Can We Try?

Everlasting Ink #5

by Kaylee Ryan

NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan brings you the continuation of the stand-alone series surrounding five best friends who co-own a tattoo studio.

Lachlan!

More details to come.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Found Family, Surprise Pregnancy, Small Town Romance, He Falls First, Contemporary Romance

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 8, 2025

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has earned the affectionate title of “Queen of Swoon” from her devoted readers. With over sixty romance novels to her name, Kaylee has built a beloved catalog of heartfelt stories that celebrate love in all its tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony forms. Her signature blend of charm, chemistry, and genuine happily-ever-afters has captivated readers around the world.

When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.

Reviews

[Brooklyn’s Reading Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️

[Nakeela · Rating 2 out of 5]

⚠️SPOILERS⚠️
Goodreads review:
Can we try? By Kaylee Ryan
⭐️⭐️
•Dnf at 10%
•I skimmed, to be honest this series has so many double standards, like the men are always experienced and the women are either virgin, or have very little experience. I am fed up.
I am not sure if there is owd or omd.

•Safety:
•H: experienced, only does hookups, never snuggled with a woman, has been celibate for over a year
•h: has been celibate for three years 🙄🥴, read below:

“Lachlan, it’s been years since I’ve felt a man’s hands on me. His body hovering over mine. Hell, I haven’t kissed a guy since breaking things off with Eric.”

Excerpt From
Can We Try?
Kaylee Ryan.

[Sarah♡books · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe that the series is over 😭 This is the fifth and final book in the Everlasting Ink series. It was the perfect ending to such a wonderful series! Can We Try? had me smiling, crying, swooning, and falling in love with Maggie and Lachlan. As soon as Maggie finds out she’s pregnant and tells Lachlan, he steps up and is there for her every step of the way.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
🧡 Small Town Romance
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 Tattoo Artist
🧡 Found Family
🧡 Friends to Lovers
🧡 Surprise Pregnancy

Thank you to Kaylee & Gray’s Promotions for the ARC!

[ScreamingT Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Can We Try and love this book y’all? Yes, I think we can! This series though coming into my life later has brought just a sense of peace and good vibes. Those feelings when you need a nice read about good people, little drama and amazing found family. This is the end of an era but their ink is here to stay with us forever 🖤

Lachlan is something else! I really liked Maddox but I Mr Noble here stole the spot for me. There’s something to be said about a quiet man who just steps up and not out of obligation but because he’s finally found what he’s been looking for. Sure they’re hot as sin, have tattoos and are loving & loyal but the way these men treat their ladies is something to keep in mind when you’re looking for your person. Just a lil nudge to make you consider the things that make the most sense.

Maggie is sweet and strong but she lacks the confidence she would want to have at all times. Past relationships trauma and loosing your loved ones will do that. However, when she’s with L she sees that not only she can be herself but she can thrive, be loved and make this family she chose the one that will do anything for her. I was rooting for these two and they did not disappoint.

I’ll add that I’ve stayed my re reading journey not really being into the whole accidental pregnancy trope but somehow I’ve read 3 in the past few weeks alone and honestly it’s growing on me. So thank you Kaylee for these two and for making this trope stand out & give us all the feels!

[Pauline (booksofviolette) · Rating 5 out of 5]

| 𝐿𝒶𝒸𝒽𝓁𝒶𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑀𝒶𝑔𝑔𝒾𝑒 |

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
🧡 Small Town Romance
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 Tattoo Artist
🧡 Found Family
🧡 Friends to Lovers
🧡 Unexpected pregnancy

𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
How are we already done with this series 😭
It's been so much fun reading about this band of brothers and accompanying them on their journey. The fact that they're all tattoo artists is a bonus!

Last but not least, Lachlan. He's seen his four friends fall in love and get married, have babies,... and he wants that. Maggie and him are the last two standing, and one night they give in to their mutual attraction, then decide it was just a one-time thing and they will remain friends and move on.

I love Maggie's character. She's still suffering from the way her ex treated her, is very insecure and scared Lachlan will reject her and the baby. But Lachlan is there the wole time, he's perfect, he steps in right away and... SWOON.

Their relationship builds slowly, they become friends first and we see that, and it's so well done it made me feel all the feels. So when they get together, it feels just right.

This story is sweet, spicy, swoony, emotional as well with these two' background and I'll be thinking about all of them for a long time!

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaylee Ryan delivers all the feels as she brings the delightful Everlasting Ink series to an end. With Lachlan and Maggie's story and what an endearing beautiful, heartfelt story it is.

As Lachlan and Maggie seeing all their friends find love, give into temptation and spend one unforgettable night together.

And for Lachlan, that night stays with him, but he knows that Maggie is still healing from a past relationship. So, he stays in the friend zone, thinking it’s for the best.

However, things take a turn when Maggie reveals that she’s pregnant, and Lachlan couldn’t be happier. Yet, he fears that if he shares his feelings for her, she might think it’s only because of the baby and not because he genuinely cares for her.

So, determined to prove that he is the right man for her, Lachlan works on building their relationship from just co-parents to something lasting and special, and the story beautifully shows their journey together.

And filled with a supportive group of friends, moments of heartbreak, and just the right amount of spice, this was a story I couldn't put down and it's a wonderful conclusion to the Everlasting Ink series. I would highly recommend it to anyone!

My thanks to Kaylee Ryan and Greys Promo for the opportunity to read Can We Try? ☺️

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Kaylee wrote the most beautifully hot, and caring story for Maggie and Lachlan, that will have you not only fanning yourself from the start, but swooning throughout the story! This one is a must read, you will fall in love with the Everlasting guys, especially Lachlan, all over again! 5 Everlasting stars for this one!
Maggie, while watching all her friends find happiness, is wondering if she will ever find hers. She hasn't always made the best choices when it comes to men, so when it's just her and Lachlan left on this night, they agree to one night of pure passion, and boy does he deliver!
Fast forward two months, and oh boy, Maggie is pregnant, and when she tells Lachlan, he's all in! He's been secretly crushing on her, and now's his chance to prove he will always be there for her.
Kaylee wrote a truly heartfelt story here, that will give you all the feels, and you'll fall in love right along with Maggie and Lachlan! Don't miss out on this one, and if you haven't read the other books in this series, you're missing out on one of the best!

[sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This was a decent small town, found family, accidental pregnancy, friends to lovers romance.

For being book #5 in the series, I didn’t feel lost at all having not read any previous ones — which I definitely appreciate as someone who doesn’t often read standalone series in order. The couples from the previous books are featured heavily in this one as they’re all close friends and the guys work together.

Unfortunately, I think this book didn’t work as much as I was hoping for purely due to personal preference. While I absolutely love the accidental pregnancy trope, I tend to prefer a more angsty read. This felt like a hallmark movie with a couple rated R spicy scenes.

Additionally, the romance connection for me didn’t come across as strong as I was looking for. The MMC was down bad for FMC for sure, but the shift from “I don’t do long term or cuddle” to “I want this girl to be mine forever” felt a little sudden with his thoughts.

I think this one will be a big hit for fans of the previous books of this series as well as fans of sweet, slow burn romances.

Thank you to the author and Grey’sPromo for the e-ARC. Review is my honest opinion.

[Kimberly V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think I know which of these 5 men best we get Lachlan and Maggie.
A one night stand leads to an unexpected pregnancy. Lachlan steps up immediately.
Maggie who has so many hang ups and self image issues thanks to an a-hole ex that she doesn’t expect anything from Lachlan. The way this man proves Maggie wrong at every turn by being there for her every need is amazing. He is so excited about this baby.
Lachlan knows what he wants and with patience and time he knows he can get Maggie on the same page. The fall into an easy friendship that eventually becomes love.
Can we try is a perfect ending to the Everlasting Ink Series. It’s been a great Journey following these men as they find love and have families!

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaylee Ryan has given us a heartwarming and beautifully written story in Can We Try? I was hooked from the very first page and did not want Maggie and Lachlan's story to end.

Maggie and Lachlan are the last two singletons of their friendship group. They are the best of friends and have great chemistry. They are attracted to each other but have never acted on it, until now. It's just meant to be one night, then they will both go back to being great friends, but life doesn't always go to plan, and two months later, they are both in for a huge surprise. Lachlan is all in for what's ahead he just has to show Maggie what their life could be.

I loved this story. Kaylee Ryan never fails me, and I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us next.

[Lori Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

🖤age gap
💜accidental pregnancy
🖤small town
💜friends to lovers
🖤tattoo artist

This was a fun, cute and easy read! While I don’t typically like accidental pregnancies in books, I still enjoyed this one simply because I loved the characters!

Lachlan and Maggie share one night together with no strings attached, except Maggie ends up pregnant. Lachlan was perfect. He stepped up, no questions asked and fell hard and fast for her! Maggie is damaged from an ex who manipulated her, and he helps her work through that! This book made me giggle, swoon and even shed a few tears with the HEA!

*ARC review

[Marlee Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest ARC review:

3.5⭐️

This book was super cute! I always go into a Kaylee Ryan book looking for the found family trope and she ALWAYS delivers! Lachlan and Maggie were the perfect blend of sweet and spicy! They start off with a bang *literally😉* and then we get to see them grow together and navigate this new role of future parents. Lachlan is such a teddy bear even though hes covered in tattoos and Maggie is so strong and resilient I just wanted to hug her through the pages. I will definitely be going back to read more of the Everlasting Ink series! I loved all of the side characters!

With that said, I think the way this book started did throw me off a little bit. As an interconnected stand alone I feel as though a reader should be able to jump into the series at any point and I felt like this one really didnt provide that opportunity since the relationship/ friendship between Maggie and Lachlan is already established on page one. I do wish I had read the rest of the series first and would advise others to do the same!

PLEASE read the trigger warnings before deciding to read this book, especially those new to Kaylees writing. Kaylee always makes me blubber like a baby and this was no different, I was bawling my eyes out at 3am! Please read with your mental health in mind 🫶🏼🫶🏼

Tropes:
• accidental pregnancy
• one night stand
• friends to lovers
• found family

Thank you to Kaylee and Greys Promotions for the eARC 🫶🏼

[Ryan Fitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite in the series!! Absolutely adore this Everlasting Ink family and all these swoony, down bad men. Lachlan and Maggie are friends and agree to one fun night together. Lachlan isn’t one for commitment and Maggie has been hurt by a past relationship so she’s guarded, but she trusts Lachlan. A few months later, Maggie finds out she’s pregnant, and when she tells Lachlan, he is all in! He is the most attentive, caring, and thoughtful baby daddy. He starts to fall for Maggie and sees this as an opportunity to have a forever with her. Every time he called her “momma” I melted into a puddle.
The found family in this book was one of my favorite parts because Lachlan’s parents instantly accepted Maggie & even her sweet grandmother. The connections they made were so heartfelt and I was brought to tears several times.
This book tugs are your heart strings and I absolutely adored every single second of reading this book. The perfect ending to this amazing series!

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW- CAN WE TRY?
Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
 
Tropes
🧡Friends to Lovers
🧡Surprise Pregnancy
🧡Age Gap
🧡Found Family
🧡Small Town Romance
_________________________
Thanks to Kaylee Ryan and Greys Promo for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
_________________________
I randomly signed up for an ARC of book 2 in this series last year and it has had me hooked ever since! Kaylee has such a way of writing found family that really makes you feel like you're part of the group. These stories occasionally border on insta love but they're written in a way that makes you feel good inside. All these men are big, tattooed, gruff looking guys but all have hearts of gold and just want to spoil their ladies.
 
This is the final book in the Everlasting Ink series and follows Lachlan and Maggie, who after deciding to hook up for one night only, find themselves intertwined when those two pink lines show up. Lachlan is ALL IN from minute one and is just OBSESSED with Maggie and their baby. Maggie has demons from her past relationship that makes it hard for her to trust that Lachlan will stick around. The progression from friends to one night hookup back to friends then lovers is on point and makes their HEA feel so well earned.
 
I'm sad to say goodbye to this series. It was super fun to read and if you're in the mood for sweet, spicy, low angst stories with a killer found family and swoony MMCs, this is the series for you!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️/1.5🌶️

This was the perfect swoon-worthy ending to the series! 🥹💖 Lachlan and Maggie were just as adorable and lovable as the rest of the couples in this world — seriously, they had me smiling like a fool and full-on swooning the entire time! 🥰

It made my heart so happy... but also a little sad knowing this series has come to an end. 🥲 I’m gonna miss these characters so much!

Kaylee is always my go-to author when I need a break from all the dark and twisty romances I usually read — and once again, she delivered the sweetest escape. 💕

I absolutely cannot wait to see what she gives us next! Whatever it is... I’m SO ready!

[Brittany Pickard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was a perfect way to end the series. Im sad it’s over because I love each and every one of these characters. Maggie and Lachlan was the perfect story to end it all. With some tears, laughter and joy. This built family is amazing. These men might come across hard on the outside but inside they are big softies for those they love. Love doesn’t always make a family, it those you choose to have in your life and love and care for. The Everlasting Ink family show that in the most wonderful way. Can’t wait to read more from Kaylee Ryan.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in this series and it was definitely an emotional one, this story follows tattoo artist Lachlan and the one night stand he can't stop thinking about Maggie.

I was dreading reading this with the FMC being pregnant and having read some of the other reviews saying that it was emotional , thankfully it wasn't anything to do with the baby as to while it was emotional, but it was really sad at a certain part, but it was a really good story and the MC was a defiantly swoon worthy.

[Anastacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll keep this short and sweet, I adored this series, and I’m so sad it’s over. Ending it with Maggie and Lachlan’s story was perfect. All the happily ever afters had me swooning. These boys with their bad boy, tattooed exteriors but hearts as big as the universe, for their women, their kids, and each other, ugh, I loved it so much. Their chosen family vibe just hit me right in the feels. Such a good, heartfelt series with the perfect amount of spice. Loved every second of it!

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I wanted to take my time reading this book, it is the end of the series, and I loved this crew. Lachlan won my heart, and I fell equally as hard for Maggie. The story is full of love, a little heartache, some healing, some swooning, and a whole lot of passion.

A great wrap up to the series, as Maggie and Lachlan move from friends to more. I think this might be my favorite book of the series.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Stef(midnight_reads_addict) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this read down. It made me smile, laugh, cry and swoon. This was my first read by this author and I’m convinced I need to go back and read the other characters stories as well! Happy Reading!

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

RTC

[Stefanie Simeone · Rating 5 out of 5]

emotional

I did not realize how emotional the book was. I love all these characters and the friendships they have. This is a very touching story.

[Jaime Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Everlasting Ink Series.

[Jennifer Nino · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.7

[Andrea Hidalgo Pacheco · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, very similar to other books i've read! The romance felt a bit rushed and forced!

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars 3/5 peppers

- small town
- age gap
- accidental pregnancy
- friends to lovers
- he falls first

Kaylee Ryan is such a comfort read for me, always. I have loved this series so much and watching all of the guys fall one by one. I was so ready for Lachlan. I love him with Maggie- they are perfect together. Watching him fall for her was so swoony. This is a perfect low drama, cozy, heartwarming read.

[Mick C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. Lachlan and Maggie start out as two friends just having a good time. When an unexpected pregnancy happens. Will they remain good friends and co-parents or will they find an undying love?

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖫𝖺𝖼𝗁𝗅𝖺𝗇
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖬𝖺𝗀𝗀𝗂𝖾
5 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘺? 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

Maggie, her heart and trust shattered the day her boyfriend betrayed her, and she doesn't wish to go through that pain again. She has a job she loves, friends she adores and her grandmother is her whole world.

Lachlan, is a well known tattoo artist and part owner of Everlasting Ink. He gets to do what he loves and alongside his best friends. His watched every single one of them fall in love over the years and he wants that as well. But he doesn't have anyone to share it with. Yet!

One night, lines were crossed and it has now changed Lachlan and Maggie's lives forever.

The last book in this series and what a beautiful ending. Lachlan and Maggie's chemistry, friendship and love was so perfectly written I honestly could not get enough of this work. The way Lachlan showed up! F****** amazing!

My heart towards the end though! 😪

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Everlasting Ink Family 🩷
Lachlan's parents ❤️
Maggie grandmother ❤️

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🍫🍨🍼 🍫🍨
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🏥🍼🍨🏥🍨
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧 💧

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

’No hay nada más dulce que saber que nuestros corazones están en la misma página.’




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.



Can We Try de Kaylee Ryan Serie Everlasting Ink libro 5

Argumento:

Maggie

Una noche salvaje para perderme… en cambio, accidentalmente encontré un papá para mi bebé.
Después de que mi ex pasara años despreciándome, convenciéndome de que no era suficiente, la idea de confiar en alguien se siente imposible. Pero Lachlan llega a mi vida y casi me hace creer que valgo la pena... y que él vale el riesgo.

Es tan paciente y constante, apareciendo en mi puerta para mis antojos de medianoche y mis náuseas matutinas. Decidido a ser parte de la vida de nuestro hijo, incluso si no estamos juntos.
Estoy tan cansado de estar solo, y tener a alguien se siente demasiado bueno para ser verdad.
Así que cuando él pregunta “¿podemos intentarlo?” quiero decirle que sí y creerle.

Lachlan

Desde el primer momento que conocí a Maggie, supe que ella era una de las buenas.
Pero no fue hasta que escuché la noticia que cambiaría mi vida de que ella estaba embarazada de mi bebé, que supe que la apoyaría sin importar si estuviéramos "juntos" o no.
Estoy totalmente comprometido, por ella y por el bebé. Pero en algún momento, dejó de ser cuestión de hacer lo correcto.

No solo quiero ser parte de la vida de mi hijo. Quiero ser parte de la suya. No solo por nueve meses. Ni por dieciocho años. Quiero ser para siempre.
Y haré lo que sea necesario para demostrar que soy lo suficientemente hombre para ser lo que ella necesita. Para ambos.



Mi humilde opinión:

Romance con aventura de una noche, embarazo sorpresa, diferencia de edad.

Supongo que la serie cierra con la historia de Maggie y Lachlan, son los últimos solteros en obtener su felices para siempre de Everlasting ink. Una noche de pasión juntos lo cambió todo para Maggie y Lachlan y los acercó como nunca imaginaron.

Como no podía ser de otra forma, Lachlan se involucró enseguida una vez que supo que iba a ser padre, este hombre no podía estar mas orgulloso y feliz. Me pareció lindo su entusiasmo y las cosas que hacia para Maggie, estaba presente en absolutamente todo. La pregunta que él le hacia a ella cada vez “Podemos intentar?” me derretía. Al igual que sus amigos, una vez que encontró a la mujer de su vida estuvo dedicado a ella y su objetivo es hacerla feliz.

Maggie estuvo en una mala relación que la lastimó profundamente y le dejó cicatrices. Al principio piensa que a Lachlan le importa solo el bebé y le cuesta creer que la quiere también a ella.

El desarrollo de su relación se fue dando lentamente y me gustó eso, le dio tiempo a Maggie para mostrarle que sus sentimientos eran sinceros. Él se va a abriendo paso en su vida con gestos que le demuestran está para ella y el bebé, que para él son una familia, que la quiere para siempre. Ella no es una heroína que da vueltas al asunto, no deja que su pasado le impida ser feliz y le da una oportunidad a Lachlan. Me emocionó el momento en donde confiesan sus sentimientos y deciden mudarse juntos como familia.

Hay un pequeño momento de angustia, me destruyó la muerte de Doris. La abuela de Maggie era un personaje querible y me hubiera gustado que no suceda. Maggie en su dolor aleja a Lachlan pero los consejos de su suegra le hacen ver que no esta sola y que sigue teniendo una familia aunque no sea de sangre.
En general este un romance malvavisco como yo le llamo, con toneladas de dulzura. Con un héroe que no solo adora a la heroína sino que esta completamente enamorado de su bebé.

Me gustó mucho la serie y conocer a este grupo de mejores amigos que encontraron el amor y aman ser padres de familia. Me hicieron reír cuando intercambiaban ideas para hacer felices a sus mujeres y me emocioné con sus declaraciones de amor durante el Dia de acción de gracias con bebés y niños por todos lados. Hay dos hermosos epílogos de Maggie y Lachlan que cierra la serie Everlasting Ink.