What do you think?
Rate this book
Just One Night
Not yet published
Expected 20 Aug 26Elle Davis doesn’t have boyfriends, she has temps.
She’s never wanted love and romance even though she makes a living planning weddings for New York’s elite. Her one-night rule has served her well—until her brother’s best friend comes crashing back into her life.
Greyson Turner thought he moved on after Elle ghosted him without a word two years ago, but when he meets her bright emerald eyes again, every feeling he’s ever had for her comes rushing back.
When Elle’s brother, Bennett, suddenly moves back to New York, Elle and Greyson are forced to set aside their messy past. As the pressure to support Bennett heats up, so does their relationship. He’s the only one she’s ever come close to breaking her rule for. She’s the one he can’t fully let go of no matter how hard he tries.
Will Elle relinquish her one-night rule? Or will one night be all they ever have?
She’s never wanted love and romance even though she makes a living planning weddings for New York’s elite. Her one-night rule has served her well—until her brother’s best friend comes crashing back into her life.
Greyson Turner thought he moved on after Elle ghosted him without a word two years ago, but when he meets her bright emerald eyes again, every feeling he’s ever had for her comes rushing back.
When Elle’s brother, Bennett, suddenly moves back to New York, Elle and Greyson are forced to set aside their messy past. As the pressure to support Bennett heats up, so does their relationship. He’s the only one she’s ever come close to breaking her rule for. She’s the one he can’t fully let go of no matter how hard he tries.
Will Elle relinquish her one-night rule? Or will one night be all they ever have?
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 20, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 3, 2026
Who would think that wedding planners don't believe in happily ever after? Let me introduce you to Elle Turner, someone with deep emotional scars and abandonment issues. When her older brother leaves her college, her father decides it's a good time to leave their mother, leaving her to pick up the pieces of her shattered mother. After that, she swears that she'll never allow someone close enough to cut her that deeply.
Sydney Devine did a fabulous job flipping the script and making the FMC the one-night-stand type instead of the MMC. Also, if you love brother-best-friend romances, this one's for you!
When Greyson Turner no longer sees Elle Davis as his best friend's little sister, he falls fast and hard. Unfortunately for him, she refuses to acknowledge the connection and is unwilling to break the rule that’s protected her from heartbreak, not even for him. With the realization that she’s on the verge of falling, Elle bolts in the opposite direction because nothing's worth the deep emotional devastation and invisible scars broken love leaves behind. Greyson tries to run her to ground, but she refuses to look back, effectively cutting him out of her life. With no say in their future, Greyson has no choice but to move on, always wondering why Elle shut him out completely and what could have been if she'd given them a chance.
Oh my heart, Just One Night took me on an emotional journey I’ll never forget. For those of you with triggers, I’ll warn you ahead of time that Greyson is in a relationship when he reenters Elle’s life. Sydney writes this part so well, and rest assured, no cheating happens, physical or emotional. And yes, emotional cheating is still cheating, and no one will convince me differently.
Just One Night is one of those stories that I’ll remember long after reading the final page.
Sydney Devine did a fabulous job flipping the script and making the FMC the one-night-stand type instead of the MMC. Also, if you love brother-best-friend romances, this one's for you!
When Greyson Turner no longer sees Elle Davis as his best friend's little sister, he falls fast and hard. Unfortunately for him, she refuses to acknowledge the connection and is unwilling to break the rule that’s protected her from heartbreak, not even for him. With the realization that she’s on the verge of falling, Elle bolts in the opposite direction because nothing's worth the deep emotional devastation and invisible scars broken love leaves behind. Greyson tries to run her to ground, but she refuses to look back, effectively cutting him out of her life. With no say in their future, Greyson has no choice but to move on, always wondering why Elle shut him out completely and what could have been if she'd given them a chance.
Oh my heart, Just One Night took me on an emotional journey I’ll never forget. For those of you with triggers, I’ll warn you ahead of time that Greyson is in a relationship when he reenters Elle’s life. Sydney writes this part so well, and rest assured, no cheating happens, physical or emotional. And yes, emotional cheating is still cheating, and no one will convince me differently.
Just One Night is one of those stories that I’ll remember long after reading the final page.
May 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW. Just One Night completely pulled me in from the very first page. As someone who has been a lifelong reader but is still fairly new to publicly reviewing books, especially ARCs, I don’t take sharing my thoughts lightly. That said, Sydney absolutely delivered with my very first ARC experience.
This book was incredibly well written, and I genuinely could not put it down. I finished it in less than 24 hours because I was so invested in the story and the characters. What stood out to me most was the emotional depth from the very beginning. The characters felt messy, flawed, realistic, and deeply relatable in the best way.
Elle especially resonated with me. Her instinct to protect the people she loves, even when it means carrying the pain herself, felt incredibly real. You could feel her internal struggle throughout the book. Wanting to let people in while convincing herself she couldn’t, it made my heart ache for her more than once.
This story had the perfect balance of emotion, character growth, and romance. By the end, I was completely attached to these characters and honestly not ready to let them go. I’m already hoping for a second book because I need more of them in my life.
I cannot wait for everyone else to experience this one when it debuts on August 20th. Definitely mark your calendars for this release!
WOW. Just One Night completely pulled me in from the very first page. As someone who has been a lifelong reader but is still fairly new to publicly reviewing books, especially ARCs, I don’t take sharing my thoughts lightly. That said, Sydney absolutely delivered with my very first ARC experience.
This book was incredibly well written, and I genuinely could not put it down. I finished it in less than 24 hours because I was so invested in the story and the characters. What stood out to me most was the emotional depth from the very beginning. The characters felt messy, flawed, realistic, and deeply relatable in the best way.
Elle especially resonated with me. Her instinct to protect the people she loves, even when it means carrying the pain herself, felt incredibly real. You could feel her internal struggle throughout the book. Wanting to let people in while convincing herself she couldn’t, it made my heart ache for her more than once.
This story had the perfect balance of emotion, character growth, and romance. By the end, I was completely attached to these characters and honestly not ready to let them go. I’m already hoping for a second book because I need more of them in my life.
I cannot wait for everyone else to experience this one when it debuts on August 20th. Definitely mark your calendars for this release!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometimes I pick up a book and within moments I realize it has captured something deep inside me.
Just One Night is that book.
The kind of story that completely consumes me while I’m reading it…
and then refuses to let me go long after I’ve turned the final page.
I didn’t just enjoy this book.
I lived inside it.
I could reread this story five times and still crave more. I would happily devour an entire second book about these characters because letting them go honestly feels impossible.
Greyson.
Sexy. Successful. Entirely gone for his best friend’s sister for years.
The one woman who ran away and shattered his heart anyway.
And Elle?
She believes there’s no such thing as a walk of shame — only a walk of fame — because no woman should ever feel ashamed of owning her sexuality.
She doesn’t believe in love.
So why can’t she stop thinking about Greyson?
These characters felt achingly real to me.
Their longing. Their heartbreak. Their chemistry. Their joy.
Every emotion was written with such elegance and honesty that I felt it all deep in my bones.
The dialogue flows effortlessly.
The tension simmers constantly.
And the emotional connection between these characters absolutely wrecked me.
I fell head over heels in love with this story.
And when I reached the moment illustrated on the cover?
I actually cried.
That scene hit me with this overwhelming mixture of tenderness, healing, love, and heartbreak all at once. One of those rare moments where fiction stops feeling fictional.
This book was everything I want from romance.
Beautifully written.
Deeply emotional.
Completely unforgettable.
The kind of story that makes rating systems feel inadequate because five stars simply doesn’t come close to expressing what this book made me feel.
⭐️∞
✨ Brother’s best friend
✨ He falls first
✨ Second chances
✨ “Temps”
✨ Brunch is sacred
I received an advanced copy of this book. My opinions are my own and my review is completely honest.
Just One Night is that book.
The kind of story that completely consumes me while I’m reading it…
and then refuses to let me go long after I’ve turned the final page.
I didn’t just enjoy this book.
I lived inside it.
I could reread this story five times and still crave more. I would happily devour an entire second book about these characters because letting them go honestly feels impossible.
Greyson.
Sexy. Successful. Entirely gone for his best friend’s sister for years.
The one woman who ran away and shattered his heart anyway.
And Elle?
She believes there’s no such thing as a walk of shame — only a walk of fame — because no woman should ever feel ashamed of owning her sexuality.
She doesn’t believe in love.
So why can’t she stop thinking about Greyson?
These characters felt achingly real to me.
Their longing. Their heartbreak. Their chemistry. Their joy.
Every emotion was written with such elegance and honesty that I felt it all deep in my bones.
The dialogue flows effortlessly.
The tension simmers constantly.
And the emotional connection between these characters absolutely wrecked me.
I fell head over heels in love with this story.
And when I reached the moment illustrated on the cover?
I actually cried.
That scene hit me with this overwhelming mixture of tenderness, healing, love, and heartbreak all at once. One of those rare moments where fiction stops feeling fictional.
This book was everything I want from romance.
Beautifully written.
Deeply emotional.
Completely unforgettable.
The kind of story that makes rating systems feel inadequate because five stars simply doesn’t come close to expressing what this book made me feel.
⭐️∞
✨ Brother’s best friend
✨ He falls first
✨ Second chances
✨ “Temps”
✨ Brunch is sacred
I received an advanced copy of this book. My opinions are my own and my review is completely honest.
May 5, 2026
Meet Elle Davis—she doesn’t do boyfriends… she does temps.
She plans weddings for New York’s elite but has zero interest in love herself. Her one-night rule has always worked—until her brother’s best friend comes crashing back into her life 👀
Greyson Turner thought he moved on after Elle ghosted him… but the second he sees her again? Yeah, those feelings never left.
Now with her brother Bennett back in NYC, Elle and Greyson are forced back into each other’s orbit—and let’s just say… the tension is VERY real.
💔 Brother’s best friend 🔥 Second chance tension ✨ One-night rule vs. real feelings 🫂 Grief & healing 💅 Ride-or-die friendships
OKAY—let’s talk about it:
Elle is FLAWED. Like… sometimes I wanted to be her, and other times I wanted to yell at her. But her trauma? It makes sense. It layers her in a way that makes her feel so real and human. You get why she is the way she is.
GREYSON. In sweatpants. That’s it. That’s the review. IYKYK 😮🔥
But honestly?? KATE IS THE REAL STAR. She is the definition of ride-or-die, and her friendship with Elle was EVERYTHING. Female friendships do NOT get enough spotlight, and this one?? So well done. Brunch = sacred, obviously.
This book had me yelling “NO NO NO” (yes, even at Sydney 😂) and then immediately cheering the next chapter.
And something this book handled so well—grief. The kind that leaves a hole. The guilt, the blame, the way it lingers. You don’t see that explored deeply in romance enough, and this story did it beautifully.
Sibling dynamics. Friendship. Loss. Healing. This book is MULTITUDES—and it balances it all so well. “My pettiness is unmatched.” — I’m still not over it 💀
And now I’m here screaming: 📣 BOOK TWO. BOOK TWO. BOOK TWO.
She plans weddings for New York’s elite but has zero interest in love herself. Her one-night rule has always worked—until her brother’s best friend comes crashing back into her life 👀
Greyson Turner thought he moved on after Elle ghosted him… but the second he sees her again? Yeah, those feelings never left.
Now with her brother Bennett back in NYC, Elle and Greyson are forced back into each other’s orbit—and let’s just say… the tension is VERY real.
💔 Brother’s best friend 🔥 Second chance tension ✨ One-night rule vs. real feelings 🫂 Grief & healing 💅 Ride-or-die friendships
OKAY—let’s talk about it:
Elle is FLAWED. Like… sometimes I wanted to be her, and other times I wanted to yell at her. But her trauma? It makes sense. It layers her in a way that makes her feel so real and human. You get why she is the way she is.
GREYSON. In sweatpants. That’s it. That’s the review. IYKYK 😮🔥
But honestly?? KATE IS THE REAL STAR. She is the definition of ride-or-die, and her friendship with Elle was EVERYTHING. Female friendships do NOT get enough spotlight, and this one?? So well done. Brunch = sacred, obviously.
This book had me yelling “NO NO NO” (yes, even at Sydney 😂) and then immediately cheering the next chapter.
And something this book handled so well—grief. The kind that leaves a hole. The guilt, the blame, the way it lingers. You don’t see that explored deeply in romance enough, and this story did it beautifully.
Sibling dynamics. Friendship. Loss. Healing. This book is MULTITUDES—and it balances it all so well. “My pettiness is unmatched.” — I’m still not over it 💀
And now I’m here screaming: 📣 BOOK TWO. BOOK TWO. BOOK TWO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Sydney Devine and Literary Media Tours for the gifted eARC!
This was a really entertaining and emotional romance. The main characters were interesting, compelling, and a little traumatized, but it all worked together really well. I loved Elle and Greyson, they both had their flaws and things they needed, and honestly still need, to work through but their romance was really great.
If you've ever gone through the grief of losing a loved one or abandonment of some kind, this story will probably really resonate with you. Elle deals with both and it's very emotional to read about. Greyson deals with the abandonment to some degree too, but this is really Elle's healing journey. There are so many moments where I was thinking, "this character could really use some therapy", and I stand by that thought. There is encouragement in the book for therapy for a character, but I wish that it had been encouraged for the main character as well.
This also seems like it's set up to possibly spin off into a story for Elle's brother, which I would be interested to read too. He's going through a lot as well, and I would enjoy reading more about his healing and coming to terms with some things. Overall I really enjoyed this read, it is emotional, layered characters and an entertaining romance. Definitely recommend, this comes out August 20th!
*This ARC was given by Sydney Devine and Literary Media Tours in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
This was a really entertaining and emotional romance. The main characters were interesting, compelling, and a little traumatized, but it all worked together really well. I loved Elle and Greyson, they both had their flaws and things they needed, and honestly still need, to work through but their romance was really great.
If you've ever gone through the grief of losing a loved one or abandonment of some kind, this story will probably really resonate with you. Elle deals with both and it's very emotional to read about. Greyson deals with the abandonment to some degree too, but this is really Elle's healing journey. There are so many moments where I was thinking, "this character could really use some therapy", and I stand by that thought. There is encouragement in the book for therapy for a character, but I wish that it had been encouraged for the main character as well.
This also seems like it's set up to possibly spin off into a story for Elle's brother, which I would be interested to read too. He's going through a lot as well, and I would enjoy reading more about his healing and coming to terms with some things. Overall I really enjoyed this read, it is emotional, layered characters and an entertaining romance. Definitely recommend, this comes out August 20th!
*This ARC was given by Sydney Devine and Literary Media Tours in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Sydney Devine for the ARC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Just One Night by Sydney Devine was a quick and easy read that I got through pretty fast, which I appreciated when I was in the mood for something light but still engaging.
The FMC was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I had a love/hate relationship with her—there were moments where I really felt for her and understood her emotions, but other times she came across as a little dramatic and even bratty, which made it harder to fully connect with her.
One aspect that really stood out to me, though, was the brother/sister relationship. It felt genuine and emotional, and at times it really hit close to home. Those moments added a lot of heart to the story and made it more meaningful beyond just the romance.
Overall, the pacing kept me hooked, and despite my mixed feelings about the main character, I still found it to be an enjoyable read. Definitely worth picking up if you’re looking for something quick with a bit of emotional depth.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Just One Night by Sydney Devine was a quick and easy read that I got through pretty fast, which I appreciated when I was in the mood for something light but still engaging.
The FMC was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I had a love/hate relationship with her—there were moments where I really felt for her and understood her emotions, but other times she came across as a little dramatic and even bratty, which made it harder to fully connect with her.
One aspect that really stood out to me, though, was the brother/sister relationship. It felt genuine and emotional, and at times it really hit close to home. Those moments added a lot of heart to the story and made it more meaningful beyond just the romance.
Overall, the pacing kept me hooked, and despite my mixed feelings about the main character, I still found it to be an enjoyable read. Definitely worth picking up if you’re looking for something quick with a bit of emotional depth.
May 7, 2026
“Maybe part of the beauty of falling in love is the trust that comes with it…”
Just One Night is a debut romance that hits all the major elements someone could want in a rom com. It has all the best tropes including: brother’s best friend, friends to lovers, second chance romance, years of yearning, he falls SO hard and the perfect amount of spice.
While this story is a rom com, it also explores the subject of trust and dealing with grief. Elle Davis has experienced some serious trauma and as a result, is steadfast in her one night only rule and absolutely refuses to have boyfriends. There were some points during the book when her attitude and beliefs absolutely enraged me because I couldn’t personally relate. But isn’t that the beauty of a great story when it can give us the opportunity to see the world through someone else’s eyes?
Overall, this was an excellent debut romance novel that gave me everything I was hoping for!
Just One Night is a debut romance that hits all the major elements someone could want in a rom com. It has all the best tropes including: brother’s best friend, friends to lovers, second chance romance, years of yearning, he falls SO hard and the perfect amount of spice.
While this story is a rom com, it also explores the subject of trust and dealing with grief. Elle Davis has experienced some serious trauma and as a result, is steadfast in her one night only rule and absolutely refuses to have boyfriends. There were some points during the book when her attitude and beliefs absolutely enraged me because I couldn’t personally relate. But isn’t that the beauty of a great story when it can give us the opportunity to see the world through someone else’s eyes?
Overall, this was an excellent debut romance novel that gave me everything I was hoping for!
Review of advance copy
What a debut by Sydney! This was a slow build up for me but one line at the 10% mark had me hooked!
Elle is a wedding planner who doesn't believe in love after her parents messy divorce resulted in her mother's downfall, and father disappearing; in a change of pace she's the 'f-boy' who only has temps.
Greyson is her brother's best friend who when getting too close to making Elle want more than one night, causes her to ghost. With her brother moving back Greyson and Elle are brought back together 2 years later.
If you love a black cat fmc and a down bad mmc this is the book for you! When Greyson decides he is all in, he is all in! Also includes a mother of the MMC who isn't afraid to call him on his bs.
⚖️ Brothers best friend
🍾 He falls first
⚖️ Brunch is sacred
🍾 She has one night rule
⚖️ Friends to lovers
Thank you to Literary Media and Sydney for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
5 Emojis: 🥞👻🍾🥵💓
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Elle is a wedding planner who doesn't believe in love after her parents messy divorce resulted in her mother's downfall, and father disappearing; in a change of pace she's the 'f-boy' who only has temps.
Greyson is her brother's best friend who when getting too close to making Elle want more than one night, causes her to ghost. With her brother moving back Greyson and Elle are brought back together 2 years later.
If you love a black cat fmc and a down bad mmc this is the book for you! When Greyson decides he is all in, he is all in! Also includes a mother of the MMC who isn't afraid to call him on his bs.
⚖️ Brothers best friend
🍾 He falls first
⚖️ Brunch is sacred
🍾 She has one night rule
⚖️ Friends to lovers
Thank you to Literary Media and Sydney for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
5 Emojis: 🥞👻🍾🥵💓
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As I am closing the last page of Just One Night, I know this story will stick with me a long time. Sydney Devine truly crafted a story full of so much heart and emotion.
Greyson was the best MMC. I am a huge fan of the "he falls first" trope and this story absolutely delivered.
I love that we got flashbacks of our characters younger lives. The heartache and growth they went through was everything.
I was so impressed with Devine's writing style. This one is definitely a page turner. She kept the plot moving!
I laughed. I cried. I absolutely loved this one!
Greyson was the best MMC. I am a huge fan of the "he falls first" trope and this story absolutely delivered.
I love that we got flashbacks of our characters younger lives. The heartache and growth they went through was everything.
I was so impressed with Devine's writing style. This one is definitely a page turner. She kept the plot moving!
I laughed. I cried. I absolutely loved this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so picky about men in romance novels, men piss me off, but I love Greyson. Oh my god, I love Greyson.
These characters were written so dang well. I love that they have their flaws and they make these mistakes but are still so lovable.
The sibling dynamic is perfect. It feels real and genuine and the fight between them is such a fight you could only have with a sibling.
Overall, I LOVED IT!!!! I loved the complexity of the characters, the love between the two felt so genuine and real. The side characters were fleshed out and unique. A truly phenomenal debut novel!
These characters were written so dang well. I love that they have their flaws and they make these mistakes but are still so lovable.
The sibling dynamic is perfect. It feels real and genuine and the fight between them is such a fight you could only have with a sibling.
Overall, I LOVED IT!!!! I loved the complexity of the characters, the love between the two felt so genuine and real. The side characters were fleshed out and unique. A truly phenomenal debut novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5
A contemporary romance that proves sometimes one night just isn't enough. It’s witty, romantic, and has just the right amount of "second chance" angst.
A quick bingeable read- and really likes the “brunch is sacred” theme!
Huge thanks to the author and Literary Media Tours for the early copy!
A contemporary romance that proves sometimes one night just isn't enough. It’s witty, romantic, and has just the right amount of "second chance" angst.
A quick bingeable read- and really likes the “brunch is sacred” theme!
Huge thanks to the author and Literary Media Tours for the early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The actual cutest!!!
Gah I could not with this book! (In the best way possible!) Romance with believable characters, honest stuff & working through their valid issues? YES. I was rooting for these characters!!!
Spice & a love story that tugs on your heart strings. I actually devoured this. Absolutely recommend if you want a feel good romance with plot that doesn’t stop.
Gah I could not with this book! (In the best way possible!) Romance with believable characters, honest stuff & working through their valid issues? YES. I was rooting for these characters!!!
Spice & a love story that tugs on your heart strings. I actually devoured this. Absolutely recommend if you want a feel good romance with plot that doesn’t stop.
May 16, 2026
I had the honor to read this as an ARC and I LOVED IT. I was obsessed and could not put it down! I would say it was a bit of an emotional roller coaster but I powered through and enjoyed every second of it :)
Slow burn, brothers best friend, ride or die best friend, everything you could need all written amazingly!!
Slow burn, brothers best friend, ride or die best friend, everything you could need all written amazingly!!
Review of advance copy
Brother’s best friend
He falls first
She has a one night rule
Brunch is sacred
For proximity
Friends to lovers
Second chance
This book was full of emotion in debt. I absolutely loved that and couldn’t put this down! I was consumed! Everything was written beautifully their chemistry. The angst and longing. The heartbreak. Everything flowed smoothly and effortlessly.
You should 1000% read this emotionally heart felt read!
He falls first
She has a one night rule
Brunch is sacred
For proximity
Friends to lovers
Second chance
This book was full of emotion in debt. I absolutely loved that and couldn’t put this down! I was consumed! Everything was written beautifully their chemistry. The angst and longing. The heartbreak. Everything flowed smoothly and effortlessly.
You should 1000% read this emotionally heart felt read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
My new favorite author!! Such a fun, witty, captivating read. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. It has the perfect balance of love, friendship, grief and slow burn. Can’t wait for the sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
INCREDIBLE READ!! I’m a slow reader and could not put this book down. It was a rollercoaster read and So. Damn. Good!! I love but also hate all the characters, in the best way possible.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a pleasure it was to go on Elle's journey! She's the exact type of flawed main character you want to root for: striving for the best but fighting the patterns that are deeply ingrained in her psyche. I was sat for every second of her story. Plus this book also feels like a love letter to NYC.
I am in no way biased even though one of my favorite people on the planet wrote this book. But everyone needs to read it the second it comes out!!
I am in no way biased even though one of my favorite people on the planet wrote this book. But everyone needs to read it the second it comes out!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews