The One

by Tyler Cook

Eli Cooper never expected love to be this difficult. When someone from his past suddenly reappears, he can’t help but notice the attraction between the two of them. But sometimes, the people that you love may not love you back. Eli must find his way back from heartbreak, and discover a life where his love can be returned. But in order to do that, he must also face his demons, and overcome his greatest Revealing his deepest secret to the world.

ebook

First published February 24, 2015

About the author

Tyler Cook is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a degree in communication, a concentration in public relations and a minor in history. A native of Franklin, Cook is co-founder and publisher of Moonshine Press, a co-op with Eva McCall that published her latest novels, Murder on Haint Branch and Button Box.

In 2014, Cook co-wrote A Guide to Historic Dillsboro, a book celebrating the 125th anniversary of Dillsboro, NC. Five months later, Cook released his debut novel, The One, a love story set in the Applachian Mountains. In April of 2015, Cook received the WCU Outstanding Student Achievement award for his work on Dillsboro. Cook wrote his second novel, Aluria, in 2015. He is currently working on the sequel.

Cook is tied closely to the region, currently working at Southwestern Community College, assisting Barbara McRae in her campaign for Franklin Town Alderman, interning with the Macon County Schools Administrative Offices and WCU’s College of Arts and Sciences, as well as volunteering through the New Century Scholars program. Cook plans on remaining in the Western North Carolina area, promoting and participating in Appalachian culture.

Reviews

[Elisabet Yr Hansdottir · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book follows a boy named Eli, we start in high school where he sits in class, while the students slide in one by one or in groups, the class begins, and enters Christian Lance, he is late, and his teacher humiliates him in front of the while class and Eli accidentaly falls and humiliates him, from there on Eli promises to be Christian’s Friend

“Christian needed a friend and he was going to be there for him, no matter what anybody, especially his crush Barry thought”
And then Christian dissapears

Then we fast forward to six years later, so already the book is being propelled forward and we still know nothing about Eli? Who he is, hobbies, favorites, family life what his daily life looks like outside of school.

Six years later we are in college and we still know nothing about Eli except his best friend is Tori. He is gay and hasnt come out of the closet. I was crossing my finger for something to tell us about who Eli is? Who is he why should i root for this character, what are his troubles? What is holding him back?

Early on in the book we get the idea that Eli likes males, because of Barry his crush, and know for sure when Tori talks about a datingbsite POF, where she is determined to find Eli a prefect man.

So the book starts by finding Eli this perfect man, and he goes on this dating site, and meets this stranger, and they talk and guess what its Christian Lance! And the converstation is so lack luster, there is nothing of importance mentioned nothing happens.

And from there Eli’s life revolves around Christian Lance.

Umfortunatly while the characters had their cuye moments, there was really no plot to this book besides the romance, and still the romance falls short, feels forced and the lack of chemistry.
The first meet between Eli and Christian felt forced and awkward.

I DNF’d this book because i didnt root for the main character, its so importand for the writer to introduce the main character and their stuggles early on to hook their readers, and while i liked Eli as a character it lacked life, he felt stiff and vanilla, i needed the luster and the magic romance is supposed to bring and it never really quite gripped me, while the story is written well, the characters didnt quite grab me. I would like a more slow paced book where er really got to know Eli in high school, who he is.

So to the author Tyler Cook
You are a talanted writer, with beautifully wtitten paragraphs but i need more spark i need the luster the excitement. I need the characters to have more depth. Keep working and learning. This is only your first book and as a first book it was impressive, keep on working, cant wait for more books to come.

[Abigail Myers · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 stars
1/5 spice

The One by Tyler Cook is a gay romance book, as a debut novel it was good.
The book follows the story of Eli Cooper and his difficulty navigating love.

Book description: Eli Cooper never expected love to be this difficult. When someone from his past suddenly reappears, he can’t help but notice the attraction between the two of them. But sometimes, the people that you love may not love you back. Eli must find his way back from heartbreak, and discover a life where his love can be returned. But in order to do that, he must also face his demons, and overcome his greatest fear: Revealing his deepest secret to the world.

The story was good and it had a different storyline from previous gay romance books I have read but was predictable. I felt like the characters were not fully developed and were quite flat. The story only focused on the romance of the characters but not much else. We don't know their hobbies, or other friends and the book time jumps a lot which makes it difficult to follow.

I did enjoy that there was minimal spice which allows for the story to be read by teenagers and it be appropriate. I like that Tyler Cook took this approach as there aren't many novels about LGBTQI+ storylines that don't involve lots of spice which are not appropriate for younger readers.

There were some typos within the text and at points I felt like the writing could be more concise and less repetitive. This book would benefit from another in depth edit.

Overall the storyline was touching and the type of book I tend to enjoy but I would have liked it more if there was more to the characters.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

kept me interested

This book kept me interested. It was a very touching storyline. I couldn’t help but think it lacked some content. Especially when there was a a jump in the years. Several times I remember thinking”did I miss something “. Overall it was enjoyable.

[Eva Panchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must

A must for parents and young people who are still working out their sexuality. What stands out the most for me is the support of both families involved.