He’s not looking for love, but she’s the sunshine to his grump and six months is a long time to deny his desire.
Chase never fit in with his big tight-knit family. Always on the outside looking in, as soon as he could, he left small-town life—and his family—behind.
Now, a clause in his father’s will has forced him home for
Six. Long. Months.
Sunshiny and oh-so-sexy, Annie is just the distraction that Chase needs until he can put his hometown in the rearview for good. The last thing he expects is to develop any actual feelings for her, or the young boy she’s raising, but the longer Chase stays in town, the more attached he becomes.
All too soon, time is running out, the stakes are high, and Chase can’t decide what’s more dangerous. Leaving for good. Or staying.
Elena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.
no chem banter nonexistent lowkey very awkward zero connection felt incredibly forced LITERALLY everything just pissed me off, so yeah…this was a waste of my time
also the way they call each other “brother…” I don’t know it just weirds me out like: “how are you doing, brother” “we have missed you, brother” “oh shut up, brother” like it’s weird and very off putting
The MMC's beloved mother died when he was 12, and he immediately became estranged from his stepfather. So much so that he demanded to be sent away to boarding school. The stepfather agreed and, in the process, the MMC became alienated from his younger full-sister and several half-siblings. He is currently around 33 years old and has not been home to visit since he was 18.
Frustratingly, it is never made clear why the MMC is so convinced that his stepfather hated him, because there is a great deal of information about the stepfather's personality that presents him as a warm and caring human being. In addition, inexplicably, there has never been any attempt on the part of either the MMC or the now deceased stepfather to breach the divide between them.
The MMC returns home when the stepfather suddenly dies. After the funeral, there is a reading of a bizarre will that we are informed the stepfather did not do randomly. He spent a lot of time planning this will and making sure it is ironclad and cannot be broken. The terms of the will are that the MMC must live in the big mansion of the stepfather for six months and get involved in a local charity or all of the rich stepfather's substantial estate will be given away to several different charities. This plot point makes very little sense. First, that the stepfather would do this to his other children, making their inheritance subject to the unpredictable whims of the stepson he has not seen for 15 years. Second, that the MMC gives in within about 5 minutes to this crazy will by declaring to himself that there is nothing he wouldn't do for his siblings. Really? These are the same siblings that he has avoided for 15 years.
There is a popular trope in this novel that quite a few people enjoy. An MC, whether an FMC or an MMC, left the small town where they resided during their childhood and teen years, with no intention of ever living there again. However, unexpected circumstances bring them back, and they come to accept, as they never did before, how absolutely fantastic their Hallmark version of a hometown is. And of course, because this is a romance, they find true love.
I am not personally a fan of small town romance in general, because I was raised in a series of small towns in the Midwest, and these sentimental stories are so far from reality, I struggle to suspend disbelief. I'm also not particularly drawn to the trope, "the wanderer returns." What caused me to give this story a try were two factors: First, the book was on sale for free, and, secondly, the FMC and MMC are heavily involved in nurturing the FMC's 7-year-old nephew, who has been abandoned by his mother. I am quite fond of that particular trope.
Well, the little boy is definitely cute, and the FMC and MMC caring for him definitely makes them sympathetic. But unfortunately, this was not enough to overcome major flaws within the execution of the weird-will premise. Everything just fell in place too easily for the MMC to overcome the dual negative motivations of his resistance to relationships with his family and to ever living again in his hometown.
Finally, and this is just me, but the name Trickle Creek really turned me off. It struck me as a really ugly name that did not endear me any further to the whole small-town concept.
This writer just must not be for me. I couldn't stand the juvenile avoidance of rational discussion by ALL of the characters, and most of all blaming a 12 year old for grieving the death of his mother and feeling unwanted.
This story is a wonderful start to a promising series about the Carlson siblings. Chase Carlson is back in town for his father’s funeral after years of being estranged from his family. The unexpected stipulations of his father’s will is forcing Chase to stay in TIckle Creek for six months. What he never expected was to meet Annie Darling. She’s a young woman struggling to keep a roof over her head and the nephew she is caring for. Even in her struggles, she shows him the importance of family. Will these months bring the Carlson siblings back together or will it be too late? Will Annie, and Chase find their HEA or will the past and present problems keep them apart? The plot was engaging, touching and the characters perfect in their imperfections. I am looking forward to the next story in the series. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
A brilliant start to a new series. Never Let Me Go introduces us to the Carlson siblings of Trickle Creek. But this book is about Chase, the oldest sibling, and his relationships with his late father, his siblings, Annie, and her nephew Grady. We are introduced to many characters in this book which Ms Aitken handles within the narrative with ease without ever losing focus in our main characters Chase and his love interest Annie, and these two you will just love! Through her writing Ms. Aitken made me care about Chase and become invested in his story, his difficulties with his family, his deep-seated hurt and anger and the growth arc he goes through to open his heart, to feel accepted; his growing relationship with Annie and his important mentoring and big buddy role with Grady contributing so much to that. The writing is emotional and profound producing a heartwarming small-town story that is so much more than the romance between Chase and Annie. I enjoyed the time I spent in Trickle Creek with the Carlson family and eagerly wait for the next visit.
Sweet story of a man who never felt he could fit in with his family and a woman who is desperately trying to create a stable family environment for her young nephew! In one sense, it is an interesting dichotomy.
While Chase is blindsided by a clause in his father’s will which requires he stay in “the big house” his father owned, for six months or forfeit the proceeds of the will to charity, Annie is struggling to create a stable home environment for her sister’s son, whom she has (once again) left with Annie. Annie loves her nephew like he is her own child but making ends meet and giving up her own dreams is difficult.
Watching how they both deal with what life has thrown their way, plus, of course, the romance that ensues between them, is, at times, heart wrenching. Annie is a very caring, giving person. Chase, at times, is closed off and has issues of his own to address. Their story is a wonderful balance between coming to terms with your past and hope for a future!
Never Let Me Go is a great start to a new series about the Carlson siblings of Trickle Creek. Both Chase and Annie are wonderful characters, each with their own issues that have kept them from romantic relationships but with very caring natures. When circumstances bring them together, they have to run the gamut of emotions before finding their well-deserved HEA. Besides Chase's siblings, there are a number of interesting side characters who add considerably to the emotional side of this highly entertaining story. Throw in explosive chemistry leading to seriously steamy and spicy encounters and you have another book the keeper shelf! I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book and am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.
This is a great beginning to what looks like an interesting story that will continue into a series about siblings meeting their one and onlys. Chase and Annie meet and it's apparent they belong together. Chase just needs to get past his differences with his family and realize what he has before it's too late. Annie has a lot on her plate and you have to admire her for her strength and love for her nephew that she treats as her own. I received an ARC of this book from the author and am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.
I’ve read all of this author’s books, and loved them, but this one is just so special. Chase Carlson and Annie Darling are both dealing with horrendous family...drama...but they are both warm and wonderful people. They spend most of the book helping each other deal with (the other’s) life and never figure out how close they are getting to each other. And Grady, Annie’s nephew. Sometimes the only thing I can think to say is: out of the mouths of babes. He is the light of Annie’s life, he is a spark to Chase’s long-buried spirit, and he is the reason; you’ll have to read how and why that is by reading this story. This book is heartwarming, heartfelt, heart-wrenching...all the hearts! I believe that Chase and Annie are my new favorite couple of the year. Loved it!
What a fabulous start to a new series. I'm loving the new family of siblings and the circumstances of a will forcing Chase to stay and deal with his family. Annie is a great match for him and has her own family issues to sort out. This story also packs some romance and some heat!
The chemistry was lacking, I could not connect to the characters. Can't even comprehend how one oh Chase's brothers was angry for wanting to leave town because he was grieving his mother's passing. Like, he was 12! oh well, this was underwhelming.
somehow, the flow after the blowout with his siblings just feels a wee bit off.
kind of hard to explain, but it's kind of like the hero lost his job (didn't get the feeling he is upset or whatever about losing it, which is odd), then suddenly realise his misunderstood his stepdad yada yada, and decided he is gonna stay in his hometown. a little too "logical" maybe??
Elena Aitken has done it again. I absolutely loved Never Let Me Go; it is an incredible love story. It is the first book in her new Trickle Creek series. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Elena Aitken has once again proven that she in an amazing storyteller and has once again provided her readers with amazing characters. Elena Aitken definitely did not disappoint her readers with Never Let Me Go and has once again delivered an incredible story filled with everything that I love in her love stories. Who does not love hot sexy men, who make you swoon, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another, and wonderful characters? I loved meeting the Carlson siblings. I love how Elena Aitken always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy men. I am not sure how she does it, but Elena Aitken has once again given her readers another amazing book. I love all the characters in Never Let Me Go, they feel like family! Never Let Me Go is an incredible love story, that is filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions and it was impossible to put it down, and I loved every moment on every page. I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. Never Let Me Go is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, and with so much emotion. It is filled with all those things that I have come to love and expect in a love story, Elena Aitken did not disappoint, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Never Let Me Go is about Chase Carlson, business consultant and analyst and Annie Darling, server at the Bean Bag cafe. Chase returned to Trickle Creek for the funeral of his step-father, Michael. It is the first time that he has returned to Trickle Creek in years. Annie and Chase meet when Chase enters the Bean Bag for a cup of following the funeral and ends up refilling the other customers’ coffee cups since Annie was busy and hints at a date before he leaves. Chase then heads to the Carlson “big house” for the reading of his father’s will. As a stipulation of his father’s will, Chase must remain in Trickle Creek for the next six months, at that time part two of the will revealed. Chase has been estranged with his siblings but is willing to stay in Trickle Creek for them and their inheritance. If Chase does not remain in Trickle Creek, Michael’s entire estate will be donated to charity. The following day they meet up again as Chase has been assigned as the Best Buddy to Annie’s seven-year-old nephew, Grady at the Community Center. As Annie and Chase spend time together, Annie is initially wary of pursuing a relationship with him, since she knows that he only needs to be in Trickle Creek for six months, things change between them. The more time they spend together, the more they realize they each still have feelings for one another. An unexpected plot twist changes things between Chase, his siblings and Annie. I especially love when both Chase and Annie get real with their true feelings for one another and how Chase opens up to Annie in the emotionally charged dialogue that transpires between the two of them. My favorite of Never Let Me Go is the letter that Michael wrote to Chase that he left with his assistant that Chase asked Annie to read to him. Make sure you have your Kleenex nearby. I love Annie’s relationship with Chase’s siblings and Annie’s and Chase’s relationship with Grady and how they always have one another’s backs and support one another. I love all the changes that Annie and Chase make in their lives to have a life with one another. I love Annie and Chase’s love story and the descriptions of the Trickle Creek setting. I loved Chase’s proposal and when it took place, and how he asked Grady for his permission. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Never Let Me Go, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoy all the interactions among the Carlson siblings, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I thoroughly enjoyed Never Let Me Go, who does not love a small town love story? Highly recommend this incredible love story and am so looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Another favorite part was the bonus Christmas Eve scene available for download from Elena Aitken’s website.
I’m already addicted to the Carlson Family and all their siblings. Chase Carlson , oldest son to Michael, who left Trickle Creek years ago due to a complicated relationship with his father now lives in the city and pursuing his own career as a consultant. Following his father’s death, he’s called back home for the reading of his will. Michael was a family man and believed in keeping his family together and that’s why he has very specific instructions in his will that affect Chase directly as well as all his children. As the first condition to his will, Chase is to live in Trickle Creek , in the main house for the next six months and reconnect with his siblings. This is extremely hard for Chase as he has always felt unloved and unwelcome especially after losing his mother. This a very emotional book, filled with grief, remorse, and guilt . Chase has a second chance to make things right and learn the truth behind his father’s actions. He’s also not prepared for the emotions he feels when Annie Darling enters his life. A very recommended reading !
I liked this cute story but I am always mad when a book ends and leaves me with unanswered questions. I know that Chase learnt what was the whole deal with his dad's will about but I still wanted to know what was the second part of the will! There was supposed to be another hearing. Also, I like when the epilogue shows the characters more into the future. If you're going to talk about what happens 5 days later, just write another chapter! Use the epilogue to show us the wedding, the new relationship of Grady with his mother, Chase in a new job, maybe working with his brother Asher in their Dad's business, show us what happened months or even years after the story ended. And the bonus scene also didn't do much for me, since it was almost right after the epilogue. No big deal at all. So, it could have been an easy 5 star book, but because of those details, I'll stick to 4.
Complications on both sides and unexpected circumstances and announcements. Chase has to return home following the death of his step father, his presence being required to be at the reading of the will immediately after the funeral. Relationships have been distant over the years with the family, instigated by him. The terms of the will are unexpected and the outcome rests firmly on Chase's decision to comply. Annie is working two jobs in order to keep her head above water, caring for her nephew in the absence of his mother, her unstable sister who has again left to pursue her own needs. Whilst Chase and Annie start their relationship, the qustion of it being short term hangs over. In addition, they each have other things to think about and the relationship with their respective siblings certainly need addressing. Reaching their HEA certainly is not straightforward.
A*R*C for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars
Never Let Me Go is book 1 in the Trickle Creek series by Elena Aitken and a fabulous start to a new series.
Chase Carlson comes home to Trickle Creek for the funeral of his step-father after 15 years to find out the will demands he stay in town for 6 months or else his siblings will lose out to charity.
Annie Darling, helping to raise her nephew when her older sister takes off, working two jobs and puts her life on the back burner..
What happens when these two cross paths? Will Chase’s past keep him from finding where he truly belongs and will Annie show him what it means to never let go? Read on to see where it all ends….
So many feels to this story. Chase thought he was always the outcast, the one who didn't fit in. Annie has taken on the role of mother to Grady, not just Auntie. When these two meet again years later sparks fly and there is a definite connection between the two. Will he stick around and really give them a chance, or will past hurts and misunderstandings prevent him from having the love - of a woman AND his family - that he's always wanted, but didn't think he could have. There were moments that had me laughing out loud, and others that left me reaching for a tissue. An emotional start to the new series.
I have read so many of Elena's books and this is will leave you in suspense.
"Kiss me senseless and never let me go."
Here are good words of advice from the book:
"Don't waste love. Don't waste the possibility of love. Life is too short, and when we find something or someone to wrap your arms around, don't waste it."
We did find out what else was in the will. We can assume that will come up in the next book: If I Can't Have You - Trickle Creek Book 2 with Charli Carlson and Symon Scott, Chase's one time best friend. Kindle price of $4.99
I hope to see Annie and Chase get married and get custody of Grady. I guess we will see.
indefinibile premetto che sempre in unlimited avevo preso il primo di un'altra serie di quest'autrice e dopo poche pagine lo avevo restituito, perchè oltre agli innumerevoli errori di traduzione la storia era senza un filo narrativo, questo non è che sia andata meglio............. il protagonista non si capisce fino a oltre la metà e in modo lacunoso perchè effettivamente sia andato via, e così tutte le sue scelte, oltre al fatto che la protagonista inizia bene e poi diventa una specie di as@@@ con lui che peccato................oltre agli errori/orrori di tempi verbali e lessico, poi ambientato in canada poteva essere davvero carino tre stelle anche troppo
Chase is forced to return home and stay for six months after his step-father dies. He felt unloved and like he didn't belong most of his life and now there are hard feelings between him and his siblings. Having to stay becomes easier for him when he meets Annie and there is an instant attraction.
This is a good story about love and acceptance, however it felt like some steps were missed in resolving feelings near the end of the story. One of his brothers went from fighting him to accepting him without much of a conversation. After so much angst, more time should have been spent on the resolution of the issues however I liked the ending and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an advance reader copy and this is my honest review.
I always enjoy Elena's writing and this was no exception. The romance between Chase and Annie was lovely - pretty steamy in places too! I also loved both their relationships with Annie's nephew too. There were all the things I hope for in a romance, as I've come to expect from one of Elena's books - she's a very skilled storyteller. I enjoyed the secondary characters, though I felt that some were perhaps unfair to Chase but I won't spoil the story for you. I look forward to the rest of the series and getting to know everyone in Trickle Creek.
I love it when this author gives us another series to fall in love with. Never Let Me Go is centered around Chase and Annie. They are perfect for each other, with Annie bringing the sunshine to the grumpy Chase. I won’t leave any spoilers but I will say I loved reading how their story unfolded. I can’t wait to read the future books in this series and learn more about the Carlson siblings. If you enjoy small town romance, I highly recommend this new series.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
ABSOLUTELY! Don't let a little clause in daddy's will make you want to go. Instead let the sunshine in. Chase needs Annie and not just as a distraction. Ms. Aitken's is an amazing storyteller with well-rounded characters and storylines, and this is another keeper to add to your library. Her description of the story is perfect, so there's no need to recap and I don't want to inadvertently leave a spoiler. There's no cheating, or cliffhanger and you get the beginning of a happy ever after. Enjoy! As an ARC reader, this is my honest opinion.
What a wonderful start to a new family series! The Carlson siblings are at a loss when their father passes away. This novel starts with Chase, the oldest sibling. Misunderstandings, hurt, loss, confusion, anger are just some of the emotions Chase and his siblings must work through and understand why their father did what he did. Finding love along the way is needed for Chase and for his other siblings to see love, and understand. Give this series a read. An excellent start to a n amazing series!
This is the first book in a series that I started out of order, but I liked learning about Chase as a kind of back story to the one I started with. We all know that families can be complicated. This story helps to show that family love can run deep, even with miscommunication, resentment, grief, and unknown illness. Family, and family love, is not constrained by biology, and there's always room to include others. A very sweet story of growth and redemption.