If I Can't Have You

Trickle Creek #2

by Elena Aitken

He chose his career. She settled for ‘just friends’. Now he’s back, and everything’s changed. Except her feelings.


Charli Carlson’s never been good enough. Not for her family, Not for herself. And definitely not for her best friend whom she’s been desperately in love with since they were kids. But that hasn’t been an issue since he left their small mountain town years ago to pursue his career.

Two-time Olympic medalist, Symon Scott is back in Trickle Creek to nurse his wounds and get his head straight after an injury sidelined his career. He walked away from his best friend and his town once. But now he’s back and it doesn’t take long before Symon starts to notice Charli in an entirely different way.

Soon, it’s not just his career that’s on the line, but his heart, too.

Being with Symon after all this time feels right. But before she can give herself over to it, Charli still needs to prove to him, her family and most importantly, to herself, that not only is she deserving of a happily ever after, she has what it takes to achieve it.

But when push comes to shove and with everything on the line, will Symon choose her this time? Or once again, will he leave her in the cold?

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Sports Romance, Romance

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2023

About the author

Elena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.

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

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story featuring likable characters with second chances at love and life choices.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Can't Have You by Elena Aitken, book two in her Trickle Creek series featuring the Carlson siblings, is an amazing second chance story featuring Charlie Carlson and her best friend Symon Scott. Another special assignment, from their father’s will, is given to the Carlson children; this time it’s Charli's turn. She is assigned the task of creating and running a successful business all on her own; which pushes her totally out of her comfort zone. As she struggles with this, her childhood best friend, Symon returns to Trickle Creek, to visit his Gran and try and overcome his own demons after being injured in a horrible skiing accident. Charli is excited to see him, but feels cautious at the same time, as he left her years before to pursue is skiing dream. As they both try to work through their own challenges their relationship develops into more than just a friendship. Both of them must overcome their self-doubts, and while they both feel positive about being together, their old insecurities arise, making them question everything. They will need to prove to themselves that they are worthy and capable, despite their fears and doubts, before they can build a future together.

Ms. Aitken wrote a wonderful and amazing story that is not to be missed, Filled with magnetic attraction, sizzling chemistry, clever banter, and endearing characters supporting and cheering Charli and Symon on as they overcame their demons. I totally enjoyed and highly recommend If I Can't Have You to other readers and look forward to the next story in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the small town of Trickle Creek where we first meet the Carlson siblings. After their father’s Each one is required to fulfill a stipulation for the next part of his will to be released and to keep the company within the family.
Charli, the oldest daughter, has always felt she’s not inadequate, especially in comparison to her siblings. Charli has loved her best friend and childhood friend Symon Scott.

They were inseparable most of their lives and on their high school graduation night she kissed him. Instead of embracing the kiss and a future, Symon left the next day without a word, in order to pursue his skiing career.

Fast forward Symon is back in town after an injury that he’s keeping close to his heart and it’s causing him to be fearful of skiing again.
Meanwhile, Charli has a challenge of her own with her deceased father’s will.

Charli and Symones relationship begins to blossom, and things seem to be going their way until the chance to go back to competitive skiing will make Symon choose between Charli and his career.

As always Elena Aitken’s never disappoints and has you rushing to turn each page and embrace the love and family within the stories. I highly recommend this book and any book from Elena to everyone I know.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Can't Have You is the 2nd book in the Trickle Creek series about the Carlson siblings. Charlie's story is a second-chance-at-love with her best friend romance and it's got all the emotions and feelings I've come to expect from this author. I laughed, I cried and I cheered both Charlie and Sy on until they both conquered their individual demons. There are great glimpses of all the family, new characters I'd love to read more about, steamy sexy times and a wonderful and well-deserved HEA.
I count myself lucky to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time it is Charli's turn to complete a challenge set in the will of her dead father. He sets her the task of creating and running a successful business all on her own. As she struggles with this, her childhood best friend, Symon returns to Trickle Creek, to visit his Gran and try and overcome his own demons. Charli is thrilled to see him but wary at the same time as he left her years before to pursue is skiing dream. As they both try to work through their own challenges their relationship develops into more than just a friendship. However, finding a way to have a future together is very problematic. Read an ARC for an honest review.

[Linda Zelinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very beautiful and joyful read. A story about two friends who reconnect and help each other to find their dreams. Beautiful told and you can’t help but feel the love in this read. Great job Elena.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A*R*C for honest review with no compensation

If I Can't Have You: A Small Town Friends to Lovers Romance is book 2 in theTrickle Creek series by Elena Aitken in this friends to lovers romance.

Charli Carlson is up next in the reading of her father’s will..she must go out side her comfort zone and prove she IS GOOD ENOUGH…

Simon Scott has come back home after an injury skiing, rehab is completed but his mind won’t let go..

These two were best friends but life changed direction for them but now Simon and Charli reconnect on so many levels, hope, understanding, growing a business, overcome obstacles and so much more….a HEA?

[Theresa Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Elena Aitken's new series that is continuing about siblings meeting their one and onlys. Charli and Symon have known each other since they were kids and have been great friends. They split ways after graduating high school but never forgot each other. Symon comes back to town and realizes pretty quickly that he has feelings for Charlie and vice versa. Charli has a lot on her plate and you have to admire her for her strength and determination. I received an ARC of this book from the author and am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charli and Symon are the best of friends and everything I love about friends to lovers... I love him, I love her but I'm afraid of ruining our friendship forever back and forth that sucks me in every time.

There's a bit of angst on both sides of this couple but Charli broke my heart. I loved how this family came together to support each other through the next task of their father's will. I'm really excited to visit Trickle Creek to what craziness comes up next.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overcoming self-doubt in a delightful way.
I’m really enjoying this new series from Elena Aitken set in Trickle Creek. While you don’t have to, you should read Book One first before diving into Charli and Symon’s story.
After the patriarch of the Carlson family dies, it seems the family getting their inheritance has some caveats in place and this time Charli needs to go into business and double her investment. A task she feels is totally beyond her capabilities. Added to that stress, is the return of her best friend, the boy she has loved since they were kids, the one who left her to pursue his dreams of Olympic Gold.
Ms Aitken writes in such a heartwarming way. We get to experience all of Charli’s ups and downs and insecurities, the love she feels for Symon, and her lack of faith in herself to pull off this business task despite the advice and support from family and friends.
As for Symon, we get a first hand look at the mental hurdles he feels are insurmountable and the anxiety getting back on the mountain after an accident causes.
While both of them struggle with their self-doubts, Ms Aitken takes us on a ride that is peppered with bright, sparkling banter, plenty of steam, and an engaging cast of secondary characters.
I enjoyed this a lot and look forward to the next in the series.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Trickle Creek and the Carlson siblings. Their father’s will has them all in town and little by little, each one will be getting a decree they need to follow in order to keep the company within the family.
Charli, the oldest daughter, has always felt she’s not good enough, especially compared to her siblings. She believed she wasn’t even good enough for her best friend Symon Scott. They were inseparable most of their lives and on their HS graduation night she kissed him. Instead of embracing the kiss and a future, Symon left the next day without a word, in order to pursue his skiing career.
Years later, Symon is back in town after an injury that unbeknown to most, has him fearful of skiing. Meanwhile, Charli has a challenge of her own with her deceased father’s decree.
The relationship blossoms, and things seem to be going their way until the chance to go back to competitive skiing will make Symon choose between Charli and his career.
While the plot was engaging and the characters likable, the story is more than that. It’s a story about believing in oneself and realizing one is worthy of love and success. It’s a story about hope and overcoming self doubts.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Jimnlori · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I Can't Have You by Elena Aitken is the second book in her new Trickle Creek series. It is a definite must read if you love contemporary romances set in small towns and that revolve around family.
Symon Scott is back in Trickle Creek after suffering an injury that has put his career on hold. Now that he is back in town all of those old feelings that he had for his best friend Charli are coming back, but the way he left town years ago has made their relationship just a little bit strained.
Charli never thought that she and Symon would get a chance at a HEA when he left town years ago to go after his career and it seemed like he was never looking back while he was doing it. Now that he's back in town maybe they have a chance, but she has so much to prove, not just to herself, but to her family and Symon also. While she is doing everything she can to achieve her HEA, Symon might be choosing his career again and leaving her just like he did all of those years ago.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books in this series in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! It starts out with two lifelong friends (Charli and Symon) who need to figure out that they mean more to each other than either of them thinks. But it is so much more... They have a back story, of course, from when they were teens. But, in the here and now, they are (individually) both going thru some big life events – Charli’s is from the overall family story arc. She is having a crisis of faith, in herself. She is such a sweetie but she needs to start believing in herself before she can move forward. And Symon is trying to come back from a career sports injury, one where he has defined himself from years ago - his own crisis of faith. These two together are adorable, and when they realize they can rely on one another? They are perfect, together! It is so very special when they get to their HEA.

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Charli and Symon are pushed out of their very different comfort zones.

Symon feels a clock ticking down on his recovery from a horrible skiing accident. He must work on himself to return to competitively skiing and to rejoining his Canadian freestyle ski team or he will lose his spot.

Charli has been given an ultimatum that pushes her out of her comfortable lifestyle she has adopted for herself.

Both must overcome their self-doubts, and while they both feel positive about being together, their old insecurities creep in.

Can they prove to themselves that they are worthy and capable? Only then can they build a future together.

A sweet story!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t tend to like second chance romances (which this kind of is) but I always love Elena’s writing, no matter the trope, and this was no exception. Elena crafts such an enjoyable read, the characters really come to life making you wish they were real so that you might know them! Charli and Symon were adorable together. I really felt for Charli at times, she thinks so little of herself - unfairly so. There’s a scene towards the end that had me in tears, it was so lovely. Highly recommended as always.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your turn…are we sensing a theme. A will with tasks that must be completed before the inheritance is realized. The appearance of a best friend who left years ago without a word. A fear so great it may overshadow a lifelong dream. A secret that has never been shared and the shame that is tucked away with it. The challenge that seems impossible and a self imposed deadline that makes that impossibility almost a certain reality. All with the magic of fairies and childhood spells to conjure the mystical forces.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Olympic win. This is the second story in the series. Charli and Symon were childhood friends who each had a crush on one another. Symon comes back to Trickle Creek because of a sking accident to get his head back into the game. He bumps into Charli, and they discover the passion and love that they ignored all these years. What a pleasure to read. I can not what for the next siblings story.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charli and Symon have been best friends forever, each battling their own personal demons. After Symon left without a word after their first kiss, Charli was sure they were destined to only be friends; after he left without a word, Symon thought he’d missed his chance. When her dad’s Will pushes her way out of her comfort zone, they each find the support they need to believe again. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loving this new series and the whole thing around the fathers will conditions for each child. This is the second story and is about sweet always helpful Charli who sees herself as a failure. Not only will she realise her passion but she'll have a second chance at the love of her life. I adored this and read it in one sitting.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as arc reader. Thank you Elena Aitken for a great book.

Charli & Symon were best friends growing up. Symon is back in Trickle Creek from a skiing accident. Charli needs to fulfill part 2 in her fathers will. Both lack confidence in themselves but have confidence in each other. Their friendship and love for each other makes them believe in themselves.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and strong characters. Discover their strengths and weaknesses as the romance unfolds.
Best friends since childhood, Symon left to pursue his career, returning as and Olymic medallist x2. Charli has never believed she is good enough for anyone or anything. Constantly feels she has to prove herself. Second chance opportunity.

[Ric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charli and Symon are adorable!! I didn’t know what to expect but the way Ms. Elena Aitken has developed the characters and the storyline, I am floored. I couldn’t put it down. The stiff dreams are made of! Must read. Please do read!

[Sarah Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3rd perso

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Carlson siblings gather to hear the second part of their father's will only to discover that there is a task for Charli to complete. As luck would have it Charli's best friend Symon Scott just happens to be in town while he tries to recover from a skiing accident. Charli has lots of insecurities, she thinks she is smart enough to run a business, she isn't good enough for Symon, etc. but as the story unfolds she finds that she is good enough and she finds that she and Symon make a great team. Another great story in the Trickle Creek series and I can't wait to see the next task.

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charli Carlson never thought she was smart enough. Not when she graduated high school, not now 15 years later. Her father recently passed away and in dividing his property, he designated a section of his will to be read every 6 months where one of his children is assigned a task. When Charli was recently tasked to create a successful business in the 2nd reading of her father’s will, she was ready to give up. Only she couldn’t… if she did, she and her siblings would be left with nothing…
Symon Scott, Team Canada’s top skier and hometown boy crashed on his last major competition and has been afraid to jump back on the slopes since then. He has been sent home to Trickle Creek to get his head on straight which he is eventually able to do with the help of his friends.
While there, he and Charli have reconnected and are starting to realize how much they mean to each other. Only problem is, Symon left Charli behind 15 years ago. Will she accept that Sy will stay by her side now while that the stakes are high and she feels like she is letting her family down. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sue Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confidence requires friends

Two childhood friends, both wanting more but unable to admit it, struggle with lack of confidence. The athlete has become terrified of continuing his sport after a devastating injury. The talented and creative gardener is convinced she's stupid and unreliable. Their belief in each other leads to new found confidence and understanding that having or needing a supportive team is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it is a blessing. These are two of the older characters in the series, but a good reminder that there is no universal timeline for growing in maturity. An enjoyable read, even if the mom in me wanted to shake some sense into them from time to time.

[Maryann Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved ir two childhood friends realize they feel more for each other than friendship and they both help each their reach their life's

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.