The love at The Springs continues with Book Four in the McCormicks Series.
For eight years, Evie Rose has managed just fine on her own, running a business and raising her son, Jonah. But when Jonah’s father reappears on the scene, she risks losing everything if she can’t prove she provides a stable family environment for her son. And fast.
After watching his parents love dissolve in heartache, Declan McCormick is single by choice, and has dedicated his life to helping others. So when the super sexy, fiercely independent, Evie Rose asks for his help, there’s no way he can say no. Especially since she needs him to be her fake fiancée. After all, anything that means stealing a kiss or two, seems like a good deal.
It’s not supposed to be real, but the longer Evie spends with Declan, the closer they get and not only does it start to look real, it also starts to feel more real than anything she’s ever felt before. The only problem is, Declan only sees her as a project, just someone else he can help. And when everything starts to unravel, tough decisions have to be made, quickly.
Evie will do anything to keep her son, and the life they’ve built. Even if it means closing her heart to something she’s never felt before. Declan didn’t think love was possible, but if he doesn’t open his eyes to see what’s in front him, he could lose the family he’s grown to love—forever.
Elena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.
Ms. Aitken is Amazing,' and so was this book which I couldn't put down. Love The McCormick's. Declan didn't want to date Evie for some reason. But found himself doing something else which blew his mind. She needed his help, and that's what he did. He helped people. Well this went above and beyond. It was without a doubt a little crazy, but he fell fast for her. He wondered if it could be real between them. In a moment he knew.
Evie didn't know what came over her when she said she was engaged. She was desperate. Her sons father came into her shop Live, Love, Lake and changed things. But to involve Declan. What was she thinking...
What happens next will be amazing, and make sure you have Kleenex handy you will need it. A beautiful book. Love, laughter, tears..family always sticking together. That's what it's all about.
I was provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars, it’s not bad but the miscommunication trope really irritates me. The overhearing of a phone call, misunderstanding it and basing all decisions off that will never not be frustrating to me. It started strong and I liked the premise, but the “will I tell him/her how I’m really feeling” lark was withering after a while. That being said, it’s quick and more enjoyable then some other stuff I’ve read recently!
I just knew that I would enjoy Declan's story, such a lovely man. Elena is good at writing emotion, and in this book she has it exactly right! Evie is a capable, down-to-earth character, working hard to raise her eight year old son Jonah alone after his father abandoned them when he found out she was pregnant. She has scrimped and saved, and at last has been able to open a boutique, Live, Love, Lake so that they can have a good life. Jonah loves to help her out in the shop, and is a well-written, delightful little boy. Evie has briefly been in all the other books in the series, finding beautiful, and absolutely perfect dresses for the occasion for the women involved with the McCormick brothers.
From the first moment she met him she was attracted to Declan, and him to her. But Declan is a busy man, determined to never let love into his life, scarred by his father deserting them for his secret other family when Declan was 16. He had seen his mother's distress and defeat, and vowed to himself that he would never do that to anyone, and had kept to his word, by never having relationships. Then Evie has a crisis in her life, and he offers to help, and everything changes.
This is a very emotional story, and well written, so it is quite believable. Very well worth reading, it very much has the 'aah' factor!
I loved, I cried, and I have a new book boyfriend from reading In This Moment by Elena Aitken. Declan is the third born and spends his time traveling the world, setting up projects to help those in need through his company DAR. Evie is a single mom who recently opened the boutique Live, Love, and Lake in Cedar Springs. When the father of her eight-year old son comes to Cedar Spring wanting visitation and custody of him, Evie invents a fake fiancé, Declan. Declan readily agrees to help Evie, as that is who he is, helping those he cares about. These two need to figure out whether or not this engagement is fake or real.
I loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Every time I read one Ms. Aitken’s books I think she can’t write another better than this one, but she does. Each and every time. Each and every book. Elena really knows how to tell a wonderful story, drawing me into the story and not letting me go until I read the last page, wanting more. Her words and stories make me want to live in Cedar Springs with her wonderful characters. This is her fourth book in The McCormicks series, but each book is a standalone story. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
What do you do when you're a single mother & something threatens the happiness of your young son? Exactly what Evie Rose did! You put your sons happiness & wellbeing first, even if it makes you hurt & unhappy. After. After vanishing from Evie & Jonah's life right after Evie discovered she was pregnant, Tony has come back to town to demand custody. What should Evie do?
Declan McCormick has dedicated his life to bettering life for others. That's why he's created his non profit that is helping towns in Africa get fresh water & whatever else they need. This is his legacy since he's determined he will never fall in love, get married & have a family. He never wants to hurt a family the way his dad hurt them. That's why he has never asked Evie out for a date. The attraction was so intense he knew instinctively that dating would never be enough.
I loved this story. Jonah was a wonderful addition & the drama present in the story was due to him. I loved that he was not spoiled & appreciated all his mother did for him. The only part I really had a problem with was the ease in which he accepted his father into his life. I expected some sullenness & anger even though Evie never put Tony down when Jonah asked her about him. The chemistry between Declan & Evie was apparent. The interactions between them was proof to everyone else that they loved each other, they were just to blind to see it themselves. I was prepared to dislike Tony & Lauren & did for part of the book. They did manage to redeem themselves by putting Jonah first. This was another typical Elena Aitken emotionally charged story that tugged at your heart & leaves you anxious for the next. Cedar Springs is a great town to live, laugh & live in.
I am fairly new to this author and after this book, I have become a fan forever. I loved this book, it’s characters, and the town. My only regret is that even though this is a stand alone, I missed the previous books . The story centers around Declan McCormick and single Mom Evie Rose. He is always traveling on a humanitarian endeavor, while Evie has been a single Mom from day one, when the father of her son showed no interest in being a father. Somehow now the boy’s father wants custody, and Evie needs a fake fiancee. This sets the stage for a fast paced story filled with a group of brothers that are now engaged or married, a town that you will want to live in, and a couple of individuals who don’t trust their hearts , especially when the make believe suddenly is no longer make believe. But life is messy and complicated and the road is a bumpy one. At times you will want to cry, at others laugh, and even a time or two , you will want to hug these two individuals. Kudos to Ms Aitken for being such a good storyteller. I was gifted this copy . the opinions expressed are solely my own.
In This Moment (The McCormicks Book 4)by Elena Aitken
Wow! Let me take a moment to just say Wow! Elena Aitken really knows how to write. I love her writing style. I love all her books however In This Moment is now my all time favorite.
In This Moment is an amazing read. This book is not just about two people being attracted to each other. This book is about friendship and what you would do to help a friend in need. Yes there is love and romance. There is also that sense of belonging and friendship and family. Those are the things that make this book different from others I've read.
In This Moment we get Declan McCormick's story. We also get Evie Rose. I must say their story is the best ever. Declan and Evie are brought together in a situation. How they deal with that situation and their individual struggles is what makes In This Moment so good.
I enjoyed every aspect of this book. I enjoyed the friendships being built and the loyalty the characters had for each other. There's just that sense of belonging you get reading this book. I highly recommend this book. I give this five stars.
I loved this sweet, heartwarming love story! Evie Rose has a son named Jonah she has been raising on her own for eight years. Evie hears that Jonah's father Tony is in town with his wife Lauren looking for a home. She immediately calls her attorney to see if he knows what is going on. Tony tells Evie that he wants to get to know his son. Evie is feeling threatened and contacts her attorney again. He tells her that To y is trying to get full custody of Jonah, but will probably get shared custody. Evie asks if it will help if she is engaged or married. Her attorney says yes and she tells him she just got engaged to Declan McCormick. Evie then asks Declan McCormick for help you pretending to be her fiancée. Declan wants to help anyone he can and agrees. Of course he has been attracted to Evie, but has always said he will never fall in love.
If you have read any of the previous books in the series, you will remember that Declan's father came home one day and told his wife he had another family with two daughters and wanted to be with them. That had a profound affect on Declan and what he though about love. He has always been the person who has a giving heart and wants to help make the world a better place. He is just a wonderful, good looking, giving man. I loved seeing Declan and Evie "pretend" to be in love and engaged. They were both so good for each other. This is one of my favorite books on this series. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
In This Moment offers yet another way to spending reading your night away. It’s full of quandaries and cute false solutions. Read on and you’ll understand. Evie is a single mom raising eight year old Jonah with only a monthly support check from his father Tony. Out of the blue, Evie hears that Tony is in town with his wife and that he wants to see Jonah-for the first time ever. Add the fact that Tony now wants to petition the court for custody and Evie is feeling thrown to the wolves. Her lawyer tells her that having a fiancé wouldn’t hurt the issue and might help it. Declan McCormick has had eyes for Evie but feels he does not have what she needs in a relationship. He is a very nice man and spends his time running a nonprofit DAR that helps people worldwide. When Evie happens to explain her situation to Declan, he steps in and says he’d love to be her fake fiancé to help her out. Fate intervenes for both Declan and Evie and they find they are falling for each other but neither tells. Both think the other isn’t in love with them. It’s just a fake engagement but feels so real. And, they are so good at making it seem true to everyone, except one person who figures it all out and calls Declan on it.
In This Moment is a wonderful, hope filled summer read. Evie Rose is a strong independent single mother who is working hard to raise her eight year old son Jonah after his father abandoned them when he found out she was pregnant. She has scrimped and saved, and at last has been able to open a boutique, Live, Love, Lake. Her son's father has always paid support but when her son's father comes to town to buy a house and "see more of Jonah," she is worried. After contacting her lawyer, he advises her that she would be looked upon more favorably if she were is a committed relationship, she reaches out to Declan for help. Declan is an always helpful good guy who runs an international charity which helps villages get and maintain clean sources of water. Declan and Evie have been attracted to each other but never acted on it, but now that they are pretending to be engaged their true emotions and feeling come out. I loved the way the tension between was based on abandonment, Declan's by his dad and Evie by Tony Clarke who is Jonah's DNA dad. Declan and Evie are so good together, they complement each other as a couple and it doesn't hurt that they have great chemistry. I stayed up late to finish reading I received this book as an ARC and this is an independent review.
This story was great from the beginning. Needless to say, I didn’t put the book down and I was lucky it was a Saturday to spend the day reading. The author does a great job of describing the small town life and bringing back characters from previous books. This story is about Evie and her son, Jonah, living a quiet peaceful life until Jonah’s father comes into the picture after being absent for 8 years. When he comes to try to take Jonah for full custody, Evie goes to the extreme of stating she was engaged to make it look good for the judge. Declan McCormick was asked to be her fiance for looks only until things settled with Jonah’s father. As they go through this fake engagement, Evie and Declan end up having strong feels for each other and both wish it wasn’t fake but don’t tell each other. Luckily with some interference from the family, they both realize the truth and have a happy ending.
Ms. Aitken is Amazing,' and so was this book which I couldn't put down. Love The McCormick's. Declan didn't want to date Evie for some reason. But found himself doing something else which blew his mind. She needed his help, and that's what he did. He helped people. Well this went above and beyond. It was without a doubt a little crazy, but he fell fast for her. He wondered if it could be real between them. In a moment he knew.
Evie didn't know what came over her when she said she was engaged. She was desperate. Her sons father came into her shop Live, Love, Lake and changed things. But to involve Declan. What was she thinking...
What happens next will be amazing, and make sure you have Kleenex handy you will need it. A beautiful book. Love, laughter, tears..family always sticking together. That's what it's all about.
I was provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.
In This Moment is such an enjoyable book. Declan has such a big heart and will help anyone who needs it. Evie is such a strong independent single mother who is not afraid to stand on her own, but when her son's father comes back in to the picture she reaches out to Declan for help. Declan and Evie have been attracted to each other but never acted on it, but now that they are pretending to be engaged their true emotions and feeling come out. Declan and Evie are so good together, they complement and complete each other as a couple and it doesn't hurt that they have great chemistry. Elena Aitken writes her characters with such emotion that draws you further in to her books!
It's always great to make a visit to Cedar Springs. The McCormick 's have made the town that much more interesting. Evie is a local business owner and raising her young son. Declan is in town helping his brothers. Evie's world is turned upside down with one phone call. Can Declan help her out and still keep his heart intact? Can Evie keep fooling everyone?
I have been waiting for this story as I've loved all the others in the series but I always felt Evie and Declan were the "underdogs". Both characters deserve to find great love and both have admired each other from a distance but neither have taken the step to ask each other out on a date. Declan will do anything to help others so steps up when Evie needs help. Two people who actually really like each other have to pretend to like each other!!!! Of course this will lead to some fun. This kept me turning the pages and I even shed a few tears.
We also had a bit more of a glimpse into Maureen McCormick.......she has her own story to tell and I hope its on the cards for her own book!
I have been waiting for this story as I've loved all the others in the series but I always felt Evie and Declan were the "underdogs". Both characters deserve to find great love and both have admired each other from a distance but neither have taken the step to ask each other out on a date. Declan will do anything to help others so steps up when Evie needs help. Two people who actually really like each other have to pretend to like each other!!!! Of course this will lead to some fun. This kept me turning the pages and I even shed a few tears.
We also had a bit more of a glimpse into Maureen McCormick.......she has her own story to tell and I hope its on the cards for her own book!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading Declan and Evie's story. I have not read the books in the series in order but they are still easy to follow along and Elena does a great job highlighting the back story for the nonessential characters.
It doesn't get much better than this. I love it when the helping and loving person finally gets someone to help and love them back. The family dynamics in each of these stories are ideal. Declan and Evie are cut from the same cloth. They're perfect for each other. The feels I got when reading this story will just need to be experienced by you. Hot and sexy, yet sweet and caring love scenes. All around wonderful read!
Now we just need the McCormick girls, and Maureen to get their HEA, and all will be right in McCormick Land!
I showed up really late to the McCormick party but I am so glad I finally clued in!
Evie is a single mom and boutique owner. She has been raising her son solo for the past eight years but when her son's father shows up wanting to share custody, she needs a new man and fast. Declan has liked Evie since he met her but he doesn't do relationships. But Declan is a sucker for someone in need so when he learns that Evie needs a fiancee so she can keep her son, he's on board.
These McCormick men are so unbelievably swoon worthy. Once the spark hits, there's no turning back for them. Declan was no exception. I loved these two so much and while I couldn't put it down, I never wanted it to end. Everything about this world draws you in and leaves you wanting stories for every character that you've met!
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
Declan and Evie's story is a bit of a mix between friends-to-lovers and fake fiancé. I have been awaiting Declan story because he is such a good guy, but I must confess that I wanted to just shake him for his reluctance to pursue Evie mostly because she was a single mom. Fortunately, circumstances drew them together anyway and Declan wound up redeeming himself to me in the end. I loved Evie's character. She is a strong woman and full of surprises.
I can never seem to get enough of Cedar Springs and it's residents. I can't wait for Chelsea's story and hope there will be more after the McCormick series.
This was by far my FAVORITE book in this series. It's a story with a whirlwind of emotions attached to it and the determination and desire to be the best person one can be.
This book revolves around Evie and Declan. Evie is a single mom to a 9 year old boy named Jonah. Evie had dreams just like any other mother, but getting pregnant at a young age by someone who didn't plan on sticking around changed everything. Evie has raised Jonah on her own for the last 9 years, doing the best she can to provide for him and make them a life in Cedar Springs. Evie saves up all the money she can to purchase them a home and start her own shop, Live, Love, Laugh Boutique.
Declan McCormick was talked into coming back to Cedar Springs to enjoy some time with his family in their home town. Declan has made quite the name for himself traveling throughout the world with his non-profit organization called DAR. He provides resources to countries that are lacking and need assistance. After seeing the pain and hurt that his father caused his mother growing up Declan has sworn off love, marriage and children. Why put himself through all that pain and tortures' for someone to walk away or hurt him.
When Declan and Evie lay eyes on each other it is love at first sight, but neither of them knows how the other one feels. So when Evie's ex shows up and is demanding custody of his son that he walked out on 9 years ago, Evie proposition's Declan to be her pretend fiancé and help her keep custody of her son Jonah. Is it really just a fake engagement or are sparks really flying between Evie and Declan. Will Evie be the one to make Declan see that he is worthy of love or will his stubbornness prevail.
This is a standalone story however for me it is always fun to read a series start to finish. The McCormicks – so far four brothers who have met their matches! – have been so very [insert description: amazing, silly boys, loving, fiercely protective of family…] such a wonderful family to get to know that I would recommend reading all the stories; In This Moment is Book 4.
ItM is about Evie Rose, her son Jonah, and Declan McCormick. I will admit that I am just a smidge in love with Declan myself, not to mention Jonah (!), and Evie is just perfect for Dec. Evie and Dec are both wonderful characters with such depth and feeling that you will just want to hug ‘em and try to make the world better for them. Both of them have to work through some heavy events from their pasts but it is funny to watch them help and rely on each other to make it through the day. Their relationship is not in the least bit cliché, never fear! My heart broke for them, warmed for them, and I was always in their corner so they could get to their HEA. And Jonah. I think he’s a little man in a kid suit! And there is a character in this story (no spoilers from me) that I loved to hate. I’ll just say that the author has the personality down exactly as I know it to be; she did exactly what we want her to do.
I loved this story, and the series, and hope that we get to read about the rest of the family…maybe she will read this and I’ll get my wish!
IN THIS MOMENT was my first read from Author Elena Aitken, and one that I very much enjoyed. It was a reasonably quick read and full of everything that makes for good romantic reading: small town setting, single mother, a hero who doesn’t believe in love but loves to rescue, and a fake engagement. Yep, it most certainly was a good read.
The McCormicks are a loving family who have been damaged by the selfish betrayal of the father but in spite of everything, realise that sometimes love does heal all wounds. One by one they’ve healed, and while I’ve come in starting at Book 4, I loved the ease with which we met the characters of the preceding books.
Single mum Evie and eight-year-old Jonah are great characters, just as Declan McCormick is. The written chemistry was pretty damn strong. He’s kept himself single and on the move in his best efforts to avoid relationships but he knew Evie was special. Not only did she have a son, but he knew she would risk his status quo.
Beautifully and romantically written, IN THIS MOMENT was a super-romantic-4-Star-read. Check it out! ✰💗✦
A mother will do anything to protect her child.... Evie Rose is a great mother. When her son's father reappears wanting to be a part of his life, she's supportive. Until he says he wants full custody. Enter Declan McCormick - a do-gooder extrodinare, who's mission in life is helping others. She needs him and helping is what he does. Both are attracted to the other - but neither willing to admit it- even after Evie proposes a "fake" engagement to help keep custody of her son. Declan & Evie quickly fall for one another - then enter the twist.......... I'm not going to give it away but I will say - Another great read from Elena Aitken. I hope you are ready for a great love story about family and helping each other. Can't wait to see what's next for the McCormick family.
In This Moment is my most favorite story in the McCormicks series so far. Amongst the McCormicks brothers, Declan appeals to me most. His giving and selfless nature makes him really endearing and he has become my latest most favorite book boyfriend. I absolutely adored how he was willing to help Evie despite being so attracted to her and yet knowing that he can not be with her. Evie is a great match for him. Their characters have depth and makes you just want to cheer for them.
** I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own
This is a sweet and relatively clean romance. The necessary premise to agree to early on is that when she asks a man to be engaged to her so that her ex who hasn’t been around for 8 years doesn’t get full custody of son that he says yes. The whole story hinges on this moment. From there they can go on to realize their attraction is really love. You’ll also have to buy into the absent father’s story and the lawyers beliefs. But, go ahead, cause it is a fun story amongst others involving this same man’s family as they become adult males post realizing their father was a bigamist.
Elena just wow what a wonderful book to portray Declan and his wonderful caring self and Evie is just a wonderful person trying to keep her son safe and with her. This book wraps you up and keeps you til the end and not going to lie maybe a few tears in there also. I love want Elena has done with the McCormick family and has shown us the love doesn't always take forever but can happen in that moment.
Declan is a great man but believes he cannot offer love to a woman, especially one as wonderful as he finds Evie. Evie is doing the best she can to raise her son Jonah and run her business. Jonah father is nowhere to be found. I did not like that Evie had to change everything for Tony and what he wanted. There is one thing to be accommodated and a complete different story to allow Tony to railroad her and do whatever he wanted, when he wanted. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.