To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
Limited-time Offer
Save over 90% off
$0.99
  • For a limited time, join Audible for only $0.99/mo for the first 3 months.
  • 1 bestseller or new release each month from our entire selection - yours to keep.
  • Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, podcasts & Audible Originals.
  • After 3 months, $14.95/mo. No commitment. Cancel online anytime.
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company
Your audiobook is waiting!
  • One credit a month to pick any title from our entire premium selection to keep (you’ll use your first credit now).
  • Unlimited listening on select audiobooks, Audible Originals, and podcasts.
  • You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
  • $14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel online anytime.
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company
List Price: $25.00
By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible’s Conditions Of Use. and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company

The One That Got Away Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 2,205 ratings

Sarina Mahler thinks she has her life all nailed down: a growing architecture practice in Austin, Texas, and an any-day-now proposal from her loving boyfriend, Noah. She's well on her way to having the family she's hoped for since her mother's death 10 years ago. But with Noah on a temporary assignment abroad and retired Olympic swimmer - and former flame - Eamon Roy back in town asking her to renovate his new fixer-upper, Sarina's life takes an unexpected turn.

Eamon proves to be Sarina's dream client, someone who instinctively trusts every one of her choices - and Sarina is reminded of all the reasons she was first drawn to him back in the day. Suddenly her carefully planned future with Noah seems a little less than perfect. And when tragedy strikes, Sarina is left reeling. With her world completely upended, she is forced to question what she truly wants in life - and in love.

Full of both humor and heartbreak, The One That Got Away is the story of one woman's discovery that, sometimes, life is what happens when you leave the blueprints behind.

Read & Listen

Switch between reading the Kindle book & listening to the Audible audiobook with Whispersync for Voice.
Get the Audible audiobook for the reduced price of $7.49 after you buy the Kindle book.

Product details

Listening Length 11 hours and 34 minutes
Author Bethany Chase
Narrator Loretta Rawlins
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date October 04, 2016
Publisher Tantor Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B01LZSK1S5
Best Sellers Rank #214,609 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#4,216 in Romantic Comedy (Audible Books & Originals)
#7,425 in Women's Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#7,615 in Humorous Fiction

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,205 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's writing style and find it a satisfying, enjoyable read. They appreciate the relatable characters and the realistic storyline. The dialogue is witty and fun, keeping readers entertained. Overall, customers describe the book as an outstanding first novel by a fabulous new author.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

116 customers mention "Readability"112 positive4 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and satisfying. They describe it as a lighthearted vacation read with great characters that tug at the heartstrings. The story is described as an outstanding first novel that will appeal to the right audience.

"...though, the banter was fun, character development solid, really great all the way around. Would definitely read more from this author." Read more

"...bill perfectly for an easy-to-read, yet hard to put down, lighthearted vacation read that also tugs at the heart strings. Definitely recommend!" Read more

"...The way that grief was addressed within the story was very raw, real and apt...." Read more

"This is a good, quick read. Definitely your typical chick-lit. Well written. Some parts were kind of cringe worthy and I can't stand the name Eamon...." Read more

69 customers mention "Story quality"66 positive3 negative

Customers find the story engaging and complex. They describe it as a romantic suspenseful journey with many twists and turns. The plot unfolds realistically, and the author is praised as a great storyteller.

"...and getting over the hurdles of your past, and of finding home in yourself and others...." Read more

"...I would not have wanted to resist him that is for sure. Great story but I will say it’s long and like I mentioned, a super slow burn...." Read more

"...impressed the hell out of me because the characters and story were so strongly developed as well as some great writing and incredible insight...." Read more

"...you are enjoying the journey so much: it's a wonderful little indulgence in romantic suspense!..." Read more

65 customers mention "Writing quality"61 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it witty, easy to read, and comfortable. The dialogue is witty and fun, with descriptions that are just right. Readers appreciate the author's ability to keep them guessing about the romantic interest and how the book keeps them hooked.

"...It was about stripping away old beliefs and expectations - sometimes at the expense of comfort and familiarity - and opening yourself up to the..." Read more

"...Great writing though, the banter was fun, character development solid, really great all the way around. Would definitely read more from this author." Read more

"...as much as I previously did, but it fit the bill perfectly for an easy-to-read, yet hard to put down, lighthearted vacation read that also tugs at..." Read more

"I will say this book was well-written; the author is intelligent and has a way of using a word that sparks some interesting connections or adds a..." Read more

61 customers mention "Character development"56 positive5 negative

Customers find the characters relatable and realistic. The protagonists are fully adult with interesting occupations. They find the heroine admirable and her boyfriend likable.

"...The characters had dimension and heart, and I enjoyed the hip, colorful culture of Austin, TX as the backdrop...." Read more

"...Great writing though, the banter was fun, character development solid, really great all the way around. Would definitely read more from this author." Read more

"...I found Sarina to be a pretty admirable heroine for the most part, especially in the moments connected to her career...." Read more

"...and interior design and life as a sports hero: all adding authenticity to the characters...." Read more

34 customers mention "Believable story"27 positive7 negative

Customers find the story believable and relatable. They appreciate the well-written, researched, and entertaining story with good descriptions. The characters are strong and the book is a steady read that keeps readers guessing until the end.

"...Romantic and real, this was so much more than just "a second chance at love" story...." Read more

"...Sarina was a strong and independent woman and I love how she asserted herself and advocated for her talent and her business...." Read more

"...On the whole, it felt mostly authentic and believable with a few little glitches though I REALLY wish the writer hadn't ended it with a 3/4 of a..." Read more

"...types of loving relationships were dealt with were also completely believable. You really buy into this story. Love, love, love...." Read more

16 customers mention "Humor"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it funny, witty, and well-written. The book is described as an entertaining read with enough side stories to keep them engaged. Readers appreciate the sweet story of Sarina and Eamon's second marriage.

"Witty and fun, this was a sweet story of Sarina and Eamon’s second chance. It was a super slow burn, which was probably my only complaint...." Read more

"...I laughed and highlighted some of the very funny stuff in the story. Sarina and Eamon are a love match in all ways...." Read more

"...female character in forever. All of the characters were smart, funny, caring, vulnerable… So real...." Read more

"What a great book. Bethany Chase is a fantastic story teller. She adds humor, grief, longing, passion and love to her characters in such a way..." Read more

15 customers mention "Author"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the author's writing style. They find the book engaging and enjoyable to read about an inspiring career woman. Readers look forward to the author's next novel.

"...It was great reading about her and how she handled herself - she wasn’t dorky or dumb or goofy, which when I read characters that are strong but in..." Read more

"I will say this book was well-written; the author is intelligent and has a way of using a word that sparks some interesting connections or adds a..." Read more

"There's nothing better than discovering a fabulous new author, and that's exactly what I've found in Bethany Chase...." Read more

"Best book by a new author I've read in the last year! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I genuinely liked the characters and story...." Read more

12 customers mention "Aesthetic"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's aesthetic. They find it cozy, with lovely design and settings. The book is described as cute and fun, with interesting connections and a new perspective. Readers appreciate the colorful culture of Austin, TX as a backdrop.

"...Yet it's the aesthetic details and whimsical accents that encourage you to linger and get cozy. I loved this book from the get-go! "..." Read more

"...And Eamon - wow, just wow. He is the whole package. Gorgeous and hilarious...." Read more

"...a way of using a word that sparks some interesting connections or adds a new hue. So for her talent as a wordsmith, three stars...." Read more

"...It is a journey, but the author makes it interesting and fun. The design aspects and settings are a bonus." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2015
    With a whip-smart, talented architect as its female protagonist, Bethany Chase's debut novel draws fitting parallels to the craft of architecture itself. Lush and inviting, the story's clean lines and solid foundation draw you in. Yet it's the aesthetic details and whimsical accents that encourage you to linger and get cozy. I loved this book from the get-go!

    "Every woman has one. That name you Google at two o'clock in the morning." And so begins the delicious build-up of The One That Got Away.
    It's a story of re-inventing the what-ifs, of growing and getting over the hurdles of your past, and of finding home in yourself and others. The characters had dimension and heart, and I enjoyed the hip, colorful culture of Austin, TX as the backdrop. It made me want to kick up my boots on a back patio of a bar with a cold Lone Star in hand and eavesdrop on Sarina, Danny, Eamon, Nicole and the others for as long as they'd let me!

    Romantic and real, this was so much more than just "a second chance at love" story. It was about stripping away old beliefs and expectations - sometimes at the expense of comfort and familiarity - and opening yourself up to the possibility that, with time, the love you discover can be even richer, truer and more fulfilling than before. Chase keenly nails the emotion as she explores what it means to let go of - and grab hold of - The One That Got Away. Looking forward to reading more from her!
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2018
    Witty and fun, this was a sweet story of Sarina and Eamon’s second chance. It was a super slow burn, which was probably my only complaint. Sarina and Eamon meet 8 years earlier and the story of their initial interaction is something that does seem like more than a one-night stand, but Sarina never heard from Eamon again, despite the fact that she was the roommate of one of his close friends. Present day, Eamon has moved to Austin and fate has put them together in the remodel of a new house. Sarina is very talented and they have daily interaction. They have a friendly banter rife with sexual tension and one wonders what she is thinking by not acting on it.Well Sarina has a boyfriend and they have a long distance romance she is trying to make work. Eamon is a distraction and it’s not a surprise which way the reader wants her to go.

    Sarina was a strong and independent woman and I love how she asserted herself and advocated for her talent and her business. It was great reading about her and how she handled herself - she wasn’t dorky or dumb or goofy, which when I read characters that are strong but in a goofy way, it’s so annoying. Granted she had some decisions where the reader really wants her to choose differently, but it’s understandable given where her head is at the time. She does get a little frustrating toward the end, but again, kind of understand where she is coming from.

    And Eamon - wow, just wow. He is the whole package. Gorgeous and hilarious. He is clearly attracted to Sarina from the beginning but she doesn’t want to think that he is. There are some sexy moments and he is so swoon-worthy! I would not have wanted to resist him that is for sure.

    Great story but I will say it’s long and like I mentioned, a super slow burn. It was worth waiting for, but I would have loved to have had it earlier and more of it. Great writing though, the banter was fun, character development solid, really great all the way around. Would definitely read more from this author.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2016
    I downloaded this book for a beach couples trip with a group of friends for something to read on the plane, as it was noted as "for lovers of Emily Giffin", and I do... LOVE Emily Giffin! I am from Texas and super familiar with Austin, so that was another draw for me. I found my self sneaking in time to read this any chance I got - it was on my kindle/phone, but was worth the squinting to read by the pool. If you've ever lost a parent or close family member, it will be especially heart wrenching as you can feel the loss of her mom (this isn't giving anything away :) just a fact of the book from the beginning). I found myself crying whilst blow drying my hair and trying to read it upside down! I love crying at books though, so this isn't a negative. I immediately downloaded her next book, "Result May Vary" for my flight home, and stayed up until 1am that night to finish it in the dark in my room with my sleeping husband next to me. The end of this book alludes to a spin-off novel/gives a short excerpt, so I will be waiting patiently for her next novel. I am in grad school part time right now, so don't get to read for enjoyment as much as I previously did, but it fit the bill perfectly for an easy-to-read, yet hard to put down, lighthearted vacation read that also tugs at the heart strings. Definitely recommend!
    17 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2018
    I will say this book was well-written; the author is intelligent and has a way of using a word that sparks some interesting connections or adds a new hue. So for her talent as a wordsmith, three stars. I just had to knock off the other two because it’s not an interesting book. Of course all chick-lit is predictable- I heard one writer say “You don’t read a mystery without hearing whodunnit” and by extension you don’t read a romance without the girl getting the right man (always after a false start) so I can’t say the predictability was the problem. And to her credit, the novel does not follow all the usual patterns. It just seems to run in place too much. I didn’t look forward to opening it and I could easily put it down. Maybe others will enjoy it more - for them and her I hope so.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Cynthia
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on June 11, 2015
    I love this book. Hope to see other books by this author soon.
  • luciluno2
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2016
    It's a nice entertaining read and well written. I enjoyed it.
  • Charmayne
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on June 22, 2015
    Loved it and can't wait for book #2 in the series.
  • sk80
    3.0 out of 5 stars I liked this although it was boring at times.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 17, 2018
    I really liked some parts of this story, especially the main character's passion for her own work. The love story was kind of boring: the romantic interest is a bit weak and I never found myself rooting for him.
    The tension between the main character, Ree, and her boyfriend was pretty enraging. He's basically a dimwit stuck in the 1950s who doesn't support her in her professional ambition. What is enraging is that she puts up with it for way too many pages.
    The writing is really really good though, so I enjoyed it and read it in one go.