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Cypress Grove #1

Unbreakable

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Being adopted by one of the wealthiest families in the country Lilly Sumnor should have had a life of luxury. But being hated by her adopted mother Jane for reasons no one seemed to know, made Lilly's life one of mental and physical abuse. It wasn't until the day that a young Lilly met their gardener's son Luke Hansen did she ever feel like she had something to look forward to. The closer they got the harder it was for young Luke to control his temper against the abuse suffered by the hand of adopted mother Jane.
Luke being sent away by his father for fear of him doing something that would affect the rest of his and Lilly's life forever. Lilly was heartbroken and knew that no matter what she would never feel for anyone the way she felt for Luke. Jane being one of the most respected socialite's in Louisiana no one could save Lilly from the abuse.
Until one day it all changed. Jane and Ted Sumnor die in a car accident leaving Lilly being the only relative to inherit the entire Sumnor fortune.
Her life changes in so many ways and after Luke returns their love rekindles but can they survive the threats that are plaguing Lilly. Slowly finding out clues to how she became adopted, and finding out that her birth mother might be dead at the hands of voodoo and dark magic is it too much for them to handle.
She is wrapped in a world of dangers from what she finds out and from the threat of someone that wants to take her away from Luke forever.
Unbreakable (Book 1) is a dramatic love story that takes place in the deep south of Louisiana with twists and turns that will keep you guessing..........

ebook

First published September 1, 2013

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202 people want to read

About the author

Amie Nichols

12 books244 followers
I'm Amie Nichols, and this is my bio. I live in Iowa with my amazing, supportive husband. He is my rock and my king, and treats me like all woman should be treated. (Like a spoiled Queen)
I have two miniature dachshund's that are my babies, and they love to keep me company when I am writing away on my next WIP.
I'm about to publish my 6th book, and can hardly believe how my life has changed. I'm called an author, and still can't believe it. I've have met some amazing woman on my journey so far, and have learned so much. (Sometimes the hard way.) I've been like a sponge soaking up all the information I can on how the publishing world works. It's been a rollercoaster ride so far with its ups and its downs.
No matter what, I will never regret anything I've done. You can't succeed if you don't try, and if you don't try you won't succeed. One of my favorite quotes "If the dream is big enough the facts don't matter".
Some other info about me, I love my family, friends, wine and anything caffeinated. I also love writing HEA. For the same reason I won't watch a movie that I know will make me cry, (with the exception of Steel Magnolias) I will never write a book without a HEA. There might be a few twists and turns, a cliffhanger or two. But ultimately my stories will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. For me, reading is entertainment, a way to escape this crazy insane world. If a book leaves me feeling sad, mad or gut wrenched, it is not for me. There is enough gut-wrenching sadness in this world, I don't need to read about it too.
I started writing 3 years ago, and have no plans on stopping. So keep your eye on me because with the help of some amazing people and my wonderful fans, this girl is going to be on the New York Times best selling list someday.

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5 stars
22 (36%)
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21 (34%)
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13 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Renee.
12 reviews9 followers
September 4, 2017
Potential. . . Delayed

More story, less orgasms would make for a better read. Had a decent storyline but everything was secondary to hooking up all the young adults for constant sexcapades. When a normal adult woman starts skimming OVER the sex scenes, it has gone from erotic to beyond gratuitous. I'd like to see where the story goes but not enough to endure more of the same in the sequel.
Profile Image for Amie Morgado- We Stole Your Book Boyfriend.
1,664 reviews81 followers
May 26, 2014
A great story filled with love and tons of suspense.
Lilly was adopted by Ted and Jane Sumnor , who happen to be some of the wealthiest people in Louisiana. This does not mean that Lilly lives a charmed life , quite the opposite actually. Lilly is hated , physically and mentally abused for 18 years of her life by her adoptive mother Jane. Where does this hate come from ?? That is just one mystery this story will try to unfold. The only joys in Lilly's life come from the live in maid , Miss. Finnegan , who adores Lilly and tries to help her as much as she can. And Luke , Jeffery's son. Jeffrey is the gardener/handyman at their house and Luke comes along in the summers to help his father work. At first because of Jane's strict rules Lilly admires him from afar , but as time goes on Luke falls more in love and starts risking his safety and Lilly's to spend more time with her. For fear of his son doing something reckless about Lilly's abuse , Jeffrey sends Luke away. Lilly is devastated in his absence but he says he will come back.

Fast forward a few years

Lilly loses her parents in a car crash a week before she turns 18. Now 18 inheriting her parents millions she is trying to get all her affairs in order while dealing with the public out lash of her mothers friends that think Lilly does not deserve any money or any of the inheritance since she was adopted. Lilly does not let this bring her down. Her best friend Emma and her dad, the family lawyer, help Lilly get settled with all the money and properties owned. After a possible break in Lilly hires security and finds a great friend in Jacob. Luke comes back and he and Lilly are able to begin a wonderful relationship in the midst of chaos. One aspect of her life is going well , she has the love of her friends and now she has Luke back.

Strange things begin to happen

A weird run in with an old voodoo woman leads Lilly on a search to find out who Samantha is and if this voodoo/dark magic has anything to do with her life. Her now stalker is getting more and more dangerous leaving notes and showing up despite the security measures being taken. Papers , pictures and deeds to an unknown property now lead them on a search for a connection to the James family. When certain friends and townspeople refuse to talk and seem scared to help the questions just keep building. Who are they protecting , What does this all mean , Who are Lilly's parents and what really happened to Lilly's mother ??

As they try to find the answers to all the questions you are left on the edge of your seat waiting for something major to happen. The suspense is thrilling !! This is obviously a cliffhanger and just about everything is left unanswered. The beauty in this part of the series is the love of Luke and Lilly that can finally be acted on. Luke has loved Lilly for years and has waited to be able to come back to her. Now that they are together there is no separating them. Their love is strong and they have some of the HOTTEST SEX EVER !! You also get the story of friendship. Lilly , Jacob and Emma doubles when Luke , Lucy and Jimmy come into the picture !! Not to mention Miss Finnegan and Luke's family. There really is a story line here that can take you in many different directions...
Profile Image for Autumn.
140 reviews
April 7, 2014
This book was well written but there are spots in the middle of the story that kind of stalled out for me. I am glad that I pushed through because it picks up and I love the ending. The author leaves you wanting more.

Lilly is an abused and neglected girl. Her step mother hates her and beats her for the smallest thing. Her father is never home and when he is he keeps his distance. I really feel for Lilly in this part of the book. The people that are suppose to love her the most don't care. Lilly's life changes for the better after her parents die. Now she is rich and she has a problem on her hands someone wants her and is willing to do anything to get her.

Luke is the gardeners son and he has been in love with Lilly since the first time he has seen her. Luke comes back after collage and is working for Lilly and sparks fly ( oh boy do they). Luke in my opinion is a little to possessive. Every time Lilly looks at another guy he kind of losses it. I like Luke but I get the feeling that he is to good to be true......I believe that he loves Lilly and would do anything for her but at the same time I think he is going to hurt her in an emotional sense.

This book revolves around Lilly and Luke, the stalker and finding out about Lilly's real mother. I really liked it when the author focused more on the stalker it kept me guessing and I was hungry for more. What really got emotion out of me is when Lilly would go crazy on people she felt that were stuck up. I found myself cheering her on and laughing. But she also go under my skin a little bit because she let the people she cared about almost walk on her at times. When Lilly wasn't getting important information she just let it go most of the time and I think she should have let loose on them a bit more.

If you are looking for a book that has some hot sex scene, mystery, and danger this story is for you. I would have give this book a 4 if it didn't stall out in the middle. I really want to find out what happens next the ending leave you hanging in the best (worse) possible way.


~Luke after he tells Lilly he is leaving for collage~
“What kind of a man leaves his love to this abuse? What kind of man doesn't do anything to protect the one thing in life that means everything to him?”

“I have to trust in what they are telling me. I have to trust that she is unbreakable, strong, that she will fight through. I have to trust with every fiber of my being that my Lilly flower will be OK.”
Profile Image for Donna.
8 reviews4 followers
April 28, 2014
I stumbled onto this book after reading Amie's Deep Blue Series. I was so taken in by her writing style that I just had to have more, then I found this little baby. Turns out, this was written BEFORE the Deep Blue Series, so I wondered why I hadn't heard of it before now. As I sit here writing this, I still don't have the answer to that question. This truly was a hidden gem. There was just so much to love about this book.

We are introduced to Lilly as a shut in teenager suffering at the hands of her wealthy adoptive mother, Jane. Lilly is infatuated with the gardener's son, Luke, and watches him every chance she gets. Little does Lilly know, Luke is smitten with her as well, and hopes to one day take her far away from all of her pain and suffering and live happily ever after. Yeah, right. How often does that actually happen? Well, it's not going to be that easy here either. Luke and Lilly's love story is surrounded by mystery. Just when Lilly thinks she's finally free, her life is turned upside down with one startling revelation after the next. Every time Lilly thinks she's close to finding answers, she left with more questions than she started with. Will she ever find out who her real parents are? Or why Jane hated her so much? And who is the nutjob that's been stalking her?

There are many secondary characters in this story that are written with just as much depth as Luke and Lilly, and I found myself falling in love with each and every one of them. Well, not ALL of them. There were a few that I wanted to throat punch, but you'll understand what I mean when you read it for yourself.

THIS IS A CLIFFHANGER! Just wanted to put that out there for all of you that hate them. Amie Nichols can write one heck of cliffhanger, though, and I urge you all to give this one a chance. This is only going to be a 2 book series and the sequel will be out soon, so you won't have long to wait. I'm telling you IT WILL BE WORTH IT! Love, heartbreak, mystery, suspense......this book has it all and then some. It will keep you guessing the whole way through. With book one taking so many twists and turns, I can't wait to see how this story plays out in book two. I'm looking forward to what I know will be an epic payoff.
Profile Image for Magic Within the Pages.
397 reviews15 followers
May 18, 2014
Reviewer : Cheryl
Rating : 4 Stars

**Copy received from Author in exchange for an honest review**

The main character of this story is Lilly Sumnor. The adopted millionaire heiress to the Sumnor fortune after her adopted parents die from a car crash.

This story is filled with mystery and interesting twists and turns. As soon as the beginning starts there is no turning back. You figure out what it is that is happening, but the masks and facade is impenetrable unless you are close to the issue. Lilly has lived her entire young life being the target of her adopted mother's scorn, hatred, and brute force. For eighteen years she has been subjected to different forms of abuse a person would ever be exposed to.

Luke is surrounded by beauty in the form of flowers and plants as the son of a landscaper. When he first sees Lilly he just knows she is the most beautiful thing he has ever known and that she will be his. There is no question in his mind that she is the one for him. As he witnesses Lilly in pain he swears he wants to protect her, but can't do that without jeopardizing his father's job.

Lilly has had a crush on Luke for years and when he leaves for a few years and leaves her crushed she tries to forget him. Unknown to Lilly is the fact that Luke had to leave so he doesn't intervene on her behalf to stop the people hurting her so she will never be in pain. When he finally returns after her parents die, they feel their same emotions overcoming each other and act on it.

This story is as I said mysterious. The relationship between Lilly and Luke is only one aspect of the mystery of the story. There is mystery surrounding who she really is. On top of that is the fact that Lilly is being stalked by an unknown person. She doesn't know who this stalker is and experts are convinced its probably a person she has shown kindness to or even someone in passing. When he gets close enough to kidnap Lilly and hurt Luke there is a questionable future or lack thereof for them. Will Lilly ever be found? Is Luke okay? Will they be reunited or is it the end?

One Click this one.
Profile Image for Donna.
685 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2014
Lilly Sumnor was adopted as an infant by Theodore and Jane Sumnor. She spent her whole life being hated by her “mother”, but never understanding why. Jane was verbally and physically abusive, but since the Sumnor’s were so well respected in Louisiana, it was useless for anyone to report the abuse. Jane had Lilly homeschooled and the only time she was allowed to leave the house was for her yearly checkup. Lilly’s only bright spot in life is Luke Hansen, the grounds keepers’ son. Luke would come to the Sumnor mansion and help his father while Lilly watched daydreaming. It was only when Jane was away that Lilly was allowed outside to also help and this is when she was able to talk to Luke. Luke is older so Lilly is not sure if he likes her likes her or likes her as a little sister. Each time Luke finds Lilly has been abused he goes into a rage. Finally his father, fearing for what Luke might do, sends him away. Lilly is devastated. Then her parents die in a car accident and Lilly is hopeful that Luke will return for her, but it’s been six months and there is no sign; he must have moved on.

This is a very interesting story; there are lots of twists and turns. The one mystery is why Jane hates Lilly so much, another mystery is who has been creeping around the property and lastly where did Lilly come from and why were papers hidden in her father’s hidden safe? There is a lot going on in this book to keep the reader interested and I found myself not able to put the book down. I finished it in about twenty four hours. There is a lot of sexual tension in the book and because most of the characters are young; they are always at one another. Lilly, for the most part, is a likable character although due to the abuse she endured as a child, she has a short temper at times. I enjoyed the book and will be reading Unbreakable 2. I give this book 4 stars with 2.5 hands down the pants.
Profile Image for Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews.
1,810 reviews145 followers
April 19, 2014
A Fabulous suspense/ Romance, April 19, 2014

This review is from: Unbreakable (Cypress Grove Series) (Kindle Edition)
WARNING CLIFFHANGER!!!!
Unbreakable kept my attention the whole time i was reading, i really enjoyed the mystery that is Lilly Sumnor!
After Her "Adopted Parents" have Died Lilly is left with a lot of money.. aka.. A MILLIONAIRE worth of $$$

I loved the chemistry between Luke and Lilly it was of the charts sexy!! Perfect amount of Sex and Romance.

"He places a feather light kiss on my forehead before he turns to head to the cottage."dream sweet,Lilly flower." his words are like tiny pins prickling all over my skin."

I found my self captivated in the story and couldn't put it down, i really wanted to no more of WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHY, HOW??
I Laughed, I was Squrming and I was on the edge of my seat at times!!

So many questions were being asked to be answered with yet an question.. I was hoping we would find out more!!

Lilly has a bff Emma she is pretty awesome, Head of security Jackson, Jeffery who is Luke's dad works for her honestly the whole cast is awesome you begin to love them all!!

"Thanks baby," I smile at him. "you are so damn good looking. I could eat you with a spoon,"

I really enjoyed this story and i honestly can not wait for the second book because after that ending im going to need one!!
Bring on the 2nd book... That ending had me Screaming WTF.. and Crying i had fucken Chills i wanted more!!!
I loved the way Amie Nichols writes, and tells us a story to keep you interested in whats happening with a real good plot!!

"You Have Me Forever, My Sweet Lilly Flower"

Im glad i was asked to read and review this special little Jem, other wise i would have missed out on something wonderful!
Profile Image for Two Ordinary.
201 reviews28 followers
June 6, 2014
Unbreakable by Amie Nichols
4****
Lilly summor was adopted by a very wealthy family, everything look fine to the people looking in but behind closed doors everything is different.
Lilly's adopted mother Jane hates Lilly and is abusive towards her
Mrs Finnegan the housekeeper acts more of a mother to Lilly then Jane ever did she's the one of a few people who shows Lilly love, along with Jeffery the gardener and Luke his hot son who Lilly has fancied for so long.
They all know about the abuse but say nothing scared to say anything, knowing they all would lose their jobs and that would leave Lilly on her own with Jane..
Jane goes away for the weekend with friends this gives Lilly the perfect chance to spend some time with Luke
Feeling are shown and promises are made. But then Luke is sent away by his farther so not to cause trouble for Lilly.
Then one night Lilly's parents are killed in a car accident leavening Lilly the sole heir of their fortune, she's now able to live her life she's always wanted.
Couple of years later Luke returns, Lilly gives him a job and a place to stay, it's not long before they become close again and they finally admit they love each other.
Life is moving forward good or so they think!!!!
Lilly has a stalker who will go to any lengths to have Lilly for himself.

Amie this a well written book, all the main characters are so easy to for in love with, full of twist and mystery can't wait to read the 2nd book
Profile Image for Beth Slone .
317 reviews10 followers
April 27, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a wonderful romance and a wonderful suspense book.
Lilly Sumnor was adopted by a wealthy family in Louisiana. Her adopted mom named Jane was a very cruel woman and was very abusive. Lily was never allowed to do anything. Lily never knew anything about her biological mom and after her adoptive parents die in a car wreck she finds some clues about her biological mom. Lily is in love with Luke. Luke is the handymans son who has helped his dad out with the things around the Plantation. Luke is a very amazing man. After Lily's adoptive parents die Lily hires a security guard to protect after someone breaks into her house. Emma is Lily's best friend who she was not supposed to talk to when she was younger because her adopted mom would not let her. Lily keeps getting notes from a man who has been watching her for a long time.
The ending of this book will make you want to read the next book. I know I am dying to read the next book. You will not want to put this book down it will keep you interested the whole time. This is the first book I have read by Amie Nichols and she is an amazing author.
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews64 followers
May 6, 2014
This was a rather good story, about Lilly Sumnor. She was adopted into a very wealthy family & on the surface, everything looked perfect. Sadly Lilly’s adopted mother Jane hates her & is very abusive towards her. Lilly’s only relief is from the Housekeeper Miss Finnegan & her friendship with Luke, who is the Gardeners Son. Luke is sent away, so he cannot cause trouble for Lilly, leaving her alone to suffer her abuse.

When her parents are killed in a car accident, Lilly is the sole heir to their vast fortune. She is now able to live the life she wants. Luke returns & they rekindle their friendship & finally admit they love each other. Things are moving along well, or so they think. Lilly has a stalker who will go to any lengths to have Lilly for himself.

I really liked Lilly, she has such a strong character. Luke is an enigma to me & I cannot work out if I like him or not. All the other characters that are close to Lilly are great, and they all interact perfectly together.

A slow burning story, that gets better as it goes on & ends in an exciting & frightening cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews242 followers
May 24, 2014
Wow, this book is great. Mixed up some mystery, romance, voodoo, and a crazy stalker and you have this book. With all that mixed in there us never a boring moment int he story. It's a great read.

Lily's adoptive parents have passed a way and left her with a ton of money and property. As she looks deeper into her property and the papers her father has left, she begins to try to figure out who her mother was.

Lily has always had a crush on Luke. He has been gone for a while when he returns, there is a spark between the two of them.

There is also someone stalking Lily. That keeps you guessing who it is. The ending is crazy and leaves you wanting more. There is a lot the goes on in this story. A lot of the questions brought up in this story are not answered in this book. Luckily Unbreakable 2 is out and you can jump right into that one when your done with Unbreakable.
Profile Image for Karen Voitik.
3,221 reviews
July 29, 2014
This story was a hard one to figure out. The love story came to fruition so quickly, I was afraid that it wouldn't last. I really , really wanted it to last! Luke and Lilly's love story was beautiful. There was a mystery, why did her step mom hate her so? Watching Lily grow into herself after her parents's death was heartening, especially after all the abuse she suffered early on.

Just when you get to know all of Lily's friends, there is another mystery. She has a stalker. Who is it? Will he get to her?

The book ends in a HUGE cliffhanger. Through it all, Luke & Lilly endure. I recommend this book if you are a fan of romantic suspense.
Profile Image for TheWriter.
62 reviews6 followers
May 20, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review!!!!! Let me first say I really liked the story I thought that the plot was a great idea. Her characters were well developed, and there was a lot of characters that were crucial to the story. The problems that I had with the story was it seemed to drag in some places, almost like lets just throw this in to see if we can make it longer. In my opinion way to many HEA! (Personal preference) Lol! But overall I really did like the story the cliffhanger will get you! So of course you have to read book two! Lmao! Thxs for read!
Profile Image for Maria York.
667 reviews13 followers
April 20, 2014
Unbreakable is a very intense, heartbreaking, loving and at times scary book. I felt bad for Lily as she was growing up with the situation that she was in. She is a strong, caring, courageous woman and fall in love with a very sexy, smart and strong man. Things happen and the twist that follows is something that is crazy. I can't wait to read the next part of this story!
Profile Image for Renee at Book Happiness.
1,486 reviews36 followers
May 23, 2014
I was given this for an honest review. This book just pulls you in and keeps you there till the very last page. I was very surpised by this book. First I was surpised and delighted with all the nicely done twist and turns. Then I was surpised with how much I fell in love with the characters. I truly enjoyed the whole book. I don't want to give away to much. I truly LOVED this book..
48 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2014
Not happy

I do not like to buy (even if I get it free) a book be interested in the story and eager to reach the finish ,and find out I have to buy another book to find out how it ends. That's not good . I will make note of this author and will not want or buy (free or not )anymore of this author's books. disappointed and discoussed.
291 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2014
Amie Nichols fan for life!!!!

Amie Nichols has done it again. I loved your Deep Blue Series, and the Cypress Grove series seems to be just as great. I am officially hooked. I can't wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Claire Simmonds.
414 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2014
read this as part of the empower me book and it is a good story of a girl who is abused physically by her rich adopted mom an is left a millionare when she dies it a book of secrets an voodoo it will be intrestimg to see where next book leads
Profile Image for Carson Carlisle.
11 reviews4 followers
November 25, 2013
Romance, Action, mystery, and a little voodoo! What more could you ask for! Unbreakable has a good flow and interesting characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series!:)
Profile Image for Shannon.
437 reviews
September 2, 2016
woah! EXCELLENT book!!! I can't review this as of yet....I NEED BOOK TWO RIGHT NOW!!!
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