The One That Got Away

Sarina's life is going pretty smoothly -- she's busy with her own architecture firm, she's expecting to be engaged to her boyfriend, Noah, any day, and she has a good group of friends to hang out with while Noah is away in Argentina for work. She feels so secure she's finally ready to face Eamon Roy, a former Olympic swimmer and Sarina's former-one-night-stand (who broke her heart years ago), and who is making a visit to Austin, Texas.

Suddenly, though, Eamon's visit is no longer temporary, as he decides to move back to Austin and renovate a home -- a job for which he hires Sarina. The two become fast friends, and Sarina finds herself questioning everything she thought was so perfect about her life.

Overall, this was a really fun, enjoyable read. I breezed through it, because Sarina is a thoroughly engaging character. Further, Chase has a way of writing that pulls you in - when Sarina gets bad news, for instance, I felt myself feeling as if I'd been punched in the gut, too. It was refreshing to read a "chick lit" novel about an architect, versus the usual publicist or nanny or such. I enjoyed reading about Sarina's job and she was extremely driven as a businesswoman, which was great. Further, I enjoyed that the novel had a gay character (Sarina's roommate, Danny), who didn't seem completely steeped in stereotype. Also refreshing!

About my only beef was that it all became a bit much about two-thirds or so through the book, as Sarina continues to waffle about Noah and Eamon. For a bit, the book feels very junior high-esque as Sarina goes on and on about Eamon, then Noah, then dreaming of Eamon, then more wrangling, etc. I get that it was a big decision, and she and Noah had been together for four years, but sigh. Get it together, girl!

Otherwise, this was fun, fast-paced, novel, with just the right mix of serious, real-life plot thrown in. Sarina faces some tough choices in life (and not just as she deals with her feelings with Eamon and Noah), but with her parents/stepparents, her business, and more. It's refreshing to see a chick lit heroine deal with real life in such a way. Supposedly the Chase's next book features some characters who pop up in this one. I'll definitely be putting it on my to-read list. (Overall, I'd rate The One That Got Away at 3.5 stars.)

Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

The One That Got Away is a delightfully charming debut novel by Bethany Chase. It is a sweet, funny and poignant story that I absolutely LOVED and highly recommend to fans of contemporary romances.

At long last, Sarina Mahler has her life together. Her architect business is beginning to taking off and she is almost engaged to her boyfriend of four years, Noah, who is a lawyer currently working on a project in Argentina. She is finally ready to face her roommate's best friend Eamon Roy for the first time since he walked out her without explanation after a brief fling seven years earlier. Although she wants to limit contact with the man who broke her heart, she agrees to work for him when he needs an architect to renovate his fixer upper. Sarina is dismayed to discover she is still drawn to Eamon, but with picture perfect Noah ready to take their relationship to the next level, which man will she choose?

Sarina is a vivacious, witty thirty something who has a lot going for her. She has a great network of friends who are supportive while at the same time, they are brutally honest with her when she needs advice. Although her mom passed away years earlier, she is still very close to her stepfather. Sarina's relationship with Noah is comfortable and safe but they are beginning to feel the strain of their yearlong separation. Sarina is a little surprised at how easily and quickly she and Eamon pick up their friendship despite the hurt feelings she still nurses from their abrupt break up. The spend a lot more time together than she planned, but she enjoys his company too much to give up. When her relationship with Noah hits a major snag, she is torn between staying with the safe choice or risking her heart again.

In Eamon's defense, he was young and still in college when he unceremoniously dumped Sarina. He was intensely focused on his training for the Olympics and he had some tough choices to make about his future. During the intervening years, Eamon matured, overcame a horrific accident and achieved his dream of becoming a gold medal Olympic swimmer. He is now retired and beginning the next phase of his life and he is ready to put down roots. He is rather enigmatic about what he wants from Sarina so it is understandable that she has doubts about his intentions. He tries to be patient as she sorts through her options, but Eamon also pushes her to get off the fence about what (and who) she wants.

The relationship between Eamon and Sarina is slow building but there is no denying the chemistry between them. They both respect Sarina's relationship with Noah but Eamon and Sarina definitely enjoy one another's company. They eventually sort out what went wrong the first time they dated but Sarina remains committed to Noah despite the doubts that are starting to creep in about her future with him. Sarina comes to a crossroads after a tragic loss and while this clarifies what she needs to do next, she still has doubts about following through with her decision. This leads to a misunderstanding that could have been avoided if she had been more honest.

The One That Got Away is an engaging novel with a wonderful cast of likable characters. Bethany Chase puts a unique and refreshing spin on a familiar plot and the resulting story is absolutely marvelous. An overall warm and witty debut that leaves me impatiently awaiting her next release!

I really enjoyed this book. I am not sure what the main character's issue was mid read but it was a pretty good book. I will look for others by the author.

There's plenty of sexual attraction in this tale of renewed romance. At least Sarina breaks things off with her boyfriend before she finally gets together with her long lost love. I liked Sarina as a strong, capable woman and the grief that she experiences in connection with her parents rings true.

Abbey Lahay is an overworked mother who feels like she is lacking in every area of her life. She struggles with her children, she and her husband fight about money, her house is a mess and her new boss at work is the person she hired as a intern. One day, to cheer herself up, she goes to Nordstrom and buys herself a designer handbag. When her husband finds out, he coldly demands that she return it immediately. While on the escalator at Nordstrom, she has a freak accident, hits her head and when she wakes up, she is married to Alex van Holt - a man who had asked her out on a date years before she was married, a man who is rich and doesn't mind spending money on her. A man who appears to be totally different than her husband who pampers her and cares about her feelings. She is totally freaked out by the change in her life and can't decide how to handle it.Abbey is a great main character who is desperate to get a break in her life. She feels like money would solve all of her problems but soon learns that money doesn't equal happiness and love. Even though this was a really light read and one that you had to just take a face value and not look for the flaws in the lifestyle changes in Abbey's life, I enjoyed reading it. It's a perfect book to take to the beach or the pool and read while you soak up the sun This is pure escapism at its best.

I received this ARC from NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.

It was the first ARC I’d received from them, and I couldn’t be more pleased. This is a wonderful romance book with a excellent main character, Sarina Mahler. She is a girl is making it on her own a thousand miles away from home. It’s been ten years since the loss of her mother, and she’s still dealing with her grief. Staying in a safe relationship with Noah because she is afraid of being hurt (aren’t we all?), she’s carefully constructed her world to avoid pain, until she loses the last connection to her Virginia home. She has the best friend every girl wants; a gay man who tells her like it is and doesn’t sugar coat her stupidity. Then there’s HIM - the one that got away eight years ago; the built, Adonis-like swimming champ who comes to Austin to start again.

I enjoyed the book and finished it within a few days; it is well written, funny, intelligent, sweet, and moving.

The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase was an ok read. I enjoy this genre, but found this particular book to be a lot like many other books out there. I knew who the main character would end up with pretty much from the beginning of the book. I would have liked at least a few surprises. I would recommend this book to friends who enjoy books of this type, but I personally don't know if I will read any more from this author. Thank you to Library thing for giving me the chance to read this book through the Early Reviewers program.

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.

I hate to admit what a picky reader I’ve become since I started writing, but I can’t help it. When I’m reading for pleasure, it’s a curse that I can no longer ignore poor sentence structure, plot problems and the like. So, when I come across a book that I cannot find any real flaws with, I am happy. And even more elated when the book far exceeds my expectations.The One that Got Away was a pleasure to read. The writing style is witty, fluid and cohesive, and the metaphors inventive. It’s an emotional read with just the right amount of romance, sexual chemistry, and introspection. It kept me engaged the whole way through. I wouldn't say it was a funny book, but I did laugh out loud a few times.31-year old Sarina Mahler is an independent woman, creative and driven, and I liked reading about her career in architecture, but it was the emotional side of this story that resonated with me. I was torn with Sarina when she has to make a really hard choice about whether she will stay with sweet, comfortable, crinkled-eyed Noah or dare to take a chance with the gorgeous swimming champion Eamon Roy — the one who got away. It’s hard to say goodbye to someone you love, even when you know they are not right for you. If I had a complaint about this story, the only one would be that I wish there was more Eamon in it. Sarina is intoxicated by him, and as the reader, I got caught up in it. And that was wonderful, but a few times in the book, and especially towards the end of the story, there was a long lapse in his appearance. What can I say? I missed him.I’m happy to note that author is writing another book, an offshoot of this one. I know I’ll be looking for it.

Architect Sarina Mahler's successful and well-planned life get up-ended when a former fling returns to town. Eamon Roy was a one-night stand Sarina can't quite forget nine years later, and when he asks her to design a house for him she isn't sure it's such a great idea. You see, Sarina is in a serious relationship with someone else, though he is inconveniently working overseas. But Eamon's job promises to be significant for her career so Sarina agrees, endeavoring to ignore her continuing attraction to Eamon in order to remain professional with him, and committed to her boyfriend. But the years-old connection between Sarina and Eamon hasn't seemed to recede with time, leading to some difficult decisions for Sarina.I loved this book. I am a sucker for a romance at any time, but one that is this sweet, genuine, and substantive is downright irresistable. Mahler strikes just the right tone in all these things. In her own way, Mahler explores how the day-to-day demands of life expand and contract one's relationships, and the subsequent consequences. I think this is the kind of story that has the ability to reach into the reader's heart and tell her something about herself. Navigating love in all its forms is a tricky proposition at best, with love encompassing joy, delight, risk, and loss. Not only is this a fun, satisfying read, it is also one that gently instructs.

When I first started this story, I thought it was a pretty typical chick-lit, beach read. And in general, the storyline was pretty predictable. Sarina is a 30-something architect in Austin, Texas, who has been dating her attorney/financial guy boyfriend, Noah for about four years. Noah is on a year long business project in Argentina and Sarina and Noah are generally managing their long-distance relationship and considering marriage when an ex-lover from Sarina's past emerges back on the scene. And not just any one night stand, this is Eamon, Olympic multiple gold-medals in swimming Eamon. Eamon is basically Michael Phelps with Olympic rings tattooed on his wrist. Sarina is still licking old wounds since Eamon never called her after their fabulous one night together. After Eamon hires Sarina to design his new home, however, Sarina has a hard time managing her old feelings and friendship and business start to merge with their unresolved chemistry. Eventually, the story goes in a predictable direction. Boy meets girl, loses girl... yada yada... but it is a pretty good story along the way. I even cried at one point, but don't tell anyone.So anyways, having dated a very hot swimmer (or two) myself in college, I felt particularly drawn to this story. It also had themes of feminism versus traditional roles, as well as decisions about sacrificing one's career to stay home with kids or making it as a working mom. A slightly deeper novel than your traditional beach read. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. All in all, Storyline-6 Steam factor-8 :)

This is a typical, predictable chick lit. Enjoyable in that expectations were not high. The Sarina character reminds me of "Cool Girl" from Gone Girl, and therefore I found her unbelievable.

If you ever wondered what happened to the one that got away this book is for you. When having the past collide with your present you are forced to face old feelings. This book is clever, witty, packed with truth and entertaining to boot! What a fun book to share with a book club or an older mother/daughter book club. This book is filled with characters you will love and one that begs to be discussed with other who have read it. You will be thinking about the ones you had that got away and may have you feeling some fond memories. One thing I can promise is that you will enjoy the book and it is so worth the read!!!

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.

I won a free copy of this book - I would actually give it 3.5 stars. It was a cute, sweet love story even if it was predictable. The character of Sarina Mahler is a funny, likable, real young woman. The one thing that bothered me was how the character of Noah changed so much over the course of a couple of chapters. This is an ideal beach read - light and easy. I enjoyed the characters and the story and look forward to reading the next book by Bethany Chase.

This author has certainly hit the ground running. The story is full of real-life scenarios, and is a fabulous debut for someone who writes truth about family/personal relationships. How many of us look back and realize that we let the one we should be with get away because of our youthful stupidity? Ms. Chase you have me drifting back to my twenties, with fond memories and a headslap for something I let go. A very quick read, I blasted through this in one afternoon. It is well-written and I hope to see it take off and become the foundation of a great career. My thanks to the author and Penguin's First to Read program for a complimentary copy.

It's the journey! It's the journey! Because you will know the ending as soon as you pick up this book, (no spoiler alert here) you need to accept the fact that how this story reaches its conclusion is the only mystery. Almost engaged architect Sarina Mahler reconnects with a former one night stand and ex Olympic swimmer Eamon Roy who has asked Sarina to design his new house. In typical chic lit fashion she falls for him again and needs to decide what to do about Noah who she has had a four year relationship with. Noah is temporarily in Argentina for work, so there is the tension of not having much time together except for occasional visits. In one of those visits, she is pressured by Noah and his parents to get married and quickly have kids. Sarina is aghast that they all expect her to stop working once the children are born. She feels she has worked far too hard on her career to give it all up. That is a major conflict which begins her uncertainty about her relationship with Noah. There is a nice theme about where home lies and even a little essay by the author at the end on this topic. Also some interesting bits about architecture. But overall, it is all very predictable and light with little dimension to the thirty something characters. If you like Emily Giffin, a blurber of this book, you will probably like The One That Got Away.

Sarina Mahler is single, but nearing engagement to her temporarily out of the country boyfriend of four years, Noah. She has a growing architectural business and lives with her gay male best friend. Her "one that got away", Eamon Roy, was a mysterious one-night stand eight years ago. She still wonders why he left without a word the next morning and no follow-up. Now, Eamon is back in town, a retired Olympic swimmer, and ready to settle down. He hires Sarina to help him with a home remodel,suddenly in her life daily as she is feeling lonely and unsure of marriage to Noah. And the chemistry is still there. Sarina's conflicted feelings, her unresolved issues around her mother's death, her career battles, and an unexpected tragedy drive this book, to its satisfying conclusion. The book is interesting, sad, and funny. It's characters are engaging and hook you in to the point, that you look forward to its sequel, which will focus on the hot brother of "the one that got away."

A special thank you to Amazon Publishing, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Jennifer Jaynes returns with UGLY YOUNG THING, (Grand Trespass #2) a "killer" followup --an intense psychological suspense thriller, a sizzling page-turner, for a continuation of Allie we met in Never Smile at Strangers (Grand Trespass #1). Allie, sixteen-years-old, is beautiful; however, after being a victim of her abusive mom, telling her she is ugly, she sees a different face, a reflection, when looking into the mirror. She has experienced a traumatic childhood, a lifetime of horror-her mom was a prostitute, a psychotic murderer. Her older brother tried his best; however, he also suffered from mental illness, and in the end a murderer, ending his life and misery by killing himself before Allie’s eyes. With no family left, she is on the run to Texas, hitchhiking, trying to survive with one trucker after another. Allie’s home had been one of horror-her father abandoned the family early on, her mother a prostitute, dumping bodies in the pond behind their house, as well as abusing her brother; thereby screwing up his mind. After he finally killed their mother, he ended up taking care of Allie, by paying the bills and putting food on the table; ultimately was sick and began hurting people, as well.Currently, she is on the run, tired of trying to survive by selling her body, and when her boyfriend Johnny has to leave, she realizes everyone has abandoned her. Now, nine months later without her brother or her boyfriend Johnny, she met along the way, she sees no point in life. The world to Allie is a frightening place, and she never seemed to belong. In a lonely motel she tried to end her own life with pills unsuccessfully. She feels like such a loser and couldn’t even manage to kill herself. After being attacked while hitchhiking, she decides to return to Grand Trespass, Louisiana to her childhood home to rest and figure out what to do next. She just wants normal. She wants to be wanted and loved, but all the pain has worn her down, and she wants to escape.Finally she ends up in foster care and placed with Miss Bitty. Her home is beautiful, and Miss Bitty, even though eccentric, everyone seems to love her. She is an older, kind, and a giving person. Allie wants to be like her and does not want to disappoint her and lose this opportunity. However, can she trust her? After all, her mom said never to trust anyone nice. Can she possibly have a normal life and a fresh start without her past haunting her? Sometimes she wonders if she will become crazy like the rest of her family.However, not long after moving in with Miss Bitty in Louisiana, near her old home, Allie begins to feel someone is watching her. Miss Bitty is a wellness coach, making sure her home environment is in alignment with health goals from nutritious foods and positive thoughts--from meditation, yoga, and energy work, helping everyone around her. She had been caring for foster children for almost sixteen years and Allie grows to like her. Miss Bitty helps her pick out new clothes and makeup, to give her a classier look and assists with her lower self-esteem issues. Allie just wants to be accepted and have friends. Miss Bitty is kind to her and supportive in every way. Their household is not the norm. Louis comes and goes, a guy which home schools her in preparation for her GED, and later college courses. Joe is a client of Miss Bitty’s from California, living in their guesthouse, and she meets a new friend, Hannah. Hannah’s stepfather, Ted and mother, Claire are weird and he also does maintenance and yard work for Miss Bitty. So a variety of men coming and going. Allie tries working at the supermarket part time; however, it turns into a disaster when people find out she was the murderer’s daughter and sister. The job is short lived.Now, if things could not get any worse, there is a killer on the loose in the nearby town and he is targeting young women, stabbing them multiple times – he is on the hunt and nothing satisfies his itch except killing. He has tried to keep in under control however he stalks, watches, and hides in waiting for the kill.Since the murders have been occurring, Miss Bitty brings home a dog for Allie, and now seems worried and overly protective. Miss Bitty seems distant, Allie sees someone watching her, hears voices, and she wonders if death and pain will continue follow her.UGLY YOUNG THING keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat, switching back and forth between Allie, Bitty, and the sick mind of a killer. As a reader you have no idea the identity of the killer and are holding your breath to learn the killer’s next move. What a shocker!Jennifer does an outstanding job of keeping the suspense high, as one minute you think you have the mystery figured out, and then you begin suspecting another. You are never certain how Miss Bitty is connected to the players and the motives behind the killing until towards the very end. With intense twists and turns, as all the pieces come together from the first and second book. Well-developed characters and vivid settings with heart-pounding scenes awaiting the sick and twisted killer’s next move. So many suspects! Wow, I really enjoyed this riveting psychological mystery thriller, leaving you anxiously awaiting the next book, to learn what is in store for Allie. Cannot wait. Highly recommend this series, and this talented newfound author!

This book seemed cute and charming, but ultimately I couldn't get into it. It just seemed like something I had read too many times. Plus I think I have outgrown this kind of story. The ideal audience is probably twentysomethings and early thirtysomethings without kids.

A witty contemporary romance that focuses on one woman's second chance at love and her journey to being comfortable with herself. Both MCs are likeable and lifelike, especially the sarcastic humor and flaws that they each contain. I like that the female MC feels strongly about her career too. The supporting characters are even better, from the eccentric best friend to the loving stepfather. An easy read for contemporary romance fans.Penguin First to Read Galley