REVIEW: A Fallen Star by A.M. Kusi

In A Fallen Star (Shattered Cove Series, #1) by A.M. Kusi, With a tragic childhood he’s tried every way he knows how to forget and choices no one knows he’s made, Mikel Evans would never dream of having anything as pure and wonderful as Remy Stone in his life. Never mind she’s his best friend’s younger sister. She’s far too good for the likes of him. But somehow Remy works her way into Mikel’s heart, showing him kindness and love. Something he’s never really known aside from his two siblings and best friend. Just when he can almost see a happy future for them, Mikel’s demons come back with a vengeance, putting Remy in harm’s way. And it will be the fight of his life to find a way through the darkness. He can only hope he’ll be able to have Remy by his side when it’s all over.

“Loving you was the only honest, the only good thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Remy is sure probably everyone in her family and her friends know about her long-standing crush on Mikel. Now that she’s graduated high school and is planning out her next few years, seeing if there’s something between her and Mikel is at the top of the list. Remy is delighted to find out he feels the same strong attraction she does. Only, she didn’t realize exactly how tortured Mikel has felt for years. The trouble he’s in is pretty bad. Even though Remy knows love can conquer all, it has to be a two-way street–but she’s not sure he’s ready to let go of his painful past quite yet.

‘The once-strong warrior before her now seemed defeated. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly in her embrace, trying with all her might to infuse him with everything bright and good.’

A romance that was tangled up with raw darkness from the hero’s traumatic past, A Fallen Star had not only a gritty, heartbreaking side, but it was also all about second chances and a love so meant to be, nothing could stand in its way.

“You’re not the villain of this story, but the hero. A fallen star is still a star.”

Trigger Warning: View Spoiler »Drug use and addiction, suicidal thoughts/attempt, domestic and child abuse, murder, interracial romance, teen pregnancy. « Hide Spoiler

This is the first book I’ve read by husband and wife duo, A.M. Kusi, and wow! I was pretty much blown away by how epic a romance this was and just how intense things got emotionally. I won’t lie…it was a very tough story to read in some respects due to what our hero Mikel got himself caught up in and the terrible things that happened to him as a child. I found myself frustrated with his choices a few times. But I was seriously impressed with how Kusi kept things realistic and didn’t gloss over the issues Mikel faced or what it took for him to eventually overcome them. Who doesn’t like a story of redemption, right?

This was also a “best friend’s little sister” trope, which is always interesting. Remy’s brother Andre had been friends with Mikel for years and even started a construction business with him in their small hometown of Shattered Cove. I kind of loved that even though good girl Remy was a few years younger and had been crushing on Mikel for a long time, she was almost the more mature of the two of them and had faith in him when he didn’t believe in himself. She made some extremely tough choices along the way–one that I wasn’t *quite* on board with–but her heart was always in the right place. Talk about a strong young woman!

A Fallen Star was just the kind of diverse small-town romance that I can completely lose myself in, with its flawed, multidimensional characters and one seriously heart-stopping finale. A.M. Kusi’s books are definitely going to be on my TBR list from now on.
 

Book Info:

Publication: Expected publication: August 13th 2020 | Our Peaceful Family | Shattered Cove Series #1

She’s the only light in his dark world…

He knew the rules, but he couldn’t help himself.
Broken and beaten, Mikel Evans knows his place. And it’s not with his best friend’s sister. Used to his isolated and dark life, Mikel isn’t prepared for the deep desire Remy Stone sparks in him. Her forbidden and untouched body tempts him in ways he can’t fathom. After all, he’s known her his entire life. Mikel refuses to succumb to this one carnal need.

She’ll do anything to have him.
Remy Stone is done being the shy introvert. She has waited her entire life for Mikel to notice her. Now, she’s not holding back. She refuses to let him destroy himself and everything he deserves. Mikel may not be able to see past his own dark demons, but she’s going to make damn sure she shows him.

Love isn’t always enough.
Mikel can’t battle his demons alone. As Mikel’s past threatens to destroy everything, Remy fights for the one man she’s always loved. But this time, she may not be strong enough for both of them. Saving him from himself is harder than she ever realized. Can she make a wish on this FALLEN STAR to give them both a chance at a future—together?

Pre-order your copy of A Fallen Star to find out if love truly does conquer all!

***A Fallen Star is the first novel in the Shattered Cove series, and like all the books in this small-town romance series, it can be read as standalone. HEA guaranteed.***