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The Cage Family #4
One Quick Obsession: The Cage Family, Book 4
“Who Hurt You?”
When Hudson Cage asked those words, I shut him out just as I did the rest of those who cared for me. It’s been a year since I made one of the worst choices of my life but now I am stronger and following the path I’ve carved myself.
As manager of the Cage Resort, I want to bring the company into a new era and show the larger than life family that I worth so much more than what my father and ex said I was.
Only to do that, I have to deal with Hudson. The man I can’t get off my mind.
And my neighbor in this small town of ours.
We fight more than we speak to one another, and his over protectiveness is starting to become far too attractive. He holds secrets within those stormy eyes and the part of me that knows it’s a mistake wants to dive deep and know more.
When one lack of control turns to another, there’s no turning back from what we could have. Yet the darkness on each of our paths are closing in.
I don’t want to love Hudson Cage, but if we don’t give in and learn to trust, we both could risk losing it all before we even have a chance.
**One Quick Obsession is an enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, small town romance featuring Hudson and Scarlett. Each book can be listened to as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
When Hudson Cage asked those words, I shut him out just as I did the rest of those who cared for me. It’s been a year since I made one of the worst choices of my life but now I am stronger and following the path I’ve carved myself.
As manager of the Cage Resort, I want to bring the company into a new era and show the larger than life family that I worth so much more than what my father and ex said I was.
Only to do that, I have to deal with Hudson. The man I can’t get off my mind.
And my neighbor in this small town of ours.
We fight more than we speak to one another, and his over protectiveness is starting to become far too attractive. He holds secrets within those stormy eyes and the part of me that knows it’s a mistake wants to dive deep and know more.
When one lack of control turns to another, there’s no turning back from what we could have. Yet the darkness on each of our paths are closing in.
I don’t want to love Hudson Cage, but if we don’t give in and learn to trust, we both could risk losing it all before we even have a chance.
**One Quick Obsession is an enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, small town romance featuring Hudson and Scarlett. Each book can be listened to as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
Audible Audio
First published March 9, 2026
125 people are currently reading
7021 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Ann Ryan
279 books6,413 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 120 reviews
March 9, 2026
This series has been addictive since book one and I drop everything as soon as the book hits my kindle. This is the fourth book in the Cage Family series, and it is not too late to start!
Hudson is the reclusive brother, former military and prefers his own company. Broody and grumpy, and as we find out extremely protective. He is loyal to the family, and even shows up for the mandatory family gatherings, although reluctantly. How he opens up to Scarlett is big, he finds that he trusts her.
Scarlett is strong, and independent. Due to her upbringing, where her mother did not protect her or her sisters, she strives for perfection to keep the lodge running smoothly. She is slowly rebuilding, but as history starts to repeat itself, will the shadows creep back into her life.
Both our characters are moving into the light from dark pasts. They have scars, life is messy and complicated. The feeling begin to simmer, add in suspense, intrigue and putting the book down was not an option.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Hudson is the reclusive brother, former military and prefers his own company. Broody and grumpy, and as we find out extremely protective. He is loyal to the family, and even shows up for the mandatory family gatherings, although reluctantly. How he opens up to Scarlett is big, he finds that he trusts her.
Scarlett is strong, and independent. Due to her upbringing, where her mother did not protect her or her sisters, she strives for perfection to keep the lodge running smoothly. She is slowly rebuilding, but as history starts to repeat itself, will the shadows creep back into her life.
Both our characters are moving into the light from dark pasts. They have scars, life is messy and complicated. The feeling begin to simmer, add in suspense, intrigue and putting the book down was not an option.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
March 9, 2026
4.5 stars
Hudson has scars from his time in the military. He hides in their small town, preferring solace to crowds, silence to noise. But his family does their best to pull him in, to require him to check in on the various group texts, and to join them in rebuilding their family during the last 3 years. He is protective and caring, but held up by guilt from his past.
Scarlett wants to prove to the Cages and to the town that she can handle her management duties and help make the resort better than ever. The pressure is self imposed though, as echoes of her childhood and her past chase her. She is strong and resilient and has worked hard for everything she has today. Her neighbor is Hudson Cage, and though he isn’t her boss, he is growly and they argue nearly every time they speak.
I loved watching these two circle each other from next door. Their proximity made it nearly impossible to avoid each other, and because Scarlett is friends with Hudson’s sisters they have to interact more often than just as neighbors.
There was a lot going on that surprised me in the ways the events play out towards the end of Scarlett and Hudson’s story. I was not expecting some of the late story twists that happened, but loved the way they made these two face their true feelings. Both characters are holding on to hurts from previous relationships and events that left them with unresolved trauma. Watching them face their pain was both heartbreaking and full of healing.
The teaser of Sophia’s story is heartbreaking in a way I wasn’t expecting and I can’t wait for her story. Carrie Ann Ryan has a way of writing these family sagas that has me laser focused on the main couple for each story, but all the while she is weaving a thick thread of stories that shine on each character in turn.
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Hudson has scars from his time in the military. He hides in their small town, preferring solace to crowds, silence to noise. But his family does their best to pull him in, to require him to check in on the various group texts, and to join them in rebuilding their family during the last 3 years. He is protective and caring, but held up by guilt from his past.
Scarlett wants to prove to the Cages and to the town that she can handle her management duties and help make the resort better than ever. The pressure is self imposed though, as echoes of her childhood and her past chase her. She is strong and resilient and has worked hard for everything she has today. Her neighbor is Hudson Cage, and though he isn’t her boss, he is growly and they argue nearly every time they speak.
I loved watching these two circle each other from next door. Their proximity made it nearly impossible to avoid each other, and because Scarlett is friends with Hudson’s sisters they have to interact more often than just as neighbors.
There was a lot going on that surprised me in the ways the events play out towards the end of Scarlett and Hudson’s story. I was not expecting some of the late story twists that happened, but loved the way they made these two face their true feelings. Both characters are holding on to hurts from previous relationships and events that left them with unresolved trauma. Watching them face their pain was both heartbreaking and full of healing.
The teaser of Sophia’s story is heartbreaking in a way I wasn’t expecting and I can’t wait for her story. Carrie Ann Ryan has a way of writing these family sagas that has me laser focused on the main couple for each story, but all the while she is weaving a thick thread of stories that shine on each character in turn.
Tammy, Kim, Rachel | Facebook | X | Pinterest |
Review of advance copy
Universal
Hudson came back to his family after serving in the military, but he's pretty reclusive. He's there for the required dinners, and there if they ever need him, but he isn't the most social guy, preferring to remain in his studio, concentrating on his art. But there's someone, his neighbor and the manager of one his family's businesses, who keeps getting under his skin. When he sees something she never wanted him to see, and her ex won't leave her alone, his naturally protective tendencies flare to life. Even though their vibe has been decidedly enemies, now Hudson is going to claim her heart, even if she pushes back.
Scarlett, like Hudson, doesn't let many people get close. She has good reason to keep her defenses up and her heart guarded, but when Hudson and she become entwined, she's having a hard time keeping him distant the way she does with most people. The tension keeps building and things are bound to come to a head. If ever two people deserve happiness, it's these two, but with the scars they each carry, it won't be easy.
I'm going to say it right off the bat - I love the big Cage family! The way the two parts had to find about each other was brutal, but they've been making it work, so well. They've had growing pains for sure but they have their routine down now, have gotten to know and love, each other, and have welcomed everyone that comes with them, all their partners and children, making a large family even bigger and more loving. Hudson and Scarlett couldn't have been more distrustful of each other at first, but his grumpy but protective soul didn't stand a chance of not falling in love with Scarlett's sassy, independent ray of sunshine. I can't wait for the next Cage to fall in love next, when Sophia's story arrives, Pretend it's Forever.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
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March 12, 2026
4⭐️ 2🌶️ ARC REVIEW: 📖 ONE QUICK OBSESSION 📖 by Carrie Ann Ryan✨ This is book 4 of the Cage Family series but can be read as a standalone. We’ve got a grump that would rather avoid people and live in his cabin and only she can get him to ‘people’. He’s a big boy 🍆 and might have some bling/jewelry. 🤫 He’s possessive, protective, and growls? Check. He tells her to hold onto the headboard? Sold. 🥵😮💨🫡 When he tells her she saved him? Gah 🥹 Chefs kiss 🤌🏻 I also appreciated the humor and sibling banter/group chats, and the found family between the siblings and half-siblings. I immediately want to read the next book in the series - Pretend It’s Forever - Sophia’s story.
Hudson Cage lives in Cage Lake, a mountain resort town outside of Denver. He’s a twin, and a lot of his siblings live there or in Denver. He’s a painter/artist, former military, and has a lot of emotional and physical scars. Scarlett Blair manages the Cage Resort (it belongs to his family but he doesn’t work there). Her dad beat her mom for years, and her boyfriend hit her, so she also is battling emotional and physical damage. She thinks she has to be the best - prove to everyone she can handle everything and not fail. They bicker, banter, and recall like to annoy each other.
Hudson takes care of her and makes her breakfast after she drinks too much wine 🍷. She’s so stubborn and independent - Miss ‘I can do it myself’. She doesn’t like it when she’s not in control. I really felt for when she said that she wished that life could be different but wishes never came true. 🥺 They both don’t date, and he’s not really romantic. He tells her he’s taking her somewhere rather than asking. 🤣
He doesn’t like being the center of attention. He’d rather do things for his siblings, others, and not draw attention to his art/himself. He opens up to her and tells her he is building a refuge for other veterans like him.❤️🩹 He told Scarlett his plans when not even his family knows.❤️ He is feral for her once they’re alone and decide to go for it. 👅🐱 He thinks she’s amazing but that it won’t last because he’s not good at keeping women. 🥺 They fall into an exclusive friends-with-benefits type of situation and Hudson quickly becomes obsessed. I literally melted 🫠 when he does that protective thing men do - their hand at the small of your back when you’re walking into or out of a room.
❤️ Backwards hat 🧢 🥵
❤️ Both are p!erced 🤫
❤️ He’s kind of a recluse/hermit
❤️ Creative use of a motorcycle 🏍️ 🤭
❤️ He cleans 👅 his fingers 💦
Favorite quotes:
"Scar."
"My name's Scarlett."
"You like it when I call you Scar. You smile even as you tell me you hate it."
"I'm not letting you get in a stranger's car, Scar."
"You're not the boss of me."
“Maybe you need a little bossing around."
"Someone needs to take care of you, Scarlett, even if you don't want it."
"I can do it on my own."
"If you just mumbled that you could do it on your own, we both know that's usually the case but just let me help."
"What did I say about thanking me?"
"I'm going to keep doing it. Especially if you're being nice. It's kind of creepy."
"I'm sure I'll be an a$$hole soon."
"That would make me feel better."
"You're not going to suffocate me, Scarlett.
And even if you do, it's not a bad way to go."
I hadn't asked for Hudson Cage, and as he kissed me softly and wiped my tears away, I knew he hadn't asked for me.
She had been my obsession, my desire, and
my enemy. And now she was just mine. Forever.
Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Enemies to lovers
*Grumpy x Sunshine
*Broken MMC
*Plot twist/suspense
*HEA
*Therapy rep
*Healing from loss/trauma
Content warning: domestic violence/intimate partner violence, PTSD, nightmares, death/grief
Thank you to Carrie Ann Ryan for the gifted ARC!
Hudson Cage lives in Cage Lake, a mountain resort town outside of Denver. He’s a twin, and a lot of his siblings live there or in Denver. He’s a painter/artist, former military, and has a lot of emotional and physical scars. Scarlett Blair manages the Cage Resort (it belongs to his family but he doesn’t work there). Her dad beat her mom for years, and her boyfriend hit her, so she also is battling emotional and physical damage. She thinks she has to be the best - prove to everyone she can handle everything and not fail. They bicker, banter, and recall like to annoy each other.
Hudson takes care of her and makes her breakfast after she drinks too much wine 🍷. She’s so stubborn and independent - Miss ‘I can do it myself’. She doesn’t like it when she’s not in control. I really felt for when she said that she wished that life could be different but wishes never came true. 🥺 They both don’t date, and he’s not really romantic. He tells her he’s taking her somewhere rather than asking. 🤣
He doesn’t like being the center of attention. He’d rather do things for his siblings, others, and not draw attention to his art/himself. He opens up to her and tells her he is building a refuge for other veterans like him.❤️🩹 He told Scarlett his plans when not even his family knows.❤️ He is feral for her once they’re alone and decide to go for it. 👅🐱 He thinks she’s amazing but that it won’t last because he’s not good at keeping women. 🥺 They fall into an exclusive friends-with-benefits type of situation and Hudson quickly becomes obsessed. I literally melted 🫠 when he does that protective thing men do - their hand at the small of your back when you’re walking into or out of a room.
❤️ Backwards hat 🧢 🥵
❤️ Both are p!erced 🤫
❤️ He’s kind of a recluse/hermit
❤️ Creative use of a motorcycle 🏍️ 🤭
❤️ He cleans 👅 his fingers 💦
Favorite quotes:
"Scar."
"My name's Scarlett."
"You like it when I call you Scar. You smile even as you tell me you hate it."
"I'm not letting you get in a stranger's car, Scar."
"You're not the boss of me."
“Maybe you need a little bossing around."
"Someone needs to take care of you, Scarlett, even if you don't want it."
"I can do it on my own."
"If you just mumbled that you could do it on your own, we both know that's usually the case but just let me help."
"What did I say about thanking me?"
"I'm going to keep doing it. Especially if you're being nice. It's kind of creepy."
"I'm sure I'll be an a$$hole soon."
"That would make me feel better."
"You're not going to suffocate me, Scarlett.
And even if you do, it's not a bad way to go."
I hadn't asked for Hudson Cage, and as he kissed me softly and wiped my tears away, I knew he hadn't asked for me.
She had been my obsession, my desire, and
my enemy. And now she was just mine. Forever.
Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Enemies to lovers
*Grumpy x Sunshine
*Broken MMC
*Plot twist/suspense
*HEA
*Therapy rep
*Healing from loss/trauma
Content warning: domestic violence/intimate partner violence, PTSD, nightmares, death/grief
Thank you to Carrie Ann Ryan for the gifted ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Enemies to Lovers,
Length: 410 Pages
Pace: Fast
Moods: Emotional, Tense, Happily Ever After
Release Date: March 9, 2026
With One Quick Obsession, Carrie Ann Ryan has given us an emotional but realistic perspective of generational domestic violence. The main character grew up in a family with a domestic abuser only to find herself in a relationship with a man with violent tendencies. Ryan's approach gives the reader insight into the trauma, both physical and mental, a victim can live with for years after initially experiencing abuse but Ryan also shows the reader how an individual can overcome their past experience, empowering themselves to live a normal life.
Synopsis:
Hudson Cage has done his best to remain under the radar but with his extremely wealthy and well-known family recently making headline news he finds it harder and harder to live a quiet life.
As the manager of the Cage Resort, Scarlett Blair finds herself constantly having to interact with the extremely moody Hudson. To make matters worse, he is her next door neighbor.
When Hudson walks in on Scarlett during a private moment and sees the bruises on her body he immediately demands to know who hurt her. Scarlett doesn't want to let Hudson in but as events start to unravel and escalate, she finds herself leaning on him more and more often.
What I Loved:
The Family: Out of all of Carrie Ann Ryan's book families, the Cages are my absolute favorite. Their unique backstory makes for entertaining storylines. The Cage siblings are the result of a philandering father who had two families, eleven children, none of which were aware of the other until their father died and his will was read.
Scarlett: As part of the story, we learn that Scarlett's mom was the victim of domestic abuse. Because of this, Scarlett's mom experiences a shattered sense of safety. Scarlett does what she can to help her mom live a normal life but it can sometimes be difficult when she experiences and has to learn to deal with her own demons. I love that Scarlett doesn't let her fear rule her and that she has taken steps to make herself stronger both physically and mentally.
Cage Lake: The Cage family has their own town. Founded by a family member many generations ago, the Cage siblings have sworn to make the town a better place then their ancestors and their father have left it. They believe in preserving the environment and giving back to the local economy.
Reoccurring Characters: To me, books within a series that have reoccurring characters feel like visiting old friends. There already is a familiarity with each character before reading their book. I knew Hudson and Scarlett before One Quick Obsession. I didn't know everything about them, this book was for discovering that, but Ryan provided just enough in the prior books to tease what these characters would become.
Wrap Up:
One Quick Obsession is a story with a lot of depth. If you are not familiar with domestic violence, Ryan presents the topic in a respectful manner, showing the reader two unique perspectives, Scarlett and her mom. But this story is so much more. Hudson has his own past to deal with and with Scarlett by his side the two of them add strength to one another.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Enemies to Lovers,
Length: 410 Pages
Pace: Fast
Moods: Emotional, Tense, Happily Ever After
Release Date: March 9, 2026
With One Quick Obsession, Carrie Ann Ryan has given us an emotional but realistic perspective of generational domestic violence. The main character grew up in a family with a domestic abuser only to find herself in a relationship with a man with violent tendencies. Ryan's approach gives the reader insight into the trauma, both physical and mental, a victim can live with for years after initially experiencing abuse but Ryan also shows the reader how an individual can overcome their past experience, empowering themselves to live a normal life.
Synopsis:
Hudson Cage has done his best to remain under the radar but with his extremely wealthy and well-known family recently making headline news he finds it harder and harder to live a quiet life.
As the manager of the Cage Resort, Scarlett Blair finds herself constantly having to interact with the extremely moody Hudson. To make matters worse, he is her next door neighbor.
When Hudson walks in on Scarlett during a private moment and sees the bruises on her body he immediately demands to know who hurt her. Scarlett doesn't want to let Hudson in but as events start to unravel and escalate, she finds herself leaning on him more and more often.
What I Loved:
The Family: Out of all of Carrie Ann Ryan's book families, the Cages are my absolute favorite. Their unique backstory makes for entertaining storylines. The Cage siblings are the result of a philandering father who had two families, eleven children, none of which were aware of the other until their father died and his will was read.
Scarlett: As part of the story, we learn that Scarlett's mom was the victim of domestic abuse. Because of this, Scarlett's mom experiences a shattered sense of safety. Scarlett does what she can to help her mom live a normal life but it can sometimes be difficult when she experiences and has to learn to deal with her own demons. I love that Scarlett doesn't let her fear rule her and that she has taken steps to make herself stronger both physically and mentally.
Cage Lake: The Cage family has their own town. Founded by a family member many generations ago, the Cage siblings have sworn to make the town a better place then their ancestors and their father have left it. They believe in preserving the environment and giving back to the local economy.
Reoccurring Characters: To me, books within a series that have reoccurring characters feel like visiting old friends. There already is a familiarity with each character before reading their book. I knew Hudson and Scarlett before One Quick Obsession. I didn't know everything about them, this book was for discovering that, but Ryan provided just enough in the prior books to tease what these characters would become.
Wrap Up:
One Quick Obsession is a story with a lot of depth. If you are not familiar with domestic violence, Ryan presents the topic in a respectful manner, showing the reader two unique perspectives, Scarlett and her mom. But this story is so much more. Hudson has his own past to deal with and with Scarlett by his side the two of them add strength to one another.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
One Quick Obsession is book 4 in the Cage Family series and follows reclusive brother, Hudson, as he falls for Cage Resort manager, Scarlett.
Hudson is characterized as reclusive, but he is more just trying to live his life without complications or interference. He served in the military and lived through a horrible experience. He has a past that still haunts him in more ways than one.
Scarlett grew up with an abusive father and a mother who never tried to escape the abuse. She never understood why her mother never escaped and saved herself and her two girls. Growing up with the Cages, she feels like she now has to make sure she is the best resort manager there is. She is always trying to prove herself to them. Finding new avenues of income to improve the profitability of the resort is her current focus.
When Hudson accidentally walks in on Scarlett, he is shocked by what he sees. He is beyond mad. What he sees brings back so many memories that he thought he had buried. But she is also mad that he is seeing her deepest, darkest secret. She has worked hard to hide this from everyone, but now her secret is out.
When another incident occurs where Hudson walks in on Scarlett in another compromising position, both are mad and frustrated. She is trying to handle the problem, but he is stepping in where she does not feel he belongs.
With Scarlett being Isabel's best friend, Hudson is forced to spend time with her at family events. in addition, he has been doing maintenance jobs at the resort to help the family out. So it is no surprise that they start to cool their jets about each other.
But as time goes on, they start to bond and, gasp, even date. But Hudson is not ready for a relationship. He still needs to deal with his past.
Meanwhile, Scarlett is dealing with her mom and the residual issues from being married to her father.
So when Scarlett's past comes back to threaten her, not once but twice, Hudson will be the one to deal with the situation.
But when his truths come out, will Hudson be able to deal with the fallout? Will Scarlett forgive him for not telling her? How will this affect the family dynamic?
Hudson has been characterized as reclusive, but I do not feel that is the case. He is quiet. He stays to himself. He enjoys his time at his cabin painting. But he also is there if his family needs anything. he has lived through a lot and has not fully dealt with it. Maybe it is time to finally deal with it.
Scarlett is a strong woman, but she found herself in a situation that was difficult to get out of. The fact that it was history repeating itself gave her some perspective on things her mom did and did not do in the past. It was eye opening for her.
I loved that Hudson finally found someone he could trust and open up to. In addition, Scarlett also found someone she could talk to about her past. He is a fixer and will do whatever it takes to make her issues go away. But she does not want a fixer. She can fix her own problems on her own.
It is always a joy to listen to Kit Swann. She brings all of her characters to life and makes you feel for them. It has been awhile since I have listened to Lance Greenfield so it was a nice change of pace for me. I loved his voice as Hudson. Someone with a gruffness, but also a soft heart.
Hudson is characterized as reclusive, but he is more just trying to live his life without complications or interference. He served in the military and lived through a horrible experience. He has a past that still haunts him in more ways than one.
Scarlett grew up with an abusive father and a mother who never tried to escape the abuse. She never understood why her mother never escaped and saved herself and her two girls. Growing up with the Cages, she feels like she now has to make sure she is the best resort manager there is. She is always trying to prove herself to them. Finding new avenues of income to improve the profitability of the resort is her current focus.
When Hudson accidentally walks in on Scarlett, he is shocked by what he sees. He is beyond mad. What he sees brings back so many memories that he thought he had buried. But she is also mad that he is seeing her deepest, darkest secret. She has worked hard to hide this from everyone, but now her secret is out.
When another incident occurs where Hudson walks in on Scarlett in another compromising position, both are mad and frustrated. She is trying to handle the problem, but he is stepping in where she does not feel he belongs.
With Scarlett being Isabel's best friend, Hudson is forced to spend time with her at family events. in addition, he has been doing maintenance jobs at the resort to help the family out. So it is no surprise that they start to cool their jets about each other.
But as time goes on, they start to bond and, gasp, even date. But Hudson is not ready for a relationship. He still needs to deal with his past.
Meanwhile, Scarlett is dealing with her mom and the residual issues from being married to her father.
So when Scarlett's past comes back to threaten her, not once but twice, Hudson will be the one to deal with the situation.
But when his truths come out, will Hudson be able to deal with the fallout? Will Scarlett forgive him for not telling her? How will this affect the family dynamic?
Hudson has been characterized as reclusive, but I do not feel that is the case. He is quiet. He stays to himself. He enjoys his time at his cabin painting. But he also is there if his family needs anything. he has lived through a lot and has not fully dealt with it. Maybe it is time to finally deal with it.
Scarlett is a strong woman, but she found herself in a situation that was difficult to get out of. The fact that it was history repeating itself gave her some perspective on things her mom did and did not do in the past. It was eye opening for her.
I loved that Hudson finally found someone he could trust and open up to. In addition, Scarlett also found someone she could talk to about her past. He is a fixer and will do whatever it takes to make her issues go away. But she does not want a fixer. She can fix her own problems on her own.
It is always a joy to listen to Kit Swann. She brings all of her characters to life and makes you feel for them. It has been awhile since I have listened to Lance Greenfield so it was a nice change of pace for me. I loved his voice as Hudson. Someone with a gruffness, but also a soft heart.
March 9, 2026
One Quick Obsession by Carrie Ann Ryan begins with emotional chaos: the kind of chaos that starts with bruises, sharp words, and two people who absolutely should not be drawn to each other… except they are. Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC.
Sometimes the most explosive love stories start with irritation, eye rolls, and the kind of tension that makes you wonder if these two characters are going to kiss or throttle each other first. That’s exactly the energy that pulses through One Quick Obsession, where Hudson Cage and Scarlett Blair spend a good portion of the story pushing each other’s buttons while secretly orbiting closer and closer together.
Hudson is the classic grumpy recluse of the Cage family, happiest when he’s alone with his art and far away from chaos. Scarlett, on the other hand, is the determined, capable manager of the Cage Resort, trying to prove she belongs while quietly carrying the weight of a painful past. Their relationship starts off sharp and combative, but underneath all that bickering is an undeniable pull. Watching those walls slowly crack was one of my favorite parts of the reading experience.
This story isn’t just banter and sparks, though there’s plenty of both. Carrie Ann Ryan weaves in heavier emotional layers, especially as Scarlett deals with the aftermath of abuse and Hudson struggles with the scars left by his own past. Their connection grows in small, meaningful moments where trust replaces fear and vulnerability replaces anger. One line that stuck with me was: “Who hurt you?” Such a simple question, but in that moment it carries so much weight.
The Cage family also adds warmth and chaos to the story. Their meddling, loyalty, and constant presence make the world feel lived in, like you’re catching up with a group of messy, lovable relatives. If you enjoy small-town romance with strong family dynamics, grumpy-sunshine chemistry, and characters who slowly heal each other, this book will absolutely hit the spot.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For readers who love enemies-to-lovers tension, protective heroes, and emotional character journeys, Hudson and Scarlett’s story delivers plenty of swoony moments along with a few gut-punch feelings along the way. By the time I turned the final page, I was already curious about what’s coming next for the Cage family.
So now I’m curious… are you more of a grumpy hero fan like Hudson, or do you prefer the charming sunshine types in your romance reads?
#BookReview #OneQuickObsession #CarrieAnnRyan #RomanceBooks #EnemiesToLovers #GrumpySunshine #SmallTownRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceReaders #ARCReview
Sometimes the most explosive love stories start with irritation, eye rolls, and the kind of tension that makes you wonder if these two characters are going to kiss or throttle each other first. That’s exactly the energy that pulses through One Quick Obsession, where Hudson Cage and Scarlett Blair spend a good portion of the story pushing each other’s buttons while secretly orbiting closer and closer together.
Hudson is the classic grumpy recluse of the Cage family, happiest when he’s alone with his art and far away from chaos. Scarlett, on the other hand, is the determined, capable manager of the Cage Resort, trying to prove she belongs while quietly carrying the weight of a painful past. Their relationship starts off sharp and combative, but underneath all that bickering is an undeniable pull. Watching those walls slowly crack was one of my favorite parts of the reading experience.
This story isn’t just banter and sparks, though there’s plenty of both. Carrie Ann Ryan weaves in heavier emotional layers, especially as Scarlett deals with the aftermath of abuse and Hudson struggles with the scars left by his own past. Their connection grows in small, meaningful moments where trust replaces fear and vulnerability replaces anger. One line that stuck with me was: “Who hurt you?” Such a simple question, but in that moment it carries so much weight.
The Cage family also adds warmth and chaos to the story. Their meddling, loyalty, and constant presence make the world feel lived in, like you’re catching up with a group of messy, lovable relatives. If you enjoy small-town romance with strong family dynamics, grumpy-sunshine chemistry, and characters who slowly heal each other, this book will absolutely hit the spot.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For readers who love enemies-to-lovers tension, protective heroes, and emotional character journeys, Hudson and Scarlett’s story delivers plenty of swoony moments along with a few gut-punch feelings along the way. By the time I turned the final page, I was already curious about what’s coming next for the Cage family.
So now I’m curious… are you more of a grumpy hero fan like Hudson, or do you prefer the charming sunshine types in your romance reads?
#BookReview #OneQuickObsession #CarrieAnnRyan #RomanceBooks #EnemiesToLovers #GrumpySunshine #SmallTownRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceReaders #ARCReview
Review of advance copy received from Author
Her Ultimate Protector!!!
Hudson Cage, Ford ( BEST-FRIEND TEMPTATION ), Phoebe ( HIS SECOND CHANCE ), Aston ( THE FOREVER RULE ), Isabella Cage Dixon's brother ( AN UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING ) and Dorian's ( IF YOU WERE MINE ) brother was a very quiet man who loved staying to himself. But it was getting harder and harder for him to do because his relatives kept finding their other halves which meant he had to deal with more and more people.
One of those people being the manager of his family's resort, Scarlett Blair. The woman tilted his world on its axis, he nearly lost it when he saw the state she was in one night. From that moment he made himself a promise. To protect her, no matter what.
Scarlett Blair, manager of the Cage Resort, she wanted to do her job well by bringing the resort to a new height. She didn't have time to think about her grumpy, growly, sexy as sin neighbor, Hudson Cage. Nor the trauma that was threatening to break her anytime but it couldn't be helped. She knew that she needed help but she didn't know how to ask for it. Plus she didn't want it from the man who was haunting her thoughts day and night.
It's a good thing that said man wouldn't listen to her cause when she found herself in danger, he was the first person there to make sure she was safe and sound. They were both facing some heavy issues from the past. And together they were able to overcome them, thanks to their understanding and trust in each other along with the support, love and care from their loved ones.
ONE QUICK OBSESSION is the fourth book in Carrie Ann Ryan's THE CAGE FAMILY series. It was a beautiful, emotional roller-coaster ride and I couldn't ask for anything more. Carrie Ann Ryan had me on the edge of my seat, she never cease to amaze me with her brilliance. This book deserves 10 GOLDEN STARS! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
****I received this book, without any obligation to review.****
Hudson Cage, Ford ( BEST-FRIEND TEMPTATION ), Phoebe ( HIS SECOND CHANCE ), Aston ( THE FOREVER RULE ), Isabella Cage Dixon's brother ( AN UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING ) and Dorian's ( IF YOU WERE MINE ) brother was a very quiet man who loved staying to himself. But it was getting harder and harder for him to do because his relatives kept finding their other halves which meant he had to deal with more and more people.
One of those people being the manager of his family's resort, Scarlett Blair. The woman tilted his world on its axis, he nearly lost it when he saw the state she was in one night. From that moment he made himself a promise. To protect her, no matter what.
Scarlett Blair, manager of the Cage Resort, she wanted to do her job well by bringing the resort to a new height. She didn't have time to think about her grumpy, growly, sexy as sin neighbor, Hudson Cage. Nor the trauma that was threatening to break her anytime but it couldn't be helped. She knew that she needed help but she didn't know how to ask for it. Plus she didn't want it from the man who was haunting her thoughts day and night.
It's a good thing that said man wouldn't listen to her cause when she found herself in danger, he was the first person there to make sure she was safe and sound. They were both facing some heavy issues from the past. And together they were able to overcome them, thanks to their understanding and trust in each other along with the support, love and care from their loved ones.
ONE QUICK OBSESSION is the fourth book in Carrie Ann Ryan's THE CAGE FAMILY series. It was a beautiful, emotional roller-coaster ride and I couldn't ask for anything more. Carrie Ann Ryan had me on the edge of my seat, she never cease to amaze me with her brilliance. This book deserves 10 GOLDEN STARS! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
****I received this book, without any obligation to review.****
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
**Audiobook Review**
Give me all the growly, overprotective, grumpy men all day. “One Quick Obsession” is a swoony, emotional and action packed enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine small town romance that was a great addition to “The Cage Family” series.
Hudson Cage keeps to himself and that’s exactly how he likes it. He has his house, his land and his art. But also on the same land, he has a neighbor he butts heads with constantly. Scarlett Blair is the manager of Cage Resort and works hard to keep it running and to prove to the Cages she’s an important part of the resort’s success. Hudson and Scarlett fight more than they speak but under that is a connection neither was expecting.
From the beginning, it was clear these two had an immediate chemistry that was just lingering on under the surface. Hudson is growly, quiet and likes his space but he is also there for his siblings whenever they need something. His past injuries left him wanting to be alone and having Scarlett as his neighbor is what he needed to be brought out of the seclusion he had put himself in. Scarlett is caring, genuine and I loved her drive to succeed with the resort. She also had a tough past with a father who was emotionally abusive and an ex who didn't treat her right either. With that, they bonded and I loved how Hudson became protective over her even if she didn’t want it. They might have started out as two people who didn’t want to be around each other but once they got to know each other, they were so great as a couple. I loved how they were there for each other and understood how they might need some space to process any hard thing they were going through. Their story was so sweet and I loved the ending. And I’m counting down the days until the next book is released.
Kit Swann and Lance Greenfield narrated as Scarlett and Hudson and they did an amazing job bringing this story to life. Kit’s narration was genuine, kind and passionate just like Scarlett. And I loved listening to Lance bring the grumpy/protective but kind Hudson alive.
Give me all the growly, overprotective, grumpy men all day. “One Quick Obsession” is a swoony, emotional and action packed enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine small town romance that was a great addition to “The Cage Family” series.
Hudson Cage keeps to himself and that’s exactly how he likes it. He has his house, his land and his art. But also on the same land, he has a neighbor he butts heads with constantly. Scarlett Blair is the manager of Cage Resort and works hard to keep it running and to prove to the Cages she’s an important part of the resort’s success. Hudson and Scarlett fight more than they speak but under that is a connection neither was expecting.
From the beginning, it was clear these two had an immediate chemistry that was just lingering on under the surface. Hudson is growly, quiet and likes his space but he is also there for his siblings whenever they need something. His past injuries left him wanting to be alone and having Scarlett as his neighbor is what he needed to be brought out of the seclusion he had put himself in. Scarlett is caring, genuine and I loved her drive to succeed with the resort. She also had a tough past with a father who was emotionally abusive and an ex who didn't treat her right either. With that, they bonded and I loved how Hudson became protective over her even if she didn’t want it. They might have started out as two people who didn’t want to be around each other but once they got to know each other, they were so great as a couple. I loved how they were there for each other and understood how they might need some space to process any hard thing they were going through. Their story was so sweet and I loved the ending. And I’m counting down the days until the next book is released.
Kit Swann and Lance Greenfield narrated as Scarlett and Hudson and they did an amazing job bringing this story to life. Kit’s narration was genuine, kind and passionate just like Scarlett. And I loved listening to Lance bring the grumpy/protective but kind Hudson alive.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
One Quick Obsession, the fourth book in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Cage Family series, pulled me in with its emotionally charged and thought-provoking storyline. In this installment, Ryan does not hold back. She tackles the difficult topic of domestic violence and shines a light on its impact not only on the victims but also on those within their immediate circle. It’s a gut-wrenching story at times, but it ultimately delivers a well-earned happy ending, making this another compelling addition to the series.
Meet Hudson Cage and Scarlett Blair. Hudson, a former soldier turned artist, prefers solitude despite coming from a large family. He keeps mostly to himself and only heads into town when he absolutely has to. However, during those rare trips, he often finds himself butting heads with his neighbor, Scarlett Blair.
Scarlett manages Cage Resort and works hard to prove her worth to the Cages. She gets along with everyone in the family, except Hudson. For some reason, he always seems to rub her the wrong way.
Beneath all that hostility, a latent attraction simmers, erupting the moment Hudson discovers that Scarlett has been hurt and who caused it. The revelation drags up painful memories for Hudson, fueling his determination to protect Scarlett, even as she insists on handling things herself.
Hudson’s painful past made it easy for him to relate to Scarlett’s struggles. He’s always there whenever danger darkens her doorstep, and in her case, that danger comes from not one, but two sources.
The more time they spent together, the harder it became to resist their attraction. Eventually, they found comfort in one another, slowly opening up and baring their souls.
Scarlett proves to be a strong woman amid the turmoil of both past and present. Her current situation opens her eyes and gives her a clearer understanding of her mom’s position. She realizes that escaping an abusive situation is far more complicated than one might think.
One Quick Obsession by Carrie Ann Ryan is a gripping and emotional romance that tackles domestic violence, explores deep family bonds, and delivers a heartfelt, satisfying ending.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
One Quick Obsession, the fourth book in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Cage Family series, pulled me in with its emotionally charged and thought-provoking storyline. In this installment, Ryan does not hold back. She tackles the difficult topic of domestic violence and shines a light on its impact not only on the victims but also on those within their immediate circle. It’s a gut-wrenching story at times, but it ultimately delivers a well-earned happy ending, making this another compelling addition to the series.
Meet Hudson Cage and Scarlett Blair. Hudson, a former soldier turned artist, prefers solitude despite coming from a large family. He keeps mostly to himself and only heads into town when he absolutely has to. However, during those rare trips, he often finds himself butting heads with his neighbor, Scarlett Blair.
Scarlett manages Cage Resort and works hard to prove her worth to the Cages. She gets along with everyone in the family, except Hudson. For some reason, he always seems to rub her the wrong way.
Beneath all that hostility, a latent attraction simmers, erupting the moment Hudson discovers that Scarlett has been hurt and who caused it. The revelation drags up painful memories for Hudson, fueling his determination to protect Scarlett, even as she insists on handling things herself.
Hudson’s painful past made it easy for him to relate to Scarlett’s struggles. He’s always there whenever danger darkens her doorstep, and in her case, that danger comes from not one, but two sources.
The more time they spent together, the harder it became to resist their attraction. Eventually, they found comfort in one another, slowly opening up and baring their souls.
Scarlett proves to be a strong woman amid the turmoil of both past and present. Her current situation opens her eyes and gives her a clearer understanding of her mom’s position. She realizes that escaping an abusive situation is far more complicated than one might think.
One Quick Obsession by Carrie Ann Ryan is a gripping and emotional romance that tackles domestic violence, explores deep family bonds, and delivers a heartfelt, satisfying ending.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fascinating characters, romance, suspense and intrigue ….what more could I want in a book? Not a thing. Hudson and Scarlet are two characters that I instantly wanted to know more about. He is former military, now an artist and a handy man when called upon. He is grumpy, gruff and broody, preferring his own company rather than interacting with others. That being said, Hudson is fiercely loyal and protective of his family and reluctantly shows up to family gatherings or when a sibling calls him. He is carrying a mountain of guilt and is plagued by a few demons that make him bury his attraction to Scarlett.
Scarlett just happens to be his neighbour and his protective instincts come into play when Scarlett’s abusive ex shows up. His siblings suddenly seem determined to include Scarlett in the events they have guilted or coerced Hudson to attend. His control is definitely slipping around the very feisty, independent and driven Scarlett. She carries her own demons, including guilt and not feeling worthy. She does a good job of hiding it, but the return of her ex and then her abusive father are testing her control. She is very attracted to Hudson but she hates that he has seen her at her weakest. She gradually sees that he is just as damaged as she is. When he makes an effort to get to know her better, she lowers her guards, as does he. They support each other when their pasts come back to haunt them.
These two characters tugged at my heart, made me cry, laugh and finally smile giddily as they found their happily ever after. I loved their red hot chemistry, the snark that turned to flirting and the connection they forged through sharing their pain. Hudson’s family texts and his irritation with them are hilarious. The closeness of the siblings is heartwarming and enjoyable. I look forward to reading more about this gregarious and wonderful family.
This book has my full recommendation.
Scarlett just happens to be his neighbour and his protective instincts come into play when Scarlett’s abusive ex shows up. His siblings suddenly seem determined to include Scarlett in the events they have guilted or coerced Hudson to attend. His control is definitely slipping around the very feisty, independent and driven Scarlett. She carries her own demons, including guilt and not feeling worthy. She does a good job of hiding it, but the return of her ex and then her abusive father are testing her control. She is very attracted to Hudson but she hates that he has seen her at her weakest. She gradually sees that he is just as damaged as she is. When he makes an effort to get to know her better, she lowers her guards, as does he. They support each other when their pasts come back to haunt them.
These two characters tugged at my heart, made me cry, laugh and finally smile giddily as they found their happily ever after. I loved their red hot chemistry, the snark that turned to flirting and the connection they forged through sharing their pain. Hudson’s family texts and his irritation with them are hilarious. The closeness of the siblings is heartwarming and enjoyable. I look forward to reading more about this gregarious and wonderful family.
This book has my full recommendation.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"One Quick Obsession" by Carrie Ann Ryan is the fourth installment from The Cage Family series releases March 9th and I am lucky enough to be apart of CAR's content team and was given an advance readers copy ahead of release. Anyone that knows me, knows my love for EVERYTHING by Carrie Ann Ryan and getting Hudson and Scarlett's story has been a very patient wait for me.
First and foremost, I detoured this book. The chemistry is classic Carrie Ann and I couldnt have wanted it more for this book than we got so I bow to the Queen herself; you nailed it. Now we read two tortured people who choose to put walls up to keep one amother out but the writing and story telling really brings you into the emotional side of why they were destined to be together.
Hudson trauma comes from his part life in the military, Scarlett's past comes from an abusive father and ex boyfriend. Who hurt you trope is legit real across the table between these two and it melts you to cotninue resding on throughout without putting it down and I personally needed a book during my dark times right now and Carrie Ann gave it to me without knowing. I actually cried reading this, my emotions are as raw as they two and it was bound to happen.
The twists and turns keep you going through the second act into third where in the third I cried, i yelled and i threw my kindle to take a mental minute and jumped right back in. The chemistry between Hudson and Scarlett is what we enjoy reading for CAR books but thr Cage men are written and built so different so for us to get the POV for Sophia Cage makes me even more excited for "Pretend its Forever" releasing in September 7th!
The content warnings are IMPORTANT so make sure to read them.
Enemies-to-Lovers
Fling
Grumpy/Sunshine
Opposites Attract
Second Chance
Smalltown Romance
Tortured Hero
First and foremost, I detoured this book. The chemistry is classic Carrie Ann and I couldnt have wanted it more for this book than we got so I bow to the Queen herself; you nailed it. Now we read two tortured people who choose to put walls up to keep one amother out but the writing and story telling really brings you into the emotional side of why they were destined to be together.
Hudson trauma comes from his part life in the military, Scarlett's past comes from an abusive father and ex boyfriend. Who hurt you trope is legit real across the table between these two and it melts you to cotninue resding on throughout without putting it down and I personally needed a book during my dark times right now and Carrie Ann gave it to me without knowing. I actually cried reading this, my emotions are as raw as they two and it was bound to happen.
The twists and turns keep you going through the second act into third where in the third I cried, i yelled and i threw my kindle to take a mental minute and jumped right back in. The chemistry between Hudson and Scarlett is what we enjoy reading for CAR books but thr Cage men are written and built so different so for us to get the POV for Sophia Cage makes me even more excited for "Pretend its Forever" releasing in September 7th!
The content warnings are IMPORTANT so make sure to read them.
Enemies-to-Lovers
Fling
Grumpy/Sunshine
Opposites Attract
Second Chance
Smalltown Romance
Tortured Hero
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Cage Family is back at it! One Quick Obsession is the next installment of The Cage Family series by Carrie Ann Ryan. As always I recommend reading a series in order to get the most out of it, but yes each is a standalone in the interconnected world. As book four in the series, we meet many of our characters in the previous books, that is where we kick off our story now.
Hudson Cage is a hot hermit. He has his space, his art and his quiet, all the things he needs to live a somewhat content life. That is until his neighbor moves in, now he shares a part of his land with her and has for sometime. Scarlett Blair, the fiery bane of his existence, the one woman he can’t help but ruffle her feathers. She just also happens to be the best manager at his family's resort, someone they can’t be without. While these two tend to butt heads more than they agree on anything, they also have a hot spark of chemistry that they are slowly having a harder and harder time ignoring. When Scarlett finds herself in the face of danger, Hudson is the first one to step up, or more like growled up. He makes her safe, then makes her his.
There is something about a Cage man! When Hudson goes all protective alpha over Scarlett, I promise you I nearly swooned. These two are dang near perfect for one another, and so similar as well, but as stubborn as mules. They each come into this new relationship with past history that they must work through before their own future is secure. Scarlett is a force to be taken seriously, and Hudson wants nothing more than to support her in her endeavors. OQO is a fast paced romance with over the top protective alphas and their women who don’t take smack from anyone. For loyal CAR readers, I hope you love Hudson as much as I did.
3.8 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Tropes:
☀️Grumpy Sunshine
🏍️Small-town Romance
❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers
Hudson Cage is a hot hermit. He has his space, his art and his quiet, all the things he needs to live a somewhat content life. That is until his neighbor moves in, now he shares a part of his land with her and has for sometime. Scarlett Blair, the fiery bane of his existence, the one woman he can’t help but ruffle her feathers. She just also happens to be the best manager at his family's resort, someone they can’t be without. While these two tend to butt heads more than they agree on anything, they also have a hot spark of chemistry that they are slowly having a harder and harder time ignoring. When Scarlett finds herself in the face of danger, Hudson is the first one to step up, or more like growled up. He makes her safe, then makes her his.
There is something about a Cage man! When Hudson goes all protective alpha over Scarlett, I promise you I nearly swooned. These two are dang near perfect for one another, and so similar as well, but as stubborn as mules. They each come into this new relationship with past history that they must work through before their own future is secure. Scarlett is a force to be taken seriously, and Hudson wants nothing more than to support her in her endeavors. OQO is a fast paced romance with over the top protective alphas and their women who don’t take smack from anyone. For loyal CAR readers, I hope you love Hudson as much as I did.
3.8 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Tropes:
☀️Grumpy Sunshine
🏍️Small-town Romance
❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers
March 9, 2026
When you've been in survival mode for most of your life, you tend to want to have control over every aspect of your existence. Scarlett Blair grew up with domestic violence. Her mother didn't do anything to keep herself and her daughters safe. That made Scarlett uber independent and wanting everything to be perfect. She's the manager of the Cage Resort and always has to make sure everything is running smoothly. Hudson Cage has lived through horrors of war during his time in the military. He's content to stay home and paint in his studio, away from the meddling and overly vivacious family members. The Cages are not your typical family. Eleven siblings share the same father and two mothers; one set not knowing about the other until their father's death. It's been a very trying couple of years getting to know new siblings and finding a happy medium. Scarlett and Hudson have lived next door to each other but have kept out of each other's way. Until her ex wouldn't leave her alone. Suddenly Hudson is very aware of Scarlett. They're circling each other, but it's inevitable that they're going to end up together. They both have fractured parts of themselves that only the other can understand. It's not an easy road that they walk on, but together those little fissures repair themselves the more they spend time together. Kit Swann and Lance Greenfield were wickedly good narrators for these characters. The nuances in their voices brought out all the emotions and gave depth to every character in this story. The Cages are a complicated family, but with each sibling falling in love and welcoming a partner into the fold, they heal more and more as time passes.
I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.
I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
One Quick Obsession completely consumed me from the very first, soul-clenching page.
One Quick Obsession, the fourth instalment in The Cage Family by Carrie Ann Ryan, is exactly what the title promises — an all-consuming, compulsive, gut-wrenching romance that refuses to loosen its grip.
From that raw, rib-crushing prologue — when Hudson walks into Scarlett’s office and sees her at her most vulnerable — I knew this wasn’t going to be a gentle read. It was going to be intense. Obsessive. Ferocious with feeling.
Scarlett is sunshine wrapped around steel. As manager of the Cage resort, she keeps everything — and everyone — together, even while the shadows of her past refuse to fully release her. There’s a quiet bravery to her strength, a desperation-laced determination to keep smiling when it would be easier to fall apart. She aches in silence, and you feel every ounce of it.
Hudson? Pure grumpy, guarded intensity. A man shaped by his own dark history, carrying guilt and scars like armour. What starts with sharp edges and emotional walls has the delicious tension of enemies-to-lovers energy — because when someone sees you at your lowest, there’s no pretending left. No masks. No distance.
And that’s where this story becomes utterly addictive.
The chemistry between them simmers, then ignites. Every confrontation feels loaded. Every touch feels earned. This isn’t soft romance — it’s raw to the bone. It’s desperation-soaked longing and hard-won vulnerability. It’s two broken souls circling each other until the inevitable explosion of passion and truth.
Carrie Ann Ryan doesn’t just write love stories — she writes emotional spirals you willingly fall into. Hudson and Scarlett’s journey is messy, consuming, and unapologetically intense… and when that hard-fought HEA lands, it feels earned in the deepest way.
This book didn’t just pull me in — it owned me.
If you like:
• Sunshine heroine × grumpy, guarded hero
• Emotional backstories with lingering shadows
• Enemies-to-lovers tension
• All-consuming, compulsive romance
• Passion that simmers before it detonates
One Quick Obsession, the fourth instalment in The Cage Family by Carrie Ann Ryan, is exactly what the title promises — an all-consuming, compulsive, gut-wrenching romance that refuses to loosen its grip.
From that raw, rib-crushing prologue — when Hudson walks into Scarlett’s office and sees her at her most vulnerable — I knew this wasn’t going to be a gentle read. It was going to be intense. Obsessive. Ferocious with feeling.
Scarlett is sunshine wrapped around steel. As manager of the Cage resort, she keeps everything — and everyone — together, even while the shadows of her past refuse to fully release her. There’s a quiet bravery to her strength, a desperation-laced determination to keep smiling when it would be easier to fall apart. She aches in silence, and you feel every ounce of it.
Hudson? Pure grumpy, guarded intensity. A man shaped by his own dark history, carrying guilt and scars like armour. What starts with sharp edges and emotional walls has the delicious tension of enemies-to-lovers energy — because when someone sees you at your lowest, there’s no pretending left. No masks. No distance.
And that’s where this story becomes utterly addictive.
The chemistry between them simmers, then ignites. Every confrontation feels loaded. Every touch feels earned. This isn’t soft romance — it’s raw to the bone. It’s desperation-soaked longing and hard-won vulnerability. It’s two broken souls circling each other until the inevitable explosion of passion and truth.
Carrie Ann Ryan doesn’t just write love stories — she writes emotional spirals you willingly fall into. Hudson and Scarlett’s journey is messy, consuming, and unapologetically intense… and when that hard-fought HEA lands, it feels earned in the deepest way.
This book didn’t just pull me in — it owned me.
If you like:
• Sunshine heroine × grumpy, guarded hero
• Emotional backstories with lingering shadows
• Enemies-to-lovers tension
• All-consuming, compulsive romance
• Passion that simmers before it detonates
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great addition to the Cage Family series! "One Quick Obsession" pulled me in right from the start and kept me invested the entire time. The tension between Hudson and Scarlett is exactly what I love in a romance—full of emotion, stubborn moments, and that undeniable pull that neither of them can ignore.
Scarlett’s journey really stood out to me. After everything she’s been through, seeing her work to rebuild her confidence and prove her worth—both to herself and to the powerful Cage family—made her a character I couldn’t help rooting for. She’s strong, determined, and trying to carve her own path, which made her story feel meaningful and personal.
Then there’s Hudson. The grumpy, protective energy mixed with the secrets he’s carrying makes him such an intriguing character. The way he challenges Scarlett while also clearly caring about her created that perfect enemies-to-lovers tension. Their banter, arguments, and growing connection made the romance feel natural and exciting to watch unfold.
I also loved the small-town setting and the continued presence of the Cage family. It adds warmth to the story and makes the world feel connected and alive. Even though this can be read as a standalone, fans of the series will definitely enjoy seeing more of the family dynamics.
The emotional depth, the chemistry between the characters, and the mix of romance and personal growth made this a really enjoyable read for me. The only bad thing? Finishing it means now I have to wait for the next book!
Scarlett’s journey really stood out to me. After everything she’s been through, seeing her work to rebuild her confidence and prove her worth—both to herself and to the powerful Cage family—made her a character I couldn’t help rooting for. She’s strong, determined, and trying to carve her own path, which made her story feel meaningful and personal.
Then there’s Hudson. The grumpy, protective energy mixed with the secrets he’s carrying makes him such an intriguing character. The way he challenges Scarlett while also clearly caring about her created that perfect enemies-to-lovers tension. Their banter, arguments, and growing connection made the romance feel natural and exciting to watch unfold.
I also loved the small-town setting and the continued presence of the Cage family. It adds warmth to the story and makes the world feel connected and alive. Even though this can be read as a standalone, fans of the series will definitely enjoy seeing more of the family dynamics.
The emotional depth, the chemistry between the characters, and the mix of romance and personal growth made this a really enjoyable read for me. The only bad thing? Finishing it means now I have to wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Who hurt you?”
If that question isn’t an attention getter I don’t know what is.
When Hudson walks in on Scarlett and finds her in a moment of her most vulnerable and emotional state, and asks her that question, I was hooked.
I admired Scarlett, Scar, so much. She’s so strong in will and determination.
Has so much responsibilities. Both personal and work was.
Thriving in work. But drowning in her personal choices.
Hudson is the grumpy moody and brooding Cage. He makes “appearances” at events.
Just enough and barely so his siblings aren’t on him for not participating.
But he’s also protective and whiling to do whatever it takes to keep his loved ones safe.
He also has so many demons and struggles.
The push and pull between them builds on the tension that is already present.
I think the tension and intensity is due to the attraction that is most definitely there.
But that neither wants to admit to.
Which just leads to more high energy and higher chemistry.
And that chemistry was absolutely amazing and delicious.
While that part of their relationship was good I really appreciated the deeper connection with them.
I loved being able to witness how they build trust, how they each start healing themselves and each other. The wounds start closing. And their hearts start opening to love.
Their story is emotional, it’s spicy and it’s a journey of not only finding romance but love and peace in one’s own self.
The small town vibe and the atmosphere and the family dynamics just adds more charm and warmth to Hudson and Scar’s story.
If that question isn’t an attention getter I don’t know what is.
When Hudson walks in on Scarlett and finds her in a moment of her most vulnerable and emotional state, and asks her that question, I was hooked.
I admired Scarlett, Scar, so much. She’s so strong in will and determination.
Has so much responsibilities. Both personal and work was.
Thriving in work. But drowning in her personal choices.
Hudson is the grumpy moody and brooding Cage. He makes “appearances” at events.
Just enough and barely so his siblings aren’t on him for not participating.
But he’s also protective and whiling to do whatever it takes to keep his loved ones safe.
He also has so many demons and struggles.
The push and pull between them builds on the tension that is already present.
I think the tension and intensity is due to the attraction that is most definitely there.
But that neither wants to admit to.
Which just leads to more high energy and higher chemistry.
And that chemistry was absolutely amazing and delicious.
While that part of their relationship was good I really appreciated the deeper connection with them.
I loved being able to witness how they build trust, how they each start healing themselves and each other. The wounds start closing. And their hearts start opening to love.
Their story is emotional, it’s spicy and it’s a journey of not only finding romance but love and peace in one’s own self.
The small town vibe and the atmosphere and the family dynamics just adds more charm and warmth to Hudson and Scar’s story.
March 1, 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: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading One Quick Obsession;
-Enemies x Lovers
-Second Chance
-Opposites Attract
-Small Town Romantic Suspense
-“Who hurt you”
This is book four of the Cage Family series! You get to follow Hudson and Scarlett! Hudson is our hermit of the Cage family. Scarlett is the all business girl that doesn’t want to repeat history. Put these two together and you get top tier banter. I love Hudson I don’t know what it is that draws to me him but him and Scarlett together were chefs kiss. When they had their dynamic change happened you could feel the shift in both characters. Unfortunately the Cage family can’t escape trouble knocking on their door because the suspense was intense and I definitely wasn’t expecting some of it. It helps keep you on your toes lol I honestly can’t wait to read more of this series. Carrie Ann is doing amazing with this series.
Please check trigger warnings before ready because some topics might be triggering to some.
Fav Quote:
•”You know what, Scar, you annoy the fuck out of me”
•“Hudson Cage was a menace, but in this moment, he was my menace”
•”So you just like me for my looks”
•”You are such a generous, amazing man, and I hate you for that”
•”We can make it our kink”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases
#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: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading One Quick Obsession;
-Enemies x Lovers
-Second Chance
-Opposites Attract
-Small Town Romantic Suspense
-“Who hurt you”
This is book four of the Cage Family series! You get to follow Hudson and Scarlett! Hudson is our hermit of the Cage family. Scarlett is the all business girl that doesn’t want to repeat history. Put these two together and you get top tier banter. I love Hudson I don’t know what it is that draws to me him but him and Scarlett together were chefs kiss. When they had their dynamic change happened you could feel the shift in both characters. Unfortunately the Cage family can’t escape trouble knocking on their door because the suspense was intense and I definitely wasn’t expecting some of it. It helps keep you on your toes lol I honestly can’t wait to read more of this series. Carrie Ann is doing amazing with this series.
Please check trigger warnings before ready because some topics might be triggering to some.
Fav Quote:
•”You know what, Scar, you annoy the fuck out of me”
•“Hudson Cage was a menace, but in this moment, he was my menace”
•”So you just like me for my looks”
•”You are such a generous, amazing man, and I hate you for that”
•”We can make it our kink”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases
#bookstagram #romance #review
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the fourth and latest instalment in the Cage Family series, focusing on Hudson Cage, the virtual hermit, mountain-man brother. The series itself focuses on the two Cage / Cage-Dixon families that find each other upon the death of the bigamist father. The will has many weird stipulates for inheritance, and these weave their way throughout the books. This is however not the key focus of this book.
We have gotten to know Hudson and his growly ways in previous books, as well as Scarlett Blair the manager of the local resort owned by the Cage family. They have a strong enemies vibe and seem to see the worst in each other, but the line between love and hate is very thin. Hudson is a tortured ex-military guy, and now a successful but reclusive artist. He is however often the only Cage family member in town and so needs to interact with Scarlett.
Whilst they might clash, those interactions seem to be heavy with tension and chemistry. Scarlett also has her share of troubles, baggage and scars, and her past doesn't seem to want to stay behind her, which brings out Hudson's protective nature. There is plenty of intrigue and tension, along with chemistry and spice; and an another teaser for the next book for sister Sophia (cannot wait).
There was trigger warnings for this book, which could be important for you, but the book is well written and deals with these issues well. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
We have gotten to know Hudson and his growly ways in previous books, as well as Scarlett Blair the manager of the local resort owned by the Cage family. They have a strong enemies vibe and seem to see the worst in each other, but the line between love and hate is very thin. Hudson is a tortured ex-military guy, and now a successful but reclusive artist. He is however often the only Cage family member in town and so needs to interact with Scarlett.
Whilst they might clash, those interactions seem to be heavy with tension and chemistry. Scarlett also has her share of troubles, baggage and scars, and her past doesn't seem to want to stay behind her, which brings out Hudson's protective nature. There is plenty of intrigue and tension, along with chemistry and spice; and an another teaser for the next book for sister Sophia (cannot wait).
There was trigger warnings for this book, which could be important for you, but the book is well written and deals with these issues well. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
One Quick Obsession by Carrie Ann Ryan is another great story to get lost in from the Cage Family series! I love this series and glad that Hudson gets his chance to find his HEA. I really appreciate the amount of love, devotion, support, and strong family ties that are part of the Cage family as they collectively find their own path in spite of their deceased father and his lies that try to control them from the grave.
I find the growly/grumpy/protective Hudson who struggles and has a past that is shadowing him since his return home to be very edgy, sexy and endearing. Scarlett Blair is compassionate, sassy, driven, and a workaholic at the Cage Resort. She has her own secrets and family drama that drive her to prove herself in her attempt to overcome what she's endured even to the point of pushing others away. Hudson and Scarlett antagonize each other and have an attraction that builds the more they push each other past their limits. They are the perfect match for each other as they explore and form a new bond where they open themselves up to their messy emotions and share their vulnerability with the one person who doesn't judge, but will support them always.
The danger, tension, wicked banter, a strong family representation, an emotional rollercoaster along with the endearing characters creates a great story that will pull at your heartstrings from beginning to end.
I received an early copy for my honest review.
I find the growly/grumpy/protective Hudson who struggles and has a past that is shadowing him since his return home to be very edgy, sexy and endearing. Scarlett Blair is compassionate, sassy, driven, and a workaholic at the Cage Resort. She has her own secrets and family drama that drive her to prove herself in her attempt to overcome what she's endured even to the point of pushing others away. Hudson and Scarlett antagonize each other and have an attraction that builds the more they push each other past their limits. They are the perfect match for each other as they explore and form a new bond where they open themselves up to their messy emotions and share their vulnerability with the one person who doesn't judge, but will support them always.
The danger, tension, wicked banter, a strong family representation, an emotional rollercoaster along with the endearing characters creates a great story that will pull at your heartstrings from beginning to end.
I received an early copy for my honest review.
March 10, 2026
This fourth book in the Cage family saga is just as good as the ones before it and finding out what makes Hudson Cage so grumpy and what softens him up is a joy! Hudson Cage is the recluse of the Cage family and as he still lives in Cage Lake, he is asked to keep an eye on the Cage resort, and by default Scarlett Blair, the manager. Scarlett has always sparred verbally with Hudson, but when Hudson walks into Scarlett's office and sees her torso covered in bruises everything shifts between them. As Scarlett and Hudson are neighbors, he hears her cries for help and rushes to help her when she is under attack. But as Hudson and Scarlett start to spend more time together, Hudson begins to lose some of his grumpiness and his protectiveness over Scarlett increases along with his feelings. Although Hudson does not believe he deserves love, something about the way Scarlett opens up to him, warms him and softens some of his sharp edges. Scarlett has serious trust and abandonment issues from her early years, and she finds it very hard to completely open herself up to others.
This book just warms your heart. It is beautifully written, an exceptional page turner, and a joy to watch the characters of Hudson and Scarlett grow and blossom. This is a story of love, trust, and heartbreak, family and relationships. The twists and turns in this book were unexpected, but very satisfying and the teaser for Sophia's book was heartbreaking and I am so excited for what is to come.
This book just warms your heart. It is beautifully written, an exceptional page turner, and a joy to watch the characters of Hudson and Scarlett grow and blossom. This is a story of love, trust, and heartbreak, family and relationships. The twists and turns in this book were unexpected, but very satisfying and the teaser for Sophia's book was heartbreaking and I am so excited for what is to come.
March 13, 2026
One Quick Obsession is a captivating small-town romance that blends emotional healing with undeniable chemistry. The story follows a heroine determined to rebuild her life after a painful past and prove she is far more capable than the people who once doubted her. Stepping into her role as manager of the Cage Resort, she’s focused on creating a new future—one built on her own strength and determination.
The challenge, however, comes in the form of Hudson Cage. As her neighbor and someone she constantly clashes with, Hudson brings both tension and attraction to every scene they share. Their relationship is filled with sharp banter, emotional walls, and a slow-burning pull that neither of them can ignore. His protective nature and the secrets he carries add depth to his character and keep the reader curious about what lies beneath the surface.
What makes the story engaging is the emotional journey both characters face. They each carry darkness from their pasts, and the struggle to trust again feels real and meaningful. The push-and-pull between them creates a strong romantic tension that keeps the pages turning.
Overall, One Quick Obsession delivers a heartfelt romance filled with passion, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to let someone in again. It’s an enjoyable read for anyone who loves emotional love stories, small-town settings, and characters learning that sometimes the biggest risk is trusting your heart. ❤️📖
The challenge, however, comes in the form of Hudson Cage. As her neighbor and someone she constantly clashes with, Hudson brings both tension and attraction to every scene they share. Their relationship is filled with sharp banter, emotional walls, and a slow-burning pull that neither of them can ignore. His protective nature and the secrets he carries add depth to his character and keep the reader curious about what lies beneath the surface.
What makes the story engaging is the emotional journey both characters face. They each carry darkness from their pasts, and the struggle to trust again feels real and meaningful. The push-and-pull between them creates a strong romantic tension that keeps the pages turning.
Overall, One Quick Obsession delivers a heartfelt romance filled with passion, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to let someone in again. It’s an enjoyable read for anyone who loves emotional love stories, small-town settings, and characters learning that sometimes the biggest risk is trusting your heart. ❤️📖
March 3, 2026
Growly Hudson finally gets his happily ever after! Oh my God I absolutely love this book so much. Hudson has been the Cage brother that has been on the periphery of all the books. He is the growly mountain man that you know has to have many many layers, with this book we finally get to peel back all the layers and figure out what makes him tick. Hudson has met his match with Scarlett! With their first interaction in the earlier bucks, you can see that attraction bubbling under the surface. I knew from the jump ‘oh my God there’s something there’ and I've been waiting for them to get their book and this is that gem. Scarlett is a no nonsense, workaholic, sassy gal. She has no problem going toe to toe with Hudson and calling him out on stuff watching them argue should be an Olympic event. They love to needle each other it seems. The air just crackles when they’re in the same room together. But they both have demons that they’re trying to overcome and get past. I love watching them try to develop this friendship begrudgingly. Once they finally given to the attraction and let it bloom into something more that is when the magic happens. It is not without its trials and tribulations, but they figure it out and become better people for it on the other side. I’m so glad they got there happily ever after.
Review of advance copy
𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 is the 4th book in the 𝘊𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 by Carrie Ann Ryan, featuring an emotionally-charged enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance for Hudson and Scarlett that you don’t want to miss! With a beautifully written focus on the detrimental impact of domestic v!olence from one generation to the next, as well as post-military trauma, this author sheds light on important sensitive topics, while still offering the top notch level of entertainment that fans have come to expect. Hudson is the deliciously growly recluse mired in guilt and scars that has tried to stay on the periphery of his growing, chaotic family, but that desire is no match for his protective instincts or the undeniable chemistry between him and Scarlett. I challenge anyone to read this story and not be ready to grab a pitchfork and charge in on Scarlett’s behalf, with her relatability, strength, bravery, and ambition. It felt like they were two broken souls just waiting to find each other, as all the angst, longing, and sparks had so much intensity behind it! As always with this series, you have the added layer of drama, extremely complex and compelling found family vibes, fantastic banter and text threads, and yes, some surprising twists, too! One of my favorite aspects was the special twin bonds between Hudson and Flynn 𝘢𝘯𝘥 Scarlett and Luna, which touched me on a personal level. When I tell you that I was shocked by the last chapter, I mean you could have knocked me over with a feather! I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.5
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.5
March 11, 2026
I have been provided with a review copy of One Quick Obsession from the author and I am voluntarily leaving an impartial review. One Quick Obsession is the fourth book in the brand-new The Cage Family Series and I just absolutely had so much fun getting to reenter this world. This story goes back and forth between the main characters. I’m normally okay with different character perspectives for this one; it just didn’t sit well with me. I'm not sure exactly why I wasn’t all for it, maybe because the characters just didn’t grab my interest quick enough. This story started really slow in my opinion and it just took a lot for me to continue reading. It did eventually pick up and I started to enjoy more of the story and characters. It had so much depth to it and once it picked up you couldn’t help but be totally involved in the characters lives and their journey. Just a heads up so you’re not confused like I was, the last chapter is a completely different character point of view from the main characters of this story and it’s basically an introduction into this character's upcoming story. This character's story sounds interesting. I just wish this chapter would have been better separated from this story so it wouldn’t cause confusion. Other than those few things overall this was a really enjoyable book and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
March 9, 2026
4 1/2 STARS!
I'm loving this family more with every book! The fourth book in Carrie Ann Ryan's Cage Family series is centering on Hudson and his enemy turned lover Scarlett. I love the closeness this fam is starting to show with every interconnection with both groups of siblings. They are growing and supporting and just making for a very happy setting for us to join in on like we are one of the fam. This particular book had a lot of emotion with both of their back stories and with things going on in both families currently as well. I loved the connection they grew to have once they let their guards down and truly got to know each other. The family is big, but getting more familiar with each siblings book, and the closeness they are achieving against all the odds they were given is really heartwarming. Great characters, lots of turmoil to work through and a sexy happily ever after. The flash to set up the next book has me super anxious for that one to come!
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming family backdrop as each sibling sets out on finding their happily ever after. They started out estranged and unknown to each other, but they are becoming one big caring unit that I'm loving spending time with!
I'm loving this family more with every book! The fourth book in Carrie Ann Ryan's Cage Family series is centering on Hudson and his enemy turned lover Scarlett. I love the closeness this fam is starting to show with every interconnection with both groups of siblings. They are growing and supporting and just making for a very happy setting for us to join in on like we are one of the fam. This particular book had a lot of emotion with both of their back stories and with things going on in both families currently as well. I loved the connection they grew to have once they let their guards down and truly got to know each other. The family is big, but getting more familiar with each siblings book, and the closeness they are achieving against all the odds they were given is really heartwarming. Great characters, lots of turmoil to work through and a sexy happily ever after. The flash to set up the next book has me super anxious for that one to come!
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming family backdrop as each sibling sets out on finding their happily ever after. They started out estranged and unknown to each other, but they are becoming one big caring unit that I'm loving spending time with!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely devoured One Quick Obsession by Carrie Ann Ryan and it is hands down a five star read for me.
From the very first “Who hurt you?” I was hooked. Scarlett’s journey hit me right in the chest. She is rebuilding herself after heartbreak and bad choices, determined to prove to everyone around her that she is stronger than the narrative others tried to force on her. Watching her step into her power as manager of the Cage Resort and carve out her own identity was so satisfying. You cannot help but root for her.
And then there is Hudson Cage. Grumpy, guarded, overprotective Hudson. The tension between him and Scarlett is delicious. They argue like pros, push each other’s buttons constantly, and yet underneath every sharp word is this undeniable pull. The grumpy sunshine dynamic is done so well here. Scarlett’s fire meets Hudson’s storm and the sparks absolutely fly.
What I loved most is that this is not just banter and chemistry. There is depth. Both of them are carrying wounds. Both of them are afraid to trust. The emotional layers make every glance and every moment of vulnerability feel earned. When they finally let their walls crack, it feels powerful and intimate.
The small town setting adds that cozy but complicated family vibe that Carrie Ann Ryan always nails. The Cage family dynamic is larger than life, messy in the best way, and full of heart. It makes the romance feel even bigger because there is so much at stake.
This book is emotional, steamy, tender, and full of that addictive tension that keeps you flipping pages way too late into the night. If you love enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, small town drama, and a guaranteed happily ever after, this one needs to be on your list.
Hudson and Scarlett live rent free in my head and honestly, I am not mad about it. Five glowing stars from me.
From the very first “Who hurt you?” I was hooked. Scarlett’s journey hit me right in the chest. She is rebuilding herself after heartbreak and bad choices, determined to prove to everyone around her that she is stronger than the narrative others tried to force on her. Watching her step into her power as manager of the Cage Resort and carve out her own identity was so satisfying. You cannot help but root for her.
And then there is Hudson Cage. Grumpy, guarded, overprotective Hudson. The tension between him and Scarlett is delicious. They argue like pros, push each other’s buttons constantly, and yet underneath every sharp word is this undeniable pull. The grumpy sunshine dynamic is done so well here. Scarlett’s fire meets Hudson’s storm and the sparks absolutely fly.
What I loved most is that this is not just banter and chemistry. There is depth. Both of them are carrying wounds. Both of them are afraid to trust. The emotional layers make every glance and every moment of vulnerability feel earned. When they finally let their walls crack, it feels powerful and intimate.
The small town setting adds that cozy but complicated family vibe that Carrie Ann Ryan always nails. The Cage family dynamic is larger than life, messy in the best way, and full of heart. It makes the romance feel even bigger because there is so much at stake.
This book is emotional, steamy, tender, and full of that addictive tension that keeps you flipping pages way too late into the night. If you love enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, small town drama, and a guaranteed happily ever after, this one needs to be on your list.
Hudson and Scarlett live rent free in my head and honestly, I am not mad about it. Five glowing stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Terrific Addition to Cage Series
The mystery around Hudson Cage has been hinted at often in the first three books of this series, so I was so excited to finally read his story. I definitely was not disappointed. Hudson is a grumpy mountain man that never wants to leave his cabin, but on the other hand even though he is a recluse he is also overbearing, domineering and overprotective of those he cares about. His secrets are many. Hudson and Scarlett Blair annoy each other to no end. To Hudson pushing her away seems the easiest thing to do. Till her past comes back to haunt her and he will do anything to protect her. Scarlett is just trying to figure out how to survive and thrive doing so. Being with Hudson could break her in more ways than one. Walking away could break them both. This is a spicy enemies to lovers romance with elements of abuse and danger and lets not forget a bit of humor in the mix. Love these characters and all of the Cage Family. There is a big build up for Book 5 of the series at the end of this one that has me on the edge of my seat for what is to come.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
The mystery around Hudson Cage has been hinted at often in the first three books of this series, so I was so excited to finally read his story. I definitely was not disappointed. Hudson is a grumpy mountain man that never wants to leave his cabin, but on the other hand even though he is a recluse he is also overbearing, domineering and overprotective of those he cares about. His secrets are many. Hudson and Scarlett Blair annoy each other to no end. To Hudson pushing her away seems the easiest thing to do. Till her past comes back to haunt her and he will do anything to protect her. Scarlett is just trying to figure out how to survive and thrive doing so. Being with Hudson could break her in more ways than one. Walking away could break them both. This is a spicy enemies to lovers romance with elements of abuse and danger and lets not forget a bit of humor in the mix. Love these characters and all of the Cage Family. There is a big build up for Book 5 of the series at the end of this one that has me on the edge of my seat for what is to come.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
March 9, 2026
After reading the other books in this series I was looking forward to Hudson's book, the grumpy recluse, as I had a feeling he would be my favourite and I was not wrong!!
Hudson moved back to Cage Lake after leaving the military, scared and battered physically and emotionally, preferring solace to crowds and he found his home and safe place there. Scarlett manages the Cage family luxury resort and is struggling with the men in her life which brings out Hudsons protective instinct.
Their chemistry is palpable and its only a matter of time till they give in to it and let it evolve into something so much more intense. Their story is steamy but also emotional. They are both holding on to so much pain from past relationships but together they start healing and strengthening. Some of the reveals took me by surprise but thats what I love about Carrie's writing.
I cannot wait to read the next book after the teaser of Sophie.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author and this is my honest opinion
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
Hudson moved back to Cage Lake after leaving the military, scared and battered physically and emotionally, preferring solace to crowds and he found his home and safe place there. Scarlett manages the Cage family luxury resort and is struggling with the men in her life which brings out Hudsons protective instinct.
Their chemistry is palpable and its only a matter of time till they give in to it and let it evolve into something so much more intense. Their story is steamy but also emotional. They are both holding on to so much pain from past relationships but together they start healing and strengthening. Some of the reveals took me by surprise but thats what I love about Carrie's writing.
I cannot wait to read the next book after the teaser of Sophie.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author and this is my honest opinion
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
March 5, 2026
What to expect: secret family, small town, enemies to lovers, healing from trauma, suspense and action, dual POV, complicated family dynamics
This is my favorite book in the Cage Family series so far! Scarlett and Hudson are my favorite characters and I’m glad we got to read their story. Their dynamic shift from enemies to friends to lovers was done just right. Both characters are healing from some pretty traumatic past events, but they do so together with genuine care. Hudson is super protective, and Scarlett knew just how to get him to open up to her. They are just right for each other and I loved reading about it all.
The Cage family dynamics continue to be complicated, but we see all of the siblings grow even closer throughout this book. It’s action packed with some shocking twists towards the end, tons of spice, and fun banter that kept me reading. The pacing was steady in this book and the subplots remain interesting, keeping me super engaged throughout.
I absolutely can’t wait for Sophia’s story next after that cliffhanger ending!!!
This is my favorite book in the Cage Family series so far! Scarlett and Hudson are my favorite characters and I’m glad we got to read their story. Their dynamic shift from enemies to friends to lovers was done just right. Both characters are healing from some pretty traumatic past events, but they do so together with genuine care. Hudson is super protective, and Scarlett knew just how to get him to open up to her. They are just right for each other and I loved reading about it all.
The Cage family dynamics continue to be complicated, but we see all of the siblings grow even closer throughout this book. It’s action packed with some shocking twists towards the end, tons of spice, and fun banter that kept me reading. The pacing was steady in this book and the subplots remain interesting, keeping me super engaged throughout.
I absolutely can’t wait for Sophia’s story next after that cliffhanger ending!!!
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