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Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove #3
The Mr and Mrs Mistake
My best friend’s little sister has been getting under my skin for decades. She’s my lifelong nemesis and now—apparently—my wife.
When Willa Jameson stumbled into my bar drunk, heartbroken, and desperate to save her family farm, I offered to marry her. For “convenience.”
Which is hilarious, because nothing about my attraction to this hurricane with hips has ever been convenient.
Now we’re sharing a roof, a bed, and a potential felony thanks to our fake marriage.
It’s supposed to be a favor between not-quite-friends-but-not-quite-enemies. Then our late-night arguments turn into practice make out sessions.
But according to her, that changes absolutely nothing between us.
No matter how many lines we draw, we keep crossing them—in the kitchen, on the porch, in the tiny bed that’s become both heaven and hell.
And the woman who swears she hates me starts looking at me like I might be exactly what she needs.
She calls me her temporary husband. I call her my daily torture, because every day we play house, it feels less like pretending and more like home.
When this ends, I don’t know how I’m going to forget what it felt like to call her mine. So either I walk away with her, or I don’t walk away at all.
When Willa Jameson stumbled into my bar drunk, heartbroken, and desperate to save her family farm, I offered to marry her. For “convenience.”
Which is hilarious, because nothing about my attraction to this hurricane with hips has ever been convenient.
Now we’re sharing a roof, a bed, and a potential felony thanks to our fake marriage.
It’s supposed to be a favor between not-quite-friends-but-not-quite-enemies. Then our late-night arguments turn into practice make out sessions.
But according to her, that changes absolutely nothing between us.
No matter how many lines we draw, we keep crossing them—in the kitchen, on the porch, in the tiny bed that’s become both heaven and hell.
And the woman who swears she hates me starts looking at me like I might be exactly what she needs.
She calls me her temporary husband. I call her my daily torture, because every day we play house, it feels less like pretending and more like home.
When this ends, I don’t know how I’m going to forget what it felt like to call her mine. So either I walk away with her, or I don’t walk away at all.
Audible Audio
Published January 1, 2026
499 people are currently reading
1966 people want to read
About the author
Brighton Walsh
52 books2,272 followersAward-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brighton Walsh spent nearly a decade as a professional photographer before taking her storytelling in a different direction and reconnecting with her first love: writing. When she’s not lost in her own made up worlds, she’s probably either reading or shopping—maybe even both at once. She lives in the Midwest with her real life hero of a husband, her two kids—both taller than her—and her dog who thinks she’s a queen. Her boy-filled house is the setting for dirty socks galore, frequent dance parties (okay, so it's mostly her, by herself, while her children look on in horror), and more laughter than she thought possible. Visit her online at brightonwalsh.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,046 reviews
Review of advance copy
PHEWWWW give me a good marriage of convenience and I’m already seated. But add in a guy who’s secretly been obsessed for years and suddenly has permission to call her his wife???? Yeah… I was sold instantly ✋🏼😌
What starts as a practical, mutually beneficial arrangement quickly turns into something messier, warmer, and way more dangerous to the heart. Living together. Sharing a bed. Playing pretend for so long that the lines blur until no one remembers where they were supposed to stop crossing them… or if they even want to. 🫣🫣
Lincoln absolutely stole the show for me. His care is quiet but relentless. No nonsense, no asking permission, just showing up. 🙌🏼 He sees how Willa carries everything on her own and decides that she doesn’t get to do that alone anymore, even if she fights him on it. I loved how patient he was, how he let her be stubborn and independent while still making sure she was fed, safe, and supported. Watching that slowly break through her exterior was incredibly satisfying.
And Willa, I really admired her. 🫶🏼🫶🏼 Her dedication to keeping the family farm afloat and her refusal to burden anyone else felt painfully real. I loved watching her learn that letting people help doesn’t mean weakness and that trusting someone enough to share the load is its own kind of strength.
Also, the fact that Lincoln had basically been waiting for an excuse to take care of her was the SWEETEST THING EVER. 🤭🤭🤭 He was ready to do anything and everything for her the second the opportunity appeared.
I will say, the endearment “wife” was used a bit too much for me. I started to feel burnt out on it, and it occasionally pulled me out of the moment. It leaned a little cringe and over the top 🥲🥲 BUT to be fair… for a man who’s been pining forever and finally gets to call her his, I get it 🤷🏼♀️
This is the second book I’ve read in this series, and I’ve loved both.👏🏼 I’m officially invested and really hoping for some enemies to lovers energy in what I’m crossing my fingers is the next and final Steele brother story. 🤞🏼🤞🏼
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
“I didn't care if this marriage wasn't real to her, or if we'd only entered it with the end already in mind. I was here, and I was hers for now anyway. And I was going to act like it.”
“He looked feral. Desperate. On the brink of losing control. He looked like mine.”
“I knew she didn't believe me...didn't trust in
herself. Luckily, I trusted in her enough for both of us.”
“When he touched me like this—looked at me like
this—he made it so easy to forget about the stretch marks on my hips and the belly pooch that wouldn't go away and the scars all over my skin. Made me forget all the ways my body had changed thanks to years of hard work and pain.
He always made me feel beautiful.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🍯 marriage of convenience
🍯 forced proximity
🍯 best friend’s sister
🍯 one bed
🍯 golden retriever x black cat
🍯 dual POV
A huge thank you to Luna Literary, Brighton Walsh for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
spice rating:【 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 】
swearing: yes
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
i read the grump next door earlier this year and loved it so i can’t wait for this one!! 😝🩷 best friend’s sister???? marriage of convenience???? count. me. IN.
What starts as a practical, mutually beneficial arrangement quickly turns into something messier, warmer, and way more dangerous to the heart. Living together. Sharing a bed. Playing pretend for so long that the lines blur until no one remembers where they were supposed to stop crossing them… or if they even want to. 🫣🫣
Lincoln absolutely stole the show for me. His care is quiet but relentless. No nonsense, no asking permission, just showing up. 🙌🏼 He sees how Willa carries everything on her own and decides that she doesn’t get to do that alone anymore, even if she fights him on it. I loved how patient he was, how he let her be stubborn and independent while still making sure she was fed, safe, and supported. Watching that slowly break through her exterior was incredibly satisfying.
And Willa, I really admired her. 🫶🏼🫶🏼 Her dedication to keeping the family farm afloat and her refusal to burden anyone else felt painfully real. I loved watching her learn that letting people help doesn’t mean weakness and that trusting someone enough to share the load is its own kind of strength.
Also, the fact that Lincoln had basically been waiting for an excuse to take care of her was the SWEETEST THING EVER. 🤭🤭🤭 He was ready to do anything and everything for her the second the opportunity appeared.
I will say, the endearment “wife” was used a bit too much for me. I started to feel burnt out on it, and it occasionally pulled me out of the moment. It leaned a little cringe and over the top 🥲🥲 BUT to be fair… for a man who’s been pining forever and finally gets to call her his, I get it 🤷🏼♀️
This is the second book I’ve read in this series, and I’ve loved both.👏🏼 I’m officially invested and really hoping for some enemies to lovers energy in what I’m crossing my fingers is the next and final Steele brother story. 🤞🏼🤞🏼
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
“I didn't care if this marriage wasn't real to her, or if we'd only entered it with the end already in mind. I was here, and I was hers for now anyway. And I was going to act like it.”
“He looked feral. Desperate. On the brink of losing control. He looked like mine.”
“I knew she didn't believe me...didn't trust in
herself. Luckily, I trusted in her enough for both of us.”
“When he touched me like this—looked at me like
this—he made it so easy to forget about the stretch marks on my hips and the belly pooch that wouldn't go away and the scars all over my skin. Made me forget all the ways my body had changed thanks to years of hard work and pain.
He always made me feel beautiful.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🍯 marriage of convenience
🍯 forced proximity
🍯 best friend’s sister
🍯 one bed
🍯 golden retriever x black cat
🍯 dual POV
A huge thank you to Luna Literary, Brighton Walsh for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
spice rating:【 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 】
swearing: yes
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
i read the grump next door earlier this year and loved it so i can’t wait for this one!! 😝🩷 best friend’s sister???? marriage of convenience???? count. me. IN.
January 3, 2026
It’s really not a secret that I’ll read anything Brighton writes. After that setup at the end of the previous book, I was feral to get my hands on this one, and it did NOT disappoint. I didn’t read this book. I inhaled it 😩
Give me a marriage of convenience and I’m already seated. But make it a fake marriage with a man who’s been secretly obsessed for YEARS and suddenly gets to call her his wife??? Yeah okay, I’m done for. Say less.
Lincoln and Willa had me in a chokehold from page one. The banter was elite, the tension was absolutely delicious, and once the fake marriage kicked in, it was OVER for me. I was laughing, swooning, and kicking my feet the entire time. Their flirting is basically just pushing each other’s buttons while pretending they don’t care, which somehow makes it even better.
Willa is all grumpy, hyper-independent, and acts like she doesn’t need anyone, but she’s soft where it counts. I also really loved how her chronic pain was written so honestly and realistically. It felt real and relatable, especially for women who deal with it quietly. Lincoln, on the other hand, is charming, loyal, and fully down bad. The man would do anything for her and I was MELTING.
If you’ve somehow been sleeping on Brighton’s books… this is your sign. Brighton, please never stop putting whatever magic you put in these books because I will continue to devour every single one.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Marriage of Convenience
❤️🔥 Enemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
❤️🔥 Brother’s Best Friend
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
❤️🔥 Only One Bed
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
❤️🔥 "My Wife"
🚨🚨 TW: Chronic pain, Parental abandonment
Give me a marriage of convenience and I’m already seated. But make it a fake marriage with a man who’s been secretly obsessed for YEARS and suddenly gets to call her his wife??? Yeah okay, I’m done for. Say less.
Lincoln and Willa had me in a chokehold from page one. The banter was elite, the tension was absolutely delicious, and once the fake marriage kicked in, it was OVER for me. I was laughing, swooning, and kicking my feet the entire time. Their flirting is basically just pushing each other’s buttons while pretending they don’t care, which somehow makes it even better.
Willa is all grumpy, hyper-independent, and acts like she doesn’t need anyone, but she’s soft where it counts. I also really loved how her chronic pain was written so honestly and realistically. It felt real and relatable, especially for women who deal with it quietly. Lincoln, on the other hand, is charming, loyal, and fully down bad. The man would do anything for her and I was MELTING.
If you’ve somehow been sleeping on Brighton’s books… this is your sign. Brighton, please never stop putting whatever magic you put in these books because I will continue to devour every single one.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Marriage of Convenience
❤️🔥 Enemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
❤️🔥 Brother’s Best Friend
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
❤️🔥 Only One Bed
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
❤️🔥 "My Wife"
🚨🚨 TW: Chronic pain, Parental abandonment
January 2, 2026
I'm a huge fan of the marriage of convenience trope and I enjoyed this book. I even liked the banter between Willa & Lincoln. But at times, Willa's stubborn attitude just got on my nerves. She came off as rude instead of sassy and Lincoln did not do anything to get that sort of reactions out of her. He was way more likeable and funny. I also liked his brothers and I can't wait to read Declan & Pen's book. And while the romance was there, everything just felt surface level to me tbh. I couldn't connect with the main characters and a lot of things were left unexplained (I still don't know why they started hating each other). So overall, even if this was a fun read, the lack of backstory and excessive smut was just disappointing. I'll give this 3.25 stars.
January 15, 2026
I really really wanted to like this one like the other mmc but Willa really made it hard for me to enjoy them. She was way to stubborn and I felt rude at times when Lincoln tried to help her. Also what was her deal in disliking Lincoln for so long? I feel like we never really got why? Or i must have skipped that part?!
To me she didn't deserve a man like Lincoln and the way she was not honest like girl tell your brother someone!! What you were going though. 😒😒😒
Lincoln was a absolute dream guy he was patient, supportive, mouth watering man who did everything he could to help anyone. And his family is just amazing. Im glad its over and onto the next one.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push away from h
Abandonment
Alcohol consumption
Anxiety
Chronic pain
Death of a parent (off page, years prior)
Drug use
Praise kink
Hea
Epilogue
To me she didn't deserve a man like Lincoln and the way she was not honest like girl tell your brother someone!! What you were going though. 😒😒😒
Lincoln was a absolute dream guy he was patient, supportive, mouth watering man who did everything he could to help anyone. And his family is just amazing. Im glad its over and onto the next one.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push away from h
Abandonment
Alcohol consumption
Anxiety
Chronic pain
Death of a parent (off page, years prior)
Drug use
Praise kink
Hea
Epilogue
January 5, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️
From grief and grit to quiet devotion and longing, this story hit harder than I expected.
I’ll be honest, Willa took a minute to grow on me, but once her story settled in, I was fully invested. Willa is carrying the weight of her family farm, chronic pain, and loss on her own, refusing to let anything crumble. When saving the farm comes down to qualifying for a family grant, the last solution she ever imagined presents itself when Lincoln, her twin brother’s best friend, offers to marry her without hesitation.
The marriage of convenience works beautifully because of the constant push and pull between them. Willa is sharp, stubborn, and stretched thin, while Lincoln is steady, protective, and completely in love with her from the start. Their banter is effortless, the tension simmers in every interaction, and the forced proximity only deepens everything. Lincoln truly sees Willa, believes in her vision for the farm, and supports her in quiet, meaningful ways that completely melted me.
What made this a solid four star read was the emotional growth. Watching Willa slowly accept help and allow herself to want more felt earned and deeply satisfying. The chemistry was hot, the slow burn hurt in the best way, and the small town cast added so much warmth and humor.
Consider me fully seated and impatiently waiting for the next Steele man to fall.
~~~~
Thank you, Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
From grief and grit to quiet devotion and longing, this story hit harder than I expected.
I’ll be honest, Willa took a minute to grow on me, but once her story settled in, I was fully invested. Willa is carrying the weight of her family farm, chronic pain, and loss on her own, refusing to let anything crumble. When saving the farm comes down to qualifying for a family grant, the last solution she ever imagined presents itself when Lincoln, her twin brother’s best friend, offers to marry her without hesitation.
The marriage of convenience works beautifully because of the constant push and pull between them. Willa is sharp, stubborn, and stretched thin, while Lincoln is steady, protective, and completely in love with her from the start. Their banter is effortless, the tension simmers in every interaction, and the forced proximity only deepens everything. Lincoln truly sees Willa, believes in her vision for the farm, and supports her in quiet, meaningful ways that completely melted me.
What made this a solid four star read was the emotional growth. Watching Willa slowly accept help and allow herself to want more felt earned and deeply satisfying. The chemistry was hot, the slow burn hurt in the best way, and the small town cast added so much warmth and humor.
Consider me fully seated and impatiently waiting for the next Steele man to fall.
~~~~
Thank you, Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
March 17, 2026
🎧📚ARC & Audiobook Review📚🎧
So, I did a thing (lol). I ARC read this story what feels like a hundred years ago but possibly just like 4 weeks ago, but I didn’t get selected for an ALC this time so on 01/01 (release day), I began to listen and let me tell you something … You have not lived until you listen to 🎤JF Harding & 🎤Savannah Peachwood in DUET banter back and forth as Lincoln & Willa! I said what I said! GO DO THE THING! However, that’s not even the thing LOL! So I was minding my own business, listening to these two and BAM, it hit me how much I’d missed Laurel (IYKYK), so obviously I had to go to the beginning, as one does, and here I am … LOL ready to review!
Honest to Pete, I laughed from paragraph one and pretty much did not stop until the end. These two didn’t just make me laugh with their banter, but also with their inner thoughts and all I could think of over and over again is that not only do I want to be Willa when I grow up but they were #mypeople! It was a glorious feeling kids! I just could not get enough of this story! Truth be told, I can’t get enough of this series but also Brighton herself. My journey with Brighton’s words began around 2017/18 and I honestly cannot think of another author that I have been reading for as long as Brighton, that has grown as much as she has in her writing. And she grew exponentially beginning with the OG Starlight Cove series. I’m pretty sure that I have re-listened/re-read all Starlight Cove stories at least 2-3 times. They are all really great but they are also better than each other and I gotta tell ya, if for no other reason than that, you should be reading any/all of her work. #TRUST
The story of Linc & Willa wasn’t just incredibly humorous and entertaining on all fronts; it was also emotional from the very beginning. Sometimes the “emotion” was low-key and other times it was angsty but there was always an undercurrent of some kind “feeling” (other than the humor) that laced every circumstance. Brighton interwove all of this perfectly and with precision. Nothing really overshadowed anything. Willa and Linc both grew as part of this journey as individuals and as a “couple” and it all was balanced really well. I will say that if I was to pick between Willa & Linc as to which one had the “bigger” or rather more impactful transformation, I’d have to say Willa. GAH, she was a glorious force of nature! I am just so ridiculously happy about this story and this series that I want to burst with it sometimes! It is an incredible #happyplace that no one should miss!
So, I did a thing (lol). I ARC read this story what feels like a hundred years ago but possibly just like 4 weeks ago, but I didn’t get selected for an ALC this time so on 01/01 (release day), I began to listen and let me tell you something … You have not lived until you listen to 🎤JF Harding & 🎤Savannah Peachwood in DUET banter back and forth as Lincoln & Willa! I said what I said! GO DO THE THING! However, that’s not even the thing LOL! So I was minding my own business, listening to these two and BAM, it hit me how much I’d missed Laurel (IYKYK), so obviously I had to go to the beginning, as one does, and here I am … LOL ready to review!
Honest to Pete, I laughed from paragraph one and pretty much did not stop until the end. These two didn’t just make me laugh with their banter, but also with their inner thoughts and all I could think of over and over again is that not only do I want to be Willa when I grow up but they were #mypeople! It was a glorious feeling kids! I just could not get enough of this story! Truth be told, I can’t get enough of this series but also Brighton herself. My journey with Brighton’s words began around 2017/18 and I honestly cannot think of another author that I have been reading for as long as Brighton, that has grown as much as she has in her writing. And she grew exponentially beginning with the OG Starlight Cove series. I’m pretty sure that I have re-listened/re-read all Starlight Cove stories at least 2-3 times. They are all really great but they are also better than each other and I gotta tell ya, if for no other reason than that, you should be reading any/all of her work. #TRUST
The story of Linc & Willa wasn’t just incredibly humorous and entertaining on all fronts; it was also emotional from the very beginning. Sometimes the “emotion” was low-key and other times it was angsty but there was always an undercurrent of some kind “feeling” (other than the humor) that laced every circumstance. Brighton interwove all of this perfectly and with precision. Nothing really overshadowed anything. Willa and Linc both grew as part of this journey as individuals and as a “couple” and it all was balanced really well. I will say that if I was to pick between Willa & Linc as to which one had the “bigger” or rather more impactful transformation, I’d have to say Willa. GAH, she was a glorious force of nature! I am just so ridiculously happy about this story and this series that I want to burst with it sometimes! It is an incredible #happyplace that no one should miss!
December 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I thought it was hilarious and had so much amazing banter. I also appreciated that Willa’s character really struggles with chronic pain as so many women do and don’t talk about it. I think many will
find her hyper independence and struggle relatable.
I believed in these characters with my whole heart and the narration was perfection. Probably the best I’ve ever heard Savannah Peachwood and JF Harding was an excellent “jackass”. (ALC)
find her hyper independence and struggle relatable.
I believed in these characters with my whole heart and the narration was perfection. Probably the best I’ve ever heard Savannah Peachwood and JF Harding was an excellent “jackass”. (ALC)
January 3, 2026
3,5/5 ⭐️
There are sparks flying between them. They constantly compete to land the sharpest, funniest jab, trying to outdo each other with biting banter.
But when trouble strikes, Lincoln is the first to step in – offering help sincerely and without a second thought.
It’s a marriage of convenience in which the husband slowly breaks through the walls of a strong woman who has “I can handle it myself” written all over her. He teaches her to accept care, to share the weight she carries, to respect her own vulnerabilities, and to be gentler with herself.
Lincoln, despite his boldness and swagger (very much on display), knows how to truly see her – to notice, to care, and to be patient.
This is a story about two stubborn yet irresistible people who open their hearts to one another and learn how to trust.
There are sparks flying between them. They constantly compete to land the sharpest, funniest jab, trying to outdo each other with biting banter.
But when trouble strikes, Lincoln is the first to step in – offering help sincerely and without a second thought.
It’s a marriage of convenience in which the husband slowly breaks through the walls of a strong woman who has “I can handle it myself” written all over her. He teaches her to accept care, to share the weight she carries, to respect her own vulnerabilities, and to be gentler with herself.
Lincoln, despite his boldness and swagger (very much on display), knows how to truly see her – to notice, to care, and to be patient.
This is a story about two stubborn yet irresistible people who open their hearts to one another and learn how to trust.
March 22, 2026
I said it once, I will say it again. Brighton Walsh could write a phone book and I'd read it.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The Mr. and Mrs. Mistake by Brighton Walsh
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓️ on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Frienemies-to-lovers, marriage of convenience, dirty-talking MMC, chronic pain rep.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Willa is struggling with chronic pain and running her family farm when a grant comes up that could change everything. The problem? It's only given to families, and she's as single as it gets. Until her frienemy Lincoln comes into the picture, agreeing to be her husband to help keep her farm afloat.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Brighton Walsh is a one-click author of mine, and she should be yours too.
Walsh has created a small town here where I love literally every character. Opening these pages feels like coming home. And somehow, she makes every couple feel new and engaging.
Lincoln and Willa were all banter and flirting. As usual, I adore the fact that Walsh makes her men complete simps. Lincoln was down bad from the first POV chapter of his, and I’m always here for it.
On top of the elite dirty talk and the fun premise, Brighton Walsh also explored a character with chronic pain, which leant some more depth to the story. I’m so glad Willa got the help she deserved. And I’ll take a Lincoln Steele “my wife” moment any day.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The Mr. and Mrs. Mistake by Brighton Walsh
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓️ on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Frienemies-to-lovers, marriage of convenience, dirty-talking MMC, chronic pain rep.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Willa is struggling with chronic pain and running her family farm when a grant comes up that could change everything. The problem? It's only given to families, and she's as single as it gets. Until her frienemy Lincoln comes into the picture, agreeing to be her husband to help keep her farm afloat.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Brighton Walsh is a one-click author of mine, and she should be yours too.
Walsh has created a small town here where I love literally every character. Opening these pages feels like coming home. And somehow, she makes every couple feel new and engaging.
Lincoln and Willa were all banter and flirting. As usual, I adore the fact that Walsh makes her men complete simps. Lincoln was down bad from the first POV chapter of his, and I’m always here for it.
On top of the elite dirty talk and the fun premise, Brighton Walsh also explored a character with chronic pain, which leant some more depth to the story. I’m so glad Willa got the help she deserved. And I’ll take a Lincoln Steele “my wife” moment any day.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
January 1, 2026
Audio:
5 stars for JF Harding
4.5 stars for Savannah Peachwood
Duet narration!
Book: 3-3.5 stars
I think Willa was a little too stubborn at times and we didn’t get a back story on how she got chronic back pain… or if it was in the previous books I don’t remember.
I loved Lincoln and how he was trying to get Willa to take his support since he saw her drowning in responsibility and pain.
I do wish there was something more, but it was a decent read and I finished it in one go, so something must have been done right haha! I think it might have been JF Harding haha!
5 stars for JF Harding
4.5 stars for Savannah Peachwood
Duet narration!
Book: 3-3.5 stars
I think Willa was a little too stubborn at times and we didn’t get a back story on how she got chronic back pain… or if it was in the previous books I don’t remember.
I loved Lincoln and how he was trying to get Willa to take his support since he saw her drowning in responsibility and pain.
I do wish there was something more, but it was a decent read and I finished it in one go, so something must have been done right haha! I think it might have been JF Harding haha!
January 6, 2026
5 infinity stars
Spice: 2.5/5
This series is the gift that keeps on giving. The Steele brothers are next level and down bad for the women they desire / love. They’ll stop at nothing to get what (who) they want. This is book 3 in the series.
Lincoln Steele
Youngest of the 4 Steele brothers
1/4 owner of One Night Stans
Unofficial town emotional support himbo
Obnoxious flirt (young and old)
His mother is his smut dealer
Beau Jameson is his best friend
He promised Beau he would look after Willa
Willa Jameson is referred to as his nemesis, that’s far from the truth
Willa Jameson
Twin sister to Beau (youngest by 8 minutes)
Has chronic illness (back pain / injury)
Grumpy and stubborn as a mule
Has trust issue and some of her fears are overwhelming
Pool shark
Jam maker extraordinaire
Lincoln Steele is a pain in her arse. The fact the he’s HOT makes it worse.
She’s in charge of the family farm whilst her brother is out of the country
Things aren’t going as well as she leads her brother to believe
Is in desperate need of a grant to save the farm
Linc always has an eye on Willa. Especially when he knows she’s not taking care of herself. Willa finally admits the farm is in trouble and the only way to apply for the grant she needs is to get married. Linc immediately volunteers to be her “fake” husband. Willa is not happy about it but agrees with stipulations. Absolutely no sex and PDA only around his family and when needed around town to sell their relationship, and part ways when they get the grant. Linc breaks down those barriers, one free “O” at a time (that and his filthy dirty talk). The way he takes care of Willa is love personified.
The text banter across the board is hilarious. Mabel never disappoints. I think Mama Steele is in cahoots with Mabel to couple up her boys.
No 3rd act breakup.
Don’t skip the bonus epilogue. It’s everything.
Thank you Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader copy.
I purchased this book and I’ve preordered Declan’s book.
Spice: 2.5/5
This series is the gift that keeps on giving. The Steele brothers are next level and down bad for the women they desire / love. They’ll stop at nothing to get what (who) they want. This is book 3 in the series.
Lincoln Steele
Youngest of the 4 Steele brothers
1/4 owner of One Night Stans
Unofficial town emotional support himbo
Obnoxious flirt (young and old)
His mother is his smut dealer
Beau Jameson is his best friend
He promised Beau he would look after Willa
Willa Jameson is referred to as his nemesis, that’s far from the truth
Willa Jameson
Twin sister to Beau (youngest by 8 minutes)
Has chronic illness (back pain / injury)
Grumpy and stubborn as a mule
Has trust issue and some of her fears are overwhelming
Pool shark
Jam maker extraordinaire
Lincoln Steele is a pain in her arse. The fact the he’s HOT makes it worse.
She’s in charge of the family farm whilst her brother is out of the country
Things aren’t going as well as she leads her brother to believe
Is in desperate need of a grant to save the farm
Linc always has an eye on Willa. Especially when he knows she’s not taking care of herself. Willa finally admits the farm is in trouble and the only way to apply for the grant she needs is to get married. Linc immediately volunteers to be her “fake” husband. Willa is not happy about it but agrees with stipulations. Absolutely no sex and PDA only around his family and when needed around town to sell their relationship, and part ways when they get the grant. Linc breaks down those barriers, one free “O” at a time (that and his filthy dirty talk). The way he takes care of Willa is love personified.
The text banter across the board is hilarious. Mabel never disappoints. I think Mama Steele is in cahoots with Mabel to couple up her boys.
No 3rd act breakup.
Don’t skip the bonus epilogue. It’s everything.
Thank you Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader copy.
I purchased this book and I’ve preordered Declan’s book.
February 22, 2026
The way Lincoln fell first and how gone he was for Willa made this book for me. I love how he was always aware of her comfort because of a past injury. The first sign of discomfort and he was right there trying to ease her pain. As someone who deals with chronic pain daily, this made me fall hard for Lincoln. The only negative for me was Willa’s stubbornness to let him help her. I got frustrated with her independence at times because we do have to learn to accept help from time to time.
It was fun being back in this small town with all the quirky characters. I loved how all the brothers are always there for each other even when they give each other a hard time. I have two brothers myself and the author did a fantastic job of keeping their relationship relatable.
I think Atlas and Sutton are still my favorite out of the series, more because of Laurel—that girl is entertaining—but that doesn’t mean I’m not thoroughly enjoying each book. I’m looking forward to the next Steele brothers book!
It was fun being back in this small town with all the quirky characters. I loved how all the brothers are always there for each other even when they give each other a hard time. I have two brothers myself and the author did a fantastic job of keeping their relationship relatable.
I think Atlas and Sutton are still my favorite out of the series, more because of Laurel—that girl is entertaining—but that doesn’t mean I’m not thoroughly enjoying each book. I’m looking forward to the next Steele brothers book!
December 19, 2025
4.5 stars!!!
ARC/ALC Review
Audio by Savannah Peachwood & JF Harding was perfect for these characters!! I loved these two together!
Book 3 in the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove & I was obsessed with Lincoln & Willa!!
Black cat/ Golden Retriever, Brother’s Best friend, marriage of convenience 🙌🏻 yes please!!!
The banter/tension between Lincoln & Willa was top tier! Once the fake marriage hits, things definitely heat up!! This one had me laughing, swooning, and absolutely falling in love with these two!! The way Lincoln was ready to do anything for her & the way these two tried so hard to fight the connection, just made this one so much better!!
I absolutely loved the added chronic pain aspect of this one. As someone who can relate to the topic, it definitely made me feel seen & brought added emotion and strength to Willa’s character!! Truly a fantastic read by Brighton!!
ARC/ALC Review
Audio by Savannah Peachwood & JF Harding was perfect for these characters!! I loved these two together!
Book 3 in the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove & I was obsessed with Lincoln & Willa!!
Black cat/ Golden Retriever, Brother’s Best friend, marriage of convenience 🙌🏻 yes please!!!
The banter/tension between Lincoln & Willa was top tier! Once the fake marriage hits, things definitely heat up!! This one had me laughing, swooning, and absolutely falling in love with these two!! The way Lincoln was ready to do anything for her & the way these two tried so hard to fight the connection, just made this one so much better!!
I absolutely loved the added chronic pain aspect of this one. As someone who can relate to the topic, it definitely made me feel seen & brought added emotion and strength to Willa’s character!! Truly a fantastic read by Brighton!!
January 7, 2026
This is book 3 of the Steele brothers which is Lincoln and Willa’s story. Lincoln runs the bar he owns with his brothers. Willa is his best friend’s little sister. She also owns and runs a farm. They’ve known each other for years and when Willa needs a husband to qualify for a grant for her farm, Linc makes his move!
I loved Lincoln and Willa together. I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience trope. Lincoln is such a golden retriever MMC. I just love how he calls her his wife all the time. The way he loves and cares for Willa I swooned! I loved Willa’s independence and how she never depended on anyone and here comes Lincoln to show her she doesn’t have to do everything alone! I loved how he looked after her with her chronic pain and made sure she didn’t overwork herself and got her help in her business. Their chemistry was off the charts! The banter and spice was fire and the group chats between the brothers and the ladies were hilarious!
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated in duet style narration by Savannah Peachwood and J.F. Harding. It was amazing! They brought both of these characters to life! Their voices matched these characters so perfectly.
Thank you to Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood PR for an ARC and ALC of this book.
I loved Lincoln and Willa together. I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience trope. Lincoln is such a golden retriever MMC. I just love how he calls her his wife all the time. The way he loves and cares for Willa I swooned! I loved Willa’s independence and how she never depended on anyone and here comes Lincoln to show her she doesn’t have to do everything alone! I loved how he looked after her with her chronic pain and made sure she didn’t overwork herself and got her help in her business. Their chemistry was off the charts! The banter and spice was fire and the group chats between the brothers and the ladies were hilarious!
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated in duet style narration by Savannah Peachwood and J.F. Harding. It was amazing! They brought both of these characters to life! Their voices matched these characters so perfectly.
Thank you to Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood PR for an ARC and ALC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨📚 Y'all... The way I absolutely DEVOURED this ALC/ARC Combo!!!! ✨📚
If you have it & haven't yet...
Oh. My. Goodness.
Drop everything.
Call in sick.
Stay in bed.
Have certain things handy...
If you need to wait until it's release day on January 1st...
You won't be sorry.
5 ⭐
The duet narration is swoon worthy.
The characters are everything.
Thank you @brighton_walsh for providing this Queen B with your incredible masterpiece!!!
#queenb #streetteam #brigtonwalsh #promo #arcreview #alcreview #newrelease #booklover #bookrecs #bookstgram
If you have it & haven't yet...
Oh. My. Goodness.
Drop everything.
Call in sick.
Stay in bed.
Have certain things handy...
If you need to wait until it's release day on January 1st...
You won't be sorry.
5 ⭐
The duet narration is swoon worthy.
The characters are everything.
Thank you @brighton_walsh for providing this Queen B with your incredible masterpiece!!!
#queenb #streetteam #brigtonwalsh #promo #arcreview #alcreview #newrelease #booklover #bookrecs #bookstgram
January 2, 2026
This is the 1st Brighton book that i haven't rated 5 stars, so this is painful, buuuttt....
Ummm...Willa does know Lincoln is going above and beyond to help her, right??? Willa is the absolute worst and Lincoln deserves WAAAY better!!! She's way too entitled with too much audacity. She's an out of pocket, disrespectful BITCH.
Lincoln is perfection!!
Ummm...Willa does know Lincoln is going above and beyond to help her, right??? Willa is the absolute worst and Lincoln deserves WAAAY better!!! She's way too entitled with too much audacity. She's an out of pocket, disrespectful BITCH.
Lincoln is perfection!!
March 16, 2026
Brighton did it again!!! Willa and Lincoln are mild enemies. She needs a husband in order to apply for a grant to save her family farm. Lincoln volunteers immediately. Unbeknownst to Willa, he'd been crushing on her for yeaarrrrs. Love a man who pines!
Once they tied the knot, Lincoln was obsessed. He did everything he could to take care of Willa and make her life easier. He was her number one supporter and wanted her to succeed in everything she did.
The banter between them was everything. I was giggling and smiling so much. I am absolutely obsessed. Brighton says she’s sprinkling -illegal substances- between the words and I believe it! I was as down bad as Lincoln.
These Steele men! Watch out Xander, Lincoln is coming for your top spot. How do I even pick a favorite?
And the audiobook?! Perfection. The narration was top notch. Two amazing narrators and in DUET. It doesn’t get any better than that. Truly this one deserves a listen!
ALC review
🩷Marriage of convenience
🩷Enemies to lovers
🩷Black cat x Golden retriever
🩷Brother’s best friend
🩷Forced proximity
🩷“My wife”
Once they tied the knot, Lincoln was obsessed. He did everything he could to take care of Willa and make her life easier. He was her number one supporter and wanted her to succeed in everything she did.
The banter between them was everything. I was giggling and smiling so much. I am absolutely obsessed. Brighton says she’s sprinkling -illegal substances- between the words and I believe it! I was as down bad as Lincoln.
These Steele men! Watch out Xander, Lincoln is coming for your top spot. How do I even pick a favorite?
And the audiobook?! Perfection. The narration was top notch. Two amazing narrators and in DUET. It doesn’t get any better than that. Truly this one deserves a listen!
ALC review
🩷Marriage of convenience
🩷Enemies to lovers
🩷Black cat x Golden retriever
🩷Brother’s best friend
🩷Forced proximity
🩷“My wife”
January 10, 2026
Anyone else find Willa annoying or was it just me?
January 7, 2026
🌶️🌶️.5
Audio performed in DUET by: JF Harding & Savannah Peachwood
Performance: 4/5 ⭐️
Story: 3.25/5 stars⭐️
This was my first audiobook with JF Harding and I really enjoyed his voice! I think the voice portrayed Lincoln's fun and more easy going vibes and it paired well with Savannah's performance! I do think the work "wife" was overused and done, because I am a huge fan of the "my wife" moment, but it got a little repetitive in my ears! This ALC was otherwise enjoyable and a huge part as to what kept me going during this read.
Ummmmm okay. I'm actually really sad, because I had the highest of hopes for this book. I love the Steele borthers and was so excited to get back into Starlight Cove. The tropes for this were also some of my absolute favourites, however the FMC WILLA WAS NOT IT.
Let's start off with Lincoln Steele, who's an absolute angel. He's supportive, selfless, INCREDIBLY patient for putting up with Willa for all these years and honestly just a wonderful MMC. He's incredibly funny and the group chats with him and his brothers constantly had me cackling!! :D He's also very skilled in the intimacy department and probably gave Willa more "O's" (if you know what I mean lol) than she deserved. I felt like Lincoln kept giving and giving, and Willa would just take and take and never return anything in his favour besides a whole lot of attitude and name calling.
Willa, in my opinion just really wasn't an enjoyable FMC. Readers never find out why she hated or had so much beef with Lincoln which was infuriating. She just kept calling him "jackass" or wtv, even when she began falling for him, and it's like just stop being mean and lying to everyone. I wanted her to be more honest, kind and appreciative towards Lincoln and show she deserved him. Her inability to also not communicate properly with her brother and refuse all help when offered was annoying.
The intimate and smutty moments, the Steele Brother group chats, the found family dinners and just the man that is Lincoln Steele are what kept me going during this read. The ALC I think also kept me motivated to continue going and I'm glad I finished it because there were moments that brought me so much joy and laughter ❤️
Thank you Luna Literary & Brighton for this ALC and ARC in exchange for my honest review. I still love Brighton and I look forward to more of her books ❤️
Audio performed in DUET by: JF Harding & Savannah Peachwood
Performance: 4/5 ⭐️
Story: 3.25/5 stars⭐️
This was my first audiobook with JF Harding and I really enjoyed his voice! I think the voice portrayed Lincoln's fun and more easy going vibes and it paired well with Savannah's performance! I do think the work "wife" was overused and done, because I am a huge fan of the "my wife" moment, but it got a little repetitive in my ears! This ALC was otherwise enjoyable and a huge part as to what kept me going during this read.
Ummmmm okay. I'm actually really sad, because I had the highest of hopes for this book. I love the Steele borthers and was so excited to get back into Starlight Cove. The tropes for this were also some of my absolute favourites, however the FMC WILLA WAS NOT IT.
Let's start off with Lincoln Steele, who's an absolute angel. He's supportive, selfless, INCREDIBLY patient for putting up with Willa for all these years and honestly just a wonderful MMC. He's incredibly funny and the group chats with him and his brothers constantly had me cackling!! :D He's also very skilled in the intimacy department and probably gave Willa more "O's" (if you know what I mean lol) than she deserved. I felt like Lincoln kept giving and giving, and Willa would just take and take and never return anything in his favour besides a whole lot of attitude and name calling.
Willa, in my opinion just really wasn't an enjoyable FMC. Readers never find out why she hated or had so much beef with Lincoln which was infuriating. She just kept calling him "jackass" or wtv, even when she began falling for him, and it's like just stop being mean and lying to everyone. I wanted her to be more honest, kind and appreciative towards Lincoln and show she deserved him. Her inability to also not communicate properly with her brother and refuse all help when offered was annoying.
The intimate and smutty moments, the Steele Brother group chats, the found family dinners and just the man that is Lincoln Steele are what kept me going during this read. The ALC I think also kept me motivated to continue going and I'm glad I finished it because there were moments that brought me so much joy and laughter ❤️
Thank you Luna Literary & Brighton for this ALC and ARC in exchange for my honest review. I still love Brighton and I look forward to more of her books ❤️
January 3, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
🌟 ARC & ALC Review 🌟
I’ll be honest, I was a little frustrated with Willa at first. I didn’t immediately understand her grumpiness, and I don’t usually gravitate toward grumpy FMCs. But this one worked. Especially because Lincoln exists 😌
Lincoln and Willa have been friends since they were young, and as they got older, Lincoln’s carefree, golden-retriever energy started to drive her nuts. What Willa doesn’t fully realize (even though everyone else does) is that Lincoln has been in love with her for a long time.
Willa is struggling to keep her family farm afloat after her dad’s passing, and everything hinges on a grant that requires the farm to be officially recognized as a “family farm.” Enter Lincoln, who immediately offers himself up as her husband without hesitation. Sir really said I volunteer as tribute.
Lincoln’s protectiveness, quiet support, and constant efforts to make Willa’s life easier absolutely melted me. He truly sees her, how hard she works, how capable she is, and how incredible the farm could be if she just had a little help. I also appreciated that the conflict wasn’t unnecessarily dragged out; they fought for each other, not against each other.
The banter was top-tier, especially the text messages, and the brothers had me laughing out loud. The side characters continue to be such a strength of this series, Mabel in particular absolutely stole the show 😂😂😂
I am more than ready for Xander and Penelope.
Spicy Chapters 🔥
20
25
26
29
30
33
39
47
3 🌶️
🌟 ARC & ALC Review 🌟
I’ll be honest, I was a little frustrated with Willa at first. I didn’t immediately understand her grumpiness, and I don’t usually gravitate toward grumpy FMCs. But this one worked. Especially because Lincoln exists 😌
Lincoln and Willa have been friends since they were young, and as they got older, Lincoln’s carefree, golden-retriever energy started to drive her nuts. What Willa doesn’t fully realize (even though everyone else does) is that Lincoln has been in love with her for a long time.
Willa is struggling to keep her family farm afloat after her dad’s passing, and everything hinges on a grant that requires the farm to be officially recognized as a “family farm.” Enter Lincoln, who immediately offers himself up as her husband without hesitation. Sir really said I volunteer as tribute.
Lincoln’s protectiveness, quiet support, and constant efforts to make Willa’s life easier absolutely melted me. He truly sees her, how hard she works, how capable she is, and how incredible the farm could be if she just had a little help. I also appreciated that the conflict wasn’t unnecessarily dragged out; they fought for each other, not against each other.
The banter was top-tier, especially the text messages, and the brothers had me laughing out loud. The side characters continue to be such a strength of this series, Mabel in particular absolutely stole the show 😂😂😂
I am more than ready for Xander and Penelope.
Spicy Chapters 🔥
20
25
26
29
30
33
39
47
January 1, 2026
Brighton, you need to stop putting cr@ck in your books!!! (no, pls never stop)
Thank you Brighton for the ARC 🩷 I don’t know what it is about Brighton’s books but I always fly through them so quickly! The characters are always well written and each couple becomes my new fav. Right now it’s a very tight tie between Atlas & Sutton and Lincoln & Willa. I’m leaning a bit more towards Grump Next Door because of brat tamer thing and Laurel, but at the same time come oooon Linc and Willa? They were so sweet together while having such a good banter and fire at the same time.
Simply don’t make me choose my fav couple.
I loved this whole story. The dynamics between Linc and Willa. The siblings and the whole family dynamics. Unforgettable lines by Chloe or Laurel. THE GROUP CHATS. I kept saying that Starlight Cove family had the best group chats and family dynamics but I think these Steele brothers and their ladies might be even better. HOW THE HELL IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?
Truly the only explanation is that Brighton is putting narcotics in her books.
I loved the marriage of convenience trope, the it’s always been you, their spice and how it was placed so well in the plot, not just “spice for the sake of spice” but it just made sense when it happened on page. I love love loved that there was no unnecessary 3rd act breakup but instead of it just a third act fight/drama that was quickly resolved and was fitting, made sense.
I just simply love Brighton’s writing, all her characters and the dynamics between absolutely everyone in this little fictional town.
AND MABEL. READ STARLIGHT COVE AND STEELE BROTHERS SERIES FOR MABEL. DON’T ASK QUESTIONS, JUST TRUST ME: MABEL.
Once again I wanted to write short review but it’s impossible when I’m so passionate about this book.
I got both ARC and ALC and combined reading in both formats. The narrators performance is really good. I read the last 50-70 pages but then decided to go back to when I paused the audio and “reread” it in audiobook format till the end again cause I loved the story so much AND the audio performance was just so good.
Oh, one more thing. I love the length of this book. It was simply just perfect. I don’t mind 500 pages romances every once in a while but lately I feel like every new release is 400+ pages long when it’s not really necessary so I really appreciate how Brighton can fit a well executed story that is not lacking in any department in under 300 pages. Oh, and then make you feral for the next book while up to the very end of this book I wasn’t *that* invested in the next characters.
Pure magic or crack or whatever Brighton puts in her books!
Thank you Brighton for the ARC 🩷 I don’t know what it is about Brighton’s books but I always fly through them so quickly! The characters are always well written and each couple becomes my new fav. Right now it’s a very tight tie between Atlas & Sutton and Lincoln & Willa. I’m leaning a bit more towards Grump Next Door because of brat tamer thing and Laurel, but at the same time come oooon Linc and Willa? They were so sweet together while having such a good banter and fire at the same time.
Simply don’t make me choose my fav couple.
I loved this whole story. The dynamics between Linc and Willa. The siblings and the whole family dynamics. Unforgettable lines by Chloe or Laurel. THE GROUP CHATS. I kept saying that Starlight Cove family had the best group chats and family dynamics but I think these Steele brothers and their ladies might be even better. HOW THE HELL IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?
Truly the only explanation is that Brighton is putting narcotics in her books.
I loved the marriage of convenience trope, the it’s always been you, their spice and how it was placed so well in the plot, not just “spice for the sake of spice” but it just made sense when it happened on page. I love love loved that there was no unnecessary 3rd act breakup but instead of it just a third act fight/drama that was quickly resolved and was fitting, made sense.
I just simply love Brighton’s writing, all her characters and the dynamics between absolutely everyone in this little fictional town.
AND MABEL. READ STARLIGHT COVE AND STEELE BROTHERS SERIES FOR MABEL. DON’T ASK QUESTIONS, JUST TRUST ME: MABEL.
Once again I wanted to write short review but it’s impossible when I’m so passionate about this book.
I got both ARC and ALC and combined reading in both formats. The narrators performance is really good. I read the last 50-70 pages but then decided to go back to when I paused the audio and “reread” it in audiobook format till the end again cause I loved the story so much AND the audio performance was just so good.
Oh, one more thing. I love the length of this book. It was simply just perfect. I don’t mind 500 pages romances every once in a while but lately I feel like every new release is 400+ pages long when it’s not really necessary so I really appreciate how Brighton can fit a well executed story that is not lacking in any department in under 300 pages. Oh, and then make you feral for the next book while up to the very end of this book I wasn’t *that* invested in the next characters.
Pure magic or crack or whatever Brighton puts in her books!
January 2, 2026
First off, thank you so much to Brighton for this e-arc!
I’m so so so sad I didnt like this. I truly was hyped and super excited about it, the glimpse we got of these two at the end of book 2 was delicious and I was eager for more.
And while the plot and the spice was amazing it was the FMC that made me want to close the book every time she spoke for like the first 150-200 pages.
Listen, there’s being sassy/independent and then there’s what Willa was doing which is being downright rude and disrespectful.
That man has been nothing but nice and helpful to you for years. He’s giving his time, committing a crime and lying to everyone for you and all you do is berate him and treat him like a slave? Sorry but I hated Willa for that and couldn’t move past it. Plus, her reasons for hating him were…oh right? There wasn’t any that the reader was given. And a “so long ago I don’t even remember” doesn’t count for shit.
Lincoln though, he saved the day. He was THE highlight. His dirty mouth, his devotion and selflessness were ever present and he would give everything for Willa to be happy. May this love run me over and soon.
Even then, he was still a doormat to Willa’s attitude, at times making me feel uncomfortable and bad for him. He found her whole “sass” sexy but man, sometimes she was just downright insulting him for the hell of it.
I’m looking forward to Penelope and Declan’s book next because I live for a tattooed bad boy and a shy librarian!!
Quotes:
She walked in like she had a vendetta against my sanity and self-control, and she had no problem challenging both.
Fuck me, he was about to make me his.
"Kissing you is the easiest thing I've ever done."
I’m so so so sad I didnt like this. I truly was hyped and super excited about it, the glimpse we got of these two at the end of book 2 was delicious and I was eager for more.
And while the plot and the spice was amazing it was the FMC that made me want to close the book every time she spoke for like the first 150-200 pages.
Listen, there’s being sassy/independent and then there’s what Willa was doing which is being downright rude and disrespectful.
That man has been nothing but nice and helpful to you for years. He’s giving his time, committing a crime and lying to everyone for you and all you do is berate him and treat him like a slave? Sorry but I hated Willa for that and couldn’t move past it. Plus, her reasons for hating him were…oh right? There wasn’t any that the reader was given. And a “so long ago I don’t even remember” doesn’t count for shit.
Lincoln though, he saved the day. He was THE highlight. His dirty mouth, his devotion and selflessness were ever present and he would give everything for Willa to be happy. May this love run me over and soon.
Even then, he was still a doormat to Willa’s attitude, at times making me feel uncomfortable and bad for him. He found her whole “sass” sexy but man, sometimes she was just downright insulting him for the hell of it.
I’m looking forward to Penelope and Declan’s book next because I live for a tattooed bad boy and a shy librarian!!
Quotes:
She walked in like she had a vendetta against my sanity and self-control, and she had no problem challenging both.
Fuck me, he was about to make me his.
"Kissing you is the easiest thing I've ever done."
December 19, 2025
i don’t think it’s a secret how much i love brighton’s books and how im down for anything she writes; however, after the set up for this book at the end of the previous one, i couldn’t wait to get my greedy eyeballs on the story.
i love love love willa and lincoln. she’s all crunchy and grumpy on the outside, total gooey center. he’s all charm, loyalty, and straight pining like a MFer. i adored reading these two with their flirting disguised as button pushing, open conversations, and so much UST you could choke on it. of course, this group of characters is a lot of fun, especially when the brothers are all together.
plot wise, it’s good. there are a few moving parts, but the majority of the story is just willa and lincoln trying to figure out how they caught feelings (on her side) and how to make this fake marriage real (on his side). i could have easily read a million more pages of their chemistry and love. and while i wanted just a bit more from the epilogue, brighton set up the next book with the pairing i’ve been waiting for.
overall, if you’ve been sleeping on reading brighton’s books, i can’t recommend them enough. get your eyeballs on any of her series for characters you can root for and cackle at and a guaranteed hea.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
i love love love willa and lincoln. she’s all crunchy and grumpy on the outside, total gooey center. he’s all charm, loyalty, and straight pining like a MFer. i adored reading these two with their flirting disguised as button pushing, open conversations, and so much UST you could choke on it. of course, this group of characters is a lot of fun, especially when the brothers are all together.
plot wise, it’s good. there are a few moving parts, but the majority of the story is just willa and lincoln trying to figure out how they caught feelings (on her side) and how to make this fake marriage real (on his side). i could have easily read a million more pages of their chemistry and love. and while i wanted just a bit more from the epilogue, brighton set up the next book with the pairing i’ve been waiting for.
overall, if you’ve been sleeping on reading brighton’s books, i can’t recommend them enough. get your eyeballs on any of her series for characters you can root for and cackle at and a guaranteed hea.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
December 27, 2025
BY FAR THE BEST @brighton_walsh book in the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove Series 😍 and that’s hard to say because they’re all so fantastic!
Obviously, we all love Lincoln, but let’s give Willa some love too. Chronic illness is no joke and this book showed it so much justice. Willa is a queen and Lincoln knows it.
Chapter 38 (I really enjoyed the shorter length chapters btw) was definitely a fav. The PowerPoint presentation had me giggling so much! Of course chapter 46 owns me. The LLC and the whole realization of officially forever. Ughhh so much cuteness!
I have to say, I enjoyed listening to @j.f.harding in Quinn’s audiobook but Lincoln’s character was made for him - him and @savannahpeachwood were top tier 🤍
Thank you so much @brighton_walsh for the ALC opportunity! I cannot wait for everyone to get their hands (or ears) on this January 1st!
Obviously, we all love Lincoln, but let’s give Willa some love too. Chronic illness is no joke and this book showed it so much justice. Willa is a queen and Lincoln knows it.
Chapter 38 (I really enjoyed the shorter length chapters btw) was definitely a fav. The PowerPoint presentation had me giggling so much! Of course chapter 46 owns me. The LLC and the whole realization of officially forever. Ughhh so much cuteness!
I have to say, I enjoyed listening to @j.f.harding in Quinn’s audiobook but Lincoln’s character was made for him - him and @savannahpeachwood were top tier 🤍
Thank you so much @brighton_walsh for the ALC opportunity! I cannot wait for everyone to get their hands (or ears) on this January 1st!
February 18, 2026
This book was such a fun time.
Lincoln and Willa have that black cat x golden retriever energy that I will eat up every single time. He owns a bar, she runs the family farm after losing her parents. She needs to be married for a grant to help fund the farm operations (cue marriage of convenience). It ends up very forced proximity-esque in the best way since Brighton really captured honest chemistry between the characters. The banter between the characters is top tier and Lincoln is genuinely hilarious. His POV honestly makes the whole story, I loved being inside his head. Add in lots of “my wife” moments, and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece.
Willa has chronic pain, and I really appreciated that it was part of her character without being her entire personality. It felt human and grounded. The found family vibes in this small town were strong too, which balanced out some of the heavier parts of her backstory.
This is a quick read, but it doesn’t feel rushed. The chemistry builds naturally, even when they’re pretending not to feel anything. And yes, there is one particular scene where this man embarrasses himself in peak golden retriever fashion and I was dying.
If you like marriage of convenience with great banter, a slightly feral but secretly soft MMC, and a heroine who has her walls up for very valid reasons, this one delivers.
Highly recommend if you’re in your small town romance era.
What to expect:
🍓 small town
🍓 marriage of convenience
🍓 forced proximity
🍓 brothers best friend
🍓 golden retriever x black cat
🍓 hate to love
🍓 banter and chemistry
🍓 chronic pain rep
🍓 “my wife”
🍓 found family
🍓 only one bed
🍓 he falls first
🍓 💦👖scene
🍓 dual POV
The next book is gonna be good I can tell 🥵
Lincoln and Willa have that black cat x golden retriever energy that I will eat up every single time. He owns a bar, she runs the family farm after losing her parents. She needs to be married for a grant to help fund the farm operations (cue marriage of convenience). It ends up very forced proximity-esque in the best way since Brighton really captured honest chemistry between the characters. The banter between the characters is top tier and Lincoln is genuinely hilarious. His POV honestly makes the whole story, I loved being inside his head. Add in lots of “my wife” moments, and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece.
Willa has chronic pain, and I really appreciated that it was part of her character without being her entire personality. It felt human and grounded. The found family vibes in this small town were strong too, which balanced out some of the heavier parts of her backstory.
This is a quick read, but it doesn’t feel rushed. The chemistry builds naturally, even when they’re pretending not to feel anything. And yes, there is one particular scene where this man embarrasses himself in peak golden retriever fashion and I was dying.
If you like marriage of convenience with great banter, a slightly feral but secretly soft MMC, and a heroine who has her walls up for very valid reasons, this one delivers.
Highly recommend if you’re in your small town romance era.
What to expect:
🍓 small town
🍓 marriage of convenience
🍓 forced proximity
🍓 brothers best friend
🍓 golden retriever x black cat
🍓 hate to love
🍓 banter and chemistry
🍓 chronic pain rep
🍓 “my wife”
🍓 found family
🍓 only one bed
🍓 he falls first
🍓 💦👖scene
🍓 dual POV
The next book is gonna be good I can tell 🥵
December 26, 2025
Wow! I just can’t deal with this series! Every book is so damn good! The characters, the banter, the brothers!
The tension and the bickering/flirty banter is so damn good!!
I loved the chronic pain rep from Willa and how she takes everything on as an independent woman, but the way Lincoln realises this and steps up and helps 🥹
Ugh this man was perfection!
Thank you Brighton Walsh for a copy of the eARC!! I’m so obsessed with this series!! 🤭🔥
The tension and the bickering/flirty banter is so damn good!!
I loved the chronic pain rep from Willa and how she takes everything on as an independent woman, but the way Lincoln realises this and steps up and helps 🥹
Ugh this man was perfection!
Thank you Brighton Walsh for a copy of the eARC!! I’m so obsessed with this series!! 🤭🔥
January 6, 2026
DNF. I can’t get past Willa and her horrible way of treating Lincoln. It’s annoying.
December 27, 2025
The Mr. & Mrs. Mistake is book 3 in the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove series by Brighton Walsh, and omg… I devoured this ARC/ALC. I literally didn’t stop reading until I finished it.
What can you expect?
🏡 small-town romance
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers
🐈⬛ black cat FMC x golden retriever MMC 🐕
💍 marriage of convenience
🛏️ one bed
📍 forced proximity
👬 brother’s best friend
🐌 slow burn
🗣️ “my wife”
⭐5 | 🌶️ 3
This audiobook was narrated by J.F. Harding and Savannah Peachwood in duet narration, and they did an excellent job. I loved every minute of it.
Willa and Lincoln have known each other since childhood because Linc is her twin brother’s best friend. Her farm is struggling, and she needs a grant, but to qualify, she has to be married. She ends up at Linc’s bar drunk, and the next day he suggests marrying him so he can help her. She declines at first, but with no other solution, she agrees.
Their banter was amazing. I loved their constant bickering and his nickname for her, hellcat. The truth is, Linc has been interested in her for a long time, and she didn’t want to admit she was attracted to him too. Living in a silo meant sharing one bed, and the tension grew every day. Because they were married, they had to act like newlyweds, but Willa wasn’t comfortable, so Linc practiced with her. Those kissing sessions were hot. He followed her rules until one day she crossed the line—fully in.
And let me tell you… if you loved Atlas and Xander’s dirty talk, just wait for Linc. He also loves reading smut and reads it to her. So. Hot.
Willa deals with chronic pain and avoids asking for help, but Linc helps her anyway. He shows up for her, supports her dreams, and even builds her a hot tub outside so she can relax and ease her pain. I swooned every time he paid attention to the little things.
I loved seeing the other couples and family members. I laughed so much at the charts and the brothers’ interactions. I especially loved how they made Willa feel like part of the family from the beginning. And Atlas’s obsession with Willa’s jam? Hilarious.
This book was great. It has romance, spice, and funny moments with Mabel and the family, but it also touches on chronic pain with so much respect. I read the author’s note, and knowing it’s based on the author’s own experience made it even more meaningful. You can really feel the struggle of not wanting to ask for help or be a burden. Watching Willa learn to ask for help—with Linc by her side, was everything. She’s strong, loving, and afraid of being too much, but for Linc, leaving was never an option.
I enjoyed this one so much, and it’s honestly hard to choose between these brothers, but for now this is my favorite book in the series. I’m excited for Declan and Penelope’s book.
Thank you so much to Brighton Walsh and her team for the ARC/ALC. I’m so grateful to be part of your team.
What can you expect?
🏡 small-town romance
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers
🐈⬛ black cat FMC x golden retriever MMC 🐕
💍 marriage of convenience
🛏️ one bed
📍 forced proximity
👬 brother’s best friend
🐌 slow burn
🗣️ “my wife”
⭐5 | 🌶️ 3
This audiobook was narrated by J.F. Harding and Savannah Peachwood in duet narration, and they did an excellent job. I loved every minute of it.
Willa and Lincoln have known each other since childhood because Linc is her twin brother’s best friend. Her farm is struggling, and she needs a grant, but to qualify, she has to be married. She ends up at Linc’s bar drunk, and the next day he suggests marrying him so he can help her. She declines at first, but with no other solution, she agrees.
Their banter was amazing. I loved their constant bickering and his nickname for her, hellcat. The truth is, Linc has been interested in her for a long time, and she didn’t want to admit she was attracted to him too. Living in a silo meant sharing one bed, and the tension grew every day. Because they were married, they had to act like newlyweds, but Willa wasn’t comfortable, so Linc practiced with her. Those kissing sessions were hot. He followed her rules until one day she crossed the line—fully in.
And let me tell you… if you loved Atlas and Xander’s dirty talk, just wait for Linc. He also loves reading smut and reads it to her. So. Hot.
Willa deals with chronic pain and avoids asking for help, but Linc helps her anyway. He shows up for her, supports her dreams, and even builds her a hot tub outside so she can relax and ease her pain. I swooned every time he paid attention to the little things.
I loved seeing the other couples and family members. I laughed so much at the charts and the brothers’ interactions. I especially loved how they made Willa feel like part of the family from the beginning. And Atlas’s obsession with Willa’s jam? Hilarious.
This book was great. It has romance, spice, and funny moments with Mabel and the family, but it also touches on chronic pain with so much respect. I read the author’s note, and knowing it’s based on the author’s own experience made it even more meaningful. You can really feel the struggle of not wanting to ask for help or be a burden. Watching Willa learn to ask for help—with Linc by her side, was everything. She’s strong, loving, and afraid of being too much, but for Linc, leaving was never an option.
I enjoyed this one so much, and it’s honestly hard to choose between these brothers, but for now this is my favorite book in the series. I’m excited for Declan and Penelope’s book.
Thank you so much to Brighton Walsh and her team for the ARC/ALC. I’m so grateful to be part of your team.
February 25, 2026
I wish I knew why Willa 'hated' Lincoln so much. We're told pretty early in that she "can't even remember the catalyst" only that her "disdain" for him grew year after year.
I love a good enemies to lovers story - but just not telling us a reason for the fallout? What's that about?
Lincoln knows she hates him too - says it frequently - but even he doesn't admit what went wrong between their childhoods when they were all friends and the present where she can barely stand to look at him.
But when I tell you this is the ONLY major complaint I have about this story...I mean it.
The banter is top tier. The family interactions are top tier.
And finally! We see at least the intention of reciprocation in the bedroom! Lincoln doesn't actually allow her to touch him - but she does give it the old college try. I'm counting this as a win.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE that Lincoln doesn't ever expect things to go his way - that he's 100% happy to give Willa pleasure and take none for himself. But I also love a woman who yearns to please as much as she likes being pleased.
The spice in this story is better than in the previous 2 books for this aspect alone.
I adore that Lincoln knows his wife's disability, and despite her stubbornness, he goes above and beyond to help her when she's hurting, and take care of her when she can't do the daily tasks she insists she has to do alone. I love that she's a fiercely independent woman, but that she learns over the course of the story that she doesn't have to be, ALL the time.
It's not a big thing - but I do wish we'd gotten to learn what happened to her to cause her injury. Alas I think it's hinted at once, but then entirely glossed over.
The drama at the end with Beau (Willa's twin brother) was good - and a refreshing twist on the normal. There isn't a 3rd act breakup, either. Just a brief (hours) separation where the boys can get their shit together.
This is the best of the 3. By far.
It's this sort of story that makes me wish GR had half-star ratings. Because this would be a 4.5 easily.
If ONLY we'd known why Willa didn't like him in the beginning, why they were "enemies" before they became lovers. If only it wasn't just a plot device to keep them from screwing each other silly from page 1.
I love a good enemies to lovers story - but just not telling us a reason for the fallout? What's that about?
Lincoln knows she hates him too - says it frequently - but even he doesn't admit what went wrong between their childhoods when they were all friends and the present where she can barely stand to look at him.
But when I tell you this is the ONLY major complaint I have about this story...I mean it.
The banter is top tier. The family interactions are top tier.
And finally! We see at least the intention of reciprocation in the bedroom! Lincoln doesn't actually allow her to touch him - but she does give it the old college try. I'm counting this as a win.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE that Lincoln doesn't ever expect things to go his way - that he's 100% happy to give Willa pleasure and take none for himself. But I also love a woman who yearns to please as much as she likes being pleased.
The spice in this story is better than in the previous 2 books for this aspect alone.
I adore that Lincoln knows his wife's disability, and despite her stubbornness, he goes above and beyond to help her when she's hurting, and take care of her when she can't do the daily tasks she insists she has to do alone. I love that she's a fiercely independent woman, but that she learns over the course of the story that she doesn't have to be, ALL the time.
It's not a big thing - but I do wish we'd gotten to learn what happened to her to cause her injury. Alas I think it's hinted at once, but then entirely glossed over.
The drama at the end with Beau (Willa's twin brother) was good - and a refreshing twist on the normal. There isn't a 3rd act breakup, either. Just a brief (hours) separation where the boys can get their shit together.
This is the best of the 3. By far.
It's this sort of story that makes me wish GR had half-star ratings. Because this would be a 4.5 easily.
If ONLY we'd known why Willa didn't like him in the beginning, why they were "enemies" before they became lovers. If only it wasn't just a plot device to keep them from screwing each other silly from page 1.
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