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One and One #1
The One that Got Away
Michael’s hating life since his lover Alex dumped him on what should have been a very important night for them. Even his best friend Jim is having trouble bringing Michael out of his slump. Until Jim does, with a temporary solution to Michael’s loneliness that’s as unexpected as it is welcome, at first.
The last thing Jim expects when he tries to cheer Michael up is to fall in love with the guy. They’re just comforting each other; being very friends with benefits, right? So why is Jim so damned hurt when Mike takes off without as much as a goodbye? What is it about Michael that has Jim feeling lost without him? And is there any chance that Mike feels it too, or will Jim forever think of Michael as the one that got away?
The last thing Jim expects when he tries to cheer Michael up is to fall in love with the guy. They’re just comforting each other; being very friends with benefits, right? So why is Jim so damned hurt when Mike takes off without as much as a goodbye? What is it about Michael that has Jim feeling lost without him? And is there any chance that Mike feels it too, or will Jim forever think of Michael as the one that got away?
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 5, 2010
The One That Got Away by T.C. Blue is a story about love and loss. The story is fast-paced rollercoaster ride from beginning to end and I loved every minute of it!
When Michael is dumped by his boyfriend via voicemail, he thinks he’s reached an all time low. He was sure that Alex was going to be the love of his life, now he’s pretty sure he’s going to be alone and miserable for many years to come. But, his roommate and best friend, Jim, refuses to let Michael continue his pity party for long. After several weeks, Jim pesters Michael into getting out if their apartment and back into the land of the living.
As the two men spend more and more time together, they are surprised by the attraction they have for one another. Soon, they decide to embark on a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship. But, as time goes on both Jim and Michael start realizing that the emotional bond and chemistry they have with each other is much more than either man is prepared to live with.
Lack of communication and fear makes Michael leave unexpectedly. When he finally comes to terms with his love for Jim, is he too late to build a loving and everlasting relationship with him?
This is a wonderful book! I thought that the fear that both Michael and Jim have to commit and to take a chance on love was very realistically portrayed. There were times I wanted to shake some sense into Michael because of his refusal to see the beautiful love he has with Jim that’s been right in front of him all along. Luckily, Michael’s character really evolves throughout the novel. In the beginning his lack of self esteem and fear of being hurt again keeps him from many things. But, at the end of the book, Michael is more comfortable being the man he is and he’s willing to stick his neck out and fight to have a relationship with Jim after all.
Jim’s character also grew a lot through the book. Jim pretty much has the “love ‘em and leave ‘em” philosophy at the beginning of the story, but as he falls in love with Michael and he sees what a loving relationship can be like, he realizes that he’s only hurt himself by pushing others away by just keeping things physical. He too, decides to give up on the fear of being rejected and to take a chance with that one in a lifetime love.
Both Jim and Michael are great heroes. They are men I could easily identify with and I would consider an honor to be friends with. In fact, all the characters in this book are realistically written and very likeable people.
The One That Got Away is the first book in the One and One series and I’m really looking forward to reading the other three books. Here are the other titles of the series if you are interested: The One That Was Lost, The One That Stayed and The One That Broke Free.
4.75 stars. I'll bump it up to 5
When Michael is dumped by his boyfriend via voicemail, he thinks he’s reached an all time low. He was sure that Alex was going to be the love of his life, now he’s pretty sure he’s going to be alone and miserable for many years to come. But, his roommate and best friend, Jim, refuses to let Michael continue his pity party for long. After several weeks, Jim pesters Michael into getting out if their apartment and back into the land of the living.
As the two men spend more and more time together, they are surprised by the attraction they have for one another. Soon, they decide to embark on a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship. But, as time goes on both Jim and Michael start realizing that the emotional bond and chemistry they have with each other is much more than either man is prepared to live with.
Lack of communication and fear makes Michael leave unexpectedly. When he finally comes to terms with his love for Jim, is he too late to build a loving and everlasting relationship with him?
This is a wonderful book! I thought that the fear that both Michael and Jim have to commit and to take a chance on love was very realistically portrayed. There were times I wanted to shake some sense into Michael because of his refusal to see the beautiful love he has with Jim that’s been right in front of him all along. Luckily, Michael’s character really evolves throughout the novel. In the beginning his lack of self esteem and fear of being hurt again keeps him from many things. But, at the end of the book, Michael is more comfortable being the man he is and he’s willing to stick his neck out and fight to have a relationship with Jim after all.
Jim’s character also grew a lot through the book. Jim pretty much has the “love ‘em and leave ‘em” philosophy at the beginning of the story, but as he falls in love with Michael and he sees what a loving relationship can be like, he realizes that he’s only hurt himself by pushing others away by just keeping things physical. He too, decides to give up on the fear of being rejected and to take a chance with that one in a lifetime love.
Both Jim and Michael are great heroes. They are men I could easily identify with and I would consider an honor to be friends with. In fact, all the characters in this book are realistically written and very likeable people.
The One That Got Away is the first book in the One and One series and I’m really looking forward to reading the other three books. Here are the other titles of the series if you are interested: The One That Was Lost, The One That Stayed and The One That Broke Free.
4.75 stars. I'll bump it up to 5
September 12, 2014
My friend Eyre, has a shelf called "somebody-needs-to-be-smacked "; and I never thought I would need a shelf like that until now. Because for the course of the whole story, the reaction I have for this, is either (a) annoyed (b) pissed off (c) wanting to smack someone's head, and (d) all of the above.
God, this story annoys me in so many level. First, the moping of Michael. Second, the "I'm going to be a good friend, and make him realize that he's gorgeous, by oh, I don't know, doing it bareback?" from Jim. Third, the back-and-forth of, "He's not good for me, he still think of his ex", "He's out of my league, I'm not good for him", "This is just sex, because he doesn't love me". Four, and suddenly, Michael decides to just go out of the state because he thinks Jim is back with Elliott. AAARGH!!!!! By that point, I'm ready to kick some bloody ass. Also what's with "he's hung, I'm tight" thing all the way through their sex??
This story doesn't work for me; 2-stars for my own definition of "don't like it"
God, this story annoys me in so many level. First, the moping of Michael. Second, the "I'm going to be a good friend, and make him realize that he's gorgeous, by oh, I don't know, doing it bareback?" from Jim. Third, the back-and-forth of, "He's not good for me, he still think of his ex", "He's out of my league, I'm not good for him", "This is just sex, because he doesn't love me". Four, and suddenly, Michael decides to just go out of the state because he thinks Jim is back with Elliott. AAARGH!!!!! By that point, I'm ready to kick some bloody ass. Also what's with "he's hung, I'm tight" thing all the way through their sex??
This story doesn't work for me; 2-stars for my own definition of "don't like it"
June 24, 2016
Estoy segura que todos hemos encontrado un libro en el que el autor se pasa casi toda la narración diciéndonos que super mega chupi guay el 'heroe' de la historia es pero no somos capaces de verlo, porque sencillamente las acciones y palabras de dicho protagonista no reflejan para nada la admiración que TODOS y cuando quiero decir todos, digo todos, los personajes experimentan por el perfecto protagonista.
Esto es el uno de los fallos que le he encontrado a esta novella, Mike me ha llegado a recordar a la siempre detestada Bella de Twilight, a la que en su día consideré una Marie Sue de libro. Detesto profundamente que TODOS se enamoren de repente de un chico que tiene la madurez mental de una goma de borrar. La premisa no era tan dificil de completar, pero la historia hace aguas por todas partes, y ni siquiera voy a entrar a valorar a los secundarios (pareja de lesbianas metiches incluidas) porque reconozco que me he saltado párrafos completos porque eran por entero prescindibles. No creo que siga con esta 'saga'.
Esto es el uno de los fallos que le he encontrado a esta novella, Mike me ha llegado a recordar a la siempre detestada Bella de Twilight, a la que en su día consideré una Marie Sue de libro. Detesto profundamente que TODOS se enamoren de repente de un chico que tiene la madurez mental de una goma de borrar. La premisa no era tan dificil de completar, pero la historia hace aguas por todas partes, y ni siquiera voy a entrar a valorar a los secundarios (pareja de lesbianas metiches incluidas) porque reconozco que me he saltado párrafos completos porque eran por entero prescindibles. No creo que siga con esta 'saga'.
March 30, 2011
This book was potentially a really nice book. However, I found it lacking. Big part is the author's insistence on breaking them up before they make up. I just hate breaking up completely over stupid misunderstanding. I also dislike the self-righteous lesbian couple who see themselves as 'friends', but to me is more like spectator who enjoy seeing a train wreck in making when they can actually do something about it. They harassed Jim to his workplace only to get latest gossip, but didn't say anything to Mike when they know about Jim's love? Compare that with Robin, the friend in 'Sparrow', who understands that the main characters are in love with each other, and do something about it. Now, I'm not saying that couples cannot have fight over misunderstanding. But, having the main character moving out of state without saying anything is just unbelievable. They are not teenagers.
If there is no stupid breakup and the so-called 'friends' self-righteous behavior, I might give this book 5 star. As it is, even two is generous.
If there is no stupid breakup and the so-called 'friends' self-righteous behavior, I might give this book 5 star. As it is, even two is generous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 5, 2009This is a very nice novella, pretty simple in the story, but really romantic. It's the classical friend with benefits starting point: Jim and Michael are roommates, Michael was just dumped by his selfish boyfriend and he is grieving; Jim doesn't like to see him in that way and decides to do a bit of comfort work: taking him out, giving him a bit of self-esteem and in the end, ending in bed with him. Jim doesn't plan this last turn, but truth be told, it's not something that he doesn't like.
Till that moment Jim was the full-mode party boy, 3 nights a week out clubbing, more or less a new boy every week; Michael was instead more the couch, good movie and cuddling type. Even in body they are different and in their character type: Jim tall, big and broad shoulders, Michael the nerdy type, lithe and skinny, big nose and glasses. When Jim first met Michael, he saw what everyone else sees, an average guy who you wouldn't turn to look on the street; but Michael is the man you get used to, that insinuates himself in your heart and takes possession of it. And this is exactly what happened to Jim: when Michael was thinking to commit with his former boyfriend, Jim was jealous, he thought that the reason was that he didn't judge the ex enough good for his best friend, but the real reason was that he wanted to be at his place. And when Michael is again on the market for a relationship, Jim snatches him away with the excuse of comforting him, but really trying to stake his claim. Problem is that Jim is not clear with his feelings, and even if sex is great, Michael has still big trouble to understand why an handsome and popular man like Jim wants to be with an average guy like him.
In a way, to fully believe in their love, Michael has to test himself with other people, it's not enough that Jim tells him he is perfect as he's, he has to have the same confirmation from other people, who are not his best friend. But fortunately this is a romance, and the happily ever after is at the horizon. And in the meantime, you have also a lot of nice sex between Michael and Jim, with Michael that proves that the old motto, big nose big c... is not only a myth. I like also the setting, almost all played in Jim and Michael's building apartment, with them moving up and down from their home to that of their lesbian couple friends, to the neighborhood clubs and little shops, it gives an intimate feeling to all the story.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/66...
Till that moment Jim was the full-mode party boy, 3 nights a week out clubbing, more or less a new boy every week; Michael was instead more the couch, good movie and cuddling type. Even in body they are different and in their character type: Jim tall, big and broad shoulders, Michael the nerdy type, lithe and skinny, big nose and glasses. When Jim first met Michael, he saw what everyone else sees, an average guy who you wouldn't turn to look on the street; but Michael is the man you get used to, that insinuates himself in your heart and takes possession of it. And this is exactly what happened to Jim: when Michael was thinking to commit with his former boyfriend, Jim was jealous, he thought that the reason was that he didn't judge the ex enough good for his best friend, but the real reason was that he wanted to be at his place. And when Michael is again on the market for a relationship, Jim snatches him away with the excuse of comforting him, but really trying to stake his claim. Problem is that Jim is not clear with his feelings, and even if sex is great, Michael has still big trouble to understand why an handsome and popular man like Jim wants to be with an average guy like him.
In a way, to fully believe in their love, Michael has to test himself with other people, it's not enough that Jim tells him he is perfect as he's, he has to have the same confirmation from other people, who are not his best friend. But fortunately this is a romance, and the happily ever after is at the horizon. And in the meantime, you have also a lot of nice sex between Michael and Jim, with Michael that proves that the old motto, big nose big c... is not only a myth. I like also the setting, almost all played in Jim and Michael's building apartment, with them moving up and down from their home to that of their lesbian couple friends, to the neighborhood clubs and little shops, it gives an intimate feeling to all the story.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/66...
November 9, 2011
Of the two guys in this story, I really truly liked Jim the best, although I related more to Michael in most ways. Michael is sweet, but the kind of person who gets more attractive as you get to know him better, rather than the kind of guy who just knocks you out cold at first glance. A lot of that, of course, is confidence; as he grows more sure of himself, he becomes more the type of guy who others look at and see as hot. Jim is just plain hot -- and also smart, funny, kind...and Michael's roommate. So when Michael is brutally dumped, who better to try to cheer him up, right?
Except that they've both been kind of in love with each other for a couple of years, but neither has really realized that. And by the time Jim figures it out, he's in way deep, and is kinda freaked out by it. Michael knows something's up, and rather than just *ask* Jim (not that Jim would have told him) he runs as far and as fast as he can.
So what made this book and what I disliked about it are, actually, the same thing, in a weird and random twist of life. I love that Michael feels the need, finally, to confront Jim about what happened between them that took them from happily shacked-up-but-definitely-NOT-a-relationship-thankyouverymuch to OMGrunrunrun... What I hate is that it was necessary. But Michael was so hung up on the idiot that wrecked his plans that he couldn't see Jim as anything but a convenience; couldn't even wonder that they spent three months exclusively together, and for a casual relationship, Jim seemed surprisingly ok with that. And Jim couldn't take the potential rejection he feared if he just told Michael how he was feeling. And, ok, I get that; when you have what you want most, you don't want to lose it because you want it too much, but... Dude. In this case, he ended up just losing it, anyway. At least if he'd said something, even just, "Look, I know we said this would be just casual, but the truth is, I'd really really like it if it weren't. And I'd really appreciate if you'd, y'know, think about whether or not you could be happy having a real relationship, like long-term, with me." Just months of angst might have been avoided.
On the other hand, all that angst-ing introduced us to David and Russell, and Russell's son Jamie, so new friends! and another book!
Except that they've both been kind of in love with each other for a couple of years, but neither has really realized that. And by the time Jim figures it out, he's in way deep, and is kinda freaked out by it. Michael knows something's up, and rather than just *ask* Jim (not that Jim would have told him) he runs as far and as fast as he can.
So what made this book and what I disliked about it are, actually, the same thing, in a weird and random twist of life. I love that Michael feels the need, finally, to confront Jim about what happened between them that took them from happily shacked-up-but-definitely-NOT-a-relationship-thankyouverymuch to OMGrunrunrun... What I hate is that it was necessary. But Michael was so hung up on the idiot that wrecked his plans that he couldn't see Jim as anything but a convenience; couldn't even wonder that they spent three months exclusively together, and for a casual relationship, Jim seemed surprisingly ok with that. And Jim couldn't take the potential rejection he feared if he just told Michael how he was feeling. And, ok, I get that; when you have what you want most, you don't want to lose it because you want it too much, but... Dude. In this case, he ended up just losing it, anyway. At least if he'd said something, even just, "Look, I know we said this would be just casual, but the truth is, I'd really really like it if it weren't. And I'd really appreciate if you'd, y'know, think about whether or not you could be happy having a real relationship, like long-term, with me." Just months of angst might have been avoided.
On the other hand, all that angst-ing introduced us to David and Russell, and Russell's son Jamie, so new friends! and another book!
August 30, 2010
Maybe I am just the kind of reader that likes some action... like the blow em up in the movie kind. When I encounter a book that deals with relationships then I am wary of the author falling into the over emoting chicks with dicks territory. Thankfully TC skirted the line an wrote a book that dealt with relationships, both friends with benefits, and friends with chicks kind while honoring the men that were involved in them. And what I mean by honoring the men, is by allowing them to be men and stay men, complete with misunderstanding their feelings and actions.
Micheal "loved" Alex. Alex dumped Micheal's ass. Roommate and friend Jim steps in to cheer Micheal up and things take off from there. Sure I wish they'd been a little more truthful within themselves but hey they are guys and guys don't examine in minute detail the reasons why they do the things they do... except for chalking it up to "if it feels good do it".
If I have but one bitch it the fact that the angst in the book was totally centered on relationships. For me personally, that book drags a bit because I want the characters to "sit down have a coffee and talk!" but TC helped a lot by making the issues more complex than a sit down and talk could always solve since they had to do more with self esteem and self perception on Micheal's part. All in all a perfectly acceptable and enjoyable read especially if a reader likes books that focus on the relationship aspects of a couple.
I'm ff to read "The One That Was Lost" now
Micheal "loved" Alex. Alex dumped Micheal's ass. Roommate and friend Jim steps in to cheer Micheal up and things take off from there. Sure I wish they'd been a little more truthful within themselves but hey they are guys and guys don't examine in minute detail the reasons why they do the things they do... except for chalking it up to "if it feels good do it".
If I have but one bitch it the fact that the angst in the book was totally centered on relationships. For me personally, that book drags a bit because I want the characters to "sit down have a coffee and talk!" but TC helped a lot by making the issues more complex than a sit down and talk could always solve since they had to do more with self esteem and self perception on Micheal's part. All in all a perfectly acceptable and enjoyable read especially if a reader likes books that focus on the relationship aspects of a couple.
I'm ff to read "The One That Was Lost" now
May 26, 2009
I enjoyed this short, sweet and romantic story quite a lot, even though there were moments when I could happily have smacked the two guys around the ears for being silly, stubborn males who just can't talk to each other and clear up their misunderstandings.
It had a nice ending with a HFN feel to it which I found satisfying after the big break up--comes the big make up and it made it all worth-while. A great book and I will be looking for more from this author!
It had a nice ending with a HFN feel to it which I found satisfying after the big break up--comes the big make up and it made it all worth-while. A great book and I will be looking for more from this author!
June 24, 2009
This was a sweet story, though with some pretty hot sex as well, Mike and Jim were believable characters that had me rooting for them to finally get together and have their happy ending.
I really enjoy Ms Blue's writing style and highly recommend this book to anyone who likes reading a well written contemporary romance with a HEA.
June 15, 2012
The MCs were so ridiculously spineless and Jim's 'friend' El is a complete wanker. The lesbian friends were hardly friends since they seemed to know everything that was going on but didn't tell Mike any of it. I came away disliking all of them, tbh, which is a shame because 'friends to lovers with a touch of angst' is one of my favourite tropes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2011
I loved this story. It just shows even the best people are dumb. Yes I wanted to shake both Jim and Michael but I knew they'd get their on their own. Can't wait to read the next story.
March 10, 2021
I was going to dnf it at 99% because I really dislike it when one of the MCs deserve better and still gets paired with the asshat, i mean thats not a hea in my opinion.
He leaves Jim for nearly a year without any contact, just leave him like that after all what jim did for him, and then after a year when he realises his own feelings and wants closure he selfishly barges back in his life. At that point if the relationship has to work I need 50 additional pages of serious grovelling. Also, for me, Mike wasn’t pining enough in his love. I mean it took him a year? Also he might have had his reasons but at least Alex left a phone message.
Jim should have grown a spine and the lesbians should just have stayed away. I mean they were totally as irritating and meddling as women in these books are but at least those women sometimes help the MCs along. These were just useless. I mean a year?
He leaves Jim for nearly a year without any contact, just leave him like that after all what jim did for him, and then after a year when he realises his own feelings and wants closure he selfishly barges back in his life. At that point if the relationship has to work I need 50 additional pages of serious grovelling. Also, for me, Mike wasn’t pining enough in his love. I mean it took him a year? Also he might have had his reasons but at least Alex left a phone message.
Jim should have grown a spine and the lesbians should just have stayed away. I mean they were totally as irritating and meddling as women in these books are but at least those women sometimes help the MCs along. These were just useless. I mean a year?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2011
I had this in my "to read" pile for quite awhile before I just bit the bullet and read it. I admit that from reading some of the reviews I was a little hesitant to read it. I didn't quite understand the disdain for the book though. Of course this is just my opinion, but I actually liked the book. True the characters can be a little aggravating. You want to scream at them to just say those three little words. In the end you understand why it was dragged out. Heck who hasn't been in a situation where it was hard to say I love you? *shrug* Like I said before I liked the book. :)
November 30, 2010
The One That Got Away is the first book in TC Blue's One and One series. In it she delivers a great story of angst, love, and happily-ever-after along with two very believable characters that you cannot help but fall in love with.
Read the complete review of The One That Got Away by TC Blue at Indie Reviews.
October 26, 2012
This story is very lovely and poignant, nice protagonists, intense plot and hot sex scenes because there is ever love in all, so I can tell that this book is a romantic tale but not too sweet and I 'm been really affected by it.
September 2, 2009
Guys should really talk to each other better, except there'd be less books. Where were all these guys' friends in this, anyhow?
September 23, 2010
Short and sweet with a good deal of angst thrown in for good measure. Michael was a very real character to me. I understood his insecurities and think TC captured that emotion very well.
September 27, 2012
Very enjoyable, angst-ridden story with two terrific MC's and lots of misunderstanding. Short but very nice with lots of heat as well.
March 8, 2013
People are insecure, how we let them guide our lifes that change the game
September 14, 2013
Great smut. 4.5 stars.
December 9, 2014
3.5 stars Short but sweet friends to lovers story with "the big misunderstanding" getting in the way. I really liked Jim but felt Mike was a little immature though I liked the way it ended
June 15, 2015
3.5 stars
November 12, 2012
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews