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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
It took me longer to get into this book than I first expected - I think I was expecting a different tone and it took me a bit to reconcile expectations with what Chase wrote.
However, after about three chapters I was HOOKED. Characterization is great, plot twists are complex, romance is prevalent in just the right way, and soon I was thinking about this book until I completed it. I loved the pacing and heart. There are several characters in this book is like to hug. Well done Bethany.
*content warning for strong language.
However, after about three chapters I was HOOKED. Characterization is great, plot twists are complex, romance is prevalent in just the right way, and soon I was thinking about this book until I completed it. I loved the pacing and heart. There are several characters in this book is like to hug. Well done Bethany.
*content warning for strong language.
The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase is a contemporary romance. Sarina Mahler is an architect living in Austin. She is dating international lawyer, Noah who is currently spending a year in Buenos Aires. Then she hears that Eamon Roy is returning to Austin, Texas.
Sarina never forgot Eamon Roy. The man she had a one night stand with seven years previously. She has moved forward with her life, but she still remembers that night (Eamon never called her after that night). Now Eamon is moving back to Austin. He has just finished the Olympics (swimmer who won medals) and is now starting a new job. He wants to base his operations in Austin. Eamon wants Sarina to be his fixer-upper.
Noah, the boyfriend, is not really the right person for Sarina. Everyone can see it except Sarina. He wants her to quit working after they marry to be a stay-at-home mom. Sarina is just starting to build up her business and plans to keep working. Noah is more yacht club and Sarina is down to earth. Noah does not see Sarina’s job as important. As Sarina spends time with Eamon working on his home she gets to know him again. Will Sarina stay with Noah (safe, predictable) or take a chance on Eamon?
I found The One That Got Away to be unsurprising. You knew what the end result would be from the very beginning. I give The One That Got Away 2 out of 5 stars. I did not find The One that Got Away enjoyable. It was staid and expected.
I received a complimentary copy of The One That Got Away from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-one-that-got-away.html
Sarina never forgot Eamon Roy. The man she had a one night stand with seven years previously. She has moved forward with her life, but she still remembers that night (Eamon never called her after that night). Now Eamon is moving back to Austin. He has just finished the Olympics (swimmer who won medals) and is now starting a new job. He wants to base his operations in Austin. Eamon wants Sarina to be his fixer-upper.
Noah, the boyfriend, is not really the right person for Sarina. Everyone can see it except Sarina. He wants her to quit working after they marry to be a stay-at-home mom. Sarina is just starting to build up her business and plans to keep working. Noah is more yacht club and Sarina is down to earth. Noah does not see Sarina’s job as important. As Sarina spends time with Eamon working on his home she gets to know him again. Will Sarina stay with Noah (safe, predictable) or take a chance on Eamon?
I found The One That Got Away to be unsurprising. You knew what the end result would be from the very beginning. I give The One That Got Away 2 out of 5 stars. I did not find The One that Got Away enjoyable. It was staid and expected.
I received a complimentary copy of The One That Got Away from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-one-that-got-away.html
I wasn't a fan of this book for the first half - I just don't like being inside someone's breakup, which is what this felt like from the beginning. But I did like the narrator's voice, so I kept reading and then couldn't put it down!
The book's title is a bit of a misnomer; it's actually "the one who slept with me one time, who I thought I connected with instantly, but who then never called me back." And who then shows up back in town years later, and sparks fly again. But now our protagonist, Sarina, is engaged to a really nice man. Too bad said man is hundreds of miles away, working in Argentina. And too bad that Sarina can't stop lying about her feelings, to Eamon (the younger guy who "got away"), to her fiancé, and especially to herself.
Great writing, and really touching scenes and discussions of mourning one's parents after they die. But I wasn't all that happy with Sarina's portrayal; even after she sees how badly lying turns out, she still keeps lying. I lied to trying to protect myself and my own vulnerabilities when I was a teen, so the behavior isn't unrealistic. But Sarina is in her early thirties, so it does strike me as very immature. It also felt, toward book's end, rather contrived, a move that functions just to extend the drama/time our love interests spend apart. And give our hero cause to be mean to (i.e., verbally punish) our heroine. Not appealing.
Great writing, and really touching scenes and discussions of mourning one's parents after they die. But I wasn't all that happy with Sarina's portrayal; even after she sees how badly lying turns out, she still keeps lying. I lied to trying to protect myself and my own vulnerabilities when I was a teen, so the behavior isn't unrealistic. But Sarina is in her early thirties, so it does strike me as very immature. It also felt, toward book's end, rather contrived, a move that functions just to extend the drama/time our love interests spend apart. And give our hero cause to be mean to (i.e., verbally punish) our heroine. Not appealing.
I liked this book overall. I was frustrated with the main character throughout a lot of the book and found it difficult to relate to her, but I liked the relationship between her and her stepdad and Eamon. I will look for more from this author.
I picked up a copy of this book because of the references to authors, Emily Giffin and Jennifer Weiner. This book started out good. So much to the point that I had to stop reading for the moment to quickly go to my co-worker and have her read a certain passage in relation to when Eamon appears and Sarina's friend, Nicole sees Eamon after he has been gone for a long time. The conversation goes like this:
Nicole is peering at Eamon like Gollum at the Ring. "God damn". "He got even hotter. I can't believe you hit that, you lucky bitch."
Sarina-"If you mention that , I will shank you and leave your child motherless."
I proceeded to keep reading this book for a while. I got about half way and put the book down. I came back to it after a short break but things changed and I realized that without the humor which then started to be few and far between, the characters were not that interesting and I felt no real chemistry involving Sarina, her current boyfriend, Noah or even Eamon. I kind of found myself skimming the rest of the book just to see if it got better and I wanted to fully immerse myself into the book again. This did not happen.
Nicole is peering at Eamon like Gollum at the Ring. "God damn". "He got even hotter. I can't believe you hit that, you lucky bitch."
Sarina-"If you mention that , I will shank you and leave your child motherless."
I proceeded to keep reading this book for a while. I got about half way and put the book down. I came back to it after a short break but things changed and I realized that without the humor which then started to be few and far between, the characters were not that interesting and I felt no real chemistry involving Sarina, her current boyfriend, Noah or even Eamon. I kind of found myself skimming the rest of the book just to see if it got better and I wanted to fully immerse myself into the book again. This did not happen.
Let me start by saying maybe my one star rating isn't fair, seeing as I could not finish the whole book. I love a variety of different kinds of books, I absolutely adore chick-lit even when I know what's going to happen. What irked me about this book is that from the start the author is trying to have you root for the other guy, she puts all these bad qualities into the boyfriend- almost- fiancé who, by the way, before she saw the one night stand guy again she adored, loved and planned on marrying so that was already a big no no for me, and the guy isn't even an ex-boyfriend of 5 years it was a one night stand with a friend of his friend and honestly I just couldn't get past all that, I kept trying but the more I read the more I realized which way the author was trying to sway me, so much in fact that I didn't make it past chapter 10.
I received this book for free from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
One of my friends posted a Waiting on Wednesday about The One that Got Away and after reading the blurb and seeing the cover I needed to get my hands on it. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy from Netgalley for review.
I don't read a lot of women's fiction but I really think I should read more of it. I really liked The One that Got Away. I am someone who enjoys reading a character driven story. Don't get me wrong, I also enjoy a well-executed plot but there is just something about watching characters develop over a span of time that really speaks to me.
Sarina lives in Austin where she is a promising architect trying to make a name for herself. With her rising career and her relationship with Noah, she thinks she has it made. This all changes when Eamon (Ay-mon), her one and only one-night stand returns to town. They shared an intense weekend and then he just left without a word leaving Sarina confused and heartbroken. Even better, Eamon has decided he wants to contract her to help him find and remodel his new home...in Austin.
I love second-chance romances. I love when two characters had a fling or relationship in years past and then reconnect. It's interesting and exciting to see how they react to each other. With Eamon and Sarina it is quite clear that there is some unresolved tension. However, Sarina can't reconcile the Eamon that slept with her and then left her all those years ago with the Eamon standing in front of her now. And what about Noah? Sarina loves Noah. He's successful, attentive, and he loves her.
As the story progresses it became clear that while this is a romance, the story is truly about Sarina finding herself. More importantly, it was about Sarina learning to make decisions based on what was best for her and not what was expected. I really liked Sarina. She was funny and although the decisions she had to make were difficult, she did so with grace. I was glad that she was able to stand up for herself and that she wasn't a doormat.
There is a bit of a love triangle between Sarina, Eamon, and Noah and while it was clear to me who I wanted Sarina to be with, it was not that cut and dry for Sarina. Eamon had burned her, badly and Noah was safe and consistent and he obviously loved her. I was glad to see that Sarina had two really good guys vying for her, rather than one glaringly obvious choice. Both men had their faults, but they were both generally good people with a few minor flaws.
The connection and chemistry between Sarina and Eamon was obvious and I could definitely see why she was attracted to him. Eamon is smart, he's dedication, he's hot, and he says the most ridiculously romantic things but sometimes I felt like I was being told about their connection more than actually feeling it.
The One That Got Away was a witty, fun, and sweet second chance romance. I would recommend it to someone who enjoys stories of self-discovery with a romantic twist. I had the pleasure of reading a snippet from book 2 in this series and cannot WAIT to get my hands on it!
And on a final note, if my review didn't sway you to read this book I hope the first lines will:
Every woman has one. That name you Google at two o'clock in the morning. That intoxicating connection that somehow never solidified anything real; that particular memory you still visit every now and then, for that guaranteed hit of pure, sugar-packed dopamine. It's that story that starts with "There was this one time" and ends, reluctantly, with but I guess..."
Read this and other reviews at link: Teacups and Bookends Blog.
One of my friends posted a Waiting on Wednesday about The One that Got Away and after reading the blurb and seeing the cover I needed to get my hands on it. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy from Netgalley for review.
I don't read a lot of women's fiction but I really think I should read more of it. I really liked The One that Got Away. I am someone who enjoys reading a character driven story. Don't get me wrong, I also enjoy a well-executed plot but there is just something about watching characters develop over a span of time that really speaks to me.
Sarina lives in Austin where she is a promising architect trying to make a name for herself. With her rising career and her relationship with Noah, she thinks she has it made. This all changes when Eamon (Ay-mon), her one and only one-night stand returns to town. They shared an intense weekend and then he just left without a word leaving Sarina confused and heartbroken. Even better, Eamon has decided he wants to contract her to help him find and remodel his new home...in Austin.
I love second-chance romances. I love when two characters had a fling or relationship in years past and then reconnect. It's interesting and exciting to see how they react to each other. With Eamon and Sarina it is quite clear that there is some unresolved tension. However, Sarina can't reconcile the Eamon that slept with her and then left her all those years ago with the Eamon standing in front of her now. And what about Noah? Sarina loves Noah. He's successful, attentive, and he loves her.
As the story progresses it became clear that while this is a romance, the story is truly about Sarina finding herself. More importantly, it was about Sarina learning to make decisions based on what was best for her and not what was expected. I really liked Sarina. She was funny and although the decisions she had to make were difficult, she did so with grace. I was glad that she was able to stand up for herself and that she wasn't a doormat.
There is a bit of a love triangle between Sarina, Eamon, and Noah and while it was clear to me who I wanted Sarina to be with, it was not that cut and dry for Sarina. Eamon had burned her, badly and Noah was safe and consistent and he obviously loved her. I was glad to see that Sarina had two really good guys vying for her, rather than one glaringly obvious choice. Both men had their faults, but they were both generally good people with a few minor flaws.
The connection and chemistry between Sarina and Eamon was obvious and I could definitely see why she was attracted to him. Eamon is smart, he's dedication, he's hot, and he says the most ridiculously romantic things but sometimes I felt like I was being told about their connection more than actually feeling it.
The One That Got Away was a witty, fun, and sweet second chance romance. I would recommend it to someone who enjoys stories of self-discovery with a romantic twist. I had the pleasure of reading a snippet from book 2 in this series and cannot WAIT to get my hands on it!
And on a final note, if my review didn't sway you to read this book I hope the first lines will:
Every woman has one. That name you Google at two o'clock in the morning. That intoxicating connection that somehow never solidified anything real; that particular memory you still visit every now and then, for that guaranteed hit of pure, sugar-packed dopamine. It's that story that starts with "There was this one time" and ends, reluctantly, with but I guess..."
Read this and other reviews at link: Teacups and Bookends Blog.
A special thank you to Random House, Ballantine, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bethany Chase’s witty and razor-sharp, swoon contemporary debut, THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY, will keep you laughing and entertained as every grandmother, woman, teen, and girl can recall that one guy who slipped away. . what could have been. A schoolgirl infatuation . . . where is he now, and more importantly, does he remember you? Yum!
Loved the opening:
Eamon Roy. The guy. Sarina’s one night stand, a former fling seven years ago. She has never heard from him since. Not even a drunken late-night booty text. A guy she has never forgotten. Her roommate Danny’s best friend from college.
Sarina, now thirty-one an architect in Austin, TX has a dependable and stable boyfriend of four years, Noah— currently in Buenos Aires, working on a corporate merger. Noah made it so easy to fall in love with him— his southern charm; she could see a future with him, marriage. Noah, of course does not know she and Eamon slept together, once upon a time. OMG, now Eamon, a retired Olympic swimmer is BACK in Austin, asking her to renovate his new fixer-upper.
However, she DOES love fixers! We, in the design world can relate to the temptation of the job, more so than the guy. Let the fun begin, OR should we say "a love triangle". Maybe having Eamon back in Austin, will not be so bad? What does she really want? Timing sucks.
From Texas, to Virginia, Tennessee, and New Orleans --from memories, to family, from idolizing to the real thing. From romance, sass, passionate kisses, Texas fun, sex, lust, jealousy, guilt, the south, roommates, cocktails, karaoke, hipsters, design, good friends, clients, love, crying, and laughing, a compelling and engaging chick-lit debut!
Fans of (my favs) Emily Giffin, Jennifer Weiner, Wendy Wax, and Sarah Pekkanen will devour THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY, and Chase’s wit, charming banter, clever storytelling, and realistic portrayal of modern relationships, and cast of likable characters.
Second Book: Can’t wait for her upcoming second novel, featuring Sarina’s brother in law, Colin and friend Hilary and more from Sarina and Eamon. (excerpt included). An author to follow.
Personal story
Congrats, on a winner! Could easily be a 5-star, but want to save a star for your next one.
JDCMustReadBooks
Bethany Chase’s witty and razor-sharp, swoon contemporary debut, THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY, will keep you laughing and entertained as every grandmother, woman, teen, and girl can recall that one guy who slipped away. . what could have been. A schoolgirl infatuation . . . where is he now, and more importantly, does he remember you? Yum!
Loved the opening:
That name you Google at two o’clock in the morning. That intoxicating connection that somehow never solidified into anything real; that particular memory you still visit every now and then, for that guaranteed hit of pure, sugar-packed dopamine. It’s that story that starts with “There was this one time” and ends, reluctantly, with but I guess . . ”
Eamon Roy. The guy. Sarina’s one night stand, a former fling seven years ago. She has never heard from him since. Not even a drunken late-night booty text. A guy she has never forgotten. Her roommate Danny’s best friend from college.
Sarina, now thirty-one an architect in Austin, TX has a dependable and stable boyfriend of four years, Noah— currently in Buenos Aires, working on a corporate merger. Noah made it so easy to fall in love with him— his southern charm; she could see a future with him, marriage. Noah, of course does not know she and Eamon slept together, once upon a time. OMG, now Eamon, a retired Olympic swimmer is BACK in Austin, asking her to renovate his new fixer-upper.
Sarina: “And God also knows the last thing I need is a time-sucking micro-project for an obsessive perfectionist. Especially one who will probably expect me to work for him as a favor because he deigned to sleep with me back at the dawn of time. No thank you.”
However, she DOES love fixers! We, in the design world can relate to the temptation of the job, more so than the guy. Let the fun begin, OR should we say "a love triangle". Maybe having Eamon back in Austin, will not be so bad? What does she really want? Timing sucks.
Sarina: “I watch till the lights of his car disappear around the corner, then exhale a slow breath. This is not good. This is not good at all. Despite my resolution to put a bullet in my crush, I’ve been using his project as a way to indulge my craving to be near him, and, instead of burning out, it’s just getting stronger. I have to find a way to distance myself. Only problem is, it’s the last thing in the world that I actually want to do.” Tenderness, protectiveness, desire, affection, and an aching longing to be able to act on those feelings. For him to return them.
From Texas, to Virginia, Tennessee, and New Orleans --from memories, to family, from idolizing to the real thing. From romance, sass, passionate kisses, Texas fun, sex, lust, jealousy, guilt, the south, roommates, cocktails, karaoke, hipsters, design, good friends, clients, love, crying, and laughing, a compelling and engaging chick-lit debut!
Fans of (my favs) Emily Giffin, Jennifer Weiner, Wendy Wax, and Sarah Pekkanen will devour THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY, and Chase’s wit, charming banter, clever storytelling, and realistic portrayal of modern relationships, and cast of likable characters.
Second Book: Can’t wait for her upcoming second novel, featuring Sarina’s brother in law, Colin and friend Hilary and more from Sarina and Eamon. (excerpt included). An author to follow.
Personal story
I had to laugh thinking of my very young and innocent crush story. At a mere age of thirteen (looked sixteen), with my parents and little sis in Florida for family summer vacation. In walks, Saul Griffith, Jr. age sixteen, hot, buff, sexy blonde, tan California surfer; on vacation with his grandparents—staying at the same hotel. With innocent talks on the beach (within my parent’s view, of course) and a few stolen kisses. My strict Southern Baptist parents refused to allow me to accompany his family to dinner, upon their invitation. At thirteen, this was the end of the world. I hated my parents--- he was leaving the following morning.
The next morning, the bellman comes to our hotel door, and informs me I have a message waiting at the front desk. I am rushing out the door, hoping he is still here in Florida. Unfortunately, it was a letter from SG telling me they had to leave and he wanted to say good-bye and how much he enjoyed meeting me, etc. —I cried and cried over this stupid letter. Long forgotten, cannot recall exactly what was in the letter; however, remember re-reading this note for years before it was thrown away. Of course, back in the day, we did not have cell phones or emails, but I think he left his address. Of course, now divorced much older and much wiser - this book made me think about this one guy.
Sorry, Bethany, I am a web analyst and pro searching the web; Curious, no luck on Google except for a famous Australian inventor which does not fit the age range (unless it is his son). Oh, well the blonde tanned good-looking surfer, at age sixteen is probably now fat, bald, and a loser. The original image is a much better memory!
Congrats, on a winner! Could easily be a 5-star, but want to save a star for your next one.
JDCMustReadBooks
It's a book version of a Hallmark movie - you know how it's going to end but keep turning the pages to see how it actually develops into the predictable end. Welp, this one kept my attention through all the sap!