What do you think?
Rate this book
Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove #2
The Live-In Temptation Special Edition: Special Edition Discreet Cover
Hiring the chaotic woman I pulled out of a shed fire to be my daughter's nanny was a bad idea. Letting her live with me? Even worse.
Chloe Bradshaw is too vibrant, too bold, and way too young for me. She's pure sunshine-in-a-hurricane energy and the exact opposite of the calm, steady influence my daughter needs.
But Emma adores her from the second they meet, and I'd do anything for my little girl. Including sharing a roof with the one woman I shouldn't want.
Chloe's the walking definition of off-limits. And one hell of a temptation I can't stop thinking about.
Between midnight snack run-ins, hair-braiding lessons, and the way she looks in my stolen hoodie, forbidden stopped being a warning and started feeling like a dare.
I swore I wouldn't cross that line with her. Then I did. Again. And again.
And now, what we both insisted was only temporary is starting to feel like it could be real. Suddenly, I'm not just her boss or her landlord. I'm the guy threatening to burn down anything that hurts her.
But the end date of our arrangement is looming, and her suitcase is still half-packed. She says she's not staying. I say she's already mine.
Chloe Bradshaw is too vibrant, too bold, and way too young for me. She's pure sunshine-in-a-hurricane energy and the exact opposite of the calm, steady influence my daughter needs.
But Emma adores her from the second they meet, and I'd do anything for my little girl. Including sharing a roof with the one woman I shouldn't want.
Chloe's the walking definition of off-limits. And one hell of a temptation I can't stop thinking about.
Between midnight snack run-ins, hair-braiding lessons, and the way she looks in my stolen hoodie, forbidden stopped being a warning and started feeling like a dare.
I swore I wouldn't cross that line with her. Then I did. Again. And again.
And now, what we both insisted was only temporary is starting to feel like it could be real. Suddenly, I'm not just her boss or her landlord. I'm the guy threatening to burn down anything that hurts her.
But the end date of our arrangement is looming, and her suitcase is still half-packed. She says she's not staying. I say she's already mine.
388 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2025
618 people are currently reading
4801 people want to read
About the author
Brighton Walsh
53 books2,149 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 952 reviews
September 4, 2025
I don’t even read Brighton Walsh’s synopsis anymore.. if she writes it, I’m in. And wow, she really delivered with this one!
Chloe, Xander, and little Emma completely stole my heart. Chloe was straight-up chaotic sunshine and I truly adored her. Meanwhile, Xander is the grumpy, growly, single-dad fire chief who’s also the softest, sweetest dad ever. Yeah, he’s officially living rent free in my head and I’m not even mad about it. Their banter, their chemistry, the way they balanced each other out… SWOON. And let’s not forget the spice 🔥 Brighton did NOT hold back.
And Emma... oh my god, she’s such a little queen. Her larger-than-life personality and sweet moments with Xander made the story extra special. Plus, the Steele brothers’ banter stays undefeated, and Laurel once again showed up as the true MVP.
Brighton nailed it again, and now I’m counting down the days for Lincoln & Willa because if that epilogue is anything to go by… I’m about to go FERAL.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Single dad x Nanny
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
❤️🔥 Age Gap
❤️🔥 Grumpy x Sunshine
Chloe, Xander, and little Emma completely stole my heart. Chloe was straight-up chaotic sunshine and I truly adored her. Meanwhile, Xander is the grumpy, growly, single-dad fire chief who’s also the softest, sweetest dad ever. Yeah, he’s officially living rent free in my head and I’m not even mad about it. Their banter, their chemistry, the way they balanced each other out… SWOON. And let’s not forget the spice 🔥 Brighton did NOT hold back.
And Emma... oh my god, she’s such a little queen. Her larger-than-life personality and sweet moments with Xander made the story extra special. Plus, the Steele brothers’ banter stays undefeated, and Laurel once again showed up as the true MVP.
Brighton nailed it again, and now I’m counting down the days for Lincoln & Willa because if that epilogue is anything to go by… I’m about to go FERAL.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Single dad x Nanny
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
❤️🔥 Age Gap
❤️🔥 Grumpy x Sunshine
September 22, 2025
We saw Xander and his daughter come home in the last book. Now hes a single dad raising a little girl and thinks he has to carry all the weight. He meets Chole before in a meet cute when she almost burned down a shack lol. And again when she interviews for the nanny. He already wants a no but when she bounds with his daughter already he hires her.
Chloe is a ball of sass and sunshine 🌞. She makes sure Emma is taken care of making sure she has a safe space. Also trying not to fall for her hot boss. The chemistry between them! It was hot and cold because he didn't like her bright sunshine self. But the more he saw her help his daughter and himself the more the walls come down.
And when they finally took that step it was 🔥🔥🔥 Xander knows how to make you squirm and melt with his words.
We do have some drama but it's a won't she will she stay drama.
Safety-Xander watches chole go on one date and fucks her lol. No dates after that haha.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, secondary characters, Tiny drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Age gap
28h/38H
Casual drug use (mention of)
Child abandonment
Death of a parent and guardian (off page)
Disappearance of a loved one (discussion of)
Foster care
Loss of a parent (discussion of)
Unexpected parenthood
Praise kink
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
Chloe is a ball of sass and sunshine 🌞. She makes sure Emma is taken care of making sure she has a safe space. Also trying not to fall for her hot boss. The chemistry between them! It was hot and cold because he didn't like her bright sunshine self. But the more he saw her help his daughter and himself the more the walls come down.
And when they finally took that step it was 🔥🔥🔥 Xander knows how to make you squirm and melt with his words.
We do have some drama but it's a won't she will she stay drama.
Safety-Xander watches chole go on one date and fucks her lol. No dates after that haha.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, secondary characters, Tiny drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Age gap
28h/38H
Casual drug use (mention of)
Child abandonment
Death of a parent and guardian (off page)
Disappearance of a loved one (discussion of)
Foster care
Loss of a parent (discussion of)
Unexpected parenthood
Praise kink
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
September 4, 2025
Update 9/4/25 - it’s release day! The bonus epilogue is everything, so good.
ARC Read
5 stars
Spice: 2.5 / 5
The Live-In Temptation is book 2 of the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove and it did not disappoint. I'm in love with this series and all the small towns inhabitants.
The Steele brothers are all grumpy. growly, and stunted iwhen it comes to expressing their feelings.
Xander is Starlight Cove's newest fire chief. He relocated back home when he found out he was the father to 4 yr old Emma. He wanted to raise her around family (his mom and 3 brothers), plus he desperately needed the help as a new father. His family convinces him he needs to hire a nanny.
Chloe is a glitter loving wanderer who is in town visiting a friend whilst she is in between jobs and her next adventure. She initially meets the new fire chief when she starts a fire in her friends she-shed. Xander kicks her out of said she-said since its not actually a liveable dwelling hence her need for (1) a place to live and (2) she needs the money to pay bills / savings for her next adventure.
The fire put Chloe on Xander's radar screen but definitely not as his nanny. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Emma and Chloe have an immediate bond and Xanders scheduled, clutter free home will never be the same nor will his heart. (here's a short list of some of the experience listed on Chloe's resume: Au Pair, dog walker for a poodle with separation anxiety, a chaos coordinator at a mountain goat yoga retreat and a massage therapist for horny parrots at a parrot rescue, etc)
This book will definitely take you on a ride as Xander, Chloe and Emma all have a backstory. It will also have you up in all your feels.
Takeaways:
Small town
Age gap
Angsty
Shoe Orphanage
Brothers (the text banner is chef's kiss)
Mom
Mabel (town gossip and pleasure party extraordinaire)
Wicked Little Things
One Night Stan's (so much happens at ONS)
Grey Sweatpants (DIB baby!)
Caretaker
Bath scene (about did me in)
"You look like mine"
Adventures
Birthday
HEA
Thank you Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood for the opportunity to read / review an advanced reader copy. I'm excited for the next book in the series (bring on Lincoln).
ARC Read
5 stars
Spice: 2.5 / 5
The Live-In Temptation is book 2 of the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove and it did not disappoint. I'm in love with this series and all the small towns inhabitants.
The Steele brothers are all grumpy. growly, and stunted iwhen it comes to expressing their feelings.
Xander is Starlight Cove's newest fire chief. He relocated back home when he found out he was the father to 4 yr old Emma. He wanted to raise her around family (his mom and 3 brothers), plus he desperately needed the help as a new father. His family convinces him he needs to hire a nanny.
Chloe is a glitter loving wanderer who is in town visiting a friend whilst she is in between jobs and her next adventure. She initially meets the new fire chief when she starts a fire in her friends she-shed. Xander kicks her out of said she-said since its not actually a liveable dwelling hence her need for (1) a place to live and (2) she needs the money to pay bills / savings for her next adventure.
The fire put Chloe on Xander's radar screen but definitely not as his nanny. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Emma and Chloe have an immediate bond and Xanders scheduled, clutter free home will never be the same nor will his heart. (here's a short list of some of the experience listed on Chloe's resume: Au Pair, dog walker for a poodle with separation anxiety, a chaos coordinator at a mountain goat yoga retreat and a massage therapist for horny parrots at a parrot rescue, etc)
This book will definitely take you on a ride as Xander, Chloe and Emma all have a backstory. It will also have you up in all your feels.
Takeaways:
Small town
Age gap
Angsty
Shoe Orphanage
Brothers (the text banner is chef's kiss)
Mom
Mabel (town gossip and pleasure party extraordinaire)
Wicked Little Things
One Night Stan's (so much happens at ONS)
Grey Sweatpants (DIB baby!)
Caretaker
Bath scene (about did me in)
"You look like mine"
Adventures
Birthday
HEA
Thank you Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood for the opportunity to read / review an advanced reader copy. I'm excited for the next book in the series (bring on Lincoln).
October 12, 2025
перша книжка мені, мабуть, трошки більше сподобалася, але ця теж хороша. загалом зрозуміла, що авторка комфортно пише, і навіть захотілося іншу серію прочитати. а то такі смачні герої фігурують.
4/5 ⭐️
4/5 ⭐️
September 30, 2025
Listen, at this point I’d read Brighton Walsh’s grocery list and thank her for making it so spicy.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The Live-In Temptation by Brighton Walsh
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove character series. Book 2.
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: ARC/ALC on Kindle. 🆓 on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, nanny, single dad, found family, enhanced dirty talk.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Xander is navigating life after moving home to Starlight Cove and finding out he’s a father. But life as fire chief isn’t easy, and he needs a nanny. Enter chaotic glitter queen Chloe, who knows just how to crack his grumpy exterior.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: This book was perfect.
It was perfectly paced, perfectly balanced, and perfectly swoony. That could be the end of my review, but don’t worry… I’ll give you more.
You’re going to laugh. You’re probably going to shed a single tear. And you’re going to have to put the book down to fan yourself. And let me tell you - and this is the first time I’m giving this warning - if you’re listening to the audio I’d suggest not operating heavy machinery… because oh my god. Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin were absolutely astonishing together.
The only thing I’m mad about is that I’ve already read all of Brighton Walsh’s books so I have to be normal and patiently wait for the next one.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The Live-In Temptation by Brighton Walsh
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove character series. Book 2.
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: ARC/ALC on Kindle. 🆓 on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, nanny, single dad, found family, enhanced dirty talk.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Xander is navigating life after moving home to Starlight Cove and finding out he’s a father. But life as fire chief isn’t easy, and he needs a nanny. Enter chaotic glitter queen Chloe, who knows just how to crack his grumpy exterior.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: This book was perfect.
It was perfectly paced, perfectly balanced, and perfectly swoony. That could be the end of my review, but don’t worry… I’ll give you more.
You’re going to laugh. You’re probably going to shed a single tear. And you’re going to have to put the book down to fan yourself. And let me tell you - and this is the first time I’m giving this warning - if you’re listening to the audio I’d suggest not operating heavy machinery… because oh my god. Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin were absolutely astonishing together.
The only thing I’m mad about is that I’ve already read all of Brighton Walsh’s books so I have to be normal and patiently wait for the next one.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
August 23, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book! An excellent new one from Brighton Walsh.
I really enjoyed everything about this book from the previously organised and stern Xander whose world has been thrown into chaos to Chloe who seemingly brings another element of chaos but is a also bright light, to sweet Emma - a loving little girl who has been through some trauma and is adjusting to a new life to all the small town family and friends and autumn-to-winter vibes.
I found Chloe’s journey in this interesting. What came to mind is that she goes through ‘the heartbreak of falling in love’. I think it’s like that for some people and I really felt for Chloe. It’s not a heartbreak related to anything to do with Xander but because of her own internal life and struggles.
There are several detailed/explicit open door scenes bringing quite a bit of heat to the book as well. The dirty talk from Xander in this is something else, so if you like a man with a bedroom mouth on him - definitely check this one out!
While there is the spice and the romance, this book is also so very much all about the small-town, found family love that just really squeezes your heart and actually was a bit of a tear-jerker in that way for me. The family chats also cracked me up.
Absolutely loved it and gave me all the warm, lovely vibes inside. The romance was great but everything surrounding it was just as good and, in a way, romantic too. Brighton does small-town so well for this reason. It’s all tucked in together as one and integral to the story.
The big ending had me again in tears with how sweet it was. Xander is such a supportive, steady, sweetheart, provider love wrapped up in a stern package and just what Chloe needs. There are some really great scenes throughout of Xander as a top-tier caretaker *swoon*
Overall a great contemporary small town romance read, can definitely recommend this! It is the second book in this series which is also loosely related to a prior series. You don’t need to read the previous books, you won’t be lost, but they do enhance some of the connection to side characters. In either case, definitely pick this one up!
5/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
I really enjoyed everything about this book from the previously organised and stern Xander whose world has been thrown into chaos to Chloe who seemingly brings another element of chaos but is a also bright light, to sweet Emma - a loving little girl who has been through some trauma and is adjusting to a new life to all the small town family and friends and autumn-to-winter vibes.
I found Chloe’s journey in this interesting. What came to mind is that she goes through ‘the heartbreak of falling in love’. I think it’s like that for some people and I really felt for Chloe. It’s not a heartbreak related to anything to do with Xander but because of her own internal life and struggles.
There are several detailed/explicit open door scenes bringing quite a bit of heat to the book as well. The dirty talk from Xander in this is something else, so if you like a man with a bedroom mouth on him - definitely check this one out!
While there is the spice and the romance, this book is also so very much all about the small-town, found family love that just really squeezes your heart and actually was a bit of a tear-jerker in that way for me. The family chats also cracked me up.
Absolutely loved it and gave me all the warm, lovely vibes inside. The romance was great but everything surrounding it was just as good and, in a way, romantic too. Brighton does small-town so well for this reason. It’s all tucked in together as one and integral to the story.
The big ending had me again in tears with how sweet it was. Xander is such a supportive, steady, sweetheart, provider love wrapped up in a stern package and just what Chloe needs. There are some really great scenes throughout of Xander as a top-tier caretaker *swoon*
Overall a great contemporary small town romance read, can definitely recommend this! It is the second book in this series which is also loosely related to a prior series. You don’t need to read the previous books, you won’t be lost, but they do enhance some of the connection to side characters. In either case, definitely pick this one up!
5/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
September 4, 2025
Xander is a struggling single dad. He had just found out he was the father to a four-year-old little girl. He desperately needs a nanny to help… Enter Chloe. A chaos demon with her sparkles and sunshine, ready to shake up Xander’s organized life. Chloe immediately clicks with his daughter, Emma. They become two peas in a pod with the cutest nicknames for each other.
Xander and Chloe both have an instant attraction to one another, but of course, try their best to keep their hands to themselves and keep it professional, until they can’t anymore.
This audiobook had me laughing out loud within a few chapters. Vanessa Edwin absolutely nailed the narration of Chloe. And Connor Crais was perfection as Xander, dare I say… I’m obsessed?! Xander’s filthy mouth paired with Connor’s growly voice had me BLUSHING.
I loved this book so much. 5/5 no notes, deliciously perfect in all the ways. Definitely a favorite couple, and a new fave book boyfriend! The spicy microtropes in this one? 👏🏼🥵 The ending?! 🫠🥹Brighton knocked it out of the park with this one.
ALC review
🎧Duet narration
🎙️Vanessa Edwin and Connor Crais
✨Single dad x Nanny
✨Age gap
✨Forbidden
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Firefighter MMC
✨Annoyances to lovers
✨Roommates
✨Slow burn
Xander and Chloe both have an instant attraction to one another, but of course, try their best to keep their hands to themselves and keep it professional, until they can’t anymore.
This audiobook had me laughing out loud within a few chapters. Vanessa Edwin absolutely nailed the narration of Chloe. And Connor Crais was perfection as Xander, dare I say… I’m obsessed?! Xander’s filthy mouth paired with Connor’s growly voice had me BLUSHING.
I loved this book so much. 5/5 no notes, deliciously perfect in all the ways. Definitely a favorite couple, and a new fave book boyfriend! The spicy microtropes in this one? 👏🏼🥵 The ending?! 🫠🥹Brighton knocked it out of the park with this one.
ALC review
🎧Duet narration
🎙️Vanessa Edwin and Connor Crais
✨Single dad x Nanny
✨Age gap
✨Forbidden
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Firefighter MMC
✨Annoyances to lovers
✨Roommates
✨Slow burn
September 7, 2025
What can I say? I’m a sucker for a single parent trope. The heroine was a bit too much for me, but overall I did love it. The first book was a standout for me so I was comparing the two and I still favor the first book more.
August 16, 2025
I'm absolutely down for anything that Brighton writes, so I don't even read the synopsis any longer.
I loved Chloe and Xander. She's the sunniest of sunshines and he's the grumpiest of grumps. Together they have loads of chemistry and a united front on making magic for 4-year old Emma. Of course the rest of the characters were delightful menaces (and it's literally all of them, so I can't call one person out.)
Plot wise it's good. I would have liked a bit more conversation between them as it seemed like they each learned about the other from the friend group. As always, there's a delicious grand gesture and tempting morsel of a scene to set up the next story...and this didn't disappoint.
Overall, it was a fun and quick read and I can't wait to see how the next book goes.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Chloe and Xander. She's the sunniest of sunshines and he's the grumpiest of grumps. Together they have loads of chemistry and a united front on making magic for 4-year old Emma. Of course the rest of the characters were delightful menaces (and it's literally all of them, so I can't call one person out.)
Plot wise it's good. I would have liked a bit more conversation between them as it seemed like they each learned about the other from the friend group. As always, there's a delicious grand gesture and tempting morsel of a scene to set up the next story...and this didn't disappoint.
Overall, it was a fun and quick read and I can't wait to see how the next book goes.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
September 11, 2025
safe no ow drama a little om drama she's go on a date but nothing happend
I skip a lot they don't have really conversation just at the ending
too much sex
I skip a lot they don't have really conversation just at the ending
too much sex
September 4, 2025
ARC/ALC Review
“She looked like the kind of woman who made bad decisions on purpose just to see how much trouble they’d cause…”
Should you read this one? A million times yes!
I did an immersive read with this one so I was truly living my best life with this book. The audiobook was insanely good! The story was so entertaining. And the spice? Through the roof!
I was a huge fan of book one (The Grump Next Door) of the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove series so I was not so patiently waiting for this book to come out. Counting down the days was more like it.
Xander Steele was such a beautifully handsome, grumpy, single dad. Like could there be a better MMC?? That might check off all my boxes. Oh wait…and he has a filthy mouth. Done and done! Oh…wait again. He’s a firefighter. Does Brighton even give any other MMC’s a chance? Because Xander is elite.
Did I mention that his character is narrated by Connor Crais on the audiobook? Pretty sure Brighton loves us audiobook girls because of that selection. Connor is the perfect choice for Xander and his performance on this audiobook is flawless.
And the FMC? Oh that’s Chloe Bradshaw. The free spirit, ultimate ray of sunshine who ends up as his nanny. (Single dad/nanny trope, this seriously is my favorite thing!). And Chloe? She totally has earned a place as one of my favorite FMC’s ever. Her nicknames for Xander had me cackling…She was truly the best character that I would love to have as a friend in real life. Her character was brought to life in this duet audiobook by Vanessa Edwin. One of my all time favorite female narrators! She just brought such a fun quirky energy to the audiobook and it was perfect for this character.
This book had the banter, spice, humor and heart. Everything you want in a romance book. And now I’m anxiously awaiting the next Steele Brother to steal my heart…
✨Tropes:✨
Single Dad x Nanny
Forced proximity
Forbidden Romance
Age Gap
Grumpy x sunshine
Firefighter
Thanks to Brighton Walsh for the ARC and ALC to read, listen and swoon!
“She looked like the kind of woman who made bad decisions on purpose just to see how much trouble they’d cause…”
Should you read this one? A million times yes!
I did an immersive read with this one so I was truly living my best life with this book. The audiobook was insanely good! The story was so entertaining. And the spice? Through the roof!
I was a huge fan of book one (The Grump Next Door) of the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove series so I was not so patiently waiting for this book to come out. Counting down the days was more like it.
Xander Steele was such a beautifully handsome, grumpy, single dad. Like could there be a better MMC?? That might check off all my boxes. Oh wait…and he has a filthy mouth. Done and done! Oh…wait again. He’s a firefighter. Does Brighton even give any other MMC’s a chance? Because Xander is elite.
Did I mention that his character is narrated by Connor Crais on the audiobook? Pretty sure Brighton loves us audiobook girls because of that selection. Connor is the perfect choice for Xander and his performance on this audiobook is flawless.
And the FMC? Oh that’s Chloe Bradshaw. The free spirit, ultimate ray of sunshine who ends up as his nanny. (Single dad/nanny trope, this seriously is my favorite thing!). And Chloe? She totally has earned a place as one of my favorite FMC’s ever. Her nicknames for Xander had me cackling…She was truly the best character that I would love to have as a friend in real life. Her character was brought to life in this duet audiobook by Vanessa Edwin. One of my all time favorite female narrators! She just brought such a fun quirky energy to the audiobook and it was perfect for this character.
This book had the banter, spice, humor and heart. Everything you want in a romance book. And now I’m anxiously awaiting the next Steele Brother to steal my heart…
✨Tropes:✨
Single Dad x Nanny
Forced proximity
Forbidden Romance
Age Gap
Grumpy x sunshine
Firefighter
Thanks to Brighton Walsh for the ARC and ALC to read, listen and swoon!
September 3, 2025
This was such a good book. I love the characters
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 19, 2025
2.5 / 5 ⭐⭐💫
3.5 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: 19, 24, 26, 27, 31, 33, 36 & 41
First Person, Dual POV
Xander (MMC) and Chloe (FMC)
Pros:
Cameos from the previous book's MC's.
Hmmmm... the fact that this book has a hot single dad, who also happens to be a firefighter 🚒 . I can't think of much else 🙈.
Cons:
This book is very similar to 'Heartless' from Elsie Silver, minus the charming MMC 🙃.
The 🍆 inside of the MMC's pants is like a 3rd main character in the first half of the book. And yes, I do enjoy spicy books, but imo there's no need to mention said member on every single chapter. And ok, the insta lust that the MC's feel for each other is clear as day from the moment they first meet, but to me, their relationship feels superficial and without any real depth 😩🤷🏼♀️🙄.
I understand that the author was trying to portray the FMC as dorky, whimsical and quirky (in contrast to the very serious MMC), but to me, Chloe felt like a woman toddler in her immaturity, and general childish demeanor 😩😘. I found her borderline annoying. Yes, we get it, Cloe loves sprinkles, glitter, and shiny things, but can you please not make this her entire personality? 😒😖.
There's too much internal dialogue and not enough external/real communication/ conversation between the MC's.
Can we please stop pretending like the FMC reaching climax 53747 times during one sexy session is normal? I mean, I understand that this is a romance novel, but perhaps make it at least slightly realistic... 🙄😒😩🙈. Just saying.
Final Thoughts:
The nickname that Xanger gives Chloe as "Chaos" sounds to me so freaking dumb... 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️ I just can't 😩. This book got rounded up to 3 stars due to the MMC's dirty mouth and the spicy 🌶 scenes, but that's the best part of the novel. The rest of the book is nothing new, the material sounds recycled and like something you've read a million times before.
Happy reading! 📚
3.5 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: 19, 24, 26, 27, 31, 33, 36 & 41
First Person, Dual POV
Xander (MMC) and Chloe (FMC)
Pros:
Cameos from the previous book's MC's.
Hmmmm... the fact that this book has a hot single dad, who also happens to be a firefighter 🚒 . I can't think of much else 🙈.
Cons:
This book is very similar to 'Heartless' from Elsie Silver, minus the charming MMC 🙃.
The 🍆 inside of the MMC's pants is like a 3rd main character in the first half of the book. And yes, I do enjoy spicy books, but imo there's no need to mention said member on every single chapter. And ok, the insta lust that the MC's feel for each other is clear as day from the moment they first meet, but to me, their relationship feels superficial and without any real depth 😩🤷🏼♀️🙄.
I understand that the author was trying to portray the FMC as dorky, whimsical and quirky (in contrast to the very serious MMC), but to me, Chloe felt like a woman toddler in her immaturity, and general childish demeanor 😩😘. I found her borderline annoying. Yes, we get it, Cloe loves sprinkles, glitter, and shiny things, but can you please not make this her entire personality? 😒😖.
There's too much internal dialogue and not enough external/real communication/ conversation between the MC's.
Can we please stop pretending like the FMC reaching climax 53747 times during one sexy session is normal? I mean, I understand that this is a romance novel, but perhaps make it at least slightly realistic... 🙄😒😩🙈. Just saying.
Final Thoughts:
The nickname that Xanger gives Chloe as "Chaos" sounds to me so freaking dumb... 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️ I just can't 😩. This book got rounded up to 3 stars due to the MMC's dirty mouth and the spicy 🌶 scenes, but that's the best part of the novel. The rest of the book is nothing new, the material sounds recycled and like something you've read a million times before.
Happy reading! 📚
August 28, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I'm going to be brutally honest here so don't be mad at me, but this was just like every other Single Dad x Nanny trope book out there. He's so grumpy and she's sunshine. They fight their attraction to each other because they "can't" do it until she goes on a date with someone else and well he just can't have that. AND of course she has to leave. Which just didn't make sense because she didn’t HAVE to. She wasn't leaving for any particular reason but to "reset"? sigh. I really had to force myself through it.
It did have some positive aspects though. I did enjoy the beginning and the end of the book! I liked Chloe a lot and sweet little Emma stole the show.
While this wasn't my favorite, I do suggest you give it a read, especially if you like super grumpy men and the best found family vibes.
I'm going to be brutally honest here so don't be mad at me, but this was just like every other Single Dad x Nanny trope book out there. He's so grumpy and she's sunshine. They fight their attraction to each other because they "can't" do it until she goes on a date with someone else and well he just can't have that. AND of course she has to leave. Which just didn't make sense because she didn’t HAVE to. She wasn't leaving for any particular reason but to "reset"? sigh. I really had to force myself through it.
It did have some positive aspects though. I did enjoy the beginning and the end of the book! I liked Chloe a lot and sweet little Emma stole the show.
While this wasn't my favorite, I do suggest you give it a read, especially if you like super grumpy men and the best found family vibes.
September 9, 2025
4.5 stars.
"The Live-In Temptation" by Brighton Walsh!!! OMG, what a book! I absolutely loved this small-town, forced proximity, single dad x nanny age gap romance with fantastic characters, wonderful banter, and tons of tension. Xander and Chloe's story is one I will remember come the end of the year. Chloe is pure sunshine and chaos, but her heart is always in the right place. Xander is the grumpiest grump that ever grumped. After finding out he had a four-year-old daughter named Emma that he did not know about until her mother passed away, he finally takes his mom's advice and hires a nanny, Chloe! Xander has to navigate his new, messy normal in a world where he previously preferred structure and order, especially as the chief of Starlight Cove's fire department. Ugh, I adored this book. I loved Chloe and Xander's mismatched auras so much. She teaches him how to let loose and embrace the zaniness of life, and he teaches her to trust and know that someone will stay for her. Their slow-burning pairing is sheer perfection. And the SPICE. MY GOD, THE SPICE!!! Chloe and Emma's dynamic is also so awesome! I appreciated how quickly Emma was drawn to Chloe, who always treated her like she was special and perfect, even with the obvious trauma of losing her mother. Vanessa Edwin & Connor Crais do an absolutely stellar job with the audiobook narrations here. They embody the characters of Chloe and Xander with such precision and ease. What a wonderful book; I cannot wait to go back to Starlight Cove in the future! Check this one out ASAP!
Thank you to Brighton Walsh for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"The Live-In Temptation" by Brighton Walsh!!! OMG, what a book! I absolutely loved this small-town, forced proximity, single dad x nanny age gap romance with fantastic characters, wonderful banter, and tons of tension. Xander and Chloe's story is one I will remember come the end of the year. Chloe is pure sunshine and chaos, but her heart is always in the right place. Xander is the grumpiest grump that ever grumped. After finding out he had a four-year-old daughter named Emma that he did not know about until her mother passed away, he finally takes his mom's advice and hires a nanny, Chloe! Xander has to navigate his new, messy normal in a world where he previously preferred structure and order, especially as the chief of Starlight Cove's fire department. Ugh, I adored this book. I loved Chloe and Xander's mismatched auras so much. She teaches him how to let loose and embrace the zaniness of life, and he teaches her to trust and know that someone will stay for her. Their slow-burning pairing is sheer perfection. And the SPICE. MY GOD, THE SPICE!!! Chloe and Emma's dynamic is also so awesome! I appreciated how quickly Emma was drawn to Chloe, who always treated her like she was special and perfect, even with the obvious trauma of losing her mother. Vanessa Edwin & Connor Crais do an absolutely stellar job with the audiobook narrations here. They embody the characters of Chloe and Xander with such precision and ease. What a wonderful book; I cannot wait to go back to Starlight Cove in the future! Check this one out ASAP!
Thank you to Brighton Walsh for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
September 2, 2025
3.5⭐️
ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Book 2 in the Steele Brothers series gives us grumpy single dad Xander & free-spirited, wanderlust Chloe, who takes on the temporary role of live-in nanny for Xander's 4-year-old daughter Emma while the unexpectedly new dad learns to juggle life and fatherhood. Chloe breezes into their lives with her sunny attitude, leaving a mess of glitter in her wake, and Xander is immediately attracted to her but doesn't do well with chaos, which is exactly what Chloe is. Once they cave into their chemistry, can Xander convince Chloe to stick around when all she has ever done is move on?
I liked this and found it to be an enjoyable and entertaining listen, but I didn't love it as much as I did book one of this series. Xander, Chloe, and the overall vibes of the book felt too similar to Atlas, Sutton, and the overall vibes of book one for me. I felt like I was reading mostly the same book but with a couple of details slightly changed, so I found it harder to connect with or be invested in Chloe and Xander's story as it felt like I had read it before.
This also felt more lust driven than book one even though the burn was slower and the physical aspect of their relationship took a while to reach, and yet the romantic connection fell a little flat anyway. Don't get me wrong, the spice that was there was deliciously written, and hearing the talented Vanessa Edwin and Connor Crais bring these characters to life in all ways in duet-style narration was great. I thouroughly enjoyed the audiobook experience of this book and i think that is something Brighton does really well, she chooses the right narrators for her characters and the chemistry is palpable because of that. This is a good single dad/nanny romance, with an age gap, witty banter and a grumpy firefighter that knows how to dirty talk. The book releases across all platforms on the 4th September and I definitely recommend picking it up in audiobook format. 🌶🌶.5
"She looked like the kind of woman who made bad decisions on purpose just to see how much trouble they'd cause."
ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Book 2 in the Steele Brothers series gives us grumpy single dad Xander & free-spirited, wanderlust Chloe, who takes on the temporary role of live-in nanny for Xander's 4-year-old daughter Emma while the unexpectedly new dad learns to juggle life and fatherhood. Chloe breezes into their lives with her sunny attitude, leaving a mess of glitter in her wake, and Xander is immediately attracted to her but doesn't do well with chaos, which is exactly what Chloe is. Once they cave into their chemistry, can Xander convince Chloe to stick around when all she has ever done is move on?
I liked this and found it to be an enjoyable and entertaining listen, but I didn't love it as much as I did book one of this series. Xander, Chloe, and the overall vibes of the book felt too similar to Atlas, Sutton, and the overall vibes of book one for me. I felt like I was reading mostly the same book but with a couple of details slightly changed, so I found it harder to connect with or be invested in Chloe and Xander's story as it felt like I had read it before.
This also felt more lust driven than book one even though the burn was slower and the physical aspect of their relationship took a while to reach, and yet the romantic connection fell a little flat anyway. Don't get me wrong, the spice that was there was deliciously written, and hearing the talented Vanessa Edwin and Connor Crais bring these characters to life in all ways in duet-style narration was great. I thouroughly enjoyed the audiobook experience of this book and i think that is something Brighton does really well, she chooses the right narrators for her characters and the chemistry is palpable because of that. This is a good single dad/nanny romance, with an age gap, witty banter and a grumpy firefighter that knows how to dirty talk. The book releases across all platforms on the 4th September and I definitely recommend picking it up in audiobook format. 🌶🌶.5
"She looked like the kind of woman who made bad decisions on purpose just to see how much trouble they'd cause."
September 4, 2025
thank you hambright pr for an earc and alc if this book in exchange for my honest review!
this follows xander who has become a single dad after he gets custody of his 4 year old daughter, emma (who he didn’t know existed until recently). after a tragic accident happened with her mom. he’s struggling to stay afloat after moving back to starlight cove to be closer to family and is the new fire chief. enter chloe, the chaotic and unpredictable newcomer of starlight cove that never stays in one place for long, become emma’s nanny. they’re off limits to each other and they’re definitely not gonna fall in love….right?
this was the perfect bingeable single dad x nanny romance! i really enjoyed this story and it was pretty fast paced! xander and chloe were fun characters..but the smut was a bit much at times, i honestly skipped a lot of it and definitely wanted a bit more emotional connection with them. we did get a bit more depth from chloe at about 75% and because of that did help the rating become higher but i just wanted a little bit more. but i still had fun and enjoyed all the side characters and i’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this series!
read this if you like:
💙 single dad x nanny
💙 age gap (10 years)
💙 hot firefighter
the live in temptation by brighton walsh is available on september 4th wherever you read your books!
this follows xander who has become a single dad after he gets custody of his 4 year old daughter, emma (who he didn’t know existed until recently). after a tragic accident happened with her mom. he’s struggling to stay afloat after moving back to starlight cove to be closer to family and is the new fire chief. enter chloe, the chaotic and unpredictable newcomer of starlight cove that never stays in one place for long, become emma’s nanny. they’re off limits to each other and they’re definitely not gonna fall in love….right?
this was the perfect bingeable single dad x nanny romance! i really enjoyed this story and it was pretty fast paced! xander and chloe were fun characters..but the smut was a bit much at times, i honestly skipped a lot of it and definitely wanted a bit more emotional connection with them. we did get a bit more depth from chloe at about 75% and because of that did help the rating become higher but i just wanted a little bit more. but i still had fun and enjoyed all the side characters and i’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this series!
read this if you like:
💙 single dad x nanny
💙 age gap (10 years)
💙 hot firefighter
the live in temptation by brighton walsh is available on september 4th wherever you read your books!
September 24, 2025
Audio:
5 stars for Connor Crais
5 stars for Vanessa Edwin
Book: 3 stars
Loved the little girl, but the main characters needed to talk and think of something other than getting it on and how hot the other person was. Get to know the characters deep down.. idk I knew this wouldn’t be a win, but the narrators were great!
5 stars for Connor Crais
5 stars for Vanessa Edwin
Book: 3 stars
Loved the little girl, but the main characters needed to talk and think of something other than getting it on and how hot the other person was. Get to know the characters deep down.. idk I knew this wouldn’t be a win, but the narrators were great!
August 15, 2025
ALC Review!
One of my favorite reads this year! This book was everything! The narration by Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin was perfect for these characters!
���� Single dad + nanny
🏠 Forced proximity
🚫 Forbidden romance
🌩️ Grumpy x sunshine
🛋️ Roommates
⏳ Age gap
😤 Annoyances to lovers
🔥 Slow burn
Brighton really brought it with this book! I was obsessed with Chloe, Xander, and Emma! Chloe was a spunky, chaotic FMC and probably a favorite character I’ve read in awhile! Xander was a grumpy, fire chief, single daddy & everything I needed in this book! Their banter, chemistry, and relationship kept me laughing and swooning! Boy did she bring the heat with this one too! 🔥 all the spice & even added emotion near the end. This book was perfection!!
Thank you Brighton Walsh and Hambright PR for this ALC opportunity 🩷
One of my favorite reads this year! This book was everything! The narration by Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin was perfect for these characters!
���� Single dad + nanny
🏠 Forced proximity
🚫 Forbidden romance
🌩️ Grumpy x sunshine
🛋️ Roommates
⏳ Age gap
😤 Annoyances to lovers
🔥 Slow burn
Brighton really brought it with this book! I was obsessed with Chloe, Xander, and Emma! Chloe was a spunky, chaotic FMC and probably a favorite character I’ve read in awhile! Xander was a grumpy, fire chief, single daddy & everything I needed in this book! Their banter, chemistry, and relationship kept me laughing and swooning! Boy did she bring the heat with this one too! 🔥 all the spice & even added emotion near the end. This book was perfection!!
Thank you Brighton Walsh and Hambright PR for this ALC opportunity 🩷
September 12, 2025
Whew. After a five-star read that had me emotionally wrecked and swooning in equal measure, I dove into this one expecting something. A plot? Character development? Emotional depth? Silly me. Instead, I got 300+ pages of... horniness and hollow stares.
Let me be clear: this book gets two stars, and that’s a generous two stars. One for the narrators (thank God for them), and one for the daughter, who was the only character I remotely connected with.
Now, onto the “romance.” I use that term very loosely because, apparently, all it takes to fall in “love” these days is a few eye-roll-inducing inner monologues about how much you want to bend someone over a kitchen counter. Who knew? Forget actual conversation, connection, or — I don’t know — basic compatibility. These two shared one semi-decent conversation and suddenly they’re soulmates? Make it make sense.
I kept waiting for something — anything — to happen. How did the daughter’s mom die? How did Emma meeting him go down? When did he decide to move home? Why do these characters feel like cardboard cutouts with six-pack abs and daddy issues? I NEEDED DETAILS. INSTEAD I GOT ABS.
And Chloe... sigh. Chloe, girl. I tried. I really tried. But if I had to hear one more whiny, self-deprecating, inner monologue about being a “runner” and then finding out why she actually ran- I was going to scream. Her emotional depth was about as deep as a kiddie pool in a drought. “She always runs” — yeah, well, same. I ran straight to the end of this book praying for a plot twist. Spoiler: there wasn’t one.
I’m honestly nervous to read the next book, which is a shame because Lincoln is probably my favorite Steele brother. But if his story is just another round of “I don’t know you, but I want you naked anyway,” I might start a petition to rename this entire series The Steele Bros: In Lust We Trust.
Here’s hoping Lincoln’s story actually involves gasp storytelling.
Let me be clear: this book gets two stars, and that’s a generous two stars. One for the narrators (thank God for them), and one for the daughter, who was the only character I remotely connected with.
Now, onto the “romance.” I use that term very loosely because, apparently, all it takes to fall in “love” these days is a few eye-roll-inducing inner monologues about how much you want to bend someone over a kitchen counter. Who knew? Forget actual conversation, connection, or — I don’t know — basic compatibility. These two shared one semi-decent conversation and suddenly they’re soulmates? Make it make sense.
I kept waiting for something — anything — to happen. How did the daughter’s mom die? How did Emma meeting him go down? When did he decide to move home? Why do these characters feel like cardboard cutouts with six-pack abs and daddy issues? I NEEDED DETAILS. INSTEAD I GOT ABS.
And Chloe... sigh. Chloe, girl. I tried. I really tried. But if I had to hear one more whiny, self-deprecating, inner monologue about being a “runner” and then finding out why she actually ran- I was going to scream. Her emotional depth was about as deep as a kiddie pool in a drought. “She always runs” — yeah, well, same. I ran straight to the end of this book praying for a plot twist. Spoiler: there wasn’t one.
I’m honestly nervous to read the next book, which is a shame because Lincoln is probably my favorite Steele brother. But if his story is just another round of “I don’t know you, but I want you naked anyway,” I might start a petition to rename this entire series The Steele Bros: In Lust We Trust.
Here’s hoping Lincoln’s story actually involves gasp storytelling.
December 28, 2025
** This is a review based off the ARC I received. Thank-you again**
Boy was i happy to return to Starlight Cove!!!! Atlas was the daddy grump of all grumps so i wasn't sure how she could top him BUUUUTTTTTTTTT
Oh Xander... guilt ridden and lonely and missing the structure he craves... ughhhhh he broke my heart.
The KING of dirty talk OMG.......... SWWWWWOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNN
Reading about his and Emma's relationship grow was so heartwarming.. I could have read a story all about them LOL
Then comes the hurricane that is Chloe and OHHH do i love her.. I want her to be my BFF!!
The way she finds two people who also feel lost and lonely and abandoned is perfect. The way she soo wants to commit but is scared and feels not worthy. ughhhh tears. Emma and her towards the end will have you crying big crocodile tears...
This book has it all.. found family, spice (10/10 on dirty talk omg), laughs, tears, and GLITTER!!
I can not wait to hear Linc and Dec's storiesssssss!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you again and please pick this up!
Boy was i happy to return to Starlight Cove!!!! Atlas was the daddy grump of all grumps so i wasn't sure how she could top him BUUUUTTTTTTTTT
Oh Xander... guilt ridden and lonely and missing the structure he craves... ughhhhh he broke my heart.
The KING of dirty talk OMG.......... SWWWWWOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNN
Reading about his and Emma's relationship grow was so heartwarming.. I could have read a story all about them LOL
Then comes the hurricane that is Chloe and OHHH do i love her.. I want her to be my BFF!!
The way she finds two people who also feel lost and lonely and abandoned is perfect. The way she soo wants to commit but is scared and feels not worthy. ughhhh tears. Emma and her towards the end will have you crying big crocodile tears...
This book has it all.. found family, spice (10/10 on dirty talk omg), laughs, tears, and GLITTER!!
I can not wait to hear Linc and Dec's storiesssssss!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you again and please pick this up!
September 1, 2025
The Live-In Temptation is book 2 in the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove series and can read entirely fine as a standalone. I was sucked back into this small town and its characters right from the start. The family in this series just hits hard, they are freaking hilarious, supportive and their dynamic is so fun overall. Their text chains were to die for. The author balanced the emotion and laughter perfectly to make for such an easy, fast and unputdownable read.
Chloe is so chaotic (he calls her Chaos 🫠 I died each time, I'm a sucker for the nicknames) and sassy I freaking adored her so much. Xander is a huge grump, so hot and I was here for it. Emma was the absolute sweetest little girl. I adored the relationship Chloe and Emma developed together throughout the story. It just felt so natural, so real and their connection was so beautiful. The tension between Xander & Chloe was absolutely delicious, I mean yowza this book was on literal fire, it was so hot. When they finally said “fuck it” my oh my… I loved how Xander showed her he didn't want her to leave, he wanted her to stay. I loved how Chloe opened herself up to love and to both Xander & Emma.
Overall, this was a great read. I really enjoy this series, this small town and the characters the author has created. She truly writes beautiful love stories and her MMC’s make my heart melt while her FMC’s stand their ground which I love !
🎧 The narration by Vanessa Edwin & Connor Crais was obviously stellar. Connor knows how to play a grumpy man to perfection and he brought Xander to life. His voice is just always on point. Vanessa is always amazing at voicing the strong and sassy FMC’S and she truly brought Chloe to life. The spice was hot as hell, the emotional scenes I felt in my heart. Stellar audio, highly recommend !
✨ ️ Thank you to @hambrightpr & @brightonwalsh for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Chloe is so chaotic (he calls her Chaos 🫠 I died each time, I'm a sucker for the nicknames) and sassy I freaking adored her so much. Xander is a huge grump, so hot and I was here for it. Emma was the absolute sweetest little girl. I adored the relationship Chloe and Emma developed together throughout the story. It just felt so natural, so real and their connection was so beautiful. The tension between Xander & Chloe was absolutely delicious, I mean yowza this book was on literal fire, it was so hot. When they finally said “fuck it” my oh my… I loved how Xander showed her he didn't want her to leave, he wanted her to stay. I loved how Chloe opened herself up to love and to both Xander & Emma.
Overall, this was a great read. I really enjoy this series, this small town and the characters the author has created. She truly writes beautiful love stories and her MMC’s make my heart melt while her FMC’s stand their ground which I love !
🎧 The narration by Vanessa Edwin & Connor Crais was obviously stellar. Connor knows how to play a grumpy man to perfection and he brought Xander to life. His voice is just always on point. Vanessa is always amazing at voicing the strong and sassy FMC’S and she truly brought Chloe to life. The spice was hot as hell, the emotional scenes I felt in my heart. Stellar audio, highly recommend !
✨ ️ Thank you to @hambrightpr & @brightonwalsh for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2025
ARC/ALC REVIEW: 4.5 ⭐️ Brighton always nails the audio. Connor Crais + Vanessa Edwin brought Xander + Chloe (and Emma) to life perfectly. And there’s something about returning to Starlight Cove that makes me feel like I’m coming home. Love seeing all of our friends, especially Mabel.
Our story begins with Xander + Emma a few months into their newfound father/daughterhood. Although they are finding their way, it’s not been easy. After Xander finds out his mom isn’t going to be able to help as much with Emma, he’s forced to accept the fact that he needs to hire a live-in nanny. Thankfully Chloe is passing through Starlight Cove for an extended, yet temporary, stay with plenty of childcare + glitter experience to make her the perfect candidate to help out the growly Fire Chief.
Of course Emma falls in love with Chloe and vice versa. And as hard as Xander tries to fight it, he falls too. Chloe may be used to running for self-preservation, but what happens when she wants to stop? Xander happens, that’s what. I swear, these three made the sweetest family, then add in the best extended family banter and it’s a winning combination. Highly recommend this small town, single dad/nanny, grumpy/sunshine read!
Our story begins with Xander + Emma a few months into their newfound father/daughterhood. Although they are finding their way, it’s not been easy. After Xander finds out his mom isn’t going to be able to help as much with Emma, he’s forced to accept the fact that he needs to hire a live-in nanny. Thankfully Chloe is passing through Starlight Cove for an extended, yet temporary, stay with plenty of childcare + glitter experience to make her the perfect candidate to help out the growly Fire Chief.
Of course Emma falls in love with Chloe and vice versa. And as hard as Xander tries to fight it, he falls too. Chloe may be used to running for self-preservation, but what happens when she wants to stop? Xander happens, that’s what. I swear, these three made the sweetest family, then add in the best extended family banter and it’s a winning combination. Highly recommend this small town, single dad/nanny, grumpy/sunshine read!
August 21, 2025
ARC REVIEW- THE LIVE-IN TEMPTATION
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
🔥Small Town
🔥Single Dad x Nanny
🔥Grumpy x Sunshine
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Stern Brunch Daddy MMC
🔥No Third Act Breakup
______________
Thanks to Brighton Walsh, Queen B's and Hambright PR for the ARC and ALC! I received an advance copy of the book (and audio!) and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
______________
I am FERAL for the Steele Brothers and this series!! Brighton knocked it out of the park with Atlas in The Grump Next Door and blew me away with Xander in this one! I am OBSESSED with grumpy men and Xander checks all the boxes. Grumpy fire chief single girl dad who's in over his head? Enter a chaotic sunshine nanny and you have book PERFECTION.
Xander is a newly single dad, meaning he didn't know he HAD a daughter until several months ago when he got the call he was a dad after his daughter's mom passed away. He brings her home to be closer to his family and instead of asking for help, he tries to do it all on his own. He loves his little girl but boy is drowning! His family finally convinces him to hire a nanny. Enter chaos in human form, Chloe.
I absolutely adored Chloe from page 1. Her entire demeanor and attitude towards Xander was hilarious, so sassy and bratty yet sparkles like the sun. She falls in love with his daughter Emma and they become two peas in a pod. Her and Xander try to fight their attraction to each other but we all know how this is gonna go. They're gonna give in and it is DELICIOUS.
The entire Steele family is a riot and I love them. I want to move to Starlight Cove and hang out with the girl gang. And it wouldn't be complete without Mabel, our senior citizen sex toy ambassador and entrepreneur. No one does small town with wacky side characters and heart like Brighton Walsh. I honestly don't even need to review her books at this point. I am a stan for life, I will read everything and anything she does. Read this series. Read the first Starlight Cove series with the McKenzie siblings, you literally cannot go wrong.
All the stars. Will reread. Always recommend. Get ya butt in gear and go read!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
🔥Small Town
🔥Single Dad x Nanny
🔥Grumpy x Sunshine
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Stern Brunch Daddy MMC
🔥No Third Act Breakup
______________
Thanks to Brighton Walsh, Queen B's and Hambright PR for the ARC and ALC! I received an advance copy of the book (and audio!) and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
______________
I am FERAL for the Steele Brothers and this series!! Brighton knocked it out of the park with Atlas in The Grump Next Door and blew me away with Xander in this one! I am OBSESSED with grumpy men and Xander checks all the boxes. Grumpy fire chief single girl dad who's in over his head? Enter a chaotic sunshine nanny and you have book PERFECTION.
Xander is a newly single dad, meaning he didn't know he HAD a daughter until several months ago when he got the call he was a dad after his daughter's mom passed away. He brings her home to be closer to his family and instead of asking for help, he tries to do it all on his own. He loves his little girl but boy is drowning! His family finally convinces him to hire a nanny. Enter chaos in human form, Chloe.
I absolutely adored Chloe from page 1. Her entire demeanor and attitude towards Xander was hilarious, so sassy and bratty yet sparkles like the sun. She falls in love with his daughter Emma and they become two peas in a pod. Her and Xander try to fight their attraction to each other but we all know how this is gonna go. They're gonna give in and it is DELICIOUS.
The entire Steele family is a riot and I love them. I want to move to Starlight Cove and hang out with the girl gang. And it wouldn't be complete without Mabel, our senior citizen sex toy ambassador and entrepreneur. No one does small town with wacky side characters and heart like Brighton Walsh. I honestly don't even need to review her books at this point. I am a stan for life, I will read everything and anything she does. Read this series. Read the first Starlight Cove series with the McKenzie siblings, you literally cannot go wrong.
All the stars. Will reread. Always recommend. Get ya butt in gear and go read!
September 6, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 (rounded up)
Thank you to Hambright PR for my copy!
Another amazing read by Brighton in this great series!
I just knew I was absolutely going to love this one. It had so many tropes I love. Nothing is better than a grumpy man, used to routine, who finds out he has a daughter and then needs to hire the free spirit nanny.
This family is so adorable, relatable, and just such a pleasure to read about. Throw in a small town with meddling folks? I'm sold.
The tension between the main characters is so wild and once the spice happens, it is perfection.
You get:
• Contemporary Romance
• Spicy
• Nanny/Single Dad
• Banter
• Small Town
• Slow Burn
• Forbidden Love
This is such a good book! Available on KU, ebook, paperback, and audiobook.
Thank you to Hambright PR for my copy!
Another amazing read by Brighton in this great series!
I just knew I was absolutely going to love this one. It had so many tropes I love. Nothing is better than a grumpy man, used to routine, who finds out he has a daughter and then needs to hire the free spirit nanny.
This family is so adorable, relatable, and just such a pleasure to read about. Throw in a small town with meddling folks? I'm sold.
The tension between the main characters is so wild and once the spice happens, it is perfection.
You get:
• Contemporary Romance
• Spicy
• Nanny/Single Dad
• Banter
• Small Town
• Slow Burn
• Forbidden Love
This is such a good book! Available on KU, ebook, paperback, and audiobook.
August 30, 2025
I DEVOURED this audiobook like Xander devoured Chloe. If you have plans on September 4th, cancel them, because you have a new Brighton Walsh release to get to.
Xander moved back to Starlight Cove after he unexpectedly found out he had a 4 year old daughter to be closer to family for support. His family convinces him to hire a live in nanny to help take care of Emma. This grumpy firefighter chief loves organization and schedules. Chloe is pure sunshine in a hurricane. Chloe’s time in Starlight Cove is suppose to be temporary, but she’s feeling anything but.
Tropes You’ll Love:
🧢 Single dad + nanny
🏠 Forced proximity
🚫 Forbidden romance
🌩️ Grumpy x sunshine
⏳ Age gap
🔥 Slow burn
Thank you Brighton & Hambright PR for allowing me to listen to this audiobook early!🩷
Xander moved back to Starlight Cove after he unexpectedly found out he had a 4 year old daughter to be closer to family for support. His family convinces him to hire a live in nanny to help take care of Emma. This grumpy firefighter chief loves organization and schedules. Chloe is pure sunshine in a hurricane. Chloe’s time in Starlight Cove is suppose to be temporary, but she’s feeling anything but.
Tropes You’ll Love:
🧢 Single dad + nanny
🏠 Forced proximity
🚫 Forbidden romance
🌩️ Grumpy x sunshine
⏳ Age gap
🔥 Slow burn
Thank you Brighton & Hambright PR for allowing me to listen to this audiobook early!🩷
October 18, 2025
4,5-5⭐️
Я навіть не знаю, як оцінити, і все сподобалося, і щось не вистачає
Але книжка цікава була, мило так все
Мені сподобалося😁
Я навіть не знаю, як оцінити, і все сподобалося, і щось не вистачає
Але книжка цікава була, мило так все
Мені сподобалося😁
August 17, 2025
Xander & Chloe!!
First of all, I feel it needs to be said that Starlight Cove has been one of my very favorite small towns to have book series about!
Secondly, this book was absolutely beautiful! I loved Chloe’s personality and how great it paired with Emma. They’ve got a bond that went beyond nanny and child. The ways that Chloe just “got” Emma and how she helped her overcome life situations. I love how strongly she encourages imagination and glitter in Emma’s life.
Xander is so dedicated to being the best daddy for Emma and how hard he tries to make sure she doesn’t feel the empty space from before he was in her life. I love how his family helps him out but also makes sure he can stand on his own feet and see that he is the perfect father for Emma.
I love the relationship that blooms right off the bat with Chloe and Xander! I love how much he loves her and in the ways that he tries to show her that she is an important part of his and Emma’s life but also that of Starlight Cove. I love the spicy scenes as well and how nicely they flowed with the whole book’s plot.
TROPES
🔥Single Dad + Nanny
🔥Forced proximity
🔥Age gap
🔥Forbidden romance
🔥Grumpy x sunshine
🔥Men in uniform
🔥Annoyances to lovers
🔥Slow burn
🔥Roommates
I listened to the ALC & Read the ARC of this book and I give this review voluntarily of my own. The narrators did a phenomenal job on the characters and to make you feel their emotions as well! I give the book and spice as a whole 5/5 stars worth the credit and price of the book and audiobook. I give the narration 5/5 . And the spice gets five 🌶️.
First of all, I feel it needs to be said that Starlight Cove has been one of my very favorite small towns to have book series about!
Secondly, this book was absolutely beautiful! I loved Chloe’s personality and how great it paired with Emma. They’ve got a bond that went beyond nanny and child. The ways that Chloe just “got” Emma and how she helped her overcome life situations. I love how strongly she encourages imagination and glitter in Emma’s life.
Xander is so dedicated to being the best daddy for Emma and how hard he tries to make sure she doesn’t feel the empty space from before he was in her life. I love how his family helps him out but also makes sure he can stand on his own feet and see that he is the perfect father for Emma.
I love the relationship that blooms right off the bat with Chloe and Xander! I love how much he loves her and in the ways that he tries to show her that she is an important part of his and Emma’s life but also that of Starlight Cove. I love the spicy scenes as well and how nicely they flowed with the whole book’s plot.
TROPES
🔥Single Dad + Nanny
🔥Forced proximity
🔥Age gap
🔥Forbidden romance
🔥Grumpy x sunshine
🔥Men in uniform
🔥Annoyances to lovers
🔥Slow burn
🔥Roommates
I listened to the ALC & Read the ARC of this book and I give this review voluntarily of my own. The narrators did a phenomenal job on the characters and to make you feel their emotions as well! I give the book and spice as a whole 5/5 stars worth the credit and price of the book and audiobook. I give the narration 5/5 . And the spice gets five 🌶️.
August 20, 2025
I received an advanced listener copy of this book & couldn’t get enough. I am now cracking open the advanced reader copy I received. First of all, Chloe is the chaos of sunshine that leaves glitter everywhere she travels & Xander is the ever controlled, scheduled fire chief, whose life has been upended by an adorable 4 year old daughter he never knew about. Chloe is the answer to all of Xander’s problems, but he doesn’t know it, & Emma thinks Chloe exists solely for her. They are opposites in how they live life while they had some similar issues growing up that shaped them as adults. As they both struggle with trust and communication, they realize they are what each person needs. Love and HEA a who doesn’t love an adorable 4 year old? Oh! And chapter 36? 🔥
Displaying 1 - 30 of 952 reviews