Do you believe in soulmates? That there's one perfect person out there just for you? In The One, finding your soulmate is not only possible, but easy. All you have to do is take a simple DNA test and then wait to be matched. But for Mandy, Jade, Christopher, Nick, and Ellie, getting matched with their soulmates may bring instant attraction, but there's no guarantee it will lead to true love or a happy ending. For any of them.
My thoughts: This novel is both entertaining and engrossing. Told through five POVs, the chapters are very short, which made this book read very fast. And I quickly got drawn in to each of these characters' journeys to connect with their soulmates. They're all very different, though in the very beginning it was a bit of a struggle to keep them all straight. But then the plot picks up and secrets start being revealed. And all the unexpected twists along the way are so good! None of these characters' stories played out like I thought they would. And that's what made this book so fun. But it makes it hard to talk a lot about the plot, because I don't want to give anything away. It's best to go in not knowing too much so you can just enjoy the ride. Which I did. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Melody and I read this one together, so be sure to check out her review, and her questions to me below.
Happy Reading!
Melody's question to me...and my answers:
1) Do you think this Matched DNA concept has any similarity to "love at first sight"? After all, some people do find an instant attraction to someone whom they haven't met. Do you believe in love at first sight?
I kind of do believe in love at first sight...that unexpected spark of recognition and attraction you sometimes feel when you first meet someone. (I've even felt it once.) But I also believe that feeling doesn't mean it's going to turn out to be a forever kind of love; it might, but it might not. I think real, lasting love requires more commitment and work than just one glance.
2) Which couple's story did you enjoy reading the most? Do you think their life would be any different if they've not been matched?
I think Nick's story ended up being my favorite because his match with Alex was so completely unexpected for both of them. And their relationship NEVER would have happened if they hadn't been DNA matched like they were. I also liked Jade's story a lot, and how she and her match both tried to put someone else's happiness above their own. I was glad she got her happy ending with her match at the end.
Great review, Lark! I'd fun reading this book with you! Such a wild ride, isn't it? Loved the twists and turns too. I'll have to check out the other books by John Marrs. He's a great writer. :)
ReplyDeleteThis was a wild ride...I loved all those crazy and unexpected twists. :D Thanks for reading it with me.
DeleteWhat an interesting premise. The fact that none of the stories played out as you imagined tells me there are plenty of twists and turns. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThere were a lot of surprises along the way...all of which I really enjoyed. :D
DeleteThis sounds amazing. Adding. I do believe in love at first sight, by the way. It's happened to me. But like you said, it requires commitment and work, things just don't magically remain magical lol without work. The matched DNA bit is an interesting twist on that.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was an interesting twist...especially when otherwise happy couples broke up when they found out they weren't a perfect 'match'.
DeleteFrom your hints about this one, sounds like a sequel from the author titled "The Other One" might be called for.
ReplyDelete;D He could certainly write another book about these characters and what happens next.
DeleteI do believe in soulmates, since I'm married to mine, but somehow this one doesn't really appeal to me. Nevertheless, I'm glad you enjoyed it, Lark.
ReplyDeleteI love that you got to marry your soulmate! :D
DeleteNice review, Lark. I think I would struggle with 5 POVs!
ReplyDeleteIt was a little hard at first to keep them all straight...except for Christopher's POV. He was very unique.
DeleteThe One was my first John Marrs book. It's definitely engrossing!
ReplyDeleteIt really is. I got very caught up in all the characters' stories.
DeleteAmazing. Regine
ReplyDelete:D Hi, Regine!
DeleteThe whole concept behind "Matched DNA" is super interesting. I'm adding this to my wishlist. Great review, Lark! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's got lots of surprises, and the short chapters make it read really fast. :D
DeleteThis is such a fascinating topic! I love when I'm able to let go and just enjoy the ride within a book like this one.
ReplyDeleteI love that, too. And I had no idea where this one was going, but it was a very fun ride. With some great surprises along the way.
DeleteSuch a great premise. Some of these dating sites seems to think they can match you with the right person but DNA would make that better. Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun twist on the whole dating/match theme. And the matches didn't always go the way you thought they would.
DeleteSounds like an interesting premise but I'd probably have trouble keeping up with all of those POV's at first.
ReplyDeleteIt was a little tricky at first, but by the second time through the 5 POVs it started to click, and then it was fine the rest of the way through the book.
DeleteThis sounds really interesting! I like the different POVs and the concept. I do believe in love at first sight - or at least a connection at first sight so I'm really curious about this one.
ReplyDeleteI believe in that connection at first sight, too!
DeleteSuch an interesting concept and I like that there's some mystery here. I'm definitely adding this one to my TBR! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a very compelling read. I think you'll like it.
DeleteLark, I think I would like this. On Goodreads it is shelved in some diverse genres: Thriller, Science Fiction, Mystery, Romance. What genre would you describe it as, or is it cross-genre?
ReplyDeleteI feel like it's a cross-genre...there's a little bit of science fiction, some mystery & suspense, and some romance, too. A little bit of everything. :D
DeleteI have only read one of this author's books but I really liked that one so I definitely would like to read more. This sounds like a fantastic thriller.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this one, I definitely want to read some of Marr's other books.
DeleteI do enjoy a suspense novel that actually delivers what it intends to do - suspense. I've heard that about this book so I've got it on my wishlist. Looking forward to reading Melody's review too!
ReplyDeleteI really liked how it kept me guessing...and kept me turning the pages!
DeleteThis came out as a TV series right? I've heard of it somewhere. It sounds a bit freaky but good.
ReplyDeleteDid they make it into a TV series? How did I miss that? ;D
DeleteOooo, this novel is on my reading wishlist!! Your review of it makes me want to read it even more now. I loved that you read this novel with another person as well as the questions/answers at the end of your review!
ReplyDeleteThe 'do you believe in love at first sight?' question was interesting... I went out with a group of people in my mid 20s to an event. I knew a few of the people in the group others were new acquaintances. One of the new people I met that night would end up being my future husband! I had quite a long interaction with him that evening and I found myself thinking as we were talking that I could see myself married to him... Who knew that more than 29.5 years later after 1st meeting, we'd actually be married and still happily together.
I don't know if this counts as love at 1st sight, but I definitely had a positive vibe about our 1st meeting.
I think those positive vibes when you first meet someone count as a love at first feeling kind of thing. And how awesome that you guys have been married for almost 30 years. What a great story. :D
DeleteI should clarify that we've known each other for 29.5 years.... But only married for 21.5 of those years... As we started out as friends and then dated a long time before marrying.
DeleteThat's the best kind of relationship to have imo. :D
DeleteI remember when this book came out, and I thought it sounded so interesting. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out to be a page turner.
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