From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes When We Breathe, a small-town, mmf Why Choose romance set in Bitterroot Valley!
Alex
I met Adam and Gabe the old-fashioned way: in a bar. That is, if old-fashioned means that I met a couple of men already in a committed, loving relationship, and they took me home for a night of debauchery and fun, then yeah. That.
It’s just supposed to be one night. I don’t want to be the third wheel or put any kind of a wrench in their love story. These two guys are perfect together. Gabe is the laid-back, easygoing auto mechanic with muscles for freaking days. Adam isn’t lacking in the muscle department either, honestly, but he’s more intense, a little more bruised from a shaky past.
Like me.
I find myself craving their attention all the time. And they don’t seem to want to let me go. What started as one night has turned into something so much … more. I’m a girl who thought she wasn’t lovable, and instead, these two men are proving to me that the three of us could have something really special.
But it’s hard for me to trust, and letting go of the last of my independence may be where I draw the line. Will these men let me walk away, or will they fight for us?
Kristen 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.
Well, this was a little detour that I feel like we all deserved. I was beyond thrilled when Kristen Proby announced that this spicy little trio she teased in previous books was going to get the spotlight for a novella.
Adam & Gabe are already a couple and they have closed their relationship at this point. They used to be more casual and have even shared women before, but now they are committed and haven't been interested in sharing anymore. However, after an encounter with Alex, where they take her to their home and rock her world... the three of them start to open to the idea of a more permanent situation.
The only struggle is... Alex has some commitment issues. She has some trauma, and she's been told she's "too much" for most men. But is she too much for TWO? That's the real question.
Overall, this was sexy, sweet, and a quick read. I wish we had more page time to unpack what's happening with Alex's past, but it was solid for the time we had.
This was narrated in the dual style by Aidan Snow, Sean Masters, and Avery Caris. Their performances were spot on and I would have listened to them all for twice as long. Just great!
4 Stars 4 on the spice scale
CW: PTSD, Traumatic Childhoods
*Thank you to Must Love Audio & the author for an ALC of this title.*
Tropes - MMF Why Choose 💋 - Found Family 🫶 - Broken but Healing 🧠 - “We want you” Energy 🔥 - Small Town, Big Feelings 🌄 - One-Night Stand That Wasn’t 👀
Alex walked into this story with trauma, therapy, and a whole lot of self-doubt and instead of being “fixed,” she was loved exactly as she was. That alone? Five stars.
Also? It started as a one-night stand, which made Alex’s hesitation feel so real. Like, relatable-level real. She didn’t trust it because who would? But Adam and Gabe didn’t just want her for a night. They wanted her in their lives, in their hearts, and in their bed. And they made space for her in every way.
The way they catered to Alex, emotionally and physically, was top-tier softness wrapped in top-tier spice. And let’s be clear: the spice was elite. Like, I need a moment and a fan elite. But it never overshadowed the emotional arc it enhanced it.
I also adored how Alex had a strong support system in her family and was actively working through her trauma with therapy. Healing isn’t linear, and this novella respected that. It gave us a heroine who’s still figuring it out, and two men who never made her feel like she had to be perfect to be loved.
If you want a short, steamy read that blends emotional depth with unapologetic desire, this one’s a must. I laughed, I cried, I blushed. And I’m still thinking about that kitchen scene. Whew.
This is my first ARC review, and I am sooooo excited about it! First of all, I would like to thank Kristen Proby and her team for sending me this book — I really appreciate it!!!
In this book, we have Alex, Adam, and Gabe. Alex is Holden and Dani’s sister — we met both of them in previous books, but it’s only in Where We Bloom (Billie and Connor’s book) that we are introduced to Adam and Gabe. So, let’s dive right into it.
Alex is a journalist who lives in Bitterroot Valley. We know her father was a terrible human being, so like her brother and sisters, she has to live with the trauma he caused her. But she’s a resilient, powerful, and independent woman.
Adam and Gabe are together as a couple. Adam is a financial analyst, and Gabe is a mechanic. They live together, and as soon as they see Alex, both of them become enchanted by her.
They are so hot together — the way Adam commands the room, how Gabe gives attention to both Adam and Alex, and how Alex is so in sync with them. I love how they treat her gently through her insecurities, how they also have their own wounds and traumas, but together, they find a way to heal and grow stronger.
Another amazing read by Kristen Proby! It made me anxious to read the next one in the Bitterroot Valley series — and also more about the Lexington sisters. This is a solid 5⭐ read for me, 100% recommend! 💰📰🛞
When We Breathe carries a beautiful statement. Love is love. The story took me through so many emotions. Many were far from beautiful. Many had me in tears that would not slow. The Love between Adam and Gabe out shone them all bringing beauty and hope to the story. I couldn't wait to see how thier love would embrace Alex as truths are revealed.
My heart was crushed. It collapsed. It bled for Alex. Alex Blackwell and her siblings had a childhood filled with horrors, pain and suffering. The author's words brought the terror to life. I wanted to hold Alex as she broke down. I wanted to sit by her side as she struggled through lifes storms. I wasn't the only one to feel that way.
Gabe, Adam and Alex just fit. One night was not enough for the guys. They did not want it to end. Aelx struggled to accept what they knew from the beginning--she was the missing piece.
All they have to do is convince Alex that she fits perfectly with them. Their declarations were very entertaining. Their determination touched my heart. The story is filled with page after page of swoony statements. The story is filled with so much love that I cried when it ended wanting more feel good moments. I cannot wait to see how deep their love grows in future stories.
Want a hot little read that packs a side of emotional damage? I got you. I’m so glad we got their story! The guys are obsessed with her. She’s obsessed with them. And I’m obsessed with all three of them. It IS a Why Choose, after all. ;)
This was a short novella that I realized after I started reading was already part of an established world and this book belonged in the middle of book 4 and book 5. Why mention this? Well, because I have a pet peeve about starting books in the middle of a series and try not to do that if possible. There was definitely information given about the existing world and even more with existing characters already settled in this world. I really don't think it made too much of a difference though and I was able to follow along fairly well with no issues.
This story has our FMC Alex meeting two men - Adam and Gabe - who are already in a loving and committed relationship. They invite her home with them one night and Alex is willing and excited to embark on what she thinks is a one night stand. The setting is in a very small town, and I got the impression that everyone knows everyone else and many are related (as cousins and such) Our characters are NOT related, but Gabe did grow up knowing Alex, even though they were not close.
While this was a very quick and easy read, I did have an issue with the level of "insta-love". I mean, these guys were supposedly VERY happy in their relationship yet when they meet and bring Alex home, it is not a couple days later when they just HAVE to have her in their life and cannot imagine their lives without her. One of the guys even says, "We NEED her" so yeah, that was a bit much. Other than that, it is a cute story with a HEA.
The narration was performed by the trio of Avery Caris, Aiden Snow and Sean Masters and they did a fine job.
For being a novella, this story packed an emotional punch, which Kristen wrote with the kind of special sauce only she can.
I’m not usually someone who gravitates to a why choose romance but this one, set in the Blackwells of Montana world, has become an instant favorite. It’s charming and sweet at times, very spicy at others. And throughout, we get to experience what it feels like to find real love after experiencing childhood trauma (in the case of FMC Alex). Gabe and Adam are EXACTLY who she needs and she’s everything to them. I loved their dynamic, their immediate attraction and that they knew — just knew — she was meant to be theirs.
Getting a glimpse into Alex’s awful upbringing gave heartbreaking insights into who she is today — most notably how loving she is despite never having it from her truly evil father.
What compelling characters these are — in what is a quick read FULL of heart. I loved it.
Not many authors can get me to read a mmf book, but Kristen has me so obsessed with this world it’s ridiculous! This was spicy, raw and endearing. It worked for this throuple. I cannot wait to read the last book Brooks book, but also nervous. I do wish we would get some more of Alex and her siblings stories. There still a couple sisters that we need to see there happy endings. Overall this was good; I Loved the relationship between Adam and Gabe.
3.75 Stars MMF • Why Choose • Small‑Town Romance All I have to say is Alex is a very lucky girl 😉. This novella blends the “Why Choose” dynamic with small‑town warmth and found‑family vibes. The audio is dual style, with Gabe voiced by Sean Masters and Adam by Aiden Snow, which added a sexy edge to the listen.
This was such a great addition to the Blackwell family stories! I would have loved a longer story about this trio but otherwise I loved seeing the inside of their relationship and their HEA.
Oh my goodness, what a great short and spicy addition to the Blackwells of Montana series! I absolutely loved Adam, Gabe, and Alex...so much chemistry but also incredible emotional depth for a novella. Like Dani's story in When We Burn, Alex's childhood was so traumatic (Alex is Dani's twin sister), so prepare to go from blushing and sweating to heartbreaking and crying in the space of a few chapters. Gabe and Adam are already in a committed relationship when they meet Alex and have an immediate connection with her. I loved Gabe & Adam's relationship, so much mutual respect, love, communication and heat. And then adding Alex into their relationship just amplified all of those qualities and emotions. I would have been happy to read 200 more pages of their love story, but this was such a great way to stay connected to the Blackwells while we wait for Brooks and Juliet's book in December.
What to expect: Small Town MMF Childhood Trauma Curvy FMC Protective MMCs Golden Retriever/Black Cat/Rottweiler Energy Millionaire/Blue Collar
*Thank you so much to Kristen Proby and her team for the opportunity to read an arc of this book.
Okay, this may have been a novella, but it was packed! The right amount of tension, emotions flying high, no unnecessary drama, and everything you’d expect from Kristen Proby. In other words: perfection!
So let’s break it down. Adam and Gabe are in a relationship, and while they occasionally liked to invite a third into the mix, it’s always been monogamous for them. Enter Alex, who meets them at a bar and isn’t exactly opposed to a little fun. What they all thought would be a one-and-done turns into something much more. And suddenly, this monogamous duo is ready to turn into a trio!
I won’t say more, because why spoil it? It’s a novella, it’s bingeable, and it’ll have you hooked from start to finish. So just read it! Or better yet, if you love the voices of Avery Caris, Aiden Snow, and Sean Masters (yes, each man gets his own narrator!), do yourself a favour and binge the audiobook like I did.
I’ll never understand why authors expect readers to leave the book to find trigger warnings. “Your mental health matters” but only if you go out of your way to see if my book is safe for you to read… that’s not very helpful. “…if you have certain trigger concerns, please take a minute to check out the content warnings on my website. Those include severe child abuse in the past, shown in flashbacks, panic attacks…” is a direct quote from the book. However her website says the same thing… you know what isn’t mentioned? The MULTIPLE GRAPHIC ANIMAL CRUELTY SCENES THAT END WITH SAID ANIMALS NOT SURVIVING. It’s really irresponsible to not even allude to animal cruelty when you have again very graphic sceneS of it. Yeah it’s a flashback but that’s not “child abuse” that alone docs the book of most stars because I felt grossly unprepared for the first scene, I only continued for the sake of my review to accurately reflect if it was only one scene or multiple. It’s multiple. I also was hoping for more substantial information about the couple. This is a novella and they spend a good portion of it not together. But beyond a physical attraction why are they together? We never see them introducing her to parents and we never formally see her bringing them to any family events. I would’ve rather read that over one of the many spicy scenes that felt repetitive or especially over the animal torture. I think overall it had potential and I understand it’s a novella so we obviously won’t see as much but I feel like it was lacking way too much. Also on a more personal note it was creepy as hell to see two cousins who seemed like they wanted to sleep together. This was not the first book I read from this author but it definitely was the last. Please actually start giving your readers the context they need to know if your book is safe for them to read.
Kristen Proby has once again delivered an incredible small-town love story involving a polyamorous relationship. I absolutely LOVED When We Breathe by Kristen Proby, it is a novella in The Blackwells of Montana series. Once again Kristen Proby shows that she is an amazing storyteller. Kristen Proby is a must-read author for me. I was hooked from the first few pages, and it was impossible to put When We Breathe down, it filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions, and I loved every moment on every page. When We Breathe is one of my favorite books that I have read recently. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? When We Breathe is a polyamorous relationship between Gabriel “Gabe” Blackwell, master mechanic, Adam Cavanaugh, financial advisor, and Alex Lexington news reporter for the Bitterroot Valley News. Gabe, Adam, and Alex meet while Harper is out for a girls night with her friends. Alex ends up going home with Gabe and Adam. They continue spending time together as a throuple things heat up between them. I love the sizzling chemistry between Alex, Adam, and Gabe. I love the conversations between them that flow so easily, with innuendos and playful banter, and Alex constantly flirting with dirty talking Gabe and Adam. I love all the little things they do for each other. An abusive father raised Alex and her siblings; it is heartbreaking when she reveals the details of his torture to Gabe and Adam. Adam was raised in the foster care system, so both Alex and Adam have trust issues regarding relationships. I love all the heart-to-heart conversations that take place in When We Breathe, especially the secrets that were revealed. I love the text stream between Alex, Adam, and Gabe; it is one of my favorite parts of the book. My favorite part of the book are the nicknames that Adam and Gabe have for Alex. I loved that When We Breathe is more than just a romance, there are dilemmas that Alex, Adam, and Gabe are facing that need to be resolved. Plot twists put their relationships in jeopardy. I love everything that Adam and Gabe do to convince Alex that they want her to move in with them. I love ending of Alex, Adam, and Gabe’s love story, and how they change because of their love for each another. I love that it was the perfect ending to their love story. My favorite part was the epilogue that is told from Gabe’s perspective and how Adam and Gabe propose to Alex on Christmas morning and the decisions that they make. I love all the surprises that are revealed in the love story. My favorite part is how Kristen Proby incorporates the picture on the cover and the title of the book into Alex and Gabe’s love story. I really enjoy how the book is written in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. Kristen Proby always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. She continues to deliver all that and so much more. I am not sure how she does it, but she has once again given her readers another remarkable book. When We Breathe is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments that I have come to love and expect in a Kristen Proby love story, and she did not disappoint, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists and surprises that filled this page turner. I love Alex’s relationship with Billie, Dani, Skyla, Charlie, and the members of the Spicy Girls Book Club. I love all the support they give Alex regarding her relationship with Adam and Gabe. I love the family dynamic in When We Breathe, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoyed all the interactions between the Blackwell and Lexington siblings. It feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I loved all the characters in When We Breathe, who does not love a small-town love story. Loved the descriptions of Bitterroot Valley, Montana, makes me want to visit. Love the Blackwells. Highly recommend this incredible love story. Received an advanced copy from the author.
When We Breathe, was a quick and steamy novella, that I honestly did not want to end. I just wanted more of this throuple.
Gabe, he is a mechanic in Bitterroot Valley, and now works for his cousin Brooks. He is in a steady relationship with Adam, and the love he has for his man is 🔥. And then he sees Alex, and the attraction and chemistry is instant.
Alex, she is a journalist in her hometown. And she did not have the easiest childhood. What her and the Lexington family went through was heartbreaking. She craves her independence and trust isn't something she gives out freely. And then she meets Adam & Gabe. Two protective and possessive men, who want 𝗵𝗲𝗿.
Adam, he moved to Bitterroot Valley with the man he loves, Gabe. The love these two have is beautiful. They are committed to each other, communicate and understand each other on a different level, which was so refreshing. They didn't need a third partner, until they met Alex. And everything changes.
Gah, I did not want this novella to end. The emotions, love and friendships were so perfectly written. And trust was the key to everything.
And the Lexington siblings. Gosh I just love them. I hope Charlie & Darby get their HEA as well. The Lexington crew deserves it!! ♥️♥️
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!! This is the perfect novella for this series. When I saw it was MMF, I knew I had to try it. I adored Alex in the appearances she made through the series. And let me tell you, Alex is the perfect addition to Gabe and Adam! I loved them together.
Gabe and Adam have been together for a while and I just loved the devotion these two had for one another. They meet Alex and that shifts to something more pretty quickly. This is a steamy spicy read that just gives you all the swoony moments from these characters.
Aiden Snow, Sean Masters, and Avery Caris absolute nail this book with their voices. Aiden has a smooth gruff voice that I just don't ever want to stop listening to. Sean's voice is deep and controlled, I absolutely love it. Avery has the voice that is soft and sensual that is perfect for Alex. All three of these narrators are great and I felt like they all fit the characters in the best way.
Adam, Gabe and Alex are the trio that I didn’t know I needed in my life!! This story is spicy and emotional and beautiful and I absolutely loved it.
Adam and Gabe have an amazing relationship and when they meet Alex they are drawn to one another and sparks fly!! They all share this connection and what they have feels like something special. But Alex has a past and she doesn’t trust easily doesn’t want to be the third wheel.
The audio for this story is FANTASTIC!! All three narrators really brought all the emotions - they had this amazing chemistry which only amplified the chemistry on the page - did I mention the chemistry???
I loved this story and I highly recommend the audio!!
✨What To Expect: 🏡Small Town ❤️🔥MMF ⚔️Swords Cross 🐈⬛Golden Retriever/Black Cat/Rottweiler Energy 💙Millionaire/Blue Collar ❤️🩹Traumatic Past - Hurt/Comfort 💋Curvy FMC 🔥Protective MMCs 🌶️Spicy Novella
I did not think Alex, Adam, and Gabe would get their own book, but I'm so glad they did.
While out with her sister and friends, Alex meets two very hot guys, Adam and Gabe. They happen to be in a relationship but would love for Alex to join them for the night.
She's all for a little fun, as long as she doesn't end up being the third wheel in their relationship.
The guys are great for each other. Gabe is a laid-back, easy-going mechanic with tons of muscles. Alex also has muscles for days, but he's more intense, a little more bruised from his shaky past.
Like Alex.
Alex finds herself craving their attention. What started as a one-night stand has turned into so much more. Proving that the three of them have something very special.
Thanks so much to the authors and Valentine PR for this Arc to review.
A SPICY novella in the Blackwells of Montana world. Adam and Gabe are already a couple, and not looking to change their relationship at this point. As they are committed, they have not invited anyone to share in some time.
Enter Alex, an exception is made, and one exceptional night is had by all. As the three think about a future, Alex’s past is holding her back.
I loved the story, plenty of emotion and even though it is a quick read, there is plenty to keep you engaged. I would love to know more about Alex, but what we do get is relevant to this story. But I also never want a Kristen Proby book to end.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
-MMF -one night stand turned more -small town - traumatic past
I love this world Kristen has created and was so happy Alex is getting her HEA in this book as I was very interested in her after the girls night
This story follows Alex, gabe and Adam and gabe and Adam are a couple and see Alex and have one night with her but it sort of goes further as they want more from Alex.
Alex has a traumatic past and doesn’t think she deserves happiness so she struggles with how to be happy with her men.
These men were HOTAF and were all for her girl and this was such a spicy time and well written spice 💕💕
Thank you to kristenproby and valentine_pr_ for an arc copy of this book 💕💕
Wowww did Kristen DELIVER with this why choose novella! Alex runs into Adam and Gabe one night out for girls’ night, expecting to spend one night together. One night that led to a weekend, which leads to so much more than she could have ever even conceived. These two men are a dream come true in her life. They are so kind and generous and beyond sweet. The filth and their mouthes? Don’t ever doubt Kristen’s ability to take ANY trope anything less than remarkable. I love love love this for Alex, and loved every second of this story and their relationship! Well done! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 Star Review When We Breathe (The Blackwells of Montana #4.5 ) by Kristin Proby
We are back in Bitterroot Valley, Montana for An MMF story featuring Adam, Gabe and Alex.
It was supposed to be one night of fun, but it quickly became more. The connection between these three was intense. This was a passionate story that got to me on numerous levels.
Both Adam and Alex have baggage whilst Gabe is more laidback. It will take a lot to get Alex to trust that they really want her.
Can these men convince her to take a leap of faith?
I have been so excited for this love story since it was previewed in Where we Bloom. Alex is a stunning character, real with baggage and fierce with independence. I love how Gabe and Adam love her, how they were open to her and went all in from the beginning. I thought the story was well done for the length and even though I wanted more, they really are my favorites of the series, it delivered on emotion and was the perfect bite!
Love how these three gravitated towards each other. Knowing they were meant to be together. Although it a little convincing for Alex to realize she was wanted and loved. Having a horrible childhood makes you second guess things. But Gabe and Adam knew what they wanted and it was Alex. So they cherished her and made her realize her worth. A great novella that also showcases all the other Blackwells.
My first Kristen Poby read, and honestly, a great impulse pick. I wanted to mix up my TBR with a little spice and something new, and this MMF novella hit the spot.
Adam and Gabe’s chemistry is electric, their history palpable, and when Alex enters the picture, the trio just clicks. It’s dreamy, emotional, and deliciously steamy.
And the audio? Sean Masters and Aiden Snow bring the perfect punch of testosterone that elevates every moment.
Fun, spicy, and surprisingly sweet, a quick read to liven up your lineup.