One Winter's Night

The Westmorelands #24

by Brenda Jackson, Avery Glymph (Narrator)

Listening Length: 5 hrs 29 mins

Riley Westmoreland never mixes business with pleasure-until he meets his company's gorgeous new party planner. But when he gets Alpha Blake into bed, he realizes one night will never be enough. That's when her past threatens to end their affair. So Riley does what any Westmoreland male would do...he lets the fun begin.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, African American Romance, Harlequin Desire, Audiobook, Fiction, Harlequin

Audible Audio

First published November 27, 2012

About the author

In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

Reviews

[Analia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐

¿Me encantó? ¡Me encantó! Eso tienen los sellos de la editorial Harlequín: Que te atrapan y ejem, tienen mejor desarrollo de la historia que muchas otras historias que son fenómenos en redes sociales. En este caso, el sello Deseo tiene bastante contenido 🌶️
“Una noche de invierno” pertenece a la saga “The Westmorelands”, "Íntima Seducción" en español, es el #24 según Goodreads y lo decidí leer porque a la portada previamente la encontré como cover y bueh, la llevé a foto de perfil en una red social.

Riley Westmoreland, presidnete de “Blue Ridge Land Management”, una empresa que formaba parte de las quinientas más punteras del mundo, es un hombre que nunca mezcla el trabajo con el placer, de hecho no tiene pensado casarse y hasta elaboró sus propias reglas: con todas las mujeres con las que salía, él no tenía relaciones largas. Sexo sin compromiso. Un mes, seis semanas a lo sumo era el tiempo máximo que mantenía una relación. Así no había tiempo para volverse sentimental. Así funcionaba él. Lo llamaba “la regla de Riley”. Las mujeres sabían desde el principio a qué atenerse y él lo prefería así. Todo bien hasta que la organizadora de eventos que se había ocupado de las fiestas durante los diez últimos años se había jubilado, y antes de que Riley se hiciera cargo del proyecto, Dillon contrató a “Imagine”, una empresa local organizadora de eventos que llevaba menos de un año en funcionamiento. La dueña de Imagine, una mujer llamada Alpha Blake, había sido la responsable de una gala benéfica a la que Pam asistió en verano. La mujer de Dillon quedó tan impresionada con todos los detalles que le pasó el nombre de la mujer a Dillon.
La presencia de Alpha desafiará las reglas de Riley quien es “un hombre con un apetito sexual feroz que resultaba contagioso.”😂; Ella vivía en Florida pero decidió trasladarse a Denver escapando de sus padres que son muy religiosos; Es un tanto esquiva para contarle su vida a Riley y él enseguida se da cuenta que ella no habla mucho de sí misma ni de su familia. Sabía que en Florida sus padres poseían una clínica veterinaria y que tenía una hermana a la cual apenas menciona y solo se le ocurría pensar que no estaban muy unidas. ¿Habría algo que la hubiera impulsado a ir a Denver?
A Riley no debería importarle, pero sí le importaba, sobre todo porque a él no le costaba hablarle de su familia y es así que poco a poco, lo que al principio nace como una aventura sin compromisos, picante, irán descubriendo que es algo más que atracción física. Ahora bien, ¿Podrá la desconfianza de Alpha en los hombres y, el miedo de Riley a enamorarse, impedir que ambos sean felices?
Recomiendo que lo lean para cuando tienen un bloqueo lector porque Riley es MUY sexy, dulce, cariñoso, con una escena al principio que… me derritió. Más allá que no es el primero de la serie, se lo puede leer así, solito. Es un Harlequín y ésta editorial histórica nunca falla.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Both Riley and Alpha are people who know what they want and have no problem going after it. Alpha moved to Denver from Florida after ending her engagement. When she is hired to be the event planner for a Westmoreland party, she is immediately attracted to Riley, but has no plans to risk her heart again. Riley has kept his emotions out of his affairs for a long time, after seeing what the loss of love did to one of his brothers. He has what he calls "Riley's Rules". He will date a woman for no more than six weeks, at which point the relationship ends. If she starts expecting more, he ends it immediately. When he meets Alpha the attraction is immediate and intense. He makes it plain that he is interested in a no-strings affair for no more than six weeks. She accepts and the passion between them is incredible. Riley finds himself doing things with Alpha he had never done with another woman - just hanging out, going for walks, just talking. He even takes her to a couple events with his family which he has never done before. This makes him nervous but he can't stop wanting more from her. The Westmorelands have a great love of family which is why he doesn't understand why she always changes the subject when her family comes up. I love the way he finally admitted to himself that he had fallen in love with her, and how he knew he needed to show her that he didn't want to end things at six weeks. I loved the way that his affair turned into a really sweet courtship. Alpha decided to accept Riley's offer of an affair. She was very willing to give in to her attraction to him and enjoy what time they could have together. The passion was off the charts and she found that she wished it could go on. But she had agreed to the time limit. She found as the days went on that she liked spending time with Riley out of the bedroom too. The only thing she kept back was talking about her family, especially her sister, since that is what had caused problems before. She wasn't sure that she could trust that it wouldn't happen again. I liked the way that she finally told him everything and what his reaction was. The secret was certainly not something that I had expected and it was really neat to see how Alpha stood up for her sister. I'm looking forward to seeing who falls next.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I see a Brenda Jackson book I get it and when it is the continuation of that Westmoreland clan I especially get excited and anxious to read another episode in this family saga. Riley, like many of the guys in this family, is not anxious to marry. In fact, the experiences of his younger brother have marked him in a very negative way. He now goes by Riley's Rules--no continuous dating/affair is to last more than six weeks. This will most certainly spare and protect his heart. Good plan, but in the case of one particular party planner, the best laid plans don't always work. This is a fun romance with lots of good loving and the spice of not really knowing how these two are going to work out their relationship, even though both are OK with the limits they have agreed to. It is another Jackson-style story, with successful people who have everything they could hope to have or be on their way to meeting their goals, but yet there is that sense of waiting for it all to come together so that they can feel whole. As is so often the case, one's carefully orchestrated life can be upended by an encounter with the person who manages to call into question all the preconceived notions about what makes up a "successful" life. In Riley's case, Alpha certainly challenged his notions even though I got the impression she wasn't necessarily expecting to do that. Riley managed to do the same for Alpha's life and certainly challenged her inner defenses without intending to do so. It is a bit on the adversarial side but not in the sense that these two were against each other. Their problem was accepting that their love affair could be more than "no-strings sex" and may actually be the solid gold relationship each needed to make them truly happy in the long haul. A very romantic story and a very entertaining read.

[DivasoftheSerengeti_Lioness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Brenda Jackson. I love the Westmoreland family and the more your read about them, the more you CRAVE~!!.. Riley Westmoreland and Alpha Blake are two individuals who have immediate chemistry from their first meeting. The interactions between these two are what romance stories are made from and prove that love at first sight does exist even if the two parties don't know it yet. Brenda Jackson has done it again with a passionate, page burning story. PICK UP YOUR COPY TODAY 5++++ STARS!!

[Whit · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet romance with Riley Westmoreland and wedding planner, Alpha Blake. To a man like Riley, family is everything, which makes him wonder why Alpha refuses to talk about hers. What is the deep, dark secret Alpha doesn't seem to want revealed?

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a solid read from Brenda Jackson. The story has a nice flow, and kept me interested. There was great chemistry between Riley and Alpha. Their love scenes were super spicy and extremely passionate, some were border line erotic which was nice. I liked how this book was mostly about them. Yes we got snippets of the other Westmorelands, but this book primarily concentrated on Riley and Alpha which is a welcomed change. If you are a fan if this series I think you would enjoy this one.

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENJOYED Riley and Alpha going after what they both thought they wanted...a no strings affair...BUT while indulging in this very SPICY affair they discovered that they had more than just a physical attraction...but will Alpha's trust issues and Riley's fear of falling in love keep them from their happily-ever-after?! Another wonderful Westmoreland treat.

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good cup of tea, a warm fire, and One Winters Night make for a cozy evening. Alpha Black and Riley Westmoreland did just that. They each had a set of rules on dating, but soon learn rules don't control the heart

[Mychele · Rating 4 out of 5]

If any of the Westmoreland Men could be my dream man it would be Riley. He is sweet, thoughtful, caring, smart and Outright SEXY! The minute Riley offered to pick Alpha for the meeting because her car broke down I was a goner. And then he picked her up put on the Westmoreland charm, what woman can resist?

Alpha is the Florida girl (yay) who leaves home after a broken relationship and of all places moves to Denver. Now seeing as how I'm a florida girl through and through I just don't see me ever doing that lol. The former veterinarian gives up her career to pursue her passion as a party planner. Riley is the company's 40th Anniversary chair and they hire Alphas company to plan the affair and from the moment they meet I felt good about the relationship. It starts as a business relationship but there is so much attraction that Riley can't stand it and proposes to Alpha that they have a six-week affair because that's all he needs to get her out his system *eye roll*.

What happens through out the rest of the story is a courtship that would make any woman sigh and secret to unexpected it left me in shock. I never expected Brenda to go there and I LOVED the twist. All in All its a great read that any romance fan would love. And if you havent read any of Brenda Jackson's Westmoreland series (what are your waiting for) I suggest you give those a try as well.

<3

MycheleAnjelica

[Cheesecake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Riley and Alpha. Fun, but almost boring, with a satisfying HEA. The usual Brenda Jackson fair. Alpha is new to town and getting away from her jerky ex-fiance and her controlling insensitive parents. Riley is afraid of falling in love because of how it (seemingly) ruined his younger brother Bane's life after the love of his life moved away. So Riley has a rule that he only dates women for no more than 6 weeks. Of course Riley gets under his skin and long before the 6 weeks is up he is reconsidering his stance on love. But can he convince Alpha to stay involved? Alpha is afraid to put her heart on the line again because when the man finds out about her twin sister's past, the relationship inevitably falls apart. When I found out the secret about her twin I expected the usual formula to kick into gear, but the author chose a different path. Thank goodness! But really, it's a smooth even story that ends before it gets boring. The only thing that bothered me was the h's name. Every time someone said her stupid name I felt like I'd fallen into one of my paranormal romance books, lol. It was distracting.
Listened to this one on audio and the reader was OK. Kinda wish she'd done Riley's voice lower though. Despite Riley's womanizing history, the story is mostly OW free. There is an annoying OW, but she doesn't mean anything and the H doesn't even like her.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as I'm concerned these Westmoreland books can go on into perpetuity, that's how much I love them. I even spent a weekend recently re-reading some of the older stories. That's a big deal because I have way too many books on my to-be-read list to go back and read something twice. One Winter's Night is a great addition to the series.

Riley Westmoreland is part of the Denver branch of the family and one of the last one's to settle down. The company he owns with his brother Dillon, Blue Ridge Land Management has an upcoming holiday party. Dillon normally handles these type of events, but because his wife, Pam, is due to give birth soon, the responsibility now falls on Riley to make this party a success.

Working closely with Alpha Blake, the event planner, proves difficult for Riley as their attraction to each other is immediate and he has a strict no mixing business with pleasure rule. Alpha is in the same boat having relocated to Denver from Florida after a failed engagement. Neither are looking for anything permanent, but sometimes these things can't be denied.

[Love2readtoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!!! I was taken by the charm, sexiness and boldness of the Riley Westmoreland. The man knew what we wanted and went for it, no beating around the bush for this modern hunk. It gives me chills just think about him. I was completely taken into to the story from the beginning. As the story progresses so did my desire for the main character - Riley. I love all of the Westmoreland Men, but Riley, Storm and Ian are my favorite characters. Oh, I forgot to mention there is a great female lead, Alpha Blake, who makes this story very interesting as well.

This is a wonderful love story with plenty of other dimensions to entertain you. I will tell that you will be thoroughly entertained by an affair, great loves, twisted family values, hot chemistry, mistaken identity and a few more unexpected discoveries. Hold on because this is One Winter's Night you will not want to forget. Mrs. Brenda Jackson did a great job with this story. I LOVED IT!!!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an e-arc from Netgalley for my honest review. I have never read any of the Westmoreland series but I am glad that I read this and plan to definitely read the others now. This book has everything you could love about a romance book. Hot steamy scenes, Sexy male, strong female etc. I started out wanting to not like Riley but throughout the book you just grow to love him and his whole family. I can’t wait to see how the other books turn out to be.
Riley Westmoreland never mixes business with pleasure—until he meets his company's gorgeous new party planner. But when he gets Alpha Blake into bed, he realizes one night will never be enough. That's when her past threatens to end their affair. So Riley does what any Westmoreland male would do…he vows to win her heart—for good.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a night it was when Alpha found that Riley Westmoreland was nothing like LeBron or her ex-fiancé. Even though he was considered a playa, when he met her he was so taken that he decided to turn in his exclusive card and disregard his own "Riley's Rules" seeming that he wanted to be with her for life instead of for his six weeks only affair! What a Westmoreland man for ya...going after who and what he wants.

[Angelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read....Rileys and Alpha's story was another good one....Riley was a man who thought he only wanted affairs and not matters of the heart until Alpha that is.....Alpha and Riley both had some trust issues to get pass and Riley had to find away to let Alpha know he wanted more than sex without commitment....Can't wait to see who's next maybe Zane....let's hope.....

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brenda Jackson at her best! This is only the second Westmoreland title that I have read. I have enjoyed the strong family values that are emphasized in each book. And of course I love the truth that love covers a multitude of sin highlighted in the series!!!! Kudos to the Sister Jackson!!!!

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley and Alpha, I loved it would love to see a prequel. I never caught on to Alpha and Omega. Ms. Jackson has "it" when it comes to writing romance and I will never put it down.

[Denise Palma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just loving reading about all the Westmoreland Hotties! I cant stop and I'm loving all of them!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine.

Sweet little romance. Enjoyed reading it.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alpha Blake a Veterinarian turned Event planner, left sunny Florida to move to Denver to escape her past. As an event planner, she meets with Riley Westmoreland to organize an event for the family company. Immediate attraction between the two, but both have this stimulation of getting involved with anyone. Riley has this rule that he only dates women for no more than six weeks and he is done. Talk about hit it and quit it; sex with no commitment. With his attraction to Alpha, he decides to make the proposition of a six-week affair. Alpha is all good with it, because she didn’t want a serious relationship. But during this affair, things become intense and heated and now Riley wants more, he wants Alpha and although Alpha feels the same, she won’t admit it, knowing this relationship is only going to last six weeks and they are done; Riley made that clear.

Alpha was very private about her family and found no need in discussing her past with Riley considering there was nothing serious about their relationship and if it was ending in six weeks, then why bother. Judgmental thinking of her sister Omega from her family and previous relationships were the root cause of her issues. Alpha loved her sister dearly and she wasn’t going to allow anyone or anything to come in between them. But, when Alpha thinks that old issues was about to repeat themselves, she decided to exit stage left which cause trust issues between Riley and Alpha. However, the love between the two couldn’t keep them apart. I enjoyed this book; it was a quick and enjoyable read. I give this book a 4 out of 5-star rating.

Casting:
• Joseph Neil (model/trainer) as Riley Westmoreland
• Amirah Dyme as Alpha Blake

[Smutty & Naughty]

In "One Winter's Night" by Brenda Jackson, Riley Westmoreland, a man who adheres to a strict business-only policy, finds himself irresistibly drawn to Alpha Blake, his company's beautiful new party planner. Breaking his own rule, Riley shares a passionate night with Alpha, only to discover that one night is not nearly enough to satisfy his desire for her.

However, their blossoming romance faces a significant obstacle when Alpha's troubled past resurfaces, jeopardizing their affair. Determined to overcome the challenges, Riley embraces his Westmoreland heritage and makes a bold commitment to win Alpha's heart permanently.

As their relationship deepens, Riley and Alpha navigate the complexities of trust, vulnerability, and unconditional love. Brenda Jackson's masterful storytelling captures the essence of their emotional journey, showcasing the strength and determination that defines the Westmoreland men.

Filled with intense chemistry, heartfelt conversations, and tender moments, "One Winter's Night" explores themes of redemption, perseverance, and the transformative power of true love. Riley's unwavering devotion and Alpha's resilience form the foundation of their connection, as they confront their pasts and strive for a future together.

Amidst the winter backdrop, Brenda Jackson weaves a tale of passion and longing that will warm readers' hearts. "One Winter's Night" is a testament to the enduring power of love and the lengths one man is willing to go to win the heart of the woman he desires.

With her captivating storytelling and compelling characters, Brenda Jackson continues to captivate readers in this twenty-fourth installment of The Westmorelands Series.

[Joan Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Winter's Night by Brenda Jackson is part of the The Westmorelands Series (number 24). Riley Westmoreland met, and fell for, his party planner - Alpha Blake. He makes it clear he wants a 6 week, no strings affair, traditional "Riley's Rules" whilst She has been burned in a previous relationship, her engagement failed as she would not disown her twin and so is looking for fun, but not commitment. After several dates and weeks of doing normal coupley things - hanging out with friends and family, going for long walks, picnics etc, Riley realises that one night is not enough He has to find a way to persuade her that he is in it for the long haul. Alpha's secret threatens to blow them apart, but Riley accepts it and they move on.

One Winter's Night goes from no strings affair to a traditional courtship. The two characters don't seem to realise what is happening until they realise that the six week deadline is nearly up and they realise they are in love. This is a great book by Brenda Jackson, cannot wait to see/read who she decides to write about next.


ARC provided by NetGalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for an honest review.

[Wsb]

I'm on the last chapter (before the epilogue) and I just had to comment. These Westmorelands really need to work on their communication.

Riley tells Alpha that he wants an "Affair" (can't tell you how much I LOATHE that word. They are having sex!!) for six weeks. He lays out all of his rules and Alpha agrees to his terms. Then he decides that he loves her and wants to keep her. Does he tell her.... Nah. Why would he do something that intelligent. No instead he romances her outside of them just having sex. For all Alpha knows this could just be his SOP. I'm now at the part where he is attending the holiday party and his sister asks if Alpha is his girlfriend and his response is yes. The problem is HE HASN'T TOLD ALPHA!! She is not aware that the status of their relationship has changed!! UGH!

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alpha Blake is an event planner. She changed jobs at the same time she moved from Florida to Denver. Winter is not her friend. A big storm came in and she's late for her meeting to create a party for the 40th anniversary of the Westmoreland company.
Riley Westmoreland is not exactly excited to be the point person for the company party but he drew the short straw. But, once he sees Alpha, he's not as disappointed as he once was. The two set off on a temporary affair. It has a distinct end date.
Of course, there is a Big Misunderstanding about who wants to end the relationship and why. I didn't love that Riley was upset with Alpha for not telling him her secret. It was an affair, why would she talk to him about it? Just because he changed his mind and didn't tell her.

[Gladys Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Winter's Night. The Westmoreland's are celebrating a very special anniversary. They decide to hire Alpha Blake to plan the night. Dillon gives the project to Riley to oversee. Riley tries to keep business and pleasure separate but finds it very hard when Alpha is near him. They have one night together, but Riley feels that is not enough. Her past may cause them some issues. Can Riley help Alpha restore her faith in love and join him in a relationship?

[Dawn “D-Love” · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Riley and Alpha’s story. They seemed to have silently become best friends before marriage. Even though there were communication gaps specifically on Alpha's end, they were able to work out the kinks. This book, Bane’s, Bailey’s and Derringer and Lucia’s story are my favorites so far in the series.

[Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was an unexpectedly pleasant read. Low angst and oh so 🔥🔥 A real good one time read.

The characters were acting like good adults 😂 which resulted in good understanding between them and people who own up their stuff and work on it.

No big third act breakup (only a few days they stay apart but patch up quickly). Safe. HEA🩵

[constance austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladies, make sure the housework is done, the kids are in bed, and the doors are locked and just settle down for a very fine pleasurable time reading "One Winter's Night". I think I may read it again on these cold lonely nights.

[amaya crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really awesome book

Because it's an really awesome book I didn't like that alpha's parents didn't want her to talk to her twin sister because of her past and I like that reily does not care about his twin sister 's past

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley knew he had to make rules, an affair was to last a month to 6 weeks and he explained that first thing. Alpha said that was fine too because she knew about her twins DVD sex video may be seen and miss thought of as her. She didn't really think Riley would know the difference