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The Weekend
HOW LONG WOULD YOU WAIT FOR A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE?
It had been two years since Katie, a Supreme Court lawyer with a past she folds around herself like blinders, met Jordan, a gorgeous, whiskey wielding god of a man. His wit was quick, and his smile sent tingles down her spine, not to mention the dimple he saved for her alone.
He works at the Round Robin bar of Willard Hotel where Katie stayed during sessions at Court where she flirted, safely and always at a distance because if Katie had one rule, it was no romantic relationships. It would hurt too much to risk the protective walls around her heart, that hid her painful secrets.
Until this weekend…
Katie is in town waiting for the the release of the vital LGBTQ+ Fullerton Case she she'd spent the last six months defending. While she waits for Monday’s opinion to be released, Jordan asks her out. Finally, after two years, of whiskey smiles and stranger's in the night, Jordan finds the key to breaking down the wall. The key to her heart dangles in his fingers.
Will she be brave enough to love again?
It had been two years since Katie, a Supreme Court lawyer with a past she folds around herself like blinders, met Jordan, a gorgeous, whiskey wielding god of a man. His wit was quick, and his smile sent tingles down her spine, not to mention the dimple he saved for her alone.
He works at the Round Robin bar of Willard Hotel where Katie stayed during sessions at Court where she flirted, safely and always at a distance because if Katie had one rule, it was no romantic relationships. It would hurt too much to risk the protective walls around her heart, that hid her painful secrets.
Until this weekend…
Katie is in town waiting for the the release of the vital LGBTQ+ Fullerton Case she she'd spent the last six months defending. While she waits for Monday’s opinion to be released, Jordan asks her out. Finally, after two years, of whiskey smiles and stranger's in the night, Jordan finds the key to breaking down the wall. The key to her heart dangles in his fingers.
Will she be brave enough to love again?
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2021
5 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Bowman
12 books54 followersJL Bowman grew up imagining, dreaming, reading, and writing. She is a wife to the Captain of Fun, mother to a freethinking spawn, inspirerer of young minds, organizer for employee rights, and at night, a writer of adventures, love, and sadness.
Teacher
Writer
Avid reader, hiker, baseball watcher and adventurer.
You can often find Ms. Bowman at her computer weaving her next novel.
Teacher
Writer
Avid reader, hiker, baseball watcher and adventurer.
You can often find Ms. Bowman at her computer weaving her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 25, 2021
This book is a lovely escapist fantasy, full of everything one could wish up for a Romance. The main character, Katie, has had her heart wrung through the actual gutter and if ever a woman needed a cinnamon bun fantasy man, it's her. Jordan is everything a hero can be. Kind, attentive, sweet--and that dimple! He's an artist and a bar tender and so much more. They both carry the scars of their past, and are connected by the joint experience of heartbreak.
It also takes place in DC during the cherry tree festival. Love! Definitely an author to watch.
It also takes place in DC during the cherry tree festival. Love! Definitely an author to watch.
February 22, 2021
Great story! Realistic dialogue and situations, a swoon-worthy hero, and a heroine who's not an idiot! Good attention to some modern issues without being heavy-handed. Love scenes are plenty sexy without being highly descriptive. Well worth reading, and a great debut!
February 22, 2021
Such a sweet book! Minus all the sadness that Katie has gone through before this book takes place (the bear...), but it's well balanced by all the good times she has during the story itself. Katie and Jordan just seem to belong together! I also loved the setting of Washington DC and all the places they go. If you're looking for a story about a couple of normal people falling for each other, without manufactured drama, then this is the book for you!
February 16, 2021
A story of a strong and successful woman finding love and healing while changing the world.
November 19, 2021
I adored Katie and Jordan! Their story was tragic but gave such hope! While a quick read, the author managed to provide character development and a well executed story line that flowed beautifully! I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future!
I was provided a free copy of this book by Voracious Readers for an honest review of the title.
I was provided a free copy of this book by Voracious Readers for an honest review of the title.
April 17, 2021
I HIGHLY recommend having the tissues close by for this one!
I wouldn't consider this a novella; it has everything a normal book has and then some. The book blurb was a little vague to me so I was not expecting all the pain and sadness that exuded from this book.
Katie is a lawyer who would rather stay at the Willard away from her colleagues; she frequents the bar there which is where she met Jordan. You get their first meeting and then the rest of this book takes place 2 years later. She didn't agree the first time Jordan asked her out and she didn't date much so you could definitely tell that she was hiding something. I enjoyed her as a character though and could not imagine the pain that she was going through. Plus pushing people away and not talking about it and burying herself in her work. I honestly wasn't really expecting to have such an emotional reaction to this story but I just could not help it.
Jordan was also a mystery from the beginning. He worked at the bar and loved to draw/sketch. As the story progresses you find out more and more about Katie and Jordan and bigger things that they didn't talk about during her visits to DC. Again I was not expecting the pain and sadness that Katie went through and how intertwined they actually were! That was a bit shocking to me! Katie handled it very well honestly. I am so glad they finally got a HEA and Katie got to have exactly what she wanted including a second chance. Definitely a slow burn friends to lovers type of book plus a major tear-jerker.
The LGBT+ representation is big in this story also with the court case she was working on. That was another personal thing for me that unfortunately we still have to deal with considering this is the 21st century.
I wouldn't consider this a novella; it has everything a normal book has and then some. The book blurb was a little vague to me so I was not expecting all the pain and sadness that exuded from this book.
Katie is a lawyer who would rather stay at the Willard away from her colleagues; she frequents the bar there which is where she met Jordan. You get their first meeting and then the rest of this book takes place 2 years later. She didn't agree the first time Jordan asked her out and she didn't date much so you could definitely tell that she was hiding something. I enjoyed her as a character though and could not imagine the pain that she was going through. Plus pushing people away and not talking about it and burying herself in her work. I honestly wasn't really expecting to have such an emotional reaction to this story but I just could not help it.
Jordan was also a mystery from the beginning. He worked at the bar and loved to draw/sketch. As the story progresses you find out more and more about Katie and Jordan and bigger things that they didn't talk about during her visits to DC. Again I was not expecting the pain and sadness that Katie went through and how intertwined they actually were! That was a bit shocking to me! Katie handled it very well honestly. I am so glad they finally got a HEA and Katie got to have exactly what she wanted including a second chance. Definitely a slow burn friends to lovers type of book plus a major tear-jerker.
The LGBT+ representation is big in this story also with the court case she was working on. That was another personal thing for me that unfortunately we still have to deal with considering this is the 21st century.
March 25, 2022
MILD, MILD SPOILERS
I really enjoyed The Weekend: A Romantic Novella. The characters were charming and intelligent, and it was written so I understood everyone's motivation. The descriptions were beautiful. From the location and the characters, to how each character felt in the locations. And the story kept me hooked.
I removed two stars because the writing was disjointed and jarring. It kept pulling me out of the story and thinking,' what'? For instance, there are 4 characters standing together talking and one says, "Speaking of Jimmy," But no one had said anything about someone named Jimmy. I had no idea who this mysterious Jimmy was. Or the description of the situation had me picturing the two main characters in bed, on their sides, face-to-face. But then the author writes 'he moved to the bed.' What? When did he get out of the bed? A bigger one was the hero, Jordan, says his father calls him every weekend, calling his sister first, to stay updated on his kid's lives. But a couple of chapters later he says his Dad lives with his sister not far away from where the hero lives. It got to the point where I stopped trusting the author to guide me through to the end of the book. Which was a shame because other parts of the book were so beautifully written.
I really enjoyed The Weekend: A Romantic Novella. The characters were charming and intelligent, and it was written so I understood everyone's motivation. The descriptions were beautiful. From the location and the characters, to how each character felt in the locations. And the story kept me hooked.
I removed two stars because the writing was disjointed and jarring. It kept pulling me out of the story and thinking,' what'? For instance, there are 4 characters standing together talking and one says, "Speaking of Jimmy," But no one had said anything about someone named Jimmy. I had no idea who this mysterious Jimmy was. Or the description of the situation had me picturing the two main characters in bed, on their sides, face-to-face. But then the author writes 'he moved to the bed.' What? When did he get out of the bed? A bigger one was the hero, Jordan, says his father calls him every weekend, calling his sister first, to stay updated on his kid's lives. But a couple of chapters later he says his Dad lives with his sister not far away from where the hero lives. It got to the point where I stopped trusting the author to guide me through to the end of the book. Which was a shame because other parts of the book were so beautifully written.
September 19, 2022
This was a great story. The h especially is a survivor who has suffered great loss and managed to go on living. I would call this a second-chance romance because she has been in love before - not a second chance for the two together as much as a second chance for the h to find love again. Also, the term weekend is a little deceiving because they meet and continue to meet casually (but purposefully) for a couple of years. This is not a insta-love hookup story. This is an emotional story dealing with love and loss and a relationship that takes some time to develop.
This was a slow developing love story and well worth the read. The story unfolds and keeps you interested. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is I felt the ending was abrupt. I really wanted a little more time with these two characters and a little more at the end. I felt especially after a slower developing love and story that the ending could have been a little longer. I also felt like this one should have had an epilogue of some sort.
Great read even with the ending! Wonderful strong loving characters that you can't help but like.
This was a slow developing love story and well worth the read. The story unfolds and keeps you interested. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is I felt the ending was abrupt. I really wanted a little more time with these two characters and a little more at the end. I felt especially after a slower developing love and story that the ending could have been a little longer. I also felt like this one should have had an epilogue of some sort.
Great read even with the ending! Wonderful strong loving characters that you can't help but like.
August 17, 2021
Katie, a Supreme Court lawyer meets Jordon a barman at the Round Robin bar of the Willard Hotel where she stays frequently and Bordon and Katie get to know each other over a two year period, both of them have various hang ups. It is a fantasy of whether they will take their relationship further than just friends but Katie is unable to move forward after her previous relationship and does not know whether to trust Bordon or not and is scared of getting hurt. Jordon is not what he seems and how will she feel when she finds out having committed herself to a casual love affair, can it last, can they bridge the gap or not.
It is frustrating to see a woman of her status unable to make any personal decision and could be said to have needed counselling to rid herself of her demons before embarking herself on a new relationship and it is fantasy because I cannot believe that two people would dance around each other for two years however it is a sweet story with different ending that it appears to lead up to. It is worth a quick read.
It is frustrating to see a woman of her status unable to make any personal decision and could be said to have needed counselling to rid herself of her demons before embarking herself on a new relationship and it is fantasy because I cannot believe that two people would dance around each other for two years however it is a sweet story with different ending that it appears to lead up to. It is worth a quick read.
February 13, 2022
One-Sentence Synopsis : After meeting two years ago, a lawyer and a bartender get a second chance at love.
I think this book/novella had a very good start. Who doesn’t love a hotshot, strong, independent woman? Especially if she’s a do-good lawyer.
I liked the beginning of the book, but then when they meet again it kind of lost the spark for me. The characters might not have dated two years ago, but their second chance was not a chance encounter, it seemed like they had many chances since they kept in touch but all of a sudden this is the moment, for some reason I couldn’t figure out.
It also felt like the more famous/affluent/connected/rich we discover he is, the more she falls in love. There were just too many coincidences which detracted from their romantic foundation.
All in all, it was an easy read. I did like both of the main characters, even though I wasn’t hooked by their love story.
Note : I received a copy of this book through a Voracious Readers Only book giveaway!
I think this book/novella had a very good start. Who doesn’t love a hotshot, strong, independent woman? Especially if she’s a do-good lawyer.
I liked the beginning of the book, but then when they meet again it kind of lost the spark for me. The characters might not have dated two years ago, but their second chance was not a chance encounter, it seemed like they had many chances since they kept in touch but all of a sudden this is the moment, for some reason I couldn’t figure out.
It also felt like the more famous/affluent/connected/rich we discover he is, the more she falls in love. There were just too many coincidences which detracted from their romantic foundation.
All in all, it was an easy read. I did like both of the main characters, even though I wasn’t hooked by their love story.
Note : I received a copy of this book through a Voracious Readers Only book giveaway!
August 7, 2021
I think I might have liked this book more if I hadn't gone into it with completely wrong expectations about it. I got an ARC from Voracious Readers and the email says, and I quote,
So I thought I was reading a romantic comedy about a Supreme Court lawyer and her affair with a hunky, artsy bartender and wasn't prepared to be hit with all the death and devastation these people had to deal with.
My bad, I'm old enough to know you should never believe the advertising. It's nothing like Lauren Blakely and I wouldn't describe it as an escapist fantasy either, It's a story about a woman who got hurt so badly she was afraid of ever loving anyone again so she wouldn't lose them again, and lost herself in fighting for the civil rights in court. So, getting into it took a bit of a readjustment.
I liked how all his friends seemed to know about her and the effect she had on his art, but OMG the bear.. what a huge coincidence. The ending was sweet.
Point of view: Katie's first person POV.
Steam level: sex happens but it's not the point
"If you like sweet romances from authors like Lauren Blakely or Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward you might like this.
"This book is a lovely escapist fantasy full of everything one could wish up for a Romance."
"Great story! Realistic dialogue and situations, a swoon-worthy hero, and a heroine who's not an idiot! Good attention to some modern issues without being heavy-handed. Love scenes are plenty sexy without being highly descriptive. Well worth reading, and a great debut!"
So I thought I was reading a romantic comedy about a Supreme Court lawyer and her affair with a hunky, artsy bartender and wasn't prepared to be hit with all the death and devastation these people had to deal with.
My bad, I'm old enough to know you should never believe the advertising. It's nothing like Lauren Blakely and I wouldn't describe it as an escapist fantasy either, It's a story about a woman who got hurt so badly she was afraid of ever loving anyone again so she wouldn't lose them again, and lost herself in fighting for the civil rights in court. So, getting into it took a bit of a readjustment.
I liked how all his friends seemed to know about her and the effect she had on his art, but OMG the bear.. what a huge coincidence. The ending was sweet.
Point of view: Katie's first person POV.
Steam level: sex happens but it's not the point
April 5, 2021
This book is the story of Jordan and Katy. Katy is a lawyer and Jordan is a bartender. They meet when Katy books into the hotel where jordan is working behind the bar. Katy only stays at this hotel when she is in town and over the years they both look forward to seeing each other but never act upon their attraction, that is until finally one weekend....
The weekend is a lovely story that just flowed, the author paints an atmospheric picture of DC and I felt like I had been on a tour of the city as it described in detail all the touristy destinations, art galleries, museums etc.. I wanted Katy and Jordan to get together and I was not disappointed.
The weekend is a lovely story that just flowed, the author paints an atmospheric picture of DC and I felt like I had been on a tour of the city as it described in detail all the touristy destinations, art galleries, museums etc.. I wanted Katy and Jordan to get together and I was not disappointed.
September 11, 2021
Katie has had to live through true devastation, and she was one of the lucky ones. Now to try to avoid further pain, she has closed herself off to others. Can bartender Jordan help her to bring down her walls?
This was a really sweet romance. I really enjoyed the budding relationship between Katie and Jordan. Jordan really is everything one could hope for as a hero, he is sweet, kind and not at all arrogant or demanding. Katie was also a strong character and together the story flowed very nicely at the perfect pace. I received a free copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers in exchange for a review.
This was a really sweet romance. I really enjoyed the budding relationship between Katie and Jordan. Jordan really is everything one could hope for as a hero, he is sweet, kind and not at all arrogant or demanding. Katie was also a strong character and together the story flowed very nicely at the perfect pace. I received a free copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers in exchange for a review.
July 8, 2023
Dedu papildomą pliusą tik dėl trumpumo - kaip meilės istorijai, man tai labai tiko.
Istorijos idėja gera, nors išpildymas labai vienpusis. Apie heroję sužinom daug smulkmenų, o apie jį - tik paviršutiniškus faktus (man vis nedavė ramybės klausimas: kada jis išmoko piešti?).
Pats rašymo stilius erzino: pasakojama pirmu asmeniu, o tada keli sakiniai trečiu; klaidos, kurias net aš, kuriai anglų kalba ne gimtoji, pastebėjau; o dar ir loginės klaidos... Toks jausmas, kad prieš išleisdami romano niekas antrą kartą neperskaitė.
Beje, knygą laimėjau loterijoje, tik dėl to ir skaičiau.
Istorijos idėja gera, nors išpildymas labai vienpusis. Apie heroję sužinom daug smulkmenų, o apie jį - tik paviršutiniškus faktus (man vis nedavė ramybės klausimas: kada jis išmoko piešti?).
Pats rašymo stilius erzino: pasakojama pirmu asmeniu, o tada keli sakiniai trečiu; klaidos, kurias net aš, kuriai anglų kalba ne gimtoji, pastebėjau; o dar ir loginės klaidos... Toks jausmas, kad prieš išleisdami romano niekas antrą kartą neperskaitė.
Beje, knygą laimėjau loterijoje, tik dėl to ir skaičiau.
December 2, 2024
This was a beautiful love story. A woman h hiding her pain through work. A man working through his through art. ..the story. The time together. The beautiful quotes and historic places make you want to go visit just to live out this story a bit. It's also interesting how Jordan is connected, in a way, to Katie's past and knows her pain. The way the author describes Jordan's painting makes you want to see it in person. Its described so beautifully. It shows you how your past come sometimes define your present and how you can change it for the better. Beautiful story. 😍
May 2, 2021
This story will bring up lots of emotions, not necessarily happy but very real. The characters were well-depicted, and Jordan, the artist-bartender with a beautiful smile, was my definite favorite. Jordan works at the Round Robin bar of the Willard Hotel where Katie, a Supreme Court lawyer, stayed during sessions at Court. It took some time until they finally got together, but Katie and Jordan seemed made for each other. Grab your copy and enjoy.
July 4, 2021
Read The weekend in a Weekend
@jlbowman has become my new favorite author. I just finished The Weekend and I loved it. It was a great way to start the holiday weekend. I love how the story develops between Jordan and Kate. . It wasn’t rushed but wasn’t to slow. I love the setting and I made me want to book a trip to DC. after you read this go read Love and Politics which is another great book by Bowman .
@jlbowman has become my new favorite author. I just finished The Weekend and I loved it. It was a great way to start the holiday weekend. I love how the story develops between Jordan and Kate. . It wasn’t rushed but wasn’t to slow. I love the setting and I made me want to book a trip to DC. after you read this go read Love and Politics which is another great book by Bowman .
July 6, 2021
I liked that the story was very short but filled with meaningful information for the reader to get to know the characters quickly and the plot of the story was interesting. Although I am not a fan of how the trauma was dealt with in the story, especially Katie’s trauma, it was still a good story; hence, I gave this story 3 out of 5 stars. I would recommend the story to contemporary romance lovers who want a fast, quick fix.
Full review on my blog on monday 12 July 2021 - booksandkech.com
Full review on my blog on monday 12 July 2021 - booksandkech.com
May 6, 2022
You can love again
I absolutely loved this story, couldn’t put it down. Katie a lawyer makes a friend at her usual hotel in DC. Jordan just seems to do everything right!
It takes awhile, but romance blossoms. They share their demons and help each other heal. Tragedy is hard, but finding the right someone is thrilling.
Wonderful read. Great descriptions of DC and it’s incredible history.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.
I absolutely loved this story, couldn’t put it down. Katie a lawyer makes a friend at her usual hotel in DC. Jordan just seems to do everything right!
It takes awhile, but romance blossoms. They share their demons and help each other heal. Tragedy is hard, but finding the right someone is thrilling.
Wonderful read. Great descriptions of DC and it’s incredible history.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.
August 18, 2021
I liked the relationship between them. I preferred Jordan's character to Katie's. He was the glue in the relationship.
It seems to be a recurring theme with authors to have one of the lovers in the relationship not want to pursue the relationship because of previous hurts and failed relationships.
It seems to be a recurring theme with authors to have one of the lovers in the relationship not want to pursue the relationship because of previous hurts and failed relationships.
August 22, 2021
Katie is educated, extremely successful, beautiful, and heartbroken . Jordan is educated, extremely successful, dashing, and heartbroken. Their meeting one night ignites a slow burning romance that culminates in life changing decisions. The characters are well crafted and the DC backdrop is exciting. A well written novella that will warm your heart.
April 7, 2022
I received this novella via Voracious Readers Only for review.
Wow! This author packed everything into this little story…life, love, loss, humor and surprises abound in this romance.
It is well written and worth the read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and even the minor characters were written in such a way that you feel like you know them or someone just like them.
Wow! This author packed everything into this little story…life, love, loss, humor and surprises abound in this romance.
It is well written and worth the read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and even the minor characters were written in such a way that you feel like you know them or someone just like them.
September 1, 2021
Really well written, sweet love story. The way the writer tackles difficult subjects and issues shows a very delicate skill. The story flowed and highlighted the gentle love story unfolding. A really lovely read.
January 17, 2022
This book was a great. It was a fast read but it didn’t feel rushed. I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading more by this author. I loved getting to know Katie and Jordan. Definitely recommend.
Side note: a copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Side note: a copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2022
A well-written story with lots of emotions, good characterization, and truly appealing characters. Grab this quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2023
A cute story. And a quick read. I was able to finish it while unable to sleep due to a large Coke with dinner. I was rooting for the characters even though their past trauma was working against them. The ending was sweet and very believable.
March 23, 2021
4 1/2 stars - I loved this story and it was a quick read! Looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 3, 2021
Great book. Enjoyed every minute of reading it.
June 25, 2021
Loved this heartbreakingly sweet second chance romance!
August 4, 2021
Lovely novella ! Really sweet romance, well-written, and really light-hearted. Perfect HEA if you are looking for that.
I received a free copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I received a free copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews