Book Review: Thirsty

Feeling THIRSTY? Visit the Eastside Brewery…

A gangster hiding from his past. A single mom fighting for her future. Can she show this bad boy the man’s he’s meant to be? Mia Hopkins is back with the first in an all-new contemporary series, THIRSTY (Eastside Brewery #1)!

About THIRSTY

My name is Salvador Rosas. Back in the barrio, my past is written on the walls: ESHB. Short for East Side Hollenbeck, my father’s gang—my gang. Hell, it’s a family tradition, one that sent both my brothers away. They used to call me “Ghost” because I haunted people’s dreams. Now I’ve got nothing going for me except a hipster gringo mentoring me in a new career. An ex-con making craft beer? No mames.

Still, people in this neighborhood look out for one another. That’s how I became Vanessa Velasco’s unwelcome tenant. Chiquita pero picosa. She’s little, but with curves so sweet they’re dangerous. I remember Vanessa from the old days, the straight-A student with big plans. Plans that were derailed by another kid stupid enough to think he was bulletproof. Now Vanessa knows better than to believe in empty promises. There’s fire in her . . . and if I touch her, I might get burned.

I’m trying everything I can to go straight. But when East Side Hollenbeck comes calling, I might have to risk it all to find out if there’s a future for Vanessa and me. Because she’s the only one who can quench my thirst for something real.

On Sale in Digital: March 13, 2018

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My Review

So many things can be discussed about this book. It covers a wide range of themes. It analyzes all aspects of life on the hood, family, second chance, starting over and taking life changing steps. The main characters are awesome and very very good for each other.

An interesting fact is that the book is told from Ghost’ POV. The author did a great job maintaining that male character tone, combined with Spanish and gang slang. I see the characters as well developed, even if young. Once would argue that at 22, a woman like Vanessa couldn’t know much about life and love. But she has been through so much and has had to learn how to become a mother quickly in life. As for Ghost, he has a chance to start over and he is not willing to let that pass. And I think all their experience is captured very well. The beginning is focused on portraying his mental state and it goes to underline the importance of all things happening now in his life.

I’ll not insist too much on the plot development, as it’s more than well described in the blurb. But I will tell you this: Ghost wants a fresh start and not only for him, but also for his brother who’s still in prison. He tries to stay away from gang life but the pull is there. If he’ll manage to escape it and how, is more a mental process, than a spread of actions.

When they come together, they are both looking for a partner in all aspects: someone to talk to, someone to share some pretty hot moments, someone who won’t judge. But she proves to be his stability, his hope for a better life. Ghost is her spark, he’s what makes her vibrate with youth again, the crazy good, the fun good. And it’s great!

But except that, both he and Vanessa are devoted to their families. Her daughter is the light of her life, the only thing that pushes her forward (that little girl is absolutely adorable anyway!). Ghost wants a quiet life for his brother too. But his devotion to family is visible with his relationship with one of his friends’ wife and children. He cares for them and at one point even offers them a small joy in an ugly neighborhood.

Suffice to say I loved it so so much! I wanted to know more about his struggles, I wanted so much more! I needed 1500 pages more! And I sure have so many other things to add about this book, but I’m going to let you discover all the beauty in it. So please read it, enjoy it and comment back your thoughts ! Happy reading!

Add THIRSTY to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

See what others are saying about THIRSTY:

“Thirsty is sexy and soul-wrenching, with Sal’s irresistible voice luring you through a living, breathing Los Angeles. Vanessa and Sal’s chemistry is sizzling right off the page, and their journey will keep you on the edge of your seat. Five smoldering, tattooed stars!” – USA Today Bestselling Author Sierra Simone

CELEBRATE THE RELEASE WITH A GIVEAWAY!

Grand Prize: (1) 7’ Kindle Fire (8GB) + (2) Backlist titles from Mia Hopkins (Digital Only)

2 Runner-Ups: (1) $10 Amazon Gift Card each + Any (1) backlist Mia Hopkins title (digital version)

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Author Bio:

Mia Hopkins writes lush romances starring fun, sexy characters who love to get down and dirty. She’s a sucker for working class heroes, brainy heroines and wisecracking best friends. She lives in Los Angeles with her roguish husband and waggish dog.

You can also visit her online at the following places:

Praise for titles by Mia Hopkins:

“Mia Hopkins knows how to put characters on a page.” – HEROES AND HEARTBREAKERS

“Mia Hopkins is an imaginative author who doesn’t take the easy road to a formulaic book.”
– USA TODAY

“Sweet and filthy at the same time, just the way I like it. This book made me so happy.”

– READ ALL THE ROMANCE

“The writing is excellent, the emotions leap off the page, and the sex is downright earthy.”
– JILL SORENSON, AUTHOR

“Beautifully descriptive…hot, sexy and full of yearning!” – DELILAH DEVLIN, AUTHOR

“Off the charts hot.” – THE ROMANCE STUDIO

“A tantalizing slow seduction of the senses.” – STRANGE CANDY REVIEWS

“Hopkins packs a lot of heat and romance on the pages…Caution: hot, sexy times ahead!”

– READER GIRLS BLOG

“Filled with sizzling chemistry, hot sex, and just enough sweetness to leave me wanting more…And those sex scenes…Holy hotness!” – CRYSTAL BLOGS BOOK