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Carter: Ryan Family #4
Music. Threats. Undeniable allure.
Harley Thorne has just started on her journey. Her star is finally shining. But, sadly, as was her whole life, things never stay bright.
She decides her only recourse is to ignore everything, and hold a firm grip on her freedom she fought so hard for, no matter what.
The problem is her newly assigned bodyguard, a member of a one man team that seems to be able to grind everything on his path to dust with a single flick of his wrist, Carter Ryan.He makes her want to throw all caution to the wind, and take a walk on the wild side.
Carter’s been through it all, at the hands of life (and women) too, so he knows exactly what he wants.
What he wants is Harley.
She’s also the last thing that he needs.
Harley tries to go in gently, she then tries pushing. But, when Carter shatters her poet's soul with a simple no she’s broken, and she runs into the wind.
Up against an onslaught from a woman who is adorably confused in the morning, sings like a siren, and in one song bares her soul to him as she sings the words she wrote about him, Carter might not stand a chance.
But then, while he’s on the brink to surrender to Harely’s light, gets a hint that there are demons in her history, and in her present. He has no other choice.
Set against a backdrop of suspense and illicit romance, where a rockstar goddess and a bodyguard become entangled in a web of lust, loyalty, and lies promises a heart-racing journey from the shadows of betrayal to the possibility of forgiveness.
Can Carter find who’s threatening Harley and keep Harley safe, or will his failure mean the end of their forced proximity in the most gutwrenching way?
Dive into this gripping romantic suspense to discover if love can truly conquer all.
Harley Thorne has just started on her journey. Her star is finally shining. But, sadly, as was her whole life, things never stay bright.
She decides her only recourse is to ignore everything, and hold a firm grip on her freedom she fought so hard for, no matter what.
The problem is her newly assigned bodyguard, a member of a one man team that seems to be able to grind everything on his path to dust with a single flick of his wrist, Carter Ryan.He makes her want to throw all caution to the wind, and take a walk on the wild side.
Carter’s been through it all, at the hands of life (and women) too, so he knows exactly what he wants.
What he wants is Harley.
She’s also the last thing that he needs.
Harley tries to go in gently, she then tries pushing. But, when Carter shatters her poet's soul with a simple no she’s broken, and she runs into the wind.
Up against an onslaught from a woman who is adorably confused in the morning, sings like a siren, and in one song bares her soul to him as she sings the words she wrote about him, Carter might not stand a chance.
But then, while he’s on the brink to surrender to Harely’s light, gets a hint that there are demons in her history, and in her present. He has no other choice.
Set against a backdrop of suspense and illicit romance, where a rockstar goddess and a bodyguard become entangled in a web of lust, loyalty, and lies promises a heart-racing journey from the shadows of betrayal to the possibility of forgiveness.
Can Carter find who’s threatening Harley and keep Harley safe, or will his failure mean the end of their forced proximity in the most gutwrenching way?
Dive into this gripping romantic suspense to discover if love can truly conquer all.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2026
About the author
Ana Balen
24 books189 followersAna Balen was born in Zagreb, Croatia, where she still lives with her husband, their son (read boss!) and the son’s pet rabbit named Shhh! (or some other gibberish that’s the favorite of their son for the day.)
She spends her days driving her husband up the wall (when he can’t get her ass up from the bed in the mornings), reading and daydreaming, or following orders from a two-year old. In the hectic life she leads (and loves every second of it), she never thought about writing. But, then one day a name popped in her head, then, the snippets of things, and she sat down and started typing. Next thing, she wrote a book. And now, she’s trying to write another one ;)
She spends her days driving her husband up the wall (when he can’t get her ass up from the bed in the mornings), reading and daydreaming, or following orders from a two-year old. In the hectic life she leads (and loves every second of it), she never thought about writing. But, then one day a name popped in her head, then, the snippets of things, and she sat down and started typing. Next thing, she wrote a book. And now, she’s trying to write another one ;)
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 24, 2026
𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 is the 4th book in the Ryan Family series by Ana Balen, featuring an exciting rockstar/bodyguard forbidden romance for Harley and Carter. I enjoyed the tension and high drama of a heroine in danger with a tortured hero determined to protect her no matter what. The suspense plot had intriguing twists and turns, while the slow burn romance brought plenty of raw emotion, yearning, and finally, the passion they deserved. While I haven’t had the chance to read the rest of the series yet, there was plenty of context provided to enjoy the bonds and banter of the siblings and be super curious for more when I get the chance!
Thank you to the author for the review copy. My opinions are my own, and are freely expressed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Thank you to the author for the review copy. My opinions are my own, and are freely expressed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
July 26, 2026
Music. Threats. Undeniable allure.
Harley Thorne has just started on her journey. Her star is finally shining. But, sadly, as was her whole life, things never stay bright.
She decides her only recourse is to ignore everything and hold a firm grip on her freedom she fought so hard for, no matter what.
The problem is her newly assigned bodyguard, a member of a one-man team that seems to be able to grind everything on his path to dust with a single flick of his wrist, Carter Ryan. He makes her want to throw all caution to the wind, and take a walk on the wild side.
Carter’s been through it all, at the hands of life (and women) too, so he knows exactly what he wants.
What he wants is Harley.
She’s also the last thing that he needs.
Harley tries to go in gently, she then tries pushing. But, when Carter shatters her poet's soul with a simple no she’s broken, and she runs into the wind.
Up against an onslaught from a woman who is adorably confused in the morning, sings like a siren, and in one song bares her soul to him as she sings the words she wrote about him, Carter might not stand a chance.
But then, while he’s on the brink to surrender to Harely’s light, gets a hint that there are demons in her history, and in her present. He has no other choice.
Set against a backdrop of suspense and illicit romance, where a rockstar goddess and a bodyguard become entangled in a web of lust, loyalty, and lies promises a heart-racing journey from the shadows of betrayal to the possibility of forgiveness.
Can Carter find who’s threatening Harley and keep Harley safe, or will his failure mean the end of their forced proximity in the most gut-wrenching way?
Dive into this gripping romantic suspense to discover if love can truly conquer all.
Tropes: Bodyguard Romance, Forced Proximity, Rockstar Romance, Celebrity × Protector, Romantic Suspense, Protector Hero, Emotionally Guarded Hero, Persistent Heroine, He Falls Hard, Slow Burn Romance, Mutual Attraction, Forbidden/Professional Boundaries, Damaged Heroine, Hidden Past Secrets, Healing Through Love, Rescue Romance, Danger Brings Them Together, Who Is Targeting Her?, Music as Love Language, Protective Alpha Hero, Independent Heroine, Push-and-Pull Romance, Fear of Commitment, Found Family, Happy Ever After, Bodyguard Romance, Rockstar/Celebrity Romance, Protector Hero, Forced Proximity, Romantic Suspense, Slow Burn, Professional Boundaries, Mystery & Threats, Healing from Past Trauma, Musician Heroine.
Carter is the 4th book in the Ryan Family Series by Ana Balen.
Carter— the fourth installment of Ana Balen’s Ryan Family series —stands firmly on its feet in the contemporary romance world, merging the gritty heat of a rockstar life with the uncompromising protectiveness of a bodyguard role. The story, however, at its core is a love story - a sizzling romance between Harley and Carter that blends danger with an underlying sense of attraction. What unquestionably had me enthralled was the layered character attributes and the suspenseful, romance-rich interchange that only a true maestro could compose, which Ana does perfectly.
The tension of the book is a huge strength. You feel for the heroine being put in such a vulnerable position, and Carter is sexy and tortured, with his protective, domineering personality. The slow-burn romance is an additional payoff, with a feeling of growth that's natural and full of nuance. Instead of rushing the connection, Ana opts to feel out the culmination of raw yearning and the emotional development between all the characters. This gives their eventual fiery fuck an earned weight rather than a forced one.
You also have to appreciate the suspense factor. Twists in the story keep you guessing with coherence from Ana. The movie carefully balances heart-pounding plot developments without ever eclipsing the romantic core. The humour and banter of the Ryan siblings bring warmth to the story, and although readers will want to read the other books in the series, this one stands alone based on family dynamics.
The downside, though, is that, having not read the older books yet, there were times I wished for more historical background to really understand some character nuances. That being said, Ana does leave you with enough circumstances not to be lost and is an enticing invitation into the other family members; this makes Carter an excellent invitation to the rest of the series.
Carter is suspenseful and romantic; a pleasure to read for an audience that prefers believable characters with free emotional spark enclosed in absorbable stories. All this makes Carter a must-read for anyone of enemies-to-lovers or bodyguard romances.
Anyone who enjoys slow-burn romance with the tensions and payoffs written all over it will enjoy Carter as well! If you like heat with a side of heart paired with some good old plot twists, then give Ana Balen's Carter a spin; it's an enjoyable read and serves as a great introduction to the greater Ryan Family series.
I couldn’t help but wonder how the next book will walk the fine line of peril and seduction, and what new layers of the Ryan clan will peel back in later pages.
Harley Thorne has just started on her journey. Her star is finally shining. But, sadly, as was her whole life, things never stay bright.
She decides her only recourse is to ignore everything and hold a firm grip on her freedom she fought so hard for, no matter what.
The problem is her newly assigned bodyguard, a member of a one-man team that seems to be able to grind everything on his path to dust with a single flick of his wrist, Carter Ryan. He makes her want to throw all caution to the wind, and take a walk on the wild side.
Carter’s been through it all, at the hands of life (and women) too, so he knows exactly what he wants.
What he wants is Harley.
She’s also the last thing that he needs.
Harley tries to go in gently, she then tries pushing. But, when Carter shatters her poet's soul with a simple no she’s broken, and she runs into the wind.
Up against an onslaught from a woman who is adorably confused in the morning, sings like a siren, and in one song bares her soul to him as she sings the words she wrote about him, Carter might not stand a chance.
But then, while he’s on the brink to surrender to Harely’s light, gets a hint that there are demons in her history, and in her present. He has no other choice.
Set against a backdrop of suspense and illicit romance, where a rockstar goddess and a bodyguard become entangled in a web of lust, loyalty, and lies promises a heart-racing journey from the shadows of betrayal to the possibility of forgiveness.
Can Carter find who’s threatening Harley and keep Harley safe, or will his failure mean the end of their forced proximity in the most gut-wrenching way?
Dive into this gripping romantic suspense to discover if love can truly conquer all.
Tropes: Bodyguard Romance, Forced Proximity, Rockstar Romance, Celebrity × Protector, Romantic Suspense, Protector Hero, Emotionally Guarded Hero, Persistent Heroine, He Falls Hard, Slow Burn Romance, Mutual Attraction, Forbidden/Professional Boundaries, Damaged Heroine, Hidden Past Secrets, Healing Through Love, Rescue Romance, Danger Brings Them Together, Who Is Targeting Her?, Music as Love Language, Protective Alpha Hero, Independent Heroine, Push-and-Pull Romance, Fear of Commitment, Found Family, Happy Ever After, Bodyguard Romance, Rockstar/Celebrity Romance, Protector Hero, Forced Proximity, Romantic Suspense, Slow Burn, Professional Boundaries, Mystery & Threats, Healing from Past Trauma, Musician Heroine.
Carter is the 4th book in the Ryan Family Series by Ana Balen.
Carter— the fourth installment of Ana Balen’s Ryan Family series —stands firmly on its feet in the contemporary romance world, merging the gritty heat of a rockstar life with the uncompromising protectiveness of a bodyguard role. The story, however, at its core is a love story - a sizzling romance between Harley and Carter that blends danger with an underlying sense of attraction. What unquestionably had me enthralled was the layered character attributes and the suspenseful, romance-rich interchange that only a true maestro could compose, which Ana does perfectly.
The tension of the book is a huge strength. You feel for the heroine being put in such a vulnerable position, and Carter is sexy and tortured, with his protective, domineering personality. The slow-burn romance is an additional payoff, with a feeling of growth that's natural and full of nuance. Instead of rushing the connection, Ana opts to feel out the culmination of raw yearning and the emotional development between all the characters. This gives their eventual fiery fuck an earned weight rather than a forced one.
You also have to appreciate the suspense factor. Twists in the story keep you guessing with coherence from Ana. The movie carefully balances heart-pounding plot developments without ever eclipsing the romantic core. The humour and banter of the Ryan siblings bring warmth to the story, and although readers will want to read the other books in the series, this one stands alone based on family dynamics.
The downside, though, is that, having not read the older books yet, there were times I wished for more historical background to really understand some character nuances. That being said, Ana does leave you with enough circumstances not to be lost and is an enticing invitation into the other family members; this makes Carter an excellent invitation to the rest of the series.
Carter is suspenseful and romantic; a pleasure to read for an audience that prefers believable characters with free emotional spark enclosed in absorbable stories. All this makes Carter a must-read for anyone of enemies-to-lovers or bodyguard romances.
Anyone who enjoys slow-burn romance with the tensions and payoffs written all over it will enjoy Carter as well! If you like heat with a side of heart paired with some good old plot twists, then give Ana Balen's Carter a spin; it's an enjoyable read and serves as a great introduction to the greater Ryan Family series.
I couldn’t help but wonder how the next book will walk the fine line of peril and seduction, and what new layers of the Ryan clan will peel back in later pages.
July 27, 2026
Harley is tired of people controlling her and when they tell her that she has to have a security detail she immediately says no. She won’t have someone controlling her every move she’s done with that and worked hard to be in control of her own life. Then she sees her bodyguard.
Carter knew he was in trouble when he saw who he was guarding, she had a fire under her and wasn’t going to follow his rules. The problem was she had to, the threat and why he was called in was very real and it seemed to be escalating.
Carter knows he wants Harley there is no denying that, but he knows he can’t have her, he doesn’t deserve her. He also won’t have something happen to someone his close to again and not be able to help them. The problem Hayley is getting harder and harder to resist, while the threat to her is doing nothing but escalating.
Things continue to escalate with Harley being confused she thought that Carter like her, he’s the only person that puts her first, but it seems she was wrong and obviously she’s just a job to him. Carter if fighting more than he has before, fighting to find out the threat to Harley and fighting himself with the attraction to her. Carter’s family is doing everything they can to keep Harley safe, but they also know that this is more even if Carter won’t admit it.
Can Carter keep Harley safe and work out the threat before it’s to late, will he finally realise that he’s worthy of happiness to.
Carter knew he was in trouble when he saw who he was guarding, she had a fire under her and wasn’t going to follow his rules. The problem was she had to, the threat and why he was called in was very real and it seemed to be escalating.
Carter knows he wants Harley there is no denying that, but he knows he can’t have her, he doesn’t deserve her. He also won’t have something happen to someone his close to again and not be able to help them. The problem Hayley is getting harder and harder to resist, while the threat to her is doing nothing but escalating.
Things continue to escalate with Harley being confused she thought that Carter like her, he’s the only person that puts her first, but it seems she was wrong and obviously she’s just a job to him. Carter if fighting more than he has before, fighting to find out the threat to Harley and fighting himself with the attraction to her. Carter’s family is doing everything they can to keep Harley safe, but they also know that this is more even if Carter won’t admit it.
Can Carter keep Harley safe and work out the threat before it’s to late, will he finally realise that he’s worthy of happiness to.
July 29, 2026
Harley is on Tour and feeling the pressure she is tired of everyone trying to control her every move, then they want her to have security due to a stalker and that pushes her over the edge. She does everything she can to evade Carter. Carter is patient and completely taken by her but will never cross over that line. This story is fast paced full of suspense and twists. While it is a slow burn and you can feel the angst it is beautifully written. The emotions they both are going through can be felt coming off the pages. They both are slightly broken while she feels like everyone just wants a piece of her and no one sees her. Carter feels like he has failed everyone he cares about and even though he is falling for her he won't give in as he can't lose her. Reading them broke through each other's walls and Carter finally gave in was exhilarating. I loved how he sees her and will follow her wherever her journey takes her. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
July 26, 2026
Ana Balen is a new author to me, but after reading Carter I plan to read more. A fast paced, suspenseful plot that keeps the story moving and the pages turning. The romance is a slow burn with plenty of yearning and emotion.
Carter is the bodyguard assigned to Harley our rockstar. In a tension and drama filled heroine in danger premise journey. There is plenty of heat, and plenty of heart in this twist filled book.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Carter is the bodyguard assigned to Harley our rockstar. In a tension and drama filled heroine in danger premise journey. There is plenty of heat, and plenty of heart in this twist filled book.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
August 16, 2026
wowza
Love love love loved it. If you loved the movie the bodyguard this is what this book feels like. Lots and lots of slow burn until all the emotions come out and bang these two are inseparable. There are lots of twists that’s I didn’t see coming but you’ll have to go read it hehe. I couldn’t put it down until it got to the epilogue. Ana is an incredible story teller where you’re so into the book you don’t realize it’s finished and want more.
Love love love loved it. If you loved the movie the bodyguard this is what this book feels like. Lots and lots of slow burn until all the emotions come out and bang these two are inseparable. There are lots of twists that’s I didn’t see coming but you’ll have to go read it hehe. I couldn’t put it down until it got to the epilogue. Ana is an incredible story teller where you’re so into the book you don’t realize it’s finished and want more.
July 29, 2026
ARC Review
Book: Carter
Author: Ana Balen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Carter is book 4 of the Ryan Family Series, and it follows the story of Harley and Carter. This is a rockstar/bodyguard forbidden romance. I enjoyed reading this story from page one. The drama and the tension between these two characters make you want to keep reading. The way Carter will do anything to protect Harley from all harm makes him such a green flag. If you enjoy a forbidden romance with a slow burn and raw emotions, this book is for you.
Book: Carter
Author: Ana Balen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Carter is book 4 of the Ryan Family Series, and it follows the story of Harley and Carter. This is a rockstar/bodyguard forbidden romance. I enjoyed reading this story from page one. The drama and the tension between these two characters make you want to keep reading. The way Carter will do anything to protect Harley from all harm makes him such a green flag. If you enjoy a forbidden romance with a slow burn and raw emotions, this book is for you.
July 26, 2026
Omg
Oh my goodness. Ana you did it again. I love the Carter family. Jason is still my fave, but Carter just took 2nd from Max. I cannot wait to read what book you have next.
Oh my goodness. Ana you did it again. I love the Carter family. Jason is still my fave, but Carter just took 2nd from Max. I cannot wait to read what book you have next.
Read
October 27, 2026- rockstar x bodyguard romance
- forced proximity
- romantic suspense
- 🌶️🌶️/5
- dual pov
- forced proximity
- romantic suspense
- 🌶️🌶️/5
- dual pov
August 11, 2026
Bodyguard and rockstar
A romantic story .
The bodyguard falls for the feisty rockstar.
He’s assigned to protect her from stalkers.
This story has romance, mystery, and a thrilling ending
A romantic story .
The bodyguard falls for the feisty rockstar.
He’s assigned to protect her from stalkers.
This story has romance, mystery, and a thrilling ending
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews