Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: He’s the One
SERIES: Fate We Make #1
AUTHOR: Barbara Elsborg
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 381 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 25, 2023
BLURB:
Col’s world is falling apart. His relationship has been exposed as a sham, he’s lost his home, and been fired from his job as a stonemason. Who says bad luck doesn’t come in threes? With no option but to move back in with his parents, and with his efforts to find a new job hitting a brick wall, Col’s life is going nowhere.
Theo, unwilling heir to the ancient Asquith Hall estate, is desperate to gain some independence from his overbearing family. Despite his efforts to live up to the role he never wanted, he’s constantly battling to earn his family’s respect. Being made to feel lacking takes its toll, and sometimes, it’s hard to stay happy.
When a near fatal accident forces their paths to cross, Col and Theo discover in each other the connection both have been craving. As their love story unfolds, so do the secrets and sadness hidden at the heart of Asquith Hall. The past can’t be changed, but with Col’s stonemasonry skills and Theo’s determination, they might just be able to restore what’s broken and find happiness.
Warning – past child abuse of a secondary character (no on-page detail), descriptions of violence, horrible parents and lovely parents, wayward brothers, a man who mends stone and hearts, and a young man who never has an unspoken thought.
REVIEW:
He’s the One is a sweet, opposites attract romance between a laborer and an heir to the Asquith Hall estate.
Theo is next in line to inherit his family’s 200 room, historic mansion. He’s miserable, though: he can’t do anything right for his demanding, unloving parents. He’s a massive disappointment to them, just not good enough in any regard, including that he’s gay. In his social class he’s expected to marry a woman and produce future heirs. I have no words for his mother’s cruelty. He’s also terribly sad and lonely, craving a companion or boyfriend. He’s smitten when he meets Col, who’s working as a stonemason on his home.
Theo thinks Col is sweet, amusing, and whimsical. Most of all, he’s a lovable chatterbox with no filter, to put it mildly. Col has learned the hard way that it doesn’t always pay to be the nice guy when he finds out his boyfriend is not who he thought he was. He has to move back in with his parents and then losses his job. Col is sad and lonely, too. When they meet and get to know each other, they both give the other hope that life can be better.
“I think I was merely existing before, being what others wanted me to be most of the time, and now I feel on the verge of finding myself.”
I really liked the element of hurt/comfort. There’s also a mystery the young men set out to solve. The tension kept building, keeping me on edge and afraid one of the two villains was lurking around the next corner. Both Col and Theo are immediately likable and loquacious Col is entertaining. He and Jonty could be related! There are some kind side characters and some truly awful ones. Col’s loving parents are the antithesis of Theo’s.
I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the series. The excellent writing and humor are consistent with Barbara Elsborg’s usual style. I happily recommend this novel to any contemporary MM readers. And a brief side note: go read the Amazon reviews for a book mentioned in the story, How to Avoid Huge Ships. You’ll be ROFL.
RATING: 
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