Always Be Mine

Trickle Creek #3

by Elena Aitken

Single dad, Craig Carlson prides himself on being able to do it all. He’s never needed help running his business while single-handedly raising his little girl.

Until now.

An unexpected stipulation in his late father’s will requires him to hire a nanny for the next six months or his family—including his daughter—will lose everything.

Enter Lucy Willis, his new tenant, who planted a kiss on him before she knew he was her landlord. There's something about the newest resident of Trickle Creek that he can't quite put his finger on, but he likes her. If he's going to ask someone for help, it might as well be a stranger who doesn't have any idea of how hard it is for him.

Now, all he needs to do in order to fulfill his duties and keep his family legacy intact is deny his growing feelings for a woman who fills holes in his heart and home he never knew he had.

Easy. Right?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2024

About the author

Elena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.

Read a free novella — https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vxuimdz0j8

Reviews

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several tropes come to mind while reading this book. It takes place in a small town, with a big family, all of whom will have their own book. There have been 2 books already in this series, but I had not read them and didn’t feel the least bit lost. And the biggest trope of all, is the single dad and nanny story. Fortunately, these tropes were told well in this book. I was emotionally involved with Lucy and Craig and adored his daughter Meri. The story fit all of my wants for the HEA and this was an easy fun book to read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Suzanne Normandeau Legault · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very compelling, captivating and heartwarming story that will keep you glued to it. Single parenting is not easy on anyone, whether it be the mother or father, the role remains the same; and you can easily lose yourself in the process. Craig Carlson is the single parent to a beautiful six year old daughter Meri (Meredith) whom he’s raised from birth and who’s the sole focus in his life, she is his life. However, his deceased father did not have the same vision for him and he stipulates certain conditions in his will that will change Craig’s life forever. He’s to hire a nanny in order to inherit . Lucy Willis is a restaurant manager who leaves it all behind after an emotional fallout with the very married boss and moves away with her big furry cat Garfield to a very small town (Trickle Creek) that will bring her happiness like she’s never known. Amazingly written, this author is gifted in portraying emotions, drawing you in and compelling you to turn every page. A very heartfelt emotional 🧡 story and tear jerker, a must read! 5 stars ⭐️ and more!

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Craig and Lucy in Always Be Mine by Elena Aitken, book three in her Trickle Creek series featuring the Carlson siblings; an emotional, heartwarming story, sizzling with chemistry along with a bit of anxiety. This time the focus is on Craig, the youngest of the Carlson men and single dad to Meri.

Craig Carlson is the single parent to a beautiful six year old daughter Meri (Meredith), whom since birth and the sole focus in his life; in fact: she is his life. It seems his deceased father did not have the same vision for him and stipulates certain conditions in his will that will change Craig’s life forever; he is to hire a nanny. Lucy Willis, a restaurant manager, leaves behind her Vancouver life, after an emotional fallout with her very married boss and moves away with her big furry cat Garfield to the small town of Trickle Creek. When Lucy literally stumbles into his life with her cat, Garfield, Craig trusts his gut and hires her to be Meri's nanny. As Lucy gets closer to Meri, and in turn her father, the chemistry between Lucy and Craig ignites and these three create a family; despite the roller coaster of emotions and obstacles placed in their way. It takes a lot of patience to nurse their relationship to a love that can stand the test of time.

Ms. Aitken wrote a wonderful and amazing story that is not to be missed: filled with magnetic attraction, sizzling chemistry, clever banter, and endearing characters supporting and cheering Craig and Lucy on. I totally enjoyed and highly recommend Always Be Mine to other readers and look forward to the story in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third outing in the Trickle Creek series focuses on Craig, the youngest of the Carlson men and single dad to Meri.
His story gets off to a great start with a 'meet cute' involving a ginger cat called Garfield and a surprise kiss, little did he know he was going have all he believed called into question when the next task on his father's will was for him to hire a nanny for six months, he thought he was a great single dad, holding everything together, why from beyond the grave does his father doubt him?
New to town after a shocking break up, Lucy is in the right place at the right time when Craig trusts his gut and hires her to be Meri's nanny.
What Ms. Aitken gives us from there is a sweet story of three people falling in love and forging a family unit despite the roller coaster of emotions and hurdles placed in their way. I really enjoyed this, and I am loving this series. Can't wait for Asher and Kat to get their stories and to find out what tasks their father has stipulated for them in his will and the lessons he's dishing out from the grave.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so bad for Lucy when she found out that her boss that she was dating was married. I can understand Lucy being mortified as she never wanted to be the other woman. I was happy she left and went to Trickle Creek to see what the town was like that her ex used to always talk about. Lucy had no idea she was renting the room above the shop that it belonged to the man Craig she uncharacteristically kissed. It was a little funny that she saw the help wanted sign in his ice cream shop and applied for the job. But the job Craig was giving her was nanny to his five year old daughter. She had never been a nanny! Craig’s father had passed away and was making all his children one at a time do something he commanded for the whole family to get their inheritance. Craig had to hire and keep a nanny for six months. Meri was Craig’s daughter and she was a character. I just loved her. Lucy and Craig’s romance was not a smooth path, but fun to watch. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig is struggling to bring up his five year old daughter, Meri, and run a business. He won't ask for or accept help. Then it's his turn to follow the task in his father's will, if he doesn't his siblings will lose their inheritance.
Lucy has left her town and her job because her ex has caused her huge problems.
She meets Craig and applies for a job in his ice cream shop, but he changes it and asks her to be his nanny, well Meri's! She accepts, he doesn't tell her about the will as he's so cross thinking his father didn't think he was a good father.
Lucy has a problem with people hiding things from her, this occurred because of her ex, she's not as trusting as she was. Can she trust Craig? Will he tell her what's going on?

A great read in the series from Elena

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Be Mine is book 3 in the Trickle Creek series by Elena Aitken in this single dad/nanny romance.

Craig Carlson is the next sibling to be seen singled out in their late father’s will requiring him to hire a nanny for his 5 yr old daughter, Meri. Doesn’t seem like much except he doesn’t depend on any outside help…now he has no choice. What he doesn’t expect the his new tenant Lucy Willis to stir something deep inside he never saw coming…family, chemistry, banter, emotional rollercoaster and so much more..can’t wait to see who is next…

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very emotional read. It is single dad Craig Carlson's turn to fulfil the request in his father's will to secure the inheritance for him and his siblings. He must hire a nanny to look after his daughter Meredith. Initially he resents this as he has always managed on his own. However, when Lucy literally stumbles into his life with her cat, Garfield he seizes the opportunity to employ her. As Lucy gets closer to Meri and in turn her father, the chemistry between Lucy and Craig ignites. A problem ex of Lucy's threatens their relationship as does the fact that Craig has kept the reason for hiring Lucy from her.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well told story, with 5yo Meri as the perfect foil for both Crag and Lucy.

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Craig and Lucy have a sweet story with a big dose of chemistry and a side of angst. Craig has a fairly easy task in regards to his father's will but something he still struggled with. Throw in the cute Meri and you can't help but fall in love with her making this a lovely new family in the making.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of anything written by Elena Aitken. This book definitely did not disappoint. This is the 3rd story out of Trickle Creek and this time it was Craig’s turn to try to meet the requirements of his father’s will. Lucy comes to Trickle Creek to get away from the toxic situation she found herself in with her boss in Vancouver. She ends up applying for a job at the ice cream shop that Craig owns, but Craig has other plans for her. She has an instant connection to his little girl so he hires her to be the nanny. Of course they try to stay away from each other but love always finds a way to you together if it’s meant to be.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving The Single Dad anthology

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Trickle Creek and the Carlson siblings. Their father’s will has them all in town and little by little, each one will be getting a decree they need to follow in order to keep the company within the family.
This time, the story belongs to single Dad Craig Carlson. Craig has been a single dad since the day his 5 year old daughter was born. His goal in life is to be the very best dad. His father’s decree to him is to find a nanny for 6 months , he is less than thrill and very angry at his deceased father.
When he accidentally runs into newcomer Lucy Willis, he didn’t realize his life would change forever.
Lucy Willis is in town after quitting her job as a manager for a very successful restaurant. Her disastrous relationship with her boss left her feeling betrayed and needing to regroup. Thus her decision to visit Trickle Creek.
But what happens when she takes the nanny job? What happens when feelings develop but must be kept a secret?
This was a story about trust, taking chances in life and love. It’s also a story about family and new beginnings.
A good addition to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Jimnlori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always Be Mine by Elena Aitken is the third book in the Trickle Creek series and a definite must read if you love contemporary romances set in small towns and having to do with families.
Craig Carlson has raised his daughter on his own since she was born, but now his late father's will states that he must hire a nanny for his daughter or else he along with his family will lose everything.
Lucy Willis decides that Trickle Creek is the perfect place to flee to when she is trying to get away from her past and possibly start over. She has no idea that he is her landlord when she impulsively kisses him. It gets even more awkward when Craig hires her to be his daughter's nanny because he likes her. Now he just needs to get through the next six months in order to protect his family's legacy while keeping his growing feelings for Lucy under control.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy single dad stories, I highly recommend this book to you. This is the third book in the Trickle Creek series and it’s centered around Craig, a single father to his adorable daughter, Meri. Craig didn’t think he’d be next to get his assignment so they could keep their inheritance and he’s not happy with the stipulation that he must hire a nanny. Lucy comes to Trickle Creek for a fresh start after she learns her ex is married and his wife is pregnant. Lucy and Craig first meet when she’s moving into her new rental apartment. I just love these characters and this small town. I’m not going to leave any spoilers, but please do yourself a favor and grab your copy to see what happens when Lucy becomes Craig’s nanny.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always me Mine was a very good story. Lucy quit her job and moved out of town when she finds out her boss and boyfriend was married. She was furious and moved to Trickle Creek which was a very small town her ex had talked about. She met Craig (who owned the Sugar Shack) when her cat escaped as she was moving in to the apartment above the store. They were attracted to each other, which got confusing when she had to move into his house to make room for a new employee of the Sugar Shack. They finally acted on their attraction and then agreed to keep it secret, which eventually blew up in their faces. But she realized she loved him and came back to talk it out.

I got this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Craig hires Lucy as nanny for his almost 6years old daughter, Meri. Lucy has come to Teickke Creek to escape a bad breakup and devious ex. Looking for work, she willingly accepted what was offered. A relationship develops between them as a couple, and also as a family.
Craig and Lucy fall under the teams of his father's will..however he does not give her this particular information, especially how it involves his brothers and sisters and for this reason, wants to keep their relationship secret. It all comes out in embarrassing and difficult way. Certainly not the best outcome for anyone, especially Craig for failing to admit his feelings and reducing her to simply being 'hired help'.
It takes a lot of soul searching and facing facts for everyone to recognize the implications.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone want ice cream? Another installment of the Carlson family and another will reading. Another family member having to jump thru hoops. More orders from their father from beyond the grave. Add in a young woman running from her life determined to do things differently. A quick casual greeting with a child over a color choice and the trajectory changes. Settling into a new lifestyle has challenges but the changes are relatively seamless. Until there are bumps. There is attraction. There are secrets. The past is ready to jump in their way. The future is full of changes. Are they equipped to handle it or would the just keeping the status quo be safer?

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enjoyable trip back to Trickle Creek. Lucy has escaped there after her life in Vancouver imploded. Fate seems to agree with her choice and brings her face to face with Craig, single dad to adorable Meri. They've got an immediate connection, but neither anticipated what would come for them. Craig is reeling after finding out the stipulation of his dad's will - but tries to do what's right for his family and Meri. Plenty of drama (and betrayal) and lots of feels in this story that will leave you hoping these three will get their HEA.

[Susanne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things aren't always as they seem

A touching story that made lemonade out of lemons. Lucy dumped the jerk, packed her bags and decided to get away for a wee bit. Her best friend tells her to kiss a stranger, so she does. Craig. That kiss starts a new path for both. They both learn things aren't always as they seem and practice makes things better. Enjoy the small mountain town, wonderful characters and Lucy and Craig's journey to the beginning of a happy ever after. No cheating or cliffhanger. Enjoy 🤓

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed Lucy and Craig’s story. I'm really enjoying getting to know all the Carlson's and the characters of Trickle Creek. In trying to meet the terms of their father's will these siblings have to make changes to their lives. If they don't they all lose the inheritance. Seeing them each go through what's needed and find love along the way makes for a captivating read. I anxiously await the next book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Carlsons are a crazy bunch with all the weird stipulations of their father’s will but each challenge they face seems to lead to so much growth. Craig is no different. He starts as a super dad who never asks for help to someone who totally gets it’s ok not to do everything alone.

Lucy and Craig were such a perfect match but my favorite thing was Lucy knowing her worth and not taking less. This family is so much fun to read and I can’t wait until the next sibling.

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

A will with a complicated stipulation, a woman hurting from a recent breakup and a sweet little girl. It is Craig’s turn to follow the stipulation in his father’s will.

Although there was some predictability in what might happen with the characters, as the story unfolds the reader is drawn into the strong emotions both Craig and Lucy are feeling. Enjoyable story!

[suze joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena is the best at grabbing you from the get go and having you fall in love with the young child in the story. You can picture the facial expressions and melt on the the spot. Loving Trickle Creek series.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous single dad falls for his nanny love story that will keep you glued from start to finish!! One of my favourite troupes is a single dad and Elena did not disappoint!! Grab this book and enjoy their journey to their HEA!!

[Bette Stanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several tropes are going on in this story. A single parent hires a nanny. The cheating boyfriend is exposed. Secrets and mistrust all the way around. The story is well paced with wonderful characters and dialogue. There are no surprises or twists. It is an entertaining and fun story!

[Kelley wellmeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute hallmark style romance book! Falling in love with your boss is never a good idea, but when Lucy quits her job and leaves town for a cute little vacation get away she thinks twice before doing it again…

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

trickle creek

Absolutely a great series, love the characters and story line
Hope somehow the stories continue with new people. Love the books

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

[Lynn Mullan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.