To feel loss is devastating, To overcome loss is a struggle, To live through the pain, A miracle.
What happens when the one person who is everything to you, who gets you, and loves you for the person you are leaves you?
Jase Briggs led a fairly normal life. Loving parents, a younger sister and a neighborhood filled with friends. However, it was his best friend, Alena that filled most of his days. She had long blonde hair he liked to pull on and beautiful green eyes that he could stare into for hours. He always kept his feelings on the back burner for fear they could ruin their friendship. His life was great growing up until tragedy struck his senior year of high school. College separated him and his friends and filled each of them with dreams of great things to come. Most lost contact with each other because of their busy lives until the first high school reunion brought them back together. He can’t wait to see his friends again but she will be there.
Alena Spencer remembers the days when she was young and things were simple and carefree. There are many times she wishes she could go back in time. Her best friend, Jase, was always there for her. His sexy smile, and his finely tuned body from working out and running track caused her feelings to develop further, but she never told him, in fear of losing him. Feeling lost after high school and college, she set out to start a new life, even though it meant leaving Jase behind and trying to forget her feelings for her best friend. She’s excited, yet dreading the reunion because he will be there.
Will Jase ever find his happiness again or did it die the moment she left?
This story contains adult content and is recommended for readers 18+
Best selling Author of Romance, Romance Suspense, and Romantic Comedy, Vicki Green lives in Kansas with her husband and two boys as well as their three dogs that rule their house. She loves spending time with her family and furbabies.
I wish that I could give more than 5 stars on this review!!!!
Have you ever loved someone that you thought that you lost or was it ever there?
This is a story of loss, love and tragedy.... Jase and Alena have been friends their entire life until things happen..life happens... that can tear your life apart. You know when you find the one. The one your meant to spend your entire life with.. That's the love of Jase and Alena!
This story is heart warming story of love and loss. I can't explain how much I love this story so much that I did not want to put this book down to even go to bed. Yes I had to force myself to do so. This book is that GREAT!!!
Vicki I love you chick and I can not wait for Tanner's story!!!
*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ~ Sanne - Scandalous Book Blog***
Wow wow wow what a thrilling ride this book has been! I think my heart stopped several times particularly around chapter 14.
That cover alone is ridiculously hot and after you read the book you just know that Shawn IS the perfect Jase.
The title: who knew that a simple word like this contained so many meanings. It'll be a very emotional ride but it'll be well worth it.
I had goosebumps and chills more than once. Jase and Alena are a couple that where destined to be with one another from the get go... But just like with everything else life got in the way.
Jase experienced loss full on and it is taking him a lot to recover from it, will Alena be the one to do it?
Alena left town and aftera while started her business.. After everything that happened with Jase it is Bill who is there to picking up the pieces of her broken heart. You didn't think it would be so easy did you? Whatever that is going on behind closed doors ain't pretty!
Will the upcoming schoolreunion bring Jase and Alena back toghether? Or will it all end up in more loss?
**Note: The book is written in both Jase's and Alena's pov **Note: This book containg some heavy situations (Abuse, death,...) so beware of that.
Be ready and comfy when you start reading this book because you'll want to finish it!
What happens when you lose your best friend and realize you should have expressed your true feelings for them? You decided to take the cowardly way out.
Well this is true for both Jase and Alena. They were best friends from when they were young but tragedy struck and changed their lives forever. They never had the courage to tell the other that they felt more than just friendship. Then they both went off to college. During college the two kept in contact in the beginning and then Alena just cut off contact.
Alena started a new life away from her old friends and family but returns to the town she grew up in to attend her High School reunion.
The two of them will inevitably run into each other but where has their lives taken them and what will happen when the bump into each other.
I recommend that you read The Loss. It captured my attention from the beginning and found it difficult to put the book down. The development of the characters was done well and the way they interact with each other. Find out if these two best friends can get back their tight knit friendship and if they come clean with each other about their feelings. Or are their others they are involved with that will keep them apart. Great read and I can't wait for the next book to be released!
***ARC gifted by author for an honest review*** Jase and Alena have been best friends for life since their childhood. Inseparable. As the grow up, this King and Queen of the prom develop feelings beyond friendship but never express them over the fear of ruining the perfect friendship thru share. When tragedy strikes Jase not only loses Liv but a part of himself. How could he possibly tell Alena how he feels? If rejected he couldn't possibly handle another loss...So 5 years, college and life happens. High School Reunion is due to happen and these two are brought back together. Will it be the same as old times? Alena is with Bill now and has her business and Jase is back in his hometown but still on the outskirts unable to return home after losing Liv.
Time and time again I was punched in the gut by the outpouring of emotion in this book. But with sadness comes joy! Shawn Dawson graces the cover of Vicki Green's the loss and knowing his love of food, I could not help but picture him throughout this book savouring cheats making food porn noises. This book made me anxious. Anxious to read more and praying for a happy outcome. How these two can possibly survive? With a title like "The Loss" I was still praying for my HEA...and no I'm not telling if you get one....and very much looking forward to Jolie and Tanner's story!!!
Have you ever loved someone so much that everyone else around you could see it, and yet you pushed it away for fear of ruining that friendship?
Jase and Alena were best friends their entire lives, but the moment tragedy struck, they were separated by the unbearable pain and loss. Five years later, Alena is back in town for their high school reunion, and fear of running into one another has all of those feelings they once shared bubbling to the surface. They've both moved on, building their own separate lives, but has time and distance made the heart grow fonder or have they finally put their feelings for each other to rest?
I was sucked into this book from the very first page, and I knew that I was going to love Jase from the start. I was rooting for the two of them throughout the entire book, but what I hadn't expected was for Alena to bring back a lot of baggage in the form of her new boyfriend, Bill. He was there to pick up the pieces after Jase and Alena drifted apart, however it didn't take long to see that there was a whole other side to him. There were a few moments that I wanted to shake some sense into these characters (I was literally shaking my kindle), but overall I loved the story and would highly recommend it. Can't wait to fall in love with the rest of the Heartache series!
This was by far my favorite book by Vicki Green!! I absolutely loved Jase and Alena. The story is told through both main characters POVs which gives us a side to both Jase and Alena. When the story starts it has been 5 years since these two have seen each other and it’s time for their high school reunion. It gives a back story of how Jase and Alena had grown up together and then something horrible happened that made these two drift apart. Both characters had feelings for each other but were scared to act up their feelings because they did not want to wreck their friendship. After 5 years Alena has a boyfriend Bill that I liked for about 2 seconds of the book. Bill is horrible, mean, and nasty and I could not stand him. Even with Alena being with Bill she is still madly in love with Jase. When these two meet again the sparks fly and I loved it. I don’t like to give spoilers so I will try and sum this up without affecting the book. Once Jase and Alena meet each other another there is no way she can stay with Bill. This book literally had me laughing, crying, sitting on the edge of my chair, and falling in love with these two beautiful characters. I highly recommend this book. It is truly beautiful in every way. I look forward to more from Vicki she never disappoints!!!!
Will Jase ever find his happiness again or did it die the moment she left?
This pretty much sets the tone for The Loss. It's a story of love, loss (hence the name), and rekindled romance. I found myself trying to reach into the book to grab both Jase and Alena, so I could shake them and say, "STOP OVER THINKING IT!"
Jase Briggs was very easy to fall in love with; readers should get ready to fall hard for this man. And by the time I got halfway through, I found I couldn't put the book down. There was so much going on and the "WTF" moments kept on coming. Just when I thought these two (and me, for that matter) couldn't take any more hits, they are faced with the "mother of all letdowns." Yeah, Vicki, you know what I'm talking about (*cough* Vivian).
This book will make you experience a wide range of emotions...love, loss, lust, anger, excitement, fear, grief and, in the end, satisfaction.
The Loss is an excellent start to what I'm sure will be an unforgettable series. I give it an incredible 5 stars. ~ Stacey
Alena and Jase were friends since they were little. They were inseparable. An accident occurs and Jade blames himself. Alena feels him slowly pulling away.
They haven't talked in years. Jase just can't seem to get over Alena, yet she has moved on... or has she?
I felt so bad for Jase because all he wanted was Alena. All Alena wanted was her old self back.. and Jase.
Ya know, I thought that Vicki's last book was beyond amazing.... but now that I read this, yeah that statement went right out the window!! This story literally had my heart in pieces! I cried, laughed, cried some more, wanted to punch a character, cried yet again, and was completely romanced with words! I do not know how Vicki does it, but she tops her last book EVERY SINGLE TIME!!
I just can't even put into words how awesome this book is! It's a must read, that much is true!!I HIGHLY recommend you read this asap!! Now... I need her next book!!
Great start to this new series! I loved the characters and could just imagine the emotions they were going thru. There is mystery, suspense, love, and a few bad guys. I mean what book is really complete without a villain or two to loathe. And now a bit about the story...
Jase and Alena have been best friends forever. They both have strong feelings for each other, but are afraid of breaking the bond they already have. Then tragedy strikes and Alena has a hard time getting thru to Jase. When she finally gives up and moves on is she making the biggest mistake of her life? When she returns to town for their five year high school reunion she'll surely find out!
Favorite passages: - "Change can be good or bad. It's what you do with it." - "How can something be so beautiful when so much ugly moves around you?"
I have read quite a few of this authors books and loved them all. Vicki I think this is your best yet. I ended up staying up late into the night to finish it. I really couldn't put it down.
This is book one in the Heartache Series. It's Jase and Alenas story told by both point of views. They have been best friends for years. Each have feelings for one another but afraid to admit in case they ruin their friendship. When life gets in the way they don't see one another for years until a school reunion. Will they admit how they feel?
This book, like other books by this author, had me reading this with goosebumps. I felt as if I was dizzy with all the emotions I was going through. Absolutely loved this story and look forward to reading more by Vicki.
Wow! Another amazing novel by Vicki Green! She never disappoints! Mystery, suspense, romance and a steamy hot leading man! Jase seems so broken, he seems to feel nothing and no one can make him whole again. Alena, has her own share of secrets....these two best friends thrown back together after years apart try desperately to help one another and find that time hasn't taken it's toll on how close they are and will always be! Love the steamy hot Jase and his strength from his weakness and how his relationship with Alena his best friend his whole life continues to evolve! 5 STARS and a HUGE High Five Vicki. Simply said! Awesome!!!!! <3 <3
I loved this story, Jase and Alena had a friendship and an undisclosed love for each other that everyone wishes they could have, but will they get their chance? There are so many obstacles, heartache, and pain to overcome from the past and the present. Will it bring them together or push them further apart? This book will have you yourself reminiscing about old friends, lost loves and what is was like when you were growing up. If I could give The Loss more than 5 stars I would. Vicki Green hit the ball out of the park with this book!
This book had my attention from the very first page. It has an incredible story that from the moment that you start reading, it has you captured. The characters, wow, you will fall in love with them. Vicki Green is an amazing author and this latest proves it. This has got to be read.
Jase, good lord where does one start with this gorgeous and hurt man. Jase, has suffered enough through his life. He has lost so much for someone his age. Yet, he has managed to come out on top and become a successful businessman. He is missing something in his life. Love. His love is gone and she may not love him.
Alena, she has been in love with Jase for longer than she can remember. But, he never loved her, so she had to move on. She had to live her life and follow her dreams and start her own company. In the process she met a man and he helped her get over Jase. Bill seemed perfect!
The five-year High School reunion is upon Jase and Alena. Jase is wondering if Alena will show up and how she will be when they see each other. Alena, is nervous about seeing her first love and wonders how he is doing.
A week at her parents house with Bill seems harmless. But during this week emotions will get the best of Alena and she will have to make decisions she may regret. This week will be the week that makes or breaks her.
Vicki Green takes us on a ride we will never forget. I couldn't put the book down! I needed to know what Alena was thinking, feeling and planning. She is one amazing strong female and you will cheer for her and want her to come out on top. Jase is the guy we will fall in love with and will never want to let go. I wanted to jump in the book and just hold him and help him. He is a hero! This man is everything a book boyfriend should be.
Vicki delivers a story full of emotions and so beautifully written that you will tell all your friends about Jase and Alena. I can't wait to see what Vicki brings us next.
Thank you Vicki Green for a wonderful second chance at love story.
Jase and Alena were best friends all through school, and as they got a little older their feelings for each other changed, but neither knew what to do with them...not wanting to ruin their friendship. Then devastation happens, THE LOSS, and everything changes. Ok, so technically there could be more than one loss...Jase hurt his knee, no more running competitively for him, Alena moves away for college, and Jase's sister is killed.
Skip ahead 5 years. Jase still lives in his hometown, but he's just a shadow of what he could be. Alena lives far away with another man, and their 5 year high school reunion is coming up.
So, I don't usually read NA. I'm not really up for the whole 20 something crowd or college life...but hey, what the hell, I thought I'd give this one a whirl.... and glad that I did.
Vicki Green uses contractions! yay... and she writes wonderful characters and beautiful descriptions...at one point I was pretty sure I could see and hear the waterfall!
This second chance at love story wasn't just a love story, try crazy ass love triangle, complete with an abusive boyfriend, and parents that make sure the kids (ok adults) know who they think would be their better half. Cue, important talks, hospital stays, sex, fire, death, sex (did I say that already?) and lots n lots of support and love.
I really liked this book. This book hits all your emotions and will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting to get to the end. I love a good romance story about long lost best friends. I think I just love ad appreciate the history and bond that is always there no matter how much time is apart. I believe in soul mates and this book totally fit the bill. This book was sweet, steamy, and is a real page turner.
This is Alena and Jase's story. Both were best friends. Both were in love with each other but never said anything for fear they would ruin what they have. But life happens and they were torn apart. Years later, they have moved on with their lives but the flame is still there. When they reconnect again, it is either sink or swim? Are their lives too different now or are they meant to find their happy ending together?
I enjoyed their love story. Love is not easy. It takes work and can be seriously complicated but if it is worth having then it is worth fighting for. I was rooting for Jase and Alena. I wanted them to find a way to their happy ending. I loved Jase! Alena surprised me and I was on the fence about her but I loved her in the end.
***I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review***
This is the first book that I've read from the author and I was surprisingly amazed! This book was an exciting and fun read. I read it in 2 days and when I was done, I was craving for more!
We first meet Jase and Alena; two best friends who love each other deeply, but are scared to ruin their friendship, so they keep their love hidden for years. They lose touch with one another and after years of moving on with their lives, they are once again united. After all those years apart, the sparks are still there. But will they be able to recover from their heartache? Can they battle their fears and hesitations and break through the barriers that kept them apart?
I liked that we kept dual POV from Alena and Jase. Jase is such a sweetheart and he melted my heart. The connection I felt toward both characters was intense and my emotions were all over the place. There are some unexpected twists and turns that will come out of nowhere. This book is filled with drama, hotness, and lots of emotional torture.
Overall, the plot and character development was on point. The details were precise and the flow of storyline was good too. There were times I felt it was a little slow but it really picks up!
Great job Vicki! I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I was drawn in by the synopsis of this book. I love second chance stories, but somewhere along the line, the plot of this book started to get weaker and weaker. Alena seems to be a very smart lady with her own business, which she started after college, but she is unbelievably weak and annoying. She was in an abusive relationship, but she brought the same man to her hometown, to her parents's house, for her high school reunion. Right there under the nose of her support group, this man continued to abuse and rape her, and she said nothing to nobody. She has bruises on her body, and she did not go to the police.
Enter Jase, her friend, who she loved, but thought he did not love her back. Of course, he also loved her and thought, she did not love him. Anyways, they declared their love for each other, and then she slept with him, the same day, she had sex with the said boyfriend the same day. She was going back and forth between the two of them without any qualm of conscience whatsoever.
Then she had an idea for her and Jase to go to his parents remote lodge and hide out there, for what purpose, I have no idea. It is like watching a cheap horror movie where the heroine runs into a deserted forest, to get killed. Of course the fiancee from hell found them there and attacked them, nearly killing them. Really in this day and age? Unbelievable plot. Really.
~~I received this in exchange for an honest review~~
I love reading Vicki's books. She really knows how to put the ringer. There are so many emotions that I went through with this book that I am pretty sure that I hit all of them at one point. Vicki's stories are different that what I have ever read. She doesn't do the typical love story. She puts her own twist on a love story and makes it better. This book is no different.
Jase and Alena have been best friends since they were little. Then life happened. They grew apart after they started college. But the year reunion is this year, will they be able to see one another? Alena has a new boyfriend named Bill that will be joining her to the reunion. But Bill really doesn't want her to do anything with her friends while she is in town, he doesn't even want her to relax and be herself. He wants to keep her business professional, and all his.
I can't say enough about this book. I just love what Vicki has written. Her books are amazing. If you haven't read her books yet, you need too!!! You will not be disappointed!!
Jase and Alena were best friends their whole lives. When they were on the verge of something more tragedy struck and Jace closed himself off. Devastated, Alena slowly pulled away. When there five year reunion rolled around Alena came back, but she wasn't alone. Jace is still in love with her and realizes he always will be. When he finds out shes with someone he decides all he wants is to be happy, Even if that means its not with him. Alena sees Jace again and realizes she made a mistake losing him, but she doesn't know what to do. Bill is dangerous and she is afraid he will hurt the ones she loves to get what he wants, her money. When she confides in Jace they make a plan to get her away but Bill wont give up and when he tracks them down all hell breaks loose when he pulls a gun... Will they survive against Bill and is crazy or will they come so close only to loose each other again? This book was amazing! I couldn't put it down. It has definitely gone on the list of books that have made me ugly cry. I recommend this book, it is one of my new favorites.
I started this book not really knowing what to expect and the next thing I knew I had laughed, cried, hoped, wished, and felt like I knew the characters. Also, I realized that I had read the whole story without putting it down. While later that day I missed my sleep, it was definitely worth it. This story had everything and seemed so very real. You find yourself being drawn into the lives of the characters and you feel what they do. There is family and friendship love, as well as, lost love and control that is disguised as love. Jase is a hometown hero who had to deal with a devastating loss on two levels, physical and personal. How he copes with both is a riveting part of the story. Alena, Jase's best friend his whole life until she heads off to college, is also dealing with some issues in her adult life. When Alena comes home for her class reunion, everyone in the small town, including Alena and Jase, wonder what will happen once they meet again. Then, when you least expect it there is a level of suspense added to the story that had me on the edge of my seat. This book was sweet, hot, and suspenseful It is very well written and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Green.
I was a gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for MNP.
The story of Jase and Alena is full of love and loss. Jase and Alena always feared that they would ruin their relationship if they would act on their feels for one another. They grew up together and spent all their time together, until tragedy strikes. Jase never fully recovered and then they both went their separate ways for school. After 5 years, Alena returns for their high school reunion knowing that she may run into Jase. Neither has spoken to one another and feels the awkward tension when they first run into one another. Although Alena is currently in a relationship she is wondering if she is really happy or would she be happier with Jase after all these years.
I highly recommend this love story. It is a story of tragic loss and trying to right a wrong. This book will pull all of your emotions out and falling in love. This is the first book in the heartache series and will having you ready for the next one.
"To feel loss is devastating, To overcome loss is a struggle, To live through the pain, A miracle." The Loss is the first book in the Heartache Series. All of us have had some type of loss in our lives, the loss of a childhood friend, a family member that has died or a list of other losses that could go on and on. No matter what the loss is it leaves a hole in our heart that takes time to heal. But what happens when the one person that could help you heal leaves? Jase and Alena were best friends growing up. Everything was perfect until the the accident. Everything changed. Jase closed himself off. Alena didn't know how to reach out to him. Was this the beginning of the end or can they find their way back to their friendship? Or is there more in store for them? Vicki Green creates a wonderful story that has it ups and downs, when you think you know what is coming next, she adds a little twist to the story. If you like romantic suspense stories, you will love Vicki. Take the time to read this or one of her many other books. You won't be sorry.
There are only so many words you can use to say you love a book but that just doesn’t seem like enough for this one. From beginning to end I loved this story and from beginning I mean literally the cover is enough to make you love Jase. As usual, Vicki knocks it out of the park with this book. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.
Jase and Alena (who are best friends) are like that perfect couple we all know that deserve to be together and have their happily ever after; however, life had to step in and throw them a curveball. Jase experiences a horrible loss and not even Alena can get through to him so she packs up and moves on with her life. Fast forward five years and she’s back in town for their high school reunion. Has enough time passed for them to finally be together and have the love they deserve? Is Jase still too caught up in his loss that he can’t see what’s right in front him?
Do yourself a favor and read this book! I promise you won't regret it...
The Loss was a sweet story of Jase and Alena. Having been best friends since they were very young, tragedy in high school and then going off to college caused strain on that friendship causing them to lose touch. Their high school reunion gives them a chance to reconnect that friendship and more.
While the story line was sweet and provided some suspense, I found that I wasn't able to connect with the characters. I think at times the pace went a little too slow for me. They were both wonderful characters and each had their strengths and weaknesses.
I did find myself wondering more about the characters that may be appearing in the next book. Jolie and Tanner. They were mysterious and appear to have the background from their pasts that may provide a little more spice to the story.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Alena is about to head back home after years of being away for a school reunion. She and Jase were best friends but after she left for college they lost touch. Neither one of them staying in touch like they stated they would.
They have loved each other for as long as they can remember but they have only ever been friends. Neither has ever told the other of their feeling. But they both wonder what would happen if those feeling were returned.
Had trouble connecting with the characters in this story felt like there was missing pieces in the story that where skimmed over rather than stated. So at some parts I had trouble following the story. It is a suspenseful story with many twists and turns. Very emotional and the 2nd half of the story will keep you on edge as to what is going to happen.
Wow what a read! I could not put this book down,. Jase and Alena were best friends until college saw her moving away and their friendship dwindled until they no longer spoke. Both her and Jase love each other but are afraid to take their friendship to that level in case it ruins what they already have
When Alena comes home for a school reunion with her boyfriend Bill in tow, old feelings ignite when she literally runs into Jase when out running.
Alena relationship with Bill is one that is controlling and when Jase helps her to escape his clutches I wasn't expecting that story to go as it did. I was on the edge reading from about chapter 14 on wards and it wasn intense read.
This book has it all love, loss and tragedy. 5 stars for sure!
I have first say that I haven’t finished this book yet. What I have finished has made me fall in love with Vicki’s work. The story flows fast and easy. You get a look and feel for each character in the book. I love the emotions that you’re brought in to.
Both Jase and Alena are strong and determined. Neither of them wanted to lose the friendship they had but life sometimes determines that we need to go down a different road. After tragedy strikes can they find the road to repair and move forward.
Amazingly well written book and looking to reading more of Vicki’s work!!!
Don't forget to breath. The emotion of reading this book was your heart tugging,your eyes filled with tears,smile on your face, them fingers and eyes moving as fast as they can to get through a twist of events. And the anger at Bill.