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krheath's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Violence, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Cancer, Death of parent, and Infertility
monnis's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Violence
lololovesthings's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
2 stars (please check trigger warnings before reading).
It was a struggle for me to finish "The One That Got Away" by Charlotte Rixon. I almost did not finish it several times, but I persevered and pushed through to the end. I really didn't enjoy this book, which is odd because it seemed right up my alley. I love books that combine romance with drama and heavy subject matters (this year's "Adelaide" by Genevieve Wheeler is a perfect example). Unfortunately, despite a killer prologue that promised brilliant, beautiful writing, I think Charlotte Rixon dwells too much in the mundane for this novel to be successful. She starts with two annoying characters and makes them progressively more irritating as the book goes on. Main characters Clara, and to a lesser extent Ben, are just the most incredibly selfish people who don't dare deign to have a conversation with one another. Oh no, that would be too easy! Why communicate when they could lie, cheat, and make up excuses for their behavior?! Then, she adds an annoying and difficult-to-follow timeline on top of it. In the present time time-jumps, it is obvious to readers that Clara has not grown up or learned a damn thing in two decades. Here is an example of yet another book where a female character places herself in an unhappy life and marriage based on her own doing because she'd rather be unhappy than alone. Instead of just, you know, TALKING TO HER SPOUSE (which, I'll give Rixon credit, does eventually happen), she proceeds to be miserable for the better part of twenty years while pining for the one that got away. I *loved* a well-written flawed female character, but Clara grated on my nerves the entire book, and I know she went through some really, really traumatizing stuff, but she's a self-centered a$$hole way before the bad stuff happens. It's giving desperate midlife crisis. I couldn't get invested in her and Ben's love story because of her poor attitude and toxic behaviors. And Ben! IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE AS MUCH AS YOU CLAIM YOU DO, JUST FREAKING HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GAH! I feel like I am going batty sometimes with these characters who refuse to open up!
There are likely plenty of readers who will enjoy "The One Who Got Away," but it was not for me. It was too long, too slow, too grating, and too trauma-p0rny without any resolution or real purpose. I did enjoy Carl Prekopp and Katherine Press's audiobook narration, though. They are both wildly successful at bringing these characters to life.
Thank you to NetGalley, Charlotte Rixon, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
It was a struggle for me to finish "The One That Got Away" by Charlotte Rixon. I almost did not finish it several times, but I persevered and pushed through to the end. I really didn't enjoy this book, which is odd because it seemed right up my alley. I love books that combine romance with drama and heavy subject matters (this year's "Adelaide" by Genevieve Wheeler is a perfect example). Unfortunately, despite a killer prologue that promised brilliant, beautiful writing, I think Charlotte Rixon dwells too much in the mundane for this novel to be successful. She starts with two annoying characters and makes them progressively more irritating as the book goes on. Main characters Clara, and to a lesser extent Ben, are just the most incredibly selfish people who don't dare deign to have a conversation with one another. Oh no, that would be too easy! Why communicate when they could lie, cheat, and make up excuses for their behavior?! Then, she adds an annoying and difficult-to-follow timeline on top of it. In the present time time-jumps, it is obvious to readers that Clara has not grown up or learned a damn thing in two decades. Here is an example of yet another book where a female character places herself in an unhappy life and marriage based on her own doing because she'd rather be unhappy than alone. Instead of just, you know, TALKING TO HER SPOUSE (which, I'll give Rixon credit, does eventually happen), she proceeds to be miserable for the better part of twenty years while pining for the one that got away. I *loved* a well-written flawed female character, but Clara grated on my nerves the entire book, and I know she went through some really, really traumatizing stuff, but she's a self-centered a$$hole way before the bad stuff happens. It's giving desperate midlife crisis. I couldn't get invested in her and Ben's love story because of her poor attitude and toxic behaviors. And Ben! IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE AS MUCH AS YOU CLAIM YOU DO, JUST FREAKING HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GAH! I feel like I am going batty sometimes with these characters who refuse to open up!
There are likely plenty of readers who will enjoy "The One Who Got Away," but it was not for me. It was too long, too slow, too grating, and too trauma-p0rny without any resolution or real purpose. I did enjoy Carl Prekopp and Katherine Press's audiobook narration, though. They are both wildly successful at bringing these characters to life.
Thank you to NetGalley, Charlotte Rixon, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Infertility, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Suicide, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Cancer, Violence, and Infidelity
lanaprice's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Trigger warnings: sexual violence, statutory rape, physical assault, cancer, manslaughter, adultery, infertility, depression, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse
There is so much trauma. So much trauma. I argue that it’s too much for one story. It’s masquerading as a “romance,” but the characters all have huge battles they are dealing with.
This is not the type story for someone who wants to escape. The relationship between the main characters is toxic and codependent. It is good to see that they grow from it as they age, but many of their characteristics makes them hard to like when they are younger.
If you are a fan of Colleen Hoover, then you might enjoy this book—without problematic practice of supporting Colleen Hoover.
There is so much trauma. So much trauma. I argue that it’s too much for one story. It’s masquerading as a “romance,” but the characters all have huge battles they are dealing with.
This is not the type story for someone who wants to escape. The relationship between the main characters is toxic and codependent. It is good to see that they grow from it as they age, but many of their characteristics makes them hard to like when they are younger.
If you are a fan of Colleen Hoover, then you might enjoy this book—without problematic practice of supporting Colleen Hoover.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Murder, Death, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug abuse, Suicide, and Alcoholism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual harassment, and Rape
megloveswords12's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Violence
lightltup's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Oh my god this book had me in a hold. I didn’t not look up from my kindle for hours.. The book follows the once lovers throughout the two decades in the past (leading up to their last communication) to the present where Carla tries to find Benjamin after a tragic incident at a football stadium. The first chapter had me hooked instantly. I was on the edge of my seat each 2022 timeline chapter. At first I thought that 2002 Carla was kinda clingy and toxic but she grew up a lot in 20 years and 2022 Carla is great in my opinion. The ending had me shocked in a way. I predicted some things that happened but they weren’t in the exact same way I predicted them so I didn’t mind that at all. It’s a book about love, regret, and possible second chances. Overall such an amazing book and it became a favorite of mine!
Thank you NetGalley and Charlotte Rixon for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of an honest review!
Thank you NetGalley and Charlotte Rixon for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Violence and Alcoholism
Minor: Infidelity, Infertility, Child abuse, Self harm, and Abandonment
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