I love a long game love story and this is that. We go from high school to twelve years later. Survivors from
A tragic event find their way back to each other and get to rebuild the relationship they had. Growing up in a community where one of these same tragic events happened I know all to well how that can effect the people that it happened to. But I have actually seen them go on and rebuild their lives and cherish every moment. This story represented that so well

This wasn’t my cup of tea unfortunately- I just wasn’t aware what the plot was. However, I do think this would be enjoyable for the right audience.

Thanks for an advanced copy.

Genre: Rom-Com
Tropes: second chance romance
TW: School Shooting

While I wouldn't call this a "dark romance", I would want the reader to know that there is a lot of heavy topics addressed in this book and make sure to do your research before you dive in.

Roni Loren does a great job of highlighting extremely heavy topics while also including romance and some true stomach-flipping moments and The Ones Who Got Away is no exception. But, be forewarned, this novel is more than a fluffy rom-com with lots of trauma, characters who have major demons to fight, and some fairly graphic scenes related to gun violence.

All that to say, I appreciated the second chance romance trope, which I always do, but it also felt more like a trauma bond than a second chance romance. While I liked the steamy scenes, liked the reflection of each character's growth and healing, I felt that the novel tended to romanticize trauma and creating an unhealthy bond with others who experienced the same trauma.

Not a knock out like Roni's other novels, but worth reading if you're a fan of her books overall.

Maybe like... 3.75?

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC of this one! These are my honest thoughts!

I enjoy Roni Loren's writing every time I pick up one of their books. There's always something so real and life-like about her characters. They have grief and struggles and challenges, and this book is no different. Most of the main characters are the survivors of one of the deadliest school shooting in history, and now as adults, they are reconnecting. It was eye opening to experience the kind of traumas children of school shootings face as adults.

I lived how Finn and Liv both bring their brokenness to the present, but almost get to pick back up where they left off in high school after tragedy struck. While they're both still dealing with the trauma in different ways, they're almost able to let each other in because of that shared experience.

Twelve years ago, the students of Long Acre High were enjoying prom—a night most people will always remember. And it certainly became an unforgettable one, as that prom night would go down in history as one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.

Liv Arias has started to piece her life back together, finding professional success as a web designer. Burying herself in work, Liv hasn’t had time to invest in relationships. But when she agrees to participate in a documentary about the survivors of the shooting, she not only has to relive that horrible night but also come face-to-face with her past. Her past has a name: Finn. Finn was her high school crush and secret boyfriend.

Finn Dorsey still carries guilt about how things ended with Liv on prom night. After that tragic event, Finn joined the FBI, hoping to finally get the vengeance he longed for. Seeing Liv again after all this time is a shock.

They both need each other, and what starts as a simple rekindling of friendship turns into so much more. But after everything they’ve been through, can they survive this, too?

I’ve always loved Roni Loren’s writing, and her work in The Ones That Got Away is no exception. Roni has a remarkable ability to capture grief and pain so perfectly, and she excels at writing about broken souls. By the end of the story, I didn’t want to say goodbye to Liv and Finn—and I think that’s the beauty of a truly well-written story of love, loss, and healing.

This book deals with the tough subject of gun violence, and those who are left to pick up the prices in the aftermath of tragedy. To me, not having this experience (or anything to do with guns) it seems as if the book deals with the issue sensitively, and honestly.

The two MC’s share an experience from school where they are survivors of an incident of gun violence. This story is about a reunion which brings them and other classmates together. There’s a bit about their time as teens and a little about the lives as adults before the reunion, but the Re establishment of their ‘relationship’ is 0-100 without there ever being any discussion of therapies, trauma informed care or their challenges - other than his throwing himself into dangerous situations, anger, and seeking retribution and for her throwing herself into work having recreated herself.

The relationship was tricky and for mind they didn’t seem particularly mature, not addressing what had happened really, him running and she upending everything for no commitment and no certainty.

I loved the idea of the book, I just wanted more from them in working their stuff out and because of the complexity of the issues felt it was a tad underdone. That left me not feeling as if they had a good foundation for their relationship.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I loved the intense chemistry between Liv and Finn in this second-chance romance! Their reunion after such a heartbreaking past was full of tension, heat, and emotion. Finn’s transformation and Liv’s vulnerability made for a gripping read. If you're into steamy, emotional stories, this one is a must!

I fell in love with the banter and the story. This romance that was blurbed by Colleen Hoover is one that I will not soon forget. I loved every page and can not wait for the next one. And this updated cover is gorgeous!!

I really like Roni Lorens books. They always feature a hard topic and are always handled with care and done well. This was no exception. I enjoyed the storyline and how it all panned out. My main niggle was I just didnt feel the chemistry between out couple.

When I requested this I didn't realize I had already read it. This is about a few survivors of a horrible night. Years later they are ready to claim the lives they never truly got to live. Liv didn't think she'd ever return to her home town but a documentary brings her and the other survivors back. Her old flame Finn is there and their is still an attraction. Great story about redemption.

I always want to start my reviews by thanking the author and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book early. This book surprised me and wasn't exactly what I was expecting.

This was my first time reading something by this author and I guarantee it won't be my last. What I like about this story was that the author doesn't put you smack dab in the middle of all the destruction and devastation of the event that changes the characters' lives forever. I don't think I could read through such a horrific event. But by bringing the readers back to the scene by way of the documentary, you are still able to feel all the loss and devastation of the characters without having to live it in the moment. I think that made for a most compelling and emotional read. Olivia and Finn dated back in high school and they haven't laid eyes on each other since the past 12 years, but their pull for each other is still as strong as ever. Both have come a long way since that night at their high school prom, which can easily be considered as the worst night of their lives. Both had fell hard for each other in high school, but weren't able to be together. Liv still harbors a bit of resentment for the way things went down between them, but Finn works hard to prove to her that he has changed. Now after all these years, they have another chance. They had always had a strong connection and it was beautiful to see their relationship rekindle.
This was such a well-written and emotional story I truly enjoyed having the opportunity to read. The characters were well-developed and had great depth and personalities and realistic qualities. I fell in love with them right from the start. A wonderfully crafted story I would definitely recommend!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This was a great book. I connected with the characters. I felt engrossed with the plot. I would read another book by this author.

This was great! Gosh second chance romances just makes my heart so happy. I love reading about people finding each other again! This story had such lovable characters and I had a great time reading this!

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...

I really enjoyed this story from start to finish. Cannot wait to read the rest in the series.

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.

The Ones Who Got Away throws you in to a potentially very real situation for American students - a school shooting. While thankfully, Roni doesn't throw you into the middle of a massacre, it's revisited through a documentary retelling and at that meeting, comes together Liv and Finn, secret lovers who haven't seen each other in over a decade. The emotions are all here, taking you on a journey during those moments, and other strong moments like facing your boss, learning who you are and standing up for yourself. The issues surrounding PTSD and how everyone can come out of the same situation differently. What fell flat for me was the actual romance. It was very spice driven, leaving very little there for actual romantic connection - which to me, seemed to happen during high school and mostly off the page. I'm sure that had the relationship side of the book been stronger, this book would have very easily made it much more enjoyable read.

A great read for lovers of second chance romance, The Ones Who Got Away is available for reading now. Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Roni Loren for an advanced copy for review.

I’m so annoyed I waited so long to read this! I loved the premise of this second chance romance 12 years after a shared traumatic event (check content warning!)

Liv was such a loveable character. I just wanted to hug her and heal her so much! And Finn had me so intrigued! I loved his job and adventures, and then the twos shared past story was so interesting to read! I just wish we got a couple then-and-now story changes!

Overall, this was an awesome book and I’m so excited we get the rest of the girls stories in this series! 4.25⭐️, 2.75🌶️ - when the book is so good your more invested in the plot than the spice.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unpaid review!

You know from the blurb that this book is going to be intense, that’s exactly why I wanted to read it. But one thing I do want to commend is how well the author handled this topic. You get such a visceral feeling while reading this, it’s almost hard to describe.

As difficult as it was at times, I quite enjoyed this one, especially at the beginning when all of those feelings were so raw given the anniversary of the shooting. The interviews, the reconnecting, even the nightmares. But not only that, the world and support system the author created with these characters was wonderful. You experienced a connection between them (not even just the main characters but supporting as well) that is so above and beyond.

The time capsule idea and letters were great. That revelation and journey were almost more enjoyable for me than the actual romance aspect, but all in all this one was well done. Not a light easy beach read, so make sure you’re in a good mindset beforehand but this one is unique and not to be forgotten.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This was a heartbreakingly, beautiful, and emotional book. I may never be the same.

This book follows a group of friends who were the survivors of a school shooting. Olivia and Finn’s lives have never been the same since that day, and neither has their relationship.

I adored Finn and Liv so much. They were a great couple to watch their relationship change and unfold. Liv’s girlfriends also deserve an honorable mention! I loved them too!

This was a book I devoured. I felt that this sensitive and heavy topic was written and handled very well by the author. It was obviously a very emotional part of the story, but there was also so much more to it. This is one of those books that will stick with me for a long time. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to re-reading soon! Go add this to your tbr list!

📘: The Ones That Got Away by Roni Loren
🗓️: March 12, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley, Roni Loren, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Reviewed on NetGalley, Amazon, and Goodreads.