What do you think?
Rate this book
That Weekend...
As a TV blogger and celebrity reporter with her finger on the pulse of the entertainment world, Ava Christensen figures she's a shoo-in as co-host at Entertainment News Now. Wrong. The reason?
Jake Durham.
To add insult to injury, Ava has to spend a week with her Judas of a boss at the industry's A-list film festival. All right, so maybe she used to think the hotshot executive producer was a hunk, but that was before he passed her over for promotion. These days, Ava isn't ready to believe there's a tender, caring side to the guy. But Jake's surprising her in more ways than one, making Ava wonder what she really wants. Her dream job…or possibly her dream guy?
Jake Durham.
To add insult to injury, Ava has to spend a week with her Judas of a boss at the industry's A-list film festival. All right, so maybe she used to think the hotshot executive producer was a hunk, but that was before he passed her over for promotion. These days, Ava isn't ready to believe there's a tender, caring side to the guy. But Jake's surprising her in more ways than one, making Ava wonder what she really wants. Her dream job…or possibly her dream guy?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Jennifer McKenzie
11 books18 followersReader, writer, romantic.
Not necessarily in that order.
Jennifer McKenzie lives in Vancouver, Canada where she enjoys being able to ski and surf in the same day—not that she ever does either of those things. After years of working as a communications professional and spending her days writing for everyone else, she traded in the world of water coolers, cubicles and high heels to write for herself and wear pajamas all day. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, eating chocolate, trying to talk herself into working off said chocolate on the treadmill or spending time with her husband.
Not necessarily in that order.
Jennifer McKenzie lives in Vancouver, Canada where she enjoys being able to ski and surf in the same day—not that she ever does either of those things. After years of working as a communications professional and spending her days writing for everyone else, she traded in the world of water coolers, cubicles and high heels to write for herself and wear pajamas all day. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, eating chocolate, trying to talk herself into working off said chocolate on the treadmill or spending time with her husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 27, 2017
Ava Christensen is ticked, she was sure she was going to be the next cohost for Entertainment New Now but her temporary boss Jake Durham delivered a blow, handing the cohost spot to a less experienced reporter. If not getting the job was bad enough it was knowing Jake made the decision, they had a moment at a party and she is regretting ever thinking he was charming or good looking for that matter.
Jake knows Ava is ticked, now they have to travel together for a film festival. The attraction is still there and when Ava ends up having an accident it pulls them closer together. Problem is they could build something special together but Jake has hangups from his past that is threatening to tear them apart.
This was fun, I liked the movie angle to the story but thought it was a bit draggy in parts. The chemistry didn't sizzle but I did like the couple together. Had another part to the story with Ava's mom that I just didn't really feel was necessary.
Jake knows Ava is ticked, now they have to travel together for a film festival. The attraction is still there and when Ava ends up having an accident it pulls them closer together. Problem is they could build something special together but Jake has hangups from his past that is threatening to tear them apart.
This was fun, I liked the movie angle to the story but thought it was a bit draggy in parts. The chemistry didn't sizzle but I did like the couple together. Had another part to the story with Ava's mom that I just didn't really feel was necessary.
August 7, 2017
I rate this 3.5.
Well, i guess there's a reason why this book doesn't have a higher rating here on Goodreads.
The book got boring halfway through. While there were some high points too, the book never regained the excitement it had during "That Weekend" in Idaho. Also, while i usually fall in love with the male lead, i only had lukewarm feelings for Jake Durham. He came across as a little bit petty.
On the other hand, i liked that it didn't take too long for Ava and Jake to get together. It meant that they have issues that they deal with as a couple. That's a good change from reading books where the leads get together on the last page only. Although, that may have contributed to the book never recovering from that initial excitement.
It took me twice as long to finish this because after "That Weekend" in Idaho, the book kinda lost its momentum. There were still some good moments, and the chemistry between Jake and Ava was undeniable, but other than that, That Weekend is just another cutesy, love story but quite forgettable.
Well, i guess there's a reason why this book doesn't have a higher rating here on Goodreads.
The book got boring halfway through. While there were some high points too, the book never regained the excitement it had during "That Weekend" in Idaho. Also, while i usually fall in love with the male lead, i only had lukewarm feelings for Jake Durham. He came across as a little bit petty.
On the other hand, i liked that it didn't take too long for Ava and Jake to get together. It meant that they have issues that they deal with as a couple. That's a good change from reading books where the leads get together on the last page only. Although, that may have contributed to the book never recovering from that initial excitement.
It took me twice as long to finish this because after "That Weekend" in Idaho, the book kinda lost its momentum. There were still some good moments, and the chemistry between Jake and Ava was undeniable, but other than that, That Weekend is just another cutesy, love story but quite forgettable.
February 12, 2013
This book was really long and honestly the further I read the more boring it got, the writing was ok, but wasn't very persuasive and didn't get me fixed.
The main characters Jake and Ava were alright but I don't think we got to know the real them well enough to really connect with them, I never empathised with Jake's problems and found Ava really annoying. All she seemed to think about was work and she complained like all the time.
You could picture the ending after the first couple of chapters and therefore there wasn't even anticipation to read on. The story in between wasn't interesting or compelling enough to make you want to know their love story.
This isn't a book that'll stick in my mind, there wasn't anything original or different about it that sets it apart form millions of others of books and after you read it once there's no need to ever read it again.
When I have the urge to re-read a book or get a really good feeling after finishing a good read that's how I define what is a really good book to that of a measly quick and chuck book.
This is just a quick romance of a couple who face few complications involving work and how in the end they overcome them and accept their love for eachother. .
The main characters Jake and Ava were alright but I don't think we got to know the real them well enough to really connect with them, I never empathised with Jake's problems and found Ava really annoying. All she seemed to think about was work and she complained like all the time.
You could picture the ending after the first couple of chapters and therefore there wasn't even anticipation to read on. The story in between wasn't interesting or compelling enough to make you want to know their love story.
This isn't a book that'll stick in my mind, there wasn't anything original or different about it that sets it apart form millions of others of books and after you read it once there's no need to ever read it again.
When I have the urge to re-read a book or get a really good feeling after finishing a good read that's how I define what is a really good book to that of a measly quick and chuck book.
This is just a quick romance of a couple who face few complications involving work and how in the end they overcome them and accept their love for eachother. .
January 7, 2013
"That Weekend" was certainly a whirlwind of a book. The main character reminded me a lot of Sophie Kinsella's main character in her Shopaholic series, as Ava is incredibly bubbly and in love with fashion.
The banter between her, Jake and also between her and her mother made me giggle page after page.
This book covers a wide range of time, including some of that where our favourite couple were separated (sad face inserted here!), That Weekend is basically as long as your time spent in a cast for a broken limb (tiny bit of a spoiler there...), but the romance is real. The feelings each of the main characters feel are real to life - though in my honest opinion, I'd have made Jake grovel a little longer.
I did find myself a little confused as to what weekend was "THAT weekend" though....was it the weekend Jake asked for Ava's help or the actual weekend Ava helped him? Either way, both weekends were rather romantic and made me swoon that tiny bit...ok, who am I kidding. They made me swoon a lot.
The banter between her, Jake and also between her and her mother made me giggle page after page.
This book covers a wide range of time, including some of that where our favourite couple were separated (sad face inserted here!), That Weekend is basically as long as your time spent in a cast for a broken limb (tiny bit of a spoiler there...), but the romance is real. The feelings each of the main characters feel are real to life - though in my honest opinion, I'd have made Jake grovel a little longer.
I did find myself a little confused as to what weekend was "THAT weekend" though....was it the weekend Jake asked for Ava's help or the actual weekend Ava helped him? Either way, both weekends were rather romantic and made me swoon that tiny bit...ok, who am I kidding. They made me swoon a lot.
January 14, 2016
I liked the beginning when they are at the film festival and getting to know each other before his entire family and friends get all up in his business. I really don't like the interfering friends/family thing that happens in so many romances. Does that actually happen in real life? I don't know too many situations where families would interfere that much in an adult child's love life. And in this book having the mom and dad (who should have figured out years ago what impact he was having on his son's career), younger sister (who is just a bratty mess even though she's at least 30), and female friend all giving the hero advice and manipulating events makes him look like a complete schmuck who can't manage anything on his own. If it hadn't been for the great beginning, I wouldn't have given their HEA even a few years - or his career.
February 8, 2013
I couldn't read this book fast enough. Not because I loved it because I just wanted to get it over with and start my next book. I picked this big because the main female character is a blogger and I happened to be one too. I just did not like this writer's style. I know others do so I guess it is just personal preference. There wasn't enough steamy sex for my liking and I'm sick and tired of writers using the term "need" to described wanting to have sex with someone. Can we please come up with a new and unique term? I felt obligated to at least finish it but this book really wasn't what I was hoping for.
March 24, 2013
Things I liked:
1. Set in a city, or cities, for the most part.
2. The premise.
Things I didn't like:
1. Overly aggressive families, jesus.
On the whole, this was okay. I more or less liked the romance, but god, any enjoyment I got from that was ruined by wanting to punch their families in the face. Maybe not Jake's mom. But definitely Ava's mom, and Jake's dad and sister. If I were Jake, I would have fled across the country a hell of a lot sooner. Good grief.
1. Set in a city, or cities, for the most part.
2. The premise.
Things I didn't like:
1. Overly aggressive families, jesus.
On the whole, this was okay. I more or less liked the romance, but god, any enjoyment I got from that was ruined by wanting to punch their families in the face. Maybe not Jake's mom. But definitely Ava's mom, and Jake's dad and sister. If I were Jake, I would have fled across the country a hell of a lot sooner. Good grief.
April 11, 2021
Entertaining romance
Book had good mix of believable business and romance. It handled the issue of office romance very well and cleverly
Book had good mix of believable business and romance. It handled the issue of office romance very well and cleverly
July 24, 2025
I did not like the ending.
October 9, 2013
This was a quick story that I thought was cute. It follows Ava Christensen and Jake Durham as they battle wits and their attraction and their issues, together. So Ava was up for a promotion at work but the new producer Jake chose to go in a different direction and that pissed Ava off because the guy that he gave the position to is related to the big boss and doesn’t have much experience for the job. But after a quick bitch fest with her best friend, Ava is set to go on a business trip to a film festival and she’ll be happy to get away from Jake.
Ava is annoyed with herself for thinking that Jake was hot and almost kissing him at a party a few months back because she hates him now and he’s a stupid man for not giving her the promotion. She’s even more annoyed when she finds out that Jake is going to the film festival with her.
This was a cute read. It had the right amount of cuteness, steam and laughs to keep me happy and I really enjoyed getting to know both Ava and Jake. They’re both flawed characters but they worked well with each other and they were cute together. They each made boneheaded moves throughout the book but it didn’t bother me too much. This was a great read and even though I didn’t absolutely love the heck out of it, I still enjoyed it and will definitely be checking out more from this author.
Ava is annoyed with herself for thinking that Jake was hot and almost kissing him at a party a few months back because she hates him now and he’s a stupid man for not giving her the promotion. She’s even more annoyed when she finds out that Jake is going to the film festival with her.
This was a cute read. It had the right amount of cuteness, steam and laughs to keep me happy and I really enjoyed getting to know both Ava and Jake. They’re both flawed characters but they worked well with each other and they were cute together. They each made boneheaded moves throughout the book but it didn’t bother me too much. This was a great read and even though I didn’t absolutely love the heck out of it, I still enjoyed it and will definitely be checking out more from this author.
January 4, 2015
This was a different one for me. It is very sweet and romance at its definition. I won't lie I wanted more steam but over all it was a good read. I had an idea of how things were going to play out. I did there for a while not like Jake. I completely understood why she was upset with him and why she didn't like the guy and I agreed. Then we get to see things from his point of view and we get to see what he thinks of Ava. At one point I figured the reason he didn't pick her for promotion was because he resented the fact that he liked her.
When she falls and gets hurt we get to see him step up. That is when they get to know each other better and we get to see just where this relationship could go. I did root for them because I wanted things to work out because they both were not looking for a relationship. And well lets face it, it always seems to be when you're not looking for anything, that's when you find it.
Anywho. It was a long story, it did take a while to get through because it just didn't hold my attention as much as I wish it would have. BUT when it comes down to it, it was a sweet romance.
When she falls and gets hurt we get to see him step up. That is when they get to know each other better and we get to see just where this relationship could go. I did root for them because I wanted things to work out because they both were not looking for a relationship. And well lets face it, it always seems to be when you're not looking for anything, that's when you find it.
Anywho. It was a long story, it did take a while to get through because it just didn't hold my attention as much as I wish it would have. BUT when it comes down to it, it was a sweet romance.
Read
April 5, 2015That Weekend is a cute story about two coworkers falling in love. When they first met there was an obvious attraction, but when Jake passed Ava up on a promotion, she was determined to not let herself fall for him.
While away on a business trip, Ava finds herself in an unusual circumstance, and finds herself relying on the guy who she doesn't want to fall for. As she and Jake get closer, Ava realizes that she may have misjudged him.
The story was definitely intriguing. I liked reading about the different events that they went to for work. But the romance fell flat. After they first started liking each other on the first trip, nothing very exciting happened. The only reason we knew why they really liked each other is because the other told us, not because it was shown.
I also liked all the family drama. Ava and her mother are very close but they disagree on a lot of things, and Jake and his dad don't get along because Jake feels that his father doesn't approve of him. I would have liked to see some more depth to those side plots.
While away on a business trip, Ava finds herself in an unusual circumstance, and finds herself relying on the guy who she doesn't want to fall for. As she and Jake get closer, Ava realizes that she may have misjudged him.
The story was definitely intriguing. I liked reading about the different events that they went to for work. But the romance fell flat. After they first started liking each other on the first trip, nothing very exciting happened. The only reason we knew why they really liked each other is because the other told us, not because it was shown.
I also liked all the family drama. Ava and her mother are very close but they disagree on a lot of things, and Jake and his dad don't get along because Jake feels that his father doesn't approve of him. I would have liked to see some more depth to those side plots.
February 7, 2013
I received an advanced copy from the First Reads Giveaway and enjoyed That Weekend very much!
Ava, one of the protagonists, is gunning for the new cohost position at her work until her new temporary boss, Jake, hires someone else. Of course now she has to hate him even though they might or might not have had a moment at a certain Anti-Valentine's Day party... Of course, things only get more complicated from there.
What I liked a lot was Jennifer McKenzie's use of third person switching back from Ava to Jake. It made me, as a reader, a third party rooting for both sides instead of being prejudiced to one. This novel made me wish that I had a guy in my life like Jake, who only gets more likable as it progressed. Also, Ava and Jake work in media, so it was interesting to read about the perspective behind the cameras and how much work goes into the news.
Beautiful cover and beautiful story, I'd recommend this to any one looking for a a chick-lit.
Ava, one of the protagonists, is gunning for the new cohost position at her work until her new temporary boss, Jake, hires someone else. Of course now she has to hate him even though they might or might not have had a moment at a certain Anti-Valentine's Day party... Of course, things only get more complicated from there.
What I liked a lot was Jennifer McKenzie's use of third person switching back from Ava to Jake. It made me, as a reader, a third party rooting for both sides instead of being prejudiced to one. This novel made me wish that I had a guy in my life like Jake, who only gets more likable as it progressed. Also, Ava and Jake work in media, so it was interesting to read about the perspective behind the cameras and how much work goes into the news.
Beautiful cover and beautiful story, I'd recommend this to any one looking for a a chick-lit.
February 2, 2013
I believe this is the first Harlequin Superromance I have read. Usually I drift more toward the romantic suspense, but the premise of this book interested me.
Ava is an aspiring broadcast journalist who is initially miffed when passed over for a promotion. Her temporary boss, Jake, had his reasons, and when they're pushed together to attend a film festival you can imagine there will be tension. The story takes them from fidgeting at work, to flirting, to coupling. Of course, work issues get in the way of romance.
I thought it was a cute story, easy to read, and if you like your romances sweet you could go for this. I will admit I wasn't wholly invested in the characters, though I liked the supporting players more. That said, I don't regret reading this and will look for more books in this imprint.
Ava is an aspiring broadcast journalist who is initially miffed when passed over for a promotion. Her temporary boss, Jake, had his reasons, and when they're pushed together to attend a film festival you can imagine there will be tension. The story takes them from fidgeting at work, to flirting, to coupling. Of course, work issues get in the way of romance.
I thought it was a cute story, easy to read, and if you like your romances sweet you could go for this. I will admit I wasn't wholly invested in the characters, though I liked the supporting players more. That said, I don't regret reading this and will look for more books in this imprint.
February 6, 2013
...This was a cute read. It had the right amount of cuteness, steam and laughs to keep me happy and I really enjoyed getting to know both Ava and Jake. They're both flawed characters but they worked well with each other and they were cute together. They each made boneheaded moves throughout the book but it didn't bother me too much. This was a great read and even though I didn't absolutely love the heck out of it, I still enjoyed it and will definitely be checking out more from this author.
3.5 out of 5...
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Rowena. Click on the link to the blog for the full review.
3.5 out of 5...
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Rowena. Click on the link to the blog for the full review.
November 19, 2012
This story was well written, and the entertainment context and the inclusion of bits of Ava’s blog gave it the feel of being truly contemporary. There’s one amusing scene when Ava is in the hospital that has her texting with her best friend about Jake while she and Jake exchange emails about her body language response to the texting. But I just never felt fully engaged with these characters. Perhaps I’m just not part of the targeted audience for this one, or perhaps it suffered from the inevitable comparisons to other, less conventional and predictable books that were part of January 2013 Superromance offerings.
January 11, 2013
Reviewed at HarlequinJunkie.com
Rating 4.5 Stars
That Weekend is a vibrantly cheeky, flirtatiously fun, brightly humorous, romance that will make you sigh with pleasure!
Ava Christensen works as a reporter for Entertainment New Now. She is sure that she will soon be getting a promotion to the show as a co host. When she is passed over by the owner of the stations nephew, she is furious with the show’s executive producer, Jake Durham. To make matters worse she is forced to spend a weekend working Read More
Rating 4.5 Stars
That Weekend is a vibrantly cheeky, flirtatiously fun, brightly humorous, romance that will make you sigh with pleasure!
Ava Christensen works as a reporter for Entertainment New Now. She is sure that she will soon be getting a promotion to the show as a co host. When she is passed over by the owner of the stations nephew, she is furious with the show’s executive producer, Jake Durham. To make matters worse she is forced to spend a weekend working Read More
March 10, 2013
Ava and Jake's story was well done. I wanted nothing but the best for Ava and her disappointment with Jake, twice!, made me sad.
On page 283, when Ava's mom asked her "So why don't you look happy? Ava?", I could feel my tears welling up with Ava and I think I started crying before she did! I am such a wuss, lol.
I was glad when Ava picked up her boots and carried forth with dignity.
I wanted to slap Jake but I was glad came around. He did care for her but wow, did she ever have to work to get him to say those three little words.
On page 283, when Ava's mom asked her "So why don't you look happy? Ava?", I could feel my tears welling up with Ava and I think I started crying before she did! I am such a wuss, lol.
I was glad when Ava picked up her boots and carried forth with dignity.
I wanted to slap Jake but I was glad came around. He did care for her but wow, did she ever have to work to get him to say those three little words.
December 21, 2012
I love it when I learn something even as I’m enjoying a good book. That Weekend gave me some insights into TV news reporting and production without detracting from the story. The details simply added to the fleshing out of the characters and how they played against one another. Their back stories, too, were just enough to help me understand more fully why they were push-pulling in the midst of their love interest. The little blog entries at different points in the story were a nice touch, too.
August 22, 2016
I was prepared to sit and read and have an enjoyable weekend with this book. It didn't happen. Every time the heroine sent a text message or updated her blog I lost interest. It was a huge turn off for me. Maybe the newer, younger readers will find it okay but after 100 pages I just stopped reading completely because I felt the faxes stopped the forward movement of the plot and for me there was no real chemistry between the hero and heroine. Sorry was not for me.
May 14, 2013
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through NetGalley for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Beautiful storytelling that kept me on the edge of my seat!
Sweet tale!
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Beautiful storytelling that kept me on the edge of my seat!
Sweet tale!
February 24, 2013
Just received my "Giveaway" of That Weekend! Can't wait to start reading!
Thank you Harlequin Romance! This is what I read Harlequin for! Years ago, in my teens and through my 20's, I subscribed to Harlequin.
Thank you Harlequin Romance! This is what I read Harlequin for! Years ago, in my teens and through my 20's, I subscribed to Harlequin.
December 19, 2012
4.5 stars A funny, feisty, read!
Read
December 29, 2014Category: Heart & Home
New look, longer book!
New look, longer book!
January 2, 2013
I think the hero was a jerk and needed to grovel a LOT more...
January 22, 2013
I love reading stories set in Vancouver. The characters were enjoyable!
April 12, 2015
Light and entertaining.
June 24, 2013
Great book! I read it in a day!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews