When He Falls

by Tory Baker

The last thing Colt expects to find on his doorstep in the middle of the night is a stranded stranger.

Colt doesn’t do complicated, and Sable has complicated written all over her.

His life is run his mechanic shop and raise his daughter.

Everything changes with Sable. She slams into his life—stubborn, gorgeous, and fiercely independent. His quiet world starts to shift.

He swears this is temporary. She’s just passing through. But every heated glance, every accidental brush of her body against his, only pulls him deeper.

He’s not supposed to want her.
She’s not supposed to stay.
Some falls are impossible to resist.

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2026

About the author

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.

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Reviews

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betty White brings them soul-consuming, earth-shattering, and never ending

When He Falls is the first book in the new Whispering Oaks: Steel & Seduction series. If the rest of the books in this series are as wonderful as this one then I am signed up for them all. Sable Montero is a mural artist who's work is in demand. She is usually hired by towns and small cities to paint something special on the side of buildings. She and her older brother, who is in the military and currently overseas, are close. So close that when he bought a townhouse and the tenants moved out he moved her in and told her she did not need to pay rent. Colt Barlow owns the local mechanic shop in Whispering Oaks. He is a single father to seven year old Nellie, who is beautiful, smart and has an artists soul. Nellie's mother, Brooke, was killed in a car accident on the day that Nellie was born. It was also an accident that Colt's younger sister Kara was badly injured in. He and Brooke were no longer a couple, as they were better as friends, but he was not prepared to become a single father and all that it entailed and since then has concentrated on raising Nellie the best he can, with help from his parents and Kara. But that all starts to turn when Sable pulls into the lot of the garage with her car Betty White, late on a Saturday evening. Sable was hired by the town to paint a mural and planned to be there for a couple of weeks. She was not expecting to come face to face with the hottest man she has ever seen and have her life turned upside down in the process. Now they will have to decide if taking a chance with their hearts is worth the payoff of a HEA.

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Overheated!**

“When He Falls" is the first book in the new series *Whispering Oaks: Steel & Seduction*. Colt and Sable’s love story is an amazing emotional journey filled with ups and downs, making it a fantastic way to start this new series.

Colt is a single dad whose main focus for the past seven years has been raising his daughter, Nellie, after losing her mother in a car accident. Nellie’s traumatic birth added to the challenges he faced. Colt works as a mechanic, so he never expected to meet Sable, who is in town for a couple of weeks to work on a big project for the Historical Society: creating murals around town. Nellie is thrilled about this, as she shares an interest in painting and other forms of creativity. Sable is enthusiastic about letting her help whenever she can.

You can feel the chemistry and attraction between Colt and Sable, but both are hesitant to open up to each other, afraid of getting hurt. Yet, they cannot deny the strong connection they share, and things heat up between them. Colt is also drawn to how Sable interacts with his daughter and the bond that develops between Nellie and Sable.

I truly did not want Colt, Sable, and Nellie’s story to end. It was so hard to put down the book, and the characters and world are incredibly captivating. For a short story, it’s packed with emotion, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series to continue this amazing interwoven journey.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last thing Colt expects to find on his doorstep in the middle of the night is a stranded stranger.


Colt doesn’t do complicated, and Sable has complicated written all over her.


His life is simple: run his mechanic shop and raise his daughter.


Everything changes with Sable. She slams into his life—stubborn, gorgeous, and fiercely independent. His quiet world starts to shift.

He swears this is temporary. She’s just passing through. But every heated glance, every accidental brush of her body against his, only pulls him deeper.


He’s not supposed to want her.

She’s not supposed to stay.

Some falls are impossible to resist.

This contemporary small-town strangers-to-lovers insta love romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters who are a blue-collar protective hero/single dad, and an independent heroine, who are both resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with when he falls, with explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice, with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, a happily ever after, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with when he falls and a small-town strangers-to-lovers insta love romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colt doesn’t ever want to fall in love! It’s not something he even thinks about. He has family - parents, sister and his daughter Nellie. He has no time for it. The garage keeps him busy and he is responsible for Nellie. It’s all he needs. They live right above the garage. He is working on his car when he is interrupted by a woman just coming into town. She steps out and he is already feeling a surprising current going through him. He is immediately taken with her and needs to spend more time with her but she has a job to do. Sable is a traveling artist who is hired to do murals in different cities and towns. She is independent, adventurous, easy to talk to and downright beautiful and curvaceous. Colt can’t stop thinking about her. He needs to see her again. She has invited him to come down where she is working on the mural. His sister stops by with Nellie and she invites Nellie to paint a part of the mural. Everyone in the town is so amazing and friendly. Sable is really enjoying her time there. The big broad shouldered mechanic is head over heels in love with this woman. They have an electricity - smoldering looks -scorching kisses and inability to breath when they are together! It’s hot, sexy, spicy and sweet, sweet love. You will fall in love with all the characters. Nellie is beyond words - adorable. Colt is a big, old softie. Tory knows how to bring the heat, but still give you a sweet, sweet story too. Such a great read!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐️ Review: When He Falls by Tory Baker Whispering Oaks: Steel & Seduction – Book 1

When He Falls is a quiet, heartfelt small-town romance that leans into emotional connection rather than high drama. Colt is an instantly likable hero—a devoted single dad with a simple life centered around his mechanic shop and his daughter. His grounded, no-nonsense personality makes the disruption Sable brings feel all the more powerful.

Sable lives up to her name: guarded, complicated, and clearly carrying a past she’s not ready to unpack. Her arrival on Colt’s doorstep sets up a classic forced-proximity scenario, and the chemistry between them builds through small, meaningful moments—shared space, lingering glances, and the push-pull of wanting something you don’t think you can keep.

What really works here is the emotional restraint. Colt’s internal conflict—knowing Sable is temporary but wanting her anyway—adds a gentle ache to the story. The romance unfolds naturally, without rushing, and the stakes feel personal rather than explosive.

Overall, this is a sweet, comforting read with solid character work and a warm small-town vibe. Perfect for readers who enjoy single-dad romances, slow emotional shifts, and love stories that feel soft but sincere. A cute, satisfying start to the series. 💛.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book of 2026 from Tory and we get a 5 star series starter that's got emotion (that prologue was just heart breaking), steam, no drama or angst (between the FMC & MMC) and a happy ending.

Colt and Sable are the perfect ying and yang. Sable brings out feelings in Colt he thought he'd buried for good, and Colt makes Sable want to settle down.

Perfect easy read, with an adorable little girl (shout out to Nellie), lovable main characters that your rooting for all the way through. Snippets of previous ones (Jude and Ronnie mainly) and a storyline of when not if that you'll be engaged with from the start.

What to expect
💙 Series Starter
💙 Dual POV
💙 Single Dad Romance
💙 Steamy Scenes
💙 Interlinking Characters (Undercover Lovers Series)
💙 5 Star Read
💙 Grumpy x Sunshine
💙 It's Only Her
💙 Mechanic x Artist
💙 He Falls Hard and Fast
💙 Easy Read
💙 HEA

I absolutely loved When He Falls it's an easy read, gripping and the perfect set up for the series. It's nice being in Whispering Oaks again and I'm looking forward to Kara's story next.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate or perhaps a sweet little girl’s wish brings Sable and Cole together in the small town of Whispering Oaks. Their first meeting certainly doesn’t bode well for any connection between them, but Cole makes a much better impression on Sable the next time they meet. She is just in town for a few weeks to do some murals around town for the Historical Society, but Cole and his sweet daughter Nellie soon find their place in her heart. Cole has been closed off emotionally since his daughter‘s traumatic birth seven years ago. There is just something about Sable that calls to him on every level. The sparks between them are one thing, but seeing Sable interact with his young daughter, tells Cole that it is time to open his heart to love again. He and Sable have sizzling chemistry and connect in so many way. Cole finds that he doesn’t even have to persuade Sable to stay and he and his daughter happily claim her for their own. Love wins and makes them a family of three.

This sweet and spicy single dad romance is endearing and has my heartfelt recommendation.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Colt and Sable. Colt hasn't dared since his daughter was born and wasn't really interested in anyone, until one night Sable showed up at his garage when her car broke down. Sable arrived in town to paint a mural and when her car broke down, she found Colt's garage. When she first met Colt, he was rude and she thought he was handsome, but too grumpy for her. Colt didn't like that he was so attracted to Sable, so he tried to be rude to her, but he didn't like that he treated that way. Colt decided to make it up to Sable and when Sable met his daughter, she instantly won her over. Colt knew he was attracted to Sable and knew she felt the same way, so he decided to see where things could go between them. Sable also wanted to be with Colt, but she knew she would have to relocate to be with him. I really liked Colt, he was a great guy who really loved his daughter and put her first, Sable was good for Colt, i like that she made him want to try love again. Another good one from Tory.

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

When He Falls is Book 1 in the Whispering Oaks: Steel & Seduction series and features Colt & Sable as well as his adorable daughter Nellie.

First off the prologue is tragic and got me all teary eyed. Colt is a devoted single dad who has been doing his best to provide for his young daughter. Sable is a complication he did not anticipate or expect, however once he gets over his initial shock he very much welcomes. Sable comes to Whispering Oaks to paint a mural for the historical society when her car breaks down and it lands her at the doorstep of Colts shop.

There is little to no drama between the FMC and MMC which I welcomed. I loved that Nellie connected so easily with Sable and it was like she was always meant to be a part of their family. While Sable is usually a traveler, Colt makes her want to settle down and Sable brings out feeling Colt buried deep down.

This was an easy read and perfect start to a new series from our girl Tory!

[Amanda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Whispering Oaks: Steel and Seduction series and is about Colt and Sable.
There’s 3 main characters of this book- Colt (MMC) Sable (FMC) and Nellie (Colt’s daughter).
Colt is a single dad who has a smart and little girl. Her mother passed away in a car wreck and Colt has raised Nellie by himself (with the help of his family) for her who life. He doesn’t have time to date or even have a fling. He’s a business owner and stays busy plus he has Nellie to think about..but when Sable comes into the garage because something is wrong with her car, he changes his mind real quick.
Sable is in town for a job but when she meets Colt, first she thinks he’s a j*rk but then she sees the real him.
Can they make it work? Will Nellie want Sable in their lives? What happens when Sable finishes up the job, will she go back home or take a chance and see if Colt and Nellie are her forever?
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️

[Danielle Monteleone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is freakin amazing!!! I loved absolutely everything about it. Colt is incredible and such a great dad to Nellie. She is an amazing character, I love how she paints Daddy’s nails. He has a great life raising his daughter and running his garage. He doesn’t date and his daughter is his first priority.

One night Sable comes into town and pulls into his garage with car trouble. Sable is such a free spirit and a wonderful artist that’s starting a new job. When Colt and Sable meet they felt something immediately , even though Colt didn’t handle it well. But he recovered nicely and the last thing they expect is to fall for each other. But fate had other ideas.

It quickly turns into a beautiful love story that you don’t want to end. It made my heart smile.

Tory Baker does it again and I can’t wait to read what she brings us next.

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness, this, from the start, pulled at my heart strings. My heart, literally ached for Colt. You could feel his loss and the struggles he endured being a single father, raising his daughter, Nellie, on his own since her birth while running the family garage. This was written that good. Nellie was the absolute cutest. I caught myself smiling quite a few times while reading about her. The father/daughter bond between Colt and Nellie was written perfectly! Such phenomenal story building here.

Enter Sable. She was such a breath of fresh air. Though it was during a rough time, car problems, when she met Colt, I just knew she was gonna be good for him, change his and Nellie's world for the better. Initially, how they began started with Colt looking at her car, but what was between Colt and Sable became so much more. It was EVERYTHING!

This is a short read, but it packs one heck of a punch! It's definitely an all around feel-good story. This book, without a doubt, is one everyone needs to read. It was utter word perfection! Five amazing stars all the way!!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

New series, same small town, and best of all characters from previous books. Colt lost and gained something one tragic night, but he promised himself, the mother of his new daughter and his daughter that Nellie would never forget. Seven years and he has kept that promise, dedicated dad, business owner and family support, Colt has done an amazing job. But when the mystery woman shows up late at his shop, his world seems to tilt. I love this fast paced, instant attraction story. Juggling raising a daughter while navigating exploring a new relationship and how it may affect the only person that has been his world for 7 years. And never underestimate the determination of a little girl who want the very best for her daddy.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Colt and Sable wouldn’t be complete without Nellie, adorable moppet and daughter of single dad Colt. Nellie is so cute, and a total matchmaker. She and Sable connected quickly, which was good for the story because Colt would never have a serious relationship with someone his daughter didn’t like. Sable is a mural artist whose car has trouble as she rolls into town, and Colt is the grumpy mechanic who owns the garage where she takes it. I liked Cole and Sable for each other, and there was a particularly good video sexytime scene that was super, super hot- definitely the most remarkable scene in the book.
Book is SAFE.
Heat is EXPLICIT.
TRIGGERS are orphaning of an infant.
TROPES are Grumpy x Sunshine, Instalove, Artistic License, Adorable Moppet, Single Dad, Small Town.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colt a single dad to his little daughter. He doesn’t expect to see the possibilities of anyone else disrupting that twosome. So Sable, whose vehicle barely makes it to his garage, is certainly not on his radar. Till she steps out of the car. Then his whole world starts to tilt in ways he never expected but comes to love more than he could ever imagine.

Sable was similar a relative free spirit painting murals and coming into town to do just that. Unfortunately, her car starts to overheat, and she just gets it to Colt’s auto repair shop before it conks out. She initially thought Colt was hot, but a bit harsh. Shortly she starts to see him with his daughter, and he melts her bit by bit. They both fall hard and fast and deep. Nice story and introduction to the players in this series who are dribble in a little bit. Great start to a new series.

[Kerry Boulanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single dad, Colt Barlow, started fatherhood with tragedy. He decides to focus on his daughter, with the help of his parents and sister, while running the town’s auto shop. His daughter, Nellie, just celebrated her seventh birthday and he’s alone at the shop. Sable is just hoping her car will make it the B&B as where she’s staying while painting the town’s mural. She makes it to Barlow’s Auto just in time. While her car might be dead, Colt’s heart just got a jump start. I love all of Tory Baker’s books and this one did not disappoint. The story is sweet and steamy, with some characters from the Undercover Lover series. Nellie’s sweet soul combines with Sables artwork, together with Colt, they paint a beautiful family.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the author’s new Whispering Oaks: Steel and Seduction series, a spinoff of the Undercover Lovers series and, while we get a new cast, we also got to hear from Jude and some of the other guys from Undercover Lovers.

Colt and Sable, our two MCs, were awesome together. The heat was smokin’ hot—hot enough to give me the shivers with all of Colt’s dirty talk and Sable… well, she was no shy virgin herself making this an amazing read.

If you’ve read any of the author’s other books, you know EXACTLY what this one has to offer and will run, not walk, to snatch it up. If you HAVEN’T, you have no idea what you’re missing and should definitely one click it immediately.

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short yet sweet insta-love story.

Sable was on her way into Whispering Oaks to paint a mural for the historic district when her car started having problems. Colt, who owns the auto shop, was the one she encountered. The day Sable pulled into his shop happened to be his daughter's birthday. His ex-girlfriend, pregnant at the time, was in a car accident with his sister. The ex-girlfriend didn't survive, but they were able to deliver the baby, leaving him to raise her as a single father. Because emotions were running high that day, he was a bit grumpy when he first spoke to Sable. However, there was definitely an instant attraction on both sides.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no better way to enjoy your break
than a Tory Baker's story.
Just remember to be alone...
cause you gonna be flushed and bothered, needy and greedy!

At first glance!
Sable caught Colt's eye (not only)
just by stepping out of her car
aaaand bending over to retrieve her things.
But she also cannot put the tall, dark and handsome guy out of her....mind.
I love that they are so hot for each other and they NEED to touch and explore!

"Colt: Pleasure is all mine."
This phrase and an accompanied image
did crazy things for me!

There are two matchmakers
in this story:
Betty White and
Nellie!
If you want details you must read the story.

[J.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispering Oaks is the ideal place, all those characters we’ve come to love and lust over and now we have Colt, a mechanic, a single father to an adorable little girl Nellie. Colts world and heart shut off to love as his priority was Nellie his daughter who was born the day her mother died but one look at Sable and his heart melts. Sable is an artist on her way to a new job when her car breaks down and meets our grumpy mmc. Their attraction is instant and soon enough they fall and fall hard. This was a feel good read with drama free but steamy moments. Characters old and new are introduced and I’m ready for the next one.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

When He Falls is the deliciously addictive first novel in author Tory Baker’s newest series, and it exceeds all expectations! Single dad Colt is alpha-drooly hotness to the max, and artist Sable is sweet, soulful, and so perfect for Colt and Nellie. I adored watching Colt with his daughter, and how she brings joy to everyone. Colt and Sable have electric chemistry, and in true Tory Baker form the love is undeniable from the start. Her main characters are real, relatable, and so down to earth. Loved this one and can’t wait for more!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sable’s car overheats just short of her destination. She manages to get to a garage. She has been hired to paint a mural.
Colt owns a garage. He has a daughter named Nellie, who was born the same day her mother died.
The chemistry between them has been there from the beginning, but they are a bit reluctant to pursue a relationship, afraid of being hurt again. However, the heart wants what the heart wants.
The beginning of the book is very emotional and tragic. The rest of the book is enjoyable and easy to read. I loved Nellie and how she became fond of Sable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the worst day of his family's life turns into his greatest joy in life. Colt lost the mother of his child and became a father all on the same day. His sister and the mother of his child were in a terrible car accident. Years later, his family is still healing from that night. Colt's daughter is loved by all but is missing having a mother. Sable is the artist on her way to Whispering Oaks to paint a mural for the city. She meets Colt when her car has some mechanical issues. They don't get off on the right foot but it isn't long before they start seeing each other. Will Sable stay when her project is finished?

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colt is a single dad to daughter Nellie after the tragic death of her mother. He has dedicated his life to work and raising his daughter. Sable is heading to the small town to work when she has car problems and ends up at Colt's mechanic shop. I loved Colt and Sable for each other, and I especially loved her for Nellie. These three made the perfect little family, and they had me cheering them on to get their happily ever after. When He Falls is a heartwarming story about finding love when you least expect it. This is a great start to the Whispering Oaks: Steel & Seduction series, and I look forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colt & Sable

The beginning is so sad! But definitely necessary to understand the story. I love that little girl. Nellie is so sweet - and definitely wiser than her years. Colt and Sable don’t have the best first meeting but they are definitely both attracted to each other from the start. Another couple destined to be together. And it all falls together so naturally. Love them and their story - I couldn’t put it down. I’m so happy to still be in Whispering Oaks, where we know so many people.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! Brand new start to a series which I’m looking forward to reading.
Colt is raising his daughter on his own and doing his best to be the best dad he can be.
Sable comes in to town to paint a mural and when her car breaks down she ends up at Colt’s garage.
As soon as they meet sparks fly but they have to proceed with car because of Colts daughter but it doesn’t take long for them all to realize they are meant to be together.
Loved the sneak peak and previous Tory Baker characters. Looking forward to Kara’s book next!

[Lisa Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colt, a local mechanic, is raising his young daughter, Nellie, after losing her mother in a tragic car accident. Being a single dad leaves little room for dating or much of a social life—until Sable comes to town. Commissioned to paint a mural, Sable’s arrival is delayed when her car overheats just outside town. From the moment Colt and Sable meet, sparks fly. Sable effortlessly fits into their lives, embracing both Colt and Nellie, and their connection feels natural and genuine. A cute, heartwarming story

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful story that kept me absolutely captivated! The beginning was so sad but the rest of the story was just amazing! Colt was such an amazing dad! Nellie was awesome and so wise for being so young! Sable shows up and fits perfectly in with this little family! All the characters are just fantastic, including some appearances by other faves! A wonderful story that I very much enjoyed and couldn’t put down! Very highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woohoo!!! The start of a new series and this author starts it off with a bang! Colt and Sable are perfection together. And when you throw in little Nellie in there, it makes for an absolute perfect book. She may be only seven, but I think Nellie holds the book together. Colt is just trying to live each day for his daughter, Nellie and he is getting more closed off by the day. When Sable‘s car breaks down and he is the only mechanic’s shop around sparks fly. Will Sable be able to break Colt’s walls down?

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good! It’s a short read that hurt within the first few pages, went straight to adorable, and then skyrocketed to steamy, and I loved it. Colt is the perfect single dad and he is sexy as all get out from the way he lets his little girl paint his nails to the dirty mouth he uses on Sable. Absolutely ate up that the attraction for these two was mutual and there was no hesitation in going after what they both wanted and Sable just has the biggest heart and it was the cutest the way she handled Nellie. A truly fantastic read from Tory Baker!