If Only For One Night

by Victoria Christopher Murray, ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Her husband is a workaholic, more concerned with his family's financial situation than emotional stability, and he doesn't understand why his wife is unhappy. He doesn't understand why the house and the credit cards and the fabulousness of what he's given her isn't enough. So when Angelique meets someone new, she does something she never thought she'd do?she has an affair. It's addictive, and Angelique wants more and more, but is she willing to give up everything she has for this fantasy come true?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Christian Fiction, Adult Fiction, African American Romance

Audiobook

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).

She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.

Reviews

[Cheryl James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was nominated for my April bookclub read. Eventhough the book was a little elementary at times the message of the book is so powerful. So many married and single couples struggle through their relationships for whatever reason. This book is a perfect example that if we stay true to ourselves in what we really want and don't want life can be so much better for all involved. We have to keep having the conversation with each other.

Without any spoilers there are many moral questions that this book has left me struggling with, one is..

Can an friendship connection of the opposite sex truly exist in a marriage?

This book is a great collaboration of two great authors. The characters and the storyline are so very real. Not to mention my name is Cheryl and I do have a slight connection to the character Cheryl in the story.

Great job ladies!!

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Just Wow! What an awesome way to call attention to the effects of depression and mental illness, on not only the immediate family, but to all of the "outside" people they interact with. I felt so sorry for the stress Blu's children had to live with because their mom could barely find the strength to get out of bed. Yet she found the strength to follow Blu around as he and Angelica tried to find happiness outside their marriages that they couldn't seem to find within. What a surprising ending!

[TR]

I am so profoundly overwhelmed with the explanation of a "soulmate" in this book! ♥

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. After recently completing a different series by these authors, it was refreshing to see their talents expressed in a different setting. This story took on realistic situations such as mental illness & unhappy spouses. It was interesting to read the decisions made by Blu & Angelique while also wondering if they were truly soulmates. Storyline nicely written as I thought this was another great collab

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story. A little cheesy at times but not surprising dealing with love stories..if you can call this that. The authors did a good job of making the characters in the questionable situation likeable and the ones who would normally be pitied not very likeable. I don't know how believable the part about how the main characters met was, but if they were connected via mutual friends in the app then it would make sense but I don't think that was expounded upon but it wasn't the main premise. It was mentioned enough that you never forgot how they met though. I figured part of the ending out but I was also a little surprised at the ultimate outcome of one of the couples. The narrator wasn't bad, she had one of those voices where she could carry off a man's tone without changing her voice too much so it fit when switching between the woman and man point of views. If you like love stories with drama, then this would be a good one to read. I found it to be a light read, it wasn't heavy on the drama, I guess you could call it a messy situation with overall good people who don't always make the right decisions lol.

[Keesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will give this 2 1/2 stars. I just finished reading ENVY, which I loved, and then took this up. But though I wanted to like Blu, in the end I felt he was like all the other men who lie to the other woman. "You're so great, I wish you were mine," etc. He did everything he could to woo her (and woo her well!), then he turns around and says he really, really loves his wife? It does not compute! How can you pursue another woman like that if you really do love your wife?
And the wife? She certainly jumped up quickly and got over her depression to follow him that day, LOL!
I did like the female character and I think she did the right thing, though she also said she had loved her husband. He just didn't get it, even after the cheating...he never understood what he was doing wrong.
It was definitely entertaining, though. I am moving on to LUST next!

[Meiwilli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Painfully predictable, cliched, and boring. If Only for One Night is nothing more than a recipe for cheating. Once the mind strays, it doesn't matter whether the act is physical, although inevitably it will be. The author goes out of the way to make the spouses unlikeable and inattentive so readers will connect with Angelique and Blu's feelings. It didn't work for me. Just excuses on top of excuses for selfish/bad behavior. The vows say for better or worse for a reason. Worse is always around the corner when you hitch your cart to someone.

The overuse of soulmates is annoying. When Reggie breaks it all down in chapter twenty-two, I am hopeful it's the last time I hear soulmate or connection. But, alas, this is not the case. In any event, Blu and Angelique's actions affect the lives of two other adults and two children, who are caught up in this mess. Yet both drone on about loving their spouses to make themselves feel better. Then all the praying to God after the fact. I'm not saying it's not possible to love someone while you're pursuing someone else. It's a selfish act.

If Only for One Night is the second book, and most likely the last, I've read by this author. The first is The Deal, the Dance, and the Devil. Both books have characters I can't relate to, nor do I wish to. Both books have angered me simply because I don't like it when people get hurt by others' inconsiderate actions. We're all selfish about something, but when it involves the heart, it's unforgivable for me. I find the characters weak, selfish, and unaccountable for their actions. I'm off my soap/judgment box now, but it had to be said. Social media is the DEVIL🤣!

Ahh, well...Cheaters never win and winners never cheat.

[Millie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book because it listed two authors. I wasn't really in the mood for a romance novel, but the blurb made it sound interesting. I was worried that it would be another sex filled, no plot (or worse - damsel in distress type) story, but it wasn't.

The basis of the story is one that's pretty common (sadly) these days - the unhappy marriage leads to an affair. What I liked about this was that you could tell that these two people still LOVED their spouses. They tried to do what was right - they had been "friends" on social media for a while, having never met, and wanted to keep it that way, though their chats made them instantly like one another. Even after they met, they made it clear that they were faithful in their marriages, no matter what was going on. In the end, though they had the one night of passion (which wasn't overdone, thankfully - that gets old), they decided to part ways because they knew that they had too much to lose.

Now, I'm not one to encourage affairs, no matter the reason, but it was nice to see that these people understood what was going on and why it shouldn't happen. I liked the characters and really felt for some of them. (I also wanted to smack them when it was appropriate.) I liked that there was actually a plot other than "I've met someone that I'm not married to and now we're going to have wild sex any time we can."

It was a good book and fun to listen to. If you want a romance novel that actually has a story and isn't oversexed, I'd recommend this one.

[Suprina Bracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priceless

This was an awesome book! I loved them two together but everything happens for a reason! There connection was everything! I’m still praying they connect in a different time and space. Sad to say but so many married people are in this situation.... Married but not truly happy! But they stay for the sake of the other person and neglect how they truly feel. I guess you could call it settling....
A must read book 📖

[Brianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this book was not good. I listened to it on Hoopla. Between the narrator’s performance and the writing, I felt like I was in the wonderful world of AI. I can understand if this was released in 2007, but in 2017? Not acceptable.
As for the actual story- how about boring and confusing because how were they bouncing between cheating on their spouses, trying to work things out with their spouses, and trying to glorify God?

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book but I hated it. I felt so empty when it was over. I need a Part 2 so I can see her find love. And I feel deep sorrow for him. He loves his wife but he’s clearly not in love with her. It felt like he was trapped because he couldn’t leave since she was sick. The epilogue made it seem that maybe he was happy but I’m skeptical.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story dealing with infidelity and mental illness.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This as a well written easy read. The author did a great job of developing the characters in a way it made you feel totally invested in rooting for them to achieve what their heat desired(Which I could completely relate to). I truly fell in love with Blu & Angelique, I would definitely read a series following these two characters.

[Deliah Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about two people who are unhappy in their marriages who for one night give into the temptation of being with each other. They believe they are soulmates but they have to decide whether the connection they feel for each other is strong enough to leave their partners.

Angelique and Blu met playing Words with Friends, a word game on an app. Angelique is married to Preston, a consummate workaholic more interested in the financial state of his marriage than its emotional state. Blu is a faithful husband and father of two children but can’t seem to connect with his wife Monica who has been suffering from depression since the birth of their second child. Playing the game was innocent enough until Blu messaged Angelique then they met for coffee, then drinks, then dinner, then finally culminating into a night of passion after Preston didn’t show up at Angelique’s Black Girls Magic (a major foundation in Houston, Texas) gala at the Westin hotel.

For the most part, I liked both characters and I empathized with the struggles they were having with their spouses as well as the ambiguity of stepping outside their marriages. While this situation does happen, it is never an easy thing to address especially when both spouses found out about their relationship. Nevertheless, I felt the story dragged a bit and I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t more of an explosion especially as it relates to Angelique’s anger at Preston’s mistress…his work.

Good read though which garnered a 3.5 rating.

Side note: At the end of the book, I read an excerpt of "It Should’ve Been Me" by these two authors and I’m already hooked!

Some of my favorite lines:

I laughed, then covered my mouth as I glanced over at Preston. But it seemed like he couldn’t hear me above the sounds he made.
TruBlu had never messaged me before, so this was cool.
Snuggling back, I sent this man my own message:
Oh, it’s on, now.
Dots appeared on my screen, indication that TruBlu was responding:
I’m not from Missouri, but show me!
There was no way my smile could have spread wider. I didn’t get it, though. It was just a couple of little messages. So why did I have that butterfly feeling?
Snuggling back even deeper into the pillows, I began to type:
I can show u….

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed emotions about this one. On the one hand I understood why Blu and Angelique would stray from their spouses and seek attention, comfort, refuge in each other. However, I can't agree with how the concept of soulmates was used to try to subtly justify cheating. I do believe people can marry the wrong person, especially if you don't consult with God (if you're a believer) first on whether you should or shouldn't marry someone. If you marry and then later meet someone who can spit a good game and make you feel "alive", and you start questioning if you're with the right person, don't think God set it up that way as a wake up call. So the idea of meeting your soulmate while married and that you need to act on it, that kind left a bad taste in my mouth. Not saying it's impossible, but not something to be romanticized.

The character I ended up pitying the most, which I didn't expect to, was Angelique's husband. Boy was just clueless, start to finish, but I can appreciate he wasn't written to be a douche. There are lots of people who feel providing material things shows their love, and miss the fact that their presence and attention is what their significant other craves above all else. That was basically Preston. Had good intentions but they were executed poorly. I also felt a bit bad for Monica. Mental illness is still not talked about in the black community, and though her arc could have gone a bit deeper, I didn't feel like she was invented just to be a plot device.

By the end of the novel it was hard to tell which way the dominos would fall. If Blu and Angelique would leave their spouses and be together, or they'd both stay in their marriages, or one would stay and the other would divorce. What happened made sense, but I still feel like something is unresolved.

[Tamara Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read with danger, romance and that by the end leaves the reader with these two questions: is there such a thing as soulmates and is it possible to love two people (your spouse and someone else) at the same time?

Angelique Mason seems to be living a dream life with a rich husband who adores her and a large house yet in reality, her husband is a workaholic who neglects her, never spends time with her, and buys her things to make up for his absence. After a night of seduction goes wrong, Angelique goes on her smartphone to play “Words With Friends” and begins a friendship with a man named Blu.

Blu is a playing the word game to escape his reality of living with a wife who is suffering from long term depression which started after the birth of his second child.

Although Angelique and Blu initially maintain a friendship, as time passes, they eventually kiss and have sex. All throughout their relationship, while they both admit they’re married, the connection they felt with each other is undeniable. After they have sex, they both ponder if it’s possible that they are soulmates however they both soon realize that if this was the case, why would God have them married to other people?

Their relationship was the catalyst Angelique needed to rediscover her identity separate from her husband and for Blu, it forced him to re-evaluate his priorities in his life and in the end, he realizes that his marital vows are sacred and that his family was the most important thing to him.

I felt that the characters of Angelique and Blu were well written as well as their friends. The dialogue was realistic and while some of the writing was cheesy, I liked that the book didn’t have a predictable ending.

[Maurice Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angelique has what many women want- a rich husband who adores her and showers her with gifts. Unfortunately, the one thing he doesn't give her is what she wants most- his attention. He's a workaholic obsessed with their financial situation over their emotional stability. Her escape is her favorite game: Words With Friends online.

Blu's wife is entrenched in depression and has no desire to come out. Blu has done all he can, and his frustration with her unwillingness to commit to her own health care drives him into an online refuge: Words With Friends.

Angelique and Blu play each other often, and soon trash-talking turns flirtatious. They decide to meet face to face for a coffee. From there, it gets interesting.

I found myself torn between sympathizing with both neglected spouses and wanting to slap some sense into both of them :-). While stories of neglected spouses aren't new, this take on them is. A few aspects were predictable, but not many. I couldn't put this down long enough to ponder what I thought might happen in the end- I just had to keep reading until I got there.

[Selena Haskins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two literary divas come together to write, If Only for One Night- a story about two people stuck in a loveless marriage. A career-oriented couple-Angelique and Preston have trouble with their marriage when Angelique is tired of her husband Preston being too busy for her and everything is lackluster or null and void between them. On the other side of town is Lamar, who is in a difficult marriage with Monica who suffers from a mental illness, and he too lacks what he needs in a marriage. And then for One Night, an obvious affair happens and things twist and turn thereafter, but nothing I couldn't already foresee.

I really wanted to enjoy this story because I respect both authors and admire their writing skills and entrepreneurship, but it was difficult to finish. The plot was predictable and the saturated details slowed down the story. The ending was an open door to a possible sequel that I don't think is necessary, and I will probably pass on it and wait for a new story all together.

[LoLo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Not too hard on the drama, but drama nonetheless. I did expect more, especially with these two authors. ReShonda is known for bringing the heat in her books, but this one was a little watered down in the series of events.

I liked how the authors shined some light on mental illness. It can become a major issue if not handled properly and in some cases can be really extreme.

It had a decent ending, but as always, I would like to see what happens with the characters. Especially Angelique and Preston.

[Shanier Souffrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book. The chemistry although dangerous was also innocently sweet between Angelique and Blu. I actually believed they were soulmates. I also wouldn't have been mad if they ended up together in the end, but somethings are better left as is. At least she had the chance at finding and experiencing that type of connection.

This was my first read from these two authors and won't be the last. I wish I could have given it more than 5stars.

[Erreannau Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

The layout of this story was great and I enjoyed the back and forth between which reader’s perspective I was reading. The story itself was great, pretty simple yet always a great topic to discuss. I personally enjoyed this story because it speaks to women about caring for yourselves. Especially for a 21 year old female still looking for a balance in

[S. Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy Read

If Only for One Night was an easy and quick read. The authors did a good job with bringing light to the effects of mental illness on family members.

[Sunshine Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book I believed that every married couple should read this book it’s dealing with the number one topic that we sweep under the rug MENTAL HEALTH!!!! But also talks about self worth taking people for advantage I believe that this book is very relatable it speaks about married couples that go through obstacles and finding themselves and love. The character Angelique is a businesswoman that organizes her foundation Black Girl Magic and unfortunately she isn’t getting the love and affection she deserves from her husband he was cheating on her with his mistress which was work seemed like everything came before her she always felt second in everything that he does ! Meanwhile the character Blu has been married with his wife Monica for many years and Monica has been suffering from depression for a long time and they have two children together and now it’s getting to the point her depression is affecting the family she hasn’t been doing the activities that she normally does especially “her wifely duties”. Angelique and Blu connected over the game Words With Friends when they finally met they developed a friendship then turned into a deep connection Blu gave Angelique what she was missing at home love and affection they talked about everything what’s going on with their lives. And then one night Angelique and Blu shared a very passionate night together make sure you listen If Only For Night by Luther Vandross it was the passion and the connection between them

[Rise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was fascinating and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Although this is fiction I was so looking forward for Blu and Angelique to get that happy ending. I understand that mental illness is a disease, but Monica was really a pain in the ass. She allowed her depression to take over her life instead of seeking proper help like she should have. Now her husband is finding happiness outside of the home and trying to keep it from his wife because he doesn't want to argue. She neglected her entire household, however now that her husband's life has made some drastic changes in his life she bothered and want to start on a journey on following him. I thought that Monica was selfish and so was Preston in their relationships. Both became dependant on the spouses and didn't see what was wrong. I like that both Blu and Angelique were honest with each other from the very beginning and didn't have to lie to one another about their inconsiderate spouses. This was really a good story however I wish the author would right a Part 2 because I don't think that Blu was totally happy in the end. He just settle in this farce of a marriage where he says that he love his wife. But is he staying with his wife becuz of the kids? The vows do say for better or worse, but can an individual be really happy with someone and they not be there soulmates. i am hoping that the author makes another book where Angelique and Blu both get their happy ending being with each other.

[Sharene · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started this book, I couldn’t get into it….but I kept pushing to read it….My goodness!!! I ‘m glad that I didn’t quit...
At first, I thought it was one of those I complain to my spouse there’s no quality time so I reach out to someone who will give me time…but this book really wasn’t like that for me. In life there are couples who are actually living in misery blaming one another. This book wasn’t so much about finding love or new love. I read this as making sure one is happy with the self or who you have become as a married person. Sometimes, spouses put so much time and energy within their spouse that they forgot about self. Then one day you wake up and don’t recognize yourself in the mirror. I was definitely shocked but the outcome of the ending, but sometimes good people get caught in situations due to bad emotional decision making.
I do believe in having a soulmate and everyone has one. I also believe that True Love only stumbles and be tested but NEVER dies or fails. GREAT READ!

[Amaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angelique and Blu are at a crossroad: both are married, successful and deeply infatuated with the idea of being each others soulmate. I found it very interesting how the author introduced both characters through an everyday app most of us play on our phones: Words With Friends. Unsatisfied with her failing marriage, Angelique longs for someone to give her the attention without feeling like she's a burden. That's where Blue steps in. A friendly chat blossoms into an intense "friendship with a connection." Blu loves his wife Monica, but with her depression he finds himself sinking into a never-ending hole. Between taking care of the children, working, and trying to make sure Monica takes her medicine, Blu cannot stop thinking about the woman, Angelique, he met through the app.

This was a fast paced read that I enjoyed VERY, very much. I felt most sympathetic for Blu's character because he did love and care about his wife deeply even though she made it hard at times. This story shows how even the most "put- together" people fall at the hands of tempation.

[Nevada · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is a soul mate?
You never know how or when you link up with your soul mate. You can not determine where you are in your life's path, when you will meet that soul mate.

The happenings in this book are REAL issues why marriages don't last. Individuals fail to understand the advice regarding communication is the key. Communication on both sides are paramount. Listening and the ability to communicate your feelings. Additionally, I recall something my mother once told me, "How you start, is how it will end." So if you as a Significant other/wife/husband go above and beyond to cater to your partner, you are setting the expectation. If the other person is accustom to a certain behavior and standard of living, you cant change in the middle. If so, it can be come disastrous.

The book is awesome, it touches on very important topics without it being clear and direct. It is a really good read. Lately, none of my reads end the way, I imagine; this one included. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but realistic.

[Dj · Rating 2 out of 5]

absolutely hated the ending; also hated ruination of so many innocent lives

Can they be soulmates if they're married to other people? From the outside, Angelique has the perfect life - a rich husband who adores her and gives her the world, except for what she craves most - his attention. A workaholic, more concerned with his family's financial situation than emotional stability, Preston doesn't understand why his wife is so unhappy. Not one to stray, Angelique seeks comfort in the online game, Words With Friends. Blu has been living a life of loneliness since his wife settled into a depression she has no desire to shake. Frustrated and fed up, he loses himself in his favorite game - and the woman that has proven to be a formidable opponent. It's not long before their online connection turns flirtatious and troubles at home lead them to a face-to-face meeting. And eventually an addictive connection that will have them questioning if they're truly soulmates or if they were destined for only one night.

[Cassandra Haywood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soulmates

This was such a good read. Is it possible to find someone who can be your soulmate? A person Who has the same likes, interest in many areas, music, conversations etc. as you do. The only drawback is both of you are married to other spouses and not each other.
This storyline really makes you think wow what shall I do especially since you have never thought about being with anyone else besides your spouse.
This will have you really loving the two main characters. At times I said it would be great if their spouses could hook up together.
There is a lesson to be learned sometimes your in a season for a reason and then it's time to move on to the next season.
Cassandra H.

[Gay Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was always told that the best affair is between a married man and a married woman because they each had the same to lose.
One would think that Angelique lost. But she did not. Angelique, just as Blu, gained. They each learned what was important to them and Angelique found herself. Angelique was starting to figure out what was important to her before she physically met Blu. Although she had THINGS, THINGS just weren't important to her.
Slow in the beginning, but could not put it down later. I enjoy all of Billingsley's and Murray's novels, individually and as a team, I own and have read them all. There has only been one that I was not crazy about.
I like the lesson learned in this one for both Angelique and for Blu.