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KPD Motorcycle Patrol #6
If You Say So
Gabriel Luca Maldonado, III and Francesca Leandra Solomon were meant to be. They were so in love that everybody prayed for what they had.
Everything was glorious. They would get married, have children and live a perfect life. She would be a doctor in the emergency room once she finished her doctorate, and he would be a badass Navy SEAL and save people for a living.
But then Luca is deployed across the world, and per military regulations, Frankie isn’t allowed to follow.
They’ve overcome a lot in their short relationship, and they can overcome this, too. Two years was a piece of cake. She’d finish her schooling and wait for him. And when he finally returned home, they would marry.
But two months into Luca’s deployment, the unthinkable happens, and Frankie is left alone and heartbroken, knowing that she’ll have to face the rest of life without Luca at her side.
***
Fast forward two years, and Frankie is exactly where her fiancé’s father left her, in a pit of despair that she has no hope of ever finding her way out of.
She lives life one second at a time, depressed and alone, hoping tomorrow won’t hurt like today.
She finds a job, moves, and hopes that the nightmares won’t swallow her whole.
But just as she thinks that she’s getting better, one of her nightmares walks through the doors of her ER, and that nightmare has a name.
Gabriel Luca Maldonado, III. In the flesh.
Also healthy and whole, and definitely no longer missing.
Sadly, it only takes her a half a second to realize that the man that left her isn’t the same man that returned.
The old one wanted her. The new one? Well, he’s definitely not interested anymore.
Everything was glorious. They would get married, have children and live a perfect life. She would be a doctor in the emergency room once she finished her doctorate, and he would be a badass Navy SEAL and save people for a living.
But then Luca is deployed across the world, and per military regulations, Frankie isn’t allowed to follow.
They’ve overcome a lot in their short relationship, and they can overcome this, too. Two years was a piece of cake. She’d finish her schooling and wait for him. And when he finally returned home, they would marry.
But two months into Luca’s deployment, the unthinkable happens, and Frankie is left alone and heartbroken, knowing that she’ll have to face the rest of life without Luca at her side.
***
Fast forward two years, and Frankie is exactly where her fiancé’s father left her, in a pit of despair that she has no hope of ever finding her way out of.
She lives life one second at a time, depressed and alone, hoping tomorrow won’t hurt like today.
She finds a job, moves, and hopes that the nightmares won’t swallow her whole.
But just as she thinks that she’s getting better, one of her nightmares walks through the doors of her ER, and that nightmare has a name.
Gabriel Luca Maldonado, III. In the flesh.
Also healthy and whole, and definitely no longer missing.
Sadly, it only takes her a half a second to realize that the man that left her isn’t the same man that returned.
The old one wanted her. The new one? Well, he’s definitely not interested anymore.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2019
400 people are currently reading
1182 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
163 books7,278 followersLani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
October 19, 2019
I've been waiting for this book for a long time. The need for it grew when I read Sinners Are Winners and got a glimpse of Malachi Stokes. I wanted more about this man and with If You Say So, Lani Lynn Vale delivered me one heck of a story. I knew she wouldn't let me down!!
The blurb is a little misleading and gave away the kicker right from the start. First we meet Malachi, just returned to Kilgore after being a POW for a year. He's scarred, inside and out, and has no memories before waking up in a German hospital. His scars tell a story that he can't connect to. He's surrounded by people he should know, but doesn't recognize. And he's drawn to a woman who is supposed to be off-limits. Did he always have a crush on his best friend's girl?
The last lines of the blurb, "The old one wanted her. The new one? Well, he’s definitely not interested anymore." couldn't be more wrong. He wanted her alright. Whether he knew who he was or she was didn't matter. A love that goes soul deep always recognizes itself and what Luca and Frankie shared was a love of a lifetime. No amount of time or distance or forgotten memories were going to stand in their way. They were destined for each other and I'm so happy with the way the author detailed their journey. It wasn't easy and some parts were outright painful to read, but it was beautiful, it was real, and it was most definitely worth it!
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The blurb is a little misleading and gave away the kicker right from the start. First we meet Malachi, just returned to Kilgore after being a POW for a year. He's scarred, inside and out, and has no memories before waking up in a German hospital. His scars tell a story that he can't connect to. He's surrounded by people he should know, but doesn't recognize. And he's drawn to a woman who is supposed to be off-limits. Did he always have a crush on his best friend's girl?
The last lines of the blurb, "The old one wanted her. The new one? Well, he’s definitely not interested anymore." couldn't be more wrong. He wanted her alright. Whether he knew who he was or she was didn't matter. A love that goes soul deep always recognizes itself and what Luca and Frankie shared was a love of a lifetime. No amount of time or distance or forgotten memories were going to stand in their way. They were destined for each other and I'm so happy with the way the author detailed their journey. It wasn't easy and some parts were outright painful to read, but it was beautiful, it was real, and it was most definitely worth it!
Blog | FB | Twitter | IG | Tumblr | Pinterest | BookBub
November 2, 2019
5 ‘With All My Heart’ Stars
WOW, JUST WOW! If You Say So was PERFECTION in every possible way! I couldn’t have imagined a more PERFECT way to wrap up this extraordinary series, a whole series of five stars reads, that about says it all, right?! Well, indeed as promised and anticipated these two’s love story was as EPIC as Romance can get. Epic I tell you!!!
Sweet baby Jesus, the angst, the heart squeezing tension, the suffering and the LOVE!!! I will in no way spoil the plot or the characters, for that I’ll keep this short, but I’m still in awe. Ms. Vale did splendidly keeping this couple as closure for the series, because I could not have asked for a better ending!
When his eyes met mine, I didn’t see the scars.
I didn’t see the horror that he went through.
I only saw him.
Your soul recognized mine. We just had to figure out why.”
How is it possible that after dozens and dozens of devoured Lani Lynn Vale’s books she can still create such a romantic gem that completely wrecks me, but just as fast pulls me back together and brings me unmeasurable joy, faith and happiness?! She’s a romantic writing master, that’s how. These two are the perfect example of it, all the emotions, all the inner battle, all the pain, but most of all, all the LOVE, it just shone through, even – if not specially – in the small things. That is contemporary love at its best, where we can so easily relate and feel in the brilliantly created character’s shoes. OMG, I really am so enamored with the devotion, and forever kind of love in this that is the last of the KPD Motorcycle Patrol series, a success of epic proportions for me, as the WHOLE series is now on my all time favs list. The only uplifting point about the end of this series, apart from this unforgettable couple and their HEA, is that I have no doubt that we will see more of this gang, and I can’t freaking wait!!! Maybe silver fox Captain Morgan?! Maybe a certain someone that we got to ‘meet’ by the end?! Oh, the possibilities…. I want them all! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
You and me? We were meant to be. From the moment that I met you, I knew that you were my one.
You’ve loved me even when I didn’t deserve to be loved,”
ARC kindly provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review
For full review with Release Blitz, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
WOW, JUST WOW! If You Say So was PERFECTION in every possible way! I couldn’t have imagined a more PERFECT way to wrap up this extraordinary series, a whole series of five stars reads, that about says it all, right?! Well, indeed as promised and anticipated these two’s love story was as EPIC as Romance can get. Epic I tell you!!!
Sweet baby Jesus, the angst, the heart squeezing tension, the suffering and the LOVE!!! I will in no way spoil the plot or the characters, for that I’ll keep this short, but I’m still in awe. Ms. Vale did splendidly keeping this couple as closure for the series, because I could not have asked for a better ending!
When his eyes met mine, I didn’t see the scars.
I didn’t see the horror that he went through.
I only saw him.
Your soul recognized mine. We just had to figure out why.”
How is it possible that after dozens and dozens of devoured Lani Lynn Vale’s books she can still create such a romantic gem that completely wrecks me, but just as fast pulls me back together and brings me unmeasurable joy, faith and happiness?! She’s a romantic writing master, that’s how. These two are the perfect example of it, all the emotions, all the inner battle, all the pain, but most of all, all the LOVE, it just shone through, even – if not specially – in the small things. That is contemporary love at its best, where we can so easily relate and feel in the brilliantly created character’s shoes. OMG, I really am so enamored with the devotion, and forever kind of love in this that is the last of the KPD Motorcycle Patrol series, a success of epic proportions for me, as the WHOLE series is now on my all time favs list. The only uplifting point about the end of this series, apart from this unforgettable couple and their HEA, is that I have no doubt that we will see more of this gang, and I can’t freaking wait!!! Maybe silver fox Captain Morgan?! Maybe a certain someone that we got to ‘meet’ by the end?! Oh, the possibilities…. I want them all! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
You and me? We were meant to be. From the moment that I met you, I knew that you were my one.
You’ve loved me even when I didn’t deserve to be loved,”
ARC kindly provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review
For full review with Release Blitz, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
June 19, 2020
This book was so hard to read. Not because it wasn't amazing, because it was a fantastic book. It was hard to read because of the emotion behind it. Frankie's pain. Gabe and Ember's pain. It all added up to make this one of the most emotional books I've read by this author. I just could not read it without copious amounts of tears. So be prepared, and have the tissues handy. You will definitely need them! You have been warned!
Frankie is absolutely devastated, and knows her life will never be the same. All of her hopes and dreams left with Luca, and she will never get them back. She is living day to day, trying to act like everything is ok, when it really isn't. Despite the support of her family, and Luca's family, she just can't make herself move on, and doesn't think she ever will.
This book is one that you will never forget. Frankie's pain is absolutely palpable, and it hurts! I don't want to give anything away, but even through the pain, there are surprises, and Frankie is able to come out stronger on the other side. It was a great book, and I enjoyed it overall, but there were some parts that were hard to get through (It's kind of hard to read through tears) but I kept pushing through, because I knew LLV had an amazing ending in store for us!!!!
Frankie is absolutely devastated, and knows her life will never be the same. All of her hopes and dreams left with Luca, and she will never get them back. She is living day to day, trying to act like everything is ok, when it really isn't. Despite the support of her family, and Luca's family, she just can't make herself move on, and doesn't think she ever will.
This book is one that you will never forget. Frankie's pain is absolutely palpable, and it hurts! I don't want to give anything away, but even through the pain, there are surprises, and Frankie is able to come out stronger on the other side. It was a great book, and I enjoyed it overall, but there were some parts that were hard to get through (It's kind of hard to read through tears) but I kept pushing through, because I knew LLV had an amazing ending in store for us!!!!
October 29, 2019
Frankie and Luca had a once in a lifetime love before everything changed. Frankie adapted to a life without her love and her love had to find himself once again. The blurb doesn’t quite accurately describe what happens in the version I read but it was entertaining nonetheless.
The story leaves us with many more questions than answers, which really opens up the world to more interesting characters and storylines. I enjoyed the development and the pace of the story. The integrity of the LLV voice was maintained. There’s not much that can be said without spoilers so I’ll say that it was another great addition to the series.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
The story leaves us with many more questions than answers, which really opens up the world to more interesting characters and storylines. I enjoyed the development and the pace of the story. The integrity of the LLV voice was maintained. There’s not much that can be said without spoilers so I’ll say that it was another great addition to the series.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
October 29, 2019
If You Say So is the heartbreaking story of a man home from war with no memories and a fiancee left behind. Now, listen, there is NO WAY to do this review without a kind of spoiler so consider yourself warned.
Malachi was rescued from the hell he had been trapped in for 2 years. Except, he had no idea who he was. His things didn't feel like his things, his name didn't feel like his name. He was struggling with his physical scars and emotional ones. Then he finds himself attracted to his dead best friend's fiancee. But, the reason nothing feels right but her? He isn't Malachi, he is Luca. He just happened to have Malachi's dog tags on him when they found him.
Frankie has been living on auto pilot. She is in her 2nd year of residency, has a house, has family, but she doesn't have Luca. When Malachi returns, she has a glimmer of hope, but even that is squashed. However, Malachi was Luca's best friend and Frankie wants to help him.
I think the entire focus of the book could have been on Frankie and Luca! There was so much more there to the story. However, there was some suspense thrown in at the end about murder and a stalker that really drew away from Frankie and Luca's reunion. This very well could just be me, but I wanted more on the reconnection and falling back in love with Frankie and Luca. Still, I really enjoyed If You Say So and can't wait for more!
POV: dual 1st
Tears: no
Trope: mistaken identity, military
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: stand alone
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Wicked Sinner by Stacy Kennedy, Shadow by Janie Crouch, Broken by Cynthia Eden...then you will probably like If You Say So!
If You Say So
October 14, 2019
You know when you read a book and you’re all 😭😳😱🤯😍😍🤣😳😭😍 and you really want to like yell at everyone to go read it IMMEDIATELY so you have some one to go through that emotional roller coaster with you because you can’t say a word about it until they’ve read it too and you feel like you’re going to explode with all the feelings ready to burst out of you? *takes a huuuuuge breathe after that ridiculously long run on sentence* THAT is what If You Say So is.
Gaaaaaah this couple. Their story is one that has you hooked right away with the emotions and just keeps hooking you deeper and deeper as feelings grow. I can’t (seriously CANNOT) explain how incredible these two are together because I have no words to really put their love into perspective. What I can say is that this is one of my all time favorites from Lani, and seeing as how she could write a grocery list and make it incredible that’s saying something.
Gaaaaaah this couple. Their story is one that has you hooked right away with the emotions and just keeps hooking you deeper and deeper as feelings grow. I can’t (seriously CANNOT) explain how incredible these two are together because I have no words to really put their love into perspective. What I can say is that this is one of my all time favorites from Lani, and seeing as how she could write a grocery list and make it incredible that’s saying something.
Read
October 22, 2019First things first... if you're going to read this book, I don't think you should read the blurb first. I feel like it almost ruined the book for me because I already knew who the book was about. (That sentence will make sense when you read the book.)
Soooo I'm not really sure how I feel.
I really enjoyed the book. The story... holy cow, I didn't want to put it down at all! I wanted to know what was going to happen next!
There were a few things that I wish had been done differently but that's obviously a personal preference.
I definitely think it should've been longer though. I feel like there were areas when it should've shown more of the characters... whether it be together or separate. I just needed more.
*NOTE: I'll add a rating when I figure out how I feel... LOL
*Another note: I wish they had a different cover. The main character is scarred from head to toe from being a POW soooo... yeah. Maybe have a guy with a shirt on or photoshop? IDK. It just didn't fit for me... *shrugs*
Soooo I'm not really sure how I feel.
I really enjoyed the book. The story... holy cow, I didn't want to put it down at all! I wanted to know what was going to happen next!
There were a few things that I wish had been done differently but that's obviously a personal preference.
I definitely think it should've been longer though. I feel like there were areas when it should've shown more of the characters... whether it be together or separate. I just needed more.
*NOTE: I'll add a rating when I figure out how I feel... LOL
*Another note: I wish they had a different cover. The main character is scarred from head to toe from being a POW soooo... yeah. Maybe have a guy with a shirt on or photoshop? IDK. It just didn't fit for me... *shrugs*
November 1, 2019
This is one of the best LLV books I’ve ever read! I wasn’t sure about it at first, as this isn’t a troupe I really enjoy. However I loved it! I would 100% recommend giving it a try!
October 31, 2019
Luca and Frankie were engaged when he left for his term as a Navy SEAL. Two years later Luca is MIA and when his best friend and look alike, Malachi comes home with no memory Frankie is torn. Frankie knows Luca would want her to help Malachi but her feelings are doing a number on her where he is concerned. What she doesn't know though is Malachi has his own questions about what is going on with himself that he needs to resolve as well.
I don't want to divulge to much because the story needs to tell itself. I absolutely loved this. It is a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. Bravo.
I don't want to divulge to much because the story needs to tell itself. I absolutely loved this. It is a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. Bravo.
November 17, 2019
If You Say So was a good read without any surprises. Everything important was hinted at right at the beginning and I was glad for that because the couple hadn't deserved any additional drama.
Only thing I wasn't happy about was the final murder, it felt like a cop-out to me. Like the author had started something she wasn't sure how to finish.
But the rest kept me glued to my kindle the whole morning.
Only thing I wasn't happy about was the final murder, it felt like a cop-out to me. Like the author had started something she wasn't sure how to finish.
But the rest kept me glued to my kindle the whole morning.
October 29, 2019
Been waiting for this book since Katy said Luca was missing from her book. Loved this book! The emotion and anticipation? Felt deeply for Frankie, Gabe and Ember….
And the struggle Frankie underwent with Luca? That's torture for both of them. The HEA, they totally deserved it!
And the struggle Frankie underwent with Luca? That's torture for both of them. The HEA, they totally deserved it!
September 13, 2020
I really enjoyed reading Frankie and Luca's story, it's fast pace, heart-warming and funny at times. I will say this is one of my favourite second chance romance that I have read.
January 13, 2020
She's got her formula nice n tight. But that's ok, it works, for the most part.
October 18, 2019
I can't even begin to deal with all these emotions. She kills me mun. EVERY.DAMN.TIME.
I don't think I'll ever loose that excitement of getting one of the OG kids stories. Im still not sure how we got this far?! HTF is Gabe and Ember's baby all grown up!!!. Nope. Not ready for it.
Frankie and Luca story ripped my stone cold heart apart. Seriously it's gets real fucking emotional in this story real quick and I WAS NOT READY FOR IT.
So without delving to much into it an giving everything away I'm going to scan over it real quick so you get my point.
Their story is pretty brutal and straight to the point. They go through an absolutely heartwrenching journey that at times is hard to read. With that they also go through their own individual kinds of hell whilst trying to figure out who they are together. I can't even begin to imagine that kind of pain.
Two people trying to figure out their now with the past haunting them in different ways. Frankie and Luca show a whole lot of strength and growth throughout their story.
Holy chemistry!. Despite the time that passed they still have that burning chemistry that was palpable through the pages. Their sweet lovings, quick quirky banter and passion for eachother absolutely melted me. I love them both.
The side characters of it all!!. Seriously they fucking rocked. I love getting a peak at Ember and Gabe. I mean those two gave me baby making weather for god sakes!!! I need more of them again. I especially adored one specific person who shall not be named but I definetly want more of becauseim hella curious about said human. I have questions!!.
so for now I'll leave this here and pop back after the release and detail it a little bit more so that it makes some kind of sense.
I don't think I'll ever loose that excitement of getting one of the OG kids stories. Im still not sure how we got this far?! HTF is Gabe and Ember's baby all grown up!!!. Nope. Not ready for it.
Frankie and Luca story ripped my stone cold heart apart. Seriously it's gets real fucking emotional in this story real quick and I WAS NOT READY FOR IT.
So without delving to much into it an giving everything away I'm going to scan over it real quick so you get my point.
Their story is pretty brutal and straight to the point. They go through an absolutely heartwrenching journey that at times is hard to read. With that they also go through their own individual kinds of hell whilst trying to figure out who they are together. I can't even begin to imagine that kind of pain.
Two people trying to figure out their now with the past haunting them in different ways. Frankie and Luca show a whole lot of strength and growth throughout their story.
Holy chemistry!. Despite the time that passed they still have that burning chemistry that was palpable through the pages. Their sweet lovings, quick quirky banter and passion for eachother absolutely melted me. I love them both.
The side characters of it all!!. Seriously they fucking rocked. I love getting a peak at Ember and Gabe. I mean those two gave me baby making weather for god sakes!!! I need more of them again. I especially adored one specific person who shall not be named but I definetly want more of becauseim hella curious about said human. I have questions!!.
so for now I'll leave this here and pop back after the release and detail it a little bit more so that it makes some kind of sense.
October 30, 2019
Holy plot holes!
I love Lani Lynn Vale. I own everything the woman has written and have everything she expects to release on preorder. That being said, the woman seriously either needs a technical advisor or a better editor. She does usually leave you with a question or two but for a reason. However, the plot line for this book has holes in it so huge they make the Grand Canyon look like a scratch. Anyone who watches NCIS or any other military related show knows that the military keeps DNA on file for identification purposes. And a soldier with no memory who has one soldier’s dog tags burned into his back and a different soldier’s dog tags in his hand would have been the reason those samples are taken. And let’s not forget the fingerprints. Yeesh. Then, one of the main antagonists in this story is built up to be perfectly brought down but is still acting with impunity. Now, I will admit that Lani has left some things left like this before to be brought out later but the way this character acts and the WEIRD UNEXPLAINED things that occur in his family that affect the main characters make this a very weird ending for him from this author. I love this author, but the horribly slow start, the huge plot holes, and the weirdness that was Dr. Cromwell will only allow me to give this effort 3 stars. It is not one of her best.
I love Lani Lynn Vale. I own everything the woman has written and have everything she expects to release on preorder. That being said, the woman seriously either needs a technical advisor or a better editor. She does usually leave you with a question or two but for a reason. However, the plot line for this book has holes in it so huge they make the Grand Canyon look like a scratch. Anyone who watches NCIS or any other military related show knows that the military keeps DNA on file for identification purposes. And a soldier with no memory who has one soldier’s dog tags burned into his back and a different soldier’s dog tags in his hand would have been the reason those samples are taken. And let’s not forget the fingerprints. Yeesh. Then, one of the main antagonists in this story is built up to be perfectly brought down but is still acting with impunity. Now, I will admit that Lani has left some things left like this before to be brought out later but the way this character acts and the WEIRD UNEXPLAINED things that occur in his family that affect the main characters make this a very weird ending for him from this author. I love this author, but the horribly slow start, the huge plot holes, and the weirdness that was Dr. Cromwell will only allow me to give this effort 3 stars. It is not one of her best.
October 29, 2019
5 SMOOCHES!
A new Lani Lynn Vale book for me is like a trip to my favorite fictional town to catch up with some old friends. I’ve been reading Vale’s books and her characters’ stories on a monthly basis since she released the first one, and now, years later, I’m completely invested in them and this world. The KPD Motorcycle Patrol series is what Lani has dubbed a next generation series because the stories are about the children of the lead couples from some of her early series, like Freebirds, The Heroes of the Dixie Wardens MC and Code 11-KPD SWAT.
Vale gives readers her own take on the second-chance romance in If You Say So, the sixth book in the series. A hero returns from war after suffering gravely in captivity. He comes back battered, horrifically scarred and with no memories of his time in enemy hands or his life prior to it. All is not what it seems in this soldier’s story, though. He feels like an imposter in his own life, nothing really fits, but it’s the guilt he feels over the way he is drawn to his deceased best friend’s fiancée that he struggles with the most.
Deeply immersed in her grief, Frankie Solomon is doing her best to get through each day, hoping and praying that the military is wrong, and that Luca, the love of her life, will come back to her. When his best friend shows up unrecognizably scarred and with no memory of his captivity, what happened to her fiancé or his life before that, it’s not surprising that she can’t help but reach out to her fiancé’s friend—but the way that her heart calls out to him is a surprise.
Vale crafted a heart-tugging, emotional story in If You Say So with surprises at every turn. An underlying secondary suspense plot, along with the mystery of this soldier’s captivity and a beautiful slow-burn romance, Vale packed in all the feels here as this couple tries to make sense of the unthinkable. I devoured this story in a day—I simply couldn’t put it down. Five smooches from me for If You Say So by Lani Lynn Vale!
~Danielle Palumbo
A new Lani Lynn Vale book for me is like a trip to my favorite fictional town to catch up with some old friends. I’ve been reading Vale’s books and her characters’ stories on a monthly basis since she released the first one, and now, years later, I’m completely invested in them and this world. The KPD Motorcycle Patrol series is what Lani has dubbed a next generation series because the stories are about the children of the lead couples from some of her early series, like Freebirds, The Heroes of the Dixie Wardens MC and Code 11-KPD SWAT.
Vale gives readers her own take on the second-chance romance in If You Say So, the sixth book in the series. A hero returns from war after suffering gravely in captivity. He comes back battered, horrifically scarred and with no memories of his time in enemy hands or his life prior to it. All is not what it seems in this soldier’s story, though. He feels like an imposter in his own life, nothing really fits, but it’s the guilt he feels over the way he is drawn to his deceased best friend’s fiancée that he struggles with the most.
Deeply immersed in her grief, Frankie Solomon is doing her best to get through each day, hoping and praying that the military is wrong, and that Luca, the love of her life, will come back to her. When his best friend shows up unrecognizably scarred and with no memory of his captivity, what happened to her fiancé or his life before that, it’s not surprising that she can’t help but reach out to her fiancé’s friend—but the way that her heart calls out to him is a surprise.
Vale crafted a heart-tugging, emotional story in If You Say So with surprises at every turn. An underlying secondary suspense plot, along with the mystery of this soldier’s captivity and a beautiful slow-burn romance, Vale packed in all the feels here as this couple tries to make sense of the unthinkable. I devoured this story in a day—I simply couldn’t put it down. Five smooches from me for If You Say So by Lani Lynn Vale!
~Danielle Palumbo
October 20, 2019
The tight shorts are back and the story is just as fantastic!
Humour. Heat. Heart. Family. These are hallmarks of this author’s stories and Frankie and Luca’s journey includes all that and more….
Sorrow. Grief. They haunted Frankie as she lived her life without the one she couldn’t survive losing. Even surrounded by family and friends, all-consuming work, she struggled through the days, never giving up hope…
“You taste like everything I should’ve never forgotten.”
*melts*
Delivered with so much emotion, I fell into this story heart first. To love this fiercely, devotedly, is definitely what fairy tales are made of. The strength of Frankie and Luca was amazing. Throw in laughter and a few curve-balls, this story quickly became one my favourites by this author – and that is an ever growing list!
Humour. Heat. Heart. Family. These are hallmarks of this author’s stories and Frankie and Luca’s journey includes all that and more….
Sorrow. Grief. They haunted Frankie as she lived her life without the one she couldn’t survive losing. Even surrounded by family and friends, all-consuming work, she struggled through the days, never giving up hope…
“You taste like everything I should’ve never forgotten.”
*melts*
Delivered with so much emotion, I fell into this story heart first. To love this fiercely, devotedly, is definitely what fairy tales are made of. The strength of Frankie and Luca was amazing. Throw in laughter and a few curve-balls, this story quickly became one my favourites by this author – and that is an ever growing list!
July 27, 2020
A great way to end the KPD Motorcycle Patrol series.
*****SLIGHTLY SPOILER-ISH*****
Luca & Frankie's relationship felt absolutely organic. Even though it wasn't really 'them' during the first part of the story & it seemed like it took FOREVER for the truth to unravel completely, everything between them felt right. I was over-the-moon excited at the fact that their first time together didn't happen until after Luca returned from captivity. Getting the chance to remember some of their firsts was just so sweet & warm-fuzzy inducing! I was a little baffled that no one administered a DNA test when Luca first returned but hey... it's fiction. *shrugs*
Overall, I'm so, so happy with Luca & Frankie's happily ever after. Admittedly, it took me a while to pick their story up because I am not a fan of amnesia storylines but I am very glad I did. Not only did I get to see them meet & fall in love but I got some key deets on Hayes & Malachi that I had missed out on!
Cannot wait to get my hands on Malachi's book in November!
*****SLIGHTLY SPOILER-ISH*****
Luca & Frankie's relationship felt absolutely organic. Even though it wasn't really 'them' during the first part of the story & it seemed like it took FOREVER for the truth to unravel completely, everything between them felt right. I was over-the-moon excited at the fact that their first time together didn't happen until after Luca returned from captivity. Getting the chance to remember some of their firsts was just so sweet & warm-fuzzy inducing! I was a little baffled that no one administered a DNA test when Luca first returned but hey... it's fiction. *shrugs*
Overall, I'm so, so happy with Luca & Frankie's happily ever after. Admittedly, it took me a while to pick their story up because I am not a fan of amnesia storylines but I am very glad I did. Not only did I get to see them meet & fall in love but I got some key deets on Hayes & Malachi that I had missed out on!
Cannot wait to get my hands on Malachi's book in November!
March 6, 2021
Like everyone else I was waiting for Luca & Frankie's story. This one was very emotional. I knew who he was right from the start but it didn't make it any easier. All the heart break that was suffered by everyone but especially Frankie was hard to read. I can't even begin to imagine what Luca had and was still going through. People's reaction to his injuries and scarring are pretty normal but it still angered me to hear and read what came out of their mouths. I'm just so happy that they got their happily ever after like they deserved. This was a great ending to an even greater series!!!
June 2, 2020
4 Stars!
I love a good scarred hero story! I was pretty reluctant to read this one but I enjoyed it so much. I’m sad to see this series end it was one of my favorite LLV series.
7/10 would recommend
I love a good scarred hero story! I was pretty reluctant to read this one but I enjoyed it so much. I’m sad to see this series end it was one of my favorite LLV series.
7/10 would recommend
October 30, 2022
Loved Luca & Frankie!
October 31, 2019
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Wildfire Marketing PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
I have been stoked to read Malachi Stokes (pun so totally not intended) ever since he was introduced in Sinners are Winners (Read My Review) and I just knew that Ms. Vale would be delivering one heck of a romance and I wasn’t disappointed!
Malachi, has just returned to Kilgore, released after a year in captivity – and that has left him scarred, inside and out. He has no memories of who he is, who he was and what he was – all he had were his dog tags and that’s the only proof of identity he has. It doesn’t change the fact that he feels like an imposter; nothing seems familiar and nothing ever brings back even a hint of his memories back.
He is surrounded by people he has known his entire life, but doesn’t recognise a single one; he was told his best friend, Luca lost his life; but can’t even seem to muster an image of him. All he knows that he feels crappy and shitty for being attracted to the one woman he shouldn’t be even thinking about – his dead best friend’s fiancé, Frankie.
Frankie has always loved Luca; she just can’t seem to remember a time when she didn’t. She promised to wait for him, when he was deployed; and when that wait turned to forever, it was just her going through the motions until she comes face to face with her dead fiancé’s best friend, Malachi – she shouldn’t be attracted to him, she shouldn’t be forgetting Luca already; but there’s something between them that she just can’t ignore.
I wish; I really wish I could talk more about this book and exactly what happens but I can’t; I really SHOULDN’T – mostly cause the blurb is misleading and trust me, when I tell you, that this romance, this book is far better enjoyed when you go in blind without any expectations or even opinions. JUST READ IT ALREADY!
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February 26, 2020
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I knew this book was going to get to me. I mean just rad that blurb and you will know that this book is going to be filled with emotion. I loved Frankie when we first met her back in Cora and Coke's book. She was just a girl that captures you heart. Then add in that she was with Luca, who is Cora's brother as well as Gabe and Ember's son (two of my favorites) and you have the perfect union. One where poor Luca is missing for two years.
If you read Sinners are Winners, the previous book in this series, then you got a little peek at what may have happened to Luca. While I don't want to spoil any of that I have to say that these two go through something that changes them on almost every level. It is so hard to say all the things I want to say about these two without giving anything away. I have to say that is when you know a book is good. From page one to the final page I was captivated. I laughed, cried, and was so happy for this couple.
My heart went out to Luca and his fellow Navy SEALS for the things they went through. His friend Malachai was interesting and the woman who thought he was super hot at the end will hopefully be a new story somewhere in the future. I want to know more about all of them. There was not a single moment in this book that was not great. This is one of Lani Lynn Vale's books that will just reach into your chest and grab your heart. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.This review was originally posted on Wickedly Romance
If you read Sinners are Winners, the previous book in this series, then you got a little peek at what may have happened to Luca. While I don't want to spoil any of that I have to say that these two go through something that changes them on almost every level. It is so hard to say all the things I want to say about these two without giving anything away. I have to say that is when you know a book is good. From page one to the final page I was captivated. I laughed, cried, and was so happy for this couple.
My heart went out to Luca and his fellow Navy SEALS for the things they went through. His friend Malachai was interesting and the woman who thought he was super hot at the end will hopefully be a new story somewhere in the future. I want to know more about all of them. There was not a single moment in this book that was not great. This is one of Lani Lynn Vale's books that will just reach into your chest and grab your heart. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.This review was originally posted on Wickedly Romance
October 29, 2019
Gabriel Luca Maldonado III and Francesca Leandra Solomon have found their lobster in each other, and they should have had a happily ever after. However, when Luca goes off to become a Navy SEAL, things got derailed when the unthinkable happens, and he's listed as MIA. She's left broken, and even though she was able to achieve her dream becoming a doctor, she didn't get her happily ever after. Years go by, still no word on Luca, and everyone is starting to accept the fact that he's probably dead. Frankie gets a job, moves, tries to move on, and yet, she can't so she spends all her time alone outside the hospital. Life changes with a big bang, when her nightmare walks through the ER doors, but not in the way you ever think it would go down, and that's all I'll say about that. It brings the angst levels up for sure, along with some big f-bomb worthy twists, and yet, I couldn't help but feel Frankie's pain throughout. Things come to a head, and you'll NEVER believe it because the brilliant Lani Lynn Vale knows how to pen an EPIC tale of love. If You Say So was a bit more angst ridden than the usual for the KPD Motorcycle Patrol, but totally worth it all day every day. I know you want to know how it all pans out, so hit that one click button, because while I can only give this story 5 stars, I would give sooooo many more if I could & HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
October 31, 2019
The thing I’ve grown to love about LLV is she is tackling some major issues in her books. When you fins that author that writes real life stuff it touches you in a place and remains there forever.
This is the story of a TWO POW’s that are MIA after two years. Best friends and brothers in arms. They went to boot camp together, one fell in love and the other loved her just because his best friend was happy. This is about physical appearance and how so many people put such a value on what you look like in the outside and not what is on the inside. This is about scars that heal on the outside but are still very much broken within. This is about that soul connection and not remembering anything but that.
Written in dual POV with Ember, Gabe and Coke all having a moment, this is the story of tenor children and what it’s like to feel a piece of you is missing.
I have to hand it to Lani, she had me fooled for just a second but I always knew😉you have to read the book!
I loved Riel and felt my heart break for him more than I did Frankie, but she was so pitiful as well. She had lost the most important person in her life and felt like she had no one to lean on. She was filled with guilt for feeling but deep down she knew.
This was just a sweet book about soulmates. This wasn’t my favorite but still a 5 star read.
Angst⭐️⭐️
Cheating None
Sexy Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Epilogue ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the story of a TWO POW’s that are MIA after two years. Best friends and brothers in arms. They went to boot camp together, one fell in love and the other loved her just because his best friend was happy. This is about physical appearance and how so many people put such a value on what you look like in the outside and not what is on the inside. This is about scars that heal on the outside but are still very much broken within. This is about that soul connection and not remembering anything but that.
Written in dual POV with Ember, Gabe and Coke all having a moment, this is the story of tenor children and what it’s like to feel a piece of you is missing.
I have to hand it to Lani, she had me fooled for just a second but I always knew😉you have to read the book!
I loved Riel and felt my heart break for him more than I did Frankie, but she was so pitiful as well. She had lost the most important person in her life and felt like she had no one to lean on. She was filled with guilt for feeling but deep down she knew.
This was just a sweet book about soulmates. This wasn’t my favorite but still a 5 star read.
Angst⭐️⭐️
Cheating None
Sexy Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Epilogue ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 18, 2020
It felt like the blurb told a story much different from the actual story. I was looking forward to that plot the blurb somehow implied, but got something a little disappointing. While the whole reunion and rekindling of feelings were fine, I couldn’t help but feel like there was something wrong with the mix-up/mistaken identity part. I mean, he’s military, shouldn’t DNA tests be part of some SOP or something to confirm his identity when he was rescued?
It also felt a little wrong that Gabe and Ember didn’t recognize their own son and simply accepted that he was Malachi. Frankie too. It took her months to realize that he was actually Luca. I know that was part of the story, but it wasn’t too realistic or convincing to me.
Oh and there was Luca’s background story as well. Luca was Katy’s ex-boyfriend. I had to re-read the first book in the series just to be sure. So the whole Frankie bit confused the hell out of me the entire time I was reading this book until they finally discussed Katy. I mean, Katy was his girlfriend up until he decided to join the military. So I wondered when and how Frankie got in the picture. It felt like the author had initially planned something for Luca then decided to change it entirely when she wrote his story.
It was a nice story, but it really confused me.
It also felt a little wrong that Gabe and Ember didn’t recognize their own son and simply accepted that he was Malachi. Frankie too. It took her months to realize that he was actually Luca. I know that was part of the story, but it wasn’t too realistic or convincing to me.
Oh and there was Luca’s background story as well. Luca was Katy’s ex-boyfriend. I had to re-read the first book in the series just to be sure. So the whole Frankie bit confused the hell out of me the entire time I was reading this book until they finally discussed Katy. I mean, Katy was his girlfriend up until he decided to join the military. So I wondered when and how Frankie got in the picture. It felt like the author had initially planned something for Luca then decided to change it entirely when she wrote his story.
It was a nice story, but it really confused me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2019
I received this book for an honest review. Thank you!
This is a love story between Frankie and Luca. Luca and Frankie were in love and happy and they planned to have a family together. Everything was wonderful between them until Luca was deployed across the country.
Frankie couldn't follow him so she remains behind to finish her school. After two months she found out that Luca is missing and she is heartbroken because she couldn't see her life without Luca. Fast forward two years she is still devasted and still thinking to Luca.
After two years Luca is back but doesn't have memories and he is different. He had to decide what to do with his life and to decide were to work. He felt like an alien in his own life.
I loved the moment when Frankie and Luca are reunited because you can feel their happiness that they are back together and they have a second chance to be together and to have a family.
I enjoyed the book.
This is a love story between Frankie and Luca. Luca and Frankie were in love and happy and they planned to have a family together. Everything was wonderful between them until Luca was deployed across the country.
Frankie couldn't follow him so she remains behind to finish her school. After two months she found out that Luca is missing and she is heartbroken because she couldn't see her life without Luca. Fast forward two years she is still devasted and still thinking to Luca.
After two years Luca is back but doesn't have memories and he is different. He had to decide what to do with his life and to decide were to work. He felt like an alien in his own life.
I loved the moment when Frankie and Luca are reunited because you can feel their happiness that they are back together and they have a second chance to be together and to have a family.
I enjoyed the book.
October 27, 2019
This Book!! I think this book is one of the most emotional reads I have had the pleasure of reading by this fantastic author. Not only was I completely captivated, but my heart wept for this couple. Just when you think you have it figured out, Ms Vale smacks you right in the feelings with a twist! GAHHH I loved it!
Frankie was such a strong woman! Not only had she endured so much, but she didn't let it drag her down, she just kept putting one foot in front of the other and kept going along the path she had set for herself, broken heart and all. I just love her so much.
Riel, as we know him by in parts of the book, has come back and everything has changed! He doesn't remember anything at all. Ahh my heart! this book!.
I don't want to say too much more because you seriously need to read this book for yourself. It is just amazing! I couldn't put it down at all. I need more! I am already having Lani Lynn Vale withdrawals. Bring on January!
This is my voluntary arc review
Frankie was such a strong woman! Not only had she endured so much, but she didn't let it drag her down, she just kept putting one foot in front of the other and kept going along the path she had set for herself, broken heart and all. I just love her so much.
Riel, as we know him by in parts of the book, has come back and everything has changed! He doesn't remember anything at all. Ahh my heart! this book!.
I don't want to say too much more because you seriously need to read this book for yourself. It is just amazing! I couldn't put it down at all. I need more! I am already having Lani Lynn Vale withdrawals. Bring on January!
This is my voluntary arc review
October 28, 2019
Oh man when I was introduced to Luca in the previous book I knew his story was going to be hectic. And it was a hectic ride for me.
This couple's story was so heartbreaking I wanted to cry, especially for Frankie's part. When your fiance goes to war and all you can do is wait at home, hoping that he will make it back. Then to notified that he is missing and again all you can do is wait and pray he will come back to you.
When his best friend is back and what do you do when you feel like you are developing feelings for your man's best friend? How do you deal with that
Both these characters were such strong people. Luca for coming home and for going out in the world and no way of hiding the trauma that he has been through and Frankie having to face a life without the love of her life.... This book will have definitely touch your heart and have you wanting to hug these characters and want to take all their pain away...
Reviewed on behalf of
Fay's Corner
This couple's story was so heartbreaking I wanted to cry, especially for Frankie's part. When your fiance goes to war and all you can do is wait at home, hoping that he will make it back. Then to notified that he is missing and again all you can do is wait and pray he will come back to you.
When his best friend is back and what do you do when you feel like you are developing feelings for your man's best friend? How do you deal with that
Both these characters were such strong people. Luca for coming home and for going out in the world and no way of hiding the trauma that he has been through and Frankie having to face a life without the love of her life.... This book will have definitely touch your heart and have you wanting to hug these characters and want to take all their pain away...
Reviewed on behalf of
Fay's Corner
October 28, 2019
How can I put into words just how much I loved this story. Lani Lynn Vale you really out yourself out there with this story. I feel like it was absolute perfection. The subject matter is real and you have the uncanny ability to pull the readers in and have them feel just what the characters feel.
I will warn you your emotions will come into play when reading this book so be earned a box of tissues may or may not be required while reading. Frankie and Luca define what the word soulmate really means. They had their whole lives ahead of them when the unthinkable occurs. Now fast forward a few years when out of the blue something extraordinary happens. How can you have strong feelings for someone, when the person is not even sure if who they are themselves.Throw in the added twist and a few strange occurrences and we get If You Say So. I know my review may be vague, but you absolutely need to read this book to understand what I'm try to convey in this review.
I will warn you your emotions will come into play when reading this book so be earned a box of tissues may or may not be required while reading. Frankie and Luca define what the word soulmate really means. They had their whole lives ahead of them when the unthinkable occurs. Now fast forward a few years when out of the blue something extraordinary happens. How can you have strong feelings for someone, when the person is not even sure if who they are themselves.Throw in the added twist and a few strange occurrences and we get If You Say So. I know my review may be vague, but you absolutely need to read this book to understand what I'm try to convey in this review.
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