The One You Fight For (Ones Who Got Away, #3)

by Roni Loren

[Sam@WLABB]

When I read the synopsis for this book, I gasped. I knew I was getting myself into something emotional, and Loren gave me that, but she also gave me a story, which explored the effects of violence on the families of victims, as well as the families of the perpetrators.

All of the books in this series stem from a horrific event, but I keep reading them, because Loren takes the pain and channels it into something wonderful and uplifting. Each book is a love story, but they are also stories of healing and coming to terms with that residual pain.

Who?

Taryn - a forensic psychologists, who lost her sister at Long Acre, and had dedicated her life to developing a program to prevent school shootings.

Shaw - the brother of one of the Long Acre shooters, who had been living under the radar since he lost his hopes, his dreams, and his future.
What?

A chance meeting after an open mic brought Taryn and Shaw together. Neither were aware of their connection, and by the time Shaw realized the link, they had already formed a connection. The big question was: would Taryn punish Shaw for the crimes of his brother?

Why?

My heart went out to Taryn. She lost her sister, and felt so much pressure to fill the void left in her family, but by doing that, she was missing out on living her own life. I loved the little nudges Kincaid gave her and the way Shaw helped her see that she deserved to live a little. I applauded everything she did for herself, and was glad to see her going after her own happy.

Yes, my heart went out to Taryn, but my heart ached and broke for Shaw. I think the way he was treated by the public at large was realistic, but that didn't make it right. He did not commit the crime, but he was left paying for it. He had to abandon his Olympic dreams and college education. He had to accept his solitary life, because he was branded a social pariah. Not only was society hard on him, he was hard on himself. His feelings of guilt and loneliness were palpable. I know I was hoping he would forgive himself, and I kept my fingers crossed that he and Taryn would work out, because they were really fantastic together.

They were able to speak straight from their hearts, and say things to each other, that they did not feel they could share with others. They gave each other the affection they needed so much, but also encouraged each other to reach for more than they thought they deserved. And, over and over again in this story, Loren showed us the power of love, friendship, and forgiveness.

There were many heartfelt and meaningful scenes between Taryn and Shaw, but there were many others, which incorporated the other Long Acre survivors. The heart of this series is the friendship shared between the four women, and Loren utilizes it so well. I pretty much adore all four survivors, though I will admit, Kindcaid has a special place in my heart, and I am chomping at the bit to get her book. Every scene the survivors shared together evoked some sort of emotion from me, and I looked forward to seeing them on page together.

These characters and their stories have captured my heart, and I look forward to more. Another fantastic addition to a stellar series.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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