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Calamity Falls #14
When You Were Mine
Planning a wedding for the ex-husband who left her in Vegas was not on her To-Do list.
Jessica Elsworth isn’t the small town girl she used to be. She built her resort empire from pieces of a broken heart. Now, she’s on her way to snowy Iceland to take on a last-minute consulting job where she’ll renovate a hotel for a wedding.
Four days and two hundred thousand dollars. It should be easy.
Until she meets the groom. It’s him. Trevor Montgomery. The only man she’s ever loved. And her ex-husband.
Trevor Montgomery might be one of the world’s most famous faces, but he’ll always be the boy from Wyoming with stars in his eyes.
Recently retired, he’s heading to Iceland to marry his best friend’s little sister. She’s proposed a marriage of convenience—business and friendship together in one union. Why not?
Everything’s going well…until he meets the wedding planner. It’s Jessica. The woman who still owns his heart.
Now that fate's brought them together, nothing will stop him from winning her back.
Not even his own wedding.
Jessica Elsworth isn’t the small town girl she used to be. She built her resort empire from pieces of a broken heart. Now, she’s on her way to snowy Iceland to take on a last-minute consulting job where she’ll renovate a hotel for a wedding.
Four days and two hundred thousand dollars. It should be easy.
Until she meets the groom. It’s him. Trevor Montgomery. The only man she’s ever loved. And her ex-husband.
Trevor Montgomery might be one of the world’s most famous faces, but he’ll always be the boy from Wyoming with stars in his eyes.
Recently retired, he’s heading to Iceland to marry his best friend’s little sister. She’s proposed a marriage of convenience—business and friendship together in one union. Why not?
Everything’s going well…until he meets the wedding planner. It’s Jessica. The woman who still owns his heart.
Now that fate's brought them together, nothing will stop him from winning her back.
Not even his own wedding.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2025
176 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Erika Kelly
45 books1,858 followersAward-winning author Erika Kelly writes sexy, passionate, and emotional contemporary romance. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she lives in the southwest, drinks a lot of tea, and is always waiting for her cats to get off her keyboard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
January 22, 2025
Trevor and Jessica once had it all. Or they could have, if he’d only stayed. Instead, his young wants overruled the reality of what he and Jessica were beginning together, and he broke her heart. It seems like he didn’t break his, and you’ll get why soon enough. But appearances are deceiving. He’s still guilty of being callous and heartless to a point, but Jessica isn’t totally free of the mistakes made in her heartbroken youth, either.
Don’t get me wrong. Her mistakes are FAR more easily understood and forgiven. Trevor’s? Those take time. And honesty. And more time. It seems almost like they’re doomed to always be wanting and wishing because the old hurts are still fresh and the past makes an inopportune return to sit smack dab in the present.
But someone has learned to make things right. Immediately. And they both prove that they can move on, forgive, and finally have the forever they were meant to have.
Don’t get me wrong. Her mistakes are FAR more easily understood and forgiven. Trevor’s? Those take time. And honesty. And more time. It seems almost like they’re doomed to always be wanting and wishing because the old hurts are still fresh and the past makes an inopportune return to sit smack dab in the present.
But someone has learned to make things right. Immediately. And they both prove that they can move on, forgive, and finally have the forever they were meant to have.
February 26, 2025
This is my first novel from Erika Kelly and it was definitely a different romance reading experience for me when it comes to the conflicting emotions I felt throughout. Kelly’s writing is clear and well paced, her characters are complicated, and this second chance romance has a bit of melancholy to it that I had to grapple with. When You Were Mine is a second chance romance between two mature people who have lived an entire life apart, they were high school sweethearts, they were married young and situations lead them on very different paths and this separation was a decision made one sided without true understanding and thought behind the consequences. I think this novel will definitely affect reader very differently depending on their age, mind set and emotions.
Entering into this romance Kelly presents the readers with this very loving and romantic couple but that is quickly broken by an immature decision, lack of understanding and clear communication. Then we jump 30 YEARS in which these two have lived entirely separate lives. From this moment on I felt like my heart mourned for the time they lost, it mourned what their life could have been if only they had truly talked to each other, and because of this I found myself frustrated wi the both the hero and heroine. When they finally come face to face again they both are engaged to other people and finally moving on. Then we must go through a push and pull between the hero trying to convince the heroine to talk to him and give them the chance to get to know each other again, with the heartache and betrayal the heroine is unsure she can get past. My inner emotions were definitely put through turmoil as I conflicted between sadness, frustration and hope.
When You Were Mine is definitely a romance that will speak to some and frustrate others. I am glad to have taken the chance on this novel and experiencing it and it definitely leaves me curious about how I will react to other Erika Kelly novels.
Thank you to Grey’s Promotions for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Entering into this romance Kelly presents the readers with this very loving and romantic couple but that is quickly broken by an immature decision, lack of understanding and clear communication. Then we jump 30 YEARS in which these two have lived entirely separate lives. From this moment on I felt like my heart mourned for the time they lost, it mourned what their life could have been if only they had truly talked to each other, and because of this I found myself frustrated wi the both the hero and heroine. When they finally come face to face again they both are engaged to other people and finally moving on. Then we must go through a push and pull between the hero trying to convince the heroine to talk to him and give them the chance to get to know each other again, with the heartache and betrayal the heroine is unsure she can get past. My inner emotions were definitely put through turmoil as I conflicted between sadness, frustration and hope.
When You Were Mine is definitely a romance that will speak to some and frustrate others. I am glad to have taken the chance on this novel and experiencing it and it definitely leaves me curious about how I will react to other Erika Kelly novels.
Thank you to Grey’s Promotions for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 21, 2025
This was a heartfelt second-chance romance where Trevor and Jessica rediscovered each other after 30 years apart. Their connection was undeniable, as they both clearly carried lingering feelings for one another, despite the passage of time. However, there was also a sense of caution as they cautiously navigated their emotions. The age and time gap (nearing 50 years old and separated for three decades) felt significant, and at times, their actions came across as immature, which didn’t fully align with their age. Nevertheless, it was still a lovely story and a great addition to the Calamity series.
What I appreciated most was Jessica’s strong devotion to her family—she was an incredibly resilient and beautiful character. Trevor’s decision to break off his engagement right away was admirable, and I was especially moved by the emotional ending when both families came together. The scene with Paisley had me in tears.
On the downside, I don’t love the theme of long separations, and 30 years felt like an unbearable length of time to be apart from your soulmate. Additionally, I couldn’t help but wish that Jessica had her own child.
What I appreciated most was Jessica’s strong devotion to her family—she was an incredibly resilient and beautiful character. Trevor’s decision to break off his engagement right away was admirable, and I was especially moved by the emotional ending when both families came together. The scene with Paisley had me in tears.
On the downside, I don’t love the theme of long separations, and 30 years felt like an unbearable length of time to be apart from your soulmate. Additionally, I couldn’t help but wish that Jessica had her own child.
February 6, 2025
My rating: 4 stars
What I loved: I loved how family was everything to Jessica(h). She was such a strong, beautiful character. I liked how Trevor(H) broke off the engagement right away. I absolutely loved the ending with both families all together. I was crying at the part with Paisley.
What I didn’t like: I don’t care for long separations. Thirty years is a long time to go without your soulmate. Also, I really wish Jessica had a child of her own.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: Second Chance. H and h were childhood friends that turned into more. In the past, they just eloped when the H gets a call saying he got the part in the movie. H and h were heading back to their home town because h’s younger sister just found out she was pregnant. H already signed the contract for the part and h is needed to help her sister. H walks out telling the h that he has one shot at this and he will be back. The presents (30 years later), the h is engaged and her fiancé just left to go help his daughter telling the h that she shouldn’t come with him. H just agree to a marriage of convenience to a woman he has been seeing. h runs into the H when she is asked to help the owner turn his resort into a luxury resort. H is happy to see her and right away knows he can’t be with anyone but the h. H right away makes a plan to win the h back. h doesn’t make things easy. At the end they finally get their HEA.
Final thoughts: Erika Kelly is one of my top favorite authors and this story did not disappoint. A must read to anyone who loves a second chance romance with all the feels.
What I loved: I loved how family was everything to Jessica(h). She was such a strong, beautiful character. I liked how Trevor(H) broke off the engagement right away. I absolutely loved the ending with both families all together. I was crying at the part with Paisley.
What I didn’t like: I don’t care for long separations. Thirty years is a long time to go without your soulmate. Also, I really wish Jessica had a child of her own.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: Second Chance. H and h were childhood friends that turned into more. In the past, they just eloped when the H gets a call saying he got the part in the movie. H and h were heading back to their home town because h’s younger sister just found out she was pregnant. H already signed the contract for the part and h is needed to help her sister. H walks out telling the h that he has one shot at this and he will be back. The presents (30 years later), the h is engaged and her fiancé just left to go help his daughter telling the h that she shouldn’t come with him. H just agree to a marriage of convenience to a woman he has been seeing. h runs into the H when she is asked to help the owner turn his resort into a luxury resort. H is happy to see her and right away knows he can’t be with anyone but the h. H right away makes a plan to win the h back. h doesn’t make things easy. At the end they finally get their HEA.
Final thoughts: Erika Kelly is one of my top favorite authors and this story did not disappoint. A must read to anyone who loves a second chance romance with all the feels.
February 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Second chance romance, MMC’s in their forties.
They were childhood sweethearts, separated for nearly 30years.
Jessica sees Trevor 30 years later, as his wedding planer.
Trevor can’t deny his heart still beats only for Jessica, being a gentleman he is, broke off his engagement and tey to give them a second chance.
Second chance romance, MMC’s in their forties.
They were childhood sweethearts, separated for nearly 30years.
Jessica sees Trevor 30 years later, as his wedding planer.
Trevor can’t deny his heart still beats only for Jessica, being a gentleman he is, broke off his engagement and tey to give them a second chance.
March 23, 2025
30 years is a long time but I loved this book ❤️💕
February 20, 2025
This was an enjoyable book - loved their story. The cast of characters were such a well rounded addition. Jessica and Trevor were always each others 'one', the standard every other relationship was measured against.
Fast forward years, and they meet up again, in Iceland, what a beautiful backdrop to fall in love all over again - misunderstandings are cleared up - with some pushes from others, they give in, and all is right in their worlds!!!
Fast forward years, and they meet up again, in Iceland, what a beautiful backdrop to fall in love all over again - misunderstandings are cleared up - with some pushes from others, they give in, and all is right in their worlds!!!
February 20, 2025
Amazon US / Apple / Nook / Kobo / Google
Jessica cannot believe she's face to face with her first, only, love, Trevor, and helping to plan his wedding. She's spent the last 30 years getting over the broken heart he handed her when he walked away from her right after they eloped. But she hasn't spent that time without hardening her shields, so she knows she can get through this meeting, then go back to her life and resort. She's starting to realize, though, that she might have the wrong idea about Trevor. He's intent on at least getting her to talk to him, and she's beginning to think she should. For closure at least...
Trevor has spent the last 30 years pining over his lost love, his Elzy, Jessica, and it's all his fault he lost her in the first place. He never ever thought he'd get a second chance at claiming her heart again, but now that they're both in Iceland at the same time at the same hotel, he's not about to let her get away, even if he has to tell her the truth about his engagement, and tell her how he's never gotten over her. She seems not to want to acknowledge their past connection, so he knows he has his work cut out for him. But he's more than up for the challenge, because this is the greatest thing he could ever do - convince Elzy to be with him forever.
When one man is as determined as Trevor, there's really no way he doesn't get what he wants. What he wanted was his first love, and he got her. But only after she made him dance, damn did she. I was feeling for her, she was so strong, had been a mother, sister, aunt, and successful business person all rolled into one package, who had shoved the pain of her broken heart deep down to where she didn't have to think about it all the time. Then along came Trevor, and she realized finally, that she didn't have to be so hardened any longer. He allowed her to soften, be a little like the girl she was when they last knew each other. I was cheering this couple on, even though I wanted to smack Trevor more than once, and loved reading their second chance love story.
ARC provided by for an honest review.
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June 21, 2025
Seriously 30 years they were apart!!!!
No thank you.
No thank you.
February 3, 2025
Erica Kelly has done it again! I absolutely loved When You Were Mine, it is an incredible small town mature couple second chance love story, the second book in her Mistletoe and Silver Foxes series. It is part of her Calamity Falls series. I am looking forward to reading more books by Erika Kelly. This book held my interest from the start, and I fell in love. Erika Kelly showed that she is an amazing storyteller and is a must-read author for me. I was hooked from the first few pages, and it was impossible to put When You Were Mine down and I loved every moment on every page. When You Were Mine is the story of Jessica Elsworth, consultant in the hospitality industry and owner of Sweetwater Spa and Resort in Calamity Falls, and her ex-husband, Trevor Montgomery, famous actor, and star of Clan Wars franchise. Jessica and Trevor were high school sweethearts who left Wyoming together looking for success. They got married in Las Vegas, and on their wedding day, Trevor gets the opportunity to head to Scotland to begin filming the Clan Wars series and leaves Jessica in their hotel room. Jessica returns home to help her sister with her unplanned pregnancy. Jessica realizes that you cannot make people stay. They have not seen one another since that day even though Trevor returned to town on several occasions to get her. Jessica has been hired as a consultant to renovate a hotel in Iceland. To her surprise, it ends up coming face to face with Trevor and his fiancée Darby Pullman, NASCAR racer and sister of Chris Pullman who hired her to help with the hotel renovations. Trevor and Darby’s wedding will take place at the hotel, and Jessica will make recommendations for their wedding. Conversation between Jessica and Trevor flows so easily, I love that both Jessica and Trevor share secrets with one another that they have not shared with anyone before, especially the secrets they share what took place in their lives after Trevor left and how Trevor admitted trying to contact Jessica on several occasions, and the reason he was marrying Darby. As they tour a small town in Iceland a snowstorm and they end up spending the night together in a lighthouse. As Jessica and Trevor spend time together being snowed in, things change between them, and they begin a romantic relationship. A surprise plot twist changes things between Jessica and Trevor, putting their relationship at risk. I love the full circle moment that Trevor experienced when he watches Jessica leave Iceland. I love Jessica’s role in her niece’s wedding and the Christmas gifts that Jessica and Trevor give each other. I love how Trevor calls Jessica, “Elzy.” I loved that When You Were Mine is more than just a romance, there are dilemmas that both Jessica and Trevor are facing that need to be resolved. I love how the storylines get so beautifully resolved. I love everything that Trevor does for Jessica to convinces her that he still loves her. I love the heart-to-heart conversations that Jessica and Trevor have with each other, the ones that Jessica has with her sisters and niece, but especially the one that Trevor has with his granddaughter, Paisley. I love the changes that both Jessica and Trevor make in their lives to have a life together. I love the ending of their love story and how both Jessica and Trevor change because of their love for one another and how they admit their feelings for one another. I loved Trevor’s proposal to Jessica, and I loved the significance of her unique engagement ring and where he purchased it. My favorite part is the epilogue and that it happens a year later and where they celebrate their first anniversary, and how it beautifully wraps up their love story. I love the bonus download that details what really happened between Darby and Emil. I love Jessica and Trevor’s love story, and the descriptions of the Iceland and Calamity Falls settings. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? I love how Erika develops her characters in such a way that you fall in love with them and care about them much like a good friend. I love how Erika Kelly managed to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. When You Were Mine is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in an Erika Kelly love story, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments, plot twists, and surprises that filled this page turner. I love the characters and the family dynamic in When You Were Mine, the characters feel like family and friends. I loved catching up with Cole, Hailey, and their daughters. I enjoy all the interactions among the characters, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I thoroughly enjoyed When You Were Mine, who does not love a mature couple finding a second chance at love. Highly recommend this incredible love story. I love how Erika Kelly hinted about her new series and am so looking forward to reading the books in this new series. Received an advanced copy from the author.
February 11, 2025
This is the most recent story in the Calamity Falls series and is the emotional second chance story for Trevor and Jessica. This story was absolutely fantastic and not to be missed, especially if you’re in the 50ish age bracket. (It’s nice to see characters that are like me.) I loved this story because of the uniqueness of the storyline and the emotional punch it delivered along with great characters.
Trevor and Jessica met and fell in love as kids. They loved each other deeply, but they were very young. They were full of hopes and big dreams. When Trevor’s big dream came calling, he unilaterally chose to follow it and left Jessica – only 43 minutes after marrying her. He firmly believed in himself and his dream and assumed that she would be waiting for him to return once he made it. Jessica was devastated that he chose to leave her and take all of their money. With a broken heart, she went home to help her family.
This single event in their lives shaped their entire futures. Trevor was a very hard worker and had a bit of luck, but became a very successful and well paid actor. When he went home to try to work things out, he faced a very tough reality that Jessica didn’t wait for him and wouldn’t see him. Time showed him that his decision to follow his own choice was wrong and he paid a very dear price. He went back to work and built a very successful career but he had a very lonely life.
Jessica was also a very hard worker and extremely focused and determined. She helped to raise her sisters, helped her sister raise her baby, took care of her dad and built a very successful life too. She was so focused on taking care of everyone else that she gave up her own future and didn’t get to have the family she had always wanted. She had just begun to question her place in her family now that she wasn’t needed anymore. She has major abandonment and trust issues.
When these two meet again, 30 years later, they have an instant connection that Trevor leans into and Jessica fights tooth and nail. They have built completely separate and very full lives and learning each other again, re-establishing the connection and deciding whether there is a future is a huge challenge for them. Even at their ages now, they have serious things to work through. The issues that plagued them as young people were still there and if they had any chance for a future, they had to deal with their own issues before they could build their trust and relationship again.
Even after 30 years, they never stopped loving one another which is why they never married and are still single. They still have serious chemistry and very strong feelings for one another if they allow themselves to feel it. Trevor is VERY determined to work things out and pursues Jessica hard. He has always believed that they would find their way back to one another. Poor Jessica can’t get over being left and is terrified to believe that Trevor will stay. Watching her struggle is heart breaking, but so satisfying when it works out.
Watching these characters deal with their childhood hurts that shaped most of their adult lives and having each other to lean on while they did it was fantastic. I couldn’t get enough of the two of them together. These two deserved any and every break that came their way.
I was SO happy that Trevor straightened out his misunderstanding with Cole’s family and learned that he was valued and loved. Watching him struggle with feeling that he wasn’t, just broke my heart. I also loved his relationship with Darby and how supportive and encouraging she was in helping him to get back with Jessica. I wasn’t sure what to think about her but she ended up being awesome!
The heartbreaking and heartwarming emotions in this story are exactly why it should be read. It was truly a roller coaster of emotion and I loved every second of it. That bonus epilogue was absolutely incredible and I couldn’t get enough! Thank you for including that part and showing us what life looked like for our favorite people several years down the road.
Trevor and Jessica met and fell in love as kids. They loved each other deeply, but they were very young. They were full of hopes and big dreams. When Trevor’s big dream came calling, he unilaterally chose to follow it and left Jessica – only 43 minutes after marrying her. He firmly believed in himself and his dream and assumed that she would be waiting for him to return once he made it. Jessica was devastated that he chose to leave her and take all of their money. With a broken heart, she went home to help her family.
This single event in their lives shaped their entire futures. Trevor was a very hard worker and had a bit of luck, but became a very successful and well paid actor. When he went home to try to work things out, he faced a very tough reality that Jessica didn’t wait for him and wouldn’t see him. Time showed him that his decision to follow his own choice was wrong and he paid a very dear price. He went back to work and built a very successful career but he had a very lonely life.
Jessica was also a very hard worker and extremely focused and determined. She helped to raise her sisters, helped her sister raise her baby, took care of her dad and built a very successful life too. She was so focused on taking care of everyone else that she gave up her own future and didn’t get to have the family she had always wanted. She had just begun to question her place in her family now that she wasn’t needed anymore. She has major abandonment and trust issues.
When these two meet again, 30 years later, they have an instant connection that Trevor leans into and Jessica fights tooth and nail. They have built completely separate and very full lives and learning each other again, re-establishing the connection and deciding whether there is a future is a huge challenge for them. Even at their ages now, they have serious things to work through. The issues that plagued them as young people were still there and if they had any chance for a future, they had to deal with their own issues before they could build their trust and relationship again.
Even after 30 years, they never stopped loving one another which is why they never married and are still single. They still have serious chemistry and very strong feelings for one another if they allow themselves to feel it. Trevor is VERY determined to work things out and pursues Jessica hard. He has always believed that they would find their way back to one another. Poor Jessica can’t get over being left and is terrified to believe that Trevor will stay. Watching her struggle is heart breaking, but so satisfying when it works out.
Watching these characters deal with their childhood hurts that shaped most of their adult lives and having each other to lean on while they did it was fantastic. I couldn’t get enough of the two of them together. These two deserved any and every break that came their way.
I was SO happy that Trevor straightened out his misunderstanding with Cole’s family and learned that he was valued and loved. Watching him struggle with feeling that he wasn’t, just broke my heart. I also loved his relationship with Darby and how supportive and encouraging she was in helping him to get back with Jessica. I wasn’t sure what to think about her but she ended up being awesome!
The heartbreaking and heartwarming emotions in this story are exactly why it should be read. It was truly a roller coaster of emotion and I loved every second of it. That bonus epilogue was absolutely incredible and I couldn’t get enough! Thank you for including that part and showing us what life looked like for our favorite people several years down the road.
February 16, 2025
4.5stars-WHEN YOU WERE MINE is the second instalment in Kelly Elliott’s contemporary, adult MISTLETOE AND SILVER FOXES erotic, romance series set in the author’s CALAMITY FALLS series. This is fifty year old actor Trevor Montgomery, and resort owner Jessica Elsworth’s story line. WHEN YOU WERE MINE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Trevor and Jessica) WHEN YOU WERE MINE follows the second chance relationship between fifty year old actor Trevor Montgomery, and resort owner Jessica Elsworth. Thirty years earlier, Trevor Montgomery wed his childhood sweetheart, twenty year old Jessica Elsworth but within hours Trevor was alone on a plane to Scotland where he would embark on a successful career as a movie star. Having been left behind, Jessica lived her life, raising her two younger sisters, helping with their families, all the while, working towards a business of her own. Fast forward to present day, having just opened her third resort and spa just days before Christmas, Jessica is invited to Iceland as a consultant for the upcoming renovations of a once popular hotel but Jessica never expected to come face to face with her past in the guise of Trevor Montgomery, who was also in Iceland, preparing to marry the sister of the new hotel owner. Struggling with the memories of the past, Jessica would have to endure as she became the wedding planner for the man to whom she once loved, a man who is in the battle of his life, to prove he is worthy of a second chance.
The world building focuses on the heart break and betrayal. Jessica is a successful business entrepreneur but a woman who never married in the face of losing the only man she has ever loved. Trevor Montgomery lived a life full of popularity and adoring fans but would never forget about the woman he left behind.
The relationship between Trevor and Jessica is one of second chances: a rebuilding romance between two people who have loved and lost, a loss instigated by the emotional fall-out of differing paths. Reconnecting in Iceland gave Trevor hopes for a future a future with the woman whose heart he destroyed. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include family and friends, current relationships, and hotelier Chris Pullman, and race car driver Darby Pullman.
WHEN YOU WERE MINE is a story of heartbreak and betrayal, love and loss, misunderstanding and mistakes, forgiveness and love. The premise is emotional and dramatic; the romance is inspiring; the characters are broken yet spirited and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Trevor and Jessica) WHEN YOU WERE MINE follows the second chance relationship between fifty year old actor Trevor Montgomery, and resort owner Jessica Elsworth. Thirty years earlier, Trevor Montgomery wed his childhood sweetheart, twenty year old Jessica Elsworth but within hours Trevor was alone on a plane to Scotland where he would embark on a successful career as a movie star. Having been left behind, Jessica lived her life, raising her two younger sisters, helping with their families, all the while, working towards a business of her own. Fast forward to present day, having just opened her third resort and spa just days before Christmas, Jessica is invited to Iceland as a consultant for the upcoming renovations of a once popular hotel but Jessica never expected to come face to face with her past in the guise of Trevor Montgomery, who was also in Iceland, preparing to marry the sister of the new hotel owner. Struggling with the memories of the past, Jessica would have to endure as she became the wedding planner for the man to whom she once loved, a man who is in the battle of his life, to prove he is worthy of a second chance.
The world building focuses on the heart break and betrayal. Jessica is a successful business entrepreneur but a woman who never married in the face of losing the only man she has ever loved. Trevor Montgomery lived a life full of popularity and adoring fans but would never forget about the woman he left behind.
The relationship between Trevor and Jessica is one of second chances: a rebuilding romance between two people who have loved and lost, a loss instigated by the emotional fall-out of differing paths. Reconnecting in Iceland gave Trevor hopes for a future a future with the woman whose heart he destroyed. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include family and friends, current relationships, and hotelier Chris Pullman, and race car driver Darby Pullman.
WHEN YOU WERE MINE is a story of heartbreak and betrayal, love and loss, misunderstanding and mistakes, forgiveness and love. The premise is emotional and dramatic; the romance is inspiring; the characters are broken yet spirited and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
February 16, 2025
When You Were Mine: A Calamity Falls Small Town Christmas Romance (Mistletoe and Silver Foxes Book 2) by Erika Kelly is an emotional romance about small-town girl Jessica Elsworth turned renowned resort designer and owner and now famous actor Trevor Montgomery. The twenty-year-old Trevor Montgomery walked out on Jessica the day they got married and left for Scottland with their savings when he decided unilaterally to accept the offered acting role. Neither Trevor nor Jessica could forget about each other, regardless of the thirty-year passage of time. It is like their hearts were encased in barbwire that rusted and mangled together, so nothing but pain penetrated the barrier. Trevor, who retired from acting, decided to take up his race driver friend Darby Pullman's suggestion that they get married so neither would be without a plus one. Darby wanted to get married in her brother Chris Pullman’s family-owned hotel in Iceland. Jessica, now a multi-resort owner and high-end designer, was commissioned to transform portions of the fabulous hotel for Chris Pullman’s sister’s wedding. Jessica is shocked to discover Trevor Montgomery is the groom of infamous race car driver Darby Pullman, Chris Pullman’s sister. Likewise, Trevor is stunned to see Jessica, and with his feelings steamrolling over his heart, he knows he needs to talk to her. Jessica barely functions in her haze of fuming anger, hurt, and hate when she sees Trevor. The wounds each inflicted on the other through neglect and differing perspective-motivating actions played havoc with Jessica and Trevor. It was almost impossible for Jessica to even be in the same room with Trevor. Trevor and Darby each have one true love from their past. Trevor’s only love was Jessica, while Darby’s was Emil, now commissioned to transform the grounds.
All four ended up at the same castle-like hotel in Iceland, quite by chance. Finally, will Trevor and Jessica be able to air their feelings and decide if their “first love” can end up being their “last true” love? Can they each find their way back to the one who holds the key to their hearts and finally find happiness? Trevor decides to pursue ‘his Elizy’ with all he has, but will she shut him down and resist his charms, or will she melt into a puddle of goo? In When You Were Mine: A Calamity Falls Small Town Christmas Romance (Mistletoe and Silver Foxes Book 2), Erika Kelly is the master weaver who spins a web of romance that the reader feels to the marrow of their bones.
All four ended up at the same castle-like hotel in Iceland, quite by chance. Finally, will Trevor and Jessica be able to air their feelings and decide if their “first love” can end up being their “last true” love? Can they each find their way back to the one who holds the key to their hearts and finally find happiness? Trevor decides to pursue ‘his Elizy’ with all he has, but will she shut him down and resist his charms, or will she melt into a puddle of goo? In When You Were Mine: A Calamity Falls Small Town Christmas Romance (Mistletoe and Silver Foxes Book 2), Erika Kelly is the master weaver who spins a web of romance that the reader feels to the marrow of their bones.
February 23, 2025
I am a newbie to Erika Kelly's writing and was excited to give her work a try. Based on this book, I will be reading more from her in the future.
This book played on so many emotions I was all over the place, but in a good way. The prologue hits you right in the gut but you just have to keep going because you need to see where the story goes. The way you would with any good book.
We meet Jessica as a young woman consumed with the love of her life, Trevor, whom she has just married. They are about to head back to their hometown to help her sister who is a pregnant teenager. Unfortunately, Trevor gets a call from his agent and he accepts a job acting in a small film that takes him out of the country and away from Jessica and their promised life together. He walks away to take the job knowing he is leaving her behind and shattering her heart.
30 years pass and they find themselves in the same place over seas at the same time and Trevor tries desperately to get Jessica to see how much he still loves her, but that is a hard sell since he is there to marry another woman. I know as a woman you want to just say, seriously?! Give the man a swift kick in the junk and walk away like he did to you. But, she has loved him and him alone all these years and her heart just cannot make her turn her back on him.
Trevor has pined for Jessica all this time. He has become a very successful actor over the years and has quite the female following, but still wants only one woman. His young love. He goes to great lengths to woo her back so they can be together again. He has an uphill battle the likes of scaling Everest, but keeps going. His romantic gestures are totally swoon worthy.
They have so much built up angst, anger, sadness, loneliness, and regret swirling around but none of it trumps the lasting chemistry and lust they still harbor for one another. I enjoyed Jessica and Trevor's characters, but liked the side characters as well. Her sisters and family are supportive and loving and I really liked their banter.
Overall I felt this book was really good. The only things that felt off for me was that it was a 30 year gap between their split and reunion, which is a bit unrealistic with how their lives played out before reuniting. And the fact that she never had a child of her own made me very sad. I felt a smaller gap of time would have given her the ability to have a child with the love of her life and would have sealed the deal for me. I do definitely recommend this book.
This book played on so many emotions I was all over the place, but in a good way. The prologue hits you right in the gut but you just have to keep going because you need to see where the story goes. The way you would with any good book.
We meet Jessica as a young woman consumed with the love of her life, Trevor, whom she has just married. They are about to head back to their hometown to help her sister who is a pregnant teenager. Unfortunately, Trevor gets a call from his agent and he accepts a job acting in a small film that takes him out of the country and away from Jessica and their promised life together. He walks away to take the job knowing he is leaving her behind and shattering her heart.
30 years pass and they find themselves in the same place over seas at the same time and Trevor tries desperately to get Jessica to see how much he still loves her, but that is a hard sell since he is there to marry another woman. I know as a woman you want to just say, seriously?! Give the man a swift kick in the junk and walk away like he did to you. But, she has loved him and him alone all these years and her heart just cannot make her turn her back on him.
Trevor has pined for Jessica all this time. He has become a very successful actor over the years and has quite the female following, but still wants only one woman. His young love. He goes to great lengths to woo her back so they can be together again. He has an uphill battle the likes of scaling Everest, but keeps going. His romantic gestures are totally swoon worthy.
They have so much built up angst, anger, sadness, loneliness, and regret swirling around but none of it trumps the lasting chemistry and lust they still harbor for one another. I enjoyed Jessica and Trevor's characters, but liked the side characters as well. Her sisters and family are supportive and loving and I really liked their banter.
Overall I felt this book was really good. The only things that felt off for me was that it was a 30 year gap between their split and reunion, which is a bit unrealistic with how their lives played out before reuniting. And the fact that she never had a child of her own made me very sad. I felt a smaller gap of time would have given her the ability to have a child with the love of her life and would have sealed the deal for me. I do definitely recommend this book.
February 11, 2025
“I know wherever life takes me, with you is where I’m meant to be.”
When You Were Mine was a story of longing and absolute heartache. Even though it had been thirty years, the spark between Trevor and Jessica had never died, but can all the bitterness and betrayal from the past be laid to rest for a second chance at a once in a lifetime love? Jessica and Trevor made my heart hurt with the amount of time that they lost but watching them reconnect was such a beautiful and emotional journey.
“From the moment I walked away from you, I’ve been lost.”
I felt so much for Jessica. When Trevor had walked out on Jessica, he had broken her heart and she never recovered. She had thrown herself into her family and her work, but she was scared to risk her heart again. I understood her reluctance to trust again and to be hurt for a second time, but I loved watching her blossom and come alive again.
“I have missed you every minute of every day. I dream about you at night. You have never, ever left my heart.”
Trevor was beyond successful personally, but he always felt alone because a piece of him was not with him. He knew he had made a mistake when he left Jessica, and he hoped to rectify past wrongs one day. Once he sees Jessica again, he’s a man obsessed and he will stop at nothing to remind her that she’s his one and only love and atone for the pain he had caused.
“I never gave up believing we’d find our way back to each other. It didn’t seem possible that I’d never see you again.”
I was instantly drawn into the chemistry between Jessica and Trevor. You could feel how much they loved each other and how they had never gotten over one another, but you could also sense all of the hurt and pain that their separation had caused. It wasn’t an easy fix to trust each other again, but I loved how even though the decisions that both had made that led to keeping them apart, they were understandable. Unpacking what had happened in the years apart lead to some extremely angsty and emotional moments that had me all in my feels. When You Were Mine was ultimately a heartwarming story of a second chance at a love that never died despite the many years that had passed and showed that it’s never too late to right past wrongs for a love that was meant to be.
When You Were Mine was a story of longing and absolute heartache. Even though it had been thirty years, the spark between Trevor and Jessica had never died, but can all the bitterness and betrayal from the past be laid to rest for a second chance at a once in a lifetime love? Jessica and Trevor made my heart hurt with the amount of time that they lost but watching them reconnect was such a beautiful and emotional journey.
“From the moment I walked away from you, I’ve been lost.”
I felt so much for Jessica. When Trevor had walked out on Jessica, he had broken her heart and she never recovered. She had thrown herself into her family and her work, but she was scared to risk her heart again. I understood her reluctance to trust again and to be hurt for a second time, but I loved watching her blossom and come alive again.
“I have missed you every minute of every day. I dream about you at night. You have never, ever left my heart.”
Trevor was beyond successful personally, but he always felt alone because a piece of him was not with him. He knew he had made a mistake when he left Jessica, and he hoped to rectify past wrongs one day. Once he sees Jessica again, he’s a man obsessed and he will stop at nothing to remind her that she’s his one and only love and atone for the pain he had caused.
“I never gave up believing we’d find our way back to each other. It didn’t seem possible that I’d never see you again.”
I was instantly drawn into the chemistry between Jessica and Trevor. You could feel how much they loved each other and how they had never gotten over one another, but you could also sense all of the hurt and pain that their separation had caused. It wasn’t an easy fix to trust each other again, but I loved how even though the decisions that both had made that led to keeping them apart, they were understandable. Unpacking what had happened in the years apart lead to some extremely angsty and emotional moments that had me all in my feels. When You Were Mine was ultimately a heartwarming story of a second chance at a love that never died despite the many years that had passed and showed that it’s never too late to right past wrongs for a love that was meant to be.
February 18, 2025
It is refreshing to read a romance about a more mature couple. They have life experience, sense of stability and grounding, age is on their side as they wade through the past.
Jessica was brought up in a heartwarming home, but lost her mum at 8 years of age and became Mom to her sisters, though loved by her father and siblings. Trevor was brought up in a cold, unlocking environment, an inconvenience, without care, recognition and attention.
A young couple marry in Vegas. They have been inseparable since early school years but with opposites home upbringing and immediately after their vows Trevor gets a phone call which will change their lives..he becomes a movie star and she returns home, eventually becoming a resort owner and designer.
Loneliness is created, a singular feeling of being alone despite family and friends. They are both settling for something rather than nothing. A chance meeting brings them face to face and 30 years of yearning, wasted time and opportunities, loss and pain comes to the fore.
The author has written a lifelong friendship, deep rooted in a young love that has never been lost or forgotten. She has described their characters, strengths and weaknesses, how they see each other and how they are both firmly planted in their hearts. Yearning and wanting are not the same because of the time and events they failed to enjoy together. Dreams have only partially come true, beneath their facades lay disappointment and distrust. Trevor has a steely determination to overcome and succeed in rekindling their relationship and Jessica has a strong intention to keep a distance. It doesn't help that they are both keeping secrets and drip feeding information about their individual circumstances prolongs the agony as they dance around each other. It is refreshing to see Trevor portrayed as honest and open in his feelings and to see Jessica's resistance to protect herself; her tenacious side to everyone and everything being in the present.
Interesting and engaging reading in the Calamity Falls series.
Jessica was brought up in a heartwarming home, but lost her mum at 8 years of age and became Mom to her sisters, though loved by her father and siblings. Trevor was brought up in a cold, unlocking environment, an inconvenience, without care, recognition and attention.
A young couple marry in Vegas. They have been inseparable since early school years but with opposites home upbringing and immediately after their vows Trevor gets a phone call which will change their lives..he becomes a movie star and she returns home, eventually becoming a resort owner and designer.
Loneliness is created, a singular feeling of being alone despite family and friends. They are both settling for something rather than nothing. A chance meeting brings them face to face and 30 years of yearning, wasted time and opportunities, loss and pain comes to the fore.
The author has written a lifelong friendship, deep rooted in a young love that has never been lost or forgotten. She has described their characters, strengths and weaknesses, how they see each other and how they are both firmly planted in their hearts. Yearning and wanting are not the same because of the time and events they failed to enjoy together. Dreams have only partially come true, beneath their facades lay disappointment and distrust. Trevor has a steely determination to overcome and succeed in rekindling their relationship and Jessica has a strong intention to keep a distance. It doesn't help that they are both keeping secrets and drip feeding information about their individual circumstances prolongs the agony as they dance around each other. It is refreshing to see Trevor portrayed as honest and open in his feelings and to see Jessica's resistance to protect herself; her tenacious side to everyone and everything being in the present.
Interesting and engaging reading in the Calamity Falls series.
February 21, 2025
Jessica Elsworth and Trevor Montgomery been childhood sweethearts who’d married on the spur of the moment in Vegas only to part hours later when actor Trevor got his big break and even though he didn’t really want to be an actor, didn’t feel he could turn it down, it was the quickest way he could think of to get rich enough to support both their families so off he went to Scotland while Elzy went home alone. Fast forward thirty years and recently retired Trevor, the kilted world famous star of an Outlander type series of movies is about to marry for companionship only to find the woman who has held his heart since he saw her monster dance with wild abandon outside her father’s store when they were children, is at his fiancée’s hotel and his feelings for her come flooding back.
The overall story in When You Were Mine was well written and engaging with a steady flow and I’ve got to say, for me Iceland is rapidly overtaking Paris as the destination for lovers especially if a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on the cards. I loved that the hero and heroine in this second chance romance were both mature characters in their fifties even if a part of me couldn’t help but think about the time they had wasted. There’s a lot to be said for modern messaging apps and mobile phones. It was obvious that these two characters loved one another but all those years ago had no easy way of communicating so things festered and once Trevor did return home, Elzy wasn’t in any mood to talk leading to a series of circumstance and misunderstandings parting them seemingly forever. Even now the pain was fresh for them as they didn’t have a chance to talk things through at the time. Don’t get me wrong, Trevor did do something a lot of women would find unforgivable but Elzy’s attitude and refusal to see him in part led to his behaviour and he did face up to the consequences. Perhaps they both needed the maturity that came with age before they could actually sit down and talk about what had happened all those years before they could find their way back to each other.
The overall story in When You Were Mine was well written and engaging with a steady flow and I’ve got to say, for me Iceland is rapidly overtaking Paris as the destination for lovers especially if a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on the cards. I loved that the hero and heroine in this second chance romance were both mature characters in their fifties even if a part of me couldn’t help but think about the time they had wasted. There’s a lot to be said for modern messaging apps and mobile phones. It was obvious that these two characters loved one another but all those years ago had no easy way of communicating so things festered and once Trevor did return home, Elzy wasn’t in any mood to talk leading to a series of circumstance and misunderstandings parting them seemingly forever. Even now the pain was fresh for them as they didn’t have a chance to talk things through at the time. Don’t get me wrong, Trevor did do something a lot of women would find unforgivable but Elzy’s attitude and refusal to see him in part led to his behaviour and he did face up to the consequences. Perhaps they both needed the maturity that came with age before they could actually sit down and talk about what had happened all those years before they could find their way back to each other.
April 8, 2025
I love second-chance romances but this story left me feeling melancholy even though it has a HEA. The MCs Trevor and Jessica were childhood sweethearts and lifelong best friends who got hitched in Vegas when they were 20yo. They were only married for a day before life tore them apart. Trevor chose his budding acting career and money, and Jessica chose her birth family. They were estranged for three decades.
Trevor was raised by emotionless parents who made him feel unwanted and unworthy of love which made his choices inevitable, if not understandable. After he and Jess divorced he went on to became a famous, wealthy actor who also unexpectedly fulfilled his dream of having a child…but not with Jessica. He had a ONS with a married woman, a complete stranger, who later died leaving him a single father to a baby boy who’d grow up to be as successful as Trevor. He gave Trevor biological grandchildren which is something Jessica would never have.
Jessica, the FMC, was parentified from a young age when she took on the mantle of family matriarch after the death of her mother. She was the oldest child and felt so responsible for her younger sisters and father that she essentially chose her birth family over her new marriage to Trevor. Like him, she never remarried but unlike him, she never had her own children. She was kickass, though, and built a successful business empire through sweat, blood and tears. Jessica was a phenomenal sister, aunt, and substitute mother, yet I found her story arc so tragic. She sacrificed her youth and marriage for her sisters, but she often found herself on the periphery of their lives after her sisters married and built their own family units.
Both Trevor and Jessica were lost, yearning for each other and the life they allowed to slip away. They were soul mates who were apart for too long and missed out on too much. I cried a little when Trevor said that in an alternate universe they’ve probably been married for years and had a gaggle of children and grandchildren. That’s why I found this all so bittersweet. 🥺
Trevor was raised by emotionless parents who made him feel unwanted and unworthy of love which made his choices inevitable, if not understandable. After he and Jess divorced he went on to became a famous, wealthy actor who also unexpectedly fulfilled his dream of having a child…but not with Jessica. He had a ONS with a married woman, a complete stranger, who later died leaving him a single father to a baby boy who’d grow up to be as successful as Trevor. He gave Trevor biological grandchildren which is something Jessica would never have.
Jessica, the FMC, was parentified from a young age when she took on the mantle of family matriarch after the death of her mother. She was the oldest child and felt so responsible for her younger sisters and father that she essentially chose her birth family over her new marriage to Trevor. Like him, she never remarried but unlike him, she never had her own children. She was kickass, though, and built a successful business empire through sweat, blood and tears. Jessica was a phenomenal sister, aunt, and substitute mother, yet I found her story arc so tragic. She sacrificed her youth and marriage for her sisters, but she often found herself on the periphery of their lives after her sisters married and built their own family units.
Both Trevor and Jessica were lost, yearning for each other and the life they allowed to slip away. They were soul mates who were apart for too long and missed out on too much. I cried a little when Trevor said that in an alternate universe they’ve probably been married for years and had a gaggle of children and grandchildren. That’s why I found this all so bittersweet. 🥺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
I love Calamity Falls and Erika's books, but although this was good there was something I didn't like. I will discuss this in the end.
This was a 2nd chance romance.
Jessica and Trevor were best friends and young lovers for most of their lives.
So when they got married at 20 yrs in Vegas, they were ready for life together. But on that night Trevor got given the chance to act in a movie in Scotland. But the savings were going to be used to help Jess' teenage pregnant sister. I understood Trevors POV. When you get given a big chance, you must risk it to make something of yourself. I felt that Jess was a bit selfish too. She was the one that destroyed their love. I guess then we wouldn't have this story.
The we are 30 yrs later. Jess is successful hotel owner and designer and Trevor is a famous retired actor. Jess is designing a wedding in Iceland only to find it to be the only man she ever loved.
I loved how Trevor didn't hesitate and went straight after her.
These 2 may have had a successful life but they suffered a lot regarding their heartbreak. They never really lived and it was quite sad. Trevor did do a fantastic job in showing her how he never stopped loving her. Jess fought it for a while but it's getting harder to push him away.
Great family, friends, banter, anger, heartbreak, so many emotions, regrets, loss and strong love.
But I think I have found my hard pass. You would think it would be something dark and gory 🤣 but it was something as simple as this. I was fighting between 3 and 4 ⭐ purely because they had a separation of 30 yrs!!! I just couldn't get over the loss of 30 yrs without your soul mate. If they really loved each other that much, then you would not leave it for 30 yrs and then leave it to chance to meet. I sat there regretting their loss of years to be loved. Yeah I think 10 years is max separation for me. Trevor's action and love pulled it up to 4 stars. Other than that it was a good read.
🌶️
I love Calamity Falls and Erika's books, but although this was good there was something I didn't like. I will discuss this in the end.
This was a 2nd chance romance.
Jessica and Trevor were best friends and young lovers for most of their lives.
So when they got married at 20 yrs in Vegas, they were ready for life together. But on that night Trevor got given the chance to act in a movie in Scotland. But the savings were going to be used to help Jess' teenage pregnant sister. I understood Trevors POV. When you get given a big chance, you must risk it to make something of yourself. I felt that Jess was a bit selfish too. She was the one that destroyed their love. I guess then we wouldn't have this story.
The we are 30 yrs later. Jess is successful hotel owner and designer and Trevor is a famous retired actor. Jess is designing a wedding in Iceland only to find it to be the only man she ever loved.
I loved how Trevor didn't hesitate and went straight after her.
These 2 may have had a successful life but they suffered a lot regarding their heartbreak. They never really lived and it was quite sad. Trevor did do a fantastic job in showing her how he never stopped loving her. Jess fought it for a while but it's getting harder to push him away.
Great family, friends, banter, anger, heartbreak, so many emotions, regrets, loss and strong love.
But I think I have found my hard pass. You would think it would be something dark and gory 🤣 but it was something as simple as this. I was fighting between 3 and 4 ⭐ purely because they had a separation of 30 yrs!!! I just couldn't get over the loss of 30 yrs without your soul mate. If they really loved each other that much, then you would not leave it for 30 yrs and then leave it to chance to meet. I sat there regretting their loss of years to be loved. Yeah I think 10 years is max separation for me. Trevor's action and love pulled it up to 4 stars. Other than that it was a good read.
February 16, 2025
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Jess and Trevor loved one another their whole lives so they expected to be together forever. But hours after they eloped to make things official, Trevor left her side and never returned. They were young and dumb, so they didn’t handle it well. They’ve spent the past three decades telling themselves to get over it already, but neither has ever truly moved on, not even when they get engaged. This is a fun and steamy story about soulmates who got in their own way but the bittersweet history between them makes the present that much more satisfying.
The way life tore these two apart was cruel but even after thirty years and living on different continents, they find their way back to one another in the most unlikely place, convincing Trevor this is fate. That they’re meant to be. That this is his reward after so many years of regret. Except, Jess isn’t on board. She barely survived the first time he broke her heart, so she certainly isn’t going to give him a chance to do it again. At least they’ll have closure and forgiveness, she tells him, but Trevor isn’t willing to take no for an answer, at least not until she hears him out. This is an emotional second chance romance with loveable characters that pulled me in from the first pages. I couldn’t put this one down.
February 20, 2025
We are back in Calamity Falls!
Jessica married the love of her life in a Vegas wedding 30 years ago. She was on cloud 9. Her and Trevor had a plan to help their families and get their own ranch one day. Just as Jessica breathes a sigh of relief, Trevor gets a call saying he's wanted in Scotland to star in a movie, but he would get a percentage if movie sales instead of up front pay. This is his one chance to make a lot of money to help their families. He takes the job and leaves Jessica on their wedding night. Jessica stops by the chapel to tear up their wedding paperwork and heads home to care for her pregnant sister.
Jessica finally has her dream 30 years later. She's opening her dream resort and living in Calamity. Her siblings and her are partners and she has found peace in her life. Even a new fiance but she has always held a portion of herself back. Her heart is with Trevor. When she agrees to take a contract job in Iceland decorating and reviving an old resort, she was not prepared for what followed.
Trevor and his fiance show up! The owner of the hotel asks her to plan their wedding. Trevor is in shock. Jessica is in shock. All the old feelings are slamming into them left and right. She has to find a way to get through this wedding planning and get the heck out of there. The pain of being that close to Trevor is too much. Then it all changes....for everyone.
Thank you to @greyspromo and @erikakellyauthor for my copy to read and review. I loved the complexity of Jesaica and Trevor's characters and the rings, omg the rings!
Favorite line in the book: "Sweetheart, you are the magic."
Jessica married the love of her life in a Vegas wedding 30 years ago. She was on cloud 9. Her and Trevor had a plan to help their families and get their own ranch one day. Just as Jessica breathes a sigh of relief, Trevor gets a call saying he's wanted in Scotland to star in a movie, but he would get a percentage if movie sales instead of up front pay. This is his one chance to make a lot of money to help their families. He takes the job and leaves Jessica on their wedding night. Jessica stops by the chapel to tear up their wedding paperwork and heads home to care for her pregnant sister.
Jessica finally has her dream 30 years later. She's opening her dream resort and living in Calamity. Her siblings and her are partners and she has found peace in her life. Even a new fiance but she has always held a portion of herself back. Her heart is with Trevor. When she agrees to take a contract job in Iceland decorating and reviving an old resort, she was not prepared for what followed.
Trevor and his fiance show up! The owner of the hotel asks her to plan their wedding. Trevor is in shock. Jessica is in shock. All the old feelings are slamming into them left and right. She has to find a way to get through this wedding planning and get the heck out of there. The pain of being that close to Trevor is too much. Then it all changes....for everyone.
Thank you to @greyspromo and @erikakellyauthor for my copy to read and review. I loved the complexity of Jesaica and Trevor's characters and the rings, omg the rings!
Favorite line in the book: "Sweetheart, you are the magic."
February 22, 2025
Mature age second chance romance
Erika Kelly has delivered a wonderful and heartfelt second chance romance with WHEN YOU WERE MINE. From the beginning this book captivated me, a Vegas wedding, a career opportunity, and a decision that would break two hearts. This is a mature age romance which completely won my heart.
Jessica Elsworth and Trevor Montgomery were high school sweethearts and had planned out their future together. All their dreams were quashed when Trevor accepted an offer that would take him to Scotland, leaving Jessica behind. While Trevor went on to live out his dreams, Jessica returned home to her family and built her own future. Both were lost though; a piece of their heart was missing.
Thirty years passes and, unexpectedly, Jessica and Trevor find themselves in the same place at the same time staring at each other. Their connection still exists, their chemistry still sizzles, and while Trevor will do anything and everything to win Jessica's heart and trust again, and she is equally determined to fight him and her feelings, he broke her and she's unsure if she can open her heart to him again. Neither are in denial of their attraction for each other, but they have so many issues to work through, some which don't seem to have changed over the thirty years.
WHEN YOU WERE MINE is a journey of love, a rollercoaster of emotions which were heartbreaking and heartwarming, and I couldn't have loved it more. It is a story which doesn't disappoint, so don't let it slip by.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
Erika Kelly has delivered a wonderful and heartfelt second chance romance with WHEN YOU WERE MINE. From the beginning this book captivated me, a Vegas wedding, a career opportunity, and a decision that would break two hearts. This is a mature age romance which completely won my heart.
Jessica Elsworth and Trevor Montgomery were high school sweethearts and had planned out their future together. All their dreams were quashed when Trevor accepted an offer that would take him to Scotland, leaving Jessica behind. While Trevor went on to live out his dreams, Jessica returned home to her family and built her own future. Both were lost though; a piece of their heart was missing.
Thirty years passes and, unexpectedly, Jessica and Trevor find themselves in the same place at the same time staring at each other. Their connection still exists, their chemistry still sizzles, and while Trevor will do anything and everything to win Jessica's heart and trust again, and she is equally determined to fight him and her feelings, he broke her and she's unsure if she can open her heart to him again. Neither are in denial of their attraction for each other, but they have so many issues to work through, some which don't seem to have changed over the thirty years.
WHEN YOU WERE MINE is a journey of love, a rollercoaster of emotions which were heartbreaking and heartwarming, and I couldn't have loved it more. It is a story which doesn't disappoint, so don't let it slip by.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
March 1, 2025
I recently finished reading When You Were Mine, and I have to say it was a truly captivating read that left me with a lot to think about. This book earns a solid 4-star rating from me for its heartfelt storytelling, relatable characters, and the way it explores themes of love, growth, and second chances.
What really drew me in was how well Kelly developed her characters. The protagonists are complex and easy to root for, each carrying their own emotional burdens while navigating the undeniable attraction between them. I found their journey to be authentic and engaging, filled with moments of vulnerability, tension, and passion that kept me invested in their story. Kelly's writing shines in her portrayal of their connection, balancing introspective moments with sizzling romantic tension.
The pacing of the story was generally well-balanced, though there were a few slower moments that tested my patience. However, these quieter sections allowed for deeper character development and gave me a better understanding of their motivations. The supporting cast added warmth and depth to the narrative, making the world feel real and lived-in.
While the story relies on some familiar romance tropes, Kelly handles them with care, giving them a fresh and engaging twist. The ending was particularly satisfying, delivering a well-earned happily-ever-after that left me with a smile.
Overall, When You Were Mine is an emotionally satisfying read that blends romance, drama, and personal growth seamlessly. As a fan of contemporary romance, I found much to love in Erika Kelly’s storytelling, and I would definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy the genre.
What really drew me in was how well Kelly developed her characters. The protagonists are complex and easy to root for, each carrying their own emotional burdens while navigating the undeniable attraction between them. I found their journey to be authentic and engaging, filled with moments of vulnerability, tension, and passion that kept me invested in their story. Kelly's writing shines in her portrayal of their connection, balancing introspective moments with sizzling romantic tension.
The pacing of the story was generally well-balanced, though there were a few slower moments that tested my patience. However, these quieter sections allowed for deeper character development and gave me a better understanding of their motivations. The supporting cast added warmth and depth to the narrative, making the world feel real and lived-in.
While the story relies on some familiar romance tropes, Kelly handles them with care, giving them a fresh and engaging twist. The ending was particularly satisfying, delivering a well-earned happily-ever-after that left me with a smile.
Overall, When You Were Mine is an emotionally satisfying read that blends romance, drama, and personal growth seamlessly. As a fan of contemporary romance, I found much to love in Erika Kelly’s storytelling, and I would definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy the genre.
January 27, 2025
I’m not a big fan of second chance romances so I probably woudn't have picked up this book if I didn't know the author, or Trevor Montgomery the kilt wearing famous movie star.
This is his story, which goes back to a time he wasn’t a famous actor, just a man who found the love of his life at a very young age.
I must admit that I found it hard to understand how in thirty years they didn’t see each other yet as soon as a chance encounter put them face to face again, he was determined to win back Jess.
As the story took life we are privy to some facts that started to warm me up to him. He is a man who needs to face again his mistakes, the ones that made him live a lonely life.
Jess’s character made me sad; she sacrificed so much for her siblings, even the chance to have her own family. After Trevor’s betrayal she wasn’t capable to give her hearth to someone else, especially since she never stopped loving him.
Coming face to face with him, as the groom whose wedding will be held in the hotel she accepted to renovate in Iceland, was shocking and wound opening.
The side characters made the story entertaining. I couldn’t have stomached a jealous ex or a clingy partner. His fiancé’s meddling to help him spend time with Jess was nice.
It was much more than a simple love story, they are at an age where everything changes. Trevor is a grandfather; Jess has a niece that’s getting married. Life is changing and they need to find a new way to fit into the life of their loved ones.
All in all a good book for a cold evening , I’ve read it in one sitting.
This is his story, which goes back to a time he wasn’t a famous actor, just a man who found the love of his life at a very young age.
I must admit that I found it hard to understand how in thirty years they didn’t see each other yet as soon as a chance encounter put them face to face again, he was determined to win back Jess.
As the story took life we are privy to some facts that started to warm me up to him. He is a man who needs to face again his mistakes, the ones that made him live a lonely life.
Jess’s character made me sad; she sacrificed so much for her siblings, even the chance to have her own family. After Trevor’s betrayal she wasn’t capable to give her hearth to someone else, especially since she never stopped loving him.
Coming face to face with him, as the groom whose wedding will be held in the hotel she accepted to renovate in Iceland, was shocking and wound opening.
The side characters made the story entertaining. I couldn’t have stomached a jealous ex or a clingy partner. His fiancé’s meddling to help him spend time with Jess was nice.
It was much more than a simple love story, they are at an age where everything changes. Trevor is a grandfather; Jess has a niece that’s getting married. Life is changing and they need to find a new way to fit into the life of their loved ones.
All in all a good book for a cold evening , I’ve read it in one sitting.
March 3, 2025
I did not expect this book to make me so emotional. It was thought provoking than I anticipated. And it left me asking the question: could you take a second chance with someone who changed the landscape of the last 30 years of your life?
Trevor and Jessica were childhood sweethearts. On a whim they went off to Vegas and eloped. But before the ink was dry, Trevor had left Jessica in their motel room and hopped a plane to Scotland after landing a role in a movie. He viewed this as an opportunity to help both their families financially. But Jessica just viewed it has him leaving her.
And this is where your heart plummets because they do not see each other for the next 30 years. Trevor went on to have a successful career as an actor. And Jessica is thriving with her latest resort launch.
Now she finds herself in Iceland helping with the aesthetics of an upcoming wedding. When she meets the groom her whole world tilts on its axis because it’s none other than her Trevor.
When I tell you I felt every emotional pain that Erika Kelly details for Jessica, I absolutely mean it. Jessica struggles in allowing Trevor to make up for all that the past mistakes. And who can blame her. Erika Kelly does a fantastic job at weaving this story between the emotional trauma of their loss of time and how this changed the people they are today.
I also loved to see a love story of two people in their late 40s. Because the author stirs up the question as to could you forgive someone who hurt you so badly? This story left me raw and emotional. It truly was an amazing read.
Trevor and Jessica were childhood sweethearts. On a whim they went off to Vegas and eloped. But before the ink was dry, Trevor had left Jessica in their motel room and hopped a plane to Scotland after landing a role in a movie. He viewed this as an opportunity to help both their families financially. But Jessica just viewed it has him leaving her.
And this is where your heart plummets because they do not see each other for the next 30 years. Trevor went on to have a successful career as an actor. And Jessica is thriving with her latest resort launch.
Now she finds herself in Iceland helping with the aesthetics of an upcoming wedding. When she meets the groom her whole world tilts on its axis because it’s none other than her Trevor.
When I tell you I felt every emotional pain that Erika Kelly details for Jessica, I absolutely mean it. Jessica struggles in allowing Trevor to make up for all that the past mistakes. And who can blame her. Erika Kelly does a fantastic job at weaving this story between the emotional trauma of their loss of time and how this changed the people they are today.
I also loved to see a love story of two people in their late 40s. Because the author stirs up the question as to could you forgive someone who hurt you so badly? This story left me raw and emotional. It truly was an amazing read.
March 20, 2025
I usually read second-chance romances very rarely. But the blurb of this one captured my eyes. A big part of my decision was that I loved reading about couples who find love again later in life.
Trevor and Jessica were married to each other 30 years ago. It was supposed to be love for life until he decided he wanted a career change and left her. Now, years later they meet - her being the wedding designer and him being the groom. Even though his marriage is simply a mutual companionship, as soon as he sees her, he decides this is his only chance to get her back.
This story was sweet and romantic. I wanted these two to get back together. It's been 30 years. It has been a long time and I don't understand why none of them reach each other. I knew Jess had been hurt and, even so that Trevor was sorry, he had so much time to do it, and he never did. But in the end, it turns out, that they did try to find one another. But even time was not successful. Something was always stopping them. Well, now it was the right time. They spent a magical time together in Iceland and that country was the perfect place for their second chance.
I understand Jess' hesitation, but I was also rooting for Trevor to take down her defenses. In the end, he was more than successful 😍.
Erika Kelly always writes good love scenes. The passion between those two was off the charts. Even after all these years, they were like fire and ice when they were together. I loved every single spicy moment 🌶️.
Overall, I loved reading Jess and Trevor's love story ♥️.
Trevor and Jessica were married to each other 30 years ago. It was supposed to be love for life until he decided he wanted a career change and left her. Now, years later they meet - her being the wedding designer and him being the groom. Even though his marriage is simply a mutual companionship, as soon as he sees her, he decides this is his only chance to get her back.
This story was sweet and romantic. I wanted these two to get back together. It's been 30 years. It has been a long time and I don't understand why none of them reach each other. I knew Jess had been hurt and, even so that Trevor was sorry, he had so much time to do it, and he never did. But in the end, it turns out, that they did try to find one another. But even time was not successful. Something was always stopping them. Well, now it was the right time. They spent a magical time together in Iceland and that country was the perfect place for their second chance.
I understand Jess' hesitation, but I was also rooting for Trevor to take down her defenses. In the end, he was more than successful 😍.
Erika Kelly always writes good love scenes. The passion between those two was off the charts. Even after all these years, they were like fire and ice when they were together. I loved every single spicy moment 🌶️.
Overall, I loved reading Jess and Trevor's love story ♥️.
February 19, 2025
The second chance romance is an emotional spin cycle as Jessica and Trevor process the emotions of having loved and lost each other, and having lived thirty years apart.
I had some intense reactions as this story unfolds. Trevor Montgomery’s movie star life has been mentioned in several previous books and he always was portrayed as bigger than life, successful and super glamorous. Seeing him a little lost and adrift from his son Cole and Cole’s family, still feeling the loss of his Elzy and deciding to settle was a little surprising, but it at least helped me understand his situation with Darby when he arrives with her in Iceland and he runs into Jess/Elzy.
Jessica still harbors pain and anger from Trevor walking out on her less than an hour after marrying her in Vegas. When she finds out the wedding she’s agreed to renovate an old hotel is for her ex-husband his new fiancée, she’s devastated and caught having to live up to her professional promise to the fiancée’s brother.
Each of them have a false perception about the why’s, what’s and everything else about the other’s life these past 30 years. They slowly discover the truth and start to heal.
I’m nit a fan of significant separations and 30 years is truly a lifetime. While I was thrilled to see these two reunited and have a chance for a happy future, it’s also bitter to know how much time they lost together and the children they both really wanted.
The story had me engaged from beginning to end and definitely left an impact on my heart.
I received a free ARC from the author and Grey’s PR; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
I had some intense reactions as this story unfolds. Trevor Montgomery’s movie star life has been mentioned in several previous books and he always was portrayed as bigger than life, successful and super glamorous. Seeing him a little lost and adrift from his son Cole and Cole’s family, still feeling the loss of his Elzy and deciding to settle was a little surprising, but it at least helped me understand his situation with Darby when he arrives with her in Iceland and he runs into Jess/Elzy.
Jessica still harbors pain and anger from Trevor walking out on her less than an hour after marrying her in Vegas. When she finds out the wedding she’s agreed to renovate an old hotel is for her ex-husband his new fiancée, she’s devastated and caught having to live up to her professional promise to the fiancée’s brother.
Each of them have a false perception about the why’s, what’s and everything else about the other’s life these past 30 years. They slowly discover the truth and start to heal.
I’m nit a fan of significant separations and 30 years is truly a lifetime. While I was thrilled to see these two reunited and have a chance for a happy future, it’s also bitter to know how much time they lost together and the children they both really wanted.
The story had me engaged from beginning to end and definitely left an impact on my heart.
I received a free ARC from the author and Grey’s PR; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
February 28, 2025
*ARC REVIEW*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Jessica Elsworth met her true love when they were just kids, they eventually got married and was living and loving life together because while things might not be perfect, they were when they were side by side. That is until her husband, Trevor, decides to leave her… only 43 minutes after saying “I do”. 🫣
Trevor had opportunity come knocking on his door with a movie role that he felt like he could not turn down. He also felt that his loving wife, Elzy, would still be waiting
for him when he finally returned. Although, that was not the case at all.
Jessica picked herself up after the terrible heartbreak and decided a change was needed. Fast forward THIRTY YEARS later, she has been living her best life and even has her own resort and thriving business. She decided to take the bull of life by its horns all those years ago and it paid off. Everything was going great when she found out she would be going to Iceland to consult and help plan a wedding. Only problem? The groom is none other than the only man that she ever truly loved, Trevor. 🤭
This second chance romance was very real and very raw dealing with emotional aspects of our main characters and seeing what they actually go through together (and apart!). It was really refreshing to read about a mature couple who shared a deep and meaningful love!
Thank you so much to the author and Grey’s Promotion for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Jessica Elsworth met her true love when they were just kids, they eventually got married and was living and loving life together because while things might not be perfect, they were when they were side by side. That is until her husband, Trevor, decides to leave her… only 43 minutes after saying “I do”. 🫣
Trevor had opportunity come knocking on his door with a movie role that he felt like he could not turn down. He also felt that his loving wife, Elzy, would still be waiting
for him when he finally returned. Although, that was not the case at all.
Jessica picked herself up after the terrible heartbreak and decided a change was needed. Fast forward THIRTY YEARS later, she has been living her best life and even has her own resort and thriving business. She decided to take the bull of life by its horns all those years ago and it paid off. Everything was going great when she found out she would be going to Iceland to consult and help plan a wedding. Only problem? The groom is none other than the only man that she ever truly loved, Trevor. 🤭
This second chance romance was very real and very raw dealing with emotional aspects of our main characters and seeing what they actually go through together (and apart!). It was really refreshing to read about a mature couple who shared a deep and meaningful love!
Thank you so much to the author and Grey’s Promotion for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
January 31, 2025
When it come to second chances, this one is thirty years in the making! Trevor Montgomery and Jessica Elsworth (Elzy) have known each other since grade school and went from best friends to lovers to married. But on their wedding night in Vegas, Trevor walks out and never comes back. So when they meet up by coincidence in Iceland, thirty years later, it is all Trevor can do to stop himself from grabbing Elzy and running away with her. There are three problems with that, Darby, Joel and thirty years of hurt. Can Trevor convince Elzy to give him another chance? He only has a few days to undo all the years of anguish he caused, but as explanations emerge, stories are told, and relationships change, Trevor and Elzy are left with memories, understanding and hope.
I loved this story. How both Trevor and Elzy had never really moved on, how that abandonment had shaped their lives and why family, loyalty and trust are what is most important in life. I loved how the characters developed. Trevor seems very self centered at first, but as you get further into the story, his layers are exposed and his reasons make sense and he is definitely much more vulnerable. Elzy goes from that shy girl that was left, to a strong independent woman who knows how to care for her family. Highly recommend.
I loved this story. How both Trevor and Elzy had never really moved on, how that abandonment had shaped their lives and why family, loyalty and trust are what is most important in life. I loved how the characters developed. Trevor seems very self centered at first, but as you get further into the story, his layers are exposed and his reasons make sense and he is definitely much more vulnerable. Elzy goes from that shy girl that was left, to a strong independent woman who knows how to care for her family. Highly recommend.
February 14, 2025
📚: When You Were Mine by Erika Kelly
Tropes:
👉 Second Chance
👉 Celebrity
👉 Later in Life
TWs 😟:
Main Takeaway 🏹: This book healed a long broken part of my heart
Synopsis 📜: Jess and Trevor have spent the last 30 years apart from each other after a horrible breakup when they were 20. Jess has spent 30 years trying to build walls and heal her shattered heart, Trevor has become a massive movie star but has never been able to forget his Elzy or forgive himself for the massive mistake he made when he walked away from her. But now that he’s got her back in his life, he refuses to let her get away again!
Personal Thoughts 🤔: This is the book I’ve been waiting for. The first book of 2025 that moved me and made me want to slow down and enjoy every word! This story hit very close to home for me and is healing a long broken part of my heart that I have also built walls around. Everything about how Jess feels about her life, being a third wheel to her sisters and less important to her nieces and nephews is how I feel everyday of my life. Erika may as well have written the book using my name. And the groveling from Trevor when they reconnect was beautifully written. Jess stood her ground and didn’t just buckle at the first apology. I’m definitely going to have to go back and read the rest of the Calamity Falls books!
Tropes:
👉 Second Chance
👉 Celebrity
👉 Later in Life
TWs 😟:
Main Takeaway 🏹: This book healed a long broken part of my heart
Synopsis 📜: Jess and Trevor have spent the last 30 years apart from each other after a horrible breakup when they were 20. Jess has spent 30 years trying to build walls and heal her shattered heart, Trevor has become a massive movie star but has never been able to forget his Elzy or forgive himself for the massive mistake he made when he walked away from her. But now that he’s got her back in his life, he refuses to let her get away again!
Personal Thoughts 🤔: This is the book I’ve been waiting for. The first book of 2025 that moved me and made me want to slow down and enjoy every word! This story hit very close to home for me and is healing a long broken part of my heart that I have also built walls around. Everything about how Jess feels about her life, being a third wheel to her sisters and less important to her nieces and nephews is how I feel everyday of my life. Erika may as well have written the book using my name. And the groveling from Trevor when they reconnect was beautifully written. Jess stood her ground and didn’t just buckle at the first apology. I’m definitely going to have to go back and read the rest of the Calamity Falls books!
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