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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
Thank you to Kristen Proby and Valentine PR for providing me an early copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this one! Swoony and suspense perfection! š
Skyla has settled in Montana, hoping to get away from her stalker in NYC, and as soon as Bitterroot Valley rancher Beckett lays his eyes on her, heās a goner.
This was such a swoony romance! From Beckett just trying to get her number, to her finally opening up, it was definitely a whirlwind romance, but also so nostalgic for me, because honestly, it was very similar to how me and my husband got together, one date, and we never wanted to be apart again. š„°
Riley (Skylaās trained protector/Bouvier dog) was also a scene stealer, and Skylaās love for that dog also got me feeling all the feels.
As with book 1, I loved the side characters; they are definitely such a warm and welcoming family, and I loved all the scenes with the Bitterroot Valley family, as well as Skylaās family.
And all the teases with Connor and Billie?? Iām already dying for book 3!!
This one probably had my favorite romantic *suspense* storyline, and led to such a nail biting climaxā¦but the final few scenes were just so lovely, I was just living for the love. ā¤ļø
What this book is giving:
ā
Small Town Romance
ā
Dual POV
ā
Rancher
ā
Former Prima Ballerina
ā
Stalker (not the MC)
ā
Spicy Book Club
ā
Family
ā
Suspense
Rating:
āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø / 5
š¶ļøš¶ļøš¶ļø / 5
When We Break has just shot straight to the top of my favourite Kristen Proby reads. The romance and suspense were perfectly balanced throughout as Irish ballet dancer Skyla relocated to Bitterroot Valley to start a new life in obscurity after her world was turned upside down by the attentions of a stalker. Seeing her and her giant dog about town, Beckett Blackwell had been intrigued by the redhead, but his sisterās newest friend, still distrustful after events in New York keep shooting him down. Faint heart never won fair lady though, and his persistence eventually paid off when he finally hooked her with his cows and chickens.
There was so much I loved about this book. From the bookclub who featured some of my favourite authors and their books, to Riley, Skylaās big and fierce dog who was really a teddybear until he thought his person was threatened and he showed his teeth. The romance between Beck and Skyla was equally sweet and spicy, and their chemistry sizzled especially when their foreplay involved reading to each other. I loved Skylaās friendships, not only her new ones in the Valley but that with her former dance partner Mik, who was definitely her āride and dieā bestie and Iāve been left intrigued by her brother Connor, the self-confessed, morally grey billionaire with an itch for the only Blackwell sister and Iām expecting fireworks from their story.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
When Skyla needs out of NYC, she finds a home in Bitterroot Valley, opening up a dance studio to continue her love of ballet. She also found the Blackwell family. After catching a glimpse of Skyla, Beckett is determined to know her, but her guard is up. As he chips away at the walls she built, Beckett finds out why she is there and is able to comfort her; she has an alert dog, Riley, and Beckett even picked up on how to help with him at home and in the car, going so far as to buy 4 dog beds for him. While reading to his girl is an elite trait, the best thing Beckett did was have his sister turn on the lights, so they didnāt arrive back to a dark house. Beckett is the ultimate MMC with how he loves: he paid attention to what she was embarrassed of and found a way to help, like with her feet. Can Skyla return to the ballet stage, or will someone from her past return? I love how happy Skyla was at home with her dog and chickens, and she didnāt need more. I am excited to see whatās to come for Connor and Billie, after we got to see even more of them in this book (maybe another family jet trip)?
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
āDid you just blow off your duties for me?ā āI donāt think you realize what Iād be willing to do for you, Skyla. But I think youāll learn.
From the very beginning, I loved the chemistry between Beckett & Skyla! The small town setting and the side characters were charming as always and some of the new ones have already caught my attention, especially Connor. The pacing of the book was solid but the mystery surrounding Skyla's past and what happened in the end because of it, was very predictable. But Beckett and his swoon worthy actions made up for it all! Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book, it was engaging and the story was wrapped up nicely. In addition, I can't wait to return to this world because I'm so excited for the next book in this series already!
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
From the very beginning, I loved the chemistry between Beckett & Skyla! The small town setting and the side characters were charming as always and some of the new ones have already caught my attention, especially Connor. The pacing of the book was solid but the mystery surrounding Skyla's past and what happened in the end because of it, was very predictable. But Beckett and his swoon worthy actions made up for it all! Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book, it was engaging and the story was wrapped up nicely. In addition, I can't wait to return to this world because I'm so excited for the next book in this series already!
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Kristen Proby just about broke me with the breathtaking beauty of When We Break, the second instalment in her enchanting Blackwells of Montana series. This small-town cowboy romance is everything I adoreāheartfelt, steamy, family-driven, and full of the kind of soul-deep connection that lingers long after the last page.
Skyla, once a prima ballerina in New York, has been through so muchācareer-ending injury, emotional trauma, and an obsessive ex who pushed her to seek refuge in the charming town of Bitterroot. From the moment she was introduced in Book One, I knew her story would be special. But nothing prepared me for how deeply Iād fall for her journey. Skyla is a gem of a heroineāresilient, warm, and layered with vulnerability and strength. I could hear her Irish lilt in my head the entire time, which added an extra touch of magic.
Enter Beckett Blackwell: cowboy, farmer, protector, and instant book boyfriend. His quiet strength, devotion, and the safe haven he offers Skyla made my heart flutter. The connection between these two is instant, but itās the tender momentsāthe everyday thingsāthat truly made me melt. From collecting eggs and face-washing bedtime routines to cosy moments reading romance novels together, their relationship felt intimate and authentic.
Proby has a gift for crafting interconnected stories that feel like a warm embrace. I loved seeing more of the Blackwell family in this bookāeach sibling adding richness and depth. The glimpses of Skylaās brother, Connor, and Beckettās sister, Bee, were brilliant setups for whatās to come. Itās one of the things I treasure most about Probyās writingāhow each book flows seamlessly into the next, like chapters in a greater love story.
What really elevated this story for me was the inclusion of POV chapters from Skylaās stalker. These chilling insights added tension and urgency, reminding readers that the path to happily ever after isnāt always smoothāand that danger still lurks. It gave the romance stakes and grit, while never overshadowing the love story at its heart.
Thereās one quote that perfectly captures why this book hit so hard:
āItās several things. Yes, I enjoy the spice, but without the chemistry and the connection between the characters, the spice doesnāt matter. I like watching a relationship build, and I love it when friend groups are involved or family that scoops up a character and says, āYouāre one of us now.āā
Thatās exactly what When We Break deliversāa sizzling, emotional, slow-build connection wrapped in community, family, and healing.
If youāre a fan of small towns, protective cowboys, strong yet tender heroines, and the kind of story that pulls you in heart-first, When We Break is an absolute must-read.
Skyla, once a prima ballerina in New York, has been through so muchācareer-ending injury, emotional trauma, and an obsessive ex who pushed her to seek refuge in the charming town of Bitterroot. From the moment she was introduced in Book One, I knew her story would be special. But nothing prepared me for how deeply Iād fall for her journey. Skyla is a gem of a heroineāresilient, warm, and layered with vulnerability and strength. I could hear her Irish lilt in my head the entire time, which added an extra touch of magic.
Enter Beckett Blackwell: cowboy, farmer, protector, and instant book boyfriend. His quiet strength, devotion, and the safe haven he offers Skyla made my heart flutter. The connection between these two is instant, but itās the tender momentsāthe everyday thingsāthat truly made me melt. From collecting eggs and face-washing bedtime routines to cosy moments reading romance novels together, their relationship felt intimate and authentic.
Proby has a gift for crafting interconnected stories that feel like a warm embrace. I loved seeing more of the Blackwell family in this bookāeach sibling adding richness and depth. The glimpses of Skylaās brother, Connor, and Beckettās sister, Bee, were brilliant setups for whatās to come. Itās one of the things I treasure most about Probyās writingāhow each book flows seamlessly into the next, like chapters in a greater love story.
What really elevated this story for me was the inclusion of POV chapters from Skylaās stalker. These chilling insights added tension and urgency, reminding readers that the path to happily ever after isnāt always smoothāand that danger still lurks. It gave the romance stakes and grit, while never overshadowing the love story at its heart.
Thereās one quote that perfectly captures why this book hit so hard:
āItās several things. Yes, I enjoy the spice, but without the chemistry and the connection between the characters, the spice doesnāt matter. I like watching a relationship build, and I love it when friend groups are involved or family that scoops up a character and says, āYouāre one of us now.āā
Thatās exactly what When We Break deliversāa sizzling, emotional, slow-build connection wrapped in community, family, and healing.
If youāre a fan of small towns, protective cowboys, strong yet tender heroines, and the kind of story that pulls you in heart-first, When We Break is an absolute must-read.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
QWhen We Break by Kristen Proby is the second book in the Blackwells of Montana series. A cowboy, small town, heroine in danger romance you don't want to miss!
I fell in love with the Blackwells when I read the first book but there's something about Beckett Blackwell that's a game changer. He's a goner from the first moment he lays an eye on Skyla and he'll stop at nothing to protect her from the madman that's been stalking her.
Skyla Gallagher moves to Bitterroot Valley, Montana and is quickly enamored with the quaint small town. She leaves her old life in New York City, after suffering from an injury that ends her prima ballerina career. Now she feels at home and she can't get enough of Beckett Blackwell and the way he worships her.
I adored these two so much. The chemistry is off the charts and Beckett brings out the best of Skyla. Her strength is admirable. If you're looking for a swoony, heartfelt story this one is just for you. Now to count down the days for the next book in this series!!
I fell in love with the Blackwells when I read the first book but there's something about Beckett Blackwell that's a game changer. He's a goner from the first moment he lays an eye on Skyla and he'll stop at nothing to protect her from the madman that's been stalking her.
Skyla Gallagher moves to Bitterroot Valley, Montana and is quickly enamored with the quaint small town. She leaves her old life in New York City, after suffering from an injury that ends her prima ballerina career. Now she feels at home and she can't get enough of Beckett Blackwell and the way he worships her.
I adored these two so much. The chemistry is off the charts and Beckett brings out the best of Skyla. Her strength is admirable. If you're looking for a swoony, heartfelt story this one is just for you. Now to count down the days for the next book in this series!!
The Blackwells of Montana are quickly becoming my favorite Kristen Proby world- dreamy heroes, breathtaking character chemistry, and the best family vibes. Iām always charmed and swept away in the romantic magic. But When We Break may be one of my all time fav Kristen Proby stories. Itās heart-filling and sweet, character driven, effortlessly swoony, and endlessly romantic. From the best meet cute to the butterfly inducing HEA, this one endeared me from start to finish. Itās the perfect cozy and tender romance with just the right splash of romantic suspense to keep the pages turning.
Iāve been SO excited for Skylaās story- and Kristen did NOT disappoint. Skyla, an Irish prima ballerina who recently suffered a career ending injury and some major drama, fled to to beautiful Bitterroot Valley to escape a bad situation and a lot of emotional trauma. She has an instant connection with delicious rancher Beckett Blackwell. A connection that feels like a spark that blossoms into something more substantial and meaningful. Their is a natural deepening of their dynamic and chemistry that feels intense but also so genuine.
I adored Skyla- sheās such a lovable heroine you easily fall for and root for. Sheās been through a lot, but sheās a survivor. Sheās still sweet and kind, full of warmth and tenderness. Sheās the perfect balance of graceful vulnerability and resolved strength. And Beckett- I mean HOLY SWOONY BOOK BOYFRIEND DREAMBOAT. Heās protective, emotionally available, understanding and loyal. Heās a steady and safe space for Skyla- the emotional (and physical) security sheās needed. And heās a man of small actions that mean BIG THINGS. Standing up for her? Reading to her? Caring for her hair? He shows care and love so beautifully, and it gives their dynamic a lot of intimacy that squeezes the heart.
The stalker suspense element brings them even closer together and keeps the pages turning- I loved the narrative choice of having some POV from that perspective. It really ramped up the tension. And of course we also have some great secondary cast characters playing the perfect role- from the Blackwells to scene stealing Connor (Skylaās brother)
And oh my goodness the audio is also FANTASTIC! Kristenās audios have truly been phenomenal for her Montana world, but this may be my favorite narration yet. Stephanie Stephanie NĆ©meth-Parker and Connor Crais in dual narration are spot on as Skyla and Beckett. Stephanie is a new to me narrator but her Irish accent is the perfect Skyla. She delivers a performance that is emotionally nuanced and full of vulnerability and heart. And Connor Crais never misses- of course he brings the delicious growly protectiveness of Beckett but also his tenderness and care- SWOON. And both do a fantastic job with the various different accents and voices they portray- truly an immersive listening experience.
Truly one of Kristenās best - this one captured my whole heart.
What to expect:
šSmall Town
šRancher x Ballerina
šHeroine in Danger
šRomantic suspense
šBest Friend's Brother
šFaithful Protector (Riley the dog!)
šAmazing Meet Cute
šHe Reads to Her (and I Melted)
šIrish Heroine
šFound Family
Small Town Romance + Kristen Proby = PERFECTION! Kristen has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and I am fully invested in the Blackwells. When We Break is so good! I couldn't put it down. Skyla and Beckett's story is perfect and put a huge smile on my face.
Skyla Gallagher is a former ballerina who leaves New York after an injury and to escape a stalker. She heads to Bitterroot Valley, Montana, hoping to find a safe space and time to heal. From the moment Beckett Blackwell meets Skyla, heās all in. Heās obsessed in the best way, and I loved every second of it. Beckett and Skyla are so good together and have amazing chemistry. Beckett is the dream book boyfriend. The way he loved and cared for Skyla made me giddy. He was protective, respectful, DOMINANTš„µ, and genuinely wanted to know everything about Skyla. Skyla instantly felt safe and comfortable being vulnerable with him.
Their romance is swoony, steamy, and I just couldn't get enough. I loved their sweet moments together. From reading steamy romance books together to the honest and open conversations, every moment between them felt natural and real. The suspense element kept me on the edge, and I loved the inclusion of the villain's point of view. I enjoyed the found family element as well. I loved how the Blackwells accepted Skyla and gave her the sense of community she needed. Riley, Skylaās dog, was such a star! He has a great bond with Skyla and is the perfect four-legged companion. I loved this story so much and can't wait for the next book.
Narration:
Stephanie Nemeth-Parker and Connor Crais perform this audiobook in dual-style narration. This audiobook is phenomenal. Stephanie and Connor are incredibly talented voice actors. It's no secret that Connor is one of my favorite male narrators. His smooth, calming voice was perfect for the bearded, swoony, and protective Beckett. Listening to Stephanie was a delight, and I loved how she brought Skyla to life. Both Stephanie and Connor fully embodied the characters, and I was super impressed with their Irish accents. I felt every single emotion! I've listened to this narrating duo a couple of times now and absolutely want more. This is a must-listen!
Skyla Gallagher is a former ballerina who leaves New York after an injury and to escape a stalker. She heads to Bitterroot Valley, Montana, hoping to find a safe space and time to heal. From the moment Beckett Blackwell meets Skyla, heās all in. Heās obsessed in the best way, and I loved every second of it. Beckett and Skyla are so good together and have amazing chemistry. Beckett is the dream book boyfriend. The way he loved and cared for Skyla made me giddy. He was protective, respectful, DOMINANTš„µ, and genuinely wanted to know everything about Skyla. Skyla instantly felt safe and comfortable being vulnerable with him.
Their romance is swoony, steamy, and I just couldn't get enough. I loved their sweet moments together. From reading steamy romance books together to the honest and open conversations, every moment between them felt natural and real. The suspense element kept me on the edge, and I loved the inclusion of the villain's point of view. I enjoyed the found family element as well. I loved how the Blackwells accepted Skyla and gave her the sense of community she needed. Riley, Skylaās dog, was such a star! He has a great bond with Skyla and is the perfect four-legged companion. I loved this story so much and can't wait for the next book.
Narration:
Stephanie Nemeth-Parker and Connor Crais perform this audiobook in dual-style narration. This audiobook is phenomenal. Stephanie and Connor are incredibly talented voice actors. It's no secret that Connor is one of my favorite male narrators. His smooth, calming voice was perfect for the bearded, swoony, and protective Beckett. Listening to Stephanie was a delight, and I loved how she brought Skyla to life. Both Stephanie and Connor fully embodied the characters, and I was super impressed with their Irish accents. I felt every single emotion! I've listened to this narrating duo a couple of times now and absolutely want more. This is a must-listen!
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Audiobook Review
š©µ Dancer FMC
š Rancher MMC
š©µ Gone for her
š Small town
š©µ On the run
š Read to each other
š©µ Found family
š Stalker (not MMC)
Story: āļøāļøāļøāļø
Spice: š¶ļøš¶ļø.5
Narration: āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø
The main character, Beckett is a farmer/cowboy/rancher who freaking READS TO HER! And not like sappy books, but SPICY books! And he doesnāt want her to read ahead, but like wants to read WITH her! Then perhaps try out some scenesā¦so, yeah. Excellent book boyfriend material! THEN, you pair that amazingness, with suspense, intrigue, tension, and so much more, with the narration?! O. M. G. I LOVED the narration of this book! Not just āregularā characters, no, no, no. You have one American accented main, then an IRISH main, oh and throw in a bit of Russian too!? GAH! Connor Crais and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker blew me away with their incredibly flawless skills in this audiobook! You NEED to listen to this!
Skyla is starting over in a new town far away from what, or should I say, who, has been plaguing her for the last few years. With her professional dance career having ended too soon, the small town in Montana is exactly what she needs to start fresh. What Skyla doesnāt expect is that she will meet the sexy Beckett. She isnāt interested in starting anything new with anyone, especially when the issue she fled from has never been resolved. Though there is something magnetic about the cowboy that she just canāt deny. Beckett is drawn to the slight, yet powerful woman from the moment he laid eyes on her. She may not be ready now, but Beckett isnāt going to give up on her. Showing her that support and perhaps love, can come at the most unexpected time. Can their budding relationship withstand an enemy lurking in the shadows?
Oh I loved these two! They did fall kind of fast, but once together it was just meant to be! The fact that he freaking reads to and with her!? I was a goner! Beckett is the epitome of a book boyfriend. Skyla is such a strong and resilient character. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two characters. This town and the people in it have such a charm that makes the reader fall hard for it all!
Connor Crais and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker DOMINATED this narration! Seriously one of the best performances Iāve listened to this year, perhaps ever! They each seamlessly transitioned not only from character to character, but from accent to accent. I mean, I havenāt stopped thinking about it! Crais has been my favorite narrator for a while now since I first listened to him, so there is nothing he canāt do in my opinion š
, but this was extra special to listen to. And then there is Nemeth-Parker, who Iāve only listened to a couple times, but this performance makes me want to consume her backlog! She is incredibly talented and I was in absolute awe of her throughout this entire story! I LOVED her! I canāt rave enough about each of them. So, just go listen to this! š
Thank you so much to Kristen Proby and Must Love Audio for allowing me to listen to and review this title. I think this is my favorite world by Proby! I thoroughly enjoyed the tension, suspense, interactions, spice, and overall āsomethingā that had me loving this story! I am SO excited to see what happens in the next bookā¦plus more accents?! Yes, please!
š©°āI can be f***ing patient if sheās the reward at the end of it.ā
šāIām going to kneel in front of you and eat you until you canāt f***ing remember how to breathe.ā
š“āYou want me to f*** you harder, Irish?ā
š©°āNo one exists but you Irish, you are under my skin and in my head. And I canāt imagine being with anyone else. Yeah, weāre serious and weāre monogamous. Unless you tell me that youāve had your eye on someone else in which case Iāll take care of him.ā
šāAnd my girl doesnāt like the dark , so you wonāt come home a dark house. Ever.ā
š“āYour pretty little mouth looks so f***ing good on my c***.ā
š©°āRead to me gorgeous, donāt stop. If you stop reading, you donāt get to c***.ā
šāC*** beautiful, c*** all over me. God, youāre making such a beautiful mess, I f***ing love it.ā
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship