One story. Two couples.
I proposed on our first date.She laughed and told me I was insane. Less than a day later, she said yes.It was a whirlwind, but we were happy… money we didn’t have. Lied to our families. Smiled for our friends. Put on a brave face for a world that didn’t understand.
Finally, we were successful…
Until we were forced to bury our son.
We were left broken, battered, and destroyed.
They say love is in the details, but it was the details that ruined us.
This is the story of how I took back what had always been mine.
The retrieval of my wife and our family.
more
This duet is a WILD RIDE. What a different, imaginative romance. I read this early, before book two was finished, and I was losing my mind with need for the conclusion. So good.
I’m in awe at Aly Martinez’s uncanny ability to blow me away every time I read one of her books! In her signature fashion, Aly writes a romance dealing with raw, gritty emotions. I mean holy moly, it’s emotionally intense. It also keeps you on the edge of the seat with gripping suspense. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an epic love story.
I loved this book! Simply stated, it was amazing! I could not put it down, and read it in a date. I loved (and hated at times):the story of Elisabeth and Roman. I loved how it was 2 different stories and 3 different points of view, but all connected! And the ending??? Wow!
Have you ever had a friend shove a book at you and in a demon possessed voice demand you read it? Hmm, just me then.
Okay so that’s not exactly what happened but pretty close.
I have heard of the author before and even TBRed a book or two of hers. But my first taste of Aly Martinez was Retrieval, and boy was it bitter- (don’t stop reading…it’s a pause for artistic sense, to build anticipation) sweet. She had me crying in the prologue…on page 5. That’s straight up evil.
Tissues are strongly suggested. Reading will result in lusting after certain hotties that shall steal your heart or peak your curiosity. I will admit to stalking the author for more information about Leo and his guys. (Apparently they are regulars and I’m slacking in my reading- this will be rectified at a later date.) Sorry about that, I get distracted lusting after fictional characters on the regular.
Now back to this book:
Retrieval is about a man who lost everything- EVERYTHING important to him. He lost it when he thought he didn’t deserve it. But thankfully, he gets the most important part dangled in his face. Brought out to tempt or torment, he isn’t sure but he realizes he’s never letting go again.
That right there is Roman my newest dream man! How can you resist a man whose presence liquifies your insides. Trust me even the heroine, Elisabeth, can’t. I give her an A for effort though- but not during this book, nope, that A was earned in their years apart.
Read this book! (This is being demanded in a demon like growl) Learn about a kind of love that makes your heart soar and your eyes water. Learn what it’s like to be viscerally connected to your soul mate on your first date.
I’m not sure whether I hate this author or love her! Why, you ask? BECAUSE WHO COULD EVER REPLACE ROMAN!?!?! Why write a book about this amazing man, his amazing love, and then try and top it…oh wait that’s normal. Ok I’ll just have to cling to the hope that part two in the duet Transfer will restore my faith in real men. Somehow, I don’t think so..
Word on the street is that this book is pretty good.
AHMAHGAH THIS BOOK IS AH-MAZING! <---- shouty capitals worthy, people! I devoured this book. Yes, yes I did. I just couldn't get enough! This book had my cold dead heart breaking and on the flip side, had my blood pumping! Pumping like crazy, espically that ending. Gah! I was legit bouncing in my chair at the end. I already preordered the next book! I'm so glad it comes out soonish. I need to find out what happens next! Like, I want to read it again. That's how much I enjoyed this book. I say go forth and read it!
Wow. This book was so different from most other books. The main characters- Roman and Elisabeth- were so easy to fall in love with. I felt their struggle right from the start, and couldn’t wait to watch them fall in love, again. They felt so real, and what has caused so much difficulty for them ends up making them stronger.
I have read most of Aly Martinez’s books and this duet is one of my favorites! It is well-written, the characters were well-developed, and while, there is a slight cliffhanger (not really though; the next book actually follows another couple, although Romand and Elizabeth play a large part).
I have already read this book (and listened to the audiobook) a few times, and highly recommend!
Roman and Elisabeth’s marriage was falling apart, your taken back to see the love they had they wanted children and were left with no option but to go through IVF.
Fast forward two years and neither of them have moved own, both not admitting they still have feelings after the tragedy they went through. One call from the police station forces them to see each other again and something neither of them saw coming.
Roman knows he’s feelings are still there for Elisabeth and he will do whatever it takes to win her back, even with what they have to go through dragging up all the emotions again. Will they get the chance again after all they have been through, or will they decide it can never work again.
Not main characters but they play a part in the story are Clare and Walter. Claire is in a nightmare of a marriage, the only thing she worries about is protecting her daughter and keeping her safe from her husband.
Story although end with a type of HEA for Roman and Elisabeth their story isn’t finished and you see the beginning of Clare’s new beginning.
Oh.My.Gawwwd…what a FANTABULOUS story. I’m floored..I’m enamored..I’m in awe of Aly and her story telling prowess.
Roman Leblanc I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!
He’s the PERFECT HUSBAND. Just how I like my man. He’s authoritative, decisive, relentless in his pursuit of estranged wife Elisabeth.
Their love story is the BEST EVER
He proposed on the FIRST DATE
She ACCEPTED on the SECOND
I love it…I love it…i love it!!
But that’s not all. Aly embellished it with so many emotions, shiny, glittery like crystals all throughout.
Audio book is the BEST EVER.
5 stars…5 stars..5 stars
Read: 5/24/2020
Retrieval was the first book in a duet by Aly Martinez. I loved Martinez’s other works and Retrieval was no exception.
There were actually two separate stories being told simultaneously. The main story: Roman and Elisabeth were currently divorced but Martinez quickly updated us on how they got to this life and then the story began unraveling the present and future. The Secondary story: Clare and Walter, told from Clare’s perspective. This story may be a trigger for some. It wasn’t pretty.
Wow what a journey. Timing was everything. For some reason when I picked this book up a few years ago, I couldn’t get into it. I was only a couple pages in, but I think the description scared me that it was too emotional and painful. But this time when I picked it up, I got into it immediately and then couldn’t put it down. It was emotional, but not in the way I initially thought. Additionally, it had a twist I wasn’t expecting. And then another twist, that I picked up on right before it was revealed. No spoilers so no elaboration. But it was quite the ride.
In the end, I enjoyed it and couldn’t quit turning the pages. The second book in the duet, Transfer, will conclude both stories, but I’m assuming it will have a heavier focus on Clare and Walter’s story with Roman and Elisabeth converting to the secondary story. Bring it on!
My first read from the author and my heart broke in the most heart breaking way.
Finding love is an amazing gift not every people could have.
But to keep it is a life time journey and endless battle in tears and love all in one.
But what if the one thing they both crave is the thing they might can’t have?
Does having each other enough?
Does mistakes can be forgiven in the name of love?
Can second chance be the answer for them?
My first read from this author and I’m just not ready for the emotion slayed she bring with this book.
OH HOLY HELL!!!! THIS BOOK WAS…. AHHHHHH!! I couldn’t read this book fast enough…. it consumed my day from beginning to end and was so worth every minute I spent reading. The twists and turns definitely grabbed my attention and held on for one wilde ride I was not ready to get off because that ending left me speechless! Now gotta grab Transfer because I NEED more!
One marriage made in heaven and one in hell, yet both end up intersecting in a shocking way. Retrieval is the first of a two part series and runs the gambit of all emotions.
Roman and Elisabeth Leblanc had a whirlwind marriage. Within hours of meeting each other Roman proposed. They had an immediate bond and deep love. But 5 years later they are divorced and wondering how it all went wrong.
Clair Noir’s life is a living nightmare married to a monster. All she cares about is protecting her young daughter. She knows that her husband will never let her leave alive.
Roman and Elisabeth story is the main in the Retrieval. We are taken on the journey with them from the beginning when it was all so perfect to when it fell apart and then through reuniting and working through what tore them apart.
Unknown to them they are connected to Clair and Walter Noir. We are shown the abuse Clair endures and wonder how she will ever be able to get save her daughter.
Lots of surprises throughout and of course it ends on a doozy of a cliff hanger. The second part comes out soon where Clair’s story becomes the primary. Can’t wait!!!
This book…wow is all I can say. This book had every emotion. Roman and Elisabeth’s story was so tragic and then hopeful. Throw Clare and Tessa in to the mix and the tension in this book had ly on the edge of my seat. I wanted to fix everything for them. Watching them navigate the twists and turns of this book broke my heart and then filled it up again. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Audible version
Wow. This was a very quick listen and seriously pulled me in right out of the gate. I’m not much for getting into the nitty gritty of what happens in a book, but more how it made me feel. And I felt everything – love, hate, fear, desperation. The whole story seriously broke my heart. Elisabeth, Roman and Clare – two of them with a history and one a part of their future. I felt their pain – and oh Clare. She seemed so meek but when offered an out, one that would hurt her and possibly destroy her, she took it. I’m looking forward to seeing how this all wraps up in Transfer. I need more of Luke/Heath, and of course Walt won’t go down without a fight. I’m pretty sure things are about to get really messy.
Narration: I’ve heard Andi Arndt before but Maxine Mitchell and Jason Carpenter were new to me. They did not disappoint. Maxine pulled off exactly how I pictured Clare in my mind to a T. And Jason – wow – he can talk to me anytime! Andi did a bang up job – I even love her male voice – sexy as all get out.
Suck a good book! Can’t wait to get the rest of the series so I can find out how it all ends.
Wanted to keep reading …page after page
NO SPOILERS!
Oh. My. GOSH! Retrieval was so freaking amazing and I’m kicking myself that I waited this long to read it! Retrieval was my first novel from Aly Martinez, and it definitely won’t be the last. The storyline and characters were out of this world phenomenal, and I loved Aly Martinez’s writing style. Retrieval was an incredibly unique, epic, sexy, and riveting start to The Retrieval Duet, and I can’t wait to continue this amazing story in Transfer!
The storyline was unlike anything I’ve read before, and I loved it so much. I was hooked from beginning to end, and loved that the author kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. There were so many surprising and unexpected plot twists and turns, and I absolutely loved them all. Retrieval was sexy, sweet, and emotional, yet thrilling and suspenseful, and I honestly couldn’t get enough. I don’t often read romantic suspense, but this book definitely changed my mind, and I can’t wait to devour more from Aly Martinez!
The characters were fantastic. I fell head over heels in love with Roman, Elisabeth, and a few others. I loved their personalities and red-hot chemistry together, and how their relationship progressed throughout. I loved reading the book from multiple points of view, and all of Roman and Elisabeth’s banter and interactions with each other. Roman and Elisabeth’s unforgettable story had everything I could possibly want and so much more, and I’m dying to dive in to the finale, Transfer!
Retrieval was an absolutely unique, epic, and extremely entertaining and addicting start to The Retrieval Duet, and I would HIGHLY recommend it! Aly Martinez completely blew my mind with the first part of Roman and Elisabeth’s story, and I’m so freaking excited to devour Transfer!
Both books in the series are good you must read them if you like Ally Martinez
Retrieval was absolutely amazing. I devoured this book in one sitting and I can’t wait to start the second book which will happen as soon as I finish this review. I loved the characters in this story; well every character except Walter. Elisabeth and Roman’s love for each other was undeniable and I loved every moment of it. My heart went out for Clare and what she went through with Walter, but I cannot wait to see how things turn out for her because she deserves so much more and Tessa deserves it all. Tessa deserves to have all of the people who love her in her life. This is by far one of the best books I read so far this year and I hope the second one is better; if that’s even possible. This author has totally blown me away and has now gained another fan/supporter of her work.
Plot was good . The language was horrible and too much sex. Would not
recommend this book.