Toying

Unleashed Romance #4

by Kylie Gilmore

When the male model meets the female mechanic, get ready for a thunderbolt!

Sloane
When you’re told you’re the ugly duckling, you learn to set your expectations low. So what do I do when Caleb Robinson, a gorgeous model, offers to buy me a drink? I turn him down flat. It must be a prank.

Two days later, I’m working at the garage in my dirty blue coveralls with grease smudged on my face, and he shows up to ask again. I’m floored. What’s this guy up to? Men like him don’t date girls like me.

Caleb
I’m in full-on pursuit of the coolest woman ever, who’s destined to be my wife—Sloane Murray. Dad always said that’s how it happened for him. He proposed to Mom on their first date. I never believed love could happen so quickly, until now.

Slowly but surely, I convince Sloane of my sincerity, and our future has hope until I bring her into my modeling world. Problem is, she doesn’t fit. And when my career takes off, it’s clear that I can’t pursue the big dream and my dream girl. If only love was as simple as that first thunderbolt.

This romantic comedy stands alone with a swoon-worthy happy-ever-after! No cliffhangers.

Genres: Romance

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2021

About the author

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***THE SEXY PART is out now!***

Kylie Gilmore is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty humorous contemporary romances. Her series include Happy Endings in Clover Park, Unleashed Romance, the Rourkes, the Happy Endings Book Club, Clover Park, and Clover Park Charmers. With more than three million downloads of her books, readers all over the world love escaping into her hilarious feel-good romances featuring strong bonds with family, friends, and community.

Kylie lives in New York with her family, a demanding cat, and a nutso dog. When she's not writing, reading hot romance, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her happily crafting what will surely be future family heirlooms.

Join the Gilmore Goddesses Readers Group to chat about Kylie's books in a non-spoilerly way. Also, man candy. Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Gilmo...

Find out more about Kylie and upcoming books at www.kyliegilmore.com. Sign up for Kylie’s newsletter at https://www.kyliegilmore.com/newsletter

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KYLIE’S BOOKS

HAPPY ENDINGS IN CLOVER PARK
The Kissing Part (Book 1)
The Sexy Part (Book 2)

UNLEASHED ROMANCE
Fetching (Book 1)
Dashing (Book 2)
Sporting (Book 3)
Toying (Book 4)
Blazing (Book 5)
Chasing (Book 6)
Daring (Book 7)
Leading (Book 8)
Racing (Book 9)
Loving (Book 10)

THE ROURKES
Royal Catch (Book 1)
Royal Hottie (Book 2)
Royal Darling (Book 3)
Royal Charmer (Book 4)
Royal Player (Book 5)
Royal Shark (Book 6)
Rogue Prince (Book 7)
Rogue Gentleman (Book 8)
Rogue Rascal (Book 9)
Rogue Angel (Book 10)
Rogue Devil (Book 11)
Rogue Beast (Book 12)

HAPPY ENDINGS BOOK CLUB
Hidden Hollywood (Book 1)
Inviting Trouble (Book 2)
So Revealing (Book 3)
Formal Arrangement (Book 4)
Bad Boy Done Wrong (Book 5)
Mess With Me (Book 6)
Resisting Fate (Book 7)
Chance of Romance (Book 8)
Wicked Flirt (Book 9)
An Inconvenient Plan (Book 10) 
A Happy Endings Wedding (Book 11)

CLOVER PARK SERIES
The Opposite of Wild (Book 1)
Daisy Does It All (Book 2)
Bad Taste in Men (Book 3)
Kissing Santa (Book 4)
Restless Harmony (Book 5)
Not My Romeo (Book 6)
Rev Me Up (Book 7)
An Ambitious Engagement (Book 8)
Clutch Player (Book 9)
A Tempting Friendship (Book 10)
Clover Park Bride: Nico and Lily’s Wedding
A Valentine’s Day Gift (Book 11)
Maggie Meets Her Match (Book 12)

CLOVER PARK CHARMERS
Almost Over It (Book 1)
Almost Married (Book 2)
Almost Fate (Book 3)
Almost in Love (Book 4)
Almost Romance (Book 5)
Almost Hitched (Book 6)

Reviews

[Kylie Gilmore]

I can't wait to share Caleb and Sloane's story with you! It's A Love at First Sight/Ugly Duckling romcom!

When the male model meets the female mechanic, get ready for a thunderbolt!
Sloane
When you’re told you’re the ugly duckling, you learn to set your expectations low. So what do I do when Caleb Robinson, a gorgeous model, offers to buy me a drink? I turn him down flat. It must be a prank.

Two days later, I’m working at the garage in my dirty blue coveralls with grease smudged on my face, and he shows up to ask again. I’m floored. What’s this guy up to? Men like him don’t date girls like me.

Caleb
I’m in full-on pursuit of the coolest woman ever, who’s destined to be my wife—Sloane Murray. Dad always said that’s how it happened for him. He proposed to Mom on their first date. I never believed love could happen so quickly, until now.

Slowly but surely, I convince Sloane of my sincerity, and our future has hope until I bring her into my modeling world. Problem is, she doesn’t fit. And when my career takes off, it’s clear that I can’t pursue the big dream and my dream girl. If only love was as simple as that first thunderbolt.

[Vfc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sloane at twenty-six has been back in town for five months, an ex Maths teacher, she’s works as a mechanic at her father’s garage. He wants more for her being the first to have gone to college.

He refuses to hear her when she tells him how much she wants to stay, to take on a more active role. He refuses to even let her do the books because he doesn’t want her getting too involved when the garage is supposed to be only a brief detour to a better career. She’s been working on cars since she was twelve.

Her father’s very proud of her being the first in their family having attended college, and insists she needs a job using that degree. To keep him mollified she told him that she was sending out resumés, but nothing panned out. He’s insistent that she use her degree having been forced to drop out of high school and assume responsibility of the garage to support his family when his dad unexpectedly died of a heart attack.

Max also works part-time with her and is her best friend. Once a child model, as her cuteness wore off, her mother abandoned her. She thinks of herself as an ugly duckling.

When Caleb Robinson, a gorgeous model, offers to buy her a drink, she refuses, luckily Caleb is persistent.

Caleb pursues Sloane convinced he’s going to marry her.
His father proposed to his mum on their first date and it took several dates to convince her. Their legendary courtship, according to family legend, after his father proposed to his mother on their first date, he had to propose twice more before he got a yes. Took a month from first date to become engaged, and they married shortly thereafter.

At the end of her modeling career, the day after the photographer declared she was the ugly duckling in reverse. She returned home from school to find her room stripped bare. An awkward twelve-year-old, riddled with hormones, vulnerable, still stinging from being dismissed as unattractive by the industry that had previously raved over her, gaping at emptiness.

The closet doors left open to reveal empty hangers. Pageant dresses gone. Every audition outfit gone—soft sweaters, flowing blouses, dresses, skirts, shoes of every color. Everything pretty meant for a pretty girl.
The dresser top cleared of makeup and hair accessories.
Every tiara, blue ribbon, and satin sash removed from their place of honor on my shelves.
I opened my dresser drawers to find only my plain T-shirts and jeans meant for school. Plain clothes for a plain girl.
I rushed through the house, looking for Mom, just as she walked in the front door. “Where’s all my stuff?”
Her expression was grim. “I donated what I could and threw out the rest. We don’t have a use for it anymore.”
“You should’ve asked me.”
“Time to face reality, Sloane. You don’t have it anymore. Don’t be selfish. Maybe another deserving girl could use that stuff.” What a witch‼️
Hot tears leaked out of my eyes. I didn’t deserve nice things.
“Tears won’t change anything. Now go do your homework.”

Her mother left shortly after. The pageants, her modeling career, all that time spent shopping and primping, that was their bond. Her mother had been her manager, the driving force behind me being a child model and getting so much work from the ages of six to eleven. As soon as she began changing, her career ended and so did their relationship. After that she only saw her at her annual summer visit. Once she realised she wanted to be a mechanic…the telephone calls and emails became less frequent, her obligatory summer visits shorter.

“I told you we weren’t going to have sex until you agree to marry me.”
“Are you being serious right now? You invited me into your bed. You kiss me like you mean business and not the talking kind.”
“I don’t think it’s fair to bring me to your bed and then, you know, talk about marriage when there’s more pressing needs right now.”

Caleb sees Sloane in a way she doesn’t see herself marred by her past.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite book so far in the Unleashed series by Kylie Gilmore!!!

Sloane is an Ex Math teacher who has moved back home and is working in her Fathers garage as a Mechanic. Dating is hard for her since she is mostly seen as a "pal" or a way to get free car repairs for most men. She has an ugly duckling complex due to her past, giving her a form of PTSD when she has to interact with the "Beautiful People"

Caleb sees Sloane and swears he feels the "Thunderbolt" that his father explained to him is what he felt the first time he saw Calebs mother. When Caleb feels it the first time he sees Sloane, he knows she is meant to be his. But, with his modeling career on the rise, and Sloane not really fitting in to his modeling world, will Caleb be able to have Sloane and his career? Providing, of course, he can convince her that he is not playing her and is sincere in his pursuit.

Another MUST READ by author Kylie Gilmore

[SusanL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb is a gorgeous model. Women flock around him - models, actresses, really, all women, like he's a magnet. Not just because of his looks. Caleb is a genuinely cheerful, positive, all-around nice guy. He enjoys women but has no interest in anything long-term. The women he meets are always so made-up, so concerned with how they look. Then, one night he approaches a woman at his family's bar and restaurant who scoffed at his dog's name. She wasn't glamorous and yet, one look into her eyes - thunderstruck!

Sloane is a mechanic. She works for her father and has aspirations of becoming his partner. Her father, however, is adamant she continues using her degree and finds a job at another school teaching math. Sloane thinks of herself as an odd duck. She doesn't tend to wear makeup, knows she's no beauty and has accepted who she is and is not.
Sloane finds herself at The Horseman Inn on a night when all of the Robinson family are there with their significant others celebrating. The youngest, Caleb, a hunky model, is surrounded by women the second he steps away from the table. She overhears him mention the name of his dog. A ridiculous name that the other dogs with surely make fun of him. Her comment is a little louder than she meant it to be because suddenly, Caleb is beside her with a gleam in his eye and ready to defend his dog. She looks up and, did he just say thunderstruck?

I loved how Caleb sees Sloane. To him she's beautiful, she's cool, she's frigging amazing, and he's going to marry her. Caleb is unwavering in his belief that Sloane is it for him, which I loved. Sloane finds it hard for her to believe a relationship with Caleb can last and is unsure how she fits into his world outside of their hometown, but there's time to dwell on that later. She only knows she's completely in love.

Kylie continues to write gold!

[Lisa Broadman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toying is the newest addition to the Unleashed series. It is Caleb and Sloan’s story and a bit of an opposites attract trope. Caleb is a model and Sloan is an ex teacher turned mechanic in her father’s garage. What I loved about this story is that it is easy read and happy, and I found myself smiling the whole way through. Caleb is tired of all of the fake in his modeling world and truly sees Sloan as the wonderful woman that she is. His struggle is getting her to see herself as he sees her. She fights him for most of the story because of her own insecurities. Caleb’s patience with her and his unwavering belief that she is his ‘One’, along with her desire to want to believe him, finally help her to see herself as he sees her. I just loved them as a couple!

One of the best things that Ms. Gilmore does is create amazing communities filled with people and characters that you feel like you could fit in with. I love that previous couples are still around and we get updates on, I love the women friendships that are formed and inclusive, and I just love the community and wish I could be a part of it! Before reading this story I was kinda sad thinking that the series would be over soon because we only had one more Robinson sibling to go. However with that ending and peek into the next story, I’m now so excited we will get more stories and seeing the list of how many there will be?! Yay!! And one final thing - these models and their dog partners, OMG, so stinking hot and sweet! ❤️

[Nikki Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Kylie, Kylie, Kylie. This book. It's everything! A great escape from reality, two characters living different lives, one unsure of how she'd ever fit in his world, and that little thing called love sneaks up on them and changes everything.

Toying is my favorite of the series so far. Did I say that last book? I think I did, but that's because I hadn't experienced Toying yet. I could say the same thing about the next book, but you know what? That means it's because Kylie's books in the series keep getting better and better. You can start off at any book in this series, they stand alone perfectly. You'll meet characters from previous stories.

The characters are quirky and full of heart. They have flaws, but I can't help but love them anyway. The stories make me laugh, sometimes I shed a few tears, but the ride to the happily ever after is always amusing and swoon worthy.

The stage is set for the next book, and there is a couple I am desperately waiting for their story. I have a feeling a certain author might make us wait until the end of the series for this particular couple? Guess I'll find out inevitably, but in the mean time, I'm enjoying myself with the adventures of the Unleashed Romance series.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an incredibly sweet love story about the two most unlikely people to ever meet and their happy ever after.

The only member of her family to ever go to college, Sloane Murray's father is pushing her to get a job using her degree even though her passion is working in his mechanic shop. Unfortunately, her love of cars and her no-curves physique cause guys to see her as a buddy, not someone they want to date. So when Greek God model Caleb Robinson asks her out she turns him down flat. After the way her mother responded when she was twelve and Sloane lost her modeling career, she wants nothing to do with that lifestyle or anyone involved in it. And she doesn't believe for a minute this hunk seriously wants to date her.

Caleb Robinson heard the stories from his dad how when he met Caleb's mom is was like a thunderbolt hit him. He new immediately what his dad meant when he first layed eyes on Sloane Murray. But with his modeling career just taking off will Sloane be able to handle the career that he's destined for? 

What are these two people willing to give up in the name of love?

I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this story had me swooning and sighing from start to finish! 5 amazing stars for this one, I think it just became my favorite one of the series!

Here we meet Sloane, former math teacher is back working at her dads garage, and she's truly happy being there, she'd like to help take the load off her dad and become his partner in the business, but he wants her to find a job doing what she went to school for.

Caleb is an up and coming hot model, and when he see's Sloane out one night, and get's struck by that "thunderbolt" feeling his dad always talked about, he knows she's the one, but how can he convince her he wants her for who she is?

I immediately fell in love with these characters! Their chemistry is off the charts, I could not put this one down! Don't miss out on this one, and if you haven't started the series, be sure to grab books 1-3 now!

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner and so far my Favorite in the Series!

Sloane and Caleb are "opposites attracting" with the thunderbolt - EXCEPT that in the areas the matter they aren't truly opposite. On the surface a male model and a female mechanic who views herself as an ugly duckling (although she truly isn't) should not work, BUT underneath the surface they are both warm, caring, family-oriented people with hearts of gold who care about their town and especially the animals who live there! The fun is watching them get to know each other, open up and discover each other underneath their preconceived notions. Caleb's dog Huckleberry and of the town's characters we have encountered previously are the source of many laughs! You will laugh and cry but will also thoroughly enjoy this book and the series. Can't wait for the next one!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never judge a book by it's cover or regret could haunt your heart for the rest of your life. Kylie Gilmore takes an age old adage and gives it a modern day polish. Caleb and Sloane are one heartache short of a happy ending. They break every rule when it comes to the stereotypical love story. She's every woman who doesn't fit the conventions of standard beauty and he's the one in million heartthrob that sees the glow of heart that shines from within. The world needs more guys like Caleb. Toying is no laughing matter. From heartbreaking to awe-inspiring, Gilmore paints a picture of how beautiful the world could be, if we look beyond the exterior and listen with our hearts.

[JLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you meet someone and are struck by a thunderbolt? You just know this person use meant for you but they aren't exactly on the same page.
Sloane is a former child model who became a math teacher and now works with her dad as a mechanic.
Caleb works part time at his brother's dojo and models. He's going to hit it big.
When Caleb meets Sloane, he knows. Though he's questioning how that is possible. They are so different and want different things, not to mention Caleb didn't know Sloane used to model.
I loved this story. It's funny, sweet, swoon worthy, and real. Kyle Gilmore has another winner on get hands!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of this I really liked...even though it was a little insta-lovey and pretty cheeseball...but some was just a bit too much. I thought Caleb was great, and Sloane was good except for her kind of overdone insecurities. Being afraid of being around photoshoot sets and other models because she used to be a child model and her career ended because ONE photographer said she wasn't cute anymore?



I didn't mind Caleb's thunderbolt love at first sight, but I wish there had been a bit more relationship building after it.

[Annette]

Toying is excellent and wonderful book to the Unleashed Romance series. Kylie Gilmore draws you into the story with great chemistry and humor between the characters. I love how she writes Sloane and Caleb’s story. It is witty, sincere, romantic and entertaining. Caleb a model who career is taking off and Sloane a mechanic who hates models. Great conflict! I highly recommend reading Toying for total enjoyment! I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Dianna F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and can relate to it on so many levels.

Caleb is relentless in his pursuit of his dreams and has always felt his family looked down on his career. Sloane has felt like the ugly duckling since her mom left, which created lots of personal baggage. Caleb has been showing interest in Sloane but she questions if his it's genuine. Eventually Sloane realizes Caleb is truly all in and they both figure their past issues out.

I loved this book and I hope you do too.

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caleb and Sloane were two peas in a pod. Both having insecurities but glossing them over to save face with everyone around them.

Going above and beyond for everyone whether it's family, the community, or a job.

However, when the thunderbolt struck it was lights out. A mission to show the value in the other as an individual and them as a couple. No good deed went without doubt and jealousy but in the end both came out on top.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving the Unleashed series, with all the men and their dogs, but I have to say Caleb has stolen my heart. His sweet and romantic heart lend itself to make for one of the funniest books in the series. Sloane and Caleb, growing personally, adds so much depth, that it was a joy to read. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An edge of your seat, emotional thrill ride that will give you all the best heartwarming feels and be so hard to put down. So adoring this sexy, fun, laugh out loud series and could not put down this emotionally thrilling adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and exciting passion.

[Janeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun, enjoyable read.

I feel like Sloane could be so many of us; feeling out of place because she's not a "girly girl", but I love that about her.

Caleb is the "pretty boy" but he has the brains to go with it. He's not your "typical" guy, but he knows what he wants and he'll do whatever it takes to get her. :)

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet (and sexy) story! Sloane wasn’t really the ugly duckling she was convinced she was. She was really a kick butt mechanic with a heart of gold. Caleb was only the typical model in looks, not where it counted in his soul. These two made a great couple. Can’t wait for more!

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sloane wants to work with her dad but cannot convince him she should be a mechanic. Caleb is a model and does not think his family understands or supports this. Meeting Sloane could change his life if she did agree to date him.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great hit!! It’s fun and heartwarming. I loved Sloan and Caleb’s story. It captivated me from the beginning as it pulled at my heartstrings. I loved the banter and flying sparks. I loved reading more on some of our favorite couples. It’s an entertaining read and not to be missed!!

[Candace Mantyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toying is the fourth book in the Unleashed Romance series by Kylie Gilmore. After meeting Sloane, Caleb knows immediately that she is the woman for him, now he just has to convince her of that! Great book in a great series! Can't wait for the next one!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I am loving the whole series with each story incorporating their fur babies. The author has real issues that people and couples face every day bringing them to life with a loving charm.

[CA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet,

Cute easy read, not overly dramatic and has a cast of likeable strong female characters. Tackled some deep issues, a little superficially in places but still a good beach read

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

slow build up

Sloane is uncomfortable in the spotlight. She spent years trying to hide. Until Caleb sees her and knows she’s the one for him. But will her insecurities be too much for them to overcome?
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.

[Kim Schubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The newest addition to this series is so much fun! Sloane and Caleb’s story will leave you with a great big smile on your face, in a way only a Kylie Gilmore story can! Get it today!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun feel good book!

[Connie Jellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. My favorite thing was the absolute knowledge of the hero. He was all in. No waffling or grappling with emotions. He is ready to commit.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, of course you know the ending is going to be happy but that’s what I love about the stories. I feel I’m part of the family!!

[Sonia Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endearing love

Love shines through immediately for Sloane and Caleb. Talk about thunderbolt. This was a great match. Can't wait to read the next book.