Is there anything worse than getting dumped by your boyfriend in a very public, very humiliating way? How about agreeing to fake-date the jerk to help get his matchmaking mother off his back and make his new love interest jealous?
My friends and family don’t think so, but I’m getting Giants season tickets out of the deal. I can do anything for a short couple of months, right? However, when my ex’s sexier older brother, Delcan, moves back home, I realize I’m not that confident after all.
For five years, I’ve avoided Moose Village, New York, as much as possible for one reason: the girl I’ve crushed on since high school was already spoken for—by my brother. Now discharged from the military, I’m coming home, tentatively heartened by the fact that they’re no longer a couple. Except…it seems they are. But something’s different this time. Harper doesn’t seem as smitten as she was the first time around. Meanwhile, the chemistry sizzling between us is what I’ve dreamed of for years.
Even if I’m able to get to the bottom of the weird behavior between my brother and Harper, I’ve gone from one dangerous career to another. I’ve already got my anxious mother badgering me to quit. Will my career choice be too much for Harper, too?
I can only hope this feeling between the two of us is enough.
Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.
Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.
Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.
Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.
To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
This Feeling is the second book in the Moose Village series. This one is Harper and Declan's story. It can definitely be read as a stand alone book. I thought this was a really cute romance. It's almost like a second chance romance. Declan had always had feelings for Harper, but when Declan's brother Sean asked Harper out first, Declan thought he missed his chance. Now they are broken up and Declan is not missing his shot.
I think their relationship was that much better because of the time apart. Both matured and came to the relationship ready for a commitment. I really love Declan and Harper's banter. They just fit so well together. I also have to thank the author for writing one of the funniest scenes I have ever read. You'll know which one when you read it. I haven't laughed out loud like that while reading a book in a long time. I highly recommend this one.
Declan has had a crush on Harper for years, only issues were that he was leaving to join the marines and she was dating his brother. However, now years have passed and things have changed. Declan is also back home for good.
The chemistry that Declan and Harper have is strong. These two are drawn to each other and even though early on things are a little bit complicated they can’t deny what is forming between them. I love seeing their relationship quickly grow and their connection deepen.
I love getting to see more of Moose Village and getting to know more about the people who live there. I can’t wait to see what is up next for this small town.
If you’re looking for a small town, friends to lovers, ex military romance check this one out.
One of the best small-town romance books I've read in a while! I loved how this story was written. It had a great pace, and I enjoyed all the characters, even Sean.
"This Feeling," book #2 in the Moose Village Series, follows Harper, who was publicly dumped by her boyfriend, Sean. After their breakup, he asks her to fake date him to get his mother, Maddie, off his back. Maddie is very nosy and too involved in his life, so Sean thinks that by pretending to date Harper, she will stop pressuring him to date a friend’s daughter. However, Sean has his eyes on someone else.
Though Harper was with Sean, she always had feelings for his older brother, Declan. Declan had been in the military for a long time, but when he returned, he still had Harper on his mind, and she remained intrigued by him.
I loved the story of Harper and Declan. Declan was caring, observant, independent, and confident. He knew exactly what he wanted and didn’t let his mother interfere in his life. Sean was an interesting character; there were some funny moments with him, but he had a lot of growing up to do. I adored the small-town atmosphere and the close relationships among the townspeople. There were some sad moments, but overall, this book was amazing. I'm hooked on this series!
I wish I had read the first book before this one; however, you can definitely read "This Feeling" as a standalone. Still, it would be better to start with book one to get the full Moose Village experience and truly understand the characters from the first book.
I highly recommend "This Feeling!" It is filled with warmth, closeness, a caring community, and a beautiful romance with just the right amount of spice.
Thank you to @kellyelliott for e-arc copy. This book was impossible to put down!
This book was such a great read. Declan and Harper were characters who just had so much chemistry, and this was evident through their connection and how they communicated with each other. The banter was amazing, and I loved how they bonded not only with each other but with the other characters that had roles in this book. The community spirit in this book was an amazing addition to the plot.
Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read and provide an honest review.
This was a cute book involving a brother’s ex. Declan moves home after getting out of the marines. He has to adjust to being a civilian and to small town life where everyone knows your business. He is attracted to Harper who is his brother’s ex. Declan and Harper just fit but they have to deal with his brother and his meddling mother. This was a very entertaining book. I really enjoyed it.
Kelly Elliott just knows how to do small town romance! I loved every minute of reading this book! I loved the side character stories and different problematic moments. Such a good love story that feels like you are right there with every character! This is a must read for any small town romance reader!
This Feeling is a good addition to this small town series. Normally getting with a member of an ex's family gives me the ick however with these characters I never felt that. I really liked Declan and Harper together, you could feel the chemistry between them. I have to say that Sean is an absolute bellend, I honestly can't think of anything I liked about him ..... well one is that if he hadn't dumped Harper Declan couldn't have come swooping in to shoot his shot. This is low drama and a quick easy read that I really enjoyed. I enjoy all the gossip that comes from living in a small town, you can almost feel the curtains twitching and hear all the whispered thoughts. I am enjoying this series and looking forward to the next one.
As always, Kelly Elliott delivers a beautiful romance between two incredibly endearing characters.
Harper is a likable character who’s willing to sacrifice her feelings to help her ex, even though he’s a complete jerk. He asks her to pretend they're back together so that he can try to win over another girl and to get his mother off his back. The problem? Harper is actually in love with her ex’s brother, Declan, who has just returned to town after serving in the army for years.
I enjoyed the relationship between Harper and Declan. He quickly senses that something is off between Harper and his brother, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to be with her.
In the end, it’s a quick, sweet, and enjoyable romance that’s easy to fall into.
This Feeling exceeded my expectations. I just adore this small town so much.
Harper is a fresh of breath air. Her love of flowers is absolutely beautiful. The way she cares for her craft is amazing. She has a great group of friends and even an amazing family. The only thing missing is a great love. You see right off the bat she has a thing for Declan who happens to be her ex boyfriend older brother.
Declan has always had a thing for Harper and never has anything how he has felt about her. Even when he left for the Marnies. But once he is back home everything will change for good.
When Harper and Declan finally give into their feelings you see how much their relationship will blossom. The chemistry is everything and you see how much they care for each other.
This story had it all, lots of laughs, tears and great group of people. I just love Moose Village and can’t wait to come back soon.
This book was amazing! It was my first time reading this author, and it won't be my last! Omg, I devoured this in less than 24 hours! I loved the small town vibes and the love and chemistry between Declan and Harper! I'm so excited I found this author!! I'll definitely recommend this book and can't wait for the next book in this series!
From the very first book in the Moose Village Series, I knew Kelly Elliott was crafting pure, swoon-worthy romance gold—and with This Feeling, she proves it tenfold.
This book brings us Declan and Harper, a pairing I didn’t know I needed until I fell headfirst into their chemistry-filled story. Declan has had a quiet crush on Harper—his younger brother Sean’s ex-girlfriend—since they were teens. But with five years between them and a military career ahead of him, Declan never acted on it. Years later, he’s left the military behind and is finally returning home, believing Harper and Sean are long over. Now? He’s ready to see if he still has a shot with the girl he never forgot.
Harper, meanwhile, was never heartbroken over Sean. The relationship fizzled, ending in an embarrassing breakup she was more than ready to move on from. But when Sean promises her New York Giants sideline passes in exchange for pretending to still be a couple, Harper’s inner people-pleaser can’t resist. What’s the harm in a little fake dating for great seats?
Enter Declan—back in town, living across the street, and not buying the act for a second. The moment their eyes meet, sparks fly. The chemistry is instant, undeniable, and impossible to ignore.
Ms Elliott delivers it all: • Swoon at the florist shop (Harper’s business, which sets the perfect backdrop for tender and steamy moments). • Lipstick kisses and one dream that is hot, hot, hot. • Laugh-out-loud scenes (a certain pickleball bat still has me grinning). • Heart-clenching emotion and real, raw vulnerability. • A slow-burn unraveling of secrets, tension, and romantic tension that keeps you hooked until the very last page.
And both sets of parents? Total scene-stealers with their hilarious, heartwarming moments that add even more depth to this cosy small-town world.
This Feeling is a captivating romance with the perfect balance of flirty heat, emotional feels, and laugh-out-loud fun. Kelly Elliott continues to knock it out of the park with this series—I’m already counting down to the next visit to Moose Village.
I absolutely loved This Feeling by Kelly Elliott, the second book in her Moose Village series! Kelly Elliott has done it again! This Feeling is an incredible fake dating/friends to lovers love story, which filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions. I was hooked from the first page, and it was impossible to put it down. I loved every moment on every page of this page turner. It is my FAVORITE book that I have read recently. Kelly Elliott continues to deliver incredibly written love stories that I LOVE to read, and she continues to be a must-read author for me. I love this fake dating/friends to lovers love story, the Moose Village setting, and the amazing characters that we were introduced to, they feel like family! This Feeling is a love story between Harper Browning, a florist and owner of Crazy Daisies and her ex-boyfriend’s brother, Declan Gallagher, former Marine and new police officer for Moose Village. Following his last tour of duty, Declan decided to return to his hometown of Moose Village and pursue a career as a police officer, especially after learning that his brother, Sean broke up with Harper. Declan has always had a crush on Harper, but did not return to Moose Village the entire time that Sean and Harper were dating. Meanwhile, Harper agrees to fake date Sean, even though he just broke up with her, so that his mother, Viola, will not try to set him up with her best friend’s daughter, Crystal. Sean is interested in her other daughter, Caroline. Declan goes to Crazy Daisies and helps Harper with floral design. As Declan sees Sean and Harper together, he questions their relationship. When Harper realizes that Declan is interested in her, she ends her fake dating relationship with Sean and comes clean to the Gallaghers. As Harper and Declan spend time together, a friendship develops and quickly turns into something more. Conversation between Declan and Harper flows so easily, I love the chemistry between them and the easy banter and flirting, and everything that they do together. As Harper and Declan spend more time together things change between them. A plot twist threatens Declan’s life. I love the heart-to-heart conversation that take place in This Feeling, especially when Declan reveals how he has always felt about Harper. I love everything that Harper, Declan, and their friends support Hope, Liam, and their daughter, Winnie. I love Harper and Declan’s interactions with Winnie. Kelly Elliott definitely does not disappoint her readers with all the feels in This Feeling and has once again delivered an amazing story filled with everything that I have come to love about and expect from her books. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, big loving families, and caring friends, who always support each other? I love how Kelly develops her characters in such a way that you fall in love with them and care about them much like a good friend and how she always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy cowboy. Kelly Elliott continues to deliver all that and so much more. I love the storyline of This Feeling, the romance, and the family dynamics, it was such an enjoyable book to read. I love all the Perry the Moose emojis throughout the story. I am not sure how she continues writing my favorite books to read. I love that Kelly chooses dialogue that stays true to her characters. This Feeling is filled with all the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, plot twists, and surprises that I have come to love and expect in a Kelly Elliott love story. Kelly Elliott continues to prove that she is an incredible storyteller. I love that she writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. I love the ending of Harper and Declan’s love story, Declan’s proposal, the location of the proposal, and the significance of the engagement ring. My favorite part of This Feeling is the epilogue and all the surprises that it reveals. It perfectly wraps up their love story. This Feeling was an amazing fake dating/friends to lovers love story; I am so glad that Harper and Declan got their happily ever after. I love all the characters in this series, I loved catching up with Cadie and Kian, and I cannot wait to meet more of them. I enjoy all the interactions among all the Gallagher and Browning siblings; it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love the descriptions of Moose Village. I love everything about the Moose Village website that Kelly Elliott created for this series. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I loved every moment. Highly recommend this beautifully written love story. Received an advanced copy from the author.
This is the 2nd book in this series. The first one is called This Moment, which I haven’t read yet, and I do plan on reading it just to get more of the back story of Moose Village and all the characters. This book has everything. #smalltown #romance #ex’s brother #ex-military #always been you #high school crush #friends to lovers.
This book had a great pace, with a beautiful romance that bloomed with some spice. Very well written, it keeps you engaged with great banter between the characters and chemistry. Then the Moose Village residents welcome you with open arms, it is such a beautiful feeling.
This is a story of Harper and Declan finally admitting to themselves and each other how they have felt since they were teens. Harper, you will love her, she is the local florist, and she loves her flowers, she talks to them, she nurtures them, this speaks volumes of her personality. She is beautiful, intelligent, feisty and also the Mayer’s daughter. She dated Sean for years, and one day he publicly dumped her, it was horrible, it really hurt her. She was the talk. Now few months later he has asked a favor, will she pretend to fake date him! Are you kidding me? He says it is to keep his mother Maggie off his back regarding dating a friend’s daughter that he doesn’t want to date, however he wants to date the other daughter LOL Sean needs to grow up I tell ya. Sean is interesting to say the least. She agrees to do this on 1 term; she gets season tickets to the Giants. He finally agreed to give her that.
DeClan was in the military and has recently come home for good and is now working as a local police officer. DeClan is caring, independent, confident and loyal, he knows what he wants in life and won’t let his mother dictate to him what he needs. One of the reasons he decided to move back to Moose Village was Harper! He is hoping that since his brother Sean and her broke up maybe he has that chance.
Well, he is home, and what does he find out, they are dating again. What and why did she go back to him. He could tell Harper wasn’t into Sean at all. When Harper realizes that DeClan has the same feelings she has, she ends the charade and comes clean to everyone. She isn’t about to lose another chance of finally having her one true love.
There is so much more to this story, I already feel like I have said too much. But will close this with the following quotes:
“You’re an extraordinary woman who deserves to be treated like a queen!”
“I love you Harper Browning. You own my heart, body and soul and I will be yours forever.”
“I’d never in my life felt such blissful happiness and nothing or anyone could ever take this feeling away from me.”
THIS FEELING is the second instalment in Kelly Elliott’s contemporary, adult MOOSE VILLAGE erotic, romance series. This is thirty-five year old, former US Marine turned police officer Declan Gallagher, and florist Harper Browning’s story line. THIS FEELING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Declan and Harper), THIS FEELING focuses on the return of Declan Gallagher from serving over seas. Five years earlier, Declan’s brother Sean asked out Declan’s secret crush Harper Browning, leaving Declan wondering if he ever had a chance. Fast forward to present day, Sean humiliated Harper with a very public break up, leaving Harper wondering where it all went wrong but when his mother begins matchmaking, Sean asks Harper for a favor, a fake relationship until his mother gives up. Declan Gallagher suspects something isn’t right, and within hours of his return , Declan begins a slow seduction of Harper Browning, hoping for his own happily ever after with the woman he never forgot.
The world building follows Harper Browning as she struggles with her ex’s scheme to deceive his mother, making his new love interest jealous in the process but with the return of Declan Gallagher pushes Harper to back down on the fake relationships, and in doing so, sets into motion a new relationship and love with our story line hero.
The relationship between Declan and Harper is one of mutual attraction but Sean’s need to deceive forces Harper into a lie. Declan is determined to seduce our story line heroine, and in doing so, set into motion the potential for a life-long commitment. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters are quirky and charismatic. We are introduced to Declan’s brother Sean, their parents Maddie and Matt, Sean’s love interest Caroline; Harper’s sisters Candice, Amanda, Tina, and aunt Olivia; police officers Gavin, his brother James; attorney Kian Carter (This Moment 1), and toy shop owner Brystol Duggan.
THIS FEELING is a story of secrets and lies,family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is inviting and heartwarming -there is limited conflict; the characters are animated and dynamic; the romance is seductive and passionate.
Thanks to Kelly Elliott and her team for selecting me to ARC read this book. Team Wranglers🥰. THANK YOU!!! ❤❤❤
4.5
I really liked Declan and Harper. You could see how much they really felt so much for each other. For crying out loud, the man made flower arrangements with her and he didn't even complain. She's very selfless and kind because after such a horrible breakup and then to fake a relationship with said person was crazy because me personally wouldn't but it showed how much of a good and kind and caring person she was. I also love the fact that as soon as she realized and got some sense knocked into her by her dad that she had feelings for Declan, she cut it off immediately. And that caused ALOT of issues for him but he needed to man up to his mom anyways about who he truly wanted to be with so it just helped to push him anyway. Declan and Harper had a crush on each other for years but he also being selfless showed why he didn't start anything with her. First being her age, there was a small age gap there and most importantly when you read the book and you see what he did because yeah okay he's a veteran and he's a cop BUT what he did in this book in that building was *chefs kiss* and just freaking breathtaking; no pun intended lol. But to the point, it showed why he didn't want to start something with her and then just leave to serve his country you know and I think while it made them wonder what could've been, it also showed that he didn't want her to worry and I really loved and appreciated that.
Overall I give this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5. I loved the found family, the actual family, those side characters really were something and I really really hope that we get a Gavin and Brystol book soon because it's so obvious that there's something going on there with all that banter and acting like they don't like each other, I think it might even be love😉. Anyway, I freaking loved Harper's dad in every way, so supportive and just being there for her. I loved the yearning that Declan and Harper had for each other, they weren't fast paced, it was slow because of the obvious fact she was in a "relationship" and a forbidden one at that so it was a hiccup but NOTHING could keep those two apart. The instant they saw each other, well every moment they saw each other, it was just sparks flying between them in every way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’m really loving the Moose Village series by Kelly Elliott.This Feeling is book number two and so far it was my favorite. I fell hard for Declan. An ex-marine back in town to start another chapter in his life as one of the local town cops. Just imaging him walking the streets in his uniform brings all the feels to my stomach. The chemistry and feelings he had for Harper survived his years away, and now that he is back, denying those feelings any longer was going to be an issue.
One of the best things about this series is the whole cast of characters. All the friends who are now grown and making their own paths, but have lifelong connections to this town. It really makes the stories more heartfelt and emotional. Declan is a very observant man and he seemed to have no problem seeing through the charade Sean and Harper were playing. I was glad because too much fake dating can get frustrating. It also left more time for the relationship between Declan and Harper to form on the pages.
Moose Village probably has more than its fair share of meddling mothers. Declan and Sean’s mom Maddie is a special case when it comes to her boys. Poor Sean, never learned how to stand up to his mother, so he has suffered for years under his mother’s thumb. OMG! The laugh that I had after Maddie went looking for Sean to get to the bottom of a few things was amazing. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal what happened here, but believe me when I say it is so worth reading.
Declan’s been away for many years and at 35 he isn’t about to start letting his mother plan his life. His way of nipping things in the bud right off the bat had me in stitches.
This Feeling was a great story. Perfectly paced. Just enough angst to get your heart pumping. Chemistry was great, and the small-town vibes brought the whole thing together. There are a few loose ends in the storyline, but not necessarily with Declan and Harper. They are well on their way to an HEA. I’m assuming some of those loose ends are going to be continued in future books. I’m hoping for some miracles and good news for some characters, otherwise, I’m sure the next books may require tissues.
OMG Kelly Elliott you just made me fall head over heels in LOVE!!! This is the first book I have read by Kelly Elliott and I need more ASAP!! This book was PERFECT!! I was so mad every time I had to stop reading ti. I love everything about Moose Village. I felt like you could go there and be welcomed with open arms. These characters are well written and enjoyable. I was pulled into this story from the beginning and I seriously didn't want it to end. I need the next book in this series fast because I'm already missing everyone.
Harper is just the sweetest character. You will fall in love with her and her flower shop family. She had a terrible break up with her ex Sean in a very public way and not long after he wants her to be his fake girlfriend because he can't stand up to his mom who wants to set him up with a girl ge doesn't like. No way in heck would she do it until she thinks about getting seasons tickets to the Giants from him in return. But now the hard part is trying to pretend to like him. Not so easy since she wants nothing to do with him.
Declan has been away in the military for years and has decided to finally get out and return home to his family. Little does he know how it will be to get use to the simple life again after the military. Then on top of that his brother Sean is with the girl of his dreams Harper. That just makes things more complicated.
Harper and Declan are the perfect couple and made me swoon so much that I was like a giddy school girl throughout this book. I just loved the chemistry they had and how he cherished her. I loved all the little things that he did that surprised her and that made it even sweeter.
You will fall in love with these characters (Well 2 of them you'll have a little issue LOL). This book had me laughing, swooning like crazy, smiling like a fool, had my heart melting, will make you a little emotional but will give you the best ending! I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Thank you Kelly Elliott for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 "This Feeling" by Kelly Elliott is a captivating romance that grabs your attention from the very beginning. Declan and Harper have harbored feelings for each other since they were younger, but their four-year age difference and Declan's decision to join the military right after school kept them from acting on those feelings. Instead, Harper started dating Declan's brother, Sean, until their recent breakup. Declan is a character you can't help but admire. His dedication to serving his country, first in the military and then as a police officer, showcases his strong sense of duty. He's loyal to his family and friends, making him the perfect boyfriend. Harper, on the other hand, is a hardworking individual who always helps her friends, even if it puts her in difficult situations. She knows what she wants and goes after it with determination. The book is very well written and keeps you engaged throughout. The spicy and romantic scenes are a delight, adding depth to Declan and Harper's relationship. There are also many funny moments, such as Declan telling Harper about Sean getting caught with Caroline by their mom, and the scenes where Declan, Harper, and Brystol take care of Winnie. The emotional moments in the story are equally compelling, particularly the neighborhood coming together to support Liam and Hope as she battles lung cancer. One refreshing aspect of this book is the absence of a third-act breakup, which is often a common trope in romance novels. However, I wished there was more time spent developing Declan and Harper's relationship. It felt like they transitioned from barely being friends to a couple a bit too quickly. Looking forward, there are several open storylines that I am excited to see explored in future books, including the dynamics between Caroline and Sean, the journey of Liam and Hope, and the relationship between Gavin and Brystol. Overall, "This Feeling" is a fun, engaging read that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a heartfelt romance with a touch of humor and emotional depth.
Moose Village. The charming small town I discovered in book 1 of this series, 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝗠𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧.
And now in book 2, 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚, the focus is on Declan Gallagher who’s just returned from the Marines and Harper Browning, who has recently broken up with Declan’s younger brother, Sean. Well, he actually broke up with her. Very publicly. And now Sean needs Harper to pretend to be his girlfriend again for a couple of months. It’s an amusing fake dating situation that Harper agrees to in exchange for season tickets to see her favorite sports team. But Declan smells a rat. He doesn’t buy this 2nd chance relationship for a minute. Oh. And Declan has been secretly crushing on Harper since high school. But she was too young then. And she’s always been attracted to him. But he was older and leaving for the marines. But now? There’s a new love story brewing. Maybe with the right brother this time.
This town, its inhabitants, and all their gossipy drama will keep you entertained and smiling. A lot. And even though Sean is a first class jerk, the poor guy falls into the most embarrassing, awkward circumstances that are just priceless.
There’s a lot to love about Moose Village.
💐 Crazy Daisies, the flower shop that Harper owns
🧸 Memory Lane Toys, owned by Harper’s best friend, Brystol
🍹 The Muddled Moose, the local bar and favorite hang out for trivia nights
🍦The Sweet Spot, where Declan gets Harper her favorite ice cream
The slow burn romance that FINALLY develops into full blown HEAT between Harper and Declan is worth the wait. Their rendezvous on her rooftop are swoon worthy for sure. And former marine turned policeman, Declan, helping put together flower bouquets ? He definitely has a talent and it’s heart melting. Add in some life threatening drama and this story checks all of the boxes for a small town romance, culminating in a romantic grand gesture to bring on a few tears.
This book can be read as a stand alone, but reading book one will enhance the enjoyment of this story for sure.
Kelly Elliot 🥹🔥😏🤭 Gawd Dayum. Moose Village is becoming one of my favorite series! The chemistry, tension, angst, spice, and mutual pining are incredible. The storyline is gripping, and the banter 🫦 has me giggling and cackling af!!! Thank you so much, Kelly, for the ARC and for letting me be on your team 🥹🫂❤️
Declan Gallagher 🧎♀️🔥 Do I need to say more after that?! Tall, handsome, intelligent, ex military, police officer, obsessed, protective, golden retriever, sunshine, patient, intense, dirty mouthed, rich, and in love with Harper since high school 🥹 Declan leaves the military after over a decade and decides to head back home to Moose Village. He can come home now after learning that Harper has finally broken up with his brother. When he gets there, she's dating Sean again but notices that she can't seem to stand Sean 😂 This man has me hooked and blushing indefinitely. He will do anything to for her 🥹 When I say I want a man obsessed, I mean Declan 🔥🫦 He's the sweetest and most dirtiest too 😏
Harper Browning 😍 Beautiful, intelligent, feisty, bold, helpful, sunshine, owner of Crazy Daisies, protective, shy, kind, banterful, succesful, dirty mouthed, obsessed and can't stop wanting Declan. She's also the mayor's daughter 🤭 Harper is stunned into anger when her ex begs her to date again so his mother will quit her matchmaking. She agrees for the right price but doesn't anticipate his hot older brother, who she never stopped thinking about coming back to town 😈 She's even more attracted to him now and wants to always be in his orbit as well 🤭 Harper made me so proud, I cackled, cheered her on and couldn't stop giggling 🔥 She scored alright!!!
This was absolutely brilliant, and I can't wait for the rest of this series 😏 I need to know more about Brystol and Gavin ma'am! because Holy 🔥🫦 The chemistry between those two! All those new characters 😍
Everybody in Moose Village see yay! This book blew me away . It’s great ,entertaining as all heck and phew that Declan , check ✔️ know what I mean cos he a dream… 😮💨 Supreme storytelling Kelly Elliott an absolute dream of a book . So now that I’ve let ya know about the bookboyfriend vibe I can get going ,and describe well he did get me going if you get my drift and oooh the shift in heat between those brothers . Move over let the military show how it’s done Sean. Declan moves back home after the fighting’s done and he’s looking forward to seeing his hon …well it seems at first that he was mistaken and her and his bro hadn’t split up ?? But Harper ,she’s different with him somehow ,nit as smitten it’s written in her face and what a beautiful face it is ,he’s dreamed for far too long she was his to kiss. Something is amiss he can feel it. She’s just been publicly dumped and now she’s agreed to fake date the chump!? Here’s a hunk waiting in the wings and she does one of these silly things ! The jerk wants his matchmaking ma off bis back, what should she care ,but she got wise and has made her price known . Giants season tickets ,she wants to own. Though Declan watched from afar he knew he could wait it out without a doubt she’d be his . The chemistry is off the charts and both of them wear their hearts on their sleeve . Even while her and his brother are out to deceive their mom. This writing is so perfectly divine , written with such aplomb , I absolutely love this storytelling style it’s the bomb and I read this book with a smile mostly . Yep emotionally I was spent ,in my element . I mean wow .just wow! Great storyline , great characters ,the whole darn lot divine. I want what Moose Village has got ,but ,I mean ya know there’s always one with who you can’t get on ,even if it is a small town and all … Kelly Elliott,I had a ball reading this ,it was absolute bliss.
This is the first book by this author that I have read and I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. This book tropes included on that I do not normally read, and that was ex-military. Not usually my thing but I thought that I would give it a try. I am happy that I did because it was not like I was thinking that it would be, and I was surprised and enjoyed it.
In this story you meet ex-marine Declan and flower show owner Harper. They are no strangers because they grew up together in a small town. So also use to date his brother and is back to “fake” dating his brother again. Declan was in love with her back when they were in high school but he didn’t want to start anything with her because she was 4 years younger and he was going into the marines. Fast forward years and he is back in town after he has left the marines, and they come across each other again. He is on to them and knows there is something not right between Harper and his brother, and turns out he was right and knew the whole time. Declan and Harper finally have a talk one night and she tells him the truth and they go out on their first date only to get caught by his mother…. I’ll let you think about how well that went over.
As the story goes on, you can see how well Harper and Declan get along and how well they are in their relationship. He treats her so well, and has falling head over heels for her. There are some things in this story that pull at your heart strings and you get the real feelings for things that are going on in the story. There is even a moment of suspense when we wait for the outcome of a situation that happens in town.
I really enjoyed this book, and I hope that you can also give this book a try. It’s a good read and can be read alone even thought its book 2 in the series.
If there were ever a fictional town I could pack up and move to today, it would be Moose Village—and This Feeling by Kelly Elliott is exactly why.
Book two in the Moose Village series delivers everything I didn’t know I needed in a romance: sizzling chemistry, a layered second-chance trope, a fake-dating fiasco, small-town charm, and a brooding, honorable hero who’s impossible not to fall for. Declan is chef’s kiss perfection—gritty, loyal, and secretly pining for a woman who was once way out of reach. And Harper? She's a refreshingly relatable blend of witty, wounded, and wonderfully real. You root for her every step of the way.
Kelly Elliott doesn’t just write romance—she builds a whole world. Moose Village feels like home. From the nosy but well-meaning neighbors to the heart-tugging family moments, I was completely wrapped up in the community and its people. The emotional undercurrents of healing, identity, and belonging made this more than just a love story—it was a journey.
The dynamic between Declan and Harper is electric. Their tension, tenderness, and slow-burn build-up had me flipping pages late into the night. The fact that it’s his brother she’s fake-dating? Delicious drama. Add in Declan’s post-military struggles, Harper’s emotional tangle, and the looming question of whether love can survive the life they lead, and you’ve got one unputdownable story.
I laughed. I swooned. I texted my friends mid-book yelling, “YOU HAVE TO READ THIS.” And when I finished? I immediately started daydreaming about quitting my job, selling my house, and moving straight to Moose Village. (Do they have a real estate agent? Asking for a friend.)
Kelly Elliott, please never stop writing this series. I need more Moose Village magic in my life.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A swoony slow-burn with the perfect mix of angst, spice, and heart!
This Feeling gave me all the butterflies! Kelly Elliott delivers a small-town, brother’s-ex, fake-dating, second-chance romance that had me hooked from the first awkward, cringey breakup moment to the last beautifully romantic page. 🥹
Harper is the kind of heroine you root for—strong, funny, a little chaotic (in the best way), and trying so hard to do the “right” thing even when her heart is screaming otherwise. Agreeing to fake date her ex for season tickets? Questionable. But it’s all worth it when Declan, the older, hotter, brooding brother, shows up and sends the entire plan spinning out of control. And yes—he's a total book boyfriend. Quietly protective, military-tough but emotionally soft for her, and just… ugh, so dreamy. 😍
The chemistry between Declan and Harper is palpable—years of suppressed feelings, the weight of timing, loyalty, and longing all tangled together into this angsty, fiery, slow-burn goodness. And when it finally bubbles over? Let’s just say sizzling doesn’t even begin to cover it. 🔥
I loved the small-town feels, the meddling family moments, the emotional honesty, and the push-pull of two people trying so hard to do the right thing—while realizing maybe they were right for each other all along.
This isn’t just a love story—it’s about choosing yourself, your happiness, and the kind of love that’s worth fighting for. And that feeling? That spine-tingling, heart-thudding, stomach-flipping feeling? That’s what this book delivers in spades.
I absolutely adored Harper and Declan’s story! I mean, who doesn’t love a second-chance romance with a twist, especially when the first brother turned out to be a total dud? Seriously, dumping her in public for everyone to hear? Not cool.
Declan has been crushing on Harper for what feels like forever. But when his brother Sean started dating her, Declan stepped back, choosing distance (and military deployments) over heartbreak. He stayed away from Moose Village for the past five years, trying to protect himself from the pain.
But after Harper finally ends things with Sean, Declan decides it’s time to come home. Only… surprise! When he arrives, it looks like Harper and Sean might not be as broken up as he thought.
Meanwhile, Harper would do just about anything for Giants season tickets and when her ex (yes, that ex) calls in a favor, she makes a deal: she’ll help him out only if he gets her those tickets. She assumes there’s no way he’ll actually deliver, but—of course—he comes through. Now she’s stuck helping him for the next two months.
What Harper didn’t expect? Declan’s return, or the immediate, undeniable pull between them. That long-buried connection reignites fast, and when they finally confess their true feelings? Fireworks. These two are clearly meant to be.
And when tragedy hits their small town, Harper and Declan lean on each other in the most beautiful way. It’s emotional, heartfelt, and swoon-worthy as they finally get the love story they’ve been waiting for.
This Feeling by Kelly Elliott is the second book in the Moose Village Series and deals with many feelings. It's a story that will make you question the boundaries of love and friendship. Can you imagine your long-time boyfriend humiliating you by dumping you in public for the whole town to hear? That's what Sean Gallagher, an accountant, did to Harper Browning, the local florist owner. Sean and Harper grew up in the small town of Moose Village, where everyone knows everyone and everyone's business. Sean's parents, Matt and Maddie, have been married for thirty-five years, and his older brother Declan enlisted in the Marines right out of high school. He had made a career in the military, but it was time to retire, return home, fall in love, and start a family. However, his brother is dating his dream girl. Maddie has been trying to fix Sean up with her best friend's daughter, Crystal, but they feel their relationship is more of a sibling than a dating one. However, Maddie will not relent, and Sean doesn't have the nerve to stand up to his mother, so he's used a decoy, Harper. However, Sean and Harper's relationship is more friends than lovers, and when Sean's love interest, Caroline, returns to Moose Village, he dumps Harper only to ask her to fake date him; in return, she gets season tickets to the Giants, but is it worth it for season tickets, especially when the Giants are performing so poorly?
It was so good being back to Moose Village. Loved all the small businesses with funny names , all the folks with unique characters, the famous gossip mill and all the trouble our favorite heroes can get themselves into. And Harper got herself in quite a pickle with her ex . And she's busy finding ways to torture him instead of pretending to be dating him again. Oh , and lusting after his older brother Declan who can actually confront his mother and walk in one piece after that. Because she's in that situation because her ex can't say no to his mother. Yes, Sean,her ex is that type of guy . So now she lies to everyone for him . Except her family and close friends. And a lot of things happen when Declan catches up that there's something wrong with Harper and his brother. Yes, that's right. And that makes the situationship between Harper and Declan very interesting while they wait for Sean to find his courage . He didn't but Harper did . And that led to to some very funny and slightly uncomfortable situations for Sean of course. Since he couldn't stand for himself he has to learn the hard way . Anyway he got his dream girl . And Declan and Harper lived their dreams. And there was that scary situation that put everything in perspective for them and they refused to waist their time and not live the dream . And their happily ever after was so dreamy. And I was so happy to see that not only the rumor mill run in Moose Village. It was so heartwarming to see how everyone stepped in and helped Liam and Hope in their time of struggle. Now I can't wait to see who's the next couple and what they get themselves into while entertaining the people in Moose Village.
Thanks to the author and Grey's Promotions for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
I wasn’t sure about this one at first fake dating your ex and falling for his brother? I was like, absolutely not. But once I started reading, I couldn’t stop.
Sean? Just immature. Like a little boy. Breaks up with Harper in front of the whole town while she’s mic’d up, then wants her to fake date him to get his mom off his back? He did not deserve her.
Now Declan? I loved him. He always cared about Harper, but she was too young back then and he was going into the military. And what really got me he didn’t want her to deal with the stress of loving someone in the military. That says a lot.
When he gets back after 16 years and finds out the relationship is fake (thanks to his dad), I was so ready for him to step in. And Harper? She told Sean’s mom everything and told her to get a hobby. I was clapping.
Harper and Declan together? I loved them. There were a couple of spicy scenes, but it was the way they clicked. When they finally got together, it just felt right like they were made for each other. You could tell it was real.
The diaper scene? 🤣🤣So funny. Just hilarious. I could not stop laughing. And Moose Village? I loved it so much I was ready to pack my bags and move there.
We also see familiar faces from This Moment, which made it even better. Can’t wait to see who the next book is about and once the series is done, I’ll let y’all know which one’s my favorite.