The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs series continues with a couple fighting to keep what they thought they had and gain what they didn’t know they needed.Roxie Montgomery met her soul mate when she least expected it. When he asked her to marry him, she thought her happily ever after was only just beginning. Then, she found that walking into the sunset was much harder than her favorite books made … books made it out to be. After a crushing loss, she feels as though she doesn’t know her husband anymore, or rather…she doesn’t know herself.
Carter Marshall has loved Roxie since the first time he saw her. But as the days pass between them, so does the distance. He doesn’t know how to show her that he’s all in, and honestly doesn’t know if she’s in at all. When an accident changes everything, they’ll have to decide if what they have can be salvaged, or if starting over is the answer. Or even possible.
Without fighting, without a true new beginning, sometimes, the remnants of what was lost can leave anyone jagged, shells of what they were before. It will take more than the idea of forever for Roxie and Carter to find themselves again, but as the Montgomerys know, nothing worth fighting for is easy.
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Jagged Ink is Book three in the Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs series. It tells the story of Roxie and Carter. It’s not a typical romance at all. This book actually starts after the HEA that we usually see in Carrie’s books.
Roxie and Carter are married and are going through some tough times. This is the story of how they handle those tough times and all that comes with it. It’s emotional and heartbreaking and everything in between.
This book is a beautiful addition to this series and to the Montgomery family in general. I loved this book even though it was tough to get through at times. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Roxie Montgomery is an accountant and married to Carter Marshall. When Carter is injured in an explosion protecting her sister, Thea, she realizes how much she cares about him but wonders if it is enough.
Carter Marshall is grateful for surviving the accident but when he arrives home and spots divorce papers he is shocked but knows he will give Roxie whatever she wants, even if it means breaking his own heart.
As Carter and Roxie both pull away from everyone around them will they have the courage to talk to each other and save their own marriage or will their stubbornness cause their own downfall.
This was such a great book about the decline in marriage when there is no communication. I think most married people can relate to some of the issues that Carter and Roxie faced in this book.
I liked Roxie but I was shocked that she had filed for divorce but that being said I haven’t read all of the books in the series so I do not know the background as much as some other readers. She seemed to be so devoted to Carter but everything spiraled downwards pretty quick once he saw the envelope.
My heart truly broke for Carter as not only had he been injured but then he was completely blindsided when he got home. I understood why he was willing to just give up in order to make Roxie happy but I was still disappointed.
It broke my heart to see both Carter and Roxie falling apart independently but both of them were so stubborn that they were struggling to give in.
I liked the moment that it clicked for Carter and how he realized what he was losing and then how he confessed everything to Roxie and how they began again. It was so awesome to slowly watch them discover everything again and they truly went about it the right way.
The end was great and I loved how they figured out where they went wrong and then how they put it all back together!
New Release! A marriage in jeopardy. A second chance.
The Montgomery’s are back and I will say that I had mixed feelings about this book. There was a bit of repetition through the book when it came to how the main characters felt about each other, but what really got on my nerves was that neither character took control of the whole situation and COMMUNICATE! Yes, Roxie’s character was dealing with things that would totally destroy and devastate most women and doing it with only her husband knowing is even worse. But, that is her fault! The Montgomery’s are a strong and caring family, but she hide from her family with this and that is where things started going wrong.
I saw Carter are such a stronger character, but had some issues with him. He gave up too easy. But, knowing the situation of the story, knowing what his character was going through, I can’t say that I don’t understand part of the way that his character acted. But I did expect more. The Montgomery’’s are all so strong and opinionated that it was a real shock to see one that wasn’t living up to the image that I had, but again, the situation in which the characters have could definitely have created and nurtured the difference.
I will say after all that …. I still liked the story. When it came to characters pulling up their proverbial big girl and big boy pants, they did freaking fantastic! They showed so much why I like the series and the characters as a whole. But they definitely had issues with communication that were really irritating. Strength did persevere towards the end and Carter so totally deemed himself to me. They started talking and then started healing.
So my overall thoughts are mixed, but the story itself was both heart wrenching and strong. The characters were likable (maybe not in the beginning but they definitely pulled it out!). While the story took some time, I was totally happy with the overall impact. So, I will say give the story a shot and push through. You will definitely be happy in the end. Happy reading!
I reviewed this ARC and am giving my honest opinion. This is Roxie’s and Carter’s story. They are already married but struggling within their marriage and no one in the family knows why. I found myself extremely frustrated with the first third of this book. Nine chapters were devoted to listening to Carter and Roxie state repetitiously that they loved the other but that they needed to go their separate ways. Nine chapters of knowing that clearly there’s a problem and neither of them seem to want to discuss. Although I almost put the book down, I’m glad I hung in there. The story finally picked up and the two began to talk about their problems. Communication is key in any relationship and I’m glad that Roxie and Carter learned that. I enjoyed their characters. Their love for one another was never the issue, learning how to communicate with each other, even through the hard things – was. This was a good story once you got through the first nine chapters.
Jagged Ink was a powerful heartbreaking emotional roller-coaster of a ride about Roxie and Carter. I spend the first half of this book wanting to knock Roxie and Carter’s heads together and make them talk to one another. When Carter finally decided to pour his heart out to Roxie; then it started to feel like a HEA was coming. I will admit I got a little worried that these two weren’t going to make it.
MARRIAGE is more than LOVE it also needs COMMUNICATION!!
This was such a different writing style for Carrie Ann that just made me love her writing even more that she had the guts to put some of her personal feelings into this book.
Roxie and Carter have had some problems in the previous books and now we get to find out why. This story was a bit different because this couple is already married and they are having some trouble within their marriage. We get to read about each of their inner turmoil and what they have been thinking. Then we get to the “action” part of the story where it’s time to either fix the relationship or walk away.
This was a great story because every relationship has the ups and downs and here we get to see some real conflict instead of the “book/movie love.” This was a fantastic read and I’m impatiently waiting for more!!!
From the moment readers met Carter and Roxie we sensed the tension surrounding them, the unspoken sense of loss weighing on them and slowly pulling them apart. With Carter being injured in an accident at the end of the previous book I had hoped that this would be the thing to bring them back to each other but it ends up being one small step in a rocky journey to finding themselves and each other again. In a book full of sadness, and lots of frustration, there’s ultimately a sense of triumph as love truly overcame all.
Carter Marshall lost his family when he was 18 and since then he’s been surrounded by loneliness with only himself to count on. Meeting Roxie though was like being hit by lightning and she quickly became his everything in a scorching connection that quickly took them down the aisle. Love was abundant, sexy interludes and lots of touches fueled their marriage early on as their support for each other was quite clear. For most couples this would be a HEA, but when a heartbreaking event befalls them they lose themselves and silence soon takes over in a steady downward spiral that’s leading to divorce. It will take true courage, the courage of putting all your emotional cards on the table to start over in this romance full of conflicting emotions. Carter’s an immensely appealing hero. He’s loving, caring, and would do anything for those he calls family. Where he was once a loner, he found a place of his own in becoming a member of the Montgomery family and the possibility of losing them hurts just as much as his losing Roxie. Throughout this story he knows he’s losing her, longs to say the right words but is scared of making things worse. He longs to give the world to Roxie but is paralyzed by fear, so he remains quiet and lets their silence continue to pull them apart. It’s only by leaving that he’s able to find his home sweet home and I applaud all he did to get Roxie back.
Roxie Montgomery is the youngest in her family, used to being cared for and protected by her supportive, loving, and close-knit family. She longs to prove herself though and it’s her need for independence that ultimately weighs on her marriage when she and Carter need to be leaning on each other the most. The moment she met Carter she knew she’d found her HEA, her white knight that would give her the world if she asked. Early on their marriage burned bright, happiness and love gave each of them a safe haven. When a heartbreaking tragedy befell them though they lost themselves, particularly Roxie. In a desperate attempt to move on she threw herself into work, accepting Carter’s silence without talking through their mutual pain. It’s a journey full of sadness that soon reigns as they have to hit bottom before they can build themselves back up. When true love is meant to be though it can overcome any adversity. Through everything Roxie’s the kind of heroine you can relate to, the kind who’s supportive and caring when it comes to family and friends When it comes to her response to their tragedy though, I was left frustrated. She was locked in her silence and quick to bury herself in work, ignoring Carter’s subtle attempts to address the past. Considering the kind of family she has I expected better from her.
The loss she and Carter experienced was a heartbreaking one and it’s easily understandable that it rocks their once solid marriage. The pain they’re both experiencing was palpable but allowing misunderstandings to fester only weakened their marriage further. By simply talking they could’ve found their HEA again much faster. Through it all though their undying love was more than apparent and that small grain of hope had me rooting for them every step of the way. Surrounding this conflicted and realistic couple was a family we’ve come to call our own, a family that’s always been there in solidarity but who are letting Roxie and Carter find their own way this time. The ups and downs of the Montgomery family has made for compelling storytelling throughout the books in this series, pulling me into their lives and readying me for the next generation. Though this book frustrated me at times, I appreciate Ms. Ryan’s handling of a tough topic and recommend it (along with a tissue or two) to readers drawn to relatable couples and realistic storytelling.
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Carrie Ann Ryan’s work and it’s no surprise when it comes to books like this one why I am all grabby hands when she has a release. In Jagged Ink we find out what is behind the unhappiness that has been plaguing Roxie and Carter in the previous two books. If you have read Fallen Ink and/or Restless Ink you know something has been going on, you may even have your own guesses, e.g.; did he cheat on her, is there abuse going on, etc., but unless you have been through it yourself or maybe if you payed really close attention to the subtle hints given will you actually know the cause behind their sadness. For me going into this book, I had a strong feeling on what the problem would be and knew it would be a difficult one to deal with but I knew it would be done with grace so I was all in.
Carrie Ann Ryan takes a difficult topic and gives us a story that is filled with hope, love, and forgiveness. Five Stars easily given to Roxie and Carter’s journey to finding what they had lost and getting their second chance at forever.
Each of the stories in the Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series can be read as a standalone but I would suggest you read them in order but if you’re not able to do so please be sure to read Restless Ink first because there is a big part of this story that takes place in that book. Happy Reading!!!
I’ve been waiting for Roxie and Carter’s story! This was so painful and emotionally gutting. Having been through some of this myself, it hit close to home. Because of that in particular, I found myself frustrated that neither of them were willing to have an adult conversation. But the lack of communication is a common marital issue so the overarching lesson to just speak was so relevant. Beautifully painfully earned HEA.
This was not a happy fun loving book. It took me longer then usual to read because the characters were acting like….well it’s hard for me to put into words..I want to say Rosie was kinda bratty/moody/fake but I understand that it was just her shield to protect herself..but at what cost??
Possible SPOILERS
Carter and Roxie have hit a major rocky patch in their marriage and they are not sure if they can over come it. They have stopped talking to each other, spending time together..everything a married couple is supposed to be doing so after Carter has totally recovered from an accident he decides that it is better for himself if he just moves out after seeing divorce papers but after a few months apart Carter wants to try to bridge their gap.
Roxie wants Carter but it’s hard and they definitely need to talk if things are going to change!
“Through good times and bad, 4 stars”
Roxie and Carter exchanged wedding vows. They loved each other more than they thought was possible. Then life happened and it kept knocking them down. Will they keep fighting for each other or will they walk away in defeat? Only one way to find out.
We always read love stories about the good times, but Jagged Ink is about getting through the bad times. It was refreshing to read something that wasn’t your traditional love story. Yes, the couple loves each other but sometimes one questions if love is enough. Jagged Ink brings up two things I preach, communication and always keep dating your spouse.
I enjoyed these two and I hope you do as well.
Plot-4/5
Characters-4/5
Heat-4/5
Writing style-4/5
Overall-4/5
Jagged Ink is the story of Roxie and Carter. I think this might have been my favorite of these stories. The angst and emotions that Roxie and Carter are dealing with are so relatable you can feel it coming off the page. I really like how Ms. Ryan navigated their relationship and how nothing felt forced. It was very realistic and heartwarming and I found myself rooting for them to make it. Of course the added bonus of these books is you get more looks into the lives of all the Montgomerys which adds another enjoyable layer to these books. This was a great read and I highly recommend it!
Roxie and Carter’s story what can I say about it. It was sad and heartbreaking all at once. We found the couple had got married and as we navigate this book it soon becomes clear that something happened to them that makes Roxie question the marriage and Carter unable to voice how he is feeling which leads to one conclusion…..divorce. It didn’t bother me with the lack of conversations between characters but it does show what millions of people do and say in their own heads every day when faced with this scenario. With the strain and the papers signed will this be the end of this couple? Although people within the book said they wouldn’t take sides I found that only Landon and Ryan came out to talk to Carter whilst everyone else seemed to blame him. A great read from the start and I certainly devoured it in one. I can’t wait to see Landon’s story.
I’ve been waiting for this book since the first Colorado Springs novel. Roxi and Carter’s relationship has always been such a big question mark. I loved Carter, he seemed to be such a strong, caring man, perfectly fitting in with the Montgomerys. Roxie seemed sweet, but she wasn’t as openly loving, welcoming as the others. She always seemed to be a little closed off. Now we know why. Their marriage was in trouble, and with a family full of HEA’s, I was sure that their problems were keeping them from reaching out for help.
My heart was breaking as their story unfolded. It happens often.
SPOILER AHEAD:
A miscarriage can put a huge strain on a relationship. She’s feeling hurt, and maybe a bit of a failure. He may or may not be feeling these same hurts, but he thinks that he needs to put on a strong front for her. She thinks he doesn’t care enough because he’s not showing it. They don’t talk about it, it festers. She begins to close off, he takes it as an affront. He closes off. They don’t communicate. They become him and her. Can this be fixed? How?
Carter was burned badly saving Thea in Restless Ink and this story picks up from there. His recovery time doesn’t bring them any closer and when he’s back on his feet they separate. Divorce papers taken out, it looked like a HEA wasn’t in the cards. But we know better. And like that song goes, sometimes goodbye is a second chance.
I loved watching them, not go back to the beginning as that’s impossible, but start again. They finally talked about the elephant in the room, they communicated. That was the key. Their feelings for each other never died, it was just hidden under all their baggage. Clear the baggage, clear the air and begin anew. And I loved how they embraced going to counseling, realizing that they needed external help. Sometimes in novels, that’s ignored. Congrats to Carrie Ann Ryan for tackling such a sensitive issue and incorporating it with her much loved Montgomery family.
Oh, and introducing a new branch of the family tree. I can’t wait to read Liam’s story in the Montgomery Ink: Boulder arc!
This book! Wow! I love Carrie Ann Ryan and the entire Montgomery Ink Series, but I think this is my favorite! I love to see what happens after a couple gets their HEA – it’s not always roses and Ms. Ryan killed it with this story! FIVE HUGE STARS!!
Jagged Ink tells the story of Roxie and Carter. We saw hints of them in the previous books of this series, but this is completely theirs. Jagged Inks shows us that sometimes love may not be enough to last forever. Roxie and Carter always thought their happily ever after would begin after they said, “I Do”. However, life has other plans for them. They have grown apart since that tragic day and now that Carter has saved Roxie’s sister’s life, their demise is inevitable. These two will have to decide if their marriage is worth fighting for or if there is just no way other than getting out of it. How do you fight when it seems the other has already thrown in the towel? Beautifully written with so much emotion and love. Carrie Ann Ryan has written a wonderful series and I cannot wait for more.
This book is everything. I loved the detail of the issues from each of their perspectives. It added a depth to the story that would have made the ending less had it not been included. Watching the struggles, the mistakes, the opportunities not taken, the regret, the angst. I loved the full story of it all. Without knowing where they have been, it would make it impossible to figure out where they need to go. This is a 5 tissue book for sure. It has all the feels!! I absolutely loved this book!!!!
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
It was very emotional book!
Roxie + Carter achieved their HEA
This book is what happens after their HEA.
Now, their marriage is falling apart and they don’t know how to get pass thru the fog.
They still love each other, but the pain is always there.
Will they give their marriage another chance?
Loved the characters + the storytelling!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
A heartbreaking truly emotional roller-coaster that left me both wrecked (in the best way) and extremely hopeful that The rocky and seriously unstable parts of this life really do make us all the more stronger for surviving them… Loved this crazy sexy and heart tugging journey. Looking forward to more Montgomery adventures.