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Skylar knows she's making a mistake. Settling for someone is never a good decision. Especially when that someone is a man who any sane person would avoid. Since high school there was only one person she could count on, Jacob. But he can no longer help her. Desperate, she sends him a text.


Reading the words of a desperate woman he never laid eyes on, Max can't shut down the urge to save her. All he can think of is this mysterious woman that kept texting him over the years. He never answered back, until now.

Two words.
One text message.
That's all it takes for Max's world to turn upside down.
Will he be able to protect her and resolve the mystery that surrounded her?

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2024

104 people are currently reading
243 people want to read

About the author

Ana Balen

24 books179 followers
Ana Balen was born in Zagreb, Croatia, where she still lives with her husband, their son (read boss!) and the son’s pet rabbit named Shhh! (or some other gibberish that’s the favorite of their son for the day.)
She spends her days driving her husband up the wall (when he can’t get her ass up from the bed in the mornings), reading and daydreaming, or following orders from a two-year old. In the hectic life she leads (and loves every second of it), she never thought about writing. But, then one day a name popped in her head, then, the snippets of things, and she sat down and started typing. Next thing, she wrote a book. And now, she’s trying to write another one ;)

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5 stars
69 (38%)
4 stars
42 (23%)
3 stars
43 (23%)
2 stars
13 (7%)
1 star
13 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Shauna.
75 reviews9 followers
July 16, 2020
I wanted to love this

I really had my ups and downs with this book. I liked parts of it, but the writing itself was often a little disjointed and I found myself confused more than once how we had gotten from one point to another. I think the author has loads of potential, and the more that she writes, the smoother her stories will become. The story itself is a good one, and for that I wanted to give this 4 stars, but the characters and the writing itself held me back some. This could be a fun little read, but for some reason the characters just irritated me. I may give it a try again in the future, but this is basically how I felt about the first book in the series, too. I look forward to reading more from Ana Balen in the future and hope to see more maturity and complexity in her writing. Good story, needs a more experienced editor to help the writing along.
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,918 reviews118 followers
July 16, 2020
4 Stars!

Ana Balen is back with the next standalone in the sexy and sweet Ryan Family series and after Jason- book one, I was soooooo ready for Max's story. And let me tell you a little secret- he wasn't anything I was expecting in all the best ways and y'all, I. was. here. for. it.

Max and Skylar met under tense and very different circumstances but what they find is all right at the wrong time but fate doesn't care about that. You see Skylar needs help and it'll be our crazy, fun, dedicated, sweet Max that is gonna be her white knight. He wants her. She wants him. Unfortunately for both of them, it's gonna be super complicated before it can ever get better for them.

One runway bride. One guy ready to be her savior. And one love story that has a few... bumps along the way. Packed with loads of chemistry, unforgettable heat, page turning suspense, and soooo much heart.... you don't want to miss meeting the swoony, dreamy Max.

I recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
July 16, 2020
Skylar isn’t sure how she got to this point in her life but the one thing she does know is that she is no longer the woman she remembers. Over the years she has been sending texts at critical times in her life to the number of an old friend even though she knows that they will not be answered so when she sends what is going to be her final text to this number she gets the response she never expected.

Max has been receiving intermittent texts from an anonymous woman, but each text has him more worried. When he receives that last text from her he is determined to rescue her but now that he has he knows that they belong together and now needs to find a way to keep her in his life.

Intrigue, heat and surprises all combine into an entertaining story with not only great characters but a great cast of secondary characters as well.
27 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2023
Not quite sure what I just read.

I was drawn in by the blurb…and it could have been great. For me, it just fell short.

It was a quick read. Insta love. Which is not my favorite, but that’s not why I gave a negative review. There are some insta love stories that have been some of my all time favorites.

I just didn’t know where we went throughout the book. We’d be in one moment then ahead and then back to that moment. It gave me whiplash. Past to present tense in a sentence. And then shooting forward in the paragraph to go back to a moment a paragraph later. It was just really hard to follow the story with being all over the place in the writing.

I just couldn’t get with the flow to follow the story or connect with the characters.

But, i did read the whole thing. So it kept my interest enough to get to the end.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
111 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2023
I liked the initial premise and some parts of the story were okay, but the writing was terrible. This book just really needs an editor to sort it out. It was also a bit too insta-love for my liking and the writing further confused things because timings were messed up
Profile Image for Jetscarbie.
673 reviews15 followers
July 14, 2025
This is the second book I’ve read by this author. The first was “Jason”. I do find her plots engaging, but I wonder if these books are translated from a foreign language? If these books had a good editor and were cleaned up, they would be rated high. I also think her plots are good, but they need more length to expand/explain the plot more. The side characters were interesting, but again, we needed more.

The InstaLove in this book just didn’t work, IMO. Way too much stuff happened all at once, but they are already in love. 🤪 WHIPLASH

Spoilers ahead
h has been texting her dead ex for years. She basically uses texting as her diary. She is engaged to marry this bad guy. He beats her. She’s been texting her ex about the abuse. She is super depressed. The day of her marriage, the phone finally texts her back. It’s H. It’s his phone she has been texting all these years. He is waiting outside the wedding for her and he’s there to save her. She gets in the car with him. 🤪

After that, the rest of the plot gets confusing because we needed way more information. For a bit h is at his house, then she goes to her friends, then she’s back with him. She acts dense and doesn’t seem to know anything going on. Her fiancé had been using her business to traffic drugs/women. But it’s really his mom and h’s cousin who is running things. ???????? (I was so confused)

h designs houses, and H starts building her a deck (I know this sounds randomly thrown in, but seriously, H is building stuff during this whole book) 😂😂😂 It’s his house, but he’s giving it to her 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ H flips houses. But he was also SWAT??

h wants to have smex with him from the moment she meets him. Like…..she would not leave him alone. He kept telling her to wait and it’s too soon, but she wouldn’t. Girrrrrrl was desperate. Finally, he caved. 😏 I actually had 2nd hand embarrassment for her.

Anytime I read a book where the plot starts with promise, then goes to la-la land, I rewrite it in my head. That’s what I did here.

Saying all that….i will probably still check out the next book in this series. 😂
296 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2025
Finding Happiness

Skylar was getting married to a monster. He beat her and controlled her life. She had been texting her deceased high school boyfriend for years, not knowing a total stranger was reading them. When she texted how much she hated the idea of marrying Nico, Jacob the deceased boyfriend texted back to leave immediately and come to his car. And so began the relationship of Skylar and Max. The plot has twists and surprises, characters are interesting. After a lifetime of losing people she loved, Skylar was scared to love again. But Max refused to let her leave and to put up defenses between them. His persistence paid off and she admitted she loved him. This is a story of finding fulfillment and love that completed and strengthens both Max and Skylar. It's a beautiful story of finding the perfect match.
Profile Image for Čitaj, Selma .
475 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2025
-1⭐️: ne sviđa mi se prezentacija ženskog lika, niti karakterizacija niti motivacija. ali ostatak je super. posebno tamo nakon prvih osamdesetak stranica kad sve sjedne na mjesto i shvatiš šta su likovi odnosno čime se bave.
187 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2025
WOW..AB..LOVE THIS SERIES..EACH GUY IS DIFFERENT BUT STILL L O V E. THEIR GIRL..
ENJOY CHARACTERS AND STORYLINES!
Cannot WAIT FOR MORE ...
10+
MAX AND Brothers...DREAMS FOR THEIR GIRLS!
SEARCHING MORE OF YOUR BOOKS!

DGH
SC
824 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2025
Great story with some unseen twists!
79 reviews
October 3, 2025
Loved this book and the story just flowed. Cant wait to read other ryan family books.
Profile Image for Debra  (Dragon Nanny) Phiri.
1,613 reviews19 followers
July 15, 2020
Made me breathless a few times with all the excitement! Debra @Janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog




I get to read a lot of stories and some have quite a bit of action and suspense in them. The difference with this one was the idea of the text messages that Max has received over the years. He never acted on them until he did and then our story begins.

The wonderful thing about books from real life is that anything can happen and be beyond exciting. Skylar is in a place where she is lost and does something most people would find crazy but it turns out that even though it wasn’t who she wanted it to be it is who she needs who responds.

There is more to the story as some characters are not who they seem to be and Sky has quite a few eye opening moments as she has been like an ostrich with her head in the sand. Max is there for her in ways that help her process and get used to her new normal.

Brilliant and exciting!
Profile Image for Carmel's Addictive Nighttime Reads.
273 reviews10 followers
July 15, 2020
Over the years Skylar has had to deal with some blows, her way of getting through this is texting the one person who helped her through all this Jason, the one who her heart first belonged to but also broke to when she lost him.

When you need anything to feel fulfilled Skylar settled even settled down with a man she shouldn't have even, when she knew she needed to escape, pouring her feelings through these messages until one day she reaches for help, even though she knows he can't help her? But can someone else?

Max dealing with his own demons, watches from aside but can he help overcome his fears that bind him, and help rescue the knew he wants and start to rebuild his heart together?

A fantastic book with a few past and present moments making you think about many aspects. Quick fast paced read.
Profile Image for Vicky Brown.
246 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2020
Another good read. 31/2 *s

I enjoyed this despite my misgivings. It's instalove which I don't really like but the plot kinda carries it thru. Loads of action, great chemistry between the main characters and some great side stories. But I kinda felt like it started at the middle of the story. There should have been more of an intro. Skylar runs from a wedding trusting a stranger who somehow had her exes old phone and had been reading sporadic messages. Max despite or maybe because of his job happens to be in the right place at the right time to be her saviour. Only the person she was going to marry isn't who she thought he was, he's worse, So glad is or chooses to be ignorant and despite being in fear for her life they stay in the same town ?!. So although the plot didn't sit right I still wanted to know the rest of the story. If you liked the first you'll like this .
Profile Image for Zulfa Cupido PA.
88 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2020
Where do I begin? This book had a bit of everything. Suspense angst, hot sexy scenes, a twist you won't see coming and my favorite, swoon worthy moments. Max and Skylar have come a long way, but through it all they made it. I can't express enough how this story made me feel. I have one word though. BRILLIANT! Ana Balen is slowly introducing us to what she can do and is holding back the good stuff. She keeps you coming back for more. I can't wait to see what Chace is up to in the next installment of The Ryan Family. If you haven't started this series I highly recommend you start asap with Jason. I don't do spoilers so that's my reason for not elaborating on this book. You need to read it to know what I'm talking about. 😈
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
July 15, 2020
Skyler's life has been difficult for a cool minute, so she's been texting the one person who she thought could help her through it, but it turns out that she's been texting someone else for a cool minute. Max has been getting all of these texts that he's never answered before until a biggie comes through, so he may not be the one she thought she was talking to, but he is the one she needs. From there on out, the story not only has this whole angst factor, but the twists start coming in hot to get the heart racing. The suspense/mystery was completely captivating with a big kicker of love but will it conquer all?! I don't want to make this review any longer because it's just better to read it for yourselves so hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Cassie Ashford.
1,073 reviews10 followers
July 15, 2020
Wow! I loved Max’s book! I’m totally in love with that guy!

Skylar and Max has no idea on that fateful day that both of their worlds would be turned upside down. Max came to Skylar’s rescue when she needed it most and she had no clue this had been the man she was texting for years instead of someone else.

This book is insta-love to the max...pun intended. Lol

You have the sweet funny moments where Max is trying to decide if Skylar is the coffee monster or his Bean in the morning. You also have Max’s usual antics with his sister and Logan that are hilarious. But you also see sneak peeks into the serious man he can be.

I will say that the ending completely shocked me and took me by surprise. There is no way you can predict what is to come. Now I’m ready for Chace!
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,589 reviews77 followers
July 16, 2020
4 star

The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Jason (Ryan Family Book 1)

This is Skylar and Max's story. Skylar lost the man she loved and has been trying to move forward but she got into a bad situation and is looking for a way out. That way out comes in the for of Max. She needs someone to fight for her and he will. But in the end is that really what she wanted? Can she walk away from Max or will she depend on him too much? Is she falling or is he convenient?

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.
2,334 reviews10 followers
September 27, 2020
Max by Ana Balen is exciting, frightening, intensely spine-tingling story of Max and Skylar (Bean). She’s been texting her deceased love for years, knowing there will be no answer. But, when she finally asks him for help escaping her abusive fiancé at the altar, he shows up!!! But, things have just begun for the two of them…and there’s danger everywhere!!

This was one of the best stories ever!!! I was completed riveted immediately and didn’t stop until I was finished!!! Can’t wait for more from this author!!!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
July 14, 2020
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Max and Skyler’s story. Max has received many text messages over the years but has not responded until a new one comes through. Max may not be the recipient she intended to answer her text, but he is who she now needs. This is a well written story which is filled with angst, twists, suspense, mystery, and is a steamy and poignant love story. I cannot wait to read more in this amazing series and I highly recommend this talented author’s work for all readers.
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,821 reviews69 followers
July 15, 2020
Skylar’s heart first belonged to Jason and then she was heartbroken when she lost him. He’s always been her go to person that she could text when she needed. Max had received a lot of texts through the years, but has never responded until he receives this last one. He may not be the one who the text was intended for, but will he be able help Skylar? I absolutely loved Skylar and Max’s story, it’s wonderfully written, and filled with twists, angst, suspense, and steamy scenes. It’s a definite must read and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
47 reviews
July 25, 2020
This is the second book in the Ryan Family series. It is Max and Skylars Story

Skylar has been texting someone that she knows won't text back. just to get things off her chest. Max is the one who is getting the text messages and has not said or acted on any of them until the huge text comes and he knows he has to do something for her.

Things are weird between them, she thinks it is the person she texts but she knows that it can't be. There are ups and downs, twists and turns. It is a brilliant book, excellently written.
Can not wait for the next book
Profile Image for Kbsblogging and reviews .
360 reviews16 followers
July 16, 2020
This author is becoming one of my favourites.
After reading Jason I couldnt wait to read max book.
Ana didn't disappoint. I love her writing style.
Skylar was in a abusive relationship and was taxing her dead friend Jacob. Not knowing that someone would answer her call.
Max goes out of his way to help keep Skylar save. This as some great action in it.
Can't wait to read the next one.
If you want to know how it all plays out then pick up your copy today.
3,169 reviews
September 18, 2020
Loved it!

This second book of the Ryan family series is by far my favorite story. The storyline was so unexpected and will have you entertained from the start until the end. I loved Skylar’s character she brings out Max character and together they were cute and brought the heat level to a sizzling heat level. I loved the twist in the end and their HEA that I was cheering for from the start. I can’t wait for Chace’s story.
Profile Image for i_fuckinglovebooks.
126 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2023
The story was ok, but there were too many errors that took my focus away from the story.



Tense changes, wrong words used, missing words, sloppy formatting that made it difficult to figure out who was talking, changes to character descriptions… Eg: Skylar started off with strawberry hair, then it changed to blonde. They’re not the same.

This could’ve been a great story, but the editing and formatting ruined it.
Also, the timeline jumps were irritating.
Profile Image for Bksbloggingandreviews.
362 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2024
This author is becoming one of my favourites.
After reading Jason I couldnt wait to read max book.
Ana didn't disappoint. I love her writing style.
Skylar was in a abusive relationship and was taxing her dead friend Jacob. Not knowing that someone would answer her call.
Max goes out of his way to help keep Skylar save. This as some great action in it.
Can't wait to read the next one.
If you want to know how it all plays out then pick up your copy today.
#bksbloggingandreviews
Profile Image for RomanceReader1.
801 reviews
July 20, 2020
Amazing reading.
This story is thrown at you hard! I was crying with the Prologue. The story was filled with surprises.
And then the author gives you a plot twist you don’t see coming! At least I didn’t expected.
It also has some funny scenes with Rory and Jason (Jason book #1 in this series). I loved that we got to see them again.

Now to wait for Chace!!!! 😩😩
Profile Image for Chasity Williams.
1,438 reviews15 followers
September 26, 2020
Skylar is in a bad situation, trying to move on from the lost of her love with a horrid person, her saving grace is sending texts through the years to a number that ends up being Max's. Max hasn't answered any of the text until now. Can Max save Skylar from what's to come? With the insta love these two have can they have a HEA?
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