Forever Only Once: a gritty, hard hitting romance

Forever Only Once by Carrie Ann Ryan is the first book in the Promise Me series. Hazel Noble lives her life by strict measures. She has survived horrors and found the strength to build the life she loves. However, when her group of friends make a pact to start looking for love, Hazel finds herself the first one up. Cross Brady has no need for love. All he wants to do is live his life as peacefully as possible. However, when an accidental meeting with Hazel causes his life to take a dramatic turn. Taking their new found relationship as slow as possible, Hazel and Cross cannot deny the spark between them, but someone is determined to keep them apart. Is it someone from Hazel’s past or is it someone a little closer to home? 

Forever Only Once is such a great story. There’s suspense, action, packed with friendly and flirty banter and a tad bit of spice. Hazel is a woman who is trying to live in peace, determined to leave her painful past behind her and yet, a threat still lingers in the back of her mind. Cross is the typical older, protective brother who looks out for those he feels needs the backup. I loved that Cross understood Hazel’s hesitations and followed her lead as to how fast or slow they take their relationship. I also loved their support system of friends and family. It is a gritty, hard hitting story with great characters and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend Forever Only Once. 

Forever Only Once is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook