The One That Got Away by Olivia Spring

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

What if the one who got away is really the one?

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...

My Opinion

I am going to start by saying that this is not my usual read but the cover really appealed to me. This was actually quite a fun book to read. Max and Stella were both great characters and I really enjoyed the way that the pair grew throughout the book. Whilst I didn’t love the idea of the Love Hotel, I did enjoy the way that Olivia wrote this second chance romance.

Rating 4/5

I loved this one so much! Olivia Spring is a new Author to me and honestly I will read anything that she writes. I love her style of writing and honestly this book made me swoon and laugh in all the right places.

Max and Stella are both single, miserable about it and doing everything they can to avoid getting into a situation where they make themselves vulnerable for someone else.

Both have been signed up to The Love Hotel, a luxurious experience where guests are matched to their perfect match! Both left with the lingering upset of previous relationships, Stella and Max learn that have been matched together. The only problem Max dumped Stella 12 years ago.. Despite the frosty start they both agree to give their experience at the hotel a chance because of course they will never get back together!

I adored the way this story started, developed and ended! The whole concept of The Love Hotel was great as I am a big Love Island fan! It was super cute seeing Max and Stella grow throughout the two week period and I was routing for them from the start! The only thing I wished was that we had some more interactions with other couples as I think that would have made the connections to the process a bit better.

This was a really sweet romance!

Troupes: Enemies to Lovers / Second Chance Romance.

This was a great second chance romance! Loved the spice and the pacing of the book. I hope to read more from Olivia Spring in the future. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowin gme to read 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.

This was a fun read for me. I love second chance romances, and Stella and Max are great characters. I love the idea of a love hotel, the setting is beautiful, and the chemistry between these two is palpable. Great book!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

The One That Got Away is a really cute story about Stella and Max. Stella has had too many bad dates to name and her mom secretly applies for her to be a guest at The Love Hotel where the staff matches people based on application already submitted and they visit the luxury resort for two weeks to see if they connect. Stella's appalled that her mom has spent this much money but agrees to go only to discover when she shows up that her match is her insanely hot ex Max, who broke her heart years ago. Forced to stay, they agree to stick it out but the attraction between them still exists. Slowly Stella softens her view towards Max and even finds out why he broke up with her the way he did years ago but both agree to keep it casual.

I feel like anyone who is a fan of reality dating shows would love this although there isn't one in the plot but it has that same feel.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Stella lives her mother, who enters her name on Love Hotel, which is a matchmaking service, even though Stella isn’t looking for romance just yet, she agrees to go to Spain, to find out who the person is she’s been matched with. On reaching the luxury hotel, she’s shocked to discover that’s it no other than her ex.

Even though they both want to leave after meeting each other for the first time, they agree to stay for a week, and then decide. But Stella wants to avoid Max as much as she can, but the organisers have other plans.

I loved the setting, the story had romance and humour.

I recommend this book.

Who never had that one person that we think from time to time? Even if we have our lives? I think we all do but that doesn't mean it's a good thing to be honest, this book gave me that vibe.. Also besides the humor each one has their own story and that was very good to build the story and the characters

If you’re a fan of Lindsey Kelk, this book is something you should add to your TBR ASAP!

Stella hasn’t had the easiest time finding love. After multiple failed attempts at dating, she’s decided to take some time and work on herself and her career. Well- at least that’s what she wants to do until her mom signs her up for a matchmaking service. Now forced to spend two weeks in a Spanish luxury resort, she only hopes that her date isn’t a total dud and not- her childhood sweetheart?!

I’m a huge fan of Olivia Spring so I was super excited to be able to read her newest book ahead of its official release! Her books are always filled with such amazing characters and storylines that I can’t help finishing them in a day or less and this was no exception.

Normally, I like books with a lot of angst but this one didn’t have that much. Not that that’s a bad thing! Sometimes books need a lot of drama to make up for lack of a storyline or direction but this one didn’t need to do that. The passion between the characters felt very easy and real which made it much more enjoyable and easy to read. I really liked the backstory of the two characters, Stella and Max, and finding out more about them and their past relationship. The background characters felt fleshed out too which made it feel more like I was reading something based on someone’s actual life then something entirely made up. I only wish one of these resorts existed in real life!

Stella’s mother has signed her up to attend ‘The Love Hotel’ in Spain for two weeks after her bad luck in dating. She decides to go for her mother’s sake but she’s matched up with none other than her ex Max! What a small world!?

I absolutely loved the premise of this book, it was a type of social dating experiment which I’m totally there for. It gave me Married at First Sight vibes in some ways. I was trying to savour this book for as long as possible as I loved Stella and Max. Their banter even from the beginning when they find out they are matched together is palpable.

Is there spice in this story, yes but it doesn’t really take away from the backstory which I enjoyed more, the backstory that is. Getting to know these main characters was lovely.

Olivia has once again knocked it out of the park and I can’t wait to read more of her books soon. There’s still some of her backlist I need to read which is fab.

‘The One That Got Away’ is full of endearing moments and lots of will they won’t they and some spice too! I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book too 🥰💖

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

Stella goes to a ‘Love hotel’ after much hassle from her Mum (who eventually leaves her no choice in the matter )who is seeing more romance than her daughter is
All seems ideal,beautiful setting in Spain,luxury hotel,all is perfect for Stella who is kinda hoping to find the ‘man of her dreams’……what she finds though is Max,a former ‘friend’ and well you can guess the rest as this often funny ‘second chance’ read swings into action
It is a quick read,likeable characters and got to say maybe a bit more spicy than I expected
There was good banter between them both and you really were in their corners wanting them to get together and make it happen,the bit of tension added another good edge to the story
Fun and romance,sums it up

Stella’s mom signs her up for The Love Hotel, a luxury matchmaking resort. To Stella’s horror, her date is Max, her gorgeous college sweetheart who broke her heart. With no refunds, Stella reluctantly stays, determined to keep Max at arm’s length. But as the resort works its magic, the sizzling sparks between them reignite…

I loved the romance in this book. Stella and Max are likable and relatable, and make a great couple. The resort activities are the opposite of my idea of fun, and they didn’t respect Stella’s boundaries, which made it difficult for me to relax and enjoy the story. The novel is humorous with a high heat level and tons of chemistry between the main characters.

TW: acrophobia (fear of heights)

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This was a fun light read. Very quick and easy. Love the resort vibes. It's perfect for a poolside summer read.

I love this take on a second-chance romance.

I loved this! Olivia Spring is having a great year knocking out these really cute romance stories! This story was so good! The vacation setting, the immediate attraction even if Stella hates Max (at first), the machinations getting them back together. I loved it! The story telling is tight and the plot is good. I love romance books where the characters actually go on dates and bond and this story is full of that!
It’s a really good book and a great vacation read. 10/10

💞Unexpected second chance in sunny Spain🏖

Good plot, likable main characters, not too much conflict and a two week story arc that gave former teenage sweethearts Stella and Max plenty of time to get to understand the adults they'd grown into after a devastating breakup over ten years prior.

I thought author Olivia Spring very deftly balanced the travel and sightseeing adventure part of this novel with the second chance romance. The setting and challenges the couple are assigned never took the focus away from the relationship. And the backstory for Max, the up and coming English footballer who just cut girlfriend Stella out of his life so cleanly and abruptly, did not make him into the total villain when he finally succeeds in confessing everything. He still does not come off scotfree, but I can see how Stella might give him a second chance and let him in.

This romance has its steamy side. I liked the idea of the tug of attraction that blew their plans for a platonic holiday out of the water. And the ending made me happy. My overall impression was relaxing, light and entertaining with that edge of passion.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Hit all the feels and had me laughing out loud… Will propel you to your happy place. A must read!… Feel-good romance… Truly heart-warming… Such a cute read! I started and finished in one day – what can I say?

Got to love a 2nd chance romance haven’t you?
A quick read, with the expected outcome. Lots of Love Island vibes here. If it’s not too late for some summer sun, find a sun lounger and parasol and enjoy.

This playful and spicy romance centers on Stella and Max, two former lovers who reconnect after years apart. The novel explores the idea that sometimes relationships fall apart not because of incompatibility, but because the timing isn’t right. Max ended his relationship with Stella when they were younger, and both have since struggled to find new connections.

Max’s best friend signs him up for a vacation at a hotel that promises a “love match,” while Stella’s mom arranges a surprise trip for her to the same hotel. To their surprise, they are matched with each other. What follows is a fun and steamy journey as they rekindle their romance, moving from resistance and caution to full-on sparks and fireworks.

The novel is filled with humor, charm, and plenty of sizzling chemistry between the two main characters. Olivia Spring delivers a light-hearted and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of second-chance romance.

It's Fall and it's quite chilly in my corner of the world. That means we curl up with Gilmore Girls, a blanket and pumpkin spice lattes right? Wrong! If you are like me and crave a little more summer, then it's the perfect time for summery reads. Especially spicy romances set on the beaches of Spain with enough sizzle that you might think you're there!!!

Olivia Spring's newest romance, The One That Got Away, is the perfect read if you're looking for a little more summer, with a lot of spice! This steamy romance puts two ex's back together at The Love Hotel, where they are matched as being the perfect love match. However, it isn't love at second chance for either of them. How will they be able to survive in each other's company for two weeks? Or will love rule all?

Olivia Spring is a new-to-me author and after reading The One That Got Away I am absolutely hooked. This romance sizzles and pops right off the page!!! I instantly fell in love with Stella and Max, two strong characters that aren't afraid to go after what they want! Put them in a love hotel [very reminiscent of The Love Boat in my opinion - and yes! I'm dating myself with this reference] and it was the perfect romance that had me curling my toes and sighing at all the right moments!

For as many oh so romantic moments, there was pretty much as many major laugh-out-loud laughter moments too. As we all know the road to true love never did run smooth, especially for Stella and Max, who are trying to deny the attraction is still there!! Because of this I felt like the romance was especially realistic, as we all know on the dating scene it can be kisses and mishaps, especially when hormones are involved!

Fans of Ted Lasso and Love Island will flock to The One That Got Away. It's a sweet, steamy romance that hits all the right notes and will leave a last impression on readers.

This is a sweet and hot second-chance romance. Stella and Max were a couple in their late teens but Max broke up with Stella and broke her heart. Now both are single and get sent to a matchmaking vacation in order to find their true love. When they arrive at the love hotel they find out they are each other's perfect match - no way, been there, done that! But two weeks together in the spanish sun might just change things...
I enjoyed reading this book, it was entertaining, funny, hot, had a (mostly) believable storyline and relatable characters. aand it's set in sunny Spain - what more could you wish for? Really a very fun read!

Really enjoyed this !! Was a lovely little spicy read and really gave me all those love island vibes!! If you are missing your Love Island fix I highly recommend giving this a read..