The Ones Who Got Away

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Title: The Ones Who Got Away
Author: Roni Loren  
Publication date: 01/02/2018
Kindle Unlimited: No
Cliffhanger: No
 
I’ll just start off by disclosing that I’m a big fan of this author. I LOVED Nice Girls Don’t Ride, so when I saw this one on Netgalley, I practically hurt myself clicking so fast to request a copy. Well, needless to say, I loved this one just as much as Nice Girls Don’t Ride, maybe even more.   

First of all, the setup of this second-chance romance is totally unique, as far as I know. I don’t remember any other romances EVER that focused on the survivors of a school shooting.

And there are sooooo many plots that have been used in soooo many romance novels over the years that when I find something unique, I feel compelled to give the author a big “atta girl” for it. So...atta girl!

Second of all, I really loved how deep the author dived into the characters’ feelings about their ordeal. The challenges, the conflicts, the survivor’s guilt, the PTSD...it all felt REAL. Nothing felt forced for the sake of drama and angst, which I really appreciated. (I HATE angst for the sake of angst, you know?)

I adored Liv and Finn. They were a little lost emotionally, but were far from broken by their pasts. And their banter back and forth (particular their text banter) was all kinds of quirky, fun, and adorable.

As I’ve come to expect from this author, the character’s sexy times were of the holy-hell-that’s-hot variety, but didn’t ever overshadow the story at any point. It was always clear that there was far more to this couple’s bond than just sex.

The secondary characters were endlessly fascinating. I seriously hope this was book 1 in a planned series for the author, because I’d 1-click the crap out of more stories about this group of survivors.

Long-story-short: do yourselves a favor, folks. Go ahead and download this one. You won’t regret it.        

Full disclosure: We received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
Crushes it! This one is clean and sober. No rehab needed.  

Other reading suggestions
Definitely read Nice Girls Don’t Ride. And for other awesome second-chance romances, check out this “best of” list.

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