Fox: A Short Romance

Regretfully Yours #6

by Maya Alden

She pretends not to remember him. He pretends he’s always loved her.

Lucy knows her marriage is over when she overhears her husband tell a friend he’s never loved her. When confronted, Fox confirms the sad truth that he only married Lucy because he knocked her up and stayed after she lost the baby out of guilt.
Devastated—because she is hopelessly in love with her husband—Lucy agrees to a divorce, but before that can happen, she is severely hurt in a car accident.

She wakes up in the hospital to a frantic, attentive Fox, a performance Lucy assumes is for an audience. Annoyed, she pretends to have amnesia and is shocked when Fox, believing her, insists they’re happily married.

Nearly losing Lucy forces Fox to face the the woman he loves is his wife. And he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her—even if it means lying, manipulating, and fighting dirty.

Tropes
💔 Marriage in Crisis
💔 Amnesia (she's faking it)
💔 Morally-gray MMC
💔 Betrayal & Grovel
💔 Novella (55k words)

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 22, 2026

About the author

A top 20 Amazon Bestselling Author, Maya Alden pens angsty contemporary romances.

Reviews

[Shannon Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Main trope: This is a contemporary romance.

Additional tropes:
✅Second chance
✅Other woman drama
✅Overheard

Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below. There is a warning right before the spoiler and trigger section so you have the choice to proceed or stop reading.

Summary: Lucy and Fox have been married less than two years after a world wind beginning that started with an unplanned pregnancy. Fox wanted to do the right thing so he proposed but Lucy didn’t doubt there was love. Until she overhears Fox talking to his friend and learns the truth or their relationship. She doesn’t sit with the information and when she confronts Fox, he doesn’t lie to her.

She knows her marriage is over and decides to leave and stay with her best friend and business partner. Fox immediately recognizes he was wrong in believing he didn’t love her but doesn’t know how to fix it.

When Lucy is seriously injured in a car accident, Fox is distraught over the possibility of losing her, further cementing the knowledge he was wrong in believing he didn’t love her. When Lucy wakes up, she pretends to not remember him or their time together which he looks at as an opportunity to have a clean slate and prove his love for her.

His mother and an ex cause a little bit of drama but Fox quickly puts them in their place. When Lucy finally comes clean about faking amnesia, Fox isn’t upset and lets her know his only plan is to keep showing her how much he does love her in spite of what she heard him say. The trust has been broken but Fox is determined to repair the damage he has done if Lucy will give him a second chance.

⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️

✋
✋
✋

*Pregnancy loss mentioned but not heavily discussed.
🌶️:1.5/5

Final thoughts: The entire regretfully yours series have had me in a chokehold and this one is no different. I absolutely loved this book. It starts with an overheard scene that is the betrayal for the book. I loved that the FMC didn’t really waste any time in confronting the MMC about what she heard, and that this sets up for the next part which is his regret and attempt to get her back.

There was just a little bit of other woman drama, his mother actually causes more drama than the other woman, so that gave some more angst to the story. Overall, this is absolutely a yes as a recommendation.

[BiblioDarling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fox
Regretfully Yours Series
Maya Alden

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 4.8.26):
⭐: DNF/Almost DNF
⭐⭐: Had Potential. Fell Short.
⭐⭐⭐: Good. Something Was Missing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great Book. Strong Overall Story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved. Reread Worthy. Recommend.

One Sentence Summary/Review:
Almost losing her forces him to realize he loves her.
—-------------------
Tropes/Vibes:
💕MF Romance
💕Marriage in Crisis/Trouble
💕Pretend Amnesia
💕OW Drama
💕Overheard
💕Betrayal & Grovel
💕Novella

Triggers:
🚩Miscarriage
🚩Car Accident Leading to Hospitalization


Emotion Impact Rating: 🤯💞😍
😢Crying/Heartbroken 🤯Shocked/Mind-blowing
😠Frustrated/Angry 💞Emotionally Invested/Obsessed
😍In Love/Swooning 😊Comfort/Cozy

Spice Level (as of 4.8.26): 🔥🔥🔥
🔥: Clean
🔥🔥: Mild
🔥🔥🔥: Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥: Very Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Explicit/Kink-Heavy
—----------------------
Quote From Book:
"Oh God, Lucy! You're priceless. The man was...is so wrecked that you can't remember him, and I know this isn't revenge but damn it's sweet."

Writing Style Rating: Simple
Simple: Flows Quickly/Easy Reading
Descriptive: Lots of Imagery/Detailed
Lyrical: Feels Poetic/Pretty Sentences
Heavy: Dense/May Have to Reread Sentences

Pace Rating: 🚀
🐢: Slow/Takes Time to Build
⚖: Medium Pacing/Things Move Steadily
🚀: Fast/Things Happen Quickly
—-------------------------
Summary:
FMC is in love with her husband (MMC). She thought he was in love with her as well. She overhears him telling his friend that he is not in love with her. After a confrontation with the MMC, they agree to separate and divorce. While returning to their home to retrieve more of her items she is involved in a car accident. The MMC then realizes he is in love with his wife. Upon waking from a medically induced coma the FMC fakes amnesia.

Full Review:
She is pretending to have amnesia. He is pretending he doesn't know she is pretending to have amnesia. I loved it. The MMC quickly realizes he is in love with the FMC. The writing draws you in and keeps you engaged. The side character of Dina (FMCs bestie) is perfect for both the MMC and FMC.

I found myself wanting this marriage to work. I applauded when the MMC put his family members in their place. I laughed and was shocked when he told his bestie he knew his wife was faking. Such a great short story.

I RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS AN ARC HOWEVER MY REVIEW IS BASED ON MY OPINION OF THE BOOK ITSELF AND NOT INFLUENCED BY THE AUTHOR, ETC.

Want to read this for yourself? Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/3OWm01g
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Join the community and read with me: https://bibliodarling.substack.com

[Joanna Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Regretfully Yours series so much! Each book is better than the last - and this one is no exception! Fox is an outstanding addition to the series!
On the anniversary of their first date, Lucy brings her husband the same dish she made the night they met. On her way to his office, she overhears him in the conference room talking to his best friend and telling him that he never loved her, that he only married her because she was pregnant - and then stayed with her out of guilt after she lost the baby. He tells his friend that they should get divorced. Lucy is devastated. She goes home, cooks him his favorite meal - sets up the table and when he comes home - as he is eating, she tells him that she had brought him lunch on the anniversary of the day they met. He hadn't remembered and apologized for forgetting - but then she tells him that she heard what he said and wanted to know if it was true. Did he really not love her and only stay with her out of guilt. When he admits it is true - she agrees to leave the house and stay with a friend and tells him to proceed with the divorce. A few days later - she goes back to their house, asking him not to be there, so she can get more of her belongings - but she has a horrific car accident and ends up in the iCU fighting for her life.
Fox, meanwhile, is realizing he has made a horrible mistake. He thought he wasn't in love with his wife, but as soon as she is gone - he starts to realize that he was very wrong. And once she is in the accident, he just wants a chance to tell her that he loves her!
When Lucy finally comes out of her medically induced coma - to a Fox who is hovering over her and telling her how much he loves her, she acts like she doesn't know who he is. And, well, she's not wrong - she doesn't know this new Fox that has now realized that he can't live without her!
It's a very sweet, fun story - some mild OW drama. It's so much fun watching Fox navigate how to win back his wife - him pretending that they had been in love and happy the whole time they were together, and her pretending she doesn't remember him. My new favorite! So, so so GREAT!!

[emm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy accidently hears her husband tell his friend that he never loved her, he had married her because he got her pregnant and he only had stayed with her after she lost the baby because he felt guilty. It’s at that moment she realises that her marriage is over and about to end. She decides to confront him and he confirms what she heard was true.

Lucy is totally devastated because she is hopelessly in love with her husband. She agrees to a give Fox a divorce, but before that can happen, she is severely hurt in a car accident.

When Lucy wakes up in the hospital, she is confronted by an attentive and frantic Fox. She cannot believe that he is acting this way and she is convinced that he is faking it just for the audience. She is so annoyed that she decides to pretend that she has amnesia. She is shocked when Fox, believing she has amnesia he insists that they are happily married and he loves her.
Nearly losing Lucy forces Fox to face he really and truly loves his wife and he will do everything it takes to keep her even if it means lying to her. What he doesn’t know is that she is faking the amnesia. I won’t spoil the ending you will totally enjoy it. I know I did.
Such an awesome book and so different. I received a copy of this book as an arc and I was so happy to read this story. This is my opinion and no way influenced by the author. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
Tropes
* Marriage in Crisis
* Amnesia (she's faking it)
* Morally gray MMC
* Betrayal & Grovel
* Novella (55k words)

[Tania Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fox is a wonderful addition to the Regretfully Yours series. This is another fun quick read from Ms Alden.

Fox and Lucy married after an accidental pregnancy that was sadly lost. Lucy deeply invested in their marriage, thinking Fox is same, inadvertently overhears Fox on their anniversary saying he only married Lucy because of the baby and his guilt following her losing the pregnancy.

Lucy, returning home, cooks up a lavish evening meal, and over the course of dinner tells Fox she came to his office for their anniversary, overhearing what he had said. Fox admitting to Lucy what she heard was correct, makes Lucy decide to leave, ending their marriage.

After a few days, Lucy is returning to their home to retrieve her belongings where she is in a serious car accident. Fox is beside himself, and while waiting for Lucy to come out of her coma, realises he does in fact love his wife, wanting to continue in the marriage.

The story continues with Lucy pretending she has amnesia, and after a period of time Fox realises that Lucy does in fact know who he is. The story has fun and serious moments with Fox trying to convince and demonstrate to Lucy that they are very much in love, while Lucy with her 'amnesia' makes Fox squirm and jump through hoops to proves she is the love of his life.

We have the usual side characters, best friends that are supportive, the domineering mother of Fox and a wannabe OW. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I received this as an ARC, but will certainly be obtaining my own personal copy when this is released.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this #overheard betrayal, the h, Lucy, suffers a heartbreaking emotional gut punch, and as if that wasn't enough, gets into a serious car crash shortly after. I wasn't sure how the H, Fox, was going to redeem himself because when she confronted him about what she overheard, he didn’t deny it and they decided on divorce. I can tell he truly loves her and is just clearly unable to identify the feeling, but he should have thought about that before thinking of divorce. Rest assured though that he does redeem himself, tenfold.

Lucy is beautiful, smart, funny and everything Fox needs. I loved both her sweet and salty sides! After so much suffering, I didn't blame her for faking amnesia with her husband. Her doubt and mistrust of him and his feelings were easily explained. I loved how she made him work to prove he truly loved her.

There is slight OW drama with this mainly from the H's mom who dislikes Lucy because she simply doesn't come from the same class, and very very minor OW drama from Fox's Ex, but she's only a footnote really so doesn't quite count to me.

If you're looking for a fake amnesia with original H redemption, them pick this one up! You'll love it!

[Athina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted, emotional, and completely addictive

Fox is one of those stories that pulls you in fast and refuses to let go. In a short format, Maya Alden delivers a romance that is intense, messy, and deeply emotional. Lucy’s heartbreak is immediate and painful - overhearing the truth about her marriage sets everything into motion, and from there, the story only gets more gripping. Her decision to pretend amnesia adds a unique twist, giving her space to protect herself while quietly observing the man who broke her. Fox is not an easy hero to love - and that’s what makes this story stand out. He’s flawed, complicated, and forced to confront feelings he’s long denied. Watching him unravel after nearly losing Lucy, and finally face what she truly means to him, is both frustrating and compelling in the best way. The push and pull between them is constant, filled with tension, hurt, and moments that feel surprisingly tender. The emotional stakes are high, and the resolution feels earned.

A raw, angsty romance about truth, regret, and fighting for a love that was almost lost. Highly recommend. 💔🔥❤️

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

* Marriage in Crisis
* Pretend Amnesia
* Other Woman Drama
* Betrayal and Grovel
* FMC Lucy x MMC Fox (Archibald)
* Standalone
* Overheard

This is not your typical amnesia trope, it's a heartbreak hidden behind a lie. If you could pretend to not know someone to cover up the heartbreak you endured and to see their true feelings for you would you take that opportunity? Lucy did!

The experience and exposure of relationship dynamics Fox had when he was younger made him believe that love was explosive it was loud, but this novella tells us that love was right in front of him in the quite serenity.

Follow Fox and Lucy's journey to their HEA by cutting the toxic out and showing up for each other.

I loved Lucy's on the spot thinking and how she made him work for it with her petty demands. Childish? Maybe? Deserved? Definitely!

Favourite quote showing Lucy's strength:
"Fourth, what comes next will hurt—a lot. Fifth, I will break for a while, and that's okay—because I know how to pull myself up and dust myself off."

[Denice Leong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story about Fox and Lucy. They had instant chemistry that led to an accidental pregnancy. They got married, but right before the 2 year mark Fox said they should divorce because he didn't love her. When she ends up getting into a car accident on the way to their house to collect her things and wakes up pretending to not know who Fox is, this starts a journey of a couple lying to each other - her not remembering him and him pretending they were getting a divorce because he realized he in fact did love her.

The story was unique, with the premise and familiar with 1 coming from a crazy family and the other from a loving one. Fox showing up every day and watching how he grew from the experience and really understood how his childhood shaped his adulthood was really well done. The bonus chapter was a tear jerker. Loved this short story!

Thanks for the ARC.

[Dianne Laidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about Fox and Lucy.

Fox and Lucy married because she was pregnant but after losing the baby Fox stayed with her out of guilt, his family don't like her, although she is nice to them, they are snobby to her, when she overhears him telling his friend Percy (who really likes Lucy) he is going to leave her, she calmly cooks him a lovely dinner, then tells him she overheard him and walks away.

It's not long before Fox's family are trying to get him back with his ex and he realizes he did love Lucy and misses her, she is involved in a serious accident and fakes memory loss when she wakes, telling him she has no idea who he is.

Here the story becomes a huge grovel (Fox) and heaps of humour (Lucy) and her Dad and friends are great side characters.
I loved the whole fake memory loss trope, OW and family drama and marriage in trouble, it was a fun read and I will definitely read this one again!

I recommend this book 100%

[Priscila Aramburo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The fake amnesia trope. It’s true fox deserved it but I truly did feel for him at times. Dude was destroyed. He instantly realized the truth, like the mask finally dropped and he realized he’s been in love with his wife all along. It’s a cliche but god I love it. The groveling he did, he was such a devoted husband. And Lucy, Dina was right woman was a good actress. Fox caught on quickly, though I guess since he is called fox he happens to be clever like one too. I loved how even after he found out he kept playing along. Proving to her that he’s changing and that he really loved her. They were adorable, I loved this book. How he stood up to his family. Cannot wait for what comes next. And I’m curious for Percy, wondering if he one day may get a book? He seemed to have moments in the beginning where it felt like he had experience in the advice he was giving Fox. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[B Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

Fox and Lucy had a random meet cute that led to an explosive love affair and an unexpected pregnancy. Nearly two years into a shot-gun wedding and a later term miscarriage, Lucy is devastated to learn her husband’s heart was never her own.

Their marriage is irrevocably broke when a catastrophic accident brings everything into clarity. Fox has to shed his stoicism to truly uncover his feelings; Lucy, meanwhile, has to reconcile the husband standing before her now with the one who broke her heart.

This novella looks at the importance of communication and learning to rectify and unlearn unhealthy patterns that bread uncertainty in intimate relationships. It was a delightfully angsty read and I urge you, if you love a marriage-in-crisis story, to check it out when it teases on July 22nd.

As always, please check content warnings.





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[Debra Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the honor of being an ARC reader for this talented author. These shorter length books in this series have the MMCs betraying and groveling to earn their HEA with strong women who have great support and sense of self. This may be my favorite. Lucy, in love with the man she married because she got pregnant, overhears his declaration that he’s never loved her and married/stayed married out of obligation and guilt. This type of betrayal is a true gut-punch, where truth is expressed organically. She knows divorce is in their future, and after an accident, she fakes amnesia while witnessing Fox realizing he truly is in love with her and cannot live without her. Their journey is full of growth, acceptance, and love. I always feel satisfied with the redemption, and this was a truly beautiful HEA.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fox is the latest addition to the Regretfully Yours series and what a great addition it is.

Fox married Lucy when she fell pregnant not long after they met, in a terrible twist of fate once they were married she lost the baby. Some twenty two months later Luxy hears Fox saying he does not love her and they should divorce.

Lucy is one kickass character, she confronts Fox and ends theoir relationship. On the way to pack up her belongings she is in a car accident that leave her close to death. Fox is forced to face what he has been unwilling to see when he see's Lucy's wrecked body in her hospital bed.

Lucy is not willing to forgive and forget she puts Fox through the ringer on the way to forgivness. The grovel is outstanding and Fox discovers he is not the only morally grey person in this relationship.

I loved it and this one I will be reading again and again.

[Jenlovestoread7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, an absolutely amazing read from Maya, full of angst, love, laughter, and friendship, with a touch of OW drama. Maya has such a talent for creating characters and storylines with real depth, and I was completely hooked, at time my heart was in my mouth, especially anticipating Lucy’s accident.

Maya’s attention to detail really shines, and I love how knowledgeable she is about everything she writes about. I even found myself genuinely hungry reading about all the delicious food Lucy made 🤣

I loved Lucy and Fox’s story it might be my new favourite-tho I think I say that every time!

I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the premise of this book. Lucy overheard Fox talking to his best friend when she dropped off lunch for him. He said he didn’t love her and only married her because she got pregnant. She ended up losing the baby and he didn’t want to hurt her by divorcing her right away. Lucy was devastated and ended up leaving him. She ended up in a car accident and was in a coma and Fox realized he actually did love her. She ended up faking amnesia and only forgot him. He lied and acted like they were happily married and not getting ready to divorce. It was an enjoyable read and watching them play each other was entertaining to read.

[Angel W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marriage in trouble with overheard and fake amnesia, great friends. This story has it all. When she overhears his true feelings being told to his best friend she doesn't argue just makes choices and gives what he "thinks" he wants. A bad accident puts things into perspective and when her eyes open she has no idea who he is. God does everything he can to make sure that when his wife knows who he is again that she has madly in love with him and he is with her. Their friends and her family support them in making sure things are better moving forward. The love he finally sees and stops running from is amazing

[Dara Sorah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read with all the feels!! Fox and Lucy - their story was just wonderful. Full of heartbreak, humor, angst, and redemption and I was here for it. I just loved the premise of this story and couldn’t wait to see how it would play out…The fake amnesia storyline - it was great. Lucy - such a strong FMC with such grace and dignity and just a heart of gold. Fox had to earn her back and let me tell you - he did - spectacularly!!

[Betty B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Fox by Maya Alden. You will fall in love with Lucy and Fox. They met and married shortly afterwards because of pregnancy. Sadly, she loses the baby and eventually her husband. She loved him but he did not feel the same. When she is gone, he realizes that he did love her. When something tragic happens to her that is his chance to prove his devotion and win her back. The reader will certainly be amused by their humor.
Happy Reading!

[Fatima Barakat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was soooo excited to read Fox and Lucy’s story and OMG it’s so good I’m still smiling like a fool for their HEA it’s so beautifully written I don’t know how to describe it,
Overheard betrayal is one of my favorite betrayals so it was so good and my heart broke for Lucy and to be honest for Fox too! He got his head so far up his as* he was so blinded I felt sorry for him but he eventually knew Lucy worth and how much he loved her it was so beautiful to read.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first thought as I finished this book was, “I’m glad my family isn’t watching me read because I would have a goofy grin on my face.”

I am not typically a fan of the amnesia trope, but I enjoyed this book. My cheeks hurt from smiling through this book.

Lucy and Fox are the cutest couple that I’ve read in a while. Their journey started unexpectedly and a few bumps, but they found their way back to each other in the sweetest ways.

I am enjoying the Regretfully Yours series by Maya.

[R Grim · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


I absolutely love Maya’s Regretfully your series!! This is definitely one of my favorites!! I loved Lucy. She was so real and down to earth. I actually liked Fox for most of the book too. Once he figured himself out and figured out his feeling he was right for Lucy the whole time!

As always Mata’s novellas pack a punch. So much is put into the book and you feel all the emotions.
One of my favorite authors.

[DiDi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short quick read and I thought funny. Both main characters lie to each other. They both know or figure out quickly that they are lying. I loved that fox knew is family was crap and did not pull punches. It’s hard to pull off I did not realize I loved you but I do. Maya does manage it here, it’s funny how our background shapes our outlook not just of life but being able to interpret our own feelings. This one is definitely worth the read.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book! I love how Lucy is so straightforward. She’s honest and honorable so when she overhears what her husband really thinks of her, it’s devastating, but her path is clear. Normally I don’t love the girl-in-an-accident trope, but this was done in a unique and incredible way. Fox absolutely came apart and it was absolutely beautiful to see. Watching him suffer filled my petty heart with glee!

Another great installment in this series and I can’t wait for more!

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author knows how to hit you in all your feelings. Fox and Lucy story was a lovely sweet heartbreaking read. Fox and Lucy marriage started with them not being so sure if l it was love or responsibility. But it takes one accident to open their eyes and see how deeply they feel for one another. Fox was a man that will do just about anything to win and make his Lucy happy as the way that it should have been since the beginning. I really love reading their story.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series of Regretfully Yours stories, and Fox was no exception. Lucy & Fox have a different spin on the amnesia trope that was both heartbreaking and heartfelt but with a big dose of amusing. Really enjoyed reading this one and watching these characters sort of their own feelings on the path to being truly together.

[Maria T.]

I loved this story but, what was s new with Maya. Lucy was so strong and decisive in the face of what Fox said. I loved her revenge and the grovel that followed. She made a very strong man come to her.

[Nisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the tragedy, the angst, and the urge to smack H several times, this was a really fun read! I loved how they played off each other’s lies and secrets while still supporting one another and trying to figure out what was happening in their relationship. Totally worth the read!

[Teresa Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, it was such a nice novella, it wasn’t as angsty as I thought it would be
But I enjoyed the relationship between Lucy and fox and the layers that have always been there

[Vilborg Vif Gudmundsdottir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting on this one forever, or that's what it feels like. It's worth the wait. It's so good. Fox grows and matures very well and its believable.