Review & Giveaway: The One That Got Away by Melissa Pimentel

The One That Got Away

by Melissa Pimentel

August 22, 2017
400 pages

Goodreads   Indigo

Goodreads Summary:
A smart, funny, and modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion, where a young woman comes face-to-face with a lost love, proving that the one that got away is sometimes the one you get back.

Ruby and Ethan were perfect for each other. Until the day they suddenly weren't.

Ten years later, Ruby's single, having spent the last decade focusing on her demanding career and hectic life in Manhattan. There's barely time for a trip to England for her little sister's wedding. And there's certainly not time to think about seeing Ethan there for the first time in years.

But as the family frantically prepare for the big day, Ruby can't help but wonder if she made the right choice all those years ago? Because there's nothing like a wedding for stirring up the past . . .

Review

The One That Got Away was such a bittersweet love story. It's story about facing your mistakes and owning up to the guilt and regrets to let go of the past and move on. I'd never pass up on reading a good second chance love story.

The countryside setting and castle wedding was beautiful and so dreamy. The characters were a jolly bunch. There's a fair bit of reminiscing of the past good times and a really good hook that had me dying to know. I needed to know what happened to Ruby for her to end things with Ethan when they were so sweet together. The moment I heard the truth though I kicked myself for ever wanting to know.

Like the synopsis says, Ruby and Ethan were perfect for each other. They're different but they were great together no matter what people thought. I'm somewhat let down we didn't get more scenes between them in the present. I wanted to see how they'd grown in their time apart. The other potential love interests liven the story but I wanted to see a lot more of Ruby with Ethan than we actually got. Maybe I'm just being selfish haha.

I love how the story ran parallel between the Now and Then. It was interesting and ironic to see how the future turned out from the past. The alternating POVs were essential in understanding Ruby and Ethan. Being inside their heads helped to make sense of their actions. Alongside them I felt an array of emotions at what they'd been through. None of it was easy. I prayed really hard for them to find happiness (with each other). Again, I might be selfish here :P

Ruby's confession made my heart ache. She made a mistake no doubt but I hated how it came about...it made me rage. A realistic portrayal of the ugly side of human nature.

My excitement for the book tapered a little when the story dragged towards the end. I also found it wrapped up a bit too quickly. After the struggles and enormous decisions the characters made, I was hoping to see a little of the after. An epilogue would've been fulfilling. Still, my heart is content at the possibilities.

The One That Got Away is a very mature second chance love story. Some things in life are worth the heartache. Thank you St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy. I'm so happy I had the opportunity to read this book.

*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.


Giveaway

Rules:

1. This giveaway is US/Canada and will run until September 5, 2017!

2. The winner will receive a copy of The One That Got Away.

3. You must be 13+ or have parent's permission to enter this giveaway.

4. BookCatPin, and St. Martin's Press will not be held responsible for lost/damaged mail.
5. The prize will be sent out by the publisher.

6. No giveaway accounts and please don't follow then unfollow.

7. I will check all entries so please be honest or you will be disqualified.

8. The winner must respond to my email within 48 hours or I will have to pick another winner.

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