The Complete Retrieval Duet

The Retrieval Duet #1-2

by Aly Martinez

After a mix-up at the fertility clinic, two couples are forever changed when their lives suddenly collide. "The Retrieval Duet is an emotionally-gripping, twisty ride punctuated by intense chemistry and the hottest alpha male I've read in ages!" -New York Times Bestselling Author Meghan March RETRIEVAL One date. That was all it took for me to know Elisabeth was my soul mate. Five years, countless infertility treatments, and the loss of our only son. That was what it took for me to lose her. One phone call, a mix-up at the lab, and a little girl neither of us knew existed. That was the hell it took to bring her back to me. And this time, I wasn’t letting go. This is the story of how I took back what had always been mine. The retrieval of my wife and my family. TRANSFER I married a monster. What started out as romance ended in hell. My sole job in life was to protect our daughter. Until a police officer informed me of a mix-up at the lab. My little girl was the only thing keeping me alive. And I didn’t even know if she was mine. This is the story of how I escaped the man who thought he owned me. The transfer of my life and my family.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Audiobook, Dark, Adult

426 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2019

About the author

Originally 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.

Reviews

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

😭😭😭 This gave me all of the found family vibes, and I couldn't be more here for it.

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: The Retrieval Duet
AUTHOR: Aly Martinez
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
FORMAT: Audiobook
NARRATORS: Andi Arndt, Jason Carpenter, Maxine Mitchell
LENGTH: 12 hrs and 50 mins
STAR RATING: ★★★★★


READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG





She does it EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. With every book Aly Martinez gives us she brings something new to the table. The Retrieval Duet is no different.

I had the chance to listen to the audiobook of THE RETRIEVAL DUET - the narration was amazing in the first book. I love Andi Arndt and Jason Carpenter, who I know from Aly Martinez's Guardian Protection series. Unfortunately, Maxine Mitchell didn't work as well for me. She had a bit of a whiny narration style with drawn out syllables that got a little annoying after a while. It wasn't horrible, just not as fabulous as the other two. With that out of the way, let's get to the heart of it.

In RETRIEVAL a couple, whose marriage broke apart after the son, who lived only for a couple of minutes, passed away, is at the center of attention. When both Roman and Elisabeth are getting a call from the police and are being informed that Elisabeth's eggs were switched at the fertility clinic and she probably has a daughter the secret glimmer of hope that couldn't be quenched even after their divorce, flares up again.

Roman's single-minded pursuit of Elisabeth, his wooing and slow seduction was beautiful and showed his dedication and determination and I loved him so much for letting Elisabeth feel that she would come first this time. Both of them were so inside their heads when they separated that they just couldn't express what they needed from one another but time apart has blunted the edge and finally they talk. It was sweet to see how Elisabeth opened up to Roman again and started to trust him. Retrieval switches between present and past in which we see memories of both Roman and Elisabeth and those explain the strong connection they had and why both of them couldn't let go. They were soul mates, a once-in-a-lifetime-love, their connection palpable. I loved them so much.



TRANSFER continues the story, this time primarily from Clare and Heath's point of view. What Clare went through until she got away from her druglord husband was horrific. Physical, emotional and mental abuse was on her schedule on a daily basis but she endured it to keep her daughter safe. She was strong and learned Walt's MO inside out, knew what he would do and how she could manipulate him which in the showdown helped her a great deal. Heath was wonderful, protective, smart and didn't play around for long to go after the woman he'd fallen in love with. The way he treated Clare's little girl was adorable.

Out of the two couples I loved Roman and Elisabeth's POVs the most. Their banter was just hilarious, typical Aly Martinez. We get come Guardian cameos which were awesome!

I went blind into this book, that's how much I trust this author. You can't do it better. THE RETRIEVAL DUET is a phenomenal roller coaster that has it all - tension and a little suspense, blindsiding twists, a little heartbreak and humor, a huge dose of romance and steam. The female leads of this second chance and a friends-to-lovers romance are smart and strong, and the guys swoonworthy, romantic, a little bossy and overly protective and not afraid to show their love for their women. This story is so unique and so uniquely Aly Martinez - if you enjoy any of the above and always wanted to try Ms. Martinez you can't go wrong.

[TJ *Book Twins Reviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something to be said about going into a book blind. It’s exciting, thrilling, and often leads me to heightened emotions. That’s exactly what happened in this case. I knew I loved the author’s writing and style, so why not? I’m so happy I did.

I was slapped in the face by all the feels and loved every single second of it. I messaged everyone who would listen to me rant about my impending demise from being overcome by emotions. It was the most fun I’ve had while reading in a long while!!

I’m not going to belabor this review with a summary of what happened because it would ruin that feeling for anyone who happens across this review. What I will say is that It Was Perfection!! An absolutely breathtaking and beautiful read. It was every single thing I love about emotional romances— sexy, heartwarming, moving, and thought provoking! Aly Martinez has penned the perfect book.

So here’s what I loved most:
The male leads are flawless. FLAWLESS! Roman and Heath embody everything a great hero should be. They’re alpha, but caring and concerned partner. They love their woman more than life itself and prove it with actions not fancy rhetoric.
The female character are equally impressive! I loved them both. I want to hug them and drink wine with them.
The writing is impeccable and the storyline is PERFECTION. PURE PERFECTION!
Toss in the tearjerker moment, the stunning cliffy at the end of book one, and immaculate writing. It’s amazing!

So, there you have it! An absolute stunner. I need to binge every single book this author has ever written right now!

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh.My.Gawwwd...what a FANTABULOUS story. I'm floored..I'm enamored..I'm in awe of Aly and her story telling prowess.
Roman Leblanc I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!
He's the PERFECT HUSBAND. Just how I like my man. He's authoritative, decisive, relentless in his pursuit of estranged wife Elisabeth.
Their love story is the BEST EVER
He proposed on the FIRST DATE
She ACCEPTED on the SECOND
I love it...I love it...i love it!!
But that's not all. Aly embellished it with so many emotions, shiny, glittery like crystals all throughout.
Audio book is the BEST EVER.
5 stars...5 stars..5 stars

Omg, I'm so so so in love with Heath right now!!🥰🥰
Roman just stole my heart in Retrieval and now I find enough space in my heart for Heath too..(Alth, Roman still is number 1..shhh)
The story now focuses on Claire, the survivor and Heath/Luke her saviour
I think it's one of THE BEST DUET I've read..EVER!!
So much stuff happens, fast paced, action oriented but still takes time to stop and let romance flourish in the violent climate.
I wish the climax scene had been a little more elaborate in details, like I needed to *grinds teeth* finish the villain myself, torture a bit more, crush his bones, ribbon his flesh...*pant**pant*🥵🤬
But all well that ends well
The narrators are awesome!!!
The only peeve to audio books is i cant highlight lines and paste them here, but I save time and the throaty voices of male narrators gets me moist😜😂😂
5 stars for Leanable alphas Follow me on:
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[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 I kinda don't wanna do this stars

Ahh I'm so torn about this book tbh! Don't get me wrong, Aly Martinez is my unicorn author, but there are things that even I don't like. Especially when it comes to this story. And I listened to the audiobook version of it, and Andi Arndt, Maxine Mitchell and Jason Carpenter are bloody fantastic. I couldn't put this down.

But still fact remains that I did rate it low.

And since this book is broken down in two, I'll do the same with this review as well. Let's begin shall we?

Retrieval

I LOVED loved loved Elisabeth and Roman's story. It was heart-breaking, beautiful and fucking perfect. This is the kind of story I go back to Martinez for. I swooned and cried and laughed right along side them.

The moment they separated, I was like, when do they get back together! And that was just the first couple chapters. What does that tell you?

This was a complete 5 star book for me.

PLOT: 5 stars|| H: 5 stars|| h: 5 stars|| Heat Level: 4 stars|| Everything else: 4 stars||

And then Transfer happened.

Transfer

I have to say, I really disliked this book. Like really really disliked it. Claire and Heath were good characters, so it's not that. I just can't get over how quickly Claire got over her abuse.

One week.

That's how quick she was over her husband who'd tortured her for over 7 years. I wanted a little more time dedicated to healing, and then some more for them to fall in love with each other. And then the sex. But it was literally like the moment she was "kinda" free, she jumped Heath.

And I. Don't. Like. It.

*sighs*

I won't spoil the book, but I have to be honest, the moment I started feeling like things were moving too fast, I lost interest, and it basically became a race to see how quickly I could finish this book without actually DNFing it.

And don't even get me started with the ending.

Dude she went through so many IVF cycles because she couldn't produce eggs, and even then her husband had to steal another woman's eggs just to get her pregnant, and you want me to believe she just randomly got pregnant, now that she's with a "good" man who she loves? Is that how the universe works now? WHY WASN'T I TOLD?! Because I sure as hell missed the memo!

ugh.
PLOT: 2 stars|| H: 4 stars|| h: 3.5 stars|| Heat Level: I don't care stars|| Everything else: 2 stars||

[Coco.V]

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[B.E.Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars. I really liked this book but I have to admit I felt bad for Elisabeth.

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞]

kindle freebie 6/4/21

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Retri...

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Complete Retrieval Duet: Top Read of 2016

Retrieval:

As you know, this is part one of a duet. However, the word duet means something complete different than what it normally does. You see normally, this would mean the story that began in book one would continue to book two for a happy ending. Well, surprise LOL because what duet REALLY means is we have two separate stories connected by a very small degrees. But those degrees are EVERYTHING!

Retrieval is very much the story of Roman and Elisabeth getting their life back, but it is also the beginning of Clare's story, intertwined and laced with their journey, which will continue in Transfer .. #phenomenal This world with these characters I just read is ALL THE THINGS!!

This book is ridiculously captivating. It warmed my heart as much as it broke my heart. It's amazingly suspenseful but yet not mysterious. The Aly Martinez touch with characterization and voice sings true with every word. And the ending, or as some would say cliffhanger ... WELL FUCKING PLAYED!! You got me! I will be holding my breath until I can get my hands on part two! #TRUST

Transfer:

When I got the email that Transfer had finally been sent to my kindle, I once again dropped everything I was doing and began to read...I don't know any other words to use but BLOWN AWAY when it comes to this duet series. I have no doubt in my mind that everyone will LOVE Roman & Elisabeth to the point of distraction, but you guuuuuuuys ....Heath is just ALL THE THINGS <3 and Clare and little Tessa will absolutely steal your heart forever. The strength these characters all have and their determination is unparalleled. Aly Martinez wrote some pretty outstanding people here. And she wrote them with purpose and meaning. Every action had an endgame and every reaction had a consequence. The story was incredibly relatable and real and vivid. I felt like I was there. My heart was jack-hammering thru every suspensefully intense moment of Clare and Tessa's survival.

I want to take a few minutes and talk about the style of this story. Or should I say stories. Because there are two distinct stories here yet one cannot be told without the other. I am still blown away at the unfolding of the story. The thread of connection between Heath and Clare and Roman and Tessa was SO well thought out and SO well unfolded that it puts this book in one of my top reads for 2016. I said in my cryptic review (because I didn't want to give anything away) of Retrieval that I was captivated from page one and it still held true thru every page of Transfer. I cannot stress enough what an incredible piece of literary fiction this duet is. It should be experienced by everyone. #TRUST

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review: The Complete Retrieval Duet By: Aly Martinez (Author), Andi Arndt (Narrator), Maxine Mitchell (Narrator), Jason Carpenter (Narrator)

It starts with the unexpected, dives into the heartbreaking and finds it's way to inspiring. Martinez brings the tale of two mothers, the mistake that connects them and the drama that shadows their heartbreak. The Retrieval Duet is the voice of a mother's love and the sacrifices she'll make to protect that most precious of gifts. Two women learn about themselves and what it means to love unconditionally. Even as the world around them is falling apart. I held my breath, lost my heart and hoped for a resolution. Unforgettably haunting, unconventional story of love.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, just wow. This book was beyond what I thought it was going to be. The love that Roman and ElisaBeth have is a test of time, but sometimes time can be the issue. They experience so much loss and emotions that they end up apart and yet still loving each other. Now years past something changes them and gives them something they were not anticipating.
The emotions for any couple that have experienced miscarriages, IVF and then the loss, can really test ones stability and love. This book is beautiful and the story kept me on my toes right up to the last sentence.

Now to TRANSFER -What a conclusion to the Retrieval Duet series. Where do I begin to tell you how much I loved this book? Ok I will start with Clare; she is strong, courageous, loving, compassionate and fierce. She would do anything and everything to save her daughter from evil and she did. But she didn’t do this alone; she had someone strong and supportive throughout it all, Heath “Luke”. Heath was more than an alpha DEA agent, he is heroic. He will stop at nothing to help get Clare and Tessa safe from Walter Noir. But through all this there is another couple will do anything for Clara and Tess, the LeBlanc’s. ElisaBeth and Roman story didn’t end in Retrieval, it was just the beginning.
Throughout this whole book I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see how it was going to end. The love that all these couples gained and gave left my heart completely full.

Here is more on my YouTube Channel- https://youtu.be/o9YUKJjX-ng

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 5 out of 5]

(audiobook) Heart status: dead, gone. Expect an happily ever after, but the journey to that perfect ending is soul crushing.

The first part of the duet follows a couple that has fallen apart years before. Roman and Elisabeth reconnect when they learn some truth about the IVF procedure they went through. With several flashbacks, conversations and some revelations, we discover how they met, and how they broke apart. And because they’re facing a new challenge together, we also witness how they mend their relationship.

A third character appears from time to time. Clare is linked to them, though we don’t really know how yet. Her story, with her abusive husband and Heath, the man who saves her, is the focus of the second part–with appearances of Roman and Elisabeth.

Though they are connected, both stories have a very different mood. Retrieval is angsty and personal, while Transfer has more action and violence. They also explore different themes, but at the center is the subject of parenthood and what it brings to–or take from–a couple.

Three narrators–two female and one male–are enough for the various points of view. I’m familiar with both female narrators, and they are exceptional. The male narrator was new to me, and though I liked his voice, he lacked the same energy as his female counterparts. It was still a very good audiobook, where all the deep emotions were present.

Quickie

- Series: The complete Retrieval duet (two connected stories with recurring characters and a small twist in between)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #second chance #parenthood #angst
- Triggers: domestic abuse, infertility, miscarriage, death, violence
- Main couple: Elisabeth & Roman Leblanc / Clare Noir & Heath Light
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + a beautiful emotional story
- – seriously, the names are a little too ‘on the nose’

[Ariadna Basulto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook is magnificent! Aly Martinez has blown me away with her incredible storytelling and absolutely gut-wrenching and heartbreaking story. Twisty, sexy, touching, and completely unforgettable. Elizabeth and Roman’s romance and journey is all things devastating and beautiful. Their chemistry was intense, vibrant, and utterly palpable. I couldn’t stop listening to their story even while being buried alive in feels. And I loved every single second of it. This story is simply perfection and MUST be experienced.

The narration team of Andi Ardnt, Maxine Mitchell, Jason Carpenter has once again blown me away and raised the bar on five star audios. Their narration captivated me from the prologue. Their performances felt so effortless and brought Aly Martinez’s story to life beautifully. I have never had 13 hours fly by so quickly! It almost felt like I had just watched a movie when I was done. This is one audiobook and story I won’t soon forget! 10 Stars.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

I went into this book completely blind. I connected immediately with Elisabeth. My heart broke for her, knowing what it's like losing a baby. I went through so many emotions reading this book, it was written so well! I felt what they felt. This book was so great, both couples were amazing! I absolutely loved Roman and Heath. I was completely hooked from the beginning, couldn't put it down! I needed to know what was going to happen next!

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to the audible world, but this one reeled me and never let me go from the get go!
Sometimes it's hard to feel the characters,but the narration paired with this story was perfect. The story is completely heartbreaking in more ways than one, but Aly Martinez brings light to a terrible situation.
I wish this story could go on and on! I loved the characters and story line. I only wish for more!

[Melissa Schaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was twisted, intense and had me hooked right away! The storyline was unique and had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.

These characters were amazing; their patience, understanding and compassion made them easy love but their love and strength made them so much more!

I can not recommend these books enough !!

[konstantina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't care about heath and clare tbh I'm just here for the elisabethroman breadcrumbs I'm so happy for them

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book of this duet.. The narrators were great. You could feel every emotion through their voices. They did a wonderful job telling us this story.

Retrieval: 4 Stars

Elisabeth & Roman are divorced but the love it still there. They don't see each other for a couple years and when they finally do, they get news that turns their world upside down. My heart broke for Elisabeth and all she went through. I could not imagine what I would do if I were her and was dealt the hand given to her. Roman was a great character too. He dealt with the stress in his own ways and never truly gave up on Elisabeth. He had me swooning at all his alpha antics.
Clare, poor Clare. This woman gets blow after blow in this book but the fight is still in her. She will do anything to protect what's hers.

The ending left me on the edge of my seat. THANKFULLY, I didn't have to wait for book 2 because I needed to know what the heck was going to happen next.

Transfer: 3 Stars

Transfer picks right up from book 1. However, it focuses more on Clare and Heath then Elisabeth and Roman, which I think made me struggle with this book. I definitely wanted more of Clare and Heath but I feel like the other characters and the main part of the story line of book 1 got pushed aside. The story is slower (until the end) and focuses on the relationship building between Clare and Heath. I just kept thinking, Wait a minute...What about the serious situations that are going on right now? How can they not be focusing on the bigger, more dangerous picture after everything that just went down?! I am all for the love, romance and sexy scenes (which were hot) but they just didn't fit. Also, there was never a discussion of Tessa and how that whole situation would be handled. I did enjoy the ending of the book and the epilogue made my heart swell for all the characters. I did enjoy this book but I was hoping for more.

It's really hard to write this review because I do not want to spoil anything. Overall, I was a little let down with book 2 but I will say that I love the way this duet ended.

[Amanda Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sad

I wanted to like this duet but the way Elisabeth was treated had me disappointed. They threw her to the waste side even when it was her daughter. She was treated as an after thought. Claire was nothing but whiny and holier than thou. So disappointed.

[The Love Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Complete Retrieval Duet consists of two books: Retrieval and Transfer. It is absolutely necessary to read them in order or you will be lost. You can read these separately or read the complete duet in one bind-up like I did.

There are four major players in these books: Elisabeth, Roman, Clare, and "Luke". Retrieval starts with Elisabeth and Roman being divorced for the past two years after dealing with the loss of their child that had been conceived through IVF. In another part of town, we see Clare is currently married to a monster of man/drug dealer and has a toddler girl. Clare's husband, Walt, is physically and mentally abusive and the only thing keeping Clare going is her daughter, Tessa. "Luke" is the personal trainer who befriended Clare at the her gym (the only place Clare is allowed to go). Plot twist - "Luke" is actually Heath, a DEA agent who is undercover trying to gain more information on Clare's husband.

Everyone's worlds intertwine when it is revealed that Clare's husband orchestrated a mix-up at the IVF lab. Tessa is actually Elisabeth and Walt's biological child (Walt had Elisabeth and Clare's embryos switched in the lab). Of course, Walt attempts to derail the truth to Clare. Meanwhile, Elisabeth and Roman are reunited, and with the help of Luke/Heath, they concoct a plan to get Tessa and Clare away from Walt. Transfer, Book 2, details Clare finding out "Luke's" true identity, healing after getting her and Tessa away from Walt, and figuring out how they fit into Elisabeth and Roman's world. Also, there's the back plot of law enforcement trying to figure out where Walt is hiding so they can take him down once and for all.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't my favorite from the author. I understood why Elisabeth and Roman got back together because we were shown how they hadn't really fallen out of love with each other. However, when it came to Luke/Heath and Clare, I didn't feel much of the connection between them. We were told how they felt more than shown how they felt so their relationship was a let down. The IVF switcheroo storyline was unique though so I appreciated that, and the epilogue more than made up for what I felt the story was missing.

TW - domestic violence; death of an infant/child

[Bridgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars aren't enough for this duet!

Retrieval

Unique, memorable, amazing, emotional and thrilling are just a few words that come to mind when I think of Retrieval. So many of the books I read anymore just blend together because their storylines are similar in some way. It’s not that they’re bad by any means but they just don’t stand out or have their own individual “wow-factor”. Not Retrieval…I won’t have any problems remembering this story for quite some time! It’s heartbreaking and intense and the emotion that I felt from just reading the prologue left me speechless! The author did an amazing job at capturing the emotion that goes along with this type of story. The plot itself is so well developed, the 2 couples mentioned in the blurb are blended in a way I never saw coming.

This first book does end on a cliffhanger but whereas I usually despise cliffy’s…this one was fantastic! My heart rate was through the roof!! Thankfully, the second book is already out so there’s no waiting for the sequel to this story because I don’t know that I would be able to take it otherwise.

Transfer
Oh my God, this book! Actually, this Duet!! It completely blew my mind in the best of ways!

Transfer picks up right where Retrieval left off. The author continued to suck me into the story with her creativity and amazing plot. I bounced all over the emotional scale with this one...happy, sad, angry, laughing…all of it. ALL of the characters in this story made an impact on me, even the secondary’s.

Heath’s selflessness and devotion to Clare and Tessa knows no bounds. He will do whatever it takes to make sure that his girls are safe and protected.
“There weren’t even words to express what a good guy he was. And not just because he was taking care of me and my daughter, but because he found moments to make me forget that I needed anyone to.”

Clare and Heath are perfect for each other and I loved how Roman and Elisabeth’s story was still woven into this one. Perfect ending to an amazing story! I’m typically someone that doesn’t go for long series’ but I’m actually devastated that this one is over!!

[Wendy LeGrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retrieval was my first Aly Martinez book but it definitely won't be my last. I knew from reading the blurb that this book would be filled with so many emotions and feels, but I wasn't prepared for what I would experience while reading it. The initial feelings of loss, heartbreak and hopelessness consumed me just reading the prologue.

This story kept me on the edge of my seat, not only because of the storyline itself and what was unravelling before me on the pages, but because of the thoughts and feelings that Roman and Elisabeth reveal to us through alternating points of view. And then there is Clare, another pawn who has been thrown into this complex story, whose life hangs in the balance just as much as Roman and Elisabeth's.

I was glued to this book, needing to know what was going to happen next, wondering how this story could come to a happy conclusion for everyone involved.

Holy wowza!! Transfer was just as amazeballs as Retrieval was, if not more!! So much happened in Retrieval that I wasn't sure how Aly was going to bring this storyline to conclusion but she did, in a big way!!

All of the questions left unanswered in Retrieval are tied up in Transfer. So much information had been brought to light in that book, but there were still so many things that needed to play out and I was trying so hard to read slowly so that I didn't miss anything but at the same time rushing through the pages because I had to know!!

Aly stuffed this book chock full of emotion from all four of the characters. While this was Heath and Clare's story, Roman and Elisabeth are immersed right into the middle of the whole thing, because Walter Noir changed all of their lives irrevocably. Blood doesn't always make you family and that is absolutely the case in this story. Family is who you make it, and these four people forge one of the closest family units there could be.

I loved, loved, loved the conclusion of this story!! Perfection, Aly!!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I loaded this book, I thought since it's going to be a long one! But to my surprise, I was so taken in, the time flew by, and I couldn't get enough. This story starts with Elisabeth and Roman with their journey to parenthood with infertility. Even divorced, this couple has intrinsic chemistry and with the revelation that their eggs may have been mixed up with someone else's, they go to track down their possible child. Claire is married to a monster, but she survives every day to keep her daughter, Tessa, safe. With Heath by her side, she is protected, but will it be enough? Martinez has woven the lives of these two couples together, uncovering the hardest of truths, and sacrificing as only a parent's love can. It's full of emotion, fear, devastation and love. The secrets and lies that are unveiled are heart wrenching, but the outcome is beautiful. Once you start this, you will not put it down, it is that good.

With the several points of view, Martinez masterfully put together an incredible team to narrate Claire and Elisabeth's story. Andi Arndt and Maxine Mitchell are seasoned narrators and easily pull you into the world of the characters. I love the way their voices can pull me in and keep me on the edge of my seat to find out what is happening next. Jason Carpenter gives voice to the men, and gave us the protectiveness and love needed to get through the emotional story. This team brought the story into my heart and left it there!

[Ryan - Sweet Red Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not ready. I don't know why I wasn't; I should've been considering that the topic is about infertility and marriage and whenever those are discussed, books tend to delve into deep deep waters. But I was NOT READY! From the agony of infertility and loss and the toll it can take on even the healthiest, most loving relationships (the angle of Retrieval), to the damage of emotional, physical, and mental abuse (one of the major plot points in Transfer) - I was able to experience emotions that I had not before fathomed and that's all because of the masterful way Aly Martinez penned the books AND the amazing talent of the narrators. There were so many moments that I had tears streaming down my face as I read, but there were also moments when my cheeks hurt from smiling so hard, and when I had to fan myself from the sizzle. Both books featured the type of hero that I love the most: Heath and Roman were intensely determined to have their women. There is nothing like a man that LOVES HARD and FIERCELY, that is loyal and dedicated to his woman and his family, and that is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve and maintain "happy life, happy wife" status. I think I enjoyed the duet even better listening to it as opposed to reading it - it was just that much easier to visualize and consume the story and to handle them back to back. The experience was cleansing and cathartic and I can't wait to read more from this author. 4.75 out of 5 wine glasses.

[Aimee Crant-oksa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
The Complete Retrieval Duet by Aly Martinez was my first read by this author. The story was well written, suspenseful and full of emotion. I listened to this story, and thought the narrators did a good job of portraying the characters. I was hooked on the story, and couldn't stop listening. I loved the first half which was more of Elizabeth and Roman's story. The second focused more on Claire and Heath.
I gave it 4.5 stars as I had trouble with the author's decision to not fully address Elizabeth's feelings toward Claire and Tessa. I felt there was a whole story to be told there. That being said I would give the first part a 5. I had so many emotions throughout the story, and my heart broke for Elizabeth and Roman. I even felt bad for Claire and her situation, but I felt she did an injustice to Elizabeth.
I do not want to say much about the story to not give anything away. I went into this story just reading the blurb, and was glad to not know too much and get to experience all the emotions and suspense as the story progressed.
I highly recommend this story and the audio was great to listen to.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman and Elisabeth recognized they were soulmates almost from the moment they met each other and they thought nothing could come between them. When tragedy strikes, they were unable to handle the stress it put on their marriage, but it was a never that they didn’t love one another. Two years later life throws them a curveball and this time Roman is not going to let anything or anyone come between them.

Clare has endured so much to protect those she loves and has finally escaped. She has found true love but the threats from her past will put everyone in danger and it will take all the strength she has to survive.

This is a suspense emotional rollercoaster of a story about two couple who are united in their selflessness to protect one little girl. The story draws you in and leaves you on edge wondering what twists are around the corner and it is a story you don’t want to miss. I listed to the audio version of the story and the narrators did an incredible job at making you feel like you were experiencing the same emotions as the characters.

[Jessica Moro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook and i loved it! I was on the edge of my seat with the plot. I had preconceived notions about this book and I was totally wrong. It kept me guessing and I was enthralled by the narrators. There's narrators for all four main characters and they were so good! The narrators made that story come alive, I felt like I was right in the middle of all the action. I remembered why I love Aly Martinez books so much, the suspense is done just right! I didn't think the plot was going to get so intricate but it was a maze to navigate that wasn't hard. It was easy to follow story that had fleshed out characters. The chemistry between the two main couples was palpable, the narrators hit all the right notes with that. It's a hard balance to keep action and also deliver the romance but this story does both!

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman and Elisabeth have been struggling to conceive babies, until they tried IVF and get a boy. For a few minutes to then lost him in Roman's arms. The loss destroyed their marriage and relationship altogether than they can barely stand each other. Until one day they are called to the police department and was dropped the bombed that their embryo might have been switched during the IVF process.

Walter and Clare have also been struggling to conceive babies so they went the IVF route at the same time with Roman and Elisabeth. Where Roman is loving and care for Elisabeth, Walter is an abusive drug lord that keep Clare in his cage.

We follow their journey as Clare and the baby leaves Walter and find their own family, together with Roman and Elisabeth. It's a story of love, loss, and second chances. Overall I love the story, and the writing.

[Tiffani Is Reading Obsessively · Rating 4 out of 5]

... I liked this duet. Genuinely .. and yet all I can think of when it comes to this review are things that drove me crazy.

Roman pulling "his woman's" hair and immediately getting whatever he wants.
Heath and his over the top possessive love. He was a bit unrealistic to me and just .. too much. Though! Big fan of those times he said he trusted Claire to handle her monster of a husband.

But on the upside this was a well done, fast paced romance with some suspense. I think the tension-filled plot and romance played together perfectly. I loved the found family aspect. Elisabeth is a saint. Maybe too much.. I know my decisions would have differed from hers.

Overall it's another completely unique read from Martinez! With all her reliable traits. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want a glass of wine..

[Lovingbooks1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*AUDIO BOOK REVIEW:This is a review based on the audio book*

This is the second audiobook from this author I’ve listened to and like the first it’s so great that I could have listened forever.

The writing style is easygoing and is filled with passion and feelings.
Main characters are strong and made realistic by their actions and dialogues.
I particularly liked that the author mixed 2 couples in this story.
The suspense is agonising, I always have a feeling something is going to happen and it’s drawn out until it’s finally happening.
There’s hot stuff in this story and it’s tasteful but not less steamy.

Narrators:
Fabulous narrators that reads with passion and has very good pronunciation.

This was a absolute 5 stars all around