Title: One & Only
Author: Maurene Goo
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Genre: Romance / Women’s Fiction
Year of Publication: 2026
Date of Publication: February 3, 2026
Pages: 368
ISBN-13: 979-8217181162
Audiobook Narrator: Jeena Yi
Summary of One & Only by Maurene Goo
Cassia Park believes in soulmates and fated love. After all, matchmaking is her family’s business. For generations, Park women have seen clients’ past lives. As a result, their matches come with a perfect success rate. However, Cassia can’t find her own fated partner. For ten years, she has searched for Daniel Nam. Then, on the eve of her 40th birthday, she makes a bold choice. She has a fling with Ellis, a much younger man. At first, it feels simple and temporary. But soon, Ellis introduces her to his boss. And that boss is Daniel Nam.
Main Plot & Characters
- Cassia Park is a matchmaker facing a personal crossroads. She wants love, yet she also wants control of her own life. Meanwhile, family expectations weigh heavily on her choices.
- Daniel Nam-Watson: He is Cassia’s fated match, at least on paper and Ellis Boss. Daniel is 42 years old and his arrival shifts everything Cassia thought she understood.
- Ellis: He is Cassia’s unexpected connection. Ellis is 28 years old and he enters Cassia’s life first. Their connection complicates her plans and her belief in fated partners.
- Halmoni: She is Cassia’s grandmother.
- Emoni: She is Cassia’s grandmother’s sister.
- Marcella: She is Cassia’s best friend and the mother of Ozzie and Mica.
- Avery: She is a dog trainer and Ellis’s friend.
- Ozzie and Mica: They are Marcella’s children.
- Halabuji – Cassia calls her grandfather by the Korean word for grandfather.
- Stu: He is Cassia’s uncle.
- Sunny: She is Cassia’s aunt.
- Betty: Cassia’s cockatoo.
- Pickle: He is Ellis’s dog.
Writing Style
First off, whoever wrote the blurb for this book nailed it because we were hooked and added this to our list immediately after reading it.
The story is fast-paced and is told from Cassia’s perspective. We loved everything about this book, from the story, characters, humor, audiobook narrator, and of course, the love triangle. This is how you write a love triangle story! Speaking of characters, we really liked Cassia as a main character but absolutely loved both Ellis and Daniel. Talk about a conundrum!
One & Only gives us a good storyline (very different take on matchmaking) and if you read it with your book club, you are guaranteed to end up with a Team Ellis and Team Daniel situation. Speaking of teams, there’s a part of the book that reminded us of Hugh Grant and Colin Firth in Bridget Jones Diary, and then they referenced it!
Final Thoughts on One & Only
One & Only is a book that delivers on its premise. It gives us humor, romance, and an incredible love triangle that is handled with care. Beyond the romance, the book gives readers a fresh twist on matchmaking and fate, and Cassia’s journey feels honest and relatable. It’s an engaging book and we read through it pretty quickly. It’s perfect for discussion, especially for readers who love debating romantic outcomes. If you enjoy contemporary romance and a love triangle that actually works, One & Only is an easy recommendation.
Memorable Quotes
- “I go where the wind takes me.”— Ellis
Rating
Characters ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)
Plot ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)
Writing ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)
Book Cover ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5) Audiobook (Narration only) ★★★★★ (5/5)
Overall ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)
What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? Share your thoughts and until next time, keep turning those pages.
Authors
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