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Kings of California #1
Deep Down
Sex, drugs, and spicy tuna rolls?
Resilient and disciplined, tsunami survivor Eve Ono moves to California from Japan looking for a position as a sushi chef. When she’s suddenly fired from her restaurant job, desperation drives her to find work on a fishing boat despite her fears of the ocean. To make matters worse, she’s stuck in close quarters with her new captain—a man whose raw physicality drives her out of her mind with lust.
Free-spirited and roguish, Sam Lamont is a commercial fisherman aboard his own dive boat, the Bravado. When he makes a bad deal with a deadly loan shark who threatens to take his boat, Sam is in danger of losing both his business and his way of life. On top of that, he’s got to train his new deckhand—a beautiful hard-ass who just so happens to be sexy as hell.
A female sushi chef with mad knife skills. A deep-sea diver who's pissed off a Mexican drug cartel. Together, they're in trouble, and the only way out is down.
Resilient and disciplined, tsunami survivor Eve Ono moves to California from Japan looking for a position as a sushi chef. When she’s suddenly fired from her restaurant job, desperation drives her to find work on a fishing boat despite her fears of the ocean. To make matters worse, she’s stuck in close quarters with her new captain—a man whose raw physicality drives her out of her mind with lust.
Free-spirited and roguish, Sam Lamont is a commercial fisherman aboard his own dive boat, the Bravado. When he makes a bad deal with a deadly loan shark who threatens to take his boat, Sam is in danger of losing both his business and his way of life. On top of that, he’s got to train his new deckhand—a beautiful hard-ass who just so happens to be sexy as hell.
A female sushi chef with mad knife skills. A deep-sea diver who's pissed off a Mexican drug cartel. Together, they're in trouble, and the only way out is down.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2015
About the author
Mia Hopkins
30 books551 followersMia Hopkins writes lush romances starring fun, sexy characters who love to get down and dirty. Her award-winning books have been featured by many publications including The Washington Post, USA Today and Entertainment Weekly. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 6, 2019
Let me tell you what stood out the most about this book ... sexual chemistry. Mia Hopkins writes great sex. This we know. And she also writes lots and lots of sex in her books :) There's not many authors that can pull off lots and lots of sex without it coming off as smutty fluff. Mia Hopkins can. And she did! This erotic romance was more about the journey than the sexual chemistry and there was LOTS of sexual chemistry people! You don't even realize the sexy is in abundance because the story is so captivating. The woman has a true gift!
The other thing that stood out about this book is that Eve and Sam are just every day people. Every day people with very unique lives, a sushi chef and a deep-sea diver. She wrote a story about two people that could be your neighbors. And I LOVE that. Sometimes, you just want to read about someone who might be you ... not a gazillionaire or heiress or whatnot, just people :)
The last thing that stood out is the emotion in the story-line. She wrote the story in such a way that you will feel not only the hurdles and frustrations, but the heart-warmth and growth and love :) I really really loved this book and can't wait to continue with this series!!
Copy provided for blog tour
The other thing that stood out about this book is that Eve and Sam are just every day people. Every day people with very unique lives, a sushi chef and a deep-sea diver. She wrote a story about two people that could be your neighbors. And I LOVE that. Sometimes, you just want to read about someone who might be you ... not a gazillionaire or heiress or whatnot, just people :)
The last thing that stood out is the emotion in the story-line. She wrote the story in such a way that you will feel not only the hurdles and frustrations, but the heart-warmth and growth and love :) I really really loved this book and can't wait to continue with this series!!
Copy provided for blog tour
April 23, 2021
When aspiring sushi-chef is fired from her father's restaurant for daring to help a struggling coworker during dinner service, Eve Ono is left homeless and broke. She finds last minute employment on sea urchin fisherman Sam Lamont's boat, despite her grave fear of the ocean and the PTSD from losing her grandparents, and almost her own life, to a tsunami.
Sam reluctantly hires Eve at the urging of his former captain and his spunky landlord, both who took a chance on him years ago. He needs to make money fast to pay off a sketchy loan that has come due, or risk losing his boat and livelihood. Sam is mostly reluctant because of his instant attraction to the beautiful Eve, but tries to keep it professional as she says she has a boyfriend and she is his employee.
Sam and Eve learn to trust each other on the boat, and roll with their feelings, a shark attack, and dangerous criminals, but also find they cannot stay away from each other or their feelings.
This was super duper fun, just what I needed when I was looking for "sexy boat romances." Sam is an easy-going Dom (Dom-lite, sometimes a switch), and has a huge d*ck so big he and Eve struggle with it he he he. Eve is very inexperienced and naive, but is super keen to learn, and does have the help of her exotic dancer roommate (who I kind of hope has her own story, but I don't think she does??).
The overall plot is overwrought, and I was a bit meh on Eve, a biracial Japanese woman, having green eyes (this is from 2008), but the banging is absolutely delightful and so sexy.
CW: PTSD, panic attacks (on page), scary action/danger/violence (on page), shark attack (on page, described), hospital scenes, death of a secondary character
Sam reluctantly hires Eve at the urging of his former captain and his spunky landlord, both who took a chance on him years ago. He needs to make money fast to pay off a sketchy loan that has come due, or risk losing his boat and livelihood. Sam is mostly reluctant because of his instant attraction to the beautiful Eve, but tries to keep it professional as she says she has a boyfriend and she is his employee.
Sam and Eve learn to trust each other on the boat, and roll with their feelings, a shark attack, and dangerous criminals, but also find they cannot stay away from each other or their feelings.
This was super duper fun, just what I needed when I was looking for "sexy boat romances." Sam is an easy-going Dom (Dom-lite, sometimes a switch), and has a huge d*ck so big he and Eve struggle with it he he he. Eve is very inexperienced and naive, but is super keen to learn, and does have the help of her exotic dancer roommate (who I kind of hope has her own story, but I don't think she does??).
The overall plot is overwrought, and I was a bit meh on Eve, a biracial Japanese woman, having green eyes (this is from 2008), but the banging is absolutely delightful and so sexy.
CW: PTSD, panic attacks (on page), scary action/danger/violence (on page), shark attack (on page, described), hospital scenes, death of a secondary character
January 13, 2017
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Deep Down is the first book in the new adult romance series, the Kings of California by Mia Hopkins. I have never read a book by Mia before, and Deep Down was a very pleasant surprise. I really, really liked this story. It is told in alternating third persona narrative between Eve and Sam. I was really gripped into their story, more than I expected to be. And I didn't expect it to be as spicy as it was. This book is certainly new adult.
Eve and Sam have both had it rough in their own way, but I really admired how both of them were super hard workers. They are not afraid of having to dig in and really get the job done. I think I felt for Eve a little more than I did Sam. (which might be weird because Sam is the one that actually has bad guys after him) Eve was completely shunned by her very traditional father. When he kicked her out and fired her because she dared touch a piece of sushi in his male only kitchen, I was a little surprised. I have read about my fair share of jerk parents in YA and NA books, but Eve is so talented and her dad and grandparents knew it, that is really shocked me when he couldn't let go of his ultra traditional ways, even for the benefit and success of his restaurant.
Eve becomes Sam's tender and from there the story really gets good. I loved that this story was so many things, all at once. It was a really great adventure with the whole bad guys after Sam aspect, it was a good character growth story for both Sam and Eve and throughout it all it was an awesome romance. And a spicy, spicy romance at that. I haven't read a book this spicy in a while. So if you are a fan of hot romances, you should read Deep Down for that reason alone. All in all, I can't say enough positive things about this book! It is so well written, the characters are fully developed and interesting as heck, the plot is beyond captivating and the romance is hot hot hot. I can't wait to see what Mia Hopkins has in store for us in the next Kings of California book! I do know one thing though...I will definitely be reading it!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Eve and Sam have both had it rough in their own way, but I really admired how both of them were super hard workers. They are not afraid of having to dig in and really get the job done. I think I felt for Eve a little more than I did Sam. (which might be weird because Sam is the one that actually has bad guys after him) Eve was completely shunned by her very traditional father. When he kicked her out and fired her because she dared touch a piece of sushi in his male only kitchen, I was a little surprised. I have read about my fair share of jerk parents in YA and NA books, but Eve is so talented and her dad and grandparents knew it, that is really shocked me when he couldn't let go of his ultra traditional ways, even for the benefit and success of his restaurant.
Eve becomes Sam's tender and from there the story really gets good. I loved that this story was so many things, all at once. It was a really great adventure with the whole bad guys after Sam aspect, it was a good character growth story for both Sam and Eve and throughout it all it was an awesome romance. And a spicy, spicy romance at that. I haven't read a book this spicy in a while. So if you are a fan of hot romances, you should read Deep Down for that reason alone. All in all, I can't say enough positive things about this book! It is so well written, the characters are fully developed and interesting as heck, the plot is beyond captivating and the romance is hot hot hot. I can't wait to see what Mia Hopkins has in store for us in the next Kings of California book! I do know one thing though...I will definitely be reading it!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
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January 4, 2022
Trigger & Content Warnings
Hospital
PTSD & trauma
Panic attacks, on-page
Shark attack, on-page
Hospital
PTSD & trauma
Panic attacks, on-page
Shark attack, on-page
January 13, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Eve who now lives in California is originally from Japan. She survived a tsunami and a horrible restaurant job and then came to America. Her dream is to be a sushi chef. Unexpectedly fired from her restaurant job and kicked out of her home, Eve finds herself working in a fishing boat despite her fear of the ocean. Eve also finds herself in close quarters with the boats captain Sam Lamont. Sam however is in danger of losing his boat and livelihood because of a desperate horrible decision he made with a drug lord. There both in messes but hopefully together they can get thru the messes.
I'm just not even sure where to start. This book had potential to be a very good story. Boat captian with green tender and a drug cartel wanting their money or his boat. It should have been exciting. It should have had moments that had me worried if Eve and Sam were in mortal danger. What I found was less focus on the story and chapter after chapter of nothing but some pretty stomach turning sex. I'm cringing now just thinking about it. some things readers just do not need to know. And if I was Eve I'd be going to the doctor immediately to make sure I didn't have a serious problem going on. Body fluids running everywhere and pooling in places is just not I want to know about. I by no means am a prude but there comes a point when a book goes from erotica to just smut. I get it he likes her. He likes sex and can go for hours and hours and chapters and chapters. Three or four chapters for one sex scene is just a bit excessive and what happened to the story???? They don't have time to solve their issues because their always in the bed or against the wall or on a table. You get the picture. I wanted to know so much more about Sam and his loss and the affects it had. Heck i just wanted to know what his loss was but it was only casually hinted at in most of the story and then very briefly when Sam told Eve. How he got his peace was so rushed I felt cheated. And, hello Eve deserved more then a three paragraph solution to her main issue too. What happened to Kyle? Did that ever get fixed or what?
If you are just looking for straight up and at times just ewwww bed hopping this is your book. If your looking for the story of an aspiring sushi chef and the man with his own fishing business whose in trouble with a frig cartel you might want to find a different book. Your only going to catch a glimpse of that story in this book every once in a while.
Eve who now lives in California is originally from Japan. She survived a tsunami and a horrible restaurant job and then came to America. Her dream is to be a sushi chef. Unexpectedly fired from her restaurant job and kicked out of her home, Eve finds herself working in a fishing boat despite her fear of the ocean. Eve also finds herself in close quarters with the boats captain Sam Lamont. Sam however is in danger of losing his boat and livelihood because of a desperate horrible decision he made with a drug lord. There both in messes but hopefully together they can get thru the messes.
I'm just not even sure where to start. This book had potential to be a very good story. Boat captian with green tender and a drug cartel wanting their money or his boat. It should have been exciting. It should have had moments that had me worried if Eve and Sam were in mortal danger. What I found was less focus on the story and chapter after chapter of nothing but some pretty stomach turning sex. I'm cringing now just thinking about it. some things readers just do not need to know. And if I was Eve I'd be going to the doctor immediately to make sure I didn't have a serious problem going on. Body fluids running everywhere and pooling in places is just not I want to know about. I by no means am a prude but there comes a point when a book goes from erotica to just smut. I get it he likes her. He likes sex and can go for hours and hours and chapters and chapters. Three or four chapters for one sex scene is just a bit excessive and what happened to the story???? They don't have time to solve their issues because their always in the bed or against the wall or on a table. You get the picture. I wanted to know so much more about Sam and his loss and the affects it had. Heck i just wanted to know what his loss was but it was only casually hinted at in most of the story and then very briefly when Sam told Eve. How he got his peace was so rushed I felt cheated. And, hello Eve deserved more then a three paragraph solution to her main issue too. What happened to Kyle? Did that ever get fixed or what?
If you are just looking for straight up and at times just ewwww bed hopping this is your book. If your looking for the story of an aspiring sushi chef and the man with his own fishing business whose in trouble with a frig cartel you might want to find a different book. Your only going to catch a glimpse of that story in this book every once in a while.
January 3, 2017
Holy amazeballs does Mia Hopkins know how to write a steamy sex scene! I’m not sure what I expected but from what I had read from the beginning chapters did not prepare me for what was to come when these two characters came together. Cold shower was needed! Entwined in the hot, sexy scenes was a true, romantic love story where you felt all the emotions the characters felt…you cheered for them and you wanted to throat punch them when they were being a jackass and you simply wanted to hold them.
This is the first book I’ve read by Mia Hopkins and I’m really looking forward to reading more from her. She has a great way of painting a story that keeps you turning the page. This storyline was different. I loved that the characters were real, honest, hard-working people. I loved reading about a life I know nothing about… an urchin diver and a sushi chef (kind of sounds like a beginning of one of Sam’s lame jokes lol). The side characters were lovely. I wish there was more of Ken. Tiffany was awesome. I was nervous about her character in the beginning (I don’t trust easily okay!) but she was one of my faves. She was funny and I would love the have her back story.
Overall a great story and well worth the read.
This is the first book I’ve read by Mia Hopkins and I’m really looking forward to reading more from her. She has a great way of painting a story that keeps you turning the page. This storyline was different. I loved that the characters were real, honest, hard-working people. I loved reading about a life I know nothing about… an urchin diver and a sushi chef (kind of sounds like a beginning of one of Sam’s lame jokes lol). The side characters were lovely. I wish there was more of Ken. Tiffany was awesome. I was nervous about her character in the beginning (I don’t trust easily okay!) but she was one of my faves. She was funny and I would love the have her back story.
Overall a great story and well worth the read.
December 1, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I was glad to see the FMC to be a person of another ethnicity, I also appreciate her genuine kindness as it makes her relate able to me. Eve and Sam are electric together and the sex scenes are off the chains. I enjoyed this book and now I am interested in reading more from her. Great read.
December 22, 2016
Eve is one tough cookie, and Sam, for all his gorgeousness, has some growing up to do. The steamy scenes are plenty steamy, and really do a good job of advancing the couple's relationship. Hopkins does particularly well conveying the intricacies of gourmet food, and small boat fishing. Warm secondary characters buffer the couple's drama. Multicultural characters!
February 6, 2017
This is quite engaging, it had a slow start but pretty soon you get invested with the main characters dilemma. Its definitely romance erotica but it has a great plot and a flow to the story.
*ARC provided by the publisher*
*ARC provided by the publisher*
April 24, 2021
Rating: 5 stars
What I Liked: I loved this book. It ticked so many boxes for me. It’s a beautifully written, delicious romance packed with sweet moments and sexual tension.
I loved both main characters. Eve was just the right combination of innocent and tough and I loved how she handled everything that was thrown at her. Sam was a great hero - frustrating at points, but so lovely and caring.
Their relationship was great. They had so much chemistry and the sexual tension was off the charts for much of the book. The sex scenes are very well-written, this has got to be one of the hottest books I’ve read this year, but there was also so much emotion packed into those scenes as well.
I also enjoyed the detail about their work on the boat, the lives they formed for themselves, Eve’s food and her friendship with Tiffani - it all just worked really well for me.
What I Didn’t: If I had any complaint, I found the ending a bit dragged out
Overall: I loved reading this book, it had so many positives and a really lovely, hot relationship at its core.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you want a steamy contemporary romance about two damaged people with a lot of angst and some BDSM.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes.
Content Warnings:
What I Liked: I loved this book. It ticked so many boxes for me. It’s a beautifully written, delicious romance packed with sweet moments and sexual tension.
I loved both main characters. Eve was just the right combination of innocent and tough and I loved how she handled everything that was thrown at her. Sam was a great hero - frustrating at points, but so lovely and caring.
Their relationship was great. They had so much chemistry and the sexual tension was off the charts for much of the book. The sex scenes are very well-written, this has got to be one of the hottest books I’ve read this year, but there was also so much emotion packed into those scenes as well.
I also enjoyed the detail about their work on the boat, the lives they formed for themselves, Eve’s food and her friendship with Tiffani - it all just worked really well for me.
What I Didn’t: If I had any complaint, I found the ending a bit dragged out
Overall: I loved reading this book, it had so many positives and a really lovely, hot relationship at its core.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you want a steamy contemporary romance about two damaged people with a lot of angst and some BDSM.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes.
Content Warnings:
February 6, 2017
Hot
What happens when you're down a man who's important to your bottom line? You get damn lucky when a firecracker walk into your life! That's exactly what happens to Sam Lamont. While Kyle recovers from his diving incident, Sam has no one to work with him to pay off his debt to a very bad dude. In walks Eve, who's down on her luck since she's been died from her job as well as kicks out of her home. Although Eve is an excellent sushi chef, every job she's speed for has fell through. She tries for the barback position at the Compass Rose, unfortunately the position had been filled earlier that day. She ends up accepting a job as a tender. *"It’s destiny, Charlie!” She slapped her hand on the bar. “Eve needs a job. Sam needs a tender.”(*direct book quote). Eve and Sam both have issues with their fathers they need to resolve, but right now they need to help each other. Sam's one hot and deadly handsome guy but she's been burnt before. No matter how sexy he is, you don't sleep with your boss. It doesn't matter how much you think about doing just that. Eve"s one gorgeous woman and Sam can do nothing but think about her doing all kinds of dirty things. What happens between Eve and Sam? You've gotta read DEEP DOWN to find out. It's an intriguing story of inner growth and moving forward, conquering your demons, fears and nightmares. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book, via IndieSagePR for an honest blog tour review. Due to explicit sexual content and adult language this novel is recommended for readers 18 and older.
What happens when you're down a man who's important to your bottom line? You get damn lucky when a firecracker walk into your life! That's exactly what happens to Sam Lamont. While Kyle recovers from his diving incident, Sam has no one to work with him to pay off his debt to a very bad dude. In walks Eve, who's down on her luck since she's been died from her job as well as kicks out of her home. Although Eve is an excellent sushi chef, every job she's speed for has fell through. She tries for the barback position at the Compass Rose, unfortunately the position had been filled earlier that day. She ends up accepting a job as a tender. *"It’s destiny, Charlie!” She slapped her hand on the bar. “Eve needs a job. Sam needs a tender.”(*direct book quote). Eve and Sam both have issues with their fathers they need to resolve, but right now they need to help each other. Sam's one hot and deadly handsome guy but she's been burnt before. No matter how sexy he is, you don't sleep with your boss. It doesn't matter how much you think about doing just that. Eve"s one gorgeous woman and Sam can do nothing but think about her doing all kinds of dirty things. What happens between Eve and Sam? You've gotta read DEEP DOWN to find out. It's an intriguing story of inner growth and moving forward, conquering your demons, fears and nightmares. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book, via IndieSagePR for an honest blog tour review. Due to explicit sexual content and adult language this novel is recommended for readers 18 and older.
June 23, 2023
This book had so much potential in character development and such, but basically it seemed like they developed when they were apart, and when they were together they were constantly banging, more graphically than probably needed to be written (SO MUCH DRIPPING) and it was boring. I loved Tiff, and appreciated the sushi chef arc, once they decided that it existed again.
Also, Eve is a dumb bitch. I hate these books where its like, I am going to make the same choice that destroyed my life before, but he's really hot so its going to work out for me. NO. That's not growth bestie!!
Also, Eve is a dumb bitch. I hate these books where its like, I am going to make the same choice that destroyed my life before, but he's really hot so its going to work out for me. NO. That's not growth bestie!!
January 20, 2018
This book is hot hot hot. So many steamy scenes! The main characters are broken people (who isn’t? Am I right?) but they are dynamic and have great story arcs. The story’s setting and other secondary characters give this story a full life in the pages. I loved it and I’d recommend to anyone who needs a spicy pick-me-up.
April 25, 2019
I'm enjoying the author's writing. The characters are likable, the plots well paced, and they have just the right amount of angst. It's perfect for easy weekend/beach reading.
August 28, 2023
This book didn’t entirely work for me and I’m not quite sure why. I think there’s a bit too much going on so at times it felt disjointed to me. Parts of it I enjoyed. I did love the high steam.
February 6, 2017
Deep Down was an amazing love story. The story flowed well and it was intriquing. I liked the characters Eve and Sam. They were realistic and so perfect for eachother. I enjoyed this book.
February 6, 2017
Since I'm a huge fan of Mia Hopkins's Cowboy Cocktail series, I was excited to dive into her Kings of California series as well. Deep Down brings the same heat, humor, and emotion that I've come to love from this author.
Sushi chef Eve Ono finds herself without a job when her father abruptly fires her from his restaurant. Desperate, Eve takes a job as a deckhand on a fishing boat with the intent that it's just a temporary gig to tide her over until she finds another chef position. She doesn't expect to fall for deep-sea fisherman Sam Lamont.
Sam is a sexy boat captain who has a notorious reputation with the ladies, but he also has some secrets he's not willing to share. On top of this, he's in a major bind financially and in danger of losing his boat, thanks to an ill-advised loan from a drug cartel leader. Burned by love in the past, Sam has no interest in a relationship...until Eve walks into his life and turns it upside down.
There's a palpable sexual tension between Eve and Sam that's just delicious. Eve is mostly inexperienced and apprehensive at first, but Sam helps her find confidence in her sexuality. In addition, Sam has a bossy side to him that introduces Eve to some mild kink. This book is hot, hot, hot.
Combined with the romantic elements are various emotional subplots. Eve is a tsunami survivor and struggles with traumatic memories and nightmares as a result. There's also her tenuous relationship with her father. On Sam's side, he's estranged from his father and suffers from feelings of guilt associated with the death of his mother. In many ways, Eve and Sam are similarly broken when they meet. After they start to fall in love, that love begins to heal them both.
Lastly, I just loved Eve's relationship with her fiery best friend, Tiffani. The levity of their scenes together nicely balances out the gravity of the heavier scenes involving Eve and Sam's family issues.
For fans of the Cowboy Cocktail series, you'll find some nods to the town of Oleander as well as a reference to the MacKinnon ranch that made me smile.
In Deep Down, Mia Hopkins has written an intensely moving story with an emotionally satisfying ending. As much as this book is about two broken people, it's also about how love and family--both the kind you're born into and the kind you make for yourself--have the power to heal you.
I highly recommend Deep Down and look forward to the next book in the Kings of California series.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and IndieSage PR.
Sushi chef Eve Ono finds herself without a job when her father abruptly fires her from his restaurant. Desperate, Eve takes a job as a deckhand on a fishing boat with the intent that it's just a temporary gig to tide her over until she finds another chef position. She doesn't expect to fall for deep-sea fisherman Sam Lamont.
Sam is a sexy boat captain who has a notorious reputation with the ladies, but he also has some secrets he's not willing to share. On top of this, he's in a major bind financially and in danger of losing his boat, thanks to an ill-advised loan from a drug cartel leader. Burned by love in the past, Sam has no interest in a relationship...until Eve walks into his life and turns it upside down.
There's a palpable sexual tension between Eve and Sam that's just delicious. Eve is mostly inexperienced and apprehensive at first, but Sam helps her find confidence in her sexuality. In addition, Sam has a bossy side to him that introduces Eve to some mild kink. This book is hot, hot, hot.
Combined with the romantic elements are various emotional subplots. Eve is a tsunami survivor and struggles with traumatic memories and nightmares as a result. There's also her tenuous relationship with her father. On Sam's side, he's estranged from his father and suffers from feelings of guilt associated with the death of his mother. In many ways, Eve and Sam are similarly broken when they meet. After they start to fall in love, that love begins to heal them both.
Lastly, I just loved Eve's relationship with her fiery best friend, Tiffani. The levity of their scenes together nicely balances out the gravity of the heavier scenes involving Eve and Sam's family issues.
For fans of the Cowboy Cocktail series, you'll find some nods to the town of Oleander as well as a reference to the MacKinnon ranch that made me smile.
In Deep Down, Mia Hopkins has written an intensely moving story with an emotionally satisfying ending. As much as this book is about two broken people, it's also about how love and family--both the kind you're born into and the kind you make for yourself--have the power to heal you.
I highly recommend Deep Down and look forward to the next book in the Kings of California series.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and IndieSage PR.
February 4, 2017
I read this book before Hollywood Honkytonk and this is a new to me author, too. If you read the review above, first, you might not think that I liked this book. I truly did like the book. Sam was an awesome hero and Eve is a joy. But here is some of things that I like and didn’t like about Deep Down.
Sam (Hero) – Loved him. Torn between the party boy in him, finally deciding the grow up and then realizing that Kyle isn’t what he needs around him anymore. Great character depth, even though he didn’t think he was worth much.
Eve (heroine) – Wow, what a character. She had been through enough in her life and not having anyone in her corner, she never let it get her down. All she wanted was to be a chef. Romance is the last thing on her mind.
Secondary characters – OMG! Tiffani, Tiffani, Tiffani. That girl needs her own book. I missed her when she wasn’t around. She was the perfect friend for Eve. Kyle was a douche. That is all. Oh and Judith and Charlie. *sniff*
The dialogue between Sam and Eve is great. Sexy, snarky and honest. I really felt the connection between them. It is a very slow build to their romance. Once it starts, though, there is no stopping. In fact, I think it was too fast in some parts. I love a good erotic story. Ms. Hopkins writes exception erotic but at times I felt like it wasn’t needed. I wanted more emotion from Sam. Sometimes, the kink (very light) got in the way of a more emotional connection that I was craving from him. The emotional connection from Eve is there from the start and that’s what broke my heart.
Overall, I really did like Sam and Eve. The pacing is a bit slow in the beginning but once it picks up, it doesn’t let you go. Ms. Hopkins can write a hot book with characters that you really can root for.
Sam (Hero) – Loved him. Torn between the party boy in him, finally deciding the grow up and then realizing that Kyle isn’t what he needs around him anymore. Great character depth, even though he didn’t think he was worth much.
Eve (heroine) – Wow, what a character. She had been through enough in her life and not having anyone in her corner, she never let it get her down. All she wanted was to be a chef. Romance is the last thing on her mind.
Secondary characters – OMG! Tiffani, Tiffani, Tiffani. That girl needs her own book. I missed her when she wasn’t around. She was the perfect friend for Eve. Kyle was a douche. That is all. Oh and Judith and Charlie. *sniff*
The dialogue between Sam and Eve is great. Sexy, snarky and honest. I really felt the connection between them. It is a very slow build to their romance. Once it starts, though, there is no stopping. In fact, I think it was too fast in some parts. I love a good erotic story. Ms. Hopkins writes exception erotic but at times I felt like it wasn’t needed. I wanted more emotion from Sam. Sometimes, the kink (very light) got in the way of a more emotional connection that I was craving from him. The emotional connection from Eve is there from the start and that’s what broke my heart.
Overall, I really did like Sam and Eve. The pacing is a bit slow in the beginning but once it picks up, it doesn’t let you go. Ms. Hopkins can write a hot book with characters that you really can root for.
February 13, 2016
THIS IS A GREAT STORY AND BACK STORY WITH HOPE AND LOVE FOR THE FUTURE...
I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW......OVER 18 READING
Sam Lamont (Slammer) owner of the BRAVADO a ft boat that he and Kyle Brautigan (who worked for him) dived to hunt and harvest sea urchins. Eve Ono, Chef Ono's daughter is a trained Chef, trained in Japan by her paternal grandparents ' and 6 years in Tokyo as sushi chef . Now that her father fired her because he thinks no woman is good enough to be a sushi chef, she has come to talk to Charlie at the Compass Rose for a back bar job..to late though it was filled. But due to Kyle being out and Sam now working alone and has to have a tender so he can get back to work so his landlady Judith sees that he considers Eve for the job for one day . Judith is smart in the ways of the world and able to see things in a way most other don't so she is willing to point it out if she must. Eve is a good worker she has worked since she was 15 doing all kinds of jobs a small woman shouldn't be able to do. Things will change between eve and Sam during the time Kyle is gone and when he returns and Sam is hurt she and Kyle work but he doesn't get the right amount to pay the bill and could lose his boat. He gets secret help that he doesn't know about or the danger they put themselves in to help him. Eve left but got a job and ran a restraint till Sam found her again, he borough good and bad news to her but it has a very happy ever after with both learning to give a little and except their families back into there world.
I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW......OVER 18 READING
Sam Lamont (Slammer) owner of the BRAVADO a ft boat that he and Kyle Brautigan (who worked for him) dived to hunt and harvest sea urchins. Eve Ono, Chef Ono's daughter is a trained Chef, trained in Japan by her paternal grandparents ' and 6 years in Tokyo as sushi chef . Now that her father fired her because he thinks no woman is good enough to be a sushi chef, she has come to talk to Charlie at the Compass Rose for a back bar job..to late though it was filled. But due to Kyle being out and Sam now working alone and has to have a tender so he can get back to work so his landlady Judith sees that he considers Eve for the job for one day . Judith is smart in the ways of the world and able to see things in a way most other don't so she is willing to point it out if she must. Eve is a good worker she has worked since she was 15 doing all kinds of jobs a small woman shouldn't be able to do. Things will change between eve and Sam during the time Kyle is gone and when he returns and Sam is hurt she and Kyle work but he doesn't get the right amount to pay the bill and could lose his boat. He gets secret help that he doesn't know about or the danger they put themselves in to help him. Eve left but got a job and ran a restraint till Sam found her again, he borough good and bad news to her but it has a very happy ever after with both learning to give a little and except their families back into there world.
November 10, 2016
A super fun erotic romance featuring Eve: a beautiful and petite happa (yay happas!) heroine who is an aspiring sushi chef and tough as nails to boot; and Sam: a super-hot former competitive swimmer turned sea urchin diver (and a gentle dom).
Author Mia Hopkins does an AMAZING job of creating out-of-control sexual tension between the two main characters by not including a sex scene until around page 130, but from then on the sex is super steamy (not for the faint of heart!) The author also does a fantastic job of constantly raising the stakes, as both Sam and Eve have deep dark secrets that threaten to tear them apart. This erotic romance has lots of plot and character development, the sex, while ample, does not feel gratuitous...it just feels like you are really there in the lives of this super hot potential couple.
Kudos to Ms. Hopkins for not being afraid to address the elephant in the room: Eve is the lone Asian person in her circle of friends. Race is not an issue for 99% of the book, but there is one scene where Eve faces down Sam's jealous best friend (what is it with guy best friends always trying to scare women off?) who is a total jerk and tries to make her ethnicity an issue.
Final note: if you love food, this book has lots of scenes featuring delicious food. I personally can't wait to try the salt-crusted fish idea.
You can get it here on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2g0jOni
Author Mia Hopkins does an AMAZING job of creating out-of-control sexual tension between the two main characters by not including a sex scene until around page 130, but from then on the sex is super steamy (not for the faint of heart!) The author also does a fantastic job of constantly raising the stakes, as both Sam and Eve have deep dark secrets that threaten to tear them apart. This erotic romance has lots of plot and character development, the sex, while ample, does not feel gratuitous...it just feels like you are really there in the lives of this super hot potential couple.
Kudos to Ms. Hopkins for not being afraid to address the elephant in the room: Eve is the lone Asian person in her circle of friends. Race is not an issue for 99% of the book, but there is one scene where Eve faces down Sam's jealous best friend (what is it with guy best friends always trying to scare women off?) who is a total jerk and tries to make her ethnicity an issue.
Final note: if you love food, this book has lots of scenes featuring delicious food. I personally can't wait to try the salt-crusted fish idea.
You can get it here on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2g0jOni
January 11, 2017
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed this ARC I received via IndieSage PR*
I am in love with this. First time reading any of this author's work, but I can already tell I may have just found another favorite author to worship. Her writing style is great, both detailed and lengthy in all the right gooey parts but consistent and to the point with the important bits. And don't even get me started on the extremely hot intimate scenes. *fans face* Honestly, the whole story plot could fall apart and I'd still love this for those scenes. But then it'd be a completely different book so let's not go there lol
I loved Eve's hard-working mannerism and her dedication to her dreams, never giving up despite all the bad things that get tossed her way. The same goes for Sam, though I totally melted when he mentioned his grandfather being from Scotland (immediate fangirl). But as I read on, I just kept loving him more and more. All of him, his good and bad traits. Especially his bad traits. The very, very bad ones.... *coughs* If you love a good build up on the romance that constantly works with the major chemistry, totally check it out. They're both strong characters with pasts, there's some lol scenes and really heart-touching ones with the other characters, some serious heartache (from my side at least) and an ending that just makes you... *sighs happily* Totally check it out.
I am in love with this. First time reading any of this author's work, but I can already tell I may have just found another favorite author to worship. Her writing style is great, both detailed and lengthy in all the right gooey parts but consistent and to the point with the important bits. And don't even get me started on the extremely hot intimate scenes. *fans face* Honestly, the whole story plot could fall apart and I'd still love this for those scenes. But then it'd be a completely different book so let's not go there lol
I loved Eve's hard-working mannerism and her dedication to her dreams, never giving up despite all the bad things that get tossed her way. The same goes for Sam, though I totally melted when he mentioned his grandfather being from Scotland (immediate fangirl). But as I read on, I just kept loving him more and more. All of him, his good and bad traits. Especially his bad traits. The very, very bad ones.... *coughs* If you love a good build up on the romance that constantly works with the major chemistry, totally check it out. They're both strong characters with pasts, there's some lol scenes and really heart-touching ones with the other characters, some serious heartache (from my side at least) and an ending that just makes you... *sighs happily* Totally check it out.
February 5, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Deep Down. Mia Hopkins gave us characters that were likable, interesting and they both had faced difficulties that had left them a little bit broken.
There was an attraction from the first time they encountered each other but holy hell, when this pair actually got it on they were smoking hot.... nah, that doesn't come anywhere near what they are when they get down and dirty - and they got dirty a lot, A Lot, A LOT!!!!!
Deep Down was well written, as I've come to expect from Mia. I really like the description and detail in her books and the imagery her stories invoke. There was humour, heat, some family drama, a bit of a bump in the road and a cast of supporting characters (good and bad) that all added up to a really well rounded, engaging read.
The only little thing I would say is that I would have liked was an earlier explanation of what happened in Sam's past that had him so full of doubt and made him feel 'less' than he was and the epilogue, while I enjoyed it, I would have liked to know more about what happened came about.
Overall a great read and the start of a series that I'm looking forward to reading more of.
I've giving Deep Down 4.5 down and dirty stars.
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I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
There was an attraction from the first time they encountered each other but holy hell, when this pair actually got it on they were smoking hot.... nah, that doesn't come anywhere near what they are when they get down and dirty - and they got dirty a lot, A Lot, A LOT!!!!!
Deep Down was well written, as I've come to expect from Mia. I really like the description and detail in her books and the imagery her stories invoke. There was humour, heat, some family drama, a bit of a bump in the road and a cast of supporting characters (good and bad) that all added up to a really well rounded, engaging read.
The only little thing I would say is that I would have liked was an earlier explanation of what happened in Sam's past that had him so full of doubt and made him feel 'less' than he was and the epilogue, while I enjoyed it, I would have liked to know more about what happened came about.
Overall a great read and the start of a series that I'm looking forward to reading more of.
I've giving Deep Down 4.5 down and dirty stars.
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I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
December 29, 2016
I loved the blurb for this book. It was what initially drew me into deciding to sign up for an advanced copy.
I really liked the story. I liked how both of the characters worked hard to overcome their issues and found respite in each other, even if they were really looking for it. How they came to meet and work together was a little far-fetched but it totally worked for the story.
Both of them had some difficult backgrounds and I liked how they found healing together, but also separately. The way that Mia wrote everything came together nicely and didn't come across as contrived.
I'm not going to lie, though. I ended up skipping a lot of the sex. It became too much after a while and probably made up 1/3 of the book. I guess I didn't realize this was more erotic than contemporary but the story sounded so amazing from the blurb. I wasn't disappointed in the story aspect but I tend to stay away from more erotic tales (it wasn't that bad, so please understand you should read it). The intimate scenes I did read were spectacularly written.
I'm giving this story FOUR STARS.
I really liked the story. I liked how both of the characters worked hard to overcome their issues and found respite in each other, even if they were really looking for it. How they came to meet and work together was a little far-fetched but it totally worked for the story.
Both of them had some difficult backgrounds and I liked how they found healing together, but also separately. The way that Mia wrote everything came together nicely and didn't come across as contrived.
I'm not going to lie, though. I ended up skipping a lot of the sex. It became too much after a while and probably made up 1/3 of the book. I guess I didn't realize this was more erotic than contemporary but the story sounded so amazing from the blurb. I wasn't disappointed in the story aspect but I tend to stay away from more erotic tales (it wasn't that bad, so please understand you should read it). The intimate scenes I did read were spectacularly written.
I'm giving this story FOUR STARS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2016
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review by author Mia Hopkins. This is book 1 of the series Kings of California by the author.
Eve Ono moves to California and works in her fathers restaurant but wants to be a sushi chef. When he fires her she goes to find a job but is offered a different job working on a boat the Bravado. Sam Lamont is an urchin diver and he owns the boat the Bravado. When his diving mate is put in the hospital he ends up giving Eve Ono a shot on board. They find it hard to keep their professional and private lives separate from each other and things tear them apart and it might just keep them apart unless Sam can change things for the better with Eve.
Awesome story.
Eve Ono moves to California and works in her fathers restaurant but wants to be a sushi chef. When he fires her she goes to find a job but is offered a different job working on a boat the Bravado. Sam Lamont is an urchin diver and he owns the boat the Bravado. When his diving mate is put in the hospital he ends up giving Eve Ono a shot on board. They find it hard to keep their professional and private lives separate from each other and things tear them apart and it might just keep them apart unless Sam can change things for the better with Eve.
Awesome story.
February 25, 2016
Hang on, before I can write this review, I need a cold shower. Whew. This book has it all: an adorable beta hero who has no idea how wonderful he is; a feisty heroine with a hidden cache of spunk and confidence; and crazy hot, steam-coming-off-the-pages sex scenes. Not to mention a sweet love story and a bit of suspense. Oh yeah, and a cast of supporting characters who might just bring you to tears.
Well done, Mia Hopkins.
Well done, Mia Hopkins.
January 4, 2017
This is my first Mia Hopkin's book and I am impressed and look forward to reading more from her. I loved that the story line was different from other books I have read. I loved the characters, I loved that they were relatable and real. The secondary characters were just as good. I can not wait to read more from her.
January 3, 2017
Review coming soon on behalf of A Book Lover's Emporium
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