THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY

Liv's words cut off as Finn got closer. The man approaching was nothing like the boy she'd known. The bulky football muscles had streamlined into a harder, leaner package and the look in his deep green eyes held no trace of boyish innocence.

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...

Release Date: January 2, 2018

The Ones Who Got Away #1

Contemporary Romance

Sourcebook Casablanca

Review copy provided by the publisher 

Nikki’s Review:

This was a tough book to read. Not because it wasn't well done, but because the plot was born around a tragedy that destroys so many lives...school shootings. 

I have always been a huge fan of Roni Loren's. Her books are full of super sexy kink and solid plots. And while this book was still very much sexy and had a phenomenal plot, it was different. The emotions it pulled out of me were darker and more intense. This series is definitely very character driven, but then again, all her books are.

Liv and Finn have history. They were secret lovers in high school. Not that Liv wanted it that way. This was a romance between a girl from a middle class family, and a boy from a very wealthy family. I love this trope!

The connection between Liv and Finn was palpable. Even after more than a decade apart, there was still that magnetism that pulled them together. I loved the witty banter between them. It kept the dialogue moving quickly, and I was always interested in what they were saying to each other.

They've been brought together because of a documentary about the school shooting they survived so many years before. With that comes old wounds being sliced opened. So many times I could feel a pang in my heart when the characters were reliving an awful moment. Roni handled the entire situation with sensitivity, but a realness that often left me feeling raw. I might even say that this was some of her best writing, in my opinion.

How do you find love and beauty out of a shared tragedy? I was skeptical on how this would make a solid love story, but the author made it work beautifully. 

Liv and Finn had so many obstacles to conquer before they found their HEA. I mean, the baggage they each brought to the table was enormous. But I could feel their affection and hope for happiness on every page. 

The writing in this book was pure genius. The characters pulled me in and held on until the last page. Even the secondary characters had me engaged and latching onto their journeys. I'm so eager for the next book in this brand new series. This is the kind of book and series that truly makes me believe in the whole HEA thing! If you're looking for a book that will bring you to your knees emotionally, The Ones Who Got Away is it! 

Rating: 4.5 Stars (A)