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The One
An alternative cover edition can be found here
To save their marriage, Sloane must forgive her husband’s affair. Instead, she tries a more tempting option—settling the score. But will it prove to be a deadly mistake?
ER doctor Sloane Marks is shattered when she learns her husband Ethan slept with his partner at Seattle Homicide. She considers leaving him and joining The One, having gone to college with the popular dating app’s billionaire founder, Brody Carr. But at forty-two, Sloane feels she has no choice but to forgive Ethan if she wants a chance at creating the family she never had.
Months later, Sloane bumps into Brody, who’s recently returned to Seattle. In due time, Ethan worries she’s cheating. His suspicions are confirmed when he learns the rich app founder took Sloane on a freediving excursion in the San Juan Islands. Soon after, Brody’s famous wife dies in an accident. Ethan becomes the lead investigator in her death, which he suspects wasn’t at accident at all.
Caught between a distrusting husband and a powerful billionaire who protects his secrets at all costs, Sloane is in a fight for her life. And the only way out is to take matters into her own hands.
To save their marriage, Sloane must forgive her husband’s affair. Instead, she tries a more tempting option—settling the score. But will it prove to be a deadly mistake?
ER doctor Sloane Marks is shattered when she learns her husband Ethan slept with his partner at Seattle Homicide. She considers leaving him and joining The One, having gone to college with the popular dating app’s billionaire founder, Brody Carr. But at forty-two, Sloane feels she has no choice but to forgive Ethan if she wants a chance at creating the family she never had.
Months later, Sloane bumps into Brody, who’s recently returned to Seattle. In due time, Ethan worries she’s cheating. His suspicions are confirmed when he learns the rich app founder took Sloane on a freediving excursion in the San Juan Islands. Soon after, Brody’s famous wife dies in an accident. Ethan becomes the lead investigator in her death, which he suspects wasn’t at accident at all.
Caught between a distrusting husband and a powerful billionaire who protects his secrets at all costs, Sloane is in a fight for her life. And the only way out is to take matters into her own hands.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2023
1105 people are currently reading
11313 people want to read
About the author
Audrey J. Cole
22 books1,184 followersAudrey J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Before writing full time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years. She’s also a pilot's daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 382 reviews
June 27, 2023
Careful what you wish for
This particular story promised an exhilarating experience and certainly had its captivating moments. A game concocted by a wife to incite jealousy in her husband takes a deadly turn. Sloane, after discovering Ethan's infidelity, decides to seek revenge by engaging in an affair with the wealthy Brody, who harbors his own secrets and hidden motives.
While the abundance of domestic drama isn't my preferred genre, the unexpected plot twists kept me engrossed. I couldn't help but question Sloane's choices and found it difficult to understand why she resorted to cheating in response to her spouse's betrayal. Nonetheless, I appreciate Cole's writing style, which effortlessly carries the story forward and maintains reader engagement. Although the narration on this audiobook initially faltered in the first few chapters, it eventually found its stride and flowed seamlessly.
I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for providing me with the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC.
This particular story promised an exhilarating experience and certainly had its captivating moments. A game concocted by a wife to incite jealousy in her husband takes a deadly turn. Sloane, after discovering Ethan's infidelity, decides to seek revenge by engaging in an affair with the wealthy Brody, who harbors his own secrets and hidden motives.
While the abundance of domestic drama isn't my preferred genre, the unexpected plot twists kept me engrossed. I couldn't help but question Sloane's choices and found it difficult to understand why she resorted to cheating in response to her spouse's betrayal. Nonetheless, I appreciate Cole's writing style, which effortlessly carries the story forward and maintains reader engagement. Although the narration on this audiobook initially faltered in the first few chapters, it eventually found its stride and flowed seamlessly.
I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for providing me with the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC.
May 17, 2025
The doctor wants to settle a score, but when she makes a huge mistake it leads her down a path of no return!
My second by this author and I loved it! Probably would rate more like a 4.5 STAR!
These conniving characters kept surprising me and I was on edge at every turn.
A billionaire that founded a dating app turns out to be more than Sloane bargained for, someone is very good at covering their tracks. Who is fooling who?
Themes of trust, revenge, infidelity, high stakes marriage and murder!
This was a KU pick and kept me reading all week. Came out in June of 2023
My second by this author and I loved it! Probably would rate more like a 4.5 STAR!
These conniving characters kept surprising me and I was on edge at every turn.
A billionaire that founded a dating app turns out to be more than Sloane bargained for, someone is very good at covering their tracks. Who is fooling who?
Themes of trust, revenge, infidelity, high stakes marriage and murder!
This was a KU pick and kept me reading all week. Came out in June of 2023
April 1, 2023
It feels flat...I don't feel anything.
The premise of this book was good; it has the potential to create a gem.....
Unfortunately, the execution didn't go well.
Sloane (FMC)
She went from an intelligent lady to a dumbass bitch to a psycho woman.
Ethan (MMC)
He.... uhmm, he's just a detective who's cheated on his wife.
Brody
I didn't get much from him; like author didn't tell you that much about him. In my opinion, he should have gotten more scenes. Since he was our main bad guy here
He strikes me as stupid and a coward.
MY PROBLEMS:
•I can't connect to each of character. So that's why it feels FLAT.
•I need more descriptions of Sloane, Ethan, and Brody. Like their appearance. For example:
- What makes a 42-year-old woman still attractive to a man worth of $1.44 billionaire? When he got a much younger model as a wife. Cause hell yeah, i don't get it, why Sloane.
•Some scenes feel out of place; the most hilarious one for me is the "Backseat" scene. This guy (Brody) just popped up anywhere and everywhere. Like this:
•I think the author should have given us something in order for us to feel empathy and relate to Sloane's action, but she didn't. Literally, Sloane is my least favorite character in here.
- After the length she took with Brody, and apparently she still wanted to stay with her husband, that didn't make sense to me. If this happen in the real life, your marriage will be heading opposite direction from this novel.
•The first quarter of this book is more about romance; i thought I read romance genre. If some intimate scene didn't get cut, I might think I read a smut book.
BEWARE OF SLIGHT SPOILER AHEAD
•I have some questions for this book:
1. Is that true about what Brody did to underage girls?
2. And what about his wife, Chelsea? Is that true what he told Sloane about his wife?
3. Did Sloane actually have any feelings for Brody? What makes her chose to use him?
4. What is Brody's actual feeling toward Sloane?
Everything it seems, has remained unanswered in here.
CREDIT:
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial, for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book was good; it has the potential to create a gem.....
Unfortunately, the execution didn't go well.
Sloane (FMC)
She went from an intelligent lady to a dumbass bitch to a psycho woman.
Ethan (MMC)
He.... uhmm, he's just a detective who's cheated on his wife.
Brody
I didn't get much from him; like author didn't tell you that much about him. In my opinion, he should have gotten more scenes. Since he was our main bad guy here
He strikes me as stupid and a coward.
MY PROBLEMS:
•I can't connect to each of character. So that's why it feels FLAT.
•I need more descriptions of Sloane, Ethan, and Brody. Like their appearance. For example:
- What makes a 42-year-old woman still attractive to a man worth of $1.44 billionaire? When he got a much younger model as a wife. Cause hell yeah, i don't get it, why Sloane.
•Some scenes feel out of place; the most hilarious one for me is the "Backseat" scene. This guy (Brody) just popped up anywhere and everywhere. Like this:
🪄Wingardium Leviosa💥 (boom) He's on backseat
🪄Wingardium Leviosa💥 (boom) He's in the garage
🪄Wingardium Leviosa💥 (boom) He's on the street
•I think the author should have given us something in order for us to feel empathy and relate to Sloane's action, but she didn't. Literally, Sloane is my least favorite character in here.
- After the length she took with Brody, and apparently she still wanted to stay with her husband, that didn't make sense to me. If this happen in the real life, your marriage will be heading opposite direction from this novel.
•The first quarter of this book is more about romance; i thought I read romance genre. If some intimate scene didn't get cut, I might think I read a smut book.
BEWARE OF SLIGHT SPOILER AHEAD
•I have some questions for this book:
1. Is that true about what Brody did to underage girls?
2. And what about his wife, Chelsea? Is that true what he told Sloane about his wife?
3. Did Sloane actually have any feelings for Brody? What makes her chose to use him?
4. What is Brody's actual feeling toward Sloane?
Everything it seems, has remained unanswered in here.
CREDIT:
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial, for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2023
An eerily insidious read that simmers with unease until it boils over with an unexpected and terrifying reveal. With characters you’ll love to hate and twists that will have you wondering whom you should be rooting for, Audrey J. Cole’s voice shines on the page. I was instantly drawn into this world and these characters’ lives and I didn’t want to put it down until I saw how it would all play out! With sinister revelations and an unrelenting sense of foreboding, THE ONE should be at the top of your summer reading list!
May 24, 2025
Popcorn worthy!
Sloane Marks is an ER physician, and her husband, Ethan, is a homicide detective. She thought they were happy until Ethan cheated with his homicide partner. Sloane isn’t sure she can forgive him, yet she finds herself wanting to be a mother. Ethan has always wanted a family, but Sloane wasn’t ready.
Sloane believes that if Ethan knew how she felt, they might move forward. In college, her chemistry lab partner was Brody Carr, now a millionaire and the well-known founder of the app The One. When she bumps into Brody at the store while buying ice cream, she learns he recently separated from his wife. Their chance meeting lifts her spirits. She knows Brody finds her attractive, but can she have an affair? Soon, Sloane joins Brody for a weekend trip to the San Juan Islands, certain it will drive Ethan crazy.
A week after returning, Brody’s wife drowns. The police are investigating Brody, and Sloane has so much to lose. What has she gotten herself into?
The One was truly addictive. I couldn’t stop listening. Sloane and Ethan were somewhat unlikable characters, but I needed to know where the story was headed and how it would play out. I wasn’t disappointed.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Sloane Marks is an ER physician, and her husband, Ethan, is a homicide detective. She thought they were happy until Ethan cheated with his homicide partner. Sloane isn’t sure she can forgive him, yet she finds herself wanting to be a mother. Ethan has always wanted a family, but Sloane wasn’t ready.
Sloane believes that if Ethan knew how she felt, they might move forward. In college, her chemistry lab partner was Brody Carr, now a millionaire and the well-known founder of the app The One. When she bumps into Brody at the store while buying ice cream, she learns he recently separated from his wife. Their chance meeting lifts her spirits. She knows Brody finds her attractive, but can she have an affair? Soon, Sloane joins Brody for a weekend trip to the San Juan Islands, certain it will drive Ethan crazy.
A week after returning, Brody’s wife drowns. The police are investigating Brody, and Sloane has so much to lose. What has she gotten herself into?
The One was truly addictive. I couldn’t stop listening. Sloane and Ethan were somewhat unlikable characters, but I needed to know where the story was headed and how it would play out. I wasn’t disappointed.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
May 14, 2023
On the surface, this book appears to be one about a couple who like to dive and one would assume that they are in a loving relationship after reading the title - she’s ‘the one.”
However, once you dive between the covers of this book, you’ll soon realize that the world you thought you were sliding into is nothing at all like the one represented.
In fact, you’ll be gasping for air and your heart will be pounding because Cole has written another fantastic domestic suspense. She highlights what happens to us and those around us when we are driven to settle a score.
Forty-two-year-old E.R. doctor, Sloane Marks, has marinated her mind in revenge since she heard about her husband’s infidelity. She’d like to think she can forgive and forget, but she’s only fooling herself. In an attempt to settle the score, she gets herself tangled up with someone powerful who will protect his secrets at all costs. Can she learn to forgive Ethan or will her drive to settle the score override any chance of a relationship and a family?
I ABSOLUTELY loved the unpredictability and the taut plotting of this domestic suspense. I got swept up in the secrets, lies, and murder and was feverishly turning pages. I love reading about characters who will go to great lengths to get what they want. That being said, I really was rooting for Ethan, Sloane’s husband. When an author can pull me into a book with a topic I’m not too hip on reading about (infidelity) and sway me towards supporting the bad guy (cheater), I know that I’ve found a talented author!
As I closed this fantastic book, I remembered a quote something along the lines of …when you start off on a path of revenge, remember to dig two graves.
If you enjoy fast-paced suspense, spun around a secret with a deadly consequence, this is one book you’ll want to put on your summer reading list. This is my fourth book by this author, and she continues to amaze me with her skill.
I was gifted this copy by BooksGoSocial and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
However, once you dive between the covers of this book, you’ll soon realize that the world you thought you were sliding into is nothing at all like the one represented.
In fact, you’ll be gasping for air and your heart will be pounding because Cole has written another fantastic domestic suspense. She highlights what happens to us and those around us when we are driven to settle a score.
Forty-two-year-old E.R. doctor, Sloane Marks, has marinated her mind in revenge since she heard about her husband’s infidelity. She’d like to think she can forgive and forget, but she’s only fooling herself. In an attempt to settle the score, she gets herself tangled up with someone powerful who will protect his secrets at all costs. Can she learn to forgive Ethan or will her drive to settle the score override any chance of a relationship and a family?
I ABSOLUTELY loved the unpredictability and the taut plotting of this domestic suspense. I got swept up in the secrets, lies, and murder and was feverishly turning pages. I love reading about characters who will go to great lengths to get what they want. That being said, I really was rooting for Ethan, Sloane’s husband. When an author can pull me into a book with a topic I’m not too hip on reading about (infidelity) and sway me towards supporting the bad guy (cheater), I know that I’ve found a talented author!
As I closed this fantastic book, I remembered a quote something along the lines of …when you start off on a path of revenge, remember to dig two graves.
If you enjoy fast-paced suspense, spun around a secret with a deadly consequence, this is one book you’ll want to put on your summer reading list. This is my fourth book by this author, and she continues to amaze me with her skill.
I was gifted this copy by BooksGoSocial and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 20, 2024
I can’t remember the last time I read a book in 24 hours! This book isn’t jam packed with twists or surprises, but the few that are there are deliciously wicked. I love a good psychological plot that is full of vengeance. I was originally drawn to the book because of the cover - as a certified scuba diver - this was right up my alley! It’s actually regarding free diving in the book, but regardless was great for me as an ocean lover and for the start of summer. If you are looking for an easy read, with only a few POVs, and filled with revenge themes - this won’t disappoint!
May 17, 2023
THE ONE was nothing short of amazing! I knew as I started this book that I was in for an adventure and that's exactly what I got. Sloane was a determined woman wanting to get her husband, Ethan, back from his affair. When she decides to have an affair with her old lab partner, now billionaire, Brody, she ends up taking on more than she bargained for. I knew from the beginning, something bad was going to happen here and I was determined to figure it out. This is the first book I've read by Audrey J. Cole and now I'm a fan. I highly recommend reading it, it will blow you away!
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to Publication date.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to Publication date.
June 22, 2023
First, let’s talk about the cover! I am a sucker for beautiful covers and this one is nothing but beautiful!
This is a solid popcorn thriller that is full of lies, deceit, affairs, and lots of poor decisions! While I couldn’t relate with Sloane because of her choices, I was mesmerized by the story and had to find out how it ends. You won’t want to put the book down. Definitely add this book to your TBR.
Thank you Audrey J. Cole for the beautiful physical copy!
This is a solid popcorn thriller that is full of lies, deceit, affairs, and lots of poor decisions! While I couldn’t relate with Sloane because of her choices, I was mesmerized by the story and had to find out how it ends. You won’t want to put the book down. Definitely add this book to your TBR.
Thank you Audrey J. Cole for the beautiful physical copy!
July 12, 2023
Domestic noir is one of my favorite sub-genres and The One was as psychologically thrilling as I hoped it would be! Reading it was addictive.
We are introduced to Ethan, a homicide detective, and his wife Sloane, an ER Physician. They have a toxic marriage and their main interests are spying on each other and avoiding each other’s company by saying “There’s an emergency at work and I’ll be home late. Don’t wait up.”
Sloane makes calculated decisions that she predicts will bring Ethan closer to her. Instead, her actions bring about dangerous consequences for both of them and for others. Soon, Ethan is investigating a crime in which Sloane is a suspect.
What I really liked about this book is how well the author describes what’s going on in each of the main characters’ heads. Told alternately from Ethan’s POV and Sloane’s POV, the story builds suspense by revealing how little the husband and wife understand each other. They each keep assuming they know how the other will react to problems. Then they keep getting surprised when their spouse does things that they never thought they would be capable of. I thought that was interesting.
At times the narrative did get repetitive and towards the very end I wanted it to hurry up and end.
I’m giving The One 4.5 stars and I always round up. I recommend The One to anyone who likes contemporary psychological thrillers dealing with themes of marriage, infidelity, and trust.
Thank you very much Netgalley and the publishers for giving me a free audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
This is a review of the audiobook.
We are introduced to Ethan, a homicide detective, and his wife Sloane, an ER Physician. They have a toxic marriage and their main interests are spying on each other and avoiding each other’s company by saying “There’s an emergency at work and I’ll be home late. Don’t wait up.”
Sloane makes calculated decisions that she predicts will bring Ethan closer to her. Instead, her actions bring about dangerous consequences for both of them and for others. Soon, Ethan is investigating a crime in which Sloane is a suspect.
What I really liked about this book is how well the author describes what’s going on in each of the main characters’ heads. Told alternately from Ethan’s POV and Sloane’s POV, the story builds suspense by revealing how little the husband and wife understand each other. They each keep assuming they know how the other will react to problems. Then they keep getting surprised when their spouse does things that they never thought they would be capable of. I thought that was interesting.
At times the narrative did get repetitive and towards the very end I wanted it to hurry up and end.
I’m giving The One 4.5 stars and I always round up. I recommend The One to anyone who likes contemporary psychological thrillers dealing with themes of marriage, infidelity, and trust.
Thank you very much Netgalley and the publishers for giving me a free audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
This is a review of the audiobook.
March 30, 2025
I am such a sucker for a domestic thriller. And this one is fantastic!
Cole’s writing style crafts characters you'll love (and simultaneously hate) and delivers twists that make you question who to believe. I was immediately hooked by the story and couldn't put it down, finishing it in a day.
This is my first read by this author but definitely won't be my last. Highly recommended for those who enjoy suspenseful plots and morally complex characters!
Cole’s writing style crafts characters you'll love (and simultaneously hate) and delivers twists that make you question who to believe. I was immediately hooked by the story and couldn't put it down, finishing it in a day.
This is my first read by this author but definitely won't be my last. Highly recommended for those who enjoy suspenseful plots and morally complex characters!
June 26, 2023
Didn't love this domestic thriller. Lots of unlikeable characters who all cheat and kill without much compunction. Okay on audio but I should have gone with my gut and DNF this one. Not terrible writing, I'd still probably read something else by this new to me author but it was just kind of meh for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review! Would recommend to fans of authors like Jeneva Rose.
April 14, 2025
2 1/2 Rounded up to maybe 3 Stars
I enjoyed The Pilot’s Daughter, and just read the adrenaline fueled, Missing in Flight, in just a few hours… Though it started out interesting enough, between the unlikeable characters and the story in general, it was just ok for me.
Will definitely look out for other books from this talented author!
I enjoyed The Pilot’s Daughter, and just read the adrenaline fueled, Missing in Flight, in just a few hours… Though it started out interesting enough, between the unlikeable characters and the story in general, it was just ok for me.
Will definitely look out for other books from this talented author!
June 27, 2023
Wow! I just finished The One by Audrey J Cole. My mind was going in so many directions in this book but it turned out great. I have loved Audrey’s books since I started reading them. They are always books for me that I can’t put down. There’s always something that pulls at my brain and I have that driving need to see how it ends and this was no exception.
This is a detective story and a medical story. Sloan is an ER doc and her husband Ethan is the detective. You can imagine how busy their lives are. They are constantly working, she covering for docs in her department and he working on homicide cases which sometimes keeps him out at all hours. I liked both of the main characters. Kay is Ethan’s mother and I have a new respect for her that I did not have in the beginning of the book.
There was so much going on in this book. Mainly, trouble for the couple and I wondered how in the world they were going to get out of all of it unscathed. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens. I won’t ruin it for you one way or another. I did wonder at one point if it was over the top. By the time I finished the book, I didn’t care. It was all worth my doubt.
If you like police procedurals, detective stories or books about doctors and hospital goings on, you’ll like this book. I love murder and medicine so this book is right in my wheelhouse. If this comes close to anything you like, try it out. If you love Audrey J Cole books, this one is a must read! Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a detective story and a medical story. Sloan is an ER doc and her husband Ethan is the detective. You can imagine how busy their lives are. They are constantly working, she covering for docs in her department and he working on homicide cases which sometimes keeps him out at all hours. I liked both of the main characters. Kay is Ethan’s mother and I have a new respect for her that I did not have in the beginning of the book.
There was so much going on in this book. Mainly, trouble for the couple and I wondered how in the world they were going to get out of all of it unscathed. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens. I won’t ruin it for you one way or another. I did wonder at one point if it was over the top. By the time I finished the book, I didn’t care. It was all worth my doubt.
If you like police procedurals, detective stories or books about doctors and hospital goings on, you’ll like this book. I love murder and medicine so this book is right in my wheelhouse. If this comes close to anything you like, try it out. If you love Audrey J Cole books, this one is a must read! Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 7, 2024
Oh no!! A good 2/3 (maybe even 3/4) of the way through this book, I was thinking it would be a solid 4 to 5 stars!! I was racing through it at warp speed. I couldn’t wait to see how it would all end! But then, unsettling things started happening and very questionable decisions made that I couldn’t believe nor wrap my head around. One of our MCs went from being a little unlikable to downright despicable.
I won’t go into more detail for fear of giving spoilers. But I’m so angry right now about that ending that I may feel a need to revisit this review in a few days to vent some more — and at that point, I’ll need a spoiler alert. Haha!! But other readers liked the ending, so don’t go by me!
But I did love Audrey Cole’s writing style and finished the book in just a couple of sittings!! Therefore, I’ll definitely be reading her other books, hoping for a more satisfying ending next time!
I won’t go into more detail for fear of giving spoilers. But I’m so angry right now about that ending that I may feel a need to revisit this review in a few days to vent some more — and at that point, I’ll need a spoiler alert. Haha!! But other readers liked the ending, so don’t go by me!
But I did love Audrey Cole’s writing style and finished the book in just a couple of sittings!! Therefore, I’ll definitely be reading her other books, hoping for a more satisfying ending next time!
June 18, 2023
When Sloane Marks's husband cheats on her after the passing of his father, she decides she needs to even the playing field. So, after a chance encounter with her old college lab partner turned billionaire app designer, Brody Carr, she decides he will be The One, which is only fitting since that's the name of the dating app he created. But, when Brody's wife ends up in Sloane's ER after a diving accident, and her detective husband is assigned to the case, foul play is suspected, and it looks like Sloane might be involved...
Oh, what a tangled web we weave... 🕸
This might be my favorite Audrey Cole to date! I read almost the entire book in one sitting - it was that compulsive. With twists and turns throughout and short chapters (🙌🏼), I flew through the pages. I wasn't sure at the beginning exactly how this would be a thriller, but it got there with a few surprises along the way. My anxiety mounted as I raced toward the ending to see how it would all play out. Cole's writing is so realistic and well researched. Sloane's diving scenes had me like 😬. This was fast paced & unpredictable & I loved every second of it.
Thank you to the author for sending me an early copy! Can't wait to see where we go next!
This novel hits shelves this month... just in time for beach reading!
Oh, what a tangled web we weave... 🕸
This might be my favorite Audrey Cole to date! I read almost the entire book in one sitting - it was that compulsive. With twists and turns throughout and short chapters (🙌🏼), I flew through the pages. I wasn't sure at the beginning exactly how this would be a thriller, but it got there with a few surprises along the way. My anxiety mounted as I raced toward the ending to see how it would all play out. Cole's writing is so realistic and well researched. Sloane's diving scenes had me like 😬. This was fast paced & unpredictable & I loved every second of it.
Thank you to the author for sending me an early copy! Can't wait to see where we go next!
This novel hits shelves this month... just in time for beach reading!
March 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
April 24, 2023
The One by Audrey J. Cole is a fast-paced read that had me questioning the ethics of the protagonist at every turn, while at the same time finding empathy for her plight.
Sloane is a doctor whose husband Ethan has cheated on her. Longing for a family of her own and on the wrong side of forty, Sloane considers using a dating app, The One, but isn't expecting to become involved with the app's billionaire founder Brody Carr. When Brody's wife dies in a mysterious accident, Ethan becomes the lead investigator and Sloane finds herself in the fight of her life between two men who are differently motivated by the truth.
I have enjoyed Ms Cole's previous books and could not wait to get my hands on this one. Unfortunately, I felt this latest lacked the propulsive element of the others, though it is still a solid read. I look forward to whatever comes next from this talented author. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an ARC.
Sloane is a doctor whose husband Ethan has cheated on her. Longing for a family of her own and on the wrong side of forty, Sloane considers using a dating app, The One, but isn't expecting to become involved with the app's billionaire founder Brody Carr. When Brody's wife dies in a mysterious accident, Ethan becomes the lead investigator and Sloane finds herself in the fight of her life between two men who are differently motivated by the truth.
I have enjoyed Ms Cole's previous books and could not wait to get my hands on this one. Unfortunately, I felt this latest lacked the propulsive element of the others, though it is still a solid read. I look forward to whatever comes next from this talented author. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an ARC.
June 22, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for the early copy to read and review! I always look forward to what Audrey J. Cole can come up with next and was NOT disappointed in The One.
It is a story of infidelity and .....murder? Or not murder as it could have been an accident like the grieving husband claims. This had a couple 'twists' or more like, the characters find out things about the other characters and we are along for the ride. I liked the descriptiveness of the diving, the colors seemed so vivid in my mind due to the writing.
A lot of the characters behaved sketchily (is that a word?) so it takes some trudging to get thru all the lies, who is lying to whom and what they're lying about. But this author seems to write lies (and secrets) upon lies well.
A good, quick thriller to get me back into thrillers after the romance binge I've had going thru June.
It is a story of infidelity and .....murder? Or not murder as it could have been an accident like the grieving husband claims. This had a couple 'twists' or more like, the characters find out things about the other characters and we are along for the ride. I liked the descriptiveness of the diving, the colors seemed so vivid in my mind due to the writing.
A lot of the characters behaved sketchily (is that a word?) so it takes some trudging to get thru all the lies, who is lying to whom and what they're lying about. But this author seems to write lies (and secrets) upon lies well.
A good, quick thriller to get me back into thrillers after the romance binge I've had going thru June.
July 9, 2023
Will write up full review later .. but
I’m sad the book is over. Now I wait for her next release. Her books are always a 5 star read for me.
What I liked:
• As Sloane is going through issues she comes to better understand her dead mother.
• the writing
•‘free diving - so interesting. I had no idea
• the suspense (out of nowhere like BAM) oh those scenes were so good - where’s the movie offers?
What I didn’t like:
• wanted more airplane scenes (but that’s just because AJC can write them so well lol).
• you cheated on me so I’m going to go cheat on you and then we can move on (lol how’d that work out for you).
• found 2 typos or missed words (maybe it’s me? Idk).
• devoured this book in a day and a half (now I have no new books to read by her)!
I actually loved everything about this book.
I’m sad the book is over. Now I wait for her next release. Her books are always a 5 star read for me.
What I liked:
• As Sloane is going through issues she comes to better understand her dead mother.
• the writing
•‘free diving - so interesting. I had no idea
• the suspense (out of nowhere like BAM) oh those scenes were so good - where’s the movie offers?
What I didn’t like:
• wanted more airplane scenes (but that’s just because AJC can write them so well lol).
• you cheated on me so I’m going to go cheat on you and then we can move on (lol how’d that work out for you).
• found 2 typos or missed words (maybe it’s me? Idk).
• devoured this book in a day and a half (now I have no new books to read by her)!
I actually loved everything about this book.
October 8, 2023
This was a fast paced thriller that I read in just 2 days. I loved it from the very first page and the ending has a great twist that I was not expecting. Looking forward to more books by Audrey J. Cole.
June 27, 2023
The One-Audrey J. Cole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Happy pub day to Audrey’s newest thriller, The One!
Gone Girl meets Fatal Attraction when ER physician Sloane Marks struggles to come to terms with her husband Ethan’s affair with his Homicide Detective partner. In the aftermath, Sloane is consumed by her resentment, and decides to have an affair of her own with an old college lab partner, Brody Carr. The now Billionaire philanthropist, competitive free diver and creator of the most successful online dating service of all time is allegedly estranged from his young supermodel wife, but something doesn’t feel right. When Brody’s wife comes in to Sloane’s ER after a suspicious drowning accident after free diving and Sloane is unable to revive her, Brody promises her that now they can finally be together. An affair sought out of spite for Ethan with no intention of ever moving past casual sex has now placed Sloane at the center of a murder investigation with her husband as the lead detective on the case.
How far will they go to protect the one they love most?!
A thriller that had me on the literal edge of my seat from start to finish! I couldn’t put it down and just had to know what happened next! I loved every second of this book, loved and hated all of the characters at some point and held on to this book with a death grip!
Thank you, Audrey for this gifted copy of this book! I look forward to everything you write and can’t wait for more!
🩵🏊🏽♀️🤿🐟🌊🩺📱🚔📸💙🛥️⚓️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Happy pub day to Audrey’s newest thriller, The One!
Gone Girl meets Fatal Attraction when ER physician Sloane Marks struggles to come to terms with her husband Ethan’s affair with his Homicide Detective partner. In the aftermath, Sloane is consumed by her resentment, and decides to have an affair of her own with an old college lab partner, Brody Carr. The now Billionaire philanthropist, competitive free diver and creator of the most successful online dating service of all time is allegedly estranged from his young supermodel wife, but something doesn’t feel right. When Brody’s wife comes in to Sloane’s ER after a suspicious drowning accident after free diving and Sloane is unable to revive her, Brody promises her that now they can finally be together. An affair sought out of spite for Ethan with no intention of ever moving past casual sex has now placed Sloane at the center of a murder investigation with her husband as the lead detective on the case.
How far will they go to protect the one they love most?!
A thriller that had me on the literal edge of my seat from start to finish! I couldn’t put it down and just had to know what happened next! I loved every second of this book, loved and hated all of the characters at some point and held on to this book with a death grip!
Thank you, Audrey for this gifted copy of this book! I look forward to everything you write and can’t wait for more!
🩵🏊🏽♀️🤿🐟🌊🩺📱🚔📸💙🛥️⚓️
November 26, 2023
First, big thank to you NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for the ALC of this one!
I loved the way that this started out. With a woman who was wronged due to her husband's infedilty, but then it went downhill for me from there. I really wanted to root for her, but the "you did it so I can do it too" attitude just didn't sit right with me.
I also found none of the characters to be super likeable. And the end left me feeling confused almost. Like did she make the whole thing up or did it play out how she said it did? Without giving away spoilers, I just wanted more from this one!
The build up of suspense was enjoyable, but the execution left me feeling like I wanted more.
I loved the way that this started out. With a woman who was wronged due to her husband's infedilty, but then it went downhill for me from there. I really wanted to root for her, but the "you did it so I can do it too" attitude just didn't sit right with me.
I also found none of the characters to be super likeable. And the end left me feeling confused almost. Like did she make the whole thing up or did it play out how she said it did? Without giving away spoilers, I just wanted more from this one!
The build up of suspense was enjoyable, but the execution left me feeling like I wanted more.
June 28, 2023
Audrey J. Cole wrote a good thriller that kept me guessing. Man oh man, this was a hot mess of infidelity, lies and murder. I was upset and frustrated during the whole thing and it just kept getting more complicated. Lots of feelings and a twist I didn’t see coming.
I enjoyed it and chose to listen to it and both narrators were good. They did a great job and I highly recommend listening to it.
Thanks OrangeSky Audio via NetGalley.
I enjoyed it and chose to listen to it and both narrators were good. They did a great job and I highly recommend listening to it.
Thanks OrangeSky Audio via NetGalley.
August 14, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book had me STRESSIN'. It's a relatively short read, so if you like thrillers, I highly recommend checking this out. The book follows Sloane - an ER doctor - and her husband, Ethan - a homicide police detective. Ethan had an affair with his last partner, and Sloane, not feeling good enough, wants to get back at him for it. She still loves Ethan and doesn't want to leave him, but she wants him to feel as she felt so they can start to heal their relationship.
Sloane bumps into her old college lab partner - Brody Carr - who is now a billionaire relationship app founder, going through his own divorce. Sloane gets wowed by him and has a short, torrid affair. She intends to break it off but Brody's wife - Chelsea - suddenly ends up dead. With Ethan knowing about the affair and investigating Chelsea's death, this book builds up the tension and you have to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.
Definitely recommend this read, and I'll be checking out the author's other works as well!
This book had me STRESSIN'. It's a relatively short read, so if you like thrillers, I highly recommend checking this out. The book follows Sloane - an ER doctor - and her husband, Ethan - a homicide police detective. Ethan had an affair with his last partner, and Sloane, not feeling good enough, wants to get back at him for it. She still loves Ethan and doesn't want to leave him, but she wants him to feel as she felt so they can start to heal their relationship.
Sloane bumps into her old college lab partner - Brody Carr - who is now a billionaire relationship app founder, going through his own divorce. Sloane gets wowed by him and has a short, torrid affair. She intends to break it off but Brody's wife - Chelsea - suddenly ends up dead. With Ethan knowing about the affair and investigating Chelsea's death, this book builds up the tension and you have to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.
Definitely recommend this read, and I'll be checking out the author's other works as well!
June 28, 2023
Mediocre but entertaining.
July 30, 2023
The Only
By: Audrey J. Cole
5 🏝️ 🏝️🏝️🏝️🏝️
Cole has quickly become one of my go to authors! This is my fourth book by her.
🏝️
Sloan is an ER doctor and her husband Ethan is a homicide detective. She is devastated when she finds out he had an affair with his partner. She wants to make their marriage work, but is also contemplating sleeping with someone from her past.
🏝️
Brody is the man from her past and when he invites her on a getaway she accepts. Will she give into temptation or try to make her marriage work. There is a lot of mistrust on both their parts.
🏝️
Ethan gets a case which involves the suspicious death of Brody’s wife! He must uncover the truth and hopes his wife is not involved!
🏝️
This novel had my heart pounding DO IT, DON’T DO IT, WTH?
🏝️
This novel is due out June 27, 2023. Thank you Orange Sky Audio, Suzy Approved Book Tours, Netgalley and author Audrey J. Cole for these advanced copies. Cole is an auto-but for me. I highly suggest this one. I had the chance to read and listen to this fast paced thriller.
#theone, #audreyjcole, #rainierpub, #netgalley, #suzyapprovedbooktours, #orangeskyvideo, #bookreview, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50
June 20, 2023
This story was an adventure! Sloan Marks and her husband, Ethan are having marital problems after Ethan cheats. Sloan’s solution, outside of marriage counseling, is to go on a date herself to figure out if she wants to stay in the marriage. Enter old college acquaintance; tall, dark and handsome tech billionaire, Brody Carr, who can offer Sloan the affirmation, attention and adventure that her overworked police detective husband cannot. But, tragically, Brody’s estranged wife dies in a suspicious accident and Ethan becomes the lead investigator. Is Sloan in danger with Brody? All the elements were here for a great adventure thriller but I just could not connect to any of the characters, nor fully immerse in the storyline. I did enjoy the ending a lot! And I really liked one of this author’s other books, Final Hunt, so I will continue to look for her books. Thank you Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on June 27, 2023
June 28, 2023
This is my second book by Audrey Cole and I'm definitely loving her style. The book was quick and easy binge, I listened to the entire book in one day. Thank you Orange Sky Audio, Netgalley, and Audrey Cole for the advanced copy of both the ebook and the audiobook. Having both was a great way to make sure I could read/listen no matter what I was doing.
This book gave me big Gone Girl vibes and there is definitely some unreliable narration happening that keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat. Until the first major twist comes you wonder what exactly the main conflict is going to be but then wham you see it coming and know that it is going to be like a freight train going off the rails and all you can do is keep watching (or in this case watching). There was a level of predictability to the story but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
The narration was fantastic for those who like audiobooks and I'd definitely recommend checking out Audrey and all her books! I'm planning to grab up many of her backlist books soon!
This book gave me big Gone Girl vibes and there is definitely some unreliable narration happening that keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat. Until the first major twist comes you wonder what exactly the main conflict is going to be but then wham you see it coming and know that it is going to be like a freight train going off the rails and all you can do is keep watching (or in this case watching). There was a level of predictability to the story but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
The narration was fantastic for those who like audiobooks and I'd definitely recommend checking out Audrey and all her books! I'm planning to grab up many of her backlist books soon!
July 19, 2023
This is a twisty domestic thriller that has a wife trying to get back on her cheating husband with deadly consequences.
The wife in the book is ER doctor Sloane Marks. Her cheating husband is a homicide police detective named Ethan. Sloane tries to even the cheating score and win her husband back by cheating with billionaire Brody Carr.
Brody and Sloane were in a college science class together. But Brody went on to found ‘The One’ which is a popular dating app.
Sloane gets a rude awakening when she finds out that not only does Brody want more than a fling with her but that he also most likely killed his wife in a free diving accident.
Sloane is the attending physician when Brody’s wife is brought into the ER and wait for it..Ethan and his partner are assigned to look into the “accidental” death.
It’s easy to see how the twists never stop along with plenty of manipulation by all involved. I loved the nonstop intensity of this one and really like how the epilogue ends 30 years in the future..
The wife in the book is ER doctor Sloane Marks. Her cheating husband is a homicide police detective named Ethan. Sloane tries to even the cheating score and win her husband back by cheating with billionaire Brody Carr.
Brody and Sloane were in a college science class together. But Brody went on to found ‘The One’ which is a popular dating app.
Sloane gets a rude awakening when she finds out that not only does Brody want more than a fling with her but that he also most likely killed his wife in a free diving accident.
Sloane is the attending physician when Brody’s wife is brought into the ER and wait for it..Ethan and his partner are assigned to look into the “accidental” death.
It’s easy to see how the twists never stop along with plenty of manipulation by all involved. I loved the nonstop intensity of this one and really like how the epilogue ends 30 years in the future..
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