Rumspringa: A Billionaire Surfer Age Gap Romance

by Odessa Alba

Welcome to Narragansett, Rhode Island. A playground of wild surf, decadent lobster rolls, and jaw-dropping wealth.

After a life-altering health scare, ruggedly handsome TwinFin surfwear mogul Ansel Wolf is ordered to overhaul his lifestyle and eating habits. On a business trip to Reading, fate intervenes in the form of Velda Yoder, an enchanting, sheltered Amish beauty with an effortless knack for healthy cooking. When their worlds collide in a chance Pennsylvania encounter, Ansel can't resist offering Velda the opportunity to escape for the summer to his oceanfront Rhode Island mansion before her rumspringa is over.

Velda, craving one last, wild adventure before forever surrendering to her Ordinung’s strict rules, plunges into Ansel’s decadent world of electric cars, seaside surf competitions, & private jets. As the exhilarating, sun-drenched days break down her inhibitions, Velda discovers carnal desires she never knew existed. With her mind and body now awakened to the pleasures of such a taboo new life, Ansel finds himself falling, enamored by her innocence, entranced by her lust for new experiences, and aching for her, despite their age difference.

But when a heart-shattering letter arrives from home, Velda’s summer of awakening spirals into turmoil. She must make a heavy risk permanent exile from her family and faith, or forever walk away from the man who sets her soul ablaze.
Rumspringa is the second standalone novel of Odessa Alba’s award-winning New England Billionaires contemporary series. Dive in for an emotional and heartfelt coming-of-age romance with a tear-jerking HEA, perfect for fans of age gap romance, billionaire heartthrobs, and unforgettable opposites-attract love stories.

Published by Rusty Ogre Publishing.

*** The Billionaire's Assistant - Winner of the TOP PICK Award - 2025 - Author Shout Literary Competition ***

Genres: Romance

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

About the author

Odessa has a passion for writing stories that rivet and excite readers and aims to create stories that feel like an escape from the mundane. She is an award-winning filmmaker, a cancer survivor, and spent well over a decade working in the movie industry on high-budget films and television shows. She's had a variety of tough and physical jobs but storytelling has always had a spell over her. She has enjoyed writing fiction since she was very young, scribbling rom-com scripts on spiral-bound notebooks in her parents' basement. She's finally found a way to put her over-active imagination to good use.

Though born in Wyoming and spending most of her adult life in the deep South in Florida and Louisiana, she now lives on the beach in Connecticut with her boyfriend, various small pets, and rambunctious jack russels. When she isn't writing, she's usually buried in a masochistic puzzle, tending to her massive vegetable garden, fumbling through an escape room, kayak fishing on Long Island Sound, or playing video games with her sister (who is also an author, writing under the pen name Aurora Alba)

Odessa Alba is a romance pen name (an easy way to keep her genre fiction separate for readers) & has published a number of novels in extreme horror under her real name, Erica Summers, and also writes cozy mysteries under the name, Trixie Fairdale.

You can sign up for updates on future Odessa Alba romance releases, discounts, etc on the newsletter signup of the Rusty Ogre Publishing website.

Reviews

[Polli.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this book turned out to be a bit of an education - for Velda and for me! Never having any contact with any Amish folk I remained extremely ignorant of their culture until reading Rumspringa.

Not only is this a dam good spicy romance but the MC's backstories are riveting - Velda and her harsh Amish upbringing and Ansel's surf business - both a wonderful breath of originality in a genre cluttered with tech industry CEOs and their fake relationships with their boring, sassy model secretaries or such like.

Anyway what I'm trying to say is this is a wonderful slow, but extremely hot, burn that literally drips with chemistry. Each chapter seductively strips away the layers of resistance that Ansel tries to hold on to as his feelings for Velda grow. There's a dance of desire here that you rarely find authors able to convey. So, yes, a great tease of a story and so worth reading.

As you can imagine this story has a play on a lot of taboos all deliciously woven into a character driven plot - and what a couple of fantastic characters Velda and Ansel are!

My only tiny criticism is the author uses italics as a form of emphasis, and Ansel has a bad habit of talking or thinking about the price/cost of things he owns or purchases (as a note this is mainly in the first half of the book). These are personal quirks. You'll probably not even notice them!

Apart from those minor details this is a story filled with a curious, acutely observed beauty, unforgettable in its prose, memorable in a journey flushed with an innocence that sparkles through the pages. Book hangover here I come!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story with some Jane Eyre vibes. I really enjoyed the main characters. Pleasantly surprised by this one.

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating story completely enthralled me from beginning to end. I was particularly drawn to the intricate storyline, the compelling character development, and the wonderfully engaging interactions between the characters. The narrator was absolutely perfect, bringing the narrative to life with their exceptional performance. "Rumspringa" is an absolute must-read for any romance enthusiast, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable reading experience. The palpable chemistry between the characters was electric, creating a truly immersive and exciting read. Furthermore, the author has done an amazing job of crafting a world that feels both believable and exciting, making it a truly special and memorable novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ansel finds himself having to undergo a life change. He connects with Velda who has the skills to make it possible and offers her a job away from everything she has ever known. Away from her community Velda gets an eye opener, and her small world will never be the same. Will she grab hold of everything that Ansel has to offer leaving behind her Amish roots. This intriguing story blends two cultures together for an overwhelming experience that has love unfolding for Ansel and Velda amidst the surfing waves where the wealthy rule.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. I'm not usually into the whole billionaire thing, finding it overplayed. However this book is so good I listened to it in one sitting, I just couldn't stop once I started. Ansel is clearly afraid of an early death. Something make him offer a shy naive Amish girl a job making him healthier food. Velda is still on her running around, but being female things aren't as free as she'd like. A job far away sounds like something she can't refuse. Living in the same house turns attraction to irresistible love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Alba's New England Billionaires series and a wonderful addition to the series but can easily be read as a standalone. I loved this well written and captivating romance. Our main characters Ansel and Velda are worlds apart in so many ways, but I love their connection. I also loved some of the education of how the Amish live as I'm not well versed on many of their traditions, so I quite enjoyed that. A wonderfully addictive read and I can't wait for more in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Juhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rumspringa: A New England Billionaires Book by Odessa Alba was so good. This is book 2 of the New England Billionaires series. This is the first book I have read from the author and she blew me away. The storyline is original and well written. You can feel the chemistry between Velda and Ansel, but did they have a happily ever after or did Velda return back to her Amish community? I guess you will have to read the book to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[I Kohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story of a young Amish woman leaving her small world to become a temporary cook for Ansel Wolf a surfwear mogul. Velda sees and experiences the forbidden things she never dreamed possible. In the end Velda must make a hard decision to stay in this new life with a man she has developed feelings for or return to her former life in her Amish community. Romance, fun and adventure lead Velda to the only decision she could possibly make. A very entertaining story with likeable characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I truly, truly loved the main characters, Velda and Ansel. The story is sweet, but passionate, and entirely believable. I truly didn't anticipate the ending, and was very happy with how the story ended. I also enjoyed learning more about the Amish community. This was a very enjoyable book. Highly recommend it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rumspringa” by Odessa Alba

-A fresh twist on contemporary romance with Amish roots and beachside vibes. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Velda’s strict upbringing collides with Ansel’s carefree surf-world, sparking taboo heat. The slow-burn is deliciously steamy, layered with character-driven depth.

Original, captivating, and impossible to put down—this romance lingers. An entertaining culture clash romance.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining age, gap billionaire romance, book that grabs your attention and holds it from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook was amazing I won't lie at first I was concerned with there being only one narrator for a duet but it is amazing! I also loved the storyline and was extremely happy with the HEA I just wished the sisters got one too!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ansel and Velda’s slow-burn romance was a very well written story. Watching Velda grow into her confidence and finally go after what she wanted was a joy to listen to. The story gave us just the right balance of sweet, smoldering, and empowering. The author delivered a wonderfully engaging listen, and the narration brought it to life with charm and clarity.

[Chasity · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading books focused on Amish culture. This book follows a young Amish girl trying to discover life before she is married. The MMC is a surfer who wants to teach, show, and protect her from the outside world. Overall I liked this story. It is a 3.5 pepper spice rating.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nickita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. The character's were so good. Learning about the Amish was interesting. It makes sense why they leave.

[Josslynn Borders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story! I was nervous at first about reading, I was worried with there being an Amish theme around it it would take a deep dive into their ways, ect. It isn't that that would be a bad thing but when reading a contemporary romance for me that would take away from the story. (To each their own, I'm just not a nonfiction person) However I was happy that it did not, it had their ways and rules but it didn't solely focus on that. I couldn't put the story down. I loved Velda and Ansel. I can't wait to read more. I actually haven't read book 1 so they can be read as a standalone.