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Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove #1
The Grump Next Door
Our first kiss was a lie. Our second was a mistake. And the night we spent tangled up in each other? Hot as hell but a complete disaster.
Because now Sutton Sinclair—the sharp-tongued troublemaker who left claw marks down my back and a dent in my self-control—is living in my backyard cottage with her teenage daughter. And I’m her goddamn landlord.
I like things quiet. Controlled. She's neither. Sutton’s chaos wrapped in sunshine, a temptation in scrubs I can’t seem to stay away from.
When her ex shows up acting like Sutton’s still his to lose, I claim her on instinct. The kiss? Hot. The fallout? Immediate.
Now my family—and the entire town—thinks we’re a couple.
Fake dating Sutton wasn’t in my playbook, but if being a pro-footballer turned high school coach has taught me anything, it’s how to pivot. All I have to do is keep my hands to myself.
Then her cottage floods.
Now we’re sharing a roof…and a bed. The line between real and fake is blurring faster than I can redo the guest house.
This is supposed to be temporary. But Sutton doesn’t just crash into my life—she rewrites it. She’s in my home, moaning my name, breaking every rule I’ve ever lived by.
And I’m starting to want something permanent with the woman who’s already got one foot out the door.
Because now Sutton Sinclair—the sharp-tongued troublemaker who left claw marks down my back and a dent in my self-control—is living in my backyard cottage with her teenage daughter. And I’m her goddamn landlord.
I like things quiet. Controlled. She's neither. Sutton’s chaos wrapped in sunshine, a temptation in scrubs I can’t seem to stay away from.
When her ex shows up acting like Sutton’s still his to lose, I claim her on instinct. The kiss? Hot. The fallout? Immediate.
Now my family—and the entire town—thinks we’re a couple.
Fake dating Sutton wasn’t in my playbook, but if being a pro-footballer turned high school coach has taught me anything, it’s how to pivot. All I have to do is keep my hands to myself.
Then her cottage floods.
Now we’re sharing a roof…and a bed. The line between real and fake is blurring faster than I can redo the guest house.
This is supposed to be temporary. But Sutton doesn’t just crash into my life—she rewrites it. She’s in my home, moaning my name, breaking every rule I’ve ever lived by.
And I’m starting to want something permanent with the woman who’s already got one foot out the door.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2025
878 people are currently reading
7406 people want to read
About the author
Brighton Walsh
50 books2,020 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 923 reviews
June 22, 2025
✩ 5 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Fake Dating
➼ One Night Stand (to oops he’s my landlord)
➼ Grumpy x Sunshine
➼ Travel Nurse x Former Pro Football Player
➼ Single Mom
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Neighbors/Housemates
➼ Small Town
➼ He Reads Romance Books
➼ Protective MMC
➼ Found Family
➼ He calls her “Trouble”
➼ 3rd Act Break Up
➼ Grand Gesture
➼ Duet Audio (Jason Clarke & Emma Wilder)
➼ Dual First Person POV
Not to be dramatic, but this was one of the BEST sports romances I’ve ever read! Easily one of my top three faves! This was a treasure trove of tropes and the tension between the MC’s was smoking hot from start to finish. They were magnetically drawn to each other, but since they were both far from home, neither of them expected things to go beyond that first night together.
I loved that this was slow burn but that it also delivered some very spicy spice right off the bat. The whole structure of the plot and the progression of their relationship was honestly perfect. No matter how magnetic their initial connection was, finding out he was her landlord made it only logical for them to pump the breaks. It also made the tension between them that much sweeter.
I loved the small town setting and his family dynamic was so fun! I fully expect this author to write books for each of his brothers and I will be first in line to read them! The FMC had an unplanned pregnancy at a very young age and was completely cut off by her family as a result. She was a travel nurse who did her best to provide stability for her daughter but having to continually move was hard on both of them. Starlight Cove was the last place her teenage daughter wanted to be but it and his family quickly found their way into both of their hearts.
This book was narrated by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder and they both did a fantastic job! Nothing beats Duet audio but this one was exceptionally good! Both voice actors were perfectly chosen for their roles which made this book that much more enjoyable. Highly recommend listening to the audio if you can get your hands on it!
And Atlas… oh my goodness, so grumpy and possessive but also so soft and supportive. Such a perfect MMC! I’m honestly so in love! He’s the gold standard in book boyfriends! I mean, he even paid attention to what she was reading so he could read all her romance books. 🥹 He was so sweet to her daughter too. Just an all around 10/10 guy.
This is a new to me author, but it looks like she has around 50 other books out there, so I guess I’ll be busy for a while. 🤗
Thank you to the author, Hambright PR and Bright Publishing for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. I genuinely loved it so much! 🫶🏻
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Starting another ALC! This is a new to me author but the tropes and synopsis were really calling to me!
TROPES (provided by the author and Hambright PR)
🌃 One night stand (to oops he’s my landlord)
🤫 Fake dating
😎 Grumpy/sunshine
👩🏼 Single mom
🚪 Forced proximity
🩷 Neighbors
🏘️ Small town
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
What to Expect:
➼ Fake Dating
➼ One Night Stand (to oops he’s my landlord)
➼ Grumpy x Sunshine
➼ Travel Nurse x Former Pro Football Player
➼ Single Mom
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Neighbors/Housemates
➼ Small Town
➼ He Reads Romance Books
➼ Protective MMC
➼ Found Family
➼ He calls her “Trouble”
➼ 3rd Act Break Up
➼ Grand Gesture
➼ Duet Audio (Jason Clarke & Emma Wilder)
➼ Dual First Person POV
Not to be dramatic, but this was one of the BEST sports romances I’ve ever read! Easily one of my top three faves! This was a treasure trove of tropes and the tension between the MC’s was smoking hot from start to finish. They were magnetically drawn to each other, but since they were both far from home, neither of them expected things to go beyond that first night together.
I loved that this was slow burn but that it also delivered some very spicy spice right off the bat. The whole structure of the plot and the progression of their relationship was honestly perfect. No matter how magnetic their initial connection was, finding out he was her landlord made it only logical for them to pump the breaks. It also made the tension between them that much sweeter.
I loved the small town setting and his family dynamic was so fun! I fully expect this author to write books for each of his brothers and I will be first in line to read them! The FMC had an unplanned pregnancy at a very young age and was completely cut off by her family as a result. She was a travel nurse who did her best to provide stability for her daughter but having to continually move was hard on both of them. Starlight Cove was the last place her teenage daughter wanted to be but it and his family quickly found their way into both of their hearts.
This book was narrated by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder and they both did a fantastic job! Nothing beats Duet audio but this one was exceptionally good! Both voice actors were perfectly chosen for their roles which made this book that much more enjoyable. Highly recommend listening to the audio if you can get your hands on it!
And Atlas… oh my goodness, so grumpy and possessive but also so soft and supportive. Such a perfect MMC! I’m honestly so in love! He’s the gold standard in book boyfriends! I mean, he even paid attention to what she was reading so he could read all her romance books. 🥹 He was so sweet to her daughter too. Just an all around 10/10 guy.
This is a new to me author, but it looks like she has around 50 other books out there, so I guess I’ll be busy for a while. 🤗
Thank you to the author, Hambright PR and Bright Publishing for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. I genuinely loved it so much! 🫶🏻
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Starting another ALC! This is a new to me author but the tropes and synopsis were really calling to me!
TROPES (provided by the author and Hambright PR)
🌃 One night stand (to oops he’s my landlord)
🤫 Fake dating
😎 Grumpy/sunshine
👩🏼 Single mom
🚪 Forced proximity
🩷 Neighbors
🏘️ Small town
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
August 24, 2025
⋆˚࿔ Review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
4⭐️
I honestly went into this with zero expectations, but I ended up really loving it. The humor throughout had me grinning so much.
Sutton and Lauren were the funniest mother–daughter duo, their banter and inside jokes gave the story such a fun dynamic. And their goodbye saying, “Stay sexy and don’t get murdered,” absolutely killed me 😂. Their relationship was so heartwarming; you could really feel how much love and support they had for each other.
Lauren in particular had me laughing nonstop. Her interactions with Atlas were hilarious, but what stood out even more was their sweet friendship. Their dynamic added so much to the story, it balanced the funny moments with heartfelt ones, and I adored every bit of it.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
Decided to pick this up on a whim after spending the whole day debating what to read😭
4⭐️
I honestly went into this with zero expectations, but I ended up really loving it. The humor throughout had me grinning so much.
Sutton and Lauren were the funniest mother–daughter duo, their banter and inside jokes gave the story such a fun dynamic. And their goodbye saying, “Stay sexy and don’t get murdered,” absolutely killed me 😂. Their relationship was so heartwarming; you could really feel how much love and support they had for each other.
Lauren in particular had me laughing nonstop. Her interactions with Atlas were hilarious, but what stood out even more was their sweet friendship. Their dynamic added so much to the story, it balanced the funny moments with heartfelt ones, and I adored every bit of it.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
Decided to pick this up on a whim after spending the whole day debating what to read😭
June 5, 2025
I LOVE ATLAS SO BAD!!!!!
The book starts with 5 pages of smut and he beats the brakes off her ass and then she ends up being his new tenant!!
Please the forced proximity, the banter, the tension, the acts of service in this book had me kicking my feet and blushing like an idiot. The way he takes care of her and her kids like it’s second nature omg please and the way she talks back to him and is so funny they were so good together! Brighton always eats up everything she write and I can’t wait to read about the rest of his brothers!
The book starts with 5 pages of smut and he beats the brakes off her ass and then she ends up being his new tenant!!
Please the forced proximity, the banter, the tension, the acts of service in this book had me kicking my feet and blushing like an idiot. The way he takes care of her and her kids like it’s second nature omg please and the way she talks back to him and is so funny they were so good together! Brighton always eats up everything she write and I can’t wait to read about the rest of his brothers!
June 6, 2025
If you know me at all, you know Brighton Walsh is one of my favorite authors, and I’ll forever be recommending her books to everyone! From the dedication alone, I knew I was in for a treat with this one.
It all starts with a spicy one-night stand (no complaints here 😏) and turns into the most delicious forced proximity situation. Sutton, a traveling nurse, ends up renting the guest cottage attached to Atlas’s house. Yep, same Atlas from the one-night stand who is a retired football player turned grumpy high school coach.
Y’all… I devoured this book. Atlas is seriously next-level grumpy, but also totally swoon-worthy. The way he shows up for the people he loves had me melting. Laurel (Sutton’s daughter) calls him Daddy Grump and honestly? Iconic. Couldn’t be more accurate. This book gave me banter, spice, swoons, and just the right amount of angst. I laughed, I blushed, I felt things.
Throw in some amazing side characters like Atlas’s mom and brothers, a charming small town, and a lovely found family vibe, and you’ve got a story I didn’t want to end. I’m already counting down the days for the next book in the series!
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 High School Football Coach x Single Mom
❤️🔥 Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️🔥 Fake Dating
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
It all starts with a spicy one-night stand (no complaints here 😏) and turns into the most delicious forced proximity situation. Sutton, a traveling nurse, ends up renting the guest cottage attached to Atlas’s house. Yep, same Atlas from the one-night stand who is a retired football player turned grumpy high school coach.
Y’all… I devoured this book. Atlas is seriously next-level grumpy, but also totally swoon-worthy. The way he shows up for the people he loves had me melting. Laurel (Sutton’s daughter) calls him Daddy Grump and honestly? Iconic. Couldn’t be more accurate. This book gave me banter, spice, swoons, and just the right amount of angst. I laughed, I blushed, I felt things.
Throw in some amazing side characters like Atlas’s mom and brothers, a charming small town, and a lovely found family vibe, and you’ve got a story I didn’t want to end. I’m already counting down the days for the next book in the series!
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 High School Football Coach x Single Mom
❤️🔥 Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️🔥 Fake Dating
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
June 15, 2025
5/5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶️
I DEVOURED THIS!!!!!
Atlas… THE MAN THAT YOU ARE 🔥😮💨
I don’t know what it is about this grumpy football coach but I’m so obsessed!! I mean just look at the cover… 🔥🔥🔥
I haven’t rated any of Brighton’s books below a 5 star. She just gets me hooked from the beginning and the amount of spice in this book had me absolutely absorbed into each page. I love Sutton and Atlas so much. The way she would sass back to him had me laughing so much. They had hilarious back and forth banter 😂
I need more in this series ASAP!!!
Warning…the bar scene… HOT!!!!! 🥵🥵🥵
If you love..
-Single Mom
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Forced Proximity
-Former Pro Football Player
-Fake Dating
READ THIS BOOK!!!!!
I DEVOURED THIS!!!!!
Atlas… THE MAN THAT YOU ARE 🔥😮💨
I don’t know what it is about this grumpy football coach but I’m so obsessed!! I mean just look at the cover… 🔥🔥🔥
I haven’t rated any of Brighton’s books below a 5 star. She just gets me hooked from the beginning and the amount of spice in this book had me absolutely absorbed into each page. I love Sutton and Atlas so much. The way she would sass back to him had me laughing so much. They had hilarious back and forth banter 😂
I need more in this series ASAP!!!
Warning…the bar scene… HOT!!!!! 🥵🥵🥵
If you love..
-Single Mom
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Forced Proximity
-Former Pro Football Player
-Fake Dating
READ THIS BOOK!!!!!
June 11, 2025
Audio:
-5 stars for Jason Clarke
-3.5 stars for Emma Wilder.
Book: 3.5 stars
Started out good, but think of something other than banging him all the time! I wanted to see more interacting with them maybe at the high school or even with her daughter and Daddy Grump lol
-5 stars for Jason Clarke
-3.5 stars for Emma Wilder.
Book: 3.5 stars
Started out good, but think of something other than banging him all the time! I wanted to see more interacting with them maybe at the high school or even with her daughter and Daddy Grump lol
June 29, 2025
Loved it so much! This is my first read from this author and I'm so excited to have a big back log of books to read from her. I hope they are just as good as this one.
So much about this book I loved. The heroine, Sutton, and her teenage daughter, Laurel, had snark. The fun kind, not the annoying kind. I loved so much how Laurel would call the hero, Atlas, Daddy Grump. Their relationship was just as fun to read because Atlas was a total pushover for her. He made such a great dad even when he didn't know he was doing it.
I loved Atlas with Sutton just as much but in such a different way. He was so grumpy and she would just snark back. I was highly entertained. Add in all the wacky characters in this small town and this just made for an addicting read.
I requested the bonus epilogue and it was so worth it! I loved it and I can't wait for book two!
So much about this book I loved. The heroine, Sutton, and her teenage daughter, Laurel, had snark. The fun kind, not the annoying kind. I loved so much how Laurel would call the hero, Atlas, Daddy Grump. Their relationship was just as fun to read because Atlas was a total pushover for her. He made such a great dad even when he didn't know he was doing it.
I loved Atlas with Sutton just as much but in such a different way. He was so grumpy and she would just snark back. I was highly entertained. Add in all the wacky characters in this small town and this just made for an addicting read.
I requested the bonus epilogue and it was so worth it! I loved it and I can't wait for book two!
June 20, 2025
Atlas and Sutton meet first at a bar and well HE GAVR HER EVERYTHING!! Yes guys the first chapters 💦💦 it was everything hehe. Then they go their separate ways only to find out Sutton and her daughter Laurel are his new tenants and he says something that puts the banter and everything on ice. It isn't until a creepy ex comes by has Atlas claims her in front of their small town and to keep rumors and ex away they fake date. But it feels real to both of them. And boy the banter and sleepovers 👏🏻 plus his relationship with Laurel was so cute he let her get away with a lot lol.
Tons of spiciness and we do have another miscommunication drama but it wasn't long and he didn't act to Dickish. That had them separated too long.
I did feel bad that Atlas was always the go-go guy. Like his brothers did get on my nerves.
Idk if I'll read the rest of the series.
Saftey-he has no hoes in town so yes!! She has one creepy ex that doesnt last long with that drama.
No ow/tiny om (ex-bf), no cheating, a slight secondary character, tiny drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push away from H
Age gap
32h/40H
Praise kink
Pleasure dom/Brat tamer
Force proximity
Safe/no condom
Hea
Epilogue
Tons of spiciness and we do have another miscommunication drama but it wasn't long and he didn't act to Dickish. That had them separated too long.
I did feel bad that Atlas was always the go-go guy. Like his brothers did get on my nerves.
Idk if I'll read the rest of the series.
Saftey-he has no hoes in town so yes!! She has one creepy ex that doesnt last long with that drama.
No ow/tiny om (ex-bf), no cheating, a slight secondary character, tiny drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push away from H
Age gap
32h/40H
Praise kink
Pleasure dom/Brat tamer
Force proximity
Safe/no condom
Hea
Epilogue
May 28, 2025
4.5 stars ALC Review
Thank you to Brighton and Hambright PR for the ALC for my honest review! I was hooked from the get-go with this book. I loved the relationship that Sutton has with her daughter. It immediately gave me Gilmore Girl vibes. Then throw in the fact that we've got a grumpy MMC. Although I think I liked Atlas in this book more than I like Luke on Gilmore Girls 🤭. I absolutely ate this book up and left no crumbs. The audiobook was amazing. The narrators are some of my favorites, and we get duet narration 🙌. If you are looking for Gilmore Girls vibes, love grumpy x sunshine and/or single mom romances, look no further. This is the next book you need to read!
Thank you to Brighton and Hambright PR for the ALC for my honest review! I was hooked from the get-go with this book. I loved the relationship that Sutton has with her daughter. It immediately gave me Gilmore Girl vibes. Then throw in the fact that we've got a grumpy MMC. Although I think I liked Atlas in this book more than I like Luke on Gilmore Girls 🤭. I absolutely ate this book up and left no crumbs. The audiobook was amazing. The narrators are some of my favorites, and we get duet narration 🙌. If you are looking for Gilmore Girls vibes, love grumpy x sunshine and/or single mom romances, look no further. This is the next book you need to read!
June 13, 2025
This was my 1st book of Ms.Walsh but it won't be last. The story was a little bit predictable but still I really enjoyed of listening the audiobook version. You definitely give it a chance too!😘
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*** I voluntarily listened to an ALC of this book and I'm leaving an honest review. Thanks to Hambright PR Team. 🙏❤️
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*** I voluntarily listened to an ALC of this book and I'm leaving an honest review. Thanks to Hambright PR Team. 🙏❤️
August 1, 2025
* 4⭐️5🌶️
* “The book begins with Sutton and Atlas sharing a hot one-night stand, mistakenly believing they'll never see each other again. However, fate has other plans, and Sutton discovers that Atlas is her new landlord when she moves into the cottage behind his house. Despite their attempts to avoid each other, circumstances, including Sutton's ex reappearing and a subsequent fake dating arrangement, pull them closer.”
* Loved this book. First I’ve read from this author and I can’t wait for the next book in the series about Xander!
* Read if you like: one night stand, small town, grumpy MMC, single mom, steamy, found family, cat daddy
* “The book begins with Sutton and Atlas sharing a hot one-night stand, mistakenly believing they'll never see each other again. However, fate has other plans, and Sutton discovers that Atlas is her new landlord when she moves into the cottage behind his house. Despite their attempts to avoid each other, circumstances, including Sutton's ex reappearing and a subsequent fake dating arrangement, pull them closer.”
* Loved this book. First I’ve read from this author and I can’t wait for the next book in the series about Xander!
* Read if you like: one night stand, small town, grumpy MMC, single mom, steamy, found family, cat daddy
Want to read
June 7, 2025maybe, but I need safety first
May 25, 2025
✨ Audio Review ✨
Yes to trouble!! The Grump Next Door by Brighton Walsh was a sweet and spicy one night stand to lovers romance that had me seriously blushing and happy sighing from start to finish. Brighton brought her signature steam and tender moments with Sutton and Atlas’ romance that I couldn’t get enough of!
Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke perform this audiobook in duet-style narration. The way these two fully embodied Sutton and Atlas had me addicted to this book in every way! Emma gave Sutton a certain sass and strength that had me cheering for Sutton to get everything she deserved in life. Plus, her portrayal of Laurel, Sutton’s sixteen year old daughter, was full of quick wit and humor that had me laughing so hard. Jason dropped his deep baritone voice to new enticing levels of low, giving us plenty of growl to embody broody, surly Atlas. Both narrators turned up the heat with the sizzling hot chemistry between Sutton and Atlas!
Overall, I LOVED this book! If you are a fan of small town romance with a hot former pro football player, a fiercely devoted traveling nurse, a feisty sixteen year old, an adorable kitten, one night stands, new landlords, town festivals, adult toys, fake dating, text banter with brothers, creepy stalker exes, close proximity, bar spice, delicious dirty talk, romance books, advice giving mothers, love decorations, and a HEA that is a romance readers’ dream, then you will love Sutton and Atlas’ story. I always look forward to more from Brighton Walsh.
Yes to trouble!! The Grump Next Door by Brighton Walsh was a sweet and spicy one night stand to lovers romance that had me seriously blushing and happy sighing from start to finish. Brighton brought her signature steam and tender moments with Sutton and Atlas’ romance that I couldn’t get enough of!
Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke perform this audiobook in duet-style narration. The way these two fully embodied Sutton and Atlas had me addicted to this book in every way! Emma gave Sutton a certain sass and strength that had me cheering for Sutton to get everything she deserved in life. Plus, her portrayal of Laurel, Sutton’s sixteen year old daughter, was full of quick wit and humor that had me laughing so hard. Jason dropped his deep baritone voice to new enticing levels of low, giving us plenty of growl to embody broody, surly Atlas. Both narrators turned up the heat with the sizzling hot chemistry between Sutton and Atlas!
Overall, I LOVED this book! If you are a fan of small town romance with a hot former pro football player, a fiercely devoted traveling nurse, a feisty sixteen year old, an adorable kitten, one night stands, new landlords, town festivals, adult toys, fake dating, text banter with brothers, creepy stalker exes, close proximity, bar spice, delicious dirty talk, romance books, advice giving mothers, love decorations, and a HEA that is a romance readers’ dream, then you will love Sutton and Atlas’ story. I always look forward to more from Brighton Walsh.
June 5, 2025
Just finished The Grump Next Door by Brighton Walsh and it was the perfect mix of sweet & spicy! 🍭🌶️
This was my first read from the author and I’m already ready to dive into more, such an easy, breezy story that gave total swoony escape vibes. Sutton and Atlas completely won me over, and her daughter Laurel added a heartwarming, Gilmore Girls style touch to the story. 💁🏼♀️💕
Both Sutton and Atlas are lonely in different ways, and watching them slowly find comfort, connection, and love in each other was so satisfying. Add in the humor, the heat, and some delightful small town charm, and I was hooked!
✨Tropes I loved:
💘 Fake dating
🌤️ Grump x Sunshine
👩👧 Single mom
🔥 One night stand
🏡 Neighbors / Forced proximity
This one gave me all the feels and all the smiles. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for something heartwarming and a little spicy!
This was my first read from the author and I’m already ready to dive into more, such an easy, breezy story that gave total swoony escape vibes. Sutton and Atlas completely won me over, and her daughter Laurel added a heartwarming, Gilmore Girls style touch to the story. 💁🏼♀️💕
Both Sutton and Atlas are lonely in different ways, and watching them slowly find comfort, connection, and love in each other was so satisfying. Add in the humor, the heat, and some delightful small town charm, and I was hooked!
✨Tropes I loved:
💘 Fake dating
🌤️ Grump x Sunshine
👩👧 Single mom
🔥 One night stand
🏡 Neighbors / Forced proximity
This one gave me all the feels and all the smiles. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for something heartwarming and a little spicy!
June 9, 2025
oooooo this was a good one!! 10/10 dirty talk & spice.
what happens when a hunky one night stand turns out to be your new landlord in the small town you moved to & also works at the same school you just got hired to be a nurse at... well read this hot book and you will be sure to find out!!
I really enjoyed this story and enjoyed seeing a big ole tough man bring his walls down for a single mom and her fearless teenager <3
Tropes:
single mom
grumpy x sunshine
forced proximity
age gap
one night stand
small town
what happens when a hunky one night stand turns out to be your new landlord in the small town you moved to & also works at the same school you just got hired to be a nurse at... well read this hot book and you will be sure to find out!!
I really enjoyed this story and enjoyed seeing a big ole tough man bring his walls down for a single mom and her fearless teenager <3
Tropes:
single mom
grumpy x sunshine
forced proximity
age gap
one night stand
small town
June 4, 2025
This is a new to me author and I loved the book so much. I was hooked from the beginning.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 10, 2025
I loved every second of The Grump Next Door! It was fast-paced and exciting with the perfect combination of everything I love in a story. I loved the characters, the instant lust and chemistry, and the building feelings as everything developed. Add in the small-town feel and the perfection of one snarky and sarcastic teen, and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved Sutton and how hard she worked to make a good life for her and her daughter, Laurel. I loved how close they were and how cute they were together. Then there was Atlas, this man was all kinds of grumpy, and I immediately loved him because he was hard on the outside but a caring, protective, good guy at his core. That instant spark between Atlas and Sutton was off the charts. It jumps right into the spice, and the heat kept coming. This baby is smoking hot! I loved how Sutton doesn’t put up with his gruffness and it throws him off his game. It created fantastic banter and bickering filled with an underlying sexual tension that I ate it up. I loved the forced proximity situation and the development of their relationship as they start fake dating, and the why behind it. When the fake starts to turn real, it's awesome. I loved them fighting their feelings, all the emotion, and the sweet and playful moments.
I liked the characters involved a lot. I found them engaging, making me want to read their stories as well. Laurel was the best. This girl had me cracking up, her eye rolls and witty barbs were priceless. I also adored her nickname for Atlas. I loved learning Atlas’s history and what made him tick. I really liked the relationship he had with his brothers and the ribbing between them. There were some small-town quirky characters in play that really rounded things out and made me smile.
I found this to be a really entertaining and super sexy read filled with just the right amount of emotion and tension. I loved the build and details, I felt pulled in and invested the entire time. There was a doozy of an epilogue, leaving me chomping at the bit for the next story. I can’t wait! This was a five-star read for me. Loved it!
Complimentary copy received.
I loved Sutton and how hard she worked to make a good life for her and her daughter, Laurel. I loved how close they were and how cute they were together. Then there was Atlas, this man was all kinds of grumpy, and I immediately loved him because he was hard on the outside but a caring, protective, good guy at his core. That instant spark between Atlas and Sutton was off the charts. It jumps right into the spice, and the heat kept coming. This baby is smoking hot! I loved how Sutton doesn’t put up with his gruffness and it throws him off his game. It created fantastic banter and bickering filled with an underlying sexual tension that I ate it up. I loved the forced proximity situation and the development of their relationship as they start fake dating, and the why behind it. When the fake starts to turn real, it's awesome. I loved them fighting their feelings, all the emotion, and the sweet and playful moments.
I liked the characters involved a lot. I found them engaging, making me want to read their stories as well. Laurel was the best. This girl had me cracking up, her eye rolls and witty barbs were priceless. I also adored her nickname for Atlas. I loved learning Atlas’s history and what made him tick. I really liked the relationship he had with his brothers and the ribbing between them. There were some small-town quirky characters in play that really rounded things out and made me smile.
I found this to be a really entertaining and super sexy read filled with just the right amount of emotion and tension. I loved the build and details, I felt pulled in and invested the entire time. There was a doozy of an epilogue, leaving me chomping at the bit for the next story. I can’t wait! This was a five-star read for me. Loved it!
Complimentary copy received.
May 23, 2025
ALC REVIEW!
Narrated by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder
These two did so good with this one! Absolutely killed the total grump MMC!
My first by Brighton Walsh and I can’t wait to read more! This was such a fun/spicy small town romance! One night stand, grumpy/sunshine, single mom, forced proximity… so many good tropes & this story was so good! I loooved atlas and his grumpy self. The chemistry and banter in this one had me hooked!
Narrated by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder
These two did so good with this one! Absolutely killed the total grump MMC!
My first by Brighton Walsh and I can’t wait to read more! This was such a fun/spicy small town romance! One night stand, grumpy/sunshine, single mom, forced proximity… so many good tropes & this story was so good! I loooved atlas and his grumpy self. The chemistry and banter in this one had me hooked!
May 27, 2025
If you’ve read Brighton Walsh’s Starlight Cove series and loved the cosy small-town vibes and lovable characters, then The Grump Next Door will be right up your alley. It’s a spin-off that brings the same charm, with a new couple you’ll be cheering for.
Sutton is a single mum to teenager Laurel, and her story kicks off with a one-night stand with Atlas, the local grump who, surprise … turns out to be her landlord when she moves to Starlight Cove. Cue forced proximity, meddling townsfolk, and a fake dating setup that we all know is doomed to become something real.
Yes, the story follows a familiar path complete with a third act breakup and a grand gesture but the characters are what make it shine. The banter is fun, the chemistry is great, and it’s just a really easy book to enjoy.
Laurel is easily one of my fave characters; she’s a quick-witted, sassy teenager who would utterly terrify me if I met her in person. She’s clocked the fake dating from the get-go and isn’t buying it for a second because the sparks between her mum and Atlas are basically lighting up the block. But what really got me? The relationship that forms between her and Atlas. It’s unexpectedly tender and had me all kinds of emotional. Absolute softie vibes.
And yes, some of your Starlight Cove faves pop in, including the ever-nosy (and ever-lovable) Mabel, who’s basically the town’s unofficial chaos coordinator.
If you’re into witty banter, heartfelt moments, and a little bit of spice, this one’s a solid pick. I’d recommend adding this book to your TBR quicker than you can say green …
Fave Quotes
“It’s not my pet! I don’t even want it.” I scrubbed a hand over my brow and tucked the kitten back inside my coat. She shrugged, projecting that teenage air of indifference. “Doesn’t matter. You were chosen by the Kitten Distribution System.” “By the fucking what?” “You know, kittens just get delivered randomly.” She gestured toward where the tiny creature was curled up in my jacket. “Clearly.”
“It better be my name you say tonight, trouble. Not God’s.” I tightened my grip on her throat, using it as leverage to fuck into her faster, deeper, the bed rattling with my efforts. “It’s not God who’s going to make you come on his cock, is it?”
Sutton is a single mum to teenager Laurel, and her story kicks off with a one-night stand with Atlas, the local grump who, surprise … turns out to be her landlord when she moves to Starlight Cove. Cue forced proximity, meddling townsfolk, and a fake dating setup that we all know is doomed to become something real.
Yes, the story follows a familiar path complete with a third act breakup and a grand gesture but the characters are what make it shine. The banter is fun, the chemistry is great, and it’s just a really easy book to enjoy.
Laurel is easily one of my fave characters; she’s a quick-witted, sassy teenager who would utterly terrify me if I met her in person. She’s clocked the fake dating from the get-go and isn’t buying it for a second because the sparks between her mum and Atlas are basically lighting up the block. But what really got me? The relationship that forms between her and Atlas. It’s unexpectedly tender and had me all kinds of emotional. Absolute softie vibes.
And yes, some of your Starlight Cove faves pop in, including the ever-nosy (and ever-lovable) Mabel, who’s basically the town’s unofficial chaos coordinator.
If you’re into witty banter, heartfelt moments, and a little bit of spice, this one’s a solid pick. I’d recommend adding this book to your TBR quicker than you can say green …
Fave Quotes
“It’s not my pet! I don’t even want it.” I scrubbed a hand over my brow and tucked the kitten back inside my coat. She shrugged, projecting that teenage air of indifference. “Doesn’t matter. You were chosen by the Kitten Distribution System.” “By the fucking what?” “You know, kittens just get delivered randomly.” She gestured toward where the tiny creature was curled up in my jacket. “Clearly.”
“It better be my name you say tonight, trouble. Not God’s.” I tightened my grip on her throat, using it as leverage to fuck into her faster, deeper, the bed rattling with my efforts. “It’s not God who’s going to make you come on his cock, is it?”
July 8, 2025
Wow the banter and the relationship between Sutton and Atlas was so good. I love how Atlas loved "his girls". He treated Suttons daughter like his own.
Now let's talk about that ending it left me hanging I cannot wait to find out about Xander and his "daughter". So glad I found this author.
Now let's talk about that ending it left me hanging I cannot wait to find out about Xander and his "daughter". So glad I found this author.
June 18, 2025
3.5 probably, it gave what it needed to give which was smut
June 5, 2025
I'm not ready to full on review/rate this greatness but check out my *shelf* ...
But also ... If you happen to be an audiobook *reader*, you must experience this story in your ears. No amount of imagination will give you the experience that is Atlas, Sutton and Laurel! Seriously. YOU HAVE TO TRUST ME!
k, i'll be back
But also ... If you happen to be an audiobook *reader*, you must experience this story in your ears. No amount of imagination will give you the experience that is Atlas, Sutton and Laurel! Seriously. YOU HAVE TO TRUST ME!
k, i'll be back
July 25, 2025
e-ARC/ALC REVIEW: BLOWN AWAY! When I say a book was a 5 ⭐️ banger this book is what I mean! Holy hell the story was amazing + the narrators were amazing! Nobody besides Jason Clarke + Emma Wilder could’ve brought Atlas + Sutton to life like they did. I was beyond excited to return to Starlight Cove and book 1 of the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove did not disappoint.
Atlas Steele is the classic oldest child with abandonment issues who wants to take care of everyone around him. But who’s going to take care of him? Enter Sutton Sinclair, who moved to a new town with her teenage daughter for a 6 month nursing contract with an added bonus of getting multiple states away from an ex.
After a one night stand, these two find themselves living on the same property and when disaster strikes finding themselves in even closer proximity. I’m a sucker for grumpy/sunshine + forced proximity and these two delivered on both fronts. I also loved how much of Laurel we got and how they formed such a family unit. Then who could forget the best side character ever created, Mabel!?!?!!
I’m looking forward to the rest of this series! Thank you Brighton Walsh + Hambright PR for the e-ARC/ALC so I could do an immersion read. Go grab it now!!
Atlas Steele is the classic oldest child with abandonment issues who wants to take care of everyone around him. But who’s going to take care of him? Enter Sutton Sinclair, who moved to a new town with her teenage daughter for a 6 month nursing contract with an added bonus of getting multiple states away from an ex.
After a one night stand, these two find themselves living on the same property and when disaster strikes finding themselves in even closer proximity. I’m a sucker for grumpy/sunshine + forced proximity and these two delivered on both fronts. I also loved how much of Laurel we got and how they formed such a family unit. Then who could forget the best side character ever created, Mabel!?!?!!
I’m looking forward to the rest of this series! Thank you Brighton Walsh + Hambright PR for the e-ARC/ALC so I could do an immersion read. Go grab it now!!
July 31, 2025
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine romance between Atlas and Sutton. They first interaction results in a one-night stand. She had no idea that she would see him again in her new life in small town, Starlight Cove, Maine--and that he would be her new landlord.
Atlas is a grumpy, man of few words. He is also a good man, rescuing a kitten though he doesn't even like cats. He is so caring behind all the grumpiness. He is protective of both Sutton and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Laurel, who is so funny and sarcastic.
This is narrated in duet by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder, two of my absolute favorites. They both were amazing. Jason Clarke can do both growly and fun. He also voices his brothers in this, and they are a crack-up. Emma voices sweet Sutton and the sarcasm by Laurel so well.
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for an advanced readers copy and an advanced listeners copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine romance between Atlas and Sutton. They first interaction results in a one-night stand. She had no idea that she would see him again in her new life in small town, Starlight Cove, Maine--and that he would be her new landlord.
Atlas is a grumpy, man of few words. He is also a good man, rescuing a kitten though he doesn't even like cats. He is so caring behind all the grumpiness. He is protective of both Sutton and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Laurel, who is so funny and sarcastic.
This is narrated in duet by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder, two of my absolute favorites. They both were amazing. Jason Clarke can do both growly and fun. He also voices his brothers in this, and they are a crack-up. Emma voices sweet Sutton and the sarcasm by Laurel so well.
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for an advanced readers copy and an advanced listeners copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 26, 2025
This one starts out with a bang and keeps going! It drew me in right from the start with interesting characters that really come to life and it’s a fun strangers-to-lovers/one-night-stand-to-lovers tale.
There’s a Gilmore Girls-esque vibe to this with Sutton and her teenage daughter Laurel and the small town setting, which is really entertaining. They just have a great, quippy relationship and that extends to Laurel with Atlas as well which I really appreciated.
Atlas is a big, tough grump of a man holding it all together supporting his family and coaching the local high school football team, but has a golden heart deep in there. I was picturing Roy Kent vibes a little - not sure if that’s some intention but it’s kind of what I had in mind lol and then along comes Sutton, this strong woman doing it on her own since she was a teen and she just gets under his skin.
If you want a man that is a grade-A classic protector, one that notices the things, does the things, takes care of the things - this is iiiit. He had me yearning so hard, can someone come take care of me please??? lol
Sutton is a perfect strong woman and snarky brat to play against Atlas’ protective and grumpy nature, I really enjoyed the dynamic - it had me grinning quite a few times and it’s also pretty hot in the bedroom 🥵
They do break your heart a bit, I shed a small tear, but then fell in love with them all over again.
Overall a well-written, heartwarming and sweet, yet still plenty spicy (lots of open door scenes!) book with a good sprinkle of humour. Definite recommend if you like small town romances!
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
There’s a Gilmore Girls-esque vibe to this with Sutton and her teenage daughter Laurel and the small town setting, which is really entertaining. They just have a great, quippy relationship and that extends to Laurel with Atlas as well which I really appreciated.
Atlas is a big, tough grump of a man holding it all together supporting his family and coaching the local high school football team, but has a golden heart deep in there. I was picturing Roy Kent vibes a little - not sure if that’s some intention but it’s kind of what I had in mind lol and then along comes Sutton, this strong woman doing it on her own since she was a teen and she just gets under his skin.
If you want a man that is a grade-A classic protector, one that notices the things, does the things, takes care of the things - this is iiiit. He had me yearning so hard, can someone come take care of me please??? lol
Sutton is a perfect strong woman and snarky brat to play against Atlas’ protective and grumpy nature, I really enjoyed the dynamic - it had me grinning quite a few times and it’s also pretty hot in the bedroom 🥵
They do break your heart a bit, I shed a small tear, but then fell in love with them all over again.
Overall a well-written, heartwarming and sweet, yet still plenty spicy (lots of open door scenes!) book with a good sprinkle of humour. Definite recommend if you like small town romances!
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
July 23, 2025
Absolutely INHALED this book. This was SO good!!
Atlas is a gruuuuumpy, retired NFL player now football coach at the local high school. He’s the oldest brother and forever taking care of others. He’s a sweetheart underneath his mountainous exterior. Sutton is a single Mum with a 16 year old daughter. They’ve arrived in Starlight Cove as Sutton is a travel nurse and this is her next assignment.
God, it was SO easy to fall in love with these two (and Laurel). I loved Sutton’s relationship with her daughter - Laurel added some great humour to this book and loved her sarcasm! Atlas and Sutton had such a great connection, they were down so bad for each other. The mouth on Atlas made me SWEATING; I always love how Brighton’s spice takes me by surprise. Her MMCs really love to eatttttt!
Can’t wait for the rest of this series! This was a low drama (but some tears), funny, sweet and sexy good read!!
Atlas is a gruuuuumpy, retired NFL player now football coach at the local high school. He’s the oldest brother and forever taking care of others. He’s a sweetheart underneath his mountainous exterior. Sutton is a single Mum with a 16 year old daughter. They’ve arrived in Starlight Cove as Sutton is a travel nurse and this is her next assignment.
God, it was SO easy to fall in love with these two (and Laurel). I loved Sutton’s relationship with her daughter - Laurel added some great humour to this book and loved her sarcasm! Atlas and Sutton had such a great connection, they were down so bad for each other. The mouth on Atlas made me SWEATING; I always love how Brighton’s spice takes me by surprise. Her MMCs really love to eatttttt!
Can’t wait for the rest of this series! This was a low drama (but some tears), funny, sweet and sexy good read!!
May 23, 2025
I'm always in on a Brighton book, I know she'll deliver what I want, so I don't even read the synopsis any longer.
I loved Sutton and Atlas. They're both good (but lonely) people who have been seemingly charged with taking care of others. Together they have instant chemistry, a good amount of understanding, and an interesting road of fake dating to navigate. Oh, and Laurel absolutely stole the show. I hope we see more of her.
Plot wise, it's good. It's always fun to see the other Starlight Cove characters and while I didn't get enough Mabel, it was hilarious reading her from a new character's eyes. There's loads of spice, several sweet moments, and surprise caretaking for days.
Overall, it was a wonderful set up for the next book and I can't wait to see what's next.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Sutton and Atlas. They're both good (but lonely) people who have been seemingly charged with taking care of others. Together they have instant chemistry, a good amount of understanding, and an interesting road of fake dating to navigate. Oh, and Laurel absolutely stole the show. I hope we see more of her.
Plot wise, it's good. It's always fun to see the other Starlight Cove characters and while I didn't get enough Mabel, it was hilarious reading her from a new character's eyes. There's loads of spice, several sweet moments, and surprise caretaking for days.
Overall, it was a wonderful set up for the next book and I can't wait to see what's next.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
September 1, 2025
NARRATION
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
STORY
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
SPICE
🌶 hot
RECOMMEND
💳 100% yes
If I ever wanted to live in a fictional town in the northeast, it would be Starlight Cove, just so I can have Mabel in my life.
I’m pretty sure Atlas Steele is as grumpy as they come (not literally). So it’s surprising when he meets Sutton he’s 1) familiar with the romance book she’s reading, 2) allows Sutton to kiss him in a bar to get rid of a creep, 3) already protective of her teenage daughter because of said creep, and 4) jumps right into bed with Sutton for one night and one night only.
When he meets the woman who’s renting the small cottage on his property, one of the first things that comes out of his mouth is, “Are you stalking me?”
As the eldest child, I felt like I could connect with Atlas and his need to protect and take care of his family. Unfortunately, his character also resonated with me because it’s hard to ask for help even when overwhelmed, and sometimes perfection can get in the way.
I loved that Atlas’s protective instincts naturally included Sutton and her snarky daughter. Not going to lie, there were moments in the story where, just like Sutton, I would call her daughter a little shît—but damn, that little shît was funny.
I have a lot of respect for Sutton raising a child on her own at 16 and still putting herself through school.
And the ending—I’m really looking forward to the next Steele brother’s book.
In case you’re wondering, I 100% recommend you listen to the audiobook.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
STORY
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
SPICE
🌶 hot
RECOMMEND
💳 100% yes
If I ever wanted to live in a fictional town in the northeast, it would be Starlight Cove, just so I can have Mabel in my life.
I’m pretty sure Atlas Steele is as grumpy as they come (not literally). So it’s surprising when he meets Sutton he’s 1) familiar with the romance book she’s reading, 2) allows Sutton to kiss him in a bar to get rid of a creep, 3) already protective of her teenage daughter because of said creep, and 4) jumps right into bed with Sutton for one night and one night only.
When he meets the woman who’s renting the small cottage on his property, one of the first things that comes out of his mouth is, “Are you stalking me?”
As the eldest child, I felt like I could connect with Atlas and his need to protect and take care of his family. Unfortunately, his character also resonated with me because it’s hard to ask for help even when overwhelmed, and sometimes perfection can get in the way.
I loved that Atlas’s protective instincts naturally included Sutton and her snarky daughter. Not going to lie, there were moments in the story where, just like Sutton, I would call her daughter a little shît—but damn, that little shît was funny.
I have a lot of respect for Sutton raising a child on her own at 16 and still putting herself through school.
And the ending—I’m really looking forward to the next Steele brother’s book.
In case you’re wondering, I 100% recommend you listen to the audiobook.
June 13, 2025
RATING : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Well hello Brighton Walsh, nice to meet you. I’m obsessed now! This was my first Brighton Walsh book and every single person that told me to read her… you were right. You were so so right.
I ate this book up. I mean the spice hits at 7% and the MMC is a mountain of a man that’s a pleasure Dom and has a huge 🍆. I was in love immediately.
Okay so I’m just going to say it, this book is Gilmore Girl coded in the very best ways. Our FMC Sutton is a young mom and traveling nurse with a 16yo daughter and I love them so much. Also our MMC Altas the nfl player turned small town coach gives off maximum grumpy energy but is soft when it counts.
And did I mention this was fake dating? Because it is and it’s delicious.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Well hello Brighton Walsh, nice to meet you. I’m obsessed now! This was my first Brighton Walsh book and every single person that told me to read her… you were right. You were so so right.
I ate this book up. I mean the spice hits at 7% and the MMC is a mountain of a man that’s a pleasure Dom and has a huge 🍆. I was in love immediately.
Okay so I’m just going to say it, this book is Gilmore Girl coded in the very best ways. Our FMC Sutton is a young mom and traveling nurse with a 16yo daughter and I love them so much. Also our MMC Altas the nfl player turned small town coach gives off maximum grumpy energy but is soft when it counts.
And did I mention this was fake dating? Because it is and it’s delicious.
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