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Baxter Boys #1
The Baxter Boy's Sacrifice
One night changed everything…
Cassidy Kimbell killed a man when she was only nineteen.
Torque Baxter took the blame, serving ten years for her crime.
He told her to flee the scene of the accident. He told her to run. He told her to keep her mouth shut, so that’s what she’d done. She’d let a boy with a crush become an innocent man behind bars.
Today, that man is being released.
Cassidy expects Torque to hate her. She knows nothing she has done to atone all these years can compare to what he’s lost. But she hopes becoming his sponsor on the outside, especially since she’s a lawyer now, might help.
Little does she know, Torque doesn’t want her to owe him.
He wants her to love him.
But to do that Cassidy would have to give up the life she’s built for the last ten years. She'd have to sacrifice it all, just like he did.
Cassidy Kimbell killed a man when she was only nineteen.
Torque Baxter took the blame, serving ten years for her crime.
He told her to flee the scene of the accident. He told her to run. He told her to keep her mouth shut, so that’s what she’d done. She’d let a boy with a crush become an innocent man behind bars.
Today, that man is being released.
Cassidy expects Torque to hate her. She knows nothing she has done to atone all these years can compare to what he’s lost. But she hopes becoming his sponsor on the outside, especially since she’s a lawyer now, might help.
Little does she know, Torque doesn’t want her to owe him.
He wants her to love him.
But to do that Cassidy would have to give up the life she’s built for the last ten years. She'd have to sacrifice it all, just like he did.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2018
1045 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
July 4, 2022
I came upon Always With You by accident. I was not interested at first because I thought this is Christian romance. But when I listened to the first 5 minutes, I was hooked.
Always With You is a sweer clean romance. After all those intense heavy theme romance, I need something to cleanse my mind. Miss Gussman done just amazing job. The story is super simple. The romance is PG 13 and clean vanilla romance.
Overall, a very very good read.
4 stars
Always With You is a sweer clean romance. After all those intense heavy theme romance, I need something to cleanse my mind. Miss Gussman done just amazing job. The story is super simple. The romance is PG 13 and clean vanilla romance.
Overall, a very very good read.
4 stars
March 19, 2021
This was wonderful
Books like these don't come around very often and I am so glad I found it. Very clean, sweet romance between an ex-con and a lawyer. They were falling in love when he was 17 and she was 19 when she took his truck for a spin and not another car. The man was killed but Torque took the blame for it and was sentenced to 10 years and he served every one of them. The sentence was way too harsh for the charge and he wasn't even an adult. I think her Father had something to do with that and it's not in the book but I wonder if it will come out in his brothers books. Yes this was very sweet and she totally lived her life to atone for the mistake she made. Neither were with anyone else and they really loved each other. Cassidy adopted one child and was trying to adopt his twin sisters who were like 1. This is where the unbelievable stuff comes in and all the stars align and there is rainbows and love and unicorns prancing through fields and... Well you get it. And as much as I know that the perfect solution was totally implausible, I embraced it. I am so sick of cheating heroes, and drama and angst this was such a pleasant diversion. It felt like a real a romance. Something that has been lacking in a lot of books lately. Thank you Miss Jessie for a wonderful story!! So perfect.
Books like these don't come around very often and I am so glad I found it. Very clean, sweet romance between an ex-con and a lawyer. They were falling in love when he was 17 and she was 19 when she took his truck for a spin and not another car. The man was killed but Torque took the blame for it and was sentenced to 10 years and he served every one of them. The sentence was way too harsh for the charge and he wasn't even an adult. I think her Father had something to do with that and it's not in the book but I wonder if it will come out in his brothers books. Yes this was very sweet and she totally lived her life to atone for the mistake she made. Neither were with anyone else and they really loved each other. Cassidy adopted one child and was trying to adopt his twin sisters who were like 1. This is where the unbelievable stuff comes in and all the stars align and there is rainbows and love and unicorns prancing through fields and... Well you get it. And as much as I know that the perfect solution was totally implausible, I embraced it. I am so sick of cheating heroes, and drama and angst this was such a pleasant diversion. It felt like a real a romance. Something that has been lacking in a lot of books lately. Thank you Miss Jessie for a wonderful story!! So perfect.
December 27, 2018
5 STARS= Excellent= Immensely Enjoyable= I loved it...!
I loved, loved, loved the book. It's definitely my favourite of all this author's published works so far. Awesome writing. Such depth and emotions. I cried, I laughed, and I swooned. Superb characterisation. I loved Torque. I loved Cassidy. I appreciated their vulnerabilities, their strengths, their struggles, and their growth. I loved them as individuals and how they were together. The connection between them was strong and true. I was totally caught up in them, in their feelings, and in their story. And what a wonderful story. I rooted for the protagonists right from the start and basked in the warmth of their HEA long after the book ended. Pain and angst. Joy and humour. Romance and love. Everything was real. Everything was perfect. Highly recommended!
I loved, loved, loved the book. It's definitely my favourite of all this author's published works so far. Awesome writing. Such depth and emotions. I cried, I laughed, and I swooned. Superb characterisation. I loved Torque. I loved Cassidy. I appreciated their vulnerabilities, their strengths, their struggles, and their growth. I loved them as individuals and how they were together. The connection between them was strong and true. I was totally caught up in them, in their feelings, and in their story. And what a wonderful story. I rooted for the protagonists right from the start and basked in the warmth of their HEA long after the book ended. Pain and angst. Joy and humour. Romance and love. Everything was real. Everything was perfect. Highly recommended!
September 12, 2019
I enjoyed this author’s writing style, but pretty much everything about the plot was either unrealistic or far too convenient. The heroine starts out as a single mum who’s adopted an 8yo foster child and is now fostering said child’s toddler twin siblings (after lying to the case worker about having a boyfriend/prospective husband in the picture). Not only is she a single mum but she’s working tirelessly as a public defender because she refuses to touch her trust fund (in punishment for the hero having gone to jail on her behalf). Oh, and she used to be an underwear model, but one of the last things the hero said to her before he went to jail was that she should use her brains and be a lawyer, so the modeling just paid her way through law school (because, again, wouldn’t use trust fund).
The hero is a testosterone-laden, lay-his-heart-at-her-altar, came-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks mechanic who gave up ten years of his life when he allowed the charge of vehicular manslaughter to be laid at his feet rather than the girl he loved (at the tender age of seventeen). And he’s great with kids. And old ladies. Of course.
Hero makes a valiant effort at rejecting the heroine at the beginning, but caves pretty easily when he realises how much the heroine is running herself into the ground in self flagellation. The central conflict is around how the hero will manage to earn a living now that he’s an ex-con, and how the heroine can convince the adoption agency to let her adopt the twins, even though the only man she really wants is an ex-con and likely to be rejected by the adoption agency.
The resolution not only relied on a huge coincidence but was unrealistic to boot. Definitely a story designed to tug at the heartstrings, but I couldn’t get past the lack of realism.
The hero is a testosterone-laden, lay-his-heart-at-her-altar, came-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks mechanic who gave up ten years of his life when he allowed the charge of vehicular manslaughter to be laid at his feet rather than the girl he loved (at the tender age of seventeen). And he’s great with kids. And old ladies. Of course.
Hero makes a valiant effort at rejecting the heroine at the beginning, but caves pretty easily when he realises how much the heroine is running herself into the ground in self flagellation. The central conflict is around how the hero will manage to earn a living now that he’s an ex-con, and how the heroine can convince the adoption agency to let her adopt the twins, even though the only man she really wants is an ex-con and likely to be rejected by the adoption agency.
The resolution not only relied on a huge coincidence but was unrealistic to boot. Definitely a story designed to tug at the heartstrings, but I couldn’t get past the lack of realism.
December 29, 2018
I loved loved this lights hearted touching story. Loves Torque for his sacrifice, Cassidy for her kindness... it was funny, heart warming and lovely. Author's writing brings characters to life and the scenes are vivid, made me feel, cry, laugh and fall in love. I couldn't put it down. Thank you Jessie!
December 29, 2018
(Review with spoilers)
Nice clean romance. I loved it.
Ten years ago, Torque sacrificed himself for Cassidy, the girl he liked. He took responsibility for the accident she caused to protect her from going to jail. He had dreams. He wanted a better life, to show her father that he could be worthy of her, for his work. But he left everything behind because he wanted to take care of her. She would have a hard time in jail. He, on the other hand, was used to the hard blows of life. If he could keep her safe, he would.
Ten years ago, Cassidy stopped living. Guilt for the accident, and also for Torque's sacrifice, prevented hef from doing so. She decided that she couldn't be the rich girl she was, that she had to make sacrifices. She could not take responsibility for the accident. Torque did not allow her to do so, nor did he allow her to come and see him. But he couldn't stop her from living humbly, studying, struggling to make the world a better place. It was not a sacrifice to live her life like this. It was much less than she should be suffering. The boy she liked had given up his dreams for her. The least she could do was wait for him, and be by his side when he came out.
I loved Torque. He sacrificed himself for Cassidy so she wouldn't suffer. And then he does it again by giving up being with her for the sake of the children. He is a good man, generous, honest, who believed that he was not worthy of her, neither before the accident, nor after leaving prison, when he felt less than a man. He didn't know that he was worthy, that he didn't need to fight or prove anything to her, that he always was. But he needed the hard work to prove it to himself. He lost his mother when he was a child and dreamed of a family, which he has already found.
I loved Cassidy. She wants to show the world what she's worth, that she's not just a pretty face. And, after Torque sacrificed himself for her, it was much more important. She wanted to be worthy of him. She wanted to be a good mother. She wanted to fight for him.
I loved Torque's brothers and Cassidy's friends. And the children. And the old ladies. I loved that Miss Angelina is the first to believe in Torque, to see beyond his past in prison. A noble boy who had made a mistake (it was what she believed). He deserved a second chance, and she gave it to him.
I recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
Nice clean romance. I loved it.
Ten years ago, Torque sacrificed himself for Cassidy, the girl he liked. He took responsibility for the accident she caused to protect her from going to jail. He had dreams. He wanted a better life, to show her father that he could be worthy of her, for his work. But he left everything behind because he wanted to take care of her. She would have a hard time in jail. He, on the other hand, was used to the hard blows of life. If he could keep her safe, he would.
Ten years ago, Cassidy stopped living. Guilt for the accident, and also for Torque's sacrifice, prevented hef from doing so. She decided that she couldn't be the rich girl she was, that she had to make sacrifices. She could not take responsibility for the accident. Torque did not allow her to do so, nor did he allow her to come and see him. But he couldn't stop her from living humbly, studying, struggling to make the world a better place. It was not a sacrifice to live her life like this. It was much less than she should be suffering. The boy she liked had given up his dreams for her. The least she could do was wait for him, and be by his side when he came out.
I loved Torque. He sacrificed himself for Cassidy so she wouldn't suffer. And then he does it again by giving up being with her for the sake of the children. He is a good man, generous, honest, who believed that he was not worthy of her, neither before the accident, nor after leaving prison, when he felt less than a man. He didn't know that he was worthy, that he didn't need to fight or prove anything to her, that he always was. But he needed the hard work to prove it to himself. He lost his mother when he was a child and dreamed of a family, which he has already found.
I loved Cassidy. She wants to show the world what she's worth, that she's not just a pretty face. And, after Torque sacrificed himself for her, it was much more important. She wanted to be worthy of him. She wanted to be a good mother. She wanted to fight for him.
I loved Torque's brothers and Cassidy's friends. And the children. And the old ladies. I loved that Miss Angelina is the first to believe in Torque, to see beyond his past in prison. A noble boy who had made a mistake (it was what she believed). He deserved a second chance, and she gave it to him.
I recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
May 31, 2019
Wow, what a great book. This is book one in the Baxter Boys series and it starts off the series with a bang. In this book we meet Cassie and Torque. These two characters have a past and that past has cost Torque ten years of his life in prison. While Torque is serving out his sentence, Cassie becomes a lawyer and advocate for kids. Neither one of these characters are the same as they were ten years ago and now Torque is released from prison. What happens when their paths cross again? A second chance at love? True forgiveness an option? The book is so well written and realistic it makes for an amazing read. The characters are also fantastic with their layers at the ready to peel back as the story unfolds. This was truly an enjoyable read and I cannot wait to see how the series develops.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems.
December 26, 2018
This was a very touching story. This is not an everything is "rosy" type of story, but instead the author has dealt with some real life issues that are felt by some in our society. The author has developed very good characters that make the reader glide into the story from the early pages. What follows is a story of sorrow, redemption, forgiveness, grace, and a love with no earthly bounds or limits. I would highly recommend this book. Although this is the first book in a series, it is definitely a stand alone story too. Come meet Cassidy and "Torque" and his unique brothers in this newest book by Ms. Gussman.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary and personal review and these are my own thoughts and opinions. Vicki from Wyoming
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary and personal review and these are my own thoughts and opinions. Vicki from Wyoming
December 29, 2018
Love Defeats Circumstance
This is the most wonderful romance that I have read in ages! It has everything that makes a love story complete; self-sacrifice, hard work by men and women, strong moral character, devotion and deep love. The plot is excellent and well developed. The characters are honest and real. Even the 'bad guys' are real people and not just caricatures. I loved all of the book, there was not one spot that came of as either 'preachy' or unrealistic. I have read several books by this author and have loved them all. This book is easily her best and I am definitely reading the rest of this series. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
This is the most wonderful romance that I have read in ages! It has everything that makes a love story complete; self-sacrifice, hard work by men and women, strong moral character, devotion and deep love. The plot is excellent and well developed. The characters are honest and real. Even the 'bad guys' are real people and not just caricatures. I loved all of the book, there was not one spot that came of as either 'preachy' or unrealistic. I have read several books by this author and have loved them all. This book is easily her best and I am definitely reading the rest of this series. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
January 6, 2020
Romance, clean; series, but stand alone read
more of a 3.5 for me as a reader (I rate conservatively). Strong characterizations, lovely chemistry, gorgeous romance, and heartfelt back story. J.G. is now a favorite author of mine. I will look forward to reading anything she writes. I read her other series first, and this is much stronger characterizations and writing in this series. Perfect escape reads for me!
She has a way to get you in the thoughts, feelings, emotions, and worries of all her main characters, with fun side characters, and of course the strong family ties that make for a fun series. Will enjoy reading all the novels/novellas in this series.
more of a 3.5 for me as a reader (I rate conservatively). Strong characterizations, lovely chemistry, gorgeous romance, and heartfelt back story. J.G. is now a favorite author of mine. I will look forward to reading anything she writes. I read her other series first, and this is much stronger characterizations and writing in this series. Perfect escape reads for me!
She has a way to get you in the thoughts, feelings, emotions, and worries of all her main characters, with fun side characters, and of course the strong family ties that make for a fun series. Will enjoy reading all the novels/novellas in this series.
January 22, 2022
This story was epic. It had me from the beginning, and the ending surprised me. I didn’t see it coming. These characters were romantic in a unique way, and I really enjoyed it. Did I say I loved it? I loved it.
I listened to the audiobook that’s titled What He Wants, and it has a different cover.
I listened to the audiobook that’s titled What He Wants, and it has a different cover.
January 7, 2020
Really liked this book!
Great book. First I read from the author and will def read more of her books. Read this really quick
Great book. First I read from the author and will def read more of her books. Read this really quick
June 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this book about one of the Baxter boys by Jessie Gussman. I listened to the audiobook performed by Jay Dyess.
Cassidy accidentally killed a man while driving on a dark night when she was just nineteen years old.. She just did not see him. She was young and panicked. The vehicle that stopped to help her was driven by one of the Baxter boys. Torque Baxter calmed Cassidy down and told her not to tell anyone about the accident. He ended up being charged in the man's death and serving ten years in prison for manslaughter charges from her accident.
Cassidy went on with her life during that ten years. She went to law school and became a lawyer. Torque had served his prison sentence and was released. They ran into each other soon after Torque us release. While talking over happenings in the years he was in jail, Cassidy told Torque about deciding to adopt two young children. But what would happen to her law practice and other plans if her part in the accident came to light.
Read this book to find out. I enjoyed the book and I hope you enjoy it also.
Cassidy accidentally killed a man while driving on a dark night when she was just nineteen years old.. She just did not see him. She was young and panicked. The vehicle that stopped to help her was driven by one of the Baxter boys. Torque Baxter calmed Cassidy down and told her not to tell anyone about the accident. He ended up being charged in the man's death and serving ten years in prison for manslaughter charges from her accident.
Cassidy went on with her life during that ten years. She went to law school and became a lawyer. Torque had served his prison sentence and was released. They ran into each other soon after Torque us release. While talking over happenings in the years he was in jail, Cassidy told Torque about deciding to adopt two young children. But what would happen to her law practice and other plans if her part in the accident came to light.
Read this book to find out. I enjoyed the book and I hope you enjoy it also.
September 15, 2019
I feel incredibly passionate about what I just read, so I’m not holding back on my opinion. Proceed with caution.
Our two main characters are Cassidy and Torque. Their background is as follows: when Cassidy was nineteen and Torque was seventeen they had a short fling that was apparently true love. Cassidy drove Torque’s truck (I think it was a manual so she couldn’t drive it?) and she crashed it and murdered an older man. Torque was in love with her, so he took the fall for it and served ten years in prison. At the start of our story, he is released from prison and Cassidy is there to pick him up. They haven’t spoken since he was sentenced; he refused to take her calls or see her. The remainder of the story is a jumbled, confusing mess of poorly contrived emotions and half finished sentences.
There just wasn’t…enough. Of anything. There was hardly any passion - it was difficult to believe that these two were actually in love. The audience was never clued in on what happened before the accident. Did they sleep together? Did they make out a few times? I just think we needed a little more context to make the story believable. Also, this is a prime example of the reasons I don’t like children in romance novels. These children had no personality, and they just prevented our lovers from experiencing anything together. They went out for ice cream one time, during the entirety of the novel. I just found it lacking.
There was also a significant dissatisfaction with Cassidy and the way she handled her life, for me. She came from TONS of money, but decided to not touch her trust fund because she felt guilty about letting a seventeen year old guy that she liked go to jail? She was fostering three kids and let them live in an incredibly unsafe apartment because she didn’t want to spend the money to buy a house (that she could afford), yet she was completely devastated about having to give up the man she loved for these kids. Were the kids really that important or was it simply that she needed to prove to this guy that she suffered while he was gone too?
Torque was sexy in his own, mysterious way. He wasn’t comfortable sharing his feelings, so it was entertaining to experience his thoughts about Cassidy and her choices. As far as everything else, Torque was a bit overly aggressive and demanding. Cassidy was supposed to be a lawyer, but couldn’t stand up for herself. Torque obviously didn’t truly respect her and Cassidy, truthfully, didn’t respect herself either.
I understand it takes a lot of bravery to write a novel and I would never degrade someone for the work they’ve done. This is a 3 star review from me, but I’d love to hear other opinions, especially if you disagree with my review. Let’s discuss!
Our two main characters are Cassidy and Torque. Their background is as follows: when Cassidy was nineteen and Torque was seventeen they had a short fling that was apparently true love. Cassidy drove Torque’s truck (I think it was a manual so she couldn’t drive it?) and she crashed it and murdered an older man. Torque was in love with her, so he took the fall for it and served ten years in prison. At the start of our story, he is released from prison and Cassidy is there to pick him up. They haven’t spoken since he was sentenced; he refused to take her calls or see her. The remainder of the story is a jumbled, confusing mess of poorly contrived emotions and half finished sentences.
There just wasn’t…enough. Of anything. There was hardly any passion - it was difficult to believe that these two were actually in love. The audience was never clued in on what happened before the accident. Did they sleep together? Did they make out a few times? I just think we needed a little more context to make the story believable. Also, this is a prime example of the reasons I don’t like children in romance novels. These children had no personality, and they just prevented our lovers from experiencing anything together. They went out for ice cream one time, during the entirety of the novel. I just found it lacking.
There was also a significant dissatisfaction with Cassidy and the way she handled her life, for me. She came from TONS of money, but decided to not touch her trust fund because she felt guilty about letting a seventeen year old guy that she liked go to jail? She was fostering three kids and let them live in an incredibly unsafe apartment because she didn’t want to spend the money to buy a house (that she could afford), yet she was completely devastated about having to give up the man she loved for these kids. Were the kids really that important or was it simply that she needed to prove to this guy that she suffered while he was gone too?
Torque was sexy in his own, mysterious way. He wasn’t comfortable sharing his feelings, so it was entertaining to experience his thoughts about Cassidy and her choices. As far as everything else, Torque was a bit overly aggressive and demanding. Cassidy was supposed to be a lawyer, but couldn’t stand up for herself. Torque obviously didn’t truly respect her and Cassidy, truthfully, didn’t respect herself either.
I understand it takes a lot of bravery to write a novel and I would never degrade someone for the work they’ve done. This is a 3 star review from me, but I’d love to hear other opinions, especially if you disagree with my review. Let’s discuss!
May 28, 2020
[BOOK 1 OF THE BAXTER BOYS SERIES: FORMERLY TITLED "WHAT HE WANTS"; NOW TITLED "THE BAXTER BOY'S SACRIFICE"]
A beautiful story of self-donating love!
Torque is a trailer park kid with most of the associated stereotypes that involves. He meets rich kid Cassidy in the woods one afternoon while she's escaping from her miserable home life. They begin meeting there & spending time together regularly. One day, Cassidy gets upset, does something stupid, and accidentally kills a man in the process. Torque takes the blame to protect her and ends up doing ten years in jail for it.
Ten years later, Cassidy has been working hard to do something worthwhile with her life, so that Torque's sacrifice wasn't wasted. She wants to help him now that he's out, but he just wants a clean start from everything - including her.
The story is incredibly touching & emotionally engaging. Yet despite it's heavy subject matter, it's never depressing. It frequently manages to be humorous & lighthearted without trivializing anything.
A few of the criticisms I've seen of the premise are technically accurate, but at the same time, I just heard about a young man who was wrongly jailed for life despite significant evidence that should have exonerated him, & only got out because DNA testing finally proved that it was someone else. So while it's true that our justice system is "supposed to" work a certain way, it's also true that it doesn't always. And Cassidy trying to confess later, after the shock & fear had worn off (and once she knew what was really happening instead of the little she was being told), would just have been dismissed as her trying to save her lover boy.
So Cassidy rather insistently adopts Torque as his mentor for re-assimilating into society. She's also adopted an 8 yr old boy & is trying to adopt twins. She seriously needs help giving help! And Torque finds himself getting caught up in Cassidy all over again. With the help of a wonderful cast of secondary characters, this book is a fantastic read from beginning to end!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
A beautiful story of self-donating love!
Torque is a trailer park kid with most of the associated stereotypes that involves. He meets rich kid Cassidy in the woods one afternoon while she's escaping from her miserable home life. They begin meeting there & spending time together regularly. One day, Cassidy gets upset, does something stupid, and accidentally kills a man in the process. Torque takes the blame to protect her and ends up doing ten years in jail for it.
Ten years later, Cassidy has been working hard to do something worthwhile with her life, so that Torque's sacrifice wasn't wasted. She wants to help him now that he's out, but he just wants a clean start from everything - including her.
The story is incredibly touching & emotionally engaging. Yet despite it's heavy subject matter, it's never depressing. It frequently manages to be humorous & lighthearted without trivializing anything.
A few of the criticisms I've seen of the premise are technically accurate, but at the same time, I just heard about a young man who was wrongly jailed for life despite significant evidence that should have exonerated him, & only got out because DNA testing finally proved that it was someone else. So while it's true that our justice system is "supposed to" work a certain way, it's also true that it doesn't always. And Cassidy trying to confess later, after the shock & fear had worn off (and once she knew what was really happening instead of the little she was being told), would just have been dismissed as her trying to save her lover boy.
So Cassidy rather insistently adopts Torque as his mentor for re-assimilating into society. She's also adopted an 8 yr old boy & is trying to adopt twins. She seriously needs help giving help! And Torque finds himself getting caught up in Cassidy all over again. With the help of a wonderful cast of secondary characters, this book is a fantastic read from beginning to end!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
May 31, 2019
WOW!! I absolutely fell in love with this ARC I received. Torque has recently been released from prison after he served ten years for a vehicular homicide sentence he didn't do. Torque's didn't expect his teenage crush Cassidy to be there to pick him up or that she would be his sponsor. Torque struggles with self pity and believes he will never be good enough for Cassidy. Torque is such a good hearted, sweet, caring and loyal, yet stubborn man who needs to prove he can make it on his own. Cassidy wants to come clean for what she did, and when he turns her down each time the guild of what happens forces her to reevaluate her life. Cassidy punishes herself by living with the essentials and becomes what she thinks Torque wanted her to be. Cassidy dedicates her life to helping and serving others, and she adopted a boy and wants to adopt his sisters. Both Cassidy and Torque sacrifice so much in the name of love. This story is full of hope, heartbreaking moments, unconditional love and life struggles. I loved all the complexed characters in this story. I loved how determined, strong, caring and selfless both characters were in their own way. It takes a strong person to go to jail for another out of love and equally so for the person to give up everything they ever had. Both Cassidy and Torque comes from opposite worlds and grew up on different sides of the mountain, yet they found something most of us still search for...true unconditional love. I can't wait to read more on these characters, if I could give this story more than a five star I would.
January 17, 2019
Wow! What a wonderful story. I was a huge fan of Torque from the very beginning and his willingness to sacrifice everything for someone he loves even if the feelings are reciprocated. He serves 10 years for a crime he didn't commit and when he gets out he has nothing and has to start from scratch with a prison record. But, there are people in his corner cheering for his success.
One of those, is Cassidy Kimball. She is the reason Torque went to prison and the woman he loves. Cassidy has made major sacrifices, too. Because of the guilt she feels for what happened to Torque she tries to be the best person she can be and not be sidetracked by money, fame and material things. She is trying to make a difference for those who need her help.
Is it possible for these two to finally get their happy ever after or is it too late and too much water under the bridge?
The character development was amazing and I had a hard time putting the book down. It was everything I enjoy in a good book. There was sweet romance with wonderful characters, clean story with no foul language or descriptive sex scenes, plenty of chemistry and a happy ending. I am excited to read Book 2 about Tough. I was given an arc copy of this book and I enthusiastically offer my review.
One of those, is Cassidy Kimball. She is the reason Torque went to prison and the woman he loves. Cassidy has made major sacrifices, too. Because of the guilt she feels for what happened to Torque she tries to be the best person she can be and not be sidetracked by money, fame and material things. She is trying to make a difference for those who need her help.
Is it possible for these two to finally get their happy ever after or is it too late and too much water under the bridge?
The character development was amazing and I had a hard time putting the book down. It was everything I enjoy in a good book. There was sweet romance with wonderful characters, clean story with no foul language or descriptive sex scenes, plenty of chemistry and a happy ending. I am excited to read Book 2 about Tough. I was given an arc copy of this book and I enthusiastically offer my review.
February 16, 2020
The Baxter Boy’s Sacrifice by Jessie Gussman (5 stars)
*I highly recommend reading the novella prologue before reading the book (I believe you can find it free at the end of the book-at least it’s free at the end of this book in the boxed-set version...)
This was such a wonderful love story! Torque made a sacrifice for the girl he loved and paid the price for her mistake. 10 years in prison even though he was only 17. (The mystery is never solved as to why his sentence was so harsh and why he was tried as an adult, but life can be like that: harsh. )
Cassidy undergoes some significant personal growth that probably wouldn’t have happened if her guilt for letting him take the fall for her hadn’t been the impetus of change in her life.
Torque survives prison and is still himself and that says a ton about his character.
Ms. Gussman’s characters are what make her books so special. That, and she writes about what she knows. In this series, it’s trucks and mechanics. (In her ‘Cowboy’s Don’t’ series, it’s farming. There’s just a wonderful authenticity to the worlds she creates.
This is a sweet love story where a shining character (and love) wins all.
* poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
*I highly recommend reading the novella prologue before reading the book (I believe you can find it free at the end of the book-at least it’s free at the end of this book in the boxed-set version...)
This was such a wonderful love story! Torque made a sacrifice for the girl he loved and paid the price for her mistake. 10 years in prison even though he was only 17. (The mystery is never solved as to why his sentence was so harsh and why he was tried as an adult, but life can be like that: harsh. )
Cassidy undergoes some significant personal growth that probably wouldn’t have happened if her guilt for letting him take the fall for her hadn’t been the impetus of change in her life.
Torque survives prison and is still himself and that says a ton about his character.
Ms. Gussman’s characters are what make her books so special. That, and she writes about what she knows. In this series, it’s trucks and mechanics. (In her ‘Cowboy’s Don’t’ series, it’s farming. There’s just a wonderful authenticity to the worlds she creates.
This is a sweet love story where a shining character (and love) wins all.
* poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
December 23, 2018
There are times that as an avid reader you come across a book that you know you’ll remember for a long time. This is one of those.
The story of Torque Baxter and Cassidy Kimball started over 10 years ago. They met in HS and the attraction was immediate. She was a couple of years older, from a wealthy family , while he was from the wrong side of the tracks and a talented mechanic. But one night changed their lives forever. Sacrifices were made for love , sending an innocent young man to jail for 10 years.
Cassidy’s guilt has made her the woman she is today.
What happens from the moment he is out of jail to the end will be a rollercoaster of heartbreaking moments that will make your heart ache and the tissue box a necessity. But in the end , will they go their separate ways once again sacrificing their love, or will they finally reach their HEA?
This engaging story with it’s complex characters is one not to be missed. I can’t wait to see what else this very talented author has in store for us.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The story of Torque Baxter and Cassidy Kimball started over 10 years ago. They met in HS and the attraction was immediate. She was a couple of years older, from a wealthy family , while he was from the wrong side of the tracks and a talented mechanic. But one night changed their lives forever. Sacrifices were made for love , sending an innocent young man to jail for 10 years.
Cassidy’s guilt has made her the woman she is today.
What happens from the moment he is out of jail to the end will be a rollercoaster of heartbreaking moments that will make your heart ache and the tissue box a necessity. But in the end , will they go their separate ways once again sacrificing their love, or will they finally reach their HEA?
This engaging story with it’s complex characters is one not to be missed. I can’t wait to see what else this very talented author has in store for us.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
June 23, 2019
Cassidy caused the accident that put Torque in prison. She has been punishing herself ever since by modeling to pay for law school instead of taking money from her parents and living in a rundown area. I was surprised that the foster agency would let her keep her adoptive son’s twin sisters at her apartment. She had a trust fund that could have given them better accommodations. It isn’t until she the agency wants to take them away that she starts to look for a new place. They also won’t let her have them as a single woman. She wants Torque to be their father, but his ex-con status is a strike against him. I admired him for finding a way to build a life for himself after prison. His former boss’s widow Miss Angelina and her daughter were great seeing the hardworking caring man he was without the stigma.
June 22, 2019
I received a copy from the author; this is my honest review.
-Fun (and sad at the same time) clean read about a second chance romance that Torque & Cassidy didn't know they both had. No drama. The love and tenderness between them is palpable.
-Delightful end. Not surprising after reading the next-to-last chapter but wow, ends with a bang. Then the epilogue brings you to the next book.
-The quilting bee touched me immensely. I too received quilts for my children and our bed when we were missionaries and living on donations. The condition was to pass them on to someone else who needed it more, which I did.
-Editing needs another pass, nothing serious, such as birth vs. berth. An expression that came way too many times "took longer than she expected" should be tracked and cut in half.
-Fun (and sad at the same time) clean read about a second chance romance that Torque & Cassidy didn't know they both had. No drama. The love and tenderness between them is palpable.
-Delightful end. Not surprising after reading the next-to-last chapter but wow, ends with a bang. Then the epilogue brings you to the next book.
-The quilting bee touched me immensely. I too received quilts for my children and our bed when we were missionaries and living on donations. The condition was to pass them on to someone else who needed it more, which I did.
-Editing needs another pass, nothing serious, such as birth vs. berth. An expression that came way too many times "took longer than she expected" should be tracked and cut in half.
June 3, 2019
Sweet read
Cassidy and Torque have a very sweet, interesting read. Cassidy adopted one kid and fostered twins while Torque was in jail. She is a single mom who works all the time and lives in a rough neighborhood. The adoption agency says find a partner or she is going to lose the twins. She wants to keep her family together but doesn't think the adoption agency will accept Torque as a parent due to his record. The story follows Cassidy and Torque as he navigates life after prison and she tries to figure out how to keep the family together. There is a great supporting cast, including Torque's brothers and a little old ladies' quilting circle. Interesting and sweet story.
Cassidy and Torque have a very sweet, interesting read. Cassidy adopted one kid and fostered twins while Torque was in jail. She is a single mom who works all the time and lives in a rough neighborhood. The adoption agency says find a partner or she is going to lose the twins. She wants to keep her family together but doesn't think the adoption agency will accept Torque as a parent due to his record. The story follows Cassidy and Torque as he navigates life after prison and she tries to figure out how to keep the family together. There is a great supporting cast, including Torque's brothers and a little old ladies' quilting circle. Interesting and sweet story.
January 3, 2020
The Baxter Boy's Sacrifice
Torque had shoved Cassidy out of his truck and told her leave after the accident. He spent ten years behind bars for vehicular manslaughter. Cassidy refused any help from her wealthy parents and did occasional modelling jobs to covwr her expenses. Gratuating from law school she went to work as a public defender. Then adopting 8 year old Jamal and fostering his twun baby sisters. After serving his full sentence, he and Cassidy soon realize they love each other. Many obstacles arise before they are able to adopt the twins and start a life together. I.gave it 5 stars
Torque had shoved Cassidy out of his truck and told her leave after the accident. He spent ten years behind bars for vehicular manslaughter. Cassidy refused any help from her wealthy parents and did occasional modelling jobs to covwr her expenses. Gratuating from law school she went to work as a public defender. Then adopting 8 year old Jamal and fostering his twun baby sisters. After serving his full sentence, he and Cassidy soon realize they love each other. Many obstacles arise before they are able to adopt the twins and start a life together. I.gave it 5 stars
August 21, 2020
Loved Cassidy and Torque's story. Torque was a master mechanic on diesel engine even at a young age, and was planning his future when he got charged for killing a man in a car accident. Cassidy waited for him to get out of prison and they finally let their feelings for each other be known. I loved the characters in this book. The old men in the garage, we're a hoot. And the quilting ladies were precious. I laughed and fussed out loud while reading this book. If you like clean stories with second chances, you can't go wrong with 'What He Wants, The Baxter Boys Sacrifice'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
August 28, 2020
Torque Baxter served ten years for vehicular homicide for an accident he did not commit. Today he is being released from jail and thinks his brother Tough is going to be meeting him and picking him up. Tough has a small garage that he is going to let Torque help him while he looks for a job, he wants to be a diesel mechanic.
However when he gets out and looks for his brother he finds Cassidy waiting for him. He doesn't want anything to do with her since she is the reason he spent time in prison for a crime she committed.
What a great story that holds your interest from the start to finish. Check it out you will be glad you did.
However when he gets out and looks for his brother he finds Cassidy waiting for him. He doesn't want anything to do with her since she is the reason he spent time in prison for a crime she committed.
What a great story that holds your interest from the start to finish. Check it out you will be glad you did.
April 8, 2022
There is something about these Baxter brothers that just reels you in. Suggest reading the prequel to this series before reading this book, that gives background to Cassidy and Torque meeting as teenagers. This series uses a slightly different writing style to some of Jessie Gussman's other books but this just adds to the variety in the library! The faith aspect is very light (although Christian values are maintained through and it remains a clean romance). I really enjoyed this book, and will be reading the rest of the series.
* I received an ARC copy of the book for an honest and voluntary review.
* I received an ARC copy of the book for an honest and voluntary review.
September 6, 2022
This book kind of rubbed me the wrong way
April 9, 2023
it was clean.
well written
However,
I thought it was going to be a Christian fiction novel...
it was about the 'lightest' Christian novel I have read in a long time!
Absolutely no scripture quoted, and maybe 3 or 4 mentions of someone went to church once
( no sermon, no prayer etc.)
Yes, the characters had some Christian values displayed
but not really explained ( except once).
I found that to be disappointing,
I would not have read it had I known it would be so very light weight....super Christian lite!
It was a fine story....it's just that I want to read much much deeper 'Christian' novels,
this one barely crossed over the line from a clean secular novel.
Also there was a little too much semi lusting going on for me...not bad
but when paired with no gospel message, no scriptures, etc.
The hero did sacrifice for the one he loved so that was a godly Christian character trait and was admirable.
well written
However,
I thought it was going to be a Christian fiction novel...
it was about the 'lightest' Christian novel I have read in a long time!
Absolutely no scripture quoted, and maybe 3 or 4 mentions of someone went to church once
( no sermon, no prayer etc.)
Yes, the characters had some Christian values displayed
but not really explained ( except once).
I found that to be disappointing,
I would not have read it had I known it would be so very light weight....super Christian lite!
It was a fine story....it's just that I want to read much much deeper 'Christian' novels,
this one barely crossed over the line from a clean secular novel.
Also there was a little too much semi lusting going on for me...not bad
but when paired with no gospel message, no scriptures, etc.
The hero did sacrifice for the one he loved so that was a godly Christian character trait and was admirable.
January 7, 2023
One night changed everything…
Cassidy Kimbell killed a man when she was only nineteen.
Torque Baxter took the blame, serving ten years for her crime.
He told her to flee the scene of the accident. He told her to run. He told her to keep her mouth shut, so that’s what she’d done. She’d let a boy with a crush become an innocent man behind bars.
Today, that man is being released.
Cassidy expects Torque to hate her. She knows nothing she has done to atone all these years can compare to what he’s lost. But she hopes becoming his sponsor on the outside, especially since she’s a lawyer now, might help.
Little does she know, Torque doesn’t want her to owe him.
He wants her to love him.
But to do that Cassidy would have to give up the life she’s built for the last ten years. She'd have to sacrifice it all, just like he did.
Cassidy Kimbell killed a man when she was only nineteen.
Torque Baxter took the blame, serving ten years for her crime.
He told her to flee the scene of the accident. He told her to run. He told her to keep her mouth shut, so that’s what she’d done. She’d let a boy with a crush become an innocent man behind bars.
Today, that man is being released.
Cassidy expects Torque to hate her. She knows nothing she has done to atone all these years can compare to what he’s lost. But she hopes becoming his sponsor on the outside, especially since she’s a lawyer now, might help.
Little does she know, Torque doesn’t want her to owe him.
He wants her to love him.
But to do that Cassidy would have to give up the life she’s built for the last ten years. She'd have to sacrifice it all, just like he did.
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