Oakley Spurlock is dying. She only has weeks to live thanks to a freak infection that totally and completely destroyed her kidneys.Despite her family’s desperation, not a single one of them is a match. In a last-ditch attempt, Oakley’s father takes to social media to beg for help to save his daughter’s life. ***Pace Vineyard is lost. So lost, in fact, that he’s not sure he wants to be found. But … he’s not sure he wants to be found.
But then a beautiful woman’s face is splashed across social media, and Pace finds a spark in his soul for the first time since a bomb went off beside him.
He’s already missing two legs. What’s one more kidney?
At least, that’s what he tells himself.
What he doesn’t expect is to give his heart to the woman, too. Or for the woman to run away with it and force him to follow.
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Lani Lynn Vale had me at the synopsis! A do not miss fun and sexy story!
Pace was the kind of man any woman would be not only happy and proud to call her own, but one every decent single woman in the entire universe absolutely deserves!! Oakley needed a kidney in order to live and she was lucky in that Pace had an extra one to give. Pace was former military whose life was changed forever by a bomb. But this man didn’t let anything get him down. Not his rotten upbringing, not his leech of a mom and sister, not even losing part of his legs. He was sweet, kind, generous, and extremely loving. After falling for Oakley before he’d even officially met her, when he found out he could help her, he couldn’t get to her fast enough. And from surgery to recovery, these two fell into such an easy way of loving each other that I couldn’t help but give their story all of the stars I possibly could.
LLV has a way of creating stories that seem to follow a formula and yet I’m delightfully surprised every time. Not once do I feel like I’ve been here before or that her stories seem recycled. How she keeps giving me a fresh perspective truly baffles me, but I’m not complaining. From her, I can always expect super fine heroes and their equally superb heroines. Fast paced energy tinged with a bit of danger. This story had a stalker vibe and a scary climax, which at once felt strange and familiar, but it all added up to be one fantabulous read. I never wanted this story to end. I wanted to live in Pace’s orbit for just a little while longer. I wanted more of him and Oakley and their amazing family. I’m blown away by how in love I am with these people and I feel so blessed to have found this author’s books. After getting a preview of the next book in the series, Make Me, I’m so ready to dive back into LLV’s words.
If you love your romance hot and sweet with a bit of suspense to stir things up, you don’t want to pass on this book. Pace is a dirty boy on blades (honestly, this character is PHENOMENAL) and Oakley’s an absolute sweetheart!
I’ve been reading Lani Lynn Vale’s work since she released her first book, and I’ve read them all. I’m completely invested in this world that she’s created in East Texas and Louisiana, and her books are the literary equivalent of must-see TV for me. I’ve been reading about these characters, their stories and their communities for years now, and each book is like catching up with a group of old friends. The KPD Motorcycle Patrol series is a next generation series based upon the stories of the children of the lead couples from Vale’s early series, KPD SWAT and the Heroes of the Dixie Wardens MC.
One thing Lani does exceptionally well is matching her couples. I’d Rather Not pairs a double-amputee hero with a heroine in desperate need of a kidney, and I was riveted by their story. There were so many connections between this couple before they even met, and their love story had a strong fated feeling to it that I absolutely loved. These two needed each other, in more ways than one, and the two of them were kindred spirits of sorts. The lengths that Pace went to in order to save Oakley’s life were the epitome of a grand gesture. Kind, patient, protective and generous, Pace was an utterly swoon-worthy hero, and Oakley, the one woman who saw beyond his physical imperfections to the perfect-for-her man beneath, was his ideal match.
This romance begins an unconventional first meeting, but Pace’s feeling for his friend’s sister began years early as he lived vicariously through him to experience Oakley’s love and care. For her part, she learned about the lonely soldier in her brother’s unit from him, and she started to include things he’d like in her care packages to her brother. Years later, when Pace learns about Oakley’s plight, he doesn’t hesitate to find a way to help. This is where Vale creates her magic–by delivering a knee-weakeningly romantic love story rooted in, of all things, an organ donation, and as strange as that sounds, it totally works. She peppers this story with plenty of screen time from Oakley’s parents, fan favorites, Trance and Viddy, and weaves a suspenseful subplot into the background that brings more favorite characters into play.
I’d Rather Not is an engaging mix of the past and the future, and Vale fills the pages with all of the heat, heart and humor that her suspenseful romances are known for. I loved everything about Pace and Oakley’s love story, and this series is quickly becoming a favorite. I’d Rather Not by Lani Lynn Vale gets five smooches from me!
~ Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
I just knew Pace would be my absolute favorite because he has endured so much heartache but he always comes out smiling and what he does for Oakley is beyond admirable. He was sweet, totally alpha, protective, and perfect for Oakley. Poor Oakley has been struggling with her life, literally her life is in danger of coming to an end because her kidneys are failing and she has days to live and then Pace steps in and he is the perfect match to donate a kidney, so not only did he lose his legs in the war now he is more than willing to give his kidney to her. IT was a sweet story of two people helping each other and falling for each other. These two had perfect chemistry and they had to endure some drama but in the end they were perfect together. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
“Everything, when it came to Pace Vineyard, was big. His heart. His Cock. The orgasms that he gave.”
Tell me, who could read the synopsis for this book and not want to devour it? It’s a swoon-worthy, heart-melting, laugh-inducing ride that you don’t want to miss out on, guaranteed. How the author manages to always tackle such serious topics that inform the reader while also providing nonstop entertainment is noteworthy. I can’t get enough of her storytelling, she’s amazing.
Oakley has a big, loving, supportive family that would do anything for her. But, unfortunately, they aren’t a medical match for what she needs. Her father is so desperate to save his baby-girl that he reaches out over social media, hoping for a miracle. As time is running out, the last person any of them expects to save the day shows up with a smile and a kidney.
Pace is perfection. No, that’s not just my opinion. Oakley thinks so as well. And if you were to take a poll, I’m sure that a large number of the women that love to ogle him in his tight-fitting KDP Motorcycle Patrol uniform would cast their vote too. He’s got the goods and the heart to match. Who could resist?
Well, there is one person who doesn’t hold him in such high regard. Yeah, just wait until you meet that jerk. The line for those wanting to punch him in the face would wrap around the block a few times, if it actually existed.
These amazing characters that the author has created feel like family. This story touched me deeply. I’m still sitting here patting my chest to ease the ache, with a smile on my face. I can’t wait to meet Royal in Make Me. The line forms here…
I will say this book started me off with the tears and almost at the end had me with the tears. BUT it was so amazingly good.
I loved Oakley and Pace together. And what brought them together is something so wonderful that one of them does for the other. You have to read it to find out.
Go read this book and series. You won’t be disappointed.
Lani Lynn Vale always hits the mark on the perfect man! Elizabeth @Carolina Chic’s Read
Another perfect man …. Sighs! How do we always get a home run? Pace fell for his girl with one look at her photo. When he has the chance to save her life, he jumps and fall he does.
Oakley is hanging on to her life but only for a few days, then a miracle happens by the name of Pace. She didn’t expect to fall in love with him at first sight.
5 Heartbeating Stars
Pace has been with Ford since they both served in the service and Pace lost both of his legs. So he knew who his sister Oakley was. So when he sees she needs a kidney or she dies, he doesn’t hesitate because he would give anything to her. I am really loving this series and the loving the KPD Motorcycle Patrol family. The characters are complex and the stories are riveting. I loved how Pace went after what he wanted. Highly recommend this book!!!
Of course Oakley and Pace are on my favorite LLV couple list. Oakley’s parents are my top favorite couple, so its fitting that their daughter would be my new favorite.
You got a small bit of Pace in the Hail Raisers series, and then here and there in the books leading up to this one. And each time he was mentioned I wanted him to find his happiness. And for him to find it with the one person that took his breath away when he saw her in a picture, it was all kismet.
I really enjoyed seeing one of my favorite couples again, Viddy and Trance. My heart was in pain when I found that Oakley’s health was going down. You got a glimpse of the unbreakable Trance show cracks in his armor. And when Pace offers to help save her, he knew that he was going to be giving his baby girl away.
Vale did her thing and was able to mix some humor in when it was needed. And she wrote another couple that had the perfect chemistry between them to keep me reading. Another book that was read in one sitting by one of my favorite authors.
Yet another must read by Lani Lynn Vale.
Lani Lynn Vale never ceases to amaze me. This was a heartwarming, and beautiful journey of friendship, devotion, and unconditional love. Pace and Oakley are simply perfect.
I’m really enjoying this series!
It’s going to take you less than two seconds to fall hard for Pace. He’s such an amazing guy. He has the best heart, the most selfless personality, and endless amounts of sweetness. He might be an alpha cop/former soldier but he’s really just a big teddy bear you want to squeeze. You’ll find him irresistible.
Oakley has had a harder life than anyone deserves, but you couldn’t tell it by her amazing spirit. She’s optimistic and tries to find the positivity in everything, even when her doubts creep in. She’s loyal and fiercely protective, and watching her stick up for Pace hits you in the feels every time.
The chemistry in this book hits you from the first meeting. I love watching Pace and Oakley grow closer over the course of the story. They’re fun and flirty together, but their witty banter is only part of their charm. This slow-burning romance delivers on the heat while still packing in some suspense, intrigue and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. I think you’re going to like it.
I have to say, I sometimes don’t know the relation between this author’s book titles and the story, but I love the titles and the little snippets just before each chapter. They just add to the charm of the story and this story is a blockbuster. Incredibly likeable characters and an important detail included, kidney transplants and the giving nature of a donor.
Pace has known about Oakley for years, since he was stationed in Afghanistan with her brother Ford. He loved when Ford got care packages from Oakley because he got to talk about her, see her photos, get some of the goodies from the care package, and right before his life changed, he got a little stuffed bunny that he kept through the years. Right after he grabbed the little bunny, there was an explosion where he lost his two feet, legs amputated below the knee.
Years later, Oakley’s kidneys failed, and after years of waiting for a transplant without success, it was apparent that her time was done. When Pace found out, he got his blood work done and came to offer one of his kidneys. Fortunately, he was a match and the transplant got done. What starts out as gratitude, continues into friendship and then into love. Not for Pace, though, because he has had a crush on Oakley from afar for years.
This was a wonderful, warmhearted story. Pace’s generosity is outstanding on top of his personal body loss. His character shines in this story, his care for Oakley, how he cheered her up right before the operation when he saw she was freaking out. He is an intrinsically good person, with good intentions, willingness to give and help. In my book, he’s a hero through and through. I loved seeing how they clicked, how they needed each other, they were fated to each other, joined by a shared kidney. It felt like kismet!
Oakley and Ford’s family fold Pace into their family and make him a part of it. This was great because Pace’s mother and sister are rabid witches who don’t care to screw someone’s life in order to make theirs easier. They’re like poisonous snakes who appear every once in a while to harass Pace and Oakley. There’s also another important enemy, Sergeant Jackson, who hates Pace with a passion we don’t understand. He frequently appears in the book to harass Pace, stalk both him and Oakley.
With all these aspects, the story is lively, entertaining, a page-turner where we enjoy Pace and Oakley’s falling in love, their sexy times, the family times where Oakley’s mother smothers Pace with kindness and attention, and Pace’s work woes. He’s admitted into Kilgore’s special motorcycle police squad and he gets to wear the sexy, tight-fit uniform that is such a great showplace for his assets. Really, this story leaves you smiling and with a feel-good feeling once you’re finished.
I’d Rather Not by Lani Lynn Vale is the third book in her brand new KPD Motorcycle Patrol series. I remain absolutely intrigued with the peripheral characters to this series knowing they must have a book out there just from the snippets contained in this series. {So many books, so little time!} It seems like this is a next-generation series to the author’s Code 11-KPD SWAT Series and also a spin-off or set in the same world as her Bear Bottom Guardians MC series.
Anyway – back to the review for I’D RATHER NOT – This one will pull at your heartstrings – from the instant connection that Pace feels for his best friends sister to the ridiculously selfless act he performs to save her life! Sexy, steamy and a little bit dangerous – We get more of the peripheral characters of the KPD squad and a huge jerk finally gets his comeuppance. The writing is quick and quirky and the tale is addicting. Loved this! Slightly obsessed now. Enjoy!
Pace Vineyard is a man who isn’t really living life. He’s going through the motions. After losing both of his legs, he finds himself not caring about much of anything until he sees a picture of his old friend’s sister on social media. For the first time in year’s Pace has a purpose, and it’s to save Oakley Spurlock’s life.
Oakley knows she’s dying unless a miracle happens. Her kidneys have failed and unless she gets a kidney transplant, her time has run out. Desperate to save her life, her family takes to social media, begging for anyone that may be a match to get tested hoping for the best, but fearing for the worst.
When her brother’s old friend from the Army steps forward as a donor, Oakley knows her life is about to change in a big way. She’ll have her chance at life and Pace will finally feel like he’s living again.
I have so much love for this book. It’s super sweet and Pace and Oakley are an adorable couple from the moment he asks her out as they are going into surgery together to the very last page of the book! It’s a true romance deeply rooted in fate, family and friendship!
While I’d Rather not is a feel good story, there is still plenty of drama and some unexpected twists that will keep readers (and Pace & Oakley) on their toes.
Lani Lynn Vale . . . I don’t know how you do it, but you steal my heart with each and every couple you write and Pace & Oakley left me with all the feels! 5 Stars!
How much can one body take? Apparently quite a bit!
Oakley is dying. After a fluke infection, her kidneys have quit. She literally has days to live and they can’t find a match.
Pace is a military vet and double amputee. He is beautiful inside and out. The second he finds out his service buddy’s sister (and his crush) is dying he does everything he can to help.
You would think they’d been through enough in their lives but it turns out they have some people hell bent on ruining them.
As always Mrs. Vale has spun a fantastical tale that sucks you in and makes you fall in love. Snarky and down to earth characters abound as we have all come to expect. I devoured this book in one sitting and am surprised to say that I may now have new LLV character favorites
A very emotional fast paced read. I actually “felt” the love Pace had for Oakley. I went through so many emotions I was drained by the end.
It was nice seeing some of my favorite Dixie Wardens again and of course Viddy and Trance.
I was super excited for Oakley & Pace’s story, & highly enjoyed it! We get to see a lot of them together & I felt like I really got to know them. I also loved seeing more Trance & Viddy, & getting to know Ford…
We get sweet & steamy, action & humor, & a whole lot more!! : )
This book seemed more on the emotional side, which I adored! I loved how these two were brought together by such terrible circumstances and yet they were still able to move forth with humor and love. I loved seeing Viddy and Trance again, loved how awesome they were, just like in their original story! Coupled with Lani Lynn Vales trademark humor and suspense, this is another hit for this author!
Just Wow. I love this series. I love getting glimpses of the characters from previous books. I love Pace. Wonderful book. Amazing story line. Can’t wait for more of this series.