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Asylum
Adela is an immigration judge from one of San Diego’s wealthiest Mexican-American families. She was raised to believe she has nothing in common with the asylum seekers in her courtroom. Paul left behind his life as a Manhattan lawyer to volunteer at the border. He has lost faith in the system, but not those who still turn to it for justice. Adela and Paul come to the Tijuana/San Diego border searching, but neither one knowing exactly what for—until they find each other. Against the backdrop of the “Remain in Mexico” policy and restrictions on asylum, Adela and Paul fight for love in a system that seems determined to destroy it.
Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2020
30 people want to read
About the author
Betsy Adams
2 books34 followersBetsy Adams is a pen name adopted to honor two smart, romantic women - Betsy Ross and Abigail Adams.
Betsy Ross chose love over her Quaker religion and her family. At the age of twenty-one, she eloped with fellow upholstery apprentice and non-Quaker John Ross. After their union, Betsy’s family and the Quaker community cut all ties with her. In her eighty-four years, Betsy was married three times and ran a successful upholstery business. There is much more to Betsy Ross than sewing the first American flag. Someone make a biopic, please!
The love between Abigail and John Adams is legendary, and documented in over 1,000 intimate and cerebral letters. In 1776, Abigail famously told her husband that the new nation must “remember the ladies,” but in the pages of their letters, these two lovers were equals in their passion for each other and ideas.
Betsy Adams lives with her family in a coastal town on Long Island (New York). She is the creator of the Americans in Love romance series. In these novella-length books, couples divided by the issues of our day try to find their happily ever after.
Betsy Ross chose love over her Quaker religion and her family. At the age of twenty-one, she eloped with fellow upholstery apprentice and non-Quaker John Ross. After their union, Betsy’s family and the Quaker community cut all ties with her. In her eighty-four years, Betsy was married three times and ran a successful upholstery business. There is much more to Betsy Ross than sewing the first American flag. Someone make a biopic, please!
The love between Abigail and John Adams is legendary, and documented in over 1,000 intimate and cerebral letters. In 1776, Abigail famously told her husband that the new nation must “remember the ladies,” but in the pages of their letters, these two lovers were equals in their passion for each other and ideas.
Betsy Adams lives with her family in a coastal town on Long Island (New York). She is the creator of the Americans in Love romance series. In these novella-length books, couples divided by the issues of our day try to find their happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 3, 2021
“These things couldn’t mask the horror of the port, the great divider between those privileged by their birthplace, and those cursed by it.” (44% Kindle Edition).
“America would break his heart again. There would be new challenges, new disappointments. But at least he would be safe, and his life would be his own.” (86% Kindle Edition).
Adela pushes against the justice system every day as an immigration judge. She believes in fairness and honesty but the system is rife with injustice, prejudice, and plain meanness. Paul left behind his high-end lawyer life in New York City to work as a lawyer advocating for asylum seekers at the border. Love, at first sight, can’t happen between a lawyer working on the same cases as the judge!
I chose to read this book because it looked well researched regarding asylum seekers, the writing style flowed from the very first page, and it was easy to read. I was more intrigued by the descriptions of the courtroom scenes and the way that the author described asylum seekers, immigration, and prejudice near and far from the border than by the love story. This book would appeal strongly to those who enjoy love-at-first-sight romances, courtroom dramas, and social issues.
Regarding the romantic plot – I felt like the novel could have been longer to fully develop the romantic relationship between Adela and Paul. I felt like the romance went from first dates and lust to in love too fast. I really, really wanted them to get together after their compelling backstories. They were meant for each other but I wanted the relationship to grow more before they encountered complications at the border. I don’t believe highly educated people would drop everything and risk so much for each other after only spending a few days together.
The courtroom action and legalese speak were fascinating and cleverly explained through the character’s thoughts and opinions and even body language. When the characters showed how they felt about some of the legal actions (or inactions) I learned about the implications of these actions.
I learned so much about asylum seekers from reading this book. Some of the details about the hardships endured during the months’ long uphill legal battles for gaining asylum into the United States didn’t even seem real! The difficulty and apathy of the system for those seeking asylum were hard to swallow. A country that advocates for freedom isn’t free for everyone. It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that birthplace is enough for some people to discriminate against. Birthplace can be a privilege. I know I take it for granted. It made me angry, just like it made Adela and Paul angry, to hear about these injustices and the blatant lies and prejudicial treatment people in positions of power wielded towards those less fortunate or just trying to make a better life for themselves. A good book can make you angry, make you feel something, make you understand and sympathize. Asylum made me feel all sorts of angry. But the book also reminded me that not everyone is a good person or has good motives. How far does the corruption go? This book points out small injustices and biases as well as indicating a larger issue with the justice system, immigration law, and asylum in general. I started to question the more I read. What if there is even more conspiracy? What if cartels pay off someone in the system to deport those who will be granted asylum just so they can be held for ransom? How far does it go!?
I really liked the Author’s Note at the end of the novel, especially where she talked about the importance of the subject matter versus the romance… “That said, my greatest fear in writing Asylum was that the romance would trivialize the importance of the asylum issue. I felt a heavy obligation not just to the story, but to the people behind the story. The ones living it. I did not want to insult them. The love story is meant to bring the reader in and keep her engaged. To provide just enough distance, a reminder that love is never far away, even in the most desperate of circumstances.” (Betsy Adams. Asylum (Kindle Locations 3096-3099). Americans in Love. Kindle Edition).
First reviewed through Reedsy Discovery
“America would break his heart again. There would be new challenges, new disappointments. But at least he would be safe, and his life would be his own.” (86% Kindle Edition).
Adela pushes against the justice system every day as an immigration judge. She believes in fairness and honesty but the system is rife with injustice, prejudice, and plain meanness. Paul left behind his high-end lawyer life in New York City to work as a lawyer advocating for asylum seekers at the border. Love, at first sight, can’t happen between a lawyer working on the same cases as the judge!
I chose to read this book because it looked well researched regarding asylum seekers, the writing style flowed from the very first page, and it was easy to read. I was more intrigued by the descriptions of the courtroom scenes and the way that the author described asylum seekers, immigration, and prejudice near and far from the border than by the love story. This book would appeal strongly to those who enjoy love-at-first-sight romances, courtroom dramas, and social issues.
Regarding the romantic plot – I felt like the novel could have been longer to fully develop the romantic relationship between Adela and Paul. I felt like the romance went from first dates and lust to in love too fast. I really, really wanted them to get together after their compelling backstories. They were meant for each other but I wanted the relationship to grow more before they encountered complications at the border. I don’t believe highly educated people would drop everything and risk so much for each other after only spending a few days together.
The courtroom action and legalese speak were fascinating and cleverly explained through the character’s thoughts and opinions and even body language. When the characters showed how they felt about some of the legal actions (or inactions) I learned about the implications of these actions.
I learned so much about asylum seekers from reading this book. Some of the details about the hardships endured during the months’ long uphill legal battles for gaining asylum into the United States didn’t even seem real! The difficulty and apathy of the system for those seeking asylum were hard to swallow. A country that advocates for freedom isn’t free for everyone. It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that birthplace is enough for some people to discriminate against. Birthplace can be a privilege. I know I take it for granted. It made me angry, just like it made Adela and Paul angry, to hear about these injustices and the blatant lies and prejudicial treatment people in positions of power wielded towards those less fortunate or just trying to make a better life for themselves. A good book can make you angry, make you feel something, make you understand and sympathize. Asylum made me feel all sorts of angry. But the book also reminded me that not everyone is a good person or has good motives. How far does the corruption go? This book points out small injustices and biases as well as indicating a larger issue with the justice system, immigration law, and asylum in general. I started to question the more I read. What if there is even more conspiracy? What if cartels pay off someone in the system to deport those who will be granted asylum just so they can be held for ransom? How far does it go!?
I really liked the Author’s Note at the end of the novel, especially where she talked about the importance of the subject matter versus the romance… “That said, my greatest fear in writing Asylum was that the romance would trivialize the importance of the asylum issue. I felt a heavy obligation not just to the story, but to the people behind the story. The ones living it. I did not want to insult them. The love story is meant to bring the reader in and keep her engaged. To provide just enough distance, a reminder that love is never far away, even in the most desperate of circumstances.” (Betsy Adams. Asylum (Kindle Locations 3096-3099). Americans in Love. Kindle Edition).
First reviewed through Reedsy Discovery
June 1, 2021
Asylum by Betsy Adams reached deep into my soul and wrung many emotions from me. This well-researched book will touch your heart.
Adela and Paul are each searching for the missing piece to make their life better. For Adela, it's trying to overcome her parents' apparent white-washing of their Mexican heritage. Paul is looking to redeem himself after his high-powered law firm pushed him into betraying immigrants.
When they come together, sparks fly, not only between their hearts but also in the jobs they must perform. As a judge and lawyer fighting an apathetic and sometimes downright cruel system put in place by "Remain in Mexico," they risk their jobs, security, mental health, and even their lives to protect those caught in the web of dysfunctional immigration policies.
Without the love interest between the two main characters, the book would still be interesting, but I believe it takes the edge off the hopeless feeling that the subject matter invokes. It might even make more readers aware of immigration issues.
At the end of the book, the author's note explains that many of the cases discussed in the book are pulled from actual case files. Do not skip this section. I found it very compelling.
If you like your romance with a political, social justice twist. Pick up a copy of this book today!
I received a copy of the book for a blog tour. This is my honest, unbiased opinion. You can find more on my website. www.ginaraemitchell.com.
Adela and Paul are each searching for the missing piece to make their life better. For Adela, it's trying to overcome her parents' apparent white-washing of their Mexican heritage. Paul is looking to redeem himself after his high-powered law firm pushed him into betraying immigrants.
When they come together, sparks fly, not only between their hearts but also in the jobs they must perform. As a judge and lawyer fighting an apathetic and sometimes downright cruel system put in place by "Remain in Mexico," they risk their jobs, security, mental health, and even their lives to protect those caught in the web of dysfunctional immigration policies.
Without the love interest between the two main characters, the book would still be interesting, but I believe it takes the edge off the hopeless feeling that the subject matter invokes. It might even make more readers aware of immigration issues.
At the end of the book, the author's note explains that many of the cases discussed in the book are pulled from actual case files. Do not skip this section. I found it very compelling.
If you like your romance with a political, social justice twist. Pick up a copy of this book today!
I received a copy of the book for a blog tour. This is my honest, unbiased opinion. You can find more on my website. www.ginaraemitchell.com.
June 14, 2021
3 1/2 Stars
Asylum by Author Betsy Ross is an extremely emotional read. Technically, it’s a very well written book.
It’s no secret to anyone who follows U.S. Politics, or just watches the evening news, asylum seekers are treated unfairly, and Ms Ross takes incidents in her book from real-life court cases and life-threatening events, which make them all the more powerful.
I was extremely impressed with the author’s note at the end of the book, and the additional details included there. Had I been reading this strictly as a political thriller, I’d have gladly given it four-stars.
However, to call it a contemporary romance is unfair to the reader. Yes, there were lovescenes, romance of a sort, but it felt as if it was only there to provide a break in the political issues. The attraction was rushed, had no real downside/black moment (other than possible misconduct between a judge and lawyer). I enjoy it when there’s instant attraction between a couple, however the ‘love’ between the two main characters needs to develop at a steady pace—something to work toward. In this case, it moved too quickly to be believable.
All this said, if you enjoy political intrigue as much or more than you do contemporary romance, you will enjoy this book.
( I was provided a copy of Asylum to provide my honest review. )
Previously posted on Notes From a Romantic's Heart Blog
Asylum by Author Betsy Ross is an extremely emotional read. Technically, it’s a very well written book.
It’s no secret to anyone who follows U.S. Politics, or just watches the evening news, asylum seekers are treated unfairly, and Ms Ross takes incidents in her book from real-life court cases and life-threatening events, which make them all the more powerful.
I was extremely impressed with the author’s note at the end of the book, and the additional details included there. Had I been reading this strictly as a political thriller, I’d have gladly given it four-stars.
However, to call it a contemporary romance is unfair to the reader. Yes, there were lovescenes, romance of a sort, but it felt as if it was only there to provide a break in the political issues. The attraction was rushed, had no real downside/black moment (other than possible misconduct between a judge and lawyer). I enjoy it when there’s instant attraction between a couple, however the ‘love’ between the two main characters needs to develop at a steady pace—something to work toward. In this case, it moved too quickly to be believable.
All this said, if you enjoy political intrigue as much or more than you do contemporary romance, you will enjoy this book.
( I was provided a copy of Asylum to provide my honest review. )
Previously posted on Notes From a Romantic's Heart Blog
February 27, 2026
Asylum is a thoughtful and emotionally charged romance set against the complex realities of immigration law at the U.S. Mexico border.
Adela, an immigration judge from a privileged Mexican American family, embodies institutional authority and inherited distance from the very people whose fates she determines. Paul, a former Manhattan lawyer who has abandoned corporate life to volunteer at the border, represents both disillusionment and renewed purpose. Their opposing perspectives create a compelling moral and emotional tension.
The novel situates their relationship within the real-world pressures of asylum restrictions and the “Remain in Mexico” policy, grounding the romance in contemporary political conflict. Rather than using policy as backdrop alone, the story integrates it into the characters’ internal struggles forcing them to confront identity, responsibility, and belief.
At its core, Asylum is a story about conscience as much as love. It asks whether personal connection can survive within a system that often appears indifferent to humanity.
A timely and layered narrative, it offers readers romance with intellectual weight and social relevance
Adela, an immigration judge from a privileged Mexican American family, embodies institutional authority and inherited distance from the very people whose fates she determines. Paul, a former Manhattan lawyer who has abandoned corporate life to volunteer at the border, represents both disillusionment and renewed purpose. Their opposing perspectives create a compelling moral and emotional tension.
The novel situates their relationship within the real-world pressures of asylum restrictions and the “Remain in Mexico” policy, grounding the romance in contemporary political conflict. Rather than using policy as backdrop alone, the story integrates it into the characters’ internal struggles forcing them to confront identity, responsibility, and belief.
At its core, Asylum is a story about conscience as much as love. It asks whether personal connection can survive within a system that often appears indifferent to humanity.
A timely and layered narrative, it offers readers romance with intellectual weight and social relevance
March 17, 2021
This novel contains disturbing descriptions of what asylum seekers and those trying to help them had to go through during the Remain in Mexico policy. Being mostly ignorant of what is taking place at our southern border (I live in Kansas), I was skeptical as I read the story, wondering if the conditions described in the novel were exaggerated. However, the facts and references presented in the Author’s Note section convinced me that the author did her research and based all of her descriptions on eyewitness accounts and public records. My message to other readers is that the Author’s Note section is essential reading and must not be skipped.
June 14, 2021
Asylum gives us insight into the laws of immigration and the “Remain in Mexico” policy. Asylum follows an immigration judge, Adela, a Mexican-American from one of the wealthiest families in San Diego whose family raised her to believe that she has nothing in common with the asylum seekers.
Yeah, well, Adela does not exactly believe that and tries everything she can help asylum seekers by working as an immigration judge at the border. Adela tries to help the people there to hopefully make their lives a little bit better and to see that they get the justice they deserve which isn’t easy when our justice systems is broken and in need of a fix.
A lawyer Paul Carter, from one of the top law firms in New York, gave up his life and his job to volunteer at the border to help people seeking asylum in America. Paul has lost all faith in the system and just wants to see justice served.
You know when I first picked up Asylum and read about Adela’s first case that made me stop and take a pause wondering if I was going to be able to read it or not. It made me sad and mad at the same time. But I carried on not knowing what I was going to find and I am glad I did or at least part of me is.
Although I wasn’t surprised by what I read after that I was heartbroken on several occasions to know that such evil goes on in the world and right in our own back door so to speak.
You know Asylum is supposed to be a love story between Adela and Paul but their love story is not what stood out for me. What stood out for me are the asylum seekers and what goes on at the border and how they are treated. I think about the reason they are seeking asylum. What happened to them that makes them want to leave their families and the only life they know to go to an unknown place. I mean that has got to be horrific enough all by itself.
I know I can never put myself in their place or imagine what they have been through but I do think about what it would be like for me to leave the only home I know and go to a strange place where I don’t know anyone or where to go or what to expect.
Yeah, well, Adela does not exactly believe that and tries everything she can help asylum seekers by working as an immigration judge at the border. Adela tries to help the people there to hopefully make their lives a little bit better and to see that they get the justice they deserve which isn’t easy when our justice systems is broken and in need of a fix.
A lawyer Paul Carter, from one of the top law firms in New York, gave up his life and his job to volunteer at the border to help people seeking asylum in America. Paul has lost all faith in the system and just wants to see justice served.
You know when I first picked up Asylum and read about Adela’s first case that made me stop and take a pause wondering if I was going to be able to read it or not. It made me sad and mad at the same time. But I carried on not knowing what I was going to find and I am glad I did or at least part of me is.
Although I wasn’t surprised by what I read after that I was heartbroken on several occasions to know that such evil goes on in the world and right in our own back door so to speak.
You know Asylum is supposed to be a love story between Adela and Paul but their love story is not what stood out for me. What stood out for me are the asylum seekers and what goes on at the border and how they are treated. I think about the reason they are seeking asylum. What happened to them that makes them want to leave their families and the only life they know to go to an unknown place. I mean that has got to be horrific enough all by itself.
I know I can never put myself in their place or imagine what they have been through but I do think about what it would be like for me to leave the only home I know and go to a strange place where I don’t know anyone or where to go or what to expect.
June 14, 2021
4.5 stars
“Asylum” by Betsy Adams is part of the ‘Americans in Love’ series and follows the path that Judge Adela Fernandez takes after her life intersects with lawyer Paul Carter as he pleads the cases of the asylum seekers he’s representing. Their personal attraction is overshadowed by the risks to their respective professional lives. As they decide what goals to pursue, danger escalates, and they must decide what is truly important…even if destruction follows.
This contemporary romance is both touching and horrifying, because it sheds light on a challenging and heartbreaking situation. The vivid depictions of the frustrating catch-22 that faces those who are fleeing for their lives and looking for the American dream only to be met with a bewildering and dehumanizing gauntlet while trying to immigrate to the U.S. draws one into the story even as it inspires one to remember the importance of empathy. There are citations and insights presented at the end of the story that explain that the multiple frightening episodes in the story are based on fact, which is even more alarming. I think this story is thought-provoking and emotional, and I am more enlightened after having read it.
A copy of this story was provided for review
“Asylum” by Betsy Adams is part of the ‘Americans in Love’ series and follows the path that Judge Adela Fernandez takes after her life intersects with lawyer Paul Carter as he pleads the cases of the asylum seekers he’s representing. Their personal attraction is overshadowed by the risks to their respective professional lives. As they decide what goals to pursue, danger escalates, and they must decide what is truly important…even if destruction follows.
This contemporary romance is both touching and horrifying, because it sheds light on a challenging and heartbreaking situation. The vivid depictions of the frustrating catch-22 that faces those who are fleeing for their lives and looking for the American dream only to be met with a bewildering and dehumanizing gauntlet while trying to immigrate to the U.S. draws one into the story even as it inspires one to remember the importance of empathy. There are citations and insights presented at the end of the story that explain that the multiple frightening episodes in the story are based on fact, which is even more alarming. I think this story is thought-provoking and emotional, and I am more enlightened after having read it.
A copy of this story was provided for review
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