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Audio Review: Accidentally Forever by Carrie Ann Ryan
Accidentally Forever
Carrie Ann Ryan
Montgomery Ink Legacy Series, Book 8
Narrators: Oscar Reyes and Lucy Rivers
406 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2025
In the world of romance, Aria Montgomery knows two things for sure:
She’s not in love with the man everyone thinks she is.
And she refuses to let herself love Crew McTavish.
Her former best friend is spiraling, and her photography career seems to be standing in her father’s shadow. Aria knows she needs to find her way out of the darkness. Yet she’s afraid if she allows Crew inside, he’ll not only take over—but he’ll get hurt in the process.
Crew McTavish enjoys being the mysterious friend of the Montgomerys. They may joke that he’s dating his way into their family one-by-one, but in the end, it’s only one Montgomery he wants: Aria.
Their pull to one another is inevitable and once a line is crossed, the heat between them ignites.
Only his family’s dark secrets threaten to pull him down and when Aria is threatened, Crew will stop at nothing to protect her.
Even if it means watching the world he’s built burn.
**Accidentally Forever is a next generation, protector, enemies to lovers, best friend’s ex romance in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series featuring Aria and Crew. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
Aria Montgomery is Alex and Tabby’s daughter from Ink Exposed.
4 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan never fails to deliver an emotional story. Accidentally Forever was emotionally intense in all the ways I didn’t realize I needed. Crew and Aria overcome many challenges to get to their happily ever after.
Crew McTavish i’ve been a friend of Montgomery for years. One of his very dear friends is Montgomery and there’s a random joke among them he is trying to marry his way into the family. Crew personnel story is not an easy one, but the Montgomery’s accepted him when he needed a place and a family. Most of the Montgomery clan believe that Crew and Aira couldn’t stand one another, forever what he feels is very, very much the opposite of disliking someone.
Aria Montgomery is a brilliant photographer. She is so strong and has the biggest heart. She cares on a level that is soul deep. She has a best friend that is in a very rough spot in our lives yet she just won’t turn them away. She won’t help enable, but friendship means a lot to her. When that person hurt her physically, Crew was in the right place at the right time. It started a team reaction that maybe two finally can hunt their feelings and not just stolen nights of promises that it was never gonna happen again.
I have been reading Carrie Ann Ryan for well over a decade now. I can vividly remember when she announced the Montgomery Ink series. Ten years later the Montgomery family is still growing and I am falling in love with the next generation. Accidentally Forever gives us the emotional, enemies to lovers story of Crew and Aira. These two have been dancing around one another for far too long. A few stolen moments here and there left them running more even though they said they didn’t. Carrie Ann Ryan very eloquently talks about sensitive topics that need to be talked about. Aria and Crew will take you on an emotional journey, but a little bit of going down the path because you definitely worth it.
Review: Wild for You by Kristen Proby
Wild for You
Kristen Proby
The Wilds of Montana Series, Book 1
299 pages, Kindle Edition
January 30, 2024 by Ampersand Publishing, Inc.
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all-new small-town series set in Montana, starting with WILD FOR YOU, an Age-Gap, Single Dad, Nanny, Grumpy/Sunshine romance!
Remington Wild is a single dad of two adorable kids, and as the oldest son of the Wild family, has recently taken over the Wild River Ranch from his father. Life is crazy, and he’s finally willing to admit that he needs help, and the sooner the better. He has no idea that the beautiful woman he sees every day at Bitterroot Valley Coffee Co. is the woman who would show up for the job.
Erin Montgomery couldn’t get out of Seattle fast enough. It’s not that she doesn’t love her big, loud family, but living in the big city just wasn’t for her. The minute she stepped foot in Bitterroot Valley, she knew she was home. She loves the slower pace, the friendly people, and her job at the coffee shop. Even the smoking hot grumpy guy who stops in every afternoon can’t put a damper on how much she loves small town life!
Thanks to car trouble, and her stubbornness when it comes to using her trust fund, Erin needs a second job and applies for the position of a part-time nanny. She’s surprised to find that it’s Grumpy himself who answers the door at the ranch, but Erin quickly learns that she loves his kids and the ranch, and it’s a no-brainer to take the job. She just has to remind herself to resist the sexy rancher and keep it strictly professional.
Remington is attracted to his younger nanny, and finds himself falling headfirst in love with her. He and his kids have never been happier, and he knows she is the perfect addition to their family for as long as she’s willing to stay. Hopefully forever.
But when secrets are exposed, one of which endangers his children, will their love survive? Or will it tear them apart?
4.5 Stars
Erin Montgomery has the best family that anybody could ask for. Loving, caring, but yet large and loud. You couldn’t ask for a more loyal group of people. Erin has found that city life is just not for her. The moment she stepped foot into Bitterroot Valley she knew it was the place she needed, and wanted to be. Small town living has become the perfect blend for Erin. She even gets herself a job at the local coffee shop. It doesn’t take her long to feel like she is truly at home. Coming from a family of famous people. It is hard to be out of the spotlight and she has had her fair share of runnings that she would rather leave in the past. Aaron could have anything she wants but yet she wants to work and earn for the things she has.
Remington Wild is a grumpy, brooding, and man of few words. Life dealt Remington a tough hand. He lost his wife during the birth of his second child, and has been raising both of them on his own. And with the help of his loving family. As the ranch has become more successful it has become overwhelming for him to handle everything on his own. Through encouragement and pushing of his family members, Remington takes on a nanny to help him with the kids, but little did he know, admitting he needed help, was going to bring something unexpected and amazing into his and the rest of his family’s lives.
Wild for You is a sweet small town romance with some heat. The town of Bitterroot Valley is cozy and charming. The Wilds of Montana is starting off right. Remi and Erin’s relationship develops naturally, and I absolutely adore that. From the daily trips to the coffee shop to getting to know each other it just seems so natural. Yes there’s a bit of an age gap but I didn’t see any issues with it as their relationship progressed beautifully. Wild for You is a wonderful romance that you can find yourself getting lost in love.
The narration of Wild for You was beautiful and flawless. Sebastian York and Emma Wilder add another layer of dimension to the story. Giving it some thing a little extra with their voice talent.
Review: The Friendship Club by Robin Carr
The Friendship Club
Robin Carr
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 23, 2024
Four women come together at a tumultuous time in their lives, forging an unbreakable bond that will leave them all forever changed.
Celebrity cooking show host Marni McGuire has seen it all. She’s been married—twice—and widowed and divorced. Now in her midfifties, she’s single. Happily so. She just needs to convince her pregnant daughter, Bella, of this fact. And maybe convince herself, too. Especially after Marni’s efforts to humor her determined daughter result in a series of disastrous dates that somehow prompt Marni to wonder if maybe the right man for her is still out there after all.
Similarly single, Marni’s best friend and colleague is confident she’s content without a man, but both older women soon find themselves leading by example as the young intern on their show appears caught in a toxic relationship—and Bella reveals her own marriage maybe isn’t built to withstand the stresses of the baby on the way.
Suddenly, all four women find themselves at a crossroads, each navigating the challenges of dating, marriage, loneliness and love. Thankfully, they have each other to lean on. The realities of modern love are far from easy, but there’s no better group to have in your corner than friends who will lift you up, no matter what, and hold fast in the face of any storm.
4 Stars
Four women from four different walks of life come together in a unique friendship that has the bonds of a lifetime.
Marni is a Famous cooking show host who has been married twice, lost a husband to death and one to divorce. Now in her 50s, she is happily single and living her best life. And excited to become a grandma. Ellen, who is Marni’s friend, and production person on her show. She spent years taking care of her husband, who is now no longer with her. Ellen two is happy to be living the single life. Bella is about to embark on a new phase of womanhood by becoming a mother. And Sophia, an intern, at the cooking show who quickly becomes a friend. It’s just learning the ways of life and love.
Robyn Carr beautifully blended some romance, some suspense, and some women’s fiction into a fantastic story. It shows the bonds and strength of friendship. Coming together when needed. Finding strength through someone that you care about. Building each other up in the best possible way. And being there just being there. Robin touches on subjects that can be strenuous and triggering for some people. She does it with class and style. She is able to take these harsh subjects and show what friendship is really like amongst women who care about each other. This story was more than I expected it to be.
Review: My One Night by Carrie Ann Ryan
My One Night
Carrie Ann Ryan
On My Own Series, Book 1
Elise Hoover never expected this. She didn’t want to go to another party, but when her friend pulls her in, she somehow finds herself hiding in a corner with…him.
Dillon Connolly.
The smirking, so-called good guy with the shadows in his eyes. A single glance, a sweet smile, and she lets herself have one night of giving in.
Only she has to promise herself not to fall in love. No matter the cost.
Review: The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis
The Forever Girl
Jill Shalvis
The Wildstone Series, Book 6
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis does it once again with a heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and secrets that have the power to change the course of more than one life.
When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged bff and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.
Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery.
Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger.
4 Stars
A deep emotional story that will have several characters finding their way into our hearts.
A family with a lot of love to give opens their home to three foster children. With the help of their own children, they show 3 lost souls what a loving family is and that didn’t have to be of their blood. One year together changed their lives. Then a tragedy struck which separated them. A family they were but their strings were getting thin. They have lived life, stayed in touch yet years later when their rock calls them home for her wedding, they come, some reluctantly. Opening old wounds and a new chapter for four somewhat lost and a bit broken people.
Cat- the rock and mother hen is about to get married and wants her family, all of her family with her. Maze- the one with a trail of chaos following behind. Walker- always has and will always be their mystery man. Heather- the youngest and their beloved has a few secrets in tow. Maybe they all have a few or more secrets or self hurting guilt they are carrying. They are bonded in ways few will understand. Yet are at times a mystery to each other.
Jill Shalvis delivers the emotions like a punch in the gut. The Forever Girl is a story of friendship, love and loss. A story of challenging oneself, learning to forgive yourself and learning to trust your heart in love. A family that made themselves a family. Through the course of this complex and emotional story four people found a piece of themselves that was missing. Learned it was ok to break down and asking for help is not a burden. Love is worth fighting for, worth working for. Grab some tissues and your drink of choice, settle in for an amazing, hit you in the heart story within the pages of The Forever Girl.
Review: Shameless With HIm by Carrie Ann Ryan
Shameless With Him
Carrie Ann Ryan
Less Than Series, Book 3
Paperback, 250 pages
Published March 24th 2020 by Carrie Ann Ryan
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan completes a sexy contemporary series with an unrequited crush on the bad boy next door.
Caleb Carr might have once been ready for commitment, but when the unexpected slams into him with the force of a two-ton truck, he knows he has to run away from anything that might be important. Zoey might well be his final temptation, but to keep her whole, he’ll walk away.
Zoey Wager has loved Caleb since they were eight. And has had her heart broken from afar repeatedly ever since. It doesn’t help that every time she sees him—even when she’s running away halfway across the world—he’s with another woman. She’s watched him fall in lust her entire life. Now, she’s ready to watch him fall in love. With her.
4 Stars
This is one of those books that you were rooting for the couple from the get go even though it takes the many years to even find a way to start something that could be more. Zoey and Caleb have known each other practically their entire lives, Ms. Ryan starts the story with moments from the past that bring us forward to the feelings of the future. I loved that through different times and places in their lives they found each other just when they seem to need to.
Zoey and Caleb are both genuinely good hearted and wonderful people yet each of them has their own issues that hold themselves back more than anything else. I love that they seemed to pick up where they left off each time they met. Their friendship was genuine and that made their attraction even more so. These two took a bit to find their way and every bit of rooting for them page after page was well worth it when we came to the end.
Shameless With Him is the story of a lifetime crush that finally finds love in the end. I love how Carrie Ann Ryan intertwines the Carr’s and the Montgomery’s. It’s always good to visit with characters we read about in the past as they impact the current tale we are wrapped up in. . Just like the Montgomery’s and Carr’s would say, Family.
Review: Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis
Almost Just Friends
Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series, Book 4
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Wildstone with the touching story of finding your place in the world—and the people who make it home.
Piper Manning’s about as tough as they come, she’s had to be. She raised her siblings and they’ve thankfully flown the coop. All she has to do is finish fixing up the lake house her grandparents left her, sell it, and then she’s free.
When a massive storm hits, she runs into a tall, dark and brooding stranger, Camden Reid. There’s a spark there, one that shocks her. Surprising her further, her sister and brother return, each of them holding their own secrets. The smart move would be for Piper to ignore them all but Cam unleashes emotions deep inside of her that she can’t deny, making her yearn for something she doesn’t understand. And her siblings…well, they need each other.
Only when the secrets come out, it changes everything Piper thinks she knows about her family, herself…and Cam. Can she find a way to outrun the demons? The answer is closer than she thinks—just as the new life she craves may have already begun.
4.5 Stars
Almost Just Friends is almost too real. Heart and home, trust and sacrifice, hurt and healing wrapped in a tale family and love.
Piper thinks she got herself on the right track. She has a game plan, lots of lists and more than enough will to accomplish the goals she sets. Piper is as fierce and tenacious as they come. Growing up fast, caring for her siblings and trying to make the best of what they had, has given Piper a hard edge, but the woman has a heart like no other. She is not a stranger to sacrifice, and she would sacrifice over and over again for those she loves.
In blows a storm that lights a spark with a stranger, carrying her siblings home and a bucket full of secrets to make Piper’s head spin. Just wanting a new life became something altogether different than what she want. But needed more than she knew. With a handsome Cam knocking on her romance door, her siblings and their respective secrets eating at her, Piper’s new life hands already began.
Almost Just Friends is all about family, those born to you and those you choose to bring in. Hot messes and all. Life is not always easy but those around you make it a lot better. Ms. Shalvis twisted wit and humor with emotion and life’s choices that make people people discover who they are and whom they want to be. Piper and Cam captivate reader with the depth at which they will go and of just who they are. A story you truly don’t want to miss.
ARC Review: Breaking Without You by Carrie Ann Ryan
Breaking Without You
Carrie Ann Ryan
Fractured Connections Series, Book 1
From NYT bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan, comes a brand new series where second chances don’t come often, and overcoming an unexpected loss means breaking everything you knew.
I fell for Cameron Connolly at the wrong time. And when he left, I thought my life was over. But then, after the worst happened, I truly understood what that phrase meant. Now, he’s not ready for a second chance, and I’m not offering one. Though given that our families have been forced together after losing one of our own, I know there’s no turning back. Not this time. Not again. Not when it comes to Cameron.
~~
I never wanted to hurt Violet Knight, but there were reasons I had to leave all those years ago—not that she’d believe me if I told her what they were. I not only left her, I also left my foster brothers. Honestly, I didn’t want to come back to Denver to help run my father’s failing brewery. But when it comes to my brothers, I know I’ll find a way to make it work. Perhaps I’ll even earn Violet’s forgiveness and face the connection we both thought long forgotten in the process. Because I wanted her then, but now I know I need her. I just hope she needs me.
4 Stars
Breaking Without You is the emotional and deep beginning to a brand new series, Fractured Connections by Carrie Ann Ryan.
Violet Knight is living through one of the hardest events of her life. Losing her best friend has left Violet with many unanswered questions and feeling empty and numb. For the second time in her life, Violet feels as if she’s broken. On the day of the funeral she (literally) runs into the man that caused her first heartbreak. Seeing Cameron caused a flood of emotions she was unprepared for, and hits her like a bomb. Now how to pick up the pieces and move on……..
Cameron Connolly has a past that most people never to want to think about let alone imagine. He had an addict for her mother, was moved around to foster homes being separated from his brother until a wonderful couple not only open their house but their hearts changing the lives of not just one but young men’s lives. Giving them a family made deeper than blood, made on love. Cameron’s loyalty and dedication to family caused him to make s decision that intern hurt many people he loves. Now back in Denver, Cameron takes tries to fix the fractures that have cracked his life.
Cameron is amazing. Hands down. He made choices that cost him, but in reality they also show the kind of man his is. He tries so hard to rebuild the relationships that have suffered. Cameron never lost his love for Violet and that makes me smile. He’s a dedicated, loyal and so compassionate. Violet is so strong and doesn’t even realize it. Her would keeps throwing curveballs at her and she keeps getting up and going. Even though at times it may not seem like that. Heartache is just as bad as any physical pain and we see Violet going through it all. Cameron and Violet never lost their love for each other but the heart is finicky when it gets broken. Communication is always the key, and at times the keys got lost for Cameron and Violet. Their chemistry was amazing and passion was heart touching. They just had to find their way back home to each other.
Breaking Without You is unlike anything Ms. Ryan has given her readers. There is so much emotion throughout the book it’s so hard not to get lost in all the feelings. Loss is a touchy subject to begin with, then add in all the unanswered questions, the raw emotions and the guilt. That’s a emotional bomb just waiting to go off. Violet loses her best friend to suicide which puts her in a state of unknown, and I must applaud Ms. Ryan for her elegance and grace on handling the subject. The roller coaster of emotions, the bouncing between being fine and being at the end of the string. Ms.Ryan hit the nail on the head so to speak, with the beautiful way she delivers Violet grief.
Breaking Without You, the first book of the Fractured Connections series is everything I have to love for Ms. Ryan and more. Grab some tissue ladies, you just might be needing it for this one.
ARC Review: Ashes to Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan
Ashes To Ink
Carrie Ann Ryan
1001 Dark Nights
Montgomery Ink Colorado Springs, Book 2.5
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan comes a new story in her Montgomery Ink series…
Back in Denver, Abby lost everything she ever loved, except for her daughter, the one memory she has left of the man she loved and lost. Now, she’s moved next to the Montgomerys in Colorado Springs, leaving her past behind to start her new life.
One step at a time.
Ryan is the newest tattoo artist at Montgomery Ink Too and knows the others are curious about his secrets. But he’s not ready to tell them. Not yet. That is…until he meets Abby.
Abby and Ryan thought they had their own paths, ones that had nothing to do with one another. Then…they took a chance.
On each other.
One night at a time.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
4 Stars
A sweet and quick read packed with emotion and a bit of drama.
Abby lost the love of her life as their family was beginning. Her heart was breaking and mending all at the same time. The Montgomery’s help give Abby the push she needed to pick up and start living again. True living not just for her daughter. Abby opens Teas’d in Colorado Springs and her personality and passion begin to blossom. Abby is so sweet and caring. While she may appear a bit mousy at the surface, girl has got some spunk behind her. Abby is that loyal friend you know you can count on.
Ryan is one of those men whose looks don’t define their personality. Tattooed and bearded, a bit burly and built by a god. Yet Ryan is attentive, gentle and giving. The man even likes peppermint tea and is talented in more than his art. Lol. Ryan is the best of men but sadly he waits knowingly the black cloud of his life is bound to show and spoil the good in his life.
I very much enjoyed Abby and Ryan’s story. Both Ryan and Abby are trying to overcome and move on. Different sides of the same coin. Hurt and loss can be eased with time, patients and being surrounded by people who are genuine and true. Abby and Ryan find more than passion and chemistry through their attraction. They each other a piece of mind that didn’t have or understand. Their fiery passion created something worth wanting, worth taking the time for. A quick read that gives all the feels!!
Cover Reveal: Fighting the Fire by Laura Kaye
From New York Times bestselling author Laura Kaye, comes the next standalone title in her Warrior Fight Club series, FIGHTING THE FIRE. Check out Laura’s note below and the beautiful cover! Then join the Warrior Fight Club world today!
A note from Laura Kaye:
I love enemies-to-lovers stories because they’re so much fun to write and absolutely delicious to read! And Sean Riddick and Dani England from my upcoming Fighting the Fire are absolutely incendiary together! They’re both bad asses in their own right—both veterans, both fighters, both stubborn as hell. And boy does this cover art capture them so well—the intensity, the passion, the push and pull. Gah, I hope you love it as much as I do!
If you haven’t started my wounded Warrior Fight Club series yet, you can jump in anywhere because they’re all sexy standalone romances! So start at the beginning with Fighting for Everything or grab the about-to-release Fighting for What’s His. And here’s where you reserve your copy of Sean and Dani’s hot, hot story:
PRE-ORDER on Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
Add to your Goodreads
Coming in ebook, paperback, and audiobook
About FIGHTING THE FIRE (Warrior Fight Club #3, 10/16/18):
The more they fight, the more desire consumes them…
There’s only one thing firefighter Sean Riddick doesn’t like about Warrior Fight Club, and that’s Daniela England, the sexiest, snarkiest, most irritating woman he’s ever known. But MMA training keeps the Navy vet grounded, so Sean’s not about to give it up, no matter how many times he goes toe to toe with Dani—or how bad he wants to take her to the mats.
A former Army nurse and the widow of a fallen soldier, Dani is done with the military and with military men. Fight club is the only thing that eases her nightmares, which means she has to put up with Riddick. He might be sex on a stick, but he’s infuriating and everything she’s vowed to avoid.
But when an accident throws Sean and Dani together, all that fight bursts into a night of red-hot passion. Now they’re addicted to the heat and must decide if the one person they’ve most resisted might be exactly what they’ve both been looking for.
PRE-ORDER on Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
Add to your Goodreads
Check out the whole Warrior Fight Club Series:
Fighting for Everything – Available now!
Fighting for What’s His – August 7, 2018 – Preorder!
Fighting the Fire – October 16, 2018
Worth Fighting For – March 12, 2019
About Laura Kaye:
Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty-five books in contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Blasphemy, Hard Ink, and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. Laura also writes historical fiction as the NYT bestselling author, Laura Kamoie. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
Coffee Books Life 