Review: When We Break (The Blackwells of Montana #2) by Kristen Proby

Plot Summary

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?

My Review

Rating: ★★★☆ ☆(3/5)

Kristen Proby’s When We Break is an emotionally rich and tender romance that explores themes of healing, trust, and the slow, transformative power of love. Set in the peaceful town of Bitterroot Valley, Montana, this novel follows two complex characters as they navigate the scars of their pasts and discover the healing potential of opening their hearts to each other.

At the center of the story is Skyla Gallagher, a former prima ballerina who relocates to Montana seeking safety and a fresh start after a career-ending injury and the terror of a dangerous stalker. Though she has found comfort in the quiet beauty of the town, her past continues to haunt her, preventing her from fully embracing love or trusting anyone. Enter Beckett Blackwell, a man whose patience and unwavering kindness are exactly what Skyla needs, but never expected to find.

From the very first moment Beckett sees Skyla, he knows she is the one. He’s captivated by her stunning beauty, but what truly draws him to her is the vulnerability he senses beneath her strong exterior. He immediately wants to protect her, but more than that, he wants to nurture and cherish her. Beckett is not just interested in her physical beauty—he is determined to show Skyla that she deserves love, care, and devotion. His approach to their relationship is patient, respectful, and filled with tenderness, and it’s through his actions, rather than words, that his deep affection for her shines.

Skyla, initially hesitant to trust anyone after her past experiences, finds herself drawn to Beckett in a way she didn’t expect. His gentle demeanor and unwavering support begin to crack the walls she’s built around herself. There’s an undeniable chemistry between them, but it’s their emotional connection that truly grounds their romance. Beckett’s love is not rushed or transactional—it’s steady and full of care. He doesn’t just want Skyla for her physical beauty; he cherishes her as a whole, helping her rediscover her self-worth both in and out of the bedroom.

As their relationship deepens, Proby masterfully builds the intimacy between Skyla and Beckett. Their romance is a gradual journey of mutual trust, vulnerability, and emotional healing. The physical connection between them is electric, but it’s the tenderness Beckett shows Skyla—his pampering her after long days, comforting her when she’s frightened, and always letting her take the lead when it comes to their emotional intimacy—that makes their romance feel authentic and deeply fulfilling.

The stakes rise when Skyla’s past reemerges in the form of her stalker, threatening to tear apart everything she and Beckett have worked to build. Yet, through it all, Beckett remains a constant—steady, patient, and protective. His love for Skyla strengthens in the face of danger, proving that they can weather any storm together. It is this unwavering devotion that makes their love story so compelling and heartwarming.

When We Break is a beautifully written love story about the power of patience, trust, and unconditional love. Beckett and Skyla’s journey is a testament to the healing potential of love when two people are willing to be vulnerable with each other. Proby’s skillful character development and the emotional depth of their relationship create a romance that is both satisfying and heartwarming. For readers who enjoy a slow-burn romance filled with emotional richness and tender devotion, this novel will leave you with a full heart and a sense of fulfillment.