This Memory

Moose Village #3

by Kelly Elliott

Brystol
I’ve been in love with Gavin since high school. He broke my heart back then, something I’m not keen to forget, which makes our current situation challenging. Our best friends are married, and we’re constantly thrown together because of that connection. When those same friends ask me for a favor, one that is life-changing for all of us, I don’t even question how close it will bring me to Gavin. I simply say yes.

Gavin
I’m not sure what I did to turn Brystol against me, but whatever it was, I’m ready to make amends. I might even tell her that she was all I could see back in high school. When our best friends ask Brystol to be their surrogate, I have mixed feelings, to say the least. Nothing will keep me from supporting her in every way possible because among those feelings are admiration and love for the kind girl I used to know…and even more for the woman she’s become.

Neither of us were prepared for the trials and tribulations that come with not just pregnancy but the surrogacy process—including the strain it can put on everyone involved. Nor could we predict the powerful emotions or the sheer joy of growing a life. There is no way we could have predicted the heartache that would follow.

Each book in the Moose Village series can be read as a stand along, but it is recommended by the author for a better reading experience to read them in order.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Second Chance, Emotional, Small Town Romance, Romance, Second Chance Romance, Contemporary Romance

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2025

About the author

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.

Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.

www.kellyelliottauthor.com

Reviews

[yuvi]

dnf @ 12%

[Kelly Elliott]

Since we are 19 days out, let me go to the 19th page and grab a teaser!

“Hey, what in the hell was that all about?”
When she looked at me, she had tears in her eyes. My knees about buckled out from under me. I cupped her face and leaned toward her. My six feet to her five feet and change made it hard to look her in the eyes.
“Bry, what’s wrong?”
She closed her eyes. “I don’t know."
“Okay, then, what was that in the coffee shop?”
The sadness in her eyes made me want to do something to fix it, to bring that fire back to her baby blues.
“You really have no idea why I can’t stand you, do you?”
Drawing back, I dropped my hand and took a step away. “No, I really don’t, Brystol."

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so good!! I think this was my favorite one out of all of the others in the series. I hope that what I'm going to say isn't/aren't spoilers but I loved the fact that Brystol decided to do something selfless for her best friend and best friend's husband.

I absolutely loved watching Brystol and Gavin become closer with each page I turned and it was so fun to see them bicker. i also loved reading about how the surrogacy was going and even the complications that sometimes made.

⚠️POSSIBLE SPOILERS⚠️
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
finding out what happened to her and Gavin's best friends was super sad and tragic. I do hope that they can get closer to one another and to give the best love to the baby

[Philippa - (The British Bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Its books like these that show me exactly why I fell in love with an author's writing over a decade ago, and why I still love them equally as so (and more) today. Kelly Elliott demonstrates not only why she's the Queen of small town romance, but why she's a forever favourite of mine' - The British Bibliophile

Thank you to Kelly Elliott for sending me an ebook Advanced Reader Copy for me to read and leave an honest review, as part of her ARC team .

NOTE - This review will be spoiler-free as standard, but will contain references to elements within the book's blurb. If you wish to go into this read as blind read without knowing a single thing about it, please exit my review now.

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⠀⠀⠀📖 A R C ⠀ R E V I E W 📖
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5⭐️

This Memory by Kelly Elliott is the third novel in Kelly Elliott's latest series, Moose Village. A series, as you may have correctly guessed from the name, has a certain theme to it based around a certain majestic animal. Want to know why the town is name as such and the history behind it? All you need to do is go grab a copy of book one, This Moment, and you shall have. your answer.

Of course after you read that, you must continue with book two, This Feeling.

All three books currently available in the series are standalones within an interconnected series, which means you can pick them up in any order. Kelly though, recommends release order for best reading results. This way, you won't spoil it for what happens to who in a future book that might mention a couple from a previous read in the series.

Book four, This Heart, is coming our way in November but before then, it's all about book three!

Back when this series first started, it was only meant to be a two-book one with two standalones. However, due to the sheer outpouring of love and other reasons Kelly has chosen to continue it that we don't know, here we are with the third instalment. Kelly, as any reader of hers--long time or recent--will know, she specialises in small town romance and has been writing within the trope long before it became popular on social media with Bookstagram and BookTok. Among the many things she is fantastic at, this is one of them, writing hallmark-style small town romances readers of all walks of life fall in love with. Imagine then, our delight when we not only got this new series but had an extension of it with this read and the one to come. I, for one, have happily fallen for the charms of Moose Village and its inhabitants. I thoroughly encourage all to venture to this fictional town and join me here.

Waiting to greet us at the town sign are our next two main characters, Brystol and Gavin.

Brystol has been in love with Gavin since the two of them were in High School. Unfortunately for her, teenage love turned into teenage heartbreak when Gavin did something to her that she will never forget or forgive him for. This unpleasant memory makes things especially challenging with their situation at present. Both of their best friends are married to one another and thus due to that connection, the two of them are constantly within the same vicinity of one another. When Evelyn and Denny (said best friends of Brystol and Gavin) ask THE biggest favour of her yet, one that is life-changing for all who will be involved, she doesn't even think just how much closer she will be brought to Gavin once more. 'Yes' is her only answer.

Gavin, as smart as he is, is stupidly clueless as to what he did back in the day that made Brystol turn against him. He's wracked his brains for the answer, only to come up empty every time. What he does know, is that he's more than ready to clear the air and make amends. He might even divulge to her that she's all that he could see from their High School days, if he's lucky and or brave enough. Learning that their best friends have asked Brystol to be their surrogate leaves him with mixed--and valid--feelings. There's nothing that will get in his way of supporting her decision in doing this for them, because his feelings for her alongside admiration and love, are stronger than anything else. Not only for the girl he once fell in love with, but for the woman that his girl has become.

Neither Brystol or Gavin were remotely prepared for the tests, trials and tribulations that was to come their way not only with the surrogacy/pregnancy, but with the stresses and strains put on everyone involved with it. Included in this unpredictable chapter are the immensely powerful emotions both that of sheer joy and fears of growing a life--and the unforeseen heartbreak that is due to follow.

I mentioned ahead of the release of this book that I had a feeling that it was going to be my favourite, and I'm so pleased that my gut feeling was once again right. By now I'm very familiar with the residents of Moose Village, and Brystol and Gavin were more than due their turn in the spotlight, so I'm very happy that Kelly gave them their own story and that it has worked out as well as it has. There wasn't an ounce of me that thought otherwise, but I'm over the moon happy to have come away from it not just loving it, but loving it even more than I knew I would do so originally. This book right her is a classic example of a story with two characters that I would happily read about for longer, if not for forever. Something about it and them just works in a way that I can't even describe, as it goes beyond bookish chemistry into something more.

Gavin and Brystol are part of the 'enemies to lovers' trope, but with the small town twist. They're not at war. They're not physically violent to or at one another. They are the kind of enemies to lovers without malice, hatred or vengeance. The trope tends to be associated with books along the mafia/dark romance route most of the time, but it works so well with authors such as Kelly who use them in the small town romance setting, with small town romance lives, troubles and all that comes with living in such a place like Moose Village. They're the kind of pair who will keep a beef (British slang there, for my American friends) going with one another, purely out of pride, dedication to said beef and all and out stubbornness to be the first one to yield -- outwardly to others, anyway. Gavin as previously mentioned, is ready to let bygones be bygones but Brystol? The girl plans to keep him on his toes for as long as possible before she too folded to the obvious and inevitable love connection that has always been there between them.

For me personally, I feel that this read not only ticked all the boxes that just do it for me for a romance read, but added more of its own and went ahead and ticked those too. Especially when it came to the tropes. Small Town? Yes! High School Crush? Love that. Enemies to Lovers? A forever favourite. Surprise Pregnancy (with a twist)? GIVE ME ALL OF IT! He Falls First? Awee! Small Town? Obviously! Second Chance? All about the second chances! First Responder? Well hello there, officer! If there's a trope listed in a Kelly Elliott book, you know she DELIVERS that trope. It's not up on social media for mere decoration or false hype, you're getting that trope. Some may be more minor than others, but you are still getting very much what is on the can.

That said, as previously mentioned, we did get a few things that weren't listed 'on the can', so to speak. I'd heard rumblings among fellow readers in her reader group that this was going to be emotion and that they 'didn't see THAT moment coming', so I was of course curious as to which chapter in which our emotions were given whiplash and we had to whip out the tissue box again. Suffice to say when I got there, I W.E.P.T!. That was the twist part of the 'surprise pregnancy' trope that my fellow readers hinted at without spoilers, and oh how it was a beautifully tragic moment that reduced me to literal tears. Crying over a book wasn't something I usually did in the past, but now I find myself literally begging for the occasional read to absolutely wreck me--entirely or with a specific scene--and Kelly was next in line to make that happen. The end result of this gut-wrenching moment was SO worth every tear spilled, I promise you all that.

Would I go back and re-read this again knowing what I would be walking into now? Yes. A million times yes. No doubt. Zero hesitation.

Especially when we get an ending as beautiful as we did here for Brystol and Gavin. I won't spoil what happens or why it was beautiful, but take my word for it. I smiled, I laughed, I closed the book with a very happy heart which is all that matters.

I can't thank Kelly enough for not only continuing the series with these two, but for giving us more of it. Period. As mentioned in a previous review, Moose Village feels less fictional with every book that joins the series, feeling more like a real place that if you're in America, you can drive to so we can meet the people Kelly has written about. Or, if you're like me, fly to and spend the best holiday (vacation), with the town's people that keep on entertaining us with the comings and goings within their small town. At this stage, especially with this story in particular, I would be rooting for for a hallmark-style tv series adaptation if we were ever lucky to get one someday. Brystol and Gavin's story in particular would be the one I would personally campaign for, hands down. I'd love to see if any of my fellow readers agree with me on this!

Kelly, you've not only earned yourself a five-star rating, but a spot on my top reads of 2025 list. Treat yourself to whatever your heart desires right now, because you deserve it.

Love from your friend from across the pond who wishes she could give you the biggest hug right now,

The British Bibliophile x

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 G E N R E S 📚
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛

⠀⠀⠀↳ Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Contemporary Romance

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R O P E S
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⠀⠀⠀↳ Small Town
⠀⠀⠀↳ High School Crush
⠀⠀⠀↳ Enemies to Lovers
⠀⠀⠀↳ Surprise Pregnancy (with a twist)
⠀⠀⠀↳ He Falls First
⠀⠀⠀↳ Small Town
⠀⠀⠀↳ Second Chance
⠀⠀⠀↳ First Responder
⠀⠀⠀↳ No 3rd Act Break-up

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⠀ ⠀ 🌶️ S T E A M Y/S P I C Y? 🌶️
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⠀⠀⠀↳ 3/5 on the steam/spice-o-meter
⠀⠀⠀↳ Sizzling tension & anticipation is a major ingredient
⠀⠀⠀↳ Mouths aren't just for kissing with these two!
⠀⠀⠀↳ Sweet love making w/filthy language--YES!!!

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R I G G E R S?
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⠀⠀↳ Character death (not seen)⠀⠀
⠀⠀↳ IVF
⠀⠀↳ Surrogacy & infertility


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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀M U S T ⠀ R E A D?
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⠀⠀⠀↳ 1001% YES!
⠀⠀⠀↳ One of Kelly's best books EVER!
⠀⠀⠀↳ Top read of 2025!

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ARC P R O V I D E R:
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⠀⠀⠀↳ Kelly Elliott - ARC Team

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read in the series and the author recommends reading the books in order for the best reading experience. I definitely agree and think this book is challenging to read as a standalone. There are many characters who have interconnecting backgrounds that it’s hard to keep them straight.

The relationship between Brystol and Gavin begins in high school when they were friends and an overheard conversation causes a major rift in their friendship. These two barely can co-exist in the same town without snarky banter and after about ten years they are forced to get along. They go from lingering hostility to frenemies to friends with benefits.

The level of angst in this story is fairly high. The story was interesting and kept my attention. It was a bit overwhelming trying to keep the characters and their connections straight.

I received a free ARC from the author and Grey’s PR; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Maggie Sinclair · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sure everyone has read the same synopsis the ARC readers are giving out about Brystol and Gavin and how Brystol was asked to be a surrogate/godparent for their best friends.
but WHY THE EFF would you kill off the parents?! That ruined the entire story for me. Reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book where you fall for the characters, small town, witty banter, and then it's ripped away suddenly with something catastrophic like that. This ended so sadly, which overshadowed the rest of the story with Brystol and Gavin and the other funny scenes in the book and made it not worth reading. Then I had to do a reread of one of my favorite books to get this one out of my head.
I suppose I could've put it on my DNF list, but I've only stopped reading a book a couple of times, so I had to finish this one, but damn, I was looking forward to a happy ending. I usually love Kelly Elliot books. So sad, and what a waste.

[christysbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Brystol’s story and this did not disappoint. Her and Gavin’s banter and dynamic really felt realistic to me and very much resonated with me.

They faced some very challenging decisions and obstacles all while in a very new relationship. They did move very fast, but it didn’t bother me since they had known each other for years

I couldn’t put it down!!

[Bookbakeneko · Rating 4 out of 5]

ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
ᴛʜɪs ᴍᴇᴍᴏʀʏ
15 ᴀᴜɢᴜsᴛ
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Book 3 in the Moose Village Series

This was a quick yet quietly devastating read. Kelly Elliott handles the sensitive topic of surrogacy with raw honesty and emotional grace, and it absolutely wrecked me.

We’re shown both sides of the emotional coin:
✨ Brystol, who selflessly agrees to carry her best friend's baby—enduring the physical toll, the emotional complexity, and the heartbreaking reality of going through a pregnancy knowing she won’t get to keep the baby.
✨ Evelyn, who’s living through the agony of infertility—longing for a child of her own, while grappling with jealousy, helplessness, and the loss of control, sometimes coming off as selfish or overbearing, but always deeply human.
In the middle of all this, love finds a way.

Brystol never expected to fall for her high school crush and former ‘frenemy’ Gavin, especially while carrying someone else's child. And yet, it’s this very baby—the one meant for someone else—that ultimately brings them together in the most unexpected, tender way.

This story gutted me and left me teary-eyed more than once. But true to form, Kelly Elliott crafts a heartfelt, emotionally layered romance filled with healing, love, and hope, set against the backdrop of tragedy and loss.

💔✨ A must-read if you love emotionally messy stories with heart, healing, and hard-won love.

#ThisMemory #KellyElliott #MooseVillageSeries #SurrogacyRomance #EmotionalRead #BookReview #RomanceReads #BookLovers #ContemporaryRomance #SecondChanceRomance #FoundLove #BookishFeels #HeartfeltRomance #SlowBurnRomance #ReadersOfInstagram #ARCReview

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Elliott has once again done such an incredible job with this story. First and foremost bring those tissues. I’m in a complete mess right now. This story had it all a deep friendship group, love, loss, heart ache and all good small town feel you can’t help but love.

Brystol and Gavin story was beautifully written. They’ve known each other their whole lives and have had feelings for one another for a while. When Brystol becomes a surrogate for their best friends Gavin is right at her side. Helping her a long the way with anything she may need. Even stepping up and letting her best friends know if and when they step out of line. When friendship turns into something more you see their relationship blooms. When things turn into the unimaginable you see how strong both Gavin and Brystol are. You’ll see how everything in the end will work out for the best for everyone. You will feel every emotion in this story. There will be tears, love and sadness. Kelly has a way to pull at your heartstrings.

Arc provided by honest review.

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! This book man. What a whirlwind and just so stinking good. Brystol and Gavin have been fire since we met them and then naturally this book happens. I had an inkling of what was going to happen while reading but I ignored it and I was still shocked and it threw me for a loop! I love this friend group and this town so much. I know it’s not much but I don’t want to say anything to give anything away!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved getting to see more of the people from Moose Village. I have to say I was excited to see Brystol and Gavin finally ignite. They’ve had to much tension and I have loved the bickering. I honestly started to dislike her best friend and somehow I was so sad for them in the end. Such a great book! I can’t wait for the next book with Liam!

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brystol and Gavin were amazing together. The story pulled me in and held my interest. I've read it in one sitting.
I received an ARC copy of this book through Grey's promotions in exchange for an honest voluntary review.

[Jeanine Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Memory is going to pull so many emotions,  going to make you think on a subject you didn't think  about before,  and enjoy how famil and friends come together for each other.  I had tears in many parts of this book, and so didn't expect one part.

Brystol and Gavin haven't been friends since high school.  He doesn’t know why though. When their best friends ask them to let the past go, they agree. Gavin has been wanting to know why Brystol suddenly started hating him in high school.  When he finds out she's going to be a surrogate for their best friend's, he decides he is going to find out why she hates him and get her to be friends again,  if not more!

Gavin and Brystol put the past behind them and he supports her through the surrogacy.  When tragedy strikes,  what will they do?

I love the strength both show through this whole book, the love and support from family and friends.  This book pulled so many emotions,  and I  wasn't prepared for some of the things that happened.  I think this is the best yet in the series!

5⭐️ 3 1/2🌶

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick but very enjoyable read. Brystol and Gavin's story gives off a slight enemies to lovers vibe. They bicker and try to one up each other. Gavin has no idea why Brystol has such an issue with him and she just thinks he is a jerk. It takes a while for their past to be resolved, but honestly I loved all their sniping at each other, it did make me giggle. I enjoyed seeing them all navigate all the complex emotions that the surrogacy brings. Gavin really stepped up for Brystol and I liked seeing the relationship between them grow. The love story was beautifully written but this is also a terribly poignant and emotional. This is my favourite of the series so far but I have a feeling the next and last one is going to top it and I can't wait.

[Lisa Icard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in The Moose Village series is going to take you on a journey where you will experience all kinds of emotions!! Kelly Elliott’s books are always so lighthearted, I didn’t expect my heart to be torn in two, but those are the makings of a fantastic story!

Gavin and Brystol have high school history. Each has had a crush on the other for years, but Gavin’s actions in high school altered their path until a favor asked of Brystol brings them back together. Denny and Evelyn are best friends with Brystol and Gavin. They ask Brystol for a huge favor, that is a BIG ask… to be a surrogate for them. I found this storyline to be completely original! Denny and Evelyn have tried for years to get pregnant and really wanted someone they could trust to carry their child. I can’t think of anything more selfless than to be a surrogate, however, it too has its complexities. This brings Gavin and Brystol closer together, that they decide to give the chemistry they’ve felt a chance at something more.

Gavin proved to be exactly what Brystol needed, and someone to support her through this life changing decision. Just when you think things are as they should be, Kelly flips it on you! I did not see that coming and be prepared, you’re going to need tissues! It will remind you that some things just aren’t fair. Mixed in with the moments of blurry vision from crying, Kelly lightens it up, as she always does by injecting some humor into her characters!

This was a very original story with a new trope I haven’t read; surrogacy. This story is about life changing decisions and the complexities around that, forgiveness, jealousy, found family, friendship, life altering love, tragedy, and hope! Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved This Memory by Kelly Elliott, the third book in her Moose Village series! Kelly Elliott has done it again! This Memory is an incredible friends to lovers love story, which filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions, it was such an emotional book. Make sure you have your Kleenex nearby. I was hooked from the first page, and it was impossible to put it down. I loved every moment on every page of this page turner. It is my FAVORITE book that I have read recently. Kelly Elliott continues to deliver incredibly written love stories that I LOVE to read, and she continues to be a must-read author for me. I love this friends to lovers love story, the Moose Village setting, and the amazing characters, they feel like family! This Memory is a love story between Brystol Duggan, owner of Memory Lane Toys and her high school, Gavin Quinn, police officer for Moose Village. Brystol and Gavin had been friends in high school until she overheard him with his teammates. Brystol and Gavin are friends with Evelyn and Denny McCain, who have been trying to start a family. Since they are in the same friend group they have seen each other over the years, but not in a romantic way. Evelyn and Denny approach Brystol about being a surrogate for them, after learning that Evelyn cannot carry a child. Brystol agrees but not everyone in Moose Village agrees with her decision. Brystol get pregnant with their child, and Gavin is incredibly supportive of her. Brystol discovers all the books that Gavin purchased to help her through her pregnancy. As Brystol and Gavin spend time together, a friendship develops and quickly turns into something more. Conversation between Gavin and Brystol flows so easily, I love the chemistry between them and the easy banter and flirting, and everything that they do together. As Brystol and Gavin spend more time together things change between them. A surprise plot twist changes things for Brystol and Gavin and their lives forever. I love the heart-to-heart conversation that take place in This Memory, especially when Brystol reveals why she did not meet him at the movie theater that night in high school, so they watch it together on TV. I love everything that Brystol, Gavin, and their friends support Hope, Liam, and their daughter, Winnie. One of my favorite parts is the name of the baby girl, Lily Rae, that Brystol gives birth to for Evelyn and Denny and the significance of the name. I love all the little things that Gavin does for Brystol during her pregnancy, especially regarding her strange food cravings. The description of Lily’s nursery is my favorite part of the book and is exactly what Evelyn wanted for her child, especially the mural on the wall. Kelly Elliott definitely does not disappoint her readers with all the feels in This Memory and has once again delivered an amazing story filled with everything that I have come to love about and expect from her books. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, big loving families, and caring friends, who always support each other? I love how Kelly develops her characters in such a way that you fall in love with them and care about them much like a good friend and how she always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. Kelly Elliott continues to deliver all that and so much more. I love the storyline of This Memory, the romance, and the family dynamics, it was such an enjoyable book to read. I love all the Perry the Moose emojis throughout the story. I am not sure how she continues writing my favorite books to read. I love that Kelly chooses dialogue that stays true to her characters. This Memory is filled with all the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, plot twists, and surprises that I have come to love and expect in a Kelly Elliott love story. Make sure you have your Kleenex nearby for the heartbreaking and bittersweet moments in This Memory. Kelly Elliott continues to prove that she is an incredible storyteller. I love that she writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. Another favorite part of any Kelly Elliott story are the songs that she includes in the story, they always fit perfectly in the storyline. I love the ending of Brystol and Gavin’s love story, Gavin’s proposal, and the location of the proposal and the wedding. My favorite part of This Memory is the epilogue and all the surprises that it reveals and the bittersweet moments. It perfectly wraps up their love story. This Memory was an amazing friends to lovers love story; I am so glad that Brystol and Gavin got their happily ever after. I love all the characters in this series, I loved catching up with Cadie, Kian, Harper, and Declan and I cannot wait to meet more of them. I enjoy all the interactions among all the characters; it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love the descriptions of Moose Village. I love everything about the Moose Village website that Kelly Elliott created for this series. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I loved every moment of This Memory. Highly recommend this beautifully written love story. Received an advanced copy from the author.

[Alicia M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

****ARC****

Thanks to Kelly Elliott and her team for selecting me to ARC read this book. Team Wranglers🥰. THANK YOU!!! ❤❤❤

Gavin and Brystol.

Anybody who read This Feeling knows that these two were EXPLOSIVE anytime they were around each other. We were all anticipating the reason why Brystol couldn't stand Gavin and we found right at the jump. I won't say what it was but I'm two sided, yeah I would've been feeling exactly how she did but I would've still hear him out at the same time. At the end of the day, all that banter leas to something TOP TIER amazing. I love these two and I have to say Gavin and Brystol? They are just faves so far. All the books so far has been full of suspense and heart and love and romance and I'm here for it all.

As for this book, I have to say it was quite a journey. I won't say any kind of spoiler but we knew from This Feeling that Brystol would be the surrogate for Evelyn and Denny and I have to say she's soooo selfless to do that especially how this would be her first child. During it all, it was such a challenge especially on Evelyn's side because of course there would be some kind of resentment of not being able to carry her own child. The thing is she went so hard on became even harsh at times BUT I won't say anymore because ALOT and I mean ALOT happened during Brystol's pregnancy. This was definitely the MOST EMOTIONAL book so far in this series and my heart broke over and over and over again while reading and Kelly you NEED to pay for therapy after this because you hit us THREE times and that's all I'll say. Just get your tissues ready because you WILL be crying and *sighs*. It was just really sad.

As for the relationship of Gavin and Brystol I have to say I was really happy when it finally came to light why she didn't like him. They were just made for each other and I loved them so much. Their chemistry was *chefs kiss* and him just loving and caring for her during that pregnancy ans standing up for her numerous times just made me swoon. The surprises and the way it certain things were done were just sweet. And the fact that he recreated what should've been the start of a great night/relationship that would've definitely happened years before just showed how much he truly felt about her.

Overall I give this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Can we talk about Brystol's weird but sometimes quite amazing pregnancy food cravings? Sometimes I think she wouldn't stop eating but it made sense, afterall she was eating for two lol. I was also lowkey wanting her to send some through the screen lol. But the book was amazing and I would take a part two of them for sure. I want to say more about three people BUT I can't but get your tissues ready! Also, I need to know when that age gap book with James and Aurora popping up because those two are LITERALLY like their brother and bestie before they became official. They're another explosion ready to happen and I'm ready.

Please run and read these books.

P.S. It's official. I'm moving to Moose Village because this small town and it's friendships and just EVERYTHING is just so fantastic and I'm definitely needing these kind of friendships and relationships. Thanks Kelly for creating this beautiful town.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS MEMORY is the third instalment in Kelly Elliott’s contemporary, adult MOOSE VILLAGE erotic, romance series. This is police officer Gavin Quinn and toy store owner Brystol Duggan’s story line.THIS MEMORY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers

Told from dual first person perspectives ( Gavin and Brystol) THIS MEMORY focuses on Brystol Duggan’s selfless journey as she becomes the surrogate for Gavin’s best friend’s Evelyn and Denny McCain but Gavin and Brystol have a history rooted in heart break and perceived betrayal, and a mutual request finds our couple working together for the foreseeable future. Gavin doesn’t know what he did in high school to Brystol but somehow he broke our heroine’s heart. Brystol has never forgiven Gavin for the high school humiliation but carrying their best friend’s child means forgiving the man with whom she will fall in love. Disaster will strike not once but twice, and our couple must come to terms with what happened and why. Guilt followed by heartbreak finds our couple journeying towards a different future than they could have ever imagined.

The world building focuses on the rekindling friendship between Brystol and Gavin. A perceived betrayal, and an ongoing need to push Gavin out of her life finds our couple coming to terms with the past, and making plans for the immediate future but all does not go according to plan, when Gavin and Brystol ‘s lives will take an unexpected and heartbreaking turn.

The relationship between Gavin and Brystol is a rekindling friendship, a second chance, of a sort. Brystol had been in love with Gavin for as long as she could remember but high school bullies and betrayal sent Brystol into another direction. Gavin have not idea what happened in the past but knowing he needed to apologize meant a second chance with the woman with whom he would fall in love-the sexual tension is palpable. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and struggling secondary and supporting characters including the couples we met in the previous storyline; Gavin’s brother James; Declan and Harper, Kian and Cadie, Aunt Judity, and Liam Turner. We are introduced to Brystol and Gavin’s parents, as well as Denny and Evelyn.

THIS MEMORY is an emotional and heart breaking story of love and loss, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is raw and tragic yet somewhat predictable; the romance is seductive ; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

[Courtney Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

Kelly Elliott has done it once again!

I always enjoy reading everything she writes. She has such a way of pulling me into her books and keeping me engaged until the very end! I love the characters I've met, but I fell instantly in love with Gavin and Brystol the most. They are honestly so good together, and I love the fact that both of them have such amazing chemistry and just go together so well! The banter back and forth between the two of them was great to see, and you can tell that it was going to be a good read when they began to grow closer (which helps in the long run). They both have a little bit of history from back in high school, and it was really good to see a little bit into that and their whole relationship, and how much it progressed.

Our sweet Brystol is such a strong character, and I adore her so much! She's such a good friend to both Evelyn and Denny by doing such an amazing thing for them, such as surrogacy, and although there are a few conflicts along the way, she still did the best she could and made sure to stay true to herself and overall just be an amazing friend to those around her.

Gavin is such a sweetheart. I loved his character so much, and it was sweet to see how much he loved and cared about everyone, especially Brystol. He stood up for her and stuck by her side so much during their pregnancy, and it was just so swoon-worthy that they were meant for one another.

Despite the difficult topic included in This Memory, it was well written, and the whole storyline, in my opinion, fits this book well. The suspense we saw was well worth it in the end because we were able to see Gavin and Brystol find their way back to each other in a romantic way. Despite this book being emotional at times, I thoroughly enjoyed it and just couldn't wait to put it down until I finished it from beginning to end.

Kelly is one of my top authors. I’ve all the books she’s written, and I will continue to do so since she just has a way of giving us many books with many tropes and plots we all love! I highly recommend This Memory, as well as the rest of the books in the Moose Village series.

[Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Emotionally Charged Stars!!

I’ve been a fan of Kelly Elliott since she published her first book. Through the years she’s taken me on so many journey’s with her characters and I’ve laughed, cried, swooned and everything in between. This book is so beautifully written and is a perfect example of second chances, redemption and falling into a destiny that you never expected.

Brystol and Gavin have known each other for what seems like forever since they both grew up in Moose Village. But talk about opposites. Gavin was the epitome of a high school jock and Brystol was always considered the smart girl, aka the nerd. And just when Brystol thinks things will change, Gavin breaks her heart without even knowing it which results in a true frenemies relationship, sort of. When their best friends ask for one of the greatest gifts possible, Brystol being their surrogate, and for she and Gavin to be the baby’s Godparents, neither one of them knew how this would completely change their lives in so many unexpected ways.

I loved the journey of Brystol and Gavin as they try to heal their broken friendship and healing broken hearts. This man when he loves he loves hard and it’s clear Brystol is the woman he wants to love for the rest of his life. And Brystol, while cautious with her heart, finally listens to what he has to say, and I loved watching them truly falling into a love that will guide the rest of their lives.

There’re a few surprises in this book, especially with Brystol’s pregnancy and what that means not only for her, but their friends Evelyn and Denny. Brystol is so selfless with this one act, and it monumentally affects everything going forward.

The minute I turned the last page of this amazing book, I had so many emotions rolling through my body. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time. I’ve absolutely adored my visit back to Moose Village and I can’t wait to read This Heart!

[Ashly Giner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: Emotional heat, not physical—but still so hot.

This book has it all if you love sweet, small-town romance that’s straight from the heart: healing, found family, friendship-to-love, second chances, and steamy times in between. Brystol and Gavin were high school sweethearts that were torn apart by the kind of heartbreak you can’t just get over in high school, and now their married best friends are asking Brystol to be their surrogate.

You know the stakes are going to be emotional with a premise like that, but this book isn’t just about two people growing a baby. It’s about finding love again and the grace and strength it takes to not just forgive but to show up for one another. I was immediately rooting for Brystol because she was an unflappable powerhouse and such a selfless human being during pregnancy. My heart broke over and over again as Gavin tried to right his wrongs with Brystol.

I went from reading the book like I had just got ten acres of fertile land and wanted to plant every seed, to having to take deep breaths and just sit with the suspense and heartbreak that Kelly Elliott wove in with that sweet and hopeful tenderness that I can only call…soulful reckoning.

There was so much beauty in watching Brystol and Gavin be tested and then bound together and then try to reconcile a huge mistake that happened in high school. It made for expert-level tension because this book layers suspense, grief, and that slow and steady yearning of two people that both are falling for each other and both are afraid to love again. The beauty of this book was that it doesn’t lean on a big third-act betrayal to hit you with an emotional landslide and a beautiful reunion.

The sweet old friends that felt like family because of Moose Village provided such a heartwarming experience. This book is about second chances, and if you like messy and emotional second-chance books that end in redemption, Brystol and Gavin are going straight to your heart.

[Ehva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gavin and Brystol 🥹😍 Ahhhh!!! I could not get enough of these two! Their chemistry, angst, tension, love, selflessness, and bravery have me eating out the palm of their hands 🥹 Thank you so so much, Kelly, for the ARC 🥹❤️

Gavin Quinn 🧎‍♀️ Officer Quinn had me giggling and blushing from the start 🤭 Tall, handsome, intelligent, successful, rich, talented, in love with Brystol since high school, shy, dirty mouth, selfless, loving, protective, and will do anything to support her and prove his love! Gavin has no idea why Brystol suddenly started hating him after an afternoon in high school, and when he realises why, he wants nothing more than to beg for her forgiveness 😩 He's the one person who is there for Brystol completely, when she makes the decision to be a surrogate for their best friends 😍 he can't help falling head over heels for the one woman who absolutely owns his heart!

Brystol Duggan 👑 This Queen had me cackling, crying, and smiling so darn much! Beautiful, sassy, intelligent, selfless, brave, rich, owner of Memory Lane Toys, protective, loving, caring, and in love with Gavin since high school even after he broke her heart. Brystol avoids him and doesn't miss a chance to banter whenever they're in the same room 😌 She drives him up the wall and won't have it any other way. She's approached by Evelyn and Denny to be their surrogate, and after taking some time, she agrees. Her relationship with Gavin changes from friendship and so much more 😌🫦 and she can't fight her attraction when he does everything for her 🥹

The twist had me in shambles, and I could not put them down. I cried, sobbed, giggled, and kicked my feet countless times during this amazing story 🥹 If you haven't started the Moose Village series, you need to asap before the next book! I have been waiting for this couple, and I am so ecstatic 🥹❤️

[Elizabeth Mazzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in Moose Village, and the 2nd one that I have read. You meet Brystol and Gavin. They are no strangers to each other as they were in love with each other in high school. However, one night changed when their date didn’t happen and they hated each other after that.
When their friends Evelyn and Denny ask Brystol to be their surrogate she agrees. With one thing on the side, Gavin. They are asked to the baby’s godparents once the baby is born since they are best friends with the parents. While it started off rocky, things change and their are all in a happy place. Gavin and Brystol finally decide to get together and are enjoying being a couple. While Brystol and Evelyn hit a rocky spot with her being over bearing and cause them to argue. Once they get into a better place and their relationship Evelyn and Denny head off on a shopping trip when tragedy something happens and changes everyone’s lives.
As Brystol and Gavin learn to navigate this new life, they grow so much in their relationship and are ready to welcome their little girl. With letters written to each of them, with their wills rewritten Evelyn and Denny knew They were meant to be together and they were given a huge gift by allowing their friends to be remembered through their daughter.
This was not what I was expecting but it worked very well with the series and really pulls the reader in. While it did take me some time to read this book, it wasn’t that it was a hard read it was just having the time to actually read it. I believe I could have read it much quicker if time allowed. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings and how it will go! I do hope we get to see more of this new family and watch how they raise their little girl while passing along everything about her parents. Keep the tissues handy, you will need them for the last 1/4 of the book 😉.

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Memory made me an emotional wreck because of all the feels . Kelly Elliott did a fantastic job if I was trying not to cry and then laughing through tears at the last part of the story . I was so curious about the hate story between Brystol and Gavin . Brystol always came as the quiet and responsible good girlfriend in that girl group with a sassy side and a little sarcasm sprinkled on top. And it was a no brainer that she did that great gesture for her friends. Gavin was her high school crush turned enemy and a very attractive police officer and she's the only one not swooning over him too obviously. The things between them change after that big ask from their friends. And we finally got to know the story of that hate war . After that truce Gavin received Brystol's full attention and is hit with her charm . What I didn't expected is for Gavin to be so caring and thoughtful of Brystol and putting her needs first. He was always on her side and got her back even to protect her from their friends. And all those small gestures for Brystol. I was swooning big time over a fictional character. I was struggling with that mute point between Gavin and Brystol and Evelyn and Denny and was curious how it'll unfold . Let me just say that I did not expect that plot twist and it hit me hard . That's where I tried not to cry. But after that Brystol and Gavin made me laugh through tears . Those two were perfect together and they had the best examples to follow. They got their own happily ever after and I loved it that they weren't following the traditional order of things. Their relationship was a happily chaotic and they were wise enough to search help when needed. The last few chapters and the epilogue were so sweet and there was that heartwarming moment between Brystol, Gavin and Lily and that's where the story made a full circle to a moment where a dream came true.

Now about the covers for This Heart. They are gorgeous and I can't wait for Liam and Aurora and Winnie.

Thanks to the author and Grey's Promotions for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Samantha Bosnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Elliot, the blurb alone about the book, gave me tears. Thank you for breaking my heart and the boxes of tissues. Wow. If you love enemies to lovers, 2nd chances, surprise pregnancy with a twist, do I have a book for you! This is the 3rd book in the Moose Village Series, and to me, the most emotional one yet.

This is the story of Brystal and Gavin and their best friends Evelyn and Denny.
Brystol and Gavin have known each other forever, and in high school she had such a crush on him, and he as well, they had agreed to meet up one day, but she overheard a conversation and never showed up and hated him since. Kids, I tell ya! Years later, Brystol agreed to be a surrogate to Evelyn and make her and Gavin godparents.

There is so much I would love to say about this book, but I do not want to spoil it for anyone. Gavin and Brystol are great characters, great banter between the two of them. Gavin is perfect, protective, caring, loving, hot, did I say HOT?, a gold retriever/pit bull. And Brystol is a pistol. She is fiery, loving, and so scared of being hurt again by him!

I loved how the emotions and feelings were addressed with being a surrogate. It is such an emotional, mental, and physical journey for one to volunteer to do, that is, selfishness. Kelly wrote that storyline perfect, I laughed, I cried, I yelled, and I cried again.

Then you have Evelyn and Denny, the emotions that are going thru them with the upcoming baby. Evelyn a massive rollercoaster, her heartache of not being able to carry a child, so she had so many mixed emotions, jealousy, worry, wanting to be in control, I could never imagine what any of these characters truly felt.

And just when I thought I could not cry more, I don’t have words. The ending Oh, My.

There are trigger warnings. Please read.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart hurt with this one. Evelyn and Denny have wanted a baby for SO long. Brystol is giving them their wish, but like so many wishes, it isn’t always going to play out exactly as advertised or hoped. Not at all. And Gavin will surprise you also. He’s finally figured out why Brystol can’t stand him and he is so ashamed of his teenage self, but honestly? I think he needed that shame to fully grasp just how much words can hurt. Because now he’s 1000% all in with Brystol, even if the baby she’s carrying isn’t hers, theirs, or his. He’s still all about being with her.

I won’t lie and pretend that Evelyn doesn’t irk me with her…let’s say control-enthusiast tendencies. She’s scared, I know. She’s jealous. She’s got a whirlwind of emotions in her. But she also needs to really listen and absorb it when Brystol, Gavin, and everyone else tells her to back up about forty paces and breathe a little. Because Brystol is going through it, too. And she’s got the addition of those lovely pregnancy hormones driving this bus.

I can’t ruin this, but I CAN say you need tissues. I mean that. Because the bittersweet times are coming, and they hurt so very much at first. Evelyn and Denny are nothing if not planners who know what they want in life, though, and they do make it sting a little less. They also see exactly where Brystol and Gavin are heading, where they’re meant to be, and know how to help them finally get there.

So, yeah. Tissues are a must. For a few reasons. Even with all of the emotions here, I already want more of this town. I need it. And I can’t wait for more to come our way.

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Memory is book 3 in the Moose Village series and features Gavin & Bristol. First let preface you to grab some tissues because this one was an emotional journey for sure. Kelly's books are typically lighthearted so I was not prepared to be so emotional.

Gavin & Bristol have known each other most of their lives. While Bristol was the book worm and Gavin was the popular guy that flirted with everyone. Unbeknownst to them, they each had a crush on the other for years. Until Gavin's actions broke her heart and the only time they spoke was to throw barbs at each other. When their mutual best friends ask Bristol for a MASSIVE favor, to be their surrogate. They are thrown back into each others path more than ever.

Maybe its the IVF Mama in me but this storyline hooked me deep and I was so invested in it. Being a surrogate for your best friend is an incredibly selfless thing to do, however it definitely has it challenges as they experienced. Through it all, Bristol learned that she could rely on Gavin for support and that he was exactly what she needed. Once the truth of the past is out in the open, they also decide to give their chemistry a go.

The plot twist in this story was not one that I anticipated at all. Kelly took an incredibly difficult topic and made the result beautiful. There were definitely plenty of tears shed but through it all she reminds you that while some things in life aren't fair, you can still wind up exactly where you are meant to be. The epilogue was absolutely perfect ad everything I needed as a reader.

I am so in love with this series and I cannot wait for the next one.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enemies to lovers, second chance romance in a small town features two amazing main characters that make me laugh out loud, applaud them and empathize with them when their lives take a tragic turn. There is also a wonderful cast of supporting characters that bring depth, humour and warmth to this story. Brystol and Gavin crushed on each other in high school until a thoughtless incident she witnessed broke her heart. In the years since then, they have mostly been civil when they encounter each other, which now happens more often since their best friends got married. Yet, sometimes those encounters develop into snarky, passive aggressive behaviour. Neither has ever admitted that they still harbour a crush on the other.

Everything starts to change when their best friends ask Brystol for a huge life- changing favour and she generously agrees. His concern and unexpected need to protect her leads him to try once again to be Brystol’s friend, as he wants to support her on this very emotional surrogacy journey. After revisiting the incident that caused a wedge between them and clearing the air, they agree to be friends. Brystol welcomes Gavin’s support in navigating the changing relationship with their friends. Their own relationship evolves from frenemies to lovers quite quickly with all those old feelings resurfacing, leading to some very steamy interludes. When the unimaginable happens, Gavin and Brystol have each other to lean on in the face of a future that is now much different than the one they imagined.

This funny, poignant and heartwarming book has my full recommendation.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we step back into Moose Falls Village for the third time with This Memory by Kelly Elliott, I’m once again reminded why this series holds such a special place in my heart. Writing a review that can truly capture the depth of this story feels almost impossible—because this isn’t just a book, it’s a feeling. It’s an experience.

This series has quickly become one of the most emotionally gripping I’ve read in years. With two deeply moving books behind me, I didn’t think there were any more tears left to cry—but somehow, Kelly Elliott reaches even deeper, pulling emotions from places I didn’t even know existed. And I know this is just the beginning… this series is going to leave lasting marks on my heart, one story at a time.

Let’s make it clear: this is a 5⭐+ read.
So do yourself a favour—lock the door, hang the Do Not Disturb sign, order in the comfort food, and grab a whole crate of tissues. Because This Memory will leave you raw, full, and completely wrecked in the most beautiful way.

Brystol, the owner of her family-run toy shop, is no longer the nerdy girl who once admired Gavin from afar. She’s grown into a confident, kind, and quietly strong woman—but the past still lingers. Gavin, now a respected local law enforcement officer, has known Brystol since childhood. When they were eighteen, it seemed like the moment they’d waited for had finally arrived… but life had other plans, and their chance slipped away.

Now, ten years later, they’re living in the same town, sharing mutual friends, and walking that fine line between friendship and something more. And then everything shifts—Brystol selflessly agrees to become a surrogate for their best friends, and this is where Kelly Elliott’s storytelling magic begins to unfold.

She doesn’t just tell a love story—she takes you on an emotional journey through grief, sacrifice, healing, and rediscovery. The emotional weight of surrogacy, the unspoken feelings between Brystol and Gavin, the vulnerability in every shared look, every misstep, every moment of closeness—it’s all written with such breathtaking tenderness and honesty, you feel every word. Your heart will break, rebuild, and fall in love right alongside them.

Gavin is the ultimate swoon-worthy book boyfriend—steady, patient, and deeply loving. Together, they light up the page with a connection that feels both timeless and hard-won. Add in the warmth of their community, the support of friends and family, and those unexpected moments of levity that make you smile through tears—and you have a story that’s nothing short of unforgettable.

**This Memory is exactly that—**a story that becomes a part of you, a memory you’ll return to long after the final page.

[Anna ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC REVIEW✨
Release date: August 19, 2025
Rating: 4 ☆
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️

Thank you Kelly Elliott for the ARC!

Brystol: I’ve been in love with Gavin since high school. He broke my heart back then, something I’m not keen to forget, which makes our current situation challenging. Our best friends are married, and we’re constantly thrown together because of that connection. When those same friends ask me for a favor, one that is life-changing for all of us, I don’t even question how close it will bring me to Gavin. I simply say yes.

Gavin: I’m not sure what I did to turn Brystol against me, but whatever it was, I’m ready to make amends. I might even tell her that she was all I could see back in high school. When our best friends ask Brystol to be their surrogate, I have mixed feelings, to say the least. Nothing will keep me from supporting her in every way possible because among those feelings are admiration and love for the kind girl I used to know…and even more for the woman she’s become.

I am in love with the surprise pregnancy trope as we all know, but I’ve never read one that had to do with surrogacy! Kelly did a phenomenal job with this story, and these tropes. I loved watching Brystol and Gavin come together during the surrogacy. There were so many moments where I laughed so hard, especially when it came to Brystol’s pregnancy cravings (bacon and pickles? Iykyk). Also, I did not see that plot twist coming at all, and it made me cry… but I won’t spoil anything.

Tropes:
•first responder
•second chance
•small town
•he falls first
•enemies to lovers
•surprise pregnancy