Caught in the Magic of Calamity Montana: A Review of The Brood
There’s something about returning to familiar literary landscapes that offers both comfort and excitement, and I was thrilled to dive back into the world of Calamity Montana with Devney Perry’s latest installment, The Brood (Calamity Montana, #6). Having enjoyed the previous books in the series, I couldn’t resist the combination of a grumpy hero and a free-spirited heroine—two characters that promised to complement the quirky allure of this small Montana town. Spoiler alert: it exceeded my expectations!
Wilder Abbott is a complex character—living in a self-imposed solitude as a high school science teacher, he embodies the quintessential brooding hero. His protective, quiet world shifts dramatically when his best friend asks him to shelter his younger sister, Iris. The tension that arises from this forced proximity, alongside the age gap and opposites attract, creates a deliciously engaging setup. Wilder’s heartache is palpable, and watching him crack open due to Iris’s vivacious spirit was a journey I cherished.
Iris is simply magnificent. Once a shy teenager, she transforms into a vibrant influencer, filled with colors, tattoos, and a zest for adventure that practically leaps off the page. The chemistry between her and Wilder is electric from their first encounter—it’s all there, simmering just beneath the surface. I found myself rooting for them, praying for Wilder to shed his burdens long enough to embrace the whirlwind that Iris represents. The quote, “Damn it, Iris. I want you more than I can explain,” encapsulates the struggle between desire and restraint, pulling me deeper into their emotional tug-of-war.
Devney Perry’s writing always strikes a wonderful balance of humor and heart, and this book is no exception. The pacing is spot on; it allows the romance to develop naturally while interspersing moments of tension that kept my heart racing. I have to agree with my fellow readers—Perry has a knack for grumpy heroes, and Wilder is no exception. The internal monologue he grapples with—filled with both longing and pain—drew me in and made me root for his rediscovery of joy.
What lingered with me long after I finished the book were the deeper themes of healing and self-discovery. Both Wilder and Iris have personal hurdles to overcome, yet their honesty and encouragement toward one another foster immense growth. The dynamic between them is a beautiful exploration of how opposites can not only attract but also help each other rise. They balance each other so well; Iris’s light intuitively brings Wilder back to life, while he grounds her in a way that lets her be unapologetically herself.
As I closed the book, I was left with a heart full of warmth and hope. It’s stories like these that remind us of the transformative power of love and connection. I would highly recommend The Brood to anyone seeking a heartfelt romance sprinkled with humor, relatable characters, and that undeniable small-town charm. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, this sweet and sexy read is bound to leave you with a smile, just as I did.
5 stars for Wilder and Iris’s enchanting journey! Grab your copy and enjoy the rollercoaster of emotions that Devney Perry delivers so masterfully.
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