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ava_mussell's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
beckyrendon's review against another edition
5.0
Have you ever had a friend shove a book at you and in a demon possessed voice demand you read it? Hmm, just me then.
Okay so that's not exactly what happened but pretty close.
I have heard of the author before and even TBRed a book or two of hers. But my first taste of Aly Martinez was Retrieval, and boy was it bitter- (don't stop reading...it's a pause for artistic sense, to build anticipation) sweet. She had me crying in the prologue...on page 5. That's straight up evil.
Tissues are strongly suggested. Reading will result in lusting after certain hotties that shall steal your heart or peak your curiosity. I will admit to stalking the author for more information about Leo and his guys. (Apparently they are regulars and I'm slacking in my reading- this will be rectified at a later date.) Sorry about that, I get distracted lusting after fictional characters on the regular.
Now back to this book:
Retrieval is about a man who lost everything- EVERYTHING important to him. He lost it when he thought he didn't deserve it. But thankfully, he gets the most important part dangled in his face. Brought out to tempt or torment, he isn't sure but he realizes he's never letting go again.
That right there is Roman my newest dream man! How can you resist a man whose presence liquifies your insides. Trust me even the heroine, Elisabeth, can't. I give her an A for effort though- but not during this book, nope, that A was earned in their years apart.
Read this book! (This is being demanded in a demon like growl) Learn about a kind of love that makes your heart soar and your eyes water. Learn what it's like to be viscerally connected to your soul mate on your first date.
I'm not sure whether I hate this author or love her! Why, you ask? BECAUSE WHO COULD EVER REPLACE ROMAN!?!?! Why write a book about this amazing man, his amazing love, and then try and top it...oh wait that's normal. Ok I'll just have to cling to the hope that part two in the duet Transfer will restore my faith in real men. Somehow, I don't think so...
Okay so that's not exactly what happened but pretty close.
I have heard of the author before and even TBRed a book or two of hers. But my first taste of Aly Martinez was Retrieval, and boy was it bitter- (don't stop reading...it's a pause for artistic sense, to build anticipation) sweet. She had me crying in the prologue...on page 5. That's straight up evil.
Tissues are strongly suggested. Reading will result in lusting after certain hotties that shall steal your heart or peak your curiosity. I will admit to stalking the author for more information about Leo and his guys. (Apparently they are regulars and I'm slacking in my reading- this will be rectified at a later date.) Sorry about that, I get distracted lusting after fictional characters on the regular.
Now back to this book:
Retrieval is about a man who lost everything- EVERYTHING important to him. He lost it when he thought he didn't deserve it. But thankfully, he gets the most important part dangled in his face. Brought out to tempt or torment, he isn't sure but he realizes he's never letting go again.
That right there is Roman my newest dream man! How can you resist a man whose presence liquifies your insides. Trust me even the heroine, Elisabeth, can't. I give her an A for effort though- but not during this book, nope, that A was earned in their years apart.
Read this book! (This is being demanded in a demon like growl) Learn about a kind of love that makes your heart soar and your eyes water. Learn what it's like to be viscerally connected to your soul mate on your first date.
I'm not sure whether I hate this author or love her! Why, you ask? BECAUSE WHO COULD EVER REPLACE ROMAN!?!?! Why write a book about this amazing man, his amazing love, and then try and top it...oh wait that's normal. Ok I'll just have to cling to the hope that part two in the duet Transfer will restore my faith in real men. Somehow, I don't think so...
caseroo7's review
5.0
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
I am a huge fan of Aly Martinez and I have enjoyed everything I have read from her. She always writes such beautiful and emotional stories, and that was definitely the case with Retrieval. Retrieval is the first book in Aly's Retrieval Duet. Readers should know that this book is the first book in the duet, however the second book is about different characters. The two books in the duet are connected, but the story doesn't continue in the same way that duets usually do in a traditional sense.
Retrieval is the story of Roman and Elisabeth. They were married and had everything until a tragedy destroyed everything. Years later they see one another again, and all the feelings they felt before come rushing back. But can they find a way back to each other and have the future that they were always meant to have, or are there too many things still standing in their way?
I was fascinated by these characters right away. Their story was captivating, and I couldn't put it down. Elisabeth and Roman had been through so much, and they were very much still struggling because of that. It was clear that love was never their problem, but that life had come between them and my heart broke for what they had been through.
Overall, I really can't say much about the story itself because you need to read this one with absolutely no spoilers! Trust me when I say that Aly Martinez blew me away though, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. That book will be Clare's story, a character that you meet here in Retrieval. After the cliffhanger ending, I need to know what happens and I know that it is going to be every bit as captivating as this book was! I have loved everything that I have read from Aly, but this book was so good and honestly is probably my favorite book of hers yet! It was emotional and I never knew what was going to happen next. This book had it all, and I can't wait for more!
**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**
I am a huge fan of Aly Martinez and I have enjoyed everything I have read from her. She always writes such beautiful and emotional stories, and that was definitely the case with Retrieval. Retrieval is the first book in Aly's Retrieval Duet. Readers should know that this book is the first book in the duet, however the second book is about different characters. The two books in the duet are connected, but the story doesn't continue in the same way that duets usually do in a traditional sense.
Retrieval is the story of Roman and Elisabeth. They were married and had everything until a tragedy destroyed everything. Years later they see one another again, and all the feelings they felt before come rushing back. But can they find a way back to each other and have the future that they were always meant to have, or are there too many things still standing in their way?
I was fascinated by these characters right away. Their story was captivating, and I couldn't put it down. Elisabeth and Roman had been through so much, and they were very much still struggling because of that. It was clear that love was never their problem, but that life had come between them and my heart broke for what they had been through.
Overall, I really can't say much about the story itself because you need to read this one with absolutely no spoilers! Trust me when I say that Aly Martinez blew me away though, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. That book will be Clare's story, a character that you meet here in Retrieval. After the cliffhanger ending, I need to know what happens and I know that it is going to be every bit as captivating as this book was! I have loved everything that I have read from Aly, but this book was so good and honestly is probably my favorite book of hers yet! It was emotional and I never knew what was going to happen next. This book had it all, and I can't wait for more!
**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**
readfrenzy's review against another edition
5.0
Holy crap on a cracker! If you look up “page-turner” in the dictionary, I’m fairly confident Retrieval is one of the definitions. If not, then it should be. This. Book. Is. Effing. Amazing.
The story revolves around two completely different, but equally fascinating, couples: Roman and Elisabeth and Clare and Walt. Aly Martinez could easily have made this book about only one of the couples, and you’d have a compelling plot. Including two couples with well-developed backgrounds and an intriguing intersection, though, creates a deliciously irresistible story, and I devoured every word.
This book should appeal to readers with a wide variety of tastes. Mystery, suspense, romance, thriller, tearjerkers, second-chance romance—this book has it all. Retrieval is a sinfully addictive, heart-pounding thrill ride that I didn’t want to end. This is a duet, so prepare yourself for a nail-biting shocking cliffhanger. I can’t wait to get my grabby little hands on [b:Transfer|29155108|Transfer (The Retrieval Duet, #2)|Aly Martinez|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1470841152s/29155108.jpg|49404338]!
Recommended for fans of:
Mysteries
Suspense
Second-chance romance
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
The story revolves around two completely different, but equally fascinating, couples: Roman and Elisabeth and Clare and Walt. Aly Martinez could easily have made this book about only one of the couples, and you’d have a compelling plot. Including two couples with well-developed backgrounds and an intriguing intersection, though, creates a deliciously irresistible story, and I devoured every word.
This book should appeal to readers with a wide variety of tastes. Mystery, suspense, romance, thriller, tearjerkers, second-chance romance—this book has it all. Retrieval is a sinfully addictive, heart-pounding thrill ride that I didn’t want to end. This is a duet, so prepare yourself for a nail-biting shocking cliffhanger. I can’t wait to get my grabby little hands on [b:Transfer|29155108|Transfer (The Retrieval Duet, #2)|Aly Martinez|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1470841152s/29155108.jpg|49404338]!
Recommended for fans of:
Mysteries
Suspense
Second-chance romance
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
hibbiley19's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars. Multiple POVs. The chemistry between the h and H is *chefs kiss* Ends on a cliffhanger.
romantasylife's review against another edition
5.0
This book was hard to put down. It was good from page one! It just kept on getting better. Although, it leaves you with a nice cliffhanger. Luckily, I already have the second book.
Elisabeth and Roman are a divorced couple who find their way back to each other after a visit at the police station. Granted, it wasn't on good terms. But they're back together! I was rooting for them!!
Clare and Walt. Clare and Walt. Clare and Walt. I hate Walt, as I'm sure everyone else does too. I feel for Clare. Knowing she can't leave a man with so many ways to find her.
Both couples world's collide with a mishap that happened at a fertility clinic.
This book gets so good towards the end. It's filled with action, sexy scenes and violence. Who doesn't love a book like that?
This was my first book by Aly Martinez, I can guarantee that I will read more of her books!
Elisabeth and Roman are a divorced couple who find their way back to each other after a visit at the police station. Granted, it wasn't on good terms. But they're back together! I was rooting for them!!
Clare and Walt. Clare and Walt. Clare and Walt. I hate Walt, as I'm sure everyone else does too. I feel for Clare. Knowing she can't leave a man with so many ways to find her.
Both couples world's collide with a mishap that happened at a fertility clinic.
This book gets so good towards the end. It's filled with action, sexy scenes and violence. Who doesn't love a book like that?
This was my first book by Aly Martinez, I can guarantee that I will read more of her books!
kate_and_books's review against another edition
5.0
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED.
Spoiler Free Review.
Get. Your. Tissues. Ready. You’ll. Need. Them.
Oh my God, oh my fucking God. There are no words to describe how I feel about this book. Ms. Martinez nailed this 150 fucking percent. I’m emotionally drained and I had no idea where this book was going apart from that it was heart splitting and soul breaking. My chest hurt all the way throughout the book. It’s still hurting. I was on the edge of my seat prying for a wonder. And a wonder is what I got. I’m an emotional mess right now.
The book revolve around Elisabeth Keller with an S and Roman Leblanc with a small b and their love for one another. The beginning is the end and well what an awful ending it is. Where you feel the desperation and the raw and open wound bleeding and you don’t know how to staunch the bleeding.
What they experience, what they sacrificed to achieve that one wish, that one desire to make their life perfect. What they lost to achieve that one wish, that one desire to make their life perfect. It wasn’t perfect. Not anymore. Failure on top of failure. The pain, the anguish it all came falling down like a house of cards. But throughout all of it their love is strong and giving up isn’t really an option.
Her chin quivers as a steady stream of tears fell from her eyes. “Promise me something Roman.”
“Anything,” I whispered, reaching down to take her hand, desperate for the connection I didn’t deserve. “Remember to live.”
Two torturous years later.
Trying to get their lives back on track they know they can’t until that curve ball hits and it hits fucking hard. If you think it is bad having to deal with one couple walking through hell then what you read here is so much more. My heart hurts for all parties involved.
I was really apprehensive when I thought two couples. But I also thought fuck it, this is Aly Martinez it will all work out. It has to. She knows how to twist an emotional, angst ridden, beautifully intricate story. That twists all your insides that you never thought where possible. My first shock was at 17 % mark where I was stunned. You know exactly how they feel.
Elisabeth is scared that Roman will leave her in the lurch. Again. Roman realises that his life his worth nothing if he can’t spend it with her. How sweet is their first date together? Very.
We all make choices and we have to leave with the consequences in what happens. If Roman is one thing then he is persistent, bloody hell he’s like a dog with a bone. A hot, rich, good-looking, gentle alpha nonetheless.
Today would be different.
Tomorrow would be different.
Forever would be different.
Ms. Martinez takes a difficult topic and handles it with care, with the utmost care. But there is also humour infused within the book and the balance is exactly right. Especially when he is winning Elisabeth back.
“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Roman Leblanc, Elisabeth’s husband.” Her body went solid before she corrected, “Ex! Ex-husband.” I shrugged and kept my eyes on Jon as I stated, “That’s debatable.” “It’s not debatable” she yelled over her shoulder at me. Then she looked back at the asshole and said. “He’s my ex-husband.” “We’re still figuring that part out,” I amended.
HOLY SHIT. I DID NOT SEE THAT ENDING.
I highlighted probably half of the book and I wrote downloads of quotes. But in the end just read.
Review @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blogspot.de/2016/09/retrieval-retrieval-duet-book-1-by-aly.html
Book received by in exchange for an honest review.
Spoiler Free Review.
Get. Your. Tissues. Ready. You’ll. Need. Them.
Oh my God, oh my fucking God. There are no words to describe how I feel about this book. Ms. Martinez nailed this 150 fucking percent. I’m emotionally drained and I had no idea where this book was going apart from that it was heart splitting and soul breaking. My chest hurt all the way throughout the book. It’s still hurting. I was on the edge of my seat prying for a wonder. And a wonder is what I got. I’m an emotional mess right now.
The book revolve around Elisabeth Keller with an S and Roman Leblanc with a small b and their love for one another. The beginning is the end and well what an awful ending it is. Where you feel the desperation and the raw and open wound bleeding and you don’t know how to staunch the bleeding.
What they experience, what they sacrificed to achieve that one wish, that one desire to make their life perfect. What they lost to achieve that one wish, that one desire to make their life perfect. It wasn’t perfect. Not anymore. Failure on top of failure. The pain, the anguish it all came falling down like a house of cards. But throughout all of it their love is strong and giving up isn’t really an option.
Her chin quivers as a steady stream of tears fell from her eyes. “Promise me something Roman.”
“Anything,” I whispered, reaching down to take her hand, desperate for the connection I didn’t deserve. “Remember to live.”
Two torturous years later.
Trying to get their lives back on track they know they can’t until that curve ball hits and it hits fucking hard. If you think it is bad having to deal with one couple walking through hell then what you read here is so much more. My heart hurts for all parties involved.
I was really apprehensive when I thought two couples. But I also thought fuck it, this is Aly Martinez it will all work out. It has to. She knows how to twist an emotional, angst ridden, beautifully intricate story. That twists all your insides that you never thought where possible. My first shock was at 17 % mark where I was stunned. You know exactly how they feel.
Elisabeth is scared that Roman will leave her in the lurch. Again. Roman realises that his life his worth nothing if he can’t spend it with her. How sweet is their first date together? Very.
We all make choices and we have to leave with the consequences in what happens. If Roman is one thing then he is persistent, bloody hell he’s like a dog with a bone. A hot, rich, good-looking, gentle alpha nonetheless.
Today would be different.
Tomorrow would be different.
Forever would be different.
Ms. Martinez takes a difficult topic and handles it with care, with the utmost care. But there is also humour infused within the book and the balance is exactly right. Especially when he is winning Elisabeth back.
“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Roman Leblanc, Elisabeth’s husband.” Her body went solid before she corrected, “Ex! Ex-husband.” I shrugged and kept my eyes on Jon as I stated, “That’s debatable.” “It’s not debatable” she yelled over her shoulder at me. Then she looked back at the asshole and said. “He’s my ex-husband.” “We’re still figuring that part out,” I amended.
HOLY SHIT. I DID NOT SEE THAT ENDING.
I highlighted probably half of the book and I wrote downloads of quotes. But in the end just read.
Review @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blogspot.de/2016/09/retrieval-retrieval-duet-book-1-by-aly.html
Book received by in exchange for an honest review.
sonja_ahrb's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know what took me so long to try an Aly Martinez book but I am so d*mn glad it was this one I chose to read first. Generally romantic suspense isn't my thing but Retrieval was so well written, so exceptionally crafted that I couldn't put it down. I tore through page by page, finished it in a matter of hours and am left with one of the biggest book hangovers I have ever experienced. Thankfully part two of this duet is due out quickly. Because I need to know how this story ends.
This is by far one of the most unique storylines I've ever come across in all my years of reading. And I've read thousands of books. Most of the time it's the same type of story with names and locations changed. But not Retrieval. Nope. This book stands entirely in a class of its own. I'm glad I stepped outside my contemporary and new adult box and chose this book. And Aly has a ton of backlisted books I haven't had the pleasure of reading yet. I have a feeling I'm going to be busy catching up on those while I await part two.
~ Lia, 5 Stars
This is by far one of the most unique storylines I've ever come across in all my years of reading. And I've read thousands of books. Most of the time it's the same type of story with names and locations changed. But not Retrieval. Nope. This book stands entirely in a class of its own. I'm glad I stepped outside my contemporary and new adult box and chose this book. And Aly has a ton of backlisted books I haven't had the pleasure of reading yet. I have a feeling I'm going to be busy catching up on those while I await part two.
~ Lia, 5 Stars
mccorbin's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, Aly Martinez, you are AMAZING!
I literally started this book and could not put it down; total brilliance! When I hit the last page I didn’t understand that it was the last page. I was sure that I had just started the book so how could the last page be here already and then once I accepted that it was the end of the first book, I NEEDED more! It is a good thing that the second book comes out this Tuesday.
Not kidding, this book had me addicted to every character, every move, and basically everything. Roman and Elisabeth tell their heartbreaking story of conceiving a child, losing a child, and the end of their marriage. One thing brings them back together years later and that is the story of Clare, Tessa, and Walter. How these two families become connected (for the good and bad) will rip you apart. The entire book I felt as if my heart was aching for these characters. I wanted happiness for them, safety for them, love for them and sometimes it came in abundance while other times there was none at all.
Elisabeth, Roman, and Clare were all perfect characters. All level headed and trying to do what is best for themselves and those that they love. While Elisabeth and Roman struggle in the beginning, the love that they still have for each other helps them through the ultimate surprise that is revealed. Clare tries her best to do right by her daughter, given the situation that she is in. I love characters with their head screwed on straight!
This is the kind of book has a good mix of everything to keep the readers intrigued, attentive, and in awe. There was the perfect amount of romance, despair, mystery, action, and WTF moments. I can’t wait until the second book…I need to know more about Luke!
I literally started this book and could not put it down; total brilliance! When I hit the last page I didn’t understand that it was the last page. I was sure that I had just started the book so how could the last page be here already and then once I accepted that it was the end of the first book, I NEEDED more! It is a good thing that the second book comes out this Tuesday.
Not kidding, this book had me addicted to every character, every move, and basically everything. Roman and Elisabeth tell their heartbreaking story of conceiving a child, losing a child, and the end of their marriage. One thing brings them back together years later and that is the story of Clare, Tessa, and Walter. How these two families become connected (for the good and bad) will rip you apart. The entire book I felt as if my heart was aching for these characters. I wanted happiness for them, safety for them, love for them and sometimes it came in abundance while other times there was none at all.
Elisabeth, Roman, and Clare were all perfect characters. All level headed and trying to do what is best for themselves and those that they love. While Elisabeth and Roman struggle in the beginning, the love that they still have for each other helps them through the ultimate surprise that is revealed. Clare tries her best to do right by her daughter, given the situation that she is in. I love characters with their head screwed on straight!
This is the kind of book has a good mix of everything to keep the readers intrigued, attentive, and in awe. There was the perfect amount of romance, despair, mystery, action, and WTF moments. I can’t wait until the second book…I need to know more about Luke!
jen286's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
4.5 stars
Oh man. Retrieval. I went into this book not really sure I was emotionally ready for it. That opening? Man. That was rough. And I knew it would be a great/heartbreaking/hopefully wonderful read. And it was. Another beautiful story from this great author.
I went into this story not really knowing what it was about. I often times I don't read the synopsis for books from authors I love and just go in blind. At first it it really heartbreaking. You can feel how much these characters care about each other, but sometimes that doesn't always work out the way you want it. You know something happened that is tearing them apart, and the book opens two years later. Oh, Roman and Elisabeth killed me. There is an obvious connection between the two right from the start. They met and married within a day which can seem crazy to some, but it made sense here. I got it. It is like me and my husband. No we didn't marry right away (he wanted "to be settled" before we got married), but if the first words out of his mouth when I met him would have been will you marry me? I would have said yes. And we would live happily ever after. So I get it. Sometimes there is just something undeniable there. Something that works. Something that brings two people together that cannot be broken. Even with time and distance there is still no one else for these two.
This book focuses on Roman and Elisabeth coming back together. These two have had their share of hardships, but a love like theirs just doesn't go away. Early on Roman finally gets the push he needs to try and work things out with his wife. To try and fix what couldn't be before. When people go through hard times they deal with those situations in their own way. It might not be the way you want or need, but people need different things at different times. Roman and Elisabeth are both so broken when this story starts out. They both are not really whole without the other. That might sounds cheesy, but with a love like theirs it is true. There is no finding someone else. They are it for each other, but what happens when that doesn't work out? When you are forced to live without your other half? And can you go back to what you had before, or move on to a better future together? These two I loved. I loved Roman's bossiness and how Elisabeth wouldn't let him just run all over her. It was wonderful. You can feel the connection between these two even if they don't want to admit it.
You also meet the other characters, the people that will be more of a focus in the next book. I don't want to say too much about them and ruin anything, but oh my goodness. I thought my heart broke for Roman and Elisabeth, but that was nothing compared to some of the other characters. They are in situations that are worse than I imagined and oh. At first I was reading and you are introduced to everyone, and I thought how are these people's lives going to intersect? How is this going to work? They don't seem to...oh. OH! This is what is happening? This is...oh. I need to see how this gets resolved. I need the next book. This is not going to be easy, or tidy, or neat. This is going to be messy, but hopefully in the end it will be beautiful. I love this author so I am sure the second part of the story will be just as good as the first. Go. Read this book. Then be read for the second part in two weeks. It will be amazing.
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
4.5 stars
Oh man. Retrieval. I went into this book not really sure I was emotionally ready for it. That opening? Man. That was rough. And I knew it would be a great/heartbreaking/hopefully wonderful read. And it was. Another beautiful story from this great author.
I went into this story not really knowing what it was about. I often times I don't read the synopsis for books from authors I love and just go in blind. At first it it really heartbreaking. You can feel how much these characters care about each other, but sometimes that doesn't always work out the way you want it. You know something happened that is tearing them apart, and the book opens two years later. Oh, Roman and Elisabeth killed me. There is an obvious connection between the two right from the start. They met and married within a day which can seem crazy to some, but it made sense here. I got it. It is like me and my husband. No we didn't marry right away (he wanted "to be settled" before we got married), but if the first words out of his mouth when I met him would have been will you marry me? I would have said yes. And we would live happily ever after. So I get it. Sometimes there is just something undeniable there. Something that works. Something that brings two people together that cannot be broken. Even with time and distance there is still no one else for these two.
This book focuses on Roman and Elisabeth coming back together. These two have had their share of hardships, but a love like theirs just doesn't go away. Early on Roman finally gets the push he needs to try and work things out with his wife. To try and fix what couldn't be before. When people go through hard times they deal with those situations in their own way. It might not be the way you want or need, but people need different things at different times. Roman and Elisabeth are both so broken when this story starts out. They both are not really whole without the other. That might sounds cheesy, but with a love like theirs it is true. There is no finding someone else. They are it for each other, but what happens when that doesn't work out? When you are forced to live without your other half? And can you go back to what you had before, or move on to a better future together? These two I loved. I loved Roman's bossiness and how Elisabeth wouldn't let him just run all over her. It was wonderful. You can feel the connection between these two even if they don't want to admit it.
You also meet the other characters, the people that will be more of a focus in the next book. I don't want to say too much about them and ruin anything, but oh my goodness. I thought my heart broke for Roman and Elisabeth, but that was nothing compared to some of the other characters. They are in situations that are worse than I imagined and oh. At first I was reading and you are introduced to everyone, and I thought how are these people's lives going to intersect? How is this going to work? They don't seem to...oh. OH! This is what is happening? This is...oh. I need to see how this gets resolved. I need the next book. This is not going to be easy, or tidy, or neat. This is going to be messy, but hopefully in the end it will be beautiful. I love this author so I am sure the second part of the story will be just as good as the first. Go. Read this book. Then be read for the second part in two weeks. It will be amazing.
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review