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She’s looking for a fresh start. He’s still mourning the past. Will a short-term summer arrangement open them up to a beautiful future together?

Elise Aki desperately needs a stroke of luck. Grieving after a painful breakup forced her into couch surfing, the strong-willed teacher craves a fill-in before her new job begins in the fall. So the live-in nanny gig she lands feels like a godsend until her charge’s handsome single dad comes home and assumes she’s a thief.

Roman Emerson never wants to feel the agony of loss again. Dedicated to his mute daughter, the alarmed father confronts the stranger rifling through their belongings only to be met by a nose-bruising punch. And even after discovering his mom hired the curvy knockout with a mean right hook, he’s certain his unwanted attraction makes her a not-so-good fit for their heartbroken household.

Determined to prove she’s capable, Elise steps up to the challenge of caring for the cute kid and her overprotective parent. And though Roman tries to trust his gorgeous housemate, he struggles with a fierce need to guard his traumatized child and safeguard his fragile heart.

Can two wounded fighters learn to read the love growing between them?

Risking Forever is the spicy second book in The Emerson Family of Shattered Cove contemporary romance series. If you like relatable characters, emotional connections, and charming small towns, then you’ll adore A. M. Kusi’s path to passion.

Buy Risking Forever to never let go today!

No cheating. HEA guaranteed.

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2022

20 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

A.M. Kusi

35 books172 followers
A. 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 40 reviews
Profile Image for Mo ♡.
607 reviews17 followers
May 11, 2023
This wasn't as bad, but boy do I hate the dead Ex trope. 🙄
Profile Image for Jessie.
260 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2022
Grab a tissue box and get ready for this book to take you on an emotional roller coaster ride where your heart will break, melt, swoon, and get put back together.

To be back in Shattered Cove and with the Emerson family was like a trip home. I fell in love with the Emerson family in books 1 and after reading this book, I love them all even more.

Elise Aki is a beautiful, extraordinary woman who has the heart of gold. Before her teaching job starts, she decides to take on a summer job as a nanny and what happens that summer changes her life in more ways than one.

Roman Emerson is a single father who is still mourning the loss of his wife while juggling his bee keeping business and raising his daughter. He’s closed off his heart and mind to anyone watching Ariel other than family so when Elise walks into his life, he ends up getting a whole lot more than he bargained for.

This book is a romance story that grips your heart and leaves you wanting more. Roman and Elise’s relationship starts off rocky and might I say on a bad foot. It’s like these two can’t find middle ground with one another, but as time goes on the tension between these two gets strung tighter. When they finally give into their desires, whew it’s red hot and steamy from there on out! Best get your fans ready!

I love how the authors have written us a beautiful love story about three people, who find that missing piece they have been looking for within each other. As much as I want to keep going on and on about this book, I honestly can’t without giving something away and you have to ready this book without any spoilers.

I will say that I can’t wait for Ricky’s book!! That sneak peek was such a tease!!

I recommend this book to anyone who needs a good book filled with friends, family, love, and the thought of risking forever with the one you love can be one of life’s most precious things.

Thank you Ash and Marcus for allowing me to read this ARC. Your books will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
November 3, 2022
I'm not sure if I said this before or not, but seriously, this amazing husband/wife duo writing as A.M. Kusi are perfect together, and give us so much goodness with every story they tell. Elise's life hasn't been going well at the moment after a very painful breakup that has her life quite unsettled. She's waiting on the school year to start, but in the meantime she needs to do something over the summer which is how she ends up getting the job of nanny to Roman's daughter. Roman & his tiny human have been through vicious tragedy, and his daughter has stopped talking altogether. Their first meeting didn't go quite as planned, but after that, sparks started flying between them. As much as I love me some sexy times, the interactions between Elise & Roman's daughter were what had me tearing up so it was my favorite thing. I LOVED every moment of this story, and I believe you'll feel the same after you hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,597 reviews240 followers
November 2, 2022
If you have not read a book from A.M., you are missing out. What I love about the books written by this author is the great character depth. Instantly, I emotionally connect with the characters from each book. This book for sure. I was not prepared to have my heart strings pulled and twisted in a good way by reading this book!

Elise is a sweetheart. In addition, to the fact she was so patient with Roman. He could be a bit rough around the edges. Yet, he is a great father to Ariel. She never had to doubt that her father loved her a lot.

The chemistry between Elise and roman was a slow building one. Yet, it was all worth it, once they actually crossed that line together. There were plenty of steamy intimate moments shared between these two.
Profile Image for Neeru Rana.
1,025 reviews6 followers
October 29, 2022
I'm a emotional mess after finishing this read. I had high expectations and once again Ash & Marcus out did themselves. It was easy to loose myself with the Emerson Family and get deeply connected with every single character.

Roman is the single dad of Ariel and his love for the family was obvious the way he supported Nash. I was in awe getting to know him, understanding his pain, his grief. The guilt he shouldered and responsibilities he overtook. I couldn't help fall in love with him.

Elise took me by surprise. There was so much depth to her character. The difficulties and criticism she faced. I loved her strength, how she stood even after falling, how she still believed in love even after the betrayal's. The way she connected with Ariel and helped the little girl overcome her trauma.

Roman and Elise's chemistry was sizzling hot setting the pages on fire. I was lost in their journey of getting to know each other and falling in love. There was a lot of miscommunication but they both also had to face their demons and get over the fears.

The mystery of the murder continues as there is some more information. I couldn't help loving Nova and Ricky even more and after reading the teaser for Wishing For Tomorrow I'm counting days to read his book.

I do not wanna give away any spoilers so I'm gonna stop now. But FYI do grab a tissue box before starting the read as I couldn't control my tears.

Thanks to Ash and Marcus for the advanced copy for a honest review 😊.
Profile Image for Aaliyah.books.
181 reviews17 followers
November 4, 2022
4.5 ⭑
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
• ɴᴀɴɴʏ/ʙᴏss
• ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ/sᴜɴsʜɪɴᴇ
• sɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴅᴀᴅ
• ᴘʟᴜs sɪᴢᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ
• ᴅᴇᴀғ/ᴍᴜᴛᴇ ʀᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
• {ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs} They’ve done it again…. I am absolutely officially obsessed with this series!! The writing just makes the book 10 times better, the tropes make such an incredible read, I need to get my hands on the physical copies ASAP!! The representation was there!!! I just loved everything about it, it was very emotional I genuinely ugly cried like horribly I’m embarrassed, but I just think that books who have characters who feel so real just hit so deep in a reader especially me. This might be one of the best books that I’ve read this year!!
• {ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs} In this book we are introduced to Elise & Roman. Both Elise and Roman had a painful past which I think made their love stronger. Elise had a horrible relationship which made her think horrible things about herself, and I cried so hard whenever she thought herself unworthy of anybody’s love. She’s so strong and I just loved her and her passion to protect and cherish people. Romans wife passed away leaving him alone with their child. Roman had struggled with leaving behind and being able to say okay you’re gone and I have to accept that which is why Elise and Roman’s relationship was almost a slow burn. But I think the end result made up for it. You can tell how much they love each other. And Elise loves Roman’s daughter as her own!!!
• {sᴘɪᴄᴇ} My man Roman knows what he’s doing y’all…..


𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 11/03/22
Profile Image for Katina McKinney James.
505 reviews14 followers
November 3, 2022
This book was not late to me. Life happens and it may not happen on our time. I loved the quote ““Moving forward with our grief is not the same as moving on from our grief.” – Marie” That is so true. I started reading this after the 9th Anniversary of my mom’s death. And that really got me.
Roman was a big butthead at first. But I was so glad he and Elise got together and Ariel got her voice back. And who doesn’t love Renita!!! I kept thinking also, who would be next? I love that you keep all of the characters in each book and it grows. I just loved this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hannah.
132 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2024
Another masterpiece by this author <33 Roman & Elise have replaced Nova & Jude has my favorite couple.

I just can’t get over how realistic these two are and their relationship. Like when Roman did a low blow on Elise and then begged (literally the man went on his knees, we love) for her forgiveness, I was ready to roll my eyes. I knew she was going to instantly take him back but she kind of didn’t. Elise forgave him but was straight honest about how much Roman hurt her and that he would have to work hard to get her trust back. You don’t see that a lot in romance books.

I also love the representation in this book. Ariel, Roman’s daughter is non verbal after seeing her mother die in front of her and Elsie is deaf but uses a CI to hear. Now I know nothing about the deaf community but I really did like how they didn’t use these girls disabilities as a driving plot for the story if that makes sense. Like it was just part of who they were and no one really made a big stink about it. Expect for Elsie family… speaking on them, she forgave her family WAYYY too easily in my opinion. They sent her away to a deaf school because they didn’t know how to take care of her and then when Elsie came back home ONLY ONE FAMILY MEMBER LEARNED SIGN LANGUAGE! THE FUCK?!

Roman also would sign to Elise during the sex scenes and I don’t know why but that had me giggling and kicking my feet 😊
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,886 reviews213 followers
November 3, 2022




Amazon

Elise's summer job nannying a young girl named Ariel was supposed to be a stopgap until her teaching job starts in the fall. But it turns out to be possibly the most important time in her life when she falls in love with not just her charge, but with her father as well. If Roman can move past his grief at his wife's passing, he just might find the love that's waiting for him, but if he can't...Elise might decide she's been hurt enough by men, and leave, physically and emotionally.



I honestly should have expected the emotional punch to the heart this story delivered, as the first story in this series was similar in tearing at the heartstrings, but I really wasn't thinking about it. Then I started reading. I fell in love with Elise and Ariel and Roman was just praying for them to find love together. They did, but not before traveling a path filled with pain and grief, bolstered by a serious physical attraction, and finally, hard won love. The whole family was on hand again, and now I'm dying for Roman's brother Ricky's story, I have a feeling it's going to make me cry even more than Roman's did.



ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Ashleigh Martin.
84 reviews
May 5, 2023
4.4 Stars out of 5 (standard rounding rules apply)
*Be kind to yo'self, check for TWs and CWs.*

This was the first book I have read by this husband and wife writing duo. There was no expectation going into it, but I can say I will be going back to read the first book in this series. This is the second book in The Emerson Family of Shattered Cove series. The books are standalones, though like most series they do interconnect on some things and I do believe that had I read the first book I may have had a better idea of Roman and the family dynamic - as well as some other events that were mentioned throughout the novel. Well, it didn't hinder me from enjoying the book - I do think it would have helped me enjoy it more.

It starts off with Elise, our FMC, being offered the job of live-in nanny for the summer to a little girl who is mute. Her first meeting with Roman, our MMC, did not go over well at all. He thought she was an intruder and the two get off on the wrong foot. Even with them not seeing eye to eye on many things there is chemistry simmering between the two, just waiting to boil over.

Elise is a sassy and smart woman who is down on her luck. Even down on her luck she never truly gives up on herself. There is definitely some trauma in Elise's life that she hasn't worked through, and not just that of her bad break up. Through it all she has picked herself up and shows resilience that I absolutely love to see in FMC characters. That doesn't mean she is perfect; she definitely has her flaws but she grows throughout the book and I love seeing that.

Roman came off as a rude and very angry man. This, I figure, would be when reading the first book... well first... would have been better. He automatically assumes that there is an intruder. He flies off the handle and just not emotionally mature in a lot of places. I know grieving is a process, as is guilt. And feeling the loss of someone won't ever go away - but I feel at times he takes it to the extreme. However, he has probably the most growth as a character and even with all the flaws, Roman is loyal, loving and just an all-around good guy in spite of them. There is also all the trauma and the loss that he has gone through, so while he may have come across as a rude and angry there are reasons behind it, though he totally needs to work on how he communicates with people.

Chemistry between the two were so freakin' hot that I'm surprised they last as long as the sparks between them sparked into an inferno. When talking about their chemistry I don't mean just in the sense of spice, but also just in who they understood each other. They saw each other for who they were truly underneath. They understood, to a point, each other's pain and grief. They even accepted that about each other and knowing there isn't way to change it, just a way to help move forward. However, when it got to the intimate parts of them being together, that was a whole other inferno.

Spice I would rank at about a two-point-five or three chili-peppers out of five chili peppers. (Please keep in mind this is my personal opinion, and it may be more or less for you.) There was what some may consider adventurous times between the Elise and Roman, which just heightened their connection is absolutely needed with those times.

For a sunshine-grumpy type of romance I was extremely pleased. There was great representation all around from interracial couple to special needs to found families. Elise and Roman had some miscommunication, but there was a tenderness about them with a generous douse of sexiness and wittiness that left me with all the emotions. And while I didn't give it a five star, those were all strictly based on personal preference and bare not reflection on the story which is why they are not mentioned.

I would absolutely recommend. And look forward to rereading it after reading the first, and of course for the other books to come.
Profile Image for Jody.
2,090 reviews61 followers
November 6, 2022
Readers looking for a heartfelt small town romance, with a dash of mystery, will get all that and more with this single dad/nanny romance. Add in a traumatized, mute little girl and you end up needing tissues while watching these two bruised adults slowly heal through the love growing between them. By the turn of the final page you feel drained but cleansed and at satisfied peace with this epic romance.

Roman's a grumpy, single dad still trying to deal with the death of his wife. He's also trying to care for his daughter Ariel, a mute, while juggling his own feelings of guilt and anger. Unbeknownst to him, his mother has hired a nanny...and so begins a romance built on an unforgettable first meeting that takes a slow burn journey to HEA. Roman's a tough nut to crack, someone wallowing in his guilt over his loss, but Elise isn't someone to give up on him or his daughter and he eventually decides he's all in with her in interludes full of steaminess that pulled at my heartstrings too. There were moments early on where he was a bit of a douchebag though, while trying to fight his attraction to Elise, but once he gave up the fight he showed how talented he was at dirty talk which made for decadently delightful scenes of forgiveness.

Elise is a heroine who's easily relatable. Her previous relationship was emotionally abusive and she's now left riddled with self-doubts and body image issues. Her ex certainly did a number on her and it's left her a bit lost. The opportunity to nanny, before starting the school year teaching, sounds like the perfect diversion. She doesn't expect all the emotional baggage surrounding the family though but shows the kindhearted, loving person she is by being part of their healing process. It's a process that brought a few tears, along with a few smiles, in a slow burn journey to becoming a family. I found Elise an admirable heroine with issues we all feel occasionally, but it still broke my heart to hear the negative thoughts perpetuated by her ex in her mind still. Elise's love for Ariel showed through from the very start and it warmed my heart how easily she interacted with the little girl despite her being mute. She made the little girl feel safe, loved, and special and seeing this trio slowly become a family had me cheering them on.

Courtesy of A.M. Kusi readers are again rewarded with an engaging and emotionally intense tale featuring an appealing main couple whose journey to HEA is richly rewarding. Readers will find themselves happily put through the wringer when reaching a conclusion as satisfying as the one found between Roman and Elise. The authors must also be credited with the respectful handling of disability. Every member of Ariel's family knew sign language and it was seamlessly incorporated into scenes with her. Another facet seamlessly incorporated into the narrative was that of the continuing mystery surrounding the murder of Nash's fiancée, a mystery hanging over the entire town and one that's keeping me guessing...in a good way. Add in the conclusion setting the stage for Ricky's story to be told next and readers will be on the edge of their seats waiting for the next installment in this beautifully crafted small town romance series.
Profile Image for Dee Her.
119 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2023
After leaving an awful relationship, Elise takes a job as a summer nanny for Roman whose daughter Ariel stopped speaking four years earlier after her mother died. As he returns home, Roman sees Elise in the bathroom and in believing her to be a thief, confronts her to only have Elise greet him with fist to the face. Despite this almost comedic start, Elise becomes a great helper, teacher, and friend to Ariel as they both begin to prepare the little girl for her first year in a public school. For the first time since his wife’s death, the grumpy widow finds himself attracted to the kind nanny and wonders whether it is worth opening up his life to love once again. Through the ups, downs, and heartbreak of their relationship, they each learn that risking their hearts on love is worth it as they know that losing each other would be worse.

This husband and wife team writes a beautifully choreographed story that touches on so many topics that are often over looked and in doing so, gives power to the actual people who may themselves be dealing with the same things. For starters, both the hero and heroine are American ethnic minorities finding, falling, and blending in love to build a family that uplifts each other. The heroine also happens to be deaf herself which society sees as a disability but Elise, even though doubtful of herself at times, rises above it and finds strength to survive the neglect she gets from her family because they do not understand her inability to hear, and from a relationship that did nothing more than put her down and abuse the wonderful woman she is. As a disabled Asian woman myself, It gives me hope when I read about differently abled Asian women like Elise because there’s a vision of hope in finding partnership, love, and family for myself even if I’m far from what may be considered “normal.”
Profile Image for thejadster.
15 reviews
Read
May 7, 2023
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.0)
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (4.0)

I received an ARC of this novel and am providing my voluntary review.

I read the first book -- Stepping into Tomorrow -- and loved it so I was very eager to read the next installment.

I did not enjoy this as much as the first but it was still worth reading.

The title sums up the theme of this book. What will you risk to have your forever.

Roman had forever once. A wife and a daughter who was whole. After losing his wife in circumstances that left his daughter scarred mentally end emotionally, he is playing it safe. With no intentions to move on, his focus is the welfare of Ariel, his family, and his bees.

Elise just wants to move on from her last relationship. She wants to have a steady job nannying Ariel and forget the last year.

Roman is not pleased his mother has hired a live in nanny for Ariel and he clashes with Elise from the start. Resistance, reluctance, and an unwelcome attraction mark their relationship. Roman is constantly at odds within and he chooses to treat Elise harshly.

I have to admit, I found him quite frustrating. But understanding he is acting out of fear Elise has a lot of grace and forgiveness for him.

As they learn to live together, they begin to develop mutual respect and transforms into love. The both have fears -- Elise of loving with no returned affection, Roman of adding another person who he can lose in the end. Together the stare these in the face to determine if their love is worth risking it all for the hope of a life together.


The sex scenes were heavily BDSM inspired.
No triggers

Very excellent addition to this series and I look forward to the next.
Profile Image for Jeraca.
2,709 reviews32 followers
November 2, 2022
I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.

Every time I read an A. M. Kusi book, I fall in love all over again. I don't know how they do it, but each time, I get so immersed into the story and fall for all of the characters, and am always sad when it's finished and I can't dive into their lives anymore.

Elise and Roman's story is so sweet. I absolutely adore how much the Emerson family loves Ariel and how everyone learned sign language for her. Some families wouldn't have done that, but it was second nature for everyone to show their love to find a way to communicate with her after everything she went through. I am also envious of them for learning to sign, because that has always been something I wish I would start doing. I know I can start at any time, but I'm just lazy and haven't learned yet. Maybe one day I'll finally go through with it.

Also, the mermaid scene? By far the most precious, special scene I think I've ever read in a book before. The amazement of Ariel's reaction and the lessons she took from that really saved her life and opened her heart even more following that touching moment. Elise absolutely loves that little girl and for to create that moment for her is the sweetest thing ever.

The intensity between Elise and Roman is off the charts. Those two explode around each other and the spice is crazy! I absolutely fell for all of these characters and loved every second, every word of this book. I am so glad I got the chance to read this amazing story and I'm very intrigued for the next one to come!
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,429 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2022
We met this family in the previous book and I was intrigued by Roman and his little girl, Ariel.

Roman is a single dad to little Ariel. Ariel doesn’t speak she uses sign language to communicate. And because of his job and taking care of Ariel, his mother who’s been helping him, decided its time he gets a nanny. When Roman comes home he thinks there is an intruder in his house and for that he gets punched in the face by the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. And for that reason he doesn’t want to hire her…

Elise is in a tough spot and she needs the job as Ariel’s nanny. Just for the summer and then she starts her teaching career. But it seems like Ariel’s dad is being a douche about everything. And she fell in love with little Ariel, so she will give him the benefit of the doubt. And ignore her sexual attraction to the single dad.

These two definitely had some serious sexual tension. In the beginning Roman was a real douche, but the more you read and got to know him the more you understood his behaviour. Elise was hurt so much by her previous relationship and also because of her relationship with her parents that when Roman hurt her, he really had to go out of his way to make her forgive him. And man was he a dirty talker😊 But this family, I am loving them. Loved Roman and Elise and Ariel’s story. Loved the suspense and the angst and the romance of it all… And then we have the unanswered questions about Nash’s fiancé and her murder… And that ending was totally setting you up for the Ricky’s story… 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
Profile Image for Ashley Jasper.
1,849 reviews24 followers
November 4, 2022
I love this husband and wife writing duo. Their books always touch on something that makes you pause and look at how you're living your own life. And Risking Forever was no exception.

I really liked Elise. She was smart and sassy. And even though she was down on her luck, she never counted herself out. Especially since she landed her dream job, just not the dream boss. Roman was a tough shell to crack at first. He was angry and rude and downright mean sometimes. But Elise managed to keep her cool and little by little, he started to thaw.

There was no denying the chemistry between these two. I kept waiting for that bubble to burst and when it did...whoa hot! More than that though, I loved how they saw each other's pain, loss and grief and didn't try to change it, because there was nothing that could. They just gave each other a soft, safe place to lay it. But sometimes, the silence spoke louder than their words ever could.

Elise and Roman's sunshine-grumpy romance checked all the boxes. It was tender and sexy, witty and heartfelt and laced with its moments of miscommunication and drama. There was just something about the way this was written that had me torn between wanting to devour it and trying to read more slowly so it wouldn't end.
Profile Image for Deanie.
828 reviews22 followers
April 19, 2023
Hot damn. This book hit different for me in the best ways and I’ll explain why. I’ve been steadily losing my hearing over the past year and a couple of weeks ago I suffered the most profound loss to the point that I am now 90% deaf. I’ve been referred to a cochlear implant specialist but it’s a waiting game that I know nothing about.

To read this book and discover a character who not only has a CI but doesn’t let it stop her was profound for me. I was fascinated by learning more about what having one was like and how it affected the person wearing it. It made me feel seen and a little less lost.

Elise was such a badass FMC and I truly loved reading about her. She was perfect for little Ariel and for grumpy Roman. Single dad/nanny tropes are a weakness of mine and when you add in the deafness factor, this book was truly remarkable.

The spice was also total FIRE 🥵 That Roman has a way with words and I probably need to attend confessional after all that 😂

I’m going to be shouting the name A. M. Kusi from the rooftops because I want everyone to read their books. The diversity, the intense and real topics, the real and found family, the love… it needs to be experienced by all. I cannot wait for the rest of this series!
Profile Image for Brittany Baxa.
20 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2023
I don't think it is possible to not love the Emerson family!
This is book 2 in the series, read book 1 first! You'll already start with a little bit of a base knowledge about Roman!
Roman has been through the worst thing imaginable, losing his wife and being left to raise his daughter on his own.
Elise has had her own rough go at life! After falling in love with a man, leaving her job to take care of his special needs son, he lies to her and leaves her out of nowhere!
Elise, desperate to get back on her own 2 feet, needs this job more than anything. Having grown up in a special boarding school for deaf and hard of hearing, she has extensive knowledge in sign language, which is necessary since Ariel hasn't spoke a word since her mom died.
After securing the job, and an awful start to the live in position... things seem to be 1 step forward, and 2 steps back at every turn... Roman and Elise both have past demons that keep getting in their way, and just when things are going the way they should for once, the worst thing imaginable happens!
This book is so great! Interracial couple, adopted family, special needs kids... great read! Love this series so far and looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,534 reviews137 followers
November 2, 2022
Risking Forever is Elise Aki and Roman Emerson’s emotional roller coaster of a journey, it’s a story that will tear at your heartstrings but its also a story that will make you smile.
Roman has been burnt in the past and that means keeping his nanny at arms lengthy because crossing the line with Elise could ruin the relationship she has built with his mute daughter. He is very protective and Elise is going to have to work extra hard to prove she can be trusted and hopefully break the down the walls that he has built around himself and his daughter. So what does the future hold …. you will need to one click to find that out.
I was engrossed in thus journey from the first few pages, I was drawn in and I loved watching Elise slowly knock down the walls as she built new relationships. The road was bumpy and there were plenty of ups and downs but love will also be worth it in the end. Looking forward to what’s next from the Emerson family.
Profile Image for Alicia.
1,428 reviews17 followers
November 7, 2022
Another great addition to this series. Emotional with steamy, spicy scenes,😍.
And I can't wait for Everett and Ricky's book.

Elise is hired to nanny Ariel, Roman Emerson's daughter. She looking for a fresh start after her last relationship left her shattered. Because the position is live-in, she'll no longer have to couch surfer among her friends.

Roman loves his family, especially his little girl Ariel. After the loss of his wife, she's his number one priority.

He's alarmed to find a stranger in his house, and when he tries to confront her he never expects to be punched in the face. This attractive woman has been hired by his mother to care for Ariel.

Roman is a huge grump. And Elise is determined to show him that she is more than capable of watching over his daughter.

Both have painful pasts but are they willing to open up to love again?

Thank you so much the authors and Wildfire for this ARC to review.
Profile Image for Nadine (mckread_reads).
104 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2022
Elise and Roman

The Emersons of Shattered Cove are such an awesome family. There’s the naughty teasing and banter that you’d expect between siblings, but there is so much love and support for one another. This is Roman’s story, a single dad to Ariel after the tragic passing of her mother and love of his life. Seeing that he could use the help, Renita, the matriarch of the Emerson family, hires a nanny (against Roman’s wishes) and what ensues is a tale of hope, acceptance, love, and forgiveness that is characteristic of Kusi novels. If you’re ever in the mood for something uplifting and heartfelt, with characters that deal with real-world issues and challenges, and always an HEA with a good dollop of spice, this read - this SERIES - is for you.
Profile Image for Imogen Dior.
939 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2023
Risking forever was an okay read. I really enjoyed seeing my favourite Emerson characters from book 1. Elise was a good character and i enjoyed her portrayal and the fact that she was deaf did nothing to shake her confidence in her body or limit her in any way as it shouldn’t. She used everything to make her stronger and to ensure she could help others in knowing that no matter what they could do anything. Roman was a good character, he was an amazing father and brother and i found his career really interesting. The banter he shared with his siblings was always a good read. I did find the push and pull got to be a bit too much, the no communication became a bit immature to a point. Overall it was a good read.
Profile Image for Kirsten | Bookish.kir.
696 reviews336 followers
July 9, 2023
- Single dad
- Nanny/boss
- Deaf representation
- Plus size heroine
- Interracial relationship

This is the second book in The Emerson Family of Shattered Cove series. While each book is about a different couple, there is an underlying mystery plot throughout the books so they do need to be read in order.

Risking forever features single dad, Roman, and his daughter’s nanny for the summer, Elise. Elise was born deaf and her past relationship has caused her to struggle with self-doubt. Roman’s wife passed away 4 years ago and he has blamed himself ever since. Their story will definitely tug at your heartstrings.

Overall I thought this read was okay. The amount of miscommunication took a lot away from the story for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🔥🔥.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley Bethany Boulaouden.
40 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2023
I really liked the first book in this series, Stepping Into Tomorrow, but I loved this one even more! The physical relationship between Elise and Roman was fire 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥! It was learning to trust again that kept them apart. Only the patience and wisdom that seems come naturally to the Emerson family can set in motion the journey to healing.
A.M. Kusi have written a dynamic and diverse family in this series. Each character is unique in personal strength, personality, and past experience, but they all have in common the strength and love of family.
I can't wait to pick up the next book andbe back atthis family's table.
Profile Image for Amanda.
412 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2022
This was a cute story with great characters. The romance was great and the steamy scenes were even better. Good ol’ fashion miscommunication comes into play a lot. It causes just the right amount of angst and suspense until they figure it out. I love single parent romances and this was such a great one. Ricky stole the show in his scenes as comedic relief and I loved it (I suspected his truth and can’t wait to read his story). Overall, a great read full of family, love, miscommunications, and some drama on top!
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,571 reviews53 followers
November 4, 2022
Right from the start, Elise and Roman's sexual tension is through the roofs. I loved that Elise is the sunshine to Roman's grump. And he's a real grump. It took a little bit for him to warm up to Elise but Elise is not one to back down. I loved how they slowly come together. And once they're together, kid you not, it's freaking hot between the two of them. It was so satisfying to watch especially when he had to grovel. And he did it amazingly. I'd say he really redeemed himself. This is an amazing story.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,221 reviews219 followers
November 2, 2022
4.5 star review of Risking Forever: The Emerson Family of Shattered Cove # 2
by A.M.Kusi
A.M. Kusi is a relatively new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across more books from these authors before.
This is Elise Aki and Roman Emerson’s story and it was an emotional roller coast of a read. Working as a nanny for Roman’s mute daughter she finds herself drawn to the man. However he has been hurt in the past and doesn’t want to find love again.
He also if overprotective and doesn’t trust easily so Elise has her work cut out for her. However she is determined to prove herself and slowly the walls starts to crumble.
I really enjoyed this story, it was heart warming to watch the relationship develop. The journey that Elise and Roman embarked on was rocky, but if they dare to take a chance, they might just find love. .
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,221 reviews72 followers
November 3, 2022
Talk about two hurt people who needed to find someone like themselves to try and heal. Roman is a single father of a very special little girl. He needs a nanny for the summer. The problem is…he literally doesn’t trust anyone with his daughter let alone with his heart. Elise is a teacher who wants and needs a job for the summer. When Elise takes a job as a nanny, she has no idea her life is about to change. She is independent but extremely insincere. These two have an amazing connection but are extremely hesitant of a future with each other. They have both been hurt in more ways then one and are two very scared people. I enjoyed this emotional read. The characters were amazingly written with great depth. The story that was told was filled with tons of different emotions happy, sad and everything in between. I look Forward to reading more books by A.M Kusi!
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,599 reviews78 followers
November 4, 2022
4 star

This is Elise and Roman’s story. They both have issues from the past. She went through a bad breakup. She gets a job as a live-in nanny. He is a widower with a mute daughter. When these two meet the sparks fly. He thinks she is an intruder, and she punches him. Can they find common ground in taking care of the daughter? Can they both overcome hurts of the past so they can have a future? Can two people that are so broken learn to heal each other?

I recommend this book.
37 reviews
April 24, 2023
Amazing love story!
Wow A.M. Kusi did it again! This was a beautiful love story, Elise and Roman are amazing together with so much chemistry. Roman is a grumpy single dad who was expecting an Elise to come into his life. This story just sucks you in it has so much love, hope, angst in a small town setting. I can’t wait for the next
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