Severed Hope: A gripping second chance, forbidden romance bursting with spice and angst.

by Samantha Bushmills

For nearly a decade, Eddie Miller has been emotionally lost.

Then . . .

Avery, his first love, was also his best friend's little sister—off-limits by the rules of bro-code. But when Eddie learned she’d felt the same, keeping his distance was no longer an option, even if their love threatened to upend everything. However, before their young love was given the chance to bloom, her racist step-father intervened to rip them apart. Devastated, Eddie went away to college, where his grief and longing for Avery, drove him to enlist in the military, in dire need of discipline. When Eddie returned home on leave, his excitement to see Avery was tenfold, but she’d vanished.

Eddie tried to find her, but he’d made a commitment to his country, thus years ticked by before he could give his search the emphasis it deserved.

Now . . .

Reunited—Eddie’s tenacity pushes him to rebuild a friendship with Avery. However, as their passions soar, buried secrets come to light. Secrets that highlight the diversity between them.

Despite their undeniable passion, Avery must decide if she can endure both Eddie's darkness and the intensity of his love.

Can they reclaim what was lost, or will the truth drive them apart forever?

Please This novel is intended for mature readers, over the age of 18. Triggers include profanity, self-harms (cutting), open-door spice with mild BDSM, and recollections of a scene of sexual violence.

Genres: BDSM, Second Chance, Romance

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2024

About the author

Samantha Bushmills writes steamy, emotionally charged romance that blends spice, heartache, and healing, with authentic mental health representation at its core. She’s the author of The Hope Trilogy, the interconnected standalone Severed Hope, and her latest release, Choosing Hope—a darkly tender MMF romance about shame, desire, and second chances.
She lives in the southwest of France with her husband, two teenage daughters, and a love for travel, cooking, and cocktails.

Reviews

[**Tessa** (semi hiatus)]

Bummer this sounded so good until I found the review that saved me from this shit. During separation she is celibate and he is a HUGE manwhore. Do authors have no creativity? Istg this is the only fucking trope they know how to write. Anyway he is a huge whore and even starts going to sex club. And after reuniting with h she has to meet his 3 year fuck buddy AND he takes her to sex club where she is so lucky that she gets to meet a bunch of his fuck partners.
WHAT. THE. FUCK.
HOW IS THIS ROMANCE. THAT IS FUCKING DISGUSTING. Fuck no. He loves her so much he’s a fucking whore?? and spends 9 years searching for her why?? He’s so busy fucking all these OP why waste time looking for her? He doesn’t love her if he’s fucking all these OP. that’s not love that’s a selfish piece of shit.

[Claire Ingledew · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Samantha’s Hope trilogy I was eager to read more on who Eddie is and I can say that my opinion of Eddie has changed, Eddie is one of the most caring MMC I have read in a while seeing him with Avery melted my heart.

Eddie and Avery story is written perfectly Samantha has done it agin when writing about sensitive topic she covered it so well and with care.

It was great to catch up on with Max and Sara and to see how Angie,Luke and Christian were doing.

My only nip pick is I wished it was a little longer.

I have have my fingers crossed that Angie gets her book 🙏

4🌟

[Sunny Lovestories · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost 4 stars but for a few reasons kept my rating under 4stars. The summary of the novel really tells you everything. A little too much so nothing came as a surprise. Which made any will they won’t they angst short lived. And I didn’t like Avery all of the time, I wonder if author felt this way too.
I did lean more towards 4 stars on the journey. How we got from a high school kid’s bedroom to adult hood was well told and an overall enjoyable young adult romance.

[DiDi · Rating 2 out of 5]

It held a lot of promise but a few things kept this from being a 5 star.

Star crossed lovers, h is white H is black. Long story short h’s step father and some of her step brothers are horrible. The h’s bio brother rats her and H out for being in a relationship and the step father is savage separating them. He planned on selling her but lost out on money because she was no longer a virgin.

Here is the start of the downfall of this book. She runs away because she finds out the step father was going to sell her and she witnesses an orgy where her Mom is involved. She hides for 9 years.

Meanwhile the H starts fucking around a lot gets involved with sex club has lots and lots of sex meanwhile the h is with no one no sex for 9 years. When the H finds her and they get involved again she has to be confronted with one of his past sex partners who he was unloved with for 3 years not to mention he takes her to his sex club where she has to see others he was with. That right there was disappointment big time. She had no other sex while he lived it up got to work out all his fantasy on other women. Lived it up. That ruined the story right there.

[Stefanie Simeone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a touching story of second chances, healing and strength. Samantha does an incredible job of sharing the emotional side of Avery’s struggles as her dark past continues to haunt her. Eddie’s desire to rekindle their loving relationship while helping her heal is heartwarming. As their connection grows, so does Avery’s battle with personal struggles, showing the impact trauma can have on one’s life. The story is both passionate and heartbreaking, and the way the author handles sensitive issues like mental health and emotional scars is amazing.

[The Sewist's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐
2.5🌶️
Tropes: second chance, it’s always been you, BDSM, cinnamon roll MMC
Dual POV 1st Person
Possible Triggers: stalking, animal cruelty, cutting/self harm, CA, trafficking
I had a hard time getting into this story and I think it’s because of the author’s writing style. I hate saying that this book was “wordy” but that’s the best way I can describe it. There is extensive world building and lots of characters, which is what made this a difficult read for me. I also had a hard time keeping all the characters straight because there were a lot.
I’m not saying this as a critique of the author- it’s very well written and she did a great job building this world, just it’s not for me. It’s one of the reasons I stopped reading romantasy.

[Yes_I_Read_Lots · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a captivating and emotionally charged romantic suspense that brilliantly intertwines forbidden love, second chances, and deep emotional healing. This unforgettable story explores the tumultuous connection between Avery and Eddie, a couple whose love is as forbidden as it is undeniable.

Eddie, the best friend of Avery’s brother, has always harbored feelings for her, and Avery has always felt the same pull toward him. Their chemistry is electric, their connection undeniable, but life—and their circumstances—have never made it easy. As they navigate past traumas, including Avery’s struggles with self-harm, Bushmills handles delicate topics with sensitivity and care, creating a story that is both heart-wrenching and empowering.

The romantic tension is heightened with mild BDSM elements, adding complexity to their relationship and allowing the characters to explore trust and vulnerability in profound ways. The interracial dynamic between Avery and Eddie is portrayed thoughtfully, enriching the narrative with depth and nuance.

Bushmills masterfully balances suspense with romance, making Severed Hope a page-turner. Each twist and revelation pulls the reader deeper into the story, rooting for Avery and Eddie as they fight for their love against all odds. The emotional highs and lows are intense, but the ultimate payoff is worth every moment.

This novel is more than just a romance—it’s a journey of healing, trust, and the power of love to overcome life’s darkest moments. With relatable characters, a gripping storyline, and steamy yet heartfelt scenes, Severed Hope is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.

I gave it 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who loves forbidden love stories that tackle real-life issues with grace and authenticity. Samantha Bushmills has truly delivered a gem!

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mature Content Warning + 18

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Know your triggers, trauma following scenes of sexual violence, profanity, anxiety disorder, self- harm (cutting), and open-door spice involving mild BDSM.

Wow, just wow, I honestly don't know what else to say about Samantha Bushmills Severed Hope. This book is Eddie and Avery's story and is just perfect. Yes, it follows some sensitive topics, so please be careful. But it is all handled with such care and attention. I am just blown away.

This book follows Samantha's Hope trilogy, I am going to have to go and read that as I haven't read it yet. Thankfully, you don't have to have read it to follow Severed Hope. As an MMC, Eddie is one of a kind and just so amazing. He is the kind of man that every woman should strive to find. Their relationship just melted my heart, and it was just so touching to see.

I also got to meet Max and Sara and see how they were doing. I also had the chance to meet Angie, Luke, and Christian and see they were getting along.

I loved this book because it entwined this emotionally charged romantic suspense with a captivating second chance story that still held a feeling of forbidden love and deep-down emotional healing. We get the opportunity to see and explore the connection between Avery and Eddie. And yet, their love is yet as forbidden as it is undeniable.

Avery's brother has always been the best friend of Eddie. In return, Eddie has always secretly loved Avery, believing he could never tell her that he loved her as he is her brother's best friend. And yet, neither one of them could deny that they were drawn to the other, and they were often pulled towards the other, and their chemistry is undeniably electric.

Their connection is life itself, and yet their circumstances have never made their lives or their connection easy. Finally, they find a way to each other and as they try and find a way past their traumas and Avery deals with her tendencies towards self-harm, Samantha manages each delicate topic with the sensitivity and care that they require. It creates a story that is beautiful, crushing, heart-wrenching, and empowering, all at the same time.

There is a romantic tension within the pages of the book that is heightened by the elements of BDSM which adds a complexity to the relationships and their trust and vulnerability in deep ways. Avery and Eddies interracial dynamics are portrayed thoughtfully, which enriches the narrative with a rich nuance.

Samantha has managed to balance suspense and romance, something that is not easy to do. This has heightened Severed Hope and made it a page-turner.

The twists and turns take you deeper and deeper into the story, find you rooting for Avery and Eddie as they fight against all odds for their love and everything that they want. The highs and lows are beyond intense, but in the end, the payoff you get, the ending, it is all going to be worth it.

This isn't just a romance; this is so much more. This is a journey of trust and healing. It shows the power of love, and you see the strength of overcoming life's darkest moments. You can relate in one way or another to every character. This storyline is so gripping and will never let you go. And the spice isn't going to let you go. Severed Hope, this is a must-read for those who lose romance suspense.

[Faye Pallatina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows Eddie and Avery, childhood sweethearts who were forced apart by circumstances out of their control, who then manage to find each other again after Eddie spends years searching for her.

This was the first book I’ve read from this author and I know it’s part of an interconnected series but I didn’t feel like I was lost at any point, the background of the other characters was helpful and clearly explained. The book was a second chance romance which I sometimes struggle with but I enjoyed the way the story unfolded.

This was the perfect mix of romance and suspense in my opinion. I think both of the MCs story of moving forward together and healing was captured well but the added suspense of her stepfather’s/stepbrother’s involvement in sex trafficking and then it being revealed that he they tried to sell her just gave it more depth. This also helped me understand why Avery took the drastic action of running away her whole life, not contacting anyone etc and being so wary when Eddie initially turned up.

Marked down from 5* because at times it did feel a little repetitive with the same phrases/explanations of the MC’s inner monologues, and I thought the MCs language did sometimes change between formal and informal and this just threw me off a bit.

Also the below excerpt didn’t sit right with me;

“To see Robin so emotional was moving, especially as he recounted his fight to deny his instincts and return to self-harming; the solution for those consumed with anxieties.” - to me this seems too generalised and made it seem as though it’s the only solution if people have anxiety.
I felt the sentence could have ended at the semi colon.

Overall, I enjoyed this storyline! The pace it moved at, the angst, suspense and PI investigations gave a bit more depth to a second chance darker romance.

** Definitely read the trigger warnings before starting, it does go into some depth of Avery’s self harm.

[Cassi B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall 4.5/5.0
Second Chance Romance
Brother's best friend
Alpha Male (secret teddy bear)
It's always been you
Trauma (self-harm)
Dual POV
Touch her and d!e
Interracial couple

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you've not read The Hope Trilogy yet, do not even think about reading this until you've done so. While this is, technically, a standalone, there is too much overlap and background that is needed from those books. As with that trilogy, please pay attention to triggers. There is some heavy stuff in here.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Avery and Eddie were in a secret relationship in high school during a time he was best friends with her brother, Aiden. Unfortunately, they were outed to her extremely racist stepfather and forced into separation. Events during that separation caused her to disappear completely and for his life to take a completely different direction from his plans.

After nearly 10 years, he finally finds her and we find out why she felt she had to disappear. Her reasons for running were unexpected and heartbreaking. How she has coped with her feelings is truly sad & hard to understand if you've never been there. Eddie will do everything within his power to make her feel safe, again, and ensure she's loved.

As with Samantha's previous books, she will take you on an emotional roller coaster while having you feel absolutely everything humanly possible. This isn't just a story of a second chance at love. This is a story of healing, growth, and trust to overcome any obstacle. Eddie & Avery get their beautiful & well deserved HEA, but the ride was a lot to endure.

Before reading this, I was still very much on the fence about Eddie & his intentions. Watching his friendship with them endure & grow, during his own story, was interesting and much needed after those previous events. It was something I knew I needed, but Samantha seemed to know.

This was reviewed voluntarily as an ARC.

[Rey Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: 📖📖📖
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Spice Frequency: 💥💥💥💥

(Note: I did not read the Hope Trilogy before reading this book)

▪️Summary:
I enjoyed this book overall. I loved the "long lost lovers finding each other again" trope and how it was done in this book. The prequel was intriguing and did a good job of setting up the story and the FMC's worries. The first half of the book was a lot of backstory and setup, and the second half is when most of the action happened.

Self harm is a big theme in this book, so make sure you read the content warnings!

▪️Characters & Story:
Avery runs away as a teen from her abusive family and 9 years later, her boyfriend Eddie tries to find her again. The first few chapters introduced a lot of characters and it felt a little overwhelming, but as the book went on, each character was involved often enough that I didn't lose track of who was who.

I had a hard time connecting with the MCs in this story. Eddie was not just dominant in the bedroom but also was controlling in a way that I wasn't a fan of, and he has a temper. Avery is a strong and smart woman, having made it on her own for 9 years without anyone finding her, but she has a lot of self doubt and has a hard time speaking up for herself, which I found frustrating. By the end of the book their personalities fit together better, but it takes a while to get there.

▪️Spicy Scenes:
The spice started around the halfway mark and happened pretty often after that point. The BDSM was more hinted at than actually written on-page. There was a subtle power exchange (Dom/sub) element to their relationship and a few toys used. Overall the spicy scenes were well written and very steamy!

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

We get to continue the story of Eddie from the Hope trilogy on finding his long lost love Avery after being torn apart by her racist stepfather. He follows her to Europe in hopes to find her and reconnect. Avery doesn't want to be found due to her dark family past. After finding her living her dream working with horses in France. Eddie wants nothing more but to rekindle old feelings and love. Avery must come to terms with her past and not being able to run forever, while overcoming coping mechanisms for dealing with her trauma. Eddie proves there's nothing he wouldn't do to be by the side of the one he loves. The BDSM elements are super tasteful and keep it the right amount of spicy throughout. I love that we get updates and follow Max and Sara from the Hope Trilogy.  Check trigger warnings with this one, has elements of self-harm. Absolutely loved this book and the overall development and growth of the characters. Absolutely beautifully written!!

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I didn’t get to finish Sara’s story before starting Eddies. I may or may not have forgotten they were connected. BUT! There aren’t many spoilers. Just a paragraph in the first few chapters.

That being said. I LOVED THIS. Eddie is strong and resilient. He’s coasted through his life just hoping to find the girl who stole his heart when they were younger. After almost 10 years he finds her. Only to learn the reason she left was much darker than he thought.

Avery is also strong and resilient. She’s spent most of her adult life running and hiding and protecting herself. Alone. She’s made friends along the way but most of them don’t stick around for long. She doesn’t let them. She hides dark secrets in order to protect herself.

It’s a great read about second chances both romantically and psychologically. Finding love in darkness and knowing that it’s okay to lean on your person.

[Samantha Polson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A forbidden love story turns to a second chance reunion of two highschool sweethearts seperated by evil people. Avery and Eddie's love story is so sweet and so tragic. I love how the book really highlights mental health issues as well as racism and so many other evil troubles that go on in the world even in this day and age.
This book really captured my attention from the first page and I could put it down. I loved all the twist and turns of this book thinking so many times: will they or won't they stay together and truly didn't strengthen their love and conquer their demons. The love story reminds me of a more serious Hallmark movie with suspense and the added benefit of spice. The author does an amazing job breaching hard subjects without taking your mind away from the story at hand.
I highly recommend this book if you want a feel good spicy love story with some serious notes to it!

[Meesh Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book was going to be amazing, and I was not disappointed!!!

Ever since meeting Eddie in The Hope Series through Max and Sara, I was itching for his story. And it’s finally here!

Eddie’s dark and sad past was a story I soon won’t forget. There’s something truly special about a strong, alpha male surrendering his pride and fully submitting to his emotions for his love.

Avery’s story was one I was NOT expecting. Her tragic past was a tear jerker for sure, and the entire time I was rooting for her to find her happiness, be that with Eddie or simply in her own heart and soul.

In addition to the plot being incredible, the spice was SPICING! Phew!!!

I truly cannot say enough amazing things about this book. Thank you Samantha.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Were you a horse girl who now loves dark romance? Do you love a PI? This may be for you!

Severed Hope far exceeded my expectations. I loved the story, and I have to say I have never read anything like it. This story is dark but not pitch black, and the happily ever after is beautiful. I felt a comradery with these characters I don't normally experience in reading dark romance.

Before reading this book, though, please, please, please read the triggers list. There are definitely scenes that are not for the faint of heart.

This book has some spice but great plot, and if you dabble in dark romance, I would recommend pick it up when it comes out officially.

[Scarlett Gibbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

I give this book 3 stars generously. I’ve never read anything other than this book by this author BUT with that being said the spice kind of felt like the author didn’t do enough research into BDSM and just felt awkward reading it. Which I’ve never had that. I read a lot of books that have BDSM in them, and this just felt like the MMC didn’t know how to portray his role in a scene with the FFC during that. It did get a little better at times but it just felt like I was reading a higher schoolers sex story but for adults I guess.

I noticed the word “keen” or a variation on “keen” being repeated A LOT. Which was honestly really annoying. I would except an author to have a wider range of words or to google other words to use instead of “keen” on almost every page. It became distracting in away. I would see it and kind of be like Ope there it is. I actually started to count then lost count somewhere around 40 “keen’s”

The reason I give it 3 stars is the story behind the spice and everything else. The real story here is what is gold. Had the author stuck with just that even though it’s a slow burn I think I would have liked the book more. It’s honestly the only reason I finished the books. I almost DNFed the book but I was so invested in finding out what would happen between the MMC and FFC that I had to finish it. I will say though I will not continue with the series simply for the fact that I don’t like the authors writing and I don’t like the spice in this authors writing.

[Isabelle Houseknecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ 2.5🌶️

FMC and MMC are childhood lovers until they are ripped apart and the FMC drops off the face of the planet! MMC is an ex-marine and is currently a PI. Things start off slow but they pick up a few chapters in. Things hit the fan at one point but by the end of the book everything is back in order.. or is it? Cause the last few chapters I thought i was safe to say things were good but then we hit the second loop of the rollercoaster even made me tear up a little. All in all this book was pretty great and I enjoyed it a lot. I hope to read more of this series in the future I’ve already added the trilogy that follows Sara and max to my list and can’t wait to start them! ❤️

[Kayla Gentner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 🌶🌶🌶

Please, please, please read the trigger warnings! Make sure you understand them because they will be major themes in this book.

This is for the horse girlies that read Heartland. It's everything! I absolutely devoured this book. It had me feeling all sorts of feelings. The author did a great job creating each character. About 50% in, I was ready to take Eddie for myself, but I couldn't. 75% I was like "yes sir." And when it was over, I was so happy they got their HEA. I loved it so much.

[Cynthia’s Shelf Indulgence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Severed Hope was the story of Eddie and Avery.

I went through so many emotions reading this story. I just wanted to give Avery a big ole hug and be her friend.
Eddie was the sweetest most caring MMC.
He truly cared for Avery and ensured she was always okay. The spice was never lacking in this book! I absolutely loved the way Eddie took charge, will also making sure Avery was okay with everything.
**VERY IMPORTANT**
Please pay attention to the trigger warnings. There are very detailed scenes regarding self harm.
Overall this was a good story and I highly recommend it

[Ashley Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from Samantha and I can say I enjoyed this book and loved how they shared the story of how their romance was forbidden and the spice. I love books that have the spice factor in them but when the story is told so well it just sucks you in and you don't want the book to end. This book was that for me I did not want it to end. I'm excited to see what happens next and what Samantha writes next.

[Jazzy Mermaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Wow! Wow!!!! This was an ARC and I was not expecting the depth this book went into!!!!! Avery and Eddie share a unique bond and so much history between them!!! The way that time can leave so much left unsaid but come back into place was written beautifully here!!!! This love story between the two of them, the side characters and individually really had me between fiction and reality as the pages turned. Spice within the pages are placed but doesn't take away from the storyline. ✨️📚✨️

[Julie Buckberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

pulls you in right away but slows down a bit in the middle before picking back up. What really makes this book stand out is Eddie and Avery—I absolutely loved their connection. Their story is emotional, raw, and stays with you long after you’re done reading. I only give 3 stars because it wasn't my usual read, and I'm also a mood reader. That said, please check the trigger warnings before reading this.

[Han · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting read but repetitive in places. I liked the themes that were brought up but didn’t think Eddie handled them well. The ending was rushed in my view as well, there could have been less filler in the middle and more time spend on tying everything today. Also the use of “my girl” was cringy as it was used way too early and too often. Also the talk of “juices” was a complete ick. I think the book has potential but really needs a good edit.

[Kelli Toseland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book from start to finish, the love story of 2 teenagers finding each other again in adulthood and their love blossoming once again was great. I didn't give it 5 stars as there was not a lot of suspense in the book and no real twists that I was expecting the whole way through. Thoroughly enjoyed though.

[Holly Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

A heartwarming story of second chances, mending and endurance of the heart.

This book follows the love story of two high school kids that harbor a secret love for each other. Life takes them in different directions but as their paths cross in adulthood they find if the spark is still there.

This book will make you feel all the feels.

[Sophie Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not particularly written in the way I prefer but I really enjoyed the story. Got attached to the characters and the spice was more than decent. The way the self harm was portrayed was really well done with understanding. The happy ending was great but almost felt rushed to me.
All in all a very good read.

[Marine Riechert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must read.

This book dwells deep into some trauma that the girl went throug, and how she struggled through on her own, but can work through it better when they reunite. This is an angsty romance with some good twists and a storyline that keeps you hooked.
I really enjoyed this book, and would defenately read it again!

[Darkromance · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Eddie and Avery. Eddie did not give up on Avery no matter what. He was so determined to make things work with them.

Avery's been through a lot. There are triggers that you should check before reading. Self-harm being the main one (in my opinion).

I loved the story, I loved the plot, I loved how BDSM was a part of the book yet not a focus to the story/their relationship.

[Jill Hesketh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about healing and second chances. I really enjoyed discovering more about the main characters and what their lives had been like before they reconnected. What an adventure. A worthwhile enjoyable read.