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Don't Let Go

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After a relationship full of lies and pain that resulted in loss, coffee shop owner, Calista Walker is disillusioned about the virtues of love. She’s accustomed to the attention men pay her, but she’s skilled in the game of avoidance. When a stranger walks into her coffee shop and makes it his mission to get his daily dose of her, she finds herself sliding down that slippery slope once again.

Breslin Walker has lived a rewarding life as a famous jazz musician. Returning home to South Haven, Maryland he realizes that he’s been missing something all along. And he finds everything he needs in Calista. However, building the life his heart desires with the woman of his dreams is proving more challenging than he expected.

Calista and Breslin quickly come to realize that love isn’t always enough to conquer all. Faced with challenges on every side from their age gap to their family connections, being rooted in each other is where they find their strength. Yet, a mind-blowing revelation forces them apart. How will Breslin convince Calista that love is enough when she’s so determined to let go.

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2020

68 people are currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Chelle Ramsey

22 books68 followers
A lifelong writer and storyteller, Ramsey began writing professionally in 2002 and currently is a writing consultant for Bleu Skies Writing Services. Ramsey writes fiction stories that delve into the inner soul of a woman: her deepest secrets; her wildest dreams; and her darkest fears. She has a passion for creating "words of art" that entertain and take readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Ramsey lives in Ellenwood with her husband and three children. This is her first published novel.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Cassandra Haywood.
326 reviews
October 27, 2020
Once again author Chelle Ramsey has written a storyline that touches your heart. The two main characters Calista Walker and Breslin Walker were well developed. I could feel the emotions that each character was going through. The love, hurt, pain, patience, passion, caring and friendship.
This is a love story of a younger woman and a older guy. Most times these relationships don't work because of the age difference along with interference from family and friends.
I highly recommend this book to read for it was a page turner from the beginning until the end and then I still wanted more.
Cassandra H.

I voluntarily read a copy of this book and this review is of my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,597 reviews49 followers
August 21, 2021
Lots of awesome twists and turns in this one: older man - younger woman; surprising connection between best friend and older man; jealousy; betrayal; and a horrific, sleazy ex-boyfriend.
Calista and Breslin are perfect for each other. They are comfortable with one another and are able to be their authentic selves within the relationship.
The only problems are when outsiders interfere when they should mind their own business. Great story!
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,913 reviews103 followers
October 27, 2020
A fabulous story. I loved and adored this tale three times over. A second chance get the girl back love story.
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,808 reviews
October 29, 2020
So stinking good!

I loved everything about this book! I could feel the love and even with the subtle amount of drama, I knew these two were meant to be. So good! ❤️
Profile Image for Shae.
983 reviews36 followers
October 26, 2020
Chelle Ramsey is a 'new to me' author and I can say without a doubt I will read more of her work!

Don't Let Go is an age-gap, forbidden romance. Calista falls in love with Breslin, who is much older than her. The connection they both had even both actually talking to each other was written well. I say this because Calista has not focused or connected with the opposite sex for quite a while. The bad experience she had with an ex has always been at the forefront of her mind. Yet here is this man walking into the coffee shop that for some reason always catches her eye.

Breslin is an accomplished musician who has returned to his home town to settle down. He goes into a coffee shop every morning just to catch a glimpse of Calista, there is something about her that gives a good feeling. She is young but appears to have an old soul.

I quite enjoy how they developed a friendship without the added drama of friends in their business. They got to know each other - likes and dislikes before taking the next steps in calling it a relationship.

The unexpected twist in the story also adds to it being a page-turner.

This story is well written and has great character development.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, Steamy, Twisted, Wonderful characters

I received an ARC of this novel
152 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2020
Loved this book! Shows that age is just a number not a definition. In this story Calista is a young adult in her early 20's living a life that is typically lived by someone older. She has her own very successful coffee shop where her younger brother works also. She also has a very good group of female friends all around her age that support each other. One day Calista notices that the same handsome man comes in every morning and orders the same thing. A flat white coffee and a bakery item. When she sees him he is always watching her and he smiles. Then on one particular day he stop Calista to talk. He introduced himself as Breaking and asks her out and when she says no he makes a deal. One date and if she is still not interested he will leave her alone. Their date is more than she imagined so the start dating regularly. In a short time they each realized that they are in love but have not spoken of it. On one special morning after steamy sex someone enters Breslin's home. It is Breslin's daughter who happens to also be Calista best friend, unbeknown to everyone. She blows up at Calista and Breslin and demands they stop seeing each other. They do and are miserable!! After some time all 3 decided that it was best for Calista and Breslin were better and happier together.

This Author exchanged a free copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
36 reviews
October 27, 2020
I LOVED this story!! Why? It's all about love, sacrifice, overcoming pain and being true to yourself. Cali and Breslin - two people floating around in their own world - good with where they were in their world with their lives and not missing they weren't truly happy until they sensed the other person. I loved their courtship and how they kept the beginning of their relationship to themselves, giving each of them a chance to learn about the other while also learning about themselves and how they felt in the relationship. Cali had been hurt from a previous relationship so badly she was surprised Breslin had even grabbed her interest, not to mention their age gap. Breslin, being slightly older, had a patience about him that is rare in a man of his age. I guess being well-traveled helped him. He knew he wanted Cali and was willing to put in the time, effort and patience to get her, while also going about setting up his business after being on the road for so long. They seemed destined until it all came to an abrupt halt - slammed into a brick wall called life. You have to get this book so you can see what unfolds!! It is definitely worth the read!

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion of a very good book.
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
792 reviews17 followers
November 5, 2020
Calista Walker a coffee shop owner has sworn off love and men due to a past relationship that hurt her very badly. She was only into running her Java Cafe until she noticed Mr. Sexy Brown a stranger that is new in town frequently coming in the shop had caught her eye and she started to wonder what if?

Breslin Walker a retired Jazz Musician has moved to town and decided he is ready for love and it was time to settle down when he sees a young lady that works in the coffee shop in the same building he is living in. He finds himself dropping in quite often to get his Daily Dose of her. Could she be the one? Only time will tell.


This story started off slow to me but once it picked up I thoroughly enjoyed it , I loved all the different names Carlita had for Breslin but Mr. Sexy Brown was my favorite, this book brought out some emotions me, I laughed, teared up and felt the pain Carlita was going through. This story bought about a twist I did not see coming, actually it was two and I appreciate when . I appreciate when a storyline is not all the way predictable. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,470 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2021
Title: Don't Let Go
Author: Chelle Ramsey
Publisher: C. R.
Series: Free Your Mind Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Don't Let Go" by Chelle Ramsey

My Opinion:

The author did an excellent job with her presentation of 'Don't Let Go' that featured Calista [Cali] and Breslin. What was it about these two people? Nothing much other than to say Breslin was twelve years older than Calista... more around his daughter Nikki's age. Yes, this was an older man going for a younger woman, but when the heart speaks...oh well, what can we say. The thing about this old situation was that the daughter and Calista were friends. I think in this situation if Breslin had come clean, some of this may have been avoided; however, when it's drama time...here it comes once all of this mess starts coming out. So, how will this all work out for Cali and Breslin? I loved how Breslin asked Calista to 'Don't Let Go.' Pick up 'Don't Let Go' and see how it will all come out. The characters, for the most part, were well-developed and well-defind. I enjoyed the bantering that went on in the families that help give the reader some good reading.
Profile Image for Joyce M. H..
1,387 reviews17 followers
October 26, 2020
This is my first time reading a book by Chelle. I must say that I enjoyed “Don’t Let Go” and it was an easy read with a younger woman and older man. I read a couple of books like this in the past and enjoyed; not very many books about this troupe.

Calista and Breslin are wonderful characters. This is a love story of a younger woman and older man. Calista is a few years older than Breslin’s daughter. Sometimes younger women and older men relationships don’t work out because there’s outside interference or the younger woman may be looking for a father figure. Breslin walks into the Java Coffee shop and when he eyes Calista he knows that he has found the woman of his dreams.

There is drama surrounding this younger woman older male relationship. Will Calista and Breslin be able to get thru it will they get a HEA?

This is a great book and I do plan to read more books by Chelle Ramsey. Pick up your copy today of “Don’t Let Go” you will not be disappointed.
2,930 reviews19 followers
October 27, 2020
Both clauses in the title are En Vogue song titles and they are are good titles with a bit of drama in them. Calista and Breslin are both good people who find one another at interesting junctures in their lives. She is putting her heart, soul and sweat equity in her coffee shop. The business has been so much more satisfying than her attempts at a love life have been to that point. Breslin has been on the road for awhile and he is ready to settle in and settle down. They are at slightly different points in life - there is an age gap - and his daughter is not much younger than Cali into the bargain. Their story has the makings of a love story but it is a story that brings drama along. But it was good that they work through the drama and find a way to let love win.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Geri Evans.
642 reviews
October 26, 2020
Love Wants What It Wants!! 🔥🥰

I loved Calista (Cali) and Breslin! Breslin, an older man, sets his sights and heart on Cali, a younger woman, who, it turns out, is a few years older than his daughter, who just happens to be a best friend of Cali’s unbeknownst to both Cali and Breslin! Wow, just wow!
Needless to say, there is a lot of drama, especially once the mess hits the fan! They go through a lot of emotional upheaval but through it all, the love between them doesn’t go away and eventually, their heart’s and love wins over everything! I loved this book! I was hooked from the beginning throughout the end! I highly recommend this book! Kudos, Chelle!! 💜

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!!
Profile Image for Lane.
1,310 reviews
October 27, 2020
I enjoyed Calista and Breslin (I like the names too). I liked the flow of the story and thought the pacing was steady. The story kept my attention until the end. It was somewhat predictable, but sometimes it's what happens when traveling to the HEA that makes it worth the read. I did think about how I'd react if this happened to me or one of my close friends. And honestly, I'm not sure how I'd truly react. I do know that this story caused me to think a little deeper at the possibilities...like what if this was my daughter! I liked that there were no games being played by the main characters. Breslin and Calista were honest and willing to put themselves out there. Certain scenes had me wanting to pat Breslin on the back, cause the real man showed up! I enjoyed the happy ending.
Profile Image for Lauren Lane.
359 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2023
awwwww 😍 (spoilers)

This was a cute and steamy little romance book. I love an age gap and I am always rooting for them to win.
Aubrey worked my nerves a little about her “daddy.” I was like girl that’s ya daddy not ya man. Like, she was being possessive with his realtor too. I get that she wanted to bond with him and all but you don’t control his personal life. Meanwhile, she was to be married and living her happily ever after while her friend and dad would be miserable. So, I was like get over it already.
Aubrey’s mother was a whole other situation where I was side eyeing her. Like, woman you are married. Tryna have her cake and eat it too. I’m glad she wasn’t mentioned at the wedding.
Overall, the book was good! A first by this author and not the last.
Profile Image for Pamelon.
913 reviews17 followers
October 25, 2020
Don't Let Go by Chelle Ramsey is a Great Story with fantastic characters. The H/h are Breslin and Calista. They have both been focused on their careers. Breslin and Calista are looking for something constant and real. There's an age difference and conflicting feelings from friends, ex's and family members. Breslin and Calista's chemistry is insane!! Their love is real. They will come to an Understanding that everyone is not happy for them. There are misunderstandings and jealousy. Breslin, Calista fall out then fall completely in love. Read this book, you'll love this storyline and characters, including Uncle Greg and Ramsey!!🤣
Profile Image for Zsa Zsa.
1,159 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2020
This is definitely my favourite Chelle Ramsey story thus far, though I anticipate revising my opinion in the future. I enjoyed Breslin and Calista as individual characters, and even more as a couple. They were a both a mix of strengths and vulnerabilities and refreshingly honest with each other. Naturally drama must rear it's head almost derailing this growing romance. A cast of family and friends round out this story giving it dimension, while introducing characters that will appear more as the series progresses.
15 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2020
This was a good book. Calista wanted love and found it in Breslin. As soon as they mentioned her friend going to Jamaica to meet her fiancé s family I knew she was Breslin s daughter. I think her mother was trifling to be married and still trying to sleep with Breslin and his daughter was acting like a brat although I know it could be awkward for your best friend to become your step mother. One thing I did want though was for Calista to have a baby. I know she wanted and deserves it and I hope we can get a follow up novella on them!!!
13 reviews
October 27, 2020
This is not the first time reading a Chelle Ramsey story. I stumbled across her a couple of months ago. After reading the first book, I got busy on Amazon and bought others she had written.
This is a story about a younger woman older man. The characters, Calista and Breslin, were well developed and she made you feel their heartache. Throw a baby momma and an immature daughter in there and you know there will be some drama.
I won’t give any secrets or plot twists away other than to say this is well worth the read.
Profile Image for Yolanda Moore.
148 reviews23 followers
October 29, 2020
Calista felt unlucky in live due to her past relationship. She was focused on making her coffee shop a success. Here comes Breslin. A older man who ready to settle down and enjoy life after a busy career. I like his name Breslin it’s unique. Breslin and Calistoga has really good chemistry. The drama starts when they find out Calista is good friends with Breslin’s daughter. Everyone is trying to tear them apart. I really enjoyed how they focused on each other and what was in their hearts. They tuned out the drama.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Karen.
999 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2021
Awesome job with this book. Calista is a young lady who owns the Java Room Coffee Shop and keeps herself closed off to men. Calista had a bad experience with her ex in college and was afraid to love again. Until she spots Breslin. Breslin was a jazz artist who decided it was time to head back home and spend time with his grown daughter. Breslin was attracted to Calista upon seeing her at the coffee shop. Breslin and Calista was an awesome couple but had hit some snags in the relationship. Awesome book.
177 reviews
November 7, 2020
This is an incredible older man younger woman, steamy romance. While I don't usually enjoy this particular trope, Chelle Ramsay has a true gift which makes you fall in love with the characters and the story instantly. It's filled with true to life experiences, drama, a lot of love, and all the feelings you could possibly experience. This is a great read, and I can't wait to read more of Chelle's works.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
163 reviews7 followers
March 12, 2021
I loved Calista and Breslin's story! I couldn't stop reading it. Sometimes you can't help who you fall in love with and Calista fell in love with a much older Breslin who also is the father of one of her close friends. When it came to a head when Breslin's daughter found out about them, Calista was faced with a choice. Does she stay with the man she loves? Or, does she leave him to save her relationship with his daughter? It's a tough decision.
7,813 reviews65 followers
October 26, 2020
I loved Calista and Breslin! Breslin, his an older man who takes one look at her and falls fast. The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flows smoothly throughout the pages. There however are many obstacles for this couple that tries to destroy their relationship.

I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
597 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2020
I loved and enjoyed reading about Brezlin and Calista's story. This was a really great read,the only thing I wanted to know was why Aubrey's mother and stepfather not mentioned being at her wedding? Other than that I would absolutely recommend giving this book a read you will not regret it. Great job Ms. Chelle Ramsey,please keep these great stories coming. Thank you.🙏👍❤
Profile Image for Felisha Coleman.
2 reviews
October 26, 2020
Cali and Bres are characters you can relate to. You will feel that they feel. Age ain't nothing but a number. You will want to keep reading. I'm looking forward to the next in this series. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
94 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2021
Ageeee

Just wow. I had some cringe worthy moments. The freeing of your mind can lead you places you wouldn't normally go. I was rooting for Brescia to build the relationship he never had.
168 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2021
Such a good read by an author that’s new to me. Will definitely check out the next book in this series.
58 reviews
January 29, 2021
Loved it!!

I loved the story of Calista and Breslin!! At the end of the day it’s about how that person makes you feel and how you make that person feel!! People always make it feel like it’s about them but it’s not!! When you know what you want other peoples opinions don’t matter! I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Quovadis Richard.
373 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2021
👏🏾👏🏾

Enjoyed reading this book and 1st time reading this authors work. Looking forward to checking out more of her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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