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The Fish Tales #4
The Ones That Got Away
Plenty of fish in the sea. But none like the ones that got away.
Author Suanne Laqueur gives her readers an intimate, guided tour of the award-winning novel, The Man I Love. From the embryonic chapters written over twenty years ago to scenes cut from the final draft, you’ll witness the crafting of an emotional journey and the evolution of the beloved characters within The Fish Tales.
Includes never-before-seen material and an excerpt from Laqueur’s next novel, An Exaltation of Larks.
Author Suanne Laqueur gives her readers an intimate, guided tour of the award-winning novel, The Man I Love. From the embryonic chapters written over twenty years ago to scenes cut from the final draft, you’ll witness the crafting of an emotional journey and the evolution of the beloved characters within The Fish Tales.
Includes never-before-seen material and an excerpt from Laqueur’s next novel, An Exaltation of Larks.
250 pages, ebook
First published July 7, 2016
About the author
Suanne Laqueur
27 books1,534 followersA former professional dancer and teacher, Suanne Laqueur went from choreographing music to choreographing words, writing stories that appeal to the passions of all readers, crossing gender, age and genre. As a devoted mental health advocate, her novels focus on both romantic and familial relationships, as well as psychology, PTSD and generational trauma.
Laqueur’s novel An Exaltation of Larks was the grand prize winner in the 2017 Writer’s Digest Book Awards and took first place in the 2019 North Street Book Prize. Her debut novel The Man I Love won a gold medal in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and was named Best Debut in the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her follow-up novel, Give Me Your Answer True, was also a gold medal winner at the 2016 RFBA.
Laqueur graduated from Alfred University with a double major in dance and theater. She taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for ten years. An avid reader, cook and gardener, she started her blog EatsReadsThinks in 2010.
Suanne lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and two children.
Laqueur’s novel An Exaltation of Larks was the grand prize winner in the 2017 Writer’s Digest Book Awards and took first place in the 2019 North Street Book Prize. Her debut novel The Man I Love won a gold medal in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and was named Best Debut in the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her follow-up novel, Give Me Your Answer True, was also a gold medal winner at the 2016 RFBA.
Laqueur graduated from Alfred University with a double major in dance and theater. She taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for ten years. An avid reader, cook and gardener, she started her blog EatsReadsThinks in 2010.
Suanne lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 6, 2017
*****4.75*****
The perfect ending to a wonderful series.
Can we please give a round of applause to our author Suanne Laqueur for giving the reading a front row seat to the creative process of the series! I enjoyed learning the way Suanne’s mind worked and how she created the characters. Everything was so informative. I’m sure other l authors have done this before but I haven’t seen it.
I am now going to share with you one my favorite parts of the book… Will and Lucky! Yasssss! We get to know them in a way we didn’t from the other books.
Hold on, that’s not true…we got to know them pretty well in the other books.
We get to know them on a personal level. I just loved them so, so much. Even better than that, a few of my lingering questions were answered.
I never understood why Daisy didn’t go to Erik after he found her in bed with David. I blamed her (still do) for why Erik left and didn’t come back. I hadn’t thought about Erik and Lucky’s role in Erik leaving the day Daisy cheated on him. Suanne, being the brilliant writer that she is answered a question I didn’t even know I had…
Did Will play a role in Erik leaving the way he did?
Will’s regret that horrible day…
Well, thank fuck! I have been waiting for someone to say something of the sort. Someone to acknowledge that they should have fought for Erik. No one put up a good fight for him and I just wanted them to say that. To say they could have done better. To say they wish they had done better. – Thank you Suanne for giving this to me (I know it wan’t for me, really but I’m going to pretend that it was).
Will loved everything about Lucky. He loved when she asked him questions about himself. They never lied to each other, the truth was always an vital part of their relationship. Lucky wasn’t afraid to ask those hard questions. So when it came down to his sexual orientation, she was blunt. My kind of girl.
I spoke about my fear of dating a bisexual man in my review of Here To Stay, book 3 – check it out. Suanne addressed Will’s bisexuality in this book which I loved by the way. I felt closer to Will after he explains his feelings for men vs. women. Will’s love for Erik is also addressed here more in depth.
Again, I getting answers to questions I didn’t even know I had. I mean, I wondered but I never expected an answer so I chose not to think much about it.
I know that’s not how all bisexual men feel but it was not to get inside of Will’s head for a bit. And there is so much more to get to know so you should really pick up the book. Even with Lucky. I knew I liked her from the other books but now I love her.
I really enjoyed this book for what it had to offer. It was the perfect finishing touch to an amazing series. Thank you Suanne for gifting your readers with this behind the scenes book.
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The perfect ending to a wonderful series.
Can we please give a round of applause to our author Suanne Laqueur for giving the reading a front row seat to the creative process of the series! I enjoyed learning the way Suanne’s mind worked and how she created the characters. Everything was so informative. I’m sure other l authors have done this before but I haven’t seen it.
I am now going to share with you one my favorite parts of the book… Will and Lucky! Yasssss! We get to know them in a way we didn’t from the other books.
Hold on, that’s not true…we got to know them pretty well in the other books.
We get to know them on a personal level. I just loved them so, so much. Even better than that, a few of my lingering questions were answered.
I never understood why Daisy didn’t go to Erik after he found her in bed with David. I blamed her (still do) for why Erik left and didn’t come back. I hadn’t thought about Erik and Lucky’s role in Erik leaving the day Daisy cheated on him. Suanne, being the brilliant writer that she is answered a question I didn’t even know I had…
Did Will play a role in Erik leaving the way he did?
Will’s regret that horrible day…
I wouldn’t have left him alone at Colby Street. Dumbest thing ever. Telling Dais not to go over there, leaving him to stew in rage and pack up and leave. Idiotic. If I could go back, I would’ve slashed his tires, for starters. Then I would’ve parked outside his bedroom and not moved. Or lay down in the driveway. Or better, I would’ve thrown Dais into his room, barricaded the door and not let them out until…something happened. Or someone died. I don’t know. Giving him space was the wrong tactic, I know that now. – Will
Well, thank fuck! I have been waiting for someone to say something of the sort. Someone to acknowledge that they should have fought for Erik. No one put up a good fight for him and I just wanted them to say that. To say they could have done better. To say they wish they had done better. – Thank you Suanne for giving this to me (I know it wan’t for me, really but I’m going to pretend that it was).
Will loved everything about Lucky. He loved when she asked him questions about himself. They never lied to each other, the truth was always an vital part of their relationship. Lucky wasn’t afraid to ask those hard questions. So when it came down to his sexual orientation, she was blunt. My kind of girl.
I spoke about my fear of dating a bisexual man in my review of Here To Stay, book 3 – check it out. Suanne addressed Will’s bisexuality in this book which I loved by the way. I felt closer to Will after he explains his feelings for men vs. women. Will’s love for Erik is also addressed here more in depth.
Again, I getting answers to questions I didn’t even know I had. I mean, I wondered but I never expected an answer so I chose not to think much about it.
“It’s like a craving,” he said, turning his cheek on his crossed arms. “It’s always a physical urge. I just start jonesing for that kind of connection and if I’m not involved with anyone, I’ll go for it.”
I know that’s not how all bisexual men feel but it was not to get inside of Will’s head for a bit. And there is so much more to get to know so you should really pick up the book. Even with Lucky. I knew I liked her from the other books but now I love her.
I really enjoyed this book for what it had to offer. It was the perfect finishing touch to an amazing series. Thank you Suanne for gifting your readers with this behind the scenes book.
Check out loads of unfiltered reviews at https://prettymessreading.wordpress.com/
Follow all my crazy....
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June 7, 2019
4 stars
The Ones That Got Away is the fourth book in The Fish Tales series, but it’s one that is a little different. The first part of this book really goes through Suanne Laqueur’s writing process and what could have been with the story. I found it interesting to be in the authors head and see how the story changed and progressed.
There were also some scenes that didn’t fit in any of the books but were fun to read. The real treat, though, was getting into Will’s head so much. He’s one of my favorite characters of the story and I loved getting so many scenes from his POV. He and Lucky are such an integral part of Erik and Daisy’s story and I loved getting more of them.
It only took me 8 days to listen to this series. That’s 4 books, almost 50 hours and just a little over a week. This series consumed me and I loved it so much! This was a really cool and different book and I’m so glad I read it. Also, this series is EVERYTHING so if you haven't read it you need to!
The Ones That Got Away is the fourth book in The Fish Tales series, but it’s one that is a little different. The first part of this book really goes through Suanne Laqueur’s writing process and what could have been with the story. I found it interesting to be in the authors head and see how the story changed and progressed.
There were also some scenes that didn’t fit in any of the books but were fun to read. The real treat, though, was getting into Will’s head so much. He’s one of my favorite characters of the story and I loved getting so many scenes from his POV. He and Lucky are such an integral part of Erik and Daisy’s story and I loved getting more of them.
It only took me 8 days to listen to this series. That’s 4 books, almost 50 hours and just a little over a week. This series consumed me and I loved it so much! This was a really cool and different book and I’m so glad I read it. Also, this series is EVERYTHING so if you haven't read it you need to!
September 3, 2016
"Breathe in what you need and let go of what you don't. Don't be afraid of a little emotional storm."
The Ones That Got Away is a masterpiece from the gifted Suanne Laqueur. The Fish Tales is an epic series that has captivated me from the first book The Man I Love . It is a love story. A tale of friendship and an homage to the family. Simply put, it is a true reflection of the beauty and the rough edges of life.
The Ones That Got Away offers an extensive look at the scenes that weren't included in the previous books of the series. Like a beautiful puzzle, the pieces that weren't able to fit are picked up, brushed off and presented for the reader's enjoyment. We see glimpses of Erik and Daisy and their time before they were together. We experience moments shared together before the horrific accident, and we can see more of their emotional break down during their time apart. I savored the extra time spent with one of my favorite couples. Additionally, I felt comfort in grasping a better understanding of both characters emotional evolution that took place through their time apart.
As you know, if you have read the previous books in this series, the tragedy that takes place in this story is unthinkable and alters the lives of everyone involved. Ms. Laqueur takes the time to explore and share every aspect of the thought process leading up to the event. This unique glimpse into the creation of each intricate plot twist only further enhances my adoration for these characters and paints an even more vivid picture of every piece of the puzzle.
Told through a montage of scenes using multiple POVs and author commentary, The Ones That Got Away is a bonus read the fans of this series simply cannot miss! The time spent with each character will bring back a happy flood of emotions that you will want to experience. Perhaps one of my personal favorite elements of this read was the additional time spent with Will. I have always loved the dynamics between Erik and Will and was heartbroken when they spent time apart. I was so excited to have an extra special glimpse into Will's life and experience pieces of his evolution first hand. Although these scenes and moments may not have fit in the final published work, I savored each and every moment.
The Ones That Got Away is another splendid work of art from Suanne Laqueur. It was such a delight to return to these characters. Her writing is inspirational, intuitive, creative, and unforgettable. I highly recommend The Fish Tales series, and I look forward to reading more from this author!
*ARC graciously provided via author in exchange for an honest review!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
October 22, 2017
If you haven't read this amazing The Fish Tales series yet, please read them ASAP! 💕
And I don't know what can I say more about this talented lady but once again she left me speechless with this book. I read previous books a while ago but this book opened a new window inside my head. This book is about how she wrote "The Man I Love" and it was really amazing to get inside Mrs.Laqueur's mind. And my goodness, this was a really magicial experience for me... So for that I want to thank you Mrs.Laqueur. ❤ I look forward to read more from you. Infact I'm going to start to read another book of yours now. "An Exaltation of Larks" I'm sure this will be an another masterpiece of yours... ☺
Ps. Thank you so much for this unforgatteble stories. You're an amazing. ❤
You can read my reviews about this series with this links. 🤗
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And I don't know what can I say more about this talented lady but once again she left me speechless with this book. I read previous books a while ago but this book opened a new window inside my head. This book is about how she wrote "The Man I Love" and it was really amazing to get inside Mrs.Laqueur's mind. And my goodness, this was a really magicial experience for me... So for that I want to thank you Mrs.Laqueur. ❤ I look forward to read more from you. Infact I'm going to start to read another book of yours now. "An Exaltation of Larks" I'm sure this will be an another masterpiece of yours... ☺
Ps. Thank you so much for this unforgatteble stories. You're an amazing. ❤
You can read my reviews about this series with this links. 🤗
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 19, 2019
This was so cool and interesting.
This book is like the Bonus content you get when you buy your favorite DVD or the Box Set of your favorite TV Show. This is a collection of deleted scenes, alternative scenarios, scenes from different POVs and fun behind the scenes stuff. It even includes the author’s commentary!
I loved getting into the author’s head and details of her writing. Loved to see the evolution of the books and the characters. Loved the alternate scenes and even loved those Opie POV scenes. But what I loved the most was Will and Lucky. I could read about those two all day!
This is a must read (or listen) if you’re a fan of the series, cause I don’t know about you, but I never skip the bonus material on my DVDs!
This book is like the Bonus content you get when you buy your favorite DVD or the Box Set of your favorite TV Show. This is a collection of deleted scenes, alternative scenarios, scenes from different POVs and fun behind the scenes stuff. It even includes the author’s commentary!
I loved getting into the author’s head and details of her writing. Loved to see the evolution of the books and the characters. Loved the alternate scenes and even loved those Opie POV scenes. But what I loved the most was Will and Lucky. I could read about those two all day!
This is a must read (or listen) if you’re a fan of the series, cause I don’t know about you, but I never skip the bonus material on my DVDs!
July 7, 2016
I was first introduced to Suanne's work in The Man I Love, and I wrote a review for it that referenced a favorite movie. It seems fitting then, after two collaborative enterprises, and a I've-known-you-all-my-life-even-if-it's-only-been-a-year-later kind of friendship, that the review for the last Fish Tales book must reference my all time favorite movie ever. Because art has the power to bring people together in amazing ways, and the connections forged by it can make family out of strangers.
I have seen Amadeus about forty times. Maybe a little more. Certainly not less. It is the pinnacle of movies, and its subject a musician who, for me, has no equal. It introduced me to Mozart, and set me on a journey: I've visited Salzurg and Vienna; I saw where Mozart lived and worked (and died). I've listened to Don Giovanni so many times, I can sing (badly) the Commandant's part. I met the actor who played Wolfie's wigmaker at a party in SF about 20 years ago and fangirled all over myself. "I theenk you vill love eet!"
Long story long, Mozart is my homey and Amadeus is the brilliant breathtaking ode to him. Given that, one would think I'd be overjoyed when, some years ago, the filmmakers released previously deleted and extended scenes from the movie. !!!!
NO.
That movie was PERFECT with a capital P just as it was. The restored deleted scenes felt like imposters. The extended scenes were just...wrong They didn't belong there. I knew every line of dialogue by heart. Why were there more? Why was Stanzi acting like that? Where did the dogs come from? etc etc. I watched the "bonus version" of Amadeus once and only once. Never again. DO NOT mess with perfection.
What the hell does that have to do with this book, praytell? Because the possibility of that same thing happening here was very real. Why mess with--if not perfection--then certainly something damn near the sublime? So I started reading about these weird people named Julie and Buddy where there should have been Daisy and Will. And a cast of characters with POV chapters that had no business having their own POV chapters, yadda yadda, but the damnedest thing happened...
Instead of being morally outraged like I was with my favorite movie, I found myself being sucked right back into the damn book. Cut material didn't seem extraneous or superfluous. It added. It enriched. It made me cry. Even the interlopers who didn't belong there...They all added another dimension to what was already a multi-faceted work. I already knew what was going to happen and yet I found myself getting scared, happy, turned-on, nervous, devastated ALL OVER AGAIN.
Dammit.
So why? Why does some "bonus" material feel like garbage and this worked? And of course, the answer was because the characters in the Fish Tales are not dramatic personifications of long-dead historical-types. Not actors on a stage. They feel real. Like you know them. Like, instead of reading a book, you live in their world. This book is like a documentary, putting you right back in that world. Instead of being lost or disoriented, I was more deeply entrenched.
I don't know that this will be for everyone. I think it's what Suanne says, "if you like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing you will like."
But if you LOVED the Fish Tales, then this is exactly the sort of thing you will fucking love.
Remembering. Slowly melting into tears as she tries to rip her mind free, string by string, from the past.
I hate saying goodbye to these characters (Love and bravery, Daisy girl; love and bravery) but I'll close this rambly thing by saying I will forever be astonished at how much this series first touched me, how much it inspired me, and how grateful I am that it brought me to the author. It, and she, will live in my heart forever.
<3
ES
I have seen Amadeus about forty times. Maybe a little more. Certainly not less. It is the pinnacle of movies, and its subject a musician who, for me, has no equal. It introduced me to Mozart, and set me on a journey: I've visited Salzurg and Vienna; I saw where Mozart lived and worked (and died). I've listened to Don Giovanni so many times, I can sing (badly) the Commandant's part. I met the actor who played Wolfie's wigmaker at a party in SF about 20 years ago and fangirled all over myself. "I theenk you vill love eet!"
Long story long, Mozart is my homey and Amadeus is the brilliant breathtaking ode to him. Given that, one would think I'd be overjoyed when, some years ago, the filmmakers released previously deleted and extended scenes from the movie. !!!!
NO.
That movie was PERFECT with a capital P just as it was. The restored deleted scenes felt like imposters. The extended scenes were just...wrong They didn't belong there. I knew every line of dialogue by heart. Why were there more? Why was Stanzi acting like that? Where did the dogs come from? etc etc. I watched the "bonus version" of Amadeus once and only once. Never again. DO NOT mess with perfection.
What the hell does that have to do with this book, praytell? Because the possibility of that same thing happening here was very real. Why mess with--if not perfection--then certainly something damn near the sublime? So I started reading about these weird people named Julie and Buddy where there should have been Daisy and Will. And a cast of characters with POV chapters that had no business having their own POV chapters, yadda yadda, but the damnedest thing happened...
Instead of being morally outraged like I was with my favorite movie, I found myself being sucked right back into the damn book. Cut material didn't seem extraneous or superfluous. It added. It enriched. It made me cry. Even the interlopers who didn't belong there...They all added another dimension to what was already a multi-faceted work. I already knew what was going to happen and yet I found myself getting scared, happy, turned-on, nervous, devastated ALL OVER AGAIN.
Dammit.
So why? Why does some "bonus" material feel like garbage and this worked? And of course, the answer was because the characters in the Fish Tales are not dramatic personifications of long-dead historical-types. Not actors on a stage. They feel real. Like you know them. Like, instead of reading a book, you live in their world. This book is like a documentary, putting you right back in that world. Instead of being lost or disoriented, I was more deeply entrenched.
I don't know that this will be for everyone. I think it's what Suanne says, "if you like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing you will like."
But if you LOVED the Fish Tales, then this is exactly the sort of thing you will fucking love.
Remembering. Slowly melting into tears as she tries to rip her mind free, string by string, from the past.
I hate saying goodbye to these characters (Love and bravery, Daisy girl; love and bravery) but I'll close this rambly thing by saying I will forever be astonished at how much this series first touched me, how much it inspired me, and how grateful I am that it brought me to the author. It, and she, will live in my heart forever.
<3
ES
June 20, 2016
When I first read TMIL I fell very much in love with Erik. So reading this book was like going to my boyfriend's house and having his mom show me old photos. Embarrassing. Silly. Endearing. And it made me love him even more. It's a recipe book with all the ingredients that made him so special.
(For those of you in love with Will he's there too. A lot of Will. His baby photos and that random prom pic with the mullet (Buddy?!?!?). Everyone is included - it's just that for me the charm of this book is watching Erik grow up).
PS - The Fish Tales were my favorite books last year. So I hope you've read them.
(For those of you in love with Will he's there too. A lot of Will. His baby photos and that random prom pic with the mullet (Buddy?!?!?). Everyone is included - it's just that for me the charm of this book is watching Erik grow up).
PS - The Fish Tales were my favorite books last year. So I hope you've read them.
November 19, 2017
This was so, so good! I loved all the insights into how a story evolves and grows. How it starts out as one thing and ends up being something completely different. How hard the author works to give us the best story possible. And Will. Could he be any more perfect!
This series now holds its place firmly on my favourite reads of 2017.
This series now holds its place firmly on my favourite reads of 2017.
June 20, 2016
The Ones That Got Away is a generous and remarkable gift from Suanne Laqueur for her growing legion of followers who have read and loved “The Fish Tales.” It must be unusual for an author to share so much of herself with her readers. Not surprisingly, Laqueur does it as we expected: it’s satisfying and engrossing.
Unless you’ve read at least one of Laqueur’s novels (The Man I Love, Give Me Your Answer True, and Here to Stay) this book probably won’t mean much to you. I stumbled across the first book, devoured it in two days, read the second and waited impatiently for the third, during which time I re-read parts of the first two (well, most the first two). Laqueur is a masterful storyteller and an impressively skillful writer, and she draws you into the story. You don’t want to stop reading until you reach the end; and when you get there, you want more ─ because she’s introduced you to people you have come to care deeply about and you’ve lived through some intense moments with them; shared their joy, fear, elation, sorrow … just about every emotion you can think of.
In The Ones That Got Away Laqueur lets us see the inception of The Man I Love and its evolution. My take: Erik began life as quite a different character from the remarkable, flawed, magnificent character he grew into. Daisy began life as Julie (and Laqueur explains the name change), but she was definitely Daisy even then. We are privileged to see the fascinating workings of this author’s gift as it also evolves and grows. We get to know the characters better, more deeply; not just the principal characters, but even one who is barely mentioned in TMIL becomes very real when we see him working with Daisy on a dance.
And we meet characters who didn’t make the cut. As a writer, I appreciated getting to meet Nadine and Camberly, because I think that happens … we write sometimes about people the reader never meets. We need to write these; it fills out our characters’ world.
I understand why some of these scenes weren’t included, but there is one that spoke to me with poignancy and quiet power. The scene in the wind chime garden was so moving that I truly wish it had been part of Here to Stay. It’s an absolute jewel, so beautifully written and insightful that I’ve re-read it three times already. It’s a scene between Erik and Peter, and those of us who eagerly read everything this author produces will no doubt each find something in this book that they will treasure … there’s a lot more about Will and Lucky, Melanie, and even Opie (oops, sorry, John).
When The Man I Love comes to its end, I think most of us were left wanting more, and the “more” is in this book, and it’s truly wonderful. But after reading all three books, I’m glad Laqueur ended TMIL as she did. It makes sense. But armed with all this great information about the characters I love, I want to go back and re-read the entire trilogy. And continue to spread the word that there is this remarkable storyteller people need to know about. Thank you, Suanne Laqueur.
Unless you’ve read at least one of Laqueur’s novels (The Man I Love, Give Me Your Answer True, and Here to Stay) this book probably won’t mean much to you. I stumbled across the first book, devoured it in two days, read the second and waited impatiently for the third, during which time I re-read parts of the first two (well, most the first two). Laqueur is a masterful storyteller and an impressively skillful writer, and she draws you into the story. You don’t want to stop reading until you reach the end; and when you get there, you want more ─ because she’s introduced you to people you have come to care deeply about and you’ve lived through some intense moments with them; shared their joy, fear, elation, sorrow … just about every emotion you can think of.
In The Ones That Got Away Laqueur lets us see the inception of The Man I Love and its evolution. My take: Erik began life as quite a different character from the remarkable, flawed, magnificent character he grew into. Daisy began life as Julie (and Laqueur explains the name change), but she was definitely Daisy even then. We are privileged to see the fascinating workings of this author’s gift as it also evolves and grows. We get to know the characters better, more deeply; not just the principal characters, but even one who is barely mentioned in TMIL becomes very real when we see him working with Daisy on a dance.
And we meet characters who didn’t make the cut. As a writer, I appreciated getting to meet Nadine and Camberly, because I think that happens … we write sometimes about people the reader never meets. We need to write these; it fills out our characters’ world.
I understand why some of these scenes weren’t included, but there is one that spoke to me with poignancy and quiet power. The scene in the wind chime garden was so moving that I truly wish it had been part of Here to Stay. It’s an absolute jewel, so beautifully written and insightful that I’ve re-read it three times already. It’s a scene between Erik and Peter, and those of us who eagerly read everything this author produces will no doubt each find something in this book that they will treasure … there’s a lot more about Will and Lucky, Melanie, and even Opie (oops, sorry, John).
When The Man I Love comes to its end, I think most of us were left wanting more, and the “more” is in this book, and it’s truly wonderful. But after reading all three books, I’m glad Laqueur ended TMIL as she did. It makes sense. But armed with all this great information about the characters I love, I want to go back and re-read the entire trilogy. And continue to spread the word that there is this remarkable storyteller people need to know about. Thank you, Suanne Laqueur.
May 20, 2018
I love that Suanne shared with us the development of her characters and story. It's really treat to read scenes that ultimately didn't make the final cut or early version of scenes that were pivotal in the final draft.
A lot of it though is a massive character study. The main reason I love SLQR's books so much is because they're all about characters that are three dimensional and real. Getting to see how she develops and discovers them is truly a gift.
A lot of it though is a massive character study. The main reason I love SLQR's books so much is because they're all about characters that are three dimensional and real. Getting to see how she develops and discovers them is truly a gift.
June 20, 2016
How does one review a gift?
The Ones That Got Away is precisely that. A generous gift from one author to her fans who continually beg for more of Erik and Daisy.
This time MORE is a privileged peek behind the scenes at the process. Laqueur opens up dusty folders where Erik and Daisy were unformed embryo's swimming in a murky pool of characters. But they were destined to rise to the top and Laqueur brings us along on the journey as these two people we've grown to love over the course of three novels, grow, mature, and find their story. Even in the early stages, we see the embryonic genius of Laqueur's writing. Obvious to one and all, it was there from the beginning. Part of her DNA.
Not many authors would invite you in to see all the cracks in the veneer. But Laqueur is not just any author. Her relationship with her readers is symbiotic. She allows herself to be vulnerable, and her readers respond with open hearts. Thank you.
The Ones That Got Away is precisely that. A generous gift from one author to her fans who continually beg for more of Erik and Daisy.
This time MORE is a privileged peek behind the scenes at the process. Laqueur opens up dusty folders where Erik and Daisy were unformed embryo's swimming in a murky pool of characters. But they were destined to rise to the top and Laqueur brings us along on the journey as these two people we've grown to love over the course of three novels, grow, mature, and find their story. Even in the early stages, we see the embryonic genius of Laqueur's writing. Obvious to one and all, it was there from the beginning. Part of her DNA.
Not many authors would invite you in to see all the cracks in the veneer. But Laqueur is not just any author. Her relationship with her readers is symbiotic. She allows herself to be vulnerable, and her readers respond with open hearts. Thank you.
Read
August 31, 2020i've never read something like this before. it was a fascinating insight into the writing process of one of the most beautiful series i've had the pleasure of reading. Laqueur is one magnificent writer and she shows how much care and thought she puts into her works. it's not necessary to read this novel, but it's nice to be back with the characters and get some further appreciation of the series.
there is not much else i can say here. if you've read The Fish Tales, you've already read this book, and if you haven't, this doesn't concern you.
there is not much else i can say here. if you've read The Fish Tales, you've already read this book, and if you haven't, this doesn't concern you.
June 25, 2016
This companion novel is an absolute must read for lovers of The Fish Tales Series like me.
The Man I Love blew me away last year, while GMYAT and HTS did exactly the same thing. This series will forever be on my favourites shelf and any opportunity to spend more to time with these characters is something I will never knock back. It's the reason I love reading - the story, the characters and the absolutely flawless writing of Ms Laqueur.
As the synopsis said this a behind the scenes look at how TMIL came to be together with a collection of deleted scenes that didn't make it into the 3 books.
I loved how the author gave us so much of herself in this book and in awe of the dedication and time it took to get to the final published version. Explaining what was going through her mind, how things changed along the way and never throwing anything away, rather filing it away for later when the creative flow wasn't there.
The beginning / evolution was markedly different and whilst reading I felt like I was at the movies watching a different version of a film I had watched previously. I was comparing and critiquing scenes and thinking wow that's different and then nodding when the author said I changed this or that because I knew I had to write about something I knew. That's one thing as a reader that really stands out to me and connects me to the book and it's characters - when you can feel that the author is writng from experience.
I loved the deleted scenes and the scenes that were written in Will's POV, Lucky's POV and even James'. Ms Laqueur explained that she needed to get inside the heads of all her characters even the secondary ones to be able to write the scenes in which they appear. Well these scenes where all page turners for me and whilst I understand why they couldn't be in the books, I loved reading them and once again am so appreciative that the author allowed us into her mind and creative process.
I cried a river in the previous 3 book and thought I was pretty safe with this one, but Ms Laqueur got me again - this time at the 72% mark in a beautiful scene with Erik and his brother.
I love this series and this authors writng and recommend this series to absolutely everyone. At the end there was a small excerpt from the authors next book and I will be waiting ( not so patiently) for its release because I would read whatever she was to write.
Thank you Ms Laqueur for the ARC you so generously provided.
The Man I Love blew me away last year, while GMYAT and HTS did exactly the same thing. This series will forever be on my favourites shelf and any opportunity to spend more to time with these characters is something I will never knock back. It's the reason I love reading - the story, the characters and the absolutely flawless writing of Ms Laqueur.
As the synopsis said this a behind the scenes look at how TMIL came to be together with a collection of deleted scenes that didn't make it into the 3 books.
I loved how the author gave us so much of herself in this book and in awe of the dedication and time it took to get to the final published version. Explaining what was going through her mind, how things changed along the way and never throwing anything away, rather filing it away for later when the creative flow wasn't there.
The beginning / evolution was markedly different and whilst reading I felt like I was at the movies watching a different version of a film I had watched previously. I was comparing and critiquing scenes and thinking wow that's different and then nodding when the author said I changed this or that because I knew I had to write about something I knew. That's one thing as a reader that really stands out to me and connects me to the book and it's characters - when you can feel that the author is writng from experience.
I loved the deleted scenes and the scenes that were written in Will's POV, Lucky's POV and even James'. Ms Laqueur explained that she needed to get inside the heads of all her characters even the secondary ones to be able to write the scenes in which they appear. Well these scenes where all page turners for me and whilst I understand why they couldn't be in the books, I loved reading them and once again am so appreciative that the author allowed us into her mind and creative process.
I cried a river in the previous 3 book and thought I was pretty safe with this one, but Ms Laqueur got me again - this time at the 72% mark in a beautiful scene with Erik and his brother.
I love this series and this authors writng and recommend this series to absolutely everyone. At the end there was a small excerpt from the authors next book and I will be waiting ( not so patiently) for its release because I would read whatever she was to write.
Thank you Ms Laqueur for the ARC you so generously provided.
June 17, 2016
One may ask why it took me two entire weeks to read this book. When Suanne mentioned she was releasing this I was more than excited. She had already completely wowed me with Fish Tales.
What more could I get from it? What more could she give her readers in regards to Erik, Daisy, Will, and Lucky?
The answer is a WORLD MORE.
I don't exactly know what it is I expected when I began. I knew it was a deleted scenes of sorts. One of my favorite past times aside from reading is watching the extra material in dvd's. So I hoped that it would be a similar experience, yet it was so much more.
To save anyone who has to wait until release date from spoilers I won't post even a single quote. (Maybe when it's released I'll work on a better review)
There were some amazing moments that I was so grateful for witnessing. And a chapter directly from here has forever been added to my favorites. More than one. I got so much more out of this. So many scenes that I wish hadn't been cut. But it was so worth not reading them in the original story so that I could get them here. And have I mentioned Suanne's narrative in the chapters? It's weird and quirky and smart and funny.
I smiled, laughed, cried, and rejoiced in the chapters within this book. Anyone who loved Fish Tales will absolutely love this.
What more could I get from it? What more could she give her readers in regards to Erik, Daisy, Will, and Lucky?
The answer is a WORLD MORE.
I don't exactly know what it is I expected when I began. I knew it was a deleted scenes of sorts. One of my favorite past times aside from reading is watching the extra material in dvd's. So I hoped that it would be a similar experience, yet it was so much more.
To save anyone who has to wait until release date from spoilers I won't post even a single quote. (Maybe when it's released I'll work on a better review)
There were some amazing moments that I was so grateful for witnessing. And a chapter directly from here has forever been added to my favorites. More than one. I got so much more out of this. So many scenes that I wish hadn't been cut. But it was so worth not reading them in the original story so that I could get them here. And have I mentioned Suanne's narrative in the chapters? It's weird and quirky and smart and funny.
I smiled, laughed, cried, and rejoiced in the chapters within this book. Anyone who loved Fish Tales will absolutely love this.
June 20, 2016
The Ones That Got Away is not a continuation of Erik and Daisy’s story per se, but a trip through the amazing mind of Suanne Laqueur. She tells us the “how and why” of the “who, what, and when” of her Fish Tales. How her characters evolved from imagines in college to the strong characters of her 2014 polished publication. Deleted scenes and why they were deleted. Former names of characters and why they were changed. I truly enjoyed reading how the journey happened. Suanne has some delightful inserts in her own voice telling us clever tidbits along the way. For anyone thinking about writing an intriguing, complicated story, this could be a guide for the way to do it.
I was most impressed with the collaboration between Suanne and her editor, figuring out what stayed, what went, what changed, and what needed to be added. And for all those Will fans, you will be delighted with the added information on him.
When I first read The Man I Love, I knew I had to meet Suanne Laqueur and discuss her books. Last July and August I read the first two and anxiously awaited the third when it was announced it was on the way. In February I read and wept. I had to talk to her. We Skyped with her in late February and she told us some of the interesting facts that are in this book. I am in awe of her complexity of characters, plot, and motives. It is necessary that you know the story of Erik and Daisy and their friends before reading this one, but everyone should read The Man I Love, Give Me Your Answer True, and Here To Stay. It is a series that will stay with you for a very long time. And reading The Ones That Got Away brings those characters right back to your living room. I was awarded an ARC by Ms. Laqueur.
Five Stars with a Standing Ovation!
I was most impressed with the collaboration between Suanne and her editor, figuring out what stayed, what went, what changed, and what needed to be added. And for all those Will fans, you will be delighted with the added information on him.
When I first read The Man I Love, I knew I had to meet Suanne Laqueur and discuss her books. Last July and August I read the first two and anxiously awaited the third when it was announced it was on the way. In February I read and wept. I had to talk to her. We Skyped with her in late February and she told us some of the interesting facts that are in this book. I am in awe of her complexity of characters, plot, and motives. It is necessary that you know the story of Erik and Daisy and their friends before reading this one, but everyone should read The Man I Love, Give Me Your Answer True, and Here To Stay. It is a series that will stay with you for a very long time. And reading The Ones That Got Away brings those characters right back to your living room. I was awarded an ARC by Ms. Laqueur.
Five Stars with a Standing Ovation!
July 8, 2016
This is AMAZING - not your typical book and so not your typical review !! This is exactly what the title says - a collection of so much we never would have read , so many things we never knew , so many vulnerable things , heartfelt , deemed not good enough by the author etc etc. Regardless of buying this or not it is a GIFT - to step inside an author's world and see all their secrets about an amazing series - WOW - I feel special !! Suanne decided to open herself up even more so than she has before , she shares with us the story starters , the mess ups and her thoughts on it now as she looks back. I enjoyed reading about what could have been , what has changed and of course I loved Suanne's thoughts and commentary !! I can't say that I would have enjoyed the series more if these things stayed true BUT I will say that I appreciate the honesty and personable approach this author takes with her readers. As a reader/blogger/human I want to feel a connection not just with the characters but with the writer. This is one of the perks of the social media , I enjoy getting to know authors and their stories , some share a lot some not so much but this book here may just change that !! Could this be a new trend ?? Many times we think this must be an easy job , writing books and sharing them with the world - after you read this you will see just how much of a process it is , the struggle , the flow , what to keep , what to cut. Years and years of thought were put into this series and it shows !! I shifted around , took breaks , read in between and really enjoyed this. Obviously you need to read the series first or else none of this will make sense !!
July 7, 2016
So this is a very different addition to a series and one that I was very excited to read when Suanne decided to make it available. The Fish Tales is one of my most beloved series. The story of Erik and Daisy is heart wrenchingly tragic and beautiful. To see the beginning and development of these characters and their epic love story was very special. I must say I was surprised to see just how much the final story differed from its early inception. Also included is deleted material, and most of my favorites belong to Will and Lucky. Will is one of the best secondary characters ever written and I was so happy to see more of him in this book. Overall this was an amazing experience glimpsing into the inner workings of an exquisite writer. I would love to see more authors include such material. If you're a fan of this series than this is a must read.
July 12, 2016
"For people who like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they will like."
I like this sort of thing. And I like a book you can read in any order, skimming and skipping around to the parts that interest you. No shame......I went straight to the Will and Lucky section. Hey, the author gave permission!!!!!
It was delicious. The author, or rather Will (he's like a real person to me) answered every question I had in my head. Every scene was perfect except there weren't enough of them. I thought there couldn't possibly be one more layer of the story or one more telling that could touch me. But Will's perspective of his feelings for Erik, meeting James, the feeling like he was losing control of everything...."What is this? He turns me on and I don't even like him that much." To his stream of consciousness that day in the theater and his descent into the dark. Even the author says it's essentially the same story as Daisy and Erik's, yet through Will's eyes, it's entirely different. And having Lucky's perspective from when she and Will were falling in love and WHY they were falling in love.... It was like that dollop of whipped cream on your chocolate cake.
When I was done with Will and Lucky, I went back to the beginning and meandered through, taking my time. It was like a documentary, or watching a movie with the director's commentary. The author jumps in with little asides and observations and it's hilarious. Opie has a chapter and we see how desperately he loved Daisy but how difficult it was to love her. James has a chance to speak, too. There's a scene between ERik and his brother Peter that had me in tears, and two amazing chapters from Erik's parents as well. I loved this behind-the-scenes tour and the glimpse into how this series got written. When you're obsessed, you're obsessed and you want to know everything. The author opened up all her desk drawers and manilla envelopes and let us peek over her shoulder. It was a great way to get a last fix of Fishes before getting obsessed over Larks!
I like this sort of thing. And I like a book you can read in any order, skimming and skipping around to the parts that interest you. No shame......I went straight to the Will and Lucky section. Hey, the author gave permission!!!!!
It was delicious. The author, or rather Will (he's like a real person to me) answered every question I had in my head. Every scene was perfect except there weren't enough of them. I thought there couldn't possibly be one more layer of the story or one more telling that could touch me. But Will's perspective of his feelings for Erik, meeting James, the feeling like he was losing control of everything...."What is this? He turns me on and I don't even like him that much." To his stream of consciousness that day in the theater and his descent into the dark. Even the author says it's essentially the same story as Daisy and Erik's, yet through Will's eyes, it's entirely different. And having Lucky's perspective from when she and Will were falling in love and WHY they were falling in love.... It was like that dollop of whipped cream on your chocolate cake.
When I was done with Will and Lucky, I went back to the beginning and meandered through, taking my time. It was like a documentary, or watching a movie with the director's commentary. The author jumps in with little asides and observations and it's hilarious. Opie has a chapter and we see how desperately he loved Daisy but how difficult it was to love her. James has a chance to speak, too. There's a scene between ERik and his brother Peter that had me in tears, and two amazing chapters from Erik's parents as well. I loved this behind-the-scenes tour and the glimpse into how this series got written. When you're obsessed, you're obsessed and you want to know everything. The author opened up all her desk drawers and manilla envelopes and let us peek over her shoulder. It was a great way to get a last fix of Fishes before getting obsessed over Larks!
July 14, 2016
This isn't a novel, it's a gift. It's a love letter to "Fish" fans. And it's really incredibly generous, I think. We think of authors sitting down at their computer with a cup of coffee and an idea. They crack their knuckles and type, "Chapter One... Call me Ishmael." Or whatever. Maybe some authors do that but Laqueur opens Pandora's box, opens her desk drawers and manila envelopes and lined notebooks and shows us, "Um, that's not me."
She describes this book as a guided tour and that's exactly what it is. Like in a museum, you put on your little audio phones and go through the series. And you go out of the main gallery into all these back workrooms. Erik started out as a football player. Excuse me? He had this huge group of guy friends who were also football players. He did? What happened to them all? Daisy didn't start as Daisy, she was originally Jeanni. Huh? Will Kaeger used to be called Buddy. Come again?? David Alto was originally conceived as a sexy lead character. I'm sorry, what??
My personal favorite section was "Anatomy of a Shooter," because it was unbelievable to me that the first draft of the book didn't even contain this entire episode, and didn't contain JAMES. The evolution of both his character and of the entire situation was fascinating. It was incredible how the author didn't go into the scene with a penny in her pocket, or even an idea of the penny, or why the penny was there in the first place. Those were all things that developed as she played aorund with different scenarios. You just don't SEE all the work that goes into crafting a book and I loved having this perspective.
I love that I'll know all these things when I re-read the series some day. Like I'll be able to stop somewhere in TMIL and consult TOTGA for the chapter that originally came here, but was cut. But I have it. I can pause and think, "I wonder how Will felt? Oh wait a minute! I have that!"
This was different and wonderful and generous. I'm a person who loves this sort of thing, and I loved it. Thank you.
She describes this book as a guided tour and that's exactly what it is. Like in a museum, you put on your little audio phones and go through the series. And you go out of the main gallery into all these back workrooms. Erik started out as a football player. Excuse me? He had this huge group of guy friends who were also football players. He did? What happened to them all? Daisy didn't start as Daisy, she was originally Jeanni. Huh? Will Kaeger used to be called Buddy. Come again?? David Alto was originally conceived as a sexy lead character. I'm sorry, what??
My personal favorite section was "Anatomy of a Shooter," because it was unbelievable to me that the first draft of the book didn't even contain this entire episode, and didn't contain JAMES. The evolution of both his character and of the entire situation was fascinating. It was incredible how the author didn't go into the scene with a penny in her pocket, or even an idea of the penny, or why the penny was there in the first place. Those were all things that developed as she played aorund with different scenarios. You just don't SEE all the work that goes into crafting a book and I loved having this perspective.
I love that I'll know all these things when I re-read the series some day. Like I'll be able to stop somewhere in TMIL and consult TOTGA for the chapter that originally came here, but was cut. But I have it. I can pause and think, "I wonder how Will felt? Oh wait a minute! I have that!"
This was different and wonderful and generous. I'm a person who loves this sort of thing, and I loved it. Thank you.
July 16, 2016
As far as reading is concerned, 2015 was the year of Suanne Laqueur.
I stumbled upon Laqueur’s debut novel, The Man I Love, by accident, and I was completely and irreversibly under its spell. Laqueur wrote Give Me Your Answer True, a sequel that managed to crush my “I hate sequels, different pov- same story novels”. Suanne succeeded what very few managed before: to surprise and delight me with, what I thought was unlikely, a better novel, which only improved and added more layers and nuances to The Man I Love. The third novel in the series, Here To Stay, was a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read!
I am happy to notice that the circle of fans is getting larger and larger. I am unabashedly one of those fans, who is lovingly stalking her on Facebook, Twitter, and here on Goodreads. Besides being a terrific writer, Suanne is an incredibly interesting person, smart, witty but also nice.
So, The Ones That Got Away, is, in many ways, Suanne indulging her many fans who wanted to know how The Man I Love came to be.
It is fascinating to see how much the story has changed, including the names of the main characters. I am one of those people who are intrigued by the behind-the-scenes and I often wonder about processes, how one got the idea for this and that. Well, The Ones That Got Away, showed us the puppets’ strings.
So I am very grateful and appreciative of being privy to all the background stories, deleted scenes, characters, plot arcs.
I can’t wait to read An Exaltation of Larks! Before that, I'll re-read The Fish Tales, because, I miss Erik and Daisy, and Will and Lucky.
I stumbled upon Laqueur’s debut novel, The Man I Love, by accident, and I was completely and irreversibly under its spell. Laqueur wrote Give Me Your Answer True, a sequel that managed to crush my “I hate sequels, different pov- same story novels”. Suanne succeeded what very few managed before: to surprise and delight me with, what I thought was unlikely, a better novel, which only improved and added more layers and nuances to The Man I Love. The third novel in the series, Here To Stay, was a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read!
I am happy to notice that the circle of fans is getting larger and larger. I am unabashedly one of those fans, who is lovingly stalking her on Facebook, Twitter, and here on Goodreads. Besides being a terrific writer, Suanne is an incredibly interesting person, smart, witty but also nice.
So, The Ones That Got Away, is, in many ways, Suanne indulging her many fans who wanted to know how The Man I Love came to be.
It is fascinating to see how much the story has changed, including the names of the main characters. I am one of those people who are intrigued by the behind-the-scenes and I often wonder about processes, how one got the idea for this and that. Well, The Ones That Got Away, showed us the puppets’ strings.
So I am very grateful and appreciative of being privy to all the background stories, deleted scenes, characters, plot arcs.
I can’t wait to read An Exaltation of Larks! Before that, I'll re-read The Fish Tales, because, I miss Erik and Daisy, and Will and Lucky.
July 7, 2016
This book is a peek behind the scenes of The Fish Tales series and the processes that happened which led to creating the characters, some which made the series and some which didn't. Some scenes included are deleted ones that never made the final draft, some scenes are what Suanne Laqueur wrote quite a few years ago, before the series I have come to absolutely love took shape.
I have to say that I loved some parts of this book and others made me appreciative they didn't make the final edits of the books, although I am in complete awe at the thought processes it took to come up with what I can only describe as complex characters and a totally engaging storyline. This book explains all of that and more.
As well as giving us the many unedited drafts, Suanne herself pops up throughout this book to explain certain things and it was during these moments that I found to be the most fun and interesting.
This isn't one of those books that makes you sit in wonder at the end of it, as it's almost biographical in nature, in so much as it is Suanne herself telling us what it took for her to write a novel/series. There was quite a mish mash of excerpts that jump from one scene to another, however despite this, I did feel there was a smooth flow to the book.
All in all, I wouldn't say this book is necessary to the series, but it does compliment it quite well and for me, it did make me love Erik and Will that much more.
I have to say that I loved some parts of this book and others made me appreciative they didn't make the final edits of the books, although I am in complete awe at the thought processes it took to come up with what I can only describe as complex characters and a totally engaging storyline. This book explains all of that and more.
As well as giving us the many unedited drafts, Suanne herself pops up throughout this book to explain certain things and it was during these moments that I found to be the most fun and interesting.
This isn't one of those books that makes you sit in wonder at the end of it, as it's almost biographical in nature, in so much as it is Suanne herself telling us what it took for her to write a novel/series. There was quite a mish mash of excerpts that jump from one scene to another, however despite this, I did feel there was a smooth flow to the book.
All in all, I wouldn't say this book is necessary to the series, but it does compliment it quite well and for me, it did make me love Erik and Will that much more.
June 25, 2016
I read this book because I fell in love with Erik and Daisy and could not let them go. With this book I got more than I expected - more Erik and Daisy, more James and Will, .....and Suanne's complex thought processes.
When I started the book, I was not sure if it would be easy to read given that it comprises bits and pieces from the original novels but Suanne has made it very easy with her side comments and arrangement of the chapters.
I love Suanne's writing and if you love Erik, Daisy, Will, Lucky, you definitely have to read this book too. Thank you so much Suanne for giving us this book.
When I started the book, I was not sure if it would be easy to read given that it comprises bits and pieces from the original novels but Suanne has made it very easy with her side comments and arrangement of the chapters.
I love Suanne's writing and if you love Erik, Daisy, Will, Lucky, you definitely have to read this book too. Thank you so much Suanne for giving us this book.
July 7, 2016
The Fish Tale series will forever be in the back of my mind. This series is one of my favorite series to date. All three of the books were pure perfection to me. Suanne pulled every emotion possible from me in her previous books. The Ones That Got Away is not a fourth book but more of a show and tell about how a book is "born". There is so much more to the entire process than I could ever had imagined. It is no easy feat to have these characters in your head and getting them down on paper, and justifiably doing it the way you want to. Since I am a major fan of the entire series and characters this book was pure gold to me. I got to read deleted scenes, little cute snippets that was cut from the books--with the input of the authors voice. It enthralled me, and had me captured all over again.
I am completely in love with Erik and Daisy and loved reading all of these "extra" scenes with them, but also I devoured the parts about Will as well. He intrigued me in all of the other books and this one shed a little more light on him, which made my heart thump with anticipation. There is something so unique and very special about Will Kaeger, he owns who he is and has no shame and holds his head proudly high. You have to have respect for characters like him, Erik, and Daisy. They faced such trauma, overcame so many obstacles, and STILL hold their heads high and have so much love in their hearts.
This book gave me so much respect for authors in general. The grueling hours, the constant chatter of characters in their head, putting it all together to have it sent back and then trying harder to improve upon it. Suanne not only blows the dust off of her twenty year old files here but she also welcomes us readers into her personal life which sheds more insight into this series, for me. She has faced many life trials herself and I have a feeling a lot of this came from her own personal experience. It really made me stand up and respect her so much more for sharing this. We all face distressing times in our lives at one point or another. The main goal for all of us in the end is to become a survivor and not a victim. Not to let the grievous parts of our lives define us, but to pull ourselves up and to find the strength to move forward and find enjoyment and purpose in our lives that makes us all the stronger!
I usually put one of my favorite quotes from the book in my review but in this case I am going to leave you with one of my favorite comments from Suanne Laqueur herself.
"The end. Sniff. I liked the circle closing with the Bach Variations and the Christmas tree. I like to circle back to everything in my stories. Tie up all the loose ends. Because I never throw anything away, a bit of this original ending went into Answer True, and the rest went into Here To Stay. Because nothing is ever truly lost."
I don't know about you but that sentence alone gives me so much hope in my heart "Because nothing is ever truly lost." I clutched that sentence to my heart because.....it gives me hope.
I am completely in love with Erik and Daisy and loved reading all of these "extra" scenes with them, but also I devoured the parts about Will as well. He intrigued me in all of the other books and this one shed a little more light on him, which made my heart thump with anticipation. There is something so unique and very special about Will Kaeger, he owns who he is and has no shame and holds his head proudly high. You have to have respect for characters like him, Erik, and Daisy. They faced such trauma, overcame so many obstacles, and STILL hold their heads high and have so much love in their hearts.
This book gave me so much respect for authors in general. The grueling hours, the constant chatter of characters in their head, putting it all together to have it sent back and then trying harder to improve upon it. Suanne not only blows the dust off of her twenty year old files here but she also welcomes us readers into her personal life which sheds more insight into this series, for me. She has faced many life trials herself and I have a feeling a lot of this came from her own personal experience. It really made me stand up and respect her so much more for sharing this. We all face distressing times in our lives at one point or another. The main goal for all of us in the end is to become a survivor and not a victim. Not to let the grievous parts of our lives define us, but to pull ourselves up and to find the strength to move forward and find enjoyment and purpose in our lives that makes us all the stronger!
I usually put one of my favorite quotes from the book in my review but in this case I am going to leave you with one of my favorite comments from Suanne Laqueur herself.
"The end. Sniff. I liked the circle closing with the Bach Variations and the Christmas tree. I like to circle back to everything in my stories. Tie up all the loose ends. Because I never throw anything away, a bit of this original ending went into Answer True, and the rest went into Here To Stay. Because nothing is ever truly lost."
I don't know about you but that sentence alone gives me so much hope in my heart "Because nothing is ever truly lost." I clutched that sentence to my heart because.....it gives me hope.
July 23, 2016
I'm kind of in denial this book is over. But I look forward to having it by my side when I read The Fish Tales again someday. Because I will stop and read the cut scene that was supposed to have been between these two chapters. Or I'll break away to read Will's POV of the situation. Or James' POV.
I loved this. Yes, it has a specific audience, but I'm in it. It was fantastic and I wish there were more.
I loved this. Yes, it has a specific audience, but I'm in it. It was fantastic and I wish there were more.
June 21, 2016
Recently, there where two authors I had come across who had written novels that had left a mark on my heart; the Fish Tale series was one of them. I was able to read an early copy of The Ones That Got Away and I was so incredibly happy, and excited. It took me six days to read this book, and if life hadn't been in the way, I would have read it in two days, tops.
What can i possibly say, except that Suanne Laquer has done it yet again? An outstanding, heartbreaking, and gripping book that brings on your laughter, tears and smiles.
Though this novel is filled with scenes that had been cut from the series, all the beloved characters where there. Erik (who changed into the remarkable flawed man we love in TMIL), Daisy (who started out with an entirely different name), Will (so much of Will!), and we are granted an even deeper look into their souls.
Suanne included her own notes between the scenes. Explanations and simple quotes which I thought genius. Which allowed the reader, her fans, a more intimate look at these characters she so lovingly created, and let us love them with her. Many of the scenes I adored and wished that they where never cut, but I understood why.
As a writer you can only hope that one day, you create something so magically imperfect and endearing it becomes a part of you forever. I believe this was what the Fish tales was for Suanne.
What can i possibly say, except that Suanne Laquer has done it yet again? An outstanding, heartbreaking, and gripping book that brings on your laughter, tears and smiles.
Though this novel is filled with scenes that had been cut from the series, all the beloved characters where there. Erik (who changed into the remarkable flawed man we love in TMIL), Daisy (who started out with an entirely different name), Will (so much of Will!), and we are granted an even deeper look into their souls.
Suanne included her own notes between the scenes. Explanations and simple quotes which I thought genius. Which allowed the reader, her fans, a more intimate look at these characters she so lovingly created, and let us love them with her. Many of the scenes I adored and wished that they where never cut, but I understood why.
As a writer you can only hope that one day, you create something so magically imperfect and endearing it becomes a part of you forever. I believe this was what the Fish tales was for Suanne.
June 8, 2020
It’s a book of notes. Deleted scenes. The rejects. And yet I love them. They are like building bricks, small and insignificant but they pack a big punch.
Oh so that’s where that idea came from.
Now I get it.
Another penny drops.
I love him more knowing that.
I love how Suanne Laqueur’s mind works.
The problem is that it’s made me itch to read the whole actual book again. I predict a re-read just because I don’t remember Lucky and Will and the 20 second hug. I don’t remember Will’s tattoos. I went for the bait, and she hooked me back in.
Oh so that’s where that idea came from.
Now I get it.
Another penny drops.
I love him more knowing that.
I love how Suanne Laqueur’s mind works.
The problem is that it’s made me itch to read the whole actual book again. I predict a re-read just because I don’t remember Lucky and Will and the 20 second hug. I don’t remember Will’s tattoos. I went for the bait, and she hooked me back in.
June 20, 2016
When I heard that Susanne was putting out another book in The Fish Tale Series, I was more than thrilled! I dove in right away, and it was not what I was expecting at all, but in a very good way. ;)
The Ones that Got Away is a huge glimpse into Susanne's brilliant mind as she wrote the previous 3 books in The Fish Tales series, mainly focusing on The Man I Love and how it was born.
I love how from start to end, Susanne gives the reader commentary on the things that were cut out or the things that could have been. I felt enamored by the dialogue that was cut between Erik and Daisy and even Will and Lucky.
I must say, I never knew how complex a series like The Fish Tales was to create but damn, Susanne made the final product flawless!
This book however, is REALLY, REALLY long and that's why I gave it 3.5 stars. Maybe because I'm greedy and just want to dig deeper into Erik and Daisy's story but I wanted MORE of them and less of other people! I tried not to skim but at some parts, I had too.
Finally, I would advise any readers that want to pick up The Ones that Got Away to read the previous books in the Fish Tales. My favorite in the series is still Give Me Your Answer true!
#erikanddaisyforever
The Ones that Got Away is a huge glimpse into Susanne's brilliant mind as she wrote the previous 3 books in The Fish Tales series, mainly focusing on The Man I Love and how it was born.
I love how from start to end, Susanne gives the reader commentary on the things that were cut out or the things that could have been. I felt enamored by the dialogue that was cut between Erik and Daisy and even Will and Lucky.
I must say, I never knew how complex a series like The Fish Tales was to create but damn, Susanne made the final product flawless!
This book however, is REALLY, REALLY long and that's why I gave it 3.5 stars. Maybe because I'm greedy and just want to dig deeper into Erik and Daisy's story but I wanted MORE of them and less of other people! I tried not to skim but at some parts, I had too.
Finally, I would advise any readers that want to pick up The Ones that Got Away to read the previous books in the Fish Tales. My favorite in the series is still Give Me Your Answer true!
#erikanddaisyforever
October 1, 2019
Book 4! Not a continuation of books 1-3, but a look into the making of all three books and the birth of the characters and some of the process that goes along with creating one of my favorite series.
I chose to get the audible version along with the kindle version and I also recommend it as well.
This series was a wonderful read and it was added icing to the cake to have book 4 waiting after finishing book 3 and wanting more of these characters and their story.
I also appreciate the added story at the end, which turns out to be the beginning of Erik’s story.
Completely Loved this series!
I chose to get the audible version along with the kindle version and I also recommend it as well.
This series was a wonderful read and it was added icing to the cake to have book 4 waiting after finishing book 3 and wanting more of these characters and their story.
I also appreciate the added story at the end, which turns out to be the beginning of Erik’s story.
Completely Loved this series!
July 1, 2016
Suanne Laqueur is back with yet another book and this time it is not a story per se, but an insight into the making of one of the stories we have read and loved, The Fish Tales. It is the story of the journey, the behind the scenes, the creation of Erik and all the other people whom we love and mourn. In a simple and slightly humorous manner, Suanne has shared excerpts from her early writing interspersed with quirky thoughts/comments that she has added now, almost 20 years after she first penned those words.
The story behind the story, this gives us an insight into how the characters were born, how they developed and became the people we came to meet and know so well. As Suanne mentioned at the beginning. This is definitely along the lines of fan fiction and some may even point out that it is inclined towards obsession. However, those who have read TMIL, will completely understand this as they, like me, have taken this journey with Erik and Daisy, not just at a superficial level, but also at the emotional level. The stories will strike your emotional chord and through this book, Suanne keeps the thoughts, emotions and memories alive.
This book brings a sense of nostalgia with it as well as a sense of belonging. It is interesting to see how Suanne first pictured Erik and Daisy and how they grew from there to become who they are now. Somehow, it is clear that some of the basic ideas of the plot never changed. We are also introduced to some people she created, but they never made an appearance in the final story. It is wonderful to meet them however, and knowing how Suanne pictured them fitting into the lives of the characters we know sheds a great deal of light into her way of thinking and her style of writing. The glimpses she provides into some of her written material show us how raw and real her writing is. The style never changes and the emotions are there, no matter what she writes about.
Suanne provides insights into two of the most wonderful people of these stories, Will Kreager and Lucia Dare. She brings us parts of the story from their perspective, mainly from Will’s and shows us how the various events that occur affect them. She clearly brings out Will’s interest in Lucky, Daisy and Erik, his relationship with James and his feelings throughout the story. Seeing everything from his perspective, will bring the reader closer to him than before. As endearing as he was previously, this insight gives new meaning to his existence.
Reading this book feels as though we are sitting with an old friend and taking a stroll down memory lane.
Suanne also expands on how the trauma of the shooting affected not just Daisy and Erik, which we have already seen in TMIL and GMYAT, but also Will and Lucky. She expands on what they feel, how they react, how their relationship develops, breaks and then returns, stronger than ever. She also brings out how Will’s actions eventually lead to the shooting and all events that led to it and that happened after. Even though it cannot be said that everything that happened is his fault, he was a part of what set everything in motion. One decision changes all.
This book only adds to the beauty of the story Suanne has crafted and will make the reader love it more. It will no doubt leave the reader with a heavy heart, but it was worth it. The characters and chapters that were created and written but got left behind or removed from the story are well worth the effort of writing them. Sometimes, as Suanne has mentioned, it’s better to just write what you think and then see the usage later on. The bonus insight into Erik’s younger days when his father was still there and after he leaves are wonderful and I hope Suanne uses this in a story sometime in the future.
Unfortunately, it is difficult for me to summarize my thoughts about this book in a nutshell, and given a chance, I will keep talking about it. This is the first time I have written so much about a book and it has made me experience emotions so deeply that it is slightly difficult to come back to reality. However, I will say this, everyone should, at some point, read The Man I Love and enjoy this story and world as much as I have.
Finally, Suanne gives us a glimpse of her upcoming novel, An Exaltation of Larks which is definitely much awaited for by fans of her books.
The story behind the story, this gives us an insight into how the characters were born, how they developed and became the people we came to meet and know so well. As Suanne mentioned at the beginning. This is definitely along the lines of fan fiction and some may even point out that it is inclined towards obsession. However, those who have read TMIL, will completely understand this as they, like me, have taken this journey with Erik and Daisy, not just at a superficial level, but also at the emotional level. The stories will strike your emotional chord and through this book, Suanne keeps the thoughts, emotions and memories alive.
This book brings a sense of nostalgia with it as well as a sense of belonging. It is interesting to see how Suanne first pictured Erik and Daisy and how they grew from there to become who they are now. Somehow, it is clear that some of the basic ideas of the plot never changed. We are also introduced to some people she created, but they never made an appearance in the final story. It is wonderful to meet them however, and knowing how Suanne pictured them fitting into the lives of the characters we know sheds a great deal of light into her way of thinking and her style of writing. The glimpses she provides into some of her written material show us how raw and real her writing is. The style never changes and the emotions are there, no matter what she writes about.
Suanne provides insights into two of the most wonderful people of these stories, Will Kreager and Lucia Dare. She brings us parts of the story from their perspective, mainly from Will’s and shows us how the various events that occur affect them. She clearly brings out Will’s interest in Lucky, Daisy and Erik, his relationship with James and his feelings throughout the story. Seeing everything from his perspective, will bring the reader closer to him than before. As endearing as he was previously, this insight gives new meaning to his existence.
Reading this book feels as though we are sitting with an old friend and taking a stroll down memory lane.
Suanne also expands on how the trauma of the shooting affected not just Daisy and Erik, which we have already seen in TMIL and GMYAT, but also Will and Lucky. She expands on what they feel, how they react, how their relationship develops, breaks and then returns, stronger than ever. She also brings out how Will’s actions eventually lead to the shooting and all events that led to it and that happened after. Even though it cannot be said that everything that happened is his fault, he was a part of what set everything in motion. One decision changes all.
This book only adds to the beauty of the story Suanne has crafted and will make the reader love it more. It will no doubt leave the reader with a heavy heart, but it was worth it. The characters and chapters that were created and written but got left behind or removed from the story are well worth the effort of writing them. Sometimes, as Suanne has mentioned, it’s better to just write what you think and then see the usage later on. The bonus insight into Erik’s younger days when his father was still there and after he leaves are wonderful and I hope Suanne uses this in a story sometime in the future.
Unfortunately, it is difficult for me to summarize my thoughts about this book in a nutshell, and given a chance, I will keep talking about it. This is the first time I have written so much about a book and it has made me experience emotions so deeply that it is slightly difficult to come back to reality. However, I will say this, everyone should, at some point, read The Man I Love and enjoy this story and world as much as I have.
Finally, Suanne gives us a glimpse of her upcoming novel, An Exaltation of Larks which is definitely much awaited for by fans of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2017
If you love the fish tales series you will love this bonus book. It gives you an in depth detail on how the book came about and it had a whole lot extra of writing we have never seen. I loved it and would recommend all her books ❤️❤️❤️
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