Ashes to Ink

✰ Friends-to-Lovers

✰ Second Chances

✰ Healing after a loss

✰ Secrets

✰ All the tattoos and peppermint hot chocolate!

Read it here!

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan comes a new story in her Montgomery Ink series…

Back in Denver, Abby lost everything she ever loved, except for her daughter, the one memory she has left of the man she loved and lost. Now, she’s moved next to the Montgomerys in Colorado Springs, leaving her past behind to start her new life.

One step at a time.

Ryan is the newest tattoo artist at Montgomery Ink Too and knows the others are curious about his secrets. But he’s not ready to tell them. Not yet. That is…until he meets Abby.

Abby and Ryan thought they had their own paths, ones that had nothing to do with one another. Then…they took a chance.

On each other.

One night at a time.

Ashes to Ink

2019-release family novellas

Lynn

1,038 reviews47 followers

March 21, 2019

Another great story from Carrie Ann Ryan. Abbg and Ryan have such a sweet journey and love the crossover from the Gallagher Brothers Trilogy. It was so heartwarming to know how far she came from the tragedy in the chemo clinic to Colorado Springs.

Rachel Dyken

Author 177 books18.5k followers

Read

✰ Friends-to-Lovers
✰ Second Chances
✰ Healing after a loss
✰ Secrets
✰ All the tattoos and peppermint hot chocolate!

Read it here!

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan comes a new story in her Montgomery Ink series…
Back in Denver, Abby lost everything she ever loved, except for her daughter, the one memory she has left of the man she loved and lost. Now, she’s moved next to the Montgomerys in Colorado Springs, leaving her past behind to start her new life.
One step at a time.
Ryan is the newest tattoo artist at Montgomery Ink Too and knows the others are curious about his secrets. But he’s not ready to tell them. Not yet. That is…until he meets Abby.
Abby and Ryan thought they had their own paths, ones that had nothing to do with one another. Then…they took a chance.
On each other.
One night at a time.

Ashes to Ink

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Meghan Quinn

Author 126 books48.4k followers

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Julia Kent

Author 122 books7,974 followers

Want to read

January 23, 2019

✰ Friends-to-Lovers
✰ Second Chances
✰ Healing after a loss
✰ Secrets
✰ All the tattoos and peppermint hot chocolate!

Read it here!

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan comes a new story in her Montgomery Ink series…

Back in Denver, Abby lost everything she ever loved, except for her daughter, the one memory she has left of the man she loved and lost. Now, she’s moved next to the Montgomerys in Colorado Springs, leaving her past behind to start her new life.

One step at a time.

Ryan is the newest tattoo artist at Montgomery Ink Too and knows the others are curious about his secrets. But he’s not ready to tell them. Not yet. That is…until he meets Abby.

Abby and Ryan thought they had their own paths, ones that had nothing to do with one another. Then…they took a chance.

On each other.

One night at a time.

Ashes to Ink

Sawyer Bennett

Author 164 books14.4k followers

Read

January 23, 2019

✰ Friends-to-Lovers
✰ Second Chances
✰ Healing after a loss
✰ Secrets
✰ All the tattoos and peppermint hot chocolate!

Read it here!

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan comes a new story in her Montgomery Ink series…
Back in Denver, Abby lost everything she ever loved, except for her daughter, the one memory she has left of the man she loved and lost. Now, she’s moved next to the Montgomerys in Colorado Springs, leaving her past behind to start her new life.
One step at a time.
Ryan is the newest tattoo artist at Montgomery Ink Too and knows the others are curious about his secrets. But he’s not ready to tell them. Not yet. That is…until he meets Abby.
Abby and Ryan thought they had their own paths, ones that had nothing to do with one another. Then…they took a chance.
On each other.
One night at a time.

Ashes to Ink

abuse-all-types arcs-read2review-completed body-art

Nadine Bookaholic

3,728 reviews528 followers

January 25, 2019

You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books

Am I a fan of Carrie Ann Ryan's books? Absolutely
Why? Well I'll tell you why....
She writes not only main characters that you love but also secondary characters as well and this novella is proof of that. We are gifted with the story of Abby and Ryan in Ashes to Ink, neither are Montgomery's but they are friends and co-workers of the Montgomery's so we have seen them in prior books where they played their secondary characters amazingly so much so that we the fans wanted more of them and WE GOT IT!

I always felt a connection to Abby, a single mom raising her daughter after her fiance died, but it really - honestly didn't click until I started reading this book on exactly why that was. In July of 2017 I read Hope Restored where Abby was a secondary character and the first time we are introduced to her along with her fiance Max and then it all came rushing back to me and OMG the feels I was feeling all over again! If you haven't read Hope Restored I highly recommend it but know that you do not have to read that book in order to appreciate this one.

My heart was on overload while reading this friends-to-lovers story, with the heartbreaking pasts both Ryan and Abby have survived to the tender way each of them were with making sure that their friendship would stay intact if things didn't work out romantically. The only thing I didn't like, or rather felt as unfinished was the topic of Ryan's brother Michael but now I am wondering if the inner workings of Carrie Ann Ryan's brain has a story brewing for him as well....so maybe there is hope for Ryan's twin after all?!?! Well, I guess that remains to be seen.

Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs has been a fun and sexy series that is very easy to recommend to readers of contemporary romance that like things a bit spicy. I always suggest reading series in order that way you can follow each of the couples and nothing is spoiled but if you wanted to read this novella on it's own that is totally doable. Happy Reading!!!

Jennifer

805 reviews19 followers

January 18, 2019

Another amazing story! There is so much emotion packed into this story, I can't hardly believe it's novella length! There are tears, laughter, hurt, and happiness. Everything I need in a story!

Abby had her world ripped apart, but had to keep it together for her little girl. She decides to make a fresh start in Colorado Springs, among a whole new crew of Montgomerys. Slowly, she builds her life again, begins to get her happy back. And she starts to notice a certain someone at the tattoo shop next door to her little tea shop.....

Ryan is mysterious! He seems to play things close to his chest, at least at the beginning. He's hiding his past, not wanting it to affect his present or his future, but things have a way of coming to light at the worst times!

This story had my feelings all over the place! I was totally engaged, right from the beginning and was so glad that these two characters finally had their story! Absolutely perfect!

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Kennedy Ryan

Author 82 books35.1k followers

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addictions anthology contemporary

Sarah

2,132 reviews30 followers

January 20, 2019

Book 2.5 in Colorado Springs Montgomery series by Carrie Ann Ryan.
Abby has been through a lot moved from Denver to Colorado with a young child. Started her own tea shop and trying to make it through each day as a widow.
Ryan is the Montgomery Ink Too newest tattoo artist and even though settled in really well he’s kept his past and himself close to his chest but when he meets Abby he know at some point he’s got to put himself out there to see if he and Abby have a future.
Loved that this book main characters aren’t Montgomery as such but both are heavily connected to the family.
I feel this book was a tad to small and things weren’t finished like what happened to Michael in end but otherwise loved it.
It’s down as a stand-alone but I feel you need to be part familiar with Montgomery series to really get the benefits with so many characters involved in this book.

Jewlsbookblog

2,209 reviews74 followers

January 23, 2019

Carrie Ann Ryan packed a wallop of emotion in Abby and Ryan’s relationship! Joy, sadness, frustration, fear, hope...I mean, for a novella there was just so much going on! And the chemistry! Abby and Ryan’s romance was steamy and sensuous, with a dollop of extra sweetness I loved!

There’s also a good number of characters mentioned along with the main couple, but they’re easy to keep track of! Have no fear in feeling lost if you jump into this book without reading previous stories. That’s the beauty of a 1001 DK novella!

2019

Marion Lent

301 reviews3 followers

January 27, 2019

Oh my gosh!

Seriously the sweetest, most feeling of all! I just loved this story. A definite Phoenix moment in time for Ryan and Abby and I suspect, Carrie Ann, as well.

Sandy

2,492 reviews10 followers

January 10, 2019

Tears will flow as you read this touching book. Both Abby and Ryan have had tragic lasts but can they learn to make a new future together. The love and friendship in this book makes you weep.

Jody

2,089 reviews60 followers

January 24, 2019

With characters we’ve met through past interactions with the Montgomery clan, Ms. Ryan puts forth a strong sense of family in this latest tale of addiction, loss, and overcoming the past to make a HEA. Along the way the main couple takes readers on a sweet and sensual journey that warms the heart and lays the groundwork for more HEAs in the future from amongst the appealing cast of secondary characters.

Ryan’s the newest tattoo artist at Montgomery Ink Too and it’s a career he’s wanted to do since he was young and it was just one of many times he disappointed his parents. Theirs was a rocky relationship where his twin brother Michael was seen as the golden child while he was viewed as the problem. The truth couldn’t have been more different though and the duplicity of his brother continues today as Michael’s addiction has made Ryan’s life miserable. Any bit of happiness and success Ryan has found quickly becomes tainted by Michael’s manipulations and lies and it’s made Ryan leery of forming attachments for fear they’ll be hurt and used by his brother. When it comes to the Montgomery family though, they’re not easy to ignore and have enfolded him wholeheartedly into their lives and have made it their mission to help him find a HEA with Abby, another new addition to their “family”. Ryan’s always been a bit of a mystery, keeping to himself but ever watchful. This novella has him taking center stage and showing a bit of awkwardness along with a kind heart. With a past he’s ashamed of he doesn’t think himself worthy of Abby, but he’s grown tired of fighting his feelings and finally lets their friendship become something more. When a sweet first date leads to a sultry night, both of them start to share more about themselves in a journey of healing and empowerment.

Abby’s heartbreaking past was depicted in Ms. Ryan’s Hope Restored (a must-read book in my opinion) and it’s a past that she fought to rise up from as she has a daughter who needs her to be strong. Though she’s in a new city her past is never far behind as her love for Max still haunts her when she’s lonely. The Montgomery family may have claimed her as one of their own, eased her loneliness a bit, but it’s still hard for her to depend on others after the loss she experienced. She wants to be seen as strong and capable, someone her daughter can be proud of, even if she feels the exact opposite. Into her conflicted feelings comes the sweet and sexy Ryan, someone just as uncertain as her, and together their shy and subtle flirtations take them from friends to lovers. Abby’s a likable heroine, part of the action yet a bit apart at times. She may seem a bit weak early in the story, but when Ryan needs reassurance most she’s a bold support and her words to him had me cheering.

This was an entertaining read for the most part, full of playful interactions amongst the Montgomery clan and their friends. The sense of family is strong throughout this novella as every one of the Montgomery family is there when trouble arises, or a listening ear is needed. Family is what fuels these books and it’s what pulls me in wholeheartedly as I start reading each new installment. The romance is tender in this book, sweet in its newness and fragile as Ryan and Abby both have fears. There’s sexiness too and in their steamy encounters they show self-assuredness that made them a formidable couple. As their mutually painful pasts are revealed readers will find themselves cheering as a new family is created. Though the ending is satisfying, I did have an issue with how Michael was handled. After a loud and scary introduction his character just seemed to vanish with a single sentence devoted to him. After seeing the power Michael had over Ryan I wanted a more powerful ending for him. Despite that small quibble I found this to be a heartwarming story with characters that are easy to relate to. This story may have been a short and quick read, but it packed quite a punch and has me longing to see where Ms. Ryan takes us next.

Robyn

164 reviews

This story made me smile. This story made me cry. Abby is a tragic figure as she was widowed when she was pregnant. We first met her in Murphy Gallagher's story as her Max and Murphy were in treatment together. So she was tied to the Gallaghers through Murphy, and since the Gallaghers and the Montgomerys are connected through marriage, she was connected to the Montgomerys. She was 'adopted' into the Montgomery clan and now owns the tea shop by Montgomery Ink Too. Ryan was the mystery tattoo artist at the Montgomery's shop. They make a cute couple and I loved watching how they started as friends and grew into more healing each other.
Ryan had a twin that caused him trouble regularly and made him hesitant to want to get involved. His twin had made him feel like he had to pull up stakes and leave the last few places that he'd worked. Of course, the Montgomery clan wasn't having any of that as he was one of them now and they rallied around him this time when his brother showed up to create mayhem.
Did I mention how sweet a couple they made? They looked out for each other, leaned on each other. Broke my heart at the retelling of Max's death. I felt for Amy. The way it was told was so poignant. But I love this author's way with words. Max was Amy's first love and the fact that she had his child meant that he'd always be a part of her life, as he should be. I loved how Ryan was so accepting of that. Amy had problems accepting help, and watching her realize that accepting help,asking for help, doesn't take anything away from her independence was kind of a message to me, lol.
The only thing wrong with this story was that it was too short. I love living in the Montgomery world. I can't wait to read the next one.

Sofia Lazaridou

2,864 reviews136 followers

Abby and Ryan are two secondary characters, who got the chance to get a story and a happily ever after. In some ways, the story is bitter and in others is sweet. I loved their story and how they became something more than friends. Abby's love for her first husband is evident in the story, but it doesn't take something from the main love story. It was well done and everything I could ask for. As you know each story in the 1001 dak nights world and pretty much every book written by Carrie Ann Ryan is a stand-alone and it can be read as such. If you are not familiar with the series, there is no need to worry. You can just pick this book up and join the Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs world. The writing is great and all the characters very lovable. I would definitely recommend it.

Michele A.

3,137 reviews16 followers

January 30, 2019

Abby and Ryan find themselves exploring their newfound feelings for each other in this one. Abby is trying to move on with her daughter, Julia, after the death of her fiance', Max. Ryan knows she is still struggling and seems to be very patient with her. Ryan has his own baggage in the form of his twin brother, who is a drug addict. Their pasts both have the capability of haunting them, but both try to move on.
It was a short, easy read and gave a lot of insight into grief and regret. Both characters had them, but in different situations. It was nicely portrayed and didn't leave me feeling too dragged down by it.
My only issue was that it was a bit too short for me. I wanted a bit more of them at the end.

friends-to-lovers

Hannah

2,009 reviews33 followers

inkslinger kindle-books second-chance-romance

ARC REVIEW

Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs #2.5, From the last book I kind of knew Ryan and Abby were meant for each other. This is a quick read novella but Carrie Ann Ryan still manages to pack all her emotional angsty stuff and her hotter than hell romance into such a little package. Abby whose past is an open book among their group of friends and Ryan a new friend but already part of the family whose past isn't as easy to read.

Friends first Ryan and Abby start to show signs of a mutual attraction after Ryan rescues Abby and her daughter from a snowbank. Abby conflicted because her first love, Max, she lost before they could even get married. Ryan is pretty sure Abby is the woman for him but his past is standing in the way, especially when his past shows back up and threatens to ruin everything good Ryan has done for himself.

Overall, I loved this it was short and hot. Ryan and Abby burn up the sheets, their chemistry is outstanding. I especially liked the shy awkwardness between them when Ryan first asks her out it was sweet. Of course you have all the emotion that pours out of them confessing things they never told anyone else it grabs you and twist you up, yep Carrie Ann Ryan excels at that.

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ErinMickC

275 reviews6 followers

January 27, 2019

A delightful little novella that had me utterly enthralled from the first to the last page. Abby and Ryan have been friends for awhile. They both have connections to the Montgomerys and they run in similar circles. A series of circumstances convinces them both to kick their relationship up a notch and oh-my-goodness you’ll be glad they take that next step! Their love story was sweet, and endearing, and optimistic in a way that blew my socks off. I laughed and cried (ok, mostly cried) the bulk of this book. You’ll never be disappointed in a Carrie Ann Ryan novel, but this one was just something else; one of her very best. 4.5 stars for Ashes to Ink!

ChristiLovesBooks_smut

1,786 reviews43 followers

December 7, 2025

Ashes to Ink - Excellent!

Ashes to Ink, book 2.5 of the Montgomery Ink Colorado Springs series/book 10.5 of the Montgomery Ink series by Carrie Ann Ryan @carrieannryanauthor. Carrie Ann is a fantastic author! I am reading the Montgomery world in chronological order from Carrie Ann’s website.

Such a great novella about Abby (the widow of a friend of Murphy) & Ryan (an artist at MIT)! Tropes: Contemporary, Male/Female, Single Mom, Friends to Lovers, Tiny 3rd Act Break Up & HEA!

Carol

1,636 reviews15 followers

January 9, 2019

Again, a wonderful addition to Montgomery Ink. It took me awhile to remember Max and Abby, but when I did, whoa, it was so sad. I will be going back and rereading that book. Ryan and Abby were attracted to each other but hadn't acted on it. Everyone around them could see it. They had great chemistry and will make a great couple. I felt for Ryan when his brother came back into his life. It certainly was a no win situation. Abby had a great attitude toward it and will help him deal with it. Enjoyable story that I will put in my read again stack. I got this book from the author for an honest review.

Isha Coleman

8,945 reviews172 followers

January 15, 2019

Let her inside your head and she'll run away with your heart. Ryan has a talent for sweeping readers off their feet with emotional characters, heartwarming stories and tempting romance. Ashes to Ink is just another example of the magic that she creates. Courage is not something that a person learns, but a stirring within one's self to beat the odds and try again, even at the most heartbreaking of times. Abby and Ryan are the ideal example of what it means to be brave.

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Gladys

13.9k reviews162 followers

January 17, 2019

This shorter length read doesn't skimp on the emotions. Abby and Ryan's story is heartbreaking, hot, poignant, sweet and dramatic. In my opinion this is a book that will wreck you emotionally. With a story that pulls you in and characters that are likable and relatable, your emotions will be put through the wringer as these two struggle with their pasts, their present, their losses and opening themselves up to the risk of loving again. A beautiful romance. This is my sincere, voluntary review.

Angie Harvey

726 reviews5 followers

January 18, 2019

I love these novellas so much! It just makes me so happy that every character gets their story, even it is only around 100 pages. I had totally forgotten about Abby and didn’t know anything about Ryan, so this was great!!

Abby and Ryan were both in a tough spot in life and they both really needed that extra light in their lives. I love how they came to be, even with a little trouble along the way. Seeing them with the rest of the Montgomery Springs clan was a delight!!!

Tee loves Kyle Jacobson

2,526 reviews180 followers

January 28, 2019

I loved this novella but I wished there was more. I absolutely loved Abby and Ryan and I needed more of them. Abby has left Denver and moved to Colorado Springs next to the Montgomery's. She has decided to leave her past and move on to get a new future for her and her daughter. She buys a shop and turns it into a Tea shop and she loves working there and meeting new people and one of those people she meets is Ryan.

Ryan is the newest tattoo artist in The Montgomery Ink Too shop and he has his secrets he holds near and dear to him. He does his job and goes out but he never lets anyone get close to him until Abby. He can't seem to get her out of his mind and he is willing to risk his secrets to be with her.

This is a story about love and second chances and I have to say that this is an amazing series that must be read! So go out and one click it you won't be disappointed!

Sarah Marie

104 reviews15 followers

January 26, 2019

Abby and Ryan are genuinely such a beautiful couple. This quick read gives you a glimpse into what different tragedies in life can do to a person.

While Abby is dealing with one that’s shrouded in loss and pain, Ryan is dealing with one surrounded by guilt and anger. But the beautiful thing about this book is that we get to see two people, who enjoy each other, who want to move forward in their lives, and battle for that.

This read something that will stick with you, Ryan and Abby are two strong willed people who complement each other perfectly. Watching their relationship develop and go through hardships so early, showed how love overcomes all. And that if you’re willing to fight for it, it’s going to be there when the battle is over.

Adored Abby and Ryan, such a good couple. A short story that packs a punch, Carrie Ann doesn’t disappoint. As per usual.

E.M. Reders

Author 14 books88 followers

January 10, 2019

Oh wow! I knew this book was going to be a tough one. I knew that at least twice in this book Carrie would have me balling my eyes out. The first time came before the story even began. The second came during the moment Abby opened up about loosing Max. Carrie really managed to make you feel the characters pain, her heartbreak.
It was a bitter sweet book but it still contained all the things that i enjoy from Carrie's books. Hot romance. Handsome hunky men. Drama. And glimpses into all the other characters lives lol. Cant wait for the next one

Debbie

132 reviews2 followers

I have read many of Carrie Ann Ryan's books. She puts a lot of time, research, thought, passion, and emotion in each one. I find myself laughing, cheering, crying, and wanting to strangle certain characters. Thus, she does what any good author does.....pulls you into the story as if you are there with the characters as you read each word. This is one of her novellas....a short story. And although it is a short read, it doesn't skimp on passion or emotional pulls from the main characters, Abby a tea store owner and Ryan, a tattoo artist, stories of looking to move forward in their lives despite what they have experienced in their past. Each one has faced a difficult situation.....one death of a loved one, and the other, the life long addiction of a family member. Once I started, I couldn't stop til I got to the last page. Their broken roads lead them to a budding friendship that turns into something more. And, once they path is taken, each wonders if the baggage from their past will break this tender budding relationship from friends to lovers. Would they be able to stand strong from contents of that baggage. Together, they realize that they can. That they are still each other's best friend as well as lover. Looking forward to Roxie & Carter's story, which is next in this series.

Kristi Metcalf

285 reviews4 followers