Handling Hope: Book One of The Baker Legacy Series

by Beth Sorensen

You can't hold on to Hope. You have to handle her.Billionaire Hope Baker is the ultimate girl boss and entrepreneur. Mentored by her father to be the successor to the Baker Legacy, she's juggling the responsibility of running her uncle’s brewery while building a commercial real estate empire. At twenty-two, her philosophy is never apologize and never explain yourself.Grayson Mayne is a former SEAL and the newest assistant brewmaster at The Baker’s Dozen Brewing Company. At work, he’s a team player and proves himself an asset to the company. After hours, he likes his women quiet, submissive, and disposable. When he encounters the young heiress, he finds himself wanting something more. However, Grayson quickly learns you can’t hold on to Hope. You have to handle her very carefully.In the weeks that follow, Hope finds herself in danger from a stalker who knows too much about her and becomes bolder with each passing day. As Grayson does his best to protect her, will it be enough to keep Hope safe? And is he strong enough to handle the oldest of the Baker sisters?

260 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2024

Reviews

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I lost interest in this book fairly quickly, by chapter 5 the two leads had very limited interaction with each other. There was way too much description of the mundane things that was happening in Hope’s life, I don’t need to know how many sets of keys she needed for her new place.

Add that to the number of people that were being mentioned, you needed a spread sheet to keep everyone straight. Plus, the writing style was more show and not enough doing.

While the characters were nice enough there wasn’t anything that drew me to them. For me there was no connection and very limited interest in finding out more about the other people that popped in an out of the story, as they are set to have their own books.

In the beginning the two leads almost felt like ships passing in the night, their jealous reactions to the other person having someone else show interest was a bit over the top for me as I felt no chemistry other than an ogle here or there.

There were too many filler words and not enough real interactions with the main characters that made me feel invested. The stalker danger aspect was supposed to add a layer of tension just felt a bit contrived and more of a nuisance. It seems that stalker aspect is going to continue with the next books.

The story wasn’t bad, just not enough there for me to really buy into the characters or want to continue with the series.

I received an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

[Kendra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this advanced copy for my honest review. I had so much hope for this book when I read the back of the book. Also loved the cover of this book and it caught my eye. Anyways, I felt like Hope had so much potential to be an amazing character. I needed more from her in all points of her personality. I felt like she was lacking. But I also felt like Grayson was also lacking. I didn't find him being over all dominate person like it said he was going to. I feel like if Hope is such a strong driven person she would fight some of his domination a lot more then what happened. But also did not really see a lot of his SEAL personality at play either. He was not as alpha as it felt like he should have been. The idea around this story is great but I felt like the plot in this story didn't live up to it. There were parts where I felt like the descriptions and in the character head (Hope's) was way too long. I needed more dialogue. I needed to see how their relationship progressed and I didn't get that. Also there needs to be some more editing that needs to be done. I did really like the idea of the book and actually finished reading this book. But it needs some work to be the best it can be. If you want to check out this book for yourself as all above doesn't bother you. I would check it out. There are some amazing quotes through the book.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* ARC Review – Hard to Handle
Having read another book by this author, I requested the ARC for this one from Hidden Gems. Since I had read this author before I like her writing style, so thought it could be interesting. This is the story of Hope, who has many businesses and most are connected to her prominent family. She has recently moved into her own apartment and meets her new neighbor and employee; Grayson Mayne is a former SEAL.
Their relationship develops both at work and outside, and that really helps when it turns out that Hope has a stalker that is elevating his attention. Overall, it is an interesting story but I found Hope a little hard to take at times. Plus, the amount of work, she does for all of these businesses seemed a little unbelievable for a 22-year-old heiress.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

I'll be honest and say that at first I struggled placing who was who in this and there were a lot of people for me to get my head around, it did make reading a little difficult to start but it became a bit clearer as I continued to read. There were a few parts that I personally would have liked a little more development but I still enjoyed the story.

I enjoyed seeing the connection grow between Grayson and Hope, i liked them as couple. I just loved the interactions with his Seal family, in fact I could have happily read so much more featuring Hope, Gray and them.

This is a new author for me and I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.

[Nayeli Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting everything I got from this book. I absolutely love the story and I definitely recommend it. Even though it’s not a long book you still get a good amount of plot. The FMC is a bad A$$ and rich. She’s gone through some dramatic events that have cause her a lot of pain and that it still rests on her shoulders. While she’s trying to heal, she comes across a stalker that won’t leave her alone. Now she’s has to watch her back. The story is easy to follow and very enjoyable. I definitely recommend it. Keep in mind it’s not spicy, but it’s still really good.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. An exciting book and loads of chemistry.
When Wealthy Hope finds she has a stalker, Grayson the new brewmaster at the brewery steps up when she is in trouble.

The connection and attraction is certainly strong between Gray and Hope. They are both fiery people. Him dominant and her stubborn and knows what she wants. The stalker is very obsessive when after her and that gets terrifying for her.

Very well done and certainly leads on to another book. I liked the mix of characters and the interesting plot.

Can't wait for more!! Very well done!!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Handling Hope of the Baker Legacy series and I love it. I absolutely adore it! I didn’t want it to end but when it did I was left with a warm feeling in my chest. There is enough drama and action between Hope and Grayson to keep you entertained, especially when the sparks start to fly between them. Trent is the nightmare you have a hard time forgetting. Even with the constant trials tossed her way, Hope is the example of rise above it, never let them see you down. I am looking forward to the next book, great job Beth Sorensen.

[Pea Easter-Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey Now,
So I loved this read!! You got a Boss B but she down to earth and she understands pain. I love how she love and her mother's advice was spot on... don’t you want to know the advice? Read the book. But to witness two people become whole and help each other heal is beautiful. There are some plot twist that shocked me but I was left wanting more so I’m waiting for the second book in this series.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She may be young but she knows what she needs in her life. He work for her and she is soon in need of a bodyguard when a stalker threatens her life. How will it all go? Can they get on? Can he keep her safe? See if he can keep her safe
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Cindy Hardegree · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pair. While Hope was independent and quite accomplished, Grayson was just what was missing in her life. And Grayson…he was not only understanding, a hunk, and her hero.
This story was excellent and exciting with a great ending!
I received this book as an arc and am voluntarily submitting my review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining and well written romance that keeps you engaged and turning the pages. The characters are well developed and realistic.

I received an advance copy of this book from Hidden Gem Books and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

[Danielle Frantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book! It had love, action, growth and humor. I cannot wait to read more in this series!

I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was really good enjoyed it

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the story but I found some inconsistencies. I do wish some parts would have been longer, others I felt dragged on. I received this book as an ARC.

[Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review **

I loved this book! Hope is such a strong female lead and Gray is the definition of swoon worthy. His protective nature and her independent personality was such an awesome pairing.

[Sahra Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I feel like I was meant to read this book because I am literally living in the area of Virginia that is mentioned. My husband is also in the Navy. So I could relate to this book on so many levels. I loved the romance between the characters. I’m usually into spicy books but this was a nice, fast paced palate cleanser book if you need a break from the intense smut. I loved this book and I can’t wait to buy the physical copy