The Blackwells of Montana Series by Kristen Proby – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read

The Blackwells of Montana Series by Kristen Proby – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com Thu, 25 Dec 2025 22:03:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 http://www.ilovenovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/favicon.png The Blackwells of Montana Series by Kristen Proby – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com 32 32 Where You Belong (The Blackwells of Montana #5) Read Online Kristen Proby http://www.ilovenovels.com/where-you-belong-the-blackwells-of-montana-5-read-online-kristen-proread-online Thu, 25 Dec 2025 22:03:50 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/where-you-belong-the-blackwells-of-montana-5-read-online-kristen-proread-online Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary Authors: Kristen Proby Series: The Blackwells of Montana Series by Kristen Proby
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Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 102361 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)

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From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the final installment of the Blackwells of Montana series, Where You Belong, a small-town, second-chance romance set in Bitterroot Valley!

Brooks

Fifteen years ago, I’d planned a romantic proposal, but that was the day Juliet walked out of my life and never looked back. I never wanted to see her again and decided that love wasn’t for me. But now, Juliet has returned to Bitterroot Valley and opened a restaurant. Catching glimpses of her around town makes my heart ache. I want to hate her. I wish she’d do what she does best and go away.

Instead, I find myself wanting to be near her. Helping her. Touching her perfect skin. I don’t want to love her. I don’t want to need her.

Juliet

Coming home to Bitterroot Valley might have been a mistake. Just because I grew up here doesn’t mean I belong here. Honestly, I’ve never felt like I belong anywhere. But once I was finally free from the man who lied and controlled me, I knew I needed to be in Montana. My new restaurant, Sage & Citrus, is a big hit, and I’m making friends. But more importantly, Brooks is here.

I know he doesn’t want me, but having him nearby is a balm to my jagged heart. The more I see him, the more I’m reminded that Brooks Blackwell is my soulmate. But has too much time passed? Or will we finally get our happily ever after?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Prologue

BROOKS

Fifteen Years Ago

“So they’re delivering the flowers?” I ask Mom while I tap my pocket for the fortieth time in the past five minutes.

The ring’s still there.

“Yes. In thirty minutes. Sweetheart, we have this handled.” She pats my cheek, and her eyes fill with tears.

“Don’t do that.”

“You’re my baby, and you’re about to ask that girl to marry you, so I’m allowed to shed a tear or two. Are you sure this is what you want? You’re both so young, Brooks.”

I’ve never been more positive about anything in my life.

I’ve loved Juliet, my wildfire, since I was sixteen. More than five years. She’s it for me. The beginning and the end, and I want to marry her.

I need to marry her.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“She’s not even out of college yet. You have so much time ahead of you. Let her graduate, come home, and then propose. That’s only a few months away.”

“Mom.” I kiss her on the head, and she wraps her arms around my middle, giving me a hug. “I know you worry. But everything’s fine. We’ll get engaged now, and with everyone’s help, I can get the house fixed up by the time she gets home from college.”

“I’m glad you seem to have it all figured out.” She pats my chest and steps away. “Everything will be ready by the time you get here. Flowers, the food, everything is ready.”

I smile at her. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Of course. You’re my baby.” She winks at me, and I step outside, where my brothers toss around a football and Dad cleans the grill.

After I take Jules to the spot I have planned and propose, we’ll come back here for a celebratory dinner with my family. Her mom can’t come because she’s working the night shift at the hospital, but she said she’d try to get off work early to stop by.

It’ll be a small party for now, and that’s fine. I’ll give her a big wedding later.

“I ordered the lumber for that bathroom,” Dad says. He’s excited to help me renovate the little house I bought.

Thank God. Because no way could I afford to hire it out, and I want it mostly done by the time she comes home for good in a few months. The house isn’t that bad. Nothing a new bathroom, flooring, paint, and elbow grease can’t fix up.

“Thanks.” I pat Dad on the shoulder, then check the time. “I have to go.”

“Good luck, buddy.” He grins at me, and I saunter down the steps, wave at my siblings, then hop on my Harley after making sure I have her helmet and leathers with me.

My wildfire loves the bike.

When I pull up to Juliet’s mom’s house and cut the engine, I frown when she doesn’t come bounding out of the house with a big smile for me. Shit, I haven’t seen her since Christmas, and even that trip was cut short. I’m anxious to get my hands on her.

I’m going to kiss the fuck out of her.

And if she doesn’t get her fine ass out here, I’ll push her back to her bedroom and fuck her six ways to Sunday, and while that’ll definitely be happening at some point today, I have a plan to execute first.

Shit, I’ve been working my ass off at Old Man Hanson’s garage for the past two years to make today happen. Saved every dime, worked overtime, and took side jobs. I need to get this ring out of my pocket and on her finger.

I pat the pocket again, then knock on the door.

No one answers.

The fuck?

I knock again, and this time the door swings open, and Jules is there, but instead of a big smile, she’s crying.

“Whoa. Baby, what’s wrong?”

She’s got her phone to her ear, but I don’t care. I immediately pull her against me, rubbing my hand up and down her back.

“No, don’t let him do that.”

Fuck. Me. Sideways.

I know exactly who she’s talking about.

If this motherfucker ruins this for me, I’ll hunt him down and kill him myself.

“I don’t care how you have to get in there, break down the fucking door,” she yells as she pulls out of my arms and stomps into her bedroom. I’m right behind her.

And to my complete horror, she starts to pack her suitcase.

“You’re not going back today,” I tell her, but she’s shaking her head, ignoring me. “Juliet. JULIET.”

Her head snaps in my direction, and her face crumples. “I’m so sorry.”

“Hang up the phone, Jules.”

But she ignores me and keeps talking into the device, and my blood starts to fucking boil.

“What was that noise? Did you break down the door? Good. What’s he … oh, shit. Fuck! Call the ambulance. I’m on my way.”

“No. You’re not.”

She’s tossing things into the suitcase, not even glancing my way, and it pisses me the fuck off.

Taking her phone from her hand, I end the call, toss the phone on the bed, and take her by the shoulders, turning her to me.

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When We Breathe (The Blackwells of Montana #4.5) Read Online Kristen Proby http://www.ilovenovels.com/when-we-breathe-the-blackwells-of-montana-4-5-read-online-kristen-proread-online Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:28:29 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/when-we-breathe-the-blackwells-of-montana-4-5-read-online-kristen-proread-online Genre: Alpha Male Authors: Kristen Proby Series: The Blackwells of Montana Series by Kristen Proby
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Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 43102 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 216(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)

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From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes When We Breathe, a small-town, mmf Why Choose romance set in Bitterroot Valley!

Alex

I met Adam and Gabe the old-fashioned way: in a bar. That is, if old-fashioned means that I met a couple of men already in a committed, loving relationship, and they took me home for a night of debauchery and fun, then yeah. That.

It’s just supposed to be one night. I don’t want to be the third wheel or put any kind of a wrench in their love story. These two guys are perfect together. Gabe is the laid-back, easygoing auto mechanic with muscles for freaking days. Adam isn’t lacking in the muscle department either, honestly, but he’s more intense, a little more bruised from a shaky past.

Like me.

I find myself craving their attention all the time. And they don’t seem to want to let me go. What started as one night has turned into something so much … more. I’m a girl who thought she wasn’t lovable, and instead, these two men are proving to me that the three of us could have something really special.

But it’s hard for me to trust, and letting go of the last of my independence may be where I draw the line. Will these men let me walk away, or will they fight for us?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

ALEX

“We’re going out tonight,” my sister, Dani, says through the speaker of my cell phone, which is sitting on my desk next to my brand-new laptop.

I fucking love this new laptop.

“I can’t,” I reply, still tapping the keys. “I’m working, D.”

“You can take a few hours to go out with us,” Dani insists. “Please? I haven’t seen you in forever. I miss you.”

My twin sister knows just which buttons to push with me. Because the truth is, I miss her, too.

“Skyla’s coming,” she continues, “and we’re going to talk Billie into it as well. It’s just drinks at The Wolf Den.”

These are my girls. My people. Skyla’s new to our group, but she fits in with us so well. Skyla’s and Dani’s husbands are Billie’s brothers. It makes me happy that they all found love, and I really do need some girl time with my friends.

I blow out a breath and sit back in my chair. Rubbing my hands down my face, I squint my tired eyes to look at the time.

“When?”

“Around seven? Early enough to get dinner with the drinks. Come on, you know you want some apps and a martini.”

I really do.

I’ve been busting ass at work lately, and I could go for a night out with the girls. It is Saturday, after all. Not that the day of the week means anything when you’re a reporter for a newspaper.

The news doesn’t keep banking hours.

“Okay, fine. I’ll come. I’m the life of the party anyway. You need me.”

Dani’s snort makes me grin. For too long, my sister didn’t laugh.

“Great. I’ll see you tonight. Love you.”

“Love you more.” I hang up and blow out a breath, staring at the article I’m currently writing about the local Humane Society and how little funding they have. They might have to shut down the operation in this part of Montana, which would leave hundreds of animals without a safe place every year.

The irony that I’m writing an article about animals is not lost on me. My editor-in-chief would be horrified if she knew what my childhood entailed, and how lucky she is that I didn’t have to visit the animal rescue to write this article.

Thank God for Zoom and the phone.

This work isn’t urgent. It can wait for tomorrow or even Monday. When was the last time I took a Sunday off?

I couldn’t tell you. I have absolutely no idea. Maybe I’m due.

After closing the laptop, I stand and stretch my hands up to the sky, then wander from the desk by the window of my living room into my small primary suite. I rent a tiny apartment above a garage here in Bitterroot Valley. Newspaper reporters don’t make a ton of money, and in this expensive resort town, this was what I could afford. But it’s clean, and it’s all mine. I feel safe here. I didn’t have to ask my brother to help me with a deposit, and I don’t have to have roommates. This apartment is what I’ve worked so hard for. My independence.

Plus, it’s in the heart of town, so I can get just about anywhere I need to go quickly to be on the scene for a story.

I’ll also be able to walk to The Wolf Den in less than ten minutes.

It’s all about location when you’re in my line of business.

After taking a much-needed shower, during which I shave every square inch of skin that required it, and wash and condition my hair, I get to work putting myself together for a night out.

I don’t plan to go home with anyone, but a girl never knows for sure. You must be prepared for anything.

After curling my long, dark hair, I see that I have a text from my sister.

Dani: We’ve decided to dress up. Wear something on the sexy side.

Now we’re talking.

I love to dress up, so I spend an extra five minutes in my tiny closet trying to decide between a black dress with a high-waisted belt that hugs all my curves and shows off the girls and a pink babydoll dress with spaghetti straps that hits me just above the knee.

Frankly, the thought of sitting in the dress with the belt makes me cringe. I won’t be able to breathe.

Pink dress it is.

Even in my heels, it doesn’t take me long to walk to the pub, and I grin when I see that we’re all arriving at the same time.

“Holy shit, you’re hot as fuck,” I say to Billie, who’s in a red slip dress that is to die for. “You’re all totally fuckable.”

We exchange hugs, and Billie suggests we take a selfie outside, where the light is still good.

“That pink is so pretty on you,” Skyla tells me as she loops her arm through mine and we step inside. “I love it.”

“Thanks, friend.”

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When You Blush (The Blackwells of Montana #4) Read Online Kristen Proby http://www.ilovenovels.com/when-you-blush-the-blackwells-of-montana-4-read-online-kristen-proread-online Sun, 12 Oct 2025 20:52:22 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/when-you-blush-the-blackwells-of-montana-4-read-online-kristen-proread-online Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary Authors: Kristen Proby Series: The Blackwells of Montana Series by Kristen Proby
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Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 99967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)

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From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes When You Blush, a small-town, forced-proximity romance set in Bitterroot Valley!

Blake

I don’t do relationships, but I’m excellent at casual hookups. That’s not to say I’m a jerk. Not at all. I respect women—all women—and I know the value of love. But I’m married to my job as a physician. In fact, I’m married to the hospital, having a full-time affair with the clinic, and my family is my side piece. I don’t have time for a relationship with a woman.

But then the most beautiful human I’ve ever laid eyes on walks onto my plane, and my world tilts. Thanks to a Montana snowstorm, I spend one incredible night with Harper, but wake up alone. She never told me her last name. She’s just … gone. It would figure that the one woman I could see myself breaking my own rules for is the one I can’t have.

Harper

It’s time for me to come home to Montana to help take care of my dad and pick up the slack for my siblings. I’ve been gone for a long time, but this beautiful corner of the world is my home. I’m excited to start my job as a NICU nurse at Bitterroot Valley General and begin a new chapter in my life. A fresh start. A clean slate.

Then he walks into the room, and it’s suddenly hard to breathe. Blake was the one-night stand who still haunts my dreams. The man can do things. Amazing things. But I never thought I’d see him again. Okay, that’s a lie. I knew he worked at this hospital, but he’s an ER doctor. I’m in a different department, so I planned to avoid him. Yet that didn’t last more than the first hour of my first shift.

Now, he’s pursuing me and saying things like forever. But with a past like mine, can I trust that he won’t tire of me and leave? Or is this finally my happily ever after?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Prologue

HARPER

Two Years Ago

One time when we were in the kitchen, and he was getting water out of the fridge, he growled at me like he was a wolf and I was the bunny.

He literally stood there, glared at me as his water bottle filled, and growled. Not in a sexy way.

In a ridiculous, I almost laughed way.

He sleeps on the couch, mostly because he knows I hate that. He knows I hate the silent treatment, too.

And he hasn’t spoken to me in three weeks. Not a single word.

Why is he behaving this way? What stunt did I pull that was so egregious that it earned this behavior from the one person in the world who’s supposed to love me more than anyone else?

Because I picked up an extra shift at the hospital and couldn’t go with him to his buddy’s party earlier this month.

That’s all. I went to work.

I’m a nurse, and we were short-staffed, so I picked up a shift, and to punish me, my fiancé hasn’t spoken a word to me in almost a month and treats me like I’m the shit on his shoe.

Honestly, the silence has been great.

And his ignoring me has created the space I need to plan my exit strategy.

Because after three years of putting up with his mood swings, lectures, body shaming, and cheating on me with just about anyone with a heartbeat, I’m over it.

I’ve been over it for a while but didn’t have anywhere to go.

Okay, that’s not entirely true, and Ava, my best friend since we were twelve, would be appalled and likely slash my tires for even thinking that I couldn’t go to her. But her family has already done so much for me.

I can’t run to the Hendrix family every time life gets hard.

Now, if Nathan—not Nate. He hates nicknames.—can just hold on with his silent treatment for three more days, I can leave while he’s gone for a work trip this weekend, and it’ll all be over.

Am I a chickenshit for packing up and leaving when he’s none the wiser?

No. I’m not. Because Nathan can be a violent asshole, and I don’t want to chance that this will be the first time he hits me and holds me hostage in our house. Make that his house. Because when we chose and bought the pretty little bungalow just outside of Portland, he refused to put me on the mortgage. It’s only in Nathan’s name, which works well for me.

I have no responsibilities here.

In three more days, I will fly out of Portland to Charlotte, where I’ve taken my first traveling nurse assignment.

A new life.

Freedom.

Anything but what I’ve been living.

I’m sitting on the couch with my laptop, looking at used car listings in Charlotte, when Nathan walks into the house, glares at me, and paces into the kitchen.

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Where We Bloom (The Blackwells of Montana #3) Read Online Kristen Proby http://www.ilovenovels.com/where-we-bloom-the-blackwells-of-montana-3-read-online-kristen-proread-online Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:55:16 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/where-we-bloom-the-blackwells-of-montana-3-read-online-kristen-proread-online Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Erotic Authors: Kristen Proby Series: The Blackwells of Montana Series by Kristen Proby
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Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 115435 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 577(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)

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From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes Where We Bloom, an
Age Gap, Billionaire, Best Friend’s Brother romance set in Bitterroot Valley!

Connor

After an explosive night together, I thought I’d never see the gorgeous bookstore owner again.
We didn’t exchange names and numbers, and when I left her asleep the following morning, I didn’t intend to pursue her. I don’t have time for relationships nor entanglements.

I’m the CEO of Gallagher Hotels, and my life is spent traveling around the world, focusing on my business, not a small town in Montana. Even if my thoughts keep returning to the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.

It turns out, my mystery woman, Billie, is my sister’s best friend, and she’s suddenly everywhere I turn. She’s become my obsession and all I think about. She’s become the only thing that means more to me than running my empire. And I’m determined to have her.

Billie

Owning a bookstore in my hometown of Bitterroot Valley has been my lifelong dream since I was a little girl. The only thing that brings me more joy is my love of thrift stores and coffee.

And, maybe, the sexy Irishman with intense emerald-colored eyes that take my breath away. His charming accent, how he looks at me, and the way he spoils me with lavish gifts are just the icing on the cake. I’ve tried to stay away from him, but my resolve is slipping. Nothing is better than being in Connor’s arms and feeling like I’m the most important woman in his world. But being with a high-profile billionaire comes with a price. Can we withstand the storm headed our way, or are we destined to fall apart like delicate blooms in the wind?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Prologue

BILLIE

Last Autumn

Ilike him, this handsome stranger who approached me at my bookstore right before closing. He asked if he could take me to dinner, and honestly, I wasn’t sure. I mean, he’s hot as hell at well over six feet tall, with dark hair and the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen, and it looks like he has muscles for days beneath his white button-down shirt and black slacks.

He’s sexy.

And did I mention his glasses? Yeah, he has the nerve to wear black-rimmed glasses that might have made my vagina salivate.

But he’s … broody.

I’m not a broody person. And yes, I read enough romance novels to know that the grumpy-sunshine combination can be hot, but that’s fiction. In real life? I’ve never been attracted to the grump. And this guy has intense written all over him.

Despite that, I said yes, and two hours later, here we are, finishing dinner at Ciao, my favorite restaurant in Bitterroot Valley, with the handsome stranger sitting across from me. We shared the appetizer of Italian nachos, a huge entrée of pasta, and tiramisu for dessert. I’m not afraid to eat in front of a man. Yes, I’m a curvy girl, and I know how to dress my body, and I’m not ashamed of it.

I like to eat.

But the portions here are so large that I suggested we share, and I think it was the right call.

The best part of this dinner, though, has been the conversation. This guy—I didn’t get his name—is intelligent, and he listens.

Which, in my limited dating experience, seems rare.

“I might be in a food coma,” I admit as I sit back and sip the last of my after-dinner coffee, watching him. “That was delicious.”

“Everything about this evening has been delicious,” he replies, holding my gaze through those sexy-as-fuck glasses. I feel the warmth from his words spread through me.

He may be broody, but he’s charming. And he’s hardly taken his eyes off me all through dinner.

“May I be blunt?” he asks, his light accent coming through. I don’t know where he’s from in Europe, but I know he’s not American.

“Of course, please do.”

“I’d like you to come back to my suite with me. Stay the night with me.”

The hand lifting my water glass to my lips pauses halfway as I stare at him, and then I slowly lower it to the table.

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Why do I feel like you’re a man who usually gets what he wants?”

His green gaze holds mine as he waits quietly, his finger tapping the side of his wineglass, watching me as I decide what to do. He’s sexy, there’s no doubt about it. He held my hand on the way here from my shop, and it made my whole arm tingle.

I’m not an impulsive person. I certainly don’t have sex with someone on a first date.

But I like him. And a chance to have sex with a man like this one may never present itself again.

And did I mention that he’s sexy?

“Where are you staying?” I watch his lips twitch, and his face relaxes as if he were worried I’d say no.

“At the ski resort.”

I nod slowly, take one last sip of my water, and ignore the butterflies currently doing the Macarena in my stomach.

“All right.”

His eyebrow wings up. “Just like that?”

“It seems so.”

He pays the check, offers me his hand, and guides me through the restaurant. I like walking beside him. He’s such a big man, but I feel perfectly safe when I’m next to him, which is an odd thought, considering I don’t typically feel unsafe.

When we’re standing on the sidewalk, I turn to him.

“I can meet you up there. My car’s parked behind my shop.”

This tall, hot-as-hell stranger steps closer to me, and with his finger under my chin, he lifts my face so he can look into my eyes. Did all the air rush out of Montana just now? Because it’s suddenly harder to breathe.

“I don’t want to let you out of my sight in case you disappear on me. I’m only here for one night, and I plan to take full advantage of that. I’ll make sure you get back to your car safely in the morning.”

Wow. After swallowing hard, I simply nod, and he kisses my forehead before leading me to a massive black SUV parked across the street.

My stranger opens the passenger door for me, makes sure I secure my seat belt, closes the door, and then circles the hood to the driver’s side.

“You know,” I say as he backs out of the parking space and heads toward the road that leads to the resort, “we talked all through dinner, but I never asked you where you’re visiting from.”

I’m watching his profile as he drives, so I see it when his lips tip up at the side, and I wish he’d give me a full smile.

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When We Break (The Blackwells of Montana #2) Read Online Kristen Proby http://www.ilovenovels.com/when-we-break-the-blackwells-of-montana-2-read-online-kristen-proread-online Mon, 12 May 2025 18:29:20 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/when-we-break-the-blackwells-of-montana-2-read-online-kristen-proread-online Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Suspense Authors: Kristen Proby Series: The Blackwells of Montana Series by Kristen Proby
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Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >99

Beckett

I’ve seen the gorgeous redhead with the big black dog that never leaves her side around town. She’s impossible to miss with that lush red hair and perfect green eyes. But it’s when she opens her plump lips and the sound of Ireland comes out of her kissable mouth that I know I’m a goner. I know she’s the one for me and I’ll do whatever it takes to make Skyla Gallagher mine. I can be a patient man and all I want in the world is to worship every bit of her, inside and out.

Skyla

I moved to the lovely town of Bitterroot Valley, Montana because I needed a safe place. I left my life in New York as a prima ballerina after an injury that I never fully healed from, and to escape the obsession of a madman. I adore this new community, but I must admit that Beckett Blackwell is the very best part. I love his kindness, his patience, and his thoughtfulness. But most of all, I can’t get enough of the way he worships my body, and then does everything he can to pamper me afterwards. Beckett is a drug that I’ve become addicted to. But will my stalker find me in Montana, ruining everything we’ve started together, before we have had our chance at forever?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Prologue

SKYLA

“I have to go.” I shake my head as I shove a jumper into my suitcase as both men who mean the most to me watch. Connor, my older brother, leans against the doorjamb of my bedroom, broodily glaring at me through his black-rimmed glasses, while Mikhail, my dance partner and best friend of ten years, paces in front of my bed.

“You do not have to go,” Mik insists, his voice thick with emotion and the Russian accent he never lost even though he’s lived in New York City since he was fifteen. “Dammit, we will send him to jail.”

I scoff at that and shake my head, then reach over and scratch Riley’s belly before I return to my closet to grab more clothes.

“He always skirts just on this side of the law,” I remind them as if we could forget. “But he scares me. I can’t dance professionally anyway, Mik. Not anymore.”

He snorts and shakes his head stubbornly. “You’ll recover.”

God, I love this handsome Russian. We’ve danced together since we were sixteen, and he’s always been loyal and stubborn.

“I’m not going to recover from this one.” I reach out and take his hand, then give it a squeeze. “We both know it. We’ve had our last curtain call.”

My emotional Russian shakes his head again, and Connor rakes his hand through his hair in agitation.

I think this whole situation is worse on my big brother. He’s beyond wealthy, he’s powerful, and he’s strong.

And even he can’t fix this.

“Where will you go?” Mik doesn’t meet my eyes, but he pulls me into his arms and hugs me, kissing the top of my head.

“Montana.”

Mik gasps and pulls away. Connor scowls.

“What the feck?” Connor asks, his Irish distinct when he gets upset. “Bloody why?”

“Because I like it there.” I shrug and toss another jumper in the bag. It’s cold in Montana, so I’ll definitely take all my jumpers. The rest can be shipped to me later. “And no one would think to look for me in a small town.”

“Skyla.” My friend shakes his head, obviously not happy with this news. “What happens when you are ready to dance again?”

“Mik.” I sigh and sit on the edge of the bed, facing them both. “Dancing is over for me.”

Mik mumbles some swear words in Russian and paces away.

“It’s been ruined. But my life isn’t over, so I’m taking it back. I’m going to Montana, where I’ll settle in and open a dance studio. I’ll teach.”

“You are not a fucking teacher,” Mik insists, practically spitting out that last word. “You are a prima ballerina. You’ve danced as Giselle and Kitri. You are not some small-town dance teacher. I won’t allow it, malishka.”

I glance over at Connor, who’s stayed quiet, observing us.

“You’re too quiet over there.”

“You know my feelings on the matter,” my brother replies with a shrug. “It’s pissed I am that you’re running away, but more than that, I’m fecking furious that this bleeding arsehole won’t leave you be. I’ve threatened him. I’ve done everything I can legally do, and you won’t let me⁠—”

“No.” I shake my head, swallowing hard. “I won’t let you call someone to have him dealt with.”

I couldn’t live with having a person’s life ended on my account.

Even if that arsehole has tormented me every day for the past two years.

“You have an expensive, well-trained dog,” Mik reminds me, eyeing Riley, who watches us from the middle of the bed.

“Not the one I wanted to buy her,” Connor adds, and I sigh once again. “We should have gotten the one that’s trained to attack. To kill.”

“I didn’t want that. I want a dog that looks intimidating, is well trained and alert, and is also my best friend. Riley helps me feel better. I don’t want to deal with an aggressive dog.” I lift my chin, and neither has a comeback for that. “I’m going to Montana. You’re always welcome there, but I won’t ever return to New York.”

“I wish you’d go to Ireland,” Connor says. “You’d be safe with Ma and Da. Lewis wouldn’t find you there.”

“We don’t say that arsehole’s name in my house.” I narrow my eyes at my brother, and he rubs his hand over his forehead in agitation before pushing his glasses up his nose.

“Go to Ma and Da,” he repeats.

“I’m not a child.” Shaking my head, I walk into my brother’s arms and hold on tight, soaking him in. “Besides, you’ll come see me all the time. You’ll fly out in your fancy jet and stay with me.”

“As often as I can,” he confirms, hugging me close. “But running away doesn’t erase what’s happened.”

“He won’t leave New York.” I sound surer than I feel, but I need to believe that. Because if I’m wrong, I won’t be safe anywhere. “I’m actually excited for this new adventure. To start fresh somewhere new, to make friends, to teach.”

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When We Burn (The Blackwells of Montana #1) Read Online Kristen Proby http://www.ilovenovels.com/when-we-burn-the-blackwells-of-montana-1-read-online-kristen-proread-online Sun, 02 Mar 2025 13:36:27 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/when-we-burn-the-blackwells-of-montana-1-read-online-kristen-proread-online Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Suspense Authors: Kristen Proby Series: The Blackwells of Montana Series by Kristen Proby
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Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 102016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)

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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?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Prologue

DANI

Twelve Years Old

“DANI!”

Oh, no. No, no, no.

I made him mad. Again.

My heart is pounding in my ears, and I think I’m going to throw up.

Hide, Dani.

No, I can’t hide. It’ll only make things way worse if he has to look for me.

I poke my head around the side of the living room, looking into the kitchen, and swallow hard when Dad’s eyes narrow on me.

“You didn’t do your chores this morning.”

“I d-d-did. I just forgot the eggs.” By the time I utter the last word, it’s hardly audible, and he’s stomping toward me. Oh, God. Please don’t do this, Dad.

I cringe when he takes me by the shoulders and gives me a shake. How I wish Holden was here.

“You’re worthless,” Dad spits into my face. I can smell beer on him, even though it’s before nine in the morning. “You’re nothing. I should kill you, just like I did your fucking whore of a mother.”

I can’t stop the sob that comes out of my throat, and that only makes him madder.

“Oh, are you going to cry? Of course, you are, you stupid bitch. Well, then I’ll give you something to cry about.”

“No!”

He stops, and I cringe. Talking back is the absolute worst thing to do. He tugs me even closer, his nose almost touching mine.

“You think you can fucking sass me, you little cunt?”

I whimper, and that horrible smile slithers over his face. I might die today. I almost wish I would because then this wouldn’t happen to me again.

“Guess it’s time to teach you a lesson.”

I want to plead, to beg for him not to do this. But it wouldn’t do any good because my father is a monster. He’s worse than anything that could be thought up in movies or books.

He’s the devil.

With something between a snarl and a laugh, he grabs my hair and yanks me, striding fast through the kitchen.

He’s not going to just run the faucet over my face this time?

Oh, God. Mom, if you’re in heaven, I think I’m coming to see you today.

He busts through the back door, still dragging me. I can vaguely hear my sisters crying. I don’t know where they came from. My eyes are wild as I try to see, to look around us. I think that’s Darby running toward the barn, and I hope with all my might that Dad doesn’t see her because she’ll get it next.

We’re not allowed to go to the barn.

Dad’s yelling, but I don’t understand the words through the rushing of blood in my ears. I can see the pond now. The pond that’s so dirty, so filthy and full of snakes and bugs that none of us will go near it. But right now, my choice has been taken away. Again.

The next thing I know, my head is being held under the water, and all I can hear is the bubbles in my ears. I hold my breath as long as I can, and just when I think I have to take a breath, I’m pulled out, and Dad’s face is in mine again.

“You stupid little fucking bitch!” I’m gasping, struggling to pull in enough air because I know I’m about to go back into that water.

But suddenly, I hear the horse, and then Holden has punched Dad, knocking him on his butt, and I’m being gently urged away from the water as Holden punches Dad again.

“No!” I scream, reaching for my brother. “He’ll kill you!”

Oh, God, what have I done? Dad will kill my brother. We can’t lose him. We’d never survive.

I hear the crunch of bones, and my heart drops in terror.

“You fucking rat⁠—”

Whack!

“You’ll never lay another fucking hand on them, you hear me?” Holden yells.

And then there’s a terrifying thump, and I’m too scared to look. But Dad’s knocked out, and then Holden’s in front of me, holding my face in his hands. “Are you okay, baby?”

I nod, and then I wrap myself around my brother. Oh, God, what if he killed Dad? What would we do if Holden went to jail? As much as I hate him, please don’t let him be dead.

My sisters are with us now, all crying. Darby’s the oldest, and she’s trying to comfort us. I feel horrible because I’m so wet, and I don’t want them to get wet, too. But no one seems to care about that.

Clinging to each other, Holden herds us to the truck, grabs a towel out of the back seat, and wraps me in it, before getting us settled. There aren’t enough seats for all of us to have belts, and we have to sit on laps, but he’s driving away from our ranch and over to the Blackwells’.

We always go to the Blackwells’ ranch when we need to escape.

I don’t know why, but Dad never follows us here. It’s the place that we feel the safest.

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