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The Montgomery Ink series continues with the brother that deserves a second chance, and the woman who has always loved him.

Alex Montgomery lost his first love and then proceeded to leave himself in the bottle. Only he and his ex-wife truly know why he fell so hard and so fast down a path he never thought he’d take. Now he’s clean, out of rehab, and learning how to be a Montgomery once again—a task that isn’t quite as easy as some of his family assumes.

Tabby Collins is an honorary Montgomery and the organizational mastermind behind Montgomery Inc., the family’s construction company. She loves her planners, friends, and a certain dark-haired man who’s never given her a second glance.

Alex is slowly re-immersing himself back into the world, but the demons he faced before aren’t out of the picture, and he’ll have to learn to rely on others to make it out whole. When Alex discovers that Tabby’s life is in danger, he not only finds a way to help her but also learns the true woman behind the soft smiles he’s always seen. Their romance won’t be an easy one, but nothing this passionate and heart-pounding ever is.

ebook

First published November 29, 2016

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About the author

Carrie Ann Ryan

307 books5,447 followers
Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She's the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:

The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series

Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.

Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.

The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
Profile Image for Sabrina.
3,231 reviews1,934 followers
November 29, 2016
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To be honest I was very nervous to read Ink Exposed book and I didn't think I would end up liking Alex's story as much as his siblings'. I don't usually like books where the main character has or had an addiction but I've loved this series so much that I wasn't willing to skip this book. And I'm happy to say that I ended up really enjoying it and fell in love with Alex, which I didn't think was possible.

This book had an undertone acceptance and moving on and I appreciated the message that the author was trying to convey through her story. Alex messed up a lot in his past and he turned to alcohol to get over the demons that were chasing him, but now he's attempting to move on the best way he knows how. He's scared that he's going to hurt someone again so he chooses to stay away, even from his family. But when his work brings him around Tabby he can't seem to keep himself from her and slowly she helps him realize that he's not the bad guy he's made himself in his head.

Alex and Tabby didn't have an easy time of getting to a good place in their relationship but they worked together to get their and I loved them for it. Tabby was a soft-spoken and kind woman but that doesn't mean she didn't kick Alex's ass to get him to see he wasn't evil. I liked seeing her stand up for him and it really showed the kind of connection that she and Alex had.

The thing I was most afraid of in this book, Alex's drinking, actually ended up being handled in the perfect way that this book needed and I was happy to see that there wasn't too much drama because of it. This is such a great series and I hope that everyone will give it a chance. I mean, it has hot tatted up guys so why wouldn't you? And Tabby's brothers make an appearance so if they get a series for themselves I wouldn't complain at all. Hint hint, Ms. Ryan.

ARC kindle provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
6,949 reviews827 followers
November 29, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 stars

I never know how I'm going to react to a book with an addict in it; sometimes the author does the subject justice and sometimes it is like they simply don't understand, but Carrie Ann Ryan totally got it. Ink Exposed features an alcoholic one year out of rehab and trying to reclaim his life and place in his family and a woman who understands not only his disease but how not to be an enabler. This is a story of healing and hope, of taking responsibility and repairing old relationships, and of learning to trust and build new ones, but most of all it is about family and love.

For years Alex Montgomery hid his addiction to alcohol well, but when he hit rock bottom and realized he was about to lose everyone in his life he went to rehab and began working on his problems so he could one day be the son, brother, and uncle his family deserved. A year has gone by since he got out and he works hard every day to stay healthy and sober.

Tabby Collins loves her job at Montgomery Inc., and she appreciates the way the Montgomery clan has made her an extended part of their family. For years she harbored a crush on Alex; then she watched him fall apart and she's watched him try to put his life back together and while the attraction is there she isn't sure she can be what he needs.
This wasn't an easy romance because Alex was fighting multiple demons and on top of that Tabby was hiding something very personal that made it even more difficult. I wasn't surprised Alex fought their attraction or that Tabby worried she was going down a road not good for her, but there was something special about the way they looked out for each other even in the simplest gestures. These two were a good match; Alex was protective of Tabby but also understood she needed to be in control of her life and Tabby understood that Alex was always going to be an alcoholic and his way of coping was what worked for him even if at times she questioned it she understood it.

What I appreciated so much about this book is that Ms. Ryan didn't pussy foot around with Alex's alcoholism, that she allowed him time to become strong on his own, that he took the time he needed to reacquaint him "new" self with his family, and that he understood his triggers and knew what to do when he was fighting his demons. She also showed how sometimes family's forget that the person they are dealing with is an adult and that while they appreciate the concern; they most often don't appreciate the smothering or questioning looks. I've read far too many books where these things were either glossed over or left out, so I feel compelled to give this author credit where credit is due.

Despite the bumps in the relationship road, and a couple of intense moments of fear; Ink Exposed was low on angst, high on communication and problem solving, plus a heavy dose of dirty talk and sexiness which all together made it an outstanding romance.

ARC Provided with no expectations.
Profile Image for Romanticamente Fantasy.
6,450 reviews182 followers
January 19, 2022
Nayeli - per RFS
.
Forse un giorno avrebbe smesso di sentirsi un estraneo nella casa in cui era cresciuto, ma quel momento non era ancora arrivato. Cavolo, si sentiva un estraneo perfino dentro il proprio corpo, figurarsi lasciare che gli altri vedessero chi era.
(Tratto dal libro)

Siamo finalmente alla storia di Alex, il ragazzo che è stato alcolista e si è disintossicato in una rehab. Come avevamo intuito dalle piccole comparse nei volumi precedenti, Alex oggi sembra una persona fragilissima. I membri della sua grande famiglia si rapportano con lui come se camminassero sulle uova, temendo di provocargli una crisi anche solo aprendo una bottiglia di birra in sua presenza, comportamento che Alex attribuisce al fatto di averli delusi.

Un giorno forse lo avrebbero perdonato per aver tradito in quel modo la famiglia, ma mancava ancora molto tempo. Aveva tradito la loro fiducia e contemporaneamente aveva tradito anche se stesso.
(Tratto dal libro)

Alex e Tabitha (la segretaria dell’azienda di costruzioni di famiglia) hanno entrambi un carattere chiuso, riservato. Sono convinti di aver deluso le persone che facevano affidamento su di loro, che credevano in loro, un fallimento di cui si vergognano. Per questo motivo faticano a credere di meritare la fiducia e l’affetto di un’altra persona. Entrambi dovranno trovare la forza e l’autostima per decidere di meritare amore, di valerne la pena, e sarà un percorso commovente.

Lei voleva davvero far parte di tutto ciò? Voleva davvero essere al suo fianco, quando lui cercava di trovare un appoggio? Lo aveva già fatto in passato e non aveva funzionato. Non era sicura di essere abbastanza forte da farlo di nuovo. Stavolta però si trattava di Alexander, dannazione. Lo aveva amato Lo aveva amato quando non avrebbe dovuto farlo e adesso si stava di nuovo innamorando di lui. Stavolta si trattava però di un uomo vero, che conosceva, e non soltanto dell’idea che si era creata di lui.
(Tratto dal libro)

Ma anche se Tabby ha un certo spessore caratteriale, una storia significativa con problematiche e insicurezze di rilievo, il vero fulcro della storia è la complessità del personaggio di Alex, con la sua personalità e le sue insicurezze, la storia difficile che nasconde le vere motivazioni per cui è diventato così dipendente dall’alcol. E non poteva essere diversamente, perché il tema dell’alcolismo meritava di essere trattato solo con una estrema serietà e approfondimento in tutte le sfaccettature.

In tutta onestà, il cibo o la boxe non erano certo le dipendenze da cui doveva stare attento. Era la donna che aveva tra le braccia. Un solo assaggio gli era bastato per capire che sarebbe stata la sua dipendenza, per sempre. La cosa lo spaventava, molto più del cibo, molto più di essere preso a calci nel culo sul ring.
(Tratto dal libro)

Scopriremo che le motivazioni per cui Alex si è dato all’alcolismo sono più che giustificate, ma questa non è ovviamente una scusa per evitare di riconoscere che ha sbagliato. Si sente forte ma non abbastanza per poter dire di esserne uscito, pensa di essere ancora a rischio di ricadute nella dipendenza, non solo dall’alcol, ma da qualsiasi cosa possa dare piacere (cibo, allenamenti, sesso, etc) e questo lo trattiene in una zona di tensione, nel tentativo di mantenere il controllo su tutto quello che fa.

Ad esempio, ha aspettato un anno prima di assecondare la sua attrazione per Tabby, e nonostante questo ancora non si sente pronto per buttarsi in qualcosa di così travolgente come l’amore.

Chiarisco subito che, nonostante la sua ritrosia a buttarsi in qualcosa di serio, non c’è mai davvero ambiguità sulla natura dell’attrazione che scorre tra i due protagonisti: non si può decidere se amare o no, tuttavia la sola parola spaventa moltissimo Alex, perché l’ultima cosa che vuole è una nuova ossessione/dipendenza.

Fecero l’amore, mano nella mano, gli sguardi che creavano un legame perfetto. Quando vennero all’unisono, Alex capì di essere nei guai. Lei non era una dipendenza, non era una croce.
(Tratto dal libro)

Tabitha avrà quella dolcezza ed empatia capace di farlo aprire, confidare, andando a creare una bolla di intimità passionale in cui lui si sente a suo agio, compreso, in cui riesce a lasciarsi andare, abbandonando molta di quella fatica che gli gravava addosso in merito al controllare, al tenere tutto in equilibrio. Ed è anche grazie a lei che riesce ad accorgersi di avere intorno a sé ha una rete di sostegno molto solida, alla quale potersi affidare e a cui potere chiedere aiuto in caso di bisogno.

Le accarezzò una guancia col pollice. “È per questo che mi sono trattenuto dal baciarti,” sussurrò. Tabitha spalancò gli occhi. “Cosa?” ��Sapevo che saresti potuta diventare la mia nuova dipendenza. Non nello stesso modo, certo, assolutamente non pericolosa come la precedente, ma sapevo di dover essere molto cauto. Non uso la parola ’dipendenza’ così alla leggera, ed è proprio questo che mi spaventa.” Tabitha non sapeva cosa dire né cosa pensare. “Non voglio che tu sia spaventato.” “Neanche io voglio esserlo.”

(Tratto dal libro)

È una storia molto romantica, non c’è mai confusione tra relazione occasionale o duratura, tra sesso e amore. Entrambi i personaggi sono attratti dall’altro da molto tempo e non fanno le cose per gioco, anche se Alex ha bisogno di tempo per accettare la cosa. E, come dicevo, l’introspezione psicologica è ben strutturata e appagante.

“Sono un uomo migliore con te nella mia vita e voglio essere l’uomo che ti ama. Io sono l’uomo che ti ama. Hai riportato alla luce una parte di me nascosta così in profondità che ho quasi perso il controllo. Mi sono sentito esposto, nudo, completamente tuo. Può sembrare che abbia odiato tutto ciò, ma è l’opposto. Non sento più quel fardello dentro di me, quel dolore che mi spingeva a correre e a mettermi al riparo dalle cose importanti. Io ti amo, Tabitha. Ti amo con tutto il mio essere e avrei dovuto amarti già da molto tempo.”
(Tratto dal libro)
Profile Image for Kate.
2,071 reviews311 followers
March 8, 2018
5 Alexander & Tabitha Stars.

Now this is what I’m talking about. My favourite, huh who would have thought? This was the one I thought I was least likely to enjoy. Yet I was proven wrong and loved it. So. Much.

The Characters.

Alex Montgomery broke my heart. His fall was painful to watch. He nearly lost everything but with rehab his support system and his sponsor it was an uphill battle but one he successfully managed to face. He always got the help he needed. Alex never lived by routine but he is going to have to adjust. He never wanted to see Tabby but in the end he can’t help it and just can’t stay away.

I love Alex, he has a deep and hidden strength to him. He is vulnerable and isn’t afraid to show it. He is finally opening up and he is on the path to being who he wants to be again. Out of all the brothers he is my favourite for all of those reasons, he is flawed and those flaws make him very appealing.

Tabby Collins is the administrative assistant to Montgomery Inc. she is the office Wonder Woman. She loves her planner and needs lists to keep her going with everything she has planned. Tabby is also very secretive especially about the past relationship she had with a man and his daughter. She has always had a crush on Alex but with them working together it becomes more.

Tabby is on par with Alex and that rarely happens for me that I love both MC characters equally. She is a riot and I love her addiction to planning.

The Chemistry.

There was so much chemistry here between the two that it was off the charts and they were naughty. The author got it just right here. Emotionally as well as physically they were on the same wave length.

The Writing & Plot.

The author balanced this book out perfectly with all the emotions and what a recovering alcoholic has to deal with day in and day out. They have my utmost respect for the strength and diligence that they have. They both deal with their demons together and are strong for one another. I liked how it was connected. And his ex-wife my God, good riddance.

The Verdict.

I loved it. Need I say more? It has everything I love sweet, sexy, emotions and two people who are amazing together.

Please tell me that the Collins brothers will also get books? Dare, Fox and Loch? Sign me up. I just found out they do. Happy days!
December 2, 2016
Carrie Ann always has the ability to bring the reader right to the heart of the matter and with INK EXPOSED, she has done it again. Fans of the series have followed along as Alex has struggled with his demons. Not only do we get to see a man on the mend, we get a greater understanding of what it means to be an addict. I applaud the author for her very real depiction of what it is like to live day to day fighting the urge to go back to the cause of the addiction. To take away the pain. To become oblivious to the concerns of the world.

For Alex, his day to day struggle may have met it's match. Tabby is well ingrained in the Montgomery family. She works for the family construction company. She also happens to be in love with Alex. When she finally lays her cards on the table, she has to convince Alex he is worthy of love again. Together they work toward healing.

As always, we catch up with the rest of the family. That large family dynamic of teasing and fighting and loving is what makes this series so special. As irritating as they can be, Alex finally gives in to their fussing and lets them love him for who he is.

Fantastic story of the healing power of love. Looking forward to at least two more books in the series. The twins are next to get their HEA. Great Job Carrie Ann!

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Juliana Philippa.
1,010 reviews917 followers
June 30, 2021
2.75 stars
I was really excited about this book at the beginning and liked both Tabitha and Alexander, but a little over halfway through the story started to pale for me a bit and I just couldn't muster any enthusiasm anymore. I know we've read thousands of romances and to a certain extent there are repetitions we must endure, but still, some authors are able to pull it off and make a story feel fresh, and I just wasn't getting that here. The whole thing felt very cookie cutter, trite, formulaic, etc. Disappointing, because I really liked how Ryan handled Alexander's alcoholism and that that was such a big part of the book; it's not dealt with very frequently in romances.

The Montgomery family seems amazing and I own a few others, so I'll probably give them a try, but until then, I don't know if it was just this book or if Carrie Ann Ryan isn't the writer for me.
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,132 reviews18 followers
November 11, 2019
A Leap Worth Taking!!!

Alexander "Alex" Montgomery, a photographer and a photojournalist by trade was married to his high school sweetheart but their marriage didn't last. Alex found himself in an abyss when his relationship with his ex-wife Jessica fell apart. He went to rehab after an incident that nearly caused him his loved ones.



Fast forward one year later after Alex was release from rehab and Maya (INK ENDURING) picked him up.

Tabitha "Tabby" Collins, administrative assistant of Montgomery Inc and the glue that kept that company running smoothly. She'd always loved Alexander Montgomery but the sexy, broody man never looked her way.

Tabby was an honorary Montgomery and the only one that called Alex by his given name "Alexander". It did things to him knowing that she held him in a special place in her heart. Though Alex felt on some level that Tabby was special to him as well he never acted on his feelings.

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When Tabby found herself in danger, Alex wasn't about to let anything ever happen to her again. He took it upon himself to keep her safe, come what may. Alex was still facing his demons but as he and Tabby spent more time together, he realized that he didn't have to face them alone.

He had some misconceptions about him not being good enough for Tabby. She made sure he knew that she loved all sides of him...the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY.



Storm being upset and feeling defeated regarding Alex's struggles was heart-wrenching. He felt guilty about what happened in the past and he wasn't about to let his brother fall back into the abyss. Storm was determined to make sure Alex stayed happy.

Tabby shared a part of her that no one knew about with Alex and vice versa. Just as they were in a good place, Alex's ex tried causing problems. Jessica underestimated the strength of Alex and Tabby's bond.

The Montgomery clan always have each other's backs, apart they a great but together they are stronger. It was a delight to see Alex finally get his HEA.



INK EXPOSED , the sixth installment in Carrie Ann Ryan's MONTGOMERY INK series was ten times better than I'd expected it to be. It was steamy, emotional, breathtakingly gorgeous and oh so one of my favorite books.

Carrie Ann Ryan drew me in from the first sentence until the end of the book. She has a way of getting me to fall completely in love with the characters. She did a mind-blowing job. 5++++

Looking forward to what comes next!

****ARC given in exchange for an honest review.****

****Characters courtesy of Carrie Ann Ryan.****
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,133 reviews67 followers
November 8, 2017
Strong characters, a fun supporting secondary cast, a great storyline dealing with a heavy issue, and a deliciously hot romance..I was pleasantly surprised by this one!
Profile Image for ErinMickC.
275 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2016
Alex and Tabby’s story is finally here!

For those of us immersed in the Montgomery Ink world created by Carrie Ann Ryan Alex’s journey has presented some problems. His demons have clearly been plentiful but he’s been presented in such a way that it’s hard not to root for him. Alex has the backing of his family though and by the end of Ink Enduring it looked like Alex had conquered his addiction and was cautiously diving back into the real world.

Tabby has worked for Storm and Wes for quite some time and she’s been worming her way into my heart since she first stepped on the page. She’s loyal to the Montgomerys but she doesn’t seem like a pushover. She’s almost cautiously enamored with the crew (and I love that about her).

So, in the timeline of the Montgomery Ink world, it’s been a year since Ink Enduring ended. Alex is back on track and he’s finally beginning to trust himself again. He doesn’t feel worthy of his family’s love and devotion, but he’s getting there. But when Tabby and Alex finally face up to the feelings that have been growing for quite some time things seem to shift all over again. She’s the addiction he doesn’t know if he’ll recover from. Tabby, on the other hand, has loved Alex for a lot longer than she should. She knows him and she knows he’s worthy of her love and her trust. And sheesh, when Alex finally proves to himself that he is gonna protect Tabby he does it ALL THE WAY.

This book did seem a bit more complicated than the previous Montgomery Ink books in terms of the baggage that Alex and Tabby brought to the page. Perhaps that’s since we’ve watched both these characters grow and change and develop over the course of a few books. Before Alex and Tabby even took a good long look at one another we, the readers, know that this could end really really poorly for the entire Montgomery crew. Luckily it doesn’t and the romance between Tabby and Alex is spectacular.

Also…
Tabby’s brothers...swoon
Storm...OMG
Everly...OMG
Jillian...OMG

Side Note: I’m very, very, very nervous about Storm’s book y’all. However, Carrie Ann Ryan has said there will be NO cheating and that Storm and his lady’s journey will be hard. I’m hoping it proves worth it in the end since I have a pit in my stomach when I think about it. I almost put Ink Exposed down and DNF’d it since I began to think ahead and worry about Storm but I’m trusting in Ryan to make it all better. IT BETTER BE OK in the end!

4 stars for Alex and Tabby’s romance and INK EXPOSED!
Profile Image for ✿~Danielle~✿.
4,155 reviews13 followers
March 6, 2019
ALEXANDER MONTGOMERY
TABITHA COLLINS

Read 5/3/19 | 4 stars


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book synopsis: The Montgomery Ink series continues with the brother that deserves a second chance, and the woman who has always loved him.

Alex Montgomery lost his first love and then proceeded to leave himself in the bottle. Only he and his ex-wife truly know why he fell so hard and so fast down a path he never thought he’d take. Now he’s clean, out of rehab, and learning how to be a Montgomery once again—a task that isn’t quite as easy as some of his family assumes.

Tabby Collins is an honorary Montgomery and the organizational mastermind behind Montgomery Inc., the family’s construction company. She loves her planners, friends, and a certain dark-haired man who’s never given her a second glance.

Alex is slowly re-immersing himself back into the world, but the demons he faced before aren’t out of the picture, and he’ll have to learn to rely on others to make it out whole. When Alex discovers that Tabby’s life is in danger, he not only finds a way to help her but also learns the true woman behind the soft smiles he’s always seen. Their romance won’t be an easy one, but nothing this passionate and heart-pounding ever is.
Profile Image for Vfc.
1,445 reviews
February 4, 2020
Skimmed...Alex is a recovering alcoholic trying to regain control of his life.

An impassioned speech to his family:
“I’m not the man I was before the drinking, and I’m sure as hell not the man I was when I drank. I don’t know how to apologize for the things I did, for the
things I said. I don’t know if I should be forgiven for falling out of your lives. I
mean, I said horrible things, did horrible things. I wasn’t a good person, and I
still don’t know if I am. I’m just trying to find out if I can be. Even throughout
the past year, I’ve been focusing on myself, not really part of the whole, even
though I’ve tried to at least be here. I didn’t know how I could fit in, and most days, I still don’t. I drank because I needed to forget things. I needed to not feel everything all at once because it was like it was clawing me up inside, waiting to get out, and I couldn’t find the strength to deal with it. In some respects, I drank because it was the easiest way out, and at first, I didn’t even
know I was doing it. A drink here, a beer there. We all do it, so what’s the problem? Only I didn’t know how to stop. I’ve watched each of you slowly start
to have a beer or a glass of wine around me, and each of you knows when to stop or when you’re done. I don’t have that filter. I can’t stop at one or two. So I can’t have any.” Alex wiped the tears from his face, not caring that his family saw him like this. They’d seen him at his worst, and a few tears wouldn’t tarnish that. “I hurt each and every one of you, I know that. But Miranda and Decker? I made a mistake and I can never make it up to you, never erase what I did.”

His ex-wife, Jessica is a leech, briefly makes an appearance to try and I still drama, unsuccessfully. Alex remained in a sham of a marriage longer than he should have, blurred by an alcohol-induced fog.

“The whole time we’d been trying to have children, she hadn’t been on the same page as me.” He let out a breath. “I would have never forced her to have a child. I totally believed it was her choice what she did with her body. And if she had come to me and said she wasn’t ready, I’d have understood. Hell, I’d have gotten a vasectomy and learned to see a future without children. But we’d gone ten years together, and she hadn’t said a word. She was the one who kept coming back to me, kept saying let’s try one more time. I had been scared to hurt her, so scared to lose another part of us, but I hadn’t been able to say no to her. I started drinking more then. Drinking so much I couldn’t stop. When Jess came out of surgery, she was angry with me. She put it all on me, and how she kept trying to have children because it was my idea, though it hadn’t been. I let her yell at me, let her blame me because I blamed myself, as well. And I kept drinking.”

Tabitha is unable to escape the ghosts of her past.

She met a man, Michael and they fell in love, she also fell in love with his daughter, Angel.

“His wife had died from cancer and Michael and Angel had done okay for those two years on their own. Soon we began dating and he and Angel ended up moving in with me.”

Alexander’s eyes widened. “I knew you then,” he whispered. “And yet I didn’t know any of this.” She shook her head. “None of you did. My family knew because I was close to them, but I didn’t end up close to the Montgomerys until…until later. The first couple of months were an adjustment, but wonderful in retrospect. It wasn’t until month three that I realized Michael was a functioning alcoholic.”

“He never stopped drinking and was never completely sober. He turned into a horrible person I couldn’t live with, and I found out later, someone I never truly loved. Though it killed me, I had to ask him to leave when the only time he spoke to me was to yell at me. He took Angel with him. I talked to lawyers and everything, trying to think about what to do with Angel, but I had no rights. And though a social worker came to see what they could do because my brother had connections in the city, it was too late. Michael and Angel were gone. I had no idea where they had moved to until I got a letter from Angel. She remembered my address, her old address.

Shortly thereafter she’s attacked by an unsatisfied customer, during the altercation, she ends up in the hospital.

They are eventually reunited with a little interference from Alex’s meddling parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angie Harvey.
720 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2016
I cannot say enough how much I love this series and how much I love Carrie Ann's Ryan. This whole series has these handsome, bearded, inked and alpha men, and that is right up my alley! I was really excited to see where she took us with Alex and I was super excited to see him paired with Tabby! There has been so much that happened with him that we really didn't get to see, that we only got to get sneak peaks of throughout the other 5 books. It's about time he got his own story! BUT now I'm sooo curious about Storm and Wes! I really thought that Tabby would end up with one of them, but looking back I love that they are more the 'big brother' type to her.

Alex is someone who I always wondered about, he was the only Montgomery that you didn't see in the picture the whole time; It was almost as if he didn't want to be in the picture the whole time. Hearing his story and hearing everything that he went through prior to this book was so heart breaking. Having a family full of addicts in one form or another this story really hit my heart. Addiction is something that is hard to cope with and something that I've always made sure to keep certain things at arms length so it didn't become a problem for me. Knowing Alex's backstory now makes me respect him so much more! I can't spoil this at all with what happened, but jesus he had it rough. This family is so close knit, that I'm really surprised his entire family didn't know what was going on. I'm very thankful for him that he and Tabby got together when they did. He really need her in his life.

And Tabby, we have seen a decent bit of her up until now, we never truly got to know much about her. We found out throughout the previous stories that she, like Decker and Luc, was a sort of 'adopted' Montgomery, BUT we didn't really know how she fit this puzzle. One of the first things in this book was Alex thinking how much her mother wanted her to be a part of their family in a real sense. I find it so ironic that it didn't end the way he was thinking that it might, in fact it didn't end in the way that any of us thought it might. She was such a rock for Alex throughout this entire book, and he really helped her to grow too. I also find it super entertaining that they are the only ones that call each other by their full name, it seems to be so backward.

I CANNOT wait to see what she has in store for the Twins next!!!
101 reviews
November 22, 2016
I've been curious and waiting for Alex's story ever since Tempting Boundaries, because what demons could drive a man with the Montgomerys as a family to drink?
Hell did I get my answer. Those demons kinda scare me and I have no idea if I could have handled it like that, not that drinking is good, but that shit drives everyone off the handle. And not sharing any of it with his family, that must have been really difficult. What are his demons? I'm not telling you, read it for yourself.
When I realized Tabby was the girl for Alex I was doubting it a bit, because honestly we did not know much about her. But it is a very good match.
This book is written great, the changing perspectives making it deeper and rises the anticipation of what's to come. Although some parts I would really have liked to read in another perspective but I guess you can't have everything;) As with the previous Montgomery Ink books the writing style is good and makes you able to fully concentrate on the story instead of the writing style. Big pro in my opinion.
And what a story it is. Alex the recovering addict, I mean reading a story like his is always intense but in combination with all the other things in this story I was almost unable to put my book away. That's why I finished in two days even though I'm crazy busy.
Tabby's story was just so surprising, we didn't know a lot about her and then you realise she has had her own struggles, that aren't just your everyday, normal struggles either but so much more. Combined with Alex's life, you would think that they would destroy each other, but still these two make each other stronger.
Okay, that's enough spoilers. So we know I like the story and the writing style, last thing I'll say is that again this book has the right balance of action moments and peace moment, something that Carrie Ann Ryan is just good at.
Thanks for reading the review and if you want my advise, read this book! But if you haven't read the whole series yet, start at the beginning!
Profile Image for Angel Payne.
Author 93 books3,281 followers
November 25, 2016
There's a curious thing that goes on when you read a well-loved series. It's like going to a treasured friend's house for a great meal. You know that you are going to get amazing food and company that will warm your heart for a long time. Then there's that meal that you show up for, and that new dish that gets introduced to the table--and it wakes up your world. Then you're sitting there, wondering what to do with yourself, because you want to be polite and all, but secretly, all you want to do is devour that damn dish.
Get the forks and knives ready, because "Ink Exposed" is that kind of a dish.
I've absolutely loved Carrie Ann Ryan's Montgomery Ink series--every book is better than the last--but kids, this one is special. I mean...SPECIAL.
Here's where I struggle to put the rest of this into words...because, yes, this is a story that, on the surface, is a beautiful friends-to-lovers tale, with hot-hot-HOT love scenes and gorgeous revelations of emotion. Icing on the cake? You get to see all the Montgomerys from past books in the special way only Ms. Ryan can encompass.
But this story is so, so much more than that. It is a story full of incredible but subtle depth, tackling real issues like addiction, recovery, homelessness, and heartbreak in tender, meaningful, authentic, beautiful ways. The psychology behind all of this is layers deep, and permeated places in my heart and soul that made me smile and cry at once.
In the end, I knew this was going to be a book on my "forever keeper" shelf. It spoke to me in such profound ways, and I am thankful a writer had the guts and heart to put it all on paper. Brava.
Profile Image for Marie.
256 reviews178 followers
December 1, 2016
I will admit I was a little nervous in this book because Alex had been so volatile in pass books. Although once his story comes to light I certainly could understand why he went down the path he did. His ex wife is a itch with a capital B! Alex's drinking made me really nervous and there was a time when I was certain he was headed straight for the bottle but I must say that this was handled wonderfully. Just when I was certain he was going to fall off the wagon he showed just how strong the Montgomery's are when the chips are down. There were times when Alex felt lost and like he had let everyone down.

Tabby had a thing for Alex and the two of them seemed to have a really rough time of getting together but they fight hard to be together and for the love they not only want but need. I don't think any other woman would have worked for Alex. She is very soft spoken but has no problem putting Alex or any of his brothers for that matter in their place. She is the one person who has no preconceived notion of how Alex should be or not be. She loves him as he is...flaws and all.

Carrie Ann Ryan has done a wonderful job of making us fall in love with seriously flawed characters. Flaws which make them all the more relateable and lovable. Each one of the books in this series has been my favorite and each one gets better and better.

This review is the copyrighted property of Blushing Reads. To read the full review, click this link: http://blushingreads.com/ink-exposed-....

A copy of the book was provided in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Profile Image for IrishdaisylovesRomance.
279 reviews12 followers
November 30, 2016
Having read all the other Montgomery Books i was really excited about Alex's story. After seeing him hit rock bottom I was anxious to see to see what direction Author Carrie Ann Ryan would take him. I was sooo excited that Alex and Tabby both had crushes on each other!!! Their relationship was HOT sweet and special, they were totally made for each other. Tabby got Alex without him ever having to open his mouth, she knew what he wanted before he did.
I read this in one sitting, I could not put it down. I laughed, got teary and got made over the things that happened to them, it was an emotional read. The way this story was told was amazing and i would definitely recommend this book to everyone - it had HOT Bearded Inked Alpha Males and Sassy KickAss women!!
I can't wait for the next book in this series!! A MUST READ :-)
Profile Image for Jackie.
174 reviews11 followers
November 6, 2016
This book was all about rebuilding. Alex had already hit rock bottom in previous books and now he's trying to get his life back together. I've loved Tabby since she was introduced in the series and truly believed she was going to end up with Storm or Wes. I have to say though, she is the perfect person for Alex. This is the first book where my tears were only happy ones because as you know if you've read Carrie Ann Ryan she likes to beat up on her characters. I loved how Alex's alcoholism was dealt with and loved that Carrie Ann Ryan gave him time instead of rushing this story out to coincide with the other Montgomerys. All in all, it was a wonderful book. Kinda hoping Tabby's brothers are going to be popping up with their own stories too.
Profile Image for Darcy.
12.4k reviews425 followers
December 8, 2016
I was a bit surprised that this book was centered around Alex. It didn't seem like he would be recovered enough to look for romance. Another thing that surprised me was that Tabby was the woman. I thought she would end up with one or both of the twins. The thing is that these 2 really worked. Both took a chance and both were brutally honest with each other. I liked that they kept things from the Montgomery clan at the start, it gave them a chance to just be with each other. When they did finally come out to the group it was funny.

The other thing that I really liked about this one was that Alex realized he was a work in progress. He didn't make any excused for his past actions, but knew he was done being that person and did what he could to let everyone know it.
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,390 reviews10 followers
November 30, 2016
So Happy Alex Got His Story

I just knew in my heart Alex had been wronged. You don't come from a great supportive family and then crash and burn like Alex did. Alex's story is heartbreaking. And I am so glad we were told his story.
Profile Image for Judy.
766 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2016
This is Alex and Tabby's book. Love this series and especially related to Alex's struggle with recovery from alcoholism.
April 21, 2021
[SERVICE PRESSE]



En pointillé de Carrie Ann Ryan


Je remercie chaleureusement l’auteure pour ce nouveau service presse


Mon résumé :

Alexander Montgomery est sobre depuis un an. Après avoir sombré dans l’alcool pendant qu’il était marié, Alex est sorti de cure et n’a pas bu une goutte d’alcool. Chaque jour est une lutte mais sa famille fait bloc autour de lui. L’attirance qu’il ressent pour Tabitha, l’assistance administrative de ses frères, Storm et Wes, le perturbe beaucoup.


Alexandre est le plus jeune des frères Montgomery. Depuis qu’il est sorti de cure de désintoxication, sa famille le surveille de près et cela le stresse. Même s’il n’a plus touché une goutte d’alcool, il lutte tous les jours et tente de reprendre confiance en lui, mais également, de retrouver sa place auprès de sa famille. Photographe, il travaille dur pour sortir la tête de l’eau. En guise de soupape, Alex s’est mis à la boxe. Sa relation avec Tabitha le torture et il ne cesse de se dévaloriser.

Tabitha Collins travaille pour l’entreprise de Storm et de Wes depuis un moment. Secrètement amoureuse Alexander, totalement adoptée par les Montgomery, elle rêve de sortir avec ce mec bourru mais sensible. Un travail de longue haleine qui va payer, mais elle devra lui révéler son secret si elle veut que cette relation fonctionne.


Mon ressenti final :

ℚ𝕦𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕖 𝕙𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕚𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕖𝕣𝕧𝕖𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕦𝕤𝕖

De tous les livres de cette auteure, l’histoire d’Alexander est la plus poignante. J’ai pleuré durant toute ma lecture.

Alex m’a touché au plus profond de mon cœur. Ce personnage est complètement brisé par des années d’alcoolisme. Il est fragile et fort à la fois. Sa carapace est épaisse mais pas assez pour une certaine belle rousse. Lorsque Tabby est agressée, Alex se rend compte de son attirance pour la jeune femme. Alors qu’ils entament une relation, chacun prend bien garde à ne surtout pas faire de plans sur la comète. Les doutes d’Alexander m’ont bouleversé. Cette âme torturee, brisée, c’était un crève-coeur de lire toute la première partie de ce roman.

Quel réel plaisir de s’immiscer dans cette famille incroyable, où tout le monde se soutient, s’aime. Chacun des membres est un pilier pour Alex et ils sont une aide précieuse dans la rédemption du beau photographe. Tabitha est absolument divine. Compréhensive, douce, patiente, elle est le pansement dont a besoin Alex, et bien plus encore. J’ai adoré ce côté léger qu’elle a, ainsi que sa passion des agendas, du contrôle et son professionnalisme. Elle prend la vie comme elle vient, adoré son job mais perd complètement pied lorsqu’Alex est dans les parages.

Comme toujours, l’auteure a cette écriture délicate, actuelle et extrêmement émouvante. L’alcoolisme est un sujet fort et il est abordé avec justesse et émotion. J’ai tourné les pages en espérant y trouver un dénouement heureux. Les rebondissements sont peu nombreux car ce roman est plutôt tourné sur le côté psychologique de l’addiction d’Alexander.


Si vous souhaitez découvrir cette histoire absolument bouleversante, c’est par la : https://amzn.to/3tFVWXX
Profile Image for Andi.
538 reviews15 followers
November 22, 2016
OMG! The Montgomery Ink series keeps getting better and better. I know that I say that every time I write a review, but it's true every time Carrie Ann Ryan releases a new book in this series. I adore the world Ryan has created and the characters that inhabit it. You can't help but fall in love with this family.

I have wondered for a long time what could drive a Montgomery to live at the bottom of a bottle. I am not surprised that with as passionate as the entire family is, that someone ended up there, but what happened to Alex that he didn't feel like he could get support from his family. You never know how strong you can be, until you have to be. That's the journey Alex takes in this book. You have to find something that works for you, then trust the support structure you have in place. It's very common for addicts to replace one addiction with another, so Alex's need for control is very real. Where he ends up is a testament to personal strength and resolve.

I have always liked Tabby, but now I absolutely love her. I'm not into the whole "planner" thing, but I do love me a good list and pens, OMG. I am not allowed in the pen isle at Walmart and I can't go to an office story unsupervised. She just makes me smile. She also carries burdens that aren't hers. While she gets part of it, she still struggles with not owning more than her share.

So what happens when two of my favorite characters finally figure out they are meant for each other? Ink Exposed. This book was raw in places and down right funny in others. Ryan takes on very serious topics, including addiction, co-dependence and self defense. At the same time, it's a beautiful story about redemption, self discovery and learning to trust again. Oh and don't forget the passion and heat! Those Montgomery boys do know what to do with their hands!
Profile Image for Alaïne.
813 reviews13 followers
March 17, 2021
J’attendais vraiment ce tome ! Alex est un personnage qui m’intrigue depuis le tome sur Luc et Meghan. Je n’aurais jamais misé sur ce couple et pourtant, ils sont totalement faits l’un pour l’autre.

Alex est alcoolique et il sait qu’il le sera toute sa vie, mais il a enfin décidé de se battre. Il ne veut plus décevoir sa famille et même si son coeur bat pour la belle Tabby, il est hors de question de succomber à une nouvelle addiction.

Tabby fait partie de la famille Montgomery depuis qu’elle travaille avec les Jumeaux. Elle craque en secret pour le beau Alex depuis tellement d’années. Mais pour elle, c’est un beau mirage. Quand sa sécurité sera en danger, les choses risquent de radicalement changer…

Un duo qui s’attire, deux personnages que le désir attisent chacun de leurs côtés. Un événement va bousculer les relations et ils vont se lancer dans une relation secrète. Nous sommes sur le même fonctionnement que d’habitude avec des sujets différents comme l’autodéfense, l’addiction, l’alcoolisme.

Ils sont terriblement bouleversants en duo et en individuel. Alex nous brise le cœur, tout ce qu’il a donné à son ex va nous permettre de comprendre quel homme il est. Et vous craquerez encore un peu pour lui ! Tabby est la reine de l’organisation avec ses cahiers, ses post-it et son club. Vous me connaissez, je ne peux qu’admirer une telle femme !

Un roman que j’ai dévoré, un plaisir de retrouver tout le monde. Mais aussi du côté de la famille de Tabby qui nous offre des scènes drôles et loufoques. Des sujets bien traités et qui vont vous serrer le cœur. J’ai déjà hâte de poursuivre l’aventure avec les prochains.

Une saga que je vous recommande comme à chaque fois.
Profile Image for Aminouch Po.
134 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2021
Les Montgomery ( ah là là) est une saga que j’adore suivre! Chaque tome est consacré à un couple et je ne me lasse pas de découvrir chaque membre de cette famille. A chaque point final, je me dis vivement le prochain ! Et ce tome est une fois de plus un très joli moment de lecture.

On retrouve Alex, que nous avions précédemment découvert, qui tente de se reconstruire après l’échec de son mariage et surtout de sa sortie de cure de désintoxication. Il retrouve la jolie Tabby. Assistante de direction dans l’entreprise familiale, elle fait également partie de cette grande famille. Lorsque ses deux personnages se retrouvent, ils ne peuvent nier l’attirance qu’il se porte. Mais entre les blessures de Alex et les fêlures de Tabby, rien ne sera simple dans cette relation.

J’ai lu d’une traite ce livre. Totalement addict au style de l’auteure, j’ai adoré me plonger dans cette romance qui mêle intensité, émotion et passion. J’ai été conquise par Alex qui m’a touchée. Son histoire est compliquée mais ses combats, son courage en font un héros comme je les aime. Quand à Tabby, elle est très attachante. Leur relation se construit et on a pleins de papillons dans le ventre au fil des pages !

On retrouve les héros des précédents tomes et l’auteure nous donne l’envie très forte de retrouver l’histoire suivante !

Une fois de plus, c’est pour moi un sans faute ! Une lecture hyper agréable qui m’a fait passer un très très joli moment de lecture !

J’ai hâte d’avoir le prochain !
Profile Image for Karen.
655 reviews27 followers
July 25, 2019
Another good book in this series. I have to say Tabby really spoke to me, which was lots to do with her obsessive need to keep her planner, LOL. Writing lists and crossing off items is something I am very familiar with, and also washi tape!

I have also had a family member go through rehab for addiction, so that was also very familiar to me. I felt like there could have been more back story for both Tabby and Alex, even though we've already known what has happened. There was a lot going on, but all of it didn't get closed up at the end, or get explained all the way. Some were left mysteries and I wonder if they will be checked into later on in the series or not. One of those mysteries is the Photography work Alex was doing for his families construction business and also his project with the homeless people. Both of those kind of just fell off the radar which was disappointing. Hopefully the family project will come back when Wes and Storm get their books.

I did think Tabby and Alex were good together. It seems like they both needed each other to feel stronger about themselves. That is a good thing when you find someone that you want to be with.

Love this family!! Looking forward to more with them.
Profile Image for Reading Shamelessly.
158 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2022
I’ve never written a review for a series as a whole, but I will for this because it’s not worth it to write individual ones when I have the same thoughts. I want to start with how much I do adore Carrie Ann Ryan. I’ve met her in person and follow her social media. As much as I like her as a person, and I’ve loved some other books, this series was just bla for me. Overall each book I listened to I found myself getting distracted and rewinding because they weren’t holding my attention. They had the set up and makings of being edgy emotional awesomeness, but I feel they all juuusssttt missed the mark. Don’t get me wrong, they were decent books, you should give them a try, but for me they just weren’t loveable quality.

I know there’s so many others out there that are just head over heels in love with the Montgomery family, and I do love the concept of such a close family, but these books were just a tad bit drawn out and repetitive that I lost interest. Hey I still listened to all of them though giving them a shot! You should too then tell me what you think! Sorry Carrie! I’m sure I’ll find something by you that I love 🙂
Profile Image for Sandy Kelly.
1,112 reviews9 followers
November 29, 2016
This book follows Alex Montgomery and Tabby Collins and all their twists and turns to be together. I absolutely loved this book!! Alex (in my opinion) is the strongest of all the Montgomery's after everything that he went through. After his stint in rehab he is just trying to get though day by day and still find his way back to being a part of his family without feeling like an outsider. Tabby, who they consider to be an honorary Montgomery, seems to be the only person who truly trusts him and allows him to find his way back. All while loving him and being there for him. After reading this book, and reading his reason's for drinking to begin with, I can't say that I blame him! Although, I will say-he is ever so much nicer than I ever would be in the same situation! Throw in Tabby, and the issues she deals with-most definitely worth the read. This book is now my all time favorite in this series! I cannot wait for the next book in this series or the spin-off of Tabby's brothers!

I voluntarily reviewed and advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ericka Gutierrez.
114 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2017
Leave it to Carrie Ann Ryan to throw her readers another curveball. Here I was expecting Tabby to end up with one of the twins not with Alex. However, I see how they fit each other so perfectly. Alex and Tabby are two very different people yet have both been broken down by past relationships. This book is packed with two tragic stories, lots of steamy romance and of course one very happily ever after. This book just goes to show that love will prevail no matter what, you just have to be willing to take that leap of faith in another human being. I admit that I was not really looking forward to Alex’s story since all we had seen of him so far was a drunken miserable Montgomery boy. To my surprise, his story revealed so much about his character and my heart hurt for the tragedy that led to his drinking. Overall, It was refreshing to have a main male character who is overcoming a struggle instead of always reading about the strong alphas males that most romance books have. What a great addition to the Montgomery Ink Series!!
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