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The Cage Family #5
Pretend it's Forever
Sophia Cage doesn’t need a protector—she needs a night to pretend her world didn’t splinter. After her world burned, she found herself a single mom, a struggling dance studio owner, and unable to do the one thing that had brought her out of the darkness.
Dance.
When Carson walks into her life, all she can see is the broken person she’d been when they’d first met. She’s stronger than the ghosts of her past, at least that’s what she tells herself. Yet with each accidental encounter with the mysterious and dangerous man who’s inserted himself into the Cage family orbit, she’s finding it harder to walk away.
Carson Woods doesn’t trust people. He’s spent his life protecting his sister from their family and the world all while making sure his businesses are the best in their fields.
Then he meets her.
One wrong move with the shattered yet pieced together Sophia could not only fracture his working relationship with the only friends he has but harm the woman he tells himself he cannot crave.
Pretend it’s Forever is a single mom, who hurt you, opposites attract, contemporary suspense featuring Carson and Sophia in the Cage Family series. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!
Dance.
When Carson walks into her life, all she can see is the broken person she’d been when they’d first met. She’s stronger than the ghosts of her past, at least that’s what she tells herself. Yet with each accidental encounter with the mysterious and dangerous man who’s inserted himself into the Cage family orbit, she’s finding it harder to walk away.
Carson Woods doesn’t trust people. He’s spent his life protecting his sister from their family and the world all while making sure his businesses are the best in their fields.
Then he meets her.
One wrong move with the shattered yet pieced together Sophia could not only fracture his working relationship with the only friends he has but harm the woman he tells himself he cannot crave.
Pretend it’s Forever is a single mom, who hurt you, opposites attract, contemporary suspense featuring Carson and Sophia in the Cage Family series. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!
264 pages, ebook
First published September 8, 2026
About the author
Carrie Ann Ryan
284 books6,682 followersCarrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She's the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
September 7, 2026
I loved reading this book. From the time i picked it up. I couldn’t put it down. I 10/10 recommend reading this book.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 13, 2026
Pretend it’s forever book 5 from the Cage family series by Carrie Ann Ryan.
I have been waiting for Sophia’s book -ever since the ending of book four. This one starts out with a heartbreaking scene- when we find out all is not what it seems. Sophia is almost destroyed broken, lost and shattered, by her abusive spouse. She placed her trust on a person that was terrible and he did everything he could to cause her fear and pain.
She was a principal dancer for the ballet and dancing was her life until that one devastating night. She’s a single mother of twins and they are the joy of her life. I wish I could have had more from Sophia. I felt like I got to know Carson more than I did Sophia in this story. But I still wanted the book to go more in depth of who they were as people.
Carson is her knight in shining armor. He’s a menace but he’s her menace that wants to keep her safe, near, and protected. He was there on the worst day of her life and desperately wants her to notice him. He dreams about her and craves her. He tries to lie to himself and keep an emotional distance, but he falls spectacularly for beautiful Sophia.
Loved Andy- Carson’s loyal driver Loved the special loving connection Carson had with his sister and how he supported her as she navigated life.
Great family saga of the siblings supporting and loving Sophia. I forgot how many siblings there were(12)- due to dear old father having two different sets of family. I would probably remember it better if I read the sibling Cages series closer together. Of course they are all still dealing with their evil father shenanigans - even though he’s long gone. Flynn is a little OTT 🤣 can’t wait to read his book. Got a little preview of his secret behavior- that’s ending but probably not ending- great cliffy for Flynn.
I struggled with wanting more from the story but I am not sure what it was that I was looking for. I looked back at my other reviews in the series and this seems to be my thoughts with some of the other books. I enjoyed this one and I am interested in reading about the Cages as their story plays out. 3.8 stars.
I have been waiting for Sophia’s book -ever since the ending of book four. This one starts out with a heartbreaking scene- when we find out all is not what it seems. Sophia is almost destroyed broken, lost and shattered, by her abusive spouse. She placed her trust on a person that was terrible and he did everything he could to cause her fear and pain.
She was a principal dancer for the ballet and dancing was her life until that one devastating night. She’s a single mother of twins and they are the joy of her life. I wish I could have had more from Sophia. I felt like I got to know Carson more than I did Sophia in this story. But I still wanted the book to go more in depth of who they were as people.
Carson is her knight in shining armor. He’s a menace but he’s her menace that wants to keep her safe, near, and protected. He was there on the worst day of her life and desperately wants her to notice him. He dreams about her and craves her. He tries to lie to himself and keep an emotional distance, but he falls spectacularly for beautiful Sophia.
Loved Andy- Carson’s loyal driver Loved the special loving connection Carson had with his sister and how he supported her as she navigated life.
Great family saga of the siblings supporting and loving Sophia. I forgot how many siblings there were(12)- due to dear old father having two different sets of family. I would probably remember it better if I read the sibling Cages series closer together. Of course they are all still dealing with their evil father shenanigans - even though he’s long gone. Flynn is a little OTT 🤣 can’t wait to read his book. Got a little preview of his secret behavior- that’s ending but probably not ending- great cliffy for Flynn.
I struggled with wanting more from the story but I am not sure what it was that I was looking for. I looked back at my other reviews in the series and this seems to be my thoughts with some of the other books. I enjoyed this one and I am interested in reading about the Cages as their story plays out. 3.8 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Carrie Ann Ryan left me hanging at the end of One Quick Obsession. Oh man! She had me chomping at the bit for Pretend It’s Forever. After all that anticipation, I was hoping Sophia Cage and Carson Woods would give me a story worth waiting for, and they did not disappoint.
In the previous books, Sophia appeared to have it all. She was happy in her career and marriage, or at least that’s what everyone thought. But by the end of book four, we discovered that the picture-perfect life was nothing more than a facade. Behind closed doors, her husband had broken her mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. It was heartbreaking to see just how much she had endured while trying to keep everything together.
In Pretend It’s Forever, Sophia is trying to navigate her new normal. She is rebuilding her life, finding herself again, and adjusting to being a single mother to her beautiful twin girls. I felt for Sophia because she has been through so much, yet she is determined to keep moving forward. Watching her slowly find her strength again was one of the things I appreciated most about her story.
And then there’s Carson Woods.
Carson witnessed Sophia at her absolute worst on the night he rescued her, and from that moment, protecting her became important to him. He wants to keep her safe, but his feelings go much deeper than that. He wants to be more than her protector. The problem? Carson doesn't believe he is worthy of her.
Oh, Carson! 🥹 I really liked this man. His desire to protect Sophia never felt like he was trying to take control of her life. Instead, he wanted to be there for her while she found her way back to herself. And while I understood his insecurities, there were definitely moments when I wanted to tell him to stop selling himself short and see himself the way Sophia did.
I loved watching these two find their way toward each other. Sophia needed someone who would give her space to heal while reminding her that she was worthy of love, and Carson needed to realize that he was worthy of being loved too. Their relationship wasn't just about attraction. There was an emotional connection that grew as they learned to trust each other.
Of course, this is a Cage family story, so the family makes its presence known. 😂 I enjoyed those moments because they added the warmth, support, and occasional chaos that I’ve come to expect from this series.
There were a few things that kept this from being a five-star read for me, but overall, I really enjoyed Sophia and Carson's story. It was emotional, romantic, and, at times, had me wanting to reach through the pages and give both of them a little push.
Another enjoyable addition to the Cage Family series, and now, of course, I’m left wondering about the couple that will be featured in the next installment. Because apparently, I’m not ready to let go of the Cages just yet!
In the previous books, Sophia appeared to have it all. She was happy in her career and marriage, or at least that’s what everyone thought. But by the end of book four, we discovered that the picture-perfect life was nothing more than a facade. Behind closed doors, her husband had broken her mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. It was heartbreaking to see just how much she had endured while trying to keep everything together.
In Pretend It’s Forever, Sophia is trying to navigate her new normal. She is rebuilding her life, finding herself again, and adjusting to being a single mother to her beautiful twin girls. I felt for Sophia because she has been through so much, yet she is determined to keep moving forward. Watching her slowly find her strength again was one of the things I appreciated most about her story.
And then there’s Carson Woods.
Carson witnessed Sophia at her absolute worst on the night he rescued her, and from that moment, protecting her became important to him. He wants to keep her safe, but his feelings go much deeper than that. He wants to be more than her protector. The problem? Carson doesn't believe he is worthy of her.
Oh, Carson! 🥹 I really liked this man. His desire to protect Sophia never felt like he was trying to take control of her life. Instead, he wanted to be there for her while she found her way back to herself. And while I understood his insecurities, there were definitely moments when I wanted to tell him to stop selling himself short and see himself the way Sophia did.
I loved watching these two find their way toward each other. Sophia needed someone who would give her space to heal while reminding her that she was worthy of love, and Carson needed to realize that he was worthy of being loved too. Their relationship wasn't just about attraction. There was an emotional connection that grew as they learned to trust each other.
Of course, this is a Cage family story, so the family makes its presence known. 😂 I enjoyed those moments because they added the warmth, support, and occasional chaos that I’ve come to expect from this series.
There were a few things that kept this from being a five-star read for me, but overall, I really enjoyed Sophia and Carson's story. It was emotional, romantic, and, at times, had me wanting to reach through the pages and give both of them a little push.
Another enjoyable addition to the Cage Family series, and now, of course, I’m left wondering about the couple that will be featured in the next installment. Because apparently, I’m not ready to let go of the Cages just yet!
September 11, 2026
Pretend It’s Forever
The Cage’s and the Montgomery’s are a mixed family, and they find themselves together as one big family. Sophia has her dance studio and classes, as well as her family, she does her best to keep everything together and make her husband happy. One night, getting home late, finding her husband in a state, she gets a whole ew side of him. The anger, vindictive, abusive, emotional and physical abuse he inflicts is beyond anything she ever experienced. This story is full of emotional support from family, fighting for her life, her kids and her safety. Absolutely devastating, heartbreaking beautiful story. Well written story.
The Cage’s and the Montgomery’s are a mixed family, and they find themselves together as one big family. Sophia has her dance studio and classes, as well as her family, she does her best to keep everything together and make her husband happy. One night, getting home late, finding her husband in a state, she gets a whole ew side of him. The anger, vindictive, abusive, emotional and physical abuse he inflicts is beyond anything she ever experienced. This story is full of emotional support from family, fighting for her life, her kids and her safety. Absolutely devastating, heartbreaking beautiful story. Well written story.
September 7, 2026
Audiobook Review
I’m so happy Sophia found her Happily Ever After. She always seemed so well put together and happy with the family she had just started. You just never know what goes on behind closed doors. In her moment of need Carson was there, he was the support she needed and later the reminder of a terrible day. As she recovered from the emotional wounds, she became ready to feel again and Carson was happy to oblige, overcoming his own personal trauma.
I loved Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke’s performance. It was soo good, so deep I could feel it.
I’m so happy Sophia found her Happily Ever After. She always seemed so well put together and happy with the family she had just started. You just never know what goes on behind closed doors. In her moment of need Carson was there, he was the support she needed and later the reminder of a terrible day. As she recovered from the emotional wounds, she became ready to feel again and Carson was happy to oblige, overcoming his own personal trauma.
I loved Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke’s performance. It was soo good, so deep I could feel it.
October 20, 2026
Pretend it’s Forever picks up a little after the shocking events in the epilogue at the end of One Quick Obsession (book 4). Sophia is rebuilding her life and trying to divorce her husband and protect her little girls. What she doesn’t anticipate is being drawn to the mysterious stranger that she meets on the worst night of her life. Carson is guarded, but Sophia seems to break down all his walls.
What I loved about this story is the resilience that Sophia showed in the aftermath of her attack. She is determined to reclaim her life and protect her kids. Carson is a born protector, so when he thinks Sophia may be in danger, he jumps in. I listened to this on audio narrated to perfection by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder. I loved how they brought all the emotions, drama, and steam to this engaging story. I was excited to finally get Sophia’s story, and it exceeded my expectations. Great listen/read.
What I loved about this story is the resilience that Sophia showed in the aftermath of her attack. She is determined to reclaim her life and protect her kids. Carson is a born protector, so when he thinks Sophia may be in danger, he jumps in. I listened to this on audio narrated to perfection by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder. I loved how they brought all the emotions, drama, and steam to this engaging story. I was excited to finally get Sophia’s story, and it exceeded my expectations. Great listen/read.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Carrie Ann Ryan’s Pretend It’s Forever was one of those romances where I expected the love story to get me, but it was the healing and family pieces that really did me in. Thank you to the author for the gifted book. Have you ever picked up a romance and ended up getting completely invested in so much more than the romance?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sophia Cage has already survived more than enough. She’s rebuilding her life after an abusive marriage, raising her twin girls, Hazel and Violet, and figuring out what her future looks like now that the dancing career she once knew has changed. She’s strong, but Ryan doesn’t make her magically okay just because the worst is supposedly behind her. I really appreciated that.
Then Carson Woods walks into her life.
Carson is intense, protective, occasionally infuriating, and exactly the kind of man who thinks he can keep emotions neatly separated from everything else. Sir. This is a romance novel. We know better. 😂
What starts between Sophia and Carson with rules and very definite ideas about what this relationship is NOT supposed to become slowly turns into something neither of them planned for. I loved watching Carson with Sophia, but seeing him with Hazel and Violet might have been what completely did me in. There’s something about a man falling for the whole package—not simply the woman—that gets me every single time.
And the Cage family? Still one of my favorite parts of this series. They are messy, fiercely loyal, ridiculously involved in one another’s lives, and there is absolutely no chance Sophia is facing anything alone. When her past threatens the life she has fought so hard to rebuild, that protective streak comes out in full force.
There are some genuinely scary and emotional moments here, and I was MAD more than once. But underneath all of it is a story about choosing yourself again, allowing yourself to be loved, and realizing that surviving something doesn’t mean it gets to define everything that comes afterward.
This one earned every one of those five stars.
What gets you more in a romance—the couple falling in love, or watching someone finally realize they deserve that love?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sophia Cage has already survived more than enough. She’s rebuilding her life after an abusive marriage, raising her twin girls, Hazel and Violet, and figuring out what her future looks like now that the dancing career she once knew has changed. She’s strong, but Ryan doesn’t make her magically okay just because the worst is supposedly behind her. I really appreciated that.
Then Carson Woods walks into her life.
Carson is intense, protective, occasionally infuriating, and exactly the kind of man who thinks he can keep emotions neatly separated from everything else. Sir. This is a romance novel. We know better. 😂
What starts between Sophia and Carson with rules and very definite ideas about what this relationship is NOT supposed to become slowly turns into something neither of them planned for. I loved watching Carson with Sophia, but seeing him with Hazel and Violet might have been what completely did me in. There’s something about a man falling for the whole package—not simply the woman—that gets me every single time.
And the Cage family? Still one of my favorite parts of this series. They are messy, fiercely loyal, ridiculously involved in one another’s lives, and there is absolutely no chance Sophia is facing anything alone. When her past threatens the life she has fought so hard to rebuild, that protective streak comes out in full force.
There are some genuinely scary and emotional moments here, and I was MAD more than once. But underneath all of it is a story about choosing yourself again, allowing yourself to be loved, and realizing that surviving something doesn’t mean it gets to define everything that comes afterward.
This one earned every one of those five stars.
What gets you more in a romance—the couple falling in love, or watching someone finally realize they deserve that love?
Review of advance copy
Universal
In her moment of most need, Carson walks into Sophia's life. Later they meet again, but all they agree to is one time. Neither is exactly in the right mindset for a relationship, but neither can seem to walk away either. Her girls especially, bond with Carson, and he's so good with them. But when her ex continues to bother her, it might just be the end of anything they're starting to build.
The Cage family just keeps getting more heartbreaking, and better, with each couple. Sophia's and Carson's story is particularly brutal, especially Sophia's. Her ex is so awful, and just kept getting worse with each interaction. But Sophia persisted, only showing her strength, and her family just kept showing up for her. And then there's Carson...he thought he wasn't a good person, but Sophia knew better. He may have wanted to resist because of his ties with her family, but he couldn't hold out any longer. They didn't want to tell each other how they really felt, but with the help of some rather unfortunate events, they finally realized they had to. And it's so sweet! I love this reluctant couple, no matter how long it took them to get to their happiness, they finally achieved it, and it was so worth it!
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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Review of advance copy
Pretend Its Forever is book 5 in the Cage Family series and follows professional ballerina turned ballet school owner and teacher, Sophia as her life falls apart and she learns to trust herself and others again.
Sophia is one of the other Cage's. Her mother never married her father and she and her siblings were not raised with the Cage last name. She grew up dancing ballet, and even danced professionally. She retired from the ballet, opened her ballet school and married her longtime boyfriend, Kale. She seemingly had it all growing up.
Carson is the son his father always wanted. When his sister was born first, his parents had another child to try for a son, and hit the jackpot. His father is a narcissist who only cares about what helps him and not what is fair or best for others. Carson swore he would never be his father and went out on his own in business instead of joining the family business.
Sophia suffered in silence in her marriage. But when tragedy strikes, her brother Flynn and his friend, Carson, are there to intervene on her behalf. Carson had never met her, but she left a mark on him. At her most damaged point, all she was worried about were her babies.
Even with all of the Cage resources, Sophia was never able to get justice for what was done to her. As the victim, she suffered even more. She is in constant pain, which now makes it nearly impossible for her to teach the ballet classes at her school. Her attacker is free and never served a day in jail. All she has to show for it is a restraining order, a single piece of paper.
More than a year after Sophia's attack, Carson finally meets her officially. He is friends, business partner and sparring partner with her brothers. Something about him triggers her in a way she cannot identify. He tiptoes around the attack, until he finds out what the outcome was in court and that he is bothering her again.
Sophia and Carson have a pull. They try to pretend it is not there, but eventually they give in. It is just supposed to be the one time. Yeah right.
But when two of her brothers show up at her house, will their one night tear apart friendships, a business relationship, and fracture their family that has worked so hard to come together after their father's death?
I had a hard time with this book. I have a hard time with domestic assault. Anyone who has grown up with it understands my feelings. I understand it is not uncommon for a woman to hide the effects of the abuse, but I was surprised Sophia put up with it for as long as she did. It broke my heart to see what was done to her, both physically and mentally. Although I do not normally condone serving justice, in this case Kale deserved it. I wish she had let her brothers and Carson take care of the problem.
Carson is a saint. Well, not really, but the restraint he shows is outside his normal. But he treats Sophia like a princess and her little girls absolutely love him. One of his most endearing traits, for me, is being willing to change his last name to Cage so Sophia and the girls do not ever have to change theirs again. Talk about an aaahhhhh moment.
I was surprised that Aston was not involved in confronting Carson about his relationship with Sophia. As the oldest Cage, I thought for sure he would be right there ready to give him a beat down. But he kept things professional.
Finally, Flynn redeemed himself when tragedy struck. He was the one, along with another brother, who came to notify Sophia about what happened. He was the one to support her. For someone who was so against her and Carson getting together, he was her support system in a time of need.
Jason Clarke is dreamy to listen to and I love him as Carson. His caring nature when dealing with Sophia, and his sister, his dark side, everything. Emma Wilder always nails it as the female characters in the books she narrates. I have been listening to her, with Jason Clarke, for years and these two work so well together.
Sophia is one of the other Cage's. Her mother never married her father and she and her siblings were not raised with the Cage last name. She grew up dancing ballet, and even danced professionally. She retired from the ballet, opened her ballet school and married her longtime boyfriend, Kale. She seemingly had it all growing up.
Carson is the son his father always wanted. When his sister was born first, his parents had another child to try for a son, and hit the jackpot. His father is a narcissist who only cares about what helps him and not what is fair or best for others. Carson swore he would never be his father and went out on his own in business instead of joining the family business.
Sophia suffered in silence in her marriage. But when tragedy strikes, her brother Flynn and his friend, Carson, are there to intervene on her behalf. Carson had never met her, but she left a mark on him. At her most damaged point, all she was worried about were her babies.
Even with all of the Cage resources, Sophia was never able to get justice for what was done to her. As the victim, she suffered even more. She is in constant pain, which now makes it nearly impossible for her to teach the ballet classes at her school. Her attacker is free and never served a day in jail. All she has to show for it is a restraining order, a single piece of paper.
More than a year after Sophia's attack, Carson finally meets her officially. He is friends, business partner and sparring partner with her brothers. Something about him triggers her in a way she cannot identify. He tiptoes around the attack, until he finds out what the outcome was in court and that he is bothering her again.
Sophia and Carson have a pull. They try to pretend it is not there, but eventually they give in. It is just supposed to be the one time. Yeah right.
But when two of her brothers show up at her house, will their one night tear apart friendships, a business relationship, and fracture their family that has worked so hard to come together after their father's death?
I had a hard time with this book. I have a hard time with domestic assault. Anyone who has grown up with it understands my feelings. I understand it is not uncommon for a woman to hide the effects of the abuse, but I was surprised Sophia put up with it for as long as she did. It broke my heart to see what was done to her, both physically and mentally. Although I do not normally condone serving justice, in this case Kale deserved it. I wish she had let her brothers and Carson take care of the problem.
Carson is a saint. Well, not really, but the restraint he shows is outside his normal. But he treats Sophia like a princess and her little girls absolutely love him. One of his most endearing traits, for me, is being willing to change his last name to Cage so Sophia and the girls do not ever have to change theirs again. Talk about an aaahhhhh moment.
I was surprised that Aston was not involved in confronting Carson about his relationship with Sophia. As the oldest Cage, I thought for sure he would be right there ready to give him a beat down. But he kept things professional.
Finally, Flynn redeemed himself when tragedy struck. He was the one, along with another brother, who came to notify Sophia about what happened. He was the one to support her. For someone who was so against her and Carson getting together, he was her support system in a time of need.
Jason Clarke is dreamy to listen to and I love him as Carson. His caring nature when dealing with Sophia, and his sister, his dark side, everything. Emma Wilder always nails it as the female characters in the books she narrates. I have been listening to her, with Jason Clarke, for years and these two work so well together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love this series—in fact, I love all of Carrie Ann Ryan's books! The Cage family, with all their drama, complicated connections, and the inevitable chaos that ensues, is completely addictive. This time, it’s Sophia Cage Dixon's turn to find her happily ever after. As the youngest sibling in her branch of this complex family, her journey is anything but easy. Please note that this book touches on heavy themes, so consider this a trigger warning for domestic abuse.
During one particularly violent episode with her ex, Sophia’s brother Flynn and his friend Carson visit her home, step in to stop her husband, and ensure he is arrested. It is definitely not the most romantic first meeting, but it changes everything.
This highly emotional and, at times, gut-wrenching story introduces us to Carson and his sister Cora, who are dealing with their own family challenges and parents who failed them.
Now living as a single parent, Sophia is legally fighting her ex, Cale (who somehow avoided major consequences and was only ordered to attend anger management), to keep him away from her adorable twins, Mia and Nora. Seeking a brief escape, Sophia goes out dancing with friends one night and runs into Carson again. They agree to a one-night-only arrangement with no promises and no future. However, their palpable connection and explosive chemistry make it impossible to stay away from each other.
Carson is involved with Sophia's brothers both professionally and personally, leaving him conflicted about crossing the line—but the pull is too strong to resist. While the protective Cage men step up exactly as you'd expect, Sophia is determined to remain the captain of her own life.
What starts as a temporary fling quickly takes them on a journey filled with unexpected twists, intense angst, danger, suspense, and ultimately, a beautiful love. I loved watching Carson and Sophia's relationship develop, and seeing how incredible he was with the twins completely melted my heart. I was rooting for them every step of the way!
While their path to happiness was far from smooth, I was completely invested in their hard-fought connection and rooted for them every step of the way. It was also incredibly heartwarming to see the Cage family wrap their arms around Carson’s sister, Cora. This book reduced me to tears more times than I can count, but I absolutely loved every single moment of it.
Every character has immense depth and feels completely relatable. They are brought to life beautifully by the wonderful narration of Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke, who make you feel every ounce of emotion so deeply.
During one particularly violent episode with her ex, Sophia’s brother Flynn and his friend Carson visit her home, step in to stop her husband, and ensure he is arrested. It is definitely not the most romantic first meeting, but it changes everything.
This highly emotional and, at times, gut-wrenching story introduces us to Carson and his sister Cora, who are dealing with their own family challenges and parents who failed them.
Now living as a single parent, Sophia is legally fighting her ex, Cale (who somehow avoided major consequences and was only ordered to attend anger management), to keep him away from her adorable twins, Mia and Nora. Seeking a brief escape, Sophia goes out dancing with friends one night and runs into Carson again. They agree to a one-night-only arrangement with no promises and no future. However, their palpable connection and explosive chemistry make it impossible to stay away from each other.
Carson is involved with Sophia's brothers both professionally and personally, leaving him conflicted about crossing the line—but the pull is too strong to resist. While the protective Cage men step up exactly as you'd expect, Sophia is determined to remain the captain of her own life.
What starts as a temporary fling quickly takes them on a journey filled with unexpected twists, intense angst, danger, suspense, and ultimately, a beautiful love. I loved watching Carson and Sophia's relationship develop, and seeing how incredible he was with the twins completely melted my heart. I was rooting for them every step of the way!
While their path to happiness was far from smooth, I was completely invested in their hard-fought connection and rooted for them every step of the way. It was also incredibly heartwarming to see the Cage family wrap their arms around Carson’s sister, Cora. This book reduced me to tears more times than I can count, but I absolutely loved every single moment of it.
Every character has immense depth and feels completely relatable. They are brought to life beautifully by the wonderful narration of Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke, who make you feel every ounce of emotion so deeply.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been waiting for Sophia’s story and it is just as captivating as the other books in this series. Like her siblings, she is dealing with the messy legacy her late father left behind. Along with her four biological siblings, she now has seven half siblings, all brothers, who her branch of the family never knew existed before their father’s death. All of the siblings have made an effort to get to know each other and connect. Her half brothers have turned out to be just as protective of Sophia and her sisters as their biological brother. It is Flynn, her second oldest half brother, and his friend Carson who show up to rescue Sophia and her twin girls on the worst night of her life. It is also Flynn who later warns Carson to keep his distance from Sofia, but Carson isn’t inclined to listen.
Carson and Sophia’s first meeting is not one either wants to remember. They meet a year later and then he seems to be everywhere she goes after that. He always seems to be present when she is not at her best. Her twins seem to be comfortable with him and he is gentle and kind to them. He doesn’t treat them like they are nuisances, as their own father does. Sophia is very aware of the sparks and heat between them, but she is understandably wary of men, and Carson exudes power and strength that make her even more cautious. He slowly wears down resistance with his attention to her daughters and herself. Who can resist a guy who made it his business to know your favourite treats and easily interacts with your little girls?
Carson has never felt this level of attraction for any other woman, and he will not let his friendship with her brothers deter him. Sophia intrigues him, and he admires her beauty, strength, and resilience. She eventually agrees to a night of passion with him, but one night turns out to not be enough for either of them. Unfortunately, their pasts haunt them. Her ex is causing trouble and threatening her. Though she doesn’t want a protector, she feels safe with Carson. He makes her feel seen and heard, but doesn’t try to control her life. Just as she is beginning to envision a future with him, he does a full about face. Suddenly, Carson is pushing her away and intent on making a full retreat, believing that Sophia deserves someone better than him. Fortunately, some sibling interference sets them back on track toward a happily ever after.
Their story is emotional, twisty, and mesmerizing, with plenty of spice and suspense to make it thoroughly enjoyable. It has my unreserved recommendation.
Carson and Sophia’s first meeting is not one either wants to remember. They meet a year later and then he seems to be everywhere she goes after that. He always seems to be present when she is not at her best. Her twins seem to be comfortable with him and he is gentle and kind to them. He doesn’t treat them like they are nuisances, as their own father does. Sophia is very aware of the sparks and heat between them, but she is understandably wary of men, and Carson exudes power and strength that make her even more cautious. He slowly wears down resistance with his attention to her daughters and herself. Who can resist a guy who made it his business to know your favourite treats and easily interacts with your little girls?
Carson has never felt this level of attraction for any other woman, and he will not let his friendship with her brothers deter him. Sophia intrigues him, and he admires her beauty, strength, and resilience. She eventually agrees to a night of passion with him, but one night turns out to not be enough for either of them. Unfortunately, their pasts haunt them. Her ex is causing trouble and threatening her. Though she doesn’t want a protector, she feels safe with Carson. He makes her feel seen and heard, but doesn’t try to control her life. Just as she is beginning to envision a future with him, he does a full about face. Suddenly, Carson is pushing her away and intent on making a full retreat, believing that Sophia deserves someone better than him. Fortunately, some sibling interference sets them back on track toward a happily ever after.
Their story is emotional, twisty, and mesmerizing, with plenty of spice and suspense to make it thoroughly enjoyable. It has my unreserved recommendation.
September 7, 2026
Some love stories are messy. This one is unforgettable. ❤️🔥
I knew going into this book that Sophia’s story was going to be emotional, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much I would become invested in her and Carson.
Sophia has been through more than anyone should have to endure. She’s trying to rebuild her life, protect her daughters, run her business, and find her footing after a painful past. She doesn’t need someone swooping in to save her and I loved that about her. She’s strong, determined, and fiercely protective of the people she loves.
Then there’s Carson. 🥵
He starts out trying very hard to convince himself that Sophia is completely off-limits. She’s his friend’s sister, after all. Unfortunately for him, chemistry doesn’t exactly care about rules.
Their relationship develops in a way that made it incredibly easy to root for them. There’s attraction, tension, vulnerability, and plenty of moments where you can practically feel them fighting what they want. Carson’s softer side, especially when it comes to Sophia and her girls was one of my favorite parts of the story.
And the Cage family? Still absolutely living up to their reputation. 😂❤️ The loyalty, protectiveness, chaos, and unconditional love between them continue to make this series so much fun.
But this book isn’t just romance. There’s an emotional layer running underneath everything, along with enough suspense and unexpected turns to keep me guessing. Sophia’s past refuses to stay buried, and watching her navigate everything while trying to build something better for herself gave the story so much depth.
What I loved:
💕 Strong, resilient heroine
🔥 Serious chemistry
🥹 A hero with a surprisingly tender side
👧 Adorable moments with Sophia’s daughters
❤️🔥 Protective family dynamics
😳 Suspense that kept me turning pages
💋 Plenty of spice
✨ A romance that feels earned
I especially loved that Carson never made Sophia feel like she needed to become someone else. He saw her strength, respected it, and still wanted to be the person standing beside her.
This was such a satisfying addition to the Cage Family series, and Sophia absolutely deserves her happy ending.
Emotional, steamy, suspenseful, and packed with family drama… this one checked all my romance boxes.
If you’re already invested in the Cage family, you definitely won’t want to skip this story! ❤️🔥📚
Thank you Carrie Ann for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I knew going into this book that Sophia’s story was going to be emotional, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much I would become invested in her and Carson.
Sophia has been through more than anyone should have to endure. She’s trying to rebuild her life, protect her daughters, run her business, and find her footing after a painful past. She doesn’t need someone swooping in to save her and I loved that about her. She’s strong, determined, and fiercely protective of the people she loves.
Then there’s Carson. 🥵
He starts out trying very hard to convince himself that Sophia is completely off-limits. She’s his friend’s sister, after all. Unfortunately for him, chemistry doesn’t exactly care about rules.
Their relationship develops in a way that made it incredibly easy to root for them. There’s attraction, tension, vulnerability, and plenty of moments where you can practically feel them fighting what they want. Carson’s softer side, especially when it comes to Sophia and her girls was one of my favorite parts of the story.
And the Cage family? Still absolutely living up to their reputation. 😂❤️ The loyalty, protectiveness, chaos, and unconditional love between them continue to make this series so much fun.
But this book isn’t just romance. There’s an emotional layer running underneath everything, along with enough suspense and unexpected turns to keep me guessing. Sophia’s past refuses to stay buried, and watching her navigate everything while trying to build something better for herself gave the story so much depth.
What I loved:
💕 Strong, resilient heroine
🔥 Serious chemistry
🥹 A hero with a surprisingly tender side
👧 Adorable moments with Sophia’s daughters
❤️🔥 Protective family dynamics
😳 Suspense that kept me turning pages
💋 Plenty of spice
✨ A romance that feels earned
I especially loved that Carson never made Sophia feel like she needed to become someone else. He saw her strength, respected it, and still wanted to be the person standing beside her.
This was such a satisfying addition to the Cage Family series, and Sophia absolutely deserves her happy ending.
Emotional, steamy, suspenseful, and packed with family drama… this one checked all my romance boxes.
If you’re already invested in the Cage family, you definitely won’t want to skip this story! ❤️🔥📚
Thank you Carrie Ann for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 7, 2026
Sophia Cage has lived in fear, and is on the other side rebuilding her life with her twin daughters. Running her dance studio now that her full time performance days are over, she leans on her family when she needs to, but loves seeing her students build their skills. She isn’t done with her ex though, as the lawyers are still working through custody decisions. She doesn’t want her daughters to have to see their father, but since he never threatened them, she can’t keep them away forever.
Carson Woods works with the Cages and was there the night that Sophia’s world shifted forever. He hates that he reminds her of that night when they meet again, but is in awe of her strength. He isn’t a relationship kind of guy, but finds himself drawn to her and her daughters, even as he tells himself (and her brothers) that he isn’t interested.
I loved the way these two found the way behind the other’s walls. Carson is immediately protective of both her and the girls, having seen what she left behind. He may not want a relationship, but he wants her and he wants her safe. She just wants an escape from her reality for a little bit, and why not with the man who is at least good enough to be friends with her family. Even though she doesn’t trust her own taste in men, she figures he won’t hurt her simply because of the connection to her family.
There were some predictable bits to this story, but also some great twists that had both characters evaluating what was important to them. The Cage family has overcome so much over the course of their series, and while their father’s machinations are no longer keeping them together, the bonds they built while exercising the conditions of his will have formed a unified, cohesive group of adults who love and care for each other and rush surround any sibling that needs help (from either branch of the family).
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Carson Woods works with the Cages and was there the night that Sophia’s world shifted forever. He hates that he reminds her of that night when they meet again, but is in awe of her strength. He isn’t a relationship kind of guy, but finds himself drawn to her and her daughters, even as he tells himself (and her brothers) that he isn’t interested.
I loved the way these two found the way behind the other’s walls. Carson is immediately protective of both her and the girls, having seen what she left behind. He may not want a relationship, but he wants her and he wants her safe. She just wants an escape from her reality for a little bit, and why not with the man who is at least good enough to be friends with her family. Even though she doesn’t trust her own taste in men, she figures he won’t hurt her simply because of the connection to her family.
There were some predictable bits to this story, but also some great twists that had both characters evaluating what was important to them. The Cage family has overcome so much over the course of their series, and while their father’s machinations are no longer keeping them together, the bonds they built while exercising the conditions of his will have formed a unified, cohesive group of adults who love and care for each other and rush surround any sibling that needs help (from either branch of the family).
Tammy, Kim, Rachel | Facebook | X | Pinterest |
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stonger Together!!!
Sophia Cage Dixon whom we've met from the beginning of the series found herself a single mother of two beautiful children after a traumatic incident. She owns a dance studio but ever since what happened to her years ago, she found herself in a funk that she can't seem to get out from. She can't even do the one thing that used to bring her joy...dance.
She found herself being attracted to a man who has been apart of her family's entourage for a very long time but he too was broken. She knows she should walk away from him but she couldn't bring herself to do it. He saw her at her lowest yet he didn't runaway instead he wanted to be her shield.
Carson Woods, a man who works with the Cages and who has been apart of their lives for a while. He doesn't trust people easily because he had to protect his sister from his dysfunctional family and anyone who could possibly harm her. Yet he found himself trusting the Cages. Especially one Cage in practically, he knows he shouldn't let his guard but he'd been craving one woman for a very long time...Sophia Cage.
Finally he was willing to take a chance at the impossible, risking his heart, his sibling and two little girls he'd come to love as his own. It scared him just as much as it scared Sophia. As they spent more time together, they both found themselves breaking the rules they'd set. In order to prevent things from worse, he made a decision that nearly costed him his happiness.
Danger was lurking around Sophia once again but this time she wasn't alone, she had her family and a man she'd come to love on her side. Knowing they would have her six gave her the strength she needed to keep fighting..
So happy that Carson and Sophia finally got their HEA. It was great to catch up with old characters. I'm looking forward to what comes next in this series.
PRETEND IT’S FOREVER is the fifth book in Carrie Ann Ryan's THE CAGE FAMILY series. It was such a heartbreaking and an incredible experience. Carrie did an exquisite job. I can’t wait for what comes next. You guys should grab yourselves a copy and enjoy the ride. 5🌟🌟🌟🌟
****I received this book, without any obligation to review.****
Sophia Cage Dixon whom we've met from the beginning of the series found herself a single mother of two beautiful children after a traumatic incident. She owns a dance studio but ever since what happened to her years ago, she found herself in a funk that she can't seem to get out from. She can't even do the one thing that used to bring her joy...dance.
She found herself being attracted to a man who has been apart of her family's entourage for a very long time but he too was broken. She knows she should walk away from him but she couldn't bring herself to do it. He saw her at her lowest yet he didn't runaway instead he wanted to be her shield.
Carson Woods, a man who works with the Cages and who has been apart of their lives for a while. He doesn't trust people easily because he had to protect his sister from his dysfunctional family and anyone who could possibly harm her. Yet he found himself trusting the Cages. Especially one Cage in practically, he knows he shouldn't let his guard but he'd been craving one woman for a very long time...Sophia Cage.
Finally he was willing to take a chance at the impossible, risking his heart, his sibling and two little girls he'd come to love as his own. It scared him just as much as it scared Sophia. As they spent more time together, they both found themselves breaking the rules they'd set. In order to prevent things from worse, he made a decision that nearly costed him his happiness.
Danger was lurking around Sophia once again but this time she wasn't alone, she had her family and a man she'd come to love on her side. Knowing they would have her six gave her the strength she needed to keep fighting..
So happy that Carson and Sophia finally got their HEA. It was great to catch up with old characters. I'm looking forward to what comes next in this series.
PRETEND IT’S FOREVER is the fifth book in Carrie Ann Ryan's THE CAGE FAMILY series. It was such a heartbreaking and an incredible experience. Carrie did an exquisite job. I can’t wait for what comes next. You guys should grab yourselves a copy and enjoy the ride. 5🌟🌟🌟🌟
****I received this book, without any obligation to review.****
Review of advance copy received from Author
Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Romantic Suspense
Length: 264 Pages
Pace: Fast
Moods: Emotional, Easy to Read, Romantic, Steamy, Page Turner, Hopeful, Sad, Entertaining, Wonderful Characters, Suspenseful
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Early in the Cage Family series we were introduced to Sophia and Cale and watched as their relationship evolved from boyfriend/girlfriend to fiance and then husband/wife. Initially, it seemed that something finally was going right for Sophia Cage. After learning that her father had a secret family, she needed something better in her life to hold on to. Unfortunately, things are not always what they appear to be on the outside. As a former prima donna, Sophia understands what it takes to put on a good performance and after two years of a damaged marriage she has learned to do just that. That is until the night everything shattered.
Carson Woods has had a working relationship with the Cage family for quite some time. If people thought that the patriarch of the Cage family was a no good scoundrel, Carson's dad personifies the saying 'hold my beer'. The man can't even be happy for his two children who have gone on to lead successful, happy lives. Carson was at Sophia's house the night Cale attacked her with a baseball bat, fracturing her body and her career. Since then his protective instinct has gone into overdrive in regards to her and her twin daughters. Neither of them was looking for a romantic commitment but fate had a different plan.
What I Loved:
Sophia As the Long Game: Sophia and Cale's relationship was introduced very early in the series. Their outcome could have gone in either direction; happily ever after or didn't have what it takes to be successful. Sophia became such a strong person during the telling of her story.
The Twins: Sophia's daughters are just too cute. I love the relationship they develop with Carson. He claims to not be a kid person but those two were able to wrap him around their little fingers.
This story was difficult to read. Domestic violence is not always an easy topic to tackle but it is a real life reality and I am happy that Carrie Ann Ryan is able to bring these subjects to the fore front.
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Romantic Suspense
Length: 264 Pages
Pace: Fast
Moods: Emotional, Easy to Read, Romantic, Steamy, Page Turner, Hopeful, Sad, Entertaining, Wonderful Characters, Suspenseful
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Early in the Cage Family series we were introduced to Sophia and Cale and watched as their relationship evolved from boyfriend/girlfriend to fiance and then husband/wife. Initially, it seemed that something finally was going right for Sophia Cage. After learning that her father had a secret family, she needed something better in her life to hold on to. Unfortunately, things are not always what they appear to be on the outside. As a former prima donna, Sophia understands what it takes to put on a good performance and after two years of a damaged marriage she has learned to do just that. That is until the night everything shattered.
Carson Woods has had a working relationship with the Cage family for quite some time. If people thought that the patriarch of the Cage family was a no good scoundrel, Carson's dad personifies the saying 'hold my beer'. The man can't even be happy for his two children who have gone on to lead successful, happy lives. Carson was at Sophia's house the night Cale attacked her with a baseball bat, fracturing her body and her career. Since then his protective instinct has gone into overdrive in regards to her and her twin daughters. Neither of them was looking for a romantic commitment but fate had a different plan.
What I Loved:
Sophia As the Long Game: Sophia and Cale's relationship was introduced very early in the series. Their outcome could have gone in either direction; happily ever after or didn't have what it takes to be successful. Sophia became such a strong person during the telling of her story.
The Twins: Sophia's daughters are just too cute. I love the relationship they develop with Carson. He claims to not be a kid person but those two were able to wrap him around their little fingers.
This story was difficult to read. Domestic violence is not always an easy topic to tackle but it is a real life reality and I am happy that Carrie Ann Ryan is able to bring these subjects to the fore front.
Review of advance copy received from Author
@carrieannryanauthor completely outdid herself with "Pretend It’s Forever", the fifth installment of the Cage Family series releasing September 7th. If you love romantic suspense with high emotional stakes and an all-consuming connection, this one belongs on your bookshelf and your Kindle right now.
🗝 Key Details & Plot Highlights 🩰
➡️The Heroine (Sophia Cage Dixon): A resilient single mom to two little girls, Sophia is fighting to rebuild her life after a past trauma that stripped away her ability to find joy in dance. She's vulnerable, strong, and fiercely protective of her daughters.
➡️The Hero (Carson Woods): Deeply loyal to the Cage family, Carson carries his own scars from protecting his sister from a dysfunctional past. Trust doesn't come easily to him—except when it comes to Sophia, whom he has secretly craved and wanted to shield for years.
➡️The Dynamic: From breaking their own rules to risking their hearts for a family dynamic that feels earned, their chemistry is off the charts. Carson stepping up for Sophia and falling for her girls will melt you on the spot.
➡️The Connection: Although Sophia knows she should keep her distance from someone carrying just as much emotional baggage as herself, their magnetic pull proves impossible to resist.
➡️Family Bonds: As Carson lets his guard
down, he risks his heart not only for Sophia, but for her two young daughters, whom he grows to love as his own.
➡️The Conflict: As the two spend more time together, boundaries shatter. Terrified of the emotional exposure and the fear of making things worse, Carson makes a pivotal choice that nearly costs both of them their chance at happiness.
➡️The Danger: Just as they begin to heal, psst threats resurface, putting Sophia in im
minent danger. This time, however, she is surrounded by the Cage family and a fiercely devoted Carson standing by her side to face the threat head-on.
if your vibe is..
🩰Single Mom / Found Family
🗝Touch Her & You Die / Fierce Protector
🩰Deeply Emotional / Hurt-to-Heal
🗝Romantic Suspense
🩰Longing & High Chemistry
...add to your TBR
🗝 Key Details & Plot Highlights 🩰
➡️The Heroine (Sophia Cage Dixon): A resilient single mom to two little girls, Sophia is fighting to rebuild her life after a past trauma that stripped away her ability to find joy in dance. She's vulnerable, strong, and fiercely protective of her daughters.
➡️The Hero (Carson Woods): Deeply loyal to the Cage family, Carson carries his own scars from protecting his sister from a dysfunctional past. Trust doesn't come easily to him—except when it comes to Sophia, whom he has secretly craved and wanted to shield for years.
➡️The Dynamic: From breaking their own rules to risking their hearts for a family dynamic that feels earned, their chemistry is off the charts. Carson stepping up for Sophia and falling for her girls will melt you on the spot.
➡️The Connection: Although Sophia knows she should keep her distance from someone carrying just as much emotional baggage as herself, their magnetic pull proves impossible to resist.
➡️Family Bonds: As Carson lets his guard
down, he risks his heart not only for Sophia, but for her two young daughters, whom he grows to love as his own.
➡️The Conflict: As the two spend more time together, boundaries shatter. Terrified of the emotional exposure and the fear of making things worse, Carson makes a pivotal choice that nearly costs both of them their chance at happiness.
➡️The Danger: Just as they begin to heal, psst threats resurface, putting Sophia in im
minent danger. This time, however, she is surrounded by the Cage family and a fiercely devoted Carson standing by her side to face the threat head-on.
if your vibe is..
🩰Single Mom / Found Family
🗝Touch Her & You Die / Fierce Protector
🩰Deeply Emotional / Hurt-to-Heal
🗝Romantic Suspense
🩰Longing & High Chemistry
...add to your TBR
Review of advance copy received from Author
@carrieannryanauthor completely outdid herself with "Pretend It’s Forever", the fifth installment of the Cage Family series releasing September 7th. If you love romantic suspense with high emotional stakes and an all-consuming connection, this one belongs on your bookshelf and your Kindle right now.
🗝 Key Details & Plot Highlights 🩰
➡️The Heroine (Sophia Cage Dixon): A resilient single mom to two little girls, Sophia is fighting to rebuild her life after a past trauma that stripped away her ability to find joy in dance. She's vulnerable, strong, and fiercely protective of her daughters.
➡️The Hero (Carson Woods): Deeply loyal to the Cage family, Carson carries his own scars from protecting his sister from a dysfunctional past. Trust doesn't come easily to him—except when it comes to Sophia, whom he has secretly craved and wanted to shield for years.
➡️The Dynamic: From breaking their own rules to risking their hearts for a family dynamic that feels earned, their chemistry is off the charts. Carson stepping up for Sophia and falling for her girls will melt you on the spot.
➡️The Connection: Although Sophia knows she should keep her distance from someone carrying just as much emotional baggage as herself, their magnetic pull proves impossible to resist.
➡️Family Bonds: As Carson lets his guard
down, he risks his heart not only for Sophia, but for her two young daughters, whom he grows to love as his own.
➡️The Conflict: As the two spend more time together, boundaries shatter. Terrified of the emotional exposure and the fear of making things worse, Carson makes a pivotal choice that nearly costs both of them their chance at happiness.
➡️The Danger: Just as they begin to heal, psst threats resurface, putting Sophia in im
minent danger. This time, however, she is surrounded by the Cage family and a fiercely devoted Carson standing by her side to face the threat head-on.
if your vibe is..
🩰Single Mom / Found Family
🗝Touch Her & You Die / Fierce Protector
🩰Deeply Emotional / Hurt-to-Heal
🗝Romantic Suspense
🩰Longing & High Chemistry
...add to your TBR
🗝 Key Details & Plot Highlights 🩰
➡️The Heroine (Sophia Cage Dixon): A resilient single mom to two little girls, Sophia is fighting to rebuild her life after a past trauma that stripped away her ability to find joy in dance. She's vulnerable, strong, and fiercely protective of her daughters.
➡️The Hero (Carson Woods): Deeply loyal to the Cage family, Carson carries his own scars from protecting his sister from a dysfunctional past. Trust doesn't come easily to him—except when it comes to Sophia, whom he has secretly craved and wanted to shield for years.
➡️The Dynamic: From breaking their own rules to risking their hearts for a family dynamic that feels earned, their chemistry is off the charts. Carson stepping up for Sophia and falling for her girls will melt you on the spot.
➡️The Connection: Although Sophia knows she should keep her distance from someone carrying just as much emotional baggage as herself, their magnetic pull proves impossible to resist.
➡️Family Bonds: As Carson lets his guard
down, he risks his heart not only for Sophia, but for her two young daughters, whom he grows to love as his own.
➡️The Conflict: As the two spend more time together, boundaries shatter. Terrified of the emotional exposure and the fear of making things worse, Carson makes a pivotal choice that nearly costs both of them their chance at happiness.
➡️The Danger: Just as they begin to heal, psst threats resurface, putting Sophia in im
minent danger. This time, however, she is surrounded by the Cage family and a fiercely devoted Carson standing by her side to face the threat head-on.
if your vibe is..
🩰Single Mom / Found Family
🗝Touch Her & You Die / Fierce Protector
🩰Deeply Emotional / Hurt-to-Heal
🗝Romantic Suspense
🩰Longing & High Chemistry
...add to your TBR
Review of advance copy received from Author
**Audiobook Review**
The way I couldn't put this book down once I started listening. “Pretend It’s Forever” is an emotional, steamy and action packed second chance at happiness, friends to lovers romance that was a great addition to the series.
Ever since the night that changed her life, Sophia Cage doesn’t want a protector. She just wants to raise her twin daughters and run her dance studio. But Carson Woods doesn't want to forget the night since he was one of the people to help her. And ever since that night, he’s been drawn to Sophia but has kept his distance since he’s friends with her brothers. And no matter how hard he tries, he is always finding himself in Sophia’s orbit and just wants to be around her to protect her no matter what. And when the threat she’s been trying to avoid comes back into her life, Carson vows to do whatever he needs to do to protect Sophia and her daughters.
From chapter one, I was hooked on Sophia and Carson. Sophia is strong, genuine and only wants the best in life for her daughters. Her past with her ex broke my heart and angered it at the same time. But her drive to overcome that night had me cheering for her. I loved how protective Carson was of Sophia and her daughters. That night changed him too in ways he wasn’t expecting. He was cautious with her and never pushed her for more than she was ready for when it came to anything in their friendship and eventually their relationship. Those two had a connection from that night that forever bonded them. And once they gave into their feelings, the connection grew even stronger. Both didn't think they were ready for more but when it came down to it, they were exactly what each other needed. I loved the ending and I can’t wait for more from the Cage Family.
Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke narrated as Sophia and Carson and they were wonderful. Emma brought the caring and strong Sophia to life perfectly. And I loved listening to Jason as Carson. His narration was protective and vulnerable just like Carson.
The way I couldn't put this book down once I started listening. “Pretend It’s Forever” is an emotional, steamy and action packed second chance at happiness, friends to lovers romance that was a great addition to the series.
Ever since the night that changed her life, Sophia Cage doesn’t want a protector. She just wants to raise her twin daughters and run her dance studio. But Carson Woods doesn't want to forget the night since he was one of the people to help her. And ever since that night, he’s been drawn to Sophia but has kept his distance since he’s friends with her brothers. And no matter how hard he tries, he is always finding himself in Sophia’s orbit and just wants to be around her to protect her no matter what. And when the threat she’s been trying to avoid comes back into her life, Carson vows to do whatever he needs to do to protect Sophia and her daughters.
From chapter one, I was hooked on Sophia and Carson. Sophia is strong, genuine and only wants the best in life for her daughters. Her past with her ex broke my heart and angered it at the same time. But her drive to overcome that night had me cheering for her. I loved how protective Carson was of Sophia and her daughters. That night changed him too in ways he wasn’t expecting. He was cautious with her and never pushed her for more than she was ready for when it came to anything in their friendship and eventually their relationship. Those two had a connection from that night that forever bonded them. And once they gave into their feelings, the connection grew even stronger. Both didn't think they were ready for more but when it came down to it, they were exactly what each other needed. I loved the ending and I can’t wait for more from the Cage Family.
Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke narrated as Sophia and Carson and they were wonderful. Emma brought the caring and strong Sophia to life perfectly. And I loved listening to Jason as Carson. His narration was protective and vulnerable just like Carson.
Review of advance copy
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 is the 5th book in the 𝘊𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 by Carrie Ann Ryan, featuring an emotionally-charged, single mom, who hurt you, opposites attract romantic suspense tale for Sophia and Carson. This one definitely raised my hackles and engaged my emotions as Sophia struggled through the horrors of DV, only to watch the perpetrator walk away with basically no consequences. Now she has to rebuild her life with physical scars that have taken her professional dance career away and emotional ones that kept her fighting for herself and her daughters. She found the most solace and support in the most unusual place… the arms of Carson Woods, a mysterious former MMA fighter who is a business associate of her brothers. He’s definitely a little morally gray and emotionally closed off, but Sophia and her adorable daughters wormed their way right underneath his armor. This one had me in my feels from the jump. It’s gut-wrenching, it’s dark and painful, and it made me cry. And yet, the way Sophia and her girls pull Carson out of his shell is so beautiful! His undying love and loyalty for his sister was totally awe-inspiring, and the way the Cage family rallied around them all was priceless! Carson and Sophia brought heat-inducing spice, heart-melting swoon, and irresistible alpha protective vibes!! The nail-biting drama and action was balanced by the found family fun of the massive Cage family and all their interactions! I just love these characters so much! However, I will admit that the epilogue took me by surprise, and my anticipation for the next story through the roof!!
The audio was narrated by Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke, both of whom blew me away with their ability to convey the high emotion of such sensitive material while still bringing life to the lighthearted moments, the family bonds, and also highlighting the passion, too! The texture of Jason’s was perfect for Carson, allowing me to get lost in his performance! Emma was fabulous in such an emotionally vulnerable role, while also having to embody two young girls as well. They both slayed the entire extended cast! I ended up listening a second time. Bravo!
I received an ARC/ALC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
The audio was narrated by Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke, both of whom blew me away with their ability to convey the high emotion of such sensitive material while still bringing life to the lighthearted moments, the family bonds, and also highlighting the passion, too! The texture of Jason’s was perfect for Carson, allowing me to get lost in his performance! Emma was fabulous in such an emotionally vulnerable role, while also having to embody two young girls as well. They both slayed the entire extended cast! I ended up listening a second time. Bravo!
I received an ARC/ALC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
September 13, 2026
I absolutely love Carrie Ann Ryan's series, The Cage Family! I have been excitedly waiting for Sophia and Carson's book, Pretend It's Forever, and Carrie Ann delivered another wonderfully written story! This one has some dark difficult topics, specifically domestic abuse, so be sure to read the trigger warnings before starting the book.
Once I started reading I couldn't put down the book as I was completely and totally enmeshed in Sophia's life with her twin girls and the way in which Carson finds himself part of that inner circle. The Cage family brings plenty of chaos, drama, humor and despite their father's lies a strong foundation of family was formed where they constantly show their love and support for each other.
I enjoyed how Sophia and Carson's romance builds over time despite their insistence that it's not a relationship. Carson has a reputation and he tries to keep his walls up, but Sophia and her adorable girls draw him in where he can't stay away. The scope of what Sophia endured during her marriage in silence is heartbreaking. Her ability to move forward after ending that marriage to begin healing with a clear focus of providing for her girls is a testament to her strength and character. Carson has his own family drama with his parents and the way he protects his sister and provides what she needs just confirms that his reputation is not truly reflective of the person he is.
Sophia and Carson's love story is one with plenty of twists, heartache, healing, growth, strong chemistry, a love that blossoms when not expected, along with the support of a large, nosy, supportive family gives you a very entertaining story that will have you falling in love with the Cage's too!
I want to thank Carrie Ann Ryan for an early copy and I'm sharing my voluntary opinion.
Once I started reading I couldn't put down the book as I was completely and totally enmeshed in Sophia's life with her twin girls and the way in which Carson finds himself part of that inner circle. The Cage family brings plenty of chaos, drama, humor and despite their father's lies a strong foundation of family was formed where they constantly show their love and support for each other.
I enjoyed how Sophia and Carson's romance builds over time despite their insistence that it's not a relationship. Carson has a reputation and he tries to keep his walls up, but Sophia and her adorable girls draw him in where he can't stay away. The scope of what Sophia endured during her marriage in silence is heartbreaking. Her ability to move forward after ending that marriage to begin healing with a clear focus of providing for her girls is a testament to her strength and character. Carson has his own family drama with his parents and the way he protects his sister and provides what she needs just confirms that his reputation is not truly reflective of the person he is.
Sophia and Carson's love story is one with plenty of twists, heartache, healing, growth, strong chemistry, a love that blossoms when not expected, along with the support of a large, nosy, supportive family gives you a very entertaining story that will have you falling in love with the Cage's too!
I want to thank Carrie Ann Ryan for an early copy and I'm sharing my voluntary opinion.
September 7, 2026
Pretend It’s Forever was one of those stories that move extremely quickly from the moment that Carson returns to Sophia’s life until the moment they are forced to admit their feelings for one another. I enjoyed getting to know Sophia a little bit more, but to be honest didn’t feel like I got to know her as much as I would have liked. While we learned about her past, her choices in life and how she is working get over her past relationship, I don’t feel like we got to know her as much as a woman as I would have likes, because it was obvious she was strong and willing to fight strongly for her life, but she didn’t fight as much for her hope for love or a relationship. Carson on the other hand I didn’t feel like I got to know much at all except as a brother and as a businessman, instead of a fully fleshed out character it seemed more like he was a surface character until the near end when we finally saw him wake up and admit his feelings for Sophia. I enjoyed the way he interacted with Sophia’s twins and his sister, and of course there were plenty of family interactions between the Cages and Woods, but in all I would have loved the book to be a bit longer for Sophia and Carson’s story to develop more. The passion was definitely there from the beginning and I can’t wait to see more of them in future stories when they return as a couple. I fear I will be sobbing my heart out when the next story begins after seeing the epilogue in this one (once again) because Carrie Ann insists on attempting to make us insane while we are forced to wait between stories. She truly is the most loveable of sadists!
For full review check out the blog at :
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
For full review check out the blog at :
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
September 8, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed "PRETEND ITS OVER" given for my honest opinion it's an intriguing, interesting, intense journey with suspense, danger, undeniable attraction, twists keeping you reading to the end wanting more.
Sophia Cage is dealing with emotional turmoil after leaving her ex Kale with twin girls after being attacked by her husband, Carson Woods along with Flynn her brother was there to protect her & her twin girls, it's been a year since the incident not wanting to cross a line with his business partners & her brothers, even though Sophia's father & mother never married they were all Cage's.
Carson heads to the Dorian Club for an escape not expecting to see Sophia the one person he wants to stop thinking about & can't seem to he sees she's there's dancing.
Sophia was remembering the attack forgetting it was Carson who got her to hospital along with Flynn seeing him brings it all back how abusive her ex was fighting him in court, running her own ballet dance studio, looking after the twins & trying to starting over, so off to the club with her sister-in-law to have a night of fun.
Sophia & Carson feel the undeniable attraction every time their close deciding to give it one night to get out of their system but that never happened it became so much more.
Will Carson & Sophia end up getting a HEA so many twists to their journey her past, his past could destroy everything, him & her brothers working together, the twins have accepted & love him to bits, this is one read you don't want to miss getting to see what's going to happen, its an awesome page turner & so I'm looking forward to Flynn's story.
Sophia Cage is dealing with emotional turmoil after leaving her ex Kale with twin girls after being attacked by her husband, Carson Woods along with Flynn her brother was there to protect her & her twin girls, it's been a year since the incident not wanting to cross a line with his business partners & her brothers, even though Sophia's father & mother never married they were all Cage's.
Carson heads to the Dorian Club for an escape not expecting to see Sophia the one person he wants to stop thinking about & can't seem to he sees she's there's dancing.
Sophia was remembering the attack forgetting it was Carson who got her to hospital along with Flynn seeing him brings it all back how abusive her ex was fighting him in court, running her own ballet dance studio, looking after the twins & trying to starting over, so off to the club with her sister-in-law to have a night of fun.
Sophia & Carson feel the undeniable attraction every time their close deciding to give it one night to get out of their system but that never happened it became so much more.
Will Carson & Sophia end up getting a HEA so many twists to their journey her past, his past could destroy everything, him & her brothers working together, the twins have accepted & love him to bits, this is one read you don't want to miss getting to see what's going to happen, its an awesome page turner & so I'm looking forward to Flynn's story.
September 8, 2026
Just a few pages into the story and my heart nearly jumped out of my chest!
And I was so concerned and consumed with how events and situations would unfold.
Sophia was a top tier ballerina. Dancing is a big part of who she is.
Now being a mother, of two adorable twin girls, is also a role she loves and that takes precedence over all else.
Carson is a protector through and through. He has had that role since his baby sister was born.
There is a ten year age gap between him and his sister, Cora. So since the age of ten it was him tending to her. Then as they grew up and their parents disapproval and ugliness grew so did his need to protect her. And that became a part of his nature.
Carson was a witness to the tragic night that changed Sophia’s life forever.
Seeing her vulnerable and broken brought out the protector in him full force.
I enjoyed seeing them build a bond and connection with each other. And getting to see that bond turn into something special was heartwarming. Because that made Sophia learn to trust again.
Trust in herself and her instincts. And having the full force of the whole Cage Family behind her made it just that more special.
The unconditional love the siblings have for each other is so beautiful.
Sophia and Carson’s story was bittersweet.
What she endured and went through broke her body and spirit.
But the love that developed between her and Carson slowly started to mend and repair her emotionally and mentally. And the icing on the cake were Hazel and Violet absolutely adored Mr. Carson and he them.
The epilogue sets the stage for Flynn’s story and wow what a heart pounding few pages it was.
And I was so concerned and consumed with how events and situations would unfold.
Sophia was a top tier ballerina. Dancing is a big part of who she is.
Now being a mother, of two adorable twin girls, is also a role she loves and that takes precedence over all else.
Carson is a protector through and through. He has had that role since his baby sister was born.
There is a ten year age gap between him and his sister, Cora. So since the age of ten it was him tending to her. Then as they grew up and their parents disapproval and ugliness grew so did his need to protect her. And that became a part of his nature.
Carson was a witness to the tragic night that changed Sophia’s life forever.
Seeing her vulnerable and broken brought out the protector in him full force.
I enjoyed seeing them build a bond and connection with each other. And getting to see that bond turn into something special was heartwarming. Because that made Sophia learn to trust again.
Trust in herself and her instincts. And having the full force of the whole Cage Family behind her made it just that more special.
The unconditional love the siblings have for each other is so beautiful.
Sophia and Carson’s story was bittersweet.
What she endured and went through broke her body and spirit.
But the love that developed between her and Carson slowly started to mend and repair her emotionally and mentally. And the icing on the cake were Hazel and Violet absolutely adored Mr. Carson and he them.
The epilogue sets the stage for Flynn’s story and wow what a heart pounding few pages it was.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Once again, Carrie Ann Ryan has left my romantic heart pounding just that little bit harder and my swoon meter just that little bit higher. But Pretend It’s Forever, book five in The Cage Family, isn’t simply a beautiful romance—it’s a story that reaches much deeper, and honestly, this one broke my heart before it put it back together again.
From the very first pages, I knew I was in for an emotional ride. That prologue had me reaching for the tissues as we witnessed Sophia on what would become one of the darkest days of her life, with her only thought being the safety and wellbeing of her young twin daughters. And then there was Carson—a business associate and friend of the family, a man she had never even met, who found himself there during her darkest hour.
And from there… Carrie Ann Ryan works her magic.
What I loved most about this story is that the romance isn’t wrapped up in pretty bows. It’s raw, emotional and, at times, painfully real. Both Sophia and Carson carry their own demons, their own scars and their own reasons for believing that happily-ever-after simply isn’t meant for them.
But sometimes, the person who changes your life is the one you never saw coming.
The chemistry between Sophia and Carson is undeniable, but it’s the emotional connection that completely captured my heart. Watching Sofaya slowly discover that what happened to her doesn’t define her, that she isn’t broken, and that she can find her strength again, was incredibly moving. And having the right person beside you when you’re learning how to live again? That made this romance feel all the more special.
There were moments I laughed, moments I cried, moments that made my heart ache—and one particular chapter had me gripping my chair because I genuinely didn’t know what was going to happen next.
This is exactly why I love Carrie Ann Ryan’s writing. She doesn’t just give us romance; she gives us characters who feel real, emotions that hurt, chemistry that makes your heart race and stories that stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Pretend It’s Forever is beautifully written, deeply emotional and utterly swoon-worthy. It’s a story about surviving, finding your strength, allowing yourself to love again and discovering that sometimes forever is waiting for you when you least expect it.
If you’re looking for a romance that will make you feel everything, this absolutely belongs on your bookshelf—or your Kindle… preferably both!
Well done once again, Carrie Ann Ryan. You’ve stolen another piece of my romantic heart. ❤️
From the very first pages, I knew I was in for an emotional ride. That prologue had me reaching for the tissues as we witnessed Sophia on what would become one of the darkest days of her life, with her only thought being the safety and wellbeing of her young twin daughters. And then there was Carson—a business associate and friend of the family, a man she had never even met, who found himself there during her darkest hour.
And from there… Carrie Ann Ryan works her magic.
What I loved most about this story is that the romance isn’t wrapped up in pretty bows. It’s raw, emotional and, at times, painfully real. Both Sophia and Carson carry their own demons, their own scars and their own reasons for believing that happily-ever-after simply isn’t meant for them.
But sometimes, the person who changes your life is the one you never saw coming.
The chemistry between Sophia and Carson is undeniable, but it’s the emotional connection that completely captured my heart. Watching Sofaya slowly discover that what happened to her doesn’t define her, that she isn’t broken, and that she can find her strength again, was incredibly moving. And having the right person beside you when you’re learning how to live again? That made this romance feel all the more special.
There were moments I laughed, moments I cried, moments that made my heart ache—and one particular chapter had me gripping my chair because I genuinely didn’t know what was going to happen next.
This is exactly why I love Carrie Ann Ryan’s writing. She doesn’t just give us romance; she gives us characters who feel real, emotions that hurt, chemistry that makes your heart race and stories that stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Pretend It’s Forever is beautifully written, deeply emotional and utterly swoon-worthy. It’s a story about surviving, finding your strength, allowing yourself to love again and discovering that sometimes forever is waiting for you when you least expect it.
If you’re looking for a romance that will make you feel everything, this absolutely belongs on your bookshelf—or your Kindle… preferably both!
Well done once again, Carrie Ann Ryan. You’ve stolen another piece of my romantic heart. ❤️
August 28, 2026
ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Carrie Ann for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Opposites Attract
-Romantic Suspence
-Forced Proximity
-Single Mom
-Who hurt you
This is book five of the Cage Family Series! You get to continue to follow Sophia and Carson! Sophia is trying her hardest to keep her life from falling apart but being a single mom and struggling dance studio owner she is hanging on b a thread. Carson is a mystery, and doesn’t trust people, he has one goal be successful. What he wasn’t expecting was Sophia, will he is everything he has built for her?
I think I have said this about every book in this series lol, but I think this just became my favorite book in it! Sophia, Carson and those girls seriously made the best story. Firstly, please check content warning before reading, it does has a topic that may be are for some to read. Secondly the protectiveness of the Cage family goes unmatched, this family would burn the world done for each other and I love it. Third lol, Carson was not playing when it came to those girls and I am so here it! Something about a big rugged man being so soft with his people. Carrie Ann definitely kept me on my toes with the suspense. I knew the suspense was coming, and I love when a book keeps you on your toes waiting for the other shoes to drop. Sophia deserves the world, I think she is officially my favorite Cage.
Side notes:
-that prologue 😳☹️
Make sure you get your copy of this book🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review
First I would like to say a big thank you to Carrie Ann for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Opposites Attract
-Romantic Suspence
-Forced Proximity
-Single Mom
-Who hurt you
This is book five of the Cage Family Series! You get to continue to follow Sophia and Carson! Sophia is trying her hardest to keep her life from falling apart but being a single mom and struggling dance studio owner she is hanging on b a thread. Carson is a mystery, and doesn’t trust people, he has one goal be successful. What he wasn’t expecting was Sophia, will he is everything he has built for her?
I think I have said this about every book in this series lol, but I think this just became my favorite book in it! Sophia, Carson and those girls seriously made the best story. Firstly, please check content warning before reading, it does has a topic that may be are for some to read. Secondly the protectiveness of the Cage family goes unmatched, this family would burn the world done for each other and I love it. Third lol, Carson was not playing when it came to those girls and I am so here it! Something about a big rugged man being so soft with his people. Carrie Ann definitely kept me on my toes with the suspense. I knew the suspense was coming, and I love when a book keeps you on your toes waiting for the other shoes to drop. Sophia deserves the world, I think she is officially my favorite Cage.
Side notes:
-that prologue 😳☹️
Make sure you get your copy of this book🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review
September 11, 2026
I had been eagerly anticipating Sophia’s story ever since the epilogue in book four, and nothing could have prepared me for how completely this book pulled me in. My heart absolutely ached for Sophia. She has been through so much, and I admired the strength and resilience she showed as she tried to rebuild a life that had been changed forever. Watching her slowly start to lean on her family was emotional, even though she still held parts of herself back. Carson was everything I wanted in a hero. Working closely with the family, he simply couldn’t stay away from Sophia and her girls, and I loved the bond he formed with them. Carson understood all too well what it was like to grow up with dysfunctional parents, which made his connection with Sophia feel even more genuine and heartfelt. One of the things I love most about this series is how the family dynamics continue to unfold with each book. Every new letter from their father reveals even more, and somehow they become more shocking every time. It adds an extra layer of emotion and drama that keeps you completely invested in the family as a whole. Carrie did an incredible job with this story. It was emotional, captivating, and impossible to put down. Sophia and Carson’s journey had me hooked from beginning to end, and once again, Carrie has left us with just enough of a tease for the next book to have me desperately counting down the days until its release. If you're already invested in this family, this book is an absolute must-read.
September 17, 2026
Carson Woods doesn't trust people and has spent his life protecting his sister from their parents while making his businesses the best in their fields. Sophia Cage is a renowned dancer, mother of 2 precious girls, owner of a dance studio while trying her best to please her husband. One night changes both their lives. Sophia's husband, Cale, turns his rage on her when she comes home late from her studio and beats her with a baseball bat. Carson and Flynn, Sophia's brother, find Sophia beaten and broken. Carson and Sophia can't stop thinking about each other. Carson is friends and does business with the Cage brothers and doesn't want to cross that line. Carson and Sophia see each other out dancing and agree to one night only together. What happens when one night turns into more? Can Carson keep his heart from falling for Sophia and her twin girls? Will Carson realize that he made a mistake in pushing Sophia away? Will Sophia forgive Carson for pushing her away? Will Cale get his revenge on Sophia, or can Carson save Sophia before it is too late? I loved Pretend it's Forever by Carrie Ann Ryan! I love Carson and Sophia. They are a great couple with amazing hot chemistry. So love the Cage family. They are loud, loyal, and nosy. Love how they made Carson, his sister and her wife part of their family. I would highly recommend getting Pretend it's Forever and the other books in The Cage Family series by Carrie Ann Ryan. I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
September 17, 2026
Carson Woods doesn't trust people and has spent his life protecting his sister from their parents while making his businesses the best in their fields. Sophia Cage is a renowned dancer, mother of 2 precious girls, owner of a dance studio while trying her best to please her husband. One night changes both their lives. Sophia's husband, Cale, turns his rage on her when she comes home late from her studio and beats her with a baseball bat. Carson and Flynn, Sophia's brother, find Sophia beaten and broken. Carson and Sophia can't stop thinking about each other. Carson is friends and does business with the Cage brothers and doesn't want to cross that line. Carson and Sophia see each other out dancing and agree to one night only together. What happens when one night turns into more? Can Carson keep his heart from falling for Sophia and her twin girls? Will Carson realize that he made a mistake in pushing Sophia away? Will Sophia forgive Carson for pushing her away? Will Cale get his revenge on Sophia, or can Carson save Sophia before it is too late? I loved Pretend it's Forever by Carrie Ann Ryan! I love Carson and Sophia. They are a great couple with amazing hot chemistry. So love the Cage family. They are loud, loyal, and nosy. Love how they made Carson, his sister and her wife part of their family. I would highly recommend getting Pretend it's Forever and the other books in The Cage Family series by Carrie Ann Ryan. I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Carrie for this ARC.
The Cage Family series is a favorite of mine and can do no wrong. I will state it every dang time.
It has been a year since Carson saw Sophia lying on the floor after being attacked by her husband, taking her twin little girls into his arms to comfort them. Now, a year later, he keeps running into her, the one person he shouldn’t be having thoughts about: his business partner’s sister. Needing an escape himself, he heads to Dorian’s club to clear his head. But the very person he is trying to clear his head from is right there on the dance floor.
Sophia thought she was imagining Carson that night in the hospital, but when she sees him again a year later, she realizes he was giving her strength when she needed it most. She is battling her abusive ex in the court system, running a ballet company, and taking care of her girls. Needing some time for herself, she heads to the club with her sister-in-law to let go for a bit.
Sparks ignite, not only in the hallway, but every chance they get. They both agree to a one night only escapade, promising there will be no future beyond it. But when chemistry gets in the way, a one night stand turns into a fling, and just maybe, possibly, something more.
Can either of them walk away now? Carson only wants Sophia, but when his past comes back to haunt him, can he still get to her in time?
Carson, sir, you went down bad. I love when the alpha guy tries his dang hardest to not fall but only to fall harder. The chemistry between Sophia and Carson was undeniable from the get go. I love the build between and the moments they get.
The Cage Family series is a favorite of mine and can do no wrong. I will state it every dang time.
It has been a year since Carson saw Sophia lying on the floor after being attacked by her husband, taking her twin little girls into his arms to comfort them. Now, a year later, he keeps running into her, the one person he shouldn’t be having thoughts about: his business partner’s sister. Needing an escape himself, he heads to Dorian’s club to clear his head. But the very person he is trying to clear his head from is right there on the dance floor.
Sophia thought she was imagining Carson that night in the hospital, but when she sees him again a year later, she realizes he was giving her strength when she needed it most. She is battling her abusive ex in the court system, running a ballet company, and taking care of her girls. Needing some time for herself, she heads to the club with her sister-in-law to let go for a bit.
Sparks ignite, not only in the hallway, but every chance they get. They both agree to a one night only escapade, promising there will be no future beyond it. But when chemistry gets in the way, a one night stand turns into a fling, and just maybe, possibly, something more.
Can either of them walk away now? Carson only wants Sophia, but when his past comes back to haunt him, can he still get to her in time?
Carson, sir, you went down bad. I love when the alpha guy tries his dang hardest to not fall but only to fall harder. The chemistry between Sophia and Carson was undeniable from the get go. I love the build between and the moments they get.
Review of advance copy
I got a physical ARC directly from Carrie for this one. I was so excited. I really loved pretend its forever. Sophia has been through A LOT. She's had a lot of trouble with her ex, and it doesn't seem like he's going away. She meets Carson her brothers friend after an extremely traumatic experience with her ex. Fast forward a year, Sophia Is trying to learn and cope being a single mom to her twins while still dealing with her ex. She isn't open to a relationship after her past given how hard it was.
Carson is a single business owner who doesn't have a good relationship with his parents but is really close with his sister. He's friends and business colleagues with Sophia's brothers, and was there when they had to rescue Sophia, and her twins away from her ex. He's never felt this way clearly.
Originally this relationship started out as a fling, but it became more, it was obviously things were more there. Carson isn't around kids much, but the girls seem to attach themselves to him immediately.BUT when the two of them get together it was like it was meant to be. They have a lot chemistry. They are able to work together which is hard because she has a lot of trust issues understandably.
Sophias family gets involved a lot. And they are very protective of her, but that is understandable. BUT it does cause tension for Sophia and Carson, but I love how they stand up for her. Even if brothers can be protective to a point.
Overall loved it highly recommend it
Carson is a single business owner who doesn't have a good relationship with his parents but is really close with his sister. He's friends and business colleagues with Sophia's brothers, and was there when they had to rescue Sophia, and her twins away from her ex. He's never felt this way clearly.
Originally this relationship started out as a fling, but it became more, it was obviously things were more there. Carson isn't around kids much, but the girls seem to attach themselves to him immediately.BUT when the two of them get together it was like it was meant to be. They have a lot chemistry. They are able to work together which is hard because she has a lot of trust issues understandably.
Sophias family gets involved a lot. And they are very protective of her, but that is understandable. BUT it does cause tension for Sophia and Carson, but I love how they stand up for her. Even if brothers can be protective to a point.
Overall loved it highly recommend it
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