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The Cage Family #1
The Forever Rule
What happens when the man you’d thought could be the one turns out to be your new boss?
Blakely
The moment I met Aston Cage, I knew my life had changed. A single dance later, we’re both all in. Until he ghosted me.
Then my boss fires me for dancing with the enemy.
Three months later, working for the Cages is my last resort. Now I’ll work beside him day by day, trying not to let my feelings take control. It’s heaven and hell. Except I’m starting to think there’s a part of this story I’m missing…
Aston
I made myself walk away from Blakely after my family’s dirty laundry hit the news. My father’s secret family complicates everything. In order to keep our inheritance intact, we’re forced to do monthly dinners with both sides of the family—the brothers I grew up with and the new set of siblings we never knew about.
An additional obstacle: Blakely is my new sister’s best friend.
Meaning the moment I give into temptation, I not only risk the woman I’m falling for, but the family legacy just starting to reveal itself.
But Blakley is worth it. I just have to prove I am as well.
Blakely
The moment I met Aston Cage, I knew my life had changed. A single dance later, we’re both all in. Until he ghosted me.
Then my boss fires me for dancing with the enemy.
Three months later, working for the Cages is my last resort. Now I’ll work beside him day by day, trying not to let my feelings take control. It’s heaven and hell. Except I’m starting to think there’s a part of this story I’m missing…
Aston
I made myself walk away from Blakely after my family’s dirty laundry hit the news. My father’s secret family complicates everything. In order to keep our inheritance intact, we’re forced to do monthly dinners with both sides of the family—the brothers I grew up with and the new set of siblings we never knew about.
An additional obstacle: Blakely is my new sister’s best friend.
Meaning the moment I give into temptation, I not only risk the woman I’m falling for, but the family legacy just starting to reveal itself.
But Blakley is worth it. I just have to prove I am as well.
408 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2025
372 people are currently reading
26496 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Ann Ryan
279 books6,411 followersCarrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She's the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
December 26, 2024
The Forever Rule, book 1 of The Cage Family series, by Carrie Ann Ryan @carrieannryanauthor. First, I am a huge fan of Carrie’s & this book was no different! Just to note that The Forever Rule includes Before We Knew, the prequel.
I adored this book about Blakeley & Aston so much! Tropes: Contemporary, MF, Quasi Boss/Employee, Getting Over Lack of Communication, Lots of Family/Friends in common, Found Family & of course a HEA!
I adored this book about Blakeley & Aston so much! Tropes: Contemporary, MF, Quasi Boss/Employee, Getting Over Lack of Communication, Lots of Family/Friends in common, Found Family & of course a HEA!
January 3, 2025
Oh I am going to love getting to know the Cage siblings, this was a great start to The series
Read
February 11, 2025I really hate when another woman, in this instance, his former fiancée, gets too physically close to the Hero and/or kisses him. At least this time, he pushed her away as soon as her mouth pressed to his. But still. Really?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
I think this would have been a better book to read as a physical or a kindle but the audible was not it. Decent but repetitive.
January 6, 2025
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Forever Rule, the first book in Ryan's Cage Family series, takes readers on a romantic and emotional journey. A journey that explores the intricacies of love, family and secrets.
What are the chances that an unintentional addition to family chat group would result in someone finding their soul mate? This is the premise that drives The Forever Rule, which tells the story of Aston Cage and Blakely Graves.
The book commences with the prequel, Before I Knew, which introduces readers to Aston and Blakely. It is within this prequel that readers discover how the hero and heroine's paths crossed and how circumstances changed following the tragedy and scandal that befell the Cage family. Before I Knew, as a separate book, is currently available for free on Amazon.
The events in The Forever Rule occur a few months after Before I Knew. Following the major conflict involving the Cage family, Aston tries to come to terms with the recent life changing revelations. Additionally, he harbors regrets about how he handled things with Blakely in the past. Fate has now given him a second chance to make things right with Blakely while navigating intricacies of his family dynamics.
The Forever Rule showcased a tale where romance, family secrets and second chances were the central themes. The protagonists were engaging, and it was a pleasure getting to know them. However, there were moments when Aston needed to desist from overthinking. His tendency to overthink and his belief that he shared his father's traits posed a threat to his relationship with Blakely.
The secondary characters played a crucial role in the narrative. Family and friends were central to the plot. I anticipate reading each of their individual stories.
The Forever Rule was engaging, well-paced with the right balance of angst and humour.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The Forever Rule, the first book in Ryan's Cage Family series, takes readers on a romantic and emotional journey. A journey that explores the intricacies of love, family and secrets.
What are the chances that an unintentional addition to family chat group would result in someone finding their soul mate? This is the premise that drives The Forever Rule, which tells the story of Aston Cage and Blakely Graves.
The book commences with the prequel, Before I Knew, which introduces readers to Aston and Blakely. It is within this prequel that readers discover how the hero and heroine's paths crossed and how circumstances changed following the tragedy and scandal that befell the Cage family. Before I Knew, as a separate book, is currently available for free on Amazon.
The events in The Forever Rule occur a few months after Before I Knew. Following the major conflict involving the Cage family, Aston tries to come to terms with the recent life changing revelations. Additionally, he harbors regrets about how he handled things with Blakely in the past. Fate has now given him a second chance to make things right with Blakely while navigating intricacies of his family dynamics.
The Forever Rule showcased a tale where romance, family secrets and second chances were the central themes. The protagonists were engaging, and it was a pleasure getting to know them. However, there were moments when Aston needed to desist from overthinking. His tendency to overthink and his belief that he shared his father's traits posed a threat to his relationship with Blakely.
The secondary characters played a crucial role in the narrative. Family and friends were central to the plot. I anticipate reading each of their individual stories.
The Forever Rule was engaging, well-paced with the right balance of angst and humour.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
January 6, 2025
We’ve had the Montgomery’s and the Wilder’s, now it’s time to meet the Cage’s. Ford has already been around for a while, and mention has been made of his brothers. Here we meet the eldest Aston, who formed a connection with Blakely over a group chat she was mistakenly added to. Sparks are everywhere with these two but when scandal strikes Aston takes a step back and cuts off contact.
All bets are off three months later when their paths collide again.
What I appreciate is the last few CAR books have differed story wise. She has always written well and had great stories but they were becoming predictable as they were following the same formula. Boy meets girl, boy doesn’t believe in love or struggles with love, third act breakup followed by girl getting injured, boy declares love. However her stories are now changing and I love that. I’m intrigued to see where this new series is going to go and is every sibling going to get a book? There are 12 of them, so it’s a lot. Oops, forgot Ford has already had his HEA. I will admit there were a lot of characters to keep track of and I feel I’ve figured half of them out, personality wise. I’m sure the rest will follow as more books are released.
Daisy and Hugh are my CAR god-tier couple (Last first kiss) closely followed by Wyatt and Ava( Forever for us). It will be interesting to see if any of the Cage’s will join their ranks. I have a feeling they will as Ryan wrote some fantastic books last year and I honestly feel like she’s only getting better.
Thank you to Carrie Ann Ryan for the arc and this is my honest review
All bets are off three months later when their paths collide again.
What I appreciate is the last few CAR books have differed story wise. She has always written well and had great stories but they were becoming predictable as they were following the same formula. Boy meets girl, boy doesn’t believe in love or struggles with love, third act breakup followed by girl getting injured, boy declares love. However her stories are now changing and I love that. I’m intrigued to see where this new series is going to go and is every sibling going to get a book? There are 12 of them, so it’s a lot. Oops, forgot Ford has already had his HEA. I will admit there were a lot of characters to keep track of and I feel I’ve figured half of them out, personality wise. I’m sure the rest will follow as more books are released.
Daisy and Hugh are my CAR god-tier couple (Last first kiss) closely followed by Wyatt and Ava( Forever for us). It will be interesting to see if any of the Cage’s will join their ranks. I have a feeling they will as Ryan wrote some fantastic books last year and I honestly feel like she’s only getting better.
Thank you to Carrie Ann Ryan for the arc and this is my honest review
August 1, 2025
DNF at 20%.
Aston & Blakely
Sorry but the constant everyday conversations, though true to life, were so boring I couldn't even get through. And the setup here is so obvious there's no surprise except maybe Howard or his minions trying to mess with them working together. Strange angsty situation with the dad and his two families for Aston.
Maybe, I'll revisit later but for now this is a boring book that I was constantly skimming instead of being engaged in.
Aston & Blakely
Sorry but the constant everyday conversations, though true to life, were so boring I couldn't even get through. And the setup here is so obvious there's no surprise except maybe Howard or his minions trying to mess with them working together. Strange angsty situation with the dad and his two families for Aston.
Maybe, I'll revisit later but for now this is a boring book that I was constantly skimming instead of being engaged in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2025
☆3.98☆
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
✅️ Right Person but timing sucked
✅️ Secret Family
✅️ Sister's best friend
✅️ second-chance
✅️ Quasi Boss/Employee
✅️ Miscommunication
✅️ HEA
REVIEW
Engaging beginning to the saga of the Cage Family—all 12 of them.
BLAKELY and ASHTON were a good pair to start with. I liked their initial connection and how both felt awkward yet comfortable with each other. The plot is nothing astounding, but the moments in the book do sometimes give a belly flutter.
I do wish the characters were explored more in depth. There were instances included in the book where I simply went—why? But those are author's choices.
The book, though, did leave me looking forward to more about the other Cages. So hopefully they will be here soon.
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
✅️ Right Person but timing sucked
✅️ Secret Family
✅️ Sister's best friend
✅️ second-chance
✅️ Quasi Boss/Employee
✅️ Miscommunication
✅️ HEA
REVIEW
Engaging beginning to the saga of the Cage Family—all 12 of them.
BLAKELY and ASHTON were a good pair to start with. I liked their initial connection and how both felt awkward yet comfortable with each other. The plot is nothing astounding, but the moments in the book do sometimes give a belly flutter.
I do wish the characters were explored more in depth. There were instances included in the book where I simply went—why? But those are author's choices.
The book, though, did leave me looking forward to more about the other Cages. So hopefully they will be here soon.
December 27, 2024
ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Carrie Ann for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 4.5/5⭐️
Spice: 1/5🌶️
What to expect when reading The Forever Rule;
-Right Person Wrong Time
-Miss Communication
-Secret Families
-Family Sagas
-Small Town
-Workplace
Aston is “THE” Cage. As the oldest it’s his responsibility to not only lead the company but his family also. Blakely didn’t know crossing a Cage’s path would turn her life upside down, but as fast as the sparks flew is as fast as they blew up. Now they have to figure out how to navigate life in the new tangled mess. I loved Blakely, I do wish we got to see her on more of a deeper level but I loved her independence. There were so many times I wanted to shake Aston and be like get it together dude! Luckily he had his many siblings do that.
I seriously can’t wait to read more of this family, I know this is going to be a dramatic, interesting but also hilarious series! What a great start 🙌
Fav Quote: “I thought you like schmoozing me”
Make sure you get the book when it releases Jan. 6th🩵
#bookstagram #romance #review
First I would like to say a big thank you to Carrie Ann for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 4.5/5⭐️
Spice: 1/5🌶️
What to expect when reading The Forever Rule;
-Right Person Wrong Time
-Miss Communication
-Secret Families
-Family Sagas
-Small Town
-Workplace
Aston is “THE” Cage. As the oldest it’s his responsibility to not only lead the company but his family also. Blakely didn’t know crossing a Cage’s path would turn her life upside down, but as fast as the sparks flew is as fast as they blew up. Now they have to figure out how to navigate life in the new tangled mess. I loved Blakely, I do wish we got to see her on more of a deeper level but I loved her independence. There were so many times I wanted to shake Aston and be like get it together dude! Luckily he had his many siblings do that.
I seriously can’t wait to read more of this family, I know this is going to be a dramatic, interesting but also hilarious series! What a great start 🙌
Fav Quote: “I thought you like schmoozing me”
Make sure you get the book when it releases Jan. 6th🩵
#bookstagram #romance #review
December 16, 2025
Interesting premise of the father dying and the adult children finding out he had another family on the side. They’re in the family business with lots of money, so nervous about sharing it. Father left a clause in the will that the siblings have to get together for dinner once a month with a minimum number from each side. These monthly dinners happen for a while before the inheritance is viable.
Main male character falls for female and finds out that her best friend is his sister.
I’ll be continuing this series.
[Audible: 9 hours, 4 minutes]
Main male character falls for female and finds out that her best friend is his sister.
I’ll be continuing this series.
[Audible: 9 hours, 4 minutes]
October 19, 2025
This is just so not for me. It was so many things happening because setting up a dramatic interlocking standalone series was more important than just telling a story. This setup made me literally not care at all for anyone. I was bored flipping pages from the near start, and it was impossible to invest at all when I already was so apathetic to everything. Also it was weirdly instalove yet forced pining that was unnecessary…
January 11, 2025
The Forever Rule
The Cage's run business's, doing what they have to, to keep people employed. Then something unexpected happens, and everyone's lives change. Two families find out about each other. Now doubts seeking through, Aston, the eldest feels the need to protect everyone! That's too much burden for any one person. This story will keep testing so many, their feeling, decisions, choices all come into question. Beautifully written story ❤️.
The Cage's run business's, doing what they have to, to keep people employed. Then something unexpected happens, and everyone's lives change. Two families find out about each other. Now doubts seeking through, Aston, the eldest feels the need to protect everyone! That's too much burden for any one person. This story will keep testing so many, their feeling, decisions, choices all come into question. Beautifully written story ❤️.
November 22, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
January 11, 2026
Pretty basic romance, interesting choices for certain plot points. I like the FMC - MMC followed basic “oh no I’m not good enough for this good girl” vibe - I am reading the whole series now 🤣
January 14, 2026
Enjoyable romance for me even though I had an ick with Aston 🙄 like urgh. But love the brothers and sisters dynamic though. Still thinking Blakely should deserve better.
January 18, 2025
Absolutely loved this story. We get to meet all the Cages in greater depth. This is Aston and Blakely’s story, it’s a second chance romance.
It’s complete with an HEA and definitely a page turner that will leave the reader looking forward to the next book in the series.
It’s complete with an HEA and definitely a page turner that will leave the reader looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 7, 2025
I really hate it when authors make people impossibly perfect. The pointless wittering on about how one family is perfect so the other looks not perfect? The dad had a secret family it isn’t needed!
It was a bit too twee and we’re all amazing for me. I like my characters a bit more real.
It was a bit too twee and we’re all amazing for me. I like my characters a bit more real.
January 9, 2025
Audio Review
Dual narration by Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke
This was a fun start to a new series! I’m so intrigued by the Cage family and all their connections. Aston and Blakely’s story was a rollercoaster - so many ups and downs throughout. Aston and Blakely had fun flirty banter and I enjoyed them getting to the point of undeniable attraction and need for one another. I'm looking forward to more of this series already. *The audio included the novella, Before I Knew, and a bonus epilogue*
Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke were well casted for these characters. I enjoyed both their narrations and felt their voices flowed well together. I was drawn into the story with their narration and had me happy to be listening.
Dual narration by Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke
This was a fun start to a new series! I’m so intrigued by the Cage family and all their connections. Aston and Blakely’s story was a rollercoaster - so many ups and downs throughout. Aston and Blakely had fun flirty banter and I enjoyed them getting to the point of undeniable attraction and need for one another. I'm looking forward to more of this series already. *The audio included the novella, Before I Knew, and a bonus epilogue*
Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke were well casted for these characters. I enjoyed both their narrations and felt their voices flowed well together. I was drawn into the story with their narration and had me happy to be listening.
January 30, 2026
Carrie Ann Ryan delivers a powerful and promising start to her brand-new Cage Family series, which is poised to be a standout hit in 2025. The Forever Rule starts of with a great prelude with Before I Knew,” introducing us to Ashton Cage and Radley then we dive into The Forever Rule and the complex Cage family through a tangled web of secrets, lies, and romance, setting the foundation for a riveting series.
The story centres on Aston, the eldest Cage sibling, who shoulders the weight of his family’s burdens, and Blakely, whose life becomes intertwined with the Cages in unexpected and heart-wrenching ways. A romantic dance and heartfelt text messages spark a connection between Aston and Blakely, but fate throws them curveballs at every turn. Aston struggles with his growing feelings for Blakely, second-guessing their chemistry due to his fear of becoming like his father and the complications of Blakely’s ties to his newly discovered half-siblings.
Blakely’s unwavering attraction to Aston shines through, even as she faces challenges like losing her job because of the Cages, the reappearance of Aston’s ex, and the weight of family drama. Her strength and determination are beautifully balanced with Aston’s vulnerability, making their dynamic both compelling and heart-wrenching.
Ms Ryan masterfully weaves together romance, family conflict, and deep emotional themes, creating characters that feel real and relatable. Fans of her Montgomery Ink series will feel right at home with the Cage family, as this series has the potential to rival its predecessor in richness and emotional depth.
The Forever Rule is a mesmerising introduction to what promises to be an unforgettable series. If this story is any indication, readers are in for a rollercoaster of emotions, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt storytelling as the Cage family’s secrets unravel. Don’t miss this captivating start to a series that’s bound to leave its mark!
The story centres on Aston, the eldest Cage sibling, who shoulders the weight of his family’s burdens, and Blakely, whose life becomes intertwined with the Cages in unexpected and heart-wrenching ways. A romantic dance and heartfelt text messages spark a connection between Aston and Blakely, but fate throws them curveballs at every turn. Aston struggles with his growing feelings for Blakely, second-guessing their chemistry due to his fear of becoming like his father and the complications of Blakely’s ties to his newly discovered half-siblings.
Blakely’s unwavering attraction to Aston shines through, even as she faces challenges like losing her job because of the Cages, the reappearance of Aston’s ex, and the weight of family drama. Her strength and determination are beautifully balanced with Aston’s vulnerability, making their dynamic both compelling and heart-wrenching.
Ms Ryan masterfully weaves together romance, family conflict, and deep emotional themes, creating characters that feel real and relatable. Fans of her Montgomery Ink series will feel right at home with the Cage family, as this series has the potential to rival its predecessor in richness and emotional depth.
The Forever Rule is a mesmerising introduction to what promises to be an unforgettable series. If this story is any indication, readers are in for a rollercoaster of emotions, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt storytelling as the Cage family’s secrets unravel. Don’t miss this captivating start to a series that’s bound to leave its mark!
January 13, 2025
In Before I Knew, Blakely is added to the Cage brothers group chat. Blakely and the oldest Cage brother, Aston, end up with a flirtatious side chat. What happens when Blakely and Aston finally meet? How will Blakely's boss react after seeing her dance with Aston? Will a family tragedy have Aston pulling away from Blakely? In The Forever Rule, Blakely has been unemployed since her former boss fired her after he saw her dancing with Aston at a fundraiser and accusing her of working with the enemy, the Cages, and losing another big account to the Cages. Blakely is applying for a job with Cage Enterprises and gets the job with her boss being Aston's brother, James. Aston is the CEO and face of Cage Enterprises. Aston has been working towards building relationships between him and his brothers and the half-siblings he didn't know about until his father died. Aston felt guilty about not calling or texting Blakely. Sparks fly after Aston and Blakely come face to face again. Can Aston and Blakely keep their relationship professional, or will they give into their undeniable attraction? Will Aston finally break the rules to have a future with Blakely? Can Blakely prove to Aston is good enough for her? Can Ashton finally let his father's disappointment go and be the man Blakely needs him to be? I LOVED Before I Knew and The Forever Rule by Carrie Ann Ryan. Aston and Blakely are a great couple with amazing chemistry. I love all the Cage siblings. The brothers and sisters will have the reader laughing out loud with how they tease each other. I also love how they have each other's back no matter what. Can't wait to see what happens next in the Cage family saga. I would highly recommend getting Before I Knew and The Forever Rule by Carrie Ann Ryan. I received these books in an ARC copy, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
December 8, 2025
This was a mess. Too many characters, too much unnecessary drama, and the spice was terribly written. The dialog was clunky and I swear it was written by AI. Very glad it was a free book. Absolutely not reading the rest of this series.
January 6, 2025
Universal
Blakely thought her unexpected meeting with Aston Cage might be the start of something special. Unfortunately, all it started was a spiral of negativity. Her boss fired her for "associating" with his rival, she turns out to have an intertwined connection with his newly discovered family, and now she has to work with the man who never called. It's agony, but she knows she can get through this and keep her poor heart intact...
Aston really wanted to follow through with the connection he and Blakely forged first when she was accidentally added to their group chat, then that dance, but something huge came up. Now that no-call is coming back to bite him in the ass because she works for his company and he's finding it difficult to keep away from her. He has so much weighing on his shoulders as the eldest and the head of the family and the company, but for once, can he just have something for himself?
I love the Cages! But the person I love most in this one is Blakely. She's strong and sassy, and she brought Aston to his knees. Their spark is so flirty, so witty even before they actually met, by the time they finally met in person, whew! These two are perfect for each other, different as they are. And they had a lot of family around them for support and love. As we came to see, there are a lot more Cages, I see a long, very entertaining series coming now.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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January 27, 2025
Unsure
This is the first time I haven't been able to get into one of Carrie Ann's books let alone not finish it...... No flow.
There was too much going on and it really felt disconnected.
Sorry
This is the first time I haven't been able to get into one of Carrie Ann's books let alone not finish it...... No flow.
There was too much going on and it really felt disconnected.
Sorry
January 25, 2025
In her latest contemporary romance, The Forever Rule, bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan weaves an intricate tale of forbidden love, family dynamics, and corporate intrigue that marks an impressive start to her new Cage Family series. As a veteran of successful series like Montgomery Ink and Whiskey and Lies, Ryan brings her signature blend of emotional depth and steamy romance to this compelling story of two people fighting for love amidst complicated family legacies.
Plot Overview: A Dance with Destiny
When Blakely Graves accidentally gets added to the Cage family group chat, she doesn't expect it to lead to a flirtation with Aston Cage, the commanding CEO of Cage Enterprises. Their chemistry is instant and electric, culminating in an unforgettable dance at a charity gala. However, their budding romance comes to an abrupt halt when Aston's father dies, revealing a shocking secret - a second family that throws the Cages' world into chaos.
Character Analysis: Complex Players in a Family Drama
The Leading Pair
Aston Cage emerges as a nuanced protagonist, wrestling with the weight of family expectations and his father's complicated legacy. Ryan skillfully portrays his internal struggle between duty and desire, making his journey feel authentic rather than melodramatic. His transformation from a rigid businessman to someone willing to break rules for love is particularly well-crafted.
Blakely proves to be more than a typical romance heroine. Her professional competence and emotional intelligence make her a compelling character, though some readers might find her initial acceptance of Aston's distance frustrating. However, this adds to the realism of her character - she's not perfect, but rather humanly flawed.
The Supporting Cast
The extensive Cage family - twelve siblings in total - could have easily become confusing, but Ryan deftly manages this large cast. Each sibling has a distinct personality, laying groundwork for future books while not overshadowing the main romance. Isabella, Blakely's best friend and Aston's newly-discovered half-sister, particularly shines as a complex character whose story begs to be told.
Writing Style: Strength and Weaknesses
Ryan's prose flows smoothly, particularly in emotional scenes and dialogue. Her experience in writing romance shows in the natural progression of intimate moments and the building of sexual tension. However, some business-related scenes feel slightly rushed, and certain plot points could have used more development.
What Works Well
- Strong character development
- Natural dialogue
- Excellent family dynamics
- Steamy romance scenes
- Well-paced emotional arc
Areas for Improvement
- Some plot threads feel underdeveloped
- Business aspects could use more detail
- Secondary conflict resolution seems rushed
- Timeline jumps occasionally feel abrupt
Themes and Depth
Family Legacy
The novel deeply explores how family legacy shapes identity. Through the Cage family's struggles, Ryan examines how secrets and expectations can both bind and divide families. The monthly dinner requirement adds an interesting forced proximity element that creates organic conflict.
Trust and Communication
The theme of trust runs throughout the story, particularly in how past betrayals affect present relationships. While this is a common romance theme, Ryan's treatment feels fresh, especially in how she ties it to larger family dynamics.
Technical Elements
Pacing
The story maintains a steady pace, though some readers might find the middle section slightly slow. The final quarter picks up considerably, perhaps too much - some plot resolutions feel rushed.
Point of View
The dual POV between Aston and Blakely works well, giving readers insight into both characters' motivations. The addition of Isabella's POV at the end effectively sets up the next book while not detracting from the main story.
Romance Factor: Heat and Heart
The chemistry between Aston and Blakely sizzles from their first interaction. Ryan balances steamy scenes with emotional development, creating a romance that feels both passionate and substantive. Their journey from attraction to love is believable, though some readers might wish for more scenes of them simply being together.
Overall Impact and Series Potential
The Forever Rule successfully launches the Cage Family series, establishing a rich world of complex family relationships and promising romances to come. While some plot elements could have been more developed, the central romance delivers satisfaction while building anticipation for future books.
Plot Overview: A Dance with Destiny
When Blakely Graves accidentally gets added to the Cage family group chat, she doesn't expect it to lead to a flirtation with Aston Cage, the commanding CEO of Cage Enterprises. Their chemistry is instant and electric, culminating in an unforgettable dance at a charity gala. However, their budding romance comes to an abrupt halt when Aston's father dies, revealing a shocking secret - a second family that throws the Cages' world into chaos.
Character Analysis: Complex Players in a Family Drama
The Leading Pair
Aston Cage emerges as a nuanced protagonist, wrestling with the weight of family expectations and his father's complicated legacy. Ryan skillfully portrays his internal struggle between duty and desire, making his journey feel authentic rather than melodramatic. His transformation from a rigid businessman to someone willing to break rules for love is particularly well-crafted.
Blakely proves to be more than a typical romance heroine. Her professional competence and emotional intelligence make her a compelling character, though some readers might find her initial acceptance of Aston's distance frustrating. However, this adds to the realism of her character - she's not perfect, but rather humanly flawed.
The Supporting Cast
The extensive Cage family - twelve siblings in total - could have easily become confusing, but Ryan deftly manages this large cast. Each sibling has a distinct personality, laying groundwork for future books while not overshadowing the main romance. Isabella, Blakely's best friend and Aston's newly-discovered half-sister, particularly shines as a complex character whose story begs to be told.
Writing Style: Strength and Weaknesses
Ryan's prose flows smoothly, particularly in emotional scenes and dialogue. Her experience in writing romance shows in the natural progression of intimate moments and the building of sexual tension. However, some business-related scenes feel slightly rushed, and certain plot points could have used more development.
What Works Well
- Strong character development
- Natural dialogue
- Excellent family dynamics
- Steamy romance scenes
- Well-paced emotional arc
Areas for Improvement
- Some plot threads feel underdeveloped
- Business aspects could use more detail
- Secondary conflict resolution seems rushed
- Timeline jumps occasionally feel abrupt
Themes and Depth
Family Legacy
The novel deeply explores how family legacy shapes identity. Through the Cage family's struggles, Ryan examines how secrets and expectations can both bind and divide families. The monthly dinner requirement adds an interesting forced proximity element that creates organic conflict.
Trust and Communication
The theme of trust runs throughout the story, particularly in how past betrayals affect present relationships. While this is a common romance theme, Ryan's treatment feels fresh, especially in how she ties it to larger family dynamics.
Technical Elements
Pacing
The story maintains a steady pace, though some readers might find the middle section slightly slow. The final quarter picks up considerably, perhaps too much - some plot resolutions feel rushed.
Point of View
The dual POV between Aston and Blakely works well, giving readers insight into both characters' motivations. The addition of Isabella's POV at the end effectively sets up the next book while not detracting from the main story.
Romance Factor: Heat and Heart
The chemistry between Aston and Blakely sizzles from their first interaction. Ryan balances steamy scenes with emotional development, creating a romance that feels both passionate and substantive. Their journey from attraction to love is believable, though some readers might wish for more scenes of them simply being together.
Overall Impact and Series Potential
The Forever Rule successfully launches the Cage Family series, establishing a rich world of complex family relationships and promising romances to come. While some plot elements could have been more developed, the central romance delivers satisfaction while building anticipation for future books.
December 27, 2024
My review is written after listening to the audio version of this book.
The Forever Rule is an excellent start to The Cage Family series and begins with a prelude, "Before I Knew,” which introduces us to Ashton Cage and Blakely's story, before diving straight into The Forever Rule and then introduces us to the rest of the complex Cage family, a family about to discover how many lies their parents have told and the secrets they have kept.
This story concentrates on Aston, the new head of the family business as the eldest Cage sibling, and Blakely the woman who captures his heart. They met when she was inadvertently included in a group chat between the brothers. After she removes herself from the group chat Astin and Blakely continue to text each other their messages sparking a connection between them which leads to a face-to-face meeting for coffee. They agree to meet again in two weeks but find themselves attending the same Gala that weekend. They share one dance and the depth of Aston's growing feelings for her have him second-guessing if their chemistry is real or if he is more like his father than he thought. He leaves the Gala early when he receives a call from his mother informing him that his father is dead.
At the reading of the Will, he and his siblings discover that his father had been leading a double life and that his father had a secret family that none of the children from either family knew about although both mothers were fully aware. The Will stipulates that the two sets of siblings must have monthly dinners for three years if they wish to keep their inheritance. There’s tension on both sides, as all the siblings from both families try to work through what they have learned. Every one of them bears the scars of their father’s actions as well as realising that their respective mothers knew everything.
At the Gala when Blakely dances with Astin, she feels this could be the start of something special but then Aston doesn’t call, doesn’t text, just ghosts her. Blakely's boss, jealous of the Cage brothers fires her for sharing that dance with Astin saying she has shared company information with his rivals. After three months of being out of a job and having doors closed in her face, she applies to work for one of the Cage Companies and she and Astin meet again.
Astin and Blakely’s unwavering attraction to each other shines through, despite the challenges they face, the reappearance of Aston’s ex, and the complicated family drama all make for a sometimes heart-wrenching rollercoaster ride. Blakely's strength and determination shine through as she helps Aston face his fears and accept that he's nothing like his father.
This is a fantastic story full of romance, family conflict, and deeply emotional themes, peopled by wonderful characters who feel real and relatable. The Forever Rule is a wonderful introduction to what I am sure will be another unforgettable series.
The narration by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder is wonderful both of them do an amazing job of bringing the characters to life. Jason’s interpretation of Astin was perfect bringing Astin's honesty, strength, vulnerability and sexiness to the fore. Emma is perfect as Blakely, her narration shows us just how genuine, sweet and strong Blakely is. Together they were a perfect choice to bring Astin and Blakely's story to life.
The Forever Rule is an excellent start to The Cage Family series and begins with a prelude, "Before I Knew,” which introduces us to Ashton Cage and Blakely's story, before diving straight into The Forever Rule and then introduces us to the rest of the complex Cage family, a family about to discover how many lies their parents have told and the secrets they have kept.
This story concentrates on Aston, the new head of the family business as the eldest Cage sibling, and Blakely the woman who captures his heart. They met when she was inadvertently included in a group chat between the brothers. After she removes herself from the group chat Astin and Blakely continue to text each other their messages sparking a connection between them which leads to a face-to-face meeting for coffee. They agree to meet again in two weeks but find themselves attending the same Gala that weekend. They share one dance and the depth of Aston's growing feelings for her have him second-guessing if their chemistry is real or if he is more like his father than he thought. He leaves the Gala early when he receives a call from his mother informing him that his father is dead.
At the reading of the Will, he and his siblings discover that his father had been leading a double life and that his father had a secret family that none of the children from either family knew about although both mothers were fully aware. The Will stipulates that the two sets of siblings must have monthly dinners for three years if they wish to keep their inheritance. There’s tension on both sides, as all the siblings from both families try to work through what they have learned. Every one of them bears the scars of their father’s actions as well as realising that their respective mothers knew everything.
At the Gala when Blakely dances with Astin, she feels this could be the start of something special but then Aston doesn’t call, doesn’t text, just ghosts her. Blakely's boss, jealous of the Cage brothers fires her for sharing that dance with Astin saying she has shared company information with his rivals. After three months of being out of a job and having doors closed in her face, she applies to work for one of the Cage Companies and she and Astin meet again.
Astin and Blakely’s unwavering attraction to each other shines through, despite the challenges they face, the reappearance of Aston’s ex, and the complicated family drama all make for a sometimes heart-wrenching rollercoaster ride. Blakely's strength and determination shine through as she helps Aston face his fears and accept that he's nothing like his father.
This is a fantastic story full of romance, family conflict, and deeply emotional themes, peopled by wonderful characters who feel real and relatable. The Forever Rule is a wonderful introduction to what I am sure will be another unforgettable series.
The narration by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder is wonderful both of them do an amazing job of bringing the characters to life. Jason’s interpretation of Astin was perfect bringing Astin's honesty, strength, vulnerability and sexiness to the fore. Emma is perfect as Blakely, her narration shows us just how genuine, sweet and strong Blakely is. Together they were a perfect choice to bring Astin and Blakely's story to life.
January 4, 2025
Welcome back to Colorado…where you might run into a Montgomery or two…and possibly a Cage…or two…or maybe twelve?
The Forever Rule is the first full-length novel in the Cage series by Carrie Ann Ryan. We were first introduced to the Cages in Best Friend Temptation (Greer, Noah, & Ford’s story) last year, when we met all of Ford’s older siblings.
I fell in love with the few that we met in that book…mainly because when Carrie Ann ‘introduces’ family members, it usually means that there is a spin-off series coming at some point.
Then…there was the ‘bombshell’ surprise in His Second Chance (Kane & Phoebe’s story) last year…and stop here if you haven’t read that one yet…because a spoiler is coming:
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*
*
*
*
The spoiler: Phoebe & Ford are siblings (same father…different mothers)…which means that the ‘Cage’ family just grew from seven to twelve. We met Phoebe’s siblings in His Second Chance (along with the little ‘bombshell’ surprise).
The Forever Rule (includes the free prequel Before I Knew) is Aston & Blakely’s story.
What happens when you’re accidentally added to a family text thread? Then start flirting, meet for coffee, and then have a single dance together…before both worlds implode? Well—that is the basis of Before I Knew…
The Forever Rule picks up about three months after the ending of Before I Knew, with Blakely interviewing for a position with the Cages…while trying to ‘get over’ not hearing from Aston for months.
Aston is trying to navigate a ‘new normal’…trying to get to know siblings he never knew he had…wondering what other ‘secrets’ his father might have been hiding…and trying to get over Blakely. Imagine his shock…when he sees that his brother is interviewing her for a position within the company. To make things ‘more’ complicated…her best friend is one of their ‘new’ sisters.
Throw in the large number of siblings…an ex…or two (though one is an ex-boss)…an storm…and of course men over thinking things—and you have the basis for The Forever Rule.
The Forever Rule is out on Monday (January 6th)…so go…go…go…and pre-order if you haven’t already. What better way to spend a cold, winter morning than curled up with a blanket, a cup of coffee (or tea, or hot chocolate), and a great book.
I can’t wait for the rest of the books…though I know that this series is going to last at least into 2026…if not 2027—which is good, because I don’t want to have to say goodbye to the Cages too soon…we’ll be saying ‘good-bye’ for awhile to the Wilders this year…so at least there is another growly group of men to take their place…with a couple of kickass women as well.
Five out of five stars for this book. I love Carrie Ann’s books…because it is a huge world, and each book is a stand-alone (for the most part), and if this is your first book—welcome to the huge world of Montgomery Ink & all their friends & extended family. Usually there is a cheese platter, some wine (or beer, or even water & other non-alcoholic drinks) available.
The Forever Rule is the first full-length novel in the Cage series by Carrie Ann Ryan. We were first introduced to the Cages in Best Friend Temptation (Greer, Noah, & Ford’s story) last year, when we met all of Ford’s older siblings.
I fell in love with the few that we met in that book…mainly because when Carrie Ann ‘introduces’ family members, it usually means that there is a spin-off series coming at some point.
Then…there was the ‘bombshell’ surprise in His Second Chance (Kane & Phoebe’s story) last year…and stop here if you haven’t read that one yet…because a spoiler is coming:
*
*
*
*
*
The spoiler: Phoebe & Ford are siblings (same father…different mothers)…which means that the ‘Cage’ family just grew from seven to twelve. We met Phoebe’s siblings in His Second Chance (along with the little ‘bombshell’ surprise).
The Forever Rule (includes the free prequel Before I Knew) is Aston & Blakely’s story.
What happens when you’re accidentally added to a family text thread? Then start flirting, meet for coffee, and then have a single dance together…before both worlds implode? Well—that is the basis of Before I Knew…
The Forever Rule picks up about three months after the ending of Before I Knew, with Blakely interviewing for a position with the Cages…while trying to ‘get over’ not hearing from Aston for months.
Aston is trying to navigate a ‘new normal’…trying to get to know siblings he never knew he had…wondering what other ‘secrets’ his father might have been hiding…and trying to get over Blakely. Imagine his shock…when he sees that his brother is interviewing her for a position within the company. To make things ‘more’ complicated…her best friend is one of their ‘new’ sisters.
Throw in the large number of siblings…an ex…or two (though one is an ex-boss)…an storm…and of course men over thinking things—and you have the basis for The Forever Rule.
The Forever Rule is out on Monday (January 6th)…so go…go…go…and pre-order if you haven’t already. What better way to spend a cold, winter morning than curled up with a blanket, a cup of coffee (or tea, or hot chocolate), and a great book.
I can’t wait for the rest of the books…though I know that this series is going to last at least into 2026…if not 2027—which is good, because I don’t want to have to say goodbye to the Cages too soon…we’ll be saying ‘good-bye’ for awhile to the Wilders this year…so at least there is another growly group of men to take their place…with a couple of kickass women as well.
Five out of five stars for this book. I love Carrie Ann’s books…because it is a huge world, and each book is a stand-alone (for the most part), and if this is your first book—welcome to the huge world of Montgomery Ink & all their friends & extended family. Usually there is a cheese platter, some wine (or beer, or even water & other non-alcoholic drinks) available.
June 29, 2025
Carrie Ann Ryan never misses—and The Forever Rule proves it once again. As someone who devoured The Wilder Brothers series, I was beyond excited to dive into the Cage family. And this new series opener exceeded all expectations. It's emotional, angsty, swoony, and everything I love in a small-world romance that centers on big family dynamics, complicated emotions, and deeply relatable characters.
The story starts with a spark—Blakely and Aston meet at a gala and share an instant connection. Their chemistry is undeniable, and for a moment, it feels like something real is about to start. But just as quickly, reality crashes in. Aston’s father dies that very night, and his life is thrown into chaos as shocking family secrets are revealed—including surprise half-siblings from a mistress no one knew about. As the new head of Cage Enterprises, Aston is suddenly responsible for a fractured legacy—and reaching out to the woman he can’t stop thinking about falls to the wayside.
Blakely, meanwhile, is blindsided. Not only does Aston ghost her, but her job is ripped out from under her for “fraternizing with the enemy” after her company loses a major account to the Cages. With no job prospects left, her only option is applying to Cage Enterprises—awkward, right? Things get even messier when she’s hired (by Aston’s brother, no less) and finds herself right back in the orbit of the man who once promised to call.
This book delivers all the emotional twists you could hope for: workplace tension, slow-burn longing, fear of repeating family mistakes, and the push-pull of two people afraid to open up but unable to stay away. Aston is reserved, weighed down by legacy and guilt, while Blakely is resilient and refreshingly open-hearted despite everything she’s lost. I adored her character from the very first scene—she’s witty, warm, and impossible not to root for.
The Cage family is another Carrie Ann Ryan masterpiece. The siblings are messy, loyal, and brimming with stories I can’t wait to read. Their banter, their pain, their love—it all feels so real. I already feel invested in each of them, and I’m counting the days until we get more from this series.
If you're a fan of emotional romances with complicated families, irresistible chemistry, and just the right amount of drama, The Forever Rule belongs at the top of your TBR. Carrie Ann Ryan brings the angst, the heart, and the hope, and I’m here for every single page of it.
Favorite Things:
* An emotional, wrong-time-right-person romance
* Hidden family secrets and surprise siblings
* Strong, layered heroine you’ll absolutely love
* A loyal, dynamic, slightly chaotic family that feels like home
* That classic Carrie Ann Ryan tension and depth we’ve all come to crave
The story starts with a spark—Blakely and Aston meet at a gala and share an instant connection. Their chemistry is undeniable, and for a moment, it feels like something real is about to start. But just as quickly, reality crashes in. Aston’s father dies that very night, and his life is thrown into chaos as shocking family secrets are revealed—including surprise half-siblings from a mistress no one knew about. As the new head of Cage Enterprises, Aston is suddenly responsible for a fractured legacy—and reaching out to the woman he can’t stop thinking about falls to the wayside.
Blakely, meanwhile, is blindsided. Not only does Aston ghost her, but her job is ripped out from under her for “fraternizing with the enemy” after her company loses a major account to the Cages. With no job prospects left, her only option is applying to Cage Enterprises—awkward, right? Things get even messier when she’s hired (by Aston’s brother, no less) and finds herself right back in the orbit of the man who once promised to call.
This book delivers all the emotional twists you could hope for: workplace tension, slow-burn longing, fear of repeating family mistakes, and the push-pull of two people afraid to open up but unable to stay away. Aston is reserved, weighed down by legacy and guilt, while Blakely is resilient and refreshingly open-hearted despite everything she’s lost. I adored her character from the very first scene—she’s witty, warm, and impossible not to root for.
The Cage family is another Carrie Ann Ryan masterpiece. The siblings are messy, loyal, and brimming with stories I can’t wait to read. Their banter, their pain, their love—it all feels so real. I already feel invested in each of them, and I’m counting the days until we get more from this series.
If you're a fan of emotional romances with complicated families, irresistible chemistry, and just the right amount of drama, The Forever Rule belongs at the top of your TBR. Carrie Ann Ryan brings the angst, the heart, and the hope, and I’m here for every single page of it.
Favorite Things:
* An emotional, wrong-time-right-person romance
* Hidden family secrets and surprise siblings
* Strong, layered heroine you’ll absolutely love
* A loyal, dynamic, slightly chaotic family that feels like home
* That classic Carrie Ann Ryan tension and depth we’ve all come to crave
January 4, 2025
This second chance at love story gave me plenty to smile and sigh about. Aston is the responsible, protective older brother and a smart Eco-conscious businessman with little time for personal relationships. He and Blakely’s met through a texting error that evolved into wanting to meet in person. Neither expected the white-hot chemistry and strong pull toward each other. For the first time in a long time, Aston is invested in pursuing a romantic relationship. Both are part of the same business circles and attend the same gala where they share a dance and a sizzling kiss. Then their budding relationship hits a major road block.
Blakely is fired from her job by her boss who views Aston as his rival and her as a traitor. Her attempts to contact Aston are met with silence. A family emergency the night of the gala turns Aston and his siblings world upside down and sideways. His father’s secrets have shaken the foundation of the family he knew about and the new found family his father kept secret. As the eldest, Aston is determined to guide both sides of his family through the chaos his father left behind. To do so, he tries to bury his budding feelings for Blakely and all thought of building a future with her. Then his brother hires Blakely to work in his division of Cage Enterprises. Keeping his distance from Blakely proves impossible. After she realizes the scope of the chaos caused by his father’s death, Blakely is willing to give Aston another chance. Unfortunately, the way forward includes dealing with tumultuous emotions, the rigid rules Aston’s father tried to ingrained in his eldest son and personal uncertainties.
His brothers warn him to be careful, as does his new sister who happens to Blakely’s best friend. Their message is clear. Hurt Blakely and a whole new pile of trouble will be headed his way. I have to say that I love how fierce Isabella is and the way she threatens Aston. I also love how strong the loyalty and support is among the two sets of siblings, as well as between Isabella and Blakely. The deepening connection, respect and affection between all of the siblings is wonderful. The way they rallied to support each other when there was trouble was heartwarming and bodes well for their future as a united family. There are many funny moments and some funny ones too that make this book an engaging read. I look forward to reading more about the Cage family members in the next books.
I found this book to be riveting and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Blakely is fired from her job by her boss who views Aston as his rival and her as a traitor. Her attempts to contact Aston are met with silence. A family emergency the night of the gala turns Aston and his siblings world upside down and sideways. His father’s secrets have shaken the foundation of the family he knew about and the new found family his father kept secret. As the eldest, Aston is determined to guide both sides of his family through the chaos his father left behind. To do so, he tries to bury his budding feelings for Blakely and all thought of building a future with her. Then his brother hires Blakely to work in his division of Cage Enterprises. Keeping his distance from Blakely proves impossible. After she realizes the scope of the chaos caused by his father’s death, Blakely is willing to give Aston another chance. Unfortunately, the way forward includes dealing with tumultuous emotions, the rigid rules Aston’s father tried to ingrained in his eldest son and personal uncertainties.
His brothers warn him to be careful, as does his new sister who happens to Blakely’s best friend. Their message is clear. Hurt Blakely and a whole new pile of trouble will be headed his way. I have to say that I love how fierce Isabella is and the way she threatens Aston. I also love how strong the loyalty and support is among the two sets of siblings, as well as between Isabella and Blakely. The deepening connection, respect and affection between all of the siblings is wonderful. The way they rallied to support each other when there was trouble was heartwarming and bodes well for their future as a united family. There are many funny moments and some funny ones too that make this book an engaging read. I look forward to reading more about the Cage family members in the next books.
I found this book to be riveting and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
December 22, 2024
The beginning of another wonderful Carrie Ann Ryan series, the Cage Family, set in beautiful Denver, Colorado!
And as is often the case with her stories, this one packs a lot of emotions!
To say Aston Cage’s family has some dirty laundry is putting it mildly. Upon his father’s death, at the reading of his will no less, Aston and his siblings learn that his father essentially lived a double life including a secret family that none of the children knew about. In addition, we find out that their father made Mommie Dearest seem like an outstanding parent!
All of the siblings in both families bear the scars of their father’s actions. And then comes the stipulation that the two sets of siblings need to have monthly dinners to keep their inheritance intact…not such an easy thing when there’s tension on both sides.
This first story is Aston and Blakely’s. We met them both in the prequel, Before I Knew, where their attraction was immediate. After a fun meet cute situation, they actually meet at a dinner function both attended separately. But after one dance, Blakely knew this could be the beginning of something special. Until Aston doesn’t call, doesn’t text, just ghosts her. Add to that, her boss fires her for her assumed association with Aston, who her boss believes is a competitor in business.
This leaves Blakely hurt and…out of a job.
But there’s more layers here. Her best friend, Isabelle, happens to be Aston’s newfound sister, from the “secret” family, which both only learn later and adds another dimension to the story.
Blakely is an amazing woman, both professionally and personally, knowing she deserves to be respected. She is a refreshingly confident and grounded woman and a joy to become aquatinted with in this first story!
Aston faces many emotional landmines, as does all of his siblings.
Can he see himself on the other side with Blakely or does he let his past dictate his future?
An entertaining story with many emotional layers! Can’t wait for the next story in the Cage Family!
And as is often the case with her stories, this one packs a lot of emotions!
To say Aston Cage’s family has some dirty laundry is putting it mildly. Upon his father’s death, at the reading of his will no less, Aston and his siblings learn that his father essentially lived a double life including a secret family that none of the children knew about. In addition, we find out that their father made Mommie Dearest seem like an outstanding parent!
All of the siblings in both families bear the scars of their father’s actions. And then comes the stipulation that the two sets of siblings need to have monthly dinners to keep their inheritance intact…not such an easy thing when there’s tension on both sides.
This first story is Aston and Blakely’s. We met them both in the prequel, Before I Knew, where their attraction was immediate. After a fun meet cute situation, they actually meet at a dinner function both attended separately. But after one dance, Blakely knew this could be the beginning of something special. Until Aston doesn’t call, doesn’t text, just ghosts her. Add to that, her boss fires her for her assumed association with Aston, who her boss believes is a competitor in business.
This leaves Blakely hurt and…out of a job.
But there’s more layers here. Her best friend, Isabelle, happens to be Aston’s newfound sister, from the “secret” family, which both only learn later and adds another dimension to the story.
Blakely is an amazing woman, both professionally and personally, knowing she deserves to be respected. She is a refreshingly confident and grounded woman and a joy to become aquatinted with in this first story!
Aston faces many emotional landmines, as does all of his siblings.
Can he see himself on the other side with Blakely or does he let his past dictate his future?
An entertaining story with many emotional layers! Can’t wait for the next story in the Cage Family!
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