This was a lot of fun to read. All the events led up to a great ending. The characters were amazingly built. They were a lot of fun to read about.

I was excited to dive into this one because the plot sounded fun and like a great friends-to-lovers trope.
I loved Brynn and Jamie’s friendship and personalities. They felt very real and that made this a fun read. 
I expected this read to be a little predictable, but it unfortunately got to a point that I was getting a little annoyed. 
There were so many highs and lows with Jamie and Brynn’s emotions that it was repetitive. There was a lot of redundancy in the book that made it drag on a bit. 
It was enjoyable enough to keep me interested but I didn’t love it.

The One That Got Away is the first book in the Kingston Ale House series and the first I have read by this author.  I really enjoyed the book.  It was well written and had a fun road trip storyline.  The characters were charming and easy to fall in love with.  Jamie Kingston had loved his best friend Brynn Chandler since high school but after their first kiss, his home life fell apart.  He feared losing Brynn as a friend and he stepped back into the friend zone.  Now ten years later he has regrets and has one more chance to win her over.  He is taking her on a road trip to California.  Brynn’s heart was crushed when Jamie told her he only wanted to be friends after their first kiss.  She buried her feelings for him years ago and won’t let herself think of that night.  As they travel across country, her feelings start to expose themselves again.  Can they overcome their fears before it’s too late and reveal their feelings for each other?
I received an ARC from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The One That Got Away

I found myself really having a tough time routing for Jamie (the H) in this story.  He’s been in love with Brynn for years, and she’s been in love with him, but in high school, he put her firmly in the friend zone.  Now, when he decides it’s time to accept her as a potential partner, he lets her believe he is still in a relationship! Yet she still sleeps with him (I was really disgusted by that).  I found myself routing for them, then cursing them.  I also found that they seemed to draw drama around them to the detriment of any progress.  With this time in history, my patience level regarding whining and drama seems to be non-existent.

Cross-country game of Romance Chicken

Jamie and Brynn belong together.  Everyone can see it, they each believe it, but the catch (and the whole crux of the story) is that neither believes that the other believes it, and neither wants to be the one that risks the friendship by declaring themselves only to face rejection.  So yes, the plot and the resulting HEA are a bit predictable, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.  

Our faith in the story's trajectory is only surpassed by Brynn and Jamie's faith in their friendship, despite the underlying tension.  I really enjoyed the minor ups and downs as the road trip from Chicago to LA forces them to confront their feelings, their doubts, their insecurities, as well as all the things that have sustained them over the many years of their friendship.  Even when they're certain the romance can't work out, the friendship is always solid, and I appreciated the stability of that foundation.

The writing is superior, the humor is only slightly outpaced by the love and physical expression of it, and the HEA is joyously triumphant.  Highly recommended.  I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This is your regular misunderstood romance after 50% in I needed a change. Miscommunication and misunderstood feelings. Beginning is good middle began to drag. DNF.



**************************I received an ARC from Net Galley for my honest review.**************************************

This is a story about the true test of friendship. Brynne and James had been friends since middle school. That friendship had been tested ten years ago and was once again been tested more than ever. As they realize their feelings for each other go deeper than just platonic friendship, they have to get rid of all the fear that is keeping them from reaching for the moon. The story is filled with emotional highs and lows as they sort through their messy feelings. They are both lucky enough to have people in their corner who help them find their way to love.

The One That Got Away is the first book in the Kingston Ale House series by A.J. Pine. A lovely friends-to-lovers romance that is sure to pull you in and leave you wanting more. Pine's trademark writing style is smooth and witty.  The characters are well-written and develop at a steady pace that makes it easy to get lost in.

I have had this book on my TBR list for a long time and I wish I hadn't waited so long to read it!

Jamie and Brynn have been best friends since high school. There was one moment where they had a chance to become more, but it didn't work out. Now 10 years later they may have a second chance if they can learn to trust their feelings.

This was a really fun book with the friends to more trope I enjoy, a road trip, and stumbling blocks for the couple that felt realistic and not overly angsty.

Both Jamie and Brynn make mistakes but their love for each other is evident. I liked getting glimpses of their history together without the plot getting bogged down with too many flashbacks of extra details. They both struggle with communication which I sometimes do not like in books, but it was done well here.

A number of secondary characters were introduced, too, as part of their friends group. They added some humor and acted as sounding boards for both Jamie and Brynn. I am looking forward to reading their stories in the next three books in the series.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

A captivating story with heart, humour, passion and emotions. These characters have a connection that is so magnetic and genuine - you will find yourself rooting for them to get their HEA! Would recommend

3.5 Stars
Best friends from childhood Aways have that moment... you know the one... when each of them all of a sudden realizes they are boys and girls and hormones are happening. It is a curious time and when the kiss happens, a decision must be made... to they admit their attraction or stay friends...

She pulled back and he hid his love from her. 

Time has passed, they are adults and she is wanting a real relationship in her life. She is looking for the one. He sees this is his only chance to show her He is Her One. He offers a two-week road trip and hopes to show her what is right in front of her.

Will she see it or is she blinded by the security of friendship...

Loved this second chance love story, but there were times I wanted to smack both leads upside the head! Jamie and Brynn were funny and heartbreaking at the same time. While everyone else could see their more-than-friends connection, they of course were totally oblivious. 
I loved the banter between these lifelong friends, and Brynn’s sister Holly made me laugh out loud! This is my first AJ Pine book but it will definitely not be my last! Can’t wait to read the next Kingston Alehouse book!

The story of Brynn and Jamie. Despite being friends for so long, they don't talk about the kiss they shared 10 years ago.

When Jamie realises that he might lose Brynn for ever, they set off on a road trip with the hope that she realises that he is the one for her. Will his plan work?

Looking forward to reading more from this author.

The first book in the Kingston Ale House series, The One That Got Away, was a sweet, fun read. I liked the characters and the storyline and look forward to reading more.

I enjoyed this story. I love friends to more and this was a sweet and enjoyable read. I felt for Brynn and Jamie throughout it. They were both so confused and scared. Such a simple remedy but a adventure to get there. Definitely worth the time.

I have bought this book in ibooks and will read and review it soon as I am a fan of the author.