She's hiding from her past. He's running from his future. But in Moose Village, love, and danger, finds them both.
I’m stuck in a rut. As a successful lawyer in my parent’s New York City office, I’m sick and tired of their greed and lifelong insistence on putting their powerhouse practice above all else—including me and my siblings. I should have done what my brother and sister did…turn my back on law. It’s time to quit the firm and return to the only home I’ve ever known, the quiet town of Moose Village in Upstate New York.
Not much has changed in the tiny town in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Or so I thought. Moose Village is playing host to a mystery woman. And she happens to be working for my aunt’s bakery. The lovely Cadie Waterford is the talk of the town gossip, as much for her luscious banana bread as her willingness to talk about her past.
I’m not normally one to engage in gossip…but the more time I spend with Cadie, the more intrigued I become. Whatever her secrets may be, I’m sure I can handle them—but when words like FBI, CIA, and even murder come into play, does Cadie need more protection than I thought?
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.
3.25 stars. A sweet small town romance, with found family vibes, a decent cast of supporting characters, interesting MCs, and a touch of suspense. In their early 30s, lawyer Kian and baker Cadie meet in the town of Moose Lake while trying to reset their lives, though for very different reasons. They fall pretty swiftly but still believably so, and there is, thankfully, no third act breakup or significant OW/OM drama to make their relationship go off the rails. There’s a sprinkling of spice, but also some fun couple moments…
“Your abs! Happy now?” I said, waving my hand in the direction of his mid-section. “You clearly need to buy cotton shirts that aren’t so thin. I can see…” Kian glanced down and then looked back at me. “My abs?” “Yes! I can see your very well-defined abs. Which, by the way, do not make my mouth water.” He pouted, and it was adorable. “Well, that sucks. Guess I need to work them more.”
I do feel the situation that caused Cadie to leave Boston was resolved a bit too easily/quickly, a little underdone, when it had potential to be more and affect the MCs and their lives more deeply. And one or two other plot points were wrapped up with a bow in a Disney-esque way. Perhaps these are the result of it being a shorter book? But overall I enjoyed it. And I’m interested to see if the foreshadowing of a certain other character’s potential story plays out in book two of this new series.
My thanks to the author and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Welcome to Moose Village, New York where Kelly Elliott’s newest series takes place!
Kian, a lawyer feels like this career isn’t for him anymore. He started this path because it’s what his parents wanted but he’s burnt out. And finally, he quits. He decides to move back home, Moose Village, and start his dream of writing.
Cadie is the new woman in town. Mysterious. Quiet. She’s the talk of this small town. She also is the newest employee at the local bakery, Batter Up Bakery which is owned by Kian’s aunt. Cadie is secretly in hiding her true identity and on the run from her old life. She’s not here for romance or drama.
*Small Town *Found Family *Girl on the Run/Hidden Identity *Friends to Lovers *Suspense *Guaranteed HEA
When Kian and Cadie first meet, they are instantly attracted to eachother. It’s a slowburn romance as Kian slowly gets Cadie to trust him with her past. I loved the story. I enjoyed the suspense of it all. And the romance was sweet!
'I moose, you moose, we all moose for Kelly Elliott's brand new series, Moose Village, and its debut novel, This Moment. Kelly Elliott demonstrates why she's the queen of hallmark-style romance reads' - The British Bibliophile
Thank you to Kelly Elliott for sending me an ebook Advanced Reader Copy for me to read and leave an honest review, as part of her ARC team .
NOTE - This review will be spoiler-free as standard, but will contain references to elements within the book's blurb. If you wish to go into this read as blind read without knowing a single thing about it, please exit my review now.
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This Moment by Kelly Elliott is the first novel in her brand new series, Moose Village. A series, as you may have correctly guessed from the name, has a certain theme to it based around a certain majestic animal. Want to know why the town is name as such? All you need to do is go grab a copy of this book in your preferred reading format (ebook, paperback or audiobook) and dive right on in.
Before that though, stick around to read my review. Then go grab a copy.
As this book is a standalone read within the series, you can begin your Moose Village journey here, or in the next book, if you so wish to do so or if you happen to come across that book before this one. Though if you're reading this review, it's safe to say that you came across this book first. That said, you might decide that. you like the sound of the second one, and decide to wait to read that and then come back to this read. It's possible. Rest assured, whichever way you read it, it will be fine. You just have to be aware for minor details revealed in book two that happen here in book one, if you read out of release order.
It's been a hot minute since we've had a new series from Kelly, with the most recent being the one we finished last year that was the second generation series based in Hamilton, Montana, called the Love in Montana series. This series followed the kids of the adults from the first generation series, Meet Me in Montana, and the lives, journeys, trials and tribulations they face on the way to each of their happily ever afters. Stepping away from that series for a moment--as I'm sure we'll all truly never fully take one foot out of it or be away from it for long--, we begin a new chapter here in Moose Village.
Are you ready? Do you smell that? I'm catching a whiff of something very delicious coming our way.
It's official, Kian Carter is stuck in the ruttiest of ruts with a hard climb out. As a successful lawyer within the firm his parents own & operate, he finds himself not only sick of their blatant greed, but also both of them committing to a lifelong habit of putting their practise--which has become a powerhouse known to all within their world--above all else. This, unfortunately, also includes Kian and his siblings who also share his distain for the actions of their parents. When the final straw finally came, Kian springs into action doing what he knows he should have done a while ago as what both his bother and sister did, he lays down the law and leaves law well and truly behind. Bravely quitting his cushy, well-paying job, he hoofs it back to Moose Village and to the one true home he's only ever known.
Small towns, as they go, don't normally change much. Traditions, habits and history often stick around, even if you don't. Or at least, that's how things usually go. Returning back to the charming, picturesque town, Kian notices one big difference to the place that so happens to be close to home at his aunt's bakery in the form of a mysterious, beautiful woman.
Cadie Waterford is officially the hottest and latest topic that all the town gossips cannot stop talking, whispering under hushed breaths or down the grapevine about. Why? Her famous banana nut bread for one. Also, for her past. No one knows much about it or her, and that's got many tongues wagging and minds a-wonderin'.
Seeking the quieter, comfortable, more contented pace of life, Kian knows that at heart he isn't a man who likes to gossip. He keeps his head down and ears firmly shut around loose lips. Slowly but surely as he spends more time around and with Cadie, his levels of intrigue rocket to match those of the other town residents.
One thing he can pride himself on, is keeping secrets. Her, secrets. He's set on keeping whatever it is that she may reveal to him, if she does, to himself. That is, until the likes of the FBI, CIA and the unreal yet very dangerous topic of murder comes into play. Leading Kian to ask himself a very serious question, does Cadie need more protecting--and protection--than he ever thought she would ever need to have, or is it the townitself that needs protection from her and what is on her tail?
Take a bow Kelly and residents of Moose Village. For a series opener, this was one that both delighted and caught me off guard in the best way possible. Getting the feel of a new series in itself is fun, but it was made ten times as so here thanks to the residents, their lives, backstories and unforgettable personalities. What was supposed to be purely fictional instead felt realistic, as if the village really existed and all of its residents within it did, too. Most Village really was brought to life by an author who is so skilled at doing so, it makes you want to pack up a bag and head right on down/over/to wherever it is that she has made you feel so drawn, so attracted to immediately be in as soon as possible.
Steering things slightly away from the small-town romance track with the dash of comedy, Kelly threw in two tropes, 'heroine in danger' and 'suspense'. Along with the blurb teasing the mysteriousness of Cadie's past, the suspense is suspensing. Anything could be the cause of her coming to Moose Village and absolutely anything can happen--and it did. Off-hand, I can't think of a Kelly story that had this link in it before (which you'll know what I mean when you read the story), so it was a pleasant change in direction to seeing her dip her toes into something different. Even if it wasn't a direct dip, more of a gentle immersion of the tips of fictional fingers, but it was done well. I certainly wouldn't object if someday, Kelly wrote a full-length story with that sub-genre and associating tropes. After all, she did show she can do nitty-gritty very well with how she wrote her book, Amnesia, under her pen name Ellie Grace.
For my own personal reading tastes, I would have liked to have seen the events between the last chapter and those that happen in the epilogue to have happened on-page. By no means in how This Moment ended was done in any bad way, but I'm a reader who likes to see events--even in brief--happen on the page rather than recapped after a big-ish time jump. For me, seeing those events, even if it is done so briefly--but with enough detail--makes for a richer reading experience than wondering in my imagination how those scenarios played out. That in itself is not a bad thing to do, but we're Kelly Elliott readers, there's no such thing as 'too many words' in a book. If she wrote a book twice this length, we'd still read it and love her/her work as much as we do a book of this length.
Despite that (not negative) point, I still came out at the end with the biggest smile on my face and the dopamine-infused levels of satisfaction in how things wrapped up. After all, who doesn't love a happily ever after? This reader, for one, will never get enough of them. Especially if they're written and sealed oh-so-perfectly by one of her favourite authors and people this planet is lucky to have on it.
All in all, I'm once more the proudest reader that Kelly chose to write this book for us. Moose Village has already proven itself to be a wonderful place, albeit that it's still fictional and I can't actually visit it, and there's so much yet to come and to be offered up to us on a plate. I'm extremely optimistic that it will continue going up from here, and that by the end of the series--no matter however many books will be within it--, we'll be graced with another place to come back to, with names and faces that we love, when we need a bit of comfort and the feeling of coming home.
Now, I'm off to look into planting that daisy heart from my swag pack--kindly sent to be by Kelly--, and to see if I can make the banana nut bread (minus the nuts. I'm not into nuts. Well, only the fictional kind, wink wink).
This Moment is the first book in the Moose Village series. It’s a small town, friends to lovers romance between Cadie and Kian.
Cadie is such a strong FMC, but she’s also so easily relatable. She endures a lot prior to moving to Moose Village, which we find out more about throughout the book. What I really loved about her is how smart she is about keeping herself safe, while also giving herself permission to be excited about starting a new life. We see many moments where she’s finding herself in this town, and slowly opening herself up to new friends, but when Kian shows some initial apprehension, she’s quick to show that just because she’s starting her life over, that doesn’t mean she’s naive or a pushover. She’s just as quick to push back at Kian when he takes his protectiveness a tad too far, standing her ground against anyone who makes assumptions about her, and slowly letting her walls come down to let Kian and his family and the townspeople into her life, and her heart.
I loved Kian! His relationship with his grandmother is so cute; I loved how she was so quick to call him out on his behavior when he took his protective nature a little too far, and she’s a major catalyst leading to Kian letting his guard down enough to take the time to get to know Cadie. Kian is equally as protective and sweet to Cadie once he takes the time to truly get to know her. And I loved how once he starts to fall for her, he doesn’t allow anyone to make feel uncomfortable or unsafe; anyone who tries to mess with her has to deal with him. I mean, don’t we all love a man who would do anything to protect his woman??🤭 I loved that he has such a big heart, and takes care of his loved ones so they’re wanting for nothing.
This was a fantastic start to the series, and I will definitely be picking up more from Kelly in the future!
Thank you again to @authorkellyelliott and @greyspromo for my arc, and make sure to grab your copy on KU on release day — March 18th💗
This Moment kicks off a bring new series for Kelly Elliott. This story has it all, it your looking for small town romance this one is for you.
Cadie is on the run and had decided to leave all that behind. When she stumbles on to Moose Village she’s knows this is the place for her. I’ll describe the vibes as cute and sweet. And let’s not forget small town means everyone knows everything. She is making a new life and being an amazing baker that everyone adores her banana bread. Then enter Kain he wants something new and leaves the city life and goes back home to be what he wants to be and not what his parents want him to be. When these two get together you see a friendship form. And get to learn about each other. When things turn into something more you learn more about one another especially Cadie and why she is in the run. You can’t help but root for these two. And let’s not forget everyone who adores them like Sally, Opal, and his siblings.
This story had me smiling and laughing throughout the whole book. And I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series.
Absolutely beautiful and funny at times!! The way this story started I didn’t expect some of the laughter. Cadie was in hiding after witnessing something she shouldn’t have. That’s how she ended up in the small town. Kian was tired of the rush of the city and returned to his small town. When these two first met it was an instant attraction. What I enjoyed was that they immediately became friends and let everything slowly developed. It was beautiful how everything came together and when she confused in him letting him know her secret he was extremely protective. Then there was a twist and shock to who actually protected her. That was so unexpected. Long story short these two were finally able to live without Casie having to look over her shoulder. The epilogue was beautiful and so damn funny. Loved the secondary characters except Kian’s parents lol and I can’t wait for more on this series.
5 Star Review This Moment (Moose Village #1) by Kelly Elliott
I was excited when I heard that Kelly Elliott had a new series releasing and if This Moment is anything to go by, then she has another winning series on her hands.
This is Kian and Cadie’s story. And is full of romance, suspense, mystery and passion. There were a number of twists and turns that added an additional layer to the story.
This book is everything I look for in a romance and I am excited to see what Ms. Elliott has in store for Moose Village.
I really just love Kelly's books. I was excited for this new series and the hint of suspense mixed in with the romance... it did not disappoint !
Callie and Kian are both looking for a new start, and while Kian isn't new to town, it's been a long time since he's been back.
This is a they fall fast but also a slow burn. I'm obsessed with this town and love the fact that Kelly has created an interactive on-line experience with this series!!
This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it! A sweet, small town romance with a hint of suspense. Really enjoyed Kian & Cadie. I’m excited to read more of Kelly’s backlist!
I’m so excited for this new series! This first book was so good! Not that I’m surprised haha she is one of my favourite authors.
I loved the sweet romance between these two but also the mystery of her past. Then the ending was fun & intriguing & left me excited for future books. It was the exactly the read I needed.
This is a fantastic start to a new series! It just sucks you in from the start and keeps your interest to the very end! I absolutely loved Cady and Kian! They were perfect for each other. She kept you guessing on Cady’s secret. Moose Village is such a wonderful town! I can’t wait for more books in this series.
A glimpse into a new world that Kelly Elliott has created! This book has it all - small town, a little mystery, found family, a cute little bakery and 2 relatable main characters who you just can’t help but root for. This story is beautifully written and at times just a perfect read to immerse yourself into a small town you want to escape to. Alternative cover depicts a cute illustration of the bakery and I look forward to the next one (I’m ready for the bookstore!!!!!!).
The writing wasn’t bad but the storyline had me scratching my head. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought that this was the first book written by a new author.
The reason given for the MFC, Cadie, changing her name and starting over in a new town, was just too simplistic of a plot device to explain Codie’s reasons for her life changing actions.
Added to that is she comes from a wealthy family and she doesn’t tap those resources to aid her when she feels she’s in trouble?
And don’t get me started on the MMC’s brother and what role he had in the story except to promote the author’s next book where his story is told.
I’ve read other books from this author but this story, at least to me, wasn’t her best work.
I absolutely loved This Moment by Kelly Elliott, the first book in her new Moose Village series! Kelly Elliott has done it again! This Moment is an incredible enemies to lovers mystery 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 incredible love at enemies to lovers love story, the Moose Village setting, and the amazing characters that we were introduced to, they feel like family! This Moment is a love story between Cadie Waterford, a baker at Batter Up Bakery and mysterious woman in Moose Village and Kian Carter, lawyer. Kian has been a lawyer at his parents’ New York based law firm since graduating from law school. He decided to return to his hometown of Moose Village and pursue a career he has always dreamed about as a writer. Cadie has secrets of her own, has run from her past, and is not willing to share them with anyone. Cadie and Kian meet at Batter Up Bakery, Kian’s Aunt Opal owns the bakery, and I love how Cadie explains to Kian how she spells her name. As Cadie and Kian spend time together a friendship develops. Cadie is not looking for more since she does not want to put anyone in danger because of her past. I love that Cadie unknowingly rents a cabin owned by Kian. Conversation between Kian and Cadie flows so easily, I love the chemistry between them and the easy banter and flirting, and everything that they do together. As Cadie and Kian spend more time together things change between them. A plot twist threatens Cadie’s life and Kian once again saves the day. I love the heart-to-heart conversation that take place in This Moment, especially when Cadie reveals the secrets of her past and how Kian’s brother, Mark’s job is connected to Cadie’s past life. I love Mark’s secret career. Kelly Elliott definitely does not disappoint her readers with all the feels in This Moment 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 Moment, the romance, and the family dynamics, it was such an enjoyable book to read. Another favorite part of her book is how she incorporates the title of the book into the love story. 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 Moment 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 Cadie and Kian’s love story, and the changes that take place so that they can have a life together. My favorite part of This Moment is the epilogue that takes place seven years later and all the surprises that it reveals. It perfectly wraps up their love story. This Moment was an amazing enemies to lovers mystery love story; I am so glad that Cadie and Kian got their happily ever after. I love all the characters in this series, and I cannot wait to meet more of them. I enjoy all the interactions among all the Carter siblings, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love the descriptions of Moose Village. I love everything that 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.
I found This Moment to be a sweet, small-town romance that was enjoyable to read and a great beginning to a new series. Kelly Elliott is also a new-to-me author, and her writing style fits right into the genres and tropes I like to escape to. Once I started this book, I kept picking it up every chance I had to read just one more chapter.
This Moment is Kian and Cadie’s story. They are both looking to start fresh; her in a new town and him in a new career. Neither were looking for love, but it didn’t take long for them to develop feelings. I loved how they kept things quiet and kind of had to sneak around for a bit. That added to the sexual tension that I absolutely crave in a romance.
This Moment contains an interesting mystery surrounding Cadie’s past life, and the author really kept the reader guessing what happened to make Cadie run from her life and hide in Moose Village. The truth was a shocker, and Cadie had every right to be terrified for her life and the lives of those around her. I do have to admit that her ex was one of the dumbest criminals to walk the face of the earth. I struggled a little to get on board with the way that was handled, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment.
Life in and around Moose Village is everything a small-town romance reader could want. The instant family, the community events, all the juicy gossip.
All the speculation surrounding Cadie’s arrival in town made for hilarious fodder, if only she wasn’t really trying to stay under the radar and set down some roots. Kian and his family are great characters, which has opened many doors for new storylines. I’m hopeful we will see more of Mark, Kian’s CIA brother. I’ll be keeping my eyes open for more books in this series. Thanks to Give Me Books and Kelly Elliott for the early copy.
Thanks to Kelly Elliott and her team for selecting me to ARC read this book. Team Wranglers🥰. THANK YOU!!! ❤❤❤
Kian and Cadie were so perfect. This book made me realize that I really love the 'no third act break up' trope. The way this book turned out was so different, not in the romance sense because lemme tell you those two were IT as soon as they met and they didn't stop meeting and that just made them bond more and went from friends to lovers. No, it was different because of the plot. I had no idea that that was where it would take us at all. Plus, some characters did shock me because you're thinking the worse person ever but then they turn out to be super sweet and helpful. Some of the characters really were super different and I liked that because you're thinking one thing but the author shocks you.
I love me a found family and as much as Cadie had her own family, her having to run from that life and loving to Moose Village, she met some incredible people. Those side characters were so amazing, the way they supported her and was just there for her was just good to see. I love the way that Kian's siblings welcomed her into the family, not from the jump because for obvious reasons of who this woman thay just popped up in our town but it all worked out.
Cadie didn't trust anyone because of her past and that made so much sense. She didn't know who she could confide in but then her and Kian grew so close and she did trust him and from their everything started moving rapidly. Kian was not looking for a relationship after leaving his long tern job of being a lawyer and wanting to be a writer; sign me up for his book releases please, he just wanted to take on life and be free from the hustle and bustle of the city. But moving back to his hometown of Moose Village and meeting Cadie, that was it. They always wanted to be around each other. They were just so perfect for each other, the perfect balance.
Overall I give this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. The book was just that good. Did I mention that Cadie was a baker? I love the whirlwind of her career because from the jump, that was her place. You know when you meet someone and you say that's your person? Moose Village was her place because how crazy it is to be running from your past and end up with the same career. Something to help her feel at home. And how it all ended? *chefs kiss* Everybody got their happily ever after and I loved that. The chemistry between Kian and Cadie made the spice even more electric. I hope I didn't say too much, I wish I could say more, but go and read this book you won't regret it.
THIS MOMENT is the first instalment in Kelly Elliott’s contemporary, adult MOOSE VILLAGE erotic, romance series. This is thirty-three year old, attorney Kian Carter, and baker Cadie Waterford’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Kian and Cadie) THIS MOMENT follows in the wake of the arrival of Cadie Waterford to Moose Village, Massachusetts. Cadie’s arrival is met with gossip and interest, and our heroine is determined to keep her secrets from the people in Moose Village but the return of home town favorite Kian Carter finds our heroine a bigger topic of gossip, and in this, she finds herself falling for a man who is struggling with a new direction in life. All is not as it appears to be as Cadie’s past refuses to let go, and our heroine must reconsider her future in Moose Village where she rediscovered her passion, and a man with whom she will fall in love.
The world building follows Cadie as she starts life anew in the small town of Moose Village. A baker by trade, Cadie is welcomed into Kian’s aunt’s place Batter Up Bakery, where Cadie will make a name for herself baking treats and desserts but Cadie refuses to reveal too much about her past, and in this, the town gossips work overtime to uncover the truth. Kian Carter is an attorney who has always wanted to write, to become an mystery author, and has decided to return to his home town in an effort to escape the world of high finance and the law but coming face to face with Cadie gives Kian thoughts for a future, a future with the woman with whom he is falling in love. Meanwhile, Kian reveals the dysfunctionality of the Carter household, as Cadie must come to terms with the events of the past.
The relationship between Cadie and Kian is one of immediate attraction but Cadie’s secrets become the source of the town gossipers and bullies. Working for Kian’s aunt give Cadie a purpose but her past may also be a threat to the people she is growing to love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including some questionable gossipers found in small-town life. We are introduced to Cadie’s best friend Lauryn; Kian’s aunt Opal, his sister Macy, brother Mark, and their parents Lacy and Doug, housekeeper Sally, as well as Cadie’s ex Michael.
THIS MOMENT is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is thought provoking and edgy; the romance is spicy and spirited; the characters are energetic and sassy.
This Moment by Kelly Elliott is the perfect small town romance and a great start of a new series. So if you're a fan of a small town romance than you'll love this one . And why not to loved it? This Moment has everything that I love in a small town romance - a quirky characters and you bet for a small town quite a few a fighting for the gossip queen position, small businesses with charming names, a lot of banter, some interconnected stories going back in time . Oh , and you have to visit Moose Village website. You'll be surprised. I loved it. Moose Village is the place Kian is going back to for a new start and Cadie is coming to hide and to start anew. Yep , you guessed it right. There is a woman in hiding with a secret identity that picks up the interest of everyone in this small town. And when Kian and Cadie meet sparks fly . And you have to know that with those two a lot of coincidence happens . And the attraction between them is of the charts and they are steaming hot together. The steamy shenanigans in this story are so balanced that they are just spicing up the story at the right time. And Kian's meddling family is all over the place - from his overprotective sister to his match making former nanny, his aunt and his brother with a secret of his own. Just when those two figured out their relationship and Candie's past catches up with her. And the suspense is heating up the story a little bit. Cadie was strong and smart and sassy when needed. Kian was so determined to defend his life choices and his future with Cadie that you'll swoon over him all the time. Those two were the perfect match for each other. I loved their happily ever after and that epilogue was so sweet. Now I can't wait for the next book in Moose Village series. And I hope Mark gets his own story because I was so intrigued by his character.
Thanks to the author and Grey's Promotions for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Welcome to Moose Village! I'm always a sucker for small town romance and Kelly Elliott is one of the best at writing these. This Moment is the first book in her brand new Moose Village series and she starts us off with Kian and Cadie.
Kian only became a lawyer because his parents expected him too, but after several years he is burned out and decides he's finally going to do what he always wanted...write a book. So, he quits the firm and moves back to his hometown of Moose Village in upstate New York.
Cadie is on the run and just happens to end up in the quaint small town of Moose Village. Finding the help wanted sign at the Batter Up Bakery was just icing on the cake LOL. To her surprise, she's the talk of the town with everyone trying to guess where she's from and what brought her to their small town. When she and Kian meet for the first time, the sparks definitely fly and the chemistry oozes off the pages. I admired her tenacity and cautiousness, but also giving herself the grace to start a new life and possible relationship with Kian. She's not sure why, but she knows she can trust him with her secret.
I loved everything about this story. The characters and side characters, the found family vibe, the laughter and love, but also the twists and unexpected turns this story takes. The storyline is intriguing and will keep you on your toes. I really hope Kian's brother, Marc, gets his own story. Great start to a new series.
Go one-click this one it's more than worth trading your morning coffee ☕️ for
Cadie wants to start over. Completely over. So she drives and ends up in Moose Village. Kain is done with the rat race life he never wanted anyway so he returns home to Moose Village to follow his dream From there our story begins
This was a well-paced, slow-burn romance shrouded in a bit of a mystery when it came to Cadie's past (pretty exciting stuff when it is revealed) There is some light excitement here and there All the small-town drama you expect The aches of negative parental units Family bonds As well as some surprises that I didnt see coming Don't worry none of the drama is overly daunting - just that light annoying stuff that can leave you walking away with a sigh, or a smile It has a Happy ever after or two
It is one of those that once you start you forget you are in a fictional world. Easily attaching to the characters, I found myself cheering them on or wishing for their demise sometimes both :) When it came to Kian and Cadie, they just fit. The undeniable spark between them. How natural their progression felt.
"Lord, this was like a soap opera. Or a train wreck. Maybe it was a little bit of both" Kian's 'rents need to stay in their own lanes. Opal is just the sweetest, she deserved her HEA Sally is just the best surrogate for everything And the gossip chain queen(s) - I am excited to see how that little war plays out
Great start to the series. An engaging storyline that is easy to fall into with a cast that will steal your heart
One thing about Kelly Elliott is that readers will enjoy is when she starts a new series be prepared for characters that will stay with you and new places making you want to visit. We are introduced to a sweet, beautiful scenic Moose Village where it's own history is one worth reading about. The series starts with Kian Carter, prominent lawyer with evil parents so to speak and an Aunt, who is the only mother figure so to speak at a place in his life ready for change. Then we have Cadie Waterford, girl on the run just wanting to get her life back to normal and be her ownself. Two people in different crossroads in their life yet compatible in every way. Someone is deteremined to find Cadie and make her pay for what she saw in her past. The problem is they didn't expect a man like Kian to be with her, guarding, loving and protecting her in every way. These two may start as strangers then friends but their chemistry and flirting is off the charts right at the beginning. Kian like Cadie is trying to find his way even though his parent's think he's crazy for leaving his life as a lawyer. Together they are unstoppable and this is just the first in the series and boy this place will make you want to visit with the way Kelly Elliott brings it to life so easily. Awesome way to start with suspense, intrigue, romance and new people to fall in love. Loved it.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
Wow!!! OH MY GOD 🥹🧎♀️ Kian and Cadie! They were the perfect start to The Moose Village series 🤭 I can't wait to read the rest of it because dayum, I am invested af🔥 Thank you so much, Kelly, for the ARC 🥹🧎♀️🤭
Kian Carter 🧎♀️🔥🥵 This man had me on my knees, and I didn't want to get up. He's tall, handsome, intelligent, protective, an aspiring writer, a former lawyer, a billionaire, touch her and d*e, obsessed, "my woman", freaky and can't get the woman from his aunts bakery out of his heart or mind 🤭 The second he saw Cadie, this man literally froze because he was that flabbergasted and entranced by her 🥹 Get me a man who looks at me like Kian! He is curious about the mysterious woman and will do anything to prove to her that she can trust him and that he will do anything in his power to keep her safe and make her his.
Cadie Waterford 🥹 This woman is one badass FMC! She gave everyone tit for tat, especially Kian 😂 and I could not help laugh and giggle at them. She's beautiful, talented, strong-willed, intelligent, mysterious, sunshine, feisty, protective, possessive, successful, guarded, obsessed and can't help wanting to know more about the owners nephew who can't take his eyes off her 🤭 Cadie is on the run from her past and therefore steers clear of everyone. But when Kian comes back to make a life for himself in his hometown, he starts to tear down the walls she's built around herself. And she can't help but answer every time he knocks on her hearts door 🥹
The banter, chemistry, angst, and seductiveness of this book and couple were out of this world 🥹 I was in awe of them from the first chapter, and I could not stop reading. I am so intrigued by the little Easter eggs you dropped in that last chapter, Kelly 🤭 You little minx! 😂❤️ As always, beautiful, intriguing, and captivating writing and storyline! If you haven't read a Kelly Elliot book, you are really dayum missing out!
The first book in a new series by Kelly Elliott, and a wonderful dive into Moose Village, a small town where everyone knows each other and news travels fast. From the very first pages, I loved the warm and comforting atmosphere of this close-knit community.
When Cady arrives in town, she lands a job at a bakery, unaware that it belongs to the aunt of our hero, Kian. After spending years following the path set by his parents as a lawyer, Kian decides to walk away from that life and return to Moose Village to start fresh. It doesn’t take long for him and Cady to cross paths, and from the very beginning, the sparks between them are undeniable.
One aspect I really appreciated was that, for once, the hero’s parents weren’t the typical supportive figures, but rather self-centered individuals focused on their own image and ambitions. This added a layer of realism to the story and was a refreshing change from the usual narratives where families are always a source of unconditional support.
The development of Kian and Cady’s relationship was another highlight for me. From the start, Kian was ready to do whatever it took to help and support her without hesitation. His caring and determined nature made him even more endearing.
Lastly, the various twists throughout the story kept me engaged and eager to see what would happen next. They only made me even more excited to continue this series. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Kelly Elliott has done it again… This Moment is one of the best books she has written.
Kian Carter was a distinguished lawyer in New York City working at his parents’ law firm. After one conversation with his sister, Macy, he decided to quit his job and move back home to Mose Village, New York. He decided to pursue being a suspense writer.
Katy Reynolds was a successful bakery owner in Boston. She was dating a guy named Michael, but then things started going sideways. She went to a gala and she witnessed something she shouldn’t. She had to get out of Boston stat. Her lawyer helped get a new identity, social security card, bank account everything. Her new name is Cadie Waterford. She was driving when she came across Moose Village. She saw a now hiring sign at the local bakery where Opal owned it. Opal asked Cadie if she could bake and she said yes. Opal asked her to bake something and Opal loved it and hired her on the spot. While Cadie was in the bakery, a very handsome man walked in to Batter Up Bakery and they were both smitten, it happened to be Opal’s nephew Kian. Cadie found a cabin to rent not realizing the cabin belonged to Kian. While Cadie was in the kitchen she heard a noise and it was Kian. They started talking and hit it off, but Cadie was still standoffish because her past. Anyway, this is a well written book and you’ll just have to read it to find out what happens.
Kelly Elliott has done it again! This Moment, the first book in the Moose Village series, is everything I love about her writing—deep emotion, small-town charm, and a romance that keeps you hooked from the very first page.
Kian Carter’s journey from high-powered lawyer to small-town baker’s assistant (well, not quite, but close enough!) is both heartfelt and refreshing. I loved watching him break free from the expectations of his family and rediscover what truly matters. And Cadie Waterford? She’s the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for—sweet, strong, and carrying just enough mystery to keep both Kian and the reader on edge. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but it’s the layers of suspense woven into their story that really make this book stand out.
Elliott perfectly balances romance and intrigue, with whispers of the FBI, CIA, and even murder lurking beneath the surface of this cozy town. I was completely captivated, flipping pages late into the night, desperate to unravel Cadie’s secrets alongside Kian. And let’s not forget Moose Village itself—it feels like home, full of warmth, nosy neighbors, and just the right amount of small-town gossip.
Having loved Kelly Elliott’s books for over a decade, I can confidently say this is one of her best yet. If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy romance with just the right amount of mystery, this is a must-read. I can’t wait for more of Moose Village!
Wow, oh, wow, Kelly Elliott! I did not see this book coming.
This Moment is a small-town second-chance romance that follows the story of Kian and Cadie. Cadie is on the run and looking for a fresh start. She ends up in Moose Village, purely by accident and can't help but fall in love with the small town. The last thing she expected was the charming Kian...Kian is tired of living the life his parents demanded and is ready for a change. He moved back home to Moose Village to clear his head and figure out his next step. The last thing he expected was Cadie.
From the moment these two met, the sparks between them oozed off the pages. I loved how supportive Kian was and how he didn't get turned off by Cadie's past. Sure, he was intrigued, but he trusted that she would confide in him when she was ready. And the more time these two spent together, the more I couldn't help but root for their happily ever after.
The road to happily ever after was definitely a bumpy one for Kian and Cadie. I loved the twists, turns, and oh, so satisfying moments. And when Cadie's past finally catches up to her, I was definitely left holding my breath.
All in all, This Moment was a terrific read from beginning to end and I can not wait to read more books from the Moose Village series!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Kelly Elliott welcomes readers to the quaint upstate small town of Moose Village for her newest captivating series.
Featuring Kian Carter, a thirty-three-year-old lawyer who has spent far too long living in the shadow of his demanding parents. Stifled by the pressures of his high-powered New York job and the relentless pursuit of billable hours,
So, when his dad interferes in his latest case, Kian decides enough is enough, and he quits. Heading home to Moose Village, his siblings, Aunt Opal and Sally. The woman who raised him and his brother Mark and sister Macy.
And Moose Village is where Kian meets mysterious new to-town Cadie. Who is working at his aunt's bakery, Batter Up, and has everyone in town questioning who she is and where she's come from.
However, all Kian sees is a beautiful woman who can bake and they soon become friends. But they have an undeniable spark. One that forces Cadie to confront a crucial choice: will she trust Kian enough to reveal her secrets, or will she remain in the shadows, starting fresh all over again?
And for me, This Moment is a delightful kickoff to a new series. That promises to keep you turning the pages! Thanks to the perfect blend of tension, heartfelt emotion, quirky characters, humour and romance.
My thanks to Greys Promo/Author Kelly Elliott for the opportunity to read This Moment. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️
A new series for Ms Elliott, a new town and a wonderful new cast of characters to fall in love with. The little town of Moose Village is the sweetest small town and it feels so real. An instant attraction with a slow burn as trust is hard to give when you have been burned in the past.
Cadie knows she saw something she shouldn't and at the risk of harm to her friends and family she picked up her old life and ran. Hoping they would stop looking for her eventually. Finding her niche in the little town bakery, where she feels right at home. She certainly wasn't prepare for Kian and the draw she feels to him.
Kian is tired of the daily hustle and bustle of the lawyer life he begrudgingly works in daily. A stranger on the train, makes him think long and hard. When he decides to move back home to Moose Village to start a new and follow his heart, he wasn't looking for anything more than that. But Cadie intrigues him. He can see she needs a friend more than a lover to start and is willing to take things slow for her.
As their connection grows and Cadie's trust becomes stronger. She shares her true past with him. Will he run from her or be there to help her along the way?
Grab your copy and enjoy the stroll through the small town. Be prepared for a little suspense and mystery with your romance.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***