Just Once

by Julianna Keyes

Kate Burke is done making bad decisions. Thirty years old and belatedly determined to grow up, the successful travel writer and one-time party girl returns to work at the remote Ponderosa Pines Ranch to reassess her life. Although her kitchen/cabin staff is lacking and the workload never relents, Kate's main challenge is Shane Maddox, the ruggedly handsome and doggedly stubborn ranch foreman. Instantly at odds, they battle over everything from ceiling fans to bothersome bats-studiously ignoring the sparks they generate with each confrontation. They can't explain their explosive physical chemistry, but after a few frustrated weeks they can't deny it either. Their solution? Just once. They'll get past their inconvenient lust and move on. Kate's been trying to think with her head instead of her hormones, but is this just another bad decision in a lifetime of careless choices? Has she really changed at all? Set in the striking and serene hills of southern Colorado, Julianna Keyes' debut novel offers a sizzling and satisfying tale of unexpected chemistry and the power of second chances. Her characters will get under your skin and into your heart. Just once may not be enough for you either.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Westerns, Enemies To Lovers, Western Romance

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Julianna Keyes is a Canadian writer who has lived on both coasts and several places in between. She's been skydiving, bungee jumping and white water rafting, but nothing thrills - or terrifies - her as much as the blank page. She loves Chinese food, foreign languages, baseball and television, not necessarily in that order, and will go to her grave swearing that 'ain't' is not a word. She has volunteered in Zambia, taught English in China, and dreams of seeing pink dolphins in the Amazon. It'll happen.

She also writes happily offbeat thrillers as Elaine Murphy.

Reviews

[Sam I AMNreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a summer on a ranch. Basically summer camp, so basically my catnip.

Sometimes it veered into me windering how old the characters were, although aside from the MCs they are mostly young. Anyway, it really shows where Keyes started and how far she has come, and really showed she could always write a sex scene.

3.5, rounded down for the slow start, and that I don't know that I'll reread.

[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars



This was much different to what I have been reading. Kate is a travel writer and is back at the ranch to help manage it. She meets Shane who also works there. They agree on a casual 'Just Once' sex.

What happened to just once?

Maybe I'm use to books with more going on but I felt like nothing much happened. A lot of the conversations Kate had and the work she did at the ranch was tiring just reading about it. I wanted more of the spotlight on the couple rather than working and the cabin girls.

There was some steamy scenes which made the rest of the story more enjoyable. Shane was sort of an Alpha male, but I wasn't completely convinced by him.

Just trying to decide where Im going to fuck you

I liked that there wasn't any over the top drama or broken characters the characters were a bit older than what I've been reading, and the developing romance was believable. If this sounds like your type of book, it is worth a chance x

ARC provided by Author
Quotes subject to change

[Beanbag Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a rule I stay away from the first person/present tense POV. I really don't like NA and that seems to be a staple so if I see it on the first page, I usually cut my losses immediately. But this author was recommended to me, so I stuck it out. I'm glad I did.

This is not NA. This is a contemporary romance that had me laughing out loud at several points. The author did a great job of portraying the lead character, Kate, in a relatable way that drew me into the story and made me care about her and those she cared about. Keyes presented the various set pieces (all types -- comedic, poignant, angsty, sexy) with an authenticity that's often lacking in contemporary romance. What could have been glaring contrivances were handled smoothly and effectively.

The ending could be seen as a "happy for now", but I think it's easily believable as a legitimate "happily ever after" considering the leads' back stories and where they are in their lives by the end. There are other characters that seem like they could lead a future story and, if that happens, I would hope to see these two leads again in featured or just side roles. Their romance was very engaging to me.

Thanks for the recommendation, Courtney, I'm looking forward to reading more from Julianna Keyes. :D

[MBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had been a while since an author has taken command of all my senses when I read a story, which is why I found myself going on a reading binge on everything and anything that I could find by Julianna Keyes. At the cost of repeating myself, that is because her books opened up a whole new world of possibilities in a genre which I sometimes fear has grown stagnant with too many books with too little quality to measure them by.

Just Once by Julianna Keyes has to be my “least” favorite from the bunch of books I have read from Julianna up till now. But even then, it is a book that delivered on most fronts, which is why I loved it even with its shortcomings.

Written in the first person from the heroine Katharine Burke’s point of view, Just Once tells the story of how Kate finds herself feeling amiss, becoming disillusioned with her life, even though as a travel writer, Kate has done things and being to places most people can only dream of. Perhaps it was Kate’s desire to get back to her roots that finds her traveling to the San Juan mountains of southern Colorado, where she had spent three summers as a teenager, a place she had never forgotten even though it had been ten years since.

As the new kitchen/cabin manager, Kate hopes that backbreaking physical labor plus the serenity that comes with being surrounded by nature would rewire her brain and remove that desolate feeling that had been hounding her of late. Kate’s encounter with Shane Maddox, the ruggedly handsome and stubborn ranch foreman becomes her biggest challenge in working on the ranch, not to mention the wild and hedonistic desire that he invokes in her being a bit problematic as well. However, when Kate realizes that Shane also shares the same desire as her, at least when it comes to the bedroom, an agreed upon one night stand turns into two and before they know it, both Kate and Shane are embroiled in a passionate affair that neither saw coming.

While both Shane and Kate didn’t reel me in as the protagonists of other novels I have read from Julianna, I still loved the premise and the whole setup of the story. There’s a lot of hard labor that goes into every aspect of keeping an establishment such as a ranch guesthouse up and running. Just Once lets the reader get a bit of insight into what life is like on the other side of the equation, the one which we seldom give any thought to when we are enjoying a vacation or a timeout from the daily grind of life.

Two characters whose unfinished story that caught my eye would be that of Brandon and Hailey. I keep wondering whether Julianna would ever write down their story because there seems to be a wealth of angst to be explored in their union, if ever there is to be one.

Just like the rest of the novels by Julianna that I have read and loved, Just Once also comes bearing enough angst, spiced up sex and with a hero who cannot get enough, just like the heroine. Which is the utmost of reasons why I will always keep coming back for more where Julianna is concerned.

Recommended!

Rating = 4/5

For more reviews and quotes, please visit, www.maldivianbookreviewer.com

[Addictive Passions · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out really slow, the only thing keeping me reading was Kate's sexual fantasies about Shane because in truth Shane was coming off as a player and someone that I used to know personally that was all wrong for me but really the best in bed, so I really wanted to end it. But I kept going, and I'm so glad I did!

Shane really stepped up for me and Kate in the second half of the book, and Kate as well kind of grew as well. I absolutely loved all the sex and tension....and sex....and more sex.

It was great!

And the second meaning behind the title really broke my heart which you find out only in the last pages. I really fell in love with Shane for that one.

[Jexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. It was a total surprise and I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Eileen (BookCatPin) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After really loving the Burnham College series, I decided to try some of Julianna Keyes's other books. I like the cover and premise of Just Once so it became first on my list. I got to devouring it right away and boy was it sexy, fun and thoughtful.

Just Once has a really fun setting. The Ponderosa Pines Ranch sounds absolutely amazing. What I wouldn't give to go relax there for one week. Even if it's to work there I have a feeling I'll enjoy it~ I love the routine and how despite the workloads, all the workers still manage to squeeze in some fun here and there. Never a dull moment.

Kate and Shane were by no means perfect but I love how they slowly worked on their communication. Kate was definitely more responsible and Shane more understanding when the time called for it. Even if stubbornness and pride got in the way a lot of times, nothing was irreparable. They were both able to come to their senses just in time. Oh man were these two on fire together. Ms. Keyes writes some of the most steamy cheek-burning sex scenes. There was intensity sprinkled with sweetness and just the right amount of dirty ;)

I'm seriously in love with the title of this book. I love how Ms. Keyes gives more meaning to her title and not just with this one book but with the Burnham College books too. She brings out the multiple sides and various interpretations to the words and phrases. How does she do that??

Ms. Keyes's debut novel pleasantly surprised me. I enjoyed it a lot. It's at necessary times serious but mostly funny and sexy. The writing is solid, the story meaningful and the characters flawed but agreeable. Sign me up for the Julianna Keyes fan club!

P.S. I am feeling like there should be a sequel to tell Hailey and Brandon's story? I am not beyond begging for one. Please? Pretty please?!??!?

[Angie Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

***This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***

I really enjoyed this book about losing who you are and the struggle to find it again.

After years of globetrotting and being pampered, Kate returns to a place from her past that means something to her. Trading in her expensive heels for jeans and sneakers, she heads to Ponderosa Pines Ranch to (unknowingly) face off with Shane, the ranch’s Foreman.

There were sparks from the second Kate met Shane. Sexual tension radiated off the pages every time they were together. After deciding the only way to get past it is to give in to it, they decide that they’ll sleep together ‘just once’ to get each other out of their systems, and they’ll be good to go. Only…it doesn’t quite work out that way.

If I thought the sexual tension radiated off the pages just from their conversations, it shook my freaking Kindle when they made it to the bedroom. I’ve been so lucky lately in that I’ve read back to back to back books with some hot as hell sex scenes, but this one takes the cake. Shane and Kate were absolutely electric together–Shane especially was just so damn hot. He definitely knows how to get a gal’s blood pumping.

They were both likable characters. Kate was having second thoughts about the path her life was on, and Shane, though he had a gruff exterior, ended up being incredibly playful at times when it came to Kate, which made him even sexier. And I liked that though he was self-assured, he was uneasy about the gap in their lifestyles and if the ranch was ‘good enough’ for Kate. I think this was accurate for his character. A man like Shane, who was very prideful, would give a great deal of thought to something like that.

I found it interesting that despite her jet-setting lifestyle and the fact that she grew up wealthy, it was the ranch she’d spent three summers working at as a teenager that Kate considered her home. It said a lot about her character–she wasn’t someone who felt she was entitled to things though she’d been treated that way most of her life; she wanted to earn her way.

I really like the way things progressed between Kate and Shane. I felt like it was a true to life pace. It wasn’t an ‘eyes meet–jump into bed’ type of situation. They were both fighting their attraction, and their sleeping together was sort of a last ditch effort to get over each other.

There was a lot of day to day life in this book, which is something I really enjoy, especially when it’s in a setting I don’t know much about. There was also a lot going on with the secondary characters, but when you’re dealing with a setting like a ranch/resort, there are a lot of players; I liked knowing what was going on with each of them. It was a good opportunity to learn more about Kate, as she was often dishing out advice and putting out fires between the other employees.

Overall, I thought the story was well-done. There was a nice balance between the Shane/Kate moments and everything else going on around them. I felt like everything was tied up nicely at the end, and I got my happily ever after!

I have to say that I’m floored this is a debut novel. The writing was very seasoned and there was a nice flow to it. It makes me excited to see what is next from this author!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my review At the Corner of First and Romance: http://onceuponahappywriter.blogspot....

JUST ONCE is a book that most definitely got to me. I couldn't stop thinking about Shane and Kate - their chemistry was natural and explosive. Their shared journey of self-discovery is one I don't think I'll ever forget.

Kate is a woman who thinks she knows what she wants, but, as in real life, she doesn't know exactly what she's looking for. She's tired of the same old/same old. Travel and glamour had its time and place, but she's been there and done that so much that the shine wore off.

She returns to the place where she felt safest - and later in the book, we discover why (no spoilers here). It's an event that, while scary, wasn't so scarring that she's sworn off travel forever, but it does make her rethink her life.

Shane is the strong, silent, stubborn type. He also experiences a great amount of growth in this novel; he falls hard for Kate, and he makes a (major) mistake when jealousy rears its ugly green head. His reactions to Kate, before she finds out about the transgression, had me first concerned, then horrified, then heartbroken for Kate. I experienced a pretty large range of emotions within just a couple of pages; my heart hurt within my chest and I had to stop reading for a minute to remind myself that this was, in fact, just a book.

The supporting characters of this book aren't only for decoration; each one has a purpose and their own journey during the summer. I am (desperately) hoping Hailey gets her own novel; she and Brandon, one of the ranch hands, intrigued me and were most definitely left with unfinished business. I loved 18-yr-old Lisa who takes the summer to spread her wings; she breaks away from the "mean girls" and becomes involved with Pete, a rather slow (but super sweet) employee, and has that "I'm ready to experience life!" moment that makes life so fantastic, amazing and full of hope for a young adult.

My favorite part of this story, however, was at the very end. Kate has such a joy about her, despite having lost/gained so much during the summer. She finally finds herself, and as a result of that, finds love. It's refreshing and wonderful to see the story end that way, instead of the other way around.

Kate and Shane will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend this novel; the writing is descriptive without rambling prose and the ranch is somewhere I'd love to visit (and my idea of a cabin is one built by HGTV and designed by Vern Yip). The characters are complex, well-comprised, and ones I could relate to (despite the differences in career choice). Four and a half stars - I look forward to more from this author, and hers will be an automatic pre-order for me.

[Zili · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

Kate Burke and Shane Maddox are complete opposites and have totally different backgrounds; Kate is a somewhat bored, rich, travel writer and Shane is (at least, on first glance) a gruff, ranch foreman.

Kate is in a rut and fallen out of love with her once glamorous and exciting lifestyle and returns to work on a ranch she had left ten years ago. Kate is determined to be less spontaneous and reckless (I'll leave you to discover her motivations). This is difficult task when she is surrounded by seasonal workers, holiday makers and the uber hot alpha male that is Shane.

Shane and Kate spar from their very first introduction and after numerous attempts to stay away from each other they come up with the genius *ahem* ridiculous idea that if they sleep together once then they can move on from their mutual lust and forget about each other. I think you can probably guess what happens next, but I have to say I found their constant banter really entertaining.

Kate and Shane appear confident but both have their share of insecurities and are kinda lost. It was interesting to see the dominate alpha male faced with a strong and extremely wealthy female. I wonder how many guys would suffer from a bruised ego in similar circumstances.

The secondary characters were a fun addition and it was nice to see them go 'on a journey' throughout the book too. I did want to smack some sense into Brandon and Hailey at times.

Just Once is a fun, mostly lighthearted, contemporary romance which will have you dreaming of cowboys and summer!

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

****Book provided by Irresistible Reads Book Tour in exchange for an honest review***


Travel writer, Kate Burke, has traveled the world. At the age of 30, she decides it's now time to grow up. She returns to Ponderosa Pines Ranch as head of the kitchen/cabin staff. She hopes with this time away, she can re-evaluate her life. She meets Shane Maddox, a ranch hand, and a mutual attraction evolves. Can Shane and Kate give into their attraction just once without anymore developing between them?

I really enjoyed this book. I thought Julianna Keyes did a wonderful job with her debut novel. The chemistry between Shane and Kate is off the charts. It was great seeing how their relationship evolved. It wasn't all smooth sailing. There were conflicts and misunderstandings that caused some struggles between the two. I really enjoyed how the friendship between Kate and the other two kitchen/cabin staff (Hailey and Lisa), developed. I could actually picture them having conversations in my head. I liked Stanley (her best friend back home). He was such a voice of reason for Kate. The whole book was well written. I loved reading how Kate and Shane's mutual attraction evolved into more. I hope that Ms. Keyes writes more with Kate and Shane. The ending left so many possibilities open for another chapter in their lives. I will be looking forward to more books from Ms. Keyes. I will definitely be recommending this book to others.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

**book provided by irresistible reads book tour***

Kate has reached the point in her life where she has decided it's time to grow up and be an adult. After years of traveling to fabulous places as a travel writer she returns to Ponderosa Pines, a place to regroup and recharge herself. Little does she realize that ranch foreman Shane will provide quite a distraction!
This book was so much fun for me to read, the characters are all incredibly written, each one had their own quirks and personalities and no one fell into any stereotypes. I loved the relationships described throughout the novel, each one rang very true and all reminded me of being young, getting older and trying to figure life out. Loved the chemistry between Shane and Kate! I blushed incredibly throughout several scenes.
Just Once is an adult romance novel, incredibly well written, incredibly fun to read! I shall be recommending this one to all of my friends and will be eagerly looking for a new novel by Julianna Keyes!

[❃**✿【Yasmine】✿**❃ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this casual romance.

Kate has been spending the last decade partying hard, travelling far and working her ass off. Now, she's feeling old. She's soul searching and feels like it's time to settle down and grow up. She decides to go back to a ranch that she worked at for summers as a teen for a chance to reconnect with the familiar and down to earth-ness that is the people and the work at the ranch.
While there she meets the hot piece of ass that is Shane. Shane is anything and everything at the ranch, the boss, the manager, the foreman... But also her total opposite. Can they have a 'Just Once'? I don't think so ;)

The book is quite light hearted and romantic. The sex is hot and so is Shane. The side characters were fun and interesting.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Opposites Attract trope, and how the author has really used that idea of how somebody can be totally not your type but somehow surprise you. Both characters realllly try to resist each other, which builds some excellent sexual tension throughout the book and permeates everything they do. Both Shane and Kate (and many of the supporting cast-love Sheldon!) are fully fleshed out characters, and their interactions are totally beliveable and Super Sexy ;)

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to say this is a GEM! The beginning is slow at first then it starts to pick up.

You're left at the end with a wanting of more. You want more of Shane and Kate.

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 2 out of 5]

07/01/2015 -- 2 Stars. Love this author, but this book didn't do it for me.

[RoloPoloBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Once by Julianna Keyes
Source: Author
Rating: 4/5

Dear fictional characters,

Saying you are going to shag one another “just once” to get it out of your system NEVER works. However, your attempts at staying away from one another, struggling with your feelings and desires and then giving in to the temptation sure does provide a satisfying plot line for the reader.

Sincerely,
A Satisfied Reader :)

As you may have gathered, Julianna Keyes’s Just Once is a tale of two lovers who think (morons!) they can be together just once and all of their thoughts, feelings, and emotions as related to the other will just magically disappear and they can then continue on with their lives. HA!!! So. Not. The. Case. Here’s the skinny:

Kate Burke is tired. After a decade spent traveling the world as a travel writer, staying in the finest hotels and resorts, dining in the finest restaurants and, having flings with exotic and beautiful men, she is ready for a break. Additionally, thanks to one truly horrible experience, Kate has decided it is time to grow up and live her life as a responsible adult should. No more excessive drinking, no more dancing on bars, no more impulsive decisions and certainly no more random and/or fleeting hook ups. In order to accomplish her and get back on track and in line with this whole new “adult” thing, Kate decides to return to Ponderosa Pines Ranch, a place she spent three summers as a teenager as a cabin and kitchen girl. Though she knows the days will be long and the work will be hard, Kate is certain she can walk away at the end of the summer totally adjusted and ready to slip back into her old life with a new attitude. Too bad she can’t seem to stay away from Shane Maddox.

Shane Maddox is untouchable! As ranch foreman, Shane has made it abundantly clear to his guys that hooking up with the summer staff is nothing but trouble and if they want to keep their jobs, they will stay the hell away from the girls. Shane leads by example and is utterly determined to avoid any and all contact with Kate Burke. Shane is strong, sexy, intense and completely focused and dedicated to his goal: in ten years’ time he will have more than enough money to buy Ponderosa Pines. Once Shane is in charge, he can consider a dalliance and maybe even a relationship but now, he must keep his eye on the prize. Too bad he can’t see to stay away from Kate Burke.

On the surface, Kate and Shane are like oil and water but behind closed doors they are some kind of hot! Neither could have ever guessed how good the sex would be and walking away from that kind of intensity is hard to do. But walk away they do and then fight and then make up and then fight some more and then, well, you get the idea. Mixed into Kate and Shane’s “relationship” are their respective pasts, the question of their future and, all the craziness that comes with running a ranch open to guests. If it’s not one thing, it’s another and this is what keeps the story both entertaining and flowing smoothly.

The Bottom Line: In general, I found Just Once to be a good read though a bit predictable. Even though I knew very early on how the story would turn out, the characters and the plot were strong enough to keep me interested and reading. Just Once has some great one-liners, some fantastic dirty talk (SHANE!!!!) and naughty bits and just the right amount of emotional drama for my liking. If you are looking for a fairly quick, easy read with some hot cowboys thrown in for good measure, then Just Once is the read for you!

[Roses Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Burke returns to Ponderosa Pines Ranch a changed and older woman. She considers herself older and smarter than she was before. She doesn't drink excessively or have wild sex with men just because she can. Gone is the rich socialite and in her place is a woman searching for herself, a woman who needs a break from her life as a travel writer. She comes back after being gone for ten year. She's there to help out as kitchen/cabin manager. What she doesn't expect to find is Shane Maddox.

Shane has worked on the ranch every summer for years. He's rugged, he's handsome and nothing like the man Kate usually goes for. But no matter how much she and Shane don't get along from the beginning that doesn't stop her mind from dreaming about what it would be like when Shane takes her. Plagued with problems from the girls who work in the kitchen and cabins, she's forced to show then that she's the boss. All that does is cause the girls to rebel against her even more. To top things off, she has to fight her attraction to Shane.

Their passion is explosive, their lust for one another undeniable. Shane has a brilliant idea, to just make this a one time thing, but doing that is just once is easier said than done. Their attraction is easy but can they get past the differences in their lives to accept one another for who they are?

I enjoyed this story, it was a light read for the afternoon. It did have passion and lots of hot and steamy scenes with the two main characters that make you not only read about their attraction to one another, but feel it through the pages of your e-reader. While I did enjoy this story, I couldn't help but think it needed something more. Shane and Kate could've fought a little more at the beginning before they came to an agreement, the lives of the other characters could've panned out a different way. Sure we got so many answers in regards to Shane and Kate, but what about the other characters? I give it 4 stars because the writing was great and so was their attraction to one another. I just wish it had a little but more to it.

***ARC provided in exchange for a honest review***

[Jennifer Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this book free from Irresistible Reads Book Tour in exchange for an honest review*

This is such a sweet story and it covers so many different stereotypical people, but most importantly the characters seem like such real people. They all have their issues, some grow and some don't, and some find things they didn't even know they were looking for.

Kate may have had her life together once upon a time, but something changed all of that and sent her seeking a sanctuary from her past, Ponderosa Pines Ranch. She's looking to change the pattern her life had fallen into, exchanging fine dining, lavish trips, and careless partying for kitchen duty, cabin cleaning, and a whiny staff.

The lumberjack of a ranch foreman, Shane, is surprisingly the only one who brings her pause. He's demanding, arrogant, and panty dropping hot. She'd always been attracted to the high maintenance, suit wearing, more hair products than her type of men, but that all changes when she continually runs into the ruggedly handsome foreman who knows just how to push her buttons.

I thoroughly enjoyed her interactions with the other staff. It gave the book an authentic quality, mainly because from a girl's standpoint it was straight on. Mostly I enjoyed how the younger girls helped bring her prospective, just as she did them too.

My Favorite Laughable Moment: I laughed so hard when she attempted to get the bat out of the cabin by herself. The interference she encountered was so mean and so hilarious that I couldn't stop laughing.

My Favorite Discussion: When Kate and Hailey are discussing Shane's past involvement with Summer Skank and the possibility of needing bleach. It was priceless!

[Anino · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided courtesy of "Irresistible Reads" Book Tour ****

Being a full-time student, and not to mention a full-time employee, doesn't leave me much time to indulge in reading. With that being said, when I do have a chance to read, not only do I want to be amazed, but I also want to be captivated by a story that's well-crafted, but also, I want to get lost in the world of characters that are "real," and not to mention, multidimensional. Overall, I want to read a story that compels me to continue reading until the very end.

While reading this tale of "Summer Love", not only was I pleased with the way that Ms. Keyes developed the characters of Kate and Shane, but I also liked the fact that she gave life to the other characters existing in their world as well. In my opinion, not only was the story evenly paced, but the dialog detailing Shane's seduction of Kate, was especially "Uber-Hawt..." (As I was reading those lines, I kept thinking that I'd never quite heard a male character make their move, quite like "that" before...)

My only issues with this book are the fact that it started a little slow, and also, with the fact that the epilog was almost nonexistent. Personally, I wanted to know what happens with Shane and Kate.

Perhaps there's a sequel in the works, I don't know, but I do know this, one book was definitely not enough.

Giving this one, 3 1/2 stars...

[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't your typical downtrodden rich girl story. Kate's always had it all, true, but after a brutal attack she finds her vapid life unsatisfying. Instead of being the globetrotter/writer she's taken a managers job at Ponderosa Pines, the dude ranch she worked as a teen, believing spending three months in the same place will help her regain her lost bearings.

Quickly Kate's high cleaning standards ruffles the unruly teenaged staff--who desert--and she's agitated the ranch manager, the burly Shane Maddox. He's not her type--too burly, too demanding--but she's undeniably attracted. Not that she's going to act on it. Risky, reckless, Eight-Shot Kate is a girl of the past. From now on, Kate's the model of responsibility...

Sort of.

Seems Shane shares Kate's attraction--even though she isn't his type either. And he willing to trade one afternoon of passion to scratch that sexy itch.

Raowr!! That's an offer Kate can't refuse. Of course, one time isn't enough, but keeping their trysts on the down-low is important, and besides, they're just going to keep it casual, right? No strings.

Oh how I love when the best laid plans of bed buddies go HEA!

Shane is swoonworthy supreme, and Kate's smart, sassy and strong-hearted. I adore them both, and this vanilla-tale is steamy enough to make Christian Grey sweat.

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

i received the book from irresistible reads book tours for my honest review, this book starts with great characters you have Kate to start with she has more money then she know what to do with and doesn't have to work but she choses to go to the place that she loves and feels free ponderosa pines is her real home, she's been away for awhile but she comes back and is ready to be grown up Kate.
Shane on the other hand has always been organized and has no problem letting you know what and where he wants.
shane is nothing like the men that Kate would usually find attractive or be drawn toward, but Shane is different. after fighting to keep Kate grown Kate focused on what she is there for she can't stop the attraction she has toward shane, nor can Shane. but can pride, lust and secrets end them before they even start?
this story has so much excitement and character you will definitely not want to put the story down. this was a story that had you feeling every emotion that came off the pages.

[Tina Lee Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

**book provided by Irresistable Reads Book Tour**

Wonderful book to read about losing direction in your life, taking chances and falling in love. There were quite a few funny moments that will make you laugh too.

Loved the characters. Kate & Shane had such chemistry even though they were so different and fought a hard fight. I think a few chapter in, I was wanted to find a Ranch to go hang out at for the summer and find my own Shane.

When an author can write a story to make you feel what the characters are feeling then thats a great book. Julianne Keyes did just that.

I would recommend this book to friends.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

First person present narrative and a slow start had me nearly giving up... until the first bat scene. Truly, that bat saved the book for me. Because around the midway point, when the hero and heroine each think the other is "cheating" on their non-relationship, I was again about to give up until the bat made a reappearance.

When the h/h are talking to each other, the book is fun. The rest of the time... eh, I just kept waiting for their characters to wake up.

Note: references to sexual assault

[Andra Weis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I obtained a copy of Just Once from the author, Julianna Keyes, through Goodreads and the irresistible reads book tour. The book is engaging, entertaining, funny. I felt there was quite a dichotomy between the story telling of the characters’ lives and the sexual context story telling. While it took me a while to get used to this dichotomy, I enjoyed the book. The storytelling kept me hooked to the end.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion, the book would have been better shorter. Everything felt too drawn out.

[Mandapanda]

I really don't like the first person present tense writing style. I wish I had known that before I bought it. I only read the first three chapters but it wasn't holding my interest. DNF.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow burn romance. Took a little while for the story to warm up and find it's pace.... but it was sweet, quirky with some humorous banter. Ended on a HFN, entertaining read.

[LMH · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t believe this was a debut novel.

This had the perfectly imperfect characters from Julianna Keyes which I love to read, a charming setting, and a good cast of supporting characters.

It feels a bit unconventional for a contemporary romance, but in a good way. More real. More (gently) gritty.

Enjoyed this one.


I put together a new rating system for books year.

The new rating system uses 10 criteria that I see as being distinct elements which add to my reading experience. Each criteria is rated independently out of 10, where a rating of 5 is a neutral rating; not poorly done, but not necessarily exceptionally done. Criteria includes things such as the quality of character dialogue, world building, etc. These 10 criteria scores are then averaged.

Then, there are 10 criteria which I find take away from my reading experience. Things such as misogyny which is normalized in the writing, authors which end up preaching through their characters’ dialogue, etc. There is no neutral score here. These criteria are also averaged, then taken away from the existing average score.

This yields a score out of 10, which is halved and rounded for the goodreads rating.

I’m hoping this system will help me with some more consistent ratings across genres, and will help me zero in on why a book may not have been for me (or may really have been for me).

[★Ruth★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great surrounding characters

I actually enjoyed the story of the ranch and all the goings on nearly more than the couples story!
Kate was great, really liked her character and although Shane was pretty hot I could have throttled him more than once!
Looking forward to reading more by this author.