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The Montgomery Ink saga from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with a second chance romance sure to tug at your heartstrings.

When men in uniform showed up on Eliza Wilder-Strong’s doorstep, she knew her life would be irrevocably altered. She not only lost her husband, but the future she’d carefully planned. A year later, she’s looking to start over—beginning with a solo healing vacation. Only she never expects to see a familiar, tempting face along the way.

Beckett Montgomery refuses to want his little sister’s best friend—especially because she’s a widow. Yet there’s no stopping the connection between them. As the temptation to give in intensifies between them, so do the reasons they shouldn’t stay together.

Painful ghosts from both of their pasts stand in their way and sometimes it’s the living that can haunt you when you’re not looking.

236 pages, ebook

First published July 20, 2021

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About the author

Carrie Ann Ryan

249 books5,985 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
441 (52%)
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288 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,190 reviews587 followers
July 20, 2021
This story has power. It’s an emotionally driven story so you will feel this journey to your bones. This author is really good at her craft, I’ve always said that, but I think she leveled up with Inked Obsession. The tale she wove for Beckett and Eliza had me in an emotional whirlwind for the most part. I wanted to wrap these two in a huge hug and squeeze their personal circumstances right out of them, but in the end, they did it for each other and it was beautiful!

The aspect of this story that I loved the most was that Beckett and Eliza didn’t skip a single step in growth. They knew each other. Then they became friends. Then they became close friends. Then they gave into temptation because the pull was just too strong. They didn’t skip a single step and their story reflected how perfect their path was for their future. Because their story is emotionally driven, and life literally kept them on their toes, I was invested from the very first page. Their journey was inspiring to me and felt realistic and relatable.

I am so glad that I have reacquainted myself with the Montgomery clan because even though we are like 15+ books deep with this family, all their stories are fresh and new and have a sense of camaraderie that I enjoy so much!
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,584 reviews486 followers
July 20, 2021
I love getting lost in the world of Montgomery's whether it's in Denver, Boulder Creek, Colorado Springs, or in Fort Collins. This large family has kept me engrossed in their stories for years and I look forward to many more to come. INKED OBSESSION is Beckett Montgomery's story.

Eliza Wilder is a widow, her husband was killed in action just about a year ago, and she is trying to move forward with her life but it's not as easy as it sounds....until she gets some unexpected news which rocks her world.

Beckett Montgomery works a lot and socializes with a core group of friends but only one person knows a secret he's been keeping.

This story had quite a bit of angst to it and I will say that I disliked Eliza's in-laws from the moment they were introduced. I cannot wait for INKED DEVOTION because the little glimpse we had of what happens next has me on the edge of my seat with anticipation.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Steamy Contemporary Romances, New Adult Romances, the Friends to Lovers or Siblings Best Friend Tropes, and those that enjoy Romances that involve large families.

Happy Reading!!!

Find out more here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewIO

inked obsession 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 xxBooksILovexx.
690 reviews28 followers
July 29, 2021
Great story by Carrie Ann Ryan. I loved getting to know Eliza & Beckett. The build up to their chemistry was awesome! Loved how it all came together. Can't wait to listen to more of the Montgomery Ink Fort Collins series. Amazing narration by Aaron Shedlock & Emma Wilder.
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,089 reviews921 followers
July 19, 2021
I could just read this series forever- so good thing that we’re on book 17 and the stories keep coming. Inked Obsession has a bit of a gravitas to it given the emotional baggage of our hero and heroine- who reluctantly but sweetly find solace and healing in their unexpected romance.

Eliza is a grieving widow, facing the seemingly impossible task of moving on and living her life again, which prompts her to take a restorative vacation to get back to living. A serendipitous act of act has her crossing paths with Beckett, her bestie’s brother, a man too hoping to find some peace in a solo vacation. Both are searching for healing and directionality, both needing to deal with the weight of their hearts, and neither expect the powerful connection that would spark between them. But, Beckett is hesitant to lean into his feelings for Eliza- not only because she’s his little sister's bestie but because this is a woman going through a lot of complex emotions. Beckett too is going through his own internal struggles- struggles caught up in his own trauma and the secrets his kept from his well meaning friends and family. And Eliza soon has to confront some truths she never anticipated.

This is a slower burn and felt more meta than prior books I’ve read- which makes sense, it’s about two characters seeking an emotional catharsis. Finding friendship and emotional intimacy with each other is the most sweet and touching part of their story, but we also have the class CAR chemistry that sizzles, too.

While each can be enjoyed as a standalone (and this is mostly how I’ve read them), the characters and stories interconnect - and fans are always happy to see the Montgomery brood all over every story- meddling and bring all the feels. Keep them coming!
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
1,965 reviews1,288 followers
July 21, 2021
Inked Obsession is the second book in the Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins series by Carrie Ann Ryan. I went into this book blind, not having read any other books in the any of the series which was a mistake. Because I thought I was getting a book that takes place in a tattoo parlor and it had nothing do with a tattoo parlor, lol. Instead it was a super angsty, super slow burn about immeasurable loss, dealing with betrayal, and being willing to find love after both… all pretty heavy topics I hadn’t known I signed up for.

First, let me say that Carrie Ann Ryan is a fantastic author. The storyline was interesting (I don’t want to go into it too much and give it away) and super well written. The delivery obviously had to be super angsty with the topics I listed above, but it was just a bit too much for me and just wasn’t my cup of tea. Additionally, I found both Eliza and Beckett to both be too wishy washy. Like if they didn’t end up on vacation with each other, neither of them would have ever made a move, complacent to just go with the flow and continue to watch each other from afar. It just seemed like one of them should be been a little more secure in making a move.

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Friends to lovers
Angst: 😰😰😰😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
Profile Image for Stephanie.
576 reviews13 followers
July 20, 2021
Great storyline. Love the interaction between Eliza and Beckett. They both have pasts that hinder them moving forward.
Profile Image for Desiree Mivelaz Johnson.
174 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2021
Yet another great Montgomery story for the expanded family. I've always liked Becket and this made me like him even more.
Profile Image for E-Reader Addict.
1,219 reviews44 followers
October 28, 2021
I’m just gonna go ahead and apologize right off for all the snark in this review. But I just can’t help it. Some books just bring it out in me.



The following are the random thoughts I had while reading Inked Obsession:

Good grief. Stop using the word growly. I’ve never read a book that used the word growly - or some variation - so much. (FYI 41 times, if you’re curious.)


Good grief. Why do all these people have such large families?!?! Oh yeah. So the author can write a whole series about each of these families. More family members = more books!



How the hell am I supposed to keep track of everyone??? Also, these books are supposed to be standalones, but I have NO IDEA who any of these people are or what their deal is...

Good grief. There are a lot of useless details here. Who all is at this meeting...who all is working out at that gym. Get to the plot already!


Good grief, just tell us what happened already. I’m not a fan of authors artificially creating suspense by constantly hinting about some terrible incident in a character’s past and dragging out the reveal for as long as possible. Thankfully, we only had to wait until 40% to get the hero’s “big” secret. But did it need to be a secret? Nope. Did it make sense for it to be a secret? Also nope. Then we get a whole bunch of “I shouldn’t have kept it a secret” and “I don’t know why I didn’t tell you all” and “You should have told us” and “We’re mad you kept this secret.” Blah blah blah.


Good grief, please stop talking. I usually love dialogue in a story. But there was too much idle chatter, and little of it did anything to move the plot along. Bantering amongst the siblings and friends is all well and good, but not if it doesn’t serve any purpose.


And finally, where was the drama? Where was the conflict? Where was the angst? Nowhere. That’s where. Unless you count what was in their heads. And the heroine’s pseudo issue with her former in-laws - I can’t believe I was actually hoping for some soap-opera level conflict there, but I was, and nope, none. Resolved in the heroine’s head.


I’ve read Carrie Ann Ryan before, but it’s been a long while. I think maybe she’s not for me anymore.

* thank you to NetGalley and Author Collective 20 for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,515 reviews27 followers
July 20, 2021
4.5 stars

Beckett Montgomery noticed Eliza’s beauty, but moved beyond that thought because she was married. After her husband’s death, he didn’t want to mess with the friendship she had with his sister or that he had built with her in time. But he is a helper and is always willing to jump in and help when someone around him needs it. Haunted by the one time he couldn’t help, his friend sends him on a vacation to help him reset.

Eliza Wilder-Strong has been a widow for almost a year. She is learning how to be herself again, making steps to find herself now that she is a widow. When she needs help, she leans on the Montgomery family, who have become good friends. As the one-year anniversary of her husband’s death approaches, she has some decisions to make and is starting to feel overwhelmed by her choices. Her brothers send her on vacation to give her some time to clear her head.

Two vacations planned by different parts of the extended families finds these two at the same resort location. Though they need the time away, they also recognize the comfort of a familiar face.

I loved watching these two lean on each other in ways they wouldn’t let themselves lean on other friends or family. They each had thoughts and feelings to sort out that they didn’t think those around them would understand. I always love when friends think they can blur the lines of friendship on vacation and then go back to “normal” when they get home. Watching Beckett and Eliza dance around each other upon their return was highly entertaining.

This story hit a little deeper than some of the other Montgomery books I can think of off the top of my head. Beckett and Eliza are both dealing with a lot of emotional trauma, and the way they process their pain says a lot about them as individuals and as a couple. The return to the Montgomery world was an easy one - each story stands alone so perfectly that I don’t have to remember details from previous books to be able to fall in love with each new couple.

description
Follow Me: Blog: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
July 20, 2021
If you haven't met the Montgomery family yet, you are missing out Whether you start the series way back at the beginning or just pick up this book and the one before it, you will fall in love with this tight group of siblings and friends. If you read the first book, you know that a whole lot is going on with Beckett. Things are not goin g his way this time around either.

Eliza has not only lost her husband but has been handed some additional devastating news. Eliza is in the group of Montgomery friends that have been adopted as family. Beckett's sister is best friends with Eliza. She live next door to her. Beckett and eliza are friends but he has tried very hard to hold the line and not go there with her.

Their friends decide that both are in need of a vacation. Unbeknownst to either, they end up at the same resort. This is perhaps the best part of the story. They take their time. Get to know each other. Have open and honest conversation about taking the next step and what that will mean. No secrets. Good mantra to live by.

There is a little bit of tension when they get back home again but overall a book about healing and moving on. Being ok with life choices a nd doing what makes you feel good.

As always, the sibling banter is worth the read right there. Great addition to the series.

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Liz.
3,571 reviews59 followers
July 27, 2021
Audiobook review:

As soon as I read the blurb for Inked Obsession by Carrie Ann Ryan I was all in. So, when I had a chance to listen to the audio, I jumped at the chance. Narrated by Emma Wilder and Aaron Shedlock, they truly brought Beckett and Eliza’s journey to life. We first met these characters in Inked Persuasion, the first book in the Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins series, and though I do suggest you read it first, you do not have too. I did, however, love the first book and highly recommend it.

Here we have Beckett, Annabelle’s brother, and her best friend Eliza. Eliza is a widow learning her normal and struggling on how to move forward. She is lost and the last thing she expected was to get the news she did. Where does she go from here? Beckett is hiding secrets from everyone who cares about him. They are hurting, but neither knows how to move forward. Yet neither can deny how things are changing between them. Can they let it happen? Their lives are too intermixed, and their friendship means too much to both of them. Can they find their happily ever after? I loved listening to Inked Obsession by Carrie Ann Rya. It was a slow burn friends to lovers romance that was emotional and touching.

Happy listening!
Profile Image for Ana Paula .
854 reviews29 followers
July 21, 2021
One more excelent Montogomery Ink's series! This time we will see the story of Beckett and Eliza's love journey and I can tell you it is full of secrets and good moments with our favorite book family.
Eliza's is a military brat widowed to a military man and she is moving on with her life after her husband's death while deployed.
She is facing some personal issues and so is Beckett, but it is his secret that moves all his family towards him and try to "fix" it for him.
I just love Carrie Ann Ryan's writing style and she makes these characters so true!!
I loved it!
2,417 reviews123 followers
July 20, 2021
Inked Obsession is the second in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins series.

Beckett Montgomery and Eliza Wilder-Strong have carefully avoided looking at the other as anything more than a friend. They’ve each got some healing they’re working on, sometimes more successfully than others, and between their families and friends, they’ve got plenty of loving nudges all around.

Carrie Ann Ryan’s characters face pain and loss but also find strength and hope and love and healing. As Beckett and Eliza find that sometimes timing is everything, we see that truly love is exactly where we need it. A lovely addition to the series that can stand alone, but is even better appreciated in context.
Profile Image for Dawn Barrett Connolly.
427 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2021
Inked Obsession is the second book in the Fort Collins series. This book is about Beckett and Eliza. The story was great, I loved the chemistry between these two and how they both tried to ignore the pull. Looking forward to the next book in this series
Profile Image for Angel Padillo.
1,296 reviews10 followers
July 31, 2021
I loved this world, no matter what city it's in the Montgomery's are amazing! I loved Beckett. But man is this story emotional and yet will stay with you for a while. Excellent book!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,448 reviews82 followers
October 9, 2021
Eliza and Beckett have been friends. Their relationship was an up hill climb. Plus throw in her crazy former in-laws.

Again there is a link to click to get a bonus chapter.
Profile Image for Ireadromancetoescape.
348 reviews20 followers
July 9, 2021
Inked Obsession.
Wow is all I can say this book is a must read.
Beckett and Eliza story is defenitly one of healing how two people that have had something tragic in their past, and fight to heal themselves,while fighting a way to make love work. Carrie Ann Ryan did a amazing job writing this story and gave teaser at the end that I just can't wait for Benjamin's story
Profile Image for Xantippi Leska.
586 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2021
I loved Beckett and Eliza together! Eliza has been treated so badly in the past, it's about time she finds someone like Beckett who is going to treat her right, while helping him at the same time. As usual, the Montgomery's rock!
Received an advance copy from the author.
Profile Image for Donna.
3,928 reviews49 followers
July 19, 2021
My heart broke over and over for Eliza. She has been treated harshly by life. She deserves something good just for her. Beckett Montgomery fills the bill. These two help each other heal and come into a future filled with hope. This book requires a bottle of wine and a box of tissues. Don’t read in public unless you are comfortable ugly crying in front of strangers.
2,141 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2021
4.5 Stars

This is a really good friends to lovers story. Beckett and Eliza are both working through trauma in their lives and could really use someone to help them through it. Love these two and how great they are for each other!
Profile Image for Tina.
682 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2021
Omg this story of Eliza and Beckett had me on the edge of my seat. I loved their story and Carrie Ann has done it again. Grabs reader and hold them in story until the end wanting more.

Narrators did an amazing job bringing Inked Obsession to life. I really enjoyed listening to this unfolded. They out did themselves and brought Carrie Ann Ryan book to life. Carrie Ann knows how to write an amazing story and her narrators are amazing.
Profile Image for Jes Bruno.
685 reviews12 followers
July 27, 2021
The Fort Collins Montgomerys are breaking my heart with their stories. Eliza and Beckett have some emotional demons but together they fight for love.

Like every book that I read by Carrie Ann Ryan, I am floored at how every book is different but equally enjoyable every time. Another Montgomery hit with cupid's arrow and many more to come.
1,534 reviews7 followers
July 21, 2021
WOW! Inked Obsession was a emotional read. I absolutely loved it. I was hooked from the first to the last chapter. Beckett and Eliza story is defenitly one of healing and how two people that have had something tragic in their past move forward. A definite must read for all Carrie Ann Ryan fans.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,097 reviews42 followers
August 1, 2021
4 STARS FOR INKED OBSESSION!! This one had all the feels with drama and much more. This author always delivers unbelievable stories and she has done it again.
1,495 reviews13 followers
July 6, 2021
This series just keeps getting better. Eliza lost her husband to the war, only to find out he was keeping a big secret from her (which devastated her). Beckett had a secret that was eating him up inside until he finally broke. Both of their families made them take a vacation to get their heads on straight and they ended up in the same place. And romance happens. These two had a ways to go to make a relationship work, but they did want to work on it.. And the teaser at the end made you want the next book NOW. A very good read. Carrie Ann Ryan does not disappoint

I got this book from the author and am voluntarily giving a review
Profile Image for Madeleine.
3,972 reviews10 followers
July 20, 2021
Five awesome stars. From the characters to the chemistry to the storyline to the entire book. Everything was so amazing
Profile Image for Rachel.
172 reviews7 followers
July 21, 2021
The third star is purely for the ~spicy~ scenes. Most of this book was boring, filled with inner monologues and agonizing over decisions. Also, every single male character growls an excessive amount.

*Thank you to the publisher for this eARC.
Profile Image for Danielle Cordsen.
652 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2021
Inked Obsession: Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins (Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins Series Book 2)
By: Carrie Ann Ryan

💕📚⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📚💕

Second chance to forever!


Oh my what an amazing addition to the Montgomery family tree. In this friendship second chance romance.

Eliza and Beckett, she’s a lot lost after the loss of her husband and he’s keeping secrets. Can these two be just what they need to find happiness.

The writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shocking moments. I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.


Authors Blurb: The Montgomery Ink saga from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with a second chance romance sure to tug at your heartstrings.

When men in uniform showed up on Eliza Wilder-Strong’s doorstep, she knew her life would be irrevocably altered. She not only lost her husband, but the future she’d carefully planned. A year later, she’s looking to start over—beginning with a solo healing vacation. Only she never expects to see a familiar, tempting face along the way.

Beckett Montgomery refuses to want his little sister’s best friend—especially because she’s a widow. Yet there’s no stopping the connection between them. As the temptation to give in intensifies between them, so do the reasons they shouldn’t stay together.

Painful ghosts from both of their pasts stand in their way and sometimes it’s the living that can haunt you when you’re not looking.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕
Profile Image for Sharon Tyler.
2,815 reviews38 followers
August 6, 2021
Inked Obsession is part of the Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins series world by Carrie Ann Ryan but can be read as a stand alone. When men in uniform showed up on Eliza Wilder-Strong’s doorstep, she knew her life would be irrevocably altered. She not only lost her husband, but the future she’d carefully planned. A year later, she’s looking to start over—beginning with a solo healing vacation. Only she never expects to see a familiar, tempting face along the way. Beckett Montgomery refuses to want his little sister’s best friend—especially because she’s a widow. Yet there’s no stopping the connection between them. As the temptation to give in intensifies, so do the reasons they shouldn’t stay together. Painful ghosts from both of their pasts stand in their way and sometimes it’s the living that can haunt you when you’re not looking.

Inked Obsession is a romance that deals with second chances, grieving, secrets, family, lies, and so much more. Fans of the related series and the world Ryan has created will have a head start in understanding the characters and some of the issues the main and secondary characters are going through. However, the new (or sporadic ) readers of the authors work are not left in the dust and can fully enjoy the ride- and it is quite the ride. Eliza and Beckett each have big issues in their lives to deal with, and they seem to only get bigger as the story unfolds. The emotions and complications are high, and I loved watching them discover each other and figure out how to handle it all. The book also holds some of my favorite tropes- friends to more and forced or accidental proximity. I loved these aspects. I also loved the characters and the family and support system they have- and I wish that everyone had that many people in their corner. The amount of drama, hurdles, and danger seemed a bit over the top for me- as I just wanted all these people that have been through so much to have a good day, some peace and quiet. However, fans of the related series know that that is not likely to happen soon, as more Montgomerys and Wilders find their happy endings.

Inked Obsession is an emotional contemporary romance. Fans of the author will definitely want to give it a read.
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