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.
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Not just a love story. Hazel and Cross meet accidentally but perfect for them. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their emotions are beautifully written. Everything seems to be falling into place, but Hazel has a past that she thinks is behind her. These two will have to fight not just for their love but for their lives. Lots of suspense and a rollercoaster of a ride. Love this couple and all their friends and family.
An accidental date leads to forever.
Cross & Hazel meet by accident when they mistake each other for a blind date and a business meeting. They both feel the connection but aren’t sure what to do about it. Their road to happiness is not going to be easy.
Once again, Ryan does an amazing job of bringing all the emotion, angst, and surprising plot twists.
Forever
Hazel and Cross meet by accident What starts out as an accident soon turns into something more but both have a lot going on in their lives – Cross is dealing with something at work and Hazel has some secrets in her past which might just come to bite her in the rear
A great story, some funny moments and some filled with suspense but overall a wonderful start to this new series and I’m kicking myself I didn’t start reading it earlier
Hazel & Cross have a great story to tell their future grandkids about how they met. Hazel and her friends make me want to be part of the group. They are more than friends they are sisters by choice. They make a pact to start looking for love, and she was the first one up. That’s when things get interesting. Cross (one of Arden’s brothers from WRAPPED IN INK, wasn’t looking for any kind of relationship. He just wanted to live his life in peace. Then things change when he accidentally meets Hazel. They both felt the connection but were fighting it at first. However, Cross wasn’t about to let anyone take his girl away from him. Arden comes in and gives Cross advice. And we get to catch up with some old friends and hear about the others.
Hazel and Cross OMG they were amazing, I could see the sparks from the beginning and I was waiting for them to see what I already knew they were perfect for each other. I loved Cross he was truly the older sibling in every sense of the word and I was so happy for him to find love.
A wonderful, sweet love story, or so it seems at first, but then unexpected danger threatens the lives of both Hazel and Cross and the tension levels in this romance go up immensely. But first there’s the falling in love bit… I loved the meet-cute in this story and how everything falls into place so naturally between Hazel and Cross. And I adore Cross! It’s so refreshing to have a hero that is not a stereotypical, testosterone-fueled alpha male, but instead is incredibly considerate, loyal and kindhearted with a core of inner strength that doesn’t rely on brute force. He’s the perfect guy for Hazel, who definitely deserves to have a man like him in her life, after all she’s been through. I really like the setup of this series, with the group of friends that Hazel is a part of, and then the link to the Brady’s and the Montgomery’s. The secondary characters, as expected in a Carrie Ann Ryan novel, play a vital role in the story and are very well-written.
Carrie Ann Ryan is the Queen of spinoffs that keep on giving. It started with Montgomery Ink, Then we moved on to the Montgomery cousins of Colorado Springs, Then it was the Montgomery cousins of Boulder. From that we get the Promise Me series, all about Arden’s brothers (Wrapped In Ink). I have been (not so) patiently waiting for this series from the moment they were introduced helping Arden at the hospital in her and Liam’s book, before CAR had even announced them as an actual possibility. Let me say this one thing. CAR did not disappoint (not that she ever does). It was worth every single second of waiting. I loved how the girls decided to set each other up and get the blind dates started, I loved how Hazel & Cross actually meet without meaning to. Such a big start to this branch of the series I know that they will only get better and better.
4 friends 1 pact changing lives forever. hazel and her friends make a pact to start dating and they each are to find the person for each other unless they find them for themselves. in this book Hazel drew the short straw and was the first to start. She meets Cross Brady by chance at her first attempt at a blind date by friend Paris. Just saying everyone should have a friend like Paris. Their meeting the way they did, was definitely a Meet Cute situation.
Hazel being she is recovering from a horrible Marriage is skeptical of the pact. Cross Brady is busy with his work and stressed over his Business partner issue its hard for him to just relax and have some fun. His sister Arden from Wrapped in Ink: Montgomery ink Bolder is Cross’s sister who he confides everything too. Talks him into calling Hazel to set up a first second date.
Poor Hazel is finally coming out and about and her Ex shows his ugly face. Causes problems for her as well as Cross. It was kind of an easy business out for him but not the way he wanted out of the business agreement. Hazel being herself blames herself for the damage her ex caused and broke it off with Cross.
They both came to their senses with the help of friends and family and talked it out. I was happy to see the Happily ever after for Hazel and Cross. Cannot wait to see what the other 3 friends end up with in their story of the pact.
Could not put this book down!
After a traumatic past Hazel has created a new life for herself and over time has become a much smarter version of the woman she used to be. Her friends have convinced her that it is time for her to start dating again and they have arranged a date for her but when she meets Cross it becomes a case of mistaken identity as she is there for a blind date and he is there for a business meeting.
Cross has been focused on his business making custom furniture and his family at the cost of his personal life. When fate brings Hazel into his life he realizes that she is what he has missing in his life. They shared an immediate chemistry and connection, but he also knew that she was cautious when it came to them and he was willing to allow the relationship to move at her pace and earn her trust but when her past resurfaces there is nothing he won’t do to keep her safe.
The strength and resilience of Hazel shines through her characters while Cross is the perfect mix of protective and patient. Not only do Hazel and Cross draw you in but getting a chance to catch up with Cross’s family made it that much better.
A blind date/accidental mixup meeting turns into so much more, but it’s never that easy. Hazel and Cross get hammered from every angle, but mostly from within, trying to decide if their HEA is a real possibility. Emotional, raw, real, and hot, i was cheering them on every step of the dramatic way. Can’t wait for book 2!
Hazel and Cross have such a fantastic story. Cross ends up at a bar to meet his partners new client. Hazel is at the same place on a blind date setup. Neither has meet or seen the other that they are meeting and so they end up thinking that each is the person they should be meeting. Quickly is is figured out that they aren’t but have the ‘date’ that isn’t a date. Hazel is dealing with a past that is making it hard for her to open up fully to anyone even with the strong feelings she has for Cross. Cross is having a hard time with his business partner and trying to figure out what that future holds while starting a relationship he wasn’t looking for with Hazel. I just loved these two and the story that they share together. I love Hazel’s friends and of course Cross’s family as well. Some suspenseful moments and plenty of feels. Even though this is a stand alone with a HEA I am looking forward to the next blind date in the series.
Forever Only Once is the story of Hazel and Cross. Hazel and her friends have a pact to find love. You find out in the beginning that Hazel had a rough go in her marriage. Cross is Arden’s brother who we met in an earlier book. Cross and Hazel meet under accidental circumstances but realize they are very right for each other. Their connection is well written and I enjoyed watching them fall for each other. Unfortunately Hazel’s past catches up with her in a very scary fashion. I was completely surprised at that part of the book. Both Cross and Hazel deal with the aftermath before reaching their happily ever after. The epilogue was a teaser for the books to come and I cannot wait fo read those stories!
I loved this story with Hazel and Cross. I love how they grow together and instinctively trust one another. The audio narration of Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke is great. I really did not want to stop listening until the story was done. This one is a winner. I can’t wait to get the next one in this series
Another amazing book from Carrie Ann Ryan! I love this new series and love how it connects to the Montgomery’s. Hazel made a pact with her friends, a dating pact. She meets Cross on accident on her first blind date. These two go through so much. They were meant to be together. I love this book and can not wait for the rest of them in this series.
What a great start to the Promise Me series. This series will follow Arden (from Wrapped in Ink) brothers. Up first is Cross Brady the oldest brother.
Cross meets Hazel in the cutest “meet cute” moment of blind date mistaken identity. Cross and Hazel have an instant connection that Hazel first fights. Hazel has a past that might be putting her, Cross and other in danger.
I loved that Forever Only Once had something different that Carrie Ann’s others don’t have – a little bit of suspense. Plus she has setup the next few couples by the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Hazel literally went through hell and came out the other side. While not necessarily whole, she did make it through and is slowly working her way to her new normal. She has such strength and is just a genuinely nice person that you can’t help but love her! Cross is this growly, protective, alpha male type but with a heart of gold. He will do anything and everything for the people he lets into his heart. These two are perfect for each other in that while Hazel is hesitant, Cross seems to have the patience of a saint and they move at the pace that is best for both of them. My only drawback was that the beginning is a little slow, but once you get further in? The story flows beautifully! Of course now I am impatiently waiting for the rest of their stories!! And I need to know more about Hazel’s friends as well !!
Book one in new Promise Me series by Carrie Ann Ryan
Cross is Arden (married a Montgomery) oldest brother who co owns a bespoke furniture art shop.
Hazel moved to boulder and after a very traumatic divorce that left her with a lot of baggage but she makes a pack with her friends that she starts to date and in the bargain starts to live her life and be happy.
Hazel gets set up for a blind date and waits to meet him in a bar. Cross is ask by his co owner to meet a client about a commission but is only given a name and brief description.
When Cross get to bar and assumes that Hazel is the client.
I absolutely love the way they meet in beginning of book and how hazel and Cross didn’t contact each other straight away because they didn’t want to ruin a great non date.
Carrie Ann Ryan pulls it out of the bag every time but she also has a great ear and pucks perfect narrators for her books. I do live duel narration between a female and male voice but instead of read chapters at a time it would be lovely if the read to corresponding line to there gender but still beautifully read.
I absolutely adored this story!! The characters pulled me in from beginning to end! Hazel has been through a really hard life and I love the strength that is showcased in this story for her. Even with everything that is going on and when things come back up that she has to face again, I loved the strength that is shown. I loved the way that the relationship developed between Cross and Hazel. It was perfect for them and just felt believable and real. I was sucked in from beginning to end and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Hazel Nobel and her friends have made a pact to set each other up on blind dates in hopes of finding love. Hazel is a math professor who is still recovering from an abusive marriage but agrees to her friend’s crazy plan. Hazel shows up to her blind date but ends up having a great night with someone unexpected. Cross Brady is an artist who works with wood and makes a good living making amazing furniture. Going into business with his best friend, Chris, out of college was a smart move, but Cross hates how Chris has changed and wonders if he should continue the partnership or dissolve it. Cross shows up at the high end bar to meet Chris’ client. Cross mistakes Hazel for the woman he is supposed to meet. Cross and Hazel have a great time together and feel an instant connection to each other. Hazel and Cross both think they are bad at dating but find they are really good together. Cross and Hazel take things slow as they get to know each other. Will Hazel let Cross into her life and her heart? What happens when someone evil from Hazel’s past shows up? Will Hazel blame herself and walk away when Cross and his brother are hurt by her ex? Can Cross convince Hazel that she is the one for him? I absolutely LOVE Carrie Ann Ryan! Forever Only Once is a fantastic start to the Promise Me series by Carrie Ann Ryan. The chemistry between Cross and Hazel is hot. I love the banter and the love between the Brady siblings. Forever Only Once is an amazing book with great characters. Absolutely love Hazel friends! I would highly recommend getting Forever Only Once by Carrie Ann Ryan. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.