The One That Got Away is a captivating and emotional story of love and loss. Rixon's writing is engaging and touching! Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!

When Clara meets Benjamin in a nightclub, just a week after seeing him across the dance floor and locking eyes at another party, she believes fate has something special in store for them. It is 2000, and Clara has left her London home for University- following a boyfriend that turned out to be a dud to a school she didn't want to be at in the first place. When Benjamin comes into her life, it all suddenly makes sense- perhaps this perfect boy was destined to be hers.

But Benjamin has his own doubts about life- he constantly feels like a failure; doesn't live up to his father's expectations, and is terrified of losing his ailing Mum. Clara is a dream- a beautiful blonde, full of life and optimism- there is no way she could love someone like him. But she does. And then life happens.

This is NOT a love story- if you're looking for a romance read, put this book down. I will admit that the hardest part of reviewing this book for me is that I was expecting to be blown away in a love story, and instead, I was punched in the gut by a depressing, 'realistic' story about life and all the ways it can knock you down and interfere with your perceived destiny. There are some heavy topics in this story- cancer, death, illness, alcoholism, sexual assault, and more.

Clara is incredibly unlikeable. There is a section of the story where Clara (writing a novel) is part of a writer's group and the group leader says they will discuss having an unlikable lead character as an 'angle' next week- when I read this, I thought "ohhh ok, so it IS intentional" because Clara is awful. She is an insecure, jealous, controlling, immature person. I don't think it's even fair to say "Oh it's young love" because I know plenty of young people who don't act like she does. Conversely, Benjamin is difficult as well, and definitely abuses alcohol. Clearly, with how the story ends, that had to be part of his character. (Don't want to give anything away).

I think, had this book had a different title, I would have been better prepared- I kept expecting a love story, and therefore was disappointed. Even while reading the summary, I thought it would be about 'first love' and getting it right the first time, even if you truly muddled it up. I thought the two characters would be destined for one another and the reader would WANT that for them. Again, this was not the story I read.

It is still a good read- if you're looking for more of a realistic commentary on the lives of two kinda- crappy/common people. I prefer to read to escape reality, and therefore want a happy, happily ever after.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC!

"The One That Got Away" is one of those books that surprises you in the best way. The story of love and loss, paired with the dual POV impressed me to my core. I love that this wasn't a traditional trope, and I have recommended all my friends put it on their TBR list!

This book has a lot going on, so don’t expect a smooth ride. It’s about two people who take a hard look at the choices they’ve made in life and about one another. The characters are complex, and the plot moves quickly between past and present, giving you a glimpse of the mistakes Clara and Benjamin made in both different and entwined ways.

Lots of feels in this one. If you’re looking for a story that lingers after the last page,
TOTGO is for you.

Thank you, Netgalley for the e-arc.

I was expecting more of a second-chance romance, but I'd consider this more of a realistic fiction story where nobody is perfect and could mimic real life. I found Clara to be unlikable from the beginning - especially in all the flashbacks from the time she first met Benjamin. As the wife of a guy who loves ALL sports, I understand the frustration of sports dictating ones weekend (lol)... but I found Clara's annoyance with him very immature and her to be quite clingy and possessive. That being said, I found them (and their journey) to be relatable with not everything being perfect. I liked how the story unfolded and this book definitely includes many heavy topics, so you need to be in the right mood to read (not necessarily a "light" read). I wasn't necessarily rooting for Clara and Benjamin to end up together (I didn't really feel their chemistry when they were dating), but the book was so well-written, I wanted to know what happened to everyone.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Reviewed on GoodReads and live now - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5178038874

Clara and Benjamin meet while in college, at a bar, when Clara is drunk and sad. Benjamin is a true gentleman, which confounds her. Ultimately, though, they fall madly in love. Clara is possessive and demanding and cannot understand his love of football. Benjamin feels somewhat inept and undeserving of her love. They are young and passion between them is intense and overwhelming. Until, in an act of passion, things between them are dramatically altered, never to be the same again.

The One Who Got Away is a tale woven between the past and the present as Charlotte Rixon weaves a tale of love, loss and life and where all of that leads her two protagonists. The story is gripping and while parts of it are predictable- the predictability was something that actually kept this reader interested, although I’m not sure whether that makes a ton of sense. There was also enough of the unexpected to shake things up now and again.

The character of Claire seemed selfish and overbearing in her youth… perhaps even a bit personality disordered. Benjamin seemed somewhat broken and Claire became his life raft. He could never see his potential - but she saw it for them both. It was hard not to want to shake them when they got so wrapped up in each other, that they left most of their other relationships at school, in the dust - an error so many people make in their youth. I loved the way the author showed the readers the real lives these two also led, after the magical years of university. The real way she laid out how you never forget about your first real love.

Well written, thoughtful and fairly gripping, I would highly recommend The One Who Got Away for those who like romance and general fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this e-galley, in exchange for my honest review.

Second chance love story between two people who thought they were meant to be together but then something happens and destroys their relationship.

20 years later, they reconnect, she's married with a great career, but she isn't happy. she is in the city where they met when there is a bombing and it makes her think about him and where he is and she realizes he has always had her heart.

I got this as an ARC from netgalley and had a little bit higher expectations for this book. I don't love an alternate POV story. The characters were only slightly likeable. Solid 2 stars.

I was expecting a lost-love, rom-com kind of story, but this is so much more. I mean, who blows up the stadium on page one? Definitely a love story, but also about second chances, coming to terms with mistakes (okay, maybe HUGE mistakes) that happen when we are young and stupid, and learning to love yourself just as you are. I'm not saying I read the last 40% of the book in one day, but I did.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy.

Clara and Benjamin have been inseparable since meeting in university. They both always felt that they were meant to be together but their relationship wasn’t super straight forward. Clara was always a little jealous of Benjamin’s love of soccer and felt he choose soccer over her. Clara lied to Benjamin about something that happened early in their relationship…. How can a relationship survive through jealousy and mistrust?

On the last day of Uni, something bad happens that tears Clara (CDC) and Benjamin (BE) apart for good. They both move on, but over the next 20 years they both continue to think of each other, until another tragedy strikes and they are brought back together. Will they drop everything and reunite or has too much time passed?

This book flip flops over multiple time periods. For me, I felt there was a lot of build up to what pulls CDC and BE apart and together. The book is marketed as romance but there is actually very little romance. The main character Clara is nauseating with her spoiled, bossy, insecure behaviour and Benjamin is just boring.

Overall, the book didn’t hit the mark for me. I think I’m being generous giving it 3 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

Well this was a tough one to read. The writing was solid but the storyline was just so tragic. I started this novel thinking it was going to follow the classic second chance at love theme but that is not at all what I got. This is not a bad thing though as this novel is gritty and does not shy away from digging into the darker, rougher, and just so heartbreaking aspects of life and love.

There are multiple timelines covered with the first main one being 2000, when Benjamin and Clara meet during their first year of university. Neither of them are in a great emotional place yet they begin a relationship that is both very intense but not very healthy. We know the relationship is doomed but we don't know what happened.

The second major timeline is 2022. Clara is living in London and unhappy. Benjamin is still living in the North where they attended university and his life has not turned out how he expected either. A tragic event leads Clara to head North seeking Benjamin.

As we anticipate Benjamin and Clara's reunion we visit a few more time points in their history and more tragic life events are revealed.

So, definitely not a traditional romance but if you like a well-written novel that isn't afraid to address tough issues and wrestle with your heart, then this is a book I'd recommend you give a read.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for an ARC for review.

Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️

Thank you @stmartinspress and @netgalley for the e-ARC of The One That Got Away, which will be hitting bookshelves this coming August!

This book was INTENSE right out of the gate. The start of the book was so intriguing that it propelled me through the first half the book.

However, then the story started to drag.

This is a dual timeline book switching between when the MCs were in college and present day.
60% of the way through I’d had enough of the flashbacks and wanted more present day story. I found Clara, the FMC, rather annoying. I didn’t think it was necessary to include, what felt like, every thought Clara had along with increasingly repetitive details of her relationship struggles.

I also didn’t *love* the way that the author handled the topic of child sexual assault especially since it was a catalyst for mass murder. IMO, more time should have been spent addressing the CSA and subsequent violence than just wrapping everything up to conclude the story.

Overall, this book started off captivating but slowly lost my interest.

I was so excited to read The One That Got Away! This was my first book by Charlotte Rixon and I’m a sucker for star-crossed love stories - especially those that span across decades.

While I thought The One That Got Away was very well written, it was not quite what I expected. I was expecting some warm + fuzzy elements, but there were a lot of dark triggering parts to the story.

The character development was very well done, however, I had issues forming any attachment to any of the characters - even the two main characters. I actually quite disliked Clara, to be honest.

The only other negative that I had was that the story jumped around quite a bit. While I’m a fan of alternating timelines and character POV’s, there were a couple parts thrown in the middle that messed with the flow and could be slightly confusing if you’re not paying attention to the exact time of the chapter.

Aside from some issues, the book did hold my attention and the ending, while surprising, left no loose ends. While the The One That Got Away wasn’t my favorite book, I’m glad I got the chance to read it and I hope to check out more by Charlotte Rixon, as I enjoyed her writing style.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

In the author's Acknowledgments she notes, "this is not a love story, it's a story about first love." Spot on. This is a gut-wrenching, deeply moving, multi-perspective story that touches on a lot of difficult issues. It is full of raw and real emotions. I found this story to be both difficult to read and difficult to put down. I became so deeply invested in these characters and couldn't help but reflect on my own past and path- how could you not? Moving past your past - first loves and the events that have both scarred and changed you - it's important to remember and think about those; they've helped shape you. Overall, this story is incredibly beautiful and I am thankful for the ruminating it pushed me to do.

Special thanks to Charlotte Rixon, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press for sharing this digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

What a fabulous story this was. Charlotte Rixon produced two beautiful characters with huge anxiety issues. Clara loved passionately, and strove for perfection and an idea of how her life was supposed to look. Benjamin was just trying to get through each day. They brought out the best in each other and the worst and that all came crashing down in one crazy night. The consequences of that night have haunted them both since.
I have anxiety but not to the level of Clara. Her neediness and constant looping thoughts would be a challenge for friends and partners alike. I don’t know if Rixon was deliberate with her character arcs but Clara was the only one who never grew up. I couldn’t decide if Rixon had chosen to have her stuck in the personality of that tragic night or if that was unintentional.
The dialogue was superb, the story gripping and Rixon has a knack at dropping little juicy plot lines at just the right moment. I am off to the bookshop to purchase her previous novels written under Charlotte Duckworth. This would be the story I wish I could write.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, I loved reading this!

ARC Ebook provided through NetGalley

I enjoyed the suspense of this drama/romance novel! I was kind of expecting it to be a little lighter, a little more fluffy but I did enjoy how close to reality it seemed to be. There are a lot of instances where life just got in the way of the central relationship, and I appreciated that the author took into account these kinds of real life mitigating factors. It's not often that there's a romance that balances drama in such a realistic way and I appreciated that about the story. The pacing was a little stilted given the time jumps happening throughout the story and the story touched on themes that definitely should have had trigger warnings.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it but I don't think I'll be coming back to this story when it comes out.

great book and such great characters. I enjoyed the mystery and some romance. I also enjoyed the journey of the characters. I didn't know what to expect with this book but I enjoyed it .

This was so good. Surprisingly good! I enjoyed the characters and the entire story line. It was not a feel good story. But it was very well written and made you feel good at points

Disclaimer: I was given a free ARC of this book by St. Martin’s Press in exchange for a review.

The One That Got Away had me at hello. I am a sucker for a good second chance romance and that title promised just that. The One That Got Away covers 20 years, during which Benjamin and Clara fall in love while at university, break up, and go their separate ways, until one day a catastrophe sends Clara looking for Benjamin again, against her better judgment.

There is a lot here that I really liked about this book. Rixon does really interesting things with the timeline, telling the story in a non-linear way that reveals information in little bits that what can feel like grief in a second chance romance turns into the inevitable momentum of fate. Weaving the story like this allows for surprise and character twists that I think wouldn’t have been as interesting if you had reordered the story in chronological order.

Unfortunately, story structure couldn’t make me root for the main characters’ relationship. As much as this book seems to want the reader to truly believe in fate and destined love, I didn’t buy it. I never truly understood why Benjamin and Clara were so wild about each other, except for they saw each other at two clubs on different nights, and maybe their sexual chemistry. Certainly not enough to understand why after two decades Clara was willing to take such measures to find Benjamin again. Honestly, they both treated each other fairly poorly; there is a part where Benjamin’s friend describes Clara as psycho, and by that point I had seen enough of their relationship that I honestly was willing to agree with the friend. It felt like a relationship that you would look back on as an adult with a mingling of fondness and regret, but not a great love that ruined you for love ever after.

The book is honestly at it’s best when it is plumbing the problems in Benjamin and Clara’s relationship. There are the beginnings of what could have been some truly great scenes and discussions around class and grief and sporting culture, but it felt like each time it stopped short of really getting at the meat of the issue.

As far as I can tell, this is Charlotte Rixon’s first novel, and, despite this novel not really being for me, I look forward to her next works; she is a lovely writer with a great sense of structure and pacing and detail. I hope in her next novels she will allow herself more space to dig deeper into the grittier issues that are on the periphery of Benjamin and Clara’s love story.

The One That Got Away will be out August 15, 2023

A heartwrenching and deeply moving read. Such a profound and nuanced take on first love and first loss and the bonds that we carry with us through life. Two college students, Clara and Benjamin meet and share a passionate romance before a life-altering event separates them for decades. Told in dual POV in alternating timelines, The One That Got Away is an intimate look at the people that shape our lives.