Leave Me Not

Badger Creek Duet #8

by Claire Raye

Offical blurb coming soon...

ebook

First published February 21, 2024

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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

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picks us up right where we left off with Nick and Elissa. I cried through most of this book, it was emotional, it was raw and it was so damn good. Nick and Elissa have some big decisions to make, and with those come doubts and fears too. The way they communicate with one another pulled at all of my heart strings, they worked through things as a team and it showed. When things take a turn neither were expecting, it’s when the real trust comes out. They both grew so much in this last duet, and it’s so beautiful. Once again, the found family of Badger Creek as always is wonderful and SO great in this last duet. I could go on and on, but I don’t want to spoil it. I just can’t believe it’s over. Plus - the bonus epilogue?! 🥹

What a way to end a series. Thank you Claire Raye. 🖤

[Cindy thismomreadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion to Nick and Elissa’s duet, so make sure to read book 1 (Leave Me) as this starts right where that finishes. After the cliffhanger of book 1, I was craving so much more from these two and needed reactions after some unexpected news they received.

I already loved both Nick and Elissa and their story, but the way this book took them to the next level was so great. I was blown away by it and the events were beyond any of my predictions. I could not get enough and didn’t want to put it down!

Nick and Elissa are perfect and perfect for each other. There was a lot of emotions in this one and a little bit of a rollercoaster with my nerves-as I just needed these two to be together, happy, and safe.
Once again separated by things out of their control-but unlike the first time when they were teenagers, they would stop at nothing to get through these obstacles TOGETHER.

My heart hurt for them both while also making me so happy, the connection they have really is something so special. The way I melted with everything Nick said and did and the care and support Elissa showed was amazing.
These two are team and nothing is going to keep them apart no matter what life throws their way. They learnt from their past, grew together and had such a beautiful story.

love the whole Badger Creek family, the love and camaraderie this group of friends share is fantastic! Being there for each other and having lots of fun among the way.

I’m sad this series has come to an end, but we did get treated to a perfect epilogue.

Highly recommend this duet and the whole series! It has a bit of everything, kept me on my toes, had me swooning, and rooting for all of them to get their happily ever afters.

5⭐️

**thank you to the authors for an ARC of the book. This review and its opinions are my own**

[huh_lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for the heart-pounding journey with Leave Me Not, the sequel to the gripping cliffhanger of Leave Me. Once I opened this book, I was utterly captivated, unable to tear myself away. Prepare to have all your burning questions answered as Nick and Elissa navigate through a whirlwind of tension and angst toward their ultimate end game!

But be prepared to meet antagonists you’ll love to hate and a love story that defies all odds. Nick and Elissa’s unwavering commitment to each other is a testament to the power of true love and perseverance that has resonated since book one of the Badger Creek series. When all we experienced were crumbs of hope and longing.

I have to mention the unforgettable dynamic ensemble of all the Badger Creek couples whose stories intricately weave together, creating a rich and immersive friendship that resembles a family that will leave you craving more. Claire Raye has crafted a series that’s impossible to put down, and I, for one, am eagerly anticipating many more escapades.

(ARC gifted by authors for an honest review)

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh!! The second part of this duet gave me closure and so much happiness.

We finished the first book to the duet with Elissa finding out she’s pregnant. Now they’re flying back home and Nick can sense something is off and Elissa plays it off that’s she’s tired and still recovering from the “flu” aka morning sickness to us readers but not to Nick yet. That night she goes back to her own house and Nick keeps their luggage. He proceeds to do the laundry and what comes flying out of Elissa’s dirty clothes? A pregnancy test!

Elissa comes over the next day and she finds Nick waiting at the table. She knows that he knows. Nick is so mad at her for keeping it from him but when they talk it out, he understands her perspective. I loved their relationship soooo much! They really truly communicated with one another. Their love pushed through any obstacle!

Nick’s coach shows up and states the team doctor gave Nick the clearing of coming back. Nick knows his knee isn’t ready but his coach turns to be a douche and becomes very aggressive. Not physically but mentally and he threatens Nick that he will have to pay back every dime he received with endorsements and signing bonuses if he doesn’t go back to Utah to train. Nick ends up going back but promised Elissa he will figure a way to get out of his contract. His dream was to make the Olympic team but now he realizes that his dream might of shifted and is now going towards a new path, family.

Tropes:
Accidental Pregnancy
Small town
Close Friends
No Third-Act Break Up
Second Chance
Romantic Suspense

[Ella • _elliereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC 🩷✨

After reading book 1 I was very curious to see how the pregnancy trope would unfold in this story. I’m not a fan of the trope because it’s usually paired with a lot of miscommunication, mistakes, anger, resentment etc… same goes for second chance and here we had both of them as the main tropes.

However I was pleasantly surprised by how the authors wrote the story and was happy to read that most of the hickups in the storyline were because of Nick’s job and not the pregnancy. Which made me appreciate the storyline more 🩷✨

One comment I will make is this: I feel like a lot of things were repeated often and the story could’ve been shorter if some things like certain conversations/thoughts had not been repeated as often.. that being said, I’m an HSP and major overthinker so I can only imagine the amount of confirmation I would need in that situation 😜

As usual the spice was 🤭🥰😏 and I loved their romance. If you haven’t read any of the other duets, please do because it’s so fun to know the background stories of their friends and it really enriches the reading experience. There was a little bonus epilogue included and to me it just rounded up the entire series to a perfect ending 🩷✨

I myself haven’t read all duets so I won’t be leaving Badger Creek just yet but I’m already sad for when I do finish the series.

Definitely recommend reading the series 🩷

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick and Elissa are finally back together and ready to announce it to their family and friends, with some unexpected news to share too! Recovering from his potentially career-ending injury, Nick has realized that none of it is worth having if he can’t have Elissa, and now their baby, with him. But with everything everyone has invested into developing him as an Olympic athlete - the team isn’t making it easy for them to get their happily ever after.

I have loved every minute in the Badger Creek world, and was thankful after all they’ve been through being apart that Nick and Elissa finally found the right time for their love story. Picking right back up where book 2 left off, Leave Me Not was impossible to put down! Honestly, a little relieved to see that the angst was not as gut wrenching as some of the other Badger Creek couples, but still with all of the excitement to keep me on the edge of my seat. This whole series has such a strong found family, and it warmed my heart to see the Holdens show up for Nick and Elissa when they needed all the support they could get.

Definitely recommend these emotional, small town reads!

You’ll Find —
Second Chance
Soulmates
Small Mountain Town
Surprise Pregnancy
Injured Athlete Returns Home
Found Family

Thankful for the opportunity to read early!

[Bookish Lady Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Leave Me Not by Claire Raye

I’m so glad to be back with Nick and Elissa after the cliffhanger of part one! This book was so raw and filled with emotions. I was crying a lot happy tears, sad tears, and angry ones! This book is filled with obstacles for the two but different from their youth they work through their doubts and fears together, they are now aware communication is key and awe all the feels when they do share their hearts and minds. I loathe the coach and the team doctor ugh!! But these two grow so so much and it’s beautiful to see their transformations. I’m so so sad it’s over! I loved all these characters.. maybe a Christmas novella for the fans of everyone like 10 years later??? Pretty please! Great Christmas present! Oh the bonus epilogue was so so good!!! 😭Chefs kiss!!! 💋

Wholeheartedly recommend this duet and the whole series quite frankly! It has all the feels, ups and downs, full of swooning moments and heartache.

❤️ First everything
❤️ Second chance
❤️ Found family
❤️ It’s always and only been you
❤️ Unplanned pregnancy
❤️ Swoony and steamy
❤️ Shotgun wedding
❤️ Separated and fighting to get back to each other

#newrelease #childhoodloves #smalltownromance #itsalwaysbeenyou #bookish_lady_night #slowburn #newbookalert #bookish #bookstagram #booktok #spicyromance #bookish_lady_night #leaveme #leavemenot

[Kate Deeds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story:7/10
Spice:2/5
Spice Hierarchy:Open Door

ARC Review-Releases 2/21

Nick and Elissa are facing some big changes for their futures now, both as a couple and as individuals. They are now being open about their relationship with each other and their friends which allows more of the story to continue.

I struggled with the first half of this story. At first I was considering not reading the second half of this duet but my type A personality really had a hard time with that. Claire Raye offered me the ARC for this too and I am glad they did. I still have the same issues with the first part is this one as I did for most of Leave Me (I felt like they spent way too much time talking about being ready for the future but questioning if Zach would go back to the US ski team and what Elissa would do).

And then the second half of this book kicks in with the drama of Nick’s team. This is where I felt the story picked up. I wish more of the story had the development and details that were present in this second half. Maybe it was before Nick and Elissa were done hiding their relationship that there were more character interactions to build off, maybe it was more storyline development. Either way, I am glad I was able to read both parts of this duet.

[Katie MacLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the finale book in the whole series and the final book in the duet. We knew at the end of book two Alissa was pregnant while Nick was trying to get back drafted to the Olympics. There was a lot of time in this book where Alissa didn’t want to hold him back from reaching his dreams of competing in the olympics, even if they had a baby on the way. But Nick still had a huge, major injury that everyone kept overlooking. So, there was a ton of dynamics happening in this book with and underlying tone of mystery around whether or not they could actually be together in the end. These guys were true soul mates, willing to make anything work. A second chance romance at its finests where Nick and Alissa both saw how this didn’t go the way they wanted when they first broke up and were not willing to let anything come between them again. Now, as the end of the a series here, I’m sad. These guys held a place in my heart from the moment the initial avalanche happened and now so much has happened over these 8 books that it’s sad to see it all be over. A bittersweet moment but the whole series is worth a read!

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not crying, this was a mixture of happiness and sadness. Sad because it was end of the Badger Creek series and we say bye to all the characters.
But happy that Nick and Elissa are giving their love a second chance and fighting for that HEA.
As it's a duet, the book started off straight from the cliff hanger. It was a page turner as I was constantly scared they're going to be destroyed.
Now Nick and Elissa are being open about their relationship and ecstatic with the surprise, I was like yay but who is going to try and destroy it. Well now his life long dream may be the thing to take him away from this new future. Or has his life dream changed?
His coach and team really make it difficult for him and he is forced to leave Elissa behind. Can they find a way to be together forever?
As always it's great to see the other characters from previous duets. I love this found family.
The extra epilogue was the perfect way to end a series in my opinion.
Wow this was definitely an emotional roller coaster but also showed what belief, trust and love can do. I think the Spicy side of things help too haha.
Highly recommend to read the whole series.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion to Nick and Elissa's duet. It picks up right where book one left off. When Elissa finds out she is pregnant, she doesn't know what to do. She worried Nick will be upset, so she wants to wait to tell him after she gets a chance to talk to her mom, but he ends up finding out himself. He is upset, but only that she didn't tell him. They talk things though, and she realizes that Nick is in it for the long haul. He makes the decision to quit skiing competitively and stay in Badger Creek to build their family. But it's not that simple. He's under contract and must find a way out, hopefully without having to pay back his signing bonus.
Omg. I love Nick and Elissa so much! There was so much drama and fear that they both had to push through, but it was so worth it in the end. I love how they both just wanted the other to be happy and were willing to sacrifice for each other to make that happen. I loved all Badger Creek duets, but this one was definitely my favorite!

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

[Rujuta Desai · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Leave Me Not" by Claire Raye is the perfect wrap-up to Nick and Elissa's rollercoaster romance. From their reunion to the big surprises along the way, this book had me hooked from start to finish.
I couldn't help but root for Nick and Elissa as they navigated through their ups and downs. Their love felt real, and I found myself invested in their journey every step of the way.
What I enjoyed most was how relatable the characters were. They faced tough decisions and challenges, but they always found a way to work things out together. Their story reminded me of the power of love and resilience.
And let's not forget about the supporting cast! The Badger Creek community felt like home, with friends and family rallying around Nick and Elissa when they needed it most. It added an extra layer of warmth to the story.
Overall, "Leave Me Not" left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside. It's a feel-good read that's perfect for anyone who loves a good romance with a happy ending. If you're looking for a heartwarming story to curl up with, this book is definitely worth checking out.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!! The conclusion of Nick and Elissa’s story was everything I could have hoped for, plus a whole lot more. It was emotional, heartbreaking, shocking and had some unexpected twists and turns throughout that kept me glued to the pages needing to know how their story ends.

We pick up right where Nick and Elissa left us in the first part of their story, with that little bit of a shocker for an ending. From there, Nick and Elissa take us on a journey filled with incredible ups and downs that put their relationship to the ultimate test. They both have some very huge decisions to make, but I just loved how through each and every tough moment these two went through, Nick kept his head above water and knew that everything was going to be okay because they had each other.

It was incredible to see the growth of their relationship and how they just became a stronger couple even with the surprises in their lives, because of the ferocity of their love.

Such a beautiful ending for this amazing couple and for this phenomenal series.

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

The conclusion to Nick and Elissa’s story is a roller coaster of emotions, but the ride is completely worth it in the end.

This book picks up right where things left off in book one and Elissa found out some pretty life changing news. I love how well Nick and Elissa communicate with each other and there really isn’t unnecessary miscommunication when it comes to them. I love seeing their relationship grow throughout the course of this story and even the little unexpected things that happen.

I love this little Badger Creek family and the Nick and Max bromance/daddy bonding….I am all for that! This group is just fun and I love how they are all though for each other.

If you’re looking for a second chance, soulmates, emotional, surprise pregnancy romance check this one out after reading book one, Leave Me.

[Daisy Nijs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up where the first one ended. Lis just found out she’s pregnant, but doesn’t know how Nick will react to that. And then there is the other thing about his career, what will happen there?
The relationship between Nick and Lis is so much stronger now then when they were teens. They are more mature now and are trying whatever it takes, to make this relationship work.
Their journey to their HEA isn’t an easy one, with everything that’s happening with the coach…, but they stand strong together and fight for their family.
The pregnancy turned Nick’s life around in a second. When he always wanted his career to be back on top, it made him realize what is most important in his life.

[Vicky.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave Me Not #8 in the the Badger Creek Series

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Tropes

Second chance romance
Sports romance
Small town
Surprise pregnancy
It’s always been you vibes

This is the final book in the series and book two of Elissa and Nick’s story. It was a lovely ending to the series and I’m so glad that they got their HEA.

This book had a lot going on and Nick and Elissa had a few things to work out along the way. The love they shared when they were younger created such a beautiful connection which was explored between both books. Their chemistry was so hot and the push pull of their relationship kept the story interesting.

I highly recommend reading this duet and the series as a whole.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leave Me Not is a heartwarming and emotional read that is perfect for anyone who loves a good romance with a happy ending. The book is the sequel to Leave Me and follows Nick and Elissa as they navigate through a whirlwind of tension and angst towards their ultimate end game. The story is beautifully written, and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their journey. The book has received mostly 5-star reviews, with readers praising the strong found family, the small-town setting, and the emotional depth of the story. Overall, Leave Me Not is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance novel.

[Stacie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I allowed to leave just a one word review on this one?? Because all I can say is, perfection. This book was complete and utter perfection.

We jump right back into where book one of Nick and Elissa’s story left off, and it’s full steam ahead until the end. This one kept me turning the pages, because I had to know what was coming and how everything was going to play out!

I absolutely love the entire Badger Creek crew, and how entwined they are in each other’s lives, and always there for each other. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending!

[Taylor Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

forget me not is nick and elissa’s second book in their duet and it was so perfect! they deserved a happy ending so much and getting to see it happen was so rewarding. i love them and they are so perfect for each other. i really loved how they were so supportive through very tough times and my heart literally broke at the things they had to deal with. i’d like to have some strong words with certain people 🥊🤬 and also hug my babies because they deserve it. nick was just the sweetest most protective man ever, as usual and elissa was so supportive of nick no matter what his decision would have been. they truly are for each other and they have shown time and time again that nothing can break them apart. i’m so happy i got to see all my babies from the other duets and i wish i was apart of their little family!

[Chronicles_of_a_book_princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion to Nick and Elissa’s story was great. I enjoyed the surprise pregnancy trope and how Nick handled the news. The support from their friends and seeing them again is always so positive and encouraging. I liked how their was some suspense included in both parts of the duets.

I always liked Elissa’s character and to get her story was so worth the wait. I liked how independent and fun she is. She’s also sweet and understanding. Nick made decisions on the basis of realizing what truly made him happy after he came back to badger creek. I loved the ending.

[MNHockeyWife9 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick and Elissa are so cute. I am very happy with the way Elissa handled the “surprise”. I was nervous it would be a delayed response in the book. I feel bad for the obstacles that keep standing in their way to just have a happy life but watching them grow together and work through the issues is amazing. Such a great heartfelt book and also bringing in the other characters to hear how their life has progressed is even better. I wish there was a bit more in response to the conflict towards the end but overall 5 stars. I loved this book and duet and series.

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

I can't believe this was the end of the Badger Creek series 😭 Nick & Elissa's story was such a sweet way to pull all the main characters back in together and to get their second chance at true love. I'm not always a fan of the pregnancy trope but this was really well written and I didn't feel like the pregnancy became the sole focus of the plot which was nice! I've really enjoyed this series and am sad to see it end.

I've been lucky to receive ARCs of each book in the series and can't wait what this dynamic Author duo write next!!

[Ashley Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book of the last Duet in the Badger Creek Series, and it is SO GOOD.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nick and Elissa are so perfect for each other, and even through their ups and downs, you are wanting to root for them!! This was the perfect "ending" to the series.

I 100% recommend this whole series!

[Desiree Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Claire Raye's book. This was the perfect way to end the series of Badger Creek. This book picks up right where we left Nick and Elissa. Their journey is so heart-rendering, I could not put it down. You will not be disappointed but make sure to start with book one before you read this one.

[Reading_Junkie28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely captivating ending to Nick and Elissa’s second chance love story. This book really brought out ALL THE FEELS. Their LOVE is pure and beautiful!! I couldn’t get enough of this beautiful couple. I was literally on the edge of my seat waiting to see if they would truly get their happy ending. I’m sad that this is the end of the badger Creek series but excited to see what’s coming next

[Misty Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 8th book in the Badger Creek Duet series, the second book in Nick & Elissa Duet. This book has to be read after the first one as it picks up right where the first one left off.
The future is not looking too great, with Nick made to go back to the team before he or his knee is ready. Elissa thought she would be able to go with him, but circumstances have changed, and she can't imagine leaving. Now they are right back where they were the first time he left. Just this time, Nick and Elissa are more determined than ever to make their relationship work this time around.
I was sad to see this series come to an end. Loved getting the bonus epilogue to get a glimpse of all them one more time. Definitely get it. 10+⭐️ for the whole series.

[Sukriti · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Leave Me Not" by Claire Raye is a compelling love story that follows Nick and Elissa in the Badger Creek Duet series. The novel intricately weaves together themes of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Raye's vivid storytelling brings the characters to life, making readers emotionally invested in their journey. The chemistry between Nick and Elissa is palpable, drawing readers deeper into their romance. While the plot may feel somewhat predictable at times, the heartfelt moments and relatable characters make this book a satisfying read for fans of contemporary romance. "Leave Me Not" is a heartwarming tale of love's resilience.

[Kayla Carroll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen and it didn’t. They introduced a possible antagonist in Book 1 and then never spoke of them again… and then the actual BIG ISSUE of the book is incredibly low stakes. Overall, the least dramatic of the series.

[Claire Raye]

This small town, second chance romance is now live everywhere! Grab it here: https://books2read.com/u/mqBv8v

[Nevaeh Ruegger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review at Nevy's Bookshelf