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Rumspringa: A Billionaire Surfer Age Gap Romance
Welcome to Narragansett, Rhode Island—a playground of wild surf, decadent lobster rolls, and jaw-dropping wealth.
After a life-altering health scare, rugged surfwear mogul Ansel Wolf is ordered to overhaul his lifestyle for the sake of his heart. Fate intervenes on a business trip in the form of Velda Yoder, a sheltered Amish beauty with a knack for the kind of simple, fresh-ingredient cooking Ansel needs. Before he leaves Pennsylvania, Ansel makes her an attractive trade her family's dusty farm for the crashing waves of his Rhode Island mansion for a lucrative summer of freedom.
Craving one last adventure before forever surrendering to the strict rules of the Ordnung, Velda plunges headfirst into Ansel’s decadent world. But from the moment she arrives at his beach-side estate, Ansel is consumed by his forbidden desires. He should be the one to protect her. Instead, he finds himself longing to be the one who finally ruins her innocence.
What begins as a summer of private jets and seaside surf competitions quickly crescendos into a carnal awakening that changes them both forever. Discovering a wealth of new passions, Velda comes to know a new side of herself the elders never warned her about.
But summers always end.
When a heart-shattering letter arrives postmarked from Pennsylvania, Velda is forced to make a life-altering risk permanent exile from her family and faith... or walk away from the man who has set her soul (and her body) on fire.
Rumspringa is a standalone novel from Odessa Alba’s award-winning New England Billionaires contemporary romance series, perfect for lovers of of authors like Sara Cate and Sierra Simone or fans of age gaps, billionaire heartthrobs, and unforgettable opposites-attract contemporary love stories.
Angst High. Guaranteed.
Published by Rusty Ogre Publishing.
After a life-altering health scare, rugged surfwear mogul Ansel Wolf is ordered to overhaul his lifestyle for the sake of his heart. Fate intervenes on a business trip in the form of Velda Yoder, a sheltered Amish beauty with a knack for the kind of simple, fresh-ingredient cooking Ansel needs. Before he leaves Pennsylvania, Ansel makes her an attractive trade her family's dusty farm for the crashing waves of his Rhode Island mansion for a lucrative summer of freedom.
Craving one last adventure before forever surrendering to the strict rules of the Ordnung, Velda plunges headfirst into Ansel’s decadent world. But from the moment she arrives at his beach-side estate, Ansel is consumed by his forbidden desires. He should be the one to protect her. Instead, he finds himself longing to be the one who finally ruins her innocence.
What begins as a summer of private jets and seaside surf competitions quickly crescendos into a carnal awakening that changes them both forever. Discovering a wealth of new passions, Velda comes to know a new side of herself the elders never warned her about.
But summers always end.
When a heart-shattering letter arrives postmarked from Pennsylvania, Velda is forced to make a life-altering risk permanent exile from her family and faith... or walk away from the man who has set her soul (and her body) on fire.
Rumspringa is a standalone novel from Odessa Alba’s award-winning New England Billionaires contemporary romance series, perfect for lovers of of authors like Sara Cate and Sierra Simone or fans of age gaps, billionaire heartthrobs, and unforgettable opposites-attract contemporary love stories.
Angst High. Guaranteed.
Published by Rusty Ogre Publishing.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
About the author
Odessa Alba
16 books5 followersOdessa 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 27, 2024
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.
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.
June 26, 2025
A cute story with some Jane Eyre vibes. I really enjoyed the main characters. Pleasantly surprised by this one.
July 14, 2026
I’m usually careful with the age gap trope but this one was so good. I loved how respectful Ansel was with Velda, how he cared and try hard to stay away from her, it was fantastic when he fell for her first.
I like how the health care awareness with the beachy setting was presented. The surf clothing company was very original too.
Also the author narrates it and the accents were chef’s kiss.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
I like how the health care awareness with the beachy setting was presented. The surf clothing company was very original too.
Also the author narrates it and the accents were chef’s kiss.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
May 1, 2026
Oh my goodness what a FANTASTIC Story.
I am so glad that I found Odessa Alba's books, it was like finding a rare gem in a pile of shiney pebbles.
I really enjoyed it despite it actually breaking my heart at times.
I honestly could not stop thinking about Ansel and Velda.
This is an age gap(13 years) romance and opposites attract they are from completely different worlds,Ansel is a Billionaire and Velda is from the Amish community.
Being from the U.K I know nothing about the Amish way of life and learned quite a bit from listening to this book.
Velda lives frugally and she is very very sheltered and knows little about the world outside of her family..Only leaving home to sell their fresh food at a market.
It is there she meets Ansel when he stops by to buy food from them.
Ansel has had a health scare and needs to manage his diet and stress levels,he is a surfer very fit but High blood pressure doesn't care about that.
When he tastes Velda's food he offers her a job as his chef to make him fresh healthy meals..Of Course her Parents forbid it..So brave little Velda escapes and takes the job.
This is where a beautiful love story begins between Ansel and Velda.
Velda goes on the biggest journey of all she discovers who she is and has a sexual awakening that turns her into a bit of a Vixen..lol.
It was lovely watching her grow and blossom,make friends and finds out that she wants more to life than being tied down to the Amish life,
I felt sorry for Velda she was basically being forced to marry a man she hates becoming his slave,she has become resigned to this future...Until Ansel shows her she can have more.
LOved Ansel he tried so much to be respectful and falls very hard and fast..he broke my heart towards the end.
They had a beautiful connection and it made me cry.
Odessa Alba's writing is stunning it is very informative,detailed and emotional..her words could be so witty too.The intimate scenes are written so well I found myself blushing.
If that wasn't enough Odessa also narrates the whole book herself too and it is so good..I could not fault it.
I loved her voice and accents..I didn't know some Amish spoke Dutch and Odessa really brought the characters to life through her voice...LOVED it.
I would definately listen to more about Ansel and Velda,I would love to know what happened to them after that ending.Will they marry,have chidren will Velda have a career something she never dreamed of having before Ansel.
This is a very steamy,sweet gorgeous love story and I relished every minute.
Magnificent 5 Stars.
I am so glad that I found Odessa Alba's books, it was like finding a rare gem in a pile of shiney pebbles.
I really enjoyed it despite it actually breaking my heart at times.
I honestly could not stop thinking about Ansel and Velda.
This is an age gap(13 years) romance and opposites attract they are from completely different worlds,Ansel is a Billionaire and Velda is from the Amish community.
Being from the U.K I know nothing about the Amish way of life and learned quite a bit from listening to this book.
Velda lives frugally and she is very very sheltered and knows little about the world outside of her family..Only leaving home to sell their fresh food at a market.
It is there she meets Ansel when he stops by to buy food from them.
Ansel has had a health scare and needs to manage his diet and stress levels,he is a surfer very fit but High blood pressure doesn't care about that.
When he tastes Velda's food he offers her a job as his chef to make him fresh healthy meals..Of Course her Parents forbid it..So brave little Velda escapes and takes the job.
This is where a beautiful love story begins between Ansel and Velda.
Velda goes on the biggest journey of all she discovers who she is and has a sexual awakening that turns her into a bit of a Vixen..lol.
It was lovely watching her grow and blossom,make friends and finds out that she wants more to life than being tied down to the Amish life,
I felt sorry for Velda she was basically being forced to marry a man she hates becoming his slave,she has become resigned to this future...Until Ansel shows her she can have more.
LOved Ansel he tried so much to be respectful and falls very hard and fast..he broke my heart towards the end.
They had a beautiful connection and it made me cry.
Odessa Alba's writing is stunning it is very informative,detailed and emotional..her words could be so witty too.The intimate scenes are written so well I found myself blushing.
If that wasn't enough Odessa also narrates the whole book herself too and it is so good..I could not fault it.
I loved her voice and accents..I didn't know some Amish spoke Dutch and Odessa really brought the characters to life through her voice...LOVED it.
I would definately listen to more about Ansel and Velda,I would love to know what happened to them after that ending.Will they marry,have chidren will Velda have a career something she never dreamed of having before Ansel.
This is a very steamy,sweet gorgeous love story and I relished every minute.
Magnificent 5 Stars.
February 13, 2026
This is book 2 in the New England Billionaire series and this one was equally as good as the first book. Odessa Alba has a way of writing her FMC’s with such amazing personalities that you feel like they are real life people. Velda is no different and I love the added touch that this book brings with the fact that she is from the Amish community. She is oblivious to how the outside world operates and Ansel is completely and utterly enamored by her. We will call him smitten to put it in romance terms. Ansel hires Velda to be his cook since he is now ordered to change his eating habits and this is where the story kicks off and takes a nose dive off the cliff of soft fluffy romance and turns into a slow burn, can’t put down, can’t resist connection between our MCs. Velda is determined to have one last wild hoorah adventure before returning to her very secluded very sheltered life in Amish country and Ansel is awakening all of the animalistic desires that she didn’t know she possessed. Ansel, like any other man, is torn between taking her advances and running with them or being the respectable business man he is and putting her innocence at the forefront. When Velda receives a letter from home, EVERYTHING changes and she must now make a decision that will change her life forever. UGH I can’t say enough how much I loved this book and these characters. Please do yourself a favor and add this series to your list. I promise you won’t regret it. On to book 3!!
October 10, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2024
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2026
Book 2 of New England Billionaires. Can be read as a standalone.
'Rumspringa is a heartwarming and racy coming-of-age tale with a tear-jerking HEA that explores age gap, fish out of water, new adult, surfer, billionaire, and taboo contemporary romance tropes.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Rumspringa is a heartwarming and racy coming-of-age tale with a tear-jerking HEA that explores age gap, fish out of water, new adult, surfer, billionaire, and taboo contemporary romance tropes.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2024
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2024
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 received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2024
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2025
“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.
-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.
December 8, 2024
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2025
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.
September 2, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2025
This was so good. The character's were so good. Learning about the Amish was interesting. It makes sense why they leave.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
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.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews