The Montgomery Ink saga continues with a bonus romance between two strangers on a path of healing that leads to something far more. Zia Clarkson thought she found her happily ever after, not once, but twice. Her first love is now engaged, and her second love broke more than her heart. Heart and soul bruised; she’s not looking for a relationship. Ever. Especially not with the uptight Meredith Legend who stars in her fantasies. They promised each other one night of passion. And when the sun rises, they’ll walk away—even if they’re both lying to themselves about why.
Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She's the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
I'm so happy that Zia and Meredith found one another after all they both have been through. Neither one had it easy and I couldn't tell you which one was harder to read about. Both women thought at one point or another that they had something special in the past only they weren't with the person they were meant to be with. One glance, one touch and they both knew they needed to test the waters between them.
This was an EXCELLENT Bonus Novella, a little heavier than I expected but just as hot!
Zia Clarkson, Bristol's (EMBRACED IN INK) ex and a former YouTuber. She thought she'd found her HEA twice but she was wrong. She was still friends with her first ex who was now engaged and she was happy for Bristol But her second failed relationship nearly completely destroyed her. She wasn't looking for a new relationship especially not one with the sexy, smart and beautiful woman she met in a very compromising position. Despite fantasizing about said woman, Meredith Legend.
Meredith Legend, Zia's new neighbor and Aaron Montgomery's accountant. She went on one date with the latter and they both decided to stay friends when they realized that there wasn't any romantic feelings between them. She was attracted to Zia and vice versa.
Both women made a promise, they would give each other one night of passion and then they would walk away the next morning. Could it be that easy!? They both had their reasons why that idea would have worked if only they weren't lying to each other and themselves.
When Meredith's past came back to disturb the peace she was building, Zia wouldn't let her give up without a fight. In the end they got much more than what they wanted.
It was a pleasure to catch up with some old characters and meet new ones. Loved how supportive of Meredith, Aaron was. Can't wait for his story next in SEDUCED IN INK! ;)
MOMENTS IN INK is a novella in Carrie Ann Ryan's MONTGOMERY INK: BOULDER series. It was fast-paced, beautiful and very intriguing. Carrie Ann Ryan did a magnificently awesome job. Two thumbs up!
****I received this book, without any obligation to review.****
****Characters icons and teasers courtesy of Carrie Ann Ryan****
Meredith and Zia had a confidence about them that was wonderful. They also had that bit of vulnerability that you get from life handing you less than sunshiney moments. Neither had the best of luck at love, and while Meredith was adamant she wasn’t trying again and Zia wasn’t looking, the heart wants what it wants. These two were sexy, fun, and a bit of drama, and both in sights of the Montgomery Borg, so of course they get their HEA!
This is a hot fast read. Also it's emotion on paper. Swinging from one emotion to another with some great characters. It's full of heartwarming connections and truth in prose. In a word awesome! I received an advanced copy of this book and freely leave this honest review.
Watching Zia and Meredith fall for each other while learning who they are after life throws them around a bit was so refreshing. They have great chemistry and it was fun to see how the Montgomerys fit in as well.
When it comes to love Zia has two strikes against her which have left their scars and she isn’t about to repeat the experience. Instead she will focus on her business and her friends and leave romance to others, however her plan didn’t allow for the intense feelings she had for her neighbor Meredith.
Meredith has a painful past of her own and is cautious when it comes to allowing others into her life. The circumstances under which she met her neighbor Zia was both humorous and hot but she was determined to keep her distance but fate had other ideas when they find they are tied through mutual friends.
When the chemistry between them ignites they agree on a physical relationship however it isn’t long before their hearts become involved however when the past comes back with a vengeance will it bring them closer or tear them apart?
Zia and Meredith couldn’t have been a better match and after all that they had been through it was great to see them find love and happiness.
I did not know what to expect when I heard that Zia and Meredith were getting their own story. I knew Meredith was an intriguing character. Through the ups and downs of their short friendship into exploring being more than friends they were both interesting to watch evolve into an amazing relationship. They both had their own pasts to deal with while deciding if they wanted a serious relationship together. I enjoyed the banter between all the characters in this story and can't wait to see who is next to share to find love and happiness.
This one was short, but it packed a punch. I loved how Zia and Merideth met and then later how they learned they had quite a few connections. I wasn't sure things would work out as even though they were attracted to each other, but maybe weren't sure about starting anything, Merideth more than Zia. So glad they took a chance and found happiness.
Best meet cute ever! Though neither are actually Montgomerys; Zia & Meredith both have enough interaction with them to be part of the tribe. This is a fast paced intense tale that will make you laugh and cry. This is a terrific tale made all the better by the bonus scene available from the author.
Looking for a quick story to fill a rainy afternoon?? Look no further. Carrie Ann Ryan brings us Zia & Meredith with Moments in Ink. Both have just ended a bad relationship. Neither are looking to get into another anytime soon. The way they meet is humorous & a bit embarrassing for one. After this encounter, their circle of friends end up getting together one night which has their paths crossing once again. Which has things taken off from there. Loved the bonus chapter!!! Looking forward to Seduced in Ink!!
I LOVED THIS!!!!! I think this is one of the best stories I’ve read lately, it’s definitely one of my favourites from Carrie Ann Ryan (even though it’s a short story and I’m normally not a fan 😉). This story is cute and funny and yet the characters are not superficial, as a reader you don’t know a lot of details about the characters pasts but we can still see that they both have a past that influences their actions and thoughts. I also noticed that I really like the fact that this story is about two bisexual women that start dating each other, this is not a widely known/used storyline and made it all the more interesting. Two women dating each other just gives the development of a relationship a different dynamic which has been interesting to dive into as reader. Personally, I think these kind of relationships should be more normalised in books, books are a mirror of society after all. Carrie Ann Ryan is amazing in portraying different parts of society, also the parts that are not always represented well, without being too obvious about it which makes these parts seem normal and not something that needs to be seen as different. This is something I really admire, and is also why this book is even more special for me. I would recommend this book to anyone that shows even the slightest bit of interest, also the ones that normally do not read LGTB+ romances. It is not something weird or gross, and I think this story shows this perfectly, and balances the romance and steamy scenes perfectly with the story line and regular life.
This is book 3.5 in the Montgomery Ink Boulder series. It can absolutely be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the previous books so that you can understand the connections between the characters. In this one we get Zia's story!! Zia thought she had found her happy ever after before and been wrong. Her first love is now engaged and her last one broke more than her heart. Now she is back home and just trying to figure out how to be her again, without worrying about love. Especially her new neighbor Meredith. Meredith is also just looking for her new normal, not for a relationship. But when they both decide that they can be just friend's with benefits, will the best laid plans grow to be more or leave them in the dust.
I really liked this one!! I have wanted a story for Zia since she was introduced in this series and this didn't disappoint!! She is such a sweet woman with not only a heart of gold but the humor to make it through life and it's bad times. Meredith went through something horrific but she is learning how to move on and she has her own issues to work through. But she doesn't let the things in her past stop her from truly working through them. They are perfect for each other. I know some people won't think this is to their tastes because it's about 2 women falling in love and making a relationship for themselves with each other. But at the end of the day, it's a love story. These women truly love and care about each other's health and happiness in a way that all people hope for in their lives. A great read!! I just wish it had been longer!
This is Zia’s book she’s came back to the US after she broke things off with her ex in England. Once she returns and decides to begin her new life fresh she purchases a new house and runs into her new neighbor Meredith in a less than appealing way. Requiring help from Bristol and Marcus. Zia is a makeup artist who creates amazing art on her face and helps others by providing tutorials for them online. * Meredith has just moved in as well after divorcing her ex husband, who wasn’t a good guy. Meredith is an accountant and is friends with Aaron Montgomery and hangs out with him because otherwise she’d just remain in her house never having any fun. * Once she meets Zia out with Bristol and Marcus the sparks are immediate and everyone in the group notices it, it’s unmistakable they both feel the pull towards the other. Zia and Meredith neither one truly wants a relationship just to be friends and hang out and have fun. However the more they see each other the attraction between them sparks and grows. * Overall, I really enjoyed the story it can be read in one sitting it’s not that long but still tells their story beautifully and the author does an amazing job of keeping the reader engaged and wanting to see how the story will end for them. This is part of the Montgomery Ink Boulder Series world and would be better if reading the previous books to understand the characters as you will see them in the previous books.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "MOMENTS IN INK" Zia Clarkson returned home from England after her break up with her ex this was her second failed relationship and he nearly destroyed her, her other relationship with Bristol Montgomery failed also she was engaged to Marcus but they were still BF'S. Meredith Legend was an accountant for Aaron Montgomery he was there for her after she got divorced from her abusive ex they dated but realized they were better as friends she met her new neighbor by accident Zia was locked out only in her underwear and was so embarrassed she gave her a jacket to wear. Meredith & Aaron are having drinks when Bristol his sister, fiance Marcus & Zia walked in there was definitely sexual tension between Meredith and Zia but both just got out of bad relationships and weren't looking for anything right now. I definitely recommend to get this sensitive very well written f/f romance something I don't usually read but it was very tastefully written by Carrie Ann Ryan the characters were so well developed and likeable I thoroughly enjoyed their journey to get a HEA it wasn't an easy road to get there but when they did it was well worth it a must read for sure.
Zia Clarkson thought she found love not once but twice. Zia's first love and best friend, Bristol Montgomery, is now engaged, and her second love is in England and nearly destroyed more than her heart. Meredith Legend is Aaron Montgomery's friend and accountant. Meredith is also recovering from a marriage that left deep scars. Zia meets Meredith, her sexy new neighbor, in a very compromising way. Neither are looking for a relationship but can't stop thinking about each other. Zia and Meredith go on a date and agree to one night of passion. What happens when one night leads to more? How will Meredith react when her ex shows up on her doorstep? Will Meredith push Zia away after her ex shows up? Will Zia and Meredith tell each other how they feel? Can Zia and Meredith move past their insecurities to find their happily ever after? I absolutely loved Moments In Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan. Moments In Ink is a great book about two amazing women who are strong, independent, and beautiful with some interaction with Montgomerys from previous books who will make you laugh out loud. Carrie Ann Ryan is a MUST read author for this reader. I would highly recommend getting Moments In Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
I really love how Carrie Ann gives her side characters a story, even if a small one! I LOVED that this one was Zia too!!! I was super curious about how much more we'd see from her and man was this a good one!! It had the PERFECT amount of sexy and spice, awkward moments, drama and all of the in between!
The moment they first met was HYSTERICAL and totally set the tone for this book! I was dying laughing the whole time. And then when we see Meredith with Aaron I laugh even harder. These two were really funny together. The Montgomery clan realllly knows how to get their talons in someone! I also really love how we get the perfect amount of Bristol in this story. When it was Bristol's turn, Zia was such an important role, so I was really happy to see Bristol be as important in Zia's book.
Another key to this book is how effortless the relationship was, even if Meredith didn't think so. Carrie Ann wrote this so you'd have no idea there was a difference between a man/woman relationship and a woman/woman relationship. I love how she does this and has done this in the past.
Zia gets locked out of her house in just her underwear. She calls Bristol to bring her a key. While outside she meets her new neighbor, Meredith, an accountant,who gives her a jacket. Bristol and Marcus show up and gets Zia inside, while laughing at her. Meredith is having drinks with Aaron, when his sister Bristol, Marcus and Zia show up. They invite them to join them. They start taking about Meredith being Aaron's accountant. Zia says she needs an accountant, and tells Meredith she is a makeup artist. Meredith and Zia go on a date, dancing, then back home and have sex. They begin dating, with benefits. Meredith's abusive ex husband shows up and scares them both. Meredith kicks Zia out, so she can be by herself. Zia leaves but then goes right back over. They talk, explain some things, and clear everything up. Zia gets a tattoo from Callie, and in the epilogue they get some edible body paint from Maya. We don't have scenes with either, they are talked about after. Meredith's friend (and ex) Aaron Montgomery is up next in Seduced in Ink.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Definitely needed a second pass by an editor. There were several typos, a few places where the dialog tags got confused if it was Meredith or Zia speaking, and at least two instances where the sense of time passing was ambiguous at best.
Spoilers below.
Also, I know it's a novella, but holy cow, the last three chapters are so quick that my head spun. Chapter 7, Merediths abusive ex shows up unannounced to her house, threatens her and Zia, then leaves. (And that plot point is never resolved, not even a mention of "btw, your lawyer called, the restraining order against your ex who tried to kill you is in place" or something.) Meredith says some unintentionally mean things to Zia, who leaves. Chapter 8, Zia comes back, they have a come to Jesus talk, and are both willing to try love again. And then chapter 9, the last chapter, an undefined amount of time later, they're talking about moving in together.
Just...what?? The pacing was so off, the tonal shift so sudden, that it just completely killed my enjoyment of the book.
Meredith has a great head for numbers but she feels like when it comes to love she pays bad choices. Zia thought she had found love, not once but twice and learned the hard way that love hurts you just as much as it brings happiness. Two people that have had love hurt them in the past or not looking for anything of the sort. But when an unexpected meeting and some undeniable attraction and chemistry make their presence known they both agree to one night. Ha! We all know one night is never enough. Quickly they both realize there’s more to what they’re feeling both women realize a big decision is going to have to be made.
I very much enjoyed Moments in Ink. Ms. Ryan hits readers with an emotional and touching tale of two women trying to heal and finding comfort, attraction and maybe even love in something neither one of them was looking for. We even get to visit with a few of our Montgomery friends making this a wonderful addition to an emotional and sexy series.
Moments in Ink is short, sweet, and a really enjoyable addition to the Montgomery Ink: Boulder world.
I loved watching Zia and Meredith heal and slowly fall for each other. Their story is tender and emotional, and I definitely made a few reader noises as their connection deepened. The neighbors-to-lovers dynamic works well here, and the focus on healing broken hearts gives the story real heart, even in a novella-length format.
I also loved the appearances from the Montgomerys—it always feels like coming home. While there were a few things I would’ve liked to see explored a bit more, I still really enjoyed the story overall and felt satisfied by where it left off.
For readers who like to know ahead of time, the spicy content appears in chapter 5.
Overall, Moments in Ink is a lovely sapphic romance novella, and I really hope we get to see more of Zia and Meredith in future Montgomery Ink: Boulder books.
I absolutely loved this story! It is f/f, which is usually not something that I usually read but I love this author and this series. I was not disappointed! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is on the shorter side but I loved getting to know Zia better. We have seen her and heard things about her in the previous books in the series. It was fun getting to see a different side to her and watching her get her own happy ending in this book. Both Zia and Meredith are trying to heal from their last relationships. They were not healthy and did not end well. I liked Meredith as well. They are both gun shy and have to fight through that to actually give what is developing between them a shot. There was plenty in this book to hold my attention. Most of the action in this one is with the characters themselves and trying to heal and learning how to move on. Both were looking to avoid something serious but they just work together. This book can be read as a standalone. You do see characters from the previous books which is an added bonus if you have read them but it is not necessary. I'm looking forward to the next one for sure. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This novella length read packs a huge emotional punch. I can't say that I have read very many f/f love stories. I have read many a romance that featured a m/m couple before because for some reason that pairing seems much more accepted, popular and mainstream. So to start I want to say kudos to this author for taking a chance on writing this book. Zia and Meredith were just like any other characters you'd read about. They each some emotional baggage they were lugging around and a fierce attraction for each other that they where trying to fight. I thought both characters were very likable and their chemistry was sizzling. Their engaging story offers a combination of emotion, drama, steam, turmoil and heart that gives the reader all the feels you could want from a great romantic read. This is my candid, freely posted review.
I love that Carrie Ann wrote a story for Zia! Zia is Bristol's best friend/ex-girlfriend. Zia thought she had her happy ever after in London. After leaving broken hearted she decides to come home and throw herself in her growing business. She decided to swear off relationships of any kind, until she locks herself out of her house...in her underwear...and her smoking hot new neighbor decides to check on her! Meredith has just gotten out of an abusive marriage, finally allowing herself to free to be who she really is. Meredith's only real friend in town is Aaron Montgomery, so of course she and Zia keep running into each other. They both are relationship-shy, but they can't deny the chemistry between them. I love their story, the danger, the drama, the passion....it's just such an amazing story!!
I have always liked Zia’s character, but this story brought out so many, more layers of this multi-talented heroine and I knew she deserved to have someone equally as amazing as she is. She definitely pulled off ‘most awkward, yet unforgettable’ first impression when she met her new neighbor Meredith. There was chemistry and a connection from the beginning. I really liked watching these two find their way toward each other and decide that they wanted to try for more between them. It was nice seeing Zia’s friendship with Bristol and Marcus was still there and I liked Meredith’s friendship with Aaron Montgomery. I really felt for Meredith with her ex, but Zia stepped right up to be there for her. One of my favorite lines in this story was, ‘you are a light in our lives, Zia, and I love you’. What a great story!
Moments In Ink (Montgomery Ink: Boulder #3.5) Zia Clarkson thought she found her happily ever after, not once, but twice. Her first love Bristol Montgomery (Embraced In Ink) is now engaged, and her second love in England, broke more than her heart. She’s not looking for a relationship, especially not with her neighbour Meredith Legend whom she meets in the most unusual way. Meredith’s heart was broken as well but the two women are strong, beautiful, and independent with some insecurities about trusting their feelings because of their pasts. I loved this story but I have a small issue with this novella…it should have been a longer book this novella made me what more of Zia and Meredith! Can’t wait for the next book Seduced In Ink!
Moments In Ink Love the Montgomery World!! Carrie Ann Ryan has built an entire universe around the Montgomery Family. The newest installment in the world is Moments In Ink. Zia is a beautiful make-up artist who has lost at love twice before. Meredith is coming off a rough divorce from an abusive husband. Now they are neighbors. Meredith and Zia are both new homeowners and now they are neighbors. The women meet when Zia is accidentally locked out of her house. The next time they meet, is when they realize they are both friends of the Montgomery family. Neither woman wants to be in a relationship, but sparks fly. This is a sweet tale of how you find what you need when you least expect it.
My first ever FF read. I think the author did a really good job of it. (i have nothing to compare it to). Zia has moved back to the US and into her new home after things went wrong in England. Meredith is her new neighbour and also has a past she wants away from. We got Meredith's backstory but I think I wanted to know Zia's backstory as well and why she was running away. There was also the unanswered question over Meredith's ex-husband just showing up, threatening her and walking away, and yet Zia had the phone in her hand but didn't call 911 ?????? also did he come back or is this being kept for another story. the story just seemed to stop abruptly. It was a good read though and I like their story but I wanted more of Zia and I didn't connect with her as I did with Meredith.
This was a love story I didn't know I needed. I know I wanted it, but I needed it too. These two! So beautiful and sexy and strong. And stubborn. Both have damage from previous relationships. It feels like the main theme throughout this particular series is violent or abusive relationships and the toll they take. It's kind of hard to read, but entirely too common and relevant (probably why it's hard to read). Zia and Meredith couldn't be any different personality-wise, or need the other more in their lives. Each brings exactly what is needed to the table. But their "no strings attached" doesn't make past the first date. These two fall head over heels for the other too soon for emotional comfort. Loved it.