The One

LoveCorp promises to find everyone their match—but what if love isn’t as simple as an algorithm? With The One finally here, we sat down with the book team to get a behind-the-scenes look at this high-tech, high-stakes world. 

For those who haven’t started The One yet, could you give us a glimpse into the story?

Emi: The One takes place in the not-too-distant future, where a company called LoveCorp has risen to prominence and their Soulmate Program is the only way for people to find romance. Before they give you a partner, you’re not allowed to go to certain restaurants, shop at certain stores, own a home, and more, so everyone wants one. You happen to work at LoveCorp, and after witnessing something strange while on the job, you begin to realize that this ideal world you thought you lived in isn’t quite what it seems.

Without spoilers, which character surprised you the most?

Emi: I wouldn’t say any of the characters surprised me, but I will say that the dynamics between them did. I knew that Nico and Harley had very different personalities, but I didn’t expect them to play so well off each other. There’s a lot of really funny moments that happen just by virtue of you having to work with two opposites like that.

Tom: Probably Harley, it was fun designing their outfits.

Jay: Gotta say Harley too, I love a bad boy (gender neutral).

Christine: MC’s outfits were fun to design. Tom made a lot of unique and refreshing designs, especially the dress from Chapter 5!

We love the designs! If you could apply to the LoveCorp Soulmate Program in real life, would you? Why or why not?

Emi: That’s a hard pass from me. I’m a bit of a hopeless romantic, so the idea of finding someone because your brain waves happened to match up just isn’t for me. RIP that Jane Austen style balls aren’t a thing anymore, that’d be my true ideal dating service.

Tom: I’m going to say no because I am happily married, thank you very much.

Jay: While I have taken my fair share of online personality quizzes, those will be reserved for finding out what kind of cheese I am, not who my soulmate is. 

Alright, what kind of cheese are you?

Jay: I don’t know! That’s why I take a quiz.

Emi: I’m mozzarella. No, I will not be taking any questions at this time.

Christine: My favorite kind of cheese is goat cheese? I don’t know, I’m thinking too deep on this.

Tom: [left call]

Tom! Come back! I won’t ask any more cheesy questions 😂 Okay, how does society view people who don’t participate in LoveCorp’s program? Are they seen as rebels, romantics, or just plain suspicious?

Emi: Well, since applying to the Soulmate Program is mandatory, people who don’t are viewed as criminals. Everyone fills out their first application when they turn 18 and every year after that until the algorithm finds them their one. Besides, everything good about life requires a LoveCorp assigned partner, so why wouldn’t you want one? 😉

Intriguing! LoveCorp is all about data-driven matchmaking—but what’s the worst first date you can imagine happening in this world (an or yours)?

Emi: I have heard plenty of horror stories of dates gone bad: from a woman going on a date with a guy who spent hours explaining her favorite video game at her to a guy who tried to justify every fanservice anime he liked by saying he was into it for the plot (despite not liking any other type of anime). 

Jay: Yikes dot yikes dot com.

Emi: But honestly my idea of the worst date is either with someone who is just incredibly rude or who doesn’t say anything at all. I’d bail on either of those so fast.

Jay: Not really a bad first date, but like 4 different first dates I went on, they all suggested the same restaurant.

Tom: Was there only one good restaurant in your neighborhood?

Christine: And was it In-N-Out?

Jay: No to both!

Haha! Next: If the main characters had dating profiles outside of LoveCorp’s system, what would their bios say?

Emi: I think our MC’s would probably say: LoveCorp’s rising star. Determined and daring. Wheaty Bits hater. Looking for someone who matches my energy. 

Tom: For Nico: Scientist by day, history nerd by night. Out to make a difference in the world. Looking for someone to spend the rest of my life with.

Jay: Harley’s would be the least dating profile dating profile: Anti-establishment motorcycle enthusiast. Rebel with a cause. Looking for a good time.

Christine: Chloe’s would be: I like long walks on the beach… or do I?

These are all so good! Just for Fun: If The One had a theme song, what would it be?

Emi: Oh man, it’s really hard to distill everything in this book to a single song, but if I had to, it’d probably be “Thus Always To Tyrants” by The Oh Hellos. I think it really captures the idea of realizing that your life isn’t what you thought and deciding to do something about that, to make a change in the world.

Jay: You’ve really given us no easy questions this round. Every time I try to think seriously about this question, my mind just keeps flashing to the “Run Boy Run” by Woodkid scene in Divergent.

I see the vibes. I see the vision. This was fun, thank you all for your time today!

Ready to Find The One?

With a world built on data-driven love, a system you have to trust (or else), and a conspiracy lurking beneath the surface, The One is shaping up to be a thrilling ride. Whether you’re ready to meet your LoveCorp match or question everything, one thing is for sure—this is a story you won’t want to miss.

What do you think? Would you sign up for LoveCorp’s Soulmate Program, or would you fight against it? Let us know on our social pages!

<3 The Community Team