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medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Beckett & Skyla... I seriously loved them! I loved how Beckett was not going to give up on Skyla when she turned him down. He respected her wishes, but at the same time had to shoot his shot when he got the chance. This is definitely insta-love vibes and I normally don't really care for that but I felt like it worked for them. Their chemistry was off the charts! He READS to her y'all! Whew! He's definitely a caretaker and his love language is acts of service. He wants to take care of and spoil his woman! 🥵 I adored Skyla too. I loved how she found a home in this little small town. She's precious! I loved the suspense aspect too. The villain's POV just threw a little bit extra in there that really helped the story. This book was SO good.
🎧Audio:🎧
This was a dual narration by Connor Crais and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker and I am absolutely blown away. Stephanie's irish accent was absolute perfection. She protrayed Skyla exactly how I envisioned her. Connor's female voice combined with the irish accent was seriously so good! His smooth voice was so perfect as Beckett. This is the 2nd book I've listened to that was narrated by this duo and I have to say, I really really enjoy listening to them together.
What to expect:
🏡Small Town
💝Romantic Suspense
💃🏼Irish Dancer FMC x Rancher MMC
💕Best Friend's Brother
❗Heroine in Danger
This one releases April 8. Thank you so much to Kristen for this ARC/Audiobook!
🎧Audio:🎧
This was a dual narration by Connor Crais and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker and I am absolutely blown away. Stephanie's irish accent was absolute perfection. She protrayed Skyla exactly how I envisioned her. Connor's female voice combined with the irish accent was seriously so good! His smooth voice was so perfect as Beckett. This is the 2nd book I've listened to that was narrated by this duo and I have to say, I really really enjoy listening to them together.
What to expect:
🏡Small Town
💝Romantic Suspense
💃🏼Irish Dancer FMC x Rancher MMC
💕Best Friend's Brother
❗Heroine in Danger
This one releases April 8. Thank you so much to Kristen for this ARC/Audiobook!
Thank you to Kristen Proby and Valentine PR for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is book 2 in the Blackwells of Montana series, however it is an interconnected standalone and therefore reading book one is not necessary.
Our story starts off with our famous ballerina Skylar as she is making a huge life change by moving away from New York to Bitterroot Valley to get away from her stalker. After injuring herself, she is not dancing anymore and ends up opening a small dance studio in town. She’s made some amazing friends and is enjoying her freedom, not looking for anything or anyone.
In comes Beckett, our cowboy with a protective side, who is obsessed with Skylar since the moment he laid eyes on her. After respecting her space, he can’t hold out any longer and convinces her to go on a date with him so he can prove himself to her. When these two finally get together, it’s hot and a bit insta lovey, but when past problems arise, Beckett will do anything to keep Skylar safe.
Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read. Beckett is an absolute sweetheart, the way he not only takes care of Skylar but right away welcomes Riley into the mix too. The dog beds in every room has me tearing up. Skylar has gone through so much and a lot of it on her own, so it was hard for her to let someone in and talk about what happened, but Beckett was so perfect for that.
I will say there were some cringey parts, the lady bits mentions were definitely too much, and insta lovey is not usually my jam so that did factor into my rating a bit.
But if you’re a fan of cowboy/small town romances with a protective MMC and loyal doggy, this is one to check out!
This is book 2 in the Blackwells of Montana series, however it is an interconnected standalone and therefore reading book one is not necessary.
Our story starts off with our famous ballerina Skylar as she is making a huge life change by moving away from New York to Bitterroot Valley to get away from her stalker. After injuring herself, she is not dancing anymore and ends up opening a small dance studio in town. She’s made some amazing friends and is enjoying her freedom, not looking for anything or anyone.
In comes Beckett, our cowboy with a protective side, who is obsessed with Skylar since the moment he laid eyes on her. After respecting her space, he can’t hold out any longer and convinces her to go on a date with him so he can prove himself to her. When these two finally get together, it’s hot and a bit insta lovey, but when past problems arise, Beckett will do anything to keep Skylar safe.
Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read. Beckett is an absolute sweetheart, the way he not only takes care of Skylar but right away welcomes Riley into the mix too. The dog beds in every room has me tearing up. Skylar has gone through so much and a lot of it on her own, so it was hard for her to let someone in and talk about what happened, but Beckett was so perfect for that.
I will say there were some cringey parts, the lady bits mentions were definitely too much, and insta lovey is not usually my jam so that did factor into my rating a bit.
But if you’re a fan of cowboy/small town romances with a protective MMC and loyal doggy, this is one to check out!
A swoon-worthy escape to Bitterroot Valley!
From the moment I heard Skyla Gallagher's voice, I was hooked--the narration pulled me in and didn't let go. Her bond with her protective brother Connor struck a deeply personal chord, and every scene with her loyal dog Riley made me smile.
Beckett Blackwell calling her "Irish" and joining in on her book club reads? Utterly swoon-worthy. It's the little gestures--thoughtful, quiet moments--that make him the ultimate book boyfriend.
This emotional journey was beautifully balanced with suspense, and the way the author weaves in side characters makes the world feel rich and alive. I already want more from each of them, especially their back stories.
Bitterroot Valley has officially claimed the top spot as my favorite fictional town--I'd move there in a heartbeat if I could. I've already listened to the audiobook three times, and I can't recommend it enough. Connor Crais and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker are pure magic together!
From the moment I heard Skyla Gallagher's voice, I was hooked--the narration pulled me in and didn't let go. Her bond with her protective brother Connor struck a deeply personal chord, and every scene with her loyal dog Riley made me smile.
Beckett Blackwell calling her "Irish" and joining in on her book club reads? Utterly swoon-worthy. It's the little gestures--thoughtful, quiet moments--that make him the ultimate book boyfriend.
This emotional journey was beautifully balanced with suspense, and the way the author weaves in side characters makes the world feel rich and alive. I already want more from each of them, especially their back stories.
Bitterroot Valley has officially claimed the top spot as my favorite fictional town--I'd move there in a heartbeat if I could. I've already listened to the audiobook three times, and I can't recommend it enough. Connor Crais and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker are pure magic together!
challenging
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
I definitely have a soft spot for small town romance reads and this one had my attention; I really enjoyed the chemistry between Beckett & Skyla as how their relationship progressed throughout the story. It was a slow beginning but loved the strong connection between them. It was great to see the community rallying around them and how the side characters brought also a certain charm to the story. A great read and can't wait to see what's next in store.
Skyla is trying to move on and hopes that Montana can give her a fresh start, away from everything. Although it's a hard thing to do, she's also excited to see what happens next. As she opens a dance studio and gets by every day, she feels settled in and at home in the small town; she's ready to take charge of her own life. When Beckett first laid eyes on Skyla, there was something about her that drew him to her but she doesn't really seem interested. He's slowly trying to connect with her and it seems that her walls are slowly coming down. As they are trying to move forward with their relationship, their bond grows stronger but Skyla's past will soon caught up with her and a danger lurks closer than they know but everyone around her will do whatever it takes to keep her safe from harm. Will everything work out in the end?...
Skyla is trying to move on and hopes that Montana can give her a fresh start, away from everything. Although it's a hard thing to do, she's also excited to see what happens next. As she opens a dance studio and gets by every day, she feels settled in and at home in the small town; she's ready to take charge of her own life. When Beckett first laid eyes on Skyla, there was something about her that drew him to her but she doesn't really seem interested. He's slowly trying to connect with her and it seems that her walls are slowly coming down. As they are trying to move forward with their relationship, their bond grows stronger but Skyla's past will soon caught up with her and a danger lurks closer than they know but everyone around her will do whatever it takes to keep her safe from harm. Will everything work out in the end?...
The way I loved Beckett & Skyla!! Beckett’s been gone for this girl since he saw her, and oh do I love a man down bad. He’s determined to get her to give him a shot, and I adored his patience. My heart hurt for Skyla and her story. Her anxiety was raw, and I loved the way Beckett showed up for her. I mean seriously, can we talk about how he shows up for her?! Because SWOON. The two of them together? Fire. Their love is sweet and spicy and patient, and I just loved every second of Beckett & Skyla!
[ARC review]
When We Break by Kristin Proby 🩵
The Blackwells of Montana, Book 2
Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
347 pages
🗓️ May 8
🩰small town
🩵cowboy romance
🩰former ballerina
🩵heroine in danger
🩰best friend’s brother
🩵dash of suspense
📌“My home is with you.”
Okay, Beckett. Yes, obviously. The top Blackwell. How can he not be?! He reads romance books to her. He makes sure her dog has everything at his place. He sees her, cherishes her, loves her the right way, all the way.
Swoon. This book was a big swoon and I read the whole thing in one sitting. Kristin Proby, what do you put in your books? Also, please never stop.
When I wrote my review for the first book in this series I said “just call me Skyla.” I stand by it. Wholeheartedly.
The st*lker part of the story was top notch. I was glued to my sofa, not waiting to make a sound... just in case. Brilliant.
The Blackwells of Montana, Book 2
Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
347 pages
🗓️ May 8
🩰small town
🩵cowboy romance
🩰former ballerina
🩵heroine in danger
🩰best friend’s brother
🩵dash of suspense
📌“My home is with you.”
Okay, Beckett. Yes, obviously. The top Blackwell. How can he not be?! He reads romance books to her. He makes sure her dog has everything at his place. He sees her, cherishes her, loves her the right way, all the way.
Swoon. This book was a big swoon and I read the whole thing in one sitting. Kristin Proby, what do you put in your books? Also, please never stop.
When I wrote my review for the first book in this series I said “just call me Skyla.” I stand by it. Wholeheartedly.
The st*lker part of the story was top notch. I was glued to my sofa, not waiting to make a sound... just in case. Brilliant.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
🩵 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚆𝚎 𝙱𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔 🩵
𝚋𝚢 @kristenproby
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
↓↓
I didn't think another Blackwell could top Bridger but my goodness does Beckett hold top spot. That man is everything.
Beckett, ooo that man, that man is a walking green flag.
Understands his girls needs. Check.
Puts her first above everything else. Check.
Worships her like the queen she is. Check.
Supports her dreams. Check.
Loves her dog just as much as her. Check.
Reads along with her and to her. Check.
That man can do no wrong.
I loved Skyla so much, she was such a strong fierce FMC. She is relatable and you just instantly fall in love with her personality.
I really enjoyed watching these two fall in to such a effortless relationship. Beckett loves that woman like something fierce and does everything in his power to make her feel safe.
Their love was truly something special. They each loved each other in a way that they both needed. They were each others safe space and person.
Billie and Connor are next, yes ma'am sign me right up. I can't wait for those two! The chemistry and tension already 😏 I can't wait to see their story unfold.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🩵Small Town
🩵Heroine in Danger
🩵Best Friend's Brother
🩵Faithful Protector (Riley the dog!)
🩵Meet Cute
🩵He Reads to Her
🩵Irish Heroine
𝚋𝚢 @kristenproby
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
↓↓
I didn't think another Blackwell could top Bridger but my goodness does Beckett hold top spot. That man is everything.
Beckett, ooo that man, that man is a walking green flag.
Understands his girls needs. Check.
Puts her first above everything else. Check.
Worships her like the queen she is. Check.
Supports her dreams. Check.
Loves her dog just as much as her. Check.
Reads along with her and to her. Check.
That man can do no wrong.
I loved Skyla so much, she was such a strong fierce FMC. She is relatable and you just instantly fall in love with her personality.
I really enjoyed watching these two fall in to such a effortless relationship. Beckett loves that woman like something fierce and does everything in his power to make her feel safe.
Their love was truly something special. They each loved each other in a way that they both needed. They were each others safe space and person.
Billie and Connor are next, yes ma'am sign me right up. I can't wait for those two! The chemistry and tension already 😏 I can't wait to see their story unfold.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🩵Small Town
🩵Heroine in Danger
🩵Best Friend's Brother
🩵Faithful Protector (Riley the dog!)
🩵Meet Cute
🩵He Reads to Her
🩵Irish Heroine
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 is the 2nd book in the Blackwells of Montana series by Kristen Proby, featuring a must-read best friend’s brother romance for Beckett and Skyla, complete with a demented ex-turned stalker and an adorably protective service dog! Look, I totally loved Bridger Blackwell, but he’s going to have to move over for his brother, because Beckett was book boyfriend perfection!! He was attentive, loving, and oh-so-passionate with dirty talk and spice. His acts of service love language was so swoon worthy! I adored Skyla from the jump, as she fit in with the Bitterroot Valley crew so seamlessly. Kristen Proby writes friendships and family bonds so beautifully. This world gets better with every book, and when a compelling suspense plot is added to that it just enhances the emotions and the connections! Throwing in chapters from a third character’s POV added an interesting take to the drama! Get ready for a spicy epilogue that sets up Billie’s story! The Blackwell sister is going to have us on the edge of our seats!!
The audio was narrated by Connor Crais and Stephanie Németh-Parker, who left me mesmerized with their Irish accents and command of the characters. They nailed the suspense, emotion, romance, passion, and banter. Listening to Beckett read a spicy book to Skyla was fun!😉🔥🫠 Audio is definitely the way to go!
I received an ARC/ALC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Kristen Proby delivers a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and heartfelt emotion in When We Break. With vivid prose, emotionally rich characters, and just the right amount of heat, this story pulls you in from the start—and the audiobook narration by Connor Crais and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker makes it an even more unforgettable experience.
Beckett Blackwell is the ultimate rancher hero—steadfast, protective, and irresistibly charming. Connor Crais brings him to life with warmth and depth that makes you fall for him all over again. Opposite him is Skyla Gallagher, a ballet dancer rebuilding her life after escaping a stalker. Stephanie Nemeth-Parker captures her vulnerability and strength beautifully, making Skyla’s journey one of hope and healing.
Their chemistry is electric, and the steamy scenes are perfectly balanced with emotional intimacy. Secondary characters like Skyla’s protective brother Connor, her loyal service dog Riley, and best friends Millie and Dani add heart and richness to the story.