Beginning this second book in the series I knew I would not be disappointed when it opened with I have been home for 6 months from Delano. The rest of the book keeps the pace of Eddie Rosas who wants to be out of the gang but does not know-how. He is still trying to figure out what happened to their father. He would like what his brother has but he can’t even find a job. He does see a woman and for one night it is magic for him. Six months later he gets a job at an Italian restaurant and lo and beholds she is there calling out dishes she is the sous chef woman. Nights later when he talks to her he finds out that she is from the neighborhood and she saw him and his brother every day at the Panaderia, her family owned it. Carmen will change his life as well as him changing hers. Many nights later they are fired but she is okay with that. The story is about life in the hood, trying to get out of the gang, wanting to learn something else but thinking he can do anything but be a gang banger. Carmen makes him want to change, not by telling him because he wants to be better for her. The food that Carmen makes take me back to my wife’s grandmother’s house especially the capirotada ( bread pudding) it took years for my wife to get it to taste like her Nani’s. The words the uses the phases from in the hood and the ones from prison are all real, even the life in prison I won’t tell you how I know, but I do. This is what made the first story so good and this is what made this book good as well. Some of the characters from the first book are in this one. But the story of Eddie and Carmen is a very good story and very much worth the read. There is violence, and some sex, but that is life depending on where you live like I said real. A very good book.

Trashed by Mia Hopkins is book Two in the Eastside Brewery Series. This is the story of Carmen Centeno and Eddie Rosas. I haven't yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Eddie has been in prison for about 5 years when he is finally released. Now he wants to find information about his father while still trying to stay in the club for answers. Just a short time since leaving prison he happens to hook up with a women who he didn't know but wants to learn to know but she does a vanishing act. Eddie knows there is something about her that calls to him so now while looking for information about his father he looks for this women. When he takes a job at a restaurant he finds the women he hasn't been about to forget...Carmen.
Loved their hot story...hope to read more from this author.

5 stars is an inadequate amount of stars for not only what is happening on these pages but what is happening with this series. It deserves so much more ......

Sometimes, I read a book and I am so stunned stupid that I don’t know even where to begin my review or what to even say. This book, no slash that, these brothers have stunned me stupid. Both of them. I honestly did not think the power behind Salvador’s journey (book 1 for those of you starting here) could be rivaled, but it was. I’m not going to say I favor one brother over the other because honestly, I don’t. The minute this book landed on my kindle I re-read Thirsty before I began and when the time comes for Tanked, I’ll do it all again because I love this world the author has created. It’s real and relatable and touchable by any one of us.

I know I keep bringing up Thirsty when I should be concentrating on telling you specifically about Trashed but I honestly cannot talk about one without the other. In my head they’re one. And I think you might get that if you read this book (which I hope everyone is doing right now LOL), because as much as this book is about Eddie and Carmen and their journey, it’s also a journey of family , blood and otherwise. And it is powerful.

Trashed by Mia Hopkins
Eastside Brewery #2

What a treat to spend the day with Eddie and Carmen today! Everything flowed and was perfect and absolutely made my day!

Eddie is just out of prison and sees a woman in the garden...a woman he has hot passionate anonymous s*x with and then she disappears. He runs into her months later at his new job washing dishes in the restaurant she chefs in and the chemistry is still there and they soon act upon that chemistry in delightful and wonderful and steamy ways. I really enjoyed this couple together because they brought the best out in one another and neither was a pushover.

In addition to the romance there were threads in the story that dealt with the gang Eddie and his brother Sal were members of, family issues Eddie wanted resolved, Sal’s desire to open a business showcasing the craft beer he produces, trying to determine what future there was for all of the main characters, friendships and family and a whole lot more.

Did I enjoy this book? Definitely!
Would I like to read the next book in the series? Without a doubt!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Stone Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

The second book in Mia Hopkins' EASTSIDE BREWERY series features the younger brother of Sal Rosas, the first book's male romantic lead. Eddie, like his older brother, has recently gotten out of jail after serving time for carjacking. Eddie's trying to figure out what to do with his life (and how to steer clear of the gang in which he was entangled at the time of his arrest), but his nickname ("Trouble") hints that the course of the most impulsive Rosas brother will be more turbulent than Sal's.

Though he was a "wannabe player, too much of a hardass for relationships" before his arrest, Eddie feels socially awkward now: "When I got sentenced, my sexual development froze in time.... I worry I'm this eighteen-year-old kid in a twenty-three-year-old body, acting stupid and believing I'm hot shit when I'm obviously not" (Kindle Loc 592). What he really wants is a "real connection" relationship, like the one Sal has with his girlfriend Vanessa. Shortly after his release, Eddie has a hot sexual tryst with an anonymous woman, a tryst that he's had a hard time forgetting. So when the tough as nails chef at the restaurant where he gets a dishwashing job turns out to be the same woman of his sexual dreams, Eddie tries to pursue her, despite the wide gap between their status at the restaurant.

Turns out the chef is Carmen, a girl from Eddie's old neighborhood, who has made good. Carmen once nursed a major crush on him, but he never paid her the least mind. But now, Eddie can't get Carmen out of his head. And after his pursuit leads to her <spoiler>losing her job at the restaurant</spoiler>, Eddie becomes determined to make things right. But Carmen isn't going to give up her heart lightly, even as she indulges in a torrid sexual relationship with the hot Rosas boy she once dreamed of.

Secrets and traumas in both of their pasts, as well as Carmen's traditional protective family, Eddie's obsession with his missing father, and Eddie's own tendency to act before he thinks all throw roadblocks into their developing relationship. But opportunities as well as problems can flourish in a mind as intuitive as Eddie's is...

Hopkins continues to portray formerly incarcerated men of color with sympathy, insight, and a clear awareness of social and racial disparities in this second Rosas book, which, like the first book in the series, is told entirely from the first person point of view of its male protagonist. The series' continues its overarching message of hope—that by nurturing and feeding, rather than feeding upon, their home communities, men who once victimized others to escape their own victimization can transform themselves and the neighborhoods in which they live and love.

Sometimes in a follow up to a great book an author just…doesn’t fulfill your expectations and it sucks for everyone involved. But Trashed is not that book! In the follow up to Thirsty, Mia Hopkins really delivers another powerful and moving male-focused romance. And that – to me – is really surprising.



We start the book with Eddie just being released from prison and having sex with a woman he meets basically right afterwards. The experience is intense and makes a big impression on him but she leaves immediately after and he’s kind of stunned.



What Hopkins does incredibly well in both Thirsty and again in Trashed is show the emotions of men in an incredibly nuanced way that is pretty rare to see from their POV. I loved Eddie so much – he’s such a romantic at the core. He basically falls for Carmen right after they have sex and is pining for her. Getting to see that from his perspective, and feeling his yearning, and his uneasiness about being good enough for her once they are together, all of this Hopkins pulls off effortlessly.



“I want to go back in time and visit myself, stuck in a prison cell, reading romance novels and convinced that happy ever afters don't happen in real life—at least not for people like me. I would say to myself, 'Just you wait, fucker. Just you wait.'"



This book just felt incredibly real to me in the way that Eddie and Carmen exist in a contemporary world that Hopkins builds with every struggle they face and one step forward but two steps back they take. The couple both deal with financial issues, which I would love to see more of in romance novels. The unflinching way Hopkins approaches the racial issues they deal with was incredibly well done.



I think this works well as a standalone but it’s also lovely to see Sal and Vanessa. You don’t need to know them but seeing their HEA advance even more is a nice reward for readers. I can’t wait to see more from this author.

Loved it!!!

I fell hard for Eddie and Carmen! This was my first read from Mia Hopkins and definitely won't be my last. It's a standalone and one of the thing I loved the most was that it was told in the male POV. This is a personal favourite of mine and this author does it VERY well.

It's full of chemistry, great dialogue and character growth that I loved. I see myself going back and reading her back catalogue very soon.

Definitely recommend.

Ok first of all, do you see how freaking hot this cover is and then the blurb just draws you in. Please and thank you that that the book was just as good (or better) than what the blurb made it out to be! I did not read the first book in the series and I did not feel as if I was missing out on any vital information which is always nice!

This book is about Eddie (Trouble) who has been out of prison for a short 6 months and about him trying to get back on his feet after having a big complication fall in his lap. Carmen is a conundrum, she is beautiful, smart, from the neighborhood and a freaking great chef. These two seem to be on two completely different tracks, but that is what is beautiful about love- it does not matter at all.

You definitely need to dive in this book and see about what Eddie and Carmen go through. The author did a great job of creating passion, an amazing story, likeable characters (Eddie is a freaking sweetheart underneath it all), and a powerful connection. I absolutely recommend you check out this book!

Thank you to Netgalley, Give Me Books PR, and Mia Hopkins for allowing me an advanced copy of the book in return for my honest feedback!

The first book in Mia Hopkins’ Eastside Brewery series, Thirsty, was one of my favorite books of 2018, and she has once again blown me away with the second book, Trashed. Her writing is eloquent, her characterization is nuanced, and her storytelling is emotional, raw and powerful.

Eddie is recently out of prison and attempting to rebuild his life while distancing himself from clutches of his gang, but it is almost impossible, especially because he needs them to help unravel the mystery of what happened to his father. He connects with Carmen, who had a crush on him growing up in the neighborhood, and their chemistry is electrifying. They begin a seriously smoking-hot sexual relationship, but Eddie finds himself captivated by her compassion, intelligence, work ethic and integrity. He struggles to feel like he’s good enough for her but Carmen’s unwavering belief in him gives him the confidence he needs to want and dream of more.

I read Trashed with my heart in my throat and holding my breath as Eddie revealed his most vulnerable and unvarnished self while dealing with seemingly insurmountable struggles. Trashed will entertain you, make you think, have you swooning and move you to tears, and it’s already on my Best of 2019 list.
Full rec on Frolic (https://frolic.media) 7/17/19.

This is the 2nd book in this phenomenal series, and is Eddie and Carmen’s story. Eddie is fresh out of prison, and is not a bad person in my opinion; he has just made some questionable decisions in his life. Carmen is from the neighbourhood and is one of the towns’ top chefs. There is an instant attraction between these two, and she sees that there is more to Eddie than he thinks. This is a beautifully written story which is raw, gritty, emotional, passionate, intense and filled with love and complicated relationships between family and friends. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more in this awesome series.

Quick(ish) Review
This is my first Mia Hopkins book, but I can guarantee it won’t be my last. I had gotten this ARC without reading the first book in the series, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Quick side note - I love the ONS (one night stand) that becomes more as a trope, so I was hooked from jump.

The story is told from the hero, Eddie’s, POV which is something that I had to get used to, but I think Ms. Hopkins did a great job really developing his worldview. First person stories can be entertaining but a bit narrow in scope, but Eddie’s view of the world, and his heroine Carmen, in particular, was fantastic. Their Firsts are top notch, and their individual journeys are well done.

First and foremost, I adored the way Eddie adored Carmen. He’s Latino, a former gangbanger and his struggle to find his way after what he’s gone through is compelling to read and helped keep me turning pages well into the night. My only quibble, is because it is first person, that I longed for time in Carmen’s head, to experience her side of the journey. I’m just a romance junkie at heart and wanted more of both of them. But overall, I was very, very impressed with this story and want to read more from Ms. Hopkins. Well done.

Thirsty was one of my favorite romances of 2018 and I’ve been quite eager to read Sal’s brother’s story. Trashed exceeded my expectations! I know male POV can be hit or miss for people but Mia Hopkins absolutely nails it.

Eddie is newly out of prison after serving 5 years when he encounters Carmen crying in the garden. They have a hot encounter before she takes off and while he can’t stop thinking about her, he doesn’t expect to see her again until they have a disastrous encounter at Eddie’s new job. He’s had a tough time finding his feet again and he’s trying to figure out who he is, as well as who he wants to be. Plus, the specter of his gang East Side Hollenbeck still looms. He has scars from being shot the night that sent him to prison and got tattoos in prison to disguise them. This became his armor and now he wears it whether he wants to or not, which has implications for his future and for his ability to separate himself from the gang.

Eddie is a romantic, even if he doesn’t admit it, and this made me fall for him. He was a player before he went away to prison but that’s not really who he is anymore at age 23. He worries he’s awkward and deep down he wants a relationship like what Sal and Vanessa have. But he’s also not sure what he has to offer someone like Carmen, who is practical at her core.

Eddie is reckless and impulsive and he can still live up to his old nickname Trouble. But he’s a good man, no matter how he’s struggled post-prison. He’s so hopeful and naive concerning his father. Dreamer Rosas is presumed dead but Eddie refused to believe it and much of the plot involves him trying to track down his father and what ensues. This broke my heart and I was quite worried about what would happen whether or not he found his dad but the way this played out was excellent.

Chef Carmen was a perfect foil for Eddie. She had a big crush on him growing up but he never noticed her. Well, he certainly notices her now! Carmen is stuck between her parents’ overly high (and inherently sexist) expectations and her own dreams. No one thinks Eddie is good for her but she believes in him and this kind of belief is transformative.

We also get some great glimpses of Sal and Vanessa, as well as see the next moves for Eastside Beer. If that’s not enough, this story explores class and gentrification in some nuanced ways. Plus, the continued insights into prison life and parole are much appreciated. I love when authors are able to explore these issues and do it well. Hopkins has done her research and it shows. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

CW: gang culture, shooting, violence, alcoholism, casual drug use, addiction and recovery, grief, reference to death of loved ones by car accident, reference to past domestic violence

I really liked the first book in this series, but I loved this one even more. The book is written entirely from Eddie's (the hero's) POV just as the first book was written from his older brother Sal's POV. Eddie is Sal's younger brother, nicknamed "Trouble" and it's a pretty appropriate nickname. He was always rather feckless and thoughtless, a typical teen guy, not serious about anything and was sent to jail for 5 yrs for a carjacking gone wrong. Now he's finally out and never wants to go back. He'd love to get out of the gang and go completely straight, but has no hope of that actually happening.

The book opens with Eddie having an anonymous, extremely hot encounter with a woman at the community garden where he's living. This type of opening doesn't usually work for me, but this is the rare exception. The author did a great job of getting me to actually care about these two characters even though I knew nothing about them. Eddie never learns her name, but can't get her out of his mind and 6 mos. later runs into her when he's sent by an employment agency to a restaurant that needs a dishwasher. Carmen is the sous chef and it turns out she grew up in the 'hood, the daughter of the owners of the local bakery. She's a strong, sassy, in-charge woman, a heroine to admire. As they work in proximity, their explosive chemistry ignites, however, there is fallout that changes both of their lives.

Like Sal, all Eddie wants is to get out of the gang. By writing the book entirely in his POV, he is revealed in his entirety as a kid who could never catch a break, whose destiny in the gang was almost inevitable, but who still yearns for something more, something better and who is sweet down to his core. The drawback of this POV, though, was that we didn't see enough of Carmen or get to know her nearly as well as Eddie. Still, what was shown of her was admirable. All in all, a great book and I'll be looking forward eagerly to the next one.

As other reviewers have stated, this one is a bit of a scorcher, and I loved it!

Eddie is a sweetheart, but he can also get down and dirty with Carmen. Eddie recently got out of jail and he's looking for a job while trying to track down his father and find out the truth. Watching Eddie come into his own was wonderful, and Carmen was BOSS. Super talented, she knows what she wants and she goes for it. Even when she's dealt a setback there's no putting this woman down.

Her and Eddie compliment each other so well. Carmen offering some stability for Eddie and Eddie offering spontaneity and fun and pure sexy.

Hopkins does a wonderful job drawing real-life characters with real-life pitfalls and victories and everything in between. Readers are sure to fall in love with a character-driven plot with a bit of suspense, lots of heat and heart, and a plot heavy on family and hope.

While I absolutely enjoyed Trashed as well as the characters. I didn’t connect with this book as much as I did the first. Don’t get me wrong the sex is still incredibly hot, like completely scorching but the first book was just so amazing that it was going to be really difficult for this one to measure up in the same way.

The second book in the Eastside Brewery, Trashed, is a great read. I really enjoyed Eddie and Carmen, there interaction was engaging and the storyline passionate and dynamic. I will definitely be looking to read more by this author

What a great read. I read till it was complete. I wish I read the first book, but when I requested it I had no idea it was a second book. You can read it without the first one but I would have liked to have read Sal’s story.

Eddie is a complex interesting character. He has little faith in himself and makes instant choices without thinking. Carmen well I wish there was more info on her. We didn’t get much about her motives and why she searched our for Eddie except she had a crush on him. She is definitely a good girl gone rebel. Eddie’s journey to good guy upkeeps you reading and the chemistry between him and Carmen is hot to say the least.

I want to read the next one for sure!

I received an ARC From the publisher for an honest review.

4 1/2 stars....

As a lover of Mis Hopkins writing, I’m not sure how I’ve managed to miss THIRSTY, the first book in this series! But this is Eddie’s story, and while I may have missed some things not having read book one, this story certainly holds its own. Tattoos, muscles and a heart of gold, Eddie’s background is definitely filled with less than exemplary behaviour and criminal activity too. But when the lovely Carmen catches Eddie’s attention, the chemistry and soul deep devotion are absolutely undeniable. TRASHED is a gritty, rough around the edges, intense and believable romance that shows love can blossom between the least likely of couples, and that opposites really do attract. Emotional, deep and passionate, truly best describes this wonderful story.

Oh my hot! There were a few slow spots, but they were necessary to explain things in the story. In the first book I couldn't figure out a lot of the Spanish phrases, it was a lot easier in this book to know what was being said. Eddie and Carmen are perfect together, and I love how Eddie works to get out of the gang and start a new life. It looks like there's another book in the series coming next year, can't wait!

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely ADORED Thirsty and I really really liked this one as well. I think I just connected with the characters better in book one, and in Trashed I couldn’t understand some of the decisions that Trouble and Carmen made. However, the writing was stellar and it is a highly enjoyable and STEAMY romance - not to be missed. I loved continuing this series and am SO excited about book 3! The excerpt included in my ARC got me all 😍😍