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The Fall Up #1
Back to the Start Box Set
Back to the Start
is a collection of chart-topping novels by USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez. Each of the five full-length novels is a perfect starting point to dive into one of her sexy, emotional, and twisty worlds.
Fighting Silence : Sports Romance, Friends-to-Lovers
I fell in love with Eliza Reynolds in a condemned apartment when I was only thirteen years old. For most of my life, I’d desperately wanted to make her mine. But that was a fantasy a poor kid like me couldn’t even afford to dream.
With two little brothers who depended on me to stay out of foster care, a medical diagnosis sentencing me to gradually go deaf, and my soul mate quickly slipping through my fingers, I was faced with the reality that not all fights could be won.
But that didn’t mean I would give up.
Not on her. Not on them. Not even when the world fell silent.
Retrieval : Romantic Suspense, Second-Chance Romance
One date.
That was all it took for me to know she was my soul mate.
Five years, countless infertility treatments, and the loss of our only son.
That was what it took for me to lose her.
One phone call, a mix-up at the lab, and a child neither of us knew existed.
That was the hell it took to bring her back to me.
And this time, I wasn’t letting go.
This is the story of how I took back what had always been mine.
The retrieval of my wife and my family.
The Fall Up : Contemporary Romance, Opposites Attract
As a celebrity, I lived a life most would dream about. But on the inside, I was drowning in the spotlight.
The night I met Sam Rivers—a gorgeous, tattooed carpenter with a sexy smile and a wicked sense of humor—I was at rock bottom.
I was standing on the top of a bridge that night, trying to find the courage to jump.
I never expected he’d make me fall.
Changing Course : Contemporary Romance, Broken Hero
My world was rocked when my wife suffered a traumatic brain injury during a car accident. One minute, we were planning our happily-ever-after. The next, she could barely stand to look at me.
I was forced to let her go, but I never thought I’d be able to move on.
Until four years later, when I met Jesse Addison.
That shy woman with the musical laugh became the beacon of light I so desperately needed in order to find my way out of the fog.
But what happens when your past collides with your present and the woman you used to love refuses to accept the woman you can’t live without?
Singe : Romantic Suspense, Alpha Bodyguard
She lived in my nightmares.
I lived in her dreams.
But I was no hero.
For years after the fire, I wore the scars as a constant reminder of the night I’d failed her.
I never expected to see her again. I wasn’t sure I’d even be able to look her in the eye.
So imagine my surprise when I showed up for my first day on the job at the country’s premiere security firm and found out that she was my client.
I almost lost her once, but it wouldn’t happen again.
Rhion Park was the one woman I’d burn the world down to protect.
Fighting Silence : Sports Romance, Friends-to-Lovers
I fell in love with Eliza Reynolds in a condemned apartment when I was only thirteen years old. For most of my life, I’d desperately wanted to make her mine. But that was a fantasy a poor kid like me couldn’t even afford to dream.
With two little brothers who depended on me to stay out of foster care, a medical diagnosis sentencing me to gradually go deaf, and my soul mate quickly slipping through my fingers, I was faced with the reality that not all fights could be won.
But that didn’t mean I would give up.
Not on her. Not on them. Not even when the world fell silent.
Retrieval : Romantic Suspense, Second-Chance Romance
One date.
That was all it took for me to know she was my soul mate.
Five years, countless infertility treatments, and the loss of our only son.
That was what it took for me to lose her.
One phone call, a mix-up at the lab, and a child neither of us knew existed.
That was the hell it took to bring her back to me.
And this time, I wasn’t letting go.
This is the story of how I took back what had always been mine.
The retrieval of my wife and my family.
The Fall Up : Contemporary Romance, Opposites Attract
As a celebrity, I lived a life most would dream about. But on the inside, I was drowning in the spotlight.
The night I met Sam Rivers—a gorgeous, tattooed carpenter with a sexy smile and a wicked sense of humor—I was at rock bottom.
I was standing on the top of a bridge that night, trying to find the courage to jump.
I never expected he’d make me fall.
Changing Course : Contemporary Romance, Broken Hero
My world was rocked when my wife suffered a traumatic brain injury during a car accident. One minute, we were planning our happily-ever-after. The next, she could barely stand to look at me.
I was forced to let her go, but I never thought I’d be able to move on.
Until four years later, when I met Jesse Addison.
That shy woman with the musical laugh became the beacon of light I so desperately needed in order to find my way out of the fog.
But what happens when your past collides with your present and the woman you used to love refuses to accept the woman you can’t live without?
Singe : Romantic Suspense, Alpha Bodyguard
She lived in my nightmares.
I lived in her dreams.
But I was no hero.
For years after the fire, I wore the scars as a constant reminder of the night I’d failed her.
I never expected to see her again. I wasn’t sure I’d even be able to look her in the eye.
So imagine my surprise when I showed up for my first day on the job at the country’s premiere security firm and found out that she was my client.
I almost lost her once, but it wouldn’t happen again.
Rhion Park was the one woman I’d burn the world down to protect.
1271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2018
224 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Aly Martinez
53 books8,114 followersOriginally 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 15, 2018
There’s five full-length novels in this perfect collection by the awesome Aly Martinez! It’s the perfect combination to immerse yourself in Aly’s world. And basically, each of these books is an absolute favorite of mine!
Fighting Silence is a beautiful friends to lover, sports romance. As with everything Aly, I loved it. Loved the background, the story, the angst and the happy ending. You can’t go wrong with this one! It’s also Book 1 in a series of other amazing books, the On the Ropes series.
Retrieval: Ahhh Retrieval. What can I say? This book is simply amazing. Once I started reading it, I simply could not put it down. Everything about the book blew me away, the writing, the story, the characters, the suspense...this book is a beautifully written roller coaster ride. Retrieval is Book 1 of 2 and ends in a cliffhanger.
The Fall Up: The Fall Up was my first Aly Martinez book and it completely left a lasting impression.I seriously loved this book. Everything about it was so perfect, the story, the romance, the humor and the serious subjects. You know a book is great when you can’t stop highlighting quotes from it. It’s one of those books where you have to be vague while reviewing because it’s one of those books that you have to experience yourself in order to fully enjoy it. This book consumed me from the first page and I couldn’t stop reading until I was done. It was a 5 star read for me, and one of my favorites of 2016. The Fall Up is a standalone.
Changing Course is a very beautiful and intricate story and has one of the most broken heroes I’ve ever read. It’s another book that you have to read to experience it because saying too much can ruin your reading experience. Changing Course is a standalone and book 1 in the Wrecked and Ruined series.
Singe: If you love hot and sexy alpha males, then Singe is the book for you. This book and series is about a group of sexy bodyguards, and this is a second chance romance. There’s always a great story because it’s Aly, combined with some suspense and a whole lotta sexiness. I would say that Singe to me is a lighter book that those above, but it’s a wonderful read nonetheless. Singe is a standalone and book 1 of the Guardian Protection Series.
Overall, this is a great compilation of some of the best Aly Martinez’ books and really you can’t beat the price. SO what are you waiting for. Get it now!!!
Fighting Silence is a beautiful friends to lover, sports romance. As with everything Aly, I loved it. Loved the background, the story, the angst and the happy ending. You can’t go wrong with this one! It’s also Book 1 in a series of other amazing books, the On the Ropes series.
Retrieval: Ahhh Retrieval. What can I say? This book is simply amazing. Once I started reading it, I simply could not put it down. Everything about the book blew me away, the writing, the story, the characters, the suspense...this book is a beautifully written roller coaster ride. Retrieval is Book 1 of 2 and ends in a cliffhanger.
The Fall Up: The Fall Up was my first Aly Martinez book and it completely left a lasting impression.I seriously loved this book. Everything about it was so perfect, the story, the romance, the humor and the serious subjects. You know a book is great when you can’t stop highlighting quotes from it. It’s one of those books where you have to be vague while reviewing because it’s one of those books that you have to experience yourself in order to fully enjoy it. This book consumed me from the first page and I couldn’t stop reading until I was done. It was a 5 star read for me, and one of my favorites of 2016. The Fall Up is a standalone.
Changing Course is a very beautiful and intricate story and has one of the most broken heroes I’ve ever read. It’s another book that you have to read to experience it because saying too much can ruin your reading experience. Changing Course is a standalone and book 1 in the Wrecked and Ruined series.
Singe: If you love hot and sexy alpha males, then Singe is the book for you. This book and series is about a group of sexy bodyguards, and this is a second chance romance. There’s always a great story because it’s Aly, combined with some suspense and a whole lotta sexiness. I would say that Singe to me is a lighter book that those above, but it’s a wonderful read nonetheless. Singe is a standalone and book 1 of the Guardian Protection Series.
Overall, this is a great compilation of some of the best Aly Martinez’ books and really you can’t beat the price. SO what are you waiting for. Get it now!!!
March 17, 2018
FIVE INCREDIBLE STORIES, FIVE INCREDIBLE WORLDS
After discovering Aly Martinez, it didn't take long for her to become one of my favourite authors. She writes sweet, fun, dramatic and emotionally intense, passionate romance that will have you captivated from start to finish. And now, the first books in her published series are available together in one collection - each of them a favourite.
Fighting Silence (On the Ropes, #1)
Childhood friends to lovers. Sports romance
Retrieval (Retrieval Duet, #1)
Epic second-chance-romance. Romantic suspense.
The Fall Up (The Fall Up, #1)
Celebrity contemporary romance
Changing Course (Wrecked and Ruined, #1)
Broken, tortured hero. Contemporary romance.
Singe (Guardian Protection, #1)
Alpha bodyguard. Romantic suspense.
This collection is a fantastic opportunity to introduce yourself to five incredible stories, five incredible worlds and unforgettable characters that you cannot help but love. These books that will have you laughing, crying and falling in love.
After discovering Aly Martinez, it didn't take long for her to become one of my favourite authors. She writes sweet, fun, dramatic and emotionally intense, passionate romance that will have you captivated from start to finish. And now, the first books in her published series are available together in one collection - each of them a favourite.
Fighting Silence (On the Ropes, #1)
Childhood friends to lovers. Sports romance
Retrieval (Retrieval Duet, #1)
Epic second-chance-romance. Romantic suspense.
The Fall Up (The Fall Up, #1)
Celebrity contemporary romance
Changing Course (Wrecked and Ruined, #1)
Broken, tortured hero. Contemporary romance.
Singe (Guardian Protection, #1)
Alpha bodyguard. Romantic suspense.
This collection is a fantastic opportunity to introduce yourself to five incredible stories, five incredible worlds and unforgettable characters that you cannot help but love. These books that will have you laughing, crying and falling in love.
Want to read
March 17, 2018On sale!! 5 books for a $1!!
March 16, 2018
A BOX SET OF 5 STAR READS!!
Every one of these books is why I absolutely Love Aly Martinez's stories! The emotion, drama, and passion in these stories will have you glued to the pages.
Every one of these books is why I absolutely Love Aly Martinez's stories! The emotion, drama, and passion in these stories will have you glued to the pages.
March 13, 2018
Aly Martinez is one of my favorite and one-click authors. Every time she releases a new book I´m giddy. And with Back to the Start she outdid herself. Finally I have all my favorite book babies in one box YAY!
"BACK TO THE START is a collection of previously released novels by USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez. Each of the five full-length novels is a perfect starting point to dive into one of her sexy, emotional, and twisty worlds." the author.
Thank you !!
Back to the Start contains five first books. Fighting Silence - On the Ropes Series.
Till Page is running from his mother and meets Eliza Reynolds, she´s hiding out in an empty apartement. Both teenagers form their own bond and only real family. A heartwrenching friends-to-lovers story about first love and loss. 5 stars.
Retrieval - The Retrieval Duet. 1 story, 2 couples - Roman and Elizabeth suffered great loss and Walt and Clare are caught in their own hell.
I loved Roman and Elizabeth. They´re good people with a big heart. They´re through hell and back and are about to get their well deserved and beautiful HEA. 5 stars.
The Fall Up - The Fall Up Series. Sam Rivers saves Levee Wiiliams. Their love story is a unconventional one. While Sam´s on a bridge and reflects on his life, he sees a woman is about to jump. Levee is a pop princess and celebrity. Tired and burned out. Sam is my kind of hero, kind hearted and strong - he doesn´t rescues Levee, he helps her resue herself. 5 stars.
Changing Course - The Wrecked and Ruined Series. Sarah Kate Erickson was in a horrible accident, Brett her husband cares for her, there isn´t any love left between these two people. She hates him with passion. Only when he meets bartender Jesse Addison his life is about to change.She teaches him to let go and life again. 4,5 stars.
Singe - The Guardian Protection Series. Is my favorite read in this wonderful box set.
Meet Jude and Rhion. Both met under not perfect circumstances. She was trapped in a burning house and he couldn´t rescue her. Years later they meet again. Both have issues and demons. One can´t forgive himself and the other one is deeply scarred too.
With Singe comes a new series of alpha male bodyguards. And oh boy they are so alpha. Both are members of the Guardian Protection family, not by blood, but by heart. Both have a rough past.
I started reading and was addicted. I read the book in one sitting, I had to know what happens to the characters, I couldn´t put it down. Aly Martinez is an outstanding author, she " gets " me every time with her wonderful stories. Singe gutted the hell out of me. I can´t say how much I love this heart wrenchingly story. I recommend Singe and give 5 stars !
All in all is Back to the Start just my thing, I recommend this box set and give 5 stars.
"BACK TO THE START is a collection of previously released novels by USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez. Each of the five full-length novels is a perfect starting point to dive into one of her sexy, emotional, and twisty worlds." the author.
Thank you !!
Back to the Start contains five first books. Fighting Silence - On the Ropes Series.
Till Page is running from his mother and meets Eliza Reynolds, she´s hiding out in an empty apartement. Both teenagers form their own bond and only real family. A heartwrenching friends-to-lovers story about first love and loss. 5 stars.
Retrieval - The Retrieval Duet. 1 story, 2 couples - Roman and Elizabeth suffered great loss and Walt and Clare are caught in their own hell.
I loved Roman and Elizabeth. They´re good people with a big heart. They´re through hell and back and are about to get their well deserved and beautiful HEA. 5 stars.
The Fall Up - The Fall Up Series. Sam Rivers saves Levee Wiiliams. Their love story is a unconventional one. While Sam´s on a bridge and reflects on his life, he sees a woman is about to jump. Levee is a pop princess and celebrity. Tired and burned out. Sam is my kind of hero, kind hearted and strong - he doesn´t rescues Levee, he helps her resue herself. 5 stars.
Changing Course - The Wrecked and Ruined Series. Sarah Kate Erickson was in a horrible accident, Brett her husband cares for her, there isn´t any love left between these two people. She hates him with passion. Only when he meets bartender Jesse Addison his life is about to change.She teaches him to let go and life again. 4,5 stars.
Singe - The Guardian Protection Series. Is my favorite read in this wonderful box set.
Meet Jude and Rhion. Both met under not perfect circumstances. She was trapped in a burning house and he couldn´t rescue her. Years later they meet again. Both have issues and demons. One can´t forgive himself and the other one is deeply scarred too.
With Singe comes a new series of alpha male bodyguards. And oh boy they are so alpha. Both are members of the Guardian Protection family, not by blood, but by heart. Both have a rough past.
I started reading and was addicted. I read the book in one sitting, I had to know what happens to the characters, I couldn´t put it down. Aly Martinez is an outstanding author, she " gets " me every time with her wonderful stories. Singe gutted the hell out of me. I can´t say how much I love this heart wrenchingly story. I recommend Singe and give 5 stars !
All in all is Back to the Start just my thing, I recommend this box set and give 5 stars.
March 15, 2018
Back To The Start Box Set: Five Full-Length Novels
by Aly Martinez
This set is the first novel for Five amazing series. Each drawing you in, leaving you satisfied and gasping for more. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but this one is pretty close.
Fighting Silence (One the Ropes #1)
by Aly Martinez
This was an amazing read. Emotional, full of fun and also anguish. Made me laugh out laud and cry with sadness.
Eliza and Till grew up in terrible homes, but they fought their way out. Eliza managed to go to college and Till battled his hearing loss and raised his younger brothers.
There’s some fantastic writing and dialogue in this story. I particularly liked how Till and Eliza’s relationship slowly developed at the beginning of this tale, and Till’s brother’s were terrific characters, I can’t wait for their books.
by Aly Martinez
This set is the first novel for Five amazing series. Each drawing you in, leaving you satisfied and gasping for more. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but this one is pretty close.
Fighting Silence (One the Ropes #1)
by Aly Martinez
This was an amazing read. Emotional, full of fun and also anguish. Made me laugh out laud and cry with sadness.
Eliza and Till grew up in terrible homes, but they fought their way out. Eliza managed to go to college and Till battled his hearing loss and raised his younger brothers.
There’s some fantastic writing and dialogue in this story. I particularly liked how Till and Eliza’s relationship slowly developed at the beginning of this tale, and Till’s brother’s were terrific characters, I can’t wait for their books.
March 17, 2018
Fighting Silence
What a wonderful story, Aly is one of my favorite authors, love all of her books!! And I love me some Slate!!
Retrieval
Wow is all I can say this was a fantastic story!! Ready to get on to the second book.
The Fall Up
This was one beautiful story that I enjoyed so much. Sam and Levee were made for each other and I loved seeing them figure it out and getting an amazing HEA.
Aly is one of my authors that I drop everything I'm doing to read her stories!
Changing Course
Aly Martinez is one of my very favorite authors, I have read everything she has written.
This story is suspenseful, with lots of drama and romance!! Love it!!
Singe
Aly always writes the best story with so much feeling!! I was looking forward to this story I was not disappointed. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.
What a wonderful story, Aly is one of my favorite authors, love all of her books!! And I love me some Slate!!
Retrieval
Wow is all I can say this was a fantastic story!! Ready to get on to the second book.
The Fall Up
This was one beautiful story that I enjoyed so much. Sam and Levee were made for each other and I loved seeing them figure it out and getting an amazing HEA.
Aly is one of my authors that I drop everything I'm doing to read her stories!
Changing Course
Aly Martinez is one of my very favorite authors, I have read everything she has written.
This story is suspenseful, with lots of drama and romance!! Love it!!
Singe
Aly always writes the best story with so much feeling!! I was looking forward to this story I was not disappointed. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.
March 19, 2018
Oh my collection of some of the most beautiful books around. Each one is a standalone and the first in their perspective series. Each one is so powerful that you want to dive right into the next one, yes each book is a standalone and you meet some amazing side characters that more or less is the second or third book in their series. BUT these first ones get your heart and soul.
Fighting the Silence - On the Ropes
Till and Eliza have to fight the deafening sound of their life the grew up to make something better for their future.
Retrieval- The Retrieval Duet -
What an emotional course of grief. Each couple struggles as the navigate choices that happen out of their control. For me it was how Roman and Elizabeth finally get what they so deserve many years in ago.
Fighting the Silence - On the Ropes
Till and Eliza have to fight the deafening sound of their life the grew up to make something better for their future.
Retrieval- The Retrieval Duet -
What an emotional course of grief. Each couple struggles as the navigate choices that happen out of their control. For me it was how Roman and Elizabeth finally get what they so deserve many years in ago.
March 19, 2018
****Received an advanced copy for an honest review free of spoilers****
I just finished Fighting Silence and what an emotional read. It's beautiful, tragic, hypnotizing and so much more you won't want to put it down.
Fighting Silence is about survival, acceptance, courage, strength, and family. It's about finding your person in a world that has turned its back on you and left you defenseless and struggling to find your place. For Till and Eliza their story began when they were young but as all the pieces come together they realize that they always fit together.
I just finished Fighting Silence and what an emotional read. It's beautiful, tragic, hypnotizing and so much more you won't want to put it down.
Fighting Silence is about survival, acceptance, courage, strength, and family. It's about finding your person in a world that has turned its back on you and left you defenseless and struggling to find your place. For Till and Eliza their story began when they were young but as all the pieces come together they realize that they always fit together.
July 18, 2019
Ok, Not Her Best
After reading many of Aly's books, I must say this one didn't measure up. Lots of holes that had me scratching my head.
Jude kept blaming himself for the fire? And he didn't give her good info to save herself? And he gets fired? Too little explained. And the fact that he blamed himself just made no sense.
Seemed as if all for resolved too quickly in the end. Not a well thought out story at all.
The characters were meh.
Aly can write ,people. She just ... What happened?
Disappointed.
After reading many of Aly's books, I must say this one didn't measure up. Lots of holes that had me scratching my head.
Jude kept blaming himself for the fire? And he didn't give her good info to save herself? And he gets fired? Too little explained. And the fact that he blamed himself just made no sense.
Seemed as if all for resolved too quickly in the end. Not a well thought out story at all.
The characters were meh.
Aly can write ,people. She just ... What happened?
Disappointed.
March 15, 2018
This is a great box set and each book will grip your heart and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Aly Martinez is an amazing author and each book is so beautifully written. I highly recommend these books! You won’t regret it!!
March 26, 2018
incredible stories! really Enjoy myself.
October 25, 2018
I love all of the books in this collection. I had read them all individually on KU, and when she released them as a collection, I bought them outright. Love Aly Martinez!
November 4, 2018
Read these all separately. Great books each and every one.
December 6, 2019
Great author
This is a great author. I love the suspense mixed with a side of romance. I have read ever book she has written and I love all of them.
This is a great author. I love the suspense mixed with a side of romance. I have read ever book she has written and I love all of them.
October 18, 2024
Predecible.
05-later
April 28, 2019Out of Print on Amazon aprril 28th 2019
March 15, 2018
I haven’t read Changing Course yet, but I read and loved the others.
Fighting Silence - 4 Stars
I love Till Page the boy and I love Till Page the man. We get to see both versions throughout the story. The pace of the story was good. It wasn't rushed and we got to see Till and Eliza's relationship develop and everything they went through. I loved all the characters and can't wait to continue the series. I'm also looking forward to reading the Wrecked and Ruined series.
Retrieval - 4 Stars
Elisabeth and Roman get a second chance, but the reason that brings them back together is heartbreaking. At times I wasn't sure how I felt about Roman, but ultimately I ended up loving him. This is a suspenseful, romantic, heartbreaking story with a few surprising twists, some I saw coming, others I did not. I can not wait for the next book.
The Fall Up - 5 stars
I loved Sam and Levee's story. They had great chemistry. They both have demons from their pasts that they are dealing with. I experienced a range of emotions while reading. I found Levee to be very relatable and I absolutely loved Sam. This was an extremely satisfying book. Had I been able to, I would have read this book in one sitting.
Singe - 4 Stars
I went into this book only knowing that it was about 2 new characters, but I'd see some familiar names. I thought the story was going in one direction, but it took a little turn. As I read, I had my suspicions about what was going to happen. As I read, the puzzle pieces began to fall into place, but I was still surprised by the turn of events. I loved this book and can not wait to read more about the men of Guardian Protection.
Fighting Silence - 4 Stars
I love Till Page the boy and I love Till Page the man. We get to see both versions throughout the story. The pace of the story was good. It wasn't rushed and we got to see Till and Eliza's relationship develop and everything they went through. I loved all the characters and can't wait to continue the series. I'm also looking forward to reading the Wrecked and Ruined series.
Retrieval - 4 Stars
Elisabeth and Roman get a second chance, but the reason that brings them back together is heartbreaking. At times I wasn't sure how I felt about Roman, but ultimately I ended up loving him. This is a suspenseful, romantic, heartbreaking story with a few surprising twists, some I saw coming, others I did not. I can not wait for the next book.
The Fall Up - 5 stars
I loved Sam and Levee's story. They had great chemistry. They both have demons from their pasts that they are dealing with. I experienced a range of emotions while reading. I found Levee to be very relatable and I absolutely loved Sam. This was an extremely satisfying book. Had I been able to, I would have read this book in one sitting.
Singe - 4 Stars
I went into this book only knowing that it was about 2 new characters, but I'd see some familiar names. I thought the story was going in one direction, but it took a little turn. As I read, I had my suspicions about what was going to happen. As I read, the puzzle pieces began to fall into place, but I was still surprised by the turn of events. I loved this book and can not wait to read more about the men of Guardian Protection.
March 16, 2018
BACK TO THE START is a collection of previously released novels by USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez. Each of the five full-length novels is a perfect starting point to dive into one of her sexy, emotional, and twisty worlds.
FIGHTING SILENCE: Sports Romance, Friends to lovers.
RETRIEVAL: Romantic Suspense, Second chance.
THE FALL UP: Contemporary Romance, Celebrity opposites attract.
CHANGING COURSE: Contemporary Romance, Broken hero.
SINGE: Romantic Suspense, Alpha bodyguard.
FIGHTING SILENCE
I've always been a fighter. With parents who barely managed to stay out of jail and two little brothers who narrowly avoided foster care, I became skilled at dodging the punches life threw at me. Growing up, I didn’t have anything I could call my own, but from the moment I met Eliza Reynolds, she was always mine. I became utterly addicted to her and the escape from reality we provided each other. Throughout the years, she had boyfriends and I had girlfriends, but there wasn't a single night that I didn’t hear her voice.
You see, meeting the love of my life at age thirteen was never part of my plan. However, neither was gradually going deaf at the age of twenty-one.
They both happened anyway.
Now, I'm on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting for my career.
Fighting the impending silence.
Fighting for her.
I am addicted to this whole series. I have them in both e-book and paperbacks. This one is heartbreakingly beautiful, sad, poignant, and incredibly moving. Eliza and Till’s love journey is a hard one - passionate, sexy, and EPIC. Highly emotional and unique read.
CHANGING COURSE
I met Sarah Kate Erickson when I was twenty-one years old. I was lucky enough to keep her for seven years before a tragic accident stole her from me. She didn’t die, but sometimes I think it would have been easier if she had.
I lived in a haze for those four years after the accident. Catering to her every need, even though she hated the very sight of my face. I tried to hold on to her and the future that we were supposed to build together. But you can’t hold on to someone who doesn’t exist anymore.
It wasn’t until I met Jesse Addison, a barista at the local coffee shop, that I realized I didn’t just lose Sarah that tragic night, I lost myself as well. Jesse taught me how to let go of the past and learn to love again. But what happens when your past haunts your present, and the woman you used to love refuses to accept the woman you can’t live without?
This is another brilliant series. Brett and Jesse story is gripping, emotional, angsty. The circumstance of Brett and his ex is heart breaking but he is a good guy and deserves to be happy. Jesse lightened up the story – she is quirky, fun, and sweet. Their relationship starts slow but not lack of passion and sexiness. This one got all the feels. Well-developed characters, unique storyline and flawless writing.
RETRIEVAL
The Retrieval is exceptionally unique; the likes of which I have not read in the past. The writing is brilliant, captivating – I devoured both books in two days (if it wasn’t for work and life I would have been done in one sitting).
Right from the prologue, Roman and Elisabeth were introduced to the story at the end of their marriage. We don’t know right away the reasons but we do know it is not that they don’t love each other but rather they love each other too much. You can tell they have a history and their love runs deep. I don’t want to give out spoilers but both Roman and Elisabeth were dealt shitty cards. They were both devastated from the events that transpired but in dealing with her own heart break, Elisabeth did not see how deeply it affected Roman. They fell out of love and Elisabeth decided it was time they went separate ways. Talk about angst, tears and sadness right off the bat!!!
Fast forward two years, Roman and Elisabeth unexpectedly were brought together again…at a police station … They were delivered more devastating news and once again, old wounds were forced open, including more heart break and life changes. Since their divorce, Roman and Elisabeth have both moved on with their lives professionally but personally they have been romantically dormant. They never really stopped loving each other, and this time Roman is determined never to let Elisabeth go again. So, Retrieval is a second chance romance. The characters are both fantastic, well developed, complicated. Roman is all alpha, sexy – a West Point graduate, Army Captain turned successful businessman. He is also caring, loving, and an all-around swoony hero. Elisabeth is sweet and beautiful inside and out. The story deals with some sensitive issues. This story’s got all the feels -- very emotional and intense. However, let me assure you there are plenty of lighthearted, funny, sweet and sexy moments. The chemistry between Roman and Elisabeth is undeniably scorching hot. Aly really knows how to burn up the sheets in the bedroom – uber hot!
I also love the secondary characters – Roman’s sister Kristen in particular is a fire cracker. The way Roman describes her cracked me up (She has 2 speeds: bitch at me or bitch to me…). I also want to mention that I love the family feels of this book. Even though Roman and Elisabeth are no longer together she still has a close relationship with his family – that is refreshing and and a nice change.
Retrieval is just sensational. Aly delivered yet another stunning, brilliant romance. Lucky for us there is a continuation of Roman and Elisabeth’s story in Transfer which comes out Sept 27th but with the focus on a new couple Clare and Heath. Their story is intertwined so you have to read them in order: Retrieval first and then Transfer. I promise you it will not be a hardship – YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!!
THE FALL UP
A MUST READ!!!!!!! UNIQUE, ROMANTIC, HEART- WARMING, SWEET and A PERPECT HAPPY ENDING - “I love you too, Designer Shoes.”
*** This review contains some spoilers***
Sam and “Designer Shoes,” as he adoringly called her, met by chance on the bridge of San Francisco. She was there contemplating jumping in and he was there mourning his sister. The two bonded through a simple conversation - call it FAITH. A lot of times when I read a book I might connect with one character - either the heroine or the hero, but Aly Martinez did such a great job with these two characters. I FELL IN LOVE with them both. The two characters’ chemistry is incredible – it’s honest, it’s real, it’s perfect.
This story is very compelling. Levee is a troubled girl. She is lost and is suffering seemingly alone, even though she is surrounded with friends/family she trusts. In real life people with mental illness suffer alone with their thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. Levee is sweet and devoted to helping her fans. Sam also has demons of his own and is haunted with his past. Sam suffered from the guilt of losing his sister. Nothing is worse than a feeling of “what ifs” and that you should have or could have done something to help someone. Sam and Levee are virtually strangers but Sam has a heart of gold. It is so incredibly sweet to see that Sam becomes very protective of Levee and he helps Levee heal through love and trust… and she will heal him too… “Take me home and let me struggle with you”.
This story is unique and it also deals with an important issue of suicide. Having said that, this book is not all sad and depressing nor is it about a typical troubled celebrity. It really is a SWEET LOVE STORY. It is sexy, romantic, and heart-warming. Their love story is beautiful and touching. Some parts of the book are humorous with laugh-out-loud moments. The dialogue and texts are funny and sweet. Sam is a super sexy carpenter with TATS guys ….
Some of the things Sam said to Levee is down right SWOONY…
Lots of emotions reading this book - I cried sad tears, happy tears, and I laughed hard too.
This book is fast paced! I mean it in a good way because the story flows smoothly from the beginning until the end. It will keep you CAPTIVATED the whole time – hence I missed out on beach time
Aly Martinez, you are AMAZING and this book is PERFECTION!
Sam & Levee 4-eva!!!
SINGE
This series has a fresh concept surrounding the boys of the Guardian security agency. Right at the prologue, my heart was already jumping out of my chest and I was intrigued by the plot. Rhion was hanging on to life with the threat of being burned alive or falling to her death. Jude was an off duty cop who had a few drinks, but he accepted the last call to check out the Park Hill estate. That turned out to be his biggest down fall. Jude made a decision to help save Rhion but what happened next destroyed Jude and haunted him for the rest of his life. Jude and Rhion were both wounded severely -- internal and external injuries from the events that fateful night. Both have regrets, guilt, and things they want to say to each other but haven’t gotten the chance. Four years later, Jude found a new job at the Guardian which happens to serve one unexpected client, Rhion.
I feel sad for Rhion – she is a young beautiful young lady with scars covering her body and more importantly, a destroyed spirit. She is hiding in her apartment, fearful of being outside, of people, of life and the only people she trusts is her best friend and the boys at the agency. Jude can be frustrating at times as he thinks everything is his fault. Although I do understand why he feels solely responsible for what happened to Rhion. I love both of these characters. Rhion is a sweetheart, despite her social status she is down to earth and nice – someone you want to be friends with. She is also funny and quirky – I laughed so hard at her diarrhea mouth. God helps her she can quit talking when she is nervous. I just adore her. Jude is damaged but oh I LOVE the damaged heroes A LOT – they are my kryptonite. Jude is all alpha, protective and sexy. The chemistry between these two is an inferno, sizzling hot and a fitting theme for the book :) :)
This book is definitely sexy, raw, and contains a bit of suspense that will keep you on your toes a little. In several parts of the book I feel like the hair on my neck was standing up. I guessed that there was something going on with Johnson and Rhion because their relationship was too close. Then, I guessed there was something shady with Pete and Rhion - how she trusted him completely to take care of her finance. Of course, there is also Rhion’s creepy brother with a violent past, always lurking around the corner watching her. BUT the best TWIST EVER is at the end - I seriously did not see that coming. ALY – you are one wicked woman!!!
I don’t need to say anything about Aly’s writing – if you are a fan of hers you will love this book period!!! Her story is always unique with a flair for the dramatic hero and heroine. She has a way of captivating your attention the whole time. Wonderful new series. I am so looking forward to the next hot man of the Guardian Protection agency.
Merged review:
BACK TO THE START is a collection of previously released novels by USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez. Each of the five full-length novels is a perfect starting point to dive into one of her sexy, emotional, and twisty worlds.
FIGHTING SILENCE: Sports Romance, Friends to lovers.
RETRIEVAL: Romantic Suspense, Second chance.
THE FALL UP: Contemporary Romance, Celebrity opposites attract.
CHANGING COURSE: Contemporary Romance, Broken hero.
SINGE: Romantic Suspense, Alpha bodyguard.
FIGHTING SILENCE
I've always been a fighter. With parents who barely managed to stay out of jail and two little brothers who narrowly avoided foster care, I became skilled at dodging the punches life threw at me. Growing up, I didn’t have anything I could call my own, but from the moment I met Eliza Reynolds, she was always mine. I became utterly addicted to her and the escape from reality we provided each other. Throughout the years, she had boyfriends and I had girlfriends, but there wasn't a single night that I didn’t hear her voice.
You see, meeting the love of my life at age thirteen was never part of my plan. However, neither was gradually going deaf at the age of twenty-one.
They both happened anyway.
Now, I'm on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting for my career.
Fighting the impending silence.
Fighting for her.
I am addicted to this whole series. I have them in both e-book and paperbacks. This one is heartbreakingly beautiful, sad, poignant, and incredibly moving. Eliza and Till’s love journey is a hard one - passionate, sexy, and EPIC. Highly emotional and unique read.
CHANGING COURSE
I met Sarah Kate Erickson when I was twenty-one years old. I was lucky enough to keep her for seven years before a tragic accident stole her from me. She didn’t die, but sometimes I think it would have been easier if she had.
I lived in a haze for those four years after the accident. Catering to her every need, even though she hated the very sight of my face. I tried to hold on to her and the future that we were supposed to build together. But you can’t hold on to someone who doesn’t exist anymore.
It wasn’t until I met Jesse Addison, a barista at the local coffee shop, that I realized I didn’t just lose Sarah that tragic night, I lost myself as well. Jesse taught me how to let go of the past and learn to love again. But what happens when your past haunts your present, and the woman you used to love refuses to accept the woman you can’t live without?
This is another brilliant series. Brett and Jesse story is gripping, emotional, angsty. The circumstance of Brett and his ex is heart breaking but he is a good guy and deserves to be happy. Jesse lightened up the story – she is quirky, fun, and sweet. Their relationship starts slow but not lack of passion and sexiness. This one got all the feels. Well-developed characters, unique storyline and flawless writing.
RETRIEVAL
The Retrieval is exceptionally unique; the likes of which I have not read in the past. The writing is brilliant, captivating – I devoured both books in two days (if it wasn’t for work and life I would have been done in one sitting).
Right from the prologue, Roman and Elisabeth were introduced to the story at the end of their marriage. We don’t know right away the reasons but we do know it is not that they don’t love each other but rather they love each other too much. You can tell they have a history and their love runs deep. I don’t want to give out spoilers but both Roman and Elisabeth were dealt shitty cards. They were both devastated from the events that transpired but in dealing with her own heart break, Elisabeth did not see how deeply it affected Roman. They fell out of love and Elisabeth decided it was time they went separate ways. Talk about angst, tears and sadness right off the bat!!!
Fast forward two years, Roman and Elisabeth unexpectedly were brought together again…at a police station … They were delivered more devastating news and once again, old wounds were forced open, including more heart break and life changes. Since their divorce, Roman and Elisabeth have both moved on with their lives professionally but personally they have been romantically dormant. They never really stopped loving each other, and this time Roman is determined never to let Elisabeth go again. So, Retrieval is a second chance romance. The characters are both fantastic, well developed, complicated. Roman is all alpha, sexy – a West Point graduate, Army Captain turned successful businessman. He is also caring, loving, and an all-around swoony hero. Elisabeth is sweet and beautiful inside and out. The story deals with some sensitive issues. This story’s got all the feels -- very emotional and intense. However, let me assure you there are plenty of lighthearted, funny, sweet and sexy moments. The chemistry between Roman and Elisabeth is undeniably scorching hot. Aly really knows how to burn up the sheets in the bedroom – uber hot!
I also love the secondary characters – Roman’s sister Kristen in particular is a fire cracker. The way Roman describes her cracked me up (She has 2 speeds: bitch at me or bitch to me…). I also want to mention that I love the family feels of this book. Even though Roman and Elisabeth are no longer together she still has a close relationship with his family – that is refreshing and and a nice change.
Retrieval is just sensational. Aly delivered yet another stunning, brilliant romance. Lucky for us there is a continuation of Roman and Elisabeth’s story in Transfer which comes out Sept 27th but with the focus on a new couple Clare and Heath. Their story is intertwined so you have to read them in order: Retrieval first and then Transfer. I promise you it will not be a hardship – YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!!
THE FALL UP
A MUST READ!!!!!!! UNIQUE, ROMANTIC, HEART- WARMING, SWEET and A PERPECT HAPPY ENDING - “I love you too, Designer Shoes.”
*** This review contains some spoilers***
Sam and “Designer Shoes,” as he adoringly called her, met by chance on the bridge of San Francisco. She was there contemplating jumping in and he was there mourning his sister. The two bonded through a simple conversation - call it FAITH. A lot of times when I read a book I might connect with one character - either the heroine or the hero, but Aly Martinez did such a great job with these two characters. I FELL IN LOVE with them both. The two characters’ chemistry is incredible – it’s honest, it’s real, it’s perfect.
This story is very compelling. Levee is a troubled girl. She is lost and is suffering seemingly alone, even though she is surrounded with friends/family she trusts. In real life people with mental illness suffer alone with their thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. Levee is sweet and devoted to helping her fans. Sam also has demons of his own and is haunted with his past. Sam suffered from the guilt of losing his sister. Nothing is worse than a feeling of “what ifs” and that you should have or could have done something to help someone. Sam and Levee are virtually strangers but Sam has a heart of gold. It is so incredibly sweet to see that Sam becomes very protective of Levee and he helps Levee heal through love and trust… and she will heal him too… “Take me home and let me struggle with you”.
This story is unique and it also deals with an important issue of suicide. Having said that, this book is not all sad and depressing nor is it about a typical troubled celebrity. It really is a SWEET LOVE STORY. It is sexy, romantic, and heart-warming. Their love story is beautiful and touching. Some parts of the book are humorous with laugh-out-loud moments. The dialogue and texts are funny and sweet. Sam is a super sexy carpenter with TATS guys ….
Some of the things Sam said to Levee is down right SWOONY…
Lots of emotions reading this book - I cried sad tears, happy tears, and I laughed hard too.
This book is fast paced! I mean it in a good way because the story flows smoothly from the beginning until the end. It will keep you CAPTIVATED the whole time – hence I missed out on beach time
Aly Martinez, you are AMAZING and this book is PERFECTION!
Sam & Levee 4-eva!!!
SINGE
This series has a fresh concept surrounding the boys of the Guardian security agency. Right at the prologue, my heart was already jumping out of my chest and I was intrigued by the plot. Rhion was hanging on to life with the threat of being burned alive or falling to her death. Jude was an off duty cop who had a few drinks, but he accepted the last call to check out the Park Hill estate. That turned out to be his biggest down fall. Jude made a decision to help save Rhion but what happened next destroyed Jude and haunted him for the rest of his life. Jude and Rhion were both wounded severely -- internal and external injuries fr
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