Book: Brown Sugar Espresso Martini by Aubrey Taylor
Reviewed by Michele (spicysithreads)
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for the gifted ebook. All opinions are my own.
Well, I just LOVED this book! Besides the fact that it is heartwarming and a great read, it has lots of wrestling references! I am a wrestling girl, and have been for about the last 30 years, so this book made me "kick my feet and giggle" as they say.
Rhea Drake is the oldest daughter, and definitely fits all of the qualifications - she is the steady force in the family, the one who takes care of everyone and everything without thinking about it, the dependable one, the one that hides everything inside and just shows the calm exterior; and she loves professional wrestling! And I love that she is modeled after Rhea Ripley - so yes, I read every.single.thing she said in Rhea's voice, and it just so added to the story!
Rhea's first condo floods, so she has to rely on her friends to help her out. She plays rugby, and her team is mostly her found family. One of her friends, Sunday Black, has twin brothers who own a bar where everyone hangs out. Rhea finds out the Brighton Black (who owns the bar) lives above the bar and he has a spare room. She finally talks him into letting her stay in the spare room.
Brighton has his own issues steming from serving in the military. He has a routine, a daughter, and a close circle that he doesn't stray from. Will they be able to live together and live with each other's pasts?
This book seems to be a fun sports romance, but as you read, you realize this is not just that. This book is about PTSD and all of the trauma it causes. As you read, you see more of it come out between Rhea and Brighton and it is literally heartbreaking. It shows you how everyone looks fine on the outside, but they are not fine on the inside. I really loved how this was written, but defintely check the trigger warnings if you have them!!. Definitely recommend this book, especially if you like strong women!
Tropes:
Oldest Daughter
Rugby Romance
Roommates to Lovers
Single Dad (Teen Daughter)
Hair Braiding
PTSD representation
Sisters Best Friend
Slow burn
Girlhood Chaos
4.5 / 5 stars
3 / 5 spice