Captain Heartbreaker

Havenbrook #4

by Brighton Walsh

Adventure's in Captain Hudson Miller’s blood. For the past ten years, he's spent his days in the sky, serving as a pilot for the Army. But where adventure called him away, something—someone—else is calling him home. On post-deployment leave, he escapes to the one place he hasn’t been since he enlisted: Havenbrook, Mississippi. Hometown of his momma’s peach cobbler, enough memories to last a lifetime, and the only girl who ever left an imprint on his heart.

Mackenna Haven thought she'd have her life figured out by now. Instead, she's a twenty-seven-year-old college drop out who works at her soon-to-be brother-in-law's bar and lives on her parents' land. No husband or kids to her name. Not even a consistent weekend booty call. She's been pretending she's happy working dead-end jobs in an even deader-end town, but she can't stop thinking she was meant for more than this.

After a childhood as best friends and a single weekend exploring more, Mackenna and Hudson haven't seen each other in ten years. But they made a pact that long ago weekend, and Hudson's coming to make good on his promise. Except she has no interest in it or him. After all, he walked away from her once already, and she's not interested in opening her heart and allowing him a second chance at destruction.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Military Fiction, Adult, Love Story

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2020

About the author

Award-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.

Reviews

[Stacee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read anything Brighton puts out, so I don’t even care about the synopsis. However, knowing this was Mac and Hudson’s story had me extra excited.

I love love loved Mac. She’s full of sass and smarts and absolutely underestimates her worth. Hudson is confident and a complete marshmallow when it comes to his Kenna. I loved their history and button pushing and JFC the chemistry.

Plot wise it was good. There’s not nearly as much as push and pull as I was expecting and even though each of them had some second guessing at various times of the story, the love between them was so apparent. I will say I wanted a bit more from the epilogue. Yes, what we got was fantastic, but I was hoping for something a little more set in the future.

Overall, it was the perfection I expect from a Brighton Walsh book. Now I’ll just be over here waiting for Nat’s book.

**Huge thanks to Bright Publishing for providing the arc free of charge**

[Timitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated 4.5 Stars

Captain Heartbreaker was one of my most highly anticipated reads. I've been waiting for this bad boy for more than a year if memory serves me right and I'm happy to report that it was totally worth the wait.

I loved the sexual tension between Mac and Hud as well as their connection that spanned childhood into adulthood. I loved their journey, it was an adventure of self and relationship discovery. It's also hot and sexy with a bit of humor.

I can't recommend this book and series enough. If you love small town romance that centers around sisters I very highly recommend it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.


Copy provided by author

[Stital · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Swoon*

OMG, this book.
I love the Haven sisters so much, a Mac is just amazing.
A total badass, with a severe middle child syndrome that just breaks your heart, making you want to scream at and bear hug her at the same time. And Hudson is her perfect counterpart.

Now I really need Nat and Asher's (yeah, I'm calling it!) story ASAP.

5 stars and a tiger-eye marble

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Captain Heartbreaker by Brighton Walsh is a beautifully written, heartwarming read and I loved it.

I enjoyed the storyline, it's entertaining from start to end, the characters are likable, relatable and I felt like I was part of their friend group while reading.

Watching Hudson and MacKenna reconnect and work through their feelings and insecurities touched my heart and kept me turning the pages. I loved how even after 10 years their hearts still reached out to the other one, life may have gone on but the strong feelings they share can't be ignored. I loved Hudson and MacKenna together and I was one very happy girl they got their much deserved happily ever after.



Captain Heartbreaker is a beautiful, heartwarming read and a wonderful addition to the Havenbrook series.

Get your copy now!
➳ Amazon: https://smarturl.it/captain-amz
➳ Apple: https://smarturl.it/captain-apple
➳ Barnes & Noble: https://smarturl.it/captain-nook
➳ Kobo: https://smarturl.it/captain-kobo
➳ Bookbub: https://smarturl.it/captain-bb

*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson and MacKenna were best friends when they were younger and became something more when they were in high school. But Hudson didn’t want the small-town life. He wanted out. He wanted to spread his wings and live. So, he did what any small-town boy does when they want to see the world … he joined the military! buuuuuut he did it without telling Mackenna *sigh* (young people man, what are you gonna do? amirite??).

Well, now it’s a decade later and he’s home and it just might be time to reevaluate ...



So, listen, two things can happen in these types of stories. Two people can either continue to get in their own way and drag the past thru the entire book or they don’t. Brighton wrote this story with more hope and happiness than she did conflict. I just cannot express how much I appreciate that LOL Yes, obviously there was conflict, but it wasn’t the central focus of every single interaction with these two. This story had a purpose and that purpose started from the very beginning. She wrote secondary characters that enhanced the storyline. She wrote the quirkiness of a small-town gloriously, especially the busybody syndrome that makes these towns so charming!



It was impossible not to fall in love with both Hudson and MacKenna. Hudson was the total swoon worthy package and then some. Mac was just … gaaaaaaah, I want to hug her and hold her in my heart forever!! These two are the couple you aspire to be in life when you grow up. (author) makes me happy LOL She’s not only written a story that made my heart soar, but a series I can return to over and over again! I love this town. I love this family. I love these couples. I just love everything about it, and I love it even more because Brighton is such a great writer! The story was entertaining and realistic with relatable circumstances and characters! THE TOTAL PACKAGE!

[Brighton Walsh]

The Captain is finally home!

➳ Amazon: https://smarturl.it/captain-amz
➳ Apple: https://smarturl.it/captain-apple 
➳ Barnes & Noble: https://smarturl.it/captain-nook
➳ Kobo: https://smarturl.it/captain-kobo
➳ Bookbub: https://smarturl.it/captain-bb

[Trinity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have I mentioned how much I adore Brighton & Havenbrook? I think that little Mississippi town is where I’ll spend a lot of my free time in this new era of stay-at-home. I’d like a Jack & Ginger poured by Mac herself, thanks.

Anyway.

Mac & Hudson. KENNA & Hudson. I have been dying for their story & I am so eternally grateful to be on the list of ARC readers.

What can I say without giving away the entire plot? The sass. The smolder. The sexiness. The bets. The adorable little CB. The life Kenna thinks she’s living & the life everyone else sees. (Girl, I feel you. People tell me stuff about me all the time & I have a damn hard time (TWSS) believing them.)

If you’re in to childhood best friends who turn into an amazingly perfect couple when they get older, with hilarity, stubbornness, & okay, MAYBE a few rounds of someone cutting onions, do yourself a favor & read this book. It’s amazing & I’m already itching for the next trip to Havenbrook.

*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have childhood best friends who lost their virginity to each other. Then ten years have passed since they have seen each other. He flies a Black Hawk with his best friend and copilot Caleb. Hudson has been a pilot in the Army for ten years. His father died in combat when he was ten years old. His mom and sister own The Sweet Spot Bakery and are getting it renovated. Mackenna is a college drop out who works at her soon to be brother in laws bar. The Willow Tree is the first and only bar in Havenbrook. Her dad is Mayor Richard Haven and he is hard to get along with. I loved them getting to know each other again and find CB in the mountains. This will have you feeling so many emotions from laughing out loud to sadness. Hudson and Kenna have several obstacles they have to overcome. Will they get their HEA ending with CB? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wouldn’t love the Haven women of Havenbrook... This is book 3 in the series and just as good if not better than the first 2. Mac (McKenna) and Hudson have been friends for as long as they can remember but they are truly so much more. When he comes home form the Army on leave, will they take the next step or will they both shy away from being hurt. This book is written well, and I love all of the characters within the story.

[Jan Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve got to admit the Haven girls own my heart. I adore them all and look forward to each book but THIS ONE is absolutely my favorite! Hudson and MacKenna steal your heart from the very beginning. He wants to do his duty in the military and she’s trying to find her purpose in life. Talk about a couple to root for! Brighton’s writing always captures you and in these stories of the town of Havenbrook, you can actually picture the town. And. You want to visit! Or maybe move there and find your own Finn, Nash, or Captain Hudson Miller. Happily recommend this book and all the Havenbrook stories.

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly awaiting Kenna and Hudsons story after reading Pact with a Heartbreaker and will say that this did not disappoint.........LOVED it!

It was like time hadn't passed between the two best friend lovers. Their banter and their bets are always fun and their chemistry is off the charts. There's some sizzling sex scenes too. I also loved the addition of CB the dog and the other characters are always fun. We get to learn so much more about Kenna who feels that she hasn't amounted to much in her life but hasn't realised just how much she's been there for everyone else and the kind of helper that she is.

I totally enjoyed this and read it in 2 sittings. Now I'm looking forward to Nat's story which I'm sure will be interesting.

[Brandi Sartin lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Towards the end I got a little teary! Kenna and Hudson has a great friendship and it was stranded/ruined because of their choices. There are some obstacles but can they over come them and CB to be together?

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a friends to lovers, second change kinda book. But it's also a figuring your life out kinda book.

Mac feels like she doesn't really contribute to the small town of Havenbrook. A college drop out working at her soon to be brother-in-laws bar, she focuses on all the negative points of her life. The only man she can see in her life is Hudson but he's the adventurous type that needs his army life. So Mac is just stuck.

Hudson hasn't been home since he enlisted in the army 10 years ago. He followed in his father's footsteps and thought to complete his dad's dream of retiring from the army. But he's doing it for the wrong reason and being home, in Havenbrook, has other ideas of what will make him happy floating to his thoughts. But he can't get his Kenna on board. She doesn't want to leave Havenbrook and she's afraid of the long distance relationship.

But life has a way of throwing some curve balls. That's what happens to Mackenna and Hudson. Both need to figure out what they really want. Maybe see what's right in front of their faces. It's a fun adventure to share with them.

Love these characters. I've met many of the secondary characters before in a previous book. It's a charming little town in Mississippi. Everyone in everyone else's business. Everyone loving each other. So fun.

The feel of this books is just happy. Yes, they are working on figuring out their lives but Mackenna and Hudson together just feels right. It felt right being in the pages and a great distraction from my own life.

This is a great author to take a chance on. If you haven't read this series, it's all good. They can be read stand alone. Just good stuff.

[Teresa Mary Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I finished Pact With A Heartbreaker I said that Mac and Hudson were going to end up being my favorites of the series... and I was 100% right in that assessment. I loved these two so much and this book just had me grinning from ear to ear by the end.

Mac and Hudson are just so great and combine the best friends to more and a second chance trope. What I loved about these two was just how easily they fit and how easy they fell together. Despite all the obstacles in their way, it’s hard for them to deny (even though Mac tries her hardest). It’s just so easy for them to be together and I love how their friendship just forms such a great foundation for more. And I don’t mean to say there is no drama or strife, because there is, but despite all that as a reader them being together just seems so right. There is just a lightness to them when they are together and happy and they bring out the best in one another. Plus, their back and forth is so much fun and their reunion at the beginning of the book is one of my favorite parts of the entire book. This is the kind of book that just leaves you happy. And I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t take time to appreciate how Mac really grows into herself and her new role because she’s a BAMF. And I loved catching up with everyone again. Nash in particular had me cracking up at a certain scene. And I seriously hope we get a book for Nat because oh man she’s gonna be a fun one.

All in all, Captain Heartbreaker was everything I want in a romance and just left me feeling happy and light and we could all use a bit more of that right now.

[Thuy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

After 10 years away, Hudson is back, and he's back for Kenna, his childhood best friend, the love of his life. These two has so much history, chemistry, love, fun with each other, but is Kenna ready for what she's always wanted, and for him to leave her again? The cast of characters were fun, these sisters have such a fun relationship with each other. I enjoyed seeing the cast from the previous book. These two obviously belong together, but MacKenna had a really hard time when he left the first time. So much time passed by, and she is trying really hard to be cautious, even though its tough because she loves Hudson so much. This was a sweet, steamyyyy, romantic, fun read. I'm curious to see the next story!!!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a cock blocker would be so adorbs

Way up in the mountains...way up in the mountains, let me tell ya now, way up in the mountains, imma get orgasms...we hit the summit and he hit my spot and I sang like birds early in the morning. Hudson and Jenna had to get their groove back while h had to help her realize her self worth to her family and the townspeople of Havenbrook.But he only had a couple of weeks before he back because his leave will be over from the Army. This time he needed her to be by his side. He wasn't going to let the best woman he loves slip away again. She was needed here and he was saving the world. But would come back to her always . It hasn't been anyone since he was eight. Kenna(Mac) was so caught up thinking she was a failure she never thought about the accomplishments she achieved on a daily basis. She never liked taking credit or being the center of attention. I will not give away the story but just know it's really awesome and I'm finally glad it came out and they got their hea.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson and Mackenna have been best friends for many many years and when they were teenagers they crossed the line, both having more feelings for the other but then Hudson drops a bomb, he’s joined the army, leaving Kenna behind. Now ten years has gone by and even though they have maintained their friendship through letters and texts he hasn’t been home....until now....will Kenna keep fighting her feelings and is Hudson back for good.
A great read with steam, laughter, amazing characters and second chances. I liked these two and I really really really liked that the author did not mention any past women or men, allowing the reader to either think they had been with others or how I like to think that there was no one else during their time apart. The story flowed nicely and even though there was a bit of drama, it didn’t take away from the story. The story had that feel that these two belonged together and with no one else, their interactions, their history....a romantic read. I would have liked a bit more of an epilogue on these two and was a bit disappointed because I liked them that much, I would have liked a bit more on their HEA.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Amanda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Mac and Hudson's chemistry leaps off the page from their first scene together in the book. They are best friends but the underlying sizzle is there in leaps and bounds.

Mac feels like her life isn't as important as her sisters, they both have partners, they have real jobs while she fills in for people and works at her future brother in laws bar. Even when people try to tell her that she's more than that she runs, she doesn't like being the center of attention.

Hudson is on leave and he's home for a short time. He can't wait to see his best friend and the woman he loves. He's talked about her so much to his friend Caleb he feels like he knows her. But can Hudson be with Mac for the time he's home and leave her again?

Hud and Mac's relationship spans their lifetime. They were friends then lovers then maybe more than that. They just fit and I love them! This series is awesome! If you haven't grabbed it you should, and leave the author love!

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson and MacKenna were childhood friends, outdoor and nature lovers. They hiked and played in the woods together. She spent most summers at his family's cabin on the lake. But Hudson, instead of going to college with Kenna, decided to join the army in honor of his father who was in the army when he was killed when Hudson was nine. For ten years Hudson has been bringing his mother and sister to wherever he was stationed to visit. Now though, he has come home to small-town unexpectedly for a four-week leave. He wants to reconnect with Kenna, but Mac is ashamed that she hasn't accomplished anything with her life even though she has been available for her family. I loved the small-town stories, the way everybody knew everybody else's business, and the way gossip got around. Hudson knows he's still in love with Kenna; will she return his love? lots of feels and action in four short weeks! A good read!

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson and MacKenna were best friends when they were younger and became something more when they were in high school. However Hudson wasn't happy settling in their hometown he wanted to see the world. So he joined the military without telling her. Now years later he is home for the first time since he left and he wants to see MacKenna. MacKenna isn't sure she can trust that Hudson is going to stick around. Is Hudson back to finally build a future with MacKenna? Will Hudson get a second chance with MacKenna?

This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter until the end. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.

[Melena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to returning to Havenbrook and getting Hudson and Mac's story since reading their novella Pact with a Heartbreaker. That book told their story at the time when they were about to go to college together until Hudson changed plans. Now 10 years have passed and Hudson has returned home.

The author did a wonderful job capturing the chemistry between them that never died and the challenges and frustrations they will have to overcome. Though they were best friends when they were younger, they now have to get to know each other as adults.

I highly recommend reading Pact with a Heartbreaker first because it introduces you to these characters and really shows you the connection they had. It was easy to fall back in love with these characters and I was so happy with the conclusion to their story!

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Miki · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE Brighton has done it again!!! I was so excited to have this book come out after being teased by Pact With A Heartbreaker. I couldn’t wait to see how Mac and Hud ended up. I laughed out loud and found myself in tears with my heart breaking for them (Mostly Hudson) but tears of joy in the end. Make sure to read Pact With A Heartbreaker first so you have the back story, trust me you won’t be disappointed you did.

[Christe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I don’t see that he is a heartbreaker but the opposite. She is too scared and broke his heart before but thanks goodness she redeemed herself.
All right now I enjoyed this book, read it in one sitting (for the most part). The characters pull you into the story because of the attraction between them, and the fact that they have a past together. This is so sweet to get a point of view from both main characters. Hudson definitely loves Kenna and she does too, but she is scared which she came to terms with. The book dishes out sweetness, hot and heavy encounters which is a good balance and you don’t get lost in one.
I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Heartbreaker (Havenbrook Book 4) By Brighton Walsh is a wonderful read. Interesting, intriguing and with a roller coaster ride of emotions that you will love and enjoy. Best friend to lovers/ second chance romance story of Hudson and McKenna that you couldn’t put it down. First time reader by the author and it won’t be the last, well done! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tapping out at 15% on this one. Too much silliness, immature characters, and there's already been WAY more internal whining by the heroine than I can endure.

I'll probably give this author one more try but I fear she may not be my cup of tea.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Havenbrook Series. Mackenna and Hudson were childhood best friends and it's been ten years since he left her with a broken heart. He's returned for a second chance at love but she's guarding her heart. Love in a small town with realistic characters who are likable. The book is overflowing with emotion and some drama. No spoiler here but do they get their second chance at love. Great side characters and an engaging, heartwarming story. A good book that I read as an arc an voluntarily chose to review.

[Marianela Aybar (Mari Loves Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy! I was hooked on this from the beginning because I could tell Mac was going to be a force of nature. She is smart and has sass and doesn't just take anything laying down. She was not going to make it easy for Hudson and I am so happy for that. Hudson was just another kind of man and I am glad he didn't give up. I couldn't put this down. The heart and passion and the characters wouldn't let me go.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you go home again?

Hudson left their little town in Mississippi a decade ago. Now he’s back.
Mackenna never left, she’s drifting through small town life.

I liked that the author really captured the southern small town. But will Hudson stick around this time? He did ghost on his bestie after they crossed the line from just friends to more once before.

Recommend.
4.5


Received from Bad Boy Update.

[Heather Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain Heartbreaker is wonderful. One of the things I enjoy about the series, besides the delightful side characters and small town setting, is the realism of the characters.

Mac and Hudson are delightful and their story is well written, sincere, and simply lovely.

**ARC provided for an honest review.**

[Naianne Lara · Rating 1 out of 5]

God, this book sucks on so many levels.