Stepping Into Tomorrow

The Emerson Family of Shattered Cove #1

by A.M. Kusi

She’s on a mission to move on. He swore to stay alone forever. Will an unplanned conception seduce them into a happy ending?

Isabella Noveas is working through her grief as best she can. So following her late husband’s to-do list for her to press forward, the curvy single mom finally checks off a sizzling one-night stand. And with a terrible track record of falling for the wrong men, she leaves with only memories of a passionate fling… until the pregnancy test reads positive.

Nash Emerson is hiding from life. Still in pain over a fiancée who went missing five years ago, he’s not ready for anything more than an anonymous evening of white-hot chemistry. But stunned after the beautiful stranger reappears claiming he's about to become a father, the grumpy fisherman reluctantly opens up to a cordial relationship.

Striving to be a good parent to her autistic teen son, Isabella worries she can’t rely on the handsome hulk even when he ignites a spark of hope for happiness. And as Nash adjusts to growing intimacy with the Latina bombshell, a shocking revelation makes him question if he can do love all over again.

Can they overcome their fears long enough for their hearts to catch each other?

Stepping Into Tomorrow is the steamy first book in The Emerson Family of Shattered Cove contemporary romance series. If you like resilient characters, rollercoaster feelings, and deadly secrets, then you’ll adore A.M. Kusi’s vividly moving tale.

Buy Stepping Into Tomorrow for a future full of desire today!

*No cheating. HEA guaranteed.*

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Surprise Pregnancy

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 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 5 out of 5]

I love this story. It is a sweet, sexy, small town romance that gives all the feels. Bella and Nash take a windy road of events and emotions to find their HEA.

This story tackles BIG topics… loss, abandonment, autism, homosexuality, ethnicity, surprise pregnancy just to name a few. Looking at that list you might scratch you head and say, THAT IS A LOT and did it make sense? YES brilliantly so. Wink.

I can say this storyline flowed beautifully. I wasn’t just being told a story. I lived it. It was meaningful, insightful, and had words of wisdom peppered throughout.

The location of this book sounds beautiful and surrounding our couple are interesting side characters (family, friends) that enhance this story, making it even more magical and emotional. Hmmmm I am hoping for future storylines with some of them. Wink Wink!

Yikes I want to give all the details of this story but I keep my reviews spoiler free. Eek. I think I might need a good book club. Haha.

This is definite must. Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review of Stepping Into Tomorrow ( The Emerson Family of Shattered Cove #1) by A.M.Kusi

A.M. Kusi is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across this author before so when the opportunity came up to read and review the first book in the latest series I signed up.
Both Isabella Noveas and Nash Emerson are struggling with life. Bella is working through her grief, even though she knows that her husband was not the love of her life but she is determined to do the best that she can for her autistic son and that means returning home to Shattered Cove. Whilst Nash has never gotten over the disappearance of his fiance , even though it has been five years. When fate brings these two together than embark on a one night stand, not knowing that it will change their lives forever.

I really enjoyed this story, it was heart warming to watch the relationship that Nash developed with Eli and it melted my heart. There is so much more to the gruff fisherman and it was emotional to watch him slowly but surely come back to life.
The journey that Bella and Nash embarked on was rocky, full of ups and downs but if they dare to take a chance, they might just find their happily ever after.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Universal

Isabella decided to take a night for herself, a night she more than deserves after everything that happened with her late husband. But just her luck, that night has serious consequences, the permanent kind. She knows she has to tell the father, but she never imagined he'd end up being her new friend and roommate's brother. Her very damaged, grumpy jerk of a brother. Whether Nash wants to step up or not, though, will not make a difference in how she parents her soon to come baby, she will love him or her just as she loves her son Eli. But if Nash does decide to finally step up, will she be open to him in her life? Forever?



After everything that happened with his former fiancée, Nash has closed himself off to everyone and everything that might make him feel. So when a beautiful woman sparks something in him, it has him running scared. So scared that he reacts with less than aplomb when he finds out she's pregnant. But, she's already gotten under his skin with her bright light, and her adorable son Eli. Would it really be so bad for him to let Isabella in? He'll have to if he wants to be in her and their child's lives. Just how far he lets her in, though, may make or break their relationship.

I gotta admit, that Nash had my back up for nearly this entire story. His grumpy jackass act got old, but it definitely made for some angsty, entertaining reading. I gave him a pass because Isabella loved him, and he finally redeemed himself at the end. But Isabella and Eli are the true standouts of this story. She's so relatable with her insecurities, the kind lots of us have, her seriously strong backbone, her loving heart, and her relationship with her son. I am very invested in this Shattered Cove world the authors have created, now I'm waiting very impatiently for the next couple to fall in love.



ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Jeraca · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Every time I dive into an A.M. Kusi novel, I know I'm going to experience so many emotions, but also go through some real life issues as these books are so much more than you expect. Stepping Into Tomorrow fell right into that lane and I was sucked into the story from the beginning to the end.

I love all of these characters. Everyone has so many hurdles they are trying to jump over but there's always a ray of sunshine on the other side. Nash is such a growly, sullen, but so protective and present male main character. You can help but be intrigued by him and find out what he's been through to make him the grumpy sailor that he is. Seeing him open up with Bella in his life was so inspiring, and seeing him instantly connect with Eli brought a tear to my eye.

Bella is so strong and determined to live her life to the fullest. She had to put her dreams on hold, but now that she's in Shattered Cove you see her start to blossom to her heart's content and I loved every second of it. She took everything in stride, many things which were not planned in the slightest, but she never let that get her down.

Seeing the rest of the Emerson family was a hoot - I love them when they are all together and giving each other grief. I'm VERY excited to see how the next Emerson goes down the path of love!

I'm so glad I got the chance to read this novel and cannot wait to add it to my collection soon! I keep trying to get my friends to read these books and I will not stop until they have all read them (and hopefully love them as much as I do!!).

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This married team of authors really knows how to mess with my heart, as every last story does my emotions in, and Stepping Into Tomorrow is absolutely no exception. Nash is a grumpy soul which is understandable since his fiance is still missing & he has no answers so he's determined to be alone. He's down for hooking up, but that's all it will ever be, however, he never saw Bella coming. Isabella lost her husband & is trying to move on with the list said husband left her to move on & now she's up to the one night stand but she never saw Nash coming. Neither were planning for anything else than that hookup, but fate had different plans in store for them as that stick turned positive so bring on the emotional goodness with a complicated kicker as these two try to navigate this new future. Will they actually take a chance on something new together?! Or will they let their fears dictate the same ole same ole?! You'll have to read the book to find out, and trust me, you can never go wrong with A.M Kusi in your lives! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Katina McKinney James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a sneak of this story in Color Theory 2. And I couldn’t believe it was short. But luckily, A. M. Kusi did a full novel.
I got all the feels while reading it. It dealt with so many issues that I could and couldn’t relate to. The one that really bothers me is my weight and how not only I but others see me. I hate when they say, you better not get that big. Or you look like you need to go to the gym. Not knowing the struggle. Leading to depression. But now I love me for me. Not that it doesn’t still bother me at times. So I loved the emotions it brought. The love story that made me so happy for them all. And I can’t wait for the next Emerson story.
Thanks for writing about real life issues.

[Annabelle Trayah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to laugh, scream, and love this book.

Well, A.M. Kusi did it again! Creating characters that we fall in love with immediately. Nash is a grump in the very best way. Always trying to protect those around him, even if he goes about it in an ass-holey way. We get to see beloved characters from the Shattered Cove series and check in on them as we get to know the Emmerson family.
Nash and Isabella are so relatable in their pain and their individual traumas. When they are together sparks fly off the page, really spicy, hot sparks!
I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

I really liked this one!

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for Stepping into Tomorrow: The Emerson Family of Shattered Cove Book 1
This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last because as a fan of small town romances i found the blurb intriguing but the book was better than I ever imagined. This is Nash Emerson and Isabella Noveas’s emotional journey.
Nash and Bella are both struggling with the past and life, she is grieving the loss of her husband and he has never gotten over the disappearance of his fiancé. Bella is determined to do what’s right and give her autistic son the best and that means moving back to Shattered Cove. What she didn’t expect is one night to turn her life completely around…..
It’s been five years since Nate’s fiancé disappeared so maybe it’s time to move on but one night is all he will ever promise until Bella and her son walked into his life. So has fate put these two together for a reason, will they become stronger and move forward together. …one click to find out.
What a wonderful start to a new series, this book has it all, it’s emotional yet entertaining, it has wonderful characters who will meant your heart but it was the relationship hat Nate built with Bella’s son Eli that really stole my heart. A journey that was never going to be easy will meant your heart and I can’t wait for another visit to Shattered Cove.

[Kirsten | Bookish.kir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Stepping Into Tomorrow
Author: A.M Kusi
Characters: Isabella and Nash
Trope: grumpy sunshine, single mom, accidental pregnancy
TW: loss
Dual POV in third person
Favorite Quote: “Because sometimes to move forward you have to do something scary and uncomfortable”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️; 🌶️🌶️.5

I don’t even know where to start with this review.
Stepping Into Tomorrow took my emotions for a such ride, but in the best way possible.
Bella is a widow with an autistic son and some self-esteem issues. Nash still blames himself for the disappearance of his fiancee five years ago. All they wanted was one night with a stranger, no strings attached, but then Bella finds out she is pregnant. Nash does not take the news well. Bella is prepared to take care of the new baby on her own, but is holding out hope that Nash will step up. The character development of both Nash and Bella is a 10/10.
Their story was so amazing, I cannot wait to see what is in store for the rest of the Emerson family.

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

I experienced so many emotions with this read - just all over the place. As always, the content is real and meaningful, easy to identify with. I found myself shaking my head throughout in reference to single parenthood, specifically being a single mom, raising a child with special needs (how precious is Eli?), losing loved ones and mourning the loss of those relationships, and reliving those regrets like a nightmare on a loop. Bella and Nash find each other at difficult times in their lives and going through their journey with them melted my heart and also tore it open at times. It was just a heartbreakingly-beautiful story about two deeply damaged and flawed people who just need to be loved. And don’t we all?

Happy Release Day, Ash and Marcus, and thank you so much for the ARC! It was my pleasure, as always.

[Mayke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting this book to be so good! I picked up a novella in this series on stuff your kindle day, without high hopes to be honest. Then the novella was so good and it ended with the introduction of Isabella's story... and I had to know how it ended. So I picked up this book and all of a sudden it was 4 am!

The author promises diverse, spicy and heartfelt stories, and holy fuck do they deliver. I was constantly amazed by the awareness of difficulties and differences that are described in this story, from mute characters to neurospicy characters to characters that are actually plussized this is the first time that I've come across a fmc mentioning their actual weight in a book, and all I could think was: oh my god! You're my size! I had not expected that to feel so validating, but it really was. On top of that, the family dynamics are so recognisable, especially between the featured siblings.

The spice was amazing and really added to the storyline between Nash and Bella. Which, I have to say again, I was not expecting to enjoy fully since I actively despise the pregnancy trope. However, in this story it's not so much a trope as the main plotline, which is fundamentally different. I adored Bella's strong views and unwavering belief in herself and her son, while also admitting that sometimes, you just need help. Nash had some learning to do on that topic, but his challenges were legitimate and he came so far. I really loved these characters, the book absolutely sucked me in and I have added pretty much the entire collection by this author to my TBR 😂

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few books now by this husband-and-wife duo. I love them together. You can tell that they have a good writing groove as you can't tell that two writers wrote this book. I am excited about this first offering in this new series and look forward to getting to know the Emerson family better. Readers of grumpy lover troupe stories will want to get their hands on this book to read.

I loved Isabella and Nash together. Yet, I can't go without mentioning Isabella's son, Eli. Talk about cute kids. His energy is infectious. I felt Nash's sorrow but at the same time I liked that he did not let this make him become bitter. He warmed up to his feelings towards Isbella and what their relationship could be. Stepping Into Tomorrow is not to be missed!

[Andrea Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Catch Or Crash 🎣⛴️
I really liked this one. Enough that I’ll continue the series for now even though it isn’t on KU 😂Isabella + Nash
She’s trying to step into tomorrow while he’s still living with his past. Can one night change their course or is it destined to end in a ship wreck.
Have you read this one yet? What did you think?

[Nicole Sinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying this book was sooooo good! I highly recommend it!! If you are looking for a small town, a plus size woman, a grumpy man, pregnancy, and all the feels with spicey spice this is the book for you! I personally couldn’t put it down!!

[Manasa Kannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

OHMYGOSH THIS WAS AMAZING!!!
Kind of angry at myself for not picking this up earlier. The author duo's writing is fabulous and I am head over heels with the writing and every single character, ooooof the men are so well described.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stepping Into Tomorrow is the first book in the Emerson Family of Shattered Cove. It is the small town romance story of how Isabella Noveas and Nash Emerson find their happily ever after. Their story is complicated filled with heartache, loss, guilt, and so much more. It might seem like it has a lot going on, but the author does a great job at weaving it all together while taking you on an emotional roller coaster ride. There are rough bumpy parts just like any regular relationship would have and together, Isabella and Nash are able to get past their fears and step forward into tomorrow.

Isabella Noveas is still grieving the loss of her husband of 12 years when she finds herself at a wedding in her small-town. As one of the items on her late husband’s is to have a one-night stand, she finds the confidence to approach the handsome grumpy man aka Nash Emerson at the bar. And that is where their story begins and who would’ve thought that a steamy one night stand could turn into so much more. They both are trying to find a way to move on, to find happiness, and to let go, but as they get to know each other and starts to break through the walls around their hearts, they find that they are the final piece to make their broken hearts whole.

I love how the author writes about real life, experiences, struggles, and sprinkles in words of wisdom and comfort in between. This book gave me all the feels and emotions and despite making me tear up, I loved and devour every word of this book. The topics and words that are in the book broke my heart, put my heart back together, made my heart swoon, made me wish I had a handsome grumpy man of mine own, and made me want to knock some sense into someone for being so blind to what as in front of them.

I loved what tidbits we got about the Emerson family in this book. I love how Ricky loves to push everyone’s buttons and I am so intrigued to find out how Roman and Nova’s story. I can’t wait to find out more about them and December can’t come soon enough!

As much as I want to give you all the sweet, steamy, and juicy details- you have to read this book yourself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a good read about a small town romance with a HEA.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots Going On Here

In Stepping into Tomorrow, the writing duo A.M. Kusi throws everything but the kitchen sink into this romance and actually make it work. We have a widow with an autistic child, a stubborn man whose lost his heart five years ago and a meddling family to name a few.

Isabella is a widow looking to take that first step in into tomorrow as the book is titled. It's been about eight months since her husband passed and her friend kinda sorta talks her into trying a one night stand, which is how Nash is in the picture. There's a lot more going on for Isabella, than what she shows on the surface.

Nash is a gruff fisherman with a chip on this shoulder a mile wide. He's a man of few words and that made him perfect for Isabella and her him, because she was just his type. Thick in all the right places and not looking for any strings. Nash has suffered a loss in his past that also keeps him from moving forward. Seems like these two met at the perfect time, if it were only that easy.

I liked both Nash and Isabella. She was spunky and ready to take on the situation with our without Nash. She seemed a bit flighty, however that was easy to look past. She was perfect with her son, which I also found endearing. Nash was a tougher pill to swallow right off the bat. While I'm a fan of the push and pull relationship, he rubbed me the wrong way at times. It seems like the smartest men are so dumb when it comes to love.

The elephant in the room is the unplanned pregnancy for sure, but it was the end game that kept me reading. There was a lot of family involved, as well as pasts to unpack and sort out from both main characters. In other words, a lot of moving parts that needed to come together before the book could end.

Stepping into Tomorrow is well written and like I said, has everything but the kitchen sink thrown at the main characters. I loved the diversity and challenges within the families and made it an interesting read. While I have been to Shattered Cove a couple of times, which this book is a spin off from, it reads well as a standalone with a nice epilogue to wrap things up.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[thejadster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (5.0)

I received an ARC copy of this book and I am giving my voluntary review.

This is the first book I've read by this writing duo, and from this, it will not be my last. I was captivated by the story, it's characters, and the way the authors navigated grief, forgiveness, acceptance, and redemption.

Even from the title, Stepping into Tomorrow, we get hints of the overarching theme -- how to move on bravely.

This book follows the unexpected love of two people broken in very different ways. Isabella, a freshly widowed woman and parent of an autistic child has hidden from the world. She harbors secrets about her marriage that she has suffered through silently. She feels alone and unloved. But she is determined to grasp what life she can -- and an unexpected pregnancy in an already tumultuous stage of life seems overwhelming.

Nash is man driven to a solitary life by tragic circumstances and betrayal. He feels hollow but one night sees Isabella and finally feels something again. The resulting pregnancy stirs up his unresolved fears, and his immediate reactions becomes a barrier between the two.

After dealing with the fallout, the decide to partner together for the benefit of their baby. Oftentimes misunderstood as unfeeling, Isabella begins sees beyond his surface to the man below and love begins to grow.

For me, what made the sex in this book really hot was the emotion and intent. (and there a good bit of dirty talk!). It wasn't crazy stuff but just real and relatable.

This book was inclusive to all -- executed seamlessly -- it did not feel forced or with an "agenda"

This story was excellent because both character grew individually as well as a couple. Bella learned that she deserved to be put first and valued and Nash learned that his heart and feelings are important treasures.

As a reader (and a human), I am left with the strong impression of my impact on others and how careful I ought to be in my relationships.

I think that's the mark of a very strong writer.

[Aaliyah.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

{𝟺.𝟻/𝟻}
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
• sɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴍᴏᴍ
• ᴜɴᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴇɢɴᴀɴᴄʏ
• ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
• {ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs} Holy moly…. This book actually so good!!! The unexpected pregnancy trope isn’t my fav in my opinion but when it’s written good, it makes the story 10x better, and this author wrote it amazingly. I think I may have shed a couple of tears reading this book. The plot had me HOOKED I could not put this book down, when a women who recently lost her “husband” decides it might be time to move on so he has a one night stand and well things took a turn. Yes yes yes I need to get myself a physical copy, thanks to wild fire marketing for accepting me for this ARC because I absolutely loved it!!!
• {ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs} In this book we are introduced to Nash & Isabella. Both of their past were very heart breaking to read so when they finally made peace with it I was so happy like my heart was so warm, I am so proud of them!! Nash was very closed off and grumpy in the beginning but he couldn’t stop himself from falling in love with her, and though he pushed her away at times I think he really needed her. Isabella felt very insecure and it broke my heart to hear the things she thought about herself, I think a lot of people could relate to her. I think they were just amazing for each other, they made each other’s life better. Cant wait to read the next couples book!!!
• {sᴘɪᴄᴇ} Ohohoho there was a lot of spice, My man Nash knows his things bahaha.


𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝑨𝒖𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒕 4

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.50 Stars

Isabella Noveas had big plans but then she got pregnant and married the father of her child. And that didn't work out well either. At least she had her son. Now she is a widower and just met the most gorgeous man shes ever met and maybe its time to have her one night stand. And again her life is turned upside down, but maybe this time it might not be as bad as she thought...

Nash Emerson is just going through the motions. He lost the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with and people think that he killed her. So when he met Isabella at a wedding and she offered a one night of passion, he was all in. Because he wouldnt see her again... But... Then he saw her again and now she is pregnant with his baby... He cant do this... How can he protect her and his baby when he couldn't protect his own fiancé...

This was such a good read. I didnt want it to end. No matter how much Nash tried to not get emotionally involved with Bella and Eli he couldn't stay away from her. I really wanted Bella to have ber happy ending. She so deserved it😊 I loved them together. No matter how much he pushed her away the attraction between them couldn't be denied. Loved it from start to finish💖 I would love to read Roman amd Nova's story... Hope its coming soon😍😊

Read on behalf of
Fay's Corner

[Ashley Jasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Shattered Cove spinoff series? Yes please!

I can't put into words how hard I was rooting for Bella to find a slice of happiness for herself. Especially after all she had sacrificed, lost and endured. She was grace personified. Patient, kind and willing to do what it took to carve out a life of joy for her son, Eli. The fact that her chance was laying in the hands of the reclusive town grump only added another layer of intrigue to this unlikely couple.

If it wasn't the antics between Nash and his brothers, it had to be the way he was with Eli that put me on high swoon alert. That little boy was so matter of fact and so special. You could see just how big Nash's heart was by the way he interacted with him. Now he just had to lose his guilt over the tragedy of his past so he could move forward....

I was swept away in Bella and Nash's tale of loss, redemption and love. It was heartfelt and real but also tender and raw at the same time. You could feel the devotion leaping off the pages. And if anyone deserved a love like that, it was those two. I can not wait to get back to this town and see what A.M. Kusi has in store for the rest of the Emerson siblings.

[Brittany Baxa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that grabs you, pulls you in, and won’t let you go until the very end! I was in a bit of a book hangover when I started this and wasn’t sure what to expect (my first read from A. M. Kusi) as I was going in pretty blind! I was so very pleasantly surprised to be greeted with the curvy, somewhat self critical Bella, and related to her so quickly!
The story line was great… the build up of the character back story for both Bella and Nash was perfectly spread through the book to keep you coming back for more to figure out what their past held! While also giving some great back story to the rest of the Emerson family to pull you into the full series!
Seeing not only a curvy female main character, but a Latina as well was wonderful! Adding in a character with autism… chefs kiss! I’m here for the inclusivity!
I truly can’t wait to read the next book, and was so happy with this book.
I did give only 4/5 stars as the ending just wasn’t it for me. I was hoping for more closer on the Nash side of things. I’m hoping maybe there is more coming in the rest of series, or that’s what my guess is!
All in all a great read, and would definitely recommend!

[Ashley Bethany Boulaouden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by the author duo A.M. Kusi. I'm always a little skeptical reading an unknown (to me) author for the first time, but I am happy to have found this pair. Stepping Into Tomorrow asked the reader to consider how devastating life experiences can bring hurt but also joy into a person's life. In this one novel, A.M. Kusi included themes such as autism, the coming out of a spouse, unexpected pregnancy, and guilt over the loss of a loved one, but they tied everything together in a way that was not distracting but that led the reader to become invested in the lives of the main characters, Isabella, her son Eli, and the love interest, Nash. The only minor discomfort I experienced throughout the novel came from some of the intimate dialogue choices that seemed a bit over the top and briefly took me out of the story. Overall though, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author was new to me, and I can't believe I've been missing out!

Tropes: Grumpy-sunshine, unplanned pregnancy

Both MC's have lost someone, so this is a second chance at a happily-ever-after for them!

Nash was so real and relatable. So afraid of becoming attached and being hurt again, of letting someone down.

Bella's marriage was so complicated and sad for her. The choices she made definitely speak about her self-sacrificing character, but I love the growth displayed in the book in that she refuses to settle into the same sort of situation again. I also loved that she isn't a size 2 and she doesn't seem overly bothered by it. Nash certainly isn't!

I loved it! Was not a fan of their baby name, but hey, not my baby! LOL.

There was just enough mystery about what's going on in the lives of the rest of the family that it draws you in for the rest of the books in the series.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! What a great start to this series.
I really liked this couple. Isabella is a strong female despite the hardships she's faced. Nash is not hard to root for even though he's stand-offish with Isabella, it doesn't hurt either that Bella describes him as a stealthy lumberjack. Plus he's a delicious dirty talker.

Following the death of her husband, Isabella and her son move back to Shattered Cove to be closer to her parents. Before that, she'd been in town for a wedding and had a passionate one-night stand.

Ever since his fiance disappeared Nash has kept to himself. He feels a pull to Bella and spends the night with her thinking he'll never see her again.

Now she's standing there on the dock trying to tell him that she's pregnant.

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

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy for an honest review.

Where do I start?!?! This was definitely an emotional rollercoaster. I was all over the place. It's never a light topic when it's not just about grief, but moving on from grief. And these two characters rung the emotions out of me. The push and pull was heartbreaking to me. Nash is so broken and sometimes I just wanted to ring his neck. I felt for him. And then there is Isabella who just lost her husband to ALS and all the other factors that have shaped her. She is so strong and it's amazing to watch her maneuver through not just her grief but her autistic son's as well. And Nash and Eli...... don't get me started!! 💕 I will say by the end all is better. There are better coping mechanisms and lots of love. And the journey to get there was so wonderful to read!! I won't forget these two!

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing start to a new series this was! Bella and Nash met at a wedding and have an amazing night together. Turns out he is in for a big surprise! When Bella finds him to let him know they are having a baby, she did not get a good reaction. Both Bella and Nash have some major emotional baggage. Can these two unpack their baggage to have a happy life together? Between Nash’s past, the small town gossip and their meddling family members there is a lot going on in this book. I loved Bella’s son so much and enjoyed the relationship he had with Nash. I’m extremely excited about this family and can’t wait to get to know them better. The characters are amazing and entertaining. I’m already excited about reading the next book in this series.

[Imogen Dior · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Stepping into tomorrow was a good book. I liked the plot and i liked the characters. I especially loved Eli’s character- the portrayal of him and how it was explained and shown was really important and integral part of the book and was done in such a respectful way and he was honestly such a great character. Bella is a very resilient character and put up with a lot- she was an amazing mother and friend to those she loved. Nash was a good man who wore his hurt and pain like a shield which unfortunately was used against Bella lot. You could tell he was trying it just never seemed to be communicated the right way until the end. I enjoyed all of the secondary characters and the chemistry between Bella and Nash. It was a good story overall.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

AM Kusi did it again. That's all I can say. They're amazing authors and every single book just exceeded my expectations. If you've read any of their books, then you know they write pretty heavy and emotional stuff. Nash and Bella put me through the wringer just like the previous books I've read by the duo. It's just so heartbreaking what they went through. I cried in no time. My heart broke for them. The whole time I was just rooting for the two of them, to finally get their HEA. This is a definite must-read IMO. If you haven't read any of their books, this is a great start. You'll want to read more.