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Aly Martinez
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Release: A Standalone Friends-to-Lovers Romance (The Release Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Aly Martinez (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 5,415 ratings
From USA Today Bestselling Author Aly Martinez comes an emotional new standalone.
Growing up, Ramsey Stewart branded my soul in ways time could never heal.
At twelve, he asked me to be his girlfriend.
At thirteen, he gave me my first kiss.
By sixteen, we'd fallen in love, planned a future together, and had our eyes set on the horizon.

Love never fails, right?
But for Ramsey, it did.
Love failed him.
I failed him.
The entire world failed him.

At seventeen, Ramsey was convicted of killing the boy who assaulted me.

Move on, he wrote in his first and only letter from prison.
Start a new life, he urged.
I don't love you anymore, he lied.

There was no such thing as giving up on Ramsey. Love may have been our curse, but he was mine—then, now, and forever.

So here I am, twelve long years later, waiting for a man I don't even know to emerge from between the chain link gates.
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Release Series
  2. Print length
    282 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    January 4, 2020
  6. File size
    2.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. However, in that tree, suffering alone and also together, I fell in love with her like the stars falling from the sky.
    Highlighted by 410 Kindle readers
  2. That was exactly how I lived my life, showing the world a pretty exterior to hide the disaster on the inside.
    Highlighted by 315 Kindle readers
  3. “I can’t do this without you.” “Do what?” He lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “Breathe.”
    Highlighted by 240 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Aly Martinez is one of the best in the business. You have to read her books. -Meghan March New York Times Bestselling Author

I couldn't put it down! Do not start this book late at night. The incredible premise and the tension will keep you turning the pages until dawn. -Sarina Bowen, USA Today Bestselling Author

Aly Martinez rips your heart out, drowns you in angst and slowly mends all your wounds with heartfelt lifelong promises and swoony moments. -Bookgasms Book Blog

Loss, heartbreak, young love, devastation... it completely consumed me, and I loved every single minute of it! -I Love Story Time Blog

From page one I found it virtually impossible to put this book down. The angst, love and emotion flew off the pages solidifying this book as one of my all-time favorite reads. It is not a book you just read it is one you experience, feel and live right along with Ramsey And Thea. -Nanci, Goodreads Reviewer

if you want to start your 2020 reading off on a high, I would highly recommend you start with this moving, captivating and emotional story, beautifully written -Jan, BBBF Blog

I always fall madly in love with Aly's books because of her fascinating way with words...but this story? This will hold a special place in my heart. -Little Bookish Ways

Aly Martinez knocked it out of the park, the year hasn't even begun and I can guarantee this is one of the best books of 2020. - Britt, Red Hatter Book Blog

This love story is one that grabbed hold of my heart in my chest, ripped it out and stomped on it a million times, and then right when I thought I couldn't take any more, the author started piecing it back together. -Sassy Nerd Blog

Release is a friends to lovers romance that will give you heartbreak, fill you with hope, and make you believe in the power of love all over again -Chatterbooks Book Blog

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B083H4L6KD
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 4, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 282 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ The Release Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 5,415 ratings

About the author

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Aly Martinez

Aly Martinez

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Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four hilarious children.

Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys movies that can surprise her with a twist, 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 glass of wine by her side.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
5,415 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance book engaging, with a love story that develops from enemies to lovers, and one review noting how the relationship grows beyond obstacles. The narrative is emotionally intense, with customers describing it as an emotional rollercoaster that made them cry multiple times, while the writing is well-crafted and easy to read. Customers appreciate the character development, with one review highlighting the humor and another noting how it adds heart and soul to the story. Customers describe the book as a beautiful ride that fills them with hope.

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165 customers mention "Story quality"161 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as fantastic with all the feels.

"...It just brings the story to life, plus I hate to feel like I am missing something 😁...." Read more

"...I really loved young Thea and young Ramsey. They had so many amazing scenes together and I could feel their connection and the pull between them...." Read more

"...AMAZING book and if I could give it 10 stars I would. Literally the best book I have read this year so far and I know it will stay in the top 5..." Read more

"Superb!!! This was A Awesome Story with Love Betrayal and Drama and Hatefulness But Find Eachother Again I love it And The Ending is My favorite part" Read more

108 customers mention "Love story"95 positive13 negative

Customers enjoy the love story in the book, describing it as wonderful and sweet, with one customer noting it's beautifully written.

"...I really loved young Thea and young Ramsey. They had so many amazing scenes together and I could feel their connection and the pull between them...." Read more

"...Which then led to a beautiful loving relationship. That was until Thea’s world turned upside down, sending Ramsey to prison for many years...." Read more

"...Release is a friends to lovers romance that will give you heartbreak, fill you with hope, and make you believe in the power of love all over again...." Read more

"Superb!!! This was A Awesome Story with Love Betrayal and Drama and Hatefulness But Find Eachother Again I love it And The Ending is My favorite part" Read more

96 customers mention "Emotional content"85 positive11 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as an emotional rollercoaster with the right amount of angst that made them cry multiple times.

"...There is a lot of angst, heartbreak, love, anger, lost, smiles, tears, grief, rage, frustration, miscommunication, lies, hate, sorrow, guilt, etc.,..." Read more

"...This book made me smile, made me sad, made me want to throat punch some fictional kids, made me laugh hysterically and also made me cry...." Read more

"...Release is a friends to lovers romance that will give you heartbreak, fill you with hope, and make you believe in the power of love all over again...." Read more

"This book was heartbreaking and beautiful. It followed Thea and Ramsey over 18 years from friends to lovers to enemies and back again...." Read more

41 customers mention "Writing quality"38 positive3 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with one customer highlighting its lively banter.

"...There are a couple of grammatical issues, but nothing difficult to interpret, such as incorrect word tense and punctuation...." Read more

"All I good say is it will not end up like you think. Its was a great very well written store to keep you hooked. Must read." Read more

"...The narration is amazing. Both narrators know how to express the depest feelings, and they cause many tiny heartbreaks...." Read more

"...I cried, I laughed and at times I held my breath. Thea and Ramsey were hilarious! Thea and Ramsey both came from broken homes...." Read more

32 customers mention "Character development"32 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, appreciating their humor, and one customer specifically mentions their loyalty.

"...she does a really good job with childhood friends/lovers and character development...." Read more

"...Author Aly Martinez made her characters so real it was not hard to imagine yourself as part of the story. Grab a few tissues...." Read more

"...The complexity of the characters, the twists you never expected to even be part of the story. All of it!..." Read more

"...Martinize has done that in spades in this novel. The characters are well fleshed-out and complicated. The hard questions are never ending...." Read more

30 customers mention "Beauty"30 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautiful, describing it as an adorable and sweet read that puts a smile on their face.

"...Aly made me cry in the end because it was so beautiful. Ramsey & Thea definitely have a piece of my heart. <3" Read more

"This book was heartbreaking and beautiful. It followed Thea and Ramsey over 18 years from friends to lovers to enemies and back again...." Read more

"...months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds... it all adds up to the beautiful, emotional, heartbreaking story of Ramsey Stewart and Thea Hull." Read more

"...Well, I’ve been served. The flashbacks, though, were adorable, even when the events weren’t always pleasant...." Read more

27 customers mention "Laughter"27 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, noting it makes them smile and brings good times, while also being filled with hope.

"...This book made me smile, made me sad, made me want to throat punch some fictional kids, made me laugh hysterically and also made me cry...." Read more

"...is a friends to lovers romance that will give you heartbreak, fill you with hope, and make you believe in the power of love all over again...." Read more

"...I’m so glad I did. It made me laugh and oh how it made me cry multiple times...." Read more

"...The story follows them from age 10 to 28. There are alot of good times, fun times, sad and tragic times that happen in between. HEA..." Read more

10 customers mention "Depth"8 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the book, with one review noting how it provides insight into specific situations and another mentioning how it pulls at the reader's heart.

"...you on your toes with all of their heartbreak, missing time, and truths. Everyone in this family was impacted by one persons injustice...." Read more

"...If you are looking for a really in-depth, heart wrenching, heart pounding, tear jerker of a book - get this one. You won't be disappointed." Read more

"I love the love, devotion, and family of this book. Aly is a one click for me! Always a stunning twist." Read more

"3.5 stars CW: Assault, rape, mentions of childhood emotional & physical abuse and domestic violence, death of parent, parental abandonment..." Read more

Couldn't put this one down!
5 out of 5 stars
Couldn't put this one down!
I'm not sure what Aly puts in her books but I'm fairly certain it's borderline illegal. I am physically unable to put down any book I start that is written by her. I actually read this duet a few months ago and I'm STILL THINKING about it. I can't stop thinking about. It is truly a masterpiece. I fully believe that her books should be read by going in blind. Obviously if you have triggers, check those, but if you can....go in knowing NOTHING about the book. It just makes it that much better. This duet is so freakin good. I promise you that if you pick this up, you won't be able to put it down. Magic, I tell you...pure magic...with a side of emotional damage! ;)
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Top reviews from the United States

  • GrayJA
    5.0 out of 5 stars Smiles can be used as a weapon or a shield …
    Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is the first book in a two book series that features the brother, Ramsey, and his childhood bff and sweetheart, Thea. The second is about Ramsey’s sister, Nora, which I plan on starting next.

    * There are multiple scenes, and / or references, to subject matter that may be difficult for sensitive readers. High-level topics are listed at the bottom of my post. *

    ** If you have not read this story, the following may contain spoilers. I try not to provide them, but sometimes it is unavoidable when describing something I love or think needs clarification / refinement. **

    Ramsey’s and Thea’s story is a very emotional tale that is told utilizing dual POVs, which I very much enjoy. It just brings the story to life, plus I hate to feel like I am missing something 😁. This is definitely for adults only and focuses on when Ramsey is released from prison for killing the man who assaulted Thea when he was seventeen.

    It encompasses their entire timeline from childhood forward. Their story begins with heartbreak, although it takes a while before they both realize it. They meet when Thea runs away to a tree in a field to get away from home after her mother dies. Unbeknownst to her, Ramsey is sitting in the tree watching and waiting on her to leave. When it becomes apparent that is not going to happen, he speaks and their unlikely love story begins.

    Everything can hidden behind a smile … It can be a weapon or a shield. There is a lot of angst, heartbreak, love, anger, lost, smiles, tears, grief, rage, frustration, miscommunication, lies, hate, sorrow, guilt, etc., most of it in the name of love. It is an emotional roller coaster that I am glad I was able to take with Ramsey and his sparrow.

    There are a couple of grammatical issues, but nothing difficult to interpret, such as incorrect word tense and punctuation. There is also a chapter that wasn’t real clear as to whom Ramsey was speaking. I made highlights and nights because I thought the incorrect pronouns had been used (he/she, his/her). It wasn’t until I went back and re-read the first few pages of the chapter did I realize that it a conversation between Ramsey and Thea’s father. I mention these issues for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow and stop the “movie” in my mind.

    ⛔️ Contains references to, or scenes detailing, subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some, including, but not limited to: adult language; derogatory terms; mental health challenges; steamy adult intimate scenes; violence such as murder, torture, assault, fighting, betrayal, coercion / grooming, blackmail / threats, (serial) rape, domestic violence, child neglect, etc.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Sunni
    4.0 out of 5 stars Captivating
    Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book was heartbreaking and beautiful. It followed Thea and Ramsey over 18 years from friends to lovers to enemies and back again. It’s about soul mates and second chances. It does touch in SA, so be mindful of triggers.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wowozers
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Superb!!! This was A Awesome Story with Love Betrayal and Drama and Hatefulness But Find Eachother Again I love it And The Ending is My favorite part
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  • SPatLoverofBooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING Heartbreaking Love Story!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Oh my goodness!!! I can't even begin to say how AMAZING this book is. This is my first book by Aly Martinez and I can't imagine a better start to her writing than Release.

    I could tell by the description that this book would give heartbreak but it was so much more. Release is a friends to lovers romance that will give you heartbreak, fill you with hope, and make you believe in the power of love all over again. I literally could not put it down and I stayed up until 3 a.m. just to finish it.

    Thea and Ramsey met when they were both young - 8 and 9 I believe were their exact ages. I absolutely love how we got the story from when they were young first and how they grew to mean so much to each other. Then unfortunately one tragedy changed the course of their lives when they were 16 & 17. After a brutal night that resulted in Ramsey going to prison for 12 years, Thea is now looking forward to having to having her boyfriend and best friend back. Unfortunately Ramsey has changed and he wants nothing to do with her.

    I was so happy when Ramsey finally got out but I just knew that it wasn't going to go as Thea hoped. It was so heart wrenching to watch it unfold with how Ramsey treated Thea. I got it but I also loved how Thea wouldn't give up on Ramsey. I definitely wasn't expecting the twist that came but again I understood it but again so heartbreaking.

    I so enjoyed this couple's journey and their love. I will definitely be going out to read more from Aly. AMAZING book and if I could give it 10 stars I would. Literally the best book I have read this year so far and I know it will stay in the top 5 this year.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Annica Smith
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4 Sparrow Stars!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this—it’s a unique take on second chances and friends to lovers. There is a trope in this one that isn’t really my favorite (the “we are all keeping a secret from the heroine and making choices about her life for her”) and I wish more groveling had happened from the characters in on that betrayal, but I did enjoy this. I’ll definitely read the next one in the duet!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Slyroch
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ramsey and Thea
    Reviewed in Canada on January 8, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This book broke my heart a few times. In Aly Martinez fashion, it was an emotional roller-coaster! The characters draw you in early, the sentences flow, there are twists and surprises, it is hot, chemistry fled and heart-wrenching half the time. My only regret, is that it's over and I have to wait for her next book!!!
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Reviewed in Australia on March 15, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Ramsey and Thea fell in love when they were young. They Thea was attacked and Ramsey was jailed for killing the man that attacked her.
    Ramsey sent Thea 1 letter while he was in jail and that was telling her he didn't love her and she needs to move on. He t hen a also refused to put her on the list to be able to visit him.
    But she didn't move on and she continued to write to him all the time.
    Then he was let out on parole and because Thea lived with his sister he had to move in with her.
    Ramsey did and said some really awful things to Thea but she didn't give up.
    A brilliantly written story with excellent characters and a happy ending guaranteed.
    Report
  • Leyendo Forever
    3.0 out of 5 stars It was ok
    Reviewed in Mexico on March 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    3⭐️

    I liked this, even though I felt really tired of the hero saying “no” and the girl not paying attention.

    He was ignored all the time because everyone around knew better, and if that would be the scenario for a girl, things would be taken in a wrong way. So the double standard is… so not cool.

    What I liked? The cover! Amazing 🫶🏼
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  • Vania
    5.0 out of 5 stars So beautiful!
    Reviewed in Italy on October 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book was heartbreakingly beautiful, I loved every single second of it. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, from joy to despair to hope and then all over again!
    Report
  • Marijke75
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in Germany on May 20, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I have to be honest, it took me a while to get into this book, cause the beginning is a little depressing. But I read on and it got better and better. Very emotional book.
    Report

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