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Starlight Cove #2
Protective Heart
I’ve lied to myself for years about being in love with my best friend.
Everly Bowman and I don’t make sense. She’s sunshine personified, and I hate everyone. Well, everyone but her. It’s easy to pretend like she isn’t my whole world. Or it was until she needs a place to stay, and my apartment is her only option.
Suddenly, she's everywhere I turn. Even her scent is branded into my sheets. And thanks to our unofficial romance book club, I’ve also amassed an encyclopedia titled Everly’s Pleasure Buttons . Each week, it gets harder to ignore how much I want to make her fantasies come true. Especially when we crawl into my bed every night.
But I won’t jeopardize what we have for anything, so I’m fine lying to myself and pretending like I don’t dream of calling her mine.
At least, I was until I see her with him.
Everly Bowman and I don’t make sense. She’s sunshine personified, and I hate everyone. Well, everyone but her. It’s easy to pretend like she isn’t my whole world. Or it was until she needs a place to stay, and my apartment is her only option.
Suddenly, she's everywhere I turn. Even her scent is branded into my sheets. And thanks to our unofficial romance book club, I’ve also amassed an encyclopedia titled Everly’s Pleasure Buttons . Each week, it gets harder to ignore how much I want to make her fantasies come true. Especially when we crawl into my bed every night.
But I won’t jeopardize what we have for anything, so I’m fine lying to myself and pretending like I don’t dream of calling her mine.
At least, I was until I see her with him.
328 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2022
1046 people are currently reading
9237 people want to read
About the author
Brighton Walsh
53 books2,130 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 440 reviews
October 11, 2022
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this best friends to lovers and grumpy/sunshine romance! Everly (h) moved to Starlight Cove, a small town in Maine, 2 years ago when her aunt died leaving her a house and a vet clinic. She worms her way into friendship with Beck (H) who's a huge grump and manages a diner for his family's resort (he cooks!). They become best friends and while Beck won't admit he's in love with Everly, she's oblivious until a couple of incidents occur and SNAP goes what's holding them back. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, om drama that's just in H's head (you'll have to read it but he's definitely j/p), neither are virgins but both have been celibate for a couple years (I cannot stress how amazing this is), bc discussed.
Let me list some of the ways that Beck is amazing - He makes sure she eats, fixes things in her house, reads romance books with her and makes note of what she likes, pretty much does whatever to make her happy, he's only sweet to her, and oh my goodness alllllllll the dirty talking. Everly's pretty great too but she does get in her head quite a bit. She's a sunshine character who's also a people pleaser and having a bit of a crisis of what she's doing with her life after the event. Of course, Beck is there the whole way, caring for and supporting her. They become temporary roommates and that's when the SNAP happens. There's also a sweet and adorable dog, I mean c'mon I felt like this book was practically written for me.
Smut - this book has it and it's amazing. Their relationship is established at the beginning of the story with how deep their friendship is so while there's further development once they start moving into a romantic feel vs. friend zone, they were already basically doing coupley things so the smut does take up quite a bit of page time.
I loved the side characters in their small town. Beck has 4 brothers and a sister and their dynamics are hilarious and he's not the only grump. I haven't read his older brother's story yet but the characters from that book do have a couple sweet moments in this book. Then we get hints of what I'm guessing will be some other romances to come. There's also a great older town character who adds more humor. Everly's family are also a presence but in a somewhat less positive way since they're pressuring her to move home to Washington.
One aspect I did wish for a bit more was the setting. This book stands alone nicely and I'm not sure if book 1 established more of the setting and I missed it since I started with this one, but I didn't know they were in Maine until well into the book for example. I also felt like the emotional side of what Everly goes through (the major event that leads to her living with Beck) starts out really well, but then floundered a bit. She also doesn't share some of her mental conflict about the pressure to move home with Beck and that was really surprising since she told him everything all the time before.
There is a touch of angst later in the book, but NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. While this book ends on a HFN, I'm sure that these two will feature as side characters in the rest of the series and the author does offer a bonus epilogue at the end of the book that's available to download. I ate this book up and I'll definitely be looking through this author's backlist and keeping an eye out for future books.
I really enjoyed this best friends to lovers and grumpy/sunshine romance! Everly (h) moved to Starlight Cove, a small town in Maine, 2 years ago when her aunt died leaving her a house and a vet clinic. She worms her way into friendship with Beck (H) who's a huge grump and manages a diner for his family's resort (he cooks!). They become best friends and while Beck won't admit he's in love with Everly, she's oblivious until a couple of incidents occur and SNAP goes what's holding them back. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, om drama that's just in H's head (you'll have to read it but he's definitely j/p), neither are virgins but both have been celibate for a couple years (I cannot stress how amazing this is), bc discussed.
Let me list some of the ways that Beck is amazing - He makes sure she eats, fixes things in her house, reads romance books with her and makes note of what she likes, pretty much does whatever to make her happy, he's only sweet to her, and oh my goodness alllllllll the dirty talking. Everly's pretty great too but she does get in her head quite a bit. She's a sunshine character who's also a people pleaser and having a bit of a crisis of what she's doing with her life after the event. Of course, Beck is there the whole way, caring for and supporting her. They become temporary roommates and that's when the SNAP happens. There's also a sweet and adorable dog, I mean c'mon I felt like this book was practically written for me.
Smut - this book has it and it's amazing. Their relationship is established at the beginning of the story with how deep their friendship is so while there's further development once they start moving into a romantic feel vs. friend zone, they were already basically doing coupley things so the smut does take up quite a bit of page time.
I loved the side characters in their small town. Beck has 4 brothers and a sister and their dynamics are hilarious and he's not the only grump. I haven't read his older brother's story yet but the characters from that book do have a couple sweet moments in this book. Then we get hints of what I'm guessing will be some other romances to come. There's also a great older town character who adds more humor. Everly's family are also a presence but in a somewhat less positive way since they're pressuring her to move home to Washington.
One aspect I did wish for a bit more was the setting. This book stands alone nicely and I'm not sure if book 1 established more of the setting and I missed it since I started with this one, but I didn't know they were in Maine until well into the book for example. I also felt like the emotional side of what Everly goes through (the major event that leads to her living with Beck) starts out really well, but then floundered a bit. She also doesn't share some of her mental conflict about the pressure to move home with Beck and that was really surprising since she told him everything all the time before.
There is a touch of angst later in the book, but NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. While this book ends on a HFN, I'm sure that these two will feature as side characters in the rest of the series and the author does offer a bonus epilogue at the end of the book that's available to download. I ate this book up and I'll definitely be looking through this author's backlist and keeping an eye out for future books.
April 18, 2023
Such a good book. I do feel like I needed to read Book 1 first even tho this is a stand-alone. I was a bit confused by the characters and setting. The author wrote like the readers already knew these characters. I thought these were all standalone’s, so if not, my bad!
Beck (MMC) was honestly a great man and boyfriend to Everly (FMC). Like dang. He was perfect without feeling too perfect. The only complaint I have with him isn’t even a complaint? There was a lot of dirty talk (which I fucking love) but it came on strong and in every scene, and sometimes I wanted some sweet words during their fucking y’know? 🥺
Building off that, I noticed that in every single sex scene, while Beck was producing hella sparks with that talk, Everly would never give back. Now, she’d talk, but nothing more than the status quo (more, harder, please) and I think that has a lot to do with “the box” we put our female characters in and romance books in general. FMCs are just along for the ride while the MMCs are the ones in charge, the only ones speaking nasty, practically guiding the sex scenes and their women.
Everything else but that super minor inconvenience was 👌🏻. Entertaining, sexy, funny, and not one bit was cringe. Imma go back and read book 1 and then continue on in the series because this is just too good to not continue.
Beck (MMC) was honestly a great man and boyfriend to Everly (FMC). Like dang. He was perfect without feeling too perfect. The only complaint I have with him isn’t even a complaint? There was a lot of dirty talk (which I fucking love) but it came on strong and in every scene, and sometimes I wanted some sweet words during their fucking y’know? 🥺
Building off that, I noticed that in every single sex scene, while Beck was producing hella sparks with that talk, Everly would never give back. Now, she’d talk, but nothing more than the status quo (more, harder, please) and I think that has a lot to do with “the box” we put our female characters in and romance books in general. FMCs are just along for the ride while the MMCs are the ones in charge, the only ones speaking nasty, practically guiding the sex scenes and their women.
Everything else but that super minor inconvenience was 👌🏻. Entertaining, sexy, funny, and not one bit was cringe. Imma go back and read book 1 and then continue on in the series because this is just too good to not continue.
August 10, 2023
Friends to Lovers
Small Town
Grumpy/Sunshine
Ellos han sido mejores amigos durante dos años y siempre han negado su atracción pero prácticamente están en una relación sin sexo pero ellos no lo saben todavía.
No obstante, les llega el gran empujón.
A ella se le incendia su casa y no tiene más remedio que irse a vivir con su mejor amigo y ahí viene lo bueno tenemos el trope de only one bed y eso da pie a mucha tensión sexual.
Cuando le dan suelta a su atracción no paran, en todo momento le están dando duro contra el muro si fue too much que hasta en el epílogo.
Lo que me gustó de este libro y a pesar del desarrollo de relación tan rápido y lo spicy, es que él era todo gruñón con todo el mundo, pero con ella no, hacía de todo para estuviera contenta y se me agradó mucho.
Ya quiero leer el siguiente libro porque es matrimonio por conveniencia.
Small Town
Grumpy/Sunshine
Ellos han sido mejores amigos durante dos años y siempre han negado su atracción pero prácticamente están en una relación sin sexo pero ellos no lo saben todavía.
No obstante, les llega el gran empujón.
A ella se le incendia su casa y no tiene más remedio que irse a vivir con su mejor amigo y ahí viene lo bueno tenemos el trope de only one bed y eso da pie a mucha tensión sexual.
Cuando le dan suelta a su atracción no paran, en todo momento le están dando duro contra el muro si fue too much que hasta en el epílogo.
Lo que me gustó de este libro y a pesar del desarrollo de relación tan rápido y lo spicy, es que él era todo gruñón con todo el mundo, pero con ella no, hacía de todo para estuviera contenta y se me agradó mucho.
Ya quiero leer el siguiente libro porque es matrimonio por conveniencia.
June 14, 2025
"... this woman was my whole fucking world, and all I could do was orbit around her. She’d come into my life, not like a hurricane but like the rising sun, her warmth seeping over me, her sunshine illuminating all my dark shadows. I never wanted to spend a day without her sparkle. And I was going to spend the rest of my life making sure I didn’t have to."
May 6, 2024
I'm totally feeling the vibes of the perfect small town setting and those McKenzie guys with their naughty mouths! 😄🌟
March 31, 2023
3.5 stars.
I loved this grumpy man who cared so much for his friend. It went from him pining to them being together with no real discussion. And no real growth for her.
I really wanted her to deal with her family crap but she doesn’t.
And I wish I could have seen them have more convos.
But I liked him a lot. He’s super awesome and caretaking.
I loved this grumpy man who cared so much for his friend. It went from him pining to them being together with no real discussion. And no real growth for her.
I really wanted her to deal with her family crap but she doesn’t.
And I wish I could have seen them have more convos.
But I liked him a lot. He’s super awesome and caretaking.
October 3, 2022
Super cute!
Mr grumpy and MS sunshine. This was a super cute one! It reminded me of my husband and I 😂
Mr grumpy and MS sunshine. This was a super cute one! It reminded me of my husband and I 😂
December 28, 2022
I love a friends-to-lovers romance, with one rule - there has to be a plausible reason for the two friends who are perfect together to not be together. Unfortunately this book had no reason. There was also no plot. Two people who act like a couple for two years finally get together, the end. There was some very minor obstacle with the female MC contemplating moving back home, but we know that's never going to happen. I didn't like this author's writing style; the corny sweet couple who suddenly have really explicit sex scenes didn't really mesh, and had me skimming.
December 21, 2023
3.5/5 “So let me get this straight. Beck knows how you take your coffee and the exact minute you’ll be there in the mornings, has a key to your place, lets himself in at any time for any reason, even when you’re not here, so he can fix whatever you need taken care of, cooks you breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has an attitude with any other male in your life, and gets upset when you’re not being safe. Have I got that about right? Hate to tell you this, sis, but you’re in a relationship. You’re just not having sex.”
—-
Sorprendentemente me gustó bastante, es cortito así que no hubo un gran desarrollo y tampoco buscaba eso, solo quería algo que me entretuviera y esto lo logró. Me gustó todo el malentendido que tuvo Beck sobre que ella estaba saliendo con otro hombre porque el empezó a tener una crisis bien grande 😭, también valoré que ella nunca estuvo “secretamente enamorada” por él en todo su tiempo de amistad (fue al revés, lo cual es siempre mejor jaj)
—-
Sorprendentemente me gustó bastante, es cortito así que no hubo un gran desarrollo y tampoco buscaba eso, solo quería algo que me entretuviera y esto lo logró. Me gustó todo el malentendido que tuvo Beck sobre que ella estaba saliendo con otro hombre porque el empezó a tener una crisis bien grande 😭, también valoré que ella nunca estuvo “secretamente enamorada” por él en todo su tiempo de amistad (fue al revés, lo cual es siempre mejor jaj)
Read
February 6, 2023This was filthy in the best way but I didn’t really feel an emotional connection between the MCs. Sure they’ve been best friends for 2 years ? And the H has been pining for the h all along but I just didn’t feel anything 🤷🏻♀️
I can see why everyone loves it, it’s a nice story - i was just expecting more emotional depth from a friends to lovers.
Safe read, no cheating/no sharing.
I can see why everyone loves it, it’s a nice story - i was just expecting more emotional depth from a friends to lovers.
Safe read, no cheating/no sharing.
September 29, 2022
5 star Review of Protective Hearts (Starlight Cove #2) by Brighton Walsh
I was hooked on Protective Heart from the first chapter. This is Everly and Beck’s friends to lovers story and it was well written and entertaining. Beck is a bit of a grump and Everly is the sunshine that brings light into his life. I loved these two together, they were a fabulous couple.
The chemistry sizzles between them and once they cross the line, all bets are off. This was a captivating read that had me swooning and smiling throughout. I loved how their relationship was based on such a solid foundation of friendship, it just added an additional layer to the story.
I was hooked on Protective Heart from the first chapter. This is Everly and Beck’s friends to lovers story and it was well written and entertaining. Beck is a bit of a grump and Everly is the sunshine that brings light into his life. I loved these two together, they were a fabulous couple.
The chemistry sizzles between them and once they cross the line, all bets are off. This was a captivating read that had me swooning and smiling throughout. I loved how their relationship was based on such a solid foundation of friendship, it just added an additional layer to the story.
April 7, 2024
She handled her entire house burning down with a lot more grace than I would have.
June 12, 2024
Protective Heart - Brighton Walsh
*BOOK REC*
“𝑰𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔.”
GOOD LORD THE SPICE. I haven't highlighted so many spicy quotes in a long time 😆While I'm not generally a friends to lovers fan, Brighton changed that for me in this one. Beck...hot damn! The mouth on this man! Quirky Everly I adored. The story worked. I loved it. I'm still sweating.
“𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑰’𝒎 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒃 𝒍𝒊𝒌��� 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒄𝒌.”
Everly moved into town 2 years ago and quickly decided Beck was going to be her BFF. Beck being grumpy and having no friends was given no choice....and then he fell in love. He hid it from Everly because he had a fear of commitment from poor parental examples and losing his mom young. Forced into a forced proximity situation that friends term quickly changed to lovers. BRAVO Ms. Walsh. Bravo.
“𝑮𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆, 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒖𝒑 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.”
🐕Friends To Lovers
🧑🏼🍳Chef/Vet
🐕Forced Proximity
🧑🏼🍳Dirty Talking Grump
*BOOK REC*
“𝑰𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔.”
GOOD LORD THE SPICE. I haven't highlighted so many spicy quotes in a long time 😆While I'm not generally a friends to lovers fan, Brighton changed that for me in this one. Beck...hot damn! The mouth on this man! Quirky Everly I adored. The story worked. I loved it. I'm still sweating.
“𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑰’𝒎 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒃 𝒍𝒊𝒌��� 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒄𝒌.”
Everly moved into town 2 years ago and quickly decided Beck was going to be her BFF. Beck being grumpy and having no friends was given no choice....and then he fell in love. He hid it from Everly because he had a fear of commitment from poor parental examples and losing his mom young. Forced into a forced proximity situation that friends term quickly changed to lovers. BRAVO Ms. Walsh. Bravo.
“𝑮𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆, 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒖𝒑 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.”
🐕Friends To Lovers
🧑🏼🍳Chef/Vet
🐕Forced Proximity
🧑🏼🍳Dirty Talking Grump
March 3, 2023
Such a breath of fresh air a heartfelt feel-good friends to lovers small town contemporary romance that provided all of the feels, where can I get myself a Beck he was absolutely delicious in all of his grumpy growly surliness.
Beck and his Sunshine (Everly) are best buds, she managed through her sheer determination and eternal optimism to pierce his thick hide. He looks after her and makes sure she eats they spend all of their free time together and It’s been like this ever since she moved to Starlight Cove eighteen months prior. When there’s a fire at Everly’s home and clinic Beck steps up to the plate catapulting their previously platonic friendship into the next stage of evolution.
This one was hot with a capital H the chemistry these two shared felt sizzling and incredibly sexy. The fact that they were both so comfortable already with each other played a huge part in the dynamic and this had some of my favourite intimate scenes I've ever experienced in a contemporary romance to date. I loved the small-town aspect of this and that Everly and Beck were polar opposites in their personalities she was the sunshine to his storm cloud but there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his sunshine and when it came to Everly he was all protective bluster.
This wasn’t angsty or Complicated and it was its sheer simplicity that sold it I’m definitely going to be backtracking now and reading the first book in the series and yes this one can be easily read as a stand-alone. This was well written dual POV and such a charming read Beck is like my perfect dream man for sure.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
September 14, 2023
3.5⭐️
⚠️ SAFETY DETAILS: ⚠️
Cheating:no
Sharing:no
OM drama:none
OW drama:none except for some jealousy
Sex scene with OM or OW:none
Virgin/manwhore: no virgins or manwhore, he has been celibate since they met (2 years ago)
Separation: no
Celibate during separation: --
Condoms: not used
HEA: HFN
SAFE?: for me, yes.
⚠️ SAFETY DETAILS: ⚠️
Cheating:no
Sharing:no
OM drama:none
OW drama:none except for some jealousy
Sex scene with OM or OW:none
Virgin/manwhore: no virgins or manwhore, he has been celibate since they met (2 years ago)
Separation: no
Celibate during separation: --
Condoms: not used
HEA: HFN
SAFE?: for me, yes.
September 23, 2024
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review
I think this series is going to be one of my favorites! I'm thoroughly enjoying each of the books, and while I absolutely loved Defiant Heart, I have to say that Beck & Everly ranks as my favorite so far - they totally overcame my expectations and their story made me fall in love from start to finish, plus I LOVED reading more about the McKenzie family, their relationships, their bonds and their possible stories.
Everly stole my heart, I loved her clueless, hard-working personality, and the way she snuck into Beck's life, seh's an adorable and very kind girl too. And while I LOVED the way she handled all the conflict with her family, I have to say I found frustrating that they didn't respect Everly's wishes and life, especially since she has a big heart and just wants to make them happy, even at the cost of their own happiness. It also broke my heart to know that he feels out of place in Starlight Cove, and in life in general, but still always feels at home when he's with Beck, which melted my heart so much.
He was very interesting from the first book and in Protective Heart I fell madly in love with his personality: Beck is even more grumpy than Brady, he hates being around people and having to talk to them, except for Everly, who has turned her world upside down since arriving at Starlight Cove and has become the light of her life, and what I loved the most about his character was the perfect balance that Brighton Walsh gave him between grumpy, cute and adorable, a side that he obviously only shows with Everly.
One of the things I liked the most about Everly & Beck was learning a lot more about their friendship, how much they love each other, and especially how much they trust each other. I also loved that Beck is already madly in love with Everly when the book begins, even if he doesn't accept it, how protective he is of her, how he cares about feeding her, taking care of her and being there for her whenever she needs it, plus the way Everly helps Beck enjoy life, even without realizing it.
🎧Audiobook Review (September 22, 2024)
Thank you so much to Brighton Walsh and her team for this audiobook
Beck & Everly are one of my favorite friends to lovers EVER! I especially love the book club they have just the two of them and all the details of their friendship that Brighton Walsh gives us throughout Protectove Heart, and it was so much fun to hear all these moments in the audiobook.
I also have to say that I LOVED the narrators so much, but Connor Crais was my favorite: he's the perfect Beck for those scenes where we see him as the grumpiest of the McKenzies and also when he shows with the smallest gestures how much Everly means to him. Another thing I'm really enjoying about this marathon (which I wish was endless) of rereading Starlight Cove is falling in love with these characters all over again and in a completely different way than the first time I read them.
🧁Beck: 5/5
🧁Everly: 5/5
🧁Plot: 5/5
🧁Love story: 5/5
🧁Secondary Characters: 5/5
🧁Universe: 5/5
🧁Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 5/5
🥵🥵🥵
🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
Creo que esta serie va directa a ser una de mis favoritas! Estoy disfrutando muchísimo cada uno de los libros, y aunque amé con locura Defiant Heart, tengo que decir que Beck & Everly tienen el puesto de mis favoritos hasta el momento: superaron por completo mis expectativas y su historia me enamoró de principio a fin, además de que AMÉ leer más de los hermanos McKenzie, sus relaciones, sus vínculos y sus posibles historias.
Everly se robó por completo mi corazón, me encantó su personalidad despistada, trabajadora, y la manera en la que se coló en la vida de Beck, además es una chica adorable y muy amable. Y aunque AMÉ la manera en la que manejó todo el conflicto con su familia, tengo que decir que me pareció frustrante que no respetaran los deseos y la vida de Everly, especialmente porque ella tiene un gran corazón y solo quiere hacerlos felices, aún a costa de su propia felicidad. También me rompió el corazón saber que se siente fuera de lugar en Starlight Cove, y en la vida en general, pero que a pesar de eso siempre se siente en casa cuando está con Beck, lo cual derritió mi corazón.
Él me pareció muy interesante desde el primer libro y en Protective Heart me enamoré perdidamente de su personalidad: Beck es aún más gruñón que Brady, odia estar rodeado de personas y tener que hablar con ellas, a excepción de Everly, quien puso su mundo de cabeza desde que llegó a Starlight Cove y se ha convertido en lo que le da luz a su vida, y lo que más amé de su personaje fue el balance perfecto que Brighton Walsh le dio entre gruñón, tierno y adorable, un lado que, obviamente, solo muestra con Everly, especialmente cuando ella más lo necesita.
Una de las cosas que más me gustó de Everly & Beck fue conocer mucho más de su amistad, lo muchos que se quieren, y especialmente lo mucho que confían el uno en el otro. También me encantó que Beck ya esté perdidamente enamorado de Everly cuando comienza el libro, aunque no lo acepte, lo protector que es con ella, como se preocupa por alimentarla, cuidarla y estar ahí para ella siempre que lo necesita, además de la manera en la que Everly ayuda a Beck a disfrutar de la vida, aún sin darse cuenta.
🎧Reseña de audiolibro (22 de septiembre de 2024)
Muchas gracias a Brighton Walsh y su equipo por este audiolibro
Beck & Everly son uno de mis friends to lovers favoritos! Amo especialmente el club de lectura que tienen solo ellos dos y todos los detalles de su amistad que Brighton Walsh nos da a lo largo de Protectove Heart, y fue muy divertido escuchar todo estos momentos en el audiolibro.
También tengo que decir que AMÉ muchísimo a los narradores, pero Connor Crais fue mi favorito: él es el Beck perfecto para esas escenas en las que lo vemos como el más gruñón de los McKenzie y también cuando demuestra con los gestos más pequeños lo mucho que Everly significa para él. Otra cosa que estoy disfrutando mucho de este maratón (que desearía fuera interminable) de relecturas de Starlight Cove es enamorarme de estos personajes de nuevo y de una manera completamente distinta a la primera vez que los leí.
🧁Beck: 5/5
🧁Everly: 5/5
🧁Trama: 5/5
🧁Historia de amor: 5/5
🧁Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🧁Universo: 5/5
🧁Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 5/5
🥵🥵🥵
I think this series is going to be one of my favorites! I'm thoroughly enjoying each of the books, and while I absolutely loved Defiant Heart, I have to say that Beck & Everly ranks as my favorite so far - they totally overcame my expectations and their story made me fall in love from start to finish, plus I LOVED reading more about the McKenzie family, their relationships, their bonds and their possible stories.
Everly stole my heart, I loved her clueless, hard-working personality, and the way she snuck into Beck's life, seh's an adorable and very kind girl too. And while I LOVED the way she handled all the conflict with her family, I have to say I found frustrating that they didn't respect Everly's wishes and life, especially since she has a big heart and just wants to make them happy, even at the cost of their own happiness. It also broke my heart to know that he feels out of place in Starlight Cove, and in life in general, but still always feels at home when he's with Beck, which melted my heart so much.
He was very interesting from the first book and in Protective Heart I fell madly in love with his personality: Beck is even more grumpy than Brady, he hates being around people and having to talk to them, except for Everly, who has turned her world upside down since arriving at Starlight Cove and has become the light of her life, and what I loved the most about his character was the perfect balance that Brighton Walsh gave him between grumpy, cute and adorable, a side that he obviously only shows with Everly.
One of the things I liked the most about Everly & Beck was learning a lot more about their friendship, how much they love each other, and especially how much they trust each other. I also loved that Beck is already madly in love with Everly when the book begins, even if he doesn't accept it, how protective he is of her, how he cares about feeding her, taking care of her and being there for her whenever she needs it, plus the way Everly helps Beck enjoy life, even without realizing it.
🎧Audiobook Review (September 22, 2024)
Thank you so much to Brighton Walsh and her team for this audiobook
Beck & Everly are one of my favorite friends to lovers EVER! I especially love the book club they have just the two of them and all the details of their friendship that Brighton Walsh gives us throughout Protectove Heart, and it was so much fun to hear all these moments in the audiobook.
I also have to say that I LOVED the narrators so much, but Connor Crais was my favorite: he's the perfect Beck for those scenes where we see him as the grumpiest of the McKenzies and also when he shows with the smallest gestures how much Everly means to him. Another thing I'm really enjoying about this marathon (which I wish was endless) of rereading Starlight Cove is falling in love with these characters all over again and in a completely different way than the first time I read them.
🧁Beck: 5/5
🧁Everly: 5/5
🧁Plot: 5/5
🧁Love story: 5/5
🧁Secondary Characters: 5/5
🧁Universe: 5/5
🧁Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 5/5
🥵🥵🥵
🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
Creo que esta serie va directa a ser una de mis favoritas! Estoy disfrutando muchísimo cada uno de los libros, y aunque amé con locura Defiant Heart, tengo que decir que Beck & Everly tienen el puesto de mis favoritos hasta el momento: superaron por completo mis expectativas y su historia me enamoró de principio a fin, además de que AMÉ leer más de los hermanos McKenzie, sus relaciones, sus vínculos y sus posibles historias.
Everly se robó por completo mi corazón, me encantó su personalidad despistada, trabajadora, y la manera en la que se coló en la vida de Beck, además es una chica adorable y muy amable. Y aunque AMÉ la manera en la que manejó todo el conflicto con su familia, tengo que decir que me pareció frustrante que no respetaran los deseos y la vida de Everly, especialmente porque ella tiene un gran corazón y solo quiere hacerlos felices, aún a costa de su propia felicidad. También me rompió el corazón saber que se siente fuera de lugar en Starlight Cove, y en la vida en general, pero que a pesar de eso siempre se siente en casa cuando está con Beck, lo cual derritió mi corazón.
Él me pareció muy interesante desde el primer libro y en Protective Heart me enamoré perdidamente de su personalidad: Beck es aún más gruñón que Brady, odia estar rodeado de personas y tener que hablar con ellas, a excepción de Everly, quien puso su mundo de cabeza desde que llegó a Starlight Cove y se ha convertido en lo que le da luz a su vida, y lo que más amé de su personaje fue el balance perfecto que Brighton Walsh le dio entre gruñón, tierno y adorable, un lado que, obviamente, solo muestra con Everly, especialmente cuando ella más lo necesita.
Una de las cosas que más me gustó de Everly & Beck fue conocer mucho más de su amistad, lo muchos que se quieren, y especialmente lo mucho que confían el uno en el otro. También me encantó que Beck ya esté perdidamente enamorado de Everly cuando comienza el libro, aunque no lo acepte, lo protector que es con ella, como se preocupa por alimentarla, cuidarla y estar ahí para ella siempre que lo necesita, además de la manera en la que Everly ayuda a Beck a disfrutar de la vida, aún sin darse cuenta.
🎧Reseña de audiolibro (22 de septiembre de 2024)
Muchas gracias a Brighton Walsh y su equipo por este audiolibro
Beck & Everly son uno de mis friends to lovers favoritos! Amo especialmente el club de lectura que tienen solo ellos dos y todos los detalles de su amistad que Brighton Walsh nos da a lo largo de Protectove Heart, y fue muy divertido escuchar todo estos momentos en el audiolibro.
También tengo que decir que AMÉ muchísimo a los narradores, pero Connor Crais fue mi favorito: él es el Beck perfecto para esas escenas en las que lo vemos como el más gruñón de los McKenzie y también cuando demuestra con los gestos más pequeños lo mucho que Everly significa para él. Otra cosa que estoy disfrutando mucho de este maratón (que desearía fuera interminable) de relecturas de Starlight Cove es enamorarme de estos personajes de nuevo y de una manera completamente distinta a la primera vez que los leí.
🧁Beck: 5/5
🧁Everly: 5/5
🧁Trama: 5/5
🧁Historia de amor: 5/5
🧁Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🧁Universo: 5/5
🧁Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 5/5
🥵🥵🥵
April 10, 2023
Short & sweet weekend read! Not a perfect work, but it was perfectly what I needed for a little mental getaway this weekend 👐
3.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Cool things:
- Friends to lovers.
- Grumpy x sunshine (my fave) ☀️
- Self-employed / business owners.
-Small town resort town.
- Smutty book club buddies.
- Redhead & freckled female lead.
- Male lead who bakes & has a famous scone recipe.
- A cute dog with lots of cute dog scenes.
- Caretaking man.
- Sibling banter.
Some cons:
- A bit repetitive.
- Bachelor auction. 😪
- Dismissive language around safe sex. “Do you think I would do that to you??” / “It’s been so long for you I assumed you were fine” IMO just skip these kinds of scenes if they aren’t going to be handled in a way that promotes actual safe behavior and healthy discussions. 🫶
Some prominent TW: alcoholic parent, deceased parent, losing home due to a fire.
3.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Cool things:
- Friends to lovers.
- Grumpy x sunshine (my fave) ☀️
- Self-employed / business owners.
-
- Smutty book club buddies.
- Redhead & freckled female lead.
- Male lead who bakes & has a famous scone recipe.
- A cute dog with lots of cute dog scenes.
- Caretaking man.
- Sibling banter.
Some cons:
- A bit repetitive.
- Bachelor auction. 😪
- Dismissive language around safe sex. “Do you think I would do that to you??” / “It’s been so long for you I assumed you were fine” IMO just skip these kinds of scenes if they aren’t going to be handled in a way that promotes actual safe behavior and healthy discussions. 🫶
Some prominent TW: alcoholic parent, deceased parent, losing home due to a fire.
November 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Beck x Everly
Grumpy chef x sunshine vet
Best friends to lovers
It was nice 🤷🏼♀️
Beck x Everly
Grumpy chef x sunshine vet
Best friends to lovers
It was nice 🤷🏼♀️
September 29, 2022
Universal
Beck's been in love with his sunshiney best friend, Everly, since he first laid eyes on her. Oh sure, he's fought it, denied it, but when he sees another man in her house when he goes to fix something there, he knows he's a goner. The last straw, though, is when she temporarily moves in with him, now he can no longer deny his feelings for her. They're about to get decidedly more than friendly once in close confines.
When this grumpy/sunshine pair of friends moved past the line of friendship to more, my Kindle practically went up in flames. Their chemistry is so strong, so intense, and I love their connection. He's definitely a grunting grump, but she has always seen past it to his gooey soft inside, to his big heart. She's the only one he shows his teddy bear side to, and it's downright swoon worthy when he bares his soul all for her.
ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
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April 29, 2023
Well- the blurb made it sound like they lived together after she needed a place to stay and then some guy is introduced into the story and Beck goes for it with Everly. Not what happens :/
So 3 stars since I struggled with that. The review drew me in but it delivered a different product!
Spoilers ahead!
It was fine, I was looking for a grump book and that part was spot on. I want his blueberry scone recipe too. I don't really like the friends to lovers trope but this one was ok. It felt like some drama was building but it never played out.
What really happens is a guy shows up in Everly's life ( & house) and Beck finds him there. Nothing is revealed at the many opportunities that this is her BROTHER. That was a miss for me. Then her house burns down and she needs to shelter with Beck. She is pressured into returning home to her family across the country and once Beck finds this out, he and the town come together to support Everly in rebuilding and staying.
Safe and cute- minus 1 star for the excessive dirty talk. That's just me- others may enjoy it. But if my man said some of those things to me I would bust up laughing!
The dialogue had fun parts:
Beck and Sebastian-“What’s your name?” he asked. “You know, for the police report.”
I nearly snorted. Let him call. I’d love to have my eldest brother and town sheriff dragged out for some bullshit report. Brady would just love that. “Great. Tell them Beck says hi.”
Between Beck and Everly- lots of cute moments:
“Well, it was intimidating. You try being my size and facing a one-eyed Pringles can monster.” Beck inhaled sharply, which threw him into a coughing fit. Good. It served him right.
And with his family:
“Is there a reason you’re freaking out about Beck and Everly becoming Beverly?” Ford asked. “Don’t ever say that again.” I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest, and leaned against the counter.
“What? I thought it was catchy. Better than Evereck. That’s just stupid.”
So 3 stars since I struggled with that. The review drew me in but it delivered a different product!
Spoilers ahead!
It was fine, I was looking for a grump book and that part was spot on. I want his blueberry scone recipe too. I don't really like the friends to lovers trope but this one was ok. It felt like some drama was building but it never played out.
What really happens is a guy shows up in Everly's life ( & house) and Beck finds him there. Nothing is revealed at the many opportunities that this is her BROTHER. That was a miss for me. Then her house burns down and she needs to shelter with Beck. She is pressured into returning home to her family across the country and once Beck finds this out, he and the town come together to support Everly in rebuilding and staying.
Safe and cute- minus 1 star for the excessive dirty talk. That's just me- others may enjoy it. But if my man said some of those things to me I would bust up laughing!
The dialogue had fun parts:
Beck and Sebastian-“What’s your name?” he asked. “You know, for the police report.”
I nearly snorted. Let him call. I’d love to have my eldest brother and town sheriff dragged out for some bullshit report. Brady would just love that. “Great. Tell them Beck says hi.”
Between Beck and Everly- lots of cute moments:
“Well, it was intimidating. You try being my size and facing a one-eyed Pringles can monster.” Beck inhaled sharply, which threw him into a coughing fit. Good. It served him right.
And with his family:
“Is there a reason you’re freaking out about Beck and Everly becoming Beverly?” Ford asked. “Don’t ever say that again.” I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest, and leaned against the counter.
“What? I thought it was catchy. Better than Evereck. That’s just stupid.”
September 17, 2022
This was everything.
I love love loved Everly and Beck. She's cheery and striving for a life of her own. He's gruff and ready to do anything Everly needs. Together they're BFFs in a comfort zone that has everyone (but the two of them) saying they belong together. I loved seeing the siblings as the dynamic is hilarious when they're all together.
Plot wise, it was good. I will say that I spent the majority of the book waiting for the angsty times and I'm thrilled to report that it's not that bad. The conflict is not between the MCs and they're together the entire book. The chemistry is off the charts and hello, Beck's filthy mouth. I was not expecting that.
Overall, this story had me flying through it because it's so enjoyable and fun. Oh, and the set up for Ford's book is glorious.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
I love love loved Everly and Beck. She's cheery and striving for a life of her own. He's gruff and ready to do anything Everly needs. Together they're BFFs in a comfort zone that has everyone (but the two of them) saying they belong together. I loved seeing the siblings as the dynamic is hilarious when they're all together.
Plot wise, it was good. I will say that I spent the majority of the book waiting for the angsty times and I'm thrilled to report that it's not that bad. The conflict is not between the MCs and they're together the entire book. The chemistry is off the charts and hello, Beck's filthy mouth. I was not expecting that.
Overall, this story had me flying through it because it's so enjoyable and fun. Oh, and the set up for Ford's book is glorious.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
October 5, 2022
Y’all aren’t ready for Beck’s deliciously filthy mouth.
And I adored their whole vibe as a couple. Probably my favorite hero and coupling of Brighton’s to date.
Oh, and Beck’s mine. Sorry (not sorry), but I already called dibs.
And I adored their whole vibe as a couple. Probably my favorite hero and coupling of Brighton’s to date.
Oh, and Beck’s mine. Sorry (not sorry), but I already called dibs.
January 28, 2024
Protective Heart- Brighton Walsh
Narrated by Connor Crais and Stephanie Rose
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Usually I’m more into enemies to lovers, but I think I liked this friends to lovers better than book one, and I loved book one! I loved Beck’s filthy mouth, like he was reading straight out of the books we read. He is the perfect book boyfriend, completely devoted to Everly, especially when her house and vet clinic catch fire and she needs him. Not just a place to stay, but him…his comfort, his reassurance, his ability to take charge of this situation. Beck and Everly have fighting these feeling for each other for the two years that she’s been in town for fear of messing up their friendship, but it was like the fire was the straw the broke the camels back. They couldn’t hold back anymore. It’s a little bit of a slow burn building up to it, but once it’s going, it’s freaking scorching hot, and they are literally replaying spicy scenes from their favorite books together!
And let’s talk about the narration for just a minute… Connor Crais and his deep sexy voice when he says those filthy things does things to me. Incredible job. Stephanie did an amazing job as well! I think this is the first narration of hers I’ve heard, but I’m definitely looking forward to more!
Narrated by Connor Crais and Stephanie Rose
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Usually I’m more into enemies to lovers, but I think I liked this friends to lovers better than book one, and I loved book one! I loved Beck’s filthy mouth, like he was reading straight out of the books we read. He is the perfect book boyfriend, completely devoted to Everly, especially when her house and vet clinic catch fire and she needs him. Not just a place to stay, but him…his comfort, his reassurance, his ability to take charge of this situation. Beck and Everly have fighting these feeling for each other for the two years that she’s been in town for fear of messing up their friendship, but it was like the fire was the straw the broke the camels back. They couldn’t hold back anymore. It’s a little bit of a slow burn building up to it, but once it’s going, it’s freaking scorching hot, and they are literally replaying spicy scenes from their favorite books together!
And let’s talk about the narration for just a minute… Connor Crais and his deep sexy voice when he says those filthy things does things to me. Incredible job. Stephanie did an amazing job as well! I think this is the first narration of hers I’ve heard, but I’m definitely looking forward to more!
December 16, 2022
I absolutely blew through this book. I loved Starlight Cove and the characters that inhabited this small town! This book checked off several boxes for me, including small town romance, friends to lovers, and grumpy sunshine! The characters love and adoration for one another came across so deeply and rooted you into the story vividly! The food in here also made me super hungry in the best way possible! The only things I didn’t like was there definitely could’ve been more editing done, some work on areas of the spicy scenes, and a part where Beck could’ve not been a prick and pretend to know that he knew more about animals than Everly did as she is the veterinarian. Other than that, it was a spicy delight of a time!
April 8, 2024
3.25⭐️
Really cute grumpy/sunshine, friends to lovers, forced proximity. I just found that everything seemed to happen early and it drug on too long. I’m loving this family though and will definitely continue the series.
Really cute grumpy/sunshine, friends to lovers, forced proximity. I just found that everything seemed to happen early and it drug on too long. I’m loving this family though and will definitely continue the series.
May 14, 2024
A best friends to lovers romance between a grumpy chef and the sunshine vet with no third act breakup!!
Really liked this one a LOT!! He’s so obsessed with her and she’s just as obsessed 🤭👏🏻
The meddling family aspect carried as per usual and the banter >>>
Really liked this one a LOT!! He’s so obsessed with her and she’s just as obsessed 🤭👏🏻
The meddling family aspect carried as per usual and the banter >>>
March 27, 2023
OMG!!! This book was absolute perfection! I loved it!! I loved every page!! I especially loved that cover, goodness me. Yes! Yes! Yes!
March 26, 2025
I thought Beck was a jerk and Everly had a MPDG thing that I didn’t vibe with, but maaaaaan that was some good smut.
January 18, 2023
I don’t run but I could love reading a lot more if this is the outcome <3
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