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Regretfully Yours #2
Basil: A Short Story
He built his life on ambition, but the free-spirited woman he lost was the only thing that ever felt real.
Basil Masters has it all—a booming aviation software company, great friends, and a sweet, supportive girlfriend, Summer. He’s ready to propose, convinced life is chef’s kiss perfect.
Summer, however, is not convinced.
For two years, she’s smiled through Basil’s friends (especially his female best friend) tearing her down, brushed off their condescending jokes, and tried—really tried—to make him see the problem. But when she catches him and his best friend behaving inappropriately at a party, and he calls her insecure for feeling uncomfortable? Yeah. She’s out.
It isn’t until Summer is gone that Basil finally gets it. His friends? Toxic. His priorities? A mess. And the woman he loves? Has walked away.
Now, he’s cutting out the rot and fighting for the one person who truly matters. But Summer isn’t making it easy—if Basil wants her back, he’ll have to work for it.
Basil is part of Regretfully Yours, a short story series full of heartbreak, redemption, and heroes who grovel their way to a happily ever after.
Tropes
💗 Second Chance
💗 Other Woman Drama
💗 He Has A Female Best Friend
💗 Betrayal & Grovel
💗 No Cheating
💗 Short Story (~27k words)
Basil Masters has it all—a booming aviation software company, great friends, and a sweet, supportive girlfriend, Summer. He’s ready to propose, convinced life is chef’s kiss perfect.
Summer, however, is not convinced.
For two years, she’s smiled through Basil’s friends (especially his female best friend) tearing her down, brushed off their condescending jokes, and tried—really tried—to make him see the problem. But when she catches him and his best friend behaving inappropriately at a party, and he calls her insecure for feeling uncomfortable? Yeah. She’s out.
It isn’t until Summer is gone that Basil finally gets it. His friends? Toxic. His priorities? A mess. And the woman he loves? Has walked away.
Now, he’s cutting out the rot and fighting for the one person who truly matters. But Summer isn’t making it easy—if Basil wants her back, he’ll have to work for it.
Basil is part of Regretfully Yours, a short story series full of heartbreak, redemption, and heroes who grovel their way to a happily ever after.
Tropes
💗 Second Chance
💗 Other Woman Drama
💗 He Has A Female Best Friend
💗 Betrayal & Grovel
💗 No Cheating
💗 Short Story (~27k words)
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2025
1135 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Maya Alden
52 books1,093 followersA top 20 Amazon Bestselling Author, Maya Alden pens angsty contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
May 31, 2025
Another short story from Maya (I think she's becoming one of my favourite authors) with a betrayal and quite the grovel. Keep in mind that it is a short story so there isn't quite deep but it's surely is satisfying to quench your thirst with a betrayal/grovel story.
June 26, 2025
This author can be hit or miss for me. Her betrayals are delicious, but I can find the aftermath lacking. Her H’s tend to be a bit beta for my liking and he usually just gets a new personality out of the blue that prompts the reconciliation. I never find them angsty, but I do find some of them a drama-llama tropey treat that leaves me feeling much like my mom’s old Harlequins used to.
Basil is one of those reads. It’s short, unrealistic with his OTT terrible friends, he’s a TOTAL jackass at the beginning, nothing resembles real life… All the things I require in soap.
The blurb lays it all out. Summer and Basil have been dating for two years. His friends suck, she sees something and has had enough. All this goes down in the first chapter. He works for a large chunk of the book trying to get her back.
Personally, I would’ve rather had more page time with Basil being a jerk and Drew and company shitting all over Summer before the breakup. Then we would’ve had a better balance between the pre/post breakup and makeup.
Bottom Line- I liked this one, but I was in the mood for soap. If you don’t like unrealistic/OTT shenanigans I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s mid-suds, the friends are way extra, but they aren’t slapping each other. It does have one of my fav tropes when the wannabe OW is the H’s best friend and he’s clueless. I’ve seen it both ways, but here, they have never been romantic. If you like this scenario, I have a shelf.
Basil is one of those reads. It’s short, unrealistic with his OTT terrible friends, he’s a TOTAL jackass at the beginning, nothing resembles real life… All the things I require in soap.
The blurb lays it all out. Summer and Basil have been dating for two years. His friends suck, she sees something and has had enough. All this goes down in the first chapter. He works for a large chunk of the book trying to get her back.
Personally, I would’ve rather had more page time with Basil being a jerk and Drew and company shitting all over Summer before the breakup. Then we would’ve had a better balance between the pre/post breakup and makeup.
Bottom Line- I liked this one, but I was in the mood for soap. If you don’t like unrealistic/OTT shenanigans I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s mid-suds, the friends are way extra, but they aren’t slapping each other. It does have one of my fav tropes when the wannabe OW is the H’s best friend and he’s clueless. I’ve seen it both ways, but here, they have never been romantic. If you like this scenario, I have a shelf.
November 20, 2025
I liked this book but the actual story ends at the 67% mark. Smdh.
It’s like once I’m enjoying it, it’s over. Then I had to go hunt down the “bonus” chapter from the authors website. I absolutely abhor this practice. This book was expected to be short. The amount of story in the file was missing over 30% of page time that could have been used on the content I paid for and not just to promote another book that I’m guessing will be equally a ripoff on page count. But for the author to withhold (hold hostage) the epilogue for clickbait to her site. Is just infuriating and extremely frustrating.
Look, this is clearly escapism and time actively wasted on a pastime that could be better spent on other things and people. I know that. But that doesn’t mean that I like having my time and money wasted so blatantly by anyone like this author does to her readers. The amount of lost minutes having to go through unnecessary effort to go to this author’s page, email the BookFunnel links to myself, to then have to go to my email and send to my amazon account, to now have to make sure it comes through on my amazon library, I have now already forgotten what I read that drove me to do all of this nonsense and could add up to days misspent on nothing. I honestly don’t see the point of this process/hassle.
PUT THE DAMN EPILOGUE CHAPTER IN THE BOOK I ALREADY PAID FOR AUTHOR!
I shouldn’t have to show anymore support than that for any author’s work. FFS.
Either way, it was an enjoyable enough story. The betrayal scene is right at the beginning and as usual for this author the MMC screws up and does very little to win the FMC back. Him getting rid of toxic people benefited him more than the FMC as they were actively messing with his reputation and business with their schemes and poor behaviors. So what did he actually do FOR the FMC to show growth and change? Nothing at all.
It always bugs me that the MMC’s don’t come to their senses in the heat of the moment. Or for the sole reason that it hurt the FMC. They only do it AFTER finding proof that the FMC was right. Or AFTER finding out that it has had a negative impact on the MMC in some form. So when you really think about it, is it really love that makes them make better choices or is it just to be expected that since they now see the betrayal themselves that they are now motivated by self preservation to make better choices for their own sake?
If I’m left feeling like the MMC didn’t choose the FMC over his own self preservation or interests, then the issues were never really resolved and the story isn’t a romance. It’s just common sense to protect yourself and the couple just fell back together because they were already used to or fixated on each other. Not a very “Love conquers all” ending which is what I read romance for. I should NEVER end a romance book with doubts or with “what if” questions that would change the outcome of the HEA. Just saying. Good luck.
It’s like once I’m enjoying it, it’s over. Then I had to go hunt down the “bonus” chapter from the authors website. I absolutely abhor this practice. This book was expected to be short. The amount of story in the file was missing over 30% of page time that could have been used on the content I paid for and not just to promote another book that I’m guessing will be equally a ripoff on page count. But for the author to withhold (hold hostage) the epilogue for clickbait to her site. Is just infuriating and extremely frustrating.
Look, this is clearly escapism and time actively wasted on a pastime that could be better spent on other things and people. I know that. But that doesn’t mean that I like having my time and money wasted so blatantly by anyone like this author does to her readers. The amount of lost minutes having to go through unnecessary effort to go to this author’s page, email the BookFunnel links to myself, to then have to go to my email and send to my amazon account, to now have to make sure it comes through on my amazon library, I have now already forgotten what I read that drove me to do all of this nonsense and could add up to days misspent on nothing. I honestly don’t see the point of this process/hassle.
PUT THE DAMN EPILOGUE CHAPTER IN THE BOOK I ALREADY PAID FOR AUTHOR!
I shouldn’t have to show anymore support than that for any author’s work. FFS.
Either way, it was an enjoyable enough story. The betrayal scene is right at the beginning and as usual for this author the MMC screws up and does very little to win the FMC back. Him getting rid of toxic people benefited him more than the FMC as they were actively messing with his reputation and business with their schemes and poor behaviors. So what did he actually do FOR the FMC to show growth and change? Nothing at all.
It always bugs me that the MMC’s don’t come to their senses in the heat of the moment. Or for the sole reason that it hurt the FMC. They only do it AFTER finding proof that the FMC was right. Or AFTER finding out that it has had a negative impact on the MMC in some form. So when you really think about it, is it really love that makes them make better choices or is it just to be expected that since they now see the betrayal themselves that they are now motivated by self preservation to make better choices for their own sake?
If I’m left feeling like the MMC didn’t choose the FMC over his own self preservation or interests, then the issues were never really resolved and the story isn’t a romance. It’s just common sense to protect yourself and the couple just fell back together because they were already used to or fixated on each other. Not a very “Love conquers all” ending which is what I read romance for. I should NEVER end a romance book with doubts or with “what if” questions that would change the outcome of the HEA. Just saying. Good luck.
June 6, 2025
Trigger Warnings:
These are quick reads, while I do enjoy the story, I don’t find the characters memorable. The MMCs are stupid, they usually come off as assholes and then randomly claim they love the FMC. I read Ansel first, it’s the first in the series. These could be read as standalones but I recommend you check it out. The betrayal in this hit harder but the grovel always needs a bit of work. Still enjoyed it though.
Summer is Basil’s girlfriend but not for long. She is tired of dealing with Basil’s friends. They constantly belittle her and make disgusting comments. She tries to tell Basil, but he dismisses her complaints. When things get too far with Basil’s friend, Summer is done.
Now for spoilers
Stay safe folks!
These are quick reads, while I do enjoy the story, I don’t find the characters memorable. The MMCs are stupid, they usually come off as assholes and then randomly claim they love the FMC. I read Ansel first, it’s the first in the series. These could be read as standalones but I recommend you check it out. The betrayal in this hit harder but the grovel always needs a bit of work. Still enjoyed it though.
Summer is Basil’s girlfriend but not for long. She is tired of dealing with Basil’s friends. They constantly belittle her and make disgusting comments. She tries to tell Basil, but he dismisses her complaints. When things get too far with Basil’s friend, Summer is done.
Now for spoilers
Stay safe folks!
October 28, 2025
Quick short story where our MMC is ignorant to his female bestie having feelings for him. I enjoyed the premise and for being a short story, author packed in a lot.
December 12, 2025
Ok here’s the thing
I knew there was going to be angst and I knew the MMC was gonna screw up and he would have to grovel. I did NOT know the extent of his betrayal. She stayed for two years. TWO YEARS and let him belittle her to his friends. Called her the problem. Told her to get over it. He not once stood up for her until someone at his company showed him visual proof of what she had been saying his friends were doing to her. That is not love. It’s not love when they love you fiercely in private but not publicly. He didn’t even stand up for her to his friends when they told him all the ways they found her lacking. He even let his female friend kiss him on the mouth and told Summer to get over it because they’re just friends.
I’m sorry but some light groveling and rearranging your IT company to be a better company for its employees does not make up for two years of abuse. Sometimes saying sorry is not enough.
I knew there was going to be angst and I knew the MMC was gonna screw up and he would have to grovel. I did NOT know the extent of his betrayal. She stayed for two years. TWO YEARS and let him belittle her to his friends. Called her the problem. Told her to get over it. He not once stood up for her until someone at his company showed him visual proof of what she had been saying his friends were doing to her. That is not love. It’s not love when they love you fiercely in private but not publicly. He didn’t even stand up for her to his friends when they told him all the ways they found her lacking. He even let his female friend kiss him on the mouth and told Summer to get over it because they’re just friends.
I’m sorry but some light groveling and rearranging your IT company to be a better company for its employees does not make up for two years of abuse. Sometimes saying sorry is not enough.
May 29, 2025
This was much better. it was easy and short story with just enough angst to create drama without making me want to toss my phone across the room.
July 24, 2025
This is one of those books you'd picked up when you want a good grovel... and to believe that sometimes people do change for the better.
Our guy was totally in the wrong here and our girl was a saint for putting up with him that long. So, this was a nice short story about a man who lost his girl and will do everything to get her back.
I really do enjoy the characters. You have these two group of characters, one superficial and another genuine. In some way, I understand how things went wrong for our guy and I did get some of their points although it was terribly rude. But, yes, I like the nuance there, the differences between what people you surrounded yourself with would do to you.
The romance was also pretty nice even though I lived for the drama and grovel hehe.
All in all, it was a pretty quick good read for me. It did its job well. I'm satisfied with the story.
Our guy was totally in the wrong here and our girl was a saint for putting up with him that long. So, this was a nice short story about a man who lost his girl and will do everything to get her back.
I really do enjoy the characters. You have these two group of characters, one superficial and another genuine. In some way, I understand how things went wrong for our guy and I did get some of their points although it was terribly rude. But, yes, I like the nuance there, the differences between what people you surrounded yourself with would do to you.
The romance was also pretty nice even though I lived for the drama and grovel hehe.
All in all, it was a pretty quick good read for me. It did its job well. I'm satisfied with the story.
August 25, 2025
I do love reading short novellas and as soon as I saw from the blurb that this one would have some drama in it, I had to read it. Sadly, I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted.
Summer is a wonderful woman and for the past 2 years she has supported her boyfriend. She tried to be good with his friends, but every single time they met her, they mocked her at every turn. Now she had had enough of their treatment and decided to give an ultimatum to Basil. Sadly, he wasn't on her side, because apparently he trusted his friend and they never insulted Summer. From this moment on, we get to see how infuriating Basil is. I never saw him treating her better in front of his friends, and he never quite believed her when she told him about their treatment. Yes, he saw their flaws and horrible behavior, he's done some damage control and I did see him wanting to get her back. His friends were really horrible people and I hated them. Summer never deserved that attitude from them. I also wish he groveled more to get her. I am glad they were together at last, but I still think she deserves a better man than him.
Summer is a wonderful woman and for the past 2 years she has supported her boyfriend. She tried to be good with his friends, but every single time they met her, they mocked her at every turn. Now she had had enough of their treatment and decided to give an ultimatum to Basil. Sadly, he wasn't on her side, because apparently he trusted his friend and they never insulted Summer. From this moment on, we get to see how infuriating Basil is. I never saw him treating her better in front of his friends, and he never quite believed her when she told him about their treatment. Yes, he saw their flaws and horrible behavior, he's done some damage control and I did see him wanting to get her back. His friends were really horrible people and I hated them. Summer never deserved that attitude from them. I also wish he groveled more to get her. I am glad they were together at last, but I still think she deserves a better man than him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
Delightful
Wow! I loved this book! From start to finish it pulled you in for a fast paced read of Basil and Summer’s journey to their HEA.
A opposite attracts romance that is sweet, cute, quirky and full of drama and angst.
A great book!
Wow! I loved this book! From start to finish it pulled you in for a fast paced read of Basil and Summer’s journey to their HEA.
A opposite attracts romance that is sweet, cute, quirky and full of drama and angst.
A great book!
May 30, 2025
My rating: 4 1/2 stars
What I liked: I liked how Basil(H) fired his friend and told his so called friends that he no longer wanted to be their friend. I also liked how the one friend apologized and help him fire the other one. At least one of his friends was actually a good guy. Loved how the ex friend wasn’t able to get a job. Lastly, I loved Summer’s friends and how they all were there for her.
What I didn’t like: Again, I wanted more. Yes, this is supposed to be a quick read but I’m just greedy ;) especially would have loved to see them married with kids.
Descriptive Sex: Yes
***Major Spoilers/Details/Triggers: OW Drama. H and h have been dating for two years. H owns his own business and h also owns her own business. H’s friends (friends he went to college with) are horrible and treat the h terrible. When h tells the H he blames her for not trying hard enough or she looking for things to not like them. When h is at a party that the H is having, again his friends treat her badly and when she goes looking for the H to tell him she is leaving she catches the H getting kissed on the mouth by his friend. The same friend he just promoted at his job. When h questions him again he tells her it’s nothing and h finally had enough and tells him she is done. H not liking that calls her a snob and if she leaves “don’t bother coming back”. h leaves. H by the next day is regretting his words but still thinks the h could try to get along with his friends. When H questions the female friend on why she kissed him, she tells him she is in love with him and he must be in love with her too because he always put her first above the h. That he never put his friends in their place when they made fun of the h but instead laughed with them. Later at work, another co worker shows him a video of the Christmas party they threw at work. On it he hears and sees how his friends belittle the h. Realizing now that the h wasn’t lying and it was his friends who was in the wrong. H goes to the h and tells her that he was all wrong. That he knows that his friends are toxic. h tells him that she accepts his apology but she no longer trusts him and that she is done with him. H promises to do everything he can to deserve her, that he isn’t letting her go. Later, h videos her and her friend talking about the H and not once do they trash or degrade him. Basically showing him how true friends are supposed to be. The next day, the H calls his one friend in and shows him the video. Right away he apologizes. When he asks him why, he tells him that the female friend (the one that kissed him) always loved the H and wanted him. They believe that the female friend and the H were the “golden couple”. So they all treated the h like crap, she wasn’t one of them so who cares. He also tells the H that the kiss was a setup. They wanted the h to see it. H feeling horrible decides to fix everything and to win the h back. He starts by firing the female “ex friend” with the help of his one friend who apologizes for the way he acted towards the h. H also tells his employees that things are changing and it goes viral. He also sends a video with him and his so called friends. He lets them know that he no longer wants them as friends. The rest is him showing up at the h’s work, bringing her breakfast, going to her yoga classes and being there for her. When the ex friend goes to see the h, the H comes to support the h. HEA with the h giving the H a second chance and the H proposing.
Final thoughts: This book was a great quick read with horrible, conniving friends which I loved reading every minute of it.
What I liked: I liked how Basil(H) fired his friend and told his so called friends that he no longer wanted to be their friend. I also liked how the one friend apologized and help him fire the other one. At least one of his friends was actually a good guy. Loved how the ex friend wasn’t able to get a job. Lastly, I loved Summer’s friends and how they all were there for her.
What I didn’t like: Again, I wanted more. Yes, this is supposed to be a quick read but I’m just greedy ;) especially would have loved to see them married with kids.
Descriptive Sex: Yes
***Major Spoilers/Details/Triggers: OW Drama. H and h have been dating for two years. H owns his own business and h also owns her own business. H’s friends (friends he went to college with) are horrible and treat the h terrible. When h tells the H he blames her for not trying hard enough or she looking for things to not like them. When h is at a party that the H is having, again his friends treat her badly and when she goes looking for the H to tell him she is leaving she catches the H getting kissed on the mouth by his friend. The same friend he just promoted at his job. When h questions him again he tells her it’s nothing and h finally had enough and tells him she is done. H not liking that calls her a snob and if she leaves “don’t bother coming back”. h leaves. H by the next day is regretting his words but still thinks the h could try to get along with his friends. When H questions the female friend on why she kissed him, she tells him she is in love with him and he must be in love with her too because he always put her first above the h. That he never put his friends in their place when they made fun of the h but instead laughed with them. Later at work, another co worker shows him a video of the Christmas party they threw at work. On it he hears and sees how his friends belittle the h. Realizing now that the h wasn’t lying and it was his friends who was in the wrong. H goes to the h and tells her that he was all wrong. That he knows that his friends are toxic. h tells him that she accepts his apology but she no longer trusts him and that she is done with him. H promises to do everything he can to deserve her, that he isn’t letting her go. Later, h videos her and her friend talking about the H and not once do they trash or degrade him. Basically showing him how true friends are supposed to be. The next day, the H calls his one friend in and shows him the video. Right away he apologizes. When he asks him why, he tells him that the female friend (the one that kissed him) always loved the H and wanted him. They believe that the female friend and the H were the “golden couple”. So they all treated the h like crap, she wasn’t one of them so who cares. He also tells the H that the kiss was a setup. They wanted the h to see it. H feeling horrible decides to fix everything and to win the h back. He starts by firing the female “ex friend” with the help of his one friend who apologizes for the way he acted towards the h. H also tells his employees that things are changing and it goes viral. He also sends a video with him and his so called friends. He lets them know that he no longer wants them as friends. The rest is him showing up at the h’s work, bringing her breakfast, going to her yoga classes and being there for her. When the ex friend goes to see the h, the H comes to support the h. HEA with the h giving the H a second chance and the H proposing.
Final thoughts: This book was a great quick read with horrible, conniving friends which I loved reading every minute of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2025
This is part of the regretfully yours series by Maya Alden and it really packs a punch for a short series. Basil keeps choosing his friends over his girlfriend by refusing to see how they treat her. When she walks away he is left questioning his life choices and the people around him. Left with no option but to win back the love of his life his grovel begins
March 28, 2025
I am loving Maya's short story series! I just finished reading Basil and let me tell you, for a smart guy he sure did some very dumb things. Basil is the CEO an aviation software company where most of his staff are friends he grew up with or went to school with. Where Basil shows how much he is worth through his lifestyle, his girlfriend, Summer, is the complete opposite. She is classified as a hippie free spirit who owns a shops that sells candles, oils, etc. Basil's friends are not very accepting of her because she doesn't fit into their crowd. They also treat her awful which Basil turns a blind eye to. Especially Basil's girl friend Drew. Basil and Drew get caught in an inappropriate embrace that Summer is unhappy about. Basil doesn't take her issue seriously and sides with Drew and his friends and they break up. Basil is miserable but during that time starts seeing who his friends truly are and starts making changes. And of course trying to win Summer back. I absolutely loved Summer! She made sure Basil worked for it before giving him a chance. I cannot wait to read the next book!
August 20, 2025
2.75
It was cute, I like when the FMC and MMC are so different. She was a bohemian yoga instructor hippie and he was a white collar CEO who unintentionally looked down on her lifestyle and her friends. It was very simple and sweet.
It was cute, I like when the FMC and MMC are so different. She was a bohemian yoga instructor hippie and he was a white collar CEO who unintentionally looked down on her lifestyle and her friends. It was very simple and sweet.
August 15, 2025
Short and cute
The book was short and cute. It got straight to the point. Straight to the drama. Straight to summer being totally bad ass. Straight to basil, pulling his head out of his butt. I actually really enjoyed it. I think that the book would’ve been fantastic if it was longer and more drawn out. But I also really love that. It was very concise into the point and I didn’t feel short changed.
The book was short and cute. It got straight to the point. Straight to the drama. Straight to summer being totally bad ass. Straight to basil, pulling his head out of his butt. I actually really enjoyed it. I think that the book would’ve been fantastic if it was longer and more drawn out. But I also really love that. It was very concise into the point and I didn’t feel short changed.
August 21, 2025
3.5 stars
September 17, 2025
I swear Maya Alden’s MMC are those really bad AITA posts you see on Reddit. Cluelessness & entitlement rolled into one. Why three stars? Just like Reddit, the characters are highly entertaining, popcorn addictive type entertainment!
May 30, 2025
Cute and short
I like how this guy evolved and grew without Drew! almost a poem but she was an evil crazy ow. She tried to sabotage their relationship, and actually did cause a break up. But he really.loved the heroine. He was surprised when she came on to him after the break up scene and then realized that he never really knew her. Even though she'd been his best friend since college. Actually all his friends were awful. I hated them. I did like how he saw the tape of the Christmas party where they all acted inappropriately and were rude to his girlfriend. Plus Drew came in and tried to come on to him at work. I liked how he handled it too. Faithful and so in love with.Summer. but he was a jerk to her after she saw Drew kiss him and he said some really mean and hurtful stuff. I almost dnf'd the book right there. And its not really.a book. Its a short story and a quick read.
I like how this guy evolved and grew without Drew! almost a poem but she was an evil crazy ow. She tried to sabotage their relationship, and actually did cause a break up. But he really.loved the heroine. He was surprised when she came on to him after the break up scene and then realized that he never really knew her. Even though she'd been his best friend since college. Actually all his friends were awful. I hated them. I did like how he saw the tape of the Christmas party where they all acted inappropriately and were rude to his girlfriend. Plus Drew came in and tried to come on to him at work. I liked how he handled it too. Faithful and so in love with.Summer. but he was a jerk to her after she saw Drew kiss him and he said some really mean and hurtful stuff. I almost dnf'd the book right there. And its not really.a book. Its a short story and a quick read.
May 28, 2025
4.25⭐️
Maya has delivered another emotional gut punch with the sweetest redemption. Basil falls victim to manipulating friends and ego-filled expectations. His actions are cruel but his words more so. He takes Summer’s tender heart for granted and shatters the enduring love they once had. I love Summer’s strength and vulnerability in the midst of her anguish. She refuses to fall for empty words even though her every breath is tainted with missing him. This was such a lovely addition to this short-story series and I hope you will take a chance on Summer and Basil when it releases on May 28th.
Maya has delivered another emotional gut punch with the sweetest redemption. Basil falls victim to manipulating friends and ego-filled expectations. His actions are cruel but his words more so. He takes Summer’s tender heart for granted and shatters the enduring love they once had. I love Summer’s strength and vulnerability in the midst of her anguish. She refuses to fall for empty words even though her every breath is tainted with missing him. This was such a lovely addition to this short-story series and I hope you will take a chance on Summer and Basil when it releases on May 28th.
March 28, 2025
I am really loving this Regretfully Yours short story series! I’d definitely recommend this one as well as Ansel. It’s like tasty morsels to tide me over until her next novel comes out! Basil was a quick and fun read, where I did 🤦🏻♀️ a few times at Basil’s behavior.
This was a second chance romance, where the MMC has a female best friend that while there is no cheating, she does cross the lines of propriety. He had to do some serious groveling to make things up to Summer. I was definitely not a fan of his best friend, Drew. She was an evil, conniving witch!
Basil was a little clueless to start and I won’t lie, I wanted to throat punch him for letting his friends speak about Summer they did. I can’t fathom any scenario where the way they spoke to or about her was ok. Summer’s friends were much more loving and accepting. I loved them. I loved the way they supported Summer and never tore Basil down, even if he deserved it. I was very happy to see him come to his senses and quickly! I also liked Felix, who I did NOT expect to come to like at the beginning. I kind of want to see more of him now.
Summer was a strong FMC and I love that she had her own business and supported herself! She built her shop from the ground up and how anyone could look down on her for that perplexes me. It takes a lot to build a business from the ground up! It takes brains and grit! Only Basil had actually built his own business of that friend group. The rest had fancy degrees, but depended on Basil to bring them with him or just were hedge-fund managers and what not. That’s not really something that makes you better than anyone! I’m not saying there is anything wrong with it, unless you think you’re all high and mighty because of it and look down on others.
I really loved the way Basil learned to be better and grew through the book. He learned to listen to others and take what they say to heart and I loved that about him.
This was really the perfect length! I loved how we learned the characters and who they were early on. I also liked that nothing was drawn out. He screwed up and immediately went about trying to make things right. It was great! I need more short stories by Maya Alden! I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series! 💜
I received an ARC of this book, so I was lucky enough to read it before release. I am so glad I was able to! It was an awesome, fun read! 😊
This was a second chance romance, where the MMC has a female best friend that while there is no cheating, she does cross the lines of propriety. He had to do some serious groveling to make things up to Summer. I was definitely not a fan of his best friend, Drew. She was an evil, conniving witch!
Basil was a little clueless to start and I won’t lie, I wanted to throat punch him for letting his friends speak about Summer they did. I can’t fathom any scenario where the way they spoke to or about her was ok. Summer’s friends were much more loving and accepting. I loved them. I loved the way they supported Summer and never tore Basil down, even if he deserved it. I was very happy to see him come to his senses and quickly! I also liked Felix, who I did NOT expect to come to like at the beginning. I kind of want to see more of him now.
Summer was a strong FMC and I love that she had her own business and supported herself! She built her shop from the ground up and how anyone could look down on her for that perplexes me. It takes a lot to build a business from the ground up! It takes brains and grit! Only Basil had actually built his own business of that friend group. The rest had fancy degrees, but depended on Basil to bring them with him or just were hedge-fund managers and what not. That’s not really something that makes you better than anyone! I’m not saying there is anything wrong with it, unless you think you’re all high and mighty because of it and look down on others.
I really loved the way Basil learned to be better and grew through the book. He learned to listen to others and take what they say to heart and I loved that about him.
This was really the perfect length! I loved how we learned the characters and who they were early on. I also liked that nothing was drawn out. He screwed up and immediately went about trying to make things right. It was great! I need more short stories by Maya Alden! I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series! 💜
I received an ARC of this book, so I was lucky enough to read it before release. I am so glad I was able to! It was an awesome, fun read! 😊
March 29, 2025
Maya Alden is known for her books about strong females dealing with bossy, clueless males. This book is number 2 in the Regretfully Yours short story series and shines like a star! Basil is a successful CEO of an aviation software company, working with his friends from college who are similarly employed. He falls for Summer, a small successful business owner of a candles, scents, and crystals shop. When together, alone, they are dynamite, but around his condescending friends, Summer is a running blunt of mean and demeaning comments and jokes, while Basil basically tells her to suck it up; it’s just all in fun. When Summer has enough, she leaves Basil and he’s left wondering what happened to his life.
The story is one about Basil finding what he really wants (i.e. Summer) and redeeming himself both personally and professionally. There is other woman drama and toxic friends, all part of the problems in his life. Basil’s growth drives the story, with Summer a silent supporter of his changes.
Minimum sexual situations that are relevant and not the driving focus of the story. The story reads like a full novel and loses nothing by being a short story. A real joy to read, I look forward to reading more of the series.
The story is one about Basil finding what he really wants (i.e. Summer) and redeeming himself both personally and professionally. There is other woman drama and toxic friends, all part of the problems in his life. Basil’s growth drives the story, with Summer a silent supporter of his changes.
Minimum sexual situations that are relevant and not the driving focus of the story. The story reads like a full novel and loses nothing by being a short story. A real joy to read, I look forward to reading more of the series.
May 29, 2025
3.5 stars. I liked it better than Ansel: A Short Story, and it was a little more satisfying, but it still felt like it was missing something. Honestly, I think it would have been better a little longer (just like Ansel, it only has 144 "pages", but ends 67% in). I appreciated the "gut punch" happening early on with Basil's crappy friends, but could have used more from Summer's POV while they were separated. As it was, it felt like she just stagnated waiting for Basil to come get her (even if that wasn't supposed to be the case). That being said, the scenes where he was "wooing" her were pretty cute.
I also felt like even though Basil figured out that he was a total snob about Summer's job and life choices, the reasons were just pawned off on his awful friend group and mob mentality rather than actually addressing what it was about him that caused him to be that way. We don't have anything on-page with his mother, but I got the impression she didn't raise him like that.
Not bad, and I would probably go back and read it at some point, but also not a favorite from this author.
I also felt like even though Basil figured out that he was a total snob about Summer's job and life choices, the reasons were just pawned off on his awful friend group and mob mentality rather than actually addressing what it was about him that caused him to be that way. We don't have anything on-page with his mother, but I got the impression she didn't raise him like that.
Not bad, and I would probably go back and read it at some point, but also not a favorite from this author.
March 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this short story by Maya!
There is betrayal-Basil’s friends are awful to Summer and he is oblivious to it/ doesn’t see how harmful it is.
There is also other woman drama in Basil’s friend Drew, who has set her sights on Basil and is encouraged by their other friends to seek a relationship with him, she even kisses Basil and sets it up so that Summer will witness it 😒
Great grovel from Basil once he realises how awful his friends have been to Summer and how complacent/damaging his own behaviour was to his relationship. Basil makes changes, acknowledges his mistakes and puts in the effort to win Summer back- I loved the yoga seen 😂
Another fabulous story by Maya. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is betrayal-Basil’s friends are awful to Summer and he is oblivious to it/ doesn’t see how harmful it is.
There is also other woman drama in Basil’s friend Drew, who has set her sights on Basil and is encouraged by their other friends to seek a relationship with him, she even kisses Basil and sets it up so that Summer will witness it 😒
Great grovel from Basil once he realises how awful his friends have been to Summer and how complacent/damaging his own behaviour was to his relationship. Basil makes changes, acknowledges his mistakes and puts in the effort to win Summer back- I loved the yoga seen 😂
Another fabulous story by Maya. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 29, 2025
Just finished reading this short story from Maya Alden. What an awesome book. Goes to show you how having toxic people around you lowers your ability to be the best you can be and not see the good from the bad. I was disappointed with Basil at the beginning but he more than made up for it! Loved Summer! She had some horrible people making her feel insignificant but through it all she remained true to herself and so did her network of friends! You will love this book. It has it all! Short and sweet.
Second Chance
Other Woman Drama
Hero has A Female Best Friend
Betrayal & Grovel
No Cheating
If you haven't discovered Maya's books do yourself a favor and start reading them now.
Second Chance
Other Woman Drama
Hero has A Female Best Friend
Betrayal & Grovel
No Cheating
If you haven't discovered Maya's books do yourself a favor and start reading them now.
March 31, 2025
Another great novella by Maya! I highly recommend!
First off, I hate Drew and their clique! They were so mean to Summer and dumb Basil didn’t even realize it.
I am so happy how Summer stood up for herself and left with her head held high after her and Basil’s breakup. She handled it amazingly!
I also liked how it didn’t take Basil long to open his eyes about his ‘best friends’. It made me not hate him, which I was super close to after the betrayal scene.
Overall, a great novella filled with all the romance tropes I enjoy. It had betrayal, grovel, redemption, OWD, and second chance romance. No cheating!
First off, I hate Drew and their clique! They were so mean to Summer and dumb Basil didn’t even realize it.
I am so happy how Summer stood up for herself and left with her head held high after her and Basil’s breakup. She handled it amazingly!
I also liked how it didn’t take Basil long to open his eyes about his ‘best friends’. It made me not hate him, which I was super close to after the betrayal scene.
Overall, a great novella filled with all the romance tropes I enjoy. It had betrayal, grovel, redemption, OWD, and second chance romance. No cheating!
March 28, 2025
Thanks to Maya for providing me with an ARC of this book.
As usual, Maya is on fire. Her short story series are really good. I love them because they are short and sweet. Even though it was a short story, it's no less of a gut punch. I loved Summer and her personality just brought a smile on my lips while reading the book. Basil should be grateful that he wasn't around me when I was reading the book. See this is why I love Maya's books. She makes them feel so real and we are all feelings 😍
As usual, Maya is on fire. Her short story series are really good. I love them because they are short and sweet. Even though it was a short story, it's no less of a gut punch. I loved Summer and her personality just brought a smile on my lips while reading the book. Basil should be grateful that he wasn't around me when I was reading the book. See this is why I love Maya's books. She makes them feel so real and we are all feelings 😍
March 28, 2025
love love love
i though sunshine meadow and the rest of her gang right up with the best of friends looking after each other not tearing each other to pieces
basil's group of friends wouldn't spit on you if you was on fire
they are only interested in themselves and snobs for not liking someone for a lack of education
you know the moment basil found out that for himself and got rid of the toxicity
i am glad felix redeemed himself
i though sunshine meadow and the rest of her gang right up with the best of friends looking after each other not tearing each other to pieces
basil's group of friends wouldn't spit on you if you was on fire
they are only interested in themselves and snobs for not liking someone for a lack of education
you know the moment basil found out that for himself and got rid of the toxicity
i am glad felix redeemed himself
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2025
Absolutely brilliant 👏
I love everything Maya writes, so I shouldn't of been surprised by how much I would love this book. But let me tell you, I seriously devoured it. You will love Basil, he is such a swoony H, even though you will want to shake some sense into him at the beginning. Summer was perfect too. She's such a beautiful woman inside and out. She has such a goodness to her and she is perfect for Basil. I highly recommend this book and everything else written by Maya Alden ❤
I love everything Maya writes, so I shouldn't of been surprised by how much I would love this book. But let me tell you, I seriously devoured it. You will love Basil, he is such a swoony H, even though you will want to shake some sense into him at the beginning. Summer was perfect too. She's such a beautiful woman inside and out. She has such a goodness to her and she is perfect for Basil. I highly recommend this book and everything else written by Maya Alden ❤
July 23, 2025
Basil and Summer
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I loved the fact that the story started right in the middle of the action.
I loved how strong Summer was and how she was literally done with Basil and their relationship wgen sge felt disrespect not onky by his friends but by Basil, her boyfriend of two tesrs too.
highly recommended
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I loved the fact that the story started right in the middle of the action.
I loved how strong Summer was and how she was literally done with Basil and their relationship wgen sge felt disrespect not onky by his friends but by Basil, her boyfriend of two tesrs too.
highly recommended
March 27, 2025
Omg j Referat giving 5 stars out tot he other book b cause teuky this book is 5* worth maybe even more .... This one was out of the world. Perfect amount of betrayal and redemption. ,😍😍😍😍 sooo good
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