At First Meet

ByCarrie Ann Ryan

Release Date: 2023-02-27
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Score: 4.5

4.5

From 203 Ratings

Description

NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues the Montgomery Ink Legacy series with an emotional, friends-to-lovers romance where second chances begin with a promise. I fell in love with the wrong man and learned the hard way to ask for help. I don’t plan on falling again and have no intention of trying. But when I get invited to a high-powered CEO retreat, I know I can’t say no. And I can’t go alone. When my frenemy, Nick, invites himself as my escort, I should walk away. But there’s no stopping the connection we’ve both ignored for far too long. Only Nick’s past is far darker than he lets the world know, and the shell he encased himself in is stronger than my own. And when the pain from my past comes back with a force, I’m afraid that walking away will be the only choice—even if it breaks us both.

Reviews

At First Meet
4
By ThiaMar2
I like reading about Nick, Lake and family. Strong and sassy characters.
Family first!
5
By Cheryl SDS
This is book 2 in The Montgomery Ink Legacy series and it features Nick and Lake. These two are longtime friends and business partners. They bicker a lot but that’s part of who they’ve always been with each other. She was in an extremely toxic relationship and it was Nick that helped her when things got really bad. Now she needs a date for a work thing and again, it’s Nick to the rescue.

This is a fantastic story full of family, great friends and amazing sexiness. I love reading about this next generation of Montgomery’s as they navigate life and love. It’s great to see characters from previous series too! I can’t wait for the next book!
Wonderful love story!
5
By Kymreads
Another great edition to the Montgomery stories!

This is Nick and Lane’s story…which actually has been simmering for awhile under the guise of…quarreling. But underneath that, there is attraction.

Nick sees himself as “just” a tattoo artist. Lane is a nominated for a “top forty CEOs under forty” award which, to him, further highlights their differences.

Both have pasts that haunt them now, in different ways…will this drive them apart or bring them together?

Wonderful love story!
Friends to lovers, fake date real attraction
5
By Contessajj
The storytelling draws you into this wonderful family and in this tale I came to love Lake and Nick. Getting into their heads we know what they are thinking. Both of them have baggage, but they have shared these times since they have been friends so long. Well friends and now business partners that argue, often. I could see and feel the attraction and true caring Lake and Nick have and was rooting for them so hard. This read was witty and thoughtful and so much fun.
Growly
5
By Helene Taibleson
I finished this last night. Nick is definitely “growly” and a whole lot more. I loved that you touched on topics of relevance. I loved the book and look forward to the rest of the series. Especially Sebastian.
Amazing
5
By Ink and Sin
Lake is a boss babe, who hid her secret for far too long. She enjoyed helping other women, but when it came down to getting help for herself, she didn’t know what to do.

Nick was a friend to not only Lake but the rest of her family as well. When her secret came to light, Nick and the rest of the Montgomerys felt a sense of guilt for not noticing it sooner.

When it comes to contemporary romance, friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. The history, the missed signals, the spice….it’s all there. Lake and Nick’s relationship is perfection, which makes them all the more relatable. She was the businesswoman and he was the tattoo artist, who always bickered, but deep down wondered what it would be like to indulge in more than just friendship.

The roller coaster of emotions felt while reading this book is indescribable. That ending…I felt it in my soul and still can’t get it out of my mind. I’m counting down the days until the next book releases 🖤
Good
4
By Fine pumpkin 511
It was good in spots but it wasn’t one of my favorite Montgomery stories. I really was looking forward to it and thought that I would be more into it because of the intriguing storyline for Lake. It was still a good story because of Nick and Lake’s story. Until next time y’all happy reading.
Frenemies to lovers
4
By Cheryl33610
I enjoyed Lake and Nick's story, especially after watching their slightly contentious relationship in boom one of the series. Lake is a strong, smart, accomplished woman who went through a horrible relationship not very long ago. Nick is smart and successful on his own but doesn't feel like he measures up to Lake. But he's always been attracted to her and never had either the nerve or opportunity to act on those feelings.
Until he becomes her plus one at an award's conference, then things change. At least physically at first, but the emotions are harder to admit, never mind talk about! But those connections and scenes...boy were they hot and steamy.
Throw in a little intrigue and Carrie Ann Ryan has again created a story that readers will not want to put down until the last chapter is read. And OMG, what a chapter! I think I saw it coming, but it was still a gasp worthy moment. And it all leads up to the next book, which might be the best one yet. But enjoy lake and Nick's journeys...it's a great one.
A definite must read!
5
By RowenaB10
After that jaw dropping ending from book one, MontgomeryInk Legacy series continues in this newest release that doesn’t disappoint. Lake didn’t know she need Nick until the one heartbreak event that finds him front and center in her life. As their chemistry heats up, it comes to a point that they cannot ignore what they are to each other. What happens next is a enemies to lovers, close proximity romance that is a definite must read. I am so in love with this series and can’t wait for more!
A Roller Coaster of All the Feels
4
By AShadowDweller
Oh gosh, all the feels with this book. It was a rollercoaster from start to finish with the characters on their own personal journey's and their journey together. The book opens with Lake just recently learning to stand on her own two feet after getting out of a bad relationship and Carrie Ann Ryan gives an honest look at the trauma and struggle that can look like. Nick is also dealing with scars of a traumatic childhood. I loved how Nick supported Lake, being what she needed and in turn Lake was buy his side while he worked through what happened when he was a child. I loved the snark in this book as well as seeing some familiar characters. I'm really looking forward to the next book.