REVIEW: RONI LOREN ✮ THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY

THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY

The Ones Who Got Away #1

by

RONI LOREN

✮✮✮ 4 STARS ✮✮✮

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...

Doesn't this blurb sound like a super angsty story? Yeah? Wanna know if it was? Read on!

I'll tell you right away, this is my first Roni Loren book, another one of those authors I have been meaning to read but never gotten around until The Who Got Away. It was the blurb that I found so intriguing that I wanted to jump in and give this author a chance. Not regretting it. Nope. So let me tell you a little bit about it. 

Olivia is one of the survivors of a vicious attack against high school kids on their prom. Not all of the teenagers, who lived to tell the story, processed what happened completely and moved on. Both Liv and Finn live with hangups from that night that cripples their quality of life in some way, both of them fear something. 

It’s like it’s all just sitting there, waiting to remind me how we can never really escape it. How the ones who got away never really get away.

Finn left a deep scar when his actions endangered Olivia, his then-girlfriend and dirty secret. When they meet again twelve years after the tragedy that changed all of their lives there is a little bit of resentment on Liv's behalf left.They work pretty fast through that which I appreciated. 

Liv is a woman who forgot, who she used to be. With the help of her friends and Finn she ventures on a journey of re-discovering her own self under the armor she built around herself. She does so with courage and resilience, is genuine, funny and gives it to you straight. When she faced her fears, moved past them I felt pride for her. After all she'd been through she still had spunk left in her and it came out exactly at the right time. In the end Liv honored the victims of the tragedy and it was respectful, sweet and touching. 

Finn...ah...what a wonderful man. He is sweet, sensual, through and through decent and so, so guilt-ridden. He left his hometown as a hero, having saved one of his friends during the shooting but he never felt like one. Now he is on a mission to rid the world of everything that's evil and of course he does at the expense of his own happiness and that of Liv. I thought he was a little bit I think he got a little too stuck in his guilt and towards the end I was a leeeettle peeved at him. Good thing he made it up to Olivia.

For the first time, it hit her that Finn was going through this, too. 

The rekindling of their relationship is beautiful. They both think they don't have the capacity for more than a casual relationship but their connection is strong, intense and undeniable, the feelings they have for one another so obvious. A connection like that doesn't just break, no matter how much time passes, and Finn and Olivia never got over each other. 

She’d been pretty in high school. Quirky cool. But now she was just flat-out beautiful. And successful. And hella smart. And off-fucking-limits.

Both of them have a playful side and lots of humor which contributed to this story being a lot less angsty than I thought it would be. As heart-breaking some parts are it's generally an uplifting story about friendship and healing.

Liv's friends, a group of women who formed a bond after the tragedy, are phenomenal. Especially Kincaid is best-friend-material. I hope Roni Loren writes a book about her. I was so on the fence about Rebecca in the beginning, I expected drama and ugly scenes but she turned out to be amazing, a wonderful friend to both Finn and Liv. 

I see at least three more books in the future of this series. The Ones Who Got Away was a well-written, captivating introduction to this series and for me to Roni Loren's stories. I enjoyed it immensely, it had passion, romance, an intriguing story line and characters you cheer on and want to be friends with. I realized that Rebecca's story will be next and guess who's going to read that one? Yeah. That would be me!

Broken glass still made art. Sometimes, the most beautiful kind.

4 STARS ✮ KATIE REUS ✮ TEMPTING DANGER

TEMPTING DANGER

Retribution #2

by

Katie Reus

✮✮✮ 4 STARS ✮✮✮

 

Alena Brennan’s relationship with Andre Makarov is… complicated. The casino magnate was a means to an end. Nothing more. At least that was what she tried to tell herself. Then she fell for him. Hard. But he kicked her out of his life when he discovered her lies.

Now she’s pregnant with his baby.

Andre understands why Alena wanted revenge. His father took everything from her, leaving her an orphan at a young age. But Andre still had to cut her out of his life. Now that his father is dead, she’s safe. He should just move on. But when he learns she’s carrying his child, all pretense is gone—he’ll protect Alena whether she likes it or not. She may kick up a fuss, but Andre knows the gorgeous model with a party-girl rep attracts attention…including the dangerous sort.

Length: novella

Author note: Alena and Andre were introduced in the book Retribution but this can be read as a stand-alone.

If you’re after a bit of a quickie then Tempting Danger hits the spot. And, whilst an accompanying novella to Retribution—the first in the series of the same name—it can be read on its own, although I have plans in place to rectify this situation and very soon. 

He’d completely fallen for this woman. This beautiful little liar. And now she was carrying his baby.” 

Whilst not the first book I’ve read by Katie Reus, it is the first novella and the lady can write one. Andre and Alena’s story was tight, and considering their history and what was involved, never once did I feel lost or confused. Far from it and I was invested in them from the get go. 

...that chemistry was never going to fade.” 

With strong endearing characters, sizzling sexy-time and plenty of tender moments, Tempting Danger makes it a hat-trick of Katie Reus reads for me and she’s firmly cemented herself onto my autoread list.

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4 STARS ✮ NINA CROFT ✮ THE BAD GIRL AND THE BABY

THE BAD GIRL AND THE BABY

Cutting Loose #3

by

Nina Croft

✮✮✮ 4 STARS ✮✮✮

Captain Matt Peterson prides himself on being able to handle anything...until he winds up as the guardian of his baby niece, Lulu. Two years and six nannies later, his well-ordered existence is in chaos. Still, he’s all Lulu has. Except, well...there is an aunt...

Darcy Butler has spent the last three years in prison for beating up her abusive brother-in-law. Her only regret is that she didn’t hurt him worse and stop him from killing her sister in a drunken car crash six months later. But now, Darcy just wants to rebuild her life. Starting with finding her sister’s child.

But Matt doesn't want an ex-con with a record for violence anywhere near Lulu. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to keep away from Darcy, himself. Despite their differences, their chemistry is combustible...and the sex is incredible! Still, it can’t possibly last. Can it?

The last in Nina Croft’s Cutting Loose series is the one I’ve been anticipating the most and, having spent time at her majesty’s pleasure thanks to her potential suitor’s brother, I was intrigued how Darcy’s path to a HEA would play out. 

You like the rules. I like breaking them.”

As I’ve come to expect when I pick up a book by Nina Croft, she’s somewhat turned stereotype on it’s head, bringing us a tattooed, kick-arse, MMA fighting heroine who should never have served time, and a straight-laced, law-abiding military captain who has found himself single parenting his toddler niece..who also happens to be Darcy’s niece. And whilst he isn’t overly happy at the fact she wants to be a part of her only surviving relatives life, there’s something about this feisty, stubborn woman that has him drawn like a moth to a flame. 

I want a bad girl. I want a bad girl who’s as desperate for me as I am for her. Who wants this as much as I do.”

Opposites attract, redemption and revelations all play their part in Darcy and Matt’s journey and whilst there’s some build up to the sexy-time, it’s worth it as in Croft-style it’s hot and heartfelt with a nice splash of humour. My only real grumble is that it didn’t feel particularly British which was a bit of a shame—I may be being picky being a Brit—but that aside Matt and Darcy ended the series on a high. 

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4 STARS ✮ KATE MEADER ✮ SO OVER YOU

SO OVER YOU

Chicago Rebels #2

by 

Kate Meader

✮ ✮ ✮ 4 STARS ✮ ✮ ✮

Three estranged sisters struggle to sustain their late father’s failing hockey franchise in Kate Meader’s sizzling Chicago Rebels series. In this second entry, middle sister Isobel is at a crossroads in her personal and professional lives. But both are about to get a significant boost with the addition of a domineering Russian powerhouse to the Rebels....

Isobel Chase knows hockey. She played NCAA, won Olympic silver, and made it thirty-seven minutes into the new National Women’s Hockey League before an injury sidelined her dreams. Those who can’t, coach, and a position as a skating consultant to her late father’s hockey franchise, the Chicago Rebels, seems like a perfect fit. Until she’s assigned her first job: the man who skated into her heart as a teen and relieved her of her pesky virginity. These days, left-winger Vadim Petrov is known as the Czar of Pleasure, a magnet for puck bunnies and the tabloids alike. But back then... let’s just say his inability to sink the puck left Isobel frustratingly scoreless.

Vadim has a first name that means “ruler,” and it doesn’t stop at his birth certificate. He dominates on the ice, the practice rink, and in the backseat of a limo. But a knee injury has produced a bad year, and bad years in the NHL don’t go unrewarded. His penance? To be traded to a troubled team where his personal coach is Isobel Chase, the woman who drove him wild years ago when they were hormonal teens. But apparently the feeling was not entirely mutual.

That Vadim might have failed to give Isobel the pleasure that was her right is intolerable, and he plans to make it up to her—one bone-melting orgasm at a time. After all, no player can perfect his game without a helluva lot of practice... 

After a minor book hangover from another hockey story I was looking forward to reading "So Over You." I knew Kate Meader would deliver and boy, did she.

In a world dominated by alpha males like ice hockey it's hard for a woman to be heard. When you make your three daughters co-owners of the team with the least prospects of winning a game and least of all making the play-offs AND making this a condition of the inheritance you deserve a special place in hell. Make those three sisters estranged and you have a recipe for disaster. Right? Wrong.

Ice Hockey is in Isobel's blood. It's the one thing that she always wanted to do and the career-ending injury she had still hurts on a soul-deep level. Then there is the issue of having to prove her position as a coach on the team and having to deal with the man who popped her cherry when she was a teenager and forgot to rock her world.

“The Russian was a . . . cock-a-doodle-dud?” “Right. Bad in bed. Terrible, actually.”

Isobel loves hockey so much, having her dream ripped away from her leaves her a bit like a fish out of water. The next best thing is coaching but it's always been hockey for her. While I loved Isobel's drive, her ambition, I was on the fence about her true feelings  and wondering if Vadim really meant more to her than hockey or if he really was only the next best thing, too. However, she did convince me in the end. But: Isobel comes with a load of daddy issues. Her womanizing father did a number on her but her issues were quickly forgotten in the end, so that was an inconsistency that I couldn't look past.

Vadim, the big, grumpy Russian, was simply adorable and personally my highlight. He is this seemingly entitled, arrogant man so when he learns that he left young Isobel wanting all those years ago he is indignant...and then a little insecure. He is melodramatic, often unintentionally funny, and high-handed and has a serious alpha-vibe about him. All this together though is a weirdly endearing package. His speech without contractions becomes more pronounced the more time you spend with him.

The sisters relationship is so obviously improving and I was happy to see that the youngest of them didn't let Isobel get away with her issues. All the sisters interactions show me that there is real bonding happening.

Harper’s head was cocked as she blatantly ogled their GM. Stop it, Isobel frowned. You stop it, Harper frowned right back. That made them both giggle, which drew Dante’s querying look.

Of course Kate lets  us spend time with Remy (yay!), Cade (who I'm tickled silly about), Dante (OMG!) and Bren (Scottish brooding deliciousness!). I love their dynamics. I adored Vadim's relationship with his sister.

A moment of silence was offered for the female tragedy that was Dante Moretti's homosexuality.

Kate Meader's writing is like water. It flows effortlessly, pleasantly and is full with her own personal wit and humor. She really has that down pat. I have come to appreciate her books so much. So Over You was a wonderful addition to this series and I'm really sad that there are only two more installments. Even with the minor issues I was supremely entertained. I can't wait to get Dante and Cade, and Violet and Bren in my hands!

"My woman is the North Star in my night sky, but also in her own. If she is not there to guide me, there is only darkness. For us both.”

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4 STARS ✮ SAWYER BENNETT ✮ VAN

VAN

Cold Fury Hockey #9

by

Sawyer Bennett

✮✮✮ 4 STARS ✮✮✮

As one of the league’s toughest enforcers, Van Turner is ruthless on the ice. He plays hard because it’s the only way to channel the rage boiling inside, and a reputation as an A-hole is better than everyone knowing the truth. Van has spent his entire life running from a secret that’s kept him from getting involved in relationships—or accepting lucrative deals with East Coast teams. Then the Carolina Cold Fury makes him an offer he can’t refuse . . . and Van meets a woman he can’t resist.

Simone Fournier is the stubborn one in her family—and that’s saying something, considering her brothers are two of the Cold Fury’s biggest stars. Simone gets what she wants, and what she wants is Van. Still, there’s a part of him Simone can’t reach, no matter how hard she tries. In private, he’s all fire and passion. In public, he freezes her out. Van may want to push her away, but Simone won’t let him go that easily. Because this time, she’s playing for keeps.

Finally. Finally Sawyer Bennett has brought us a couple more in line with those who featured in the earlier books from her Cold Fury series. More than once have I been ready to part ways with the team due to average storylines and characters after book 3 (and awful covers after book #4 but let's leave that one alone) however I’ve persevered and I’m glad because Van Turner and Simone Fournier delivered the goods.

I’m a pain in your ass, but I’m a sexy pain in your ass and I’m totally hard to resist.”

I’m not going to lie, Simone started on a bit of a sticky wicket as there’s a fine line between being forward, and forcing yourself onto an unwilling party and she was teetering right on the edge of the latter for a moment. Thankfully though, Bennett reigned her in just in time and rather than becoming prospective stalker material, we’re given a young woman who owns her sexuality, isn’t shy with her desires and has a first class honours degree in pushing all Van’s buttons. He may be quiet, brooding and very private, but as the saying goes: the quiet ones are the worst.

I’m going to show you what happens when you aren’t smart enough to stop provoking me.”

I admit I went into this fearing I may struggle with Van due to his portrayal in Lucas. Detached and a man of few words, when he does speak he can be brusque to the point of rudeness, but he has a backstory that was as unexpected as he was, one that has shaped him and explains so much as to why he is the loner he is. Happily, my fears were unfounded and I quickly grew to love him, as I did Simone with her bouncy, straight-talking yet thoughtful personality and relentless flirting. And when Van can no longer fight the attraction, they steam up the pages very nicely with their sexy shenanigans whilst also creating some lovely touching moments as they really get to know one another.

I’ve given you more than I’ve ever given another woman, but I’ve given you my all.”

The Fournier family have pretty much saved this series for me and I’m so pleased Simone and Van were given the story they deserved. For any lover of the Cold Fury series, this is a worthy hot, sexy, fun and heartfelt addition, and one I have no doubt you’ll enjoy hugely.

God he’s dirty, and I love it.”

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