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The Emerson Family of Shattered Cove #3
Wishing for Yesterday
A teenage love that destroyed a family. Decades of stifling his true self. Two broken hearts fighting for connection.
Ricky Emerson has been lying to himself for years. Worried that living his truth will trigger scornful rejection by his family, the adopted playboy is terrified of his sole slip-up coming to light. So when the only man he’s ever kissed arrives at dinner as his sister’s date, the incorrigible flirt fears he’s about to lose everything.
Everett Popova refuses to hide. Fresh out of a disappointing relationship with a closeted ex, the experienced counselor is stunned to bump into the one guy who was violently ripped from his arms. But with his former lover still hiding their bisexuality, he’s leery of starting another hush-hush affair with more painful secrets.
As Ricky flies from anger to passion while battling their undeniable chemistry, he leans on the strong man’s patient shoulders when traumatic memories turn to sheer panic. And though Everett is swept off his feet for a second time, he’s petrified that old wounds will tear them apart forever.
Torn by old turmoil, can they overcome fear and bigotry together?
Wishing For Yesterday is the emotional third book in The Emerson Family of Shattered Cove contemporary romance series. If you like LGBTQ+ heroes, steamy action, and dashes of humor, then you’ll adore A. M. Kusi’s struggle for belonging.
Buy Wishing For Yesterday to fight for the future!
Ricky Emerson has been lying to himself for years. Worried that living his truth will trigger scornful rejection by his family, the adopted playboy is terrified of his sole slip-up coming to light. So when the only man he’s ever kissed arrives at dinner as his sister’s date, the incorrigible flirt fears he’s about to lose everything.
Everett Popova refuses to hide. Fresh out of a disappointing relationship with a closeted ex, the experienced counselor is stunned to bump into the one guy who was violently ripped from his arms. But with his former lover still hiding their bisexuality, he’s leery of starting another hush-hush affair with more painful secrets.
As Ricky flies from anger to passion while battling their undeniable chemistry, he leans on the strong man’s patient shoulders when traumatic memories turn to sheer panic. And though Everett is swept off his feet for a second time, he’s petrified that old wounds will tear them apart forever.
Torn by old turmoil, can they overcome fear and bigotry together?
Wishing For Yesterday is the emotional third book in The Emerson Family of Shattered Cove contemporary romance series. If you like LGBTQ+ heroes, steamy action, and dashes of humor, then you’ll adore A. M. Kusi’s struggle for belonging.
Buy Wishing For Yesterday to fight for the future!
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2023
6 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Kusi
35 books172 followersA. 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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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 23, 2023
4.5 Stars
First, I’ll start by saying, this series has an ongoing mystery storyline and while you are able to read Everett and Ricky’s story as a standalone, which is what I did, it would be much more comfortable read in order.
My heart broke for these two boys who were ripped apart so violently by such an evil person. I wanted to hug them so hard, but as adults… I loved Everett. He was amazing and sweet and true to himself and who he was.
Ricky was a completely different story. I understood his hurt and the internal homophobia, but the way he treated Everett was uncalled for and I’m not sure why it took Everett so long to have enough and walk away.
I’m glad Ricky redeemed himself and I loved watching him grow and come to accept himself and the feelings he had for Everett. They had amazing chemistry, and while I wish Ricky had fought his demons a bit quicker, the pace of the story was believable.
I not only liked the main characters, but Ricky and Everett’s family and friends were all amazing and such a great support system for these men. This was a well-written and enjoyable read that I could definitely recommend.
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
First, I’ll start by saying, this series has an ongoing mystery storyline and while you are able to read Everett and Ricky’s story as a standalone, which is what I did, it would be much more comfortable read in order.
My heart broke for these two boys who were ripped apart so violently by such an evil person. I wanted to hug them so hard, but as adults… I loved Everett. He was amazing and sweet and true to himself and who he was.
Ricky was a completely different story. I understood his hurt and the internal homophobia, but the way he treated Everett was uncalled for and I’m not sure why it took Everett so long to have enough and walk away.
I’m glad Ricky redeemed himself and I loved watching him grow and come to accept himself and the feelings he had for Everett. They had amazing chemistry, and while I wish Ricky had fought his demons a bit quicker, the pace of the story was believable.
I not only liked the main characters, but Ricky and Everett’s family and friends were all amazing and such a great support system for these men. This was a well-written and enjoyable read that I could definitely recommend.
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
April 19, 2023
Wishing For Yesterday is the third book in the Emerson Family of Shattered Cove Series. It is a second chance MM romance standalone book, but I highly encourage you to read the previous two books in the series before reading this one. But if you don’t want to or don’t have the patience to read two, then I suggest you at least read Risking Forever (book 2 of the series).
Every book in this series gets better and better. I love how honest, raw, and real (to an extent) these books are despite the emotional roller coaster ride they take me on. My heart was crushed, broken, and pieced back to together by this book. The topics and issues in the book might be controversial to some, but I believe the authors have approached them in a beautiful way. So if you are triggered by the mentioned of abuse (physical and mental), violence, cannabis use, and murder, you may want to read this book with caution. With each book, I have fallen more in love with the Emerson family especially Renita and James. Those two are two of a kind and we need more people like them in the world. I am a firm believer that families aren’t always blood-related and that everyone deserves love. Those two have not only showed that, but they live and breathe it whole heartedly and their children are the same way.
Ricky Emerson is the youngest son in the Emerson family and well known by most as the playboy bachelor and the family jokester. Life before becoming an Emerson is something he has never talked about and has kept his past locked up-shoved into the darkness of his mind to never be brought back to light. When someone from his past comes back into his life and brings all those memories to light, he realizes that he can’t live his life in the shell anymore. That even though his life has been filled with love, people, and happiness there has always been a piece of him that has been missing. And it’s from that moment on is where Ricky learns how to live his true life and confront the fears of his past so he can move on and live the life he always wanted.
Everett Popova decided to move cross country, close to home after his last relationship ended. Wanting to start new and fresh, he continues his passion of helping queer youth in their healing and self discovery journey and consults with lawmakers about legalizing cannabis. When he agrees to do a favor for a close friend, he ends up being reunited with the one person that meant the world to him one lifetime ago. While Everett is trying to avoid making the same mistakes, he realizes that he will do whatever he can to keep the one that had his heart for the past 25 years, but will it be at a cost to him?
It’s been 25 years since Ricky and Everett have last seen each other and at the sight of each other, everything from feelings to memories come flooding to the surface. At the age of 14, Everett and Ricky forged a bond and friendship that was like no other and everyone around them knew what was happening between them when they didn’t. A tragic event happened that caused the two to be separated and never heard of again until now. While Everett and his family embraced his new discovery, Ricky was forced to start new and live in the expectations of what everyone wanted him to be. As these two reunite and figure out who and what they are to one another, their journey to get there is a bumpy ride filled with lots of steam, spice, angst, and more.
This book was nothing like I expected and I’m not even sure what I did expect to be honest. I felt all the feels with this book and felt it all whole heartedly. Thank you Ash and Marcus for writing a beautiful book about love, self discovery, and family.
I recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a good book that gives you all the feels and isn’t afraid of reading something a little different. If you liked this book, you should definitely check out A.M. Kusi’s backlist and read the Shattered Cove series starting with Remi and Mikel’s book or read the Orchard Inn series.
Every book in this series gets better and better. I love how honest, raw, and real (to an extent) these books are despite the emotional roller coaster ride they take me on. My heart was crushed, broken, and pieced back to together by this book. The topics and issues in the book might be controversial to some, but I believe the authors have approached them in a beautiful way. So if you are triggered by the mentioned of abuse (physical and mental), violence, cannabis use, and murder, you may want to read this book with caution. With each book, I have fallen more in love with the Emerson family especially Renita and James. Those two are two of a kind and we need more people like them in the world. I am a firm believer that families aren’t always blood-related and that everyone deserves love. Those two have not only showed that, but they live and breathe it whole heartedly and their children are the same way.
Ricky Emerson is the youngest son in the Emerson family and well known by most as the playboy bachelor and the family jokester. Life before becoming an Emerson is something he has never talked about and has kept his past locked up-shoved into the darkness of his mind to never be brought back to light. When someone from his past comes back into his life and brings all those memories to light, he realizes that he can’t live his life in the shell anymore. That even though his life has been filled with love, people, and happiness there has always been a piece of him that has been missing. And it’s from that moment on is where Ricky learns how to live his true life and confront the fears of his past so he can move on and live the life he always wanted.
Everett Popova decided to move cross country, close to home after his last relationship ended. Wanting to start new and fresh, he continues his passion of helping queer youth in their healing and self discovery journey and consults with lawmakers about legalizing cannabis. When he agrees to do a favor for a close friend, he ends up being reunited with the one person that meant the world to him one lifetime ago. While Everett is trying to avoid making the same mistakes, he realizes that he will do whatever he can to keep the one that had his heart for the past 25 years, but will it be at a cost to him?
It’s been 25 years since Ricky and Everett have last seen each other and at the sight of each other, everything from feelings to memories come flooding to the surface. At the age of 14, Everett and Ricky forged a bond and friendship that was like no other and everyone around them knew what was happening between them when they didn’t. A tragic event happened that caused the two to be separated and never heard of again until now. While Everett and his family embraced his new discovery, Ricky was forced to start new and live in the expectations of what everyone wanted him to be. As these two reunite and figure out who and what they are to one another, their journey to get there is a bumpy ride filled with lots of steam, spice, angst, and more.
This book was nothing like I expected and I’m not even sure what I did expect to be honest. I felt all the feels with this book and felt it all whole heartedly. Thank you Ash and Marcus for writing a beautiful book about love, self discovery, and family.
I recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a good book that gives you all the feels and isn’t afraid of reading something a little different. If you liked this book, you should definitely check out A.M. Kusi’s backlist and read the Shattered Cove series starting with Remi and Mikel’s book or read the Orchard Inn series.
April 11, 2023
Once again Ash and Marcus wrecked my heart and melded it back. I was a mess and even hours after finishing the read I'm still lost in it. With every book the duo outdo themselves and I fall even more for this amazing family. As they are my favourites I was sure I would love the book but it's one of the top reads of 2023.
Ricky is the jokester of the family, the fun loving brother, the protector but with this book I got to see a completely different side of him. One that's vulnerable, who is lonely despite having this huge family, whose heart needs protection. I loved getting to know Everett as well. He is a loving, caring, nurturing, patient and a part of Ricky's missing soul.
There journey isn't an easy one. There were moments I could not control my tears and my heart broke for both Ricky and Everett. They have to fight the demons from the past both together and individually. Everett and Ricky both have tremendous character growth.
This read gave me heart palptations. I was emersed in the read from page one and completely lost track of time. This book is everything I expected and more. Ash and Marcus once again took the cake in leaving me an emotional wreck. Now I'm counting days for Nova's book especially after the teaser we got.
Thanks to Ash and Marcus for the advanced copy of this enchanting read.
Ricky is the jokester of the family, the fun loving brother, the protector but with this book I got to see a completely different side of him. One that's vulnerable, who is lonely despite having this huge family, whose heart needs protection. I loved getting to know Everett as well. He is a loving, caring, nurturing, patient and a part of Ricky's missing soul.
There journey isn't an easy one. There were moments I could not control my tears and my heart broke for both Ricky and Everett. They have to fight the demons from the past both together and individually. Everett and Ricky both have tremendous character growth.
This read gave me heart palptations. I was emersed in the read from page one and completely lost track of time. This book is everything I expected and more. Ash and Marcus once again took the cake in leaving me an emotional wreck. Now I'm counting days for Nova's book especially after the teaser we got.
Thanks to Ash and Marcus for the advanced copy of this enchanting read.
April 23, 2023
What a beautiful and emotional story this was. Perfect if you're looking for something angsty to read. Having already been introduced to Ricky in the previous two books, I was ready to learn his back story and to see who he would ultimately fall in love with. Well, surprise surprise Ricky had already given his heart away to someone from his past. But the words of his abusive bio dad swirl in the back of his mind and filling his time with partners he doesn't want to form attachments to.
Ever since he was placed with his family, Ricky has hidden his true self, afraid they'll reject him. So imagine his surprise when the only man he's ever kissed is sitting at his parent's dinner table as his sister's date.
Everett is only there as a favor to Ricky's sister. He doesn't enjoy lying to her family, especially when Ricky chooses not to acknowledge their shared past. The last time they'd seen each other was years ago the day everything changed and Ricardo was ripped away from him.
Their chemistry is still there and Everett is willing to give Ricky the time he needs to talk to his family. But Ricky still has moments of panic that cause him to run away. Will he be able to overcome his fears to settle with the man he loves finally?
Thank you so much to the authors and Wildfire Marketing for this ARC to review!
Ever since he was placed with his family, Ricky has hidden his true self, afraid they'll reject him. So imagine his surprise when the only man he's ever kissed is sitting at his parent's dinner table as his sister's date.
Everett is only there as a favor to Ricky's sister. He doesn't enjoy lying to her family, especially when Ricky chooses not to acknowledge their shared past. The last time they'd seen each other was years ago the day everything changed and Ricardo was ripped away from him.
Their chemistry is still there and Everett is willing to give Ricky the time he needs to talk to his family. But Ricky still has moments of panic that cause him to run away. Will he be able to overcome his fears to settle with the man he loves finally?
Thank you so much to the authors and Wildfire Marketing for this ARC to review!
April 19, 2023
Ahhh this book was everything! 🥹🥹
I stumbled across Ash and Marcus’ books 4 days ago and have been eagerly devouring their entire back catalogue since. There’s just something about their writing that pulls me in and has me relating to characters of all range and diversity. Ricky and Ever’s story was no exception.
I was curious about Ricky from the very start of the Shatteted Cove series and hoped he would get his own story. I felt his pain and his panic and the writing really pulled you in to his utter turmoil but his journey of discovery was beautiful. I loved seeing him grow with Everett and becoming a happier, more truthful version of himself. Ever was the perfect fit for him and was just as beautiful. You could tell he really cared deeply about everyone he interacted with and it made me love his character more.
These two are definitely my favourite couple in Shattered Cove and I just hope everyone else falls in love with them as much as I did!
I stumbled across Ash and Marcus’ books 4 days ago and have been eagerly devouring their entire back catalogue since. There’s just something about their writing that pulls me in and has me relating to characters of all range and diversity. Ricky and Ever’s story was no exception.
I was curious about Ricky from the very start of the Shatteted Cove series and hoped he would get his own story. I felt his pain and his panic and the writing really pulled you in to his utter turmoil but his journey of discovery was beautiful. I loved seeing him grow with Everett and becoming a happier, more truthful version of himself. Ever was the perfect fit for him and was just as beautiful. You could tell he really cared deeply about everyone he interacted with and it made me love his character more.
These two are definitely my favourite couple in Shattered Cove and I just hope everyone else falls in love with them as much as I did!
July 16, 2023
- MM
- Second chance
- Coming Out
- Anxiety Rep
- Found family
Wishing for Yesterday is the third book in the Emerson Family of Shattered Cove series. These books do need to be read in order.
My gosh, my heart continually ached for Ricky and Everett. Through reading their shared traumas, Ricky’s current struggle with anxiety and his journey to his own acceptance, I was a mess. Everett is literally everything. He was so patient and supportive of Ricky even while dealing with his own struggles and that mouth…ooof praise kink is strong with this one.
Ash and Marcus write some of the most beautiful heart-wrenching stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading. This series just keeps getting better! I can not wait to dive into Nova’s story once it’s released!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
Trigger warnings:
- child abuse
- homophobia
- Second chance
- Coming Out
- Anxiety Rep
- Found family
Wishing for Yesterday is the third book in the Emerson Family of Shattered Cove series. These books do need to be read in order.
My gosh, my heart continually ached for Ricky and Everett. Through reading their shared traumas, Ricky’s current struggle with anxiety and his journey to his own acceptance, I was a mess. Everett is literally everything. He was so patient and supportive of Ricky even while dealing with his own struggles and that mouth…ooof praise kink is strong with this one.
Ash and Marcus write some of the most beautiful heart-wrenching stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading. This series just keeps getting better! I can not wait to dive into Nova’s story once it’s released!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
Trigger warnings:
- child abuse
- homophobia
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
This book is pure magic. Can you say emotional journey? Yes one I am still reeling from. Eek. Truthfully I am not surprised. It is what always happens when I read an A.M. Kusi book. I find myself staying trapped in the story long after I turned the last page. Even now I am pausing to remember the golden words I just read. Be forewarned, this book tackled some hard hitting topics in a thoughtful but intense way. SOOO GOOD!
Ricky and Everett have unique individual stories but them together, especially with their backstory, had me wanting to weep. Why are people so mean, filled with hate and such ignorance? Sob. My heart broke thinking about the injustices done to these two men when they were still children themselves. Double sob.
Sexual identity, created families, and the beloved community of Shattered Cove are all part of the beauty of this telling. Yes, this story is MM but it is more than that. It is about loving the person you are meant to love and not letting gender be what decides that. Hug.
Ummm I would be amiss if I didn’t say, HOLY HOTNESS BATMAN, these two know how to spice up the page. It gives new meaning to drool worthy. Wink wink.
Oh plan for a BIG BLEEPING TEASE at the end of this book. Ugh I am struggling saying goodbye to Ricky and Everett (I feel a reread might be necessary) but I also can’t wait for Nova. EEEKKKK!
Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
Ricky and Everett have unique individual stories but them together, especially with their backstory, had me wanting to weep. Why are people so mean, filled with hate and such ignorance? Sob. My heart broke thinking about the injustices done to these two men when they were still children themselves. Double sob.
Sexual identity, created families, and the beloved community of Shattered Cove are all part of the beauty of this telling. Yes, this story is MM but it is more than that. It is about loving the person you are meant to love and not letting gender be what decides that. Hug.
Ummm I would be amiss if I didn’t say, HOLY HOTNESS BATMAN, these two know how to spice up the page. It gives new meaning to drool worthy. Wink wink.
Oh plan for a BIG BLEEPING TEASE at the end of this book. Ugh I am struggling saying goodbye to Ricky and Everett (I feel a reread might be necessary) but I also can’t wait for Nova. EEEKKKK!
Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
April 20, 2023
I am a huge fan of A.M. Kusi & this book did not disappoint! I loved Ricky & Everett’s second chance at love. Run, don’t walk to read this great book.
December 30, 2022
This one pulled at my heart the way so many more have in this series and the last(Shattered Cove) the authors did such a good job in explaining the emotions of our main character Ricky, and I felt myself feeling everything he felt; the dread, the anxiety, the fear. Everything negative he felt about himself. I loved the journey he’s had throughout the other siblings books as well as his own.
Everett was amazing, I loved how patient(almost too patient) compassionate, strong and just loving he was. He understood everything that Ricky was going through and was there for him, but he risked his own happiness to deal with a man who wasn’t ready to love openly or freely yet.
I cried in the end, it was so beautiful and at first scary because of the fight, it makes you wonder how ugly of a world we actually live in for people to still hate crime minorities.
Everett was amazing, I loved how patient(almost too patient) compassionate, strong and just loving he was. He understood everything that Ricky was going through and was there for him, but he risked his own happiness to deal with a man who wasn’t ready to love openly or freely yet.
I cried in the end, it was so beautiful and at first scary because of the fight, it makes you wonder how ugly of a world we actually live in for people to still hate crime minorities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 16, 2023Overall: ⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (5.0)
I received an ARC of this novel and am providing my voluntary review.
I read books one (I loved) and two (not my favorite) but I was so eager to read this one and IT DID NOT LET ME DOWN.
I am not a frequent MM reader -- so my perceptions are from a mostly M/F perspective.
There was nothing lacking in this book for me. It is full of the deepest emotion: heartbreak, transcendence, redemption, acceptance, and most importantly the spirit of humanity that continues to strive to be better than yesterday.
We have loved Ricky Emerson's playboy nature for 2 books now. The quintessential love 'em and leave 'em, moving on to the next woman, committment-phobe brother with a heart of gold for his family.
However Ricky is harboring secrets from his past that he simply cannot avoid when Everett Popova re-enters his life posting as his sister's boyfriend temporarily.
Ever has never forgotten Ricky. Bound by boyhood love and separated by trauma, he has always had a thirst to find and be reunited with the one who changed his life at such a young age. Everett has fully accepted who he is and lives in the power of being a strong gay man -- he refuses to hide his nature -- as there is absolutely no shame in who he is. Coming off a relationship with a man who refused to come out of the closet, he will no shackle himself to any other man in denial.
But Ricky is the kryptonite he cannot help but be drawn to.
Ricky's past has a strong grip on his feelings of what is right and wrong from a sexual standpoint. Emotional and physical abuse has left long lasting fears and perceptions of manhood -- culminating in complete denial of any possibility that he may in fact be gay. He is baffled by his continual attraction -- and his jealousies -- towards Everett. He finds he cannot continue with any relationships with women once he is faced with Ever again.
I won't go more into the story because it's something you really need to experience for yourself. What happens next is a whirlwind romance spiked with what I can only imagine are very real anxieties of a person coming to grips with years of trauma and denying his true self -- anger, fear, embarrassment, and concerns of rejection.
I did not expect to be so emotionally drawn into this story. It so timely for today and the way it was written was pure and honest. Sometimes when tackling an issue like this, an author comes across as having an agenda so it corrupts the basics of the story and the normality whatever the "issue" is. For me, this was simply a story of two men falling in love and dealing with very real issues. It's so natural and not overplayed. I'm staying this because it wasn't about a political statement -- it just is. A love story. That wins me.
This was so well done and I think my favorite in the series so far.
And let me tell you the sex was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (5.0)
I received an ARC of this novel and am providing my voluntary review.
I read books one (I loved) and two (not my favorite) but I was so eager to read this one and IT DID NOT LET ME DOWN.
I am not a frequent MM reader -- so my perceptions are from a mostly M/F perspective.
There was nothing lacking in this book for me. It is full of the deepest emotion: heartbreak, transcendence, redemption, acceptance, and most importantly the spirit of humanity that continues to strive to be better than yesterday.
We have loved Ricky Emerson's playboy nature for 2 books now. The quintessential love 'em and leave 'em, moving on to the next woman, committment-phobe brother with a heart of gold for his family.
However Ricky is harboring secrets from his past that he simply cannot avoid when Everett Popova re-enters his life posting as his sister's boyfriend temporarily.
Ever has never forgotten Ricky. Bound by boyhood love and separated by trauma, he has always had a thirst to find and be reunited with the one who changed his life at such a young age. Everett has fully accepted who he is and lives in the power of being a strong gay man -- he refuses to hide his nature -- as there is absolutely no shame in who he is. Coming off a relationship with a man who refused to come out of the closet, he will no shackle himself to any other man in denial.
But Ricky is the kryptonite he cannot help but be drawn to.
Ricky's past has a strong grip on his feelings of what is right and wrong from a sexual standpoint. Emotional and physical abuse has left long lasting fears and perceptions of manhood -- culminating in complete denial of any possibility that he may in fact be gay. He is baffled by his continual attraction -- and his jealousies -- towards Everett. He finds he cannot continue with any relationships with women once he is faced with Ever again.
I won't go more into the story because it's something you really need to experience for yourself. What happens next is a whirlwind romance spiked with what I can only imagine are very real anxieties of a person coming to grips with years of trauma and denying his true self -- anger, fear, embarrassment, and concerns of rejection.
I did not expect to be so emotionally drawn into this story. It so timely for today and the way it was written was pure and honest. Sometimes when tackling an issue like this, an author comes across as having an agenda so it corrupts the basics of the story and the normality whatever the "issue" is. For me, this was simply a story of two men falling in love and dealing with very real issues. It's so natural and not overplayed. I'm staying this because it wasn't about a political statement -- it just is. A love story. That wins me.
This was so well done and I think my favorite in the series so far.
And let me tell you the sex was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
April 16, 2023
I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.
A.M. Kusi never fails to deliver on a wonderful storyline filled with romance, suspense, earth shattering moments between all of the characters they have created. I'm always in awe after reading a novel from Kusi because even when I don't think I can relate, there is always something that resonates with me by the time I finish the novel.
This is my first MM romance, so I wasn't sure going in whether it would be for me or not. But again, I am now left with so much warmness and happiness witnessing Ricky and Everett's story from start to finish, I shouldn't have worried!
I loved how much growth was in this book, for both characters. To see Ricky paralyzed with feelings so many times and to see Everett be there for him to ask questions, talk about his thoughts, whatever it may have been, it was just such a precious moment. And both Ricky and Everett's family? Gah, get out of here, they were fantastic and I hope we can see more mama bears coming out and amazing moments in the future!
As always there were moments I wanted to shake the characters and show them what everyone else sees, but then again, there wouldn't be any character development if they just instantly knew how to do things and didn't have any hurdles to jump to get to the end result, right?
I am so glad I was able to read this novel and see Ricky find his happily ever after, especially with someone so amazing like Everett. I'm so excited to add this to my collection and I CANNOT. WAIT. for the next book coming up in this series!!
A.M. Kusi never fails to deliver on a wonderful storyline filled with romance, suspense, earth shattering moments between all of the characters they have created. I'm always in awe after reading a novel from Kusi because even when I don't think I can relate, there is always something that resonates with me by the time I finish the novel.
This is my first MM romance, so I wasn't sure going in whether it would be for me or not. But again, I am now left with so much warmness and happiness witnessing Ricky and Everett's story from start to finish, I shouldn't have worried!
I loved how much growth was in this book, for both characters. To see Ricky paralyzed with feelings so many times and to see Everett be there for him to ask questions, talk about his thoughts, whatever it may have been, it was just such a precious moment. And both Ricky and Everett's family? Gah, get out of here, they were fantastic and I hope we can see more mama bears coming out and amazing moments in the future!
As always there were moments I wanted to shake the characters and show them what everyone else sees, but then again, there wouldn't be any character development if they just instantly knew how to do things and didn't have any hurdles to jump to get to the end result, right?
I am so glad I was able to read this novel and see Ricky find his happily ever after, especially with someone so amazing like Everett. I'm so excited to add this to my collection and I CANNOT. WAIT. for the next book coming up in this series!!
April 21, 2023
I feel like I've been waiting for Ricky's story since the first release in the Emerson Family series and let me tell you Wishing for Yesterday was worth the wait. A.M. Kusi's first dip into M/M romance was emotionally intense, tender and sexy and had me hanging on every word.
I adored Everett. He was just a good man. Patient. Kind. Giving. And stunned stupid when he came face to face with his first love after decades apart. That meeting was one neither he or Ricky anticipated ever happening after the tragic way they were torn apart. But it was just what they needed to face their past and put those demons to rest.
That doesn't mean it was easy. It was actually the complete opposite. It meant facing some harsh truths about themselves. Letting go of pain and shame. Being vulnerable which was the bravest thing in a world that did its best to bring them down.
My heart was in the throat as things took a dark and dangerous turn just as they were finding their footing. But it was the push and pull, the longing and anticipation. The need and want. The hope that lived just under the fear. The sacrifice. That made Ricky and Everett's second-chance romance unputdownable.
I adored Everett. He was just a good man. Patient. Kind. Giving. And stunned stupid when he came face to face with his first love after decades apart. That meeting was one neither he or Ricky anticipated ever happening after the tragic way they were torn apart. But it was just what they needed to face their past and put those demons to rest.
That doesn't mean it was easy. It was actually the complete opposite. It meant facing some harsh truths about themselves. Letting go of pain and shame. Being vulnerable which was the bravest thing in a world that did its best to bring them down.
My heart was in the throat as things took a dark and dangerous turn just as they were finding their footing. But it was the push and pull, the longing and anticipation. The need and want. The hope that lived just under the fear. The sacrifice. That made Ricky and Everett's second-chance romance unputdownable.
April 20, 2023
Ricky and Everett
Of all the Emersons’ stories, Ricky’s was my favorite. I knew it would be good with all the hints here and there from previous books in the series, but I was not prepared for a love so sweet. Ricky is a self-professed lady’s man - flirty, smooth-talking, non-committal - who always shied away from relationship talk. He’d rag on his sappy siblings who’d found the love of their lives and created beautiful families, all while secretly craving it for himself. One fateful evening, at one of the many Emerson family dinners, his sister, Nova, brings a date that knocks Ricky’s world off its axis and sends him spiraling - forced to face a painful and forbidden past.
My first MM! If you’re familiar with Kusi novels, representation is on point, as always, and if you’re not, I highly recommend.
Of all the Emersons’ stories, Ricky’s was my favorite. I knew it would be good with all the hints here and there from previous books in the series, but I was not prepared for a love so sweet. Ricky is a self-professed lady’s man - flirty, smooth-talking, non-committal - who always shied away from relationship talk. He’d rag on his sappy siblings who’d found the love of their lives and created beautiful families, all while secretly craving it for himself. One fateful evening, at one of the many Emerson family dinners, his sister, Nova, brings a date that knocks Ricky’s world off its axis and sends him spiraling - forced to face a painful and forbidden past.
My first MM! If you’re familiar with Kusi novels, representation is on point, as always, and if you’re not, I highly recommend.
July 18, 2023
❤️Second chance
🌈MM
💜Found family
❤️coming out
🩷New-to-me author
💚Emotional
❤️🔥Spicy
🩵Intense s3xual chemistry
🚫Trigger warnings
I have not read The first two books in this series. There is a continued storyline mentioned several times from previous books. I do plan on going back and reading them though. Can't wait for Nova's book after that ending.
Ricky has had alot of trauma in his life. Being adopted at 14 after his biological father tried to kill him after finding him with their neighbor Everett.
Now 25 years later he is still hiding his true self until Everett shows up as his sister's date. He can't fight his feelings for Everett, but is afraid of how his family will react.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: 4/5
Sexual Level:🥵🔥🥵🔥
Series: Book 3
HEA: Yes
KU:No
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
🌈MM
💜Found family
❤️coming out
🩷New-to-me author
💚Emotional
❤️🔥Spicy
🩵Intense s3xual chemistry
🚫Trigger warnings
I have not read The first two books in this series. There is a continued storyline mentioned several times from previous books. I do plan on going back and reading them though. Can't wait for Nova's book after that ending.
Ricky has had alot of trauma in his life. Being adopted at 14 after his biological father tried to kill him after finding him with their neighbor Everett.
Now 25 years later he is still hiding his true self until Everett shows up as his sister's date. He can't fight his feelings for Everett, but is afraid of how his family will react.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: 4/5
Sexual Level:🥵🔥🥵🔥
Series: Book 3
HEA: Yes
KU:No
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
April 27, 2023
emotions and spice
Once again I loved the characters in this series. I immediately felt attached to Ricky and Everett and felt so much for what they've been through. Their journey was far from easy, but I'm so glad they made it to the other side.
The spice was so hot! Everything you want in a mm romance that you can't get in mf romance was present.
Even though this is book 3 in The series it could definitely be read as a standalone. Be prepared to yell ,cry, sweat, and swoon.
Once again I loved the characters in this series. I immediately felt attached to Ricky and Everett and felt so much for what they've been through. Their journey was far from easy, but I'm so glad they made it to the other side.
The spice was so hot! Everything you want in a mm romance that you can't get in mf romance was present.
Even though this is book 3 in The series it could definitely be read as a standalone. Be prepared to yell ,cry, sweat, and swoon.
July 18, 2023
This series continues to improve each time, somehow. My heart broke for young Ricardo and older Ricky and I just wanted to tell him to trust his heart. The Emerson’s are the family everyone wishes they had, and this book sealed the deal for me. I’m moving to shattered cove and adopting myself into the fanily. Thank you for this beautifully written tale of love.
July 30, 2023
This was a new to me author duo, and one that I now have on my list to check out more of their work. The way that they constructed this story you were able to feel all the emotions that were coming off of both the characters. And I just love finding new stories that have me captivated from beginning til the end.
April 22, 2023
I think this is AM Kusi's first MM romance and they hit it out of the park. Ricky and Everett’s story did not disappoint at all. And in true AM Kusi fashion, you know it's going to be emotionally beautiful. I absolutely would recommend their books all the time.
April 22, 2023
This was so good. The suspense and romance balanced out. The more MM I read the more I love it.
April 23, 2023
I really appreciate the diversity these authors have brought to this series. Ricky and Everett’s story is a great addition, full of all the heart and heat we love and expect from a A.M Kusi romance.
July 17, 2023
This was an emotional and spicy M/M story that was well done. I hadn't read the first two books in this series (though I want to now!) and this worked okay as a stand alone.
February 14, 2024
Complete, repetitive, insufferable angst.
Uggghhh - I wouldn’t want either one of the 2 leads, thank you.
Uggghhh - I wouldn’t want either one of the 2 leads, thank you.
November 9, 2024
The “will they, won’t they” trope went on for too long in my opinion. We also did not need to mention Ricky’s nickname on every other page but besides those nitpicking things, it was a solid book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2023
This was a 4 star story that talks about a love that held on for years.
Ricky has been battling strong feelings for years. He didn’t want to give in until Everett came back into his life. He fought really hard not to give in. Then their lives are in danger. Is he ready to accept?
I don’t read to many MM stories but this author has done a great job with it. The grumpy versus the more mellow man. I loved this entertaining and highly suspenseful story. Beautifully written with a seamless plot. Bottomline this is a must read.
Although it’s part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I highly recommend this story.
April 21, 2023
This was a heartbreaking and very emotional book. I did not read the first two books in the series that are m/f and just jumped in with this one. It would have been helpful to read the first two books so as to get a background on the families and characters but it was fine to read as a stand alone. This is a book about first love as teens and then second chances. Everett and Ricky meet as teens, they are neighbours. Ricky's mum has cancer and his dad is abusive so he spends lots of time with Everett but then Ricky's dad catches them kissing and everything changes that night.
Twenty five years later and Ricky appears happy and is living with his adopted family who took him in after that dreadful night. They are a loving and very close family. A lot happened in Everett's live after that night also. He studied at university and also lived in California but has recently moved closer too home and is now best friends with Nova, who just happens to be Ricky's adopted sister. He promises to be her 'friend' for the holidays to get her family of her back about settling down. Little did he know that his first love Ricardo is now Ricky and is Nova's brother!
It's a huge shock to both of them meeting again and it sets of fears and memories in Ricky that he hasn't had to deal with in ages. The fear of how his new family will react if they knew he was into a man. The fear and self hate his father put in his head about being gay. But then why is he jealous of Everett and why can't he stop thinking about him? Everett is openly gay and refuses to get in the closet for anyone again as he had a bad experience with his previous closeted boyfriend. He is patient with Ricky but at. times I think he doesn't realise how messed up Ricky's head is after that night 25 years ago. They have a lot of work ahead if they are going to make this work and will have to decide of heir love is worth fighting for. Both families were amazing and supportive. The secondary characters added to the story. I was on the edge of my seat the waiting for something terrible to happen and when it did, it wasn't what I was expecting! I found the book very engaging, funny at times, tearing up at others. I think it was well written and being my first book by this team of authors, I really enjoyed it.
Twenty five years later and Ricky appears happy and is living with his adopted family who took him in after that dreadful night. They are a loving and very close family. A lot happened in Everett's live after that night also. He studied at university and also lived in California but has recently moved closer too home and is now best friends with Nova, who just happens to be Ricky's adopted sister. He promises to be her 'friend' for the holidays to get her family of her back about settling down. Little did he know that his first love Ricardo is now Ricky and is Nova's brother!
It's a huge shock to both of them meeting again and it sets of fears and memories in Ricky that he hasn't had to deal with in ages. The fear of how his new family will react if they knew he was into a man. The fear and self hate his father put in his head about being gay. But then why is he jealous of Everett and why can't he stop thinking about him? Everett is openly gay and refuses to get in the closet for anyone again as he had a bad experience with his previous closeted boyfriend. He is patient with Ricky but at. times I think he doesn't realise how messed up Ricky's head is after that night 25 years ago. They have a lot of work ahead if they are going to make this work and will have to decide of heir love is worth fighting for. Both families were amazing and supportive. The secondary characters added to the story. I was on the edge of my seat the waiting for something terrible to happen and when it did, it wasn't what I was expecting! I found the book very engaging, funny at times, tearing up at others. I think it was well written and being my first book by this team of authors, I really enjoyed it.
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