Release Me

Badger Creek Duet #3

by Claire Raye

Release Me is book one of Ethan and Zoey’s duet and book three in the Badger Creek Duet Series. A two-part, angst-filled, age gap new adult romance. Release Me must be read before Release Me Not in order to enjoy the full story.

Finding a boyfriend is nearly impossible for Zoey Holden. As ski village royalty and heir to the Holden Winter Gear fortune, most guys are only after one thing and it’s not her heart. Reluctant to let anyone get too close, she throws herself into her new job at Badger Creek.

And then there’s Ethan Morrison. The gorgeous but reclusive owner of the Badger Creek Lodge, he keeps women at bay, worried they’re only after his money and the lifestyle that it could afford them. That is until he meets Zoey, the newest employee he’s been given to mentor.

Despite knowing they shouldn’t, neither can’t resist giving in to their obvious attraction to each other. But when their secret relationship is revealed, it puts both of their lives at risk.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2023

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Claire Raye are a BFF writing duo that love to drink wine, eat cheese and write about strong, sassy women and the men who love them.

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Reviews

[Cindy thismomreadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am beyond excited that this book is finally here. Not only does it have some great tropes, I was completely intrigued by the mystery that is Ethan Morrison from the little tease we had of him at the end of book two.

Ethan will make you melt! He is adorable and smart but so protective over Zoey (in the best way)! He had the best inner thoughts too; but is at war with himself over his feelings and wanting to be appropriate. Zoey is so much fun! Hardworking, determined, strong, so down to earth and pretty funny.
The attraction, connection, comfort and ease between these two is fantastic, lets also give a shout out to the tension and secret wanting/longing between them!
These authors give us characters you easily fall in love with and have wonderful personality traits that are so relatable.

I loved every single minute of reading their journey, they are perfection together. I can not say enough good things about them or this whole book. I didn’t want to put it down. I legitimately smiled the entire time, laughed lots, swooned and oh boy, was the chemistry between them great, after all that build up!

The side characters are pretty awesome as well, they make for some great friendship goals!

By the last couple chapter I was on the edge of my seat, knowing this book ends in a cliffhanger. I was dying to find out what it would be and what it would mean for the story. Let me tell you it DID NOT disappoint. It was such a good one and it left me shocked and lots of questions and guesses, I loved it!
I can not wait to see what will happen for the conclusion of their story in Release Me Not.

You are absolutely going to want to read this duet!!

5⭐️


**ARC generously provided by the author. This review and its opinions are my own**

[huh_lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers would riot if I left my review as—
“Claire Raye delivers smutty workplace romance tangled with thrills, so watch out for the brutal cliffhanger. Oh, and Ethan Morrison is 𝐌𝐘 Book Boyfriend. “

But I won’t leave y’all hanging. We’re finally introduced to the elusive and mysterious Badger Creek ski resort owner Ethan Morrison, and Holden Winter Gear heiress, Zoey Holden. What can possibly happen when two workaholics are pushed together combined with meddling friends?!

I have fallen head over heels in love with Ethan Morrison. This man can do no wrong. He is the perfect businessman, boyfriend, and partner, and he pushes Zoey to pursue more. He’s certainly not afraid of empowering women in the office.

Zoey is a no-nonsense businesswoman trying to carve her own path away from her family’s shadow. And we all love a hardworking woman.

Combine Ethan and Zoey, and they’ll become unstoppable winter sports magnates!

In true Claire Raye fashion, there is lots of smut, witty one-liners, and a shocking cliffhanger. I can’t say how much I LOVE this book and this couple. However, Release Me Not publishes not too far away, and we can get some ANSWERS. So you’re not left hanging slack-jawed forever.

Rate: 5+☆
POV: 1st/Dual
Tropes: age gap, secret office romance, secret crushes, and steamy hot tubs

[ARC generously provided by the author. This is my honest review.]

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made myself take my time with this book because I knew it was going to be amazing, and if I read it all in one day I’d be so sad it was over so fast. Well, I’m sad it’s over, but I will say Ethan and Zoey are my favorite. I loved Zoey from Delaney and Alex’s book and I was so excited she was getting her own story. Ethan was everything, and more. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but he exceeded it all. Zoey and Ethan work together at Badger Creek- Ethan is her boss and her mentor. Right from the beginning you could tell they both had feeling for one another but weren’t sure if the other did or if they should even think about crossing that line. They worked so well together and I really liked all of their business plans they made, and that Ethan took Zoey serious and valued her opinion. Their banter and chemistry is just so good and the slow burn at first with them was too. One business conference away and things take a turn and whoo

[Kims.reading.nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan Morrison, owner of the Badger Creek Resort, was once seen as a bit of an enigma by those who worked for him. Making his fortune in his twenties through a tech start up, he purchased the resort as a new challenge, even though he can't ski!

Zoey Holden, whose family are Badger Creek royalty, chose to forge her own path away from the family business and worked her way up the ladder at the Resort. Now reporting directly to Ethan, she may be young but she's determined to prove her business acumen and be more than just her family name.

As they spend each day together, both begin to realise that their feelings are much more than platonic. With Ethan's business and Zoey's reputation on the line, will they be able to keep up their professional boundaries? And what happens when someone sinister uses Zoey as a way to hurt Ethan more than he could have imagined...

Thank you to @claire_raye_author and @theauthor.agency for this second duet in the Badger Creek series. I'm really enjoying the format and the way that book 1 is used to provide the back story of the characters and situation, whilst the cliffhanger then leads into the focus for book 2.

What a fiery he falls first, work place romance 🔥 Zoey is the epitomy of a strong, independant woman and I love that she shut down any misogyny aimed her way. There was such open communication and respect between she and Ethan and it was lovely getting to watch them break down their respective walls.

Ethan adored Zoey, and I love the ways he expressed this to her. I really did feel that respect between them and the fact that he fell first was such a swoonworthy little section 💕

I can't wait to continue on with this series, with the next duet 'Forget Me and Forget Me Not' focusing on Zoey's older brother Max. If you love a suspenseful romance, this series is for you ❤

[Ele Scofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was making heart eyes at Ethan since he was introduced in Hate Me Not: Alex & Delaney #2 even though he only showed up for a couple of page or so. I'm not sure why, but I KNEW this man would be everything. And Claire Raye did not disappoint.

The chemistry between Ethan and Zoey was off the charts (is it hot in here?!?!) and all the tension or their secret longing for each other was delicious. I absolutely couldn't get enough of them. The built up and eventual pay off of them coming together was so worthy it and I need the second book of the duet ASAP!

Throughout the book Ethan made me melt and just swoon and Zoey was so funny and strong. Honestly, this author duo writes amazing character and relationship development and with each book they make me declare a new favourite couple / heroine / book boyfriend. I seriously can't keep up and I'm here for it!!!

By the end of the book I can on the edge as the cliffhanger approached and even though I was expecting it. I was not ready for it. Bring on the second book because I can't handle it!

This spicy, age-gap office romance will leave you panting and wanting more for sure.

P.S: I claim Ethan. It is done. Do not argue or try to take him away from me.

[anna. ׂׂૢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

˗ˏˋ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ´ˎ˗

﹌﹌﹌
4 solid stars. I approached this story expecting to be disappointed, yet I came out impressed. I adored how the plot progressed and the forbidden aspect of this romance. Since that is how they express themselves, I consider that Zoey and Ethan are both domineering. These two seem to go together perfectly, in my opinion. Both of them were jigsaw parts that were missing, but once they were put together, they worked wonderfully. Particularly, I don't understand the final scene since I don't think it totally fits the story. Other than that, without a doubt, this story was indeed worth the read and people should read this because it is quite underrated.

﹌﹌﹌

[Claire Raye]

If you LOVE secret workplace, age-gap romance with plenty of steam (and hot tubs), then grab Release Me, book one of Ethan & Zoey's duet now on all platforms ---> https://books2read.com/u/m2eA66

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was ever an advert against the 'opposites attract' cliché it would by Zoey & Ethan. These two are clearly so in tune from the very beginning. They are similar people with similar mindsets, despite their 10 year age gap.

I went in blind as I haven't read the first duet, and while it didn't take away anything from their story, I feel like you'd get even greater context of their connection if you have.

Unlike some age gaps romances where the gap 'feels' evident, the only time I noticed it in Release Me was when it was explicitly mentioned or perhaps when comparing their career progressions.

Of course the workplace element adds a sense of taboo and makes them both reluctant to act upon feelings they so clearly have. But when they give into it, its hot hot hot! 🔥

There's plenty of angst in the build up. Lots of steam. And a truely wholesome relationship.

But this is book one of a duet and it is a cliffhanger! So keep that in mind. Honestly their relationship is so wholesome I had no clue what the cliffhanger would be until the scene started playing out (usually I have an inkling earlier!)

There's no way this cliffy won't leave you wanting more and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds in book two.

𝑰 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌.

[Vicky.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Me #3 in the Badger Creek Series by Claire Raye.

5⭐️
3.5🌶️

Tropes

Small town romance
Age gap
Mutual pining
Slow burn
Workplace romance
Secret romance
Mystery

This is book one of Ethan and Zoey’s duet.

Both Ethan and Zoey find it difficult to find someone interested in who they are rather than what they can offer. Ethan because he owns Badger Creek and has made a lot of money and for Zoey, her family runs a worldwide known business that she is heir too.

Zoey works for Ethan as a manager trying to make a name for herself away from the family business. She wants to prove herself and has a brilliant work ethic. She is also very attracted to Ethan and as they spend more time together it’s becoming more difficult to ignore.

Ethan works long hours. Since he moved to Badger Creek he is away from his best friend and former business partner which makes him lonely. The beautiful house he has is empty. He is attracted to Zoey but doesn’t want to cross the line with her.

After a business conference everything changes and they realise that they are perfect for each other. Nothing is smooth sailing though…

I loved reading this book. The build up of Ethan and Zoey was perfect. I really enjoy dual povs as it adds depth to a story. Claire Raye really captured my interest from page one and I couldn’t put it down.

I highly recommend reading this book. Warning it ends on a cliff hanger but book four is available!

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW: RELEASE ME BY CLAIRE RAYE
RATING: 4⭐️ - on the cusp

◾️“You go, Glen Coco!” ◾️

Why must there always be a mean girl or boy in a story? Just take care of your own. But that wouldn’t be much of a story.

“Release Me” is part of the Badger Creek Series and Ethan’s story, the resort owner mentioned in the books prior. Ethan owns the ski resort and focuses on work. Women often are drawn to him due to his wealth. When he meets Zoey, his employee, he finds they have a lot in common and share similar challenges. When they start spending more time together, Ethan is concerned that his ten-year age gap with her and that he is her boss will impact a potential relationship.

They both decide to keep their relationship on the down-low, but Zoey does hear some whispers from some underlings that are not nice. She dismisses those, though.

I did like Ethan’s character and always enjoy an age-gap story. Zoey’s character fell a bit flat at times throughout the story. Only towards the end did I feel I got a peek at her character’s emotions. But then there was the cliffhanger. I understand entirely the unexpected cliffhanger, but this one felt like it did come out of nowhere.

I am ready to dive into the next book because I’m eager to discover what happens next, and I like Ethan.

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

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Settle in grab on tight and prepare yourself for all the feels . Because Claire Raye is about to take you on another unforgettable and unputdownable journey . Release Me is the third installment in ( the Badger Creek Duet series ) it’s also the first book in Ethan and Zoe’s Duet . And man dld I adore both of them from the moment I opened the very first chapter. They just grabbed onto my heart so tightly and refused to let go . Ethan is the owner of the Badger creek lodge - he’s single , extremely wealthy but hesitant to open his heart as he is unsure if women are interested in him or his money .Zoey comes from a good family. But she is also someone who wants to make it on her own and not because of her family’s name . Work as circumstance’s bring these two together and from that moment on their lives change forever . Not to mention the undeniable attraction they share - sparks literally fly . Age gap , slow burn, boss employee , angst, humor , witty banter , second chances, off the charts chemistry, heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, drama , unexpected surprises, non stop action, page tuner , awesome world building. It has it all and so much more .

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long awaited duet for Zoey and the mysterious Ethan is finally here! Well, the start of it. This book was everything I wanted and so much more. I knew from the first duet of this series that I would love Zoey, but Ethan!? There are no words for that man.

The chemistry between these two….it is melting all the snow on the mountain. Phew these two are heating up the pages and I can’t get enough of them. I LOVE everything about them. From the tension and the secret crushing in the beginning to seeing the shift in their relationship throughout the rest of the story. These two are *chefs kiss*.

This is the first book in a duet so beware that it does end on a cliffhanger. A cliffhanger that will make you want to throw your book, kindle, phone, however you may be reading and probably scream. This is your warning. Seriously, I need the second book ASAP, I need to know what happens next!!

If you’re looking for a workplace, age gap, secret relationship, and LOADS of spice check this one out.

[Misty Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 3rd book in the Badger Creek Duet series. The first book of the Ethan & Zoey duet. You do not have to read the first duet to start this one. However, this book does end with a huge cliffhanger.
Ethan is the owner of Badger Creek Lodge. He is very successful and single. Due to the fact he can never tell who just wants him for his money.
Zoey is from a very well-known family but works for Ethan so she can make a name for herself without relying on her family name. She takes her job very seriously and wants to succeed.
Ethan is Zoey's mentor, and they work close together every day. They have a lot in common, and both have a strong work ethic. It's only natural that they would begin to grow feelings for each other. Even with their age gap. However, Zoey wants to keep their relationship a secret so no one thinks she got her job from sleeping with the boss.
I love this series. The chemistry between these two is off the charts, and I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

[4.5/5⭐️]

With Ethan Morrison and Zoey Holden both being high profile names in various arenas including the worlds of skiing and Badger Creek, neither has found it possible to date for fear of being taken advantage of. When Ethan takes Zoey in as his mentee, their forbidden relationship starts to develop, made easier knowing it’s not a matter of lifestyle. But for this to work and Zoey to continue to make her own name in the business, their relationship must be kept a secret.

I love the world of Badger Creek and all its characters! I really enjoyed Ethan and Zoey’s story and survived the excruciating cliffhanger knowing I could dive straight into Release Me Not. These two have fantastic steamy moments and great chemistry from the start, and the forbidden aspect of their relationship makes it all the more exciting.

You’ll Find —
Excruciating Cliffhanger
Age Gap
Boss x Employee
Power Couple

Thankful for the opportunity to read a gifted review copy!

[Stacie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew, I knew this book would end on a cliffhanger because, hello it’s a duet. BUT OH MY LAND was I not in any way, shape or form ready for this book to end the way that it did.

Ethan and Zoey’s story is just what I hoped it would be. Their chemistry is out of this world, they’re both smart and hardworking, and they have kinship that not many people can relate to, what with both of them having lots and lots of money. Their relationship crept up on them, but when they finally gave in…fireworks. I’m telling you, the steam from the pages could be felt!

And then the end, like I said before I was not prepared in the slightest and now I’m dyingggg for book two. I have so many thoughts and emotions running rampant in my brain!! Once again Claire Raye delivered a phenomenal story that has me begging for what’s next!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan is a self-made businessman who recently purchased Badger Creek Resort. He is very attracted to Zoey but she off limits not only because he is a decade older, but he is her boss and mentor.

Zoey comes from a wealthy family but rather than just accept a position in the family business she wants to succeed on her own merits. She is attracted to Ethan as well but is cautious about getting involved with Ethan as she doesn’t want to be seen as a woman who earned her position because of her relationship with her boss.

Ethan and Zoey are perfect for each other as not only do they share an interest in business they both have trust issues as they don’t know if people what to be with them because of what they give them rather than who they are and the cliffhanger leaves us needing to know what the future holds.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

First half of Zoey and Ethan’s story.
Release Me ventures back into the world of Badger Creek with a focus on Zoey and Ethan.
I loved the pacing of what is the first half of this story, Zoey and Ethan's relationship grows at a leisurely pace, from the secret desire and attraction they both had for the other, to getting together during a work trip to Seattle, and then the building and deepening of their bonds whilst keeping what was happening between them on the down low at work. The sneaking around for them is hot, for us results in some swoony moments and steamy sex scenes. The authors weave into the story past characters from Zoeys life, and introduce new characters from Ethan into the narrative with ease increasing the complexity of the story, but I couldn't have guessed what would happen at the conclusion as we are left hanging...

[Katie MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

So, this took me a while to get into just for the sheer fact I knew the embarrassment of the secret relationship coming out is hard to sit in. Fast forward where that doesn’t happen at all in this book, I should’ve just dove in head first without hesitation. We knew Zoey from the previous duet and this duet with Zoey and Ethan did not disappoint. This insta-love connection between them is so delectable. You can’t get enough of it. But that cliff hanger! What! No no no no no! That’s not cool. Thank god the second book is already out but I’m sure it’s going to be a doozy. These sweet moments with Ethan and Zoey are going to have to sustain us through this heart wrenching cliffhanger.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stop I love Ethan and zoey!!! Also the cliffhanger !!!

Zoey comes from a rich family as they own the famous Holden ski wear brand which is very popular in badger creek.

Ethan made himself into a multi-millionaire through his investments one of them being badger creeks ski resort.

I love them so much and the fact it’s a forbidden romance makes it so much better!! Also I need to know what happens next so you best believe I’m reading the next book straight away!!

I want to thank Claire raye for allowing me an arc to this book and the next one I’m so grateful and know people are going to love this couple 🥰🥰

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 of the Duet and book 3 In the whole series.
The Tropes are, Small-Town Romance, Age Gap, Workplace Romance, Opposite Attracts and Forbidden.
I loved Zoe in the first duet and so glad she got her own story. Zoey and Ethan were so adorable together. They both struggle with relationships as everyone wants in with their fortune and not them.
I enjoyed watching both characters grow alone and together. They are fire together when they finally let go.
But what's Lurking around the corner? Can their secret relationship stay secret?
Excellent 1st book now the cliff hanger has me running for book 2.
I love Zoey and so glad she gets a story.

[Sukriti · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Badger Creek Duet #4" by Claire Raye is a captivating novel that weaves a tale of love, mystery, and the strength of community. Set in the charming yet secretive Badger Creek, it follows the intertwined lives of characters facing their pasts and futures. Claire Raye masterfully crafts a narrative that is both heartwarming and thrilling, with unexpected twists that keep readers on their toes. The vivid descriptions of the town and its inhabitants create a world that feels real and inviting. This book is perfect for those who love romantic suspense with a strong sense of place and community.

[Lake B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan owns the resort Zoey works at, and he is an advisor to her. They are each a breath of fresh air for the other because they do not have to worry about ulterior motives, only what outsiders think. These two instantly love each other. While it did take them time to get there, once they did they knew there was no turning back, and they knew it would be full steam ahead. What I like about this duet is that while there is a cliffhanger it does not end on a 3rd act breakup.

[MNHockeyWife9 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read!

Ethan and Zoey’s book is really good! The drama at the end! The cliff hanger! All of it. I love the build of Ethan and Zoey. You get a glimpse in Hate me and Hate me too but now it’s the full thing and they are so cute together! My mind is trying to piece together the cliff hanger and start in the next book. Cannot wait to move on to the next book!

[Ashley Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank God I have book 2 ready to go! That cliffhanger is intense!

I love Ethan and Zoey so much! Ethan seems like this big shot CEO, and while he is, he's also a super goofy guy. Zoey is such a fun FMC, and I wish I had a friend like her!

Definitely a must-read! On to book 2!

[Sarah Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but the kidnapping drama was stretched

[Nicole Scarborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I have book 2 because of mylanta that cliffhanger. So I got to read these back to back. It was so good I couldn't put it down. The chemistry was great and it was well written

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoey and Ethan had so much chemistry and fun to watch. I was so excited for their story and it had all the feels. I need to next part like now.

[Sol Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

🦋✨RELEASE ME - RELEASE ME NOT

✨Available Now: BADGER CREEK DUET SERIES by Claire Raye! Don't miss out on this small town series of duets from @claire_raye_author!

What you will find in this series:
❤️Workplace romance
❤️Age-gap romance
❤️Billionaire boss
❤️Secret romance
❤️Unknown threats
❤️Instalove
❤️Possessive hero
❤️Stalker
❤️Strong heroine
❤️Found family

I made myself take my time with this books because I knew it was going to be amazing, I didn’t want to read it all in one day but it did it 😬

I was making heart eyes at Ethan since he was introduced in hate me not, even he only showed up a couple of page or so, I’ll always knew this man will be everything.

The chemistry between Zoe and Ethan was all off the charts (so fucking hot❤️‍🔥) and all the tension between each other was marvellous.

I really enjoy the conclusion of Ethan and Zoey’s story in the 2nd book. This picks up right where we left on the edge of that cliff at the end of the book.

I can’t wait to read the next books📚💖✨

Thank u so much to Claire and her team for the ARC copy🩷

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan is the owner of Badger Creek lodge. Zoey is a manager that Ethan is mentoring at the lodge. They have been working together for a while, and both have been hiding their feelings/thoughts about the other. After getting a little closer at work and going out of town for a conference, they finally feel a little more willing to try things out. They both agree that it's more than a hook-up but still want to keep it quiet to prevent the talk that could come from their relationship. Things are moving fast with Ethan and Zoey, and just when they're about to tell their friends and family about their relationship, things slam to a hault. This was such a great story, and I can't wait to read the second part of this duet.

**Received an ARC and give my honest review**