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When my best friend and I fell for the same guy in middle school, I stepped back. I’d always expected to dance at their wedding. Not sit in the back pew of her funeral. I left town for my own reasons, but now that I’m back, it’s clear Sebastian Montgomery isn’t the same man I left. He’s hard. Broken. And a single father to an adorable little girl. When it turns out he’s my new neighbor, I can’t stay away. But I know I’m playing with fire and the heat between us burns enough to scorch. I thought I was over my crush. But now it might crush me.

316 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2023

229 people are currently reading
6267 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Ann Ryan

283 books6,352 followers
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:

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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5 stars
590 (44%)
4 stars
472 (35%)
3 stars
207 (15%)
2 stars
46 (3%)
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13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,730 reviews529 followers
July 5, 2023
Have the tissues handy!

When you begin this book, make sure you do it in the privacy of your own home or somewhere people will not look at you funny for having tears streaming down your face because the prologue is heart-wrenching. But once you make it through, it's a fun ride with some ups and downs, and this hot dad will win your heart.

Continue reading my review here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewLC

longtime crush by carrie ann ryan

Nadine's Obsessed with Books **I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,770 reviews984 followers
not-for-me
July 14, 2023
Self note:

- Second chance
- Dead girlfriend
- Single dad

H and h were friends in highschool. But when the h finds out that her bestfriend has a crush too on H, she stepped aside and went away for college.

Then her bestfriend died after childbirth and the books starts five years later after her death.

Not sure if the H was also attracted to the h when they were young. But I read from a review he was indecisive that time, and that the pregnancy was only caused by a broken condom.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,251 reviews123 followers
August 2, 2023
Friendship, Family and Cheese are the mantra of the Montgomery Family Books.

As Sebastian's life finally finds a tranquil pace, an unexpected blast from the past, Raven, storms back into his world, shattering the peace and igniting a whirlwind of emotions. Their tentative reconnection and the subsequent rediscovery of each other's essence form the captivating core of this narrative.

Their love story becomes one for the ages—a tale of resilience through life's tumultuous twists and turns. Despite the ups and downs they face, they manage to navigate the challenges and emerge stronger than ever before. Witnessing their growth and evolution is truly captivating. Sebastian's happily ever after finally arrives, and it is a reward well-deserved.

There is a small piece in the last 20% of the book that is the catalyst for the couple to reaffirm their connection to each other and it feels misplaced. I kind of threw off the rhythm on the story. There was no lead up to this added piece it kind of comes through the door and smacks you in the face. It was resolved quickly, just not sure it fit or made sense.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book, as it skillfully weaves a story of love, loss, and the profound strength of the human spirit. Prepare to be captivated by Sebastian's journey and the enchanting characters that surround him.

Full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com

I received a copy of the books in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
July 5, 2023
I was very interested to read this book due to how the last one ended, it was gut wrenching! I liked that there was a time jump, not sure things would have worked well had the time just been a few months. Sebastian seemed like he was doing well at times and at others it seemed like he was holding on by his finger tips. His relationship with Nora was great! I loved how close they were and how his famiy stepped up to help.

Raven was a bit of a mess at times, totally together at others. Her moving back home seemed like it was a good thing for her, being near Sebastian, that remained to be seen. I wish that these 2 would have talked about Marley sooner, she was the elephant in the room with them the whole time. Had they been able to talk about her openly and honestly it would have caused fewer problems later for them.

The drama at the end was crazy! Was glad that they got it figured out and it forced Sebastian and Raven to realize how they felt, it made for a great ending for them.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,659 reviews52 followers
July 16, 2023
Great story about teenage friends reunited!

Raven, Marley and Sebastian were childhood friends. Raven had a huge crush on Sebastian, but backed off and moved away, when she realized that Marley loved Sebastian.

Now Raven is back and has opened a very successful bakery. Unfortunately, 5 years ago Marley died in childbirth. And Seb is now raising their daughter, Nora. It is fascinating watching what follows!

Marley's parents are awful!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Michelle the Romance Witch.
2,533 reviews74 followers
June 30, 2023
This story is not one for those that can’t handle emotional pain and drama in their love stories, it was filled with not only the love of two people finding one another after years, but the baggage they had to work through to do that. Sebastian and Raven have a troubled and multilayered past, filled with ghosts, but in the end the love they found was rich and deep and will carry them through anything that comes at them in the future. Sebastian is the perfect hero, one that has gone through a lot of pain in his past and found a way to grow and learn from his losses, without ever losing the core of his heart. He lives for his family and work, offering his love to those that he finds worthy and when he brings you into his circle, he won’t let you go. Raven is tired of running and returns to her home, to the only people that have ever offered her the love she needs, but she never imagined she’d find the man she needs in the boy that she once had a deep crush on. She is conflicted about her feelings, but the heart wants what the heart wants sometimes, and chemistry is undeniable, but ghosts are sometimes too much to overcome unless you are determined to work for what you want in life. The passion and connection between Raven and Sebastian were there in every meeting of their eyes and each moment they touched, but when they finally quit fighting their chemistry the heat was a wildfire for sure. I also loved the way Carrie made Nora such a hilarious character, one that I found I quite enjoyed even though I’m not much of a kid person, and I can’t see a third generation of Montgomery’s with these crazy kids easily. I am dying for the next story (Best Friend Temptation) where we will get to see if Noah, Ford, and Greer can find a way through all their hang-ups and form another loving Montgomery triad. Carrie Ann Ryan never fails to make me cry, burn, and fall in love and Longtime Crush went above and beyond expectations.

Full review coming soon to the blog @
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,569 reviews53 followers
July 3, 2023
This third book in the series revolves around Sebastian and Raven, two characters whose lives are intricately intertwined by a complicated history that tugs at the heartstrings.

Sebastian's journey through heartbreak and the challenges of single parenthood resonated deeply with me. I felt a genuine connection to his character as he struggled to balance being a devoted father to his adorable daughter Nora, handling his demanding job, and navigating the well-meaning interference of his in-laws. Carrie Ann Ryan beautifully captures the nuances of Sebastian's emotions, portraying his inner turmoil and his desire to honour his past while embracing the possibility of a new future.

Raven's character struck a chord with me as well. Her unrequited love for Sebastian, which she had selflessly buried for the sake of her best friend Marley, tugged at my heart. When tragedy strikes and Raven returns to their hometown, the chemistry and undeniable connection between her and Sebastian leap off the pages. I found myself rooting for their love to rekindle, longing for them to heal each other's wounds and find solace in one another's arms.

With each turn of the page, I became more invested in the characters, their emotional journeys, and the transformative power of love. The low levels of angst, balanced by the rawness of the characters' emotions, kept me engaged and emotionally invested throughout the story. And the presence of Nora, Sebastian's enchanting daughter, added an extra touch of warmth and sweetness to the narrative, making the story feel all the more genuine and heartwarming.
Profile Image for Vfc.
1,543 reviews
July 21, 2023
Sebastian and his girlfriend Marley are in the delivery room about to have a baby. Complications arise and Marley suffers a heart attack at eighteen.
Fast forward five years since he lost the love of his life.
He’d been nineteen.
He’d been in college, going to school for business, and taken art classes on the side to ensure that he was getting the proper skills to become a better artist. Ready to buy into Montgomery Ink Legacy and start his career.

They dated all through high school, and even that middle school dating where you held hands at dances and looked at each other across the cafeteria at lunch. They had always been together. She had been his everything. The one time the condom broke, (Marley hadn’t been allowed to be on birth control because her parents had forbidden it).

A story of healing, an unadulterated focus of Sebastian blinded by grief.

Elements of insecurities steeped amidst the foundation of love. I abhorred his indecisiveness. It’s okay to move on, and to build a life one never expected, but the life one needs to heal.

Grammatical errors.
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,810 reviews124 followers
July 7, 2024
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧

Sebastian & Raven

Raven, Marley and Sebastian were childhood friends. Raven had always had a crush on Sebastian only it was Marley who snagged Sebastian's eye and Raven accepted that.

Fast forward a few years and Raven goes away for college.
Marley and Sebastian are about to be teenage parents because of a broken condom. Only Marley doesn't make it through the birth.

Fast forward 5 years.
Sebastian is a single father and just trying to live his life the only way he knows how one day at a time. So when Raven shows back up as a business partner right next door to Montgomery Ink Sebastian can't ignore her.
He is hurt that she left. But she needed to and he needed to be with Marley.
But time has healed some wounds, and sparks and chemistry are coming at them in full force they can't ignore it anymore.

This book might have been the hardest to get through cause the emotions were so high. But I am glad they found each other in the end.
Marley's parents are horrendous!

Connor and Meg did a fabulous job with the narration!
Profile Image for Krystin.
752 reviews25 followers
August 26, 2025
This was an audible plus grab.
Rounding my rating up for the emotional toll it took on me. This was a good read overall (I really enjoyed the audio narration) but after such a strong start, it became incredibly repetitive and the twist at the end was a little jarring bc I wasn’t expecting the plot to take a suspenseful turn like that (but I also jumped into the series and didn’t start from book 1 to know if it’s normal).
Profile Image for Vfields Don't touch my happy! .
3,502 reviews
September 28, 2025
Good golly I enjoyed reading this book. It flowed so easily off the page. The little girl was easy and bit too easy and I’m not mad at that. I like reading about adults. The family was front and steady. Now that I’m thinking about it. I really liked this one.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,631 reviews27 followers
July 3, 2023
4.5 stars

Sebastian didn’t picture himself raising his daughter alone, but since Marley died giving birth, his whole focus has been on raising Nora and proving to Marley’s parents that he is a good dad.

Raven left town years ago, and only returned briefly for Marley’s funeral. She thought it was best to leave seeing as she had feelings for her best friend’s boyfriend. It didn’t matter that the three of them had been inseparable before that, it just mattered that her friends were happy. But now she decides it is time to return home and she hopes that she and Sebastian can be friends, since they are neighbors as well.

I loved the build up between these two. This was not a quick insta-love situation. WIth 5 years since Marley’s death, Sebastian has spent a lot of time and energy dealing with his grief and loss. I loved that he and Raven were able to talk about Marley and bring her into their relationship, since she will always be a part of Nora’s story. They were friends once, but they have to figure out how to navigate a new friendship as adults, especially since Raven’s once crush blooms again and develops into more.

I really enjoyed this whole story. I found myself grinning from ear to ear as I followed their story. Early on, I knew Marley’s parents were going to be a problem, though I didn’t foresee the way that conflict was resolved. I was surprised by an additional plot twist that was added towards the end that almost seemed to come from left field, but was resolved in a way that has me thinking there may be some residual things to deal with in the next book (by Noah, who was involved in the situation).

I love each return to the Montgomery world and love the way this second generation is growing up into their own personalities, dreams, and futures. I am looking forward to Best Friend Temptation and seeing how Greer, Noah, and Ford navigate a roommate situation.

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Profile Image for Haney Hayes Promotions.
1,482 reviews68 followers
August 24, 2023
This story was so good, it had just the right amount of emotion and entertainment. Sebastian & Raven's story has me in a chokehold. Raven comes home for her best friend's funeral. This means she's going to come face-to-face with the man she and her best friend both fell in love with. That's all you're getting from me. The rest you're going to have to read for yourself!

This may have been my first now I'm going back and reading her entire catalog.

Did you know that Montgomery Ink is its own world? Carrie Anne has sixty-seven books to date dedicated to this world. Longtime Crush is sixty-six on that list. Therefore, I'm ready to go back and start at the beginning, which is Ink Inspired.
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,049 reviews23 followers
July 4, 2023
4.5 stars

Another Montgomery finds his expanded happiness. Sebastian and Raven have history, which we learn about after the traumatic and moving start to this story. Raven is kind and genuine and I liked very much that she and Sebastian recognised the attraction that lay between them quickly. The family banter and deep bonds between them all, was richly apparent throughout the book. I loved that!
And little Nora! What a joy she is! She has brought beauty to Sebastian's beleaguered heart.
This has been a fabulous addition to the Montgomery family series, though I did find one incident towards the end to be a bit out of left field! Can't wait for Greer's story! 💖💖💖💖💖
Profile Image for Evita.
698 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2023
I knew this book was going to gut me like Carrie Ann’s books do and I was right, so many emotions that Raven, Sebastian and Marley too. It starts off when they both fall for the same guy and Raven being the good friend she is, steps back and lets Marley continue a relationship with him.

Unfortunately things happen and he is left raising a little girl on his, we fast forward some years and Raven is back.

I just wanted to hold both of their hands and tell them everything would be ok, they had so many things, lots of baggage to wade through, but I was so rooting for their HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,106 reviews104 followers
July 3, 2023
4.5 stars

Sebastian, your story so far has been difficult; you finally have your footing. You and Nora have figured out how to be a family. Marley is never far from your mind, but you are managing without her; your heart is mending.

Growing up, it was you, Marley, and Raven. But Raven left for college, and now she is back. And with her come questions, you are not Marley’s Sebastian, but are you Raven’s?

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,481 reviews53 followers
June 21, 2023
Love this series
Love the Montgomeries
Sebastian and Ravens intense emotional heartstopping broken 2nd chance love story
All the feels
Ready for more
Need Noah Ford and Greer in Bestfriends temptation
735 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2025
Connor Crais, Meg Sylvan, and Jacob Morgan!!! You don’t want to miss this trio as they narrate this emotional heartfelt story. All three of these put all their emotions into the characters and you can feel it in your soul! Awesome job!!!

We all remember our middle school sweetheart or the one that we crushed on but when your best friend crushes on the same boy, what do you do? Well, Raven stepped back and let her best friend have the boy.

Because of complications during a delivery, Marley suffers a heart attack and leaves Sebastian heartbroken and now a single parent.

Raven finds herself back in her hometown because of a tragedy. When her and Sebastian come face to face, the connection is back as well as the chemistry she once felt.
I had hoped Sebastian would get a good book but dang, this one brings all the feels and it is beyond describable with words. Be sure to have tissues handy!

Carrie Ann Ryan pulled out all the stops with this one! I can’t wait to see what else she does!
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,414 reviews30 followers
July 29, 2025
𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 by Carrie Ann Ryan is the 3rd book in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series, featuring the emotional single dad, friends to lovers romance for Sebastian and Raven. After the way the last book ended, I couldn’t wait to listen to Sebastian’s story, and it did not disappoint! So much emotion, growth, and sweet daddy moments! I loved the way his relationship with Raven was rebuilt when she returned to town… the attraction and tension. She had her own heartache and vulnerabilities that made her so relatable. There were some compelling twists and a hot and angsty setup for another story!! Connor Crais, Meg Sylvan, and Jacob Morgan performed beautifully in this audio version, bringing all these amazing characters to life from the main couple to little Nora to all the million Montgomerys milling about!😂 Whether it was an emotional scene, a witty banter exchange, or even a surprisingly suspenseful moment, everything was heightened by the amazing narrators!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.5
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
Profile Image for Tina.
Author 2 books36 followers
August 13, 2025
Ursula and Triton are brother and sister. The conversation about them making a good couple...they're siblings.

Maybe I'm just wired wrong, but the mindset of Sebastian and Raven resisting each other because of his dead ex/her dead bestfriend irked me.
They are here, and they both loved her. She would want them to be happy.

Nora was cute, but she didn't read like a 5-year-old, and one of my pet peeves is precocious kids. The ones who are super smart or say the right thing (usually a hilarious remark) at the right time, or are just perfect. Give me real kids.

For a book about a tattooist, I had hoped there would be more tattoo parlour shenanigans.

But, this was still a fun, fast read with nice spice and a satisfying ending.
Profile Image for Jaimie.
1,641 reviews25 followers
May 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, and the characters in it are so well written.
Carrie Ann Ryan writes stories that will grip you and keep a hold until the end.
Raven and Sebastian were the best of friends. But some time has gone by since they saw each other last. Sebastian is now a single dad and still not fully over the death of his fiancé. Raven comes back and falls in love with his little girl, and her longtime crush on Sebastian comes to the surface!

This story has some moments that you will need some tissues. I felt so many emotions while reading this one.

I can't wait to get to more of the Montgomery's stories.
Profile Image for Angie.
2,454 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2025
This was an emotional story about Sebastian and his daughter Nora. Things don't go as planned for Sebastian and he ends up a single father. A few years later his former best friend comes back into his life. Sebastian is shocked and not sure what to do. Raven can't believe that she is in such close proximity to Sebastian. They both have a lot to work through from their pasts and see where they fit with each other going forward. Sebastian's daughter Nora is such a sweet girl. Some things happen with Raven toward the end and Sebastian has to decide what he will do. Loved this book and series!!
Profile Image for Connie.
176 reviews16 followers
April 15, 2025
I knew that Sebastian was going to get his own book…I thought maybe it would be something along the lines that once Marley had the baby, her parents whisked her away and after a couple of years she finally makes her way back to Sebastian. I was not expecting what happened in At First Meet and I was very upset after reading it. Longtime Crush was very predictable and if you enjoy Carrie Ann Ryan’s books you will enjoy it. I personally had a hard time with this one.
Profile Image for ChristiLovesBooks_smut.
1,798 reviews43 followers
August 22, 2025
Longtime Crush, book 3 of the Montgomery Ink Legacy, by Carrie Ann Ryan @carrieannryanauthor. Carrie Ann is an author I have loved for years!

This was such a fantastic book about Sebastian & Raven! Tropes: Contemporary, Male/Female, Single Dad, Childhood Friends, Neighbors/Friends to Lovers, Small 3rd Act Breakup, & HEA!
Profile Image for jacatkins .
169 reviews
November 3, 2025
Sebastian and Raven

when Seb's girlfriend dies during birth of their daughter, he's left with an infant and no idea what to do.

5 years later, raven returns and tips his life upside down. not without their own issues, but their journey and the spice is definitely worth the read 🥵
Profile Image for Alyson Buxey.
614 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2025
Sebastian and Raven are very likeable characters and his daughter Nora is a good edition. It felt a bit like PCOS was conflated with other conditions. I’m not sure there relationship met HEA levels, it felt a bit like some fundamental issues in their relationship were glossed over with trauma
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,037 reviews
Want to read
May 12, 2025
Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
2,531 reviews
books-boxed-sets
July 16, 2025
In boxed set - "Montgomery Ink Legacy Box Set"

*Kindle edition
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