Let Me Go

by Tricia T. LaRochelle

Jacob “JC” Sullivan is living the high life in New York City, where his stockbroker career has earned him everything he ever wanted—except someone to share it with. A childhood shaped by his parents' toxic marriage has left him convinced that love is a trap. But when his grandfather passes away and leaves him a vacation home in the quiet town of Buckingham, Vermont, JC reluctantly follows through on his final spend one month there and decide if it’s worth keeping.

What JC doesn’t expect to find is Iris Flynn—a mysterious woman living in isolation with a past she’s determined to forget. Her beauty and guarded nature intrigue him, but it’s only when he witnesses the threats from locals targeting her that he’s forced to confront the undeniable chemistry between them. As they become closer, JC starts to see that his life in the city, filled with fleeting relationships and shallow success, has left him empty.

Iris, scarred by mistakes from her teenage years, has spent too much time running from her past, but JC makes her want to face those truths she’s so skillfully buried. Together, they discover that healing begins when you let go of your fears—and gamble on each other. But their growing connection threatens dark forces determined to keep Iris alone.

Let Me Go is a heart-wrenching, emotional journey about love, redemption, and the courage to forgive—not just others, but yourself.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Kass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let Me Go is an emotional, heart-wrenching journey about redemption, love and courage to forgive yourself as well as others. This is the story of JC and Iris and their journey to each other. This story contains some darker themes, such as bullying, loss of a child and cheating (not between the main characters).

JC is a successful stockbroker in New York and when his grandfather passes away, he leaves JC his vacation house with the one stipulation that he must spend 30 days in the house before making any decisions on what he does with it.

Iris has been bullied and tormented in her hometown since some poor decisions earlier in her life. As she secludes herself more rumors continue to build. As Iris is being tormented, JC comes to her rescue and he attempts to help her, as much as she will let him. As they get to know one another Iris opens up more and JC learns there is more to Iris that the town led him to believe.

This is a very emotional and sad story but the ending is worth the journey. You feel the sadness and torment Iris endured and the pull that happens between JC and Iris. This is a well written story that makes you feel all the emotions Tricia poured into her characters. Well done ma'am and I highly recommend this book to all readers.

[Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am addicted to this author. Each time I find myself able to read from her, I jump at the opportunity because she always has new ways to shock or awe you!

Iris left me with so many questions from the start and I really loved that because it kept you wanting to keep reading in order to find those answers. Each time some new information came to light I would audibly gasp and cover my mouth. I had so many questions and each time the answers we told my mind blew and I would beg for one of them to just blurt it out!

I loved that Jacob had just as much growth as Iris did and that they helped each other grow. The things this man did for her was such a hard swoon! Right up until another woman came into view… I wanted to slap my own phone away from me and stop reading but I had hope; so I kept reading.

I had a feeling I would cry but I had no clue I would cry because of what happened! It made me hurt so bad for Iris. I couldn’t believe I read and read and had no clue the actual truth. I loved this book and couldn’t put it down! (Only took me so long bc my sons birthday and party!)

[Veronica Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let Me Go by Tricia T. LaRochelle is a second chance contemporary romance following Jacob (JC) and Iris. There aren’t any trigger warnings but there are heavy topics that include bullying, mention of cheating but not between the main characters and losing a baby so read with caution.

JC, our MMC, is a very successful, charming and handsome business man who works on Wall Street in NYC and refuses to give love a chance. After the passing of his Grandfather he was left his grandfathers vacation home with only one stipulation, he cannot sell it or anything without spending 30 days in the home first. JC prepares for his time away but what he doesn’t prepare for is meeting his beautiful neighbor, Iris.

Iris, our FMC, is the town recluse but so beautiful inside and out. After suffering a traumatic event and being harassed and bullied ever since, she shows so much strength but secluding herself has caused many rumors in the small town. After a night of being bullied and JC coming to her aid a new bond is formed.

This is such a sad book but has a beautiful ending. I wasn’t expecting the plot twist but it made the ending all the more special. The relationship JC had with his grandfather is bittersweet, don’t get me wrong it was strong and beautiful but JC went so many years focused on his career he stopped making their relationship a priority. Of course there’s more of an explanation but I don’t want to give any spoilers. If you like love stories with heartfelt characters, a slow burn with a HEA, I think you’ll like this one💫

I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional
Wow! My first read by this author and I’m hooked. This is beautiful, emotional and thoroughly captivating.
Jacob and Iris are relatable and realistic, and cleverly crafted, her strength in particular is remarkable. Their romance is full of ups and downs, struggles, rumours, secrets, and angst. It is unpredictable and full of drama, heartache, intrigue, twists, sweetness, steam, romance and healing. There’s conflict, bullying and grief so make sure to check the warnings.

[Jocelyn Masson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think **Tricia has another hit on her hands**! 🔥 This truly kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely don't think I have cried so much reading a book. The MMC and FMC dynamic is amazing in this new release. 😭 I'm so here for this story and the protective vibes are strong. So many feels! 📚 #RomanceBooks #BookRecommendation

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a sweet story. It will draw you in from start to finish as it takes you through an emotional journey. I loved the characters and undeniable sparks. It’s a well written story with heart wrenching moments. You feel the pain, the struggles, sadness and the healing. A great read.

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that has a way of captivating you for every page. JC and Iris have a way of pulling you in with the heartwarming and emotional moments. The growth both characters went through and the things that were revealed kept me glued to the pages.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a very emotionally potent and powerful read. JC and Iris truly tugged at my heartstrings and had me feeling all the feels as their story unfolded and their romance bloomed. It is an angsty, sweet, tragic and gripping book that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and I very much enjoyed her style of writing. The story was well developed and the characters were larger than life. I think the small town characters are very relatable, as we all know the salt of the earth couple or the local businessman who would do anything for you. It also highlights small town grudges and out of control gossip. Good story.

I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Claire Purkis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters and storyline draw you in from the start and the way the author writes is different to what I've read before. The is the second book of Tricia's I've read and it certainly lives up to the first.

J.C. is a New York stockbroker who inherits a house in a quiet Vermont town from his grandfather. He takes time out and visits trying to decide if he is going to keep or sell it.

Iris is a young woman who had been shunned by most of the community and labelled a 'witch'. She lives alone with her 3 dogs and the only contact she has is with the vet, his wife, her grocery delivery driver and JC's grandfather when he was alive. She been terrorised by some local youths to the point she is scared to leave.

Their first meeting doesn't go to plan but after JC intervenes with the youths they both realise their is chemistry between them but can they overcome their past grivences to make this work.

This is an emotional with shocking revaltions and perhaps some twists that we don't see coming. This book was gripping and I had to force myself to put it down. Another amazing book and can't wait to read more.

I received this as an ARC and am leaving my own review

[Bree · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a good base story line, but was too wordy and needed some robust editing. The MLM was equal parts shallow and kind, so his superficial qualities could be overlooked. Our leading lady was also contradictory and her behaviours and choices didn’t make sense. I ended up skim reading a lot and don’t feel the poorer for it.

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 STARS! This romance is adorable & cute. It really warmed my heart & featured some cute dogs too. Iris & Jacob were a great match with a ton of character development and I appreciated their relationship a lot. It was very well told, especially dealing with such heavy issues. This is a well written & deep love story with a beautiful Vermont setting & enjoyable characters. Well worth the read!

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

JC Sullivan was heartbroken when his grandfather died. But that grief also carried guilt that he hadn't spent as much time as he should have with the man who meant everything to him in the past years as he built his career as a stockbroker.
He loved New York City and everything it represented and he couldn't believe that his grandfather would leave him a property in the middle of nowhere with the condition that he had to live there for a full month before he could sell it.

The further he drove up the road full of potholes the more he wanted to turn back to New York. So far he saw no reason why he would want to keep the property based on what he has seen of the area and he hasn't even arrived at the property. He was sure that he was on the right track and the only place he saw as his closest neighbor, the condition of the home didn't bode well for what was ahead of him.

He arrived and found a small house that held the basics, but he was surrounded by memories in the photographs displayed. It wasn't until he stepped out back that he understood why his grandfather loved the place so much. A gorgeous view with a lake and unbelievably the boat that he and his grandfather had spent many days out fishing on.

As he is turning back toward the house there is a German Shepherd blocking him. He had no idea where she had come from and didn't have any way of protecting himself although the dog seemed to be well cared for. Only to find out that the dog wasn't who he needed to worry about. It was dog's owner who preferred greeting you with a rifle in her hands.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. JC's first encounter with Iris was with a small woman with a rifle aimed at his head when he agreed to deliver groceries to when he went to town for supplies. With her clothing and the huge hat covering her features he was shocked to realize it was the gorgeous woman he had seen hanging up laundry upon arriving. A vision that everyone in town said was crazy.

This book is action-packed and full of danger as Iris lives in torment from town bullies and a gaslighting past she can't escape. Tricia T LaRochelle is always a one-click author but this book is much different in the characters in her previous books with a city boy and a girl living in the middle of nowhere with a questionable past.

Unlike the Sara Browne series that were told in single POV you get both main character POVs, which I love as you get both sides of the story. But you don't get that second POV until later in the story which lends more intrigue about the character and her motivations.

JC never had any intentions of keeping the property left by his grandfather until a dog led him to his future. Highly recommend!

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob (JC) is a high-flying stockbroker in New York. He doesn't do relationships, only one-night stands, due to his parents' toxic marriage, which put him off ever settling down. He loved visiting his grandparents at their place in Vermont when he was younger. He regrets not spending the past few years visiting his grandfather, as he had poured himself into work. Now his grandfather has died a few years after his grandmother and left him their place in Vermont. He doesn't know why, but he has now decided to come and give himself a month at the place. His grandfather left him a letter, but he's too scared to open it, fearing what it might say. JC sets himself up with the internet so he can continue to work while he makes the most of his time in Vermont. He goes shopping and is asked by the owners to make a delivery to his "neighbour" Iris, as their usual person is away. He reluctantly agrees and meets the "witch" Iris, as described by some of the store's customers. One night, he hears a ruckus in the street and goes to investigate, discovering some boys terrorizing Iris. He comes to her rescue. He then starts to get to know Iris, or rather, what Iris will reveal to him. He gets to know Iris and helps her when he can. Will Iris be able to change JC's views on relationships and marriage, and will JC ever discover all of Iris's secrets from the past?
I received an arc for my voluntary, honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a sweet, small-town romance with some angst, you will love this read. I loved JC and Iris' story, Tricia gives you all the feels, and you hurt for all Iris has gone through in the past.

[Hattie Firebaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Let Me Go” is a heartfelt, emotionally rich story that explores trust, vulnerability, and the unexpected bonds that help us grow. Tricia LaRochelle masterfully brings to life two compelling characters-Iris, guarded and wounded, and JC, a privileged city charmer-who might as well be the poster children for the well known life lesson of “don’t judge a book by its cover”.

Additionally, the inclusion of dogs within the story really added an extra level of comfort and warmth that made me love this story even more.

While the main characters are what typically shine the most, it was the supporting characters that carried some of the emotional ups and downs within this story. Dennis, in particular, warmed my heart. His kindness and quieter strength made him the character I most connected with. But even the more difficult characters-the ones us as readers aren’t necessarily supposed to like-were written with such raw honesty that I still felt deeply affected by their presence in the story. It’s a testament to this author’s ability to make every character, whether lovable or not, feel essential and real.

I’ll end my review by saying the story just simply flowed seamlessly with what seemed like just the right balance between emotional highs and lows-all leading to an ending that felt appropriate and satisfying. More than just a romance, this story was one of healing, connection, and embracing a loving change within yourself. A touching, 5-star read. You won’t regret taking the time to flip pages on this one!

[Shari Jahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter sweet story of love. I loved this story. It made me have all the feels. I enjoyed learning what happened 10 years ago for the sweet shut in that deserves so much more than the sad life she has been living. Iris is a beautiful woman with secrets and memories that she does not share with anyone. She has lived in her little cottage with wildflowers all around her for 10 years. She has one friend. A little old man that lived down the road but he didn’t come back for his yearly visit this year.

JC the New Yorker that is a day trader and grandson to Callum. Callum lived down the dirt road from Iris. Callum requested JC to visit his summer cabin upon his death. When JC comes to stay in his summer home after the death of his grandfather he learns that life moves slower and is not all bad. He meets his neighbor that everyone tells him is a hermit. The kids tell him she is a witch. He learns for himself who she is and what makes her tick.

This story has so much depth and both of the main characters have so much growth in the span of just a month of storyline. I loved it!!

[Craig Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Let Me Go, her seventh novel, author Tricia LaRochelle has reached a new height with the romance storyline in which she excels: How we struggle to overcome our own fears to find love. In all her books — the four-volume Sara Browne series and two previous stand-alone works — her characters carry scars from past trauma and mistakes that keep them from accepting and offering love. The drama of the stories plays out in the ways the characters face and surmount the psychic wounds that keep them apart. In this latest offering, the author takes us directly into the internal worlds of Jacob and Iris, alternating first-person chapters between them as the story progresses. We get to know each of them intimately and feel their pain as they navigate through the challenges they must surmount before they can each open to the other. This is something LaRochelle has mastered with her past work, but this time she opens the windows into both the souls that struggle to gain the connection they both need. Making the journey with them is both harrowing and delightful in its resolution.

[Marta Moran Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some authors have a knack for pulling you into a story, holding you tightly and making you care. Tricia T. LaRochelle is one of those authors.

Her newest book, Let Me Go: A Gripping Second Chance Romance, does not disappoint. From the first page through the last page, you are pulled into the lives of Iris and JC, and will not want to leave their lives.

It has all the angst, sadness, fear, loneliness, joy, and raw emotions, that are so true to the human condition. Ms. LaRochelle, knows people, she understands the good, bad, funny, loving and joys that are true of real people.

The small town of Buckingham, Vermont, is a perfect setting for a young woman who has lived through trauma and become a recluse, and a target for some nefarious characters in the town.

It is brilliantly written, and you will love Iris, her darling dogs that keep her sane. The dashing JC, is a real keeper, and even the bit characters are filled out. You really live in this story.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author.  At first I wasn't sure about the book as the main character was only interested in making money and having no steady relationships to avoid the marriage he witnessed of his parents.  As the book progressed I changed my opinion about JC and saw him transform to a passionate, caring man, who dearly loved his grandfather.
Iris was his grandfather's neighbor at his grandfather's Vermont vacation home. He left the house to JC but JC had to live there for one month before he could sell it. It was quite a remarkable story that unfolded after that.  I liked how both characters let go of their emotional and troubled pasts and opened up their hearts.  It was so nice to see Iris blossom and overcome her past and not be a hermit in the house she had lived in for ten years, never venturing out.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tricia T. LaRochelle delivers a masterful blend of romance and suspense in Flickering Heart that kept me hooked from the very first page. Sara Browne’s journey is raw and real, filled with emotional depth and resilience that resonate deeply. The tension between Sara and Scott is electric, layered with mystery and vulnerability that make their story impossible to put down.

What I loved most is how LaRochelle doesn’t shy away from the gritty, painful moments she tackles trauma, trust, and hope with such authenticity that it feels like you’re right there with the characters, living their triumphs and struggles.

If you’re looking for a romance that’s not just a love story but a powerful testament to survival and healing, this book is for you. I devoured it in one sitting and can’t wait to dive into the next in the series!

Highly recommended.

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional Revelations

For Jacob, returning to Vermont to his grandfather's cabin was a time to reflect. Meeting Iris, the woman next door was unexpected, yet he could not help being drawn towards her. It was emotionally charged as the events of her life unfold and their connection is explored. When past events and his own history merge, the story takes on feelings that are conflicted but keep the pages turning. I could not get enough of this book and the growth of these characters.

I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Traci Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob and Iris have such an emotional connection. This is my first book by Tricia, and it won't be my last! Her character development is top notch.

The MMC and FMC are drawn together as the events I their lives unfold.

The story pulled me in, and I didn't want to put it down! Watching their love develop was sweet and emotional. The MFC is a strongly written character, which i loved. The attention to detail was exceptional!

[Celina Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very emotional romance about loss, growth, trust, love, self forgiveness and living in a small town filled with secrets. Iris and JC are wonderful characters, and the author did a fantastic job making their story relatable as well as very realistic grabbing me by heart and not letting go until the very end. I definitely recommend reading this book and I can't wait to read more of this authors work.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

JC's beloved grandfather passed away and left him his Summer house in Vermont. JC is very successful in his career in N.Y., but his love for his grandfather led JC to drive to Vermont to check out the house and its surroundings. Iris has been through a lot of traumatic experiences, and is dealing with a lot of people who are horrible and mean towards her. This heartwarming story brought all the emotions out of me, and I highly recommend it!

[Tiffany G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very emotional romance about loss, growth, trust, love, self forgiveness and living in a small town filled with secrets. Iris and JC are wonderful characters, and the author did a fantastic job making their story relatable as well as very realistic grabbing me by heart and not letting go until the very end. I definitely recommend reading this book and I can't wait to read more of this authors work.

[Barb Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. First book I have read from Tricia. Such a well written story. Iris is a pariah in town. JC was asked by his deceased grandfather to go to his cottage for one month. It happened to be on the same road as Iris. She has had a difficult life and continues to pay for it. I was impressed with the depth of the story. I highly recommend this book.

[Teresa Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Tricia’s work and her latest novel, Let Me Go, did not disappoint. Somehow she always seems to incorporate a plot twist that I did not expect. One of these days I am going to figure out that twist but actually I think it is better to anticipate the twist than figure it out. Keep up the great work and hurry with the next one!

[Isha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second chance sweet slow burn romance. JC was living his best life when his grandfather died and left him his vacation home. In the terms of the will he has to live there for at least 30 days before he is able to sell it. Iris is his neighbor who has suffer a traumatic event and now is the town recluse. This books is about suffering but also forgiveness. Does has HEA ending.

[Jacqueline Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Jacob’s and Iris’s characters had me from the start , reading the chapter had me hooked on the story so much I’ve read it twice , learning about the hardships Iris endured was heartbreaking, and Jacob’s character was also extremely strong , and I loved the way his caring and loving personality came through. Highly recommended .

[Mary Tousignant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tricia T LaRochelle has done it again! She sure knows how to create a captivating and interesting story. I carried this book around with me hoping to find a few more minutes to read each day. This compelling story is full of interesting twists a turns that kept me riveted. I look forward to the next story she weaves.