An unlikely couple must decide what truly defines family.Gentry Cabot’s rebellious life comes to a screeching halt when a one-night stand leads to a sobering new reality: motherhood. Exhausted and overwhelmed, the former wild child struggles to raise an infant on her own. After a lifetime of feeling like the odd Cabot out, Gentry knows that what her son needs most is family. For his sake, she … his sake, she plans to rebuild bridges with them, but first she needs a little help on the home front.
Humanitarian worker Ian Crawford has devoted his life to service. Forced to temporarily return stateside, he’s eager to head back to Haiti to expand the nonprofit he just founded in his late father’s honor. He can’t do that without money, so when Gentry offers a hefty paycheck for a short-term gig as a live-in nanny, he can’t afford to say no. Ian expects to deal with a barrage of privileged problems. What he doesn’t expect is how quickly being a makeshift father transforms him.
Despite his growing attachment to Gentry and her child, Ian still has his dreams, and Gentry wants a full-time dad for her son. When the baby’s father reenters the picture, will Gentry and Ian embrace the family they’ve formed or end up worlds apart?
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Excellent ending to this series! Gentry has had her baby and she is tired and overwhelmed and wow this baby is as willful as she is. That is not saying much since he is only a few weeks old and colicky but wow she needs help. That help comes in the form of Ian Campbell, the EMT humanitarian who helped at the time of her premature delivery and when she offers him a temporary nanny position she first feels like she is failing but then he makes her feel like she is winning. Too bad corporate world really is not for her and when she decides to find the baby’s daddy and he is back in the picture will Ian really leave even though they truly have formed something special? Definitely read this series in order to get the full effect.
So you knew that free spirit Gentry would be a great mom, but I can’t say that any of us were shocked that she was living in chaos with a colicky baby desperately in need of a good night’s sleep. When Hunter and Sara go to check on her, they call in Ian the EMT to come see if little Colt should have an ER visit. Ian offers Gentry a nap after confirming Colt is fine for now but could use a doctor visit in the morning. After Gentry wakes up from a full night’s sleep in a blind panic, she realizes that Ian is a miracle worker. Her baby is quiet, fed, and changed, the apartment is tidy for the first time in weeks, and she feels ready to tackle going back to work. Ian becomes Colt’s temporary nanny in exchange for a place to live and money to go back to his mission is Haiti. And its all going so well until Ian and Gentry realize that they are falling for each other when their life plans are completely incompatible. Meanwhile, the new bottled tea campaign is going poorly, Colt’s biological father is located, and Gentry feels she may have made a mistake by forcing herself to work in the structure of her family’s company. The fun part of this story is that Ian and Gentry don’t want to change each other. Ian’s mission is going to separate them, but Gentry wants to be a part of making Ian’s life better for as long as she can. Gentry baffles her family with her less than mature behavior, but Ian is captivated by her zest for life and her generous nature. Gotta say the resolution on this one made me daw and squee! Loved this series!
When you knew is the third book in The Cabots Series. I have not read the other two but that did not stop me from enjoying this quick read. This book can be read as a standalone but since I enjoyed it so much I will be getting the other 2 books in the series. This book kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. Jamie Beck writes a very emotional story that pulls at your heartstrings. The characters are so believable and the book was very well written. I highly recommend this book.
Before I Knew Cabot’s #1 book….really liked this & anxious for Book 2
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader –
M/F Romance
Gentry has always been on the outside, looking in. She was envious of her half siblings and even though they have never had a close relationship, she has always tried to get their approval. She has also sought the approval of her mother – something she has wanted her whole life. When Gentry winds up pregnant from a fling, everyone in her family seems to have an opinion. Gentry knows that she has to step up and be the mother that she never had. When reality sets in and she realizes how difficult it is, she knows that her family will be all too willing to say, “I told you so.”
When Colton needs to see a doctor, at the behest of her sister-in-law, Gentry allows for Ian, an EMT that Sarah knows, to come and check Colton. That starts this strange relationship between Ian, a person who has dedicated his life to serving others, and Gentry, someone who was given a lot, but never the thing she truly wanted.
Ian judges Gentry’s lifestyle right away. Having grown up under the direction that luxury is something to be ashamed of, he has a difficult time even sleeping on a bed. What he begins to realize, when he spends more time with Gentry is that even though she might have a luxurious life in things, her life is poor in love and relationships. When Gentry questions Ian about his reasons why he has lived his life in service, Ian is not quite willing to look in on himself – he’s not liking what he’s concluding.
This is a story about learning that sometimes, you have to do what is right for you and your own family. Sometimes, seeking approval will only result in disappointment and finally, standing up for yourself is absolutely necessary. Ian and Gentry’s journey was a push-pull of grey areas and in the end, both have to decide if being together is truly what will be best for themselves and each other.
Ruthie –
This is the third book in the Cabot series, and each builds wonderfully on the last. For that reason, I would definitely recommend that you read them in order. Here we get Gentry’s story now that she is a new mum. Having changed her mind and kept her baby, she is always worrying that she did not do the best for her son.
Gentry has so many hang-ups from her childhood, many of which seem entirely justified I must say! Her half siblings are so together, and her parents run Cabot Tea with one of them. She feels obliged to work there too, but it is not what she wants from life, especially now she is utterly in love with her baby son. When fate decrees that she needs a temporary nanny, Ian comes to mind. He is soon to leave for Haiti, but as an EMT he will care well for Colt.
Ian has been following his father’s dream for decades, and can see no way past it, even though his feelings for Gentry (and Colt) have grown as he lives with them. There is just too much he still has to do in Haiti.
As these two people try and work out what is going on between them, other forces come into play. I love the chaos and yet they rely on each other for calm. We also get an update on Sara and Hunter, and get to enjoy Colby and Alec’s wedding. Gorgeous new installment, thank you.
Mary Jo –
Gentry’s decision to keep her son has caused waves in her family and she doesn’t know if there’s any calm in this storm. She’s determined to be a better mother than her own, to give Colton everything she didn’t have.
From the outside looking in, people would wonder what that might be. Gentry grew up in a wealthy family, with a mother and father who are leaders in the business world and two successful siblings. What she didn’t have was the attention she craved from her mother, the closeness that she’s seen other brothers and sisters have or the proud looks she’s seen fathers give their daughters. Instead, she’s been criticized, overlooked, and talked down to.
Her greatest fear is being a bad mother, so when her sister-in-law suggests that Colton needs to see a doctor, she gives in and allows Sara to call the EMT who helped deliver Colt. Ian arrives and suggests that she call the doctor. When the doctor confirms an ear infection, Gentry feels like a failure until she hires Ian as the nanny until Colt is well enough to go to daycare.
Ian is only in town to collect his things from his ex-fiancée before heading back to Haiti. He works in disaster areas, carrying on his father’s legacy of helping others. When he agrees to help Gentry, its only to save enough money so that he can purchase a plane ticket back to Haiti to continue his relief work.
As he gets to know Gentry and Gentry asks questions about his own childhood, does he realize that he is not so different from her after all.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of When You Knew (Cabot #3) by Jamie Beck to read and review.
Gentry’s was the story I was most looking forward to out of all the Cabot’s. I knew she had to be more than the rule-breaking, tattooed, wild child and that was definitely true!!
I was heartbroken for Gentry and Sarah during All We Knew and I thought that this book was going to be full of drama because of the events in the previous book. While yes, there’s some drama (duh, it’s Gentry), I was surprised by how little of it there is. This book was all about growth and becoming the person you are meant to be, both for Gentry and Ian. Their journey is a pleasure to read. I’d be happy to never see an end to the Cabots series but this book truly was the perfect end to this family’s story.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series and it was a great romance read that was nicely written with an ending that will leave you pleased. I enjoyed the characters a lot. Ian and Gentry seemed so different but they were perfect for each other. Some parts of the story felt a little over the top and there were definitely times that I really felt a certain type of way about Ian’s character but overall, he won me over and I enjoyed this book a lot. I look forward to reading the previous books in this series and other books from this author in the future.
I enjoyed Gentry’s story. She’s more complex than she was in the last book. She’s growing up and making her own life, right or wrong. She always puts her son first and is determined to give him all that she never had growing up but always wanted. She is selfless and unselfish, much like Ian is. He is selfless and goodness helping people around the world. I like that together they show each other that their selflessness and sacrifice doesn’t mean they have to be lonely.
Excellent book! I’ll forever remember the main characters in this book. Each for different reasons but both Ian and Gentry are memorable. Ian is almost too perfect. A true humanitarian giving everything he has to those in need. Gentry is a former wild child now working hard to raise her child as a single mom while balancing the demands of her high pressure job in the family business. They both have demons that haunt them. These demons keep both of them from going after what they want. When Gentry’s baby daddy shows up will Ian simply walk away or will he fight for what he wants. What about his dreams and desires. Can Gentry accept him as he is if he stays?
This is a wonderfully done book and one I think everyone will enjoy. I recommend it.
Once again, Ms. Beck captures our attention with a book filled with imperfect people dealing with life’s ups and downs, while still giving us hope and faith in what life has to offer.
This one belongs to Gentry Cabot and Ian Crawford.
Gentry is the youngest of the Cabot children, the wild child and the one that feels she has never fit in her family. A family made of successful individuals and a mother that is not easy to please.
A one nightstand creates a boy and Gentry has had to grow up.
Ian is temporarily in town, aiming to gets funds and assistance for the mission in Haiti that was created by his Dad. At loose ends and needing to find a temporary job, he takes the position of a “manny/nanny” , taking care of baby Colton , while Gentry goes back to work.
The story is filled with family dynamics and expectations . While both struggle with these expectations, a fragile relationship is formed. When decisions have to made as to whether to follow their dreams or the expectations put on them, the decisions are difficult.
At times heartbreaking , it’s also a story about following ones the heart, doing the right thing and maybe finding love and happiness.
Another winner from this talented author.
I was entrusted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
When You Knew is my favorite of the series! I really liked Gentry and her unconventional ways. Ian was the perfect match for her and Colt. I loved their special moments together and their playful relationship, especially the picnic by the lake. I enjoyed every moment of Gentry & Ian’s emotional love story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley.
I am pleased to give an honest review of this book that I received as an ARC from the author and from NetGalley.
I have read all of the books that Jamie Back has written and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. When You Knew was no different – it is definitely a story that will stick with me for years to come. When reading Jamie’s books, the characters begin to feel like family and you are eager to hear more about them in each new book.
As for Gentry and Ian’s story, I felt all of the emotion that the characters seemed to be going through. Colt is such a lucky child to have such a great family!
With the snippets of storyline that included Hunter & Sara and Colby & Alec, it made me want to go grab their stories off my shelf and re-read them so that I didn’t have to say goodbye at the end of the book.
Gentry! I’ve been so looking forward to Gentry’s book and it didn’t disappoint. Poignant and sweet and just a wonderful read!
Heartfelt, adorable and sexy to boot! We are quickly drawn in to the story of a mom who’s crying baby is grating on her nerves, then help arrives in the form of a sexy man who has the magic baby whisperer touch! The characters are both flawed in their thinking about themselves, but help each other to see another side that they didn’t realize existed. I loved them together … and the added mix of another man coming back into the picture really gave them a run for their money! Good story!!
Wild child Gentry Cabot has spent a lifetime living down to people’s expectations for her. She’s the black sheep of the family, the one no one thinks will amount to much, the one that will always bring the drama. A one-night stand leaves her with the unexpected blessing of a son who though he tries her patience and sanity, she adores. She has to get back to work soon or her family is going to use that against her too … but she has to find someone she trusts to leave Colton with!
EMT and humanitarian worker Ian Crawford happens to be in Portland visiting his Mom before he heads back to Haiti to continue his life’s dream of dedicating a training facility to his father in honor of his work helping ravaged countries. He finds himself needing some fast cash, so when Gentry offers him a temporary live-in nanny position, he can’t really pass up a free place to live and cash in his pocket to fund his trip back to Haiti. Only trouble is, he starts to really enjoy this read-made family he’s living in. She’s a dream come true, that baby’s a doll … but can he give up his dream for them? And when the baby’s father re-enters the picture, what kind of wrench will that throw into the scenario?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!
It is a captivating & emotional story.
It really pulled all my heartstrings.
This is truly a beautiful written story.
The emotions, the humor & their chemistry pulled me in, & kept me hooked.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR EVERYONE!!!
Love everything by this author! This is a really good one. I have been wondering about Gentry and if the birth of her child would change her. Ian, is just what she needs and her needs her just as much. A great finish to the Cabot series.
A perfect end to a sweet and genuine romance series. I’ve loved the Cabots, and in When You Knew, the youngest, wildest Cabot comes into her own as a woman and a mother was perfect. Gentry and Ian make a good team, and through the course of the book, they learn that imperfection can sometimes be exactly what you need.
I liked this book in the series better than the last. There wasn’t as much doom and gloom and emotional lows as in the second book. It felt more like a romance. I loved Beck’s portrayal of Gentry as she dealt with a baby with colic all by herself. The male character, Ian, comes to her door and she is in a ratty bathrobe with spit up and other related gross baby things adorning her body that hadn’t seen the shower in days.
I also loved the honesty of Gentry feeling so inadequate as a mother when other’s seem to be able to handle her son and everyday life at thebetter than she does. Beck hits on the insecurities of all mothers. Gentry also has feelings of inadequacies and seclusion from her family.
Ian helps her take huge steps in helping her deal with things. Unfortunately, as the “temporary nanny”, he is falling in love with Gentry, her son and a way of life that he just doesn’t believe he can take part in. He struggles with his own feelings of inadequacy and must come to terms with those before he can be a permanent part of anyone’s life. The question is whether or not they can deal with their issues and heal themselves enough to have a life together.
It’s sweet, heartwarming and full of hope. It’s well written with characters you will love. I enjoyed the connection and chemistry between the characters. I enjoyed reading their journey as they overcome insecurities. This story will pull at your heartstrings as it has you feeling all sorts of emotions and reading those heartbreaking moments. It’s an enjoyable read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
WOW!!! I loved, loved, loved When You Knew by the talented Jamie Beck, book three in her Cabots series. Ms. Beck truly knows how to create a wonderful and emotional story between two people questioning their life choices and paths. After a one-night stand, wild child Gentry Cabot has become a single mom of a beautiful but very colicky little boy. She is overwhelmed, exhausted, and struggling. Always feeling like the odd child out, Gentry recognizes that her son needs a family more than anything and plans to rebuild bridges with hers. Before that can happen she needs some help and Ian Crawford becomes her savior. Ian has been following in his father’s humanitarian footsteps, devoting his life to service by raising money to train and equip EMTs in Haiti while helping those in outlying areas.
These two do not realize it but are more similar than different, despite their lives being worlds apart. Gentry wanted to fit in and be loved by her family. Doing whatever she needed to meet their expectations. Ian wanted to know what it would be like to live a normal life, not living up to his late father’s, and now his mother’s, expectations for him. Gentry liked working at Cabot’s Tea but it was not her passion; that was her photography and blog. These two ride an emotional roller coaster as they navigate the demands of the present and hopes for the future. Things do get more complicated when Gentry’s baby daddy reenter the picture and tries to fit into his son’s life.
This wonderful and amazing story was an emotional read and I was easily able to visualize the story as it occurred. I totally loved these characters and didn’t want to put this book down. I especially loved catching up with Gentry’s half-siblings. Ms. Beck created fantastic characters, making them realistic, keeping the story fascinating, making me forget the world around me and not letting me go until I turned the last page, wanting more. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to Ms. Beck’s next book as this is her last book in the Cabots series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.