4 Wine Glass #Review of The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren

Title: The Ones Who Got Away
Series: The Ones Who Got Away #1
Author: Roni Loren
Format: eBook/Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Publication: January 2nd 2018 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 1492651400
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

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...

Crystal's Thoughts:
Twelve years ago, the lives of the Long Acre High School seniors were forever changed when two class mates began a shooting massacre. Now each of the survivors are trying to do just that, survive. Those that are left each carry their own scars; some you can see, others you can't. This is the story of the ones who got away...

Roni Loren delivers a darkly divine story of healing and second chances in her new series, The Ones Who Got Away! At the beginning of the tale, we're introduced to Liv Arias, a woman who has worked hard to overcome the tragedies of her past. When she is asked to take part in a documentary on the anniversary of the Long Acre High School Shooting though, she soon realizes that she may not have put all of those past demons to rest. With the help of some friends, women that came together and formed a life-long bond in their time of need, Liv is determined to be the person she dreamed of being all of those years ago. The first step is taking a chance with her high school sweetheart, Finn Dorsey. Finn is battling his own demons though, and despite how much he might yearn for that life he always coveted with Liv, he made a promise to those who didn't make it. To find the people behind supplying mere teenagers with the guns that ended so many lives. Can Finn put the past behind him for good or will it always shadow his future?

The Ones Who Got Away is brimming with emotion and endurance. The story-line itself sucked me right in. When a tragedy like a mass shooting happens, always in the forefront of your mind is the victims. But what about the survivors? This book delves deep into psyche of what one might feel surviving that sort of catastrophe. It's dark, painful, and not at all pretty. It's such a unique context to set a romance in. Despite the somber background though, the chemistry that Finn and Liv share is undeniable. The cover of the book perfectly represents a scene that will curl your toes. (Except, why does the male model look like he's holding his breath?) The banter between the two was entertaining as they got reacquainted in all sorts of fun ways, and I loved how supportive they were of each other. With a long road of healing in front of them though, they had plenty ups and downs to navigate which at times was heart wrenching. It was all balanced very well.

If you've read Roni Loren's past works, The Ones Who Got Away is a little bit different then what you've come to expect from this author. A little darker, a little sweeter, and a little less kink. However, it is not any less wonderful. I can't wait to read more from this series, and the other Long Acre High School  survivors. They've each formed this incredible bond that regardless of their differences and possible past animosities, is unbreakable. A recommended read for contemporary romance readers looking for an unparalleled story that will capture your heart.