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Jacksonville Rays #0.5
That One Night
My name is Rachel Price, and the sky is officially falling. Imagine being at your brother's wedding brunch when you get an email that crushes all your dreams. I didn't win the Barkley Fellowship. My rising career in sports medicine has just come crashing down. So here I sit, alone in this swanky hotel bar, ready to drown my feelings in bitters and bourbon. Then suddenly, in walks...
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2023
8569 people are currently reading
39857 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rath
25 books10.9k followersEmily Rath is a USA Today and international bestselling author whose chart-topping, sex-positive, queer-inclusive fantasy and romance novels include the Second Sons Regency romances, the Tuonela Duet fantasy novels, and the ‘why choose’ Jacksonville Rays Hockey Romances. A former university professor, she holds PhDs in Political Science and Peace Studies. Emily lives with her husband, son, and cats in the Pacific Northwest. She can be found online at EmilyRathBooks.com, on Instagram @emilyrathauthor and on TikTok @emilyrathbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 6,789 reviews
September 3, 2023
you all are very unserious people and i can tell y’all read books based on how good the smut is instead of how good the writing is because no way y’all read “dragon rachel purrs inside her cage” and “pussynip” and proceed to give it 4 and 5 stars but to each their own i’m just the typical judgemental virgo. also why did the author lie (im being dramatic but it was misleading) and say you need to read this book in order to read the other books but all this book is, is just a one night stand… ok lol
Read
May 15, 2023she’s a doctor with tattoos and a septum piercing ❤️ wife material
(the writing in this is peak millennial cringe but I had fun)
(the writing in this is peak millennial cringe but I had fun)
March 26, 2025
This went from
"you can fuck me in any hole"
to sync-ed up heart beats and 'soul recognition' in 0.1 seconds.
My arteries have all clogged from how fucking cheesy this was. Good lord.
One character used the term "Pound town" unironically and mentioned how "deliciously straight" they are...
I thought I'd dip my toe in some M/F because I hear this series becomes MMF, but like.. no thanks. I'm done. Calling my mum to come pick me up right away, I'm scared and my toe is unenjoyably wet now. My brain literally can't compute what the fuck I just read.
Just read my highlights for a lil taste of the icky.
My arteries have all clogged from how fucking cheesy this was. Good lord.
One character used the term "Pound town" unironically and mentioned how "deliciously straight" they are...
I thought I'd dip my toe in some M/F because I hear this series becomes MMF, but like.. no thanks. I'm done. Calling my mum to come pick me up right away, I'm scared and my toe is unenjoyably wet now. My brain literally can't compute what the fuck I just read.
Just read my highlights for a lil taste of the icky.
May 2, 2023
→ 2 ☆
sigh. i want my time back. i want to forget this book even existed.
(random person in the audience) miss grace, will you still be reading the first full novel?
...
sighyes.
also, the double-standard is unreal. she got scared when she thought he left her without saying goodbye, but then proceeds to turn off his alarm clock, pack the hell up, and BOLT out of there, leaving him a puny note about destiny or some bullcrap.
the little slip-ins of misogyny and bringing down other women for being ‘sticks’ or ‘bunnies’ is so stupid. you're the one who sleeps with them, don't bring them down because some girl with curves is the best lay you've had. rachel gives off heavily insecure so she brings down other women vibes and i'm not here for it. i shouldn't be able to hate novella characters this much. sigh. both of their inner monologues were goddamn insufferable.
mwah,
alayla. 📖
“my pussynip, comes the stupid thought. and now i’m snorting around his perfect cock, choking myself as i laugh at my own joke.”
sigh. i want my time back. i want to forget this book even existed.
(random person in the audience) miss grace, will you still be reading the first full novel?
...
sigh
also, the double-standard is unreal. she got scared when she thought he left her without saying goodbye, but then proceeds to turn off his alarm clock, pack the hell up, and BOLT out of there, leaving him a puny note about destiny or some bullcrap.
the little slip-ins of misogyny and bringing down other women for being ‘sticks’ or ‘bunnies’ is so stupid. you're the one who sleeps with them, don't bring them down because some girl with curves is the best lay you've had. rachel gives off heavily insecure so she brings down other women vibes and i'm not here for it. i shouldn't be able to hate novella characters this much. sigh. both of their inner monologues were goddamn insufferable.
mwah,
alayla. 📖
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 21, 2023
That One Night is book #0.5 by Emily Rath. This is the prequel novella to the Jacksonville Rays series. While this book is a MF, one night stand story, the following book will be reverse harem. I’ve been looking forward to starting this series for a long time and am FINALLY jumping in. And, we’re off to a great start.
This book revolves around one night. Rachel Price is attending her brother’s wedding and while there, receives the crushing email that devastates her. She did not receive the Barkley Fellowship she was told she was a sure thing for. This was the next step in her future career in sports medicine. She has no idea where she will go from here and is sitting in her hotel bar trying to drown her sorrow when a very sexy, very sweet man walks up to her.
Jake Compton was in Seattle to meet up with his twin sister but she couldn’t make it at the last minute. He’s in the hotel bar feeling down when he sees a woman that seems to need rescuing from an over eager pursuer. Little did he know that this woman was going to change his life.
This is one night in the lives of these two, one very amazing night. Now I can’t wait to get going on the first full book, Pucking Around. Emily is a new to me author and I am loving the way she writes. I suspect I’ve started a new obsession!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
This book revolves around one night. Rachel Price is attending her brother’s wedding and while there, receives the crushing email that devastates her. She did not receive the Barkley Fellowship she was told she was a sure thing for. This was the next step in her future career in sports medicine. She has no idea where she will go from here and is sitting in her hotel bar trying to drown her sorrow when a very sexy, very sweet man walks up to her.
Jake Compton was in Seattle to meet up with his twin sister but she couldn’t make it at the last minute. He’s in the hotel bar feeling down when he sees a woman that seems to need rescuing from an over eager pursuer. Little did he know that this woman was going to change his life.
This is one night in the lives of these two, one very amazing night. Now I can’t wait to get going on the first full book, Pucking Around. Emily is a new to me author and I am loving the way she writes. I suspect I’ve started a new obsession!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
August 4, 2025
I was expecting this to just be spice since it’s prequel about their one night stand but they fell in love immediately, referring to a “soul connection” within an hour after meeting and they didn’t even know each others names.
the writing was so C—R—I—N—G—Y I couldn’t handle anything longer than a novella of this torture. also, sometimes, I really don’t need the male pov 🥴
here’s a collection of quotes for your reading displeasure:
“you could chip a tooth on that ass” 👀
“my pussy must agree because our girl is feeling ravenous. I’m ready to climb this man like a tree.”
“I bet she's got more kinks than a garden hose.”
“pound town”
“dragon rachel purrs inside her cage.”
“tell me what need to get there and I’ll be your new mvp.”
“use any hole.”
“she’s clearly gaging for it.”
“god, this scent is my catnip. my pussynip, comes the stupid thought. and now I'm snorting around his perfect cock, choking myself as I laugh at my own joke.”
the writing was so C—R—I—N—G—Y I couldn’t handle anything longer than a novella of this torture. also, sometimes, I really don’t need the male pov 🥴
here’s a collection of quotes for your reading displeasure:
“you could chip a tooth on that ass” 👀
“my pussy must agree because our girl is feeling ravenous. I’m ready to climb this man like a tree.”
“I bet she's got more kinks than a garden hose.”
“pound town”
“dragon rachel purrs inside her cage.”
“tell me what need to get there and I’ll be your new mvp.”
“use any hole.”
“she’s clearly gaging for it.”
“god, this scent is my catnip. my pussynip, comes the stupid thought. and now I'm snorting around his perfect cock, choking myself as I laugh at my own joke.”
Read
January 20, 2024Not sure what ⭐ I want to give this one
Genre ~ smutmance
Series ~ Jacksonville Rays, #0.5
Setting ~ Seattle, Washington
Publication date ~ January 22, 2023
Est page Count ~ 130 (9 chapters)
Audio length ~ 2 hours 14 minutes
Narrators ~ Alex Kydd & Amy Hall
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ one night stand, no names, hockey player, physical therapist, steamage
This is a full on smut fest of no condoms, any hole you want and c ya next tuesday dirty talk between Rachel & Jake who just met at a bar.
I haven't had a first time in close to 20 years, but are people really acting crazy like this? Anyway, I'm not sure if I'll continue on with the series since the next one is quite a commitment at 756 pages or 24 hours and 41 minutes. But I probably will because I have FOMO, but then I get mad when I get on the hype train and hate it and waste my time...so stay tuned for that rant that might or might not come.
Narration notes:
Amy did a great job. Alex is a fine male narrator, but of course he leaves a little to be desired with his female voice especially during sexy time...oof.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ smutmance
Series ~ Jacksonville Rays, #0.5
Setting ~ Seattle, Washington
Publication date ~ January 22, 2023
Est page Count ~ 130 (9 chapters)
Audio length ~ 2 hours 14 minutes
Narrators ~ Alex Kydd & Amy Hall
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ one night stand, no names, hockey player, physical therapist, steamage
This is a full on smut fest of no condoms, any hole you want and c ya next tuesday dirty talk between Rachel & Jake who just met at a bar.
I haven't had a first time in close to 20 years, but are people really acting crazy like this? Anyway, I'm not sure if I'll continue on with the series since the next one is quite a commitment at 756 pages or 24 hours and 41 minutes. But I probably will because I have FOMO, but then I get mad when I get on the hype train and hate it and waste my time...so stay tuned for that rant that might or might not come.
Narration notes:
Amy did a great job. Alex is a fine male narrator, but of course he leaves a little to be desired with his female voice especially during sexy time...oof.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
August 19, 2024
HATE REVIEW 😍😍😍
UM WHY THIS BOOK IS SHIT: a poem by me 😘🤭
There lies a book, a true literary jest.
Its pages, once crisp, now tarnished and torn,
Where smut drips like ink from each line it adorns.
The heroine’s plight, a pick-me girl’s call,
In a world where she’s destined to stumble and fall.
Her charms are so worn, they lack any grace,
In the mind of readers, she’s a dull, empty face.
Her love interest, oh, where did he stray?
From a Wattpad universe, he’s wandered astray.
With abs too perfect and lines too rehearsed,
He's a cliché, a trope, for better or worse. (definitely worse)
Their love scenes, explicit, a fevered delight,
Yet hollow and vapid, devoid of true light.
A parade of passion, but where’s the depth?
Just ink on a page, with no breath left.
I know I'm an artist u guys 😔, actually I dont remember shit from this book 🤓🤓 except that Jake said some weird thing about him hating when girls were lipgloss cause it was "sticky" so u get a poem, urv welcome by the way 😘😘
UM WHY THIS BOOK IS SHIT: a poem by me 😘🤭
There lies a book, a true literary jest.
Its pages, once crisp, now tarnished and torn,
Where smut drips like ink from each line it adorns.
The heroine’s plight, a pick-me girl’s call,
In a world where she’s destined to stumble and fall.
Her charms are so worn, they lack any grace,
In the mind of readers, she’s a dull, empty face.
Her love interest, oh, where did he stray?
From a Wattpad universe, he’s wandered astray.
With abs too perfect and lines too rehearsed,
He's a cliché, a trope, for better or worse. (definitely worse)
Their love scenes, explicit, a fevered delight,
Yet hollow and vapid, devoid of true light.
A parade of passion, but where’s the depth?
Just ink on a page, with no breath left.
I know I'm an artist u guys 😔, actually I dont remember shit from this book 🤓🤓 except that Jake said some weird thing about him hating when girls were lipgloss cause it was "sticky" so u get a poem, urv welcome by the way 😘😘
January 1, 2025
ੈ♡˳ rating: three of five stars
ੈ♡˳ thoughts:
so, author said that this book should be read first: so i read it. but its just a book of smut with little to no plot. if these 70 pages couldn’t be explained in her seven hundred page book, then she’s just not a good author. seems like a money grab to be. rating it 3 stars for now, but if all of this is featuring in the first book, then my rating will go down because then i just wasted my time. also, fmc said the words “pussynip” too many times for my liking. but, we digress. cheers to the first read of the year.
ੈ♡˳ thoughts:
so, author said that this book should be read first: so i read it. but its just a book of smut with little to no plot. if these 70 pages couldn’t be explained in her seven hundred page book, then she’s just not a good author. seems like a money grab to be. rating it 3 stars for now, but if all of this is featuring in the first book, then my rating will go down because then i just wasted my time. also, fmc said the words “pussynip” too many times for my liking. but, we digress. cheers to the first read of the year.
August 2, 2023
I loved this novella! Who am I!? I think this set up the dynamic in Pucking Around perfectly and did such a good job showing the intense connection that these two characters have. I definitely recommend reading this before the series starts to give you the set up for the relationship and jump right into the actual book already knowing a bit about the characters!
June 7, 2023
3,5 ✨✨✨
That was frigging hot!🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️
Took half a star bc all that "baby girl " talk was a pain.
Hope it gets better in the next installment.🤞🏼🙏🏻🤌🏼😅
That was frigging hot!🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️
Took half a star bc all that "baby girl " talk was a pain.
Hope it gets better in the next installment.🤞🏼🙏🏻🤌🏼😅
July 31, 2024
levelling this up to 5 stars because it’s Jake and Rachel
——————
uhm no because this was perfect and now i need to read the full length novel
——————
uhm no because this was perfect and now i need to read the full length novel
February 3, 2023
Okay that was hot af. I can’t wait for the full-length novel 😭
August 20, 2025
August 20, 2025 (4/5 ⭐️)
This was such a fun start to the series, and now I have to dive into book one immediately!!
This was such a fun start to the series, and now I have to dive into book one immediately!!
September 28, 2023
Saving her from a douche in the hotel bar, Rachel rewards Jake with a night he won’t be able to forget.
Loved this prequel to the Jacksonville Rays series. Loved the instant chemistry and connection between our characters. The spice was spicy and has me ready to dive in to Pucking Around despite its daunting page count!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: ☹️🙄🤫🥵🥺
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Curvy Woman, One Night Stand
💋 Kinks: Dirty Talk, Finger Licking Good, Hand Necklace
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: That One Night is a prequel to the Jacksonville Rays series and ends on a cliffhanger(ish).
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Loved this prequel to the Jacksonville Rays series. Loved the instant chemistry and connection between our characters. The spice was spicy and has me ready to dive in to Pucking Around despite its daunting page count!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: ☹️🙄🤫🥵🥺
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Curvy Woman, One Night Stand
💋 Kinks: Dirty Talk, Finger Licking Good, Hand Necklace
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: That One Night is a prequel to the Jacksonville Rays series and ends on a cliffhanger(ish).
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
February 11, 2024
oh my god, running to start pucking around
May 12, 2025
Short and spicy novella! Highly recommend reading this before starting Pucking Around!
June 18, 2023
no cause now I'm excited to read pucking around.
March 26, 2023
2.5⭐️/3🌶️
Mmm idk how i feel about this one tbh. I went to read pucking around and the authors note says it’s recommended to read this before which honestly im grateful for since this was a short spicy read and you can get acquainted with the writing style,characters, etc. (since this is my first Emily rath book). And now that I’m acquainted idk if I’ll continue…I mean pucking around is 758 pages (according to KU)…oof…I know it’s a why choose but damn…
There were a couple small cringe worthy moments like the word “yeet” was used and that the fmc is a zodiac girlie…but I think the biggest ICK of them all is the fact that at times she refers to herself in third person…and not only that but also at times it’s “Dragon Rachel” oh goodness me…oh and not to mention the fmc says something along the lines of “I’m deliciously straight.” And that quite literally SENT me like. Girl.
The fmc is giving “I’m not like other girls” vibes but who knows if that’ll continue in the next book (probably but also not a guarantee).
I felt a bit of relief every time it switched to Jake’s POV bcos at least his wasn’t so bad. Not great but not bad either.
Mmm idk how i feel about this one tbh. I went to read pucking around and the authors note says it’s recommended to read this before which honestly im grateful for since this was a short spicy read and you can get acquainted with the writing style,characters, etc. (since this is my first Emily rath book). And now that I’m acquainted idk if I’ll continue…I mean pucking around is 758 pages (according to KU)…oof…I know it’s a why choose but damn…
There were a couple small cringe worthy moments like the word “yeet” was used and that the fmc is a zodiac girlie…but I think the biggest ICK of them all is the fact that at times she refers to herself in third person…and not only that but also at times it’s “Dragon Rachel” oh goodness me…oh and not to mention the fmc says something along the lines of “I’m deliciously straight.” And that quite literally SENT me like. Girl.
The fmc is giving “I’m not like other girls” vibes but who knows if that’ll continue in the next book (probably but also not a guarantee).
I felt a bit of relief every time it switched to Jake’s POV bcos at least his wasn’t so bad. Not great but not bad either.
May 1, 2023
Зазвичай, такі маленькі новелли - не моє, але тут вийшло навпаки 🥳🥳
Нехай тут і описані всього лише події однієї ночі, але загалом - було дуже спекотно 🔥🔥
Обоє, і Джек, і Рейчел - гарячі і пристрастні, тут у них все склалось в пазл 😁
Шкода, що Рейчел не залишила свого номера і не сказала імені, а проте від цього ще цікавіше читати продовження історії:)
Єдине, що мене бентежить, це гарем чоловіків навколо Рейчел 🙈🙈, я б хотіла почитати суто їхню історію 🙃
Нехай тут і описані всього лише події однієї ночі, але загалом - було дуже спекотно 🔥🔥
Обоє, і Джек, і Рейчел - гарячі і пристрастні, тут у них все склалось в пазл 😁
Шкода, що Рейчел не залишила свого номера і не сказала імені, а проте від цього ще цікавіше читати продовження історії:)
Єдине, що мене бентежить, це гарем чоловіків навколо Рейчел 🙈🙈, я б хотіла почитати суто їхню історію 🙃
April 16, 2025
this novella went from a no names shared one night stand to soul connection. it was weird. the smut was well written but other than that.... forgettable.
![Profile Image for ♡Gabi♡ [life & work is chaotic hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1764457886i%2F137459201._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 25, 2023
3.5 ☆
Already loving Rachel’s bad bitch vibe and a Dr. too?? my premed heart is excited for more about that and Jake is so hot I’m actually unwell. Extra dirty talking, golden retriever energy, sexy man? Sign me up immediately!
The spice was scorching so no complaints and was a very quick prequel novella read.
On to ‘pucking around’ now and i can’t wait to meet the rest of the boys hehe. 🥵🤭
Already loving Rachel’s bad bitch vibe and a Dr. too?? my premed heart is excited for more about that and Jake is so hot I’m actually unwell. Extra dirty talking, golden retriever energy, sexy man? Sign me up immediately!
The spice was scorching so no complaints and was a very quick prequel novella read.
On to ‘pucking around’ now and i can’t wait to meet the rest of the boys hehe. 🥵🤭
August 1, 2025
So.... 2.5 ⭐? Maybe?
It was not awful, but it wasn't great either?
Could be my fault cause I went in getting reading for the MMMF to come, but the insta love, all spice-no-plot, cheesiness, zodiac obsession and all are not really my vibe I suppose?
I'm gonna try the next one and hope for the best.
Pre-read
Ok so God of Fury was a nice surprise, let's see about this series 👀
May 12, 2023
absolutely haated how deep and emotional they tried to make this😭 some parts were just so horrifically cringey. still going to read Pucking Around tho bc i see the potential - it was just way too much way too soon in this one
September 8, 2023
That One Night is... hot. Hot novella. The whole story is about hot sex. Detail and descriptive. Miss Rath does not shy away from smutt.
I however is not convinced to continue further. I read many reviews about this series, but I am not convinced.
4 stars
I however is not convinced to continue further. I read many reviews about this series, but I am not convinced.
4 stars
March 28, 2023
THIS BOOK WAS SO HOT. Definitely starting book 1.
September 27, 2024
This book is…. SPICY.
I didn’t read what it was about before trying it and that is 100% on me because it surely took me by surprise.
Though, I enjoyed the short story. The way the author writes is very captivating. Beyond the spice, she made me start to love/enjoy the characters - which says a lot because they’re borderline insufferable. It’s strange 😂
Must be an author superpower.
6/10 would recommend; if you mostly read for spice then 8/10
I didn’t read what it was about before trying it and that is 100% on me because it surely took me by surprise.
Though, I enjoyed the short story. The way the author writes is very captivating. Beyond the spice, she made me start to love/enjoy the characters - which says a lot because they’re borderline insufferable. It’s strange 😂
Must be an author superpower.
6/10 would recommend; if you mostly read for spice then 8/10
August 8, 2025
This was the kind of quick, steamy read that hooks you from the first page. Jake and Rachel had instant chemistry. The kind that practically sizzles off the page. They agreed to keep it simple: one night, no names, no strings. Just a way to protect themselves from getting hurt. But of course, it wasn’t that simple.
Even with all the mystery, you could tell there was more going on underneath. They connected in a way that felt real. They just understood each other. A “soul connection.” And when Rachel left, “that one night” suddenly didn’t feel like enough… especially for Jake.
It’s sexy, a little emotional, and gives you just enough to leave you wanting more. And the best part? Their story isn’t over. This sets things up perfectly for what’s coming next, in Pucking Around, and I cannot wait to see how it all plays out.
If you’re into hockey players, one-night-stand-that-meant-something vibes, and a little bit of angst, definitely give this one a shot!
Even with all the mystery, you could tell there was more going on underneath. They connected in a way that felt real. They just understood each other. A “soul connection.” And when Rachel left, “that one night” suddenly didn’t feel like enough… especially for Jake.
It’s sexy, a little emotional, and gives you just enough to leave you wanting more. And the best part? Their story isn’t over. This sets things up perfectly for what’s coming next, in Pucking Around, and I cannot wait to see how it all plays out.
If you’re into hockey players, one-night-stand-that-meant-something vibes, and a little bit of angst, definitely give this one a shot!
October 1, 2024
Spicy one-night stand. I really enjoyed the characters; however there were some elements of their interactions that were slightly cringe. Not in a problematic way, but it read as slightly corny. This is a prequel to the Jacksonville Rays series and seems to provide some insight to the first book. While it wasn't my favorite, I am intrigued and excited to really dive into the series as a whole.
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