Review: The One You Can't Forget by Roni Loren

Series: The Ones Who Got Away Book #2

Format: ebook

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Most days Rebecca Lindt feels like an imposter...

The world admires her as a survivor. But that impression would crumble if people knew her secret. She didn't deserve to be the one who got away. But nothing can change the past, so she's thrown herself into her work. She can't dwell if she never slows down.

Wes Garrett is trying to get back on his feet after losing his dream restaurant, his money, and half his damn mind in a vicious divorce. But when he intervenes in a mugging and saves Rebecca―the attorney who helped his ex ruin him―his simple life gets complicated.

Their attraction is inconvenient and neither wants more than a fling. But when Rebecca's secret is put at risk, both discover they could lose everything, including what they never realized they needed: each other

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

It's really hard to write this review. I thought I loved the first book in the series, but this just destroyed me. The story and characters dug under my skin in the best possible way. 

Rebecca was a fantastic character. It's hard for me to describe her. She is smart and strong, but struggles with anxiety/PTSD from the shooting which is understandable. While my anxiety is different, I completely understand her feelings. Her growth and journey was very well done and was what really got to me.

Wes was also an interesting character. I was able to picture him and his passion for food and cooking. And he was great with the kids he teaches.

The romance was beautiful and well done. It felt organic and I loved their chemistry. I just like going on the journey with them. 

On top of great characters and a great romance, this book dealt with serious issues in a respectful and compelling way. I don't want to talk about spoilers so I won't go into detail. But it made me emotional-I did cry- and made me think about a lot of things.

I'm glad I had an opportunity to read this early and I'm excited to actually buy a copy when it releases in June.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren

Series: The Ones Who Got Away Book #1

Format: Ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

It's been twelve years since tragedy struck the senior class of Long Acre High School. Only a few students survived that fateful night—a group the media dubbed The Ones Who Got Away.

Liv Arias thought she'd never return to Long Acre—until a documentary brings her and the other survivors back home. Suddenly her old flame, Finn Dorsey, is closer than ever, and their attraction is still white-hot. When a searing kiss reignites their passion, Liv realizes this rough-around-the-edges cop might be exactly what she needs..

Review

Look, I read another book because of the Smart Bitches podcast. And I really enjoyed it. Although, it is eerily timed since it follows people who were involved in a school shooting. I will not get political, but Ms. Loren did navigate the political issues without taking a stance. Personally, I think this makes the books easier to enjoy.

Through all the trappings, this is a reunited lovers story and that is one of my favorite tropes. Olivia and Finn's relationship was sweet and steamy. It was nice to see them loosen up around each other. They were very attracted to each other, but knew they had to be smart about entering a relationship. That level of awareness isn't always easy to find in romance.

I really liked the relationship between the four ladies. It's a friendship forged in tragedy which is different. Even though they were brought together they haven't remained close. This is very natural for friendships. But they are also still very supportive of each other. I'm guessing/hoping this will be a four books series where each lady gets her own story. That would be interesting because they each have a different perspective on the shooting. 

Speaking of the shooting: that was quite an emotional journey and really made me think. Personally, I think I've become desensitized to death in a lot of forms including school shootings. I still know it's horrible but don't have the kind of physical reaction I think I should. But this reminded me how real people who go through these types of tragedies are. And that they and/or their families have to find a way to keep living after loss and the attention is gone. It made me want to simultaneously know what real-life survivors are doing, but don't want to poke around in their life.

Thanks for reading!

Holly