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The One that Got Away
A sweeping, poignant novel spanning two decades, about first love, first heartbreak, and the ones we never forget, for listeners of Jill Santopolo, Rosie Walsh, and Colleen Hoover.
Two years together.
Twenty years apart.
One day to change their story.
2000. Benjamin’s world is turned upside down the night he meets Clara. Instinctively, he knows that they are meant for each other, but a devastating mistake on their last night at university will take their lives in very different directions.
20 years later, Clara has a high-profile job and a handsome husband. But despite the trappings of success, she isn't happy, and she knows that a piece of her heart still belongs to Benjamin, the boy she fell in love with years earlier. The boy whose life she fears she ruined.
When a bombing is reported in the city where they first met, Clara is pulled back to a place she tries not to remember and the first love she could never forget. Searching for Benjamin, Clara is forced to confront the events that tore them apart. But is it too late to put right what went wrong?
Across the miles and spanning decades, Charlotte Rixon's The One That Got Away is a sweeping, poignant story about growing up, growing apart, the people who first steal our hearts, and the surprising, winding roads that love can take us on.
Two years together.
Twenty years apart.
One day to change their story.
2000. Benjamin’s world is turned upside down the night he meets Clara. Instinctively, he knows that they are meant for each other, but a devastating mistake on their last night at university will take their lives in very different directions.
20 years later, Clara has a high-profile job and a handsome husband. But despite the trappings of success, she isn't happy, and she knows that a piece of her heart still belongs to Benjamin, the boy she fell in love with years earlier. The boy whose life she fears she ruined.
When a bombing is reported in the city where they first met, Clara is pulled back to a place she tries not to remember and the first love she could never forget. Searching for Benjamin, Clara is forced to confront the events that tore them apart. But is it too late to put right what went wrong?
Across the miles and spanning decades, Charlotte Rixon's The One That Got Away is a sweeping, poignant story about growing up, growing apart, the people who first steal our hearts, and the surprising, winding roads that love can take us on.
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First published February 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 754 reviews
August 30, 2023
I am really surprised that this book doesn't have a higher rating, I absolutely loved it. It was quite different than your usual romance novels and it is a unique take on the second chance romance trope. Benjamin and Clara meet in 2000 and dated for a couple of years. It was an intense relationship. Twenty years later there is a bomb at the stadium where Benjamin has season tickets. Clara sets off to find him in the melee.
There is a lot of heavy subject matter in this book...spousal abuse, sexual assault, addiction and cancer to name but a few. The author handles these situations in a realistic and sensitive manner and I appreciated that. The book is very character driven and they are well rounded and fully flesh out, flaws and all. I really enjoyed the two timelines as we get to see how this couple meets and how their relationship changes over time, it was also great to have the story from both points of view. The chapters are short and I liked that because as soon as I came to a new one I kept repeating oh just one more. Imagine my surprise to find that the author is none other than Charlotte Duckworth, I have loved her books for years. This one is captivating, emotive and I highly recommend it and the author's other works. All. The. Stars.
There is a lot of heavy subject matter in this book...spousal abuse, sexual assault, addiction and cancer to name but a few. The author handles these situations in a realistic and sensitive manner and I appreciated that. The book is very character driven and they are well rounded and fully flesh out, flaws and all. I really enjoyed the two timelines as we get to see how this couple meets and how their relationship changes over time, it was also great to have the story from both points of view. The chapters are short and I liked that because as soon as I came to a new one I kept repeating oh just one more. Imagine my surprise to find that the author is none other than Charlotte Duckworth, I have loved her books for years. This one is captivating, emotive and I highly recommend it and the author's other works. All. The. Stars.
February 1, 2023
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I am really surprised that this book doesn't have a higher rating, I absolutely loved it. It was quite different than your usual romance novels and it is a unique take on the second chance romance trope. Benjamin and Clara meet in 2000 and dated for a couple of years. It was an intense relationship. Twenty years later there is a bomb at the stadium where Benjamin has season tickets. Clara sets off to find him in the melee.
There is a lot of heavy subject matter in this book...spousal abuse, sexual assault, addiction and cancer to name but a few. The author handles these situations in a realistic and sensitive manner and I appreciated that. The book is very character driven and they are well rounded and fully flesh out, flaws and all. I really enjoyed the two timelines as we get to see how this couple meets and how their relationship changes over time, it was also great to have the story from both points of view. The chapters are short and I liked that because as soon as I came to a new one I kept repeating oh just one more. Imagine my surprise to find that the author is none other than Charlotte Duckworth, I have loved her books for years. This one is captivating, emotive and I highly recommend it and the author's other works. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
I am really surprised that this book doesn't have a higher rating, I absolutely loved it. It was quite different than your usual romance novels and it is a unique take on the second chance romance trope. Benjamin and Clara meet in 2000 and dated for a couple of years. It was an intense relationship. Twenty years later there is a bomb at the stadium where Benjamin has season tickets. Clara sets off to find him in the melee.
There is a lot of heavy subject matter in this book...spousal abuse, sexual assault, addiction and cancer to name but a few. The author handles these situations in a realistic and sensitive manner and I appreciated that. The book is very character driven and they are well rounded and fully flesh out, flaws and all. I really enjoyed the two timelines as we get to see how this couple meets and how their relationship changes over time, it was also great to have the story from both points of view. The chapters are short and I liked that because as soon as I came to a new one I kept repeating oh just one more. Imagine my surprise to find that the author is none other than Charlotte Duckworth, I have loved her books for years. This one is captivating, emotive and I highly recommend it and the author's other works. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
July 1, 2023
Well, when I was so intrigued to read some heart wrenching, angsty love story of soul mates who meet after twenty years in the middle of bomb explosion!
I am a big fan of second chance romances. But I had hard time to get into the story because of so many time lines and I was false informed. Ben and Clara who were high school sweethearts parted their ways but it didn’t take 20 years long for them to meet each other!
I think I had also hard time connect with both of the characters and their intimate love story.
There are so many triggering subjects included: suicide bomber, rape, alcoholism, mental health issues, parent death, cancer, IVF, manslaughter. The bombardment of those heavy stuffs gave me hard time digest everything I read.
I personally hated the guts of Clara from the beginning. So I can honestly say this book is more a mid life crisis than heartwarming second chance love story between so much flawed and dislikable characters.
So I’m giving three solid stars and getting out of here.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria&Aries for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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I am a big fan of second chance romances. But I had hard time to get into the story because of so many time lines and I was false informed. Ben and Clara who were high school sweethearts parted their ways but it didn’t take 20 years long for them to meet each other!
I think I had also hard time connect with both of the characters and their intimate love story.
There are so many triggering subjects included: suicide bomber, rape, alcoholism, mental health issues, parent death, cancer, IVF, manslaughter. The bombardment of those heavy stuffs gave me hard time digest everything I read.
I personally hated the guts of Clara from the beginning. So I can honestly say this book is more a mid life crisis than heartwarming second chance love story between so much flawed and dislikable characters.
So I’m giving three solid stars and getting out of here.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria&Aries for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
October 17, 2022
This book is not a romance, it should be said upfront. What it is, though, is a realistic, often dark story of two people who meet in college, experience the overwhelming power of first love and mess everything up. Neither the hero, Benjamin, nor the heroine, Clara, is perfect. Far from it. Clara is bright, motivated, clingy, possessive and needy. Benjamin is depressed, unfocused, insecure, charming and intelligent. They are perfect for each other, but they’re also just kids.
As the two decades of their story unfold, we see just how hard relationships are, no matter the power of love. Clara and Benjamin break up, but they never get over each other. She marries a nice guy who barely seems to know her; he gets custody of his son after the boy’s mother abandons him. (The kid is the best character in the story.) But what Ms. Rixon does so beautifully is mesmerize the reader. I felt these characters, loved them, hated them, and I longed to know what had made their lives go so askew. Riveting and original and not afraid to tackle difficult topics, I loved the book…and its hopeful ending.
As the two decades of their story unfold, we see just how hard relationships are, no matter the power of love. Clara and Benjamin break up, but they never get over each other. She marries a nice guy who barely seems to know her; he gets custody of his son after the boy’s mother abandons him. (The kid is the best character in the story.) But what Ms. Rixon does so beautifully is mesmerize the reader. I felt these characters, loved them, hated them, and I longed to know what had made their lives go so askew. Riveting and original and not afraid to tackle difficult topics, I loved the book…and its hopeful ending.
January 31, 2023
A simple life with people I love. That's all I've ever wanted.
The One That Got Away is an honest, heartfelt portrayal of growing up, making mistakes, making up, and finding hope in the tumultuous direction life takes you.
Benjamin and Clara meet in 2000 in college. Benjamin is a shy, awkward boy learning the ropes of University. Clara on the other hand is confident, buoyant, and fun. They fall into a deeply interconnected relationship. Growing and loving one another. Like any relationship, some things don't mesh. Clara can't handle Bejamin's love for soccer. She's still young, insecure, some things are a strong source of contention.
On one fateful night, their lives, the trajectory of their futures, their dreams are shattered. There is no way to come up for air in this endless sea of heartache.
20 years later, Clara is married, but unhappy. She has a dream job, a kind husband, but she can't shake the feeling of Benjamin and what happened, what could have been.
A bombing in Benjamin's town draws Clara back to his small English town. In the days that pass, Clara explores the chaos of their relationship. The emails they wrote to one another over the years, and the thoughts she was never able to shake.
The story is divided between Clara and Benjamin, through various years leading up to the bombing--the side stories are important and interesting.
The One That Got Away is a poignant story that explores very complex issues like infertility, grief, mental health, alcoholism to name a few.
Charlotte Rixon has an important story to tell. It is passionately executed with characters a reader can connect with--it is an honest, relevant story exploring human nature and all it’s complexities
4.5/5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martins Press, and Charlotte Rixon for this wonderful ARC in exchange for an honest review. All quotes pending until published
The One That Got Away is an honest, heartfelt portrayal of growing up, making mistakes, making up, and finding hope in the tumultuous direction life takes you.
Benjamin and Clara meet in 2000 in college. Benjamin is a shy, awkward boy learning the ropes of University. Clara on the other hand is confident, buoyant, and fun. They fall into a deeply interconnected relationship. Growing and loving one another. Like any relationship, some things don't mesh. Clara can't handle Bejamin's love for soccer. She's still young, insecure, some things are a strong source of contention.
On one fateful night, their lives, the trajectory of their futures, their dreams are shattered. There is no way to come up for air in this endless sea of heartache.
20 years later, Clara is married, but unhappy. She has a dream job, a kind husband, but she can't shake the feeling of Benjamin and what happened, what could have been.
A bombing in Benjamin's town draws Clara back to his small English town. In the days that pass, Clara explores the chaos of their relationship. The emails they wrote to one another over the years, and the thoughts she was never able to shake.
The story is divided between Clara and Benjamin, through various years leading up to the bombing--the side stories are important and interesting.
The One That Got Away is a poignant story that explores very complex issues like infertility, grief, mental health, alcoholism to name a few.
Charlotte Rixon has an important story to tell. It is passionately executed with characters a reader can connect with--it is an honest, relevant story exploring human nature and all it’s complexities
The ones who know when you want to be left alone, and equally know when what you need is a hug, a smile, a kind word . . . an invisible connection that can pass through any medium. The ones you can go years without speaking to, and then when you do, it’s like no time has passed.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martins Press, and Charlotte Rixon for this wonderful ARC in exchange for an honest review. All quotes pending until published
August 4, 2022
I feel like giving this book two starts is very princely. There were a lot of heavy topics such as alcoholism, assault, child sexual abuse, death of a parent, infertility and cheating in this plot. When I read the blurb, it sounded like a light-hearted second chance story but I was left baffled when I learned that Clara was married and Benjamin had a son. The blurb failed to mention these details and there were no trigger warnings either. This story was told throughout the span of twenty something years. I have to admit that Clara & Benjamin's relationship was so fiddly because they were both insecure. And I disliked Clara more than Benjamin. She was irrational, impulsive, privileged and her arguments were embarrassing. She couldn't change even after twenty years. I didn't feel any chemistry between the main characters and I just wanted to see how it ends but the ending was too abrupt. I really am not a fan on open endings and I was left confused because I wanted to see if Clara & Benjamin would get their second chance to be together? This story isn't for the faint of heart, so I suggest you read some reviews before going into it tbh.
Thank you Netgalley and Aria & Aries for providing me the ARC
Thank you Netgalley and Aria & Aries for providing me the ARC
December 13, 2022
Two years together. Twenty years apart. One tragic catastrophe to reunite.
It's hard to enjoy a novel when you dislike the main characters.
Not only that but I wasn't convinced of their romance or "deep connection". They were constantly fighting about the same things and they never resolved their fights. They just brushed it under the rug and pretend it never happened. Not to mention, they weren't honest with themselves, each other either, or other partners.
The novel wasn't all bad. I really enjoyed the last quarter of the novel. That's when we finally got more substance to the story. We found out why Clara and Ben were apart and why the bombing occurred. I wish the rest of the novel could of been like this.
Overall, not the best but also not the worst.
***I would like to thank NetGalley, Charlotte Rixon (the author), and St. Martin's Press for graciously sending me a copy of the novel to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
It's hard to enjoy a novel when you dislike the main characters.
Not only that but I wasn't convinced of their romance or "deep connection". They were constantly fighting about the same things and they never resolved their fights. They just brushed it under the rug and pretend it never happened. Not to mention, they weren't honest with themselves, each other either, or other partners.
The novel wasn't all bad. I really enjoyed the last quarter of the novel. That's when we finally got more substance to the story. We found out why Clara and Ben were apart and why the bombing occurred. I wish the rest of the novel could of been like this.
Overall, not the best but also not the worst.
***I would like to thank NetGalley, Charlotte Rixon (the author), and St. Martin's Press for graciously sending me a copy of the novel to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
March 3, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Aug. 15, 2023
“The One That Got Away” is the debut novel by author Charlotte Rixon. Centred on once-upon-a-time lovers, Clara and Benjamin, whose lives went separate ways although their memories of each other were fond and lasting. Twenty years later, a tragedy brings them back together but is twenty years too long to rekindle what once was?
This story is narrated through the alternate POV’s of Benjamin and Clara, and is told in both the past and the present, during the relationship and the many years following, when both are trying to move on while still clinging to their past romance. It is, in every way, a “second chance romance”, but it is not light hearted. The subject material is intense and emotional, including sexual and physical assault, addiction and a violent bombing (to name a few).
Benjamin and Clara are only mildly likable, but neither of them are unlikable at the same time, which helps. I connected with Clara in certain aspects (even when I didn’t want to), but Ben’s plight was hard to ignore, as well. Add to that the naivete and complete innocence of young love, and both characters are tolerable. If nothing else, Ben and Clara (and their developing relationship, with its crash-and-burn ending) are innately human and honest.
I expected a saccharine, over-the-top romantic gesture to pepper the last few pages, but I was surprisingly pleased by Rixon’s ending. Putting a satisfying bow on all of the outstanding plot points, while still leaving a few strings that allow readers to draw their own conclusions made for a believable and enjoyable ending.
“The One” is charming and yet somehow still thought-provoking. Rixon takes the second chance romance genre into the modern era and I look forward to her future works.
Expected publication date: Aug. 15, 2023
“The One That Got Away” is the debut novel by author Charlotte Rixon. Centred on once-upon-a-time lovers, Clara and Benjamin, whose lives went separate ways although their memories of each other were fond and lasting. Twenty years later, a tragedy brings them back together but is twenty years too long to rekindle what once was?
This story is narrated through the alternate POV’s of Benjamin and Clara, and is told in both the past and the present, during the relationship and the many years following, when both are trying to move on while still clinging to their past romance. It is, in every way, a “second chance romance”, but it is not light hearted. The subject material is intense and emotional, including sexual and physical assault, addiction and a violent bombing (to name a few).
Benjamin and Clara are only mildly likable, but neither of them are unlikable at the same time, which helps. I connected with Clara in certain aspects (even when I didn’t want to), but Ben’s plight was hard to ignore, as well. Add to that the naivete and complete innocence of young love, and both characters are tolerable. If nothing else, Ben and Clara (and their developing relationship, with its crash-and-burn ending) are innately human and honest.
I expected a saccharine, over-the-top romantic gesture to pepper the last few pages, but I was surprisingly pleased by Rixon’s ending. Putting a satisfying bow on all of the outstanding plot points, while still leaving a few strings that allow readers to draw their own conclusions made for a believable and enjoyable ending.
“The One” is charming and yet somehow still thought-provoking. Rixon takes the second chance romance genre into the modern era and I look forward to her future works.
December 6, 2022
The One That Got Away by Charlotte Rixon
(book review - 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Women's Fiction - Available on February 2nd.
448 pgs.
This powerful novel by Charlotte Rixon will stay with me for a long time. The emotion of it touched me deeply. Rixon deals with very sensitive topics and some people may not find it suitable. Be sure to read the trigger warnings before proceeding. The One That Got Away will be added to my book collection in hardback. That's right, it's that amazing!
Synopsis:
Clara and Benjamin are meant for each other, but devastating events separate them. Several decades later, a bombing in the city where Clara met Ben and developed mutual feelings brings her back. Clara hopes to make amends for her regrets as she searches for Ben. But is it too late to fix what happened?
Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for sharing this book with me. Your kindness is appreciated.
#TheOneThatGotAway #CharlotteRixon #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #Audible #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #Bookishcom #trending #bestsellingbooks #b
(book review - 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Women's Fiction - Available on February 2nd.
448 pgs.
This powerful novel by Charlotte Rixon will stay with me for a long time. The emotion of it touched me deeply. Rixon deals with very sensitive topics and some people may not find it suitable. Be sure to read the trigger warnings before proceeding. The One That Got Away will be added to my book collection in hardback. That's right, it's that amazing!
Synopsis:
Clara and Benjamin are meant for each other, but devastating events separate them. Several decades later, a bombing in the city where Clara met Ben and developed mutual feelings brings her back. Clara hopes to make amends for her regrets as she searches for Ben. But is it too late to fix what happened?
Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for sharing this book with me. Your kindness is appreciated.
#TheOneThatGotAway #CharlotteRixon #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #Audible #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #Bookishcom #trending #bestsellingbooks #b
October 7, 2023
Така хороша! Мені сподобалось навіть більше, ніж якби це був банальний ромком (хоч такі я теж люблю), але тут глибша історія, важливіша 💔❤️🩹
Want to read
August 14, 2023This was a very beautiful and very complex story! It was also very emotional. I honestly couldn’t put the book down. I was hooked right from the very first chapter. I stayed up all night to read this book. I 100% recommend reading it!!
December 22, 2022
The One That Got Away by Charlotte Rixon is an emotional, yet heart-warming story about two people who were meant to be together but had their paths diverted by a devastating mistake. The novel follows Clara and Benjamin, who meet at university and fall in love, but then are separated due to circumstance. As the years go on and life takes them on different paths, they never forget each other. When Clara discovers that Benjamin might be in danger following a bombing in the city where they first met, she is forced to confront the events that tore them apart.
Rixon’s writing is beautiful and lyrical without ever becoming too cliched or melodramatic. She manages to create complex characters with real depth, making readers feel as if they really know these characters and have formed bonds with them. The plot moves quickly between past and present giving readers a glimpse into how one mistake can cause ripples throughout years of life.
This book will make you laugh, cry and feel as if you've been taken along for the ride with Clara and Benjamin. It's a must-read for anyone looking for an emotionally charged read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended!
Check out this one on August 15th 2023. Thank you to st martin's press and netgalley for the advanced reading copy.
Rixon’s writing is beautiful and lyrical without ever becoming too cliched or melodramatic. She manages to create complex characters with real depth, making readers feel as if they really know these characters and have formed bonds with them. The plot moves quickly between past and present giving readers a glimpse into how one mistake can cause ripples throughout years of life.
This book will make you laugh, cry and feel as if you've been taken along for the ride with Clara and Benjamin. It's a must-read for anyone looking for an emotionally charged read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended!
Check out this one on August 15th 2023. Thank you to st martin's press and netgalley for the advanced reading copy.
February 12, 2023
DNF @ 31%
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
Apologies in advance.
None of my ARCs have been doing me well so far as I try to catch up on them.
The premise is way cooler than the actual book itself, and I say this having not finished the book because it just couldn’t grasp my interest. The characters were boring and the two timelines were challenging to follow.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
Apologies in advance.
None of my ARCs have been doing me well so far as I try to catch up on them.
The premise is way cooler than the actual book itself, and I say this having not finished the book because it just couldn’t grasp my interest. The characters were boring and the two timelines were challenging to follow.
July 28, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review. The One That Got Away is available on February 2, 2023.
3.5/5⭐️
* second chance romance
* dual POV
⚠️ check trigger warnings!
The book has a dual POV narration that alters between present day and the past. The two main characters, Clara and Benjamin, meet and fell in love at university. Both characters are flawed in different ways which makes them each feel like they don't fit in their university community. Despite both feeling displaced, the characters came from very different backgrounds which causes issues in their relationship. Clara grew up wealthy and privileged. On the other hand, Benjamin has to work hard to create opportunities for himself-all while he faces pressure from his father to make something of himself.
The main characters were real and complex. However, I still found myself irritated with the characters-mostly during the narrations from university. Clara is deeply insecure and privileged. There were several times I cringed at the pointless arguments she started. Benjamin is painfully shy and lacks self confidence. Both characters struggled with communication which was super frustrating at times. Due to the characters' insecurities, pointless arguments, and miscommunication trope, I found it hard to really really want these characters to end up together.
However, I still really wanted to see what happened to these characters. The beauty of this story was it was hard to put it down! Despite my feelings about the characters' relationship, I needed to know if they would be okay. The writing was very well done which helped build suspense and successfully tie in heavy topics. While this book can feel dark at times, and I wasn't super invested to the characters as a couple, I would still recommend this book. After finishing the book last night, I could not stop talking to my partner about it. This is definitely a book I will think about in the future!
3.5/5⭐️
* second chance romance
* dual POV
⚠️ check trigger warnings!
The book has a dual POV narration that alters between present day and the past. The two main characters, Clara and Benjamin, meet and fell in love at university. Both characters are flawed in different ways which makes them each feel like they don't fit in their university community. Despite both feeling displaced, the characters came from very different backgrounds which causes issues in their relationship. Clara grew up wealthy and privileged. On the other hand, Benjamin has to work hard to create opportunities for himself-all while he faces pressure from his father to make something of himself.
The main characters were real and complex. However, I still found myself irritated with the characters-mostly during the narrations from university. Clara is deeply insecure and privileged. There were several times I cringed at the pointless arguments she started. Benjamin is painfully shy and lacks self confidence. Both characters struggled with communication which was super frustrating at times. Due to the characters' insecurities, pointless arguments, and miscommunication trope, I found it hard to really really want these characters to end up together.
However, I still really wanted to see what happened to these characters. The beauty of this story was it was hard to put it down! Despite my feelings about the characters' relationship, I needed to know if they would be okay. The writing was very well done which helped build suspense and successfully tie in heavy topics. While this book can feel dark at times, and I wasn't super invested to the characters as a couple, I would still recommend this book. After finishing the book last night, I could not stop talking to my partner about it. This is definitely a book I will think about in the future!
October 15, 2023
Емоції набагато глибші за обкладинку. Сюжет цікавий, я на 100 % була впевнена, що знаю, що сталось в той вечір на футбольному стадіоні… і помилилась. І це дуже добре.
Але найбільше вражає не сюжет, а всі відтінки почуттів. Мелодія емоцій, і кожна наступна нота звучить відповідно тій, якою була попередня. Все переплетено, одне веде до іншого
Листи Клари і Бендаміна, їх стосунки - це як підручник з психології стосунків з прикладами. бо скільки разів думаєш (і відчуваєш) на 5 абзаців тексту, а пишеш два слова «все добре». І як шкодить замовчування, і так само шкодить аж надто експресивність. І ці листи - на початку- вимогливі, амбіційні, власні. А через 20 років зовсім інші, інші цінності.
Відгукнулась ситуація коли, здається, на 100% впевнений в своєму коханні, а якась фігнюшечка може отак запросто похитнути впевненість на рівному місці - а все через ідеалізацію стосунків. Коли твій хлопець напивається - тригернуло. Як Клара ревнувала Бенджаміна до його друзів і футболу теж дещо нагадало. А останні 10 сторінок тексту там настільки глибокі висновки, що щоб вибрати вислови, прийшлось би переписувати книгу.
А крім цього ще окрема тема про футбольних фанів, тренерів, про шлях спортсмена і тиск загрози невиправдання надій, про ранні втрати близьких, про поради друзів. Тут стільки всього встигло поміститись … що в кінці вже розчулило до сліз.
Я скептично ставлюсь до «других шансів», бо… що втрачено, то втрачено. Вважаю, що люди мають цінувати вчасно, кожен має інтуіцію і в душі точно знає як правильно. І своє справжнє щастя неможливо не відчути. Тому я розуміла, що закінчення книги мені може не сподобатись. Але воно гарне. Цікаві висновки
Але найбільше вражає не сюжет, а всі відтінки почуттів. Мелодія емоцій, і кожна наступна нота звучить відповідно тій, якою була попередня. Все переплетено, одне веде до іншого
Листи Клари і Бендаміна, їх стосунки - це як підручник з психології стосунків з прикладами. бо скільки разів думаєш (і відчуваєш) на 5 абзаців тексту, а пишеш два слова «все добре». І як шкодить замовчування, і так само шкодить аж надто експресивність. І ці листи - на початку- вимогливі, амбіційні, власні. А через 20 років зовсім інші, інші цінності.
Відгукнулась ситуація коли, здається, на 100% впевнений в своєму коханні, а якась фігнюшечка може отак запросто похитнути впевненість на рівному місці - а все через ідеалізацію стосунків. Коли твій хлопець напивається - тригернуло. Як Клара ревнувала Бенджаміна до його друзів і футболу теж дещо нагадало. А останні 10 сторінок тексту там настільки глибокі висновки, що щоб вибрати вислови, прийшлось би переписувати книгу.
А крім цього ще окрема тема про футбольних фанів, тренерів, про шлях спортсмена і тиск загрози невиправдання надій, про ранні втрати близьких, про поради друзів. Тут стільки всього встигло поміститись … що в кінці вже розчулило до сліз.
Я скептично ставлюсь до «других шансів», бо… що втрачено, то втрачено. Вважаю, що люди мають цінувати вчасно, кожен має інтуіцію і в душі точно знає як правильно. І своє справжнє щастя неможливо не відчути. Тому я розуміла, що закінчення книги мені може не сподобатись. Але воно гарне. Цікаві висновки
October 24, 2022
2☆
I'm going to start this review off by saying that I had to force myself to finish this book. If it wasn't an ARC I would've stopped at around 20%.
Plot
Going into this, this is what I understood of the plot:
- a guy and a girl meet in uni, fall in love
- something happens, and they don't talk for years
- fast forward, they rekindle and happy ending for them
Where in the blurb would I ever guess that they Also, the random ass subplots didn't work for me.
There are heavy topics thrown in (solely for impact imo). TW: alcoholism, assault, self-harm, terminal illness, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, death of a parent, infertility and cheating. As I said before, it sounded like a light-hearted story, but boy was I surprised when she out of nowhere describe in detail how she'd self-harm.
Characters
The story spans 20 odd years of the main characters' lives, but they meet when they are 18/19. I was that age not long ago (3/4 years ago to be exact), and Iunfortunately had a relationship during that time. Why am I telling my life story? I remember the feelings and behaviour I had during that relationship, and I do not understand why Clara would be this dramatic.
Everything Benjamin did, she overthought to the extreme. All the problems the two had were because of her. Any one of them, you can trace back to her.
Benjamin, although sometimes badly, tried his best to communicate. He told her he was going to go home for a while, and since this is literally the year I was born, texting wasn't as popular as nowadays. Why does she assume the worst and cheat on him? No fucking brain cells. Benjamin deserves better. Also, her being mad at him for wanting to watch football with his friend, please stfu. She's selfish, rude, dumb, whiney, irrational, and impulsive... I could go on. And even in her 40s, she has not matured AT ALL.
The fact that she could be married to Thom, which in my opinion also deserved better, for a decade and yet always think of what could be with Benjamin. This woman had cheated on every man she dated during this book, whether emotionally or physically. For someone who was traumatized by her ex-Daniel cheating, she really followed in his footsteps.
Romance
For a book advertised as a romance, there was literally none to be found. The main characters had no chemistry, they kept saying they were soulmates yada yada, but they just felt like dumb naive teenagers in their first relationship (been there done that folks).
Ending
The ending is random and I hate open endings.
Overall, not for me, at all. Is there anything I liked? Well, Benjamin was wholesome but that's about it. I wouldn't recommend but if you enjoy books spanning most of the characters' lives and open endings, this might be for you.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going to start this review off by saying that I had to force myself to finish this book. If it wasn't an ARC I would've stopped at around 20%.
Plot
Going into this, this is what I understood of the plot:
- a guy and a girl meet in uni, fall in love
- something happens, and they don't talk for years
- fast forward, they rekindle and happy ending for them
Where in the blurb would I ever guess that they Also, the random ass subplots didn't work for me.
There are heavy topics thrown in (solely for impact imo). TW: alcoholism, assault, self-harm, terminal illness, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, death of a parent, infertility and cheating. As I said before, it sounded like a light-hearted story, but boy was I surprised when she out of nowhere describe in detail how she'd self-harm.
Characters
The story spans 20 odd years of the main characters' lives, but they meet when they are 18/19. I was that age not long ago (3/4 years ago to be exact), and I
Everything Benjamin did, she overthought to the extreme. All the problems the two had were because of her. Any one of them, you can trace back to her.
Benjamin, although sometimes badly, tried his best to communicate. He told her he was going to go home for a while, and since this is literally the year I was born, texting wasn't as popular as nowadays. Why does she assume the worst and cheat on him? No fucking brain cells. Benjamin deserves better. Also, her being mad at him for wanting to watch football with his friend, please stfu. She's selfish, rude, dumb, whiney, irrational, and impulsive... I could go on. And even in her 40s, she has not matured AT ALL.
The fact that she could be married to Thom, which in my opinion also deserved better, for a decade and yet always think of what could be with Benjamin. This woman had cheated on every man she dated during this book, whether emotionally or physically. For someone who was traumatized by her ex-Daniel cheating, she really followed in his footsteps.
Romance
For a book advertised as a romance, there was literally none to be found. The main characters had no chemistry, they kept saying they were soulmates yada yada, but they just felt like dumb naive teenagers in their first relationship (been there done that folks).
Ending
The ending is random and I hate open endings.
Overall, not for me, at all. Is there anything I liked? Well, Benjamin was wholesome but that's about it. I wouldn't recommend but if you enjoy books spanning most of the characters' lives and open endings, this might be for you.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2023
The One That Got Away is a heart wrenching, beautiful, love story! It begins with a “ love at first sight” moment that slowly introduces the main characters, Clara and Benjamin. They are written so that it feels as if you know them, that you are right there with them. They are young and full of hope for a bright future together but they come from such different backgrounds that in spite of their deep love, they struggle to understand one another.
Their relationship pulled at my heart. I wanted them to succeed. Charlotte Rixon writes their romance as it happens in the real world. It’s not a magical, ever after story. I think that’s what I liked the most; The raw emotions and the truth that it takes work to keep a relationship alive.
The book has some hard subjects, child abuse, rape and murder, of which I usually won’t read about, but these were not detailed. This is a beautiful book that I will think about for days to come.
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the arc via NetGalley!
Their relationship pulled at my heart. I wanted them to succeed. Charlotte Rixon writes their romance as it happens in the real world. It’s not a magical, ever after story. I think that’s what I liked the most; The raw emotions and the truth that it takes work to keep a relationship alive.
The book has some hard subjects, child abuse, rape and murder, of which I usually won’t read about, but these were not detailed. This is a beautiful book that I will think about for days to come.
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the arc via NetGalley!
January 31, 2023
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was such a beautiful, sad, yet realistic love story that I enjoyed reading so very much! Yes it dealt with second chance love, but it was deeper than that! Clara and Ben from two complete different worlds and opposites in character meet in Uni (university). What turns into a sweet romance eventually because of trust issues and insecurities starts packing secrets from both parties. Then one night it all changes and their lives are thrown into different directions. I loved the character development of each character and this story actually had a good plot. Told in 3 different times of their life and dual POV. Young love that could have been more if not for two young adults growing up and making mistakes. I loved how the author touched on subjects that others dare to include into stories with a storyline like this one. The ending was well thought out and ends with hope, people trying to accept and be proud of their accomplishments, and love themselves first. Soulmates 💕
⚠️Please read trigger warnings before⚠️
Violence, Deaths, Bombing/Suicide, Child Abuse, Love and Loss, Marital Issues, Child Abandonment, and Alcoholism.
Thank you @netgalley for this well written ARC.
My first book ever by Charlotte Rixon and hopefully not my last !
Publication Date for this amazing book will be on August 15, 2023
#Netgalley #Netgalleyreader #Netgalleyreview #Netgalleyreviewer #theonethatgotaway #charlotterixon
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammersunite
#bookreview #booktok #book #books #booksarelife #booksaremagical #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookclubforintroverts #booklovers #booklover #fictional #fiction #fictionbooks #booknerd #bookworm #bookworms #bibliophile #darkromance #darkbooks #secondchanceromance
This was such a beautiful, sad, yet realistic love story that I enjoyed reading so very much! Yes it dealt with second chance love, but it was deeper than that! Clara and Ben from two complete different worlds and opposites in character meet in Uni (university). What turns into a sweet romance eventually because of trust issues and insecurities starts packing secrets from both parties. Then one night it all changes and their lives are thrown into different directions. I loved the character development of each character and this story actually had a good plot. Told in 3 different times of their life and dual POV. Young love that could have been more if not for two young adults growing up and making mistakes. I loved how the author touched on subjects that others dare to include into stories with a storyline like this one. The ending was well thought out and ends with hope, people trying to accept and be proud of their accomplishments, and love themselves first. Soulmates 💕
⚠️Please read trigger warnings before⚠️
Violence, Deaths, Bombing/Suicide, Child Abuse, Love and Loss, Marital Issues, Child Abandonment, and Alcoholism.
Thank you @netgalley for this well written ARC.
My first book ever by Charlotte Rixon and hopefully not my last !
Publication Date for this amazing book will be on August 15, 2023
#Netgalley #Netgalleyreader #Netgalleyreview #Netgalleyreviewer #theonethatgotaway #charlotterixon
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammersunite
#bookreview #booktok #book #books #booksarelife #booksaremagical #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookclubforintroverts #booklovers #booklover #fictional #fiction #fictionbooks #booknerd #bookworm #bookworms #bibliophile #darkromance #darkbooks #secondchanceromance
April 21, 2025
I think this was a case of just not knowing what I was getting into. Although I read this started with a shocking beginning - a bombing - but I thought, from there, it would be a sweet, second chance romance.
This is a heavy book. It really digs into some tough themes - and so many of them - that the story was a bit tough to keep going. Add to it the cheating and 2 characters that I didn't love, and I just struggled to connect and enjoy this one.
Going into knowing of the tough themes - SA, child abuse, mental health struggles, infertility, alcoholism - and knowing it won't be a light second chance romance read would definitely help someone to love this one. It just wasn't for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This is a heavy book. It really digs into some tough themes - and so many of them - that the story was a bit tough to keep going. Add to it the cheating and 2 characters that I didn't love, and I just struggled to connect and enjoy this one.
Going into knowing of the tough themes - SA, child abuse, mental health struggles, infertility, alcoholism - and knowing it won't be a light second chance romance read would definitely help someone to love this one. It just wasn't for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
February 15, 2023
This book is deep, emotional, heartbreaking and leaves you hopeful. I really enjoyed this book.
It's a story about Clara and Benjamin who fall deeply in love. You get both point of views, which is a format I really enjoy, so you get an understanding from both sides. This book had me laughing which turned to being sad then to being hopeful, an emotional rollercoaster for the characters an the reader. Definitely worth the read and will be recommending this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press for early access in turn for my honest opinion!
It's a story about Clara and Benjamin who fall deeply in love. You get both point of views, which is a format I really enjoy, so you get an understanding from both sides. This book had me laughing which turned to being sad then to being hopeful, an emotional rollercoaster for the characters an the reader. Definitely worth the read and will be recommending this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press for early access in turn for my honest opinion!
August 20, 2023
DNF.
Oh boy. Talk about an unlikable character! 40% in and I could not swallow one more page of her immature, manipulative behavior.
Happily moving on…
Oh boy. Talk about an unlikable character! 40% in and I could not swallow one more page of her immature, manipulative behavior.
Happily moving on…
January 11, 2023
This is an emotional multiple point of view story between two people, over the course of the present and the past. When you meet someone at Uni and fall in love and all that and then something happens and life moves on and you have different lives.
Finally they find their way back to each other. It was a little long at times I just wanted it to hurry up and stop stalling for time.
The main characters where real with their true feelings. Clara can be an annoying character who was far too needy and toxic at times to becoming a lady with very low self-esteem who relied on her past and did not seem to see past it and for marrying a guy just because he showed up. Not for the fact of his actual qualities.
As for Benjamin, he is far too guy, lacks in all sorts of communication, acts like a d*ck in Uni instead of just being honest.
Yet I somehow kept wanting to know what happens, how will they get together and can it just happen already.
Overall, I did enjoy the writing style and the plot.
Thank you to the publishers for sending this to me in exchange for my honest review.
https://clife.blog/2023/01/24/book-re...
Finally they find their way back to each other. It was a little long at times I just wanted it to hurry up and stop stalling for time.
The main characters where real with their true feelings. Clara can be an annoying character who was far too needy and toxic at times to becoming a lady with very low self-esteem who relied on her past and did not seem to see past it and for marrying a guy just because he showed up. Not for the fact of his actual qualities.
As for Benjamin, he is far too guy, lacks in all sorts of communication, acts like a d*ck in Uni instead of just being honest.
Yet I somehow kept wanting to know what happens, how will they get together and can it just happen already.
Overall, I did enjoy the writing style and the plot.
Thank you to the publishers for sending this to me in exchange for my honest review.
https://clife.blog/2023/01/24/book-re...
April 8, 2024
Не зовсім ромком, про який я думала, але прочитавши цю книжку, є важливе усвідомлення - дослухатися до себе і вміти розмовляти одне з одним
July 26, 2023
Gosh I wanted to like this one. I really wanted it to get better. Truthfully, the ending was probably my favorite part. I loved how they just stayed as friends and meshed their lives back together. Yo until that point though, things just felt kind of forced.
🌀Synopsis
Benjamin and Clara meet in college. It’s a tough time in Ben’s life because his mother is dying but that doesn’t stop him from falling wildly in love with Clara. The problem is, she’s young and insecure in their love. While he was away Clara was convinced he didn’t love her and she slept with someone else. The guilt causes her to accuse him of cheating even though he is not. They fight and Clara goes out with her friends. It’s a normal night until the same guy starts forcing himself on her. Ben happens to walk up at that moment and hits the guy. The guy dies and Ben ends up in prison. Their relationship is over.
Clara is in a marriage that she isn’t committed to. Ben has a son with a woman who abandons them both. One twist of fate, a bomb, brings them back together. As soon as Clara finds out about it she rushes to find Benjamin again. The tragedy helps them bring out more truth from the past and also gives them confidence to face the future together.
🌀Synopsis
Benjamin and Clara meet in college. It’s a tough time in Ben’s life because his mother is dying but that doesn’t stop him from falling wildly in love with Clara. The problem is, she’s young and insecure in their love. While he was away Clara was convinced he didn’t love her and she slept with someone else. The guilt causes her to accuse him of cheating even though he is not. They fight and Clara goes out with her friends. It’s a normal night until the same guy starts forcing himself on her. Ben happens to walk up at that moment and hits the guy. The guy dies and Ben ends up in prison. Their relationship is over.
Clara is in a marriage that she isn’t committed to. Ben has a son with a woman who abandons them both. One twist of fate, a bomb, brings them back together. As soon as Clara finds out about it she rushes to find Benjamin again. The tragedy helps them bring out more truth from the past and also gives them confidence to face the future together.
August 17, 2022
I don’t really have a lot to say about this book other than this didn’t work for me. The book had potential and at times was engaging, but then the writing is clunky.
I found the characters to be really unlikable and honestly can’t be bothered to type a lengthy review because nothing worked for me.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found the characters to be really unlikable and honestly can’t be bothered to type a lengthy review because nothing worked for me.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2023
I loved the idea of this one as a second chance love story. Overall the narration was great and it flowed well, but I found myself not enjoying any of the characters. The majority of this book was just a dark cloud of sadness over semi-likeable people. Unfortunately this was a miss for me.
January 30, 2023
Where do you like to spend time alone?
For me I like to wake up earlier than everyone else, and slowly drink HOT coffee while I scroll through my phone. On days where someone wakes up early and interrupts my alone time, my whole day is just messed up.
Two years together.
Twenty years apart.
One day to change their story.
In the year 2000 Benjamin’s world is turned upside down when he meets Clara. He just knows they’re meant to be together. But things fall apart one fateful night.
It’s twenty years later and Clara turns on the television and sees a bombing in the city she first met Benjamin. She has a loving husband and wonderful job, but she feels destined to be with Benjamin. She races to the site of the bombing to hoping to find him.
Clara is forced to confront the reasons she and Benjamin split and reckon with what she is willing to give up to get what she thinks she needs.
This was an interesting read, though it did take a bit to come together with the dual characters, and past and present timelines. I enjoyed it, it just took me a while to fully get into it. I am glad that this one wasn’t labeled a romance, but there is a romance at the heart of this book. Its more an exploration of love, versus falling in love.
Make sure to check your triggers with this one. There are some heavy ones here such as alcoholism.
Check this one out August 15th.
Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, @stmartinspress, Netgalley, @netgalley, and the author for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For me I like to wake up earlier than everyone else, and slowly drink HOT coffee while I scroll through my phone. On days where someone wakes up early and interrupts my alone time, my whole day is just messed up.
Two years together.
Twenty years apart.
One day to change their story.
In the year 2000 Benjamin’s world is turned upside down when he meets Clara. He just knows they’re meant to be together. But things fall apart one fateful night.
It’s twenty years later and Clara turns on the television and sees a bombing in the city she first met Benjamin. She has a loving husband and wonderful job, but she feels destined to be with Benjamin. She races to the site of the bombing to hoping to find him.
Clara is forced to confront the reasons she and Benjamin split and reckon with what she is willing to give up to get what she thinks she needs.
This was an interesting read, though it did take a bit to come together with the dual characters, and past and present timelines. I enjoyed it, it just took me a while to fully get into it. I am glad that this one wasn’t labeled a romance, but there is a romance at the heart of this book. Its more an exploration of love, versus falling in love.
Make sure to check your triggers with this one. There are some heavy ones here such as alcoholism.
Check this one out August 15th.
Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, @stmartinspress, Netgalley, @netgalley, and the author for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2023
These kinds of fated love stories are usually my catnip but I could not get into this one AT ALL! I didn't care about the characters, I found the audiobook hard to follow and I probably should have DNF'd instead of forcing myself to listen to the very end. I was hoping things would get better but this was just a flop for me sadly.
February 3, 2023
This ‘second chance at love’, romance novel reaches depths that equally surprised and shattered me! It perfectly encapsulates the complexity, and often intensity, of teenage, ‘first’ love experiences.
The structure was cleverly interwoven over a series of timeframes and points of view. Starting at the end, we follow the protagonist in her plight to find ‘the one that got away.’ Only the search is under harrowing circumstances.
It poses some powerful questions which spark a constant train of thought within the reader. The pace was rapid, which kept me engrossed and invested throughout. Highly recommend giving this one a read.
December 23, 2024
5⭐️
I’m so glad I found this book because I will forever hold this one close to my heart! It definitely is not a love story but a story about first love. I don’t think anybody can really truly forget about their first love especially the ones that came with many lessons. I totally recommend if you’re looking for feelings of nostalgia, friendship, and self love 💕
I’m so glad I found this book because I will forever hold this one close to my heart! It definitely is not a love story but a story about first love. I don’t think anybody can really truly forget about their first love especially the ones that came with many lessons. I totally recommend if you’re looking for feelings of nostalgia, friendship, and self love 💕
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