No Regret

by Martina Cole, Jacqui Rose

WHO WILL BE MADE TO PAY FOR THEIR CRIMES?

Soho 1962.When Rory Sheehan decides he wants Maggie Riley as his own, her fate is sealed.

Luca Romano knows all too well that what Rory wants, Rory gets. And the violence that erupts between their rival gangs is just the start of it.

Thomas Johnson owes Rory big time, and he must deny his feelings for Maggie to protect her. Faced with no alternative, Maggie throws herself on Rory's mercy, unaware of the brutality that she will face.

But Maggie Riley is a survivor. And the secret she's hiding could be her best weapon . . .

Due to health reasons, Martina Cole has chosen to continue her collaboration with writer Jacqui Rose for her latest novel.

Audible Audio

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Martina Cole was born and brought up in Essex. She is the bestselling author of fourteen novels set in London's gangland, and her most recent three paperbacks have gone straight to No. 1 in the Sunday Times on first publication. Total sales of Martina's novels stand at over eight million copies.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love a gritty British gangland thriller, and this one didn’t disappoint. Martina Cole and Jacqui Rose are two of the best in this genre, and this book hit all the right notes, dark, raw, and compelling. I read it in one sitting! A little predictable at times, but overall a very satisfying read.

[Erica Ney · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very first Martina Cole book, and wow 👌 what a read... it definitely brings out all of the emotions, I would definitely recommend this book to any crime fiction fans out there!!
I'm definitely going to have to reed more Martina Cole books, this was the first of many 🥰🥰

[Evelyn Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book
Classic martina Cole so characters a bit predictable and storyline twists also
But
A fabulous read as always
And yes it’s gripping as it is predictable.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had a great start and i thought yes, the author has returned to writing her books the way that got me hooked the first time and then it became flat and a bit predictable before picking up towards the end. There were some gritty moments that as I.have said resembled her earlier books and I keep hoping that sometime we get another Maura Ryan book🫰.

[Marcia Weekes-Spears · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Quick Summary (Spoiler-Free)

No Regrets by Martina Cole follows Maggie, a woman whose grit and loyalty are tested in a world where family, love, and betrayal collide. It begins with the punchy, streetwise energy Cole is known for, pulling you straight into Maggie’s world — but not everything or everyone is as they seem.

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💖 What I Loved
• The opening was classic Martina — gritty, raw, and emotionally charged. I was hooked straight away.
• The characters felt real and lived-in, the kind you can almost hear speaking in that authentic East End rhythm.
• The ending found its stride again, tying threads together with that satisfying, full-circle grit she does best.

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🌀 What I Struggled With

Midway through, when Rory revealed he couldn’t have kids, the story seemed to lose some of its spark. The pacing dipped, and the emotional tension that had been building just went a bit flat — though thankfully, it pulled itself back by the end.

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💫 Favourite Line or Moment

That final moment, when everything comes full circle for Maggie, felt unexpectedly uplifting — a reminder that even in the grittiest worlds, redemption and hope can still find a way through.

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🎯 Who Should Read It

Fans of gritty British crime dramas, strong female leads, and the kind of moral murkiness that keeps you turning the pages.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

One of Cole’s best books in years — maybe because she’s now writing with someone else? Whatever the reason, No Regrets feels like a return to form: bold, brutal, and full of heart.

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[Cherise Wilks · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

I’ve just finished No Regret by Martina Cole and Jacqueline Rose, and overall I really enjoyed it.

Martina Cole is one of my favourite authors, and as always, the storytelling pulled me straight in. The storyline was strong, emotional, and gripping, everything I’ve come to expect from her writing. While this book isn’t my absolute favourite compared to some of her others, it was still a really satisfying and engaging read.

The twists and emotional moments really stood out. There’s plenty of tension throughout, and although I’ve come to expect surprises from Martina Cole, the twist at the end genuinely brought me to tears, something that doesn’t happen often for me when reading.

I also want to say that my rating has nothing to do with the collaboration itself. I genuinely enjoyed the writing and the flow of the story. I really liked their previous book, Loyalty, which I honestly think is one of Martina Cole’s best novels and one of my personal favourites of all time, even though it’s quite aggressive and hard-hitting in places.

Overall, No Regret was an emotional, gripping read that reminded me why Martina Cole remains such a standout author in crime fiction. I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a massive fan of Martina Cole since her very first book, Dangerous Lady.

Her books are always gritty and hard-hitting, and once I start one, I genuinely can’t put it down — this one is absolutely no exception.

Set in Soho, 1962, Rory Sheehan decides he wants Maggie Riley as his own… and from that moment on, her fate is sealed. Luca Romano knows all too well that what Rory wants, Rory gets — and the violence that erupts between their rival gangs is just the start of it.

This may be 405 pages long, but I devoured it in two sittings because I just had to know what happened next. I’ve never read a Martina Cole book that I haven’t enjoyed, and that’s a skill I’ve always admired in her writing.

There is a lot of violence in this book, and it does come with trigger warnings, including domestic violence and torture. But it all serves the story and never feels overused or there just for shock value.

If you’ve never read a Martina Cole book, what are you waiting for? Go out and buy one — or grab one from your local library. I really think you might thank me later.

[Goldie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what I was getting into picking up a Martina cole novel....I assumed it would be similar content to that of Claire Douglas.....I was so wrong ...the writing was superb the story was traumatic ,gripping ,heart wrenching , but easy enough to get to grips with....it took me awhile to u derstand some characters and dynamics and I definetly would have preferred if Martina had of given some trigger warnings to new readers who aren't yet aware of how dark her writing is , as some of of themes were harrowing to read and very distressing....I managed to get through these part of the story but it did at time have me not wanting to read on as the writing is very graphic and very descriptive....which is why I couldn't give this a *5

[Kirsty (A mama who loves books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely devoured this book!

ive always loved Martina cole and lately her writing wjth Jacqui Rose has been amazing, this book once again did not disappoint.
Maggie Riley went through so much yet she came over the other side the ending of the book absolutely had me in tears its beautiful which usually I dont cry and Martina cole books.
book is well written and you can expect all of your usual gangland crime related writing we've all came to know and love.
would highly recommend reading this

[Meryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely brilliant book, my heart broke for Maggie the way that she was treated by her husband Rory, being kept away from her daughter and held prisoner in her own home, I was so glad when she got away from Rory and managed to take her daughter with her and what a lovely ending when they went back to London for the jubilee and met up with Thomas, Rose’s father.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one of the weakest Martina Cole books I have read

This, unusually, felt too short instead of feeling like a breakneck speed book it just felt like things weren't really fleshed out and just jumping forward in time. Cole's books work really well as character studies and this just didn't. It left a ton of loose ends and just wasn't as good as others

[Rhoda Kirkpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything Martina writes is bloody good. My first introduction to her work was when I was 18/19, and I'm not proud to say I own all of her work. As soon as she releases a new book, It's in my home library!

[Ann Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martinas best one yet. Had me gripped from start to finish. The character Maggies is believable and this really gets to the inner most parts of gangland activities. Twists and turns and page turner that you’ll not want to put down.

[Donna Nicoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina Cole back to her roots. A harrowing life in London's East End in 1960s. Women were used harshly and life is a struggle. morals are a luxury. Told with her usual graphic style, I could put it down. Highly recommended.

[Daveena Fucile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply love this author, have for a long time, I know when I get the book, I know it’s going to be good!
It’s gritty, bloody, couldn’t put it down. Poor Maggie, you are drawn into her world, her life, the hardship and danger.
Classic Martina Cole, can’t wait for her next book!
Bloody brilliant!

[Charlotte Kilby · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing as always!!!!!

[Tonimarie Brisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina hasn't lost her spark for writing with gritty detail

[Sue Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same old same old far fetched story

[kellyjo walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant from the start to the finish I was gripped.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book. The style of Martina books that I have previously loved are back and I am well pleased.

[Tina]

Another brilliant read from Martina Cole. Like all of her books I just couldn't put it down.

[~ Cariad ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely brilliant and thank goodness for narration by the incredible Annie Aldington.

[Laura Mcmahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say about this book is wow was not expecting the twist in this book such an amazing read finished this book in a day

[molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! A page turner, riveting, addictive and lots of emotion!

Definitely worth buying it.

[Mick Grimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody brilliant characters brought to life by Annie Aldington story line is up there with Loyalty a must read gripping from start to finish

[Kim Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turner from Martina Cole (and Jacqui Rose). Great stuff. Thank you. X x x

[Kate Padfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Bev Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina Cole is amazing, this book was brilliant from the first page.

[Heather Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brutal, just when you think things are on the up, boom! Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing as always