Wanting Happily Ever After

Ever After #3

by Elena Aitken

He’s her best friend. She’s holding on to an old hurt. Will guarding her heart keep her from the one thing that can heal her for good?Sarah Lewis, a fiercely independent single mom who has sworn off love since the death of her husband. But when a strong friendship with the irresistible, new in town chef, Brody Morris starts to develop, Sarah finds herself second-guessing her no-relationship policy.Brody has always been there for Sarah and her daughter, but now he wants to be more than just friends. As Sarah struggles to overcome her fears and open her heart to love, Brody must prove that he's in it for the long haul.Can their friendship withstand the heat of their attraction, or will Sarah's past pain keep her from risking it all?

Genres: Romance, Amazon, Contemporary

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2020

About the author

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.

Read a free novella — https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vxuimdz0j8

Reviews

[Korinna Props-berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Widow Sarah has built a high wall around her heart and she’s not letting anyone in, no matter how many tingly feelings she has about them. Her daughter is her first priority. Her husband’s death brings about yet another obstacle that she refuses to get over. Brody is this amazing chef, and is tired of living life in the friend zone. His love radar is sounding at just one woman and he’s going to need quite a sledgehammer to knock that wall down. These two are so sweet and so cute and little Rory is a sweetie. The side stories are a hoot. I know we will see more of them in the future. I do believe Sarah is too rigid at times, and Brody is this amazing man with a bunch of patience. Thank Goodness this is a work of fiction or I’d definitely question this too good to be true handsome man. I know you will enjoy this third book in this installment of the Ever-After Series. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return to Glacier Falls for this friends to lovers story centered around Brody and Sarah. Sarah lost her husband, Josh, five years ago and has been raising her daughter, Rory. Brody moves to town and is the owner of the Birchwood restaurant. He becomes the coach of the girl’s soccer team, which Rory plays on. He wants to be more than friends with Sarah, but she still feels guilty about her husband’s death and doesn’t think she’ll ever be ready for more. Besides their story, we also get to meet other residents that are fighting their attraction to each other, so hopefully, we’ll get their stories in the future. No spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens with Sarah and Brody.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah tells herself she wants her HEA, but she sabotages herself at every turn. Brody wants to be with Sarah, but she continually pushes him away. I was frustrated she would accept his apology, when he did not owe her one, slept with him, and then threw his "mistake" back in his face. She needed to offer many apologies to Brody.

[suze joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you ever really forgive yourself when you believe that you are responsible for someones death. Sometimes it's important to realize that we are only responsible for ourselves. Rory is the light in this story and Elena captures her essence.

[Susan Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story very much. Sarah lost her husband Josh in very tragic circumstances, and has never been able to talk about it to anyone. She has built walls around herself, she doesn’t want to lose anyone ever again, so nobody is allowed to break down her barriers. Her daughter Rory is in a girls football team which is coached but Brody, a chef in his day job. Sarah and Brody have become close friends, they are attracted to each other, but Sarah’s barrier remains firmly sealed. However, one day she does thaw a little and tells him the truth about her husband’s death, which gives Brody hope that he will, with patience, be able to work things out. Sarah however, is at a crossroads, it is one step forward then two steps back. Brody then blunders, from Sarah’s viewpoint anyway, and the walls are back up. She is very lucky the man has patience, and loves her! Brody finally gets the girl, but it is a close run thing! The delightful character in this is Rory, her daughter.

While all this is going on there is another romance brewing, between two people who mostly seem to hate each other! That is a pot-boiler, their story is yet to come!

I received an advance copy of this book from the author through Booksprout, and am delighted to write an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again this talented author gives us a story about characters that are not only likable but also complex and imperfect , making them very real.
Sarah Lewis , a widow for 5 years and mom to Rory, carries a great deal of guilt . Not only about her deceased husband’s death but also about her relationship with him.
Brody Morris, a recent resident in town and owner of the new restaurant, has been taken by Sarah from the moment they met. He’s the girls’ soccer team coach and loved by everyone.
But Sarah has created a wall around her heart and fears of getting close to anyone and losing them in the end keeps her from taking a step toward romance and happiness.
In this engaging plot , we are reminded that love comes in a variety of ways. That life is full of ups and downs and how we react to them, will either encourage us to embrace life or be fearful of the future.
Will Sarah and Brody take a chance on love? Will fears keep Sarah from giving her heart?
This is another well written , touching , at times heartbreaking but also heartwarming story in this series.
Looking forward to the next book in Ever After.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brody was a character that grabbed me from the beginning. He’s that guy who is ready to go all-in, but doesn’t have the confidence to push his friend Sarah for more. I can only try to imagine how hard it is for Sarah, a widow, to move on with her life. Which is why I am probably giving her more of a break than I would a heroine without that tragedy in her backstory. The back and forth and hurtful words she throws at Brody make me want to be done with her, but that nugget of sympathy for her kept me going. But above it all, they were a great friends to lovers example.
As I’ve read the other books in the series and have mentioned when reviewing those, I really enjoy the other couples that the author sprinkles into these stories. Many times, parallel storylines can be a distraction, but not in this case, because they enhance the main couple. I love Amy and Nicole and there’s a line in the book that shows that even in 2020, there’s more work to be done in accepting lifestyles of all people. It was topical and important.
But I’m not gonna lie...I’m still all about Logan and Faith and am waiting, not very patiently, for their story! Especially with the interesting tidbit shared about Faith and her disbelief in happily ever after.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanting Happily Ever After by Elena Aitken, book three in her Ever After series, is an amazing story featuring the widowed single mom Sarah, and newcomer, sexy chef Brody. Sarah has focused on raising her six-year daughter and protecting her heart; she feared getting hurt again by love. Getting his new restaurant off the ground isn’t the only thing keeping Brody occupied; he is interested in a determined, single mom who has become his best friend. Sarah becomes frightened when she recognizes the chemistry and attraction she shares with Brody as she’s been there, done that before. Brody needs to convince her that he is not like her dead husband and that he not just cares about her, but also her daughter. Sarah has to forgive herself for her part in the lost of her husband before she can freely give her heart to Brody.

Ms. Aitken wrote a wonderful and amazing story, filled with sizzling chemistry, fun dialogue, and endearing characters that is not to be missed. I totally enjoyed and highly recommend Wanting Happily Ever After to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting Happily Ever After is a book about expectations & reality. Sarah was a young widow feeling a lot of guilt. Brody was interested in her from the time he moved to town but has become “friend zoned”. Their friends all see the attraction & interest they show in each other but Sarah is determined not to cave in.

I really enjoyed this story. Sarah needed something to snap her out of her misplaced feelings of guilt about her husband’s death so that she could move on. She also needed to realize that her feelings were more important than what everyone else thought about them. Brody has to decide if his feelings were strong enough to wait for Sarah & if he could take on her baggage. I loved the way Rory, Sarah’s daughter, was such a major part of the story instead of just background. I can’t wait for Faith & Logan’s story. The sparks that come off the two of them are intense!

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt bad for Brody as he wants more than friendship from Sarah, but she keeps him in the friend zone. I can’t imagine how she felt when her husband died. But that has been over five years ago, and I wish she could let it go and live her life. Her daughter Rory is a cutie and Brody coaches her soccer team. I was glad he had a reason to be with Sarah more often. I liked Brody and though he was good for Sarah. There are a few scenes that touched my heart. I liked that Ms. Aitken had something going on with Faith and Logan. I can’t wait to see what happens to them in the next book. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

I am an avid reader of Elena’s books, but I was not able to give this a 5 star review because I was so frustrated with the female character. The main story was about Brody and Sarah, but it took a major wake up call to let go of all of her “attitude” and let herself be loved. Not sure a non-fictitious guy would stick around for her whirlwind of emotions.

This story gives major insight into the relationship between Amy and Nicole. There was a lot of build up to the next book in the series - the “will they or won’t they” relationship of Faith and Logan. They’ve made appearances in each book but can’t seem to make it happen.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was mostly about Sarah and Brody. They had known each other for awhile, but Brody was stuck in the friend zone with her. After her husband's death, she concentrated on raising her daughter. The book had a couple side stories that have promise in future books. The chemistry between these two has pretty intense and Sarah's little girl was very sweet. There were a couple intense moments in the book too. I think the interaction betwee Faith and Logan is hilarious. You know their coming together is going to be explosive

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

[Theresa Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in Elena Aitken's Ever After series. This is about Sarah, a widower, and Brody, the town's restaurant owner and girls soccer coach. Sarah and Brody are good friends but each cares more than they want to admit. Sarah has a lot of guilt from her previous relationship and does not want anything more with Brody, or does she? Some of the characters we met in the previous books make appearances which I love. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in this series as it will be Faith's and Luke's story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read the other books in this series and have really enjoyed each one. In this one Sarah is still dealing with the grief and guilt over the loss of her husband 6 years earlier. She tries to do the best she can for herself and her daughter. Brody is restaurant owner and coach to the daughter's soccer team. Sarah and Brody have developed a close friendship but Sarah's past keeps him from getting closer. Will she be able to face her demons, forgive and get the HEA she wants and deserves? You'll have to read and find out. This story also sets up for the next book in the series - Faith and Logan... looking forward to seeing how things turn out for those two.

[Linda Dossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third in this series. Excellent story, I confess, I did get a little frustrated with the main female character. For the most part, this is a good read. There is a good amount of angst, romance, steam with the requisite HEA. A great vacation, beach read. Add to your TBR list.

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

[Ali Foito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brody feel in love with Sarah the first time they meet. Sarah had to choose to let go of fear and let love in. Beautiful story of love healing.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of grief and almost lost chances.
Brody, resteraunter, struggling in gettingnitnup and running but lots of ideas to keep the oldbplsce afloat. Coaches a young girls soccer team. Sarah, mother to Rory, full of guilt because her husband died swimming in the lake just after she asked for a divorce. Lots of attr action between the couple with Brody being the driver and Sarah being the prophet of doom in her belief and being scared to love again. I felt her behaviour and feelings to be overly aggressive at times and had little sympathy for her; she wallowed in her misery despite others telling her otherwise. Fortunately for her Brody persists and ends with a happy family situation.
In the background lurks another couple, not a couple, but Logan has ideas for making Faith take notice. The publicity for the Ever After Ranch and dealing with the wedding planning in her sister's absence is a relavatioon in respect respect of her feelings and views on marriage.. but that is another story.

[Jayne Wheatley · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much I enjoyed but also so much seemed just to fill out the story.
Sarah I found a bit lack luster, her first husband was more her friend than lover and he drowned tragically when she asked for a divorce and he went for a swim. This was made out to be possible suicide for which she had guilt for, in freezing water could have been a cramp. This spoilt it a bit for me as a reader he had a baby to live for so I wasn’t a fan of the whole idea but that’s just my opinion, I didn’t think it was written with the sympathy needed in that topic it was just said and left!!!
I loved Brody, I loved his character so much he idolised Sarah and she just had so many moments where she pushed him away unkindly.
Big moments where brody risked his life saving Sarah’s daughter Rory and her friend wasn’t a huge enough deal, I would have liked to see the friends parents going to see him the next day to thank him but there was nothing.
Another cliffhanger that sarah and Brody didn’t marry.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some very defined characters. There honestly was too much of a rollercoaster ride with very little straightened out. Truthfully, I would call this book a cliffhanger. There is a small sex scene, that I wondered why it was included. And why would an engaged couple plan a trip around the world, get pregnant, then marry? Postpone chemotherapy, yet jaunt all over the world? (Not a spoiler, couple is related to MC's)

[Paige Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I'm getting tired of the best friends to lovers trope, but this one just wasn't that great of a story. It's actually 2.5 romances in one book, the .5 is the lead in to the next book. Brody and Sarah's story was just meh for me, not quite enough of the romance, but too much of the conflict with very little satisfying resolution. HEA.

[Coco.V]

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[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good story

A pretty good read. The three different relationships within one book, I didn't really like.

Too much unnecessary angst going on.

[Mary Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding that special someone

This was a good finding that special someone to love. A young widow and here daughters coach find love but can't admit it. Good read.

[marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great romance

Another great addition to the Ever after series. The couple was so "real"; easily relatable like a friend. I highly recommend this steamy romance.

[Sharon]

Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.

[Angela M. Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Saying Elena Aitken can write a phenomenal story is an understatement. Elena Aitken writes with pure and raw emotion. You definitely are guaranteed to feel all the feels. Every word she writes dances into my heart and soul forever to stay.

In Wanting Happily Ever After we get Sarah Lewis and Brody Morris's story. Sarah and Brody are bestfriends and have sn bbn undeniable chemistry. Their story is magical.

I loved every page of Wanting Happily Ever After. Sarah's story was breathtaking. I loved watching her overcome her struggles and face her fears. I adore Rory. Rory is just too cute. The innocence of a child and their laughter is just so contagious. My heart broke for Sarah. Her story is truly uplufting and inspiring. I cried and laughed and felt so many heartswooning moments. I love Sarah's strength in Wanting Happily Ever After. I love how Brody never gave up on her or Rory. I love how dedicated to them he was. You could clearly see his love shine through. I felt as if I were in Glacier Falls and not reading a book. I love the secondary characters and how supportive they were. I loved catching up on previous characters lives and getting more of Faith's story. I couldnt put this book down. I read it in one day and have gone back to read it again. The magic Elena Aitken created in this book with her words are beyond amazing. She put me in their heads and in their world from page one. I can't wait to see what she writes next. Grab your copy and fall in love with Wanting Happily Ever After and Glacier Falls.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Sarah Lewis in the previous story, and she is a terrific single mom. She has six-year-old daughter, Rory, who is absolutely fabulous! Sarah is a widow, who lost her husband very young, and she still isn’t sure about moving on with her life. She is one of those characters that thinks she needs to do it all, until her daughter is off and married and on her own. **Snort** Boy is she in for a surprise!

Brody Morris is new in town, having just bought and opened a new restaurant. He’s trying to make it work but it is a tough haul. He also coaches Rory’s soccer team and absolutely adores Sarah and Rory…only Sarah seems to just… even more than keep him in the friend zone.

Their story is about the real struggles each of them experience, trying to get their lives on track, keep the town busybodies off their backs, and try to keep their heads above water. Some days it was tougher for them than you’d think. I loved Brody. He was SO patient, with the kids, with Sarah, and with everyone in town. Sometimes it was a hard road to an HEA for Sarah and Brody but I loved their touching, funny, loving, crazy story. Can’t wait for more.

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww this was beautiful and emotional. Sarah carries a lot of guilt and is scared to go for what she wants. Brody just has to convince her to take a chance. Loved the emotion in this and you could Feel Sarah's internal struggle. I also liked the side stories of Nicole and Amy and of course the continuing flirting of Faith and Logan. The next story will be a fun one!

Merged review:

Aww this was beautiful and emotional. Sarah carries a lot of guilt and is scared to go for what she wants. Brody just has to convince her to take a chance. Loved the emotion in this and you could Feel Sarah's internal struggle. I also liked the side stories of Nicole and Amy and of course the continuing flirting of Faith and Logan. The next story will be a fun one!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this feeling, like deep in my soul, that Sarah's story was going to be angsty and break my heart. It totally did and definitely not for any of the reasons that I was expecting. Sarah's a widow and doing her best to raise her daughter but everything she's gone through had me a sobbing mess.

Brody couldn't have been a better match for Sarah. He's a driven business man, he's smart, and he pushes Sarah to move out of the box she's placed herself in since she lost her husband.

This series has been such an amazing escape this summer. I'm really looking forward to Faith's story. A month feels so far away!!

[Judyrudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting Happily Ever After is the third book in Elena Aitken’s Ever After series. After a tragedy that takes the life of Sarah’s husband, she finds it difficult to forgive herself for what she believes led to his death. Brody immediately falls for Sarah and her daughter Rory but can Sarah move on?

Wanting Happily Ever After is a heartwarming story that I read in one sitting. This is the first book in the series that I have read and is a standalone. Now, I need to go back and read the first books in the series. I received an advance copy and chose to read and review it. This is my honest review.