Gentle Fox

Willow Creek Security #2

by Elizabella Baker

Gentle Fox is a small town romantic suspense with a sexy dimple silver fox hero and a woman on the run from her wicked step family.

One phone call changed everything. Some people believe in love at first sight, but can you fall in love with a voice?

It only took one conversation for me to know I would do anything for the woman on the other end of the phone. Annalee was desperate to start over in Willow Creek. At least that’s what she told me when inquiring about the receptionist’s position for my company. So when she doesn’t show for her interview, I know something has to be wrong.

Willow Creek is supposed to be my fresh start. My opportunity to escape the family my father forced on me. But that’s not how my life works. Before I can even leave for Texas, fate is throwing one curve ball after another at me. Everything I thought I knew is tossed upside down and leaves me confused as to who I can trust with my life.

That is until a sexy stranger swoops in and attempts to prove me wrong. Can I trust that Owen is the real deal or just another person looking to screw me over?

Genres: Romance, Fiction

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2025

About the author

Elizabella Baker has always dreamed of being a writer. As an avid book lover who has read thousands of books, she finally decided to pursue that dream and become a published author. She published her first book in January 2021.

Elizabella is a mother of two and a fan of all things romantic. She enjoys spending time with her family and making as many memories as she can.

Reviews

[Swasti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and quick read for anyone who wants a quick, spicy romance. The characters are also a bit older. Annalee is 41 and Owen is in his mid 50s for anyone who is looking for a romance novel with characters older than 30.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, steamy and complicated!

Owen falls the second he hears Annalee's voice, does that still class as love at first sight? Or sound? The guys of Willow Creek Security seem to have a knack for falling for women who attract danger, and Annalee is no different. She has drama chasing her down, enough baggage to sink a ship and is grieving and overwhelmed, unsure of her next move. Seeing Owen step in and take control, without being overbearing, is both sweet and sexy.
In work mode it takes a lot to rattle these battle hardened warriors, in real life a small, sassy woman brings chaos to their lives ....but fills their hearts with love and I love seeing them fall, hard, fast and forever for their feisty soul mates. Owen and Annalee's story is awesome, but we have so many amazing books still to come too, Maisie and Hendrix are next, do we also have Gracie and Nolan? And we cannot forget Lyla! I cannot wait for the fireworks, the laughter, the danger and the love.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I’m enjoying this series! The men are definitely foxes, while the women they fall for are babes in their own right. They’re all smart and strong and stubborn, male and female alike. They all want love, even if they think they’re fine without it. And they all band together when it counts while tormenting each other like siblings every other second of the day.

Annalee is honestly the perfect fit for Owen. And he knew it just by hearing her voice. So knowing that he sets out to make sure she’s okay, sight unseen, already had me rooting for him to win her heart. When we add in the things making Annalee want to start over and Owen’s insistence upon doing the right thing by letting her make the choice to stay or go, I was sunk.

Even when the danger comes calling, these two are a force to be reckoned with. And now I have to wait for Maisie to tell her tale. I can already see that it’s going to be a doozy!

[Jenn O'Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle Fox is Book 2 in the Willow Creek Security Series by Elizabella Baker.
I am really enjoying this series and these amazing silver foxes and their leading ladies!!
Owen was intrigued by Annalee from the moment he first spoke to her on the phone.
So when she doesn't show up for her interview the receptionist position at Willow Creek Security, the guys are worried and Owen goes looking for her.
What he finds, is her apartment trashed, and Annalee hiding next door.
I love that Annalee is smart, independent and snarky woman, while Owen is sweet and protective but has quite the dirty mouth. Wowza.
This is such an exciting, fun, spicy read that leaves you wanting more.
I can't wait for more in this series!!!

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been wonderful to read and in this book we are introduced to Annalee, a headstrong woman who interviewed for the Receptionist position at Willow Creek Security and who is in hiding from her step family for fear for her safety. Owen is tasked with locating Annalee but a mutual instant attraction forms and thus begins a relationship that neither is willing to admit. Loved all the drama and all the hot and spicy moments between Annalee and Owen but I also enjoyed the moments with Owen’s younger sister, Gracie (there is a story waiting to be told). I am so excited for the next book.

I received and arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Darlene Mariani · Rating 2 out of 5]

When your apartment is trashed there are things you should do. #1 call police. # 2 since you know who did it get restraining orders for your step brother and step mother who have been threatening you. #3 notify your insurance. You don’t just walk away. Not gonna lie, I skipped most of the book after I could not deal with the plot. I did read the last few chapters and I know I made the right decision.

[Stephanie Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen and Annalee

I love a silver fox, and a whole security agency full of them?

But seriously, as I am of the silver era myself, it is SO wonderful to see older characters living life to fullest and falling in love.

Annalee is scheduled to interview for the receptionist position at Willow Creek Security. Owen is the one who scheduled her, and was instantly intrigued by her voice. When she doesn’t show for the interview, after basically saying she needed to get out of town and start over somewhere new, Owen goes to find her. Her apartment has been broken into and is trashed. Annalee is hiding out next door at her neighbors.

And there starts our tale. No more spoilers! Annalee is a fun, slightly crazy addition to the Willow Creek world! Owen is goner from day one. How they get to their HEA is a fun ride!

Once again, Elizabella Baker has provided an intriguing, fun, steamy, wild ride of a story!

Definitely come to Willow Creek and explore a bit. You won’t be disappointed!

12/10 recommend!

[Lana Humphress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great love story from Willow Creek

I am absolutely in love with Owen! He felt an instant pull towards Annalee just by hearing her voice. But once they finally met, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to keep her safe! This book has an amazing plot filled with action and intensity. Owen was totally captivated after their first phone call. When Annalee didn’t show up for the interview, he got worried and went out to find her. He convinced her to come back to Willow Creek, but of course, trouble started trailing right behind her! Owen and his teammates are all about protecting the people they care about—which definitely includes their loved ones! The chemistry between Owen and Annalee is sizzling! I highly recommend this fantastic story; it’s packed with humor, mischief, amazing friendships, and so much love.

So, how long do we have to wait for Obsessed Fox? After that cliffhanger, I’m dying to know Hendrix and Maisie’s story… like, yesterday!

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle Fox is the second book in Ms. Baker's new series, Willow Creek Security and both books have me wanting to move to Willow Creek and just maybe find myself in some trouble. Why, well because if I can get a silver fox to keep me safe, I'm all in for a little danger. We are given a gripping, suspense-filled strangers to lovers romance where the MMC is swoon-worthy and the MFC is someone you just want to hug and tell her everything will work out in the end.
Owen is determined to find Annalee, the woman behind the beautiful voice that was supposed to come for an interview. Something tells him that she just might be in danger and when he finds her he is glad he listened to his gut. Convincing her to come to Willow Creek was a bit difficult but with his dimples and protective side, Annalee agreed. Forced proximity sees the two of them crossing a few lines and heating up the pages. The only thing is that she wants to keep a low profile and here she is in the local gossip paper. Danger follows but with Owen and the Willow Creek team in her corner, who wouldn't feel safe.
I love how right from the start, Owen was taken by her voice and when he first saw her, he couldn't fight the feeling inside of him. Annalee felt the same way because as soon as he flashed her a smile and she saw his dimple, she was hooked. She was the perfect match for him.
Found family, friendships, healing and love are all rolled into this amazing and must-read book. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us with the next silver fox book.

[Ric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen is by far my most favorite character in this series so far. He is really a gentle silver fox. He knows he will do anything to protect Annalee.

Annalee on the other hand, has been tolerating people in her life and just trying to live. But it all changes and she is in danger. She takes a leap of faith and gets to Willow Creek. But she has to overcome a lot before she can live her life on her terms.

Without giving away spoilers, I can only talk about the personalities of both. Very well developed characters who are both independent and confident. The chemistry between the two is also explosive.

I finished the book in one day! Absolutely loved it. Elizabella Baker knows how to create a wonderful story with characters you can just love.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you fall in love after hearing their voice on a phone call? Owen did; hook, line and sinker. He instinctively knew something had happened to Annalee when she didn't arrive in Willow Creek as scheduled. He bacame a man on a mission. I love Owen's complete adoration of Annalee. His willingness to give her all the time and space she need or even let her go if that was her wish. Elizabella Baker adds a bit of a Cinderella vibe to Gentle Fox that certainly enhances the story. Annalee needs to find herself and know what it is to be settled. There's no denying Owen loves her but can she be what he needs? There's danger from an unexpected source and Annalee learns what it really means to come first in someone else's life.

[Lydia Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This is Annalee's and Owens story. Elizabellas stories never disappoint. These silver foxes are amazing. This couple has a special connection. Owen even felt it before he met her in person. Annalee applied for a position as a secretary at willow Creek security to get away from her step family. Her step mom and step brother were bad before her dad died, but they are a million times worse since. When things take a turn for the worst and she doesn't show up for the interview he goes to investigate and finds her in trouble. he brings her back to willow Creek there's a lot of issues. This is what unfolds. Such a good easy read. I highly recommend you will never want to put it down.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow great book! Fast paced, emotional and action packed.

When her step brother didn't like being left out of her father's will, Annalee sought help from operator Owen and his team.

The connection between Annalee and Owen was fast but strong. He was very much the Protector, but possessive and just that little bit alpha, he he needed it for her stubborn sassy way. They sure had a chemistry that couldn't be denied.

I enjoyed the team spirit and reading how the guys all supported each other but also the ladies as well.

So well done. Fast paced writing with an easy style and a terrific plot that definitely kept me going from start to finish. Well worth the read!

[love2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong, dynamic characters lend authenticity to the fast paced storyline. 
This is a wonderful story of a mature couple, Annalee and Owen. He fell in love with her voice, she fell in love with his smile and a dimple. It's a Cinderella type story with an evil stepmother and stepbrother that Annalee (our Cinderella) is trying desperately to escape. The story contains a wonderful mix of plot, action, romance, and sex with an ending that caught me completely off guard. If you are a fan of romance-suspense stories with alpha heroes over 50 years young, this book/series is for you. I enjoyed it very much and I am looking forward to reading the next stories in this series.

[Cheryl G · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up

I waited 24 hours to write this as I was pissed I forced myself to finish this and my review was going to reflect that. I appreciate the older main characters. Sometimes I just want to read adults but man, this FMC was the flightiest, most immature unbelievable 41 year old ever. In fact, if her age hadn't been specified, I would have guessed 20 (all her job switching notwithstanding). Anyway. There was zero chemistry between the main characters. The fact that they would leave her apartment without calling the police is laughable. The sex was cringe. There were other things but I'm trying not to be mean.

[♡♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series? Yeah, it’s very quickly climbing the ranks to become one of my favorites. I’s just so effortlessly readable—like, no forced drama, no trying-too-hard plot twists, just smooth storytelling that gives you exactly what you didn’t know you were craving.

And let’s talk about the characters being in their 40s and 50s—it's my first time reading about characters like these and let me tell you we have here some grown folks handling business and still making my heart do backflips. Who said romance is only for twenty-somethings? These characters are serving chemistry, depth, and maturity with a side of spice, and I’m eating it all up.

Honestly, I’m hooked. I want everyone’s story like, yesterday. Keep ’em coming!

[Shari Jahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annalee is hiding from her demented step brother! He is not happy that he has been taken out of the will of his step father. She runs to the little old lady’s apartment across the hall when she finds her apartment totally trashed.

Owen is a sweet gentle fox. Annalee doesn’t know why but she trusts him to protect her. The chemistry between them is so strong! I loved this couple. Owen is the most patient man ever! He is the only boy with a bunch of sisters so he knows how to treat women.

Loved the twists and turns in this book.

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a terrific plot packed full of action and intensity. Owen was captivated by the first phone call from Annalee. When she didn't show up for the interview, he became concerned and found her. Convincing her to return to Willow Creek, trouble followed her. Owen, along with his teammates, protects the ones they care for. Dare I say their loved ones? Their attraction was mutual and hot. A great story that I highly recommend. There is humor, troublemakers, great friends, and lots of love.

[Shannon Fissel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow Creek is fast moving onto my list of fictional towns I would love to live in. Such a special place.
This was another great installment in this series and I have to say, I love how Annalee and Owen balanced one another. They more or less become friends first which is so sweet, and then all that slow burn builds and wham! Here comes dirty talking Owen, and let me tell you, he might be a gentleman and Mr. Nice Guy but he is also Mr. Spicy Fox, haha!
Really cannot wait for Maisie and Hendrix cause boy did that plot thicken!

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Each book is getting better, these silver foxes are stealing my heart! Read the series for the strong characters alone! Enjoy this fast paced, nonstop action, storyline.

Owen and Annalee will keep you on the edge of your seat, a missed interview, a problem step sibling, and trouble following her to Willow Creek. The drama gets intense but Owen and his team protect those they care about.

I enjoyed this latest visit to Willow Creek, and I cannot wait to return.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Heather Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you’ve just got to follow your gut, and that’s just what Owens gona do.
Loved Owen, he is just perfect for Annalee. He is laid back yet assertive enough to overcome her fears and doubts, and she needs that especially with a viperous family. That saying Annalee is not a total pushover, she just needed the found family support she’s never had to reinforce her stance.
Also Owens a silver fox with dimples, what’s not to love.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Carolyn Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! Elizabella Baker has been one of my go-to authors for a while now and this new series certainly doesn't disappoint. I think Owen is my favourite character (but I am sure this will change when I read the next instalment!) Annalee is a strong woman who is fighting with her complicated past and when she doesn't turn up for her new job Owen's protective nature kicks into play and he has to investigate. There is plenty of drams, plenty of steamy romance and a plot that had me turning the pages into the night. I cannot wait for the next book in this excellent series

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect gift for understanding - follow your gut instincts- this book life & death page turner

Annalee should act like a silver spoon princess. However living a Cinderella story, she is humble and sweet and running for her life. Silver fox has caught her eye and he works in security can Owen protect her from the past that wants to harm her. Its a mystery, A romance all in one

[Katherine Horvath]

Long Time Coming!

Gentle Fox: Owen had been in the military along time and it was time to get out. His one friend suggest to Maverick why don't you come to my home town. Aaron's mother would always send care package to them. Owen was unsure of the whole small town idea but he didn't want to go back home. So he joined his friends in the security business. He never thought about finding someone to fall in love with until he hear Annabelle voice. It was an amazing story!

[Denise deGregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really loving the Willow Creek Security Team Series and the way Elizabella is writing the characters and the town, like it's a place I really want to go to visit. I want to go to the Diner and the Bakery; I can see them so clearly. I love Owen and Annalee so much and the rest of the Team and am sure you will too.

[Annemarie Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series. This book was a great read with interesting characters including ones met in “Rugged Fox”. I loved the sister series of Bravo Team and Charlie Team and thoroughly enjoy this one. Elizabella Baker always have alpha men that you want to meet in real life and women who you want to be friends with.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Sliver foxes of Willow Creek definitely are bringing fun to the town. Suspense is an undertone in this series. We get more banter, sass & just everyday people figuring out life with their venerabilities small town style. I absolutely enjoyed the entertainment Owen & Annalee provided from the start. An easy & sweet read with a dash of suspense to entertain you.

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Fast paced story that had a good mix of suspense, steam, swoon worthiness and wonderful characters... loved it! The epilogue is a teaser into Masie's story and I can't wait to find out what happened in her past and I think Hendrix will be her Fox.

[Barbara Lack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen is everything! He’s a sexy silver Fox.He has a heart of gold and is wickedly alpha. Anna Lee is no shrinking violet. I love her zest for life. The two are adorable. I liked the intrigue of the threat on Annalee’s life. Once again Elizabella Baker left us with an intriguing epilogue. I highly recommend this book!

[Jackee Jolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

thrilling

Great story again with the Willow Creek on.
Owen and Annalee have an interesting start to their relationship, and it gets more interesting as the story develops.
Add in the resident of Willow Creek and the wicked stepmother and stepbrother there you have a great read, well done Elizabella.