Every little girl dreams of the fairytale. The one where the white knight rushes in to save her from the clutches of evil. They fall in love, have babies, and live happily ever after.By that definition, my life should have been a fairytale too.When I was eight years old, Caven Hunt saved me from the worst kind of evil to walk the Earth. It didn’t matter that I was a kid. I fell in love with him … in love with him all the same.
But that was where my fairytale ended.
Years later, a one-night stand during the darkest time imaginable gave us a little girl. It was nothing compared to the pitch black that consumed me when I was forced to leave her with Caven for good.
At the end of every fairytale, the happily-ever-after is the one thing that remains consistent. It wasn’t going to be mine, but there hadn’t been a night that passed where I hadn’t prayed that it would be hers.
I owed Caven my life.
However, I owed that innocent child more.
And that included ripping the heart from my chest and facing her father again.
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Oh that Aly Martinez. This beyond gifted writer has once more crafted a story that has undoubtedly given me pause . A journey of two survivors of a horrific event whose lives intersect not one but twice in the years that follow, with the 3rd as possibly the final straw in their point of no return.
Written with Regret tells the tale of Hadley Banks and Caven Hunt and the pain that consumes them from that shared experience 18 years ago. We get glimpses of that tragedy that has forever marred them, both physically and mentally, and it’s perfectly woven into the present day, where Caven and Hadley see each other again but this time with something more at stake than just the reminder of what was.
This story felt like new beginnings for both Caven and Hadley, finding that their attraction never really waned even when Hadley bailed on him 4 years prior (the 2nd time they met). I should have known better since Martinez likes to rip the rug from under us readers with these duets of hers. But I kept reading (maybe with just a smidge of suspicion), enjoying how they started down a path that might actually lead to getting their happy. I mean, these two have been through the wringer and deserved for each second since they had survived to be more than just good.
Then the last 5% shows up on my Kindle and BAM!, the evil genius that is Aly Martinez strikes again. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! I mean, not at all and when you read it, you’ll know what I’m talking about and will be shouting NO WAY! just like I did. Almost laughing maniacally at how sneaky she can be.
But with any luck, book two in this Regret Duet will pick up the pieces of what is to undoubtedly be one hell of a detonation of hearts as this story continues. Talk about twists. I’m still a bit in shock. But I’m still in awe that Martinez continues to fill her stories with genuine characters who make me feel. I fall deep and quickly and don’t want to leave. That’s the mark of a terrific storyteller. And believe it or not, the scene-stealer that is Rosalee made me laugh over and over again at her delightful antics and keeping Caven on his toes. Not to mention Caven’s ‘wife’ in Ian, who is not only wildly loyal but me thinks has his own story to tell. Add to the mix, the feisty bestie for Hadley in Beth and you’ve got yourself one hell of a great book.
I have to be purposely vague as I am with all of these cliffhanger first books in these Martinez duets. You need to experience it for yourself, hanging on as she takes you on yet another wonderful ride. I know it’ll all be worth it or so I hope as I now wait with bated breath for Written with You.
5 huge stars!
Caven and Willow lived through a horrible experience as children. Caven is now a successful businessman along with his best friend Ian. At a party celebrating their success, one night comes back to visit and his whole life is changed. Willow struggled after the trauma but her twin sister and her was trying to create something beautiful together. That all changed one night when there was an accident. Now once again, she’s left to pick up the pieces but she wants a part of her past back. When they see each other again, things are different but they are pulled toward each other. Can they resist it? Will all the secrets be revealed?
My heart starts racing before I even turn the first page when its time to start a new Aly Martinez story. She is a phenomenal storyteller and every one of her stories is different and engaging. Her writing evokes so many emotions and creates a tangible connection between reader and character. I’m no doubt invested in the outcome. She wows me every single time.
She has a way of writing characters with varying and unique backgrounds yet never fails to make them relatable. Caven Hunt is no different. Young and successful, he’s everything you’d expect a single, handsome man to be. But he is so much more than the surface he presents. And when it’s time, he mans up and becomes so much more.
Hadley Banks has been through hell and back. At first glimpse, she’s a character you may not even like let alone love. But again, Aly gives us someone that is so much more than what we get from a first impression. Hadley has had some truly heartbreaking moments in her life but she has a strength and resiliency that clearly comes across.
Then there’s the story that’s being told and the build-up of what’s to come. Each piece to the puzzle given slowly and with detail. The story moves seamlessly through past and present. Yet there’s an air of mystery and a sense that there is still more that needs to be discovered. She can even inject much needed humor into the most serious of situations to level things out without diminishing the importance. The secondary characters and the roles they play in the past and present reveal clues and add depth to the already intriguing journey. And let’s not forget that this is a romance with all the heat and attraction and love because it’s definitely there in spades. I’ll be thinking about Hadley and Caven for weeks to come. Their story ends on one heck of a cliffhanger but also because it’s just that darn good and I’m consumed with how it all will end.
5 stars and ALL THE FEELS!
Oh my God, Aly Martinez! What an absolutely stunning read! Emotionally intense from beginning to end, this book completely captivated me and I could not put it down! An emotional and enthralling read that is dramatic, sweet, funny, heartbreaking, sexy and romantic, this book had me feeling everything and I loved every freaking moment of it!
Caven Hunt is on top of the world having just sold his tech business for hundreds of millions of dollars. He is the ultimate playboy, and is loving his life of no strings, no drama… until a baby is left on his doorstep declaring him the father after a one night stand. Overnight his whole world changes, with everything focussing on his new baby girl, and four years later he has become a doting, adoring single father to adorably precocious little Rosie. Once again his life is perfect, but once again his whole world changes when his baby mama suddenly reappears.
Hadley Banks has lost everything. She has endured tragedy after tragedy and almost lost herself in the process. The only thing she has left to live for is the little girl who is her only remaining family and the reason she has pulled herself out of the depths of depression and darkness.
“Guilt slashed through me as I imagined her growing up without a mother. Regardless of how deeply it gutted me, I knew with my whole heart that it was the best thing that had ever happened to her.”
Her sudden reappearance in little Rosie’s life is the last thing that Caven wanted, and he goes all out to protect his baby girl from the woman who abandoned her as a newborn. But Hadley makes it clear that she’s here to stay, begging for a chance to get to know Rosie. As much as he hates it, Caven knows he has no choice but to allow Hadley into their lives, and it’s then, once again, that everything begins to change.
“If you break her heart, I will ruin you.”
… “We were both ruined a long time ago, Caven. Maybe it’s time for us to clear the wreckage and rebuild. Starting with her.”
I was so nervous about this book. After reading the blurb I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to warm to the heroine, but I trusted in Aly and I didn’t just warm to her, I ached for her. I could feel her heartache, her grief and her utter despair. I could understand why she made the decision that she did, and I thought the way she handled her return was absolutely perfect! Strong, yet respectful of Caven and little Rosie, I admired the way she behaved and how she went about it, and I really felt for her.
“Not everything was black and white. It was often in the gray areas where the hardest decisions are made.”
And Caven… just damn. The man has been through hell in his life, and the fact that she’s managed to rise above and become such a well-adjusted guy, let alone a wild success, is indicative of his strength. And then along comes this baby that he is completely clueless about and once again he embraces the challenge and allows his life to be turned completely upside down. The love he has for little Rosie is just amazing. He is loving, supportive, fun and so damn protective. He is the Daddy that every little girl deserves and I absolutely love him!
“The first time she’d babbled dada, I’d known I was in trouble.
The first time she’d called me daddy, I’d nearly hit my knees.
And the first time she’d said “I love you, Daddy,” I’d frozen, my chest so tight that I thought there was a solid chance I was having a heart attack. Once I’d felt comfortable that I didn’t need to call an ambulance, I’d immediately gone to the bathroom, gotten in the shower, and fought back manly fucking tears in private.
Well, until she had come looking for me, thrown the shower curtain back, and asked why she didn’t have a penis.”
And as a romantic hero, he is amazing. Given the history between him and Hadley, there is SO much emotion between the two of them, and we feel it all right along with them. From hate to fear, confusion, understanding and an irresistible attraction, there’s a lot for them to work through, and they do it slowly and realistically, and I was glued to my kindle through every moment of it.
“I didn’t know what it was about this woman, but in the span of one conversation, I’d gone from wanting to have her thrown under the jail to having the most ridiculous desire to promise her that it was going to be okay. But it wasn’t okay.
It would probably never be okay. For either of us.”
It’s emotional and dramatic, but there is also a lot of fun and funny moments. Of course, little Rosie is a complete scene stealer, funny, sweet, and so freaking cute, and you can’t help but adore her. And Caven and Hadley are both smart, witty and sarcastic, and the banter between them as they begin to open up and warm to each other is just fantastic. The sexual tension builds beautifully, intensified by the emotion of their situation and their history together, and I could not get enough!
The story moves at a great pace, giving us lots of details and really allowing us to get to know these characters, while keeping the story moving. There’s a lot to take in and the book has a lot of surprises, and my heart was pounding through the rollercoaster ride of emotions that this book took me on.
And then bam, that ending! It’s one hell of a cliffy! My mind and my heart are both racing, and I cannot wait to continue on with this story.
5 huge stars!
Wow. The book hooked me from the first sentence and did not let go. I fell in love with Caven. There are so many sides to him. There is a huge twist that I did not see coming and I can’t stop thinking about it. I can not wait for book 2 to see how this all plays out.
Written with Regret was an emotionally riveting and unputdownable read from the first page. I was constantly kept guessing as I voraciously devoured every single word as quickly as I could. I adored Caven as I watched him learn how to handle the curveball life threw his way like a pro. Hadley kept me intrigued throughout their story and tugged at my heartstrings. I loved the angsty push and pull between Caven and Hadley as they both danced around each other. Both Caven and Hadley stole a piece of my heart. I laughed, cried, raged and my heart squeezed so many times but I loved every emotion-filled moment. These two kept me so captivated I thought I knew what direction their story was going in and then the rug got pulled out from under me and I was left with my head spinning. Luckily, the epic conclusion to this duet isn’t far away and I can’t wait for their story to continue. Written with Regret was an amazing, riveting, and heart-gripping must read you won’t want to miss.
Jeez, I’m not even sure where to start with this. There is so much to say, AND YET, not a single thing I want to, just for the sheer fact there were quite a few OMFG moments and I don’t want to risk giving them away. I can say the start is a whoa factor, that I loudly gasped, potentially more than once, (but definitely once), that there were quite a few times that I laughed at possibly the cutest 4 year old ever, and there were quite a few times where my eyes were leaking while I was reading (aka crying). I completely fell in love with Caven, who he was and the man/dad he became. And Hadley, well she’s strength and a bit of sass, with a lot of heart. And then once again, Aly Martinez just blows my mind with that ending, leaving me standing on the edge to find out what happens next. I truly can’t wait to find out what she has in store for us next. Nothing short of more brilliance. And the countdown begins!!!
I had no words right after I finished this book!!! I had to think about what I wanted to say without giving anything away. The very beginning of this book had my heart racing, mouth hanging open…the cliffhanger of this book, yep, you guessed it…same reaction!!!
I can’t say much about the actual book, just know that I couldn’t put it down. I laughed, I cried, I had my fingers crossed at times, I fell in love with the characters and felt what they were feeling. This book had twists and turns, angst, love, just about everything I love in a book!
I cannot wait until the next book, thankfully the release is right around the corner!!!
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. Most books I’ve read had the man walking out on the woman and his kid. It was nice to see the change where the dad is the responsible one. Caven is an amazing dad. When Hadley showed up I’m not surprised he flipped out! I’m glad he gave her a chance to prove herself. I have to say though, that ending….OMG!! Total cliffhanger!! Talk about a plot twist!! I need book 2!! Awesome job Aly!!
Aly Martinez is the most amazing writer! Every time I read a book of hers, I think there is no way she can top this. Wrong! She delivers every time, every story.
Written with Regret is the brilliantly written with the most delicious characters. Ms. Martinez has given us a magnificently plotted story that has you on the edge of your seat, turning pages from the beginning. You will be captured by the woven words of this web of intrigue.
Besides the intrigue this book brings, Ms. Martinez gives us a true bright star in Roselee. This little girl gives this story a warmth that will embrace you.
Like everyone else that has read this book, I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this duet. But knowing the type of story that Ms. Martinez can deliver, it will be well worth the wait.
4.25-4.5 stars. Ahh, this book was sooo good! I could not put it down and I ending up reading it in one sitting. Written with Regret is book one in the Regret duet. This is the first book in Caven and Hadley’s story. It is a twisty, turny, angsty read so I can’t describe the story very much without giving too much away. I will say this- Caven is a tech millionaire whose life is turned upside down when a newborn baby is left on his doorstep with a note that she is his daughter, Rosalee. Now, five years later, Hadley has returned with hopes of being in Rosalee’s life. But there is so much more to the story than that.
This book is fast paced and keeps you guessing. It is emotional, angsty, sexy and it even made me cry. Caven and Hadley had gone through a lot of heartache in their lives from a young age. Their relationship starts off very rocky and is slow burn, enemies to lovers. I really liked both of their characters and felt bad for both of them. I loved them together and I am rooting for them to finally get the HEA they deserve. Rosalee was adorable and written age appropriately.
Now, this book does have a doozie of a cliffhanger. So many questions! It really leaves you wondering what is going on and if anything is what it seemed to be. I can. not. wait. to read book 2, Written with You. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to more from Aly Martinez!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started Written with Regret, but the cliff hanger threw me. I did not see that one coming, and now I can’t wait to read book two to see what happens to Caven and Hadley.
I’ve been a fan of Aly Martinez since I first read her On the Ropes series (I highly recommend that one too, by the way!). She’s a wonderful storyteller. And her duets are phenomenal. OK, yeah…I’m a huge Aly Martinez fangirl!
Let me just tell you straight up…if you hate a cliffhanger, wait for book two to release then buy them both. This one has a doozy of a cliffhanger.
This book starts off with a bang and will literally keep you turning the pages as quickly as you can all the way to The End. As all of her books that I’ve read are, this one is very well written and her character development is so, so good. She slowly reveals so many different facets of each of the character’s personality in such a way that you’re never quite sure who they truly are. And that’s part of the reason you want to just keep reading and reading and reading. And then you’ll get to the end and will still be wondering what really makes them both tick, and who are they really??
NICUnurse’s Rating: There is SO much in this book that if I say much more it will give the story away and this book is just TOO good to spoil any part of it. If you love a really great angsty contemporary romance, this is ABSOLUTELY one you want to pick up right. NOW! I give Written With Regret by Aly Martinez 5 out of 5 stars!
Aly Martinez’s talent truly astounds me and Written With Regret without a doubt is the BEST book she’s ever written. My goodness I will never be over this book as it is a serious punch to the heart and my mind was blown away. Written With Regret is genius with its dramatic edge and captivating plot. Along with being a creative and perfectly written masterpiece.
Without giving too much away, I will say that Caven and Hadley met under a very unique circumstance and a life altering situation which sets the tone for the storyline. I was overwhelmed with a rollercoaster of emotions and high level of angst while reading this unbelievable page-turner.
It goes without saying that Written With Regret exceeded expectations. There is a MAJOR unpredictable cliffhanger that had me at a lost for words and my mouth hanging open. My mind is spinning with anticipation as to how Written With You (book two) is going to play out and I can’t wait for it!!
What a fascinating story!!. Starts with a bang and ends on a slap !
Holy wow of a plot and Holy Shitballs of the cliffy end!!!
Full of surprising twists and turns, this book will keep you occupied even after you’ve closed the last page
That’s the thing about life though. It operates best on the element of surprise. There were no choices left. No options. No outs.
Stunning, catastrophic and hopeful all at the same time, it manages to punch you in the jaw when you LEAST EXPECT IT!!
Expect a severe Whiplash when truth gets revealed.
The story starts on a beautiful harmonious note. A trip to the mall is all it takes to set the balls rolling.Two kids meet by an accident of fate and Cavin Hunt ends up saving Hadley Banks’s life and their fate ties them together forever!!
A three-count to safety. His hand holding mine as he guided me through Hell. They were memories of Caven —the fifteen-year-old boy who had protected me with his own body before he’d ever known my name.
The story progresses casually, with accidents and incidents happening along the way, characters meeting, karma interfering and some unexpected consequences.
Characters are very clear cut, or so it seems. they project expected reactions, have secrets and skeletons in the closet and are coming to terms with their demons. On the path to redemption you end up feeling sorry for them, have forgiveness in your heart.
Lots of OMG, Awww moments till you fast approach towards the end. You think what a wonderful tie up of loose threads, clouds have parted, sun is shining and there’s rainbow in the sky.
H.E.MoFo.A Guaranteed!!
“Life isn’t lived as a whole. You aren’t given a hundred years all at once. Time is doled out one very manageable second at a time. Stop looking at the big picture and find happiness in the seconds.”
Then Aly decides to create a seismic explosion and pull the ground from beneath your feet
The characters get torn down like paper, your jaw falls to the floor, love turns to hate and the only sentiment you’re left with – She DID NOT just Do THAT!!!
Sucker Punch to your Solar Plexus !!!
“What? Who said anything about dry-heaving?”
I have to rewire my brain, rethink everything and start from the beginning again…. and Wait for the next book
5 stars for Ferrets, Llamas and Glitter Unicorns
This is my first taste of the writing style of Aly Martinez, and I must say I am so happy that I started with WRITTEN WITH REGRET. Yes it is book 1 in a duet. Yes it will sucker punch you in the gut and leave you wounded. Yes you will be captivated until the very end.
The shock factor is immense. Reading this book was an experience in and of itself. Filled with; drama and angst; tears and heartbreak; love and loss. It is the story of two people with a tragic and murky past in which they briefly crossed paths one fateful day that would change and shape the rest of their lives.
It was difficult not to fall I love with the main characters. Both were so damaged and still struggling with internal demons left behind by a catastrophic event. Their struggles are real but they want to better themselves in order to be able to give their daughter a better start in life and protect her even if that is from themselves. I was conflicted about Hayden but fell head over heels for Caven.
Stunned is a mild word to use to describe how I was left feeling at the end of this book. I am super pumped to get my hands on book 2 – WRITTEN WITH YOU – bring on June 13th.
Written With Regret by Aly Martinez is one of my favorite books. This author and her writing; well I will say there are a lot of good authors but not that many greats and she is one of the greats. The prologue had me in tears and I couldn’t put this book down. This is a really emotional book and will have you laughing, smiling and then sob crying. It has some twist and turns that keep you guessing but the ending definitely came as a surprise. I can’t wait for the next book!!!!!!!
Oh my word. Just when you think it was it as going to be a normal romance story with some angst in there, then BAM this author wacks you into reality
I felt for both of these characters in this book, but especially for Caven, he had a rough life and when he got his daughter I loved how he just stepped up and took her. No matter his fears of turning out like his father.
Hadley herself had a happy childhood until one day changed everything. From there her life was traumatic and heartbreaking, and she gave her baby away to make sure she is cared for. Now she’s back hoping to change things and be a part of her life. But will Caven give her that chance, or will her fears and anxiety be the better of her
This story had me on edge the whole time, it’s like I was just waiting for the bomb to drop. When it did, I didn’t expect it Now I have to wait till June for the next installment and I need to know what happens now You can never go wrong with one of this authors books. You will be hooked from the start to end and be like what did I just read June hurry up I need the next book
Written With Regret is book one in the duet. I loved it and could not put it down! I really loved Caven and Hadley. I loved Rosie, she was an adorable and sassy little girl! I am dying to read part two!! Cannot wait!
I have deleted and restarted this review probably a million times. I have no idea how to express this jumbled up mass of feelings in my head after finishing Written with Regret by Aly Martinez. This was a thriller, a psychological game, a intriguing story of strong inevitable connection between two crooked, twisted and broken souls.
I hope you won’t be like me and will read the blurb before reading the story. I do this regularly because I love the shock of the secrets when I go in blind. The story has two interconnected story lines in different time line. Hadley and Caven’s life got tangled in their childhood in a mass gun shooting in a shopping mall where they individually lost everything important in their lives. And now they are in complicated mess again because they have the sweetest, prettiest and cutest baby girl together. What happened in between? Does Caven know about the connection? Is Hadley telling the truth about herself? Can they really become a family when the ghosts from their traumatic past are haunting them?
First of all, I was amazed by the plethora of emotions in this story. Each character is unique and tells a very interesting story of their own. I could feel every piece of puzzle is significant but for the love of god I cannot predict or assume how they will fit together. Caven literally melted my heart. He has many feathers in his cap. A technology genius, a rich successful businessman, a single doting father, a loyal friend and a good man all the way. But he has this dark shadow of guilt and shame behind his cheerful, sweet, funny and charming exterior. And that’s made him extra special. Hadley is a survivor and fighter. She has more darkness in her but her love for their daughter is so amazingly beautiful. Caven and Hadley has this intense binding that goes from bitter and untrustworthy to compassionate and lustful.
Aly Martinez was controlling my heart like a puppet. They pulled the strings, mesmerized me and left me craving for more. She delivered the perfect lines at the perfect moment. At one moment it was soft swoony and at the next moment it was tragically devastating. The contrast was simply brilliant. She squeezed my heart painfully with all the raw emotions for Hadley and Caven. She pushed and twisted the knife inside while I dealt with the uneasy heartbreaking feelings. And that jaw dropping ending was brutal. A must read story of 2019.
Received ARC for Honest Review