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Regret #1-2

The Complete Regret Duet

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For the first time ever, the jaw-dropping twists and breathtaking romance featured in Written with Regret and Written with You are now availaible in one book!

Once upon a time, Caven Hunt saved my life. We were only kids, but the trauma of that day destroyed us both. Years later, he didn't recognize me when a one-night stand unexpectedly reconnected us. And nine months later, when I left our newborn daughter on his doorstep, I didn't recognize myself either.

The darkness doesn't always win, though. It took four agonizing years for me to find myself again—years during which our daughter grew up without a mother.

It was never my intention to take her away from him. I simply wanted to be part of her life. However, one look at me, and Caven was ready for war.

As we battled, caught in the crossfire of our past and present, the line between love and hate began to blur. Just as I started to believe we could rewrite our history together, secrets from the past threatened to shatter the family we had fought so hard to rebuild.

519 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2024

37 people are currently reading
264 people want to read

About the author

Aly Martinez

54 books8,125 followers
Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.

Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.

She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.

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5 stars
91 (62%)
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47 (32%)
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3 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for AJ.
3,255 reviews1,072 followers
May 16, 2024
5 stars and ALL THE FEELS!

Oh my God, Aly Martinez! What an absolutely stunning read! Emotionally intense from beginning to end, this duet 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 story had me feeling everything and I loved every freaking moment of it!

A one night stand results in a surprise pregnancy and, unable to care for her newborn daughter, Hadley leaves her baby with its father, Caven. Four years later, she reappears wanting to be in her daughter’s life. Her sudden reappearance is the last thing that Caven wants, 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.

The story is an emotional and dramatic ride, but there are a lot of fun and funny moments. It’s smart, witty and sarcastic, and the banter between Hadley and Caven as they 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 love story is dramatic, thrilling, unexpected and exciting, it’s sexy and sweet and so freaking romantic!

Through happiness, heartache, angst, devastation, grief, guilt and back, I felt so much with these two, and I loved this very special read.
Profile Image for Tiffani Is Reading Obsessively.
788 reviews52 followers
February 29, 2024
Wow.
Anyone who follows me knows 5 stars reviews are rarely granted. This duet is more than deserving.

   Not just because it is IMMEDIATELY gripping, and not just because it's unlike anything I've read in SO long. It's because the hero IS a hero. Because she weaves a story meant to shock and woe (I meant to say wow.. but really woe works better anyways) from start to finish. The Aly art form comes in the fact that while this book is not lacking in plot twists, it also reads like a slow simmering love story. Neither side of these contradicting factors are too much, it's just the perfect blend.

  CAVEN. oh lordy, Caven. Anyone's ovaries can be tickled by the way he goes from "How am I supposed to hold this screaming banshee you're calling a baby" to "I'm the macho protective daddy that is completely wrapped around her finger." My only complaint about this whole book is that four year jump. Baby to four year old, I would have loved to watch his daddy transition, but was grateful for the backward sweeps AM did to fill in some of the hole.
   Plus the way he chooses his woman. Gah! Once he decides to go all in, that's just it, he is all in. No mental war about the should he, shouldn't he. The drama isn't wasted there and I LOVE THAT. The author had much more interesting ways of brining intrigue.

   This book has one surprise after another making it a very tricky book to review you see. Just know Aly Martinez is brilliant and will pop the most unexpected laughs out of you.

   I did not see those first twists coming, I must have caught on to the fact that she was never going to stop surprising so I did grasp the last one before it unfolded. Still. Brilliant.


  Ah and the random little sweet moments that make this romance THIS romance. Like the splice. Too cute.

She does the 'hurt' part so well, but she also does the hurts 'so good' part just as well when she adds in those love moments, and the humor!! - "He was a worrier and I had always provided him with more than enough product to feed his habit."


Aly, dear Aly did you know? Did you have it all plotted our before you began? That is the number one question on my docket when attending Book Bonanza 2024!!


"If you objectively look at life as a whole, it’s a daunting and impossible process. There are just far too many obstacles for one person alone to conquer. The world sucks. People are judged rather than accepted. Hate spreads far more easily than love. Power and money are valued more than morality. Insecurities are preyed upon rather than quelled.” His intense gaze never left mine when he asked, “Why would any of us want to live like that?”
I didn’t have an answer for him because I sure as hell didn’t.
And then he set his folder aside, leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and saved my life. “Because 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."


"It’s okay to live with regret, Caven. But it’s something totally different to live in regret."
Profile Image for Wendy LeGrand.
1,289 reviews55 followers
May 14, 2024
Holy whoa! Aly has once again blown my mind with two incredible stories that had me riveted! I had no idea what was going to happen along the way, all I could do was hold on tight and enjoy the ride as we followed the story of Caven and Hadley.

These two characters survived a horrific event 18 years ago that changed their lives irrevocably. And four years ago, Caven's life was changed yet again. Now, Hadley is back, and his life is going to change again, but will it be for the better or worse?

As with all of Aly's books, I immerse myself so deep in the stories that I forget to highlight things that inevitably turn out to be clues that I passed right over. And after I finish reading, I go back and read those parts all over again and slap myself for not picking up on things that were subtly giving me clues as to where the story was heading.

These two books are so full of feels! They have some of everything - angst, fear, anxiety, terror, sadness, humor, wit, passion, love, lust, devotion, you name it, it was in there! Caven is the ultimate single dad who loves his daughter unconditionally, and man did he make my glasses fog up!! Rosalee was just the most precious thing ever, and Hadley really tugged at my heartstrings. She was the most up-in-the-air character for me, based on what she did four years ago.

I loved seeing the journey that Caven and Hadley embark on, him only wanting to do what is best for his daughter, and Hadley just wanting to be in Rosalee's life somehow, some way. After a very rocky start, things looked like they were going swimmingly, which is when I should have heard those warning sirens going off! I should have known than Aly was going to pull the rug out from under me! Dang her!!

All I can say is that Aly writes some of the most amazing stories! She puts you through the wringer, that is a fact, but man it is worth it!!

The emotions that roiled through me while reading these stories were so tangible. Aly drew me straight in just like she does with every book, and I felt like a bystander watching it all in real time. The angst, the confusion, the betrayals, the humor, the love, the passion and mostly the guilt. So many things transpired in the second book, it was almost impossible to set it down to accomplish anything else I needed to do!

Aly definitely writes the gut wrenching stories, with the lowest of lows but also the highest of highs. I was rooting SO hard for Caven and Rosalee and Hadley. After everything they've survived through in their lives, they deserved to finally find happiness. The twists and turns along the way kept me guessing right up until the end if that was going to be possible or not.

I just adored Rosie Posie throughout this duet. Such an adorable child. I really liked Beth and Ian too, and I'm hoping Aly has plans for them to get a book in the future (hint...hint).
Profile Image for Sheila's Bookshelf .
434 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2024
🖤♥︎ 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

31/2 🌟

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝘂𝗲𝘁
Book 1 Written With Regret
Book 2 Written With You By Aly Martinez
Audio Narrated by #andiarndt and #christianfox

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯:
Once upon a time, Caven Hunt saved my life. We were only kids, but the trauma of that day destroyed us both. Years later, he didn't recognize me when a one-night stand unexpectedly reconnected us. Nine months later, when I left our newborn daughter on his doorstep, I didn't recognize myself either.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:

This duet is a captivating read about love, heartache, and redemption spread out between two novels.
Caven ,a single dad whose world revolves around his daughter Rosealee, and his sole purpose in life is to protect and keep her safe and happy.
When the mother comes back four years later and tries to be part of Rosealee's life,he is willing to do anything to prevent that happening.

"......𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙗 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧-𝙖 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙.

The first book ends with a heart-stopping cliffhanger that left my jaw on the ground.
So, if you bought your books separately, be prepared to throw that book across the room .🤣
But the second picks up right where it left off.

Ally Martinez writes an emotionally charged powerhouse of a story with characters who have experienced an unthinkable trauma . You feel every emotion pouring off them and experience their pain.
They are real and relatable.
There is also a great romance, some spice, and some plot twists to play with your emotions.
This book is filled with secrets and heartache, but it is about redemption, forgiving, healing, and trying to move forward.

"𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱𝘆, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲."
Profile Image for Bex_bookstagram.
194 reviews11 followers
February 26, 2025
This book was everything I was not expecting. Not even close! It had angst, mystery, suspense and romance.. and it was all perfectly written into this story between Caven, Hadley and Rosalee…

I’m going to keep this review brief for anyone reading who hasn’t read it… but I will say this - READ IT!!

Caven and Hadley share experience in a traumatic event as a 15 and 8 year old that has shaped their lives.. but it is altered yet again when they share a drunken one night stand and Hadley robs Caven… and then 9 months later, a baby is left on Cavens doorstep given up by Hadley and she is no where to be found.

Fast forward 4 years and Hadley is back, trying to be a part of her daughter Rosalee’s life again, but Caven being a super loving and protective dad is not having it. But Hadley is desperate to have a relationship with her daughter so she does pretty much anything it takes..

Slowly Caven breaks down his walls again for Hadley to then find out she’s not who she says she is… so, who is Hadley?

I LOVED the plot twists in this duet that left you constantly questioning the characters and what would happen next especially towards the end, I was shook!

Highly recommend 🙂

“The world sucks. People are judged rather than accepted. Hate spreads far more easily than love.
Power and money are valued more than morality. Insecurities are preyed upon rather than quelled."

“Time was 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 the seconds.
And God, had we earned some good seconds.”
Profile Image for Pierced Papilio.
12 reviews
March 2, 2024
Fantastic Duet! (Yes, there's a cliffhanger in book 1-I do not mind those. Now the duet can be purchased in one book so it’s moot). I’m rating it in audiobook format, so I include the narrator(s) review as well:

I absolutely loved this duet! This was such a well-written suspenseful and sweet story. There were twists and turns, angst, and passion. I love Andi Arndt and Christian Fox as narrators, and it was excellent all-round! The characters were so well-developed and the details so thoroughly thought out and penned that this is one of my favorites. There were “wow, I didn’t see that coming” moments—more than one, I might add. There was passion, humor, and overall lovable characters. The story moved fluidly, perfectly paced without ever feeling either slow or rushed. (Minor SPOILER ALERT): I don't usually like single-dad romances-or even parenting romances since I'm not fond of the idea of parenting—personal tidbit: I opted not to be a mom so fiction about it usually doesn’t interest me, but this one was so well-done that I loved even that aspect of it, which was a pleasant surprise for me. Everything about this one was superb. Literally everything. I reserve 5 stars and raving reviews for the best! Think of all those tough judges/authoritarians everyone loves to hate on every show—I’m THAT judge—Len Goodman from DWTS, Simon Cowell from AGT, Judge Judy, Prof. McGonagall etc. I’m that person. So a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating is indeed a rarity coming from me—reserved for works like this one.
Profile Image for Betül.
1,068 reviews291 followers
May 18, 2024
"We were both ruined a long time ago, Caven. Maybe it's time for us to clear the wreckage and rebuild. Starting with her."

The Regret Duet by Aly Martinez is a captivating journey through love, heartache, and redemption spread across two novels, "Written with Regret" and "Written with You." In "Written with Regret," we're introduced to Caven, a devoted father whose world revolves around protecting his daughter, Rosie. Martinez's storytelling prowess shines as she skillfully weaves suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists into the narrative, keeping readers thoroughly engaged. The bond between Caven, Rosie, and Hadley adds depth and warmth to the story, making it impossible to put down.

Continuing seamlessly from where the first book left off, "Written with You" delves deeper into the lives of its characters, delivering another dose of suspense, heartfelt moments, and romance. Martinez's ability to craft relatable characters and unpredictable plots keeps readers eagerly turning the pages, emotionally invested in the journey of healing and growth.

Throughout both books, Martinez's prose resonates with authenticity, evoking a range of emotions from laughter to tears. The Regret Duet is a testament to Martinez's talent for creating compelling stories that leave a lasting impression. With its compelling characters, engaging plot, and poignant themes, this duet is sure to satisfy fans of contemporary romance, leaving them eagerly anticipating Martinez's next literary offering.
Profile Image for Bridgett.
418 reviews8 followers
May 14, 2024
Written with Regret
---------------
For as many books as I’ve read from this author you’d think I’d know what to expect by now however, she gets me every single time! The emotion and realistic nature of her writing coupled with her unique plots and twists always keep me completely engrossed in the story and unable to put down my Kindle. Written with Regret is no exception and is just one more book that I’ll be adding to my favorites shelf! The characters are easy to love and the story really to pack an emotional punch. Ending with a very unexpected twist and cliffhanger makes me very grateful the author doesn’t wait years to publish sequels but typically just a few weeks! Dying for answers over here!!

********************************
Written with You
----------------
After leaving off in Written with Regret with quite the twist/cliffhanger, I was extremely happy to find out that Written with You picked up right where we left off. While I would devour every word that Aly Martinez writes, no time for a reminder of the prior book…questions need answered, stat!

Once again, Martinez does not disappoint with her writing style, amazing plots and epic characters. I love that I can FEEL her stories, not just read them. It’s so easy to just GET her characters and it makes her books that much more amazing. Overall, this is an awesome conclusion to an awesome duet! Definitely something I recommend!
Profile Image for Barbara.
919 reviews33 followers
July 17, 2024
**Written with Regret

Well, that prologue just about did me in, this is going to be a bumpy ride! Chapter one this author doesn't just ease you in after that prologue oh no we just jump right back in the thick of it.
Aly Martinez is like the queen of duets. Written with Regret is the first book in the duet so she lays out this story that is filled with twists and turns that has your mind absolutely tortured! Not only does she create very unique and incredible main characters, but the secondary characters are as well, with a simply riveting storyline.

When you think you know where the story is going, and you turn the page nope you don't! And I am not going to tell you anything I learned you’ll have to read it for yourself!! Is it June 13th yet…!!!

**Written with You

Written with You is the unforgettable conclusion of Aly Martinez's newest duet and in my opinion the absolute best of her duets. She is after all the queen of duets!! Aly fits the pieces of the puzzle together so smoothly giving us more twists and turns some that I did not see coming at all, one of them did not have a clue!! Full of raw emotion, lots of sexy times, an adorable 4-year-old, incredible secondary characters and when I came to the end a great feeling of satisfaction!

I am not going to go into much more I would not at all want to spoil this conclusion for anyone going in blind is the way to go.

The Regret Duet is a story that you will not want to miss!
Profile Image for Susan Staudinger.
734 reviews10 followers
May 14, 2024
The queen of romantic duets, Aly Martinez, delivers yet another powerfully gripping, heart-wrenching story with her Regret Duet,” now released in one complete set.

Right from the start, she sets the stage for what is guaranteed to be nothing short of a roller coaster ride of emotions. With the groundwork dramatically laid out and the trail of breadcrumbs cleverly dispersed, this author takes the reader on one helluva poignant journey. And even when I think I've got it all figured out, Aly Martinez manages to throw a crazy twist into the mix that I just hadn't seen coming.

In an attempt to avoid posting spoilers, I will forgo the usual recap of the story's premise. Instead, let me just say that this is one story that you should delve into completely blind. Live in the seconds, peel back the layers one by one, and discover this amazing story all on your own. I promise... you won't “regret it.”

This masterfully-crafted story is proof positive that author Aly Martinez is truly the consummate storyteller and reigns supreme when it comes to writing angst-filled romance. A completely satisfying yet gut-wrenching story, it’s a perfect blend of romance, suspense, heartbreak and hope. So delve in and relish every second!






Profile Image for christine.s.library.
201 reviews4 followers
December 12, 2024
** Review based on audiobook **

Why did I hold this duet on my wish list so long?! This story was so heartbreaking and tragic yet beautiful and humorous and sweet. I’m definitely listening to more of Aly’s books!

These performances by Andi Arndt and Christian Fox are new favorites! Both were incredibly adorable portraying Rosalie and each were brilliant at bringing out the highs and lows of the main characters’ struggles with their shared trauma, their fraught relationship through Rosalie, and their feelings for each other. Andi & Christian were perfect!
Profile Image for Linda Lee.
1,361 reviews17 followers
January 14, 2025
Wow this duet is an awesome read. It’s unpredictable, twisted, with characters you can’t help but feel for. This is an emotional love story between characters who have suffered traumatic experiences and somehow come out the other side. What if you experience something horrific but you find a hero and the impact on both of your lives leaves scars that are hard to push past. A must read if you love to dive into an angsty story, with realistic characters and a heartbreakingly poignant story to tell.
Profile Image for Pam.
1,719 reviews54 followers
May 17, 2024
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. There were some heartbreaking moments. Aly did a great job bringing the story together and giving it a perfect ending.
Profile Image for Audiobooklover__.
129 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2025
WOW... Those plot twists were freaking CRAZY 😧
I DNFed so many books recently and I finished this duology in 24h!
I didn't connect with some of Aly's books but my booktok besties told me I have to read those books
Highly recommend!
P.S. please please read the trigger warning, your soul and mentally health are always before any amazing book out there💗
Profile Image for caroline ward.
124 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2024
♾️ stars - one of the best books I've ever read!
Plot twists, romance, suspense, action and so much more!!! The plot twists that I never saw coming! Is it too soon to reread immediately.

This one is going into Carols Hall of Fame Books
Profile Image for Amber R.
12 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2025
Love! I love when a book has a plot twist that I never saw coming and this one had multiple. There was also humor that helped break up the really heavy topics and emotions the book centered on. I throughly enjoyed this read and look forward to more books by this author.
Profile Image for Charlene.
5,676 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Robin.
1,002 reviews29 followers
May 14, 2024
What a brilliantly written web of suspense and romance. I can't even leave a review without leaving spoilers. What a great read.
Profile Image for Sam.
44 reviews
July 15, 2024
One of the best books I've read in a long time. The plot twist and got you moments kept my interest the entire time.
Profile Image for Mack.
7 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2024
THIS BOOK MADE ME LAUGH, SOB, AND ALMOST CHUCK MY KINDLE AT THE WALL
Profile Image for Girliest.
399 reviews
January 17, 2025
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I really enjoyed listening to this book. It had a heavy start, but that only made the story more interesting and pulled me in even more.
Profile Image for MJ Cassell .
42 reviews
June 24, 2025
I came for the romance, stayed for the heartbreak, and now I need emotional support and possibly a hug.

The Regret Duet completely wrecked me—in the best way. Aly Martinez took my heart, put it in a blender, and hit “purée” with every page. I devoured both books (Written with Regret and Written with You) back-to-back because there was no way I was sleeping without knowing how this story ended.

Hadley and Caven’s story is messy, raw, and real. They’re both broken in different ways, and watching them try to put each other back together was painful and beautiful all at once. The slow burn? Torture. The tension? Palpable. The emotions? Off the charts.

And Rosalee?? Literal scene-stealing angel child. I would die for her.


This duet has everything:

Second chances (with big obstacles)

Guilt, secrets, and healing

A fiercely protective single dad

A heroine with backbone and heart

A plot twist that had me full-on gasping


If you’re looking for:
✔️ Romance that HURTS before it heals
✔️ Characters with real trauma and real growth
✔️ A story that lingers long after the last page
✔️ That good ol’ Aly Martinez emotional chaos™

Then this duet is absolutely for you.


Final thought:
I laughed. I sobbed. I may have screamed into a pillow. 10/10 recommend if you’re emotionally stable enough to handle it (I was not, and I regret nothing).
Profile Image for Lisbeth .
5,837 reviews
December 29, 2024
La historia tiene profundidad, angustia y dolor. Los protagonistas enfrentan un trauma significativo, pero de alguna forma el libro aún logra sentirse ligero. Además, la trama contiene un elemento de suspenso que me encanta y me mantuvo alerta hasta el final.
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