The One That Got Away by Mike Gayle [Review]

The One That Got Away by Mike Gayle
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 7, 2025

Purchase Links: Kindle

Mike Gayle
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Reuben thought he’d spend the rest of his life with Beth, until she broke his heart six months ago. He’s not even remotely over her, so he’s devastated to hear she’s getting married—this weekend.

Now he’s faced with the ultimate question: what should he do on the day of the wedding? Grieve? Disrupt the ceremony? Or do everything in his power to pretend it’s not happening?

Enlisting the help of his friends, Reuben is all set to mark the occasion with distraction on a grand scale: Ferraris, champagne, and a VIP box at the races.

But on the morning of the Big Day, Reuben gets a phone call that not only derails his elaborate itinerary: it may well change his life completely…

Thoughts on The One That Got Away: I honestly wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this story given Reuben's concerning (and somewhat stalker-esque) actions in the beginning. I mean, finding out your ex is getting married and immediately attempting to engineer a "accidental" meeting is kind of gross. BUT...Reuben wasn't terrible.

He was confused and a little heartbroken and wasn't quite thinking clearly. I don't condone his mad dash to cross paths with Beth in the beginning, but he ended up figuring things out (with both himself and her) before crossing any lines that shouldn't be crossed.

Did I mention that he figured things out? Sometimes people are good together, but the timing isn't right or whatever. Beth wasn't ready for the level of commitment Reuben was and it soured their relationship. They were two people whose paths ran beside one another for a while, not for the long haul. And yeah, maybe Beth changed her mind about her stance on love, but...I don't know. Ultimately, Reuben wasn't Beth's person. And trying to fit the mold for what the other needed wasn't going to work long-term.

I can appreciate where they story went, but I didn't love it. I enjoyed the ending more than I was expecting to, but relationships are sticky and complicated and Reuben actually caused most (if not all) of the drama Beth ended up dealing with and I don't know how I feel about that.