Pretty Little Scars: A Forbidden, Forced Proximity Romance

by Kristen Proby

424 pages, Paperback

Published June 14, 2026

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Michelle Pierce]

I’ve liked Darby Lexington since we met her but knowing what she and her siblings have been through, it is going to take a special hero to be her knight in shining armor (so to speak) and I think Tucker Hendrix might be the man for the job. Even knowing what we have glimpsed of the Lexington siblings past and even though trigger warnings were mentioned, this story was a hard one for me to read. As we learn more about what happened to Darby growing up, it makes me sick of how horribly deranged their father was and the fact that they are all amazing people is a testament to Holden being there for them and keeping them together. I loved how the story started with Tucker showing up at the diner to get his “Darby fix’ then one day he shows up, she’s gone, and he’s lost his chance to ask her out. Fast forward a few years and his vet intern shows up and it’s Darby. Loved their connection and how Tucker noticed her flinching and other ‘triggers’ and it took a lot for her to trust him and share her past with him. One of the parts that screamed hero energy for me was when she was coming back to the ranch after working for two days and a storm was brewing and she called Tucker and him knowing her history with storms, drove to meet her and helped her through it. These two are just #couplegoals. Of course, it can’t be that easy, we unfortunately have Peter who is a farrier and has a connection to one of the ranches that she has to visit and he is just as horrible as her deceased father but I have to give her credit, she is a feisty one and stands up for herself. I also love how her family is always getting together and I love her connections with her girlfriends and how they’re all there for each other. I so loved how this book ended, I could have passed on her final encounter with Peter but with the cameras, he was getting caught this time. Tucker had the perfect ending for this great story and what a perfect cherry on top. A P.S. as well, that we had awesome news from Millie and Holden, a possible romance for Charlie, Ava’s news isn’t what I was expecting and we definitely need to do a deep dive on that one, not sure that should proceed and Xander’s book is next, can’ wait to read it.

[Laurie]

Kristen Proby's Pretty Little Scars is sooo good, I loved it!! Tucker and Darby are fun with s*xy and steamy banter. Tucker is such a dirty talker but when he learns the extent of Darby’s traumatic childhood he becomes so protective of her. It’s beautiful how their relationship grows. Darby Lexington along with her siblings endured and survived a truly horrible man known as their father. She is in her final year of training to become a Veterinarian. The chemistry is instant when she moves onto Tucker’s ranch for her externship/4th year practicum. She is so dedicated and is thriving until something triggers a dark memory. My heart hurt so much for Darby and her siblings. She has worked so hard to overcome her past. Tucker is so good to Darby and falls fast and hard for this amazing woman. Read and/or listen to find out! Tucker Here is where the good stuff begins between Tucker and Darby. when these two see each other again the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife! Pretty Little Scars has ALL the feels. Will Tucker and Darby find the balance they both want and/or need between both of their work and personal lives? I love Kristen's writing style, always have, because her characters are so real, lovable, a bit stubborn at times, and just downright amazing! Kristen is so very talented when it comes to writing steamy between-the-sheets scenes and wow does she bring the steam in Pretty Little Scars! Samantha Brentmoor and Sebastian York bring Darby and Tucker to life in your ears in duet narration. Both narrators are so talented. They bring all the feels, especially those between-the-sheets scenes. As this new series moves forward we will continue to meet new narrators because this series will be full-cast. You will hear Savannah Thomas, Christian Fox, Stella Hunter, Jason Clarke, Avery Caris, and Connor Crais in Pretty Little Scars. 5 jalapenos steamy.

[Jackie Wright]

Pretty Little Scars is Darby and Tucker’s heartwarming and at times heartbreaking journey. It’s book one in the new Sliver Springs Series and from the moment I picked this book up I was captivated and it wasn’t long before I was invested in the characters and their story.
Darby is on a veterinarian internship at Tucker’s ranch and he knows this is his second chance at showing her how he feels problem is Darby has a terrible childhood and she is not open to relationships. It’s going to take a lot of patience, understanding and support from Tucker if he has any hope of breaking down the walls Darby has built around herself.
I fell hard and fast for Tucker and I adored the strong and independent Darby, I swooned, I sighed and I smiled as I became invested in this beautifully written love story.

[Han]

I cried, I laughed, and I swooned so hard that I fell in love with this entire book. I’ve never been more obsessed with a man than Tucker Hendrix! Kristen has a way of writing characters that are full of emotion that break down your heart in the best way possible.

Tucker and Darby are the most perfect couple. Their whole entire relationship felt carefree, down to earth, and meant to be. Tucker’s patient and loving side had such a pull on my heart strings. Darby’s backstory was gut wrenching but the healing was unmatched and beautiful.