Duke Sullivan is the oldest brother of my family’s hated rival. He also happens to be my good morning text and the man I have no right to have a secret crush on. Duke is strictly forbidden. After months of keeping our friendship hidden, the stars align, sparks ignite, and we finally give into temptation. Knowing our relationship could never be more than stolen glances and longing looks, we agree to stay secret friends––until two pink lines change everything. With our small town and both our families in an uproar, Duke does the unthinkable. He packs up my belongings and moves me into his house. Despite agreeing to weather the storm together and to try to figure out how to co-parent, living with Duke proves nearly impossible. Every soft smirk, every brush of his calloused hand against my sensitive skin makes me want to burst into flames. It becomes clear, despite the feud, Duke is relentlessly going after what he wants and I think that might be . . . me. I’m the quiet daughter with the wrong last name, but it’s obvious he wants so much more than just one night.
Lena Hendrix is a USA Today and Amazon Top 5 bestselling contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. Her love for romance started with sneaking racy Harlequin paperbacks as a teenager and now she writes her own hot-as-sin small town romance novels. Lena has a soft spot for strong alphas with marshmallow insides, heroines who clap back, and sizzling tension. Her novels pack in small town heart with a whole lotta heat.
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
My first read of 2024 and it will 100% be on my list of favorites come December. One Night is a triumph!
With rich characters, beautiful writing and a colorful town you can’t help but fall in love with, it was impossible to put down once I started. I was wrapped up from the very first page!
Duke Sullivan is EVERYTHING! I love him ALMOST as much as I love Sylvie. The story was so fresh. I loved the secret texting and Romeo & Juliet vibes. And my GOD the paddle board scene?!?! 🥵
Lena Hendrix is at her very best in this one. Five stars and a must read!
The rating was solely for the romance between Duke and Sylvie and nothing else.
The main characters had a strong and genuine bond, and there was palpable tension and off-the-charts chemistry between them. I love how Duke and Sylvie overcame their families' animosity to build a strong friendship and didn't let it stop them from doing so. When they finally snapped and gave in to the mutual attraction, it was on fire! And nothing is more adorable than witnessing these two work and spend time together throughout the period that followed Sylvie's unexpected pregnancy.
Duke was definitely the man, and the dedication, thoughtfulness, care, and love this guy possessed for Sylvie were just so swoony. He stepped up and became her partner in all the right ways, and Sylvie helped along the way too. She was understanding of their current situation, never took for granted all the help and appreciation Duke showered upon her, and was genuinely grateful for everything he did for her and their baby.
Even though they were drawn to one another before the pregnancy, their forced proximity allowed them to get to know one another even better and ultimately fall in love. Sometimes it was frustrating when they kept their feelings to themselves because they thought confessing their love would end their relationship. But I'm glad they eventually opened up about how they really felt and didn't keep it a secret for too long.
I love the MCs, and if the story was solely focused on them, I would definitely give this a 5-star rating. But the constant rivalry between their families grates on my nerves. These are grown ass men who keep one-upping each other and would settle for stupid pranks because of some family issues they don't even know the reason for.
I think a third part of this book was about the family feud and how Sylvie's father and brothers continually ignored her and made her feel invisible. They don't care about their sister because it's always about their egos and trying to hurt Duke's family in whatever way possible. Up until the 90% part of the book, the stupid toxic masculinity was still present because no one wanted to back down from Sylvie's family; they were annoying, and I really wanted to throat punch those idiots. At least, from Duke's family, they were a little level-headed except for Lee (who I didn't like at all). This pointless dispute had me frustrated and annoyed so many times that they took away the giddiness I felt from reading the MCs interactions. If these pranks and face-off scenes were minimal, I think I would love this story even more.
Overall, this was still definitely good, and I loooove Duke and Sylvie, but the family conflict really pissed me off. Despite the rivalry, it's still worth reading, and I found much of it to be enjoyable. ❤️
Book info: - Small town romance - Forbidden romance - Friends-to-lovers - Surprise pregnancy - Parent abandonment - Rival families - Forced proximity - No cheating, opd, breakup - Non-virgin MCs - HEA
Ok, Duke is everything. I’m in love. 👏🏻 I literally was a little girl kicking my damn feet in this book. The surprise pregnancy trope was done PERFECTLY.
This series is freaking gold.
“I was falling in love with the mother of my child, and I had absolutely no clue what to do about it.”
“You’re doing great, Mama.” 🥹🥹
“That’s my greedy little thing.” 🥵
✨small town ✨rival families ✨forbidden ✨one night stand ✨(secret) friends to lovers ✨surprise pregnancy ✨AND AN MMC THAT IS IMMEDIATELY IN DADDY MODE 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 🌶️🌶️.5
Audio reread: perfection. The audio was so good & I loved the story even more as I felt like I was actively a part of all the words I listened to. Duke is #1. I am in love.
Beta read**
Okay so…Duke is by far one of the swooniest men I’ve EVER read in a book. I swear I was kicking my feet and giggling/screaming too many times to count. Wow. I am in love. I am obsessed. I’m a fan. I’m a STAN. And more than anything, I am upset it’s over. How is this the END????? We really saved the best for last with this freaking amazingness. I seriously think this is my favorite book of Lena’s. I am in love with it.
The forbidden aspect between a Sullivan & a King made this book THAT much better!!!! I loved it so freaking much. The friendship. The feelings. The TENSION. Lord it was good. Sylvie & Duke are so dang perfect for each other. They bring out the best in each other & their relationship is so fun!!!
As with the rest of the series, we learn more about the rivalry between the families in this book & WE FINALLY GET ANSWERS!!!!!!! YASSSS!!!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Rival families Forbidden romance Small town Friends to lovers Accidental pregnancy Forced proximity No third act break up
i enjoyed this one, accidental pregnancy between two people whose families have a long standing feud in their small town. but i think i'll refrain from rating just bc parts of it felt soooo similar to the bailey brothers series by claire kingsley. obviously tropes can be similar, especially within small town romances, but idk the similarities were so specific i had a hard time overlooking it at times. i feel like i cant rate this one fairly since i read claire's first and that kind of impacted my experience w this one. i'll just assume it was all a coincidence lol
"I never danced before, because I could never dance with you." I hardly ever choose to read an accidental pregnancy romance. I really have to trust the author to do that, and I do trust Lena Hendrix. And I wasn’t wrong to do it because this was a feel-good happily ever after, and my heart was full at the end.
"It didn’t matter that he was the kind of hot that made women all over town stupid. He was a Sullivan, and I was a King." I adore Duke. I loved him in previous books, and anyone can see how lonely he is, especially now that his brothers have all found their soulmates. He’s… resigned to living the way he does. But he doesn’t have to be because he deserves so much more!
"Sylvie wasn’t the kind of woman who laughed loudly or sucked up the energy in the room. Instead, she was all subtle smiles and assessing eyes." I loved Sylvie’s subtle strength, especially if you consider who her father is and how she’s been treated. She knows what she wants, and she has a plan, even though people don’t seem to think too much of her.
"Enjoying my coffee felt like the only fifteen minutes of solace I got in the day. That, and getting a message from her." When Sylvie forgets a blueberry order, Duke shows up to double-check it, which leads to them exchanging numbers. I mean, they shouldn’t because he’s a Sullivan and she’s a King, but this is purely professional, right? Except…
"Good morning texts and the occasional flirty banter were all that it would ever be. And I fucking hated it." A blueberry delivery turns into good morning texts and banter. Into questions about each other’s well-being. Into wanting… more. Both of them know what they want, but neither of them knows how to get it. I mean, how could they date when their families are rivals who prank each other relentlessly?
"To answer your question, I only ever stay on nights you’re there." It’s hard to keep away, though. There’s an attraction and a chemistry between them that they can’t find anywhere else. In fact, it’s been around for a while, but it’s undeniable now. And it’s only a matter of time until they act on it.
"When I’m done with you, you’ll be lucky if they didn’t hear you screaming my name." One meeting. One night. One time. They let go of whatever their last names are and they’re simply together. It’s hot and passionate… but not enough. They’re both left wanting more from each other—and not just physically. They may not be aware of it, but we all know they’re in too deep.
"I like you, Duke." "I like you too. A whole lot more than I probably should." When Sylvie finds out she’s pregnant, it’s complicated. She knows her family—hell, the whole town!—won’t accept it. She knows she’ll be forced to pick a side. But when push comes to shove, instead of keeping the pregnancy to herself (like it happens in so many other books), she goes to him. And he’s there from the very first second.
"Now, I would hate to disrespect a man in his family home, but that’s the mother of my child you’re speaking to. If you can’t speak to her with respect, then you speak to me." If you’ve been reading the Sullivans, you’d know they’re incredible people. The Kings… not so much. So Duke goes into protective mode and takes her home with him. He means to keep her and their child safe, but he wants—he needs to keep her close too. She’s everything he’s never allowed himself to want.
"I need to tell her. Tell her I want her and that existing side by side is killing me." I liked a few things about this book. First, he doesn’t automatically assume she wants to have his child, and she has a choice. Second, all the troubles between them and around them don’t get immediately sorted out just because she’s pregnant. In fact, their close proximity is downright awkward and filled with silence, even though they both want each other too much.
"You know, I’ve had this fantasy. It involves dancing with a beautiful woman in my kitchen." "And does this fantasy woman have a name?" "Sylvie," There’s a sort of teenager-y quality to their love that I found heartwarming. Different. Maybe because they never had the chance to truly be themselves and love unabashedly. Maybe because they’ve always put someone else’s wants and feelings before themselves, and they’re taking what they want and deserve for the first time. I loved it. And their nicknames for each other were awww-worthy too.
"Sylvie, it’s you or no one. It has always been you." Of course the rivalry is still there, and it shows its ugly head a few times. But he goes to bat for her. He’s all in. He’ll choose her—them—each and every single time, against whatever odds, everyone else be damned, including his own family. And she’s with him every step of the way. Who wouldn’t want a kind of love like that?
"Mine to protect. Mine to love. Forever." King or Sullivan, they were always meant to be. Even when they thought they could never be, even when the odds were stacked against them. Maybe this is a modern Romeo and Juliet, but in this one, they stay alive. They live for each other. And they choose their love over it all.
Okay, I tried. I honestly read a few chapters then scrolled to the end so I could write this review. This is so identical to a Claire Kingsley series it’s not even funny. Like total mirror to it
Ok so I am confident when I say this book is easily 96% inner dialogue. I feel like there was maybe 100 sentenced actually “spoken” in this book and maybe a quarter’s was actually between the 2 MC’s. I read a book a day and in the past 2 years I’ve only DNFED 3 books and this was a struggle not to make it the 4th book I didn’t finish. It was so hyped up on booktok I was so excited for its release, and literally that 1hook was basically it. There was big time lapses with no real action or movement at all. Just like reading Groundhog Day over and over. I still don’t understand their relationship as we didn’t really get any relationship building. It was all about some family feud that was absolutely ridiculous this day and age but whatever. They lived in a house together for weeks…maybe months and yet didn’t speak he would just leave a note in the morning and she hid in the room. No communication, no relationship building. Then when they finally did start speaking….months later it was just physical and like 2 doctors appointments. The focus was definitely not on the couple in this book, but the town and the feud. It felt like it overshadowed everything and was the sole focus of this book, yet it wasn’t even a good plot or storyline imo. It didn’t leave me feeling like I read a love story at all. No warm fuzzies. It was super hard to stay focused and also so much was left unfinished, basically just storylines abandoned…like her move? His rodeo? Her dad? I mean it just was frustrating. And I like this author so much so I’m confused because it didn’t feel like something she wrote.
I was waiting for their book, and I absolutely loved it! Amazing chemistry and banter, and I think Duke is my newest fave hero from the series! This man was utterly swoon worthy!!!!!
I cannot wait for the King family to get their books! I’m loving this small town and the history of the families!
4⭐️ I loved this book. Duke and Sylvie are the cutest. I loved their story and couldn’t put the book down.💗
“You may have gone your whole life without people prioritizing you, but that ends with me. Sylvie, it’s you or no one. It has always been you.”
tropes: ~ small town romance ~ rival families ~ forbidden ~ friends-to-lovers ~ surprise pregnancy
“In a town where rivalries ran deep, I couldn’t help but wonder if love and unity could eventually triumph over old grudges and secrets buried in the sands of time.”
I didn't expect to adore Duke as much as I do! He's like a big, cuddly teddy bear when it comes to Sylvie, and it's just too adorable. But he's also this fierce defender who'd go to the ends of the earth for her. I love that their relationship took its time to blossom over a year—it's like a delightful slow dance of love.
I really wanted to love this series but it's exactly the same as the Bailey Brothers from Claire Kingsley. I didn't DNF it I read the whole thing to be sure.
What I know of the King/Sullivan family and their long standing fued is only what I read in Abel's book but from what I gather the families hate each other with the town ppl sometimes choosing sides, with petty fights and minor disagreements it's been going on for years and nobody can remember why it started......now on to Duke and Sylvie
Sylvie King is the family disappointment in her father's eyes, she works at the bakery and has been saving to leave town. A chance encounter with Duke leads to a texting friendship that spans almost a year.....a decision to finally meet leads to an unforgettable one time sexual experience.....until two pink lines changes everything forever
******* This wasn't bad but it was frustrating as all hell, maybe I'm just not in the correct mood for this one at this particular time but I just wanted the MCs to say man fuck this feud bs I choose you......now eventually that actually does happen but all the conflict in this book came from that stupid feud and what the family and town would do if they got together. And a CONVERSATION would've corrected whether she still planned to stay or leave 🙄 I liked the mcs they were great together, Duke said he's wanted the h for a long time but without knowing the full backstory I can't judge if his "it's always been you" was true or not. Maybe he was secretly pining for her but given how seriously both sides of the family took this fued I understood why he didn't go there but jeeze grown ass ppl acting like that for what? Ugh I love accidental Pregnancy stuff and his reaction to finding out was just sweetness All in all not bad but frustrating
No cheating Family rivals for years, friends for a year.....then love H didn't seem to be a manwhore Can't remember details on h She went on a couple dates out of obligation but nothing came of it No third act breakup when she finally moved in hurray
Último libro de las serie y la entrada para la siguiente, los King. El cliché es familias rivales a lo Romeo y Julieta. Duke es el hermano mayor, serio, responsable y siempre renunciando a sus sueños x el deber. Silvie es la oreja negra de su familia, nunca ha dado la talla con su padre y trabaja en la pastelería del pueblo.
Me gustó mucho la primera parte. como se van conociendo y comienzan a relacionarse. Después sentí que el libro de ameseta un poco. Hay un elemento sorpresa y creo que la situación entre ellos se alarga sin que pase mucho, más allá de la enemistad familiar. El final es satisfactorio y muy tierno.
“Despite everyone in this town—in the entire world—it really is just us. Why are we letting them decide when we get to be happy?”
I don't know if it's because I've been in a massive slump recently, and that this was the first thing that I picked up that I wanted to read- But I actually really enjoyed it.
It was such a low-commitment, cozy, domestic book and was so sweet. As someone who's not the biggest fan of friends to lovers, I didn't mind this in the slightest. It was pretty fast-paced and was overall just fun. It was the pregnancy trope done right (in this context) imo.
I didn't care much for the family drama/feud- but the romance was just really straightforward (with no miscommunication) so I didn't mind in the slightest 😌.
There were definitely things I didn't really like- but I read this purely for the vibes 💃.
Duke Sullivan is the mf blueprint. There. I said it. I mean, I'm not lying, am I? Because I'm pretty goddamn sure that that's what's on everyone's minds. This man is so fucking perfect y'all...like I actually have no words to describe how amazing he was🥺 I mean, c'mon, a man who shows you how much he cares about you through actions, always chooses you and only sees you? HUSBAND MATERIAL, YOUR HONOR💳💳💳 Duke and Sylvie's story is one that I absolutely loved and was so, so precious (babies istg. they do that to you🥹). I never thought KateBeckett could be dethroned as my fav couple in this series (sorry bby) but DukeSylvie made that happen lol. 5/5 stars for this beautiful book and I would def recommend you guys to read it if you love a small town romance with a grumpy farmer, a secret/forbidden friendship/relationship, an accidental pregnancy with all the feels and a good dose of spice🥰
Favorite book in the series, maybe it’s cause I love surprise pregnancy books buuuuuuut DUKE 🫠 🎶what a man, what a man,what a mighty good man🎶 I LOVE HOT FARMERS 📣 This a great small town series & i can’t wait to see what Lena will do next!
It was long and drawn out, could’ve been significantly shorter and more exciting. The drama was pointless and not believable(think modern day Romeo and Juliet, but it’s modern day and that story is irrelevant and not relatable in these times). None of the characters had any rapport, even the main characters didn’t feel like they actually liked eachother.
You can tell the author is a good writer in general, but the plot and the characters of this book were just not enjoyable.
"Now, I would hate to disrespect a man in his family home, but that's the mother of my child you're speaking to. If you can't speak to her with respect, then you speak to me."
One Night tells the story of Duke and Sylvia. They strike up a friendship via text, since their families are rivals. But sparks fly and soon it turns into so much more.
I wanted to love this one. I went in for the surprise pregnancy. And it was a cute aspect. Both characters are so likable. Duke even brings the swoon. The way he steps up automatically. But there is just something missing for me. A depth in the characters individually, and in their connection mostly. The way the story is told, it makes me hard to feel their connection.
I mean she comes up to him crying her eyes out and he says "Okay. Alright." HUH???? That whole scene bugged me.
There are some sweet moments, don't get me wrong, but the story feels rushed. Everything moves so quickly while nothing really happens at the same time. There was nothing that drew me in. The whole rivalry thing just isn't for me either. I mean these are grown men, acting in this way, fighting.... just not the storyline for me. Or really the writing style for me-and that's okay, we all like what we like. Check it out for yourself though-I'm in the minority here!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Okay…. I like this author and I’ve enjoyed this series, but this book was too far beyond “inspired” by Claire Kingsley’s The Bailey Brothers… from the feud, to the small town picking sides, even the town recluse. This felt like a copy.
If I could give out more stars than infinity for this one I would. but its def a 5 + star read 3 level spice- because Lena know how to write a damn good romance book.
Back in Outatowner for the last time with the last Sullivan brother and ya'll Daddy Duke doesn't disappoint... LENA NEVER DISAPPOINTS. This book is CHEF's KISS. There is just the right amount of hidden mischief to feel when they know its wrong, but, when it feels SO RIGHT. The protectiveness Duke displays- and don't even get me started on the tiny details Lena always throws in to make it feel so real like your in Outatowner with them!!!
Duke Sullivan is a broody, grumpy, a-hole that secretly has put all his hopes and dreams on hold for his family. He has always chose them and in this book... he finally decided to choose HIM.
Sylvie King is the enemy. She's a King and there's nothing more to be said. Until there is.... we all know this book has an accidental pregnancy trope and let me tell you- she did it right!!
Will the two make it out? What happens with all the obstacles they have to overcome?! PLEASE read it to find out...because HOLY HOT HELL- I LOVE THIS BOOK.
I loved this book, I love Lena Hendrix, I love Daddy Duke- and I love Sylvie King. I can't wait for the King's next because I know I will be living in my "King ERA" all of 2024.
I’ve been waiting for Duke’s story since the very beginning of the series & let’s just say Lena definitely did not disappoint! His ended up being my favorite by far 💜
This is the fourth & final book in the Sullivan Family Series following Duke Sullivan & Sylvie King who come from rival families in their small town of Outtatowner, MI. Duke runs the Sullivan family blueberry farm & when he has a run in with Sylvie one day at work, they end up forming a secret friendship despite their families history. Overtime, their chemistry becomes something they can’t deny, no matter how hard they try. Things quickly become a bit more complicated when one night together ends up becoming so much more….
The accidental pregnancy trope is always such a hit or miss for me but I absolutely devoured this book! Duke was so swoony & I loved how much of a softie he was for Sylvie despite his grumpy, hard exterior. Their story was truly the perfect way to wrap up this amazing series.
Thank you Lena for ARC & ALC! The audiobook was SO dang good, I couldn’t stop listening. The narrators are some of my faves & they did a fantastic job with this one 👏🏼
Tropes: - Small Town - Rival Families - Forbidden Romance - One Night Stand - Accidental Pregnancy - Friends to Lovers - Forced Proximity
It was alright. Nothing to write home about. I dragged myself through it the last few pages because I found the family feud so so boring. I started this because I was told it's a great pregnancy trope book but I was disappointed, this was like 70% family feud, 20% them shagging and 10% cute pregnancy moments🫡 duke was setting some new standards though cuz what do you mean he stalked her pinterest and built her everything she pinned in her nursery pinboard⁉️
Sylvie y Duke Ella es una King y El un Sullivan sus familias se han odiado por generaciones, tanto tiempo que ya el motivo que empezó todo quedó olvidado entre todas las discusiones que le siguieron.... Ahora Duke y Syl empiezan una amistad que dura casi un año, a escondidas de todos sus hermanos y del pueblo. Un día salen y la tensión es tanta que están juntos, tiempo después descubren que ella está embarazada, ellos tendrán un largo camino por delante para decidir cómo llevaran la relación y el hecho de la enemistad de sus familias hace la situación mucho peor.
Gosh this book is bad. I’m not sure where all of these great reviews are coming from. I wanted to stop reading at 38% but I tried to persevere, well no more! I’m throwing in the towel at the 60% mark. $4.99 wasted. The only reason I bought the book was because Elsie Silver sent out an email. I now know that she may be a great author, but she cannot be trusted with book recommendations.
1. Idk if this is a new thing, but a full page of trigger warnings that essentially amount to SPOILER ALERTS seems egregious
2. Also, when did authors become so concerned with winning the politically correct awards. In a world so easily offended, it is not your job to try to cater to everyone’s delicate sensibilities
3. I was honestly bored. The mc seemed bland. Their chemistry nonexistent. The dirty talk seemed out of character based upon what we had been given leading up to that point. Some of the dialogue seemed far fetched. The rivalry between the two families was dumb. I just wasn’t invested and I find these 5 star reviews questionable