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A review by nickartrip102
One Love by Matt Cain
4.0
I requested and received an eARC of One Love by Matt Cain. I was quite happy about because I really enjoyed the other novels I've read by Cain. One Love traces the friendship between Danny and Guy over the course of twenty years. In 2002, their friendship begins with a wink from Guy. Both first years at Manchester University, Danny and Guy come together as revel in their new found independence. In 2022, the pair come together again, both single for the first time in years, to attend Manchester Pride. Danny is finally ready to tell Guy that he has always been in love with him.
What I appreciated most about this story was that some of the big emotions involved felt entirely real to me. In the beginning of Guy and Danny's friendship they both experience certain levels of insecurity, uncertainty, and jealousy that I could absolutely identify with. I think this dynamic was definitely skewed and had the unfortunate effect of making Danny a bit exasperating, but to be entirely honest, I've been and felt like a Danny many times. More glimpses into Guy's mind earlier on would have given this story better symmetry, but I did appreciate those moments when I got them. One Love alternates throughout time which is always a plot structure that I seem to enjoy. It works especially well with Guy and Danny’s story, because we get to live in a state of nervous anticipation with them in their present while also slowly gaining understanding of their history and exactly what is at stake on this big weekend.
I can’t lie— this book nearly lost me, but I think that was because I was trying to impose my own vision of romance on the novel. One Love really creeps up on you and the characters inspire strong, dynamic reactions. There were moments when I couldn’t stand Danny or Guy, but would then come back around to really quite caring about them. I think that speaks to a certain kind of magic, the ability to make these two men feel so entirely real with their flaws and vulnerabilities. It enabled me as a reader to develop a strong relationship with Danny and Guy that cemented my investment in their stories. Like the other novels I’ve read by Cain, One Love genuinely inspired both laughter and tears, but it also made me take a hard look at my own self. Strong supporting characters and heartfelt storytelling really made this a highlight for me. I can’t wait to add a physical copy of this book to my collection.
What I appreciated most about this story was that some of the big emotions involved felt entirely real to me. In the beginning of Guy and Danny's friendship they both experience certain levels of insecurity, uncertainty, and jealousy that I could absolutely identify with. I think this dynamic was definitely skewed and had the unfortunate effect of making Danny a bit exasperating, but to be entirely honest, I've been and felt like a Danny many times. More glimpses into Guy's mind earlier on would have given this story better symmetry, but I did appreciate those moments when I got them. One Love alternates throughout time which is always a plot structure that I seem to enjoy. It works especially well with Guy and Danny’s story, because we get to live in a state of nervous anticipation with them in their present while also slowly gaining understanding of their history and exactly what is at stake on this big weekend.
I can’t lie— this book nearly lost me, but I think that was because I was trying to impose my own vision of romance on the novel. One Love really creeps up on you and the characters inspire strong, dynamic reactions. There were moments when I couldn’t stand Danny or Guy, but would then come back around to really quite caring about them. I think that speaks to a certain kind of magic, the ability to make these two men feel so entirely real with their flaws and vulnerabilities. It enabled me as a reader to develop a strong relationship with Danny and Guy that cemented my investment in their stories. Like the other novels I’ve read by Cain, One Love genuinely inspired both laughter and tears, but it also made me take a hard look at my own self. Strong supporting characters and heartfelt storytelling really made this a highlight for me. I can’t wait to add a physical copy of this book to my collection.