***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
For fans of Colleen Hoover and Rosie Walsh: this book will break your heart... then put it back together.Two years together. Twenty years apart. One day to change their story.Benjamin's world is turned upside down the day he meets Clara. Instinctively, he knows that she is his person and he is hers, but the events of one devastating night will take their lives in very different directions.20 years later, a bombing is reported in the city where Clara and Ben met, and she is pulled back to a place she tries not to remember and the first love she could never forget. Searching for Ben, Clara prays that twenty years of silence is about to end.But is it too late to put right what went wrong?This is not a love story. But it is a story of first love, of the mistakes people make, and the lengths they'll go to put things right.
The One That Got Away by Charlotte Rixon is a story of young love and second chances. This story spans 20 years and has multiple timelines and a dual POV.
Story Recap:
Back in the year 2000, university students, Benjamin and Clara fell in love. Their love is all-consuming, and they believe they are soulmates. Then, two years later, something happens on their last day at university and they split up, never to see each other again.
Twenty years later Clara learns a bomb exploded back in her hometown in Northern England at a football match. She knows that Benjamin never missed a home match and she races up north to see if he’s alright.
My Thoughts:
These characters are complex. In the earlier timeline, they are young, passionate, and a bit immature; in the later timelines, they are more guarded and mature, just like most people. I loved these characters, but I was annoyed at their sometimes rash decisions in the earlier timeline, and like many of us when we were young, they didn’t always make good decisions. But, they felt authentic to me. and their love story is raw, passionate, and possibly everlasting.
This book is full of emotion, and I was happy to follow these characters. The book has a lot of angst, especially in the earlier timeline, but it’s all well-written and I grew to care for and root for these characters.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The One That Got Away to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Charlotte Rixon
Charlotte Rixon is the pen name of Charlotte Duckworth, USA Today-bestselling author of suspense fiction published by Quercus.
Charlotte studied Classics at Leeds University and went on to gain a PGDip in Screenwriting. She worked for many years as a magazine journalist, and is a graduate of the Faber Academy 'Writing A Novel' course.
The One That Got Away will be published in the UK and the US in 2023.
I love that they’re getting a second chance, but I think it might be the type I instinctively avoid b/c of the strong tear at the emotions it causes. Glad you enjoyed it and it felt authentic.
Beautiful review Wendy! Second chance novels are always interesting and I like that these characters are written well and authentically. Thanks for sharing!
Great review, Wendy! I enjoy books where we see the past and then current timeline. It’s been a while since I read a good angsty story and this one sounds like it’ll fit the bill perfectly. Thanks for sharing!
I have a few “ones who got away” and so storylines like this always make me want to read them. I’ll have to look into this one. Great review!
A great review! I haven’t heard of this book, but I may have to add it to my TBR.
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I have to be in the mood to tackle an angsty romance. Glad to hear it was a hit, Wendy!
I hadn’t heard of this book, but it’s now on my TBR. Great review!
I love that they’re getting a second chance, but I think it might be the type I instinctively avoid b/c of the strong tear at the emotions it causes. Glad you enjoyed it and it felt authentic.
This sounds very good!
Sounds very emotional for sure. Great review.
Thank you, Rolé
Sounds like this one’s captured how we are at different times in life well. Glad you enjoyed the book!
Thank you, Mallkia!
How emotional the start sounds to this. Great review!
It was very emotional. Thank you, Anne
Nice review, Wendy. Glad you enjoyed this one.
Thank you, Carla
This sounds interesting! Sometimes I love an emotional read.
Thank you, Kimberly
The time gap is interesting. 20 years apart is a long time (in novel time frames) for a second chance romance.
Yes it is. But, it totally worked here.
Good review, Wendy!
Thank you, Jolene.
Definitely sounds like an emotional and satisfying read! 🙂 I love second chance stories.
Thank you, Greg
It is always good when you come to care for the characters.
Thank you, Nadene
Beautiful review Wendy! Second chance novels are always interesting and I like that these characters are written well and authentically. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
Great review, Wendy! I enjoy books where we see the past and then current timeline. It’s been a while since I read a good angsty story and this one sounds like it’ll fit the bill perfectly. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Stephanie
Love romances with complex characters. Worth reading, I think.
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Yes, thank you, Harvee
I don’t mind some angst, especially when it’s authentic. It sounds like there was good character growth as well. Great review, Wendy!
Thank you, Cindy
Sounds like a good one Wendy! Excellent review!🤗🌞☕📚💜
Thank you, Susan
Sounds very emotional but good too, great review 💕
Thank you, Jenny
These characters do sound like they are portrayed very authentically. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa!
Good to hear you enjoyed this one.
Thank you, Rosie!