What do you think?
Rate this book
Almost One Night Stand
Sexy small town contemporary romance from USA Today bestselling author A.J. Pine, perfect for readers of Sarah Adams' Practice Makes Perfect and Lucy Score's Rock Bottom Girl. When Haddie Martin discovers her new roommate is the man she almost hooked up with for a one-night stand, she knows her life just got very complicated.
Craving a fresh start, Haddie Martin trades life in Chicago for a teaching gig in the quirky small town of Summertown, IL. But when she stops in a hotel to rest for the night, she locks eyes with a painfully handsome, nameless stranger who would make the perfect one-night stand. Only...she chickens out at the last minute and disappears.
Never expecting to see the man again, Haddie leaves her embarrassing exit in the rear view and drives straight to her new home. She arrives only to find out, thanks to her new landlord, that her apartment has been double rented, and of course, the other tenant is none other than Levi Rourke, the gorgeous man Haddie bailed on just the night before.
If only an apartment was the only thing they had to share... Little did Haddie know, she'd be working daily with her almost hookup on the school soccer field—him as the coach for the boys team and her for the girls. The spark they both feel might be more than passion. If Levi wasn't set to leave as soon as the school year is up, maybe…it could be love.
Craving a fresh start, Haddie Martin trades life in Chicago for a teaching gig in the quirky small town of Summertown, IL. But when she stops in a hotel to rest for the night, she locks eyes with a painfully handsome, nameless stranger who would make the perfect one-night stand. Only...she chickens out at the last minute and disappears.
Never expecting to see the man again, Haddie leaves her embarrassing exit in the rear view and drives straight to her new home. She arrives only to find out, thanks to her new landlord, that her apartment has been double rented, and of course, the other tenant is none other than Levi Rourke, the gorgeous man Haddie bailed on just the night before.
If only an apartment was the only thing they had to share... Little did Haddie know, she'd be working daily with her almost hookup on the school soccer field—him as the coach for the boys team and her for the girls. The spark they both feel might be more than passion. If Levi wasn't set to leave as soon as the school year is up, maybe…it could be love.
Audible Audio
Published January 13, 2026
16 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Pine
29 books897 followersA teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s the author of the If Only series (Entangled Embrace), the Only You series (Berkley/Intermix), the Kingston Ale House series (Entangled Select), and the Crossroads Ranch series (Forever Romance). When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a tiny bit of TV where she nourishes her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 stars)
This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. The banter was genuinely fun and engaging, and I quickly found myself loving both main characters. The small-town setting added so much charm to the story and made everything feel cozy and grounded.
As a teacher, I could relate to so much of what they were dealing with at school, which gave the story an extra layer of realism and made it even more enjoyable for me. I also really loved the chance meeting at the beginning of the book that may or may not have been accidental—it was such a fun way to kick things off.
It was also great to see both of them slowly open up to each other after everything they’d been through. Their shared grief had caused them to close themselves off, so watching that emotional growth and trust build over time felt really meaningful.
The friend group felt like a perfect little found family, and I loved how supportive and connected they all were. Overall, this was a sweet, enjoyable read and I’m really glad I picked it up.
This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. The banter was genuinely fun and engaging, and I quickly found myself loving both main characters. The small-town setting added so much charm to the story and made everything feel cozy and grounded.
As a teacher, I could relate to so much of what they were dealing with at school, which gave the story an extra layer of realism and made it even more enjoyable for me. I also really loved the chance meeting at the beginning of the book that may or may not have been accidental—it was such a fun way to kick things off.
It was also great to see both of them slowly open up to each other after everything they’d been through. Their shared grief had caused them to close themselves off, so watching that emotional growth and trust build over time felt really meaningful.
The friend group felt like a perfect little found family, and I loved how supportive and connected they all were. Overall, this was a sweet, enjoyable read and I’m really glad I picked it up.
read-partial
August 2, 2025the first chapter was promising, but wow i got bored. i've read this before in a thousand iterations. good for a romance newbie. (this is a me problem).
January 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
This was such a comforting, swoony slow burn—and my first A.J. Pine book did not disappoint. I listened to the audiobook while reading along, and the banter + emotional beats worked beautifully in both formats. 🎧📖
Haddie and Levi almost have a one-night stand… emphasis on almost 👀 And then—because romance chaos is undefeated—they end up as roommates, coworkers, and soccer coaches at the same school in a small town that oozes charm. The tension? Delicious. The yearning? Top-tier.
As a teacher, I really connected to the school setting and the realities they were navigating—staff rooms, coaching dynamics, and the emotional weight educators carry. It added such an authentic layer to the story that made everything feel grounded and real.
What I loved most was the emotional healing woven throughout. Both Haddie and Levi are carrying grief, and watching them slowly open up, trust each other, and become safe places for one another was incredibly tender. This is a romance that takes its time—and the payoff is worth it. 🥹
The friend group felt like a true found family, the small-town vibes were cozy and welcoming, and yes… this book 100% convinced me to finally start Ted Lasso ⚽️💙
If you love:
✨ Small-town romance
✨ Forced proximity / roommates to lovers
✨ Slow burn & yearning
✨ Teacher x coach coworkers
✨ Emotional healing after loss
Add this to your TBR. It’s sweet, heartfelt, and exactly the kind of romance that makes you want to kick your feet and smile at the wall. 💕
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and A.J. Pine for the ARC. All thoughts are my own 📚✨
This was such a comforting, swoony slow burn—and my first A.J. Pine book did not disappoint. I listened to the audiobook while reading along, and the banter + emotional beats worked beautifully in both formats. 🎧📖
Haddie and Levi almost have a one-night stand… emphasis on almost 👀 And then—because romance chaos is undefeated—they end up as roommates, coworkers, and soccer coaches at the same school in a small town that oozes charm. The tension? Delicious. The yearning? Top-tier.
As a teacher, I really connected to the school setting and the realities they were navigating—staff rooms, coaching dynamics, and the emotional weight educators carry. It added such an authentic layer to the story that made everything feel grounded and real.
What I loved most was the emotional healing woven throughout. Both Haddie and Levi are carrying grief, and watching them slowly open up, trust each other, and become safe places for one another was incredibly tender. This is a romance that takes its time—and the payoff is worth it. 🥹
The friend group felt like a true found family, the small-town vibes were cozy and welcoming, and yes… this book 100% convinced me to finally start Ted Lasso ⚽️💙
If you love:
✨ Small-town romance
✨ Forced proximity / roommates to lovers
✨ Slow burn & yearning
✨ Teacher x coach coworkers
✨ Emotional healing after loss
Add this to your TBR. It’s sweet, heartfelt, and exactly the kind of romance that makes you want to kick your feet and smile at the wall. 💕
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and A.J. Pine for the ARC. All thoughts are my own 📚✨
January 8, 2026
Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I’m conflicted on my review for this one! It took me forever to finish, but I did.
I debated a DNF near the start, but something was pulling me in to want these characters’ story.
I loved the beginning, when Haddie & Levi first meet - their “almost one night stand”
but then things just started to not make sense at all, which kept pulling me out of the story. This continued all the way to the end.
I was also often confused as to whose pov we were in - I’m not sure if this was just due to being in 3rd person, or a lack of editing for clarity.
Reading an early version, it’s possible more editing was done & things improved, but I can only review based on what I read.
I did enjoy elements of the story & the side characters (especially Emma & Matteo - best friend + brother), though at times I wasn’t even sure I liked Levi or Haddie that much (the MCs) 😅
ebook | ⭐️: 3 |
✦ tropes & stuff:
🏠 roommates
⚽️ teachers + soccer coaches (who share a field)
✏️ workplace
💙 best friend’s fiancés brother
🌳 small town
💞 dual 3rd person pov
📖 Almost One Night Stand by AJ Pine
📚 not listed as a series, but definitely connected to another book (Emma + Matteo’s story)
💜: contemporary romance (mf)
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
I’m conflicted on my review for this one! It took me forever to finish, but I did.
I debated a DNF near the start, but something was pulling me in to want these characters’ story.
I loved the beginning, when Haddie & Levi first meet - their “almost one night stand”
but then things just started to not make sense at all, which kept pulling me out of the story. This continued all the way to the end.
I was also often confused as to whose pov we were in - I’m not sure if this was just due to being in 3rd person, or a lack of editing for clarity.
Reading an early version, it’s possible more editing was done & things improved, but I can only review based on what I read.
I did enjoy elements of the story & the side characters (especially Emma & Matteo - best friend + brother), though at times I wasn’t even sure I liked Levi or Haddie that much (the MCs) 😅
ebook | ⭐️: 3 |
✦ tropes & stuff:
🏠 roommates
⚽️ teachers + soccer coaches (who share a field)
✏️ workplace
💙 best friend’s fiancés brother
🌳 small town
💞 dual 3rd person pov
📖 Almost One Night Stand by AJ Pine
📚 not listed as a series, but definitely connected to another book (Emma + Matteo’s story)
💜: contemporary romance (mf)
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Haddie Martin wants to start fresh after her grandmother dies. She leaves Chicago for the smalltown life in Summertown, Illinois, to coach the girls soccer team and teach little minds. Her first adventure along the way lands her next to a handsome stranger at the hotel where she plans to spend the night. Could he be perfect for a one-night stand? All signs point to yes, but she chickens out at the last minute and bolts.
Leaving her embarrassing exit in the rear view, Haddie drives straight to her new home where she discovers her new apartment has been double rented to none other than the gorgeous stranger she left behind. And when she learns that not only will Levi be her roommate, but also her colleague and the coach of the boy’s soccer team, Haddie can’t ignore the sparks. Can she survive the year as just friends, or will their attraction for one another lead to something more?
This was a fun, fresh rom-com that had me smiling at the charming banter and cheering on the budding romance between the main characters. I love a good small-town romance with quirky side characters, and this one did not disappoint. This is my first book by the author and I look forward to seeing what she does next.
Thank you to A.J. Pine, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book for an honest review.
Leaving her embarrassing exit in the rear view, Haddie drives straight to her new home where she discovers her new apartment has been double rented to none other than the gorgeous stranger she left behind. And when she learns that not only will Levi be her roommate, but also her colleague and the coach of the boy’s soccer team, Haddie can’t ignore the sparks. Can she survive the year as just friends, or will their attraction for one another lead to something more?
This was a fun, fresh rom-com that had me smiling at the charming banter and cheering on the budding romance between the main characters. I love a good small-town romance with quirky side characters, and this one did not disappoint. This is my first book by the author and I look forward to seeing what she does next.
Thank you to A.J. Pine, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book for an honest review.
December 26, 2025
Almost One Night Stand is a beautifully written exploration of grief, healing, and finding connection when you least expect it. I loved how the author handled grief with so much care and realism; showing that it isn’t linear, doesn’t have a timeline, and looks different for everyone.
The characters felt genuine and easy to connect with, and their emotional journey made the romance feel earned and deeply satisfying. The chemistry was natural, the moments of vulnerability were powerful, and the swoony, feet-kicking scenes had me smiling from start to finish.
This was a heartfelt, emotional romance that balanced tenderness and hope perfectly. A truly satisfying read that I couldn’t put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The characters felt genuine and easy to connect with, and their emotional journey made the romance feel earned and deeply satisfying. The chemistry was natural, the moments of vulnerability were powerful, and the swoony, feet-kicking scenes had me smiling from start to finish.
This was a heartfelt, emotional romance that balanced tenderness and hope perfectly. A truly satisfying read that I couldn’t put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2026
3.5
This was a cute, fade to black, dual pov, small town, forced proximity, roommate romance between a Football coach on probation who returns home to coach high school soccer. The only catch? He has no idea how to play the game, let alone coach it. Enter his almost one night stand turned unexpected roommate and the coach of the girl's soccer team. As the chemistry between these two mounts they have to figure out if anything real can last between them with his looming return date threatening to end things. While this had a really adorable start, I felt the middle dragged a bit but the end gave me all the feels and I did end up liking it more than I thought I would overall and I'm glad I stuck with it. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and physical copy in exchange for my honest review!
This was a cute, fade to black, dual pov, small town, forced proximity, roommate romance between a Football coach on probation who returns home to coach high school soccer. The only catch? He has no idea how to play the game, let alone coach it. Enter his almost one night stand turned unexpected roommate and the coach of the girl's soccer team. As the chemistry between these two mounts they have to figure out if anything real can last between them with his looming return date threatening to end things. While this had a really adorable start, I felt the middle dragged a bit but the end gave me all the feels and I did end up liking it more than I thought I would overall and I'm glad I stuck with it. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and physical copy in exchange for my honest review!
January 12, 2026
Did AJ Pine convince me to start watching Ted Lasso? Yes, yes she did. In this Ted Lasso inspired, SLOWBURN, forced proximity romance, Levi has to return to his small town to coach soccer and teach PE.
Problem number one, he does not know anything about soccer. Problem number two, he has been running from his hometown, feelings, and grief since his mother’s death. What better way to get through than the girl that he almost had a one night stand with and his soon-to-be-sister-in-law’s best friend who he just so happens to be renting an apartment with and she coaches soccer too. Lucky for Levi, Haddie actually knows a thing or two about soccer.
Thank you Net Galley and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read and review this romance in advance!
Problem number one, he does not know anything about soccer. Problem number two, he has been running from his hometown, feelings, and grief since his mother’s death. What better way to get through than the girl that he almost had a one night stand with and his soon-to-be-sister-in-law’s best friend who he just so happens to be renting an apartment with and she coaches soccer too. Lucky for Levi, Haddie actually knows a thing or two about soccer.
Thank you Net Galley and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read and review this romance in advance!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for the early eARC of this book!!
3 Stars!
I had a lot of fun reading this book, but I fear it was a bit too insta-love for me. Haddie and Levi meet by chance one night, not knowing how intertwined their lives are about to be. From there, we follow them as they try to navigate their feelings, careers, and contend with their own grieving processes. While this was a sweet small town, almost "fated" feeling romance, it felt like they were immediately infatuated with each other and there was no real build up to their romance. I do like to read a predictable feel good romance to balance out the other genre's that I read, and this was absolutely a perfect book for this.
3 Stars!
I had a lot of fun reading this book, but I fear it was a bit too insta-love for me. Haddie and Levi meet by chance one night, not knowing how intertwined their lives are about to be. From there, we follow them as they try to navigate their feelings, careers, and contend with their own grieving processes. While this was a sweet small town, almost "fated" feeling romance, it felt like they were immediately infatuated with each other and there was no real build up to their romance. I do like to read a predictable feel good romance to balance out the other genre's that I read, and this was absolutely a perfect book for this.
January 9, 2026
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Haddie is having a bad birthday. So when she meets a hot guy in a tux in a hotel bar, she figures a one night stand would be good. But she ends up escaping before anything happens.
What are the chances that he’s her best friend’s future brother in law? And her new roommate? Oh, and the other new teacher and soccer coach at her new job.
Oops.
This book was so cute and I loved reading about Levi and Haddie. It was a cute, quick rom com that was super sweet!
Haddie is having a bad birthday. So when she meets a hot guy in a tux in a hotel bar, she figures a one night stand would be good. But she ends up escaping before anything happens.
What are the chances that he’s her best friend’s future brother in law? And her new roommate? Oh, and the other new teacher and soccer coach at her new job.
Oops.
This book was so cute and I loved reading about Levi and Haddie. It was a cute, quick rom com that was super sweet!
January 13, 2026
Thank you so much @aj_pine and @sourcebookscasa for the gifted copy!! 🩷
I loved this book! This was the perfect little romcom. I couldn’t get enough of Haddie and Levi, and I binged this story! I think what I loved most was their jobs. Haddie was an awesome soccer player, and now coach, teaching Levi how to coach soccer. Being suspended from his college football job landed him back in town, hence bringing them both to the same place (even the same apartment). Anyways, their athleticism was kinda motivating to begin the new year with, and I really loved both of their characters!
I loved this book! This was the perfect little romcom. I couldn’t get enough of Haddie and Levi, and I binged this story! I think what I loved most was their jobs. Haddie was an awesome soccer player, and now coach, teaching Levi how to coach soccer. Being suspended from his college football job landed him back in town, hence bringing them both to the same place (even the same apartment). Anyways, their athleticism was kinda motivating to begin the new year with, and I really loved both of their characters!
November 2, 2025
My kingdom for an editor, 2.5 stars generously rounded up because this book is so close to doing contemporary romance well that it makes me want to put my head in my hands and scream.
There are just so many moments that needed space or explanation that I didn’t find. Or character names and descriptions that just don’t match.
We follow Haddie and Levi who (almost) have a one night stand after a wedding right before they both start their respective teaching/coaching careers in a small town. Only, they don’t realize they’re heading to the same small town and will end up having to be roommates so it’s lucky they didn’t actually seal the deal!
Levi’s last name is Rourke which according to google is Irish/Welsh, except his brother is somehow Matteo (a fairly distinctively Hispanic name).
Somehow Haddie has one friend in the world, Emma (which again makes no sense for her character because she’s played sports her whole life but allegedly has never had a friend or an argument? How.).
And apparently Emma is engaged to Matteo, making her not Hispanic brother in law : Levi. This feels like a big plot point but it’s not. I actually had to reread it because it’s mentioned so casually that Emma has somehow known this Levi guy her whole life.
Apparently this job teaching elementary school is super important to Haddie that she doesn’t want to risk not getting asked back, which is … confusing because why does she care about getting asked back as a teacher in small town USA. It’s a guarantee. And I don’t think tenure is a thing at that level?? Idk.
At this point I’m just reading this and it feels like work to do the gymnastics to understand the plot points. I really think with a good editor and beta reader pair this book could be great. It’s honestly well written, just poorly paced.
There are just so many moments that needed space or explanation that I didn’t find. Or character names and descriptions that just don’t match.
We follow Haddie and Levi who (almost) have a one night stand after a wedding right before they both start their respective teaching/coaching careers in a small town. Only, they don’t realize they’re heading to the same small town and will end up having to be roommates so it’s lucky they didn’t actually seal the deal!
Levi’s last name is Rourke which according to google is Irish/Welsh, except his brother is somehow Matteo (a fairly distinctively Hispanic name).
Somehow Haddie has one friend in the world, Emma (which again makes no sense for her character because she’s played sports her whole life but allegedly has never had a friend or an argument? How.).
And apparently Emma is engaged to Matteo, making her not Hispanic brother in law : Levi. This feels like a big plot point but it’s not. I actually had to reread it because it’s mentioned so casually that Emma has somehow known this Levi guy her whole life.
Apparently this job teaching elementary school is super important to Haddie that she doesn’t want to risk not getting asked back, which is … confusing because why does she care about getting asked back as a teacher in small town USA. It’s a guarantee. And I don’t think tenure is a thing at that level?? Idk.
At this point I’m just reading this and it feels like work to do the gymnastics to understand the plot points. I really think with a good editor and beta reader pair this book could be great. It’s honestly well written, just poorly paced.
January 14, 2026
🩷⚽️𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⚽️🩷
📖 Almost One Night Stand by AJ Pine
🗓️ 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: January 13th 2026
⚽️ 𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: Small Town Romance
🩷 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Standalone
“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘏𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘦. 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰.”
“𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘦,” 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴.
“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘵,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘏𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥. “𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵.”
⇢ 🅜🅨 🅣🅗🅞🅤🅖🅗🅣🅢🧐
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and AJ Pine gifted copy of 𝗔𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
This was such a cute read and a perfect romcom to start the new year off with! I really loved Haddie and Levi’s story🥹 It was full of banter and tension and cute and vulnerable moments and I couldn’t get enough!
The romance in this was AMAZING!! The tension was perfection! Haddie and Levi meet in the beginning at a hotel bar and ✨almost✨ have a one night stand - their connection is immediate! Haddie changes her mind at the last minute while Levi leaves to get some ice, and she leaves the hotel to start her new life in a new town as a teacher.
Levi, having been suspended from his job a big time football coach, is ALSO relocating back to his hometown, and lo and behold, who does he find trying to rent the same apartment he’s trying to secure? Haddie.
Ahhhhh I just loved this so much!! Their situation created the most perfect and delicious tension and I couldn’t get enough. Not only are they sharing an apartment, they’re also coworkers AND Levi is coaching the boys soccer team, and Haddie is coaching the girls team. Levi’s position is meant to be temporary, since he’s wanting to be reinstated as a football coach and this also created just a whole extra layer of tension, and emotion, when it came to their relationship (especially on Haddie’s side).
Haddie and Levi had the most amazing chemistry and I thought that they also both went through a lot of character development as individuals as well. This book has a strong underlying focus on emotional healing after loss, and overcoming those feelings. Levi lost his mother, and never really dealt through those feelings and Haddie is reeling from the loss of her “grandmonster,” who she had a difficult relationship with but is still learning how to juggle those conflicting feelings. I absolutely loved how Haddie and Levi were both exactly what the other needed to help navigate their emotions and come to terms with how their lives have changed since experiencing their losses. Haddie, having a big fear of loss, was also reluctant to dive into something with Levi knowing it was always going to be temporary, and I loved the way the author navigated this situation!
I love how Haddie and Levi complemented each other so incredibly well, and I really just loved their story so much!
This was a perfect read if you’re looking for a romcom that will make you want to kick your feet in the air! I loved this so much!
⇢ 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗕𝗥 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲:
🩷 Small Town Romance
⚽️ Roommates to Lovers
🩷 Forced Proximity
⚽️ Slow Burn / Forbidden Romance
🩷 Soccer Coach & Teacher Coworkers
⚽️ They Almost Have a One Night Stand
🩷 Emotional Healing After Loss
━━ ༻❤︎︎༺ ━━
📖 Almost One Night Stand by AJ Pine
🗓️ 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: January 13th 2026
⚽️ 𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: Small Town Romance
🩷 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Standalone
“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘏𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘦. 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰.”
“𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘦,” 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴.
“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘵,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘏𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥. “𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵.”
⇢ 🅜🅨 🅣🅗🅞🅤🅖🅗🅣🅢🧐
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and AJ Pine gifted copy of 𝗔𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
This was such a cute read and a perfect romcom to start the new year off with! I really loved Haddie and Levi’s story🥹 It was full of banter and tension and cute and vulnerable moments and I couldn’t get enough!
The romance in this was AMAZING!! The tension was perfection! Haddie and Levi meet in the beginning at a hotel bar and ✨almost✨ have a one night stand - their connection is immediate! Haddie changes her mind at the last minute while Levi leaves to get some ice, and she leaves the hotel to start her new life in a new town as a teacher.
Levi, having been suspended from his job a big time football coach, is ALSO relocating back to his hometown, and lo and behold, who does he find trying to rent the same apartment he’s trying to secure? Haddie.
Ahhhhh I just loved this so much!! Their situation created the most perfect and delicious tension and I couldn’t get enough. Not only are they sharing an apartment, they’re also coworkers AND Levi is coaching the boys soccer team, and Haddie is coaching the girls team. Levi’s position is meant to be temporary, since he’s wanting to be reinstated as a football coach and this also created just a whole extra layer of tension, and emotion, when it came to their relationship (especially on Haddie’s side).
Haddie and Levi had the most amazing chemistry and I thought that they also both went through a lot of character development as individuals as well. This book has a strong underlying focus on emotional healing after loss, and overcoming those feelings. Levi lost his mother, and never really dealt through those feelings and Haddie is reeling from the loss of her “grandmonster,” who she had a difficult relationship with but is still learning how to juggle those conflicting feelings. I absolutely loved how Haddie and Levi were both exactly what the other needed to help navigate their emotions and come to terms with how their lives have changed since experiencing their losses. Haddie, having a big fear of loss, was also reluctant to dive into something with Levi knowing it was always going to be temporary, and I loved the way the author navigated this situation!
I love how Haddie and Levi complemented each other so incredibly well, and I really just loved their story so much!
This was a perfect read if you’re looking for a romcom that will make you want to kick your feet in the air! I loved this so much!
⇢ 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗕𝗥 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲:
🩷 Small Town Romance
⚽️ Roommates to Lovers
🩷 Forced Proximity
⚽️ Slow Burn / Forbidden Romance
🩷 Soccer Coach & Teacher Coworkers
⚽️ They Almost Have a One Night Stand
🩷 Emotional Healing After Loss
━━ ༻❤︎︎༺ ━━
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
MY RATING: 3⭐
BOOK FEATURES:
• One Night Stand
• Forced Proximity
• Friends to Lovers
• Insta Love
• Third Act Break-up
• Contemporary Romance
MY THOUGHTS:
This book was definitely a mushy insta-love story, which I didn’t really based on the blurb. At first I thought it would be a cozy, easy read, but I had a really hard time connecting with the whole story.
The book started off strong, I just kept turning the pages. However, after a few chapters, the pacing started to slow down a bit and the plot became so disjointed I couldn’t really follow it. The entire plot revolved around Haddie and Levi almost having a one-night stand, yet they already seemed smitten with each other, which felt a bit exaggerated to me.
The time was passing by so fast I often lost track of what was happening at times. I felt the story was missing a lot of key scenes, it would skup weeks at a time, which was really confusing. I didn’t really understand why the author skipped important events, while describing totally unnecessary scenes for pages and then skipping the importance of it (for instance the car-washing day). I was really disappointed with that.
The main idea was great, and the chemistry between the main characters was definitely there, but towards the end, something changed and that was the point where everything went downhill.
Haddie was so pathetic, she had zero growth. Even though she recognized her flaws, she didn’t seem to make any effort to solve them and believe in herself. She just made the same mistakes and ran away every time someone tried to help her and do something nice for her.
Levi was so selfish until the very end. He thought he could fix their issues, but he didn’t even try to put himself in Haddie’s shoes or offer any compromise so they could stay together. Because od this, his feelings for Haddie seemed so superficial.
I was sruggling to get through the ending, especially the third act break-up. I didn’t like it at all, mostly because the reason for the break-up was miscommuncation – a trope that seems to be in every book these days.
The MCs could have had something great, but they couldn’t even decide what to do and ended up suffering because of their own actions.
I’m so sorry and disappointed I didn’t like this one, maybe because I expected something different. It might still be enjoyable for someone who prefers plot-driven stories, but this one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review!
CONTENT WARNINGS:
• Explicit sexual content
• Mention of death
• Grief (on-page)
BOOK FEATURES:
• One Night Stand
• Forced Proximity
• Friends to Lovers
• Insta Love
• Third Act Break-up
• Contemporary Romance
MY THOUGHTS:
This book was definitely a mushy insta-love story, which I didn’t really based on the blurb. At first I thought it would be a cozy, easy read, but I had a really hard time connecting with the whole story.
The book started off strong, I just kept turning the pages. However, after a few chapters, the pacing started to slow down a bit and the plot became so disjointed I couldn’t really follow it. The entire plot revolved around Haddie and Levi almost having a one-night stand, yet they already seemed smitten with each other, which felt a bit exaggerated to me.
The time was passing by so fast I often lost track of what was happening at times. I felt the story was missing a lot of key scenes, it would skup weeks at a time, which was really confusing. I didn’t really understand why the author skipped important events, while describing totally unnecessary scenes for pages and then skipping the importance of it (for instance the car-washing day). I was really disappointed with that.
The main idea was great, and the chemistry between the main characters was definitely there, but towards the end, something changed and that was the point where everything went downhill.
Haddie was so pathetic, she had zero growth. Even though she recognized her flaws, she didn’t seem to make any effort to solve them and believe in herself. She just made the same mistakes and ran away every time someone tried to help her and do something nice for her.
Levi was so selfish until the very end. He thought he could fix their issues, but he didn’t even try to put himself in Haddie’s shoes or offer any compromise so they could stay together. Because od this, his feelings for Haddie seemed so superficial.
I was sruggling to get through the ending, especially the third act break-up. I didn’t like it at all, mostly because the reason for the break-up was miscommuncation – a trope that seems to be in every book these days.
The MCs could have had something great, but they couldn’t even decide what to do and ended up suffering because of their own actions.
I’m so sorry and disappointed I didn’t like this one, maybe because I expected something different. It might still be enjoyable for someone who prefers plot-driven stories, but this one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review!
CONTENT WARNINGS:
• Explicit sexual content
• Mention of death
• Grief (on-page)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📚Almost One Night Stand
✍🏻A.J Pine
Blurb:
Sexy small town contemporary romance from USA Today bestselling author A.J. Pine, perfect for readers of Sarah Adams' Practice Makes Perfect and Lucy Score's Rock Bottom Girl. When Haddie Martin discovers her new roommate is the man she almost hooked up with for a one-night stand, she knows her life just got very complicated.
Craving a fresh start, Haddie Martin trades life in Chicago for a teaching gig in the quirky small town of Summertown, IL. But when she stops in a hotel to rest for the night, she locks eyes with a painfully handsome, nameless stranger who would make the perfect one-night stand. Only...she chickens out at the last minute and disappears.
Never expecting to see the man again, Haddie leaves her embarrassing exit in the rear view and drives straight to her new home. She arrives only to find out, thanks to her new landlord, that her apartment has been double rented, and of course, the other tenant is none other than Levi Rourke, the gorgeous man Haddie bailed on just the other night.
If only an apartment was the only thing they had to share... Little did Haddie know, she'd be working daily with her almost hookup on the school soccer field—him as the coach for the boys team and her for the girls. The spark they both feel might be more than passion. If Levi wasn't set to leave as soon as the school year is up, maybe…it could be love.
My Thoughts
I liked the dynamic between Haddie & Levi.I enjoyed reading this. It delivers on the slow burn, the yearning, and several other things we crave in a romance read. This is definitely a vibe read. Haddie, aka Birthday Girl, and Levi, Mr Tux, meet at a hotel bar. Levi having stepped out from his best friend’s wedding reception for a break and Haddie planning to stay the night on her move from Chicago to Summertown following her grandma’s funeral. This was a heartfelt, emotional romance that balanced tenderness and hope perfectly. A truly satisfying read that I couldn’t put down.If you love the one-bed/roommate trope paired with workplace rivalry, this book delivers a charming, low-angst escape. It’s a classic small-town homecoming romance with a fresh, modern feel.
Thanks NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Author A.J. Pine for the advanced copy of "Almost One Night Stand" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#SourcebooksCasablanca
#A.JPine
#AlmostOneNightStand
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻A.J Pine
Blurb:
Sexy small town contemporary romance from USA Today bestselling author A.J. Pine, perfect for readers of Sarah Adams' Practice Makes Perfect and Lucy Score's Rock Bottom Girl. When Haddie Martin discovers her new roommate is the man she almost hooked up with for a one-night stand, she knows her life just got very complicated.
Craving a fresh start, Haddie Martin trades life in Chicago for a teaching gig in the quirky small town of Summertown, IL. But when she stops in a hotel to rest for the night, she locks eyes with a painfully handsome, nameless stranger who would make the perfect one-night stand. Only...she chickens out at the last minute and disappears.
Never expecting to see the man again, Haddie leaves her embarrassing exit in the rear view and drives straight to her new home. She arrives only to find out, thanks to her new landlord, that her apartment has been double rented, and of course, the other tenant is none other than Levi Rourke, the gorgeous man Haddie bailed on just the other night.
If only an apartment was the only thing they had to share... Little did Haddie know, she'd be working daily with her almost hookup on the school soccer field—him as the coach for the boys team and her for the girls. The spark they both feel might be more than passion. If Levi wasn't set to leave as soon as the school year is up, maybe…it could be love.
My Thoughts
I liked the dynamic between Haddie & Levi.I enjoyed reading this. It delivers on the slow burn, the yearning, and several other things we crave in a romance read. This is definitely a vibe read. Haddie, aka Birthday Girl, and Levi, Mr Tux, meet at a hotel bar. Levi having stepped out from his best friend’s wedding reception for a break and Haddie planning to stay the night on her move from Chicago to Summertown following her grandma’s funeral. This was a heartfelt, emotional romance that balanced tenderness and hope perfectly. A truly satisfying read that I couldn’t put down.If you love the one-bed/roommate trope paired with workplace rivalry, this book delivers a charming, low-angst escape. It’s a classic small-town homecoming romance with a fresh, modern feel.
Thanks NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Author A.J. Pine for the advanced copy of "Almost One Night Stand" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#SourcebooksCasablanca
#A.JPine
#AlmostOneNightStand
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Almost One Night Stand delivers exactly what a great small-town romance should: irresistible chemistry, awkward proximity, and two people who absolutely should not be living—or working—this close together. A.J. Pine takes a near one-night stand and turns it into a slow-burn, emotionally charged romance that thrives on tension, banter, and the inevitability of feelings that refuse to stay buried.
Haddie Martin is chasing a clean slate when she leaves Chicago for a teaching job in the quirky town of Summertown, Illinois. She’s ready for independence, purpose, and a little reinvention—what she’s not prepared for is running headfirst into the man she almost hooked up with the night before. Levi Rourke is charming, grounded, and entirely too easy to fall for, which makes discovering he’s not only her accidental roommate but also her coworker on the school soccer field a special kind of chaos.
What makes this romance shine is how grounded it feels. Haddie and Levi’s connection doesn’t explode overnight—it simmers. Their shared space forces honesty, vulnerability, and moments of emotional intimacy that go far beyond physical attraction. Pine balances flirtation with real-life concerns: career uncertainty, future plans, and the fear of falling for someone who might not stay.
Levi’s looming departure adds a quiet ache to the story, raising the stakes without relying on over-the-top drama. Instead, the conflict comes from timing and choice—whether love is worth the risk when you know it might hurt. The result is a romance that feels tender, mature, and deeply satisfying.
If you love small-town settings, forced proximity, and romances where the emotional payoff hits just as hard as the chemistry, Almost One Night Stand is an easy win.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Haddie Martin is chasing a clean slate when she leaves Chicago for a teaching job in the quirky town of Summertown, Illinois. She’s ready for independence, purpose, and a little reinvention—what she’s not prepared for is running headfirst into the man she almost hooked up with the night before. Levi Rourke is charming, grounded, and entirely too easy to fall for, which makes discovering he’s not only her accidental roommate but also her coworker on the school soccer field a special kind of chaos.
What makes this romance shine is how grounded it feels. Haddie and Levi’s connection doesn’t explode overnight—it simmers. Their shared space forces honesty, vulnerability, and moments of emotional intimacy that go far beyond physical attraction. Pine balances flirtation with real-life concerns: career uncertainty, future plans, and the fear of falling for someone who might not stay.
Levi’s looming departure adds a quiet ache to the story, raising the stakes without relying on over-the-top drama. Instead, the conflict comes from timing and choice—whether love is worth the risk when you know it might hurt. The result is a romance that feels tender, mature, and deeply satisfying.
If you love small-town settings, forced proximity, and romances where the emotional payoff hits just as hard as the chemistry, Almost One Night Stand is an easy win.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Haddie Martin is heading to Summertown after quitting her job in Chicago. She had just attended her grandmother’s funeral earlier in the day. Tonight she is staying at a hotel. At the bar, she talks to a man who is attending a wedding and agrees to stay the night with him. However, she slips out before going through with it. The next day, she arrives in Summertown and meets up with her friend Emma. Haddie is the new girls soccer coach and will also teach first grade.
Levi Rourke is a football coach who has been suspended from his position for a year. He is in Summertown to coach soccer. He doesn’t have a place to stay and is looking for a small apartment. Haddie arrives to look at an apartment too and when they see one another, they are both very embarrassed. But there is just one apartment with two bedrooms available, so they agree to share it. Since Levi doesn’t know a lot about soccer, Haddie agrees to help him learn.
Haddie and Levi seem to be an odd fit. She is quite competitive and doesn’t fail to show him up on the soccer field. But then they both find themselves fighting a growing attraction to one another. As teachers in the same school, they know being a couple would be frowned upon. So, can they fight off this attraction or will they give in to it?
Oh dear. The story for me would have been better if I could have carved out all of the sports parts. I admit I am not a sports fan and all of that sports chatter was irritating to me. I have never read this author before but feel that it would be unfair of me to judge the book upon the sports chatter. Therefore, I am giving it 4 stars in light of the romance only.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Levi Rourke is a football coach who has been suspended from his position for a year. He is in Summertown to coach soccer. He doesn’t have a place to stay and is looking for a small apartment. Haddie arrives to look at an apartment too and when they see one another, they are both very embarrassed. But there is just one apartment with two bedrooms available, so they agree to share it. Since Levi doesn’t know a lot about soccer, Haddie agrees to help him learn.
Haddie and Levi seem to be an odd fit. She is quite competitive and doesn’t fail to show him up on the soccer field. But then they both find themselves fighting a growing attraction to one another. As teachers in the same school, they know being a couple would be frowned upon. So, can they fight off this attraction or will they give in to it?
Oh dear. The story for me would have been better if I could have carved out all of the sports parts. I admit I am not a sports fan and all of that sports chatter was irritating to me. I have never read this author before but feel that it would be unfair of me to judge the book upon the sports chatter. Therefore, I am giving it 4 stars in light of the romance only.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 29, 2025
Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. This is the third book I’ve read by A.J. Pine, though the first two were written under a different pen name.
If you love the one-bed/roommate trope paired with workplace rivalry, this book delivers a charming, low-angst escape. It’s a classic small-town homecoming romance with a fresh, modern feel.
Haddie Martin’s life is in transition. Her best friend Emmie is getting married in Summertown, her beloved grandmother—affectionately known as her “grandmonster”—has passed away, and Haddie is craving a change. On her way into town, she stops at a nearby hotel for the night and meets a handsome stranger at the bar. On impulse, she decides to hook up with him—only to get cold feet and slip out before anything happens.
That stranger is Levi, who is also returning home for a year while he figures out his next career move after being fired from his last job due to his bad behaviour. Their almost-one-night-stand turns out to be just the beginning.
Things quickly become complicated when Haddie realizes that her best friend is marrying Matteo—who happens to be Levi’s brother. As if that weren’t awkward enough, Haddie and Levi both end up coaching youth soccer in town: she coaches the girls’ team, and he coaches the boys’.
What follows is a sweet, feel-good rom-com filled with banter, humour, and just enough tension to keep things fun. This book kept me smiling and was the perfect light read for a relaxed Sunday afternoon. It would also be a great pick for a plane ride or weekend trip—easy, enjoyable, and charming from start to finish.
If you love the one-bed/roommate trope paired with workplace rivalry, this book delivers a charming, low-angst escape. It’s a classic small-town homecoming romance with a fresh, modern feel.
Haddie Martin’s life is in transition. Her best friend Emmie is getting married in Summertown, her beloved grandmother—affectionately known as her “grandmonster”—has passed away, and Haddie is craving a change. On her way into town, she stops at a nearby hotel for the night and meets a handsome stranger at the bar. On impulse, she decides to hook up with him—only to get cold feet and slip out before anything happens.
That stranger is Levi, who is also returning home for a year while he figures out his next career move after being fired from his last job due to his bad behaviour. Their almost-one-night-stand turns out to be just the beginning.
Things quickly become complicated when Haddie realizes that her best friend is marrying Matteo—who happens to be Levi’s brother. As if that weren’t awkward enough, Haddie and Levi both end up coaching youth soccer in town: she coaches the girls’ team, and he coaches the boys’.
What follows is a sweet, feel-good rom-com filled with banter, humour, and just enough tension to keep things fun. This book kept me smiling and was the perfect light read for a relaxed Sunday afternoon. It would also be a great pick for a plane ride or weekend trip—easy, enjoyable, and charming from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Almost One Night Stand tells you exactly what the book is about right in the title. Haddie and Levi meet randomly at a hotel bar and there’s instant attraction. Haddie wants something simple with no strings and insists they don’t exchange names. She gets all the way up to his hotel room, and she sends him out to get ice, but at the last moment decides she can’t go through with it and ditches, expecting to never see him again.
But of course, things don’t work that way in real life or in romance novels. They’ve both been hired as new soccer coaches/teachers at the local school AND end up as roommates since they each can’t afford rent on the two-bedroom on their own. They agree to let their past “almost” stay in the past and to move forward as just roommates and friends.
Since the story is told in dual POV, we quickly see that neither of them are able to keep their end of the deal, as feelings are still lingering, especially as they’re literally in forced proximity.
Levi and his best friend Tommy’s relationship was my favorite thing about this book. It’s so wholesome, and I love how much they champion each other. It’s a really healthy portrayal of male best friends, and so nice to see! I also liked Emma (Haddie’s best friend) and Matteo. The supporting cast is really strong here. Arguably stronger than the main couple.
I also thought the portrayal of grief was really well done, and I love how it’s made really clear that it takes on many forms and everyone deals with it differently and on their own timetable.
Overall, this was just okay for me. I was waiting for something to happen to really wow me or set it apart from other romances but unfortunately it never came.
But of course, things don’t work that way in real life or in romance novels. They’ve both been hired as new soccer coaches/teachers at the local school AND end up as roommates since they each can’t afford rent on the two-bedroom on their own. They agree to let their past “almost” stay in the past and to move forward as just roommates and friends.
Since the story is told in dual POV, we quickly see that neither of them are able to keep their end of the deal, as feelings are still lingering, especially as they’re literally in forced proximity.
Levi and his best friend Tommy’s relationship was my favorite thing about this book. It’s so wholesome, and I love how much they champion each other. It’s a really healthy portrayal of male best friends, and so nice to see! I also liked Emma (Haddie’s best friend) and Matteo. The supporting cast is really strong here. Arguably stronger than the main couple.
I also thought the portrayal of grief was really well done, and I love how it’s made really clear that it takes on many forms and everyone deals with it differently and on their own timetable.
Overall, this was just okay for me. I was waiting for something to happen to really wow me or set it apart from other romances but unfortunately it never came.
January 12, 2026
Almost One Night Stand by A. J. Pine
Rating: 3.5 stars
Pub date: 1/13
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for my advanced copy.
When Haddie left Chicago for a fresh start in Summertown, Illinois, the last thing she expected was to end up living and working with the gorgeous stranger she almost had a one-night stand with days earlier. Yet that’s exactly what happens when Levi turns out to be both her accidental roommate and the coach she’ll be working with on the school soccer field.
This is a super cute small-town romance built on one of my favorite tropes: the almost hookup that refuses to stay in the past. The setup is fun, and the beginning of the book really shines. Haddie and Levi’s meeting crackles with chemistry, and the forced proximity plus “just friends” arrangement is full of awkward, flirty tension. I love the small-town vibe, full of quirky details and side characters that make Summertown feel warm and lived-in.
While the early spark is strong, the story does slow a bit as it goes on, and the romance doesn’t fully maintain the momentum I was hoping for. Still, there’s a lot to like: the banter is hilarious, the dual POV adds depth, and the exploration of grief is handled with care and sensitivity, giving the story more heart than a typical light romance.
Overall, this is a cute, feel-good read that’s easy to sink into. It’s perfect if you’re craving a cozy small-town romance with likable characters and plenty of swoony moments.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Pub date: 1/13
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for my advanced copy.
When Haddie left Chicago for a fresh start in Summertown, Illinois, the last thing she expected was to end up living and working with the gorgeous stranger she almost had a one-night stand with days earlier. Yet that’s exactly what happens when Levi turns out to be both her accidental roommate and the coach she’ll be working with on the school soccer field.
This is a super cute small-town romance built on one of my favorite tropes: the almost hookup that refuses to stay in the past. The setup is fun, and the beginning of the book really shines. Haddie and Levi’s meeting crackles with chemistry, and the forced proximity plus “just friends” arrangement is full of awkward, flirty tension. I love the small-town vibe, full of quirky details and side characters that make Summertown feel warm and lived-in.
While the early spark is strong, the story does slow a bit as it goes on, and the romance doesn’t fully maintain the momentum I was hoping for. Still, there’s a lot to like: the banter is hilarious, the dual POV adds depth, and the exploration of grief is handled with care and sensitivity, giving the story more heart than a typical light romance.
Overall, this is a cute, feel-good read that’s easy to sink into. It’s perfect if you’re craving a cozy small-town romance with likable characters and plenty of swoony moments.
January 17, 2026
Haddie is moving to Summertown to take up a teaching job and to coach the girl's soccer team. Life has never been easy for her - she likes to keep her distance from people to protect her heart. Her best friend, Emma, is in Summertown and she hopes it will be a fresh start. On the way to settle in to her new life, she has an encounter with 'Mr Tux, a escaped best man, from a wedding being held at the hotel she is staying in for the night. Almost sleeping with him, she comes to her senses and makes a quick getaway only to find out he is the brother of Emma's new fiancee and the coach of the boy's soccer team. Not only that, she is about to become room-mates with him as they share one of the few rentals in town. Will they be able to keep their distance or is proximity going to make it too hard to resist the attraction?
I have to be honest - I never really got that involved with this book. It wasn't a bad read nor was it poorly written. I just didn't care about Haddie and Levi. I liked some of the people in lived in Summertown, especially the blackmailing teenagers, but the two main characters never ever interested me. Without a doubt, this book will really appeal to some people - it was a sweet romance and not overly spicy (there is a little but not frequent). There is a sense of community and family with themes of grief and communication. It just didn't appeal to me on this occasion.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read in return for a honest review.
I have to be honest - I never really got that involved with this book. It wasn't a bad read nor was it poorly written. I just didn't care about Haddie and Levi. I liked some of the people in lived in Summertown, especially the blackmailing teenagers, but the two main characters never ever interested me. Without a doubt, this book will really appeal to some people - it was a sweet romance and not overly spicy (there is a little but not frequent). There is a sense of community and family with themes of grief and communication. It just didn't appeal to me on this occasion.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read in return for a honest review.
October 27, 2025
First thing first, I'd like to say I love this book. Like sure, it's a romance and it vibes along the tropes of the genre without really any big-complex plot that takes from what this is about LOVE. So, yeah, sure, it's a vibes and cozyness read but, that's what these books are for.
If I had to describe it as something other than a great book to read without having to worry about messing with too many things going on, it'd be as one of the movies you can find ona cheesy TV channel that mostly shows dramas and the Scott Brothers' shows so... It's a win. Tho my very European self is a tad-bit offended to read the word soccer, snobby, I know, but it is how it is with us purist asses.
Other than that, the book was great. And, even if some people don't realte, I can swear on expensive copies of Dracula that yes, it can be that endogamic when it comes to ones social-circle because it has happened in my group. Yes, it's weird but if my friend's friends went to school with another's friend's boyfriend's friend making our friend-group a weird ass overlapping diagram, a few people in a book can be dating people that's realted and friends with the partners. That's a small town's drama: everyone knows everyone and you either get with someone's friend, or relative, or classmate or whatever. But it gets that endogamic.
Ramblings asside, 10/10 really. Great book to get your head into something happy and sappy and just vibe with nice thoughts for a while.
If I had to describe it as something other than a great book to read without having to worry about messing with too many things going on, it'd be as one of the movies you can find ona cheesy TV channel that mostly shows dramas and the Scott Brothers' shows so... It's a win. Tho my very European self is a tad-bit offended to read the word soccer, snobby, I know, but it is how it is with us purist asses.
Other than that, the book was great. And, even if some people don't realte, I can swear on expensive copies of Dracula that yes, it can be that endogamic when it comes to ones social-circle because it has happened in my group. Yes, it's weird but if my friend's friends went to school with another's friend's boyfriend's friend making our friend-group a weird ass overlapping diagram, a few people in a book can be dating people that's realted and friends with the partners. That's a small town's drama: everyone knows everyone and you either get with someone's friend, or relative, or classmate or whatever. But it gets that endogamic.
Ramblings asside, 10/10 really. Great book to get your head into something happy and sappy and just vibe with nice thoughts for a while.
November 12, 2025
Full disclosure I’ve never read an AJ Pine book before and honestly I don’t for see myself gravitating towards another one of her books for a while.
Now “Almost a One Night Stand” is fine. I feel like this book had so much to be great but just barely scratched that surface. Now don’t get me wrong it definitely had its cute moments. But ultimately it left me searching for more.
Now for starters this book starts out strong. We meet Haddie and Levi at a wedding. They have a flirty moment at the bar, which leads to an (almost) one night stand. They think they’ve seen the last of each other, except surprise they are teaching at the same school and oh wait they need to be roommates to save on rent. Clearly the universe is trying to pair them together.
Even though the beginning was really strong the rest of it was just down hill from there. There are so many moments and characters that needed to be flushed out more. And maybe even just clarified because a lot of their backstories and descriptions just didn’t make sense. I also had a hard time connecting to any of the characters because I found them to act more like teenagers than actual grown adults.
Overall, it wasn’t the best book I’ve read but it was enjoyable enough where I wanted to know how it ended. Lastly Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Now “Almost a One Night Stand” is fine. I feel like this book had so much to be great but just barely scratched that surface. Now don’t get me wrong it definitely had its cute moments. But ultimately it left me searching for more.
Now for starters this book starts out strong. We meet Haddie and Levi at a wedding. They have a flirty moment at the bar, which leads to an (almost) one night stand. They think they’ve seen the last of each other, except surprise they are teaching at the same school and oh wait they need to be roommates to save on rent. Clearly the universe is trying to pair them together.
Even though the beginning was really strong the rest of it was just down hill from there. There are so many moments and characters that needed to be flushed out more. And maybe even just clarified because a lot of their backstories and descriptions just didn’t make sense. I also had a hard time connecting to any of the characters because I found them to act more like teenagers than actual grown adults.
Overall, it wasn’t the best book I’ve read but it was enjoyable enough where I wanted to know how it ended. Lastly Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2025
3.75
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing me with this ARC!
I do love a fun and simple romcom. Two people forced to ignore their growing feelings while forced to share an apartment? Sign me right up. Haddie and Levi are two idiots in love, but refuse to acknowledge anything until it hits a boiling point. Who knew ghosting your one night stand could end in absolute bliss and happiness? If only it were so simple.
Forced proximity lies at the heart of the novel. A classic trope that works wonders for characters already accidentally entangled with one another. They bicker and banter just enough that it doesn’t overwhelm the dialogue. Conversations tend to flow realistically, especially with the school students. The first graders are absolutely adorable.
Chapters are split between Haddie’s and Levi’s POVs, always a nice touch for a romance, but sometimes the pacing between them felt uneven. I do agree that there’s a lot of missed potential. Some plot points are brushed aside or rushed over instead of being explored further. Personally I would’ve loved to explore the group therapy sessions more, especially as they played an important role in Levi’s story.
Taking it for what it is, I’d recommend for anyone looking for an easy, cheesy, sweet, and cozy romance that doesn’t lack for romcom tropes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing me with this ARC!
I do love a fun and simple romcom. Two people forced to ignore their growing feelings while forced to share an apartment? Sign me right up. Haddie and Levi are two idiots in love, but refuse to acknowledge anything until it hits a boiling point. Who knew ghosting your one night stand could end in absolute bliss and happiness? If only it were so simple.
Forced proximity lies at the heart of the novel. A classic trope that works wonders for characters already accidentally entangled with one another. They bicker and banter just enough that it doesn’t overwhelm the dialogue. Conversations tend to flow realistically, especially with the school students. The first graders are absolutely adorable.
Chapters are split between Haddie’s and Levi’s POVs, always a nice touch for a romance, but sometimes the pacing between them felt uneven. I do agree that there’s a lot of missed potential. Some plot points are brushed aside or rushed over instead of being explored further. Personally I would’ve loved to explore the group therapy sessions more, especially as they played an important role in Levi’s story.
Taking it for what it is, I’d recommend for anyone looking for an easy, cheesy, sweet, and cozy romance that doesn’t lack for romcom tropes.
December 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC of Almost One Night Stand by A.J. Pine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Haddie, aka Birthday Girl, and Levi, Mr Tux, meet at a hotel bar. Levi having stepped out from his best friend’s wedding reception for a break and Haddie planning to stay the night on her move from Chicago to Summertown following her grandma’s funeral. They share a drink, hit it off and plan to meet in Levi’s room but don’t exchange names…hence the Birthday Girl and Mr Tux. But Haddie bails, and little does she know this won’t be the last time she sees him. She’s moving to Summertown to be close to her best friend, Emma, and her fiancé, Matteo, but is a hard no in staying in Emma’s family in. Matteo’s brother Levi is back in town and needs a place to stay. Somehow, Haddie and Levi end up looking at the same apartment, and are working at the same schools, and both will be coaching the soccer teams. How much more forced proximity can they get? And Haddie doesn’t like to let people in. How can she keep Levi out when they are together almost every moment. Will staying just friends be possible. Layer on the grief they are both working through, this pulls at the heart just a bit. An enjoyable read if you like the forced proximity, trying to be just friends to lovers tropes!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Haddie, aka Birthday Girl, and Levi, Mr Tux, meet at a hotel bar. Levi having stepped out from his best friend’s wedding reception for a break and Haddie planning to stay the night on her move from Chicago to Summertown following her grandma’s funeral. They share a drink, hit it off and plan to meet in Levi’s room but don’t exchange names…hence the Birthday Girl and Mr Tux. But Haddie bails, and little does she know this won’t be the last time she sees him. She’s moving to Summertown to be close to her best friend, Emma, and her fiancé, Matteo, but is a hard no in staying in Emma’s family in. Matteo’s brother Levi is back in town and needs a place to stay. Somehow, Haddie and Levi end up looking at the same apartment, and are working at the same schools, and both will be coaching the soccer teams. How much more forced proximity can they get? And Haddie doesn’t like to let people in. How can she keep Levi out when they are together almost every moment. Will staying just friends be possible. Layer on the grief they are both working through, this pulls at the heart just a bit. An enjoyable read if you like the forced proximity, trying to be just friends to lovers tropes!!
December 19, 2025
Almost One Night Stand by A.J. Pine is a charming small-town romance that begins with a chance encounter between Haddie Martin and Levi Rourke—one that almost turns into a one-night stand. Haddie regains her composure and slips away without a trace…or so she thinks. Fate has other plans when they unexpectedly reunite in Summertown, Illinois, as co-renters of an apartment neither can afford alone.
They agree to strict boundaries: just roommates, just friends, nothing more. Complicating things even further, they also happen to be the men’s and women’s soccer coaches at the local high school. Between shared living space and overlapping professional lives, their connection deepens far more quickly than either anticipated.
Both Haddie and Levi carry complicated pasts, and what starts as a practical arrangement slowly becomes a source of comfort and trust. The looming reality that Levi plans to leave at the end of the school year—and possibly sooner—adds emotional tension that keeps the story grounded and heartfelt.
This is a sweet, feel-good romance with a strong sense of community. The supporting cast adds warmth and camaraderie, making Summertown feel like a place you’d want to visit. I found this to be an easy, enjoyable read with plenty of charm and heart.
Thank you to A.J. Pine, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for the ARC.
They agree to strict boundaries: just roommates, just friends, nothing more. Complicating things even further, they also happen to be the men’s and women’s soccer coaches at the local high school. Between shared living space and overlapping professional lives, their connection deepens far more quickly than either anticipated.
Both Haddie and Levi carry complicated pasts, and what starts as a practical arrangement slowly becomes a source of comfort and trust. The looming reality that Levi plans to leave at the end of the school year—and possibly sooner—adds emotional tension that keeps the story grounded and heartfelt.
This is a sweet, feel-good romance with a strong sense of community. The supporting cast adds warmth and camaraderie, making Summertown feel like a place you’d want to visit. I found this to be an easy, enjoyable read with plenty of charm and heart.
Thank you to A.J. Pine, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In Almost One Night Stand: A Novel. by A.J. Pine we have an FMC and MMC that both struggle with grief. They've both accepted jobs in a small town in Illinois - not because this was their dream job, but because they didn't have another option. For our MMC, Mr. 501, Mr. Tux, etc., he was put on leave from his job as a head football coach at a college because he went after the referee for a comment the ref made to him. He needs a job and his old coach gives him a job teaching and coaching the boys high school soccer team, even though he does not understand offside. Our FMC and MMC have a meet cute that makes you think this is going to be a very steamy story. They meet in a hotel bar and chat each other up, it's her birthday so he calls her birthday girl and she takes his room key to meet him up in his room while he goes to say good-bye to the bride and the groom. No spoilers so I'm not going to tell you what happens, and the next day they find out they need to be roommates (so he wasn't a head football coach at a D1 school). This was a cute read, but I will say the FMC definitely comes across as very, very young. She isn't, but she comes across as 20 as opposed to 28. That's a bit off-putting and the miscommunication trope is not my favorite. This book is out January 13, 2026. Thank you so much Source Books for my arc!
January 7, 2026
3.5⭐️ This was such a fun cozy, small-town romance built around chance, proximity, and timing. Haddie and Levi meet during a brief hotel-bar moment that sparks instant chemistry, only for life to throw them back together as roommates and coworkers in Summertown. The tone stays warm and easy, making this an approachable, low-angst read that flows quickly.
The romance walks a line between insta-connection and slow burn. Their attraction is immediate, but the story does give them space to build a friendship and shared routine through coaching, living together, and small-town rhythms. The banter was great and Levi is a sweet and easy hero to root for. Where the book stumbles a bit is emotional depth, particularly around Haddie’s grief and tendency to keep people at arm’s length. The motivation is there, but it feels underexplored, which makes some moments land softer than they should.
Overall, this is a vibe read. It’s sweet, comforting, and designed to be enjoyed rather than dissected. Some side characters and threads feel lightly sketched, as if they belong to a larger world not fully introduced yet (spin-offs?), but the story wraps up in a satisfying, full-circle way. If you’re looking for a light small-town romance with yearning, warmth, and familiar tropes, this one hits the mark.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! 📚
The romance walks a line between insta-connection and slow burn. Their attraction is immediate, but the story does give them space to build a friendship and shared routine through coaching, living together, and small-town rhythms. The banter was great and Levi is a sweet and easy hero to root for. Where the book stumbles a bit is emotional depth, particularly around Haddie’s grief and tendency to keep people at arm’s length. The motivation is there, but it feels underexplored, which makes some moments land softer than they should.
Overall, this is a vibe read. It’s sweet, comforting, and designed to be enjoyed rather than dissected. Some side characters and threads feel lightly sketched, as if they belong to a larger world not fully introduced yet (spin-offs?), but the story wraps up in a satisfying, full-circle way. If you’re looking for a light small-town romance with yearning, warmth, and familiar tropes, this one hits the mark.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! 📚
January 14, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. Thank you @sourcebookscasa for my #gifted copy!
The beginning of the story immediately pulled me in, with the almost one night stand between Haddie and Levi. They hit it off right away, and had instant chemistry. Haddie knew if they took things further, it would be difficult to say goodbye. Then the next day, they run into each other again and have all of the forced proximity. Now they are suddenly roommates and colleagues. They have to fight their attraction, and try to remain friends, but this proves to be a difficult task. This is very much a slow burn — like waiting for most of the book for them to get together. When they finally get together, they are so cute. I also enjoyed the side characters, and the meddling kids on the soccer teams. In addition to the romance, but characters had a lot of personal growth, finding a way to grieve the losses in their lives, and with Haddie learning that she deserves to be loved.
Read if you enjoy:
✔️Small town
✔️An “almost” one night stand
✔️They’re teachers
✔️Maid of honor x best man
✔️Girl’s soccer coach x boy’s soccer coach
“Tell me not to kiss you Haddie. Please tell me not to.”
“Don’t kiss me,” she whispered, tilting her head up towards his.
“Tell me and mean it,” he whispered back. But Haddie shook her head.
“I can’t.”
The beginning of the story immediately pulled me in, with the almost one night stand between Haddie and Levi. They hit it off right away, and had instant chemistry. Haddie knew if they took things further, it would be difficult to say goodbye. Then the next day, they run into each other again and have all of the forced proximity. Now they are suddenly roommates and colleagues. They have to fight their attraction, and try to remain friends, but this proves to be a difficult task. This is very much a slow burn — like waiting for most of the book for them to get together. When they finally get together, they are so cute. I also enjoyed the side characters, and the meddling kids on the soccer teams. In addition to the romance, but characters had a lot of personal growth, finding a way to grieve the losses in their lives, and with Haddie learning that she deserves to be loved.
Read if you enjoy:
✔️Small town
✔️An “almost” one night stand
✔️They’re teachers
✔️Maid of honor x best man
✔️Girl’s soccer coach x boy’s soccer coach
“Tell me not to kiss you Haddie. Please tell me not to.”
“Don’t kiss me,” she whispered, tilting her head up towards his.
“Tell me and mean it,” he whispered back. But Haddie shook her head.
“I can’t.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews