Review: When We Burn by Kristen Proby

Author: Kristen Proby
Publisher: Ampersand Publishing, Inc.
Publication date: February 2025

Bridger

I’m her safe place.
I always have been.
The torment that Dani Lexington went through at the hands of her father was something no child should have had to endure. But I was the lucky one she turned to.
Our age difference and the fact that her brother was my best friend kept her off-limits, even though something was always there, lingering under the surface.
But when she was old enough, she left Bitterroot Valley, and I was forced to move on with my life.
I got married and had my little girl. Now, I’m a single dad, focused on my job as fire chief and making sure my daughter stays healthy after a mysterious illness has plagued her for the past year.
But after Dani’s father dies, she returns to Bitterroot Valley and is now living across the street from my daughter and me.
Dani’s no longer a child. No longer off limits.
This time, I won’t let anything or anyone stop me from being her safe place again.

Dani

I’ve been in love with Bridger Blackwell for as long as I can remember.
He’s a smoke show, kind, and gives the best hugs in the world. But best of all? He’s everything my sorry excuse for a father wasn’t.
Now, I’m back in Bitterroot Valley, living across the street from Bridger and his adorable daughter.
It doesn’t take long for all those old feelings to come rushing back, and every cell in my body knows that I belong with them.
That they’re mine.
Bridger’s arms are where I feel safest. They feel like home.
I’m growing to depend on him, to truly love him and his daughter. But I have deep-rooted baggage, and Bridger’s past has decided to rear its ugly head.
Will we survive this, or is our relationship doomed from the start?

When We Burn is the first book in the Blackwells of Montana series.  It's an offshoot of the Wilds of Montana series.  This can definitely be read as a stand alone without having read the first series.  This one is Bridger and Dani's story.  It's a very sweet and moving friends to lovers story. I really enjoyed Dani and Bridger's romance.  Their shared history made it that much sweeter.  The relationship between Dani and his daughter was so precious.  Especially toward the end of the book when her momma bear came out.  There is also a little msytery throughout the book.  There is an arsonist causing major fires all over the town.  I don't want to say much more, I'll just say that I definitely recommend it.

Review: On the Wild Side by Kristen Proby

Author: Kristen Proby
Publisher: Ampersand Publishing
Publication Date: October 3, 2024

Brady Wild has focused on one thing this entire adult life: riding bulls. A three-time world champion, Brady’s body has taken a beating over the years and he knows he’s nearing the end of his impressive career. He’s had no time for relationships with his dangerous career but the minute he sees sexy single mom, Abbi Kastella, he knows it’s game over for his resolve to be single.

Abbi is a mom, first and foremost, and she’ll do whatever needs to be done to keep her daughter safe from the danger that’s chased them for half a dozen years. She’s finally been able to set down roots in Bitterroot Valley for herself and Daisy. She adores this community that has welcomed them with open arms, her new business is thriving, and she has a circle of friends that she loves and trusts. And don’t even get her started on the hazel-eyed, muscled up cowboy that makes her whole body tremble with need. Life is good in this little Montana town and Brady is showing her and her little girl what real love is supposed to be.

Despite Brady’s best intentions he can’t resist his blue-eyed siren, or the sweet little girl that has him wrapped around her little finger. But when Abbi’s past catches up with them, Brady quickly realizes that the secrets that Abbi’s been keeping from him are far worse than any damage his career could do to them. Will they lose everything before it even really begins? Or will love prevail so they can get started on their forever On the Wild Side?

On the Wild Side is the fourth book in The Wildes of Montana series.  This one is Brady and Abbi's story.  This is definitely a favorite series.  Every time I read a new book, I feel like I am visiting with old friends.  I really loved Brady and Abbi's love story.  I loved that they knew each other and also spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other.  I adored the relationship between Brady and Daisy.  It really was adorable.  I also really loved how the Wildes rallied around Abbi and Daisy when her secret came out.  She really knew then that she had found her family.  If you have been loving this series like me, then you will love this one as well. I highly recommend

Review: Chasing Wild by Kristen Proby

 

Chasing Wild by Kristen Proby is now live! 
 
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all-new Small Town, Friends to Lovers, Law Enforcement romance.
 
Summer Quinn’s life changed five years ago when she walked in on her boyfriend and her best friend in bed together. She silently left, ghosting both of them, and never looked back. She came to Bitterroot Valley, looking for a fresh start, and that’s exactly what she got.
 
After purchasing the local floral shop from her eccentric aunt and finding herself again in the absolute delight she brought to the community, Summer feels welcome and safe in her new home.
 
But things have started to happen. At first, she could blow it off as bad luck, or kids starting trouble. But then the bad luck turns into serious, life-threatening incidents that can’t be ignored.
 
Bitterroot Valley is Chase Wild’s town. His family settled the area almost a hundred and fifty years ago, and as a police officer, Chase takes pride in keeping his community safe. Sure, he’s had his eye on the gorgeous florist since she moved to town, but he’s kept his relationship with her strictly professional.
 
Now, someone’s trying to scare Summer. She claims she doesn’t know why, but Chase is determined to get to the bottom of it and drive the danger out of his town. As time passes, and the more he gets to know Summer, the harder it is to keep his hands off of the beautiful woman. With their connection growing, he’s falling in love with her and will do anything to keep her safe.
 
As Chase learns the truth of who is threatening Summer, will he be able to protect her, and will their love withstand the challenges ahead?

Chasing Wild is a standalone, contemporary romance novel, and book two in the picturesque Wilds of Montana series. 
 
  Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
 
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SwMtjK
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/ChasingWild
 
Audible: https://adbl.co/4doKpDY
Narrated by: Stella Hunter & Connor Crais
 
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3waZsQE

My Thoughts:

Chasing Wild is the second book in the Wilds of Montana series.  This one is Chase and Summer's story.  I was really looking forward to this one because I enjoyed the first book immensely.  This one did not disappoint.  Chase and Summer have been kind of circling each other for years.  When Summer finally gives in and agrees to a date with Chase, sparks fly.  I loved these two together.  I loved how Chase took things really slow with Summer.  It really built up anticipation for that first kiss.  There is a little mystery as to who is trying to make Summer's life miserable.  I liked that part of  the story as well.

This is a great addition to the series and I can't wait to read Ryan and Poppy's book next!

About the author:

Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.
 
When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana. 
 
Connect with Kristen
 
Website: https://www.kristenprobyauthor.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6550037.Kristen_Proby
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BD4vfq
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooksByKristenProby/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/684662744993031/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenproby/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenprobyauthor
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kristen-proby
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/handbagjunkie/
 

Review: Wild for You by Kristen Proby

Author: Kristen Proby
Publisher: Ampersand Publishing, Inc.
Publication date:  January 2024

Remington Wild is a single dad of two adorable kids, and as the oldest son of the Wild family, has recently taken over the Wild River Ranch from his father. Life is crazy, and he’s finally willing to admit that he needs help, and the sooner the better. He has no idea that the beautiful woman he sees every day at Bitterroot Valley Coffee Co. is the woman who would show up for the job.

Erin Montgomery couldn’t get out of Seattle fast enough. It’s not that she doesn’t love her big, loud family, but living in the big city just wasn’t for her. The minute she stepped foot in Bitterroot Valley, she knew she was home. She loves the slower pace, the friendly people, and her job at the coffee shop. Even the smoking hot grumpy guy who stops in every afternoon can’t put a damper on how much she loves small town life!

Thanks to car trouble, and her stubbornness when it comes to using her trust fund, Erin needs a second job and applies for the position of a part-time nanny. She’s surprised to find that it’s Grumpy himself who answers the door at the ranch, but Erin quickly learns that she loves his kids and the ranch, and it’s a no-brainer to take the job. She just has to remind herself to resist the sexy rancher and keep it strictly professional.

Remington is attracted to his younger nanny, and finds himself falling headfirst in love with her. He and his kids have never been happier, and he knows she is the perfect addition to their family for as long as she’s willing to stay. Hopefully forever.

But when secrets are exposed, one of which endangers his children, will their love survive? Or will it tear them apart?

Wild at Heart is the first book in the Wilds of Montana series.  This one is Remington and  Erin's story.  It's an age gap, single dad/nanny story. I'm definitely continuing my streak of good luck when it comes to romance.  I thought this book was really adorable.  I loved Remington and Erin together.  I loved watching them get to know each other. In fact, having the two main characters actually have full conversations in order to get to know each other was a very refreshing part of the book..  I feel like that is lacking in some stories.  The kids were adorable and really added to the story.  I also loved both of the extended families involved.  I can't wait for the siblings' stories. There is a bit of danger toward the end, but  I won't spoil it for you.  I highly recommend this one.