Kelly Elliott – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read

Kelly Elliott – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.wownovels.com Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:14:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 http://www.wownovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/favicon.png Kelly Elliott – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.wownovels.com 32 32 Wilde Ride (Love is a Cowboy #2) Read Online Kelly Elliott http://www.wownovels.com/wilde-ride-love-is-a-cowboy-2-read-online-kelly-elliott Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:14:52 +0000 http://www.wownovels.com/wilde-ride-love-is-a-cowboy-2-read-online-kelly-elliott Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Erotic Authors: Kelly Elliott Series: Love is a Cowboy Series by Kelly Elliott
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Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)

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From New York Times bestselling author, Kelly Elliott, comes a new small town, family saga series.

Emeline
Seven years.
That’s how long it’s been since I last came face-to-face with Levi Tucker. He’s my older brother’s best friend, and the man I’ve loved for as long as I can remember. Now he’s back in River Falls, along with his young son, Rhett, and suddenly they’re woven into both my personal and professional life.
The last thing I expected was the wild, undeniable pull between Levi and me to turn something strictly professional into something deeply personal. But Levi’s past is closing in, and this time, I refuse to walk away. I’m ready to fight for the life and the love I want, because both Levi and Rhett Tucker are worth the battle.

Levi
Tragedy brings my son, Rhett, and me back to River Falls, Colorado. After losing my daughter in a devastating car accident and watching my marriage fall apart, returning home feels like my last chance to start over.
When I’m roped into volunteering at the Wilde Family’s summer camp for underprivileged kids, the last person I expect to fall for is my best friend’s younger sister. For the first time, I can see a future filled with love and happiness for my son and me. Yet when my soon-to-be ex-wife reappears in River Falls, everything I’ve begun to build is suddenly at risk.
Will the past destroy our second chance, or will true love finally get its happily ever after?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Emeline

Graduation Night – 2018

Two words.

Levi Tucker.

He was my brother Caden’s best friend, and the moment I saw him walk into the backyard of my parents’ house, I nearly died. His brown hair was covered by his favorite black cowboy hat, which he always wore. He was the most handsome man I’d ever laid eyes on. And that was saying something, since everyone I knew, including all my friends, constantly told me how good-looking my two older brothers were.

Levi was twenty-five and I was eighteen. But that wasn’t the issue. The first issue was that he was my brother’s best friend. If Caden had any idea of the naughty dreams I had about his BFF…well, he would send me away to become a nun.

The second issue? Levi didn’t see me as anything other than Caden’s baby sister.

The third reason was Caroline Larson.

Her father and my father were business partners and best friends. That meant she was always at our house and always trying to make a play for Caden, even though he’d been dating Rachel forever. When it finally became clear in their senior year that Caden had no interest in her, Caroline moved in on Levi.

I didn’t like her at all. Of course, my best friends, Kate and Moreen, said it was because I was madly in love with Levi. And that was one of the reasons…but there was something about Caroline that made me think she was a snake. I didn’t trust her one bit.

Speaking of my best friends, Kate and Moreen came rushing over to me. Kate with her beautiful copper skin and dark hair pulled up onto her head and her flowing white dress trailing behind her as she ran. Moreen’s golden red hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her beautiful face with its dusting of light freckles was bright with excitement. She was also attempting to get ahead of Kate. I loved them both like sisters. They knew everything about me. The good and the bad. Kate was hissing out my name as she drew closer. “Emeline, Emeline! Levi’s here!”

“And she who shall not be named isn’t with him!” Moreen added.

I smiled. I really loved these two. They were my ride-or-dies. If anyone was going to be there for me, it was Kate and Moreen. Well, besides my brothers, Caden and Gatlin. And okay, my older sister Ensley also ranked higher than Kate and Moreen, but only because she let me wear her clothes and told me to never pluck my own eyebrows. Plus, she had introduced me to Stevie Nicks.

Actually, that’s not true. It was our mother. But Stevie wasn’t cool in my eyes until I heard her music coming from my sister’s car one day when she picked me up from school.

I grabbed their arms and started walking away from everyone. “You guys. Hush!”

Glancing over my shoulder, I saw that Levi was walking our way, holding a gift box. I quickly snapped my head straight. “Don’t panic, but he’s coming over this way.”

“Deep breaths,” Kate whispered.

Moreen calmly said, “Play it cool.”

“As if I wouldn’t.” I bumped her arm and said, “Laugh like I just told you a joke.”

Kate was in the theater, and I knew she’d make the laugh sound genuine. Moreen, not so much.

Hitting my arm, Kate said, “Oh my gosh, Emeline, you’re too much.”

I felt Levi behind me before he even said anything. “Emeline?”

Spinning around, I smiled. “Levi! Did you come with Caden?”

He glanced toward the house with a grin, then back to me. “No. Your mom invited me, though, and I didn’t want to miss little Emeline’s graduation party.”

I felt my entire body sag instantly. “Little?”

His smile faded somewhat, and he rubbed at the back of his neck. He suddenly looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here, and that nearly destroyed me. He let out a nervous bubble of laughter. “I didn’t mean it that way. You’re not little. You’re, uh…you’re all grown up and beautiful.”

That inflated me right back up. “You think I’m beautiful?”

Moreen hit me with her elbow as Kate cleared her throat, and I wanted to push them down the hill to give Levi and me privacy.

He glanced at them both, then back to me. “Um, well, yes. You are. But I shouldn’t be saying that.”

“Oh, you can say it all you want, Levi,” Kate stated with a sugary smile.

Glancing at her, I said, “Kate, Moreen, didn’t you need to go do that thing?”

“What thing?” Moreen asked, confusion written all over her face.

“That. Thing,” I repeated.

Her brows shot up. “Oh yeah! That thing. Um, we’ll just go do that thing that we’re supposed to do.”

“Yes. The thing. We’re on it!” Kate added.

They both shot off like a rocket, leaving Levi to watch as they ran across the backyard in a fit of laughter. He turned back to me, two little wrinkles between his brows. “Are they always so…”

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Wilde Cowboy (Love is a Cowboy #1) Read Online Kelly Elliott http://www.wownovels.com/wilde-cowboy-love-is-a-cowboy-1-read-online-kelly-elliott Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:24:00 +0000 https://www.wownovels.com/wilde-cowboy-love-is-a-cowboy-1-read-online-kelly-elliott Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Insta-Love Authors: Kelly Elliott Series: Love is a Cowboy Series by Kelly Elliott
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Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)

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From New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Kelly Elliott, comes a new series that takes us back to her roots. Introducing the Love is a Cowboy series.

Ladd
As the son of a third-generation cattle rancher, it's expected that I would follow in the footsteps of my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and work the family ranch just as they did.

However, that wasn't my dream, and thankfully, my parents stood behind me when I told them I wanted to open a sporting goods store in our hometown of River Falls, Colorado. That's my plan. My endgame, and nothing is going to distract me from that goal.

Then, I met Vivianne Pennington. It soon becomes clear to me that Vivianne is now a part of my dreams, and when I bring her home for Christmas, my entire family and the town of River Falls fall head over heels in love with her.

Vivanne
I've gone and found myself in love with a cowboy from a small town in Colorado. When Ladd's mother and father insist that I come and spend Christmas with them on the family's cattle ranch, I'm both excited and nervous.

It becomes clear to me that Ladd's family has deep roots in the community and a family bond I've never experienced before. Estranged from my own parents, I long to be a part of the Wilde family and start to see myself living on the ranch and being a part of the community.

But I'm keeping a secret from my past. A secret that I'm terrified will destroy the future I envision, and I'm scared to lose the wild cowboy who has stolen my heart

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Ladd

River Falls Cattle Ranch, River Falls, Colorado

1988

I sat in my father’s office in silence as he stared out a window, while my mother sat in her usual chair, knitting a blanket for River Falls Haven, a local orphanage she patronized.

My father, Gus Gatlin Wilde, was a third-generation rancher. It was in his blood. It was in mine. My mother, Nellie Anne Wilde, also had ranching in her blood. Her father was a fourth-generation cattle rancher. She was the only daughter in a long line of sons, and grew up being able to do everything her brothers could do, and then some. She was a formidable woman, and I often wondered who ran our own family ranch. My father or my mother?

According to my grandmother, Lilith Wilde, it was my mother most of the time.

“Are you going to say something?” I asked.

My mother lifted her head, then raised a brow.

I wanted to roll my eyes, but I knew if I did, I could risk one of those knitting needles rapping me on the back of the knuckles. Oh, she’d done it before for sassing, but it never hurt. One of these days, I was bound to anger her enough, though, that she would deliver a good blow to my hand.

My mother was still so beautiful, with light brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and her meadow-green eyes that always gave her away when she otherwise wanted her boys to think she was angry.

Turning slowly, my father leaned against the windowsill and folded his arms over his chest.

His speech was probably coming. The whole, ‘my-father-worked-this-land’ speech, and ‘I’ve worked it, and now my sons will work it’. Then again, my father never put pressure on his sons to follow in his footsteps, but I knew he wanted his oldest son to take over the ranch.

“Before I worked this land, my father worked it. And before him, my grandfather, Lawrence. This ranch has been built on sweat, tears, and a lot of hard work. It’s been passed down for three generations to the oldest son in the Wilde family, and each son has taken up that privilege with honor and pride.”

I held my breath, waiting for the next round of words.

“I remember sitting in front of my father, telling him I wanted to join the Marines.”

My mouth dropped open in shock.

“He was so angry, I thought for sure he was going to have a heart attack right then and there. His face got so red, I actually looked to my mother for help. She simply smiled as if that wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Of course, at the time, I had no idea why my father was so adamant I take over the ranch. When he finally calmed down, he told me how much it meant to him to have me take over the running of the ranch. I think he mostly needed my help saving the ranch, looking back on it now.”

“I never knew that,” I said softly. “About you wanting to join the Marines.”

My father smiled. “It was more of a rebellious thing, to be honest with you. I loved the ranch and wanted to run it, but all of my friends were joining the military, and a part of me wanted something different. Or I thought so at the time. Deep down, I think I knew if I didn’t take over the ranch, there would be no ranch. My father was slowly losing it acre by acre with his gambling addiction.”

I swallowed. “I didn’t realize that either.”

He shrugged. “The fewer negative things I’m able to tell my sons, the better. I hated him for that. I could have gone and joined anyway and not worried about the ranch. I was pretty sure he wouldn’t have disowned me, but I knew that wasn’t truly what I wanted. Maybe I wanted to get away from my father, I’m not sure. I swore that day that if I was ever blessed with sons, I would never make them feel like they had to work this ranch. If ranch work isn’t for you, then I will support you in whatever endeavor you decide on, Ladd.”

I felt tears prick the back of my eyes. “I’m not walking away from the ranch; I still want to be a part of it. I’ve learned everything about ranching from you, and no school could have taught me better. But I’d like to get a business degree to open up a sporting goods store in town. And I know it will also help with the ranch. I could start to take over the financial side of it one day, so Mom can pursue other things if she’d like.”

Smiling, she said, “I would like that very much. I hate math.”

My father and I both laughed.

I went on, thinking I needed to explain more. “You know how much David loves this ranch and wants to help you run it. The only thing Mike ever does is try to prove how much he wants to be just like you. And if it were up to Jason, he’d live in the barn with the cattle. When he’s not playing football, that is.”

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This Heart (Moose Village #4) Read Online Kelly Elliott http://www.wownovels.com/this-heart-moose-village-4-read-online-kelly-elliott Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:28:13 +0000 http://www.wownovels.com/this-heart-moose-village-4-read-online-kelly-elliott Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Fantasy/Sci-fi, Paranormal Authors: Kelly Elliott Series: Moose Village Series by Kelly Elliott
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Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)

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Liam

The heart is fickle. One day, you love something or someone, and then the next, they destroy you with their lies, and that love disappears.

I’m over the lies and the deceit. So, I tell my wife I want a divorce, only to find out she’s fighting for her life, against a disease that doesn’t like to lose. What kind of man would I be if I went through with ending our marriage knowing she’s sick?

So, I stay. I raise our daughter, and I’m there to help her when she needs me. Her best friend, Aurora, is there too, which becomes a problem because Aurora is everything my ex isn’t, and with each passing day, I fall harder for her, and my guilt for those feelings grows.

Aurora

When Hope told me about her diagnosis, I wanted to do anything I could to help her through this. I vowed to be there for her, to help in any way I could.

I jumped in to help with Winnie and picked up the slack where Liam couldn’t. With each day, we watched her condition worsen. I spent more time with them, mostly Liam and me, and in time, we grew to be good friends. After we lost Hope to her illness, the friendship I thought I had found in Liam was destroyed when he pushed me away with words that cut to the core.

When Liam reaches out to heal the wound between us, we begin to grow close again, and I can admit to myself that my feelings for Liam go far beyond simple friendship. When Liam shares the biggest secret of his life with me, and the truth about his relationship with Hope comes to life, everything changes between us. His guilt will not let him fully move on with his life.

How can I convince him that if he’d let me, I’d love him and his daughter for eternity? I’d give him this heart with no regrets.

This Heart is book four, and the last book in the Moose Village series

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Liam

Two Years Ago

I stared at the paper in my hands, trying to make sense of what I was reading. Hope had lied to me.

“What are you doing?”

The sound of Hope’s surprised voice caused me to look up from the devastating news I had just read.

“You lied to me?”

Fear stretched across her face as her eyes bounced from the paper I was holding back to me.

“Liam, you have to let me explain.”

I slowly shook my head. “Is it true, what this says?”

Swallowing hard. Hope looked away and whispered, “Yes. It’s true.”

My stomach felt like it dropped to the floor as I realized that my entire life was nearly a lie.

“How could you do this to me, Hope? How?”

She walked into the room and stopped a few feet from me. “I didn’t have a choice, Liam. I was desperate. I didn’t know what to do, and you…you were there, and I knew you would be able to fix it for me.”

I felt my eyes widen. “Are you fucking serious right now? I don’t even know who you are anymore, Hope.”

She forced a smile. “I’m your wife, Liam.”

“No, a wife wouldn’t do this to her husband. This is low…so fucking low I can’t even look at you right now.”

“Liam, we can make this work. I know you’re mad right now, but we can make it work.”

I drew in a breath, then exhaled. I tossed the papers onto the floor and turned away from Hope. “I’m going tomorrow to file for a divorce. We can work out a custody arrangement for Winnie. I think fifty-fifty is fair.”

A sharp intake of breath came from behind me. “You want shared custody?”

Turning, I glared at her. “I don’t give a shit what you do, Hope. Stay in Moose Village, tour the world like you’ve always wanted, but this between us hasn’t been working since the day after we said I do. You know it and I know it. This little stunt just dealt the final blow.”

I walked past her and stopped at the door. Turning, I said, “I’ll make arrangements to go live somewhere else.”

“What?”

My gaze met hers. “I don’t want to be under the same roof with you ever again.”

With those departing words, I walked down the hall, through the house, and to the front door, where I slammed it so hard I thought for sure I had broken it.

Feeling my heart slam against the wall of my chest, I slid into my truck and shut the door. The crazy thing was, I wasn’t the least bit sad our marriage was over. Hell, it had been over before she had gotten pregnant. I was mad I was so easily deceived.

It started out like a dream. Marrying Hope, moving back to Moose Village. Starting my rooftop bar and restaurant. She had told me she wanted that dream until the day after we said our vows. Looking back, I realized I had been caught up in the idea of us.

Reaching for the ignition button, I started my truck.

“Time to come back to reality and face the future, Liam,” I muttered to myself as I drove away.

The idea was to divorce Hope and get equal, shared custody of Winnie as I possibly could. Little did I know everything would change, and my entire world would be turned upside down in just one month.

One year later - December

Hope sat down in the chair across from Dr. Nelson as I took the seat beside her. Her treatment plan had consisted of radiation and chemotherapy at first. Then they had started her on targeted therapy. After months of hardly being able to get out of bed, Hope had decided she needed a break from all the treatment, and she seemed to be feeling better, although she still got tired easily, which was to be expected since she hadn’t been off the treatments for very long. Today we were due to get the results from her latest scans to make sure the cancer had not spread.

“How have you been feeling, Hope?” Dr. Nelson asked with a warm smile. Something was off, though, I could see it in his eyes.

“I’m okay, I guess.”

Turning to look at her, I frowned. Before I could ask her what she meant, she went on.

“I have a bit of pain in my back and shoulder, but I think it’s from picking up Winnie. I might have pulled a muscle.”

Still staring at her, I tried to remember when she had picked up Winnie, our almost two-year-old daughter. Most of the time she would shoo our daughter away or call our friend Aurora Banks to see if she would come and take Winnie to the park or the bookstore. She hardly ever spent time with anyone other than the occasional time she would ask me to watch a movie with her. Truth be told, she wanted to stay in the house all the time, and she wanted me and Winnie to block out the rest of the world with her. It wasn’t fair to Winnie, and it wasn’t something I was willing to do. So, I had been trying to carry on with life as best I could while also being there for Hope. I hadn’t divorced her yet, not once I heard she had cancer. I couldn’t do that to her, no matter how much she had betrayed me. She was still my wife and the mother of my child.

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This Memory (Moose Village #3) Read Online Kelly Elliott http://www.wownovels.com/this-memory-moose-village-3-read-online-kelly-elliott Sat, 30 Aug 2025 08:42:35 +0000 http://www.wownovels.com/this-memory-moose-village-3-read-online-kelly-elliott Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Erotic Authors: Kelly Elliott Series: Moose Village Series by Kelly Elliott
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Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 86632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)

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Brystol
I’ve been in love with Gavin since high school. He broke my heart back then, something I’m not keen to forget, which makes our current situation challenging. Our best friends are married, and we’re constantly thrown together because of that connection. When those same friends ask me for a favor, one that is life-changing for all of us, I don’t even question how close it will bring me to Gavin. I simply say yes.

Gavin
I’m not sure what I did to turn Brystol against me, but whatever it was, I’m ready to make amends. I might even tell her that she was all I could see back in high school. When our best friends ask Brystol to be their surrogate, I have mixed feelings, to say the least. Nothing will keep me from supporting her in every way possible because among those feelings are admiration and love for the kind girl I used to know…and even more for the woman she’s become.

Neither of us were prepared for the trials and tribulations that come with not just pregnancy but the surrogacy process—including the strain it can put on everyone involved. Nor could we predict the powerful emotions or the sheer joy of growing a life. There is no way we could have predicted the heartache that would follow

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Brystol

Senior Year, High School

One of the things I loved about being a senior was getting to work in the office for my free period. What made it even better was the hottest guy in school, Gavin Quinn, also worked in the office at the same time. He was incredibly sweet and kind to everyone, including me, the shy girl who loved math and history. I’d been in love with him since kindergarten. Well, it seemed like it had been that long.

The only problem? I wasn’t the only one lusting after him. It seemed like every girl in school was in love with Gavin. He was tall and had a fit, athletic body. His brown hair was mostly short, but he always wore it a bit longer on the top. His boyish face was handsome, and when he smiled at you, Lord, the heavens opened and angels sang. And those brown eyes of his weren’t a typical brown. They were chestnut in color, with sunbursts around his pupils. At least, that was the only way I knew how to describe them.

My head popped up when I heard the door to the principal’s office open. “Brystol? Gavin? Could you both please come into my office?”

Gavin, who’d been reading a book since we didn’t have anything to do, looked up and smiled at Mrs. Larson, the school principal.

I set my own book to the side and started for the office. Gavin waited and motioned for me to go in first. My cheeks heated and I whispered, “Thank you.”

He winked and replied, “Ladies first.”

If there was one thing everyone knew about Gavin, it was that he was an endless flirt. He flirted with everyone, including the teachers. So when he flirted with me, I didn’t think anything of it. But sometimes I would look up and catch him watching me. He’d smile, and my heart would trip over itself. His smile did things to me I really didn’t want to admit.

Mrs. Larson pointed to a table in her office. “I need you to assemble these handouts and staple them. They’re lined up in the order I want them. Once you have them stapled together, put them in this basket here.”

“Easy-peasy,” Gavin stated, as he pulled a chair out and sat down. I followed his lead.

“I have to go observe a teacher, so I’ll keep the door open. If you need anything, just ask Mrs. Reynolds.”

“Will do,” I said, as I started to make the packets.

We worked in silence for a bit before Gavin spoke. “What are your plans for tonight?”

Glancing up, I tried to act normal. I hated how I was so awkward when it came to Gavin Quinn.

“I’m going to see a reshowing of Roman Holiday.”

He frowned. “Is it an old film?”

I smiled. “Yes, it first came out in 1953. It was my grandmother’s favorite movie. I remember watching it with her when I was little. Anyway, they’re showing it at the theater all weekend.”

“Are you going with Aurora?”

Aurora Banks was my best friend. We did everything together. Like Gavin, she was more popular than me. A cheerleader, she often tried to talk me into trying out for the squad. The idea of performing in front of the whole school freaked me out, so I never tried.

“No, she’ll be out of town with her family this weekend.”

“Who are you going with then?”

I shrugged. “Just me.”

Gavin searched my face and looked down at the papers once again. He cleared his throat. “I could go with you. Maybe pick you up or meet you there.”

I blinked at him a few times. “You?”

He laughed. “Yeah, is there something wrong with me?”

“No!” I said quickly, before clearing my throat and speaking more casually. “No, but…why would you want to see an old movie with me, of all people?”

Gavin’s brows drew in. “What do you mean, you of all people?”

I shrugged. “It’s just, you’re so popular and, well…I’m not.”

“So? That doesn’t mean we can’t hang out together. Besides, I’d like to get to know you better.”

I smiled as I bit down on my lower lip. I knew Gavin was probably just being friendly. But a small part of me couldn’t help but wonder if it was more. Could he really be interested in a girl like me? I was pretty—not beautiful—like some of the girls he’d gone out with, but I liked my button nose, blue eyes, and long, wavy blond hair. My body was in decent shape since I ran nearly every day. I wore glasses and almost always kept my long hair pulled up. Although, I couldn’t wait to get contacts so I could ditch the glasses.

“Tell me what the movie is about.”

Getting back to work on the papers, I replied, “Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck are in it. It’s based in Rome, and she’s a princess in hiding. Gregory Peck plays a journalist. My grandmother used to say it was the best romance story ever.”

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Merry Enemies (Boston Love #0.5) Read Online Kelly Elliott http://www.wownovels.com/merry-enemies-boston-love-0-5-read-online-kelly-elliott Sat, 16 Aug 2025 22:26:43 +0000 http://www.wownovels.com/merry-enemies-boston-love-0-5-read-online-kelly-elliott Genre: Alpha Male, Angst, Contemporary Authors: Kelly Elliott Series: Boston Love Series by Kelly Elliott
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Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)

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Working at the library is my dream job, and story time with the kids is my favorite part. I know what you’re thinking, it’s because of the hot single dad who brings his daughter each week. Sure, he’s easy on the eyes, but that man gets on my last nerve.

This year, I’ve been given the responsibility of planning the annual Christmas fundraiser organized by the Boston Library and Boston Firefighter Association, and I know I can make it a success.

Imagine my surprise when someone from the fire department shows up for the planning meeting, and the single dad from story time comes walking in. His dark brown hair and green eyes are full of excitement when he sees me. I want to wipe that smug smile off his face. I won’t let him ruin this for me.

With each day that passes, I get to know more of Harrison Maggio, the ex-Navy SEAL turned firefighter. The more I know, the harder I fall. But would a guy like Harrison go for a nerdy, booklover who has way too many curves?

The only thing on my Christmas list this year is for a particular firefighter to put out these flames of desire.

Previously released in the Dear Santa anthology as Untamed Flames

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Iwasn’t sure how in the heck I had let Noel talk me into coming to pajama story hour at the library. It wasn’t that I didn’t love doing things like that with my daughter, I did. Hell, I’d do anything she asked when she stared at me with those baby blue eyes of hers.

But pajamas, at a library, with one of the hottest women I’d ever seen sitting up at the front reading a book to the kids and their parents? It was all too much.

“Daddy,” Noel whispered as she tugged on my shirt. “Are you listening to Ms. Emma.”

Smiling, I tapped the end of her nose. “I am, angel.”

She smiled and hugged her stuffed moose closer to her chest.

I glanced back up and moaned internally.

Emma.

The children’s librarian who worked at the central library in Boston. The first time I’d seen her I nearly tripped over my own feet. She had curly brown hair that was usually pulled back in a ponytail or piled on top of her head. Her vivid blue eyes reminded me of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Being a Navy SEAL, I would travel all over the world, and one my favorite places ever was Italy.

Pulling myself from my thoughts, I looked back at Emma. Oh yeah, I was moaning internally when Noel had interrupted me. Emma had her hair up in pigtails. Pig. Tails. Someone needed to tell her how cruel she’s being. Dressed in a one-piece Wendy the Pooh pajama suit, pigtails, and glasses. If you looked up sexy librarian, Emma’s picture would be right there. Maybe minus the pajamas.

My eyes caught on someone walking into the children’s area of the library.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I said in a low voice.

“What’s wrong?” Doug, one of my long-time friends and fellow firefighter, asked. He was holding his daughter Olivia in his lap.

“Lucy is here.”

“What?” he nearly shouted.

Emma glanced over at us and frowned before she focused back on the story.

Doug handed Olivia to his wife, Lee. “You need to get her out of here, Harrison. She’s crazy.”

“You don’t think I realize that. Do me a favor, watch Noel for me.”

“Of course, go take care of it.”

Leaning over, I got Noel’s attention. “Angel, Daddy needs to go take care of something. I’ll be right back. I want you to stay with Uncle Doug and Aunt Lee, okay?”

Without taking her eyes from Emma, she nodded. “O-tay, Daddy.”

Kissing her quickly on the cheek, I got up and made my way over to Lucy. She smiled brightly when she saw me. I took her arm and made my way through the rows of books to the back corner.

“What are you doing here?” I whisper-shouted.

She sighed and placed her hand on my chest. “Harold. I’m so glad I found you. I was hoping tonight would be the night.”

I rolled my eyes and cursed under my breath. “My name is Harrison.”

She laughed. “That’s what I said.”

Sighing, I knew I was about to make a mistake by asking, “Tonight would be the night for what?”

“That you finally admit that you have feelings for me.”

I was pretty sure my mouth fell to the floor. “You really are insane, aren’t you?”

She tilted her head and smiled. “I see you’re still fighting this.”

Scrubbing my hand down my face, I exhaled a long breath. “Lucy…I need you to listen to me and listen closely. I have no feelings for you. I hardly know you. We bumped into each other at the coffee shop a week ago. You haven’t gotten my name right since we met.”

Slowly shaking her head, Lucy grabbed onto my shirt and lifted up on her toes.

“Harry…”

“It’s Harrison. My name is Harrison!”

When she licked her lips, I knew I had to get away. Before I could do anything, she wrapped her arms around my neck and planted her mouth onto mine.

It only took me a half of a second to reach for her arms and gently unwrap them as I took a step away.

“Lucy…”

She frowned. “Nothing? You don’t feel anything? Not even here!”

When she went to reach for my dick I jumped back.

“Excuse me, but this is neither the time nor the place for this.”

I swung my head around to see Emma. Oh great. She was the last person I wanted to see at that moment. There was something ridiculously adorable with her dressed in the Winnie the Pooh outfit and her hands on her hips looking angry.

I held up my hands. “It’s not what you think.”

She folded her arms over her chest and glared at me.

“Well,” Lucy said with a dramatic sigh. “I see my powers have not worked on you, Hank. I guess I’m off to the next man.”

“What?” I said as I turned to look at her.

Pouting she replied, “Oh Hendrick, it could never work between us. The feelings simply aren’t there.”

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >24

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This Feeling (Moose Village #2) Read Online Kelly Elliott http://www.wownovels.com/this-feeling-moose-village-2-read-online-kelly-elliott Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:28:59 +0000 http://www.wownovels.com/this-feeling-moose-village-2-read-online-kelly-elliott Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Forbidden Authors: Kelly Elliott Series: Moose Village Series by Kelly Elliott
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Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >86

Is there anything worse than getting dumped by your boyfriend in a very public, very humiliating way? How about agreeing to fake-date the jerk to help get his matchmaking mother off his back and make his new love interest jealous?

My friends and family don’t think so, but I’m getting Giants season tickets out of the deal. I can do anything for a short couple of months, right? However, when my ex’s sexier older brother, Delcan, moves back home, I realize I’m not that confident after all.

For five years, I’ve avoided Moose Village, New York, as much as possible for one reason: the girl I’ve crushed on since high school was already spoken for—by my brother. Now discharged from the military, I’m coming home, tentatively heartened by the fact that they’re no longer a couple. Except…it seems they are. But something’s different this time. Harper doesn’t seem as smitten as she was the first time around. Meanwhile, the chemistry sizzling between us is what I’ve dreamed of for years.

Even if I’m able to get to the bottom of the weird behavior between my brother and Harper, I’ve gone from one dangerous career to another. I’ve already got my anxious mother badgering me to quit. Will my career choice be too much for Harper, too?

I can only hope this feeling between the two of us is enough.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Declan

Five Years Ago

“Harper Browning?” I asked, as I looked from Harper to my brother, Sean.

“Yeah, what’s wrong with Harper?”

Looking at her again, I fought the urge to say absolutely nothing was wrong with that woman. She was beautiful, with her dark brown hair and gray-blue eyes. She also had a killer smile.

I’d always thought Harper was a cute girl, and had even thought about asking her out once, but at the time, I figured she was too young, since I was four years older than her. Plus, I joined the Marines right out of high school, and each time I came home on leave, I never had the nerve to approach her. And it wouldn’t have been fair to have her here, back in Moose Village, waiting on me while I was gone for months at a time. I’d never ask her to leave her family, either.

“Nothing is wrong with her. She’s a nice girl.”

Sean smiled. “She came into spin class a few months ago, and we struck up a conversation.”

“She looks great,” I stated. “But then again, she’s always looked great.”

“Yeah, she’s always been a pretty girl, but now she has a smoking-hot body. Remember how chubby she was in high school? She was easy to overlook.”

I glared at my brother. “Just because she was overweight doesn’t mean she didn’t have a nice body.”

He laughed. “Dude, she was like fifty pounds heavier. Now? Her body’s hot. Look at her.”

I rolled my eyes and avoided looking at Harper again. She’d obviously worked her ass off, and her body was more athletic. There was no doubt about that.

“I’m going to do it. I’m gonna ask her out.”

A part of me wanted to talk him out of it, but I knew that was selfish of me. So I’d had a crush on Harper for as long as I could remember? It didn’t mean anything. If she saw me, she’d make friendly small talk, like always. Ask me about the Marines, how I liked being in the service…when I might be moving back home. She never once made me think she saw me as anything other than a friend.

Besides, she’d probably tell Sean no anyway. He used to tease her when she was younger about her weight.

Sean hit me on the arm. “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck,” I said, before watching my brother approach Harper. She was with her sister, Candice, who was the same age as me. We’d gone to school together, and like Harper, Candice was a sweet girl. Their father, Larry Browning, was the mayor of Moose Village, and had been for years. Their mother, Patty, owned the floral shop on Main Street. Harper also had two younger sisters, Amanda and Tina. Both of them were still in high school, if I remembered right.

I tried not to watch my brother and Harper, but my eyes kept drifting that way.

“If my sister even thinks about going out with your brother, I’m going to slap her upside her head.”

I hadn’t even noticed Candice approaching me.

Laughing, I replied, “Looks like he’s turning on the charm.”

Candice made a gagging sound. “How can she not remember how he teased her in elementary school about her weight?”

Wanting to change the subject, I turned away from my brother and Harper. “How’ve you been, Candice?”

She smiled. “I’ve been great. How’s the Marines treating you?”

“Good.”

“What do you do in the Marines, anyway?”

“If I told you, I’d have to kill you.”

Laughing, Candice knocked me lightly on the shoulder. “Seriously, Declan. My mother said you’re kinda like a Navy SEAL, but in the Marines?”

“Your mother would be correct.”

Her eyes widened. “So it’s dangerous?”

I gave a one-shoulder shrug. “It can be, yes.” Wanting to change the subject off of myself, I asked, “My mom told me you’re engaged?”

A wide smile broke out over her face. “I am! We’re getting married next summer.”

“Do I know him?”

She shook her head. “No, we met in college. He lives in Albany, so we’ve been doing the long-distance thing for a bit.”

“Will you be moving then?”

With a nod, she replied, “I’m moving there in two weeks.”

“Wow! Well, congratulations, Candice.”

Her eyes twinkled. “Thank you, Declan. What about you? Anyone special?”

I forced myself not to look at Harper. With a shake of my head, I said, “Nah. I’m gone too much with work, and honestly, I don’t have time for a relationship. Plus, I don’t think I’d want to put anyone through so much worry.”

She frowned. “That sounds like a pretty lonely life.”

I shrugged.

“Well, I hope that changes soon for you.”

Harper came bouncing over to her sister. “Sean asked me out!”

Candice groaned. “No! Don’t you remember how mean he was to you?”

With a laugh, she replied, “In elementary school, sure. I said yes, and we’re going to dinner tomorrow night, and right now he wants to go get coffee.” Then Harper noticed me. Her smile grew bigger. “Declan!”

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >86

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This Moment (Moose Village #1) Read Online Kelly Elliott http://www.wownovels.com/this-moment-moose-village-1-read-online-kelly-elliott Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:17:55 +0000 http://www.wownovels.com/this-moment-moose-village-1-read-online-kelly-elliott Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Suspense Authors: Kelly Elliott Series: Moose Village Series by Kelly Elliott
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Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >85

I’m stuck in a rot. As a successful lawyer in my parent’s New York City office, I’m sick and tired of their greed and lifelong insistence on putting their powerhouse practice above all else—including me and my siblings. I should have done what my brother and sister did…turn my back on law. It’s time to quit the firm and return to the only home I’ve ever known, the quiet town of Moose Village in Upstate New York.

Not much has changed in the tiny town in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Or so I thought. Moose Village is playing host to a mystery woman. And she happens to be working for my aunt’s bakery. The lovely Cadie Waterford is the talk of the town gossip, as much for her luscious banana bread as her willingness to talk about her past.

I’m not normally one to engage in gossip…but the more time I spend with Cadie, the more intrigued I become. Whatever her secrets may be, I’m sure I can handle them—but when words like FBI, CIA, and even murder come into play, does Cadie need more protection than I thought?

Or does Moose Village need protection from Cadie?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Cadie

December

“Cadie, what in the world are you doing?”

Glancing up from the suitcase I was packing as fast as I could, I saw my best friend, Lauryn Andrews, leaning against the doorjamb of my room.

“I need to leave.”

Her brows rose in confusion. “Leave? For where?”

I pulled a drawer from my dresser and grabbed a handful of clothes. “I don’t know where; I just need to get out of Boston.”

“Cadie, you’re starting to scare me. What’s wrong?”

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I paused and looked directly at her. When I saw the fear on her face, I knew she saw the same thing in my eyes. I walked over, took her hands in mine, and drew a deep breath.

“Lauryn, I need you to listen to me.”

She nodded.

“Something has happened, and I need to leave town, but I can’t tell you where I’m going, or I’m afraid your life would be…it would be…I just need to leave, and no one can know where I am.”

A tear slipped free and rolled down her cheeks. “Does this have something to do with him?”

“Yes.”

Closing her eyes, she slowly shook her head before focusing back on me. “I told you he was trouble. Why didn’t you believe me?”

“It’s too late for I told you so’s, Lauryn. If anyone asks where I am, tell them you came home from work, and I was gone. No note, nothing. I’m going to leave my cell phone here in my room.”

“If you’re in trouble, why can’t you go to the police? Or let me talk to Richard.”

“Lauryn!” I shouted, then let out a breath. “Your boss cannot help me, and they probably have half the police department in their pocket. I need you to turn around, walk away, and pretend like you never saw me here. Do you understand?”

“I came home to grab my lunch I forgot.”

“Good, go get it and go back to work.”

She wiped the tears away, nodded, and turned from me. When she faced me again, I grabbed her arm, pulled her to me, and hugged her.

“Why does this feel like a forever goodbye?” she whispered, hugging me tightly.

I pushed her gently away and shook my head.

“I love you, Lauryn. Please don’t worry, okay?”

“I can’t make that promise.”

“You should go.”

“I love you too, Cadie.”

Once she turned and left my room, I forced myself not to cry and quickly returned to shoving everything I could into my bag. I needed to get out of Boston…the faster, the better.

Kian

Present Day - March

Beep. Beep. Beep.

With a groan, I reached over and fumbled for my phone to turn off the annoying-ass alarm that was blaring. Was it my imagination, or was it louder than normal?

After turning off the alarm, I set it back on the side table and ran my hand down my face. It felt like I had only fallen asleep a few minutes ago, and now I was back up. Same shit, different day, as my brother says.

I sat up and swung my legs over the bed. Before I even put my feet on the floor, my phone notifications were going off with incoming emails. With a sigh, I stood, went to my dresser, and pulled out some workout clothes. I needed a quick run before I started this day.

The sound of my feet hitting the pavement was music to my ears. Even with it being winter, and freezing out, I loved running. I didn’t get to work out nearly enough, so anytime I could sneak in a run or a trip to the gym was a blessing. It was the only thing that could clear my mind and lower my anxiety.

“Good morning, Mr. Carter.”

I smiled at the doorman of my building, Charles Ludwig. “Morning, Charles. How are you today?”

As he held the door open, he grinned. “My day has been magical. Just found out my daughter is having a baby girl.”

I reached my hand out to shake his. “Congratulations, Charles. I thought she wasn’t going to find out the sex of the baby.”

Charles laughed. “She wasn’t, but they had to do a sonogram yesterday, and they asked again, and she and her husband broke down. I’m glad they decided to tell everyone and not do one of those reveal parties. I’ve seen some really outrageous videos of those.”

With a chuckle, I replied, “My sister had a gender reveal party, and everything that could go wrong did. She swore never again. When is the baby due?”

Another wide smile broke out across his face. “Two weeks.”

“I’m sure you and the wife are over the moon.”

He nodded. “Yes, we both are. I’ve been saving up my vacation so that we can spend as much time as we can with her and Brian, that’s her husband.”

I nodded. “How much time do you have?”

With a slight frown, he replied, “I have three weeks saved up, but they’ll only allow me to take a week off.”

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >85

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Devoted Enough (Love In Montana #9) Read Online Kelly Elliott http://www.wownovels.com/devoted-enough-love-in-montana-9-read-online-kelly-elliott Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:14:57 +0000 https://www.wownovels.com/devoted-enough-love-in-montana-9-read-online-kelly-elliott Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Virgin Authors: Kelly Elliott Series: Love In Montana Series by Kelly Elliott
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Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >90

Nathan Shaw has been keeping a secret since high school. It was so tightly intertwined with someone else’s that exposing the darkest facts meant he couldn’t keep the other to himself.

He’s had years of holding onto those truths. This also means he's had to push away the one person who means more to him than anything—and in the process, all it does is make her think that he despises her like all of the other people in her life.

But that's so far from the truth about his feelings that he holds so close to his heart.
Haven Larson has had an awful childhood growing up with an abusive father and a mother who tries her best, but sometimes the best can't protect you from the monsters that hide in darkness.

One night, protecting her from those monsters, fell on the one boy she had loved for as long as she could remember. And now she knows that he can't stand to be around her after discovering her secrets—or can he, because every time they are together, the sparks ignite and threaten to combust.

But it will take their darkest secrets being exposed in order for their feelings to come to light.

Devoted Enough is the last book in the Love in Montana series. Full blurb coming soon!

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Prologue

NATHAN

Sophomore Year of High School

“Why do I have to bring it to her? Can’t Lily, or what about her mom? Can either of them come and get it?” I asked my mother as she stood in front of me, arms folded over her chest.

“Because your father is out of town, your sister has plans, and I have a meeting I need to attend tonight. Grace is in Missoula caring for her sick mother.”

“Mom, you know how much Haven gets under my skin.”

“Nathan Shaw, that young girl has had a crush on you since middle school, and that shouldn’t make her get under your skin.”

“It’s not just that, Mom.”

“I’m not asking you to simply take something to her, Nathan.”

“But–”

She held up her hand. “But nothing. I also want you to give this casserole to Haven. I’m sure her father hasn’t made her anything decent to eat since Grace has been gone.”

My mother’s voice was filled with dislike for David Larson. Haven wasn’t very fond of her father either, at least based on the few times she has spoken about him. “Do you not like him?”

She huffed. “Never mind how I feel about him. I promised Grace I’d make sure Haven was okay.”

I sighed. There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my mother, but Haven Larson? Going to her house and seeing her wasn’t something I really wanted to do. It wasn’t that I didn’t like her; I did like her, but if my friends found out, they would tease me. Not that I couldn’t handle it, but it would most likely get people teasing Haven, and I didn’t want that. Haven got a lot of shit in school for not having money. The girls teased her for her clothes and the fact that she walked dogs as a job. I thought they were all jealous of her. She had the most beautiful grayish-blue eyes, brown curly hair, and the cutest dimples that appeared when she smiled. From the gossip making the rounds at school, her father wasn’t especially nice to Haven or her mother, Grace. No one was sure why, though.

“Fine, I’ll drop off the casserole and her backpack. But it was her fault for leaving it here after her lessons.”

My mother gave Haven horseback riding lessons for free since she was good friends with Grace. If you ask me, Haven spent way too much time here at our place and not enough time at her own home.

Kissing me on the cheek, she opened the door to the truck. “Be careful driving, Nate.”

“I will, Mom. You be careful driving to your meeting too.”

She leaned in and kissed me once again. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

With a wink, I replied, “Anything for you, Mom.”

She rolled her eyes. “The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”

It took me about forty minutes to get from the ranch to Haven’s place. Her parents didn’t live on the best side of town, but it wasn’t the worst either. They had a simple, two-story house that I had only ever seen from the outside.

I pulled up and parked in front of the house. Haven’s father’s truck was parked in the driveway. Grabbing the backpack, I got out of the truck and made my way to the passenger side to get the casserole. As I walked up to the door, I heard a loud scream come from inside the house, and my heart felt like it was about to nearly jump out of my chest.

“That’s Haven,” I said to myself as I quickly went to the door and was about to ring the doorbell when I heard the faint sound of more screaming for someone to leave her alone. I reached for the door, and it was open. My heart hammered in my chest, and I had no idea what I was walking into. When I heard a crash come from upstairs, I dropped the backpack, put the casserole on a side table near the door, and then dashed up the steps. Haven’s voice guided me to where I needed to go.

“Please don’t do this. Please!”

I ran up the steps. The room where her voice was coming from was down the hall.

“You know what will happen if you don’t keep your damn mouth shut.”

For a moment, my footsteps faltered. That was Haven’s father’s voice.

“Please…don’t do this! Please, stop!”

I pushed the door open to see David forcing Haven’s hands above her head as he moved over her. For a moment, I was frozen in place. Was I seeing what I thought I was seeing?

When she let out a small cry, I ran, grabbed him by the shirt, and yanked him off of her. Then I pulled back my fist and punched him. He stumbled back and fell to the floor.

“Nate!” Haven cried out as she scrambled to the other side of her bed.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >90

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Enchanted Enough (Love In Montana #7) Read Online Kelly Elliott http://www.wownovels.com/enchanted-enough-love-in-montana-7-read-online-kelly-elliott Sat, 31 Aug 2024 08:14:24 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/enchanted-enough-love-in-montana-7-read-online-kelly-elliott Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Contemporary, Insta-Love Authors: Kelly Elliott Series: Love In Montana Series by Kelly Elliott
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Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98345 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >102

Finally returning home after years in Paris, ex-model Avery Littlewood never imagined a rerouted flight plan would land her on destiny’s runway. She’s seated next to a gorgeous stranger…and as he shares his story, it’s not long before she discovers why his arresting blue eyes look so familiar. There are several reasons why Beck should be off limits—he lives in Texas; he needs a friend, not a relationship; he’s practically family—but none of that overshadows Avery’s instant attraction for the man the moment she stepped foot on that plane.
Months after his mother’s death, old love letters have given Beck Dahlstrom the courage to seek out the Shaws, the family of the long-deceased father he never knew. He can’t believe his luck when the most gorgeous creature he’s ever seen sits beside him on the plane. When he discovers she’s not only heading to the same small Montana town, but she’s close to his father’s family, it’s more like fate. There are several reasons why Avery should be off limits—she’s considerably younger; they’re from different worlds; her father might kill him just for looking at her—but every glimpse into her stunning turquoise eyes just makes him fall deeper.
Montana, the Shaw family, Avery…all of them soon have Beck enchanted enough to consider big changes. But his life in Dallas also has considerable pull, including a person…or two…unwilling to give up Beck so easily.

Each book in the Love in Montana series can be read as a stand alone. The author highly suggests for a better reading experience you read the books in order.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Prologue

BECK

Lifting the beer to my mouth, I took a long drink. In front of me lie everything left of my mother, my best friend, the only person who had ever loved me completely. I cleaned out her house and donated everything else to a women’s shelter. The only things that remained were those that she had personally boxed up and put in the attic, the things that meant the most to her.

I closed my eyes and fought the burning sensation of tears. Six months she’d been gone, and every day I missed her more and more. If one more person told me time heals, I would hit them.

I took another long sip of beer and set it on the small table beside me. Letting out my breath, I pulled the first box closer. My hand shook slightly as I lifted the lid off and stared inside the box.

“The very first box, Mom,” I said as I glanced up. “You always were a planner.”

Looking back at the box, I reached in and pulled out a stack of letters. They were from him—my father. The man my mother had only told me bits and pieces about.

I closed my eyes as a memory hit. I was six years old, and had been afraid of a storm…

“Shh, don’t be afraid of the storm, Beck.”

“I can’t help it, Mommy. The thunder scares me.”

She rocked me slightly. “Don’t let the thunder scare you. Do you know what it is?”

Shaking my head, I asked, “What is it?”

My mother placed a kiss on top of my head. “It’s the sound from when the lightning hits something.”

“How come it doesn’t make it at the same time as the light?”

She laughed softly. “Maybe we should wait until you’re a little older before I explain that. Your daddy used to love thunderstorms so much. He wasn’t afraid of them at all.”

“How did he die?”

I felt her let out a gust of breath. “He was a soldier, a Marine. So brave and smart, just like you. He was on a secret mission, and something went wrong. He died before he ever got to meet you.”

“Do you think he would have liked me?”

Moving so she could look me in the face, she cupped my cheeks and smiled. “Oh, Beck, he would have loved you fiercely. That was the type of man he was. He loved me, and I loved him. And with that love, we made you together. I know he would have worshipped the ground you walked on.”

I felt hot tears on my cheeks. “I wish he wouldn’t have died.”

She slowly nodded and wiped her tears away. “Me too, sweetheart. Me too.”

I was jolted from the memory when I heard the floorboard creak behind me.

“Did you want any help?” Mateo asked.

I shouldn’t have been surprised he was here. He always had my back, from the first moment we met on the playground in first grade. A kid was making fun of me for my haircut, and Mateo told him to stop. Then he looked at Mateo and said something that, at the time, I hadn’t realized was derogatory. Mateo had, though. Even at that young age, he was already hearing it.

The next thing I knew, Mateo punched the kid, and he and I both ended up in trouble. From that point on, we were the best of friends. And his mom and my mother had become close as well. Both single moms raising unruly boys.

“I appreciate it, but I think I need to do this part on my own.”

He placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it. “You know I’m here,” he said.

All I could do was nod. Emotions clogged my throat. He turned, and the sound of the door clicking nearly made me jump.

I took the rubber band off the letters and felt a strange sensation in my chest as I read the return address. Sergeant Beck Shaw. My mother had never told me my father’s last name. Only that I was named after him.

My hands shook as I turned the letters over and started reading them. In the first few, it was clear they had just started dating. Sergeant Beck Shaw had been in the Marine Forces Special Operations Command and was often gone for weeks, or months, at a time. He could never tell my mother where he was going or how long he’d be gone. The letters were sweet and tender, and the deeper I got into the pile, the more their love for one another became apparent.

In one letter, Beck replied to my mother about her news that her father disapproved of their relationship. He said that he’d never want to come between her and her family, but that he loved her and wasn’t about to walk away. The next letter talked about how much he enjoyed spending time with her. That their time in the beach house, in particular, was something he’d never forget.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >102

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Amnesia Read Online Kelly Elliott http://www.wownovels.com/amnesia-read-online-kelly-elliott Sat, 22 Jun 2024 18:38:11 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/amnesia-read-online-kelly-elliott Genre: Alpha Male, Insta-Love, Suspense Authors: Kelly Elliott Advertisement

Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >84

I’m scared.
When will this nightmare end?

Darkness and cold has tortured me.
I can’t remember anything.

He’s coming.
His footsteps echo like a wrecking ball in my head.

He’s getting closer.
Breathe.

He’s almost here.
I must escape.

He’s here.
Breath tickles my face.

With what little strength I have, I find my way to the sunlight.

Tortured moans become more distant.
Run faster.

I drop with exhaustion.
Did I make it far enough?

I’m being lifted.
Warmth engulfs me.

Please let this be my savior and not my captor.

Amnesia is a stand alone novel.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

PROLOGUE

Mallory

I opened my eyes to the darkness yet again. The cold, damp room only contained the mattress I was sitting on, and it smelled foul, like a rusty tang of blood. This darkness had been my tortured existence for the last two days. The small beam of light that trickled down from a crack in the boards above was my only sign of when night falls and day begins.

The echo of footsteps walking over the floor above signaled he was coming back. I crawled into the corner and waited as my heart raced faster at the sound of the slow creak of the door.

My throat tightened as he walked into the room. I can’t see him, even with the bit of light coming in through the open door, but I know it’s him. I felt his evil presence, and I fought to keep from throwing up.

I flinched as his fingers run lightly down my face. He sucked in a deep breath and let out a low moan.

“Soon. I’m going to have you soon.”

Pushing his hand away, somewhere I found the courage and yelled, “Don’t touch me!”

Bile rose from my stomach and adrenaline coursed through my body as the sound of his haunting laugh filled the small space.

That laugh would forever plague my dreams—even if I managed to somehow escape this prison.

I reached behind me for the item I’d been working on getting free for the last two days. With a tight grip, I forced myself to focus on the shadow before me—and swung it with every ounce of energy I could muster.

CHAPTER ONE

Mallory

Chicago, One Week Ago

I sighed as I stepped onto the elevator. Another job interview that didn’t go well.

“Rough day?”

Turning, I gave a weak smile to the woman slightly behind me.

“Yes,” I said as I pushed the button for the first floor. “Job hunting.”

“Ahh, that’s never a fun thing.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “Nope, definitely not.”

The elevator stopped on the third floor, and I stepped out of the way for her to get off when she announced it was her stop.

“Good luck. I hope you find a job soon.”

“Thank you,” I said as I returned her smile. Once the doors closed, I stepped back and leaned against the wall. Speaking quietly to the walls of the elevator, I reminded myself, “If I don’t find a job soon, I’ll have to return to Arcola and work at Yoder’s Kitchen.”

The elevator dinged, and I stepped off and headed out of the building. Tomorrow I was going to the employment agency to see if I could at least find some temporary work. I couldn’t keep staying at the motel. I had the rest of the money from selling my grandmother’s house, but not enough that would allow me to keep paying for a motel room. I needed to find a studio apartment or find a roommate or something soon.

“What would you say, Granny, if you saw me now? I’m following my dreams of leaving Arcola and making something of myself in the big city of Chicago. And it’s going amazingly well, if I do say so myself.” The sarcasm in my voice wasn’t even lost on me.

I chuckled as I walked down the street to the bus stop. My grandmother, Elenore Wilson, raised me after my mother and father died in a car accident when I was five. I loved her more than anything. She was the only family I had. My father was adopted, so he hadn’t known his biological family, and my mom was an only child. My parents had moved to Chicago after marriage, leaving my grandmother back in Arcola. She’d refused to leave the small town, so I had no choice but to go to her. By the time I had moved in with Granny, her oldest sister was the only one left alive. Nora had never married and didn’t have any kids. Once she passed away, a year before Granny, there was no family left—just the two of us.

So when my grandmother passed in her sleep nearly ten months ago, I knew I had to go and start my life. I sold the house, everything inside, and the few personal items I wanted to keep, I packed away and put them in storage nearly four weeks ago and moved to Chicago.

I had no one now. Even my best friend, Laura, had moved four years ago. She’d met someone, and we slowly lost contact with one another. She didn’t even know Granny had died and that I had moved.

The bus came, and I waited in line to board and take a seat. Dropping my head back, I closed my eyes and silently prayed tomorrow went well with the employment agency. I really needed a job.

“Good evening, Mallory.”

I walked up to the counter of the small deli where I had been eating practically every day and smiled at Jack, the owner. He was older, maybe in his early sixties, with salt-and-pepper hair, beautiful blue eyes, and a smile that made you all warm inside. He ran the deli with his wife, Jen, and their kids. They had one daughter, Sheila, and two sons, Adam and Lou—both of whom had asked me out at least once.

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