Reviews

Bittersweet Promises by Carrie Ann Ryan

valbella's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

amsr's review against another edition

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4.0

After first meeting Leif in Delcate Ink (my first introduction to Carrie Ann Ryan) and seeing him grow through the other books in that series, his story is the perfect start to the Legacy Ink series.

Leif and Brooke first met while overseas but a simple misunderstanding led to both of their hearts being broken.
When they next meet up, both of them have changed a lot in the ten years.

But it's not just the ten years that have past that make them hesitate to given their unmistakable chemistry another chance, its their future and with held secrets too.

In typical Montgomery fashion, there is a lot of family (I think I need to make myself a family tree to keep up with them all) and almost as much cheese

kymreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh my goodness! After all of the trials and tribulations Leif Montgomery has had in his life, his story - much anticipated btw - is finally here and Carrie Ann Ryan does not disappoint! Add in Brooke Alder, a smart, strong and sassy single mom from Leif’s past? An absolutely wonderful edition to the many Montgomery Ink stories!

While not having seen one another since Paris many years ago, on Brooke’s move in- day to her new home in Colorado where she meets her new neighbor, Lake, who shows up? Leif! Turns out, Lake is Leif’s cousin…a small world. But there are misunderstandings for Brooke and Leif to work through from their past in Paris.

And that’s only one of the challenges. Brooke is a very devoted single mom to a wonderful little boy, Luke, and a busy college professor/researcher in a very demanding scientific field (so very accurately portraying the plight of women in academia within the field of science IMHO), who doesn’t have a lot of spare time for socializing. While Lief does not have as many demands, his life is complicated, too.

But the spark they felt in Paris? It hasn’t diminished a bit!

Following how these two sort through the complications in their lives, both past and present, plus the delightful supporting characters, both Montgomery family members (including “honorary” members) and friends (May, Brooke’s nanny for her son, Luke), makes this a beautifully romantic story!

booklover0628's review against another edition

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5.0

The Montgomerys are still growing. Now kids are older, they’re the adults dealing with life and falling in love. It’s great to be able to see Leif find his forever and then some. Brooke and Leif are meant to be and it was a true pleasure to read their story. They had to learn to lean on each and be each others person. It was a little slow getting there, but once it did…. It was beautiful to see. Just like with the OG Montgomerys, can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

smithsj123's review against another edition

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4.0

Bittersweet Promises is the new series, Montgomery Ink Legacy, by Carrie Ann Ryan which carries on from the original Montgomery Ink series. We are now starting the journeys of the next generation, and if this book is any indication, then we have a lot to look forward to!

This new series kicks off with Leif Montgomery (the eldest of the next generation) and his second chance at love story with Brooke Alder. There were circumstances beyond their control, and hurdles they will need to overcome in the here and now, but there is plenty attraction and passion that hasn't been forgotten.

This book had plenty of moments where you laugh, where you swoon and where you feel tears fill your eyes... a real emotional rollercoaster. I can't wait to see what else this new series has to deliver.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

carlac135's review against another edition

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5.0

Bittersweet Promises is the story of Leif and Brooke. It’s so great to read the next generation of Montgomery’s, especially since we have known Leif from the beginning. The story of Brooke and Leif is so heartwarming and honest and the story of their relationship is written so well! The way the family bands together like normal to take care of Leif and Brooke is fantastic and their instant family is something that I loved to read. Leif might be my new favorite Montgomery! Now I can’t wait until Lake’s book!

niniwags's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh how I love the Montgomery’s. Austin Montgomery was my very first Carrie Ann Ryan book and it was bittersweet seeing the little boy from that book all grown up and finding his own way in the world in this book.

xxbooksilovexx's review

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5.0

Maxine Mitchell & Joe Arden did an amazing job narrating Laef & Brooke. This was an excellent second chance romance. Loved getting to know Laef, Brooke & Luke. Looking forward to more of the next gen of the Montgomerys.

romancebookloverinseattle's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a sweet, heartwarming but very emotional second chance love story that was a great start to this new series! Brooke is a single mother who has just moved to a new town and in a house next door to Leif's cousin. They are both taken by surprise when meeting as Brooke is moving in, they had met 10 years before, fallen hard for each other, and then fell apart because of miscommunications. Neither believes they are ready for a relationship, but reconnect and build from there. I loved how they were with each other and especially how Leif is with Brooke's son. They both have a lot to work through from their pasts, but I love stories where you see the couples working through difficult things together and in a way that leaves them stronger. Such a sweet, emotional but also steamy romance. Can't wait to read Lake's book.

books_and_more_books_byt's review against another edition

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5.0

In their youth, Brooke Alder and Leif Montgomery fell for each other in Paris. But a misunderstanding, once they got back to the states, impeded their happy ever after ending. Now years later Brook and her son moved back to Colorado where she had many happy childhood memories. Their unexpected encounter digs up all the feelings and the connection they once had. Can they find their happy ever after the second time around?
“I love you, Brooke. I’ve loved you for far longer than this moment.”

Bittersweet Promises is the first book in the Montgomery Ink series. It was a masterful way to start off the next generation of Montgomery’s series. I loved seeing what had become of the children from the previous generation. Now they are adults and making the previous generation grandparents! It has really been a joy seeing the family grow and continue the Montgomery warmth and generosity. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.