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

    

Westward (Ashford Creek #3) Carrie Ann Ryan

 

Westward (Ashford Creek #3)

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Second Chance Romance, Sports Romance, Fiction

Length: 260 Pages

Pace: Fast

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

Release Date: July 27, 2026

    Carrie Ann Ryan wrote the story that I needed most right now in my life. Having recently experience a difficult loss in my family, Westward both got me out of my head and provided story that I could relate with. Atlas Carter and Elizabeth Ellis experience the second chance romance I was looking forward to reading and as always, Ryan provided all the good feels necessary.

Synopsis:

    The small town of Ashford Creek was where Elizabeth Ellis knew she would always return. After graduating college, she moved home to teach and provide assistance for her elderly parents. She was all they had in life and even though that meant the end of the long term relationship shared with her high school sweetheart, Elizabeth was willing to make that sacrifice. Growing up with her parents was difficult, they were never mean or unkind but they never truly related to current trends, that was where living in a small town was a benefit. Elizabeth could rely on her friend's parents to step in and act as a buffer between her and her parents when they couldn't relate. When Elizabeth learns one of her graduating students is struggling, she doesn't hesitate to step up and help him out, even if that means she finds herself in a whole world of danger. 

    Atlas Carter is somewhat of a small town hero. After graduating college he was drafted by Portlands' professional hockey and became an all star goalie for the NHL. This meant giving up on his one true love. Even though they parted ways, Carter always knew Lizzie was it for him. After a difficult season, he decides to return home to spend time with his family and to ponder a very difficult life altering decision. Atlas is getting older and his body is not able to endure what it once could. The bigger question is is Elizabeth willing to wait just a little longer to start the life they have always dreamed of?

What I Loved:

• Second Chance Romance: Second chance romance is an easy story to dive into. The characters already now each other, they have a history, the storyline jumps in where they left off. It doesn't take long to get to the steamy aspects of the book.
• Elizabeth's Heart: Elizabeth is everything a small town should be like. People there for people. By now we all know that Ashford Creek has a history and not all of it is very good. As a teacher Elizabeth wants to see her students be successful and if making small sacrifices will help she is willing to do what is needed.
• Atlas' True Love: As a professional athlete Atlas had every opportunity to be a playboy. Don't get me wrong, he had his fair share of relationships but Elizabeth was always his one true love. She waited for him, he waited for her, proving they were always meant to be.

I devoured this book in no time. It was such an easy storyline to slip into and enjoy. For most of the book I truly felt what Atlas and Elizabeth were enduring, my heart broke in some places, and in others I cheered them on. Since they ended their relationship on good terms there was never an enemies to lovers aspect; it was always about their second chance.

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

Available for purchase:

Amazon

The Lion and the Deathless Dark (Crowns of Nyaxia #5) Carissa Broadbent

 

The Lion and the Deathless Dark (Crowns of Nyaxia #5)

By: Carissa Broadbent

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy, Paranormal

Length: 560 Pages

Pace: Medium

Moods: Emotional, Easy to Read, Romantic, Steamy, Page Turner 

Release Date: August 4, 2026

    The end of the Crowns of Nyaxia series is coming to a close. Carissa Broadbent is beginning to pull the strings from each duology tighter to bring every plot, every storyline to it's final conclusion.

Synopsis:

    Kyrene remembers what it was like before the sun fell. Since that time her life has been torn apart, family members lost to the vampires, nothing is as it was. For the past ten years she has wielded her sword as a bounty hunter for the goddess of justice, hunting both the souless and vampires alike.

    Septimus is a prince of the bloodborn vampires. He is looking for a way to end the curse that has impacted his people for hundreds of years. Septimus seeks vengeance just as much, if not more than Kyrene. When the two come together to fight a common enemy, a relationship develops that neither expected.

What I Loved:

• Nyaxia: I love the continuation of a story that I have followed closely from day one. Admittedly, I am also sad that I know the end is near.
• Kyrene's Backstory: Kyrene has so much depth of character. Throughout the book we learn about her struggles since the war between humans and vampires began. Her pain and suffering jumps out at your through the pages. It is difficult not to empathize with her past and what she has lost.
• The Curse: I enjoyed the history behind the Bloodborn curse, learning about Septimus's backstory, what makes him who he is, and the how the curse humanizes him. He can come across as uncaring at times, but you learn that is a cover to protect himself and his family.

I understand that every good story must come to an end. I am excited to see how Carissa Broadbent closes out this amazing series. Every chapter has been unique with amazing world building, character development, and mythos. The Crowns of Nyaxia is a series I can see myself re-reading again and again.

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

Available for purchase:

Amazon

Kiss Me Forever (Montgomery Ink Legacy #10) Carrie Ann Ryan

 

Kiss Me Forever (Montgomery Ink Legacy #10)

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fiction

Length: 410 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Emotional, Easy to Read, Happily Ever After, Romantic, Wonderful Characters, Steamy, Page Turner, 

Release Date: June 8, 2026

    Kiss Me Forever is an emotional story about learning to deal with and move beyond the devastating grief of losing a loved one. Brooklyn Montgomery and Reece Fox come together at a time in their lives when they most need someone. 

Synopsis:

    Brooklyn Montgomery is technically Reece Fox's boss. She is one of multiple Montgomery cousins to share ownership of the family construction company. In the past, Brooklyn tried to pay Reece little attention. He often came across growly and grumpy. Not to mention he is ten years her senior and a close friend of her family. Still trying to get past the tragic death of her fiance, Brooklyn was not looking for a relationship.

    Reece Fox's life has never been easy. A former firefighter he was forced to end his career early due to an injury. He found a new career working with the Montgomerys reconstructing homes damaged by fire. Reece's life was tilted on it's side one more time when he learned he had a twelve year old daughter. When Brooklyn and Reece's daughter made a connection, Brooklyn and Reece found themselves having to confront something they both had been avoiding for a very long time.

What I Loved:

• Bella Fox: Twelve year old Bella found herself in a tragic situation. Having never met her father she is forced to live with him after the death of her mother. In the beginning she came across as angry and sullen but as time passed she began to open up enough to see a wonderful and talented young lady.
• Bella and Brooklyn's Relationship: Although it was never directly mentioned in the storyline, I like to think what brought Brooklyn and Bella together is the fact that they were both suffering from loss. Both in different stages but both still struggling with a tragedy.

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

Available for purchase:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Crossroads (Ashford Creek #2) Carrie Ann Ryan

 

Crossroads (Ashford Creek #2)

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Small Town Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Suspense

Length: 334 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Emotional, Suspenseful, Easy to Read, Happily Ever After, Romantic, Wonderful Characters, Steamy, Page Turner, 

Release Date: April 20, 2026

      

    Carrie Ann Ryan has brought together two of my most loved series in Crossroads; 'The Wilder Brothers and Ashford Creek. This story is so much more than a romance, it has elements of a suspense thriller. I was sitting on the edge of my seat wondering which direction the story would take.

Synopsis:

    Bodhi Ashford has been something of a mystery man. A recluse, living alone on the edge of town, only associating with those who stood by him in his time of need. Accused of murdering his wife and two young children, some town members still believe him to be guilty. To make matters worse, his twin, Malcolm died in a tragic bus accident while on tour with the rock bank Wilder. One can only wonder how much more one person can endure.

    Kiera West is a unicorn. She is a female drummer; a really good one. When the opportunity presented itself, she auditioned for the rock bank Wilder. Now she finds herself in a difficult position. She is hiding from an abusive and violent ex-boyfriend who is threatening her life and her career. When a friend offered her to stay in an isolated cabin outside of Ashford Creek, she jumped at the opportunity. Unfortunately, the cabin is owned by a man she believes hates her for taking his brother's place.

What I Loved:

• Bodhi Ashford: A man who has had to overcome great loss. The love of his life and his two children murdered in their own home. He blames himself for not being able to rescue them. He lives with the knowledge of how tragically they suffered. To make matters worse, he lost his other half, the person he began life with, his twin brother. If anyone deserves a win, it's Bodhi.
• The Wilder Brothers and Ashford Creek Connection: I absolutely loved the Wilder Brothers series. It was unique storytelling with some amazing storylines. I get the same feeling when I read any story in the Ashford Creek series. I am really looking forward to future installments.
• Suspense/Thriller: My general philosophy is if it's a book I can and will read it but I tend to fixate more towards romance and fantasy books. I have recently begun to include suspense/thriller novels in my rotation. Crossroads hit a lot of positive points for me. It is really everything I love about reading.

Wrap Up:

    Bodhi and Kiera are both wonderfully likable characters. I felt so much ache over the loss they both have suffered in their lives. It would be extremely hard to not root for them to get the happy ending they both deserve.

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

Available for purchase:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Vitalia (Circus of Souls #1) Eliza Benner

 

Vitalia (Circus of Souls #1)

By: Eliza Benner

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Dragon Shifters

Length: 390 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Adventurous, Emotional, Great World Building, Action Packed, Easy to Read, Steamy

Release Date: February 5, 2026

        Vitalia -     Full of Life

    This is my first Eliza Benner book and she has blown my mind. Benner has managed to create a unique story in a genre that has become increasingly cookie cutter. When I wasn't reading Vitalia, I was thinking about Vitalia: the story, it's characters, the setting; every layer of the story added to it's incredible overarching storyline. 

Synopsis:

    Naevyn has not had a lot of luck in her short life. Her parents died when she was young  leaving her to raise and care for her younger sister and brother. The only source of income t be had in her small town was to work the mine, sourcing and hauling heavy shadowstone. She thought her luck might taking a turn for the better when a local boy of some means invited her to attend the circus with him. Unfortunately, asking Naevyn to attend was part of a cruel joke. To add to matters the circus isn't what she thought it was.

    For the past several hundred years, Cairos and his friends have been cursed to perform in the Fae King's circus. They travel Xardon performing as a means to capture the souls of the unsuspecting humans in attendance. This was until Naevyn. Is it possible Naevy is the human girl from their ancient prophecy? The one destined to break the curse and end the King's terrible reign?

What I Loved:

• The Unique Story: Dragons and Fae written in a way I have never seen before. Two of my favorite tropes intertwined and overlayed one on top of the other.
• The Fae World: Brenner does an amazing job of describing the world Naevyn finds her self stranded in. The glass forest with leaves that break easily underfoot. Dark shadowstone with silver running throughout. Scary creatures that come out in the dark to hunt unsuspecting humans.
• Cairos: An incredible angsty, beautiful male Fae. Cairos does not enjoy what he is cursed to do but understands the obligation. His life has been filled with the pain and suffering of those he cares about most. In Vitalia he starts out as an unsympathetic individual who over the course of the story he becomes increasingly more protective of Naevyn. He is your typical alpha male.

Wrap Up:

    I am incredibly pleased I had the opportunity to read this story. I look forward to the second installment of the Circus of Souls series.

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

Available for purchase:

Amazon

 

One Quick Obsession (Cage Family #4) Carrie Ann Ryan

 

One Quick Obsession (The Cage Family #4)

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Enemies to Lovers, 

Length: 410 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Emotional, Tense, Happily Ever After

Release Date: March 9, 2026

        With One Quick Obsession, Carrie Ann Ryan has given us an emotional but realistic perspective of generational domestic violence. The main character grew up in a family with a domestic abuser only to find herself in a relationship with a man with violent tendencies. Ryan's approach gives the reader insight into the trauma, both physical and mental, a victim can live with for years after initially experiencing abuse but Ryan also shows the reader how an individual can overcome their past experience, empowering themselves to live a normal life.

Synopsis:

    Hudson Cage has done his best to remain under the radar but with his extremely wealthy and well-known family recently making headline news he finds it harder and harder to live a quiet life. 

    As the manager of the Cage Resort, Scarlett Blair finds herself constantly having to interact with the extremely moody Hudson. To make matters worse, he is her next door neighbor. 

   When Hudson walks in on Scarlett during a private moment and sees the bruises on her body he immediately demands to know who hurt her. Scarlett doesn't want to let Hudson in but as events start to unravel and escalate, she finds herself leaning on him more and more often.

What I Loved:

• The Family: Out of all of Carrie Ann Ryan's book families, the Cages are my absolute favorite. Their unique backstory makes for entertaining storylines. The Cage siblings are the result of a philandering father who had two families, eleven children, none of which were aware of the other until their father died and his will was read.
• Scarlett: As part of the story, we learn that Scarlett's mom was the victim of domestic abuse. Because of this, Scarlett's mom experiences a shattered sense of safety. Scarlett does what she can to help her mom live a normal life but it can sometimes be difficult when she experiences and has to learn to deal with her own demons. I love that Scarlett doesn't let her fear rule her and that she has taken steps to make herself stronger both physically and mentally.
• Cage Lake: The Cage family has their own town. Founded by a family member many generations ago, the Cage siblings have sworn to make the town a better place then their ancestors and their father have left it. They believe in preserving the environment and giving back to the local economy. 
• Reoccurring Characters: To me, books within a series that have reoccurring characters feel like visiting old friends. There already is a familiarity with each character before reading their book. I knew Hudson and Scarlett before One Quick Obsession. I didn't know everything about them, this book was for discovering that, but Ryan provided just enough in the prior books to tease what these characters would become.  

Wrap Up:

    One Quick Obsession is a story with a lot of depth. If you are not familiar with domestic violence, Ryan presents the topic in a respectful manner, showing the reader two unique perspectives, Scarlett and her mom. But this story is so much more. Hudson has his own past to deal with and with Scarlett by his side the two of them add strength to one another.

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

Available for purchase March 9th, 2026: 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Accidental Runaway Groom (Clover Lake 2) Carrie Ann Ryan

 

Accidental Runaway Groom (Clover Lake #2)

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance

Length: 234 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Romantic, Page Turner, HEA, Wonderful Characters, Easy to Read, Cowboy

Release Date: January 6, 2026

    

    Accidental Runaway is a fast paced, cozy small-town romance, with one very feisty mother, a ton of sexy, well-built ranchers and it contains enough slow burn romance to keep you on the very edge of your seat. I devoured this book and easily finished it in one sitting.

Synopsis:

    Sharp McBride was supposed to be getting married. The morning of his wedding he woke up in one of his work trucks, on the side of the road, with no idea how he got there. When Jamie Montgomery was on her way to visit her cousin in Clover Lake Wyoming she never imagined she would come across a stranded stranger on the side of the road. Something that started out as an innocent meet-up became a long distance friendship. When Jamie returns to Clover Lake months later to visit her cousin she is also excited to see Sharp. She had no idea that she had become a part of the small town fallout from a cancelled wedding.

What I Loved:

• The Setting: I am always going to love a working ranch. It's quite a show of dedication and love for your job to make a ranch as successful as the McBride family has made theirs. In the middle of the story there was mention of the amount of work Sharp's parents had to put in to the ranch to make it what it currently was.
• The Pace: The book was fast paced but the romance was slow burn. What a great combination. There was a lot going on in the storyline that kept me engaged. Sharp and Jamie's desire to keep their romance secret helped to gradually build up the romantic tension.
• Small Town Atmosphere: This story is everything small town living is - the drama, everyone being in everyone else's business, the family rivalries. 
• The Main Characters: Sharp is a very likable, stand up guy with hero tendencies. Jamie is dedicated to her close knit family. Plus, she has an organizational skillset to rival my own.  

Wrap Up:

    Accidental Runaway Groom is a fun, afternoon read. The characters and the situations they find themselves in are relatable. If you like a good cowboy romance with a sexy rancher and an independent, big city female lead, this story is well worth the pick-up.

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

Available for purchase February 9th, 2026: 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Legacy (Ashford Creek 1) Carrie Ann Ryan

 

Legacy (Ashford Creek #1)

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Age Gap, Small Town Romance, Best Friend's Little Sister

Length: 474 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Romantic, Page Turner, HEA, Wonderful Characters, Easy to Read

Release Date: January 6, 2026

    I am so, so, so excited we are starting a new year and a new series with Carrie Ann Ryan. 'Legacy' is a look at what is both good and not so good about living in a small town. Having grown up in a very small town I understand all the intricacies of small town living - everyone knows everyone, everyone knows every else's business, everyone knows what is best for everybody else. Having said that, one of the great things about small towns are the close knit relationships - growing up at your best friend's house and being treated like just another sibling, having close friend groups, keeping these relationships for the rest of your life no matter where you go or what you do. One thing that is extremely common is marrying your high school sweetheart or sometimes, your high school crush.

Synopsis:

    Felicity went away to a large city to attend college but she always knew she would return home after graduation. Her connection to her two older brothers and parents is extremely tight but she is ready to gain some independence. She has an amazing job now she just needs to find her a place of her own to live, unfortunately, the housing situation in Ashford Creek is limited.

    At one time, Callum was living his dream as an NFL player. A career endng injury sent him back to his home town of Ashford Creek. He now is the owner of a very exclusive and sucessful micro-brewery. Fortunately for Felicity, Callum knows of a great place for her to rent. Unfortunately for Callum, it is right across the street from his own home. Since saving her from an assult situation two years ago, Callum has found it difficult to keep his distance from his best friend's sister, the very much younger Felicity. Having her so close is going to be a challenge. 

I was really looking forward to the release of the first installment of the Ashford Creek series and this story did not disappoint. I am eagerly anticipating the next story.    

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

Available for purchase January 6th, 2026:   

Amazon

Snowed In With My Best Friend (Holiday Friend Zones) Carrie Ann Ryan

 

Snowed In With My Best Friend (Holiday Friend Zones)

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Friends to Lovers, Holiday Read

Length: 402 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Romantic

Release Date: December 1, 2025

    Snowed In With My Best Friend is one of seven short stories in the 'Holiday Friend Zones' Anthology.

 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Snowed In With My Best Friend. All thoughts and opinions are my own.    

    'And then his mouth was on mine, and I knew that being snowed in with my best friend might have been the best accident ever.'

I love a good holiday story and usually have indulged before now but it just hasn't felt like Christmas. I am extremely happy that Carrie Ann Ryan's 'Snowed In With My Best Friend' was able to get me in the holiday mood. Cullen has been on the periphery of the 'Montgomery Ink Legacy' series for a while now, I was patiently waiting for his story, and it did not disappoint. Already having familiarity with Posy and Cullen, there was not much need for backstory, and we were able to jump pretty quickly to the steamy, sexy, snowed in part. This is a quick jump start to get me pumped up for more snowy stories.

I highly recommend adding to your Christmas TBR list.

Stolen Midnights Katherine Quinn

 

Stolen Midnights

By: Katherine Quinn

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance

Length: 464 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Romantic, Page Turner, Emotional, Inspiring, Reflective, Great World Building, Action Packed, Romantic

Release Date: February 3, 2026

    

    Stolen Midnights is a story about what happens when someone who is fortunate enough to 'have' realizes there are those in the world who 'have not'. This story was inspirational. Katherine Quinn has written a book that will hopefully make many readers reflect on real world situations in a time when the world is filled with absolute chaos.

    The two main characters in this story, Wren and Damien, have their flaws but it is these flaws that make them more human, more relatable. Wren was born into a prestigious and wealthy family. Her advantages do not keep her from realizing she wants different for herself in life and for her future. She wants to be seen as equal to her male counterparts but more than that she wishes to not be treated like chattel, to not be married off to the man who makes the highest offer to her father. Damien grew up with nothing. Abandoned when he was a baby, he was raised in an orphanage and turned out on his own when he came of age. He has learned to use his charms and unique talents to get by.

Synopsis:

    Wren has waited for her eighteenth birthday for so long. At midnight she eagerly anticipates receiving her magical token from the Fates. Unfortunately, the gift never comes, and because of this, Wren becomes an outcast in elite society. She had never considered that she would not be chosen by the Fates. Her situation has forced her to open her eyes to things she would have never noticed before. Not only is there an equality between genders, there is a huge gap between the wealthy and the poor as well as a bias against those without magical gifts.

    Damien does not understand why he was fortunate to receive a magical gift when he turned eighteen. He was not born into a well to do family, he is considered nothing. But, he has never questioned his luck and has used his token to advance himself. When he was hired by an anonymous client to steal Wren's fated gift he is confused to find a picture of himself in her locket. Once he gets to know and better understand Wren, he realizes can never admit to Wren that he stole her locket. His actions the night of her birthday have brought two together as they attempt to reveal the hidden secrets in their city.

    Katherine Quinn has captured my full attention with this first installment of her new series. The story is original, the characters are likable and realistic. I am excited to learn more about the three fates, their origin story, and what they have in store for Wren. I am rarely surprised by a storyline but Quinn has me questioning what Wren and Damien will discover.

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

Available for purchase: February 3, 2026

Amazon

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Careless (Ashford Creek #0.5) Carrie Ann Ryan

🌕 

Careless (Ashford Creek #0.5)

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Best Friend's Sister

Length: 232 Pages**

Pace: Fast

Moods: Romantic, Page Turner, HEA, Wonderful Characters, Easy to Read, Quick Read

Release Date: November 10, 2025

        This an introduction novella by Carrie Ann Ryan for the Ashford Creek series. We first learned about the Ashfords in Pieces of Me, which was Briar and Gabriel's tragedy turned happily ever after. I am so excited to finally be revisiting the Ashford family. In Pieces of Me, Ryan made the family with a small town named after them seem so exciting, dramatic, and mysterious. This short story about Callum and Felicity is a teaser to what is yet to come.

Synopsis:

    Felicity Carter has been in love with her older brother's best friend since she was very young. She has elected to celebrate her 21st birthday with her college roommates in her home town of Ashford Creek. While there, she runs into Callum and realizes her feelings for him have never subsided.

    Callum Ashford certainly notices Felicity when he runs into her celebrating her birthday. She has grown into an intelligent, independent, beautiful woman but she is completely off limits to him. Not only is she his best friend's sister, she is ten years younger than him. She has not even graduated college yet. When Felicity finds herself in a difficult situation she reaches out to Callum, his protective instincts kick in and he immediately comes to her rescus.

    Careless is an introduction to Felicity and Callum's full story titled 'Legacy'. I can't wait to read this couples long anticipated story.

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

Available for purchase:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble