Title: Just One Night
Author(s): Carly Phillips
Genre: Romance
Format: Audiobook
Would I Recommend it? YES!
Book Rating:
Spice Rating:
Synopsis
Linc Kingston has high expectations for himself, the company, and his family. He will protect his family no matter what and is determined to have perfection. He likes order and control. One thing he doesn’t expect and can’t control is his relationship with long-time friend and personal assistant Jordan.
Jordan is the daughter of a Kingston housekeeper. She and Linc met at a young age and connected instantly. From that point on, they were the best of friends. One problem, Jordan has always had a crush on Linc, but they are from two very different worlds; nothing like that could ever happen.
Although Jordan may be the only one who can handle Linc and all his quirks, neither is prepared for the one and “only” steamy, sexy, and intimate night. On a trip to meet Linc’s new step-sister [thanks, dad], the trip ended up being way more than he bargained for.
When worlds collide, friends become lovers, and the unexpected happens, you just have to chalk it up to that one night…
Thoughts?
From the second I started to listen to the audiobook I knew I was going to love it. If I have learned anything about my reading habits, its that I thoroughly enjoy romances that intertwine characters to allow for a series to develop. In this case the focus remains on the two main characters Linc and Jordan, but you get glimpses of his family. I suppose that one of the subplots does revolve around The Kingston’s meeting their stepsister; but the reader sees more of the backend of that interaction and more of the sexual tension between Jordan and Linc.
The narrators, Mackenzie Cartwright and Connor Crais, did an excellent job not only animating the characters based on Carly Phillips’s vision, but they were able to immerse the reader in all the family drama that ensued. And boy, let me tell you, there was a lot. When narrators are responsible for narrating spicy scenes, I get nervous that it will sound like a sex phone operator. Thankfully this is not the case with these two.
Let’s talk length. Get your head out of the gutter :).
The book itself is 5 hours and 42 minutes long as an audiobook and 282 pages if you are physically reading it. This is a short little book that packs a lot of punch. I did not feel that the storyline was rushed or missing elements to make it intriguing. You were able to still feel connected to the plot and characters through the development of the story. Each person in the story was described in a manner that allowed for basic imagery and room for interpretation of appearance. Their personality was evident without a doubt.
My favorite thing about this book was easily Jordan. The girl went through a lot. She has major insecurities and yet was able to continually be strong and independent. No matter what life threw at her, she was determined to get through it with or without a man. In addition to that, she knew what she wanted and was at least willing to attempt it. On their first night together, she easily initiated it and secretly controlled the situation, even if Linc thought he was in charge.
By the time I got to the end of the book, I had become interested in another relationship; Linc’s sister Chloe and her soon-to-be husband. Then the cliffhanger happened… honestly that was the point that I was hooked. I have yet to listen to the next book in the series, but I will definitely be.
Final Review
Do I think this is a good book?
Yes. I think that the story covered all the bases and kept me engaged. I continually wanted to see how these two would connect and manage all the twists and turns life threw them.
Is this book a series or a stand alone?
Just One Night is book one in the Kingston Family series. As of today [08/25/22] there are 6 completed books, 1 novella, and 1 publication pending.
Would I recommend this to anyone and everyone?
I would say that this book is a good starter book for anyone interested in steamy romance. The plot relies heavily on the friends-to-lovers aspect, the spice is manageable [nothing kinky], and it flows at a nice pace. The only major content warning I would add is that there is mention of parental death [off page] and cheating [off page].
I was delighted to finish listening to this book. The cliffhanger at the end made me want to start the next book immediately. Unfortunately, it was not available as part of my kindle unlimited membership….so I have been patiently waiting until I have a credit to spend. That said, if you like a friends-to-lovers, rooting for the underdog with some spicy scenes, then I recommend this book to you.
Awakening Bibliophile 
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