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Hometown Troublemaker
Aurora "Rory" Haven's life is in shambles. Her ex-husband's living with the woman he cheated with, her oldest daughter blames her for the divorce, and she's broke. To make ends meet, she partners with the too-young, way too hot local contractor she has absolutely no business fantasizing about.
Nash King is working overtime so he can take over the family business. He doesn't need the distraction of his best friend's sister, but the hot-as-hell, pearl-clutching divorcée barrels her way into his everyday life. He's managed to ignore his attraction to her for a decade. What's another couple months?
The summer heat and forced proximity has tempers flaring…and their chemistry sizzling. But Havenbrook's gossip mill is churning full-force, and the last thing Rory needs is everyone speculating over her crush on a man eight years her junior. Except crushing doesn't have anything on what's really going on…
What would happen if the townspeople found out paint wasn't the only thing being stripped?
Nash King is working overtime so he can take over the family business. He doesn't need the distraction of his best friend's sister, but the hot-as-hell, pearl-clutching divorcée barrels her way into his everyday life. He's managed to ignore his attraction to her for a decade. What's another couple months?
The summer heat and forced proximity has tempers flaring…and their chemistry sizzling. But Havenbrook's gossip mill is churning full-force, and the last thing Rory needs is everyone speculating over her crush on a man eight years her junior. Except crushing doesn't have anything on what's really going on…
What would happen if the townspeople found out paint wasn't the only thing being stripped?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2019
254 people are currently reading
1246 people want to read
About the author
Brighton Walsh
52 books2,202 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 79 reviews
March 8, 2019
Rated 4.5 Stars
Hometown Troublemaker is the perfect blend of emotional rollercoaster, forbidden/taboo, sweet, sexy and dirty small town romance. I loved it; the characters, the setting, the banter, the sex scenes, the family dynamics, the dynamics between the main characters, Rory and Nash, the sisterly bonds all of it just worked for me. I think what I loved the most about this book was the way the author rendered the characters, they were so true to life. I was all in from the very beginning to the last word in fact I wanted more of these two after I read the last sentence. I definitely highly recommend it to one and all.
Copy provided by author
Hometown Troublemaker is the perfect blend of emotional rollercoaster, forbidden/taboo, sweet, sexy and dirty small town romance. I loved it; the characters, the setting, the banter, the sex scenes, the family dynamics, the dynamics between the main characters, Rory and Nash, the sisterly bonds all of it just worked for me. I think what I loved the most about this book was the way the author rendered the characters, they were so true to life. I was all in from the very beginning to the last word in fact I wanted more of these two after I read the last sentence. I definitely highly recommend it to one and all.
Copy provided by author
March 8, 2019
It’s 4 am & I’m writing this review, so that should give you an indication of how, once I let myself get lost in the world of Havenbrook, I was sucked in & legit could not put the iPad down for anything.
Maybe it spoke to me because I identify so closely with Rory. I don’t think that’s it though. I think I fell in love with this book & these characters because I’ve ALWAYS adored Brighton’s writing.
Loved this book, always love Brighton’s writing, & especially loved the sweet but dirty talking Southern gentleman.
***I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.***
Maybe it spoke to me because I identify so closely with Rory. I don’t think that’s it though. I think I fell in love with this book & these characters because I’ve ALWAYS adored Brighton’s writing.
Loved this book, always love Brighton’s writing, & especially loved the sweet but dirty talking Southern gentleman.
***I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.***
March 2, 2020
Gah! This story was perfection. I am swooning so hard over Rory and Nash’s relationship. I loved their banter and their chemistry was so steamy. Just thinking about Rory’s fierceness and Nash’s foul mouth makes me want to fall in love with their relationship all over again!
March 11, 2019
COMPLETE AND UTTER PERFECTION. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO SO SO MUCH!!!!!
Brighton Walsh's Hometown Troublemaker reads like the best romantic movie you've never seen, except a movie adaptation would probably ruin the absolute perfection of the novel itself. But that's how I felt while reading it: like I could see it playing out in front of me, every character and every emotion so vivid and vibrant and alive.
I shouldn't have enjoyed this book as much as I did. I shouldn't have loved it because I don't typically prefer third person narrative. I shouldn't have been completely captivated by the storyline because I don't typically enjoy age gap romances where the female is older than her male counterpart. I shouldn't have found this book completely unputdownable because home renovations and HGTV-esque storylines are not my thing. I shouldn't have fallen head over heals for a book like this because I'm a New Yorker who often finds the southern drawl a bit grating. SO WHY DID I LOVE THIS BOOK SO FREAKING MUCH?! All of that. I loved it BEYOND WORDS for all of those reasons because it all melds together into the most AMAZING story I never saw coming. All of that stuff that's so really not my thing just became my thing and I HONEST TO GOD NEVER WANTED THIS BOOK TO END.
I could list everything about this book that I loved but we'd be here all week. The characters and their dynamic, the dialogue, the sibling rivalry, the small town gossip, the betrayal and heartache, the former beauty queen turned ice queen who's never let anyone see the real her until the construction worker she used to babysit helps tear down her walls. I loved their history, both individually and all the ways their paths have crossed over the years. I loved the character development, the way these characters reveal themselves, everything that makes them who they are and should theoretically not allow them to fit yet also makes them compliment each other perfectly. I loved the journey of personal growth they both take in coming to terms with the hidden resentments they harbor from their childhood. I loved every page, every word, every moment. I could list a million more, but you need to just read this book.
Hometown Troublemaker is SO SEXY. It's deliciously steamy and so well done. It's smart. It's witty. It's BLISSFULLY ROMANTIC. It has me absolutely DESPERATE for future books based in Havenbrook. The small town feel in this story has me craving sunshine and sweat and lemonade on the porch. I was completely enveloped in their world and dreaded coming back out. Rory and Nash's romance came out of nowhere and landed up there as one of the BEST books I've read this year. I'm obsessed. I loved it. I can not recommend this book enough.
Brighton Walsh's Hometown Troublemaker reads like the best romantic movie you've never seen, except a movie adaptation would probably ruin the absolute perfection of the novel itself. But that's how I felt while reading it: like I could see it playing out in front of me, every character and every emotion so vivid and vibrant and alive.
I shouldn't have enjoyed this book as much as I did. I shouldn't have loved it because I don't typically prefer third person narrative. I shouldn't have been completely captivated by the storyline because I don't typically enjoy age gap romances where the female is older than her male counterpart. I shouldn't have found this book completely unputdownable because home renovations and HGTV-esque storylines are not my thing. I shouldn't have fallen head over heals for a book like this because I'm a New Yorker who often finds the southern drawl a bit grating. SO WHY DID I LOVE THIS BOOK SO FREAKING MUCH?! All of that. I loved it BEYOND WORDS for all of those reasons because it all melds together into the most AMAZING story I never saw coming. All of that stuff that's so really not my thing just became my thing and I HONEST TO GOD NEVER WANTED THIS BOOK TO END.
I could list everything about this book that I loved but we'd be here all week. The characters and their dynamic, the dialogue, the sibling rivalry, the small town gossip, the betrayal and heartache, the former beauty queen turned ice queen who's never let anyone see the real her until the construction worker she used to babysit helps tear down her walls. I loved their history, both individually and all the ways their paths have crossed over the years. I loved the character development, the way these characters reveal themselves, everything that makes them who they are and should theoretically not allow them to fit yet also makes them compliment each other perfectly. I loved the journey of personal growth they both take in coming to terms with the hidden resentments they harbor from their childhood. I loved every page, every word, every moment. I could list a million more, but you need to just read this book.
Hometown Troublemaker is SO SEXY. It's deliciously steamy and so well done. It's smart. It's witty. It's BLISSFULLY ROMANTIC. It has me absolutely DESPERATE for future books based in Havenbrook. The small town feel in this story has me craving sunshine and sweat and lemonade on the porch. I was completely enveloped in their world and dreaded coming back out. Rory and Nash's romance came out of nowhere and landed up there as one of the BEST books I've read this year. I'm obsessed. I loved it. I can not recommend this book enough.
March 10, 2019
Release Date: March 14, 2019
Genre: Small town, southern, contemporary romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Hometown Troublemaker is the second book I have read by Brighton Walsh and I am now officially hooked to her writing! Not only are the covers gorgeous (the covers are what drew me to her books in the first place) but the stories within the covers are just as fabulous. Hometown Troublemaker is a dream come true. I am a small town, southern romance lover through and through and this book gave me this. Not only that, this book has an enemies-to-lovers feel (on a smaller scale) and the banter between the two characters is phenomenal. Watching the two of them go back and fourth in their southern drawl was absolutely dreamy. All that being said, I was sucked into this book and couldn't stop reading until the very end. I felt as if I were a part of the story, friends with the characters, and living the dream with them. I hope many readers give this book a chance because it's a swoon worthy novel filled with the best kinds of romance around.
This book would be good for fans of:
❖ Southern romances (you can hear the drawl coming from their lips- it's memorizing)
❖ Small town romances (Havenbrook is blissfully charming)
❖ Romance after divorce
❖ Home renovations
❖ Stories that revolve around family but can stand alone
Genre: Small town, southern, contemporary romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Hometown Troublemaker is the second book I have read by Brighton Walsh and I am now officially hooked to her writing! Not only are the covers gorgeous (the covers are what drew me to her books in the first place) but the stories within the covers are just as fabulous. Hometown Troublemaker is a dream come true. I am a small town, southern romance lover through and through and this book gave me this. Not only that, this book has an enemies-to-lovers feel (on a smaller scale) and the banter between the two characters is phenomenal. Watching the two of them go back and fourth in their southern drawl was absolutely dreamy. All that being said, I was sucked into this book and couldn't stop reading until the very end. I felt as if I were a part of the story, friends with the characters, and living the dream with them. I hope many readers give this book a chance because it's a swoon worthy novel filled with the best kinds of romance around.
This book would be good for fans of:
❖ Southern romances (you can hear the drawl coming from their lips- it's memorizing)
❖ Small town romances (Havenbrook is blissfully charming)
❖ Romance after divorce
❖ Home renovations
❖ Stories that revolve around family but can stand alone
March 18, 2019
Woo! I was so happy to dive into a new Brighton Walsh book. She is one of my all-time favorite authors and every book of hers has just been a complete delight. Hometown Troublemaker was no different and I pretty much inhaled this book!
I don't think I've read many books with an age gap where the heroine is the older party, but I am 100% here for this trope. Prim and proper Rory is dealing with being a single mother after her dipshit of an ex-husband cheated on her. She is trying to rebuild her life to make herself happier and to give her two daughters the stability they need. I really loved Rory and how driven she was to pick up the pieces after what happened to her. She had a good head on her shoulders and worked very hard. It's hard not to admire her and her desire to be independent. Rory was a great mother to her daughters even if they may not see it that way (one of her daughters blames her for the divorce). There was one particular scene in this book where Rory and her eldest daughter bond and it was such a sweet moment! It made me miss my mommy back home! I also really loved how close to her sisters Rory was. These Haven girls made for such a great supportive team, even if her youngest one was being mad at her! The only Haven that makes me mad is the patriarch of the family. Thankfully, all of the ladies in his family are there to kick his butt when he is being a knobhead.
Then, there was Nash. He was just ... sex on a stick! Can I just leave my description at that? No? If you've read Brighton Walsh's books, then you know that her heroes are simply some of the best out there. They are supportive, swoony, and such gentlemen. Nash is probably one of my favorite heroes from Brighton. I loved the guy so much. I loved how he consistently showed Rory how beautiful and amazing she was. I loved that he fell HARD for Rory. I don't know about you guys, but there is something about heroes who fall completely in love with their heroines that just makes my heart go pitter patter. Like Rory, Nash too had a few issues with self-confidence, particularly when it came to his father. He worked hard for his family business to bring it to back to its peak. I loved how passionate he was for his job. Nash was an all-around great guy. As you can imagine, the chemistry between Rory and Nash was fiery hot. Nash has got a filthy mouth on him, a mouth that has Rory clutching her pearls. He knew just how to push her buttons, but also make her feel good. It was really fun for me seeing the two of them circle each other, then, later on, pounce on that attraction they shared.
Hometown Troublemaker was such a satisfying romance. I loved being back in the town of Havenbrook and I can't wait to read more. If you haven't read Brighton's books yet, change that ASAP.
March 16, 2019
I’ve been a huge fan of Brighton’s words from the beginning and I’ll pretty much read anything she puts out since I know I’ll be getting fantastic banter and a HEA.
I really liked Rory and Nash. They seem so different, but they’re quite similar. Their chemistry was off the charts and I absolutely loved the button pushing. Rory’s daughters were adorable and it was fun seeing all of the sisters again.
Plot wise it was a good stretch of time. There are a few moving pieces here, yet nothing felt like it didn’t belong. I could have done with a bit less inner monologue and more dialogue, but that’s just me being greedy. Oh and in true Brighton fashion, the angsty times don’t last too long.
Overall, it was a quick and fun read with characters who were easy to root for. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
**Huge thanks to Bright Publishing for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Rory and Nash. They seem so different, but they’re quite similar. Their chemistry was off the charts and I absolutely loved the button pushing. Rory’s daughters were adorable and it was fun seeing all of the sisters again.
Plot wise it was a good stretch of time. There are a few moving pieces here, yet nothing felt like it didn’t belong. I could have done with a bit less inner monologue and more dialogue, but that’s just me being greedy. Oh and in true Brighton fashion, the angsty times don’t last too long.
Overall, it was a quick and fun read with characters who were easy to root for. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
**Huge thanks to Bright Publishing for providing the arc free of charge**
March 11, 2019
*eARC kindly provided by the author*
HOT DAMN! It feels like I’ve been waiting forever for a new book from her even though Second Chance Charmer was out last year, so I was stoked when she dropped it in my inbox like SURPRISE. I’m a lucky reader. *heart eyes* Anyway, Brighton’s always been a favorite of mine, but this one hit it out-of-the-park!
I honestly cannot remember how I felt about Rory in book one, when it was a younger Haven front and center. All I could remember was that she was a bit of a snob, super judgmental, and didn’t have the best relationship with her sisters. And tbh, some of that is still true. But I LOVE HER!!! I have mad respect and admiration for people who rebuild their lives after they’ve burned to ashes. After her husband cheated and she got divorced, Rory had to come to grips with A LOT of things, and her insecurity could get the best of her. But I loved seeing messy, confused, and I don’t give a fuck Rory. She spent so long shoving her dreams down and doing what everyone else expected of her, but she found her footing eventually, even if she stumbled along the way. And I could understand her determination to do everything herself, to be independent. But I also hated seeing how she beat herself up over things, how she stayed humble when she should’ve bragged about her accomplishments, damn it, and how she wouldn’t let people in and see who she really was. Because who she really is a damn good mother, sister, daughter, and friend, and she deserved to know that she was perfect just as she is.
But it’s okay, because Nash had zero problems telling her that often, and reminding her that she didn’t have to have it all together, that it was okay to break apart sometimes. He was there to catch her when she fell and needed a hand up, and he was so incredibly supportive of her. Fuck, this boy!! I love him so goddamned much. At first I wasn’t sure if he’d be another of those “I’m a lone wolf, I don’t need to be tied down to one woman, hooooooowl” heroes, but he proved me wrong. He fell head over heels for a woman eight years older, and he didn’t give a fuck about the age difference or about how badly he could get hurt. He just wanted her. He had to work through some things too, though. He grew up almost like an outsider, and it burrows into him, that sense of not-belonging, and the judgment people shoved onto his family name. Just because his dad is trash, it doesn’t mean he is!!! Nash needed to understand that he was good enough as he is, that he has done so well for himself and he should be so proud of what he’s accomplished. The family business boomed when he took over, and it’s all he’s ever wanted in life. Well, that, and Aurora Haven, the town princess.
They were SO GOOD together and omg this was hot. Nash has got a dirty, dirty mouth. I love it. But not only was the romance aspect delicious, but their relationship was just so solid. It was super fun and passionate. And Nash adored taking care of Rory, even when she insisted, no really, that she was fine and didn’t help, he wouldn’t force her or step into her space. He gave her room, but stayed at her side just in case. And Rory was a bright spot for him, the person he could trust to have his back and make him take needed breaks. I also loved that Nash got to know her kids, that they grew to care for him too. omg when he was teaching Ella how to fix the front porch, my heart just fucking MELTED. I’m not a big fan of kids in books (I’m just not a kid person), but somehow Brighton is the exception. I’ve loved her books with a mom MC the most out of them all!! Go figure! Of course, it was hard watching Rory almost self-sabotage their relationship, but Nash was right there telling her not to give up. And she didn’t, but she did need time to figure out who she was and what she wanted. Her ex really did a number on her, but Nash was patient and kind, and gah. *more heart eyes*
Another aspect I adored about this was the relationship between the Haven women. Rory was always at the top of the tier, and so she didn’t know her sisters well for most of her adult life. She didn’t really care to, and that was on her. But she’s growing as a person, and throughout the story, it shows that she’s put in time for Mac and Willow, and even Natalie, who just absolutely refuses to take her calls. The book had such a huge focus on what it means trying to keep up with friendships and relationships as an adult, on what it means having to put in the energy and time to cultivate them. And just how fucking complicated family is, and how sometimes, you’re still dealing with childhood trauma and insecurities. I still hate Mayor Haven, to be honest. I don’t care that he’s finally being called out for his shit, he’s a terrible person and he’s really screwed with his daughters’ heads and made them feel worthless time and time again. But their mom is trying, and their grandma is AWESOME, and Rory finally feels like she has people in her corner. People who will drop everything to make sure she is okay, and if she isn’t, to be there for the hard stuff and kick the asses of those who dare to hurt her.
While I don’t love big age differences like this, it totally worked for me. Because I loved this one! It was the perfect mix of angst and sweetness, and I adore the characters so much. Not just Nash and Rory, but all of them. And I can’t fucking wait for the next one! I need all of their books, but especially Mac’s, and Drew’s.
Rating: 4.5 Paw Prints!
HOT DAMN! It feels like I’ve been waiting forever for a new book from her even though Second Chance Charmer was out last year, so I was stoked when she dropped it in my inbox like SURPRISE. I’m a lucky reader. *heart eyes* Anyway, Brighton’s always been a favorite of mine, but this one hit it out-of-the-park!
I honestly cannot remember how I felt about Rory in book one, when it was a younger Haven front and center. All I could remember was that she was a bit of a snob, super judgmental, and didn’t have the best relationship with her sisters. And tbh, some of that is still true. But I LOVE HER!!! I have mad respect and admiration for people who rebuild their lives after they’ve burned to ashes. After her husband cheated and she got divorced, Rory had to come to grips with A LOT of things, and her insecurity could get the best of her. But I loved seeing messy, confused, and I don’t give a fuck Rory. She spent so long shoving her dreams down and doing what everyone else expected of her, but she found her footing eventually, even if she stumbled along the way. And I could understand her determination to do everything herself, to be independent. But I also hated seeing how she beat herself up over things, how she stayed humble when she should’ve bragged about her accomplishments, damn it, and how she wouldn’t let people in and see who she really was. Because who she really is a damn good mother, sister, daughter, and friend, and she deserved to know that she was perfect just as she is.
But it’s okay, because Nash had zero problems telling her that often, and reminding her that she didn’t have to have it all together, that it was okay to break apart sometimes. He was there to catch her when she fell and needed a hand up, and he was so incredibly supportive of her. Fuck, this boy!! I love him so goddamned much. At first I wasn’t sure if he’d be another of those “I’m a lone wolf, I don’t need to be tied down to one woman, hooooooowl” heroes, but he proved me wrong. He fell head over heels for a woman eight years older, and he didn’t give a fuck about the age difference or about how badly he could get hurt. He just wanted her. He had to work through some things too, though. He grew up almost like an outsider, and it burrows into him, that sense of not-belonging, and the judgment people shoved onto his family name. Just because his dad is trash, it doesn’t mean he is!!! Nash needed to understand that he was good enough as he is, that he has done so well for himself and he should be so proud of what he’s accomplished. The family business boomed when he took over, and it’s all he’s ever wanted in life. Well, that, and Aurora Haven, the town princess.
They were SO GOOD together and omg this was hot. Nash has got a dirty, dirty mouth. I love it. But not only was the romance aspect delicious, but their relationship was just so solid. It was super fun and passionate. And Nash adored taking care of Rory, even when she insisted, no really, that she was fine and didn’t help, he wouldn’t force her or step into her space. He gave her room, but stayed at her side just in case. And Rory was a bright spot for him, the person he could trust to have his back and make him take needed breaks. I also loved that Nash got to know her kids, that they grew to care for him too. omg when he was teaching Ella how to fix the front porch, my heart just fucking MELTED. I’m not a big fan of kids in books (I’m just not a kid person), but somehow Brighton is the exception. I’ve loved her books with a mom MC the most out of them all!! Go figure! Of course, it was hard watching Rory almost self-sabotage their relationship, but Nash was right there telling her not to give up. And she didn’t, but she did need time to figure out who she was and what she wanted. Her ex really did a number on her, but Nash was patient and kind, and gah. *more heart eyes*
Another aspect I adored about this was the relationship between the Haven women. Rory was always at the top of the tier, and so she didn’t know her sisters well for most of her adult life. She didn’t really care to, and that was on her. But she’s growing as a person, and throughout the story, it shows that she’s put in time for Mac and Willow, and even Natalie, who just absolutely refuses to take her calls. The book had such a huge focus on what it means trying to keep up with friendships and relationships as an adult, on what it means having to put in the energy and time to cultivate them. And just how fucking complicated family is, and how sometimes, you’re still dealing with childhood trauma and insecurities. I still hate Mayor Haven, to be honest. I don’t care that he’s finally being called out for his shit, he’s a terrible person and he’s really screwed with his daughters’ heads and made them feel worthless time and time again. But their mom is trying, and their grandma is AWESOME, and Rory finally feels like she has people in her corner. People who will drop everything to make sure she is okay, and if she isn’t, to be there for the hard stuff and kick the asses of those who dare to hurt her.
While I don’t love big age differences like this, it totally worked for me. Because I loved this one! It was the perfect mix of angst and sweetness, and I adore the characters so much. Not just Nash and Rory, but all of them. And I can’t fucking wait for the next one! I need all of their books, but especially Mac’s, and Drew’s.
Rating: 4.5 Paw Prints!
March 17, 2019
4.5 Stars
It is no secret that I love Brighton Walsh’s stories, but Hometown Troublemaker is easily one of my favorite new reads. There was just something about these two perfectly imperfect characters that made them fit so well together. Once again Brighton Walsh, crafted a deliciously sexy, sweet, and honest romance that was easy to get wrapped up into. Rory and Nash were just fun and real. I enjoyed watching the relationship that developed between these two characters.
When we first met Rory in Second Chance Charmer, she was the prim and proper, bossy older sister. She had the seemingly perfect marriage and life, but that illusion was shattered after discovering her husband’s infidelities. Now, she is a newly divorced, single parent, who is just trying to balance it all. Rory wants to pave a new life where she is independent, strong, and is living and doing the things that she has a passion for. She doesn’t want to be that woman she was before, but that’s hard when you’re a Haven girl and she struggled with what others thought of her, the gossip around town, and the shattering of her perfectly crafted mask of perfection. Even with her sisters, Rory had a hard time being just herself. Not someone who always strong, not always perfect, just relaxed, happy, and maybe even a bit vulnerable. I understood her frustrations and I loved her independence and internal strength. She wanted to find herself but she nervous about it all. One of the few people that she could be open and honest with was, Nash King.
Nash had always been a fixture in Rory’s life. Just a few years younger than her, Nash was an amazingly sweet but sexy southern guy. His home life may have been different from the Havens, but he was always hard working and wanted to make a name for himself through his hard work and skills. He has his own dream and aspirations. I loved that he had a such a crush on Rory and he just seemed to know what she needed. I enjoyed the banter between the two. Rory truly felt comfortable enough to be her true self around him and he felt the same about Rory.
The sexual tension between these two was amazing. I loved them together. They pushed each other in the best ways. They could be theirselves. No expectations, no judgements, no facades. They could fuss and fight creatively but they simply worked. Throughout the story I was rooting for them, both as a couple and as individuals. I loved how they each experienced their own personal growth. I probably could go on and on, about how happy this story made me, but I’ll hush for now. I enjoyed this installment in the series and I am anxious for the next trip back to Havenbrook.
It is no secret that I love Brighton Walsh’s stories, but Hometown Troublemaker is easily one of my favorite new reads. There was just something about these two perfectly imperfect characters that made them fit so well together. Once again Brighton Walsh, crafted a deliciously sexy, sweet, and honest romance that was easy to get wrapped up into. Rory and Nash were just fun and real. I enjoyed watching the relationship that developed between these two characters.
When we first met Rory in Second Chance Charmer, she was the prim and proper, bossy older sister. She had the seemingly perfect marriage and life, but that illusion was shattered after discovering her husband’s infidelities. Now, she is a newly divorced, single parent, who is just trying to balance it all. Rory wants to pave a new life where she is independent, strong, and is living and doing the things that she has a passion for. She doesn’t want to be that woman she was before, but that’s hard when you’re a Haven girl and she struggled with what others thought of her, the gossip around town, and the shattering of her perfectly crafted mask of perfection. Even with her sisters, Rory had a hard time being just herself. Not someone who always strong, not always perfect, just relaxed, happy, and maybe even a bit vulnerable. I understood her frustrations and I loved her independence and internal strength. She wanted to find herself but she nervous about it all. One of the few people that she could be open and honest with was, Nash King.
Nash had always been a fixture in Rory’s life. Just a few years younger than her, Nash was an amazingly sweet but sexy southern guy. His home life may have been different from the Havens, but he was always hard working and wanted to make a name for himself through his hard work and skills. He has his own dream and aspirations. I loved that he had a such a crush on Rory and he just seemed to know what she needed. I enjoyed the banter between the two. Rory truly felt comfortable enough to be her true self around him and he felt the same about Rory.
The sexual tension between these two was amazing. I loved them together. They pushed each other in the best ways. They could be theirselves. No expectations, no judgements, no facades. They could fuss and fight creatively but they simply worked. Throughout the story I was rooting for them, both as a couple and as individuals. I loved how they each experienced their own personal growth. I probably could go on and on, about how happy this story made me, but I’ll hush for now. I enjoyed this installment in the series and I am anxious for the next trip back to Havenbrook.
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June 21, 2023Amz Purch. June 21, 2023
February 7, 2020
Seriously guys.... Brighton Walsh writes some of the best romance out there. She has yet to disappoint and Hometown Troublemaker was no exception. Her books are always filled with so much heart and feature such great characters.
Personally my favorite thing about Brighton books are the heroines... because the heroine is always dynamic and strong and flawed and never ever loses herself in the hero. She finds her happiness and a guy she deserves but she is never swallowed whole by the hero and finds someone who loves her for her flaws as well as her attributes and Rory is no exception. Rory can be a lot and has made mistakes but she is working to better herself and finally do the things she has always wanted to do. I loved Rory for all her faults and insecurities and for her strength and perseverance and willingness to finally take a chance.
Then there is Nash and guys Nash has got a MOUTH on him. In so many ways he is the complete opposite of Rory but they work so well together. I loved how devoted he was and that he just wasn't ashamed to show it. He was all in and was willing to take whatever Rory was willing to give, he moved at her pace and on her terms and Rory really deserved a guy like Nash after everything she had been through. And on top of all that their chemistry is insane.
All in all, Hometown Troublemaker was such a fun and sweet and all around great read. Swoony romance, great characters, and FANTASTIC banter all combined for an addictive read.
Personally my favorite thing about Brighton books are the heroines... because the heroine is always dynamic and strong and flawed and never ever loses herself in the hero. She finds her happiness and a guy she deserves but she is never swallowed whole by the hero and finds someone who loves her for her flaws as well as her attributes and Rory is no exception. Rory can be a lot and has made mistakes but she is working to better herself and finally do the things she has always wanted to do. I loved Rory for all her faults and insecurities and for her strength and perseverance and willingness to finally take a chance.
Then there is Nash and guys Nash has got a MOUTH on him. In so many ways he is the complete opposite of Rory but they work so well together. I loved how devoted he was and that he just wasn't ashamed to show it. He was all in and was willing to take whatever Rory was willing to give, he moved at her pace and on her terms and Rory really deserved a guy like Nash after everything she had been through. And on top of all that their chemistry is insane.
All in all, Hometown Troublemaker was such a fun and sweet and all around great read. Swoony romance, great characters, and FANTASTIC banter all combined for an addictive read.
March 14, 2019
What's a person to do when happily ever after turns out to be a dud? In the case of Rory Haven, give people something to talk about. Hometown Troublemaker is proof that the best of intentions, can have surprising results. Brighton Walsh turns heartache into a new beginning with a little laughter and a ton of heart.
May 18, 2020
3.5 Stars
I really don’t understand how the title Hometown Troublemaker applies to this book? Our male lead Nash King wasn’t really a troublemaker and our female lead Aurora Haven certainly wasn’t. This is the older woman/younger man trope of Aurora “Rory” Haven, 33 years old, eldest of the four Haven sisters (and the first male child born to the Haven family in several generations) and Nash King 25 years old construction contractor. I find it a bit ludicrous that its considered an older woman/younger man trope because of the eight year age difference. If it were the story of a 33 year old guy with a 25 year old woman, wouldn’t even be an issue. Maybe it’s supposed to be an opposites attract trope since Rory is the eldest daughter of the mayor of Havenbrook the town named after her forefathers who founded it and whom a male member of her family has served as the town’s mayor ever since? Rory is sort of local town royalty while Nash a high school dropout is the son of a philandering father, a notorious manwhore, whose mother walked out on both of them when his father strayed one too many times? Nash is single and has never been in a relationship. Rory has been with the same man since college whom she married immediately after they graduated. She’s now the divorced mom of two young daughters. Their story actually began at the end of the first book in the Havenbrook Series, Second Time Charmer when Rory discovers her husband Sean of ten years, the father of her two daughters has been having an affair with his assistant Desiree. As that story closes Rory is uncharacteristically at her sister Willow’s boyfriend Finn’s bar The Willow Tree swearing like a sailor and drowning her sorrows in a bottle of vodka when Nash settles in beside her to help her drink her troubles away. Nash unbeknownst to anyone has had a crush on Rory who used to babysit for him since he was fifteen. They recently worked together designing and remodeling an old soda shop into The Willow Tree. The results were outstanding but the two of them get along together about as well as oil and water.
Before I get any deeper into my review of this story I have to say one thing about it that makes little sense compared to real life. Almost every contemporary romance contains something that would never happen in real life but in this story it at least for me was pretty unbelievable. Rory has spent her entire marriage eschewing a career to be the perfect stay at home wife and mother. She spends her time raising her kids, beautifying her home, volunteering on committees and being the good wife when her husband, a partner in his father’s law firm deigns to come home. When she discovers her husband banging his assistant at work and then that he’s had multiple affairs, (including one with her lifelong BFF Sarah Beth) she files for divorce. But for the sake of the story Walsh asks us to accept that due to her pride she walks away from the marriage with only child support for their two daughters whom she shares joint custody with her ex. Even though she’s never worked a day in her life at her husband’s insistence, she doesn’t ask for alimony. She gives him the luxurious home she helped design and constantly worked to beautify. She doesn’t even keep her expensive Range Rover. She moves into a ramshackle fixer upper house at the end of a dirt road and drives around in an old Honda. It just made absolutely no sense to me that the daughter of the town’s most prominent family, considering her husband’s infidelities and wealth, wouldn’t make sure she got her what she deserved financially from a divorce settlement or that her overbearing father whom she’s lived her life trying to please would allow it to happen. But all this is necessary because the plot begins with Nash offering to trade his services to help her fix up her house in return for her helping as the designer on his remodel projects.
Rory has spent her entire life trying to live it in a way that pleases others. She’s tried to be the perfect daughter, the perfect wife and perfect mother. Perfect according to her father and then her husband’s impossible standards. Now 33 years old, a divorced single mom, she’s beginning to realize how living her life to live up to other peoples expectations has prevented her from ever being truly happy. She doesn’t mourn the loss of her marriage so much as she mourns the loss of her old life. She’s stuck working a boring job for her father to help pay her bills. She’s living in a house that needs a ton of TLC that her older daughter resents for forcing her to live there part of the time. She’s driving a beater of a car. Being a mom was the main focus of her life and she’s lost when her daughters are with their father. On top of this she’s trying to keep wearing that smile, that mask that tells the world she’s happy and in control as she feels her world is falling apart. She’s struggling to figure out who she is and what makes her happy. In all of her years of marriage she’s never had an orgasm that wasn’t the product of her own hand. Her ex-husband Sean whom she shared no sexual chemistry with, was a terrible, inconsiderate lover, who left her feeling like there was something wrong with her sexually because she never came when they had sex. Just looking at the brawny, handsome Nash wakes up her libido and gets her motor running like her husband never did. By the end of the first book Rory has begun to mend her relationship with two of her younger sisters Willow,”Will (book #1) and MacKenzie, “Mac” (book #3) so at least they offer her some emotional support. Although when it comes to her attraction to the younger Nash King whom she sometimes works with designing other peoples home remodels, she feels she can’t tell them about it or ask their advice. Nash is best friends with her youngest sister Natalie with whom she is pretty much estranged. Natalie won’t even take her calls or return her texts. To free spirited Natalie who left home immediately after high school graduation Rory is just a minion of her overbearing, obnoxious father whom she can’t stand. Rory and Nat are complete opposites. If Natalie were to find out from her two other sisters that Nash was involved with Rory it would further damage their relationship and possibly ruin Nash’s lifelong friendship with her little sister. So Rory must hide her sexual relationship with Nash from everyone including her sisters leaving her no resource to lean on while she tries to negotiate this new world of male-female relationships.
I liked this story. Much like the first book where Willow must learn to confront her overbearing father and the small town gossips, Rory is faced with the same challenges in this book. And when she finally calls him out on his B.S. it’s a thing of beauty. Learning to do what makes her happy while ignoring others opinions which is a 180 degree turn from everything she’s been taught and done her entire life is a struggle for Rory. She spends much of the story discovering her true confidence while also learning she doesn’t have to do everything by herself. Nash is the perfect man for her. Beyond their volcanic sexual chemistry he sees the real Rory she hides from everyone and encourages her to let the rest of the world see it to. He believes in her and is willing to wait for her to sort her life out.
I really don’t understand how the title Hometown Troublemaker applies to this book? Our male lead Nash King wasn’t really a troublemaker and our female lead Aurora Haven certainly wasn’t. This is the older woman/younger man trope of Aurora “Rory” Haven, 33 years old, eldest of the four Haven sisters (and the first male child born to the Haven family in several generations) and Nash King 25 years old construction contractor. I find it a bit ludicrous that its considered an older woman/younger man trope because of the eight year age difference. If it were the story of a 33 year old guy with a 25 year old woman, wouldn’t even be an issue. Maybe it’s supposed to be an opposites attract trope since Rory is the eldest daughter of the mayor of Havenbrook the town named after her forefathers who founded it and whom a male member of her family has served as the town’s mayor ever since? Rory is sort of local town royalty while Nash a high school dropout is the son of a philandering father, a notorious manwhore, whose mother walked out on both of them when his father strayed one too many times? Nash is single and has never been in a relationship. Rory has been with the same man since college whom she married immediately after they graduated. She’s now the divorced mom of two young daughters. Their story actually began at the end of the first book in the Havenbrook Series, Second Time Charmer when Rory discovers her husband Sean of ten years, the father of her two daughters has been having an affair with his assistant Desiree. As that story closes Rory is uncharacteristically at her sister Willow’s boyfriend Finn’s bar The Willow Tree swearing like a sailor and drowning her sorrows in a bottle of vodka when Nash settles in beside her to help her drink her troubles away. Nash unbeknownst to anyone has had a crush on Rory who used to babysit for him since he was fifteen. They recently worked together designing and remodeling an old soda shop into The Willow Tree. The results were outstanding but the two of them get along together about as well as oil and water.
Before I get any deeper into my review of this story I have to say one thing about it that makes little sense compared to real life. Almost every contemporary romance contains something that would never happen in real life but in this story it at least for me was pretty unbelievable. Rory has spent her entire marriage eschewing a career to be the perfect stay at home wife and mother. She spends her time raising her kids, beautifying her home, volunteering on committees and being the good wife when her husband, a partner in his father’s law firm deigns to come home. When she discovers her husband banging his assistant at work and then that he’s had multiple affairs, (including one with her lifelong BFF Sarah Beth) she files for divorce. But for the sake of the story Walsh asks us to accept that due to her pride she walks away from the marriage with only child support for their two daughters whom she shares joint custody with her ex. Even though she’s never worked a day in her life at her husband’s insistence, she doesn’t ask for alimony. She gives him the luxurious home she helped design and constantly worked to beautify. She doesn’t even keep her expensive Range Rover. She moves into a ramshackle fixer upper house at the end of a dirt road and drives around in an old Honda. It just made absolutely no sense to me that the daughter of the town’s most prominent family, considering her husband’s infidelities and wealth, wouldn’t make sure she got her what she deserved financially from a divorce settlement or that her overbearing father whom she’s lived her life trying to please would allow it to happen. But all this is necessary because the plot begins with Nash offering to trade his services to help her fix up her house in return for her helping as the designer on his remodel projects.
Rory has spent her entire life trying to live it in a way that pleases others. She’s tried to be the perfect daughter, the perfect wife and perfect mother. Perfect according to her father and then her husband’s impossible standards. Now 33 years old, a divorced single mom, she’s beginning to realize how living her life to live up to other peoples expectations has prevented her from ever being truly happy. She doesn’t mourn the loss of her marriage so much as she mourns the loss of her old life. She’s stuck working a boring job for her father to help pay her bills. She’s living in a house that needs a ton of TLC that her older daughter resents for forcing her to live there part of the time. She’s driving a beater of a car. Being a mom was the main focus of her life and she’s lost when her daughters are with their father. On top of this she’s trying to keep wearing that smile, that mask that tells the world she’s happy and in control as she feels her world is falling apart. She’s struggling to figure out who she is and what makes her happy. In all of her years of marriage she’s never had an orgasm that wasn’t the product of her own hand. Her ex-husband Sean whom she shared no sexual chemistry with, was a terrible, inconsiderate lover, who left her feeling like there was something wrong with her sexually because she never came when they had sex. Just looking at the brawny, handsome Nash wakes up her libido and gets her motor running like her husband never did. By the end of the first book Rory has begun to mend her relationship with two of her younger sisters Willow,”Will (book #1) and MacKenzie, “Mac” (book #3) so at least they offer her some emotional support. Although when it comes to her attraction to the younger Nash King whom she sometimes works with designing other peoples home remodels, she feels she can’t tell them about it or ask their advice. Nash is best friends with her youngest sister Natalie with whom she is pretty much estranged. Natalie won’t even take her calls or return her texts. To free spirited Natalie who left home immediately after high school graduation Rory is just a minion of her overbearing, obnoxious father whom she can’t stand. Rory and Nat are complete opposites. If Natalie were to find out from her two other sisters that Nash was involved with Rory it would further damage their relationship and possibly ruin Nash’s lifelong friendship with her little sister. So Rory must hide her sexual relationship with Nash from everyone including her sisters leaving her no resource to lean on while she tries to negotiate this new world of male-female relationships.
I liked this story. Much like the first book where Willow must learn to confront her overbearing father and the small town gossips, Rory is faced with the same challenges in this book. And when she finally calls him out on his B.S. it’s a thing of beauty. Learning to do what makes her happy while ignoring others opinions which is a 180 degree turn from everything she’s been taught and done her entire life is a struggle for Rory. She spends much of the story discovering her true confidence while also learning she doesn’t have to do everything by herself. Nash is the perfect man for her. Beyond their volcanic sexual chemistry he sees the real Rory she hides from everyone and encourages her to let the rest of the world see it to. He believes in her and is willing to wait for her to sort her life out.
July 31, 2023
Este es el segundo libro de Walsh que leo y el primero que consigo terminar 😅
Mi primer intento fue, precisamente, con la primera novela de esta saga: Second Chance Charmer
Definitivamente, veo problemas parecidos a los que comentaba en esa lectura (doble rasero, etc.) Pero me ha ganado la dinámica de pareja y, sobre todo, él. Nash...
¿Nuevo crush literario? Podría ser 😍 Este año está siendo fructífero en crushes.
En esta novela nos encontramos una historia de amor con diferencia de edad pero a la inversa (ella, Rory, es la mayor de la pareja) y un poco de relación prohibida por ahí (él es el mejor amigo de su hermana pequeña entre "otras cosas"). De nuevo, la diferencia de edad por los rangos en los que sucede la historia no chirrían tanto pero es que tampoco es una cosa exagerada.
Nash es superdulce, un trozo de pan y creo que este tipo de protagonistas masculinos son los que me están gustando más últimamente.
Pese a que adoré los personajes y su relación, ahí están esos problemillas, esos clichés de los negativos que le dan un toque anticuado, aunque están muy suavizados. Por ejemplo, además del doble rasero en la experiencia sexual de los protagonistas, el típico malentendido y escenita de celos con otras chicas.
Peeero, le perdono todo esto (como no pude hacer con el primero) solo por esto:
🚩Infidelidades repetidas "fuera de página" (pero no de los protagonistas, claro).
Mi primer intento fue, precisamente, con la primera novela de esta saga: Second Chance Charmer
Definitivamente, veo problemas parecidos a los que comentaba en esa lectura (doble rasero, etc.) Pero me ha ganado la dinámica de pareja y, sobre todo, él. Nash...
¿Nuevo crush literario? Podría ser 😍 Este año está siendo fructífero en crushes.
En esta novela nos encontramos una historia de amor con diferencia de edad pero a la inversa (ella, Rory, es la mayor de la pareja) y un poco de relación prohibida por ahí (él es el mejor amigo de su hermana pequeña entre "otras cosas"). De nuevo, la diferencia de edad por los rangos en los que sucede la historia no chirrían tanto pero es que tampoco es una cosa exagerada.
Nash es superdulce, un trozo de pan y creo que este tipo de protagonistas masculinos son los que me están gustando más últimamente.
Pese a que adoré los personajes y su relación, ahí están esos problemillas, esos clichés de los negativos que le dan un toque anticuado, aunque están muy suavizados. Por ejemplo, además del doble rasero en la experiencia sexual de los protagonistas, el típico malentendido y escenita de celos con otras chicas.
Peeero, le perdono todo esto (como no pude hacer con el primero) solo por esto:
[...]Fuck the people who say you’re too. Too old, too much, too demanding, too whatever.”
🚩Infidelidades repetidas "fuera de página" (pero no de los protagonistas, claro).
September 27, 2019
Y'all, I love, love LOVE this series set in small-town Mississippi. It's hot (seriously hawt), sweet, funny, and it gets two thumbs up and a Magnolia Seal of Approval from this real Mississippi girl. Hometown Troublemaker features a divorced, mom of two, who gets the delightful lesson that perfect is not all it's cracked up to be. The hero, Nash, runs a construction company and it's so incredibly fantastic seeing him...well, see the real her. After a lifetime of pleasing other people instead of herself, it's delightful getting to watch her come into her own because of his support. He's exactly the kind of hero I adore. Also, the abs. And the toolbelt. Rowr.
March 14, 2019
Loved this take on the best friends' older sibling romance! No, it's not the best friend's hot older brother - it's her older sister! Nash has lusted over his best friend's older sister, Rory, for years. He doesn't care about the 8 year age difference and he tries to keep everything professional between them. He has no idea that the normally prim and proper Rory is lusting after him, but struggling with what everyone will think of her. She has always put everyone before her, even after her divorce. When they can't fight the attraction the sparks fly, and so does the rumor mill! This is a funny, poignant, sweet and steamy tale of not giving up on your dreams, especially the dream of true love!
August 11, 2022
Oh my word 🥰 Rory and Nash were absolutely perfect! I’m so happy these two ended up together. Especially how the first book ended! I love how he took her out of her element and had fun together. I loved all the banter between them! He understood her better than anyone! Rory and Nash just made perfect sense! So happy they found happiness in each other! ❤️
March 18, 2019
Rory Haven is facing life in Havenbrook as newly divorced. Raising her two daughters, and trying to make a new life for herself and her girls, all on her own. Her time is spent fixing up her home. Working for her daddy at town hall, at a job she hates. And splitting her time with her girls, with her cheating ex. Rory doesn't have the time or energy for the whispers and gossip, that passes through the lips of everyone in her small town.
And she definitely doesn't have time for the irritating and sexy Nash King. With his muscles, sweetness, and dirty mouth. Nash King is the last thing Rory can think about. But think about him she does. With them working together, everyday gets harder to stay away from this man. A man who awakens parts of Rory she never knew existed. Who encourages her, and cheers her on, and helps her discover just how strong and amazing she is.
Since he was a teenager, Nash King has worked toward one goal. To buy King Construction from his father. Working with his hands, building things, turning something ugly and run down into something beautiful is his passion. His dream is right in front of him and he wont let anything get in the way. He can't risk it.
But Nash finds his attention slowly starting to drift to more than just work. Rory Haven is a women he has always wanted from a far. She's older, his best friends older sister. She was married, with kids. But now, the more time they spend together the more Nash craves to show Rory how amazing she is. Nash knows how he feels and what he wants, and he wont let his best friend, the town or their age difference stand in his way.
Rory and Nash are AMAZING! I am in love with these two. Brighton Walsh writes some of the best small town romance. Hometown Troublemaker has become a favorite, and I already want to jump right back in and read it all over again. It was beautiful, sweet, so damn sexy and filled with such great characters.
Nash is a dream. So swoon-worthy. A charming, tattooed, hard working, sweetheart. A dirty talker, take charge, protective man. I'm IN LOVE. Rory was a favorite. She was so strong, I loved how she really found herself in this book, she grew and fought and became the best version of herself. She was so sweet, and sassy and I loved seeing this side of her. Together these two were explosive, passionate and I never wanted to stop reading their story! I can't wait to read more by this author, and I hope for more stories set in Havenbrook!
·I was provided a ARC by the author·
*JordansBookReviews*
And she definitely doesn't have time for the irritating and sexy Nash King. With his muscles, sweetness, and dirty mouth. Nash King is the last thing Rory can think about. But think about him she does. With them working together, everyday gets harder to stay away from this man. A man who awakens parts of Rory she never knew existed. Who encourages her, and cheers her on, and helps her discover just how strong and amazing she is.
Since he was a teenager, Nash King has worked toward one goal. To buy King Construction from his father. Working with his hands, building things, turning something ugly and run down into something beautiful is his passion. His dream is right in front of him and he wont let anything get in the way. He can't risk it.
But Nash finds his attention slowly starting to drift to more than just work. Rory Haven is a women he has always wanted from a far. She's older, his best friends older sister. She was married, with kids. But now, the more time they spend together the more Nash craves to show Rory how amazing she is. Nash knows how he feels and what he wants, and he wont let his best friend, the town or their age difference stand in his way.
Rory and Nash are AMAZING! I am in love with these two. Brighton Walsh writes some of the best small town romance. Hometown Troublemaker has become a favorite, and I already want to jump right back in and read it all over again. It was beautiful, sweet, so damn sexy and filled with such great characters.
Nash is a dream. So swoon-worthy. A charming, tattooed, hard working, sweetheart. A dirty talker, take charge, protective man. I'm IN LOVE. Rory was a favorite. She was so strong, I loved how she really found herself in this book, she grew and fought and became the best version of herself. She was so sweet, and sassy and I loved seeing this side of her. Together these two were explosive, passionate and I never wanted to stop reading their story! I can't wait to read more by this author, and I hope for more stories set in Havenbrook!
·I was provided a ARC by the author·
*JordansBookReviews*
March 14, 2019
Love and trouble are so much fun!
Brighton Walsh's Hometown Troublemaker is a sexy, funny, panty-melting romance! The second in the Havenbrook series, the charm and irritation of life in a small town and it's nosy but caring characters have been brought to life in a very believable way. Rory and Nash light up the pages with their off-the-chart heat and though the ending was very satisfying, I still wanted more. So much that I bought the first book, Second Chance Charmer. I loved them both!
I received an advance reader copy of this book. I read it and am offering my honest, voluntary review. I liked it so much that I also bought a copy.
Merged review:
Love and trouble are so much fun!
Brighton Walsh's Hometown Troublemaker is a sexy, funny, panty-melting romance! The second in the Havenbrook series, the charm and irritation of life in a small town and it's nosy but caring characters have been brought to life in a very believable way. Rory and Nash light up the pages with their off-the-chart heat and though the ending was very satisfying, I still wanted more. So much that I bought the first book, Second Chance Charmer. I loved them both!
I received an advance reader copy of this book. I read it and am offering my honest, voluntary review. I liked it so much that I also bought a copy.
Brighton Walsh's Hometown Troublemaker is a sexy, funny, panty-melting romance! The second in the Havenbrook series, the charm and irritation of life in a small town and it's nosy but caring characters have been brought to life in a very believable way. Rory and Nash light up the pages with their off-the-chart heat and though the ending was very satisfying, I still wanted more. So much that I bought the first book, Second Chance Charmer. I loved them both!
I received an advance reader copy of this book. I read it and am offering my honest, voluntary review. I liked it so much that I also bought a copy.
Merged review:
Love and trouble are so much fun!
Brighton Walsh's Hometown Troublemaker is a sexy, funny, panty-melting romance! The second in the Havenbrook series, the charm and irritation of life in a small town and it's nosy but caring characters have been brought to life in a very believable way. Rory and Nash light up the pages with their off-the-chart heat and though the ending was very satisfying, I still wanted more. So much that I bought the first book, Second Chance Charmer. I loved them both!
I received an advance reader copy of this book. I read it and am offering my honest, voluntary review. I liked it so much that I also bought a copy.
March 16, 2019
ONE AMAZING ADVENTURE!!!
OMG! Man, talk about biting off more than you can chew. A whirlwind of emotions and events that feed from the excitement and nerve racking tension that brings this bad boy roaring to life brilliantly. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few glitches and bumps here and there pull you deeper into this raging storyline and hard hitting plot. Throw in all the drama, intrigue, uncertainty and suspense and you have one intense, page turning bombshell that grabs your attention and holds it from start to finish. The characters are complex and so believable it feels like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are so graphically detailed it really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. You have no trouble picturing each scenario as it plays out perfectly. Remarkable job Brighton, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
OMG! Man, talk about biting off more than you can chew. A whirlwind of emotions and events that feed from the excitement and nerve racking tension that brings this bad boy roaring to life brilliantly. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few glitches and bumps here and there pull you deeper into this raging storyline and hard hitting plot. Throw in all the drama, intrigue, uncertainty and suspense and you have one intense, page turning bombshell that grabs your attention and holds it from start to finish. The characters are complex and so believable it feels like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are so graphically detailed it really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. You have no trouble picturing each scenario as it plays out perfectly. Remarkable job Brighton, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
March 14, 2019
Small town romance but big on characters...
Hometown Troublemaker is a great storyline that drew me immediately because of Rory and Nash. They were just about perfect characters and were played off effectively against each other.
I like small town romances and the author did a good job of bringing that feel into the story with her supporting characters and words. The rituals small towns celebrate and engage in were present and validated.
Definitely recommending this book for your reading enjoyment and pleasure.
I am leaving this review for your consideration. Peace.
Hometown Troublemaker is a great storyline that drew me immediately because of Rory and Nash. They were just about perfect characters and were played off effectively against each other.
I like small town romances and the author did a good job of bringing that feel into the story with her supporting characters and words. The rituals small towns celebrate and engage in were present and validated.
Definitely recommending this book for your reading enjoyment and pleasure.
I am leaving this review for your consideration. Peace.
March 19, 2019
4.5 stars
Hometown Troublemaker by Brighton Walsh is a beautiful, heartwarming read and I loved it.
The storyline is well written, entertaining from start to end and I loved watching Aurora and Nash's relationship unfold.
This is one of those books that once you start reading you don't want to put it down.
Hometown Troublemaker is a lovely addition to the Havenbrook Series and I highly recommend it.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
Hometown Troublemaker by Brighton Walsh is a beautiful, heartwarming read and I loved it.
The storyline is well written, entertaining from start to end and I loved watching Aurora and Nash's relationship unfold.
This is one of those books that once you start reading you don't want to put it down.
Hometown Troublemaker is a lovely addition to the Havenbrook Series and I highly recommend it.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
July 12, 2019
3 - 3.5 stars
October 10, 2019
This was a great story and the second half was excellent. But the first half just dragged and I couldn’t get into it.
November 16, 2021
Um, hello, super sweet and swoony romance! 😍 This was just... ah, my feelings! My heart feels all melty with love for these characters, their romance and their journey. Havenbrook and its residents, particularly the group of friends and family these characters are part of, have really grown on me in these two books and I can't wait for more (seriously, I want all of their stories, pls!!!)!
I'm not quite sure but I don't think I've ever read an age-gap romance with the heroine being older than the hero but I absolutely loved it! It's impossible to not want Rory and Nash to get their HEA because they both deserved it. Ngl, I didn't expect to find myself rooting so hard for Rory because I wasn't keen on my first impression of her, but there's so much going on beneath the very controlled mask she puts on and I absolutely loved getting to know her character! She was still uptight at times but she's also incredibly hard-working and tenacious. Rory's growth was so satisfying to see and it was also very realistic; everything doesn't just fall into place, she really puts in the work to figure out who she is outside of being a newly divorced single mum, but she also doesn't stop being an amazing mum to her daughters. I loved seeing her rediscover her passion, find confidence in herself and accept that she's good enough as she is and doesn't need to be anything but herself for anyone else. I have so much respect for her! ❤️
Now, let's talk about Nash. NASH! OML, this man! He makes me wanna swoon and cry at the same time, he's so damn sweet! The way he unapologetically loves on Rory and supports her need to be independent, while still making sure she knows that he's got her back and loves and accepts the real Rory, had me absolutely WEAK in the knees! I know that I've only read three of Walsh's romances so far but Nash is undoubtedly my favourite. He's not had things easy living in this small town with a neglectful father who's known as the town playboy and a mum who left them, but he works hard to boost his family business and reframe his family name and ugh, pls, he just REALLY deserves everything! 😭
Unsurprisingly, their chemistry was so very hot! The way they circle each other, convinced it'll never happen because he's too young and she's too old, only for it to be so explosive when they finally give in to the pull of their attraction! 🥵 Beyond the sex, which was pretty steamy thanks to their chemistry and Nash's dirty mouth, I loved how their relationship happened so naturally! They develop a comfortable routine over months that simply felt so right. *insert wistful swoony sigh*
I have to also mention the side characters: I continue to adore the Haven family (minus the patriarch because he's an epic dillweed and I can't even with his condescending ass)! The sisters have such a realistic bond—they love each other, will do a lot for each other, but there are moments when they also intensely dislike one another and I mean, that's sisterhood! Lol. They all had dicey relationships with Rory at the start but I loved how they became closer and how there was never any doubt they'd be there for their big sister! ❤️ I just really want more of these characters and I mean, if it isn't obvious by now, I absolutely adored this romance and this series is fast becoming a favourite! I can't wait to continue on with the next one.
I'm not quite sure but I don't think I've ever read an age-gap romance with the heroine being older than the hero but I absolutely loved it! It's impossible to not want Rory and Nash to get their HEA because they both deserved it. Ngl, I didn't expect to find myself rooting so hard for Rory because I wasn't keen on my first impression of her, but there's so much going on beneath the very controlled mask she puts on and I absolutely loved getting to know her character! She was still uptight at times but she's also incredibly hard-working and tenacious. Rory's growth was so satisfying to see and it was also very realistic; everything doesn't just fall into place, she really puts in the work to figure out who she is outside of being a newly divorced single mum, but she also doesn't stop being an amazing mum to her daughters. I loved seeing her rediscover her passion, find confidence in herself and accept that she's good enough as she is and doesn't need to be anything but herself for anyone else. I have so much respect for her! ❤️
Now, let's talk about Nash. NASH! OML, this man! He makes me wanna swoon and cry at the same time, he's so damn sweet! The way he unapologetically loves on Rory and supports her need to be independent, while still making sure she knows that he's got her back and loves and accepts the real Rory, had me absolutely WEAK in the knees! I know that I've only read three of Walsh's romances so far but Nash is undoubtedly my favourite. He's not had things easy living in this small town with a neglectful father who's known as the town playboy and a mum who left them, but he works hard to boost his family business and reframe his family name and ugh, pls, he just REALLY deserves everything! 😭
Unsurprisingly, their chemistry was so very hot! The way they circle each other, convinced it'll never happen because he's too young and she's too old, only for it to be so explosive when they finally give in to the pull of their attraction! 🥵 Beyond the sex, which was pretty steamy thanks to their chemistry and Nash's dirty mouth, I loved how their relationship happened so naturally! They develop a comfortable routine over months that simply felt so right. *insert wistful swoony sigh*
I have to also mention the side characters: I continue to adore the Haven family (minus the patriarch because he's an epic dillweed and I can't even with his condescending ass)! The sisters have such a realistic bond—they love each other, will do a lot for each other, but there are moments when they also intensely dislike one another and I mean, that's sisterhood! Lol. They all had dicey relationships with Rory at the start but I loved how they became closer and how there was never any doubt they'd be there for their big sister! ❤️ I just really want more of these characters and I mean, if it isn't obvious by now, I absolutely adored this romance and this series is fast becoming a favourite! I can't wait to continue on with the next one.
July 7, 2019
Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads.
Hometown Troublemaker is the perfect example of how I fail as a blogger/reader sometimes. I love Brighton and her books. I was thrilled to get my hands on this book before release. In March. I just finally got around to reading it. In July. I'm the actual worst. The worst part by far? I freaking loved it. Why'd I sit on it for so long? To think, I missed out on Nash and his fabulously filthy mouth for four months. 🤦🏻♀️ Ok, now that we've established how much I suck, I can tell you how much I adored this book.
I know I can always count on Brighton Walsh for characters I'll love, strong and sassy heroines and a hero who loves to worship her. (And if you've read any of her books, you KNOW what I mean when I say worship her, right? So. Freaking. Hot.) I also know I'll always get a really good story along with the smoking hot romance. Hometown Troublemaker was no exception. Rory was a different kind of heroine for me, but I really enjoyed her. Especially once she started letting down her "perfect" outer shell and embracing who she really was. And it's not that she needed Nash to push her to do it, but he helped her along. All while growing on his own, too.
Age gaps don't always work for me, but I was totally behind this one. I think it was because Rory was the older character. The gap between a 33 year old woman and 25 year old man may seem vast, but that eight years was nothing to these two. Rory might have been the older character, but at times it was Nash who seemed like the more mature one. At least with regards to knowing who he was and what he wanted out of life. But to be fair, Rory was used to pleasing others first and worrying about herself second. It was wonderful to watch her grow throughout this book.
I could say so many things about all the things I loved about Hometown Troublemaker, but I need to wrap this up. I'm living for the friendships in this series. And, of course, the HOT AF sexy times. I legit thought my Kindle might explode while reading this one. Let's just say Nash knows how to use his hands (among other things) and that mouth... rawr.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Favorite Quotes:
"I didn't take you anywhere, princess. I fucked you against this wall. And you loved every second of it."
"I'm not interested in Perfect Rory—never have been. Real Rory is the one who keeps me comin' back."
March 19, 2025
Every book in this series “Havenbrook” by @brightonwalsh is absolutely a 5 star read. Complete with romance, rowdiness, and southern charm, this series has everything you look for in a small down romance.
Charmer: Will and Finn’s story. I love a second chance romance and this one was perfect. The doubt snd fear at starting new felt incredibly real, and Will’s personal struggles with finding balance in her life were so relatable on a romantic and personal level. Absolutely loved!
Trouble Maker: Rory and Nash’s story. Going in I knew, I was going to love Rory. As an oldest daughter myself, I completely relayed to the pressure she felt growing up. I loved Nash’s carefree attitude and how it helped Rory to open up and love herself. Adored!
Heart Breaker: Mac and Hudson’s story. As a wild child, outdoors lover, Mac spoke to me. I remember doing tons of the same things she did while I was growing up, and reading it filled me with feelings of nostalgia and joy. Hudson’s relentless devotion to her, every part of her, made me swoon immediately. 10/10.
Faker: Nat and Asher’s story. Nat is the sister I felt through the rest of the series that I would be the least similar to, but I was wrong. So many parts of her story, where she traversed learning new roles and abilities within the family she chose, spoke to me in ways I’m just learning myself as a hopeful mom-to-be. I can’t wait to experience those things myself in real life, puke and all.
Overall series, HIGHLY recommend. You get a little bit of everything with these characters, you won’t be disappointed
Charmer: Will and Finn’s story. I love a second chance romance and this one was perfect. The doubt snd fear at starting new felt incredibly real, and Will’s personal struggles with finding balance in her life were so relatable on a romantic and personal level. Absolutely loved!
Trouble Maker: Rory and Nash’s story. Going in I knew, I was going to love Rory. As an oldest daughter myself, I completely relayed to the pressure she felt growing up. I loved Nash’s carefree attitude and how it helped Rory to open up and love herself. Adored!
Heart Breaker: Mac and Hudson’s story. As a wild child, outdoors lover, Mac spoke to me. I remember doing tons of the same things she did while I was growing up, and reading it filled me with feelings of nostalgia and joy. Hudson’s relentless devotion to her, every part of her, made me swoon immediately. 10/10.
Faker: Nat and Asher’s story. Nat is the sister I felt through the rest of the series that I would be the least similar to, but I was wrong. So many parts of her story, where she traversed learning new roles and abilities within the family she chose, spoke to me in ways I’m just learning myself as a hopeful mom-to-be. I can’t wait to experience those things myself in real life, puke and all.
Overall series, HIGHLY recommend. You get a little bit of everything with these characters, you won’t be disappointed
July 9, 2023
I got this for free on "stuff your Kindle Day" and I must say I'm so glad I did, this was a really nice story with really likable characters. I've come to realize that I truly enjoy a reverse age gap in contemporary romance; however, having an adult woman play into that whole "my previous partner was never able to make me orgasm, therefore there's probably something wrong with me" could have been a deal breaker for me but the fact that the MMC was all about giving her pleasure and not so much about thinking that he was the only one who could ever make her feel that way was the saving grace in this story.
I enjoyed how their relationship developed and how they began to notice little things about each other and how that physical chemistry morphed into love and care for each other, it was really beautiful to see that through every step of the way they only ever prioritized the other person's happiness and success.
What I honestly didn't care for was the FMC's little sister Nat, and if she has her own book I don't think I'll ever read it. As much as I understand having issues and discussions between siblings that prevents them from being close to one another, especially when there's a 10 year age gap between them, there's no justification for how awful she was as a sister, trying to dissuade her best friend from dating her sister by constantly reminding him of all her flaws, acting happy after they had broken up and even trying to convince him to hook up with other women to get over her sister, I'm sorry but she was one of the worst characters I've read in a long time, even when they "fixed" their relationship at the end, I did not buy it.
I enjoyed how their relationship developed and how they began to notice little things about each other and how that physical chemistry morphed into love and care for each other, it was really beautiful to see that through every step of the way they only ever prioritized the other person's happiness and success.
What I honestly didn't care for was the FMC's little sister Nat, and if she has her own book I don't think I'll ever read it. As much as I understand having issues and discussions between siblings that prevents them from being close to one another, especially when there's a 10 year age gap between them, there's no justification for how awful she was as a sister, trying to dissuade her best friend from dating her sister by constantly reminding him of all her flaws, acting happy after they had broken up and even trying to convince him to hook up with other women to get over her sister, I'm sorry but she was one of the worst characters I've read in a long time, even when they "fixed" their relationship at the end, I did not buy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2020
This is the second book of this series and I loved it! It can be read as a standalone, but so far I recommend reading the series in full. This is Nash and Rory’s story and they amazing together!
Rory is the eldest Haven sister and the most uptight and proper. She has spent her entire life following the direction and expectations of everyone else. She puts on a brave face when all the town can talk about is her cheating husband and just finalized divorce.
Nash is best friends with Rory’s sister Nat. He has watched and longed for Rory for 10 years, but he is off her radar since he is 8 years younger than her. He sees through her tough girl facade and wants more.
He works construction and she has started designing, so they agree to work together to build and save the family business. Walls break down, romance happens, sexy time happens and love builds. I loved their story, the secondary characters were great and the dreamy factor was so high! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rory is the eldest Haven sister and the most uptight and proper. She has spent her entire life following the direction and expectations of everyone else. She puts on a brave face when all the town can talk about is her cheating husband and just finalized divorce.
Nash is best friends with Rory’s sister Nat. He has watched and longed for Rory for 10 years, but he is off her radar since he is 8 years younger than her. He sees through her tough girl facade and wants more.
He works construction and she has started designing, so they agree to work together to build and save the family business. Walls break down, romance happens, sexy time happens and love builds. I loved their story, the secondary characters were great and the dreamy factor was so high! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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