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Gabe
Francesca
It all began with a sex addict, a swinger’s party, and a smug American!
Actually, it began when I slipped into bed with a man who wasn’t my fiancé; a sexual pro with enough charm to break down my resistance.
However, I am a Farrington, an heiress to the family business, but only when I marry my fiancée.
Gabriel Harrison was supposed to be a distraction during a mutually agreed reprieve from my engagement. So, imagine my surprise when I find myself looking into his eyes at a swinger’s party.
Could fate be pushing me against the life I always believed to be my destiny?
Gabe
People see me as the protector; the loyal best friend; the man who fought for his country. But to Francesca Farrington, I was merely an irritant to taint her perfect holiday.
The girl was both nuts and rude. But she possessed something inexplicable, something I couldn’t ignore. After one hot night between the sheets, she left, and I moved on.
Or so I thought.
A year later, she’s standing in my house with a bowl of keys.
My demons have kept me guarded, but could fate be telling me to take a chance on this beautiful enigma?
It all began with a sex addict, a swinger’s party, and a smug American!
Actually, it began when I slipped into bed with a man who wasn’t my fiancé; a sexual pro with enough charm to break down my resistance.
However, I am a Farrington, an heiress to the family business, but only when I marry my fiancée.
Gabriel Harrison was supposed to be a distraction during a mutually agreed reprieve from my engagement. So, imagine my surprise when I find myself looking into his eyes at a swinger’s party.
Could fate be pushing me against the life I always believed to be my destiny?
Gabe
People see me as the protector; the loyal best friend; the man who fought for his country. But to Francesca Farrington, I was merely an irritant to taint her perfect holiday.
The girl was both nuts and rude. But she possessed something inexplicable, something I couldn’t ignore. After one hot night between the sheets, she left, and I moved on.
Or so I thought.
A year later, she’s standing in my house with a bowl of keys.
My demons have kept me guarded, but could fate be telling me to take a chance on this beautiful enigma?
- GenresContemporary
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2022
9 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Taylor K. Scott
23 books69 followersYou'd think being a writer, I would find this an easy feat, but talking about myself always leaves me a little stumped. So, I beg for your forgiveness when I attempt to give you a little bit of waffle about me. I'm a mother, wife and primary school teacher, who has found a passion for reading and writing. It's become so addictive I no longer watch TV, instead I get lost in alternative realities and frequently lie awake in the middle of the night with random ideas for what to put my characters through next. Music is often my muse but I also love to include real life experiences in my books. I want people to be able to relate to my characters and to know that they're not the only ones to go through certain difficulties, anxieties or embarrassing situations. I like to think my stories are different from one another, some being romantic comedies whilst others are full of suspense. Hopefully you agree and will enjoy getting lost inside of my head for a while. My serving suggestion is to indulge with a side dish of something sweet, something comfy and where possible, a golden retriever to curl up next to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 25, 2022
Thank you to Taylor K. Scott for an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.
I had the privilege of reading an ARC of Taylor K. Scott's book My Best Friend last year and was thrilled when she offered me the chance to read Gabe this time. One of the best parts of being able to read her work is that her stories are full of fun sayings from across the pond that I absolutely adore.
This story touched on several different things throughout and gave it much more depth than I was originally expecting. There was addiction, childhood neglect, fear of committment, cheating (not the main characters), trauma and of course love. It was a story about overcoming perceived flaws and finding the strength to love and be loved the way someone is meant to be.
Gabe is a Veteran overcoming serious trauma from childhood and his time in the military. I teared up several times when reading about his story. I think it made him a character that is relatable and admirable. Let's not overlook the fact that he sounds absolutely sexy as sin (hello, cover model), but he's a guy who needs someone just like Francesca to balance him out.
Francesca, or Cesca as she's called is someone who can't see her self worth past what she can offer those around her. She works hard to be appreciated and is constantly let down. I loved that she began finding her backbone and herself after taking a chance on the handsome stranger next door. The connection between Cesca and Gabe was wonderful and I loved that we got to see their happily ever after, not only in their love for one another, but also in their family life.
As with the last book Ms. Scott wrote, I really enjoyed reading this story. I look forward to more from her and plan to go back to read Millie and Bowie's story. Do yourself a favor and check out some of her books, you won't be disappointed.
I had the privilege of reading an ARC of Taylor K. Scott's book My Best Friend last year and was thrilled when she offered me the chance to read Gabe this time. One of the best parts of being able to read her work is that her stories are full of fun sayings from across the pond that I absolutely adore.
This story touched on several different things throughout and gave it much more depth than I was originally expecting. There was addiction, childhood neglect, fear of committment, cheating (not the main characters), trauma and of course love. It was a story about overcoming perceived flaws and finding the strength to love and be loved the way someone is meant to be.
Gabe is a Veteran overcoming serious trauma from childhood and his time in the military. I teared up several times when reading about his story. I think it made him a character that is relatable and admirable. Let's not overlook the fact that he sounds absolutely sexy as sin (hello, cover model), but he's a guy who needs someone just like Francesca to balance him out.
Francesca, or Cesca as she's called is someone who can't see her self worth past what she can offer those around her. She works hard to be appreciated and is constantly let down. I loved that she began finding her backbone and herself after taking a chance on the handsome stranger next door. The connection between Cesca and Gabe was wonderful and I loved that we got to see their happily ever after, not only in their love for one another, but also in their family life.
As with the last book Ms. Scott wrote, I really enjoyed reading this story. I look forward to more from her and plan to go back to read Millie and Bowie's story. Do yourself a favor and check out some of her books, you won't be disappointed.
February 25, 2022
This is the second book in this series and is Gabe and Cesca’s story. Gabe is a veteran who is suffering from PTSD due to his military career and his traumatic childhood. Cesca is feisty and a heiress to her family’s business when she marries her fiancée. Cesca is taken to a business party by her sex addict fiancée, only to find out that it is a swinger’s party, and it is in Gabe’s house, who she crossed paths with briefly before. Cesca does not see her own self worth and she works hard to be appreciated, and Gabe loves to push her buttons, and he is more than a match for her, and the chemistry between them is combustible and undeniable. This is a well written story which has surprises, humor, witty banter, turmoil, angst, twists, insecurities, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
February 12, 2022
Wow... the chemistry between these 2 is off the charts.
Cesca is fiesty as hell. Gabe loves to wind her up. They needed each other. I'm glad they found one another.
Gabe dont take any of her shit and it cracks me up. Mercy.... I love her! The night at the club 😂. Poor, poor Seb!
I wanted to slap Cesca at times though. The whole Connor fiasco 🙄
I really enjoyed this book. It made my heart full. ❤️
Cesca is fiesty as hell. Gabe loves to wind her up. They needed each other. I'm glad they found one another.
Gabe dont take any of her shit and it cracks me up. Mercy.... I love her! The night at the club 😂. Poor, poor Seb!
I wanted to slap Cesca at times though. The whole Connor fiasco 🙄
I really enjoyed this book. It made my heart full. ❤️
February 26, 2022
Absolutely loved this story, at first I didn't feel like it was the same Gabe we met in 'A Darkness Within' but I quickly realised we just didn't know much about him until now!
And boy did I fall in love with him 🔥
The tension between him and Cesca was sizzling and i loved how they both dealt with their own lives and issues, without the need to fix each other.
I cried, I laughed and my heart broke along with the characters, I just adore the authors style and can't wait to read more of her work...
And boy did I fall in love with him 🔥
The tension between him and Cesca was sizzling and i loved how they both dealt with their own lives and issues, without the need to fix each other.
I cried, I laughed and my heart broke along with the characters, I just adore the authors style and can't wait to read more of her work...
February 28, 2022
Brilliant writing! Loved the characters
I am fast a fan of Taylor K Scott's work! The stories always have depth, an interesting plot and developed characters.
When we first met Gabe in The Darkness Within, he is the friend that is always - he was there for Grant and Mille when they needed him the most. But Gabe never seems to do relationships.
Now we have the chance to learn about Gabe. Yes, he does not do relationships and I think he has some interesting reasons. When he met Francesca there is just something about her that clicks for him. He has to keep reminding himself that he does not do relationships.
Francesca is portrayed as beautiful and independent. She is able to run her father's business like a boss, yet he refuses to retire until she is married so that her husband can help her take on the business. The fiance that she currently has is not a person she is in love with but feels safe. This is until he shows his truth...Connor is an interesting character.
Connor's behaviour leads Francesca away and this is where she meets Gabe. A man who has been on her mind constantly after they met in Italy. He is still the same bold, a bit annoying or is that flirting guy and she is curious to know more about him.
Gabe and Francesca are both attracted to each other, but are they willing to explore a full relationship together? One - who does not ever do relationships and the other - seems to fall for the wrong person all the time?
Gabe was a joy to read!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Romantic, Wonderful characters
I am fast a fan of Taylor K Scott's work! The stories always have depth, an interesting plot and developed characters.
When we first met Gabe in The Darkness Within, he is the friend that is always - he was there for Grant and Mille when they needed him the most. But Gabe never seems to do relationships.
Now we have the chance to learn about Gabe. Yes, he does not do relationships and I think he has some interesting reasons. When he met Francesca there is just something about her that clicks for him. He has to keep reminding himself that he does not do relationships.
Francesca is portrayed as beautiful and independent. She is able to run her father's business like a boss, yet he refuses to retire until she is married so that her husband can help her take on the business. The fiance that she currently has is not a person she is in love with but feels safe. This is until he shows his truth...Connor is an interesting character.
Connor's behaviour leads Francesca away and this is where she meets Gabe. A man who has been on her mind constantly after they met in Italy. He is still the same bold, a bit annoying or is that flirting guy and she is curious to know more about him.
Gabe and Francesca are both attracted to each other, but are they willing to explore a full relationship together? One - who does not ever do relationships and the other - seems to fall for the wrong person all the time?
Gabe was a joy to read!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Romantic, Wonderful characters
February 23, 2022
This is the first book that I have read of this author’s and I will definitely be reading more!
Francesca and Gabe meet the year previously in the book and in the prologue we get their final scene together.
Imagine both their surprise when they are thrust back into each other’s lives under unusual circumstances.
What I loved about the book was that the author didn’t just concentrate on the here and now, she actually took us back to their first encounter and it wasn’t glossed over in any way. Because of this we get an idea as to the situation the characters were in then and why things happened.
The main characters have many issues to deal with and I love the fact that Gabe didn’t force Cesca to do what he knew was right and that she had to come to that realisation by herself.
This book has everything from the chemistry, love, laughter and the side characters lend to the story too, especially Mercy!
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an arc from the author, as I said it is my first read by Taylor but most definitely won’t be my last 😍
Francesca and Gabe meet the year previously in the book and in the prologue we get their final scene together.
Imagine both their surprise when they are thrust back into each other’s lives under unusual circumstances.
What I loved about the book was that the author didn’t just concentrate on the here and now, she actually took us back to their first encounter and it wasn’t glossed over in any way. Because of this we get an idea as to the situation the characters were in then and why things happened.
The main characters have many issues to deal with and I love the fact that Gabe didn’t force Cesca to do what he knew was right and that she had to come to that realisation by herself.
This book has everything from the chemistry, love, laughter and the side characters lend to the story too, especially Mercy!
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an arc from the author, as I said it is my first read by Taylor but most definitely won’t be my last 😍
February 24, 2022
Gabe is "emotionally inhibited", grew up in a dysfunctional home and won't invest time in a relationship. Cesca has pined after Conner since high school. He's a sex addict, cheats on her continuously, tells her she is lacking and is her fiancé. Why does she stay with him? Cesca met Gabe in Italy and then again at his house where Conner has taken her to a work function. She is horrified and laughed at when she finds out it is a swinging party. Conner tells her she needs to sleep around and get more experience. Why does she stay with him?? There are so many twists in this plot, angst, turmoil, and finding love may be super hard. I really want to give Conner a swift kick, he's such a jerk. This story is so good but unfortunately so believable. I was promised a HEA and our author delivers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2022
Gabe sees himself as emotionally unavailable, a one and done kinda guy. He's not looking for attachments and never sees himself in a HEA. Francesca (Cesca) is engaged to a player who to make himself feel justified playing takes her unknowingly to a "swingers" party. Imagine her surprise when she sees Gabe, her one night stand from year ago while she was on a "break" from her fiancé. Both of these characters had some serious baggage to unload before they can move forward. The characters were well written, there is a ton of steam. Overall the book is an entertaining and compelling page turner. The best part is this book and book 1 in the Darkness Within series can be read as stand-alones, but since they are both available on Kindle Unlimited, you can read them for free.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and while this is the 2nd book I'm definitely going back to read the first, it was that good.
Francesca is a fireball and heiress of her families business who on a break from her fiancé she has a spicy one night stand with Gabe years ago. Conner her fiancé is that arrogant, doesn’t deserve her, puts her down every chance he gets and I scream at her why do you stay with him. One night, Conner takes her to a party, unknowingly a swingers party, at nonetheless Gabe’s house.
I loved Gabe. Struggling with his own issues of how he grew up and PTSD from his time in the military. He’s easily lovable. Without giving anything away, read this book.
The banter, emotional angst, steamy romance, twists and humor make this a page turner you won’t want to put down!
Francesca is a fireball and heiress of her families business who on a break from her fiancé she has a spicy one night stand with Gabe years ago. Conner her fiancé is that arrogant, doesn’t deserve her, puts her down every chance he gets and I scream at her why do you stay with him. One night, Conner takes her to a party, unknowingly a swingers party, at nonetheless Gabe’s house.
I loved Gabe. Struggling with his own issues of how he grew up and PTSD from his time in the military. He’s easily lovable. Without giving anything away, read this book.
The banter, emotional angst, steamy romance, twists and humor make this a page turner you won’t want to put down!
February 6, 2022
If you're after a love story that has depth within its characters plus an easy to read and follow story line - then this is it!
Gabe and Cesca have chemistry from the second they meet, OK so to begin with it's not the right sort of chemistry but sparks fly! A chance meeting a year after their initial meeting leads to a journey of healing, believing and most importantly loving.
I really enjoyed Gabe and his portrayal of PTSD, it's so important that veterans have their voices heard within our stories.
I haven't read book one of the Darkness Within series but after the little snippets we see within in this book I'm going back to find out more!
(I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review)
Gabe and Cesca have chemistry from the second they meet, OK so to begin with it's not the right sort of chemistry but sparks fly! A chance meeting a year after their initial meeting leads to a journey of healing, believing and most importantly loving.
I really enjoyed Gabe and his portrayal of PTSD, it's so important that veterans have their voices heard within our stories.
I haven't read book one of the Darkness Within series but after the little snippets we see within in this book I'm going back to find out more!
(I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review)
February 6, 2022
I was very lucky to be asked by Taylor to review her ARC of Gabe’s story and I wasn’t disappointed. I Loved him in the Darkness Within with his cocky confidence and it obviously only takes one woman to break his player attitude.
Francesca and Gabe both have attachment issues that they need to work through and it does take them some time and various complications to get there. I do wish Francesca would have realised her worth sooner and taken control, but she does get there in the end. Gabe’s time in the Marines has left him with wounds that he needs to deal with as they haunt his dreams stopping him from moving forward.
All in all I loved this book and would love to read more from the secondary characters that we get to meet through the dual POV.
April 9, 2022
This was such a great book! I was caught off guard when Cesca and Gabe reunited again after a one night stand. The circumstances were very interesting.
That aside, this book held my interest the whole way through. There was banter, there was insecurities, there was some PTSD that some may find triggering but it supported the storyline. Gabe and Cesca had several obstacles to overcome but they were able to finally do that!
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites! You should check her out too!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That aside, this book held my interest the whole way through. There was banter, there was insecurities, there was some PTSD that some may find triggering but it supported the storyline. Gabe and Cesca had several obstacles to overcome but they were able to finally do that!
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites! You should check her out too!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2022
I love romance books and it is my main go to read. I had such a hard time with the MFC and her insecurities. It was a distraction from the chemistry and love developing between her and the MMC. I'm certain this is a me issue and not an author issue. I have a hard time relating to women who put up with the things she put up with, so all I felt was frustration. This doesn't take away from the author's writing and creativity because of my preferences. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2022
Gabe by Taylor K. Scott is a good, and enjoyable romance read. The story has a good story line, and well written read. The characters are good, and they have good sizzling chemistry. The story does deal with some issues such as PTSD so it would be a good idea to check for the trigger warnings before reading this book. The story is an enjoyable steamy, funny, lots of emotions, romance, and that it is easy to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2022
This book is told in the POV of Francesca and Gabe.
Francesca and Gabe meet each other and have an instant attraction, they end up sleeping together and then returning to their normal lives. A year later and they meet again.
Only, will they be able to fight that attraction and continue as they are? Or will it all be too much?
This is book 2, but I haven’t read book 1 and didn’t struggle to follow this book.
Taylor is fantastic at making a story funny as well as romantic and emotional.
I really enjoyed the connection the characters had with one another.
Francesca and Gabe meet each other and have an instant attraction, they end up sleeping together and then returning to their normal lives. A year later and they meet again.
Only, will they be able to fight that attraction and continue as they are? Or will it all be too much?
This is book 2, but I haven’t read book 1 and didn’t struggle to follow this book.
Taylor is fantastic at making a story funny as well as romantic and emotional.
I really enjoyed the connection the characters had with one another.
February 25, 2022
Gabe has everything you could possibly want all wrapped into one book! It is very well written with witty banter, angst, love, and more entertainment then I expected! Feisty heiress, Cesca, meets veteran, Gabe, at a party that happens to be a swingers party with her fiancée. Things take a turn from there. This is a story you are going to want to have in your library and read ASAP. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2022
Gabe is everything!
I knew he would be when I first read The Darkness Within. He was too much of a beautiful and loyal friend to Millie and Grant not to warrant a story himself!
I’m so glad we get to hear about Gabe and his new life years later. I can’t express how much I love Gabe and Cesca’s story and when it is truly meant to be, it becomes serendipitous, even in the strangest of ways. I absolutely love this story and can’t tell you how much you must read it. Their passion and spark and all round connection is not something you want to miss.
I knew he would be when I first read The Darkness Within. He was too much of a beautiful and loyal friend to Millie and Grant not to warrant a story himself!
I’m so glad we get to hear about Gabe and his new life years later. I can’t express how much I love Gabe and Cesca’s story and when it is truly meant to be, it becomes serendipitous, even in the strangest of ways. I absolutely love this story and can’t tell you how much you must read it. Their passion and spark and all round connection is not something you want to miss.
February 2, 2022
My first book by Taylor k Scott and won’t be my last. The characters were written well and in depth and the storyline kept me in its grips the whole way through. The secondary characters were also amazing and I’m hoping more books will be written on them. Gabe was a soft hearted strong man and Francesca had the same qualities. If your looking g for a gripping read this is it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2022
I did not really enjoy this book at all. I just felt like Francesca just seems so unreasonable. She is somehow in a relationship with her fiance who she does not agree with when it comes to an understanding of their relationship, but she still is with him and still sexually attracted to that? I just felt that she was so unlikable and unreasonable when it comes to her interaction with Gabe. Sorry. 2.5 stars
February 7, 2022
If you want two-dimensional characters who always choose the right course of action, this isn't it. If you want characters who have been through life and not always had the easiest ride of it, but who learn and grow through the course of the book, then this is it. Dealing with PTSD and abandonment issues, this book doesn't shy away from hard themes, but it also has humour and really tender moments.
February 9, 2022
This is the first book l have read by Taylor K. Scott and definitely won't be the last. This book was very written and easy to read with great characters. This book had everything you needed in a book, funny, romance, hot moments and lots of emotion. This book also deals with some issues such as PTSD so please check trigger Warnings before reading. I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more by the author.
February 6, 2022
Loved all the emotions in this one. It's got lots of funny parts, but also lots of deep themes. As someone who has stuck with the wrong person because of various reasons, I really understand where Cesca is coming from. And I love, love Gabe and the fact that he's got his own issues too.
As always, well written and engaging.
As always, well written and engaging.
February 6, 2022
Fantastic read with humour, spice, romance, and emotion. I love that both characters tackle some very heavy issues, such as PTSD and abandonment. But I also love the fact that the naughty scenes are different - one is raunchy and all about ripping each other's clothes off, the other full of emotion and a realisation that they are now sharing something else.
Great writing!
Great writing!
February 11, 2022
I'm a newbie to goodreads so I'll be brief. I was asked to ARC read this novel after having read the first in the series. I really liked both characters and originality of the story. There was a little bit of everything - comedy, sadness, modern-day issues, as well as some raunchy parts. I'd love to hear Mercy's story one day as she was a hoot.
February 25, 2022
loved it !!! love this series !!! love Gabe and Cesca... this is their story... a fast paced drama...they've meet before.. once... now, at Gabe's house... a party... a swinger's party... Cesca's Fiance brought her to... is it fate or something else ?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2022
Gabe and Francesca are just hilarious together and a laugh to journey along with them as they navigate the unexpected and funny turns life delivers. Out of 10, this book was an 11 for me simply because of the irritation and frustration between the two characters who just so obviously belonged together
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Francesca's character she was both funny, frustrating and unpredictable, which made her realistic in my opinion. Gabe's character was built upon from what we learned about him in the first book. I read this book quite quickly and once I started I couldn't put it down. I enjoy reading this author and am looking forward to reading more of her books.
March 3, 2022
This was yet another win from this author. I really enjoyed this story. Characters were developed in my opinion, I loved the first person point of view which is always a deal breaker for me. This story is a must read, 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2022
Excellent writing with three-dimensional characters. I love that they are flawed and have to work through their issues to finally see that they want to be together. Some good humour and secondary characters too.
February 14, 2022
Gabe and Francesca sizzle up the pages in this steamy read, a chance meet brings them back together but can they go the distance? Well written hot read with desires, suspense, laughter and more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews