In Huckleberry Bay, Oregon, everyone knows that when it comes to Juniper “June” Snow – what you see is what you get. When you hire her construction company to do a job, it’s done right, on time, and on budget. When she’s your friend, she’s a ride-or-die who will support you no matter what. And when you’re her enemy…well, she can hold a grudge.
And she’s never forgotten how the tall, dark, and delicious Apollo Winchester hurt her so many years ago.
In a small town, it’s impossible to ignore someone who greets you with a death glare every time you meet. Apollo can’t recall why June hates him, but it doesn’t stop him from stirring her up every chance he gets. There’s something about her stubborn, “don’t mess with me” attitude that keeps him coming back for more. But June is his sister’s best friend and permanently on the “off-limits” list.
June puts aside her war with Apollo and hires him to work on her most important project, the renovation of a chapel into her dream home. She wants the best…and Apollo is the best . . . on the job site and in her bed. He won’t turn down the chance to spend more time with June, especially when it’s clear that she wants him as much as she hates him. Proximity leads to opportunity, and opportunity leads to steamy times between the sheets.
But a mystery threatens June and Apollo will protect her and their growing connection, no matter the cost.
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.
In Huckleberry Bay, Oregon, everyone knows that when it comes to Juniper “June” Snow – what you see is what you get. When you hire her construction company to do a job, it’s done right, on time, and on budget. When she’s your friend, she’s a ride-or-die who will support you no matter what. And when you’re her enemy…well, she can hold a grudge.
And she’s never forgotten how the tall, dark, and delicious Apollo Winchester hurt her so many years ago.
In a small town, it’s impossible to ignore someone who greets you with a death glare every time you meet. Apollo can’t recallwhy June hates him, but it doesn’t stop him from stirring her up every chance he gets. There’s something about her stubborn, “don’t mess with me” attitude that keeps him coming back for more. But June is his sister’s best friend and permanently on the “off-limits” list.
June puts aside her war with Apollo and hires him to work on her most important project, the renovation of a chapel into her dream home. She wants the best…and Apollo is the best . . . on the job site and in her bed. He won’t turn down the chance to spend more time with June, especially when it’s clear that she wants him as much as she hates him. Proximity leads to opportunity, and opportunity leads to steamy times between the sheets.
But a mystery threatens June and Apollo will protect her and their growing connection, no matter the cost.
Chapel Bend is the third book in Kristen Proby's Huckleberry Bay series. Small town romance with just a pinch or paranormal that will keep you on your toes.
You know when you're in elementary school and there is that one boy that pushes all your buttons and you want to punch, but kind of want to kiss him too? That's the type of relationship Juniper and Apollo have. He's the brother of June's friend and therefore off limits. But they have something there too. But June just needs to live her life, love her friends and build her dream home that was formerly a chapel. What happens when Apollo decides he wants to push June's buttons AND see if there is something to their explosive chemistry?
I have to say that Chapel Bend may be my favorite of the series. Even though this is part of a series, I think Kristen Proby gives you enough backstory that you can enjoy each book as a standalone, but would appreciate reading it as one complete series as well. The characters and each of their HEAs flows so well from story to story. I love the way Ms. Proby created this seaside small town that I could totally envision and see the characters so clearly. I liked their friendships and I liked the relationships even more. I liked that Juniper was the no frills, 'What you see is what you get' sort of woman. Working in a predominantly male field of construction and being left behind by a mother may have done that to her, but I admired her and the way she was strong and could handle herself. I also liked the way Apollo let her be who she was and let her stand her ground and do things how she wanted/needed. He was like an accessory to her strength and that made me love these two even more. Apollo also had this strength in his quiet and could give as good as he got. They balanced one another well.
While I enjoyed the story and liked seeing the past characters, I also really liked the narrators of the audiobook. It was told in dual POV from both Apollo (performed by Lee Samuels) and June (as played by Kit Swann). Definitely liked that we got to hear from both MCs. Didn't really care for the male narrator's female performances, but that was ok. Kit did great with both the male and female parts. She really made me believe in Juniper and her character.
Overall, this small town, frenemies to lovers and the pinch of ghost in each storyline was pleasing and entertaining. I hope that the author does a spinoff because I see the potential in a few characters and would love to see June, Apollo and the rest of the gang in future books.
Sigh. Just sigh. This book was like hanging out with a friend and a glass of wine in front of a fireplace. Comfortable, enjoyable, fun, and the perfect way to spend an evening.
June and Apollo were wonderful together, and you like them when they are on the page without one another too, which is one of the skills of Kristen Proby, she writes books about characters who feel like people, even when they are dealing with a ghost in an inn.
I enjoyed so much about this book, but I most enjoyed how much fun it was to read. I think I smiled the entire time. I was invested and I wanted to see how it ended...while not wanting it to end.
Finally, Juniper and Apollo! After getting to know these two and their banter and arguing in the previous books, I was so excited that these two end up together and get to know more about why they bicker and banter with each other for decades! Juniper has some deep-rooted trauma from her childhood that she’s kept close to herself and not shared with her friends, and it’s guided her life into adulthood. Years ago, Apollo did something that Juniper never forgot, and while she’s attracted to him, she also never forgets what he did to her, until she can no longer fight the chemistry they have. Apollo has always had a crush on Juniper, the banter even being a version of foreplay for him, and after she finally caves one night and they spend the night together, it’s all they can think about. Thankfully, after a disastrous date that Apollo witnesses Juniper getting threatened, they decide to explore something together but in secret from their friends, although they’re terrible at hiding it. There was a little suspense in this book, but I was honestly more interested in Juniper and her past, and it seemed like a lot of the suspenseful situations fizzled out during its resolution. Other than that, I was more happy that these two ended up together and can’t wait to see who’s next (hopefully Juniper’s siblings)! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Kristen Proby is back with the third book in her sweet and swoony Huckleberry Bay series and y'all, my goodness. What a book. I knew going in that it was going to be good because duh! Look at who wrote it, but I had no idea how deep these characters would go in this beauty right here.
Chapel Bend gives us June and Apollo's much-needed story and this is one you do not want to miss. This small town, enemies to lovers romance will speak to your heart and give you all of the very best feels. Packed cover to cover with heart, heat, fiery chemistry, great banter, and one unforgettable romance.. just wait until you meet these two and dive head first into their love story.
Mrs. Proby is a rockstar at what she does and that's delivering books that sit good with your soul in a lasting mind of way. I can't wait to see what she gives us next.
I can't recommend this author and series enough y'all.
Another hit in this great series! You will fall in love with Apollo and June! 5 Huckleberry stars for this one! June has crushed on Apollo since she was kid! He teased her and she's never forgiven him for that, well except for one night they shared together! Now unfortunately she can't get him off her mind. after purchasing the chapel to remodel for herself, of course she needs his expertise as an electrician, and having to be around him is going to be hard. Apollo had June once and he wants her again, but he has to work hard to convince her to be with him. Working with her on the chapel is the perfect opportunity for him to get in her good graces, but she's a tough nut to crack so he'll have to work extra hard to convince her! I loved this story from start to finish! You will fall in love with these two characters and their story! Kristen wrote a beautiful one here!
Small town romance at its finest!! Kristen Proby just knows how to keep you hooked to your kindle, not wanting to put it down!
Apollo and June - man, I’ve been waiting for their story! You could totally see their affection for each other, and as it’s mentioned in the book: you must have been blind to not see it. But they keep their ‘relationship’ to themselves, as June is hesitant to admit it out loud. Old baggage. But slowly, Apollo gets her on his side, he kinda wanted to tell the town ☺️ There was a light suspense-y touch in it, which just adds to keep on reading as you have to know what’s going to happen next! This book was so fun and entertaining! I really hope that was not the last we see about Huckleberry Bay!
I kindly received an arc and voluntarily left a review
I love an enemies to lovers story, especially one based in a small town, so they can't escape each other. The chemistry between June and Apollo has been glaringly obvious throughout the series, and I've been looking forward to finally watching their story unfold.
Every time Apollo calls her Juniper (her full name), my heart swooned a bit more. They're constantly thrown together and when little accidents start happening, you won't be able to put the book down. The audio narration held me in it's hooks and I couldn't get anything else done while listening.
I was captivated from start to finish, and in particular to learning more about the friendly ghost that always seems to be around. With amazing family dynamics, rivalries, and secrets - this is a story you don't want to miss.
I've enjoyed this series so much, and the fact that you get flashbacks from the characters pasts with the occasional journal entries is such a creative way to understand them better.
Wow, this book was so incredible! I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved Apollo and June. They were everything! Their love/hate relationship made this book even more interesting! It was so amazing what they did for Rose. I really do hope there are more books in this series! Please? Zeke, Indigo, Cullen, to name a few. Lol.
June and Apollo were great enemies to lovers. I sure hope this isn’t the end to the series because I have fallen in love with Huckleberry Bay and all it’s characters. If you love small town romance, some ghosts (Rose), and a great storyline, get this series. I listen on Audible and the narrators were terrific.
Finally!!! I've been waiting, patiently, for Apollo and June's story. And let me tell you, it was so good! They are so perfect for each other. June really showed a lot of growth in her ways and it was fun getting to know her better. What a fun series!
But please tell me this isn't the last book.. I really want to see Tanner and Sarah get married and I definitely need to know about you know what, that I can't say because it is a surprise.
Juniper "June" Snow has never gotten over her grudge against Apollo Winchester. He hurt her badly years ago and she's never been able to get past that pain. Even worse, she's beyond attracted to the jerk, even gave into that attraction but acts as though it never happened. Now that the two of them are stuck in close proximity while working on her new home, perhaps the two of them can work out their feelings. His because he wants infinitely more with her than her anger and even their one night. And hers because she needs to finally get beyond the antagonism and allow him in for once.
Apollo doesn't know what he did to make June despise him so much, but after she gave into their attraction finally, he knows he needs everything with her, not just her body, but her heart, her love. He'll use their new working proximity to convince her they can have something special. He'll get past her walls if it's the last thing he does...
Apollo and June are so cute together. Their snark and their banter, all that antagonism that June throws at him, and the way you could just tell that antagonism was just covering something much stronger - so much fun! I want to go visit Huckleberry Bay now, and can't wait read as the next adorable couple falls in love.
ARC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review. Ebook also purchased through Amazon.
Chapel Bend by Kristen Proby is the third book in the Huckleberry Bay Series, although it is part of a series, you can easily read as a standalone story. Juniper "June" Snow, is this beautiful young woman who owns a construction company, she is hardworking, loyal to her friends, kind and honest, with June what you see is what you get, we find her when she is going to start the remodeling of the Chapel that she bought to make it his home, and since she needs the best, is why she asks the best electrician for help, who is none other than Apollo Winchester, who, as his name indicates, is handsome and built like a Greek God, besides, he is the older brother of her best friend Luna and although June thinks that he is super handsome, she does not seem to leave behind the pain that he caused her as children, for which she swear to hate him for the rest of their lives, which is why every time they see each other they end up arguing and she just can't seem to handle him, but a few weeks ago she succumbed to Apollo's charms and they agreed that it would be a one-time thing, only neither of them seems to forget it and Apollo isn't willing to leave things like that, he wants so much more from June and he's going to do everything to get it. This story is sweet, fresh, charming and completely unexpected, all the characters are special and June and Apollo's moments together are full of tenderness and love, with funny moments and even ghosts! yes completely creepy and terrifying but it blends wonderfully with the story. I ended up completely in love with this story, the characters and Huckleberry Bay, a story that if you have the opportunity to read, read it. Completely and absolutely Recommended!! *Thanks to Kristen Proby and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
Chapel Bend de Kristen Proby, es el tercer libro de la Serie Huckleberry Bay, aunque es parte d una serie pedes leerlo sin problema como historia independiente. Juniper "June" Snow, es esta hermosa joven mujer dueña de una empresa de construcción, ella es trabajadora, leal a sus amigos, amable y honesta, con June lo que ves es lo que obtienes, la encontramos cuando va a comenzar la remodelación del Capilla que compró para convertirla en su hogar, y como necesita de los mejores es por eso que le pide ayuda al mejor electricista, que no es otro que Apollo Winchester, que así como su nombre lo indica es guapo y construido como un Dios Griego, aparte es el hermano mayor de su mejor amiga Luna y aunque le parezca súper guapo no parece dejar atrás el dolor que él le causo cuando niños por el que juro odiarlo por el resto de sus vidas, es por esto que cada vez que se ven terminan discutiendo y ella simplemente parece no soportarlo, pero hace unas semanas atrás ella sucumbió ante los encantos de Apollo y acordaron que sería algo de una sola vez, solo que ninguno de los dos parece olvidarlo y Apollo no está dispuesto a dejar las cosas así, él quiere mucho más de June y va a hacer todo para lograrlo. Esta historia es dulce, fresca, encantadora y completamente inesperada, todos los personajes son especiales y los momentos de June y Apollo juntos están llenos de ternura y amor, con momentos graciosos y hasta con fantasmas! si completamente espeluznante y aterrador pero que compagina maravillosamente con la historia. Yo termine completamente enamorada de esta historia, de los personajes y de Huckleberry Bay, una historia que, si tienes la oportunidad, debes leerla. Completa y absolutamente Recomendada!! *Gracias a Kristen Proby y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
CHAPEL BEND is the third instalment in Kristen Proby’s contemporary, adult. HUCKLEBERRY BAY erotic, slightly paranormal, romance series. This is electrician Apollo Winchester, and thirty-six year old, builder/ renovator Juniper ‘June’ Snow’s story line. CHAPEL BEND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary/.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Apollo’s and Juniper), and journal entries from our story line heroine, CHAPEL BEND follows the enemies to lovers/ best friend’s brother’s romance and relationship between electrician Apollo Winchester, and builder/renovator Juniper Snow. Juniper Snow and Apollo Winchester have butted heads most of their lives but Juniper remembers her teenage years somewhat different than out story line hero. With the hopes of renovating a small chapel to call her home, Juniper discovers she must hire electrician Apollo Winchester, the bane of her existence, and the man she has worked hard to avoid but all is not well in Huckleberry Bay, Oregon when a developer begins making demands of our story line heroine. What ensues is the building romance and secret relationship between Apollo and Juniper, and the potential fall-out as mischief and property soon escalate to lives threatened and physical assault.
Juniper struggles to forgive Apollo for sins of the past. As a young girl, abandoned by her mother,Juniper wants to be accepted for who she is but Apollo was cruel, leaving Juniper’s self esteem shattered and broke but Juniper’s best friend was Apollo’s younger sister, and Juniper struggled to avoid the man that now controls her heart.
The relationship between Juniper and Apollo is an enemies to lovers; a secret romance of which Juniper wants to keep their affair secret from family and friends but Apollo no longer wants to be Juniper’s dirty little secret. As Juniper and Apollo’s relationship quickly turns into something more, Juniper continues to plead with Apollo to everything on the down low. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in the previous instalments including ghost Rose. The requisite evil has many faces.
CHAPEL BEND is a story of betrayal and vengeance, madness and obsession, family and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are dynamic and determined.
Chapel Bend Apollo and Juniper (June) Small town, enemies to lovers
Love and hate. These two have both in spades. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. I love finally getting June and Apollo’s story. They have a long complicated history. Some of which Apollo doesn’t remember and June has made him pay for that for the past twenty years. June has grown up in the small coastal town of Huckleberry Bay Oregon. She’s made her living as a general contractor. Working in a male dominated career has given her a backbone of steel and allowed her snarky side to shine. She has a successful business, two great best friends, and now she has her little church that she’s converting into her home. Apollo’s family has cared for the old lighthouse for generations. His sister is the current keeper. He has chosen a different kind of light to work with. He’s an electrician. His job and his sister put him in the same circles as Juniper. The woman who haunts his dreams, lives in his fantasies and the same woman who can not stand the sight of him. They have been hate flirting for years. There’s no denying they have chemistry. So they decide to take one night, get each other out of their symptoms and move on. Yeah. That doesn’t work the way either one of them expected. They decide to let this run it’s course. In secret. I loved Apollo. He was genuinely a good guy. When it came to June he had the patience of a saint. Putting up with her moods, her mouth and her attitude for twenty years would wear on any man. But he just found her adorable. June I struggled with. Yes she was a strong woman. A great friend. Ran a very successful business. But when it came to showing any affection to anyone she backs away. I get the whole issue with her mother, but still. Too much. And Apollo’s big infraction, I thought, honestly was not all that. Yes, he hurt her feelings, embarrassed her, but I didn’t think it warranted twenty years of her temper. That being said, when they finally get on the same page they are a great couple. The townsfolk are interesting. Very eclectic. Add in a date from hell, an angry ex employee, a few unexplained happenings, an impromptu wedding, an unexpected little surprise, and a lot of nosy friends and you have a story that will hold your attention. I can’t wait for the next one. Dual points of view, no cheating. They do work through their issues and end up together in the end.
Chapel Bend offers an experience akin to cozying up with a cherished friend by a crackling fireplace, a glass of wine in hand. It's a story that effortlessly combines comfort, enjoyment, and pure fun, making it the perfect companion for a leisurely evening.
Kristen Proby's remarkable talent shines through as she crafts characters who feel like real people, even when they find themselves entangled in otherworldly encounters, such as dealing with a ghost in an inn. The investment in the characters and their journey is undeniable, and the desire to uncover the ending becomes an almost bittersweet experience, as you simultaneously crave more time within its pages. The banter and spark between June and Apollo, which have been building up through previous books, finally take center stage, igniting a fire that cannot be ignored. As the layers of their complicated relationship are peeled back, we witness the depth of their connection. Juniper, haunted by deep-rooted childhood traumas, harbors a mix of attraction and resentment toward Apollo for an unforgettable incident from their past. Yet, their chemistry becomes impossible to resist, leading them on a passionate journey that begins with a fateful night spent together. As their secret romance unfolds, we find ourselves cheering for them, despite their comical attempts to keep it hidden from their friends. While the book features moments of suspense, it is Juniper's personal growth and the exploration of her past that truly captivate. Admittedly, some suspenseful elements may lose a bit of their impact in their resolution, but the overwhelming joy of witnessing June and Apollo's union more than compensates. This book stands as another resounding hit in the series, showcasing the power of love, personal growth, and the enchantment of small-town romance. Apollo and June's relationship is a testament to Proby's ability to craft characters that feel utterly real and utterly irresistible. Their journey is filled with tender moments, electric chemistry, and a touch of suspense that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
Chapel Bend is a testament to the magic of small-town romance at its finest. Kristen Proby's ability to captivate readers, ensuring they remain fully engrossed from start to finish, is unparalleled. She's always a 5* read for me!
Chapel Bend is the third book in the Huckleberry Bay Series by Kristen Proby, featuring an enemies to lovers story for June and Apollo. June has had a crush on Apollo since she was a kid, but he did something to hurt her feelings, and she has held a grudge for like twenty years. Eventually, though, the constant sniping and bickering gave way to the bubbling attraction underneath, leading to a night of passion. Can their physical attraction translate to more, or will June’s insecurities from her childhood or the threats she’s been receiving prevent them from finding happiness?
I was so excited to finally read June and Apollo’s story, after observing their dynamic in the first two books! I was a bit surprised when I finally found out the reason that June has held a grudge against Apollo for so long without talking to him about it. I mean, what he did was wrong, but her reaction felt extreme, especially so many years later. But, she does have a ton of emotional scars left my her mother, and I don’t pretend to know what that would be like. I loved them together, whether they were bickering, throwing witty banter, being affectionate, or in a spicy love scene, they were immensely entertaining!! I also adored all the interactions with all the other characters. The world building of this whole town is phenomenal! I could just visualize all of it, and all the characters feel authentic and relatable. The suspense aspect of this book was interesting and kept me thinking, but didn’t overtake the heart of the book, which is finding love— romantic love, but also that family bond that you find with your friends and your community. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and I cannot wait to see what happens next in Huckleberry Bay!!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's time to return to Huckleberry Bay and enjoy Kristen Proby's enchanting words. CHAPEL BEND was a sweet, sexy, entertaining, amusing, and thoroughly enjoyable read. I've been waiting for this story, June Snow and Apollo Winchester aren't exactly on speaking terms, but they sure do make for a terrific second chance romance.
You could split the air with a knife when it comes to the tension, sexual and otherwise, between June and Apollo. June has had a crush on Apollo for years, but he broke her heart by teasing her when they were younger, and she's held a grudge ever since. He has always shown an interest in her, and when he was given the chance for one night with her, he grabbed it. Months go by and both realise that it wasn't enough, they come to an agreement, but June wants it to remain a secret, much to Apollo's disappointment. Will June be able to open her heart to him, or will someone else tear them apart forever?
I adore June and Apollo. She's feisty, stubborn, and fiercely independent, yet she had vulnerabilities, mainly her fear of being abandoned or unwanted. Apollo, well he is just delicious, he has all the right moves. I loved the way he admired June for the woman she was and encouraged her independence, yet he was still protective of her. His care and love shone brightly. They balanced each other perfectly.
I really enjoyed this book, it's another great read from Kristen. I loved catching up with everyone from Huckleberry Bay, they are such wonderful characters. The friendship, loyalty, wise words, and teasing ensure this group of friends provide plenty of amusement and entertainment. My only hope is that Kristen gives us stories involving Zeke and Cullen, those two really intrigue and amuse me.
CHAPEL BEND: a fun loving story with wonderful characters and plenty of laughter and love.
I've been wanting to dive back into the this series! Having read Ms.Proby's work many times before i always look forward to picking up more of her books. I've been wanting to read this one ever since it was announced. I picked it up and got right back into the Huckleberry Bay world. I enjoyed this story so very much!
Juniper "June" and Apollo's journey pulled me in right from the very get go! These two have been in each other's lives for years as June is best friends with Apollo's sister, Luna and they don't get along. Years later, June owns a construction company and is planning to move into her new chapel home. She brings Apollo on to do renovations for the chapel. Can Apollo and June find a way to get along so they can work together? and can Apollo get into June's heart?
I really liked how both June and Apollo captured my attention so quickly and kept it. I also liked how they'd been in each other's lives for some time. I didn't know how June and Apollo would tackle the past, working together, and the sparks between them which got me into their story even more. The banter and interactions between these two was so entertaining! The chemistry June and Apollo had was so great and were these two ever blushworthy together!
Sometimes you can't help who gets under your skin and into your heart which shined through Apollo and June's story. The Huckleberry Bay, Oregon setting is something i so adore! I was so happy to be back and get to reunite with this cast of characters! I can picture it all so clearly as well.
With Chapel Bend, Ms.Proby has created a great enemies to lovers story that brought every bit of feels that i didn't want to turn away from! If you haven't checked out the Huckleberry Bay books yet, you so need to. I can't wait to read what this author brings our way next!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Valentine PR / the author*
This may be the third book in the Huckleberry Bay series, but I am left as enchanted as I was with the first and, don't tell Kristen Proby, but I think June and Apollo are my favourite couple, I adored their banter, I was in heaven with their chemistry, I cried a little, and once again Ms Proby out did herself with the attention to detail throughout Chapel Bend.
June and Apollo have known each other since childhood, her best friend is Apollo's sister and they all live in Huckleberry Bay but this pair or rather June has a love hate relationship with Apollo, she loves to give him a tongue lashing that drives Apollo crazy but he wouldn't change it for anything especially if he can get that tongue to do other things, it happened once and if he has his way it will happen again, I am not quite sure what makes June so special, but she will forever hold a place in my heart, it could be because she can be, tough and feminine at the same time, she has a tough exterior but is soft on the inside especially around her friends, June owns her own construction company and is renovating her dream home the Chapel that she has just brought and if you close your eyes you will be able to picture it perfectly, Apollo is an electrician and is helping with the renovations, giving him the perfect excuse to rekindle their one night together a few months before, with all the banter that goes on you know when they finally come together it is going to be explosive and Ms Proby did not disappoint, Rose our inn resident ghost is ever present and is still slamming doors and making herself known, especially when danager is around and in the third book Rose's is talent is required yet again.
This couple's interaction flows from start to finish, the banter is perfect, the heat spot on, and the touch of suspense just right.
The book I’ve been waiting for in this Huckleberry Bay series!! June and Apollo have made many appearances in the first 2 books of this series and I’ve been anticipating their own story. It was just the perfect enemies to lovers turned secret relationship romance with an entertaining and easy to read storyline! Their chemistry is off the charts and the banter is just incredible between them! It is an entertaining small town romance with some twists thrown in along the way!
June and Apollo have known each other since they were kids. He’s also Luna’s brother, who is her best friend. June has had a crush on Apollo growing up but then he did something that upset her and it changed everything for her. Now she wants nothing to do with him and now they have all enemy filled banter and bickering. However, they ended up having a one night stand recently. Now June needs an electrician to help finish the chapel that she is turning into her home and Apollo is the electrician she needs for the job. What happens when they are now in forced proximity for this project? Apollo wants her but she doesn’t want to speak of the night they had together as he is still the enemy in her eyes.
The addition of June’s diary entries throughout this book added so many good moments to this story! They were mostly from her past and were incorporated flawlessly as they flowed so well with the rest of the story! They brought out June’s personality and I loved to see her inner thoughts on certain situations!
Kit Swann and Lee Samuels did a superb job with this narration!! Their voices matched perfectly for June and Apollo as they both completely captured their personalities! There were several moments of the audio that it truly feels like you’re listening to a movie as it feels so realistic! It made the audiobook such an easy and enjoyable listen! Definitely recommend this one on audio!!!
I absolutely loved June and Apollo, they were my favorite couple of this series so far. Juniper Snow and Apollo Winchester grew up in Huckleberry Bay together, she's his sister's best friend and had a crush on him growing up. But as kids do, Apollo embarrassed June when they were young and she never forgot it which is why their relationship is the way that it is now. June bought the little chapel in town and is renovating it as her new home, with the help of those closest to her and Apollo because he's the best electrician in town. After a disastrous date, June finds herself having dinner with Apollo and they call truce on their constant bickering. I liked that from the get go, Apollo made his intentions clear with June and tells her what he wants from her. Even though June comes off as this strong independent woman who can do everything on her own, she was happy to have Apollo by her side to shoulder some of the baggage. I loved Apollo because he was very transparent, he loved June and every single day he made sure to show her how much her cared about her. I loved Annabelle Snow, June's grandmother, she was hilarious and I wish we had more scenes with her even though she appeared in all three books. I enjoyed the friendship between June, Luna and Sarah, they had each other's backs no matter what and loved one another dearly. Apollo, Wolfe and Tanner had a similar relationship and even added Zeke to their friend group. I loved the progression of the lighthouse and the chapel and I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of the town and the ghosts that linger around. June and Apollo were a classic enemies-to-lovers story and I liked every moment in this book, Apollo made June much more confident in herself and appreciated her the way she was. Even though there was a bit of drama, it was all resolved quickly and June and Apollo got the ultimate HEA.
Just ok. I read Proby’s Wilds of Montana series and thought that was better than these 3 books. The stories were fine but overall they felt rushed and had too many loose ends for me. I didn’t connect much with the main characters of any of the three books and the secondary characters felt incredibly underdeveloped - you get a bit of backstory and then nothing (Scott, Three Sisters, Zeke - who gets a novella but I don’t even want to read it after these 3 books). The conflict in every one of these books felt very rushed and/or forced. It always happens in the last chapter and is tied up within a few pages which was anticlimactic and a bit of a let down.
SPOILER: I don’t like the accidental pregnancy trope to begin with but this one was extra frustrating. June (h) really annoyed me with the way she dealt with the situation and again, it was wrapped up in 0.5 seconds which felt disingenuous. You also don’t get to see any of the pregnancy after she tells the MMC or what happens after they have the baby which felt like major loose ends… like hey I’m pregnant and we’re moving into a haunted house with hundreds of ghosts but I’m sure it’ll all work out???
It felt like the author couldn’t decide on a conflict so she just threw in a bunch of them and none were fully developed. The heroine has conflict with a guy she fired, a guy she took a property from, and the MMC (related to accidental pregnancy) but each one was rushed and a little boring. I thought it would’ve been better if there were fewer conflicts but they were actually developed and connected throughout the story.
I liked the Wilds of Montana series as a quick, easy, light beach read but this series was lacking for me - too much going on but nothing developed enough to draw you into the story. I felt myself skimming a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved the prologue which definitely gave us an insight into June and Apollo’s friendship/maybe relationship as if we didn’t see it in the previous two books. You knew that these two were going to be together, it was just a matter of how long it would take. I’ve always liked June and how she and Apollo spar but seeing them help each other out and be there for each other a little bit in this story softened their edges. When June’s blind date goes bad and then she has a run-in with one of her employees and then things really start getting serious when there is vandalism and horrible messages are written, Apollo steps up and is there for June in a friend/boyfriend sort of way. I was happy that they were going to try to be together as a couple but then June wanted to keep it a secret, which I totally understand why, but you could tell Apollo was so happy to finally be with her. A lot of things happen and when June finds out some life changing news, she keeps it from Apollo because she’s scared which I can totally relate to then her bad and psycho blind date Eric decides to well be horrible to June and decides to put her somewhere no one will find her, not good. I do have to say, that scene freaked me out. The author did a great job writing that because even after reading it, days later it still plays in my mind. Of course, they realize she’s missing and Apollo, with the help of Rose, finds June. The ending to this book was of course wonderful and this book was perfect from beginning to end. I definitely want to say at Luna’s Light. I noticed that we’ll be getting an upcoming story for Zeke and Cherry and I’m wondering if Cullen might be getting a book….? I have totally fallen in love with this series and these characters.
Kristen Proby is definitely a comfort read author for me. I know that each time I pick up one of her novels I will be swiftly swept up into the story, and I know I am going to be left with a full and happy heart. Chapel Bend is one such novel, this is the third installment of the Huckleberry Bay series that has focused on a trio of female friends who have re-found each other in their adulthood. These novels are small town, coastal Oregon romances that are sweet and fun, there is also a soft layer of suspense in each one. Proby's writing is easily engaging, accessible and fast paced. I think Proby is the perfect author if you are looking for a quick, low angst read, that will just leave you happy.
Chapel Bend focus on June who is independent, smart, tomboyish and runs and owns her own construction company. June has spent the last many years both lusting after and hating her best friends brother, Apollo, after she hears him make some silly teenager remark. This best friends brother romance swiftly blooms as Apollo is ready to mend ways and make June his romantic partner. These two have quippy and fun banter, they way they both test and respect each other will make you chuckle, and when they decide to secret date/have a physical relationship their chemistry is sensual and sweet. Proby uses soft touches between these two to really show the comfort and trust the inherently have for the other. This novel is sweet, very low angst and really focuses on two people learning from the past, building a foundation of understanding, and learning to grow and support each other.
If you love a Kristen Proby novel you are sure to love this one and this series. I definitely recommend Kristen Proby to anyone looking for a sweet and sensual read that will leave you with a smile on your face (plus she has an extensive backlist to explore if you find her delightful)!
Thank you so much to ValentinePR for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this book we get to know Juniper and Apollo. This is book 3 in the series and Apollo is Luna's big brother and Luna's best friend is Juniper and she has hated Apolla since they were teenagers. But Apollo has it bad for June and he has no idea why she hates him. Note Luna's story is told in Lighthouse Bay but this book can also easily stand alone if you have not read this series yet.
In this book June has bought a church and she is turning it into her home. She is also a woman who runs her own construction company and this her story about her past, her future and the people that mean everything to her from her brother Cullen, her grandmother, her best friends Sarah and Luna and the town she adores. It also includes a very friendly ghost by the name of Rose who smells like well roses.
Apollo in this story is heavily crushing on June and she hates him. He is on a quest to find out why and get her to give him a shot at a relationship and forgive him. He was a really awesome guy and I loved how into June he was and how he is always there for her. She is one tough cookie and I love that she makes Apollo work for her heart.
I also loved this story so much. It is so romantic. I also loved meeting June's family and getting to know them. I also loved getting to know Apollo as I watched him fall very hard for June. June was a really amazing character and is definitely the ultimate girl boss and I totally was rooting for her throughout the story. I loved that Apollo sees how awesome she really is.
“I love everything about you, inside and out. You’re sexy as hell, and I feel like I’m alive when I’m with you.”
This is the third book in the Huckleberry Bay series. I’m a sucker for small town romance and add best friends brother into that I’m sold.
June has had a crush on Apollo since she was a young but years ago Apollo did something that hurt her and how she hates him. Apollo is Luna’s brothers and for years he has had a crush on June, and he loves her attitude and their banter, it only makes him want her more. And one night they finally give into their attraction and spend the night together, now it’s all they can think about especially since he is helping her with her chapel she renovating. June agreed to go on date with a man she met and what a disastrous date that was and who just happen to witness it this, Apollo. That night changes thing for them when they decided to explore things between them. Their relationship definitely went from enemies who were constantly bickered and bantered with each other to Lovers, who couldn’t keep their hands off each other. These two definitely didn’t disappoint in the spice department,🥵. The more time they spend together the more their relationship changes into something more. I really love their relationship with their friends and the people in the town. Overall, this book was great and the characters were amazing, and I really enjoyed the ending.
I would recommend if you like: 💙Best friend’s Brother 💙Forced Proximity 💙Small Town Romance 💙Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine 💙Steamy scenes🔥
Thank you ValentinePR for the ARC in exchange for a honest review!!!
I think that June and Apollo are my favorite couple, not sure if it is from watching their banter throughout the series and needind to understand their story. Sometime when you know people so long, the past can hold you back.
June has some things in her past that she hasn't even shared with her besties. Add in a silly teenage stunt and poor Apollo found himself on the receiving end of June's defences. For decades she has help people at arms length, not truly letting them in just in case they might leave. Never wanting to be a burdon but determined to be self sufficient. Secretly harboring her crush on her best friends brother under the sharp bite of her words, for all these years.
Apollo has tried to stay away and do the right thing. Not wanting to wreck his relationship with his sister over a bad relationship with her best friend but as the years has gone by. This negative banter they have going has been nothing but added fore play in his mind. He has tried to look in the other direction but they always fall short. He is so damn proud of the person she has become.
Will June give Apollo that chance to get behind her walls? Will June open up with her concerns and finally tell her story? Could their be a future for them after all?
This book was like a fine wine while snuggles in your perfect chair. Full of emotions and love wrapping you in a blanket.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***