REVIEW: The Ones Who Got Away

The Ones Who Got Away

By Roni Loren
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The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren

Twelve years after surviving the shooting massacre at her prom, Liv Aria gathers with  three other survivors from that night, to open up a time capsul they buried.  Inside this jar, each girl made promises to honor the class of 2005.  Once they open it, they each realize that they have not followed through with their vows.

Olivia promised to try and make a living as a photographer, live a passionate life and to live the life that scares her.  Unfortunately, Livvy is still dealing with fear and PTSD.  She tries to avoid anything and everything from THAT time - until she reunites with Finn.  Although he is no longer the boy she remembers, he still sets her body aflame.  She feels alive after twelve years of nothingness and fear.

Finn Dorsey was deemed a hero twelve years ago for saving his date's life.  What the media doesn't know however, is that he did it at the expense of leaving Olivia alone and at the mercy of one of the gunmen.

Finn is now on hiatus after going undercover as a strip club owner for the FBI.  In that short amount of time, he has seen and done things that he believes have fundamentally changed him.  Now, as per his commander, he is on leave until he can prove himself stable.  He wants to get back to the job so he can take down the organization who sold the shooters their guns years ago.  But Finn is unsure who he is anymore and dreads reuniting even with his family.  He does not believe he will fit in.

When he meets Livvy again, he is filled with guilt and lust.  He has never forgotten how he let her down or the passion they shared.  With lust ramping up, they come to an agreement.  Livvy will go with him to his parents house as a buffer afterward, she will stay on weekends in the guesthouse where he is staying and restart her photography .  Finn on the other hand, will help her fulfill her pledge.  But that is not the only understanding they come to.  For the summer, while they are together they will become lovers knowing that at the end, Finn WILL leave.  Olivia agrees even though she knows heartbreak may be on the horizon.

When duty calls, will Finn choose to stay with the woman he loves or will he desert her once again in her time of need?

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I cannot believe I almost bypassed this book.  What was I thinking?  This book definitely should not be missed.  It is about facing your fears, chasing your dreams and falling in love along the way.  The book is heartbreaking and uplifting as well as sorrowful and delightful.

The subject of which it speaks is serious and overwhelming.  What would you do if you survived such an attack?  How would you cope with so much loss? I believe this book does an excellent portrayal in answering those questions

Although I have never been through such a tragedy, this book and the characters feelings feel "real" to me.  As if the author may have gone through such an awful event herself.  It is wonderfully written and paced.

I adored Livvy.  She had many fears but slowly and surely with Finn's help, faced them all.  You cannot get a stronger heroine.  She gave it all up and kept on going!

Finn was Olivia's perfect match.  Although not physically scared of anything, our hero is afraid that he has forgotten how to acclimate back into society and be the charming, loveable boy he once was. With Livvy playing, joking, teasing and loving him, Finn's concern is put to rest.

The supporting cast and characters, in my opinion, also played a vital role.  I have a feeling but am not quite sure yet that there will be a book for each of the friends and I CANNOT wait to find out what happens with each and everyone of them.  Well, what are you waiting for, go get yourself a copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Casablanca for the opportunity to review this one of a kind book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Harmless Little Game Book Blitz & Giveaway

Welcome to my first ever post for a book blitz and giveaway!  I'm so very excited to share this with everyone! Please check the like button if you liked this book blitz and leave a comment.  Let me know, does this book interest you and why.

A Harmless Little Game 
Author: Meli Raine 
(Harmless, #1)
Publication Date: October 18, 2016
Genre:  Adult, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis:

Four years ago I lost my virginity on live, streaming television.

Too bad I wasn’t awake for it.

The video went viral. Of course it would. A Senator’s daughter on camera? Wouldn’t you click “share”? Besides, that’s what three of the four guys in the video did.

Share.

They shared me.

But that fourth guy? The nondescript one in the background in the upper left corner of the screen, just sitting on the couch? The only one who did nothing?

Not one single thing.

That was my boyfriend, Drew.

And that was the last time I saw him.

Until today, when my father—now on a path to the White House—hired him as head of security for

my new team as I return home after four years of “recovering” in an undisclosed location that
involved white lab coats, needles, pills and damage control.

You see, the other three guys never went to jail. Never had charges pressed.

Never faced consequences.

Until today.

Game on.

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Excerpt

 

Short, clipped chestnut hair. Brown eyes the color of well-worn leather, eyes that blaze with intelligence and a guardedness no one could ever breach. He’s bigger than the last time I saw him, four years ago. Broader. More muscular. He’s a controlled, contained man who has a James Bond air to him.

And he’s looking at me right now with eyes so cold they might as well be icebergs.

“Lindsay, let me introduce you to Andrew,” Stacia starts.

Drew. Oh, God, it’s true.

“Andrew Foster will be your new security specialist. He and his team will keep you safe.”

I snort.

He stares.

Stacia’s eyes leap from Drew to me and back. “Is there a problem?” she asks, brows turning down. That’s more emotion than I’ve seen in her for four years. Her gaze darts between me and Drew, assessing the situation. No matter what, I lose if she decides something’s going sour here.

Even if Drew is the one gone bad.

“No.” Drew and I say the word at the exact same moment, in the same tone of voice. It sounds like a sharp clap, a single sound that shatters noise.

“You two know each other?” Stacia asks, her fingers caressing the paper. Without that discharge form, I can’t leave. If Drew ruins this for me, it will be the second time in my life he’s fucked up.

The first time was four years ago when he let three of our friends rape me.

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A Harmless Little Game is the first in this political thriller/romantic suspense trilogy by USA Today
bestselling author Meli Raine. This series includes:

A Harmless Little Ruse (release date November 18, 2016)
A Harmless Little Plan (release date December 13, 2016)

Buy links:

 Amazon US    /  Amazon UK   /  Nook/BN 

Kobo iBooks   /  Goodreads

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Author Bio

Meli Raine writes romantic suspense with hot bikers, intense undercover DEA agents, bad boys turned good, and Special Ops heroes — and the women who love them.

Meli rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.

Social Media Links:

Website:  /  Newsletter:  /  Facebook: /  Twitter:

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BLITZ WIDE GIVEAWAY (INTL) !!  For those of you who are interested, there is a $25 Amazon Gift Card to be Won!  Please see below for details and remember to follow me for future book blitzes, cover reveals, reviews and GIVEAWAYS!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Heiress's Deception

The Heiress's Deception by Christi Caldwell

My Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75) The Heiress's Deception
Calum Dabney has a dark past.  As a pickpocket on the streets, he'd been shot, stabbed and beaten all before his fifteenth birthday. During this time, he met young and rich Lena Duchess, a 9 year old girl of the peerage.  Although he disdained and mistrusted her ilk, they became fast friends.  That friendship blossomed and Calum came to trust Lena.  That is until the day she betrayed him and he was sent to Newgate to be hanged for stealing from the Marquess of Downton, Lena's brother.

Seventeen years later, Lady Evelina Pruitt is filled with remorse and guilt.  She is unable forgive herself for the part she played in the demise of her only friend Calum.  She volunteers her time and efforts at the Salvation Foundling home to try to make amends for her past transgression.  She makes sure the homeless orphans have somewhere to live, someone to care for them and food in their bellies.

But there are other pressing worries.  Her brother, Gerald, now the Duke, is desperate for money.  He intends to take the dowry set aside for Lena by their father.  On Lena's 26th birthday, however,  the money will be released into her care and her brother intends to obtain it at any cost.  She has already thwarted one attempt at a rape her brother planned with Lord Flynn so that she would be forced into marriage.  In hopes of avoiding and hiding from her brother until her majority, she takes a post as a bookkeeper at the Hell and Sin Club.  Little does she know, that her past is about to be resurrected-literally.

Calum is now co-owner of the Hell and Sin club.  Although Calum does not recognize her after so many years, she know it's him.  She is elated and happy to know he is alive and well.  Calum however, is more distrustful than ever and although he agrees to hire her, he knows she is keeping secrets.  As time flies by, Calum starts letting down his guard again.

 How will he react when he must choose between his family and prosperous club and the lady who both lied and betrayed him and whom he has come to love?

Christi Caldwell is one of my favorite historical romance authors.  Her books are practically a must read. This book is no different.  Although, I must say I was disappointed that there was no follow through on what happened with Gerald,  Lena's brother.  What happened with him after Calum decides to marry her?  Nothing is really said.

The struggles and guilt the characters carry feels real and palpable.  I love that Calum did not want revenge against Eve.  It seems a lot of books will go this route and it was refreshing to read something new.  The writing was beautiful as you can see from my favorite quote in the book:

“Do not presume to tell me what I ever dreamed of, Eve, for if you indeed knew that, you’d know that you were the only dream I’ve ever had.”

I definetly would recommend this book. It has all the feels and the writing is superb.  Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for this ARC.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

NEW!

Hey Everyone!

I just wanted to share that I will now be 

doing and posting Book Blitzes,

 Cover Reveals and Book Tours as well as 

reviews!!

Stay Tuned.

REVIEW: The Duke of Ice

Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25): The Duke of Ice

Mr. Nicholas Bateman once had everything he ever wanted... Until he didn't.  It all started 9 years ago when the love of his life, Violet Caulfield, left him to marry a viscount.  Since then, an unfortunate set of tragedies occurred and one by one, he lost his uncle, brother, wife and child.

He is now known as the Duke of Ice and has only one friend remaining, Simon, the Duke of Romsey.

Nicholas is happy living a solitary life where he conducts estate business, rides his horse and fishes... That is until Simon coerces him to attend a house party where he comes face to face with Violet.  She stirs a whirlwind of emotion and feeling within him - none of it wanted.

Viscountess Violet Caulfield met Nicholas when she was 19 years old.  They had a clandestine love affair and Nicholas told her he wished to marry her.  Their chance at love was stolen however when her parents found out.  They don't believe a "mister" would ever be good enough and decide to marry her to a viscount of their choosing instead.  She has been heartbroken ever since.

When she meets Nicholas again, she is shocked to find out he is no longer the affable, charming boy she knew but rather a cold, unfeeling Duke!

Will the passion that simmers between the two of them thaw the Duke of Ice?  Or, will he freeze Violet out forever?

Wow.  This is a story I wish did not end.  It took precedence over almost everything. It is a story of loss, grief and how difficult, but not impossible, it can be to let go of the past and move forward.   I loved all the characters and the setting.  The story telling pulled me in and never let me go.  I felt the characters joy and sadness and I wanted the best for them.

The book is heart rendering . Seeing Nicholas turn away from love like it's the plague even though he wants it and needs it so desperately is heartbreaking..  However, towards then end, I wanted to strangle him!  My god he made me mad!..  But I digress, he is still very much loveable.  This is a book you do not want to miss.

 Having read this book, I now cannot wait for Simon's book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Darcy Burke publishing for the ARC.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Weekly review

So another week goes by.  Wow.  Time goes by so fast.  While getting ready for this Christmas holiday by shopping, working and reading, it's been a busy week.  With that being said, I have posted 2 reviews for books that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Rocco by Sarah Castille. This title is available Jan 2, 2018.  This book would definetly ring in the new year with a BANG!

Through a Dark Glass by  Barb Hendee is available as of January 9, 2018.  I definetly believe that this is a book that should be added to anyone's TBR list.  It is full of intrigue, suspicion and will  keep your attention until the very end!

Have a great week!

Review: Through a Dark Glass

Through a Dark Glass by Barb Hendee

My Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Through a Dark Glass

Through a Dark Glass is a tale about a 17 year old girl that must choose to wed 1 out of 3 brothers she has never met or spoken with.

The Volodane brothers are from the nobility but are ridiculed and scorned because of their low place in the social hierarchy.   Their father hopes to change their station by buying a bride whose family has a powerful bloodline and political connections.  That bride is Megan.  Her father has agreed to marry her off to one of the brutish brothers in exchange for money which he so desperately needs to pay off loans and to keep up appearances.

At the welcoming supper, Megan flees to a storage room to be alone.  Here, she questions how she will ever make such an impossible choice.  She is desperate and anxiety-ridden. As she begins to cry, an enchanted mirror appears.  Inside this mirror, there is a woman who lets her know she is there to help.  She will let Megan live out each of the choices available to her, one for each brother, to help her decide.  One by one, the life she would have with each brother plays out.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who will Megan choose of them all?

The premise of this book, in my opinion, is ingenious.  For 1 heroine to live out 3 different lives and at the end, having to choose but not remember why she made the choice... I love it.  This book is riveting.  It kept me up late to find out what happened next.

The one thing about this book that readers may not like is the repitition.  However, I believe it is necessary.  For Megan to choose wisely, she would need to live through the same experiences with all the brothers.  Then based on how they react or don't react, she now has her own decisions to make.

When I was first introduced to the Volodane men in the book, I did not like them.  Their father, Jarrod, is brutish and demanding.  The eldest Rolf seems grasping and hard.  The middle brother, Sebastian, seems to be vain but friendly.  The youngest, Kai, seems angry, petulant and brooding.
Throughout the 3 scenarios Megan lives through, my opinion on each of them changes vastly.  My assumptions are put aside to realize the fact that one decision can affect others in a positive or
negative way.

There is love, alliances, death, murder, intrigue, happiness, sadness, conflict and everything in between.  Every life she leads in engrossing, you end up loving and sometimes disliking the same characters.  I didn't want the story to end. This one should definetly grace your TBR list.

 I can't wait to read the next instalment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Rebel Based books for the ARC.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: Rocco

Rocco by Sarah Castille

My Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25) Rocco
Rocco is the most feared Enforcer of the mob.  He is both saught after for "jobs" and reviled for being a De Lucci.  The De Lucci family is known to be the most cold-hearted and unfeeling of people.  They are thought of as a necessary evil to deal with when needed.

Grace is a naive, strong-willed and witty mafia princess.  When she was just 10 years old, she met her soulmate in 20 year old Rocco.  When Grace turns sixteen, they become lovers. They remain this way until Grace's idyllic life is shattered.  She gets a first hand account of who Rocco is and what he does.  Because she is unable to correlate the lover she knows with the brutal killer he is, she flees leaving Rocco with the darkness he had been fighting for years.


Six years later, they meet again.  Rocco is in the darkest place he's ever been and Grace is no longer the naive, submissive girl she used to be.  Will Grace's love release him from his darkness or will it pull them both under?

This book is gritty, intense and violent.   I loved every second of it!  Next!  More!!  It makes me feel a whole gamut of feelings; dread, loss, sympathy, compassion and love..  The story is well written and
paced.

Rocco is tortured with guilt and remorse but he is unable to feel it or express it due to his brutal upbringing.  He believes there is no redemption for him because of his past and current transgressions.  Rocco is a man hanging on to his humanity by a thread.  That thread is Grace.  She is the light at the end of his very dark tunnel.  He is protective and sweet, as much as an Enforcer for the mob can be,with her. I love the way Grace blossoms into everything her name implies to heal Rocco.  I also liked the fact that Grace learns that life and people cannot be judged in black and white terms but rather in shades of grey.

Would I recommend this book?  With a tormented, over-protective alpha in need of absolution, a woman that stands strong beside him and for him, and the mob run amok, it should go without
saying. 😀
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC.  All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Weekly review posted Dec 6

Hey Everyone!  So it's been just over a week that I started Suesromancereviews.  Wow!  I didn't realize how much goes into this.

I apologize that my posting has been sporadic but with working 12-hour shifts, there are some days I'm just unable to post.  That does not mean that this will not get better.  In fact, as I learn this new system, and pre-plan what I intend to post and on what, everything should run a lot more smoothly.

I have a few books to review that I will share with you as the New Year approaches.  Thanks for your understanding and patience..

To wrap up the last week or so,  I have read and reviewed the following books:

1. Ryan (Jagged Edge Series #8)  by A.L Long ⭐️⭐️⭐️.  Available NOW.
2. The Billionaire's Forever Family by Cate Cameron ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Available NOW.
3. The Formidable King by Alyssa J Montgomery ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.  Available as of Dec 12, 2017
4. A Duke In Shining Armor by Loretta Chase ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(3.75).  Available NOW

PNR recommendations

Like a PNR Book Series?  Maybe overlooked a few for another book on you list?  Here are a few recommendations to keep you warm throughout the winter:

1. Midnight Breeds by Lara Adrian
2. Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter
3. Demonica by Larissa Ione

Any others you would add to this list?

Review: A Duke in Shining Armor

My Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75): A Duke in Shining Armor
Lady Olympia Hightower is a practical, sensible, bookish wallflower.  So, when the Duke of Ashmont asks her to marry him, she agrees.  She promises herself that she has let go of her childhood dreams of romantic love and Knights-in-shining-armor.

But what happens when she realizes that Ripley is everything she ever dreamed of?  Will she stay true and staid and marry Ashmont or will she break free and make her dreams come true?

Hugh Ancaster, Duke of Ripley, is an irresponsible, but honorable Dis-Grace.  He is also spoiled and believes money mends everything.

When he realizes that Olympia is perfect for him, will he take her as his own?  If so, will Ripley be able to mend fences with his friend from childhood when he has stolen his bride?

Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely but found it was rather lacking in the time leading up to the climax.  I found it rather slow and what kept me interested during this lead up was the witty repartee between the two main characters.  However, both the beginning and the rest of the book were exactly what I was expecting from this author.  The book kept me riveted wondering how the three main characters were going to solve their dilemmas. The witty banter, sarcasm and hijinks between the characters were a highlight for me as they made me laugh.  I loved all the characters in this book and am looking forward to reading all of their stories.  Well done!

Recommendations Dark or angsty romance

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE DARK/ANGSTY ROMANCE... Here are my TOP 5 recommendations:

1. King by T.M Frazier
2. Indebted series by Pepper Winters
3. Consequences by Alethea Romig
4. Vicious by LJ Shen
5. Dollar series by Pepper Winters

Be forewarned that these novels could have triggers for some.

Review: The Formidable King

My Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Formidable King

India Hamilton is a 27 year old managing director of the Princess Eden Charitable Foundation.  She is sharp, confident and spirited.  For all that she is self-assured, she has an aversion to intimacy stemming from childhood.

Six years ago, at a masquerade ball, she shared a romantic interlude with a masked man who made her challenge her innermost thoughts and desires.  However, fate intervened and she fled the ball without a trace.

King Gabriel de la Croix rules the kingdom of Santaliana.  He is known to be rigidly straight, serious as well as a responsible ruler.  When he meets the director of his late sister's charity, he realizes immediately that this is the woman that left him at the ball years ago.  He cannot let go of or forgive the humiliation of being deserted in front of his two closest friends.  Nor will his body allow him to forget the passionate kisses they shared.  With this, he sets out to prove she is not suitable as the head of the foundation by proving she is a gold-digging, party-loving playgirl.

What happens when Gabe realizes that India is everything he ever wanted?  How will India react when confronted with his desire for her?

This book is surprisingly much more than you think it is.  Upon reading this book, I had assumptions about where the plot would go and OMG!  I was SO wrong!  Although I found the ending rushed as if to put a pretty bow on everything, I do not believe it detracts from the story.

The attraction and chemistry of these characters  pulled me in and most of the misunderstandings were cleared up quickly..  I couldn't put it down!  There is so much to say but, I believe this book is better enjoyed without divulging too much information about it.

I heartily approve.

Thank you to NetGalley and Escape Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.  If you would like further information on this title see www.escapepublishing.com.au

UPCOMING REVIEWS

Within the next couple of days, I will be posting my review of:

From what I see it is available as of December 12, 2017.  For more information see escapepublishing.com.au.

Recommendations PNR, historical, contemporary

Here are my recommendations for the upcoming month of December.  Let me know what you think. Have you already read any of these books? If you haven't read them but you are interested, let me know as well.  Happy Reading!

Review: Ryan (Jagged Edge Series #8)

My Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ryan (Jagged Edge Series #8)
Ryan Hyatt and Charlie Winters are separated as teenage lovers when he joined the military and decided to push her away.  Several years later, Charlie gets the opportunity to move on from her dead-end job, in Cedar grove to work as a bookkeeper for her brother in New York. Things are looking up until her brother runs afoul of criminals when he witnesses a murder.  Now she must trust the man who broke her heart with her brother's life.

This is a new to me author and enjoyed reading this book but in my opinion, the characters felt a bit one dimensional. I did not get a "feel" on who the character's were and what motivated them to do what they did.  I also felt like I was being told a story versus it actually happening.  This is probably due to the book being written in past tense as well as the story unfolding in the past as well.  This aside, the book was interesting and easy to read.   I just wanted to know so much more background on the main characters..

The fact that I am not a fan of books written in this way tcould have tempered my review.  With this, I will definetly take a second look at this author's overall writing style before making any further judgements or recommendations.

Thank you to bookbuzz.net and netgalley.com for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.

Review: The Billionaire's Forever Family

My Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Billionaire's Forever Family

William Connelly is rich, confident and powerful.  He also just found out he is a father to 13 year old Emily.  With money, power, confidence and his daughter by his side, he should want for nothing else except he does-he wants Cassidy, Emily's aunt, as well.

What happens when money and power can't get William the woman he wants?

Cassidy is proud, independent as well as a protective mother to her niece.  She also once had dreams that life had taken away from her.  Hoping to enrich Emily's life, she reaches out to find Emily's biological father.  Little does she know that he WILL enrich his daughter's life AND inspire Cassidy herself to dream again.

Will Cassidy reach for her dreams or will she let the disparity in their lifestyle stop her from trying?

I adore this book!  However, it frustrated me a little when Cassidy was hot one moment and the next so cold.

With that being said, this book also made me smile and shed tears.  In my opinion, the characters were real and relatable.  The dynamic between Emily, Cassidy and William was well developed and written.  I also loved the slow burn relationship between Cassidy and William. It made their relationship plausible.

Excerpts

"You can be confused about chinchillas, and I'll be confused about why you pay some guy a thousand dollars an hour to talk to me about chinchillas.  Deal?"

"For a moment he was sure she was about to turn away, but she stayed still, and he turned his hand to let his fingertips trail down to the soft skin under her jaw, then to her neck. Another frozen moment, and then her head tilted back, just a little. His question had been subtle, and so had her answer. Maybe her mind wasn’t even aware of it, but her body was, and he lowered his head until their lips joined at the perfect angle"

I thank Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for this ARC that I read willingly, in return for an honest review.

Welcome to Sue's Romance Reviews.  As you can see I am just setting up.  I should have everything complete within a few days.  I will post reviews as well as book recommendations in contemporary, historical and paranormal romance.