Wednesday, February 12, 2025

The Forever Rule by Carrie Ann Ryan

A compelling tale of love, family secrets, and corporate intrigue that will keep you turning pages well into the night

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The Forever Rule marks a strong start to what promises to be an engaging family saga series. Despite some minor flaws, Ryan's talent for creating compelling characters and complex family dynamics shines through, making this a worthwhile read for contemporary romance fans.

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In her latest contemporary romance, bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan introduces readers to the complex world of the Cage family in The Forever Rule. This first installment in The Cage Family series masterfully weaves together corporate drama, family dynamics, and a passionate romance that begins with an accidental group chat message.

Setting & Atmosphere

Set against the backdrop of Denver’s corporate world and the picturesque mountain town of Cage Lake, Ryan creates a rich atmosphere that perfectly balances urban sophistication with small-town charm. The author’s detailed descriptions of both settings help readers visualize the dual worlds the characters inhabit, from high-rise boardrooms to cozy lakeside homes.

Plot Analysis

The story follows Blakely Graves, a talented business professional who finds herself unemployed after dancing with Aston Cage at a charity gala. When she finally lands a position at Cage Enterprises three months later, she must navigate not only her complicated feelings for Aston but also the intricate web of family dynamics that surrounds him.

What sets this romance apart is Ryan’s skillful handling of multiple plot threads:

  • The central romance between Blakely and Aston
  • The revelation of the Cage family’s secret second family
  • Corporate politics and business rivalries
  • Complex family dynamics and healing

Character Development

Blakely Graves

Ryan crafts a relatable and strong-willed heroine in Blakely. Her professional competence, emotional intelligence, and ability to stand up for herself make her a compelling protagonist. The author effectively shows Blakely’s growth throughout the story as she learns to trust her instincts and fight for what she wants.

Aston Cage

As the eldest Cage brother and company president, Aston carries the weight of family expectations and corporate responsibilities. His character arc revolves around breaking free from his father’s toxic legacy and learning to trust in love. While his tendency to push Blakely away can be frustrating at times, Ryan provides enough insight into his motivations to keep readers invested in his journey.

Supporting Cast

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its rich ensemble cast. The twelve Cage siblings – seven from one family and five from another – each have distinct personalities and dynamics. Particularly noteworthy are:

  • Isabella: Blakely’s best friend and Aston’s newly discovered half-sister
  • James: Aston’s supportive brother and Blakely’s direct supervisor
  • Flynn and Hudson: The twins who bring humor and heart to family scenes

Writing Style & Pacing

Ryan’s writing style is engaging and emotionally resonant, though occasionally the corporate jargon can feel heavy-handed. The pacing is generally well-managed, with a good balance between romantic scenes, family drama, and professional challenges. However, some readers might find the initial setup slightly slow before the story picks up momentum.

Romance & Chemistry

The chemistry between Blakely and Aston sizzles from their first dance. Ryan excels at building sexual tension through meaningful glances, stolen moments, and passionate encounters. The emotional connection between the leads feels authentic, making their journey towards love both compelling and satisfying.

Themes & Depth

The novel explores several meaningful themes:

Areas for Improvement

While the novel is generally strong, there are a few aspects that could have been enhanced:

  • The resolution of the conflict with Meredith (Aston’s ex) feels slightly rushed
  • Some business subplot details could have been streamlined
  • The monthly dinner requirement from the will sometimes feels like a convenient plot device

Series Potential

Ryan effectively sets up future books in the series while maintaining focus on the central romance. The glimpses of Isabella’s story (coming in An Unexpected Everything) are particularly intriguing.

Final Verdict

The Forever Rule by Carrie Ann Ryan is a contemporary romance that successfully combines family drama, corporate intrigue, and passionate romance. While not perfect, it offers:

Recommendation

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:

  • Corporate romances
  • Family saga series
  • Complex relationship dynamics
  • Strong ensemble casts

Fans of authors like Lauren Layne, Kristen Proby, and Jennifer Probst will likely appreciate Ryan’s blend of romance and family drama.

Author Background

Carrie Ann Ryan continues to prove her versatility as an author with this new contemporary series. Known for her paranormal romances (Montgomery Ink series) and small-town contemporaries (Whiskey and Lies series), she brings her trademark emotional depth and complex family dynamics to the Cage family saga.

Content Notes

The book contains:

  • Mature themes
  • Sexual content
  • Some strong language
  • Discussion of parental abandonment and family trauma

Final Thoughts

The Forever Rule marks a strong start to what promises to be an engaging family saga series by Carrie Ann Ryan. Despite some minor flaws, Ryan’s talent for creating compelling characters and complex family dynamics shines through, making this a worthwhile read for contemporary romance fans.

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The Forever Rule marks a strong start to what promises to be an engaging family saga series. Despite some minor flaws, Ryan's talent for creating compelling characters and complex family dynamics shines through, making this a worthwhile read for contemporary romance fans.The Forever Rule by Carrie Ann Ryan