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Holidays in Havenbrook #1
Main Street Dealmaker
There's no doubt these opposites attract, but there's no way there could be any kind of a future for a wedding planner and a divorce attorney...right?
All Sadie Rollins wants for Christmas is a break. Three years ago, she stumbled into her dream job as a wedding planner, but she's been so bogged down with the minutiae of inn ownership that she can't even enjoy it. She and her twin sister might have been bequeathed the Starlight Haven Inn, but the bed and breakfast didn't come with much more than extra-long hours and piles of debt.
Cole Donovan was looking for a fresh start when he moved to Havenbrook following the worst kind of betrayal. Instead, his reputation as a cutthroat divorce attorney preceded him--and tainted his introduction to the only woman he's had eyes for since his own divorce. Too bad she can't stand him.
When Sadie's cousin offers her an opportunity to have the inn featured in the country's leading wedding magazine in exchange for a bit of modeling, she jumps at the chance for some exposure. All she has to do is wear a wedding dress and pretend to be smitten with a stranger for a couple hours. The only trouble is the fake groom is no stranger, and as much as she loathes Cole, her body hasn't gotten the message. Neither, it seems, has his…
All Sadie Rollins wants for Christmas is a break. Three years ago, she stumbled into her dream job as a wedding planner, but she's been so bogged down with the minutiae of inn ownership that she can't even enjoy it. She and her twin sister might have been bequeathed the Starlight Haven Inn, but the bed and breakfast didn't come with much more than extra-long hours and piles of debt.
Cole Donovan was looking for a fresh start when he moved to Havenbrook following the worst kind of betrayal. Instead, his reputation as a cutthroat divorce attorney preceded him--and tainted his introduction to the only woman he's had eyes for since his own divorce. Too bad she can't stand him.
When Sadie's cousin offers her an opportunity to have the inn featured in the country's leading wedding magazine in exchange for a bit of modeling, she jumps at the chance for some exposure. All she has to do is wear a wedding dress and pretend to be smitten with a stranger for a couple hours. The only trouble is the fake groom is no stranger, and as much as she loathes Cole, her body hasn't gotten the message. Neither, it seems, has his…
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2021
168 people are currently reading
2806 people want to read
About the author
Brighton Walsh
52 books2,227 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 131 reviews
November 1, 2021
"I'm not sure a year will be enough, but we can start with that."
Ladies and gentleman, Brighton Walsh just made Christmas sweeter... and so very hot! I think this may be the enemies-to-lovers, small-town Christmas book to watch out for this year.
"Wanting desperately to lose himself inside her because he knew this was the one place he'd be found."
I really liked Cole, the divorce attorney who is not just that, but so much more. It's not that he's against the happily ever afters, but it didn't work out for him, and maybe he's become a cynic over time. Now that his house is being remodeled, he's forced to live at the Inn, around a woman who's so unlike him in every way... but whom he's drawn to regardless.
"Oh, that's real mature. You're blamin' me for your complete lack of manners?"
"Believe me, Sadie, the last thing I think about in your presence is manners."
I LOVE Sadie. I love how sassy she is, and the smart mouth she has. She is the sweetest thing, but she also knows what she wants, and isn't shy about it. She is, however, looking for her own happily ever after, and she doesn't think a divorce lawyer is the way to go for that. Even if she can't help but glance his way every time.
And I suppose they shouldn't work, but as it turns out, they're perfect for each other.
"Sometimes I wonder what you'd do if I kissed you just to shut you up."
"You...what?" (...)
"Don't believe me?"
"No," she said stiffly. "I don't."
"Tell me to prove it, then."
The banter between the two of them is awesome. I was laughing out loud at Sadie's remarks, because she can really get under Cole's skin, and vice versa.
A photo shoot where they need to pose as bride and groom sets this whole thing off. They may be trying to pretend not to care, but the camera doesn't lie, and is shows how much chemistry there is between them. One kiss is enough to light their world on fire, until they finally let go and give in to what they can have.
And let me tell you... THEY.ARE.SCORCHING! Kitchen pantry sex, anyone? Yes, please!
"I told you a long time ago I wasn't subtle or romantic. I want what I want, and I'm not afraid to go after it. And what I want is you."
There's a definite holiday vibe in this book, and in the small town of Havenbrook, where it's set. The neighbors and friends only add to the atmosphere. The ending (and Cole) made everything really swoony.
The two people who supposedly didn't belong together found their way to each other nonetheless.
If you're looking for a book to get you in a holiday mood, that is both sweet and steamy, don't miss this one.
Ladies and gentleman, Brighton Walsh just made Christmas sweeter... and so very hot! I think this may be the enemies-to-lovers, small-town Christmas book to watch out for this year.
"Wanting desperately to lose himself inside her because he knew this was the one place he'd be found."
I really liked Cole, the divorce attorney who is not just that, but so much more. It's not that he's against the happily ever afters, but it didn't work out for him, and maybe he's become a cynic over time. Now that his house is being remodeled, he's forced to live at the Inn, around a woman who's so unlike him in every way... but whom he's drawn to regardless.
"Oh, that's real mature. You're blamin' me for your complete lack of manners?"
"Believe me, Sadie, the last thing I think about in your presence is manners."
I LOVE Sadie. I love how sassy she is, and the smart mouth she has. She is the sweetest thing, but she also knows what she wants, and isn't shy about it. She is, however, looking for her own happily ever after, and she doesn't think a divorce lawyer is the way to go for that. Even if she can't help but glance his way every time.
And I suppose they shouldn't work, but as it turns out, they're perfect for each other.
"Sometimes I wonder what you'd do if I kissed you just to shut you up."
"You...what?" (...)
"Don't believe me?"
"No," she said stiffly. "I don't."
"Tell me to prove it, then."
The banter between the two of them is awesome. I was laughing out loud at Sadie's remarks, because she can really get under Cole's skin, and vice versa.
A photo shoot where they need to pose as bride and groom sets this whole thing off. They may be trying to pretend not to care, but the camera doesn't lie, and is shows how much chemistry there is between them. One kiss is enough to light their world on fire, until they finally let go and give in to what they can have.
And let me tell you... THEY.ARE.SCORCHING! Kitchen pantry sex, anyone? Yes, please!
"I told you a long time ago I wasn't subtle or romantic. I want what I want, and I'm not afraid to go after it. And what I want is you."
There's a definite holiday vibe in this book, and in the small town of Havenbrook, where it's set. The neighbors and friends only add to the atmosphere. The ending (and Cole) made everything really swoony.
The two people who supposedly didn't belong together found their way to each other nonetheless.
If you're looking for a book to get you in a holiday mood, that is both sweet and steamy, don't miss this one.
November 6, 2021
This was so much fun! I highly enjoyed this novella and I recommend it to everyone ready for Christmas. Christmas + romance is in the air, my friends. The season is upon us.
Reading this after Walk of Shame was perfect. To be honest, if you love the Lauren Layne book you would love this. Plus this is so much steamier? Wow, Brighton Walsh is a master of smutty scenes because damn. They went to town. The way Sadie and Cole are so horny for each other oh my god. I love to see it.
Main Street Dealmaker is a Christmas novella about Sadie, a wedding planner who has a little inn in her small town, and Cole, the divorce lawyer who she absolutely hates. She started hating him when he was her sister's ex-husband's lawyer in the divorce and the ex-husband got her family's antiques. So! Since then, they have been going at it, everyone knowing they dislike each other so much. But obviously beneath that they harbor an attraction so strongly that they can't seem to wash it off.
They get into this sort of benefits only situation where every night they spend it together. They want to believe it's only that, but nope, my friends, it's not only that. They can't seem to stop gazing at each other, Cole's whole routine changes now that he cannot stop thinking about Sadie, Sadie wants to always be near him, and more. They're adorable and everyone in the little town ships them.
Reading this made me want to pick up the whole series, especially the next one Small Town Pretender. It has best friends to lovers WITH MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE I THINK? Or fake marriage. They have to pretend being together that I know. You get to see them in this story and they're so in tune with each other and you can see how much love they have for each other, but they're only friends in this one and I KNOW THEIR STORY IS GOING TO HIT HARD. I'm ready.
Reading this after Walk of Shame was perfect. To be honest, if you love the Lauren Layne book you would love this. Plus this is so much steamier? Wow, Brighton Walsh is a master of smutty scenes because damn. They went to town. The way Sadie and Cole are so horny for each other oh my god. I love to see it.
Main Street Dealmaker is a Christmas novella about Sadie, a wedding planner who has a little inn in her small town, and Cole, the divorce lawyer who she absolutely hates. She started hating him when he was her sister's ex-husband's lawyer in the divorce and the ex-husband got her family's antiques. So! Since then, they have been going at it, everyone knowing they dislike each other so much. But obviously beneath that they harbor an attraction so strongly that they can't seem to wash it off.
They get into this sort of benefits only situation where every night they spend it together. They want to believe it's only that, but nope, my friends, it's not only that. They can't seem to stop gazing at each other, Cole's whole routine changes now that he cannot stop thinking about Sadie, Sadie wants to always be near him, and more. They're adorable and everyone in the little town ships them.
Reading this made me want to pick up the whole series, especially the next one Small Town Pretender. It has best friends to lovers WITH MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE I THINK? Or fake marriage. They have to pretend being together that I know. You get to see them in this story and they're so in tune with each other and you can see how much love they have for each other, but they're only friends in this one and I KNOW THEIR STORY IS GOING TO HIT HARD. I'm ready.
November 23, 2021
It’s always a treat to read a new Brighton Walsh novel. I just know that whenever I tuck in with a book of hers that I’ll come out swooning and happy-sighing. Main Street Dealmaker is a cozy, festive, and sexy novella that ticked all the right boxes for me.
It has the grumpy-meets-sunshine trope which is one of my faves. It also has a hero who is so into the heroine that he has had no eyes for anyone else ever since he met her. Sadie and Cole could not be more opposite in terms of personality – she’s a wedding planner and inn-owner who believes in love and HEAs and he’s a divorce attorney who has seen a lot of marriages go sour, so he’s jaded. When the two are forced into proximity thanks to a VERY steamy photoshoot, they realize that their attraction to each other runs deep.
I loved everything about this novella from the festive scenery in Havenbrook to the witty and verrah hot banter between Sadie and Cole. Brighton Walsh is a master at writing steamy chemistry and it truly shows in this little novella. Every interaction of theirs sizzle with the attraction and it’s just really fun to read the scenes of them arguing, kissing, and boning each other like bunnies. If you know Brighton Walsh’s heroes, then you know that they are pros dirty talk, and Mr. Cole here delivered. Sadie stood NO CHANCE.
All in all, Main Street Dealmaker was terrific. I had a great time being back in Havenbrook and had an even better time meeting Sadie and Cole!
October 15, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Main Street Dealmaker. I loved the banter between Sadie and Cole as well as their off the charts chemistry. It was a quick read but it packed a punch, a very steamy one. I adored it and highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Copy provided by author
Copy provided by author
October 10, 2021
I am absolutely here for anything Brighton writes, so I don’t even read the synopsis any more.
I loved Sadie and Cole. She’s sweet, he’s crunchy, and together there’s loads of chemistry. I adored all of the button pushing and antagonizing (all of which was really them flirting in their own way). The towns people are always fun because I love this group and I could have done with a million more scenes with Edna.
Plot wise, this one went pretty quickly. There are a good amount of holiday festivities and even more sexy times scenes. Sure, I could have done with a bit more conversation, but this reactive pseudo relationship really worked for the two of them. And I’m probably being greedy because the epilogue was fantastic.
Overall, this was a quick read with characters who were easy to get invested in and root for. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Brighton.
**Huge thanks to the Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Sadie and Cole. She’s sweet, he’s crunchy, and together there’s loads of chemistry. I adored all of the button pushing and antagonizing (all of which was really them flirting in their own way). The towns people are always fun because I love this group and I could have done with a million more scenes with Edna.
Plot wise, this one went pretty quickly. There are a good amount of holiday festivities and even more sexy times scenes. Sure, I could have done with a bit more conversation, but this reactive pseudo relationship really worked for the two of them. And I’m probably being greedy because the epilogue was fantastic.
Overall, this was a quick read with characters who were easy to get invested in and root for. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Brighton.
**Huge thanks to the Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
October 25, 2021
4 star review of Main Street Dealmaker (Holidays In Havenbrook #1) by Brighton Walsh
Brighton Walsh is a new author to me and I have no idea how I have not come across this author before. This was an entertaining read that drew me in and kept my attention from the first chapter.
We all know that the heart wants what the heart wants and it is ironic that sparks fly between wedding planner Sadie Rollins and divorce lawyer Cole Donovan. I have to say when I read the blurb for this one I couldn’t wait to read.
Sadie and her twin run the Inn and are exhausted. When the opportunity arises to have the Inn featured in a wedding magazine, Sadie jumps at the free publicity. Of course there is a catch, she has to pretend to be a bride and dress up. The only problem is the man who is the “pretend” groom is the one man she can’t stand.
Cole moved to Havenbrook after a bitter divorce left him jaded. Now he finds himself pretending to be a groom with the only woman who has caught his attention since his divorce. Despite her best intentions, Sadie is attracted to Cole and the chemistry between them is intense. I enjoyed the development of their relationship and the banter between them.
All in all Main Street Dealmaker was a fun, relatively quick read.
Brighton Walsh is a new author to me and I have no idea how I have not come across this author before. This was an entertaining read that drew me in and kept my attention from the first chapter.
We all know that the heart wants what the heart wants and it is ironic that sparks fly between wedding planner Sadie Rollins and divorce lawyer Cole Donovan. I have to say when I read the blurb for this one I couldn’t wait to read.
Sadie and her twin run the Inn and are exhausted. When the opportunity arises to have the Inn featured in a wedding magazine, Sadie jumps at the free publicity. Of course there is a catch, she has to pretend to be a bride and dress up. The only problem is the man who is the “pretend” groom is the one man she can’t stand.
Cole moved to Havenbrook after a bitter divorce left him jaded. Now he finds himself pretending to be a groom with the only woman who has caught his attention since his divorce. Despite her best intentions, Sadie is attracted to Cole and the chemistry between them is intense. I enjoyed the development of their relationship and the banter between them.
All in all Main Street Dealmaker was a fun, relatively quick read.
October 22, 2021
Full review to come but put this one on your holiday reading list now!
December 3, 2022
SUPER quick read. This was a fun one. And spicy!
December 20, 2022
3.5 stars. This was perfectly fine. Nothing hugely wrong with it other than I was missing a little something.
It’s sort of enemies with benefits. Basically, they get to the point where they can’t resist each other and then start boinking. We’re told they talk and grow but there’s very little showing of the relationship side. His side is especially important because of a past betrayal and divorce. But his stuff is all internal and he never tells her “this is what happened in my past and why I’m afraid”.
So, while it’s sufficiently cute for me to round up to 4 stars… it’s just missing the emotional depth I prefer.
No OW/OM.
It’s sort of enemies with benefits. Basically, they get to the point where they can’t resist each other and then start boinking. We’re told they talk and grow but there’s very little showing of the relationship side. His side is especially important because of a past betrayal and divorce. But his stuff is all internal and he never tells her “this is what happened in my past and why I’m afraid”.
So, while it’s sufficiently cute for me to round up to 4 stars… it’s just missing the emotional depth I prefer.
No OW/OM.
December 8, 2021
This was so cute and the characters had such a great chemistry! Also, grumpy/sunshine always wins me over.
January 12, 2022
still didn’t really get why the two leads even “hated” each other THAT strongly to begin with (like, “enemies” is definitely an Extreme) but on the whole it was a serve
October 28, 2021
4 Firecracker♡ Stars!
Being new to Ms.Walsh's work I've been wanting to pick up her books for the longest time now. As soon as this one was announced I got so excited for it and knew i had to read it first! I picked it up as soon as i could and got into it. I enjoyed this story!
Sadie and Cole's journey isn't quite the easy one. I really liked the back and forth banter between these two. The heat between them was all kinds of blushworthy. I loved how i felt many things with both of these characters as well! I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out which i enjoyed.
This story shows how people can come into our lives and surprise us in the best of ways.
With Main Street Dealmaker, Ms.Walsh has created such a good read that'll be sure to make you blush and feel a lot! I can't wait to pick up more of her work in the near future! Be sure to pick this one up this holiday season!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
Being new to Ms.Walsh's work I've been wanting to pick up her books for the longest time now. As soon as this one was announced I got so excited for it and knew i had to read it first! I picked it up as soon as i could and got into it. I enjoyed this story!
Sadie and Cole's journey isn't quite the easy one. I really liked the back and forth banter between these two. The heat between them was all kinds of blushworthy. I loved how i felt many things with both of these characters as well! I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out which i enjoyed.
This story shows how people can come into our lives and surprise us in the best of ways.
With Main Street Dealmaker, Ms.Walsh has created such a good read that'll be sure to make you blush and feel a lot! I can't wait to pick up more of her work in the near future! Be sure to pick this one up this holiday season!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
January 8, 2024
4/5
That was cute, I enjoyed it! Sadie is a wedding planner and Cole's a divorce attorney who represented Sadie's ex-brother-in-law. They don't get along until one wedding photoshoot later they can't get enough of each other.
I loved their relationship. The tension, the banter, the feelings. They fit together, despite their apprehension.
What I didn't like was Sadie's sister, Elise. She'd bail on the inn all the fucking time, without giving her sister a chance to even rest. I was waiting for them to finally come to blows and for Sadie to call Elise out - preferably for Sadie to make sure that Elise couldn't earn any money from the inn so she could use them to hire some staff. I wanted Sadie to tell Elise what was what and that she was done coddling her. Sadly, it never happened and I kind of hate it. I really hoped it would happen.
That was cute, I enjoyed it! Sadie is a wedding planner and Cole's a divorce attorney who represented Sadie's ex-brother-in-law. They don't get along until one wedding photoshoot later they can't get enough of each other.
I loved their relationship. The tension, the banter, the feelings. They fit together, despite their apprehension.
What I didn't like was Sadie's sister, Elise. She'd bail on the inn all the fucking time, without giving her sister a chance to even rest. I was waiting for them to finally come to blows and for Sadie to call Elise out - preferably for Sadie to make sure that Elise couldn't earn any money from the inn so she could use them to hire some staff. I wanted Sadie to tell Elise what was what and that she was done coddling her. Sadly, it never happened and I kind of hate it. I really hoped it would happen.
October 31, 2021
Cheesy at best
I wanted to like this I *really* did. But I couldn’t get past the utterly juvenile dialog supposedly between two grown ups! It’s as tho a 12 year old and a 16 year old took turns writing this book. I can’t imagine a grown man, a lawyer, saying the corny lines to Sadie. And she was equally ridiculous, taunting him like a teenage debutante. I just kept skimming more and more, and finally just went to The End. Cheese City - I bet this didn’t take 24 hours to write this.
I wanted to like this I *really* did. But I couldn’t get past the utterly juvenile dialog supposedly between two grown ups! It’s as tho a 12 year old and a 16 year old took turns writing this book. I can’t imagine a grown man, a lawyer, saying the corny lines to Sadie. And she was equally ridiculous, taunting him like a teenage debutante. I just kept skimming more and more, and finally just went to The End. Cheese City - I bet this didn’t take 24 hours to write this.
October 28, 2021
Put this on top of your holiday reading list to get you in the mood for the holidays! Sadie and Cole had me smiling and swooning. Their banter was fun! It was also fun to be in Havenbrook again :) Definitely pick this one up.
November 1, 2021
Opposites attract? ✅
Christmas? ✅
Patented Brighton Walsh feels? ✅
I always know I’m in for a good time when I pick up a Brighton Walsh book. Her brand of romance is just always so fun and engaging and addictive. Then throw in Christmas and I was just hooked. I’m a sucker for a good Christmas romance and this delivered.
I loved both Sadie and Cole so much. They are both polar opposites and have such a different outlook on the world but that just made them complement one another in the best way. Amazing chemistry and every scene between the two of them was addictive.
Brighton Walsh is one of those authors I implicitly trust to deliver and with every book she just proves why I trust her. I always love the characters and the romance is always great. I was so sad when the Havenbrook series came to an end, so it was so nice to be able to go back for the Holidays.
Christmas? ✅
Patented Brighton Walsh feels? ✅
I always know I’m in for a good time when I pick up a Brighton Walsh book. Her brand of romance is just always so fun and engaging and addictive. Then throw in Christmas and I was just hooked. I’m a sucker for a good Christmas romance and this delivered.
I loved both Sadie and Cole so much. They are both polar opposites and have such a different outlook on the world but that just made them complement one another in the best way. Amazing chemistry and every scene between the two of them was addictive.
Brighton Walsh is one of those authors I implicitly trust to deliver and with every book she just proves why I trust her. I always love the characters and the romance is always great. I was so sad when the Havenbrook series came to an end, so it was so nice to be able to go back for the Holidays.
January 22, 2023
Fun quick read.
Enemies to lovers trope, in a winter holidays setting with a cute hea.
Spicy enough and snark galore.
Enemies to lovers trope, in a winter holidays setting with a cute hea.
Spicy enough and snark galore.
February 18, 2023
Definitely should have read in December. Cute enemies to lovers story.
January 26, 2024
Good enemies to lovers romance
This is a good enemies to lovers romance. The tension in their relationship feels organic and real, not contrived as it does in so many books these days. I enjoyed reading this and would read more by this author.
This is a good enemies to lovers romance. The tension in their relationship feels organic and real, not contrived as it does in so many books these days. I enjoyed reading this and would read more by this author.
October 16, 2021
Original review: A Novel Glimpse
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
When I started Main Street Dealmaker I thought it seemed familiar to me. Then I realized I had the novella in the Winter Love anthology. I loved this steamy holiday romance set in my favorite small town setting of Havenbrook when I read it the first time, and dare I say it was even better the second time around?
Sadie and Cole were two people who had every reason to avoid each other considering his being her twin sister's ex-husband's divorce attorney. (A mouthful, I know.) When they're thrown together for a project, neither can deny their attraction and the spark between them. Their intense chemistry leads to a passionate relationship and many swoon worthy moments. The holiday festivities and small town setting added even more fun to the story. Despite being a novella, it was felt like a full length holiday romance. I cannot wait for more books in this series. I am hoping Sadie's twin sister is next!
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
When I started Main Street Dealmaker I thought it seemed familiar to me. Then I realized I had the novella in the Winter Love anthology. I loved this steamy holiday romance set in my favorite small town setting of Havenbrook when I read it the first time, and dare I say it was even better the second time around?
Sadie and Cole were two people who had every reason to avoid each other considering his being her twin sister's ex-husband's divorce attorney. (A mouthful, I know.) When they're thrown together for a project, neither can deny their attraction and the spark between them. Their intense chemistry leads to a passionate relationship and many swoon worthy moments. The holiday festivities and small town setting added even more fun to the story. Despite being a novella, it was felt like a full length holiday romance. I cannot wait for more books in this series. I am hoping Sadie's twin sister is next!
December 18, 2023
I'd compare this story timeframe to a stone ball rolling down the hill at a fast but steady pace. Normally, I'd say things happened too fast or they didn't feel real but the main hero and heroine had known each other, though not closely, for about three years and in this book, they were brought closer to each other.
The spice level was "tongue-tingling, the upper lip sweaty" (not my sexiest comparison). This was technically a hate-to-lovers trope, though the hate was clearly one-sided, the reason why explained right away. Also, Cole, being a divorce attorney, had the perfectly opposite job to Sadie's wedding planner which for them was one of the reasons why they'd never work as a couple. Although both their professions played actually a small role in their story, Cole's lawyering appearing a couple times and Sadie as a wedding planner was mentioned maybe once at the beginning - and that's because the center of this story and what put them in close proximity to each other after years is the B&B Sadie and her twin own.
And here's where that one review star partly went missing - Elise, the divorced twin. I do not, at all, like a character who's a doormat. Especially when it's the main character. I'd even say I prefer a woman (it's usually a woman and not a man who plays the people pleaser/doormat) who's a bit on the mean side or appears so with being straight up and taking no shit from anyone. Sadly, those women are not common in romance books unless they're portrayed as badasses to the extreme or made out to be the bitch. Here, Sadie made me grit my teeth, the whole side plot with her sister made me a bit mad. Elise was flaky as hell, she'd walk out on her twin working her ass off without a care all the time. I expected more from those interactions than Sadie's internal awareness of her twin's behavior, internal warning that she won't let it last much longer, one time of her standing up for herself only to then go back to taking all the work on herself and at the end, no blow up. Where's the much needed yelling match? I wanted it and instead I get "Elise just being Elise, not doing anything and finally being free of the inn obligations (as if she ever cared)" - this being after the MCs HEA. It's not like the inn was Sadie's dream job, wedding planning was but they both agreed to run the place. Together. I think Elise should've gotten the verbal wake up call.
The other half of why there's 4/5 stars is the part that always happens before the HEA - the break up. Though they technically weren't together, one side of them, I won't say who, clearly put in words that they should stop, end whatever it is they had. So it was done. And it bothered me that this resolved so quickly, too quickly. I needed at least one more whole chapter of things happening while they were "broken up" instead of just MC suddenly realizing his/her wrong decisions were indeed not right and running to fix it. Back to my stone rolling down analogy, this part was like an obstacle, only it was so small that you could barely see it. The boulder didn't even bounce up, it rolled right over the obstacle, no hardship, no groveling, like it might've as well not even been there.
Other than that, I liked the story, I liked the secondary characters, some of them having their own books for me to read if I want. And despite my aforementioned imperfections, I liked the epilogue and in the end, I liked both characters equally - which is a rarity for me, I usually side with one more than the other.
The spice level was "tongue-tingling, the upper lip sweaty" (not my sexiest comparison). This was technically a hate-to-lovers trope, though the hate was clearly one-sided, the reason why explained right away. Also, Cole, being a divorce attorney, had the perfectly opposite job to Sadie's wedding planner which for them was one of the reasons why they'd never work as a couple. Although both their professions played actually a small role in their story, Cole's lawyering appearing a couple times and Sadie as a wedding planner was mentioned maybe once at the beginning - and that's because the center of this story and what put them in close proximity to each other after years is the B&B Sadie and her twin own.
And here's where that one review star partly went missing - Elise, the divorced twin. I do not, at all, like a character who's a doormat. Especially when it's the main character. I'd even say I prefer a woman (it's usually a woman and not a man who plays the people pleaser/doormat) who's a bit on the mean side or appears so with being straight up and taking no shit from anyone. Sadly, those women are not common in romance books unless they're portrayed as badasses to the extreme or made out to be the bitch. Here, Sadie made me grit my teeth, the whole side plot with her sister made me a bit mad. Elise was flaky as hell, she'd walk out on her twin working her ass off without a care all the time. I expected more from those interactions than Sadie's internal awareness of her twin's behavior, internal warning that she won't let it last much longer, one time of her standing up for herself only to then go back to taking all the work on herself and at the end, no blow up. Where's the much needed yelling match? I wanted it and instead I get "Elise just being Elise, not doing anything and finally being free of the inn obligations (as if she ever cared)" - this being after the MCs HEA. It's not like the inn was Sadie's dream job, wedding planning was but they both agreed to run the place. Together. I think Elise should've gotten the verbal wake up call.
The other half of why there's 4/5 stars is the part that always happens before the HEA - the break up. Though they technically weren't together, one side of them, I won't say who, clearly put in words that they should stop, end whatever it is they had. So it was done. And it bothered me that this resolved so quickly, too quickly. I needed at least one more whole chapter of things happening while they were "broken up" instead of just MC suddenly realizing his/her wrong decisions were indeed not right and running to fix it. Back to my stone rolling down analogy, this part was like an obstacle, only it was so small that you could barely see it. The boulder didn't even bounce up, it rolled right over the obstacle, no hardship, no groveling, like it might've as well not even been there.
Other than that, I liked the story, I liked the secondary characters, some of them having their own books for me to read if I want. And despite my aforementioned imperfections, I liked the epilogue and in the end, I liked both characters equally - which is a rarity for me, I usually side with one more than the other.
November 13, 2021
This was a novella that didn't read like a novella and that's defo my favourite kind! 😍 This short romance has absolutely convinced me that I need to read more of Brighton Walsh's books and lucky for me, I have the second in this series already lined up on my Kindle. I really enjoyed this opposites-attract small-town holiday romance and if you're looking for the perfect holiday read to add to your list, this is the one!
This made me wish that I lived somewhere cold and where the holiday spirit is high because the festive vibes are strong in this one and it made me want to do all the holiday things (baking, decorating, shopping, eating/drinking)! Havenbrook is the kind of small-town where Hallmark movies are made so it wasn't difficult to picture this quaint and idyllic town in my head while I was reading. Like in most small-town stories, gossip travels fast and we have the requisite well-intentioned and delightfully scheming elderly community members who love to play matchmaker and get up to no good—Edna gave me some good laughs!
Sadie and Cole were so good together! They couldn't be more opposite with Sadie being a romantic who lives for that Happy Ever After and loves helping couples get their perfect day. She's the kind of woman that gets shit done, even when time and again the people in her life let her down, and I loved her understanding and positive can-do attitude. In contrast, Cole is a jaded divorce lawyer who is known for being ruthless and getting his clients whatever they want, regardless of how unfair or brutal it is to the other party. That said, there is actually a good guy underneath his job description! His own HEA didn't work out and that's left him more than a little cynical but a tense attraction has developed between him and Sadie over the years. Their chemistry and the sexual tension was H-O-T! 🥵 Things get *really* steamy once they act on their attraction for each other and what was meant to be a one-night stand ends up being much, much more. Their banter is a little antagonistic, which makes sense as they've been nemeses for years, but it definitely added to the steaminess of the romance and made their teasing a lot of fun!
Overall, this was a really easy and fun holiday romance that is perfect as a quick break between reads or if (like me) you're looking for something to help pull you out of a funky reading mood! I can't wait to read more from this series and spend more time in Havenbrook 😍
This made me wish that I lived somewhere cold and where the holiday spirit is high because the festive vibes are strong in this one and it made me want to do all the holiday things (baking, decorating, shopping, eating/drinking)! Havenbrook is the kind of small-town where Hallmark movies are made so it wasn't difficult to picture this quaint and idyllic town in my head while I was reading. Like in most small-town stories, gossip travels fast and we have the requisite well-intentioned and delightfully scheming elderly community members who love to play matchmaker and get up to no good—Edna gave me some good laughs!
Sadie and Cole were so good together! They couldn't be more opposite with Sadie being a romantic who lives for that Happy Ever After and loves helping couples get their perfect day. She's the kind of woman that gets shit done, even when time and again the people in her life let her down, and I loved her understanding and positive can-do attitude. In contrast, Cole is a jaded divorce lawyer who is known for being ruthless and getting his clients whatever they want, regardless of how unfair or brutal it is to the other party. That said, there is actually a good guy underneath his job description! His own HEA didn't work out and that's left him more than a little cynical but a tense attraction has developed between him and Sadie over the years. Their chemistry and the sexual tension was H-O-T! 🥵 Things get *really* steamy once they act on their attraction for each other and what was meant to be a one-night stand ends up being much, much more. Their banter is a little antagonistic, which makes sense as they've been nemeses for years, but it definitely added to the steaminess of the romance and made their teasing a lot of fun!
Overall, this was a really easy and fun holiday romance that is perfect as a quick break between reads or if (like me) you're looking for something to help pull you out of a funky reading mood! I can't wait to read more from this series and spend more time in Havenbrook 😍
December 2, 2024
I always say I reserve 5 ⭐️ rating for my rereads or books I buy in paperback or at least the ones that will stay on my mind for weeks after I’ve finished reading. This one is not exactly falling into any of those categories but there’s just something about Brighton Walsh’s writing that’s making me biased, I guess, hence 5⭐️ for this one.
It was a perfect story! Easy to read in one sitting as it’s not long but somehow the plot and writing didn’t make me feel like it’s a novella, the magic of Brighton’s writing made it feel like whole length book, at least to me.
I’ve only read one full series (so far!) by Brighton and one short story but I can 100% say I’m a huge fan and I think her books are highly underrated!!!
Back to “The Main Street Dealmaker” - it’s enemies to frenemies to fuck buddies to lovers story. It has perfect amount of spice - like 2-3 quite spicy scenes (but nothing crazy or unhinged) and there is a plot besides the spice. Although there are some cliches in the plot (duh, it’s still a romance story so that’s part of the fun), it was cute to pair wedding planned with divorce attorney.
I also loved how Cole was NOT in fact an asshole.
In general with novellas, the story is usually rather insta and the connection between main characters quite often seems forced for the sake of the plot. Nothing like that in this book! You could feel how the connection between Cole and Sadie developed and was heavily rooted.
I loooved Nat’s vibes and the Edna character - I feel like Edna is a big part of the main series.
The whole Havenbrook vibes made my move up the Havenbrook series in my TBR.
I don’t know how Brighton does it but I instantly love how EACH character is written. I don’t have trouble distinguishing various side characters from each other and I got instantly curious about each individual pair story, and they all were veeeery mildly mentioned.
Honorable mention: it was 3RD POV AND I DIDN’T MIND IT!! I truly hate 3rd POV romance books but in this one I barely even noticed it. It’s Brighton’s magical way of writing, I’m telling you!
Overall it’s cute little novella with perfect small town Christmas vibes, hallmark-ish with nice amount of spice.
It was a perfect story! Easy to read in one sitting as it’s not long but somehow the plot and writing didn’t make me feel like it’s a novella, the magic of Brighton’s writing made it feel like whole length book, at least to me.
I’ve only read one full series (so far!) by Brighton and one short story but I can 100% say I’m a huge fan and I think her books are highly underrated!!!
Back to “The Main Street Dealmaker” - it’s enemies to frenemies to fuck buddies to lovers story. It has perfect amount of spice - like 2-3 quite spicy scenes (but nothing crazy or unhinged) and there is a plot besides the spice. Although there are some cliches in the plot (duh, it’s still a romance story so that’s part of the fun), it was cute to pair wedding planned with divorce attorney.
I also loved how Cole was NOT in fact an asshole.
In general with novellas, the story is usually rather insta and the connection between main characters quite often seems forced for the sake of the plot. Nothing like that in this book! You could feel how the connection between Cole and Sadie developed and was heavily rooted.
I loooved Nat’s vibes and the Edna character - I feel like Edna is a big part of the main series.
The whole Havenbrook vibes made my move up the Havenbrook series in my TBR.
I don’t know how Brighton does it but I instantly love how EACH character is written. I don’t have trouble distinguishing various side characters from each other and I got instantly curious about each individual pair story, and they all were veeeery mildly mentioned.
Honorable mention: it was 3RD POV AND I DIDN’T MIND IT!! I truly hate 3rd POV romance books but in this one I barely even noticed it. It’s Brighton’s magical way of writing, I’m telling you!
Overall it’s cute little novella with perfect small town Christmas vibes, hallmark-ish with nice amount of spice.
October 31, 2021
After Sadie Rollins and her twin sister Elise inherited the Starlight Haven Inn from their late grandmother, she felt like she'd finally found her calling. She loved running the bed and breakfast, especially planning the weddings they hosted on-site. She was feeling overwhelmed as Christmas approached, however, especially with her sister finding every possible excuse to leave Sadie with the majority of the work. When Sadie's cousin Natalie, a photographer, begged her to fill in as a model for a wedding magazine shoot after the original couple dropped out, she reluctantly agreed, hoping that the publicity would lead to an increase in bookings at the Inn and enough extra cash to hire more staff. The problem came when Sadie learned that Natalie had recruited local divorce attorney Cole Donovan to play her "groom." Cole had been Sadie's mortal enemy ever since he represented her twin sister's cheating ex in their divorce a few years earlier and she couldn't imagine how she would pretend to like, let alone love, him for the photos.
Cole had secretly been attracted to Sadie ever since he first laid eyes on her, but he no longer believed in love or marriage after a bitter divorce caused by his ex-wife's affair with his former best friend. As a wedding planner, Sadie was the complete opposite, and she hoped to find her own happily ever after someday. Forced to spend time together during the photo shoot and because Cole was a guest at the Inn while his house was being renovated, the undeniable chemistry between them quickly intensified. What was supposed to be a one-night stand turned into two nights, then more, and feelings started to grow on both sides. Would Cole be able to overcome his fears and learn to trust in love again in order to give Sadie the happily ever after she desired?
Overall, I enjoyed this sweet yet steamy opposites attract romance and would recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I hope there will be a story for Sadie's sister Elise at some point!
*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.
Cole had secretly been attracted to Sadie ever since he first laid eyes on her, but he no longer believed in love or marriage after a bitter divorce caused by his ex-wife's affair with his former best friend. As a wedding planner, Sadie was the complete opposite, and she hoped to find her own happily ever after someday. Forced to spend time together during the photo shoot and because Cole was a guest at the Inn while his house was being renovated, the undeniable chemistry between them quickly intensified. What was supposed to be a one-night stand turned into two nights, then more, and feelings started to grow on both sides. Would Cole be able to overcome his fears and learn to trust in love again in order to give Sadie the happily ever after she desired?
Overall, I enjoyed this sweet yet steamy opposites attract romance and would recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I hope there will be a story for Sadie's sister Elise at some point!
*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 24, 2021
What a fantastic little trip back to Havenbrook! This story can stand alone on it's own but there are a lot of mentions to the various Haven's and their significant others since they are cousins to the heroine, Sadie. IF you have already read the Havenbrook series- this story does fall timeline wise BEFORE Small Town Pretender, which isn't a big deal but you just have to keep that in mind when some of the events of that story haven't happened yet.
Main Street Dealmaker is a shorter book- not quite a novella but not a super long story either. But oh boy did Brighton pack in a great story in those pages.
Sadie and Cole have a bit of an enemies to lovers saga going on- though it was more Sadie that viewed Cole as the enemy. On paper it doesn't feel like there should be anything between them- Sadie the wedding planner who dreams of happily ever afters and wants that for herself and Cole the jaded, cynical divorce attorney who has only ever seen relationships that end in heartbreak and has no desire to ever put himself in that situation again.
The banter between these two is phenomenal. Sadie is sweet but also feisty while Cole is cocky but also has this kindness that he kind of suppressed in order to keep himself detached and aloof. Cole and Sadie also have this attraction and connection that makes them sizzle. Like this book may be short and the story moves quick but Brighton did not skimp on all the dirty details at all.
This really is a wonderful little holiday story from Havenbrook and I can only hope that we will get some more in the future!
Main Street Dealmaker is a shorter book- not quite a novella but not a super long story either. But oh boy did Brighton pack in a great story in those pages.
Sadie and Cole have a bit of an enemies to lovers saga going on- though it was more Sadie that viewed Cole as the enemy. On paper it doesn't feel like there should be anything between them- Sadie the wedding planner who dreams of happily ever afters and wants that for herself and Cole the jaded, cynical divorce attorney who has only ever seen relationships that end in heartbreak and has no desire to ever put himself in that situation again.
The banter between these two is phenomenal. Sadie is sweet but also feisty while Cole is cocky but also has this kindness that he kind of suppressed in order to keep himself detached and aloof. Cole and Sadie also have this attraction and connection that makes them sizzle. Like this book may be short and the story moves quick but Brighton did not skimp on all the dirty details at all.
This really is a wonderful little holiday story from Havenbrook and I can only hope that we will get some more in the future!
October 29, 2021
Nothing makes me happier than picking up a book by a new-to-me author and falling completely in love with the story. Which is why I'm feeling absolutely ecstatic this evening. This is my first Brighton Walsh read-one that I accepted in ARC form-and the start of what I'm hoping will be years' worth of wonderful reading escapes. I loved this book so much, I pre-ordered it to have on release day, and then immediately read it again. I'm a sucker for a frenemies to lovers, we're gonna' be bed buddies but not catch feelings type of romance. Sadie and Cole's romance delivered, and then some! Whew, I was NOT expecting the heat from this book, but I sure did enjoy the burn. Their chemistry was off the charts, but I love how that wasn't the only thing that made them click. These two people are both feeling a little lost-both personally and professionally-and a little blindsided by their attraction. How would a jaded divorce lawyer and a hopeful wedding planner even make a relationship work? Brighton Walsh shows us just how in this sexy, romantic holiday story! With a little help from their personal holiday helper-the delightfully mischievous Edna (I would read a story about this woman ANY day. She is an absolute hoot!)-this couple finds their way over the walls they've constructed, making this holiday season one to remember.
As a reader, I am so thrilled to have discovered a new-to-me author with an extensive backlist that I'm hoping I'll love just as much as I loved this book!
As a reader, I am so thrilled to have discovered a new-to-me author with an extensive backlist that I'm hoping I'll love just as much as I loved this book!
November 7, 2021
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.
Brighton Walsh can do no wrong in my book. I know I'm always going to get the perfect mix of swoon and steam when I pick up one of her books. I'm a big fan of her Havenbrook series, so I was super excited about this spinoff series. Especially since it is set during Christmas. Small towns at Christmas are my catnip, y'all. (I mean, so are cities, sooooo...)
Who would've thought a pairing between a jaded divorce lawyer and a hopelessly romantic inn owner who also plans weddings would be perfection? Ooooh, it was so good. Even when they were acting like they hated each other early on in the book, the chemistry snapped, crackled and popped between Sadie and Cole. I just knew things would be explosive if they ever gave in to the chemistry. And boy was I right. Steam for days, y'all.
If enemies to lovers stories (with a side of sunshine and the grump) are your jam and you like it when the steam is turned up high, this book needs to be on your TBR. The romance is wonderful and the setting is magical. It was also SO GOOD to get some extra time with characters I fell in love with while reading the Havenbrook series. (Note to Havenbrook series readers: this book is set in between Captain Heartbreaker and Small Town Pretender.)
Brighton Walsh can do no wrong in my book. I know I'm always going to get the perfect mix of swoon and steam when I pick up one of her books. I'm a big fan of her Havenbrook series, so I was super excited about this spinoff series. Especially since it is set during Christmas. Small towns at Christmas are my catnip, y'all. (I mean, so are cities, sooooo...)
Who would've thought a pairing between a jaded divorce lawyer and a hopelessly romantic inn owner who also plans weddings would be perfection? Ooooh, it was so good. Even when they were acting like they hated each other early on in the book, the chemistry snapped, crackled and popped between Sadie and Cole. I just knew things would be explosive if they ever gave in to the chemistry. And boy was I right. Steam for days, y'all.
If enemies to lovers stories (with a side of sunshine and the grump) are your jam and you like it when the steam is turned up high, this book needs to be on your TBR. The romance is wonderful and the setting is magical. It was also SO GOOD to get some extra time with characters I fell in love with while reading the Havenbrook series. (Note to Havenbrook series readers: this book is set in between Captain Heartbreaker and Small Town Pretender.)
October 28, 2021
Main Street Dealmaker by Brighton Walsh is the first book of this author that I’ve read and I just loved it! It’s a standalone in the Havenbrook series starring sassy Sadie Rollins wedding planner and Cole Donovan Divorce Attorney. Sadie and Cole have a bit of an enemies to lovers saga going on, Sadie dreams of happily ever after for herself and Cole cynical divorce attorney who has only ever seen relationships that end in heartbreak and has no desire to ever put himself in that situation again. These two get thrown together for a wedding photo shoot and that's when their chemistry flies off the charts. The banter between these two is phenomenal. Sadie is sweet but also feisty and independent while Cole is cocky but also has this kindness that he kind of suppressed. Their intense chemistry leads to a passionate relationship and many swoon worthy moments. The holiday festivities and small town setting added even more fun to the story. This is a wonderfully written story of enemies to lovers in a small town.
Thank you Wildfire Marketing PR for the e-ARC gift to provide an honest review, which I did voluntarily.
Thank you Wildfire Marketing PR for the e-ARC gift to provide an honest review, which I did voluntarily.
October 28, 2021
4.5 Stars for Main Street Dealmaker (Holidays in Havenbrook #1)
Brighton Walsh is a new author to me but as soon as I saw the blurb for this book, i knew I needed to read Sadie Rollins and Cole Donovan’s story and I have to say it was everything I expected and more.
Sadie and her twin run the local Inn and they need to get their name out there so when an opportunity if some free publicity as a feature in a brides magazine, Sadie can’t say no but nothing free these days and the catch is she has to dress and pretend to be the bride. Sounds ok, right well no because the man pretending to be the groom is Cole, a man she can’t stand.
Cole moved to Havenbrook after going through a bitter divorce and now he finds himself spending time with the only woman he would take a chance with, problem is she will need a lot of convincing to take this to the next level.
This is a fun, entertaining read with wonderful characters, it’s has a magical feel about it and it will certainly put you in the mood for the holiday season. I will certainly be checking out other works by this talented author.
Brighton Walsh is a new author to me but as soon as I saw the blurb for this book, i knew I needed to read Sadie Rollins and Cole Donovan’s story and I have to say it was everything I expected and more.
Sadie and her twin run the local Inn and they need to get their name out there so when an opportunity if some free publicity as a feature in a brides magazine, Sadie can’t say no but nothing free these days and the catch is she has to dress and pretend to be the bride. Sounds ok, right well no because the man pretending to be the groom is Cole, a man she can’t stand.
Cole moved to Havenbrook after going through a bitter divorce and now he finds himself spending time with the only woman he would take a chance with, problem is she will need a lot of convincing to take this to the next level.
This is a fun, entertaining read with wonderful characters, it’s has a magical feel about it and it will certainly put you in the mood for the holiday season. I will certainly be checking out other works by this talented author.
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