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Forever Only Once

Carrie Ann Ryan

Promise Me Series, Book 1

Published June 23, 2020

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan comes a sexy new contemporary stand-alone series.

Hazel Noble has survived horrors she wouldn’t inflict on her worst enemy. Since then, she’s healed, found herself, and connected with a group of women she’s proud to call her friends. However, when they make a pact to start looking for love, Hazel finds herself not only up first but also forced to face a past she thought she’d escaped.

Cross Brady has no need for a relationship. As the oldest of five, he’s always been the one his family can rely on. Now, all he wants is to work in peace and live his life. His priorities shift dramatically, though, when Cross finds himself in Hazel’s path.

Though the two initially fight their connection, they soon learn that it’s safer to fall for each other than keep running from what’s holding them back—not to mention, who wants them dead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Stars

I love the concept of this series. Four friends who have not had the best of pasts, make a pact to give each other the push they need to jumpstart something just possibly amazing in their lives.

Hazel is a Survivor. A sweet and caring woman who has lived through some of the worst possible horrors. She lives very cautiously and is constantly looking over her shoulder. Hazel is a brave woman who has taken the correct steps to overcome the hurt of the past. Although it is never far from her thought. I love that She was able to find a group of women to bond with. So much so they made a pact. Hazel is the first up. When her blind date doesn’t go quite as planned and this unexpected and handsome man sits at her table little did she know what the true meaning of forever was.

Cross is an amazing artist. A man that knows how to use his hands. He’s Fiercely protective of those he loves, a bit grumpy and brooding yet as loyal as they come. What he projects of himself to the world is not what he truly is. He is so much more. Focused on his career and a person that many rely upon, the last thing Cross would even think about is a relationship. When meeting a client as a favor for his partner falls through,yet not knowing until he sits down a cross from a woman, little did he know his entire world was about to change.

Forever Only Once is an emotional, slow burn, romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. Cross and Hazel came together beautifully. From their accidental meeting, to the chemistry taking off, to the emotional depth this story holds. I loved it all. Hazel is honest about her issues and Cross is so gentle and supportive. Carrie Ann Ryan brought to light issues many women have had the unfortunate experience of having or are dealing with. Reminding them they are not alone and there is help in places you may not realize. Cross and Hazel will touch your heart, heat up the pages and leave you with a smile at the end.