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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5 Stars
Cross and Hazel have a lot of obstacles to overcome. For Hazel, they involve her past, for Cross, his present. They accidentally cross paths and click in a way neither one expects. Both Cross and Hazel want to take things slowly for different reasons but they cannot sent that the sparks fly when they are together and each one fills a void the other didn’t even fully realize was there. Unfortunately, their path to a happily ever after is not without danger and tragedy strikes. Thankfully these two realize their love is stronger than anything that can come their way and in the end they open their hearts to a love everyone dreams about finding. I cannot wait for the rest of these books to see Hazel’s friends and Cross’s brothers get the HEAs they all deserve!
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
5 Their Love Was A Surprise Stars!!!
There’s nothing better than the first book in a new series where I not only get to meet new characters but get to see some of my favorites from previous series and that’s exactly what Ms. Ryan has given us in this first book of her Promise Me series.
We get a great introduction to all the characters that this series will be about and we get a fantastic second chance story that’s full of suspense, angst, friendship, a dirty talker and feelings that are very powerful. This first book centers on Hazel and Cross and how they get a chance at love that neither was looking for or wanting for that matter.
I loved how this story draws us in with the hint of something that’s happened in Hazel’s past causing her to be reluctant to date let alone find love and with Cross, he’s been so focused on building his business so imagine his surprise when he goes to a business meeting and meets Hazel and so begins their journey.
This book moves at a quick pace which I loved. I found myself on the edge of my seat as these two get closer and closer and acting on their feelings and desires which allows Hazel to feel a little free for the first time in a long time. I loved how Cross showed how he felt about Hazel, even taking him by surprise, I think. There’s also an element of suspense built into this story that shocked me because while I had an idea of what was going on, yeah, I didn’t see that extra twist!
All in all, this book is a perfect reason why I love Ms. Ryan’s writing and her books. The characters are strong and captivating. The storyline is sell developed and had me engaged on every page. I cannot wait to see what happens with book two!!
Forever Only Once by Carrie Ann Ryan is the First book in the Promise Me Series. This is the story of Cross Brady and Hazel Noble. Cross is the eldest of his siblings so he has taken the protective stance with them. Cross is also a busy man who is a partner in the Chris Cross Furniture company. So he doesn’t feel he has time nor want to date anyone. Hazel has move to Boulder to start a new life and is a math professor at University of Boulder who now hows new friends who have made a pack to find love. Hazel is the first up but with her abusive past she is somewhat hesitant to start. But then she meets Cross who she is attracted to. When Hazel comes into Cross’s world he can’t seem to fight the pull he feels towards her. Neither can seem to stop their feelings but the past comes back to cause them some issues. Really enjoyed this page turning story.
Four strong, beautiful woman..and a plan! What a great start to a new series from Carrie Ann Ryan, which is enhanced by the intertwining of beloved characters from the wonderful world of Montgomery Ink!
Forever Only Once has got the series off to a fabulous start. Hazel and Cross are a lovely couple, both warm hearted and generous (and check out that delicious cover!), and bring Carrie Ann’s characteristic humour and emotional intelligence to bear on a story that has many different faces, including issues which have haunted Hazel’s past and bring threat into the present.
What a pleasure it is to look forward to another series from this lovely author! Hazel and Cross will be hard to beat, but I am sure I will fall in love with them too!
Forever Only Once is the remarkable tale of a woman coming into her own after surviving an abusive relationship. Hazel has been through hell and is starting over. The meet cute between Hazel and Cross set the pace for the rest of the story. These two are so sweet together I needed to brush my teeth. A fantastic start to a new series.
Forever Only Once is a story that steals your heart and your breath within minutes. Hazel is a woman with a past that still haunts her and Cross is a man facing a decision he has been putting off. As these two cross paths it might be the best accident these two have ever experienced. A story full of suspense, drama, intrigue and heartfelt emotion. Forever Only Once will have your heart pounding and your pulse racing as love, confrontation and chaos all intertwine.
Four friends,a family of sorts each with their own secrets, form a pact to find happiness and love. Hazel the shy math teacher is up first and what was supposed to be a bind date becomes the setting for a “meet-cute” with Cross the growly woodworker. The attraction is instant, the trust needed to be built and they both put everything on the line when threats come at them. The story captured my attention, Cross was swoony and Hazel is his perfect complement. I love the sparks around Hazel’s friends and the Brady men, This is going to be a fun series.
This new series is about the Brady Brothers, you must remember them as the older brothers of Arden Brady and future wife of Liam Montgomery (Wrapped In Ink- Boulder).
Now they will meet their match in the Pact Sisters, they are four close friends that are tired of being alone and decide to make a pact that they will introduce new people to each other so that they can have dates and hopefully start relationships. Hazel is a university professor and has been through a lot… She is a survivor and made her group of friends her family.
Cross is a carpentry artist and is the rock of his family taking care of his siblings, specially Arden. The Brady brothers are a tight bunch and because of that his social life has been suffering. He is also preocupied with his business partner and having second thoughts about the partnership. In a really fun faux blind date these two souls meet and they form a bond.
Hazel is more than attracted to Cross and he is intrigued by her. Of course as a Carrie Ann’s book their path is not easy… Cross and Hazel are wonderful characters and the families are so fun to read.
I really loved this book!
This is going to be a great series with four amazing, strong, and resilient women. This new series starts with Hazel Noble drawing the short straw and who knew what a wild ride her dipping her toes back into the dating world again would be. I loved the women themselves who are definitely a close-knit group but there for each other no matter what. The dating pact was a fun idea but with it came stress to take a chance again. Really enjoyed the initial meeting with Hazel and Cross and it was almost an introduction that might not have happened had things gone how they should have. I did appreciate Cross being the perfect gentleman with Hazel at the beginning when he could feel her trepidation in certain instances but once they were more familiar with each other, the chemistry was oozing between them. It was sad to learn about Hazel’s past and her reasons for not putting herself out there. This book was great and usually I can figure out puzzles well, but Carrie Ann Ryan did a great job with the story because I did not see the connection coming when it came to light. The ending of the book had me on the edge of my seat, but I am glad the outcome was eventually good for Hazel and especially Cross and Macon. After reading this story, I have a feeling that the remaining three ladies, will have to meet their pasts head on in order to come out stronger, free, and get their long deserved happily ever after. My favorite line from this story is, ‘sitting down at that table across from a beautiful woman with sad eyes was the happiest accident ever.’ Looking forward to reading more in this great series.
Wow, this is a great book. It had everything from fear to funny situations. I couldn’t put it down once I started. I loved how it all started.
I loved Cross and Hazel together, they may of met by accident. But they had chemistry straight off. They took it slow from beginning and built their relationship.
I can’t wait for more of this series.
Great start to a new series! Hazel and Cross were HOT together!! Chance meeting that leads to love. The pact that Hazel and her friends have is awesome and will definitely lead to some great stories. Seeing Hazel and Cross build their relationship at their own pace while trying to solve the mysteries that are happening at the same time leads to not putting this book down because I needed to see what was going to happen next!
Received an advance copy from the author through BookFunnel.
This was such a beautiful, poignant and incredibly moving romance. Hazel and Cross will totally tug on your heartstrings and have you swooning. Both character are complex, compelling and lovable. I felt that these two were simply perfect for each other in every way. The story is well written and quickly grabbed my interest with its cleverly crafted blend of intense emotions, drama, humor, family, friendship, romance, heat and heat. I loved this book and these characters. This was great way to start this new series and I can’t wait to read book two! I am electing to post a impartial review.
Carrie Ann cannot wrote a story I don’t love. I felt everything these characters went through. I had to hold my breathe at one point. So glad we’re finally meeting Arden’s brothers. And Hazel’s girls, well we should all have a group like that. Thank you for another spectacular story.
This is the first I’ve read from this author. The story held my attention with great girlfriends, an accidental budding relationship, a shady past, a bit of suspense and a taking charge and coming full circle kind of story. I liked the set up for the rest of the ‘family’ as well. I can’t wait to see where the next story take us!
Absolutely love this meet cute! This had to be the cutest accidental date I’ve ever read. Totally unexpected but very much needed on both sides. Loved how totally awkward they both were with the dating ins and outs….eggplant emoji lol. This is a story on a much needed HEA.
I love this start to the Brady Brothers!!!!! Hazel is a woman who has had a horrible past relationship and is building a new life for herself with some great friends!!! Cross is the oldest Brady Brother the protector. When they meet it’s by mistake but a good one!!!!!When the past cakes back to haunt Hazel they have to fight for their love and their lives!!!!!This book has all the feels!!!!Can’t to read more from the Brothers!!!!
A great start to a new series. We have met Cross and his siblings before so it was great to revisit them. Hazel and her friends are a great group and their pact to find each other dates can only lead to some hilarious hook ups. Hazel has some serious issues to overcome and Cross is just the man to make her feel safe. This book takes us on an emotional journey and I can’t wait to see what happens with Brady brothers.
So beautifully written
So realistically written
And so moving
I love Carrie Ann Ryan’s books, I always have. But Hazel? Yeah, i connected with her, i know exactly where she is coming from, what shes gone through and who she is. The strength she shows in every single breath is beautiful and wonderful to see.
Carrie Ann thank you so much for writing such a true to life story and with so much honour, gentleness and understanding. Thank you.
Loved the story, the way the characters connected and they way that neither of them had a clue what they were doing – cos let’s face it, non of us do because life doesnt have a script no matter how much I wish it did.
A beautifully moving tale of courage, love, family and hope.
You’re gonna need a box of tissues
Well fleshed loveable characters drive this angsty romance with a sweet accidental meet cute. Cross doesn’t have dating on his radar, he’s happily busy with his business and looking after his brothers and sister. Hazel hasn’t been lucky with love or even much with life, when her friends talk her into a dating pact she is reluctant but willing. Told through both of their POVs we experience all of their “feels” and sexy times. I loved that a bearded, tatted, artist can fall for a sweet sexy mathematics professor. And really if the characters capture your heart you enjoy the ride so much better. Lovely read.
Forever Only Once is Book 1 in the new Promise Me series by Carrie Ann Ryan. I love how the author spins off her famous Montgomery Ink series with lots of intertwined characters but yet all of her stories stand perfectly fine of their own. This story was filled with everything a person could ask for including drama, suspense, angst, romance, and lots of heat. Hazel and Cross were amazing characters and I enjoyed the twists and turns the author threw at us. Another amazing story by Carrie Ann Ryan!