From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes a new story in her Big Sky series… Brooke’s Blooms has taken Cunningham Falls by surprise. The beautiful, innovative flower shop is trendy, with not only gorgeous flower arrangements, but also fun gifts for any occasion. This store is Brooke Henderson’s deepest joy, and it means everything to her, which shows in how … how completely she and her little shop have been embraced by the small community of Cunningham Falls.
So, when her landlord dies and Brody Chabot saunters through her door, announcing that the building has been sold, and will soon be demolished, Brooke knows that she’s in for the fight of her life. But she hasn’t gotten this far by sitting back and quietly doing what she’s told. Hustle is Brooke’s middle name, and she has no intention of losing this fight, no matter how tempting Brody’s smile — and body — is.
Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.
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I love Kristen’s emotional writing! This story was great!
Read this book in one sitting – loved it so much!
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
I loved the book!
Brooke will not lose her flower shop without a fight.
Brody better watch out, because Brooke is coming for him.
Personally + professionally.
This was such a sweet story.
I loved the storytelling + the characters.
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
Sweet and sexy and perfect for an afternoon read/listen. Brody left town after high school without looking back and now he is back in Cunninham Falls to sell his building he inherited but Brooke’s Blooms has been handed an eviction notice. Brook is not pleased and gives Brody a counter offer, spend a week with her and make one delivery a day with her before evicting her. One week is all it takes for him to change his mind about everything and life changes for both of them. This was a great addition to this series!
Great potential but missing something
Note I read this in the 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Twenty-Three collection, so this review is also included there. Part of the author’s Big Sky series, this is easily read as a standalone.
I’ve usually enjoyed this author and this series, and this had the interesting characters as well as the enjoyable mix of humor and heat I’ve come to expect. I liked the setup putting Brody as the landlord intending to sell at odds with Brooke as the tenant just getting her business off the ground, and secondary characters such as Maisey, Van, and Micah also added interest.
That said, this story had trouble holding my attention. I think it suffered a little in comparison to the other stories in the collection (two of which I absolutely loved), and partly because this is a variant of a second chances story, which is not one of my favorite tropes. There were also places where I would have liked a little more depth—Brody telling Brooke his big secret felt glossed over to me, for instance, and wasn’t mentioned again. I realize that trying to tell a full story within the space of a novella can be challenging, but I just felt there were places where detail and emotion were missing.
A story with a lot of potential, this one just didn’t meet my expectations. 3.5 stars
B2B Kelly
As a long-time fan of author Kristen Proby, it would be hard for me to find fault with anything that she writes, because I find that she really just hits the mark every time. Part of the appeal for me is that she writes series that revolve around the same group of people, allowing readers to get to know all of the different characters and their stories. TEMPTING BROOKE, the latest addition to Kristen’s Big Sky series, checks all of the contemporary romance boxes for me. A beautiful small town setting, a second-chance romance of sorts, with a bit of the taboo of best friends thrown in, and chemistry that sizzles and delights.
Although I’m not a fan of insta-love, I can give Brooke and Brody a pass, because they’ve known each other for such a long time, and it’s actually very nice to see them slip pretty effortlessly back into their relationship, and to take it to another level. Their passion is built on familiarity and being comfortable with each other, and the fact that there is something there to build on makes their relationship more believable.
TEMPTING BROOKE is a novella, so it’s a little bit shorter than the rest of the books in the series. My only disappointment is that I would have liked to see more of these two, to spend more time getting to know them, but knowing that they’ll likely make an appearance in future books gives me something to look forward to. This is a sweet and easy read, and definitely one that fans of the Big Sky series will want to add this one to their collection.
Kristen Proby is one of those authors that you will always get a wonderful story and characters to read and enjoy.
This book is another take on the Big Sky series (one of my favorites from Kristen’s). Here we get to know Brody and Brooke, they have been friends while in their teens but due to the abuse that Brody was suffering at home from his father we walked away from her and the city, swearing never coming back. It has been long years and he made a life for himself forgetting Montana and this little town. Now, his father is dead and he wants to sell all the estate including the place where Brook flower store is located.
Their first meeting after so many years is so tense, but in the end Brooke’s tenderness, liveliness and sweet way conquers Brody and he give the town a chance.
The great thing about this book is not only the romance (which is steaming, sexy!) but it is the forgiveness and closure that Brooke brings to Brody. He suffered a lot, he was jagged by his father’s abuse and found the peace in the least place he ever thought of. This book is so delicate to deal with his feelings and I believe he is one of the best male characters that Kristen Proby has created. A very good reading.
This is a novella, therefore know it is short. Brooke and Brody’s story flows. It can be read as a stand alone although it is part of a series. Good storyline. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger.
I enjoy Kristen Proby’s story telling. It’s a bit sugary sweet but that’s to be expected. This story was short. I would have enjoyed more of a background on both Brooke and Brody. It felt like we really only brushed upon the abuse Brody received at the hands of his father and yet that was his whole reason for leaving town.
Good read with a HEA.
Tempting Brooke is a fantastic addition to the Blue Sky Series. Centered around fantastic characters in small town, Cunningham, these characters light up the pages.
Brooke is the owner of the local florist shop. I love her compassion for the people of the town and how integrated she is in her community. While Brody is trying to shut down her dream, she is tenacious in her fight to keep her shop open and show Brody what he’s been missing since leaving town when they were kids. While showing Brody her love of the town, Brooke explores a long time longing for her childhood friend.
Brody left town once upon a time for a better life. But coming back to his home town has revealed that life may have more to wish for than he thought, namely Brooke. I loved their tension and simmering chemistry. There was definitely a lot to be said in a short amount of time.
Novellas typically leave me wanting more, but this clever addition to the series was the perfect amuse-bouche to carry me over until the next full novel in the series. The characters are fun, engaging, and always romantic. I can’t wait for the next book.
Tempting Brooke was the perfect mixture of sweet and angst for the book length.
A blast from Brooke Henderson’s past shows up when Brody Chabot threatens to evict Brooke’s Blooms from its popular location in Cunningham Falls. Infuriated and not a little hurt, Brooke challenges Brody to live her life for just one week to understand why being a florist is so fundamental to the small community where they both grew up.
Brody accepts her challenge and now faces one of his own; falling in love with a woman and a town he wanted to forget.
Kristen Proby once again has me falling in love with her characters and the beautiful state of Montana. Not only did the main characters draw you in, the real-life circumstances Brooke takes Brody through had me biting back emotions as well.
Another winner for Kristen!
Kristen Proby and Brody just go so well together. I loved how easily it is to like Brooke and love Brody with his story. They were best friends and a secret is what separated them yet seeing them together again is like they always been with each other. It was great how easy he is tempted by her yet afraid of revealing all of himself. A great story full of friendship, love and once again Kristen has made me love her stories more.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Once again Kristen has done an excellent job of telling Brooke and Brody story. Being friends since forever and reunited under circumstances that brings their love together. But living on two different continents can their love survive. Brooke being florist in the city the grew in and Brody owning his on business.
I have been enjoying the Big Sky series by Kristen Proby and Tempting Brooke was a nice addition to the series. A woman determined to fight for what she wants, and a man determined to leave without looking back. A sweet second chance romance with great characters and story.
Brooke and Brody were once friends and there for each other. But Brody left years ago and now he is back and ready to demolish all she has worked hard for. Well Brooke is having none of that. But he has a secret that can change everything. Can Brooke make him see all the good she does for the town he wants to forget?
Tempting Brooke was a quick, sweet and charming read. Brooke and Brody had great chemistry and history and I loved seeing them fall. It touches on some difficult subjects as part of the story but were dealt with tactfully. A great addition to this series!
This was an absolutely amazing read. I loved the second chance love story between Brody and Brooke. Brooke is a business owner that has always lived in Cunningham where Brody lived there as a kid but left when he graduated high school and never looked back, until his father died and he had to deal with his inheritance. Brooke and Brody are great together, can they make it work with them living in different state. Kristen Proby did not disappoint in this book.
“I’ve been keeping my hands off of you for days, when all I want to do is touch you.”
Kristen Proby paints the picture of a beautiful, touching, and romantic love story in Tempting Brooke, a novella from her Big Sky series. This charming romance brings us to the picturesque small community of Cunningham Falls. The author describes this small town in such a way that I feel like I’m a part of it while I’m reading about it. It’s vivid in my mind and so I find it harder and harder to step away once the last page has turned. The same goes for her incredible characters that she brings to life with Brooke and Brody. These two already have a sort of foundation between them, built years ago, so when they reunite there is this solid chemistry and connection that can’t be denied. I love the ease of it all and it makes the story that much more delightful and entertaining.
Ms. Proby can do no wrong in this genre. Her writing style is elegant and addicting. She gives her fans love stories that they can relate to and get lost in. Even though this is a novella, it felt substantial and complete to me, and that’s hard to do because with most novellas, I’m left wanting so much more. With Brooke and Brody’s story, I felt nothing less than complete satisfaction. I loved everything about this romance…the banter, the chemistry, the progression…it all worked great together and it was the perfect one-sitting romance read for me!
Short & sweet with just enough sexy to keep things interesting. Brooke & Brody were best friends in high school until he left town to escape his demons without a goodbye or a backward glance. Ten years later, he returns to wrap up his fathers affairs & sell the building where Brooke now runs her flower business. When Brooke challenges him to work with her one week to see the impact her store has on the community, Brody is intrigued enough by the enticing & all grown up Brooke to accept. It’s always fun to visit the residents of Cunningham Falls & this novella gives us a new, likable couple to root for as well as glimpses of old favorites. Can be read as a stand-alone.
I simply devoured this book!
This novella was simply so sweet. It had the typical Kristen Proby love story that I love and set in the beautiful Cunningham Falls. The detail in this book is amazing! I felt as if I was walking down the street in Cunningham Falls or delivering some of Brooke’s floral arrangements.
As with all of Ms Proby’s work…. I didn’t want this to end! I can’t wait to see what is next to come out of Cunningham Falls!
Kristen Proby never ceases to amaze me. Her ability to create relatable characters that I immediately fall in love with is something I wish I could do. We’ve seen Brooke around in Charming Hannah and Kissing Jenna, but finally getting to know her was great. I loved her views on her business and the community and the way she treated everyone around her. Her chemistry with Brody is evident from the moment they meet again after years apart.
Brody is one hot book boyfriend, but it took him a moment to get to the book boyfriend part. After reading the prologue and the first chapter, I had mixed feelings about him. I wanted to love him, but I also wanted to smack him. I should have known Kristen wouldn’t steer me wrong. Of course, Brody ends up being worthy of the book boyfriend moniker by the end of the book. One I have no doubt readers will fight over.
This may just be a novella, but it sure does pack a punch. There is a lot filling these pages…a lot of emotion, a lot of hot sexiness, and a lot of love. You don’t have to read the other books in the Big Sky series to enjoy this one, but I recommend that you do. And while you’re at it, pick up the Love Under the Big Sky books too. You won’t be disappointed.
Part of the appeal of Kristen Proby’s Big Sky series is its setting; it’s a beautiful location and Proby brings that environment to life with her detailed descriptions. I also like the small-town feel of Cunningham Falls; it’s big enough to draw in tourists but it also has a cozy feel to it that keeps its residents enthralled with the life they have here, even if the snow is overwhelming at times.
In Tempting Brooke, Proby tells Brooke Henderson and Brody Chabot’s story – one that has history and strong feelings attached to it and one that stirs up past emotions and enlightens readers about Brody’s reasons for not wanting to stay in his hometown any longer than he has to despite Brooke’s presence and the way he’s always felt about her. But things change when Brooke finagles more time with Brody to sort through both their professional and personal relationships – ones that Brooke hopes exist even after their one week is up.
I really enjoyed getting to know Brooke and learning about what she finds passion in and why. Brooke’s a great heroine because she doesn’t make everything about herself and her business. Of course, she has a stake in preventing Brody from selling the building he now owns, but there’s more at play than just her livelihood and those other factors are what Brooke shows Brody during the week he gives her to change his mind.
I can’t necessarily blame Brody for cutting ties with everyone and everything in Cunningham Falls due to what he faced as a child up until the day he left, but he gave up more than he thought he did when it came to his relationship/connection to Brooke; the fact that they’ve always been honest and real with each other is part of the reason he cut ties with her even before he left, but what they shared never went away; it only hid beneath the surface and now that they’re back in each other’s lives after a decade, their friendly feelings have turned into something more…something that proves just how right they’ve always been for each other despite the time, distance, and hurt feelings experienced.
But what that means for a future together isn’t an easy answer, so even though Brooke and Brody are both tempted to give into what their body and hearts want, the aftermath may do more harm than good, leaving these two questioning what the right answer is and if a solution can be found.
Tempting Brooke is a sweet read about second chances and not allowing one’s past to dictate one’s future, and I, for one, am so glad that these two gave into temptation.
4 Poison Apples