Ripe For Reader: Release Day Blast - LOVING CARA by Kristen Proby

LOVING CARA

(Love Under The Big Sky)

by Kristen Proby

Published: January 21, 2014, Pocket Books

In this new Love Under the Big Sky series from a USA TODAY bestselling author, Cara agrees to tutor her former classmate's nephew—and learns some lessons in love!

Josh King is an expert at running his family’s multi-million dollar ranch in Montana. (And all that outside manual labor has done wonders for sculpting his six-foot-three body, too.) But as sure footed as he is when it comes to the ranch, Josh doesn’t know anything about how to deal with an adolescent boy—so when his twelve-year-old nephew, Seth, is dropped off on his doorstep, looking scared and acting surly as hell, Josh knows he needs help in straightening him out.

Cara Donovan loves her quiet life as a teacher in her sleepy hometown, so she jumps at the chance to make a little money over the summer as a tutor. But when she learns she’ll be teaching Josh King’s nephew, Cara’s sweet summer job gets a little bit hotter. Cara tries to focus all her attention on tutoring Seth, but Josh proves to be a delicious distraction, while Josh’s memories of the shy girl he once teased in high school are nothing like the beautiful woman he’s facing now. Can he persuade her that there’s more between them than a summer fling?

LOVING CARA

(Love Under The Big Sky)

by Kristen Proby

ARC Review

Published: January 21, 2014, Pocket Books

My rating: 4.5 of 5 ⭐️

Cara Donovan has never wanted to live anywhere else. She is perfectly satisfied right where she is, so taking on a summer tutoring job in town is not a hardship. Finding out the difficult boy she is supposed to look after is the nephew of one Josh King, might be. Not that she doesn't like Josh, she might like him a little too much, and the waves and short hello's they've shared over the years have suited her just fine.

Josh barely recognizes Cara when she arrives at his house to tutor his nephew. She seems more outgoing and not quite as shy, even prettier than in high school. His interest is immediate and he doesn't hesitate to let her know. But bruised by years of teasing and weary of his reputation as a ladies' man, Cara wards off Josh' flirtations with a shake of her head and tries to set up boundaries.

When Josh sees something he wants he goes after it, and Cara is finding that out first hand. Not that she is resisting very hard after the first taste of his kiss. And when unforeseen circumstances put her in even closer proximity than the half days of tutoring, there is no holding back the sexual tension that explodes between them.

But when old insecurities and family pressures puts tension on this blossoming relationship, will they be able to withstand the strain?

*****

In turn mellow and sweet, to then turn fiery and hot!!

Kristen Proby's writing is as comfortable as a frequently washed quilt....land that is NOT an insult!! Take it from a quilter! Smooth and flowing, rich and warm and at times so darn hot, sweat breaks out all over the body!!!

This is not an angsty book, there are no huge deep dark skeletons in the closet. There may be in future books judging by some of the prepatory work done on the supporting characters of this story, but Josh and Cara seem to be all American goodness. And they loooooove their bedroom (and anywhere, really!) antics!!

The most insightful bit of writing centres around Seth, Josh' nephew, who is the cause for Cara and Josh' 'reunion'. His story among all the adults is the truly sad one and he is lucky he has landed with people who care about him, including. Cara, who may not be related by blood, but quickly forms a bond of trust and love with the boy that seems to jump start him in the right direction.

Cara, although perhaps a tad naive in matters of the heart, is open and insightful and smart. She is able to read both Seth and his situation quite well. The one she has a harder time with, at least when it comes to his interest in her, is Josh. But that has more to do with her self image than it does with any vibes Josh puts out there. He teaches her to look at herself in a different light over time, and she becomes a stronger person for it.

Josh has always been a very responsible guy. Even though he has a bit of a reputation, not really deserved, he grew up knowing that running the family farm was something he would be doing. His focus has never wavered from that and he carries the load with great responsibility. Until Cara came along, he was content having one day move into the next. Now, he is learning, with her and with Seth, to seek out the happy moments, and there are plenty of them.

I have such high hopes for this series! The manner in which the secondary characters have been outlined in this book bodes very well for an increased 'activity' in the novels to follow. Probable pairings have been made, tentative steps set. And I am left waiting for the next instalment..............♥️

✨No adrenaline rush, but a smile and a blush.......✨

**ARC provided by NetGalley and Pocket Books in return for an honest review.**

“Are you fucking me because you feel sorry for me?” I blurt out, and immediately wish I could grab the words out of the air between us and stuff them in my pockets.

Josh’s head whips around, his eyes wide in shock and anger. He clenches his mouth shut, tightens his grip on the steering wheel, and ignores the question altogether.

“Well?” I demand as he angrily flips on the blinker to turn down his driveway.

“Shut up, Carolina.”

“What did you say?”

“You heard me.”

“No, I must be mistaken, because if you just told me to shut up, I’m going to kick your ass.”

He pulls in front of his house, kills the engine, and turns in his seat to glare at me. “Why in the name of all that’s holy would you ask me that?”

“Just answer the question.”

“Cara, I’m going to warn you right now, I’m fucking pissed that you would even think for a second that I would fuck you, as you put it, because I feel sorry for you. Why is that thought even in your head?”

God, I’m stupid. I sigh and rub my forehead with my fingertips.

“Is this about Misty?” he asks, and my head whips back up to glare at him. “Shit.”

“What’s going on with you and Misty?” I ask, hating the accusatory tone in my voice.

“Nothing’s gone on with her for over a year.”

“You slept with her?” I ask incredulously.

“No, I dated her exactly twice, and then I found out what kind of person she is and stopped seeing her.” He shakes his head and brushes a finger down my cheek, but I flinch away from him. “What did she say to you?”

“She didn’t say anything to me.”

“Carolina,” he growls in warning.

“I overheard them,” I whisper, and look out the window, hating the tears I feel trying to form at the corners of my eyes.

He doesn’t say anything, he just waits, and I love him and hate him for understanding.

“Misty clearly has a thing for you.” I clear my throat as though it’s not a big deal. “She made it clear that a fat, ugly chick like me is no threat when it comes to a ten like you. You clearly just feel sorry for me and are trying to save me.”

“And you fucking believe that bullshit?”

“No, I don’t believe her!”

“Then why are we fighting about this?”

“I don’t necessarily believe Misty’s bullshit, but a tiny part of me can’t help but wonder why you’re attracted to me.” The last few words are whispered shamefully.

Josh stomps angrily out of the truck, slams the door shut, and moves in angry strides around the vehicle, yanks my door open, and, before I can do anything, pulls me easily over his shoulder, lifting me from my seat.

“Hey!”

“I’ve heard enough.” He slaps my ass—hard—and carries me into the house, slamming the door behind us with his foot.

“Ow!”

“I warned you.” He sets me on the kitchen island, slams his palms on the granite on either side of my hips, and pushes his face into mine. “I warned you the first day you were here that I’d spank your ass if you called yourself fat. It pisses me off.”

“So I’m gathering,” I whisper.

“Misty and her friends are bitches and most likely have been since the day they were born. I don’t give a fuck what they think about you or me or you and me together.” I hesitantly touch my fingertips to his cheeks and pull them down his face. “The only two people in this room are you and me, Carolina, and we’re the only ones who matter.”

He cups my face in his hands, his brown eyes on fire, and kisses me hard, his mouth claiming mine, marking me.

He grabs my hand in his, leading it to his erection, still covered by his slacks. “Trust me, sweetheart, this doesn’t happen around women I feel sorry for. Feel what you do to me.”

My cheeks flush and I just want to slink away and be mortified while he’s not watching, but he makes me meet his eyes with my own.

“Pull that dress over your head.” He takes a small step back, giving me room to do as I’m told.

I bite my lip, embarrassed all over again because I’d been brave earlier and gone without panties. Now I wish I’d worn them.

“Carolina,” he whispers, and drops to his knees, spreading my thighs wide. “You’re so beautiful.”

I whimper as he traces my labia with a fingertip and presses a soft kiss over my clitoris. “Soft. If I’d known you weren’t wearing panties all night . . .” He swears under his breath and then gently kisses my clitoris again.

I white-knuckle the edge of the countertop as electricity shoots through me at the touch of his mouth. “Josh.”

“That’s right, baby.” He pushes two fingers inside me and nuzzles the most sensitive nub with his nose. “I fucking love your pussy.”

I push my fingers into his thick, soft dark brown hair and hold on as he laps at my core, sucking and nibbling and making me crazy. I’m panting and whimpering, begging him to stop, but then begging him to never, ever stop.

He pulls away and lifts me off the counter. Stripping his clothes off quickly, he turns me around and bends me over. Before he slams his hard cock inside me, he slaps my ass again, the loud thwack echoing throughout the great room. He growls as he buries himself balls deep inside my slick pussy.

“Get it through that gorgeous head of yours, baby, this is not pity, charity, or just because I’m fucking horny. I want you, Cara. You.” He grips my hair in his fist and pulls me back so he can whisper in my ear, “You.”

KRISTEN PROBY is the USA Today bestselling author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.