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Release #2
Reclaim
From USA Today Bestselling Author Aly Martinez comes the standalone spin-off of RELEASE featuring Nora Stewart and her journey to happily ever after. Choices. Everyone makes them. From mundane to unimaginable, one choice can change the trajectory of your entire life. My mother's choice was to abandon us with our abusive father. My brother's choice was to go to prison for killing the boy who assaulted his soulmate.Camden Cole's choice was to fall in love with a shattered girl who had absolutely nothing to offer him but heartbreak. It was one summer beneath the trees, but with Camden, I had a place where I belonged. A friend who was always waiting for me. A boy who I caught staring at me more often than not.He was mine, but when the world closed in and secrets exploded all around us, it was my choice to let him go. Choices. Everyone makes them. But mine would ruin us all.Reclaim is a standalone that can be read and enjoyed independently. However, it will contain spoilers for Release.
318 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2020
749 people are currently reading
2995 people want to read
About the author
Aly Martinez
52 books8,126 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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February 7, 2025
₊˚⊹♡⋆°༄˖°. “𝓞𝓾𝓻 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓻𝔂 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓫𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮. 𝓝𝓸𝓻𝓪 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓪 𝓭𝔂𝓷𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓬 𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓫𝓵𝔂 𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓭. 𝓟𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓹𝓱𝔂𝓼𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓵. 𝓒𝓸𝓸𝓵 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓪𝓵. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓴𝓲𝓷 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓽 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓪𝓼 𝓯𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓲𝓪𝓻 𝓪𝓼 𝓶𝔂 𝓸𝔀𝓷. 𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼, 𝔀𝓮 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻’𝓼 𝓸𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷. 𝓢𝓸, 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓲𝓯 𝓲𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓬𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝓲𝓷 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓽𝓱, 𝓪𝓼 𝔀𝓮 𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓸𝓵𝓭𝓮𝓻, 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓽𝓸𝓾𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓮𝓵𝓼𝓮 𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓻𝓮𝓵𝔂. 𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓮 – 𝓪𝓷 𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓾𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓭𝓮𝓷𝔂.”
┊ ┊ ┊ ♡ ┊
┊ ┊ ┊ ˚ ♡
┊ ┊ ♡ ⋆ +
♡ ⋆ ┊ .
+ ♡
-`♡´- 4.5 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 -`♡´-
This is the second book in the Release Duet, book one being Release and my review is down below. The first book ends on a note that made me so curious about the fate of Nora Stewart, whose past is entwined with the main protagonists from Release and oh so steeped in darkness – but there was only so much that the reader was privy to at that point.
We follow our FMC, Nora, when she is just 11 years old and meets 12 year old Camden Cole for the very first time. A friendship is forged between the two that fateful summer, and while promises were made, Nora believes that Camden broke them, just like her mother who abandoned their family when she was just a mere seven years old.
What happens next is a series of tragic events that leads to disaster of epic proportions, until years later, Nora and Camden’s paths cross again. With the heaviness of words unspoken between them lingering on, of a love that both feels acutely nevertheless, of so much time wasted while Camden had patiently waited for his one and only, I felt a keen sense of loss even when the story was well and over.
This is such a vague summary - lol sorry about that. I didn't want to give any spoilers away for the first book in this review and it's so easy to do since they're so intertwined.
To be really honest, I think I might have enjoyed this one just a little bit more than the first one. I think the dynamic between Camden and Nora gave more tension and angst due to their situation for being separated was so different than Ramsey and Thea. It just hit harder for me with their situation.
And the characters. Omg. I'll say it again. Aly Martinez writes some of the best characters I've read. Camden was the sweetest most supportive MMC and Nora didn't get on my nerves even once lol. I thought she might have due to a 'secret' she kept in the first book, but no - I thought Aly did a fantastic job with her point of view and tying everything together in the storyline.
Highly recommend!
RECLAIM is a story of power, control; abuse and neglect; betrayal and vengeance; friendship and love. The premise is emotional, heart breaking and raw; the romance is imaginative and sensitive; the characters are broken, stubborn, dynamic and real. RECLAIM is a tragic, impassioned and dramatic tale of survival and love.
Reclaim is a standalone that can be read and enjoyed independently. However, it will contain spoilers for Release.
╰⪼ 💙Childhood Friends to Lovers
╰⪼ 💙Coming of Age
╰⪼ 💙Small Town
╰⪼ 💙Dual POV
╰⪼ 💙Past/Present Storyline
╰⪼ 💙It's Always Been You
╰⪼ 💙Angst
╰⪼ 💙Right Person Wrong Time
╰⪼ 💙Life After Loss
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
“𝓘 𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓲𝓷 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓷𝓸 𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓪 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭.”
୨୧° ♡ °୨୧
“𝓘’𝓿𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮.”
୨୧° ♡ °୨୧
“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽,” 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓾𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓽. 𝓜𝔂 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽. “𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀.” “𝓝𝓸, 𝓒𝓪𝓶. 𝓘 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷, 𝓘 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂, 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓘 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮.” “𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸𝓸, 𝓫𝓪𝓫𝓮. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸𝓸. 𝓐𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼.” “𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓶𝓮.” 𝓗𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓽𝓱 𝓬𝓵𝓪𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮. “𝓢𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓶𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮.”
୨୧° ♡ °୨୧
“𝓦𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓘 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓵𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭…𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵, 𝓒𝓪𝓶𝓭𝓮𝓷. 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓻𝔂. 𝓘𝓽 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓼 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓘’𝓶 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
୨୧° ♡ °୨୧
“𝓕𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼, 𝓯𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓱𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼 – 𝓲𝓽 𝓭𝓸𝓮𝓼𝓷’𝓽 𝓶𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓝𝓸𝓻𝓪. 𝓘𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮. 𝓘𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓫𝓮𝓭. 𝓐𝓽 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮. 𝓐𝓷𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓘 𝓸𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓯 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓶𝓮𝓼𝓼𝔂 𝓸𝓻 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓯𝓽-𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓻 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓲𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮. 𝓘 𝓸𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
୨୧° ♡ °୨୧
“𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓿𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷. 𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮. 𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓱𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼.” 𝓗𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓽𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻𝓼. 𝓐𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝔂 𝓴𝓷𝓾𝓬𝓴𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓽𝓱, 𝓱𝓮 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓷𝓮. “𝓛𝓮𝓽 𝓲𝓽 𝓫𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓝𝓸𝓻𝓪. 𝓑𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭.”
︵‿ ⊹ ︵‿୨ ♡ ୧‿︵ ⊹ ‿︵
┊ ┊ ┊ ♡ ┊
┊ ┊ ┊ ˚ ♡
┊ ┊ ♡ ⋆ +
♡ ⋆ ┊ .
+ ♡
-`♡´- 4.5 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 -`♡´-
This is the second book in the Release Duet, book one being Release and my review is down below. The first book ends on a note that made me so curious about the fate of Nora Stewart, whose past is entwined with the main protagonists from Release and oh so steeped in darkness – but there was only so much that the reader was privy to at that point.
We follow our FMC, Nora, when she is just 11 years old and meets 12 year old Camden Cole for the very first time. A friendship is forged between the two that fateful summer, and while promises were made, Nora believes that Camden broke them, just like her mother who abandoned their family when she was just a mere seven years old.
What happens next is a series of tragic events that leads to disaster of epic proportions, until years later, Nora and Camden’s paths cross again. With the heaviness of words unspoken between them lingering on, of a love that both feels acutely nevertheless, of so much time wasted while Camden had patiently waited for his one and only, I felt a keen sense of loss even when the story was well and over.
This is such a vague summary - lol sorry about that. I didn't want to give any spoilers away for the first book in this review and it's so easy to do since they're so intertwined.
To be really honest, I think I might have enjoyed this one just a little bit more than the first one. I think the dynamic between Camden and Nora gave more tension and angst due to their situation for being separated was so different than Ramsey and Thea. It just hit harder for me with their situation.
And the characters. Omg. I'll say it again. Aly Martinez writes some of the best characters I've read. Camden was the sweetest most supportive MMC and Nora didn't get on my nerves even once lol. I thought she might have due to a 'secret' she kept in the first book, but no - I thought Aly did a fantastic job with her point of view and tying everything together in the storyline.
Highly recommend!
RECLAIM is a story of power, control; abuse and neglect; betrayal and vengeance; friendship and love. The premise is emotional, heart breaking and raw; the romance is imaginative and sensitive; the characters are broken, stubborn, dynamic and real. RECLAIM is a tragic, impassioned and dramatic tale of survival and love.
Reclaim is a standalone that can be read and enjoyed independently. However, it will contain spoilers for Release.
╰⪼ 💙Childhood Friends to Lovers
╰⪼ 💙Coming of Age
╰⪼ 💙Small Town
╰⪼ 💙Dual POV
╰⪼ 💙Past/Present Storyline
╰⪼ 💙It's Always Been You
╰⪼ 💙Angst
╰⪼ 💙Right Person Wrong Time
╰⪼ 💙Life After Loss
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
“𝓘 𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓲𝓷 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓷𝓸 𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓪 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭.”
୨୧° ♡ °୨୧
“𝓘’𝓿𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮.”
୨୧° ♡ °୨୧
“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽,” 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓾𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓽. 𝓜𝔂 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽. “𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀.” “𝓝𝓸, 𝓒𝓪𝓶. 𝓘 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷, 𝓘 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂, 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓘 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮.” “𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸𝓸, 𝓫𝓪𝓫𝓮. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸𝓸. 𝓐𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼.” “𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓶𝓮.” 𝓗𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓽𝓱 𝓬𝓵𝓪𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮. “𝓢𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓶𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮.”
୨୧° ♡ °୨୧
“𝓦𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓘 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓵𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭…𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵, 𝓒𝓪𝓶𝓭𝓮𝓷. 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓻𝔂. 𝓘𝓽 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓼 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓘’𝓶 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
୨୧° ♡ °୨୧
“𝓕𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼, 𝓯𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓱𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼 – 𝓲𝓽 𝓭𝓸𝓮𝓼𝓷’𝓽 𝓶𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓝𝓸𝓻𝓪. 𝓘𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮. 𝓘𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓫𝓮𝓭. 𝓐𝓽 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮. 𝓐𝓷𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓘 𝓸𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓯 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓶𝓮𝓼𝓼𝔂 𝓸𝓻 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓯𝓽-𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓻 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓲𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮. 𝓘 𝓸𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
୨୧° ♡ °୨୧
“𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓿𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷. 𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮. 𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓱𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼.” 𝓗𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓽𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻𝓼. 𝓐𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝔂 𝓴𝓷𝓾𝓬𝓴𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓽𝓱, 𝓱𝓮 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓷𝓮. “𝓛𝓮𝓽 𝓲𝓽 𝓫𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓝𝓸𝓻𝓪. 𝓑𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭.”
︵‿ ⊹ ︵‿୨ ♡ ୧‿︵ ⊹ ‿︵
November 11, 2020
5 stars
I read Release by Aly Martinez earlier this year and it remains one of my top favorite books of 2020. When I heard we were getting Ramsey's sister's book, I couldn't wait. Nora's story did not disappoint. It was emotional in the best way, sweet and romantic. I loved this one!
Nora Stewart and her brother have had a hard life. Nora takes solace by the trees and creek in the summer, spending time away from her abusive dad. That is where she meets Camden. Nora is just 11 but finds a forever friend in him. The next summer when Cam shows up things are different. Nora's life is changed dramatically and that one cataclysmic event will change the course of her life forever in just a few years to come...
Nora and Cam only get summers together, as Cam lives a few hours away, but those summers mean everything to Nora and Cam both. This story spans many years and it is for sure a slow burn, but I didn't mind one bit. If you've read 'Release' you'll get to see some more of Ramsey and Thea's story, but if you haven't, you can definitely read this one as a stand alone. Martinez has a knack for writing these incredible heroes and Camden is one of her best yet.
Nothing makes me happier than a passionate romance that is friends to lovers and has all kinds of pining and where the couple truly doesn't want and never will want anyone else but each other. This was such a beautiful story of true love. Nora and Cam were meant for one another and no one else would do. Sigh. I just loved it so much!
If you're looking for a friends to lovers story with the swooniest hero and a heroine you can't help but love and root for, pick up Reclaim. Another 5 star favorite from Aly Martinez!
Choices. Everyone makes them. But mine would ruin us all.
I read Release by Aly Martinez earlier this year and it remains one of my top favorite books of 2020. When I heard we were getting Ramsey's sister's book, I couldn't wait. Nora's story did not disappoint. It was emotional in the best way, sweet and romantic. I loved this one!
Nora Stewart and her brother have had a hard life. Nora takes solace by the trees and creek in the summer, spending time away from her abusive dad. That is where she meets Camden. Nora is just 11 but finds a forever friend in him. The next summer when Cam shows up things are different. Nora's life is changed dramatically and that one cataclysmic event will change the course of her life forever in just a few years to come...
Nora and Cam only get summers together, as Cam lives a few hours away, but those summers mean everything to Nora and Cam both. This story spans many years and it is for sure a slow burn, but I didn't mind one bit. If you've read 'Release' you'll get to see some more of Ramsey and Thea's story, but if you haven't, you can definitely read this one as a stand alone. Martinez has a knack for writing these incredible heroes and Camden is one of her best yet.
Nothing makes me happier than a passionate romance that is friends to lovers and has all kinds of pining and where the couple truly doesn't want and never will want anyone else but each other. This was such a beautiful story of true love. Nora and Cam were meant for one another and no one else would do. Sigh. I just loved it so much!
If you're looking for a friends to lovers story with the swooniest hero and a heroine you can't help but love and root for, pick up Reclaim. Another 5 star favorite from Aly Martinez!
“You’re mine.”
“I’ve always been yours,” I whispered.
“Only yours.”
November 11, 2020
4.5 Stars
CUUUUUUUUUUUTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEE
C
U
T
E
CAMDEN IS PERFECT! EVERYONE PLEASE REPEAT AFTER ME!
CAMDEN IS P-E-R-F-E-C-T
I normally prefer falling in love with assholes but sometimes a Camden will pop up and I’m like
First of all I want to Thank the author Aly Martinez for writing about this epic love story, I have so much respect for her at the moment! for FINALLY breaking the whole cliche plot of two people being in love with one another but while waiting for the other person to heal, one of them thinks it’s okay to fuck someone else or be in a relationship with someone else
FINALLY!
This is what I call TRUE LOVE! When you love someone and are waiting for them to heal, you don’t think from your dick or vagina (it’s mostly always the guy who is with OW while the girl is celibate 🙄🙄).
I feel like even pointing this out is irrelevant because this book was just so much more than that aspect! God, I don’t even know where to start! This book is about two lovers meeting time and time again, hoping that the next time they meet there would be no more goodbyes. This book is not all rainbows and sunshine’s it has it’s good parts and sad parts, this book covers healing, patience, love, special bonds and trust. You just have to read it yourself and experience Nora & the good blabbering Camden’s journey to finding one another, falling for each other and then just waiting for their HEA.
Nora, I got to read about her journey from being a scared little kid who was wronged to a strong grown up. And then Camden AGAIN, how he waited for her! Supported her! I know I already said this a million times before but I love him okay 😭😭😭😭
Camden, this good blabbering guy stole my heart, since he was thirteen years old
This is by far the best childhood lovers book I have read so far this year!
And I highly recommend it, if you are looking for a sweet and tragic childhood lovers romance. It does start of slow but that’s because the most time Nora and Camden spend together is when they were kids.
CUUUUUUUUUUUTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEE
C
U
T
E
CAMDEN IS PERFECT! EVERYONE PLEASE REPEAT AFTER ME!
CAMDEN IS P-E-R-F-E-C-T
I normally prefer falling in love with assholes but sometimes a Camden will pop up and I’m like
First of all I want to Thank the author Aly Martinez for writing about this epic love story, I have so much respect for her at the moment! for FINALLY breaking the whole cliche plot of two people being in love with one another but while waiting for the other person to heal, one of them thinks it’s okay to fuck someone else or be in a relationship with someone else
FINALLY!
This is what I call TRUE LOVE! When you love someone and are waiting for them to heal, you don’t think from your dick or vagina (it’s mostly always the guy who is with OW while the girl is celibate 🙄🙄).
I feel like even pointing this out is irrelevant because this book was just so much more than that aspect! God, I don’t even know where to start! This book is about two lovers meeting time and time again, hoping that the next time they meet there would be no more goodbyes. This book is not all rainbows and sunshine’s it has it’s good parts and sad parts, this book covers healing, patience, love, special bonds and trust. You just have to read it yourself and experience Nora & the good blabbering Camden’s journey to finding one another, falling for each other and then just waiting for their HEA.
Nora, I got to read about her journey from being a scared little kid who was wronged to a strong grown up. And then Camden AGAIN, how he waited for her! Supported her! I know I already said this a million times before but I love him okay 😭😭😭😭
Camden, this good blabbering guy stole my heart, since he was thirteen years old
This is by far the best childhood lovers book I have read so far this year!
And I highly recommend it, if you are looking for a sweet and tragic childhood lovers romance. It does start of slow but that’s because the most time Nora and Camden spend together is when they were kids.
November 15, 2020
This has been a brutal month for reading emotional stories for me and now I can add Reclaim to that list. Friends to enemies, best friends/ lovers, whatever you want to call it, this story seriously took you on a journey that was NOT easy at times.
If you’ve read Release then you were already introduced to Nora and Camden and you were practically salivating for their story. This story starts out wen Nora is eleven years old and Camden is twelve and we got front row seats to the start of a friendship and love story that would be not only filled with the best kind of love, but it will be heartbreaking as well.
This was a slow burn romance that tested me a few times. I really loved seeing the main characters when they were younger and their setting for summer days but I wanted more time with them. I was not a fan of the time jump and I felt like as they got older, certain things should’ve already been set in stone and they weren’t.
Besides that, I really felt the love and saw the sacrifice that these characters made for each other and it was a beautiful thing to really see. If you enjoyed Release or any of Aly Martinez books, then this one is not be missed.
August 25, 2021
~ 𝟰.𝟳𝟱 𝟱 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦 ✰
♫♪ ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ (ᴍᴀʀɪɴᴀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪᴀᴍᴏɴᴅꜱ) ♪♫
𝗠𝗬 𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦 ✧
— i was gonna write a whole ass review, but yeah… so instead i'm just gonna gush about Cam ❤︎
ᴀ ꜰᴇᴡ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ ᴏꜰ ɴᴏᴛᴇ - ᴄᴀᴍ ᴇᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴ °
❥ 𝗜 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗦𝗔𝗬, 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 ... that from this moment forward I'm a certified hoe for any romance hero who goes by the nickname Cam. I mean first we were introduced to Cameron, and now we've been graced with Camden?? so blessed ✨
❥ 𝗜 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 … be on the lookout for any IRL man who goes by the name Cameron, Camden, or Cam. Thus …
❥ 𝗜 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗦𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘 … where is my soulmate who happens to be named Cam? 😭 I guess I've gotta start hanging out by my local creek, I don't even care that it's mostly full of geese shit, because you know what? 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚊𝚌𝚛𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜.
❥ 𝗜 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗔𝗟𝗟… to my new literary husband, Camden "Cam" Cole.
Cam is a once and a lifetime hero who seemingly appears once in a blue moon. He's basically a unicorn when compared to his romantic hero brethren. His character traits include, but are not limited to; extreme loyalty, steadfast love, constant care and understanding, wonderful displays of empathy, and a plethora of patience. Essentially, he is a dream man and there is no way he has an IRL counterpart … alas …
I wanted the world for Camden Cole even if I wasn’t the one who could give it to him.
♫♪ ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ (ᴍᴀʀɪɴᴀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪᴀᴍᴏɴᴅꜱ) ♪♫
𝗠𝗬 𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦 ✧
— i was gonna write a whole ass review, but yeah… so instead i'm just gonna gush about Cam ❤︎
also, not even gonna lie, this book made me feel so incredibly single ❤︎
ᴀ ꜰᴇᴡ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ ᴏꜰ ɴᴏᴛᴇ - ᴄᴀᴍ ᴇᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴ °
❥ 𝗜 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗦𝗔𝗬, 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 ... that from this moment forward I'm a certified hoe for any romance hero who goes by the nickname Cam. I mean first we were introduced to Cameron, and now we've been graced with Camden?? so blessed ✨
❥ 𝗜 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 … be on the lookout for any IRL man who goes by the name Cameron, Camden, or Cam. Thus …
❥ 𝗜 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗦𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘 … where is my soulmate who happens to be named Cam? 😭 I guess I've gotta start hanging out by my local creek, I don't even care that it's mostly full of geese shit, because you know what? 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚊𝚌𝚛𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜.
❥ 𝗜 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗔𝗟𝗟… to my new literary husband, Camden "Cam" Cole.
❝Hey, Nora.❞
❝Yeah?❞ I whispered.
❝It’s gonna be okay. It probably doesn’t feel like it right now, and I’m not even going to pretend to know how you feel. But I promise I’ll make it okay.❞
Cam is a once and a lifetime hero who seemingly appears once in a blue moon. He's basically a unicorn when compared to his romantic hero brethren. His character traits include, but are not limited to; extreme loyalty, steadfast love, constant care and understanding, wonderful displays of empathy, and a plethora of patience. Essentially, he is a dream man and there is no way he has an IRL counterpart … alas …
Want to read
December 22, 2020I've been waiting for Nora's book! I am on the fence about her since I read Release because, no surprise, I really didn't like certain choices she made there and it sure is going to be addressed in this one too, so I'll just keep my fingers crossed and hope that I end up liking her in this!
Read
November 1, 2020RTC but OMG! THE FEELS
November 16, 2020
I loved this story, I wanted more of the characters because I thought the things gone faster.
It’s worth the reading.
It’s worth the reading.
February 24, 2021
I don't even know what to say ...
I should probably say a few more words about this story other than what I said above, but honestly, what does one say about a story like this? It’s life at its rawest. There are quite literally less than zero rainbows and gumdrops in most of the story and some of it was a hailstorm of licorice jellybeans on my soul and my heart. (if you’re the one person in the universe who happens to like the taste of licorice then skip that sentence lol).
It’s not a mere story of anything but a passage of life thru its dark corners and shadowy alleys.
It’s the story of a girl who didn’t know she was looking for a boy but found him anyway.
It’s a story of a woman growing thru her past and into her future and accepting the man she didn’t just want, but needed, with every fiber of her being.
It’s a story of a boy who did the best he could for the girl and a man who would walk to the end of the earth thru molten lava for the woman.
It was devastatingly poignant and all-consuming, just like most of Aly’s books. You always think you’re ready for her books, but you really aren’t. #TRUST
Available Now!! Download your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/35VOdw8
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/ReclaimAlyM
Choices. Everyone makes them.
P.P.P.P.S. I'd rather be there with you
I should probably say a few more words about this story other than what I said above, but honestly, what does one say about a story like this? It’s life at its rawest. There are quite literally less than zero rainbows and gumdrops in most of the story and some of it was a hailstorm of licorice jellybeans on my soul and my heart. (if you’re the one person in the universe who happens to like the taste of licorice then skip that sentence lol).
It’s not a mere story of anything but a passage of life thru its dark corners and shadowy alleys.
It’s the story of a girl who didn’t know she was looking for a boy but found him anyway.
It’s a story of a woman growing thru her past and into her future and accepting the man she didn’t just want, but needed, with every fiber of her being.
It’s a story of a boy who did the best he could for the girl and a man who would walk to the end of the earth thru molten lava for the woman.
It was devastatingly poignant and all-consuming, just like most of Aly’s books. You always think you’re ready for her books, but you really aren’t. #TRUST
Available Now!! Download your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/35VOdw8
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/ReclaimAlyM
March 19, 2021
3 Stars
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the second installment in "The Release series" but it can be read as a standalone. To be honest, it wasn’t what I expected from Aly Martinez. I’d read some of her books and I was familiar with her stories. What annoyed me the most here was that they were separated for years on and off as adults and almost half of the story was told as they were childeren/teenagers. It’s a friends-to-lovers story, slow burn, a bit angsty and has dark theme but also it can make you smile. Overall, it was an OK read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the second installment in "The Release series" but it can be read as a standalone. To be honest, it wasn’t what I expected from Aly Martinez. I’d read some of her books and I was familiar with her stories. What annoyed me the most here was that they were separated for years on and off as adults and almost half of the story was told as they were childeren/teenagers. It’s a friends-to-lovers story, slow burn, a bit angsty and has dark theme but also it can make you smile. Overall, it was an OK read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
November 14, 2020
Well I thought since I made it through Release without needing to hit the mini bar I would jump right on into Reclaim. Big mistake. I have spent half my night ugly crying and wondering why I willingly let these authors reduce me to this.
Obviously since I had just put down Release I knew Nora's story was going to be hard. But omg that poor girl, the hits just kept right on coming. And every time I thought we were turning a corner to happiness the rug was pulled right out from under me. The strength of Nora was beautiful to witness but I kept praying that she wouldn't need more.
And beautiful, sweet Camden just kept right on proving how much he was there for Nora. I adored his quiet worship as he tried best to navigate how to help Nora without inflicting more pain on either of them. And then just when I thought we were finally there he threw us another curve and I wanted to hate him for it.
By the time I got to the end I can't honestly say if Aly is a wonderful writing genius or just Satan. But I couldn't have put it down if my life had depended on it and I ended the book completely in love with Camden and Nora. I love how everything ended with both couples and I have to admit by the time I put it down I was ready to forgive Aly for the torture she put me through. And now I just want her next book.
Obviously since I had just put down Release I knew Nora's story was going to be hard. But omg that poor girl, the hits just kept right on coming. And every time I thought we were turning a corner to happiness the rug was pulled right out from under me. The strength of Nora was beautiful to witness but I kept praying that she wouldn't need more.
And beautiful, sweet Camden just kept right on proving how much he was there for Nora. I adored his quiet worship as he tried best to navigate how to help Nora without inflicting more pain on either of them. And then just when I thought we were finally there he threw us another curve and I wanted to hate him for it.
By the time I got to the end I can't honestly say if Aly is a wonderful writing genius or just Satan. But I couldn't have put it down if my life had depended on it and I ended the book completely in love with Camden and Nora. I love how everything ended with both couples and I have to admit by the time I put it down I was ready to forgive Aly for the torture she put me through. And now I just want her next book.
November 12, 2020
TITLE: RECLAIM
AUTHOR: Aly Martinez
SERIES: Standalone
RELEASE DATE: November 12, 2020
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
THEMES & TROPES: Abuse, Rape, Friends to Lovers
RATING: 5 STARS
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
Oh my poor battered heart, it hurts. I should have known that Aly Martinez would put me through the wringer before making rewarding me with a beautiful HEA.
If you have read RELEASE then you know that the characters of these books have an incredibly painful past and they try to find ways how to deal and process these events. Nora is a master at compartmentalizing but at one point every compartment is full to the brim and stuff starts to spill out. I loved how mature she was, how she really wanted to become the person her childhood sweetheart deserved, even though she sold herself so short. She couldn't see how perfect she was in Camden's eyes, that he saw her heart and soul underneath all the ugly things she experienced.
“Five years, five hundred years—it doesn’t matter. I want you, Nora. In my life. In my bed. At my side. Any and every way I can have you. I only want you. I don’t care if it’s messy or complicated.
Cam has to be one of my most favorite heroes ever. His patience with Nora, his absolute understanding of her character and deeply rooted issues and finally, always having her back. EVERY SINGLE TIME she needed him, he was there without failure. He was her lifeline and made her see that she was good enough, even though his issues with his family were just as bad. What a man! Growing up in a cold or violent home both of them were looking for affection. These two were soulmates who just connected on a fundamental level. I loved their friendship, their game with their ten dollar note, seeing them grow up and maintaining their spark and chemistry through the years. Their bond was so powerful that nothing could break it. And isn't that just beautiful?
“Every day. Every night. This need for you never stops,”
I am a longtime fan of Aly Martinez's books. Writing about broken characters dealing with tragedy is her forte and she delivers every single time. Not many authors make me choke up these days but reading about these star-crossed lovers made me tear up more often than I'd like to admit.
RECLAIM is one of those stories that will make you smile and laugh despite the tragedies you witness. It's brilliantly written and will have you on the edge of your seat and outraged. But count on this author to make it up to you and heal your heart with a beautiful HEA and epilogue. This is one of Aly Martinez's best book yet and one of my favorites of 2020.
I didn’t deserve Camden Cole, and I never would, but I wasn’t entirely sure anyone on the planet was good enough for a soul like his. Choices. Everyone makes them. And by some miracle I would never understand, Camden chose me.
** RECLAIM can be read as a standalone but I recommend to read RELEASE first. Some events in Reclaim are spoilers for Release. Also, it's Aly Martinez.
November 15, 2020
Now that is what I call "angsty" !! An emotional rollercoaster ride from beginning to end, and I loved every second of it.
This just proves once again, what a talented author Aly Martinez is. I think it is time to reread some of my favorites of her ;)
A full 5 stars from me and... full review to come
This just proves once again, what a talented author Aly Martinez is. I think it is time to reread some of my favorites of her ;)
A full 5 stars from me and... full review to come
November 5, 2020
FTCL 😊😊😊
**ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR.
**ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR.
November 9, 2020
I'd been waiting this book ever since I read Release. Ramsey and Thea found their HEA, but there was someone lurking in the background and now she's front and center in Reclaim.
First page had me hooked and I couldn't stop reading till I saw them safe and happy at the last page, I didn't want fate to throw cold water on them yet again when I wasn't looking. So I didn't put down the book and kept praying hard for the now my fave couple of the year
"Choices.
Everyone makes them.
From mundane and monotonous to life-changing and unimaginable.
But regardless what that choice may be, life is lived in the consequences. "
It's ironical but the main villain of the story is Change itself. The couple doesn't get time to breathe when the background circumstances change dramatically, raising the angst temps sky high.
Nola Stewart is the series most unfortunate girl and in the midst of the shit how that's her life, a soothing creek babbles through. On the banks of it she finds some solace. To be herself, escape from her abusive house and make a friend. The blue eyed boy, chatterbox, Penny loafer lover and worm collector. Both form a coalition of sorts and somewhere along the way, his heart gets hooked with hers and he promises her "I'll be there for you"
The truth of it, the honesty with which it's spoken and the sincerity that drips from these words, just made my heart weep. Aly has put in ALL THE MAJOR FEELS. I cried so hard at the unjust world, unfair gods and unmatched destinies. By calculation they spent more time apart than they did together, but one vow under the swing tree, a ten dollar note, Pinkie hooked in a promise and their story takes a start.
It runs On pure hope and aspirations, daydreaming lazily tucked away in their idyllic spot on the creek.
Camden Cole stands by it all throughout. He's as noble and as devout as they come. Unquestioned loyalty and unwavering support, he has Nora's back and front. Protects her from the world and herself.
“I know. What is it you always say about choices? Everyone makes them? Well, this is my choice. And if comes down to choosing between you and freedom, I’ll choose you every single time.”
One thing I'd like to mention here, at no time Aly inserts any doubt regarding the intense bond of their togetherness.
They were destined, they would find their Happily Ever After and they were always there for each other. Period. Only the alignment of the moon and the stars was a matter of time. The Ever Elusive Perfect Time and Place!
“Perfect doesn’t exist! What I deserve someone who wants to be with me. Not because I’m here. Not because it’s convenient. Not because you need something or I need something. I’m talking someone who cannot physically stay away for one day, much less five fucking years.”
Aly has poured her heart out in the story and it shows. I got to feel it in all its crazy wild ride, the twists and turns,the roadblocks and detours. Every word on every page was precise and dedicated to the development of the plot, nothing was astray or unwanted.
I think this book is best in the already fabulous series, written with her trademark sentimental style but interspersed with well placed humor. It's magical love story of poles apart teens who somehow found a common passion for worm collecting and ham & cheese sandwiches, among other things.
5 stars for All The Pain. All The Devastation. All The Heartache
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First page had me hooked and I couldn't stop reading till I saw them safe and happy at the last page, I didn't want fate to throw cold water on them yet again when I wasn't looking. So I didn't put down the book and kept praying hard for the now my fave couple of the year
"Choices.
Everyone makes them.
From mundane and monotonous to life-changing and unimaginable.
But regardless what that choice may be, life is lived in the consequences. "
It's ironical but the main villain of the story is Change itself. The couple doesn't get time to breathe when the background circumstances change dramatically, raising the angst temps sky high.
Nola Stewart is the series most unfortunate girl and in the midst of the shit how that's her life, a soothing creek babbles through. On the banks of it she finds some solace. To be herself, escape from her abusive house and make a friend. The blue eyed boy, chatterbox, Penny loafer lover and worm collector. Both form a coalition of sorts and somewhere along the way, his heart gets hooked with hers and he promises her "I'll be there for you"
The truth of it, the honesty with which it's spoken and the sincerity that drips from these words, just made my heart weep. Aly has put in ALL THE MAJOR FEELS. I cried so hard at the unjust world, unfair gods and unmatched destinies. By calculation they spent more time apart than they did together, but one vow under the swing tree, a ten dollar note, Pinkie hooked in a promise and their story takes a start.
It runs On pure hope and aspirations, daydreaming lazily tucked away in their idyllic spot on the creek.
Camden Cole stands by it all throughout. He's as noble and as devout as they come. Unquestioned loyalty and unwavering support, he has Nora's back and front. Protects her from the world and herself.
“I know. What is it you always say about choices? Everyone makes them? Well, this is my choice. And if comes down to choosing between you and freedom, I’ll choose you every single time.”
One thing I'd like to mention here, at no time Aly inserts any doubt regarding the intense bond of their togetherness.
They were destined, they would find their Happily Ever After and they were always there for each other. Period. Only the alignment of the moon and the stars was a matter of time. The Ever Elusive Perfect Time and Place!
“Perfect doesn’t exist! What I deserve someone who wants to be with me. Not because I’m here. Not because it’s convenient. Not because you need something or I need something. I’m talking someone who cannot physically stay away for one day, much less five fucking years.”
Aly has poured her heart out in the story and it shows. I got to feel it in all its crazy wild ride, the twists and turns,the roadblocks and detours. Every word on every page was precise and dedicated to the development of the plot, nothing was astray or unwanted.
I think this book is best in the already fabulous series, written with her trademark sentimental style but interspersed with well placed humor. It's magical love story of poles apart teens who somehow found a common passion for worm collecting and ham & cheese sandwiches, among other things.
5 stars for All The Pain. All The Devastation. All The Heartache
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
November 14, 2020
3,5 ❤️💔❤️ 💵 🐛 💵 🌟s❣️❣️❣️
Cam and Nora’s journey was emotional and heartfelt.
They met just before their teen years and their connection was so beautiful!! They were facing difficult times, especially Nora, but their friendship was the highlight of their hard days!
While they were growing up their feelings became deeper and stronger and later fell in love.
Such amazing and incredible characters❣️
Although they were apart, they were always there for each other, supportive, helpful and caring.
I would have liked it more if there were more scenes with Nora and Camden as a couple during the second part of their story and not read about their lives while they were not together.
Reclaim was a beautiful romantic story that really touched my heart. ♥️
Cam and Nora’s journey was emotional and heartfelt.
They met just before their teen years and their connection was so beautiful!! They were facing difficult times, especially Nora, but their friendship was the highlight of their hard days!
While they were growing up their feelings became deeper and stronger and later fell in love.
Such amazing and incredible characters❣️
Although they were apart, they were always there for each other, supportive, helpful and caring.
I would have liked it more if there were more scenes with Nora and Camden as a couple during the second part of their story and not read about their lives while they were not together.
Reclaim was a beautiful romantic story that really touched my heart. ♥️
November 15, 2020
This is a love story that spans over 15 years or so. A bond formed in childhood that morphs into something deep and lasting as they get older. However, the road to a happy ever after is far from easy and at times just tragic. We begin with a prologue that shows a moment in time, a split decision that will leave a lasting effect on everyone in this story. We then go back a few years and see the beginnings of what lead to this awful night.
‘Choices. Everyone makes them. But mine would ruin us all.’
Nora lives with her brother Ramsey and the man that fathered them both. They live below the poverty line thanks to their father’s alcoholic lifestyle. They have to fend for themselves in every way, including finding food to eat. Over summer break Nora prefers to spend as much time as she can away from her home. She decides to earn some money with a part time job collecting worms for fish bait for old Mr Leonard.
Filling in her days and will give her some much needed money to buy food for her and Ramsey. What she was not expecting was Camden Cole to show up, providing competition she was not expecting. She soon figures out that there is more to Camden than she first thought and this will be the first of many summers they will spend together down by the creek cementing their friendship.
Nora has huge abandonment issues but over the years Camden proves to her that he will always show up and be there for her. At the lowest moments in her life his presence slowly chips away at the walls she has had up since childhood. The love between them only deepens as they move into adulthood. They only see each other every so often but when they do they fall so comfortably back into the familiar connection that is always there.
‘Because I will,’ he promised. It might not be right away and you might have to wait for a while, but I’ll always come back.’
They are both on different paths in life and the timing never quite seems right for them to really commit to something more. Camden is very sensitive to giving Nora what she needs and when she asks him to give her time, he had no idea just how long that would end up being. I gotta say I am not the most patient person so I was getting frustrated with her at this point! However, I kept on going and completely fell in love with Cam over and over again with the way his actions showed Nora how he truly felt about her.
‘With you, I breathe and I laugh and… and I feel, Camden. Good things. And I don’t even have to try. It just happens when I’m with you.’
If you have read Release you will be familiar with the characters of this story already. I loved getting more of Thea and Ramsey and it was kinda cool how this story was playing out at the same time as theirs had because it gives another POV of what happened to them all.
‘Choices. Everyone makes them. But mine would ruin us all.’
Nora lives with her brother Ramsey and the man that fathered them both. They live below the poverty line thanks to their father’s alcoholic lifestyle. They have to fend for themselves in every way, including finding food to eat. Over summer break Nora prefers to spend as much time as she can away from her home. She decides to earn some money with a part time job collecting worms for fish bait for old Mr Leonard.
Filling in her days and will give her some much needed money to buy food for her and Ramsey. What she was not expecting was Camden Cole to show up, providing competition she was not expecting. She soon figures out that there is more to Camden than she first thought and this will be the first of many summers they will spend together down by the creek cementing their friendship.
Nora has huge abandonment issues but over the years Camden proves to her that he will always show up and be there for her. At the lowest moments in her life his presence slowly chips away at the walls she has had up since childhood. The love between them only deepens as they move into adulthood. They only see each other every so often but when they do they fall so comfortably back into the familiar connection that is always there.
‘Because I will,’ he promised. It might not be right away and you might have to wait for a while, but I’ll always come back.’
They are both on different paths in life and the timing never quite seems right for them to really commit to something more. Camden is very sensitive to giving Nora what she needs and when she asks him to give her time, he had no idea just how long that would end up being. I gotta say I am not the most patient person so I was getting frustrated with her at this point! However, I kept on going and completely fell in love with Cam over and over again with the way his actions showed Nora how he truly felt about her.
‘With you, I breathe and I laugh and… and I feel, Camden. Good things. And I don’t even have to try. It just happens when I’m with you.’
If you have read Release you will be familiar with the characters of this story already. I loved getting more of Thea and Ramsey and it was kinda cool how this story was playing out at the same time as theirs had because it gives another POV of what happened to them all.
November 11, 2020
I really liked this book.
It starts with a prologue then chapter 1 is set a few years earlier.
Chapter 1 is the Hero and heroine meeting as kids, I think the heroine was 11, the Hero is a little older.
No other woman drama.
Neither are with anyone else over the years they see each other on and off other than the incident mentioned below.
Spoiler.
There is a trigger warning.
No huge description but the heroine is raped.
She is 12.
I liked that the heroine tries to get her head sorted out due to circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Hero was a virgin.
The heroine dated in the first year after the Hero left, thinking he'd abandoned her, this led to her being raped.
Linked to another book, Released.
HEA.
Epilogue.
It starts with a prologue then chapter 1 is set a few years earlier.
Chapter 1 is the Hero and heroine meeting as kids, I think the heroine was 11, the Hero is a little older.
No other woman drama.
Neither are with anyone else over the years they see each other on and off other than the incident mentioned below.
Spoiler.
There is a trigger warning.
No huge description but the heroine is raped.
She is 12.
I liked that the heroine tries to get her head sorted out due to circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Hero was a virgin.
The heroine dated in the first year after the Hero left, thinking he'd abandoned her, this led to her being raped.
Linked to another book, Released.
HEA.
Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2020
4.75
𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠. 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚.
𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒, 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒.
Nora' choices changed not only her life, but also her brother and his girlfriend's.
If you read Release you know what i'm talking about.
I was so curious about Nora' story because she'd been through so much...
She deserve an HEA and i was waiting for it.
And Aly Martinez didn't dissappoint me: she gave me a beautiful and emotional love story.
When Nora meet Camden for the first time she is just a child, but she already knows it's better not trust anyone. So she is determinated to keep him at distance but Cam' sweetness and his need to take care of her make it impossible.
He become her safe place, her love even if she doesn't know what love is, her only source of happiness outside Ramsey and Thea.
But one night change everything.
The events of that night destroyed her.
Pain, guilty, numbness become Nora' life but over the years Camden is still there for her, even if not physically.
She can't love him if she doesn't learn to love herself first, and he is ready to wait her forever 🖤
Their love story is not conventional but it's so beautiful...
It made my heart ache, and it made me fall in love with Cam e Nora 😍
Nora is so strong: she is a fighter.
And Camden is really the knight in shining armor, the perfect man: his love, his loyalty, the way he take care of Nora.... Gosh that guy made me swoon!!
So if you are looking for a friend to lovers, slow burn romance with angst, pain, anger, hearbroken and a love so deep that it has stood the test of time, then Reclaim is for you 🖤🖤
𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠. 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚.
𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒, 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒.
Nora' choices changed not only her life, but also her brother and his girlfriend's.
If you read Release you know what i'm talking about.
I was so curious about Nora' story because she'd been through so much...
She deserve an HEA and i was waiting for it.
And Aly Martinez didn't dissappoint me: she gave me a beautiful and emotional love story.
When Nora meet Camden for the first time she is just a child, but she already knows it's better not trust anyone. So she is determinated to keep him at distance but Cam' sweetness and his need to take care of her make it impossible.
He become her safe place, her love even if she doesn't know what love is, her only source of happiness outside Ramsey and Thea.
But one night change everything.
The events of that night destroyed her.
Pain, guilty, numbness become Nora' life but over the years Camden is still there for her, even if not physically.
She can't love him if she doesn't learn to love herself first, and he is ready to wait her forever 🖤
Their love story is not conventional but it's so beautiful...
It made my heart ache, and it made me fall in love with Cam e Nora 😍
Nora is so strong: she is a fighter.
And Camden is really the knight in shining armor, the perfect man: his love, his loyalty, the way he take care of Nora.... Gosh that guy made me swoon!!
So if you are looking for a friend to lovers, slow burn romance with angst, pain, anger, hearbroken and a love so deep that it has stood the test of time, then Reclaim is for you 🖤🖤
December 31, 2023
Ostatnia książka 2023… 💙
Aly! Cudownie kończyć rok z Twoją twórczością
Aly! Cudownie kończyć rok z Twoją twórczością
November 16, 2020
4 Stars ⭐️
August 8, 2022
Sweet childhood friends to lovers since the age of 10/11😭
Cam is so sweet,he took care of Nora in all ways and any ways,he was always steps ahead.
And that ten dollar bill started their story at the creek
”That ten has always been a safety net for us. A way we could find each other and a reason to come back. It was what bound us to one another when we couldn’t be together in reality…”
Cam is so sweet,he took care of Nora in all ways and any ways,he was always steps ahead.
And that ten dollar bill started their story at the creek
”That ten has always been a safety net for us. A way we could find each other and a reason to come back. It was what bound us to one another when we couldn’t be together in reality…”
January 25, 2022
3 1/2 stars. This was hard to rate because although I know the reason why, the heroine really infuriated me at times. I absolutely loved the Hero though!
January 10, 2021
Another great story by Aly Martinez!
Aly Martinez is one of my all-time favorite authors, her words are always beautiful and her stories are always so raw and special. Reclaim is no exception, it’s a beautiful friends to lovers story full of feels.
This is set in the same world as Release, you do not necessarily need to read Release to follow the story (although you absolutely should!) but if you’re planning on reading Release, then you must read it first otherwise Reclaim has too many spoilers of Release for you to be able to enjoy it properly. Reclaim is Nora’s story, she’s Ramsey’s sister and a crucial character in Release. Just like Ramsey’s Nora’s upbringing was difficult and her life was very rough, she was a fighter through and through. Camden Cole was her best friend through it all and basically all the good in the world. The depths of his love are just too amazing to tell, he was just the best part of the story for me. Camden and Nora’s HEA was meant to be, they were fated from day one, but the road was hard and fought and I was rooting for them all the way to the end.
This story spans many years, over 15, and unlike Release, it’s told in linear fashion (rather than using flashbacks) so the majority of the book is set in the past. This is where my 4 star rating comes from. I felt that it had way to much backstory and it was just hard to get into. And if you read Release, at times it felt as a rehash, so I found myself waiting for the story to just pick up and get to the present time, but when it did it was fantastic, albeit a little rushed. I also felt that the dialogue was way to mature for 11-13 year old kids. Regardless, that last half of the book is so worth it, and Aly brings it together like the amazing author that she is!
Overall, I loved it and totally recommend (but I strongly suggest that you read Release first if you haven’t). The audiobook narrated by Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon is all sorts of amazing ❤️
Aly Martinez is one of my all-time favorite authors, her words are always beautiful and her stories are always so raw and special. Reclaim is no exception, it’s a beautiful friends to lovers story full of feels.
This is set in the same world as Release, you do not necessarily need to read Release to follow the story (although you absolutely should!) but if you’re planning on reading Release, then you must read it first otherwise Reclaim has too many spoilers of Release for you to be able to enjoy it properly. Reclaim is Nora’s story, she’s Ramsey’s sister and a crucial character in Release. Just like Ramsey’s Nora’s upbringing was difficult and her life was very rough, she was a fighter through and through. Camden Cole was her best friend through it all and basically all the good in the world. The depths of his love are just too amazing to tell, he was just the best part of the story for me. Camden and Nora’s HEA was meant to be, they were fated from day one, but the road was hard and fought and I was rooting for them all the way to the end.
This story spans many years, over 15, and unlike Release, it’s told in linear fashion (rather than using flashbacks) so the majority of the book is set in the past. This is where my 4 star rating comes from. I felt that it had way to much backstory and it was just hard to get into. And if you read Release, at times it felt as a rehash, so I found myself waiting for the story to just pick up and get to the present time, but when it did it was fantastic, albeit a little rushed. I also felt that the dialogue was way to mature for 11-13 year old kids. Regardless, that last half of the book is so worth it, and Aly brings it together like the amazing author that she is!
Overall, I loved it and totally recommend (but I strongly suggest that you read Release first if you haven’t). The audiobook narrated by Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon is all sorts of amazing ❤️
November 13, 2020
3.5 Stars
I loved this emotionally charged friends to lovers romance! This love story spans over several years from childhood friendship to adult romance. Significant traumatic events as children change the course of their lives and this book shows their journey back to each other.
Nora and Cam meet when they are 11 and 12 respectively. Nora's mother left her and her brother with their abusive father and to say she has trust issues is an understatement. The summer she meets Camden was finally something good in her life. Cam was a bit of a klutzy, loveable boy who taught Nora the value of friendship. It takes Nora a while to trust Camden but when she needs him most, he always shows up, ready to protect her.
A significant portion of this book ~ 40% is told in the POVs of Cam and Nora as children. I wasn't a huge fan of this to be honest. One of the things I love about friends to lovers is the moment friends realize they are attracted to each other and the push and pull of revealing those feelings that follow. These were kids at the age of 11/12 and then 12/13 so there wasn't any sexual anticipation for the first half of the book. I wish the author would have made them a little older around 15/16.
As adults Nora and Cam are separated for years on and off. They always seem to connect when my sweet, heroic Cam comes to rescue Nora. Cam always seemed to be there for her, loving her and taking care of her even when she didn't realize. Adult Cam was so swoon worthy and he grew up into such a sexy man compared to the little kid who was constantly tripping over his own two feet.
These two eventually develop amazing chemistry and I loved them as a couple when they finally got it together. The plot intricately involves Nora's brother Ramsay from Release. I didn't read his story but I didn't feel like I missed out so this can definitely be read as a standalone. I think you'll have spoilers though so if you plan to read both then read Release first.
Fans of emotional friends to lovers romance will love this. Trigger warning:
3.5 Stars
Contemporary Friends to Lovers Romance
Heat Level: Moderate
POV: dual
HEA: yes
Follow me for your next comfort read!
I loved this emotionally charged friends to lovers romance! This love story spans over several years from childhood friendship to adult romance. Significant traumatic events as children change the course of their lives and this book shows their journey back to each other.
Nora and Cam meet when they are 11 and 12 respectively. Nora's mother left her and her brother with their abusive father and to say she has trust issues is an understatement. The summer she meets Camden was finally something good in her life. Cam was a bit of a klutzy, loveable boy who taught Nora the value of friendship. It takes Nora a while to trust Camden but when she needs him most, he always shows up, ready to protect her.
A significant portion of this book ~ 40% is told in the POVs of Cam and Nora as children. I wasn't a huge fan of this to be honest. One of the things I love about friends to lovers is the moment friends realize they are attracted to each other and the push and pull of revealing those feelings that follow. These were kids at the age of 11/12 and then 12/13 so there wasn't any sexual anticipation for the first half of the book. I wish the author would have made them a little older around 15/16.
As adults Nora and Cam are separated for years on and off. They always seem to connect when my sweet, heroic Cam comes to rescue Nora. Cam always seemed to be there for her, loving her and taking care of her even when she didn't realize. Adult Cam was so swoon worthy and he grew up into such a sexy man compared to the little kid who was constantly tripping over his own two feet.
These two eventually develop amazing chemistry and I loved them as a couple when they finally got it together. The plot intricately involves Nora's brother Ramsay from Release. I didn't read his story but I didn't feel like I missed out so this can definitely be read as a standalone. I think you'll have spoilers though so if you plan to read both then read Release first.
Fans of emotional friends to lovers romance will love this. Trigger warning:
3.5 Stars
Contemporary Friends to Lovers Romance
Heat Level: Moderate
POV: dual
HEA: yes
Follow me for your next comfort read!
November 5, 2020
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
- 3.5 stars -
Reclaim can be read as a stand-alone but it will contain spoilers for the book Release. The book release was focusing on the relationship of Thea and Ramsey, and in Reclaim we are now looking at Nora and Cam's story. The story starts when Nora is eleven and Cam is twelve years old. Cam is visiting his grandparents and meets Nora at a creek and this is the start of a beautiful friendship. Nora has abandonment issues and is very hesitant to let Cam in, however, he doesn't give up easily and worms his way into her heart. These two were so great together, I loved their banter and the development of their friendship.
There were some horrific scenes and the aftermath was so emotional. Cam was perfect, he was just so supportive and understanding. Nora did her best to push him away when she was in a dark place, but Cam came back every time. He knew that she needed him and he did everything in his power to help her. I loved the first part of this book which was focusing on their childhood friendship. I liked the second part when they were adults less, because I felt like there was less focus on their relationship. We got to see pieces of when they were reunited, and those scenes in my opinion wasn't enough for me to connect to them as a couple. Overall this was a nice fast-paced contemporary childhood friends-to-lovers romance.
- 3.5 stars -
Reclaim can be read as a stand-alone but it will contain spoilers for the book Release. The book release was focusing on the relationship of Thea and Ramsey, and in Reclaim we are now looking at Nora and Cam's story. The story starts when Nora is eleven and Cam is twelve years old. Cam is visiting his grandparents and meets Nora at a creek and this is the start of a beautiful friendship. Nora has abandonment issues and is very hesitant to let Cam in, however, he doesn't give up easily and worms his way into her heart. These two were so great together, I loved their banter and the development of their friendship.
There were some horrific scenes and the aftermath was so emotional. Cam was perfect, he was just so supportive and understanding. Nora did her best to push him away when she was in a dark place, but Cam came back every time. He knew that she needed him and he did everything in his power to help her. I loved the first part of this book which was focusing on their childhood friendship. I liked the second part when they were adults less, because I felt like there was less focus on their relationship. We got to see pieces of when they were reunited, and those scenes in my opinion wasn't enough for me to connect to them as a couple. Overall this was a nice fast-paced contemporary childhood friends-to-lovers romance.
May 28, 2024
Camden Cole you are my new favorite golden retriever boy. 🥺💖 Aly Martinez writes great angst and lovely friends-to-lovers stories. I need to check out more of her books!
3.5 bc Release was still better!
-
Pre-read: Hoping I can get her out of my mind as I read the name Camden 😭
3.5 bc Release was still better!
-
Pre-read: Hoping I can get her out of my mind as I read the name Camden 😭
November 6, 2020
***5 ‘Worms’ Stars***
When this book was announced and who it would be about it, I couldn’t remember who Nora was, or even Ramsey and Thea ~ not surprising considering how many books I read a month ~ so I searched for ‘Ramsey’ in my docs and up pops my review of Release and as I skim over it, it hits. I remember this book, these characters and all that they went through and, as my review reminded me, how I was put through ringer because of it and I knew I NEEDED to get my hands on Reclaim.
And just like Release, this baby put me through the emotional ringer and I loved every moment.
I adored Nora and Camden. Nora is a fighter. She’s sweet, compassionate and sassy She’s been through so much, but has come out stronger for it, a little broken and bruised, but strong. Camden is a sweetheart...OMG this man. He’s sweet, intelligent, a little sneaky and when he decides on a course of action, he sticks to it until the bitter end.
Their journey to their HEA was pretty epic in this coming of age/friends to lovers romance. From the moment they collided they had a connection that was undeniable and it only grew stronger over the years, even when they were apart. And though their road was filled with all kinds of roadblocks and sinkholes, they fight through it and get an HEA of a lifetime.
If you’ve read Release, you’ll know that this baby is filled with triggers, FILLED, but all the drama is balanced out with a whole bunch of heart and made for a great read. I loved getting to hangout with Ramsey, Thea, Joe and Misty again and getting to see another point of view of all that had happened to them.
If you haven’t read Release, you won’t be lost since Reclaim does run concurrent with it. So the choice is yours, but I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll want to pick it up once you’ve finished Reclaimed.
~ Copy provided by SBPR & voluntarily reviewed ~
When this book was announced and who it would be about it, I couldn’t remember who Nora was, or even Ramsey and Thea ~ not surprising considering how many books I read a month ~ so I searched for ‘Ramsey’ in my docs and up pops my review of Release and as I skim over it, it hits. I remember this book, these characters and all that they went through and, as my review reminded me, how I was put through ringer because of it and I knew I NEEDED to get my hands on Reclaim.
And just like Release, this baby put me through the emotional ringer and I loved every moment.
I adored Nora and Camden. Nora is a fighter. She’s sweet, compassionate and sassy She’s been through so much, but has come out stronger for it, a little broken and bruised, but strong. Camden is a sweetheart...OMG this man. He’s sweet, intelligent, a little sneaky and when he decides on a course of action, he sticks to it until the bitter end.
Their journey to their HEA was pretty epic in this coming of age/friends to lovers romance. From the moment they collided they had a connection that was undeniable and it only grew stronger over the years, even when they were apart. And though their road was filled with all kinds of roadblocks and sinkholes, they fight through it and get an HEA of a lifetime.
If you’ve read Release, you’ll know that this baby is filled with triggers, FILLED, but all the drama is balanced out with a whole bunch of heart and made for a great read. I loved getting to hangout with Ramsey, Thea, Joe and Misty again and getting to see another point of view of all that had happened to them.
If you haven’t read Release, you won’t be lost since Reclaim does run concurrent with it. So the choice is yours, but I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll want to pick it up once you’ve finished Reclaimed.
~ Copy provided by SBPR & voluntarily reviewed ~
December 9, 2020
this was in my five-star prediction...
sadly, it wasn't quite there..maybe because I couldn't connect to 12 yo acting so grownup then again I understand the way their circumstances...romance part didn't wow me like with book one..
it is an okay read but I wanted more!!
sadly, it wasn't quite there..maybe because I couldn't connect to 12 yo acting so grownup then again I understand the way their circumstances...romance part didn't wow me like with book one..
it is an okay read but I wanted more!!
November 14, 2020
4 stars!
In usual Aly Martinez style this one gutted me. My heart is still in shambles. What an INCREDIBLE journey! Reclaim is a truly beautiful story of survival, friendship and true love overcoming the odds. It gave me all the feels! I LOVED Thea and Ramsay's story in Release, when I read it earlier this year so as soon as Aly announced she'd be writing Ramsay's sister Nora's story I could not wait to read it. These kids have been through so much! It was truly heart clenching to read. My heart broke over and over for the way these two grew up and having only each other to rely on and survive a traumatic childhood with an abusive father and being left by their mother whom abandoned them. At 11 years old Nora feels alone. Yes, she has Ramsay but he also has Thea and she often feels like a third wheel. Then along comes Camden Cole and her life would never be the same. Their connection was the SWEETEST and the development of their incredible friendship I loved. Nora has no idea what feelings she is experiencing but for the first time in her life someone is paying attention to her other than Ramsay. Little did she know the impact he would have on her life and the heartbreak that would follow. Cam’s home life was no cakewalk either, growing up. He feels completely alone. He does not feel he fits in with his family and is fed up with never being accepted and enough for them either. Naturally Nora and Cam finding each other and becoming each other’s life lines was necessary and a turning point for both of them. Although unfortunately for Nora and Cam life had other plans for them. As they grew up no matter how hard they tried their paths could not align and the timing was never right and my heart broke over and over for them. I ADORED Cam as a boy but reading him as a grown man, I could never have been prepared for how hard I would fall. But that man, he has loved Nora with his whole heart for so many years and he never gave up hope. There reconnection was magical and so special. Nora went through so much. Her path to self discovery, growth, forgiveness and redemption was so impactful. Her strength was necessary for survival and no character ever deserved their HEA as much as she did. My only struggle, and it’s minor was the pacing of the story. The story is so heavily focused on their time as young children at times it took away from the romance and I would have liked a little more time getting to know adult Nora and Cam together. The overall time span of the book is 25 years and that is a lot of angst, heartache and pain over a very long period of time. Otherwise this story is PHENOMENAL with all the feels and Author, Aly Martinez poured her heart and soul into this book and these characters and delivered a story that will stick with me for a long time to come.
*ARC received by Social Butterfly PR in exchange of an honest review.
In usual Aly Martinez style this one gutted me. My heart is still in shambles. What an INCREDIBLE journey! Reclaim is a truly beautiful story of survival, friendship and true love overcoming the odds. It gave me all the feels! I LOVED Thea and Ramsay's story in Release, when I read it earlier this year so as soon as Aly announced she'd be writing Ramsay's sister Nora's story I could not wait to read it. These kids have been through so much! It was truly heart clenching to read. My heart broke over and over for the way these two grew up and having only each other to rely on and survive a traumatic childhood with an abusive father and being left by their mother whom abandoned them. At 11 years old Nora feels alone. Yes, she has Ramsay but he also has Thea and she often feels like a third wheel. Then along comes Camden Cole and her life would never be the same. Their connection was the SWEETEST and the development of their incredible friendship I loved. Nora has no idea what feelings she is experiencing but for the first time in her life someone is paying attention to her other than Ramsay. Little did she know the impact he would have on her life and the heartbreak that would follow. Cam’s home life was no cakewalk either, growing up. He feels completely alone. He does not feel he fits in with his family and is fed up with never being accepted and enough for them either. Naturally Nora and Cam finding each other and becoming each other’s life lines was necessary and a turning point for both of them. Although unfortunately for Nora and Cam life had other plans for them. As they grew up no matter how hard they tried their paths could not align and the timing was never right and my heart broke over and over for them. I ADORED Cam as a boy but reading him as a grown man, I could never have been prepared for how hard I would fall. But that man, he has loved Nora with his whole heart for so many years and he never gave up hope. There reconnection was magical and so special. Nora went through so much. Her path to self discovery, growth, forgiveness and redemption was so impactful. Her strength was necessary for survival and no character ever deserved their HEA as much as she did. My only struggle, and it’s minor was the pacing of the story. The story is so heavily focused on their time as young children at times it took away from the romance and I would have liked a little more time getting to know adult Nora and Cam together. The overall time span of the book is 25 years and that is a lot of angst, heartache and pain over a very long period of time. Otherwise this story is PHENOMENAL with all the feels and Author, Aly Martinez poured her heart and soul into this book and these characters and delivered a story that will stick with me for a long time to come.
*ARC received by Social Butterfly PR in exchange of an honest review.
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