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Freebirds #4
Last Day of My Life
Her She’s the definition of lost. Doesn’t know her name? Check. Cruelly beaten within an inch of her life? Check. No memory of anything that's happened since she woke up from that beating? Check. Losing a child she doesn’t remember conceiving? Check. She hasn't felt anything but lost in a very long time. Then an old biker tells her danger is on the horizon. He sends her to a man that she instantly feels a connection with. A bone deep connection. Him He’s the definition of despair. After the death of his young wife while on a tour of duty in Afghanistan, he hasn't seen the appeal of participating in the world around him. He’s lost the only thing he ever loved. He’s been a shell of the man he once was. His only escape from reality is feeling the wind in his hair, going as fast as he can get his old Harley to take him. That’s the only time he can push his demons back far enough to feel peace. That is until she screams his name.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2014
317 people are currently reading
1194 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
169 books7,288 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 226 reviews
November 2, 2025
When Winter was told to run and find a man who could offer her protection, she didn't hesitate. She didn't know why or who, the last seven years have been empty for Winter. She doesn't know her name, where she came from, or who so brutally tried to kill her.
Jack lost everything when he lost his wife, he finished his tour in Afghanistan but even now that he is out he still feels the loss daily. She was his world, but an unexpected voice from his past jolts him and he will do anything to protect her.
Didn't want to divulge too much but have your hankies handy. This was hauntingly beautiful, it was unexpected and page turning. One of the best books I have read by this talented author. Each book has a bit of humor even when you feel like a crying jag. Excellent.
Jack lost everything when he lost his wife, he finished his tour in Afghanistan but even now that he is out he still feels the loss daily. She was his world, but an unexpected voice from his past jolts him and he will do anything to protect her.
Didn't want to divulge too much but have your hankies handy. This was hauntingly beautiful, it was unexpected and page turning. One of the best books I have read by this talented author. Each book has a bit of humor even when you feel like a crying jag. Excellent.
June 9, 2021
https://www.nbiblioholic.com/2021/06/last-day-of-my-life-by-lani-lynn-vale.html
Another heartbreaking and heartwarming read from Lani Lynn Vale! I'm still absorbing everything I got with Last Day of My Life that I'm going to sum everything up with highlights.
☆ Winter and Jack met, fell in love, got married real quick, and he was sent off to war. He left her in good hands with his family and best friend.
☆ Fast forward 7 years and we realize that Jack lost his wife to a violent assault. At least that's what he believed until a woman, who looks a lot like his wife, shows up and starts screaming his name.
☆ Winter has no memory of who she is, who Jack is, but when she was in danger, it was Jack that she ran to.
☆ I love a good amnesia story and I loved that the author didn't conclude it quickly but also didn't draw it out.
☆ Adam's funeral... heart... broken. It actually brought tears to my eyes and I feel that the author captured the scenes quite beautifully.
☆ During the 7 years of their separation, these two were with No. One. Else!
It seemed that Jack and Winter couldn't catch a break. The suspenseful scenes were amazing! However, between a death, an assault, silly shenanigans, friends going through some ish (I'm looking at both Taima and James) and attempted murder, their love for one another persevered. I loved this couple!
February 6, 2017
I really like this story. It dragged at times and then it moved FAST at others. It was not as sad this time since I knew the story but was still heartbreaking.
Prior comments:
Heartbreaking. Sad. The premise of the story was so tragic. I felt like all of the drama was a touch too much. It was unrelenting and I wanted them to have peace during the story. I felt like I got that in the epilogue, but I would have liked more in the main story.
Safety gang
Prior comments:
Heartbreaking. Sad. The premise of the story was so tragic. I felt like all of the drama was a touch too much. It was unrelenting and I wanted them to have peace during the story. I felt like I got that in the epilogue, but I would have liked more in the main story.
Safety gang
August 22, 2015
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Sizling Pages on TSU
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
From the very moment Jack held Winter's hand moments after meeting her, I
was in love with this book. Lani has the extraordinary ability to
create love stories I can believe in. Characters that are loyal from the
first meeting to the HEA. She proves in every single book that
unnecessary drama and angst between the lead couples isn't needed to pad
a story. There won't be cheating or whoring heroes and that is
something I absolutely love her for. Jack was the most steadfast hero I
have read in so long. To stay celibate and honor his vows even after
death .. Proves how this author honors the vows of love. I adore her
secondary characters as much as the leads and there is always dialogue
that has me laughing out loud to moments of such deep emotion that the
tears flowed freely. I will say this couple had the most tragic road of
any I've read of Lani and I can't imagine how it must have felt to be in
her mind and heart as this book was written. Sadness , healing and then
beauty and joy were captured perfectly along side an epic couples love
story that I didn't want to end. I'm so absolutely head over heels in
book love with all this author writes. Diving into the next one
soon.
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Sizling Pages on TSU
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
From the very moment Jack held Winter's hand moments after meeting her, I
was in love with this book. Lani has the extraordinary ability to
create love stories I can believe in. Characters that are loyal from the
first meeting to the HEA. She proves in every single book that
unnecessary drama and angst between the lead couples isn't needed to pad
a story. There won't be cheating or whoring heroes and that is
something I absolutely love her for. Jack was the most steadfast hero I
have read in so long. To stay celibate and honor his vows even after
death .. Proves how this author honors the vows of love. I adore her
secondary characters as much as the leads and there is always dialogue
that has me laughing out loud to moments of such deep emotion that the
tears flowed freely. I will say this couple had the most tragic road of
any I've read of Lani and I can't imagine how it must have felt to be in
her mind and heart as this book was written. Sadness , healing and then
beauty and joy were captured perfectly along side an epic couples love
story that I didn't want to end. I'm so absolutely head over heels in
book love with all this author writes. Diving into the next one
soon.
September 9, 2019
Winter and Jack's story.
While I liked it well enough,I was not blown away as some of the other books.
While I liked it well enough,I was not blown away as some of the other books.
August 18, 2021
Warning* Be prepared to cry ugly tears!!! This book is amazing and by fair my favorite in the series (which was hard to pick because they are all amazing) I love Jack and I love love love Winter. I mean you can’t help but root for them and hope that their love story has a happy ending. I just love how deep the love they have for each other is and although Winter can’t remember at first when she does start to remember it's beautiful. I just love the whole story and I can’t but hope that I found a love that beautiful and deep that survives years, war, death and so much more. Lani Lynn Vale does an amazing job of writing amazing stories that are funny, deep, suspenseful and beautiful and each of them makes you fall in love with them.
January 30, 2019
This one was just an ok read for me. It was a bit unbelievable and over the top at times and I had a bit of a struggle finishing it.
September 10, 2017
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Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Winter):3/5
Hero (Jack): 3.5/5
Plot: 3.5
Grovel: none
Cheating: none AND hero was celibate during 7 year separation
HEA: yes
Triggers: almost-rape
Average score: 3/5
Best Lines: “I fall in love with you more and more every day. Except yesterday. Yesterday you were pretty annoying. E-Card”
Worst Lines: “What, are you on your rag or something?” – why is this the always go-to thing said by guys?!
Personal Review:
This was a romance between a married couple where the heroine was presumed dead 7 years ago but just had amnesia and is reunited with the hero. It was a pretty confusing read just because of the timeline as it felt like it jumped ahead quite a few times but I think this is just Lani’s writing style and I still don’t know if I like it much.
Random Ramblings:
•It is unusual for me to read a series out of order but when I saw this title I realised that I somehow missed this book when I was reading the original series
•This didn’t have the same emotional impact on me as Maya Bank’s “
” but then again the heroine in this book is almost the opposite of the heroine in Maya’s book
•The times jumps were a little disconcerting and for someone who had amnesia, she sure did accept everything everyone told her without question
•The funeral song made me tear up
Overall Feeling:
This book was hard work to finish, I kept getting distracted because it wasn’t holding my attention
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Winter):3/5
Hero (Jack): 3.5/5
Plot: 3.5
Grovel: none
Cheating: none AND hero was celibate during 7 year separation
HEA: yes
Triggers: almost-rape
Average score: 3/5
Best Lines: “I fall in love with you more and more every day. Except yesterday. Yesterday you were pretty annoying. E-Card”
Worst Lines: “What, are you on your rag or something?” – why is this the always go-to thing said by guys?!
Personal Review:
This was a romance between a married couple where the heroine was presumed dead 7 years ago but just had amnesia and is reunited with the hero. It was a pretty confusing read just because of the timeline as it felt like it jumped ahead quite a few times but I think this is just Lani’s writing style and I still don’t know if I like it much.
Random Ramblings:
•It is unusual for me to read a series out of order but when I saw this title I realised that I somehow missed this book when I was reading the original series
•This didn’t have the same emotional impact on me as Maya Bank’s “
” but then again the heroine in this book is almost the opposite of the heroine in Maya’s book•The times jumps were a little disconcerting and for someone who had amnesia, she sure did accept everything everyone told her without question
•The funeral song made me tear up
Overall Feeling:
This book was hard work to finish, I kept getting distracted because it wasn’t holding my attention
August 3, 2016
Great Story! Jack hasn't been the same since his wife died 7 years ago while he was on a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Since then he has never date or slept with anyone other women. However, Winter is still alive but lost her memories. Their reunion is so emotional!
This story reminds me of Maya Banks's The Darkest Hour(KGI#1): Kelly also believes his wife, Rachel, died one year ago. Rachel also loses her memory after tortured for a tear. Unlike Kelly, who only be kept apart with Rachel for a year, Jack and Winter are kept apart for seven years! Similar to Rachel, although Winter was tortured before she was sent to hospital, she was not raped. Winter and Jack's union is bittersweet but they overcome all the conflicts while Winter gradually recover her memories. Although poor Jack lost so many people he loved, with Winter at his side, he is able to find happiness again.
Recommend to those who love bittersweet erotic romance!
This story reminds me of Maya Banks's The Darkest Hour(KGI#1): Kelly also believes his wife, Rachel, died one year ago. Rachel also loses her memory after tortured for a tear. Unlike Kelly, who only be kept apart with Rachel for a year, Jack and Winter are kept apart for seven years! Similar to Rachel, although Winter was tortured before she was sent to hospital, she was not raped. Winter and Jack's union is bittersweet but they overcome all the conflicts while Winter gradually recover her memories. Although poor Jack lost so many people he loved, with Winter at his side, he is able to find happiness again.
Recommend to those who love bittersweet erotic romance!
May 2, 2024
REREAD May 2024
July 6, 2014
*received in exchange for an honest review 3.5 stars*
This book started off really strong and sucked me in. But as the book progressed, it seemed as though there were tidbits thrown in that didn't pertain to this story and were just filler. The amount of information in this book was overwhelming at times, including the 20 something characters running through the pages. I know this book is book 4 of a series. I read it with the understanding that it could be a standalone novel. To be honest, very few authors are capable of writing standalones within a a series. Lani didn't do horribly at it, but there was a lot that could've been done better. There were too many moments I was left feeling like I was missing something, too many times extra info was thrown in out of left field and you're left wondering where the hell that pertains to the story and it doesn't, it pertains to a previous book. Yes I get that series books need to be connected, but characters do that just fine without having to throw in tidbit info that serves no purpose than to link the books together or answer questions you forgot to answer in previous books. Another character's story is not the time to do that.
I got confused with time frames through the story at moments. The story bounces back and forth from past to present well, it's the actual time frame of the story. By the way it's written, you think one day has passed and it's been a week. There is one part in the story that seems like she has been there for months the story says a week or something like that and in the next chapter it says she's been there 4 months. I had to go back to make sure I had read all of that correctly.
This book had moments of comedy that I enjoyed, but at times it seemed forced, like my book is too serious gotta throw in a laugh. Some of the sex is thrown in there the same way too. IDK how Winter is able to take on a man with a huge cock with very little prep after not having sex for 7 years. There are only 2 times that I remember there is any foreplay at all. He usually just pounds himself into her. And the random shit that falls out of Winter's mouth out of no where doesn't really fit her character. Also when she had her stitches, it was like she can't walk, but she can screw like a pure blooded thoroughbred...oh wait she got stabbed in the leg...oh wait she feels fine.
The chapter headings were cool and made me laugh, but I tried to figure out how they pertained to the chapter I was reading and they didn't that I made out, so that was a bit of a pet peeve of mine. I pushed past it and in the end just enjoyed them.
The actual story line is good, but it could've been executed better and needs a proofread.
This book started off really strong and sucked me in. But as the book progressed, it seemed as though there were tidbits thrown in that didn't pertain to this story and were just filler. The amount of information in this book was overwhelming at times, including the 20 something characters running through the pages. I know this book is book 4 of a series. I read it with the understanding that it could be a standalone novel. To be honest, very few authors are capable of writing standalones within a a series. Lani didn't do horribly at it, but there was a lot that could've been done better. There were too many moments I was left feeling like I was missing something, too many times extra info was thrown in out of left field and you're left wondering where the hell that pertains to the story and it doesn't, it pertains to a previous book. Yes I get that series books need to be connected, but characters do that just fine without having to throw in tidbit info that serves no purpose than to link the books together or answer questions you forgot to answer in previous books. Another character's story is not the time to do that.
I got confused with time frames through the story at moments. The story bounces back and forth from past to present well, it's the actual time frame of the story. By the way it's written, you think one day has passed and it's been a week. There is one part in the story that seems like she has been there for months the story says a week or something like that and in the next chapter it says she's been there 4 months. I had to go back to make sure I had read all of that correctly.
This book had moments of comedy that I enjoyed, but at times it seemed forced, like my book is too serious gotta throw in a laugh. Some of the sex is thrown in there the same way too. IDK how Winter is able to take on a man with a huge cock with very little prep after not having sex for 7 years. There are only 2 times that I remember there is any foreplay at all. He usually just pounds himself into her. And the random shit that falls out of Winter's mouth out of no where doesn't really fit her character. Also when she had her stitches, it was like she can't walk, but she can screw like a pure blooded thoroughbred...oh wait she got stabbed in the leg...oh wait she feels fine.
The chapter headings were cool and made me laugh, but I tried to figure out how they pertained to the chapter I was reading and they didn't that I made out, so that was a bit of a pet peeve of mine. I pushed past it and in the end just enjoyed them.
The actual story line is good, but it could've been executed better and needs a proofread.
November 7, 2017
I was already in love with this series but this book made it so much better!!
had me going through a roller coster of emotions .. I very rarely cry when reading but certain parts had me sobbing! The amount of emotions in this book was almost to much to bare but completely fantastic! Completely loved jack and winters characters and the way the characters from the previous books were slotted in and brought the book together as a whole.
5star book all the way loved loved loved it! Cannot wait for number 5:)
had me going through a roller coster of emotions .. I very rarely cry when reading but certain parts had me sobbing! The amount of emotions in this book was almost to much to bare but completely fantastic! Completely loved jack and winters characters and the way the characters from the previous books were slotted in and brought the book together as a whole.
5star book all the way loved loved loved it! Cannot wait for number 5:)
May 4, 2015
I'm totally hooked on this series - love all the couples and their kids!!
July 10, 2014
I FELT more with this book than any other so far...and I've read A LOT of books!
I got goosebumps twice, cried three times and laughed more times than I kept track of.
The connection between Jack and Winter is one that anyone would wish they had with their loved one. To-the-death, all-accepting, unconditional love.
The book switched between Jack's and Winter's points of view, and seeing the story from both sides made it that much more touching.
The story is almost immediately injected with a HUGE mystery that had me beyond eager to see the resolution. I was thrown a bone every now and then, but as the end got closer, I found myself turning those virtual pages more and more because I HAD to know he resolution of the mystery!
In conclusion, be warned that you will become emotionally invested in these characters, all of them. I have only read this book in the series, but I would, without hesitation, read not only other books in the series, but anything Lani writes!
***A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review***
I got goosebumps twice, cried three times and laughed more times than I kept track of.
The connection between Jack and Winter is one that anyone would wish they had with their loved one. To-the-death, all-accepting, unconditional love.
The book switched between Jack's and Winter's points of view, and seeing the story from both sides made it that much more touching.
The story is almost immediately injected with a HUGE mystery that had me beyond eager to see the resolution. I was thrown a bone every now and then, but as the end got closer, I found myself turning those virtual pages more and more because I HAD to know he resolution of the mystery!
In conclusion, be warned that you will become emotionally invested in these characters, all of them. I have only read this book in the series, but I would, without hesitation, read not only other books in the series, but anything Lani writes!
***A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review***
April 5, 2016
==>Re-read in April, 2016 04
==>Read in July, 2014 03
-----------------------
Gostei muito!
A história é ótima e nos fisga do início ao fim.
Tem ação, romance, amizade, família, reencontro... cenas realmente muito boas.
Estou adorando esta série e comprando todos!
----------------
I really enjoyed!
The story is great and hold your attention from start to finish.
Has action, romance, friendship, family reunion and really good scenes.
I'm loving this series and buying all!
==>Read in July, 2014 03
-----------------------
Gostei muito!
A história é ótima e nos fisga do início ao fim.
Tem ação, romance, amizade, família, reencontro... cenas realmente muito boas.
Estou adorando esta série e comprando todos!
----------------
I really enjoyed!
The story is great and hold your attention from start to finish.
Has action, romance, friendship, family reunion and really good scenes.
I'm loving this series and buying all!
November 5, 2020
Last Day of My Life
Freebirds, Book 4
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
The Characters:
Jackpa “Jack” Stoker:
Winter Clayton:
Fatima, Jamal
The Story:
How these men have so many enemies is astounding to me.
The Random Thoughts:
These titles are so dramatic.
The Score Card:
4 Stars
Freebirds, Book 4
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
The Characters:
Jackpa “Jack” Stoker:
Winter Clayton:
Fatima, Jamal
The Story:
How these men have so many enemies is astounding to me.
The Random Thoughts:
These titles are so dramatic.
The Score Card:
4 Stars
July 15, 2019
Overall rating: stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Plot: 6/10
Ending: 7/10
Writing: 7/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Hero: 8/10
Heroine: 8/10
Supporting Characters: 8/10
Humour: 6/10
Steaminess: 7/10
Feels: 8/10
HEA:
Overall rating: stars
Thoughts:
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Plot: 6/10
Ending: 7/10
Writing: 7/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Hero: 8/10
Heroine: 8/10
Supporting Characters: 8/10
Humour: 6/10
Steaminess: 7/10
Feels: 8/10
HEA:
Overall rating: stars
Thoughts:
September 19, 2019
I didn't read the blurb. I read it blind because it was recommend to me by Kodie and I'm glad I read it, because it was an incredible story 😍
It was a beautiful and very emotional book about love, loss and second chance in life and love.
This book is a haywire between amazing moments with sweet, swoony and hot love story and a complete chaos just a few pages later.
The constant and rapid change from peaceful to dangerous makes this book extremely exciting and gripping.
I have experienced all emotions with this book.
I laughed at the unique humor of the characters and cried with the same characters, about their incredibly sad and inhumanly hard life stories.
I can't give you more without spoilers 🤷🏻♀️ but I'll definitely read the rest of this incredible series.
It was a beautiful and very emotional book about love, loss and second chance in life and love.
This book is a haywire between amazing moments with sweet, swoony and hot love story and a complete chaos just a few pages later.
The constant and rapid change from peaceful to dangerous makes this book extremely exciting and gripping.
I have experienced all emotions with this book.
I laughed at the unique humor of the characters and cried with the same characters, about their incredibly sad and inhumanly hard life stories.
I can't give you more without spoilers 🤷🏻♀️ but I'll definitely read the rest of this incredible series.
July 20, 2014
I’m a sucker for books featuring heroes who ride bikes, and when you add in a tight-knit group of former military men who run a motorcycle shop and secretly help women escape from domestic abuse, well, I can’t help but be drawn to the story, and this was exactly the case with Last Day of My Life. Although I hadn’t read any of the previous books in this series, based on the book’s description, I thought I would be fine jumping into this fourth installment, and, for the most part, I was easily able to follow the featured couple’s journey to find their way back to each other after a mysterious tragic situation tore them apart seven years ago.
The structure of the book was different from what I expected, and the narrative stretches over a lengthy period of time. The book opens with a prologue that summarizes how a young Winter and Jack meet and fall in love. Jack is a soldier heading back for his second deployment, and the couple’s tearful goodbye is only meant to be temporary, but their designated course together isn’t meant to be. The actual story really begins seven years later and is narrated by a woman who calls herself, “Jane” since a violent, horrific “accident” years ago left her with amnesia and the need for a lot of rehabilitative therapy.
Although readers are aware “Jane” is Winter, we don’t know any of the circumstances leading up to the life-threatening trauma she experienced all those years ago and why someone still wants her dead. The plot of the story centers on the unexpected reunion between Winter and Jack, the rekindling of their romance, and the search for answers about what happened to Winter while Jack was away on deployment. I liked the second chance at love aspect of the novel, but I did have trouble feeling the strong connection and bond these two have in the here and now, and I think this may be because of the plot’s structure. The prologue only summarizes the love and passion that grew between them, so I never really experienced the depth of their feelings for each other.
I found Jack’s character to have greater dimension and complexity in comparison to Winter. His range of emotions, from joy that the woman he has always loved is alive to the guilt he feels for not being there to protect her, are clearly and realistically depicted. On the other hand, there are instances where I felt Winter lacked the appropriate reactions or emotions that a scene warranted. For example, she doesn’t seem all that worried or concerned that someone wants to cause her harm, and sometimes her behavior is much too light-hearted for the gravity of the situation. The author does do a good job of narrating the story from both Winter’s and Jack’s POVs, and the shift in perspectives is always clear.
After finishing the book, I wish I had started at the beginning of the series, since the author doesn’t provide as much exposition and details about the origination of the Freebirds and the supporting cast of characters who play important roles in the story. Despite my issues with characterization, the mystery behind Winter’s amnesia and physical scars kept me motivated to read on, and when the truth is finally revealed at the end, it is even more unsavory than I imagined. The author provides a lengthy epilogue which nicely wraps up this couple’s journey and satisfied my curiosity.
Source: I received an ARC of this book from the author to provide an honest and fair review.
The structure of the book was different from what I expected, and the narrative stretches over a lengthy period of time. The book opens with a prologue that summarizes how a young Winter and Jack meet and fall in love. Jack is a soldier heading back for his second deployment, and the couple’s tearful goodbye is only meant to be temporary, but their designated course together isn’t meant to be. The actual story really begins seven years later and is narrated by a woman who calls herself, “Jane” since a violent, horrific “accident” years ago left her with amnesia and the need for a lot of rehabilitative therapy.
Although readers are aware “Jane” is Winter, we don’t know any of the circumstances leading up to the life-threatening trauma she experienced all those years ago and why someone still wants her dead. The plot of the story centers on the unexpected reunion between Winter and Jack, the rekindling of their romance, and the search for answers about what happened to Winter while Jack was away on deployment. I liked the second chance at love aspect of the novel, but I did have trouble feeling the strong connection and bond these two have in the here and now, and I think this may be because of the plot’s structure. The prologue only summarizes the love and passion that grew between them, so I never really experienced the depth of their feelings for each other.
I found Jack’s character to have greater dimension and complexity in comparison to Winter. His range of emotions, from joy that the woman he has always loved is alive to the guilt he feels for not being there to protect her, are clearly and realistically depicted. On the other hand, there are instances where I felt Winter lacked the appropriate reactions or emotions that a scene warranted. For example, she doesn’t seem all that worried or concerned that someone wants to cause her harm, and sometimes her behavior is much too light-hearted for the gravity of the situation. The author does do a good job of narrating the story from both Winter’s and Jack’s POVs, and the shift in perspectives is always clear.
After finishing the book, I wish I had started at the beginning of the series, since the author doesn’t provide as much exposition and details about the origination of the Freebirds and the supporting cast of characters who play important roles in the story. Despite my issues with characterization, the mystery behind Winter’s amnesia and physical scars kept me motivated to read on, and when the truth is finally revealed at the end, it is even more unsavory than I imagined. The author provides a lengthy epilogue which nicely wraps up this couple’s journey and satisfied my curiosity.
Source: I received an ARC of this book from the author to provide an honest and fair review.
October 30, 2014
Last Day of My Life (Freebirds #4)
By: Lani Lynn Vale
5/5 stars
Jack has been the more seemingly reserved guy of the group. He is the tech person who tends to keep to himself but not in a stand-offish way. He is always there when anyone in the group needs him and has the unbreakable bond with the guys who he has trusted with his life. He has bonded with the women and the kids, but has never found a woman of his own. But we learn that is because there is a woman in his past, who he believed to be long dead.
However, Winter is very much alive. She just doesn’t know her name, her background, or really anything about herself and her life. But an old biker comes to her, gives her cash, a picture and directions and tells her that she is in grave danger and that to be safe, she must run. She listens. The man in the picture looks familiar, but she just can’t place him. When she has been caught spying on Jack at Free, Luke Roberts, on the police force, pulls her out of her vehicle, she screams a name that is on her tongue, but she doesn’t know from where. The name happens to be Jack’s full Native American name, which pulls him from the shop and to her rescue.
Neither one of them have the answers to what happened to her in the past. Her disappearance and “death” occurred while he was deployed overseas and her sister held the funeral before he had a chance to make it back to the States. But the longer that Winter is with Jack, the more she starts to remember, but it is only bits and pieces from when they were together.
Jack has friends from the area that they used to live in working on the case trying to piece things together to figure out what happened to her and it is more dangerous than anyone ever suspected. People die and Winter’s life is in danger. It is up to them to figure out the clues in her past before someone finally does the deed and hurts, kidnaps or kills Winter.
We get to meet some people from Jack’s life prior to his enlisting in the Army, including his brother, Taima who is a firefighter with Jack’s best friend Adam.
There are funeral services in this book, and they are so sad, you’ll need tissues!
There are 5 books in the Freebird series, one for each single man, Sam, Gabe, Max, Jack & James and I read through this entire series and learned that Elliott and his wife Blaine will be getting their own novella, currently untitled and no release date. But I’ll be reading it as well!
Reading Order:
1. Boomtown
2. Highway Don’t Care
3. Another One Bites the Dust
4. Last Day of My Life
5. Texas Tornado
6. Elliott and Blaine’s story
By: Lani Lynn Vale
5/5 stars
Jack has been the more seemingly reserved guy of the group. He is the tech person who tends to keep to himself but not in a stand-offish way. He is always there when anyone in the group needs him and has the unbreakable bond with the guys who he has trusted with his life. He has bonded with the women and the kids, but has never found a woman of his own. But we learn that is because there is a woman in his past, who he believed to be long dead.
However, Winter is very much alive. She just doesn’t know her name, her background, or really anything about herself and her life. But an old biker comes to her, gives her cash, a picture and directions and tells her that she is in grave danger and that to be safe, she must run. She listens. The man in the picture looks familiar, but she just can’t place him. When she has been caught spying on Jack at Free, Luke Roberts, on the police force, pulls her out of her vehicle, she screams a name that is on her tongue, but she doesn’t know from where. The name happens to be Jack’s full Native American name, which pulls him from the shop and to her rescue.
Neither one of them have the answers to what happened to her in the past. Her disappearance and “death” occurred while he was deployed overseas and her sister held the funeral before he had a chance to make it back to the States. But the longer that Winter is with Jack, the more she starts to remember, but it is only bits and pieces from when they were together.
Jack has friends from the area that they used to live in working on the case trying to piece things together to figure out what happened to her and it is more dangerous than anyone ever suspected. People die and Winter’s life is in danger. It is up to them to figure out the clues in her past before someone finally does the deed and hurts, kidnaps or kills Winter.
We get to meet some people from Jack’s life prior to his enlisting in the Army, including his brother, Taima who is a firefighter with Jack’s best friend Adam.
There are funeral services in this book, and they are so sad, you’ll need tissues!
There are 5 books in the Freebird series, one for each single man, Sam, Gabe, Max, Jack & James and I read through this entire series and learned that Elliott and his wife Blaine will be getting their own novella, currently untitled and no release date. But I’ll be reading it as well!
Reading Order:
1. Boomtown
2. Highway Don’t Care
3. Another One Bites the Dust
4. Last Day of My Life
5. Texas Tornado
6. Elliott and Blaine’s story
July 1, 2014
first off lani has become one of my favourite authors I'm guaranteed to have laughed hard by the end of her books, I love everyone of the characters they are written well having said that this time round there were no words for the emotions you feel through out, I cried laughed and cried some more. without saying too much you think to your self what a bag of bad luck these people have experienced loss mainly being the main thing but then lani brings it to a fantastic end and you get a glow of hope and happiness and the feeling of forever. bad things happen but without the bad you would never enjoy the good. :)
June 30, 2014
This is my ZON Review... :-)
This Author is getting better & better each book is out doing the next & this is no different ... These Guys Rock just like the girls do..... The girls are just feisty & funny to boot, so this Book has an Awesome Story line... some really chuckle moments with one liners & banter flying everywhere...... Tears , a couple of OMG moments & a thank the goddess ...this book was a pleasure to read & I Thoroughly enjoyed it... & I'm dam sure you will to so Go One Click this Book/Series you won't be Disappointed :-) One of my Fav's
This Author is getting better & better each book is out doing the next & this is no different ... These Guys Rock just like the girls do..... The girls are just feisty & funny to boot, so this Book has an Awesome Story line... some really chuckle moments with one liners & banter flying everywhere...... Tears , a couple of OMG moments & a thank the goddess ...this book was a pleasure to read & I Thoroughly enjoyed it... & I'm dam sure you will to so Go One Click this Book/Series you won't be Disappointed :-) One of my Fav's
February 24, 2021
Loved it! It was different then the others. More somber shall we say - lots of heart ache. Jack has always been the brooding one and we find out why but there's hope on the horizon! Winter is quite the spitfire but then again all the ladies are - which you have to be in order to deal with these uber-alpha men. What Winter has endured is quite something and it makes you forgive her when she's quite the b**ch at times. Jack's brother is also quite the character and hopefully we see more of him.
June 16, 2019
This book is probably the saddest of all the other previous books. The amount of crap these characters had to go through is 10× worse than that of all the previous books and I really felt it was unnecessary for the author to put them through hell and back.
I LOVED all the chercters other than the villains. I loved how protective Jack is and how even though his wife lost all her memory, she starts remember them all (mostly) after she meets him.
I LOVED all the chercters other than the villains. I loved how protective Jack is and how even though his wife lost all her memory, she starts remember them all (mostly) after she meets him.
July 4, 2014
This is the 4th book in this series. I have read them all and they just keep getting better. If you like a book with a HEA at the end but characters that show up from previous books. This series is for you. If you like a book with a strong male hero and a strong female heroine, this is your series. Lots of romance and action as well. Try this author and this series you will not be sorry!
April 24, 2015
What a terrific story! Loved the complexity of the whole thing; my only criticism is that there were gaps in the story which affected continuity & it wasn't always totally obvious who was speaking until a few sentences into the section. That said I plan on reading all of Lani Lynn Vale's books - she's now a must read author.
October 22, 2017
This was a truly heartbreaking story about two people, Winter and Jack, who hadn't had it easy in their lives. And that's an understatement. I loved this book since the beginning and it was the first time in this series I cried. A lot. And that's another understatement.
July 6, 2014
Lani Vale just keeps getting better and better. Thoroughly enjoyed Last Day of My Life and look forward to reading more from Vale in the future.
February 21, 2015
Oopps read out of order.. no matter!!
Another good read :)
Another good read :)
May 24, 2023
'Cause I'm as free as a bird now, and this bird you'll never change. -Lynyrd Skynyrd & Jack Stoker (probably)
Kilgore, Texas: college town, suburb of Longview, home to Free--a custom auto and bike repair shop. Oh, but there's so much more going on at Free. They sneak around and save abused women, helping them escape to a better life. It's run by a group of ex-Army Ranges, who all served together. They all live in a compound, and they deal in lead, friend...
Book 4 of the Freebird Series takes it up to level 11. It's one of the best in the series--probably a tie between this one and Texas Tornado. It's got mystery, suspense, awesome characters, and an amazing romance. What's not to like about that? It is HIGHLY suggested that you read the first three books in order: Boomtown, Highway Don't Care, and Another One Bites the Dust. I do want to reiterate that this book can be read as a standalone. You can definitely enjoy it and be able to follow along with it. However, it just isn't the same without knowing the full background and detail of what is going on. This series has some problems going on in the backburner that have been stewing, and the effect is lost if you don't read them the way they have been intended.
"Jane Wind" wakes up in the hospital beaten, broken, with no memory, and suffering a miscarriage. After multiple plastic surgeries, she is let go to live a lonely life, with few clues to her real one. Seven years later, a biker tells her to pick up an run to Kilgore, Texas and find a man named Jack Stoker. She complies but doesn't realize this man is actually her husband, and her name is actually Winter. Now, things are all over the place as she processes what could have happened and what she should do now. Oh, and the people who almost killed her are still out there, and she's in A LOT of danger.
Jack Stoker lost the love of his life while deployed in the Army. He's been watching life pass him by ever since. That is, until one day, his long, lost wife pops back into his life. He thought she was dead, but instead, had something terrible happen to her which left her with amnesia. The more time that she spends with him, the more she regains her memories. However, they find out her past is more dangerous than they can imagine, and we end up with a thrilling book, filled with suspense, mystery, and some pretty hot romance. The Free gang and their lovely ladies are back as well and bring an additional flare to this later book. Winter has more gal pals to hang with, which was a lot different from when Cheyenne joined the group. I enjoyed the seriousness of the main plot. It's not like the first three books weren't serious. This books just feels like it has more meaning--more to say. There are some ugly crying moments in the book and some laugh out loud moments as well.
The main characters were fantastic and were perfect together. The chemistry was sizzling, and the time apart that they had seemed to dial it up a notch. Jack is an exceptionally sweet guy when it comes to his woman. He's probably the best of the Free. If I use my d-bag meter, where 0 = absolute sweetheart and 10 = POS, Jack would be at a 3. Between the period comments and the weird moodiness he had where he ignored Winter for a while, he definitely had some knocks against him. However, for the majority of the book, he was superbly sweet, and you can chalk up some of his weird behavior on preoccupation on Adam's death and wanting to find Winter's attackers. Using the same scale for heroine obnoxiousness, where 0 = total awesome and 10 = completely obnoxious, Winter is a 2. I'm happy to say that even though she does fall into the fiery redhead trope, she is one of the least annoying ones I've read. She allows herself to be vulnerable and is quiet and reflective. But I also like it when she has her claws out when she riled up (I need to figure out how to add the word "poopsterbate" to my vocabulary). So, overall, the book has fantastic main characters, and, of course, the other Free characters make the book great as well. It's also fun to see the little ones grow throughout the books.
Last Day of My Life is one of the best of this series in story, characters, romance, everything. There are some editing errors that drive me bonk (like describing Winters eyes as "grey" and then literally a few paragraphs later saying they are "brown). You know what LLV needs? A spreadsheet. Spreadsheets are life. Anywho, this is pretty typical stuff for this series as its her first, and she's an indie author. It gets better, though she's always had issues with repetition in her writing. Regardless, the book is entertaining and heartfelt, and I love it.
Freebirds Series
-Review of Boomtown (Freebirds, #1)
-Review of Highway Don't Care (Freebirds, #2)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #3)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #4)
-Review of Texas Tornado (Freebirds, #5)
-Review of I Don't Dance (Freebirds, #5.5)
Kilgore, Texas: college town, suburb of Longview, home to Free--a custom auto and bike repair shop. Oh, but there's so much more going on at Free. They sneak around and save abused women, helping them escape to a better life. It's run by a group of ex-Army Ranges, who all served together. They all live in a compound, and they deal in lead, friend...
Book 4 of the Freebird Series takes it up to level 11. It's one of the best in the series--probably a tie between this one and Texas Tornado. It's got mystery, suspense, awesome characters, and an amazing romance. What's not to like about that? It is HIGHLY suggested that you read the first three books in order: Boomtown, Highway Don't Care, and Another One Bites the Dust. I do want to reiterate that this book can be read as a standalone. You can definitely enjoy it and be able to follow along with it. However, it just isn't the same without knowing the full background and detail of what is going on. This series has some problems going on in the backburner that have been stewing, and the effect is lost if you don't read them the way they have been intended.
Things To Know:
General
-Do You Need to Read Other Books? Technically no. You will be able to follow along just fine as it is a new couple, and everything is explained. However, it is highly recommended that you read as there are reoccurring issues that will come to light.
-Romance type: Lost memories
-Trigger Warning: Children & Loss. If you have trouble reading about miscarriages, you may want to skip this one. There is a part that personally made me cry, and the issue comes up multiple times throughout the book.
Male Lead - Jackopa Kennedy "Jack" Stoker
-OW: Several "misunderstandings" with women at various points
-Besties: Elliott, Gabe, James, Max, Sam, Dougie (deceased)
-From: San Antonio (for a bit); Kilgore, Texas
-Jobs: Free Army Ranger; Mechanic, Free
-First Appearance: Boomtown
-Other Appearances: Highway Don't Care, Another One Bites the Dust, Texas Tornado, I Don't Dance, Lights To My Siren, Halligan to My Axe, Kevlar To My Vest
-Mother: Unknown
-Father: Pops Stoker
-Siblings: Taima "Tai" Stoker & Catori Stoker (see Spoilers)
-Medical Issues: N/A
-Jack or "Jackopa" has Native American ancestry. Google says his name comes from the Ojibwa, meaning "Six," though in the book, it says his grandfather is Cherokee. He hates his full name. Jack's sister's, (Catori), name is Hopi and means Spirit. I could not find a specific tribe or meaning for Taima's name. Sorry! If anyone can give me more specifics on this, I would be fascinated to learn.
Female Lead - Winter "Winnie" (LaRue) Stoker
OW: None
-Besties: Cheyenne, Ember, Payton
-From: Originally from Kyle, Texas; then Shamrock, Lousiana; ginally Kilgore, Texas
-Job: Paramedic at station three (Kilgore)
-First Appearance: Last Day of My Life
-Other Appearances: Texas Tornado, Lights To My Siren, Halligan to My Axe, Kevlar To My Vest
-Mother: Jeanette LaRue
-Father: See spoilers for details
-Siblings: Stormy LaRue & See spoilers for details
-Pet: Kodiak (wolf)
-Medical Issues: Amnesia (See spoilers for more details)
Free...the Maybe MC
-Free is not technically an offical "club." However, they do participate in different events throughout the LLVerse and have even been called an "unofficial club." Whatever they are, they are awesome.
-Members: Sam Mackenzie, Gabe Maldonado, Max Tremaine, Jack Stoker, James Allen, Elliott Masters
-Free helps women escape abusive situations on the down-low. It's super secret, though, and uses the men's military skills to help.
-All of the women the Freebirds help have their names changed to bird names (i.e. Lark, Robin).
Important Minor Characters
-Jack's brother, Taima, plays a decent role in this book. He has his own book in the Kilgore Fire Series.
-Luke Roberts continues to have small rolls in this series, and this is Downy's largest role to date.
-Adam Gustier, is Jack's best friend and an important role in this story. (See spoilers for more details.)
-Honey & John Gustier, Adam's parents, also have big roles, and we find out an important detail about Free from them. You can add Thomas, Adam's brother, to the mix as well.
-Allen Shephard, is the Kilgore Fire Department chief and shows up in multiple books
-Layne Corey, the Free Ranger group's CO, makes another appearance in a flashback.
Teal, a Freebird, makes her first appearance. She becomes important in Texas Tornado
Town Info
-Kilgore, Texas is small enough at this time to have the fire chief go out on calls. In later books, it's a decent-sized suburb of over 30,000 people.
"Jane Wind" wakes up in the hospital beaten, broken, with no memory, and suffering a miscarriage. After multiple plastic surgeries, she is let go to live a lonely life, with few clues to her real one. Seven years later, a biker tells her to pick up an run to Kilgore, Texas and find a man named Jack Stoker. She complies but doesn't realize this man is actually her husband, and her name is actually Winter. Now, things are all over the place as she processes what could have happened and what she should do now. Oh, and the people who almost killed her are still out there, and she's in A LOT of danger.
Jack Stoker lost the love of his life while deployed in the Army. He's been watching life pass him by ever since. That is, until one day, his long, lost wife pops back into his life. He thought she was dead, but instead, had something terrible happen to her which left her with amnesia. The more time that she spends with him, the more she regains her memories. However, they find out her past is more dangerous than they can imagine, and we end up with a thrilling book, filled with suspense, mystery, and some pretty hot romance. The Free gang and their lovely ladies are back as well and bring an additional flare to this later book. Winter has more gal pals to hang with, which was a lot different from when Cheyenne joined the group. I enjoyed the seriousness of the main plot. It's not like the first three books weren't serious. This books just feels like it has more meaning--more to say. There are some ugly crying moments in the book and some laugh out loud moments as well.
The main characters were fantastic and were perfect together. The chemistry was sizzling, and the time apart that they had seemed to dial it up a notch. Jack is an exceptionally sweet guy when it comes to his woman. He's probably the best of the Free. If I use my d-bag meter, where 0 = absolute sweetheart and 10 = POS, Jack would be at a 3. Between the period comments and the weird moodiness he had where he ignored Winter for a while, he definitely had some knocks against him. However, for the majority of the book, he was superbly sweet, and you can chalk up some of his weird behavior on preoccupation on Adam's death and wanting to find Winter's attackers. Using the same scale for heroine obnoxiousness, where 0 = total awesome and 10 = completely obnoxious, Winter is a 2. I'm happy to say that even though she does fall into the fiery redhead trope, she is one of the least annoying ones I've read. She allows herself to be vulnerable and is quiet and reflective. But I also like it when she has her claws out when she riled up (I need to figure out how to add the word "poopsterbate" to my vocabulary). So, overall, the book has fantastic main characters, and, of course, the other Free characters make the book great as well. It's also fun to see the little ones grow throughout the books.
Last Day of My Life is one of the best of this series in story, characters, romance, everything. There are some editing errors that drive me bonk (like describing Winters eyes as "grey" and then literally a few paragraphs later saying they are "brown). You know what LLV needs? A spreadsheet. Spreadsheets are life. Anywho, this is pretty typical stuff for this series as its her first, and she's an indie author. It gets better, though she's always had issues with repetition in her writing. Regardless, the book is entertaining and heartfelt, and I love it.
Audiobook Note:
-This book is read by Mason Lloyd and Stephanie Rose, both of whom are amazing.
-Mason has a bit of a southern twang going on and has read many of LLV's audiobooks, including this series, most in the Heroes of the Dixie Wardens, The Dixie Warden Rejects, the Uncertain Saints MC Series, most of the Code 11-KPD SWAT Series, the Hail Raisers Series, the the I Like Big Dragons Series (one of the completely standalone series I was talking about), and the There's No Crying in Baseball Series.
-Stephanie has read this series and then has been here and there in many books, including ones like Put Out, Kitty Kitty, Joke's on You, Ain't Doin' It, and Center Mass...Plus, many, many others that are so all over the place in LLV's series that I'm not going to list them.
-The production, as always, was wonderfully done, and I highly recommend the audiobook.
Things To Know: (Spoiler Edition)
Freebirds Series
-Review of Boomtown (Freebirds, #1)
-Review of Highway Don't Care (Freebirds, #2)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #3)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #4)
-Review of Texas Tornado (Freebirds, #5)
-Review of I Don't Dance (Freebirds, #5.5)
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