One look and I knew the new girl in town would be mine.
Carsynn was the last thing expected after coming home from being out of town for work. The whole time I’ve been gone, Gramps has talked about the pretty waitress non-stop. It’s not until I walk into the diner and see her with my own two eyes that I get it. She does too, judging by the way her cheeks flush when I catch her watching my every move.
When the cold weather turns suddenly, it’s me out on the iced over roads rescuing the woman who has me thinking of forever.
Now we’re snowed in, she’s wearing my clothes, sleeping in my bed, and is giving me the sweetest gift possible, herself.
Tory Baker is a mom of two teenagers and a dog mom to one wild and active Weimaraner, Remi. She lives in a small coastal town on the east coast of sunny Florida. Oftentimes you’ll find her outside soaking up the rays with at least three drinks surrounding her, a wandering imagination, and a notebook in hand where she’s jotting down a plot for her next story. She’s a lover of writing happily ever afters with Alpha heroes and sassy heroines.
Carsynn Nichols was working herself to death it seemed. She had bags under her eyes from working multiple jobs and double shifts because she was the only one keeping a roof over her family’s heads. Her father was an alcoholic. Her mother was a drug addict, wasting away right in front of her eyes. Carsynn paid all the bills. But she is finally recognizing that she has to get out of there or she won’t survive as her mother continuously shouts hurtful, cruel words at her. You can’t save those who don’t want to be saved, so she will leave and follow her plan when her mother passes out.
Carsynn is enjoying the diner she currently works at. The Sunshine Diner’s owners are caring and helpful, unlike anyone else she has ever worked for. An older man, Bernie McCoy, enjoys chatting with her, especially since he misses his traveling grandson Gabe, and the owners don’t mind since their customer is happy. He has become a good friend to her and she treasures their friendship. And he always talks about the pretty waitress to his grandson. Finally going home to her wonderful apartment, she gets ready to read her book and take a warm bath for her sore muscles. It was her books that showed her what a loving relationship was like; not at all like what her parents had. And she wanted that unconditional love for herself one day. She doesn’t know that the home she loves now was built by Bernie’s grandson for him, but was vacant since he refused to move closer to Gabe, choosing his independence instead. The McCoys were watching out for her and moving her closer to that love she wanted, and she hadn’t even met Gabe yet.
When his grandpa asked him to pick him up the next day, he made Gabe go to the diner with him. Carsynn’s jaw drops when the McCoys walk in. Her co-worker Olive hands her a napkin, laughing and telling her she is drooling! And Bernie is sitting in Carsynn’s section, his fingers tapping impatiently on the table. Too late for her to run. And Gabe knows exactly what his grandfather meant insisting that this woman was special. When the weather turns bad with the roads turning to ice in the rain Carsynn, who had gone to the mall to buy sneakers is still not home after dark, Gabe heads out to find her. Will he rescue her, stranded on the road somewhere? Is this where a new relationship might start? His grandfather had been right all along. Carsynn is perfect for Gabe and, whether she knows it or not, he is the love she has been hoping for.
At twenty-five Carsynn has had a hard life and feels double her age. Her body hurts, her heart aches, and her soul yearns for an easier way of living. Her parents are useless wastes of space. Her sperm donor is an alcoholic and her mother is addicted to pills and has substance abuse needle marks.
She should have accepted the scholarship awarded when she had the opportunity and escaped.
“You’re a piece of sh*t, Carsynn. I should have aborted you when the clinic gave me a choice.” Her mother relentlessly harangues her as is usual when her father leaves to go on his three-day benders. Her mother is a shadow of herself. Her skin is paper thin, her hair is brittle, and her teeth are starting to decay.
If she’s going to work exhaustively she expects to come home at night to a peaceful and happy home.
She supports them, paying the rent, electricity, water, and groceries, saving money to flee. When she started working at the legal age of sixteen, all she considered was the need not to go to bed hungry. The money she earned was taken away the moment her mother saw cash. A never-ending saga.
They were in a car accident when she was almost six. Her mother ran a red light, remaining relatively unscathed yet addicted to pain medicine by faking an injury and convincing her doctor of her need for pills. Carsynn sustained a fractured wrist, broken collarbone, and a concussion, it was her side of the vehicle that was the most impacted. She was saved from further injury because she sat in the backseat maintaining a distance between her and her parents.
Eventually she arrives in New Hampshire, to start a new life and finds a permanent home with a charming man and his grandson.
What’s not to love about this book? Hot, sexy alpha male Gabe is set on claiming the pretty little waitress, his fairy, that Fate and his granddad have picked out for him. Carsynn has her reasons for being wary of others, for keeping to herself and for not accepting charity. When she finally meets Gabe the grandson of the elderly gentleman who befriended her the minute he first saw her, Carsynn is stunned, instantly attracted and just a tad terrified. She never expected to find a man who matches the book boyfriends she reads about or that he would want her.
Carsynn has had a rough life with two addicts for parents. She finally made the decision to leave them to their addictions and escapes. She lands in Plaine Hills, NH, and quickly finds a job as waitress and a place to stay, mostly due to a kindly older gentleman, Bernie, who noticed her and managed to get her to tell him her story. An accident and a snow storm turns Gabe and Carsynn’s lives right around. Instant lust soon turns to love and not feeling whole until they are near each other. They certainly generate a whole lot of heat and steam.
Bernie is a hoot. He is ornery, stubborn and determined to get his beloved grandson matched with his one. Carsynn is the one person Bernie thinks is perfect for Gabe. Strong nudges, hints and outright telling Gabe he has found the woman for him, are all part of Bernie’s campaign to get him together with Carsynn. Gabe’s first sight of Carsynn tells him his granddad is right.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Part of the Men In Charge series each can be read as a standalone but they are great as a series Carssyn is a fighter, she is strong hasn’t had a great life in fact deciding to change walking away from parents who never loved her, used her, talked about her, to find happiness at first it was hard but each day it gets easier and the older grandparent Mr. McCoy with the biggest heart ever shows her that life can be fun. But truth be told old man Mr. McCoy and his shenanigans was so worth reading about they were spot on when it came to matchmaking. Gabe sexy as all get out second grandson of Mr. McCoy but he to has experience a lot of loss, hurt, his grandfather helps him deal with the pain of the loss and when he talks about the beauty that works at the diner knowing the moment, he walks through the doors his grandfather was right. Between Fate and grandpa, they are thrown together during the storm leaning the magnetic pull can’t be ignored despite the fact they barely know each other in reality but is it enough, will she understand his loss, will he understand her need to live peacefully, without confirmation, do they realize his grandfather set them up, and can they find happiness?
Carsynn has spent her life being abused and neglected by her addicted parents. She gave up a full scholarship thinking they would change but at 25 she’s had enough being the only person keeping a roof over their heads and putting up with the verbal abuse and sneaks out of the apartment to start a new life. If she has to pay rent, utilities and food for her parents she sure can do it for herself. Now she is settling into her new life working at a diner and making friends. Bernie is a regular of hers at the diner and the two have become very close. She loves him like he’s her own grandfather and he can’t wait for Gabe, his grandson, to get back in town and start a life with Carsynn because he knows they are meant for each other. Grandpa Bernie was right and the two instantly hit it off. But just a fast an accident threatens their happiness. The strong bond between Bernie and Gabe will tug at your heart strings and the understanding and care Gabe shows Carsynn will have you swooning. Carsynn may be strong willed, independent and tough but Gabe and Bernie show her what it’s like to be loved and cared for helping her realize it’s ok to be helped.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Carsynn Nichols gave up a full scholarship to college to take care of her parents. Her mother is a drug addict and her father is an alcoholic. Carsynn has been working since she turned 16 for food, rent and utilities. She is now 25 and has realized that her parents will not change. She knows she has to leave or become just like them. She takes off from Virginia and heads north to New Hampshire. She now works at The Sunshine Diner for Denny and Nikki.
Bernie McCoy is one of Carsynn’s regulars at the diner. She becomes friends with him and helps him out at his house once a week since his grandson Gabe is out of town. Gabe owns McCoy Auto and Towing. He is currently in Vermont helping with a natural disaster, this time flooding. Gabe wants to use the extra money to buy another tow truck and a new bay for his shop. Carsynn hasn’t met Gabe yet. When Bernie leaves the diner, he squeezes Carsynn’s hand. Bernie has no idea that his simple touch means the world to Carsynn.
Will Bernie’s matchmaking between Gabe and Carsynn be successful? Can two hard working, independent people find time for romance?
Loved the strength in all three main characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fast and sweet smalltown romance with a woman who's never known love and a man set on giving her everything. Carssyn dumps her old life, escaping the parents who've never loved her but had no problem using and belittling her, to find her own life and finally be happy. And everyday it's getting easier, especially since meeting Mr McCoy. The old guy has a huge heart and he's fast becoming her closest friend. Old Mr. McCoy has bigger plans though and the second his grandson is back in town he’s got Gabe right where he wants him, falling for Carssyn hard and fast. Gabe's a charmer, Carssyn is a fighter, but gramps takes it all for me. He's like the towns favorite adorable trouble maker. And he knows Carssyn and Gabe are the perfect match so he's not above nudging and outright pushing them together. I just love his character!! He is right though, Gabe's staunch support, strength, and absolute unconditional love is everything Carssyn has always wanted and needed. Another steamy, charming, and completely consuming read from Tory Baker.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wonderfully fast-reading novel where love at first sight is central.
Carsynn has had a hard life with an alcoholic father and a mother who abuses drugs and pills. From her early years she has taken care of herself and her parents, working hard to bring in money. But enough is enough! Carsynn leaves home with her saved, hard-earned money and goes as far away as possible. She reaches a town in the snow where help is sought in a restaurant and she decides to linger there. The residents are friendly and helpful and she befriends Gramps, Gabe's grandfather. Gabe has been hearing about the new woman in their town for weeks now but doesn't see her until weeks later when he gets back home. But when he sees her he knows for sure; She's his!
A wonderfully OTT romance between the innocent Carsynn and the seasoned Gabe. He wants to take all the burden off her hands, but she is used to her independence. Together they find a way to each other's hearts, much to Gramps' delight.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I couldn’t put this small town, age gap, forced proximity, obsessed romance down! Gabe and Carsynn’s romance was fantastic!! She’s new to the small town, running from her heartbreaking past. The first person to befriend her and take her under his wing, is Gabe’s grandfather, whose matchmaking attempts know no bounds! Not that it’s needed, one look and Gabe is obsessed. There’s a little drama involving an unexpected snow storm, a car crash, and a failed pacemaker. No OW drama though and no third act breakup. These two are instantly in for the long haul, Gabe just has to show Carsynn that for that first time in her life, she can depend on someone. Also can’t forget to mention the incredibly spicy scenes with so much heat and passion you can feel the coming off the pages. Definitely a beautiful romance with a really terrific ending!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book number 6 of the Men in Charge series and focuses on Gabe and Carsynn. Carsynn had a rough childhood and the beginnings of her adulthood thanks to her unloving addict parents. She decided it was time to finally put herself first and leave her hometown to go after her fresh start. Once she secures a job, she meets Bernie, aka Gramps, who takes an instant liking to her and they develop the sweetest friendship. He knows she would be absolutely perfect for his grandson, Gabe. When Gabe finally meets Carsynn, he immediately knows that he has met the woman for him and is determined to make her his. I love that Carsynn is independent but allows herself to be vulnerable with Gabe. She lets him take care of and love her the way she deserves. I love how perfect the two of them were for each other! This was a great story and a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.
In this book we meet Carsynn and Gabe. When this book opens we find that Carsynn has been taking care of her addictive parents aren is now ready to start her own life. The only problem is when making her get away her car breaks down. What she finds though is a brand new life in a city she didn't plan on. Gabe has a plan to help build up the towing his grandfather started. The thing is when he finds a way to make some more money to make fixes to the shop. The job he takes to make this money though takes longer than he thought and with his grandfather's constant calls about Carsynn he wonders if he needs to protect him or he is a genius. Can these two find a HEA or will strong will and fears be more than they can overcome?
Another amazing story by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
I loved this one! It pulled me in from beginning to end and I adored these two. Once I started, I didn't want to stop. I loved how Carysnn made the connection to Gramps pretty immediately with her move to town and starting over. He took her in and they just had that connection and Gramps knew she was right for his grandson, Gabe. Gramps was correct and once Gabe saw her, he knew it to. I loved the way that things came together for them. Carsynn has had a hard life, working her butt off to keep a roof over her and her parents heads and everything on with them doing nothing and addicted to things. She finally made a choice to leave and make a better life for herself. I loved watching Gramps start to show her that someone could care for her and showing her some warmth and then in swoops Gabe. This story was a quicker read for me, in part that I was very engaged and couldn't put the book down. It's hot and spicy as well and I just had fun reading it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
When Carsynn flees her abusive home she finds solace in Plain Hills. Not only with the town but with the people. Especially a cute grandpa named Bernie. He is a daily customer at the diner she works at. He fills her morning with stories about his grandson Gabe. She didn’t expect to be so struck when said grandson walked through the diner doors one morning.
Gabe has lost more than his fair share in his life. This makes his bond with his Gramps so tight while he’s been out of town working, his daily calls with his grandpa always include Carsynn and how he needs to meet her. One look and he knew his grandpa was right.
This was instalove, forced proximity (enter snowstorm), a cute meddling grandpa and found family. I loved their story so much. It was the perfect length to get every detail in and while I loved Gabe and Carsynn. Bernie might have stolen the show for me.
A girl running from her house - hell, a boy who counts too many losses of beloved ones and a meddling grumpy grandfather playing matchmaker. Enter snow and ice and we have a winner!
I am the winner, because I love forced proximity and reading this story was so much worth it !!! It's not only insta-love, It's like a whirlwind captures you and you MAY be able to escape after the end of the story (don't be so sure).
A drooling, Carsynn, with her amber eyes, deep and soulful, holding secrets and heartache and a lovesick Gabe ready to slay her dragons and share all the love that seems to overwhelm him.
Oh, and I'd love a man thinking it's his job to always have me in his arms! I think I'll write a letter to Santa...
If you want heart warming instalove that pulls at your emotions and leaves you feeling warm, mushy and satisfied then Tory Baker is your woman.
I loved this story, it was like being engulfed in a comfort blanket, small town, emotionally damaged characters, love at first sight, he falls first and forced proximity. It's just perfection.
It's the perfect length to fall in love with, Carsynn and Gabe are just made for eachother. They are sweet, steamy and entertaining whenever they are together Grampa Bernie, was perfect in this story too, he worked hard to get these two together and he deserved all his moments.
Loved it, do yourself a favour and read it, you won't be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You can always count on Tory Baker to deliver high heat-low drama small town romance and Needing His Touch, the sixth book in her fabulous Men in Charge series, is no exception. Carsynn has been waitressing a the small town diner for a while and has struck up a friendship with one of the older frequenters, Bernie. When Bernie's grandson arrives in town, Bernie is quick to bring Gabe to meet his favourite waitress. As soon as their eyes meet, Gabe knows that Carsynn is meant to be his. When nature intervenes to help things along, will Gabe claim the only woman he's ever truly wanted? A steamy small-town instalove that will definitely heat up your cold winter's night.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Carsynn has had a horrible childhood and her situation has got progressively worse. She has finally escaped her parents and has moved to Plaine Hill. For the first time in her life she has people who care for her. She is a sweet natured young woman with an independent streak.
Gabe has been working away from home for three weeks and hearing from his Grandpa Bernie about the new waitress at the diner. He goes in the first morning he's back, takes one look at Carsynn and decides that she's his. Now he just has to persuade her to see things the same way.
A wonderful hot romance between a young woman restarting her life and a big, strong, straight talking man who knows what he wants when he sees it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gabe returns home after a few weeks away working to raise money to expand his barge. His grandpa has been matchmaking again and filling him in on the newcomers in town. He’s humoured Grandpa Bernie but he’s not prepared for Carson when he first sees her. Carsynn is happy she’s left her old life behind and making it on her own in a new town. She makes friends with Bernie and finally starts to feel like she belongs somewhere. One look at Gabe and she is fantasizing about a loving family of her own. This was an instant attraction story. You can feel Carsynn’s pain from her past and also the love and tenderness that Gabe showers her with. She finally sees herself as a warrior and a survivor. I received an arc copy of this book.
When Carsynn flees a dysfunctional, abusive home, she finds more than a sanctuary when she lands in Plaine Hills, NH – she finds a soulmate ... with a little help from a geriatric matchmaker. Gabe, the stretched-thin owner of a busy auto repair shop, wasn’t looking for a relationship, but when his grandfather continued to insist he meet the new waitress at the local diner, he ventured in only to promptly lose his heart over breakfast. It’s instalove at its finest, ably assisted by a great supporting character, Grandpa Bernie, who is a hoot. Definitely a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved Needing His Touch: A Forced Proximity Small Town Romance Book 6 of Men in Charge. Carsynn escaped her horrible family and found her way to Gramps and the diner. She’s heard all about his grandson Gabe. Meanwhile, Gramps has been telling Gabe all about Carsynn. Gabe didn’t plan on falling for Carsynn but all it took was one look. Now he will do everything for her and maker her his. This is such a sweet story and I loved the characters Carsynn is a survivor and Gabe is a protector. They will have an amazing life together. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 6 of the Men In Charge series and is about Carsynn and Gabe. Carsynn is independent and making her way in the world. She's working at a diner where she meets Mr. Bernie. They form a friendship and he's always talking about his grandson, Gabe. Gabe is away on a job but talks to his Gramps every day..Gramps is always talking about the sweet young lady who works at the diner but Gabe doesn't think anything will come from it...boy is he wrong!! This book has childhood trauma for both main characters, he falls first and drama. I absolutely loved Gramps and how he is protective of Carsynn...I also love the name Carsynn.
Carsynn is done being the doormat to her parents and takes her chance at running away. She ends up in a small town and finds a family through working at the diner. One of her regulars is a friendly older gentleman who treats her like his own granddaughter. Determined to set Carsynn up with his grandson, Gabe, he brings Gabe into the diner. Instant connection has Carsynn doubting her worth and Gabe planning their future. After almost losing her to a car wreck in an ice storm, Gabe brings her to his home and their connection starts to deepen. Snowed in for days, they get closer and soon their connection blossoms into the love of a lifetime.
Tory Baker captured my heart with this couple and their story!
Carsynn finds herself starting over in a new town when she flees her home and family. But she's making her way. She's also captured the attention of a meddling Grandpa. Side note, I adore Grandpa.
Gabe is struggling with his business and life. It's hard but he's giving it his all. And when his Grandpa continues to insist upon him meeting the new diner waitress, he relents. And he's a goner.
This couple's chemistry was wonderful. I do like a forced proximity story and add in some instalove and it's a winner.
Carsynn has had a rough life so far with addict parents. She finally gets up the nerve to leave and make a better life for herself. She lands in a small town in New Hampshire where she starts to feel more settled and safe. Gabe owns a towing company and has been hearing about the new girl in town from his Grandpa. As soon as he sees her he knows she is the one for him. He doesn't want to rush her and scare her off but when he can't get ahold of her when there is a storm he has to move his timeline up a bit.
Gramps is the first one to fall in love Carsynn. Carsynn is new to town. Gramps goes to the dinner every day. Carsynn is just as taken with Gramps. She works at the diner as a waitress. Gramps keeps telling her that his grandson Gabe will love her too. When Gabe comes back to town he is instantly in love with her. He wants to get to know her. He wants to take care of her. He wants her to be part of his family. It’s an instant love/instant forever. An enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tory Baker has done it again. I absolutely loved Needing His Touch. The moment Gabe sees Carsynn, he knows she's the one. Carsynn finally escapes her drug addicted parents and starts her over in Plaine Hills, New Hampshire. She soon befriends a kind, considerate older man who treats her like the granddaughter he never had. He is determined to set her up with his grandson Gabe. To say the chemistry between them was instant and intense would be an understatement. They were amazing together. Definitely recommend!
Carsynn never had a good home life, her mother was an addict and her dad an alcoholic. She had been saving her money without her parents knowing. She had enough, today is the day to break away from them. She moves to Pine Hills for a new start. She meets Bernie McCoy, he is the sweetest old man. He tells her all about his grandson, Gabe, who is currently out of town. When Gabe does return he is definitely one to turn heads. He seems to be interested in her and will do anything to make her his.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a quick and insta-love kind of read, but it's well written. The characters are likeable, it brings a lot of emotion and it's sweet.
She's starting over, far away from her toxic parents. He's struggling with life, but he's trying. Everything falls into place when he meets the girl his grandfather seems to be besotted with (he's really just trying to play matchmaker).
Gramps takes the cake!
I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved this story by Tory Baker. I can't get enough of her stories. I loved the interaction between Carsynn and Gabe. Carsynn is new in town after escaping her parents and their addictions. She is slowly getting used to her new life. Gabe has come back to his town after helping others. Gabe has heard about Carsynn from his grandfather. When he meets her, he knows that she is the one for him. Will they have a chance at happily ever after?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tory Baker has done it again with another fantastic story that will definitely have you enthralled from the beginning until the end. It's compelling and tantalizing and captivating and heartbreaking and so much more. Carsynn runs away from home and starts a new life but what she didn't expect was to meet the man of her dreams Gabe but will they ever find away to be together? Or will her parents show up and hurt her? Great story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.