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The Retrieval Duet #1
Retrieval
One story. Two couples.
I proposed on our first date.
She laughed and told me I was insane. Less than a day later, she said yes.
It was a whirlwind, but we were happy…
Until we got greedy and wanted a family.
It was a life I couldn’t give her, not for lack of trying. Fertility just wasn’t on our side. We sought out doctors and treatments. Spent money we didn’t have. Lied to our families. Smiled for our friends. Put on a brave face for a world that didn’t understand.
Finally, we were successful…
Until we were forced to bury our son.
We were left broken, battered, and destroyed.
They say love is in the details, but it was the details that ruined us.
This is the story of how I took back what had always been mine.
The retrieval of my wife and our family.
I proposed on our first date.
She laughed and told me I was insane. Less than a day later, she said yes.
It was a whirlwind, but we were happy…
Until we got greedy and wanted a family.
It was a life I couldn’t give her, not for lack of trying. Fertility just wasn’t on our side. We sought out doctors and treatments. Spent money we didn’t have. Lied to our families. Smiled for our friends. Put on a brave face for a world that didn’t understand.
Finally, we were successful…
Until we were forced to bury our son.
We were left broken, battered, and destroyed.
They say love is in the details, but it was the details that ruined us.
This is the story of how I took back what had always been mine.
The retrieval of my wife and our family.
202 pages, ebook
First published September 13, 2016
About the author
Aly Martinez
53 books7,818 followersOriginally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,292 reviews
September 17, 2016
4.5 Stars!!
Wow! This story blew me away! I’ve never expected to be as gripping as it was. Of course I was intrigued by the blurb, but I’ve never expected this story to be so raw, so emotional, so powerful. Aly Martinez delivered a fascinating tale that will keep you at the edge of your seat for a good part of the story for a multitude of reasons. 'Retrieval', a story about two couples whose lives are entwined by happenstance was unique, refreshing and had just a little bit of everything – romance, suspense, mystery. Needless to say I devoured this first installment in one sitting.
'Retrieval' tells the story of a married couple, Roman and Elisabeth who for years have been happy and content with their lives. They wanted more, to start a family, so from the moment they decided they are ready for a baby, everything between them started to change. They struggled with infertility for many years, Elisabeth suffering over the years several miscarriages. They even tried vitro fertilization and eventually Elisabeth got pregnant, but their happiness was short lived- their son died within an hour of being born. Both of them were lost and damaged and both of them didn’t know how to properly communicate with the other, so eventually their marriage ended.
Two years later Roman and Elisabeth are divorced, but neither of them moved on or forget about the other. Now, Roman is successful, but he’s not a happy man. He doesn’t live, he only exists. He never stopped loving Elisabeth, for two years living with so many regrets. Even if he’s not married with her anymore he still tries to care and provide for her as best as he knows. Elisabeth still loves Roman. She didn’t forget how much he hurt her in the past, but she can’t deny the love she still has for him.
Roman and Elisabeth paths cross again when they are forced by certain circumstances to see each other again, to communicate with each other, to figure out how to deal with everything that suddenly life throws at them.
Wow! This one was one addictive read filled with much everything that makes a book unforgettable. And in many ways it really was. Despite the premise, 'Retrieval' wasn’t exactly entirely a heartbreaking read. Of course there are gut-wrenching, intense moments that really will break your heart, but there are also sweet, hopeful scenes that will warm your heart. The plot was well done, layered and really left me wanting more. I really loved it!
Roman and Elisabeth’s story was fantastically written, fast paced and really made me feel. MY heart broke for this couple at times. The amount of pain they experienced really made my heart ache. You, like me will feel every one of their emotion as the story unfolds – anguish, despair, but also hope and love. The two main characters were really great portrayed. Both of them were broken, both of them were flawed and both of them had so much depth.
I loved Roman. He reminded me a lot of Kristen Ashley’s heroes – caring, protective, possessive who will do anything for the woman who loves and cares about. The way he loved Elisabeth melt my heart. You can feel his love for this woman through everything he says, but also everything he does. He’s not portrayed as a perfect hero and that made me love him even more. He has regrets, but from the moment life gives him another chance at love with the woman he owns his heart, he’s ready to do anything for them to be happy.
Elisabeth was a character I truly sympathize with. Her story was heartbreaking and I’m sure many readers will relate with her. I loved her strength, her determination to make everything possible to finally be happy with the man she loves and of course how much she loves Roman. Roman and Elisabeth were wonderful together. With every chapter I felt more and more their love for each other and also their chemistry.
The story is written from multiple point-of-views and I have to say I didn’t expect that. I didn’t expect the story to progress the way it did and I didn’t expect to feel so much for this third character. This third character’s POV was enough for me to be truly excited for the next installment.
The suspense/mystery aspect held me at the edge of my seat for a good part of the story. It wasn’t too much which I liked, but was enough for me to read this story in one sitting.
All in all, 'Retrieval' was a wonderful, unique read I highly recommend it if you are looking for something different, something gripping with some very nice twists that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Wow! This story blew me away! I’ve never expected to be as gripping as it was. Of course I was intrigued by the blurb, but I’ve never expected this story to be so raw, so emotional, so powerful. Aly Martinez delivered a fascinating tale that will keep you at the edge of your seat for a good part of the story for a multitude of reasons. 'Retrieval', a story about two couples whose lives are entwined by happenstance was unique, refreshing and had just a little bit of everything – romance, suspense, mystery. Needless to say I devoured this first installment in one sitting.
“The truth was masked by a million lies.”
'Retrieval' tells the story of a married couple, Roman and Elisabeth who for years have been happy and content with their lives. They wanted more, to start a family, so from the moment they decided they are ready for a baby, everything between them started to change. They struggled with infertility for many years, Elisabeth suffering over the years several miscarriages. They even tried vitro fertilization and eventually Elisabeth got pregnant, but their happiness was short lived- their son died within an hour of being born. Both of them were lost and damaged and both of them didn’t know how to properly communicate with the other, so eventually their marriage ended.
“I’d never, not once, seen Elisabeth with just my eyes. My heart was just as much a part of the way I viewed her as my retinas.”
Two years later Roman and Elisabeth are divorced, but neither of them moved on or forget about the other. Now, Roman is successful, but he’s not a happy man. He doesn’t live, he only exists. He never stopped loving Elisabeth, for two years living with so many regrets. Even if he’s not married with her anymore he still tries to care and provide for her as best as he knows. Elisabeth still loves Roman. She didn’t forget how much he hurt her in the past, but she can’t deny the love she still has for him.
"I knew absolutely nothing about that man. But I knew he was mine. And I was meant to be his."
Roman and Elisabeth paths cross again when they are forced by certain circumstances to see each other again, to communicate with each other, to figure out how to deal with everything that suddenly life throws at them.
“I will fix us, Elisabeth,” he vowed. “Mark my words. I will not spend my life without you.”
Wow! This one was one addictive read filled with much everything that makes a book unforgettable. And in many ways it really was. Despite the premise, 'Retrieval' wasn’t exactly entirely a heartbreaking read. Of course there are gut-wrenching, intense moments that really will break your heart, but there are also sweet, hopeful scenes that will warm your heart. The plot was well done, layered and really left me wanting more. I really loved it!
Roman and Elisabeth’s story was fantastically written, fast paced and really made me feel. MY heart broke for this couple at times. The amount of pain they experienced really made my heart ache. You, like me will feel every one of their emotion as the story unfolds – anguish, despair, but also hope and love. The two main characters were really great portrayed. Both of them were broken, both of them were flawed and both of them had so much depth.
I loved Roman. He reminded me a lot of Kristen Ashley’s heroes – caring, protective, possessive who will do anything for the woman who loves and cares about. The way he loved Elisabeth melt my heart. You can feel his love for this woman through everything he says, but also everything he does. He’s not portrayed as a perfect hero and that made me love him even more. He has regrets, but from the moment life gives him another chance at love with the woman he owns his heart, he’s ready to do anything for them to be happy.
Elisabeth was a character I truly sympathize with. Her story was heartbreaking and I’m sure many readers will relate with her. I loved her strength, her determination to make everything possible to finally be happy with the man she loves and of course how much she loves Roman. Roman and Elisabeth were wonderful together. With every chapter I felt more and more their love for each other and also their chemistry.
”I can fix us.” “Hush.” I kissed his chest. “I will fix us, Elisabeth,” he vowed. “Mark my words. I will not spend my life without you.”
The story is written from multiple point-of-views and I have to say I didn’t expect that. I didn’t expect the story to progress the way it did and I didn’t expect to feel so much for this third character. This third character’s POV was enough for me to be truly excited for the next installment.
The suspense/mystery aspect held me at the edge of my seat for a good part of the story. It wasn’t too much which I liked, but was enough for me to read this story in one sitting.
All in all, 'Retrieval' was a wonderful, unique read I highly recommend it if you are looking for something different, something gripping with some very nice twists that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
“My life was with her. It always had been. It always would be.”
September 6, 2016
5 stars!!!
Aly Martinez blew me away with this book. It was oh so intense, crazy emotional and even a bit suspenseful. My heart was in my throat for a majority of the book and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. This couple- I rooted for them so hard. After that ending, I’m so anxious to jump into the next one. The moment it hits my kindle, I’ll be dropping everything else to read it!
Retrieval starts out with an epic love story between Roman and Elisabeth. These two truly care for each other, but their love story isn’t simple. The truth is, they go through some difficult times. As you can tell from the blurb, this couple struggles with infertility. Infertility is one of those things that you can’t always understand unless you’ve been through it. The true heartache, loss of hope and how terrified and out of control you feel is something most people (thankfully) never experience. Aly captured it perfectly. Roman and Elisabeth feel this. It changes who they are and their relationship. Also, as you can tell from the blurb, they lose their son. I could never fathom losing a child. My heart broke for them. They go through so much more than anyone should have to survive and it’s no wonder they don’t come out of it fully intact.
Both of these characters were broken, but had so much strength. There are so many elements to this story. It isn’t all about infertility, marriage or death. It’s so complex and has so many components. Roman and Lis are the two main characters, but there is another POV in this story that gives it even more depth. It’s an unconventional romance for sure, but it’s still a beautiful love story.
This book will give you all the feels. The characters are fantastic, the writing is brilliant and the idea is unique. There were a few things I caught on to fairly early on, but there was also something that shocked me at the end. I want to say so much more about this story, but I would hate to spoil it for any potential readers. Know it deals with hard topics- but the end left me satisfied. I feel happy right now, yet still concerned over whats going to happen next in this story! This is a 5 star read for me and I would encourage anyone who is looking for an emotional, stunning romance with a bit of suspense to give it a go!
Aly Martinez blew me away with this book. It was oh so intense, crazy emotional and even a bit suspenseful. My heart was in my throat for a majority of the book and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. This couple- I rooted for them so hard. After that ending, I’m so anxious to jump into the next one. The moment it hits my kindle, I’ll be dropping everything else to read it!
Retrieval starts out with an epic love story between Roman and Elisabeth. These two truly care for each other, but their love story isn’t simple. The truth is, they go through some difficult times. As you can tell from the blurb, this couple struggles with infertility. Infertility is one of those things that you can’t always understand unless you’ve been through it. The true heartache, loss of hope and how terrified and out of control you feel is something most people (thankfully) never experience. Aly captured it perfectly. Roman and Elisabeth feel this. It changes who they are and their relationship. Also, as you can tell from the blurb, they lose their son. I could never fathom losing a child. My heart broke for them. They go through so much more than anyone should have to survive and it’s no wonder they don’t come out of it fully intact.
Both of these characters were broken, but had so much strength. There are so many elements to this story. It isn’t all about infertility, marriage or death. It’s so complex and has so many components. Roman and Lis are the two main characters, but there is another POV in this story that gives it even more depth. It’s an unconventional romance for sure, but it’s still a beautiful love story.
This book will give you all the feels. The characters are fantastic, the writing is brilliant and the idea is unique. There were a few things I caught on to fairly early on, but there was also something that shocked me at the end. I want to say so much more about this story, but I would hate to spoil it for any potential readers. Know it deals with hard topics- but the end left me satisfied. I feel happy right now, yet still concerned over whats going to happen next in this story! This is a 5 star read for me and I would encourage anyone who is looking for an emotional, stunning romance with a bit of suspense to give it a go!
September 16, 2016
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ::: 5 STARS!! :::
WOW. WOW. WOW!! This book was absolutely incredible!! A passionate, achingly heart-wrenching, and yet beautifully romantic story that kept my heart racing non-stop. It was ADDICTIVE, EMOTIONAL, INTENSE. It was hot, sexy, suspenseful. The story took my completely by surprise and was utterly UNIQUE! I gasped when I realized what was really going on in this story — and I swear I COULD. NOT. PUT. THIS. BOOK. DOWN!!! Aly Martinez has been one of my favorite authors for quite a while -- I love her writing, love her books, and always look forward to her new releases -- but I can confidently say that this is her best book yet! It is certainly one of my favorite reads of the year and I highly recommend it to any reader looking for a story that will take your breath away. 5 STARS!!
Holy hell!!!! So, THIS SITUATION. When you first start reading, you kind of think that this is mainly just an emotional story of man who is trying to win back the love of his beloved ex-wife (which admittedly is a gripping type of story even on its own) but THEN. OH. MY GOSH... when the moment came where I realized what the ACTUAL plot-line was -- which was SO MUCH BIGGER than I ever anticipated -- I just literally gasped out loud and from that moment on, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. It was RIVETING!!!! EMOTIONAL!!!! FULL OF FEEELS!!!
Elizabeth and Roman's story is told from both their perspectives, mainly in the present day but with flashbacks that piece their past together for the reader. The flow between these elements was easy to follow and every flashback always complimented their current situation in a way that really just rounded the story out even further.
If there's any one thing I love to read about most in romance, it's about a couple who loves each other so much that literally nothing can permanently keep them apart and this book delivered such an achingly painful and yet beautiful scenario with exactly that kind of love ensuring I was in absolute reader heaven! Despite the pain of their miscarriages, fertility nightmares, and the devastating loss of their son, that ultimately lead to their unfortunate separation and divorce, the one thing that neither of them could let go of was their all-consuming love for each other. And especially once their respective sides of the story were explained, you really got to understand what each of them was going through and why their marriage had fallen apart. But Roman loved her more than life itself and when he saw even the tiniest chance to fix thing, he grabbed a hold with both hands and didn't let go.
So I want to be as vague as possible about the storyline but basically, there is another couple in this story as well. Or, during this book, it's mainly just Clare who is a young mother to a little daughter named Tessa, and is trapped in a physically abusive marriage to essentially a mob-boss with the power to control her life and get away with horrible acts. Her only reprieve is her time at the gym with her trainer -- Luke -- who sees what is happening but can only go so far in his attempts to help her before crossing lines that she begs him to stay away from -- in fear for his life.
I kept trying to figure this thing out... Two couples. One story. What was the connection??! Then that MOMENT came where it just clicked and it was like a lightbulb turned on. I just literally sat up and went OHHHHHMIGOSH.
Like woah.
Holyyyyyyyy!!
This unexpected, heart-stopping, life-changing development brought them together in a way I'd never anticipated.
Trust me, the book is great even until this point but once you reach this moment, you won't be able to put the book down. Just cancel your plans for the rest of the day because you'll be glued to the page!
Oh and Roman. Seriously. ROMAN!!! That man is guaranteed to melt your heart. I loved the way he fought for them, for her, for their family, and for their future. His determination to win back her trust and love and to ensure that he never had to go another day without her in his life was pure swooooooon material!!
A few important things: There is NO love triangle (none at all) and NO cheating (the couple aren't even ever with anyone else during their separation). I know the blurb references "two couple, one story" but I promise you that the way they're entwined is one that even the most heart-core romantics will love.
With the way this book is structured, the primary focus is on Elisabeth and Roman as the main couple, with another couple (who I don't want to say much about) as almost a secondary storyline that is connected in a very clever way. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end but honestly, it didn't really bother me that much because the next book will be out so soon and also because the main focus of the next book will switch to the other couple (I think) even though the ending definitely leaves you breathless. I definitely had one of those moments where I flipped the page expecting more and my heart sank when I there was just blank page. But at the same time, I feel like it's the perfect transition point from one book to another and I loved this story so much that I'm really glad I just dove right in.
Aly Martinez is one of my favorite authors for two very important reasons. Firstly, because her stories are always unique. Every one of her books has this emotional twist to it that always grabs my heart and keeps me intrigued. And second because her books are perfectly balanced between romance, emotions, humor, suspense, intensity, and passion. The way she writes romance is literally my favorite way of all: her stories are HOT HOT HOT but the heat is always incorporated into the stories so seamlessly that the focus always remains on character development and storyline. So her books deliver that extra zing while still keeping a strong story at the heart that stays with you.
This book was everything I'd hoped for and more! I loved every single word. I felt every single word. The story consumed me and I was swept away in the the passion of their reunited love, the heart-break of their devastating loss, and the unexpected hope for their better future. I couldn't put this book down even for a minute and I highly recommend this to every romance reader searching for a unique and truly amazing new book to fall in love with!!
Rating: 5 STARS! Adult contemporary romance.
First book in a duet. No cheating. No triangle.
BOOK #1:
Buy RETRIEVAL (Kindle)
Buy RETRIEVAL (Paperback)
BOOK #2:
Buy TRANSFER (Kindle)
__________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Twitter
✦ Subscribe by email
“I love you… I never stopped, and I never will.”
WOW. WOW. WOW!! This book was absolutely incredible!! A passionate, achingly heart-wrenching, and yet beautifully romantic story that kept my heart racing non-stop. It was ADDICTIVE, EMOTIONAL, INTENSE. It was hot, sexy, suspenseful. The story took my completely by surprise and was utterly UNIQUE! I gasped when I realized what was really going on in this story — and I swear I COULD. NOT. PUT. THIS. BOOK. DOWN!!! Aly Martinez has been one of my favorite authors for quite a while -- I love her writing, love her books, and always look forward to her new releases -- but I can confidently say that this is her best book yet! It is certainly one of my favorite reads of the year and I highly recommend it to any reader looking for a story that will take your breath away. 5 STARS!!
One story. Two couples.
I proposed on our first date.
She laughed and told me I was insane. Less than a day later, she said yes.
It was a whirlwind, but we were happy...
Until we got greedy and wanted a family.
It was a life I couldn't give her, not for lack of trying. Fertility just wasn't on our side. We sought out doctors and treatments. Spent money we didn't have. Lied to our families. Smiled for our friends. Put on a brave face for a world that didn't understand.
Finally, we were successful...
Until we were forced to bury our son.
We were left broken, battered, and destroyed.
They say love is in the details, but it was the details that ruined us.
This is the story of how I took back what had always been mine.
The retrieval of my wife and our family.
Holy hell!!!! So, THIS SITUATION. When you first start reading, you kind of think that this is mainly just an emotional story of man who is trying to win back the love of his beloved ex-wife (which admittedly is a gripping type of story even on its own) but THEN. OH. MY GOSH... when the moment came where I realized what the ACTUAL plot-line was -- which was SO MUCH BIGGER than I ever anticipated -- I just literally gasped out loud and from that moment on, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. It was RIVETING!!!! EMOTIONAL!!!! FULL OF FEEELS!!!
My past, present, and future were walking out of my life, and I stood immobile as every fiber in my being screamed for me to drop to my knees and beg her to stay.
To take her in my arms and tell her that we’d figure it out.
To reclaim my life once and for all.
Elizabeth and Roman's story is told from both their perspectives, mainly in the present day but with flashbacks that piece their past together for the reader. The flow between these elements was easy to follow and every flashback always complimented their current situation in a way that really just rounded the story out even further.
I’d lived twenty-six years of life before that night. But suddenly, I was alive for the very first time. I knew absolutely nothing about that man.
But I knew he was mine.
And I was meant to be his.
If there's any one thing I love to read about most in romance, it's about a couple who loves each other so much that literally nothing can permanently keep them apart and this book delivered such an achingly painful and yet beautiful scenario with exactly that kind of love ensuring I was in absolute reader heaven! Despite the pain of their miscarriages, fertility nightmares, and the devastating loss of their son, that ultimately lead to their unfortunate separation and divorce, the one thing that neither of them could let go of was their all-consuming love for each other. And especially once their respective sides of the story were explained, you really got to understand what each of them was going through and why their marriage had fallen apart. But Roman loved her more than life itself and when he saw even the tiniest chance to fix thing, he grabbed a hold with both hands and didn't let go.
He gathered me in his arms, tucked my face back into his neck, and brushed the hair off my neck.
We sat in silence for somewhere between a second and a century, his fingers lazily drawing patterns on my shoulder, before I finally found the courage to confess, “I miss you.”
He sighed. “You have no idea.”
So I want to be as vague as possible about the storyline but basically, there is another couple in this story as well. Or, during this book, it's mainly just Clare who is a young mother to a little daughter named Tessa, and is trapped in a physically abusive marriage to essentially a mob-boss with the power to control her life and get away with horrible acts. Her only reprieve is her time at the gym with her trainer -- Luke -- who sees what is happening but can only go so far in his attempts to help her before crossing lines that she begs him to stay away from -- in fear for his life.
Luke had been my personal trainer for three months, and in that time, he’d learned the gig. I could tell it killed him each time I came into the gym with fresh injuries or tear-stained cheeks. But he kept his opinions to himself and read between the lines, never pressuring me to spill my guts but asking just enough questions to remind me that decent people existed…
“Let me help you,” he whispered, but we both knew he wasn’t talking about stretches.
I kept trying to figure this thing out... Two couples. One story. What was the connection??! Then that MOMENT came where it just clicked and it was like a lightbulb turned on. I just literally sat up and went OHHHHHMIGOSH.
Like woah.
Holyyyyyyyy!!
This unexpected, heart-stopping, life-changing development brought them together in a way I'd never anticipated.
Trust me, the book is great even until this point but once you reach this moment, you won't be able to put the book down. Just cancel your plans for the rest of the day because you'll be glued to the page!
Oh and Roman. Seriously. ROMAN!!! That man is guaranteed to melt your heart. I loved the way he fought for them, for her, for their family, and for their future. His determination to win back her trust and love and to ensure that he never had to go another day without her in his life was pure swooooooon material!!
“Roman,” I pleaded.
“I can fix this,” he declared.
“Stop.”
“I can fix us,” he swore.
“Hush.” I kissed his chest.
“I will fix us, Elisabeth,” he vowed. “Mark my words. I will not spend my life without you.”
A few important things: There is NO love triangle (none at all) and NO cheating (the couple aren't even ever with anyone else during their separation). I know the blurb references "two couple, one story" but I promise you that the way they're entwined is one that even the most heart-core romantics will love.
I battled the urge to kiss her.
To claim her.
To take back the woman who had always been mine.
With the way this book is structured, the primary focus is on Elisabeth and Roman as the main couple, with another couple (who I don't want to say much about) as almost a secondary storyline that is connected in a very clever way. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end but honestly, it didn't really bother me that much because the next book will be out so soon and also because the main focus of the next book will switch to the other couple (I think) even though the ending definitely leaves you breathless. I definitely had one of those moments where I flipped the page expecting more and my heart sank when I there was just blank page. But at the same time, I feel like it's the perfect transition point from one book to another and I loved this story so much that I'm really glad I just dove right in.
Aly Martinez is one of my favorite authors for two very important reasons. Firstly, because her stories are always unique. Every one of her books has this emotional twist to it that always grabs my heart and keeps me intrigued. And second because her books are perfectly balanced between romance, emotions, humor, suspense, intensity, and passion. The way she writes romance is literally my favorite way of all: her stories are HOT HOT HOT but the heat is always incorporated into the stories so seamlessly that the focus always remains on character development and storyline. So her books deliver that extra zing while still keeping a strong story at the heart that stays with you.
We’d fallen in love in less than a day.
Not even utter devastation and two years apart could erase that.
A love like ours wasn’t measured in years, distance, or time apart.
It was never-ending.
This book was everything I'd hoped for and more! I loved every single word. I felt every single word. The story consumed me and I was swept away in the the passion of their reunited love, the heart-break of their devastating loss, and the unexpected hope for their better future. I couldn't put this book down even for a minute and I highly recommend this to every romance reader searching for a unique and truly amazing new book to fall in love with!!
Rating: 5 STARS! Adult contemporary romance.
First book in a duet. No cheating. No triangle.
BOOK #1:
Buy RETRIEVAL (Kindle)
Buy RETRIEVAL (Paperback)
BOOK #2:
Buy TRANSFER (Kindle)
__________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Subscribe by email
April 4, 2017
This is FREE on Amazon and Barnes & Noble today (4/4/2017), folks!
This is my very first AM story, but you can bet it won't be my last. I joked about not living under a rock but after reading this gripping story, I fear I may have been. This story is not wrapped up in a pretty bow but it's just as beautiful for its flawed characters. While I can't delve into the plot too much, I can tell you it involves two couples whose paths would never have crossed had it not been but for one event that affects them all deeply.
The first part deals with a couple that must find their way back to one another. I loved Elisabeth and Roman. I felt the chemistry, love, heartbreak, and hope through the pages. These two were undoubtedly meant for one another. Their connection tested by time and circumstance to what I hope will turn out to be a wonderful HEA. I say hope because this is only half the tale with what I expect will be another wild and emotional ride on the other side. I'm really rooting for the heroine of the other couple as she goes through quite the ordeal in this story. I can't wait to dig into the other part. TBR pile order just got skewed lol
I leave you with my encouragement to pre-order this duo as it is truly an experience not to miss. Safety: No OW/OM/Sharing though h does begin to take reluctant small steps toward moving on. Nothing happens with OM. No rape scenes though I suspect there might be a history of it. Yes to abuse.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
This is my very first AM story, but you can bet it won't be my last. I joked about not living under a rock but after reading this gripping story, I fear I may have been. This story is not wrapped up in a pretty bow but it's just as beautiful for its flawed characters. While I can't delve into the plot too much, I can tell you it involves two couples whose paths would never have crossed had it not been but for one event that affects them all deeply.
The first part deals with a couple that must find their way back to one another. I loved Elisabeth and Roman. I felt the chemistry, love, heartbreak, and hope through the pages. These two were undoubtedly meant for one another. Their connection tested by time and circumstance to what I hope will turn out to be a wonderful HEA. I say hope because this is only half the tale with what I expect will be another wild and emotional ride on the other side. I'm really rooting for the heroine of the other couple as she goes through quite the ordeal in this story. I can't wait to dig into the other part. TBR pile order just got skewed lol
I leave you with my encouragement to pre-order this duo as it is truly an experience not to miss. Safety: No OW/OM/Sharing though h does begin to take reluctant small steps toward moving on. Nothing happens with OM. No rape scenes though I suspect there might be a history of it. Yes to abuse.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2016
*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
My past, present, and future were walking out of my life and I stood immobile as every fiber in my being screamed for me to drop to my knees and beg for her to stay. To take her in my arms and tell her that we’d figure it out.
Aly Martinez fans, you are in for one hell of a treat!! Retrieval will grab a hold of you from the very first page and take you on one wild ride. This is the story of Roman and Elisabeth Leblanc’s whirlwind romance and then utter heartbreaking loss that ends in the demise of their marriage. But that’s just where the story starts to take an interesting turn. It was definitely something I didn’t see coming and why I think you must go into this one blind.
The story starts with Elisabeth and Roman calling an end to their marriage. Throughout their five years as husband and wife, they had tried to have children but Lissy ended up having several miscarriages. Then the couple attempted in vitro fertilization which in the end turned out even more heartbreaking when their son died within an hour of being born. Roman felt that he had failed his wife because they didn’t have enough money to try in vitro again so he throws himself into his business but ends up alienating Lissy which ultimately results in the end to their marriage.
Two years later, Roman and Lissy are divorced but haven’t moved on with anyone else. We learn that Roman’s business became hugely successful and he’s been trying to send Lissy checks, but she refuses to cash them. Roman has never stopped loving Lissy and deep down it’s obvious she feels the same but she still has so much hurt inside over how he reacted when their son died. During this time we get flashbacks to their first date and you can’t help but swoon and hope that these two find their way back to each other. A circumstance does arise that throws them back together and things heat up pretty quickly between the couple.
We also are introduced to another character, Clare. She is married to a man who definitely has ties to illegal activities and has no qualms about using his wife as his own personal punching bag. Clare’s body is covered in bruises and the only bright light in her life is her little girl. She would do anything to keep her baby safe and she fears that it is only a matter of time before her husband unleashes his fury on their daughter. Clare is kept on a very short leash and her only reprieve away from her husband are the two hours she’s allowed to go to the gym. I was on the edge of my seat hoping that somehow Clare would find a way to get herself and little Tessa away from her monster of a husband.
Things get seriously out of control by the end of this story and you are going to want to have TRANSFER in your hands asap because we are left with one hell of a cliffy at the end of RETRIEVAL!!! This is hands down, my FAVE by Aly Martinez so far!! Get ready to fall in love with Roman ladies!!!
RETRIEVAL is due out September 13th, make sure you one-click!!!
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
My past, present, and future were walking out of my life and I stood immobile as every fiber in my being screamed for me to drop to my knees and beg for her to stay. To take her in my arms and tell her that we’d figure it out.
Aly Martinez fans, you are in for one hell of a treat!! Retrieval will grab a hold of you from the very first page and take you on one wild ride. This is the story of Roman and Elisabeth Leblanc’s whirlwind romance and then utter heartbreaking loss that ends in the demise of their marriage. But that’s just where the story starts to take an interesting turn. It was definitely something I didn’t see coming and why I think you must go into this one blind.
The story starts with Elisabeth and Roman calling an end to their marriage. Throughout their five years as husband and wife, they had tried to have children but Lissy ended up having several miscarriages. Then the couple attempted in vitro fertilization which in the end turned out even more heartbreaking when their son died within an hour of being born. Roman felt that he had failed his wife because they didn’t have enough money to try in vitro again so he throws himself into his business but ends up alienating Lissy which ultimately results in the end to their marriage.
Two years later, Roman and Lissy are divorced but haven’t moved on with anyone else. We learn that Roman’s business became hugely successful and he’s been trying to send Lissy checks, but she refuses to cash them. Roman has never stopped loving Lissy and deep down it’s obvious she feels the same but she still has so much hurt inside over how he reacted when their son died. During this time we get flashbacks to their first date and you can’t help but swoon and hope that these two find their way back to each other. A circumstance does arise that throws them back together and things heat up pretty quickly between the couple.
We also are introduced to another character, Clare. She is married to a man who definitely has ties to illegal activities and has no qualms about using his wife as his own personal punching bag. Clare’s body is covered in bruises and the only bright light in her life is her little girl. She would do anything to keep her baby safe and she fears that it is only a matter of time before her husband unleashes his fury on their daughter. Clare is kept on a very short leash and her only reprieve away from her husband are the two hours she’s allowed to go to the gym. I was on the edge of my seat hoping that somehow Clare would find a way to get herself and little Tessa away from her monster of a husband.
Things get seriously out of control by the end of this story and you are going to want to have TRANSFER in your hands asap because we are left with one hell of a cliffy at the end of RETRIEVAL!!! This is hands down, my FAVE by Aly Martinez so far!! Get ready to fall in love with Roman ladies!!!
RETRIEVAL is due out September 13th, make sure you one-click!!!
September 2, 2016
FIVE TAKING WHATS MINE STARS.
"I was broken, battered, and destroyed."
This book was off the charts intense, soul searching and a whole heap of impressive. Aly Martinez always manages to find a way to blow my expectations away and to say I was impressed wouldn't quite match up with the reality. This author takes my reading experience to a whole other level and once again Martinez has left me with an insane need to read more of her work. 'Retrieval' was all that I expected from this author and a multitude of feelings more.
What's it all about?
Take heartache, true love and shocking turn of events and you'll find yourself in the middle of an Aly Martinez novel. The best things in life are the unexpected and I believe thats how this book should be experienced. Aly Martinez has created an impressive background for her characters and a plot that I believe deserves to be discovered by the reader.
What did I love?
I loved that I was challenged out of my fluffy romance box and still managed to adore my journey with this novel. I felt everything that this novel was intended to deliver, from the depth of emotion to the disappointments and anger. I was certainly swept up with the story line so much so that I felt these characters come alive with the purpose that Martinez created in her pages. As expected this book delivered with the heat, emotions and left no room for me to not fall in love with all the characters involved. Martinez triumphed in dealing with sensitive subject matter throughout the pages of this novel and that alone in my option deserves to be congratulated. if nothing else Martinez left me with a sense of belief in the impressive story telling of this book and I'm at a loss for words in telling you how much I'm anticipating the next piece in the puzzle.
Final thoughts ...
If you haven't yet experienced this author and her talented story telling then you are in for a real treat. Nobody writes emotional, original, beautifully woven together stories quite like Aly Martinez does and although I could go on for days telling you all the things I adore about this story, her character and this brilliantly put together book, I really have nothing more to say than I can't wait for other readers to experience this fabulous novel. Fans of this author will not be disappointed you will get exactly what you expect and a million times more. Be prepared for immense fellow readers, enjoy.
"I was broken, battered, and destroyed."
This book was off the charts intense, soul searching and a whole heap of impressive. Aly Martinez always manages to find a way to blow my expectations away and to say I was impressed wouldn't quite match up with the reality. This author takes my reading experience to a whole other level and once again Martinez has left me with an insane need to read more of her work. 'Retrieval' was all that I expected from this author and a multitude of feelings more.
What's it all about?
Take heartache, true love and shocking turn of events and you'll find yourself in the middle of an Aly Martinez novel. The best things in life are the unexpected and I believe thats how this book should be experienced. Aly Martinez has created an impressive background for her characters and a plot that I believe deserves to be discovered by the reader.
What did I love?
I loved that I was challenged out of my fluffy romance box and still managed to adore my journey with this novel. I felt everything that this novel was intended to deliver, from the depth of emotion to the disappointments and anger. I was certainly swept up with the story line so much so that I felt these characters come alive with the purpose that Martinez created in her pages. As expected this book delivered with the heat, emotions and left no room for me to not fall in love with all the characters involved. Martinez triumphed in dealing with sensitive subject matter throughout the pages of this novel and that alone in my option deserves to be congratulated. if nothing else Martinez left me with a sense of belief in the impressive story telling of this book and I'm at a loss for words in telling you how much I'm anticipating the next piece in the puzzle.
Final thoughts ...
If you haven't yet experienced this author and her talented story telling then you are in for a real treat. Nobody writes emotional, original, beautifully woven together stories quite like Aly Martinez does and although I could go on for days telling you all the things I adore about this story, her character and this brilliantly put together book, I really have nothing more to say than I can't wait for other readers to experience this fabulous novel. Fans of this author will not be disappointed you will get exactly what you expect and a million times more. Be prepared for immense fellow readers, enjoy.
September 4, 2016
Something you may or may not know, one in every six couples struggle with fertility, my husband and I are one of those couples. I have been married ten years and this is my sixth year of trying to get pregnant. I have gone through multiple rounds of fertility drugs and procedures, so as hard as I thought this book would be to read I was excited to start it.
Retrieval actually touches on my biggest fear with fertility, losing my marriage due to the insane emotional, mental and financial stress of trying to start a family. Elisabeth and Roman had a whirlwind romance, falling in love was so easy for them. Then they decided to start a family and everything stopped being easy. The story begins right where their's is ending, Elisabeth is leaving Roman.
These are not bad people, no one cheated or was abusive, these are just two broken people who forgot how to live and communicate with each other. This book hit me in the feels big time. I cried throughout this book for so many reasons. I could feel Roman and Lissy’s pain, I have lived so many of the same moments.
When you are fertility drugs you are on edge and I think it makes everyone around you on edge too. When you are on this roller coaster of thinking it was successful only to find out it wasn't it's hard for everyone, because you go from this insane high to the lowest of lows in a matter of days. Your family and friends don't know what to say and usually, you end up isolating yourself.
The most important part to take away from this story is this story is so much more than about fertility problems. The actual focus on the clinical side of things is minimal and the story actually picks up at a point where starting a family is no longer the focus. Additionally, there is a side story that’s happening at the same time. You get to see a third point of view, Clara, her full story will be told in Transfer.
This duet might end up being one of my favorite books this year because I have never read a story I connected to so well. But let’s forget me and focus on other readers who do not struggle with fertility, this story is for you too. Retrieval is emotional and beautifully written, but it’s also suspenseful and has enough mystery and intrigue to keep you wanting to turn the page. Aly Martinez completely blew me away with this story, I could feel her struggles and pain while reading. I cannot wait to see what comes next in Transfer.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Retrieval actually touches on my biggest fear with fertility, losing my marriage due to the insane emotional, mental and financial stress of trying to start a family. Elisabeth and Roman had a whirlwind romance, falling in love was so easy for them. Then they decided to start a family and everything stopped being easy. The story begins right where their's is ending, Elisabeth is leaving Roman.
These are not bad people, no one cheated or was abusive, these are just two broken people who forgot how to live and communicate with each other. This book hit me in the feels big time. I cried throughout this book for so many reasons. I could feel Roman and Lissy’s pain, I have lived so many of the same moments.
When you are fertility drugs you are on edge and I think it makes everyone around you on edge too. When you are on this roller coaster of thinking it was successful only to find out it wasn't it's hard for everyone, because you go from this insane high to the lowest of lows in a matter of days. Your family and friends don't know what to say and usually, you end up isolating yourself.
The most important part to take away from this story is this story is so much more than about fertility problems. The actual focus on the clinical side of things is minimal and the story actually picks up at a point where starting a family is no longer the focus. Additionally, there is a side story that’s happening at the same time. You get to see a third point of view, Clara, her full story will be told in Transfer.
This duet might end up being one of my favorite books this year because I have never read a story I connected to so well. But let’s forget me and focus on other readers who do not struggle with fertility, this story is for you too. Retrieval is emotional and beautifully written, but it’s also suspenseful and has enough mystery and intrigue to keep you wanting to turn the page. Aly Martinez completely blew me away with this story, I could feel her struggles and pain while reading. I cannot wait to see what comes next in Transfer.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2017
FREE!!!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2aMnW74
5 EMOTIONAL STARS
What an emotional roller coaster!Aly Martinez completely drew me into Elizabeth and Roman's story.This journey is riveting,intense,heartbreakingand beautiful.As the story unfolded I was in agony to see what will happen.
Elizabeth and Roman were two amazing characters.I could feel their connection, their intense chemistry,their love and
heart breaks through the story.Roman was smart,funny,protective,sweet and sexy.
He wanted his wife back and he cared for her so much.Elizabeth was a strong heroine.I admired her and I could understand her.
"This is crazy,"
"It always was with us."
Their relationship was realistic and the circuinstances they gone through as a couple.I'm not going to say anything else.You must go blind and devour this brilliant and emotional story!!Retrieval is on top of my favorites books for 2016 and the next book is one of my most anticipated!!!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2aMnW74
5 EMOTIONAL STARS
What an emotional roller coaster!Aly Martinez completely drew me into Elizabeth and Roman's story.This journey is riveting,intense,heartbreakingand beautiful.As the story unfolded I was in agony to see what will happen.
Elizabeth and Roman were two amazing characters.I could feel their connection, their intense chemistry,their love and
heart breaks through the story.Roman was smart,funny,protective,sweet and sexy.
He wanted his wife back and he cared for her so much.Elizabeth was a strong heroine.I admired her and I could understand her.
"This is crazy,"
"It always was with us."
Their relationship was realistic and the circuinstances they gone through as a couple.I'm not going to say anything else.You must go blind and devour this brilliant and emotional story!!Retrieval is on top of my favorites books for 2016 and the next book is one of my most anticipated!!!
September 3, 2016
#AllOfTheStars #AllOfTheFeels
Some semblance of a review to come after book 2, but you don't want to miss this book. Trust me.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Some semblance of a review to come after book 2, but you don't want to miss this book. Trust me.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
September 14, 2016
4 STARS
”The truth was masked by a million lies.”
I consider myself a huge fan of this author and have to say I never expected the turn of events that occurred early on to this once crazy in love couple. Two years later, Roman and Elisabeth are divorced and left with the pain of infertility, loss, and so many regrets.
”It had been nearly two years since we’d last spoken, and I still felt the invisible string binding us together. I couldn’t explain my pull to that man…“
The twists and turns the story takes as another pov is introduced brought the story into suspense mode and I put on my detective cap. I love to think of all the directions the plot can go.
Roman and Elisabeth are pulled back together and learn to move on as a couple to figure out this situation they find themselves in. Roman is a fabulous hero and readers will melt for his bravado and love for Elisabeth.
”I can fix us.” “Hush.” I kissed his chest. “I will fix us, Elisabeth,” he vowed. “Mark my words. I will not spend my life without you.”
There’s danger and suspense yet Roman and Elisabeth rise to the challenge to reclaim their marriage and life together. The story is well written and swoonworthy as only Aly Martinez can deliver. I have a few thoughts on the situation: The ending reveal I did see coming yet am excited to see what becomes of this group of characters with such a dangerous man in the mix!!
”I could fix this. I would fix this. I will fix this. “
”The truth was masked by a million lies.”
I consider myself a huge fan of this author and have to say I never expected the turn of events that occurred early on to this once crazy in love couple. Two years later, Roman and Elisabeth are divorced and left with the pain of infertility, loss, and so many regrets.
”It had been nearly two years since we’d last spoken, and I still felt the invisible string binding us together. I couldn’t explain my pull to that man…“
The twists and turns the story takes as another pov is introduced brought the story into suspense mode and I put on my detective cap. I love to think of all the directions the plot can go.
Roman and Elisabeth are pulled back together and learn to move on as a couple to figure out this situation they find themselves in. Roman is a fabulous hero and readers will melt for his bravado and love for Elisabeth.
”I can fix us.” “Hush.” I kissed his chest. “I will fix us, Elisabeth,” he vowed. “Mark my words. I will not spend my life without you.”
There’s danger and suspense yet Roman and Elisabeth rise to the challenge to reclaim their marriage and life together. The story is well written and swoonworthy as only Aly Martinez can deliver. I have a few thoughts on the situation: The ending reveal I did see coming yet am excited to see what becomes of this group of characters with such a dangerous man in the mix!!
”I could fix this. I would fix this. I will fix this. “
January 22, 2022
OMG I’M DYING IN HERE!!!! I WANT 2nd BOOK RIGHT NOW! I NEED IT!!! :-\
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September 14, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Breathtaking. Epic. Beautiful. Emotional. Raw. Aly Martinez has truly outdone herself with her latest release, Retrieval. This book was everything you could want and wish for in a romantic suspense.
“But how do you throw a lifeline when you yourself don’t even have a rope to hold on to? I might have been able to keep her afloat for another day, but I’d never have been able to pull her back to me.”
There are truly no right words to describe how phenomenal Retrieval by Aly Martinez is but I will do my best to give this book the praise and attention that it deserves. Right off the opening pages, Aly will hold you hostage with her powerful, stunning, touching and visceral prose. THIS BOOK. Yes, this book is EVERYTHING!!!!! It is ALL THE FEELS!!!!!!!! It’s poignant, devastating, heartrendingly beautiful, raw and it’s tragic!
“I’d lived twenty-six years of life before that night. But, suddenly, I was alive for the very first time. I knew absolutely nothing about that man. But I knew he was mine. And I was meant to be his. ”
With a symphony of raw emotions being evoked, Aly grips and demands your full attention as she takes her readers on a journey of REAL LOVE. No, I am not talking about LOVE that is superficial but a LOVE that every hopeless romantic craves, wants, and needs. A love that is timeless. A love that is raw. A love that makes you feel alive. A love that hurts. A love that burns. An unforgettable kind of love. A love that is tangible and palpable from the start. A love where there is no end. And Aly Martinez gave her readers that. She told a love story that was epic. A love story that has two sides.
On their first date, Roman proposed to Elisabeth and the very next day she said yes. You could say their love was a whirlwind and it truly was. Right from the start, Roman and Elisabeth knew that this love and connection between them was REAL. There was no denying it. It was the kind of love that was magical. They were so madly in love and wanted to start a family. After months of trying to get pregnant, Roman and Lissy decided to do fertility treatments even though they didn’t have that much money. They thought their dreams were a reality when Lissy got pregnant but that dream was shattered when they had to bury their son. Soon, Roman became distant and didn’t know how to comfort his grieving wife. Lack of communication became their downfall and so Roman and Lissy ended their marriage.
“What I felt when Roman Leblanc took my hand was more than any poet, author, or screenwriter could describe. It was the culmination of every emotion I’d ever experienced. The high of happy, the depths of sad, and the spine-tingling chill of ecstasy.”
Two years later, Roman is still madly in love with Lissy. He has buried himself in work and sends checks to Lissy. Lissy hasn’t quite moved on as well and deep down readers are well aware that Roman owns a big part of her heart. Will Roman be able to ask for forgiveness and retrieve the only woman who owns his heart, mind, body and soul? Or will it be too late?
In the backdrops of Roman and Lissy’s story, Aly introduces readers to Claire and her daughter. Claire is married to a husband that is the opposite of Roman. Covered in bruises and beaten daily, Claire is in a marriage that she is trapped in. The only reason Claire hasn’t left her husband is for the sake of their daughter. She is afraid that her husband will kill her and hurt their child. Will someone be able to save Claire or will she be left broken?
“Thrust after thrust, his strong arms held me to his chest as he fucked me hard and fast. It was feral, and had it been any other man in the world, it would have been punishing. But it was Roman, and he was back. He was mine. And I had always been his. No one else.”
Retrieval is by far one of the best books that Aly Martinez has written. It was sexy, suspenseful, raw, visceral, and emotional. This book was one of those reads you have to experience in order to understand Roman, Lissy and Claire. This is a story of not just one couple’s journey of repairing their marriage but it is also a story of one woman’s quest of survival. Be prepared to get lost in all the feels. So if you are ready to experience an organic and raw story on the power of love, hope, survival, and strength then I highly recommend you to read this book.
Aly Martinez
Breathtaking. Epic. Beautiful. Emotional. Raw. Aly Martinez has truly outdone herself with her latest release, Retrieval. This book was everything you could want and wish for in a romantic suspense.
“But how do you throw a lifeline when you yourself don’t even have a rope to hold on to? I might have been able to keep her afloat for another day, but I’d never have been able to pull her back to me.”There are truly no right words to describe how phenomenal Retrieval by Aly Martinez is but I will do my best to give this book the praise and attention that it deserves. Right off the opening pages, Aly will hold you hostage with her powerful, stunning, touching and visceral prose. THIS BOOK. Yes, this book is EVERYTHING!!!!! It is ALL THE FEELS!!!!!!!! It’s poignant, devastating, heartrendingly beautiful, raw and it’s tragic!
“I’d lived twenty-six years of life before that night. But, suddenly, I was alive for the very first time. I knew absolutely nothing about that man. But I knew he was mine. And I was meant to be his. ”With a symphony of raw emotions being evoked, Aly grips and demands your full attention as she takes her readers on a journey of REAL LOVE. No, I am not talking about LOVE that is superficial but a LOVE that every hopeless romantic craves, wants, and needs. A love that is timeless. A love that is raw. A love that makes you feel alive. A love that hurts. A love that burns. An unforgettable kind of love. A love that is tangible and palpable from the start. A love where there is no end. And Aly Martinez gave her readers that. She told a love story that was epic. A love story that has two sides.
On their first date, Roman proposed to Elisabeth and the very next day she said yes. You could say their love was a whirlwind and it truly was. Right from the start, Roman and Elisabeth knew that this love and connection between them was REAL. There was no denying it. It was the kind of love that was magical. They were so madly in love and wanted to start a family. After months of trying to get pregnant, Roman and Lissy decided to do fertility treatments even though they didn’t have that much money. They thought their dreams were a reality when Lissy got pregnant but that dream was shattered when they had to bury their son. Soon, Roman became distant and didn’t know how to comfort his grieving wife. Lack of communication became their downfall and so Roman and Lissy ended their marriage.
“What I felt when Roman Leblanc took my hand was more than any poet, author, or screenwriter could describe. It was the culmination of every emotion I’d ever experienced. The high of happy, the depths of sad, and the spine-tingling chill of ecstasy.”Two years later, Roman is still madly in love with Lissy. He has buried himself in work and sends checks to Lissy. Lissy hasn’t quite moved on as well and deep down readers are well aware that Roman owns a big part of her heart. Will Roman be able to ask for forgiveness and retrieve the only woman who owns his heart, mind, body and soul? Or will it be too late?
In the backdrops of Roman and Lissy’s story, Aly introduces readers to Claire and her daughter. Claire is married to a husband that is the opposite of Roman. Covered in bruises and beaten daily, Claire is in a marriage that she is trapped in. The only reason Claire hasn’t left her husband is for the sake of their daughter. She is afraid that her husband will kill her and hurt their child. Will someone be able to save Claire or will she be left broken?
“Thrust after thrust, his strong arms held me to his chest as he fucked me hard and fast. It was feral, and had it been any other man in the world, it would have been punishing. But it was Roman, and he was back. He was mine. And I had always been his. No one else.”
Retrieval is by far one of the best books that Aly Martinez has written. It was sexy, suspenseful, raw, visceral, and emotional. This book was one of those reads you have to experience in order to understand Roman, Lissy and Claire. This is a story of not just one couple’s journey of repairing their marriage but it is also a story of one woman’s quest of survival. Be prepared to get lost in all the feels. So if you are ready to experience an organic and raw story on the power of love, hope, survival, and strength then I highly recommend you to read this book.
Aly Martinez
September 11, 2016
5 STARS
"Time was never on my side."
HOLY MOLY! I’m a serious fan of Aly’s even though I still have many books of hers to read. Every book of hers that I’ve read, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I didn’t read the blurb on this (I usually don’t because I love going in blind). Two things grabbed my attention and had me wanting to read this: Aly and this tagline - One Story. Two Couples.
I was intrigued. And Bloody hell, I was thoroughly surprised and moved. This is one emotionally intense story.
I couldn’t put it down. This had everything I love in a great story. There’s love, heartache, strong characters that you immediately get attached to and root for, and even suspense!
I was clutching my heart for most of this book for many reasons. I’m not giving anything away but what I’ll say is, you’ll be in turmoil. At times, your heart will soar, plummet, lodge in your throat and fucking hurt! But it is so worth the read!
"Today would be different.
Tomorrow would be different.
Forever would be different."
I highly recommend this book and am anxiously awaiting book two!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
"Time was never on my side."
HOLY MOLY! I’m a serious fan of Aly’s even though I still have many books of hers to read. Every book of hers that I’ve read, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I didn’t read the blurb on this (I usually don’t because I love going in blind). Two things grabbed my attention and had me wanting to read this: Aly and this tagline - One Story. Two Couples.
I was intrigued. And Bloody hell, I was thoroughly surprised and moved. This is one emotionally intense story.
I couldn’t put it down. This had everything I love in a great story. There’s love, heartache, strong characters that you immediately get attached to and root for, and even suspense!
I was clutching my heart for most of this book for many reasons. I’m not giving anything away but what I’ll say is, you’ll be in turmoil. At times, your heart will soar, plummet, lodge in your throat and fucking hurt! But it is so worth the read!
"Today would be different.
Tomorrow would be different.
Forever would be different."
I highly recommend this book and am anxiously awaiting book two!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
March 23, 2021
3.5 stars
This was an interesting book. I didn’t like it as much as written with regret, which is still my favorite Aly Martinez book, but it was still interesting enough.
This is a romance about a couple who split up due to fertility issues and loss of a child with a kinda “thrilling” twist that you’d probably see coming.
I liked the characters and the book was so short and so easy to read. I also liked that we get multiple POVs, it was really needed in this book. It definitely wasn’t your “typical” love story. Now to what didn’t really work for me, is that It was kinda unconvincing, moving too fast, and a little bit over the top at times. No way could I believe that someone would agree to marry a man after going on one date with him. Nobody is that amazing! But it was still an interesting readable book tho.
This was an interesting book. I didn’t like it as much as written with regret, which is still my favorite Aly Martinez book, but it was still interesting enough.
This is a romance about a couple who split up due to fertility issues and loss of a child with a kinda “thrilling” twist that you’d probably see coming.
I liked the characters and the book was so short and so easy to read. I also liked that we get multiple POVs, it was really needed in this book. It definitely wasn’t your “typical” love story. Now to what didn’t really work for me, is that It was kinda unconvincing, moving too fast, and a little bit over the top at times. No way could I believe that someone would agree to marry a man after going on one date with him. Nobody is that amazing! But it was still an interesting readable book tho.
September 7, 2016
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Type: Book 1 of 2 from The Retrieval Duet
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:
Roman Leblanc and Elisabeth (Lissy) Keller fell in love in a whirlwind romance. After five years of infertility issue, Lissy finally gave birth but lost it soon after. Death of their baby triggered them to pull away from each other that eventually led to their divorce. Two years later, they were reunited in an unusual circumstances and must work together to fight for what they lost.
I had no idea what I'm getting into when I first read the blurb. But as I finished the first few chapters I knew this is going to be a good one. The underlying premise is similar to one of my top favorite book but this one definitely stood on its own.
Roman did not impress me on first look. But as the story progressed, his character peeled off layers upon layers of qualities that ended up with me loving him. I appreciate how fiercely protective he was for his family.
Lissy had a fragility that might make her look like a damsel in distress. But beyond that, she had strength and determination to do the right thing for her and her family.
There are several important characters in this book that interconnected to each other in some way or another. The last 10% of the book was intense and primed the story for the conclusion in Transfer which hopefully answers the question of why things happened at the first place.
Retrieval is a story of a troubled couple mending their relationship for something that could change their future. The fast pace suspenseful story will keep you glued until the very last page.
Note:
I did somewhat figured something out but still it didn't take away from the story :D
Books in the series:
Must be read in order
✿ ARC won through #ShhSummerBuzzBooks ✿
https://goo.gl/uqgC3u
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Book 1 of 2 from The Retrieval Duet
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:
Roman Leblanc and Elisabeth (Lissy) Keller fell in love in a whirlwind romance. After five years of infertility issue, Lissy finally gave birth but lost it soon after. Death of their baby triggered them to pull away from each other that eventually led to their divorce. Two years later, they were reunited in an unusual circumstances and must work together to fight for what they lost.
I had no idea what I'm getting into when I first read the blurb. But as I finished the first few chapters I knew this is going to be a good one. The underlying premise is similar to one of my top favorite book but this one definitely stood on its own.
“I will fix us, Elisabeth,” he vowed. “Mark my words. I will not spend my life without you.”
Roman did not impress me on first look. But as the story progressed, his character peeled off layers upon layers of qualities that ended up with me loving him. I appreciate how fiercely protective he was for his family.
Lissy had a fragility that might make her look like a damsel in distress. But beyond that, she had strength and determination to do the right thing for her and her family.
There are several important characters in this book that interconnected to each other in some way or another. The last 10% of the book was intense and primed the story for the conclusion in Transfer which hopefully answers the question of why things happened at the first place.
My life was with her. It always had been. It always would be.
Retrieval is a story of a troubled couple mending their relationship for something that could change their future. The fast pace suspenseful story will keep you glued until the very last page.
Note:
I did somewhat figured something out but still it didn't take away from the story :D
Books in the series:
Must be read in order
✿ ARC won through #ShhSummerBuzzBooks ✿
https://goo.gl/uqgC3u
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 27, 2017
4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was an enjoyable read for sure. I was worried that it would be another one that I had built up too much in my head, and it was a little, but it was still a success! I really enjoy Aly Martinez and her storytelling skills. I am excited to get to the next book! Even though I was expecting that shocker on the last page, I really want to see how it all plays out...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: I really do think it is best for one to go in kinda blind, so I'll try to keep this pretty vague. This is Elisabeth, Roman and Clare's story. Elisabeth and Roman went through grueling infertility issues, and after the loss of their child ended up divorced. 2 years later, they are reunited and now oddly connected with Clare. Clare is married to a powerful and bad man who consistently abuses her. She has a young daughter, and she can't find any hope that she'll ever be able to successfully leave him. Roman is determined to correct his pasts mistakes with Elisabeth and use this opportunity to win her back for good. There are some sexy times, a few sad and sweet moments, and some suspenseful events...will all 3 get a HEA?
POV: This alternated between Elisabeth, Roman, and Clare's and POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: Yes. They get married the day after their first date. Normally instalove really bothers me, but for some reason I didn't get bothered at all by this. We experience that first date, and I felt their connection enough for it to be believable.
H rating: 4 stars. Roman. I liked him. He was alpha and pushy, but not too OTT to where it is an issue. He knew that he messed up and he was ready to fix it!
h rating: 4 stars. Elisabeth. I liked her. She had gone through a horrible situation, and I understood her reluctance to trust the H again.
Other h (h2) rating: 4 stars. Clare. **Ok, so just to put this out there -- she is not romantically involved with either of the other 2 mcs (Roman and Elisabeth), so in NO WAY is this a triangle type situation.** I felt like she was truly a 3rd mc though and she deserved a rating as well, so that's what I'm doing here. I really liked her strength. She was in a horrible situation, but she remained strong for her daughter. She wasn't the stereotypical battered wife too! Psychologically, she seeemed sound and it wasn't a situation where she made excuses for the abuse -- no, she knew it was a jacked situation but she just didn't see a way out.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I teared up a few times, but I never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some good chemistry and scenes, but I did feel like they were more about the emotional connection rather than the physical.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes and no.
OW/OM drama: Extremely mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends on a cliffhanger -- BUT the next book, Transfer, is already out :)
How I got it: It was part of my scribed subscription.
Safety: I'd call this one either Safe or Safe with exception depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: This was an enjoyable read for sure. I was worried that it would be another one that I had built up too much in my head, and it was a little, but it was still a success! I really enjoy Aly Martinez and her storytelling skills. I am excited to get to the next book! Even though I was expecting that shocker on the last page, I really want to see how it all plays out...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: I really do think it is best for one to go in kinda blind, so I'll try to keep this pretty vague. This is Elisabeth, Roman and Clare's story. Elisabeth and Roman went through grueling infertility issues, and after the loss of their child ended up divorced. 2 years later, they are reunited and now oddly connected with Clare. Clare is married to a powerful and bad man who consistently abuses her. She has a young daughter, and she can't find any hope that she'll ever be able to successfully leave him. Roman is determined to correct his pasts mistakes with Elisabeth and use this opportunity to win her back for good. There are some sexy times, a few sad and sweet moments, and some suspenseful events...will all 3 get a HEA?
POV: This alternated between Elisabeth, Roman, and Clare's and POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: Yes. They get married the day after their first date. Normally instalove really bothers me, but for some reason I didn't get bothered at all by this. We experience that first date, and I felt their connection enough for it to be believable.
H rating: 4 stars. Roman. I liked him. He was alpha and pushy, but not too OTT to where it is an issue. He knew that he messed up and he was ready to fix it!
h rating: 4 stars. Elisabeth. I liked her. She had gone through a horrible situation, and I understood her reluctance to trust the H again.
Other h (h2) rating: 4 stars. Clare. **Ok, so just to put this out there -- she is not romantically involved with either of the other 2 mcs (Roman and Elisabeth), so in NO WAY is this a triangle type situation.** I felt like she was truly a 3rd mc though and she deserved a rating as well, so that's what I'm doing here. I really liked her strength. She was in a horrible situation, but she remained strong for her daughter. She wasn't the stereotypical battered wife too! Psychologically, she seeemed sound and it wasn't a situation where she made excuses for the abuse -- no, she knew it was a jacked situation but she just didn't see a way out.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I teared up a few times, but I never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some good chemistry and scenes, but I did feel like they were more about the emotional connection rather than the physical.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes and no.
OW/OM drama: Extremely mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends on a cliffhanger -- BUT the next book, Transfer, is already out :)
How I got it: It was part of my scribed subscription.
Safety: I'd call this one either Safe or Safe with exception depending on personal preferences.
October 5, 2016
*****5 Stars*****
“We’d fallen in love in less than a day. Not even utter devastation and two years apart could erase that. A love like ours wasn’t measured in years, distance, or time apart. It was never-ending.”
Wow! I absolutely loved this story. I loved it even more than I thought I would. It was such a beautifully, romantic, heartbreaking and passionate story. It was so addictive and intense that even if I tried, I could not put it down. This is not my first Aly Martinez book, but it is easily my favourite so far. As the blurb suggests, this is “one story two couples.” The two couples are linked through deception, loss, infertility, heartbreak and love.
What starts out as an epic “love at first sight” story between Elisabeth and Roman, soon turns to heartbreak as the ultimate need to start a family takes its toll. Trust me when I say this is not your typical romance story; where a husband is trying to win back his ex-wife, who is his soul mate and the love of his life. The twists and turns this story takes, where the two come face to face for the first time in two years, will have you shocked. They ultimately have to come together for the greater good.
The writing of this story is pure excellence. It is told from multiple points of view, with flashback scenes, but never once was it confusing to the point where you couldn’t follow the story, or who was telling their side. Each and every aspect, including the flashbacks, just added to the suspense and intrigue.
Clare is one half of the aforementioned couples. She is a mother to a beautiful little girl named Tessa. She is living an absolute nightmare. Her husband is physically abusive and she’s a prisoner in her own home. Her only sanctuary is when she is allowed to venture out of the house to the local gym. Clare will eventually cross paths with Elisabeth and Roman but I don’t want to say too much more, because this awe-inspiring, gripping and suspenseful story should not be spoilt, but enjoyed the first time it is read.
I could not recommend this story enough. I really connected with the characters in my own personal way having endured several fertility treatments myself I know what it’s like to want something so bad you are putting all your faith and hopes into the hands of science. I felt every emotion and every word to this astounding story.
I must admit that when I first read the blurb I thought maybe there was cheating involved between the two couples but there is absolutely no cheating or love triangles. They are just two couples whose lives cross paths through despicable and controversial situations. Trust me when I say this story literally rocked my world. If you have not read this as yet, do yourself a favour and grab a copy. You won’t regret it. Retrival does end in a slight cliffhanger and you’ll be desperate to find out how this incredible story ends, but rest assured Transfer (The Retrieval Duet Book 2) has already been released.
September 14, 2016
**5 huge, perfect stars**.
“A love like ours wasn’t measured in years, distance, or time apart. It was never-ending" .
Aly Martinez never ceases to amaze me with her wonderful, beautiful writing. Last year, she wrote one of my favorite books, The Fall Up, and this year, she has outdone herself with the Retrieval duet. This book is simply amazing. Once I started reading it, I simply could not put it down. Everything about the book blew me away, the writing, the story, the characters, the suspense...this book is a beautifully written roller coaster ride.
I have such a hangover, I don’t even know what to do with myself! So, about Retrieval. This is definitely one of those books where if you say too much, you might spoil this amazing reading experience for someone else, and I definitely don’t want that, so I will give you some details but I’ll be as vague as possible. The book is very cleverly written, like the book says, this is one story, two couples, so there are multiple POVs. Book 1 does focus on one of the 2 main couples, while the other is very present, and Book 2 will be focused on the other couple, while the couple from book 1 will also be very present.
The blurb is pretty self-explanatory as far as the featured couple and the other all theme of the story, this couple went through a very difficult time that pretty much destroyed them both and their relationship. So this is a second chance romance of some sorts, and well, you know how much I love those. This one has everything, tons of romance but also tons of feels. Anyway, something happens in the present that gives them the chance to reconnect, and reconnect they do!
I loved both Elisabeth and Roman. Elisabeth, with an s, is an amazing, strong and resilient woman.
“Oh. My. God. My throat closed, and that love flooding my system turned into an all-out wildfire. Roman Leblanc was mine. All of him. Even when he wasn’t.”
And Roman, well there aren’t enough words to describe Roman; he is definitely one of the most amazing, caring and hot alpha men I’ve ever read. He is everything!!!
But I’d never, not once, seen Elisabeth with just my eyes. My heart was just as much a part of the way I viewed her as my retinas.
The love between them is so swoony and so palpable, I was head over heels while reading.
Besides this, I don't want to say anything else because I would hate to spoil anyone's experience, this book is so much more than I expected. The story takes some amazing, unexpected turns and it will keep you on the edge of your seat, the entire time. Once you start, you will not want to put this down. This is definitely, 100% a must read. The story ends on a cliffhanger, but do not worry, the second book in the duet, Transfer, will be releasing in two weeks, and let me tell you, I just finished it, and it’s as amazing as Retrieval. So, I absolutely, wholeheartedly recommend this book!
“Something had broken between us. But, in the process, something had also been repaired.”
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
“A love like ours wasn’t measured in years, distance, or time apart. It was never-ending" .
Aly Martinez never ceases to amaze me with her wonderful, beautiful writing. Last year, she wrote one of my favorite books, The Fall Up, and this year, she has outdone herself with the Retrieval duet. This book is simply amazing. Once I started reading it, I simply could not put it down. Everything about the book blew me away, the writing, the story, the characters, the suspense...this book is a beautifully written roller coaster ride.
I have such a hangover, I don’t even know what to do with myself! So, about Retrieval. This is definitely one of those books where if you say too much, you might spoil this amazing reading experience for someone else, and I definitely don’t want that, so I will give you some details but I’ll be as vague as possible. The book is very cleverly written, like the book says, this is one story, two couples, so there are multiple POVs. Book 1 does focus on one of the 2 main couples, while the other is very present, and Book 2 will be focused on the other couple, while the couple from book 1 will also be very present.
The blurb is pretty self-explanatory as far as the featured couple and the other all theme of the story, this couple went through a very difficult time that pretty much destroyed them both and their relationship. So this is a second chance romance of some sorts, and well, you know how much I love those. This one has everything, tons of romance but also tons of feels. Anyway, something happens in the present that gives them the chance to reconnect, and reconnect they do!
I loved both Elisabeth and Roman. Elisabeth, with an s, is an amazing, strong and resilient woman.
“Oh. My. God. My throat closed, and that love flooding my system turned into an all-out wildfire. Roman Leblanc was mine. All of him. Even when he wasn’t.”
And Roman, well there aren’t enough words to describe Roman; he is definitely one of the most amazing, caring and hot alpha men I’ve ever read. He is everything!!!
But I’d never, not once, seen Elisabeth with just my eyes. My heart was just as much a part of the way I viewed her as my retinas.
The love between them is so swoony and so palpable, I was head over heels while reading.
Besides this, I don't want to say anything else because I would hate to spoil anyone's experience, this book is so much more than I expected. The story takes some amazing, unexpected turns and it will keep you on the edge of your seat, the entire time. Once you start, you will not want to put this down. This is definitely, 100% a must read. The story ends on a cliffhanger, but do not worry, the second book in the duet, Transfer, will be releasing in two weeks, and let me tell you, I just finished it, and it’s as amazing as Retrieval. So, I absolutely, wholeheartedly recommend this book!
“Something had broken between us. But, in the process, something had also been repaired.”
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
September 8, 2016
★★★★ 4.5 Stars ★★★★
Such an unexpected, thrilling, and emotional ride - It was so many things that I wasn't prepared for, but what a great surprise. I rarely read blurbs' for Aly's books anymore, she's an automatic read for me so all I knew going in, was that this story was about two couples, and that it was based on infertility problems and the sadness associated with such an emotional theme.
I am glad that I went in blind, I knew it was going to be a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings, but I really wasn't expecting the force of nature that was Roman Leblanc. Without a doubt, he loved his wife Elisabeth, but after failing her and checking out of their marriage following tragic events, he was determined to become successful enough in his business to always be able to provide for her, no matter what. Two years after their divorce, when they are both called in for questioning at the police station, he vows to win her back.
I loved the characters, I loved the back story and I loved the suspense - this is not a book to be missed, and I cannot wait to dive into part two of this intriguing story to find out the conclusion.
Retrieval is part one of a duet, Transfer is part two. Told from multiple POV's.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
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Such an unexpected, thrilling, and emotional ride - It was so many things that I wasn't prepared for, but what a great surprise. I rarely read blurbs' for Aly's books anymore, she's an automatic read for me so all I knew going in, was that this story was about two couples, and that it was based on infertility problems and the sadness associated with such an emotional theme.
I am glad that I went in blind, I knew it was going to be a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings, but I really wasn't expecting the force of nature that was Roman Leblanc. Without a doubt, he loved his wife Elisabeth, but after failing her and checking out of their marriage following tragic events, he was determined to become successful enough in his business to always be able to provide for her, no matter what. Two years after their divorce, when they are both called in for questioning at the police station, he vows to win her back.
I loved the characters, I loved the back story and I loved the suspense - this is not a book to be missed, and I cannot wait to dive into part two of this intriguing story to find out the conclusion.
Retrieval is part one of a duet, Transfer is part two. Told from multiple POV's.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
September 17, 2016
"As much as I needed to keep my distance, I knew it was futile. I'd never been able to stay away from him."
Retrieval is the first book in The Retrieval Duet and it was by far one of the best reads of the year for me! With the intriguing plot, complex characters, and smoking hot romance, I simply could not tear my eyes away! Warning: you will want to have book two locked and loaded on your Kindle because once you start this journey, you will not want to stop! I started this at around 11 PM with the intention of reading a few pages and let's just say I didn't sleep until the last page was read. Retrieval is one contemporary romance that you do not want to miss!
"Elisabeth was my soul mate on every level. And she was paying the price for that."Elisabeth and Roman shared a love like no other. After a few years of marriage, they grew as best friends and lovers and yet, even the most perfect relationships stumble when imperfections creep in. Despite the love they share between them, they have torn apart. Divorced, heartbroken and now alone, they try to find a way to go on without the other by their side.
"My past, present, and future were walking out of my life, and I stood immobile as every fiber in my being screamed for me to drop to my knees and beg her to stay."
"I can't do this with you, Roman. Not again."Two years later, Elisabeth and Roman are brought together again due to an unlikely circumstance. Roman, now a successful business man wants nothing more than to win Elisabeth back. Elisabeth is terrified to let Roman back into her heart. However, the physical and emotional connection are so strong between the two that it doesn't take them long to discover that the love between them is still there just waiting for them to find their way home. Only this time, Elisabeth and Roman are prepared to hang on to each other through the storm.
"Thrust after thrust, his strong arms held me to his chest and he fucked me hard and fast. It was feral, and had it been any other man in the world, it would have been punishing. But it was Roman, and he was back."
"A love like ours wasn't measured in years, distance, or time apart."Told in dual POV, Retrieval has a well-crafted plot with unique twists and turns that will keep you entertained the entire read. While the story is focused on Elisabeth and Roman, the focus shifts seamlessly back and forth between the main characters and some secondary characters that become quite significant to the overall arc of the story. Roman is indeed my favorite character with his feral attraction to Elisabeth and his unwavering devotion to her and their marriage. Elisabeth is a perfect counterpart for Roman, and together the physical connection was intense and smoking hot! Roman is quite dominant both in and out of the bedroom. And the witty dialogue throughout enhanced each moment and offers a perfect balance to the extraordinary circumstances these characters are facing. In addition to the shifting POV, we also glimpse moments from their past that are critical to understanding the entire dynamics between the two. I felt this was such a clever way to establish the history between them as it enables the reader to engage in the conflict they are facing "in the now." I have always been an Aly Martinez fan, but seriously this book BLEW ME AWAY!
Overall, there is simply nothing better than a story that carries you away to another place. Retrieval is a perfect blend of romance, action, intrigue, and will captivate you for hours! The characters are truly unique and utterly perfect. Every emotion is felt deep and the joy I experienced when Elisabeth and Roman came together again left me smiling for hours. Really, what could be better? This is one series that I would love to see unfold on the big screen. No doubt it would be a blockbuster hit! Until then, I will be re-reading this one again soon!
*ARC graciously provided via author in exchange for an honest review!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
September 16, 2016
A million stars for this book!! This story is brilliant in every way possible, and sucks you into a whole new world of immense, empowering love, desire, pain, tragedy and loss. It is absolutely beautiful, haunting and devastating. This book is exceedingly well written, and it just absolutely gutted me.
Roman and Elisabeth is a couple who share a strong emotional bond and a deep love, struggling with infertility. For them, it’s a journey replete with false hopes and disappointments. After several miscarriages, the loss of their surviving son and spending huge amounts of money on expensive treatments, doggedly pursuing parenthood has left an indelible mark on their life and their marriage.
Roman and Elisabeth are raw, fragile and dynamic, and these qualities make them resonate. The characters are flawed, complicated people who very often behave in less than ideal ways, and this is why they are so compelling. They have some of the greatest chemistry that you just want to wrap your arms around but it's not just about the swoon, it's the way they look out for one another that really got to me. I was so proud to see them beat down their demons and fight for their happiness.
This is a family drama, an epic love story full of angst and heartbreak reflecting life’s unpredictable nature. Retrieval is a masterful demonstration of the author’s undeniable literary skill. It is heartbreakingly beautiful. All around the perfect read!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Roman and Elisabeth is a couple who share a strong emotional bond and a deep love, struggling with infertility. For them, it’s a journey replete with false hopes and disappointments. After several miscarriages, the loss of their surviving son and spending huge amounts of money on expensive treatments, doggedly pursuing parenthood has left an indelible mark on their life and their marriage.
Roman and Elisabeth are raw, fragile and dynamic, and these qualities make them resonate. The characters are flawed, complicated people who very often behave in less than ideal ways, and this is why they are so compelling. They have some of the greatest chemistry that you just want to wrap your arms around but it's not just about the swoon, it's the way they look out for one another that really got to me. I was so proud to see them beat down their demons and fight for their happiness.
This is a family drama, an epic love story full of angst and heartbreak reflecting life’s unpredictable nature. Retrieval is a masterful demonstration of the author’s undeniable literary skill. It is heartbreakingly beautiful. All around the perfect read!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
September 8, 2016
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Aly Martinez" exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Retrieval
SERIES: (The Retrieval Duet, #1)
AUTHOR: Aly Martinez
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
CHAPTERS: Prologue |
RELEASE DATE: September 13th, 2016
MY RATING: 5 STARS
RETRIEVAL: This kicks starts us off in the 'Prologue' spoken in 'Romans' own words.
ONE STORY
TWO COUPLES
Couple 1: Roman & Elisabeth
Couple 2: Clare & Walt
We're first introduced to Roman & Elisabeth, a crumbling marriage, Elisabeth walking out the door, to understand where it all went wrong, we have to go back, go back to where it all started. Back to how they met, back to how it all began to unravel.
My past, my present,
and future were walking out of my life
and I stood immobile as every fibre in my being screamed for me
to drop to my knees and beg her to stay.
Elisabeth and Roman had a whirlwind romance, he proposed to her approximately five hours into their first date, married within less than a week, everything came easy for them, until it wasn't so easy, they tried starting a family, thousands of dollars spent, many attempts without success.
Roman and Elisabeth grappled with starting a family.
They desperately wanted children.
But they couldn’t conceive on their own.
“During our long journey to have a child,
we’d discovered that Roman produced very few sperm,
most of which were abnormal. Doctors had been optimistic,
saying that in utero injections (IUI) would be our best bet.
But, three miscarriages later, they changed their tune.
The same day we were told that our last hope was in vitro fertilization (IVF),
it was strongly suggested that we use a sperm donor”
Money fixed exactly zero of my problems
I could buy anything I wanted.
Except her.
Never her.
2 YEARS LATER: It's been two years since Roman & Elisabeth have spoken or seen each other, neither have moved on from the hurt the other inflicted. Both are pigheaded and love each other, but neither will admit it.
It had been nearly two years since we'd last spoken,
and I still felt the invisible strings binding us together.
They are then asked to come into their local police station for questioning, Elisabeth & Roman's world is rocked to the core. ~ PLOT TWIST ~
Getting to Clare & Walt's story is where the story connects the two couples, without going into the plot too much as it contains spoilers expect your heart to beat that extra beat, Clare is living a nightmare that's not willing to give up it's grip, an overbearing husband who has her locked within the marital walls of their home, the only reprieve she has is the gym where she goes to daily just to feel safe and breathe, living with a dangerous man has taken it's toll on her emotions, her well being. This story will grip you within its grasp, your heart will break for what she has to give up in order to protect a loved one.
Walter Noir - A money laundering, drug-dealing, murdering lowlife.
I knew that this book was going to gut me and bring me to my knees, it captivates you as soon as you read the 'Prologue' as you carry on within the journey of these two couples you get dragged onto that emotional rollercoaster that has no breaks.
A raw, gripping, emotional read that will hold you within its grasp until you read that very last word, that very last page, the author captivated me, stole my heart with these characters and made me love wholeheartedly.
"Aly Martinez" exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Retrieval
SERIES: (The Retrieval Duet, #1)
AUTHOR: Aly Martinez
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
CHAPTERS: Prologue |
RELEASE DATE: September 13th, 2016
MY RATING: 5 STARS
RETRIEVAL: This kicks starts us off in the 'Prologue' spoken in 'Romans' own words.
ONE STORY
TWO COUPLES
Couple 1: Roman & Elisabeth
Couple 2: Clare & Walt
We're first introduced to Roman & Elisabeth, a crumbling marriage, Elisabeth walking out the door, to understand where it all went wrong, we have to go back, go back to where it all started. Back to how they met, back to how it all began to unravel.
My past, my present, and future were walking out of my life
and I stood immobile as every fibre in my being screamed for me
to drop to my knees and beg her to stay.
Elisabeth and Roman had a whirlwind romance, he proposed to her approximately five hours into their first date, married within less than a week, everything came easy for them, until it wasn't so easy, they tried starting a family, thousands of dollars spent, many attempts without success.
Roman and Elisabeth grappled with starting a family.
They desperately wanted children.
But they couldn’t conceive on their own.
“During our long journey to have a child, we’d discovered that Roman produced very few sperm,
most of which were abnormal. Doctors had been optimistic,
saying that in utero injections (IUI) would be our best bet.
But, three miscarriages later, they changed their tune.
The same day we were told that our last hope was in vitro fertilization (IVF),
it was strongly suggested that we use a sperm donor”
Money fixed exactly zero of my problems
I could buy anything I wanted.
Except her.
Never her.
2 YEARS LATER: It's been two years since Roman & Elisabeth have spoken or seen each other, neither have moved on from the hurt the other inflicted. Both are pigheaded and love each other, but neither will admit it.
It had been nearly two years since we'd last spoken,and I still felt the invisible strings binding us together.
They are then asked to come into their local police station for questioning, Elisabeth & Roman's world is rocked to the core. ~ PLOT TWIST ~
Getting to Clare & Walt's story is where the story connects the two couples, without going into the plot too much as it contains spoilers expect your heart to beat that extra beat, Clare is living a nightmare that's not willing to give up it's grip, an overbearing husband who has her locked within the marital walls of their home, the only reprieve she has is the gym where she goes to daily just to feel safe and breathe, living with a dangerous man has taken it's toll on her emotions, her well being. This story will grip you within its grasp, your heart will break for what she has to give up in order to protect a loved one.
Walter Noir - A money laundering, drug-dealing, murdering lowlife.
I knew that this book was going to gut me and bring me to my knees, it captivates you as soon as you read the 'Prologue' as you carry on within the journey of these two couples you get dragged onto that emotional rollercoaster that has no breaks.
A raw, gripping, emotional read that will hold you within its grasp until you read that very last word, that very last page, the author captivated me, stole my heart with these characters and made me love wholeheartedly.
September 23, 2016
I didn't really enjoy this as much as I had hoped. All I kept seeing were 5 stars so I really thought I would've been blown away by Retrieval but not really. But I admit that there was just something about this book that kept me reading. I was really invested in Elisabeth and Roman's second chance romance but the whole IVF, switching of embryos, and Clare and Walt's storyline just didn't really work for me.
Personally, I have nothing against IVF but to be honest, I don't know much about it so I don't really have an opinion on it. It's not something I read about in books everyday so it was a bit outside my comfort zone but I found myself not minding it a bit.
A complaint I had was that the drama with Clare and Walt became too dramatic and unrealistic to me. Not to mention, I just wasn't invested in their story. Which is probably why I probably won't be continuing onto the next book because it seems very Clare-centric. Since the beginning, I thought Clare was just a weak character. I understood where she was coming from but at the point where she turned her back on Roman's help to seek for Walt's was when I was just done with her. I was never really blown away by her but that just made me dislike her even more.
I think the next book would be interesting to see with "Luke" and how his relationship with Clare develops. I saw this little plot twist coming from a mile away so I wasn't really surprised. But I actually really like Luke so I might give the second book a try for him, and of course to see where Elisabeth and Roman fall in. But it's definitely not high on my priority list.
Personally, I have nothing against IVF but to be honest, I don't know much about it so I don't really have an opinion on it. It's not something I read about in books everyday so it was a bit outside my comfort zone but I found myself not minding it a bit.
A complaint I had was that the drama with Clare and Walt became too dramatic and unrealistic to me. Not to mention, I just wasn't invested in their story. Which is probably why I probably won't be continuing onto the next book because it seems very Clare-centric. Since the beginning, I thought Clare was just a weak character. I understood where she was coming from but at the point where she turned her back on Roman's help to seek for Walt's was when I was just done with her. I was never really blown away by her but that just made me dislike her even more.
I think the next book would be interesting to see with "Luke" and how his relationship with Clare develops. I saw this little plot twist coming from a mile away so I wasn't really surprised. But I actually really like Luke so I might give the second book a try for him, and of course to see where Elisabeth and Roman fall in. But it's definitely not high on my priority list.
November 19, 2016
I have no time to write a review. After the ending of Retrieval, I pat myself on the shoulder, high five the person next to me, and thank myself for waiting until the next book in this duet was available.
Absolutely needing to read on to catch my breath!!! Dang, If you're like me and have not yet read this series, DO IT!
"A love like ours wasn't measured in years, distance, or time apart. It was never-ending."
I loved Roman & Elisabeth. I can't wait to find out what happens next.....
Absolutely needing to read on to catch my breath!!! Dang, If you're like me and have not yet read this series, DO IT!
"A love like ours wasn't measured in years, distance, or time apart. It was never-ending."
I loved Roman & Elisabeth. I can't wait to find out what happens next.....
October 29, 2016
Okay, okay. Maybe it's just me, but does anyone else think this story should have, oh I don't know, 10 additional chapters? WTF. Fuck. Martinez, this was too short. We need more, dammit!
Seeing this is my first book by Martinez, I was unsure what to expect although the various blogs and reviews hinted at it being an amazing read. Still, I went in on tenterhooks and dare I say, an attitude of let's just wait and see.
Oh boy. All the glowing reviews were right and what we have is a love story with elements of intrigue and suspense. I am tempted to go all Nigerian on you and say "na wa o". Lol...
This was an un-put-downable read and I may have found my best book couple of the year in Lissy and Roman. So. Damn. Perfect.
Best to go in without reading spoilers because this will hook your heart right from the first page without unclasping it even well after the last word.
Brilliant!
September 18, 2016
4.5 STARS
OMG. THAT WAS AMAZING. Roman is alphalicious in more ways than one. I had those crazy crazy tummy flutters with him. And I have to say I was HAPPILY surprised with the angst. It's not that crazy "I'm going to rip out your soul" angst, it's more "I'm on the edge of my seat, can't stop reading, must know what happens," angst. So yeah, I LOVED that. I have so much to say! Gonna stop and write full reviews today!
OMG. THAT WAS AMAZING. Roman is alphalicious in more ways than one. I had those crazy crazy tummy flutters with him. And I have to say I was HAPPILY surprised with the angst. It's not that crazy "I'm going to rip out your soul" angst, it's more "I'm on the edge of my seat, can't stop reading, must know what happens," angst. So yeah, I LOVED that. I have so much to say! Gonna stop and write full reviews today!
September 10, 2016
★★★★4 Stars★★★★
"We'd been happy once. But we'd gotten greedy and tried to start a family".
I feel like I need to get a t shirt that says" I survived reading "Retrieval" by Aly Martinez Aaaaand I'm slightly drunk now". This touched on a heavy subject that quite frankly hasnt been talked about alot.
Infertility affects one in six couples and when you really think about, that is a scary number. After you find someone that you want to spend the rest of your life with, the logical next step is starting a family. But what if it's not that simple?
From the moment Roman met Elisabeth on their first date, he knew she was the one. As crazy as it was, he proposed right then and there hoping she would say yes. Twenty four hours later she made him the happiest man by saying yes.
You would think that maybe they moved way too fast and their feelings weren't real for one another but they were. For five years, they loved each other fiercely, made sacrifices that you wouldn't believe,and discovered that heartbreak and loss was a feeling that they would never wish on their worst enemy.
"I'd always been amazed by how much punishment a heart could take. I was broken, battered, and destroyed".
The story started off with a powerful prologue that made my heart ache. For Roman and Elisabeth, their fairytale life was now coming to an end. It wasn't an easy road but the last six months had been even more difficult forcing Elisabeth to make a descision. Stay or leave. With a heavy heart, she chose to leave the only man she's ever loved.
Two years later, they're both trying to move on but that's easier said than done. One moment will put them face to face with each other for the first time in two years and they will quickly learn, true love really doesn't go away.
I loved that this was a story about not one, but two couples! The way this author incorporated Clare's storyline was simply flawless. Everything that happened was for a reason leading up to one heck of an ending. How is everyone connected, what will happen to Roman and Elisabeth's future, were all questions that you're going to be asking.
But just when you think you've got it figured out, think again. Now excuse me while I go and not so patiently wait for "Transfer".
*Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
"We'd been happy once. But we'd gotten greedy and tried to start a family".
I feel like I need to get a t shirt that says" I survived reading "Retrieval" by Aly Martinez Aaaaand I'm slightly drunk now". This touched on a heavy subject that quite frankly hasnt been talked about alot.
Infertility affects one in six couples and when you really think about, that is a scary number. After you find someone that you want to spend the rest of your life with, the logical next step is starting a family. But what if it's not that simple?
From the moment Roman met Elisabeth on their first date, he knew she was the one. As crazy as it was, he proposed right then and there hoping she would say yes. Twenty four hours later she made him the happiest man by saying yes.
You would think that maybe they moved way too fast and their feelings weren't real for one another but they were. For five years, they loved each other fiercely, made sacrifices that you wouldn't believe,and discovered that heartbreak and loss was a feeling that they would never wish on their worst enemy.
"I'd always been amazed by how much punishment a heart could take. I was broken, battered, and destroyed".
The story started off with a powerful prologue that made my heart ache. For Roman and Elisabeth, their fairytale life was now coming to an end. It wasn't an easy road but the last six months had been even more difficult forcing Elisabeth to make a descision. Stay or leave. With a heavy heart, she chose to leave the only man she's ever loved.
Two years later, they're both trying to move on but that's easier said than done. One moment will put them face to face with each other for the first time in two years and they will quickly learn, true love really doesn't go away.
I loved that this was a story about not one, but two couples! The way this author incorporated Clare's storyline was simply flawless. Everything that happened was for a reason leading up to one heck of an ending. How is everyone connected, what will happen to Roman and Elisabeth's future, were all questions that you're going to be asking.
But just when you think you've got it figured out, think again. Now excuse me while I go and not so patiently wait for "Transfer".
*Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2016
♥ ♥ ♥ 5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥
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'I'd never been able to resist that woman. Despite that we'd fallen apart, it hadn't changed. The hum for her was still in my veins. It never went away...'
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Oh. My. God. This book was everything! This emotional story was utterly brilliant and so beautifully well written. It was completely captivating, suspenseful, and heartbreaking. I loved every single moment of this book. Aly Martinez just blew me away with this book.
This book is just like the blurb says, "One story. Two couples.". I was very curious how this story was going to unfold with two couples involved, but Aly Martinez made it work so perfectly. Roman and Elisabeth is the main couple in this story. At the start of the book, you see these two at the end of their marriage. A lot of things took a toll on their relationship, causing Elisabeth to leave Roman. One of the big causes was their struggle with infertility, something that shattered their hearts time and time again. They feel helpless to their situation however, Elisabeth remains hopeful while Roman becomes withdrawn.
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'I needed more. Not the kind of more his body could offer. I wanted the kind of more that spoke to my soul that only Roman had to offer.'
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The story takes place in the present with some flashbacks of the past that gives you some insight on how Roman and Elisabeth fell in love. As well as the events that broke my heart for them when they experienced a loss of a child to ultimately the end of their marriage. It has now been two years since things ended between them and now fate has reunited them again. Roman is getting a second chance with Elisabeth and he refuses to let it go to waste.
I really don't want to give much of the story away because this was a reading experience unlike anything else, and it is one you should definitely experience for yourself. All I will say is that you will be consumed by this book. It had a good balance of romance and suspense. There were some great twists and turns that totally surprised me. There was some good steam in this book as well, so it all wasn't too intense. There were definitely some emotional parts that had me full of fury and tears. This book had it all.
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“My life was with her. It always had been. It always would be.”
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I absolutely loved Roman and Elisabeth. These two characters were so broken but together they were whole. I loved seeing Roman relentlessly work his way back into Elisabeth's life. He cared and loved Elisabeth so deeply even with their separation it never ended for him. He won my heart completely as a result. When you read this book you will understand just how much he made me swoon.
Overall, this book was a real winner for me and I can't stress enough how much I loved it. This did end with a bit of a cliffhanger ending so I am can't wait to read the next part. I highly recommend this book. I have a feeling that this duet will be one of my favourite series.
September 16, 2016
Holy crap on a cracker! If you look up “page-turner” in the dictionary, I’m fairly confident Retrieval is one of the definitions. If not, then it should be. This. Book. Is. Effing. Amazing.
The story revolves around two completely different, but equally fascinating, couples: Roman and Elisabeth and Clare and Walt. Aly Martinez could easily have made this book about only one of the couples, and you’d have a compelling plot. Including two couples with well-developed backgrounds and an intriguing intersection, though, creates a deliciously irresistible story, and I devoured every word.
This book should appeal to readers with a wide variety of tastes. Mystery, suspense, romance, thriller, tearjerkers, second-chance romance—this book has it all. Retrieval is a sinfully addictive, heart-pounding thrill ride that I didn’t want to end. This is a duet, so prepare yourself for a nail-biting shocking cliffhanger. I can’t wait to get my grabby little hands on Transfer!
Recommended for fans of:
Mysteries
Suspense
Second-chance romance
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
The story revolves around two completely different, but equally fascinating, couples: Roman and Elisabeth and Clare and Walt. Aly Martinez could easily have made this book about only one of the couples, and you’d have a compelling plot. Including two couples with well-developed backgrounds and an intriguing intersection, though, creates a deliciously irresistible story, and I devoured every word.
This book should appeal to readers with a wide variety of tastes. Mystery, suspense, romance, thriller, tearjerkers, second-chance romance—this book has it all. Retrieval is a sinfully addictive, heart-pounding thrill ride that I didn’t want to end. This is a duet, so prepare yourself for a nail-biting shocking cliffhanger. I can’t wait to get my grabby little hands on Transfer!
Recommended for fans of:
Mysteries
Suspense
Second-chance romance
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
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