Pretend It's Forever (The Cage Family #5) Carrie Ann Ryan

 

Pretend It's Forever (The Cage Family #5)

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Romantic Suspense

Length: 264 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Emotional, Easy to Read, Romantic, Steamy, Page Turner, Hopeful, Sad, Entertaining, Wonderful Characters, Suspenseful 

                                                   Release Date: September 8, 2026

    Early in the Cage Family series we were introduced to Sophia and Cale and watched as their relationship evolved from boyfriend/girlfriend to fiance and then husband/wife. Initially, it seemed that something finally was going right for Sophia Cage. After learning that her father had a secret family, she needed something better in her life to hold on to. Unfortunately, things are not always what they appear to be on the outside. As a former prima donna, Sophia understands what it takes to put on a good performance and after two years of a damaged marriage she has learned to do just that. That is until the night everything shattered.

      Carson Woods has had a working relationship with the Cage family for quite some time. If people thought that the patriarch of the Cage family was a no good scoundrel, Carson's dad personifies the saying 'hold my beer'. The man can't even be happy for his two children who have gone on to lead successful, happy lives. Carson was at Sophia's house the night Cale attacked her with a baseball bat, fracturing her body and her career. Since then his protective instinct has gone into overdrive in regards to her and her twin daughters. Neither of them was looking for a romantic commitment but fate had a different plan.

What I Loved:

• Sophia As the Long Game: Sophia and Cale's relationship was introduced very early in the series. Their outcome could have gone in either direction; happily ever after or didn't have what it takes to be successful. Sophia became such a strong person during the telling of her story. 
• The Twins: Sophia's daughters are just too cute. I love the relationship they develop with Carson. He claims to not be a kid person but those two were able to wrap him around their little fingers.

    This story was difficult to read. Domestic violence is not always an easy topic to tackle but it is a real life reality and I am happy that Carrie Ann Ryan is able to bring these subjects to the fore front.

 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.   

Monster, Monarch, Maiden by Rae Carson

 

Monster, Monarch, Maiden

By: Rae Carson

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult, Fiction

Length: 480 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Easy to Read, Page Turner, Entertaining, Wonderful Characters 

Release Date: August 25, 2026

    

    Monster, Monarch, and Maiden is an amazing stand alone story that captured my attention from the first page. For me, Rae Carson has never failed to build unique stories with lovable characters that capture and win my heart with their strength of character, mind and body. This story was no different, if anything it exceeds any story I have ever written by her.

Synopsis:

    Bria Angarsold loves her family and the life they have built around their inn. Unfortunately, she and her sister find themselves in a difficult situation when raiders come through their small town and take them captive. It appears she has no way out when a mysterious young man single handedly takes down Bria's captures and rescues her from the cage she has been held prisoner. Finding herself in the middle of no where with no food or gear to weather the cold temperatures and coming snowstorms, Bria offers her services as guide to the man who is her dark and mysterious hero. 

    Titus isn't much of a talker, but that is alright because Bria talks enough for the both of them. He is hesitant to make her his travel companion but before long she proves herself to be more than capable. Titus is on an important but mysterious quest. As he draws closer and closer to his end goal, he begins to realize that Bria has come to mean more to him than he ever meant her to. Where he is headed she cannot go. He has to decide if his mission means more than the relationship and feelings he has developed for Bria.

What I Loved:

• Bria: Bria is what I would consider the perfect character. The empathy that she feels for others makes her an endearing. Throughout the entire book she is eager to do for others. She knows her weaknesses but is also aware of her strengths and what those strengths bring to the mission. 
• Titus' Mission: Without giving away spoilers, Titus' backstory and mission are unique. He can come across and broody and difficult but as the story builds and you learn more about his history, he becomes more relatable and endearing.
• Gods and Monsters: The mythology built within some fantasy stories can make the storyline drag. Carson has developed a simple but complex mythos that wasn't difficult to grasp and is easy to remember throughout the book. 
• Stand Alone Story: Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good fantasy series but sometimes it can be difficult waiting for the next installment and then trying to recall where the story left off. I did not feel short changed in any way with this stand along fantasy. Carson gave me everything I would want and need in a good fantasy book.

    The courage, intelligence and strength Bria showed throughout the book added to her ability to thrive. From the start of the book she showed a desire to survive whatever life brought her way an continued to build on her strength of character with each new hurdle she encountered. I found the story to be an incredibly satisfying read from start to finish.

 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.                                            

Available for purchase:

Amazon