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Brown Sugar Espresso Martini
The Reaper; Brown Sugar Espresso Martini made with top shelf vodka, a house made BS syrup and freshly brewed espresso.
Rhea Drake, art teacher and centre for Harbor Hillcats rugby team is undeniably strong in every sense of the word. Standing at six-one she’s the tallest on the team, and puts the average person to shame. But even the strongest women have cracks in their armor and her life starts spiraling out of control when she’s evicted from her condo. With nowhere to go, in desperate need for a part time job she turns to her best friend's brother.
Brighton Black, owner of the Hollow, with a chip on his shoulder after returning from war. He's a retired combat medic with a dark look on life and not much to say unless it’s about his thirteen year old daughter, Daisy. His life is upended when Rhea barrels into it with the proposition of being roommates. His first instinct is to say no, and he does, more than once but eventually she wears him down and the most unlikely of relationships form.
Will they kiss or will they kill each other? Place your bets now.
Brown Sugar Espresso Martini is a story of unlikely pairings and fighting for the love you deserve even when the world seems to be against you.
Rhea Drake, art teacher and centre for Harbor Hillcats rugby team is undeniably strong in every sense of the word. Standing at six-one she’s the tallest on the team, and puts the average person to shame. But even the strongest women have cracks in their armor and her life starts spiraling out of control when she’s evicted from her condo. With nowhere to go, in desperate need for a part time job she turns to her best friend's brother.
Brighton Black, owner of the Hollow, with a chip on his shoulder after returning from war. He's a retired combat medic with a dark look on life and not much to say unless it’s about his thirteen year old daughter, Daisy. His life is upended when Rhea barrels into it with the proposition of being roommates. His first instinct is to say no, and he does, more than once but eventually she wears him down and the most unlikely of relationships form.
Will they kiss or will they kill each other? Place your bets now.
Brown Sugar Espresso Martini is a story of unlikely pairings and fighting for the love you deserve even when the world seems to be against you.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2026
3 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Aubrey Taylor
23 books139 followersAubrey Taylor is a 32-year-old mom living in chilly Canada with her two kids and wonderful husband. Raised by Dean Winchester, Percy Jackson, and horror movies. She's a loud, nerdy, sarcastic lover of stories. Her favourites always including chosen families and adventure. She has been writing and creating stories from her dreams ever since she could remember. With massive emotions of her own, she puts her entire heart into her characters and stories. Aubrey's favorite genres are fantasy, reverse harem romance, and contemporary romance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 16, 2026
Tropes & CWs:
🍸 Bestfriend's older brother
🏉 They both are rugby players
🍸 F Dom x M Sub
🏉 Single dad / ex military
🍸 Teenager daughter
🏉 Very slow burn
🍸 Roommates to lovers
🏉 She's 6'1" and he's taller
🍸 Art teacher x Bartender
🏉 Opposites attract
🍸 Oldest daughter shenanigans
🏉 Girlhood chaos
🍸 PTSD & survivor's guilt rep.
I devoured this book!!
I love Rhea!! She's so tall, and dare i say...MUSCULARRRR 💪🏼😛
Rhea is such a sweetheart, guarding her friends at the club as a bouncer during the night, and being a cute art teacher during the day.
She's an oldest daughter, she's moved out, and a little forgotten to her parents who are busy raising the younger ones, and to that, her girlfriends come to the rescue.
"I wish the girls didn’t have to carry the burden of making me feel loved; it’s not their job." 🥲
They're sweet chaos together, with different and vibrant personalities. I can't wait to read their books as well.
Brighton, our MMC IS JUST LIKE SIMON RILEY YALLLLLL he's so broody, grumpy and protective in the most delicious way possible. 😩 I was giggling the whole time once they got together.
He's taller than her, and she's 6'1" he asks her to wear her heels and not be insecure to tower people with her height and muscles. 🤤 Gosh he's so hot. And he's a SUB YALL. HE'S A SUB. His PTSD & survivor's guilt rep was well written too, it's really the small things that tick you.
I had a few criticisms of the book, but this is mostly just my own personal taste.
🍣 I was confused because there's tooo many side characters.
🍣 It was a slow burn, which is okay but it took more than 40% of the book for them to properly even be more than just friends. 😭
🍣 The third act breakup felt unnecessary :( i think Rhea deserved better than that, or atleast he should've groveled later when he came back? It's not like a few months of therapy is suddenly going to make things okay? Because that's not realistic.
🍣 When Brighton kept telling Rhea to call him Bright, why did she always dismiss it? Felt a bit disrespectful to me. 😔
🍣 Why did Brighton help his friend cause fights in the bar when they were both very drunk, his friend was touching the waitress inappropriately, and her men were glaring at him..cmon.
These didn't necessarily ruin the book for me, but it did bring a star down.
Thankyou to Luna Literary Agency and the author for the e-ARC 🫶🏻
🍸 Bestfriend's older brother
🏉 They both are rugby players
🍸 F Dom x M Sub
🏉 Single dad / ex military
🍸 Teenager daughter
🏉 Very slow burn
🍸 Roommates to lovers
🏉 She's 6'1" and he's taller
🍸 Art teacher x Bartender
🏉 Opposites attract
🍸 Oldest daughter shenanigans
🏉 Girlhood chaos
🍸 PTSD & survivor's guilt rep.
I devoured this book!!
I love Rhea!! She's so tall, and dare i say...MUSCULARRRR 💪🏼😛
Rhea is such a sweetheart, guarding her friends at the club as a bouncer during the night, and being a cute art teacher during the day.
She's an oldest daughter, she's moved out, and a little forgotten to her parents who are busy raising the younger ones, and to that, her girlfriends come to the rescue.
"I wish the girls didn’t have to carry the burden of making me feel loved; it’s not their job." 🥲
They're sweet chaos together, with different and vibrant personalities. I can't wait to read their books as well.
Brighton, our MMC IS JUST LIKE SIMON RILEY YALLLLLL he's so broody, grumpy and protective in the most delicious way possible. 😩 I was giggling the whole time once they got together.
He's taller than her, and she's 6'1" he asks her to wear her heels and not be insecure to tower people with her height and muscles. 🤤 Gosh he's so hot. And he's a SUB YALL. HE'S A SUB. His PTSD & survivor's guilt rep was well written too, it's really the small things that tick you.
I had a few criticisms of the book, but this is mostly just my own personal taste.
🍣 I was confused because there's tooo many side characters.
🍣 It was a slow burn, which is okay but it took more than 40% of the book for them to properly even be more than just friends. 😭
🍣 The third act breakup felt unnecessary :( i think Rhea deserved better than that, or atleast he should've groveled later when he came back? It's not like a few months of therapy is suddenly going to make things okay? Because that's not realistic.
🍣 When Brighton kept telling Rhea to call him Bright, why did she always dismiss it? Felt a bit disrespectful to me. 😔
🍣 Why did Brighton help his friend cause fights in the bar when they were both very drunk, his friend was touching the waitress inappropriately, and her men were glaring at him..cmon.
These didn't necessarily ruin the book for me, but it did bring a star down.
Thankyou to Luna Literary Agency and the author for the e-ARC 🫶🏻
April 2, 2026
"every day, she gives reason to find joy in life despite all of the horrible things going on around her—and in her mind."
oh, my sweet, feral, sad little babies. where do i even start with this review? every book aubrey writes has a tendency to tug on my heartstrings, and bsem is no different. every character comes off of the pages more and more the further you get into the book, which is such a magical experience. as with every character written by aubrey, they feel relatable, real, and raw.
rhea drake, our fmc, is the oldest daughter in her family. even without having to mention it, you will absolutely know she is just in the way she's written and described. she takes care of the people she loves, but also feels the guilt and responsibility of being the oldest daughter. with that, there's an unspoken rule that you have to be strong for everyone despite not feeling strong for yourself, which is something i deeply related to as the oldest sibling myself. connecting to characters in this way only heightens the experience of reading aubrey's books, and i feel a special kind of connection to her fmcs in every book she writes. rhea is so many things at once--messy, chaotic, lovable, strong, sad, but above all else, she's real. i think what drew me to her the most is how real she felt, even before i read the book. rhea is a reminder that it's okay not to be okay, even when you feel like you have to be for everyone else.
brighton black, our mmc, is also so many things at once. he's broken, broody, and caring. he loves the people close to him in the little things he does for them, like taking the tomatoes off of rhea's burgers and adding pickles because he's seen her friends do it for her. both rhea and brighton do things, big or small, for the people they love that cannot be ignored. brighton is observant to a fault, and i think it's the things that he's observed about rhea that made me fall for him harder and harder the more i read. he's a character that was written and treated with so much care while aubrey was writing, and i cannot stress enough just how much you will adore him. he's one that will break your heart but patch it back up in the next chapter. trust me when i say these characters will take you for a ride, but it's one you will refuse to get off of.
from the girlhood chaos to the quiet (but loud) acts of love to the sadness and the joy and finding yourself (and other people), there is something in this book that will speak to everyone. you may even find a part of yourself healing slowly while you read, and i can speak to that firsthand. if you're looking for something raw, passionate, chaotic, and sad yet healing, bsem is the book for you, i promise you'll fall in love with everything it is before the end.
forever screaming thank you to aubrey for another beautifully written book and for having me on your team. i am eternally grateful for you. and thank you to luna literary management for the e-arc! 🌙
🍸 slow burn
🏉 girlhood chaos
🍸 rugby romance
🏉 single teen dad
🍸 roommates to lovers
oh, my sweet, feral, sad little babies. where do i even start with this review? every book aubrey writes has a tendency to tug on my heartstrings, and bsem is no different. every character comes off of the pages more and more the further you get into the book, which is such a magical experience. as with every character written by aubrey, they feel relatable, real, and raw.
rhea drake, our fmc, is the oldest daughter in her family. even without having to mention it, you will absolutely know she is just in the way she's written and described. she takes care of the people she loves, but also feels the guilt and responsibility of being the oldest daughter. with that, there's an unspoken rule that you have to be strong for everyone despite not feeling strong for yourself, which is something i deeply related to as the oldest sibling myself. connecting to characters in this way only heightens the experience of reading aubrey's books, and i feel a special kind of connection to her fmcs in every book she writes. rhea is so many things at once--messy, chaotic, lovable, strong, sad, but above all else, she's real. i think what drew me to her the most is how real she felt, even before i read the book. rhea is a reminder that it's okay not to be okay, even when you feel like you have to be for everyone else.
brighton black, our mmc, is also so many things at once. he's broken, broody, and caring. he loves the people close to him in the little things he does for them, like taking the tomatoes off of rhea's burgers and adding pickles because he's seen her friends do it for her. both rhea and brighton do things, big or small, for the people they love that cannot be ignored. brighton is observant to a fault, and i think it's the things that he's observed about rhea that made me fall for him harder and harder the more i read. he's a character that was written and treated with so much care while aubrey was writing, and i cannot stress enough just how much you will adore him. he's one that will break your heart but patch it back up in the next chapter. trust me when i say these characters will take you for a ride, but it's one you will refuse to get off of.
from the girlhood chaos to the quiet (but loud) acts of love to the sadness and the joy and finding yourself (and other people), there is something in this book that will speak to everyone. you may even find a part of yourself healing slowly while you read, and i can speak to that firsthand. if you're looking for something raw, passionate, chaotic, and sad yet healing, bsem is the book for you, i promise you'll fall in love with everything it is before the end.
forever screaming thank you to aubrey for another beautifully written book and for having me on your team. i am eternally grateful for you. and thank you to luna literary management for the e-arc! 🌙
🍸 slow burn
🏉 girlhood chaos
🍸 rugby romance
🏉 single teen dad
🍸 roommates to lovers
March 27, 2026
Brown Sugar Espreeso Marrini and the Hillcats is everything I didn’t know I needed but I know for sure that I can never live without them now that I know they exist. A series that focuses on female sports is always going to be a must read for me. I knew nothing about rugby before diving into this series but let me tell you, I now want to learn everything I can about it.
“You’ve got the biggest, most selfless heart of us all, and you walk around with it on your sleeve, trusting the world to protect it.” Rhea Drake, our FMC, felt like a beautiful love letter to the experience that is being the oldest daughter. Being not only the oldest daughter but also oldest granddaughter myself, there is a special type of responsibility and guilt you can’t help but carry that feeling that you need to be strong for everyone. Be the one that notices and fixes. Aubrey does such a phenomenal job writing these qualities into Rhea, our amazing sad girl. Rhea is such a beautiful, complex, emotional, messy, and pure love of a character.
Brighton Black, our MMC, the hardened yet soft, broken man that you are. The way that Aubrey wrote PTSD rep into this book was poetic and heart wrenching but so real. Brighton is truly a man who would scorch the world for the ones he loved and that includes scorching his own world and seeking out the healing that he needed to be the man Rhea and his daughter needed him to be. Rhea and Brighton balance each other so well. They take care of each other and love each other in their rawest forms.
Their love story is a slowwwww burn but man did I enjoy the ride. I think this particular quote sums up Rhea and Brighton perfectly - “You know when you kiss someone, and you can tell it’s a means to an end?” I ask her and watch the recognition flicker across her face. “Like it’s a kiss just to kiss someone?” It takes her a moment to respond, but she nods, “Yeah, Reaper. I know.” “This wasn’t that,”
My absolute favorite part is the chaotic girlhood that’s exists within the lines of these pages. Not only are they a badass team of female rugby players but they are also the fiercest of friends to each other. I don’t even want to know where I would be without my girlhood friendships and Aubrey really keeps that sentiment at the forefront of this book. Rhea would be lost without her friends.
BSEM is another banger of a book and Aubrey’s writing will never cease to captivate and amaze me. ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
“You’ve got the biggest, most selfless heart of us all, and you walk around with it on your sleeve, trusting the world to protect it.” Rhea Drake, our FMC, felt like a beautiful love letter to the experience that is being the oldest daughter. Being not only the oldest daughter but also oldest granddaughter myself, there is a special type of responsibility and guilt you can’t help but carry that feeling that you need to be strong for everyone. Be the one that notices and fixes. Aubrey does such a phenomenal job writing these qualities into Rhea, our amazing sad girl. Rhea is such a beautiful, complex, emotional, messy, and pure love of a character.
Brighton Black, our MMC, the hardened yet soft, broken man that you are. The way that Aubrey wrote PTSD rep into this book was poetic and heart wrenching but so real. Brighton is truly a man who would scorch the world for the ones he loved and that includes scorching his own world and seeking out the healing that he needed to be the man Rhea and his daughter needed him to be. Rhea and Brighton balance each other so well. They take care of each other and love each other in their rawest forms.
Their love story is a slowwwww burn but man did I enjoy the ride. I think this particular quote sums up Rhea and Brighton perfectly - “You know when you kiss someone, and you can tell it’s a means to an end?” I ask her and watch the recognition flicker across her face. “Like it’s a kiss just to kiss someone?” It takes her a moment to respond, but she nods, “Yeah, Reaper. I know.” “This wasn’t that,”
My absolute favorite part is the chaotic girlhood that’s exists within the lines of these pages. Not only are they a badass team of female rugby players but they are also the fiercest of friends to each other. I don’t even want to know where I would be without my girlhood friendships and Aubrey really keeps that sentiment at the forefront of this book. Rhea would be lost without her friends.
BSEM is another banger of a book and Aubrey’s writing will never cease to captivate and amaze me. ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
March 27, 2026
Brown Sugar Espresso Martini (BSEM) was an incredibly emotional read for me. I had to keep pausing to just sit with what Aubrey wrote. This book healed things in me I had buried for a long time.
I knew I would love BSEM. I love everything Aubrey has written. I will always be in her corner. But this book…This book was, and is, everything to me.
I didn’t know how much I needed this book until I read it. It’s a book full of stories, lessons, tension, love, banter, and girlhood. The characters are full of so much soul you can’t help but be drawn to them.
Rhea’s character feels like pieces of my soul had been taken and put on page. It isn’t super often that I read something and feel as extremely connected to a character in the way that I felt with Rhea Drake. She is so special, and I love Aubrey even more for bringing her to life in the way she did.
Brighton is a dream. A literal dream. He’s broody, reserved, but also playful, submissive, caring and extremely observant. His inner dialogue is one of my most favourites, it’s calculated, grumpy but still chaotically fun. Not to mention Brighton is the only one to rival Josh in my ranking of Aubrey men thus far.
Behind the characters, and at this books core is the love for the sport and girlhood. The passion behind female sports, rugby in particular, that is infused into this book is palpable. It’s gritty, rough, emotional and action packed. Perfect is honestly the best way to describe it.
Aubrey, thank you to the moon and back for your trust. It is never taken for granted. Thank you for letting me love Rhea and Brighton early and having the privilege to watch others fall in love with this book just like I did.
I am so excited for the rest of our Hillcats to have their books. See you at the next game. Go Hillcats!
Thank you Luna Literary for the ARC 🫶
I knew I would love BSEM. I love everything Aubrey has written. I will always be in her corner. But this book…This book was, and is, everything to me.
I didn’t know how much I needed this book until I read it. It’s a book full of stories, lessons, tension, love, banter, and girlhood. The characters are full of so much soul you can’t help but be drawn to them.
Rhea’s character feels like pieces of my soul had been taken and put on page. It isn’t super often that I read something and feel as extremely connected to a character in the way that I felt with Rhea Drake. She is so special, and I love Aubrey even more for bringing her to life in the way she did.
Brighton is a dream. A literal dream. He’s broody, reserved, but also playful, submissive, caring and extremely observant. His inner dialogue is one of my most favourites, it’s calculated, grumpy but still chaotically fun. Not to mention Brighton is the only one to rival Josh in my ranking of Aubrey men thus far.
Behind the characters, and at this books core is the love for the sport and girlhood. The passion behind female sports, rugby in particular, that is infused into this book is palpable. It’s gritty, rough, emotional and action packed. Perfect is honestly the best way to describe it.
Aubrey, thank you to the moon and back for your trust. It is never taken for granted. Thank you for letting me love Rhea and Brighton early and having the privilege to watch others fall in love with this book just like I did.
I am so excited for the rest of our Hillcats to have their books. See you at the next game. Go Hillcats!
Thank you Luna Literary for the ARC 🫶
March 21, 2026
5 STARS!!!
I am… once again… completely OBSESSED.
I don’t even know how Aubrey Taylor does this every single time, but her books are the kind that make you feel everything... and then somehow leave you wanting more...
What I love most about her writing (and what keeps me coming back) is how deeply she understands her characters. These aren’t surface-level romances. Every person in this story feels real, messy, and human in the most relatable ways. Their backstories matter. Their trauma matters. Their growth matters. And I completely felt ALL of it.
And the way she continues to expand this universe.... connecting this new series back to her Hornets Nest Series is honestly one of my favorite things. Baseball is my favorite sports romance genre, but now I want to learn everything about Rugby!
Rhea & Brighton (aka I am unwell)
Rhea is exactly the kind of FMC I will always ride for. She’s strong but not in a forced way. It’s in how she shows up for people, how she processes things, and how deeply she understands the emotional weight of every situation. She FEELS so much. I love her.
And Brighton… listen. LISTEN.
This man is layered in a way that just wrecked me. He’s protective, complicated, carrying guilt, trying to do better.... especially as a father.
The way he shows up for his daughter AND still allows himself to be vulnerable? Yeah. Done for.
The chemistry???? The tension. The banter. The energy between them??? I mean....
Why I'm So Obsessed:
- characters feel real and relatable
- relationships come together naturally, not forced
- so much representation throughout the story
- every side character feels like they matter (and will matter later 👀)
- connection to the larger universe <3
Final thoughts
I am fully, completely, unapologetically obsessed with this author and everything she writes.
This book reminded me exactly why.
If you love character-driven romance with emotional depth, strong connections, and a world that keeps expanding in the best way… you need to be reading her books.
Immediately.
Tropes I LOVE:
-Rugby Romance
- Roommates to Lovers
- Single Dad (Teen Daughter)
- Hair Braiding
- PTSD representation
- Sisters Best Friend
- Slow burn
- Girlhood Chaos
Cannot thank Luna Literary and Aubrey Taylor enough for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I am… once again… completely OBSESSED.
I don’t even know how Aubrey Taylor does this every single time, but her books are the kind that make you feel everything... and then somehow leave you wanting more...
What I love most about her writing (and what keeps me coming back) is how deeply she understands her characters. These aren’t surface-level romances. Every person in this story feels real, messy, and human in the most relatable ways. Their backstories matter. Their trauma matters. Their growth matters. And I completely felt ALL of it.
And the way she continues to expand this universe.... connecting this new series back to her Hornets Nest Series is honestly one of my favorite things. Baseball is my favorite sports romance genre, but now I want to learn everything about Rugby!
Rhea & Brighton (aka I am unwell)
Rhea is exactly the kind of FMC I will always ride for. She’s strong but not in a forced way. It’s in how she shows up for people, how she processes things, and how deeply she understands the emotional weight of every situation. She FEELS so much. I love her.
“If it were me, having you, losing you, and watching you find your way back… that would hurt.”
And Brighton… listen. LISTEN.
This man is layered in a way that just wrecked me. He’s protective, complicated, carrying guilt, trying to do better.... especially as a father.
“I’m Daisy’s Dad, and I should be able to figure out what’s going on in her head…”
The way he shows up for his daughter AND still allows himself to be vulnerable? Yeah. Done for.
The chemistry???? The tension. The banter. The energy between them??? I mean....
“Do you like being watched, Rhea?”
“Only by you.”
“Do you want to touch me, Brighton?”
“More than anything.”
Why I'm So Obsessed:
- characters feel real and relatable
- relationships come together naturally, not forced
- so much representation throughout the story
- every side character feels like they matter (and will matter later 👀)
- connection to the larger universe <3
Final thoughts
I am fully, completely, unapologetically obsessed with this author and everything she writes.
This book reminded me exactly why.
If you love character-driven romance with emotional depth, strong connections, and a world that keeps expanding in the best way… you need to be reading her books.
Immediately.
Tropes I LOVE:
-Rugby Romance
- Roommates to Lovers
- Single Dad (Teen Daughter)
- Hair Braiding
- PTSD representation
- Sisters Best Friend
- Slow burn
- Girlhood Chaos
Cannot thank Luna Literary and Aubrey Taylor enough for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2026
4⭐️
Um I inspect to get so emotional reading this book! I was tearing up at the end and it honestly had me a little worried about the HEA. I love reading about a strong FMC and Rhea was literally that. Physically intimidating and needed someone who saw her and loved every bit of her, someone who wasn’t intimidated. Enter Brighton. They both were fighting their own demons that were eerily similar and I was hoping for a little more resolution with one of her demons but it’s okay. I love that Brighton worked on himself. I have no idea how hard it is to come back from being deployed and honestly it was heart breaking.
The only reasons why this isn’t rated higher is because it was LONG and at times it dragged and I found myself skimming. Overall though really enjoyed it!
Thank you Luna literary and Aubrey Taylor for the eARC.
Um I inspect to get so emotional reading this book! I was tearing up at the end and it honestly had me a little worried about the HEA. I love reading about a strong FMC and Rhea was literally that. Physically intimidating and needed someone who saw her and loved every bit of her, someone who wasn’t intimidated. Enter Brighton. They both were fighting their own demons that were eerily similar and I was hoping for a little more resolution with one of her demons but it’s okay. I love that Brighton worked on himself. I have no idea how hard it is to come back from being deployed and honestly it was heart breaking.
The only reasons why this isn’t rated higher is because it was LONG and at times it dragged and I found myself skimming. Overall though really enjoyed it!
Thank you Luna literary and Aubrey Taylor for the eARC.
March 15, 2026
Thank you Luna Literary & Aubrey Taylor for the amazing opportunity to be an ARC Reader!
BSEM is everything. Aubrey perfectly captures a girl who is messy, unafraid to love big, has questionable music taste and would bail her people out of jail if they needed her. Aubrey has given us wonderfully complex characters (as she does in all of her books) that put my emotions through the wringer. I cried and also laughed like a maniac, this book is so special to me!
Detailed/Spoiler Review to come after release day on March 27th
BSEM is everything. Aubrey perfectly captures a girl who is messy, unafraid to love big, has questionable music taste and would bail her people out of jail if they needed her. Aubrey has given us wonderfully complex characters (as she does in all of her books) that put my emotions through the wringer. I cried and also laughed like a maniac, this book is so special to me!
Detailed/Spoiler Review to come after release day on March 27th
April 19, 2026
Wow. So the rugby girl era is upon us. I read every version of this book. I wiped away tears from a country away. I love knowing I have a permanent spot in your corner. What you’ve done with this book is nothing short of incredible.
As a society, women are defined by outdated expectations. But we truly are the pulse in every aspect of life. And you showcase that in this book with every word you typed. These girls showcase everything we chase after. Rhea is strong and resilient and soft and messy. Truly a beautiful soul every way. She makes you feel seen but in the way you are supposed to be. Much like you. She stand tall (literally) and confidently. She’s not going to shy away from a fight and she feels big. But she isn’t exempt from feeing the crushing weight that families and loved ones keep stacking on us. Or the definitions of what a woman should be. Because we can be whatever we want to be. We can be strong AND beautiful. We can be loud. We can be soft. We can be fun and flirty. Or we can be serious and guarded. We can create and destroy. We support and love but hold accountable. We cry and scream but shout and dance. We’re messy. And we need more characters like Rhea to remind us that messy is natural and raw and exposed. And when we allow ourselves to be shown fully, we find the people we need. We find the family we need. And we find the love we need.
As a society, women are defined by outdated expectations. But we truly are the pulse in every aspect of life. And you showcase that in this book with every word you typed. These girls showcase everything we chase after. Rhea is strong and resilient and soft and messy. Truly a beautiful soul every way. She makes you feel seen but in the way you are supposed to be. Much like you. She stand tall (literally) and confidently. She’s not going to shy away from a fight and she feels big. But she isn’t exempt from feeing the crushing weight that families and loved ones keep stacking on us. Or the definitions of what a woman should be. Because we can be whatever we want to be. We can be strong AND beautiful. We can be loud. We can be soft. We can be fun and flirty. Or we can be serious and guarded. We can create and destroy. We support and love but hold accountable. We cry and scream but shout and dance. We’re messy. And we need more characters like Rhea to remind us that messy is natural and raw and exposed. And when we allow ourselves to be shown fully, we find the people we need. We find the family we need. And we find the love we need.
March 29, 2026
Aubrey, the woman that you are. My goodness, I'm not even sure where to begin.
I already knew and loved these characters from afar, but getting to fully immerse myself into their part of Harbor has my cup overwhelmingly full.
Rhea, in all her eldest daughter, has to be everything for everyone, people pleasing, putting herself last to make sure everyone else is taken care of first, minimizing her needs to not feel like a burden - glory, healed a major part of my soul and I can't stop thinking about her. Rhea is everything, in the best way possible. She is the epitome of what it means to be the oldest sibling, a woman, a partner, a friend. As someone who is still working daily to not be a sad girl, I love every part of this sad girl. The friendships she has made within the Hillcats are the kinds that last a lifetime, and each one of those women is special in their own way. These friendships bring so much to the story and help to showcase just how lovely, emotional, complex, badass, headstrong and protective Rhea is at her core.
Brighton. He's all scowls and hard edges, but is soft where it really counts. He's a man who would do absolutely ANYTHING for the ones he loves, even run himself bone dry. The PTSD rep Aubrey carefully put into this story and character, is written with such quiet care and intention that I found myself sitting and staring, taking in the words from the pages before moving on. While Bright may seem to be grumpy, broody and mostly closed off, underneath all the hardened lines and scoffs, he's a little bit subby, extremely thoughtful, and actually a teddy bear who put his all into truly taking care of our sad girl.
There is so much more put into the bones of this book that goes far beyond just Brighton and Rhea. The underlying themes of friendship, girl power through taking up space, owning who you are, and girlhood, the friendships that have the power to survive ANYTHING, the nitty-grittyness of PTSD, and surviving not only our childhoods, but life after being dropped back onto home soil, the love of those around you and taking care of them while you have them, made this story and these characters shine so brightly(iykyk) that they'll stick with me forever - which is nothing new for the members of Harbor and the characters Aubrey puts her entire soul into.
Once again, thank you Aubrey, for giving us this masterpiece and these characters. Thank you for putting pieces of you into them and making their story one filled with tension, banter, hope, longing and overall LOVE. Reading a book that has so much of YOU in it, has truly become one of my favorite things I've experienced.
I already knew and loved these characters from afar, but getting to fully immerse myself into their part of Harbor has my cup overwhelmingly full.
Rhea, in all her eldest daughter, has to be everything for everyone, people pleasing, putting herself last to make sure everyone else is taken care of first, minimizing her needs to not feel like a burden - glory, healed a major part of my soul and I can't stop thinking about her. Rhea is everything, in the best way possible. She is the epitome of what it means to be the oldest sibling, a woman, a partner, a friend. As someone who is still working daily to not be a sad girl, I love every part of this sad girl. The friendships she has made within the Hillcats are the kinds that last a lifetime, and each one of those women is special in their own way. These friendships bring so much to the story and help to showcase just how lovely, emotional, complex, badass, headstrong and protective Rhea is at her core.
Brighton. He's all scowls and hard edges, but is soft where it really counts. He's a man who would do absolutely ANYTHING for the ones he loves, even run himself bone dry. The PTSD rep Aubrey carefully put into this story and character, is written with such quiet care and intention that I found myself sitting and staring, taking in the words from the pages before moving on. While Bright may seem to be grumpy, broody and mostly closed off, underneath all the hardened lines and scoffs, he's a little bit subby, extremely thoughtful, and actually a teddy bear who put his all into truly taking care of our sad girl.
There is so much more put into the bones of this book that goes far beyond just Brighton and Rhea. The underlying themes of friendship, girl power through taking up space, owning who you are, and girlhood, the friendships that have the power to survive ANYTHING, the nitty-grittyness of PTSD, and surviving not only our childhoods, but life after being dropped back onto home soil, the love of those around you and taking care of them while you have them, made this story and these characters shine so brightly(iykyk) that they'll stick with me forever - which is nothing new for the members of Harbor and the characters Aubrey puts her entire soul into.
Once again, thank you Aubrey, for giving us this masterpiece and these characters. Thank you for putting pieces of you into them and making their story one filled with tension, banter, hope, longing and overall LOVE. Reading a book that has so much of YOU in it, has truly become one of my favorite things I've experienced.
May 3, 2026
Some stories are loud in their emotions.
This one? It simmers.
It builds slowly, like something brewing just beneath the surface, where every glance, every shared space, every almost feels heavier than it should. And that is exactly why it works. Because what is happening between Rhea and Brighton is not sudden. It is layered with history, proximity, and the kind of tension that comes from knowing you are standing right on the edge of something you probably should not touch… but cannot walk away from either.
Rhea is that kind of heroine who looks like she has everything handled, but underneath it all, she is carrying more than anyone really sees. There is strength there, but also exhaustion, responsibility, and the quiet weight of always being the one who holds everything together. Watching her slowly unravel those walls, even just a little, is where this story starts to dig in.
And Brighton…
Brighton hurts in a way that is not loud, but constant.
He is steady, guarded, and shaped by everything he has been through, especially the parts of his life that still linger in the background. The PTSD representation here feels grounded and real, not glossed over or simplified. And yet, despite all of that, the way he shows up? For his daughter, for his life, and eventually for Rhea… it is unwavering. Not flashy. Not dramatic. Just consistent in a way that feels deeply safe.
The roommates to lovers dynamic does exactly what it should here. It forces closeness. It strips away distance. It creates those small, quiet moments that start to mean everything before either of them is ready to admit it. Add in the sister’s best friend tension and that slow burn pacing, and suddenly every interaction feels like it is carrying more weight than it should.
But what really makes this hit is how much of it exists in the in-between.
The late night conversations.
The soft, almost accidental touches.
The care that shows up before either of them is willing to call it love.
And when it finally shifts… it does not feel sudden. It feels inevitable.
This is not a story about falling fast.
It is about falling slowly, carefully, and a little reluctantly… until you realize you were already gone.
Bittersweet, grounded, and quietly emotional in a way that stays with you long after the last page.
Tropes
• 🏉 Rugby romance
• 🏠 Roommates to lovers
• 👨👧 Single dad (teen daughter)
• 💇♀️ Hair braiding intimacy
• 🧠 PTSD representation
• 👯 Sister’s best friend
• 💪 Oldest daughter energy
• 🔥 Slow burn
• 💫 Girlhood chaos
This one? It simmers.
It builds slowly, like something brewing just beneath the surface, where every glance, every shared space, every almost feels heavier than it should. And that is exactly why it works. Because what is happening between Rhea and Brighton is not sudden. It is layered with history, proximity, and the kind of tension that comes from knowing you are standing right on the edge of something you probably should not touch… but cannot walk away from either.
Rhea is that kind of heroine who looks like she has everything handled, but underneath it all, she is carrying more than anyone really sees. There is strength there, but also exhaustion, responsibility, and the quiet weight of always being the one who holds everything together. Watching her slowly unravel those walls, even just a little, is where this story starts to dig in.
And Brighton…
Brighton hurts in a way that is not loud, but constant.
He is steady, guarded, and shaped by everything he has been through, especially the parts of his life that still linger in the background. The PTSD representation here feels grounded and real, not glossed over or simplified. And yet, despite all of that, the way he shows up? For his daughter, for his life, and eventually for Rhea… it is unwavering. Not flashy. Not dramatic. Just consistent in a way that feels deeply safe.
The roommates to lovers dynamic does exactly what it should here. It forces closeness. It strips away distance. It creates those small, quiet moments that start to mean everything before either of them is ready to admit it. Add in the sister’s best friend tension and that slow burn pacing, and suddenly every interaction feels like it is carrying more weight than it should.
But what really makes this hit is how much of it exists in the in-between.
The late night conversations.
The soft, almost accidental touches.
The care that shows up before either of them is willing to call it love.
And when it finally shifts… it does not feel sudden. It feels inevitable.
This is not a story about falling fast.
It is about falling slowly, carefully, and a little reluctantly… until you realize you were already gone.
Bittersweet, grounded, and quietly emotional in a way that stays with you long after the last page.
Tropes
• 🏉 Rugby romance
• 🏠 Roommates to lovers
• 👨👧 Single dad (teen daughter)
• 💇♀️ Hair braiding intimacy
• 🧠 PTSD representation
• 👯 Sister’s best friend
• 💪 Oldest daughter energy
• 🔥 Slow burn
• 💫 Girlhood chaos
April 6, 2026
This book is everything I've come to expect from Aubrey after reading her Hornet's Nest series. The way she writes her characters draws you into their lives and you don't ever want to leave.
This story doesn’t just tug on your heartstrings—it grabs hold, ties them in knots, and refuses to let go. The characters are raw, messy, and achingly real—the kind that linger in your mind and soul long after you turn the last page.
Rhea is everything I love in a FMC—strong, fierce, and deeply loyal, yet so vulnerable it hurts to watch her put herself last again and again. You feel her struggles, her strength, her growth. Your heart aches for her to find happiness—to find someone who loves every part of her and makes sure she sees just how incredible she truly is.
Enter Brighton Black…
He's carrying a lot himself—from his time in the military to the challenges of co-parenting his daughter—and you feel it in every decision he makes. He’s burdened with secrets and heartache, and it’s painful to watch him shut himself off from the people who care about him. On the outside, he’s protective, intense, a little rough around the edges… but it’s the softness beneath that truly got me.
The way he sees Rhea.
The way he loves Daisy.
The way he loves—fully, deeply, without hesitation.
He’s the perfect balance of growly and gentle, guarded yet vulnerable—and I am such a sucker for an MMC with layers. Every time a new side of him is revealed, my heart aches a little more.
What makes their connection so special is that neither of them tries to minimize what the other is going through. Rhea brings energy and movement into Bright’s otherwise stagnant world—she makes it messy, and I loved that. In return, Bright gives Rhea a sense of grounding and stability when everything around her feels like it’s falling apart. He truly sees her and stands beside her—supportive, never overpowering.
Through their connection, they begin to heal and discover the kind of love they both need and deserve.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring themes of self-image, PTSD, trauma, healing, empowerment, love, family, and friendship in a way that feels honest and impactful.
If you’re looking for a romance that’s emotional, layered, and full of heart—with characters who feel real—this is an absolute must-read.
Thank you to Aubrey for the chance to read this first book in her new series. I cannot wait to see where we go from here.
This story doesn’t just tug on your heartstrings—it grabs hold, ties them in knots, and refuses to let go. The characters are raw, messy, and achingly real—the kind that linger in your mind and soul long after you turn the last page.
Rhea is everything I love in a FMC—strong, fierce, and deeply loyal, yet so vulnerable it hurts to watch her put herself last again and again. You feel her struggles, her strength, her growth. Your heart aches for her to find happiness—to find someone who loves every part of her and makes sure she sees just how incredible she truly is.
Enter Brighton Black…
He's carrying a lot himself—from his time in the military to the challenges of co-parenting his daughter—and you feel it in every decision he makes. He’s burdened with secrets and heartache, and it’s painful to watch him shut himself off from the people who care about him. On the outside, he’s protective, intense, a little rough around the edges… but it’s the softness beneath that truly got me.
The way he sees Rhea.
The way he loves Daisy.
The way he loves—fully, deeply, without hesitation.
He’s the perfect balance of growly and gentle, guarded yet vulnerable—and I am such a sucker for an MMC with layers. Every time a new side of him is revealed, my heart aches a little more.
What makes their connection so special is that neither of them tries to minimize what the other is going through. Rhea brings energy and movement into Bright’s otherwise stagnant world—she makes it messy, and I loved that. In return, Bright gives Rhea a sense of grounding and stability when everything around her feels like it’s falling apart. He truly sees her and stands beside her—supportive, never overpowering.
Through their connection, they begin to heal and discover the kind of love they both need and deserve.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring themes of self-image, PTSD, trauma, healing, empowerment, love, family, and friendship in a way that feels honest and impactful.
If you’re looking for a romance that’s emotional, layered, and full of heart—with characters who feel real—this is an absolute must-read.
Thank you to Aubrey for the chance to read this first book in her new series. I cannot wait to see where we go from here.
April 6, 2026
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
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
March 31, 2026
Aubrey, you did it again. I was a sobbing mess. This book brought out emotions in me I didn’t know I still felt. And as a fellow sad girl I felt so SEEN.
Rhea is someone who’s been holding down the fort her whole life and the concept of someone else helping her is so foreign she didn’t know how to accept it. I related to her so hard, even down to not being able to ask for something as simple as no tomato on her burger (see slide 3). She has the biggest heart and I’m glad she now has Brighton to shower her in the same love she’s been giving to everyone else.
Brighton is so good at noticing the little things about her, and not making a big deal out of it. He shows her that it’s not too much to ask for help ( a lesson he also had to learn too). At first glance they may seem like a bad match but as the book went on I realised they were exactly what they both needed and they make so much sense together.
I love that Daisy was aged up. We got to see her personality shine through. And I particularly loved the relationship between her and Rhea. The quiet reassurance that Rhea provided her and she played a big part in Daisy opening up more.
The PTSD rep in this story is like nothing I’ve ever seen. It was so validating. It was real. And it doesn’t shy away from the really dark parts of what it’s like to live with it. And I loved seeing how they helped each other through it. I also learned a couple tips myself. And I can always rely on an Aubrey book to remind me I have a place in this world.
The level of detail and depth to the rugby element of this story is truly remarkable. I knew pretty much nothing about the sport before going into this story and I picked up a few terms and learned how the game works through reading the Hillcats play.
Lastly, I loved the little cameos of the Hornets. That’s the beauty of this series being in the same universe, there are a lot of crossovers and they are so beautifully done.
Rhea is someone who’s been holding down the fort her whole life and the concept of someone else helping her is so foreign she didn’t know how to accept it. I related to her so hard, even down to not being able to ask for something as simple as no tomato on her burger (see slide 3). She has the biggest heart and I’m glad she now has Brighton to shower her in the same love she’s been giving to everyone else.
Brighton is so good at noticing the little things about her, and not making a big deal out of it. He shows her that it’s not too much to ask for help ( a lesson he also had to learn too). At first glance they may seem like a bad match but as the book went on I realised they were exactly what they both needed and they make so much sense together.
I love that Daisy was aged up. We got to see her personality shine through. And I particularly loved the relationship between her and Rhea. The quiet reassurance that Rhea provided her and she played a big part in Daisy opening up more.
The PTSD rep in this story is like nothing I’ve ever seen. It was so validating. It was real. And it doesn’t shy away from the really dark parts of what it’s like to live with it. And I loved seeing how they helped each other through it. I also learned a couple tips myself. And I can always rely on an Aubrey book to remind me I have a place in this world.
The level of detail and depth to the rugby element of this story is truly remarkable. I knew pretty much nothing about the sport before going into this story and I picked up a few terms and learned how the game works through reading the Hillcats play.
Lastly, I loved the little cameos of the Hornets. That’s the beauty of this series being in the same universe, there are a lot of crossovers and they are so beautifully done.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
4.5🌟
3🌶
⚠️Check your triggers⚠️
Thank you to Aubrey Taylor and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this heartwarming story.
Rhea Drake has always been dependable, the steady force in her family and friendships. She’s everyone’s favorite art teacher, and a force to be reckoned with on the field. However, she hides the chaos she feels below the surface. When her sanctuary of her first condo is destroyed by a neighbor's busted pipe she is having to rely on her friends. She manages to convince her best friend’s older brother, Brighton Black, to rent his spare room during her repairs. However, Brighton is hiding his own chaos behind the scenes. He has his routine, his close circle, and his bar. But there’s something about Rhea that makes him question all of that. Will they beagle to withstand each other's chairs or will it burn them both alive?
This story started out masquerading as a fun sports romance with best friends' brother. But as it continued the deeper it got. As each layer was peeled and chipped away the more Rhea and Brighton buried themselves in my heart. Aubrey Taylor took the topic of PTSD and showed the reality that many face. Not just what is on the surface. Through Brighton she showcased the cracks every person is hiding behind the spackled facade they show the world. It helps rip down the stigma against therapy and mental health help.Talking about your trauma and asking for help is not weakness. Through Rhea, Taylor takes Oldest Daughter syndrome to the forefront and shows that it is ok to put yourself first. The world won’t end if you do. Rhea and Brighton will always have a piece of my heart.
Tropes:
Rugby Romance
Roommates to Lovers
Single Dad (Daughter is 13)
Hair Braiding
PTSD representation
Sisters Best Friend
Oldest Daughter
Slow burn
Girlhood Chaos
Favorite Quotes:
"How do you do that— look pretty under fluorescent kitchen lights?”
““Did you know you’ve got freckles like the Little Dipper right here?” Right here, it’s the cutest thing on your stubborn face.”
“It was like every kiss before this one was just a placeholder for something better, something that felt real.”
“I’m consumed— and hapy to be stuck in her quicksand.”
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
4.5🌟
3🌶
⚠️Check your triggers⚠️
Thank you to Aubrey Taylor and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this heartwarming story.
Rhea Drake has always been dependable, the steady force in her family and friendships. She’s everyone’s favorite art teacher, and a force to be reckoned with on the field. However, she hides the chaos she feels below the surface. When her sanctuary of her first condo is destroyed by a neighbor's busted pipe she is having to rely on her friends. She manages to convince her best friend’s older brother, Brighton Black, to rent his spare room during her repairs. However, Brighton is hiding his own chaos behind the scenes. He has his routine, his close circle, and his bar. But there’s something about Rhea that makes him question all of that. Will they beagle to withstand each other's chairs or will it burn them both alive?
This story started out masquerading as a fun sports romance with best friends' brother. But as it continued the deeper it got. As each layer was peeled and chipped away the more Rhea and Brighton buried themselves in my heart. Aubrey Taylor took the topic of PTSD and showed the reality that many face. Not just what is on the surface. Through Brighton she showcased the cracks every person is hiding behind the spackled facade they show the world. It helps rip down the stigma against therapy and mental health help.Talking about your trauma and asking for help is not weakness. Through Rhea, Taylor takes Oldest Daughter syndrome to the forefront and shows that it is ok to put yourself first. The world won’t end if you do. Rhea and Brighton will always have a piece of my heart.
Tropes:
Rugby Romance
Roommates to Lovers
Single Dad (Daughter is 13)
Hair Braiding
PTSD representation
Sisters Best Friend
Oldest Daughter
Slow burn
Girlhood Chaos
Favorite Quotes:
"How do you do that— look pretty under fluorescent kitchen lights?”
““Did you know you’ve got freckles like the Little Dipper right here?” Right here, it’s the cutest thing on your stubborn face.”
“It was like every kiss before this one was just a placeholder for something better, something that felt real.”
“I’m consumed— and hapy to be stuck in her quicksand.”
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
March 28, 2026
Aubrey Taylor writes with an emotional honesty that makes everything in the story feel so real. The relationships, the quiet moments that makes you involved so deeply, the intensity of feeling... This isn’t just a romance, it’s a story about belonging, about the people who become your home, and about finding love in a way that feels both safe and electrifying.
At the heart of this story is Rhea Drake. She’s both steadying and extraordinary. Rhea is such a strong, kind and beautiful soul. She radiates loyalty, compassion, and the ability to hold others together while still learning how to hold yourself. And what makes her shine even brighter is the group of girls around her. Their friendship is never just a background noise, it’s the whole pulse of the story. It’s laughter after hard days, hands reaching out without hesitation, and the unspoken promise that no one has to face anything alone. Rugby becomes more than a sport. It’s a space where these girls find strength in each other, where they learn trust, resilience, and what it means to fight not just for a win, but for one another. THEY ARE GIRLHOOD.
Brighton Black steps into the story with a low biting intensity. He’s shaped by everything he’s been through, from his time in the military to the responsibility he carries as a single father. There’s a weight to him, but also a depth. Under it all, he’s someone who loves with his whole heart and protects with everything he has. What makes Brighton stand out isn’t only his strength, but the softness behind it, especially in the way he looks at Rhea. He doesn’t try to change who she is or take up more space than her. Instead, he stands beside her, constant and sure.
Their connection builds in a way that feels natural and consuming all at once. It’s rooted in understanding, trust, and a shared understanding of what it means to care for others before yourself.
At the heart of this story is Rhea Drake. She’s both steadying and extraordinary. Rhea is such a strong, kind and beautiful soul. She radiates loyalty, compassion, and the ability to hold others together while still learning how to hold yourself. And what makes her shine even brighter is the group of girls around her. Their friendship is never just a background noise, it’s the whole pulse of the story. It’s laughter after hard days, hands reaching out without hesitation, and the unspoken promise that no one has to face anything alone. Rugby becomes more than a sport. It’s a space where these girls find strength in each other, where they learn trust, resilience, and what it means to fight not just for a win, but for one another. THEY ARE GIRLHOOD.
Brighton Black steps into the story with a low biting intensity. He’s shaped by everything he’s been through, from his time in the military to the responsibility he carries as a single father. There’s a weight to him, but also a depth. Under it all, he’s someone who loves with his whole heart and protects with everything he has. What makes Brighton stand out isn’t only his strength, but the softness behind it, especially in the way he looks at Rhea. He doesn’t try to change who she is or take up more space than her. Instead, he stands beside her, constant and sure.
Their connection builds in a way that feels natural and consuming all at once. It’s rooted in understanding, trust, and a shared understanding of what it means to care for others before yourself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Get ready to laugh and swoon with Brown Sugar Espresso Martini, a hilarious and heartwarming romance about forced proximity and the 'grumpy/sunshine' trope. Meet Rhea Drake, a rugby player with a penchant for getting into sticky situations, and Brighton Black, a war veteran with a heart of gold and a penchant for grumpiness. With Aubrey Taylor's writing, you get a healthy dose of conflict and vibes, expertly mixed together. Rhea's world is turned upside down when she loses her home and has to find a new place to call her own - fast. When Rhea proposes a roommate arrangement to Brighton, her best friend's brother, he's less than thrilled. However, as they settle into life together, the sparks flying between Brighton's grumpy demeanor and Rhea's sunny disposition provide endless entertainment, especially with Brighton's 13-year-old daughter, Daisy, thrown into the mix. Get ready to heal, let go of the emotional burden, and find love in the unlikeliest of places with this inspiring pop . As the story unfolds, it sheds light on the vulnerabilities of Rhea and Brighton, exposing the cracks in their seemingly impenetrable facades. Rhea's strong exterior hides her inner struggles, while Brighton's return from war has left him with emotional scars. Their slow-burn romance is a beautiful portrayal of how tension, forced proximity, and mutual support can bring two people together. Aubrey Taylor is back with a new series , and while it's different from 'Hornet's Nest', it still explores some familiar themes like age gaps and sports. Aubrey Taylor is a talented author, and her new book, Brown Sugar Espresso Martini, is a great addition to her portfolio. It's the first in a series connected to sports in Hillcats Hollow, and I highly recommend it.
March 30, 2026
Couldn't put it down, and already wanting to read it again
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.
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.
April 9, 2026
Title: Brown Sugar Espresso Martini
Author: Aubrey Taylor
Summary
Rhea Drake is strong, independent, and used to holding everything together — until her life suddenly unravels and she’s left without a place to live. With nowhere else to turn, she makes a desperate deal with her best friend’s brooding brother. Brighton Black, a guarded bar owner and former combat medic, isn’t looking for complications — especially not a stubborn, larger-than-life roommate who refuses to back down. But as forced proximity turns into tension, banter, and unexpected connection, their clashing personalities spark something neither of them can ignore… even if it might drive them crazy first.
Tropes:
- Sports Romance (Rugby FMC)
- Forced Proximity / Roommates
- Grumpy × Sunshine
- Single Dad MMC
- Best Friend’s Brother
- Emotional Healing
My Thoughts:
Rhea’s mix of strength and quiet vulnerability made her such an easy heroine to root for, and Brighton’s gruff, closed-off energy? Completely my weakness. Watching him slowly unravel around her, especially as she refused to back down from his walls, was classic grumpy/sunshine. Their push to help each other and be better for each other made their relationship solid, even when the nightmares creep in for both of them. How they both face their trauma, together and apart, is what meant their HEA was earned for each other.
Spice: 2/3 - open door, descriptive whle not being the focus of the book
#BrownSugarEspressoMartini #AubreyTaylor #HillcatsHollow #SportsRomance #RugbyRomance #GrumpySunshine #SingleDadRomance #ForcedProximity #SpicyReads #Bookstagram #RomanceBookstagram #EmotionalRomance #FoundFamily #arcreader
Author: Aubrey Taylor
Summary
Rhea Drake is strong, independent, and used to holding everything together — until her life suddenly unravels and she’s left without a place to live. With nowhere else to turn, she makes a desperate deal with her best friend’s brooding brother. Brighton Black, a guarded bar owner and former combat medic, isn’t looking for complications — especially not a stubborn, larger-than-life roommate who refuses to back down. But as forced proximity turns into tension, banter, and unexpected connection, their clashing personalities spark something neither of them can ignore… even if it might drive them crazy first.
Tropes:
- Sports Romance (Rugby FMC)
- Forced Proximity / Roommates
- Grumpy × Sunshine
- Single Dad MMC
- Best Friend’s Brother
- Emotional Healing
My Thoughts:
Rhea’s mix of strength and quiet vulnerability made her such an easy heroine to root for, and Brighton’s gruff, closed-off energy? Completely my weakness. Watching him slowly unravel around her, especially as she refused to back down from his walls, was classic grumpy/sunshine. Their push to help each other and be better for each other made their relationship solid, even when the nightmares creep in for both of them. How they both face their trauma, together and apart, is what meant their HEA was earned for each other.
Spice: 2/3 - open door, descriptive whle not being the focus of the book
#BrownSugarEspressoMartini #AubreyTaylor #HillcatsHollow #SportsRomance #RugbyRomance #GrumpySunshine #SingleDadRomance #ForcedProximity #SpicyReads #Bookstagram #RomanceBookstagram #EmotionalRomance #FoundFamily #arcreader
Review of advance copy received from Author
OH GOD! I was NOT ready for the emotional turmoil this book put me through—but it is always very welcome. I LOVED the Hillcats.
I LOVE a badass girl, and Rhea—she was so strong and so very soft. I really liked her character. I LOVED her being a hot mess. I loved how she tested and teased Bright with her crop tops! I definitely have a soft spot for FMCs who are eldest daughters because their experiences and struggles always hit close to home. Her being a rugby player AND an art teacher AND a part-time bouncer at a bar—SHE SLAYED every role perfectly. Sassy and lovely! WE NEED MORE TALL GIRL REP. I’m gonna live through them <3
BRIGHTON—oh man! As Kaia appropriately said, “Dom in the streets, sub in the sheets.” It is always marvelous to see a broody grump softening for their girl. One moment he had me giggling like a fool, and the very next I was crying over him. My heart hurt for him. He totally lived up to “You deserve better, so I’ll become better.” I don’t even have words for the feelings I had in the last few chapters. Rhea and Bright's relationship was messy and full of challenges, but they fought for it...HARD. It’s always heartwarming to see two broken people finding solace in each other.
And the other characters—I absolutely LOVED Kaia, Boone, and Sunday. Their friendships with each other were very heartwarming! They were a chaotic mess, and I LOVED IT. Another thing I liked about the story was Daisy and her bond with Rhea; how she didn’t suddenly step into the role of a mother, and their relationship stayed light-hearted.
I LOVE a badass girl, and Rhea—she was so strong and so very soft. I really liked her character. I LOVED her being a hot mess. I loved how she tested and teased Bright with her crop tops! I definitely have a soft spot for FMCs who are eldest daughters because their experiences and struggles always hit close to home. Her being a rugby player AND an art teacher AND a part-time bouncer at a bar—SHE SLAYED every role perfectly. Sassy and lovely! WE NEED MORE TALL GIRL REP. I’m gonna live through them <3
BRIGHTON—oh man! As Kaia appropriately said, “Dom in the streets, sub in the sheets.” It is always marvelous to see a broody grump softening for their girl. One moment he had me giggling like a fool, and the very next I was crying over him. My heart hurt for him. He totally lived up to “You deserve better, so I’ll become better.” I don’t even have words for the feelings I had in the last few chapters. Rhea and Bright's relationship was messy and full of challenges, but they fought for it...HARD. It’s always heartwarming to see two broken people finding solace in each other.
And the other characters—I absolutely LOVED Kaia, Boone, and Sunday. Their friendships with each other were very heartwarming! They were a chaotic mess, and I LOVED IT. Another thing I liked about the story was Daisy and her bond with Rhea; how she didn’t suddenly step into the role of a mother, and their relationship stayed light-hearted.
Review of advance copy
What a beginning! The Hillcats are my kind of women! They know how to play the game, fight for what’s right and most importantly love hard. I don’t know a darn thing about rugby but you bet your sweet butt I am looking stuff up now lol. One thing I loved most about this book is that I felt like one of the girls I was immersed on the pitch during a game and then I was sitting at the D&D table talking shit and have a drink, I loved every second. Rhea and Brighton what a couple! I get tears in my eyes and kick my feet just thinking about them. Rhea I connect with her in so many ways. She embodies so many captivating things, from the way she is around her girls and a strong teammate on the pitch. To her inner monologue that are sometimes not so inner she is just everything. And Brighton I am a sucker for a single daddy. He is all things grumpy neat and orderly. I love how he doesn’t break his mold but welcomes the Rhea size chaos into his life. How they just make each other better. This book was exceptional with the tension and spice between Rhea and Brighton. The banter we get from there relationship and everyone else in the book. One thing I love about an Aubrey Taylor book is the side characters you fall in love with them and then when you get to their own book you fall in love with them even more. This book was all the feels in all the right ways and in all the right places. I can not wait for what is next for the Hillcats because I know without a doubt it is going to be marvelous
March 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️
🍸Single Dad
🏉 Best Friends Brother
🍸MFC Rugby Player
🏉 Roommates to Lovers
🍸Slow Burn
🏉 Submissive MMC
🍸PTSD Rep
Welcome to the world of hot female rugby players and equally just as hot bartenders. I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of Brown Sugar Espresso Martini by Aubrey Taylor, and man did I devour it.
This book grabbed me from the first chapter. I’ve never read a rugby romance before and especially when it’s the MFC that’s the rugby player. The story between Rhea and Brighton, but the story between the MFC, MMC and the supporting characters was so well done. I honestly can’t pick a favourite character…ok fine…it’s Brighton. We love a gentle demanding king who is built like a bear…and just as growly.
This book deals with self image issues, PTSD, trauma, empowerment, love, family and friendships. Rhea and Brighton are unlikely to form any sort of bond. She’s a 6’ female rugby player, he’s a broody former military bartender. They end up as roommates and boss/employee when Rhea’s condo floods and is in need of some place to live and extra cash. She moves into his apartment above the bar where is lives part time with his teenage daughter Daisy.
If you’ve read the Hornets series, you’ll see some familiar faces. This book broaches on heavy topics so please check the trigger warnings.
Thank you Aubrey Taylor for the advanced reader copy. This review is my opinion and thoughts.
🌶️🌶️
🍸Single Dad
🏉 Best Friends Brother
🍸MFC Rugby Player
🏉 Roommates to Lovers
🍸Slow Burn
🏉 Submissive MMC
🍸PTSD Rep
Welcome to the world of hot female rugby players and equally just as hot bartenders. I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of Brown Sugar Espresso Martini by Aubrey Taylor, and man did I devour it.
This book grabbed me from the first chapter. I’ve never read a rugby romance before and especially when it’s the MFC that’s the rugby player. The story between Rhea and Brighton, but the story between the MFC, MMC and the supporting characters was so well done. I honestly can’t pick a favourite character…ok fine…it’s Brighton. We love a gentle demanding king who is built like a bear…and just as growly.
This book deals with self image issues, PTSD, trauma, empowerment, love, family and friendships. Rhea and Brighton are unlikely to form any sort of bond. She’s a 6’ female rugby player, he’s a broody former military bartender. They end up as roommates and boss/employee when Rhea’s condo floods and is in need of some place to live and extra cash. She moves into his apartment above the bar where is lives part time with his teenage daughter Daisy.
If you’ve read the Hornets series, you’ll see some familiar faces. This book broaches on heavy topics so please check the trigger warnings.
Thank you Aubrey Taylor for the advanced reader copy. This review is my opinion and thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"I'll stick glow in the dark stars to every surface in the apartment, eat all your tomatoes, learn all the wrestling moves, never make you eat pasta ever again."
Where do I even begin with this book? I absolutely loved this book! I laughed, giggled and kicked my feet, and swooned, but also cried and broke my heart in the best of ways. We have Rhea, our raccoon FMC who is strong, resilient, suffers from being the eldest daughter, and a 6'1" rugby player. And then we have Brighton, our grumpy (but submissive) MMC suffering from PTSD, owner and bartender, who has a heart of gold for his family and people he cares about.
When Rhea's condo floods and she has the bright idea to ask to be roommates with Brighton, who by the way is her best friend's brother, he is less than thrilled. What started out as a roommate/boss relationship slowly turned into friends, and then friends who kiss (iykyk). As the story grew, their friendship grew and evolved. As it turns out, Rhea was exactly what Brighton was missing in his life.
This was my first introduction to Aubrey Taylor and it is safe to say I am a huge fan of her work (and her FMC and MMC's hehe). I just found out too that this is a four book series, count me in!!
Thank you so much Aubrey Taylor for the advanced reader copy. I cannot wait to read the rest of The Hillcats Hollow Series!
Where do I even begin with this book? I absolutely loved this book! I laughed, giggled and kicked my feet, and swooned, but also cried and broke my heart in the best of ways. We have Rhea, our raccoon FMC who is strong, resilient, suffers from being the eldest daughter, and a 6'1" rugby player. And then we have Brighton, our grumpy (but submissive) MMC suffering from PTSD, owner and bartender, who has a heart of gold for his family and people he cares about.
When Rhea's condo floods and she has the bright idea to ask to be roommates with Brighton, who by the way is her best friend's brother, he is less than thrilled. What started out as a roommate/boss relationship slowly turned into friends, and then friends who kiss (iykyk). As the story grew, their friendship grew and evolved. As it turns out, Rhea was exactly what Brighton was missing in his life.
This was my first introduction to Aubrey Taylor and it is safe to say I am a huge fan of her work (and her FMC and MMC's hehe). I just found out too that this is a four book series, count me in!!
Thank you so much Aubrey Taylor for the advanced reader copy. I cannot wait to read the rest of The Hillcats Hollow Series!
April 5, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I feel like Aubrey lowkey took a page out of Mariana Zapata’s book with this slow burn, and I’m not even gonna lie… I agreed with Rhea. It was sloooow. Even I got a little restless.
Bright is our grumpy bar owner, veteran medic, and single dad to Daisy (okay but why did I think she was a literal infant at first… she’s not. The relief I felt? Phew 😭). And as someone with CPTSD, when I say military PTSD hits on a whole different level, please believe me. Check TWs.
Rhea is a rugby player, so yes we’re still getting some sports here, This isn’t just your average best friend’s big brother / roommate romance. We also get daughter’s teacher in the mix, and I loved what Rhea brought to the school as an art teacher.
Bright was holding back so much, and the nickname “killjoy” absolutely fit him. His scenes with Daisy? My heart 🥹. The found family in this series continues to shine so hard.
Now, why it wasn’t a 5 ⭐️ for me:
1. The spice took a little too long to happen. I started skimming because I just needed them to get there already.
2. I usually avoid military romance like the plague. PTSD themes are triggering for me when the MC is still actively struggling, even as a veteran, and this one did hit.
Aubrey’s usual traumance was definitely here. Maybe a bit too much for me this time. But I was over the moon seeing characters from the previous series pop up again. That always does something to me.. The spice was on the lower side for me, which I kind of expected because that’s her style. Still… way to make me burst into tears again “two steps at a time” 😭 The ending was satisfying.
This is my honest opinion for the ARC I received. Thank you, Aubrey, for the opportunity.
I feel like Aubrey lowkey took a page out of Mariana Zapata’s book with this slow burn, and I’m not even gonna lie… I agreed with Rhea. It was sloooow. Even I got a little restless.
Bright is our grumpy bar owner, veteran medic, and single dad to Daisy (okay but why did I think she was a literal infant at first… she’s not. The relief I felt? Phew 😭). And as someone with CPTSD, when I say military PTSD hits on a whole different level, please believe me. Check TWs.
Rhea is a rugby player, so yes we’re still getting some sports here, This isn’t just your average best friend’s big brother / roommate romance. We also get daughter’s teacher in the mix, and I loved what Rhea brought to the school as an art teacher.
Bright was holding back so much, and the nickname “killjoy” absolutely fit him. His scenes with Daisy? My heart 🥹. The found family in this series continues to shine so hard.
Now, why it wasn’t a 5 ⭐️ for me:
1. The spice took a little too long to happen. I started skimming because I just needed them to get there already.
2. I usually avoid military romance like the plague. PTSD themes are triggering for me when the MC is still actively struggling, even as a veteran, and this one did hit.
Aubrey’s usual traumance was definitely here. Maybe a bit too much for me this time. But I was over the moon seeing characters from the previous series pop up again. That always does something to me.. The spice was on the lower side for me, which I kind of expected because that’s her style. Still… way to make me burst into tears again “two steps at a time” 😭 The ending was satisfying.
This is my honest opinion for the ARC I received. Thank you, Aubrey, for the opportunity.
April 7, 2026
ARC REVIEW
4.5 stars ⋆˙⟡
“Because the man I loved would burn the world down for the people he cares about, and that’s a big way to love. It’s not something you just forget how to do.”
This book completely pulled at my heartstrings. It’s about sisterhood, woman in sport, healing, love and the kind of friendships that feel like home.
Rhea and Brighton are beautifully flawed and complex characters. Rhea especially hit close to home for me. She’s our sad, emotional, messy girl, always trying to be everything for everyone while carrying so much as the eldest daughter. It’s just so easy to connect and understand her. Brighton on the other hand, is reserved, broody and protective but underneath all of that he is incredibly gentle. He loves deeply, protects fiercely, but he also carried the weight of his past in such a heavy weight. Brighton and Rhea complemented and balanced each other so well, and I loved how they heal something in each other.
And the girls… their bond is EVERYTHING. Their friendship, their support, their chaos, it truly felt special, and I can’t wait to read more about them! 🤍
What to expect:
Rugby romance
Neat x messy
Peak girlhood
Slow burn
Submissive mmc
Single dad
Oldest daughter
Female rugby player
Sister’s best friend
Roommate to lovers
Thank you to @lunaliterary.management for the e-arc!
4.5 stars ⋆˙⟡
“Because the man I loved would burn the world down for the people he cares about, and that’s a big way to love. It’s not something you just forget how to do.”
This book completely pulled at my heartstrings. It’s about sisterhood, woman in sport, healing, love and the kind of friendships that feel like home.
Rhea and Brighton are beautifully flawed and complex characters. Rhea especially hit close to home for me. She’s our sad, emotional, messy girl, always trying to be everything for everyone while carrying so much as the eldest daughter. It’s just so easy to connect and understand her. Brighton on the other hand, is reserved, broody and protective but underneath all of that he is incredibly gentle. He loves deeply, protects fiercely, but he also carried the weight of his past in such a heavy weight. Brighton and Rhea complemented and balanced each other so well, and I loved how they heal something in each other.
And the girls… their bond is EVERYTHING. Their friendship, their support, their chaos, it truly felt special, and I can’t wait to read more about them! 🤍
What to expect:
Rugby romance
Neat x messy
Peak girlhood
Slow burn
Submissive mmc
Single dad
Oldest daughter
Female rugby player
Sister’s best friend
Roommate to lovers
Thank you to @lunaliterary.management for the e-arc!
April 9, 2026
ARC Review
Book: Brown Sugar Espresso Martini
Author: Aubrey Taylor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a beautiful story, and I just had all the feels. Thank you, Aubrey Taylor and Luna Literary, for this amazing ARC.
Rhea is an Art teacher and the centre for Harbor Hillcats rugby team. She is our strong heroine who needs a new place to stay because her condo was flooded and it requires more than six months to be repaired. Her friends try to help her, but she wants her own space.
Brighton is a retired combat medic who has a chip on his shoulder after returning from war. After everything he went through, he has a dark look on life, unless it has to do with his daughter, Daisy. When he finds out that Rhea, his little sister's best friend, needs another job to pay for the damages to her apartment, he offers her a job as a bouncer at his bar.
But when Rhea finds out that he has an extra room, she begs him to let her rent it. At first, he says no, but then she convinces him. What they don't expect is the chemistry that exists between them. They are both scared because they have baggage, but they give their relationship a chance. It's not easy, but in the end, they get the HEA that they deserved.
If you love roommates-to-lovers, sports romance, and single dad, this book is for you.
Book: Brown Sugar Espresso Martini
Author: Aubrey Taylor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a beautiful story, and I just had all the feels. Thank you, Aubrey Taylor and Luna Literary, for this amazing ARC.
Rhea is an Art teacher and the centre for Harbor Hillcats rugby team. She is our strong heroine who needs a new place to stay because her condo was flooded and it requires more than six months to be repaired. Her friends try to help her, but she wants her own space.
Brighton is a retired combat medic who has a chip on his shoulder after returning from war. After everything he went through, he has a dark look on life, unless it has to do with his daughter, Daisy. When he finds out that Rhea, his little sister's best friend, needs another job to pay for the damages to her apartment, he offers her a job as a bouncer at his bar.
But when Rhea finds out that he has an extra room, she begs him to let her rent it. At first, he says no, but then she convinces him. What they don't expect is the chemistry that exists between them. They are both scared because they have baggage, but they give their relationship a chance. It's not easy, but in the end, they get the HEA that they deserved.
If you love roommates-to-lovers, sports romance, and single dad, this book is for you.
April 19, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This was a beautiful, emotional story about love, trauma, and finding someone who meets you right where you are. It completely caught me off guard with how emotional it was!
Rhea and Brighton are both messy, layered, and shaped by traumatic pasts—but together? They just fit 🥹 Their dynamic was everything. Brighton’s quiet, steady care for Rhea and the way she brought calm to his chaotic mind? Yeah…my heart was all in.
Rhea’s story especially hit hard. Carrying the trauma of her past while shrinking herself to take care of everyone else was heartbreaking. And Brighton? Between his upbringing, PTSD, and the responsibility he’s carried for his siblings, you can see how much he’s been holding on his own.
I also loved that Rhea isn’t your typical FMC—she’s a tall, curvy, bad@$$ rugby player who’s chaotic and real. And the friend groups? Top tier. Her rugby crew gave true girlhood energy, and even Brighton had his small, solid circle (his twin, Boone included).
This is a slow burn with all the good tropes—best friend’s older brother, roommates to lovers, single dad, PTSD—but it’s the emotional depth and healing that really make it stand out.
Also… Boone and Kaia next, please?? I’m ready. 👀😂
Thanks to Aubrey Taylor and Luna Literary for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
This was a beautiful, emotional story about love, trauma, and finding someone who meets you right where you are. It completely caught me off guard with how emotional it was!
Rhea and Brighton are both messy, layered, and shaped by traumatic pasts—but together? They just fit 🥹 Their dynamic was everything. Brighton’s quiet, steady care for Rhea and the way she brought calm to his chaotic mind? Yeah…my heart was all in.
Rhea’s story especially hit hard. Carrying the trauma of her past while shrinking herself to take care of everyone else was heartbreaking. And Brighton? Between his upbringing, PTSD, and the responsibility he’s carried for his siblings, you can see how much he’s been holding on his own.
I also loved that Rhea isn’t your typical FMC—she’s a tall, curvy, bad@$$ rugby player who’s chaotic and real. And the friend groups? Top tier. Her rugby crew gave true girlhood energy, and even Brighton had his small, solid circle (his twin, Boone included).
This is a slow burn with all the good tropes—best friend’s older brother, roommates to lovers, single dad, PTSD—but it’s the emotional depth and healing that really make it stand out.
Also… Boone and Kaia next, please?? I’m ready. 👀😂
Thanks to Aubrey Taylor and Luna Literary for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review
Infinity ⭐
First off I would like to thank Luna & Aubrey for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Rhea Drake & Brighton Black
Y'all I am absolutely OBSESSED with this book. She ranks right up there with Honeysuckle for me & Honeysuckle is my favorite book by Aubrey. I ate this one up and left no crumbs while secretly wanting her to be longer. I just love how resilient, loud, outgoing and messy Rhea is and I love how she is soft and vulnerable underneath her tougher outter exterior. I love how strong, silent & rough around the edges Brighton is and has a soft spot for his people & is willing to do whatever it takes to keep them safe and happy. I love how these two are totally opposite in all the ways but are perfectly matched in the ways that matter the most.
5/5 Recommend this book. Y'all Aubrey absolutely did it again, she had me kicking my feet and giggling while also slowly breaking my heart in the best of ways. She writes real raw complex characters with grit and heart and not afraid to fight for what's right. I adore Aubrey's work and can't recommend her enough.
Infinity ⭐
First off I would like to thank Luna & Aubrey for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Rhea Drake & Brighton Black
Y'all I am absolutely OBSESSED with this book. She ranks right up there with Honeysuckle for me & Honeysuckle is my favorite book by Aubrey. I ate this one up and left no crumbs while secretly wanting her to be longer. I just love how resilient, loud, outgoing and messy Rhea is and I love how she is soft and vulnerable underneath her tougher outter exterior. I love how strong, silent & rough around the edges Brighton is and has a soft spot for his people & is willing to do whatever it takes to keep them safe and happy. I love how these two are totally opposite in all the ways but are perfectly matched in the ways that matter the most.
5/5 Recommend this book. Y'all Aubrey absolutely did it again, she had me kicking my feet and giggling while also slowly breaking my heart in the best of ways. She writes real raw complex characters with grit and heart and not afraid to fight for what's right. I adore Aubrey's work and can't recommend her enough.
March 23, 2026
𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯? 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘱, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯.
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Bright and Rhea are just the best thing ever. One thing about Aubrey is she is always gonna make me become a simp for a new man no matter what she writes. The way she writes her men is exactly the reason I read romance. The bond between the girls is a girl group I aspire to have and what everyone deserves. Just friends? Famous last words guys. This is a beautiful start to what is already an amazing series. The growth in writing shows and you can read this was a book of passion. I’m ready for the rest of my girlies.
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𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳— 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘨𝘰.
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🏉 Sports Romance : Rugby
🍸 Bar Owner
🏉 Women In Sports
🍸 Roommates to Lovers
🏉 Single Dad
🍸 Sisters Best Friend/Best Friends Brother
🏉 Oldest Daughter
🍸 Slow Burn
🏉 Peak Girlhood
🍸 Neat x Messy
🏉 Playlist Sharing
🍸 Submissive MMC
———————————————————————
Bright and Rhea are just the best thing ever. One thing about Aubrey is she is always gonna make me become a simp for a new man no matter what she writes. The way she writes her men is exactly the reason I read romance. The bond between the girls is a girl group I aspire to have and what everyone deserves. Just friends? Famous last words guys. This is a beautiful start to what is already an amazing series. The growth in writing shows and you can read this was a book of passion. I’m ready for the rest of my girlies.
———————————————————————
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳— 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘨𝘰.
———————————————————————
🏉 Sports Romance : Rugby
🍸 Bar Owner
🏉 Women In Sports
🍸 Roommates to Lovers
🏉 Single Dad
🍸 Sisters Best Friend/Best Friends Brother
🏉 Oldest Daughter
🍸 Slow Burn
🏉 Peak Girlhood
🍸 Neat x Messy
🏉 Playlist Sharing
🍸 Submissive MMC
March 29, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brown Sugar Espresso Martini by Aubrey Taylor
Tropes:
Single dad
Best friend’s brother
FMC Rugby player
Roommates to lover
Slow burn
Submissive MMC
PTSD rep
I have never felt more seen while reading this book. I am that sad girl. The way the Hillcats surround her, support her and are just there for her was amazing.
This is the story of Rhea Drake, who is a 6’ female rugby player and Brighton Black who is former military and a bartender. Rhea’s apartment floods and she needs extra money and a place to live and that ends up with Brighton and his teenage daughter above the bar.
Both of the MC’s have issues that they are dealing with. Rhea tries to help and fix everyone she comes in contact with while putting her feeling and needs on the back burner. Brighton has PTSD and has struggled and wants to be better for himself, his daughter and Rhea. Watching both of these wonderful characters try and take care of each other is beautiful.
This is the first book I have read by Aubrey Taylor and her writing flows beautifully and the heart behind it amazing.
Brown Sugar Espresso Martini by Aubrey Taylor
Tropes:
Single dad
Best friend’s brother
FMC Rugby player
Roommates to lover
Slow burn
Submissive MMC
PTSD rep
I have never felt more seen while reading this book. I am that sad girl. The way the Hillcats surround her, support her and are just there for her was amazing.
This is the story of Rhea Drake, who is a 6’ female rugby player and Brighton Black who is former military and a bartender. Rhea’s apartment floods and she needs extra money and a place to live and that ends up with Brighton and his teenage daughter above the bar.
Both of the MC’s have issues that they are dealing with. Rhea tries to help and fix everyone she comes in contact with while putting her feeling and needs on the back burner. Brighton has PTSD and has struggled and wants to be better for himself, his daughter and Rhea. Watching both of these wonderful characters try and take care of each other is beautiful.
This is the first book I have read by Aubrey Taylor and her writing flows beautifully and the heart behind it amazing.
March 30, 2026
This book was as much a testament to the power of friendship and girlhood as it was to love and romance. It made me laugh out loud and ugly cry. I have recommended this book nonstop since reading. I know very little about rugby, and possibly less about Dungeons & Dragons but this found family, drama, comedy made me feel like I could hang with these amazing women anyway.
The PTSD representation is a huge part of the book but it is masterfully written. I did anticipate the plot twist but I think it is because it was written so well that the symbolism all lined up perfectly. I always love a story that advocates for men in therapy and this book championed that so well while dealing with generational trauma.
If you need to handle bad dates and major life crisis I think handling it with girlfriends who would go to jail for you and have no problem with a little vandalism and violence way to go 🤣 and it doesn’t hurt if your best friend’s brother owns the bar…
🏉 What you will find inside this book:
🏉Rugby Romance
🏉Roommates to Lovers
🏉Single Dad (Daughter is 13)
🏉Hair Braiding
🏉PTSD representation
🏉Sisters Best Friend
🏉Oldest Daughter
🏉Slow burn
🏉Girlhood Chaos
The PTSD representation is a huge part of the book but it is masterfully written. I did anticipate the plot twist but I think it is because it was written so well that the symbolism all lined up perfectly. I always love a story that advocates for men in therapy and this book championed that so well while dealing with generational trauma.
If you need to handle bad dates and major life crisis I think handling it with girlfriends who would go to jail for you and have no problem with a little vandalism and violence way to go 🤣 and it doesn’t hurt if your best friend’s brother owns the bar…
🏉 What you will find inside this book:
🏉Rugby Romance
🏉Roommates to Lovers
🏉Single Dad (Daughter is 13)
🏉Hair Braiding
🏉PTSD representation
🏉Sisters Best Friend
🏉Oldest Daughter
🏉Slow burn
🏉Girlhood Chaos
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews