Dive into the swoon-worthy world of the Don’t Let Me series, where heart-pounding romance and college hockey drama collide in the small town of Lockwood Heights! Penned by self-publishing star Kelsie Rae, this contemporary romance series captures the messy, beautiful chaos of love with relatable characters and steamy chemistry that keeps readers hooked. From forbidden crushes to brother’s-best-friend tropes, it’s a rollercoaster of feels for romance fans.
Rae, a mom of three with a knack for baking and binge-watching Netflix, channels her love for chick flicks into stories that tug at heartstrings. Since its debut in 2022, Don’t Let Me has grown into a fan-favorite, blending spicy tension with heartfelt moments. Ready to fall in love? Let’s explore this addictive series!
How Don’t Let Me Began
Kelsie Rae’s journey to romance stardom started with a spark of inspiration from her voracious reading habits—devouring 4–5 books a week! A fan of authors like Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, Rae initially wrote for fun, never planning to publish. But when a friend’s success on Amazon KDP lit a fire, she took a leap, releasing her debut novel in 2018. The Don’t Let Me series kicked off in 2022 with Don’t Let Me Fall, born from Rae’s love for emotionally charged, friends-to-lovers stories set in vibrant college settings. Her self-publishing savvy and knack for engaging plots quickly turned the series into a hit, with fans clamoring for more.
The Heart of Don’t Let Me
The Don’t Let Me series follows a cast of college students navigating love, betrayal, and personal growth against the backdrop of Lockwood Heights’ hockey culture. Don’t Let Me Fall introduces Ashlyn, a loyal tutor torn between her cheating boyfriend, Logan, and the magnetic hockey player Colt Thorne. Their forbidden romance crackles with tension, exploring themes of loyalty and self-discovery. Don’t Let Me Go shifts to Blakely, whose brother’s best friend, Theo, becomes her unexpected protector—and crush—after a humiliating bet exposes her inexperience, delivering a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers arc.
Don’t Let Me Break pairs Kate, a reclusive woman with epilepsy, with Mack, a divorced paramedic, as they find solace in their shared baggage. Let Me Love You weaves multiple POVs, tying up loose ends with emotional depth. Rae’s style blends spicy, explicit romance with tender moments, grounded in themes of trust, vulnerability, and second chances. The college-town setting and hockey backdrop add a vibrant, relatable energy, making each book a page-turner.
Why Don’t Let Me Resonates
The Don’t Let Me series has carved a niche in contemporary romance, winning hearts with its authentic characters and emotional stakes. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise Rae’s ability to craft chemistry that feels real, with Colt Thorne earning a spot on many “book boyfriend” lists! The series’ focus on complex relationships—friends-to-lovers, forbidden love, and grumpy-sunshine dynamics—taps into universal desires for connection and redemption. Its growing popularity has sparked a spinoff, A Little Complicated, proving Rae’s lasting impact in the romance genre.
- First Book: Don’t Let Me Fall (2022)
- Number of Books: 5 (as of 2025)
- Setting: Lockwood Heights, a fictional college town
- Key Themes: Love, betrayal, trust, second chances
Ready to get swept away? Grab Don’t Let Me Fall and dive into Kelsie Rae’s irresistible world of hockey romance and heartfelt love stories!