Tease Me

by Tory Baker

I didn’t think I’d ever meet the woman that would have me thinking of forever, that was until my eyes landed on Marlie.

Tanner is a tall glass of water on a hot summer day, handsome didn’t even touch the surface and the way he gave me his rapt attention at my best friends wedding it was unbelievable until it was too good to be true. Yet, he never called and no girl ever wants to be forgotten.

After too many days to count of blowing up everyone’s phone, I’d exhausted all efforts and was nowhere near close to finding Marlie’s real number. Yeah, I screwed that up but I’ll do anything I can to make things right and make her mine.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Family, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Amazon

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2022

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

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was superrrrrr insta lovely. Like they hung out for two days and said I love you type of instalove. But it was cute.

[Olive · Rating 3 out of 5]

Major pacing problems in this one. While I understand it’s a novella, there was no real conflict or driving action. Tanner was able to get Marlie’s phone number within a week, and even if he didn’t, she would’ve gotten to her work phone eventually. There were no stakes, and no development of either of the characters. It kinda just, was.
I did love the big family dynamic, and while I’m curious about the other sibling’s stories, I most likely won’t be picking them up.

[Rmqbookqueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy scale: 3🌶🌶🌶

Tanner & Marlie have to be one of Tory Baker’s sweetest couples she’s ever written! Mixed in with her classic steamy romance,𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙈𝙚 was a swoon worthy book that also gave us an introduction into Hart family.

They met at both of their best friends wedding & that happened to be the first time they set eyes of each other. Suffice to say that if they had ever not been busy with their jobs before they’d have been all lived up for a while. Both Marlie and Tanner were perfect for each other, & let me tell you that the build up to them finally giving into temptation was HOT! Not only were the steamy times great, but the things that came out of Tanners mouth had me out here sweating.🥵😍Everything about them was sweet & steamy and I couldn’t have wanted anything more. There story and their HEA was so beautiful.

I can’t wait for Keller’s book because I really enjoyed how great of a dad he was even though he was only in a few scenes & I just know one woman is going to be lucky to have him. Don’t even get me started on how adorable little Jace was! I’m so excited to see more of him and the entire Hart family because they seem so close and so amazing.😍

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It is the kind that you can identify with the characters and immerse yourself in the story. Very beautifully written and characters to win the heart make this book a must read.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was actually quite a sweet romance. Tanner and Marlie instantly click at a friend's wedding but he doesn't call, or so she thinks. When they finally get together, sparks fly and it gets hot and heavy. I though that Tanner and Marlie were such great character and were adorable together. I really enjoyed this story.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.

[Kim Gauger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short

I liked this cute under 2 HR read. Lined up the next story, had heat, good character development, good chemistry. It was well rounded and didn't feel choppy. I loved this book

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/18/2023)! 🎁

[KMH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time this amazing author has a new book out I cannot wait to read it, but when she starts a new series I'm greedily clutching my hands.
I did enjoy this book, its the kind of book that a fan and reader has come to know from this author.
The plot and storyline kept you guessing and anticipating what is going to happy next and the will they won't they aspect makes it so that you cannot put it down.
The characters were written really well and you could feel their characters built on the pages.
Both characters were very likable and the author made them perfect for each other.
The romance shines through, staying the main focus of the book, with all the rest packed in to make it an even more compelling story.

[Jennifer Noseworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice read, a little longer than I usually read but so worth it.

Tanner and Marlie met when he goes to take a present to the bride because he's the best man. Tanner and Marlie's friends have been trying to fix them up but because of work they haven't been able to met. Tanner is the best man while Marlie is maid of honor at their friend's wedding. Marlie has designed her friend's wedding dress and is helping her when Tanner comes knocking on the door. When Marlie comes walking down the aisle Tanner can't stop looking at her. Marlie catches glimpse at Tanner. Tanner and Marlie dance at the reception, after everyone leaves they both go and sit on the beach. Tanner makes sure Marlie gets to her car, but she gives him her phone number and he puts it in wrong. When Tanner gets home he messages Marlie but she never receives the message. A few days pass and Marlie thinks that Tanner wasn't as into her as she was him. Tanner tries to get a hold of his best friend but has a hard time because he's on his honeymoon. When Tanner finally gets an answer he tells his friend how he messed up, they give him to correct number but asks him to wait so they can do damage control. Marlie picks up her best friend's from the airport and they tell her how Tanner has been trying to get a hold of her. Marlie is shocked when she finds out, and tells her friends she'll talk to Tanner. When Tanner finally calls Marlie he apologies to her. Tanner asks Marlie out for dinner but she tells him to come by her place and she'll cook dinner for him. Tanner goes over to Marlie's with is dog and they talk about her getting one too. Tanner and Marlie clean up from dinner then he kisses her. Tanner tells Marlie he wants to do things right with her. Tanner offers to go to the shelter with Marlie the following day. The following day Tanner comes over to pick up Marlie but ends up pleasuring her before they head to the shelter. Marlie doesn't find a dog that is a good fit for her. Marlie head back to work after taking a week off for a staycation. When Marlie gets back to work she find several miss calls and emails from Tanner telling her how he messed up and sorry he is. Tanner has been busy with the construction working twelve hour days. When Tanner gets to his office he sees a note left by his mom. Tanner decides to head home but calls Marlie and goes over to her place. Tanner pleasures Marlie then they make love. Tanner goes into work late the following day. Tanner invites Marlie over to met his family. After a few weeks everyone schedule lines up and Marlie is able to met all of Tanner's family. Six weeks later, Marlie finds out she pregnant and tells Tanner. One month later Tanner and Marlie get married. Ten months later, Tanner is holding their daughter, Camille and taking lots of pictures. Tanner tells Marlie that his mom and a few of his brother's are coming over. Marlie isn't ready for company but Tanner reassures her that his mom doesn't care. Marlie tells him she loves him and Tanner tells her he loves her.

[A-reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

Marlie and Tanner, due to crazy hectic work schedules have missed matchmaking efforts by their best friends for a while, they finally meet at the best friend’s wedding, Marlie is the maid of honor and Tanner is the best man. They hit it off and spend the night dancing and talking, even slipping away to enjoy a walk of the beach. When Marlie doesn’t hear from Tanner for a few days she’s disappointed and in a funk. Poor Tanner is trying everything he can think of to get in touch of Marlie. He entered her number incorrectly into his phone. He leaves her messages everyday on her office number and emails her, but she’s taken the week after her besties wedding off and doesn’t know he’s trying to find her. He finally breaks down and texts the groom for help. They come through for him and the bride even gives him tip on her favorite things to win her over. I really liked how mature Marlie was when he calls, she could have been bitchy towards him but she was flattered by all his attempts to reach her. I loved how he apologizes and owns his mistake. They were sweet together, very realistic, no crazy billionaires or CEO’s, he’s a hard working small business owner like Marlie. Their relationship is sexy and sweet, I liked the whole family dynamic, loved Tim the dog and Jace, Tanner’s nephew. Epilogue one months later with getting married and ten months later with a baby girl.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book from start to finish with amazing characters and the sweetest HEA to close up an extremely steamy book!! I absolutely adored reading about Tanner and Marlie. These two together are as sweet as they are smoking hot!

After meeting at their mutual friends’ wedding, there is an instant connection but with a slow burn. They have the sweetest night and the steamiest kiss but part ways with plans to get together. A phone number mixup makes Marlie positive she was ghosted. Tanner is not one to give up so expect plenty of pursuit and relentlessness. These two are so on fire together that even their dreams of each other will melt your kindle.

So sure of a long future for these two, Tanner suggests taking things slow. This is where the title comes into play big time. Between steamy dreams, breathy phone calls, and the hottest kisses, taking things slow teases them both with promises of things to come. Definitely read this book! It was AMAZING!! I can’t wait to find out what comes next for the Hart of Stone family. All of Tanner’s siblings were terrific characters and I’m looking forward to each of them finding their HEA.

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

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tory Baker kicks off a brand new series, Hart of Stone Family, with Tease, a steamy high-heat low-drama instalove romance. Tanner and Marlie's best friends, Ridge and Taylor, have been trying to set them up forever, but their schedules - his heading a family-run construction company and hers as a fashion designer - have made it impossible. Finally, at Ridge and Taylor's wedding they finally meet, and as soon as they lay eyes on one another, they are instantly smitten. Then Tanner inputs Marlie's number wrong into his phone and cannot get a hold of her for a week, leaving her to think she's been ghosted. Once they finally connect, it is full steam ahead. Tanner and Marlie have off-the-charts chemistry, and the supporting cast is wonderfully entertaining. This is a fantastic kick off to a new series!

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

[Rena Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK just a heads up this is a pretty cliched book you won't be reading anything new...but it's still good! Marlie is goes to her bff's wedding and meets Tanner who is best man there is insta lust at first sight, and Tanner doesn't mess around. He likes what he sees and goes for it..except he inputs the wrong number and jumps through all the hoops to get to Marlie. Gotta love the man's tenacity. Marlie thinks she's been forgotten and decides to escape for some much needed time off while trying to forget Tanner. Cutting herself off from work means not taking work calls or emails. Poor Tanner! He tries everything till he has to call the newlyweds for help. Loved all the characters including all the Stones. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of the Stones find their HEA.

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

[Suznacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one, but it started off strong and then kind of lost me after the first quarter. It somehow felt both dragged out and rushed at the same time, especially with the relationship development, which made it hard to stay invested. It even took me two days to finish, and it’s a short novella.

I’m totally fine with insta-love and quick reads, but this one just felt like it was missing something. The chemistry was there at first, but then it really fizzled out. Also, the constant “we’re so busy” thing got a bit tiring—I honestly don’t know how they even managed to see each other.

The dialogue didn’t help either; it felt a bit stiff and unnatural in places. I really thought I’d be diving into this whole universe, but now I’m on the fence. I am curious about the brothers… but for now, I’m not in a rush to continue..

2.5 Stars ⭐

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a feel good book from beginning to end. It starts at Marlie's best friends wedding where Marlie is the maid of honor and she finally meets the best man Tanner. Marlie and Tanner hit if off immediately and plan on getting together later but Tanner loses Marlie's phone number and can not reach her. Marlie thinks he has ghosted her but he does catch up with her and when he explains how he put the wrong number in his phone they work everything out. This is a fun steamy love story with great characters and very well written. It is a wonderful enjoyable feel good read about two people meeting, hitting if off and getting to know each other and making it work. Loved it.

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

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I thought that this was a really good book. I really liked Marlie and Tanner together. The connection and chemistry between these two was amazing. There was a not a lot of drama just a small mistake that was taking care of, laughed at, and forgiven. Tanner doing everything he could to get ahold of Marlie was really sweet. This was a fast paced, insta-love, with a somewhat slow burn (due to the phone number issues) book that had a really sweet HEA. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the next book in this series. Oh! And that teaser for Obsessive....man we are in for some awesomeness! I would recommend this book and Ms. Tory as a must read author.

I received a free e-book copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aliama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanner works hard to make the family business successful. He doesn’t have time for a relationship let alone date. That is until he meets Marlie at his best friend’s wedding. Marlie and Tanner have an instant connection and tons of chemistry. Unfortunately there’s a mix up leaving Tanner wondering why Marlie won’t answer his texts, calls or emails and Marlie wondering why she hasn’t heard from Tanner. Soon wrongs are righted and the two are on their way to their HEA. This was an awesome start to this new series. The storyline was engaging and kept me reading until the end. Marlie and Tanner and perfect for each other. They have sizzling hot chemistry and both are hardworking and family oriented. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is was a great beginning to the new Hart Of Stone series. It is about having an instant connection that you think is lost forever. Tanner and Marlie meet at a wedding between their friends. They exchange numbers and that becomes the start of their drama. When they do reconnect, all of the pent of feelings come out and things heat up. Tanner was a great guy and he was perfect for Marlie.
This is a sweet story with plenty of steam. I thought it was well written and really happy that it was a little longer than previous books. Tory writes great characters and you hate to see the book end.

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

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Marlie and Tanner's story! They meet at her best friends wedding where she's the maid of honor and he's the best man. They haven't had the chance to meet until the day of the wedding and they have an instant connection. They spend the whole time together and are making plans to get together later but Tanner entered the wrong number so he can't reach her. Marlie is so disappointed she thought that they had a connection she didn't think that he would ghost her I guess he really wasn't into her like she thought. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this fun insta-love story to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlie gets a look at the best man on her best friend's phone, her heart beats faster, that is one hot man. When she meets him in the flesh at the wedding, the chemistry between the two is really hot. When he does not call after she gave him her number, she is devastated, she cannot even call her friend she on her honeymoon.

Tanner is going crazy, he put her phone number in wrong, he has tried her place of work, which is closed, sending emails and leaving messages. Next he is leaving voicemails and texting his friend who is on his honeymoon. All bets are off, he will owe favors to whom ever just so he can find his girl.

Will Marlie still want to talk him when he finally gets her number?

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tease Me is the first book in the Hart of Stone Family series and it will not disappoint. Marlie and Tanner are both hard workers, it is not until their friend's wedding that they finally get to meet. The pull between them is strong and instant, but through is mishap Tanner is unable to call her like he said.

There is so much in this story that just make you melt and the tension between Marlie and Tanner are felt in each line of the book. Their chemistry is electric, the journey is filled with a few bumps, but it takes you on a heartwarming ride that you will not want to put down.

Looking forward to the other siblings' stories.

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

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlie and Tanner meet a their friends wedding. It is love at first sight. They enjoy each other’s company but unfortunately Tanner enters her number wrong on his phone. This causes a massive misunderstanding between them. Tanner calls in all sorts of favours to reach Marlie. When the misunderstandings are sorted out their love story is developed beautifully. Tanner is a loving, caring hero. Marlie is a strong, independent heroine. The story is hot, steamy, romantic and caring. The love between the couple is amazing. The HEA is beautiful.

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

[Merita · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book by an amazing author that you will not be able to put down until the last word. Marlie and Tanner meet at their best friends wedding. No matter how many times they tried to set up an meet and greet there schedules never made it happen. As soon as these two meet, it’s over and you can see the story written in the stars. What will happen when he types her cell phone number wrong in his phone and can’t call her the next day? Get this book and find out! You’ll definitely have to get this book!

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

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlie is maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding, but what she didn’t expect was to meet and fall for gorgeous Tanner the best man! Only after making plans to see each other again he never calls! Tanner didn’t think he would ever fall in love, that is until he meets beautiful Marlie and knows instantly that she is the one! Only he puts her number in his phone wrong and has no way of contacting her until his best friend is home from his honeymoon! Can she forgive him? Can they find their happily ever after? Great book that I would highly recommend!

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 1 of the Hart of Stone Family series and focuses on Tanner and Marlie. Tanner and Marlie meet at their best friend's wedding, they were the best man and maid of honor for the wedding. They had an immediate connection and had a great night getting to know each other. When Tanner accidentally puts in the wrong number into his phone and is unable to reach Marlie, he is at his wits end and tries everything in his power to get in contact with his woman. I absolutely loved Marlie, Tanner and his entire family. I can’t wait to see what else this series has to offer!

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

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making time for each other is important.

I kind of loved this story. It was entertaining and enjoyable with plenty of sweetness and a little bit of steam. The characters were interesting and likable. Marlie and Tanner were supposed to meet before their friends wedding but never had. At the wedding, their meeting was a revelation to both of them. The way that Marlie and Tanner were attracted to each other and got along so easily was wonderful. They had great chemistry. I loved that they made being with each other a priority. I loved their happy ever after. I recommend reading this book.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlie and Tanner are standing up with their best friends at their wedding, but had not met before that day. Instant chemistry takes over and they are inseparable during the event. They exchange numbers but something is written down wrong so he can not reach her, but he keeps trying. Eventually they reconnect and the skyrockets really take off. The characters and storyline are terrific, with all the feels and fun situations you want. Plenty of drama, surprises, tension, steam and big decisions. Great ending.

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

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

Its the first of a series.
Soo many names to keep track of!
The relationship moved really fast, i mean it was a slow start but then boom, full circle.
I'm not sure if I wasn't paying attention or subplots just arose half finished.
Also, I felt like there was some hints being laid that never amounted to anything. If they weren't about the MCs, I would assume its in a different book, but they weren't so maybe the story just went in a different direction or I was reading too much into it.
I won't intentionally finish this series, but if I accidentally read more by this author it will be okay.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tease Me is no drama, sweet, down bad instalove at its finest. One of the things I love most about author Tory Baker’s writing is that the two main characters are always super devoted to each other and any drama around them is just that—around them, not between them. Tanner and Marlie are exceptional examples of that. They meet, they fall, they navigate challenges, and they let their hearts shine! This novella is filled with intimate moments, sassy banter, and super fun family dynamics on both sides that will have you laughing out loud, admiring the found boundaries and work-life balance, and satisfied at the end. Loved it.