The One Who Got Away

by Mia Ford

Five years ago, I gave myself to him.
Now he's back to claim me.
My family hates him, but I don't care.
This time, he's not getting away.

I should never have slept with Leah.
She was hot, she was begging for it...
She was my best friend's little sister.
If he finds out he'll destroy me,
But Leah's worth destruction.
I still remember her curves, her kisses...
The way her body melted against mine.
One taste just wasn't enough. I want more.
Her family thinks I'm a spoiled rich boy who likes to play with motorcycles.
All I want to play with is Leah.
She thinks I don't know about the child she's carrying inside her.
But I know everything, and I protect what's mine.
I'll prove to her and everyone else that this time,
I'm playing for keeps.

This is an anthology of 7 steamy romance novels…
Book 1: The One Who Got Away
Book 2: His Brother’s Wife
Book 3: Unprepared Daddy
Book 4: Obsessed
Book 5: Passion
Book 6: Billionaire’s Date
Book 7: Ssh…Don't Tell

Each book is standalone with no cheating, no cliffhangers and a very happy ever after and plenty of steam.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, New Adult

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2018

About the author

Description from Amazon

I am a contemporary romance writer who loves strong, gorgeous, Greek God-like alpha men who love protecting their sassy and sexy women.

Reviews

[BJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just don't understand the 5 star reviews from adults, and verified purchases. Perhaps it's a genre thing, and this is not mine. I attempted three times to finish but I just couldn't go on by around 50%. If you like teenage characters, with so much teenage angst, set in a small town where adults are narrow minded, judgemental and just downright nasty, perhaps this may suit you. I struggled to find any love between the parents and their children, or between friends. Too far from my reality, lucky me.

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself was an ok read. It was a bit choppy and stilted as times. Lots of push and pull and angst happening. However, I bout the book based on the description. I like second chance romance. I even like a good secret baby story. Here's the rub.....SPOILER......there is no secret baby as the description implies. There isn't even a conversation about a baby and the hero taking charge to make sure mom and baby are ok. In the epilogue, as they are getting married, Leah has a thought that she can't wait to tell Zane that she is pregnant with his child. That's it. The only mention of a baby.

Disappointed that what was delivered was not as promised.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somebody needs to rewrite the blurb...there's no secret baby. There was too much back story to start with from with they were in high school. The writing was a bit choppy at times. Overall a sweet romance, but not really anything extra.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (7/24/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Five years ago, I gave myself to him.
Now he's back to claim me.
My family hates him, but I don't care.
This time, he's not getting away.

I should never have slept with Leah.
She was hot, she was begging for it...
She was my best friend's little sister.
If he finds out he'll destroy me,
But Leah's worth destruction.
I still remember her curves, her kisses...
The way her body melted against mine.
One taste just wasn't enough. I want more.
Her family thinks I'm a spoiled rich boy who likes to play with motorcycles.
All I want to play with is Leah.
She thinks I don't know about the child she's carrying inside her.
But I know everything, and I protect what's mine.
I'll prove to her and everyone else that this time,
I'm playing for keeps.

[Shelly Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read Mia Ford,,,, she has another hit right here,,,,,

16 year old Leah Hawkin has a brother named Brandon who is turning 18 and will be having a birthday party at their house,,, Brandon has a best friend named Zane Morris and Leah is sooo in love with Zane, but, of course, Zane would never go for someone like Leah,,,,Brandon and Leah's mom doesnt like Zane because he rides a motorcycle,,, she thinks he's in some kinda motorcycle gang,,,, which he is NOT,,,, , Zane has girls falling all over him,,,, why would he ever want Leah,,,, Leah has a best friend named Mandy,,,,they hang together alot,,,, on Brandon's 18th bday party they stayed by each other until Mandy started talking with a boy named Jon,,, and then Brandon was out doing whatnot and Zane was outside by Leah,,, she and Zane finally got to talk and they went for a walk together,,,, nobody was paying any attention to Zane and Leah,,, they got to talking and they started kissing and next thing they are in bed together ,,,, Zane takes her virginity and Leah is where she has always wanted to be,,,, in Zane's arms,,,, he says that he's dreamed of this and that she was different from all the others,,, they get dressed and sneak back out to the party,,,nobody missed them,,,Brandon is very drunk and Zane puts him to bed and kicks everybody out,,, cleans up a bit and then kisses Leah again, says he will be back in the morning to help clean up the mess,,, and to see Leah again,,,, she goes to bed so she can wake up in the morning and see Zane,,,,,,

Zane Morris lives with his very rich parents, and Zane's father pretty much rules the roost,,,,, his word is the last word,,,, he is an only child ,,,, even his mother doesn't get involved when his father has spoke,,,, she just diverts her eyes to the floor,,,, so, when Zane comes home from Brandon's house, where he normally is,,,,,, he tells Zane that he is leaving right now to go to California to study medicine, Zane just wants to stay here, with Leah, and fix and sell motorcycles,,, but his father has had his high school grades and everything needed to fast track into this college,,,, Zane has no way to say hi, bye, or anything to anyone,,,, Zane's dad says to give him 5 years,,, afted that, he is allowed to do whatever,,,,

Well,,, you know, in 5 years when he comes back,,,, oh, wait,,, I'm not going to tell you,,,, you really need to read this book,,, it is a great book to get lost in,,,, what is Zane going to do, now that he's back in town, you know the world didn't stop while he wwas gone,,,, things are a big mess now and how is he going to get what he wants ,,,, ??? ,,,, and what does his father have planned for him now,,, ???,,,, will he just let him do his own thing,,, ???,,, and what about his best friend Brandon,,, he left and never really got to explain anything,,,, and what about 23 year old Leah,,,, ???,,,, all of these questions are answered,,, and more,,,, just read this book,,,, I would totally recommend this book to anyone,,,,,

I got this ARC voluntarily to write an honest review ,,,,,,

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold On Close

Brandon, Leah's older brother, is having his 18th birthday party to which his best friend, Zane, is invited too with other friends. Leah has had a major crush on Zane for years but he rides a motorcycle, is gorgeous and wealthy so why would he even look at Leah? But as the party goes on, Leah and Zane end up chatting and taking a walk. Then kissing and the passion between them leads to them going to bed together and she gives him her v-card.  he starts to help her tidy up after the party and promises that he will be back the next morning to help and to see her.  Leah goes to sleep in bliss. But when Zane gets home he is forced by his father to pack and leave for California to start a medical degree at university [Zane had wanted to start his own motorcycle shop and repair bikes and live there and be with Leah]. So the next day he can't see Leah and hasn't left any note.  She doesn't hear from him in years.  I loved that Mia Ford, who is a tremendous author, did not make Zane out to be some womanising playboy whilst he was away. he constantly thought of Leah.  There are so many conflicts in this story as both Zane's parents don't really want what he thinks is best for him but what they want him to do.  Leah's parents and brother are not happy with her choices.  Now what you're wanting to know is whether Zane and Leah get back together - don't you? But if you've read any of my reviews before I don't give spoilers. I'm just here to let you know what I thought of the story.  I actually loved the storyline, with strong characters and the love between Zane and Leah is sweet and gets progressively hotter so have your fans/.air con set to MAX COOL, switch off your phones and lock the doors.  This is one story that hooked my attention on page one and maintained it right through to the end.  As for the exclusive ... nope, no spoilers but you NEED to get your own copy!

I received a reader's copy of this book and voluntarily leave my honest opinion of it here.  However, As I enjoyed this so much and wanted to be able to read the exclusive bonus story, SHH... Don't Tell plus other bonus stories, I purchased my own copy of the book.

Definitely Recommended  - Get Your Own Copy Now!

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the characters, but not the errors

I liked the characters, especially Zane. He knew who he was and who he wasn't. He also knew he and Leah had some growing up to do. They were much better for each other, the second time around. His fighting (mostly figuratively) for her and her 'digging her heels in' to keep him was fitting. Loved that they both stuck to their guns and eventually trusted one another.
The problem was that story was so filled with grammatical errors and typos (especially the constant misuse of 'me' vs. 'I.'), it felt like I constantly needed to get out a red pen. The grammatical errors were so distracting. Having an editor fix all these errors would have made the story much more enjoyable to read. I thought authors were expected to use experienced, qualified editors before they published...apparently not.

Ex: 'Me and Jenny went for coffee' should read, 'Jenny and I went for coffee.' 'I' is a subjective pronoun (usually at the beginning of the sentence) and 'me' is the objective pronoun (which follows the verb and often a preposition or prepositional phrase usually at the end of the sentence). Ex: Zane wanted to live with me. Leah knew that she was right for me.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!!!
I love all of Mia's work and believe me when I say this is no exception. If you're looking for heart pounding, pulse racing, action packed, explosive chemistry and a need for speed to get things done and straighten out a few wrongs. You've definitely come to the right place. The characters intriguing and complex. Old wounds that never healed opened back up when the two main characters first set eyes on each other after quite some time. Following the characters along mesmerized and everything was intense between them. You can feel the yearning, then the unquenchable desire that will rock you to your core. Graphic detailed descriptions brought this read roaring into life with a ferociousness that shook the walls. Yeah, thats the real deal. As the main characters worked through their own issues there was an undercurrent you could feel. The main characters fell further in love and closer as the soulmates struggled to keep it real. Twists, turns and unexpected surprises that will keep your attention on the pages and frozen to your seat. This is one hot number. Mia you totally nailed this read. Thank you for sharing this little jewel.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet second chance Love story about Leah and Zane. Leah and her older brother Brandon are raised by their mom after their father is killed and they are very close and Zane has two parents who don’t see him for who he is and they don’t get along. Leah has had a crush on Zane for a long time and on the night of her brothers 18th birthday party they see each other in a new light and end up together with the expectation that the next day will be the beginning for them. Zane is forced to leave the minute he gets home from the party and disappears for 5 years. Leah was heartbroken and finds a way to move on until she opens the door years later and Zane the sexy handsome man with a smirk is standing in front of her! Zane comes back and makes the decision to live for himself and has a falling out with his parents over it. Zane and Leah start a hidden relationship and once Brandon finds out all heck breaks lose and there is a lot of turmoil between her family. Can the love between Zane and Leah conquer all their problems or will the anger of others keep them apart? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah had a big crush on her brother's best friend Zane but didn't think anything would come of it. Then during her brother birthday party they got together and it seemed like everything would work out for them. Until the next day they learn he left without a word. Zane didn't want to leave but he was being force into doing things his parents wanted for him. He never forgot Leah and always planned to come back. Now year later he is back but Leah is with another man and he is starting his own business against his parents wishes. When Leah sees Zane again after all the years its like nothing had happened all her feelings come rushing back. Seeing how Zane is taking control of his life inspires her to make some changes in hers. When her family learns of these changes and aren't very supportive she turns to Zane. But can they get back what they had all those years before?

This was a great story and will keep your attention from beginning to end. The chemistry between Zane and Leah was off the charts hot. I can't wait to read more by this author. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. I enjoyed it so much I bought my own copy.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hot and steamy read from Mia Ford.  Man that girl sure knows how to write a sexy book.  

So in this story Leah has had a secret crush on her brother's best friend Zane for years.  When her brother throws a party for his 18th birthday, that crush becomes a real thing and then Zane is gone.  Poof!  Fast forward five years and Leah has moved on that is until Zane shows up on her front porch.  All the feelings that took her so long to bury come barreling back the moment she lays eyes on Zane.  Will she give up the new life she has for another one night affair?

This book was explosive with chemistry.   Zane is one hot as fuck bad boy and Leah is a sweet and shy girl.  The two cannot help themselves.  The forbidden is always the toughest to withstand.  

There is plenty of action to keep the readers intrigued.  Full on drama and forbidden love.  These complex characters are very entertaining and beautiful.  The story flows smooth as glass and is never rushed.  I thoroughly enjoyed this read.  Can't wait to see what Mia writes next.

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and yet steamy second chance romance, and brother’s best friend romance.

Zane is a bad boy in high school, or rather a bit of a play boy with a motorcycle and tattoos. He is a good man, but has family issues. Leah is a shy and sweet girl, with a overwhelming crush on her brother’s best friend (Zane).

Zane is sent away by his father after they finally connect, for one night only, and they don’t see each other for 5 years, but when he comes back to town they will find out if their relationship is really in the past.

This a fabulous sweet and exciting book, with a fast pace and intriguing storyline. Zane is the perfect guy, handsome, exciting and yet with the ‘right girl’ he is caring, compassionate and supportive.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love second chance romances and couldn’t wait to buy it when I saw there were bonus books included.
Leah and Brandon were sister and brother and had a hard time dealing with their father’s death. Brandon was very protective of his new role as the man of the house. His best friend Zane was always over st the house, he had very controlling and demanding parents.
Leah has a serious crush on Zane but is younger than him. This book was a sweet and heart breaking for them. They couldn’t become intimate for fear of breaking the bro code of no dating or hooking up with any sister.
Throughout the book we see the struggles of everyone coping with their issues of them becoming a couple.
It was a good storyline and I liked Zane and Leah. Brandon was pushing it with his controlling side, but he did love his family. Try your copy and enjoy the extras.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I really enjoyed this book. It started early in their life and jumps forward 5 years. Zane and Leah makes a great couple even if they are completely different. Her being the good girl and him being the tattoo'd bad boy. The attraction when it happens is electric and it does not even die down one bit after time. The story was really well written and I enjoyed all the other aspects that came into play. Brandon being the protective brother of Leah and Zane's parents completely alienating him. I loved it and would highly recommend it to all!!

[Laila Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Likeable characters that are well described. I like it is written in dual POV, which gives the reader both the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. That makes the story even more emotional and captivating.
A mix of drama, action, passion, steamy scenes, lies, secrets,mystery, family issues and unexpected twists makes this story worth the read. I had to read it in one setting because it caught me from the first chapter. Of nice length.
A story about getting a second chance with the one who got away. Will she give you one?

[S. Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah not popular in School but has a best friend she can relay on, Leah lost her dad so her big brother is taken control of that area and making sure she is good.
Zane Is Brandon best friend but he has troubles with his family, until one night that changes his life and is sent away leaving Leah Brandon sister behind.
Great story line in the end Leah becomes her own women and starts looking at what she wants from life. Zane always new but had to prove himself to be a better man. Well written and enjoyed reading it.

[Tammy44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Leah and Zane's story. Leah had a teenage crush on Zane her brother's best friend. On her brother's 18 birthday her and Zane finally hookup but then he leaves. Five years later Zane walks back into Leah's life. Will Leah give him a second chance? This was a well written story with a good storyline. I really liked that Zane didn't turn into a playboy during the five years him and Leah weren't together. I love second chance romances and I really enjoyed this one. I voluntarily received an advance arc copy for an honest review.

[Daniella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young love is sweet between Zane and Leah, but after they finally see each other in the same light, her brother's best friend is immediately shipped off by his parents. They don't see each other for 5 years. But the old chemistry is still strong, and while they're adults now, the bumps are still in their path. A beautifully written second chance romance, it certainly grabbed my heart. The plot is original, enjoyable and the characters are strong. I highly recommend it for sure. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.

[Melissa Best · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is written in a juvenile fashion. This might be appropriate for a high school student. For anyone else, it's terrible. Also, it annoys me to no end when the story is set in the US, and the characters speak like they are from England or Australia....Basically somewhere that is not the setting of the story. Basically, it's a simple story with no character development and rather a stupid premise in my opinion. No clue about the 5 star reviews, those people either all received an ARC or they have never read a good book before.

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully written second chance romance with great characters. Leah has always had a crush on Zane her brother's best friend. Zane leaves and then shows back up five years later with the same feelings as before. Will these two be able to have an HEA ending or will the twists and turns they go through prevent them from being together? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Tianna McPherson (Anna Lee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was awesome.  It told us of love from past to present.  It made us feel like high school was happening all over again. It's wonderful to relive a childhood memory and this story gave it to us ten fold. Zane and Leah how us what it takes to overcome family and friends to finally feel like they belong together. It's a must read book and I give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.

[Cynthia O'Neill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story started out good and could have been great, but there were several areas where it would flow properly and end up choppy, needing more detail, jumping from one bit to another. Plus, the misuse of words, wrong tenses, etc. almost made me put it down. Again, the story, if enhanced could be a five star read, it just needs more detail, a better flow, and definitely some edits and proofreading.

[Lakeisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teenage love

Sometimes falling in love with your older brothers best friend just isn’t the best idea. Leah had a crush that turned into so much more. But what is a girl to do when she doesn’t want to go against her brother and mom. Holding things in doesn’t always work out for the best. Leah deals with feelings and actions that last 5 years until that crush returns to town. This was one heck of a second chance romance. Wonderful writing.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another awesome read from Mia Ford. What a great storyline! The characters were awesome; the plot twists were a bit cheesy, but they worked for the story. The HEA was a long time coming, but worth the wait. It’s a really good second chance romance. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and liked it a lot.) ❤️

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and couldn’t put it down until I finished reading it.
The chemistry between Leah and Zane is palpable, and after five years apart, will they be able to deny this attraction and the feelings that still exist? For this, they will have to face several obstacles along the way.
I loved the story and the characters.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of Ms. Ford’s books to date! It was well written and captivating from beginning to end. The emotional turmoil was heartbreaking at times but the way the story progresses it’s never too much. The main characters, Zane and Leah, have an incredible connection that just drags you under and leaves you breathless. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.

[Samantha J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic second chance romance. Leah and Zane make for great main characters and they each have family issues to deal with and overcome. The secondary character of Brandon (Leah's brother and Zane's best friend) really adds to the story through his friendship and sibling protectiveness even if this does create drama. Loved the book.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this second chance romance. Leah and Zane, her brother’s best friend share one steamy night and then he disappears, he father sending him to CA to school. Now five years later he is back and he doesn’t plan on letting Leah go again. This is a fast-paced read with plenty of drama, great characters and amazing chemistry. I was hooked from beginning to end. A good read.

[Melanie Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally, I feel like every book Mia writes, just gets better and better. I'm in love with this book. Not just because I love second chance romances, but because it's that good. It's explosive, hot, witty and more. The writing is fantastic and the chemistry between the characters is ridiculous. Fantastic book.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Mimirureviewbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The One who got Away: A Second Chance Romance by Mia Ford is a full length novel with no cheating, no cliffhanger and a very charming HEA. This is a brothers' best friend & a second chance Romance story. Zane and Leah are two amazing and passionate characters. I would totally recommend this book to any fan of reading second chance romances.