Never Let You Go

Emerald Creek #1

by Bella Rivers

Christopher Wright is Emerald Creek’s hot, broody, single dad baker. And my totally off-limits boss.

The fine print of my baking apprenticeship contract neglected to mention a few key details. Like how hot the master baker would be. Or that he’d be really good with his hands, and not just in the bakery. Oh and that part about “room and board”? A bedroom way too close to his, and him cooking for me and his daughter every night.

I'm here to secure my inheritance: my late grandmother's sprawling empire of industrial bakeries. She never loved me, but she was the only family I had. Despite her coldness, inheriting her legacy is my last chance to find a sense of belonging.

But as my relationship with Christopher grows, my focus shifts.
This single man. His little girl. The small town they live in and the new friends that treat me like family.
All this feels more like home than I’ve ever known.
Until Christopher catches onto the real reasons I’m here.

Genres: Romance, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Chick Lit, Forced Proximity

538 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2024

About the author

Bella Rivers writes steamy small town romances with a guaranteed happily ever after, and themes of found family and forgiveness. Expect hot scenes, fierce love, and strong language!

A hopeless romantic, Bella is living her own second chance romance in the rolling hills of Vermont. When she’s not telling the stories of the characters populating her dreams, you can find her baking, hiking, skiing, or just hanging around her small town to soak in the happiness.

Her newsletter is where Bella shares progress on her writing as well as sneak peeks into upcoming books, the occasional recipe from her characters, and books from other writers she thinks her readers might like. Subscribe from her website, www.bellarivers.com.

You can also connect with Bella on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, all @bellariversauthor, or through the contact form on her website.

Reviews

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

Oh my goodness, this story has my heart. Alexandra and Christopher chemistry was amazing. The banter was incredible and couldn’t get enough of them. Emerald Creek and it’s people were so welcoming and absolutely amazing. This story has everything you enjoy in a small town romance. I absolutely enjoyed this world so much. 💛

[Deanie]

I don’t even remember what percent I DNF because I threw the book out of my kindle asap. I couldn’t stand the way the FMC’s every thought was about how much she wanted to fxck her new boss. Like she didn’t think of anything else. It made for annoying af reading.

[Victoria Schmidly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me want to pack my bags and move to Vermont! Such a perfect small town romance. I really enjoyed this books and cannot wait for the rest of the series!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: Chris is the towns most eligible bachelor, a baker, and a single dad to a 6 year old daughter who is witty and precious. Alexandra is the granddaughter of Chris’s worst enemy, the big box baking company. When Alex shows up at Chris’s bakery for a 6 month long apprenticeship, they develop a friendship stronger than either intended. What will happen when she has to go back to New York? What about when he finds out who she really is?

What I liked: I liked how the relationship grew so strong between Chris, Alex and Skye. It was so cute to watch. I also liked that the town took Alex in and loved her as their own.

What I didn’t like: I hated Emma. She was literally the worst. I also felt like the spice took away from the content of the book at some points.

Swearing: multiple uses of both minor and major swear words

Physical intimacy level: steamy and spicy.

Star rating: 3 stars

Trope: living together, work romance, he falls first

[Joana Almeida · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

So...
I enjoyed this book - I did but...

1) Christopher was a bit of an asshole, not gonna lie. He said a lot of things that made me go "Oh boy...". It also didn't feel like he liked Alex as much as she liked him - it felt like he only really did something big for her after she went away. Also, why is he such a wimp? I mean, for 300 pages he was just like "Alexandra doesn't want to stay" - did you even ask her to stay?????? NO, YOU DIDN'T!

2) It felt to insta-lovie. I was really enjoying the tension but at like 100 and something pages they kissed and then it felt like it was just sex for like the rest of the book... and the characters walking aroung in circles because of miscommunciation.

I don't want anyone to mistake this as the book not being good - it was very good and I liked it! But I feel like it was smaller, maybe the rating could be higher. Also, I really do not like Chris.

[Becca Whaley · Rating 2 out of 5]

So it could have been better… they were really immature and talking was nonexistent between them . I skimmed parts because parts were just annoying. I don’t think I’ve read this author before and I just don’t know that I will again…

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ 🌟s.. 𝑨 𝑴𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 - 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕-𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 & 𝑺𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒏𝒚 𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆 😍

𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺/ 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑳𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺 :📑

💌 Small Town Romance
💌 Grumpy-Sunshine
💌 Workplace Romance (but between the baker and his muse) 😉
💌 Hot Baker Alert 😻
💌 Single Dad
💌 The art of baking 😉
💌 Delicious 🔥 times

𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾: 📝

O-M-FREAKING-G I'm seriously a melted mess right now after reading this absolutely Heart-Touching and wholesome ride.
It gave me all the feels and definitely had me smiling throughout the book.

This is the kind of book that grabs you and pulls you inside the beautiful world it's created in and makes you a part of it and I certainly felt like I was a member of Emerald Creek for sure.

Christopher Wright is the most amazing father and the best Baker in town. He's hot and dashing and handsome but he's also closed off and doesn't let anyone near him. It seems women are waiting for this hot baker to open himself up and he'll be grabbed just as fast as his fresh and piping hot delicacies straight out of the oven.😉

Alexandra on the other hand, is a city girl and doing her low level job even after being the sole heiress to the bakery Empire that her grandmother started.
The twister happens when things seem to be changing at her work place and she's provided with a stipulation that proposes her to complete her apprenticeship at a selected place in order for her to receive her heiress status.

All of her life, Alexandra has only wanted to be loved and I really felt for her as she's a really sweet person but even now she wants her family's love in whatever form it may come.

Ahhh.... I have to say I felt like I was transported to the small town of Emerald Creek right from day one when Alexandra steps into the town and meets her hot boss.

I really LOVED the small town life portrayed and meeting everyone as I really felt the close camaraderie with everyone in town.
The place is absolutely picturesque as described and the words paint a perfect picture of the gorgeous place and the people in it, to get lost into.

But the sparks, the chemistry between Christopher and Alex right from the start was so electrifying and especially because they do their best to be professional and not cross the boundaries no matter what.

Christopher's adorable little daughter, Skye just melted my heart with her sweet innocent banter and the way we see her becoming close with Alex - I bet you'll be as much a melted mess as I'm right now.

What I also absolutely loved and found intriguing is the way the story will have you as immersed in Christopher's love of baking as everything else.
The way he's very hardworking and a man who's disciplined and accomplished yet seeking to be the best father he can be is what had me floored.

There's also so much going on - what with the sneaky other woman wanting to grab Christopher, then there's the girl gang who take Alex into their fold as if she were always a part of it and Alex finding her gift of social media content making to be a real talent when it comes to helping the town's people.

BUT THE SIZZLING ON FIRE CHEMISTRY, THE SNEAKING GLANCES, THE SECRET AFFAIR AND THEIR IRRESISTIBLE 🔥 TIMES TOGETHER... OH MY.... CHRISTOPHER AND ALEXANDRA WILL HAVE YOU ALL PANTING AND MELTING WITH THEIR PASSION. 🔥🌶️🥵
Oohhh.... Christopher might be a proper gentleman in daily life but when it comes to making Alex his, Oh my... He's rough and intense and oh so passionate... Definitely will have you melting for completely different reasons for sure. 🥵😉

This beautifully written story will sneak into your heart and will make you a part of it as much as all the characters are.
It's a book to experience and a story to be felt and if you want to get lost in a cozy and warm place then definitely enter Emerald Creek.
And that ending... Ooooh....Yes please.... I'm so excited for Justin's story next.
Absolutely loved loved oh so loved this one. 5+ 🌟s.. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Mira Gencheva · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Never Let You Go” is Bella Rivers' debut novel and won me over as a reader, which honestly – really surprised me.

The book sounds as the typical Hallmark movie. Only it is much more deep, valuable and isn’t missing hot moments, which makes it much better.

✨"Sometimes, the strongest families are those you choose, not those you were born into."✨

The writing style is fascinating and light, although it is unusually detailed for this kind of book, which of course I liked, as it paints a fairly complete picture of the story and the characters, but without giving away everything to the readers. It seemed a bit startling at first that the book was 500 pages, but I don't take it as a negative trait, because once I got into it, I didn't feel them passing, I just wanted to keep reading.

The dynamics of the story is great. There are not many big things happening, but each of the actions, in addition to keeping the reader interested, also contributes to the development of the relationship between Alexandra and Christopher and shows exactly how the love between them was born and flourished.

✨This is what happiness looks like. The woman of my dreams sharing a moment with my daughter at the end of a day of hard work.✨

The characters are extremely well built, and I'm not just talking about the main ones here, although they are given the main attention. There are fragments from the past of everyone else and some characteristics by which to get to know and remember them as characters, so that we can both distinguish them from each other (because they are many) and we are interested in what is in everyone’s past. And our two main characters - they are so thorough, complex and multi-layered that I felt them as real people I really know.

Now, maybe at first it was a little too much for me how the two of them saw each other and immediately lost their minds over each other, because it seemed very unreliable and a little far-fetched. But the chemistry and attraction between them had been around ever since, and they were visible. The sexual tension between them also did not stop to intensify until at some point it was unleashed, and I can tell you that although there is nothing extravagant about their erotic scenes, they are still so freaking hot. An absolute fire that makes you weak in the knees.

Of course, it wasn't just their erotic scenes that made me like them together and think they were made for each other. Every gesture, every affectionate way that Christopher used to speak to Alexandra, every form of support and desire to be next to each other, melted my heart as I read.

Here, however, the miscommunication trope between the two of them comes in, which is the only reason to lower half a star from the book’s rating. I didn't agree with what was going on between them, even though I understood why it was happening and the concerns the characters had. I just think that all their problems could have been avoided.

The climax is great! It's more emotional than actionable, but it's so saturated with bitterness, grief, love, even a few funny moments (which was a big surprise for me) that it just perfectly fits with the story and I really liked it.

✨"If you want to tell people you love them, make them pancakes."✨

The denouement and the end are wonderful - they put a really worthy ending to a beautiful book.

I can't wait for the next one in the series!
~~~
Rating: 4.5/5⭐

✨~~~This book was provided to me by Grey's Promo and Bella Rivers for my honest opinion.~~~✨

[Readingwiththeroberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for an extra long small town romance book then this is it! Alexandra is about to inherit her grandmother's baking business, but there is one thing she has to do to get it... pass a baking apprenticeship. And here we meet Christopher the single dad master baker who lives in the charming small town of Emerald Creek. There's an instant attraction between the two, but both are keeping secrets that might just blow up their relationship.

Christopher's daughter Skye was the freaking cutest kid ever. She was abandoned by her mom when she was born so she has only grown up with her dad, but Christopher has done such an amazing job with surrounding Skye with amazing women that she can look up to. I think the father/daughter relationship in this book was so pure and strong and I loved them so much. I also loved how much Skye meant to Alexandra. She did so much for that little girl and you know it just meant so much to Christopher to see that.

This book has so many sweet and romantic parts to it. That being said, holy mother of all things holy I had no idea that blind taste testing bread could be so hot. There are some spicy scenes that are just (chefs kiss)! While there is instant attraction these two didn't really act on it until about halfway through the book.

I think the characters are so well written and with how they are flawed it felt like you could really connect with them. Christopher is such a nice guy and it really bites him in the butt multiple times throughout the book. I wanted to get on to him for how he would let Emma flirt with him over and over again when Alexandra was in the picture. Like at that point you should not care about another woman's feelings, just put her in her place. I hated Emma. You will too when you read it, but I think that shows how well Bella did when she created her characters. Because I feel like every woman has had an Emma in their life.

I will say that this is a long book, especially for a romance. I feel like there were some things that could have been taken out and it wouldn't have changed anything in the story. I think that was the only thing that bothered me. And really I personally would rather have a book too long than too short and it being rushed.

If you want to spend a little more time on a romance then I highly suggest this one.

What to expect:
~ Small town romance
~ Boss/apprentice
~ Found family
~ Single dad
~ Baker romance

Rating: 4.5/5

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading a Bella Rivers book and have to say just wow. This is the first in a series about Emerald Creek, quiet little Vermont town yet in a way this little town feels like home. We have Alex and Christopher, two people with different lives yet many ways have a lot in common. Alex has always known a life of neglect, abandonment and no love where as Chris has had the opposite all his life. He is a simple baker, owns and runs his own business while also trying to be a great father to Skye. He may be modest as well but to Alex he is all sexy temptation. Alex has never seen or felt this kind of love in her life and she only has six months to decide what she wants to do in her life. Bella Rivers not only shows us a friendship brewing but we see a love so unexpected it blows everybody's mind consindering the circumstance boss and employee. The feelings for Chris is something she didn't expect to hit like a hurricane with full force but somehow he got to her heart like no man has done before. It's not just the bakery and the little town that feels like home for her but it's little things like baking, playing with Skye and even taking the whole scenery of the town. Bella Rivers somehow brought this little town to life with it's pubs, citizens, the laughter and even brought in a unlikeable person that well just so annoying lol. All in all these two were a great way to start the series, definitely an author you don't want to pass up. One thing for sure Chris doesn't make it easy for Alex just the way he kneads the dough and the sweet confections he makes will have you swooning as well. Loved it.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

[Bailey Gann · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙽𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙻𝚎𝚝 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝙶𝚘 𝚋𝚢 𝙱𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚊 𝚁𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜
5 stars

WOW! That's all I can say about amazing debut novel from Bella Rivers.
It definitely won't be the last I read of her work. If you're like me and the books play out like a movie in your head as you read, you're going to love her work. She's very detailed in the personalities and the way the characters look, so I was able to picture this in my head like the perfect movie. The way the town is described reminded me of Stars Hollow and definitely gave off the Gilmore Girls vibe with the townspeople. I instantly fell in love with the town of Emerald Creek and all of the people that make up the quaint little town.

This book is the perfect mix of Hallmark movie with a hint of spice. It's everything I didn't know I needed. If you're a fan of Hallmark movies/Gilmore Girls, I definitely recommend this one.

-Small Town Romance
-Boss/Apprentice
-Single Dad
-Slow Burn
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Cutest and Most Adorable little girl (Skye)
-Found Family/Friends
-Hallmark movie vibes
-Swoon-worthy

Big city girl Alexandra Pierce.
Small town baker Christopher Wright.
An unlikely pair. They’re thrown together when Alexandra takes on an apprenticeship at Christopher’s bakery in small town Emerald Creek, Vermont.

Alexandra is not a baker. At all. Whatsoever. She also has no interest in becoming a baker. She’s having to undergo this apprenticeship so that she can gain control of her late grandmother’s company.
What she didn’t expect us to find her true passion and true desires in life during this apprenticeship.

Small Town Baker, Christopher Wright.
He's been treated wrongly by women most of his life. He's a single dad to the most hilarious little girl, Skye. Really, she will melt your heart. He owns a bakery and loves to bake. He takes on apprentices every so often, but did not expect Alexandra when she rode into town like a whirlwind.
Christopher and Alexandra have the most sizzling chemistry, even though they both try to fight it. It's inevitably meant to be. :)

Thank you, Bella Rivers and Grey's Promotions for the ARC!

[Nickie Sale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is debut novel for Bella Rivers and is a good, but a bit to long read. Set in the small town of Emerald Creek, Alexandra has to pass a bakers apprenticeship in order to inherit her grandmothers baking businesses. What she doesn't count on is the master baker, Christopher, she will be working under is talented, super hot and attentive O and by the way has an adorable daughter, Skye, who lives with him aswell.

Alex's character is a bit of a surprise, although she's there just to get her inheritance, she's not the money grabbing person you might think she is at the start. Although she's falling for Chris in a huge way, she scared of not just hurting him but Skye also when she goes home. Chris is just totally your "ideal" man right from the start, he's loving, compassionate, sexy, the perfect father and he's fallen hard for Alex.

Despite the amazing chemistry Alex and Chris have from the start, they don't jump into bed immediately. It's more of a slow burn, a friendship which grows into love. Alex finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into the close knit community in this small town and to Chris. Let's not forget Skye, she just wriggles straight into Alex's heart (and mine, she's soooo cute). There's a lot of emotions whilst Alex and Chris navigate through this journey, a fair few bumps on the way and secrets which could tear them apart. All this leads to an enjoyable read.

[Vicky.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Let You Go by Bella Rivers

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes

Hidden identity
Small town romance
He falls first
Single dad
Found family
Game game
What debut novel, Bella Rivers captured my attention from the first page and I was hooked until I finished. It is a medium burn with dual pov.

The characters had such depth, and I desperately wanted them to find their way to be together. I love dual pov and this added depth to the story, tangling me in a web of emotions.

Alex needed to know she is important, that she is worth being put first in a relationship. She was so used to accepting that love and a family were not for her, that she wasn’t made for family.

Chris had a lot on his plate, being a single dad and running a bakery, he didn’t have time nor any inclination for a relationship. But when Alex walked into his bakery he couldn’t help but fall for her.

I loved the push and pull of their relationship, their chemistry was so delicious. When they finally had s*x, the whole scene was scorching!

Reading this, I would have never known this was the author’s debut novel, the characters were all well thought out, the storyline had a good pace and every chapter I read made me love the characters even more. Don’t even get me started on Chris’s daughter Skye, so adorable! The drama within the storyline didn’t feel forced and it added to my overall enjoyment.

I highly recommend reading and I can’t wait to read Justin’s book next.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an endearing and engaging read. It does include a bit of angst along with some sweet moments and some that are decidedly spicy. Alexandra, Christopher and his daughter Skye easily stole a piece of my heart. The connection and rapport between father and daughter melted my heart as did the blossoming romance between Alexandra and Christopher. He was meant to show her how to bake and the inner workings of a successful bakery, but together they learn to open their hearts again to love. Both have had reason in the past to avoid relationships and to believe love is not for them, but love finds them anyway. Alexandra doesn’t just fall for Christopher, she also falls for Skye and their relationship is another wonderful part of this book. Their path toward a happily ever after does include a few bumps as a result of secrets they both had, pressure from those who would rather oust Alexandra from her grandmother’s company and a few other factors, but these two are made for each other.

I loved the small town setting and the citizens who welcomed Alexandra and support one and all. The complex, nuanced characters, both main and secondary, made it easy to become fully engaged in this book, unable to stop reading until I finished the last page. I am eager to read more books by this author, hopefully some set in Emerald Creek.


This is a book that I would be happy to recommend.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This book is so hard to rate for me because there were definitely things that drove me nuts, but there were also so many things that I absolutely LOVED.

Alex and Christopher had amazing tension and chemistry. It was so well done throughout this entire book. There was no cringy dialogue or inner thoughts. You could feel how much these two wanted each other —their interactions were very well done IMO.

I LOVED Alex’s relationship with Skye (Christopher’s daughter). They were SO adorable and natural together—not overly mushy or too sweet. The relationship between those two was again, extremely well written. Towards the end, those two actually made me cry a couple times.

There’s some mild OW issues in this which causes just the right amount of drama and is handled satisfactorily.

I absolutely LOVED the end—it made me cry.

What I didn’t like:

It’s too long. It’s over 500 kindle pages and I felt like there was a lot in the middle that could have been cut out.

Christopher’s being so emotionally scarred by Skye’s mother was ridiculous because he never even loved her or had any feelings for her. He just proposed out of a sense of duty because she was pregnant.

The lack of communication on both parts in the second half was frustrating ESPECIALLY on Christopher’s part. I wanted to take them both and shake them.
————————————————————————————
I do have to say—the climax (even though Christopher acted like a petulant child) was gut wrenching and my heart broke for Alex. His grovel was so satisfying though and as I said —I ADORED the ending!!

[Pà · Rating 5 out of 5]

My gosh this book. It completely stole my heart. I was hooked from page one, everytime I had to pause because life, I didn't want to and I just tried to sneak a few pages here and there because I just wanted to keep reading and in the end I just stayed up till 2am because I coundn't stop. This tell you enough. The way Alexandra and Christopher had chemistry was just so natural and full of sparks, it felt alive on every page. Their banter was literally everything, sometimes sweet, sometimes funny, and I couldn’t get enough. The small town vibe of Emerald Creek was heartwarming, everybody felt like real neighbors you want to meet, and the place itself looked so beautiful in my mind, I literally wanna move over there. It had this cozy feeling like home, but also gave me that movie vibe. Christopher as the baker and father was just amazing, so hardworking but still tender with Skye. Alexandra had her struggles, her past with family not giving love, and it made me root for her even more. Seeing her get close to Skye and also find her own strengths was lovely. And oh my, the sizzling passion between Alex and Chris was on fire, so much tension and then so much heat, I was melting while reading. The whole story was a ride between sweetness, family feelings, a little drama with side characters, and that beautiful romance that just grew stronger. It was both comforting and emotional, and it definitely made me smile a lot. So freaking good. Totally recommended, you won't regret it.

[Kaci (travelswithabook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a debut novel! Bella Rivers drew me in with the small town and single dad tropes and kept me in my feels until the very end with found family.

I immediately fell in love with the adorable small town of Emerald Creek and all of its quirky characters. It has that Hallmark-y feel but with some spice.

The humor was great, and Alex and Chris were likable MCs, especially Chris. He was just genuinely a nice guy, even though that could be a flaw for him at times. And Alex with Chris’s daughter, Skye, was both hilarious and absolutely adorable.

Bella Rivers created characters that were human. They had their flaws, but ultimately they just wanted to love and be loved. **The same could be said for one of the side characters, Emma, but I thought she was the worst. Which means she was expertly written!!**

Even though I thought the story was great, there were a couple things to note. It was hard for me to really feel the severity of Alex’s secret. I get Chris’s to a degree, but even then both secrets heavily played into the miscommunication (or no communication) trope that I’m not fond of. It WAS nicely redeemed though!

Never Let You Go made me hungry with all the bread-baking, but also made my heart feel so full.

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

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Bella Rivers but it certainly won’t be the last because I loved everything about Never Let You Go. If you love small town , single dad romances look no further than Christopher Wright and Alexandra’s heartwarming journey.
Christopher is the local baker and also the man every woman in town wants but the only woman he is interested in is his adorable little girl who is the light of his life. Owning his own bakery has come will challenges and he believes he has a grant to help get this business of the ground but when he is advised he needs to train an apprentice he is shocked that he has no choice in the matter…..
Alexandra who hasn’t had an easy life and when she hears that her grandmother has left her the family business she can’t wait to start but first she needs to learn to bake and that’s where Christopher comes in.
This small town has everything Alexandra has ever wanted, but as her relationship with Christopher grows, her focus shifts.
This single man. His little girl. The small town they live in and the new friends that treat her like family so will she want the family business….
This is a sweet, heartwarming journey that will appeal to all romance lovers. I fell hard and fast for Christopher and I adored Alexandra but it was a little girl named Skye who stole my heart.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 stars*
This was my first read by this author but definitely not one of my last ones. You can read this one as a standalone as you could easily follow the story. I loved the chemistry between Christopher & Alexandra and the banter they had. But there's also something about the way a story goes when kids are written into it; it was charming to see how it all played out. A small town romance that blossemed throughout the story. A great read!

As Alexandra's being read the will of her grandmother, she's faced with a new issue but she goes ahead with what she had planned for her. She moves to Emerald's Creek where she has to take on an apprenticeship to be able to keep her inheritance. When Christopher opens the door, he really didn't expect to see a woman standing there to work with him at the bakery but there's something about her that's very unexpected. As they get to know each other, both are trying to make the situation work. Christopher is definitely a busy man as he also makes sure that his little girl has everything she needs. As times goes by, Alexandra finds herself falling more and more for him but also for his daughter. The small town life grows on her and it's getting harder to think about life outside of Emerald's Creek. But Alexandra still holds onto a secret that she soon needs to reveal. Will they be okay in the end of it all?...

[Natalie (Novels__&__Needles) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC.

🥖 Small town
🥖 Single Dad
🥖 Forced proximity
🥖 Boss x Apprentice

Oh she good and she chunky, if you’re looking for a great small town single Dad romance to get your teeth stuck into then this is the one for you, it’s long but oh so very worth it. Emerald Creek was such a perfect setting for us to discover the story of Alexandra and Christopher when they’re forced together in order for Alexandra to inherit her Grandmother’s business by completing a baking apprentice under Christopher’s guidance. I adored them together and separately but to be honest my favourite character was his Daughter Skye, she was adorable, the relationship she had with her Dad made my heart sing and not to mention the bond she builds with Alexandra along the way.

There is a nice amount of spice intermingled with the overarching storyline which added to the book nicely without being the main focus, I always like a bit of plot with my smut.

This was a very well written book with thoroughly developed characters who you can’t help but fall for whilst reading along, Bella did an amazing job of conveying the emotions of all of her characters from start to finish.

I can’t wait for the rest of this series to be released, it was a breath of fresh air. Bella is a new go to author for me at this point!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute read!! This book is full of such heartwarming moments that made me absolutely melt.

When Alexandra has to move to small-town Emerald Creek to complete a baking apprenticeship in order to take over her late Grandmother’s baking company, she has to fight her immediate attraction to her employer, Christopher. But that’s harder than it seems when they’re together nearly 24/7, and there is so much more to the grumpy baker than she originally thought, like his adorable daughter Skye. After realising they both want more than just “fun” with one another, it could be too late, as the truth comes to light.

This book is the perfect small-town romance, filled with a loving (and nosy) community, and gorgeous scenic views. The dual POV brings so much more to this story, and makes it that much more gripping. I loved being able to read what Alex was thinking, and then switching to Chris and reading just how obsessed with her he is. Also, a single girl dad baker??? Say less🫠 The immediate tension between these two was insane, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the sparks to catch fire. And boy did they catch fire!

A gorgeous romance filled with swoonworthy moments, the cutest daughter, and so much love

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing debut book by Bella Rivers. I adored this story, the characters and the setting. You will not be able to put this book down once you start…it’s magical, heartwarming with the perfect amount of spice. I love to cook so this story hit me with all the feels.

Christopher is an amazing single dad who owns/runs a bakery. His adorable daughter is a scene stealer and wise beyond her years. Christopher has been hurt and is definitely not looking for a relationship….until Alexandra walks in the door.

I loved Alexandra…she’s brave, determined and a rule folllower. She is determined to meet her goals and not let anyone get in her way….until she meets Christopher.

The banter, sass, accidents, overall dialogue, adventures and passion these two have will make you smile, laugh and swoon. The love was blooming off the pages and I seriously could not stop reading.

Both Christopher and Alexandra are dealing with some secrets, trauma, personal and professional battles. They quickly learn they need to work together…but both are cautious due to trust issues.

There are moments that broke me…Christopher’s videos and the picnic scene at the end of the book. Such a good books…cannot wait for the others in the series.

[Brooke Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. She’s an heiress, who can’t bake, to one of the biggest bakeries in the country. He’s a grumpy small town, single dad, baker forced to take her on as an apprentice to keep his grant.

Alex and Chris’s relationship progressed realistically. Skye was adorable and very mature and observant for her age.

The big misunderstanding that ended with their third act breakup could have been avoided if Alex had just come clean about her relationship to the company Chris said he hated. I get why she kept it to herself. Her late grandmother worked her will so that if Alex wanted the company, she had to go work for Chris. He didn’t like the industrialization of the baking company started by Alex’s grandmother that helped start his business under the condition that he take on an apprentice whenever they deem fit.

I like a bit of other woman drama and this book had it in spades. I got secondhand embarrassment for Emma. She just came off as pathetically desperate. Chris was a bit clueless when it came to her which made me go “really, dude?” a few times. Unfortunately Emma’s daughter and Skye were best friends so Chris is stuck dealing with her for the foreseeable future.

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

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Never Let You Go" by Bella Rivers is an enchanting debut novel that sweeps you off your feet and leaves you yearning for more. Set in the charming small town of Emerald Creek, Rivers paints a vivid backdrop that feels like coming home. Single dad Christopher steals the show as the epitome of swoon-worthy romance, capturing hearts with his culinary prowess and unwavering devotion to his daughter, Skye.

The chemistry sizzles as Alexandra enters Christopher's world, thrust into an unexpected apprenticeship that ignites passions both in and out of the kitchen. Despite initial hesitations, Alexandra finds herself drawn not only to Christopher but also to Skye and the tight-knit community of Emerald Creek. Well, almost everyone—Emma proves to be a thorn in the side of this budding romance, though Christopher's kindness prevails.

Ms Rivers masterfully weaves a tale of love, family, and second chances, with enough twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats. While the journey may have been slightly longer than necessary, it's clear that Rivers poured her heart into every page. "Never Let You Go" is a captivating start to what promises to be a stellar career for this talented new author. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions and a swoon-worthy happily ever after that will leave you clamoring for more.

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.50 Stars

Alexandra has to move to Emerald Creek to work as an apprentice for a baker to secure her inheritance. She thinks that if she does this her grandmother will be proud of her. Emerald Creek is nothing like she thought. It is beautiful and the people are amazing and friendly.

Meeting her employer Christopher was not what she expected. He is sweet, sexy an amazing father and a fantastic baker. But nothing can happen with him because she's not staying in Emerald Creek, she's just here to learn and go back home and take over her grandmother's company. No matter how much she's falling for him and his daughter. And not to mention she has a secret...

I enjoyed this story so much. I loved Christopher. He was amazing. Sweet, compassionate, sexy and an amazing father. Alexandra was a sweet amazing person who just wanted her grandmother to be proud of her. Meeting Christopher and Skye was exactly what she needed in her life.

Loved the small town and the people and I want to get to know the rest of this amazing Town💖 My first story from Bella Rivers and I totally loved every minute of it

Read on behalf of
Fay's Corner

[Teresa Beeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missed My Bedtime to Finish This One!

Rarely do I read past the time I usually wind down for the night. But I couldn't go to sleep until I knew what happened in this heart-warming, yet equally heart-wrenching novel by debut author, Bella Rivers. The story grabs your attention from the beginning, and will Never Let You Go until The End.

This small-town-meets-big-city romance has everything it needs to make you feel all the emotions. The secrets, the hurt, the love, the healing, the bigger-than-life characters who step off the page and draw you into their story, including the smoking hot fireworks between them.

Never Let You Go gets your attention from the first page, keeps you there, and pulls on your heart strings throughout the book.

I can't wait to see what Bella is writing for her readers in the next story set in Emerald Creek, Vermont. While we wait, grab your copy of Never Let You Go , and lose yourself in the homey atmosphere of the small town where the characters beckon you to become part of their family.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
This debut novel for this author is a smash it for me. She has gained a new reader. I was drawn to this one with a single dad baker. I knew I had to give this one a read. The small town of Emerald Creek is the destination of Alexandra to keep her family legacy alive. Now don't be fooled because Alexandra's family life was not all sunshine and rainbows. A place hasn't felt like home since she lost her mom. Now she sees what a family feels and looks like in Emerald Creek. The citizens of this town a little quirky, but in a lovable way except one person I was not a fan of. Alexandra finds herself out of her comfort zone, but she may just find right where she meant to be. Christopher's little girl Skye is so adorable! This book had me hooked right from the start and even though it's a longer book I was still sad to see it end. I was so invested in the characters. This book gave me everything I love in a romance heart, heat, and humor. I really can't wait for more from this series. You are gonna love the sense community that's more like family feel.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cover to cover goodness - Imagine Christopher's surprise when Alex is actually Alexandra. She's everything in a woman he could want but he doesn't have time for a relationship. His daughter Skye and his business are his whole world, safely ensconced in his hometown with his family.

Alexandra can't believe she has to apprentice under the smokin' hot baker. Talk about distracting! And to achieve a goal that keeps her close to the only family she has left, the employees of her grandmother's company. The company she stands to inherit if she can become a master baker. But Christopher is less than enamored of the company. Silence is her best bet, right?

This is the author's debut novel and it's a pleasurable read. Christopher and Alexandra are good together, and little Skye is adorable. A cast of loveable extras adds to the enjoyment brought by reading this small-town romance. There will be hurdles to overcome to reach their HEA, but the journey is a great experience.

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

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Let You Go is an absolutely amazing debut novel. A beautiful small town setting in rural Vermont, two loveable main characters, an abundance of wonderful side characters including a truly adorable litte girl, plenty of heat and spice both in and out of the kitchen, a few secrets that keep things from being straightforward and a rather desperate mischief maker - everything combines into an entertaining, engaging read which had me laughing, growling, melting and ultimately smiling. The length may seem daunting at first, but I enjoyed myself from the first page to the last. So just give yourself time off, snuggle down and enjoy! I can't wait for the next novel by this talented author.
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Let You Go is a captivating debut novel that truly resonated with me. The story of Alex and Chris is filled with emotional depth, unexpected twists, and heartwarming moments that kept me engaged from start to finish. While some reviewers mentioned a slight issue with the characters' communication, I found the redemption arc to be well-executed and satisfying. The small town romance, found family dynamics, and themes of forgiveness added a layer of complexity that I truly appreciated. The vivid descriptions of bread-baking and the sense of community in the story created a warm and cozy atmosphere that made this book a delightful and heartening read for me as a fan of romance novels. Overall, Never Let You Go left me feeling fulfilled and eager to explore more of Bella Rivers' work in the future.