost her parents to a car accident, and later her sister to cancer. So yeah, loving sucks when you are always losing those you love. It will take a special someone to break down those walls. Enter the special someone: Jax not only plays golf, but he is a player off the greens as well. He had a girlfriend once upon a time, but when he decided to forgo the life of an executive in southern Charleston and leave the old money ways behind, she skipped out. Now he has quick interludes which probably works best for his lifestyle where he needs to travel around the world to be in tournaments. Between Dee and Jax sparring there is an attraction that can’t be denied. However, Jax seems to realize quite quickly that what he is feeling is not mere attraction.
🍀 Sports Romance (he's a PGA champion)- He is wealthy as all get out, and he plays professional golf. He is sought after for endorsements, and he keeps off the social media. He doesn’t comment on rumors, until he actually falls in love for the first time in his life.
🍀 Small Town Quirkiness-This town is full of fun characters that you will fall in love with. You have toddler Fiadh, who is after everyone’s biscuits, you have elderly Liam Murphy who see’s nothing wrong with grabbing Dee’s arse since he isn’t long for this world(cancer). He see’s a lot and if he doesn’t touch your heart, than you do not have one. You have Geraldine and her precious dog poppy, who is often terrorized by the thought of Seamus’s snake Fergus. Ronan, cook, and bff of Dee, who is the cook for The Banshee’s Rest.
🍀 No Cheating-Absolutely not. There isn’t even a hint of cheating. Both have ex bf and gf, but none of the exes are a threat to Dee and Jax. Dee’s ex is a threat to the village however.
🍀 Complete Standalone- This is indeed a complete stand alone, However…. In Maya Alden’s book No Ordinary Love, Jax was the pseudo love interest of the heroine Amara. Actually, he and Amara had no sparks, but he was a really good friend to her when her love life imploded. Many readers fell in love with Jax and wanted him to be the hero. MA wasn’t planning on a book for Jax but listened to her readers and gave him his own book to shine. Boy, does he shine! I am so happy he found Dee. They are a match made in fecking heaven!
☘️Evil is afoot- Ex boyfriend of Dee, and his cheating buddy Aiofe are out to make some money by promoting a golf resort which would leave many of the locals homeless. Thank Goodness Jax is there to support Dee and the townspeople. He swoops in to help save the day.
☘️Funny moments- Ok, I added this blurb, but there were some very cute/funny moments throughout the book. The banter between the h and H, the other characters, and lines like this:
(This was in reference to one of the evil doers, her name was Aiofe “She was every bit as irritating as her name was to pronounce…” 😂😂I can’t tell you how many times I have read an Irish or Scottish name and have scratched my head trying to figure out how to pronounce it.
After a delicious round of sex between Jax and Dee.
She gets a little weepy. Jax: “Fuck. No, no. There’s no crying after monkey sex.”
He definitely doesn’t like to see his Dee upset.
☘️food and drink- every time I read a MA story I have a hankering for the food and drink she describes. Her descriptions are vivid, and I swear I can actually smell the food through my tablet.
This is a heartwarming story. There is mention of hallmark movies in the book, and there are definitely similarities. Maya, as always leaves us with a great epilogue/wrap up.
Yes, I did receive this as an ARC. No, I am not paid, influenced, or bff’s with the author. Maya writes the stories I want to read. I am always grateful for the opportunity to read her stories. I never hesitate to click on a preorder for her.
April 14, 2025
Jax has officially swung his way into my heart—and right onto my permanent book boyfriend list. If you’ve read No Ordinary Love, then you already know Jax: the cinnamon-roll friend who deserved his own story. And Tee’d Up for Trouble delivers it in spades.
This book is Maya at her most charming, blending heart, humour, and heat in the lush, quirky Irish village of Ballybeg. You don’t have to read No Ordinary Love to enjoy this (it works beautifully as a standalone), but if you’re a longtime Maya fan like me, this one feels like an extra sweet reward.
Let’s talk about Jax: He’s not your usual Maya hero. He’s calm, patient, sweet as hell, and emotionally mature (swoon). A total sunshine to Dee’s grumpy (I love a grumpy h... I mean... I can relate 😅) And I love a role reversal that works—Dee’s the tough one, guarded and fierce with every reason to keep her heart locked up. But Jax? Jax just quietly, relentlessly breaks down her walls with kindness and respect. The man even gets a toddler to share cookies with him. Come on!!!!
And Dee? She’s a walking storm cloud of sass and trauma, but damn if she’s not loveable in her own sharp-edged way. After everything she’s been through—loss, betrayal, grief—she’s earned her bitterness. But watching her slowly (and begrudgingly) let Jax in? It’s so satisfying, you’ll want to reread just to catch all the soft moments you missed the first time.
The Ballybeg setting deserves a character credit of its own. Maya paints this village with so much charm, you’ll swear you can smell the peat smoke and hear the clink of glasses at The Banshee’s Rest. The locals are hilarious and heartwarming: from Liam Murphy and his inappropriate-but-adorable cancer-granted honesty, to little Fiadh chasing cookies, to Dee’s bestie Ronan and the infamous snake-named-Fergus drama. Every side character feels alive—and you’ll wish you could move in.
Plot-wise? You’ve got small town charm, an emotional slow-burn, a swoony protective hero, laugh-out-loud moments, and just enough external conflict to keep the tension going. Yes, there’s a villain (two actually—ugh, Aiofe) and a development threat to the town, but it never overshadows the heart of the story: watching two broken people figure out how to believe in love again.
And the spicy bits? Yes. Yes, please. There’s steam, but it’s handled with Maya’s signature balance of heat and heart. Also, shoutout to Jax’s “no crying after monkey sex” line—equal parts hilarious and adorable.
This is a rom-com with depth. A love story with grit. A feel-good read with enough emotional layering to stick with you long after the last page. And most importantly—it’s such a fun read!
Final Thoughts:
🍀 Sunshine (he) x Grump (she)
🍀 Opposites attract
🍀 Zero cheating
🍀 Deep emotional moments balanced with hilarious Irish banter
🍀 A town so vivid you’ll want to book a flight
🍀 Jax is the kind of hero that makes real-life men look like they need a software update
Maya has done it again. Another winner. Another reread. Another reason to believe that cinnamon roll heroes really are the superior species.
Five sparkly, cookie-covered stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is Maya at her most charming, blending heart, humour, and heat in the lush, quirky Irish village of Ballybeg. You don’t have to read No Ordinary Love to enjoy this (it works beautifully as a standalone), but if you’re a longtime Maya fan like me, this one feels like an extra sweet reward.
Let’s talk about Jax: He’s not your usual Maya hero. He’s calm, patient, sweet as hell, and emotionally mature (swoon). A total sunshine to Dee’s grumpy (I love a grumpy h... I mean... I can relate 😅) And I love a role reversal that works—Dee’s the tough one, guarded and fierce with every reason to keep her heart locked up. But Jax? Jax just quietly, relentlessly breaks down her walls with kindness and respect. The man even gets a toddler to share cookies with him. Come on!!!!
And Dee? She’s a walking storm cloud of sass and trauma, but damn if she’s not loveable in her own sharp-edged way. After everything she’s been through—loss, betrayal, grief—she’s earned her bitterness. But watching her slowly (and begrudgingly) let Jax in? It’s so satisfying, you’ll want to reread just to catch all the soft moments you missed the first time.
The Ballybeg setting deserves a character credit of its own. Maya paints this village with so much charm, you’ll swear you can smell the peat smoke and hear the clink of glasses at The Banshee’s Rest. The locals are hilarious and heartwarming: from Liam Murphy and his inappropriate-but-adorable cancer-granted honesty, to little Fiadh chasing cookies, to Dee’s bestie Ronan and the infamous snake-named-Fergus drama. Every side character feels alive—and you’ll wish you could move in.
Plot-wise? You’ve got small town charm, an emotional slow-burn, a swoony protective hero, laugh-out-loud moments, and just enough external conflict to keep the tension going. Yes, there’s a villain (two actually—ugh, Aiofe) and a development threat to the town, but it never overshadows the heart of the story: watching two broken people figure out how to believe in love again.
And the spicy bits? Yes. Yes, please. There’s steam, but it’s handled with Maya’s signature balance of heat and heart. Also, shoutout to Jax’s “no crying after monkey sex” line—equal parts hilarious and adorable.
This is a rom-com with depth. A love story with grit. A feel-good read with enough emotional layering to stick with you long after the last page. And most importantly—it’s such a fun read!
Final Thoughts:
🍀 Sunshine (he) x Grump (she)
🍀 Opposites attract
🍀 Zero cheating
🍀 Deep emotional moments balanced with hilarious Irish banter
🍀 A town so vivid you’ll want to book a flight
🍀 Jax is the kind of hero that makes real-life men look like they need a software update
Maya has done it again. Another winner. Another reread. Another reason to believe that cinnamon roll heroes really are the superior species.
Five sparkly, cookie-covered stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2026
I loved how warm and funny Tee'd Up For Trouble was. It was like stepping away from the everyday and into this small Irish village where everyone knows each other and half of them are a little crazy in the most charming way. I swear I could see the rolling hills, the pub, and even the animals that seemed to be running around as if they were the owners of the place.
Jax totally stole my heart. He's the kind of guy who makes you smile without even trying. Soft, patient, and honestly, just adorable. I'm used to Maya Alden writing men who are a bit intense or messy, so it was such a great surprise to find a guy like Jax. He's human sunshine and I loved every moment.
Dee was incredible too. She's strong, sarcastic, and doesn't let anyone take advantage of her. I liked the way she initially kept her guard up because she had been hurt before, but you can tell she's slowly allowing herself to trust again. Their chemistry was so effortless. The banter, the teasing, the way they kept denying that they were falling for each other when it was obvious to everyone else. It was charming.
The side characters really ended up being some of my favourite elements of the story. They were hilariously chaotic, in the nicest way. There were so many different instances like old men feeling that they are too old to get in trouble and thus, they just go around grabbing peoples butts, toddlers who are stealing biscuits, a goat who has abandonment issues, and people getting into such big arguments about pets that it is as if it is a life or death situation. I had so many laughs.
If you asked me to single out a thing that I didnt really like then it would probably have to be that I wanted a tiny bit more angst. That is just how I am, I am a bit theatrical. But to be honest, the lightness of the story was exactly what I needed. It was like a respite from all the heavy romances I usually read.
The relationship between Jax and Dee just felt very natural to me. Throughout the entire book, there was this warm, cheerful aura that made me want to pack a bag and move to Ballybeg at once. It is one of those stories that put you in a cosy mood, just like after watching your favourite comfort movie.
I did really love it.
Jax totally stole my heart. He's the kind of guy who makes you smile without even trying. Soft, patient, and honestly, just adorable. I'm used to Maya Alden writing men who are a bit intense or messy, so it was such a great surprise to find a guy like Jax. He's human sunshine and I loved every moment.
Dee was incredible too. She's strong, sarcastic, and doesn't let anyone take advantage of her. I liked the way she initially kept her guard up because she had been hurt before, but you can tell she's slowly allowing herself to trust again. Their chemistry was so effortless. The banter, the teasing, the way they kept denying that they were falling for each other when it was obvious to everyone else. It was charming.
The side characters really ended up being some of my favourite elements of the story. They were hilariously chaotic, in the nicest way. There were so many different instances like old men feeling that they are too old to get in trouble and thus, they just go around grabbing peoples butts, toddlers who are stealing biscuits, a goat who has abandonment issues, and people getting into such big arguments about pets that it is as if it is a life or death situation. I had so many laughs.
If you asked me to single out a thing that I didnt really like then it would probably have to be that I wanted a tiny bit more angst. That is just how I am, I am a bit theatrical. But to be honest, the lightness of the story was exactly what I needed. It was like a respite from all the heavy romances I usually read.
The relationship between Jax and Dee just felt very natural to me. Throughout the entire book, there was this warm, cheerful aura that made me want to pack a bag and move to Ballybeg at once. It is one of those stories that put you in a cosy mood, just like after watching your favourite comfort movie.
I did really love it.
April 2, 2025
The author has given us another unique story to read, don’t you just love it. It’s hard to pick out what I love the most about the book: Jax, who exceeds my expectations from the small but important role he played in another story; Dee, the fiery, loving and stubborn owner of the pub in the village we visit; or, the village itself, a little one lane village in Ireland with all of its quirky and funny inhabitants.
This time the village won for me but it was close to a three way tie. Even if there wasn’t a great romance and an outstanding and very special male lead I would have enjoyed the book just watching all the villagers razz and care for each other. Dee was the heart of the village and you enjoyed watching her fight her battles and slowly give her trust to our wonderful Jax. I don’t think it would have mattered how long it took, Jax would have been there tearing down the walls around her heart with lots of laughs and caring. She and the pub were the center of the village and we get to see so many of them interact in their daily lives. The author’s writing made me feel like I was standing with the characters, seeing the views, walking the fields, visiting a place unchanged by time, and laughing out loud at all of their antics and arguments. We Irish love to have a good disagreement, sorry, discussion over just about anything.
Dee is so funny with her bristling comments and acerbic wit. She is also so wounded by the sorrows she has had to face in life so far that she has walls around her heart. Don’t worry Jax is one of a kind and stubborn in his own right. He is looking for his one and will move at whatever speed or with whatever prods Dee needs to open her heart. There is some angst and a danger to the village but go into the story looking for an experience you haven’t had before because you will get that.
Find a seat at the bar or a table, watch and feel for a little while what it’s like to live in a community that still believes it takes a village to raise a child and the importance of taking care of and standing up for each other. I loved the story and know I will be pulling it out for re-reads when I want to experience it again.
This time the village won for me but it was close to a three way tie. Even if there wasn’t a great romance and an outstanding and very special male lead I would have enjoyed the book just watching all the villagers razz and care for each other. Dee was the heart of the village and you enjoyed watching her fight her battles and slowly give her trust to our wonderful Jax. I don’t think it would have mattered how long it took, Jax would have been there tearing down the walls around her heart with lots of laughs and caring. She and the pub were the center of the village and we get to see so many of them interact in their daily lives. The author’s writing made me feel like I was standing with the characters, seeing the views, walking the fields, visiting a place unchanged by time, and laughing out loud at all of their antics and arguments. We Irish love to have a good disagreement, sorry, discussion over just about anything.
Dee is so funny with her bristling comments and acerbic wit. She is also so wounded by the sorrows she has had to face in life so far that she has walls around her heart. Don’t worry Jax is one of a kind and stubborn in his own right. He is looking for his one and will move at whatever speed or with whatever prods Dee needs to open her heart. There is some angst and a danger to the village but go into the story looking for an experience you haven’t had before because you will get that.
Find a seat at the bar or a table, watch and feel for a little while what it’s like to live in a community that still believes it takes a village to raise a child and the importance of taking care of and standing up for each other. I loved the story and know I will be pulling it out for re-reads when I want to experience it again.
May 21, 2025
A Heartwarming, Laugh-Out-Loud Romance That Feels Like a Cozy Escape to Ireland! 🍀⛳️❤️
From the very first page, this story, swept me away into the enchanting world of Ballybeg — a charming Irish village full of rolling green hills, quirky locals, and a pub with more character than most people have in a lifetime. This small-town sports romance is an absolute delight, blending humor, oh so..heartfelt moments, and slow-burning chemistry in the most perfect way.
Jax Caldwell is everything you want in a hero — a genuine, cinnamon roll alpha who’s as calm and patient as he is irresistibly handsome. His sunshine personality perfectly balances Dee Gallagher’s fiery, no-nonsense spirit. Dee, the fierce owner of The Banshee’s Rest, is a heroine who stole my heart with her strength, vulnerability, and fierce loyalty to her family and village. Watching their slow-burn relationship grow from sparks of distrust to deep love felt so real and rewarding.
The story is packed with laugh-out-loud moments thanks to the brilliantly written supporting characters — from the sassy locals to the adorable animals like Fergus and Johnny the goat (who literally has abandonment issues!). These lively characters add so much warmth and humor that reading felt like visiting old friends.
Maya Alden’s writing shines with vivid descriptions that make you see Ballybeg’s lush landscape and feel its cozy, tight-knit community. The tension between Jax and Dee is delicious, with just the right amount of angst and drama — all handled with a light touch and a generous dose of humor.
If you love sports romances, oooh and my fav - enemies-to-lovers, and stories about protecting heritage against greedy developers, this book is a home run. Plus, there’s zero cheating, so you can enjoy the story guilt-free! Yes! 🏌️♂️🏡 It has everything you can crave in a comfort read. This was a beauty...
Highly recommend this for anyone craving a feel-good, heartwarming read that will leave you smiling and dreaming of Ireland. Five , sorry, ten sparkling stars from me! ✨✨✨✨✨...✨✨✨✨✨
From the very first page, this story, swept me away into the enchanting world of Ballybeg — a charming Irish village full of rolling green hills, quirky locals, and a pub with more character than most people have in a lifetime. This small-town sports romance is an absolute delight, blending humor, oh so..heartfelt moments, and slow-burning chemistry in the most perfect way.
Jax Caldwell is everything you want in a hero — a genuine, cinnamon roll alpha who’s as calm and patient as he is irresistibly handsome. His sunshine personality perfectly balances Dee Gallagher’s fiery, no-nonsense spirit. Dee, the fierce owner of The Banshee’s Rest, is a heroine who stole my heart with her strength, vulnerability, and fierce loyalty to her family and village. Watching their slow-burn relationship grow from sparks of distrust to deep love felt so real and rewarding.
The story is packed with laugh-out-loud moments thanks to the brilliantly written supporting characters — from the sassy locals to the adorable animals like Fergus and Johnny the goat (who literally has abandonment issues!). These lively characters add so much warmth and humor that reading felt like visiting old friends.
Maya Alden’s writing shines with vivid descriptions that make you see Ballybeg’s lush landscape and feel its cozy, tight-knit community. The tension between Jax and Dee is delicious, with just the right amount of angst and drama — all handled with a light touch and a generous dose of humor.
If you love sports romances, oooh and my fav - enemies-to-lovers, and stories about protecting heritage against greedy developers, this book is a home run. Plus, there’s zero cheating, so you can enjoy the story guilt-free! Yes! 🏌️♂️🏡 It has everything you can crave in a comfort read. This was a beauty...
Highly recommend this for anyone craving a feel-good, heartwarming read that will leave you smiling and dreaming of Ireland. Five , sorry, ten sparkling stars from me! ✨✨✨✨✨...✨✨✨✨✨
May 9, 2025
This book is an absolute delight to read! Jax is a dreamy cinnamon roll hero who ends up in Ballybeg by happenstance and loses his heart to a fiery and prickly redheaded pub owner. Dee is not about to be bamboozled by the handsome, wealthy and far too charming Yankee. Her smarmy ex has taught her that men can’t be trusted, especially an outsider like Jax. She lumps him in with the developers who want to buy her family farm, pub and any other property they can get their hands on in Ballybeg in order to build a golf course and resort. Jax has never before felt the sparks and strong attraction that he feels with Dee. He can’t bring himself to leave and extends his stay in order her attention and trust. He never expected to fall head over heels in love with a woman who guards her heart so fiercely, rebuffs him on the regular and yet makes him want to protect her in any way that he can. He is all in, but Dee refuses to believe it, refuses to trust him or her own instincts. Jax is in the biggest fight of his life when he takes on the task of showing Dee just how much he loves her by helping her and her fellow citizens save Ballybeg from the developers and her sneaky ex’s machinations.
I love the connection, the sparks and the battle of wills between Jax and Dee. Both are stubborn, determined big-hearted. She is the heart of the village, the one everyone turns to for advice, help sorting out their problems. I love her sass, her potty mouth, and devotion to her community, her family history and friends. I love that Jax doesn’t flaunt his wealth, isn’t looking for ways to make more, but instead is following a path that makes him happy. He uses his wealth and connections to help others, not himself. I enjoyed the small town setting, the quirky and colourful citizens and the way they rally together to look after each other.
This very enjoyable and fascinating book has my wholehearted recommendation.
I love the connection, the sparks and the battle of wills between Jax and Dee. Both are stubborn, determined big-hearted. She is the heart of the village, the one everyone turns to for advice, help sorting out their problems. I love her sass, her potty mouth, and devotion to her community, her family history and friends. I love that Jax doesn’t flaunt his wealth, isn’t looking for ways to make more, but instead is following a path that makes him happy. He uses his wealth and connections to help others, not himself. I enjoyed the small town setting, the quirky and colourful citizens and the way they rally together to look after each other.
This very enjoyable and fascinating book has my wholehearted recommendation.
April 16, 2025
ARC Review 💚
Tee’d Up for Trouble by Miss Maya
Okay, the second Maya announced JAX was getting a book?? I lost it. The cinnamon-roll bestie from No Ordinary Love absolutely deserved his own spotlight—and Tee’d Up for Trouble delivers everything I dreamed of and more. 😭💘
Let me just say this:
Jax is proof that cinnamon roll heroes are the superior species.
He’s sweet. He’s emotionally available. He bakes. He listens. He respects boundaries. He’s sunshine with dimples and a heart big enough to light up Ballybeg—and he gets a toddler to share cookies. If you’re not swooning yet, check your pulse. ☀️🍪
And Dee?? Ohhh, I adore her. She’s fiery, fierce, and a walking storm cloud with a side of sarcasm. Grumpy pub owner? Check. Redhead with trust issues and a tragic past? Check. Low-key softie once she stops kicking feelings in the face? DOUBLE CHECK. Watching her slowly (and stubbornly) let Jax in is the definition of ✨emotional payoff✨.
This book is grumpy x sunshine perfection. Add in: 🍀 Small town Irish chaos
🍀 A Porsche that breaks down at the worst time
🍀 A pub called The Banshee’s Rest (10/10 vibes)
🍀 Local gossip, Fergus the snake, inappropriate honesty, and cookie heists
🍀 A development threat that brings the drama but never steals the heart of the story
Also, the banter? Elite. The spice? Sweet, steamy, and handled with Maya’s signature warmth.
Tropes & Vibes Checklist:
🍪 Sunshine (him) x Grump (her)
🍪 Found family & quirky locals
🍪 Slow burn with all the feels
🍪 Emotional depth + healing arc
🍪 No cheating
Final thoughts?
Maya has done it again. I laughed. I swooned. I bookmarked like 40 scenes.
This one’s going straight to my comfort reread shelf, and Jax is staying on the permanent book boyfriend list. 💚
Tee’d Up for Trouble by Miss Maya
Okay, the second Maya announced JAX was getting a book?? I lost it. The cinnamon-roll bestie from No Ordinary Love absolutely deserved his own spotlight—and Tee’d Up for Trouble delivers everything I dreamed of and more. 😭💘
Let me just say this:
Jax is proof that cinnamon roll heroes are the superior species.
He’s sweet. He’s emotionally available. He bakes. He listens. He respects boundaries. He’s sunshine with dimples and a heart big enough to light up Ballybeg—and he gets a toddler to share cookies. If you’re not swooning yet, check your pulse. ☀️🍪
And Dee?? Ohhh, I adore her. She’s fiery, fierce, and a walking storm cloud with a side of sarcasm. Grumpy pub owner? Check. Redhead with trust issues and a tragic past? Check. Low-key softie once she stops kicking feelings in the face? DOUBLE CHECK. Watching her slowly (and stubbornly) let Jax in is the definition of ✨emotional payoff✨.
This book is grumpy x sunshine perfection. Add in: 🍀 Small town Irish chaos
🍀 A Porsche that breaks down at the worst time
🍀 A pub called The Banshee’s Rest (10/10 vibes)
🍀 Local gossip, Fergus the snake, inappropriate honesty, and cookie heists
🍀 A development threat that brings the drama but never steals the heart of the story
Also, the banter? Elite. The spice? Sweet, steamy, and handled with Maya’s signature warmth.
Tropes & Vibes Checklist:
🍪 Sunshine (him) x Grump (her)
🍪 Found family & quirky locals
🍪 Slow burn with all the feels
🍪 Emotional depth + healing arc
🍪 No cheating
Final thoughts?
Maya has done it again. I laughed. I swooned. I bookmarked like 40 scenes.
This one’s going straight to my comfort reread shelf, and Jax is staying on the permanent book boyfriend list. 💚
April 12, 2025
A Hole in One—What a Fantastic Read! Jax was the best book boyfriend you could ever ask for. We first met him in No Ordinary Love, where he is the loyal friend to Amara, and now he finally gets his moment to shine—and wow, does he ever! Maya does such a wonderful job of weaving familiar faces into new stories, giving us glimpses of past characters that we are still invested in!
Jax is a golf pro who risked everything when he decided to go against his family expectations and play golf rather than go into the family business. However, things aren’t exactly going his way. After a disappointing charity golf tournament, Jax finds himself driving a friend’s Porsche through the Irish countryside… until it breaks down near the enchanting village of Ballybeg and things start to turnaround!
Ballybeg is a small town full of heart, rich history, and unforgettable locals. Unfortunately, it’s facing the threat of destruction to make way for a shiny new golf resort. Maya’s descriptions of the village and its people are nothing short of stunning—I could picture every lush green field and the steep cliffs. I felt like I was there as a visitor in Dee’s bar based on Maya’s amazing storytelling.
Ballybeg is where Jax meets Dee, the tough, no-nonsense pub and farm owner with walls built sky-high after a painful betrayal. She’s not interested in Jax’s charm—or so she says. But Jax is patient, persistent, and quietly romantic as he works to earn her trust. Their chemistry? Off the charts.
Will Dee let her guard down and take a chance on love again? Will Jax prove he's worth the risk? You’ll have to read it to find out—but trust me, you won’t want to put this one down.
Jax is a golf pro who risked everything when he decided to go against his family expectations and play golf rather than go into the family business. However, things aren’t exactly going his way. After a disappointing charity golf tournament, Jax finds himself driving a friend’s Porsche through the Irish countryside… until it breaks down near the enchanting village of Ballybeg and things start to turnaround!
Ballybeg is a small town full of heart, rich history, and unforgettable locals. Unfortunately, it’s facing the threat of destruction to make way for a shiny new golf resort. Maya’s descriptions of the village and its people are nothing short of stunning—I could picture every lush green field and the steep cliffs. I felt like I was there as a visitor in Dee’s bar based on Maya’s amazing storytelling.
Ballybeg is where Jax meets Dee, the tough, no-nonsense pub and farm owner with walls built sky-high after a painful betrayal. She’s not interested in Jax’s charm—or so she says. But Jax is patient, persistent, and quietly romantic as he works to earn her trust. Their chemistry? Off the charts.
Will Dee let her guard down and take a chance on love again? Will Jax prove he's worth the risk? You’ll have to read it to find out—but trust me, you won’t want to put this one down.
April 26, 2025
Tee’d Up For Trouble
**Strong h
**Golden Retriever H
**Slow burn
**OM drama
**Small-town romance
**No cheating
Set in a small-town in Ireland filled with quirky characters, Tee’d Up For Trouble is story of Jax and Dee finding and eventually falling for each other even when they were definitely NOT looking for love. Though they fall for each other relatively quickly, I’d consider this book more of a slow burn romance.
Tee’d Up For Trouble is a completely standalone story although we first meet Jax (our H) in Maya’s No Ordinary Love.
Jax is a Golden Retriever H - handsome, sporty, friendly, loves people and a good time! Love me some Golden Retriever energy 🥰
Dee is most definitely not bringing the Golden Retriever energy…she’s more like a terrier, feisty yet loyal to the people and village she cares about. The past couple of years has been hard for Dee, her sister and closest confidant passed away AND just days after that tragic loss, she catches her fiancé cheating. 🗑️
Well-written like all of Maya’s books, Tee’d Up For Trouble will make you want to run out and book a trip to Ireland ASAP! While there’s drama courtesy of Dee’s aśśhät ex, it’s not as angsty as Maya’s other books.
Jax falls first (Golden Retriever! 🥰), falling for not only Dee but for small-town of Ballybeg and it’s denizens. Because of her trust issues, it takes a bit longer for Dee to admit to her feelings. There’s a parallel storyline of the town fighting against a nefarious developer with both storylines ending up in a satisfying HEA.
Tee’d Up For Trouble is a perfect lazy Sunday read with moderate angst and set in a gorgeous location. 5*
**Strong h
**Golden Retriever H
**Slow burn
**OM drama
**Small-town romance
**No cheating
Set in a small-town in Ireland filled with quirky characters, Tee’d Up For Trouble is story of Jax and Dee finding and eventually falling for each other even when they were definitely NOT looking for love. Though they fall for each other relatively quickly, I’d consider this book more of a slow burn romance.
Tee’d Up For Trouble is a completely standalone story although we first meet Jax (our H) in Maya’s No Ordinary Love.
Jax is a Golden Retriever H - handsome, sporty, friendly, loves people and a good time! Love me some Golden Retriever energy 🥰
Dee is most definitely not bringing the Golden Retriever energy…she’s more like a terrier, feisty yet loyal to the people and village she cares about. The past couple of years has been hard for Dee, her sister and closest confidant passed away AND just days after that tragic loss, she catches her fiancé cheating. 🗑️
Well-written like all of Maya’s books, Tee’d Up For Trouble will make you want to run out and book a trip to Ireland ASAP! While there’s drama courtesy of Dee’s aśśhät ex, it’s not as angsty as Maya’s other books.
Jax falls first (Golden Retriever! 🥰), falling for not only Dee but for small-town of Ballybeg and it’s denizens. Because of her trust issues, it takes a bit longer for Dee to admit to her feelings. There’s a parallel storyline of the town fighting against a nefarious developer with both storylines ending up in a satisfying HEA.
Tee’d Up For Trouble is a perfect lazy Sunday read with moderate angst and set in a gorgeous location. 5*
May 13, 2025
Loved the vibes in this one! Maya Alden is so good at transporting you to places so beautifully. I really felt like I was in Irish country, and hanging out with an amazing community in The Banshee’s Rest.
This one gave me a bit of rom-com vibes. The characters were hilarious, strong sense of community, “will they or won’t they” vibes, emotional baggage to overcome, and banding together to destroy the villain.
Jax is immediately intrigued with Dee. He’s definitely a cinnamon roll type of guy, and it’s very endearing to watch him patiently peel back Dee’s layers and wiggle his way in lol. Dee has gone through some traumas in her life, and has some lingering emotional baggage. There are times when she gives off a little black cat energy, but overall she does care about everyone so it’s really more of a lover/fighter with a sharp tongue lol. So there’s some parts (one is the perceived betrayal) where she pushes Jax away in an attempt to protect herself. But, he’s very patient and loving with her (swoon!)
Dee (along with fellow neighbors) is fighting as hard as she can to save her town from being bulldozed by developers wanting to build an extravagant golf resort. Jax (basically coming from the same world as these developers and investors) falls in love with Dee and the town and joins in on the fight. Along the way, Dee and Jax fall in love with each other. It’s very fun, cute, endearing, and entertaining!
Download the bonus content, it was so funny! 😂
⛳️Dee (F) / Jax (M)
⛳️Cinnamon Roll MMC
⛳️Rom-Com Vibes
⛳️Grumpy (she) vs. Sunshine (he)
⛳️Ireland Setting
⛳️Sports Romance (pro-golfer)
⛳️Dual POV
⛳️HEA
4⭐️2🌶️
Edit to add: I did receive a free ARC for this, and my review is my honest opinion 😊
This one gave me a bit of rom-com vibes. The characters were hilarious, strong sense of community, “will they or won’t they” vibes, emotional baggage to overcome, and banding together to destroy the villain.
Jax is immediately intrigued with Dee. He’s definitely a cinnamon roll type of guy, and it’s very endearing to watch him patiently peel back Dee’s layers and wiggle his way in lol. Dee has gone through some traumas in her life, and has some lingering emotional baggage. There are times when she gives off a little black cat energy, but overall she does care about everyone so it’s really more of a lover/fighter with a sharp tongue lol. So there’s some parts (one is the perceived betrayal) where she pushes Jax away in an attempt to protect herself. But, he’s very patient and loving with her (swoon!)
Dee (along with fellow neighbors) is fighting as hard as she can to save her town from being bulldozed by developers wanting to build an extravagant golf resort. Jax (basically coming from the same world as these developers and investors) falls in love with Dee and the town and joins in on the fight. Along the way, Dee and Jax fall in love with each other. It’s very fun, cute, endearing, and entertaining!
Download the bonus content, it was so funny! 😂
⛳️Dee (F) / Jax (M)
⛳️Cinnamon Roll MMC
⛳️Rom-Com Vibes
⛳️Grumpy (she) vs. Sunshine (he)
⛳️Ireland Setting
⛳️Sports Romance (pro-golfer)
⛳️Dual POV
⛳️HEA
4⭐️2🌶️
Edit to add: I did receive a free ARC for this, and my review is my honest opinion 😊
May 10, 2025
Book Review: Tee'd Up For Trouble by Maya Alden
Maya Alden’s “Tee’d Up For Trouble” is a fresh and emotionally resonant take on small-town romance, blending charm, humor, and heartfelt themes in a story that’s hard to put down.
Set in the picturesque Irish village of Ballybeg, the novel introduces readers to Jax Caldwell—a charming American pro golfer escaping a scandal—and Deirdre Gallagher, a fiercely independent Irishwoman fighting to save her family’s pub. The chemistry between them is immediate, but it’s the slow-burn development of their relationship that makes it all the more satisfying.
Alden masterfully flips the grumpy-sunshine trope, giving us a broody, guarded heroine and a sunshine-hearted hero whose warmth slowly chips away at her defenses. The story isn’t just a romance; it’s a powerful commentary on community, resilience, and standing up for what matters—without ever feeling heavy-handed.
The vivid setting adds an immersive quality, while the side characters—charming locals with big personalities—add texture and heart. Alden also handles emotional depth with grace, tackling sensitive issues like body shaming and personal betrayal with sincerity and care.
This book is a must-read for fans of character-driven romance with real emotional stakes and a strong sense of place. If you're into slow-burns, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and heart-tugging love stories, Tee’d Up For Trouble will definitely deliver.
Rating: 4.5/5
Maya Alden’s “Tee’d Up For Trouble” is a fresh and emotionally resonant take on small-town romance, blending charm, humor, and heartfelt themes in a story that’s hard to put down.
Set in the picturesque Irish village of Ballybeg, the novel introduces readers to Jax Caldwell—a charming American pro golfer escaping a scandal—and Deirdre Gallagher, a fiercely independent Irishwoman fighting to save her family’s pub. The chemistry between them is immediate, but it’s the slow-burn development of their relationship that makes it all the more satisfying.
Alden masterfully flips the grumpy-sunshine trope, giving us a broody, guarded heroine and a sunshine-hearted hero whose warmth slowly chips away at her defenses. The story isn’t just a romance; it’s a powerful commentary on community, resilience, and standing up for what matters—without ever feeling heavy-handed.
The vivid setting adds an immersive quality, while the side characters—charming locals with big personalities—add texture and heart. Alden also handles emotional depth with grace, tackling sensitive issues like body shaming and personal betrayal with sincerity and care.
This book is a must-read for fans of character-driven romance with real emotional stakes and a strong sense of place. If you're into slow-burns, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and heart-tugging love stories, Tee’d Up For Trouble will definitely deliver.
Rating: 4.5/5
May 12, 2025
Rating System (as of 9/19/2024):
1 Star: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
2 Star: This could have been so much better.
3 Star: Average
4 Star: Good book. I will probably reread it.
5 Star: I absolutely loved this book. “You got me all up in my feels.”
Rating: 4 Stars
Triggers:
N/A
Trope:
Cinnamon Roll Hero
Grumpy (she) vs Sunshine (he)
Sports Romance
Perceived Betrayal
Other Woman/Man Drama
Irish Village Quirkiness
No Cheating
Complete Standalone
Summary:
MMC finds himself stranded in the Irish countryside with nowhere to stay by a local pub. The FMC is a sassy, feisty, pub owner. Mix in a few loveable quirky locals and a company wanted to take over the village to build a golf resort....and you have got more than your ordinary romance.
Review:
I love to see this authors growth as she continues to write. When it comes to romance book, we can come to expect the same storyline with just a little bit of change. This story was refreshing. The character development was enjoyable. To find that it is the female who is the "grumpy" one was a change. The quirkiness and loyalty of the supporting character was a breath of fresh air. This wasn't just about two people falling in love this was about a town coming together to save itself. Not only did the town save itself...they helped their very own pub owner to heal.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
1 Star: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
2 Star: This could have been so much better.
3 Star: Average
4 Star: Good book. I will probably reread it.
5 Star: I absolutely loved this book. “You got me all up in my feels.”
Rating: 4 Stars
Triggers:
N/A
Trope:
Cinnamon Roll Hero
Grumpy (she) vs Sunshine (he)
Sports Romance
Perceived Betrayal
Other Woman/Man Drama
Irish Village Quirkiness
No Cheating
Complete Standalone
Summary:
MMC finds himself stranded in the Irish countryside with nowhere to stay by a local pub. The FMC is a sassy, feisty, pub owner. Mix in a few loveable quirky locals and a company wanted to take over the village to build a golf resort....and you have got more than your ordinary romance.
Review:
I love to see this authors growth as she continues to write. When it comes to romance book, we can come to expect the same storyline with just a little bit of change. This story was refreshing. The character development was enjoyable. To find that it is the female who is the "grumpy" one was a change. The quirkiness and loyalty of the supporting character was a breath of fresh air. This wasn't just about two people falling in love this was about a town coming together to save itself. Not only did the town save itself...they helped their very own pub owner to heal.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
April 1, 2025
What an enormously fun and light read begging to become the next Netflix Lindsay Lohan rom-com movie!
This was SO so different from Maya's usual kind of stories and let me tell you... I am here for it! Jax is a fantastic hero, the antithesis of Maya's normal heros; a delight to read a leading man with the ability to understand, manage and express his emotions effectively without anger or snap judgement, controlling his emotions even in challenging situations whilst Dee certainly gave him a run for his money!
Dee is the very definition of two sides of the same coin; strong, smart and fiercely independent but on the inverse, afraid with a trepidation of moving forward. She is uncertain of herself, being her own biggest obstacle.
This had it all; funny, light-hearted, sad and sorrowful with a colorful meet-cute and, of course, the evil villain. It was nonetheless quirky with the biggest character being the Village of Ballybeg; a charming, scenic and beautiful snapshot of Ireland populated with townsfolk as eccentric as their beloved home town.
Thus 'Tee'd up for Trouble' was the perfect in-between read after reading something dark that pushed my boundaries. Maya did such a fantastic job of writing something the complete opposite of her norm that I would absolutely be down for reading more of. To walk away skipping in LA-DI-DA dreamland whistling love is all you need!
This was SO so different from Maya's usual kind of stories and let me tell you... I am here for it! Jax is a fantastic hero, the antithesis of Maya's normal heros; a delight to read a leading man with the ability to understand, manage and express his emotions effectively without anger or snap judgement, controlling his emotions even in challenging situations whilst Dee certainly gave him a run for his money!
Dee is the very definition of two sides of the same coin; strong, smart and fiercely independent but on the inverse, afraid with a trepidation of moving forward. She is uncertain of herself, being her own biggest obstacle.
This had it all; funny, light-hearted, sad and sorrowful with a colorful meet-cute and, of course, the evil villain. It was nonetheless quirky with the biggest character being the Village of Ballybeg; a charming, scenic and beautiful snapshot of Ireland populated with townsfolk as eccentric as their beloved home town.
Thus 'Tee'd up for Trouble' was the perfect in-between read after reading something dark that pushed my boundaries. Maya did such a fantastic job of writing something the complete opposite of her norm that I would absolutely be down for reading more of. To walk away skipping in LA-DI-DA dreamland whistling love is all you need!
April 11, 2025
I received this arc for an honest review.
But I also pre-ordered this book because I love Maya Alden’s books.
I give this book 5 joyful stars.
Jax was introduced to us in No Ordinary Love … from Maya Alden’s Modern Vintage Romance Series.
I loved him in that story and I was so happy when he got his own book.
Although Maya creates amazing gut-punch books… she has shown herself to be an incredible rom-com talent.
Once again she creates a hilarious group of supporting characters. I loved them all!!
Jax is a celebrated PGA golfer.
Dee owns a pub in Ballybeg, Ireland.
While driving through the Irish countryside, Jax ruins his friend’s car. While waiting for it to be repaired he ends up renting a room above Dee’s pub, The Banshee’s Rest.
Jax ..(who was raised in Atlanta to rich, snobby parents) thrives in Ballybeg and seamlessly becomes one of the locals.
And of course… he is completely smitten with Dee.
There’s a back story ( Dee’s awful, cheater ex-fiancé is trying to buy up all the surrounding property to put in a resort.)
Dee has severe trust issues ( Jax has a few too) but they act like adults and although there’s a perceived betrayal .. they talk it out!!! And they all band together to save the town!!!
It was just a sweet, funny, quirky, beautiful story, and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Maya Alden.
But I also pre-ordered this book because I love Maya Alden’s books.
I give this book 5 joyful stars.
Jax was introduced to us in No Ordinary Love … from Maya Alden’s Modern Vintage Romance Series.
I loved him in that story and I was so happy when he got his own book.
Although Maya creates amazing gut-punch books… she has shown herself to be an incredible rom-com talent.
Once again she creates a hilarious group of supporting characters. I loved them all!!
Jax is a celebrated PGA golfer.
Dee owns a pub in Ballybeg, Ireland.
While driving through the Irish countryside, Jax ruins his friend’s car. While waiting for it to be repaired he ends up renting a room above Dee’s pub, The Banshee’s Rest.
Jax ..(who was raised in Atlanta to rich, snobby parents) thrives in Ballybeg and seamlessly becomes one of the locals.
And of course… he is completely smitten with Dee.
There’s a back story ( Dee’s awful, cheater ex-fiancé is trying to buy up all the surrounding property to put in a resort.)
Dee has severe trust issues ( Jax has a few too) but they act like adults and although there’s a perceived betrayal .. they talk it out!!! And they all band together to save the town!!!
It was just a sweet, funny, quirky, beautiful story, and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Maya Alden.
April 12, 2025
Tee'd Up for Trouble is what I would consider Maya Alden's second RomCom. Five stars all the way! I loved the main couple, Dee and Jax, and the side characters. I loved their storyline, how Dee had zero intention of being interested in Jax, and how Jax just kept working at bringing down Dee's walls. There was witty banter, some laugh out loud moments, and definitely some moments when I wished the banshees truly would wreak their havoc on the evil-doers, who were part of a central theme in the story. You know how a bad penny always turns up? These two evil-doers are definitely bad pennies! So sweet seeing Jax, who was the side-dude from Maya Alden's So Ordinary Love: A Second Chance Romance (A Modern Vintage Romance,) find his own perfect love after he didn't get the girl in that prior story. I was rooting for Jax in that prior story, loving him more than the hero in that one. I loved Jax in this story as much, if not more than I did in that prior story. He had humility and humor, knew best how to make Dee find her own humor. They are also a spicy couple of crazy and wild kids! You would think by the title that there would be some 'on the green action,' but there is none. Grab a pint of 'yer favorite Guinness, lassie, and your kindle, and have a great drink and read this 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 story!
April 1, 2025
I received an arc for this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️Grumpy h x sunshine H
⭐️He falls first
⭐️Irish lass and the Southern Yank
⭐️Pro golfer x bar wench/owner
⭐️OM drama and minuscule OW drama
⭐️Small town vibes, found family and community
⭐️An H who comes through in a big way
Jax is happy with his life as a pro-golfer, keeping away from any kind of commitment after being burned in the past. When his Porsche breaks down in the back hills of Ireland, it’s a pitstop to his current life. A break. A short divergence.
Until he walks into the local pub and sees Dee. Jax is immediately smitten, something that’s never happened to him before, even as he watches her tell off her suppliers. All is not roses in this small village, though, and Jax learns that the man who betrayed Dee is also trying to destroy her home. This story is about the golden retriever hero trying to convince the black cat heroine to take a chance on him and trust that he won’t betray or worse…leave.
This is a low-angst (to me, anyway) and easy to read. I loved Jax and how once he was in, he was all in. Dee was hardened by everything that happened in her life, but she wasn’t strong enough to stop him from getting to her and making her fall for him.
Loved it.
⭐️Grumpy h x sunshine H
⭐️He falls first
⭐️Irish lass and the Southern Yank
⭐️Pro golfer x bar wench/owner
⭐️OM drama and minuscule OW drama
⭐️Small town vibes, found family and community
⭐️An H who comes through in a big way
Jax is happy with his life as a pro-golfer, keeping away from any kind of commitment after being burned in the past. When his Porsche breaks down in the back hills of Ireland, it’s a pitstop to his current life. A break. A short divergence.
Until he walks into the local pub and sees Dee. Jax is immediately smitten, something that’s never happened to him before, even as he watches her tell off her suppliers. All is not roses in this small village, though, and Jax learns that the man who betrayed Dee is also trying to destroy her home. This story is about the golden retriever hero trying to convince the black cat heroine to take a chance on him and trust that he won’t betray or worse…leave.
This is a low-angst (to me, anyway) and easy to read. I loved Jax and how once he was in, he was all in. Dee was hardened by everything that happened in her life, but she wasn’t strong enough to stop him from getting to her and making her fall for him.
Loved it.
April 11, 2025
I had been looking forward to Jax’s story since being introduced to his character in No ordinary love and it was well worth the wait. Jax was one of my favorite side character and I really wanted his story so I really appreciate Maya for giving us his story. Jax is a sweet , cinnamon roll adorable yet alpha male who you can’t help falling for . He is different from the usual MCC, he is not grumpy and stuck up but sunshine and adorable. What I enjoyed from the get go about this story was it was a role reversal with a sunshine hero and grumpy female. He was patient with Dee who had her walls up and didn’t want to let anyone in after her previous experience. The story is set in beautiful and mesmerizing Irish village. One of the things I enjoy about Maya’s books is they take you in different places and the words are so beautifully written it takes to to these places and you are immersed into the story and the characters world. The story has angst and emotional moments but at the same time it has some light and funny moments with brilliant banter which had me laughing. After reading this story visiting Ireland has sure gone up on my bucket list . Another fantastic story by the talented Maya . Can’t wait to read what this talented author would write next. Highly recommend this story.
May 16, 2025
Sweet, sweet romance
Jax is a pro golfer stranded in an Irish village when he wrecks his Porsche. Dee owns a pub/boarding house in said village. He’s the laid back Yank and she’s the firebrand community leader trying to save her village from developers. Jax is instantly in lust but she’s been burned before so he doesn’t seem to have a chance. What was supposed to be to be a few days’ stay to fix the car becomes a sweet, slow-burn romance.
Jax was introduced in another book and was a great guy then. Fans loved his love and care for the lead female, and wanted a HEA for him. In this book, he falls first and works to make Dee’s life easier. He’s also a favorite with the villagers and has their backs with the developers. He’s rich and a sports pro without overly flaunting it. His humor and friendliness wins over everyone. But he’s smart, too, a businessman, and not above being ruthless to help Dee.
Dee is strong in her own right and does not let her own pain and sorry hold her back from helping her village. Her pub is the heartbeat of the village and everyone comes there for food, fun, and good company. I loved her sense of family, her smart remarks, and her care of others while having a backbone of steel.
Definitely a reread book for me.
Jax is a pro golfer stranded in an Irish village when he wrecks his Porsche. Dee owns a pub/boarding house in said village. He’s the laid back Yank and she’s the firebrand community leader trying to save her village from developers. Jax is instantly in lust but she’s been burned before so he doesn’t seem to have a chance. What was supposed to be to be a few days’ stay to fix the car becomes a sweet, slow-burn romance.
Jax was introduced in another book and was a great guy then. Fans loved his love and care for the lead female, and wanted a HEA for him. In this book, he falls first and works to make Dee’s life easier. He’s also a favorite with the villagers and has their backs with the developers. He’s rich and a sports pro without overly flaunting it. His humor and friendliness wins over everyone. But he’s smart, too, a businessman, and not above being ruthless to help Dee.
Dee is strong in her own right and does not let her own pain and sorry hold her back from helping her village. Her pub is the heartbeat of the village and everyone comes there for food, fun, and good company. I loved her sense of family, her smart remarks, and her care of others while having a backbone of steel.
Definitely a reread book for me.
May 19, 2025
I received this gem of a book as an ARC reader, but let me be clear — this review comes straight from the heart.
Let me just say it: Jax has no right being this charming. The man is like if emotional support, subtle swagger, and soft-eyed vulnerability had a baby. Why can’t men like him exist in real life?
When he stumbles into Ballybeg, he’s clearly not expecting to fall for a flame-haired hurricane of a woman — but oh, how fast and hard he does. Dee, for her part, is not here for any of it. She’s fierce, guarded, and so sick of being burned that she doesn’t even pretend to entertain his smooth talk or soft eyes. She's got her pub, her town, her legacy — and no time for a rich American, no matter how kind or deliciously persistent.
What I loved most wasn’t just the sizzling push and pull between them (though trust me, the tension delivers). She’s the soul of her town — rough, rooted, and loyal to a fault. And Jax? He meets her fire with nothing but steadiness. He’s not there to change her — he’s there to stand beside her.
Also, bonus points for a small town full of chaotic lovable weirdos!
If you want a story that balances heart, heat, and humor — read this. Then read it again.
Let me just say it: Jax has no right being this charming. The man is like if emotional support, subtle swagger, and soft-eyed vulnerability had a baby. Why can’t men like him exist in real life?
When he stumbles into Ballybeg, he’s clearly not expecting to fall for a flame-haired hurricane of a woman — but oh, how fast and hard he does. Dee, for her part, is not here for any of it. She’s fierce, guarded, and so sick of being burned that she doesn’t even pretend to entertain his smooth talk or soft eyes. She's got her pub, her town, her legacy — and no time for a rich American, no matter how kind or deliciously persistent.
What I loved most wasn’t just the sizzling push and pull between them (though trust me, the tension delivers). She’s the soul of her town — rough, rooted, and loyal to a fault. And Jax? He meets her fire with nothing but steadiness. He’s not there to change her — he’s there to stand beside her.
Also, bonus points for a small town full of chaotic lovable weirdos!
If you want a story that balances heart, heat, and humor — read this. Then read it again.
March 31, 2025
Slainte to Maya for another wonderful book! I was hoping that Jax would get a book ever since we were introduced to him in No Ordinary Love and here it is. The story starts with Jax stranded in the village of Ballybeg, Ireland and he accepts room and board from the feisty Dee, bar owner of the Banshee's Nest. Let's just say sparks fly immediately between them but Dee has dealt with heartbreak and not ready to let Jax in. She is also trying to save her farm and bar from her ex-boyfriend who wants to tear down the village to build a golf resort. With Jax now in the village, her ex tries to use that to his advantage but Jax is firmly on Dee's side. Jax has also charmed the entire town which the side characters are a fantastic mix of old and young and gives you that community feel of a small village. When Dee finally submits to Jax's charm, the heat jumps off the page! There is some drama in the third act that causes Dee to question Jax's intentions but it's more Dee's insecurities that get in her way. If you are looking for romance, angst, comedy and village hijinks, you have come to the right book. Invite the Ballybeg crew into your life. You will not be disappointed!
April 11, 2025
This was yet another win for Maya Alden. I can’t help but gush over how much I loved it! We finally got Jax’s story and it was soooo worth the wait! I loved the book from beginning to end, enough that I was fighting a migraine for the past couple days and picking it up whenever I was conscious! I didn’t want it to end! It made me smile again and again. Also, I looked up Ballybeg and was sad to see it doesn’t exist. I was so ready to take a trip! I already told my hubby we need to go back across the pond and get to Ireland! Somehow I lived in England for 4 years and never made it there! I need to fix this!
This book was different than a lot of Maya’s other books and I loved it for it! There was no need for Jax to grovel, because the man was made of sunshine and everything that is good! He is the perfect book boyfriend and possibly my favorite character in any of Maya’s books. I loved that he was the sunshine to Dee’s grumpiness! It was just perfection. He was so patient and determined to win Dee over that he won me over too!
Dee was such a strong FMC! I just adored her and her stubbornness. I only slightly wanted to smack her upside the head for ever doubting Jax. I loved her dedication to Ballybeg and the people of her town. She had so much heart and worked so hard to hide it. I loved seeing her finally open up to Jax. It was just beautiful to see.
I need to find something for Gaelic pronunciations, because I could not fit the life of me figure out how to say many of the names. I was so invested I had to google and look up meanings and pronunciations, just like I googled Ballybeg. I kind of want to learn the language now. It’ll help in the trip I’m convincing my husband to take me on!
I just adored this book and badly needed this positivity! It came at the exact right time! I will definitely be revisiting this book! Thank you, Maya Alden, for listening to all of us and giving us more Jax!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this and I am soooo glad I got to enjoy it early! Yay Jax! 😍💜
This book was different than a lot of Maya’s other books and I loved it for it! There was no need for Jax to grovel, because the man was made of sunshine and everything that is good! He is the perfect book boyfriend and possibly my favorite character in any of Maya’s books. I loved that he was the sunshine to Dee’s grumpiness! It was just perfection. He was so patient and determined to win Dee over that he won me over too!
Dee was such a strong FMC! I just adored her and her stubbornness. I only slightly wanted to smack her upside the head for ever doubting Jax. I loved her dedication to Ballybeg and the people of her town. She had so much heart and worked so hard to hide it. I loved seeing her finally open up to Jax. It was just beautiful to see.
I need to find something for Gaelic pronunciations, because I could not fit the life of me figure out how to say many of the names. I was so invested I had to google and look up meanings and pronunciations, just like I googled Ballybeg. I kind of want to learn the language now. It’ll help in the trip I’m convincing my husband to take me on!
I just adored this book and badly needed this positivity! It came at the exact right time! I will definitely be revisiting this book! Thank you, Maya Alden, for listening to all of us and giving us more Jax!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this and I am soooo glad I got to enjoy it early! Yay Jax! 😍💜
May 9, 2025
Pure Magic
I have loved Jax since we met him in No Ordinary Love. He was the character that I was wishing to have his own story because even as a side character, you can't help but fall for him and the growth as the crazy fun best friend that he is.
Jax doesn't change in this story. He is still wild and fun and in the middle of everything. He is also very sweet and a true cinnamon roll of a guy. Diedre or Dee is fierce and strong, and she stands up for herself and won't back down. She has the strongest devotion to herself, her town, the pub, and everyone she comes into contact with. Having been hurt in the past, she has closed her heart off. When these two meet sparks, fly for both of them even though one is reluctant. When an ex from the past shows up and wants to ruin the land she and everyone in the village loves, it takes the village and Jax to save the day.
This story has all the feels you want. From comedy, craziness, happiness, some sadness, and even some angsty moments. You also get some miscommunication and conflict thrown in as well. But in the end, it's all joy, love, and friendship.
I have loved Jax since we met him in No Ordinary Love. He was the character that I was wishing to have his own story because even as a side character, you can't help but fall for him and the growth as the crazy fun best friend that he is.
Jax doesn't change in this story. He is still wild and fun and in the middle of everything. He is also very sweet and a true cinnamon roll of a guy. Diedre or Dee is fierce and strong, and she stands up for herself and won't back down. She has the strongest devotion to herself, her town, the pub, and everyone she comes into contact with. Having been hurt in the past, she has closed her heart off. When these two meet sparks, fly for both of them even though one is reluctant. When an ex from the past shows up and wants to ruin the land she and everyone in the village loves, it takes the village and Jax to save the day.
This story has all the feels you want. From comedy, craziness, happiness, some sadness, and even some angsty moments. You also get some miscommunication and conflict thrown in as well. But in the end, it's all joy, love, and friendship.
April 11, 2025
Tee'd Up, this was such a fun read, told in dual POV.
Based in an Irish village, where the locals are facing the possible destruction of their world by a conglomerate wanting to replace all their homes and businesses with a high class golf resort.
We have Jax, a cocky self assured American golf pro, who stumbles in to the village by pure accident. Dee is our heroine, owns and runs the local pub and guest boarding rooms where Jax ends up staying. The supporting characters are the local folk, and through the banter you actually feel like you are there with them, going about their daily lives.
The story is engaging, at times light hearted, but also emotional as you feel the concerns and losses that are being struggled with.
We see a slow burn in the relationship between Jax and Dee, two people from two very different worlds, and I'm pleased they get their HEA.
I very much recommend Tee'd Up to others whether you're an avid Maya Alden reader or new to Maya's work. You won't be disappointed
Based in an Irish village, where the locals are facing the possible destruction of their world by a conglomerate wanting to replace all their homes and businesses with a high class golf resort.
We have Jax, a cocky self assured American golf pro, who stumbles in to the village by pure accident. Dee is our heroine, owns and runs the local pub and guest boarding rooms where Jax ends up staying. The supporting characters are the local folk, and through the banter you actually feel like you are there with them, going about their daily lives.
The story is engaging, at times light hearted, but also emotional as you feel the concerns and losses that are being struggled with.
We see a slow burn in the relationship between Jax and Dee, two people from two very different worlds, and I'm pleased they get their HEA.
I very much recommend Tee'd Up to others whether you're an avid Maya Alden reader or new to Maya's work. You won't be disappointed
April 12, 2025
I love Jax and Dee ! They are absolutely one of my favorite couples from this author! This was an angst filled emotional but laugh out loud romance it takes place in Ireland and thats one of the things I love about Maya Aldens writing is that I feel like wherever the story takes place at I am actually there smelling the green rolling hills of Ireland her descriptive writing is beautiful . I also loved the banter between these two I laughed so hard through some of their encounters these two were hilarious together I liked how the female was the grumpy grouch and the male was the sunshine it made this story so much better i just cant recommend this one enough if you need a good palate cleanser and some laughter definitely read this story! I will say it is emotional too due to someone that was a beloved side character died and it was so heartbreaking i definitely cried . Maya Alden is a must read author and is one of my favorites I haven’t read a book by her yet that I didn’t love !
April 16, 2025
So much fun! I loved it! I have read other novels by this author and loved them. This novel did not disappoint. I was so excited to jump into this novel. I loved Jax in a previous novel and was so glad he was getting his own story. I loved the setting in Ireland. This novel sucked me in within the first chapter and held on tight until the very last page. I loved Jax and Dee. Their chemistry was so so good. I loved that this novel had a slow burn to the love story. I was tickled that Dee's character was the grump and Jax had the sunshiny nature. I loved them together. I loved watching Dee's walls and defenses come down and watch them fall in love. Once I started reading I literally stayed up all night reading because I needed to know what was going to happen next. So worth losing sleep over. I loved it! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. So so good!
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