The One You Fight For

Starred review from October 22, 2018
Loren’s gripping third look into the lives of survivors of a mass shooting (after The One You Can’t Forget) will leave readers breathless. It’s been 14 years since Taryn Landry, now a psychologist in Austin, Tex., survived a horrific incident at her high school prom that took the life of her sister. The night’s events also scarred athlete Shaw Miller, who gave up his Olympic dreams and now owns a gym. But where Taryn receives outpourings of sympathy, Shaw, the brother of one of the shooters, gets scorn. He changes his name and resigns himself to a solitary life as Lucas Shaw—until he meets Taryn again. Their mutual attraction is instant and undeniable, but the prospect of any kind of lasting relationship looks bleak. Her parents and others feel she’s betrayed them, and media types only see clickbait. All Taryn and Shaw know is they love each other, but they fear love may not be enough. This outstanding paean to seeing the humanity in others is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Agent: Sara Megibow, KT Literary.

Starred review from January 1, 2019
A school shooting survivor, Dr. Taryn Landry has devoted her life to preventing teen violence, but just as she's launching a promising new program, unexpected obstacles arise, and a sexy trainer she's working with harbors secrets that might derail everything she's worked for.After a disastrous first date, Taryn finds herself at open mic night at a bar. She sings her heart out and finds herself revisiting teenage dreams only to have an anxiety attack at the end, landing in the arms of Lucas, a sexy stranger who helps her out then disappears. Both disappointed and relieved, she reminds herself that she doesn't have time to hang out in bars or meet sexy but mysterious men for coffee, because she has to focus on her research and the program she's presenting to the local school board, designed to target potentially harmful teens and get them the support they need before they turn violent. However, her resolve falters when her best friend guilt trips her into starting an exercise plan and she discovers her trainer is none other than the sexy good Samaritan. The two share an explosive attraction, though he rebuffs her advances until he finally admits that he's actually Shaw Miller, the brother of one of the shooters who attacked her school. Entering into a secretive affair, they both realize it can't last, but that doesn't keep them from growing more intense even as Taryn's career is threatened. Loren continues her breathtaking The Ones Who Got Away series with another Long Acre shooting survivor who finds love with a problematic partner and who must rediscover who she is as she fights for her happiness. Taryn risks her livelihood and the good will of her family when she falls for Shaw, but in exploring their relationship, Loren deftly and elegantly explores guilt and forgiveness as Taryn learns to truly open her heart to Shaw and his love.Extraordinary.

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Starred review from November 15, 2018
Taryn Landry, a psychology professor, survived a high-school shooting, but her sister was a victim. Since that terrible night, Taryn has dedicated her life to the prevention of violent attacks. She definitely doesn't have time for fun or dating, despite her friends' prodding. Shaw Miller was once an Olympic hopeful, but since his brother became responsible for a mass school shooting, Shaw has tried to hide from society and the press. When his friend asks Shaw to partner with him in opening up Gym Xtreme, Shaw can't pass up the opportunity. When he meets Taryn, neither knows who the other is. Despite their intentions not to date anyone as they focus on their careers, they fall hard and fast for each other. But as the truth about their pasts comes to light, will love be enough? Loren (The One You Can't Forget, 2018) delivers another stunning and moving addition to her series about survivors of a school shooting. She realistically and vividly depicts guilt and loneliness while also showcasing the power and importance of love and friendship. Moments of heartfelt humor and face-flushing love scenes counter the sadness. Truly exceptional.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)