Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

Narration by Pippa Jayne & Dane Anderson

Lovelight, Book 2 

From the publisher:

One incredible weekend in Maine, and Beckett Porter is officially a distracted man. He’s not unfamiliar with hot and heavy flings. He knows how it goes. But Evie wove some sort of magic over him during their tumble in the sheets. He can’t stop thinking about her laugh, her hand pressed flat against his chest, her smiling mouth at his neck, her eyes, her legs.

So when she suddenly appears on his farm as part of a social media contest, he is confused. He had no idea that the sweet and sexy woman he met at a bar is actually a global phenomenon: social media influencer Evelyn St. James. When she disappears again, Beckett resolves to finally forget her and move on.

But Evelyn St. James has a problem.

Feeling disconnected from her work and increasingly unhappy, she’s trying to find her way back to something real. She returns to the last place she was happy, Lovelight Farms and the tiny town of Inglewild.

It has absolutely nothing to do with the hot farmer she spent two incredible nights with—nothing at all.

In the Weeds is a sweet and steamy second-chance romance about finding your happiness. It features a grumpy farmer, a no-nonsense social media influencer, a small town of busybodies, and four very cute kittens. This is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones following the three Lovelight owners.

Read an excerpt: https://amzn.to/4b8tWEZ

Beckett has everything he loves — his farm, his cats, his quiet life — and yet he’s lonely. A brief, exhilarating fling with Evelyn St. James in Maine was the most fun he’s had in years, but she ghosted him, and he can’t stop thinking about her.

When Evie turns up at Lovelight Farms as part of a social media contest, Beckett is understandably bewildered. Evie had just as good a time with Beckett, but didn’t think anything would ever come of it.

When the contest ends, and Evie goes back to her real life, she’s deeply unhappy — restless in a way she can’t quite figure out. What she does know is that she felt genuinely happy at Lovelight Farms, so that’s where she needs to be. She has bigger questions to sort out, too: Is she done with social media? What does she actually want from life? It’s worth noting that Evie defies the influencer stereotype entirely — she’s kind, gentle, and thoughtful, which makes her easy to root for.

When Evie comes back to the farm, to the small town of Inglewild, to the last place she remembers feeling like herself, she’s very clear that it has absolutely nothing to do with the hot farmer she spent two nights with. Nothing at all. Beckett reluctantly agrees to let her stay in the Airstream on his farm and tries hard to keep his distance. He fails miserably – his feelings for Evie are impossible to deny, as are hers for him.

Their relationship strikes a satisfying balance between tension and angst, with genuinely sweet moments and plenty of spice. Watching them find their way to each other was a pleasure and a welcome escape. Yes, there’s a third-act breakup, and yes, there’s way more miscommunication than two grown-ass adults really have any excuse for — but both are standard romance fodder, and neither derailed my enjoyment.

I enjoyed the dual narration. Both readers brought a lot to these characters and to the story. Bottom line: likable characters, a charming small town, and a fast, fun read. Working through Borison’s backlist, I can say her growth as a writer is clear in her later work. This isn’t her best, but I’d recommend it without hesitation.

3/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

IN THE WEEDS by B.K. Borison. Narrators: Pippa Jayne & Dane Anderson. Dreamscape Media (September 20, 2022). ASIN: B0B61YZCD8. Listening Length: 10 hours and 46 minutes.

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Narration by CJ Bloom & Robert Hatchet

Plain Daisy Ranch #0.5

From the author:

He’s my first love. My high school sweetheart. And he’s leaving tomorrow for a bigger and better life.

I’ve loved Ben almost my entire life, and we have one night left before he heads miles away to college on a football scholarship. I’m bound and determined to make sure this day goes perfectly so he remembers me as the girl he loves. But I can’t help worrying that I’ll end up as the girl he loved.

https://amzn.to/46cszlH

I usually hate novellas—they rarely leave enough room for real character development, and the plots often feel overly simplistic to fit the shorter format. But once again, Piper Rayne proves they can do no wrong. This novella serves as the introduction to the Plain Daisy Ranch series, and it’s a strong start. It offers just enough depth to pull you in and make you eager for the next book.

Ben and Gillian are high school sweethearts. Ben is the star quarterback with a bright future ahead, and when he’s accepted into Clemson—his dream football school—both of them know their relationship is about to change. Gillian has to stay behind to care for her siblings and plans to attend the local community college to become a court stenographer.

Can a long-distance relationship survive that kind of shift? Let’s just say the next book picks up ten years later and turns into a second-chance romance.

The narrators do an excellent job bringing these characters to life. Even though we only get a glimpse of their beginnings, it’s more than enough to get me invested in the couple and the series as a whole. Very well done.

2/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ONE LAST SUMMER by Piper Rayne. Narrators: CJ Bloom & Robert Hatchet. Piper Rayne, Inc. May 07, 2024. Listening Length: 56 minutes.

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Narration by Stella Hunter & Jason Clarke

The Blackwells of Montana, Book 4

From the publisher:

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

Blake

I don’t do relationships, but I’m excellent at casual hookups. That’s not to say I’m a jerk. Not at all. I respect women—all women—and I know the value of love. But I’m married to my job as a physician. In fact, I’m married to the hospital, having a full–time affair with the clinic, and my family is my side piece. I don’t have time for a relationship with a woman. But then the most beautiful human I’ve ever laid eyes on walks onto my plane, and my world tilts. Thanks to a Montana snowstorm, I spend one incredible night with Harper, but wake up alone. She never told me her last name. She’s just . . . gone. It would figure that the one woman I could see myself breaking my own rules for is the one I can’t have.

Harper

It’s time for me to come home to Montana to help take care of my dad and pick up the slack for my siblings. I’ve been gone for a long time, but this beautiful corner of the world is my home. I’m excited to start my job as a NICU nurse at Bitterroot Valley General and begin a new chapter in my life. A fresh start. A clean slate. Then he walks into the room, and it’s suddenly hard to breathe. Blake was the one–night stand who still haunts my dreams. The man can do things. Amazing things. But I never thought I’d see him again. Okay, that’s a lie. I knew he worked at this hospital, but he’s an ER doctor. I’m in a different department, so I planned to avoid him. Yet that didn’t last more than the first hour of my first shift. Now, he’s pursuing me and saying things like forever. But with a past like mine, can I trust that he won’t tire of me and leave? Or is this finally my happily ever after?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?

https://amzn.to/49HXM2m

This is the fourth book in the series, but each installment works perfectly as a standalone. If you haven’t started the series yet, this is a great place to jump in—it may even be my favorite so far.

Blake and Harper meet on a flight and share one unforgettable night together, only for Harper to ghost him the next morning. When Harper later moves to Bitterroot Valley to help her adoptive father and family, she ends up working as a NICU nurse in the same hospital where Blake is an ER doctor. Blake is stunned to see the woman he’s never been able to forget. Despite his long-standing habit of avoiding relationships, Blake falls fast and hard—and with Harper, he’s all in, determined to win her heart.

Their chemistry is undeniable, and their connection is genuinely beautiful, even as their demanding careers keep them busy. Harper is still carrying emotional baggage from a past relationship, but Blake meets her with patience, steadiness, and unwavering support. She tries to push him away, yet he remains grounded and present for her every step of the way.

I also found it utterly believable that Blake’s family embraces Harper so quickly. If Blake loves her, they love her too—It really can be that simple, and that complicated. Families can be like that; I’ve seen it myself.

The heat between Blake and Harper definitely sizzles, so if you prefer low‑spice romances, you may want to skim those scenes—or skip ahead in the audio. But the story is absolutely worth it. The narrators are fantastic, bringing these characters to life in such a vivid way, and I loved watching their relationship unfold. Another wonderful read from one of my favorite authors.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WHEN YOU BLUSH by Kristen Proby. Narrators: Stella Hunter & Jason Clarke. Dreamscape Media. October 02, 2025. Listening Length: 8 hours and 50 minutes.

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Narration by Emma Wilder & Connor Crais

The Blackwells of Montana, Book 3

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?

https://amzn.to/49HXM2m

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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Narration by Stephanie Németh-Parker & Connor Crais

The Blackwells of Montana, Book 2

From the publisher:

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes When We Break, a small-town, cowboy, heroine-in-danger romance, set in Bitterroot Valley!

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?

https://amzn.to/3N0D6df

Skyla was once a prima ballerina in New York, until crossing paths with the wrong man changed everything. His obsession with her escalated into violence, leaving Skyla with a career-ending injury and forcing her to flee the city she loved. She finds refuge in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, where she opens her own dance studio and slowly builds a new life. In this small town, she makes genuine friends and finally begins to feel safe again—especially with her loyal guard dog, Riley, by her side.

Originally from Ireland, Skyla and her protective brother, Connor, come from a family of billionaires, but Skyla has always been fiercely independent and determined to earn her own success. Connor shares that strong work ethic and makes it a priority to check in on his sister often, quietly watching over her.

One night at a local bar, Skyla meets the Blackwell brothers, and Beckett immediately catches her attention. He asks her out, but Skyla—haunted by her past—hesitates and turns him down. Beckett is instantly taken with her, yet he recognizes her emotional scars and approaches her with patience and care.

Despite her fears, Skyla can’t help but fall for a man who so clearly cherishes her. Beck is a natural caretaker, and his love language is unmistakably acts of service. He shows up for Skyla in countless thoughtful ways—from reading to her to making sure Riley feels completely at home. The man even buys five dog beds, so her dog will always have a place to sleep—thoughtful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Beckett is the ultimate caretaker.

Proby delivers a perfect blend of small-town heat and gripping suspense, even giving us chilling glimpses into the stalker’s mind. The audiobook experience is elevated by fantastic narration; Stephanie Németh-Parker delivers an Irish lilt for Skyla that is both authentic and perfectly clear. This is a standout in the series, and I’m already eager for the next installment.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WHEN WE BREAK by Kristen Proby. Narrators: Stephanie Németh-Parker & Connor Crais. Dreamscape Media. May 08, 2025. Listening Length: 8 hours and 45 minutes.

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