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The Cage Family #3
If You Were Mine
The last words I said to my best friend were “I trust you”. Then the world went dark, and I nearly lost everything.
While my best friend’s little sister lost even more.
I promised him that I’d take care of her—but if he knew my current thoughts when it came to Harper, he’d have never trusted me.
She’s too young for me. Too bright to my shadows. And too tempting.
Now I’m stuck in our small town, and I can’t escape her. I’d rather hide in my cabin, restoring what was one lost. Only Harper won’t let me.
I’ve already held onto more secrets than my family knows. I don’t know if I can keep what I feel about her secret too.
She sees beyond my scars and anger, and I know she hides her own just as tightly.
When one kiss changes everything, there’s no going back—even if it shatters everything in our wake.
**If You Were Mine is an age gap, best friend’s little sister, tortured hero, small town romance featuring Dorian and Harper. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
While my best friend’s little sister lost even more.
I promised him that I’d take care of her—but if he knew my current thoughts when it came to Harper, he’d have never trusted me.
She’s too young for me. Too bright to my shadows. And too tempting.
Now I’m stuck in our small town, and I can’t escape her. I’d rather hide in my cabin, restoring what was one lost. Only Harper won’t let me.
I’ve already held onto more secrets than my family knows. I don’t know if I can keep what I feel about her secret too.
She sees beyond my scars and anger, and I know she hides her own just as tightly.
When one kiss changes everything, there’s no going back—even if it shatters everything in our wake.
**If You Were Mine is an age gap, best friend’s little sister, tortured hero, small town romance featuring Dorian and Harper. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2025
207 people are currently reading
3715 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Ann Ryan
259 books6,359 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 175 reviews
November 3, 2025
I love their age gap —eight years, the same as hubby and me. 😊
Dorian Cage and Harper Wellsley's story is not all hearts and flowers; there's tragedy, secrets, loss, and so much more. I don't know who my heart hurt more for, Dorian or Harper, because they both have been through hell and back.
Harper is a breath of fresh air. I really like her; she has a lot of sass and doesn't take crap from Dorian. He tries to keep his distance or keep her in the "friend zone," but she doesn't let that fly, especially since she wants him as much as he wants her. I enjoy it when Carrie Ann gives us characters that have great banter. Oh, and I have to mention Harper's puppy, Lucky, because he is the cutest and just steals the show whenever he's around. If he could speak, he would give good banter, too.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewIYWM
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
**I also preordered two of the special edition paperback copies, that you see on the bottom of the photo above**
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
Dorian Cage and Harper Wellsley's story is not all hearts and flowers; there's tragedy, secrets, loss, and so much more. I don't know who my heart hurt more for, Dorian or Harper, because they both have been through hell and back.
Harper is a breath of fresh air. I really like her; she has a lot of sass and doesn't take crap from Dorian. He tries to keep his distance or keep her in the "friend zone," but she doesn't let that fly, especially since she wants him as much as he wants her. I enjoy it when Carrie Ann gives us characters that have great banter. Oh, and I have to mention Harper's puppy, Lucky, because he is the cutest and just steals the show whenever he's around. If he could speak, he would give good banter, too.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewIYWM
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**I also preordered two of the special edition paperback copies, that you see on the bottom of the photo above**
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
January 8, 2026
Listened to this book on audio. It was a sweet love story about a couple navigating grief and family dynamics. There was almost more emphasis on the family interactions than on the love story. I found myself bored halfway through, but the last 20% improved. No third-act breakup, which is always a plus!
November 4, 2025
The audiobook for If You Were Mine by Carrie Ann Ryan, the next book in The Cage Family series, was a great listen and gives us Dorian’s story. This can be read as a standalone, however, I highly recommend the entire series so far. Narrated by Ryan West and Callie Dalton, this is a small-town romance with age-gap, best friend’s little sister, and tortured hero that was emotional and touching. Dorian and Joshua are best friend and have always been there for each other. When tragedy strikes, Dorian and Harper are left with grief and so much loss.
A year later, they are still trying to find their new normal and work through their grief. Dorian had always promised to look after Harper, but he has been dealing with his own healing and grief. Now he is back home and they are drawn to each other, however, they are each dealing with their loss in their own way. I loved how protective he could be and how caring she was. But Dorian has secrets that hold him back.
I also loved how the Cage family is still trying to find their way together and their witty back and forth. They are really coming together and I loved how they were there for Dorian and Harper. Their journey was not easy, but their connection and chemistry was undeniable. I loved this story and highly recommend it.
Happy listening!
A year later, they are still trying to find their new normal and work through their grief. Dorian had always promised to look after Harper, but he has been dealing with his own healing and grief. Now he is back home and they are drawn to each other, however, they are each dealing with their loss in their own way. I loved how protective he could be and how caring she was. But Dorian has secrets that hold him back.
I also loved how the Cage family is still trying to find their way together and their witty back and forth. They are really coming together and I loved how they were there for Dorian and Harper. Their journey was not easy, but their connection and chemistry was undeniable. I loved this story and highly recommend it.
Happy listening!
December 19, 2025
I thought I might enjoy it, but then the MMC AND MFC both acted too juvenile to be doing adult things.
November 1, 2025
I’m loving learning about these Cages! But Dorian and Harper have had a major tragedy in their lives. They are each moving forward in life, but they have been impacted in different ways. They were a good fit for one another. I loved watching them fall! I loved how the narrators brought the story to life. They were easy to listen to and I was very quickly sucked into the story. Do yourself a favor and grab this book!
October 14, 2025
ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Carrie Ann for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading If You Were Mine;
-One bed
-Age Gap
-Best friends sister
-Friends x Lovers
-Opposites Attract
-Small town
This is book three of the Cage Family series! You get to follow Dorian and Harper! I absolutely loved these two! You have loss, plot twist, banter, spice and a cute dog! What more could you ask for from a story! Harper I think just because one of my favorite FMCs her personality and sassiness with Dorian was hilarious! Their chemistry flew off the pages! This is the perfect book to get you out of a slump with the fast pace and how easy it flows! I can’t wait for the next book 🙌
Fav Quote:
•”I can walk away if I have too. But I don’t want to”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases Oct. 27th💙
#bookstagram #romance #review
First I would like to say a big thank you to Carrie Ann for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading If You Were Mine;
-One bed
-Age Gap
-Best friends sister
-Friends x Lovers
-Opposites Attract
-Small town
This is book three of the Cage Family series! You get to follow Dorian and Harper! I absolutely loved these two! You have loss, plot twist, banter, spice and a cute dog! What more could you ask for from a story! Harper I think just because one of my favorite FMCs her personality and sassiness with Dorian was hilarious! Their chemistry flew off the pages! This is the perfect book to get you out of a slump with the fast pace and how easy it flows! I can’t wait for the next book 🙌
Fav Quote:
•”I can walk away if I have too. But I don’t want to”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases Oct. 27th💙
#bookstagram #romance #review
December 23, 2025
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.If You Were Mine is the third book in Carrie Ann Ryan's Cage Family series, and it brings two incredibly popular tropes together: best friend's sibling and age gap. This emotionally charged romance follows the complicated journey of grief, healing, and finding love.
Meet Dorian Cage and Harper Wellesly. Dorian and Harper’s brother were best friends from childhood, inseparable and bonded like family. Harper quietly fell in love with Dorian, but he never saw her as anything more than his best friend’s little sister. Everything changes when tragedy strikes. Dorian loses the person who meant the most to him, and Harper is left completely alone after losing the only family she had left.
One year after the devastating tragedy that changed everything for Dorian and Harper, Dorian is still grappling with the emotional and physical scars of the loss, while Harper bears the weight of the emotional ones. Both are lost in their grief, but amid the pain, they find an unexpected solace in each other’s arms.
What began as a forbidden attraction turns into something far more profound. As they lean on each other to heal, their connection deepens beyond the bounds of friendship and family, proving that sometimes, love can bloom in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Dorian and Harper’s chemistry is undeniable, and it’s impossible not to feel pulled into their story. Even with the guilt weighing heavily on him, Dorian simply cannot stay away from Harper, and that emotional conflict makes their connection feel raw and real.
Harper’s backstory truly broke my heart. The loss of her brother feels even more devastating when you understand everything she has already endured. What stayed with me most, though, is her strength. Despite the pain, the grief, and the setbacks, Harper continues to stand tall, making her journey both inspiring and deeply moving.
Once again, Ryan delivered a story that captivated me from beginning to end. From the first page, I found myself fully immersed, eager to see how each moment would unfold. She has a remarkable ability to create relatable, emotionally rich characters whose journeys feel authentic and compelling. Their struggles, growth and connections kept me deeply invested, and by the end, I was left wanting more.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Meet Dorian Cage and Harper Wellesly. Dorian and Harper’s brother were best friends from childhood, inseparable and bonded like family. Harper quietly fell in love with Dorian, but he never saw her as anything more than his best friend’s little sister. Everything changes when tragedy strikes. Dorian loses the person who meant the most to him, and Harper is left completely alone after losing the only family she had left.
One year after the devastating tragedy that changed everything for Dorian and Harper, Dorian is still grappling with the emotional and physical scars of the loss, while Harper bears the weight of the emotional ones. Both are lost in their grief, but amid the pain, they find an unexpected solace in each other’s arms.
What began as a forbidden attraction turns into something far more profound. As they lean on each other to heal, their connection deepens beyond the bounds of friendship and family, proving that sometimes, love can bloom in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Dorian and Harper’s chemistry is undeniable, and it’s impossible not to feel pulled into their story. Even with the guilt weighing heavily on him, Dorian simply cannot stay away from Harper, and that emotional conflict makes their connection feel raw and real.
Harper’s backstory truly broke my heart. The loss of her brother feels even more devastating when you understand everything she has already endured. What stayed with me most, though, is her strength. Despite the pain, the grief, and the setbacks, Harper continues to stand tall, making her journey both inspiring and deeply moving.
Once again, Ryan delivered a story that captivated me from beginning to end. From the first page, I found myself fully immersed, eager to see how each moment would unfold. She has a remarkable ability to create relatable, emotionally rich characters whose journeys feel authentic and compelling. Their struggles, growth and connections kept me deeply invested, and by the end, I was left wanting more.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
October 28, 2025
This is the third book in the series and Dorian and Harper's story.
A year on from the devastating accident that took his best friend and left him with life changing injuries and he is back in Cage Lake.
Harper is still struggling after losing her brother and his best friend, but Dorian is now back in Cage Lake.
She has always had a crush on Dorian but he has stayed away for so long. The chemistry between them is off the charts but can he get past the guilt of being there for her when her brother isn't.
Full of emotion and so much drama but also so much love. Absolutely loved the ending and can't wait for Hudson's book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
A year on from the devastating accident that took his best friend and left him with life changing injuries and he is back in Cage Lake.
Harper is still struggling after losing her brother and his best friend, but Dorian is now back in Cage Lake.
She has always had a crush on Dorian but he has stayed away for so long. The chemistry between them is off the charts but can he get past the guilt of being there for her when her brother isn't.
Full of emotion and so much drama but also so much love. Absolutely loved the ending and can't wait for Hudson's book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
October 27, 2025
If You Were Mine, book 3 of The Cage Family series, by Carrie Ann Ryan @carrieannryanauthor. Carrie Ann is an amazing author!
As always, an amazing book about Dorian & Harper! Lucky the Golden Retriever was the star of the book IMO. 🐕 Tropes: Contemporary, Female/Male, Age Gap, Best Friends Sister, Small Town, Huge Extended Family & HEA!
As always, an amazing book about Dorian & Harper! Lucky the Golden Retriever was the star of the book IMO. 🐕 Tropes: Contemporary, Female/Male, Age Gap, Best Friends Sister, Small Town, Huge Extended Family & HEA!
October 28, 2025
If You Were Mine
The intenseness of the story about these two mixed families of Cage's, is so full of love and compassion for each other. The people who find themselves attracted to them or involved in their lives, realize
compassion this family has. The sadness and unfortunate accident that happened affecting others, and yet brings others closer as a result. Beautiful story ❤️.
The intenseness of the story about these two mixed families of Cage's, is so full of love and compassion for each other. The people who find themselves attracted to them or involved in their lives, realize
compassion this family has. The sadness and unfortunate accident that happened affecting others, and yet brings others closer as a result. Beautiful story ❤️.
November 2, 2025
The Cage family has a special place in my heart. The author makes me fall in love wit hall these characters in the series, and each book tops the previous one. But I love them all the same, just don’t make me choose.
Dorian has no business thinking about Harper that way. He promised her brother he would look after her, but not in the way his mind is going right now.
The chemistry and the age gap make them the perfect couple. They have their struggles and their secrets. But together they can see everything more clear. I loved it.
Dorian has no business thinking about Harper that way. He promised her brother he would look after her, but not in the way his mind is going right now.
The chemistry and the age gap make them the perfect couple. They have their struggles and their secrets. But together they can see everything more clear. I loved it.
October 29, 2025
This is the 3rd book in this brilliant series and its Dorian Cage's turn and its one hell of an emotional ride.
Dorian's life has changed dramatically after a terrible accident that took his best friend from him and left him with some life changing scars and wounds. A year on he is ready for change and has gone back to Cage Lake.
Harper has been struggling since she lost her brother, her last family member and is pretty much going through the emotions until her brothers best friend Dorian arrives back in town. She has had a crush on him for years and now he is back and they are rebuilding their connection that could grow into something so much more. Their connection is off the charts hot even from the beginning and it was beautiful to watch them heal and grow into something so beautiful and intense.
Carrie Ann Ryan has done an amazing job with this one. She has written it with heart and emotion. I shed a few tears at the beginning of this one. This was full of grief, pain, healing, family, friendships, love and passion. I am loving this series and cannot wait to see the next Cage fall.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest opinion
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
Dorian's life has changed dramatically after a terrible accident that took his best friend from him and left him with some life changing scars and wounds. A year on he is ready for change and has gone back to Cage Lake.
Harper has been struggling since she lost her brother, her last family member and is pretty much going through the emotions until her brothers best friend Dorian arrives back in town. She has had a crush on him for years and now he is back and they are rebuilding their connection that could grow into something so much more. Their connection is off the charts hot even from the beginning and it was beautiful to watch them heal and grow into something so beautiful and intense.
Carrie Ann Ryan has done an amazing job with this one. She has written it with heart and emotion. I shed a few tears at the beginning of this one. This was full of grief, pain, healing, family, friendships, love and passion. I am loving this series and cannot wait to see the next Cage fall.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest opinion
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
November 25, 2025
Dorian and Harper made me want to hug them through out this book. Loved this couple. This series is just something special.
October 24, 2025
ARC review
For anyone who has ever felt guilt at surviving a tragic event, this story will resonate with you.
Dorian Harper and his best friend Joshua did everything together. Not only was Joshua his best friend but he was like a brother from another mother and like the rule went, you didn't look at your best friends little sister as anything else than that.
When Dorian and Joshua are in a plane crash that seriously injures Dorian and takes Joshua life, the road to recovery is a long one. Not only having to deal with damage to his body, Dorian lives with the guilt of losing his best friend and wondering what his reaction would have been when he found out that he had fallen for his best friends sister.
The loss of tragically losing her brother and only living relative forces Harper to withdraw into herself. To make matters worse his best friend Dorian, while going through his own recovery, has also withdrawn himself away from everyone. She thought Dorian would be there for her during this difficult time, but knew her long time crush on him would have made things awkward.
They soon realise that dealing with their grief together, helps the healing process and gives them both something to live for
For anyone who has ever felt guilt at surviving a tragic event, this story will resonate with you.
Dorian Harper and his best friend Joshua did everything together. Not only was Joshua his best friend but he was like a brother from another mother and like the rule went, you didn't look at your best friends little sister as anything else than that.
When Dorian and Joshua are in a plane crash that seriously injures Dorian and takes Joshua life, the road to recovery is a long one. Not only having to deal with damage to his body, Dorian lives with the guilt of losing his best friend and wondering what his reaction would have been when he found out that he had fallen for his best friends sister.
The loss of tragically losing her brother and only living relative forces Harper to withdraw into herself. To make matters worse his best friend Dorian, while going through his own recovery, has also withdrawn himself away from everyone. She thought Dorian would be there for her during this difficult time, but knew her long time crush on him would have made things awkward.
They soon realise that dealing with their grief together, helps the healing process and gives them both something to live for
October 16, 2025
What could be a sad tale is elevated to a sweet sexy dream come true for Harper. The voice of this author keeps me coming back time and again because I want to know this family. Heartbreaking loss and a broken body take a toll on the Cage middle child, Dorian, but a promise to his best friend brings him back to the small town of Cage Lake to check on Joshua’s little sister. This story has all the small town vibes with a rich supposed playboy and more secrets than you can shake a stick at. Great read!
November 2, 2025
Universal
Since the accident that took Harper's brother's life, and left his best friend, Dorian, seriously injured, Harper has been grieving. Not just for her brother, but for Dorian too, because he's distanced himself from everyone. She had thought they could lean on each other during this time, but it's not to be when he's not even around. Still, life is...moving on. She has her friends and her bakery, and she's trucking along. Then Dorian finally comes back to town. Except he's still not really present. He's fixing up his house, and he's brooding, and trying to recover from his injuries. Thank God Cages unite to get him out of his head, and living again. Now he just has to honor his promise to his best friend - and go be there for his sister, Harper.
Dorian hasn't forgiven himself for the accident, even though it wasn't his fault. He broke his promise to his best friend, but now that he's back, he's going to make good on it - take care of Harper, and try remember she's off limits, now more than ever. His family's here, he'll try to get to know his newer siblings even better, and keep his secret from coming out. There's no way he can fall in love right now, and definitely not with Harper, his best friend's little sister - sweet, too young for him Harper.
Brother's best friend with a twist, angst, pain and guilt, but lots of love to balance out all the heartbreaking emotions. Dorian and Harper go through it all, and while doing so finally let go and open up to each other. Once they do that, the freedom from all the pain allows them to heal and allow the love that had been building since that kiss. They grieve their brother and best friend, come to terms with him being gone, and celebrate that they have each other all while knowing Joshua will always be with them in their hearts. The Cage family has such an intense backstory with their father's indiscretions giving them even more siblings to blend into their family, thus even more chances for more support and of course, the fun, snarky shenanigans that all siblings have. I can't wait for the next sibling to fall in love now.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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October 27, 2025
Carrie Ann Ryan never fails to rip out your heart in order to set up her characters for a journey through the pain of loss and growth in order to heal and accept the love that they’ve been denying. This latest edition in the Cage Family series is one that I have been looking forward to as much as I have been dreading it, knowing I’d be in tears as much as I would be falling in love. Harper and Dorian’s story began years ago despite them both denying or hiding from their feelings but when horrible tragedy changes their lives forever, they both begin to accept that some things can never go back to the way they were before, and maybe they shouldn’t. I enjoyed every moment of their story and while I was terrified that they wouldn’t find a way through their pain and sadness to happiness, I hoped that with the support of their friends and family they could accept one another and the future they deserved. Dorian’s life changed forever on the day that his best friend was lost, but he has worked hard to get his independence and freedom back and he is determined that hiding out in the small town his family owns wont force him to back slide. Harper lost not just her brother, the only family she had left, that day but also the man that she’d always secretly loved, because Dorian has pushed her even further out of his life. When he comes back to Cage Lake, she is determined show him that she will be there for him and that their friendship is worth fighting for, but when their friendship goes so much further, she wants to show him that her love could be something even greater. Now Dorian and Harper have to find a way to prove to one another and everyone around them that their relationship is everything they both want and need and that being together is worth any challenge and overcoming their fears to find the love they were always meant to have.
If You Were Mine is one of those stories that it is hard to summarize and review because it truly does need to be experienced to understand the depth and greatness of the connections between these characters. From the love between all the siblings, to the long-term friendships, depth of the love that develops between the H/h and even the twisted love between parents and children that have too long kept secrets. Dorian is the perfect tortured hero, one that is not only physically hurt, but mentally and emotionally challenged and forced to heal as he grows and changes with the help and love of his girl. It was beautiful to watch him find his balance not only with Harper and the love they shared, but also with his siblings when he finally let go of the secret, he’d been living with most of his life. Harper was wonderful as well, having lived through so much in her young life, loss after loss, but never giving up on love and never letting those painful experiences turn her away from living her life to the fullest. She knows that life is short and will do everything in her power to make sure that Dorian heals and give them a chance to find the love and happiness they both want and deserve. The more we get to know these MANY Cage siblings the more I love the and look forward to getting to know them, so I cannot wait to find out who gets their story next and what they will have to go through to find their heaven. Ms. Ryan will surely take us all on a wild ride and we will all be lined up for it
If You Were Mine is one of those stories that it is hard to summarize and review because it truly does need to be experienced to understand the depth and greatness of the connections between these characters. From the love between all the siblings, to the long-term friendships, depth of the love that develops between the H/h and even the twisted love between parents and children that have too long kept secrets. Dorian is the perfect tortured hero, one that is not only physically hurt, but mentally and emotionally challenged and forced to heal as he grows and changes with the help and love of his girl. It was beautiful to watch him find his balance not only with Harper and the love they shared, but also with his siblings when he finally let go of the secret, he’d been living with most of his life. Harper was wonderful as well, having lived through so much in her young life, loss after loss, but never giving up on love and never letting those painful experiences turn her away from living her life to the fullest. She knows that life is short and will do everything in her power to make sure that Dorian heals and give them a chance to find the love and happiness they both want and deserve. The more we get to know these MANY Cage siblings the more I love the and look forward to getting to know them, so I cannot wait to find out who gets their story next and what they will have to go through to find their heaven. Ms. Ryan will surely take us all on a wild ride and we will all be lined up for it
October 26, 2025
Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 - (Out of 5 🌕)
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Little Sister/Big Brother's Best Friend Romance
Length: 376 Pages
Pace: Fast
Moods: Emotional, Inspiring, Hopeful, Happily Ever After
Release Date: October 27, 2025
Just when you think the Cage Family dynamics couldn't get anymore complex, Carrie Ann Ryan throws a large wrench into the extremely complex machine. Ryan has again written an emotionally complicated romance with so many unexpected twists and turns. Dorian and Harper are now by far two of my favorite characters in all of Ryan's stories. Having a medical condition myself, I find characters who are dealing with medical issues relatable. Dorian's recovery from a plane crash, his struggles, and frustrations make him more human. Harper's brother died in the same plane crash that Dorian was injured in. to make matters more intricate, Dorian and Harper's brother Joshua were best friends. Harper and Dorian's shared grief brought so many different feelings to the story; from the start to its end. I loved everything about this book. I love that it took place in the very small and exclusive town the Cage family runs, love Harper's bakery, I love Dorian's strength and perseverance, I especially love Harper's relationship with her dog Lucky.
Synopsis:
If You Were Mine began with a horrible tragedy. Dorian Cage was the lone survivor of a plane crash. To make matters worse, his best friend Joshua was the pilot. While he is recovering, Dorian decides to escape to the small town his family founded years ago in order to finish his recovery in peace while at the same time avoiding the incessant doting of his rather large family. While there, he elects to rebuild the house his recently deceased father willed to him. On the surface, the renovation appears to be some form of penance for a secret shared between Dorian and his mother. While in town, he works on keeping a promise he made to Joshua, look out for Josh's younger sister Harper.
Harper has had a crush on her brother's best friend since she was young. She has worked hard to make her bakery a success. Extremely long hours spent creating new baked goods along side old favorites has made Rising Cage a beloved eatery amongst the Cage Lake locals as well as the tourists who come to stay at the resort. Harper understands the loss that Dorian is experiencing and is determined to help him heal through their shared grief. Along the way and unexpected bond forms and their relationship rapidly accelerates to the next level; a result that makes Harper extremely pleased.
If You Were Mine is a great addition to the Cage Family series. I enjoyed reading about Harper and Dorian's recovery and seeing them both move forward together. This series just keeps getting more interesting with every new installment.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Little Sister/Big Brother's Best Friend Romance
Length: 376 Pages
Pace: Fast
Moods: Emotional, Inspiring, Hopeful, Happily Ever After
Release Date: October 27, 2025
Just when you think the Cage Family dynamics couldn't get anymore complex, Carrie Ann Ryan throws a large wrench into the extremely complex machine. Ryan has again written an emotionally complicated romance with so many unexpected twists and turns. Dorian and Harper are now by far two of my favorite characters in all of Ryan's stories. Having a medical condition myself, I find characters who are dealing with medical issues relatable. Dorian's recovery from a plane crash, his struggles, and frustrations make him more human. Harper's brother died in the same plane crash that Dorian was injured in. to make matters more intricate, Dorian and Harper's brother Joshua were best friends. Harper and Dorian's shared grief brought so many different feelings to the story; from the start to its end. I loved everything about this book. I love that it took place in the very small and exclusive town the Cage family runs, love Harper's bakery, I love Dorian's strength and perseverance, I especially love Harper's relationship with her dog Lucky.
Synopsis:
If You Were Mine began with a horrible tragedy. Dorian Cage was the lone survivor of a plane crash. To make matters worse, his best friend Joshua was the pilot. While he is recovering, Dorian decides to escape to the small town his family founded years ago in order to finish his recovery in peace while at the same time avoiding the incessant doting of his rather large family. While there, he elects to rebuild the house his recently deceased father willed to him. On the surface, the renovation appears to be some form of penance for a secret shared between Dorian and his mother. While in town, he works on keeping a promise he made to Joshua, look out for Josh's younger sister Harper.
Harper has had a crush on her brother's best friend since she was young. She has worked hard to make her bakery a success. Extremely long hours spent creating new baked goods along side old favorites has made Rising Cage a beloved eatery amongst the Cage Lake locals as well as the tourists who come to stay at the resort. Harper understands the loss that Dorian is experiencing and is determined to help him heal through their shared grief. Along the way and unexpected bond forms and their relationship rapidly accelerates to the next level; a result that makes Harper extremely pleased.
If You Were Mine is a great addition to the Cage Family series. I enjoyed reading about Harper and Dorian's recovery and seeing them both move forward together. This series just keeps getting more interesting with every new installment.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 28, 2025
4.5 stars
This is another solid story for the extended Cage family.
Dorian has kept himself apart from his family since the plane crash that left him injured and killed his best friend. He is hiding at his oldest brother’s house less, but working on the old cabin his father left him keeps him fully occupied and apart from many of the family gatherings. The final thing he promised his best friend was that he would take care of his sister, Harper.
Harper doesn’t have a supportive family left since Joshua died. She is at home in Cage Lake, and the town has rallied around her, but it isn’t the same. Her bakery is taking off and keeps her busy from morning to night though. In the way of little sisters, she grew up with a crush on her brother’s best friend, one she wouldn’t act on because Dorian is so much older than she is.
Before the accident, Dorian promised to always look out for Harper, and between his own healing and avoiding town, he hasn’t done a very good job of it. But when he steps up to help her out, he never expects to find himself falling in love with his best friend’s little sister.
I loved watching these two navigate their grief, their friendship, and their growing romance. The pace of their development is perfect, given their history and the way they lean on each other (when Dorian finally stops avoiding her). It was a perfect blend -- not to fast, not to slow -- and once they started admitting their feelings the heat rose quickly.
It felt like there was more of a focus on the characters’ own healing in this book, rather than on facing an exterior threat or conflict. Navigating the grief, the age gap, and their own secrets kept them focused on each other and their relationship rather than worrying about outside influence. I loved the way this focused more on the things that were right in front of them.
This is the third in the Cage Family series and each one keeps getting better. I love how the extended group of siblings has solidified their bonds, bringing the two sides of the family together with a common goal and mutual understanding. I also love how they welcome and bring in each new partner as the siblings settle down. As always, I look forward to the next installment in the series, as the breadcrumbs that have already been dropped have me curious!
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This is another solid story for the extended Cage family.
Dorian has kept himself apart from his family since the plane crash that left him injured and killed his best friend. He is hiding at his oldest brother’s house less, but working on the old cabin his father left him keeps him fully occupied and apart from many of the family gatherings. The final thing he promised his best friend was that he would take care of his sister, Harper.
Harper doesn’t have a supportive family left since Joshua died. She is at home in Cage Lake, and the town has rallied around her, but it isn’t the same. Her bakery is taking off and keeps her busy from morning to night though. In the way of little sisters, she grew up with a crush on her brother’s best friend, one she wouldn’t act on because Dorian is so much older than she is.
Before the accident, Dorian promised to always look out for Harper, and between his own healing and avoiding town, he hasn’t done a very good job of it. But when he steps up to help her out, he never expects to find himself falling in love with his best friend’s little sister.
I loved watching these two navigate their grief, their friendship, and their growing romance. The pace of their development is perfect, given their history and the way they lean on each other (when Dorian finally stops avoiding her). It was a perfect blend -- not to fast, not to slow -- and once they started admitting their feelings the heat rose quickly.
It felt like there was more of a focus on the characters’ own healing in this book, rather than on facing an exterior threat or conflict. Navigating the grief, the age gap, and their own secrets kept them focused on each other and their relationship rather than worrying about outside influence. I loved the way this focused more on the things that were right in front of them.
This is the third in the Cage Family series and each one keeps getting better. I love how the extended group of siblings has solidified their bonds, bringing the two sides of the family together with a common goal and mutual understanding. I also love how they welcome and bring in each new partner as the siblings settle down. As always, I look forward to the next installment in the series, as the breadcrumbs that have already been dropped have me curious!
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October 24, 2025
I have to say that I am loving the Cage siblings. Their father’s secret threw them all for a loop after his death, but they have rallied and have accepted their newly found siblings into their lives. They have found ways to connect and have made efforts to get to know each other. Lately, they have been accepting the new partners of some of their siblings into the fold as well. This book gives readers Dorian, one of the Cage siblings, and Harper’s story.
A tragic accident turned Harper and Dorian’s lives upside down and sideways. While Dorian survived the accident, his best friend and Harper‘s brother did not. In the year since the accident, Dorian has been recovering slowly, and Harper has been dealing with the tumultuous feelings of grief, loneliness and uncertainty. Now, Dorian had recovered enough to take back his life and is trying to move forward. He takes on the project of fixing up a house left to him by the Cage family patriarch. He also seeks out Harper, his best friend’s little sister whom he promised to take care of if anything happened to his friend. He has neglected that duty far too much over the past year, as he has rarely checked in on her to see how she was doing. Dorian never expected to fall head long in love with his best friend’s little sister. Harper never expected the man she crushed on for years would ever return her feelings. There are, unfortunately, a lot of fears and doubts about their feelings and relationship that they have to deal with before they can claim a future together. Thankfully, the Cage siblings, their friends, and the citizens of Cage Lake are there to nudge, encourage and support them.
The siblings interactions and texts bring both humour and insight to this story. I admire the resilience, the can-do attitude and fierce loyalty that both Harper and Dorian exhibit. Dorian has become the keeper of secrets to protect his family, secrets that have become a burden to carry. Being with Harper and loving her has eased much of the burden and helped Dorian heal emotionally. They bring out the best in each other. Their new relationship has given them both reason to let go of the grief, guilt and pain that has been hanging over them like a dark cloud for the past year.
This emotional and riveting book has my heartfelt recommendation.
A tragic accident turned Harper and Dorian’s lives upside down and sideways. While Dorian survived the accident, his best friend and Harper‘s brother did not. In the year since the accident, Dorian has been recovering slowly, and Harper has been dealing with the tumultuous feelings of grief, loneliness and uncertainty. Now, Dorian had recovered enough to take back his life and is trying to move forward. He takes on the project of fixing up a house left to him by the Cage family patriarch. He also seeks out Harper, his best friend’s little sister whom he promised to take care of if anything happened to his friend. He has neglected that duty far too much over the past year, as he has rarely checked in on her to see how she was doing. Dorian never expected to fall head long in love with his best friend’s little sister. Harper never expected the man she crushed on for years would ever return her feelings. There are, unfortunately, a lot of fears and doubts about their feelings and relationship that they have to deal with before they can claim a future together. Thankfully, the Cage siblings, their friends, and the citizens of Cage Lake are there to nudge, encourage and support them.
The siblings interactions and texts bring both humour and insight to this story. I admire the resilience, the can-do attitude and fierce loyalty that both Harper and Dorian exhibit. Dorian has become the keeper of secrets to protect his family, secrets that have become a burden to carry. Being with Harper and loving her has eased much of the burden and helped Dorian heal emotionally. They bring out the best in each other. Their new relationship has given them both reason to let go of the grief, guilt and pain that has been hanging over them like a dark cloud for the past year.
This emotional and riveting book has my heartfelt recommendation.
October 19, 2025
**Audiobook Review**
I love that we’re only in the third book of this series and it keeps getting better. “If You Were Mine” is an emotional, romantic and heart squeezing age gap, best friend’s little sister romance that was a swoony addition to the series.
It’s been a year since Dorian Cage was in the plane crash that killed his best friend and left him with injuries he’ll deal with for the rest of his life. Now he’s back in Cage Lake fixing up the house his estranged father left him. And he also can’t stay away from his best friend’s little sister, Harper. Harper is a baker and has been living day to day since losing her only family that she had left. And when she sees Dorian, the crush she always had resurfaces and Dorian has had the same feelings but had always suppressed them. But now that he’s in town, they can’t stay away from each other despite Dorian thinking he’s not good enough for her.
The longing these two had for each other was so sweet and I couldn’t wait for them to give into their feelings. Both had lost their person when Harper’s brother and needed each other in such different ways now. Harper is genuine, brave and so strong in this book. Losing her parents, being separated from her brother and then losing him in a horrible way. But she was so strong and opened her own bakery and it was thriving. Dorian was so tortured from the crash and had a huge dose of survivor’s guilt. There was nothing he could have done and that definitely sat with him throughout his recovery. Even though his Dad's will forced him back to Cage Lake, I loved that he came back and could reconnect with Harper. He cared for her so deeply and went into protective mode the moment he saw her again. I love the medium-ish burn until they gave into their attraction and once they did, it was sizzling hot. The Cage family is a twisted web and I have enjoyed getting to know them. And that teaser for the books has me counting down the days. I loved the ending, it was so perfect for them.
Callie Dalton and Ryan West narrated as Harper and Dorian and I loved listening to them bring this story to life. Callie’s narration was genuine and sweet just like Harper. Ryan did a great job bringing the grumpy yet vulnerable Dorian alive.
I love that we’re only in the third book of this series and it keeps getting better. “If You Were Mine” is an emotional, romantic and heart squeezing age gap, best friend’s little sister romance that was a swoony addition to the series.
It’s been a year since Dorian Cage was in the plane crash that killed his best friend and left him with injuries he’ll deal with for the rest of his life. Now he’s back in Cage Lake fixing up the house his estranged father left him. And he also can’t stay away from his best friend’s little sister, Harper. Harper is a baker and has been living day to day since losing her only family that she had left. And when she sees Dorian, the crush she always had resurfaces and Dorian has had the same feelings but had always suppressed them. But now that he’s in town, they can’t stay away from each other despite Dorian thinking he’s not good enough for her.
The longing these two had for each other was so sweet and I couldn’t wait for them to give into their feelings. Both had lost their person when Harper’s brother and needed each other in such different ways now. Harper is genuine, brave and so strong in this book. Losing her parents, being separated from her brother and then losing him in a horrible way. But she was so strong and opened her own bakery and it was thriving. Dorian was so tortured from the crash and had a huge dose of survivor’s guilt. There was nothing he could have done and that definitely sat with him throughout his recovery. Even though his Dad's will forced him back to Cage Lake, I loved that he came back and could reconnect with Harper. He cared for her so deeply and went into protective mode the moment he saw her again. I love the medium-ish burn until they gave into their attraction and once they did, it was sizzling hot. The Cage family is a twisted web and I have enjoyed getting to know them. And that teaser for the books has me counting down the days. I loved the ending, it was so perfect for them.
Callie Dalton and Ryan West narrated as Harper and Dorian and I loved listening to them bring this story to life. Callie’s narration was genuine and sweet just like Harper. Ryan did a great job bringing the grumpy yet vulnerable Dorian alive.
October 14, 2025
His Resolve!!!
Dorian Cage, Ford ( BEST-FRIEND TEMPTATION ), Phoebe ( HIS SECOND CHANCE ), Aston ( THE FOREVER RULE ) and Isabella Cage Dixon's brother ( AN UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING ) lost his best-friend in a tragic accident. He promised him that he would look after his little sister, Harper. But things haven't been easy for him. He feels guilty because he survived while his friend was gone forever.
Harper Wellesley, owner of the Rosing Cage bakery in Cage Lake and family friend of the Cages, she had a tough time after she and her brother, Joshua lost their parents. Some unfortunate circumstances kept them apart until fate brought them back together. Fast forward years late and she ended up losing the only family she had left on the same day that the man she had a crush on (Dorian Cage) since she was a teenager lost his best-friend. Her world got rocked like never before and she didn't know if she would ever be whole again.
After both their worlds got rocked on its axis, they had been struggling to move on. Dorian felt guilty and she felt stuck in a runt but they knew they had to face their inner demons in order to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. They were both drawn to each other but held back. What they didn't know was that they couldn't escape destiny, no matter what.
I really enjoyed the growing bonds and connections between the Cages...They are getting to know one another and they are having a blast. No matter what happened in the past, they are forging their our paths towards a better future for themselves as well as the new generation to come.
IF YOU WERE MINE is the third book in Carrie Ann Ryan's THE CAGE FAMILY series. What an incredible ride. Carrie Ann Ryan me hooked from start to finish. I loved the unexpected twists and turns. She did an outstanding job as always. Two thumbs up and 5🌟🌟🌟🌟
P.S. Looking forward to what comes next!
****I received this book, without any obligation to review.****
Dorian Cage, Ford ( BEST-FRIEND TEMPTATION ), Phoebe ( HIS SECOND CHANCE ), Aston ( THE FOREVER RULE ) and Isabella Cage Dixon's brother ( AN UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING ) lost his best-friend in a tragic accident. He promised him that he would look after his little sister, Harper. But things haven't been easy for him. He feels guilty because he survived while his friend was gone forever.
Harper Wellesley, owner of the Rosing Cage bakery in Cage Lake and family friend of the Cages, she had a tough time after she and her brother, Joshua lost their parents. Some unfortunate circumstances kept them apart until fate brought them back together. Fast forward years late and she ended up losing the only family she had left on the same day that the man she had a crush on (Dorian Cage) since she was a teenager lost his best-friend. Her world got rocked like never before and she didn't know if she would ever be whole again.
After both their worlds got rocked on its axis, they had been struggling to move on. Dorian felt guilty and she felt stuck in a runt but they knew they had to face their inner demons in order to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. They were both drawn to each other but held back. What they didn't know was that they couldn't escape destiny, no matter what.
I really enjoyed the growing bonds and connections between the Cages...They are getting to know one another and they are having a blast. No matter what happened in the past, they are forging their our paths towards a better future for themselves as well as the new generation to come.
IF YOU WERE MINE is the third book in Carrie Ann Ryan's THE CAGE FAMILY series. What an incredible ride. Carrie Ann Ryan me hooked from start to finish. I loved the unexpected twists and turns. She did an outstanding job as always. Two thumbs up and 5🌟🌟🌟🌟
P.S. Looking forward to what comes next!
****I received this book, without any obligation to review.****
October 28, 2025
I love the Cage family series so much! One of the best things about it is, this huge family translates into many, many books from this fantastic author. And while two of the siblings have had their stories told in other series, we still have seven books to look forward to, That makes me super happy!
I’m always curious as to what exactly constitutes in age gap. While I wouldn’t necessarily think that eight years is that much of an age gap, I guess when you look at the fact that Dorian and his best friend Joshua, we’re already teenagers when harbor and Joshua lost their parents, and she was still a minor, I guess that constitutes one. And that’s just one reason why Dorian is very wary of getting involved with Harper.
Of course, the other one is that he’s the best friend of her brother, even while Joshua is no longer with us. That first chapter hit me hard. I’m not gonna lie, I cried. I don’t often cry while reading books, or maybe I do some more now than I used to. But this one really hit me hard.
Our main characters are simply wonderful. Because as much as Dorian is trying to hide inside of himself, he never truly let himself hide from his family. You know in every interaction that his family means the world to him. I love that he has a nickname from Harper, It’s just a little thing, but it makes their relationship more intimate.
Harper is adorable. At first you think she’s really shy and quiet, but that girl knows how to stick up for herself! She’s funny and straightforward, and she’s not afraid to go after what she wants. Her backstory, before she lived with Joshua, and after her parents died, it’s simply heartbreaking. But she came out strong and fierce, and you have to love that.
Of course, I always love cameos of family members, those who have already gotten their HEA as well as the glimpses into who the next couple or couples may be. The next book definitely looks like a war of will between the next couple. I can’t wait..
But for now, I highly recommend If You Were Mine. Carrie and Ryan has another hit on her hands, and I couldn’t love it more.
I’m always curious as to what exactly constitutes in age gap. While I wouldn’t necessarily think that eight years is that much of an age gap, I guess when you look at the fact that Dorian and his best friend Joshua, we’re already teenagers when harbor and Joshua lost their parents, and she was still a minor, I guess that constitutes one. And that’s just one reason why Dorian is very wary of getting involved with Harper.
Of course, the other one is that he’s the best friend of her brother, even while Joshua is no longer with us. That first chapter hit me hard. I’m not gonna lie, I cried. I don’t often cry while reading books, or maybe I do some more now than I used to. But this one really hit me hard.
Our main characters are simply wonderful. Because as much as Dorian is trying to hide inside of himself, he never truly let himself hide from his family. You know in every interaction that his family means the world to him. I love that he has a nickname from Harper, It’s just a little thing, but it makes their relationship more intimate.
Harper is adorable. At first you think she’s really shy and quiet, but that girl knows how to stick up for herself! She’s funny and straightforward, and she’s not afraid to go after what she wants. Her backstory, before she lived with Joshua, and after her parents died, it’s simply heartbreaking. But she came out strong and fierce, and you have to love that.
Of course, I always love cameos of family members, those who have already gotten their HEA as well as the glimpses into who the next couple or couples may be. The next book definitely looks like a war of will between the next couple. I can’t wait..
But for now, I highly recommend If You Were Mine. Carrie and Ryan has another hit on her hands, and I couldn’t love it more.
October 21, 2025
Welcome back to Cage Lake & the Cage family. Twelve siblings trying to navigate new relationships ‘thanks’ to the death of their father…
A ‘brief’ synopsis of the family dynamics: the ‘elder’ Cage had two families…where the children didn’t know about the others..but the mothers did. All that changed when he died & everyone was ‘notified’ to be present at the reading of the will.
Now…they’re navigating new sibling relationships while also trying to navigate the ‘conditions’ of the will that will ensure that everyone that relies on Cage Lake & Cage Enterprises doesn’t lose their jobs or livelihoods.
If You Were Mine is Dorian’s & Harper’s story..and it ‘started’ at the very end of An Unexpected Everything (book two in the series).
Dorian usually stays in Denver..but he’s recovering & decided that he might as well start dealing with the cabin left to him by his father & the will…does he want to…no…but he’s also hiding from everyone.
Harper is trying to piece her life together….and wondering exactly why at times that Dorian is avoiding her.
Well…what happens when they acknowledge their feelings for each other? What about the potential ‘secrets’ that Dorian is “holding” on to?? Is there more drama in Cage Lake?
The answers & more…can be found in the pages of If You Were Mine, out Monday the 27th..
I adore this series…I loved the twists when they were first ‘sprinkled’ through a couple of the Montgomery Ink Legacy books (and I adore the fact that two Montgomery cousins are now technically brother-in-laws). The dynamics of this family are stellar…and I can’t wait for the next book, to see the grumpy Hudson get his happily-ever-after.
The best thing…these books can be read as a standalone…then one can go back & binge read the earlier books & the interconnection to the greater Montgomery Ink world. Five out five stars..
A ‘brief’ synopsis of the family dynamics: the ‘elder’ Cage had two families…where the children didn’t know about the others..but the mothers did. All that changed when he died & everyone was ‘notified’ to be present at the reading of the will.
Now…they’re navigating new sibling relationships while also trying to navigate the ‘conditions’ of the will that will ensure that everyone that relies on Cage Lake & Cage Enterprises doesn’t lose their jobs or livelihoods.
If You Were Mine is Dorian’s & Harper’s story..and it ‘started’ at the very end of An Unexpected Everything (book two in the series).
Dorian usually stays in Denver..but he’s recovering & decided that he might as well start dealing with the cabin left to him by his father & the will…does he want to…no…but he’s also hiding from everyone.
Harper is trying to piece her life together….and wondering exactly why at times that Dorian is avoiding her.
Well…what happens when they acknowledge their feelings for each other? What about the potential ‘secrets’ that Dorian is “holding” on to?? Is there more drama in Cage Lake?
The answers & more…can be found in the pages of If You Were Mine, out Monday the 27th..
I adore this series…I loved the twists when they were first ‘sprinkled’ through a couple of the Montgomery Ink Legacy books (and I adore the fact that two Montgomery cousins are now technically brother-in-laws). The dynamics of this family are stellar…and I can’t wait for the next book, to see the grumpy Hudson get his happily-ever-after.
The best thing…these books can be read as a standalone…then one can go back & binge read the earlier books & the interconnection to the greater Montgomery Ink world. Five out five stars..
October 24, 2025
4.5 Stars 🌟
This is the third book in the Cage Family series, and whilst it can be read standalone, you will enjoy it more if you read the series in full and in order. This is an emotional rollercoaster that is sweet and heartwarming, and tragic and has you feeling to the depths of your soul. With tragic loss, love and healing, you will likely shed a tear or two, but this age-gap, best friend’s little sister romance will also leave your cheeks sore from smiling.
This is a heartwarming tale, and demonstrates the author’s artistic vision which keeps you gripped from the very first page. Harper and Dorian’s story is one that will you will feel deeply. Harper loves her small Colorado town, she leads a gentle life running her bakery, and loving her brother and his best friend Dorian (& her friend too), as they are her only remaining family.
Her loss has not ended as tragedy strikes and she loses her final family member, and her friend in a plane crash. Dorian does survive the crash, but his world falls apart and he doesn’t know how to get back on his feet - literally and figuratively.
He eventually (after a year) returns to their town as he needs peace and quiet, and room to breathe and recover away from his loving but too close for comfort (at this) time family. However, he actually finds Harper, his neglected friend who has been a constant in his life, but he no longer has sisterly, friendly thoughts, which spirals into guilt over his feelings for his lost friends little sister.
This is a story of loss, healing, friendship and love. The resilience to overcome and the courage to love again despite the risks. In addition, there is the joy to getting to know the Cage family and their unique dynamics more. I can’t wait for more from this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This is the third book in the Cage Family series, and whilst it can be read standalone, you will enjoy it more if you read the series in full and in order. This is an emotional rollercoaster that is sweet and heartwarming, and tragic and has you feeling to the depths of your soul. With tragic loss, love and healing, you will likely shed a tear or two, but this age-gap, best friend’s little sister romance will also leave your cheeks sore from smiling.
This is a heartwarming tale, and demonstrates the author’s artistic vision which keeps you gripped from the very first page. Harper and Dorian’s story is one that will you will feel deeply. Harper loves her small Colorado town, she leads a gentle life running her bakery, and loving her brother and his best friend Dorian (& her friend too), as they are her only remaining family.
Her loss has not ended as tragedy strikes and she loses her final family member, and her friend in a plane crash. Dorian does survive the crash, but his world falls apart and he doesn’t know how to get back on his feet - literally and figuratively.
He eventually (after a year) returns to their town as he needs peace and quiet, and room to breathe and recover away from his loving but too close for comfort (at this) time family. However, he actually finds Harper, his neglected friend who has been a constant in his life, but he no longer has sisterly, friendly thoughts, which spirals into guilt over his feelings for his lost friends little sister.
This is a story of loss, healing, friendship and love. The resilience to overcome and the courage to love again despite the risks. In addition, there is the joy to getting to know the Cage family and their unique dynamics more. I can’t wait for more from this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 28, 2025
Following a devastating accident, Harper and Dorian are both confronted with unimaginable loss and grief. As Dorian is healing and learning to live with his scars, he returns back to Cage Lake to repair a family house and now he can’t seem to escape Harper, his best friend’s little sister. Harper’s perfected how to keep her distance from most people, but every moment they are together, the harder it becomes to ignore the burning heat between them. Neither of them are sure they want to ignore it anymore, but will a longtime crush spark into more, or will it burn out before it even begins?
I was emotionally destroyed from the prologue and was fully invested in these two even after the last page. Dorian and Harper, seriously my heart can’t take them. Their banter and longing had me giggling and screaming “just kiss,” but their strength and healing was everything. There was a quiet kind of comfort between them, a magnetic pull that kept drawing them back to each other. I couldn’t put this book down and do not regret the late night of reading, one single bit!
Carrie Ann is one of my top go to authors and each book she writes just proves why. She brings emotional depth, heartwarming moments, and her characters wedge their way into your heart. (I’m in a book hanger I don’t think I want to come out of).
Go grab your copy of, If You We’re Mine, and the other 2 books in the Cage Family series, you’ll thank me later. Because those Cages? They are complete chaos, but seriously, in the best way. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for them!
What you can expect to love about this book:
♥️ Age Gap
♥️ Best Friends Little Sister
♥️ Tortured Hero
♥️ Small Town Romance
I appreciate the opportunity to have received a gifted copy, and my review is honest and voluntary.
I was emotionally destroyed from the prologue and was fully invested in these two even after the last page. Dorian and Harper, seriously my heart can’t take them. Their banter and longing had me giggling and screaming “just kiss,” but their strength and healing was everything. There was a quiet kind of comfort between them, a magnetic pull that kept drawing them back to each other. I couldn’t put this book down and do not regret the late night of reading, one single bit!
Carrie Ann is one of my top go to authors and each book she writes just proves why. She brings emotional depth, heartwarming moments, and her characters wedge their way into your heart. (I’m in a book hanger I don’t think I want to come out of).
Go grab your copy of, If You We’re Mine, and the other 2 books in the Cage Family series, you’ll thank me later. Because those Cages? They are complete chaos, but seriously, in the best way. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for them!
What you can expect to love about this book:
♥️ Age Gap
♥️ Best Friends Little Sister
♥️ Tortured Hero
♥️ Small Town Romance
I appreciate the opportunity to have received a gifted copy, and my review is honest and voluntary.
October 18, 2025
My review is written voluntarily after listening to the audio version of this book, which was narrated so well by Callie Dalton and Ryan West. Although we meet again most of the Cage family in this book, the story is primarily about Dorian Cage and Harper Wellsley.
It's a story that fits into the brother's best friend and age gap romance genres. Dorian and Joshua, Harper's older brother and only living relative, were best friends, as close as brothers in fact. But their friendship ended when the plane they were in, a plane piloted by Joshua, crashed, leaving Dorian severely injured and Joshua dead. A year or so later, Dorian went to Cage Lake, a town owned primarily by his family, to hide away and lick his wounds. It's also the town where Harper lives and owns a business.
Dorian had always had a hidden desire for Harper, but because of their age difference and the "bro code", had never acted on it, whilst Harper had been in love with Dorian since she was in her teens. When these two meet again after their mutual loss, you can feel the attraction and the chemistry.
I loved them together. Their story starts with the pain of their mutual loss, but their mutual attraction, their banter, and their chemistry quickly take precedence over their pain as they give in to their growing feelings. The spice and heat are palpable.
Dorian is not only hurting from his injuries, but he's been carrying a secret alone for far too long, a secret he finally shares with his siblings, one he should have shared years ago. Their story is fast-paced and deeply moving, so do have some tissues handy!
It's a story that fits into the brother's best friend and age gap romance genres. Dorian and Joshua, Harper's older brother and only living relative, were best friends, as close as brothers in fact. But their friendship ended when the plane they were in, a plane piloted by Joshua, crashed, leaving Dorian severely injured and Joshua dead. A year or so later, Dorian went to Cage Lake, a town owned primarily by his family, to hide away and lick his wounds. It's also the town where Harper lives and owns a business.
Dorian had always had a hidden desire for Harper, but because of their age difference and the "bro code", had never acted on it, whilst Harper had been in love with Dorian since she was in her teens. When these two meet again after their mutual loss, you can feel the attraction and the chemistry.
I loved them together. Their story starts with the pain of their mutual loss, but their mutual attraction, their banter, and their chemistry quickly take precedence over their pain as they give in to their growing feelings. The spice and heat are palpable.
Dorian is not only hurting from his injuries, but he's been carrying a secret alone for far too long, a secret he finally shares with his siblings, one he should have shared years ago. Their story is fast-paced and deeply moving, so do have some tissues handy!
October 28, 2025
“The last words I said to my best friend were, ‘I trust you.’ Then the world went dark…”
Right from the first line, If You Were Mine captures your heart and doesn’t let go. This story is a beautifully heartbreaking blend of grief, loyalty, and forbidden love—all wrapped up in the quiet ache of a small-town setting where every memory lingers and every secret feels heavier than it should.
The main character is a man haunted by tragedy—his best friend gone, a promise left behind, and a heart torn between duty and desire. Harper, his best friend’s little sister, is off-limits in every way that matters, yet she’s the one person who sees past his walls. She’s light where he’s shadow, and together they walk that dangerous line between what’s right and what’s real.
The author does a stunning job portraying the push and pull of guilt and longing. The emotional tension builds slowly, and when it breaks, it’s powerful. Every stolen glance, every quiet conversation, every moment in that cabin feels loaded with unspoken truths. You can feel the storm coming, but you don’t want to look away.
This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about healing, about the parts of ourselves we try to hide, and the people who see us anyway. Both characters carry scars, both physical and emotional, and watching them find their way through the wreckage toward each other is as tender as it is devastating.
If you love emotionally charged, slow-burn romances that tug at every heartstring and leave you a little breathless, If You Were Mine is a must-read. It’s raw, beautifully written, and unforgettable.
Right from the first line, If You Were Mine captures your heart and doesn’t let go. This story is a beautifully heartbreaking blend of grief, loyalty, and forbidden love—all wrapped up in the quiet ache of a small-town setting where every memory lingers and every secret feels heavier than it should.
The main character is a man haunted by tragedy—his best friend gone, a promise left behind, and a heart torn between duty and desire. Harper, his best friend’s little sister, is off-limits in every way that matters, yet she’s the one person who sees past his walls. She’s light where he’s shadow, and together they walk that dangerous line between what’s right and what’s real.
The author does a stunning job portraying the push and pull of guilt and longing. The emotional tension builds slowly, and when it breaks, it’s powerful. Every stolen glance, every quiet conversation, every moment in that cabin feels loaded with unspoken truths. You can feel the storm coming, but you don’t want to look away.
This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about healing, about the parts of ourselves we try to hide, and the people who see us anyway. Both characters carry scars, both physical and emotional, and watching them find their way through the wreckage toward each other is as tender as it is devastating.
If you love emotionally charged, slow-burn romances that tug at every heartstring and leave you a little breathless, If You Were Mine is a must-read. It’s raw, beautifully written, and unforgettable.
October 27, 2025
Yet again, Carrie Ann Ryan delivers a breathtaking, emotional journey that captures the very essence of love, loss, and healing. If You Were Mine, the third captivating instalment in The Cage Family series, is an age-gap, best friend’s little sister romance that will move you to tears, make you swoon, and remind you why Carrie Ann Ryan is a master at heartfelt storytelling.
Harper and Dorian’s story is one that seeps into your soul. From the very first page, you feel every ounce of pain, longing, and hope that drives these two beautifully written characters. Harper has always lived in their small Colorado town, quietly building her life and running her beloved bakery. She’s strong, grounded, and has always been there—for her friends, her community, and yes, even for Dorian, her brother’s best friend.
When tragedy strikes a year before, Dorian’s world falls apart. Now, he’s back home—not to start over, but to find a way to breathe again. Returning to the town he once left behind, he hopes for peace and solitude, but what he doesn’t expect is Harper—the woman who’s always been a constant, now stirring something deep within him that he never meant to feel.
What unfolds is a story of grief, recovery, friendship turned to love, and the courage to embrace a second chance when your heart least expects it. Dorian’s vulnerability and Harper’s quiet strength balance each other perfectly, their connection both tender and electric. Every glance, every touch feels earned—filled with emotion, restraint, and ultimately, release.
The Cage family once again shines as the emotional backbone of the series—their unwavering love and support bring warmth and unity to every chapter.
Carrie Ann Ryan doesn’t just write romances—she writes stories that heal hearts and remind us of the beauty in brokenness. If You Were Mine is an unforgettable blend of heartache, hope, and heat. So grab the tissues, brace your heart, and prepare to fall for Dorian and Harper—a love that was never meant to happen, but was always destined to be.
Harper and Dorian’s story is one that seeps into your soul. From the very first page, you feel every ounce of pain, longing, and hope that drives these two beautifully written characters. Harper has always lived in their small Colorado town, quietly building her life and running her beloved bakery. She’s strong, grounded, and has always been there—for her friends, her community, and yes, even for Dorian, her brother’s best friend.
When tragedy strikes a year before, Dorian’s world falls apart. Now, he’s back home—not to start over, but to find a way to breathe again. Returning to the town he once left behind, he hopes for peace and solitude, but what he doesn’t expect is Harper—the woman who’s always been a constant, now stirring something deep within him that he never meant to feel.
What unfolds is a story of grief, recovery, friendship turned to love, and the courage to embrace a second chance when your heart least expects it. Dorian’s vulnerability and Harper’s quiet strength balance each other perfectly, their connection both tender and electric. Every glance, every touch feels earned—filled with emotion, restraint, and ultimately, release.
The Cage family once again shines as the emotional backbone of the series—their unwavering love and support bring warmth and unity to every chapter.
Carrie Ann Ryan doesn’t just write romances—she writes stories that heal hearts and remind us of the beauty in brokenness. If You Were Mine is an unforgettable blend of heartache, hope, and heat. So grab the tissues, brace your heart, and prepare to fall for Dorian and Harper—a love that was never meant to happen, but was always destined to be.
November 2, 2025
If You Were Mine is an emotional roller coaster ride from beginning to end. An airplane accident leaves Dorian with burns and injuries and that left his best friend and Harper's brother dead. After a year of healing, Dorian heads to Cage Lake to keep his promise to his best friend to look after Harper and to take care of a secret he has been hiding from his siblings. Since her brother's death, Harper has put everything into her bakery, Raising Cage, but she hides in the back baking. Harper has crushed on Dorian for years, and her feelings grow as they spend time together. Dorian feels guilty that he is betraying his best friend as his feelings for Harper grow. Will Dorian and Harper give into their feelings for each other? Will Dorian confess his family secret to Harper? Will almost losing Harper push Dorian to confess his feelings to her? How will Dorian's siblings react when they learn the truth about the secret Dorian has been carrying? Will Dorian and Harper find their happily ever after? I loved If You Were Mine by Carrie Ann Ryan. Dorian and Harper are a great couple with explosive chemistry who shared a history and a tragedy. I love the people in Cage Lake. They are always in Harper and Dorian's business but with good intentions. I especially love how Dorian's siblings have his back no matter what. I would highly recommend getting If You Were Mine and the other books in The Cage Family series by Carrie Ann Ryan. I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
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