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*Running Time => 5hrs. and 44mins.*

She’s the woman he can’t live without.

The one he can’t risk screwing up their relationship by sleeping with her.


Linc Kingston doesn’t accept anything less than perfection. Not in his billion-dollar business or in his personal life. He has it all. Except one thing. His personal assistant and best friend in his bed, moaning his name. No matter how much Linc wants her, she’s completely off-limits.

Jordan Greene grew up the daughter of the housekeeper at the Kingston estate, where she met and bonded with Linc at a young age, despite their economic differences. But no matter how close they are now or how much their attraction simmers beneath the surface, they’re still from two different worlds. Besides, Jordan isn’t about to risk losing her best friend for one sensual night.

Jordan might be the only woman who can handle Linc and his domineering, bossy attitude, but beneath that gruff exterior is a vulnerable man who, despite his wealth, has had a less-than-charmed life. And when Linc’s father dies, she’s there for him—unwavering in her friendship.

Until one night of passion and a positive pregnancy test changes everything.


©2021 CP Publishing LLC (P)2021 CP Publishing LLC

6 pages, Audible Audio

First published April 20, 2021

3035 people are currently reading
8755 people want to read

About the author

Carly Phillips

398 books9,780 followers
NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 928 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle.
1,211 reviews618 followers
January 14, 2025
Caution for my wholesome friends- this book is steamy. 😍🌶️ There wasn’t a whole lot of plot imo 🙃
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,564 followers
April 17, 2021
One of my most favorite romantic tropes is best friends to lovers. It’s so fun to see how friends who know so much about each other move from a friendly, platonic relationship to a romantic one. And all the bumps in the road that go along with that transition.

And Just One Night is a fantastic example! I loved the push-pull between Jordan and Linc. Loved how they have been friends since they were children. Loved that they didn’t allow their socio-economic differences come between them when they were kids, nor when they were adults.

Sure, there’s the whole unplanned pregnancy to deal with on top of finally coming to grips with the fact that they’ve both held back on revealing their true feelings for year . . . but those issues aren’t insurmountable. Especially when they act like adults and communicate.

I loved Just One Night from the very start and am excited to read more in this new The Kingston Family series. ~ Missy, 5 stars
Profile Image for Robin.
1,979 reviews98 followers
December 19, 2021
Linc Kingston and Jordan Greene have been friends for as long as they can remember. Jordan's mother worked as the housekeeper for Linc's wealthy family, so they grew up together and became fast friends. Years later, Linc took over the family business and hired Jordan has his personal assistant. Recently Linc's father died and when looking through his personal papers, Linc discovered that he has a half-sister that his father kept hidden. She had been in the foster care system and is now single and pregnant. Knowing he can make a better life for her, Linc asks Jordan to accompany him to Miami to meet his new sibling.

Jordan has loved Linc for as long as she can remember. She knows that he is wary of marriage after seeing the things his father put his mother through. Jordan fears that if she tells him how she feels, their relationship will change. But one night in Miami changes everything for them.

This is the first book in Carly Phillips new Kingston Family series. I liked both Linc and Jordan and enjoyed this "friends to lovers" story. It was predictable but entertaining. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mackenzie Cartwright and Connor Crais. They did a decent job though the female narrator sometimes sounded robotic. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
Profile Image for Tim.
2,497 reviews331 followers
March 6, 2024
Good writer and a good story. 10 stars
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
April 20, 2021
Jennifer’s review

4.5 stars

I love the beginning of a new series. You get to meet all the characters and be introduced to their family dynamic. Linc Kingston and Jordan Greene have been best friends for since they were young. Jordan’s mother was one of the Kingston family housekeepers. They didn’t let their differences get in the way of their friendship. When Linc took over running the family business, he asked Jordan to be his assistant. As they have grown up, they are both attracted to the other but too afraid to act on it. After the death of Linc’s father, they give in to their mutual attraction. What they soon realize is that their feelings have grown in to love. I really enjoyed reading about these two wonderful characters. They are fighting their attraction, but boy do the sparks fly. Loved how this book tied in to the Dare Nation series with Linc’s new found sister Aurora, who was a character in Dare to Stay, learning about her new family and getting to know them. Really looking forward to more of the Kingston siblings!

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Sibi.
536 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2021
It was very plain and kind of robotic. I didn't feel it.
Profile Image for lia.
492 reviews138 followers
November 10, 2021
This was a pretty good, common, best friends to lovers romance. Nothing heavy, pretty light, low angst and enjoyable read. Kinda like a “palette cleanser” of some sort, like if you wanna take a break from those big guns reads lol. Also made me interested enough to read the rest of the series, although maybe not anytime soon.


Safety Gang:
Profile Image for Anna.
1,090 reviews7 followers
July 22, 2022
friends to lovers, hmmm, too many years being friends.
A bit slow, a bit silly sometimes.
Profile Image for atomickitten.
997 reviews161 followers
June 25, 2023
1.5 stars at the most

This is the type of writing that would certainly suit the teenage tiktokers, sure.

Was it worth the hype?

Definitely not.

Clunky and awkward are the words which are crowding into my head.

Should've known better.


Profile Image for what.rachel.reads.
532 reviews39 followers
April 26, 2023
Free listen on Audible and the narrators did a good job.
Otherwise, there was little to no tension between the couple and even the first time they got together didn’t feel like it had any lead up or much steam in the moment.

This will be a forgettable read but helped pass the time.
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,429 reviews238 followers
September 16, 2021
Jordan and Linc have been close friends since they were young. Jordan’s mother used to be the housekeeper for Linc’s family so they spent a lot of time together growing up. This friendship continued into their teen and adult years, with Jordan now working for Linc as his personal assistant.

There has always been a lingering attraction between them but neither of them want to act on it, fearing it could ruin their friendship. However, one night they do give into it and a positive pregnancy test a few weeks brings reality crashing down around them.

Are these two ready to take a leap towards more than friendship or will Linc cut his losses and walk away from his best friend?

I listened to the audio version and it was a light, low angst listen. The narration was good and I’m keen to hear more from this series.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,192 reviews220 followers
April 20, 2021
5 Star Review Just One Night (The Kingston Family #1) by Carly Phillips

I was excited when I learnt that Carly Phillips had a new series coming out. If Just One Night is anything to go by then she is off to a flying start. This is Linc Kingston and Jordan Greene’s friends to lovers story and it was an entertaining read that ticked the boxes for me.

Working as Linc’s assistant Jordan has always had feelings for him but refuses to put their friendship on the line by pursuing it. When his father dies suddenly, Linc’s life is thrown into turmoil, not least of which is finding out about a half sister he knew nothing about. However with Jordan by his side he knows he will get through everything.

I really loved the friendship between these two. They have been friends since childhood and I loved that the economic status played no part in how Linc treated Jordan.

Neither Linc or Jordan knew that the other had feelings for one another but all it takes is one night to change the course of a person’s life and that’s what happens for Linc and Jordan. This was a story that was emotional at times, particularly with the baggage that Linc carries from his father but it was the love, friendship and unwavering support that Linc and Jordan shared that was s heartwarming.

I loved this story, from the first chapter to the last and cannot wait to see what Carly Phillips has in store for the rest of the Kingston family.
Profile Image for Amber White.
325 reviews13 followers
May 21, 2021
2.5 Stars. This book fell very flat for me. I felt like it was full of too much unnecessary information that didn’t involve the two main characters Lincoln and Jordan. She focused too much time talking about the other siblings that will eventually get a book. I understand that when you write a standalone series that the author does have to build some interest in the other characters otherwise people might not be interested enough to read their stories, but not at the expense at the current story that you are writing. You can look ahead too much otherwise you risk dropping the ball.
Profile Image for Amy .
3,120 reviews
April 20, 2021
Just One Night follows the story of Jordan and Linc. Jordan and Linc are the best of friends and always have each other’s back. But underneath that friendship is a fire just waiting to be explored……So, when Linc has to go out of town to take care of a family matter, he of course, brings Jordan along for the ride. Linc and Jordan are from two different worlds, yet somehow make it work. They get each other and would do anything for each other. Until one night when the lines between friendship and more get blurred. Will Linc and Jordan take a chance on love or will they be destined to remain friends? There’s only one way to find out….

Just One Night was a quick and easy read. I easily finished it in just a few short hours. I fell in love with Linc and Jordan right away. Their chemistry was off the charts and left me begging for more. I loved the ease of the two of them together. Their banter and the way they anticipated each others needs…GAH! I loved it. I lived for the will they/won’t they moments. Jordan is just what the doctor ordered for Linc. She can handle him and doesn’t let him get away with anything. I loved Linc’s kind heart, alpha attitude, and his ability to make up for the mistakes he makes.

Overall, I thought this book was a really enjoyable read and I look forward to checking out more in this series.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,261 reviews123 followers
April 16, 2021
***4 Stars***

After meeting Linc in Dare to Stay, and the reason why he was in Florida, I was crossing my toes that we’d not only get more on him, but his entire family...and we have! The was a great introduction to the Kingston clan and fun, if not a tinsy bit frustrating at times, best friends to lovers story with a surprise baby to add into the mix.

I really liked Linc and Jordan. Linc is all kinds of alpha protector. Jordan is sweet, sassy and driven. Their journey was a lot of fun because their friendship was so deep and they just flowed together. But, the push/pull and how they let outside issues get in the way of their happiness, had me growling at both of them equally. There were a few things they both did that had me going...whoa. And then there was the whole pregnancy issue which was a surprise in how things played out, but also not, but in the end, I have to say that when they finally got it together, even I got a little twitterpatted and sniffly for them both.

This was a great introduction to the Kingston clan and I’m definitely looking forward to spending time with Xander, Dash and Chloe ~ and Chloe’s book IS gonna be an interesting one considering who her HEA is ~ but it’s Aurora that I’m looking forward to watching grow and see just who will capture her heart!

~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
Profile Image for Kaz.
176 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2023
Idk why I even tried … how is a book as bad as this even published
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,714 reviews204 followers
June 10, 2025
Carly Phillips Kingston Family bk 01 Just One Night

Family Secrets and Acceptance

He's a bit of a jackass, but I like Linc Kingston. His attraction to her, despite being besties for ages, seems to grow with every passing day. For her part, Jordan Greene has never been immune to the man. I like how they balance each other.

Gone was the man who’d been able to keep their relationship strictly in the friend zone. In its place was a heady desire he hadn’t been able to fight.
-- Linc Kingston

I need to take a moment and turn the spotlight on Melly Kingston. She proves repeatedly to be an amazing woman and wonderful role model. Her choice of husband aside, she's the kind of person I strive to be - open, accepting, and not willing to put the flaws of a DNA material donor on a child. I hope she gets a chance at a real partnership down the road. Well, as real as a fictional character can get. 😊

OK, so back to the couple du jour. There are some triggers / content warnings: loss of pregnancy, sexual assault (F -> M). I do love that each knows they can count on the other's unwavering support through the good and bad. The acceptance is special. 💚🩵

There are some editing issues, i.e., Jordan knows he was once close to Beck & is later surprised they were close; Suzanne's reason for being loyal to Linc is unnecessarily stated almost verbatim by Jordan and Suzanne. Otherwise, I found this to be a pretty solid read. Perhaps a little predictable and repetitive, especially if you've read 'Dare to Stay', but still enjoyable and entertaining.

I read along with the audio book. The narrators are Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright. I have enjoyed listening to Connor many times over the years, and this is a good example of why. Mackenzie was also easy to listen to. Duet would've been perfection, but this'll do. 😘 🎧🩷🎧

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,918 reviews118 followers
April 22, 2021
5 Stars!

Ugh. I really, really loved this one y'all. Carly Phillips has always been a fave of mine, ever since I ran across her Dare tribe and wow what an incredible ride it's been so far. She's written some seriously fantastic books with some brilliant characters but this new one? Yeah I'm gonna go out on a limb and say my absolute favorite to date.

Just One Night was everything in a whole lot of ways and what a swoony romance this was with one hero that'll make your top book boyfriend list. The swoony Linc and relatable Jordan gave me an unforgettable best friends to lovers - surprise pregnancy romance that had every little thing that I love.

If you want a sweet, sexy, swoony, steamy, all in your feels romance that'll sweep you off your feet then you absolutely need to grab up this beauty today.

I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Profile Image for readerofall .
23 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2022
Quick Read

This was a quick read for me. I really liked the beginning of the book, but by about 50%, I was wondering where that “positive pregnancy test” would come into play. This story is not about navigating an unexpected pregnancy with a new couple. The dialogue also felt off - not the way real people speak. There was a lot of telling rather than showing in this story and many moments or details that were included for seemingly no reason. Overall it was an okay read, but there were too many reasons I was rolling my eyes by the end.
Profile Image for Jill M (Embrace the Romance).
1,560 reviews123 followers
April 12, 2021
Carly writes a sexy and sweet story of friends to lovers. From different social status Linc and Jordan don't let that define their friendship although it's always in the back of Jordan's mind. Their chemistry and connection is combustible. I loved Linc's protective side and how he always had Jordan's back. This was a low angst story that brought the heat and romance. I look forward to more of the Kingston family.
Profile Image for Shannon Mayhan.
Author 2 books158 followers
December 16, 2023
Predictable, but oh so cute! 3 stars is not bad in my opinion. To me it means that it was nothing life changing but I would recommend it to others. Good book, just predictable like stated.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,587 reviews113 followers
May 6, 2021
***ARC Provided by the Author***

I love the first book in a new series. It's always fun, and it's also fun to get to get a glimpse of the characters that you will meet in the next books.

Linc and Jordan were so fun and sexy. I love their relationship, their friendship and watching this evolve from friends to lovers was not only a lot of fun, but also felt very authentic.

As is the case with first books in a series, we also got to know some of the characters who were supporting in this title but who will become main characters in the next books, but it was done in such a way as it never felt that these secondary character introductions interfered with the focus on the main couple.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,676 reviews
April 13, 2021
Linc and Jordan’s friends-to-lovers story in Just One Night, book one in the Kingston Family series by Carly Phillips, is a sizzling, emotional, and amazing tale. Lincoln Kingston and Jordan Greene are best friends, who grew up together, work together, secretly crush on each other, yet fears and insecurities could keep them from ever realizing a life together that would be perfection.

Jordan is the daughter of the housekeeper at the Kingston estate where she met and connected with Linc at a young age; despite their economic and class differences. No matter how close they are or the magnetic attraction that simmers between them, as her mother reminded her, they are from two different worlds. Jordan refuses to risk losing her best friend for one night of sizzling chemistry while burning up the sheets. Linc is a perfectionist, whether with his billion-dollar business or his personal life. The rich, upper class women chasing him are nothing compared to Jordan, it is her, his best friend; that he wants in his bed. The one woman he is unable to live without, who is off-limits. He can’t take a chance messing up their relationship and friendship by sleeping with her. Going through all the finances after the death of his father, Linc has discovered lots and lots of secrets hidden by his father; secret payments for an out-of-wedlock baby and secret deals that were definitely good for the company. Being the only woman who can handle Linc and his alpha-ways, and bossy attitude, Jordan knows that beneath his grumpy exterior is a vulnerable man; a man who despite his wealth did not have the charmed life others think he had. As Linc struggles with all the stress added to his life, Jordan is there for him; supportive, strong in her friendship, his rock. Then a night of passion threatens all Linc and Jordan have between them; especially the positive pregnancy test.

Jordan is an amazing friend. She is strong, independent, and treated like a family member by the Kingston family. So, it was difficult to read about the snobby members of their country club treating her like the help, or even worse than trash. Linc, as the oldest and quite bossy, he helped with raising his siblings and tried to take care of his mother. Between the way his father treated their mother and the family, an absentee parent; he promise himself he would never have kids. Accidently learning about Jordan and their situation upset his apple cart and took a lot of groveling and a grand gesture before she would forgive him.

Ms. Phillips wrote a wonderful, smexy, emotional, and heartwarming story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, amusing banter, and charming secondary characters giving Linc and Jordan a chance for happiness, love and a future together. I highly recommend Just One Night to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Michelle.
178 reviews62 followers
September 16, 2022
Just One Night (The Kingston Family Book 1) by Carly Phillips
Romance
Spice: Yes!

This book gave me all the feelings! I loved it. The tension and navigation from going from guy/girl best friends to have a relationship.

Linc Kingston is a big wig in his families company. Now that his father has passed away he is even more important to the company. He finds out after his father’s death that he actually has a half-sister that no one knew about. She grew up in the foster care system in poverty.

Jordan is Linc’s best friend. They grew up together when her mom worked as a house keeper for Linc’s rich family. When they got older Linc insisted that Jordan work for/with him in the family business. Which brought them even closer, even given the tension on each side.

Linc decided to go to Miami to meet his half-sister, however he wanted to take Jordan as well. He needed that support. While there, the tension was building on both ends. They ended up hooking up, the best time either of them had ever had. However, they both agreed to not let it affect their friendship and it was a onetime thing. But each knowing that their feelings had grown immensely and they both felt much more for each other than friendship. Neither wanting to admit it and chance the other not feeling the same.

Linc and Jordan bring Aurora back to New York with them. She will live with his mother. While everything is going on, Linc finds out that before his father passed away, in his dementia state, he made a deal with Beck. Beck and Linc go way back to when they were best friends in college. One night Linc was black out drunk and apparently hooked up with Beck’s girlfriend at the time. Not knowing what he was doing and with who. It drove a huge wedge between them.

Aurora has her baby, and knowing what happened in Jordan’s past, Linc is sympathetic to Jordan and takes care of her and her feelings, knowing his feelings towards her will grow. Jordan is hesitant because it has been drilled in her head that because she comes from a non-wealthy family, and Linc does, that they are not matched and it will never work.

After a few days of not feeling well, Linc’s sisters told Jordan to take a pregnancy test. After taking three, all of them came back positive. Jordan starts to freak out, nervous to tell Linc. She promised Aurora and Chloe to keep quiet until she could tell him.

One night Aurora spilled the beans by being overheard by Linc. He panicked and Jordan could tell he wasn’t ready, leaving in a hurry. Realizing quickly he made a mistake he ran after her.

After getting there and talking, they both realized this is what they want and can’t live without each other. Giving her his grandmother’s ring, Linc asked Jordan to marry him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jami Birnbaum.
279 reviews27 followers
April 12, 2021
*An advance reading copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*

The first book in this new series re-introduces us to Linc Kingston and his childhood best friend, Jordan Greene, who we first met in the middle of Dare to Stay. Linc is the oldest brother in the Kingston family, who has taken over the family Real Estate Business after their father passes away. Jordan is his assistant and Gal Friday. Her mother was the Kingston housekeeper when Linc and his siblings were growing up. Jordan spent a lot of her time at the Kingston house during those years.

Neither of them wants to ruin their friendship, so they’ve always kept their relationship purely platonic. Not that either of them would say no to a night of passion. But one night isn’t worth ruining their many years long friendship over. That is until they find themselves in Florida, about to meet a half-sister that Linc and his siblings knew nothing about. Jordan knows that they shouldn’t be together, since the people in his orbit have always and will continue to look down on her, since she’s not in their same social circle. Their chemistry is combustible and they both need this.

After coming back to New York City with Linc’s half-sister, they try to go back to being just best friends. It’s not as easy as either one of them had hoped. The attraction is real and years in the making. Then the pregnancy test shows positive results, Linc sticks his foot in his big mouth, and Jordan runs home to her parents. Can Linc get through to Jordan once the shock wears off? Will Jordan be able to ignore the cattiness of the other women who think she’s not good enough for Linc? Will they both realize that they are better together than apart? Will both their mothers respect their wishes and desires to be together, no matter that they come from two different economic worlds? I am so excited Carly Phillips is giving us another family to read all about and fall in love with. I know I’m ready to.
Profile Image for Juli.
1,581 reviews24 followers
April 20, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by the author)...

Spin-Off series from Dare Nation series.

We meet Linc Kingston and Jordan Greene when Linc’s finds his long lost half-sister, Aurora. This book picks up in the middle/end of Dare to Stay, but in Linc and Jordan’s POV.

Lunch and Jordan have been best friends since they were kids although their “stations” in life were completely opposite, Linc’s family employed Jordan’s mom as their housekeeper. However, “stations” were never important Linc and Jordan and remained friends and now they work together.

I really liked the connection between Jordan and Linc especially when it changed into something more romantic. I was a bit disappointed that Linc basically said they couldn’t be more after their night together; then he gave me whip flash when he went from no we shouldn’t do it again to what do I have to do to get her in a relationship with me? It was hilarious and sweet, but Jordan was not easily won over and Linc definitely had it work cut out for him.

Their bond was so strong, unfortunately, so was the trauma from their past which created some big obstacles for our couple. Not to mention Kenneth Kingston, Linc’s deceased father, created some big issues for the family with his last few business deals which brings Linc’s past drama to his present in the form of his old friend, Beck.

I enjoyed how Linc loved his Jordan even though he did have a not so great moment, but he got it together in the end.

I look forward to Just One Scandal which features Chloe, Linc’s sister, and Breck ;)

We get cameos from Willow and Braden.
Profile Image for Kath.
804 reviews32 followers
July 31, 2023
DNF @ Chapter 4

Only a few chapters in and I'm bored. The writing felt like it's for YA but the characters are in their 30s.
Profile Image for Lydia's Bookshelf.
1,020 reviews188 followers
December 8, 2021
A tad predictable but good nonetheless. This was my first Carly Phillips book and won’t be my last.

I absolutely loved Linc’s character! Loved everything about him. Strong, sexy, and down to earth. Also, the narrator’s voice??? SEXY!! I think this is my first time listening to Connor Crais and wow! Very impressed.

As for the female narrator, Mackenzie Cartwright….I didn’t really care for her take on Jordan at all. I felt as if I was in preschool listening to a teacher read me a book.

Speaking of Jordan, her character got on my nerves quite a bit with her whole “them vs us” mentality when it came to her and Linc and his very wealthy family. Besides that, I liked her character and enjoyed how close she was with everyone. I loved her and Linc’s friendship so when they finally got over their fears, I was ecstatic to see them together.

If you’re in the mood for a best friends to lovers romance, give this one a shot! 4 stars!

Displaying 1 - 30 of 928 reviews

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