Just Until You Love Me

The Fitzgeralds #3

by Carrie Elks

West and Eden's age gap, marriage of convenience story

I spend the night in jail for a protest and wake up married to my brother's best friend.

West Abbott is everything I stand against. Older, richer, and morally murky. And he's also completely annoying. Not to mention unfairly attractive.

So when I wake up with his ring on my finger, I make a simple plan. Annul the marriage and never, ever speak of it again.

Except West needs a wife to smooth out his next business deal, and our accidental Vegas wedding suddenly makes perfect sense on paper. To him, at least.

He thinks a fake marriage will be easy. He's used to control, confidence, and getting his own way.

What he didn't account for is me. His best friend's stubborn little sister. A woman who refuses to follow his rules or believe his way is the right one.

Now we're sharing a house, dodging my nosy family, and pretending the chemistry between us doesn't sizzle every time we're alone.

It does. And it burns.

I was only supposed to play wife long enough to keep his deal intact. I never meant to fall for the man who stands on the opposite side of everything I believe in.

But loving West Abbott doesn't just risk my heart.

It risks my family. And there may be no way to choose him without losing them.

Genres: Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance

383 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2026

About the author

Carrie Elks is an international bestselling author of traditionally-published and self-published novels. Her books are sweet yet sexy contemporary small town romance stories. You can find her in all these places:


Website:https://www.carrieelks.com
Amazon: http://author.to/CarrieElksAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieElksAu...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carri...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.elks/

Reviews

[Shannai · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Once again Carrie has blown me away with how she brought West and Eden's story together!! I've become so fond of the quirky Fitzgerald family and the series that follows the siblings on the island of Liberty.

I was so curious about these two, after the small glimpses we saw of them in Asher's book, and I LOOOOVE me a brother's best friend romance, too, so I knew this was going to be right up my street, and they were both hiding their marriage from their loved ones, but were secretly and mutually pining for each other, I LOVED IT!!

Also, West, he really surprised me, I was not expecting for him to be so broody, and thorough, and he was very attentive when it came to Eden. That man had me blushing harddd, multiple times lmaoo.

Of course, I absolutely loved Eden, she was so much fun, I really loved getting to know her more, after learning about her through her siblings.

Bennett deserves his own shout, too, I really liked how he seamlessly fit with the dynamic of West and Eden, he really was like their adoptive son haha, and the how he just fit within the overall dynamic of the Fitzgerald crew.

I'm so curious about Zach and Sadie, Zach is another sibling who has been away from Liberty Island, so very intrigued to see what's brought him back now, and I just know Sadie is going to give him hell lmao; i'm thinking either art enemies to lovers, or rivals to lovers at least!

tropes

age gap
marriage of convenience
forced proximity
brother's best friend
small town romance

Pre-read October 2025: all my favourite tropes; age gap, marriage of convenience and brother’s best friend/ or childhood friends to lovers?! And I know West has feelings towards Eden, omg I can’t wait!!

[Dawn Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved it 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

This is the third book in the Fitzgerald series. An interlocked series of stand-alone. This book is a brilliant addition to an already amazing series.
In my opinion the series just keeps getting better & better, for now may just be my favourite.

Eden is a conservationist, she wants to save the world. She fights for the underdog, always championing & rescuing people who are being taken advantage of or animals in danger.
She travels the world for one cause after another that is important to her.
Taking her away from her family & home. Although she believes it’s easier to stay away than face them as she carries some unfounded secret guilt, something that was never her responsibility to carry.

When she gets into trouble in Vegas her sister Autumn sends their brother’s best friend West to her rescue.
A mutually beneficial agreement is made between them ~ Eden will marry West until his financial situation is resolved . They’ve known each other years & trust one another implicitly, so no one needs to know (famous last words!)

West is smooth, sophisticated, normally laid back, easy going. He’s had a very lonely childhood, his nanny was more of a parent to him than his own family were. He once believed in fairytales, that love was real & something that could be given to him easily. The older he grew, he realised that love was just for fairytales ~ He met the Fitzgerald’s in college, and for years after, he spent every summer on Liberty with Hudson and his family. Every Thanksgiving stuffing himself with turkey at the Fitzgeralds, feeling like he finally had a family to call his own, that he belonged somewhere for the first time in forever.
They offer him friendship that’s more like family, who’s there for you without question, nothing wanted in return but to give you peace.
However he has a bit of a reputation, he definitely doesn’t do relationships.

The more time he spends with Eden, the closer they become. Lines blur & the attraction between them is becoming more apparent that they are both in way deeper than they ever imagined & no longer surface level. They become very protective of each other. The banter between them is hilarious at times. The romance is tumultuous and steamy.

He threatens to burn the world down when someone threatens his future. He’ll protect Eden & the Fitzgerald family with his life.


The chemistry. The angst.The banter. The spice.
It was all on point! I loved every minute of reading.
Eden & West’s journey to HEA.

It was full of spicy twists and gripping turns that kept me captivated from start to finish.
Let me tell you that it's a MUST read!!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me laughing out loud from the start and a little teary by the end and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment in between.
West and Eden make a great couple. Their marriage occurs as a series of lies and cover ups escalate and continues in secret until coming out to her family and suffering the fallout is inevitable and unavoidable.
Along the way we learn more about them both, their pasts, their insecurities and deeply held hurts as they learn to open up and put it all on the line for their love.
Yes, there is a third act breakup, but it works to get them over the final hurdle in their relationship even though the external threats have already been vanquished.
Ms Elks writing is extremely approachable and this was easy reading and such great story telling I devoured it. Loved it from start to finish, and was left feeling a little sorry it was over but looking forward to YOU MAKE ME FEEL, the fourth book in the Fitzgerald family series coming up next.

[Michelle Quintana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it

I enjoyed reading this more than I thought. Eden and West don't match on paper but everything clicks when they see each others years later. West receives a call from Eden's sister Autumn to please bail her out of jail. When he bails her out in Vegas, they're basically forced to get married in order to keep an investor happy. They plan to get an annulment but things get complicated when someone shows up unexpectedly. The longer they are around one another, the more they fall for each other. This book made me laugh and made me cry. There are certain characters that I want to see what happens to them.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

West and Eden, absolutely adored these two
This series is one of my favourites and I cannot wait for Zach and Sadie's story next.
This is high chemistry with slow burn written with amazing banter.
So many lol moments
Carrie has me wanting to binge read at the same time as never wanting the book to end.
Kerry Kennedy Author

[Torey · Rating 5 out of 5]

holy. I feel like I need a smoke and a cold shower. that book was 🔥. I absolutely loved Eden and her quick wit. West is fantastic as well and I adore that we get so much of the Fitzgerald siblings as well.

[TiffanysBookCult · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOOOOOVE a marriage of convenience and Carrie did SUCH a good job with this one!

I already love all the Fitzgeralds so I knew this was going to be a top tier romance for me and I wasn’t wrong. I love all of them so much and the way they are together is perfect.
The little island as always is the perfect location and we’ve added new people to it with this book (so wholesome by the way).

Now the romance in this one was 🥵 so good.

🖤Best friends little sister
🖤Age gap (12 years)
🖤Marriage of convenience/Fake Marriage
🖤Black cat x Sunshine

I need the next book in the series STAT

[Helen (Blissfully Bookish Besties) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Until You Love Me is a fun, sexy, romance and I couldn't put it down. I really enjoy the marriage of convenience trope, and West and Edens story had me hooked. I'm loving this series and can't wait for the next book!

[Rachel Santillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ the series is fun - I love a good interconnected series and a family that all finds their HEA as they band together to get over the hardships that come their way. Some of this was super cheesy, but it was still enjoyable and I appreciated both MCs.

[Piper Brintnall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. The premise is fine. I felt like the whole reason they got together was eh. Eden makes her own decisions and got her in to the mess. And West...what did you think was going to happen by inviting Vin into your business? There seems to be so much more backstory to each of these characters that we don't ever get. So much is attached to West but we don't get it. What horrible things has he done? Is there every any follow up with his parents? You're telling me Vin held on to this issue for 25 years??? Probably not. He would have struck sooner. There is no way he's staying with the long game.

This was not my favorite of the series. I liked book 1 so much better.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. A protest was beginning right in front of a casino in Las Vegas, and guess who got splattered with red paint? Yup! You got it, Eden. So when the police started rounding up people guess who they took in because she had a great deal of the evidence on her, right again, Eden. When she tried to explain they didn't even want to listen. But what I found interesting they didn't pick up any other protesters, but her. Seriously? Anyway, once she was processed, she was able to make her one phone call, and she took the least of all the evils, as one might say. It’s not that they didn’t get along, it’s that she hadn’t seen them all in such a long time. All by herself, her choice. Being the youngest it's always felt like she couldn’t do anything right. It was too easy for all of them to forget that she has a college degree, has a brain, and at twenty-five can make her own life choices. However, starting in jail is not the way to get off on the right foot.

Especially, when they don’t know her secrets. So she called Autumn her oldest and only sister. She appealed to her maternal pregnant side not to tell her older brothers in the family chat. That if she wanted Eden to still come and visit her. However, she didn't say that a little blackmail wouldn’t be an incentive to motivate her. Who does her sister call to help? The man who gets them all out of trouble, and he is a good lawyer, West. She thought that, at the very least it would be Parker, Autumn’s husband. Alas, it’s West the one man who has always managed to actually make her feel like a woman, and a little kid, all at once. He is her eldest brother Hudson’s best friend, and a man with many
A-lister clients, and not-so-A-lister clients. So why would he even bother taking time out of his busy schedule to deal with her? She was pissed at her sister. Thinking she ratted her out, so asked did Hudson send you? In a panic because the thought of Hudson knowing she’s in jail makes her want to hurl then bolt as far away as she can.

Gruffly, West tells her to sit in her panic she does. He is pacing in front of her. “What the hell were you thinking?” he asks, his voice low and sharp. “Do you have any idea what a mess this is?” Underneath the annoyance, she can hear the worry. Which of course makes her want to sass him even more. “I didn’t plan on this,” I say, lifting my chin, because I already have four brothers. I don’t need another. He arches one perfect brow. “You threw paint at a casino in the middle of the Strip.” “It was just a little bit of paint,” I say instead. “And it was from Pottery Barn. Only the best.” His lips twitch, but he doesn’t reply. I’ll take it. “Why are you in Vegas?” he asks. “You’re supposed to be in Peru.” “I’m heading home. Autumn asked me to visit.” “You’re about two thousand miles in the wrong direction,” West murmurs. “Yeah, well I got a ride here from the Mexican border. I was planning on catching a Greyhound or two.” I clear my throat. “But then I heard the International Fur Convention was here.”

“And you couldn’t resist, could you?” he asks. “Little Eden. Champion of the poor and weak.” “That’s almost a compliment coming from the man who cleans Hollywood’s cesspits,” I reply. “What are you doing in Vegas?” I ask him. “Not that I’m not grateful. Did Hudson call you and ask you to come?” I make a mental note to kill Autumn for telling our brother. She promised not to say anything. “No,” he says, his tone clipped. “I was in L.A., working. Autumn called me and asked for my help. So here I am. And your brother has no idea you’re even in Vegas, let alone in jail.” “You didn’t need to rush. I could have waited until morning.” “In a cell in Vegas? I don’t think so.” “Come on,” he says, clearing his throat. “Let’s go.” “Back to the cell?” I ask him. “No. We’re leaving. I got you released.” She blinks. “I’m sorry?” “They dropped the charges. You won’t have a record. You’re free to go.” “Wait… what? There are no charges?” Her voice rises. “How did you manage that?”

“You don’t want to know.” Her personal effects are already waiting in a clear plastic bag. Her backpack, shoe laces, and an old battered iPhone that is always losing power. And — oh joy — her menstrual cup. Wonderful. West glances over her shoulder as she discreetly shoves it into her bag. “Want me to explain how it works?” she deadpans, already walking toward the door. She’s not sure, but she thinks she heard him chuckle. He owes Vin big time. When he told him he had an emergency in Las Vegas, he offered his helicopter without hesitation, calling in the pilot, so they were ready to go in no time. She fell asleep as soon as her bottom hit the cushioned seats. Now he’s the guy who bails out his best friend’s kid sister in the middle of the night. Not that she looks like a kid right now. With her long legs and tumbling curls, she looks like a sexy Jackson Pollock painting. And yeah, he knows she’s an adult, but he’s twelve years older than her at thirty-seven, and he really shouldn’t be looking. Let’s just say they find that harder to do. Especially, when they find themselves married in Vegas after an outburst Eden makes.

This causes an unsavory owner of the casino to find out that she’s West's fiancée, who is there to meet with him, so they can decide whether to marry or not, behind her brother’s back. So the owner being a sucker for love, arranges a wedding that he and his wife attend. Eden and West planned on annulment the next day, until he found out about the cousin of the casino owner, who is Vin. He now knows about the wedding. So they need to fake it for a couple of months.

This was such a fast-paced story that kept me engaged. The banter and slow-burning romance between West and Eden was fun to see grow. And it was fun to see that a woman was the one who was the teaser. But oh man, it was West that did like control in the bedroom, but gave Eden her time to explore her fantasies too. Yet, some very emotional moments hit me hard in the feels for them both. I loved how they both took Benny under their wings.

[Peggy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Just until you love me’ is the third book in ‘The Fitzgeralds’ series by Carrie Elks. The main characters in this book are Eden Fitzgerald, she’s the youngest sister, and West Abbott, her older brother’s best friend. If you’re new to this series, I recommend starting at the beginning.

We already know West from the previous stories. In them, we got to know him as a charming person who was great in solving problems, which was also his job. Famous people called him when they were in trouble and West solved their problems. But after years of solving other people's problems, he was tired of it. He wanted a fresh start on Liberty Island, close to his best friends and the only family he had ever had. But before he could do that, he had to make the new resort on the Island a success. Building it was expensive and came with financial problems. But West was a problem solver, so he was confident he could make it work. But one phone call changed everything.

Eden was a world savior, she traveled from one place to another but she was also a woman running from her past. Her passion for a better world and the climate occasionally landed her in trouble. This time, she’s in jail in Las Vegas, and to her surprise, she’s rescued by West. But the night goes from bad to worse when another situation forces them to marry and stay married for a few months. But every new lie leads to another and in the end, West and Eden live together in West’s house on Liberty Island. They keep their marriage a secret from Eden’s family. But what began as a fake marriage, soon begins to feel real. Can West open his heart to love and will Eden stay on the island? And what about her family, her brothers? Will they accept their marriage? And what about the resort?

I was very excited about getting to know Eden better, just like her older brothers Zach and Wyatt, was Eden a mysterious character, a name in the family chat group. I was pleasantly surprised by her character. Yes, she was very concerned about the climate, but she never made other people feel bad about it. She was a young, gentle woman. Theoretically, a relationship between Eden and West would never work, they have completely different personalities and completely different perspectives on life. And then there’s the age difference. Eden is 25 and West is 37. Eden followed her heart, she didn’t care about fashion or luxury and was chaotic. West was refined, loved luxury, wore suits, worked with celebrities and was very neat. But both were also lonely, they felt guilty about things that happened in their childhood and that also left scars, both thought people wouldn’t love them if they knew the real ‘person’ behind the mask. The passion between Eden and West was strong and just like in his work, West also liked to be in control in the bedroom.

Even though they were very different, Eden and West were a great couple. They really loved each other. I enjoyed the banter between them. How caring they were for the people around them. It was sweet to see how they practically adopted Bennett, a young man sent by his uncle to spend the summer with West and Eden. They were both very kind to him and treated him like a younger brother.

It was nice to see so many familiar faces again and to see how the couples were doing. We also got to know a new character a little better, Sadie, who runs the bookstore on the island. I wonder if she’ll be a main character in a future book. Only time will tell.

This was a nice story.

[Jo Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUST UNTIL YOU LOVE ME by CARRIE ELKS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just Until You Love Me is the third (#3) book in the ‘THE FITZGERALDS’ series.

When West Abbot receives a call to bail his best friend’s little sister out of jail he’s not expecting to wake up the next morning married to her!

He needs the marriage to smooth out an important business deal, but once the deal goes through they can get an annulment and go on with their separate lives. Easy right?
However, the more time he spends with Eden Fitzgerald the closer they grow, until West realises that he’d burn the world down for a chance at a future with this infuriating, feisty and opinionated woman.

——————————


Carrie Elks can do no wrong!! Once again she has hit the nail on the head with this third instalment of the Fitzgeralds series. It has everything you could look for in a romance book - tension, passion, angst, humour, vile protagonists, alpha males, and feisty women.

Carrie has an awesome ability to get into the heart of her characters and to deal with dark subject matters in a compassionate and understandable manner whilst injecting just the right amount of humour into every situation. Carrie’s writing draws you in, lifts you up and the pages simply seem like they are turning themselves. It’s addictive.

West Abbot has had a rough life but he’s working hard to get over his childhood and dubious past actions. He’s desperate to move forward, to be a better man, to do something good for his friends and found family….. If only he could get past his inclination to keep his issues locked down and let himself be vulnerable and open up his heart.

Eden Fitzgerald is opinionated, feisty and stubborn, she has a tendency to jump in feet first without thinking through the consequence of her actions. Although unfounded guilt has kept her isolated from her loved ones she knows her own mind and won’t let anyone tell her what to do. When she wants something she’ll go all out to get it.

This story runs at the perfect pace and you can’t help but cheer the MCs on, even when you want to bang their heads together. There are appearances by all the Fitzgerald siblings that we’ve come to know and love in previous books and also some great new characters like Bennett, the adorable, if innocent golden retriever.

There are open door spicy scenes in this book.

I read an ebook cover of this excellent read, with around 380 pages, great editing and a gorgeous cover I highly recommend this book and series!

With thanks to Carrie Elks for the chance to read an early copy of this book. All comments are my own, honest and unbiased opinion.

♦️ Marriage Of Convenience
♥️ Brother’s Best Friend
♠️ Small Town Romance
♣️ Spicy 🔥🔥🔥
♦️ Alpha Hero
♥️ Feisty MFC
♠️ Protective Brothers
♣️ Age Gap Romance

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, but then again I love anything that Carrie Elks publishes.
I have in fact read it twice since it was published as I tend to rush my read to get it finished and then read at a more leisurely pace not to miss anything!!
This time we focus on Eden and West. West is Hudson’s best friend and Eden his younger sister. Although we haven’t met Eden before, she is mentioned in previous books as she is “off saving the world” and is a big environmentalist.
Eden gets herself into a bit of a situation and calls her sister Autumn, who then calls West, and as he is very good at fixing things manages to sort things out.
It is not spoiler to say they get married in Vegas and they then return to Liberty Island, where West is building a resort. Eden stays with him under the pretence that she is going to work with him and he has plenty of room.
Loved how their relationship developed and that Eden saw the real West, although he still stayed quite closed off to her. West realised that his feelings were changing but that Eden is the younger sister of his best friend.
Don’t want to spoil it but when West realises just who his investor is and how he wants to destroy West, we see how strong Eden can be. He realises that he needs to open up more.
Again, a lovely addition to the series. Younger brother Zach appears at the end and I think I had already guessed who his love interest will be so can’t wait for that. Also would be good to understand more about the other brother Whyatt, the Emoji king!!

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in The Fitzgerald series by Carrie Elks and I have loved this one just as much as the other 2 books.
This is West Abbot and Eden Fitzgeralds story,and has many amazing tropes that will keep you riveted believe me I was enthralled from start to finish.
This is a Marriage of Convenience,Brothers best friend,Age Gap,opposites attract kind of book..and I was swept away by Eden and West.
What begins as getting Eden out of jail,ends with them waking up married and they have their reasons for staying married.
But the getting Wed disaster and their pretending soon gets very real and the line between fake and real becomes blurred.They soon obliterate that fine line and the chemistry between them is scorching hot.They are very different opposites but they just seem to fit together perfectly.
There is just something about Carrie Elks' books that give me all the warm and cosy feelings even when it is emotional...She has definately become one of my comfort authors for me.
I LOve these characters and the group conversations and how close the family are with one another..This story had me laughing,swooning and getting emotional..it doesn't take much to get me in all the feels believe me.
It is so easy to fall in love with Eden and West and I absolutely LOVED reading the rocky road they had to travel to find their HEA.
Carrie Elks is Phenomenal and I am excited for more from the Fitzgerald's family.
Fabulous story.
5 Stars.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

📖 Book Info
Format: KU
POV: Dual
Part of a series? Yes
Series type (if yes): Interlinked: same world, new protagonists/plots
Does reading order matter? No
Will I read the next book? Yes
I almost DNF’d this: Yes

🧠 Reading Mood: Didn’t matter
Did the book match what I wanted? Yes

❤️ FMC
Eden was okay. I liked her but honestly i was kinda expecting something else. Shut up! Seriously you told Bennett who you know is gonna slip up and tell!

😈 MMC
Plaything - i liked west don’t get me wrong but I’m not good enough for her is such a turn off.

🧍‍♀️🧍‍♂️Secondary Characters
Autumn annoys me! Your sister confides in you about her feelings and you immediately start bashing her husband who is also your friend.


🌶️ Steam / Spice Style

Scene type: Open Door – a lot of details
Spice impact: fit for the story

🎭 Tone & Vibes
Humor 😆: some giggles
Darkness 🌑: very little
Feels 💌: it was there

📖 Storyline (Vibes Only)
Stayed engaged

🔁 Reread? Maybe

📝 Final Note
The whole Vin thing at the end was just lazy writing. The reason for revenge was just asinine. Go after West’s father not him. Seriously! He was a child when your sister died! Eden calling him a chicken to get him to play poker for everything. That whole thing with Vin was just outlandish. It made no sense. I still loved the book but that whole thing brought it down in starts

[Kia B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall: 5

First my usual points:

- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- If you’re looking at books, I assume you can read - read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.

Book:

POV/narrative: 1st person alternating
SA/ cliffhanger: standalone but part of a series

Ingredients:

writing quality: 5
ease of reading: 5
plot: 4
steam: 4


Notes / opinion:

West and Eden are a fun couple to watch. West’s ‘solve everyone’s problem’ personality is a fun compliment to Eden’s “I need help getting out of problems I don’t mean to get into’ personality. Although an age gap (which is not my personal favorite troupe), it didn’t play much into the story like many others I’ve read. Overall, it was a fun addition to the series.

I rate this book as “Adult” to include:– (Note: rating description below borrowed from another site)
• May contain profanity (or words considered crude)
• May contain passionate and extended kissing
• May contain one or more onscreen semi-detailed or detailed love scenes
• May also contain non page but descriptive intimacy scenes
• May contain graphic descriptions of nudity and/or body
• May contain drug, alcohol or tobacco use

[Dian · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 star

“If you’re trying to communicate solely through cupboard slamming, I rate it a solid six out of ten. Great rhythm, poor volume control.”

This was fun. Nice pacing, funny and charming characters, and a lovely setting on an island resort. What more can you ask for?

This is more than want. More than lust. It’s her trusting me enough to fall apart. And me wanting to be the only one who ever gets to see it again.

I was hooked because this is a true rom-com vibe book. Genuinely funny. But then the characters get some depth. And the best part is two people who are just trying to make it work. Yes, sometimes miscommunication appears, but more than anything, it makes them human. The final part made it even more rewarding.

“If you’re upset with me, I can take it. If you have questions, I can answer them. But I can’t do anything if you pretend everything is okay.”

The one thing that didn’t hook me was the plot. It felt a bit out of place in a rom-com island resort setting. But it didn’t bother me enough to not want to keep reading.

“Your tears, they’re mine. Nobody gets them but me. You have a problem, you tell me. You shout at me. You scream if you need to. Hell, I’ll let you beat on my chest if you’re feeling physical.”

[Vera Blaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden Fitzgerald was on a mission to save the world one project at a time. She was eco-conscious and made sure to keep her carbon footprint to a minimum. Which is how she found herself in trouble as she made her way home. She confided in her sister Amber who sent West Abbott to her rescue. He was the opposite of Eden. Calculated and careful, used to cleaning up people's messes. When a lie explodes in their faces, West and Eden find themselves tying the knot. They vow to keep this marriage a secret from her family because they know all h*ll will break loose. Their feelings are complicated and grow even more as they spend time together, living in his house on the island, sharing a bedroom, sharing their thoughts, co-existing as they fake their relationship. All h*ll does in fact break loose when their secret is revealed, but the aftermath is not as explosive as they feared. Secondary to their relationship is the investor that is tied to unsavory practices and who threatens to expose everything, good and bad, that West has done. The storyline kept me reading on an on to find out what would happen next! Eden and West may have been an unlikely couple, divided by age and values, but united as two individuals who sought shelter in storms, safety and comfort in those they loved, and a happily ever after neither one expected.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boom! Carrie has hit us with yet another addicting installment from the Fitzgeralds. Book 3 in the series, a standalone with interconnected characters, each following a Fitzgerald sibling - and this one is baby sister Eden and big brothers best friend West’s story.
A marriage of convenience with a ton of forced proximity soon turns this awkward mistake into a connection no one saw coming, least of all West. He is and always has been emotionally unavailable, has a revolving door of women and doesn’t do commitment, yet with Eden, as soon as his feelings hit him, there was no hesitation and no stopping him. They both fall hard and fast but of course, there’s drama to be had. Loved how Eden was absolutely boss babe and I’m with West on this one - did not expect her reaction! Hilarious family chats, both in person and on text, love this family, but love West more for bringing Eden home!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another fabulously fun, spicy and intriguing book from Carries Elks, the third in her Fitzgeralds series. This book focuses on youngest sister Eden and West, the much older, brother’s best friend… who seems so sunshine, but is grumpy under his facade!!

We are back on the island of Liberty, after a brief stay in Vegas, where the two accidentally get married. There is a marriage of convenience, hidden from her family, and some Vegas underworld investor issues to resolve.

We see lots of our favourite Fitzgeralds characters and enjoy the banter and the steamy chemistry. It is a thoroughly entertaining read, with more depth and emotion than I was expecting, especially from West.

I can’t wait for more from this series, and hopefully finally get to see more of Zach and the elusive Wyatt. I absolutely love the addition of the family chat messages, it is humorous window into the family dynamic.

I highly recommend this series, and all of Carrie Elks other series (especially the Salinger brothers). I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

West and Eden were a match made in heaven. It was a shame that he was fighting that notion for the good part of the book. But when he finally gave OMG the sparks.

West and Eden have known each other since she was a little girl, with him being her brother's best friend. She had a crush on him that never fully went away. And when she gets herself in trouble, he comes to her rescue. But things get complicated when his shady business lands them in a fake relationship. With time spent together, feelings she was hidding and wakeing of his, turned this fake relationship into a very real one.

But when danger comes knocking West almost blows this fragile trust into smithereens. And when the dust detels, he'll have to fight with everything to get back his girl.

I have no words for this story. I absolutely adore this family and I'm so excited there are more books coming our way with them in it.

***Review copy requsted and reviewed on behalf of Carrie Elks Review team***

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Best Mistake -
Eden and West’s marriage was meant to be a temporary act to deal with a complicated situation, but they soon found themselves in a secret relationship that slowly went from hands off platonic to stolen kisses and them crossing the boundaries of their initial agreement. Even though Eden and West’s relationship had already changed, they still hadn’t come clean to her family, which soon blew up in the faces when her brothers found out.

Unfortunately, not long after Eden and West received the blessing from her brothers and finally got their lives back on track, someone decided to wreak havoc on their lives with secrets from his and his family’s past. Whilst Eden managed to resolve the matter satisfactorily, it created a rift between them and led to her leaving West. Luckily, West found the courage needed to do everything within his power to make Eden forgive him, so they could get back on track towards the future they had been building.

This engaging romance story delivers a deeply satisfying reading experience where family connections and multiple storylines are seamlessly intertwined and woven together throughout this electrifying and passionate page turner. You definitely won’t go wrong if you decide to read this fantastic book.

I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just until you love me is Eden and West’s story and the third book in the Fitzgerald series. If you love an interconnected series, I highly recommend the earlier books, although you can read this as standalone.

It all starts with a night in jail, where Eden is rescued by her brother’s best friend. A series of events lead to fake Vegas wedding, but there is nothing fake about the “you may kiss the bride” moment. Swoon!

While the main characters are both strong willed and fiercely protective of those they love; they have very different moral compasses. The old adage is that opposites attract and that certainly applies to Eden and West, with off the chart attraction.

Carrie Elks has done it again. This book has it all, Chemistry ✅ Angst ✅ Spice ✅ Drama ✅ Love ❤️

Plus the family chat is back! I just love the Fitzgerald banter. If you know, you know.

I loved Eden and West’s story. Another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from Carrie.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lively romance for Liberty Island🌅🏗

Eden Fitzgerald, little sister to some protective alpha brothers, finds her man (or rather he finds her, in precarious circumstances) in this often steamy, sometimes suspenseful romance. West Abbott is one of her brother's best friends and business partner; he's alpha, smooth, s*xy and knows it. I liked the suspense leant by West's unfortunate business involvement with a powerful shady character who seems ready to pressure West, going so far as planting his nephew with West for the summer. The nephew is actually a young, malleable, naive, likable guy but he's easily played and used to find West's Achilles heel.

Characters from the earlier books in the series are back and fully involved in Eden and West's business. After all, this is small island life. Good characters, some surprises but definitely focused on the couple's expedient hasty secret marriage that morphs to a real connection.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Steph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s great to finally meet eco-warrior Eden, who we’ve previously had brief glimpses & mentions of, mostly via the Fitzgerald family group chat.
West has popped up in previous books, & it’s interesting to get his story & perspective.
This book takes on A LOT. West’s life is complicated. He’s really trying to do right w/the resort, but unsavory associates are making his life difficult. From the minute he rescues Eden, things get even more complicated.
Eden really wants her family to be proud of her, & treat her as the full-grown adult she is. Not being honest w/them about her relationship w/West definitely isn’t a step in that direction.
On paper these two shouldn’t work @ all. West sees himself as too old, too jaded, too emotionally closed off. But, the heart wants what the heart wants, even when things get messy. I don’t want to give away any of the twists or turns, but there are a couple I didn’t see coming.
Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an advance copy. Can’t wait for the next Fitzgerald book!

[alison lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow..If you want Drama, Chemistry, Romance & Love then this is a must read. Eden is in trouble & her sister Autumn their older brothers best friend West to the rescue. They return back to the island where most of The Fitzgerald family live. Eden moves in with West as he has offered her a job in the hotel complex he is building. It's easier to say that than to tell the Fitzgerald family he has married their baby sister in a quick Vegas wedding! The chemistry builds between them & the steamy hot romance starts & love begins to form between them until Wests investor starts to demand more & trys to blackmail him. The Fitzgerald clan are told about them being husband & wife. There is anger, fists punched, hurt & upset. Do they get their happy ever after? You will have to read to find out! When i got to the epilogue i didn't want to read it as I knew it was coming to the end of the book. Thank you Carrie you have done it again writing another fabulous book

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I probably say this every time I read a new book in this series but I really think this is my favorite one. Eden and West's engaging story has plenty of lighthearted moments but some deeply emotional ones too. The setting of Liberty Island is easy to visualize. The core group of characters in the series are the Fitzgerald family and their close friends and I feel that I have come to know them really well.

The story begins with attorney West having to rescue his best friend's sister, Eden, from a spot of trouble, which leads to a fake marriage, which forces them into close proximity, giving them a chance for genuine romantic feelings to develop. West hasn't always acted in the most sterling way during his career, but getting close to Eden helps him realize he wants to be a better, more worthy man.

The writing and storytelling by Carrie Elks is excellent, as always. I really loved it.

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

[Karen Komarinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie Elks once again hits it out of the park with Just Until You Love Me.
If you love small towns, big families who are in each other business with over the top over protective brothers; you need not to look any further. Carrie's stories touch your heart and soul, her characters are complexed who have flaws but good hearts. West Abbott is Hudson Fitzgeralds best friend, and business partner. West is also a lawyer who makes peoples problems go away, using morally grey tactics that nobody questions when he cleans up their messes until now. Eden the youngest Fitzgerald sister is in trouble stuck in Vegas; she was at the wrong place at the wrong time and was arrested for a crime she did not do; but nobody will listen. Eden fights for the under dog, who's the first in line to save the enviroment. So being arrested outside a Fur convention covered in red paint isn't hard to believe espcially to her family; she can't call her brothers for help, so she call her sister Autum for help. What could be worse than her brothers coming for her, West Abbott; he is everthing she despises, old money, moody and Good Looking. Eden doesn't like to be told what do especially by West, her temper gets them both in trouble; but West over the top lie gets them Married Late night in Vegas. Now they just have to hide this from her family until West can detach himself from Vin Marchetti and his cousin. What could wrong?

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read
I have been loving Carrie Elks’s “The Fitzgeralds” Series and West Abbott and the youngest Fitzgerald sibling, Eden’s steamy romance is a great addition to it. The book covers so many tropes including a secret fake marriage of convenience to an older brother’s best friend. Their relationship has loads of steamy and spice with gripping drama and even dashes of humor. Eden and West could not be more opposite in so many ways which ends up making them perfect for each other. They just need to have trust in themselves, each other and lasting love. Of course their story can be read as a standalone, but you will certainly want to read the whole series after meeting all the characters. I hope we see more of Bennett Avery in future books too.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.