Finding the One

by Mark Marshall

In the vibrant heart of Dallas, two lives collide with electrifying force.



Liam, a thirty-year-old professional recently divorced and trying to rebuild his life with a level-headed approach, encounters Jake, a driven business professional from Toronto. Their chance meeting at a bustling nightclub ignites an instant, undeniable connection.



But there's a Jake is in Dallas for business and has a life--and a boyfriend--waiting for him back in Canada. Despite the odds, their magnetic attraction pulls them into a whirlwind romance as they traverse the country together, discovering a deep, unspoken bond.



In "Finding the One," the first book in a captivating trilogy, Liam navigates the complexities of a nearly perfect romance tested by distance and unspoken feelings as he searches to find what we are all looking for, the One.



"Dive into a story that will stay with you long after the final page."



"A poignant and engaging story about love's unexpected twists and the search for something real."

130 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2025

About the author

Mark Marshall, an aviation and meteorology enthusiast, grew up in a small Midwestern town before making the vibrant city of Dallas, Texas, his home. Armed with a master’s degree in communication from Eastern Illinois University, Mark’s journey has taken him around the world, where he has forged deep and meaningful relationships with people from every corner of life.
These connections have revealed to Mark a profound truth: the quest for love is a universal experience that transcends all boundaries. This insight fuels his passion for storytelling. Mark’s writing is a canvas for exploring this shared human desire, creating characters and narratives that touch hearts and resonate deeply with readers.
Mark is dedicated to breaking down stereotypes and offering fresh, authentic perspectives on love and relationships.
At the core of his work is a simple truth: no matter our differences, we are all on a journey to find the One.

Reviews

[Heather O'Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am broken. This story was so sweet and lovely… and I just know that there will be an eventual happy ending for Liam… but I AM BROKEN!

So, Liam is recently divorced from his five-year marriage to Austin. They had had a life together, they had built their dream home together, and when Liam was offered a promotion with a move from Dallas to DC, Austin admitted he had been cheating and left him.

Liam tends to stay closed off now, as his trust and his confidence have been shaken. Then one night his friends coax him out and he runs into (literally) a handsome guy with puppy dog eyes named Jake. There is chemistry from the start!

But Jake is in Dallas for only three months. The guys have a whirlwind romance but it has an expiration date.

As the end draws near, what is next for Jake and Liam? They are clearly in love, but can they admit it to each other?

I have been a wreck since I read this story. I cried at three points toward the end, and I was left with a hole in my heart.

This book seems to me to be under appreciated… I don’t see it hyped much and it is SO lovely, well written, with enough of a supporting cast of characters to keep it interesting without clogging the storyline at all. I am such a fan of Mark’s writing, so I am very glad I happened on his work.

Book two (Almost the One) is a prequel telling Liam’s story with Austin. I am not ready for that heartbreak yet!!! But book three (The One) promises a happy ending for Liam… and it can’t release quickly enough.

5/5 stars… it rewired my brain a little.

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick MM novella and an easy read as we follow Liam, our MMC, on his journey to finding the one. Liam runs into Jake in a bar and Jake is HOT. The issue is Jake is only in Dallas for the summer and has a long distance BF back in Canada. Jake and BF break up and Jake and Liam have a whirlwind romance over the summer.

Liam is an absolute treasure and a great character. Jake certainly frustrated me in his treatment of Liam a few times but it demonstrated why Jake wasn’t “the One.”

Overall, I’m excited to read the next installment in this trilogy of Liam’s journey of Finding the One.

Spice: 🌶️.5 (mostly closed door with some hinted open door content)

[Rod Lujano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores beautifully the reality of modern queer relationships, and the push and pull between someone ready to find The One and someone who’s not there yet.

I loved Liam’s enthusiast and his openness to love again, the conflict of falling for someone who’s not quite ready to settle down felt very real and well done.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to start by congratulating the author on an outstanding book. I am not typically an avid reader or someone who frequently purchases books; however, learning that this story focused on a gay couple and was set in my hometown of Dallas immediately sparked my interest.

From the very first chapter through the final pages, the book remained deeply engaging. I must admit it took me some time to finish, not because of a lack of interest, but because many of the experiences of Liam, the main character, closely mirrored my own. His journey strongly reminded me of how I met my former partner, with whom I shared five years. At times, the emotional parallels made it difficult to read continuously, as the story brought back powerful memories of both joy and heartbreak.

I never expected a book to affect me so profoundly. I experienced a full range of emotions while reading—happiness, excitement, and sadness—and there were moments that genuinely gave me chills and even brought me to tears. This story felt deeply personal and emotionally authentic.

I am truly looking forward to starting book two.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the real life gay romance experience. It took me back to the first time I met my first boyfriend! As I read this book I was able to visualize the characters like a movie scene in my mind. I’ve never been to Hawaii but I could picture it like I was there! I really liked it it has a good mix of love and sad moments. I felt the roller coaster of emotions. I can’t wait for book 2 I hope Liam finds the one!

[June Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy a good love story, read this book. The characters come to life and you feel like you know them.

Grab a bottle of wine and snuggle under a blanket. This one will have anticipating the next chapter and the next book.