"The One That Got Away" ist der erste Band der "The Love Hotel"-Reihe.

Die Geschichte folgt Stella, die nach einer Reihe misslungener Dates von ihrer Mutter in ein luxuriöses Matchmaking-Resort in Spanien eingeschrieben wird. Dort trifft sie auf Max, ihren Jugendfreund, der einst ihr Herz brach. Während ihres Aufenthalts im "Love Hotel" müssen sie sich ihrer gemeinsamen Vergangenheit stellen und herausfinden, ob ihre wiederauflebenden Gefühle eine zweite Chance verdienen. ​

Die Grundidee, die Charaktere in einem luxuriösen "Love Hotel" zu versetzen, ist erfrischend und sorgt für eine besondere Atmosphäre, die der Geschichte ein wenig mehr Tiefe und Abwechslung verleiht. Besonders gefallen hat mir, wie die Beziehung zwischen Stella und Max langsam wiederaufgebaut wird, nachdem sie sich Jahre zuvor voneinander entfernt hatten. Es fühlt sich authentisch an, wie sie sich mit ihrer Vergangenheit auseinandersetzen und ihre Gefühle neu entdecken.

Fazit: eine Mischung aus Romantik und Humor, für Fans von Liebesgeschichten mit einem Hauch von Spannung.

This is my first novel from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it The story is about Stella, who finds herself back home after a series of disastrous dates. Just when she thinks things can't get worse, her mother signs her up for The Love Hotel, a luxury matchmaking service. Reluctantly, Stella agrees to give it a shot, only to discover her match is none other than Max, her childhood sweetheart who once broke her heart.
.I absolutely loved this second chance romance with a good amount of laughs and alot of spice mixed in.

Wow! Laugh out moments indeed. Any scene with Olga, so funny. With Sammie, hilarious. Plus many other funny moments. Stella and Max, absolute chemistry and steaminess coming off the pages! You go through some feelings with them. Olivia Spring is one of the best contemporary writers today. Her character development is on point. Highly recommend!

The One That Got Away is a fun, lighthearted romance that will have you rooting for its flawed yet lovable characters. Stella is relatable, dealing with the aftermath of a string of failed dates and a difficult past. The premise of a matchmaking service promising the perfect match is intriguing, but it's the twist of having Stella's childhood sweetheart, Max, as her match that adds the perfect touch of nostalgia and tension.

The dynamic between Stella and Max is undeniably electric, and the sparks between them feel both genuine and unresolved, which makes their interactions throughout the book fun to watch. The setting in Spain, with its sunny beaches and luxurious backdrop, is an appealing addition, giving the romance a vacation vibe that you can't help but want to dive into.

However, while the chemistry is there, The One That Got Away doesn't break new ground in the romance genre. There are moments of predictability, and some of the character development feels a bit rushed. The pacing can drag in places, especially when the focus shifts from the romance to some of the external conflicts that don't quite hit as hard.

Overall, it's a charming read for fans of second-chance romances and those who enjoy the fantasy of love blossoming under perfect conditions—just with a few hiccups along the way. If you're in the mood for a feel-good story with a little more drama than expected, this book will definitely satisfy.

Stella is stuck in a rut, she moved home after her breakup with Max and ended up working with her mother making rather risque thongs rather than following her design dreams.

When her mum books her on a surprise holiday in the love hotel she really wasnt happy but it was a two week holiday in Spain, what did she really have to lose.

Max is a workabholic, ever since he lost his football career due to injury he has put everything he has into his late mothers business making her dream a reality he really doesnt have time for romance so is extremely unhappy when his friend Colton books him into the Love Hotel for a two week holiday in Spain, Carlton using his daughter as a trick to convince Max to go, he eventually gives in.

When they both arrive at the Love Hotel they were less than impressed when they are linked together for the holiday, originally they planned to get through the week by hook or by crook but as they spend more time with each other they begin to find the feelings they felt coming back even stronger.

This was a great book, couldnt read it fast enough, the story was engaging and the characters are fabulous, I really loved Jasmine the Love Alchemist. Cant wait to read the other book in this series.

I thoroughly recommend this as a great holiday read.

I dove into this book blind, drawn by the cover and title, expecting a lighthearted second-chance romance. What I got was a delightful surprise - a spicy, engaging story that exceeded expectations.

Stella and Max, both bullied into visiting the Love Hotel, embark on a journey of self-discovery and love. Their relatable struggles and witty banter made me invested in their stories. I rooted for both equally, eager to see them overcome past heartaches.

This romcom had me laughing out loud and cringing in embarrassment for the characters. The author's writing is effortless, making the absurdity of situations feel authentic. Beyond the humor, the story delivers heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy scenes. The perfect blend of spice, romance, and comedy makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

If you're looking for a lighthearted, engaging romance with a dash of spice, this book is for you. With its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, it's a true page-turner.

I look forward to reading all Olivia’s future novels and highly recommend to all spicy romance loving friends.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I requested and received an advance reader’s copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

Stella, thirty-one, lives with her mother and in a rut. Working constantly, with all the dating apps deleted. After being fired from her graphic design job she came to work along her mother for Pretty Little Kitty which provides personalized handmade underwear.
Her mother suggests she go to the love hotel, an exclusive all-inclusive luxury resort near Marbella, Spain, where unlucky women go there to find the man of their dreams. They hire the best matchmaking experts to help anyone who wants to meet someone special. It’s supposed to be magical. ‘
Max, along with Colton, works at Olibella, a natural skin care company. His routine find him working till midnight most days, his only hobby is going to the gym, at work. Colton and his wife sign him up to the love hotel and when the email came confirming they find a match he has no option.
They both arrived at the hotel only to find that their perfect match is not a stranger. with no refunds, they are stuck with one another.
This hilarious rom-com is perfect for readers who enjoy the genre.

I was so excited to read this book as the blurb sounded so good; it didn't meet my expectations.
There was no connection; the whole experience felt forced, and I didn't enjoy it. The dual point of view from Max and Stella, which I had hoped would enhance the story, turned out to be okay.

This was a mostly sweet, really spicy second chance romance. The concept behind The Love Hotel itself was fun and I can see it being a good setting for other romances too. I liked the characters well enough in this one and found their relationship cute. The spice level was too high for me personally, but this was a decent enough read if you're looking for an open door rom com with a fun setting.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

This is the first book in The Love Hotel series and is also a first time read for me by this author. It is a delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy that blends humor, emotional depth, and a touch of fate. Stella has not been lucky in the dating arena and has had a string of disastrous dates. She finds herself reluctantly participating in a luxury matchmaking service called The Love Hotel, which promises to pair its clients with their perfect match. Little does she know, her match is none other than Max, her childhood sweetheart who once broke her heart.

Right from the start, the chemistry between her and Max is undeniable. With all the baggage, misunderstandings, and emotions between them, the story is a page-turner as the entertaining will- they- won't they dynamics play out. Stella’s reluctance to confront her feelings is both relatable and endearing, and Max’s charm is impossible to resist.

The pacing is just right, with enough twists and heartfelt moments that kept me engaged from start to finish. Overall, this is an engaging, feel-good read that had me rooting for Stella and Max to overcome their past and find their happily-ever-after.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

She's done it again!!!!

In this book, we follow Stella and Max as they go on a journey that felt very First Dates Hotel.

The steam, the tension and the backstory made for a compelling read that I thoroughly enjoyed

I've made no secret of my love for @ospringauthor and I maintain, she is one of my favourite authors. Thank you so much for continuing to put out fantastic books and for being an amazing person

My Thoughts: I went into this one completely blind, I was attracted to the cover and assumed by the title that it would be a second chance romance, a bit of lighthearted reading & in a way I was right.. but what I didn’t expect was alll the spice! 🌶️🥵 – it sounds weird to write this but it was a pleasant surprise, and added a totally different dynamic to the story 🤣

We’re following Stella and Max, they have both been bullied into going to the Love Hotel a place that promises to set you up with your soul mate, with the help of your dedicated Love Alchemist.

They both go begrudgingly with half open minds, but what they don’t expect is to run into the person who shattered their respective hearts years ago!

I was so invested in this story that Stella and Max felt like friends, I wasn’t even necessarily rooting for one over the other I loved them both equally & just wanted them to sort their shit out 😅

I laughed out loud more than once and found myself with my head in my hands, absolutely mortified for them because you just couldn’t make it up (daft thing to say about a book I know..)

There were parts of this book that made my heart melt & plenty of swoon worthy moments too!

It had everything you could want from a spicy romcom and more!

I’ve always loved the books by Olivia Spring, so I was really excited to read this one, and as with each new book, The One That Got Away is my new favourite! It is a second chance romance that also follows the enemies to lovers trope.

I loved the characters of Stella and Max. Both sent to the Love Hotel by well-meaning family/friends, and with an intense history, it was inevitable that social events at the hotel would bring them together. There were some laugh out loud moments during their time together, and I loved the group trip to the Caminito del Rey. I had to google it, as it sounded amazing and it is, although I know if I went, my husband would be refusing to leave the coach while I walked it alone!

I loved the idea of the playlist, and the way in which Stella used her song choices initially to get at Max for the way their relationship originally ended. I loved how the song choices altered as they went from enemies to friends and then lovers.

This sweet but incredibly spicy rom-com kept me thoroughly entertained, and I hope that we get the opportunity to return to the Love Hotel for another romance.

In this fun new rom-com novel, readers join Stella when she discovers her mother has signed her up to the Love Hotel, a luxury matchmaking service that guarantees participants will find their perfect match. In no way interested in the program, Stella is immediately set up with her new match, Max, who actually was her childhood sweetheart who broke her heart years ago. Forced into proximity in some chaotic and entertaining ways, Stella has to stay (no refunds, of course) and make the best of it by keeping Max as far away as possible, though Max is not interested in helping her achieve that objective because the hotel -- and their underlying chemistry -- seem to be working their magic for Max and Stella. With two clever and hilarious characters with a brilliantly established romantic history, readers will love the tropes and environment that Olivia Spring has brought to life in this new and charming romance novel. The characters are the heart of the novel, and the different relationships and individual growth over the novel really draws readers into the story and Max and Stella’s relationship. Hilarious, witty, and charming, readers will love this tropey and romantic new release from Olivia Spring.

The idea and setting was nice and promising but this didn’t work out for me.

My first issue during the first half is that I didn’t feel a strong connection between the two characters. They were tip-toeing around each other at first, which made sense due to their past, but it because of it it just felt forced to me. Once they discussed their past, they fell into a physical connection but I still found the emotional one lacking.

Both characters are indecisive, changing opinion every two chapters on what they want. They can’t make up their minds, act one way and are disappointed by the results of their own actions, and then change their minds three times. Max’ was thé worst of both; for most of the book he couldn’t decide anything by himself and needed his best friend to tell him what to do all of the time - and not just asking for advice but really always talking to him and doing whatever the best friend says.

All in I didn’t find myself rooting for them. I just wanted to get to the end and put the book down. I wasn’t even happy for them that they got together in the end, because after all of that it didn’t feel like they made a really good couple together.

This was a fun, romantic and engaging read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

When Stella finds herself back home with a string of disastrous dates under her belt, she's certain she’s hit rock bottom. Until she discovers her mother has signed her up to The Love Hotel: a luxury matchmaking service where a perfect love match is guaranteed! Stella is adamant she'll have nothing to do with this nonsense! But then a match is found faster than she can say 'Not.A.Chance!' So, how bad can two weeks in the scorching Spanish sunshine be?

Very bad, actually. Because when Stella arrives, she’s mortified to learn her date is no perfect stranger. In fact she knows him a little too well. Because Max is the childhood sweetheart who broke her heart, who her heart remembers and who is more gorgeous than ever.

With no refunds, Stella reluctantly decides to stay and enjoy the holiday - all she has to do is keep Max at an arm’s length...right? Easier said than done when Max is impossible to ignore. And as the Love Hotel begins to work its matchmaking magic, Stella can't deny that the sparks still sizzle between them. And maybe, the experts were right after all...

Loved it.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was wonderful.

this was great. the storyline really interested me, along with the characters. hope to read more of Olivias work in the future :)

I enjoyed “The One Got Away” with this my first time reading a book by Olivia Spring. She did an awesome job with the characters, plot, second chance at romance and Spanish theme. Stella is back home after her dating scene is not going so good. Max is a former football player and is now the CFO of a beauty product company. While Stella’s mom signs her up for The Love Hotel; Max signs up for The Love Hotel after his friend Colton insist that he do. Max and Stella are former teenage sweethearts. Max broke Stella’s heart and walked away as he was becoming an up-and-coming football player. With Max and Stella being exs, it didn’t very long for them reignite their romance. These two are great together. I just love the cover it is definitely an eye catcher.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Boldwood Books and I a leaving my review voluntarily.