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It Happened One Night
Trouble is ahead, and I walk right into his arms.
Abby Riley is the founder and CEO of an international public relations agency. She knows all about the challenges and rewards of control, power, and money. She also harbors a streak of recklessness that would get in the way of her success if she let it.
But some nights, even the boss lady needs to lose control.
A handsome young bartender promises to be the perfect companion to one of her ill-advised adventures. Maybe too perfect. Because she’s starting to wonder if one night will be enough.
Is meeting Elijah Dawson the best thing that ever happened to her? Or the worst?
After all, it only takes one night to change your entire life.
Ready for a truly heart-warming and extra spicy surprise pregnancy? Add to that a dirty-talking cinnamon roll MMC and an independent FMC who knows her worth and you've got one unforgettable romance.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Here's what reviewers are saying about It Happened One
Holy smokin bartender, what a book! This is sassy, sexy and sizzling! Another hit on your hands Laura . Bravo
-Jill, Goodreads
Holy freaking wowsers! This book was amazing and almost a one handed read in places! I love the way Laura Marquez Diamond can create such strong women who communicate what they want and need and yet are flawed like the rest of us. Elijah was an amazing book boyfriend- swoony, yet such a dirty talker and could be quite controlling between the sheets, but he does it all with his woman’s pleasure in mind!
-Jezabel, Goodreads
I love the way Elijah helped Abby learn that she didn’t have to do it all alone and that despite their insecurities, they could learn how to be a family together. His love for her really was phenomenal and what every woman dreams of. There are some scorching hot scenes too! Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it...
-Penny, Goodreads
A beautiful, exquisitely written story of how one night of passion can change two lives forever. Nothing is shied away from in terms of vulnerability, hostility, passion, and love.
-Nicola, Goodreads
Abby Riley is the founder and CEO of an international public relations agency. She knows all about the challenges and rewards of control, power, and money. She also harbors a streak of recklessness that would get in the way of her success if she let it.
But some nights, even the boss lady needs to lose control.
A handsome young bartender promises to be the perfect companion to one of her ill-advised adventures. Maybe too perfect. Because she’s starting to wonder if one night will be enough.
Is meeting Elijah Dawson the best thing that ever happened to her? Or the worst?
After all, it only takes one night to change your entire life.
Ready for a truly heart-warming and extra spicy surprise pregnancy? Add to that a dirty-talking cinnamon roll MMC and an independent FMC who knows her worth and you've got one unforgettable romance.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Here's what reviewers are saying about It Happened One
Holy smokin bartender, what a book! This is sassy, sexy and sizzling! Another hit on your hands Laura . Bravo
-Jill, Goodreads
Holy freaking wowsers! This book was amazing and almost a one handed read in places! I love the way Laura Marquez Diamond can create such strong women who communicate what they want and need and yet are flawed like the rest of us. Elijah was an amazing book boyfriend- swoony, yet such a dirty talker and could be quite controlling between the sheets, but he does it all with his woman’s pleasure in mind!
-Jezabel, Goodreads
I love the way Elijah helped Abby learn that she didn’t have to do it all alone and that despite their insecurities, they could learn how to be a family together. His love for her really was phenomenal and what every woman dreams of. There are some scorching hot scenes too! Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it...
-Penny, Goodreads
A beautiful, exquisitely written story of how one night of passion can change two lives forever. Nothing is shied away from in terms of vulnerability, hostility, passion, and love.
-Nicola, Goodreads
- GenresRomance
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2023
57 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Laura Marquez Diamond
31 books113 followersLaura writes romances featuring women who slay their own dragons and the men who love them fiercely. In her books, the fall is hard, the steam is blinding, the groveling is glorious, and the passion all-consuming.
For updates on works in progress and to connect with Laura and other readers, join the Facebook group Romancing With Laura. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @romancinglauramd. She loves hearing from readers!
For updates on works in progress and to connect with Laura and other readers, join the Facebook group Romancing With Laura. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @romancinglauramd. She loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 19, 2023
Has my Heart
This book was so beautiful!
Abby and Elijah meet at a bar and it is the best one night stand of their life.
Abby meets Elijah 6 years later at the school she is signing her daughter up for, and she thought she would never she the father of her daughter there.
The chemistry these two have is so beautiful and I love how they try and co-parent despite the obstacles that come there way.
This book was so beautiful!
Abby and Elijah meet at a bar and it is the best one night stand of their life.
Abby meets Elijah 6 years later at the school she is signing her daughter up for, and she thought she would never she the father of her daughter there.
The chemistry these two have is so beautiful and I love how they try and co-parent despite the obstacles that come there way.
June 7, 2023
This was my third read by Laura Marquez Diamond and it definitely did not disappoint.
She’s the CEO of a PR company, he’s a Bartender when they meet. One hot night is all it takes to change their lives forever, but he’s not privy to this change until they find their way back to each other six years later.
This was an emotional rollercoaster, a bit of spice, a bit of romance, a lot of banter and two strong characters (alongside a few others) make this story. The chemistry between Abby and Elijah is unreal, they both have their insecurities but working together works so well for these two. I absolutely loved their journey and how they overcome all the hurdles in their way- Elijah is a perfect MMC and Abby nothing short of strong and resilient.
A realistic, beautifully crafted story which I highly recommend.
She’s the CEO of a PR company, he’s a Bartender when they meet. One hot night is all it takes to change their lives forever, but he’s not privy to this change until they find their way back to each other six years later.
This was an emotional rollercoaster, a bit of spice, a bit of romance, a lot of banter and two strong characters (alongside a few others) make this story. The chemistry between Abby and Elijah is unreal, they both have their insecurities but working together works so well for these two. I absolutely loved their journey and how they overcome all the hurdles in their way- Elijah is a perfect MMC and Abby nothing short of strong and resilient.
A realistic, beautifully crafted story which I highly recommend.
May 29, 2023
Holy freaking wowsers! This book was amazing and almost a one handed read in places! I love the way Laura Marquez Diamond can create such strong women who communicate what they want and need and yet are flawed like the rest of us. Elijah was an amazing book boyfriend- swoony, yet such a dirty talker and could be quite controlling between the sheets, but he does it all with his woman’s pleasure in mind!
And the kids in this book- just wonderful. Great banter and such realistic descriptions!
Thanks to Laura Marquez Diamond for the early copy.
And the kids in this book- just wonderful. Great banter and such realistic descriptions!
Thanks to Laura Marquez Diamond for the early copy.
May 29, 2023
Abby and Elijah's love story was truly captivating. It was a unique reverse age-gap romance that had me hooked from the very start. However, what made it even more special was the heartwarming tale of a family coming together in unconventional circumstances. The way their stories intertwined was truly beautiful and left me with a smile on my face.
June 8, 2023
This was such a great book
November 26, 2023
One stands have existed since the beginning of time. Whether intentional or not, they’re there. Two people meet, have amazing chemistry, pass some time and done. That’s what Abby Riley knew was going on when she decided that the younger, oh so studly bartender was going to be for her. Elijah’s been watching Abby for a while and knew he wanted her. For the older woman to make a play for him?! The twenty-something grad student?! Who says no?
Their night was intense, too intense, and they never speak again. Until Abby shows up to open house at the prestigious private school where Elijah teaches with her daughter. Embers reignite as these two reconnect and holy moly! Do not miss this one!
Their night was intense, too intense, and they never speak again. Until Abby shows up to open house at the prestigious private school where Elijah teaches with her daughter. Embers reignite as these two reconnect and holy moly! Do not miss this one!
June 2, 2023
☆ 4/5 & 3.5/5 spice
This was such a heartwarming, spicy, realistic, and an emotional read. There was a perfect balance of plot and character development and the tropes in this book were top tier — reverse age gap, cinnamon roll MMC, independent and strong FMC, and great co-parenting.
Abby is a CEO of an international PR agency and Elijah is a bartender during their encounter. Abby and Elijah have instant chemistry and attraction towards each other, which leads to a one night stand.
This was truly such a beautiful and heartwarming story that made me so freaking happy. I love that Abby and Elijah were given a second chance to rekindle their relationship, build trust, and get the chance to come together as a family. Love that Elijah wanted to put in effort and show Abby that he is 100% all in and willing to be a part of Cora and Abby’s life.
Tropes:
❥ Reverse age gap
❥ Second chance
❥ Sexy, witty banter
❥ Strong independent FMC
❥ Hot cinnamon roll MMC
❥ No 3rd act breakup
❥ Emotional journey to HEA
This was such a heartwarming, spicy, realistic, and an emotional read. There was a perfect balance of plot and character development and the tropes in this book were top tier — reverse age gap, cinnamon roll MMC, independent and strong FMC, and great co-parenting.
Abby is a CEO of an international PR agency and Elijah is a bartender during their encounter. Abby and Elijah have instant chemistry and attraction towards each other, which leads to a one night stand.
This was truly such a beautiful and heartwarming story that made me so freaking happy. I love that Abby and Elijah were given a second chance to rekindle their relationship, build trust, and get the chance to come together as a family. Love that Elijah wanted to put in effort and show Abby that he is 100% all in and willing to be a part of Cora and Abby’s life.
Tropes:
❥ Reverse age gap
❥ Second chance
❥ Sexy, witty banter
❥ Strong independent FMC
❥ Hot cinnamon roll MMC
❥ No 3rd act breakup
❥ Emotional journey to HEA
June 2, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a swoon worthy MMC!! Convinced the FMC is out of his league he holds himself back as she comes into the bar he is working at night after night. Watching her, he learns which laughs she reserves for friends and others for colleagues. Until one night, she’s the last in the bar as it closes and when he tries to get her in a cab he can no longer resist her charm when she invites him in. After a passionate night that ends up life changing the FMC leaves the country concealing the biggest deception possible. Years later an accidental run in leaves the MMC reeling. These two have such an emotional journey to their HEA but it’s so worth it!! This book includes a reverse age gap, no third act breakup, cinnamon roll MMC, lots of sexy banter and major dirty talk.
What a swoon worthy MMC!! Convinced the FMC is out of his league he holds himself back as she comes into the bar he is working at night after night. Watching her, he learns which laughs she reserves for friends and others for colleagues. Until one night, she’s the last in the bar as it closes and when he tries to get her in a cab he can no longer resist her charm when she invites him in. After a passionate night that ends up life changing the FMC leaves the country concealing the biggest deception possible. Years later an accidental run in leaves the MMC reeling. These two have such an emotional journey to their HEA but it’s so worth it!! This book includes a reverse age gap, no third act breakup, cinnamon roll MMC, lots of sexy banter and major dirty talk.
June 14, 2023
It Happened One Night by Laura Marquez Diamond
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Reverse Age Gap
Second chance
This was an emotional story, I enjoyed the reverse age gap and a second chance with a great MMC. The character development and growth that happened was great to see how they can learn to work and be in each others lives as they should since their chemistry, spice and family were so good together! There were some parts that didn’t feel all the way developed or rushed but an over cute Romantic story.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Reverse Age Gap
Second chance
This was an emotional story, I enjoyed the reverse age gap and a second chance with a great MMC. The character development and growth that happened was great to see how they can learn to work and be in each others lives as they should since their chemistry, spice and family were so good together! There were some parts that didn’t feel all the way developed or rushed but an over cute Romantic story.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
May 30, 2023
Love it
Such a cute story for Abby and Elijah. I li e the dynamic between the two and how even years apart did suppress their feelings. I feel like you can really relate to them if you were I. The situation but Abby gave in really easy sometimes. I live that Elijah didn't give up on wanting his daughter and didn't give up on Abby and how he stood up for her. The part with the teacher at school still upsets me and wish Elijah handled that better tho.
Such a cute story for Abby and Elijah. I li e the dynamic between the two and how even years apart did suppress their feelings. I feel like you can really relate to them if you were I. The situation but Abby gave in really easy sometimes. I live that Elijah didn't give up on wanting his daughter and didn't give up on Abby and how he stood up for her. The part with the teacher at school still upsets me and wish Elijah handled that better tho.
August 20, 2023
I really enjoyed Elijah and Abby's story. A secret baby isn't one of my favorite tropes, and I didn't know this book was one when I got it, but I must say one was well written. Typically, they are unbelievable and over the top, but I love that this story showed the anger, hurt, and pain that a secret like that carries. Elijah's personality really shined through as he struggled with this. Abby's realization that she was wrong and her struggles with letting him in was well done as well. I became emotionally invested in their relationship. The secondary characters brought so much to the story as well, excluding her parents. Hated them! Overall, this was a great read that I'd recommend.
May 30, 2023
Abby and Elijah's story
There was romance, humor, spice and more!
Told in dual POV.
Abby was an independent, smart and strong woman.
I loved Elijah. He fell for Cora right away. I'm glad their was no hesitation on his part on whether he wanted both Abby and Cora as his family. Also, what a dirty talker he was. 😉
I loved seeing the relationship grow between Abby and Elijah and then Cora as well.
Overall, I really enjoyed it!
I thought it was a lighthearted read with some delicious steam!
There was romance, humor, spice and more!
Told in dual POV.
Abby was an independent, smart and strong woman.
I loved Elijah. He fell for Cora right away. I'm glad their was no hesitation on his part on whether he wanted both Abby and Cora as his family. Also, what a dirty talker he was. 😉
I loved seeing the relationship grow between Abby and Elijah and then Cora as well.
Overall, I really enjoyed it!
I thought it was a lighthearted read with some delicious steam!
June 8, 2023
This book was spicy hot!!! Loved the way both characters were fully developed. The pacing was great! Abby was a strong older rich highly successful woman who had the best one night ever. I loved the way Elijah fell for Abby even after all those years. The heat build-up was sizzling. I loved the chemistry! Great story! I finished it in one sitting! Can’t wait for what happened in the end but of course both got their HEA!
I think Laura Marquez Diamond is getting better and better at writing this genre! I’m a fan so I might be biased!
I think Laura Marquez Diamond is getting better and better at writing this genre! I’m a fan so I might be biased!
May 30, 2023
A beautiful, exquisitely written story of how one night of passion can change two lives forever.
Nothing is shied away from in terms of vulnerability, hostility, passion, co-parenting and love.
This is an age gap, MF romance with a well deserved HEA. Intricately and (in my humble opinion) realistically detailed, I totally fell in love with Abby, Elijah and Cora and was so fully invested in their relationship, I genuinely couldn't put this book down.
Nothing is shied away from in terms of vulnerability, hostility, passion, co-parenting and love.
This is an age gap, MF romance with a well deserved HEA. Intricately and (in my humble opinion) realistically detailed, I totally fell in love with Abby, Elijah and Cora and was so fully invested in their relationship, I genuinely couldn't put this book down.
May 15, 2023
Elijah and Abby's reverse age-gap romance is everything. The spice is off the charts and the romance is swoony. All of this is intertwined with a genuinely sweet story about a family coming together in unconventional circumstances. (The "sweet story" is not to be confused with "sweet romance"—the sex scenes are Carolina reaper-spicy *chef's kiss*.) I loved this book!
May 29, 2023
Abby strikes up conversation with Elijah a bartender at the bar she has been going to. Then that night their conversation takes on a sexy turn. He was a good guy who wanted to her to know her worth, in this reverse age gap read. He is a cellist and going to school on a scholarship but that doesn't mean he is not all man. I enjoyed reading this story.
June 30, 2023
Abby and Elijah meet at a bar and have a one-night stand, six years later Abby runs into Elijah while signing their daughter up for school. Abby never thought she would see him again let alone Elijah finding out he has a daughter. It was a book you started and could not stop until the end. Loved it.
May 30, 2024
Such a heartwarming story.
Elijah is the hot bartender/grad student who has a sizzling one night stand with Abby the older sophisticated CEO.
Roll forwards six years they finallt meet up again when she is enrolling her daughter Cora at a prestigious school where he is now a music Professor.
This is a beautifully written story triumphing love and family. The characters are adorable.
Elijah is the hot bartender/grad student who has a sizzling one night stand with Abby the older sophisticated CEO.
Roll forwards six years they finallt meet up again when she is enrolling her daughter Cora at a prestigious school where he is now a music Professor.
This is a beautifully written story triumphing love and family. The characters are adorable.
June 3, 2024
Abby returns to NYC after 7 years with her daughter and meets up with Elijah at the school Cora will attend as he is the music teacher. Elijah and Abby had a one night stand and Cora is the result but he doesn't know about her. This story tells how they manage to get their HEA after navigating some strained encounters. Highly recommended reading,
August 16, 2023
What happens when you take a female CEO of a company and a bartender. You get the best one night stand that either of them have had. Too bad that it takes another 6 years for them to realize that maybe they need to be something other than a one night stand.
This was a great read
This was a great read
January 16, 2024
MUST READ
This had me hooked from the start, Elijah is so easy to fall in love with. The looks without the arrogance! I kinda want to be Abby 😉 oh and Cora you won my heart you amazing gorgeous girl!
This had me hooked from the start, Elijah is so easy to fall in love with. The looks without the arrogance! I kinda want to be Abby 😉 oh and Cora you won my heart you amazing gorgeous girl!
June 10, 2024
Great read.
This was such a sweet, romantic story. I loved the little family that Abby, Elijah and Cora made. They were just all so sweet together and I loved the heat and passion between Abby and Elijah. So glad they managed to sort out their commune issues.
This was such a sweet, romantic story. I loved the little family that Abby, Elijah and Cora made. They were just all so sweet together and I loved the heat and passion between Abby and Elijah. So glad they managed to sort out their commune issues.
August 15, 2023
I enjoyed this book. The characters had good chemistry and banter.
This is a voluntary and honest review
This is a voluntary and honest review
October 7, 2023
Absolutely beautiful book, so well written and smoking hot 🔥🔥 . I truly adored Elijah ❤️
My first book by this author, will definitely read more!
My first book by this author, will definitely read more!
June 21, 2024
Good
A cute story.
The first part if the book moved much faster than the last two parts.
Not a trope I usually read. But it was sweet and had an HEA.
A cute story.
The first part if the book moved much faster than the last two parts.
Not a trope I usually read. But it was sweet and had an HEA.
December 20, 2024
Absolutely adorable. Second chances was never a thing i thought i would like but here we are. This book was so cute I couldn't help but smile damn near the whole time reading this.
June 9, 2023
Great storyline to this book. A one night stand that he never forgot, that amazing woman who spun his life around and then disappeared. Suddenly she reappears in his life with a surprise that definitely leaves him spinning again. Can he convince this ultra independent business woman that taking the chance on them is the right thing to do? Especially when there is more at stake now than just their hearts.
March 26, 2024
I love a reverse age gap romance and this one is fantastic.
It Happened One Night opens with a sizzling hot one-night stand between Elijah and Abby while he's a bartender and she runs her own PR company. They meet again several years later when she takes her daughter to the school where Elijah is now teaching music.
There were so many things to love about this beautiful story but one of my favourites is the gentle twisting of (non-sexual) power dynamics. Abby is older, wealthier and (this is not a spoiler!) the acknowledged mother/guardian of their daughter. This could make Elijah seem like a weaker character, or leave him striving to 'prove' himself. But actually, he just wants to get to know his daughter and make up for lost time, and also to love Abby. I thought this was so simply and beautifully done that it made the story so engaging.
Plus Elijah has some great dirty talk skills so that's a bonus for the steamy scenes!
It Happened One Night opens with a sizzling hot one-night stand between Elijah and Abby while he's a bartender and she runs her own PR company. They meet again several years later when she takes her daughter to the school where Elijah is now teaching music.
There were so many things to love about this beautiful story but one of my favourites is the gentle twisting of (non-sexual) power dynamics. Abby is older, wealthier and (this is not a spoiler!) the acknowledged mother/guardian of their daughter. This could make Elijah seem like a weaker character, or leave him striving to 'prove' himself. But actually, he just wants to get to know his daughter and make up for lost time, and also to love Abby. I thought this was so simply and beautifully done that it made the story so engaging.
Plus Elijah has some great dirty talk skills so that's a bonus for the steamy scenes!
July 15, 2023
This has been a year of surprises for me. I don’t usually like the surprise baby trope, but I loved this book! Elijah is just swoon worthy in every sense. And Abby won me over with her love for her daughter and the way she opened herself up to being loved and being a real family. Having been brought up in a cold and loveless family, Abby knew she didn’t want the same for her daughter. I love the way Elijah helped Abby learn that she didn’t have to do it all alone and that despite their insecurities, they could learn how to be a family together. His love for her really was phenomenal and what every woman dreams of. There are some scorching hot scenes too! Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it and now need more of Abby’s “sisters” and their hockey playing husbands!
January 29, 2024
Thank you to my ARC readers who have expressed their love of Elijah and Abby! This is a book about two people who find love, but it is also about how communities and friendships sustain us.
At the time of writing, I lost my grandmother. She lived for 93 eventful, fulfilling, challenging, ad loving years. This labor of love is dedicated to her. Like Corazon in this novel, my grandmother's spirit of care, laughter, and kindness anchors the family, no matter the turmoil that surrounds us.
Thank you, my beloved book community, for all that you do to support indie authors like me!
At the time of writing, I lost my grandmother. She lived for 93 eventful, fulfilling, challenging, ad loving years. This labor of love is dedicated to her. Like Corazon in this novel, my grandmother's spirit of care, laughter, and kindness anchors the family, no matter the turmoil that surrounds us.
Thank you, my beloved book community, for all that you do to support indie authors like me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews