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Sex & Bonds #2

The Troublemaker

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Brooks Huntley is the last guy on earth I should ask to take my virginity.

He's a decade older than me. Lethally hot. And so far out of my league it's not even funny. The biggest downside to my plan, though?

Brooks is my older brother's best friend.


I see Brooks every day when I deliver muffins to his office. With his swaggering confidence and sexy smirk, it's no wonder I've always had a crush on him. But I'm not looking to cause any trouble—at first. I just want to give my V-card a long-overdue swipe.

Too bad I have no game when it comes to picking up guys—but Brooks is a master at charming the pants off women. While Brooks himself is off-limits, who better to study for tips on how to get laid?

When he offers me a weekend away at a five-star resort as thanks for satisfying his sweet tooth, I say yes—with the caveat that he comes too. That way I can watch him in action. He counters with a caveat of his he'll come, but my brother can never find out.

On our secret getaway, I do my best to learn from Brooks and take someone new home. But I fail so miserably that Brooks steps in and kisses me "to show me how it should be done."

And can I tell y'all, I just melted.

Now can I convince him to show me how everything should be done?

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2023

477 people are currently reading
4337 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Peterson

44 books5,022 followers
Jessica Peterson writes romance with heat, humor, and heart. Heroes with hot accents are her specialty. When she’s not writing, she can be found bellying up to a bar in the south’s best restaurants with her husband Ben, reading books with her adorable daughters Gracie and Madeline, or snuggling up with her 70-pound lap dog, Martha.

A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
Profile Image for glavreads.
479 reviews8,013 followers
May 17, 2023
she’s a baker and he pays for his muffin with $50 and tells her to keep the change 🤭 I MEANNNNNN

this was so cute

greer is a baker who runs a coffee cart in a finance building where her brother and his best friend both work. brooks, her brother’s best friend, is first in line for her cart every day and knows she’s off limits but can’t help but like her.

this just had so many cute moments. brooks is the only one who notices how burnt out greer is and i love how he just wants to take care of her. this is also a little bit of a seggs coach romance where she’s inexperienced and wants him to take care of *all* of her needs.

just so so cute!
Profile Image for Soph.
629 reviews63 followers
November 24, 2024
★★. I’m sorry but what fmc sees her life long crush get with every thing that has a pulse and thinks “let me save myself for him”. I beg of you go bang someone because there’s no way I just read this fmc saying how of course there’s a condom in his pocket and how he always needs it and then it goes to her dreaming of it being used for her. GET A BACK BONE GIRL PLEASE
Profile Image for Veronica Ticker.
901 reviews61 followers
May 18, 2023
I was so happy to get back to this series–and this author. She knows how to balance feelings and sexy times and humor. It’s never all happy, but the drama and angst are low. Yet her characters are well fleshed out and you can’t help but feel for them.

We had a hint at something going on between Greer and Brooks in the previous book, as well as the forbidden aspect of it–since Brooks is way older than Greer and her brother’s best friend. Here we learn that they’ve known each other since she was a little kid. But they also have a unique relationship.

The way Brooks was raised and lived most of his life after his twin sister’s death, he doesn’t expect anyone to worry about him, or to go beyond his confident facade. But Greer, on the contrary, spends her time taking care of others, sometimes to her detriment. Which doesn’t sit well with Brooks who wants her to take care of herself too. They worked so well together, both attentive to the other’s needs and offering support and help. They actually had a beautiful relationship. The intimate part of it wasn’t bad either.

The forbidden part of their relationship isn’t the only cloud on the horizon. Brooks’s father, one of the higher ups at his job, apparently wants the best for his son and tries to control his life. Including his romantic relationships. When Brooks was a player, it was already a problem, but the slight suggestion that he could be involved with a younger much lower on the food chain woman is an insult to the man. The author manages to fix their broken relationship, but not until much later in the story, and I wanted to slap Brooks’s father in the meantime.

Somewhat ironically, Greer and Brooks start a secret relationship in a book where the main theme is communication–or lack off–and the effects on everyone’s life. Brooks’s family doesn’t speak about feelings, and that affected the way he acts with others. Greer is afraid of expressing herself and addressing her needs because it could hurt or bother someone else. But it’s also Brooks opening up to a therapist that leads to his love story with Greer.

I couldn’t quite get behind why Brooks feels guilty about his sister’s death and how it reflected on his personal life. It felt a bit shoehorned to explain why taking care of Greer became his priority. Also, I didn’t feel it was necessary to make him dominant in the sheets–especially since he’s anything but with Greer, at least not to the extent he suggests at first. He takes charge, sure, but he doesn’t override her decisions.

It was still another great read from the author, and I can’t wait to hear about Greer’s brother. He definitely had some secrets of his own.

Quickie

- Series: Sex & bonds #2 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #office romance #brother’s best friend #friends to lovers #age gap #virgin
- Triggers: mention of drug abuse and overdose, mental health troubles (depression)
- Main couple: Greer Fieldstone & Brooks Huntley
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + so damn sexy!
- – I wanted to slap Brooks’s father
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,670 reviews3,284 followers
May 24, 2023
5 LOVED Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
So from my declaration that I loved this book, you might think it was due to all of the troupes involved. There is an age gap, a grumpy sort of/sunshine, a brother's best friend forbidden element, etc. I could go on...but what really made this story not fall into the pit of too much or over the top IMO, was the excellent crafting by Jessica Peterson.

Ms. Peterson knows how to write...and knows how to layer all of these elements with humor, fleshed-out characters, and realistic issues found not just on the pages of books but in our everyday lives.
She takes all of the ways a romance novel can be fun, sexy, and captivating and then gives us insight and awareness of how we need to see the patterns others may have put us in, to break free and recognize who we truly are.

These life lessons are not always the easiest and when we encounter them in a book that has serious entertainment value, then maybe they might break through to those who need a little push on their way to the other side of self-doubt.

This story was so much fun besides enlightening. These characters had chemistry off the charts and Oh, My, My...did Brooks and Greer take advantage of it. YUM.

I loved the way they communicated with each other. I loved how both were encouraged and supported. This book had no manufactured conflict to give it third-act drama between the couple, Thank You Very Much...No, instead it had two people who were united and ready to take on whatever challenges came their way.

A Delight and Sexy as Hell!
More Please.

The Dealmaker (Sex & Bonds #1) by Jessica Peterson The Dealmaker (Sex & Bonds #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Troublemaker (Sex & Bonds #2) by Jessica Peterson The Troublemaker (Sex & Bonds #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
May 27, 2022
This is Greer + Brooks's story. Coming 2023!

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

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Profile Image for Shushi.
300 reviews24 followers
October 12, 2024
Rating - ⭐⭐.5
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Trope - brother's best friend, billionaire romance, math nerd × baker, friends to lovers, grumpy × sunshine, age gap (11 years), virgin FMC, it's always been you, workplace romance, secret relationship, death of a family member

Bonus chapter - 1

This book was a rollercoaster ride for me, it had its ups and downs. Some moments were amazing and heart-touching while the other weren't.

Greer is Brooks's best friend's little sister, she isn't just off limits but also 11 years younger than him. Both have had feelings for one another but never really acted upon them for obvious reasons. I couldn't understand why the FMC has to be in their early twenties to justify the whole age gap genre, like a little older would still do the deal; but then we had to go out and make her a virgin, that was a huge turn-off.

Greer was one awkward mess, but she was cute with it. She was smart, sweet, and responsible but she's also very gullible. "I did learn how to erase even the concept of having needs. To be honest, I think all girls are taught that. We’re told good women aren’t needy, that we shouldn’t be a ‘stage-five clinger’ or a pain in the ass by asking for anything. That’s what makes us good, that’s what makes us desirable—how little we can get by on. It’s fucked up. Greer was so real here. I loved her character, I just didn't feel the need to repeat the fact that she was in her early twenties or that she was in desperate need of "experience" and had this "urge to lose her V card". I wish these didn't define her (sadly they did in the first half).

Brooks was the perfect grump with a sad past, and Greer was a typical sunshine who brought happiness and joy everywhere she went. She was the light Brook was missing in his life, she made him smile, and laugh, but most importantly she made him happy. I loved seeing how she would always bring a smile to his face when he needed it. She made him feel and live again. Brooks too, brought a positive change in her, he was considerate towards her and allowed her to be herself and by the end, Greer was confident and had a vibrant aura. Friends to lovers was the right trope for them. They had this amazing chemistry between them where they could talk things through, and that made their story a bit more enjoyable.

Things I didn't like much -
* There was a lot of pursuing other characters(in the beginning).
* The book felt like a repetition of book one. I wish it was slightly different but again it could be just how the author writes her work.
* The spicy scenes didn't allow us to see the "emotion" side of the relationship, I wish we had more of them. One moment they were having sex and then BAM they were in love, where is the build-up?
* The way how Greer reacted when he asked her for some time, especially with the whole crying like hold on for a second, he didn't end things he just needed to plan things out. It was at this moment, you could tell that she was too young to understand stuff.
* Using any kind of drugs(for pleasure) is a big no-no in my dictionary, I just can't promote this act even in books. Drugs are not something that should be taken lightly, and seeing that it was one of the key themes of this book, I just couldn't help but feel pissed. If someone close to you has died of substance abuse, I doubt the person would ever look towards that thing, but here the characters Hh both willingly took it. I immediately lost all my interest here.
* I wish the whole encounter with George was set up in a different scenario - any sibling would have been angry at the given situation. Regardless, I liked how it was effortlessly handled in the end.

I wasn't into this book but I continued it to see where the story goes. I just couldn't feel much connection with these characters.

The only reason this got a 2.5-star was because of the last 20%, where the plot got better - the side characters got to be a part of their story and showcase their friendship. The last chapter had me in tears, I knew James wasn't a bad dad - he lost his daughter and didn't know how to react but the end was beautiful, he found another daughter in Greer - happy tears. The bonus epilogue again had a lot of similarities to that of book one but it was good.

Won't say I love it, but I also didn't hate it.
It just wasn't for me. Maybe a right book at the wrong time scenario.
Overall 2.5/5
Profile Image for Jodi - JodiReadsnListens.
1,267 reviews50 followers
August 1, 2023
Oh, my muffins! The Troublemaker by Jessica Peterson was a sweet and spicy best friend’s little sister romance that I absolutely devoured in one sitting. Greer and Brooks’ romance had the perfect touch of forbidden mixed with an alluring age gap that will have you longing for these two to put their worries aside and find true happiness with each other. Jessica does an amazing job capturing the Queen City of Charlotte, NC! I loved Greer’s determination and passion for her small bakery business, and ability to be her pure, fun-loving self to go for it with Brooks. Being eleven years older, Greer’s brother’s best friend, and overcoming a traumatic past, Brooks has a conflicted, guarded, and vulnerable persona that will soften your heart. I loved that Greer could tear down his emotional walls, help him open his heart to love, and give in to those delicious desires! Plus, when Greer and Brooks go from friends to lovers their chemistry is off-the-charts HOT!

Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a best friend’s little sister romance with a hunky investment banker, a sweet sugary muffin maker, drinks at Connelly’s Bar, a meddling father, a skate date at Kate’s Roller Rink, murder podcasts, a weekend getaway to Blue Mountain Farm, explosive steamy first times, gossip from the Wall Street Bathroom, Lizzie’s Lovefest Foundation, and a HEA that will make the best kind of trouble in your heart. You will love Greer and Brooks’ romance. I always look forward to more from Jessica Peterson.
Profile Image for Quinn's Quippy Quotes.
1,442 reviews142 followers
April 2, 2023
"You're fucking nuts, you know that?"
"All the best people are."


I'm a sucker for an age gap, best friends little sister romance, so the first thought about Greer(LOVE the name BTW) and Brooks being the next in this series, sent my heart a flutter!

This one is a grower, not a shower....in that this starts off a little slow, but once things start rolling, IT. IS. EVERYTHING!!! Don't get me wrong, this is traditional JP HAWT, BUT it's also super sweet and romantic. It's also a really light read, I finished it in day, which makes it a perfect pick me up book if you're experiencing the gloomy spring blahs.

This will also hit different for the 90's kids!! It has all the things we loved, roller skating, Mariah Carey, and KC and JoJo. Prepare for the nostalgia.

So far Brooks and Greer are my favorites of this series, but I can't wait to see what else Peterson has in store with this smart and sexy series!
Profile Image for KatReadsRomance.
591 reviews19 followers
June 2, 2023
A new era in romance is upon us (I hope)!

I’ve been a fan of Jessica Peterson’s books for quite some time now and I must say I’m liking this Sex and Bonds Series! And The Troublemaker does not disappoint. In fact, it makes me very happy!

Imagine a couple that goes through a ‘wobble’ (as a book writer friend calls it) and actually communicates their feelings to each other instead of breaking up for twenty pages or so… mind blown, right?! Well, Brooks and Greer do exactly that. I kept expecting them to do the customary breakup and grand gesture to get back together. But hallelujah, instead of breaking up, they talk and work on the issue together as a united front.

This is not exactly a trend, yet, but I know at least three writers whose books are heading in this direction. I hope it becomes a trend, because it’s just so refreshing! It’s the fully dressed man cover or the artsy flowers cover of romance people!

Brooks is a lovely man who tries to do the right thing with his 11 years younger crush by not getting involved. Personally, I have no trouble with an older man/younger woman or younger man/older woman. Love is love and in romance anything is possible.

Greer is a younger woman who does everything to please others at the expense of herself. But she gets ‘selfish’ when it comes to Brooks and when he can’t resist… magic!

It’s a sexy, grown-up book with two adults with real life problems. They both handle their love with great aplomb and the greatest respect for each other… even if it means sacrifices.

Thank you Jessica for making so many of us so happy!
Profile Image for Booklover Judy Lynn.
1,644 reviews30 followers
May 8, 2023
Book two in the series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Greer has a crush on her brother’s best friend, Brooks. Brooks is 11 years older than Greer, but he can’t stop thinking of her in very unsisterly ways. When they go away together for a platonic weekend, it becomes not platonic very quickly.
Greer is a wonderful character. She is an incredibly hard worker and is running a successful bakery business. I adored her positive attitude and her perseverance in the goals she sets. Brooks is a little grumpy and a lot nerdy. Hot. He has some baggage. I loved getting to know the vulnerable man under the grumpy exterior. I also liked that he was not really grumpy with Greer. I loved how he looked out for her. His protective attitude toward her melted me. I also loved how Greer accepted Brooks no matter what. She draws him out from behind his walls and the depth of emotion they share was memorable and special.
This is a super-hot, low angst read. No one writes the hot intimate scenes like this author, and they are divine. If you like a steamy romance with likable, deep characters: this is your book.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,129 reviews59 followers
June 16, 2023
3.25⭐️

Por lo regular no me gustan este tipo de tropo en donde la hermana está enamorada de mejor amigo del hermano, sin embargo, me gustó como lo manejo Jessica. Greer a pesar de tener sentimientos por Brooks no lo estuvo esperando, en la sinopsis se menciona que nunca a tenido sexo y me imagine que era por él, pero afortunadamente no fue así, simplemente nunca conoció a alguien con quien tuviera la confianza para hacerlo y después estaba muy ocupada con su trabajo.
Profile Image for Leah Dynes.
1,033 reviews11 followers
May 19, 2023
Brooks and Greers story was so good! I’m a sucker for a brothers best friend story, and this one did not disappoint. It had heat, drama, and fun characters. I’d recommend this book.
Profile Image for Holly.
211 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2023
I LOVED this book!! I’ve read a ton of JP books but this one topped them all. It’s sweet, spicy as all get out, and best of all? There’s NO 80% breakup!! Brooks is scorchingly hot and Greer is feisty and independent without being bitchy. I couldn’t imagine a better fictional match than these two characters who have quickly become some of my favorites ever
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,828 reviews116 followers
May 18, 2023
This book is hilarious, heartwarming and steamy in all the best ways!

Greer and Brooks had undeniable attraction and I love that Greer took her life into her hands and was a boss (in every way possible)!!

As always Jessica packed charm, wit and some hilarious pop culture references that had me smiling and falling in love!

Brooks I gotta praise the man because his character is the perfect hero in every way! This man didn’t hesitate to finally take charge especially when he had Greer cheering him on! The way their love healed both of their hearts was powerful. He was no nonsense and gave his all not only in the moment but also a plan for the future. You couldn’t help but fall for these two as they fell for each other!

Now this story isn’t all rainbows and butterflies! They definitely had to fight for what they desired. But I love that Jessica didn’t unnecessarily draw it all out. It was relatable and an overall enjoyable read! A definite summer must!
Profile Image for Robin.
1,323 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2023
I really wanted to savor this book, as with most of Jessica's books I want to take my time with not only her characters but the worlds she creates. Well again I barely put this book down. Brooks and Greer had me mesmerized from start to finish with a few tears along the way. This book has some heat to it, like kindle melting heat, but it has so much heart to it, you will fall in love with not only her MC's but the side characters as well. The relationship between Brooks and her brother George was fun to read as well. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Tara.
1,187 reviews8 followers
May 8, 2023
This book hooked me from the get go. I fell in love with these characters and what a story! It was just perfect. Once again, Jessica has created an absolutely heartwarming story. This was an epic love story that will make you laugh, cry & swoon! It’s one that you won’t want to put down until the end and then you’ll want more.
Profile Image for Kira.
739 reviews32 followers
June 28, 2023
Title: The Troublemaker (Sex & Bonds series)
Author: Jessica Peterson
Hero/Heroine: Brooks & Greer
Tropes: Brothers Best Friend, Age Gap, Virgin Heroine,

tw/cw: detailed descriptions of grief, death of a loved one, mention of the morning after pill,

✨the good ✨

I do love a book that provides a bit of angst and drama, however I’m also appreciative of a story with no third act breakup. And this book was a wonderful example of that. Brooks and Greer were such a great couple, and were always so open and honest with each other. I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of healthy communication?

Greer has been harbouring a crush on her brothers best friend, Brooks, since the day she met him. Eleven years older and a successful trader, she’s always felt like he was a bit out of her league. However, a weekend away changes all that.

Brooks and Greer, even though they had amazing chemistry, had a connection that went a little deeper than just wanting to bang each others brains out. Greer became someone that Brooks could lean on when he felt overwhelmed by his grief. Brooks helped Greer to stop and take stock of what she needed, as well as helping her realise that she shouldn’t feel bad for taking what she wanted. These two were unbelievably sweet, and I loved how they helped one another feel empowered and strong.

The Troublemaker was a wonderful addition to the Sex & Bonds series, and I’m looking forward to finding out who the next couple will be.

✨ the bad ✨

Brooks Dad. What a nob. However he is redeemed toward the end of the story so I’ll let this one go.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.

✨overall thoughts: loved this sweet and steamy brothers best friend/age gap romance
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Pia.
291 reviews122 followers
May 7, 2023
Rating: 4.25✨
Spice: 3🌶

First, I would like to thank the author & Valentine PR for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review will be voluntary & honest.

This book was such a sweet, spicy & fun read that left me so happy by the end. I mean, listen, an age-gap, brother’s best friend, friends to lovers romance?? I was OBSESSED & could not put it down. The spice? delivered & made me feel everything & more. The chemistry between the main characters was just FELT more & more in each chapter. After the first few chapters, I just thought "yup, I like this, I like THEM."

Greer, I related to so much. That feeling she felt of not being good enough or worth attention unless you were constantly putting others & their needs first & above your own. That it is crazy ask for what you want every once in a while, to make yourself a priority. I feel like majority of us have felt this at some point. That others may not SEE us unless we are doing something for them. But besides that, she's a beyond hardworking FMC and a badass girl boss. She runs her own business at 23 but feels the pressure of what that entails. She also knows SOMETHING is missing & she years to find out what she's been missing out on. Let's add the stress of feeling that the crush you have on a certain someone will forever be unrequited.

Brooks, goodness I love him. The way he was such an emotionally aware MMC made him that much more lovable and intriguing. The way he's the office grump & yet so caring when it comes to those closest to him. His journey in dealing through the pain & grief that had a hard grip on him was so beautiful to see unfold. And let's not forget his possessive & drool-worthy side. The love & devotion he has for Greer was incredibly heart-warming.

I truly recommend this read! 💚
Profile Image for Jessi.
760 reviews24 followers
May 11, 2023
The Troublemaker is equal parts sexy and sweet! Greer will make you laugh with her adorably awkward self and Brooks will make you swoon with his hidden soft side.

Greer is a breath of fresh air! I just love how relatable she is. She's a hard working, sometimes awkward around people, young woman with a great head on her shoulders. The way only she can make Brooks smile is everything. He's known as being a bit of a grump at the office and he's a little introverted. Brooks keeps himself busy because when he's not, he feels like he's drowning in grief. His twin sister died years ago and his family never recovered. Greer helps him to open up and becomes his life vest. Watching Brooks live again and Greer come into her own was truly beautiful. She helps his whole family heal. Brooks helps her learn how to put her happiness first instead of everyone else's.

Goodness this book is hilarious! The Troublemaker will make you laugh, swoon, and melt! There's no third act breakup and I freaking love that! Greer and Brooks handle everything with honesty and grace. This series is phenomenal and I can't wait for more!

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,588 reviews113 followers
May 13, 2023
***ARC Provided by the Author***

I love it when a book just works and when an author writes characters who are so strong on their own that they don't need external things happening to them in order for their story to work.

Brooks and Greer worked so well. I loved their attraction and that absolutely no one (aside from maybe the 2 if them) were surprised when their friendship became a romance.

I loved how the change from friends to lovers was handled and how real and authentic it felt.

I also really loved how sure each of them were that they were in the exact place they were meant to be and the little ways the author let the reader learn this as they did.

There was an authenticity to the emotional parts of this book that really drew me in and I think it's why some of the secondary characters also worked so well...I was so drawn to their relationship and how much I believed in it that it worked for me when others in their world also bought in to them as a couple.

Admittedly age gap is a favorite trope for me, but sometimes there's an age gap that's just perfect and this was one of those times and one of those books.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.
Profile Image for Andi.
404 reviews13 followers
May 19, 2023
I really enjoyed The Dealmaker, book 1 in Jessica Peterson’s Sex & Bonds Series. We briefly meet our MCs, Greer and Brooks, in that one and we meet the same group of friends and coworkers in this one. Although it is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. If you’re looking for a lighthearted read, then this is the book for you. It’s funny, it’s super steamy, and super low angst.

Greer owns a bakery inside the bank building where her brother, George, and his best friend, Brooks, work. She has a couple employees that she does everything for. She's burnt out and doesn't know how stand up for herself or put herself first. She hates inconveniencing others.  Brooks has always had a thing for her but doesn't want to lose George over it. He's also still grieving the loss of his sister and felt that he could have saved her if he had paid attention. 

Even though they’re opposites, they’re great together. They see each other and understand each other. Brooks helps Greer see what she needs, whether that’s rest or fun, and Greer has shown Brook’s the support he never got when he was younger.

 
As I said before, this one was lighthearted and super low angst. Every conflict, whether between the two MCs or with supporting characters was resolved right away. I wanted a little more from a couple of those conflicts. It just felt too easy for everything. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and it never really did. It’s just a nice, steamy, quick read.

Thank you to Valentine PR. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,278 reviews20 followers
May 10, 2023
Oh my gosh, I loved Greer and Brooks so much! “The Troublemaker” is a sweet, steamy and fun best friend’s sister romance that had me smiling throughout the whole book.

Greer is a successful bakery owner and has had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Brooks, for as long as she can remember. Brooks is 11 years older than her and has a tense but profitable career in finance. The two are an unlikely match but Brooks shares the same crush as Greer. As they spend time together, they realize how much they like each other.

The very first moment that Greer appeared in the story, I loved her. She’s smart, kind with a quirkiness that is so endearing, I want her to be my friend in real life. I loved how driven she was to start her own bakery at a young age. Her passion for it shines throughout the whole book. Brooks is a swoon worthy book boyfriend with how much he showed Greer he cared about her before he even admitted his feelings. And when he finally did, swoon. Greer and Brooks had great banter and their chemistry was steamy hot. These two were so great together and I hope we get more from them in future books.
Profile Image for Amanda (Romance Reviewed).
1,038 reviews67 followers
May 16, 2023
(ARC Review) 4 stars

The Troublemaker by Jessica Peterson is out today! This is book two in her Sex and Bonds series, but I think you could easily read it as a standalone.

This is a sweet and spicy age gap brother’s best friend romance between Brooks, a 34 year finance whiz, and Greer, his best friend’s virginal 23 year old sister who sells her baked goods at his office. Greer has had a crush on him for quite a while, but Brooks has only started noticing her more recently. Throw in a little forced proximity and BOOM.

Though the book does touch on some heavier topics, the relationship itself is pretty low angst. I loved how the relationship brought out the best in both of them and how encouraging Brooks was for her to take care of herself and ask for what she deserves.

I know there are going to be two things in any Jessica Peterson book: hot sex and delicious food and this one didn’t disappoint. This was an easy read that I really enjoyed!

TWs: overdose death of a family member (past), grief, drug and alcohol usage
Profile Image for Deyanira Hernandez.
70 reviews8 followers
May 19, 2023
Brooks Huntley works at A&T Investment Bank; Greer owns a bakery in the A&T building. She has harbored a crush for her brothers best friend since she first met him at only 8 years old, now that she’s older that crush has turn into much more. Little does she know that Brooks has had him own attraction to her lately. When Brooks takes it upon himself to show Greer that there’s more to life than working 80 hour weeks, Greer takes that opportunity to her advantage.

I loved this book! Loved the characters and side characters as well. Greer had such a fun sense of humor I often found myself smiling or laughing. Brooks was just…hot! His dirty talk..STOP. If I was gushing I’m sure Greer was out of this world!

It was a quick easy fast paced read and I enjoy every minute of it. The ending was just perfect for this book.
Profile Image for alexa | bookishbabez.
194 reviews37 followers
May 24, 2023
“Everything she asks for, I’ll give her. It’s only fair. She’s given me everything I asked for. It’s only fair after she keeps giving me shit I didn’t even know I needed.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐|5
🌶️🌶️|5


heads up - this review may contain spoilers!!


GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES&TAGS: friends to lovers // brother's best friend // age gap // forbidden
POV: dual
TW&SAFETY: death of a family member // drug overdose
CLIFFHANGER: no!
HEA: yes!

Jessica Peterson is an auto-buy/read from me. i LOVE her. all her books are just so easy to read and her characters are all so great!

i was so excited to jump back into this series! i missed all the characters and their banter and dynamic. i WAS THRILLED TO SEE THAT THIS BOOK WAS ABOUT GREER AND BROOKS.

i thought that this was going to be a book about unrequited love, but i was happily surprised to see that he was just as obsessed with her 🥰🧁

no third act conflict? petition to add ONE MILLION STARS to Goodreads

can't wait for the rest of the series 🫶🏼


some of my favorite moments-
“Want another?”
“Yes,” he says, even as he shakes his head. “But I don’t eat sweets.”
“You just did, though.”
“I only eat
your sweets.”
“Gross,” Theo Morgan, my friend Nora’s husband and the head of High-Grade trading, says from his perch at a nearby desk.


“I’ve known you forever, and I’ve wanted you forever.”
My heart twists. I look her in the eye.
“Now you have me. Let’s stop wasting time.”


@WSBathroom 5/ 14 The freak in the (spread) sheets was seen canoodling with a very pretty brunette at a local bar not far from uptown Charlotte. Word has it she’s a rising star in the legal world #WhatLikeItsHard?


“I don’t love this.
“I don’t care.”


“Think of it this way: it’s your two best friends becoming best friends themselves.”
Ian snickers. “Best friends who bone.”
“Are you twelve?”
_________


[thank you, Jessica Peterson & Valentine PR, for the advanced reader's copy! All opinions and words are my own!]
Profile Image for Chey.
276 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2023
I am a huge sucker for a brothers best friend/ age gap romance and this killed it for me. I truly wanted to savour the book and not rush but I seriously couldn’t put it down! I absolutely loved Brooks and Greer. The transition from friends to lovers was just right and their chemistry was unmatched.

Plus their chemistry in bed 😮‍💨 Jessica always hits when it comes to those spicy moments and I live for it!

Thank you to Jessica and Valentine PR for the early copy in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Devons book corner.
1,423 reviews39 followers
May 22, 2023
The Troublemaker is book two in the Sex and Bonds series, but you can read it as a standalone (I still recommend reading the first book because it was really good too). I devoured this book in an afternoon because it was the perfect mixture of sweet and spicy, and it stole my time and attention, all of which I was ok with. Brooks and Greer captivated me from the get go, and I loved them and the other characters that were in the book, along with the storyline. This book is 100% addictive, so make sure you have nothing planned when you start this one lol. I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Natalie Jones.
95 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2023
Jessica has done it again! I absolutely loved Greer and Brooks story. They are super super cute… makes me want to open and bakery and meet a super hot man with super sweet tooth. I want more of their story!
Profile Image for Alyssashelf .
397 reviews23 followers
May 18, 2023
Greer is a baker shes always baking and taking care of everyone else, until Brooks (brother’s best friend) and wants to take care of her. Brooks was so sweet and going through his own issues during the book. I loved all the emotions I felt reading this book.
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