Bittersweet Promises: Montgomery Ink Legacy, Book 1

Montgomery Ink Legacy #1

by Carrie Ann Ryan

With one look, Brooke knows that she cant fight the desire that pulled them together before, despite the skeletons in both their closets.

Leif Montgomery fell hard for Brooke Alder in Paris when they were young, and he thought their fling was just an early taste of what life had in store for him.

But life had other plans, and he didn't find that kind of love—or see Brookes face—for years.

Until he visits his cousins house and sees whos moved in next door.

They've both she's a struggling single mom, he's running from a past he's trying to hide while opening up a new tattoo shop. Yet the moment he sees her again, he knows she's the one for him.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Audiobook, Small Town Romance, Second Chance Romance

Audible Audio

First published October 24, 2022

About the author

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:

The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series

Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.

Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.

The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.

Reviews

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I was a little late to the party and I haven't read Leif's parent's book in the original Montgomery Ink, I started later in the series but I do know something about Austin and Sierra's relationship and Leif's past, I even read a little about them in the Montgomery Ink Bites Cookbook, so I was eager to get my hands on his story and see how things have turned out for him.

Leif and Brooke met ten years ago in Paris and due to a miscommunication they never saw one another again...well that is until she moves next door to his cousin Lake. Now a single mother Brooke is a little different then he remembers but she is mostly the same girl he fell in love with all those years ago.

Brooke and Leif both know the love they had all those years ago still simmers below and it won't take much for it to reignite to a full boil but with the secrets they are both keeping is it safe to forge ahead or will they get burned again?

I loved this Steamy Second Chance Romance it was a great intro to the next set of Montgomery's to get their stories and wow you won't want to miss any of them! I'm excited for Lake's story which is an Enemy to Lovers Romance with Leif's best friend Nick, and it's up next.

If you enjoy Steamy New Adult Contemporary Romances, Single Parent Romances, Large Family Romances, or Second Chance Romances I would recommend this book to you.

Happy Reading!!!

Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewBP



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Heroesinbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Leif and Brooke Stars

This was an enjoyable second chance / single parent romance.
Leif and Brooke meet for the second time over ten years after their first passionate meeting in Paris. I couldn't make out their exact ages but I would guess they were both around 30.
Brooke is the new neighbour of Lake , Leif's cousin and right from meeting up again they re-ignite that smouldering passion. Even though Brooke has had a little boy , Luke, she never had a serious relationship , never fell in love again. Equally , Leif has never been serious about anyone else.

It was a decent read with some drama, some hot moments. I liked the characters well enough although Brooke began to get a bit tiresome with insisting on doing everything herself. It did feel a bit like the Montgomery family dominate the world and I felt like I was missing out a bit as I haven't read many of the other books. That said, the story works overall as a standalone - it's just the finer points of the interconnected relationships that I felt I missed out on.

Great narration by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell. Fairly short listen at 6 hours 19 mins.

HEA? Yes
Cheating? No

[mariana ⋆ [mixordialiteraria] · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew first handed when I decided to pick up this installment in the large Montgomery collection that it wouldn't be a mindblowing reading - because there are too many books and novellas. It was an OK reading, I enjoyed it most of the time. The idea behind the story is good. I like the fact that it's a novel about a huge family, that works in a lot of business branches and is very united, and all that jazz. I like the tattoo parlor storyline too, and the characters are kinda enjoyable.

But there were times that I found myself rolling my eyes and slapping my forehead so much because it was that bad. Just going to enumerate some facts because it's easier to make my point this way.

•The explanation for Brooke and Leif's past relationship is so weak that I preferred believing that the book didn't explain to us at all what happened with them after Paris.

•Also we keep reading about Paris but never got any flashbacks for that time. Because of this lack of explanation, we don't understand the depth of the MC's feelings and got very confused when they start kissing and wondering if they love each other. I got the feeling that the romance is very shallow.

• Time is always fast-forwarding. There's no sense of continuity, as most of the time the chapters end abruptly and the next scenes are happening days and weeks after.

•The writing style is really cringy and so repetitive. Seriously if had to read the name Montgomery 5 more times I would have to stab myself in the eye.

•There are A LOT of coincidences in this book. Like TOO MUCH.

•Also we didn't see much of an evolution through the characters, though they state that they were never in a relationship before. I feel like being in a relationship changes people whether they want to or not, so there should be an evolution. But no, there isn't. And also, we know nothing about Brooke's story and only got a few glimpses of Leif's. I know that Bittersweet Promises is part of spin-off series, but supposedly you should be able to enjoy it as a standalone. That's a long shot, considering this lack of character-building and development.

•The bad guy character is bad. Both of them. Their reasons for acting like dicks toward the MC are so weak that I felt I was reading a story written by a 12-year-old kid (the writing style itself could be done by a kid that age, just saying).

Overall I had an OK time reading Bittersweet Promises, but I just don't think this book is worth getting in the Montgomery family universe, because lemme tell you, you have to invest a lot of your time. After all, it is a huge world!

Nevertheless, you should read this book if you like:
•second chance
•women in STEAM
•single mom
•spice level: 🌶
•fast paced romance
•dual pov

Topics: parenthood, the female role, new beginnings, family support

TW: violence, adoption

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I have been waiting for this series; the next generation of Montgomery’s will be a series of one clicks. Leif and Brooke’s story had me hooked from page one.

I love how this huge family is written, cousins galore, but memorable enough that the family tree was only glanced at before starting. At the same time, if you only read one book, you will not miss a thing other than deciding to pick up more books in the series. Brooke and her son have relocated to Colorado, right in the middle of the Montgomerys, as Lake is her neighbor. She is returning to her comfort zone with her new job. But she knew a Montgomery in Paris; could it be the same family?

As the friendship develops, the air was cleared about a miscommunication ten years ago, and Leif has a connection with Luke; I am immersed in this story and cannot put it down. I love the inclusion of the wisdom and love of Leif’s parents, and we see a window into what makes Leif the man he is today. Then the last chapter has us set up for the next in the series; I can hardly wait.

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

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star Review Bittersweet Promises (Montgomery Ink Legacy #1) by Carrie Ann Ryan

If Bittersweet Promises is anything to go by then Carrie Ann Ryan has a winning series on her hands. From the first chapter I was invested in this next generation with Leif Montgomery and Brooke Alder’s second chance at love story.
Years ago Leif thought that Brooke was his forever but circumstances tore them apart. Fast forward and he is shocked when he visits his cousin to discover single mother Brooke living next door.
Re connecting again it is obvious that the passion and attraction is just as bright as it once was. However they both have to come to terms with the past before they can make a future together. I really liked both Leif and Brooke; he knew who he wanted and was determined to win her back. Brooke is such a loving mother, determined and focused and one I admired..
There were moments where I swooned, moments that brought me to tears and moments that had me smiling. All in all an entertaining well written story and I CNN wait to read more tin this latest series.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧

Leif Montgomery & Brooke Alder

Brooke is a struggling single mom in need of a new beginning and when she moves to town, she quickly finds out that her past has caught up with her. A few nightstands is now right next doorish and he wants more. She wants more.

But her priority is her son. Can they make it work?
Leif sure isn't taking no for an answer and Brooke doesn't and won't turn him away.
Love it. I am loving this series I can't put it down.

I jumped right into book 2.

The narration was great Joe isn't my cup of tea, but he didn't disturb me in the slightest listening to this one. Maxine is awesome!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am ready for the next gen in the Montgomery Series. This family is so proud and so dynamic. There is a care and belong that comes with this family just by being in their orbit.

I have read this Family completely out of order picking up books here and there and mixing all the different branches. Each book stands on it’s own. With each story we get a lay of the land of who is who with our crowded pages or to many names being thrown at you. Carrie Ann Ryan has a true talent for story telling and transporting the reader into this world no matter which direction you come from.
I really liked how this story plays out. Both these characters have these strong and self-reliant personalities. Instead of constantly butting heads when they talk, they realize they are better together. That it is ok to open up and to ask for help. Because it is a second chance romance and the two of them needing to reconnect all these years later with different roles there is a slow burn aspect to the story. Together they have great chemistry and they both really work for the HEA. If you are looking for a well down second chance romance I would recommend Bittersweet Promises.

full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leif and Brooke's romance was the perfect way to kick off this new series. This book reads very easily, and it won't be long until you're fully wrapped up in all the Feels and deep emotions that this book delivers. Sweetness, heat, heart and poignancy make a potent mix that I found incredibly delicious. If this book is any indication, this is going to be another awesome series that you're not going to want to miss out on. I am independently posting an impartial review.

[Ari · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pas fini (27%) mais c'est tellement pas bon, je ne vais jamais finir

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful read, with our couple was mature and determined, working through their emotions and towards a relationship! I loved Leif’s story, his connections to his Montgomery family, his tattoo shop co-workers, and how he just knew he belonged with Brooke and never waivered from that course. Brooke was a wonderful, confident, and dedicated mother and professional. Both had their weaknesses, both recognized them and worked on them, and both knew when it was right, it was right, and went there. Luke was simply the sprinkles on the cupcake!

[Alecia Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bittersweet Promises starts a new arc in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Montgomery family series!
What should you know about the Montgomery family before reading this one? Well, you don’t need to know anything! While this book features characters introduced in previous books, it starts a whole new arc of Montgomery kids stories. We first met 10-year-old Leif in book one of the series, Delicate Ink, when his mom is killed and his dad Austin Montgomery learns of his existence. Now he’s all grown up, tatted up and super sexy with secrets- my catnip!

Leif Montgomery met Brooke Adler in Paris years before, they spent days together falling love but through a miscommunication didn’t meet back up in Colorado. Now years later, Brooke is a single mom to adorable five-year-old Luke and moves next door to Leif’s cousin Lake. These two rekindle their romance but it’s not easy, between Leif’s past coming back to haunt him, Brooke’s new job and son, they have to work for their HEA!

It’s not a secret that I really like the Montgomery family series and now that we are moving into the kids all grown up I am fully invested. Leif and Brooke are wonderful! I loved that Brooke is super brainy professor, Leif is starting a new business and how they have to compromise to be in each others lives. The parts of Austin and Sierra, the extended Montgomery family and Luke just being a kid are lovely. The final chapter set up the next book and I can’t wait!!

[Kristina Maysonet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying that I had not read any of the Montgomery Ink series before reading this book. I was able to follow along pretty easily and didn’t feel like I had to read the previous series, more that I just wanted to. This next generation starts off with Leif and Brooke’s second chance at love. I do wish we had seen more from their first time together in Paris instead of just the summary of what happened.

Leif and Brooke are back in each other’s orbits after quite a few years. They have both changed but some things stay the same and their connection and passion for each other is just the same as it was back then. Brooke is now a single mom and I loved how Leif easily accepted her son into his life and loved him too. There were lots of swoony moments and a lot of steam. There is a very strong family bond that is felt throughout the book and I really love a good family dynamic. Leif’s family has not always been this perfect happy family and of course that comes back causes some conflict. It was nice to have the major conflict of a story be from an outside source that a couple works through together. I will definitely keep reading about this family!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leif & Brooke were in love when they were younger, but something happened & they ended up apart, seemingly forever in both their minds. Fate had other plans for them, and one day out of the blue, Leif goes to visit his cousin, and low & behold, Brooke is his cousin's neighbor. It's quickly apparent that the connection they had wasn't severed, but it's complicated these days. He knows he's not letting her get away again, however, she's a single mom so that makes it a tad harder for her (not him). Both have secrets that need to be dealt with before they can even hope to finally have the happily ever after they were denied so long ago, but will they face the past head on?! Bittersweet Promises held so much emotion in the pages so I was there feeling everything alongside this couple, but there were many sweet moments with a kicker of heat as well. The brilliant Carrie Ann Ryan puts her heart & soul into every book that she creates making it impossible to not feel it as the reader, so I always tend to feel a lot. I'm super excited for this new series and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Lit Shit Podcast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Staci McIntyre wrote this review for her podcast/blog Lit Shit Podcast.

I have loved Leif since we met him like 10 years ago in Delicate Ink! He was such a cute boy who needed some love which Austin and Sierra gave him. It was soo nice to finally see him grown.

Leif and Brooke met a decade ago in Paris and when she moved back, next door to his cousin Lake, they reignite their relationship.

This was a good second chance romance and a great start to a new generation of Montgomery’s I really enjoyed Brooke being a capable, highly decorated professor and a single mom. It truly showed great nuance, strength and depth to her character. Leif was a strong capable family man who has a loving, artsy side. It was nice how they balance each other and then having to both see how asking for help isn’t insecurity but strength. They also really work on their communication and building a relationship.

I’m very excited for Lake’s story!!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leif had a difficult childhood until he became part of the Montgomery family but even years later he worries that it is too-good to be true. He and his cousin are about to start their own tattoo business when his first and only love comes back into his life when she becomes his cousin's neighbor.

Brooke's past has been challenging as well and she is a single mother to her son who is her whole world. When she relocated to Colorado for a new beginning she never expected that it would include facing a man from her past. The chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever but will it be strong enough to overcome all the obstacles in the present as well as the turmoil from the past?

From their first meeting they were drawn to each other in a way that neither expected until misunderstandings and life got in the way. I enjoyed seeing them support and find their way back to each other as there is no denying they are meant to be.

[Erin McN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bittersweet Promises is the first book in the Montgomery Ink Legacy Series. It’s the story of Brooke and Leif. They met 10 years earlier in Paris & fell in love. However, they never met up with each other on the last day of their trip. Present day, they bump into each other and Brooke has a 5 year old son, Luke. Now they must figure out how they feel about each other & what happened.

I love how real & honest this story felt. Ryan was able to capture true emotions & authentic human connection. I can’t wait to pick up “At First Meet” about Nick and Lake, Leif’s best friend and cousin, respectively.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell who do a fabulous job in narrating this already amazing book.
Leif and Brooke meet each other in Paris when they were young and missed there opportunity to be together. Years later, they come across each other and find out that they missed their connection with each other in Paris and start a fresh beginning in their relationship. Do you absolutely love Carrie Ann Ryan and her writing style, and the way that she gets the best narrators for to do her books.

[Jennifer Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series starring the kids of the original Montgomery’s. First up is Leif Montgomery. He is trying to carry on the family legacy by opening up a tattoo parlor. He hopes that he is making his family proud. After being set up by cousin, he feels that it is time to look for a relationship. Feeling that Colorado is her home, Brooke Adler packs up her son and moves. Meeting the new neighbor is interesting, since she happens to be cousins with a man she knew, biblically, in the past. From the minute Brooke and Leif share the page, the chemistry between them is electric. This was a really great story about two people getting a second chance at love. I cannot wait to read about the next Montgomery!

[Valerie Charron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im starting to love book with single mom. And this one has the shortest 3rd act breakup ever. Really love the cute little Luke and the Montgomery family and the plot was just enough

[Hayley · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 56%

[Maria11 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Snore fest. This book just kept repeating itself. I think I heard 3 times who Leif’s partners were and why they started the business. And if I hear how big the Montgomery family is and how they all get along and are sooo special I might vomit. Also rapid repeat of single mom Brooke.

It was predictable and oh so boring.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

The start of a new series with the ever-expanding Montgomery family, Bittersweet Promises is smooth, sweet, with a little dash of tartness. Ms. Ryan is now a must-read author for me. If you loved the family series books by Nora Roberts, then you will love the ones from Ms. Ryan. I cannot get enough of Ms. Ryan's books. These are feel-good romances with realistic problems set in a contemporary setting. This new one is the next generation of the Montgomery Ink side of the family and promises to be angsty with a dollop of honey sweetness.


To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that we get stories from the next generation of Montgomery's. With Leif being the oldest, it makes sense this new series starts with him.

I like the connection that Leif and Brooke had, hated how they missed each other, but glad they get this second chance. I loved that Leif took things slow with Brooke due to her son, even though all he wanted was to get back to where he and Brooke were.

The drama with Leif's past was a bit crazy! I was glad when he told his parents and had Brooke at his back. The drama with Brooke's job was also crazy! I loved that she had the support of people she worked with and of course Leif and all the Montgomery's.

This one ended in a great way for Leif and Brooke, they are well on to living their HEA. Now Lake, on the other hand, is in a world of shit, can't wait to read about what happened with her and for the clan to find out, it really won't be good for someone.

[J-J lover of books · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 29% chapter 7

Maybe this is due to me not reading the original series. But I didn't enjoy this. Too much explaining and it was quite repetitive.

I got frustrated at how many times I was told that Brooke was a single mom. Got stalled by how one dimensional the characters are.

[Rue · Rating 2 out of 5]

not bad book, lowkey interested in the next one and the one after that also the parents story

heat: 🌶

[Vfc · Rating 3 out of 5]

This begins with Leif, all grown up…about to venture on a double (blind date) with his cousin Lake and her date. He realises that her neighbour Brooke is known to him, having met in Paris years earlier and their spark of chemistry is still alive.

Bittersweet Promises is the first in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series, the second generation of the original Ink series, featuring Austin & Sierra's son, Lief and his love interest, Brooke. A second chance romance with an unhinged colleague wanting her job.

Leif and Brooke met in Paris when they were younger and thought they would be together forever. It might have been years, but for reasons unknown they parted ways (it’s later revealed that they got their dates crossed).

Fast forward to six years later and fate has once again intervened with this couple.

Brooke is in search of a fresh start in a familiar setting, complete with a new house, new job and her impressionable son, Luke.

They have both experienced disappointments but have never forgotten each other.
Brooke is a successful, single mum juggling a professional and personal life balance, she finally accepts help and allows others to offer them support. Luke is a well-adjusted little boy and is endearingly sweet.

When Brooke is initially introduced, she’s returned home to Colorado from California with Luke, having been offered a prestigious position as a Professor and is unexpectedly reunited with Leif.

Leif’s mum hid his existence from his father because it gave her control. She didn’t want to share him and contrived lies. His birth mum had many boyfriends, when she became pregnant, she hid it from Austin, his father. She believed she could be the better parent, as they weren’t close. His father lost ten years of Leif’s life. Then she started doing drugs, started dating men that hated her, and abused her. She’d been dating his dad, and even though he professed they were casual, he never would’ve simply abandoned his son. As soon as he realised Leif existed, he made Leif a priority.

His birth mum’s murderous boyfriend, Roger gets released on parole and begins to make threats.

Then there’s Landon Cunning, a member of the faculty vying for her job believing he’s entitled to the position. Patrice a colleague, warned her that he would be coming after her, she hadn’t realised it would begin with passive-aggressive emails.

“Brooke,
I understand starting a new job can be difficult, so why don’t I handle the next afternoon meeting so you can take your time and get your ducks in a row. I wouldn’t want you to overexert yourself. Don’t worry. I’ve done this numerous times before, and I can handle it. I’m just looking out for you.
I will talk to the head adjunct. Don’t you worry.
-- Landon.”

He wanted her job and didn’t get it, his apparent plan was to ruin her enjoyment of it.
Brooke earned her job on merit, not because of who she knew. He got his because of entitlement and his influential father, not because of his accomplishments and credentials. He physically attacks her at school and she lands in the hospital.

Roger, Leif’s mother’s boyfriend went to jail before her death and wasn’t around when Leif was thrust into the system. He was imprisoned, longer than he ever thought possible, because of what he did while he was behind bars. He’s now out and sending threatening notes because he wants money or to scare him.

Lake’s story is next, it seems this will reveal her secret abuse at the hands of Zach.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leif and Brooke are just awesome

Leif Montgomery is the oldest of the "kids" of the original Montgomery series. He's all grown up now and has formed a life of his own. He's opening his own branch of Montgomery Ink tattoo shops. And while it's sorta part of the family, it's sorta not. He's also somewhat ready for the next stage in his personal life. He's seen what good love is like and he's not willing to settle for less. But he's also not really ready to push it looking for love. He met a girl once who he thought might be the one, but life happens sometimes and that was that.

Brooke Alder has lived a life that has had it's ups and downs. She's smart, strong, resourceful and a single mom. She is now a professor and has taken a new job. She's found a house for her and her six year old son Luke. She's ready to begin a new phase in her life. Love isn't really on her radar for now. She's got other stuff she needs to focus on first. But she still remembers fondly a boy she met once who she thought might be the one. But life happens and it didn't pan out.

The thing about life is that sometimes it brings you back to where you should have been all along. You've learned life lessons that change you, help you grow, and make sure you're ready for your fate when the time is right.

When Brooke moves in next door to Leif's cousin ... well fate might have just brought these two together, at last. These two met when they were young, fell hard, and made plans. But somehow those plans got sidetracked. But is now the time for these two to have their happily ever after? You'll have to read the book to find out. I can tell you it will be well worth your time if you do.

The Montgomery's are one of my favorite families ever, they kinda remind me of my large family. They aren't perfect but they love each other and are there for each other through thick and thin. It's no different when Leif and Brooke come back into each others lives.

This work is well thought out, well developed and worth every penny and minute spent on it. If you haven't read any of the other books about the Montgomery family it's OK to start here, you don't NEED to read them to read this one. This can be your gateway into the Montgomery world. You won't regret it ... I promise. If you have read the other Montgomerys ... well you know.

I look forward to reading more about the 2nd generation of Montgomerys and their happily ever afters.

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥



As someone new to the Montgomery Family universe, this was a fantastic introduction to the new generation and the people who have paved the way for them.

Brooke Alder and Leif Montgomery were no strangers. They had an intense fling in Paris that left them heartbroken. A decade and a half later, their paths crossed again, but they have changed so much since their time in France.

Brooke is more than just trying to acclimate to her new town. She also has her own hands full with a young son and a rising career as a research professor. It does not help that a rival dead set on her position is breathing down her neck.

Leif is trying to establish his own legacy apart from the rest of the Montgomery family, young and old. He has struggled with finding a connection like he had with Brooke in Paris, but he knows it is unlikely for him to rebuild the bridge.

It is not hard to see why so many have fallen in love with the charming Montgomery clan. They are so down-to-earth and supportive (and realistic with their own set of conflicts). My favorite part of the read -- aside from the great chemistry between Leif and Brooke, which I will touch more on in a bit -- is how the family embraces Brooke and her son Luke. That arc just felt so organic and seamless.

Now for Leif and Brooke: I really enjoyed peeling the layers of complexity to their connection. They were more than just a fling that fizzled out, and I love that we slowly get to that amidst their own personal dramas. Carrie Ann Ryan does a great job of weaving all of these intricate and complex details and storylines into a well-paced, engaging read.

This is the first of the Montgomery Ink Legacy series, which is the third series set in this book universe. Ryan provides you with enough details and background to understand the elaborate family tree if you are a newbie like me, so this can be read as a standalone.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Carrie Ann Ryan and Give Me Book PR for providing an ARC. **

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is it possible that the sweet and serious little boy I remember from Delicate Ink is all grown up and has his own romance book?!
Leif is definitely all man now, but still dealing with feelings of inadequacy, despite the loving Montgomery family who embraced him at 10 years old and still has his back two decades later.
Brooke is a single mother, living in a "new" town with her son Luke, ready to start a new job. While the surroundings are familiar, much has changed since she lived here before. One person she never expected to see was Leif, the boy she met and fell for in Paris as a teen.
One miscommunication and 10 years later, Brooke is now the neighbor of Leif's cousin Lake, and the attraction is still there. But neither is interested in a relationship...ha, that's what they all say! So, a friendship is renewed, a new connection between Brooke and Leif, as well as his with young Luke, emerges and sparks reignite.
I loved Brooke's independence as much as I adored Leif's instincts to take over and make things better. And his almost instant connection with Luke is simply swoon-worthy. It reminds me so much of the relationship Leif developed with his mom Sierra as a boy. Those protective instincts come naturally through dad Austin as well. Readers hear about Brooke and Leif's Paris love affair, but I would have loved a few flashbacks to that time...hinting here at a prequel, Carrie Ann Ryan!
While longtime readers will thrill at the inclusion of "old guard" Montgomery members such as Leif's parents, new and existing fans will be excited to meet grown up cousins such as Lake as well as Leif's best friend and partner, Nick. Every book in the Montgomery universe can be read as a stand-alone, but I hope those who have not read the book that introduced Leif, Delicate Ink, will go back and read it.
Because you'll need to do something while we wait for Lake's book to come out early next year. And from the looks of things...it's gonna be a doozy! Bittersweet Promises, and author Carrie Ann Ryan, get 5 big stars and this readers gratitude that the Mongomery Ink family lives on in the next generation.

[Jessica Matts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Colorado, and the next generation of Montgomerys.

Bittersweet Promises is the ‘kick-off’ book for Montgomery Ink Legacy series—which will be following all the ‘kids’ of the original Montgomerys as they navigate adulthood—honoring their parents’ legacy—but at the same time carving their own paths.

Bittersweet Promises is Leif and Brooke’s story.

Leif is all grown up, and while he’s opened another tattoo shop—he’s still figuring out life…

Like will he find the type of connection he had years ago in Paris??

Brooke is now a single mother, who packed everything up and moved back to Denver—taking a professor position at the local university.

As they start to unpack, a neighbor offers to rope her cousin into helping them unpack—and who is the cousin—none other than Leif Montgomery…

Their paths haven’t crossed in years…since Paris…can they talk and find their way back to each other?

They both have issues to work through…

Leif still struggles with early childhood memories, and trying to figure out who is sending him ‘odd messages’.

Brooke is trying to her son settled, and get a lab up and running…and not everyone is happy to see her…

Will they overcome their obstacles and find their way back to each other?

The answers…plus guest appearances by numerous Montgomerys can be found within the pages of Bittersweet Promises—which is now available for purchase everywhere.

I absolutely loved this book and the premise for the series—the next generation of Montgomery kids all grown up and making their own paths. What I really love—is the glimpse of the original Montgomerys—because lets face it, I don’t see any of the Montgomerys just sitting back and letting their kids face the unknown and possible dangers.

Of course, there is cheese, snarkiness, and just a feeling of coming home when you start reading any book within the Montgomery Ink World.

I’m looking forward to the next several books in the series, and can’t wait to read Lake’s story.

Bittersweet Promises, Montgomery Ink Legacy #1 is a five out five star book