Elusive Love

Alpine Ridge #4

by Melanie A. Smith

Sometimes the love you thought you lost is the one that leads you home...

Rae Donovan thought she had love all figured out … until, after a tragic accident, her high school sweetheart Luke left town, breaking her heart. In the decades since, Rae has put the past behind her, content with her quiet life working at the local bakery her family started in the charming mountain town of Alpine Ridge. But when Luke returns, Rae's world is turned upside down.

Luke McMillan never forgot his first love, even as duty took him far from home, and tragedy made him a single father. Now back in Alpine Ridge as its new fire chief, he's determined to win Rae's trust — and her heart — once again. But a secret from his past threatens to destroy their second chance at happiness.

As Rae and Luke navigate the challenges of reuniting, they must confront their histories and decide if their love is strong enough to overcome the wounds of the past. Will they find their way back to each other, or will the scars of yesterday keep them apart forever? In this emotional tale of forgiveness, growth, and second chances, Rae and Luke must learn that sometimes the most elusive love is the one you never truly lost.

Genres: Romance

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

Melanie A. Smith is an award-winning, international best-selling author of steamy romance with smart, self-sufficient heroines and strong, swoony book boyfriends with hearts of gold. A former engineer turned stay-at-home mom and author, when Melanie is not lost in the world of books you’ll find her spending time with her husband and son, crafting, or cross-stitching.

Reviews

[Jacqueline Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story penned by Melanie A. Smith and a great addition to her Alpine Ridge series. Rae and Luke get a second chance at love, but, as Smith reveals through her writing, this is not always as simple as it seems. Both characters have a lot to work through in order to find their way back to the love that was left behind. This was an emotional read (Smith's books always are, which I love) with deeper themes integrated into the story, all seamlessly woven with a charming backdrop and enchanting characters that keep you turning the pages and wanting more. SO good. Alpine Ridge #5? Please.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to readers who enjoy a great love story.

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, emotional and amazing second chance love story.

Rae and Luke have a past that has left them both with hurt feelings…much due to misunderstandings.

Both have faced challenges but have reconnected many years later. I love how they have a second chance, find out the truths from the past and can create a whole new future together.

Melanie writes beautiful love stories filled with amazing characters.

[Jill Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is important you read the trigger warnings for this book.
Rae and Luke have not seen each other for 30 years due to receipt and misunderstanding. I loved this story of an older couple having a second chance at love. The story is emotional and kept me wanting to finish it in one go. It is well worth the read.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.

[Melanie A. Smith]

This small-town second chance single dad/firefighter romance is now available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover! For buy links, book trailer, and more go to https://melanieasmithauthor.com/books...

[Lindsey Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Emotional. A journey.

I am totally sucked into this world, and this is another fantastic addition to the series.
Rae and Luke, oh my heart ❤️ An epic story of how a love can find it’s way back to where it should have been all along. The dynamics were perfect.

Five stars!!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you to Melanie Smith for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book!! it was such a light and fluffy sweet romance story!! it was beautifully written and the tough topics were handled with great care in my opinion!!!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A swoon-worthy second chance romance!

Rae has been a staple in the Alpine Ridge since book one in the series and she is finally getting her story!
Rae has been a staple in Alpine Ridge since book one, working at the bakery and helping plan events for her friends when she hears the news about the new fire chief. And the new fire chief happens to be her ex-boyfriend who left under mysterious circumstances.
I liked how much more we got to know Rae. She becomes such a defined character and I loved being on her journey learning more about herself (and the later in life ADHD diagnosis!). Luke was a good foil to Rae. He has been through a lot in life and was trying to do what's best for his kid and his career. So he decides to head back to his home town for the new fire chief position, and he's not ready for the secrets to be uncovered. Zoe is the precocious twelve year old child of Luke and I liked how she was written. She got to be a kid, with only a few adult tendencies thrown in.
This is a wonderful story with a swoon-y second chance story that's full of heart and hope!

This story contains discussion of infidelity, infertility, loss of a family member, terrible parents, swearing, and some spice.
This is book four in the series and can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment!

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elusive Love is beautifully written, amazingly balanced and phenomenally executed by Melanie A. Smith. This is the first novel that I’ve read by this author and was blown away by the storyline. The story is captivating from start to finish, entertaining and an enjoyable read. The characters of this story are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. Elusive Love follows the journey of Luke and Rae. The chemistry between these two characters is breathtakingly beautiful and undeniably irresistible. I loved getting to know Luke and Rae as well as witnessing their story unfolding throughout the book. I do love that they have a happy ending to their story with them being happy together as a couple. I would most definitely give this book as a recommendation for anyone to checkout and give it a read. I’m definitely going to be checking out more of this author’s work in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elusive Love by Melanie A Smith

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Stars
🌶️🌶️ - Spice

This small town romance will remind you of Gilmore Girls, Virgin River or your hometown. It reminded me of my hometown. The town gossips join often to share the local updates when someone new shows their face in town or when there is an upheaval at the local town hall meetings.

Elusive Love is a second chance story where Rachel aka Rae and Luke get another opportunity to discover a love that was cut short due to Luke leaving town unexpectedly. Throughout the romance novel Luke and Rae work through the barriers of the past which left them both asking questions of what could have been.

I will say that Zoe stole the show for me. She is a witty, smart, child who has had to face life a little bit differently than most as she was injured in an accident. We all know how kids can be mean when someone looks different. The townsfolk never treat her differently and ensure she’s got support to thrive. There is nothing like having a child in the story not really be a supporting character but be part of the story because one of the main characters is a parent.

Overall, I loved this story as it felt cozy, no third act break up and it was an easy read. There were many layers to the plot but it didn’t feel overwhelming. It felt like it all fit in a nice little box.

[Beth Von Voigt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elusive Love is the fourth installment of the Alpine Ridge Series. This book follows the story of Luke and Rae. They were high school sweethearts until tragedy struck and Luke left town. Rae hasn’t been the same since her relationship with Luke fell apart. After a failed marriage and a failed attempt at a singing career, Rae has found happiness working with her friend at the town’s bakery that used to be run by her family. Now, as a single dad, Luke returns to Alpine Ridge to build the town’s fire department and hopefully find a peaceful place for his daughter to grow up away from the drama. However, as Luke starts to settle in, details from the past jump out at him from every angle. Both Rae and Luke lean on their friends who have become family to help them navigate their way out of the past and into the future. This book is a charming second chance romance in a lovely town that I think we all wish we could visit. It’s low-level spice and leans more towards a mature slow burn. The characters have quite the backstory, but it’s woven into the framework of the book well and isn’t overwhelming or confusing. The story tackles some pretty heavy topics and the reader is wise to pay attention to the trigger warnings mentioned by the author. Most topics mentioned are touched on briefly - more casual references, than delved into. I enjoyed how even though a specific couple’s story may have been written already, they still continue to appear in the following books and you can see how their relationships are progressing. I felt that the relationship between Luke and Rae needed a little bit more to reach five stars for me. It felt like they barely struggled and then the HEA was just presented wrapped up in a bow. Overall, a good addition to a series that I feel has something for everyone! *Thank you to BookSirens for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Pls note the trigger warnings as the subjects covered in the book may be upsetting for some. A lot more than just a sizzling slow burn second chance romance as Luke and Rae have to wade through a past that hold so much lies, pain and memories for both of them. As they reconnect and the truth finally reveals itself, it's both painful and cathartic and definitely healing as they look to the future and finally get their HEA. There are a lot of heavy topics covered so it was an emotional read but I was drawn in and couldn't put it down until I reached the end.

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances do happen. Rae and Luke never saw this coming but sometimes that’s best. Enjoy their story and journey, well worth the read. Enjoy

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great, well written story. It was an emotional tale and took me on a bit of a roller coaster ride as truth came to light.
Luke is such a sweetheart and a wonderful single father. How could you not fall in love with him?!
Both Rae and Luke have had some pretty crappy parents growing up, it was wonderful to see them rise above that and be better people than where they came from. It was a comforting change of pace from many books where the character has to overcome addiction or some other character "flaw".
As always it's a treat to see our past characters again!

[Dessie White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make sure you check out the trigger warnings before reading, this books gets into some heavy stuff. That being said it was a good low angst, very slow burn sweet story. The characters were wonderfully written, the plot was great, it was like following the characters throughout their daily lives, the happiness, the sadness and all the struggles that came their way.

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

[Jenn Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. So many backstories are written into this book that it can seem overwhelming at first, but Melanie does a great job weaving them in throughout the book. It was refreshing read with mature main characters who experience an incredible slow burn back to each other.

[Amelia Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of a friendship and love reunited and an experience in navigating challenges and uncovering the truth together with an open heart and mind.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing!
The character development was perfect. Luke and Rae have had a rough go at this thing we call life but their past may just bring them closer together.

There are some twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting but they add to the story so well.

Please read the trigger warnings! While they may be hard to read they are real and raw. It was a beautiful representation of what many people go through and was talked about and discussed with such grace.

[Louise - romance.movies.and.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t mentioned them in my review, but this book comes with a few triggers. Please do yourself a favour and find out what they are before reading this book.

First word that comes to mind is emotional. Seriously, I do not think an author has covered so much in one book. I must admit I will be thinking about this book for a few days.

All your favourites from the Alpine Ridge series are here in this book. This is a second chance but rocky road to love for Rae and Luke. Both have personal / family issues that need to be addressed before any of them can move on.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elusive Love is the fourth title in the Alpine Ridge series. I jumped into the series at this point and didn’t feel the least bit lost, however, I will go back to the beginning to get caught up.

Rae and Luke’s story has trigger warnings posted by the author. Be sure to check them out if there is a possibility that some content may be a trigger for you personally.

I enjoyed this story so much. As a later-in-life romance, it brings everything this couple needed to reconnect and find that up until now elusive love they both felt for each other once upon a time. I easily fell into the rhythm of this small town, and fell hopelessly in love with both main characters, as well as feeling quite emotional about what they had to face in the past, and today, as things heat up between them once again. Because I try not to do spoilers, and because of the trigger warnings, I’m comfortable simply saying that Elusive Love is an emotional, at times intense, full-circle romance where the couple, finally, gets their happy ending. I’d not hesitate to recommend this story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author's team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[me1966 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the people of Alpine Ridge continues, Ms Smith moves on seamlessly to another couple.

As does happen in reality, people return to places where they lived before, but not everyone left under such difficult circumstances like Luke did as a teenager.

He's now in his 40s, has a daughter and baggage as most people do. Luke has come back to make a difference and face his past. Rae was his first love; like him she left and came back along with her own baggage. Once the initial awkwardness both of them realise they need to understand the past in order to move forward.

The storyline is sweet and at the same time, I think, rather deep; parents are people therefore aren't perfect & in some cases they can be pathetic. Both Luke and Rae need to understand the tragedy that caused his family to leave all those years ago. Their friends and the townspeople are a wonderful support system.

I really do enjoy Ms Smith's writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sins of the past - High school sweethearts reunited in their hometown decades later, Luke and Rae still feel the pull of attraction. But so much happened to tear them apart, both of their lives forever altered by a fire. Surrounded by a host of supportive friends and his sweetheart of a daughter Zoe, the lovers slowly make their way back into each other's arms even as they deal with shocking revelations from the past.

This was a really good story, less focused on romance oftentimes, dealing more with the discovered sins of the MCs' parents. A tangled web of lies was unwoven, including infidelity, theft, and the unsavory manipulation of a minor. Small-town living at its worst, but the underpinning of a good read. Great characters in a little town that's coming into its own. I like how the author made Zoe an integral member of the book, making her an MC right along with the adults. The first book I've read by this author, but certainly not the last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[QueenOfBooks88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another absolutely amazing book from Melanie! I honestly don't know how Melanie does it but I'm so glad she does because every single time I read her books, I'm taken on a magical journey, where I laugh, cry and swoon!
What can I say about Luke! Damn that man is fine as hell 😂 a fireman to boot and so utterly perfect, definitely what dreams are made of and he's fictional 😉
Rae! Oh she had my heart, it was refreshing to see a lady of a slightly older age and her as a character *chefs kiss* there were definitely moments where I could relate to some of the things she went through and watching her grow as a person was so lovely.
I absolutely adore how all the other characters come together in moments and care for each other and accept each person into their fold and create a sense of belonging and family.
I cannot wait to see what happens next with this author and I'm so honoured I get to go on this journey ❤️

[Ilona Tijhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book filled with love and emotional parts. Do read the trigger warnings before you read this book.

They were each others highschool sweethearts until tragedy strikes. Now it's been so many years since they last saw each other and both being hurt by what happened, they have to find a way back to each other. I'm so glad they quickly found out that the past was different than they were always told and that the love between them was still very much there. The dynamic between them and his daughter were so good to read.
This was an amazing second chance, small-town romance to read and I loved every part of it. The love but also the emotional parts and the occasional plot twists made me want to read it in one go.
Absolutely 5 stars

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elusive Love by Melanie A Smith is a small-town, single-dad, contemporary romance that is big on good writing, heart-felt emotions, and wonderful characters. Rae and Luke have a second chance to find their HEA after reconnecting. They both evolve as individuals and as a couple adding depth to their story. I really enjoyed this well-paced and engaging read. Elusive Love is book 4 of the Alpine Ridge series but can be read as a standalone. Please note, the author does a good job of making the reader aware of any possible triggers within the content warning section. Elusive Love is a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheryl C. Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderfully low-angst yet deeply emotional read! I adore second chance stories, and with mature MCs, this one truly shone. It beautifully captured Luke and Rae's journey back to each other after 30 years. Although it was light on the spice, I still devoured it in one sitting!

As someone who loves seeing characters grow and reconnect (and with me being the same age as the MCs), this book really resonated with me. It reminded me of the beauty of finding your way back to someone special, no matter how much time has passed.

*ARC courtesy of BookSirens and Melanie A. Smith*

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story. Luke returns to Alpine Ridge after leaving thirty years ago after the church burned down and his sister died. He is looking forward to being the new fire chief, setting up the station and seeing if Rae is still in town. Rae is still in town and when she sees Luke she wonders if he knows he has a son. Rae is feeling betrayed as she was his high school sweetheart before he left. What happened thirty years ago will test their attraction for each other as the secrets will reveal a deception that will tear up families. I enjoyed reading Luke and Rae's second chance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you ever truly lose love? I believe that even when a relationship ends, no matter how much time has passed the love is still there (if there was any to begin with) in a different form, but it always stays with you.

Rae and Luke's story is amazing, losing the one you love for reasons you don’t understand is never easy, but Rae was able to put the past behind her…at least until Luke returned and tore open all the old wounds. Will Luke and Rae be able to get past the past and move forward to the love of their future? Enjoy Elusive Love and maybe you’ll find out ;)!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read!

An excellent addition to the amazing Alpine Ridge series. Rae and Luke take the story forward (although it could be read as a stand alone), and in doing so, expose shenanigans history has distorted and tried to hide.
All the previously loved characters throughout the series are expertly interwoven in this story and brings meaning to 'friends are the family we choose for ourselves'.
Smith navigates the challenging topics touched on with sensitivity and understanding.

This is a must read and I'm gutted it's the last book in the series! I'd LOVE to follow Alpine Ridge as it grows!

I received this book as an ARC and leave this review entirely voluntarily.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Rea were a couple in love when they were sixteen but after a fire Luke and his father left leaving a lot of people angry.
It was assumed that Luke had fathered a child when they left but that wasn't true.
Luke has returned after 30 years with his young daughter Zoe and Rea is still there but is angry with him, she still believes that he fathered a child.
Luke explains that he wasn't the father of Brandon, his father was and that they were brothers instead.
This is the first book I have read from this author and impressed, this story progressed into a brilliant read.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were once teenage sweethearts until a tragedy tore them apart and Luke leaves town. It also sparks rumors of a child being born to him. He returns years later as the towns new Fire chief and the rumors resurface. When his teenage sweetheart confronts him and learns that he wasn't the culprit will it open the door for them to rekindle the love they once shared. This heartfelt story drew me in and had me cheering this couple on to finally getting their chance for happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.