Mountain Man's Rival

Mountain Men of Liberty #13

by K.C. Crowne

Archenemy (n.)
1) main enemy
2) the devil
3) Declan Wilde

Declan was my brother's best friend.
I wanted him to be my first.
My happily ever after.

Turned out, however, cold-hearted b*stard
was a much more fitting description.

Now, fifteen years later, the devil himself shows up unannounced on a very important night.

The hairs on my neck rise up.

"Declan? What are you doing here? How did you find me?"

"Eva. There's something I need to tell you. It can't wait."

Years ago Declan made me run away from the small town where we lived. Now, he has the nerve to show up unwelcomed. I'm much stronger - and this time there's zero chance I'll let him win. Game on.






This is a fully standalone romance from the bestselling Mountain Men of Liberty Series. This is a mountain man's best friend's sister, high school lovers, enemies to lovers romance, and Declan's story. Each book can be read on its own. Transport yourself into the charming and magical town of Liberty, Utah as we follow several rugged mountain men in their quests to find lasting love.


K.C. Crowne is an International Bestselling Author and Amazon Top 8 Bestseller.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2021

About the author

️‍🔥Silver Fox Daddies (complete standalones)
1. Doctor Daddy
2. Taboo Daddy
3. Daddy's Best Friend
4. Daddy's Law
5. My Ex-Boyfriend's Dad
6. Daddy's Girl
7. My Ex-Best Friend's Daughter
8. Secret Daddy
9. Christmas with Dad's Best Friend
10. Vegas Daddy
11. Daddy's Obsession
12. Royal Daddy
13. Irish King
14. My Ex's Dad
15. Daddy's Orders
16. His Demands
17. The Arrangement
18. Sold to my Ex's Dad
19. Sexting the Silver Fox
20. Nanny for the Don
21. Dark Christmas
22. Sexting the Don
23. Boss Daddy
24. Forbidden Vows
25. Sinful Union
26. His Son's Ex
27. Under His Control
28. Masked Seduction

️‍🔥Chicago Bratva Series (shared world, bratva family)
1. Dark Prince
2. Dark Obsession
3. Dark Seduction

️‍🔥Antonov & Nicolaevich Bratva Series (shared world, bratva family)
1. Highest bidder
2. Bratva Daddy
3. Owned by the Bratva
4. Knocked up by the Bratva
5. Ruthless Rival
6. Scarred Prince
7. The Closer
8. Brother's Best Friend
9. Devil's Nuptials

️‍🔥For Her Pleasure, Reverse Harem Books (complete standalones)
1. Four Daddies for Christmas
2. Christmas Triad
3. Her Independence Day
4. Quadruple Daddies
5. Bossed by 3 Billionaire Brothers
6. Four Stepbrothers for Christmas
7. Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists
8. Men on a Mission
9. Christmas with Four Firemen
10. Dirty Cowboys
11. Big Bad Mountain Brothers (Menage)

️‍🔥Doctors of Denver Series (shared world, small town doctors)
1. Doctor's Secret
2. Doctor's Surprise Delivery
3. Irish Doctor's Secret Babies
4. Triplets for the Millionaire
5. Doctor's Baby Plan
6. New Zealand Doctor's Baby
7. Doctor's Duties
8. Billion Dollar Mistake
9. Irish Doctor's Gift
10. Irish Doctor's Orders
11. Irish Doctor's Valentine
12. Lucky Charm
13. Secret Babies for my Best Friend's Dad
14. Secret Baby Next Door
15. Secret Babies for the Mafia Doctor
16. Secret Babies for my Dad's Best Friend
17. The Doctor Who Stole Christmas

️‍🔥Mountain Men of Liberty Series (shared world, small town mountain men)
1. Baby for the Mountain Man
2. Junior for the Mountain Man
3. Knocked Up by the Mountain Man
4. Baby for Daddy's Best Friend
5. Triplets for the Mountain Man
6. Taken by the Mountain Man
7. Mountain Man's Secret Baby
8. Mountain Man's Accidental Surprise
9. Quadruplets for the Mountain Man
10. Delivering His Gifts
11. Mountain Man's Fate
12. Mountain Man's Lucky Charm
13. Mountain Man's Rival
14. Small Town Mountain Daddy
15. Mountain Man's Gift
16. Mountain Man's Christmas Surprise
17. Mountain Man's Valentine
18. Big Daddy
19. Fireworks with Three Mountain Men
20. Faking Mr. Right

️‍🔥Bearded Brothers (shared world, small town mountain men)
1. Her Mountain Daddy
2. Beauty and the Beard
3. Built and Bearded
4. Bride and Beard

Connect with me anytime!
https://authorkccrowne.com/pages/contact

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/8/2022)! 🎁

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars: 3
Length: Lunch Break Read
POV: Dual
Series: Mountain Men of Liberty Book 13
Ending: HEA
Re-read? No

”Even though years had passed, a part of me fell in love with her all over again.”

I thought this book was just okay. It may have fallen victor to the fact that I rarely enjoy the second chance love trope. Besides that, the story was just plain uninteresting to me. That being said it was well written so I’ll give this author a second chance since I’ve never tried them before.

[Kristine Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet second chance romance

I have to admit, I want sure how this one would turn out other than it surely had to have an HEA. I’m so glad Declan and Evelyn were able to stick things out and get their second chance. Other than a few editing errors - I only mention this because there are two paragraphs that are duplicated, but didn’t want it to be held against the author because it was a lovely book.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

good read

I know I said good read but only gave 3 stars but that’s because I was trying a new author and for me this book just didn’t have the bite I like in my books. If you want a good romance with a simple flow and not lots of ups and downs then this would be a good read, the characters were interesting but for me the storyline needed a bit more intrigue. I think I would try the author’s books again to see if this was just a one off. So for a simple easy read romance this book is perfect.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Out the Truth at Last . . .

Declan was Evelyn’s twin brother’s best friend. He and Evelyn kept their relationship secret. When school bullies intervened and a misunderstanding occurred where she thought Declan was involved in her torment, Evelyn left town.

Fifteen years later, Evelyn is back in town and Declan shows up unannounced at the charity auction. Will she give Declan a chance to finally explain what really happened that day? Will it be enough to bring her back into his life?

I will forego my soapbox lecture on communication being the key to all relationships. Will Evelyn listen after 15 years have passed and she still holds a grudge?

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great read by this author. The storyline is well written and developed with a smooth flow to our. The characters are amazing and their chemistry is undeniable throughout the pages.

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

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Rival—Fame or a Car

Adolescence, with all its angst and treks through the unknowns of life, can be challenging. Even in a small town like Liberty, Utah, where one would think life slows down and is simpler, the years of adolescence can be filled with what seems like a lifetime of travails. For grey-eyed, black haired, curvy Evelyn Palmer, the years of adolescence, specifically the years of high school, were hellish. Matt, her twin brother couldn’t shelter her from the taunts of the “mean kids.” And she certainly couldn’t turn to her dad, a stern, bitter man after his wife had left him and their twin children behind to live her own vision of life in New York City.

For Evelyn, the one bright time in those days of teenaged darkness were the days of her senior year when assigned as lab partners, Evelyn became better acquainted with her brother’s best friend and football teammate, Declan Wilde. The blue-eyed linebacker with blonde shaggy hair became young Evelyn’s secret boyfriend. And their senior year was one of hiding their growing relationship from Matt and from the ever critical “mean kids”. And, Evelyn and Declan were successful in their subterfuge until their young love was exposed in a most public, humiliating and graphic moment with very revealing pictures in the graduation slideshow.

Now, 15 years later, Eva Stone, is a celebrated artist, the darling of the New York City art scene, living cultural light years and many physical miles away from small town world of Liberty, Utah which had humiliated and broken the young girl. She fled the mountain town to escape the bullying of her peers and to attend college in NYC where she could study art, subverting the control of her dad who had wanted her to seek a career pathway of being a dentist, Finally, little Evelyn Palmer shed the barriers of her past to emerge as a strong, independent woman, Eva Stone, acclaimed artist.

But Eva’s past has come calling in NYC. Her brother Matt and his best friend Declan, who was also Evelyn’s secret high school boyfriend and shared Liberty infamy with her with the revealing of their barn tryst photos, have come to participate in her gallery’s charity auction. And, when the big bidder for the charity auction is none other than ex-boyfriend Declan, Eva feels suffocated by her re-emerging past and the hounding curiosity of NYC’s paparazzi.

KC Crowne’s stories of the Mountain Men of Liberty, Utah, are peopled with individuals who are dealing with the challenges of life while also addressing the negative outcomes placed in their paths by the actions of others. Each tale is a standalone romance, but the plots allow the citizens of Liberty to pass through the tale, so that the reader often encounters friends and family encountered from other stories of Liberty. Frequent appearances by a group of male friends who are engaged in a competition for ownership of a hot Camaro continue to tickle the plot. The last single man will win the car—but the readers are the real winners as love keeps knocking out one competitor after another, but only after a sweet love story has been spun.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, but I bought a copy for my “read again” collection.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined for a second chance
This book is about Evelyn and Declan. In the prologue we meet them while they’re secretly dating in high school – even hiding it form her twin brother Matt, who also happens to be Declan’s best friend. They’re the quintessential opposites attract couple – she’s the self-professed resident nerd, while he’s the hot football star. But the night before their graduation, they’re taking the next step in their relationships when they’re interrupted by her school bullies, and their entire night is ruined. Evelyn isn’t even considering listening to Declan’s side of the story, and she can’t wait to flee from everybody in Liberty. She’ll take her broken heart and pride with her as she starts a new life in New York.
The story continues 15 years later. Declan hired somebody to find Evelyn, and she’d finally been found! Evelyn had changed her name to Eva Stone, and reinvented herself. She’d become a well-known, successful artist, and had seemingly gotten on with her life, which was far removed from her life in the small town of Liberty, Utah. Her life couldn’t be more different, but there was something missing from it.
An unplanned and unexpected reunion at an art auction at her gallery in New York, shows they still share a mutual attraction and sizzling-hot chemistry. But they’re different people now, living vastly different lives, on opposite sides of the country. Her brother Matt and her best friend/assistant Lily, play a little interference to afford them an opportunity to talk things out and get to the bottom of how they might be feeling. It seems they can’t resist each other, but how could things possibly work out for them when Eva is adamant that she’s not interested in anything permanent?
There’s so much more to this story too. It’s sweet and steamy between the two of them, but it’s also really emotional with complicated relationships and lots of negative memories from their school days and life in a small town where everyone knows each other’s business. I really wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters. They really endeared themselves to me, and I was hoping they would get what they wanted and truly deserved. I give this book four and three quarter stars.
(P.S.) The high school bully experiences are difficult to discuss with your own kids, and to read about. But I’m glad it is written about too, in the hopes that people become more aware of their own behaviours, or start to question the behaviour of others. It’s still such a huge problem in schools, workplaces, and society in general. Some of those bullies in this story did redeem themselves, but it’s never okay to treat another person the way they did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and how deep hate can run, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!

Can’t say I didn’t warn you.

(Believe me when I say you won’t put it down until the last page is read…you will find yourself getting upset cause someone called, texted or bothered you while reading this one, you will find yourself up at ungodly hours just to finish it knowing you have to be at work early (like 3am early) the very next day) YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
This series is great it is book thirteen, yet each book reads as a standalone but why read just one because I assure you after book one you will be hooked. Eva has been bullied most of her life, but it got really bad in high school, near graduation and she was accepted into NYU. He is an artist a little on the curvy side (we all know you can’t be curvy in a world where everyone is supposed to wear a size 0) anyway she is dating twin brother’s best friend Declan. Declan a football star, best friends to Matt (Eva’s Twin) and hasn’t been bullied to understand Eva. One day close to graduation the bullies embarrass Eva in front of the entire town, and she assumes that Declan was a part of her embarrassment. Fast forward years later (fifteen to be exact) Eva one of the top artists well know to some of the top people in the world and returning home to see her father who is dying, she hasn’t spoken to him in over fifteen years. You never live down embarrassment that she experienced, and she do not want to face them however, going home it can’t be avoided. Eva and Declan reconnected but they haven’t seen each other in person yet she is a little apprehensive about seeing him again but noncommunication will create all kinds of thoughts and assumptions and this is where Declan and Eva find themselves. Will Eva give Declan a chance to explain he wasn’t apart of what happened to her, Will she be able to get past the feeling of resentment and betrayal, do her bullies get what’s coming to them and is there happiness for the two of them finally?

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In high school Evelyn Palmer was always bullied by this one group of kids. At the very end of her senior year she started dating her brother, Matt's best friend Declan. They had kept their relationship secret, but they had made plans just before graduation to meet at Declan's barn to go all the way. These bullies interrupted them laughing, calling names, and taking pictures about the time they got her top off. She was so embarrassed and upset believing Declan was in on it too, she left Liberty, Utah for New York City before graduation. After getting to New York City she moved in with her mother and change her name to Eva Stone reinventing herself. She eventually became a well known artist.

Declan always felt terrible about what happen with Evelyn. He did not have anything to do with what happened. He was a victim the same as Evelyn, but he still lost his best friend and the only girl he ever truly cared about. He really wanted to see her again to tell her how sorry he was for what had happened. His friends had tried to find her, because they had this bet going about a car. The last one in their group to remain single would get the car. They knew he was still hung up on her, so if they could find her, they could get rid of him. The woman they found was the wrong one, which had made Declan start to look for her. That was when he discovered the name change. After fifteen years, he tried to contact her through regular channels, but he was having no luck get to talk to her. He gave up calling his old friend Matt to see if he had anyway to help him to talk to her. Surprisingly, Matt was very receptive to the idea.

Enjoy this beautifully written story as this couple try to reconnect after being tragically torn apart by others meanness. They will forge ahead in a world of unkind media around every corner watching their every move. You will find it very emotional as Eva finds herself returning to Liberty when she discovered her father was dying of lung cancer with only weeks to live.

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

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The men of Liberty strike again. This time it is Declan’s turn to find love with an old flame he has never been able to forget. Though she fled Liberty for New York City after high school, Eva has never really put the incident that drove her away behind. She has certainly never forgotten Declan, her first love, who betrayed and humiliated her. Even fifteen years later and with all her wealth and fame, the sight of Declan in the audience at her charity auction shakes Eva’s confidence and nerve. Declan is now a wealthy architect who is still based in Liberty. After finally reconnecting with his former best friend, Eva’s twin brother, he now has an opportunity to apologize to Eva and tell her he was not responsible for the incident. Eva is stunned at first, then relieved to hear his side of the story and discover that her perception of him fifteen years ago hadn’t been wrong. An attempt to catch up with what has happened in each other’s lives since their split soon leads to a very passionate interlude in each other’s arms with the understanding that it is for one night only. Their lives are thousands of miles away from each other and a long distance relationship is not what they are looking for in their busy lives. Neither know that Fate will step in and force Eva to come back to Liberty to face her past, or that her one passionate night with Declan left her with a souvenir to remember him by. Love the second time around can be even sweeter.

This book touches on the topics of bullying and body shaming and both are handled with a very deft touch and compassion. One incident changed the course of the lives for Eva and Declan. They have been given a chance to finally put the pain, guilt and humiliation behind them. Her reason for returning to Liberty and her pregnancy make it clear to Liberty that it is time to let the past go, move forward and reach toward love, not hide from it.

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

[Nancy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

MOUNTAIN MAN'S RIVAL is miss-titled in my humble opinion. Beside him wearing a flannel shirt occasionally and growing a beard, not too very mountain man type. But I liked the book, so the author can name it whatever she likes. Enemies to Lovers Romance didn't fit either. More of a second chance romance, again in my opinion. I liked the book very much, just not the title.

Evelyn Palmer and DeClan Wilde were high school secret sweethearts. She was the school nerd, while he was one of the popular football players. He also was best friends with Evelyn's brother. Another reason to keep their relationship quiet. Graduation was coming close. So they decided to take their relationship to the next step. They planned a weekend date in Declan's family's barn. He decorated the barn loft as romantic as he could. They confessed their undying love for each other. The school bullies had gotten hold of DeClan's phone, and knew of their plans. They rushed in and filmed the two. Evelyn thought DeClan was in on it, so left the barn, and not so long after left for New York. She was determined to leave Liberty, Utah behind & never return. 15 years would pass!

Evelyn is now a famous artist and celebrity. The name she goes by now is Eve Stone. Imagine her surprise when her brother brings Declan to her Charity Auction, as his plus-one. DeClan wants to explain and apologize to Eve about what happened that awful night 15 years past. He must do a wonderful job of explaining. Because they spent one wonderful special night together. Then he must return to Liberty where he is an architect. She wants to stay in her glamorous life in New York City. She swore never to return to Liberty, Utah, but you should never say never! Lot of ups & downs with angst, but somehow it will all work out in the end.

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Eva Palmer is bullied in high school. It's almost graduation and she plans to flee Liberty for NYU. She's a cubby artist nerd who is secretly dating Declan Wilde, a football player and best friends to her twin, Matt. When bullies embarrass Eva in front of the whole town, she believes Declan was in on it.

Fifteen years later Eva is a very well known artist and personality. She needs to return to Liberty to see her dying father, a man she hasn't spoke with in all this time. She is worried about coming face to face with her childhood bullies. Can she return to the town that she ran from? Having recently reconnected to Declan, is she ready to see him again? She also has a secret to share with him.

I must say I am happy that Mountain Man's Rival ended happily ever after. I can totally respect Eva's fear and it is great to see her stand up for herself. The whole thing about pushing Declan away made me mad. She pushed and Declan did what she wanted and then she was upset that he listened. The back and forth got a little old. Declan swallowed his pride to apologize to Eva, even though he wasn't at fault. He even made a grand gesture but she was still wary of him. These two just didn't communicate.

K.C. Crowne's series, The Mountain Men of Liberty, is fun. I love the small town of Liberty and its inhabitants. We are getting to revisit with them with each new series addition. Declan and Eva are a great addition.

[Ragu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain Mans Rival is Book Thirteen from the Mountain Men of Liberty Series and Declan and Evelyns story. Evelyn Palmer has spent her high school years in Liberty, Utah being bullied and taunted by fellow classmates for years to the point that virtually the day after graduation she’s on a plane headed to New York to pursue her dream of art school where she knows she’s good enough to be a huge success. Her nasty mean peers have no idea that Evelyn and Declan Wilde the handsome linebacker on the football team are actually secretly dating. The plan is the night before graduation Evelyn and Declan are going to give themselves to each other Evelyn wants Declan to be her first. Again, somehow it all goes wrong and the mean kids do an unthinkable deed that Evelyn is positive Declan had to be involved with. She runs. Changes her name to Eve Stone and becomes an extremely successful rich artist and rubs elbows with the rich and powerful. No one sees or hears from her. Fifteen years later Declan is finally able to talk to her brother Matt (his best friend in high school - until the prank) and gets talked into showing up unannounced at her charity auction. These books are amazing! No hiccups! Flows along smoothly! The characters are well thought out and well matched. Very good romance. I absolutely recommend. Can be read as a stand-alone but I believe you get so much more starting book one and continuing, so many characters come forward. I received an Advance Reader's Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain Mans Rival (An Enemies to Lovers Romance) by KC CROWNE is an emotional,touching,steamy and captivating story of Declan end Evelyn/Eva.. highschool sweetheart dating in secret,being a shy,nerdy,artist and curvy girl and dating the high school football star all the bullies is on to you and thats what happened to evelyn in their graduation day when some of her picture is included in the slide, embarassed she left,went to NY and never looked back..she change her name and became a well known artist and the only people she talked to from her past is her twin brother but when her ex contacted her she didnt entertain him untill her twin brother brought him in her auction gala and she found out that shes not over him the feeling that she thought long goneis still their waiting to come forward..when her brother told her that their father is very ill and his not going to live long she decided to go home and visit him and found out that her father love her very much only he didnt know how to express it specially when his wife left him and their child and to Eva shock when she went home and found her old drawings hangging inside her childhood house and her father told her how how proud he is to her,she promised that shes going to stay with her father till the end not only that because Declan is their by her side supporting her and specialy now that shes carrying their baby, the baby that he didnt knows yet...a second chance romance that you will love..

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

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fast paced and kept you on the edge and that made it more real. Evelyn Palmer just wants to finish school and head to college in New York to be an artist but before she leaves she wants to be with her boyfriend Declan for the first time but it ends badly and she leaves Liberty Utah for good and the evil bullies behind. Now fast forward 15 yrs later and at her auction as a famous artist to raise money for her pet project she comes face to face with the man that broke her heart and her family Declan Wilde. Declan Wilde has loved Evelyn Palmer for so long and he understands why she left so fast but he never got to tell her sorry or explain what happened that night. To say that Eva Stone aka Evelyn Palmer is shocked, saddened, angry and happy at the same time seeing Declan after all this time and yes she still loves him but he hurt her so bad and she cannot forget. After meeting up and he explains what happened she realizes she new all long that he was telling the truth and with there burning chemistry between them so strong they agree to one night together and that’s all it took to start the healing process but can they have a future together and can she mend fences with her father before he is gone. Read this amazing book to find out.

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

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Evelyn Palmer and Declan Wild. When this book opens we find that Evelyn is the one girl in high school that every bully picks on. We have all met that girl slightly overweight, doesn't dress the most fashion forward, never see her with a boyfriend. Well all of this made her the perfect target for the bullies. There was one secret she was keeping though and she couldn't wait until graduation night to make it official. Her boyfriend Declan. Declan was on the football team. Girls wanted him and boys wanted to be friends with him. So seeing him with the outcast in their eyes was unthinkable. Declan wasn't sure how his best friend would take it but he loved Evelyn with all his heart. That love he thought would never be broken until graduation night. Now he will do anything to prove to the one woman he loves that he wants a second chance to prove to her that she is worth everything. Everything changed that night for Evelyn though and she isn't sure she can ever go back to the way things were. Can they have a HEA or was it just a high school romance?

Amazing story by this author. She really has the characters hit on some now subjects that will draw you in and want to know where it will all end up. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in this series, really enjoyable. Evelyn has been getting bullied at school, she knows she’s not a thin as other girls but Declan, her boyfriend, still likes her. Evelyn feels there is a real connection between them until one night those who have been bullying her end that thought when she believes Declan betrayed her. Evelyn leaves town and Declan behind her, and years later when she is a successful artist Declan appears in her life again. Declan explains he wants a part of what happened to Evelyn, now known as Eva, and they end up reconnecting. However with both living in different states they agree what they had was a one off, until Eva has a surprise for Declan. A really enjoyable book, I loved the characters and was so glad after everything that they reconnected again. Lots of passion and love but also a few tears, what more could you ask for! Can’t wait for more in this series.

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

[Susa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonder who’ll get that vintage car?

Eva reinvents herself after a nightmarish end of her high school years when pictures of her frumpy self while making out with her secret boyfriend are made public by the in-crowd who bullied her for her looks … and probably her intelligence.
She flees to NYC where she studies art and becomes the artist of the VIPs, opening her own gallery and making good money.
Declan, said secret boyfriend, wants to apologize to her when he finds her 15 years later. Matt, Eva’s brother plays cupid and invites Declan as his plus one to Eva’s auction. There’s still sizzling attraction between them, however, due to living on the opposite ends of the country they decide to just be friends.
With all the chemistry, can they stay apart from each other?
There are lots of ups and downs on their way to their HEA.
I liked that the story is critical about fatphobic comments from the media - and people in general, as well as the paparazzi’s vulture attitude.

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn and Declan were secretly seeing each other when they were in high school. Declan was her twin brother's best friend and one of the popular guys. She was a quiet girl that others picked on. On a day they were finally going to be together something bad happens and ends up splitting them up. Now years later Declan is looking for her because he hasn't forgotten her. When the PI gives him the info he needs to locate her he doesn't waste anytime. However it takes the help of her brother to actually get face to face with her. Evelyn has changed her name since they once knew each other and her art has made her famous. However she isn't happy. When she sees Declan bidding on one of her pieces all the old feelings rush back. Can Declan convince her to give him a chance to explain? Will they find their way back to each other?

This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

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

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva (formally Evelyn) and Declan were highschool sweethearts, until a terrible thing happened and she thought that the relationship was all a joke. This led to her reinventing herself and becoming a famous artist. No one from her previous life other than her brother even knew who she was bc she even changed her name. Sometimes the past has a way of finding you even when you’ve done everything you possibly could to remain hidden. So after 15 years Declan locates Eva and has a hair brained idea to get in to see her and try to apologize and make amends for the past. Sparks are certainly still there between the two but circumstances make it hard. When Eva finds out her dad is really sick and goes back to her hometown that she swore she’d never return to, how will things play out when she sees Declan again and is hiding a secret from him??? This was a great emotional journey!!!!

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

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This shows up for me as Mountain Man’s Best Friend’s Sister so I’m guessing the title was changed between the ARC and publishing. This continues the series and centers on Declan. 15 years ago Evelyn was humiliated and she ran to NYC, changed her name and created the Art career she dreamed of. She cut ties with Liberty and everyone except her twin brother. Declan betrayed her, her father lashed out at her over the humiliation and the bullies of high school weren’t worth being around. Now Declan is in NYC at her art auction for charity asking for a chance to explain the incident 15 years ago. Can Evelyn (Ava) go home, forgive her father and Declan and finally let go of the past? Will Declan finally get what he always wanted losing the bet to win Mike’s classic car as the last single friend standing? This will give you all the feels!

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

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This shows up for me as Mountain Man’s Best Friend’s Sister so I’m guessing the title was changed between the ARC and publishing. This continues the series and centers on Declan. 15 years ago Evelyn was humiliated and she ran to NYC, changed her name and created the Art career she dreamed of. She cut ties with Liberty and everyone except her twin brother. Declan betrayed her, her father lashed out at her over the humiliation and the bullies of high school weren’t worth being around. Now Declan is in NYC at her art auction for charity asking for a chance to explain the incident 15 years ago. Can Evelyn (Ava) go home, forgive her father and Declan and finally let go of the past? Will Declan finally get what he always wanted losing the bet to win Mike’s classic car as the last single friend standing? This will give you all the feels!

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

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret boyfriend

When Declan and Evelyn were in high school they had to keep their blossoming relationship a secret. She planned to give him her virginity in the loft of his barn but it was thwarted by this band of other seniors that were so mean to Evelyn. Her father was especially mean that night and she fled. So Evelyn immediately left for NYC where her estranged mother lived to go to college.Afterwards she became a very famous artist. She has a foundation that benefits the children. Declan hadn't contacted her in the 15 years that had elapsed but suddenly was trying to find her. He touches base with her brother Matt who was his best friend until this awful day 15 years ago.Matt invites Declan to one of her shows. Declan and Eva have an intimate night. Now they need to decide what happens next. I really liked her assistant Lily. Interesting family dynamics as she forgives her dad and returns to Liberty Utah until her fathers death. Really enjoyable series.

[Terry Sasada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It answered the question, can you ever really run away from your past? In the case of Eva I guess she found out. Moving from small-town Utah to New York City to become an artist and reinvent yourself seem to be working for her pretty good. 15 long years and she runs into Declan with her brother. Declan always thought she was beautiful, now she was different,a very popular artist, and a celebrity that everyone wants to know her business. Running into Declan and hearing his explanation for things that went wrong , made Eva look again at her ex. Just as gorgeous as he always was but kind a one night stand really and with a one night stand. There’s so much going on in this book, but it’s a fun book to read, and it really makes you look at family, friends, and relationships in a different light. An excellent book added to an already awesome series. I love the way it extended the ending so you could see their future.

[gwendolyn Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about school repeating itself. Evelynn was looking forward to graduation and leaving their small town behind. When the bullies thaw their plans of being together and her father goes ballistic she leaves town with intentions of never returning. Fast forward 15 years and Declan is back and their feelings for each other are still there. Declan built his construction company up and Eva reinvented herself and now Eva successful at everything but still missing a part of herself. Having to return home because her father is on death'0s door. Life just got a whole lot more complicated. This book has all the sweet romance of young love, the healing power of forgiveness, a few surprises, family and coming full circle.

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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption From The Past -
The event that caused Declan and Eva’s breakup and her escape from her hometown, changed both their lives in unimaginable ways. However, they are able to overcome the pain when they meet years later and spend a night of unbridled pleasure together. Eva returns home for a family emergency and chaos ensues in both their lives, but it would take the revelation of Eva’s secret for them to fight for a happily ever after.

This story is filled with the kind of drama that will keep you turning the pages. It was rather compelling and I didn’t want to put it down once I started. You will happily finish reading it in a few hours of uninterrupted hours. This is a book you won’t want to miss reading.

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

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this story about second chances. Evelyn/Eva and Declan are so beautiful! They were secret high school sweethearts because she didn’t want her brother to find out. Something causes a horrible falling out and Evelyn leaves town. Fifteen years later Declan has found her but now she’s Eva and she’s famous. These two together are so wonderful but there are some complications like distance and paparazzi. Will they be able to have a real second chance or is forgiveness and a night of passion all that is possible for these two? You will love this book and the steam is super hot. Eva really grows into her curvy body with lots of confidence and she knows what she likes. The ending of this story is fabulous and really brings together the whole book.

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

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Welcome back to the couples that make up Liberty, Utah. Eva and Declan had a secret high school relationship, until it was spoiled for them. She ran as fast as she could away from the bullies, her father, brother and most definitely Declan. In a decade and a half, she has made something of herself as an artist. Now her past has come calling and it is like the years rewound. Declan has his second chance finally with the girl he loved. He really is a good guy and deserves the chance to win over the woman she has become. I thought they were perfect for each other. There was some baggage and surprises that had to be dealt with, but they get their happy future

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

[Antonella - Happy Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Declan the traitor, did he change?
I loved this story: it gives hope to every people who suffered as a teenager. Bullies are awful, but sometimes they are only immature and insecure people, not necessarily evil ones.
In this story, we have Eva, whose real name is Evelyn, and Declan, the love of her life.
They parted with Eva bullied at school and believing Declan betraying her, so she followed her Muse and became a well-known artist.
They met again many years later, and love sparks again.
I won't tell the whole story, but I'll say that she will feel alive discovering her roots again, and would enjoy the love of her life, at last! But she has to suffer and mourn a loved one...
Declan is a surprise: a hot man, sensitive and capable of loving...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.