Weston Caldwell and I had two months together. Two months of intense heat and plans for our future. Then one day he left me sleeping with a note and never turned back. I closed off my heart and my dreams after he left and promised to take care of my family, never trusting love again.
So when I am forced to head to my family’s small town for protection, I never expect to turn around and see the man I loved.
I want to walk away and never look back, but when I find out he left for a heartbreaking reason, I’m not sure what to think. The chemistry between us hasn’t gone away—if anything it burns even brighter.
But my life is in the city and his is in this small town that draws me. Between his siblings, the town itself, and my new found family, walking away might break me.
Only Weston isn’t the only secret from my past. And it turns out, if Weston and I aren’t careful, we could lose everything before we find our second chance.
An Unexpected Everything is a second chance, right person, wrong time, single “dad”, contemporary romantic suspense in the Cage Family series featuring Weston and Isabella. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
Carrie 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:
This series has had me captivated since I read the teaser novella. The family situation, the father controlling his family from the grave. When this series hits my kindle, nothing else matters.
Isabella is one of my favorite Carrie Ann Ryan characters to date, and giving her a second chance with Weston makes for a great story. They were together, and then they weren’t he only left a note. He lives in Cage Lake, and Isabella is there to regroup.
Not all is as it seems, and her overprotective brothers, new and old, jump to her side when a problem from the past reappears.
A great addition to the series, and I cannot wait for the next book.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I have almost read all of Carrie's books, but this is now my favorite book by Carrie. I absolutely fell in love with everything in this book. IMO I think this was one of her hottest books she ahs written. Weston completely stole my heart. This is book #2 in the Cage Family Series.
Weston and Isabella
Isabella is the oldest of her siblings and is the protector. She is the one that takes care of everyone. So learning to lean on her new set of brothers was/is a task for her. She is a forensic accountant in her new brothers company. But when her stalker is set to be released from prison she ends up temporarily relocating to Cage Lake, the small little town that her new family owns. What she wasn't expecting was to run into the one person who stole/still has her heart from eight years ago. Weston was expecting to see his one regret from eight years ago. Weston and Isabella had a summer together where they fell in love. Weston left her with a note saying goodbye. He never told her that his parents had passed away and now he was the caretake of his siblings. Now they are back in the same town. Weston not wanting to waste another moment with out. Isabella trying to figure out can their future align together.
This second chance story was heartfelt from the beginning. Years in between could not extinguish the flames between these two. Isabella had so much character growth through this book. She learned that she can lean on other people for help and let people take care of her as well. Weston would do anything for her. This man, oh this man. I fell in love with him from the beginning. He is everything you want in a book boyfriend. The spicy scenes in this book were *kiss.*
I am so invested in the interesting circumstances and drama of the Cage Family. “An Unexpected Everything” is a swoony, romantic and action packed second chance romance that was a great addition to the series.
Isabella is one of the “other” Cages and has been getting to know her new siblings. Isabella is also trying to move on from a man that wanted to hurt her but he’s in another state. Until one morning, someone tries to grab her and threaten her. Needing to keep her safe, her brothers send her to Cage Lake for some healing and small town charm. And the last person she was expecting to see was her ex from eight years ago who left with only leaving a note behind. Weston Caldwell has his reasons for leaving and when he sees Isabella, the feelings they had for each other are still very much there. They have a shot at a second chance to be happy until Isabella’s past finds her in Cage Lake.
It’s been so great getting to know the Cages and Isabella’s story was great. She was the caregiver and worrier of her siblings growing up and that never stopped when they got older and more siblings were added to the mix. With the man in her past coming after her, she never wanted them to worry. Isabella was always willing to put herself second for the people she cares for. Weston is an amazing brother and even if he left only a note behind, I get why he did it and was easily forgiven. And the way the two saw each other again was the perfect way to start this second chance romance. I loved their banter and you could tell the feelings they had were still very much there. They tried to stay friends but once they gave into their feelings, we had some great steamy scenes. Once Isabella’s past found her, the action of it had me listening nonstop as it all unfolded. I loved the ending and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Teddy Hamilton and Emma Wilder were so great as Weston and Isabella. Teddy was amazing as the kind and protective Weston. Emma brought the caring and selfless Isabella alive perfectly. Teddy and Emma narrations were amazing and I loved listening to them bring this story to life.
An Unexpected Everything by Carrie Ann Ryan is a second chance romance with right person, wrong time with heartbreak and suspense. Isabella and Weston met years ago and talked about building a future together, but then he was gone and she wanted nothing to do with love again. But when she needs protection, she heads to the family small town and comes face-to-face with the man she never thought she would see again.
Isabella was so strong, determined and smart. With all the changes in her family, she had a lot on her plate. But when she is in danger, they would do anything to protect her. Weston is just as determined, protective and caring. He never thought he would see Isabella again, can this be their second chance? I loved watching not only the Cage’s become a family, but also Weston and Isabella reconnecting. But his life is in his small-town and hers is in the big city. Are they doomed from the start? I loved the characters and their journey so much.
Oh Isabella and Weston! I’m here for a Carrie Ann Ryan second chance romance *swoon* Isabella and her siblings are finding a new normal after their dad turned their lives upside down. Going back to Cage Lake wasn’t something she was wanting to do when she had a scare and Weston was the one to catch her. He was from her past, but her current situation precluded her from living her life as it was. So, Cage Lake and Weston entered the chat. I enjoyed their journey and their reconciliation. They had to learn about things in their past in order to move forward. And neither one of them were the same person from before. So they had a chance to learn who they were in the now. And both Weston and Isabella look out for those they love in their lives. I loved how Teddy Hamilton and Emma Wilder brought these characters to life!
This is Isabella and Weston’s story. They have a past relationship one that ended suddenly years ago and haven’t seen each other since, until Isabella finds herself needing time away from the city. However during her rest and relaxation trip the last thing she expects is to see Weston at every turn.
Overall it’s a page turner that includes an HEA. I’ve loved meeting and learning more about the Cage family and can’t wait for the stories to continue.
I absolutely enjoyed this second chance, right person, wrong time romance. It was nice to see behind the hard protector and care taker Isabella is for her family and into who she is and why she has such walls. The book had all the fun of the big family get togethers you expect from a Carry Ann Ryan book (with cheese) with all the tension and connection a great romance couple has with a dash of suspense to keep you addicted all night long. I am so excited for the next book as the Cages are easily becoming a family I want to know everyone’s story.
Isabella has to let her family take care of her for once after spending her life being their caregiver. So she's let them bring her to the small town of Cage Lake, where her newly discovered siblings live and practically own the town. She surely was not expecting to see the man who broke her heart years ago. The man who spent a summer making her fall in love him, only to leave her with a short note. Yeah, that man. But though Weston broke her heart, he never left it, and all those feelings are coming alive again after being in such close proximity. A second chance is on the horizon, if her past doesn't ruin it, and if they can get past the heartbreak they were left with before.
Weston never forgot Isabella, always regretted the way he had to leave her, without a reason given for his departure. But now she's here in his small town, and he sees his chance for forgiveness, and if she lets him, to have it all. If he can protect her from her past, and show her that he can be trusted with her heart again, that second chance can be theirs.
I love that Isabella finally let her family care for her, protect her. She was always their caregiver, and now was the time to let them return all that love. Thank God she did, because it brought her back to Weston. And what a man to come back to - he's so caring, so sweet, and just begging her to see how much they could have with each other if she'd forgive him and open her heart back up to him. Carrie's stories always get me in the heart, but Isabella and Weston are somehow even more heartfelt and heart-tugging than is her usual. I fell so hard for them as I was reading, I think they just may be my favorite couple of hers yet.
Thank you to Carrie Ann Ryan for my gifted copy of An Unexpected Everything — I was so excited to return to this world, and it did not disappoint.
There’s something really special about settling in with a Carrie Ann Ryan book — it’s like being wrapped in your favorite blanket, with a mug of tea, knowing you’re about to spend hours with characters who feel like family. An Unexpected Everything is exactly that kind of read. Full of heart, second chances, family, healing, and a little bit of suspense to keep things moving.
I’ve loved this series since The Forever Rule, and getting to see Isabella’s side of the family come further into the light was so satisfying. Isabella has always intrigued me. In book one, we saw flashes of her strength and quiet dignity, but here we get the full picture. She’s a caregiver to the core — always putting her siblings first, always carrying the weight of others on her shoulders. The revelation that her late father had another family rocked her world, and yet here she is, doing what she does best — showing up, taking care of others, trying to hold everything together.
But life, of course, has other plans.
Enter Weston Caldwell. The man who broke her heart eight years ago with nothing but a note and no explanation. I loved how this story played with the “right person, wrong time” theme. You feel every bit of the history between them. Their chemistry is still electric, but it’s layered now with heartbreak, resentment, longing, and so much unresolved love.
I loved Weston’s arc as much as Isabella’s. Here’s a man who stepped up for his younger siblings when life threw him a devastating curveball. His choices weren’t easy — and he regrets leaving Isabella — but you can’t help but admire his integrity and loyalty. Watching him try to win back her trust while juggling the needs of his siblings (who are absolutely wonderful side characters!) made my heart ache in the best way.
And then there’s Cage Lake — what a setting. Carrie Ann Ryan does such a great job making this town feel like a real place. I wanted to visit the garage, walk the trails, have dinner with the Cage and Caldwell families. The small-town feel adds such warmth to the story, and it was fun seeing familiar faces from book one pop up again. I loved how the Cage family dynamic continued to evolve here, with Isabella learning to lean on her new-found brothers and realizing she doesn’t have to carry every burden alone. That theme of learning to accept help was beautifully woven throughout her journey.
The suspense element gave the romance an extra layer of tension without overwhelming it. It added urgency to Isabella’s choices and to Weston’s need to protect her, but it never took the focus away from their emotional journey. I was glued to the final chapters, heart racing, wondering how everything would unfold.
And let’s talk about the romance. Swoon. Ryan is so good at writing slow-burn reconnections that feel earned. When Weston and Isabella finally give in to the depth of their feelings, it’s cathartic and so worth the wait. Their chemistry is off the charts, but what makes it truly moving is the emotional intimacy that develops alongside the physical heat. These two see each other, flaws and all, and that made their love story feel so real.
One of my favorite aspects of this series continues to be its portrayal of found family. Both Isabella and Weston have been forced into roles of caretaker at young ages, and neither is used to asking for help or admitting vulnerability. Watching them find strength in each other and in the wider Cage family was heartwarming and gave the book so much depth. There are so many wonderful moments of sibling banter, support, and yes — a bit of nosy meddling, which is exactly what I love in a cozy romance.
If I had to sum this book up in a word, it would be healing. This is a story about healing past wounds, forgiving yourself and others, and learning to embrace joy when it comes — even if it arrives wrapped in uncertainty and second chances.
I turned the final page with a huge smile and that bittersweet feeling that comes when you’re not quite ready to leave a fictional world. The good news? There’s more to come in this series, and I’m already counting down to Dorian’s book.
If you enjoy: 💛 Second chance romances 💛 Small-town settings 💛 Big, messy, loving families 💛 Strong heroines learning to lean on others 💛 Loyal heroes who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable 💛 A perfect balance of heat, heart, and suspense
…then you will love An Unexpected Everything.
Carrie Ann Ryan has delivered another cozy, emotional, and utterly satisfying romance that reminds us it’s never too late to find your way back to the person — and life — you were meant for. Highly recommended.
An Unexpected Everything is book 2 in the Cage Family series and follows the eldest Cage Dixon sibling (aka the other Cages) Isabella as she reconnects with her hated first love Weston.
Isabella is the oldest Cage Dixon sibling and has been the one to take care of her siblings and protect them. She became a forensic accountant so she could help her sister, Sophia, open a dance studio. Did she want to be a forensic accountant? Probably not her first, or even second, choice. She is the responsible one, the facilitator and the one to get through to get to any of her siblings.
Weston is the oldest sibling. Eight years ago, he and Isabella were a couple. Until one fateful night changed the courses of both their lives. He has spent the last eight years raising his brother and twin sisters in Cage Lake.
Over the last eight years, these two have not communicated. So much has happened in each of their lives that they do not even know each other anymore.
But when Bella takes a weekend off at Cage Lake, there is a mishap causing her to scream out. Weston is the one who comes to her rescue, and their story begins.
When an incident happens outside of Cage Enterprises involving Bella, her brothers come to her aid. But her reaction causes them to take notice and make her spill her guts. However, Aston is not surprised by her story. Based on what has just happened, plus the details of the story they just heard, the BIG brothers decide it is best for her to move to Cage Lake until they can assess the risk to her.
While Bella is in Cage Lake, Weston is always around. She was hoping to avoid him, but life in a small town means you are always running in to each other. They finally sit down and talk and even though she now understands what happened eight years ago, she still has issues with trusting him.
As Bella is finding out, the joy of small town life is everybody knowing you and your business. They all know she is a Cage. They want to know if she is going to build a house there like her brothers. And when she gets sidelined by Ms Patti, I had to laugh.
These gossip gals make several appearances in this story. Ms Patti has her thumb on the pulse of the city. She has to as the Mayor's wife. No matter how private Bella and Weston are, these ladies seem to know their business. And when she gets sidelined by them on the sidewalk, it is not an easy task to get away.
After an altercation at Weston's house between one of the twins and her boyfriend, everyone attends the girls' high school graduation. But when Bella and Weston have a misunderstanding, she heads to Aston's house. When Hudson makes him realize he was not giving her a chance to explain herself, he goes after her. As they are talking, a flash from her past rears its ugly head.
First off, let me just say that the gossip gals are a total hoot. I am really hoping to see more of these ladies in future stories. They know everything that goes on in Cage Lake. I cannot wait for them to meet Kyler. That is going to be the absolute funniest adventure.
Secondly, although I understand Weston's backstory, I do not agree with the way he handled it. Granted he was much younger, but why did he never contact Bella in that time.
Why does Bella not do something she really wants to now? She no longer needs to help Sophia with the dance studio. This is the time for her to live her life.
This last week has been a major Teddy Hamilton binge for me. He always comes through regardless of the book and the characters. Emma Wilder is always a favorite of mine. I have loved her in many of Carrie Ann Ryan's books as well as other authors. Both narrators never fail to deliver.
Come and light a fire and curl up and read this cozy emotional romance. If you enjoy 2nd chance, smalltown, found family, single “Dad”, right person wrong time and HEA Guaranteed? This one is for you.
“You can always find a way back if you’re willing to take the chance.”
Let me introduce you to Isabella and Weston. These two had 2 months together that was intense, a lot of heat, and great plans for the future. Then, one day, he was gone! He did leave a note; he never turned back. Isabella closed herself off from her heart, from love and from him.
Weston, well, he was a small-town guy, and it has been 8 years since he last saw the love of his life, Isabella. He never told her his parents had died, and he had to take over guardianship of his siblings. He has never stopped loving her and wants her back.
Isabella Cage Dixon is a city girl, and she has come back to her hometown for protection. She has a stalker that is now being released from prison. She has family here, a newfound family of 7 brothers. Her dad was legally married to another woman when he was with her mom. Since her mother has just lost it, and Isabella’s has had bad panic attacks that debilitates her. When she came back, she was not expecting to encounter him. Isabella has always been the protector, and it is hard for her to need protection. She has been hiding a secret from her past, and if these 2 are not careful, they could lose it all.
8 years could not put this burning fire out between these two. Isabella and Weston are beautiful together. Weston will make you fall in love with him. I enjoyed seeing Isabella grow in the book, allowing her family to help her and trust in her heart.
This is a good book. Add it to your TBR One of the neat parts of this book is the text messages, they are cute and funny and you learn a lot about Isabella and Weston. Here’s a few I loved.
Weston: I hear you are making the rounds today. Are they staring at you as much as they’re staring at me? Isabella: It is a bit weird. Mostly because I am not used to it. Weston: I can growl at them if you want. Isabella: Maybe, but I think I like your growls just for me. Weston: Well, on that note, I now have a hard on at work, and I want to know if your panties are wet. Isabella: I guess you're just going to have to find out later. Weston: After your damn family dinner. Isabella: I can hear the grumble in your text, but yes, after the damn family dinner.
There’s more, but get the book! Thank you, Carrie Ann Ryan, for the opportunity to be an Arc reader for this wonderful book.
They had two heated months together before he left with only a note. Eight years later, Isabella has closed herself off to love and is in need of a place to feel safe again. The extended Cage family rallies around her and sends her to Cage Lake with a temporary assignment and to recuperate. She never expected to run into her ex in town, nor did she expect for their chemistry to be as strong as it was all those years ago.
Weston had his reasons for leaving quickly and quietly when he left Isabella and the city. When he finds himself face to face with her again, he jumps into protector mode, something that is part of who he is at his core. As they continue to bump into each other in the small town, they have to face what split them apart all those years ago, as well as the reason Isabella needed to leave the city at all.
This is the second Cage family novel and I loved watching as this extended and blended family learns how to be a cohesive unit despite the actions of their father. There was far less family dynamic based drama in this book, but the Cage’s are still learning how to be a blended family and still dealing with the stipulations of their father’s estate. Though the big reveal is over, the Cage families are meshing in a way that promises a rich and ever changing dynamic for future books.
This was a book full of love, regret, and emotional healing, with a huge focus on what it means to find home. The second chance, found family aspects, gave the story a lot of heart. I loved seeing Weston’s siblings influence his actions, as well as the way the Cages rally for Isabella. These extended family novels make me wish I had the same kind of huge, tight family that are on the pages, if only for a short time until I would need my space again! I can’t wait for more from the Cages. There are a lot of single siblings left and I look forward to watching each one fall!
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.An Unexpected Everything is the second installment in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Cage Family series. This time, she delivers a swoony second-chance romance with a single dad twist. A story full of emotion, heat, and the promise of a happily ever after.
Eight years ago, Weston Caldwell broke Isabella Cage Dixon’s heart. Since then, she’s built her life around family and responsibility, leaving no space for love or second chances. But when danger forces her to return to Cage Lake, she runs straight into the man she never thought she’d see again.
Weston was her first love—and the one who walked away without explanation. But their reunion is anything but simple. Weston faces the challenges of being a single father, but the spark between him and Isabella hasn’t faded. When life throws them back together, buried emotions, unanswered questions, and deep chemistry rise to the surface.
Isabella sacrificed her dreams and took on the role of protector for her siblings—even if it meant becoming a forensic accountant instead of following her own passion. Weston, too, knows the weight of responsibility. He’s spent the past eight years raising his siblings after a devastating turn of events shattered his future with Isabella.
Their reunion hits hard. The sparks are still there—maybe even stronger—but so are the scars. Being back in each other’s lives brings up old feelings, tough questions, and a bond that never really broke. Their love isn’t perfect—it’s messy and real, filled with growth and learning to forgive. It’s about figuring things out and knowing that true love doesn’t never dies.
When danger from the past rears its ugly head, Isabella and Weston have to protect more than their hearts. The suspense doesn’t overwhelm the romance, but it definitely keeps you turning the pages.
Set against the backdrop of a close-knit small town and woven with themes of healing, forgiveness, and found family, An Unexpected Everything explores whether love can survive time, distance, and heartbreak—and whether two people who were once everything to each other can be that again.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Welcome back to Colorado…where if you turn around too quickly—you might trip over an Montgomery…or possibly a Cage.
How would you react…
If you found out after the death of your father—that you have more siblings…siblings you never knew, but possibly passed on the streets? Only to find out after your father’s death…you need to have dinner together…in order to keep your inheritance & to keep an small town from going under.
Isabella & her siblings learn they have seven brothers they never knew….while Ford & his brothers, learn—they have another brother & FOUR sisters…
I’m loving this spin-off series from the Montgomery Ink Legacy series & find it totally funny that two Montgomery cousins…are now technically brother-in-laws…
An Unexpected Everything is Isabella & Weston’s story…
They have a past…they dated…before tragedy struck & Weston made a decision to end their relationship…now fast-forward eight years.
Isabella is slowly coming to terms with the secrets her parents kept…slowly coming to terms that she isn’t the oldest…that she now has older brothers…plus a few more younger brothers.
She went for a walk on a trail outside of Cage Lake….that kinda gave way…guess who helps save her? Yep…the one person she never thought she’d see again…Weston Caldwell.
Needless to say….there are ghosts form Isabella’s past popping up…
Everyone thinks she should head to Cage Lake to lay low for awhile…
While there…
The sparks reignite between her & Weston…especially once she finds out why he left all those years ago…
Can they figure out how to balance their worlds…their responsibilities…plus take care of the problem from Isabella’s past?
The answers can be found within the pages of An Unexpected Everything, that will be available everyone on Monday June 9. I love how Carrie Ann has created a huge & interconnected world..to where you can pick up a book, enter the world of Montgomery Ink & then binge-read to your heart’s content on other series.
So…run & preorder a copy of An Unexpected Everything…meet up with the Cages…then decide where to dive into catch up with the Montgomerys (the second generation, their parents & all the other spin-offs).
Five out five stars & I can’t wait for Dorian’s story that is coming out in October of this year.
The love between two people that were once ripped apart but are now given a second chance truly is An Unexpected Everything, guaranteed to redeem your faith in love and reconcile your belief in forgiveness. Isabella Cage Dixon has had her entire foundation rocked repeatedly recently, with secret family becoming known, a stalker after her, and now the only man she ever loved –who left her high and dry—is back and everything is changing again. There is only so much a girl can fight when the man she’s never stopped loving pushed back into her life, heart, and bed, and truly why shouldn’t she give herself a second chance to be happy, especially when a killer is out to end her life before she ever gets to enjoy it. Isabella is strong enough to fight for what she wants, but is she strong enough to fight against the pain and fear of losing Weston again? Weston changed his entire life a decade ago, giving up Bella in order to come home and care for his siblings, but now that she is back and in danger, nothing will stop him from being there for her, and if she is going to give him another chance he’ll grab it with both hands. But the fear of losing her again and giving up the life he has made for himself in order to be with Bella is very real, can he find a way for them to be together, and can he protect her from the danger stalking her? The passion that sparks between Isabella and Weston is there in every second of the tension and pain these two throw at one another, but once they finally accept their past and embrace their present, the heat is blazing for sure. I loved seeing these two work through their past and present in order to come to terms with their lives and find a way to overcome their differences and have a future together, not to mention the way they kicked ass when faced with a psycho. I am looking forward to the rest of the series, though I can’t lie, book #4 is the one that I know is REALLY going to be my favorite, but I will be patient and enjoy Dorian and Harper’s story first (If You Were Mine). This series is shaping up to be as fascinating as the Montgomerys, though obviously it’ll never be as LARGE and I am proud to say I was here from the very beginning. Kick-ass, as usual Carrie Ann!
Isabella Cage Dixon, Ford (BEST-FRIEND TEMPTATION), Phoebe (HIS SECOND CHANCE) and Aston's sister whom we've met in the previous book (THE FOREVER RULE) wasn't handling the shocking news about her family very well. She was getting to know her new siblings but she needed protection from her past. So she found herself in the Mountains, in a small town that her family co-owned. It was a way for her to clear her mind, she never thought she would meet the man she loved and who left her with note after their passionate two months together, Weston Caldwell there.
Weston Caldwell, the mechanic in Cage Lake whom we've met in the previous book as well. He loved Isabella Cage Dixon but he had to leave her just when they found themselves falling in love for one another. He didn't had time to explain things to her so he left her a note which wasn't the best way to handle things but that's the only option he had at the time.
When the truth came out about the real reason why he left her years ago, Isabella realized that they have both been still in love with each other. They reconnected on a deeper level as she did the same with her new found family. But there was danger lurking around her. As the woman he couldn't stop thinking about find herself in danger, Weston risked his life in order to save her.
It was a treat to see how far the Cages have come in spite of what their late father did and was still trying to do to them from beyond the grave. I love how their family keeps growing stronger and better.
AN UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING is the second book in Carrie Ann Ryan's THE CAGE FAMILY series. It was beautiful and intoxicating. Carrie Ann Ryan never disappoints, she did an incredibly outstanding job. Two thumbs up..You guys should give this book and series a try!
P.S. Can't wait for the next chapter!
****I received this book, without any obligation to review.****
Isabella (Bella) and Weston’s story is about love, regrets and second chances. It also highlights family responsibilities and loyalties which come with lots of drama and chaos. Isabella and Weston were once young lovers planning a future together until the he left her behind without explanation. Both closed their hearts to new love, unable to forget the other or the pain of losing what they once had between them. Fate has brought them back together for a second chance at love if they can sort through the hurt, regret and anger, and are willing to make a fresh start. The attraction and hot chemistry is still very much present between them, so being just friends doesn’t seem possible. With another man from her past resurfacing and looking to make trouble, Isabella will be staying in Cage Lake for a bit. Can she and Weston put the past behind them and grab on to this second chance at love?
There is so much that I love about this book. First, is the small town setting. I love the gossip, the meddling and the supportive attitude in a small town, and Cage Lake delivers on these. Second, are the two main characters, Isabella and Weston. They are so darn lovable. They have both made sacrifices to support their family, have taken on roles of caregiver and fixer in their respective family, and have never forgotten each other in the eight years they have been apart. They are both the heart of their families. Third are their respective families. The siblings may squabble, snark and get angry, but they offer each other unconditional support, loyalty and love. Isabella and Weston’s story is a tad angsty and suspenseful with a few secrets and twists to make it even more fascinating. While there are some emotional moments that tug at your heart, there are also funny ones, as well as some very passionate ones to capture your full attention. This book was engaging from beginning to end and has my full, wholehearted recommendation.
When The Cage Family series started, I was instantly intrigued by Isabella. She came out of the gate swinging, fiercely protective of her younger siblings and distrustful of her seven new brothers. I mean, who wouldn’t be? These were the men who grew up with her despicable father…who knows if any or all followed in his footsteps. Obviously, she finds out this isn’t the case nd both families are finding their way through this new relationship. She’s as protective as ever, but her edges have soften, a bit. But she has more history and trauma that she is hiding, and it all comes out when she moves …temporarily…to Cage Lake. There we meet Weston Caldwell, a man she’s very familiar with, who happens to live in town, is one of her new brothers’ best friend, and who left her years ago with no explanation. It was not a joyful run-into-each-others-arms reunion. Weston didn’t want to leave her, but a family emergency called him home, and he just never seemed to have had the time or bandwidth the get in touch with her. Okay, not gonna lie, this was a problem for me. Lord save me from the MMC who doesn’t want to “burden” the woman he loves by “ forcing” her to give up her dreams to be with him, when he can’t leave his small town. This is Weston’s big flaw for me. Otherwise, the guys is almost saint-like, giving up his dreams to raise his siblings. But on the other hand…he was in his late 20’s when it happened. He wasn’t a child, pick up the damn phone! Anyhoo…I liked them, together and separately. I love their relationships with their own siblings, and as the story develops, with each others. She becomes much less prickly, he isn’t such a grump…but the communication is still not 100%: Speak the words, people. So, there’s some angst (not all of it just this reader’s) but there’s lightness and humor, sweetness and heat. Bella and Weston were great and their story was a wonderful addition to the series.
Carrie Ann Ryan hits the heartstrings hard with this emotional and steamy second chance romance , An Unexpected Everything.
Isabella has had quite a bit of unexpected things going on in her life. An unexpected family of brothers and sisters that she never knew about. The unexpected way her father is still trying to control them all from the grave. Then the unexpected encounter with the man that she thought she was gonna build a life with. Isabella is an amazingly strong woman. She works too hard, but no one can deny her loyalty. She is an amazing big sister and will throw down for any member of her family. Her family protecting her may have just been the push she needed for other things to fall in place.
Weston maybe the textbook definition of a good man, even though he could communicate a little bit better. Just one life was starting to become promising, and he had begun planning. A future absolute tragedy struck his family. In an instant, changing Weston‘s life and priorities. He never thought he would ever see that woman who had never left his mind ever again, but when an unlikely yet dramatic encounter happens, it may have just reopened the book of something from the past, of something he still wanted.
An Unexpected Everything was a beautifully written story. Isabella and Weston get a second chance at something they both wanted so deeply. Seeing these two actually work through the issues of their past and allow their chemistry and passion to give them a second chance. It’s a story about love and healing. I love the family dynamic to these books. It allows the reader to connect on so many different levels. The cage family has crazy drama going on, but yet one of the strongest women we just discovered had an amazing soft side and a grumpy growly man who is willing to do anything to make her happy.
As if adjusting to the fact that her late father had an entire other family with five additional siblings she’d never known about wasn’t enough, Isabella is rescued from a deadly fall by the man who broke her heart eight years ago while visiting her father’s other family in Cage Lake. Still angry with his abrupt departure, she rushes away from him and can’t get back to her Denver home quickly enough. However, an attempted assault has her newly discovered siblings sending her back to the lake to rest and recover while learning the ropes of their business holdings there. Once there, she learns the devastating truth of what tore her lover away from her with barely a word all those years before.
Auto repair shop owner Weston has spent the past eight years rebuilding his family: raising his twin sisters and younger brother after a car crash claimed the lives of their parents. Now with the twins’ graduation approaching, as well as his brother’s continuing MBA program, Weston is guardedly allowing himself a tiny bit of contemplation regarding his future plans. Those plans become more prodigious once Isabella reappears.
Can these two let go of past hurts and seize the opportunity for a second chance at happiness together? Or will the threats against Isabella and the damage her father caused make such things impossible?
This was a very satisfying second chance romance, with no other man/other woman drama, just two very selfless people finding the courage to choose each other. I have loved nearly all of Carrie Ann Ryan’s books, and this is no exception. There’s lots of heat as well as heart and humor, and it all centers around family, in whatever form that takes.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
'An Unexpected Everything' is an wonderful second chance surprise romance between two individuals that are both incredibly engaging characters. Isabella is an independent, intelligent, successful woman who has been through some things. Weston is a sexy hunk of a man who has had fatherhood thrust at him before he was ready to be a parent. These two amazing people completely deserved their unexpected second chance.
Isabella is the eldest Cage sibling from the 'secret' family side. Just like her counter part, Aston Cage, she has had to step in and act as a parent to her younger brother and sisters. Because of this, Isabella has a very no-nonsense attitude. Unfortunately, a violent encounter with a stalker has left her mentally scarred and bruised. A visit to the family's remote small town unexpectedly brings her face to face with a man from her past. Never in a million years would she have imagined finding Weston Caldwell at Cage Lake. Weston is the only man Isabella has truly ever loved. Too bad that man irreparably broke her heart in the cruelest way possible; leaving her with no earthly explanation as to why.
Weston Caldwell grew up in Cage Lake. He is close friends with two of the Cage brothers. He never imagined that Isabella Cage Dixon was associated with his friends or his small town. The couple had dated briefly while they were attending college but an unexpected accident causing the death of both his parents left him to raised his younger brother and two sisters. After meeting up with Isabella in his home town he vows to not let her go a second time.
I totally relate to Isabella as a person. I love her quirks, her seriousness, her organizational skills, and her love of post-its, flash cards, and color coding. Her strength is truly what gets her through the life situations she has been forced to live with, a missing father, a mother who doesn't parent, a violent stalker, siblings she was never aware of, and losing the love of her life for no known reason. Weston's life situations make him completely lovable. He never hesitated to drop his life plans in order to raise his siblings and ensure that they would have a successful life. All the residents of Cage Lake consider him to be stand-offish and unapproachable in love but in truth he had already given his heart away.
'An Unexpected Everything' was a great read with some very serious life situations weaved throughout the story. I am happy that Isabella and Weston were able to finally get the happily ever after that they both deserved.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An Unexpected Everything by Carrie Ann Ryan is yet another masterclass in emotional, soul-stirring romance. I don’t think there will ever come a day when this author doesn’t surprise me with the raw depth she pours into her characters and stories. With every turn of the page, I found myself drawn deeper into the world of the Cage family—and once again, I closed the book with that rare, fulfilling ache that only the best romances leave behind.
This is book two in The Cage Family series, and if you’ve read the first, you already know how layered and messy and real this family is. Eleven siblings, one father, two mothers, and a whole lot of heartbreak when secrets unravel after their father’s passing. Isabella, the eldest of her siblings came across in book one as steady and stoic—aloof even—but here, we finally peel back her layers. As a forensic accountant now working with her newly discovered siblings, Isabella is grounded in a life she’s grown to love. Loud, chaotic, supportive—her new family is everything.
But her past isn’t done with her yet.
When a stalker from years ago is released from prison, her family rallies around her for protection. Isabella ends up temporarily relocating to Cage Lake… the last place she ever expected to see the man who once shattered her heart.
Weston.
The only man she ever truly loved. The one who disappeared eight years ago after two perfect months—leaving nothing but a goodbye note. But there’s always more to the story, and when Isabella learns the devastating reason Weston left—giving up his dreams to raise his younger siblings and take over the family garage—their connection reignites like a flame that never truly burned out.
Watching Weston with his now 18-year-old twin sisters, Sydney and Sam, melted my heart. Their banter and sibling dynamic were absolute gold. And when you throw in the whole Cage crew? Chef’s kiss. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, it’s loving—it’s everything.
The second-chance romance between Weston and Isabella is spellbinding. Their chemistry, the passion, the way they gravitate back to each other like the years never passed—it’s all so achingly beautiful. But danger still looms, and time is ticking on Isabella’s return to the city.
This book has it all: passion, tension, a gripping suspense thread, family bonds that run deep, and a romance that reminds you love is always worth the risk.
And that epilogue? Perfection. Carrie Ann Ryan delivers once again.
I really enjoyed getting to know Isabella and Weston better in this one as well as the town of Cage Lake. This is the second book in the series and it can be read as a standalone, though some of the family dynamics and growth of those is done in the first book. Everything that is needed to fully understand and enjoy this book is here and explained. Isabella and Weston have a past, though it is not one we were aware of previously. Isabella really never talks about it and it is something that still hurts for her. Weston left her with a note and she never really got the full story about what happened and changed from the plans they were making together. For Weston, his world was turned upside when his parents died in a car crash and he came back to Cage Lake for his younger siblings, leaving a note for Isabella not truly realizing at the time it would be the last time he saw her. Isabella is dealing with some things and having some problems and so her family sends her to Cage Lake to relax and that is when she runs into Weston for the first time in years. Isabella is attacked in a parking lot and it brings up and out the notes that she has been getting and the fact that the person who attacked her years ago is out of prison and so her family sends her to Cage Lake for protection and safety. It puts her and Weston in close proximity and gives them a chance for some closure, at least that's what they think initially, except the connection is still there. When Isabella learns the heartbreaking reason why Weston left her and that he has been raising his siblings, it changes things for her. They start spending time together again and getting to know each other as they are now, through the experiences that they have had in the years apart. I really enjoyed these two and watching them get their second chance. It is great to see the different side to Isabella, her softer side, that Weston brings out of her as she feels safe with him. This story was cute and emotional and very well done! I loved getting to meet and see more of Cage Lake as well as getting to know all the Cage's better. This was a great read and I am looking forward to what is coming next. The narrators did a great job with the characters and bringing them to life as well as the story and all the secondary characters as well. I really enjoyed listening to it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
An Unexpected Everything by Carrie Ann Ryan, book two in the Cage Family series, is an amazing heartwarming story about love, regrets and second chances, along with family responsibilities, and loyalties which come with a lot of drama and chaos.
Isabella and Weston a summer together where they fell in love, planning a future together until the he left her behind without explanation; never telling her his parents died and he needed to raise his siblings. Afterwards, they both closed their hearts off to love; unable to forget the other or the pain of losing what they once had between them. Fate has brought them back together for a second chance at love: if they can sort through the hurt, regret and anger, and willing to make a fresh start. The attraction and sizzling chemistry still sparks between them, so just being friends doesn’t seem possible. When a man who stalked and hurt her before is released from prison, reappearing and bringing trouble and unease to Isabella, she will be temporarily relocating to Cage Lake for a while; hopefully keeping safe. With Isabella and Weston is the same town, spending time together, this will give them the chance for closure on their past as well as reignite the flame that burns between them. They have the chance to take advantage of this second chance at love, if they can let go of past hurts and seize the opportunity for happiness together; provided they overcome the threats against Isabella.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book #carrieannryanauthor # AnUnexpectedEverything # CageFamilyseries
Isabella Cage Dixon, I was so excited to finally get her backstory. This is a woman whose sole purpose in life is to take care of her siblings, make sure they had what they needed and were happy. Thus putting her happiness on the back burner. I was so excited to see the one time in her life that she gave to her self, that one glimpse of happiness and then see how it all fell apart. Isabella is a fierce, caring, wicked smart woman and I absolutely adore her. Weston Caldwell is her soulmate in every way. He is her perfect match but they gotta go through some stuff before they get to where they gotta go and get their happily ever after. Weston is a growly big hearted fantastic man who will do anything for his family and friends. I loved watching them, fall in love all over again. Watching them navigate having to be around each other again after being apart for so long. Becoming friends again because the feelings are still there learning to trust each other. Navigating the crazy dynamics of both of their families. Both of their families are hysterical anyone you put them all together it’s fabulous. Oh, and we can’t forget to mention all the fabulous members of the town of Cage Lake, because they are gems, and I can’t wait to meet more of them as the series progresses. Isabella and Weston had some ups and downs but they figured it out and out they happily ever after and they deserved it.
My review is written voluntarily after listening to the audio version of this book. The narration is provided by Teddy Hamilton and Emma Wilder, who did a wonderful job of bringing Weston and Isabella to life. Emma's performance as Isabella brought out her caring and selfless side. Whilst Teddy did a wonderful job of bringing out the protective and loving sides of Weston.
This is a wonderful second chance love story as Isabellal and Weston were lovers eight years ago, that is until Weston just left, no explanations and no further contact. This left Isabelle heartbroken.
Now, Isabella has become one of the “other” Cages, having to adjust to new truths about her father and getting to know her new siblings. But Weston wasn't the only man to hurt Isabella; another man wanted to hurt her, but he was sent to prison and is now in another state. But when someone else tries to grab her and threatens her, her brothers decide to send her to Cage Lake to escape the threat and heal in this charming small town where everyone knows everyone's business.
It's there that she meets Weston again, and what a meeting it was! We find out his reasons for leaving as he and Isabella get to know each other again and come to accept that the feelings they had for each other are as strong as they ever were. Things seem to be going well this second time around, but then Isabella’s past follows her in Cage Lake........
Ever since the Cage family came into my orbit, I have been intrigued by what was to come. The dynamics in any family can be complicated, but 2 sets of siblings sharing the same father and discovering the newbies after said father has passed?!?!? Insert drama.
Isabella Cage Dixon's life is in enough of an upheaval trying to navigate new siblings and the terms of their fathers' will for their inheritance. Running into Weston Caldwell was not on her bingo card. Years ago she thought she would be spending the rest of her life with Weston, but he left her with a note. We find out why Weston left her and his dedication to ensuring that his siblings became upstanding individuals. Her feelings for Weston never went away and vice versa; they just shoved them deep down. Running into each other again brought up the feelings of anger, regret and pain all over again. As the oldest siblings, they both had heavy burdens to carry and work through. Getting their second chance was the unexpected piece of the puzzle that they needed to complete their forever.
Emma Wilder and Teddy Hamilton voiced Bella and Weston with such talent. I felt every emotion, all the feelings of anger and regret, and the relief that it was possible to get a second chance at spending the rest of forever together.
I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.
I loved everything about this book. I just got caught up and invested in Isabella and Weston. Isabella stole my heart. The way she takes care of everyone she loves. The protector and caregiver of her siblings. It’s like it’s ingrained in her DNA. So have a new set of brothers and trying and learning to lean on them is a new and difficult challenge. Weston was put in a situation where he had to step up for his younger siblings. He had to make a lot of difficult choices and decisions. Sometimes to his own detriment. One of those heartbreaking decisions was leaving Isabella. Weston broke Isabella’s heart eight years prior. He just left her without any sort of explanation or apology. No letter, no answers. But no matter how many years have passed I could feel their chemistry. I could also feel all the emotions and feelings brewing along side the physical. The sadness, the resentment, the regret and the longing. The way Weston left wasn’t the best way to end things. But I admired his integrity, commitment and dedication to his siblings. Just like I admired Isabella’s loyalty to her siblings. The suspense added to this second chance at love just made the story that much more compelling. It heighten it without taking anything away from it. I absolutely loved the small town setting. The characters of the town. Perfect! As also with a Carrie Ann Ryan book. When I finished the book I had a big smile on my face. And my heart and soul were content.
I received a free ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
This book pulled me in right from the start and didn’t let go until the very last page! An Unexpected Everything blends heartfelt second-chance romance with a perfect dash of suspense, and it had me on the edge of my seat in the best way.
Isabella and Weston’s chemistry was undeniable. They felt like two puzzle pieces finally clicking into place, and I loved watching them navigate their past and build something real. The fact that this wasn’t a typical third-act breakup story was so refreshing—sometimes love just needs time, healing, and the right moment.
Set in a cozy small town, the book delivers on all the emotional beats while also giving us a bit of mystery and tension. Seeing some of the Cage family again—especially Aston and Blakely—was such a treat, but you don’t need to read the other books to enjoy this one. It totally works as a standalone!
If you love:
Second chances Right person, wrong time Single "dad" dynamics Small town warmth No third-act breakup Guaranteed HEA —with a bit of suspense to spice things up, you’ll want to grab this one! 🔥 Spicy chapters for those tracking: 7, 9, 12, 13, 14. This book made me happy, swoony, and fully invested. Highly recommend!