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.
more
O M G!!!! What in the world did I just read?!?!?! This story started out super emotional and traumatic. Caven and Hadley went thru things that no one ever wants to go thru especially at an early age. Fast forward several years and that hurt still lurks but everyone is carrying on with their lives. But things now are different; there’s a beautiful four year old in the middle. Caven has been a single dad all his life and for the record I’m Team Caven but then Hadley reappears. Yeah her story is sad but I’m on Caven’s side. This isn’t a romance no way this is heartbreaking with real emotions and it’s a ridiculously slowwwww compromising on behalf of these two. When things seems to be at least looking normal between Caven and Hadley, there’s an epic bomb at the end!!! And oh my word what in the world is going to happen?!?!?! For the record, Caven brother and bff are super protective of him and his daughter and will do anything to protect them. So when Trent, Caven’s brother, came out with that bombshell I was speechless and I swear I did NOT see that coming!!!! I. NEED. THE. CONCLUSION. NOW!!!!
Oh wow loved this story! Suspenseful, intriguing and heartbreaking, Written with Regret left me with all sorts of feelings. Aly Martinez weaves a tale of deception, that’s riddle with twists and turns. A single dad, second chances, and emotional rollercoasters coming from every direction, makes for an exciting book. Can’t wait to see where everyone will be left standing once the web of decept is exposed. The conclusion can’t come fast enough !
Whoa I didn’t see that coming…
OMG that’s why I LOVE Ms.Martinez. She never disappoints and I’m already excited for the 2nd book…
I’ve looked forward to this after hearing about it. Holy smokes didn’t disappoint! It’s what Aly Martinez does best duets, it’s a sure thing. Her writing always grabs me right away. This was just all sorts of emotions. I don’t know how to explain this without giving it away. But the emotions were up and down. These two people, Hadley and Caven, were so entangled and changed.
The history behind these two aren’t so simple as it seems. Lots of things vague but you feel the connection. I loved Rosie she’s a shining star in this whole story. I like that it’s pretty straight forward to start and the basic idea is there. It just dives in. With some flashbacks and little tidbits filling in the blanks. Caven was a hesitant dad to start but he grew and it was just wonderful to see. Hadley coming back into their lives was not simple nor black and white.
It deals with some PTSD so a little warning. Some parts are kind of a reflection of today’s society. Then it all goes nuts from there. From a lighter side to crazy twists. It had everything, funny, heart break, romance and steam. I really liked the plot of this as twisted as it maybe, makes you think. These characters are very interesting and pretty complex. I feel like there is so much more to this and one of those you have to read it to know. I’m so curious how this will play out. Go for it though even with a cliffy cause I can’t hardly wait for book two soon!
Breathtaking from the first word until I was absolutely gobsmacked by that OMG ending! I’m not much for overly emotional or angsty stories. This author tiptoes that line with such remarkable talent that is amazing. Her characters are so real and heartfelt right from the beginning. There are no down moments in this spectacular story about two kids bound together by a tragedy that follows them for the rest of their lives and marks every decision they make. It tore at my heartstrings on so many levels with Hadley’s crushing decision and the aftermath that disrupted Caven’s structured world. Caven and Hadley are stunning characters that are tied together in more than one way. They are both fabulous and had me rooting for them. The nuanced relationship between the two had so much emotion on a scale from hate to love that was a thing of beauty. When it culminated in a panty-melting moment I was so thrilled and thought they will finally get to a happy place with their beautiful daughter after all the sadness. I was so wishful…foolish me. I’ve read most everything this spectacular author has written so I knew the other shoe had to drop. This one was a doozy! With all the complexities of this couple’s relationship and the nagging feeling that there were more secrets from Caven bouts of guilt and Hadley’s hint of mystery. And boy was I right! I had no clue as to the reality of the situation. What a killer ending. My mind was blown apart! Where there clues? I was left with so many questions and my heart broken for what is to come. Aly, you have outdone yourself with this story (so far) and I am reaching for the rest of the story with trepidation. I know it’s going to be so emotional and heart wrenching. I’m already feeling it. The writing and storytelling are superb and all the characters simply wonderful, even Trent. Loved Ian and hope he gets a story as well as Beth. Both seem like there’s something to tell. I hope they’re calling to you like they are me. But first I have to know the rest of Caven, Hadley and Rosalee’s story. That sweet little girl! I loved every word of this story and once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. So good! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Written with regret
Aly Martinez
Reviews on goodreads. Amazon. BookBub. The book addicts
The only words I have for this is
HOLY MOLY !!! ( someplaces want let me write what I need to write there to actually convey the emotion )
REVIEW: 4+ STARS
“She kissed me like she was drowning in us.”
I don’t hide any truths that Aly Martinez is one of my favorite authors. She sits in my Top 5 because I know she will always give me a story that I cannot find anywhere else. It’s never the same yet there is always an underlying emotional current that causes my emotions to ramp up. I may want to hate it, but I just can’t look away from it at the same time. She can definitely test my patience while telling a magnanimous story because the heaviness is not to be outdone by the brilliance in her writing. She’s a master manipulator with her words, and I am always her willing manipulat….ee? I dunno, but I keep coming back for more of her manipulations.
So when that opening scene played out before my very eyes, I was shook. There was an audible gasp while I tried to come to terms with the tragedy unfolding. I mean, lives were forever changed on many, many different levels. Beyond anything I would ever want to begin to process, but to happen to someone so young? My gosh….I’m still shaking my head at the anguish that played out on the pages, but I inhaled the words as it set the stage for a very emotion-laden book.
In the opposite corner of my shock, the face of reality, the giggles coming out of me, were rapt and sharp. I am sure laughing this much after head surgery will most certainly be frowned upon by my surgeon….I’ll be sure to send Aly the bill. I couldn’t help but giggle at so many parts, even though the heaviness of the situation was a glaring one. It brought a much needed levity to the situation at hand, but it also gave me a better look into the characters’ personalities. I think it goes without saying, the underlying sexual tensity between Caven and Hadley was very obvious and well balanced, but I still had a chip on my shoulder.
“She moaned while I whispered blessed curses, the licking of our flesh playing the bassline to our erotic symphony.”
Given that synopsis, you’re already predisposed to some pretty putrid anger directed at the mom for abandoning her child, but damn that Aly Martinez throwing in that backstory and lining it all up for me. She provided just the right emotion and sorrowful truth that forced my cold heart to feel something and recognize that there’s always another side – even though I wanted to refuse her any sympathy, because I certainly had no empathy for her. Everyone’s story isn’t the same and it takes a lot to make me change my mind on an already closed subject, but of course – that darn impressive writing.
Having said all that, the weird thing was, this was the first time I can remember not knowing what I was going to rate an Aly book. I was conflicted throughout much of the book. I was in love with Caven’s heart but I was angry at his lack of staying power to stay angry towards Hadley. What a conundrum, I know. I’m a bitch when it comes to messing with kids. So she left, we all know this – but he gave in too quickly for my bitter bitty tastes. But, on the other hand, I can also see why he did. Dammit. I mean, the reasons were all there. So I’m conflicted. Rare occurrence, obviously. But, again…this is a true testament to the strength of Aly Martinez’s writing. I had to talk myself through my emotions….walk the paces myself. It was just….weird bouncing back and forth between anger and hope. But, I finished reading and need to know more. I need to know how this all works out, and that cliffhanger jacked me up!!
Because when I got to that end, I freakin’ gasped.
“There is a reason time only marches in one direction.”
~BEE
Amazon AA Link: https://amzn.to/2QzJoit
So I have loved Aly from the moment I picked up Changing Course. She has a way that sucks you in and doesn’t let you go. Written With Regret did the same thing for me. The characters are compelling without being whiny about their pasts. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the cliffhanger! If you don’t want to have to wait for book two I suggest holding off until it’s release because it was one hell of a cliffy. By Laura
FULL review available on my book blog (Kali’s Book Reviews)! 😉
How does “Written with Regret” score with this reviewer? 5/5 stars and I’d even go so far as to give it my coveted 6/5 improper fraction stars award! I loooooooooooooooooooved this book. It has EVERYTHING you could want in a romance: slow burn, second chance romance, secret baby, angst, betrayal, hilarious moments, and moments that rip the tears right from your tear ducts 🙁 My heart was all over the map with this one and there were times I had to debate with myself on whose side I was on.
My one and only complaint about this book as with any duet I read: I have to suffer through and wait until mid-June to find out what the heck happens after that insane cliffhanger! I have so many questions and my brain is all over the place with theories :O
Aly Martinez Miss Aly, please put us all (i.e., me) out of our misery and release Written with You early!!!!! Pretty, pretty, pretty PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE! My heart’s gonna be in a freakin’ vise grip until I know what happens! This is why I’m a serial killer and love to have all my little book ducks in a row before beginning a duet/series: my heart can’t take the pain of waiting 🙁 I need my characters to be okay NOW!
DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC for an honest review <3
Caven and Hadley meet on the darkest day of her young life, when he saves her. Years later, they come together again and a beautiful consequence comes about. Now, even more years later, Hadley is finally back, ready to face Caven, ready to see the person she had to leave behind.
This really doesn’t do this first part of Caven and Hadley’s justice, and I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I’ll just leave it here. Written with Regret wrecked me, in the very best possible way. It’s heartbreaking, it’s twisty and intense, and the cliffhanger, the dang cliffy drove me bonkers because I have to know what’s going to happen, NOW!!!
5 Jaw Dropping Stars!!!
Aly Martinez is back ladies!! I feel like I haven’t had a book from her in forever. This is the first part of Caven, Hadley and Rosie’s story and man it was packed. I can’t imagine after it ended like this what’s about to happen.
The night Caven and his best friend sell their business and become billionaires there’s a knock on his door. He wasn’t expecting to answer the door to find a beautiful newborn baby girl with a note attached asking him to take care of their daughter. When that beautiful redhead left in the middle of the night and stealing his belongings he never thought he hear from her again.
It’s been four years since he became a father to Rosie. He loves his daughter and wouldn’t change anything. She’s the light of his life. But, on her birthday everything changed again. Her mother showed up out of being gone from the day she was born. She says she wants to get to know their daughter and she’ll play by whatever rules he puts in front of her.
Caven knows he shouldn’t trust Hadley but there’s just something about her. He’s got this urge to protect her, to include her more and more in Rosie’s life. But, Caven’s not sure exactly what Hadley’s full story is and he’s afraid it might break him.
Hadley fell in love with Caven when she was a young girl before she knew what love was. She knew the best thing she could ever do for her daughter was leaving her with Caven until she was truly able to be a mom.
Now that she’s able to be a good mom Caven will do anything to make things hard for her to do that. Hadley agrees to supervised visits and teach Rosie art. She’ll do anything Caven wants.
Caven and Hadley’s chemistry is instant and there for anybody looking at them to see. Hadley is hoping she’ll get her family back. But, she is keeping something from Caven and she knows she must tell him sooner than later. Hadley just can’t find the right time, place and way to do it. And, now it’s too late.
This story is so good that once I started it I forgot about everything else. Rosie’s such an amazing little girl I found myself smiling and laughing with everything she’d do. She’s the brightest part of this story.
The way Caven and Hadley met was horrible. The worst of the worst. Even young they had this connection, this protectiveness over each other. The last few paragraphs I held my breathe in. Just when I thought I knew what was happening BOOM Aly pulled the rug out from below me and I fell on my butt saying “WTF JUST HAPPENED” and I’m left waiting for the next part to come.
Every single time I read an Aly Martinez romance, the writing, the story line, and the characters captivate me in a way that doesn’t happen with many other writers. Martinez has the uncanny ability to craft a story that inundates me with overwhelming emotions – ones that consume my mental state and leave me emotionally drained because that’s how absorbed I become with the hero and heroine and the trials that seem to continue knocking them on their backsides, even when it seems as if they can’t take anymore.
Heading into Written with Regret, I was prepared for the cliffhanger; I’ve actually gotten pretty used to them by now. I was also prepared for the twists and turns the story line would take, knowing that every piece of the puzzle would be revealed when and if Martinez and her characters wanted them to be. So as I dove further into Hadley and Caven’s story, connecting the flashbacks and present-day scenes while also understanding exactly what kind of turmoil these two would face, not only because of the baggage of their respective pasts but the secrets that they still tightly held on, refusing to say things out loud for fear that everything between them and the most important person in both of their lives will change.
Caven learned to be a single parent by trial-by-error; it wasn’t a role he wanted to play nor did he feel it was one he would be good at, but fate didn’t care about what he wanted because it placed a precious baby girl in his care, which meant that he needed to learn quickly what it meant to have a child he is solely responsible for, and he definitely found his way in the four years that he’s had his Rosalee. And, despite the way she came into his life, he is her fiercest protector and he’ll do whatever it takes to ensure her happiness, even if it means allowing someone in her life that he shouldn’t.
The heroine in this duet is extremely flawed and her decisions will absolutely be judged by readers, and while it’s understandable given what she did, I still think that everyone needs to look at the big picture of why she did what she did and the variables that came into play – some out of her control, especially the ones that attempted to swallow her whole. Hadley coming back into Caven and Rosalee’s lives is a major upheaval for all of them, and I feel like we haven’t been privy to even half of what not only stands in the characters’ way for closure but also what repercussions they still have to face once the complete truth is revealed.
The word ‘regret’ is such a powerful six letter word; it’s a driving force in many people’s lives, and sometimes, it hangs like an albatross around their necks, refusing to let go and forcing them to suffer, even while they attempt to make amends. But I do have to say that with the title of book two, Written with You, I have hope that Caven and Hadley will find a way through the battles they’re waging with themselves, with each other, and with those closest to them. The one good thing is that these two are fighters and they won’t back down for what they think is right, even if it’s only best for the two of them and the little girl who owns their hearts.
4.5 Poison Apples
This was my first Aly Martinez book. I went in blind and was immediately hooked by the unexpected storylines. Martinez takes a familiar trope (surprise baby) and turns it on its ear. She mixes in some sobering real-world tragedy. The tragedy makes the book feel authentic, but she still manages to keep the book from being dreary or heavy. This one isn’t super-high angsty but absolutely gripping. It also has an ending I did not see coming AT ALL. I can not wait for the next installment.
Aly Martinez never disappoints and while I may not have been absolutely taken with the female main character in her newest release, the male main character, along with the rest of the cast, and the story itself had me hook, line, and sinker. Martinez starts off her new duet, Regret, with the very angsty Written with Regret, and while I may not be giving away too many details in my review, let me just say that she threw in one hell of a twist with that cliffhanger of an ending of hers. There was shock and awe, and yes, I’ll admit it, a whole lot of frustration, but the good kind because I was so into the story of Caven Hunt and Hadley Banks and a little girl named Rosalee, who is Caven’s pride and joy and the love of his life. If there is one thing that I can definitely say, it’s that not everything is what it may seem in this story and with these characters, and I’ll leave it at that. Seriously, just read the book now!
I’ve read majority of this author’s books, and the ones I have yet to read–the Wrecked and Ruined box set–I already have in my tablet and one title I won’t be able to read since it’s no longer available for purchase. I know how well Aly Martinez creates the stories her fans and readers devour, and Written with Regret is further proof of that. I love that I didn’t see the ultimate twist coming, that I was left as gobsmacked as I was, not because there was a twist but because of what the damn twist was and that I couldn’t get the answers I desperately needed because the second book isn’t out yet. I’m already counting the days and weeks, and I know that June 13th will be here before I know, but you’ll get why I am as anxious as I am when you finally read this five-starred series starter!
Last year I was introduced to Aly Martinez’s work and I was hooked! So when I was given the chance to read her new duet, I was all over it!! I mean… two little words is all that needed to be said…. Aly Martinez…. 🙂
Let me tell you, this book was so good and so not what I thought that it would be all at the same time. Yes, the blurb was spot on, but I was not shocked with the ending at all. No cliffy for me in my opinion. Which was nice because I don’t think that my heart could take it!!! Especially after reading M. Robinson’s latest book! You don’t understand…. I must want to torture my heart lately. What is wrong with me?!?!?!
I digress… This book had a great storyline that sucked me in right away. I loved it. It was very Aly like. I can’t wait for Written with You to see how this ends!!! I am sure that I am going to need Kleenex and wine because that is just what Aly does to me. Oh, and it will be an all nighter for me too. Because, you know… who lets an Aly Martinez book stay on your kindle unread?!?!?! I know you all know what I am talking about.
You all need this duet in your life!!! I promise that you will thank me for putting nothing but my feelings in this review. Because you would HATE me if I put any spoilers in my review! Don’t you hate those kind of reviews on books when there is second book coming???? I DO!!!
Aly, please, please don’t make me cry too much in Written with You! My heart can’t handle it!! And yet secretly I kind of want it… 🙂
~ Review by Heidi Pharo
I just … I mean … sigh … THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN!!! Fun I say!
*************
Aly Martinez is one of my favorite authors, especially when she writes duets. She keeps me on my toes … every single time! I don’t even understand how it happens because I’m always ready and paying attention and reading really carefully but she always BAM! ’s me at the end. EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. She’s a wizard. That’s really the only explanation I have. *sigh*
Okay, so obviously I can’t tell you much about this story-line or events, but I can tell you a few things about what’s gonna happen to your brain during this journey so far (or at least what happened to me lol). The prologue of this story gave me a mini stroke. Like the bottom fell out of my soul and I was devoid of any coherent adult thoughts for like over a minute. Then the present day story began and it felt like an about turn. I didn’t feel the anxiety I normally felt when reading Aly’s stories. Honestly, it felt lighthearted. It was fun actually. I mean yes, there is drama, but it’s not anxiety driven. It was more factual….things happened in both Caven and Harley’s lives in the past that brought them to this point and they’re not not dramatic, but as I read the story, I just felt good. I was happy actually. So I let my guard down.
THAT WAS A SERIOUS MISTAKE … so obviously, the bubble I was in while reading this story popped. Literally. I heard it pop in my head when I read …. THE LAST SENTENCE! Jesus save me from this woman’s wizardly powers *blink*
5.5 Stars!
Written With Regret, the first book in The Regret Duet, left me gobsmacked! Seriously, I had to pick my jaw off the ground; I was left speechless when I reached the mother of all cliffhangers and I’m still shell shocked.
Ms. Martinez spins a masterfully written, emotional, and angsty tale that begins with a horrible and tragic incident, one that is too hauntingly similar to real events, reported much too often as breaking news. The writing is flawless, going back and forth, from the past and present, so we get a sense of the pain and guilt these main characters have gone through, and are still living. The prologue blew me away, and I still haven’t recovered. I can’t imagine where the second part will take us, or how this can be resolved as a HEA, but I’m sure she’ll deliver an amazing conclusion. And I can’t wait!
“When I was eight years old, Caven Hunt had saved me from the worst kind of evil to walk the Earth. It didn’t matter that I was a kid. I’d fallen in love with him immediately, unquestionable, and without hesitation. But that was where my fairytale ended.”
Something unthinkable happened when Caven was fifteen and Hadley was eight, it irrevocably changed their lives and has haunted them ever since. They met ten years later, when they hooked up one night after meeting in a bar, and it was obvious he didn’t recognize Hadley. Nine months later she had a baby girl, and had her dropped off on his doorstep with a note saying her name was Keira, after Hadley’s mother.
“Not everything was black and white. It was often in the gray areas where the hardest decisions were made. And four years ago, in the darkest gray imaginable, dropping Keira off to Caven had been the only option.”
Despite his fears and reservations, Caven decided to raise the baby by himself but changed her name to Rosalee, after his mother. And now, four years later, his worst nightmare comes true when Hadley shows up, wanting to see the daughter she abandoned.
“Go blind. Go deaf. Fall off a damn cliff. I do not care. But don’t you dare think you are going to drag my daughter into your latest play. She does not exist for you. She will never exist for you. Do you understand?”
Caven can’t forgive Hadley and is prepared to fight her tooth and nail. Until he finds out who Hadley really is, and he’s ridden with guilt. I can’t say anymore, this story wrecked me, you’ll need a box of tissues handy while you read. This one is going on my #TopRead2019 list.
“Life isn’t lived as a whole. We aren’t given a hundred years all at once. Time is doled out one very manageable second at a time. If all you focus on is the big picture and worry about tomorrow, you lose the happiness that can be found in seconds.”
4 Stars
Review by: Alysia
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Written with Regret by Aly Martinez is a story full of angst, emotional turmoil and a little bit of happiness wrapped up in a nice little bow. She sucked me in at the prologue and wouldn’t let go until the last word. This story had epic emotions. I don’t believe I have read a story like hers ever. It was such an original story that helps you understand people going through turmoil from a life-changing event.
It starts with Caven opening his door one day to see a newborn that is only a few hours old, with a letter claiming he is the father. After the paternity test is confirmed, he begins raising his daughter alone with anger and pain towards Hadley, the mother.
Caven and Hadley survived through a literal hell together when they were children. While Caven did a fair job of overcoming the PTSD that came along with the event, Hadley didn’t do so well with it. So, when she gave birth to Rosalee, she knew in her heart that she couldn’t give her the life she deserved and knew that Caven could.
The relationship that Caven has with Rosalee is so adorably cute. It makes me want to melt into a puddle on the floor. Rosalee is definitely one of those children that is four going on thirty. She is way ahead with her social skills. She also notices EVERYTHING. It makes me smile how much she notices and how she is so brutally honest without trying to be.
When Hadley is finally able to get her life back on track and she feels that she can now have a relationship with her daughter without falling apart, she doesn’t know if Caven will even let her in the door, let alone have a relationship with Rosalee.
Written with Regret switches between Caven and Hadley’s POV. Switching between the characters helped portray their thoughts and emotions in every situation.
Be warned though! This book ends with a massive plot twist that you will never see coming and cliffhanger!
This book is the writing of the Aly I first fell in love with when I read fighting silence. This is the writing that feels like true Aly. It’s original, tragic, beautiful, and funny. All wrapped up in a messy bow. The premise of this book is so different, impossible to really guess what’s going to happen next. I cannot wait for the next book!
I have never been one to rave about an author, a book or a story. Don’t get me wrong, I have yet to find an author or story I did not like. But, when it comes to Written with Regret, Aly has shown me an entirely new level of AWE.
From the prologue thru the last page, I was totally in awe. Awe of the story, awe of the author and her ability to bring this story to print. Awe of the characters she chose and their battles alone and together. Awe of the warmth that ran thru my veins with the mention or antics of a little one that shows nothing but love. Awe of the entirety of the events. And there was one more awe moment and that was when I got to the last page and she left me with an AWE DAMN cliff hanger. LOL
I could go into so much more about Caven and Hadley, but doing so will totally take away from what you need to discover on your own. Rest assured, when you start, you will not put this book down. This story will totally interrupt your day and have your thoughts all over the place. One moment you’re laughing, the next tears. This story touches every feeling.
There were times – as I read – I wondered where Aly Martinez came up with this story from? The entire topic is real, the people are real, the pain is too real, the anguish carried by each person was felt deep in my soul. I think that is what made this story so powerful…the soul that Aly put into it. I have heard others speak of wondering what voices are in an author’s heard. Aly definitely fits in that mold.
I cannot express how much I want each and everyone reading this to join with me in reading this story. It will not be one you soon forget and not one easily put down. Aly, I await the rest of the slices to come in this series and happily give more than the 5-stars that are allowed.