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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This is a sweet story by the author Aly Martinez. It looks at the characters Ramsey and Thea. Ramsey and Thea started off as friends, then lovers until a tragedy takes place which places Ramsey in prison for most of his twenties and Thea waiting for him to come out. But nothing is as easy as it seems and the life Thea thought they could have together is not so easily sought, especially when truths come out that turn Thea’s life on its head.
This is certainly a second chance romance, told by the main characters different points of views which I felt really added to the story as we really got into their psyche of feelings and got both sides of the story on what led up to the fateful night when everything changed for both of them.
This was an emotional roller-coaster of a ride with an amazingly instant and hot connection between both Thea and Ramsey. Other secondary characters such as Ramsey’s sister and Thea’s dad also add to the story and you’ll be amazed by the secrets that come out and how sometimes the system doesn’t work for everyone.
A really good, page turning, emotional book which will keep you on the edge of your seat and with tears in your eyes at points.
ARC received for a fair and honest review.
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
Aly Martinez knows how to write a story that will draw the readers in, and keep you completely captivated till the end, and Release is no different. This story is heart-wrenching, childhood friends to lovers, second chance love story. It was fast paced, full of feeling, it’s told in dual pov, and it goes from the past to present but I had no problem following it. The characters are realistic, and I liked them. I did notice that the story felt rushed, and after some things came to light, I wanted more depth, it felt unfinished with that being said I still thought it was a good story.
3.5 stars for – Release – by Aly Martinez. This is a totally unique book all about second chances and first loves written by one of my favorite authors.
Two kids who were best friends grew up and fell in love, then something unthinkable happened to tear them apart. Now twelve years later Ramsey is back in Thea’s life but wants nothing to do with the girl he used to love.
This was a rollercoaster ride of emotions for me that was (at times) so full of angst I wanted to smack some sense into the H/h and tell them to get it together! I did enjoy it once everyone was on the same page but it was touch and go there for a minute. Their chemistry was insane and they came together in an explosion of need, anger, humor and love. This was a good read that I definitely recommend you picking up today.
I loved this story. The connection between Thea and Ramsey grows stronger as they get older. Their story was sad, intense, loving, and happy. Thea’s dedication to Ramsey was an act of true love. She also took the time to figure out who she was as an individual.
Epic love! I’m going to start with the ending…that epilogue was absolutely fantastic. Happy tears and the perfect ending! And thank you for “The End”. I was so excited that there were no cliffhangers or another part of the story to wait for the conclusion. Yeah! The journey of Thea and Ramsey was everything I’ve come to expect from this outstanding author. You know you’re going to get a HEA but it’s the emotional road to happiness that is just marvelous. The road for Thea and Ramsey from childhood friendship to adult love is paved in tragedy and so much sadness along with a few happy, fun moments that bond the two in forever friendship and love. The beginning with the youngsters was a little long and slow for me but I know it was to build the foundation for the relationship between the characters. When I got to the meat of the story with the budding romance and our couple planning their bright future I was all in. And then another tragedy hits with heart wrenching results and lasting trauma. My emotions were blown up! Couldn’t these two ever get a break from the sadness? Just when things were moving in the right direction for Thea and Ramsey a huge twist hits that I did not see coming. I was flipping pages as fast as I could. I’m not going to lie; I love the steamy, sexy part of the story and our lovers were hot! There were also so many sweet, heartfelt moments also. Great secondary characters with Dad Joe and Nora leading the way. This really is a beautiful love story with wonderful characters and a storyline that will whip your emotions and leave you wrung out but at the end happy that you read this book. Loved it! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC. 4.5 STARS
I started reading Release by Aly Martinez one morning and then completely devoured it. The blurb intrigued me but the story captivated me from start to finish. An emotional and angst-filled second chance romance with so many feels. We get to know Ramsey and Thea between the past and present. Two people who were destined to be together but torn apart by horrible circumstances.
He wanted her to move on and live. She never stopped loving him. Now they face so many challenges. Can two people meant for each other find their way back? Thea was determined to do just that. Ramsey may not be the same man he was twelve years ago, but the love he feels for the people in his life never changed. But where is his place in the world now? Their story was a roller coaster of emotions, anguish and maybe, just maybe second chances. I absolutely loved it and could not put it down. This is a must-read for 2020!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Oh my goodness!!! I can’t even begin to say how AMAZING this book is. This is my first book by Aly Martinez and I can’t imagine a better start to her writing than Release.
I could tell by the description that this book would give heartbreak but it was so much more. Release is a friends to lovers romance that will give you heartbreak, fill you with hope, and make you believe in the power of love all over again. I literally could not put it down and I stayed up until 3 a.m. just to finish it.
Thea and Ramsey met when they were both young – 8 and 9 I believe were their exact ages. I absolutely love how we got the story from when they were young first and how they grew to mean so much to each other. Then unfortunately one tragedy changed the course of their lives when they were 16 & 17. After a brutal night that resulted in Ramsey going to prison for 12 years, Thea is now looking forward to having to having her boyfriend and best friend back. Unfortunately Ramsey has changed and he wants nothing to do with her.
I was so happy when Ramsey finally got out but I just knew that it wasn’t going to go as Thea hoped. It was so heart wrenching to watch it unfold with how Ramsey treated Thea. I got it but I also loved how Thea wouldn’t give up on Ramsey. I definitely wasn’t expecting the twist that came but again I understood it but again so heartbreaking.
I so enjoyed this couple’s journey and their love. I will definitely be going out to read more from Aly. AMAZING book and if I could give it 10 stars I would. Literally the best book I have read this year so far and I know it will stay in the top 5 this year.
They fell in love at ten, did they ever fall out of love?
Read this book with life altering events to find out.
Although most of the book was sweeter than I normally enjoy the suspense will keep you turning those pages and watching bombs get thrown left, right and centre
3.5 Stars
Spanning over decades, we get the highly emotional story of Thea & Ramsey in this angsty standalone. Past and present unfold into an epic story of love, hate, and secrets that change everyone’s lives forever.
Love, family & friendship shine throughout this story, and the lengths you’ll go to protect the ones you love. Families are shattered, new ones emerge and bonds are forged that last a lifetime.
The first half of this book was addicting, Thea and Ramsey’s beginning and what brought them to the present. I was so intrigued and couldn’t put it down. Unfortunately, the second half fell flat for me. The plot was there, the promise of an explosive conclusion, but for some reason, I just felt something was missing and it just didn’t hit the spot.
While it wasn’t my favorite, the writing is amazing & the storyline is extremely interesting, and I would definitely recommend it!
*4,5 stars*
I always enjoy reading a book by this author ‘cuz whatever she writes, you just know it’s going to get to your emotions. Release is the story of Ramsey and Thea but definitely one that will have you gripped. At times it was hard to read but you just couldn’t put it down, hoping there will be a happy ending!
Ramsey and Thea meet each other when they are kids and Ramsey moved in on the same street. They become fast friends even though Thea just wants to be alone after losing her mom. In time feelings start to change and their friendship grows into more but when something tragic happens to Thea, it’ll change their future forever. Now years later, Ramsey is released from prison and needs a place to stay. But time has changed not only him and Thea but everyone around them. During his probation, Thea tries to rekindle with him but Ramsey won’t have anything to do with her but most of all she tries to get her best friend back into her life. Slowly but surely, they are finding their way back to each other but when a secret comes out, it’ll shake both yet again and Thea will have to choose whether or not she still wants to fight after all they’ve been through…
An angsty and heartwrenching second chance romance. It had me laughing and crying and wanting to throw my kindle. It had a tight grip on me from the very beginning and took me an amazing rollercoaster ride.
This is the first book by this author that I have read since her On the Ropes series. And oh my word, can I not explain why it took me so long to return. She holds the magic to create a story so tragically bleak, the reader cannot see how the story will turn out happily. Then, out of nowhere, something happens. The sluggish black mash that is on the page morphs into a bright light full of happiness.
Ramsey and Thea have been friends since they were little, outcasts bonded by tragedy and strife.
Release tells the tale from both past and present. Glimpses of who they were as children, teenagers all the way up to the worst night of their young lives.
Thea lives for the moment of getting him back; only when she does, it isn’t quite what she expected. She doesn’t fully comprehend what it was that Ramsey had to give up and do in order to survive his own private version of Hell. The boy he once was has been dead and buried, not laid to rest but buried alive. So many times I felt my heart weep at what I experienced.
For two people who so clearly loved one another, how could they not make it work?
Why were so many obstacles in their way? What was it that kept him hanging on to his temper by the skin of his teeth?
I found that I went into the first part of this book believing one thing and by the end of the second half my belief system had been tipped on its head.
So many things I want to talk about, but I won’t. The description and wording of this book is breathtaking. I hurt, I cried, I screamed and I laughed. What more can a good book do to you?
Aly Martinez killed it with this book. The secrets and heartbreak had me wrecked. The connection between Ramsey and Thea was unbreakable even with years and distance separating them. Time did not dissipate the love they have for each other. Even when all seemed lost Thea never gave up hope. That is one of the major things I loved about her. She was strong when Ramsey couldn’t be. This book will have you captivated and in the feel! I highly recommend this read!
Thea and Ramsey had loved each other from the first. They were friends from elementary all through when the unthinkable happens. They were each other firsts for everything and you could feel the love that they had for each other. Right up until Ramsey broke her heart with his one letter to her. She never gave up hope though.
When Ramsey gets out and comes home, he’s different. He’s changed. He’s no longer the boy that would laugh and smile. He’s been in prison and it’s hard to get acclimated. Thea wants to help but he wants nothing to do with her help.
Watching them navigate through the emotions, the memories is heart wrenching, heartwarming. I laughed with them, I cried with them. I was rooting for them. This book covers just about every emotion and secrets I didn’t have a clue about that I was like WHAT????? Loved it!!!
Well now that I can breathe again . . . let me see if I can get this review on paper.
First, let me say that Aly Martinez is one of the best storytellers today. Her stories fill me with the reality of life, and the way of the world. And what she did with Release still has me in a book hangover.
Life isn’t always fair. Sometimes good things happen to bad people and sometimes bad things happen to do people. And then there are other times we choose our own destiny. This story is about those choices.
Thea counts the import things in her life through time. Years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds. Each of those measurements either guts her or renews her.
Ramsey lost all sense of time. The years moved slowly, the distance grew farther and the love seems to dissipate. But always remember everything is not what it seems.
They met as kids, each with a broken heart. They learn to love as teenagers, mending the other’s broken hearts. And then . . .
The one thing I loved about this story was the growth of the characters. Not only the hero and heroine but the supporting cast as well. Joe and Nora. We watch them slip and fall but eventually get back up and put the pieces of their lives together.
There were so many times, I put my kindle down and walked away. I had to. I could not breathe. The emotional overload was more than I could handle at that time. Because that is what Aly does. She reaches into her bag of letters and words and creates a book filled with angst, humor, trepidation, love, fear and every other emotional state known to man.
Once again, Aly Martinez, you broke me down and once again you put me back together.
5 out of 5 stars!!!
Wow!! Ramsey and Thea’s story is such a great adventure in love. There were twists and turns. There was sadness and despair. There was laughter and joy. Most of all there were two people destined for each other who learned how to cope.
One of my favorite quotes from early in the book was Rsmsey’s thoughts about Thea and him being friends and more than friends:
…we would learn that finding unconditional understanding in another human being was more extraordinary and romantic than any live story.
Then there was a time later in the book when he said all he could offer was “love and Tylenol” and my kids thought I’d lost my mind because I giggle snorted.
The book just really touched me and I’m so grateful to authors like Ms. Martinez who write books and shared them with the world.
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for and honest review ***
There are almost not enough words in the English language to adequately describe how amazing this book was. In the first 20% to 30% of this book, I knew this was book was going to slay me into pieces. The connection that is between Thea and Ramsey is severely intense. The skill behind these words is amazing. I don’t know how Aly does this every time. My heart beats for the next words. I couldn’t get enough of this story. I was only half way through the book and my heart was so battered. Aly has magical powers when it comes to her story telling. Don’t even get me started on the twist that Aly wrote into this masterpiece. I definitely didn’t see the twist coming at all.
I absolutely adored how Aly set up this plot. I thoroughly enjoyed every piece of this story. The story starts out from the very beginning on when they met and you get to travel through the whole journey with them. The chemistry, the closeness, the banter, and the friendship throughout the book feels real. It jumps right off the pages at you. It was a complete and total home run for me. I’m so sad this book is over. Aly Martinez wrote a masterpiece with Release.
Couldn’t put it down!
What a fantastic heartbreaking read. The author brought out all the feels with this beautifully written gem. Ramsey and Thea stoke my heart on the first page and didn’t let go until the last. They squeezed, broke and glued it back together again.
Not only was it an emotional ride, it also surprised the crap out of me. Beautiful characters, wonderful story and fantastic writing. Loved it.
Couldn’t put it down!
What a fantastic heartbreaking read. The author brought out all the feels with this beautifully written gem. Ramsey and Thea stoke my heart on the first page and didn’t let go until the last. They squeezed, broke and glued it back together again.
Not only was it an emotional ride, it also surprised the crap out of me. Beautiful characters, wonderful story and fantastic writing. Loved it.
*Review by Michelle
* A review copy was provided by the author *
When I saw that Aly Martinez was releasing a new book, I just knew I had to read it!! I absolutely LOVE everything this author writes. I have NEVER been disappointed in any of her stories.
Once I read the blurb for this book I knew it was going to be great!! It is filled with raw emotions and heartbreaking angst, but overall it is a heartwarming love story that stands the test of time.
Release is the latest standalone novel by Aly Martinez. This is a complete standalone and no other book needs to be read to enjoy this masterpiece. You will be happy to know that this book does have a completed ending….it is not part of a Duet like Aly Martinez is known for writing. This book is told in Dual POV. I thought this story was gripping and emotional and I was hooked right from the beginning. Aly was even able to shock me as the story played out. I thought I knew how things would play out and then BOOM!!! I thought the story was very well written. The pace and flow of the story was spot on. I loved how this story played out.
In this story we follow the love story of Thea and Ramsey. Thea and Ramsey met when they were just young kids. Thea had just lost her mother and was not looking for a new friend. Well that didn’t stop a determined Ramsey. He was going to make Thea like him no matter what. Over the years Ramsey and Thea’s friendship progressed into something more….an all consuming love. But then something tragic happens and everything they knew was changed forever!!! 12 years later and Ramsey has now come back into Thea’s life and she is determined to get Ramsey’s friendship and love back. Can these two get past everything to get their second chance?? What happens when secrets are revealed?? Can Thea ever get past the hurt and betrayal?? Read this book to find out what happens to these two characters.
I loved these two characters. They were perfect for each other. When one was weak and vulnerable, the other was strong and supportive. I loved watching these two grow into the adults they become. I also loved watching their friendship bloom into more. I thought it helped with the connection the reader has to this couple. But beyond them, there were some awesome secondary characters. Nora and Thea’s dad (although I wasn’t so sure about him in the beginning) were characters I was also invested in. I kind of hope that we get to see a story about Nora some day.
If you are a fan of Aly’s books, you HAVE to read this book. I think this is one of my favorite books of hers so far. If you love a second chance romance, you NEED to read this book. Add this book to your TBR list, you won’t be sorry.