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 … 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.
more
An edge of your seat emotional roller coaster!
Forever Only Once starts with an outrageous gut punch, making me root for Hazel from the first page, and fall for Cross the second he appeared. Deep and richly textured with palpable emotions that got my heart pumping across a range of reactions, this book features a couple fighting hard to strip off the weight of their pasts and find lightness together. A must read!
“It was just a smile. Even the devil had a pretty face.”
Ohhh, how we’ve all been in this place before! Hazel Noble is definitely there, and deliciously so, fighting her attraction to Cross Brady, with whom she’s come face-to-face with one of the coolest meet-cutes I’ve read in a romance.
But this book, just like every Carrie Ann Ryan novel, is about more than the let’s-smile-la-la-happy moments. It’s about richly drawn characters in a world where one wants to be one of the heroines and go to bed with ALL the heroes; a smartly-erected construct of a brand-new world that ties back enough to previous books that you feel both comfortable and excited at the same time.
The instant sparks between Hazel and Cross develop into a slow burn romance that was really awesome medicine for my soul. The feels were all there, especially once the characters’ backstories were revealed, but the darker elements never underscored the gorgeously written hope of a budding and destined love.
The only thing I’m kicking myself for now is not starting this series sooner! I’m super excited to dive into the rest.
I LOVED Cross and Hazel…Cross had so much patience and love, Hazel had so much strength and love. This book has all of the feels and the twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out if hearts will be broken or will they find a way. Loved it!!
I couldn’t put it down! And I can’t wait to ready about the eldest of the Brady family.
Entertaining
Intelligent romance without a bunch of dumb tropes.
loved it keep writing great books
A chance meeting results in finding love for both the hero and heroine. A fun read as they find true love.
Great beach read!
Wow! What a combo. This is a double thriller; romance; and hot sex. It also lays the groundwork for her other 3 friends romances in the follow-on. It was an “I can’t put it down” read with a few places that were just too much detail along with some sex scenes I just skimmed through. Their romance was interesting; but the thriller(s) (yes his and hers) were the hook. If you have read Ryan’s Montgomery Ink series, they are mentioned in this story but not linked. If you are a fan of those, anticipate being a fan of these.
Such a great read. Cross and Hazels book did not disappoint. Beautifully written, wasn’t overwhelmed by the pain Hazel went through. Wanted Cross to be a bit more manly. Love the Brady Brothers Can’t wait to read the next book
I got bored with this book and am not sure if I will return to finish it
One of my favorite authors!
It was an easy read
Great story…wonderful author
I never got into the flow of this book. There was barely any coverage of the two main characters actually interacting together. When they did the story started to take shape. I think it is just a pacing issue.
Loved this book. Love this author.
‘Forever Only Once’ is book one in Carrie Ann Ryan’s new series, Promise Me. Another spin-off from the original Montgomery Ink series. This book and series has some familiar faces as it follows the brothers of Arden Brady who is married to Liam Montgomery in book one ‘Wrapped in Ink’ of the Montgomery Ink: Boulder series. This series can be read as standalones but why miss out on all the juicy goodness of reading each and every book.
This book has it all, romance, suspense, close family connections, and angst that Ms Ryan is famous for. The chemistry between Cross and Hazel is instant and HOT! I love each and every new spin off that Ms Ryan gives us, and if this book is any indication as to what to expect from the Brady family, we are in for one heck of a ride.
Hazel Nobel has escaped the horrors of her past and is now trying to start a new life for herself in Boulder. Hazel with a few of her friends have made a pact to help each other find their perfect guy by setting them up on blind dates. With Hazel up first. When the handsome bearded guy sits down at her table, she thinks her friends did great in finding someone she finds attractive. But it turns out they have each mistaken each other for someone else.
Cross Brady is the oldest of his siblings. With his sister Arden recently married he finds he has some time free when not consumed with his business. When he sits down in front of Hazel thinking she is the client he is suppose to meet, but then realises the mistake, he can’t seem to care about the error and wants to spend time with her.
When I started reading I couldn’t put it down.Carrie Ann Ryan is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can’t wait for the next book.