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Love Under the Big Sky #1
Loving Cara
In this new Love Under the Big Sky series from a USA Today bestselling author, Cara agrees to tutor her former classmate's nephew—and learns some lessons in love!
Josh King is an expert at running his family’s multi-million dollar ranch in Montana. (And all that outside manual labor has done wonders for sculpting his six-foot-three body, too.) But as sure footed as he is when it comes to the ranch, Josh doesn’t know anything about how to deal with an adolescent boy—so when his twelve-year-old nephew, Seth, is dropped off on his doorstep, looking scared and acting surly as hell, Josh knows he needs help in straightening him out.
Cara Donovan loves her quiet life as a teacher in her sleepy hometown, so she jumps at the chance to make a little money over the summer as a tutor. But when she learns she’ll be teaching Josh King’s nephew, Cara’s sweet summer job gets a little bit hotter. Cara tries to focus all her attention on tutoring Seth, but Josh proves to be a delicious distraction, while Josh’s memories of the shy girl he once teased in high school are nothing like the beautiful woman he’s facing now. Can he persuade her that there’s more between them than a summer fling?
Josh King is an expert at running his family’s multi-million dollar ranch in Montana. (And all that outside manual labor has done wonders for sculpting his six-foot-three body, too.) But as sure footed as he is when it comes to the ranch, Josh doesn’t know anything about how to deal with an adolescent boy—so when his twelve-year-old nephew, Seth, is dropped off on his doorstep, looking scared and acting surly as hell, Josh knows he needs help in straightening him out.
Cara Donovan loves her quiet life as a teacher in her sleepy hometown, so she jumps at the chance to make a little money over the summer as a tutor. But when she learns she’ll be teaching Josh King’s nephew, Cara’s sweet summer job gets a little bit hotter. Cara tries to focus all her attention on tutoring Seth, but Josh proves to be a delicious distraction, while Josh’s memories of the shy girl he once teased in high school are nothing like the beautiful woman he’s facing now. Can he persuade her that there’s more between them than a summer fling?
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2014
About the author
Kristen Proby
126 books15.5k followersKristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.
When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
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January 25, 2014
4 Cowboy stars!!!
Love Under the Big Sky... I have been waiting for the first book in this series to come out since I heard Kristen Proby had a new series. I love her With Me in Seattle series. The first book wasn’t my favorite, but after reading book two, I was sold on her writing. I enjoyed this read, and I have a feeling it’s going to be like the Seattle series and get better and better with each book.
Cara Donovan is a teacher in small town Montana. She knows everyone who lives there and they know her. Including sexy rancher Josh King. Josh runs his family’s ranch. Things are turned a little upside down when his twin brother’s (who is in the military) ex shows up with his nephew and just drops him off. She just decides she doesn't want to be a mom anymore. Seth is not a little kid. He's almost a teen. Josh and his parents don’t know what to do with Seth. Zach is still oversea's and won't be back for a little while. Seth’s being difficult, and although he’s smart, he’s not doing well in school. They decide to hire a tutor for the summer to get him caught up. That’s when Cara shows up at his door. Josh has seen Cara around town, but he hasn't really seen her in a while.
When Cara knocks on the King’s door, she’s a little nervous. Josh and Zach King were always some of the most popular best looking guys in high school. And he is just as gorgeous now as he was back then.
Yep! Gotta love cowboys in their Levi’s! Josh may not have changed much since high school, but Cara has. Her once curly and unruly hair is now straight, she’s gotten a little more confident and Josh notices the changes. He likes what he sees when he looks at Cara, and it's not just the physical. He likes the way she is with Seth, how he responds to her. Seth is finally getting somewhere with someone. She’s used to kids, and she knows how to get them to respond. Being a teacher, you have to learn to be assertive and all.
Josh was the perfect combination of sweet and sexy. He had just enough possessive/alpha male, but was still adorable and playful. Nothing is better than those super romantic alpha men, and Josh fit the bill perfectly. And seeing how he was with his nephew Seth... swoon. Cara had some insecurities, like most women, but she was a likable heroine. I loved the way she was with Josh and his family. I could feel the chemistry and connection these two shared. It wasn’t all about sex (although any sex scene by this author is pretty hot!), but you could tell that they genuinely cared about one another and made each other happy. Thats always nice to see. Even though it felt like their relationship moved a little quickly at times, the fact that they new each other practically their entire lives made it sweet and believable.
There was a touch of drama, but overall it was a lighter read. Steamy, sexy and fun, with just the right amount of humor. Kristen Proby’s signature writing style. Loving Cara was a fun read with lovable characters. It had a nice and smooth flow and was easy to read. I devoured it in one sitting. As much as I enjoyed reading it, it just missed that special something that my five star books have. I didn’t get that feeling. I can’t even pinpoint exactly what it is, it just wasn’t there. I liked it a lot, but I have to say, I’m looking even more forward to reading some of the side characters books. I found myself more interested in them at times than the actual mc’s. I liked Josh’s brother Zach a lot and Cara’s best friend Jillian, but I’m especially looking forward to that sexy tattooed attorney, Ty’s story! The preview at the end gave me high hopes that it will be the KP 5 star romantic sexy read I crave!
Love Under the Big Sky... I have been waiting for the first book in this series to come out since I heard Kristen Proby had a new series. I love her With Me in Seattle series. The first book wasn’t my favorite, but after reading book two, I was sold on her writing. I enjoyed this read, and I have a feeling it’s going to be like the Seattle series and get better and better with each book.
Cara Donovan is a teacher in small town Montana. She knows everyone who lives there and they know her. Including sexy rancher Josh King. Josh runs his family’s ranch. Things are turned a little upside down when his twin brother’s (who is in the military) ex shows up with his nephew and just drops him off. She just decides she doesn't want to be a mom anymore. Seth is not a little kid. He's almost a teen. Josh and his parents don’t know what to do with Seth. Zach is still oversea's and won't be back for a little while. Seth’s being difficult, and although he’s smart, he’s not doing well in school. They decide to hire a tutor for the summer to get him caught up. That’s when Cara shows up at his door. Josh has seen Cara around town, but he hasn't really seen her in a while.
When Cara knocks on the King’s door, she’s a little nervous. Josh and Zach King were always some of the most popular best looking guys in high school. And he is just as gorgeous now as he was back then.
The front door swings open, and there he is, all six foot three of him. Only with great effort does my jaw not drop. Jesus, we breed hot men in Montana.
Yep! Gotta love cowboys in their Levi’s! Josh may not have changed much since high school, but Cara has. Her once curly and unruly hair is now straight, she’s gotten a little more confident and Josh notices the changes. He likes what he sees when he looks at Cara, and it's not just the physical. He likes the way she is with Seth, how he responds to her. Seth is finally getting somewhere with someone. She’s used to kids, and she knows how to get them to respond. Being a teacher, you have to learn to be assertive and all.
“You got really pushy.”Josh and Cara spend most every day together with Cara tutoring Seth. They become friends, but Cara is feeling things for Josh that aren’t exactly friendly. And it becomes obvious fairly quickly that Josh is feeling the same way.
“I’m a teacher. It’s either be pushy or die a long, slow death. Now go. We have work to do today.”
Josh was the perfect combination of sweet and sexy. He had just enough possessive/alpha male, but was still adorable and playful. Nothing is better than those super romantic alpha men, and Josh fit the bill perfectly. And seeing how he was with his nephew Seth... swoon. Cara had some insecurities, like most women, but she was a likable heroine. I loved the way she was with Josh and his family. I could feel the chemistry and connection these two shared. It wasn’t all about sex (although any sex scene by this author is pretty hot!), but you could tell that they genuinely cared about one another and made each other happy. Thats always nice to see. Even though it felt like their relationship moved a little quickly at times, the fact that they new each other practically their entire lives made it sweet and believable.
There was a touch of drama, but overall it was a lighter read. Steamy, sexy and fun, with just the right amount of humor. Kristen Proby’s signature writing style. Loving Cara was a fun read with lovable characters. It had a nice and smooth flow and was easy to read. I devoured it in one sitting. As much as I enjoyed reading it, it just missed that special something that my five star books have. I didn’t get that feeling. I can’t even pinpoint exactly what it is, it just wasn’t there. I liked it a lot, but I have to say, I’m looking even more forward to reading some of the side characters books. I found myself more interested in them at times than the actual mc’s. I liked Josh’s brother Zach a lot and Cara’s best friend Jillian, but I’m especially looking forward to that sexy tattooed attorney, Ty’s story! The preview at the end gave me high hopes that it will be the KP 5 star romantic sexy read I crave!
January 21, 2014
“What I feel for you is so big, Cara. No more doubts.” He tips my chin up to look me in the eye. “You’re with me because there’s nowhere else I want you to be. Got it?”
I think I’ve probably read just about everything that Kristen Proby has ever published. She’s one of my go-to authors for contemporary erotic romance with the perfect combination of sexy alpha heroes, sassy and strong heroines, fantastic romance and, of course, shit-hot melt-your-ereader bedroom scenes! I’ve loved everyone of her With Me In Seattle series and was thrilled to discover that she’s now embarking on a new Under A Big Sky series set in Montana.
So meet Josh, sexy Montana rancher, single, dark haired, dark eyed with dimples to die for and, even better, he has an identical twin brother Zach who will no doubt star in his own book some time in the future. Josh is running his parents ranch while Zach is fighting the war in Afghanistan. His brother���s feckless wife one day just decides to dump their son Seth on the ranch in the cruellest of ways and Josh finds himself left to take care of Seth while he waits for his brother to come home from the war and Seth doesn’t want to be looked after. He’s bitter and angry and anti-social and, despite being a bright kid, he is flunking school. Deliberately. My heart broke for Seth and I just wanted to reach out and hug him. Josh realises that he needs professional help and he hires local school teacher, Cara, to tutor him during the summer break.
Cara and Josh have grown up in the same town and, of course, have known each other for years but they’re about to realise that they share a burning attraction for one another. Josh cannot keep his eyes off her!
My eyes are glued to his lips and I’m mortified to realize that I want him to kiss me.
And not just a sweet thank-you-for-teaching-my-nephew kiss, but a long, slow kiss that lasts forever and I can’t even remember to breathe.
Cara is a real sweetheart, a little bit insecure due to some bullying in high school. She thinks herself a little too curvy but to Josh, she’s sexy as hell and he can’t get enough of her!
This was one sexy romance! Josh and Cara’s story is definitely a feel-good romance – Josh is a hero to die for and Cara his feisty but really rather sweet heroine. This is full of real tenderness, intensely erotic sex scenes and Kristen Proby’s trademark humour and snark. Seth probably has the scene stealing best lines as he finally begins to come out of his shell. As always, Kristen Proby paces this beautifully as we are allowed to experience that growing attraction between the two main protagonists and melt with them as they finally succumb to that overwhelming connection that they share and slowly fall in love.
There’s a few stand out scenes for me which I can’t really go into detail about without spoiling the plot but it’s all incredibly visual and these characters will come to life as you read the story. There’s an excerpt at the end of the beginning of the next book in the series, Seducing Lauren, and that really did whet my appetite – absolutely can’t wait to read that one and fall in love with Ty!
4.5 super sexy stars
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February 9, 2014
5 Enormous Stars!
This story take us to a small town in Montana where gossip, sweet teas and ranch owners are the plate of the day.
Here we have Caroline (Cara), a school teacher that decides to take a tutoring job during the summer. The kid she is tutoring is Seth, a trouble 12 years old boy whose mother left him in his grandparent’s ranch and his father is current in Afghanistan with the army, so he’s being taking care off by his uncle until his father comes back.
Taking care of the ranch and off miles of land is easy for Josh is easy. Taking care of a teenager? Not so much.
So when Cara arrives and immediately get on the right foot with his nephew, is like a breath of fresh air. They both knew each other since they were kids but nothing ever happened between them, but now, both adults and extremely attracted for each other’s, things are starting to get (even) hotter under the big sky of Montana.
This books is the personification of the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover”. For some time I ignored this book because I really HATE this cover. Only after reading a review and realizing it was from Kristen Proby (Yes, I’m that unfocused.), decided to give it a try. Mostly because I love her “With Me In Seattle” Series. I’m happy I did it because this was a great book and this is a definitely a series to keep on reading.
Rating: 5 Stars.
Storyline: Slightly predicable in some moments, but very sweet and addictive. You will not be able to out this book down.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV. The amazing writing that Kristen Proby got us used to. Sweet, romantic with funny quirks and pretty hot moments.
Character Development: Josh was sexy, sweet and a pretty likable alpha-male even in the few moments he pissed me off. Surprisingly Cara was very good too. She was feisty, sweet and I love how she didn’t became a hero-obsessed heroine. And as ever with this author, we have a group of amazing supportive characters that make us wish time would run faster just so we can read their books!
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
This story take us to a small town in Montana where gossip, sweet teas and ranch owners are the plate of the day.
Here we have Caroline (Cara), a school teacher that decides to take a tutoring job during the summer. The kid she is tutoring is Seth, a trouble 12 years old boy whose mother left him in his grandparent’s ranch and his father is current in Afghanistan with the army, so he’s being taking care off by his uncle until his father comes back.
Taking care of the ranch and off miles of land is easy for Josh is easy. Taking care of a teenager? Not so much.
So when Cara arrives and immediately get on the right foot with his nephew, is like a breath of fresh air. They both knew each other since they were kids but nothing ever happened between them, but now, both adults and extremely attracted for each other’s, things are starting to get (even) hotter under the big sky of Montana.
This books is the personification of the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover”. For some time I ignored this book because I really HATE this cover. Only after reading a review and realizing it was from Kristen Proby (Yes, I’m that unfocused.), decided to give it a try. Mostly because I love her “With Me In Seattle” Series. I’m happy I did it because this was a great book and this is a definitely a series to keep on reading.
Rating: 5 Stars.
Storyline: Slightly predicable in some moments, but very sweet and addictive. You will not be able to out this book down.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV. The amazing writing that Kristen Proby got us used to. Sweet, romantic with funny quirks and pretty hot moments.
Character Development: Josh was sexy, sweet and a pretty likable alpha-male even in the few moments he pissed me off. Surprisingly Cara was very good too. She was feisty, sweet and I love how she didn’t became a hero-obsessed heroine. And as ever with this author, we have a group of amazing supportive characters that make us wish time would run faster just so we can read their books!
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
January 22, 2014
LOVING CARA is the first book in Ms. Proby's new series: Love Under the Big Sky.
Josh is a local boy who has a house on his families ranch. His twin brother, Zach, is away serving in the military. When Zach's son, Seth, is dumped off at the family ranch, so his mother can go live her life, Josh steps up in taking his nephew under his wing.
Cara is hired to tutor Seth for the summer to catch him up with his school work. She's known the twins since high school and has had a secret crush on Josh.
Ms. Proby has a talent for writing everyday love stories. Loving Cara is a sweet and sexy love story where former high school classmates turn into lovers.
**My pre-review**
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
Book 1 - Josh King | Book 2 - Ty Sullivan | Book 3 - Zach King
Josh is a local boy who has a house on his families ranch. His twin brother, Zach, is away serving in the military. When Zach's son, Seth, is dumped off at the family ranch, so his mother can go live her life, Josh steps up in taking his nephew under his wing.
Cara is hired to tutor Seth for the summer to catch him up with his school work. She's known the twins since high school and has had a secret crush on Josh.
Ms. Proby has a talent for writing everyday love stories. Loving Cara is a sweet and sexy love story where former high school classmates turn into lovers.
**My pre-review**
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
Book 1 - Josh King | Book 2 - Ty Sullivan | Book 3 - Zach King
January 25, 2014
3.5 stars.
Loving Cara was a sweet small town romance with plenty of spice. Oh, how I’d love to live on a beautiful Montana Ranch. Well, as long as it came with a hot rancher like Josh!
Cara went to school with Josh and Zack King who are identical twins. Josh was the type to tease and pull her hair while passing in the hallways, but nothing ever became of it other than Cara having palpitations every time she saw him. Cara thought Josh never looked at her twice, with her being the chubby, frizzy haired girl growing up. Now that Cara’s all grown up and a school teacher, she gets a job tutoring Seth, Zack’s twelve year old son at the King’s ranch for the summer. Seth has been dropped off like a sack of potatoes by his horror of a mother, Kensie, and with Zack still in the army Josh is left with his care until his brother can get back.
The old fluttery feelings Cara used to have for Josh come flooding back when she sees him, and with tutoring Seth everyday in Josh’s house, those feelings become so much stronger. Luckily for Cara, the attraction is mutual and before you know it Josh and Cara are hot and heavy, and can’t keep their hands off of each other. Cara must battle her feelings of insecurity; she’s not sure what Josh sees in her. Is she just a summer fling? And Josh for his part is confused by his fast and intense feelings for Cara. Can he trust these emotions when they’ve come on so quickly?
This romance was relatively angst and drama free which was a relief to me. That’s not to say there weren’t bumps in road, but they were short lived and handled pretty quickly. Both characters were mature and completely devoted. With that said I had a hard time connecting with this romance. I would’ve liked a little more buildup before these two were constantly going at it like rabbits. I didn’t really get why Josh was suddenly crazy for Cara and couldn’t get enough of her when he had made no moves on her in the past with them living in the same small town for years. Plus, it seemed like Josh and Cara were going at it every other page. Don’t get me wrong, I love my spice just as much as the next girl, but I like a little more story to go with it.
I did enjoy this story and the setting was lovely. I’ve always dreamed of living in a small beautiful ranch town like this one in Montana. Maybe that’s because I usually picture some sexy cowboys sauntering through! The setup with the secondary characters has me excited for companion stories. The teaser in the end for Ty and Lauren’s story was really good!
A copy was provided by Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Loving Cara was a sweet small town romance with plenty of spice. Oh, how I’d love to live on a beautiful Montana Ranch. Well, as long as it came with a hot rancher like Josh!
Cara went to school with Josh and Zack King who are identical twins. Josh was the type to tease and pull her hair while passing in the hallways, but nothing ever became of it other than Cara having palpitations every time she saw him. Cara thought Josh never looked at her twice, with her being the chubby, frizzy haired girl growing up. Now that Cara’s all grown up and a school teacher, she gets a job tutoring Seth, Zack’s twelve year old son at the King’s ranch for the summer. Seth has been dropped off like a sack of potatoes by his horror of a mother, Kensie, and with Zack still in the army Josh is left with his care until his brother can get back.
The old fluttery feelings Cara used to have for Josh come flooding back when she sees him, and with tutoring Seth everyday in Josh’s house, those feelings become so much stronger. Luckily for Cara, the attraction is mutual and before you know it Josh and Cara are hot and heavy, and can’t keep their hands off of each other. Cara must battle her feelings of insecurity; she’s not sure what Josh sees in her. Is she just a summer fling? And Josh for his part is confused by his fast and intense feelings for Cara. Can he trust these emotions when they’ve come on so quickly?
This romance was relatively angst and drama free which was a relief to me. That’s not to say there weren’t bumps in road, but they were short lived and handled pretty quickly. Both characters were mature and completely devoted. With that said I had a hard time connecting with this romance. I would’ve liked a little more buildup before these two were constantly going at it like rabbits. I didn’t really get why Josh was suddenly crazy for Cara and couldn’t get enough of her when he had made no moves on her in the past with them living in the same small town for years. Plus, it seemed like Josh and Cara were going at it every other page. Don’t get me wrong, I love my spice just as much as the next girl, but I like a little more story to go with it.
I did enjoy this story and the setting was lovely. I’ve always dreamed of living in a small beautiful ranch town like this one in Montana. Maybe that’s because I usually picture some sexy cowboys sauntering through! The setup with the secondary characters has me excited for companion stories. The teaser in the end for Ty and Lauren’s story was really good!
A copy was provided by Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
November 2, 2022
Loving Cara is cheesy sexy good time read. And that is about it. The plot/ drama is minimum. The character development is poor. There is a more telling instead of showing. I think Miss Proby made the whole series into a cheesy romance.
I do like cheesy romance. Now and then after a long serious read, I want to read something easy. But Loving Cara is fall short of 4 stars. I still enjoy the story but not really excited with it. In my opinion Love Under the Big Sky is easy vanilla romance.
3 stars
I do like cheesy romance. Now and then after a long serious read, I want to read something easy. But Loving Cara is fall short of 4 stars. I still enjoy the story but not really excited with it. In my opinion Love Under the Big Sky is easy vanilla romance.
3 stars
July 19, 2014
5 Cowboy take me away stars!
Cara is going to spend the summer tutoring, Seth. The nephew of a former classmate who she used to have a crush on. But everyone had a crush on Josh King in high school, he was that boy.
Josh runs his family’s ranch, it’s the life he’s always wanted. His twin brother is in Afghanistan and his dead-beat sister-in-law drops his nephew at his doorstep, Josh knows the kid is good, he’s just had a rough start. Hiring a tutor to get him up to speed for the school year wasn’t supposed to be a decision that changes his life.
Cara wasn’t the most popular girl in school, but Josh always saw her, teased her. But the woman he sees before him doesn’t look like the same girl he used to tease in school. Somewhere between graduation and now, she’s become beautiful and worked her way under his skin.
For Cara, being near Josh stirs the butterflies and a few insecurities that she thought she had let go of years ago. She’s not sure how to process the new flirty side of Josh, but she’s finding it hard to stop day dreaming about the man. After spending her mornings tutoring Seth and spending time with Josh the attraction is getting to much to deny.
When events happen that leave Cara without a home for a few weeks, Josh isn’t going to let her go anyplace other than under his roof. In his bed.
I swear every time Kristen Proby writes a book I have an urge to move to whatever city she decides to use as her backdrop for her stories. I fell in love with her writing in her With Me in Seattle Series and was so happy to find her writing a new series and giving us more men to swoon over. Let’s head on over to the Big Sky State and met us some yummy Montana men!
Lovable characters seems to be one of her specialties. Both Heroes & Heroines are always written in such a way that you instantly love them and connect with them, Josh & Cara are no exception. Although I think I felt more strongly for Cara than Josh, which is a rarity.
Josh at points walked a very fine line between a jerk-face and a panty-melting alpha-male. A few times I think he leaned towards jerk-face, but he was so oblivious to it and so ready to make up for it when thrown in his face.
Gah! This was such a sweet and romantic story that had a nice grown up theme, with little drama (beyond one bitchy girl that needs a serious beat down). But KP doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the action between the sheets, on the counter, in the shower... Josh was a weapon of panty destruction, knowing how to be sweet and soft but being completely animalistic and out of control with the need to claim her.
KP is one of those authors that just has it. She knows how to deliver the perfect mixture of story, plot and sex; making sure you get the full experience. And the cast of character? Ty & Zack... I loved how she gave you the bits that will eventually be their story. I think it took about two minutes after finishing this last night for me to start begging for book two. A perfect read from start to finish.
Cara is going to spend the summer tutoring, Seth. The nephew of a former classmate who she used to have a crush on. But everyone had a crush on Josh King in high school, he was that boy.
Josh runs his family’s ranch, it’s the life he’s always wanted. His twin brother is in Afghanistan and his dead-beat sister-in-law drops his nephew at his doorstep, Josh knows the kid is good, he’s just had a rough start. Hiring a tutor to get him up to speed for the school year wasn’t supposed to be a decision that changes his life.
Cara wasn’t the most popular girl in school, but Josh always saw her, teased her. But the woman he sees before him doesn’t look like the same girl he used to tease in school. Somewhere between graduation and now, she’s become beautiful and worked her way under his skin.
For Cara, being near Josh stirs the butterflies and a few insecurities that she thought she had let go of years ago. She’s not sure how to process the new flirty side of Josh, but she’s finding it hard to stop day dreaming about the man. After spending her mornings tutoring Seth and spending time with Josh the attraction is getting to much to deny.
When events happen that leave Cara without a home for a few weeks, Josh isn’t going to let her go anyplace other than under his roof. In his bed.
I swear every time Kristen Proby writes a book I have an urge to move to whatever city she decides to use as her backdrop for her stories. I fell in love with her writing in her With Me in Seattle Series and was so happy to find her writing a new series and giving us more men to swoon over. Let’s head on over to the Big Sky State and met us some yummy Montana men!
Lovable characters seems to be one of her specialties. Both Heroes & Heroines are always written in such a way that you instantly love them and connect with them, Josh & Cara are no exception. Although I think I felt more strongly for Cara than Josh, which is a rarity.
Josh at points walked a very fine line between a jerk-face and a panty-melting alpha-male. A few times I think he leaned towards jerk-face, but he was so oblivious to it and so ready to make up for it when thrown in his face.
Gah! This was such a sweet and romantic story that had a nice grown up theme, with little drama (beyond one bitchy girl that needs a serious beat down). But KP doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the action between the sheets, on the counter, in the shower... Josh was a weapon of panty destruction, knowing how to be sweet and soft but being completely animalistic and out of control with the need to claim her.
KP is one of those authors that just has it. She knows how to deliver the perfect mixture of story, plot and sex; making sure you get the full experience. And the cast of character? Ty & Zack... I loved how she gave you the bits that will eventually be their story. I think it took about two minutes after finishing this last night for me to start begging for book two. A perfect read from start to finish.
February 18, 2014
What a lovely little (erotic) contemporary romance!
No angst, no baggage, no bad behavior (other than the sexual kind), no real asshat moments...just two mature individuals having a beautiful little romance.
The setting is a small resort town in Montana. Carolina (Cara) Donovan's a teacher with a summer tutoring job. She's to teach the troubled 12-year-old nephew (Seth) of one of the town's leading citizens, wealthy rancher Josh King.
Cara's had a mild crush on Josh since high school, but always thought he was way out of her league. Cara was on the unremarkable side in high school, yet Josh was always kind to her. Now she's older and grown into her curves (and straightened her formerly frizzy blonde hair), but Cara still has moments where she feels inadequate. So it comes as a bit of a surprise to her when sexy Josh shows a romantic interest in her. Will Cara's insecurities prevent her from believing in Josh?
I really loved this one. This was "feel-good-romance" at its best. Cara was a girl-next-door type, one you could see as your best girlfriend. She had her doubts, she had her fears, but mostly she had grown into a capable, confident, sometimes feisty woman.
And Josh? Wow, this guy could do no wrong in my book. He was loving, strong, protective, romantic, and oh-so-sexy. He was almost too good to be true! I kind of think the author might have realized that no one is this perfect, so gave him a "real jerk" moment towards the end of the book, just to make him seem human after all!
"Carolina," he whispers, and steps to me, keeping his hands linked with mine, but now I can feel his body heat and I yearn to feel him against me. "I love your body. I love every curve on you, how soft you are, how smooth your skin is."
"But the sexiest curve on your body is your sweet smile."
Josh...
The sex scenes bordered on the erotic (which kind of surprised me). But if you've read any of Kristen Proby's With Me In Seattle books, you know what to expect. H-O-T.
I enjoyed everything about this one. I loved Cara's relationship with the other characters in the book too, especially her relationship with the pre-teen Seth, and her relationship with bff Jillian (some hysterical moments with her), and her rebuttals to "mean girl" Misty.
I am so looking forward to the other books in this trilogy--Josh's best friend Ty's book (Seducing Lauren), and especially Josh's identical twin brother's book (Falling for Jillian). Great start to what looks to be an awesome series. 5 stars
No angst, no baggage, no bad behavior (other than the sexual kind), no real asshat moments...just two mature individuals having a beautiful little romance.
The setting is a small resort town in Montana. Carolina (Cara) Donovan's a teacher with a summer tutoring job. She's to teach the troubled 12-year-old nephew (Seth) of one of the town's leading citizens, wealthy rancher Josh King.
Cara's had a mild crush on Josh since high school, but always thought he was way out of her league. Cara was on the unremarkable side in high school, yet Josh was always kind to her. Now she's older and grown into her curves (and straightened her formerly frizzy blonde hair), but Cara still has moments where she feels inadequate. So it comes as a bit of a surprise to her when sexy Josh shows a romantic interest in her. Will Cara's insecurities prevent her from believing in Josh?
I really loved this one. This was "feel-good-romance" at its best. Cara was a girl-next-door type, one you could see as your best girlfriend. She had her doubts, she had her fears, but mostly she had grown into a capable, confident, sometimes feisty woman.
And Josh? Wow, this guy could do no wrong in my book. He was loving, strong, protective, romantic, and oh-so-sexy. He was almost too good to be true! I kind of think the author might have realized that no one is this perfect, so gave him a "real jerk" moment towards the end of the book, just to make him seem human after all!
"Carolina," he whispers, and steps to me, keeping his hands linked with mine, but now I can feel his body heat and I yearn to feel him against me. "I love your body. I love every curve on you, how soft you are, how smooth your skin is."
"But the sexiest curve on your body is your sweet smile."
Josh...
The sex scenes bordered on the erotic (which kind of surprised me). But if you've read any of Kristen Proby's With Me In Seattle books, you know what to expect. H-O-T.
I enjoyed everything about this one. I loved Cara's relationship with the other characters in the book too, especially her relationship with the pre-teen Seth, and her relationship with bff Jillian (some hysterical moments with her), and her rebuttals to "mean girl" Misty.
I am so looking forward to the other books in this trilogy--Josh's best friend Ty's book (Seducing Lauren), and especially Josh's identical twin brother's book (Falling for Jillian). Great start to what looks to be an awesome series. 5 stars
January 23, 2014
It pains me to write this. I'd like to preface this by saying that I adore Kristen Proby's With Me in Seattle Series. It's one of my favorites, I instantly order and read the new stories as they release. I enjoy it so much that when I heard about this series I was seriously excited. Unfortunately, Loving Cara didn't do it for me. I don't know if I was having a bad day or what but something about it just didn't click.
Loving Cara is on the shorter side and the whole thing felt rushed. The relationship with Josh and his nephew is under developed. Josh is actually a jerk about it. From the blurb I thought that the nephew coming was going to be a major factor in the story but that plot was all wrong for me. Cara and Josh's relationship went from zero to sixty in no time. Josh's "alpha" attitude came from nowhere and he was more of a jerk than a sweet alpha that I'm accustomed to reading. Cara started off fiesty and then seemed to back down when her and Josh became involved. The attempt here to write a great alpha and his fierce lady love just wasn't enough. The catalyst at the end that brings the big climax was disappointing. I realize I'm in the minority here but the story just fell flat for me. I hurried to the end because I just wanted it to end. Maybe Kristen Ashley spoiled me for alpha males, maybe I had a bad day. Maybe I'll try again when other installments are released. But today just wasn't the day.
Loving Cara is on the shorter side and the whole thing felt rushed. The relationship with Josh and his nephew is under developed. Josh is actually a jerk about it. From the blurb I thought that the nephew coming was going to be a major factor in the story but that plot was all wrong for me. Cara and Josh's relationship went from zero to sixty in no time. Josh's "alpha" attitude came from nowhere and he was more of a jerk than a sweet alpha that I'm accustomed to reading. Cara started off fiesty and then seemed to back down when her and Josh became involved. The attempt here to write a great alpha and his fierce lady love just wasn't enough. The catalyst at the end that brings the big climax was disappointing. I realize I'm in the minority here but the story just fell flat for me. I hurried to the end because I just wanted it to end. Maybe Kristen Ashley spoiled me for alpha males, maybe I had a bad day. Maybe I'll try again when other installments are released. But today just wasn't the day.
October 15, 2016
4.25 stars
I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this. It is a really good sweet yet hot low angst romance. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series especially Ty's story.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: High
I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this. It is a really good sweet yet hot low angst romance. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series especially Ty's story.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: High
February 9, 2014
3.5 Stars and a Solid Start to a New Series
Kristen Proby's books have become reliable reads for me in that I know I'm going to get a half way decent story, realistic and believable interactions between all of the main characters and a fair amount of steam. Loving Cara was absolutely no exception.
Cara and Josh grew up in the same small Montana town but never really ran in the same social circles. Josh's two years older than Cara and to hear the women around him talk, a god among men. Cara's outgrown her frizzy hair and baby fat and is content with her life as a teacher, but she still thinks Josh is way out of her league. When Cara accepts a job tutoring Josh's nephew over the summer break, it doesn't take her long to realize Josh has come to view her in a different light. A "damn, I'd like to get you naked" kind of light.
Loving Cara was an enjoyable read with the requisite amount of "hot man candy behaves like an asshole on occasion" and "pretty, nice girl still has some insecurities to get over" issues that I've come to expect from Kristen Proby. This is the first book in her new Love Under the Big Sky series and for some reason it reminded me of the first book from her With Me in Seattle series. A mellow kind of story that helps to set up characters for the rest of the series but probably the blandest of the series overall. Ms. Proby's already started establishing the storylines for the next two books and I'm already excited to read them!
While this book in no way knocked my socks off, I still really enjoyed spending an afternoon getting to know these characters. Now bring on Ty and Lauren!
Kristen Proby's books have become reliable reads for me in that I know I'm going to get a half way decent story, realistic and believable interactions between all of the main characters and a fair amount of steam. Loving Cara was absolutely no exception.
Cara and Josh grew up in the same small Montana town but never really ran in the same social circles. Josh's two years older than Cara and to hear the women around him talk, a god among men. Cara's outgrown her frizzy hair and baby fat and is content with her life as a teacher, but she still thinks Josh is way out of her league. When Cara accepts a job tutoring Josh's nephew over the summer break, it doesn't take her long to realize Josh has come to view her in a different light. A "damn, I'd like to get you naked" kind of light.
Loving Cara was an enjoyable read with the requisite amount of "hot man candy behaves like an asshole on occasion" and "pretty, nice girl still has some insecurities to get over" issues that I've come to expect from Kristen Proby. This is the first book in her new Love Under the Big Sky series and for some reason it reminded me of the first book from her With Me in Seattle series. A mellow kind of story that helps to set up characters for the rest of the series but probably the blandest of the series overall. Ms. Proby's already started establishing the storylines for the next two books and I'm already excited to read them!
While this book in no way knocked my socks off, I still really enjoyed spending an afternoon getting to know these characters. Now bring on Ty and Lauren!
March 19, 2016
Ugh I Wrote A Long Review For this and lost it:/
So short version
4.25 stars.I enjoyed this! I love Josh and Cara (especially Josh)!Sweet sexy story! Only complaint is how everyone has to reassure Cara how beautiful she is. We get it already. lol . Epilogue was sweet but I want more! I'm interested in reading about others.
Safety : pretty safe read
Not much is mentioned about their sexual pasts. We just know they have one and no one compares. Tiny bit other woman drama. It's a girl Josh took out twice. He never did anything with her. she is a mean jealous Bitch and trys to cause drama. Josh sets her straight. Condoms weren't mentioned in their pasts but I'm assuming they used them but together they dont.
So short version
4.25 stars.I enjoyed this! I love Josh and Cara (especially Josh)!Sweet sexy story! Only complaint is how everyone has to reassure Cara how beautiful she is. We get it already. lol . Epilogue was sweet but I want more! I'm interested in reading about others.
Safety : pretty safe read
Not much is mentioned about their sexual pasts. We just know they have one and no one compares. Tiny bit other woman drama. It's a girl Josh took out twice. He never did anything with her. she is a mean jealous Bitch and trys to cause drama. Josh sets her straight. Condoms weren't mentioned in their pasts but I'm assuming they used them but together they dont.
February 4, 2014
4.5 steamy cowboy stars
I love Kristen probys books, you know what your going to get some steamy Hot, Alpha men....
Some sexy ladies...
Family...
And
Friendship...
I'm not going to go into the story as such but this is a delightful read that can be read on a Saturday afternoon, blanket, coffee, kindle!! I loved it, it's got nothing edgy or nothing heartbreaking or much to it but an easy enjoyable romance that consumed me from page one!!
Enjoy
I love Kristen probys books, you know what your going to get some steamy Hot, Alpha men....
Some sexy ladies...
Family...
And
Friendship...
I'm not going to go into the story as such but this is a delightful read that can be read on a Saturday afternoon, blanket, coffee, kindle!! I loved it, it's got nothing edgy or nothing heartbreaking or much to it but an easy enjoyable romance that consumed me from page one!!
Enjoy
February 19, 2016
**4.5 Stars
Sweet, mostly low-angst read. I loved how Josh decided he wanted Cara and made it happen right away. Though, I don't buy into the whole thing that he knew her since high school but suddenly he's attracted to her. What changed? Anyway, other than two minor blips (see safety gang notes) it was a good read. One of these blips could have easily been straightened out before it went too far with COMMUNICATION people!! One of my pet-peeves...It all ends well and there's a sweet epilogue.
Safety Gang:
Sweet, mostly low-angst read. I loved how Josh decided he wanted Cara and made it happen right away. Though, I don't buy into the whole thing that he knew her since high school but suddenly he's attracted to her. What changed? Anyway, other than two minor blips (see safety gang notes) it was a good read. One of these blips could have easily been straightened out before it went too far with COMMUNICATION people!! One of my pet-peeves...It all ends well and there's a sweet epilogue.
Safety Gang:
March 12, 2014
Absolutely loved this!!! Such a sweet hot read!!! This is first time I've read Kristen Proby.
Perfect mix for me. Loved the story and the characters. It was sweet, it was sexy, it was hot. It was heart warming. It was funny.
Josh was alpha male and possessive but had his sweet side. Cara I loved her sassy attitude and that she just took him head on. I liked that they come together at first to help Seth, and fell for each other. Watching Seth open up and come out if his shell was awesome.
The sunrise and the tree so beautiful.
I really enjoyed the bits we got if Ty and Zack, can't wait for their stories.
Just loved it!!!
Perfect mix for me. Loved the story and the characters. It was sweet, it was sexy, it was hot. It was heart warming. It was funny.
Josh was alpha male and possessive but had his sweet side. Cara I loved her sassy attitude and that she just took him head on. I liked that they come together at first to help Seth, and fell for each other. Watching Seth open up and come out if his shell was awesome.
The sunrise and the tree so beautiful.
I really enjoyed the bits we got if Ty and Zack, can't wait for their stories.
Just loved it!!!
April 4, 2015
It all started when Zack’s (Josh’s brother) soon to be ex-wife left their son (Seth) with his family and made her not so grand exit. Damn cold woman, I would have gladly traded places with Josh at that moment and smacked some sense and compassion into her.
Josh and his parents soon find out that there is a lot of anger and hurt resident in Seth and despite their best efforts he keeps lashing out at everyone. As he listens to no one he starts failing school, to help Seth get back on track with his school work Josh hires a tutor. Cara.
Cara is excited to see Josh again, but wonders about all the rumors that are roaming about. But drooling and wondering about Josh doesn’t come with the job. Mind set on thinking she doesn’t stand a chance with him romantically anyway, she doesn’t think much of all of his touching and flirting….at first. Soon their chemistry just won’t be denied, which makes Josh a bit of a distraction for the tutoring. One she can’t permit, as tutoring Seth is no picnic. Even though she makes great progress with him and gets him to open up, the boy makes it seem like he doesn’t care about anything.Not how he treats others (especially his family) or his classes. So Cara decides to teach him a little lesson in laboring without proper education, call it shock therapy if you will.
After a freak accident, where a tree fell on Cara’s house she is offered to stay with Josh. This seems to strengthen their relationship, but a run in with some stuck up b*tches (pardon my French) has Cara in doubts again. Will Josh ever convince her to take a real chance on them?
Words fail to express how I feel about this book, I simply love it. It’s fun, flirty and sexy. How come I haven’t read more books by this author, I’ll get to reading ASAP. And my, does she have the best characters, I’m not only talking about Cara and Josh but also about those secondary characters. Can’t believe I have to wait till August to read the next book in the series.
Josh is quite the sweet cowboy I had expected him to be. Didn’t expect him to grab every opportunity to flirt with Cara though. But he cracked me up with his sexual innuendos.
“Do you fish?” Seth asks me as he takes a big bite out of a chicken breast, sending golden pieces of fried batter down the front of his shirt. His dark hair is a bit too long and falls over one eye. I grin at him. He’s adorable.
“No. I hate fishing.”
“How can you hate to fish?!” Seth exclaims, as if I’d just admitted to hating ice cream.
“It’s dirty.” I wrinkle my nose and Josh bursts out laughing.
“Everything here is dirty, sweetheart.”
Even the man's dimples sounded sexy. But he could also be corny, normally I don't like that. But for Josh it worked.
“You’re so sweet,” he whispers. “You’ve been drinking wine.”
I grin and nod. He chuckles softly against my skin, making me tingle even more.
“Can I pour you a glass?” I ask, my voice trembling.
“No, I’m drunk enough on you, sweetheart.”
And Cara is such a sweet woman, she knows how to handle Seth (and Josh). Despite that she still is humble and even insecure at times. I don’t believe I’ve ever been jealous while reading, but holy crap the most impressive view Cara has while working on the ranch has me looking green with envy.
“Glancing up while tucking my phone back in my pocket, I see Josh riding to the back fence of his house with two other guys. The horses are beautiful, two black and one white with red patches. The guys are dripping in sweat, dirt clinging to their clothes and skin. They stop to talk, pointing to various parts of the ranch and even laughing once in a while.
While still in the saddle, Josh pulls his cap off, pushes his hand through his sweaty hair, then pulls his T-shirt over his head to wipe his face with it.”
Another woman I adore is Jill, she is such a good friend despite the long distance friendship they have going on. She’s been through a lot and I can’t wait to read more about her in her own book….The one I will have to wait a long while for.
“You destroy me, Cara.”
That you did “Loving Cara” , in a good way. You had me smiling all the way and I can truly say that the book lifted my spirits. I really needed that, hence my rating.
Josh and his parents soon find out that there is a lot of anger and hurt resident in Seth and despite their best efforts he keeps lashing out at everyone. As he listens to no one he starts failing school, to help Seth get back on track with his school work Josh hires a tutor. Cara.
Cara is excited to see Josh again, but wonders about all the rumors that are roaming about. But drooling and wondering about Josh doesn’t come with the job. Mind set on thinking she doesn’t stand a chance with him romantically anyway, she doesn’t think much of all of his touching and flirting….at first. Soon their chemistry just won’t be denied, which makes Josh a bit of a distraction for the tutoring. One she can’t permit, as tutoring Seth is no picnic. Even though she makes great progress with him and gets him to open up, the boy makes it seem like he doesn’t care about anything.Not how he treats others (especially his family) or his classes. So Cara decides to teach him a little lesson in laboring without proper education, call it shock therapy if you will.
After a freak accident, where a tree fell on Cara’s house she is offered to stay with Josh. This seems to strengthen their relationship, but a run in with some stuck up b*tches (pardon my French) has Cara in doubts again. Will Josh ever convince her to take a real chance on them?
Words fail to express how I feel about this book, I simply love it. It’s fun, flirty and sexy. How come I haven’t read more books by this author, I’ll get to reading ASAP. And my, does she have the best characters, I’m not only talking about Cara and Josh but also about those secondary characters. Can’t believe I have to wait till August to read the next book in the series.
Josh is quite the sweet cowboy I had expected him to be. Didn’t expect him to grab every opportunity to flirt with Cara though. But he cracked me up with his sexual innuendos.
“Do you fish?” Seth asks me as he takes a big bite out of a chicken breast, sending golden pieces of fried batter down the front of his shirt. His dark hair is a bit too long and falls over one eye. I grin at him. He’s adorable.
“No. I hate fishing.”
“How can you hate to fish?!” Seth exclaims, as if I’d just admitted to hating ice cream.
“It’s dirty.” I wrinkle my nose and Josh bursts out laughing.
“Everything here is dirty, sweetheart.”
Even the man's dimples sounded sexy. But he could also be corny, normally I don't like that. But for Josh it worked.
“You’re so sweet,” he whispers. “You’ve been drinking wine.”
I grin and nod. He chuckles softly against my skin, making me tingle even more.
“Can I pour you a glass?” I ask, my voice trembling.
“No, I’m drunk enough on you, sweetheart.”
And Cara is such a sweet woman, she knows how to handle Seth (and Josh). Despite that she still is humble and even insecure at times. I don’t believe I’ve ever been jealous while reading, but holy crap the most impressive view Cara has while working on the ranch has me looking green with envy.
“Glancing up while tucking my phone back in my pocket, I see Josh riding to the back fence of his house with two other guys. The horses are beautiful, two black and one white with red patches. The guys are dripping in sweat, dirt clinging to their clothes and skin. They stop to talk, pointing to various parts of the ranch and even laughing once in a while.
While still in the saddle, Josh pulls his cap off, pushes his hand through his sweaty hair, then pulls his T-shirt over his head to wipe his face with it.”
Another woman I adore is Jill, she is such a good friend despite the long distance friendship they have going on. She’s been through a lot and I can’t wait to read more about her in her own book….The one I will have to wait a long while for.
“You destroy me, Cara.”
That you did “Loving Cara” , in a good way. You had me smiling all the way and I can truly say that the book lifted my spirits. I really needed that, hence my rating.
November 16, 2014
HMMMMM, yep so damn true!
Well, I will say that I LOVE Kristen Proby so I knew this was gonna be highly enjoyable! yes, it was quite predictable, but honestly, I really did not care! Every once in a while you just need a good heartfelt romance with a forever kinda feel to it!
I will start with saying when I think COWBOY want a charming, flirtatious gentleman who is down to earth, family oriented and hard working. I want him to be a proud man and to take complete ownership in what IS his, yes...even his woman, as barbaric as that seems...so meet Josh King!
This is fairly quick read with a small town setting and an "everyone knows your business" kind of feel! it is a sweet loves story of Josh King and Carolina Donovan who have known each other for what seems like their whole lives. Josh being older, popular and oh so swoon worthy and Cara still feeling like the fat, frizzy haired underclassman. Well, time as passed, looks have changed and BAM, attraction is achieved. Does not take long for passion to erupt, and Proby is fantastic at writing smoking hot love scenes with the perfect balance of heat and sweet!
The connections are realistic, the heat is great, the characters are likeable, and the story is overall sweet, just like a tall southern glass of sweet tea! The angst is minor...basic miscommunication and insecurity, but as I stated this was a good story for a good cowboy!
October 13, 2016
**Audio reread**
I originally gave this a five star and I will leave it at that because the story itself was really good. However, if I would have read it now, it would only have been 4 stars because of the lack of epilogue.
Before I start this, I want it to be known that IMO $6.99 for an ebook is not OK. I buy too many books for the price to be that high. It does hinder in my choice to one click. That being said, I took the plunge with this story based on some recommendations and I did enjoy the book. It had the elements that I look for in a story. No cheating, hot alpha who loves his girl and is completely devoted to her. Josh didn't have a manwhorish past and Cara was a sweet heroine. A woman that Josh took on 2 dates tried to cause problems but she was put in her place. I loved that Josh stood up for Cara! The secondary characters were great. I will think about investing in those books too if I find they are safe as well.
I originally gave this a five star and I will leave it at that because the story itself was really good. However, if I would have read it now, it would only have been 4 stars because of the lack of epilogue.
Before I start this, I want it to be known that IMO $6.99 for an ebook is not OK. I buy too many books for the price to be that high. It does hinder in my choice to one click. That being said, I took the plunge with this story based on some recommendations and I did enjoy the book. It had the elements that I look for in a story. No cheating, hot alpha who loves his girl and is completely devoted to her. Josh didn't have a manwhorish past and Cara was a sweet heroine. A woman that Josh took on 2 dates tried to cause problems but she was put in her place. I loved that Josh stood up for Cara! The secondary characters were great. I will think about investing in those books too if I find they are safe as well.
October 4, 2015
When I first saw this book, the series isn't complete yet so I waited for the last book. Then I read it from the first book and what I can say is that I absolutely love this series. Like what I like in my books, the series doesn't have heavy drama. Just light and very relaxing. A feel-good series for me. I have her other series in my to-read list too and I'll definitely read them all. Just waiting for a long free time where I can just read the whole series without interruption. And I'm also waiting for her latest series to finish before I read it too. Hopefully, more books to come from Kristen Proby because I love how she writes her books. Written beautifully.
February 10, 2020
Such a sweet and delightful read. 💋😍
Kristen Proby's books are my usual go-to books whenever I have a reading slump. Her writing draws me into the story and the romance is lighthearted. I am usually not into western romances but this one is well written.
Loving Cara is about Cara Donovan. She's a teacher and landed a tutoring job for the summer to a twelve year old kid, Seth. He's quite spunky after his mother left him and is angry on his dad. Apparently this kid happens to be Josh King's nephew. Josh is her crush way back in high school. She still gets butterflies whenever she sees him but she doesn't think she's his type.
Cara is no longer the Plain Jane Josh used to know. He's mesmerized by her beauty and personality. He isn't the kind of guy most people talk about: womanizer / playboy. He's busy managing their family ranch, taking care of his nephew and wooing Cara. Hopefully his nephew and his twin brother, Zack will make amends.
The story was simply adorable. I secretly love the crush - to - lovers romance story (if you have any recommendations, please let me know. I'm desperate! haha). I Love how reassuring Josh is to Cara and helps her overcoming her insecurites. Cara became more confident and carefree with her body image. You've got to admire her for straightening Seth's attitude by setting great examples and activities to channel his anger. It helped him appreciate little things, value education and the importance of good manners and right conduct. I love her patience and kindness.
What a good start for the series. I truly enjoy it.
Kristen Proby's books are my usual go-to books whenever I have a reading slump. Her writing draws me into the story and the romance is lighthearted. I am usually not into western romances but this one is well written.
Loving Cara is about Cara Donovan. She's a teacher and landed a tutoring job for the summer to a twelve year old kid, Seth. He's quite spunky after his mother left him and is angry on his dad. Apparently this kid happens to be Josh King's nephew. Josh is her crush way back in high school. She still gets butterflies whenever she sees him but she doesn't think she's his type.
Cara is no longer the Plain Jane Josh used to know. He's mesmerized by her beauty and personality. He isn't the kind of guy most people talk about: womanizer / playboy. He's busy managing their family ranch, taking care of his nephew and wooing Cara. Hopefully his nephew and his twin brother, Zack will make amends.
The story was simply adorable. I secretly love the crush - to - lovers romance story (if you have any recommendations, please let me know. I'm desperate! haha). I Love how reassuring Josh is to Cara and helps her overcoming her insecurites. Cara became more confident and carefree with her body image. You've got to admire her for straightening Seth's attitude by setting great examples and activities to channel his anger. It helped him appreciate little things, value education and the importance of good manners and right conduct. I love her patience and kindness.
What a good start for the series. I truly enjoy it.
January 21, 2015
Why did I not read these books earlier *slap around the head*
Kristen Proby as done it again I m in luv with cowboys now God it's changes every book ;) this book was really good the story is great once there is a lil kid in it 2 pull at my heartstrings it's a winner
Seth is the gorgeous nephew of even more gorgeous Josh an my my is he hot sexy body wicked smile he is just pantie meltin get back 2 the review Seth is goin through a hard time Zack is his dad joshs twin bro ye there's 2 of them God this series is goin 2 b good ;) but anyway Zack as been away with the army most of Seth life an his mother is just a bitch slagging Zack 2 Seth at every chance she gets which is al the time when she can't wait anymore or her new boyfriend doesn't want a kids around she drops him 2 Zack mum an dads the family is delighted 2 get rid of her an delighted Seth is back with them 2 give him a good live but Seth is struggling 2 deal with a lot so when the r lookin 4 a summer tutor 2 sort seths grades out an cara is the girl she went 2 school with Josh she is 2 yrs younger but she had a crush on him 4 yrs when josh fines out cara is Seth new tutor his delighted they start getting closer Seth likes cara straight away an I luv how he starts bein protective with her it's so cute
I luvd how we got 2 c cara an Josh get closer an I have 2 say the sexy time is hot they r great 2gether I wanted 2 slap Josh in some part 4 bein just stupid an horrible 2 cara but there as 2 b drama an fights 2 make a great book an this was can't wait 4 more of this series xxx
Kristen Proby as done it again I m in luv with cowboys now God it's changes every book ;) this book was really good the story is great once there is a lil kid in it 2 pull at my heartstrings it's a winner
Seth is the gorgeous nephew of even more gorgeous Josh an my my is he hot sexy body wicked smile he is just pantie meltin get back 2 the review Seth is goin through a hard time Zack is his dad joshs twin bro ye there's 2 of them God this series is goin 2 b good ;) but anyway Zack as been away with the army most of Seth life an his mother is just a bitch slagging Zack 2 Seth at every chance she gets which is al the time when she can't wait anymore or her new boyfriend doesn't want a kids around she drops him 2 Zack mum an dads the family is delighted 2 get rid of her an delighted Seth is back with them 2 give him a good live but Seth is struggling 2 deal with a lot so when the r lookin 4 a summer tutor 2 sort seths grades out an cara is the girl she went 2 school with Josh she is 2 yrs younger but she had a crush on him 4 yrs when josh fines out cara is Seth new tutor his delighted they start getting closer Seth likes cara straight away an I luv how he starts bein protective with her it's so cute
I luvd how we got 2 c cara an Josh get closer an I have 2 say the sexy time is hot they r great 2gether I wanted 2 slap Josh in some part 4 bein just stupid an horrible 2 cara but there as 2 b drama an fights 2 make a great book an this was can't wait 4 more of this series xxx
November 12, 2020
4.5 Big cowboy stars!
I love feel good romances like this. I also love when they border on being western romances just because I love that kind of setting and I LOVE cowboys. This story was so sweet, and had meat and depth to it. It had some drama, but not over done, and definitely felt pertinent to the storyline, and not just thrown in for “dramas sake.”
I love stories that revolve around families, and I can’t wait to dive into the next one.
If you like:
Small town romance
Twin brothers that are super hot
A love story that “feels” like a warm flannel blanket under a Montana sky with crisp air and fall leaves around you. This is the perfect book to add to your tbr this fall & winter.
I absolutely loved this! Sexy, steamy, hot, humorous and fun!
I love feel good romances like this. I also love when they border on being western romances just because I love that kind of setting and I LOVE cowboys. This story was so sweet, and had meat and depth to it. It had some drama, but not over done, and definitely felt pertinent to the storyline, and not just thrown in for “dramas sake.”
I love stories that revolve around families, and I can’t wait to dive into the next one.
If you like:
Small town romance
Twin brothers that are super hot
A love story that “feels” like a warm flannel blanket under a Montana sky with crisp air and fall leaves around you. This is the perfect book to add to your tbr this fall & winter.
I absolutely loved this! Sexy, steamy, hot, humorous and fun!
December 19, 2013
This was my FIRST Kristen Proby book. I was expecting something extremely sexy and steamy.I think I'd described this book as sweet and cute. I liked it. I would recommend it if you are looking for something quick, angst-less and sweet!
Damn there's that word again...LOL. Sweet...BUT really this book was very sweet. 3 stars.
FULL REVIEW TO COME!
Damn there's that word again...LOL. Sweet...BUT really this book was very sweet. 3 stars.
FULL REVIEW TO COME!
May 28, 2016
LOVING CARA was a pretty sweet & adorable & sexy & moving Cowboy Romance!
Nothing new - nothing mega-surprising or dramatic.
Just a sweet & quick Romance read.
BUT - we love those once in a while ☺
September 24, 2013
I freakin' love this book. It's sexy!
Full review to come closer to release!
Full review to come closer to release!
May 12, 2016
4 super sweet stars!
This is my first book by Proby since I finished the “With Me” series a few (couple?) years ago. While I loved the beginning of the “With Me” series, I found the last few to be repetitive which disappointed me and made me pause when she came out with this series. Now I believe she’s on her fourth (?) series and I’m just getting around to the second. Honestly, I’m still a little unsure about my compatibility of Proby as an author and me as a reader. While this is a good book, I found it too sweet and too simple. Maybe it’s my mood. Maybe I’ve become more jaded. Maybe I’ve “grown” out of this style of writing. No idea.
Yes, I still gave it 4 stars because even when it didn’t seem like the right “fit” for me, it’s still a good story, and I know there will be many people that will love this story.
Set up: Josh runs his family ranch while his twin brother, Zach, has been off in Afghanistan for the better part of a decade. Zach’s estranged wife suddenly discards their son, Seth, on Zach’s family’s doorstep. Since Zach is still overseas, Josh and his parents take responsibility (happily) for the boy. By summertime Seth has failed all his classes so Josh enlists the help of a tutor. The school hires Cara, who is teacher there, as Seth’s tutor. Cara has known the King family her entire life, and has always looked at Josh but nothing has ever happened. However, once Cara starts working with Seth at Josh’s house, Josh starts flirting. And suggesting. And finally pursuing…
Hero: 4/5 stars! Most people are going to rate this hunk of a man a 5. I understand that rating. He’s tall, broad, handsome, and well hung. Why not the 5 star rating?! Well he���s just too damn perfect. Seriously. He’s perfect. Oh, he’s also a family man cowboy who runs his many generations ranch. He’s good in bed, obviously. Does he have a flaw? No, not really. No scarred H in this story.
Heroine: 4/5 stars! She did not annoy me. That alone gives her some points. She was also perfect, albeit a little self-conscious with the addition of a self-esteem problem.
Sex scenes: 4/5 stars! The sex scenes were well written, decently hot, and were not repetitive. There were a couple “rougher” sex scenes that I didn’t feel fit the vanilla story or couple and therefore threw me off a little.
Plot: 3/5 stars! I needed something else. Not necessarily angst or drama, but something more complex? Too simple for my taste. Cara is a teacher. Josh needs a tutor for his troublesome nephew. Cara has known Josh her whole life but sparks have never flown (for Josh at least). Cara comes out to teach the nephew, Seth. Josh flirts. Josh pursues. They fall in love. The end.
What I loved: This story is not the case of the H manwhore tamed by the inexperienced h. I don’t necessarily hate that trope, but they seem to be in excess lately. I also love the small town story. We don’t get many of those anymore.
What I disliked: Too sweet. Too simple.
In short: An easy, pretty safe, and sweet read. Perfect after an intense read or book hangover.
Will I read more by this author? Possibly. I am very interested in her latest series, “Fusion”, but I may wait until I can borrow the first book in that series somehow – either on booklending.com (if possible), or request it through my library. If it goes on sale, I’m sure I will pick it up.
Spoiler shit:
OM/OW drama:
Condoms:
This is my first book by Proby since I finished the “With Me” series a few (couple?) years ago. While I loved the beginning of the “With Me” series, I found the last few to be repetitive which disappointed me and made me pause when she came out with this series. Now I believe she’s on her fourth (?) series and I’m just getting around to the second. Honestly, I’m still a little unsure about my compatibility of Proby as an author and me as a reader. While this is a good book, I found it too sweet and too simple. Maybe it’s my mood. Maybe I’ve become more jaded. Maybe I’ve “grown” out of this style of writing. No idea.
Yes, I still gave it 4 stars because even when it didn’t seem like the right “fit” for me, it’s still a good story, and I know there will be many people that will love this story.
Set up: Josh runs his family ranch while his twin brother, Zach, has been off in Afghanistan for the better part of a decade. Zach’s estranged wife suddenly discards their son, Seth, on Zach’s family’s doorstep. Since Zach is still overseas, Josh and his parents take responsibility (happily) for the boy. By summertime Seth has failed all his classes so Josh enlists the help of a tutor. The school hires Cara, who is teacher there, as Seth’s tutor. Cara has known the King family her entire life, and has always looked at Josh but nothing has ever happened. However, once Cara starts working with Seth at Josh’s house, Josh starts flirting. And suggesting. And finally pursuing…
Hero: 4/5 stars! Most people are going to rate this hunk of a man a 5. I understand that rating. He’s tall, broad, handsome, and well hung. Why not the 5 star rating?! Well he���s just too damn perfect. Seriously. He’s perfect. Oh, he’s also a family man cowboy who runs his many generations ranch. He’s good in bed, obviously. Does he have a flaw? No, not really. No scarred H in this story.
Heroine: 4/5 stars! She did not annoy me. That alone gives her some points. She was also perfect, albeit a little self-conscious with the addition of a self-esteem problem.
Sex scenes: 4/5 stars! The sex scenes were well written, decently hot, and were not repetitive. There were a couple “rougher” sex scenes that I didn’t feel fit the vanilla story or couple and therefore threw me off a little.
Plot: 3/5 stars! I needed something else. Not necessarily angst or drama, but something more complex? Too simple for my taste. Cara is a teacher. Josh needs a tutor for his troublesome nephew. Cara has known Josh her whole life but sparks have never flown (for Josh at least). Cara comes out to teach the nephew, Seth. Josh flirts. Josh pursues. They fall in love. The end.
What I loved: This story is not the case of the H manwhore tamed by the inexperienced h. I don’t necessarily hate that trope, but they seem to be in excess lately. I also love the small town story. We don’t get many of those anymore.
What I disliked: Too sweet. Too simple.
In short: An easy, pretty safe, and sweet read. Perfect after an intense read or book hangover.
Will I read more by this author? Possibly. I am very interested in her latest series, “Fusion”, but I may wait until I can borrow the first book in that series somehow – either on booklending.com (if possible), or request it through my library. If it goes on sale, I’m sure I will pick it up.
Spoiler shit:
OM/OW drama:
Condoms:
January 21, 2014
2 pages into the book, and I'm already wondering who the next couple will be. HA.
Mzz. Kristen successfully wrote another great story. I love the characters in this book. I'm glad that Kristen still stuck with her style of writing. By that I meant, her books don't have a lot of angst, not a lot of drama. and for that I am in love with her "with me in Seattle" series' and now her "Love Under the Big Sky" series'.
Cara is not as quiet as the blurb says she is. She's not extremely loud, but she's also not shy and quiet. She's just one of those people that you have to talk to and she'll be able to open up to you... you know if she were a real person. She does not break down when confronted by mean girls, she stands up for herself. I'm just super happy that she does not cower into the corner when being talked down to. She makes her opponent look bad without having to cause physical damage!
Josh was really swoon worthy. He's for once not a player. There may be rumors circulating around him that he is, but don't let that fool you. He cares for his family, and especially for Cara. I love that he won't tolerate someone else treating Cara, or his family with disrespect. He's just awesome.. 'nuff said.
Like her other series, this one is pretty laid back. Drama free, angst free. And has humor. I indeed did find myself laughing at parts in this book :) I did wish there were a tad bit more details on their lives though... for one how old they were. I don't know if I missed it, or not, but I have no clue how old they are. They might be around their late 20s or early 30s. Mostly likely early 30s.
I can't wait for Zack's book. Kinda sad that I won't be able to read about him for a while.
*not a cliffhanger, could be read as standalone.
Mzz. Kristen successfully wrote another great story. I love the characters in this book. I'm glad that Kristen still stuck with her style of writing. By that I meant, her books don't have a lot of angst, not a lot of drama. and for that I am in love with her "with me in Seattle" series' and now her "Love Under the Big Sky" series'.
Cara is not as quiet as the blurb says she is. She's not extremely loud, but she's also not shy and quiet. She's just one of those people that you have to talk to and she'll be able to open up to you... you know if she were a real person. She does not break down when confronted by mean girls, she stands up for herself. I'm just super happy that she does not cower into the corner when being talked down to. She makes her opponent look bad without having to cause physical damage!
Josh was really swoon worthy. He's for once not a player. There may be rumors circulating around him that he is, but don't let that fool you. He cares for his family, and especially for Cara. I love that he won't tolerate someone else treating Cara, or his family with disrespect. He's just awesome.. 'nuff said.
Like her other series, this one is pretty laid back. Drama free, angst free. And has humor. I indeed did find myself laughing at parts in this book :) I did wish there were a tad bit more details on their lives though... for one how old they were. I don't know if I missed it, or not, but I have no clue how old they are. They might be around their late 20s or early 30s. Mostly likely early 30s.
I can't wait for Zack's book. Kinda sad that I won't be able to read about him for a while.
*not a cliffhanger, could be read as standalone.
January 2, 2016
*3.5 Stars*
January 28, 2014
When Josh King thinks of all the duties he has running his ranch, raising his twelve year old nephew was not one of them. When he is abruptly dropped off at the ranch, Josh knew something was different about the surly young man. A couple weeks into summer, his patience to break through the attitude is running out, hiring a tutor to help him get back on track seems like the next logical step. When he realizes it is the always sweet Cara Donovan he feels a mixture of feelings. They grew up together and Josh had always kept an eye out for the girl who was slightly chubby with ringlets, but as adults they had not had much interaction.
Cara always carried a torch for Josh, he was one of few who was nice to her in school. Now she is on his ranch tutoring his nephew and he is flirting. Cara knows Josh has a reputation of being a bit of a player and she is not sure if she should take him serious or not. Josh intends to have Cara, all of her, realizing she is a bit reluctant he takes his time proving to her that he is worth the chance.
Wonderful story, very romantic. Josh is sweet and flirty but he also has an intense side to him that comes out when Cara questions his feelings. I can't wait for the next one, definitely has some interesting characters that could play out for the series. This is one that you start it and do not put down until the very end.
Cara always carried a torch for Josh, he was one of few who was nice to her in school. Now she is on his ranch tutoring his nephew and he is flirting. Cara knows Josh has a reputation of being a bit of a player and she is not sure if she should take him serious or not. Josh intends to have Cara, all of her, realizing she is a bit reluctant he takes his time proving to her that he is worth the chance.
Wonderful story, very romantic. Josh is sweet and flirty but he also has an intense side to him that comes out when Cara questions his feelings. I can't wait for the next one, definitely has some interesting characters that could play out for the series. This is one that you start it and do not put down until the very end.
October 29, 2021
I highly enjoyed this story as it not only had a swoony romance but also a serious storyline as well. The hero has to deal with having to care for a 12 year old family member and the heroine is going to tutor the boy and a romance form with these to as well as a well formed story about the young boy. A mix of both romance and family delema
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