The One Who Got Away

by Ava Claire

It was supposed to be the best day. I was marrying the love of my life--and nothing would ever be the same.

And then he left me at the altar.

Five years later, I get a job offer I can't refuse. The trouble is, the boss just so happens to be the one who got away...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

107 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2016

About the author

Ava Claire is a sucker for Alpha males and happily ever afters. When not putting pen to paper or glued to her Kindle, Ava likes road tripping, karaoke, and vintage fashion.

Reviews

[Lea ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, second chance romance read.

[Jamie Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great quick scorching story. nothing like a good story about second chances.

[Missey L. · Rating 1 out of 5]

YUCK!!!!! I think I can say I am a hopeless romantic but to forgive the man u loved after leaving you at the alter humiliated. ..not be liveable. ..

[Bowags12 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I loved this book!!!

[Golden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review

GENERAL INFO: The One that got away
===========================
Year Pub: 2015- No RePub
Book Type: Short Story
Genre: Romance
Sub-Categories: Light BDSM reference,
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Epilogue Included: yes
===========================
POV: h (Catherine Allison Wilkes)
===========================

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
It was supposed to be the best day. I was marrying the love of my life--and nothing would ever be the same. And then he left me at the altar. Five years later, I get a job offer I can't refuse. The trouble is, the boss just so happens to be the one who got away...

===========================
Ratings 1(low) - 5(high)
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating: No
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages: No
Contains Children: No
Contains Flashbacks: Yes
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 2
Angst Level Rating: 2
Feel-Good Level Rating: 4
Steam Factor Rating: 2.5
Kink Level Rating: 1
Amount of Sex In The Book: Minimal
Overall Smex Rating: 2.5
===========================
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
===========================
HERO:
Hero Description: Alpha-4, Billionaire
Hero Likability Rating: 4
HEROINE:
Heroine Description: Strong -4, Trusting
Heroine Likability Rating: 3.5
===========================
H/h RELATIONSHIP INFO:
===========================
Buildup Instant/Just Right/Too Long:
Just Right
Any H/h Separations: No
Amount of Time H/h Spends Together: Just Right
Overall H/h Relationship Rating: 4
===========================
TRIGGERS/WARNING: No
==========================
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
Detail:
===========================
Overall Rating: 4
Do You Recommend This Book: YES
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Definitely
===========================
COMMENTS/NOTES:
===============================

[Sue Zawisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY
This was a gift for an honest review.
Cat Wilkes was left at the altar five years ago by the love of her life-Lincoln Carraway-and she has never been able to get past “it” or him. Now she has returned home for the job of her dreams only to run into him once again. Anger and hatred cannot really describe what she is feeling when she learns he is the co-owner of the Corporation she will be working for…if she can handle having to have him in her life again. But Linc has grown up in those five years and he has never stopped loving her-and he is not going to let anger and pain get in his way f getting her back. The real question is whether or not Cat can let go of the past, move into the present and open her heart once more to the one man she will never be able to purge from her system.

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick second chance romance

[Caren Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was your typical second chance romance. But what turned me off from this book was that the heroine gave in too easily!! You suffered the humiliation of being left on the altar in front of your friends and family and yet after five years he waltz in your life and you accept him like nothing happened?!? I call that bullsh*t!! Im sorry but I was very emotional while reading this book which is a good thing because only a few books could pull out feelings from me. I could definitely imagine myself in Cat’s place and I would not have met with Lincoln a second tine and be seduced into a date without clarifying anything... Lincoln did say that he didnt feel like being commited at such a young age that he called off the wedding and left the love of his life, so what makes him sure that he wont do it again? Sorry this plot wasnt really for me...

[Emmi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overall rating: 1 star

Genre: Second Chance Romance
Plot: 2/10
Ending: 4/10
Writing: 7/10
Enjoyment: 2/10
Hero: 1/10
Heroine: 2/10
Supporting Characters: 4/10
Humour: No
Sex: Yes
Feels: No
HEA: Yes

Thoughts: There wasn't a justified reason for why Lincoln stood Catherine up on their wedding day, they had sex the night before and spoke that morning and he told her he loved her. I kept expecting there to be a reason and waited and waited for one. Catherine forgave him far too easily.

[Sheilalalalala · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Leticia Prieto · Rating 1 out of 5]

Forehead hitting table

This book was too high school for me jeez. Skipped most of it. H was a wanna be tough chick but was so cliche

[Jamie Mounts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I for one really like a good second chance at happiness book. I really felt bad for Cat on her wedding day and for her dad to have to be the one who broke the news to her but what I didn't like was how her character was portrayed as a meek girl who ran away from her home and family instead of being strong and brilliant like I felt she could be. I wish we could of saw a glimpse of her life in the 5 years following her marriage. I liked Linc for being a stand up guy and saying he screwed up because he was scared and would of done anything to fix it. I didn't like how he used his money and power to do that. He knew Cat's passion for helping kids and played on it and then tried to wine and dine her like a socialite that she wasn't. Instead he should of acted like the guy he knew would get her back. He knew all she cared about was him, not his money, name, or power just him. I also didn't like the fact that she gave in so easily when has any women given in that easy. It's not in our DNA. The book in my case was way too short and the ending wasn't great it left me wanting more. What happened at that first family dinner after their reunion? How did Cat's dad treat him? What happened next did they make it or did they fail about? The book just kind of ended with so many unanswered questions. Maybe a second book is needed to answer some of these questions especially what was Cat life like in those 5 years vs. Linc's life.

With that said Ava Claire has never failed to draw me into a book and keep my interest. She is a great writer and I will keep reading her books. This one just fell short for me.

Advanced copy reader for an honest review

[Jay · Rating 1 out of 5]

So sorry...

I hate to leave bad reviews, but you really need to be warned...

This is by far the WORST heroine I have ever read....EVER!
Some say it's Bella, others say it's Anastasia. Whoever you think it may be, I promise you, this one will take the cake.
Honestly.
Swear to Christ.

Our poor heroine was left at the alter. She sees him the NIGHT BEFORE, the have sex and words of ever after and he doesn't show up the next day. Cat is devastated, humiliated beyond repair (with excellent reason) and moves away.
Five years later she decides to come back home since the job she applied for is offered to her.
Ex-finance lives there too and first day she is back she sees him working at her new job. Does she tell him to go hell? Uh, no. She holes him and her body fills with lust.
And then she throws herself at him and kisses him.

He's a cocky jerk the entire time and she wants him back.
Seriously.

Even after the get back together (like THREE DAYS LATER)she has to ask him "Do you love me?"
UGHHHHH!!!!!

For the love of woman everywhere, don't bother with this nonsense

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't read reviews prior to reading this novella, but saw that it had a pretty low rating. Despite this, I went for it anyways since I'm a sucker for second chance romances.

I thought the story started out pretty well and the writing was good. However, what brought down the rating was the characters. It was hard to connect with them. Lincoln and Catherine were walking, talking cardboard cut outs with hardly any depth or personality. And speaking of Catherine, where was her pride?! Lincoln left her at the altar five years earlier and she still wanted him like a bitch in heat. Just a spineless female pining over a guy because he was still so "hot." As for Lincoln, he did not grovel at all and he had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I felt that it was lust that drove these two back together; there was no love there. Plus, they were barely together in the story, just a few scenes here and there with dull dialogue and then before we know it they're hooking up and are reunited as a couple. It was just too rushed and unrealistic.

So, just no on this one.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone enjoys a good second chance romance...my only gripe is I wish it was a little bit longer.
I was a little irked by the main girl in this, she had her moments when I wanted to just slap her but she also had her good moments as well.
I think I would like her better if I had gotten to see her through the 5 years after the split instead of just getting to see the wedding day then jumping right into the present. I think honestly that was what was missing for me are those 5 years.
There really isn't much I can say about the book in general without telling what happens.
I will say this though...I really liked Lincoln in this, he knew he made a mistake and he did everything in his power to fix that mistake.

I must say this though Ava Claire usually never fails to pull me into her books and I enjoyed reading this one just as much as her others.

Advanced copy received for an honest review

[Anita Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, I liked Catherine, I think she acted like anyone would act if this happened to them. The only thing I did not like was this book was too short. I wanted to connect more with Cat and Linc, there are so many unanswered questions, so much we don't know about the past five years, and still unclear on why he left five years ago. I don't know it just seemed too rushed. Like I said at the beginning of this review, I enjoyed the story, it was sweet, and sexy, I liked their whole sex dynamic even though that was rushed too, and I liked the present Linc, he was sexy, sweet, and domineering which is my favorite. I am a little surprised it is a standalone and really short because in the past Ava has always written numerous books surrounding one couple, but I love that it is a standalone I just wish it was longer.

[Tanya Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this story. For me I wished it was longer. I wanted more of them. I think there is more to tell about them. Lincoln walked away from Catherine the day of their wedding. He wasn't ready but soon realize he made a mistake. Now he wants her back. Catherine was hurt and she left. Now she's back. Her biggest fear was seeing him again. Low and behold who does she run into at her new job (Linc). She suddenly realizes after five years that her feelings were still strong as ever. He wants her back can you forgive him? Would you forgive him? His need to control her and her need to submit to only him can not be denied. Something was still missing I missed something because I still don't know why he left. (Was it because they were to young?)

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could you forgive the love of your life for leaving you at the church with a note? Catherine’s world is shattered on her wedding day when Lincoln walks away with just a note to break up with her. She leaves town and won’t return because she is crushed and doesn’t know how to put herself back together. Finally, 5 years later, she heads back home for a job and the hope she won’t see Lincoln. Of course, she isn’t that lucky so when Lincoln ends up directly in her path, what is a girl to do? Lincoln isn’t giving up, he has gone on to take over the family business but he regrets leaving Catherine behind. Can he get her to forgive him? Will Catherine stick to her guns when all her heart wants is Lincoln back? A fun, sexy quick read with a great balance of drama and humor.

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lincoln Carraway left her at the altar with a "note" saying he wasn't ready. Five years later and a job opportunity has brought her back home to Rhoades, North Carolina. Who do you think the unpublished co-owner is of the company she was going to work for? You got it! Lincoln Carraway and he wants her back. Will she ever be able to forgive him for the emotional devastation and utter humiliation? Definitely read this book to find out!

I am a HUGE fan of Ava Claire and this book is another example of why. Fantastic second chance love story! I can't wait to see what's coming up next.

Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was not compensated for my review.
I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinion expressed is my own.

[K Fly · Rating 5 out of 5]

******* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review********

This was a meaningful second chance at love book. Cat was jilted at alter and going thru life with blinders on due to her deep heartbreak. But five years later she get the opportunity to come back home only to be confronted by the one man she never wants to see again. But never say never the intense spark between them is still there. Can she let her guard down again? Can't she trust him with her heart? What will her family and friends think? Ava has done it again. She writes so beautifully that the characters seem real & you hate for the book to end. This is a must read!

[DawnMarie Carpintero · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I was given this book for my honest review.

Everyone deserves a second chance in their lives even those that leave on in the most of humiliating of places. Even though that has happened this author brings new light to forgiveness which makes this book exhilarating and new.

Author Ava Claire does not wary in giving us her wayward ways in the sexual nature. She is continually surprising us with the twists of each book she puts out and this one is no exception to the rule. She brings us on the edge brings us back again and throws us back to the proverbial wolves which brings fascination to this read.

Major Kudos

Happy Reading

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The One Who got away!

Cat was devastated, that Lincoln left her right before the were supposed to get married! It happens, but they had just been together, promised each other forever, left her heartbroken. Now years later she has been offered a job in the same town, he lives! Can her broken heart take seeing him again? It's a job she has always wanted, then she finds out he is a co-owner of the place she will be working! What will she do? Will she take the job? Can her heart take this? Great read, love this story!!!! Lincoln and Cat❤️❤️.

[ENA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The One That Got Away was a fantastic, heart-pumping, palm sweating, quick read. Ava Claire really captured the emotional draw of the Lincoln and Catherine. You will be hooked from the beginning and will want MORE when you get to the last page. Lincoln and Catherine were high school sweet hearts and set to get married after high school when Lincoln had a change of heart and left her on the alter without an explanation. When their paths cross several years later and their story unfolds. Meet Lincoln your new book boyfriend... He will have you swooning

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok... so I got the e-book copy for an honest ARC review, so here goes...

The story is fast-tracked in my opinion... Given the situation that Cat was jilted almost literally at the altar on her wedding day. And yet, not even a few months since meeting Linc, they just hooked up and got back together... Though it is a happy ending for both of them... I kinda find it hard to imagine it happening in real life (well, to justify, this is a work of fiction). Sorry, but I was expecting more I guess...

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A to good to be true kind of lovestory, though sometimes it's refreshing to read something that's not too heart breaking.

"I'd believe in happily ever after.... Then he burned our fairytale to the ground."

"There was a time I couldn't picture a reality without you in it. I've survived just fine without you."

"What did love or regret matter when there would always be a wound that never fully heal?"

[Aruna Mahadeo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pure crap... spoiler

I do know how some of these authors get published. Good storyline but purely executed. How do you kiss the man who left you at the alter 5 years ago and only after reuniting with him for 5 mins? The heroine got on my nerves, the hero was made to be just too perfect and then into a mild version of Christian Grey character. I can't even say i read the book because I skipped to all the dialogue.

[Debra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read HEA romance for a reason. The escape from reality. This was so far off. Who gets dumped at her wedding, Catherine, and five years later jumps, Lincoln's bones, less than a week after meeting up again? I would have loved to see him grovel some. He was way to cocky and sure of her. If Ava Claire wrote any more than the ninety pages she would have shown how well he would walk all over Cat. Cause that is the way it was heading.

[Bookhog · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Good little read. Bride left at the later only to come back in contact with her runaway husband as her at her new dream job. I gave it four stars because if you have ever read any of Ava Claire's books the have hot steamy sex scenes, this book has a lot of fighting among the couple.

[Catherine Coffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Catherine and Lincoln's story. Catherine always wanted to leave her small town and after what happened to her I don't blame her for leaving. I truly understand why Lincoln did what he did but it still wasn't right. This is a great love story about second chances. I hope that Ava Claire will write more about Catherine and Lincoln. Very good hot short story.

[Polly Pardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read!

Enjoyed the characters that developed the storyline. Creative details in the story kept me reading in one sitting! Enjoy this entertaining quick read!