Almost Ravaged

by Abby Millsaps

Prepare to be swept away by Almost Ravaged, the first book in an all new dark, why choose, college hockey trilogy from bestselling author Abby Millsaps.

They say you never forget your first love.

What they don’t say is how hard it is to move on when he happens to be the trifecta: a brooding hockey player, your brother’s best friend, AND the keeper of your darkest secret.

I spent three years trying to get over Tytus Tremblay, only to slingshot right back into his orbit when we’re reunited at Holt University.

But Tytus isn’t the only man on my radar anymore.

I have a new enemy in the form of Mercer Eden, an arrogant, condescending professor almost twice my age who happens to be my boss. Then there’s his sweet, bashful best friend, Noah Henry, the owner of Evercrisp Orchard.

The pleasure Mercer and Noah offer me—individually, and together—is the primal distraction I live for. It just might be what I need to finally forget my first love and move on with my life.

But then Tytus makes a life-altering choice that affects us all, and one thing becomes abundantly clear: he never plans to let me go.

Genres: Why Choose, Romance, Reverse Harem, Dark Romance, Hockey, Sports Romance, Friends To Lovers

339 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2025

About the author

Abby Millsaps is an author and storyteller who's been obsessed with writing romance since middle school. In eighth grade, she failed to qualify for the Power of the Pen State Championships because all her submissions contained the same theme: young people falling in love. #LookAtHerNow

She's best known for writing unapologetically angsty romance that causes emotional damage for her readers. Abby prides herself in writing authentic characters while weaving mental health, chronic illness, and neurodiverse representation into the fabric of her stories.

Abby met her husband at a house party the summer before her freshman year of college. He had a secret pizza stashed in the trunk of his car that he was saving for a midnight snack—how was she supposed to resist that level of golden retriever energy and preparedness? When Abby isn't writing, she's reading, traveling, and raising her three daughters.

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Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer Davvies and her twin brother, Atticus, have a unique and tragic history with Tytus Tremblay.

A bit of a codependent relationship, it’s no shock that all three end up together at Holt University. What is a surprise: that Sawyer and Tytus’ timing is never quite right.

Ready to move on from her first love, the brooding hockey player, Sawyer is quickly taken with Professor Mercer Eden. Despite a budding, albeit secret relationship with the professor, she can’t fight the burgeoning feelings that are developing for the melancholy owner of Evercrisp Orchard, Noah Henry.

This story did not ask politely. The hammer was dropped from the first chapter. Our characters, with all their baggage, barreled their way into my head and heart, leaving me rooted to the edge of my seat with every word. That is until I jumped up and threw my Kindle when I read the words “the end.“

In all seriousness, Abby has perfected the why choose. I feel like so many times in a RH, our leading male characters blend into one, with little to no individual identity. I appreciate that each character stands on his own, not only within the relationship, but also with his own temperament, personality, and backstory.

I, quite literally, cannot wait for the next installment of this new series. I am in love with the setting, the characters, and the story itself.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😭☺️🥰🥵🤯
Ending: 🧗🏻‍♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻👨🏼‍🤝‍👨🏻 {Multiple | Present}

🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult, Sports

✨ Tropes: Age Gap (18), Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Friends-to-Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine, Why Choose (Slow Build), Workplace
 
💫 Microtropes: Alphahole, Boy Obsessed, College, Coming of Age, Curvy Woman, “Good Girl”, It’s Always Been You, 🏳️‍🌈, Jealous/Possessive, Pet Name, Pierced 🐓, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past

💋 Kinks: CNC, Cum Jammer, Degradation (Mild), Dirty Talk, Domination, Primal, Snowballing

⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!

🚩 Safety Squad: Child Abușe (Not by MMC, Past), Parental Death, Unalìvíng, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📣 Type: Almost Ravaged is the first book in the Men of Evercrisp Orchard series and ends on a cliffhanger. This series must be read in order.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Kelsey H · Rating 3 out of 5]

FMC - Sawyer: 3 🌟
MMC - Tytus: 3 🌟
MMC - Mercer: 4 🌟
MMC - Noah: 5 🌟
SPICE: 🌶 🌶 🌶

LIKES: The book started off strong, had a really traumatic beginning that hooked me right in. I really loved Noah's character. They're all battling with some kind of demons, but he's the one that spoke to me the most. The characters all had good tension between them, and there were some fun smutty scenes. There are also a few unanswered questions about each of their pasts that will leave you more than a little curious!

DISLIKES: I normally really enjoy why choose romances, but this fell short for me for a few reasons. I like when the male characters all have a good dynamic to start off with. Mercer and Noah are long-time friends, so I was hoping for more of connection there or more of an impactful moment, being that Noah has never shared before and that he's also dealing with a lot of grief. Also, Tytus, who was the first MMC introduced and who has the greatest connection with Sawyer out of all of them, was pretty much tossed to the side because Sawyer was too impatient. I know there's more to the series, so I'm sure he'll get his chance with her. But as it is, he's been brushed aside.

*spoiler alert* The spice also was hit or miss. The corn field scene was really good until the ear of corn came into the picture, and then it lost me. I've read some fantastic food play scenes before, but this was not it lol.

That ending also totally threw me. Am I curious as to what comes next after that cliffhanger? Sure! Am I absolutely chomping at the bit to find out? Not exactly :/ Overall, the book was an entertaining read, but I've definitely read better why choose romances.

Huge thank you to Valentine PR for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A new why choose series from Abby Millsaps!? Sign me up! And it takes place at an orchid!?!?! The fall vibes of my dreams. This one actually started out as a slow burn, which didn't make me mad at all. I'm so happy we got to see the heroine really develop a relationship with the two new guys, and also deal with the development (or lack thereof) of her relationship with her brother's best friend. The professor scenes were sooooo good and I actually really love the orchard hero so much. The ending realllyyy threw me off, though, and I'm just confused 🤣 So I'm really intrigued to see how book two goes!!

[Abby Millsaps]

Available now!

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
https://geni.us/AlmostRavaged

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/44Bav4P

❤️ Why Choose
🏒 Hockey Romance
🍁 Fall Semester in Northeast Ohio
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
🌅 Fresh Starts for Everyone
❤️‍🔥 Friends to Not-Quite-Lovers
🙌 Double Age Gap
🍎 Grumpy Apple Orchard Owner
👨‍🏫 Broody Professor
🌽 Primal Play
😤 Secretly Possessive
🥅 Jersey Moment with the Wrong MMC

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️

Dear Abby,
Why do I continue to allow myself to be hurt by you and your books? Oh, maybe I know why. I know I get some of the spiciest spice to ever spice. I know I get not 1, not 2, but 3(or more) of the yummiest, filthiest, sweetest, most unhinged men who are SO down bad for their woman. I get a bad 🍑 FMC, who’s guaranteed to put those men in their place, every time. And I get to experience all the ups, the downs, the sad, the happy, and everything in between each time you release a book. Forget everything I said about the hurt, it’s all worth it. Xx Cee.

Wondering what to pick up? Looking for your next read? Maybe you’ve been waiting for this one for a while. Well, lucky for you, the men of Evercrisp Orchard are here, at your service 🫡

Sawyer, her twin brother, and their foster brother Tytus are starting anew. They’re all together, they’re all excited for a fresh start, and they’re all heading down exciting paths. They’ve all got their trauma to deal with, but hey? New city, new opportunities!

Sawyer doesn’t want to fight what she’s feeling for her professor, his best friend & orchard owner, Noah, or the man she’s been in love with for the better part of her life.. But some things just come natural. And right now? What she thought was simple quickly becomes complicated. Can she really let herself have it all? Or will it all come crashing down?

Evercrisp Orchard is guaranteed to give you a sweet tooth, have you throwing your kindle, screaming, staring at the wall, grabbing your vibe, and then absolutely losing it again until the very end. I can’t wait to continue this series, and you know I’m going to be Dear Abby-ing about those too 😉 I’m sending you my therapy bill Mrs.Millsaps !

[madmanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️

Abby Millsaps has redeemed corn 🌽 for me. Also I am now horny for laser tag and I will not be commenting further on that.

ANYWHO! If you love why choose romance, professor X student relationships, apple orchards and all things fall, you MUST add this one to your TBR.

🍎 Why choose MMFM
🏒 Hockey player MMC
👴🏽 Double Age Gap
🐺 Primal Play
🐝 Bee Daddy / Orchard owner MMC
✏️ Professor X Student
🍂 Fall Vibes
❤️‍🔥 Twin Brother’s Best Friend

I went into this book mostly blind and I would also recommend the same. Just know that Sawyer is a badass FMC who is pursuing her graduate degree and gets surrounded by 3 absolutely perfect men who are so different but complement each other & her so well!!!

The emotions will have you all in your feels, the spice will hit you harder than a fireside Hot Toddy, and you’ll be looking up the closest corn maze in your area, guaranteed!

This was my first book from this author but I need to read her backlist immediately because this book truly had it all. Mystery, swoon, spice, moments that made my heart fall through my cheeks.

I. Am. Unwell. THAT CLIFFHANGER??? Ms. Millsaps!!! PLEASE. Thank goodness this series follows a rapid release because I need to know what’s happening.

Thank you so much to Abby Millsaps and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read Almost Ravaged as an ARC!

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

That ending?! Didn’t see it coming 😅

Now that I’ve had some time to collect my thoughts. This is the first book in Abby’s new series. To be completely honest, I wasn’t quite sure where Abby was taking us with this new series. The beginning of the book took me by surprise. But in Abby we trust and man did she deliver! The story starts off with chemistry and tension between Sawyer and Tytus. After all she’s her best friend’s sister. They all go off to college together and are excited to start fresh. Sawyer, I wasn’t expecting so many facets to her, but I loved it. And then hello Mercer and Noah 🔥 🌽 I loved this book so much. But man did that ending catch me off guard! I was not expecting anything like it. I know Abby loves to leave us reeling with big cliffys, but again she blew my mind! I cannot wait to see where the storyline takes us from here because there’s a lot of potential possibilities here. And I fear we have a ways to go to get to our HEA 😅 jury is also out on who’s my fave MMC just yet, but I’ve got a bone to pick with one in particular.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The really fun thing about RH books is there are SO many trope options. In this one, there’s best friend to lovers, professor and student-ish/workplace romance, significant age gap, foster brother, and brother’s best friend…why choose?!

So the setup - Sawyer, her twin brother, and his best friend Tytus are at college. You’ve got the best friend/foster brother/bro’s bff thing going on with Tytus. Then there’s Mercer, the enigmatic professor. She’s his graduate assistant so we avoid *actual* teacher student stuff. There’s definitely dislike at the start though, and it is a workplace romance. Then we meet his bff Noah. He is grieving his wife’s death. Mercer and Noah have been friends longer than Sawyer has been alive (age gap: check).

Categorising this book is a bit tricky. It gives off some dark hockey/academia vibes at the start, but winds up more contemporary romance. It’s the first book of a trilogy and does end on a cliffhanger (of sorts…more like a mic drop in my opinion). Part of the book is set in an apple orchard, which gives cosy vibes with a grandmother baking pies. There’s also an exuberent dog called Shiloh, lots of banter, and beekeeping as therapy.

The book is slow burn and open door (or…corn maze…or hockey rink…). There are a significant number of themes that will be challenging for some readers, including violent deaths, grief and trauma, depression, and abusive parenting. If you can move past the triggers, it’s a good read that I tore through pretty quickly. I’m looking forward to see how the dynamics shift across the next few books. Any why choose fan would enjoy this.

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Reverse Harem
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Brothers Best Friend
*Hockey Elements
*Professor/GA
*Age Gaps
*Family Trauma
*Building Harem (3?)
*Fast Burn
*Book 1 / 3
Super start to series 😊
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this new series from Abby and this first book did not disappoint 😃 the first few chapters shape the whole premise of this book and oh boy is it heart wrenching 😭 it draws Sawyer her twin Atty and his best friend Ty into a secret that could destroy them all 😣 it then flips to the present and in that time Sawyer has become a women with confidence who isn’t afraid to go after what she seeks, she has a tenacity and grit with sass to boot! It appears the connection between Sawyer and Ty is still something more than friends (the chemistry between them is off the charts 🔥🔥) and Ty, despite his own trauma, has a clear possessive she is mine streak 😍 however life is a rollercoaster of will they won’t they!
Starting at a new school is a chance for Atty, Sawyer and Ty to start afresh and it’s there Sawyer makes her own connections to help her move on - there’s broody haughty Professor Mercer who challenges her brains and has a dominant side which comes out to play 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and then there’s his friend Noah who has his own grief to deal with but this young woman certainly challenges his beliefs and brings him out of his shell 🥰 one thing for me was I found the pacing with Ty was a bit slow and him disappearing, it then seemed to be rather quick with Merce and Noah.
The focus is very much on them and their relationships 💕 rather than any other outside drama! Although that mic drop at the end may very well create its own drama for Sawyer and her guys 😮

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
He looks at me like he can see right into the depths of my soul. He looks at me like I’m a craving, or something he wants to consume but won’t allow himself to have.

Holy shirt balls! First Abby hits us square in the jaw with tragedy, then she gives us so much hope, only to smash our hearts to pieces with a killer of a cliffhanger.

I ache for Tytus and Sawyer. So close. So much potential. But star crossed. Too much pain between them. Not enough communication. They brought me to tears.

Mercer and Noah are amazing. One is domineering. One is soft and kind. Both have been touched by their own tragedies. Their budding relationship with Sawyer was such a fun read. They’re the hope Abby dangled in front of us.

Mixed burn. Lots of yearning. Lots of pain. But some very exciting sexy bits.

I cannot wait for the next book!

Thank you, VPR and Abby Millsaps, for the advance copy.

[Lark _thebookchamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely devoured this and cannot wait for more!
I adored Sawyer, her twin brother Atticus, and of course Tytus! I loved the dark vibes and how the tragedy of what they’ve all dealt with brought them closer together. Sawyer and Tytus have a strong connection and I loved seeing them act on it during laser tag. Fast forward and I am IN LOVE with both Mercer and Noah (especially Noah) and absolutely loved their different personalities! I am NOT surprised for the cliff hanger but I am anxiously waiting to see what happens next! This has the perfect amount of spice and emotion and I just know this series is going to be amazing! 😍

[meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby, you cheeky lady! I loved this book so much.

So much tension and longing. It was emotionally compelling and truly had me on the EDGEEE.

Abby is a master of balance spice with mystery and action. I loved every second of this why choose romance and will be (not so patiently) waiting for book 2!!!!!!

[⏾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review – Almost Ravaged by Abby Millsaps
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 Stars)

Why Choose | Reverse Harem | Brother’s Best Friend | Student/Professor | Age Gap | Golden Retriever Widower | Family Trauma | Hockey Elements | Multi-POV | Contemporary Romance

First off… I need a minute to cool down. These men. Lord help me. Where are we finding them, and how do I place an order for a Noah in my life?

I’ve been eagerly anticipating this new series from Abby, and book one of the Men of Evercrisp Orchard did not disappoint. The opening chapters hit like a punch to the gut—in the best, most heart-wrenching way. We meet Sawyer, her twin brother Atty, and Atty’s best friend (and their foster brother) Ty, all tied together by a secret from their past that could shatter everything if it comes to light.

Then—flash forward to the present—and Sawyer is no longer the same girl. She’s confident, driven, and unapologetically going after what she wants. She’s got grit, sass, and a tenacity that makes you root for her from page one. The connection between her and Ty is still simmering, the tension obvious to anyone paying attention. Ty has his own trauma to navigate, but his “she’s mine” energy is strong enough to light up the page. The only thing? Their pacing felt a little slow for me—Ty had moments of pulling away, disappearing even—and then suddenly, Sawyer’s world expands in two very unexpected directions.

Enter Professor Mercer Eden—broody, brilliant, and with a dominant streak that peeks out in the most delicious moments. He challenges Sawyer’s mind and isn’t afraid to match her sass with his own. And then… there’s Noah. Sweet, grounded, grieving widower Noah. Golden retriever energy wrapped in flannel, owner of a local orchard, and best friend to Mercer. From the moment he walked on the page, I knew I was a goner. He’s healing, cautious, and yet Sawyer pulls him out of his shell like it’s second nature.

One of my favorite things about this book? The crystal-clear communication. Reverse harem romances can sometimes fall into the trap of endless miscommunication and unnecessary drama, but here, the characters talk—really talk—about boundaries, feelings, and fears. It makes the emotional connections feel so much deeper.

The spice? Let’s just say Abby knew exactly what she was doing. The balance between emotional intimacy and heat is chef’s kiss. And while the story focuses heavily on the building of these relationships (rather than external drama), the mic-drop cliffhanger at the end absolutely blindsided me. I was not prepared. I am equal parts furious and desperate for book two.

As for predictions? I’m quietly (okay, loudly) hoping Mercer and Noah’s friendship deepens into something more. There’s a tension there—a longing—that practically hums beneath the surface, and given Mercer’s unwavering support for Noah after his wife’s death, it’s a dynamic I’d love to see explored.

In short: Almost Ravaged is a fast-burn, emotional, and addictive start to the series. Sawyer is a heroine worth following, the men are unforgettable, and the ending will leave you in that delicious state of bookish agony where you want to throw the book and hug it at the same time.

Thank you to Valentine PR and Abby Millsaps for the ARC. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.

[Sarah Guzak · Rating 5 out of 5]

My flabbers have been ghasted!!! Abby, miss MA'AM! I know you're the cliffhanger queen, but THAT cliffy in particular?! Jaw dropping. I'm speechless.

I absolutely ate this book up. We're firmly planted in our why choose era with the incredible Abby Millsaps, and I don't ever want to leave. The character dynamics in this book are absolutely phenomenal, and the age gaps are oh so delicious.

We're entering a new era with the Men of Evercrisp Orchard as this is book one in a series, featuring our fiery redheaded FMC, Sawyer, whom I adore. She's compassionate, smart, hardworking, empathetic, and will do anything to protect those she loves. But she needs a fresh start after the trauma she's endured, and Holt University is the perfect place to begin anew.

Set in Ohio in the fall, this book will surely make you want to throw on your favorite hoodie (I'm looking at you hoodie thief, Sawyer), light a caramel apple scented candle, and maybe even grab that pumpkin spiced creamer a little earlier in the season than usual. Because this is exactly what I did.

I don't want to give too much away because I feel it's always best to go in blind with Abby's books, but just know you'll cry, swoon, sweat, and likely end up viewing corn in a whole new light after reading Almost Ravaged.

Highly HIGHLY recommend Almost Ravaged for lovers of:
- why choose romance
- hockey romance
- primal play
- twin brother's best friend
- grumpy apple orchard owner
- broody professor
- friends to not-quite-lovers
- double age gap
- fall vibes

As always, please be mindful of your TWs. Your mental health matters.

Thank you SO much to Abby for my eARC!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book from page one to the very end. Sawyer and Tytus are childhood friends that experienced great tragedy, along with Sawyer's twin brother Atticus, around their 18th birthdays. They went their separate ways for a few years, but now they are all back together attending Holt University. Tytus and Atticus are starting as college freshman after playing hockey for the past few years and Sawyer is starting her graduate program. Sawyer is now working with Mercer, a hot yet extremely grumpy professor, as his graduate assistant. Noah is Mercer's best friend and owner of Evercrisp Orchard who has also lived through tragedy.

Sawyer and Tytus are both a little broken, but they cope and handle their past in very different ways. They are a series of missed chances with each other and haven't quite figured out how to break through that last barrier between them. I loved everything about Sawyer. She incredibly intelligent, emotionally mature, and I'm obsessed with her spicy k!nky side. I really wanted to not like Mercer since he is such a a** in the beginning, but he quickly grew on me. Noah is the absolute sweetest despite everything he has been through. The amount of growth Mercer and Noah experience is shockingly great for book one of this series. I'm so curious how Tytus will fit into this harem, because I just know he will be super grumpy about it.

Its so well written and there is so much depth to the story already. Its a bit of a slow burn, but once the tension explodes the spice hits and there is no going back. I might never look at a corn maze the same. My jaw was also on the floor at the ending. I knew there was going to be some kind of twisty cliff hanger, but I was not expecting that one. I was so excited for this book and it was such a great start to a this new series. I'll be impatiently waiting for book two! 1000/10 highly recommend.

[Laurin Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This book was exactly what a why choose needs to be and was the perfect intro book for this series!

In the first chunk of this book we get to meet our FMC Sawyer, her twin brother, & their best friend who they share a traumatic secret with. I LOVE the trauma bond between these three and the mystery / suspenseful scenes intrigued me. I love the layers these characters were given and the special bond they share.

The second half of this book however is my favorite. We get to meet our two other MMC’s: a broody professor & a troubled orchard owner who happen to be best friends. I LOVED the academic setting and the fall orchard setting, it gave me all the fall feels and left me craving homemade apple pie.

I loved the fact that Abby Millsaps gave us a pov from each of our MMC’s and our FMC. It gave us incredible insight and layers to all of the characters and I felt like I know each of them extremely well.

The spice was so good and the tension Sawyer had with each MMC was delicious, it felt natural and organic. The corn maze scene?! I’ll never look at corn on the cob the same again!🤣🌽

Overall, I really enjoyed the vibes of this book, the layers to all of the characters, and the cozy fall setting. The end of this book had me SO excited for the next one, that cliffhanger!!!🤯

Thank you Abby Millsaps & Valentine PR for the opportunity to review and read this ARC!🫶🏻

tropes:
🍎why choose
🍎hockey romance
🍎double age gap
🍎brother’s best friend

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, thank you to Abby and Valentine PR for an early copy of this book for my honest review.

Oh, oh this is sooooooo good. I’ve read several of Abby’s RH series and I love them all. This might just be my favorite. The angst. The slowburn. The tension. The MEN. All of it - so good. I love an academic romance AND a sports romance, so this is the best of both worlds. Also THE ENDING???? ABBY WHY????

(Good why - I am speechless)

Highly highly highly recommend picking this one up on August 13. Read it if you like:
🖤RH
🖤 brothers best friend
🖤student/professor
🖤enemies-ish to lovers
🖤a small town romance feel

[Smut And Other Stuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

My immediate response after finishing this book was "wtf is Ty thinking?" I thought he was a little unhinged, but that last paragraph really threw me. That is not where I thought he was going with that AT ALL.

Everyone in this book is battling severe grief and trauma and I do not for-see that going well in the next book. This is gonna get a lot uglier before it gets any better.

This storyline is so interesting and not at all what I was expecting when I started reading it. I love poor Noah and I am looking forward to seeing his growth. Mercer is obviously giving all the dark dom vibes and I am curious to discover what his secret past is. I know Sawyer has been through a lot, but I think she still has a lot of maturing to do.

Lastly, I'm not sure how I will ever look at corn the same again. 😂

SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

[Amber Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This the first book in Abby Millsaps new series, it started off fast and hooked me from the start. We dive straight into a possible romance with Tytus and Sawyer, then that possibility pretty much fades into the background. It feels like an afterthought the whole way through. The story starts with a huge emotional gut punch between Sawyer, Tytus and Sawyer’s brother Atticus, then jumps three years, and then it feels as if the characters are still frozen in that moment, allowing what happened to control their lives in some aspect.

I usually like my books plot driven with a sprinkle of spice, but this felt flipped- lots of romance, not much plot. There are a few funny moments and some solid tension, but just when things get good, it’s over.

Noah completely stole the show for me- he’s dealing with so much yet still holding onto something that most people would if they were in his shoes. And honestly, the massive cliffhanger at the end is the only thing that redeemed it for me and will make me want to read the next book. It wasn’t a bad book, but it just felt all over the place and hard to follow at times.

Thank you Valentine PR and Abby for the ARC.

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

I don’t even know what to say about this amazing rollercoaster of a book! I don’t want to spoil a thing but also I need everyone to read this!

Because it’s fantastic…. Abby is the queen of why choose and I am addicted to these characters already.


✨ Small College Town
✨ Hockey Romance
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
✨ Double Age Gap
✨ Professor x Student

Okay so absolutely no hints, but Sawyer, Mercer, Noah and Tytus already have me in a chokehold. And I’m just going to say it, the others are delicious, but I’m claiming Noah as my own already.

What I really love about this is that Mercer and Noah are older and with that comes a really good emotional maturity and already know what they want and need. Ans these babies are just a bit naughty and I love them.

I’m ready for the rest of this and absolutely loved this spicy little rollercoaster so much. And that cliffhanger was a doozy.

Y’all read this!

[Lynzee Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAIT. WHAT.


Ok. Now that I’ve settled.

I think this is going to be my favorite Abby series. The college setting with the age gap? Yes please. I freaking loved the vibes of this. Before reading I was like uhhh how’s she gonna get this all to meld together. But she did.

The plot was fast moving, keeping me going. The spice was elite. I loved all our MMCs so much I’m so curious how she’s gonna get them all together.

Read this if you love a good why choose, age gap, fall setting, a little bit of hockey, professor and graduate assistant. All the thing.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!

[India (ChaptersAfterDark) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pie, Honey & Heartache

Personal Reflection 💭

Ok, this one was honestly a whirlwind of emotions. Where do I even start – wow. I feel like there’s just so much to unpack, I’m still processing it all. You know when a book leaves you kind of staring at the wall afterwards? Yep, that was me 😮‍💨.

Abby’s writing is beautiful – she has such a natural talent for pulling you into the story, making you care deeply about every single character. You get completely sucked into their lives and feel everything they feel. From the get go we are thorwn into the chaos of our FMC life and it all just tumbles from that point on.

This story totally threw my emotions into chaos – but in a weirdly lovely way. It gave me proper autumn feels – like cinnamon, crisp apples, brisk cold of hockey, a bit of honey and love all mixed in 🍯🍁. It’s the kind of story you read with a hot chocolate, wrapped in a blanket, just soaking it all in while the leaves fall outside. Warm, twisty, and a little bit heartbreaking.

What I Loved About This Book 💕

✨ The Characters

Each character felt so real. Like they all had these deep, unique backstories that made them jump right off the page. And the dynamics between them? Chef’s kiss. The tension, the longing, the miscommunications and quiet love – everything was just... delicious. It’s rare for every character to feel this fleshed out, but Abby Millsaps nailed it.

🍂 The Autumnal Atmosphere

This book is drenched in that moody, emotional fall aesthetic. It’s like reading a book version of a rainy afternoon, scented candles lit, wrapped in a chunky knit jumper. There’s comfort in it – but also that quiet ache of knowing things are going to get harder before they heal.

💔 The Emotional Depth

The story is layered – not just your straightforward romance. There are so many threads running through it: grief, healing, love, friendship, and how the past shapes who we become. It’s twisty, messy (in the best way), and completely unputdownable (is that a word). You feel everything – the longing, the regret, the glimmers of hope.

🖋️ The Writing Style

Abby writes with such clarity and beauty. Her writing is emotional without being overdone – raw, but still comforting. And that ending?? I actually freaked out. I’m warning you now: you’re going to want the next book immediately. The cliffhanger is brutal – but it promises so much more depth to come.

The Tropes 💌

Hockey Romance
Why Choose
Friends- to not quite lovers
Brothers Best Friend
Dual Age Gap
Multiple POV

Ending Summary 🌙

Almost Ravaged is an emotional rollercoaster soaked in autumn vibes and deep feels. If you’re after a romance that’s got layers, heart, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting, this one’s for you. I feel like this story has only just begun to unfold, and I cannot wait to see where it goes next. It’s the book equivalent of hugging someone you’ve missed for too long. 🍁💛

[Ashlee B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer, Tytus, Mercer + Noah

-whychoose
-dark hockey romance
-brother’s best friend
-age gap x2
-friends to not quite lovers
-primal play

i am actually giddy over that cliffhanger!! haha it was like a mic drop but i'm soooo excited to see why, when, how, what!!! haha its gonna be good...& where tytus is planning on taking this!! the developments between all the mcs is off to a really great start & i'm stoked about it!

now onto the rant problem i have with some tiny things that might not be a big deal to most, & i am totally able to compartmentalize so it hasn't affected any of the other developments of the book/plot for me...two things can be true at once. but maybe slight **spoiler warning** after this point:
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i don't really know how to feel about the bisexual representation in this book...because there seems to be rep from both the fmc & one of the mmcs...where the fmcs is just kinda of...disregarded & then swept under the rug. abby has made multiple comments about her mmcs being bi in the past & even how she doesn't want to label her works but just to assume in a whychoose they will be queer, which is totally valid. but as a bi woman....when given the opportunity of having multiple partners...WHY IS THERE NOT EVER ANOTHER WOMAN??? like yes i know its not always organic or realistic but there is a VERY CLEAR open scene with sawyer being on a dating up FOR UNICORNS (which also as a polyamorous person, i felt was written extremely respectfully) where she talks about actively often trying to find couples with both male and female partners WANTING to hook up with & how she craves that. hell even just the imagination in which she spoke to this couple the ONE TIME had me ALLLLLL sorts of excited.....just for it it NEVER. BE SPOKEN ABOUT. AGAIN!! like whomp whomp...it made sense in her reasoning why it wouldn't with that couple but like...from the series marketing we know there are just the 3 guys..& unless a women fits in with the story i don't see how her sexuality will be brought up again. which was a hole other thing...she HASN'T EVEN TOLD HER TWIN FREAKING BROTHER & BEST FRIEND??? i get you don't have to come out to everyone but it was also just kinda like a punch in the gut...& then when one of the guys openly says "i'm bisexual"...we don't even get a "me too" or anything about it. she literally doesn't say ANYTHINGGG else about it. which just made me feel kinda icky honestly...like abby just used it to check a box maybe...which obviously she isn't cause she's not marketing it at all as like a bi-fmc or any bi rep at all so thats a little better but it also just felt like bi-erasure to me & i'm like IMMENSELY disappointed about that aspect.

alllll of that to say...thats just my little rant & it has no relevance to the story/plot itself or the current romantic relationships. we all know you can be bi & still end up with a man & you will ALWAYS be bi. it just continues to hurt my little gay hoe heart every time a woman part of a polycule who is bisexual...doesn't get to maximize on that opportunity of her desires (IF THATS WHAT SHE TRULY DESIRES) to also have another woman as part of the polycule. but that could just be me projecting my fantasies...hahah what do i know! 😂😂

[⋅˚₊‧ ୨bree୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

first off, i need a minute to cool down...lord, these men. where are we finding them?? Can I place an order for a noah in my life, please and thank you!

anyways, this book took me by surprise. i was not expecting that ending also, EXCUSE ME...i will be thinking about this ending until i get my hands on the next book. lowkey made me a little (BIG TIME) mad but curious.

i was expecting a ton of unnecessary drama, and one thing i always find present in why choose romance is miscommunication, but i am beyond stoked to say that there is CLEAR, CRYSTAL CLEAR communication between the participating members.

i will state that i am a noah girlie through and through. i love mercer, don't get me wrong, but there's just something about noah.

anyways, i am beyond excited for the next book and cannot wait to see where this series is going to go!!

*potential spoilers* i am SUPER hoping noah and mercer grow their relationship beyond friends because i'm already sensing so much TENSION, LONGING coming from mercer. but i do love that he was there for noah through his wife's death and stayed by his side.

thank you to valentine pr and abby for allowing me to receive an advance reader's copy!

[Kaelea Babner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first ever book by this author, and I’m here for a good why choose romance, but this book just took forever for me to get sucked in.

The beginning was promising, we read about a traumatic event that the FMC goes through with her brother and Tytus, but then it goes to 3 years later. I get that the whole situation was traumatic, I couldn’t fathom going through that, but it just felt like the characters used it as a crutch to stay apart when they would’ve been better together working through their grief.

There were moments in this book that made me laugh and also learning about the trauma of other characters, it really built up a tension of figuring everything out, but once things turn to spicy, I felt like the book ended so quickly.

Of all the characters you met, Noah was my favorite. That sweet man is going through it, but is determined to not let it ruin something special. I would love to learn more about him. I was wishing for more chapters with his POV.

This one is definitely a slow burn, but the writing was well done and the characters were so different from one another, which was nice. This is a series, so there’s more to come!! Thank you Valentine PR for the ebook arc!

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby has been an auto buy auto read author for me since I first knew she was coming to my local Barnes & Noble. I have loved and devoured every single one of her books and almost ravaged is now one of my favorites by her.

As we enter the fall era, this is the perfect read for those who love a why choose romance. Following Sawyer, as she navigates a new university, a rude professor that she does her graduate assistantship with and navigating the what if with her brother‘s best friend.

Of course, Abby left off with one of her famous cliffhanger to where you cannot wait for the next book and as soon as it is in my grubby hands and vicinity, I’m reading it.

Each of Sawyer’s men have different personalities and reasons why they work with her. Noah, the bee daddy who has a tragic backstory, Tytus, who she shares a dark secret with and Mercer, the professor.

Sometimes I wish there was actually a camera on me when I read because getting to the last page I actually threw my phone and then stared at it in shock for a solid five minutes.

I cannot wait to see what Abby has next for Sawyer and her guys

[Lucy Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I have a lot of thoughts about this book and it may be a bit of a jumble 🤣

Almost ravaged is the first instalment to the men of evercrisp orchard series and it’s an interesting start.

I felt like the book had a bit of a rocky start. The way it was written made me feel like I had started part way through and should already know all the characters and their dynamics which was very confusing. What also didn’t help was the slightly sexual scene between a minor (17) and someone 18+. Personally for me, that’s a huge no. Seeing as nothing went far, I continued on with the book and I am glad I continued.

I found that I only got interested in the book 68% in. That was when relationships started to form. The previous 68% of the book was almost world building? It feels weird to say that considering it’s not a fantasy book but that’s what it felt like.

The cliffhanger I found a bit strange rather than shocking. There wasn’t really any possible lead up to it. It just felt like it was chucked in there for the sake of having an ending.

I know this isn’t the most sparkling review of a book but I found this didn’t have Abby’s usual addictiveness that I have come to love about her books. Yes I did enjoy the book and I will read on. I just found this one fell a bit short for me with is gutting considering everyone else has loved this book so much.

*ARC given in exchange for an honest review

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, oh man, Abby - you definitely know how to deliver the perfect punch at the start of a series.

I was very intrigued with where Abby was going to take this story after the start of this book.

I love that she gives us a nice background on some of the main characters and then proceeds to show us where they are a few years later and introduces us to the other main characters.

I am saying zero else about the plot because I knew absolutely zilch about this book except the blurb and that made this book all the more delicious to read. And that ending - in true Abby fashion, that came out of nowhere and now I need the next book.

I will leave you with this....this book will have your appreciating those spicy scenes soooooo much. Phew.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM SCREAMING. HELP. THAT CLIFFY. I NEEEEED MORE.

I am SORRY I haven’t read an Abby Millsaps book before this one because omg it was phenomenal. The story line was gripping from the second I started the book. The dark vibes and almost suspense of it all had me wanting to keep reading even when my responsibilities were knocking on the door.

The spice… SHEEEESH. The spice. It was the perfect amount without stealing the show of the storyline. I love how each man got their moment and the tension was 😮‍💨.

I need book 2 asap…

🍎Why Choose
🍎 Hockey Romance
🍎 Brother's Best Friend
🍎 Friends to Not-Quite-Lovers
🍎 Double Age Gap
🍎 Grumpy Apple Orchard Owner
🍎 Broody Professor
🍎 Primal Play
🍎 Secretly Possessive
🍎 Jersey Moment with the Wrong MMC

[Lauralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Stars!

This is the first in the Men Of Evercrisp Orchard Series. We have Sawyer, our library science graduate student and sister to Atty, a new defenseman on the Holt University hockey team. We have Tytus, Atty’s best friend since childhood, and a guy that always seems to be so close to progressing things with Sawyer but not quite getting there. Then there’s Noah, the sweet widowed orchard owner and Mercer’s best friend. Mercer is our final piece, and the professor over Sawyers graduate assistant assignment. The men are so different but all mean something to Sawyer in their own way.

Oh I was SO excited to see another Why Choose from Abby, because she is phenomenal at them! A lot of this book is setting up for the rest of the series and meeting the cast of characters. I’d say the pairing in this one with probably FMM. But I’m sure that’ll change later. I loved the cozy fall vibes and the hockey subplot and the double age gap. The cliffy was insane and I cannot WAIT to see what happens next.