Narration by Emma Wilder & Connor Crais
The Blackwells of Montana, Book 2
From the publisher:
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes Where We Bloom, an Age Gap, Billionaire, Best Friend’s Brother romance set in Bitterroot Valley!
Connor
After an explosive night together, I thought I’d never see the gorgeous bookstore owner again. We didn’t exchange names and numbers, and when I left her asleep the following morning, I didn’t intend to pursue her. I don’t have time for relationships or entanglements.
I’m the CEO of Gallagher Hotels, and my life is spent traveling around the world, focusing on my business, not a small town in Montana. Even if my thoughts keep returning to the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.
It turns out, my mystery woman, Billie, is my sister’s best friend, and she’s suddenly everywhere I turn. She’s become my obsession and all I think about. She’s become the only thing that means more to me than running my empire. And I’m determined to have her.
Billie
Owning a bookstore in my hometown of Bitterroot Valley has been my lifelong dream since I was a little girl. The only thing that brings me more joy is my love of thrift stores and coffee.
And, maybe, the sexy Irishman with intense emerald-colored eyes that take my breath away. His charming accent, how he looks at me, and the way he spoils me with lavish gifts are just the icing on the cake. I’ve tried to stay away from him, but my resolve is slipping. Nothing is better than being in Connor’s arms and feeling like I’m the most important woman in his world. But being with a high-profile billionaire comes with a price. Can we withstand the storm headed our way, or are we destined to fall apart like delicate blooms in the wind?
Where We Bloom is Book 3 in The Blackwells of Montana series and tells Connor and Billie’s long-anticipated story. One explosive night between them is meant to be a no-strings encounter—until Connor realizes Billie is his sister’s best friend. Suddenly, avoidance becomes impossible, and their undeniable chemistry refuses to stay buried. With Connor’s high-profile billionaire life adding pressure, staying away proves harder than either expected.
Connor, the CEO of a global hotel chain, insists relationships don’t fit into his life. Billie tries to enforce boundaries once the truth comes out, but stolen moments and unresolved feelings keep pulling them back together. The push-and-pull tension is delicious, and watching Connor slowly abandon his “no attachments” rule is incredibly satisfying.
I’ve been waiting for Billie’s book since her story was first teased, and it did not disappoint. Their romance is sweet, sexy, and swoony, filled with sneaky kisses, mounting tension, and genuine emotional growth. Billie stands out as a confident, strong woman who handles drama from Connor’s ex and flirty admirers with impressive grace. As a plus-sized heroine, her self-assuredness feels particularly relatable and inspiring. She’s a thrift-shopping, designer-loving bookworm with sass and honesty that make her irresistible. Connor is completely smitten—protective, generous, and devoted, spoiling her endlessly with eyes only for her.
The audiobook elevates the story even further. Dual narration by Connor Crais and Emma Wilder is excellent. Connor’s Irish accent is spot-on, bringing depth and longing to his performance, while Emma perfectly captures Billie’s sass, confidence, and vulnerability. Their character transitions are seamless and engaging throughout.
As always, the author delivers a well-balanced mix of plot, spice, and character development. The chemistry between Connor and Billie is electric, the family dynamics are strong, and the return to Bitterroot Valley feels like coming home. While each book stands alone, longtime readers will appreciate the payoff after seeing their connection build across the earlier installments.
Where We Bloom is a sexy, age-gap, best friend’s brother romance with just the right amount of tension, heart, and heat—made even better by an irresistible Irish hero. I loved it!
1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
WHERE WE BLOOM by Kristen Proby. Narrators: Emma Wilder & Connor Crais. Dreamscape Media. July 17, 2025. Listening Length: 10 hours and 17 minutes.
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