What do you think?
Rate this book
If You Were Mine
Parker Davis- my big brother’s infuriatingly gorgeous, brooding, and completely off-limits best friend.
He’s an ex-NFL star turned hometown hero, and I’m just the little sister he barely notices.
He’s living in a luxurious apartment in my brother’s newly-renovated hotel, while I’m here to finish decorating it—against my will, might I add.
Falling for him is absolutely out of the question.
Especially since I already did that once… a year ago. Back then, I made the mistake of confessing my feelings, only for him to shut me down so hard I swore I’d never let him near my heart again.
Now, thanks to my meddling brother, we’re stuck sharing a hallway. And if the way Parker’s smoldering eyes linger on me is any clue, he’s fighting the same temptation I am.
The problem? My brother can never know.
Parker Davis is the one man I’m not allowed to want.
But what if he’s the only one I’ll ever need?
He’s an ex-NFL star turned hometown hero, and I’m just the little sister he barely notices.
He’s living in a luxurious apartment in my brother’s newly-renovated hotel, while I’m here to finish decorating it—against my will, might I add.
Falling for him is absolutely out of the question.
Especially since I already did that once… a year ago. Back then, I made the mistake of confessing my feelings, only for him to shut me down so hard I swore I’d never let him near my heart again.
Now, thanks to my meddling brother, we’re stuck sharing a hallway. And if the way Parker’s smoldering eyes linger on me is any clue, he’s fighting the same temptation I am.
The problem? My brother can never know.
Parker Davis is the one man I’m not allowed to want.
But what if he’s the only one I’ll ever need?
200 pages, ebook
Published February 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Elks
72 books2,250 followersCarrie Elks is an international bestselling author of traditionally-published and self-published novels. Her books are sweet yet sexy contemporary small town romance stories. You can find her in all these places:
Website:https://www.carrieelks.com
Amazon: http://author.to/CarrieElksAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieElksAu...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carri...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.elks/
Website:https://www.carrieelks.com
Amazon: http://author.to/CarrieElksAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieElksAu...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carri...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.elks/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 23, 2025
For a while now, I wanted to read a book from Carrie Elks and I think this was the perfect opportunity to do it. Parker and Autumn's story was very sweet with lots of hot moments. Their kind of second chance romance was everything my heart wanted.
It is also the beginning of the "Fitzgerald family" series which I think will be so good. I especially can't wait to read Hudson's book.
It is also the beginning of the "Fitzgerald family" series which I think will be so good. I especially can't wait to read Hudson's book.
April 23, 2025
‘If you were mine’ is the prequel to a new series by the author Carrie Elks. We meet 26 year old Autumn Fitzgerald, she’s the main female character of this story, she has four older brothers and one younger sister. Her older brothers are very protective of their sisters, especially Hudson, who is the eldest. Together with his two best friends (Parker and West), Hudson bought a hotel on Liberty Island, an island where the Fitzgerald children grew up. The Fitzgerald family has many fond memories of Liberty Island. The hotel needs renovation, Hudson himself can’t be there because he has to go to England for personal reasons. So he asks Autumn and his best friend Parker for help.
We are introduced to Liberty Island, the people who live there and Hudson’s best friend West and Parker (who is the main male character of this story). Parker is an ex-NLF player, he’s a great guy but also very closed-off due to a terrible childhood. West and Parker are now his family and the last thing that Parker wants is a fight with Hudson about his sister. But he cares deeply about Autumn.
And now that they spend so much time together, it becomes harder for Autumn and Parker to suppress their feelings for each other. Parker has strong feelings for Autumn but the past is also strong. If he wants a future with Autumn, he will have to talk about his past, his insecurities and his fears. Something that is very hard for him.
The story is told from both POV’s. There are some sex scenes in the story.
This is a nice, romantic story about two people who have feelings for each other but almost lose that love due to insecurities and fear.
We are introduced to Liberty Island, the people who live there and Hudson’s best friend West and Parker (who is the main male character of this story). Parker is an ex-NLF player, he’s a great guy but also very closed-off due to a terrible childhood. West and Parker are now his family and the last thing that Parker wants is a fight with Hudson about his sister. But he cares deeply about Autumn.
And now that they spend so much time together, it becomes harder for Autumn and Parker to suppress their feelings for each other. Parker has strong feelings for Autumn but the past is also strong. If he wants a future with Autumn, he will have to talk about his past, his insecurities and his fears. Something that is very hard for him.
The story is told from both POV’s. There are some sex scenes in the story.
This is a nice, romantic story about two people who have feelings for each other but almost lose that love due to insecurities and fear.
April 15, 2025
"You’re so strong,” he murmurs, his lips ghosting my skin. “Let me get strong enough to deserve you.”
✔️novella
✔️brother’s best friend
✔️age gap (10 years)
✔️second chance
✔️small town/island
This is marketed as a novella, but it is about 200 pages, so it is really more like a short novel. That said, it is a quick read, and overall I enjoyed the reading experience as I do with most of this author’s books. The setting is perfect, I love the small town/island vibes and look forward to seeing where the rest of the series goes with the FMC’s siblings. I like the renovation subplot and look forward to seeing that continue play out in future stories as well. This is solid as far as the brother’s best friend trope goes, however I didn’t love that the author chose to make their relationship a second chance (they hooked up once, a year prior to the events of this story) and then blow it all up (again) with a very dramatic third act breakup — if this couple keeps up this pattern I don’t see them making it long term, and that isn’t the feeling I want to be left with when I finish a romance novel.
The book definitely ends with a happily-ever-after, and I understand that the third act breakup is there to force character growth (for the MMC), but overall I don’t see it lasting. I want them to make it, but with such a small glimpse at them happy together (they spend the first third of the book irritated/jealous/insert other negative emotion, the second part in bed and doing their jobs, and the last third fighting then separated again) there isn’t a whole lot there to make me root for them to push through the struggle so they can be in a healthy relationship. I liked the epilogue, and when they were together the chemistry is definitely there. All that to say this definitely isn’t a bad book by any means, it just didn’t live up to what I was hoping for, but I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
✔️novella
✔️brother’s best friend
✔️age gap (10 years)
✔️second chance
✔️small town/island
This is marketed as a novella, but it is about 200 pages, so it is really more like a short novel. That said, it is a quick read, and overall I enjoyed the reading experience as I do with most of this author’s books. The setting is perfect, I love the small town/island vibes and look forward to seeing where the rest of the series goes with the FMC’s siblings. I like the renovation subplot and look forward to seeing that continue play out in future stories as well. This is solid as far as the brother’s best friend trope goes, however I didn’t love that the author chose to make their relationship a second chance (they hooked up once, a year prior to the events of this story) and then blow it all up (again) with a very dramatic third act breakup — if this couple keeps up this pattern I don’t see them making it long term, and that isn’t the feeling I want to be left with when I finish a romance novel.
The book definitely ends with a happily-ever-after, and I understand that the third act breakup is there to force character growth (for the MMC), but overall I don’t see it lasting. I want them to make it, but with such a small glimpse at them happy together (they spend the first third of the book irritated/jealous/insert other negative emotion, the second part in bed and doing their jobs, and the last third fighting then separated again) there isn’t a whole lot there to make me root for them to push through the struggle so they can be in a healthy relationship. I liked the epilogue, and when they were together the chemistry is definitely there. All that to say this definitely isn’t a bad book by any means, it just didn’t live up to what I was hoping for, but I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
February 12, 2025
𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 𝗢𝗙 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗕𝗬 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗘 𝗘𝗟𝗞𝗦: 4/5 𝓢𝓣𝓐𝓡𝓢 ⭐️
Carrie Elks delivers a heartfelt and engaging romance in 𝓘𝓯 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓦𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓮 ❤️, a story filled with passion, longing, and the complexities of love. This book offers the perfect balance of emotional depth, sizzling chemistry 🔥, and just enough drama to keep the pages turning.
The story follows two well-developed protagonists, Autumn and Parker, whose journey is both touching and believable. Elks does a fantastic job of crafting characters with real emotions, past wounds, and undeniable chemistry. Their relationship builds beautifully, with moments of tension, sweetness 🥰, and intensity that make you root for them. The banter is sharp, the intimate scenes are steamy without being overdone, and the emotional conflicts feel authentic rather than forced.
One of the highlights of this book is Elks' writing style—her prose is smooth and immersive 📖, making it easy to get lost in the story. The setting and supporting characters add depth to the world she creates, making it feel like more than just a love story.
The reason I’m giving this four instead of five stars is that some parts of the story felt a bit predictable, and certain conflicts resolved a little too quickly. While the emotional depth was strong, a bit more development in some areas would have made the resolution feel even more satisfying. However, these are minor issues in an otherwise fantastic romance novel.
Overall, 𝓘𝓯 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓦𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓮 is a wonderful read for fans of emotional, character-driven romance. If you love stories with strong chemistry, heartfelt emotions 💕, and a satisfying happily-ever-after ✨, this book is definitely worth picking up!
Carrie Elks delivers a heartfelt and engaging romance in 𝓘𝓯 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓦𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓮 ❤️, a story filled with passion, longing, and the complexities of love. This book offers the perfect balance of emotional depth, sizzling chemistry 🔥, and just enough drama to keep the pages turning.
The story follows two well-developed protagonists, Autumn and Parker, whose journey is both touching and believable. Elks does a fantastic job of crafting characters with real emotions, past wounds, and undeniable chemistry. Their relationship builds beautifully, with moments of tension, sweetness 🥰, and intensity that make you root for them. The banter is sharp, the intimate scenes are steamy without being overdone, and the emotional conflicts feel authentic rather than forced.
One of the highlights of this book is Elks' writing style—her prose is smooth and immersive 📖, making it easy to get lost in the story. The setting and supporting characters add depth to the world she creates, making it feel like more than just a love story.
The reason I’m giving this four instead of five stars is that some parts of the story felt a bit predictable, and certain conflicts resolved a little too quickly. While the emotional depth was strong, a bit more development in some areas would have made the resolution feel even more satisfying. However, these are minor issues in an otherwise fantastic romance novel.
Overall, 𝓘𝓯 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓦𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓮 is a wonderful read for fans of emotional, character-driven romance. If you love stories with strong chemistry, heartfelt emotions 💕, and a satisfying happily-ever-after ✨, this book is definitely worth picking up!
April 25, 2025
I'm a sucker for brother's-best-friend romance, and this novella did not disappoint. This is a cute story to introduce a new series about siblings and island life.
Autumn Fitzgerald reluctantly leaves Manhattan and her best friend and roommate, Francie Salinger, behind to travel to a small island community, so she can help her oldest brother out in finishing the interior decor of his new, upscale hotel. While he is abroad, he has asked his best friend, Parker Davis, to keep an eye on her.
Little does he know, Autumn and said friend shared a moment about a year ago, meaning there are lots of feelings stirring below the surface.
What follows is Autumn being determined to prove to both Parker and her brother Hudson that she is an adult and no longer to be treated as an irresponsible child, and Parker trying to fight his growing attraction to his best friend's little sister, while also dealing with trauma from his past.
I enjoyed reading this story in the lead-up to the release of the first book - thank you, Carrie, for sharing this with us.
Autumn Fitzgerald reluctantly leaves Manhattan and her best friend and roommate, Francie Salinger, behind to travel to a small island community, so she can help her oldest brother out in finishing the interior decor of his new, upscale hotel. While he is abroad, he has asked his best friend, Parker Davis, to keep an eye on her.
Little does he know, Autumn and said friend shared a moment about a year ago, meaning there are lots of feelings stirring below the surface.
What follows is Autumn being determined to prove to both Parker and her brother Hudson that she is an adult and no longer to be treated as an irresponsible child, and Parker trying to fight his growing attraction to his best friend's little sister, while also dealing with trauma from his past.
I enjoyed reading this story in the lead-up to the release of the first book - thank you, Carrie, for sharing this with us.
March 8, 2025
When Autumn decides to help her brother with the refurbishment of the hotel he purchased she finds herself face to face with one of his best friends Parker who she has always been attracted to and has a history with. But the reunion sets off more sparks than they can handle, so when push comes to shove and their relationship needs to be revealed, old hurts from his past become too much to overcome. But will she walk away before her heart gets hurt by him again? Or will this be the catalyst for him to deal with his past so he can find his future? Filled with beautifully written characters and just the right amount of angst that Carrie Elks is known for this was a great read. I look forward to more in the series.
April 26, 2025
I loved this engaging, heartwarming love story. It’s a brother's best friend/second chance romance and a great intro to Carrie’s new Fitzgeralds series. Carrie has such a great writing style, that I was immediately drawn into the story, which focuses on Autumn Fitzgerald and Parker Davis. They have history that ended with Autumn being hurt and now they are thrown together while overseeing hotel renovations on the island where Autumn grew up. Their intention to keep their distance doesn't last long but Autumn can't help wondering if things will be different this time or if she will end up with a broken heart.
I finished this book in record time and I am halfway through book two, Hudson's story, which I am also loving. I have a feeling this is going to be one of my favorite Carrie Elks series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I finished this book in record time and I am halfway through book two, Hudson's story, which I am also loving. I have a feeling this is going to be one of my favorite Carrie Elks series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2025
Loved this novella, Anything Carrie Elks writes I fall head over heels for it. Liked the independence of Autumn and her determination to make it on her own. Liked that Parker started to face his issues head on and found comfort in having Autumn to support him. Loved the brothers best friend trope, would have liked to see a bit more resistance from Hudson on his best friend dating his sister but I liked that it seemed inevitable that Parker and Autumn should be together. Would love to see more of this couple in the Fitzgerald series - Also I need to know what happens with the lighthouse! Looking forward to Hudson’s book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
Cute story:
This novella was a super start to what looks like is going to be another awesome series. Even though it was slightly shorter, it was still a complete story and didn't feel rushed or lacking in any way. I loved how there was the perfect balance of meaningful dialogue, drama and romance.
Autumn and Parker both had some personal issues to overcome but I enjoyed seeing their growth and thought that they made a lovely couple.
I thought this book set the stage perfectly and now I can't wait for the next installment. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
This novella was a super start to what looks like is going to be another awesome series. Even though it was slightly shorter, it was still a complete story and didn't feel rushed or lacking in any way. I loved how there was the perfect balance of meaningful dialogue, drama and romance.
Autumn and Parker both had some personal issues to overcome but I enjoyed seeing their growth and thought that they made a lovely couple.
I thought this book set the stage perfectly and now I can't wait for the next installment. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
April 11, 2025
A sweet little story
The pain and trauma we carry from childhood stays with us forever, even when we work through it, it’s always there, waiting to catch us up when we least expect it.
It’s no surprise then, that Parker doesn’t want to rock the boat when he falls for his best friend’s sister, Autumn. Her brother and their other friends are his found family. But he’s loved Autumn for a long time and will love her forever. Thankfully, he’s willing to risk it all. That is love. A risk worth taking.
The pain and trauma we carry from childhood stays with us forever, even when we work through it, it’s always there, waiting to catch us up when we least expect it.
It’s no surprise then, that Parker doesn’t want to rock the boat when he falls for his best friend’s sister, Autumn. Her brother and their other friends are his found family. But he’s loved Autumn for a long time and will love her forever. Thankfully, he’s willing to risk it all. That is love. A risk worth taking.
October 19, 2025
5 ⭐️
Me and a brother’s best friend’s romance go together so bad!! I literally inhaled this. I’m fully aware that I’ve read this series out of order, but they are all interconnected standalones, and I’ve really had the best time with them so far.
This was an easy 5 stars!! I was so curious about Autumn and Parker having met them in Francie and Asher’s book. Some top tier grovelling from Parker took place! I love the found family that this had, too! I really can’t wait for more from this series and I’m gonna continue working through Carrie’s backlist!
Me and a brother’s best friend’s romance go together so bad!! I literally inhaled this. I’m fully aware that I’ve read this series out of order, but they are all interconnected standalones, and I’ve really had the best time with them so far.
This was an easy 5 stars!! I was so curious about Autumn and Parker having met them in Francie and Asher’s book. Some top tier grovelling from Parker took place! I love the found family that this had, too! I really can’t wait for more from this series and I’m gonna continue working through Carrie’s backlist!
March 16, 2025
Such a good intro to a new series. The fitzeralds are going to be interesting. The broody guys and the happy sweet sister. Autumn is a bright spot in their world. Even she falls for a broody guy. This isn’t just the intro to the series, but Autumn’s love story. Parker is broken, yet so in love with Autumn. Their story is beautiful and the chemistry hot!!
I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
April 3, 2025
I do so enjoy Carrie Elks stories and this is no exception. But maybe I've just read a lot of sibling best friend tropes recently but it started to annoy the heck out of me that he wouldnt just be bold about his feelings. But if you've not read a few recently, you'll probably enjoy this as its well written and otherwise enjoyable.
April 24, 2025
I read this out of order. This is a novella that starts the series of the Fitzgerald family and tells the story of Autumn and Parker. I read Must have been love first which is the story of Hudson, Autumn’s brother and Skyler but it was still nice to find out exactly how Autumn and Parker became a couple. I look forward to more from the Fitzgerald family soon.
January 5, 2026
Fast-paced and totally binge-worthy, this story follows Autumn, as sassy and independent as they come, who happens to be in love with her brother’s best friend, Parker. From the very first page, it had me hooked with its irresistible mix of steamy, captivating characters, an emotional plot, sizzling love scenes, and undeniable chemistry.
May 11, 2025
Autumn & Parker
I really liked this quick read about Autumn & Parker, I flew through it in one sitting. It was a low angst, easy read, with enough build up & tension to keep interesting in a comfortable way.
I really liked this quick read about Autumn & Parker, I flew through it in one sitting. It was a low angst, easy read, with enough build up & tension to keep interesting in a comfortable way.
April 6, 2025
Great book, cannot wait to meet the rest of the Fitzgeralds!!
August 31, 2025
oh my gawd...!! these two little cutie pies are so adorable.. and yet so hawt!!! ;P
November 26, 2025
Sweet, sassy, sexy, and maddening! I loved reading about Autumn and Parker!
April 8, 2025
IF YOU WERE MINE a NOVELLA by CARRIE ELKS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If You Were Mine is first (1st);book - a novella introducing the FITZGERALD series
Autumn Fitzgerald is trying to find her own life path and run her successful business. Not an easy feat when you have multiple siblings trying to ‘advise’ you. She reluctantly agrees to help her brother with his new project not realising she’s going to have to work alongside her brothers business partner Parker Davies.
Parker Davies, NFL player reluctantly agrees to stay on Cape Liberty Island and ‘babysit’ his best friend’s sister for a while. Not only has Parker invested in the island’s hotel but he’s currently recovering from a career threatening knee injury so when Hudson Fitzgerald asks him for help he cannot refuse.
When the pair meet however sparks fly. The pair have met before a year ago and things didn’t exactly go smoothly …..
§§§§§§§§§§
I loved this 200 page novella. It is the perfect start to the Fitzgerald series and introduces us not only to some of the colourful characters that I’m sure we’ll meet in future books but also to Cape Liberty Island. Carrie Elks ability to write heartwarming, addictive, small town stories is unbeatable. She draws you in, makes you fall in love with her characters then refuses to let you go! I highly recommend both this introductory novella and ‘Must Have Been Love’, the first full book in the series 😊
Enjoy!😊
If You Were Mine is first (1st);book - a novella introducing the FITZGERALD series
Autumn Fitzgerald is trying to find her own life path and run her successful business. Not an easy feat when you have multiple siblings trying to ‘advise’ you. She reluctantly agrees to help her brother with his new project not realising she’s going to have to work alongside her brothers business partner Parker Davies.
Parker Davies, NFL player reluctantly agrees to stay on Cape Liberty Island and ‘babysit’ his best friend’s sister for a while. Not only has Parker invested in the island’s hotel but he’s currently recovering from a career threatening knee injury so when Hudson Fitzgerald asks him for help he cannot refuse.
When the pair meet however sparks fly. The pair have met before a year ago and things didn’t exactly go smoothly …..
§§§§§§§§§§
I loved this 200 page novella. It is the perfect start to the Fitzgerald series and introduces us not only to some of the colourful characters that I’m sure we’ll meet in future books but also to Cape Liberty Island. Carrie Elks ability to write heartwarming, addictive, small town stories is unbeatable. She draws you in, makes you fall in love with her characters then refuses to let you go! I highly recommend both this introductory novella and ‘Must Have Been Love’, the first full book in the series 😊
Enjoy!😊
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews