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Orchard Inn Romance #1
The Orchard Inn
She’s hiding from her past. He’s looking for his future. Will they take a chance on a love neither expected…
Ella lives in constant fear. After seven years of concealing her whereabouts from an abusive ex, she gets an opportunity for a fresh start when one of the few men she trusts leaves her a charming inn. When a mysterious, charming guest tempts her to open her heart again, she fears the scars from the past will keep her from anything close to love.
Hardworking and successful, River has always wondered if something's missing from his life. And when he falls for the gorgeous proprietor of Orchard Inn, he knows the tattooed beauty is exactly what he needs. Moved by her pain, he encourages her to open up about her fears while he promises to stay by her side.
But just as their irresistible passions bloom, Ella’s brutal ex returns to reclaim what was never truly his.
Can Ella and River fight off the past long enough to awaken a forever love?
The Orchard Inn is the inspirational first novel in the Orchard Inn romance series. If you like strong heroines, kind-hearted heroes, and a dash of suspense, then you’ll adore A.M. Kusi’s uplifting tale.
Buy The Orchard Inn to watch a couple heal with love today!
Ella lives in constant fear. After seven years of concealing her whereabouts from an abusive ex, she gets an opportunity for a fresh start when one of the few men she trusts leaves her a charming inn. When a mysterious, charming guest tempts her to open her heart again, she fears the scars from the past will keep her from anything close to love.
Hardworking and successful, River has always wondered if something's missing from his life. And when he falls for the gorgeous proprietor of Orchard Inn, he knows the tattooed beauty is exactly what he needs. Moved by her pain, he encourages her to open up about her fears while he promises to stay by her side.
But just as their irresistible passions bloom, Ella’s brutal ex returns to reclaim what was never truly his.
Can Ella and River fight off the past long enough to awaken a forever love?
The Orchard Inn is the inspirational first novel in the Orchard Inn romance series. If you like strong heroines, kind-hearted heroes, and a dash of suspense, then you’ll adore A.M. Kusi’s uplifting tale.
Buy The Orchard Inn to watch a couple heal with love today!
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2019
406 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Kusi
35 books172 followersA. M. Kusi is a wife-and-husband romance author team. Our novels feature diverse characters, are spicy, socially relevant, emotional, and always have a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 23, 2019
3 COSY/COMFORTABLE STARS
This was a sweet little romance, with heart and a gentle tone, despite some of the heavy issues touched on. Ella Shaw escaped her abusive boyfriend 7 years ago and found a safe haven/home in Orchard Inn as well a small group of close/loving friends. River Parker has everything he could want, a thriving job, money, and status in Boston, but he still feels something is missing. The happiness he should feel isn’t there. When he comes to Orchard Inn, to stay due to work he finds himself captivated by the owner of the inn. And finds his usual smooth ways with the ladies disappearing, as he keeps putting his foot in his mouth, but even that cannot conceal or stop the spark between the two. But dangers from the past, as well as secrets neither are aware of could rip these two apart.
This book didn’t have the intensity I was expecting, but it was a good read and I can see myself re-reading this at some point.
Triggers:
99p on amazon 23rd June 2019.
This was a sweet little romance, with heart and a gentle tone, despite some of the heavy issues touched on. Ella Shaw escaped her abusive boyfriend 7 years ago and found a safe haven/home in Orchard Inn as well a small group of close/loving friends. River Parker has everything he could want, a thriving job, money, and status in Boston, but he still feels something is missing. The happiness he should feel isn’t there. When he comes to Orchard Inn, to stay due to work he finds himself captivated by the owner of the inn. And finds his usual smooth ways with the ladies disappearing, as he keeps putting his foot in his mouth, but even that cannot conceal or stop the spark between the two. But dangers from the past, as well as secrets neither are aware of could rip these two apart.
This book didn’t have the intensity I was expecting, but it was a good read and I can see myself re-reading this at some point.
Triggers:
99p on amazon 23rd June 2019.
May 16, 2019
Ella Shaw had a rough life. Growing up with a mother who stayed in an endless string of abusive relationships, she finally escaped only to be caught up in one herself. Beaten and broken, she ran away to the only man who had ever shown her kindness, her mother's ex boyfriend Mac, owner of The Orchard Inn in Vermont. Ella inherited the inn after Mac's death and has made it a success. River is vising the area on business and staying at the inn for the week. They are attracted to each other, but Ella hasn't dated in the seven years since escaping her ex boyfriend and doesn't want to get involved with someone who will be gone in a few days. They strike up a friendship, and the feelings come anyway. They decide to try a long distance relationship, slowly, to get to know each other and to give Ella a chance to ease in and learn to trust River. Just when things are going well, she learns a secret that changes everything about both of their lives.
I really liked this book. Ella is not a victim, she's a survivor. She is vulnerable but she is tough and working on healing. She has amazing, supportive friends who look out for her daily. River is successful but grounded. He works for his father's company and is being groomed to take over one day, but he doesn't love the work. He is so patient and understanding with Ella and I love that. He doesn't see her scars as flaws but as symbols of her strength.
This is a slow burn book. Ella and River are together for a long time before much happens between them because Ella just isn't emotionally ready. Thanks to her best friend and her therapist, however, she is able to learn how to allow herself to love and be happy.
I really liked this book. Ella is not a victim, she's a survivor. She is vulnerable but she is tough and working on healing. She has amazing, supportive friends who look out for her daily. River is successful but grounded. He works for his father's company and is being groomed to take over one day, but he doesn't love the work. He is so patient and understanding with Ella and I love that. He doesn't see her scars as flaws but as symbols of her strength.
This is a slow burn book. Ella and River are together for a long time before much happens between them because Ella just isn't emotionally ready. Thanks to her best friend and her therapist, however, she is able to learn how to allow herself to love and be happy.
May 15, 2019
A sweet, small town romance.
The Orchard Inn is Ella's safe haven. The place that became her sanctuary at the darkest time in her life. Her past is not a pretty one and it still haunts her. She keeps men at arms length and her heart locked up tight. When River stays at the inn, Ella struggles with the pull and attraction she feels towards him and tries to keep her distance. River has other ideas as he is not willing to give up on such a pure connection.
River is the complete opposite to what Ella has experienced in the past and is just what she needs. With the right push from her friends, Ella might just open her heart again. Small town stories produce characters that are usually larger than life and being so much more to the books they are in. The fact that everyone knows everyone makes it feel like a community and you become connected to all the characters and the town, which keeps you coming back for more.
This was a really enjoyable read that had me laughing and crying and everything in between.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
The Orchard Inn is Ella's safe haven. The place that became her sanctuary at the darkest time in her life. Her past is not a pretty one and it still haunts her. She keeps men at arms length and her heart locked up tight. When River stays at the inn, Ella struggles with the pull and attraction she feels towards him and tries to keep her distance. River has other ideas as he is not willing to give up on such a pure connection.
River is the complete opposite to what Ella has experienced in the past and is just what she needs. With the right push from her friends, Ella might just open her heart again. Small town stories produce characters that are usually larger than life and being so much more to the books they are in. The fact that everyone knows everyone makes it feel like a community and you become connected to all the characters and the town, which keeps you coming back for more.
This was a really enjoyable read that had me laughing and crying and everything in between.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
May 16, 2019
The Orchard Inn is Book 1 in the Orchard Inn Romance Series.
This is my first time reading a AM Kusi novel and I’m looking forward to reading more from her. I really enjoyed her writing style and ability to keep the storyline flowing well.
Ella moves to a small New England town called Vermont to escape her abusive husband and she quickly becomes friends with and is adopted by Mac Shaw who leaves the Orchard Inn to Ella when he passes away.
River is a successful business man from Boston who comes to town to close a business dea.
Ella and River have an instant chemistry and attraction, they meet when Ella hosts River at her Inn.
I really enjoyed this opposites attract, small town romance with the perfect amount of suspense and I’m very much looking forward to reading more from AM Kusi and in particular this series, I can’t wait to see where she takes this wonderful story.
This is my first time reading a AM Kusi novel and I’m looking forward to reading more from her. I really enjoyed her writing style and ability to keep the storyline flowing well.
Ella moves to a small New England town called Vermont to escape her abusive husband and she quickly becomes friends with and is adopted by Mac Shaw who leaves the Orchard Inn to Ella when he passes away.
River is a successful business man from Boston who comes to town to close a business dea.
Ella and River have an instant chemistry and attraction, they meet when Ella hosts River at her Inn.
I really enjoyed this opposites attract, small town romance with the perfect amount of suspense and I’m very much looking forward to reading more from AM Kusi and in particular this series, I can’t wait to see where she takes this wonderful story.
May 17, 2019
Book one in the Orchard Inn Romance Series by an new Author to me a well written story that grabbed my interest from the first page. A great story line with a story that flows smoothly from page to page. River and Ella will have so much to go through before they get their happy ending. I received a copy of this book through Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily reviewing.
May 8, 2019
ARC review For honest review. This is a very beautiful story of Ella who now owns the Orchard Inn . When River Parker is there to work on stone mountain resort contract for his family company Parker consulting inc. This is their relationship and the story they each being . Great job. 10 stars
May 14, 2019
This was a beautiful story of Ella, a woman who is trying to move on after an abusive ex, and River, a handsome man who shows up at her inn. Their attraction is so strong from their first meeting. I loved watching them figure out how to deal with their explosive chemistry, and how to survive Ella’s ex. It was wonderful!!
May 14, 2019
This book was amazing!!!
With all the twist and turns this book made me laugh and cry. I couldn't put it down.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review for Sweet Treats Book Blog 💜
With all the twist and turns this book made me laugh and cry. I couldn't put it down.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review for Sweet Treats Book Blog 💜
May 17, 2019
4.5 Stars
Man the emotion just pours off these pages. The characters in this just grab a hold of you and pull you right into the story. Ella and River are so cute together and the chemistry between them is hot! Ella she breaks your heart, but she also gives you a sense of hope. She may feel like she's not strong and brave, but she truly is. River can see that now if he can just convince Ella of it. Learning Ella's past seeing the bonds of friendship she has is all the more special. There are a few unexpected twists and one of the put a huge smile on my face. It's so fitting. This book is a interracial romance and it shows the stereotypes people put on others and what River has to deal with every day. I can't recommend this book enough. This husband and wife writing duo has gained a reader!
Man the emotion just pours off these pages. The characters in this just grab a hold of you and pull you right into the story. Ella and River are so cute together and the chemistry between them is hot! Ella she breaks your heart, but she also gives you a sense of hope. She may feel like she's not strong and brave, but she truly is. River can see that now if he can just convince Ella of it. Learning Ella's past seeing the bonds of friendship she has is all the more special. There are a few unexpected twists and one of the put a huge smile on my face. It's so fitting. This book is a interracial romance and it shows the stereotypes people put on others and what River has to deal with every day. I can't recommend this book enough. This husband and wife writing duo has gained a reader!
May 17, 2019
Touching and deep with a lot of emotion
The Orchard Inn is a touching story. It centers around our h, Ella Shaw, a 25 year old woman who is lugging around a ton of emotional baggage - didn't know her father, mother was absent emotionally, stepfathers who were abusive, an ex-boyfriend who was emotionally and physically abusive and then add in some self harm to the mix. She has fled to Vermont and the Orchard Inn. the inn is owned by Mac Shaw who was one of her mother's ex's but he always treated her well and cared about her. For a couple of years he gives her shelter and cares for her, helping to get her life back on track. Unfortunately he passes away after getting cancer, which Ella helps nurse him through, and she inherits the inn. Can anyone say there is a bad case of not trusting men in her life.
The H, River Parker, is a 28 year old resort business consultant who works for the family company. He is coming off a very bad break-up with a girlfriend who appears to have just wanted him for the money. So River decides that if he throws himself into work and travels all the time he cannot get involved with anyone again and thus no issues in his life.
They met when River checks into Ella's Inn and there is an instant attraction and gravitational pull towards each other. The question becomes whether they can each get over the giant boulders in their individual paths and develop a relationship based on trust and love. Add into the mix a deep dark secret that River has ans Ella's abusive and dangerous ex-boyfriend and you have yourself a story.
The book is sweet, low on raw sexuality, high on romance with a dash of danger and some suspense. Overall Orchard Inn is a nice read and would make a great addition to a weekend either curled up on the couch by a fire or sitting on the beach in the sunshine.
I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
The Orchard Inn is a touching story. It centers around our h, Ella Shaw, a 25 year old woman who is lugging around a ton of emotional baggage - didn't know her father, mother was absent emotionally, stepfathers who were abusive, an ex-boyfriend who was emotionally and physically abusive and then add in some self harm to the mix. She has fled to Vermont and the Orchard Inn. the inn is owned by Mac Shaw who was one of her mother's ex's but he always treated her well and cared about her. For a couple of years he gives her shelter and cares for her, helping to get her life back on track. Unfortunately he passes away after getting cancer, which Ella helps nurse him through, and she inherits the inn. Can anyone say there is a bad case of not trusting men in her life.
The H, River Parker, is a 28 year old resort business consultant who works for the family company. He is coming off a very bad break-up with a girlfriend who appears to have just wanted him for the money. So River decides that if he throws himself into work and travels all the time he cannot get involved with anyone again and thus no issues in his life.
They met when River checks into Ella's Inn and there is an instant attraction and gravitational pull towards each other. The question becomes whether they can each get over the giant boulders in their individual paths and develop a relationship based on trust and love. Add into the mix a deep dark secret that River has ans Ella's abusive and dangerous ex-boyfriend and you have yourself a story.
The book is sweet, low on raw sexuality, high on romance with a dash of danger and some suspense. Overall Orchard Inn is a nice read and would make a great addition to a weekend either curled up on the couch by a fire or sitting on the beach in the sunshine.
I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
May 14, 2019
The Orchard Inn by A.M. Kusi is book One in the orchard Inn Romance Series. This is the story of River Parker and Ella Shaw.
Ella has started a fresh new life in a small New England town working to get away from her abusive Ex Declan . Ella has been taken under the win of Mac Shaw the owner of The Orchard Inn. When Mac dies he leaves the Inn to Ella who has taken the Inn to be a destination place to go for Wedding and such.
River is a successful business man who doesn't really want for anything until he meets Ella. Both have the intimidate attraction but can Ella learn to trust in a personal relationship again? What will happen when Ella's past goes forward into her present day?
Ella has started a fresh new life in a small New England town working to get away from her abusive Ex Declan . Ella has been taken under the win of Mac Shaw the owner of The Orchard Inn. When Mac dies he leaves the Inn to Ella who has taken the Inn to be a destination place to go for Wedding and such.
River is a successful business man who doesn't really want for anything until he meets Ella. Both have the intimidate attraction but can Ella learn to trust in a personal relationship again? What will happen when Ella's past goes forward into her present day?
May 7, 2019
Ella Shaw moved to a small New England town to escape from an abusive relationship. She befriends and is adopted by Mac Shaw owner of The Orchard Inn and inherits the inn after Mac passes away. River Parker is a successful businessman from Boston who travels to the New England town to close a deal to purchase the Orchard Inn. Ella and River become to romantically involved then River leaves to go back to Boston jeopardizing Ella and his relationship. This romance novel of opposites attract is a delightful read.
May 19, 2019
I like romance stories that build up the feeling of love. Although this is not just a love story, it had a story of abuse and surviving the long journey after. This author did a good job at pulling emotion from the reader. This book did make me cry. Another good thing about this book is that it finishes the story in the epilogue....so don't forget to read that. I hate books that leave you hanging.
May 15, 2019
I read an ARC copy of this.
This was a good read. Due to Ella's past is was an emotional read. She is the owner of the inn and River is a guest there. Which is why she has a hard time at first letting him in but once she does they have a whirlwind romance. It was definitely full of ups and downs. Luckily in the end it all works out.
This was a good read. Due to Ella's past is was an emotional read. She is the owner of the inn and River is a guest there. Which is why she has a hard time at first letting him in but once she does they have a whirlwind romance. It was definitely full of ups and downs. Luckily in the end it all works out.
May 16, 2019
Ella spent the last 7 years hiding at the Orchard Inn, from Declan, her abusive ex who would love more than anything to kill her. She has put her heart and soul into the Inn to make it a top destination for weddings in VT. One day a drop dead gorgeous man (River) walks into the Inn and everything changes. Ella now wants to believe in a second chance at love and he is all in to give it to her. However, they have to survive first once Declan finds her.
I received an ARC via Hidden Gems and voluntarily chose to review.
I received an ARC via Hidden Gems and voluntarily chose to review.
May 14, 2019
This is a beautiful romance novel of opposites attract and a delightful read.
Highly recommend
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Highly recommend
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2021
This book was way too cringe. I couldn't finish it.
May 17, 2019
CAn Ella trust a man again? She is been through hell all her life. Father unknown, a string of too friendly her mother’s boyfriends, an abusing boyfriend, depressions and self injured, Ella is no with happy running THe Orchard Inn, with a close group of friends. When River, a very handsome and dark skin man, comes to stay at the Inn, Ella feels an instant attraction. Can’t riven break the wall in Ella’s heart and show her she is worth of love? But a secret from the past and her dangerous ex-boyfriend could make it impossible for them to have a future together. I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review
January 30, 2020
Touching
A quick and easy read with some meat on the bones. Uncomplicated and straightforward, but still enjoyable. Relatively angst free, but there is some drama and a damsel in distress.
Buy it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
A quick and easy read with some meat on the bones. Uncomplicated and straightforward, but still enjoyable. Relatively angst free, but there is some drama and a damsel in distress.
Buy it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
August 11, 2020
I love romance novels, and this storyline sounded great.... but I didn’t prefer the author’s writing style. The conversations the characters had didn’t seem genuine. Some the things the characters say, a normal person just wouldn’t. It almost seemed like the author was trying too hard?
With that said... the story did peak my interest enough to finish the book... so thats why it gets 3 stars.
With that said... the story did peak my interest enough to finish the book... so thats why it gets 3 stars.
May 14, 2019
3.5 Stars
This was a sweet, small-town romance complete with idyllic non-judgmental residents and hints of the heroine's dark past. Story contains triggers. Low on heat. 85 pages too long. WW/BM Romance. ARC.
This was a sweet, small-town romance complete with idyllic non-judgmental residents and hints of the heroine's dark past. Story contains triggers. Low on heat. 85 pages too long. WW/BM Romance. ARC.
September 21, 2019
This book was everything you would want in a romance story. I will say that there were some unexpected surprises and shockers that I never saw coming! The characters are well developed and I could feel the main character, Ella’s emotions while reading. I can’t wait to start book two already! Well worth reading!
June 9, 2019
A fantastic romance of inner growth and acceptance.
This book read like a dairy written by Ella. This is such a realistic journey from a life of extreme abuse, to a remarkable achievement of inner growth and healing. River became her grounded rock of strength that continues her growth with love and acceptance. Don't forget the creepy ex boyfriend stalking Ella day and night. Good read.
This book read like a dairy written by Ella. This is such a realistic journey from a life of extreme abuse, to a remarkable achievement of inner growth and healing. River became her grounded rock of strength that continues her growth with love and acceptance. Don't forget the creepy ex boyfriend stalking Ella day and night. Good read.
February 8, 2021
This spoke to my soul in so many ways, and is a book I will treasure always.
The first observation I had immediately from the beginning is the extremely vivid descriptions of the surroundings and the characters down to the last detail.
Another observation is a part in which Annie, a grandmother in the story, says to Avery, her young granddaughter, "How do you want to say goodbye?" This struck a chord with me in teaching our children that they have consent over their own bodies and should never feel forced to do anything they aren't comfortable with. It isn't relevant to the story, but I found it to be a significant detail that didn't go unnoticed.
Other details noticed are the experiences shared of discrimination faced, including rude looks by others as an interracial or LGBTQ+ couple, the experience of a Black man while confronted by the police, and the use of racial slurs.
What I love most about this book is that I could relate as a survivor of abuse. It is an accurate portrayal of not only how abusers behave, but what victims experience, including a history of abuse with family. Ella's story of strength by having a support system, learning her worth, and finding a love she deserves is a story of resilience, empowerment, and hope.
I highly recommend this book! I am so glad to have found this author team, and look forward to reading more from them.
The first observation I had immediately from the beginning is the extremely vivid descriptions of the surroundings and the characters down to the last detail.
Another observation is a part in which Annie, a grandmother in the story, says to Avery, her young granddaughter, "How do you want to say goodbye?" This struck a chord with me in teaching our children that they have consent over their own bodies and should never feel forced to do anything they aren't comfortable with. It isn't relevant to the story, but I found it to be a significant detail that didn't go unnoticed.
Other details noticed are the experiences shared of discrimination faced, including rude looks by others as an interracial or LGBTQ+ couple, the experience of a Black man while confronted by the police, and the use of racial slurs.
What I love most about this book is that I could relate as a survivor of abuse. It is an accurate portrayal of not only how abusers behave, but what victims experience, including a history of abuse with family. Ella's story of strength by having a support system, learning her worth, and finding a love she deserves is a story of resilience, empowerment, and hope.
I highly recommend this book! I am so glad to have found this author team, and look forward to reading more from them.
November 1, 2021
I was expecting, from the cover, a romantic and sweet romance.
Was happy to see a lesbian couple with a daughter amongst the secondary characters...but wasn't expecting the writing.
I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters, and the tension needs to be written rather than felt, too much telling and no showing.
In the first two paragraphs of his pov, the guy first describes her breasts, then imagines her riding him and pops a boner. Talk about romantic. And between the descriptions like « His light hazel eyes—more green than brown with a golden ring around them—contrasted against his light brown skin, making him almost unearthly. », the reaction of lightning bolt each time they touch each other and the awkward and cringy interactions...not for me :-/ (also the guy is lowkey misogynistic and is jealous for no reason two minutes after meeting the girl)
I felt the girl's trauma was also quite clumsily brought up..
This is supposed to be a slow burn, and I see the attempt, however the two characters don't stop describing the other's attractiveness (they're like constantly aroused), and then keep wondering what is keeping them from making a move and what is happening to their 'body'. I find it really repetitive and the writing is not doing it for me.
Dropped after chapter 10.
Was happy to see a lesbian couple with a daughter amongst the secondary characters...but wasn't expecting the writing.
I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters, and the tension needs to be written rather than felt, too much telling and no showing.
In the first two paragraphs of his pov, the guy first describes her breasts, then imagines her riding him and pops a boner. Talk about romantic. And between the descriptions like « His light hazel eyes—more green than brown with a golden ring around them—contrasted against his light brown skin, making him almost unearthly. », the reaction of lightning bolt each time they touch each other and the awkward and cringy interactions...not for me :-/ (also the guy is lowkey misogynistic and is jealous for no reason two minutes after meeting the girl)
I felt the girl's trauma was also quite clumsily brought up..
This is supposed to be a slow burn, and I see the attempt, however the two characters don't stop describing the other's attractiveness (they're like constantly aroused), and then keep wondering what is keeping them from making a move and what is happening to their 'body'. I find it really repetitive and the writing is not doing it for me.
Dropped after chapter 10.
May 29, 2019
The Orchard Inn by A. M. Kusi is an interesting tale of a young woman, Ella, continuing to run an inn left to her by her 'father'. Ella has changed her last name and has a past. River has come to stay at the inn for work/vacation but there's another reason which is revealed towards the end of the story. River is quite taken by Ella but while Ella is interested she doesn't involve herself with customers staying at the inn. River finds a way to connect with Ella but her past is about to catch up with her and neither Ella or River realize that it also involves River. This story covers an abusive relationship, a mixed race relationship and connection with a father. There's romance, some suspense and a HEA with all questions answered. I received a digital copy of this book from HGB for an honest review which I have given.
October 27, 2020
A.M. Kusi has written a book that definitely captured me right away! I always wished I owned a bed & breakfast so the main setting grabbed my attention immediately. Ella owns the Orchard Inn. She inherited it from Nat, who was like a father to her. River is a guest, who has caught Ella’s eye as soon as he walked in the front door. Ella fights her feelings as he is a “guest” & she can’t cross that line. She has had a rough life growing up & also was in an abusive relationship 7 years ago. Eventually Ella’s friends encourage her to give River a chance. She is skittish - can she trust him? In cleaning Nat’s room& office she comes across a letter that might mean that River is her brother! And then her abusive ex, Declan, shows up! This book was very well written - I will read other books by A.M. Kusi! I recommend this book to anyone!
November 26, 2021
I would give this a 3.5, it was good, I enjoyed it, but I had a few issues.
First of all - definitely needs trigger warnings. There's a lot of abuse, stalking, amongst other things. Quite a bit more than I anticipated. I think the depictions of it and the reactions to it are good, just more than I thought.
Generally, I like the characters, there's a lot of diversity straight across the board, which is awesome. I think it's take on and address of racism was good. It wasn't my favourite book, but I enjoyed it.
I did however feel there were a couple things that seemed a little out of character or a little extreme compared to the rest of the characters actions, and that did throw me off some. It seemed like some things happened specifically to progress plot even if they didn't fit the situation, in my mind.
Still worth the read, I enjoyed it.
First of all - definitely needs trigger warnings. There's a lot of abuse, stalking, amongst other things. Quite a bit more than I anticipated. I think the depictions of it and the reactions to it are good, just more than I thought.
Generally, I like the characters, there's a lot of diversity straight across the board, which is awesome. I think it's take on and address of racism was good. It wasn't my favourite book, but I enjoyed it.
I did however feel there were a couple things that seemed a little out of character or a little extreme compared to the rest of the characters actions, and that did throw me off some. It seemed like some things happened specifically to progress plot even if they didn't fit the situation, in my mind.
Still worth the read, I enjoyed it.
September 4, 2021
I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.
I'm finally getting to this last series I need to read by A.M. Kusi and I thought book one was great! I love the small town feeling and the cozy inn that Ella has been perfecting. And I love the instant attraction between Ella and River.
Ella has had a pretty bad past and I love how patient River was with her at the beginning. I did think he had a bad knee jerk reaction when some secrets were revealed that he could have handled better, but overall this book was sweet and I'm very excited to continue the series!
I'm finally getting to this last series I need to read by A.M. Kusi and I thought book one was great! I love the small town feeling and the cozy inn that Ella has been perfecting. And I love the instant attraction between Ella and River.
Ella has had a pretty bad past and I love how patient River was with her at the beginning. I did think he had a bad knee jerk reaction when some secrets were revealed that he could have handled better, but overall this book was sweet and I'm very excited to continue the series!
February 17, 2024
Just Okay
This was a goid story on not only love at first sight,but surviving to change the ending. There were quite a few twist and turns to this story and moments that made you cringe. I however at no time connect with that characters and that is because lack of description. Also you don't get the feeling that this is an interracial couple,only when its slightly touched. This could have so much more if only a little of a connection was really made between characters and some of life' s reality.
This was a goid story on not only love at first sight,but surviving to change the ending. There were quite a few twist and turns to this story and moments that made you cringe. I however at no time connect with that characters and that is because lack of description. Also you don't get the feeling that this is an interracial couple,only when its slightly touched. This could have so much more if only a little of a connection was really made between characters and some of life' s reality.
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