Mia HopkinsBesprekingen
Auteur van Thirsty
Besprekingen
Cant wait to read more from this author!
Full Review on my blog!
*a copy was provided by NetGalley*
Thirsty by Mia Hopkins is the first book in the Eastside Brewery series, and you can bet I’m interested in reading book two, Trashed. As my first Mia Hopkins read this one certainly grabbed my attention, and I’m curious to see what else the author has to offer. It took me a while to get into it, but I'm glad I finished it. I did feel like something was missing or maybe I just wasn't that into it as much as I wanted to be. Honestly, the last 20% of the book made me really reconsider the book as a whole and how truly amazing this story is, and how well developed the characters are.
Overall, a fun, sexy read. I loved the characters and the story line. It's much more than a typical romance story. CLIFFHANGER!! omg! I'm actually looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend it!
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Facebook
Full Review on my blog!
*a copy was provided by NetGalley*
Thirsty by Mia Hopkins is the first book in the Eastside Brewery series, and you can bet I’m interested in reading book two, Trashed. As my first Mia Hopkins read this one certainly grabbed my attention, and I’m curious to see what else the author has to offer. It took me a while to get into it, but I'm glad I finished it. I did feel like something was missing or maybe I just wasn't that into it as much as I wanted to be. Honestly, the last 20% of the book made me really reconsider the book as a whole and how truly amazing this story is, and how well developed the characters are.
Overall, a fun, sexy read. I loved the characters and the story line. It's much more than a typical romance story. CLIFFHANGER!! omg! I'm actually looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend it!
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Facebook
Stepping into Hacienda Luz, an elegant Napa hotel, and being able to attend not only the 100th birthday of amazing Lola Naty but the stories of six couples finding love during the holidays was a treat indeed. The Filipino culture was a character on its own and fun for me to learn a bit more about. This is a book that can be savored a story at a time making it last for a while or, if you find yourself with a day free and wish to step into the Hacienda Luz for the entire event, it can be devoured in a shorter time.
Drawn to this book by my love of Mia Hopkins writing, I read her story first and ILLICIT was just as complex and edgy as I was expecting. It told of the closeness felt by two teens as they met the first time and how what seemed so right went so very wrong. As they meet again for the first time in fourteen years, they are given an opportunity and a second chance that might make that earlier potential come to fruition…loved reading Eden and Nick’s story.
Second up was written by Maan Gabriel, MY ONLY LOVE. It is the story of two chefs with an issue from the past to overcome, if they can, and a huge event to cater. Ruby and Mason were classmates in culinary school, talented chefs in the making, doing well professionally…and yet…there is that thing in the past that really must be discussed before both can move on.
And, as this review should go up NOW and not wait till I finish the rest of the book, I have to say this is a book that has opened my eyes in more ways than one and that more than one author in this anthology will be on my read-again list in the future.
Thank you to Mia Hopkins for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
Of course he's flawed. He's not miraculous, and yes, there's sexy consent here too. In Hopkins's note that followed, it said she used her time volunteering with reformed gang members as inspiration and it does show. The book is done respectfully and convincingly and not miraculously. And honestly, it could've been grittier. I don't even know what I mean by that, but I know it.
But I wanted more. More depth, particularly from the romance. More depth from the heroine. (She didn't feel like she stood out to me?) And while this romance explored so much, using a narrative style that felt straightforward and like someone who survives by routine, this lead everything--including sex scenes to feel a bit distant.
I will continue to pick up Mia Hopkins. This was interesting hero. Unfortunately it only made an ok romance for me.
3.2578
Coming off my previous read where it seemed like an outsider tried to write an insider life, this is refreshing. I said in the first of this series that I thought Hopkins showed her research by creating complex ex-con and gang members in respectful and not miraculous light. I think she did the same here, but Eddie 'Trouble' Rosas wasn't as immediately committed to going straight as his elder brother Sal. He's a little more at peace, still has shit to make a character interesting, yet you never think this is a bad human. He's just multi-dimensional.
And he's a romantic. He doesn't mind admitting it, he adorably puts his heart right out there. In fact there's a line about 'shoving it behind his ribcage' again. He's still tough and hard and all the things you'd imagine coming from someone with a bit of damage, someone who's done hard time, and has issues in their past. But he's not beyond hope or help.
"Do you know," I say slowly, "what it feels like when everyone has given up on you?"
Hopkins style matches this first person POV-with wonderfully observant and straightforward narrative from Eddie's POV. It works on many levels, but particularly for someone taking it day-by-day and doing his best while trying to figure out his next move.
One step forward, then another. The pavement seems to pound me back, letting me know I'm still alive, that I still have the ability to do something about this fucking mess.
It's extraordinarily sexy, a bit gritty, and once again--as a heroine-centric reader--I felt lacking the depth that I typically get from identifying with the heroine. Carmen doesn't stand out, though we have a sense of who she is, I feel this is really a book about Eddie's journey and not centered on the romance in a way that invested me in anything but Eddie deserving his happy ending. IT's not bad, it's just not my favorite type of romance. It's worth a read if the premise appeals-because if you take anything from this review-take that I love Hopkins's respect for what she's writing about (pride in neighborhood, one's path through going straight and getting out, and-after my last book-people who aren't nearly middle class and not in the least maligned for it) and how she breathes life into her characters through these happy endings.
And good lord, he brought her herbs.
This review is based on a galley copy from netgalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Eastside Brewery #2
What a treat to spend the day with Eddie and Carmen today! Everything flowed and was perfect and absolutely made my day!
Eddie is just out of prison and sees a woman in the garden...a woman he has hot passionate anonymous s*x with and then she disappears. He runs into her months later at his new job washing dishes in the restaurant she chefs in and the chemistry is still there and they soon act upon that chemistry in delightful and wonderful and steamy ways. I really enjoyed this couple together because they brought the best out in one another and neither was a pushover.
In addition to the romance there were threads in the story that dealt with the gang Eddie and his brother Sal were members of, family issues Eddie wanted resolved, Sal’s desire to open a business showcasing the craft beer he produces, trying to determine what future there was for all of the main characters, friendships and family and a whole lot more.
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely!
Would I like to read the next book in the series? Without a doubt!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Stone Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Cowboy Rising by Mia HopkinsMy rating: 3 of 5 starsARC Review: Cowboy Rising (Cowboy Cocktail) by Mia HopkinsMs. Hopkins tried something different with Georgia and Daniel. She exposed the outer layers before revealing the inner workings of her main characters. Both were dealing with uncertain situations. She on the professional front, he on the personal. Daniel's responsibilities were a heavy burden for such a young individual, the greatest was keeping the family business afloat while facing family tragedy. Georgia, is a go getter at a crossroads in her life. The one commonality they share is determination. In order to succeed, failure is not an option. Cowboy Rising brings more than sensuality to the table, it delivers an at times flawed, but inspiring journey along the way.View all my reviews
Lucky Garcia if finally on the fast track! As a tie-down roper, he finally has a shot at the National Championships! Which will go A LONG way to helping his family and help put his siblings through school! And just to add to his all time high, his spent the night with the one women he has had a crush on since high school! Harmony Santos!! But the morning after she is full if retreat and that hurts Lucky more than he imagines.
But Lucky being the great guy that he is, offers to help Harmony get her ex-boyfriend back, but Harmony is not sure she wants him, as she is really attracted to Lucky…but is it the real thing or just a rebound fling? And are they both willing to take that chance?
We are back with another installment in the Cowboys Cocktails series, and this one is just that bit more delicious than the last! It was SO quick for me to become addicted to Mia Hopkins books, they are so well written and the plot is so delicious, that you are left craving for more!
I absolutely loved Lucky's character! He is just generally a great person, whom worked hard for everything he had! I also loved the fact that he was in the rodeo circuit, in order to help out his family!! Harmony character was playful and maybe a hint of insecurities, which made you feel like she was your friend and you just want to help her! I have to say my favorite screen in the whole book, is when Harmony brings Lucky's Mom and sister to his event!! That was a huge step for her in this book, and completely melted my heart!
I give Cowboys Karma 5 stars.
Nothing seems to go smoothly for Sal, and you honestly can't help but feel for his character, with trying to get out of the gang, trying to get on to his feet, working, making his probation officer happy, it's a lot for any person to take on. Then there is Vanessa, and while I loved her strong character, and determination, sometimes her disapproval overshadowed the book, and I found that a little tough to get past.
Overall, I enjoyed Sal and Vanessa bumpy journey, the writing was detailed, and well researched, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
I give Thirsty 4 stars
Ghost needs a place to stay while he saves up money to get an apartment for himself and his brother who will be out of jail soon. Gang-banging has been his lifestyle since forever, his dad was in a gang, his granddad was in a gang, his brother is in it too. He is working two cleaning jobs at night now and Chinita, an elderly woman from his neighborhood rents him her garage for two months. Enter Vanessa, Chinita’s granddaughter. Vanessa is a single mom. Her son’s father overdosed on heroine. She was always a good girl, got good grades but got pregnant by a gang banger and now she is raising her daughter alone. Ghost has been infatuated with Vanessa for years since they were in school together. Vanessa went to a local college and works as a bookkeeper, she is trying to become a certified accountant. These two fall in love pretty quickly and Ghost swears he will give up the lifestyle for her but the lifestyle comes calling and it isn’t easy to just quit a gang.
The chemistry between these two was sweet and the story is very romantic. I liked how Ghost thought of Vanessa, he respects her. He was a sweet character, he’s hard-working and he wants to do the right thing even though the odds are stacked against him. The writing is also very insightful which I enjoyed. Ghost suffers from anxiety attacks he has a rough upbringing and Vanessa has a tough past as well and is trying to better herself. The two naturally gravitate towards each other. It was a sweet romance in that aspect.
Hopkins does a great job at writing from a guy’s POV as well as writing about the gangster lifestyle. She includes a note at the end of the book saying that she volunteered at a gang intervention program and people shared their stories with her that inspired the characters in Thirsty. I appreciated that it all felt legit in regards to the gang lifestyle. The ending wraps it up nicely but also leaves it wide open for the second installment.
So while I enjoyed Thirsty: An Eastside Brewery Novel, I am disappointed that my first time reading contemporary romance featuring a Latin couple centered around thug life.
I didn’t like that the hero was a gang-banger. I read on and I actually enjoyed the story. I will say, it is a story about getting your life together so the plot was full of hope and redemption.
disclaimer: This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any kind of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. I received a free ARC of Thirsty: An Eastside Brewery Novel by Mia Hopkins through NetGalley/Randomhouse/LoveSwept.
https://bookwormnai.wordpress.com/2018/03/10/thirsty-an-eastside-brewery-novel-b...
Eastside Brewery #1
Join a gang and you commit for life – Salvador “Sal” Rosas knows this when he gets out of jail. To his homies he is Ghost for a number of reasons. When he gets out of jail after five years he spends six months working hard and strictly keeps the rules of his parole. He knows the gang can call him back at any moment but he hopes against hope that they won’t.
Vanessa Velasco is the woman Ghost used to dream about when in high school then later when in prison. He has wanted her for a long time so when the opportunity arises to live in her garage…he snaps it up. Vanessa is a contradiction in some ways…bright girl that fell for a bad boy, got pregnant, was widowed, became a bookkeeper and is studying to be a CPA. She wants nothing to do with gang members but is attracted to Sal.
Sal is offered opportunities that might lead him away from the gang…maybe. He might end up with Vanessa…if he plays his cards right. He might make something of himself…eventually. But, can he? He has brothers getting out of prison to worry about and plan for but…can he steer them away from the gang his family has been immersed in for decades? Perhaps more will be learned as future books are written.
This is a book about family, values, commitments, change, becoming the person you are meant to be, growth, community and being true to self. It is a book of gangs, is violent, is steamy and it is intriguing.
Did I enjoy it? Yes
Will I read more books in the series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Loveswept and Barclay Publicity for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Kings of California Book #2
Jack Lamont is definitely an alpha male! With his good looks, charm and iron willed determination he has made his way up in Hollywood and won’t let anyone or anything interfere with the job he loves – acting. Surrounded by assistants, a press and promotion guy, fixers, dressers, friends and hangers on his life is full but not complete. He loves what he does for a living but living is sometimes lonely even when he is surrounded by people.
Riley Marion Blake, now Rodriguez, is divorced but still being stalked by her abusive ex-husband. She has run from her home to Nashville then to Memphis before settling in to teach music at a Catholic girls’ school in California. Her dreams have not all been fulfilled but she is content – if fearful – while she lies low avoiding her ex. She loves music – writing, playing, teaching, singing – and would love to have a successful future sharing it with others.
When Jack and Riley meet at a charity race sparks fly. The high school friendship that might have become more had she gone with him after they graduated is given a second chance to flourish. They spend time together, get to know one another again, socialize with others, communicate, have misunderstandings, have steamy encounters and then have a HUGE blow-up that needs to be resolved if they are to have a happily ever after – one that they both deserve.
I liked Jack and Riley and enjoyed reading their story. I am not easy to please with second chance novels because most of the time the reason the two did not get together the first time around doesn’t make sense – this time it does. I am curious bout Jack’s brother who starred in book one of this series, want to know more about Ana (Jack’s personal assistant) and really want to know if Spike will have his story told at some point in the future or if he will end up in the gutter he seems to be moving toward.
Thank you to The Wild Rose Press and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Reporter Georgia Meyers has no idea that her next story may change her life forever. Her research for the article is about organic farming and especially that of raising organic beef. Her hope is that she can help the newspaper she works for and also keep her job. Daniel McKinnon, one of the people she spends time with while working on the story, is something else…something that intrigues Georgia in ways she was not expecting. Though Daniel and Georgia only end up knowing one another a few days those days packed such a wallop that I could not stop reading until I had finished their story. Wow…just…WOW!
Mia Hopkins has created two characters that I liked, related to and rooted for. She made them human and likable and real. The fact that two such dissimilar people would find common ground and such harmony together was amazing and a testament to the author’s writing ability. This is definitely a steamy story intended for adults but one that I highly recommend. I can’t wait to see who will have their story told next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Barclay Publicity for the ARC. This is my honest review.
I liked this story about a couple who felt comfortable being themselves with each other knowing they will still be liked for who they are. The characters were easy to like. I did feel sorry for Harmony being dumped but it was nice to see she didn't just sit around feeling sorry for herself. What a great guy Lucky was. His family meant everything to him. He took care of them after his father left years ago. Lucky competed in rodeos but hadn't made it big yet so he did other odd jobs to provide for his family.
This is a very hot romance with Lucky and Harmony falling for each other hard and fast. The sex was a little kinky so it surprised me that Harmony was so willing to go along with Lucky's ideas. But if you trust your partner, as Harmony obviously did, you would be quite willing to give it a try.
I received a complementary copy of this book but I'm reviewing it on my own as I do with everything I read.
Cowboy Cocktail #4
What a delight! Since the blurb for the story is perfect I won’t say more about the story line than that you will get just what the blurb indicates is between the pages. That said, I really liked and could relate to the characters even though they are considerably younger than I am…they and their story took me back to when I was their age and what a time in my life that was! Lucky is a wonderful person, family man and potential significant other. Harmony seemed a bit selfish at first but the more I read the more I understood and cared about her. I do believe that Lucky had Harmony have a great future together even though the book ended with a HFN rather than a HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and want to thank the author for bequeathing me a copy to read and review.
4.5 Stars
Clark MacKinnon had know Melody since they were kids, when her father worked on his parents ranch, and now she is back in his life, well working for him and despite of his player behavior, this cowboy knew that his feeling for Melody went deeper than that.
But after one night together Melody freaks out and quits! And Clark jumps through hoops to keep her in his life! But will Melody believe that this Cowboy Player is willing to hang up his spurs for her.
The plot of Cowboy Player is light and flirty, but it does deeper side when Clark shares his feeling with Melody. I have to admit that even though I thoroughly enjoyed Clark and Melody's characters, Harmony and Lucky's characters truly stole the book for me and I truly hope they will get their own book.
Mia Hopkins is a completely new author to me and quite honestly I enjoyed her writing style and I would be eager to read the next book in this series.
I give Cowboy Player 4 stars!
Onze site gebruikt cookies om diensten te leveren, prestaties te verbeteren, voor analyse en (indien je niet ingelogd bent) voor advertenties. Door LibraryThing te gebruiken erken je dat je onze Servicevoorwaarden en Privacybeleid gelezen en begrepen hebt. Je gebruik van de site en diensten is onderhevig aan dit beleid en deze voorwaarden.
The book spent a lot of time in the beginning letting the reader know who Salvador is and the history of his life in the neighborhood. My only complaint is I suppose there could have been more on the romance side of the story, but ultimately the book gave us a really good backstory setting up the next books.
I’m so pumped for the next two books!