Drunk Me

Southern Dreams: Oregon Coast #1

by Courtney Lynn Rose

Ten years.
Ten years since I watched my best friend break the most beautiful girl’s heart.
Ten years since I stood by and let her spiral out of control.
Ten years since I helped her drunken ass run from this shore town to save her sanity.
But only five years since I got sober.

I’d only loved two girls in my life. One I helped run, the other I buried. I washed my hands five years ago of love and booze, and I haven’t been keen to go back to either.
As the sheriff of my small beach town, I unfortunately know everything about everyone. Which is why I should’ve been prepared for her to come back to town when her momma got sick.
But Aisling’s presence after ten years still hit me like a punch in the nuts, and now I can’t breathe. She’d never loved me, not even as kids. My best friend not loving her was what drove her out of town, but now that she’s back, I’m not giving him the opportunity to hurt her twice.
We may have a past this town doesn’t know about, but I’m going to do what I should’ve done ten years ago—show her my kiss is way better than the bottle.
This town may have other plans, because as much as I want her, when shit hits the fan, I don’t know if I can risk my own sobriety to make sure she keeps hers.

Genres: Contemporary

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2019

About the author

Courtney grew up in Baltimore and is pretty sure she threw her ability to give a f**k into the Inner Harbor long before high school. Like almost every writer on the planet, she started writing at a very young age. Her “way with words” led to her being the go-to person for writing funeral speeches for a long time.

For fourteen years she worked full-time as a paranormal investigator and demonologist until retiring in 2014. During that time, she had three children, earned a degree in Psychology, and eventually got back to writing.

Today she lives in Middle Tennessee with her children and boyfriend, and spends the majority of her time writing things that make people smile while cutting their emotions deep, running her own professional editing company, and enjoying life
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Repped by Ena Burnette at SBR Media.

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was ok for me. I liked how this book didn't shy away from what being an alcoholic is like. Aisling and Robert were proud of their sober time and should be. I did find it odd that everyone seemed to know Aisling would fall off the wagon, like it was a given. So when she did it wasn't a surprise. Robert did his best to help her stave off things, but his replacing booze with himself and sex wasn't a good thing. Aisling needed to want to be sober. The other good thing about this was how all of Aisling's friends 100% supported her despite her being gone for 10 years. There was no question, she needed help, they were there for her.

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aisling left home 10 years ago, has been sober for 5. She hit rock bottom and thanks to her bff, Erin, turned her life around but when she gets the call that no child (no matter how old they are) wants she has to return home finally. Now her sobriety will be put to the test as the hardest stuff she will ever have to face becomes her reality. The last person she expects to be by her side helping her every step of the way is someone from her past, her former best friend.

As I read Drunk Me by Courtney Lynn Rose I felt so connected to Aisling. Some of the things she went through hit home in more ways than one. I drowned the loss of my father in alcohol even though I was only 16. It was the only way to make the pain go away for a little bit. Months later I got my sh!t together, I had too so I could be there for my younger brothers. I’d have fun here and there until I was 23 and found out I was pregnant with my son. Didn’t touch a drink again for years but then my life took another turn. My first marriage ended, we fought constantly and the man that held my heart in his palm was over 700 miles away. Long story short (bc I’ve rambled enough already) my second marriage ended because I didn’t know my limit. I lost my best friend/husband, first love (again) and my three stepsons because of this. Sobered up, met a great guy, went through some major health issues and took a drink one night which didn’t mix with the new meds I was on and lost him over the bottle. I never learned from my past until it was too late to fix any of it. Alcoholism is no joke. Many hide while others just don’t give a sh!t who knows. It’s a daily struggle so take it one day at a time. You’re not alone, someone is always there to help you get through whatever is going on. Sobriety is a lifetime decision and can only happen once YOU are finally ready for it. 🖤🖤

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

They’ve been both friends and family since forever. They both hit rock bottom at different times. She left so she could try to survive and get clean, he stayed and lost some one, who ment something to him and he hit rock bottom, but he asked for help and got it. He fought his demons without her and wondered if she was ok,.
When she has to come back to town, to take care of a family member, her willpower is treated, and she falls , but he and their friends help pick her up and she is ok for a little while.
She keeps falling and finally completely falls apart. She leaves so she can be put back together again,. He looks for her to tell her he still loves her and always will. They find each other again and proves that the heart knows not bounds.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant read that once I started I had to finish it which ended with me staying up till the wee hours but so worth it.

Aisling fled her hometown but after a phone call from her mum she’s back after ten years.

Robert is a good kind guy who has held a torch for Aisling since they were little.

Can Robert with his own demons help Aisling through this rough time?

I couldn’t read this fast enough. There are parts I didn’t realise I was holding my breath til a whoosh came out of me. I had goosebumps reading other parts.
Excellent read. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give this book 10 amazing stars?? I loved it from the first paragraph. Aisling has been away for 10 years and only coming back because her Mom is terminally ill. While back, she runs into Robert, her childhood friend. Wil romance blossom? What a ride this book took me on. Crying, laughing, anger and falling in love with the characters. Courtney knocked it out of the park with this book.

[Mona williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow what a ride this book was! they have always been best friends. he wanted more. he watched her lose control with her drinking. so she left. now she is back because her mother is sick. will these two finally get together? read to find out.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful read. It gave me so many feels and I had tears streaming down my face. This story hit close to home for me. My step dad use to drink all the time and he was told by a doctor that he needed to quit or he could die. His liver couldn’t take it anymore. Thank god he wasn’t an angry drunk and quit. Alcoholism is not a joke. You need to want to quit, and for it to be for yourself, otherwise, it won’t work. This was so beautifully written by Courtney and she laid it all out there. I absolutely loved it.
Aisling has been gone for ten years and sober for five. She had to leave in order to save herself. When she gets a call from her mom that she is dying, she goes home. Her sobriety will be tested to its limits. The last person she thought she would run into is Robert, one of her longtime friends. Their parents were so close when they were little as were they. Robert has also been sober for five years. There are a lot of ups and downs throughout this story and these two are pushed to their limits. Will they both be able to keep sober or will they fail and lose each other. This was a great story with wonderful characters and I can’t wait for the next one. Courtney has a way of pulling you into her stories and feel everything the characters feel. It feels like you are right there with them.

[Lori Stepanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotional and heart-wrenching story - tears were plentiful and tissues required. Robert and Aisling grew up together; their families intertwined as their fathers were partners. Aisling, due to events in her life, is spiraling. She leaves her hometown behind 10 years earlier to get away. It takes years for her to deal with her addiction and get her life on track. A call from her mother regarding a terminal diagnosis forces her to go back home. While home, Aisling reconnects with Robert and develops a romantic relationship (Robert is also a recovering alcoholic). She is also dealing with her mother’s inevitable death, her sisters addiction, her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal all while maintains her sobriety....it’s a major struggle!
Through it all Robert stands strong by her side (along with their close friends) during everything. Can the relationship AND sobriety both survive everything against them?
This story deals with addiction, loss and tragedy in an emotionally but realistic manner. Even with the heavy subject matters, the story is believable, relatable, and inspirational.
Join Aisling and Robert on their journey of life, love and sobriety. This a story you don’t want to miss!
Kudos to Courtney for writing and sharing such a personal subject of alcoholism and survival!

[C.J. Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying, "I'm Drunk on This Book."

How can I start giving a book a review when I'm still searching for a town sheriff so that I can move to that town and lust after that sheriff for the rest of my life? I fell in love with this story from page one. It's that serious, people. Read it: the torture, the triumph, the lust, the characters. I'm not saying you won't cry. I'm not saying you won't want to jump inside this book and shake the ever-loving God out of some of the characters, and I am not saying you won't grab your pillow and weep into it and when you wake up and read another page and have to take a cold shower to cool down.

I promise you will experience every single emotion with this book. I won't lie. I don't re-read romance books, but this one is one you re-read to feel it all over again. The author does not disappoint with this gripping tale of tortured love and triumphant victories over so much. There is loss, addiction, love, lust, and so so so much beauty and authenticity in this book that I need MORE!

Bravo, Courtney Lynn Rose, you have broken my heart and mended it all in one book, and I loved it.

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreakingly Amazing

Robert & Aisling were childhood best friends until Aisling needed to leave town to get sober. When her mum calls her with some devastating news Ailing returns home for the summer.

Robert has some demons of his own so is he able to help Ailing get through this time in her life?

There are lots of ups & downs, triggers but this story will pull at your heart strings. An emotional roller coaster of real emotions and in one scene I had to put the book down as I struggled to keep the tears at bay.

If you've been around alcoholism or addiction then prepare yourselves for a heartbreaking story. Courtney writes about a subject that many people have experience with and she wrote it with respect and care that you were cheering for Robert & Ailing from the very start.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not very often I read a book on one day anymore. But Drunk Me was one I couldn’t put down. Aisling remind me so much of myself when I was in college. The drinking to forget and not feel. She is one of those characters that will stick with me forever. Robert is that shining knight that every girl dreams of. But what I love most about him is that his armor isn’t perfect. He’s had a tough life also and it’s made him a better person. He is such a strong, supportive boyfriend. He’s the kind you wish was real so you could have him for yourself.

TW- this book involved drug and alcohol abuse. However, Courtney wrote in such a way that does justice to every person who’s even struggled with addiction.

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very emotional book.

This is a phenomenal book to read.
Have the tissues ready for this one.
It hit me hard and brought me back to where I finally woke up and got sober.
Drunk Me by Courtney Lynn Rose A very emotional book for anyone who has gone through getting sober.
This quote from the book is so very true. Unless you have gone through it yourself, you have no idea.
"This is the worst part of sobriety— feeling. Having no outlet for the pain that life throws my way is like drowning on dry land for me. I've never dealt with pain well, and this is worse than anything that's ever been thrown my way.".
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Shani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story about 2 people who have not only battled addiction but also about the fight for their sobriety. Aisling's journey just about broke my heart. I felt her pain as she's brought back home to the place she tried to hide from. Having to face the very real and harsh reality of her mom's mortality threatens to send her off the deep end and lose her hard-earned sanity. She knows she can't do this alone. Her ups and downs are what make her such a heartfelt and honest character. When Robert steps in to help her, their journey takes a lot of twists and turns. His own journey aside hers was such a tug on my heart! He is a man who has a lot of demons who can't take on both of theirs, no matter how much he wants to.

Overall, I loved this story. It's a heart-tugger, but it's worth every one of those tugs and then some! Such a beautiful, strong, real, raw, and emotional read that will leave you with so many feelings.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing start to the series!! Once I started the story I couldn’t put it down. It takes the reader on an emotional and heart wrenching journey so you better have your tissues ready. Aisling has been gone for 10 years and is five years sober. She gets a call from her mother that she is dying and needs to come home but that will test her sobriety. Robert and Aisling grew up together and he helped her escape town 10 years prior. They reconnect when she comes to town to care for her ailing mother. There are so many ups and downs and their relationship that test both of their sobriety‘s. Will they be able to stay sober?

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is spectacular! It deals with real life issues in the most beautiful and raw way. There is intense emotions that are felt and experienced on so many levels by the characters. You will become immersed in their story and feel as if you are right there with them on their journey. You will not be able to put the book down. You will cry, laugh, be angry, sad and more as you are reading. It is a book that you will think about long after you have read the last word. A must read book for me! I can not wait for the next book!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aisling has left home ten years ago and not looked back. She was a broken mess back then and can’t go back. She gets a phone call one day and it’s the worst thing possible. Robert loves being from a small community. He is now the sheriff in town and is keeping the peace. Carol makes him promise one thing and it’s the hardest promise in the world.

[Emily Franzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I'd like to say that the author did a stellar job of treating a triggering subject such as alcoholism with sensitivity, yet the story was as realistic as real life could be. Aisling and Robert's story is raw and emotional. I went on a roller coaster with them, but I'm really glad I did. I laughed and cried, and cried with them, but what a fantastic book.

[Olivia Deneff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story told for many

I had to take my time with this story. its beautiful. But alchoholism is a rough subject i have personally seen how miserable it makes someone but sadly never the sober out come. This was beautifully written. Thank you. I love how this book gave fighting alcoholic's their happy beginning.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intense and emotional read. The type of story that grabs you from the beginning and holds you hostage until the very end. I felt an immediate connection to these incredible characters. Their journey was raw and real and heart wrenching. I highly recommend adding this to your TBR. You won’t be disappointed.

[Andrea Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully captivating and emotional roller coaster ride to go on. My heartstrings were definitely tugged on throughout this journey. This book will stay with you after reading it, especially if you have ever loved or just known someone dealing with an addiction. I absolutely adored this book.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book had me ugly crying from beginning to end...so many different emotions on a subject so difficult,but Courtney has written the book so amazingly well,you feel as if your right in the middle of Aisling and Roberts fight with them!
I loved every minute,and I can't wait for book 2!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that deals with a sensitive subject of alcoholism but so well done. Robert is just swoon worthy, and although Aisling comes across as weak to her addiction she shows strength in her battles too. Small town romance that’s heart felt .

[Frederick Nunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

drunk me (southern dreams: Oregon coast book 1)

This a complicated story about two individuals trying to stay sober. The couple are both recovering alcoholics. They storyline was very real concerning the terrible disease of alcoholism.

[Candi Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so fucking hard. One of the best scenes I have ever read, and a line that will forever remain in my pervy brain :)

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5🌌

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down! Amazing from start to finish! This book makes you feel like your struggling right along with the characters. Their ups and downs, struggles and successes, all of it is a ride I’m so glad I didn’t miss.

[E Loprete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drunk Me by Courtney Lynn Rose was a powerful, emotional and heart wrenching book that takes the reader on a journey about what happens when addiction takes over one's life and the effects it takes on loved ones as you follow the struggles of Aisling and Robert. Aisling with the help from Robert who works in law enforcement, left her home 10 years ago broken and on the brink of self-destruction with her alcohol addiction. Now she has been sober for 5 years as well as a successful business owner in Maryland, until a phone call from her Mother who she hasn't seen in years will shattered her life once again and has to go home. The interaction between Aisling and Robert who were close growing up was beautifully written as Robert and friends will do all they can to help Aisling with this crisis, knowing that she may not be able to deal with her mother's death and start drinking again. With the love from her mother as well as Robert, they are drawn to each other and the more time they spend with each other the passion and chemistry between these two is explosive. Robert tells Aisling that when she thinks she may slip up to get drunk on him as he tells her his own struggles he had with alcohol.

But with each step she takes, she is close to having her first drink and finally succumbs while hiding it from Robert who knows she has taken a drink again but will never give up helping her. She can't cope with her sister who is an angry drunk or with her mother's health. But when her whole world implodes with the death of her mother, Aisling starts to drink and just wants the pain to end. When her ex finds her at the beach giving her a drug mixed with alcohol she almost dies. Robert gets to her in time and while she is recovering,he never tells her about what happened on the beach, when he finally tells her, she gets angry and takes off drinking again.

Robert knows that his love may not be enough and that he can't help her unless she wants to help herself knowing that the love they share may not be enough. When she hits rock bottom, she calls her friend back in Maryland and decides the only way she won't lose Robert is that she has to leave him and get sober. Robert is devastated when he can't find her until he finds her note telling him that she has left to get help for herself and for the life they maybe able to have together. Months go by and when Robert finds out where she is he decides he needs to go and get her back. Their reunion was emotional and heartfelt, now these two will begin a journey of love and healing. Thank you Courtney for giving your readers an insightful view about love, dealing with loss, the struggles with sobriety as well as the demons you yourself have faced in sharing this story. This is a must read for all who have suffered with sobriety and the effects one's actions effects family and loved ones. This is a must read!! I voluntairly reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful read. It gave me so many feels and I had tears streaming down my face. This story hit close to home for me. My step dad use to drink all the time and he was told by a doctor that he needed to quit or he could die. His liver couldn’t take it anymore. Thank god he wasn’t an angry drunk and quit. Alcoholism is not a joke. You need to want to quit, and for it to be for yourself, otherwise, it won’t work. This was so beautifully written by Courtney and she laid it all out there. I absolutely loved it.
Aisling has been gone for ten years and sober for five. She had to leave in order to save herself. When she gets a call from her mom that she is dying, she goes home. Her sobriety will be tested to its limits. The last person she thought she would run into is Robert, one of her longtime friends. Their parents were so close when they were little as were they. Robert has also been sober for five years. There are a lot of ups and downs throughout this story and these two are pushed to their limits. Will they both be able to keep sober or will they fail and lose each other. This was a great story with wonderful characters and I can’t wait for the next one. Courtney has a way of pulling you into her stories and feel everything the characters feel. It feels like you are right there with them.

[Edith Campos Rojas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creo que en general hubo muy buenas sorpresas, autores nuevos que leer y de todo solo la historia final que ya había leído pero con otro autor, no sé si es muy similar pero puedo recordar que era lo mismo... en fin, muy buen trabajo.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow. Courtney blew me with this one. There was tears upon tears upon tears. I literally had to put my kindle down a couple of times and take a step away from this one. So very well written and the characters are breathe taking and so well written. You can literally feel everything that they are going through. Robert and Aisling knew each other since they were kids. They grew up together. One night changed everything when he helped her out of town to hopefully change her life. Years later Aisling comes back to town to see her mother when she calls her with upsetting news. Robert promises to be there for Aisling not realizing that it is not going to be that easy. Aisling has been through hell and back and will fight to not go there again. But sometimes there are things that are stronger that will control you. This one was heart wrenching. I broke reading this one. I absolutely love Aisling and how she handles things. Her character is written exactly how a normal human being would handle things in life. I love the chemistry between her and Robert and how after all the time apart it is still there and stronger than ever. I have to say this is my top favorite of 2019 out of all the books I have read. Highly recommend. This one is an absolute must read.