Book: Brown Sugar Espresso Martini by Aubrey Taylor
Reviewed by Anonymous
I could not put this book down. RIP my normal sleep schedule. I think I finished it at One a.m. with tears in my eyes for the last at least hour. Despite it being long, I'm pretty sure I finished it in less than 24 hours.
Rhea and Brighton were fully engaging characters. Rhea is a super tall for a woman badass rugby player. She and her team are a fun girl group you want to be a part of. They laugh, they play, they drink and even tabletop game together. I loved how Rhea blends a sarcastic baddie with a deeply caring teacher and sister, who has been put through the wringer in her twenty-something years. Brighton is a stereotypical Broody McBrooderson. I think that stems from taking care of everyone around him his whole life. The fireworks that happen while they learn to lean on each other and be taken care of for once in their lives are so fun to watch.
The PTSD that is shown in multiple characters is very realistic. It is a heavy topic, but I think it is handled well by the end. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have someone to lean on while getting through something like that. I loved watching Rhea break through to Bright, and help him see how much he actually wants to get help rather than give up.
Every character in this book is intriguing and I can't wait to read more in this series. This book will put you through the emotional ringer, from laughing to crying, but you won't regret reading it. It has everything from brother's best friend and so much yearning to workplace tension and roommates to lovers. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.