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Single in Seattle #4
The Setup
I’m a sucker for pretty things. Give me a roaring engine in a souped-up vintage muscle car with cherry red paint and brand-new leather interior, and that’s about as pretty as anything I could ask for. I’m a simple man, who doesn’t need or want the kind of wild celebrity that my father has. I restore one-of-a-kind vehicles and sell them to the highest bidder. Usually, that bidder just also happens to be a celebrity.
But no matter how often my cars steal the spotlight, staying out of it is my number one priority.
Which is why Sydney Sterling is absolutely out of the question.
She’s a country music superstar. She’s in the spotlight. People can’t get enough of her.
It doesn’t matter that our one night together was hotter than a full throttle muscle car, or that she’s the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.
I. Need. To. Stay. Away.
And I was doing a great job of just that until our friends set us up on a blind date, and now here I am, sitting across from the only woman who made me want more. How am I going to handle the fact that the rest of the world wants her almost as much as I do?
And do I even have a choice in the matter?
But no matter how often my cars steal the spotlight, staying out of it is my number one priority.
Which is why Sydney Sterling is absolutely out of the question.
She’s a country music superstar. She’s in the spotlight. People can’t get enough of her.
It doesn’t matter that our one night together was hotter than a full throttle muscle car, or that she’s the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.
I. Need. To. Stay. Away.
And I was doing a great job of just that until our friends set us up on a blind date, and now here I am, sitting across from the only woman who made me want more. How am I going to handle the fact that the rest of the world wants her almost as much as I do?
And do I even have a choice in the matter?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2023
About the author
Kristen Proby
126 books15.5k 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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August 1, 2023The Setup by Kristen Proby is LIVE!
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Apple Books: http://bit.ly/3SXzZBp
Nook: http://bit.ly/3ITWJhj
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Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3kPH4rp
June 24, 2024
Super cute and hot 🫶
Less dramatic than the others, but a very sweet love story 💞
4.5 ⭐️’s
Less dramatic than the others, but a very sweet love story 💞
4.5 ⭐️’s
July 18, 2023
Again another masterpiece by Kristen Proby. She can’t do wrong when it comes to this series and families!!
I will say Keaton wasn’t my favorite Hero of hers but Sidney was great!! It’s not that I didn’t like Keaton I just wanted to smack him around and say “wake up”!!
If you have read any book or all the books in this series then you don’t want to miss The Set Up!!!
I will say Keaton wasn’t my favorite Hero of hers but Sidney was great!! It’s not that I didn’t like Keaton I just wanted to smack him around and say “wake up”!!
If you have read any book or all the books in this series then you don’t want to miss The Set Up!!!
July 16, 2023
Kristen Proby is that author that always has a story to put a smile on your face. I have loved her With Me in Seattle series and now I am loving those kids and all the extended family from the previous series. Keaton and Sydney have this connection that you just know they are soul mates. But Keaton has always tried to stay out of the spotlight and Sydney’s life is all about the spotlight.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. The relationship was mature, the characters were independent and the chemistry was undeniable. I loved all the big family dynamic and seeing so many beloved characters I fell in love with once before.
I look forward to more from Kristen and all these “kids”.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. The relationship was mature, the characters were independent and the chemistry was undeniable. I loved all the big family dynamic and seeing so many beloved characters I fell in love with once before.
I look forward to more from Kristen and all these “kids”.
July 21, 2023
*3.5*
July 14, 2023
Keaton and Sydney
For me this was a breath of fresh air with a couple that get their second chance and take it head on. Both Sydney and Keaton knew of fame but it was their connection that pulled them together. This was a great book with a fantastic HEA.
For me this was a breath of fresh air with a couple that get their second chance and take it head on. Both Sydney and Keaton knew of fame but it was their connection that pulled them together. This was a great book with a fantastic HEA.
August 28, 2024
#4 book for my Summer Romance Reading Challenges 2024
3.5
If anyone is interested in reading this book, I recommend starting from at least the first one in the series Single in Seattle because you will encounter a lot of characters— and when I say a lot, I mean at least one or two entire family clans.
Sidney, the protagonist, is truly a force of nature. She doesn't fit the typical sunshine trope because she’s more like a whirlwind of emotions—always on the move, always cheerful, and busy. As a country music star, her life is naturally hectic, but Sidney is just overflowing with energy, even during her downtime. And, of course, every sunshine needs its opposite, which is where Keaton comes in. Despite being the child of a celebrity and surrounded by famous relatives, Keaton has made it clear from the beginning that he hates that world due to past trauma and prefers his life as a recluse, working as a vintage car mechanic. As a result, Keaton is more reserved and tends to keep to himself, but that hasn’t stopped him from falling in love with someone who is his complete opposite. It was sweet to see how the characters interacted, though I fear their first meeting might have happened earlier in the series.
Sidney and Keaton’s relationship felt authentic in its imperfections, and I appreciated how they navigated their challenges together. What I loved about this story is how both characters try to understand their obstacles and take the time to overcome them.
It was a quick, fast-paced read with a simple love story. The plot moves quickly because the conflicts are resolved almost immediately. However, this quick pacing didn't allow me to appreciate the story fully; some scenes felt lacking in emotion, and the number of sex scenes didn’t really add anything for me. It wasn’t so much about the quantity but how they were written.
The side characters also play an impressive role, and it's lovely to see such a large, close-knit family. Overall, while there were a few hiccups, the story left me satisfied and eager to see what came next. I’ll go back and read this series from the start to fill in the gaps. Overall, I think if you've read the previous books in the series, you'll love this one!
3.5
If anyone is interested in reading this book, I recommend starting from at least the first one in the series Single in Seattle because you will encounter a lot of characters— and when I say a lot, I mean at least one or two entire family clans.
Sidney, the protagonist, is truly a force of nature. She doesn't fit the typical sunshine trope because she’s more like a whirlwind of emotions—always on the move, always cheerful, and busy. As a country music star, her life is naturally hectic, but Sidney is just overflowing with energy, even during her downtime. And, of course, every sunshine needs its opposite, which is where Keaton comes in. Despite being the child of a celebrity and surrounded by famous relatives, Keaton has made it clear from the beginning that he hates that world due to past trauma and prefers his life as a recluse, working as a vintage car mechanic. As a result, Keaton is more reserved and tends to keep to himself, but that hasn’t stopped him from falling in love with someone who is his complete opposite. It was sweet to see how the characters interacted, though I fear their first meeting might have happened earlier in the series.
Sidney and Keaton’s relationship felt authentic in its imperfections, and I appreciated how they navigated their challenges together. What I loved about this story is how both characters try to understand their obstacles and take the time to overcome them.
It was a quick, fast-paced read with a simple love story. The plot moves quickly because the conflicts are resolved almost immediately. However, this quick pacing didn't allow me to appreciate the story fully; some scenes felt lacking in emotion, and the number of sex scenes didn’t really add anything for me. It wasn’t so much about the quantity but how they were written.
The side characters also play an impressive role, and it's lovely to see such a large, close-knit family. Overall, while there were a few hiccups, the story left me satisfied and eager to see what came next. I’ll go back and read this series from the start to fill in the gaps. Overall, I think if you've read the previous books in the series, you'll love this one!
July 25, 2023
When it comes to Kristen Proby's books, I am always super excited about reading them. Her stories are always very light and enjoyable to read. This is the case with the current one.
This is the story of Keaton and Sidney. She is a famous country star and he repairs expensive cars. A year ago, they attended a wedding and had a one-night stand. Since then, none of them could not stop thinking about each other. When her recent album didn't have that much success, Sidney's music label drops her and she decides to have some time off from the spotlight. A chance encounter at her brother's house, she meets Keaton again. And because none of them can't hide the instant attraction, they start an affair, with the condition that it will last until her break is over. Even though their relationship was friends with benefits, all of their interactions outside the bedrooms are very smooth and easy. As a country star, Sidney doesn't mind being in the spotlight, but Keaton had a situation when he was young and he refused to support her when it comes about blending with the famous. Like Sidney, I understand where he is coming from, but there were some moments when she really needed him and he wasn't there. And even so, the condition of them being in a casual affair, they couldn't help themselves and they fall in love. Thankfully, with the help of his family, Keaton realizes that he truly loves her and he will try his best to support her and be there for her all the way.
I also loved all of their smuty and sexy scenes. They were really hot and I loved reading them... Truly, it was everything that i wanted to read in a book.
Their story was really sweet. I loved Sidney and Keaton. Their love, their friendship, their chemistry...Everything between them was beautiful.
Overall, I loved this book and I can't wait for the next book from the "Single in Seattle" series.
***I received an ARC from Valentine PR and this is my voluntary review.***
This is the story of Keaton and Sidney. She is a famous country star and he repairs expensive cars. A year ago, they attended a wedding and had a one-night stand. Since then, none of them could not stop thinking about each other. When her recent album didn't have that much success, Sidney's music label drops her and she decides to have some time off from the spotlight. A chance encounter at her brother's house, she meets Keaton again. And because none of them can't hide the instant attraction, they start an affair, with the condition that it will last until her break is over. Even though their relationship was friends with benefits, all of their interactions outside the bedrooms are very smooth and easy. As a country star, Sidney doesn't mind being in the spotlight, but Keaton had a situation when he was young and he refused to support her when it comes about blending with the famous. Like Sidney, I understand where he is coming from, but there were some moments when she really needed him and he wasn't there. And even so, the condition of them being in a casual affair, they couldn't help themselves and they fall in love. Thankfully, with the help of his family, Keaton realizes that he truly loves her and he will try his best to support her and be there for her all the way.
I also loved all of their smuty and sexy scenes. They were really hot and I loved reading them... Truly, it was everything that i wanted to read in a book.
Their story was really sweet. I loved Sidney and Keaton. Their love, their friendship, their chemistry...Everything between them was beautiful.
Overall, I loved this book and I can't wait for the next book from the "Single in Seattle" series.
***I received an ARC from Valentine PR and this is my voluntary review.***
July 7, 2023
This book sucks you right in and you feel like your a character in the story. I had constant butterflies throughout this whole book!
Keaton and Sidney met at a wedding a year go. They instantly connected and hooked up. Now, Sidney is taking time off from music. She just finished her tour that wasn’t that successful and she just got dropped from her label. She leaves Nashville and rents a condo in the same building as her brother in Seattle. Her brother is getting married and she decides to clear her head around family.
Surprising her brother and his fiancé at their home she finds herself walking into a dinner party. Close friends and Keaton. Instantly both are nervous and shy. After some small talk and a great meal, Keaton offers to walk Sid home. Sid grabs him into her condo. Instantly they both collide and want to spend time together. They offer each other an exclusive friends with benefits relationship since they don’t know how long Sid will be there. Also, Keaton was burned badly from a celebrity when he was young so he has no desire to be in the spotlight EVER!
The communication and mature relationship between Keaton and Sidney was perfect. I loved that it felt like an adult relationship and not a cheesy immature one.
The strong large family dynamic in this story was so good!!! I love found family tropes and this is one large found family!
I also LOOOOOVE the celebrity trope. Sidney is a country artist and I loved seeing this trope!
Favorite Quote:
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re a lion and I’m a gazelle.”
*
*
*
“You’re as confusing as you are beautiful.”
Favorite Scenes:
Playing the Piano
Blind Date
Apology
Sidney’s dad and Keaton’s talk
CMA performance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Found Family
Celebrity (both in their own way)
Grumpy/Sunshine
Opposites Attract
Keaton and Sidney met at a wedding a year go. They instantly connected and hooked up. Now, Sidney is taking time off from music. She just finished her tour that wasn’t that successful and she just got dropped from her label. She leaves Nashville and rents a condo in the same building as her brother in Seattle. Her brother is getting married and she decides to clear her head around family.
Surprising her brother and his fiancé at their home she finds herself walking into a dinner party. Close friends and Keaton. Instantly both are nervous and shy. After some small talk and a great meal, Keaton offers to walk Sid home. Sid grabs him into her condo. Instantly they both collide and want to spend time together. They offer each other an exclusive friends with benefits relationship since they don’t know how long Sid will be there. Also, Keaton was burned badly from a celebrity when he was young so he has no desire to be in the spotlight EVER!
The communication and mature relationship between Keaton and Sidney was perfect. I loved that it felt like an adult relationship and not a cheesy immature one.
The strong large family dynamic in this story was so good!!! I love found family tropes and this is one large found family!
I also LOOOOOVE the celebrity trope. Sidney is a country artist and I loved seeing this trope!
Favorite Quote:
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re a lion and I’m a gazelle.”
*
*
*
“You’re as confusing as you are beautiful.”
Favorite Scenes:
Playing the Piano
Blind Date
Apology
Sidney’s dad and Keaton’s talk
CMA performance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Found Family
Celebrity (both in their own way)
Grumpy/Sunshine
Opposites Attract
July 16, 2023
The Setup is book #4 in the Single in Seattle series. Fans of Kristen Proby will love it. It full of romance with a touch of drama. The chapters flow and will fill you up with all the "feels.".
Sydney and Keaton's story will pull you in, not letting go until "The End." Their chemistry was great with no shortage of sexy times! Keaton Williams is "a simple man, who doesn’t need or want the kind of wild celebrity that his father has." He prefers to stay out of the limelight. But, the heart wants what the heart wants. And his heart wants Country music superstar Sydney Sterling. I loved Sydney! She is fun, kind and talented. I loved how they kept trying to be considerate of each other's feelings not realizing that they both wanted the same things.
He's such an intense man, so serious most of the time.
Single in Seatle is book #4 in the inter-connected series. I had no problem following the story or the main/side characters. I am a fan of the original series With You in Seattle and enjoyed the cameos from their characters. The set up is made for the next book to come in the series The Stand-In, featuring Drew Montgomery & London Ambrose.
I crave her. I need to be around her, to touch her and talk with her. Make her laugh.
#AuthorKristenProby #SingleInSeattle #SydneyAndKeaton #Romance #Hot #Steamy
Sydney and Keaton's story will pull you in, not letting go until "The End." Their chemistry was great with no shortage of sexy times! Keaton Williams is "a simple man, who doesn’t need or want the kind of wild celebrity that his father has." He prefers to stay out of the limelight. But, the heart wants what the heart wants. And his heart wants Country music superstar Sydney Sterling. I loved Sydney! She is fun, kind and talented. I loved how they kept trying to be considerate of each other's feelings not realizing that they both wanted the same things.
He's such an intense man, so serious most of the time.
Single in Seatle is book #4 in the inter-connected series. I had no problem following the story or the main/side characters. I am a fan of the original series With You in Seattle and enjoyed the cameos from their characters. The set up is made for the next book to come in the series The Stand-In, featuring Drew Montgomery & London Ambrose.
I crave her. I need to be around her, to touch her and talk with her. Make her laugh.
#AuthorKristenProby #SingleInSeattle #SydneyAndKeaton #Romance #Hot #Steamy
July 14, 2023
The Setup (Single in Seattle, #4) by Kristen Proby
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Keaton is living his best life. He loves the cars that he works on. He loves his clients. He loves his family. Keaton's business is booming and he loves to hunt for the rare cars to restore. When he shows up for a blind date, he does not expect that his secret hookup is the one to be set up with him.
Sydney is trying to find her light again. After her record label decided not to reup her contract, Sydney knows that she needs a break. When she meets up with her friends again, she knows that it's exactly what she needed. From seeing her friends, singing just for fun and not to mention hooking up with Keaton again.
Keaton is someone you want to slap against the head occasionally. He seems to have a big head about himself and worries entirely too much about his life, and where it's going and who is in it.
Sydney and Keaton have a more YA chemistry, but Sydney is a character that you're going to love. Keaton was more of a fungus that grew on you, but wasn't something you loved right away.
Overall, this is a sweet story about letting go, moving forward and showing the world that you only need to believe in yourself.
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Keaton is living his best life. He loves the cars that he works on. He loves his clients. He loves his family. Keaton's business is booming and he loves to hunt for the rare cars to restore. When he shows up for a blind date, he does not expect that his secret hookup is the one to be set up with him.
Sydney is trying to find her light again. After her record label decided not to reup her contract, Sydney knows that she needs a break. When she meets up with her friends again, she knows that it's exactly what she needed. From seeing her friends, singing just for fun and not to mention hooking up with Keaton again.
Keaton is someone you want to slap against the head occasionally. He seems to have a big head about himself and worries entirely too much about his life, and where it's going and who is in it.
Sydney and Keaton have a more YA chemistry, but Sydney is a character that you're going to love. Keaton was more of a fungus that grew on you, but wasn't something you loved right away.
Overall, this is a sweet story about letting go, moving forward and showing the world that you only need to believe in yourself.
July 14, 2023
The thing I love about this romance is the way love refuses to follow the rules. Keaton Williams has a famous father, and after a bad experience when someone took advantage of Keaton's family connection, he's decided the last thing he wants is a relationship with anyone famous. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and Keaton's heart wants Sydney Sterling.
Sydney is a country music star badly in need of a break. After a grueling tour, she escapes to Seattle to visit her family. She's quickly drawn into their group of friends, which includes Keaton Williams, who has a car restoration business that's in big demand. They spent one great night together which they agreed would be only that. But when their friends set them up on a blind date, it gets too difficult to resist the chemistry between then.
A little angst, a little humor, and a lot of steam make this an compelling read that kept me reading straight through. Light on angst but heavy on heart, this romance is the perfect reading escape that you won’t want to miss!
Sydney is a country music star badly in need of a break. After a grueling tour, she escapes to Seattle to visit her family. She's quickly drawn into their group of friends, which includes Keaton Williams, who has a car restoration business that's in big demand. They spent one great night together which they agreed would be only that. But when their friends set them up on a blind date, it gets too difficult to resist the chemistry between then.
A little angst, a little humor, and a lot of steam make this an compelling read that kept me reading straight through. Light on angst but heavy on heart, this romance is the perfect reading escape that you won’t want to miss!
August 12, 2023
Although I enjoyed THE SETUP, Keaton Williams got on my last nerve. His "my way or the highway" attitude, reeks of his super movie star father, Luke.
Country singer, Sydney, has just been notified that her latest album has tanked, causing her record label to drop her. She is really upset and needs to make public appearances before her fans lose interest. Keaton shuns public appearances and can't or won't support her.
Keaton's rock star uncle, Leo Nash, helps Sydney solve her musical problems, but Keaton is a whole different challenge.
What happens now?
July 26, 2023
*ARC*
The Setup by Kristen Proby
Tropes: Alpha Hero/ Blind Date/ One Night Stand/ Country Music Superstar/ Family Saga/ Secret Romance
“The Setup” is the fourth book in the “Singles in Seattle “series. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and honestly, she just gained a new fan. I loved the family dynamic and the open communication among them. It is not easy to find a book in which all of the family members support one another without hidden intentions. It was a breath of fresh air, to be honest.
This book follows the story of Keaton and Sidney. They met at a wedding and had an explosive night together. A year later, they meet again due to the family that ties them together, and once they see each other again, they can’t deny the chemistry they share. They decide to embark on a friends-with-benefits relationship with no expectations. Everything is fine until feelings get involved, and they have to choose if they are worth the risk.
Keaton comes from a famous family; unfortunately, he has been burned before in the relationship department because of them. They saw him as a ticket to fame by just dating him. But due to his past unsuccessful relationships, he decided to avoid anything to do with fame, including dating another person who works in the spotlight. Everything worked fine for him until he crosses paths with Sidney, a famous country singer. Will she be worth it for him to change his beliefs?
Sidney just finished her tour and is forced to take some time off from her career. She decided to temporarily move to Seattle to reconnect with her brother, never imagining that she would encounter the man who made her legs wobble a year ago. Seeing Keaton again is something she wasn’t expecting, yet she will take advantage of it by getting close to him. She needs to find a balance in her working/personal life, and she finds what she’s looking for in the family of the man she might have caught feelings for.
The Setup is a nice fast-paced story that I absolutely enjoyed. I loved the main and secondary characters. I did love how the author wrote how Keaton and Sidney worked out their fears and how strong they were. They believed in what they wanted and that they didn’t have to settle for something less. They just had to find a way to get it. I look forward to reading more about this series.
I rated this book with 4 stars and wholeheartedly recommend it.
*Thank you Valentine PR for granting me an ARC.*
The Setup by Kristen Proby
Tropes: Alpha Hero/ Blind Date/ One Night Stand/ Country Music Superstar/ Family Saga/ Secret Romance
“The Setup” is the fourth book in the “Singles in Seattle “series. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and honestly, she just gained a new fan. I loved the family dynamic and the open communication among them. It is not easy to find a book in which all of the family members support one another without hidden intentions. It was a breath of fresh air, to be honest.
This book follows the story of Keaton and Sidney. They met at a wedding and had an explosive night together. A year later, they meet again due to the family that ties them together, and once they see each other again, they can’t deny the chemistry they share. They decide to embark on a friends-with-benefits relationship with no expectations. Everything is fine until feelings get involved, and they have to choose if they are worth the risk.
Keaton comes from a famous family; unfortunately, he has been burned before in the relationship department because of them. They saw him as a ticket to fame by just dating him. But due to his past unsuccessful relationships, he decided to avoid anything to do with fame, including dating another person who works in the spotlight. Everything worked fine for him until he crosses paths with Sidney, a famous country singer. Will she be worth it for him to change his beliefs?
Sidney just finished her tour and is forced to take some time off from her career. She decided to temporarily move to Seattle to reconnect with her brother, never imagining that she would encounter the man who made her legs wobble a year ago. Seeing Keaton again is something she wasn’t expecting, yet she will take advantage of it by getting close to him. She needs to find a balance in her working/personal life, and she finds what she’s looking for in the family of the man she might have caught feelings for.
The Setup is a nice fast-paced story that I absolutely enjoyed. I loved the main and secondary characters. I did love how the author wrote how Keaton and Sidney worked out their fears and how strong they were. They believed in what they wanted and that they didn’t have to settle for something less. They just had to find a way to get it. I look forward to reading more about this series.
I rated this book with 4 stars and wholeheartedly recommend it.
*Thank you Valentine PR for granting me an ARC.*
July 24, 2023
4 stars cute quick read
July 27, 2023
A good quick read that had me hooked from the off. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I'm a sucker for books about music stars and loved the friendship dynamics between out 2 mc and the reluctance our mmc had to have anything to do with the spot light due to his past and family. I did feel that something was missing. I read parts and genuinely had to skip back to see if I'd missed something as we had a piece of information dropped that I feel needed more exploring I think I would have felt the relationship more if I'd seen a bit more back story. Overall a good read.
July 11, 2023
The way I LOVE Keaton & Sidney!!! They are my new favorite couple of the Single In Seattle series! You can’t help but smile throughout this whole book as they such have a strong attraction with so many swoon worthy moments and conversations! It’s an easy read but yet incredibly enjoyable love story!! Kristen Proby continues to give us a 2nd generation series that just gets better and better with each book!
💛Opposites Attract
💛One Night Stand
💛Secret Romance
💛Country Music Star
💛Close Family
Sidney is a country singer and Keaton is a car mechanic who comes from a famous family. He may hate the spotlight but together they light up the pages of this book with their chemistry! They are an opposites attract couple as Keaton is more reserved and likes to do his own thing while Sidney is a musician who is outgoing and not afraid to express herself! They begin as a one night stand while Sidney is visiting her family in Seattle but one night wasn’t enough. However, they can never be a thing as she is working on getting back into the music spotlight and Keaton doesn’t date famous people after a situation in his past. Everything may be against them but together they were an enjoyable combination that was easy to fall in love with! I already want to read it again!
If this is your first time reading this series, Keaton is a family member of the Montgomery and Williams clan, which this whole series surrounds! As always both families are included in the book and just add so much to the story! There were multiple gatherings which created all the best family moments and conversations that fit in with the plot perfectly! It also got me so excited for some of the other cousins who are growing up and seeing more and more of them in each book! I can’t wait for more of their stories in this series!
The audiobook for The Setup delivers an OUTSTANDING audio performance with an included SURPRISE that I am obsessed with! Sidney is a country music star, so what did Kristen Proby do? She added, actual country song clips into the audio from the character Sidney Sterling herself! It took an already enjoyable storyline and elevated it to the next level in this audio! Also you have Joe Arden and Emma Wilder who gave a performance that was just perfection! Joe Arden was the perfect tone for Keaton’s character and especially delivered on Keaton’s dirty mouth in the bedroom! Also, his female voice to show off Sidney’s upbeat personality was so well done!! Emma Wilder was also perfectly cast for Sidney. She fit her age and personality while adding chuckles and other sounds to the narration that just brought her character to life! Overall, this audiobook is a new favorite for me and one that I will be listening to on repeat!!
💛Opposites Attract
💛One Night Stand
💛Secret Romance
💛Country Music Star
💛Close Family
Sidney is a country singer and Keaton is a car mechanic who comes from a famous family. He may hate the spotlight but together they light up the pages of this book with their chemistry! They are an opposites attract couple as Keaton is more reserved and likes to do his own thing while Sidney is a musician who is outgoing and not afraid to express herself! They begin as a one night stand while Sidney is visiting her family in Seattle but one night wasn’t enough. However, they can never be a thing as she is working on getting back into the music spotlight and Keaton doesn’t date famous people after a situation in his past. Everything may be against them but together they were an enjoyable combination that was easy to fall in love with! I already want to read it again!
If this is your first time reading this series, Keaton is a family member of the Montgomery and Williams clan, which this whole series surrounds! As always both families are included in the book and just add so much to the story! There were multiple gatherings which created all the best family moments and conversations that fit in with the plot perfectly! It also got me so excited for some of the other cousins who are growing up and seeing more and more of them in each book! I can’t wait for more of their stories in this series!
The audiobook for The Setup delivers an OUTSTANDING audio performance with an included SURPRISE that I am obsessed with! Sidney is a country music star, so what did Kristen Proby do? She added, actual country song clips into the audio from the character Sidney Sterling herself! It took an already enjoyable storyline and elevated it to the next level in this audio! Also you have Joe Arden and Emma Wilder who gave a performance that was just perfection! Joe Arden was the perfect tone for Keaton’s character and especially delivered on Keaton’s dirty mouth in the bedroom! Also, his female voice to show off Sidney’s upbeat personality was so well done!! Emma Wilder was also perfectly cast for Sidney. She fit her age and personality while adding chuckles and other sounds to the narration that just brought her character to life! Overall, this audiobook is a new favorite for me and one that I will be listening to on repeat!!
June 5, 2024
Swoon! I don’t know why I continue to be surprised when I fall more in love with the newest Montgomery male each time. Seriously. Nate is my #1 book boyfriend, Greyson a very close 2nd. And there’s Luke & Leo, Ike and Vaughn. I swear they’re all amazing. But there’s something special about Keaton. Maybe it’s because I’m an introvert like him and I prefer my alone time while still wanting to be surrounded by my huge family. I don’t know but he’s *chefs kiss*. Kristen Proby put all of the best book boyfriend qualities into him. Sydney is also a force to be reckoned with. I love that things weren’t always so easy for her and we get to see her make the conscious decision to not give up and then work her tail off to get it back. And I think we can all agree that the parts with Leo were some of the best. It was nice to see him take more of a role in this story. I also love the little teasers of what is to come…Drew’s job and boss, Maya’s newfound freedom, and I really can’t wait to see who can reel Liam in even the tiniest bit LOL! A splendid addition to the next generation of Montgomerys!
I forgot how much I love this story. In a family of favorite male main characters Keaton instantly rises to a new favorite. This was my second time through the book and I listened to it on audio this time. Joe Arden and Emma Wilder absolutely knock it out of the park. This is the first series I have read with different narrators for each book and I have to say I like it more than I thought I would. But I think my absolute favorite part was the addition of Sydney’s songs interjected into the script where they are referenced in the book. I was so not expecting the first one and it added so much depth to the telling of the story. I had heard the songs before but didn’t realize they were in the audiobook. I absolutely loved it!
I forgot how much I love this story. In a family of favorite male main characters Keaton instantly rises to a new favorite. This was my second time through the book and I listened to it on audio this time. Joe Arden and Emma Wilder absolutely knock it out of the park. This is the first series I have read with different narrators for each book and I have to say I like it more than I thought I would. But I think my absolute favorite part was the addition of Sydney’s songs interjected into the script where they are referenced in the book. I was so not expecting the first one and it added so much depth to the telling of the story. I had heard the songs before but didn’t realize they were in the audiobook. I absolutely loved it!
August 18, 2023
oh my lord Kristen pulls you in so fast in this book that you just can't help but not put it down till the end.
your going to fall head over heals for Keaton and Sidney as well.
he can't stand the spot light but once she steps into his life and flips it to the point he can't live with out her that things change. how they change you need to read Keaton and Sidney story to find out.
I really felt like I never left the world Kristen has woven together with this series ( and now I have to go back and read the rest ) but I have to say seeing the kids grown and what's happening makes me long to read all of the books (again)
I can't wait to see whats next
your going to fall head over heals for Keaton and Sidney as well.
he can't stand the spot light but once she steps into his life and flips it to the point he can't live with out her that things change. how they change you need to read Keaton and Sidney story to find out.
I really felt like I never left the world Kristen has woven together with this series ( and now I have to go back and read the rest ) but I have to say seeing the kids grown and what's happening makes me long to read all of the books (again)
I can't wait to see whats next
July 20, 2023
The Setup by Kristen Proby, is the fourth book in the Single in Seattle Series, but can be read as standalone. Sidney Sterling is a country music singer, who after a tour finds herself arriving home in Nashville when her manager informs her that after that unsuccessful tour and latest record the record label has decided to break her contract and although she tells her that this is not a bad thing and to take this opportunity to rest and regroup, Sidney is anxious because she doesn't know what she will do if she loses her dream career and dream job making music, that's why when her future sister-in-law, Stella, calls her to help her with the wedding, she does not hesitate and travels to Seattle to help her and surprise his brother Gray, there he meets Keaton Williams again, this sexy man is related to his future sister-in-law and whom she met before and with whom she spent one night after Olivia's wedding, his sister-in-law's best friend. Keaton is son of the famous producer and director Luke Williams, but for Keaton his passion is cars and he has his restore shop, but a very productive one where he disarms cars that might no longer be useful and turns them into collector's items, with movie and music stars as his clients Keaton has never been a stranger to that world but due to circumstances in his past he swore many years ago not to be in the light of fame and least dealing with tabloids and not to get involved with anyone from that live, so when he sees Sidney again he swears to keep his distance from her. For Sidney this version of Keaton, reserved and distant, was not the one she knew and tries to get him out of that rigidity, but nothing works, but when they both have a few moments alone the sparks fly between them again and leads them to an agreement for something temporary while she is in Seattle, this is a deal that seems to work for both, for her it serves as an inspiration for her music and for Keaton to spend time with her without getting involved with the celebrity part of her live. Everything will seem to be going very well until the feelings are transformed, so Keaton must be willing to break his greatest rule and for Sidney to transform his life to be happy.
This story is sweet, funny, with wonderful main and secondary characters, so much so that you will want to go read each one of their stories, I certainly will, a story that you will not want to stop reading and with which you will end up completely in love. Highly recommended!
*Thanks to Kristen Proby and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
The Setup de Kristen Proby, es el cuarto libro de la Serie Single in Seatle, pero puede ser leído de manera independiente. Sidney Sterling es una estrella de la música country, que luego de una gira de conciertos se encuentra llegando a su casa en Nashville cuando su representante le informa que luego de esa gira de conciertos poco exitosa la firma de discos ha decidido romper su contrato y aunque le dice que esto no es malo y que tome esta oportunidad para descansar y reagruparse a Sidney le causa ansiedad ya que n sabe que hará si pierde la carrera de su sueños y lo que disfruta al hacer música, es por eso que cuando su futura cuñada, Stella, la llama para que le ayude con la boda, ella no lo duda y viaja a Seatle a ayudarle y sorprender a su hermano Gray, allí vuelve a encontrarse con Keaton Williams, este sexy hombre es familia de su futura cuñada y a quien conoció antes y con el que paso una noche luego de la boda de Olivia la mejor amiga de su cuñada, hijo del famoso productor y director Luke Williams, pero para Keaton su pasión es en los carros y tiene su taller de arreglo de autos, pero uno muy productivo donde desarma autos que podrían ya no servir y los convierte en piezas de colección, con estrellas del cine y la música como sus clientes Keaton nunca ha sido extraño a ese mundo pero por circunstancias de su pasado juro hace muchos años no estar en tabloides y no involucrarse con nadie de ese medio, por lo que cuando ve de nuevo a Sidney jura mantener distancia de ella. Para Sidney esta versión de Keaton reservado y distante no fue el que ella conoció y trata de sacarlo de esa rigidez, pero nada funciona, pero cuando ambos tienen unos momentos a solas las chispas vuelve a saltar entre ellos y los lleva a un acuerdo de algo temporal mientras ella está en Seatle, este es un trato que parece servir a ambos, para ella le sirve de inspiración para su música y para Keaton pasar tiempo con ella sin involucrarse con los tabloides. Todo parecerá ir muy bien hasta que los sentimientos se transformen, por lo que Keaton deberá estar dispuesto a romper su mayor regla y para Sidney transformar su vida para ser feliz.
Esta historia es dulce, graciosa, con personajes principales y secundarios maravillosos, tanto que querrás ir a leer cada una de sus historias, yo sin duda lo haré, una historia que no querrá dejar de leer y con la que terminarás completamente enamorado. ¡Altamente Recomendada!
*Gracias a Kristen Proby y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
This story is sweet, funny, with wonderful main and secondary characters, so much so that you will want to go read each one of their stories, I certainly will, a story that you will not want to stop reading and with which you will end up completely in love. Highly recommended!
*Thanks to Kristen Proby and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
The Setup de Kristen Proby, es el cuarto libro de la Serie Single in Seatle, pero puede ser leído de manera independiente. Sidney Sterling es una estrella de la música country, que luego de una gira de conciertos se encuentra llegando a su casa en Nashville cuando su representante le informa que luego de esa gira de conciertos poco exitosa la firma de discos ha decidido romper su contrato y aunque le dice que esto no es malo y que tome esta oportunidad para descansar y reagruparse a Sidney le causa ansiedad ya que n sabe que hará si pierde la carrera de su sueños y lo que disfruta al hacer música, es por eso que cuando su futura cuñada, Stella, la llama para que le ayude con la boda, ella no lo duda y viaja a Seatle a ayudarle y sorprender a su hermano Gray, allí vuelve a encontrarse con Keaton Williams, este sexy hombre es familia de su futura cuñada y a quien conoció antes y con el que paso una noche luego de la boda de Olivia la mejor amiga de su cuñada, hijo del famoso productor y director Luke Williams, pero para Keaton su pasión es en los carros y tiene su taller de arreglo de autos, pero uno muy productivo donde desarma autos que podrían ya no servir y los convierte en piezas de colección, con estrellas del cine y la música como sus clientes Keaton nunca ha sido extraño a ese mundo pero por circunstancias de su pasado juro hace muchos años no estar en tabloides y no involucrarse con nadie de ese medio, por lo que cuando ve de nuevo a Sidney jura mantener distancia de ella. Para Sidney esta versión de Keaton reservado y distante no fue el que ella conoció y trata de sacarlo de esa rigidez, pero nada funciona, pero cuando ambos tienen unos momentos a solas las chispas vuelve a saltar entre ellos y los lleva a un acuerdo de algo temporal mientras ella está en Seatle, este es un trato que parece servir a ambos, para ella le sirve de inspiración para su música y para Keaton pasar tiempo con ella sin involucrarse con los tabloides. Todo parecerá ir muy bien hasta que los sentimientos se transformen, por lo que Keaton deberá estar dispuesto a romper su mayor regla y para Sidney transformar su vida para ser feliz.
Esta historia es dulce, graciosa, con personajes principales y secundarios maravillosos, tanto que querrás ir a leer cada una de sus historias, yo sin duda lo haré, una historia que no querrá dejar de leer y con la que terminarás completamente enamorado. ¡Altamente Recomendada!
*Gracias a Kristen Proby y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
July 18, 2023
Amazon / Apple / Nook / Kobo / Audible
Sidney wasn't expecting to see Keaton again but now that they're face to face, perhaps their obvious chemistry can be indulged in again with no strings, while they're both around. But no catching feelings, no commitment, and absolutely no dates that will land Keaton in the spotlight Sidney thrives in.
After having been badly burned as a teen by a hanger on wanting to get an in to his father's world, Keaton has shunned the spotlight since. Though his family has lots of celebs both in his immediate and secondary circles, he himself refuses to have anything to do with that world. Then along comes a beautiful, confident Sidney who lives her life and career in that same public eye that he shuns. What's a guy to do when he falls for someone who lives in the very place he refuses to be?
I've been loving this series, and this installment is another reason why. Keaton and Sidney are such a great couple even though they don't label anything at first because of Keaton's fear of the spotlight. Sidney in particular, gives their story that extra wow factor with her strong backbone, confident demeanor, and huge heart. It was great being back in this world again, with all of Keaton's large, loving family, now I'm impatiently waiting for The Stand-In to release.
ARC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review.
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August 9, 2023
I absolutely loved The Setup by Kristen Proby, it is an incredible opposites attract love at first sight love story. It is the fourth book in her Single in Seattle series. Once again Kristen Proby shows that she is an amazing storyteller. Kristen Proby is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors to read. It was impossible to put The Setup down and I loved every moment on every page. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? I really enjoy how the book is written in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. The Setup is an opposites attract love at first sight love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. The Setup is filled with all those things that I have come to love and expect in a Kristen Proby love story, and she did not disappoint, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. The Setup is the story of Keaton Williams, owner of a car restoration company and Sidney Sterling country music star. Sidney and Keaton meet at Keaton’s sister’s, Olivia’s, wedding and secretly spend the night together. Sidney finished a lackluster tour and was released from her record company. She decides to take a hiatus and heads to Seattle to rest and spend time with her brother, Grayson and his fiancée, Stella. She rents a condo in the same building where Gray and Stella live. She heads to Gray’s condo only to find they are having dinner with Olivia, Vaughan, and Keaton. Stella suggests that Keaton walk her back to her condo, and Sidney invites him inside. Stella sets Sidney up with a blind date that just happens to be Keaton. They continue to be attracted to one another. I love the sizzling chemistry between Sidney and Keaton. Things quickly heat up between the two of them as they spend time together. Keaton is not interested in having a relationship with a celebrity, growing up as the child of a celebrity. I love the easy banter of the conversations between Sidney and Keaton that flows so easily, I love that both Sidney and Keaton share secrets with one another that they have not shared with anyone. I love the jam session that Sidney has with Leo Nash and Brax Adler. I love all the heart-to-heart conversations that take place in The Setup. I loved that The Setup is more than just a romance, there are dilemmas that both Sidney and Keaton are facing that need to be resolved and the plot twist that threatens their relationship. I love that there were multiple storylines: Sidney’s musical career, Keaton’s no celebrity relationships, but most importantly Sidney and Keaton’s love story. I love how all the storylines get so beautifully resolved. I love the ending of the love story, and how both Sidney and Keaton change because of their love for one another, especially where Sidney decides to live. I love Keaton’s proposal and the location. My favorite part is the epilogue and how it goes beyond a happily ever after. The Setup is filled with poignant and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists that I have come to love and expect in a Kristin Proby love story. I love all the support that Sidney gets from Keaton’s family and the family dynamic in The Setup the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoyed all the interactions between the cousins, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I loved all the characters in The Setup, and I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I love the bonus epilogue for The Setup that is told from Keaton’s Mom’s, Natalie’s perspective the night before Sidney and Keaton’s wedding. Make sure you have your Kleenex nearby. I thoroughly enjoyed The Setup, who does not love an opposites attract love at first sight love story. Highly recommend this incredible love story.
July 18, 2023
I love this Single in Seattle series and love it even more with every book that comes out. This book is Keaton Williams and Sidney Sterling. Right away we find out why Keaton doesn’t want to date or have a relationship with a celebrity and why he has trust issues. Then Sidney shows up in Seattle off her recent tour, to take a break from everything (plus there’s a lot to unpack there) and surprises her brother and Stella as they are in the midst of a dinner with family and Keaton is there. They spent the night together almost a year prior at Keaton’s sister’s wedding and haven’t seen each other since but their chemistry is still there. They decide to have a FWB situation while she’s in town which works great for both of them. I love that while Sidney is in town, she gets to be a part of all the activities with the HUGE Montgomery-Williams family, as well. I also enjoyed watching when she got to jam out with Leo and Brax and found out that Keaton has many hidden talents including playing the piano. Also, watching Leo help Sidney with everything she was going through was such a great part of this story as well. When Sidney is presented with an opportunity to go to Nashville to help honor one of her best friends, she of course jumps at the chance and wants Keaton to go with her and this is where the trouble starts. She knows his stance on this subject, but words are said, and she leaves to head to Nashville and there is trouble in paradise. While she’s in Nashville she decides that things need to change in her life and makes a list to make it happen and Keaton is on that list. When she returns to Seattle, she shows up to talk with Keaton and I thought it was so sweet when they both admitted they had ‘caught feelings’ for the other. With them being together and Sidney is working on new music and when a new song she’s put out on the platforms goes viral she is asked to perform it at a huge awards show, and she asks Keaton to come along again but says she knows his thoughts on this and respects them. After a visit to his dad for a professional project, they end up talking personally and his dad gives him some advice and Keaton heads to Dallas and the awards show that Sidney is performing at. What comes next is Keaton Williams at his swoon worthy best. The way he just showed up and managed his surprise was definitely next level and something he most definitely learned from his dad on making the grand gesture for his girlfriend. LOVED the rest of the story and the ending was unexpected for these two and I have to say that the bonus epilogue from Natalie’s point of view, perfection. I always say this, but definitely my new favorite book in this series! I definitely need a Keaton of my own. Can’t wait for Drew’s story.
July 19, 2023
The spotlight shines on Keaton & Sidney
I love my visits to Seattle and being amongst all the love, laughter and fun of the Montgomery/Williams families. THE SETUP is book #4 in the Single In Seattle series focusing on the younger generation, and this time we get to watch Keaton Williams and Sidney on their journey to love.
Keaton and Sidney first met at a family wedding and shared a hot and unforgettable night together. A year later their paths are about to cross once again, and their chemistry is even hotter. They can't deny their physical attraction and decide to have a friends with benefits relationship with no expectations for the future. Will they end up wanting more?
Keaton has grown up around fame, yet thanks to his father Luke he has never been in the spotlight. During high school his heart was broken when he discovered he was being used for his family connections. From that day forward Keaton decided he would never date someone in the spotlight, a celebrity. That was until Sidney returned to Seattle. Will she be the woman who has Keaton breaking the one vow he ever made?
After finishing her most recent tour Sidney returns home to find that everything in her life is about to change. She's forced into an unwanted break, so she heads to Seattle to spend time with her brother,
think about the next move in her career, and work on some new music. There she crosses paths with Keaton and all the memories of their night together return. An arrangement is made, but what she doesn't expect are the feelings she begins to experience. Will she be able to leave him behind when her career takes another turn?
I adored Keaton and Sidney. They had fun, encouraged and supported each other, had a genuine friendship, and their schmexyness was explosive. (The piano comes to mind.) I loved that they were able to talk about anything, their fears, dreams, wants, and their ability to compromise. Sometimes I did want to smack Keaton across the back of his head, he was just so stubborn. I loved Sidney's positive attitude and how she was willing to move ahead with what she wanted.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The relationship between Keaton and Sidney was heartwarming, fun and inspiring. I love it when all the families are involved in the storyline, they bring so much fun, wise words, and a lot of teasing. This was another amazing read in this series, and I can't wait for the next one.
P.S. Kristen has put a Spotify link to Sidney's songs, go listen to them, they're wonderful.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE HEARTWARMING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
I love my visits to Seattle and being amongst all the love, laughter and fun of the Montgomery/Williams families. THE SETUP is book #4 in the Single In Seattle series focusing on the younger generation, and this time we get to watch Keaton Williams and Sidney on their journey to love.
Keaton and Sidney first met at a family wedding and shared a hot and unforgettable night together. A year later their paths are about to cross once again, and their chemistry is even hotter. They can't deny their physical attraction and decide to have a friends with benefits relationship with no expectations for the future. Will they end up wanting more?
Keaton has grown up around fame, yet thanks to his father Luke he has never been in the spotlight. During high school his heart was broken when he discovered he was being used for his family connections. From that day forward Keaton decided he would never date someone in the spotlight, a celebrity. That was until Sidney returned to Seattle. Will she be the woman who has Keaton breaking the one vow he ever made?
After finishing her most recent tour Sidney returns home to find that everything in her life is about to change. She's forced into an unwanted break, so she heads to Seattle to spend time with her brother,
think about the next move in her career, and work on some new music. There she crosses paths with Keaton and all the memories of their night together return. An arrangement is made, but what she doesn't expect are the feelings she begins to experience. Will she be able to leave him behind when her career takes another turn?
I adored Keaton and Sidney. They had fun, encouraged and supported each other, had a genuine friendship, and their schmexyness was explosive. (The piano comes to mind.) I loved that they were able to talk about anything, their fears, dreams, wants, and their ability to compromise. Sometimes I did want to smack Keaton across the back of his head, he was just so stubborn. I loved Sidney's positive attitude and how she was willing to move ahead with what she wanted.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The relationship between Keaton and Sidney was heartwarming, fun and inspiring. I love it when all the families are involved in the storyline, they bring so much fun, wise words, and a lot of teasing. This was another amazing read in this series, and I can't wait for the next one.
P.S. Kristen has put a Spotify link to Sidney's songs, go listen to them, they're wonderful.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE HEARTWARMING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
July 21, 2023
4.25stars- THE SETUP is the fourth instalment in Kristen Proby’s contemporary,adult SINGLE IN SEATTLE erotic, romance series-a spin off with the next generation from the author’s With Me in Seattle series . This is country music star Sidney Sterling , and classic car restorer Keaton Williams’ story line. THE SETUP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines and original series are revealed where necessary. Keaton is the son of Luke and Natalie (Come Away with Me/ With Me in Seattle 1); and Sidney is the sister of Gray Sterling (The Scandal).
Told from dual first person perspectives (Sidney and Keaton) THE SETUP follows the friends with benefits relationship between country music star Sidney Sterling , and classic car restorer Keaton Williams. Sidney Sterling’s career has imploded, and she has returned home to Seattle to be with family and friends but never thought she would find herself in a relationship with Keaton Williams, a man who wants nothing more than a friends with benefits relationship. An opportunity will present itself for our story line heroine, an opportunity of which Keaton wants nothing to do. Keaton and his family grew up in the spotlight, and Keaton knows that fame is nothing more than heart break and pain. What ensues is the building relationship between Keaton and Sidney, and the potential fall-out as Keaton is willing to lose the woman he loves than face down the vultures who all but destroyed his life.
The world building continues to focus on the large extended Montgomery-Williams family, all of who are rich, powerful, famous and friends. From Hollywood, to Nashville, to the gridiron of the NFL, The Montgomery -Williams clan are supportive of one another, forgiving and under control.
The relationship between Keaton and Sidney is one of immediate attraction; a friends to lover, a friends with benefits relationship in which Keaton is willing to risk his friendships with Sidney to stay out of the spotlight while Sidney’s star is on the rise. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
THE SETUP is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of betrayal and acceptance, forgiveness and happily ever after. The character driven premise is fast paced, emotional and edgy; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are determined and dynamic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for review
Told from dual first person perspectives (Sidney and Keaton) THE SETUP follows the friends with benefits relationship between country music star Sidney Sterling , and classic car restorer Keaton Williams. Sidney Sterling’s career has imploded, and she has returned home to Seattle to be with family and friends but never thought she would find herself in a relationship with Keaton Williams, a man who wants nothing more than a friends with benefits relationship. An opportunity will present itself for our story line heroine, an opportunity of which Keaton wants nothing to do. Keaton and his family grew up in the spotlight, and Keaton knows that fame is nothing more than heart break and pain. What ensues is the building relationship between Keaton and Sidney, and the potential fall-out as Keaton is willing to lose the woman he loves than face down the vultures who all but destroyed his life.
The world building continues to focus on the large extended Montgomery-Williams family, all of who are rich, powerful, famous and friends. From Hollywood, to Nashville, to the gridiron of the NFL, The Montgomery -Williams clan are supportive of one another, forgiving and under control.
The relationship between Keaton and Sidney is one of immediate attraction; a friends to lover, a friends with benefits relationship in which Keaton is willing to risk his friendships with Sidney to stay out of the spotlight while Sidney’s star is on the rise. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
THE SETUP is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of betrayal and acceptance, forgiveness and happily ever after. The character driven premise is fast paced, emotional and edgy; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are determined and dynamic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for review
July 10, 2023
Every review in this series will always start with…everyone knows this is one of my top 5 favorite series’ and author. I get so excited when she announces a new book, especially if it’s part of the With Me in Seattle/Single in Seattle series. I’ve been in love since book 1 and now we are on the children’s lives many years later. I can’t choose which one is my favorite but this one comes a close 2nd to a few of the other stories. I recommend to everyone. Kristen Proby has an amazing mind and her words pull you right in.
Keaton has always hated the spot light. He has stayed out of it his whole life. He has seen and experienced it firsthand what it’s like. The media can twist anything and destroy people lives. So he has always vowed to NEVER date or fall in love with someone famous. He has a handful of friends and his family he trusts. So when he met famous country singer Sidney Sterling at his sister’s wedding he knew it could not be more than them having a little fun with each other. She was the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and she was made for him, but everything was out in the opened and they both agreed this was them having fun with each other.
Sidney just wanted to let loose with the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on. He was upfront with her about how he felt about the spot light and she was okay with it. They were both adults and she was going back to Nashville. She thought she would never see the man that rocked her world that night again. Well she thought wrong, a year later her world was falling apart in Nashville and she needed a break, so she went to Seattle to surprise her brother and soon to be sister-in-law.
Sidney took his breathe away right when she entered his cousin’s house. He had a million questions that he had no right asking, since he set the ground rules a year ago. One time thing, that’s what it was but he wanted her more than anything in the world. She had been on his mind all year, but he would not change how he felt about the spot light. Sidney knew from the moment she saw Keaton again, she would agree to anything he wanted, ever if it just friends with benefits.
They spent every night together for over a moth and without realizing it they both fell hard for each other. Sidney wanted to share her world with him but he would not budge about how he felt. Could they make their worlds work together or will their differences push them apart?
Received this ARC for my honest review and opinion.
Keaton has always hated the spot light. He has stayed out of it his whole life. He has seen and experienced it firsthand what it’s like. The media can twist anything and destroy people lives. So he has always vowed to NEVER date or fall in love with someone famous. He has a handful of friends and his family he trusts. So when he met famous country singer Sidney Sterling at his sister’s wedding he knew it could not be more than them having a little fun with each other. She was the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and she was made for him, but everything was out in the opened and they both agreed this was them having fun with each other.
Sidney just wanted to let loose with the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on. He was upfront with her about how he felt about the spot light and she was okay with it. They were both adults and she was going back to Nashville. She thought she would never see the man that rocked her world that night again. Well she thought wrong, a year later her world was falling apart in Nashville and she needed a break, so she went to Seattle to surprise her brother and soon to be sister-in-law.
Sidney took his breathe away right when she entered his cousin’s house. He had a million questions that he had no right asking, since he set the ground rules a year ago. One time thing, that’s what it was but he wanted her more than anything in the world. She had been on his mind all year, but he would not change how he felt about the spot light. Sidney knew from the moment she saw Keaton again, she would agree to anything he wanted, ever if it just friends with benefits.
They spent every night together for over a moth and without realizing it they both fell hard for each other. Sidney wanted to share her world with him but he would not budge about how he felt. Could they make their worlds work together or will their differences push them apart?
Received this ARC for my honest review and opinion.
July 17, 2023
The Setup is the fourth book in the Single in Seattle series by Kristen Proby, featuring a multi-trope mashup romance for Keaton Williams and Sidney Sterling. After a nasty betrayal as a teenager, Keaton is happiest when he is restoring vintage cars far away from the trappings of a celebrity life. Why is it that the one woman he can’t get off his mind or out of his system is Sidney Sterling, a country music sensation?! Imagine his surprise when the blind date that his cousins pressure him into is with Sidney. Are they only meant to be friends with benefits, or can Keaton come to terms with his emotional baggage from the past in order to explore a bigger commitment with Sidney?
I have loved this Montgomery-Williams-now Sterling world since it began with Keaton’s parents years ago, and Keaton has stolen my heart! I knew that the OTT way that Luke Williams sheltered his family from the spotlight would have the potential to affect them in a negative way, and we’re kind of seeing that with Keaton. Although I like seeing Luke in him, because I love Luke, my heart hurt for him, because of the struggle he was having and the limitations he was putting on himself. I did want to smack him at time or two, but you know, with love and encouragement.🤪 Sidney was just an awesome character that fit right in with the crew. She was talented, feisty, independent, caring, and passionate. The chemistry between the two of them was hot enough to start fires!!🥵 I can’t stress enough how awesome the world building is with character development, camaraderie, and that family dynamic. The witty banter flows throughout, as well as the family support. They are always there for each other. Once you’re in, you’re in— no matter how you got there! I cannot wait to visit Seattle and this crew again as soon as possible!!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#kristenproby #singleinseattle #celebrityromance #blinddate #ContemporaryRomance #FamilySaga #AlphaHero #blinddate #OneNightStand #Rockstar #SecretRomance #SoulMate #bookish #bookstagram #bookworm #readersofig #readersofinstagram #valentineprlm #bookrecs #bookreview #arcreviews
I have loved this Montgomery-Williams-now Sterling world since it began with Keaton’s parents years ago, and Keaton has stolen my heart! I knew that the OTT way that Luke Williams sheltered his family from the spotlight would have the potential to affect them in a negative way, and we’re kind of seeing that with Keaton. Although I like seeing Luke in him, because I love Luke, my heart hurt for him, because of the struggle he was having and the limitations he was putting on himself. I did want to smack him at time or two, but you know, with love and encouragement.🤪 Sidney was just an awesome character that fit right in with the crew. She was talented, feisty, independent, caring, and passionate. The chemistry between the two of them was hot enough to start fires!!🥵 I can’t stress enough how awesome the world building is with character development, camaraderie, and that family dynamic. The witty banter flows throughout, as well as the family support. They are always there for each other. Once you’re in, you’re in— no matter how you got there! I cannot wait to visit Seattle and this crew again as soon as possible!!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#kristenproby #singleinseattle #celebrityromance #blinddate #ContemporaryRomance #FamilySaga #AlphaHero #blinddate #OneNightStand #Rockstar #SecretRomance #SoulMate #bookish #bookstagram #bookworm #readersofig #readersofinstagram #valentineprlm #bookrecs #bookreview #arcreviews
July 18, 2023
Check out our full post for THE SETUP on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Keaton is living his best life. He loves the cars that he works on. He loves his clients. He loves his family. Keaton's business is booming, and he loves to hunt for rare cars to restore. When he shows up for a blind date, he does not expect that his secret hookup is the one to be set up with him.
Sydney is trying to find her light again. After her record label decided not to reup her contract, Sydney knows that she needs a break. When she meets up with her friends again, she knows that it's exactly what she needed. From seeing her friends, singing just for fun, and, not to mention, hooking up with Keaton again.
Keaton is someone you want to slap against the head occasionally. He seems to have a big head about himself and worries entirely too much about his life, and where it's going and who is in it.
Sydney and Keaton have a more Young Adult chemistry, but Sydney is a character that you're going to love. Keaton was more of a fungus that grew on you but wasn't something you loved right away.
Overall, this is a sweet story about letting go, moving forward, and showing the world that you only need to believe in yourself.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
July 18, 2023
So this is my first book from this author and this series, and I really loved it! Sidney is a famous country music sweetheart and is trying to get her career back after a bit of a stumble. I loved her, she had some sass and was not afraid in the bedroom, but was also so sweet and loyal. She grows a lot. Keaton is part of a huge family with a lot of famous people, and hates the spotlight. Sidney comes back and runs into him after they had a one night stand a year ago. The sparks fly again right away. I loved their chemistry, they have a fantastic grumpy/sunshine dynamic, which is one of my favorite tropes.
Keaton has a huge hang up about dating celebrities after he was burned badly by one in high school. I liked how talented he is, and how much he loves his family. I get his grouchiness and being such an introvert, because that is very me. He also definitely brings the swoons and spice! He and Sidney are just going to be friends with bennies while she’s in town, but of course feelings are caught. If anything, I wish Sidney didn’t feel like she should settle with what he was willing to give. It’s fine that he was only willing to give so much, but she deserves more, and to have a partner willing to be by her side for everything. Keaton finally realizes that after a lot of pushing from his family, but I wish she didn’t settle before he realizes it. I wanted to see more of them talking and really communicating about their future too, it would have deepened their connection for me.
The ending was so flipping sweet though, I was squealing and kicking my feet about how it all turned out. I really love the family dynamics too. Thanks goodness there is a guide in the beginning because there are a WHOLE lot of people to keep track of in this family. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series and getting into the backlist! Swipe for the blurb. Many thanks to @kristenproby and @valentine_pr for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Keaton has a huge hang up about dating celebrities after he was burned badly by one in high school. I liked how talented he is, and how much he loves his family. I get his grouchiness and being such an introvert, because that is very me. He also definitely brings the swoons and spice! He and Sidney are just going to be friends with bennies while she’s in town, but of course feelings are caught. If anything, I wish Sidney didn’t feel like she should settle with what he was willing to give. It’s fine that he was only willing to give so much, but she deserves more, and to have a partner willing to be by her side for everything. Keaton finally realizes that after a lot of pushing from his family, but I wish she didn’t settle before he realizes it. I wanted to see more of them talking and really communicating about their future too, it would have deepened their connection for me.
The ending was so flipping sweet though, I was squealing and kicking my feet about how it all turned out. I really love the family dynamics too. Thanks goodness there is a guide in the beginning because there are a WHOLE lot of people to keep track of in this family. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series and getting into the backlist! Swipe for the blurb. Many thanks to @kristenproby and @valentine_pr for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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