OVERVIEW
This was the additional short story provided with Amazon First Reads for April 2025. I had never read anything by Mike Gayle, who is a British author.
I somewhat liked this story, but it wasn't one of my favorites offered by the Amazon First Reads program. It was something to read while I waited for my daughter to shop at Costco.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.0 stars
Writing: 3.0 stars
Mike writes beautifully. I have no issues with the quality of the writing at all.
Character development: 3.0 stars
There was fairly good character development, but I didn't like either of the primary characters. They were both selfish jerks.
The primary characters are Reuben and Beth, who were a couple.
The secondary characters are Leo (Beth's fiancé) and the assorted friends of Reuben, Beth, and Leo. As an aside, Reuben has incredible friends that he doesn't deserve!
The tertiary characters are Alan (Reuben's dad), Anne (Reuben's stepmother), and some minor characters.
Storyline: 3.0 stars
This short story is told in a dual timeline with "Then" and "Now" chapters.
Basically, Reuben and Beth have been broken up for about six months, and she is getting married. Beth calls Reuben on the morning of the wedding, and nothing but chaos ensues.
The main location is southern England.
Memorable/Informative: 3.0 stars
The premise of Reuben and Beth's relationship, their issues, and why they break up is just ridiculous.
Book cover: 3.5 stars
Meh.
Book title: 3.0 stars
True, but trite.
LUKEWARM recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
Amazon First Reads - ebook/short story
The One That Got Away by Mike Gayle
100 pages
Amazon Original Stories
Release date of 5/1/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Infidelity, alcohol
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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