Review of The One for You (The Ones Who Got Away #4) by Roni Loren
The One for You is the fourth book in the series The Ones Who Got Away.
Kincaid Breslin wasn't supposed to survive the school shooting that took so many of her friends, including her boyfriend. Since she got that second chance, she takes life by the horns and doesn't let anyone drag her down.
Ashton Isaacs was beside Kincaid that night her boyfriend died, and he's been carrying secrets ever since. He ran as far as possible from Long Acre afterward, but fate brings him home again. As Ash and Kincaid rekindle their obliterated friendship, Ash fears his secrets may destroy his chances with the only woman he's ever loved.
This was probably the most tender and sweet story of all four books. It was a wonderful note to end the series on.
While the first book also built on a romantic relationship from high school, this one was an unrequited love. Kincaid never knew her best friend was in love with her, and she was too hung up on her boyfriend to see what was happening in front of her. In the flashbacks, I truly felt bad for Ash as he watched Kincaid fall deeper in love with someone else. His actions on prom night seemed both extreme and justified once he finally revealed them. Kincaid's mental defense against her trauma was to block large chunks of it out, but Ash remembers it in detail.
The way Kincaid hung onto Graham, her boyfriend that was killed in the shooting, was heartbreaking, both that he died that way and that she never quite let him go. Ash coming home to see how much she still held onto his memory was painful, especially as the story opened up how much he truly loved her. This strange love triangle that had persisted beyond death gripped me, and I wanted to shake Kincaid into seeing what was in front of her.
There were many funny moments, like Kincaid's propensity to use objects to hit people who startle her, and her reintroduction to Ash was filled with hysterical humor. The second time she clocked him was also funny, especially her chosen weapon. The book was filled with many other humorous moments along with sappy ones.
Kincaid's friends are a strong presence as the four women have been for each other in each book. I loved reading about such resilient women who are loyal to each other and provide unwavering support.
Character development was strong, as it has been for the entire series, and the other aspects of the writing built up a solid foundation. The dialog was smooth and realistic while also deftly switching between comedic and serious scenes. Descriptions were excellent for settings, people, and action. The sex was well written and delightfully steamy.
I believe this book was the strongest of the series, and it's also my favorite. It has a very solid scene of the series coming full-circle and gave both this book and the series as a whole a satisfying ending.
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