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The Cage Family #0.5
Before I Knew
It all began with a wrong number.
When Blakely gets added to the Cage family group chat, chaos ensues. What she doesn’t expect is to have a side chat with the eldest brother.
What was supposed to be a simple sign off, turns into a mild flirtation and invitation to lunch.
Only Aston Cage has his secrets.
And perhaps they should’ve left their conversation on read.
Before I Knew is the prequel to the Cage family series. Learn how Blakely and Aston met, before they finally get their happily ever after in The Forever Rule.
When Blakely gets added to the Cage family group chat, chaos ensues. What she doesn’t expect is to have a side chat with the eldest brother.
What was supposed to be a simple sign off, turns into a mild flirtation and invitation to lunch.
Only Aston Cage has his secrets.
And perhaps they should’ve left their conversation on read.
Before I Knew is the prequel to the Cage family series. Learn how Blakely and Aston met, before they finally get their happily ever after in The Forever Rule.
174 pages, Paperback
First published July 17, 2024
About the author
Carrie Ann Ryan
274 books6,584 followersCarrie 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
April 18, 2026
Very short novella/prequel to the forever rule book 1. It’s the story of how Blakely met Aston by being added accidentally to the family text group. It was a sweet beginning to their story. It’s a cliffy but honestly I didn’t know I needed to read it first. I just started listening to The Forever Rule on audio and it started with Before I Knew 0.5 before book one began playing.
October 22, 2024
4.5 stars
A prequel to Ms. Ryan's new series The Cage Family. What starts as a family group chat silences fast as an unknown number appears.
Aston, the oldest, decides to take care of the stranger, but side texts become conversations and a coffee date. A dance at a gala, then a kiss….
From here you will need to decide if you need to know. This story is just a tease, so many answers go unanswered, and we all have to wait until January to learn more.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
A prequel to Ms. Ryan's new series The Cage Family. What starts as a family group chat silences fast as an unknown number appears.
Aston, the oldest, decides to take care of the stranger, but side texts become conversations and a coffee date. A dance at a gala, then a kiss….
From here you will need to decide if you need to know. This story is just a tease, so many answers go unanswered, and we all have to wait until January to learn more.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
December 25, 2024
Before I Knew was so good!
Before I Knew, the prequel to The Cage Family series, by Carrie Ann Ryan @carrieannryanauthor. First, I am a huge fan of Carrie’s & this book was no different!
Whelp! This was a great prequel for Aston & Blakely! Tropes: Contemporary, MF, Meet Cute & a Cliffhanger!
Before I Knew, the prequel to The Cage Family series, by Carrie Ann Ryan @carrieannryanauthor. First, I am a huge fan of Carrie’s & this book was no different!
Whelp! This was a great prequel for Aston & Blakely! Tropes: Contemporary, MF, Meet Cute & a Cliffhanger!
January 6, 2025
Before I Knew by Carrie Ann Ryan was a fun prequel to read and the very beginning of The Cage Family series. I really enjoyed how Aston Cage and Blakely initially met when she was accidentally added to the Cage’s family group chat and sparks flew when they met in person. This short story whetted my appetite for more of this couple and I’m looking forward to reading their story in Forever Rules.
January 5, 2025
Before I Knew is the prequel to Carrie Ann Ryan's series The Cage Family. It tells the story of how Aston Cage, the eldest son of the Cage family, and Blakely Graves met.
A mistaken addition to the family group chat introduces Blakely to the Cage family. She is unfamiliar with the individuals on the other side of the chat, but their interactions were engaging and fun. She made her presence known and soon she is removed from the chat group. However, intrigued by whom the mystery woman is, Aston initiates a private conversation with her.
I appreciated the concept of Before I Knew. It provided a brief and enjoyable introduction to Carrie Ann Ryan's new series. I had fun meeting the Cage family and look forward to their stories
A mistaken addition to the family group chat introduces Blakely to the Cage family. She is unfamiliar with the individuals on the other side of the chat, but their interactions were engaging and fun. She made her presence known and soon she is removed from the chat group. However, intrigued by whom the mystery woman is, Aston initiates a private conversation with her.
I appreciated the concept of Before I Knew. It provided a brief and enjoyable introduction to Carrie Ann Ryan's new series. I had fun meeting the Cage family and look forward to their stories
January 23, 2025
A quick read
November 12, 2025
nice meet cute set up to a new series
September 2, 2025
Before I Knew is the introduction to The Cage Family Series, and the first part of Blakely and Aston's story. The Cage brothers have a group chat going between them, and somehow, Blakely was added to it, unbeknownst to anyone, until she kindly asks how she can remove herself from the chat. Well, if you want to make a grown man scramble, that is the way to do it.
A side chat ensues between the eldest Cage brother, Ashton, and Blakely. Then, with some flirting and a lunch date behind them, they meet at a gala where they share a kiss. We don't end there, but that's where I am ending, sorry, not sorry.
Oh, I am going to love getting to know the Cage siblings. This was a little taste of what's to come, and I cannot wait to see where Carrie Ann takes us with each of the siblings.
A side chat ensues between the eldest Cage brother, Ashton, and Blakely. Then, with some flirting and a lunch date behind them, they meet at a gala where they share a kiss. We don't end there, but that's where I am ending, sorry, not sorry.
Oh, I am going to love getting to know the Cage siblings. This was a little taste of what's to come, and I cannot wait to see where Carrie Ann takes us with each of the siblings.
October 5, 2024
Okay…there was a little ‘snafu’ and this particular novella was released a month or two earlier than expected. But welcome back to Colorado…and the Cage family…and by extension—the Montgomerys.
Before I Knew is the novella that introduces us to most of the Cage brothers, and Blakely. Blakely is accidentally added to a family text stream—due one of the Cage brothers just typing in numbers…
Yes…one can be ‘accidentally’ added…if someone types in a wrong digit…you’d be surprised. I’ve actually gotten numerous wrong text messages…but that’s a totally different story/post.
Back to Before I Knew…
So…the premise of Before I Knew—Blakely is accidentally added to the Cage brother’s family text group…she gets numerous giggles out of it before asking to be removed…
The ‘presence’ of an unknown figure spikes interest in the oldest—Aston. He starts a separate text ‘link’ to Blakely…and they chat.
They get together for coffee…and that’s when Blakely realizes who she had been texting with…and that it’s someone that her boss really, really doesn’t like…not that the bosses opinion should matter.
What happens when they ‘bump’ into each other at a charity gala? The phone call that Aston & his brothers get towards the end of the gala? Well…those answers can be found within the pages of Before I Knew.
Some more backstory can also be found in two previous Montgomery Ink Legacy books: Best Friend Temptation (Noah, Ford & Greer’s story) and His Second Chance (Kane & Phoebe’s story).
The first Cage family book doesn’t come out until early 2025…and I’ll be impatiently waiting for it. I love the interconnected world that Carrie Ann Ryan has created both with the original Montgomery Ink series (and spin-offs) and now the Montgomery Ink Legacy series & spin-offs. So, while I’m waiting for The Forever Rule, I’ll be going back and binge-reading various Montgomery Ink series, spin-offs, the current Legacy series & the First Time series.
I give Before I Knew five out five stars…if you haven’t downloaded it—run…get the novella & enjoy a brief visit to Colorado, the introduction of the Cage brothers (again)…and I think possibly even Phoebe’s older sister.
Before I Knew is the novella that introduces us to most of the Cage brothers, and Blakely. Blakely is accidentally added to a family text stream—due one of the Cage brothers just typing in numbers…
Yes…one can be ‘accidentally’ added…if someone types in a wrong digit…you’d be surprised. I’ve actually gotten numerous wrong text messages…but that’s a totally different story/post.
Back to Before I Knew…
So…the premise of Before I Knew—Blakely is accidentally added to the Cage brother’s family text group…she gets numerous giggles out of it before asking to be removed…
The ‘presence’ of an unknown figure spikes interest in the oldest—Aston. He starts a separate text ‘link’ to Blakely…and they chat.
They get together for coffee…and that’s when Blakely realizes who she had been texting with…and that it’s someone that her boss really, really doesn’t like…not that the bosses opinion should matter.
What happens when they ‘bump’ into each other at a charity gala? The phone call that Aston & his brothers get towards the end of the gala? Well…those answers can be found within the pages of Before I Knew.
Some more backstory can also be found in two previous Montgomery Ink Legacy books: Best Friend Temptation (Noah, Ford & Greer’s story) and His Second Chance (Kane & Phoebe’s story).
The first Cage family book doesn’t come out until early 2025…and I’ll be impatiently waiting for it. I love the interconnected world that Carrie Ann Ryan has created both with the original Montgomery Ink series (and spin-offs) and now the Montgomery Ink Legacy series & spin-offs. So, while I’m waiting for The Forever Rule, I’ll be going back and binge-reading various Montgomery Ink series, spin-offs, the current Legacy series & the First Time series.
I give Before I Knew five out five stars…if you haven’t downloaded it—run…get the novella & enjoy a brief visit to Colorado, the introduction of the Cage brothers (again)…and I think possibly even Phoebe’s older sister.
October 14, 2024
Before I Knew is the prequel to The Cage Family series and introduces us to Aston Cage, the eldest Cage brother, and Blakely. Book 1 in the series will delve in to their full story.
Blakely has no clue how she was added to a family text chat. She has no clue who these people are. But the conversation is pretty funny.
Aston and his brothers are trying to figure out where family dinner is going to be that week. When Blakely chimes in and asks how to remove herself from the chat, the conversation abruptly ends.
Aston goes in to fix it mode. He is the oldest brother and that is his job. He fixes everything. So when he sees her number is one digit off from one of his brothers, he knows how she got added. What he does not know is what private, business information they may have disclosed in the chat.
When he texts Blakely separately from the group, they end up making plans for a coffee date. Aston has googled her phone number so he knows her name, but has no clue who she really is. But he is intrigued by her. Blakely has not googled his phone number and has no clue who he is.
When Blakely finally realizes who he is, she is concerned. Her boss hates Aston. So what will happen if her boss finds out she is having coffee with him?
Aston and Blakely have a nice coffee date. She goes back to work and no one is aware of who she had lunch with. They compare schedules and determine a next date.
Both are busy the next weekend, but neither has any idea it is the same gala event they are each attending separately.
And when Blakely's boss drops a bomb on her, what will she do?
You will have to wait for The Forever Rule coming in early 2025.
Blakely has no clue how she was added to a family text chat. She has no clue who these people are. But the conversation is pretty funny.
Aston and his brothers are trying to figure out where family dinner is going to be that week. When Blakely chimes in and asks how to remove herself from the chat, the conversation abruptly ends.
Aston goes in to fix it mode. He is the oldest brother and that is his job. He fixes everything. So when he sees her number is one digit off from one of his brothers, he knows how she got added. What he does not know is what private, business information they may have disclosed in the chat.
When he texts Blakely separately from the group, they end up making plans for a coffee date. Aston has googled her phone number so he knows her name, but has no clue who she really is. But he is intrigued by her. Blakely has not googled his phone number and has no clue who he is.
When Blakely finally realizes who he is, she is concerned. Her boss hates Aston. So what will happen if her boss finds out she is having coffee with him?
Aston and Blakely have a nice coffee date. She goes back to work and no one is aware of who she had lunch with. They compare schedules and determine a next date.
Both are busy the next weekend, but neither has any idea it is the same gala event they are each attending separately.
And when Blakely's boss drops a bomb on her, what will she do?
You will have to wait for The Forever Rule coming in early 2025.
August 24, 2026
A wrong number, a family group chat and one unexpected private conversation… and suddenly things get a whole lot more interesting!
I really enjoyed getting to see how Blakely and Aston’s story began. What starts as a completely accidental addition to the Cage family chat turns into something neither of them planned for, and I loved watching that first spark develop into something neither can quite ignore.
Blakely is easy to connect with, and I loved the way she handles being thrown into the chaos of the Cage family. Aston, meanwhile, has that intriguing combination of confidence and mystery that made me want to know what he was keeping hidden. There’s clearly more going on beneath the surface, and those secrets add another layer to what could have been a very straightforward romance.
The Cage family themselves were such a fun addition. Their group chat brings plenty of personality and gives us a peek at the family dynamics, while also making this feel like the perfect introduction to the wider series.
As a prequel, Before I Knew does exactly what I wanted it to do: it fills in the blanks and lets us experience Blakely and Aston’s beginning rather than simply hearing about it later.
A fun, engaging little prequel packed with family chaos, unexpected beginnings, secrets and a romance that proves sometimes the best connections really can start with a wrong number.
I really enjoyed getting to see how Blakely and Aston’s story began. What starts as a completely accidental addition to the Cage family chat turns into something neither of them planned for, and I loved watching that first spark develop into something neither can quite ignore.
Blakely is easy to connect with, and I loved the way she handles being thrown into the chaos of the Cage family. Aston, meanwhile, has that intriguing combination of confidence and mystery that made me want to know what he was keeping hidden. There’s clearly more going on beneath the surface, and those secrets add another layer to what could have been a very straightforward romance.
The Cage family themselves were such a fun addition. Their group chat brings plenty of personality and gives us a peek at the family dynamics, while also making this feel like the perfect introduction to the wider series.
As a prequel, Before I Knew does exactly what I wanted it to do: it fills in the blanks and lets us experience Blakely and Aston’s beginning rather than simply hearing about it later.
A fun, engaging little prequel packed with family chaos, unexpected beginnings, secrets and a romance that proves sometimes the best connections really can start with a wrong number.
December 10, 2024
As a prequel to the Cage Brothers series, coming soon from Carrie Ann Ryan, Before I Knew was a fun introduction to another side of the Cage family.
A wrong number added to the family group chat introduces Blakely to the Cages. She has no idea who any of the people on the other side of the chat are but quickly picks up on personality traits. When the brothers discover the error, she is removed from the group but not before Aston strikes up a solo conversation with her.
I loved the serendipity of so many aspects of this story. It was a quick read and a fun introduction to the next spin off family to be highlighted in a Carrie Ann Ryan series. I loved meeting the extended Cage family and cannot wait for the full novels coming for them!
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A wrong number added to the family group chat introduces Blakely to the Cages. She has no idea who any of the people on the other side of the chat are but quickly picks up on personality traits. When the brothers discover the error, she is removed from the group but not before Aston strikes up a solo conversation with her.
I loved the serendipity of so many aspects of this story. It was a quick read and a fun introduction to the next spin off family to be highlighted in a Carrie Ann Ryan series. I loved meeting the extended Cage family and cannot wait for the full novels coming for them!
October 29, 2024
LOVE how this book started with the text messages. I also liked Blakey and Isabella’s friendship, joking around and fan fiction. These two are so funny together. What a small world as well when we find out that Blakely works for Mr. Howard which is a competitor with Aston’s company and then we further find out how Mr. Howard treats her which is not good. Unfortunately when the company Blakely works for has a fundraiser and Aston and two of his brothers attend and Aston asks her to dance, who knew that would be the straw that breaks the camels back. As we reach chapter five, everything has changed for Aston and his family and unfortunately when Blakely goes back to work, Mr. Howard is waiting for her with the company lawyer and the accusations he threw at her and the way he treated her, all I could think of is she should seriously sue him but yes it would be her word against his and he seems like a slimy man. However he deserves everything bad that could possibly happen to him. This book is a perfect set-up for the next book, The Forever Rule. I’m so looking forward to what happens next after Aston’s father passes away and what happens next for Blakely. As well as finding out the connection between Aston and Isabella. Great Book!
October 15, 2024
Carrie Ann Ryan is becoming one of my go to authors now when I see a book of hers coming up! She puts so much passion in her writing that it bleeds into the pages and comes out as the words that she puts down.
Before I knew is a prequel to the Cage Brothers Series and it gives us just a small taste of what to expect moving forward.
This gives us just a brief meeting of Aston and Bailey. We all hit the wrong number sometimes when we are texting and end up sending a text to someone by accident, well that is what happened with these two! With the Cage family communicating through text non-stop, Blakely’s number was added accidentally, so she was thrown in the chaos of the banter between the siblings.
Blakely and Aston, after texting outside of the family chat, decide to meet up for coffee finally meeting face to face. Sparks are there but they needed to see if this was just a texting fling or if it could be so much more.
Now, I need the Forever Rule, you know, the full length book of Aston and Blakely because I need to know if Blakely and Aston find their way back together and mend each other’s broken heart.
Before I knew is a prequel to the Cage Brothers Series and it gives us just a small taste of what to expect moving forward.
This gives us just a brief meeting of Aston and Bailey. We all hit the wrong number sometimes when we are texting and end up sending a text to someone by accident, well that is what happened with these two! With the Cage family communicating through text non-stop, Blakely’s number was added accidentally, so she was thrown in the chaos of the banter between the siblings.
Blakely and Aston, after texting outside of the family chat, decide to meet up for coffee finally meeting face to face. Sparks are there but they needed to see if this was just a texting fling or if it could be so much more.
Now, I need the Forever Rule, you know, the full length book of Aston and Blakely because I need to know if Blakely and Aston find their way back together and mend each other’s broken heart.
October 8, 2024
A wonderful prequel to this series!
Aston Cage is the President of Cage Enterprises in Denver. He works with the Montgomery family a lot. Blakely Graves is in the group chat of the Cage brothers. How she got there she doesn’t know. Apparently, Flynn, one of the Cage brothers typed in a wrong number to the new group chat by mistake. Now they are texting one on one and they agree to meet for coffee. Blakely is very wary of going after she accepted. Turns out she looks him up because she doesn’t know his name, and they are competitors in business. She works for Howard Enterprises and her boss hates the Cages. They see each other at a charity Gala again, in which they didn’t know the other was going to. They dance and Aston kisses her. Something big happens in Aston’s life after the gala and he doesn’t call her. Her boss fires her saying she lost a big client because she danced with the enemy. She hope she never hears from Aston again. Can’t wait for the first story of this series to begin. Can enemies become friends or even more? Can’t wait to find out.
Aston Cage is the President of Cage Enterprises in Denver. He works with the Montgomery family a lot. Blakely Graves is in the group chat of the Cage brothers. How she got there she doesn’t know. Apparently, Flynn, one of the Cage brothers typed in a wrong number to the new group chat by mistake. Now they are texting one on one and they agree to meet for coffee. Blakely is very wary of going after she accepted. Turns out she looks him up because she doesn’t know his name, and they are competitors in business. She works for Howard Enterprises and her boss hates the Cages. They see each other at a charity Gala again, in which they didn’t know the other was going to. They dance and Aston kisses her. Something big happens in Aston’s life after the gala and he doesn’t call her. Her boss fires her saying she lost a big client because she danced with the enemy. She hope she never hears from Aston again. Can’t wait for the first story of this series to begin. Can enemies become friends or even more? Can’t wait to find out.
October 24, 2024
This quick prequel to the Cage Family series by Carrie Ann Ryan was a wonderful “chef’s kiss”. It is a great beginning to the amazing family of Cage men and what a way to begin with a wrong number added to a group chat among the brothers!
One wrong digit adds Blakely to the conversation and when she tries to remove herself from the situation, eldest Aston Cage follows via text messages..to make sure damage control isn’t needed for the family and/or their business. What he finds is a gorgeous intelligent woman he cannot stop thinking about and asks to a coffee date.
The attraction is felt on both sides and things heat up further when both Aston and Blakely attend the same business charity event. But where does their future stand when the Cage patriarch passes the night of the event and Blakely is fired from her job for being in “cahoots” with her boss’ enemy? A superb lead into the book one: The Forever Rule!
One wrong digit adds Blakely to the conversation and when she tries to remove herself from the situation, eldest Aston Cage follows via text messages..to make sure damage control isn’t needed for the family and/or their business. What he finds is a gorgeous intelligent woman he cannot stop thinking about and asks to a coffee date.
The attraction is felt on both sides and things heat up further when both Aston and Blakely attend the same business charity event. But where does their future stand when the Cage patriarch passes the night of the event and Blakely is fired from her job for being in “cahoots” with her boss’ enemy? A superb lead into the book one: The Forever Rule!
December 10, 2024
Welcome back to Colorado where we meet the Cage family - an extension of the Montgomery's. Family group chats are always amusing, but when an unknown number gets in the middle of the Cage family chat, Ashton, the oldest brother, decides to find out who it is. So after sending a side text to the unknown number, it turns into a mild flirtation and then lunch! Blakely discovers that the person she has been texting with is her boss's enemy, she worries what he would do if he found out. The lunch date was a success and as they try to plan another time, neither know that they are about to run into each other at a charity Gala, and after Ashton asks her to dance, it becomes apparent that her boss is not happy and that is when Blakely's world changes. You'll have to read The Rule Follower to see if Ashton and Blakely can follow their hearts and find their way back to each other.
Loved this fast paced novella and so excited for January!
Loved this fast paced novella and so excited for January!
October 17, 2024
Carrie Ann Ryan dropped a little something something to tease and tantalize us before her next fabulous new series release. Meet the Cages. With a whooping total seven male Cage siblings, this family is going to be a testosterone overload. Born into generational wealth, the Cage males all have a stake in the family business and apparently the family town.
'Hello? Do you know how to exit a group chat? Not that this hasn't been enlightening, but I don't think I'm supposed to be here.'
Blakely Graves was accidentally added to the Cage sibling's group chat. The first 18% of the short novella is just a group chat text between the brothers. I never realized before how much I enjoy reading good dialogue, most entertainment I have read in a long time. You learn a lot about individual characters and the family dynamics just from their interaction and banter.
'Before I Knew' is the introduction of a story that ties 'His Second Chance' to the first book in Ryan's new series, 'The Forever Rule'. The Cage family secret revealed at the end of 'His Second Chance' will spill over into the new series. If you haven't read the last book in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series I highly recommend you do.
'Hello? Do you know how to exit a group chat? Not that this hasn't been enlightening, but I don't think I'm supposed to be here.'
Blakely Graves was accidentally added to the Cage sibling's group chat. The first 18% of the short novella is just a group chat text between the brothers. I never realized before how much I enjoy reading good dialogue, most entertainment I have read in a long time. You learn a lot about individual characters and the family dynamics just from their interaction and banter.
'Before I Knew' is the introduction of a story that ties 'His Second Chance' to the first book in Ryan's new series, 'The Forever Rule'. The Cage family secret revealed at the end of 'His Second Chance' will spill over into the new series. If you haven't read the last book in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series I highly recommend you do.
November 7, 2024
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
Before I Knew by @carrieannryanauthor
4⭐
A prequel novella to Carrie Ann Ryan’s Cage Family series. This meet cute teaser introduces us to the eldest brother of the Cage Family, Aston Cage and his romantic connection to Blakely Graves .
It all starts with the Family Group Chat and a wrong number. Most would say nothing good ever comes out of the family group chat… but for this novella I would say Aston and Blakely would disagree. That is until something upsets Aston’s life with spiraling consequences to his relationship with Blakely and her career. I cannot wait for 2025 and Aston and Blakely’s full story in “The Forever Rule”.
#arc #arcreview #angrycatreads #angrycatreviews #prequel #novella #teaser #cliffhanger #theforeverrule #carrieannryan #cagefamilyseries
Before I Knew by @carrieannryanauthor
4⭐
A prequel novella to Carrie Ann Ryan’s Cage Family series. This meet cute teaser introduces us to the eldest brother of the Cage Family, Aston Cage and his romantic connection to Blakely Graves .
It all starts with the Family Group Chat and a wrong number. Most would say nothing good ever comes out of the family group chat… but for this novella I would say Aston and Blakely would disagree. That is until something upsets Aston’s life with spiraling consequences to his relationship with Blakely and her career. I cannot wait for 2025 and Aston and Blakely’s full story in “The Forever Rule”.
#arc #arcreview #angrycatreads #angrycatreviews #prequel #novella #teaser #cliffhanger #theforeverrule #carrieannryan #cagefamilyseries
December 11, 2024
Great prequel! Engaging and entertaining
This one was cute! It's a short and quick read as it is like a prequel/prologue for Aston and Blakely's full story that is coming very shortly. I really enjoyed getting to know Aston and Blakely and seeing their meet cute. Blakely ends up added to their family group chat by accident and gets to see a little bit of their personalities and then Aston texts in her a side text and they keep talking and then end up meeting in person. This one was nice and lighthearted. Neither really knew who the other one was so it was organic and genuine in their conversations and teasing. Things do get a little complicated though and are about to get very interesting I think. I really liked this little introduction before both their worlds get upended and I'm super excited for the next book and seeing what happens between them.
This one was cute! It's a short and quick read as it is like a prequel/prologue for Aston and Blakely's full story that is coming very shortly. I really enjoyed getting to know Aston and Blakely and seeing their meet cute. Blakely ends up added to their family group chat by accident and gets to see a little bit of their personalities and then Aston texts in her a side text and they keep talking and then end up meeting in person. This one was nice and lighthearted. Neither really knew who the other one was so it was organic and genuine in their conversations and teasing. Things do get a little complicated though and are about to get very interesting I think. I really liked this little introduction before both their worlds get upended and I'm super excited for the next book and seeing what happens between them.
December 15, 2024
If you have read Carrie Ann Ryan previously, you may have already met the Cage family already, however, if you have not, it’s okay. In Before I Knew by Carrie Ann Ryan, a prequel to her new series, The Cage Family, we are introduced to the Cage brothers and their world. I love how it starts, with a group chat between the brothers with a surprise guest. When Aston, the oldest brother, and the surprise guest, Blakely, start a side chat, the sparks start to fly before they even meet. What will happen when they actually meet and will it be over before anything even starts? This is a quick novella that introduces us to the Cage family and gives us insight into how Aston and Cage meet. I am so excited to dive into The Forever Rule, Aston and Blakely full length story coming in January.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
October 7, 2024
Before I Knew by Carrie Ann Ryan, a novella prequel to The Cage Family series, prepared the groundwork for the romantic connection between Aston Cage and Blakely Graves that has me eagerly waiting for their story to continue in their upcoming The Forever Rule book.
A wrong number is accidentally added to the Cage brother’s family text group, putting Aston and Blakely on each other’s radar and triggering an interest in each other. After texting each other, outside the group, they meet up for coffee, expressing interest in each other. When they both attend a charity gala, nothing seems to go right for Blakely despite a swoony dance with Aston. A phone call that Aston and his brothers get towards the end of the gala sets the series in motion as tragedy strikes the Cage family. The fun interaction between the siblings has me excited to get to know them all more.
A wrong number is accidentally added to the Cage brother’s family text group, putting Aston and Blakely on each other’s radar and triggering an interest in each other. After texting each other, outside the group, they meet up for coffee, expressing interest in each other. When they both attend a charity gala, nothing seems to go right for Blakely despite a swoony dance with Aston. A phone call that Aston and his brothers get towards the end of the gala sets the series in motion as tragedy strikes the Cage family. The fun interaction between the siblings has me excited to get to know them all more.
October 14, 2024
I knew that the Cage family was getting their own series next year, which is such a long way off to my impatient soul!
So when this little nugget accidentally gif released earlier than expected, who am I to complain?!
It all starts with a wrong number in a group text, which quickly turns into the most secret and delicious start to Ashton Cage and Blakely Graves story. I was instantly hooked…not only by the hilarious texting chain from the Cage brothers, but by the sweetness of Blakely and Ashton.
What is a fiery little ember in this novella, I suspect will grow into a raging inferno once their full story, The Forever Rule, is released in January. Christmas just came early for this Carrie Ann Ryan fan!
So when this little nugget accidentally gif released earlier than expected, who am I to complain?!
It all starts with a wrong number in a group text, which quickly turns into the most secret and delicious start to Ashton Cage and Blakely Graves story. I was instantly hooked…not only by the hilarious texting chain from the Cage brothers, but by the sweetness of Blakely and Ashton.
What is a fiery little ember in this novella, I suspect will grow into a raging inferno once their full story, The Forever Rule, is released in January. Christmas just came early for this Carrie Ann Ryan fan!
October 17, 2024
This book has me eagerly awaiting the Cage Family series and especially The Forever Rule. I now need to know what happens next with Blakely and Aston. I loved the texting mishap that leads these two to meet. The texts between the brothers are funny and give us a hint of the family dynamics. There are definitely sparks between Aston and Blakel that are ready to combust at any given moment. Their kiss at the gala was proof of that. The twisty ending where both of their lives seem to implode sets the stage for an angsty and intriguing second chance at love romance. I can’t wait to read more of their story and get to know them and the whole Cage family better.
I recommend this short delightful prequel. It is a wonderful peek at what is to come in the Cage Family series.
I recommend this short delightful prequel. It is a wonderful peek at what is to come in the Cage Family series.
October 21, 2024
What a great start to Ms. Ryan's new series, The Cage Family Who knew that when your number is added to a group chat, and you have no idea who these people are, you meet someone who takes your breath away. Before I Knew is a sweet and enjoyable prequel romance that will grab hold of your heart and have you smiling from ear to ear.
Blakely is added to the Cage brothers' chat, and before she knows it, one of the brothers starts a chat for just the two of them. There is a spark when they first meet, but there are complications. This is the beginning of an interesting relationship.
I can't wait to see what happens with Blakely and Aston in the next book. Before I Knew is a definite must-read. Grab yours today.
Blakely is added to the Cage brothers' chat, and before she knows it, one of the brothers starts a chat for just the two of them. There is a spark when they first meet, but there are complications. This is the beginning of an interesting relationship.
I can't wait to see what happens with Blakely and Aston in the next book. Before I Knew is a definite must-read. Grab yours today.
October 26, 2024
What a way to start a series…being added accidentally to a family chat has its advantages.
When the cages realise they have an extra in their family chat pandemonium ensures and it’s the older brother Aston who try’s to sort it out!
What occurs is a friendship of sorts between Aston and the mysterious Blakely….it’s fun, light humorous and flirty!
A coffee date turns into a promise of more. A chance meeting at work gala, a secret dance and again the promise of more. But then the unthinkable happens a family tragedy and a disgruntled boss ruin this budding relationship between them.
The cages have wormed their way into our hearts and I can’t wait for the next instalment that continues the journey.
When the cages realise they have an extra in their family chat pandemonium ensures and it’s the older brother Aston who try’s to sort it out!
What occurs is a friendship of sorts between Aston and the mysterious Blakely….it’s fun, light humorous and flirty!
A coffee date turns into a promise of more. A chance meeting at work gala, a secret dance and again the promise of more. But then the unthinkable happens a family tragedy and a disgruntled boss ruin this budding relationship between them.
The cages have wormed their way into our hearts and I can’t wait for the next instalment that continues the journey.
November 16, 2025
This prequel was at the beginning of the audiobook for book 1 of this series and I'm legitimately so confused why it exists. I haven't read book 1 yet but... does it not explain this backstory to the point that a prequel was needed?????
I was originally thinking that it was a quick romance for one of the seven brothers who's already going to be married in book 1 or something?? But both no, that's not what this was, and also they mentioned in the prequel that one of the OTHER brothers is already happily married 🤦♀️ So... is book 1 going to be about the same couple as the prequel??? I'm seriously so lost not only about why this prequel exists but also about why it would be attached specifically to book 1. Sigh.
I was originally thinking that it was a quick romance for one of the seven brothers who's already going to be married in book 1 or something?? But both no, that's not what this was, and also they mentioned in the prequel that one of the OTHER brothers is already happily married 🤦♀️ So... is book 1 going to be about the same couple as the prequel??? I'm seriously so lost not only about why this prequel exists but also about why it would be attached specifically to book 1. Sigh.
October 5, 2024
Should wait.
This was too good and too interesting. I should have waited before reading this because now it'll feel like forever before i get to know the whole story.
I knew I'd like it, can't remember a book from Carrie Ann Ryan that i didn't like. There's only few authors I love and she's one of them. Characters are authentic and approachable, and if you love reading like I do the fact you get many books that can be read as standalone but have more in the same environment with familiar characters. it's the best. But seriously if you're not patient then wait closer to year 2025 before reading. Otherwise you should have read it already.
This was too good and too interesting. I should have waited before reading this because now it'll feel like forever before i get to know the whole story.
I knew I'd like it, can't remember a book from Carrie Ann Ryan that i didn't like. There's only few authors I love and she's one of them. Characters are authentic and approachable, and if you love reading like I do the fact you get many books that can be read as standalone but have more in the same environment with familiar characters. it's the best. But seriously if you're not patient then wait closer to year 2025 before reading. Otherwise you should have read it already.
October 22, 2024
Before I Knew is a prequel to the upcoming The Cage Family series and is a wonderful tease to the book, The Forever Rule, that releases on January 6! I was immediately pulled in not only with Aston and Blakely but other characters like Isabella, Blakely’s BFF, and Dorian, Aston’s brother. There’s corporate intrigue, family drama, and a group chat fiasco that sounds only too real. Yes, it ends rather abruptly but isn't that what you would expect from a delightful teaser like this?! You are going to want to pick up the next book in the series to find out what happens next. Thank you, Carrie Ann, for this brilliant tease!
December 5, 2024
Before I Knew is the prequel to The Cage Family series and introduces us to Aston Cage, the eldest Cage brother, and Blakely. I personally can’t wait for the next one.
Blakely has no clue how she was added to a family text chat. She has no clue who these people are. But the conversation is pretty funny.
Aston and his brothers are trying to figure out where family dinner is going to be that week. When Blakely chimes in and asks how to remove herself from the chat, the conversation abruptly ends.
Then they find who the other person is ups and downs follow.
Another book I could not put down well done.
Blakely has no clue how she was added to a family text chat. She has no clue who these people are. But the conversation is pretty funny.
Aston and his brothers are trying to figure out where family dinner is going to be that week. When Blakely chimes in and asks how to remove herself from the chat, the conversation abruptly ends.
Then they find who the other person is ups and downs follow.
Another book I could not put down well done.
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