One & Only

by Maurene Goo

In Five Years meets a millennial The Joy Luck Club in the adult debut from the author of YA Reese Pick Throwback— a funny and fresh love story of a woman thrown a curveball by fate, and the family secret that will make her question everything.

She’s seen what her happily ever after looks like. And it’s not him.

Cassia Park believes in soul mates. Fated love stories. It’s her family business, after all—for centuries, from Korea to Los Angeles, the Park women have peered into clients’ past lives to find their one true love, their “fated”. This magical secret is why One & Only Matchmaking has a 100% guarantee … for everyone but Cassia.

Afraid of ending up like her mom, Cassia asked to be told her fated—ten years ago. Now she’s days from turning forty and she still hasn’t found him.

Enter Ellis. He’s twenty-eight, indecently handsome, and not destined to be the love of her life. But destiny has more than one curveball ready, and her surprising connection with Ellis might be the key that unlocks finding her fated—and reveals a family secret that will make her question everything she’s ever her family, her belief in love, and truth itself.

Cassia will have to decide if she’ll follow her fate … or make her own.

Genres: Romance, Magical Realism, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary Romance

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 3, 2026

About the author

Maurene Goo is the critically acclaimed author of young adult novels, including I BELIEVE IN A THING CALLED LOVE and THROWBACK. She's also written for Marvel's Silk series and lives and writes in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and cats.

Reviews

[emma]

if i could magically determine people's soulmates no one would ever hear the end of it

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful rom-com! Surely to be a big hit once released in 2026.

This is how you write an adult romance and one of the best romance books I've read in awhile! Finally, a FMC I can relate to: Asian woman in her 40s navigating life.

One & Only by Maurene Goo is a warm, heartfelt love story that feels both intimate and universal. It makes you consider the idea of fate, especially when expectations begin to blur with real life.

Cassia Park works in her family’s long-running matchmaking business, a tradition built on certainty and an impressive record of success. This is where the magical realism takes place: the family has the ability to jump into past timelines to see who someone’s true love is. But who is Cassia’s one true love?

For years, Cassia has known the name of the person she is supposedly meant to love, even though she has never met him. Love has always felt predetermined to her, until an unexpected bike accident introduces Ellis into her life. He stays with her, calls for help, and keeps her company when she needs it most. For Ellis, the connection is instant. For Cassia, it is much more complicated. The chemistry is undeniable, but she believes her future is already mapped out.

This novel explores love in all its messy and beautiful forms. It looks at the pressure of expectations, the risk of missing what is right in front of you, and the freedom that comes from letting go of perfection. And truly, Ellis is impossible not to love. I fell for him just as much as I fell for this story.

While there is a touch of magical realism in it, it veers towards Cassia's newfound love and Korean culture. One & Only It is filled with humor, emotional moments, family history, and cultural elements, all woven into a story about choosing what you want rather than what is expected of you. Cassia’s journey from believing completely in destiny to realizing she might have a choice of her own is refreshing and relatable. I cannot wait to read more from Goo!

Thank you to Maurene Goo, Putnam Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice magical realism romance. A wonderful main character and lots of fun side characters. I think the idea of a soulmate is fascinating so I was really into where this story was gonna go!

[Michelle’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited that Maureen Goo went to adult novels because I loved her YA books so much. The story was great and I loved the face reading and the past lives. The romance was so messy like I had so much second hand embarrassment at the shit she was doing but like I get it.

[Lochi's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone call Celine Song and Greta Lee, because One and Only by Maureen Goo is practically begging for a screen adaptation. This book has all the makings of a feel-good rom-com. It's snappy, fresh, and delivered with culture and heart.

Cassia, approaching her 40th birthday, is a matchmaker working at One & Only, her family’s face-reading matchmaking service. Since her grandmother once read her face and declared her fate match to be someone named Daniel, Cassia has been searching for him ever since. But just as time begins to slip away, she meets Ellis, a carefree, charming 28-year-old who completely sweeps her off her feet. Honey, the twist? Ellis's boss is none other than Daniel, her long-waited match.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a compelling love triangle, and this is my first time diving into a Maureen Goo novel but it certainly won’t be my last. The book leans heavily into the territory of film Materialist, but where that film sparked mixed reactions (we all know Pedro's character was the choice, let's be real), One and Only offers a more grounded, emotionally satisfying experience... until the ending.

Personally, I was rooting for Cassia and Daniel. I craved that classic, magnetic romantic arc that felt more aligned with her journey. While Ellis was sweet and well-meaning, his character felt like the story was working overtime to mature him, and the age-gap just didn’t sit right with me. For some readers, the dynamic might work, but I found myself wanting more from that fate-driven connection. That said, this was still such a pleasure to read. Fast-paced and full of cultural texture. Even if the ending didn’t land for me, the ride was worth it.

Thank you so much Putnam Books for the digital arc.

[Vans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't tell you how refreshing it is to get an advanced reading copy of a romance novel where the protagonist is not 20-24 years old, bright eyed and bushy tailed, new to love and willing to accept everything that comes their way.

Cassia is not that and I love her for it. With her 40th birthday rapidly approaching and her one true love nowhere to be found, Cassia's beginning to wonder if she's going to end up alone. The family business, after all, rides on finding people their One & Only, and she is determined not to end up like her mom, who bucked the matchmaking trend and ended up alone.

Cassia's journey to find her soulmate has heartbreak, reconciliation, family drama, hot younger dudes, the best friend you could ever hope for, evil swan boats, a cursed cockatoo, and of course...a happy ending. What an adorable read.

Thanks so much to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this.

[Kasee Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I looooooved this.

Maurene Goo’s adult debut features a story about Cassia, who not only believes in soulmates, but sells them. Her multi-generational family business matchmakes clients with their “fated” by looking into their past lives. Cassia knows the name of her own fated, but has yet to find him. Enter Ellis. He’s not her match, and yet, she can’t deny their chemistry. So when she DOES meet her fated, she has to contend with following her fate…or making her own. Throw in long-held family secrets, an age-gap romance, and a bit of magical realism, and you get a book that is so unique, so romantic, and so compulsively readable, you’ll have finished in only a few sittings.

A book I would absolutely recommend and re-read. Swoony and charming AF.

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

[Samantha Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.

First five star read of 2026!!! If you love a family centered, finding yourself, independent woman kind of book this is for you. Plus, add in a little mystic magic with the family business in this one and it makes it all the more special. This book with give you all the feels you want and more...so much more. Please read this, you'll regret it if you don't.

[Mai H.]

ANHPI TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons

[Leslie Ann (lalasbookishlife) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I read the synopsis for One and Only by Maurene Goo, I was immediately intrigued. I was also slightly worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype I had created in my mind, but it was everything I wanted it to be, albeit slightly different than I thought…

I would categorize this as women’s fiction with a heavy focus on romance, but it’s not strictly a romance. It deals with other issues and themes, which I really loved and appreciated.

This book reminded me of an old Jude Deveraux book I would read in high school. I loooove a good fated loves & past lives story. WE NEED MORE OF THESE!

I’m not always the biggest fan of a love triangle and almost always I will know who I’m rooting for early on and never sway, but I gotta admit I jumped ship with this one. I won’t say anymore on this matter because I don’t want to spoil it! 🤐🤫

That epilogue?! Swooning!

If you love Ashley Poston’s books, you’ll adore this story. I cannot recommend it enough. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ LOVED!

Thanks so much for the early copy, @putnambooks (partner) Release Date: 2/3/26

[Megan Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was charming, romantic and magical and I loved every minute of it. The author's writing drew me in from the start, and I couldn't put it down. My two least favorite tropes are love triangles and age gap...and this had both. The fact that I loved it anyway is definitely a testament to how wonderful the story was.

I fell in love with Ellis right from the start. He was truly a perfect cinnamon roll MMC. Caring, considerate, yearning. And he and Cassia had such sparkling chemistry! But then she met Daniel, the man she was fated to be with...and I loved him too! He was mature, handsome, sweet and loving and so besotted with Cassia.

I had a preference between the two of them of course, but I honestly wasn't sure how this would end and that kept me turning the pages. I don't even want to say a thing about the ending or my feelings about it because I don't want to give anything away!

I loved that Cassia was 40 in this one because truly it makes me happy to read about characters closer to my own age once in a while. The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star was that the middle dragged on a little and then I felt like the ending was rushed. But it was truly a beautiful book and I absolutely adored it!

Thank you Putnam books for sending me a gifted copy!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My review: I was drawn into this book from page one. Cassia is smart, driven and loves her work. She uses an ancient family gift to read people and their past lives and make a match with their fated love. It's a little magical, and a lot romantic. The problem is she can't find her fated love. She knows his name (Daniel) and has been looking for him for a decade.
When Daniel does show up it's awkward. He is Ellis's (her much younger fling) boss! But Cassia is determined and she has the support of her family and best friend to make this work. But is fate always the way? The concepts of true love, fate, agency, and family secrets keep this tale moving along. Cassia is a little magical, living in a high power modern world. Can you find the one meant for you when social media, friends, romance, and chance may be in the way?? Is fate real? Is chance more important?
Cassia knows what she wants and what her family wants, but what do you do when things (or people) jump in the way? Cassia is assured and strong but not stubborn enough to push aside questions and "what ifs".
I was all in on this tale from the beginning, a great romantic trip!

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam's Sons Publishers
for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.

[Jessica Barhight · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️RATING 4.5⭐️

This book was AMAZING! I barely wanted to put it down and drug out reading the ending for as long as I possibly could. That’s how much I didn’t want the story to end. I’d even petition for a Part 2.❤️

So what is this book about? So much, but I’ll do my best to summarize. Our main female character, Cassia Park, works in the family business of matchmaking. Her and her female relatives use the art of face reading to find someone’s “fated” love with a magical twist.

Cassia has known the identity of her “fated” love for 10 years, but he’s MIA. On the cusp of turning 40 (big thumbs up for this representation), she has a chance encounter with Ellis. He’s not her “fated”, but he’s the total package (and only 28 😱).

Should Cassia explore a romantic relationship with Ellis or hold out for her “fated” who’s much closer than she thinks? A wild ride ensues, one that is full of love, loss, family, friendship, and old secrets revealed.

This isn’t your typical rom-com. It goes much deeper. You’ll definitely laugh. You just might cry. You won’t want to miss it!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, but I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Lyon.Brit.andthebookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Report: One and Only by Maurene Goo

Cassia Park has always believed in soulmates. It’s literally the family business. For generations…the women in her family have matched clients with their fated loves…except Cassia still hasn’t found hers. On the cusp of 40 she finally chooses herself and has a no strings fling with Ellis only to discover he’s connected to the very man she’s been waiting for all along.

Cue fate vs. free will…heart vs. head and one love triangle that kept me fully invested. This was such a fun unique rom-com with a touch of magical realism. If the word soulmates makes your heart flutter…this one will absolutely capture you 💫 I loved the lively side characters the memorable family business and an epilogue that left me smiling (and still thinking about it). There was only one person I was rooting for the entire time and I never wavered.

Perfect for fans of Ashley Poston and Sophie Cousens 💕✨

Thank you G.P Putnam’s Sons for the ecopy!

Releases 2/3

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...

[Jen Deezy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was utterly charming. Cassia has a special gift: to turn back the fabric of time to see people's one true fated mate. She is now on the cusp of turning 40 & having known her fated mates name, for almost 10 years but unable to find him, she's gotten a little antsy. Enter Ellis, who is most definitely in his 20s, incredibly sweet & charming & she is most definitely drawn to him, however he is most definitely not her fated mate. I don't want to say too much because watching this one unfold was just magical & a fun ride but it is full of sweet tender moments, dealing with some grief & loss and a lot of learning who you are & who you truly want to be. I really enjoyed this one & would highly recommend it to anyone who likes romances with a touch of magic in them. You won't be disappointed.





huge thanks to Netgalley for an e-arc of this one. all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute and well written! I found the main character very likable, and the love interests were both compelling. I had a couple doubts about how well some of the magic was explained, but then the last chapter tied it all together perfectly.

[Amy]

Can't say that plot really grabs my attention, but it is Maurene Goo. If she writes it, I'll read it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, charming, great chemistry and a main character who is absolutely loveable. This was romantic, sweet and funny with a smidge of magical realism. Cassia was strong, determined and the story was perfectly swoon worthy.


Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Ammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this story, and it mostly delivered. There were parts that bugged me: the overexplaining of LA culture, pop culture references that felt out of place, and a 40 year old using “bro.” Still, I kept coming back to it. I knew we’d reach a happily ever after, but I wasn’t sure how we’d get there, and that uncertainty kept me intrigued. There were surprising, sweet, and hot moments, along with others that felt clunky or rushed. But the flirting and tension were good enough that I almost didn’t mind. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!

[Alexandra Morales · Rating 2 out of 5]

****Many thanks to Netgalley and Putnam for an advanced eArc in exchange for my honest opinion****

2.5 Stars but I won't be rounding up for this one.

The premise of this drew me in IMMEDIATLY. Fated ones? Red string of fate? I'm such a sucker for fate stories! What I didn't like was how fate seemed to brought up in this story just to create tension and create a love triangle.

I LOVE to see an older FMC I feel that is rare to see nowadays. So I appreciated that this woman has a career she enjoys, a home she loves and well established bonds with friends and family. To be honest though that is the only thing I liked about Cassia. My eyes seemed to be permanently rolled up. A 40 year old who say's Bro THAT frequently? Come onnnnn. How she was constantly thinking about Ellis despite being with Daniel (her fated match) rubbed me SO wrong. Every time Ellis came up in the story I sighed and was like "not this dude again.."

Like I said I think the whole red string of fate thing was just brought up to create division and tension between Cassia and Ellis and I really thought that was unfair to Daniel and to the fate storyline. The whole 12 year age difference between Cassia and Ellis also was like "Uhgh" it seemed to be a far stretch for me. I really would have just liked to have a story showing the journey to her fated match, 20s, 30s to 40. And then deep dive onto how they meet and grow to love one another. The love triangle had no part in this book.

There are some phrases I encountered that made me sigh and close down my Kindle like....

"Such a beautiful dress, look at this tall, big boy." I don't even bother giving them the "less-gendered compliments please" lecture.

"Does that sound like an obnoxious thing a privileged white guy would say?"

"I know I'm not supposed to care about body hair but I grew up in the nineties, the toxicity runs deep."

"Listen I'm not going to argue with you about this because I'm white & uncomfortable with your culture"

Sad white guy music which is doubly shameful since neither of us is white

Adolescent macho zone

It just seems like there are those hidden little gems of bullshit dropped sporadically throughout this book. Being a protective man does not boil down to being "adolescent macho zone" what a juvenile way of looking at things. Complementing appearance is not a bad thing like it is made out to be. Why does she feel the need to constantly point out peoples ethnicity. One could almost spin it and say aren't you just being broad in your descriptions of characters? Having readers come up with their own image of the character you just introduced as being Middle Eastern.. or Mexican.. just saying.. with adding no other descriptors you rely heavily on stereotypes which seems like a pot vs. kettle situation that I'm sure we don't want to dive to deeply down.

Daniel deserved better, surprisingly Ellis deserved better because I KNOW that man must have some sort of whiplash with all the back and forth with Cassia. Call me old fashioned but when someone is declaring his love for me I'd rather not have the word "fucking" involved in that conversation. "I love you Cassia. I really fucking do".... HOW NOT ROMANTIC IS THAT LINE. Ugh. Also the whole hyping up of LA is almost laughable. We all know what a complete dumpster fire LA is. The clear, blue skies? What happened to the smog? LOL

Maurene is a good writer though, she wrote the bonds between friends and family almost effortlessly. I felt I was a part of the family and in the rambunctious chaos surrounding them all.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

One & Only by Maurene Goo made me put the book down halfway through, stare into the middle distance, and seriously question whether I believe in fate or if I just like the aesthetic of it.
Published by Putnam | G.P. Putnam’s Sons, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

This book is cozy in the way that honesty is cozy, uncomfortable at first, then deeply reassuring once you settle into it. Cassia Park is turning forty, which in romance novel years is practically ancient, and I loved that the story never pretends otherwise. She’s successful, loved, financially stable, and still quietly panicking that the one thing she was promised hasn’t arrived. Cassia believes in soulmates because her family business literally depends on them. Generations of Park women can read faces and past lives to find “the one.” Everyone gets their happily ever after. Except Cassia. That irony alone could’ve carried the novel, but Goo goes further and asks the harder question: what happens when the story you were told stops fitting the life you’re living?

The magical realism is gentle and grounded. It doesn’t feel gimmicky or overly explained. It just exists, like family traditions often do. I loved how deeply rooted the matchmaking lore felt in culture, grief, and legacy, especially the quiet ache surrounding Cassia’s mother. This isn’t just a romance. It’s a book about inherited expectations and how heavy they can be, even when they’re wrapped in love.

And yes, there is a love triangle, but it’s one of the rare ones that actually works. Not because it’s shocking, but because both options make sense. Ellis is warmth and spontaneity and the permission to want something now. Daniel is stability and history and the comfort of destiny finally showing up. Cassia’s indecision didn’t frustrate me. It felt honest. Life-changing decisions rarely come with clarity and confetti.

What really sold this for me was the voice. The humor is dry, observant, and very millennial in a way that feels earned rather than try-hard. Los Angeles isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of Cassia’s emotional ecosystem. The hikes, the plants, the city sprawl, it all mirrors her internal push and pull between staying rooted and wanting to run.

This book is about love, yes, but also about agency. About realizing that being chosen by fate isn’t the same thing as choosing yourself. About understanding that wanting more doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful for what you already have.

“There’s a difference between what’s meant for you and what you’re brave enough to want.”

One & Only is warm, funny, and quietly devastating in the best way. It doesn’t rush its emotional beats, and it doesn’t flinch from the messiness of adulthood. It made me feel seen, slightly called out, and strangely comforted all at once. I’ll be thinking about Cassia for a long time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

#OneOnly #MaureneGoo #BookReview #RomanceBooks #WomensFiction #MagicalRealism #NetGalley #PutnamBooks #ARCReview #MidlifeRomance #BooksAboutFate #ContemporaryRomance
Come back to your Review on th

[☆Laura☆]

Cassia Park ha crecido rodeada de tradición, magia y responsabilidad. Como parte de la familia Park, dirige One & Only, la agencia de matchmaking más exclusiva de Los Ángeles, donde generación tras generación han unido parejas destinadas a encontrarse gracias a un antiguo don transmitido entre las mujeres de su familia: la capacidad de ver las vidas pasadas y descubrir el nombre de la persona que está escrita en tu destino.

El suyo, desde hace diez años, está marcado: Daniel Nam. Sin embargo, por más que lo han buscado, nunca han logrado dar con él. Con casi cuarenta años y la presión de ser la última heredera del don, Cassia siente que el tiempo se le escapa… hasta que aparece Ellis, un joven arquitecto paisajista que irrumpe en su vida con frescura, dulzura y una conexión inmediata que la hace sentir verdaderamente feliz por primera vez.

Pero cuando Daniel finalmente aparece, todo se complica. Cassia queda atrapada entre la pasión inesperada que siente por Ellis y el lazo inevitable con Daniel, su “fated”. ¿Debe elegir al hombre que siempre estuvo escrito en su destino o al que conquistó su corazón sin necesidad de hilos rojos ni magia ancestral?


___



Sabia desde el principio que sería un triángulo amoroso, pero esperaba que se manejara de otra manera. Pensé que cuando Cassia conociera a Daniel se daría cuenta de que no sentía nada por él, y aun así intentaría que funcionara por ser su predestinado, mientras no lograba sacar a Ellis de su cabeza. Tristemente no fue así: Cassia estaba feliz con Ellis, pero al conocer a Daniel no dudó en dejarlo para irse con el otro. Además, cuando Cassia y Daniel se conocieron ambos sintieron de inmediato una conexión, lo que volvió poco creíble el final, donde Cassia afirma seguir sintiendo algo por Ellis. Estaba tan feliz con Daniel, ¿por qué solo se acordó de Ellis hasta volver a verlo?
Las escenas de celos tampoco me convencieron, porque no reflejaban amor real hacia Ellis, sino el egocentrismo de Cassia, que parecía esperar que él quedara llorándole… y lamentablemente así fue ya que la chica solo era una amiga. Tampoco me gustaron los comentarios de Cassia sobre la amiga de Ellis, pues ella fue quien lo dejó y se fue con el otro.

Daniel, por su parte, también me resultó nefasto: no solo ocupaba una posición de poder sobre Ellis, sino que aun así coqueteó con Cassia cuando ella seguía con él y según eran amigos. Con esa clase de amigos no se necesitan enemigos.

Si no fuera porque Daniel no estaba seguro de querer tener hijos, Cassia se habría quedado con él y Ellis solo sería un recuerdo.

Cassia y Daniel eran perfectos juntos, mientras que Ellis merecía algo mejor.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Nadine in NY Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This is our family secret. We don’t just read faces, we can see past lives. And in these past lives, we can find past loves.”

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early review copy.

A grown up love triangle!!   This was so charming.  I happen to LOVE love triangles, so I was into it.  This one has got a whiff of magical realism, since the female protagonist, and her family, are all able to see people's past lives by reading faces.  They run a match-making company, the idea is that they find who you loved in the past, and this is your "fated" whom you will also be drawn to in the present.

I've loved Goo's YA novels, so I was excited to see what she would write for adults.  And the great writing and lovable characters are all still there, but sometimes it felt a little ... fussy.  Like it was trying too hard to be grown up.  I could tell right away which man Cassia would end up with, because he was the one that Goo wrote with passion:

I didn’t think it would be this good. He kisses me like it’s been his life’s singular purpose.

(I know I’m not supposed to quote ARCs but that line was too good to leave out.)
  
And the other guy was described as being super handsome and charming and great, but I got the distinct impression that Goo was bored by him and just doing her best to convince us that he was great, when her heart really was with the "final choice guy."  I'm not naming any names here, so none of this is a spoiler.  Read it yourself and see if you can also pick out which guy Goo truly loves!  

The epilogue adds a little past life spin to explain why Cassia fell in love with "final choice guy."

One other small complaint:  The Echo Park Lake swan boat scene bugged me, because (a) what kind of ninny knowingly takes a child who cannot swim on a boat ride and does not have them wear a life jacket???  and (b) life jackets are actually REQUIRED to rent and ride the swan boats at Echo Park Lake (I googled to check).   Obviously Goo was trying to create yet another scene where Ellis’s help was indispensable, but this scene made no sense.  Perhaps it will be revised prior to publication.

words I looked up:
Pet nat - a naturally sparkling wine 
beach entry pool - a book with a gradual slope instead of steps
Game of Thrones theme song - I’ve never watched the show! When the theme song was used at a wedding in the book, I was curious to listen to it.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

[Karina Goodley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really worked for me as a sweet, emotional story with just enough magical realism to make it feel special without overwhelming the romance. The description of this book as In Five Years meets The Joy Luck Club is honestly a great and very accurate comparison.

I loved the tension Cassia feels between the future she thinks she is supposed to want and what she actually wants. The idea of having to wait ten years!! for a specific man, and then spending all that time questioning whether you made the right choices, is honestly brutal in the best way. That long stretch of uncertainty made the emotional stakes feel very real. I also love Ellis as a character. Willing to back down when Cassia asks for it, but he is still clearly human and not perfect about it.

What I especially appreciated is how the ending opens up bigger questions about fate, choice, and whether knowing the future is actually a gift. It gives you space to sit with the ideas instead of spelling everything out. How many other matches were wrong in the past and in the current lives? Does this mean moving forward Cassia and Ellis will always meet?

Also, on a purely reader level, I was so grateful that this did not end on a cliffhanger. After reading several books that did, this felt refreshing. I wish I could stop reading books with cliffhangers but alas, no one ever warns you in the reviews that it leaves things ~open~.

Overall, this was an excellent romance with magical realism, emotional depth, and a concept that really makes you think. A great pick if you like love stories that also explore fate, timing, and the paths we do and do not take.

I received a digital copy for review from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own.

—
If this review was your vibe:
• Instagram: cozy book picture + real reader opinions
• Blog: longer reviews, reading lists, and thoughts for busy women
• Goodreads: follow me here for ongoing book rambling and 4-star energy

[vlm · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5 stars)

One & Only by Maurene Goo marks a vibrant and heartfelt adult debut from an author already known for her sharp voice and emotional insight. Blending a touch of magical realism with contemporary romance, this story follows Cassia Park, whose family has spent generations matching people with their destined soul mates—except, ironically, Cassia herself.

As Cassia approaches forty without finding her own “fated,” the tension between destiny and choice becomes the emotional heart of the novel. Goo excels at portraying the weight of family expectations and the quiet fear of building a life around promises that may never come true. Cassia’s journey feels honest, messy, and deeply human.

What makes One & Only especially engaging is its balance of humor and poignancy. The story feels modern and emotionally grounded while still honoring generational bonds and inherited beliefs. Cassia is a wonderfully layered protagonist—skeptical yet hopeful, guarded yet yearning—and her internal struggle gives the novel its depth. The romance unfolds in unexpected ways, challenging the idea that love must follow a predetermined path.

Goo’s writing is witty, warm, and emotionally resonant, with moments that genuinely made me laugh and others that quietly tugged at the heart. The pacing allows both the romance and family revelations to unfold naturally, and the story would translate beautifully into a K-drama.

Overall, One & Only is a funny, sad, and thoughtful exploration of love, fate, and self-determination. It’s a truly good book that stays with you after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Maurene Goo for the opportunity to read this wonderful e-ARC.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was thrilled at the opportunity to read an early copy, as I have loved the author's YA books, especially Throwback. This is Maurene Goo's adult debut and is the one and only so far.

Cassia Park has a gift for reading faces and finding people's fated /one and only beloveds. in other words, their "beshert." Only she can't find hers, and as she nears 40, she is desperate to find hers, Daniel Nam. She falls off a bicycle and meets Ellis. Ellis helps her, and they have a fling, but Cassia keeps him at arm's length because he isn't her fated life partner. She uses the excuse that he is 11 years younger than her. But then, when she finally meets Daniel, he's Ellis' [redacted].

Cassia dumps Ellis for her fated person, and it's awkward and uncomfortable. Her best friend, Marcella, tries to convince Cassia that Ellis could be the right person for her despite what a piece of paper says. It wasn't fair to hate Daniel, but I saw a few red flags. Whereas I was so delighted with Ellis, an Asian Jewish guy who treats Cassia well and doesn't make fun of her job. While it was barely mentioned, I loved the Jewish representation in the book, just that he was Chinese and Jewish through his dad.

When Cassia finally saw a major red flag or disagreement about something quite major, she found out a secret about her family that would challenge her thinking about fate and love. I had a hard time with how she treated Ellis at times, but I loved how understanding she was about giving him space. Cassia is a likeable character despite how clumsy she was with Ellis' feelings.

available 2/3/26, 4/5☆ magical realism & romance

[Jori Broad · Rating 5 out of 5]

One & Only by Maurene Goo

This is a debut adult novel from a new to me author and it completely exceeded every expectation. One & Only is a spectacular romance with a genuinely unique premise that blends matchmaking, mysticism, and emotional depth in a way that feels magical yet grounded. This is absolutely a book I will read again, especially on audio.

Cassia is a professional matchmaker whose work is rooted in face reading, allowing her to see past loves and past lives written into her clients’ features. Using this rare ability, she has helped countless people find their one true match. Ironically, Cassia received her own match ten years ago and has yet to find him, quietly carrying the weight of what it means to believe in soulmates while still waiting for her own.

Everything shifts after a chance accident when Cassia falls off her bike and meets a much younger man who unexpectedly draws her in. Their connection feels easy, present, and real, offering Cassia something she never planned for. Then, just as she begins to question everything she thought she knew about love and destiny, Cassia finally meets the man she was matched with a decade earlier.

What follows is a beautifully layered exploration of fate versus choice, past lives versus present love, and whether destiny is something we follow or something we rewrite. The magic is subtle, the emotions feel honest, and the romance unfolds in a way that is deeply believable and incredibly satisfying.

✨ Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Matchmaker romance, love triangle, soul mates, past lives, magical realism, slow burn, self discovery

If you are looking for a romance that feels thoughtful, original, and lingers long after the last page, One & Only deserves a top spot on your TBR.

[Shelf Help Charms | Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4/5 ⭐️

This book was genuinely very cute and an easy, enjoyable read. I loved the concept of ancient Korean matchmaking magic, and as someone who is a total sucker for big Asian and Asian American families, this absolutely filled my cup.

Cassia was a very likable FMC for me. I loved that she was 40 years old and career focused. While she was actively searching for her fated partner, she wasn’t boy crazy, which felt refreshing. The older FMC younger MMC dynamic was also a fun and unexpected twist. My only real issue with Cassia was how much she toyed with Daniel’s and Ellis’s feelings, but that was clearly intentional and part of the story. Daniel deserved better, and Ellis honestly became a bit annoying and exhausting for me after a while. Maybe love triangles just aren’t my thing.

I really appreciated how the book explored the pressure Cassia felt as a woman of East Asian descent with immigrant parents and an involved extended family. I know some readers might find this aspect overwhelming or annoying, but I deeply related to it and how it fueled her self doubt and anxiety. I also liked how grief was addressed not just for the main character but throughout the entire family.

Also… where can I find a best friend like Mar? Because I need one immediately.

My biggest downside was the length. There was no real reason for this book to be as long as it was. It dragged in the middle and toward the end, and many scenes or conversations could have been shortened or cut entirely. I found myself speed reading just to get to the stronger moments.

That said, if you’re looking for a fun, cozy read with family dynamics and a touch of magic, I’d still recommend picking this one up.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC!

[Kelly's Bookish World · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis:
Cassia Park believes in soul mates. Fated love stories. It’s her family business, after all—for centuries, from Korea to Los Angeles, Park women have peered into clients’ past lives to find their one true love, their fated. This magical secret is why One & Only Matchmaking has a 100% guarantee…for everyone but Cassia.

For ten years, Cass has been searching for her fated, a man named Daniel Nam. But he’s still nowhere to be found.

And so, on the eve of her 40th birthday, Cass decides to do something for herself. She impulsively has a fling with Ellis. He’s twenty-eight, indecently handsome, and not destined to be the love of her life. But she’s surprised by their connection and their fling feels like something more—up to the moment he introduces her to his boss…Daniel Nam.

As she battles between fate and chance, head and heart, a family secret is revealed that will make her question everything she’s ever known. Cassia will have to decide if she’ll follow her fate…or make her own.

What a beautiful, heartwarming romance book! I especially love that the FMC, Cassia, was a mature, independent woman and that she worked in a multi-generational Korean family business. The characters were all quirky and loveable. The book was engaging and I flew through the pages trying to figure out which guy Cassia would pick in the love triangle. This book would make a wonderful rom-com!

I haven't read any books by Maurene Goo before as she has been writing in the YA genre. This is her adult debut. I look forward to reading her future books!

This is the Read With Jenna book for February.

Many thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the advanced digital copy of the book. It will be published on February 3, 2026.

[Danielle Bricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweetly agonizing love triangle with a dash of magic

A third-generation Korean-American matchmaker with a preternatural sense for fated loves has known the name of her soulmate, but been unable to find him, for many years. When she finally meets him... she's already started to develop feelings for a younger man.

It was beyond easy to slip right into this lightly magical romance and I whipped through it in just a couple days. It's fun; it's charming; it's swoony... everything you could want from a bit of feelgood escapism.

Sometimes love triangle stories are a bit too transparent about which character is the endgame and which is simply an obstacle. While early on, I feared this would be similar, the meat of the story actually does a great job presenting both love interests as great options for the protagonist. And oh how agonizingly awkward the back-and-forth gets.

The age gap element is given due consideration without getting creepy. If you liked this about Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez, this is quite alike!

The other natural comparison is Rebecca Serle's work as this has a similar dose of magic. But where the official synopsis leans on In Five Years, I think it's more like Expiration Dates.

Sex scenes are more warm and romantic than smutty. The broader cast of meddling Korean relatives and a bold bestie are great. There's next to nothing I wish was different!

CW: death of parent

Thank you to publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons for my advance copy, provided in exchange for an honest review. This book publishes on February 3, 2026. It's also very likely to be a February pick for Book of the Month Club!