To start: I did not realize this was a sequel, and there were parts that I felt like I was really missing something. I wish the netgalley summary would have made that clear.

This is a heavy romance. Second chances, characters with big trauma, etc.

It was good. Well-written. I'll go back and read the first so I can understand it all.

Definitely some tw for traumatic themes.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.

What I really love about Roni Loren's books is that she's not afraid to tackle tough topics. She handles them so well and makes all her characters with all real flaws and issues that they are pushed to overcome without the story becoming preachy and irritating. Wes and Rebecca are such well written characters and their story is fun to read even given the topics at play. I loved their banter and their emotional depth. It made reading them feel more relatable and compelling. I read this book in one sitting because I had to know what happened and how it would all work out!

HER SECRET SHAME: The world knows Rebecca Lindt as a survivor, but that impression would crumble if people discovered her secret…and realized she didn't deserve to be the one who got away. But nothing can change the past, so she's thrown herself into her work. She can't dwell if she never slows down.
HIS UNCERTAIN FUTURE: Wes Garrett is trying to get back on his feet after losing his dream restaurant, his money, and half his damn mind in a vicious divorce. But when he intervenes in a mugging and saves Rebecca—the attorney who helped his ex ruin him—his simple life gets a hell of a lot more complicated.

Roni Loren is a must for me and I really had a grest ing this book.
Although the love story sometimes seemed a little rushed, their backgrounds are full of depth and very intense, you can understand why they both felt their love so natural.
Roni Loren knows her job, she delivers a deeply emotional story but very sexy and even funny sometimes. There’s a secondary story related to a young boy that could have been more developed but overall is a good book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I requested this book based on two things: I have previously read and loved Roni Loren books, AND the main characters are named Rebecca and Garrett - the same as me and my husband. A love story with our names?! Sign me up!!! Garrett ended up being his last name, but it still counts.

Rebecca is a divorce lawyer. She's seen some things, and after representing so many messy breakups, she's pretty sure she never wants one of her own. Wes has had a messy divorce and is left with not much as he tries to rebuild his life without giving up on his dream of owning his own restaurant.

One night as Rebecca is heading home from work, she is attacked, with a gun pointed at her head, and has her purse stolen. Wes appears on the scene just in time to help, and the two are thrown together.

This book gets deep. This isn't a fluffy romance. There's childhood trauma, alcohol addiction, school shootings, gun violence, PTSD, mentions of suicide, and a bit of blood. However, every difficult thing is handled so well. I love these characters. I definitely recommend

Roni Loren is one of my go to authors for emotional romance and this one delivered. It’s the second in her series about a group of people who survive a school shooting and how it affects their adult experiences and relationships.

I liked the relationship between Rebecca and Wes a lot but thought there wasn’t enough backstory for Rebecca to really motivate and understand her actions especially in the third act of this book.

Content flags: Wes is a recovering alcoholic; Rebecca survived a school shooting; there is an on page mugging at gunpoint and a hostage situation described

I voluntarily read a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I wish I would have known this was the second book in the series before requesting it, unfortunately it didn't work for me because I really hate reading out of order. I will go back and read the first one when I have time and maybe that will sway my opinion but for now I will leave it and say this didn't work for me at this time.

I was quite excited to read this as it sounded my type of story. However I didn’t enjoy it as much as expected. The concept was great and how the characters got together worked well and a story with a dog in always melts my heart. Unfortunately the “bedroom scenes” were a bit repetitive and too explicit, it felt like a cheesy Mills & Boon, i just wanted to skip those pages. The characters had very detailed pasts that worked well in the story so some parts were enjoyable. I would try another book by this author as long as it didn’t state that it was a “romantic one” sadly.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy to read in exchange for my open and honest review. As always, my reviews will also be posted on Amazon, Goodreads and Waterstones and interaction on Facebook and instagram where possible.

No leí la versión del 2018 por lo que no tengo idea si hubo cambios en la historia.




Rebecca es abogada de divorcios, una muy buena es su trabajo. Es sobreviviente de un tiroteo escolar.

Wes es chef, en su divorcio perdió todo y se volvió alcohólico.

Un día ella es asaltada y él la rescata. Hay atracción, pero ella no deja que pase nada porque sabe algo que lo hará alejarse de ella.
Posteriormente él se entera que ella fue la abogada de su exesposa e intentará alejarse, pero la vida la pone en su camino.



Pensé que sería desgarrador, pero no fue así.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I adored Rebecca and Wes’ story. Wes was truly the MMC of my dreams! The layer of Rebecca’s past and the secrets around the infamous school shooting added a welcomed layer of intrigue and emotional dimension. I’m thoroughly enjoying this series and can’t wait for the next one.

From the outset, we are introduced to Rebecca—a woman marked by her traumatic past yet striving to carve out a new identity as a survivor. Loren does a splendid job of showcasing Rebecca's internal struggles, her relentless work ethic serving as both a shield and a prison. The tension builds as we discover that beneath Rebecca’s strong exterior lies a deep-seated shame that could unravel her hard-won sense of self if exposed. Loren’s portrayal of Rebecca is both relatable and poignant, making readers root for her journey toward acceptance. In contrast stands Wes Garrett, a man grappling with the fallout of a devastating divorce that has affected not only his finances but his very sense of self. When he heroically saves Rebecca during a mugging, their lives intertwine in the most unexpected way. This chance encounter adds a layer of delicious complexity to their burgeoning attraction. Wes’s perspective is refreshingly grounded; he is a character who embodies the struggle to rebuild following significant loss, and Loren captures his vulnerabilities with nuance. The chemistry between Rebecca and Wes is palpable from the start, transforming their initial attraction into a tumultuous dance of desire and self-preservation. Both characters insist on keeping things casual, wary of the emotional weight that a deeper connection might bring. However, as their relationship develops, the layers of their personalities are revealed in rich detail, leading to genuine moments of intimacy that are tender and believable.
What stands out the most in this story, Loren’s ability to delve into the intricacies of human connection. She navigates the duality of despair and hope, showcasing how two flawed individuals can find solace and strength in one another. The message that sometimes the things we think we least deserve—love, happiness, acceptance—are precisely what we need resonates throughout the story. Overall, this book is a masterful exploration of love's capacity to heal and transform even the deepest wounds. Roni Loren has crafted a narrative that is as heart-wrenching as it is heartwarming, making it a compelling read for anyone who appreciates a romance steeped in emotional depth and realism.

I'm a massive fan of this author's writing so when I had a chance to read one of the books from this previously released series, I jumped at the chance. This is the first book in a series about a group of survivors from a school shooting and I believe it's book 2, but I don't think you need to read them in order.

Rebecca is an ambitious and successful divorce lawyer who is trying to redeem herself after a traumatic past. Her attitude towards romantic relationships is tepid, made worse by her work. But when she meets Wes, a chef who is working towards improving the lives of teens in trouble, she is won over by his empathy and resilience.

Wes has his own trauma to deal with and is recovering from addiction while trying to get his dream life back. Now is not the time to fall in love but when he meets Rebecca he can't help but be drawn to her contradictions. Her strength is like armour, but he senses her vulnerability.

This is an emotional read about two people who help to heal each other and others around them. There's some dark themes but ultimately, it's a really uplifting story.

There was only one small thing that bugged me a bit. The differences between Wes, a hard working, tattooed hottie and Rebecca, an educated, buttoned-up career woman were evident without the constant references to her being a lawyer and therefore better than him on the social strata. Even though her profession was important to the story, it was highlighted too much as a point of difference between them, in my opinion. Personally, that sort of outdated class division irked me a bit. But it was a very small thing and I thoroughly enjoyed the story overall.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Title: The One You Can't Forget 

Author: Roni Loren

Rating: ★★★★

Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions with Roni Loren’s The One You Can't Forget! This romance novel packs a punch with its blend of heart, heat, and healing, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a story that's as touching as it is steamy. Just my type!

Rebecca Lindt is a woman with a secret. To the world, she’s a survivor, a symbol of strength and resilience. But if people knew the truth, the pedestal they’ve placed her on would come crashing down. She’s buried her guilt and thrown herself into her work, convinced that if she keeps moving, she won’t have to face the past.

Enter Wes Garrett, a man trying to rebuild his life from the ashes of a destroyed dream. Once a successful chef, Wes lost everything in a brutal divorce, including his restaurant and sanity. Now, he's just trying to make ends meet. But life has a funny way of complicating things. When he saves Rebecca from a mugging, he finds himself entangled with the very attorney who helped his ex-wife ruin him.

The attraction between Rebecca and Wes is electric and inconvenient. Both are wary of love and the complications it brings. They agree to a no-strings fling, but emotions have a way of sneaking in. As Rebecca's secret threatens to come to light, they realise they could lose everything, including each other.

Roni Loren has crafted a story that beautifully explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the unexpected paths love can take. Rebecca and Wes's journey is filled with moments of vulnerability, passion, and laughter. Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching them navigate their complicated feelings is both heartwarming and exhilarating.

One of the standout aspects of The One You Can't Forget is how it handles the characters’ growth. Rebecca learns to confront her past and find strength in her vulnerability, while Wes discovers that he can rebuild his life and find happiness again. Their interactions are filled with witty banter, tender moments, and sizzling romance that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

This book is perfect for readers who love second chances, complex characters, and a romance that feels both realistic and deeply satisfying. Loren’s writing is engaging, and her characters are so well-developed that they’ll stay with you long after you turn the last page.

The One You Can't Forget is a cute, captivating read that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for Rebecca and Wes as they find their way to each other. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a heartfelt, romantic escape!

Thank you to The Publisher SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books, the author Roni Loren & Netgalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I read this book when it first released and it hurt my heart. Such an emotional tale that is handled well and with such taste and care. Roni Loren brought a romance out of the darkness and I applaud her.

This was the first book I read in this series and I really enjoyed it. Wes and Becca were made for each other. I loved how their friendship developed through happenstance. I felt all the trauma that Becca went through and Roni wrote it with such care. It was devastating learning all the guilt Becca carried over this senseless act. I felt for Wes as well, to be taken advantage of and losing all that he lost. But the brilliance of this book was how they persevered and rose up from the ashes. The last few chapters had me in tears and I was so grateful that Wes, Becca, and Steven got their happily ever afters. Now, I need to go back and read the rest of the series because I am fully invested to see the one's who got away get their HEA's!

Arc provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4⭐️, 2.25🌶️

This was such a fun read! Not AS heavy as book one, but Rebecca’s secret that was teased in book one is FINALLY revealed! Her relationship with Wes was so interesting, and I loved their “meet cute” is home girl getting mugged 😂

🩵 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
💚Slow Burn
💛Lawyer FMC x Chef MMC
💚MH Representation
🩵Character Series

Rebecca Lindt is a school shooting survivor and it paints her whole existence. She falls for a man trying to put his life back together. The romantic piece was fabulous! As someone who does not pick up Rom books, I really liked it. I think some of the portion with the student was misplaced and hard to believe. The story could have been strong without the survival thread to be honest. Decent story, great characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Extremely well written and sensitive to what could be upsetting subject matter, The One You Can’t Forget was heartbreaking and hopeful all in one. Rebecca has gone through an intense tragedy when she was younger and lives a controlled life just counting days going by, burdened by guilt. When she is mugged she meets Wes, who has his own share of trauma. Together they grow and learn to love each other.

The tragedy that still haunts Rebecca is in the background of everything but how this book handled it and a teen going through a rough time was so well done. Pick this one up if you don’t mind shedding a few tears.

Two very different people; two very different pasts filled with tragedies.
One unforgettable story of love, finding the right person for you and healing from the hurts of yesteryear.
I simply adore the entire Long Acre survivors series, this one most of all. Rebecca's secret about the night of the tragedy has guided her life for 15 years. Wes's mistakes in his life have pushed him to make decisions not good for him/. When chance brings these two together, not only do sparks fly but a chance at healing occurs as well.
Thanks, Netgalley and Montlake, for a sneak peek at the book. 5 well deserved stars from me.

This one was better than the first. I loved Wes and Bec! Hearing the backstory of Rebecca made me feel so much more for her. Two people that are seemingly so different and yet needed each other so much. Bec's growth journey was so beautiful and I could feel her anxiety as my own. Wes was broken down but not out of the game. I love books with chefs in them too, I am drawn to them.
Their romance and chemistry felt so organic., I loved their story!

CW: school shooting (not on page, but talked about and sequences of flashbacks), PTSD, additional mental health struggles, recovering alcoholic

This is the second in "The Ones Who Got Away" series which features the lives of the Long Acre survivors. The characters were involved in a mass shooting while they were in high school, but are all now adults and navigating life as "survivors". Much like the first book, Roni Loren did an excellent job of depicting the lasting impact of trauma - while also highlighting the importance of seeking help and finding support. Although the MC, Rebecca, was a teenager when the shooting occurred (and she was shot in the leg), Loren shows the way Rebecca's life has continued to be impacted. Despite being a "survivor," as a now 30-something professional, she's still dealing with that day's aftermath.

Wes is a recovering alcoholic who went through some tough times of his own - and obviously has the proper coping skills to prove it - well done, Wes! I loved the mental health rep throughout the book and the subtle nods at strategies and coping skills for dealing with trauma.

I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this one was my favorite so far. I felt the character development was so much more well-rounded and the focus was more on their lives NOW than on their lives BEFORE - which I appreciated. I love Wes and Rebecca together. My only complaint was the way things wrapped up with her father - it felt a little too rushed and forced. There seemed to be a long history of a tumultuous relationship between them and he said some pretty harsh things to her (and Wes) that it was surprising how quickly things were resolved. Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.