November 4, 2022 - Staff Reviews

 

Take a Chance with Me

By Kristen Proby

Release Date: January 25, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6436009

3 Stars - Another likable entry set in Proby's Seattle universe. I was really looking forward to Cam and Maggie's story, and it fell just a bit shy of expectations. Maggie's fiery personality is central here as she battles her past. Cam's a strong, supportive shoulder that she needs to lean on.

There was so much build up to Maggie's story in her branch of the Seattle families. And I was ready to devour her and Cam's book. Proby oddly didn't work any suspense and only a little steam into this one. She chose instead to highlight Maggie's struggles since getting out of an abusive marriage, and her lifelong friendship with Cam that becomes more. Cam's more patient with her than I could have probably been to be honest. But these two did have a lot of chemistry and a beautiful relationship with her family.

I felt like this one just wasn't as tightly plotted and had some tropes I generally don't enjoy. Cam is Maggie's much older brother's best friend, and while I was buying Maggie's crush on him, I couldn't see Cam's side as much. Maggie's almost too indecisive and capricious. I can understand her reluctance to change and commitment but frankly, her life was shaped by her own bad choices so. There's a really weird aspect of the plot involving money left behind by her husband. Cam's got secrets that are left really, really vague. I feel like Proby should have doubled down somewhere to up the excitement levels a little. Either they have a secret passionate affair or end up in danger from one of Maggie's beau's lifestyle choices. This one was definitely entertaining though, slightly saucy but mostly sweet. Just felt like a bit was left on the table.

(NS)

September 8, 2022 - Staff Reviews

The Secret

By Kristen Proby

Release Date: March 22, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/7772541

3 Stars - Proby's new series started off with a bang here. She wastes no time sending the sparks flying between Olivia and Vaughn. There's a lot of connecting points between the old and new series. But this couple manages to steal the spotlight even in this famous family.

So I've read many of Kristen Proby's novels, as evidenced by the reviews on the blog, and even I was a bit confused at the start of this book. I felt like I must have been missing something and struggled a bit to remember which kids belonged to which adults. Still, I was very excited to see the next set of Seattle family members getting their happily ever afters. The whole struggle with Luke and Olivia and Vaughn felt a tad contrived. The secrecy didn't really seem possible but then again this is basically Hollywood/movie star romance. They can both be a more overdramatic but they're both loyal and dedicated to their jobs and families.

Proby certainly brings her trademark sparkle and Seattle setting to life here. The steam levels might be a bit high for anyone looking for a more serious story. Most of the conflict is just trumped up for struggle value. And there is a lot of Montgomery family revisits in the second half, but they are mostly well woven into the story. Unfortunately, the hints at Josie's and Stella's upcoming stories didn't strike my interest so those might get skipped. Seeing Luke and Natalie's relationship with Olivia was a lot of fun and felt like a long time coming. It's been so long since the first Seattle story! Vaughn turned out to be a lot like Luke, which was a cool surprise. Although other than some fun dates, there wasn't much for this couple to do. There's no suspense, no ex-drama, no single parent strife. So, if you're looking for a light and easily entertaining romance, look no further. However, if you want something to really sink your teeth into, save this for a mindless reading day.

(NS)