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Audio Review: Accidentally Forever by Carrie Ann Ryan
Accidentally Forever
Carrie Ann Ryan
Montgomery Ink Legacy Series, Book 8
Narrators: Oscar Reyes and Lucy Rivers
406 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2025
In the world of romance, Aria Montgomery knows two things for sure:
She’s not in love with the man everyone thinks she is.
And she refuses to let herself love Crew McTavish.
Her former best friend is spiraling, and her photography career seems to be standing in her father’s shadow. Aria knows she needs to find her way out of the darkness. Yet she’s afraid if she allows Crew inside, he’ll not only take over—but he’ll get hurt in the process.
Crew McTavish enjoys being the mysterious friend of the Montgomerys. They may joke that he’s dating his way into their family one-by-one, but in the end, it’s only one Montgomery he wants: Aria.
Their pull to one another is inevitable and once a line is crossed, the heat between them ignites.
Only his family’s dark secrets threaten to pull him down and when Aria is threatened, Crew will stop at nothing to protect her.
Even if it means watching the world he’s built burn.
**Accidentally Forever is a next generation, protector, enemies to lovers, best friend’s ex romance in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series featuring Aria and Crew. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
Aria Montgomery is Alex and Tabby’s daughter from Ink Exposed.
4 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan never fails to deliver an emotional story. Accidentally Forever was emotionally intense in all the ways I didn’t realize I needed. Crew and Aria overcome many challenges to get to their happily ever after.
Crew McTavish i’ve been a friend of Montgomery for years. One of his very dear friends is Montgomery and there’s a random joke among them he is trying to marry his way into the family. Crew personnel story is not an easy one, but the Montgomery’s accepted him when he needed a place and a family. Most of the Montgomery clan believe that Crew and Aira couldn’t stand one another, forever what he feels is very, very much the opposite of disliking someone.
Aria Montgomery is a brilliant photographer. She is so strong and has the biggest heart. She cares on a level that is soul deep. She has a best friend that is in a very rough spot in our lives yet she just won’t turn them away. She won’t help enable, but friendship means a lot to her. When that person hurt her physically, Crew was in the right place at the right time. It started a team reaction that maybe two finally can hunt their feelings and not just stolen nights of promises that it was never gonna happen again.
I have been reading Carrie Ann Ryan for well over a decade now. I can vividly remember when she announced the Montgomery Ink series. Ten years later the Montgomery family is still growing and I am falling in love with the next generation. Accidentally Forever gives us the emotional, enemies to lovers story of Crew and Aira. These two have been dancing around one another for far too long. A few stolen moments here and there left them running more even though they said they didn’t. Carrie Ann Ryan very eloquently talks about sensitive topics that need to be talked about. Aria and Crew will take you on an emotional journey, but a little bit of going down the path because you definitely worth it.
On the Wild Side by Kristen Proby
On the Wild Side
Kristen Proby
The Wilds of Montana Series, Book 4
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 3, 2024
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes On the Wild Side, a sizzling single mom, cowboy, small town romance in the beloved Wilds of Montana Series!
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?
4.5 Stars
Talk about saving the best for last. She’s a Wild One delivers an explosive conclusion to the Wilds of Montana series with Millie and Holden‘s story.
Almost a decade ago, Millie and Holden shared a secret romance. As each of them was on the opposite side of feuding families, their relationship is forbidden. Their bond is deeper than they could’ve imagined, and after sharing the most intimate of intimacies with one another, both worlds crack apart. Fast forward to present Millie is the proud owner of the Bitterroot Valley coffee and Holden is running his ranch. To stay when the two are in close proximity to one another you can still see their attraction, chemistry, and tension that is just waiting to explode. When Holden‘s father passes away, he finds one more way to mess with Holden by stipulating in his wheel. He can’t inherit anything unless he’s married for a year. Holden comes up with a way to adhere to his dad stipulations while throwing one of the things he hated most right back in his face. Millie Wilde works very hard to be mad at Holden. When he approaches her to ask her to marry him, to help him be able to make it right for his sisters. Mill agrees with a list of conditions. Hoping that she could possibly get herself over this man.
It’s no secret that I have fallen in love with the Wilds of Montana series. Kristin Proby outdid herself with She’s a Wild One. I have been waiting for Millie and Holden story ever since we first met them. You could feel the attention between them and other books that were not even theirs. Holden has got to be the most swoon worthy male lead character that I have read in a long time. He takes off every box that you could possibly want. He is beyond loyal and protective to those he cares about. Millie is strong, independent and an all-around amazing person. She agrees to help hoping that she is going to be able to shake off the feelings that she’s carried for years but very quickly got the more she’s around Holden the more they intensify. The chemistry between these two is absolutely amazing. Millie and Holden have a bond that was deeper than either one of them realized. Their marriage begins on an emotional roller coaster ride. Millie‘s family is not happy with her, Holden reveals several secrets from his past, and their bond just gets deeper and deeper. Holden and Millie are so honest with each other. It takes their intimacy to a whole new level. I loved watching them come together.
She’s a Wild is such a wonderful read. You get a small town throw in a dream come true and a story that gives you all the emotions and a nice bit of heat. Millie and Holden story is definitely my favorite of the series and one that I will definitely go revisit from time to time
Review: Wildest Dreams by Kristen Proby
Wildest Dreams
Kristen Proby
Wilds of Montana Series, Book 3
Kindle Edition
July 18, 2024 by Ampersand Publishing, Inc
Ryan Wild thought he had everything he could ever want. A billionaire before thirty, he’s finally
moved back home to Bitterroot Valley, built a beautiful house on his ranch, and has
recently adopted a teenage boy that has brought nothing but joy into his life. The only thing that’s been missing is the feeling of Polly in his arms since their incredible night together months ago. Memories of her touch aren’t nearly enough to satisfy him, and Ryan will do anything he can to make her his.
Polly can’t forget the one night she spent with Ryan all of those months ago, but she understood that it was a one-time deal. Yes, she still thinks about the sexy billionaire cowboy and his strong arms wrapped around her, but she’s a busy woman, with a thriving clothing shop and a group of friends that keep her on her toes. When you add in a house that always needs repairs, Polly’s days and nights are completely full. But when Ryan starts coming around, tempting her with that killer smile, heated bedroom eyes, and generous gifts, how is she supposed to stay away from him?
Polly knows how important the bond between father and son is and feels guilty for taking
some of Ryan’s attention away from Jake, especially when Ryan whisks her away to Paris for
the romantic vacation of her dreams. And just when the three of them start to settle in together, where Polly, Jake and Ryan start to feel like a family, she starts getting warnings and prank phone calls. Someone wants to come between them and their growing relationship.
The love they share is beyond their wildest dreams, but when danger lurks, will they be torn apart forever?
4.5 Stars
Ryan may be a billionaire of the wild family, but he’s still a cowboy at heart. Recently returning to Bitterroot Valley, Ryan has made a lot of wonderful changes to his life. Yes, the man is obsessed with work, but he also understands what home and family mean. After a little bit of life learning of course. Ryan has built a beautiful house on his ranch and does the biggest thing in the world that makes my heart go pitter pat, adopting a teenage boy after losing his family. The man is almost too good to be true.
Polly is one of the sweetest people you could ever want to meet. She has a huge heart and a keen sense for fashion. She owns Polly’s posies, which is an adorable little boutique. Polly and Ryan have known each other practically their entire lives. And him returning home has her just a little more than a bit distracted. They spent one incredible night together. With Ryan now back in town and seeing him more definitely has her thinking and wondering.
Wildest Dreams is a fantastic read. I could not put this book down. Honestly, from the very first page I was sucked in and obsessed. Ryan is the most humble billionaire I think we will ever read about. He really is a dream come true. Every time the two are on the page together you could feel the heat and the chemistry. I love the moment of realization that things were misunderstood. Kristin Proby’s has me obsessed with his charming small town and the people that call at home. I love the relationship between Ryan and Jake. I love how we see that bond form and how I get stronger. I also love that poly understood the importance of Jake in the relationship. I love that the two of them had their own special bond as well, and how the three of them came together as a unit.
Audio Review: A Merry Montgomery Christmas by Samatha Chase
A Merry Montgomery Christmas
Samatha Chase
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins
The Montgomery Brothers Series, Book 10
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
When the entire Montgomery family comes together, it makes for a holiday to remember.
But it’s more than just the tree, decorations, and gifts that have everyone talking. With so many people crammed under one roof, there’s bound to be some drama. Between last-minute business crises, talks of retirement, a new relationship, a sprinkle of marital problems, lots of snow, and a surprise baby, this has all the makings of a blue Christmas. They’ll need more than one Christmas miracle to get everything back on track, and hopefully Santa–or William Montgomery–will come to the rescue.
One thing’s for sure, it’s a Christmas they’ll be talking about for years to come.
4.5 Stars
William Montgomery has waived his matchmaking ways through his entire family. And this holiday season he wants nothing more than his entire family all together. That being a big feet with a Montgomery’s now numbering over 50 but somehow they managed to get them all under one roof.
Oh, I absolutely loved this audiobook. I will admit I have not read all of the Montgomery brothers books. I was able to follow along pretty quickly after realizing who was who. I loved the snippets of each couples individual stories as they were on their way to meet the family for vacation. For those that have read the stories previously it’s a nice little snippet of life to catch up. There is no doubt that the Macgomery family is very close, loyal, and willing to do anything for their family. So many different families within one giant family. It’s actually a very unique read. William is very proud of how big his family is. He is definitely all about family and making sure everyone is on their way to happiness. He even gets to play that match making hand at this Christmas get together.
Audio Review: Chapel Bend by Kristen Proby
Chapel Bend
Kristen Proby
Kit Swann (Narrator)
Lee Samuels (Narrator)
Huckleberry Bay Series, Book 3
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes Chapel Bend, an enemies to lovers, small town romance in her beloved series, Huckleberry Bay!
There’s a fine line between love and hate.
In Huckleberry Bay, Oregon, everyone knows that when it comes to Juniper “June” Snow – what you see is what you get. When you hire her construction company to do a job, it’s done right, on time, and on budget. When she’s your friend, she’s a ride-or-die who will support you no matter what. And when you’re her enemy…well, she can hold a grudge.
And she’s never forgotten how the tall, dark, and delicious Apollo Winchester hurt her so many years ago.
In a small town, it’s impossible to ignore someone who greets you with a death glare every time you meet. Apollo can’t recall why June hates him, but it doesn’t stop him from stirring her up every chance he gets. There’s something about her stubborn, “don’t mess with me” attitude that keeps him coming back for more. But June is his sister’s best friend and permanently on the “off-limits” list.
June puts aside her war with Apollo and hires him to work on her most important project, the renovation of a chapel into her dream home. She wants the best…and Apollo is the best . . . on the job site and in her bed. He won’t turn down the chance to spend more time with June, especially when it’s clear that she wants him as much as she hates him. Proximity leads to opportunity, and opportunity leads to steamy times between the sheets.
But a mystery threatens June and Apollo will protect her and their growing connection, no matter the cost.
4 Stars
Juniper and Apollo, where to even start with them? We start at the beginning when they were just little kids and already had that enemies thing going on. In reality, both of them from a very young age, had an amazing crush on the other one. When some not so nice words were spoken a flare of anger grew and continue to fester over the years. June and Apollo have been bickering and bantering and fighting with one another for almost as long as they have known one another.
Even as adults, they have continued their mortal rivalry. Juniper and Apollo fall in the same circles, and it absolutely makes her crazy when he uses her full name. It makes her heart go pitter patter. Apollo and June have an intense chemistry that just about anyone can see. One night they decide is what they’re going to give it and that is it well little did they know that one night was going to make everything that much more. Yet they continue their banter for a bit more.
Chapel Bend was a wonderful small town romance. I love Juniper and Apollo, even if it took them a but of time to find their way. But that’s the story, finding their way. Apollo is truly a top-notch and wonderful guy. June is a bit harder around the edges but in time you learn that she does have a softness within her. Together they make a great team it just took 20 couple years to figure that out.
Audio Review: Flirt With Me by Kristen Proby
Flirt With Me
Kristen Proby
The O’Callaghan Series, Book 4,
With ME in Seattle Series, Book 17
From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes an all new novel in her beloved With Me In Seattle Series!
There are two things Maeve O’Callaghan values more than anything else: her family and her career. Being the eldest daughter in a large, close-knit and somewhat chaotic Irish family means spending most of her nights in the family-owned pub, serving drinks and food, always accompanied by a smile. During the day, she’s a superstar real estate agent, selling homes on her beloved island just across Puget Sound from Seattle. She doesn’t have time for much else, and she’s perfectly okay with that.
Enter Hunter Meyers. He’s looking for a new place to call home, somewhere out of the city, and believes life on the island could be just the thing for him and his troubled teenage daughter. While in search of finding the perfect house, his sexy realtor catches his eye, making him feel things he hasn’t in years. But with the added baggage of a surly teen and a past that will never be forgotten, how can he make something permanent with the gorgeous Irishwoman who tempts him like no other?
Maeve isn’t just attracted to Hunter with his killer grin and muscles for days. The teenager that tries so hard to push her away also pulls at her heartstrings. Maeve understands the importance of family, and can see herself making just that with Hunter and his daughter. But when his past comes back to haunt him, will their love be strong enough, or will they be ripped apart forever?
What a story, what a family and what a romance. I loved Maeve and Hunter.
Maeve is a one of a kind woman. She’s intelligent, has a career she loves and a family she loves even more. Her heart is so big and shines brighter than her personality. She has a very happy and productive life and there’s not much more she could possibly ask for, except for maybe that dream house that she’s had her eye on. That is until a handsome man walks into the family pub and makes her want something she didn’t even know she needed.
Hunter, my goodness I don’t think I have swooned over a man, real or fictional, like I did with him in a very long time. Is a retired MMA fighter and single father with a rebellious teenage daughter. He’s strong, a bit hard headed, totally alpha and willing to do anything to keep his daughter safe. In an effort to pull his daughter from the questionable crowd she is running with, Hunter decides maybe it’s time for a move and the island is calling his name. Little did he know a night of fun flirting in an Irish pub would lead to the same woman who is showing him houses. This move might not only change his daughter’s life for the better but his as well.
Flirt With Me was a fantastic read. I absolutely loved Maeve and Hunter. From their flirtatious beginnings, to the way their chemistry bloomed and how it just fell together and felt so natural. They welcome each other and to their worlds and it fits together like pieces of a puzzle. The Callahan’s are a big Irish family with a lot of love to give. I love how they opened their arms willingly for Hunter and Rachel and how you could feel the love that they had for their daughter. Even with the trials and tribulations that Hunter and Maeve faced they learned together they are much better than they are apart.
Kristen Proby wrote a magically romantic story and narrators Stella Bloom and Connor Crais performance is spectacular. Together they truly make you feel like you’re right in the story.
Audio Review: Courage by Kristen Proby
Courage
Kristen Proby
Stephen Dexter
Heroes of Big Sky Series, Book 2
Natasha Mills feels like she’s loved firefighter Sam Waters her entire life. Since she first met him during middle school, she’s harbored a secret crush on her best friend’s big brother. It’s just something she lives with every day—too bad he doesn’t notice her. To Sam, Tash is his little sister’s best friend and that’s it.
Disaster strikes the Waters family, leaving Sam’s sister and her husband dead, and their young children in the hands of Sam and Natasha. Suddenly, these two are navigating the loss of people they loved, while trying to figure out parenthood together. The grief is devastating, and raising twins is harder than either of them bargained for. But in working together, and leaning on each other, Sam and Tash learn that family comes in all different shapes and sizes.
The more time he spends with Natasha though, the more Sam realizes just how sweet and sexy she really is. He finds himself slowly but surely falling for her. But when the time comes for him to let her go—will he be able to walk away from the family he’s helped build?
Emotional and heartwarming.
Suffering the loss of a loved one is hard enough as it is but then having parenthood rusted into your hands it’s a bit more than anyone could possibly ask for. Finding a delicate way to balance your emotions while raising twins is almost impossible. Natasha and Sam are doing all the can to support, help and get this co parenting thing down. Both have had secret feelings for the other for years, the time spent together and all the emotions broke a barrier and they both gave in. As they navigate the waters and start to become a family parts of life that were put on hold leave a choice lingering.
Courage is an emotional ride of a story that leaves you feeling so good at the end. I got choked up so many times while listening. The amount of emotions that come through the words of the story are unbelievable. Natasha and Sam I have a unique situation that they try to make the best of. Feelings that they’ve had for one another for years come to the surface which is only natural considering the situation that they are now in. They came together as a family, And made a new family of their own. I have to give amazing credit to the narrators. Their talent through the audio narration of this book truly gives another layer of emotion to this Hit you hard in the heart story.
Audio Review: Off the Record by Kristen Proby
Off the Record
Kristen Proby
With Me in Seattle: Mafia Series, Book 3
Rafe “Rocco” Martinelli was never one for the family business. Alas, being born into a crime syndicate means doing the family’s bidding and making sure you’re connected—and, yes, breaking a few kneecaps. Rafe would love nothing more than to hang up his enforcer apron and live a quiet life, but as more and more higher-ups in rival clans turn up dead, Rafe realizes he doesn’t have a choice. Especially not when the captivating and gorgeous bratva princess needs his help.
Dr. Annika Tarenkov learned early on that her life belongs to her family. She’s a pawn in the long game, a bargaining chip for power and prestige. She gave up the only person in her life she thought she could be happy with, all for the greater good of the family. Now, a newly made widow and desperately seeking answers, she’s forced to confront her past as it converges with her present. But all it does is make her wonder about her future and how she can make Rafe hers again. While being with him is like wrangling a toddler at times, he still makes her heart race and her breath catch. And she wouldn’t feel safer with anyone else.
With the chips seemingly stacked against them, they must work to uncover the perpetrators of the nefarious plot that’s been brewing for some time—before it’s too late.
Audio Review: Headhunter by Kristen Proby
Headhunter
Kristen Proby
With Me in Seattle: Mafia Series, Book 2
As the son of one of the States’ most prominent mob bosses, Shane Martinelli’s always been immersed in society’s shady underbelly. Learning to navigate it and keep to the edges was working just fine until an acquaintance turns up missing, and he fears the worst. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he hasn’t stopped thinking about her. Luckily, as an ex-special operative, he’s uniquely qualified to track her down and keep her safe. Unfortunately, nobody’s making that easy—not the people who took her nor the woman herself.
Ivie Jordan has led a pretty uneventful life, and that’s just how she likes it. Especially since she’ll be the first to admit that she doesn’t do so well in social situations. She’s a proud business owner, and while she doesn’t have family, she does have a network of people who look out for her. Little did she know that being accepted into that fold came with a laundry list of issues. When the worst happens, and she’s forced to rely on the ruggedly handsome alpha hero who comes to her rescue, she discovers her inner badass—and the sultry vixen on her other shoulder.
Too bad the two of them are literally running for their lives and trying to ensure the safety of those they love. There is way more at stake than meets the eye.
It’s time for the hunted to become the hunters.
Kristen Proby has a thing with Mafia Romance!
Hang on tight, because Headhunter will keep you on the edge from beginning to end! Also if you read Underboss you know this one is set up for intensity.
I am not sure who was carrying more secrets. The wickedly sexy Shane Martinelli or beautifully sweet Ivie Johnson. One ran away from a past that is now catching up with her and the other holds so many secrets that the average man would break. Shane and Ivie have mastered the dance of flirting with one another. Now at that life or death situation Shane steps in to protect Ivie. As the danger brews so does the attraction. The passion becomes as intense as the danger.
Headhunter is a fast paced, intense yet intimate story of danger and romance. There’s something Maria stories that intrigue me. To find out there is a sub genre in romance, excitement is an understatement. Kristen Proby hits it out of the park on so many levels. The danger is on point. The family ties and rivalries are intense and intriguing. The romance is as dangerous as the danger. The narration of this story gave me chills in all the right way. Ms. Probly’s story very much walked off the pages with narrators Lee Samuels and Kristen Leigh.
Audio Review: Underboss by Kristen Proby
Underboss
Kristen Proby
With Me in Seattle Series, Book 1
Audiobook
March 9, 2021
Narrated by Tor Thom and Kelsey Navarro
From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes an all new family in her With Me In Seattle world! Hold on to your seat as we introduce you to Kristen’s new MAFIA FAMILY!
As the eldest son of Seattle’s current mob boss, Carmine Martinelli’s life has never really been his own. But he doesn’t mind because his family means more to him than his life. Which is why he’s determined to make those responsible for the death of his aunt and uncle pay—in inventive and gruesome ways. And what better way to do that than to infiltrate the Russian mafia from the inside? It’s a good thing the bratva’s princess is stunning and seemingly willing to do whatever he asks. This vengeance could be the perfect mix of business and pleasure.
Nadia Tarenkov has several things stacked against her: she’s a woman, and she’s not the eldest child in her family. But it doesn’t matter. She has her sights set on ruling the syndicate, and she always gets what she wants. When the heir to one of the States’ most powerful crime families comes knocking, Nadia sees it for the gift it is. He thinks he has her fooled, but she’s smarter, more cunning, and always two steps ahead. She’ll beat the gorgeous mobster at his own game, and secure her place in the fold.
What neither of them takes into consideration, however, is that they aren’t the only ones with deadly plans in motion. To survive, they’ll have to come clean and work together—and acknowledge that the growing love they’ve been pretending isn’t there, is very real.
4.5 Stars
Dark, dangerous and wickedly sinful. I love a good Mafia story and Kristen Proby has my attention!
Carmine Martinelli is sexy and smooth. Eldest son to Seattle’s boss, he’s got power and knows how to use it. As loyal as they get, Carmine takes his family obligations and responsibilities with everything he’s got. Wanting justice for a family death Carmine’s plan to infiltrate the enemy just may put him into a battle he might not be sure he can win.
Nadia Tarenkov is known as the Ice Princess. Daughter to the head of the Bratva, this girl packs a punch. She has goals that her position in the family doesn’t automatically give her but she’s more than willing to prove herself able. She’s willing to plan in the lion’s den but she just might end up caught in an unexpected trap of her own making.
Underboss is a fantastic start to the With Me in Seattle Mafia Series. Carmine and Nadia are amazing together. From that first exploratory kiss many many years before you could see the chemistry in the making. Individually they are both powerful and together they are near unstoppable. Their attraction to each other is undeniable and their chemistry is beyond explosive. Watching them tease each other or try to avoid her feelings was almost comical in a way. Yet when you see them working together taking down people on their tail you see an amazing team. Underboss is dangerous and dark with some intensely romantic moments and combustible passion. Kristen Proby rocks this Mafia romance.
Underboss was narrated by the wonderfully talented Tor Thom and Kelsey Navarro. Together they brought another level of intensity to this story. Tor Thom’s Voice is dark and sultry. It’s like a siren, keeping you listening, enticing you to listen to the entire story in one sitting. Both of these narrators are new listens for me and I was completely impressed. They very much do justice to Underboss.
Coffee Books Life 