At First Meet

Montgomery Ink Legacy, Book 2

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Narrated by: Oscar Reyes, Samantha Cook

New York Times best-selling 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.

©2023 Carrie Ann Ryan (P)2023 Carrie Ann Ryan

Love Lake

I can't get enough of the Montgomery Ink gang. I loved Lake's story so much and everything she had to go through. This is a beautiful enemies to lover, well written and well told story that'll break your heart and mend it back at the same time.

love hate relationship redefined

Carrie Ann definitely knows a good love story. Lake and Nick are both strong characters to write but she wrote them perfectly insecurities and all. The narration was good she picks them well. Only thing I feel the back and forth doubt between the two with their relationship because of their individual issues made their love story drag. I would have liked to see more passion and heat between the two of them.

What a beautiful story

Way to make me grab for the tissues in the first few chapters. Lake's story has my heart racing right off the bat. The way she avoids Nick at every opportunity until she has barely a choice. Nick has some serious patience when it comes to Lake. He will wait for her, to be ready, to talk, to be together. I loved these two as side characters in Bittersweet Promises and getting more of their story was beautiful. Full of tears but beautiful!
Both Oscar Reyes and Samantha Cook did a beautiful job bringing these characters to life. If I thought I was emotional reading from my kindle, listening to it really kicked it all up a notch.

Best Book Series

I can’t get enough of the Montgomery family, I just love the closeness of the family.

From the first moment...

Lake Montgomery, bada** boss. It seems that whatever Lake touches turns to gold. She's personable and dedicated and gets along with everyone... except for Nick Gatlin. They argue with each other like no other. Sounds more like sexual tension than anything. I loved that even though they argued all the time, Lake saw Nick as someone she could trust and lean on. They had their own inner dialogue going on about Lake's past and their feelings toward each other. The weekend away as a fake couple was the catalyst for uncovering the deep seated feelings and emotions they've managed to tamp down around each other.

But that ending...the part that broke me. Why?!?!?! Sobs...

Samantha Cook and Oscar Reyes are new to me narrators. They were perfectly cast as Lake and Nick. The emotions they evoke as one listens to them weave Lake and Nick's romance brings the story to life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

Steamy and captivating listen!

At First Meet by Carrie Ann Ryan is the second book in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series and is Lake and Nick’s friend to lovers romance. Narrated by Oscar Reyes and Samantha Cook, they brought Lake and Nick’s to life for me. Lake is strong, determined, and smart. But after recent choices, she is questioning all her choices. Nick has overcome so much. He is protective, caring and sexy. He does not believe he could ever deserve anyone like Lake. Nick and her cousin, Leif, are best friends and she has known Nick for most of her life. They are frenemies and I love their banter. When Lake is invited to a CEO retreat, she needs to bring a plus one and Nick jumps to help her.

Once they are traveling, their chemistry and connection becomes undeniable. But when their lives two lives are so interconnected, should they take a chance on each other? I loved how Nick was always there for Lake even while letting her stand on her own when she needed it. When Nick was facing his past, Lake stood by him. Their journey had some light angst, suspense, and a steamy connection. I loved reading their story and I am so excited for what comes next.

Happy reading!

Sweet and emotional!

“At First Meet” is a sweet and emotional story about finding your forever that’s been right in front of you after experiencing one of the worst days of your life.

Lake Montgomery has slowly been moving on since the night that forever changed her. Nick Gatlin has been working at Montgomery Ink and has noticed Lake from the beginning. Lake has won an award and needs a plus one for the trip. Nick volunteers but as they spend time together, feelings start to come to the surface.

Lake is smart, strong and resilient. She went through something terrible and was able to come out okay on the other side. I love how she was a savvy businesswoman and worked to help others achieve their dreams. Nick is a swoony man who’s kind and protective. His childhood was hard and left him feeling less than but Lake was his perfect match. I loved coming back to the Montgomery world and I’m already counting down the days until the next book with Sebastian.

Oscar Reyes and Samantha Cook were so great as Nick and Lake. Both are new to me narrators and I enjoyed listening to them. Oscar brought all of Nick’s vulnerabilities to life. Samantha was the perfect choice, I loved her portrayal of Lake.

Great friends to lover story

A great story. It’s full of emotions as it grabs by the heartstrings. I loved the characters, the connection, the banter and the sizzling sparks. I loved Lake and Nick’s journey as they overcome insecurities, fears and open up their hearts. A entertaining story not to be missed. Looking forward to reading more.

At First Meet

This is a sweet story about finding that one person for you. Lake thought that she had the dream once but it soon turned into a nightmare. Nick was the man that was there to help her when she needed it. Lake is trying to move on with her life and ignore the painful memories. When she needs help again it is Nick that once again comes to her aid. As her plus one to a business retreat the two find that their emotions are not going to be ignored anymore.

Nick and Lake make a good couple. Their journey is full of ups and downs and the two work hard to find their happy ever after. They both have issues to deal with before they can even try for a future but the love that they have for each other will not be denied. This is an emotional story that pulled at my heart but at times it was a bit much with both feeling inadequate so much of the time. Not only did I enjoy the main characters story but the supporting characters and their interactions enhanced this story nicely. Narrators Oscar Reyes and Samantha Cook do a nice job of bringing emotions to these characters and pulling the listener in.

At First Meet

FINALLY! I have been on pins and needles for this book since the end of Bittersweet Promises. Lake is a Montgomery woman through and through, but she doesn’t see it in herself. She feels broken after what her ex did, but is working through that pain. Nick as known the Montgomerys for years, ever since he and Leif became friends. Nick and Lake are friends and business partners, but they also butt heads a lot. This next generation of Montgomerys is already giving me so many feelings. Nick and Lake’s book didn’t disappoint. Plus I did like when Nick got all growly.

I love love love the narrators for this. They really brought another level to the story.