I have read every single book this author has published and I was absolutely blown away by her newest release. Raw. Heartfelt. Gripping. Beautiful. Poignant. These are all words that I would use to describe Roni Loren’s The Ones Who Got Away. It was one of my top reads last year and probably ever. I loved this book.

Twelve years ago two student gunmen attacked their classmates at prom. It changed everyone who was involved but no one truly realized how much until a documentary reunites them as adults. Forced to face their pasts and all of the heartache and pain they experienced, the characters rediscover themselves, lost friendships and love.

Roni Loren did an incredible just creating balance in this book. A huge part of the story was about healing and re-finding oneself years after the horrendous tragedy. But it’s also a breathtaking and sensual love story. (IT IS AMAZING) I couldn’t put down Liv and Finn’s book and theirs is a must read recommendation from me.

I almost want to write that I promise I will live my life to the fullest for the lost characters in this book. Instead, I'll promise you that if you purchase this book you will not regret it.

The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren is the first romance novel I’ve ever read that centers around a school shooting. That might sound like an odd combination, but it makes sense when you think about it.

The media named them The Ones Who Got Away: survivors of the Long Acre High School shooting, one of the deadliest in U.S. history. Twelve years later, a documentary is being made about the tragedy. In many ways, the survivors are still trying to figure out who they are—inextricably tangled with the event, despite their best efforts not to be defined by it.

Olivia Arias is a successful web designer whose life is dictated by work. Once a rebellious wild child in high school who dreamed big dreams for herself, she now seeks security and safety in the familiar and mundane.

The night of the shooting, Liv was with Finn Dorsey, the popular jock from the right side of the tracks. They had kept their romance secret—Liv was just the purple-haired daughter of a landscaper, a girl who didn’t run with the cool kids or the rich ones. But Liv and Finn connected in a way that neither of them ever forgot.

Twelve years later, Finn is an undercover cop still wrestling with the demons of years ago. He has learned to shut off his emotions from the rest of the world in order to get his job done. But when Liv comes back into his life, he finds it’s not so easy to turn away from the girl he could never forget.

This book touches on so many issues: tragedy, grief, PTSD, family, friendship, and many others. These heavy topics are balanced perfectly with a wry sense of humor and heady flirtation between Liv and Finn.

Liv and Finn’s chemistry is beyond smoking. Since they have history together, they have a foundation of friendship that makes their romance that much more rewarding when it progresses into more.

I also loved the female friendships between Liv and her small tribe of fellow survivors, who I’m sure we’ll see again in future books in the series. These women support and uphold each other in their moments of greatest need.

The premise of the plot—the shooting—is always treated with care and balanced with the survivors’ reconciliation of how exactly to go on living following such a horrific event.

I can’t stress enough what a wonderful book this is and how much I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. To me, romance is ultimately about hope. Hope beyond tragedy and love in spite of loss. The Ones Who Got Away is about all those things and so much more.

"The Ones Who Got Away" is a powerful second chance romance set 12 years after a school shooting. Olivia and Finn had been secretly dating their senior year of high school, secret largely because Olivia's father was Finn's parents' landscaper and they would not approve. More publicly, he was semi-dating another wealthy girl, Rebecca. When the teens began shooting at prom, Finn and Olivia were in a closet making out. When he heard Rebecca yelling, he left the closet, leaving Olivia to fend for herself, and became a hero by taking a bullet for Rebecca. The two didn't see each other until the unexpected reunion 12 years later (a film crew was making a documentary to benefit charity and they returned for this).

In the time since the shooting, both have been facing their demons and PTSD. Olivia is working in web design but leads a lonely life, and Finn works for the FBI, where he had been undercover for a few years- also very lonely. Seeing each other again quickly rekindles the feelings they had for each other in high school. As they are reminded of who they were and the promises they had made to themselves in the aftermath of the shooting, both take steps to live up to their passions and self-promises. Thus, they embark on a journey together, to spend the weekends of the summer together while Liv pursues her photography and Finn recuperates before returning to the FBI. Although it begins as platonic, their magnetic pull is hard to resist.

This was a really beautiful story about second chances and healing, perhaps more powerful because we hear not only about the immediate aftermath but also the long road to recovery (as it is set 12 years later). The romance and passion between the two was perfect- we get to see them build a new relationship plus hear about their history. There is a lot of unresolved sexual tension and several deliciously steamy scenes. Overall, it's a really powerful romance and I highly recommend it. As a warning, this does have some hard-to-read scenes and it is not always pretty (in terms of the school shooting and recovery) for people who might be sensitive. However, I absolutely think it is worth reading.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I first heard about this book on Bookish First and I was enraptured by the first few chapters. I just knew I had to read this book. I was lucky enough to be accepted as an ARC reader and I know this review has come out after the book was released but that was because I received it last week via Bookish First though I will admit, I was accepted as a Netgalley reader too (yes, I was that in love with just the preview I asked to read the book on NetGalley too which is really completely rare for me.

I was really scared this book was going to hit all of the wrong buttons but I was so completely impressed. Roni Loren has a way about writing that makes you feel like you are sitting on the sidelines watching this all take place. I felt the emotions of the characters and they were realistic. I love how each character was unique and relatable in a way. The characters were well thought out and I loved the personalities of each one. I also loved the friendship and comradery that was in this book between the main characters. I felt like I was hanging out with some of my friends while I was reading it.

Liv & Finn were by far my favorite characters (which tends to happen with main characters). The banter they had was amazing and I found myself swooning for Finn many times while also cursing his name at other times. I honestly just loved the chemistry between the two of them. It made me want to live passionately too.

The plot of this book is unfortunately realistic and I loved that it humanized the survivors of this horrid act of violence. Too many times we think of survivors as props in a way. I've never been in a situation like this but I know people who have. I was a grade schooler in Colorado when the Columbine shooting happened and I graduated from Arapahoe High School about 10 years ago so I see a lot of the press that happens when an anniversary happens. It's a constant barrage of news articles anytime April or December come around. I love how this book made the characters, the survivors, all be humans who are messed up and yet surviving. I loved that.

All in all, I loved this book. This book is messy, beautiful, heart wrenching, and just spectacular. If any part of this book sounds like it's up your alley, pick up the book and read it. It's wonderful.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book. The friendships between the women struck me as genuine, and I really liked how they supported each other. I'd definitely be interested in reading the rest of their stories. The two main characters had a clear connection and I enjoyed them reconnecting many years after the traumatic incident at the their high school.

So Romance is not my typical genre--although it is definitely a guilty pleasure when I need something mindless and entertaining--but I had read the first few chapters of The Ones Who Got Away on BookishFirst and immediately requested it on Netgalley. This one had me hooked and I read it all within one day. Super addictive!

4.5 stars

The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren is a beautifully written and heartfelt read.
From the first few chapters I was hooked. The characters drew me in with their story and I couldn't get enough of them.
I loved watching Finn and Liv slowly reconnect. The feelings they once shared were still there even after everything they'd been through.
It truly warmed my heart they were able to find their way back to each other and to balance their lives to be together.

The Ones Who Got Away is an excellent start to the The Ones Who Got Away series. I'm looking forward to reading Rebecca's story next in The One You Can't Forget.

*Get your copy today*
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Ones-Who-Got-A...

*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy*

THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY is the first instalment in Roni Loren’s contemporary, adult THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY romance series focusing on the survivors of a mass shooting the night of their senior prom-Finn, Olivia, Rebecca Lindt, Taryn Landry and Kincaid Breslin. This is thirty-year olds FBI agent Finn Dorsey, and photographer Olivia ‘Liv’ Arias’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Liv and Finn) THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY follows the rebuilding relationship between photographer Liv Arias, and FBI agent Finn Dorsey. Twelve years earlier two gunmen (and fellow students) shot up the Long Acre High senior prom leaving only a few to survive including Liv Arias, a woman who struggles with memories of that night, and the loss of her friendship with the boy she would always love. Enter FBI agent Finn Dorsey, the young man, who despite his actions, probably saved our heroine’s life but a man who battles demons of his own. A filmmaker will bring together the remaining survivors as they recount the events of that fateful day.

Finn Dorsey’s return to civilization comes with the knowledge that life as he knows it has inevitably changed. Undercover for the past two years Finn’s recuperation and down time finds our hero facing a past he has never forgotten, a past he is unable to forgive himself for almost killing the woman with whom he would fall in love. Liv Arias has struggled since the fateful day twelve years earlier but her life as a photographer and website designer is busy enough to keep the demons at bay.

The relationship between Liv and Finn is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people caught between life and death when a gunman target the people who ‘did him harm’. Finn Dorsey knows that his time on leave is temporary as he awaits his next assignment-an assignment that will pull our hero from Olivia’s life. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. The banter between Finn and Olivia is fun, sassy and not without some great sexual innuendo.

THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY is a story of second chances; romance and love; rekindling friendships, and letting go of the past. The premise is engaging and emotional; the romance is passionate and intimate; the characters are colorful and bold. THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY is an encouraging and inspiring look at loss and survival.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Let’s start the year off right with a recently released contemporary romance. I snagged an advanced copy of Roni Loren’s The Ones Who Got Away from NetGalley last month. I’m excited to share my thoughts with you all!

The main narrative focuses on the romance between two ex-high school sweethearts. It’s a great romance with well-written and complex characters. Finn and Olivia grow not only as a couple, but as individuals throughout the story. Believable character growth is so important to me, especially in romances. If the romance does nothing to enhance the individual, then what’s the point? The dual point-of-view provides insight into each of them as well as adds some spice during the sex scenes. Additionally, these two individuals have a mature, adult romance. They share their feelings with each other! They talk about their problems! They overlook contrived drama! Talk about refreshing.

These characters are survivors of a mass shooting. Time is spent exploring the fear and anxiety the character’s experience due to their tragic past, but the shooting itself is only referenced. I appreciate the author’s restraint from providing disturbing details. Secondary characters with physical impairments from the shooting would have added more depth to the story.

If you’re looking for an in-depth story about mass shootings, I highly recommend Dave Cullen’s Columbine. It’s a phenomenal exploration of the mass shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. It not only talks about that infamous day, but it includes truly encouraging stories from many survivors of the shooting.

tl;dr A well-written romance featuring complex characters, a steamy romance, and a hopeful message.

OMG I don't know where to start.  If I could summarize this review in one message to you is to stop reading this and just go get this book.  THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY gave me everything I expect from a Roni Loren story and at the same time surprised me with the depth and emotion it was able to bring out in me.  It's just a story you will be immersed in.  I know this review won't do this book justice just know it's one of my favorite Roni Loren books and I'm already a fan so that makes me super giddy and excited for this series.

This plot of this series centers around a group of survivors from a high school mass shooting.  The topic, the way it's approached and the feelings this book evoked are intense.  Guilt, regret, PTSD, broken live and broken promises.  This first book is a deeply emotional second chance love story, but also a story of personal healing which added so many delicious layers.

The hero and heroine were in a secret relationship in high school because parents, and maybe even society, wouldn't have approved of their love back then.  She was the goth girl, daughter of the landscaper.  He was the athlete, popular and from a rich family.  But they were just kids then and who knows how things would've turned out.  Then tragedy marked their lives and took them on very different paths then what they had planned.

Now back in town for a documentary about the shooting, Liv and Finn reconnect for the first time in twelve years.  Their chemistry is so sizzling, just thinking about it makes me want to re-read the book.  It's the force that drives every interaction, every look.  The longing, the regret.  I guarantee you'll be sucked in by their story and care for these characters as much as I did.

I thought the balance Ms. Loren had in this story between the romance, the obstacles they have to overcome to be together, and the personal healing that each still has to go through as well was all done so flawlessly.  It made the characters come alive and drew me in completely.  And it was so beautiful to see Finn and Liv become different people right in front of our eyes as they get more comfortable together.  Almost like seeing what they were like 12 years ago.

Just get this book.  It's an enthralling contemporary romance and I know you won't want to put it down just like me.  I, personally, am dying for the next one.

A sneak peek at the fresh new contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestseller Roni Loren
Twelve years ago, tragedy struck the senior class of Long Acre High School. Only a small number of students survived, a group the media dubbed as The Ones Who Got Away.
Now, web designer Liv Arias, along with the rest of the survivors, have returned to the small Texas town to tell their stories for a documentary. Which means Liv seeing former star-athlete and old flame Finn Dorsey. A lot happened between them that night and Liv is ready to end their decade-long riff and move on. But when her attempt at closure turns into a steamy kiss, moving on proves much more difficult than either of them thought...
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. The smooth face was now dusted with scruff, and the look in his deep green eyes held no trace of boyish innocence. A thousand things were in those eyes. A thousand things welled up in Liv.

Liv doesn’t really want to be back in her hometown talking about the tragedy that changed her entire life. She certainly doesn’t want to see Finn as he had a big hand in her experience during the tragedy. Despite that she can’t help but be attracted to the man that Finn’s become, remembering all the great times they had in high school, even if no one but the two of them knew about their relationship. Liv just wants to give her interview and get back home, but once Finn kisses her she’s not sure what she wants.

I just got a short sneak peak at The One Who Got Away but it left me completely intrigued – and frustrated that I it ended so soon! I’ve loved the books I’ve read by Loren and I have a feeling I’ll like this one just as much. TOWGA obviously has a highly emotional and touchy subject – a mass shooting at a high school – and one that we hear about way too often these days. I admire Loren for having this romance set post-tragedy and can’t wait to see how she handles the characters with all of their survivor’s guilt. I think it’s gonna be a great read and can’t wait until January 2018 when it comes out.

Sneak Peak Rating: 4 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on Book Binge.
http://bookbinge.com/

Full review for full book:
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...

Liv has been living her life day by day since she survived a mass murder at her high school – the night of the prom. She thought she was happy with her life but when the survivors of the shooting get together at the HS to give interviews 12 years after it happened, she finds that maybe she’s not as happy as she thought. She gets together with the friends that got her through the year following the shooting and they dig up the time capsule that they planted. In it are letters that say what they will do with their lives. When Liv reads her letter she realizes she’s done nothing she planned and that makes her stop and think about how she’s been living her life. The other thing that makes her stop and take notice is Finn Dorsey. She hasn’t seen him since the night of the shooting. They had secretly dated in HS but since his family was rich and her family wasn’t he tried to hide it from his father. Their teenage love didn’t survive the massacre but now that they’re adults, things have definitely changed.

Finn is an FBI agent who has been undercover for the past 2 years. He agreed to the interview (off camera) but he’s not thrilled about being back in his hometown. When he sees Liv, all of the feelings that he thought were gone come crashing to the surface. He can’t seem to stop thinking about her and events manage to push the two together. Instead of spending the summer isolated in a lake house trying to readjust to society, Finn spends the summer with Liv and they both figure out what real living is all about.

This book was awesome. It was so very sad because of the whole premise of the story but I love the way Loren handled the transitioning from HS to the present. The hero and heroine in this book were facing their fears in so many different ways and they ended up finding love while doing it. The book was incredibly relatable (even though I’ve never been involved in a tragedy like this) because the plans we made when we were in HS didn’t necessarily come to fruition. It even made me take a look at life and see how things have changed from HS to now.

I loved Finn and Liv together and how they worked out their issues. They hadn’t talked since the night of the shooting and needed to clear the air. On top of that the sexual tension between them was explosive and Loren wrote some extremely hot scenes, let me tell ya!

The secondary characters in this story play a huge role and the book wouldn’t have been the same without them. I’m very much looking forward to reading their stories as well.

Roni Loren has written a wonderful book that I highly recommend. It’s definitely highly emotional but so worth reading - even if that’s not normally your type of romance.

Rating: 5 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on Book Binge.
http://bookbinge.com/

Twelve years ago, Finn Dorsey walked away from Olivia Arias on the day the horrific crime of terror happened in Long Acre High School. Liv was held at gunpoint while Finn rushed to his supposed promdate's side. Such a darn move if you ask me, but can't blame these 17-year olds when their lives were at peril. Only a few students survived the tragic shooting, but their lives were forever changed and their hopes almost turned to ashes. They were the ones who got away.

A documentary about the school tragedy brought Finn, Liv, Kincaid, Rebecca and the others back home after twelve years. An undercover FBI agent, Finn Dorsey had matured and grown up with serious issues heaving on his shoulders. Aspiring photographer Liv Arias, Finn's old flame, had grown into a beautiful woman, stronger, more passionate and even more seductive. If only their hearts and mind weren't that broken..

I was a little emotional and overwhelmed after reading this book. Inasmuch as I would like to scream aloud and sigh with hearts in my eyes because of this beautiful Roni Loren novel, I had this urge to spend a couple more days of glorifying this book before I could managed to write my thoughts about it.

And now that I am fully covered, let me tell you something. This had been life-changing.

Finn and Liv made me cry. Their teasing and ridiculously heart-swooning banters definitely made up my day. I loved their characters so much, their chemistry was definitely off the charts! I liked the others as well. Although I couldn't imagine the pain and suffering and trauma they'd been through. At their tender age of 17, they witnessed a fellow schoolmate shooting other students, and I thought that was awfully frightening. I haven't read a book about a school shooting in a long time, probably because I didn't want to have this emotional baggage caused by the characters' trauma. But later on I realized I had to be more empathetic and sympathetic to their feelings and forthcomings.

Liv and Finn's complicated relationship just got even more complex and tangled when they met again after 12 long years. They dealt with their losses and pains differently, but at the end of the day, the past still kept haunting them in their dreams. Nightmares. It was just sick.

I've grown to love Finn and Liv and the others throughout the book. Have I mentioned that I love Kincaid? She's a real sweetheart and a delightful character, the sunshine to their almost desolate lives. I liked the others too, but these three resonated with me more. I couldn't help but put myself in their midst and hug them all like a mother hen. This story isn't just about romance, but about finding courage to face the future, the present and the past that kept on haunting them.

Overall, this book is definitely worth all the tears I've shed. Remarkable story, stunning characters, perfect pacing, excellent writing. It's my first Roni Loren book and I believe this would be the start of my new fangirl moment with her books. Can't wait to read the next one!!

Two thumbs up!

I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Finn and Liv were high school sweethearts back in the day; however, nobody was able to know about them. Finn was conscious of his parents' choices for him and he knew they would never approve of the landscaper's daughter. That didn't stop the teenage hormones or the hurt feelings from coming through.

Years later, Liv is working as a web designer and is asked to come back for a tribute to the shooting. She reconnects with a few of the girls who were in her support group after the shooting. They have seen each other at their worst and know that no matter what, they would be there for each other. When they open and read their high school capsule letters from after the shooting, Liv realizes that she isn't truly living up to what her high school self wanted for her life.

Finn is another story altogether. He had a legacy to live up to – his parents wanted him to date the right woman and go to the right schools, after all, he was a reflection of them. When he comes back for the tribute after the shooting, he also knows that he'll have to leave again after he has his leave time. He has been trying to save others since the day of the shooting. When he sees Liv again, he knows that he has to try to apologize for all of those years ago.

Finn and Liv's relationship is friendly with a hint of lust, at first. I liked how they were able to talk through their own lives – show each other who they had become without dominating the story with history. I thought that they each contributed to their future and can't wait see who gets the next book.


Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Contemporary Romance isn't my usual genre. This admission will be an odd one – what had me hooked into reading this wasn't the sexy cover or the blurb, and Roni Loren is a new-to-me author. It was the fact that the title was The Ones *WHO* Got Away, rather than *that*. Mad props. I had to read it because of that, and I'm so happy I did.

This novel trapped me from the first paragraph – I read half the book in one sitting, then I read the other half in another sitting, devouring it in a few hours time today. My emotions ran the gamut, sometimes even managing to have me teary-eyed with a smile on my face.

Twelve years ago, tragedy struck Long Acre High School, and this novel is voiced by two of its survivors. Liv and Finn. I won't go too in-depth with the details, because I enjoyed the fact that I didn't know what was coming when I started the book, and I want other readers to experience as it was meant to be read. I'll give my opinion on the dynamic and character building instead.

Liv and Finn have history, predating the tragedy, with the tragedy the final death knell to their relationship. Their dynamic was unbalanced in high school, and it wasn't the right time for them to come together. I could easily empathize with both of their positions, especially with them being seventeen-year-old children.

The novel takes place when they are thirty-year-old, grown adults. Being interviewed for a documentary is the means, to not only draw Liv and Finn back into each other's orbits, but several other survivors as well. In this installment, the reader gets to know three of the females who were directly impacted too.

As the novel traverses the life changes Liv and Finn are going through, as they make strides to live instead of merely survive, their relationship strengthens at the same time.

The tragedy is written with compassion yet realistic enough that the darkness could have become too much for some readers – triggering, if you will. But the levity Liv and Finn, and their fellow classmates, bring into the novel, lightens the feel with humor and support.

The scorching tension between Liv and Finn was addictive, alongside their witty repartee. Push-pull romance, with tension-filled buildup, delivering a satisfying and well-earned conclusion.

There were no frustrating miscommunications, no acting out of character, no knee-jerk reactions without communicating, or doing stupid things to get unnecessary attention. The plot drove the story forward, the romance developing organically, without any bells and whistles to fill plot holes that didn't exist. A solid romance with true emotion, narrated by mature adults who acted their age, especially emotionally. Those are the main reasons contemporary romance and Erica don't necessarily get along very often – the author returned my faith in the genre, with mature characters who didn't act like children. Thank you for that, Roni Loren.

There were the moments I wore a grin while reading, even when the darker, more difficult emotions were causing me to sniffle. It was the perfect balance, tugging my heartstrings and tickling my funny bone simultaneously.

The side cast was an enjoyable addition, one I'm sure will be explored in future books. (fingers crossed) What I appreciated the most was the sense of unity when it came to the women. It could have been written another way, with less maturity, where the girls were in competition over a man. Instead, they came together, lending support and a sympathetic ear, and empowered each other to carve out a better life. They didn't tear each other apart, especially over a guy, as if he were some prize who didn't get a voice in who he ultimately wanted to be with. I give mad props to the author for writing empowered women who have each other's backs.

As I said, this is the first book I've read by this new-to-me author, and I look forward to reading more in the future. I highly recommend to fans of the author and the genre, and I can't wait to get my hands on book two in this series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
Wow, what a really brilliant book to start off my 2018. This is such a strong, and deeply moving story with a wonderful romance growing from the tragedy. I highly recommend it to you – and cannot wait for the next installment about this very engaging group of survivors.

Ms. Loren has written one of the most carefully and sensitively crafted books I have read in a long time – it was moving, but not sentimental, it was detailed, but not graphic. I had to stop reading a few times just to take a breath, but mostly I just had to keep reading until I got the ending that I desired. From the initial interview, to the reading of the letters, to the very last page, I was completely engrossed in how these people could and would move forward.

Finn and Liv have such a complicated relationship to work out. We watch them learn more about themselves, and each other, and come to terms with what their future could look like. Beautifully told, passionate, and steamy, love-filled romance.

Thank you, Ms. Loren, and I await the next book with great interest.

4.5 stars!

My 2018 is off to a good start with The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren. This book packs an emotional punch, filled with complex characters and nuanced storytelling.

The Ones Who Got Away is about a group of friends who were survivors of a tragic school shooting. Finn Dorsey and Olivia Arias might have survived the shooting physically but the emotional wounds they carried had affected them profoundly. It is especially hard for both Finn and Liv because the shooting ended their burgeoning relationship back then.

I was a little wary going in because of the sensitive topic. At the same time, I was really looking forward to how that aspect of the story is handled. In my own opinion, it was handled well by the author.

The romance between Finn and Liv was beautifully done. I want to avoid spoilers as much as possible so I won't go into the details of their romance while they were in high school and why they broke up. What I do want to mention was how mature their romance is in the present. There was no unnecessary drama between these characters. There's tension, yes and obstacles they have to face but they deal with it like adults, which is really refreshing.

I love Liv so much. She's a complex character with her own dreams and wants and issues. The way she dealt with the tragedy was heartbreaking. I love LOVE her friendship with the other female survivors. Their friendship and bond was featured prominently in the book, which I adored because I'm a sucker for female friendship in books.

Finn, like Liv, is another awesome character. He has his own way of dealing with the trauma. Except for his single-minded focus and devotion to his job, he's basically stopped living. I liked how the author was able to succinctly present the hero's arc and made us root for him despite his mistakes in the past.

Overall, The Ones Who Got Away was a poignant, character driven second-chance romance that will melt your heart.

Warning: Do not judge this book by its title because the story is totally surprising and unexpected!

When I received the ARC of "The Ones Who Got Away," I thought that it was a horror story in the likes of "I Know You What Did Last Summer" franchise. I was surprised that it was actually a romance and that this story was ripped from today's headlines was totally unexpected.

From Columbine to Sandy Hook, school shootings have been headline news in the past decade. These were always horrific and sad stories, followed by public outcry. Still, no matter how dreadful these events were, they were forgotten when a new scandal or crisis break. And while the rest of the world goes on, the survivors have to deal with the aftermath for a very long time.

This was the premise of "The Ones Who Got Away." Focusing on five of the 18 survivors of what was dubbed as the bloodiest school shooting in America, author Roni Loren brings to light how survivors coped, albeit in fiction form.

Four girls - Olivia, Rebecca, Kincade, Taryn - and a boy – Finn, all five of them who are now adults meet in their old high school to film a documentary about the shooting. Memories of their high school days, the shooting and the aftermath are brought to light as the characters interacted.

And, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, author Roni Loren cleverly brought romance center stage which in turn fleshed out the characters to be three-dimensional.

A beautiful love story that tugs at your heartstrings because of the tragedy that surrounded it. This book revolved around Liv and Finn. But, there are three more – Rebecca, Kincade and Taryn. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Loren will make this a series so that we can learn the story of these three women.

"Those Who Got Away" is Rated M for Mature due to language, violence and sexual content.

Just one look at this cover and I knew that I had to read it. When I read the synopsis, I was surprised by how unique the story sounded and I couldn't wait for the chance to pick it up!

12 years after they survived a school shooting on prom night, five friends are brought back together to their hometown and pasts they've run away from to take part in a documentary as the ones who got away. Liv Arias was the wild child in high school and knows her teenage self would be appalled by the safe, bland life she's living now. When she runs into Finn Dorsey, Liv can't help but feel the chemistry that fueled their secret relationship as teenagers. But Finn can never forgive himself for what he did the night of the shooting and is dealing with some demons of his own. As an undercover cop, Finn will do anything to prevent another shooting like that again, but being around Liv again has made him feel more human than he has in a very long time.

Oh wow. From the beginning you know this book is going to have some serious conflict for our main couple of their desire to be together. Finn did something pretty unforgivable when they were in the shooting and it's so hard for him to live with himself and what he did. I loved how all of the characters are getting back together and reflecting on how they wanted to live their lives after being the survivors of a horrible tragedy. This made Liv take a good look at her life and realize who she was and who she really wants to be. I enjoyed watching her and Finn try to figure out their feelings for each other and if they really had a chance now after their painful history together.

And can we take a minute to appreciate Finn's character? He's an undercover cop and I LOVE a good cop romance. He is so protective and I loved how he was there for Liv when she was still dealing with PTSD over what happened to her in the shooting. It was fun watching Liv try to help Finn acclimate to society again after being undercover for two years and I just couldn't get enough of them together.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Ones Who Got Away. I haven't read a romance like this and I really enjoyed the depth of the history between the two main characters. If you're at all interested in this one, you definitely have to pick it up!

I love this book so much! Two high school (secret) sweethearts reunite in this tale of what happens to two adults after being victims of a school shooting. Finn is easily a lovable hero who psychologically battles his own demons. While Olivia is equally exploring her own path and growing from a tragedy she has long since let herself stayed recluse because of. This fast paced book while make you laugh out loud, say some "aww"'s out loud and feel good. I can't wait to read the next installment and see what happens to the others that have been a part of this book. Roni delivers what she does best - an excellent story, amazing writing and book you do not want to put down! This is definitely a 2018 must read for everyone!!

This is my first book by this author and will not be my last. This book was an emotional read for me. After reading the blurb I knew I need this book and I wasn’t disappointed.

Olivia and Finn were high school sweet hearts when their school was attacked twelve years ago. Most of their friends were killed and some how both of them and some others survived. They are all together again doing interviews on the anniversary of the tragedy.

The way this author wrote this book was perfection, it was raw. There was times I was in tears, I would make sure you have tissues near by. I highly recommend this book.

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...




Review:




Tragedy, secret romance and second chances is what this book is full of. As teenagers when their school becomes the site of a mass shooting, it changes the life of 5 students. Years later they come together again for a documentary. It brings up regrets, redemption and closure. At the heart of this story is Liv and Finn who were secretly dating when tragedy strikes and we see what their choices bring about and how it tears these two apart. Later they come together and that spark of love is still there. They must both come to grips with the past and give in to their love.




All of Ms. Loren's books have a lot of emotional quality to them, this one is even more so. Maybe it is the subject matter, mass shootings, but it is what comes after too. The After is handled excellently and you really care about what happened to all of the characters and especially want Liv and Finn to come together. As for Liv and Finn, there is really nothing not to like about both of them. They are at a crossroads and really like the process and outcome of how they work towards being a couple. Another thing I really liked was how the shooting brought together the group of girls who would not have become friends if not for working through what happened. I liked that they were strong and supportive of each other.




This is the first book in the series and I really cannot wait to see which person gets their story next.




Excellently written with romance with heart.




4.5Stars




*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

The Ones Who Got Away is the first book I have read by Roni Loren and I must say I was impressed. This book is dark and twisty with the weighty subject of a school shooting and how the survivors are coping twelve years later. The romance is off-the-charts hot and I couldn't put this book down.

Liv has PTSD from having a gun held to her head while Finn has made it his life mission to track down the people who were responsible for putting the guns into the hands of the shooters. They are still attracted to each other after all those years and the memories of that night, and their chemistry is smoking hot. I was rooting for them the whole time.

I would highly recommend this if you like contemporary romance that is a little on the darker side.