Hope Between Us

Shattered Cove #8

by A.M. Kusi

She barely escaped with her life. He’s hellbent on helping lost souls. When a marriage of convenience leads to love, can their hearts keep them safe?

Brynn Smith hides her battle scars well. On the run and in hiding from a dangerous cult, she’s terrified she’ll fail to protect her child. And when the teen comes out as transgender, she’s taken aback by their gentle counselor’s offer to wed in the hope of creating a safer home.

Aaron Ridley channeled his own tragedy into supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Still grieving the loss of his trans brother, he doesn’t hesitate to share his medical insurance with a woman and her teenager even if it means committing to a legal union. And with violent cultists invading their small town in search of his new wife, Aaron vows to care for them all… no matter the cost.

Struggling to fend off painful memories, Brynn’s surprised by the growing feelings for her generous husband. And as their pragmatic arrangement transforms into a genuine connection, Aaron fears Brynn’s inner wounds could tear them apart forever.

Will a couple’s unexpected bond survive the destructive reach of her past?

Hope Between Us is the steamy eighth tale in the Shattered Cove romance series. If you like the beauty of diversity, pulse-pounding climaxes, and undeniable attraction, then you’ll adore A. M. Kusi’s riveting story.

Buy Hope Between Us to transform pain into joy today!

***Complete series. No cheating. HEA guaranteed. ***

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Interracial Romance, Billionaire Romance, Romance, Mystery, Friends To Lovers

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2022

About the author

A. M. Kusi is a wife-and-husband romance author team. Our novels feature diverse characters, are spicy, socially relevant, emotional, and always have a happy ending.

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Reviews

[Cali Gal’s · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved this series. They all are beautiful romance storytelling that doesn’t shy away from tackling hard hitting topics. This story is definitely included. Cults, transgender, abuse, and sexual assault are looked at in what I see as authentic. It does have the timeline that is true for the romance world. Yes that means slightly rushed. Haha.

I loved Brynn and Aaron. I cheered for them and all they had to work through. Brynn’s child gave me a new perspective on a topic I know little about.

Sometimes this story felt a little disjointed but I attribute that to all that it took on. I still feel it a worthy read and definitely recommend it.

Happy Emotional Reading Everyone. XOXO

[Jeraca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.

Holy. Moly. This book is FANTASTIC! I've read every book in this series, and I thought nothing could top my love for Pippa, but I honestly think Brynn and Aaron did just that.

Aaron is 100% amazing. I love how kind, patient, understanding, and calm he is, but he can also be protective, demanding and let his emotions run wild. I'm here for all of that, and it is such a great mixture of personalities I can't help but love him.

Brynn has such a traumatic part. I seriously can't wrap my head around that life style and the abuse she had to endure. She is a fighter, willing to do whatever she needs to do to protect herself and her child. Honestly, watching her express her thoughts and opinions throughout this novel, she is a Phoenix being reborn from her ashes, and I couldn't be prouder of her. Brynn is regaining her independence, and I love that Aaron played a huge part in that process.

I also love the normalcy that's shown for Danielle and the support she has in this novel from this amazing community. I've fallen in love with everything this series has given me, and the only reason I'm upset is I can't live here in real life.

These books pack so much emotion, so many real-life issues we have today, and make the reader fall in love with every message they portray through their words. Every time I finish a novel by these authors, I'm left with so many emotions and thoughts running through my head, it takes awhile to focus on anything else.

I recommend that everyone read this novel, this series. It will leave you breathless and in awe! :)

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by this husband and wife duo. I am quickly becoming a fan of their's. This book can be read as a stand alone novel. After enjoying this book so much, I do plan to go back and read the other ones that I have not read in this series.

What may have started out as a marriage of convenience ended up being one of trust, compassion, and real love. I really appreciated how Aaron approached Brynn with allowing her to open up in her own way and on her time schedule. She did suffer from post traumatic stress from men. Hope Between Us is a heartwarming story with engaging characters.

[Chantique (Browneyed.bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Aaron and Brynn's story so much. I devoured this book in 1 day because I couldn't get enough.

Brynn has such a tragic past filled with so much trauma I didn't know how she'd find her way out of it. In previous books she was always so timid and I couldn't wait to learn her story.

David/Danielle was raised unable to be her true self and I loved finally seeing her character blossom. I adored the friendship between her and Aspen. It just got stronger with her new found confidence in herself.

Aaron, ugh he was just the biggest cinnamon roll. He was so patient and attentive to all of Brynn's needs. He may be my favorite hero in the entire series. I always loved his character just by what he did. Running a shelter for LGBTQ teens and giving them a safe space requires a big heart and he definitely has one.

Everything about this book was perfect. It had some of my favorite tropes and kinks. It was about self discovery and healing. While reading I discovered things about myself I hadn't fully understood. As usual the writing had me unable to put it down, needing to know what came next. It makes you feel like you're there experiencing these moments with the characters.

I wasn't ready to leave the Shattered Cove characters. Over the past year I have fallen for everyone in this little town. I love getting glimpses into their lives with each book and seeing how much they've changed from my 1st time meeting them. This was a wonderful end to this series and I look forward to the spin off series coming in the future.

[Ashley Jasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start with Hope Between Us. The kick you in the chest opening? The powerful message? The beautiful love story? When I say A.M. Kusi went all out for the finale of this series, they left nothing on the table.

I absolutely adored Brynn. For the horror she survived. For her strength and sacrifice. How she pulled herself out of the hell that had been her life and started over. How fiercely and unconditionally she loved and protected Dani. Which is how she found herself playing house with Aaron.

Oh my goodness Aaron! That man is what book boyfriend dreams are made of. Kind. Patient. Honest. Accepting. Generous. Thoughtful. The way he turned his pain into purpose and dedicated his life to help others in need. The way stepped up and in for Brynn and Dani when they needed it the most. How he fell hopelessly in love and wasn't afraid to show it. How though his actions and words taught Brynn to see herself through his eyes.

But not everyone was happy about Brynn's change. Because when her past came back to haunt her, everything hung in the balance. My heart was pounding and cheering at the same time as Brynn's new-ish-found strength wouldn't let her go down without a fight.

Gah! I can't even put into words the emotional ride Aaron and Brynn's romance took me on. It was tender, powerful and came from the purest depths of who they were. It wrapped itself around my heart and just wouldn't let go. And that ending...just yes!

[Neeru Rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from the author duo and I am awestruck. This book contains so many sensitive issues which they have written marvelously. Their writting style let's you connect with the characters and also understand the pain and situations.

"Love with control isn't real love"
This quote by the authors resonated with me the most.

Its not just Marriage of Convenience story but much more as it sheds light on the darkness in this world. Though majority of the world has accepted LGBTQ+ there are many who still do not and it effect the youth specially when your own family believes there is something wrong with you.

The research done clearly shows in the book for all the sensitive topics like trauma, PTSD, physical abuse, LGBTQ+, cults and also about some people's belief about religion when every religion says to love every living being.

Aaron, Brynn and Dani makes you believe in unconditional love and happiness. It isn't easy to move forward with past baggage but when you have the right people it's always worth the try. It was very easy to be emotionally invested with their story.

A beautifully written book about love, trust, pain, grief, friendship and survival. A must read😁 but an emotional one.

Although it's the 8th book in the series it can be read as a standalone.

I received an ARC copy for a honest review 😊.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW JUST WOW! I love this writing duo so much, but I have to say that Hope Between Us just hit differently, and is my favorite to date as our dream team wrote it so beautifully while dealing with real issues. Poor Brynn, she's gone through so much in life, that I wouldn't blame her had she never left her house. She's managed to escape a cult, but said cult is looking for her, and on top of that, she has some things going on with her teenager which just added in another level of emotion. Aaron is an amazing counselor who is doing his best to help her to the extent that he married her. He's so good with her, as he doesn't push her, just does everything to make sure she feels safe. It's only a matter of time before real feelings are getting caught, but there's still so many scars that have the power to stop anything that's forming. Oh, and that cult is hot on her trail so will these two be able to have a beautiful future together?! Well, you'll have to hit those one click buttons to find out as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much! Each book can be read as a standalone and this book completes the series.

Aaron runs a center that helps LGBTQ+ youth. It's his way of channeling the grief of losing his trans brother. So it's no surprise to Aaron when shy David tells him that he's actually Danielle. Or that she asks for help in telling her mother Brynn.

Brynn is a mystery. She mostly keeps to herself and even though she's made a few friends, no one knows what made Brynn and her child flee their previous life. When her teen comes out as transgender she takes it in stride but what does take her aback is Aaron's offer of marriage in order to help her child.

Aaron is generous with his new wife and vows to show her that she is worthy of whatever he offers. But Brynn struggles as memories of the past creep in, undoing some of the progress she and Aaron gain. And it scares her that her husband stirs feelings within her that she's never had before.

Thanks so much to the authors and Wildfire for this ARC to review.

[Sarah Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 2nd read for me from this Author. The first book i read I struggled slightly with but with this one I am really glad i gave them another read as this one was brilliant.

The characters were engaging and intriguing. They pulled you in and held your heart. I absolutely adored Brynn, Aaron and Danielle. Brynn will do absolutely ANYTHING to protect her child, even fake marry a guy she barely knows, so that Danielle can get the help and support she will need.

The Authors have done an fantastic job with this one delivering a great tale filled with love, pain, acceptance, trust, friendship and healing. I will be honest these is something missing for me as to why i haven't rated it a 5 star but that could be because this is book 8 in the series and i haven't read the rest in the series. I will most certainly be going back to read the other books in this series as even though this is a interconnected standalone in a series i do think you have to read the rest to feel it all.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author and wildfire Marketing Solutions

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[Nadine (mckread_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of hope, love, compassion for others, but mostly healing. And healing is hard, right? There is no timeline and it’s unique for everyone. For those living with trauma survivors, it takes a great deal of strength and patience and Aaron embodies all those things. The way he accepts Brynn and her child just the way they are and gives her the space to heal from her past and discover who she is, however painful, is everything.

In spite of the subject matter, I’ve never smiled so much while reading. The writing is sensational, the characters beautifully, realistically flawed as we all are. I dare you to read one Kusi novel and not find one that you connect with. The last Shattered Cove installment and they went out with a bang!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in this series and is Brynn and Aaron’s story. Brynn has a traumatic past, and she will do anything to protect her child and herself. Aaron is kind, patient, understanding, and protective, and what starts off a marriage of convenience between them develops into so much more. This is a well written story which is emotionally charged, and with trust, compassion, and love, which leads to a heartwarming and steamy page turner. The only downside, in my opinion only, is that the storyline felt a tad disjointed in parts. I look forward to reading more from this talented duo whose work I recommend.

[Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start the New Year with an amazing story that had me hooked from the first page to the last. A solid page turner.

Aaron is a good guy, who wants to help Brynn and her daughter in a way that would seem extreme. He knows in his heart it’s the right way. Brynn and Danielle have been through the unimaginable and trusting is very difficult.

This was such an amazing story that I binge read it in no time at all. A storyline that was so unique and poignant. I felt so much for these characters. My heart broke but the author was able to piece it back together again. Bottomline this is a 2022 must read.

Part of a series of standalones. Told in the third person. It comes with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story. The entire series is a must read.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting for the authors to write the marriage of convenience trope ever since I started reading their books. And they did not disappoint. Brynn and Aaron’s story hooked me right from the very first page. In AM Kusi's true fashion, you know it's going to be heavy and emotional. But it's still heartwarming and swoony. It's just so different from what I've been used to reading, trope-wise. The authors always know how to blew me away with their writing.

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Between Us was fantastic!

Hope Between Us, Book 8 of the Shattered Cove series by A.M. Kusi @amkusinovels.

Read the trigger warnings! As always, an amazing book by Ash & Marcus, and this time it was about Brynn & Aaron. This book dealt with prior sexual abuse & transgender issues which can be difficult to read.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has so much joy and encouragement, it takes some really heavy and hard things and shows a story of acceptance, love, survival and strength. A.M. Kusi has a wonderful way of story telling that is unique and creative. Brynn is strong and resilient, Aaron is so lovable and swoony.

[Annabelle Trayah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in the Shattered Cover series has left me raw, with happy tears, and wanting more. This book was no exception. This story of a single mother doing what she has to do for her daughter is heartwarming and heart wrenching. The telling of three people coming together to create a family of love, trust, and safety is truly a master piece. A.M. Kusi has a talent for keeping the substance and seriousness of the story line while expertly writing the spicy bits. And let me tell you there are some incredible spicy bits.
I cannot wait to read more from this author!

[Helen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron and Brynn aka Miriam

I enjoyed the whole Shattered Cove series. Some better than others, but they were all worth the read. So happy that Aaron was able to find his happiness and Brynn was able to finally see all the goodness in his heart. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[TheBookedDreamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐💫

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

4.5