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Difference Trilogy #1
The Difference Between Somebody and Someone
The world owes you nothing.
It took losing the woman I loved and facing the paralyzing task of moving on without her for me to truly understand that.
Consumed by regret and razor-sharp memories, I’d resigned myself to a life of loneliness until a survivor from the same plane crash that took my fiancée stormed into my life.
Remi Grey was chaos and sunshine, fire and freedom. With her in my arms, I began to believe that fate had other plans for me.
But as secrets of the past exploded around us, it seemed the only thing fated about our relationship was that I had been destined to lose her from the start.
The world owes you nothing. But for Remi, I would risk it all. No matter the cost.
It took losing the woman I loved and facing the paralyzing task of moving on without her for me to truly understand that.
Consumed by regret and razor-sharp memories, I’d resigned myself to a life of loneliness until a survivor from the same plane crash that took my fiancée stormed into my life.
Remi Grey was chaos and sunshine, fire and freedom. With her in my arms, I began to believe that fate had other plans for me.
But as secrets of the past exploded around us, it seemed the only thing fated about our relationship was that I had been destined to lose her from the start.
The world owes you nothing. But for Remi, I would risk it all. No matter the cost.
258 pages
First published January 27, 2022
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 696 reviews
May 24, 2022
4 Stars
I really enjoyed this.
If you follow my reviews at all, you know I am not a fan of the dead-ex trope. I've rambled on about that ad nauseum in numerous other reviews, so I won't bore anyone yet again here. You're welcome.
That said, I also have a lot of faith in Aly Martinez. I've read a dead-ex book from her before...it was in a series I was completely dedicated to and so basically had to read despite any misgivings. And due to her talent as a romance queen, she pulled it out like a champ and so I just trust her. (HERE is my review for said book for those interested)
Anyway, I trusted Martinez and I'm glad I did.
I really liked both lead characters here. Remi was quirky without being Manic Pixie Nightmare on us and I always love a grumpy, enigmatic lead hunka hunk.
I won't go too far into the story so as to not include any spoilers. Not gonna lie, my hunch about...things was spot on, which didn't bother me whatsoever. I had fun trying to sleuth out the hints.
Anyway, I've already basically read book two already at this time of writing this. So off to half-ass that review in a second too.
I really enjoyed this.
If you follow my reviews at all, you know I am not a fan of the dead-ex trope. I've rambled on about that ad nauseum in numerous other reviews, so I won't bore anyone yet again here. You're welcome.
That said, I also have a lot of faith in Aly Martinez. I've read a dead-ex book from her before...it was in a series I was completely dedicated to and so basically had to read despite any misgivings. And due to her talent as a romance queen, she pulled it out like a champ and so I just trust her. (HERE is my review for said book for those interested)
Anyway, I trusted Martinez and I'm glad I did.
I really liked both lead characters here. Remi was quirky without being Manic Pixie Nightmare on us and I always love a grumpy, enigmatic lead hunka hunk.
I won't go too far into the story so as to not include any spoilers. Not gonna lie, my hunch about...things was spot on, which didn't bother me whatsoever. I had fun trying to sleuth out the hints.
Anyway, I've already basically read book two already at this time of writing this. So off to half-ass that review in a second too.
February 2, 2022
4.5 stars
Okay that was honestly one twist I didn't see coming. Aly Martinez always writes the most captivating stories full of emotion and this one really got me. Honestly, I'm in shock. I didn't suspect this. Not even a little. I'm so intruged and I can't wait to see where the rest of this trilogy leads.
"Somebody is a person you found. Someone is a person fate picked out for you."
Okay that was honestly one twist I didn't see coming. Aly Martinez always writes the most captivating stories full of emotion and this one really got me. Honestly, I'm in shock. I didn't suspect this. Not even a little. I'm so intruged and I can't wait to see where the rest of this trilogy leads.
January 21, 2022
📚'THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOMEBODY AND SOMEONE' 📚 Is the first full length book in Aly Martinez's 'Difference Trilogy.' Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'
Honestly I don't even know how to write up this review, because I'm trying wrack my brain around what I'd just read..
Bowen & Remi are everything, these two will capture your hearts easily. She's the quirky plant loving clumsy heroine, real-estate realtor running her own business. He's an accountant and is man steepled in grief after losing his fiancee in a tragic airplane accident. Their attraction was instant, they were made for each other. Your pulled into their orbit ceaselessly.
This author is known for her cunning blindsides so prepare yourself to get thrown a curveball which let me tell you changes the whole story!
First off, go into this one blind, don’t read reviews incase someone has divulged spoilers, because this will rock you to the core with the big twist that comes your way!
I kind of knew something was coming as it was brewing away in the background but I wasn’t prepared for what unfolded. Leaving me flabbergasted but craving that next book like my next breath!! This was crazy good!!
Do you believe in fate, or soul mates? Get ready because this story will have you believing that anything is possible.
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
February 15, 2022
"The world owes you nothing."
Once upon a blue moon, there's a book I see somewhere and I just need to read it. I may not know the author, and have never read anything by them, but something draws me in. This was one of those books. It was like it was calling to me. Even the cover. This picture is stunning and Andrew Biernat is the perfect Bowen.
I couldn't stop reading it, and I'm very much broken. I sort of love it, but want to hate it. My mind is blown and I have a huge book hangover. I have all these feelings I don't know how to express. And everything I say doesn't seem to be enough, somehow.
Because it's better if you go in blind like I did, I'll just give out general details.
"His gaze searched my face as if I held the answers to every question he'd never spoken."
The Difference Between Somebody and Someone is a story of love and loss and how each of them can build us up and tear us down. How something can absolutely break us and bring us to our knees, but somehow fix us up again. I have tears in my eyes right now.
Two survivors of a plane crash find each other, seemingly randomly. There's an instant attraction and an instant pull that is undeniable. I loved both Bowen and Remi for different reasons, as they're coming to terms with what happened to them, while Bowen is also facing another type of loss from his past.
It's easy to fall in love with both of them because they're amazing together. They're swoony, they're funny, their banter is cute and steamy. The moments they share, the seamless way they fit will melt you.
"Being with you is the only time I ever feel the warmth of the sun."
As you get glimpses from Bowen's past, around and before the plane crash, you realize there's something else going on, but you can't quite put your finger on it. He's clearly damaged. But, as I said, this is also a story of people being put back together, and Remi is the perfect counterpart. Someone who can bring him down to earth, to her, to them, to what they can be.
Aly Martinez took me, and is likely to take you, for a spin with this one. Because both main characters made me forget this is book one of three. It totally slipped my mind. And it shouldn't have. I should have been bracing myself.
"Somebody is a person you found. Someone is a person fate picked for you."
I need the next two books. I choose to believe Ms. Martinez has something special in store for us. I need to believe it will all work out in the end. I want to believe they really have found their 'someone' and life can suck it. Because sometimes the world really does owe you something.
Amazing book.
As I mentioned, book 1 of 3, ends in a cliffhanger. The next two books will come out in February and March.
Once upon a blue moon, there's a book I see somewhere and I just need to read it. I may not know the author, and have never read anything by them, but something draws me in. This was one of those books. It was like it was calling to me. Even the cover. This picture is stunning and Andrew Biernat is the perfect Bowen.
I couldn't stop reading it, and I'm very much broken. I sort of love it, but want to hate it. My mind is blown and I have a huge book hangover. I have all these feelings I don't know how to express. And everything I say doesn't seem to be enough, somehow.
Because it's better if you go in blind like I did, I'll just give out general details.
"His gaze searched my face as if I held the answers to every question he'd never spoken."
The Difference Between Somebody and Someone is a story of love and loss and how each of them can build us up and tear us down. How something can absolutely break us and bring us to our knees, but somehow fix us up again. I have tears in my eyes right now.
Two survivors of a plane crash find each other, seemingly randomly. There's an instant attraction and an instant pull that is undeniable. I loved both Bowen and Remi for different reasons, as they're coming to terms with what happened to them, while Bowen is also facing another type of loss from his past.
It's easy to fall in love with both of them because they're amazing together. They're swoony, they're funny, their banter is cute and steamy. The moments they share, the seamless way they fit will melt you.
"Being with you is the only time I ever feel the warmth of the sun."
As you get glimpses from Bowen's past, around and before the plane crash, you realize there's something else going on, but you can't quite put your finger on it. He's clearly damaged. But, as I said, this is also a story of people being put back together, and Remi is the perfect counterpart. Someone who can bring him down to earth, to her, to them, to what they can be.
Aly Martinez took me, and is likely to take you, for a spin with this one. Because both main characters made me forget this is book one of three. It totally slipped my mind. And it shouldn't have. I should have been bracing myself.
"Somebody is a person you found. Someone is a person fate picked for you."
I need the next two books. I choose to believe Ms. Martinez has something special in store for us. I need to believe it will all work out in the end. I want to believe they really have found their 'someone' and life can suck it. Because sometimes the world really does owe you something.
Amazing book.
As I mentioned, book 1 of 3, ends in a cliffhanger. The next two books will come out in February and March.
Read
January 22, 2022Holy cannoli! What a ride this was. Props to Aly Martinez for this bold plot that delivers more intrigue at every turn. This is the rare book that will leave you teasing apart the events for days afterwards. When I grow up I want to plot like Aly Martinez.
April 23, 2022
I buried my face in the curve of his neck. "It's still me. I'm right here. I swear."
"I know. It's just going to take a while for it to really sink in. For me to believe it's real."
"Well, I'm here for as long as it takes."
He stroked the back of my hair. "That might be forever."
"Okay. I kinda like it here."
He let out a low hum. "You think I'm kidding."
"I hope you're not."
it's 3am, and i- *crying, shaking, throwing up*
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐯 ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑒 :
𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 ⋆ 𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐮
𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 (𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝) ⋆ 𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐮
𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 ⋆ 𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐥
𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 ⋆ 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲
𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 ⋆ 𝟓 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫
𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⋆ 𝐳𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲
𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 ⋆ 𝐦𝟖𝟑
𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 ⋆ 𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜
𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 ⋆ 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐲
𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 ⋆ 𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐧
𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐭 ⋆ 𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐧
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
absolutely safe; no om/ow drama.
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
aftermath of/surviving a fatal vehicular accident (plane crash), loss of a loved one (fiancée), mental illness, mentions of drug abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide attempt…
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☽ damaged H + h
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ fast-paced
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☽ grumpy-sunshine
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ humor
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☽ insta-love galore; love at first sight
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ plot twist
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☽ soulmates
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ unconditional love
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☽ whirlwind romance
𝐁𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐗𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐒
accountant
nerd
bowen, name aside, is, when i'm not my usual mooning-over-fictional-dark-romantic-psychotic-shitheads 24/7 self, the kind of man i would want to keep and to keep me. the kind of man to surprise me with cactuses and exotic plants instead of flowers. the kind of man to 'give me endless amounts of shit and laugh hysterically when I gave it right back'. the kind of man to watch over me when i sleep. the kind of man to distract my thoughts and keep me company when i can't. the kind of man to stay forever young and grow older with me. the kind of man that my family might approve of for once. the kind of man that, maybe to everybody else, is ostensibly boring, and yet i wouldn't change him, not for the fucking world. i think what it is, is the way this man loves is so damn all-consuming and unbounded it actually hurts, and yet, it heals. more so, it's only ever exponential and so earth-shatteringly unconditional, it's the most awe-inspiring thing—to be loved by someone that much.
‘I loved that woman. Whole heart. Whole soul. Bend me, break me, crack me open and she would have been there.’
𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘
mercurial
seductive
unstable
this. woman. for such a short novel, it's crazy how i mourned her. i literally fucking grieved. she was perpetually lost, transitorily a lost cause. she was fragile. she was vulnerable. she was melancholy. and yet, in all her disturbance and inharmoniousness, in the descent into downward spiral, she was everything to me. she felt like my kindred spirit. that, in itself, is kind of scary, all things considered, but i stand by it.
‘No nightmares. No crying in her sleep. No insomnia. Just even breaths, her head on my shoulder, and her body wound around mine so tightly it was like a second skin.
But that was the past.
The unreachable, insurmountable past.’
𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐘
real estate company owner
cute flirty free spirit quirky weirdo
this one? she grew on me. like a fungus. in good conscience, i can't say anything bad about her. she's too wide-eyed and wholesome for that. she's also a little wild. for every time she made me cringe, she made me laugh. i mean, unless you're allergic to such a heroine, she might just grow on you, too.
"Front or back, Remi?" he asked.
Confused, I answered, "I-I’ve never done that, but if you’re—"
A wicked chuckle rumbled through the cab. "I mean, how does your dress open? Buttons in the front or zipper in the back?"
"Oh. The zipper."
"Okay. But I like where your head is at, Ms. Grey. Not tonight though. I need something more rough right now, and I’ll want to take my time with that."
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐯 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
I’d texted Bowen every morning when I woke up. He’d laughed because five of those times he’d been lying in the bed beside me. I’d also texted him before showing houses, after showing houses, and during lunch, and again, two of those times he had been sitting across the table from me.
mr. alexander michaels' possessiveness…
"You know I haven’t had car sex since—"
"Ever," he finished. "My cock is still inside you, babe. The answer is you haven’t had car sex ever."
their banter, albeit cringy, their idiosyncratic humor…
"You have got to stop seducing me," I rasped.
"You’re right. I never should have asked you to pass the shampoo. How very thoughtless and manipulative of me."
their meet cute, THEIR MEET CUTE
omg, are you fucking kidding meee?!
"All right," she said from an alarmingly close proximity.
I swung my head to the side and found her sitting next to me. Like, right fucking next to me, her soft floral scent filling my senses.
"You’re gonna play the strong, silent type. Don’t worry. I like it." She smiled. Bright. White. Life-altering.
Fuck me, she was even more beautiful up close.
"Are you waiting on someone?" she asked. "Friend? Wife? Girlfriend?" She paused and slanted her head. "Boyfriend?"
My gaze dipped to her lips. "None of the above. But I thought you were expecting someone."
"Well, I was. Then I realized he would rather eye-fuck me in the mirror than come over and start a conversation."
Busted. And I couldn’t even be mad about it.
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
this was my first by this author, and after centuries of reading about just how emotional and mature and torn everything she writes makes a bitch feel, i feel like a grown up, i— i'm a bitch.
difference trilogy :
#1: the difference between somebody and someone ↠ 4.5 stars!
#2: the difference between somehow and someway ↠ 4 stars!
#3: the difference between someday and forever ↠ 2.5 stars!
January 24, 2022
I would love to be a fly on the wall in Aly Martinez's office because I feel like this woman plots her storyline so meticulously, no one is allowed in there under any circumstance. Passwords by the door be damn, running on empty with the fight of caffeine and knowing that she’s potentially going to give her readers a panic attack or send them to drink, is why I want to be that fly. I’m currently sitting here trying to gather my thoughts and I've reached the dreaded conclusion that I can't. You know why that is? because I wholeheartedly do not know what the ever loving f*ck just happened!!
After surviving a tragedy that has wreaked havoc on their lives for nearly a year, survivors Bowie and Remi are trying their best to move on with their lives as best as they can. Crossing each other’s paths was never the plan for these two but fate had other ideas and with that, their future was sealed. But what happens when everything is not what it seems and secrets was just the beginning of a story that was already written?
When it comes to this author, she’s been quite frankly the only one that has managed to make me excited and give me anxiety at the same time when I hear that she’s coming out with a new series or book. She takes your emotions and puts them in a freakin blender with some hot sauce and cayenne pepper and serves it right back to you. So you know what that means? You’re fucked. There’s no way around it and the best thing that you can do is to sign a damn waiver and just enjoy the ride.
I knew going into this story that it was going to be different but nothing could have prepared me for all of the questions and suspicions that were lurking in the back of my mind. My head is freakin spinning right now and I can't even think about what’s to come. If this was part one and I feel like my brain is in shambles, what is book two going to do to me???
This series is off to a really great start and even though I have a lot of questions that needs to be answered, I’m really looking forward to seeing how this story is going to unfold. If you're a fan of passionate love stories, then you're going to love this one.
January 29, 2022
5 amazing stars
Omg I read it literary in one sitting , and I know I have said this again but wow Aly is a tenuous , I went to this one blind and enjoyed every minute of it! I was hooked and intrigued from the beginning . I felt so connected to everyone .
I fall in love hard with the characters . Bowen and Remi rocked this story, these two were intense , passionate and flirty . But apart of them their story is heartbreaking , emotional and so much more .
Once I was in the end I understand what is happening and wow it was kind blown . I’m looking forward for the next one I NEED more of Bowen and Remi!!
Omg I read it literary in one sitting , and I know I have said this again but wow Aly is a tenuous , I went to this one blind and enjoyed every minute of it! I was hooked and intrigued from the beginning . I felt so connected to everyone .
I fall in love hard with the characters . Bowen and Remi rocked this story, these two were intense , passionate and flirty . But apart of them their story is heartbreaking , emotional and so much more .
Once I was in the end I understand what is happening and wow it was kind blown . I’m looking forward for the next one I NEED more of Bowen and Remi!!
April 8, 2022
4 Stars
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the first installment in the "Difference" trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. I always enjoy Aly Martinez’s stories and her writing and this one was no exception. The way it is ended, that twist? I didn’t see it coming. Actually, it never came to me. It is an emotional and heartbreaking story and still, it made me smile so many times. I loved both characters, even Aaron and Mark (although they appeared little in the story). Remi is funny, carefree and smart@ss, and a bit clumsy, just a bit. Bowen is protective, possessive, sexy, and broody. Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the first installment in the "Difference" trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. I always enjoy Aly Martinez’s stories and her writing and this one was no exception. The way it is ended, that twist? I didn’t see it coming. Actually, it never came to me. It is an emotional and heartbreaking story and still, it made me smile so many times. I loved both characters, even Aaron and Mark (although they appeared little in the story). Remi is funny, carefree and smart@ss, and a bit clumsy, just a bit. Bowen is protective, possessive, sexy, and broody. Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
May 19, 2022
I’m spoiling it for my safety readers. Because I know they won’t want to read this, without this information.
So the premise of the book is that there’s been a huge plane crash. Hero, Rowen lost his fiancée, Sally in the crash - prior to which she was suicidal as a result of a kidnapping.
Heroine, Remi meets the hero six months after the crash, as the airline is awarding a payout to the survivors.
The whole story, I was thinking, 6 months is a quick turnaround to be willing to move on. Initially, Rowen was hesitant when being hit on by Remi. His inner monologues revealed he was in love with his fiancé but he seems very taken and impacted by Remi. He didn’t have any issues being intimate with her, or sharing his story. I was thinking, again his openness is sort of strange but the heroine *isn’t* second best. However, I really dislike the dead lover trope - his memories/ flashbacks occupying the book, telling the readers he loved being intimate with her etc etc. I felt a bit meh and detached about it all, including some of the cringey inner thoughts and dialogue Rowen had. I would have given it 2.5 stars just because it seemed very smooth sailing with no road blocks. I wasn’t moved in anyway by the love story nonetheless which was very insta-ish.
Huge plot twist. Maybe you can understand from the direction of the review. So this book is as safe as it can get because…. *stop here if you don’t want to know*
Remi *IS* Sally. Sally who has lost her memory in the plane crash. Bing, bang, bong, that saved the read for me. I actually think KNOWING that, for any readers or specifically safety readers that read this review will make reading the book *more enjoyable* as opposed to going in blind like I did, and you are put out by OW flashbacks. So I decided to give it the 3 stars for the surprise factor. Hope the next instalment doesn’t shit on this book.
So the premise of the book is that there’s been a huge plane crash. Hero, Rowen lost his fiancée, Sally in the crash - prior to which she was suicidal as a result of a kidnapping.
Heroine, Remi meets the hero six months after the crash, as the airline is awarding a payout to the survivors.
The whole story, I was thinking, 6 months is a quick turnaround to be willing to move on. Initially, Rowen was hesitant when being hit on by Remi. His inner monologues revealed he was in love with his fiancé but he seems very taken and impacted by Remi. He didn’t have any issues being intimate with her, or sharing his story. I was thinking, again his openness is sort of strange but the heroine *isn’t* second best. However, I really dislike the dead lover trope - his memories/ flashbacks occupying the book, telling the readers he loved being intimate with her etc etc. I felt a bit meh and detached about it all, including some of the cringey inner thoughts and dialogue Rowen had. I would have given it 2.5 stars just because it seemed very smooth sailing with no road blocks. I wasn’t moved in anyway by the love story nonetheless which was very insta-ish.
Huge plot twist. Maybe you can understand from the direction of the review. So this book is as safe as it can get because…. *stop here if you don’t want to know*
Remi *IS* Sally. Sally who has lost her memory in the plane crash. Bing, bang, bong, that saved the read for me. I actually think KNOWING that, for any readers or specifically safety readers that read this review will make reading the book *more enjoyable* as opposed to going in blind like I did, and you are put out by OW flashbacks. So I decided to give it the 3 stars for the surprise factor. Hope the next instalment doesn’t shit on this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2022
4 stars ⭐️
I totally didn't see the twist coming!
I totally didn't see the twist coming!
January 20, 2022
ATTENTION (seriously, pay attention to this): If you have the opportunity to go in blind to this story, do it. And by blind I mean no reviews, no social media updates, nothing. You can thank me later ;)
I'm not going to talk about this story in any way except to tell you that whatever you think you're reading, think again. Here's the thing about that, it can probably be said about the majority of Aly's books, so I should have known. And I did. Sorta. But not really because BAM, #fuckery! I felt something coming the entire time I read the story but when it came, I just blinked repeatedly and said "Well played Aly". That's what I love the most, thus far, about this story. It is anticipatory and edgy and just plain twisty. It is Aly Martinez at her very best and I am anxiously awaiting the next chapter in Remi and Bowen's journey!
I'm not going to talk about this story in any way except to tell you that whatever you think you're reading, think again. Here's the thing about that, it can probably be said about the majority of Aly's books, so I should have known. And I did. Sorta. But not really because BAM, #fuckery! I felt something coming the entire time I read the story but when it came, I just blinked repeatedly and said "Well played Aly". That's what I love the most, thus far, about this story. It is anticipatory and edgy and just plain twisty. It is Aly Martinez at her very best and I am anxiously awaiting the next chapter in Remi and Bowen's journey!
February 19, 2022
Bowen has been living a quiet and reclusive life for the past two years, since he lost his fiance Sally in a plane crash. Still dealing with his grief, he often has those ‘what if’ moments that we all have after a traumatic event. He lives alone with his two dogs who he adores. He has a successful career but has other interests outside of that.
Remi lives with her two best friends Aaron and Mark. She is a real estate agent with a healthy addiction to buying plants - who she individually names. Remi and Aaron are survivors of the same plane crash that took Bowen’s fiance and they bump into each other at an upcoming court hearing about the accident.
Bowen just wants to get the whole process over and done with so he can put it behind him and move on. When he crosses paths with Remi outside the courthouse he finds her annoying. She is chatty and in need of rescuing but he is done with doing that with girls. After briefly helping her he walks away, head down and focused on the rest of the day.
‘How many times would I be forced to go through this hell before the universe finally decided it had taken enough of my flesh?’
The next time their paths cross is completely by accident and the third time is when Remi approaches him. Bowen is a believer in fate and it seems like it wants him to get to know this free spirited beautiful girl. Remi was absolutely attracted to Bowen when they first met but after being knocked back by this brooding guy she had given up until he walked back into life.
‘Holy shit. The most gorgeous golden-brown eyes I’d ever seen collided with mine. And I don’t mean that our eyes simply met. I mean, they met and locked and I somehow ended up pregnant in the span of one blink.’
From here things progress quickly, they fall into a whirlwind, sex filled relationship. Bowen loves how easy Remi is to be with. He never thought he could find that with someone again and his broken heart is beginning to self repair, filled with all he is feeling for Remi. She too cannot get enough of all things Bowen, who would have thought that they would find each other out of the trauma they had been through.
‘There are two types of people in the world, Remi. There are a million somebodies on this planet. But there’s a huge difference between somebody and someone. From the moment we met, I knew you, my beautiful, crazy woman, were definitely someone.’
You know what they say about things that are too good to be true? As expected, Aly throws an almighty plot twist in just when things were getting to be oh so comfortable. I am now counting down the days until I get my next fix! This is the first story in what promises to be a page turning trilogy.
Remi lives with her two best friends Aaron and Mark. She is a real estate agent with a healthy addiction to buying plants - who she individually names. Remi and Aaron are survivors of the same plane crash that took Bowen’s fiance and they bump into each other at an upcoming court hearing about the accident.
Bowen just wants to get the whole process over and done with so he can put it behind him and move on. When he crosses paths with Remi outside the courthouse he finds her annoying. She is chatty and in need of rescuing but he is done with doing that with girls. After briefly helping her he walks away, head down and focused on the rest of the day.
‘How many times would I be forced to go through this hell before the universe finally decided it had taken enough of my flesh?’
The next time their paths cross is completely by accident and the third time is when Remi approaches him. Bowen is a believer in fate and it seems like it wants him to get to know this free spirited beautiful girl. Remi was absolutely attracted to Bowen when they first met but after being knocked back by this brooding guy she had given up until he walked back into life.
‘Holy shit. The most gorgeous golden-brown eyes I’d ever seen collided with mine. And I don’t mean that our eyes simply met. I mean, they met and locked and I somehow ended up pregnant in the span of one blink.’
From here things progress quickly, they fall into a whirlwind, sex filled relationship. Bowen loves how easy Remi is to be with. He never thought he could find that with someone again and his broken heart is beginning to self repair, filled with all he is feeling for Remi. She too cannot get enough of all things Bowen, who would have thought that they would find each other out of the trauma they had been through.
‘There are two types of people in the world, Remi. There are a million somebodies on this planet. But there’s a huge difference between somebody and someone. From the moment we met, I knew you, my beautiful, crazy woman, were definitely someone.’
You know what they say about things that are too good to be true? As expected, Aly throws an almighty plot twist in just when things were getting to be oh so comfortable. I am now counting down the days until I get my next fix! This is the first story in what promises to be a page turning trilogy.
January 29, 2022
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!
This is me shouting!
O My Gawwwwwwwwd!
Totally worth the reading!
This is me shouting!
O My Gawwwwwwwwd!
Totally worth the reading!
July 18, 2022
I knew it! I actually guess the plot twist toward the end. I am not a stranger to Miss Martinez signature plot twist and I knew the story in The Difference Between Somebody and Someone is no difference.
Ther is no way Miss Martinez gives her reader an ordinary plot.
Since I am listening to the audiobook, the time line of the story is difficult for me to understand. I think that makes me difficult for me to connect with the plot.
I am still reserving my opinion on this series.
Overall the whole book does not really grab my attention except for that ploy twist and Bowen. Bowen is such intense character. His devotion and mourning for his fiancee is so beautifully written, it digs into my heart.
3 stars
Ther is no way Miss Martinez gives her reader an ordinary plot.
Since I am listening to the audiobook, the time line of the story is difficult for me to understand. I think that makes me difficult for me to connect with the plot.
I am still reserving my opinion on this series.
Overall the whole book does not really grab my attention except for that ploy twist and Bowen. Bowen is such intense character. His devotion and mourning for his fiancee is so beautifully written, it digs into my heart.
3 stars
June 12, 2022
REVIEW: Currently learning to live without Bowen and Remi...😭
THIS IS THE REASON I READ!!!! Seriously, this book is the reason I read. Now, to be fair - my review is going to be spoiler free (obvs) and brief because we only got the first book so far, but my heart was on hold for a minute trying to figure out if it was beating out of my chest or sitting there wondering just what happened at the end. That twist? Signature Ally Martinez. Gasp worthy, and filled with enough intrigue to have me thinking about this book until I get my hands on the next book.
Why is this the reason I read? I couldn't stop turning the pages and trying to follow her clues she dropped...only I didn't recognize them for what they were until that twist at the end. I needed more because as I started to put things together and started to see what was happening - she dropped the bomb! And even though I was guessing, the truth right there in front of my eyes still made me gasp. To have the sheet ripped out from underneath me. To have the feeling of being blindsided but slowly coming to an understanding. This book did it all for me.
ALSO - big also: her men. I mean, we all dream about our favorite attributes of the perfect man, right? So many authors give us plenty of those in their characters. But what I feel like with Aly is that she gives the man some reality to his personality and the reality is, they have "that" side of them that no one likes to see. The blemish on the shiny bell. And with Bowen, I fell in love hard and fast with him. Soft, thoughtful, alpha that he was - Aly gave me all the heart flutters...the tummy tingles. But, at first I was like, "Woah! Slow down, buddy!" But I knew the emotions he was feeling and understood them personally - or so I thought, so it was me taking a step back while falling in love with him. And Remi.
"The almost tangible intensity in his eyes couldn't have been mistaken for anything other than desire."
Remi and Bowen had an undeniable yet instant chemistry that begged to be explored. But as I was reading it (with fresh eyes!!!), I was thinking it needed some finessing - but looking back (with all-knowing, unfresh eyes!!!), it was literal perfection. How dare I question the way she tells me the story. Calm down, Bee. I almost wish I could read it with fresh eyes again! To not know what was going to happen, but also to know so I could pick up on the little clues that I'm sure I missed? Conundrums!!!
Now, many might think that now that we "know" what's going on - the rest of the story is going to be fluff. This could have been one book, blah blah blah. As much as I hate cliffhangers (we alllll know how much I hate them!), this one will have me thinking about it for the next MONTH!!! Well played, Aly... well played. I already knew it was going to be a twist of epic proportions and something I never saw coming, so I was expecting that and this one was no different. I really am anxious for the next book because as hard as this cliffhanger was, she has me thinking about how this is all going to work out. Aly built this story up so well, and just to sit there dangling on the edge....waiting for the next book....dying....slowly, slowly, dying. (are you reading this, Aly???)
Aly Martinez is a favorite of mine, so while this may come across as biased, I feel I have justification saying this knowing how she's made me feel after SO. MANY. BOOKS. of hers. The way she pulls together the atmosphere in the book, the way she makes everything a perfect cacophony of mixed emotions, the way she leads me on, page by page, needing more by the minute. I ran through this book in nothing flat.
There are some authors that just have your number. That one author that you know can guarantee a good reading experience. Aly Martinez consistently delivers an emotional and tumultuous journey for a love that pretty much sums up what destiny means. I feel like with each new book, she puts me into a predicament that can be confusing at first, but intriguing enough that I can’t stop reading…but it’s almost like I need to catch up because she’s putting me in the emotions in that person‘s head. I love the way she tells a story and this one was no different. Just growing and learning and meeting each other and kind of flying through unknown territory - no pun intended.
I wish I could go back and reread books....but I can't. This book? This one would be the perfect example after reading that twist, but then I also go - no way!! The surprise of when it all hit with what was actually going on? I would never want to know that discovery before it happened because that alone made this book the power punch that it was.
I hope I’m not jinxing myself, but this book - it’s the highlight of my most recently read books and I’m on an amazing streak right now. Holy cow - WOW. I feel like I need a drink after that.
Pre-twist and Post-twist me are not the same reader and I'd like to get back to this story now. Kthxbye.
"It took the unimaginable for me to find you, but I will never stop being grateful that there was even one single junction in time in which our paths crossed."
~BEE
PURCHASE: https://amzn.to/3IOyiQE
SERIES: https://amzn.to/3s88Hv8
Affiliate Links
ENTER HERE TO WIN AN ECOPY OF THIS ONE: https://bit.ly/3oguU9h
THIS IS THE REASON I READ!!!! Seriously, this book is the reason I read. Now, to be fair - my review is going to be spoiler free (obvs) and brief because we only got the first book so far, but my heart was on hold for a minute trying to figure out if it was beating out of my chest or sitting there wondering just what happened at the end. That twist? Signature Ally Martinez. Gasp worthy, and filled with enough intrigue to have me thinking about this book until I get my hands on the next book.
Why is this the reason I read? I couldn't stop turning the pages and trying to follow her clues she dropped...only I didn't recognize them for what they were until that twist at the end. I needed more because as I started to put things together and started to see what was happening - she dropped the bomb! And even though I was guessing, the truth right there in front of my eyes still made me gasp. To have the sheet ripped out from underneath me. To have the feeling of being blindsided but slowly coming to an understanding. This book did it all for me.
ALSO - big also: her men. I mean, we all dream about our favorite attributes of the perfect man, right? So many authors give us plenty of those in their characters. But what I feel like with Aly is that she gives the man some reality to his personality and the reality is, they have "that" side of them that no one likes to see. The blemish on the shiny bell. And with Bowen, I fell in love hard and fast with him. Soft, thoughtful, alpha that he was - Aly gave me all the heart flutters...the tummy tingles. But, at first I was like, "Woah! Slow down, buddy!" But I knew the emotions he was feeling and understood them personally - or so I thought, so it was me taking a step back while falling in love with him. And Remi.
"The almost tangible intensity in his eyes couldn't have been mistaken for anything other than desire."
Remi and Bowen had an undeniable yet instant chemistry that begged to be explored. But as I was reading it (with fresh eyes!!!), I was thinking it needed some finessing - but looking back (with all-knowing, unfresh eyes!!!), it was literal perfection. How dare I question the way she tells me the story. Calm down, Bee. I almost wish I could read it with fresh eyes again! To not know what was going to happen, but also to know so I could pick up on the little clues that I'm sure I missed? Conundrums!!!
Now, many might think that now that we "know" what's going on - the rest of the story is going to be fluff. This could have been one book, blah blah blah. As much as I hate cliffhangers (we alllll know how much I hate them!), this one will have me thinking about it for the next MONTH!!! Well played, Aly... well played. I already knew it was going to be a twist of epic proportions and something I never saw coming, so I was expecting that and this one was no different. I really am anxious for the next book because as hard as this cliffhanger was, she has me thinking about how this is all going to work out. Aly built this story up so well, and just to sit there dangling on the edge....waiting for the next book....dying....slowly, slowly, dying. (are you reading this, Aly???)
Aly Martinez is a favorite of mine, so while this may come across as biased, I feel I have justification saying this knowing how she's made me feel after SO. MANY. BOOKS. of hers. The way she pulls together the atmosphere in the book, the way she makes everything a perfect cacophony of mixed emotions, the way she leads me on, page by page, needing more by the minute. I ran through this book in nothing flat.
There are some authors that just have your number. That one author that you know can guarantee a good reading experience. Aly Martinez consistently delivers an emotional and tumultuous journey for a love that pretty much sums up what destiny means. I feel like with each new book, she puts me into a predicament that can be confusing at first, but intriguing enough that I can’t stop reading…but it’s almost like I need to catch up because she’s putting me in the emotions in that person‘s head. I love the way she tells a story and this one was no different. Just growing and learning and meeting each other and kind of flying through unknown territory - no pun intended.
I wish I could go back and reread books....but I can't. This book? This one would be the perfect example after reading that twist, but then I also go - no way!! The surprise of when it all hit with what was actually going on? I would never want to know that discovery before it happened because that alone made this book the power punch that it was.
I hope I’m not jinxing myself, but this book - it’s the highlight of my most recently read books and I’m on an amazing streak right now. Holy cow - WOW. I feel like I need a drink after that.
Pre-twist and Post-twist me are not the same reader and I'd like to get back to this story now. Kthxbye.
"It took the unimaginable for me to find you, but I will never stop being grateful that there was even one single junction in time in which our paths crossed."
~BEE
PURCHASE: https://amzn.to/3IOyiQE
SERIES: https://amzn.to/3s88Hv8
Affiliate Links
ENTER HERE TO WIN AN ECOPY OF THIS ONE: https://bit.ly/3oguU9h
May 24, 2022
4.25 Stars
I really enjoyed this one. It was emotional at times but still had some happier moments. I also loved how devoted the hero was, even through their hard times. There was something missing though that kept me from loving it. I need more build up or tension or something. Maybe more emotion when he was with her or hesitation or a less obvious twist or idk, something. Otherwise, I did really like it.
Spoilers
Safety:
No virgins
No cheating
No om drama
Ow drama- heroine is jealous of "Sally" because the hero loved her, not knowing she IS Sally who has lost her memories.
I really enjoyed this one. It was emotional at times but still had some happier moments. I also loved how devoted the hero was, even through their hard times. There was something missing though that kept me from loving it. I need more build up or tension or something. Maybe more emotion when he was with her or hesitation or a less obvious twist or idk, something. Otherwise, I did really like it.
Spoilers
Safety:
No virgins
No cheating
No om drama
Ow drama- heroine is jealous of "Sally" because the hero loved her, not knowing she IS Sally who has lost her memories.
January 24, 2022
5 stars!
Wow, Aly Martinez! Seriously, just… wow. This book sucked me in, made me grieve, made me laugh, made me fall in love, and then flipped me on my head. What an amazing read!
Everyone who has read this book will say the same thing – go in blind. Don’t go looking for clues or spoilers, because honestly, you just need to experience it without any preconceived ideas or feelings. It’s emotional, funny, and beautifully romantic, and I loved it!
Bowen Michaels is a man drowning in grief. He is the survivor of a devastating plane crash in which he lost his fiancé, and has not been able to move on. In truth, the months leading up to the crash were also emotional hell, and he is struggling to find his way back to ‘normal’.
Remi Grey is Bowen’s opposite in every way. Where he is all serious, broody sadness, she is brightness and chaos. A fellow survivor of the plane crash, she comes unexpectedly storming into his life, and though he initially does his best to keep his distance, he is powerless to resist her boldness and vivacious flirtiness. They are undeniably drawn to each other, and though Bowen knows he’s still an emotional mess, he wants to take that chance with Remi.
This is a gorgeous romance! I adored Bowen, I felt so much for him, and I loved seeing him starting to come out of the darkness and start to live again. And Remi is just amazing. She’s positive and friendly, witty and hilariously clumsy, and I loved her so much!
From the very beginning, there is this sense that Bowen and Remi are meant to be. They flirt and banter, they are playful and have fun together, their chemistry is electric, and of course the sexy time is sizzling. They are all in with each other from the start and I love how honest and functional they are. They are easy and natural with each other, and it all feels so right as they help each other heal from past hurts, and embrace what they have found together. Their love story completely stole my heart.
But the demons from the past are still very much present, and the feels are so intense as Bowen and Remi fight hard to beat them back. It’s emotional and dramatic, and so very heartfelt, and absolutely beautifully written. And then the ending of the book took my breath away, finishing in a heart-stopping cliffhanger, but thank God, the next book is only one month away, so we won’t be left hanging for too long.
This is a fantastic beginning to what is sure to be an epic love story, and I cannot wait for more of Bowen and Remi when their trilogy continues.
5 stars!
An Advanced Review Audio Copy was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, Aly Martinez! Seriously, just… wow. This book sucked me in, made me grieve, made me laugh, made me fall in love, and then flipped me on my head. What an amazing read!
Everyone who has read this book will say the same thing – go in blind. Don’t go looking for clues or spoilers, because honestly, you just need to experience it without any preconceived ideas or feelings. It’s emotional, funny, and beautifully romantic, and I loved it!
Bowen Michaels is a man drowning in grief. He is the survivor of a devastating plane crash in which he lost his fiancé, and has not been able to move on. In truth, the months leading up to the crash were also emotional hell, and he is struggling to find his way back to ‘normal’.
My life has been a maze of tragedy for the last year or so … I’m standing in that maze, still searching for a way out.
Remi Grey is Bowen’s opposite in every way. Where he is all serious, broody sadness, she is brightness and chaos. A fellow survivor of the plane crash, she comes unexpectedly storming into his life, and though he initially does his best to keep his distance, he is powerless to resist her boldness and vivacious flirtiness. They are undeniably drawn to each other, and though Bowen knows he’s still an emotional mess, he wants to take that chance with Remi.
“How do you know you’re ready to move on? From her.”
My hands stilled and the muscles in my back strained. Son of a bitch. After such a good night, this was about to fucking suck. “I don’t.”
It was her turn to stiffen, but her fingers wandered up my forearms to my biceps. “Thank you for being honest.”
My gut wrenched. “What I do know is that today, tonight, has been incredible. You have been incredible, and I’ve loved every minute of being here with you. You deserve a better answer than what I just gave you. But if you’re willing to give me a little time, I’m going to work so damn hard to get my head straight and figure it out.”
This is a gorgeous romance! I adored Bowen, I felt so much for him, and I loved seeing him starting to come out of the darkness and start to live again. And Remi is just amazing. She’s positive and friendly, witty and hilariously clumsy, and I loved her so much!
It was a fresh start. The beginning. The end. Everything all rolled into one.
And fuck me, fucking fuck me, I had never been so damn excited about something in my entire life.
From the very beginning, there is this sense that Bowen and Remi are meant to be. They flirt and banter, they are playful and have fun together, their chemistry is electric, and of course the sexy time is sizzling. They are all in with each other from the start and I love how honest and functional they are. They are easy and natural with each other, and it all feels so right as they help each other heal from past hurts, and embrace what they have found together. Their love story completely stole my heart.
Curling my hand around the side of her face, I brushed her jaw with the pad of my thumb. “I want to explore things with you. And I mean more than just that sexy body of yours. Remi, baby, if this is just the start, imagine how good it could get.” I smirked and then nipped at her bottom lip. “It’s not too fast. It’s about fucking time.”
But the demons from the past are still very much present, and the feels are so intense as Bowen and Remi fight hard to beat them back. It’s emotional and dramatic, and so very heartfelt, and absolutely beautifully written. And then the ending of the book took my breath away, finishing in a heart-stopping cliffhanger, but thank God, the next book is only one month away, so we won’t be left hanging for too long.
This is a fantastic beginning to what is sure to be an epic love story, and I cannot wait for more of Bowen and Remi when their trilogy continues.
“There’s a huge difference between somebody and someone. From the moment we met, I knew you, my beautiful, crazy woman, were definitely someone. And if there is even a fraction of a chance that you think I’m a someone too, then yeah, it’s exactly that easy.”
5 stars!
An Advanced Review Audio Copy was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2022
I’m hooked…
This author is an insta-click for me and even the thought of a trilogy didn’t warn me off. I’m all about binge reading start to finish so anything barring the way I avoid. Of course, this author I can’t resist so what could I do? I read the reviews and took their advice. I went in blind, totally open to what she had to offer with no preconceptions. So arrogant in my bliss. I thought, how unsettling could be? I should not have tempted fate…
Despair. Grief. Turmoil. And then overwhelming joy. Hope. I felt so much, emotions all over the spectrum as I greedily and quickly gobbled up this read. Absorbed all the character’s strong emotions. All of them. I should have been exhausted and ready for the cliffhanger if only to take a break from my own feelings….
I tried to pace myself. Tried not to freak out at the incredibly twisty cliffy ending. Yeah, double fail. I’m officially hooked and on book stalking mode! ~Diane, 5 stars
This author is an insta-click for me and even the thought of a trilogy didn’t warn me off. I’m all about binge reading start to finish so anything barring the way I avoid. Of course, this author I can’t resist so what could I do? I read the reviews and took their advice. I went in blind, totally open to what she had to offer with no preconceptions. So arrogant in my bliss. I thought, how unsettling could be? I should not have tempted fate…
Despair. Grief. Turmoil. And then overwhelming joy. Hope. I felt so much, emotions all over the spectrum as I greedily and quickly gobbled up this read. Absorbed all the character’s strong emotions. All of them. I should have been exhausted and ready for the cliffhanger if only to take a break from my own feelings….
I tried to pace myself. Tried not to freak out at the incredibly twisty cliffy ending. Yeah, double fail. I’m officially hooked and on book stalking mode! ~Diane, 5 stars
January 31, 2022
So, after taking a bit of time to fall into the rhythm of the writing (at times I had to turn back the pages and re-read to try and grasp the details, clues, whatever little dangling threads that were selfishly offered), I’ve finished one-third of Martinez’s new “Differences” trilogy – fully involved, completely discombobulated and totally in desperate need of the next installment. I’m thinking that’s just what our sly author had in mind at this point for her readers.
From start to finish, I felt like I was tiptoeing through a minefield – nothing as it seems – but that’s all I’ll share. I’m not sure even the second installment is going to fully flesh-out the whole truth and nothing but the truth -- but "Somehow and Someway" Martinez might just do it. Going in blind and the less said is probably my best advice at this point. Suffice to say that Aly Martinez has stunned once again with her addictive mind games -- this one in the form of what could be compared to a 1,500-piece puzzle with a bunch of pieces missing.
Be forewarned that you’ll be facing down a demon cliffhanger at the end – with the next installment a month down the road.
From start to finish, I felt like I was tiptoeing through a minefield – nothing as it seems – but that’s all I’ll share. I’m not sure even the second installment is going to fully flesh-out the whole truth and nothing but the truth -- but "Somehow and Someway" Martinez might just do it. Going in blind and the less said is probably my best advice at this point. Suffice to say that Aly Martinez has stunned once again with her addictive mind games -- this one in the form of what could be compared to a 1,500-piece puzzle with a bunch of pieces missing.
Be forewarned that you’ll be facing down a demon cliffhanger at the end – with the next installment a month down the road.
February 9, 2022
They had no clue that beneath those beautiful eyes and bright smile was a tragedy.
This book. This flipping book. It had me feeling some kind of weird way at that start. Don’t get me wrong I was smitten with Remi and I overall adored Bowen, but some of those flashbacks to his past were getting to me. They were stressing me out, making me emotional, making me angry… but I’m pretty sure that was the point. Anyway, in the end I was won over and now I’m officially obsessed and will be stressed until I get book two.
So if you enjoy being happy, sad, mad, and surprised all at the same time, then this is the book. This book right here.
This book. This flipping book. It had me feeling some kind of weird way at that start. Don’t get me wrong I was smitten with Remi and I overall adored Bowen, but some of those flashbacks to his past were getting to me. They were stressing me out, making me emotional, making me angry… but I’m pretty sure that was the point. Anyway, in the end I was won over and now I’m officially obsessed and will be stressed until I get book two.
So if you enjoy being happy, sad, mad, and surprised all at the same time, then this is the book. This book right here.
March 29, 2022
As with every Aly Martinez book, I was reading this while on the edge of my seat waiting for the inevitable plot twist. I had all sorts of theories going on, yet how did I completely miss this!?
I loved Remi, such a happy, positive person after experiencing such trauma like a plane crash. And Bowen was such a broken soul, there were times I didn't know what to think about him. I still have questions, can't wait to see what book 2 has in store!
I loved Remi, such a happy, positive person after experiencing such trauma like a plane crash. And Bowen was such a broken soul, there were times I didn't know what to think about him. I still have questions, can't wait to see what book 2 has in store!
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Want to read
January 27, 2022can someone pls spoil me? 🤡
March 28, 2022
I was sucked right into this story and devoured it like nobody’s business. When I had to step away from it, it sat swirling around in my brain in a way that made me constantly itching to get back to it, to see what Aly Martinez had up her sleeve.
I wasn’t super in love with the romance. It felt very insta to me. In that way that insta love stories do – the feelings were told to me not shown to me. I was charmed by Remi’s sunshine personality. I wasn’t always sure what to make of Bowen – who seemed a little dramatic and a bit too earnest for my taste. But there were definitely some cute scenes, some sweetness, and whole lot of heat.
But, y’all – I guessed the twist!
I never guess the twist!
I am always the reader who thinks she has it figured out and then is totally wrong. So guessing the twist took the wind out of my sails in a way that has me feeling a little deflated at the end of the first book. I know there’s a lot more story ahead, and I’m not really sure I’m invested enough to keep going with it. It was an interesting story with a whole heaping ton of angst (with more to come) and I’m not really sure that’s the flavor I’m looking for right now. ~ Shelly, 3 Stars
I wasn’t super in love with the romance. It felt very insta to me. In that way that insta love stories do – the feelings were told to me not shown to me. I was charmed by Remi’s sunshine personality. I wasn’t always sure what to make of Bowen – who seemed a little dramatic and a bit too earnest for my taste. But there were definitely some cute scenes, some sweetness, and whole lot of heat.
But, y’all – I guessed the twist!
I never guess the twist!
I am always the reader who thinks she has it figured out and then is totally wrong. So guessing the twist took the wind out of my sails in a way that has me feeling a little deflated at the end of the first book. I know there’s a lot more story ahead, and I’m not really sure I’m invested enough to keep going with it. It was an interesting story with a whole heaping ton of angst (with more to come) and I’m not really sure that’s the flavor I’m looking for right now. ~ Shelly, 3 Stars
May 23, 2022
Aaahhhhh I didn't see that coming (especially after I just finished another series with the same twist ).
Wow, I feel dumb.
Anyway, this is freaking awesome and you should read it.
Wow, I feel dumb.
Anyway, this is freaking awesome and you should read it.
February 14, 2022
4 STARS!
Man, I had forgotten the number this author could do on one's emotions and brain! LOL!
Ok, so the first 30% or so of this book drug in many places for me and felt repetitive. I liked the beginning a certain stand out scenes, but nothing kept me glued to the pages. It was really from the last half on that I could not walk away from this story and I was ALL IN!
Bowen lost his girlfriend on a plane crash that he was on. Even prior to the crash, there were issues in the relationship. He carries around guilt over all the things he could've done differently to avoid his current reality.
When Remi stumbles into him, he fights his attraction to her and wants no part of anything to do with her.
There really isn't a lot I can say here. I'm just gonna say...READ IT! It's a solid start to what I'm sure is going to be another amazing series from this author. The banter between these two was so witty on and hilarious and the steam was grade-A, as usual with this author.
I will be over her salivating for my next fix from this series!
“There are two types of people in the world, Remi. There are a million somebodies on this planet. But there’s a huge difference between somebody and someone. From the moment we met, I knew you, my beautiful, crazy woman, were definitely someone."
Man, I had forgotten the number this author could do on one's emotions and brain! LOL!
Ok, so the first 30% or so of this book drug in many places for me and felt repetitive. I liked the beginning a certain stand out scenes, but nothing kept me glued to the pages. It was really from the last half on that I could not walk away from this story and I was ALL IN!
Bowen lost his girlfriend on a plane crash that he was on. Even prior to the crash, there were issues in the relationship. He carries around guilt over all the things he could've done differently to avoid his current reality.
When Remi stumbles into him, he fights his attraction to her and wants no part of anything to do with her.
Bowen Michaels, although an interesting character, wasn’t interested in me.
Or so I’d thought.
A glass of white wine landed on the bar in front of me and a bottle of water slid in front of Margret.
“From the gentleman who just left,” the bartender said.
I bit my bottom lip and looked over my shoulder, but Bowen was long gone. Okay, maybe that hadn’t been a strike after all. Maybe the game hadn’t even started yet.
There really isn't a lot I can say here. I'm just gonna say...READ IT! It's a solid start to what I'm sure is going to be another amazing series from this author. The banter between these two was so witty on and hilarious and the steam was grade-A, as usual with this author.
I will be over her salivating for my next fix from this series!
January 24, 2022
“There are two types of people in the world, Remi. There are a million somebodies on this planet. But there’s a huge difference between somebody and someone. From the moment we met, I knew you, my beautiful, crazy woman, were definitely someone. And if there is even a fraction of a chance that you think I’m a someone too, then yeah, it’s exactly that easy. To hell with the rest of the women in the world. I want you.”
Aly freaking Martinez has done it again! I finished this book a whole day a go, since then I haven't stopped thinking about it, not to mention I went back and basically re-read it again. Like I've said before, Aly is the Queen of the duets and the cliffhangers (this is a trilogy though) and she just brings it, every single time. Honestly, I recommend you go in blind. I really don't want you to stumble into reviews that might spoil some of the twists, and trust me they're just great. The blurb already gives you plenty. Crafting stories where you're constantly wondering what's going on and throwing you off kilter is absolutely Aly's forte. She's one of the few authors that is able to get me every single time. Here, I was hooked, from the first word, and I was definitely trying to guess what was the catch, when is the twist coming. For a while, I thought I had it figured out, then I hesitated cause well Aly is so good at what she does, she threw me off the scent (literally lol), and when that cliffhanger finally showed up, I was shocked, complete elated that what I initially guessed turned out to be, and freaking excited about what comes next. Not to mention surprised that once again Aly got me. To say I can't wait until the next book it's an understatement, I need this book yesterday.
This book is emotional and angsty, but super funny at the same time. Both the hero and heroine are just fantastic. The backstory is fascinating, the cliffhanger was nailbitting and there are still so many questions unanswered. This is Book 1 of 3 and I'm sure we're in for quite the ride.
Aly freaking Martinez has done it again! I finished this book a whole day a go, since then I haven't stopped thinking about it, not to mention I went back and basically re-read it again. Like I've said before, Aly is the Queen of the duets and the cliffhangers (this is a trilogy though) and she just brings it, every single time. Honestly, I recommend you go in blind. I really don't want you to stumble into reviews that might spoil some of the twists, and trust me they're just great. The blurb already gives you plenty. Crafting stories where you're constantly wondering what's going on and throwing you off kilter is absolutely Aly's forte. She's one of the few authors that is able to get me every single time. Here, I was hooked, from the first word, and I was definitely trying to guess what was the catch, when is the twist coming. For a while, I thought I had it figured out, then I hesitated cause well Aly is so good at what she does, she threw me off the scent (literally lol), and when that cliffhanger finally showed up, I was shocked, complete elated that what I initially guessed turned out to be, and freaking excited about what comes next. Not to mention surprised that once again Aly got me. To say I can't wait until the next book it's an understatement, I need this book yesterday.
This book is emotional and angsty, but super funny at the same time. Both the hero and heroine are just fantastic. The backstory is fascinating, the cliffhanger was nailbitting and there are still so many questions unanswered. This is Book 1 of 3 and I'm sure we're in for quite the ride.
May 3, 2022
4-4.5 ⭐'s
This book sets up events for the trilogy so at times, circumstances are a bit confusing.
We find out Bowen was in a plane crash with his fiancée, Sally. Sally passed away and Bowen is having a hard time. He meets Remi when the survivors go to the settlement hearing. Remi was also in the crash.
Bowen's a bit of a romantic and believes in fate. He felt he and Sally were fated to meet and then he and Remi. Unfortunately, he's not quite ready for Remi. Fate has other ideas and keeps throwing them together until Bowen can't resist any longer.
Bowen and Remi are really sweet together and I loved their banter. Slowly, he tells Remi about Sally. Luckily, Remi is able to handle most things.
The big reveal happens towards the end. I didn't see it coming and I loved that.
(When I was finished with the trilogy, I went back and reread this one. It really helped to pick up on a lot of the clues, etc.)
This book sets up events for the trilogy so at times, circumstances are a bit confusing.
We find out Bowen was in a plane crash with his fiancée, Sally. Sally passed away and Bowen is having a hard time. He meets Remi when the survivors go to the settlement hearing. Remi was also in the crash.
Bowen's a bit of a romantic and believes in fate. He felt he and Sally were fated to meet and then he and Remi. Unfortunately, he's not quite ready for Remi. Fate has other ideas and keeps throwing them together until Bowen can't resist any longer.
Bowen and Remi are really sweet together and I loved their banter. Slowly, he tells Remi about Sally. Luckily, Remi is able to handle most things.
The big reveal happens towards the end. I didn't see it coming and I loved that.
(When I was finished with the trilogy, I went back and reread this one. It really helped to pick up on a lot of the clues, etc.)
April 1, 2024
Over a hundred people died in the plane crash that had claimed the life of Bowen’s beloved fiancè, Sally. He was one of only twenty seven survivors and every day he longs for the woman he loved to come back to him. Enter Remi, a clumsy yet beautiful woman who was also one of the survivors of the crash. Her and Bowen are instantly drawn to each other as soon as they meet, is he ready to let down his walls and be open to love again? All he knows is that he feels as though he is destined to lose Remi. There is so much darkness in the past that could be uncovered at any moment.
He is a believer in fate though and fate has brought Remi into his life. He won’t lose her, no matter what cost.
Definitely one of those books that I would have finished a lot quicker if I had a less busy week.
THAT plot twist holy shit, I was so invested in the story that I honestly didn’t see it coming.. how !? In hindsight, there were certain little hints throughout but it’s one I don’t want to spoil for future readers. I’m definitely carrying on with this series.
With how much I felt gripped by this story and eager to continue on with these two main characters, Bowen and Remi, it’s a 5 star read for me!
He is a believer in fate though and fate has brought Remi into his life. He won’t lose her, no matter what cost.
Definitely one of those books that I would have finished a lot quicker if I had a less busy week.
THAT plot twist holy shit, I was so invested in the story that I honestly didn’t see it coming.. how !? In hindsight, there were certain little hints throughout but it’s one I don’t want to spoil for future readers. I’m definitely carrying on with this series.
With how much I felt gripped by this story and eager to continue on with these two main characters, Bowen and Remi, it’s a 5 star read for me!
January 19, 2022
Wow. The only word I've been able to both say out loud and silently in my head after reading this first book in the Difference Trilogy. Aly Martinez has created a truly subtle kind of mind-blowing storyline if that makes sense. And it might not until you get to those last few pages where that afore-mentioned word wow comes into play.
The Difference Between Somebody and Someone is a story of love and loss, with two survivors of a plane crash finding an almost-instant attraction to one another giving me a sense of false security. I fell hard for both Remi and Bowen and how she pulled him back into the light after living in six months of darkness. Their playful banter is sharp and adorable at the same time. The way they simply 'got each other' and shared beautiful moments after a rocky start had me forgetting that this was only book one of three. To say I was thrown for a loop as pieces of this intricate puzzle started to fall into place especially after I was really loving the exciting and fast-moving love affair between Bowen and Remi, should have been expected.
I mean, after all, this is Aly Martinez who we're dealing with here. And oh boy, does she love to put in enough detours that we make us want to both applaud and curse her at the same time. But this is superb storytelling and I wouldn't change a thing. Except for the fact that I now have to wait for book two!
Glimpses of Bowen's past with the late love of his life are given to us sporadically and are a wonderful juxtaposition to seeing Remi's whirlwind life that includes her crazy love of plants. There are some very funny one-liners and I found myself smiling in every chapter, a nice respite from the heavier scenes when memories of the crash would be front and center once again. There are also some elements of mystery within Bowen's past and as my overworked brain tried to put some of the errant pieces together, I knew Martinez would fully explain everything all in due time, the evil genius that she is. Ugh, I would just have to wait.
The Difference Between Somebody and Someone is a fabulous beginning to what I know will be an even more intense love story going forward. Both Remi and Bowen have more life to live and it's my hope they will ultimately be able to do it together. Time will tell, however, and I'll be sure to get my heart ready for what this talented author gives us in book two, The Difference Between Somehow and Someway.
5 huge stars!
The Difference Between Somebody and Someone is a story of love and loss, with two survivors of a plane crash finding an almost-instant attraction to one another giving me a sense of false security. I fell hard for both Remi and Bowen and how she pulled him back into the light after living in six months of darkness. Their playful banter is sharp and adorable at the same time. The way they simply 'got each other' and shared beautiful moments after a rocky start had me forgetting that this was only book one of three. To say I was thrown for a loop as pieces of this intricate puzzle started to fall into place especially after I was really loving the exciting and fast-moving love affair between Bowen and Remi, should have been expected.
I mean, after all, this is Aly Martinez who we're dealing with here. And oh boy, does she love to put in enough detours that we make us want to both applaud and curse her at the same time. But this is superb storytelling and I wouldn't change a thing. Except for the fact that I now have to wait for book two!
Glimpses of Bowen's past with the late love of his life are given to us sporadically and are a wonderful juxtaposition to seeing Remi's whirlwind life that includes her crazy love of plants. There are some very funny one-liners and I found myself smiling in every chapter, a nice respite from the heavier scenes when memories of the crash would be front and center once again. There are also some elements of mystery within Bowen's past and as my overworked brain tried to put some of the errant pieces together, I knew Martinez would fully explain everything all in due time, the evil genius that she is. Ugh, I would just have to wait.
The Difference Between Somebody and Someone is a fabulous beginning to what I know will be an even more intense love story going forward. Both Remi and Bowen have more life to live and it's my hope they will ultimately be able to do it together. Time will tell, however, and I'll be sure to get my heart ready for what this talented author gives us in book two, The Difference Between Somehow and Someway.
5 huge stars!
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