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The Summer Fall #2
Stop Running, Tori Baker!
Six years ago, she ran to the wrong man. Now her heart is begging her to stop running from the right one. But how do you trust a heart that’s led you astray before?
Tori
If you pulled me aside on my wedding day and asked me where I saw myself in four years’ time, I’d never have guessed it would be here: an unemployed, single mom and domestic abuse survivor.
Between the violent end of my marriage and the birth of my daughter, life felt like a constant paddle through a swamp of setbacks. But then my ex, with his great job and perfect house and even more perfect fiance, filed for sole custody of our daughter. And paddling through the swamp shifted to drowning in it.
Until a life jacket appeared. The very same annoying, hilarious, obscenely attractive 6’2 life jacket I’d spent years running from…
Tyler
She was my best friend until I begged her not to marry him, begged her to run. I never thought she’d end up running from me. So when she walked back into my life, with a baby on her hip and in need of a knight who looked good on paper, I did what any rational person would do: I offered to be her fake fiance. And together, we happily leaned into this elaborate bluff to keep her daughter safe from her abusive ex husband.
But somewhere between faking it for family court and kisses that have never felt like pretend to me, one thing became achingly clear: I needed Tori Baker to stop running from me, and run to me instead.
Tori
If you pulled me aside on my wedding day and asked me where I saw myself in four years’ time, I’d never have guessed it would be here: an unemployed, single mom and domestic abuse survivor.
Between the violent end of my marriage and the birth of my daughter, life felt like a constant paddle through a swamp of setbacks. But then my ex, with his great job and perfect house and even more perfect fiance, filed for sole custody of our daughter. And paddling through the swamp shifted to drowning in it.
Until a life jacket appeared. The very same annoying, hilarious, obscenely attractive 6’2 life jacket I’d spent years running from…
Tyler
She was my best friend until I begged her not to marry him, begged her to run. I never thought she’d end up running from me. So when she walked back into my life, with a baby on her hip and in need of a knight who looked good on paper, I did what any rational person would do: I offered to be her fake fiance. And together, we happily leaned into this elaborate bluff to keep her daughter safe from her abusive ex husband.
But somewhere between faking it for family court and kisses that have never felt like pretend to me, one thing became achingly clear: I needed Tori Baker to stop running from me, and run to me instead.
340 pages, ebook
Published September 30, 2023
18 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Oona Arlo
4 books53 followersOona Arlo is a hopeless romantic first and a contemporary romance author second. Her debut novel, Sabrina September Is A Liar, released in April 2023 and she’s been writing up a storm since.
Oona’s novels portray healthy relationships, real-life struggles and toe-curlingly good chemistry, drama and hard-won happily ever afters.
When she isn’t gentle parenting within an inch of her life, or reading, you’ll find her in her office, plotting, writing, scheming and removing hundreds of utterances of the f-word from her novels.
Oona lives in a small rural town with her two daughters – Sophie and Grace – her partner, their yappy Jack Russell, Charlie, and gorgeous Calico cat, Keeks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 20, 2023
I forgot to rate this 5 stars! Yes, I am the delulu author who rates her own books. I read it a million times and I loved it each time. Tori and Tyler will have my heart forever!
September 13, 2023
This was a highly anticipated read and I was not disappointed. I loved it so much. But let me tell you something about Patrick 😤. I fucking hated that guy. I came to the same realization that he did, but the way he treated Tor was just disgusting. Normally I don’t condone cheating but fuck that guy. He’s a piece of shit who got what he deserved. Now on to Tor and Tyler! Love, love, love them together. Can I get a Tyler please? I love how he never gave up on her and the way he treated her was just so sweet. And the spice? 🥵 My goodness. I could not get enough. So good. Nikki did her thing with this one for sure. Thank you for once again allowing me to be an ARC reader. I promise I will read anything that you write because your storytelling is amazing.
September 10, 2023
I had awaited the announcement of this book eagerly after reading Sabrina September is a liar and boy was I not disappointed.
I absolutely loved this story: both Tyler and Tori’s little family and the overall friendship of the gang and the little family that they have made in each other.
How they love and protect each other with their whole being!
I absolutely loved this story: both Tyler and Tori’s little family and the overall friendship of the gang and the little family that they have made in each other.
How they love and protect each other with their whole being!
October 2, 2023
"...Maybe that I’d loved her before I knew she was mine. Maybe that my heart had anchored itself to hers, to Tori’s all along..."
Tori Baker has been running since before she understood why. Now that she's free, Tori is determined to be strong for Luna. Tyler won't give up without a fight. He has loved Tori for too long to just walk away. He will be whatever Tori needs, even if to give her one last sunflower...
I had the great pleasure of ARC reading Sabrina September Is A Liar with the Smuthood tour when I first started out doing reviews! I absolutely loved Sabrina and Max's story. One of the things I liked most about it was the fact that the secondary characters were solid. They had purpose outside of the main story that easily led one to believe there would be another book mainly about them. Nikki has, in fact, done Tori and Tyler justice!
Tori Baker is Sabrina's best friend. Known for her sharp tongue and quick wit. Tyler is Max's best friend. Known for his flirty charm and protective nature. Tyler & Tori's relationship is...complicated. Tori's life takes a path that is unkind to her, but from it, she finds meaning in motherhood. I love that Tori did everything she could to protect her daughter. Her situation hit me harder than I anticipated, a common scenario we hear about as military spouses. Tyler finds himself there for Tori during the worst of it and after. Despite his hesitations, he can't let go of her. Tyler had me from the start. He is my current gold standard for the "good guy" in romance. Big points for that wild plot twist towards the end, I was not expecting it! I ugly cried. It was very therapeutic. I was ecstatic to see that Sabrina and Max had their own extra HEA within this book as well. Had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Tori Baker has been running since before she understood why. Now that she's free, Tori is determined to be strong for Luna. Tyler won't give up without a fight. He has loved Tori for too long to just walk away. He will be whatever Tori needs, even if to give her one last sunflower...
I had the great pleasure of ARC reading Sabrina September Is A Liar with the Smuthood tour when I first started out doing reviews! I absolutely loved Sabrina and Max's story. One of the things I liked most about it was the fact that the secondary characters were solid. They had purpose outside of the main story that easily led one to believe there would be another book mainly about them. Nikki has, in fact, done Tori and Tyler justice!
Tori Baker is Sabrina's best friend. Known for her sharp tongue and quick wit. Tyler is Max's best friend. Known for his flirty charm and protective nature. Tyler & Tori's relationship is...complicated. Tori's life takes a path that is unkind to her, but from it, she finds meaning in motherhood. I love that Tori did everything she could to protect her daughter. Her situation hit me harder than I anticipated, a common scenario we hear about as military spouses. Tyler finds himself there for Tori during the worst of it and after. Despite his hesitations, he can't let go of her. Tyler had me from the start. He is my current gold standard for the "good guy" in romance. Big points for that wild plot twist towards the end, I was not expecting it! I ugly cried. It was very therapeutic. I was ecstatic to see that Sabrina and Max had their own extra HEA within this book as well. Had me giggling and kicking my feet.
September 30, 2023
A story of healing
Note: trigger warnings must be read.
I read this immediately after finishing the first book in the series, and devoured this read!
Once again, as with the first book, this story felt so real, as if you’re a part of it and not just an observer.
This is a story about healing, a theme that is strong throughout. The characters, main and supporting inclusive, learn how to heal, and that sometimes you can lean on others to bear the load. It’s a hard taught lesson, and is told beautifully in this story.
This story contains healing first and foremost, and further contains loss, fear and overcoming that fear, strength of character, yearning, banter and humor, romance, a lot of spice, twists in the story and unbreakable bonds.
The depth and development of the characters and the story really emphasize the wonder of the read, and although there are heavy themes, it leaves one with a sense of peace.
I loved it and totally recommend it!
Note: I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of this book, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Note: trigger warnings must be read.
I read this immediately after finishing the first book in the series, and devoured this read!
Once again, as with the first book, this story felt so real, as if you’re a part of it and not just an observer.
This is a story about healing, a theme that is strong throughout. The characters, main and supporting inclusive, learn how to heal, and that sometimes you can lean on others to bear the load. It’s a hard taught lesson, and is told beautifully in this story.
This story contains healing first and foremost, and further contains loss, fear and overcoming that fear, strength of character, yearning, banter and humor, romance, a lot of spice, twists in the story and unbreakable bonds.
The depth and development of the characters and the story really emphasize the wonder of the read, and although there are heavy themes, it leaves one with a sense of peace.
I loved it and totally recommend it!
Note: I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of this book, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
September 24, 2023
I received this book as an ARC reader and man did it not disappoint. This book had spice, it had love, it had running. It was such a well written book. Some moments there were tears running down my face hoping that everything would be okay in the end. I love the story of Ty and Tori just as much as I loved the story of Sabrina and Max. Nikki wrote this book fantastically, and it gives hope for real life situations. This book is a 10/10 recommend. ❤️
September 16, 2023
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my gosh! This book had me feeling all the feelings that exist. I cried, I laughed, I swooned, and oh my I fell in love with the characters. Tori and Tyler will forever been in my heart. I never wanted this book to end, because I needed to see what is next for them. The way Tyler is with Luna had my heart melting and after everything Tori went through, the way she was able to put her trust in Tyler was absolutely everything for me. I love that we got to see Max and Bri as well because I have missed them. I can’t wait to everyone has the pleasure of reading this amazing book.
Oh my gosh! This book had me feeling all the feelings that exist. I cried, I laughed, I swooned, and oh my I fell in love with the characters. Tori and Tyler will forever been in my heart. I never wanted this book to end, because I needed to see what is next for them. The way Tyler is with Luna had my heart melting and after everything Tori went through, the way she was able to put her trust in Tyler was absolutely everything for me. I love that we got to see Max and Bri as well because I have missed them. I can’t wait to everyone has the pleasure of reading this amazing book.
September 28, 2023
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review and boy does this book not disappoint
I’ve been looking forward to this book since I arc read Sabrina September is a Liar & fell in love with Nikki’s writing. I loved getting to see Tori in book one, but getting to know her & Tyler in this book was amazing. I laughed and cried several times while reading this book and I cannot recommend it enough. I love Ty, Tori & Looney so much 😭🫶
I’ve been looking forward to this book since I arc read Sabrina September is a Liar & fell in love with Nikki’s writing. I loved getting to see Tori in book one, but getting to know her & Tyler in this book was amazing. I laughed and cried several times while reading this book and I cannot recommend it enough. I love Ty, Tori & Looney so much 😭🫶
October 1, 2023
I read this book in one day. It flowed so well, was a fun read with a very spunky FMC. Ty is a huge sweetheart, constantly coming through for Tori. I enjoyed the character development of Tori, seeing her defenses fall as she slowly started to trust him more. The romance was sweet, and I loved all the moments with little Luna. The spice was great too, I loved the intimate scenes.
Abuse is a heavy theme throughout the book, so reader beware. I read some of the flashback scenes and to be honest, I skimmed others.
Loved the twist and reveal at the end. The climax worked well too, no 2nd/3rd act breakup or miscommunication tropes leading to the "all is lost" moment, which I appreciate.
The only reason I couldn't give it five stars is because it was sparse on details, especially physical descriptors... she probably described the MC's looks in the beginning but still, I have no idea what any of them look like. They were blank characters in my mind, other than their height. Or apparently Sabrina is not from the US (mentions of her first Thanksgiving, etc), but the author doesn't mention where she's from originally. Things like that that kept me from being fully immersed in the story.
Ty's ONLY flaw... who in the hell would choose Burger King over In'n'Out??
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Abuse is a heavy theme throughout the book, so reader beware. I read some of the flashback scenes and to be honest, I skimmed others.
Loved the twist and reveal at the end. The climax worked well too, no 2nd/3rd act breakup or miscommunication tropes leading to the "all is lost" moment, which I appreciate.
The only reason I couldn't give it five stars is because it was sparse on details, especially physical descriptors... she probably described the MC's looks in the beginning but still, I have no idea what any of them look like. They were blank characters in my mind, other than their height. Or apparently Sabrina is not from the US (mentions of her first Thanksgiving, etc), but the author doesn't mention where she's from originally. Things like that that kept me from being fully immersed in the story.
Ty's ONLY flaw... who in the hell would choose Burger King over In'n'Out??
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 14, 2023
Omgness this book I love with all my heart! I definitely gonna need to get a physical copy! I definitely think it should be a movie too!
I was happy, heartbroken and had so many emotions with this book. I love the happy ending. I definitely had a twist to it because loony being Ty's daughter made me cry & was so happy. They didn't need her ex husband in their life he was horrible. It definitely was triggering at some points with her abusive ex husband because I come from an abusive home/parent(my mom) and with Ty I definitely felt like I was him at some point in my life.
I swear I think loony know Ty was her dad before anybody know. I love this book to death & will recommend read it to those who love to read 🤩
1000000/10
I was happy, heartbroken and had so many emotions with this book. I love the happy ending. I definitely had a twist to it because loony being Ty's daughter made me cry & was so happy. They didn't need her ex husband in their life he was horrible. It definitely was triggering at some points with her abusive ex husband because I come from an abusive home/parent(my mom) and with Ty I definitely felt like I was him at some point in my life.
I swear I think loony know Ty was her dad before anybody know. I love this book to death & will recommend read it to those who love to read 🤩
1000000/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2023
This book was so good! Tori and Tyler were introduced in Sabrina September is a Liar and some background was already established.
Tori was in an abusive marriage and was almost killed by her husband while pregnant. Tyler and Tori met while in the Navy and have been friends for over 12 years. He is Max’s best friend and Tori is Sabrina’s.
The book covers some of the same time frames as book 1 but with different perspectives. I felt so many emotions while reading everything Tori and Tyler experienced both together and separately.
There are a few major plot twists that shook me! But were they enough for Tori Baker to stop running? You need to read to find out! You will not be disappointed!
Awesome job Nikki!
Tori was in an abusive marriage and was almost killed by her husband while pregnant. Tyler and Tori met while in the Navy and have been friends for over 12 years. He is Max’s best friend and Tori is Sabrina’s.
The book covers some of the same time frames as book 1 but with different perspectives. I felt so many emotions while reading everything Tori and Tyler experienced both together and separately.
There are a few major plot twists that shook me! But were they enough for Tori Baker to stop running? You need to read to find out! You will not be disappointed!
Awesome job Nikki!
September 14, 2023
I received a advanced review copy for free, and am leaving a honest review voluntarily:
This book had me from the first page, Seeing how firey Tori was and how Tyler embraced it was the selling point for me.
Getting to see their relationship over the years, flashbacks and flash forwards.
You can see Tyler had always been inlove with Tori from the start, and Tori was hell bent on not following what her heart truly wanted.
Tori’s story truly is heartbreaking and reading it what she went through and how she still came out a better person was beautiful, it gave me It ends with us vibes but what I would of liked to see Lilly be like. Seeing Tori’s thoughts her wanting to end the pattern with her and not let her child grow up that way was relatable.
Tyler is so head over heals for Tori he would do anything to make her happy, all he wants is to love her and she fights at every turn. Even with his own challanges he still only shows love to her and care no matter how badly situations hurt him.
This book broke me and put me back together, was my first book from this Author and I will definitely check out her other work.
This book had me from the first page, Seeing how firey Tori was and how Tyler embraced it was the selling point for me.
Getting to see their relationship over the years, flashbacks and flash forwards.
You can see Tyler had always been inlove with Tori from the start, and Tori was hell bent on not following what her heart truly wanted.
Tori’s story truly is heartbreaking and reading it what she went through and how she still came out a better person was beautiful, it gave me It ends with us vibes but what I would of liked to see Lilly be like. Seeing Tori’s thoughts her wanting to end the pattern with her and not let her child grow up that way was relatable.
Tyler is so head over heals for Tori he would do anything to make her happy, all he wants is to love her and she fights at every turn. Even with his own challanges he still only shows love to her and care no matter how badly situations hurt him.
This book broke me and put me back together, was my first book from this Author and I will definitely check out her other work.
September 1, 2023
I was eagerly anticipating this book after enjoying Sabrina September so much.
It’s so great to unravel Tori’s and Tyler’s history and see how their story develops.
I laughed out loud for some parts and other parts had me bawling like an idiot!
I read it in one afternoon… I honestly couldn’t put it down!
And the spice?!!!! Spicy hot!
Now I feel that Bri and Max need a part 2!!
Just keep telling the story of these best friends until they’re old and grey… I’d read every word!
It’s so great to unravel Tori’s and Tyler’s history and see how their story develops.
I laughed out loud for some parts and other parts had me bawling like an idiot!
I read it in one afternoon… I honestly couldn’t put it down!
And the spice?!!!! Spicy hot!
Now I feel that Bri and Max need a part 2!!
Just keep telling the story of these best friends until they’re old and grey… I’d read every word!
September 28, 2023
Wow! I read book one and I was really looking forward to Tori’s story and it did not disappoint! I love Tori and Tyler. Patrick is Tori’s ex husband and he got what he deserved. I honestly thought it was funny that Tori would think they could pretend to be engaged and it would not go anywhere. Tyler has always had feelings for Tori and Tori has had feelings for Tyler too even when she was with Patrick, Tyler was there in more than one way. I was honestly shocked about Luna’s dad but honestly was so happy! With Sabrina and Max they have a small crew that are so close and have an amazing relationship. Also very happy for Sabrina and Max! Tori deserves the world and Tyler is going to give it to her. He is so in love with Luna, she is going to be wrapped around his finger. I would love to get to read their story down the line!
October 2, 2023
Tori & Ty's story was so much more than what I could've imagine and I devoured it. There's quite alot of obstacles to get to the beautiful HEA but this is exactly what I love from Nikki Lincolns novel ; she takes us on an emotional roller-coaster and I'm here for it!
Now pretty please give us a book #3. I never thought I'd say this after reading Sabrina September is a liar but I need to know what happens with Alice because that was quite the cliffhanger to end with.. Never saw it coming!!
Now pretty please give us a book #3. I never thought I'd say this after reading Sabrina September is a liar but I need to know what happens with Alice because that was quite the cliffhanger to end with.. Never saw it coming!!
September 4, 2023
I was an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review. And I loved this book, just as I loved Sabrina September is a Liar. This was a great sequel with the characters you already know and love, but you get to know them even better in this book. I laughed, was enraged, and rooting for them throughout the book - you get ALL the emotions and PLENTY OF SPICE. It was glorious. Nikki Lincoln is quickly becoming my favorite author and cannot wait to see what she produces next.
October 1, 2023
I could not wait for Tori’s book after I finished Sabrina’s. Nikki Lincoln absolutely did not disappoint with Tori and Tyler’s story! Loved going on this journey with these two beautiful people that have fought and gave into their lust for years! If you enjoyed Sabrina September is a Liar then definitely do not miss out on her best friends story!
September 3, 2023
I received an ARC and boy oh boy! I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would if I’m being honest (ya girl been in a slump), I don’t typically go for heavier topics but this was done so well that it didn’t feel too heavy. And Tyler, what a man.
September 30, 2023
One thing about Nikki Lincoln??? She is gonna break your heart but she is gonna do it with style lol. Before starting this book my mind kept reminding me that the bar is toooooo high because of Max and Bri, and believe me when I tell you THIS BOOK EXCEEDED THATTTTT!! Tori deserves the whole wide world🥹
September 30, 2023
I got the book as part of an ARC. It is a standalone, and it was probably my fastest read EVER!
I love Ty and Tori’s story and how they came to be.
I was hooked from start to finish. It had some spice it. Definitely was worth the read.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love Ty and Tori’s story and how they came to be.
I was hooked from start to finish. It had some spice it. Definitely was worth the read.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 30, 2023
another beautiful addition to this series
I have enjoyed this series so so much. Tyler was everything we need in a fictional man. His patience, kindness, protectiveness and love truly healed a part of me as he took care of ✨his girl✨… totally worth the tears.
I have enjoyed this series so so much. Tyler was everything we need in a fictional man. His patience, kindness, protectiveness and love truly healed a part of me as he took care of ✨his girl✨… totally worth the tears.
September 9, 2023
I loved this book! I never wanted to put it down! I loved Tyler's humor and how he was always there for Tori! This book definitely made me tear up at points but I never wanted it to end!
September 16, 2023
Absolutely adored this second novel by Nikki. It's a spicy romance filled with heart and has a great plot. It's definitely not slow-burn in my opinion 😉 and the trigger warnings are apt in preparing you for the more hectic scenes. Really hope there's more to read about Sabrina and Tori in the future 💕
September 11, 2023
I have read both of Nikki’s books and both of those books have a way of making you feel like you are friends with the characters.
SRTB is a beautiful story about a trauma and love and how those two things work in a relationship. I love Tyler and Tory, I love their dynamic and the banter, I love how they are each others safe space and they just don’t realize it.
This book is both spicy and heartfelt. I really enjoyed the snippets of Sabrina and Max. We are still getting to know things about other characters which is such fun. I really can’t wait for the next book, I am so invested in these characters.
Well done Nikki, you just keep creating beautiful stories 💕
SRTB is a beautiful story about a trauma and love and how those two things work in a relationship. I love Tyler and Tory, I love their dynamic and the banter, I love how they are each others safe space and they just don’t realize it.
This book is both spicy and heartfelt. I really enjoyed the snippets of Sabrina and Max. We are still getting to know things about other characters which is such fun. I really can’t wait for the next book, I am so invested in these characters.
Well done Nikki, you just keep creating beautiful stories 💕
September 23, 2023
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored this book! It had me laughing, crying, and kicking my feet! Tori and Tyler are the cutest couple and Tori's daughter Luna is perfect. Tyler just became a new book boyfriend 🥰 I have not read Sabrina September is a Liar but I love Max and Bri so I will definitely be picking that up very soon! This book is a rollercoaster and I wouldn't have changed any of it! 4.8/5 ⭐️
I absolutely adored this book! It had me laughing, crying, and kicking my feet! Tori and Tyler are the cutest couple and Tori's daughter Luna is perfect. Tyler just became a new book boyfriend 🥰 I have not read Sabrina September is a Liar but I love Max and Bri so I will definitely be picking that up very soon! This book is a rollercoaster and I wouldn't have changed any of it! 4.8/5 ⭐️
September 9, 2023
A great follow-up to Sabrina September is a Liar! Although both are standalone novels, the characters intertwine and their stories have grown from the first book. I loved this book. Tori is such a great mom, rising above all of the bad that’s happened to her. Tyler is always showing up, proving that love does exist. I loved watching their love evolve, and I cherished seeing Bri and Max be such big parts of Luna and Tori’s story too. Absolutely recommend!
October 5, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! <3
July 29, 2024
I found this book to be such a pager turner - I read the whole thing in one sitting. I enjoyed how Nikki brought a number of twists into the story, without the twists seeming obvious - one of the twists subtly set up the third book in the series. This book confronted some really dark themes, and I felt they were dealt with in a way that didn’t feel gratuitous or disrespectful. As a mother my heart ached on more than one occasion. The spice felt like an enhancement to the story and also didn’t feel gratuitous - and it was spicy! This was an excellent extension to “Sabrina September is a Liar” without being a full sequel. I can’t wait to read what Nikki publishes next.
September 5, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive this book from the author as an ARC & this is my spoiler-free review.
I have to say, this book is incredible. It was a total rollercoaster ride, one minute I was laughing and the next I was weeping.
This second-chance/fake fiancé romance really tugged at my heartstrings. It's a dual-POV and dual-timeline which has been set up so effortlessly, it wasn't confusing to track timelines or understand what was happening from one chapter to the next, which I think can be really complicated and difficult to pull off, but Nikki Lincoln did it!!! Just goes to show what an amazing author she is.
The FMC Tori is such an incredible portrayal of a single mother, trying her best battling insurmountable and terrifying odds on her own with the most SCRUMPTIOUS baby on her hip (prepare to get broody, I'm just saying.) The MMC Tyler is the most gorgeous man who worships the ground she walks on. I'm a massive sucker for male characters who are so boldly and blindly lost in love, so prepare to risk it all for this man. You're going to fall IN LOVE WITH HIM, take this as your warning.
As side characters go, Bri and Max really made this book so much better for me. Even though I read the author's first novel "Sabrina September Is A Liar" this novel is a standalone and it was so lovely to have side characters who are so perfectly created and included. It was great to have them back again, but they also didn't feel like I would be missing anything if I didn't read their book. So as a standalone with great side characters, "Stop Running, Tori Baker!" is a WIN! Max and Bri are there as supporters and comforters to our main characters, they don't steal the show, and even better, they're HYSTERICAL. They play the part of "the audience" reacting to what's happening in the book so perfectly, making them super relatable as you react as the reader.
The on-page spicy scenes are absolutely feral, I loved them. They were a welcome addition to an already beautiful love story in the middle of an emotional period of the main characters' lives. Just, chef's kiss!
Lastly, the villain Patrick. You're really going to HATE this character and again, it just shows how great Nikki Lincoln is as an author. She was really meant to write novels, IMO. The villain was terrifying, hateful and honestly, just disgusting. Prepare to swear and cry and concoct daydreams of his demise in your head.
In closing, you have to read this book. YOU HAVE to read this book.
I have to say, this book is incredible. It was a total rollercoaster ride, one minute I was laughing and the next I was weeping.
This second-chance/fake fiancé romance really tugged at my heartstrings. It's a dual-POV and dual-timeline which has been set up so effortlessly, it wasn't confusing to track timelines or understand what was happening from one chapter to the next, which I think can be really complicated and difficult to pull off, but Nikki Lincoln did it!!! Just goes to show what an amazing author she is.
The FMC Tori is such an incredible portrayal of a single mother, trying her best battling insurmountable and terrifying odds on her own with the most SCRUMPTIOUS baby on her hip (prepare to get broody, I'm just saying.) The MMC Tyler is the most gorgeous man who worships the ground she walks on. I'm a massive sucker for male characters who are so boldly and blindly lost in love, so prepare to risk it all for this man. You're going to fall IN LOVE WITH HIM, take this as your warning.
As side characters go, Bri and Max really made this book so much better for me. Even though I read the author's first novel "Sabrina September Is A Liar" this novel is a standalone and it was so lovely to have side characters who are so perfectly created and included. It was great to have them back again, but they also didn't feel like I would be missing anything if I didn't read their book. So as a standalone with great side characters, "Stop Running, Tori Baker!" is a WIN! Max and Bri are there as supporters and comforters to our main characters, they don't steal the show, and even better, they're HYSTERICAL. They play the part of "the audience" reacting to what's happening in the book so perfectly, making them super relatable as you react as the reader.
The on-page spicy scenes are absolutely feral, I loved them. They were a welcome addition to an already beautiful love story in the middle of an emotional period of the main characters' lives. Just, chef's kiss!
Lastly, the villain Patrick. You're really going to HATE this character and again, it just shows how great Nikki Lincoln is as an author. She was really meant to write novels, IMO. The villain was terrifying, hateful and honestly, just disgusting. Prepare to swear and cry and concoct daydreams of his demise in your head.
In closing, you have to read this book. YOU HAVE to read this book.
July 30, 2025
Absolute banger, 10/10 recommend, love this author and her writing and stories SO MUCH!
I will recommend her Summer Falls series to everyone as long as I’m breathing and also her other book The House of the Wicked (The Snake and the Raven duet - book 2 coming out soon). Please read these!
This shattered my heart and slowly put it back together piece by agonizing, heart wrenching piece. I think it also hits different for me because this series hits close to home for me but anyone can read this and their heart would break for these characters. In both books 1 and 2 I was tears and that’s not typical of me reading.
This is a romantic suspense, military love story, friends with benefits to lovers story.
Tori is struggling with her abusive, disrespectful, POS ex-husband while raising a baby on her own, dealing with a guy who has a lot of pull money wise and connections wise to help cover up all his previous and current bullshit he’s put women through and other unrelated but equally shitty things.
Tyler is Tori friend and on again, off again friends with benefits for 12 years and he’s just trying to be there for Tori and help her get through court battles and custody. Tori is a runner though, she’s never been given a reason to trust a man and always been independent and had to do things herself, asking for help has only ever caused more heart ache and even though her friends care deeply for her and want to help she doesn’t want to be a burden so she runs and deals with things alone.
This does have time jumps from present to flash backs of the past also which I personally enjoyed, it may not be everyone’s preference but this was done extremely well and that doesn’t bother me anyways. I don’t want to say much more other than go read this series, it has my heart forever!!
I will recommend her Summer Falls series to everyone as long as I’m breathing and also her other book The House of the Wicked (The Snake and the Raven duet - book 2 coming out soon). Please read these!
This shattered my heart and slowly put it back together piece by agonizing, heart wrenching piece. I think it also hits different for me because this series hits close to home for me but anyone can read this and their heart would break for these characters. In both books 1 and 2 I was tears and that’s not typical of me reading.
This is a romantic suspense, military love story, friends with benefits to lovers story.
Tori is struggling with her abusive, disrespectful, POS ex-husband while raising a baby on her own, dealing with a guy who has a lot of pull money wise and connections wise to help cover up all his previous and current bullshit he’s put women through and other unrelated but equally shitty things.
Tyler is Tori friend and on again, off again friends with benefits for 12 years and he’s just trying to be there for Tori and help her get through court battles and custody. Tori is a runner though, she’s never been given a reason to trust a man and always been independent and had to do things herself, asking for help has only ever caused more heart ache and even though her friends care deeply for her and want to help she doesn’t want to be a burden so she runs and deals with things alone.
This does have time jumps from present to flash backs of the past also which I personally enjoyed, it may not be everyone’s preference but this was done extremely well and that doesn’t bother me anyways. I don’t want to say much more other than go read this series, it has my heart forever!!
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