The One That Got Away: A Novel

I downloaded this book for a beach couples trip with a group of friends for something to read on the plane, as it was noted as "for lovers of Emily Giffin", and I do... LOVE Emily Giffin! I am from Texas and super familiar with Austin, so that was another draw for me. I found my self sneaking in time to read this any chance I got - it was on my kindle/phone, but was worth the squinting to read by the pool. If you've ever lost a parent or close family member, it will be especially heart wrenching as you can feel the loss of her mom (this isn't giving anything away :) just a fact of the book from the beginning). I found myself crying whilst blow drying my hair and trying to read it upside down! I love crying at books though, so this isn't a negative. I immediately downloaded her next book, "Result May Vary" for my flight home, and stayed up until 1am that night to finish it in the dark in my room with my sleeping husband next to me. The end of this book alludes to a spin-off novel/gives a short excerpt, so I will be waiting patiently for her next novel. I am in grad school part time right now, so don't get to read for enjoyment as much as I previously did, but it fit the bill perfectly for an easy-to-read, yet hard to put down, lighthearted vacation read that also tugs at the heart strings. Definitely recommend!

I thought the book was okay and it was a fast read, but I did not like Eamon at times-who is a big character in the book and one of the love interests...**somewhat spoiler alert, if you continue to read*** Eamon came off as narcissistic and her fiancé was also sometimes much more likable than Eamon, I was hoping that the fiancé was a cheater or something so I wouldn't feel sorry for him, but instead he just wasted 5 yrs with this girl (I know that in real life likable people do get hurt, but didn't like that in this book). At times I wanted her to stay with her fiancé too, because I felt bad for him and his parents.

Witty and fun, this was a sweet story of Sarina and Eamon’s second chance. It was a super slow burn, which was probably my only complaint. Sarina and Eamon meet 8 years earlier and the story of their initial interaction is something that does seem like more than a one-night stand, but Sarina never heard from Eamon again, despite the fact that she was the roommate of one of his close friends. Present day, Eamon has moved to Austin and fate has put them together in the remodel of a new house. Sarina is very talented and they have daily interaction. They have a friendly banter rife with sexual tension and one wonders what she is thinking by not acting on it.Well Sarina has a boyfriend and they have a long distance romance she is trying to make work. Eamon is a distraction and it’s not a surprise which way the reader wants her to go.Sarina was a strong and independent woman and I love how she asserted herself and advocated for her talent and her business. It was great reading about her and how she handled herself - she wasn’t dorky or dumb or goofy, which when I read characters that are strong but in a goofy way, it’s so annoying. Granted she had some decisions where the reader really wants her to choose differently, but it’s understandable given where her head is at the time. She does get a little frustrating toward the end, but again, kind of understand where she is coming from.And Eamon - wow, just wow. He is the whole package. Gorgeous and hilarious. He is clearly attracted to Sarina from the beginning but she doesn’t want to think that he is. There are some sexy moments and he is so swoon-worthy! I would not have wanted to resist him that is for sure.Great story but I will say it’s long and like I mentioned, a super slow burn. It was worth waiting for, but I would have loved to have had it earlier and more of it. Great writing though, the banter was fun, character development solid, really great all the way around. Would definitely read more from this author.

I think I found a new Must Read author. This was my second book of Bethany Chase and I loved this well written contemporary romance.Sarina and Eamon cross paths more than once in life. The spark, the chemistry and their crush is there but it does not ever seem to be quite the right time. Sarina is left with a whole lot of questions and unanswered feelings about Eamon and when he comes back into her life it will change things.This book was so witty, this second chance romance is to die for, and I do believe I cried a few tears. This book will take you on an amazing journey about two people that just fit. Like I said the chemistry between Sarina and Eamon is everything. You could feel the sparks every time! I absolutely feel in love with the many characters that graced the pages and I loved every word that I read.This book is definitely a #MustRead and I am looking forward to this authors next release! I will definitely be author stalking this one from now on!

I really liked some parts of this story, especially the main character's passion for her own work. The love story was kind of boring: the romantic interest is a bit weak and I never found myself rooting for him.The tension between the main character, Ree, and her boyfriend was pretty enraging. He's basically a dimwit stuck in the 1950s who doesn't support her in her professional ambition. What is enraging is that she puts up with it for way too many pages.The writing is really really good though, so I enjoyed it and read it in one go.

It's a nice entertaining read and well written. I enjoyed it.

Loved this book, didn't expect to at all, but it happened. Couldn't stop reading it! Great at pulling at your heart strings 😊

Loved it and can't wait for book #2 in the series.

I love this book. Hope to see other books by this author soon.