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Heroes of Big Sky #1
Courage
Listening Length 6 hours and 3 minutes
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all new novel in her Big Sky series, Courage. This is the first story in the Heroes of Big Sky, all about men in uniform in Cunningham Falls!
Natasha Mills feels like she’s loved firefighter Sam Waters her entire life. Since she first met him during middle school, she’s harbored a secret crush on her best friend’s big brother. It’s just something she lives with every day—too bad he doesn’t notice her. To Sam, Tash is his little sister’s best friend and that’s it.
Disaster strikes the Waters family, leaving Sam’s sister and her husband dead, and their young children in the hands of Sam and Natasha. Suddenly, these two are navigating the loss of people they loved, while trying to figure out parenthood together. The grief is devastating, and raising twins is harder than either of them bargained for. But in working together, and leaning on each other, Sam and Tash learn that family comes in all different shapes and sizes.
The more time he spends with Natasha though, the more Sam realizes just how sweet and sexy she really is. He finds himself slowly but surely falling for her. But when the time comes for him to let her go—will he be able to walk away from the family he’s helped build?
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all new novel in her Big Sky series, Courage. This is the first story in the Heroes of Big Sky, all about men in uniform in Cunningham Falls!
Natasha Mills feels like she’s loved firefighter Sam Waters her entire life. Since she first met him during middle school, she’s harbored a secret crush on her best friend’s big brother. It’s just something she lives with every day—too bad he doesn’t notice her. To Sam, Tash is his little sister’s best friend and that’s it.
Disaster strikes the Waters family, leaving Sam’s sister and her husband dead, and their young children in the hands of Sam and Natasha. Suddenly, these two are navigating the loss of people they loved, while trying to figure out parenthood together. The grief is devastating, and raising twins is harder than either of them bargained for. But in working together, and leaning on each other, Sam and Tash learn that family comes in all different shapes and sizes.
The more time he spends with Natasha though, the more Sam realizes just how sweet and sexy she really is. He finds himself slowly but surely falling for her. But when the time comes for him to let her go—will he be able to walk away from the family he’s helped build?
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 20, 2021
435 people are currently reading
3122 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Proby
140 books16.3k 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
June 23, 2021
3.5 stars
June 23, 2021
4 'You And Me' Stars
My oh my... Talk about catnip to this romance lover's heart! Yep, this 'insta family' trope never gets old, and enchants me like none other! Courage had all my close-to-home feels in the sweetest of small town romances, 'pushed into parenthood' themed, Tasha and Sam's incredibly sexy and captivating love story is brought home and close to my heart in Ms. Proby's masterful stamp of contemporary and relatable world building! I'll never, ever will get tired of this Cunningham Falls! <3 <3 <3 <3
My oh my... Talk about catnip to this romance lover's heart! Yep, this 'insta family' trope never gets old, and enchants me like none other! Courage had all my close-to-home feels in the sweetest of small town romances, 'pushed into parenthood' themed, Tasha and Sam's incredibly sexy and captivating love story is brought home and close to my heart in Ms. Proby's masterful stamp of contemporary and relatable world building! I'll never, ever will get tired of this Cunningham Falls! <3 <3 <3 <3
June 13, 2021
Sexy and sweet.
3,5 stars
As you can always expect from this author, this book was easy to read, sexy and a good way to just let got and relax.
After Sam and Natasha faces a huge tragedy, they are forced together to take care of his niece and nephew.
Even though the book shows some struggle about dealing with the kids, there wasn't a crescendo about their relationship and how they went from co-parenting to couple. It happened just like that *snap finger*.
Despite the grief, it was a light book, but I had some issues with the main characters.
Natasha endured most of the changes and responsabilities, even thought Sam was the really flesh and blood to the kids. But even being on the receiving end of a huge responsability almost all on her own, she whined about the wrong things, things that weren't whinable.
I mean, instead of calling Sam on his absense, she was all touchy and hurt because, when she put herself in danger and got in the way of his dangerous job, he told her to step back so she could be safe.
Seriously, lady?
Sam, on the other hand, was all too happy in letting her take on the kids. He'd praise her in being so strong, because she basically did everything for his niece and nephew without complaining a bit, while he was out with his friends.
Come on, you're almost 40 and their true uncle, step up and do what you must for them. Yes, you wanted that job, but you are not single and childless anymore. Things changed and it's not up to only Natasha to readjust her whole life.
You don't get to help her, because it's your responsability as well.
Honestly, I needed way more groveling from him.
Despite all that, I enjoyed the book.
3,5 stars
As you can always expect from this author, this book was easy to read, sexy and a good way to just let got and relax.
After Sam and Natasha faces a huge tragedy, they are forced together to take care of his niece and nephew.
Even though the book shows some struggle about dealing with the kids, there wasn't a crescendo about their relationship and how they went from co-parenting to couple. It happened just like that *snap finger*.
Despite the grief, it was a light book, but I had some issues with the main characters.
Natasha endured most of the changes and responsabilities, even thought Sam was the really flesh and blood to the kids. But even being on the receiving end of a huge responsability almost all on her own, she whined about the wrong things, things that weren't whinable.
I mean, instead of calling Sam on his absense, she was all touchy and hurt because, when she put herself in danger and got in the way of his dangerous job, he told her to step back so she could be safe.
Seriously, lady?
Sam, on the other hand, was all too happy in letting her take on the kids. He'd praise her in being so strong, because she basically did everything for his niece and nephew without complaining a bit, while he was out with his friends.
Come on, you're almost 40 and their true uncle, step up and do what you must for them. Yes, you wanted that job, but you are not single and childless anymore. Things changed and it's not up to only Natasha to readjust her whole life.
You don't get to help her, because it's your responsability as well.
Honestly, I needed way more groveling from him.
Despite all that, I enjoyed the book.
June 9, 2021
Sam!!! We finally get to read Sam’s story and I will say I am obsessed!
I will say I went into Courage completely blind. I didn’t read the blurb or any teasers. All I knew was it was Sam’s book, so I one clicked 😂 I wasn’t disappointed at all!
All the feels from the prologue on! In Courage you have an age gap and forced proximity with seriously all the feels. You will fall in love Sam Waters!
I loved being back in Cunningham falls. It was so fun to see the difference from when we last read about everyone. Royals having babies, Seth King grown up 😳, all the original babies now older.... I am here for this!!
This world that Kristen Proby has created is phenomenal!! I feel like I have watched these characters grow up! From Josh and Cara to the royals and now to Sam, the mysterious EMT/Firefighter we have seen all throughout the Big Sky Series. You are truly emerged in a world from the beginning. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will say I went into Courage completely blind. I didn’t read the blurb or any teasers. All I knew was it was Sam’s book, so I one clicked 😂 I wasn’t disappointed at all!
All the feels from the prologue on! In Courage you have an age gap and forced proximity with seriously all the feels. You will fall in love Sam Waters!
I loved being back in Cunningham falls. It was so fun to see the difference from when we last read about everyone. Royals having babies, Seth King grown up 😳, all the original babies now older.... I am here for this!!
This world that Kristen Proby has created is phenomenal!! I feel like I have watched these characters grow up! From Josh and Cara to the royals and now to Sam, the mysterious EMT/Firefighter we have seen all throughout the Big Sky Series. You are truly emerged in a world from the beginning. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 20, 2021
Kristen Proby can always be counted on to deliver an effortlessly sweet and sexy romance- one that is both comforting and sincere. And this new series is just that- a charming story about an unexpected family figuring out how to find a way to move forward together amid the unexpectedness of life.
Our story begins with a heartbreaking tragedy, when our heroine Tasha finds herself the unexpected guardian of the two four-year old twins of her best friend- a role that also has her pseudo co-parenting with her best friend’s grieving much older brother, the sexy firefighter Sam. Both sad and overwhelmed with both their lost family and the tremendous changes this causes in their lives, they band together to be there for the kiddos and for each other. An arrangement that soon causes their friendship to blossom into a comfortable romance, two friends finding themselves partners in more than just co-parenting. But is their romance more than its convenience, especially when Sam’s professional aspirations might lead him elsewhere?
This is a pretty sweet and swoony story, despite the heavy beginnings and the heartbreaking ways we see it break this unexpected family. Tasha struggles to figure out being a mother for the first time to two grieving children while also losing her best friend and career, and Sam shows up in really sweet and tender ways to ease her burden and care for them all. What feels like a very delicate balance between them all suddenly feels complete and stable with his presence- the missing link to their newfound reality and the glue to helping them find happiness again. These two fall together easily- so easily that I wished we gotten to see them before the devastating opening just to compare- but they have a low-key and natural chemistry that kept me turning the pages, and I loved how neither of them really fought it- they leaned into the ways they needed each other, and we got lots of sexy and swoony moments because of it. I really loved Tasha- and sympathized with her struggles to figure out her new reality. I think we’ve all felt overwhelmed and lost like she feels. And Sam, despite being a bonehead towards the end, is pretty dreamy- charming, kind, supportive and generous.
This is a quick, sweet, and sexy read- the plot moves quickly and we have a good balance of swoony feels and sexy heat. The angst isn’t super high-Proby doesn’t spend too much time dwelling in the tattered grieving moments that you’d anticipate from a story that starts with such a devastating loss. Instead, she shifts the story forward to healing- and their romance. And, we do have the foreshadowed and predicted conflict of how Sam’s career path might fragment their newly found stability. I was definitely a bit frustrated by how easily their communication and solidness in each other is shattered, and I did want a bit more groveling from Sam for being so short sighted, but the ending is satisfying and super sweet, and I appreciated the drama not dragging out long. All in all, a sweet story about loss and hope, and finding a path to love and family.
I’ve not read the Big Sky series, but I know that many of the characters that make appearances will be familiar to Proby fans, and it seems like we have a rich cast of secondary characters from which to build out future stories. As a newcomer to this series, I had no problem enjoying this as a standalone, and I find it such a sweet and light diversion from the grime of daily life-just what you want a romance novel to be. I’ll be coming back to Cunningham Falls to read more of this world that left me smiling and with a full heart.
Our story begins with a heartbreaking tragedy, when our heroine Tasha finds herself the unexpected guardian of the two four-year old twins of her best friend- a role that also has her pseudo co-parenting with her best friend’s grieving much older brother, the sexy firefighter Sam. Both sad and overwhelmed with both their lost family and the tremendous changes this causes in their lives, they band together to be there for the kiddos and for each other. An arrangement that soon causes their friendship to blossom into a comfortable romance, two friends finding themselves partners in more than just co-parenting. But is their romance more than its convenience, especially when Sam’s professional aspirations might lead him elsewhere?
This is a pretty sweet and swoony story, despite the heavy beginnings and the heartbreaking ways we see it break this unexpected family. Tasha struggles to figure out being a mother for the first time to two grieving children while also losing her best friend and career, and Sam shows up in really sweet and tender ways to ease her burden and care for them all. What feels like a very delicate balance between them all suddenly feels complete and stable with his presence- the missing link to their newfound reality and the glue to helping them find happiness again. These two fall together easily- so easily that I wished we gotten to see them before the devastating opening just to compare- but they have a low-key and natural chemistry that kept me turning the pages, and I loved how neither of them really fought it- they leaned into the ways they needed each other, and we got lots of sexy and swoony moments because of it. I really loved Tasha- and sympathized with her struggles to figure out her new reality. I think we’ve all felt overwhelmed and lost like she feels. And Sam, despite being a bonehead towards the end, is pretty dreamy- charming, kind, supportive and generous.
This is a quick, sweet, and sexy read- the plot moves quickly and we have a good balance of swoony feels and sexy heat. The angst isn’t super high-Proby doesn’t spend too much time dwelling in the tattered grieving moments that you’d anticipate from a story that starts with such a devastating loss. Instead, she shifts the story forward to healing- and their romance. And, we do have the foreshadowed and predicted conflict of how Sam’s career path might fragment their newly found stability. I was definitely a bit frustrated by how easily their communication and solidness in each other is shattered, and I did want a bit more groveling from Sam for being so short sighted, but the ending is satisfying and super sweet, and I appreciated the drama not dragging out long. All in all, a sweet story about loss and hope, and finding a path to love and family.
I’ve not read the Big Sky series, but I know that many of the characters that make appearances will be familiar to Proby fans, and it seems like we have a rich cast of secondary characters from which to build out future stories. As a newcomer to this series, I had no problem enjoying this as a standalone, and I find it such a sweet and light diversion from the grime of daily life-just what you want a romance novel to be. I’ll be coming back to Cunningham Falls to read more of this world that left me smiling and with a full heart.
June 15, 2021
3.5 stars
This is a sweet, sexy and functional romance from the Queen of easy comfort reads. A friends-to-lovers romance with a single-parent twist, and a gorgeous story of family and friendship.
Natasha has loved Sam her whole life. He is the older brother of her best friend, and she’s crushed on him afar since she was a teenager. Sam is a firefighter who never really looked at his sister’s friend like that, but the two are good friends.
Their worlds crumble and collide when Sam’s sister and her husband are killed in a tragic accident, and Natasha and Sam are left to raise their four-year-old twins. It’s the most devastating of circumstances, but they have each other to lean on, and as they rearrange their lives to cope with their sudden parenthood, they pull together to do the best they can for the kids, and soon find their friendship changing.
It’s a natural and effortless shift. Suddenly there’s just more there, and neither of them hide from it. They follow their hearts and embrace the chemistry that is blossoming between them, and they find themselves in a gorgeous relationship, and a family that becomes the whole world to them.
But Sam’s future has always been elsewhere, and when the initial ‘settling’ time comes to an end and they need to get back to real life, their new family will be tested. This is where the drama comes in, and I could feel it along with them as they deal with their situation and figure out what they truly want, and how they can have it all.
This is such a sweet read. The characters are likable, their story is gorgeous, and the romance is easy, sexy, sweet and satisfying. The premise of the story is pretty heavy, but a lot of that drama is glossed over - the characters are grieving, but the story focuses more on them moving on after the deaths of their loved ones, so it’s not too heavy.
As an extended part of the Big Sky series, there is a big cast of side characters, and quite a lot of crossover from previous books. If you’ve read the Big Sky books, you’ll love the cameos, and seeing where the characters are now (and kids! So many kids!). But if you’re new to the series – like me – this one reads fine as a standalone, and will have you keen to go back and explore more of the stories from Cunningham Falls.
I really enjoyed this book. A sweet and easy read that left me smiling.
3.5 stars
An Advanced Reader Copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sweet, sexy and functional romance from the Queen of easy comfort reads. A friends-to-lovers romance with a single-parent twist, and a gorgeous story of family and friendship.
Natasha has loved Sam her whole life. He is the older brother of her best friend, and she’s crushed on him afar since she was a teenager. Sam is a firefighter who never really looked at his sister’s friend like that, but the two are good friends.
Their worlds crumble and collide when Sam’s sister and her husband are killed in a tragic accident, and Natasha and Sam are left to raise their four-year-old twins. It’s the most devastating of circumstances, but they have each other to lean on, and as they rearrange their lives to cope with their sudden parenthood, they pull together to do the best they can for the kids, and soon find their friendship changing.
His face is mere inches from mine as we both share my pillow. “Does this change everything?”
“No overthinking,” he says gently. “But, yes. It changes everything.”
It’s a natural and effortless shift. Suddenly there’s just more there, and neither of them hide from it. They follow their hearts and embrace the chemistry that is blossoming between them, and they find themselves in a gorgeous relationship, and a family that becomes the whole world to them.
But Sam’s future has always been elsewhere, and when the initial ‘settling’ time comes to an end and they need to get back to real life, their new family will be tested. This is where the drama comes in, and I could feel it along with them as they deal with their situation and figure out what they truly want, and how they can have it all.
This is such a sweet read. The characters are likable, their story is gorgeous, and the romance is easy, sexy, sweet and satisfying. The premise of the story is pretty heavy, but a lot of that drama is glossed over - the characters are grieving, but the story focuses more on them moving on after the deaths of their loved ones, so it’s not too heavy.
As an extended part of the Big Sky series, there is a big cast of side characters, and quite a lot of crossover from previous books. If you’ve read the Big Sky books, you’ll love the cameos, and seeing where the characters are now (and kids! So many kids!). But if you’re new to the series – like me – this one reads fine as a standalone, and will have you keen to go back and explore more of the stories from Cunningham Falls.
I really enjoyed this book. A sweet and easy read that left me smiling.
3.5 stars
An Advanced Reader Copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2021
This book tore me to pieces. Definitely were some times I had to reach for the tissues.
Natasha and Sam find themselves insta-parents to Kelsey and Kevin after Sam's sister and Natasha's best friend, tragically dies along with her husband while on a weekend getaway. Natasha has the kids full time with Sam filling in when possible. But as the two take on the task of new parents, they find that the spark that has always been between the two of them has all of a sudden turned into a bonfire. Sam is torn between following his dream of being a firefighter in a bigger city with room to grow or staying in Cummingham Falls where his heart has grown to include his niece and nephew plus Natasha.
Kelsey and Kevin stole the show in this book. Such cuties. I always love going back to Cummingham Falls and I can't wait for more in this series.
Natasha and Sam find themselves insta-parents to Kelsey and Kevin after Sam's sister and Natasha's best friend, tragically dies along with her husband while on a weekend getaway. Natasha has the kids full time with Sam filling in when possible. But as the two take on the task of new parents, they find that the spark that has always been between the two of them has all of a sudden turned into a bonfire. Sam is torn between following his dream of being a firefighter in a bigger city with room to grow or staying in Cummingham Falls where his heart has grown to include his niece and nephew plus Natasha.
Kelsey and Kevin stole the show in this book. Such cuties. I always love going back to Cummingham Falls and I can't wait for more in this series.
June 12, 2021
Another amazing start to a NEW series, as always my REVIEW on my BLOG -> CLICK HERE
June 26, 2021
that’s easy to give up everything? whatever she did, i m not sure i love her, jealous type, how she deal with the bakery lady, insecure type when they are in long distance. they maybe friends for year as a lover? not that long, they should accept each handicapped, they need to communicate, they need to sacrifice something to earn other.
this book is successful one because it makes me don’t like T.
this book is successful one because it makes me don’t like T.
June 24, 2021
I haven’t read many of the Big Sky series, so I wasn’t sure if I needed to read those first even though this is a new series or what. But I can safely say you do not need to read any other series to follow along with this book.
Actually if you’re like me you fell love the characters so much that if you’re lucky because now you have even more wonderful series to catch up and find how they all fell in love.
Natasha and Sam are hit with the unimaginable; they are making the best out of the circumstance. What I loved was that they leaned on each other and others around them. It isn’t always easy to ask you need help.
The sparks are not their right away is more of a burning low to the ground then it ignites into inferno.
The children in the book I thought were exactly how five year old's act, sometimes authors get that all wrong and when they are such a big part of the book it can through the story off but that so didn't happen with this book I really enjoyed all the scenes they were in. I loved that Natasha and Sam were there for them but also I loved that Sam and Natasha were there for each other they really needed each other’s strength.
This is an incredible story of love and loss and how to live after the hard times.
OH my word did I love the narration, Erin is a favorite of mine but even so she was outstanding and Stephen was totally Sam.
Actually if you’re like me you fell love the characters so much that if you’re lucky because now you have even more wonderful series to catch up and find how they all fell in love.
Natasha and Sam are hit with the unimaginable; they are making the best out of the circumstance. What I loved was that they leaned on each other and others around them. It isn’t always easy to ask you need help.
The sparks are not their right away is more of a burning low to the ground then it ignites into inferno.
The children in the book I thought were exactly how five year old's act, sometimes authors get that all wrong and when they are such a big part of the book it can through the story off but that so didn't happen with this book I really enjoyed all the scenes they were in. I loved that Natasha and Sam were there for them but also I loved that Sam and Natasha were there for each other they really needed each other’s strength.
This is an incredible story of love and loss and how to live after the hard times.
OH my word did I love the narration, Erin is a favorite of mine but even so she was outstanding and Stephen was totally Sam.
June 14, 2021
Courage by Kristen Proby is book 1 in the Heroes of Big Sky Series, however there is also a .5 novella prior to this one titled Honor. The novella features characters that will make an appearance in this book as is the case with most Kristen Proby novels. Kristen Proby is the queen of creating an interconnected world in which family and friends make consistent appearances in other novels. I love this aspect of her books and it keeps me reading.
Courage is no different, as the female MC Natasha Mills is friends with Nina from Honor (book .5).
The entire series order of the Montana “Big Sky Series” in which it was written is as follows:
The Big Sky Series:
Love Under the Big Sky, Big Sky, Big Sky Royal & Heroes of Big Sky
Crossovers in the series are:
Wicked Force
Crazy Imperfect Love
Worth Fighting For
Nothing Without You
All Stars Fall
Hold On
In Courage, Natasha Mills suddenly gets hit with a huge tragedy. Not only does Natasha have to deal with her grief, she’s also now responsible for two young children, Kevin and Kelsey who are very young and impressionable. Natasha’s once carefree, happy life has changed in an instant also tying her to her best friend’s brother Sam Waters who she’s crushed on since middle school.
Sam Waters, also living a somewhat carefree life of being young and single now has to take care of his family during a hard time. Sam knows he has to help Tash, who is stressed and overwhelmed so he steps up.
Sam starts to help Tash with the burden that he honestly should have been sharing the responsibility of from the start. I have to hold Sam accountable; he wasn’t there in the beginning. Sam isn’t the perfect hero and does realize his faults. Sam was responsible for the children just as much as Tash; however, it didn’t seem that he saw it that way.
Natasha was mainly left to handle an extreme amount of responsibility placed upon her. I can’t even imagine something like this ever happening to me. I read this thinking about my own life and knew that if this happened to me, I would have been chasing Sam down and forcing him to help. We all handle things differently. Natasha was understanding of the circumstances and took it all in stride.
We learn how Natasha and Sam handle all of life’s new responsibilities while having a steamy relationship at the same time.
I honestly found Courage to be too non climactic for my taste. It didn’t feel like an easy read to me, and I kept putting it down. Perhaps I needed more of a romantic connection between Sam and Tash to capture my attention. Their relationship was a tad monotone to me.
I did enjoy seeing the other characters that I know from other novels. The thing is, with a Kristen Proby interconnected world like Cunningham Falls, everyone knows everyone. That means, Sam and Natasha will most likely continue to make appearances in the other Heroes of Big Sky books.
What I LOVED was seeing how my old favorites from the Love Under the Big Sky series Jillian, Ty, Cara, Nina and others. The friendship and bond between everyone continued to show. I love how everyone stepped in to help Sam and Tash with their new children.
I’d overall rate this a 3.5 as there with aspects I both liked and disliked. I would go on to read the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Courage is no different, as the female MC Natasha Mills is friends with Nina from Honor (book .5).
The entire series order of the Montana “Big Sky Series” in which it was written is as follows:
The Big Sky Series:
Love Under the Big Sky, Big Sky, Big Sky Royal & Heroes of Big Sky
Crossovers in the series are:
Wicked Force
Crazy Imperfect Love
Worth Fighting For
Nothing Without You
All Stars Fall
Hold On
In Courage, Natasha Mills suddenly gets hit with a huge tragedy. Not only does Natasha have to deal with her grief, she’s also now responsible for two young children, Kevin and Kelsey who are very young and impressionable. Natasha’s once carefree, happy life has changed in an instant also tying her to her best friend’s brother Sam Waters who she’s crushed on since middle school.
Sam Waters, also living a somewhat carefree life of being young and single now has to take care of his family during a hard time. Sam knows he has to help Tash, who is stressed and overwhelmed so he steps up.
Sam starts to help Tash with the burden that he honestly should have been sharing the responsibility of from the start. I have to hold Sam accountable; he wasn’t there in the beginning. Sam isn’t the perfect hero and does realize his faults. Sam was responsible for the children just as much as Tash; however, it didn’t seem that he saw it that way.
Natasha was mainly left to handle an extreme amount of responsibility placed upon her. I can’t even imagine something like this ever happening to me. I read this thinking about my own life and knew that if this happened to me, I would have been chasing Sam down and forcing him to help. We all handle things differently. Natasha was understanding of the circumstances and took it all in stride.
We learn how Natasha and Sam handle all of life’s new responsibilities while having a steamy relationship at the same time.
I honestly found Courage to be too non climactic for my taste. It didn’t feel like an easy read to me, and I kept putting it down. Perhaps I needed more of a romantic connection between Sam and Tash to capture my attention. Their relationship was a tad monotone to me.
I did enjoy seeing the other characters that I know from other novels. The thing is, with a Kristen Proby interconnected world like Cunningham Falls, everyone knows everyone. That means, Sam and Natasha will most likely continue to make appearances in the other Heroes of Big Sky books.
What I LOVED was seeing how my old favorites from the Love Under the Big Sky series Jillian, Ty, Cara, Nina and others. The friendship and bond between everyone continued to show. I love how everyone stepped in to help Sam and Tash with their new children.
I’d overall rate this a 3.5 as there with aspects I both liked and disliked. I would go on to read the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2021
I liked it, but I didn't love this. I was excited for this one because I love forced proximity. While we did get that, it was really the chemistry and some of the character's actions that didn't work for me.
It felt as if we were thrown into the story and there wasn't really time for us to get to know the characters. Let alone, get real chemistry from them. It was like we were just supposed to believe that it was there because they both had been secretly pining for each other.
Towards the end of the book, I wanted to slap Sam stupid. His actions and some of the things he said were really out of line. He never really came back from that for me.
Basically, I was let down by this one. I'm crossing my fingers that I enjoy her next release more.
It felt as if we were thrown into the story and there wasn't really time for us to get to know the characters. Let alone, get real chemistry from them. It was like we were just supposed to believe that it was there because they both had been secretly pining for each other.
Towards the end of the book, I wanted to slap Sam stupid. His actions and some of the things he said were really out of line. He never really came back from that for me.
Basically, I was let down by this one. I'm crossing my fingers that I enjoy her next release more.
June 22, 2021
This book was a bit of a let down, on one hand I love being back in Cunningham Falls but the characters didn't really jive in my opinion. They both were thrust in a really hard situation becoming the new parents of twins, and yes it's stressful but Natasha needed therapy not a boyfriend. Instead she stomped around and threw tantrums when she didn't get her way. I felt bad for Sam because he was trying to do everything to get Natasha to open up but she just kept herself closed off.
Overall, given my love for Kristen Proby I'm glad I got to read it, but it definitely missed the mark.
~Paige💜
Overall, given my love for Kristen Proby I'm glad I got to read it, but it definitely missed the mark.
~Paige💜
September 1, 2021
I loved Natasha. She sacrificed so much, and was doing everything she could for the kids and everyone else. Sam was her childhood crush, and I’m so happy she got the guy she loved. I didn’t love him as much as I loved her, but I just wanted her to be happy!
June 12, 2021
What a beautiful story. It was heartbreaking in the beginning- Natasha's best friend passes away and she leaves her twins to her brother Sam and Natasha. They need to navigate a new, unexpected life while dealing with the loss. And the twins, oh the twins. This situation brought tears to my eyes. In part, as a mother of twins, I felt an affinity to Natasha and Sam. Twins are hard. But adding on the loss? Ouch.
This story was well written and felt real and authentic. Challenges that all parents face are addressed, both from the perspective of the young children and also the relationship challenges that come from having small children. But Kristen Proby does a fantastic job still showcasing how a relationship can grow even when these challenges, along with the pain of loss, exist. I loved the additional characters, many couples that were featured in prior books- I have to admit that I haven't read the other books in the Big Sky world but I'll be remedying that because the world is fascinating and the people in this small town are wonderful. What a heartfelt and beautiful character-driven story.
This story was well written and felt real and authentic. Challenges that all parents face are addressed, both from the perspective of the young children and also the relationship challenges that come from having small children. But Kristen Proby does a fantastic job still showcasing how a relationship can grow even when these challenges, along with the pain of loss, exist. I loved the additional characters, many couples that were featured in prior books- I have to admit that I haven't read the other books in the Big Sky world but I'll be remedying that because the world is fascinating and the people in this small town are wonderful. What a heartfelt and beautiful character-driven story.
August 16, 2021
Loved it.❤️❤️
November 16, 2021
Liked the concept of this book. Like Sam a lot, but there were times when I thought Tasha was just whinny. Keep in mind though, I listened to the audible version so the ebook may have left me with better feelings about her.
June 13, 2021
Sam Waters is a firefighter ready to make a transition to a new town with a promotion. Natasha Mills is his little sister's long-time best friend who has had a crush on him since her teens.
Suddenly these two are thrown into an emotional situation and taking on roles they never expected. They have to do it while also both trying to deal with their own grief, anger, stress, anxiety, and fear of the future.
For the most part, I adored Sam. He could be supportive, caring, charming, and such a good guy. But I will admit there is a portion of the book that frustrated me and I seriously wanted to smack sense into him and it felt like he was making uncharacteristic choices. I admired Natasha so much. She is overwhelmed and constantly on the move and dealing with pop-up crises and she barely has time to grieve all that she lost as well. She manages to take control and deal with what has to be done, but she also has a tender heart and needs as well.
When they are on the same page, they are sweet, hot, and totally compatible despite their ten-year age gap. They have chemistry, history, shared responsibilities, and a lot of feelings. Life is complicated, messy, and every day can be a challenge. Sometimes you barely keep your head above water and other days the smallest joys can inspire you. Kevin and Kelsey add drama, stress, humor, and more love to the situation.
These two just have to figure out priorities, put the pieces together, and figure out what they really need to be fulfilled and happy.
Cunningham Falls always feels a bit like coming home. This brings back other characters from the previous series. I loved seeing a bit more into the future with the original couples and their much more grown-up offspring and also spending more time with the royals. This series is ultimately about family relationships both born and found and it is the core of all of the books. I saw the potential for a couple other romantic stories brewing in this one already.
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Suddenly these two are thrown into an emotional situation and taking on roles they never expected. They have to do it while also both trying to deal with their own grief, anger, stress, anxiety, and fear of the future.
For the most part, I adored Sam. He could be supportive, caring, charming, and such a good guy. But I will admit there is a portion of the book that frustrated me and I seriously wanted to smack sense into him and it felt like he was making uncharacteristic choices. I admired Natasha so much. She is overwhelmed and constantly on the move and dealing with pop-up crises and she barely has time to grieve all that she lost as well. She manages to take control and deal with what has to be done, but she also has a tender heart and needs as well.
When they are on the same page, they are sweet, hot, and totally compatible despite their ten-year age gap. They have chemistry, history, shared responsibilities, and a lot of feelings. Life is complicated, messy, and every day can be a challenge. Sometimes you barely keep your head above water and other days the smallest joys can inspire you. Kevin and Kelsey add drama, stress, humor, and more love to the situation.
These two just have to figure out priorities, put the pieces together, and figure out what they really need to be fulfilled and happy.
Cunningham Falls always feels a bit like coming home. This brings back other characters from the previous series. I loved seeing a bit more into the future with the original couples and their much more grown-up offspring and also spending more time with the royals. This series is ultimately about family relationships both born and found and it is the core of all of the books. I saw the potential for a couple other romantic stories brewing in this one already.
June 22, 2021
This is Kristen Proby at her best. A great start to a great new series, Heroes of Big Sky is going to be another smash hit in Ms. Proby's Big Sky Universe, it is going to be one of those series that you keep wanting to re-read. After the sudden death of her best friend Monica and her husband, Natasha and Monica's brother Sam are now joint guardians of young twins Kevin and Kelsey. The title of this book is spot on, courage is the ability to do something that frightens you and both Natasha and Sam are having to show all their courage as they navigate the minefield of parenthood. What I enjoyed about this book, is that it deals with what would be real-life ups and downs as you go from being a single person to instant family overnight, from bedtime routines to illness to sadness and laughter, it has all been woven beautifully through the story.
For Natasha, it is doubly hard as she has always had strong feelings for her best friend's older brother and now they are thrown into close approximately those feelings are being given room to grow. Firefighter Sam had always kept his distance from Natasha being that much older it wasn't difficult, but now helping to raise his nephew and niece, lines are blurring, but as the group finds their new norm, the job opportunity that Sam was on his way to before tragedy struck is still on the table, but the only problem is it is in another state.
Highly recommend.
For Natasha, it is doubly hard as she has always had strong feelings for her best friend's older brother and now they are thrown into close approximately those feelings are being given room to grow. Firefighter Sam had always kept his distance from Natasha being that much older it wasn't difficult, but now helping to raise his nephew and niece, lines are blurring, but as the group finds their new norm, the job opportunity that Sam was on his way to before tragedy struck is still on the table, but the only problem is it is in another state.
Highly recommend.
July 7, 2021
Natasha Mills was BFF with Monica. They worked together at the beauty salon, and Tasha often helped take care of Monica's twins, Kelsey and Kevin.
And it was one weekend like this that tragedy struck.
The couple Monica and Rick died of carbon dioxide poisoning in the cottage they rented to have a romantic night.
By will the custody of the 4-year-old twins went to Natasha and Monica's brother, Sam Waters.
Sam was a firefighter in Cunningham Falls and was ready to live and work in Spokane. With the tragedy, he was given a period of six months to adjust to the new situation.
And that situation would be to also be responsible for his nephews... and live closer with Natasha, a girl almost 10 years younger than him, and that he knew she had a crush on him in High School.
Now, the 2 were adults, full of responsibility, facing a painful grief and a passion that appeared uninvited.
This was one of the truest plots written by the author; a situation that could happen to anyone. A romance between two mere acquaintances, which turned into friendship and passion, but which also has the demands of everyday life.
I can't say I felt connected with the couple. I even think I liked Sam more than Natasha, even though I understand all the emotional burden she was experiencing for losing her best friend, her co-worker and still finding herself in the shadow of raising two children so suddenly.
3,5 stars
And it was one weekend like this that tragedy struck.
The couple Monica and Rick died of carbon dioxide poisoning in the cottage they rented to have a romantic night.
By will the custody of the 4-year-old twins went to Natasha and Monica's brother, Sam Waters.
Sam was a firefighter in Cunningham Falls and was ready to live and work in Spokane. With the tragedy, he was given a period of six months to adjust to the new situation.
And that situation would be to also be responsible for his nephews... and live closer with Natasha, a girl almost 10 years younger than him, and that he knew she had a crush on him in High School.
Now, the 2 were adults, full of responsibility, facing a painful grief and a passion that appeared uninvited.
This was one of the truest plots written by the author; a situation that could happen to anyone. A romance between two mere acquaintances, which turned into friendship and passion, but which also has the demands of everyday life.
I can't say I felt connected with the couple. I even think I liked Sam more than Natasha, even though I understand all the emotional burden she was experiencing for losing her best friend, her co-worker and still finding herself in the shadow of raising two children so suddenly.
3,5 stars
June 17, 2021
5 Star Review of Courage (Heroes of Big Sky #1)by Kristen Proby Sam Waters
From start to finish I was captivated in the story that Ms. Proby wove about Natasha Mills and Sam Waters. Natasha has been in love with her brother’s best friend Sam for years but sadly he only sees her as his friends sister.
When tragedy strikes Sam’s family, it is up to him to step up and with Natasha helping him he will take over raising his sisters’ twins. They will find they need to lean on each other to get through one day at a time. This was an emotional roller coaster of a read at times and I was brought to tears.
Slowly but surely Sam begins to see what has always been right in front of him, the beautiful and caring Natasha. I loved the journey they travelled as friendship blossomed into love. I read this book in almost one go, I kept saying, one more chapter, until I finally finished. This is a book I have no hesitation in recommending this book and I cannot wait to see what Kristen Proby has in store for this series.
From start to finish I was captivated in the story that Ms. Proby wove about Natasha Mills and Sam Waters. Natasha has been in love with her brother’s best friend Sam for years but sadly he only sees her as his friends sister.
When tragedy strikes Sam’s family, it is up to him to step up and with Natasha helping him he will take over raising his sisters’ twins. They will find they need to lean on each other to get through one day at a time. This was an emotional roller coaster of a read at times and I was brought to tears.
Slowly but surely Sam begins to see what has always been right in front of him, the beautiful and caring Natasha. I loved the journey they travelled as friendship blossomed into love. I read this book in almost one go, I kept saying, one more chapter, until I finally finished. This is a book I have no hesitation in recommending this book and I cannot wait to see what Kristen Proby has in store for this series.
July 10, 2021
Courage by Kristen Proby is A Heroes Big Sky Novel and oh my GOODNESS GRACIOUS but what a read.
Natasha and Sam were so beautiful together and left me the best kind of emotional wreck when I devoured Courage. Natasha, so strong willed and determined, Sam, so loving and charming.
The tension and chemistry is delicious and palpable and Natasha and Sam navigate co-parenting, serious attraction, and continuing to live their lives after experiencing tragedy that will mark them forever.
I really appreciate and love how loss is dealt with in this book; it is treated with tender care, and had me fall even more in love with the characters, the world, the story. Trust and honesty and loyalty and support of loved ones are the best medicine and I adored how this was portrayed throughout the book.
P. S. Kevin and Kelsey are ADORABLE. They gave me all of the FEELS and absolutely had me wrapped around their little fingers with all their emotions and antics.
P. P. S. Loved seeing friendly and familiar faces!
Natasha and Sam were so beautiful together and left me the best kind of emotional wreck when I devoured Courage. Natasha, so strong willed and determined, Sam, so loving and charming.
The tension and chemistry is delicious and palpable and Natasha and Sam navigate co-parenting, serious attraction, and continuing to live their lives after experiencing tragedy that will mark them forever.
I really appreciate and love how loss is dealt with in this book; it is treated with tender care, and had me fall even more in love with the characters, the world, the story. Trust and honesty and loyalty and support of loved ones are the best medicine and I adored how this was portrayed throughout the book.
P. S. Kevin and Kelsey are ADORABLE. They gave me all of the FEELS and absolutely had me wrapped around their little fingers with all their emotions and antics.
P. P. S. Loved seeing friendly and familiar faces!
June 28, 2021
***ARC Provided by the Author***
Sigh. Another Kristen Proby title that I enjoyed from beginning to end, although the beginning of this one was really sad (necessary to set up the story, but still sad).
Natasha and Sam are thrown together in the worst possible of situations and find themselves co-parents following a tragedy. But, while this tragedy is definitely present, and dealt with, it's never allowed to make the story feel too sad, or like you can't connect with the characters.
And, I definitely connected with these characters. I felt for them, for the situation they were in and how hard it would be to handle, but also for their successes and happiness. And the connection between Sam and Natasha, well, that's why we all read romance in the first place.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
Sigh. Another Kristen Proby title that I enjoyed from beginning to end, although the beginning of this one was really sad (necessary to set up the story, but still sad).
Natasha and Sam are thrown together in the worst possible of situations and find themselves co-parents following a tragedy. But, while this tragedy is definitely present, and dealt with, it's never allowed to make the story feel too sad, or like you can't connect with the characters.
And, I definitely connected with these characters. I felt for them, for the situation they were in and how hard it would be to handle, but also for their successes and happiness. And the connection between Sam and Natasha, well, that's why we all read romance in the first place.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
June 11, 2021
Once again a story that you cannot put down. Heartbreak, sadness, family, love, and yes courage. Sam and Natasha are now the guardians of Kelsey and Kevin. Up until now Natasha was Sam’s little sister’s best friend. Now he is her partner in raising his sister’s 4 year old twins. So many changes and adjustments now. They went from being single to now an instant family of four. The twins are having a hard time as well as Sam and Natasha. But together they try to make it work. Life as they knew it is no more. This story is so emotional and at times heartbreaking. But together Natasha and Sam make it work. She has had a crush on him since she was a young girl. Sam always saw her as his little sister’s best friend who was 10 years younger than him. But when he looks at her now, he sees a beautiful woman. His attraction to her is so strong.
I could not put this story down. From the first tear that I cried I was hooked. The importance of family, and not by blood but by friendships, was such an integral part of this story. Sam and Natasha were never alone. Everyone was always there to lend a helping hand. A beautiful story that began with a tragedy but created a family of love and forever.
I could not put this story down. From the first tear that I cried I was hooked. The importance of family, and not by blood but by friendships, was such an integral part of this story. Sam and Natasha were never alone. Everyone was always there to lend a helping hand. A beautiful story that began with a tragedy but created a family of love and forever.
June 22, 2021
4.5 star
The story has laughs, secrets, pain, grief, and heartbreak.
This is Natasha and Sam's story. She has wanted him forever, but he is her best friend’s older brother. When tragedy strikes and takes her best friend she has to step up and help with the children. Sam and her are left to take care of the kids. They have to deal with their grief and pain right along with he kids. Raising kids together is hard but twins is even harder. They have to figure out a routine and lean on each other more that they ever thought. It also brings them closer than they have ever been. But what happens as time moves on are they falling for each other? Or is one building a future while the other is trying to walk away?
I highly recommend this book.
The story has laughs, secrets, pain, grief, and heartbreak.
This is Natasha and Sam's story. She has wanted him forever, but he is her best friend’s older brother. When tragedy strikes and takes her best friend she has to step up and help with the children. Sam and her are left to take care of the kids. They have to deal with their grief and pain right along with he kids. Raising kids together is hard but twins is even harder. They have to figure out a routine and lean on each other more that they ever thought. It also brings them closer than they have ever been. But what happens as time moves on are they falling for each other? Or is one building a future while the other is trying to walk away?
I highly recommend this book.
June 12, 2021
Courage is a book you cannot help but to fall in love with. This new series Heroes of the Big Sky is one that is going to be addicting from going off this book. I love love love Natasha and Sam so much. Natasha is so wonderful. She has such a hug heart and all the love in the world when it comes to help raising her best friend Monica twins. She is stubborn and trying to do it alone. You feel the emotions she carries when it comes to carrying for Kelsey and Kevin. Then their is Sam the other half of the co parenting team and Monica's brother. Sam does what he can when he can. He loves those children but you get why he is so torn when it comes to his job. Sam and Natasha have fabulous chemistry and make an amazing team. There are so many sweet moments, sexy moments and ones that will pull at your heart just so. I'm so in love with this one and did not want to put it down. I love that we get to see little pieces of our favorites from the different Big Sky series all meshed in. You really need to one click this one and fall in love with Sam and Natasha.
June 12, 2021
What’s better than a Kristen Proby book? A brand new Kristen Proby series of course! What a introduction to the new series this was, we were able to visit with old characters and were introduced to new ones! Sam is a firefighter with dreams of moving to a different department but just lost his sister and her husband. Natasha lost her best friend and the person she trust the most. Now that Natasha and Sam have been trusted the responsibility of raising five year old twins together as co parents what can go wrong? Natasha has always had a major crush on Sam but with him being much old, he never saw her that way. Sam is definitely seeing Natasha is a brand new light these days. The chemistry is amazing and the banter is laugh out loud funny. They definitely struggle to find a rhythm to make it work well but, can it last? These two prove that you don’t have to be blood related to be a family. I truly enjoyed this well written emotional read and as always look forward to the next book by this author.
June 22, 2021
Continuing with excellence in writing, Kristen Proby has brought us another outstanding story in Courage. Sam and Tash’s story is full of emotions that make your heart and mind experience all the highs and lows of life.
When heartbreaking sorrow bring Sam and Natasha together, they pull themselves together for the family they are building. Their journey is one that has them looking at the other with new eyes and a new love.
Outstanding characters, exceptional storyline and brilliant writing, in other words, a Kristen Proby story that is a must read. 5 Stars #2OCCMS
When heartbreaking sorrow bring Sam and Natasha together, they pull themselves together for the family they are building. Their journey is one that has them looking at the other with new eyes and a new love.
Outstanding characters, exceptional storyline and brilliant writing, in other words, a Kristen Proby story that is a must read. 5 Stars #2OCCMS
July 13, 2021
This book will have you in your feels. It is heartwarming as well as heartbreaking. The path from friends to lovers and with a detour in insta-parents isn't easy for Natasha and Sam. I felt their struggle and every bump along the way. This is a great start to a new series in the Big Sky world. F you've read some of the other Big Sky books you will see some favorite characters make appearances. You do not need to read any other book to enjoy this one. I can't forget to mention the kids. Kelsey and Kevin are definitely highlights in this book. I can't wait to read more in this series.
June 11, 2021
Gutted. Kristen Proby had me be bawling. My heart was torn from my chest. So many emotions. So many reactions. Do you know the great thing about being gutted? It is the healing process. It is the journey to a happily ever after.
Sam and Tash (Natasha) become the guardians of twin five year olds after the tragic death of Sam's sister and brother-in-law. How do two individuals, that are just friends, come together to raise two grieving kindergarteners while they are grieving? How do they take on the responsibilities of parents and give the children the life they deserve and need?
Kristen Proby did a fantastic job of expressing the challenges, the loss, the hopelessness that the characters experienced. It was not all smooth sailing. It was not easy. I felt every struggle. I celebrated every success. I felt it all, making the happily ever after one of the most beautiful I have experienced.
Sam and Tash (Natasha) become the guardians of twin five year olds after the tragic death of Sam's sister and brother-in-law. How do two individuals, that are just friends, come together to raise two grieving kindergarteners while they are grieving? How do they take on the responsibilities of parents and give the children the life they deserve and need?
Kristen Proby did a fantastic job of expressing the challenges, the loss, the hopelessness that the characters experienced. It was not all smooth sailing. It was not easy. I felt every struggle. I celebrated every success. I felt it all, making the happily ever after one of the most beautiful I have experienced.
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