The One That Got Away by Charlotte Rixon

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dates Read: 2/1/23 - 2/2/23

    In the year 2000, Benjamin's life changes drastically when he crosses paths with Clara. They feel an instant connection, but a devastating mistake on their last night of university shatters their dreams, leading them down separate paths.

    Two decades later, Clara has achieved success in her high-profile job and is married to a handsome man. Despite her seemingly perfect life, she can't shake the feeling that a part of her heart still belongs to Benjamin, the boy she once loved. She blames herself for their separation.

    When news of a bombing surfaces in the city where their love story began, Clara is drawn back to the past she's tried to forget and the love she never could. Desperate to find Benjamin, she must confront the events that tore them apart all those years ago. But can they mend the broken pieces and rewrite their story? Or is it too late to fix what went wrong?

    This book covers themes of suicide, rape, alcoholism, mental health issues, loss of parents, cancer, IVF, and manslaughter. It's a lot to handle, so be cautious before diving in.

    The story follows Clara and Benjamin's tumultuous journey, spanning two decades. I have to admit, I wasn't a fan of Clara, especially during their college years. Both main characters annoyed me, but I found solace in the well-written side characters, Lauren and Aiden. Initially, I thought this would be a second chance romance, but it turned out to be more of a mid-life crisis exploration with flawed and unlikable characters. The novel's portrayal of their relationship was complicated due to their insecurities and constant fighting. Clara's irrationality and impulsiveness got on my nerves, and even after twenty years, she showed little growth.

    Despite my reservations, the heartfelt storyline kept me engaged. The book touches on love, loss, and the impact of past mistakes. It's heavier than I expected, but still a good read overall. If you're willing to embrace the complexities and challenging themes, you might find this book to be a satisfying journey.

    I rate it three stars, as the story had its moments, but the main characters and unresolved fights left me wanting more. The ending felt abrupt, and I wished for more closure. While I enjoyed the last quarter of the book, the rest could have used more depth and development.