I enjoyed everything about this novel: the honest portrayal of the characters, the depth and complexity of their relationships, and the realistic way they all interact. The tension between Marty and Drew is palpable, and I really felt for Eden when that tension explodes. She is caught between two people she loves and who both love her. The author does a great job of expressing Eden’s longing for the mother she never knew. Drew fiercely wants to protect Eden, and when he notices her attraction to Shea, he confronts her with warnings about the tragic path their mother’s life took during her own teenage years. But Eden slowly learns that there is more to Shea than her brother knows.

The Only One features strong writing, a believable and relatable story, surprising twists, cinematic imagery, and a perfect, poignant ending. Favorite line: “I would trade every gift I’ve been given to bring her back."

My thanks to Tribeca Press for the advance copy through NetGalley.

Eden’s journey ripped me apart emotionally and glued me back together. I have a special place in my heart for YA novels that give equal attention to adults and teens, and The Only One does just that. The adult characters aren’t hidden in the shadows, they’re as fleshed out and relatable as the adolescents, who aren’t depicted as stereotypical teenagers partying all the time. Eden, Libby, and the rest of the cast cope with issues that deeply resonated with me. This story is addicting and so beautifully bittersweet.

Eden Russo might seem to have a blessed life. Her father, Marty, owns a thriving Italian restaurant in Brooklyn, they live together in a recently renovated house, and she drives a Mercedes that Marty gifted her for her last birthday. Eden’s older brother, Drew, is handsome and intelligent, has recently graduated from law school, and is dating the beautiful Brooke Langford.

Everything looks perfect. But looks can be deceiving.

This family has dealt with years of heartache and loss stemming from the untimely death of Marty’s wife, Dawn. She is Eden and Drew’s mother, but they do not share a father. Drew’s father used to be as handsome as his son, yet he has always been “hollow” inside. For most of Drew’s life, his father has been in prison, and he has never met him. Drew is strong, stoic, and hyper-focused on independently raising himself toward the upper class by hard work and academic achievement. He fiercely protects Eden and pushes her to succeed, while Marty is lenient. He’s a loving father, and he does his best to compensate for the loss of Eden’s mother. Eden is often caught up in the friction between her father and brother, who have reasons to resent each other.

Eden’s best friend, Libnah King, has her own broken family. Her father cut himself off from his wife and children, leaving them to struggle to survive in their small apartment. Libby’s mother, Krystal, works several jobs and adds to her income by selling tarot readings. Libby’s older brother, Wade, turned to crime in his teens, leading to a two-year prison stint with his good friend, Shea Dwyer. Libby pines for Shea, telling Eden that he “actually pays attention to me.” Libby wants Eden to help her get Shea a job at Marty’s restaurant, but Eden is hesitant. Over time, she learns that Shea has his own unfortunate history and secrets.

The characters in this book deliver remarkable realism and emotion, but the plot is just as deep and gripping. There is a love story here, and so much more.

Although Eden and Libby are teenagers who deal with high school, peers, and dating, their home lives are far more serious, touched by death, abandonment, incarceration, and painful family strife. Every character is nuanced, and even characters who seem hardened are shown to be bruised souls. Dawn’s presence is in memories, but she still comes to life as who she once was, a carefree, creative young girl who liked art and Nirvana, who lived in a house with pink roses in the front yard, unaware that she would become the tragic catalyst that led her family to “an endless trail of grief.”

For those who love complex, realistic, contemporary novels with a protagonist on the brink of adulthood who endures a painful journey but makes it to the other side, The Only One is a must-read.

(I have also read Lorraine Zago Rosenthal's novel, Always and Forever. Due to how much I enjoyed that story, I had high hopes for her latest, and I was not disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy!)

THE ONLY ONE is a realistic, beautiful, gritty story. The characters have so much depth, and the plot is compelling and intricate. It has everything I want to experience in a contemporary coming-of-age tale. Unbreakable bonds between parents, children, and siblings. Meaningful friendships. A love story that burns slowly. Hope for the future despite the most painful challenges. I haven’t read a novel in a single sitting for a long time, but I couldn’t put this book down.

The cover drew me in, and Eden and I hit it off right away. She’s kind, humble, moral, and like her bestie Libby, she’s unafraid to defend herself and others. I was instantly pulled into the Russo family’s dynamics, Eden’s close relationship with her father and brother, the impact of her mother’s absence, and how Shea and Wade’s return from prison shakes everything up. I enjoyed the raw realism of this story, including that the younger characters deal with very serious issues beyond their search for love. Coping with a one-parent household, hustling to pay the rent, being trapped in the middle of resentment between family members, to name a few. I also liked that the adults are portrayed as complicated people with as much depth as their children. If you enjoy contemporary YA with memorable characters who will make you smile and cry, then I strongly suggest you read The Only One.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.