From USA Today Bestselling Author Aly Martinez comes an emotional new standalone.Growing up, Ramsey Stewart branded my soul in ways time could never heal.At twelve, he asked me to be his girlfriend. At thirteen, he gave me my first kiss. By sixteen, we’d fallen in love, planned a future together, and had our eyes set on the horizon. Love never fails, right? But for Ramsey, it did. Love failed … fails, right?
But for Ramsey, it did.
Love failed him.
I failed him.
The entire world failed him.
At seventeen, Ramsey was convicted of killing the boy who assaulted me.
Move on, he wrote in his first and only letter from prison.
Start a new life, he urged.
I don’t love you anymore, he lied.
There was no such thing as giving up on Ramsey. Love may have been our curse, but he was mine—then, now, and forever.
So here I am, twelve long years later, waiting for a man I don’t even know to emerge from between the chain link gates.
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I laughed, I cried, and I cried again!
Aly has an amazing way to suck you into her characters and make you fully invest in their relationships. She takes her time in building them so you can feel what they are feeling, you feel their connection, and boy did this book give me ALL the feels!
I took a few days to completely devour everything about this book, as my heart pounded through my chest and my blood rushed through my veins, I felt the devastation and heartache these characters were going through. Thea and Ramsey’s relationship built throughout the years and I loved the family they created between the two of them and Nora, Ramsey’s little sister.
Aly is one of my favorite authors and this book DID not disappoint! She just keeps getting better and better. A page turning, shocking, angsty read with a couple surprises you won’t see coming! A must read for sure!
I started off my first book of the year (or decade ) with a FANTASTIC read: Release by Aly Martinez ! I’ve been dying to get my hands on it since I first read the blurb, and it truly didn’t disappoint me! Childhood best friends-turned-lovers with second chance trope has always been my favorite, there’s just something innocent and sweet about their young love, and then it turns into irresistible passion when they’ve grown up. This book also adds in multiple layers of feelings, devastation, heartbreak, and the whole emotional roller coaster …
Thea Hull and Ramsey Steward quickly bonded with each other through their own tragedies and grief at the tender age of 10 and 11. They became inseparable, and their innocent friendship slowly evolved into adolescent love. Their lives were turned upside down when Ramsey got sentenced to 16 years for killing the guy who had sexually assaulted Thea . Hoping Thea would move on with her life, Ramsey wrote her a heartbreaking letter from prison. Little did he know, Thea was persistent with her undying love, counting down the day he would be released so they could start their lives together again. Twelve years later, Ramsey was released on a 3-year parole, and now the struggles began: for him to readjust back to normal life, and for her to get him back to her side…
I’ve been crying on and off throughout the entire book. One minute I was smiling at their adorable and sweet relationship, the next I was bawling my eyes out. Their love was a force of nature, palpable and intense, overflowing the pages. It wrecked me to see what they’d been through. I could feel their pain and wanted to hug them tight, while my heart ached for them both, for Ramsey’s insecurity and self-loathing, and for Thea’s suffering and sacrifice . It made me more aware of how difficult felons integrate themselves into society, and how they struggle to let go of their confined lives in prison, especially when they got sentenced at a young age. And then the continuing support from their families and their loved ones, and how important it is to help them get back on their feet…
This is my first time reading this author and I was blown away by her captivating way of telling this beautiful love story. It’s unputdownable, fast paced, packed with emotional events, weaving through their past and present seamlessly! And then it throws you a curve ball with a plot twist! The character development was so well crafted, even with supporting characters such as Thea’s father, who also played an important role in this story. I’d give this book 10-amazing- out of 5! I couldn’t be happier with this wonderful start of 2020 !
I’ve won an ARC giveaway for this book from Social-butterfly PR, and I’m so grateful to have this early access . I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone. It’s just been released early today !
Content warning: sexually assault (briefly mentioned, not too descriptive), child abuse.
One of the things that I love the most about books from Aly Martinez is the romance side. She shows the type of coupling that I would like to see in a relationship. It’s easier to lose myself in the story because I can always see a part of me in the characters. This story was the first story that I had a hard time to connect to. There were some things that I could connect, but it was hard for me to connect to Ramsey or Thea.
With that said, I tried to separate the stories and expectations that I had from the past and look at this objectively. Ramsey and Thea meet under difficult situation. Thea wants nothing to do with Ramsey and he does not seem to care. It’s cute watching their hate turn into love as they get older until life comes and tears them apart. Ramsey doesn’t return to Thea the way he left and Thea does what she can to get her best friend back. This is where the problems I have begin.
I have always liked that the female characters in Martinez’s books are always strong women, but Thea was a bit whiny for me. She just gets so annoyed and whiny because Ramsey just doesn’t return to her with open arms. When he left, he has good reason to be upset but it takes her some time to realize that maybe he just needs to adjust having her back in his life instead of just jumping right into it.
The story itself was a great story. A lot of twists and turns and a big reveal. The only thing that I wished is we got more of a resolution with this. There is this big reveal, but we get half answers and it just left me with more questions then anything else.
While it may not be my favorite of Martinez’s books, it was still worth the read. Especially if you can get it on Kindle Unlimited.
4.5 Emotionally Charged Second Chance Stars
The angst and the heartache will tear you up. Her strength and his resilience will heal you. Their undying love will make you believe in soul mates and happily ever afters. A second chance romance that will leave it’s mark on your heart.
Thea was suffering from a great loss and it left her feeling angry and alone. Then Ramsey moved in a few doors down and changed her sadness into happy.
They had a rocky start. She resisted but he was determined to make them friends. They gravited to one another, because they each carried their own pain.
They became friends when she was ten. They fell in love not long after. They had plans of forever and then one night all their dreams were shattered.
Thea was left to pick up the pieces. To build a life without him in it. He wanted her to move on. She just wanted to live enough to be ready for when he came back to her.
Now he’s back. Nothing is the same. All Thea has ever wanted was him. Ramsey just wanted her to be happy and not have to shoulder his burdens. She’s ready to fight for what she wants.
This story spans more than a decade. You’ll get her perspective and his. The story starts in the present but gives us flasbacks into their past to give us the full picture. Their love was the kind that cannot be severed. Thea believed in never letting go, while Ramsey struggled with making her hold onto the hope of their future.
The characters were all tortured by the past. The story definitely took my emotions for a ride. Just when I thought I knew what was next…BAM! An emotional read that will put you through the wringer. In the end, you’ll get your HEA.
One thing I know about Aly Martinez books they grab you right out of the gate! Reading the prologue and chapter one and I was hooked!! I can see why she mentioned that she had to put everything aside so that she could write this story. There are not enough words to say how much I loved this story and these characters!!
This is a story that you should definitely go in mostly blind. This review is going to be short and sweet because I do not want to let slip details of this incredible story that Aly Martinez gifted us!! She has such a way with words and her storytelling knows no bounds.
Thea and Ramsey met as children, Thea’s Mother had just died and she was hiding under a tree waiting for them to take her body away. Unbeknownst to Thea Ramsey was also hiding up in the tree and when he jumps down, he lands on her and breaks her leg. Ramsey wants them to be friends and she wants nothing to do with that, always yelling at him and pushing him away until one day she doesn’t. They become best friends being there for each other when the other is down and vice versa. I know that this is an emotional story but this author knows how to insert humor into her stories. Thea and Ramsey have a connection, their ridiculous fighting, horseplay and banter is just hysterical. Well that is all I am going to say do yourself a favor and one-click this book you will not regret it!!
A slow burn second-chance romance, dual POV, with story in the past and present. An emotional roller-coaster, a love story of two broken children with a twist in the plot that shredded my heart had me on the edge of my seat from start to the very end.
“I can’t do this without you.”
“Do what?”
“He lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “Breathe.”
“Sometimes you have to let go of the life you planned in order to live the one you’re given.”
Hint Hint…I would so read a story with Ramsey’s younger sister aka Thea’s best friend Nora!!
OH MY FRIGGIN WORD! AMAZING! A sweet heartrending love story that had me on the edge of my seat right from the start. It’s captivating, endearing and full of surprises.
Thea and Ramsey are best friends and their banter and antics are hysterical. OMG, when they “come of age” and realize they are each other’s, soul mates …awww it’s so sweet.
These childhood sweethearts learn real fast that love isn’t easy and life has a way of making you have to work for your HAE. (bring on the angst and the tears)
I am not going to give any details of this great story because if I had to sit there gripping my Kindle with my mouth hanging open so many times so should you (sorry not sorry).
I DEVOURED THIS BOOK!!! I LOVED IT!!!
A must-read for everyone! YOU MUST READ IT!
Growing up, Ramsey Stewart branded my soul in ways time could never heal.
At twelve, he asked me to be his girlfriend.
At thirteen, he gave me my first kiss.
By sixteen, we’d fallen in love, planned a future together, and had our eyes set on the horizon.
Love never fails, right?
But for Ramsey, it did.
Love failed him.
I failed him.
The entire world failed him.
At seventeen, Ramsey was convicted of killing the boy who assaulted me.
Move on, he wrote in his first and only letter from prison.
Start a new life, he urged.
I don’t love you anymore, he lied.
There was no such thing as giving up on Ramsey. Love may have been our curse, but he was mine—then, now, and forever.
So here I am, twelve long years later, waiting for a man I don’t even know to emerge from between the chain link gates.
Holy freaking cow! Amazing read! My words won’t begin to do this book justice. Ramsey and Thea’s story was brilliantly written. It will take you on a emotional rollercoaster like no other! There were a few surprises that I definitely didn’t see coming. I loved every single page of this book.
Time is everything and for this book you’ll understand. I absolutely loved this book ! It took me a day to finish and a chapter to fall in love with the characters! It goes between the past and present and bring to light the struggles of gaining and maintaining the life you once had! This beautfiul story will take you on a ride you’ll never see coming! I hope there’s more!!
I was hooked from the first sentence. This was an emotional and heartbreaking book. It had me laughing and crying at the same time. My heart was racing the entire time. I loved Thea and Ramsey. There was a twist I didn’t see coming. The ending was perfect.
So I’m a sucker for friends to lovers especially when it starts out as kids. Thea and Ramsey met on very emotional day. They didn’t know at the time but a beautiful friendship was born. They healed each other and fell in love all in the same day. These two were inseparable throughout high school and then one night changed everything for them. What was supposed to be special turned into a nightmare. Both lives were turned upside down but in all honestly it helped bring a light to something that was happening and nobody was talking due to fear. I mean I hated that it happened to the girls but thanks to Thea, girls were able to get their stories out, heal and move on. This is when the story turns angsty and I loved every minute. Thea was able to live, travel and make a business. Ramsey unfortunately didn’t get to do all that though. His life turned ugly but he had good reason for doing what he did. Yes it may have lead to lies and hiding the truth but it all worked out in the end. I loved both characters including Nora and Joe. They all had their reasons for doing what they did. They wanted to protect Thea and let her live her life, rather then holding back and clinging to Ramsey. This book took ahold of me and wouldn’t let me go. It was captivating with moments that makes you mad and moments that make you swoon. Ramsey and Thea will be a couple I will always think about and will hold a place in my heart. This book was incredible!!
I was captivated from beginning to end. This story has ALL THE FEELS! You will not be able to put it down. Ramsey and Thea’s journey starts young and will be filled with obstacles and twists. Prepare for one of the best rides of the year. Aly Martinez has a way with words and her storytelling is amazing. I highly recommend this book! A definite must read.
I always look forward to Aly Martinez’s books and I especially looked forward to Release. The blurb instantly grabbed me and the story did not disappoint.
Release is a redemption love story filled with tough subjects but such beautiful characters, they make the hard parts manageable. Life isn’t easy for Thea and Ramsey, even at such young ages they have to muster the courage and strength to carry on when the adults in their lives fail them. Together they find an unwavering companionship that grows so strong throughout their youth that even twelve years apart, although tried and tested, couldn’t shake their bedrock. Through out it all their deep love can be felt even when it’s met with resistance. Apart they are completely selfless and together they are a force to be reckoned with. No matter the time…years, days, hours, minutes, seconds…they withstood the test of it and pulled through to fight another day.
I really enjoyed Release! If you’re a fan of Aly’s or new to her, this is a great book to really get all the heartfelt emotions she’s so good at drawing out in her storytelling.
Release is Aly Martinez at her best!! It is the story of Thea and Ramsey. They are childhood best friends, there for each other through rough times. They grew to be more than friends. They had an epic love story until one horrible night. Their lives changed forever. Aly Martinez takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Gut retching, heartbreaking and heartwarming emotions. Don’t worry, there are plenty of moments of levity and laughter…..and one heck of a plot twist!
Rated 4.5 Stars
Release had me riveted from page one. It’s an angsty, emotionally charged and sexy read that’s twisty. I absolutely adored this story and characters even when I wasn’t fully on board with what was happening on the page. Their journey certainly wasn’t an easy one but it was interesting, intriguing, highly entertaining and enjoyable. I definitely recommend it.
Copy provided by author
Wow!!! Just Wow…. Aly Martinez delivers another emotional and angsty story of a love and connection so deep between two best friends that it withstands lies, loss, and separation over the span of an incrediblely lengthy amount of time.
Thea and Ramsey meet as children, both suffering their own losses and both broken. Though Thea isn’t really looking for a friend, Ramsey works hard to weasel his way into her life, and once he does it’s almost as if they are two halves of a whole. There was something truly special in their uncomplicated connection and the ease of their relationship, until the day everything changed.
The deep love and extent both Thea and Ramsey would go to to protect and be there for the other was inspiring. As a reader, I could feel their commitment to each other through each page, even if it came out in unconventional ways.
Aly Martinez really brought out ALL THE FEELS with one. I mean she really held nothing back. I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the story line. It kept me engaged from start to finish and I literally read this book in one sitting. Absolutely wonderful characters with a thoughtful story line and as always terrific writing. I would highly recommend this book!!!!
“Sometimes you have to let go of the life you planned in order to live the one you’re given.”
4.5 stars
From the moment I read the blurb of this book I knew I had to have it. Not only is it Aly Martinez, but a dramatic and emotional second-chance-romance where the hero is sent to prison for defending his love? OMG, yes! I was sucked in from the very beginning and I relished in the rollercoaster ride, and I freaking loved it!
Thea and Ramsey met as children. On the day when 10-year-old Thea lost her mother, she and Ramsey met and he attached himself to her when she was at her lowest point and wanted nothing to do with him. It didn’t take long for a friendship to form and naturally over the years that friendship turned to more and they fell into first, life-changing, all-consuming love. In lives full of hurt and struggle they were each other’s whole worlds, and they dreamed of the future they would have together.
“I swear. It’s me and you forever, Ramsey.”
“I swear too.”
His voice only became more urgent. “I can’t do this without you.”
“Do what?”
He lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “Breathe.”
But then it all went horribly wrong. At 16, Thea was brutally assaulted and 17 Ramsey was convicted of killing the boy who attacked her. She promised to stay true to him, but Ramsey’s first letter from prison was to tell her to move on. She never did. He was her love and her life, and she waited for his release, still planning for the life they would have together. But when his long-awaited freedom comes, their reunion is far from the happy occasion she dreamed of, and Ramsey wants nothing to do with her.
It’s a heartwrenching situation. Ramsey has been through so much and I could completely understand what he was feeling as he continuously pushed Thea away. He has spent almost half of his life in jail, he practically grew up there, so watching him adjust to the real world broke my heart. And then to see all of his turmoil over Thea as well just made me want to hug him so bad.
“There was never a day when I didn’t want you to be mine, Sparrow. I just loved you enough to hope you wouldn’t have to be.”
It’s dramatic and angsty, and oh it hurts, but I could deal with it not only because I loved Ramsey so much, but because Thea is just so freaking awesome! She’s strong, confident and feisty, she loves her man, she doesn’t hide it and she never gives up on him. In fact she pushes him, fighting hard for him, and I freaking love that!
“You’re mine, Ramsey. You can try to fight me. You can hate me. You can lie to yourself for the rest of your life … But wherever you are, however long you are there, you are always mine.”
We get to see their past play out on the page, so we can see the depth of the connection between them and feel their love for each other – the sweet and special moments, as well as the laughter and teasing that are such a pivotal part of their relationship. And it makes their disconnection in the present so much more painful!
“There had never been a point in my life that I hadn’t been in love with Thea Hull. It was exactly why I let her go.”
It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and I couldn’t put the book down as I watched them work through it all.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen to us. It’s been almost thirteen years. You haven’t moved on. I can’t keep my hands off you and my heart is sick and fucking tired of trying. We have a lot of things to talk about, some of which are going to be an absolute dumpster fire. But I don’t know how to stop loving you, Thea. I’ve tried. And tried. But here we are. Fucked up and in love.”
Yes, it’s dramatic, and there are a few shocks along the way, but there are fun and sweet moments throughout the story as well, which I loved, and which balance everything out really nicely. And of course the romance is just gorgeous as Thea and Ramsey find their way back to each other.
“I’m yours. I’ve always been yours. Even when you didn’t want me to be.”
I loved this story. Beautifully written as always, the characters are fantastic, and I’m hoping we get to see more of them (fingers crossed for a story for Ramsey’s younger sister – and Thea’s best friend – Nora). It’s emotional and dramatic with a gorgeous second-chance-romance, and I couldn’t put it down.