Taking Control

by Tory Baker

Kingston Thomas knows better, he shouldn’t want Tessa Drake. That doesn’t stop him from going after her once she’s home from college.

She’s forbidden fruit, off-limits, and un-freaking touchable, she’s also my daughter’s best friend. I walked away the first time years ago. She had her life ahead of her, I wasn’t going to be the one to screw it up. Now she’s back seeking a job at my law firm, all grown up in one delicious package and I know I won’t be able to keep my hands off of her.

You saw a glimpse of Kingston in the Vegas After Dark Series, now he’s back with his own book in this multi-author collaboration. Are you ready for an all new stand alone that includes forced proximity, billionaire romance with an age gap? If so, Tory has a book right up your alley.

Genres: Novella

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 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.

Newsletter Sign Up--> https://www.authortorybaker.com/signup
TikTok--> https://www.tiktok.com/@torybakerauthor
Facebook--> https://www.facebook.com/ToryBakerBooks/
Reader Group--> https://www.facebook.com/groups/toryb...
Amazon--> https://amzn.to/39X231n
Instagram--> https://www.instagram.com/authortoryb...

Reviews

[CriSsStina · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

I'm not sure if it was me or the book or my lack of concentration, but it took way too much time to finish this one.

I liked the forbidden vibes around their relationship since it's a best friend father type of book. But the execution lacked for me. The spice wasn't spicing, again, in my humble opinion. Also, by the end of the read, I just couldn't care less about these characters.

Soooo, the best thing is that it was a freebie and that it's my first read of the year, finally! 🫠💙

What to expect
- celibate H (3 years), no v gal
- he's her bff's father, so age gap (39 H, 21 h)
- office setting
- spicy
- some drama, but not too much, no OP drama
- HEA
- short read

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hot short romance that will leave you laughing but also needing some water. King and Tessa were fantastic together. These two started something when Tessa was only 18 but her school came first. Now, 3 years later, King is done waiting for his tempress and Tessa is more than willing to let King have her. These two only have to keep things quite because of not only their age difference but also because King is Tess's best friend's father.

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

[Lisa D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Kingston and Tessa had so much chemistry and I really liked how the author didn't drag the story out. They both admitted that they wanted each other and I thought this made the whole story better. It was fun, flirty and steamy. Very well written!!!.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 1 of the Holidays with the Boss series and focuses on Kingston and Tessa. We first met Kingston in One More Night since Mace and Kingston decided to open up their own law firm (I would definitely recommend checking that one out if you haven’t already). Kingston and Tessa have wanted each other for years but aside from one encounter when Tessa was 18, neither made a move. Kingston needed her to be able to experience life a bit before they truly got together and because Tessa is Kingston’s daughter's best friend. When Tessa gets a job at Kingston’s firm 3 years later, he knows he is done waiting to make her his. He knows that she’s the woman meant for him and he isn’t letting anymore time pass without him finally having his woman. I absolutely loved this story! It was such a great addition to the series.

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

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tory Baker kicks off the new multi-author Holidays with the Boss series with Taking Control, a steamy-as-sin age-gap / best friend's father romance. Tessa has been a temptation for Kingston since she turned eighteen, but he refused to act on it, knowing she still had lots of life to live. But once she's graduated from college and is back in town, he offers her a job as an intern paralegal at his brand new law firm, and he is read to act on his feelings with his "temptress". But his daughter is his still her BFF so how will everyone else feel when they find out the couple with an eighteen-year age gap is together with plans for permanence?

A hot and swoon-y romance you won't be able to put down.

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

[Melinda Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love an age gap romance and Tory Baker delivered an amazing story with Kingston Thomas and Tessa Drake.

Kingston was an older man, educated, settled, a successful career, and extremely handsome.  Tessa is his daughter’s BFF, too young, and very desirable young girl.  Temptation was strong but Kingston had to allow Tessa to live her life before ever considering anything more with her.  But when Fate steps in an sends Tessa back to Kingston, neither can deny their feelings.  But what will family and friends think of them together?

Some absolutely delicious chemistry with these two.  Highly recommend this story.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This romance is a steamy, forbidden, age gap story. Both King and Tessa have done their share of waiting and things are finally going to change. I liked both of the characters and the way Tory has them interact throughout the book. The time for holding back is over, it's time for their future together to begin. There wasn't anything that I didn't like about their love story. They had a real connection, struggles, highs and lows. Tessa was a strong and focused young woman. King was a man that had his life straight but knew he couldn't give Tessa up.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa and Kingston are hot from the start. Kingston is an older man and Tessa is his daughter's best friend. Tessa is Kingston's one temptation, he knows they shouldn't be together but...you want what you want and who you want. Kingston lets Tessa grow up and finish college...when she comes back home and applies for a job at his law firm...all bets are off. She's a great match from him, they are really great together...but what will their friends and family think about them being together? You'll have to read to find out...you won't be disappointed.

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

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

An age gap taboo romance must read!

An age gap taboo romance must read! Tessa and Kingston had a taste of the forbidden when she was eighteen. But it wasn’t meant to be more until they reconnect and this time nothing is stopping him from claiming her. Talk about steamy, their connection was never a question, it was the timing, the age gap and his daughter who happens to be her best friend that was the issue. As they stop fighting what was meant to be will they be able to move forward as they hide their relationship to everyone? One click to find out in this enjoyable naughty romance read that didn’t disappoint.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingston has wanted Tessa for a long time. But there are a couple big problems, she’s his daughter’s best friend and he’s quite a bit older than her. He knows he has to let her live her life, but when circumstances have her back and close to Kingston, nothing will restrain him anymore. How will family and friends feel about this new relationship? Will it be forever or will it be over for good? A fabulous age gap romance test will make you drool!.

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

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingston is an older, established and Tessa's fathers best friend. He's been attracted to Tessa for a long time but she's so young and also his Best Friends daughter. Tessa has crushed on Kingston but he's never made a move. After college Tessa gets a job at Kingston's law firm. Fate has put them back together and they can't resist this time. These two are so hot together and even with the age difference, that's just a number. Great story.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, steamy with a bit of drama and a lot of passion, Tessa and Kingston story is one that is easily to get lost in.

The connection began to simmer before she graduated school, but it took Tessa getting her degree and needing a job for the passion and chemistry to explode. Kingston yearned for Tessa, but gave her time, now that she was work for him, he is not waiting any more.

Great fast read that has you melting, and you will not want to put down.

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

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

King and Tessa have known each other

King and Tessa have known each other via his daughter, Mae who is her best friend. The attraction is there since Tessa was 18. It's 3 years later and she's back in town with her degree and wanting a Paralegal position. She ends up working for King and he makes it clear that they're on now.

These two are hot! They're also keeping their thing quiet until Mae walks in on them. Will King and Tessa work out their issues to be together?

I enjoyed this read 📚!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good age gap romance. Kingston is Tessa’s best friends father. Tessa has been in love with Kingston forever. This is a love story between two people who love regardless of age. Just because Tessa Is Kingston’s daughter Mae’s best friend does not mean they can’t have their love. Very good love story, lots of steam and two great characters you want to have a happy ever after.

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

[Danielle Monteleone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Tory Baker blows me away!! This book is absolutely amazing. Right from the start it grabs you and doesn’t let go. Kingston and Tessa are a phenomenal couple. I’m so in love with Kingston it’s crazy. He’s incredible and so very sexy. Tessa wrecks him in the best possible way. Even though there is an age difference between the two, they make a great pair. It a perfectly sexy holiday treat that can’t be missed.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and steamy right from the very start! King and Tessa’s story has so much going on! Tessa is Kingston’s daughter’s best friend - so there’s also quite the age gap. Tessa gets a job at King’s law firm, so now he’s her boss. And they’ve been lusting after each other since Tessa has been barely legal. But now she’s home from college and working at his law firm. It would seem that all bets are off now. It’s so good! I couldn’t put it down!

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

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was a fantastic, steamy age gap/ office romance. The story was so good, I loved the hint of taboo in that’s Kingston was not only a lot older than Tessa but also her best friend’s father. The chemistry between the two was clear already in the prologue and from there it just intensified. I simply loved the story.

[KMH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one! If the book cover didn't draw you in then the blurb certainly will! I was hooked from the very beginning and I couldn't read it fast enough. The storyline was full of intense romance and heat that I was worried at times that my hands might get burned *wink*. I also really enjoyed both main characters, the complimented each other so well and I loved their every interaction! You could feel their chemistry coming of the pages of my kindle!.

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingston & Tessa

Age gap ✔️
Best friends father ✔️
Office romance ✔️

I loved Tessa and Kingston. From the prologue to the very last page. There was insane chemistry. I loved his alpha personality and her sassy attitude. Especially when she is pushing his buttons. As usual Tory took me on a wild ride that I wasn’t ready to get off.

I can’t wait to see what happens with Mae next!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tory Baker has quickly become a favorite author so I am always excited for new releases. Taking Control was an awesome story of forbidden and steamy romance. Tessa has wanted Kingston, her best friend's dad for a long time and no matter how much he tries to resist, the temptation is too strong, The chemistry between them is smoking hot but will the age gap and Kingston's daughter keep them apart?.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t stand so close to me…

When she was barely legal, at eighteen, Tessa and King had a brief little interlude.

A couple of years later, the still much younger Tessa is back in full force, tempting King to be a very bad boy. He’s the much older father of her best friend, Mae, and an entertainment lawyer to boot. This time, all bets are off (along with their clothing).
Steamy and a little bit naughty.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Tory Baker handled this age gap, best friend's dad romance! While the attraction had been mutual, nothing happened until right before Tessa left for college. Now she is back in town and Kingston is ready to move forward. Tessa accomplished her goal of college and now she is ready to get her life started. He respected her and her opinions. They are truly partners, equals in the relationship. 5 stars for Tessa and Kingston!

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ The taboo temptress and her boss ★

—>>> “I’m not touching you, Tessa. You want what you’re so desperate to receive, it’s on my terms.” A steamy little encounter into what could be between Kingston and Tessa at his daughter’s high-school graduation party becomes a sizzling secretive relationship between closed doors several years later when Tessa is in desperate need of a summer internship to pay her bills. Great little story!

[Rmqbookqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!
This book had me hooked from the first chapter! I absolutely could not put it down, and ended finishing in one sitting. Tessa and Kingston were so gone for each other, it made me completely forget they even had an age gap because of the pure chemistry between them. I was obsessed with these characters, and this story! Highly recommend you pick this up and try out Tory Baker’s other work as well!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa is in love with Kingston and Kingston has feelings for Tessa but there's one problem, Kingston's daughter Mae is Tessa's best friend. This steamy age gap romance with great characters, steam, and a happily ever after. Taking Control is part of the multi-author series Holidays With The Boss. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingston has an eye for Tessa, but she is his daughter's best friend. She is off-limits and he is hands off at their high school graduation but gets a taste of her. He sends her in her way. Years later she returns after graduating from college. This time there is no holding back. What will happen? What will Mae think or do? Older man younger woman romance.

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

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone
"Holidays with the Boss" series, multiple author series
Age-gap (18 yrs)

Kingston has been tempted by Tessa for too long. When she was just barely 18, he gave in to only a tiny bit of what she was willingly trying to give him. Now, 3 years later, she's a college graduate and back home. She needs a job, and he needs a paralegal. Can they keep their hands off each other? How will his daughter react to him being with her best friend?

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever start a book not knowing how much you really needed it until you are more than halfway through? This is such a book. Kingston intrigued me from the moment we met him. Lord, the man did not disappoint. Give me more please.

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

[TELA666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked that Tessa wasn't a naive virgin, she was outspoken and confident in her determination. The scene was set three years before and the chemistry did not fade at all. There were no creepy vibes thankfully, just a whirlwind of desire.

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

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read! Kingston and Tessa were such a great couple! There was an age gap but you really couldn’t tell the way that these two interacted and just clicked. Loved how Mae and Tessa’s parents were totally supportive of their relationship! A very sweet and steamy story! I am voluntarily leaving an honest review for this complimentary copy of this book