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Just One Night
Lambda Literary Award finalist in Gay Romance
In the rough and tumble world of New York City, these men don’t mind getting down and dirty—in business or each other.
It isn’t every day a gorgeous stranger shows up in my bedroom wearing not much more than an arrogant smile. When I discover he’s a high-priced escort and a surprise birthday present from my sister…now she’s gone too far.
Except I haven’t been able to stop kissing him long enough to tell him to leave.
No one has to know he’s spent the night. And when we’re done, he’s gone and out the door. Never to be seen again.
Well, not exactly.
Because for some crazy reason, I can’t quite forget Archer Strong.
It’s a job like all the others. Another evening of million-dollar seduction and fake desire that’s made me the most exclusive escort in New York City.
But after one kiss from billionaire real-estate mogul Madden Steele, I’m not pretending anything.
And when he wants to see me a second time, I break my rule of one and done.
Because just one night with Madden isn’t enough. I want to see him again.
And again.
Now he’s asking for something more. Something that could solve all my problems, and his. But it’s something I can’t give him.
Or can I?
With an enemy from inside Madden’s family scheming to take control of his company and destroy me, we’re in for a fight. Holding on to each other might be the biggest risk of our lives, but it’s the only way to reap the greatest reward—love.
In the rough and tumble world of New York City, these men don’t mind getting down and dirty—in business or each other.
It isn’t every day a gorgeous stranger shows up in my bedroom wearing not much more than an arrogant smile. When I discover he’s a high-priced escort and a surprise birthday present from my sister…now she’s gone too far.
Except I haven’t been able to stop kissing him long enough to tell him to leave.
No one has to know he’s spent the night. And when we’re done, he’s gone and out the door. Never to be seen again.
Well, not exactly.
Because for some crazy reason, I can’t quite forget Archer Strong.
It’s a job like all the others. Another evening of million-dollar seduction and fake desire that’s made me the most exclusive escort in New York City.
But after one kiss from billionaire real-estate mogul Madden Steele, I’m not pretending anything.
And when he wants to see me a second time, I break my rule of one and done.
Because just one night with Madden isn’t enough. I want to see him again.
And again.
Now he’s asking for something more. Something that could solve all my problems, and his. But it’s something I can’t give him.
Or can I?
With an enemy from inside Madden’s family scheming to take control of his company and destroy me, we’re in for a fight. Holding on to each other might be the biggest risk of our lives, but it’s the only way to reap the greatest reward—love.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2022
153 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
89 books1,717 followersFelice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
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January 15, 2023
Just One Night is a stand alone M/M romance by Felice Stevens. This is my very favorite kind of romance, two men from such different professions who might seem to have nothing in common. But they are also the same in so many ways. Both are determined to be alone, both have such strong determination to care for the people they love. And neither can resist the other.
It’s Madden Steele’s thirtieth birthday. Madden is a billionaire real estate mogul. He was badly hurt by the man he loved four years ago when he caught him cheating. Since then he has closed himself off from everything but work and his sister and her family. Birthdays are not something he even wants to recognize. But his sister has other ideas. She’s worried about him being so closed off. So she decided to get him a very special birthday gift this year. One that is waiting for him in his bedroom when he gets home. One that he is determined to send on his way immediately. Or...maybe he can stay for just awhile.
Archer Strong is thirty three years old. He is a very elite, very high priced escort. He is very very good at his job but birthday surprises aren’t his favorite. You never know how the person might react. But one look at his client and he wants to convince him to let him stay. He’s gorgeous. Archer never feels an actual attraction to his clients but this time is different. This man is different.
“I’d been satisfied and content. Until Archer Strong took me to the sun and set me on fire.”
Archer’s rule is one night only. But when Madden calls him again, he can’t say no. And when Madden makes him an offer, one that will solve his problems, he also can’t say no. But it’s not just the money. He wants more time with this man. He wants to know him better. He wants to make him happy.
“Wherever you are is the only place I want to be.”
Madden has built his company up to new heights and is proud of all he is accomplishing. But there is someone that wants him out and wants to take over the company. Madden is in for the fight of his life and he has Archer by his side. I loved the way these two supported each other, believed in each other. These are two strong willed men who can go nose to nose and neither back down. But they also support each other with that same fierceness. I loved how once Madden realized how he felt, he was all in and wouldn’t take no for an answer. This was such a wonderful book. I adored these two.
“Forever isn’t going to be long enough.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
It’s Madden Steele’s thirtieth birthday. Madden is a billionaire real estate mogul. He was badly hurt by the man he loved four years ago when he caught him cheating. Since then he has closed himself off from everything but work and his sister and her family. Birthdays are not something he even wants to recognize. But his sister has other ideas. She’s worried about him being so closed off. So she decided to get him a very special birthday gift this year. One that is waiting for him in his bedroom when he gets home. One that he is determined to send on his way immediately. Or...maybe he can stay for just awhile.
Archer Strong is thirty three years old. He is a very elite, very high priced escort. He is very very good at his job but birthday surprises aren’t his favorite. You never know how the person might react. But one look at his client and he wants to convince him to let him stay. He’s gorgeous. Archer never feels an actual attraction to his clients but this time is different. This man is different.
“I’d been satisfied and content. Until Archer Strong took me to the sun and set me on fire.”
Archer’s rule is one night only. But when Madden calls him again, he can’t say no. And when Madden makes him an offer, one that will solve his problems, he also can’t say no. But it’s not just the money. He wants more time with this man. He wants to know him better. He wants to make him happy.
“Wherever you are is the only place I want to be.”
Madden has built his company up to new heights and is proud of all he is accomplishing. But there is someone that wants him out and wants to take over the company. Madden is in for the fight of his life and he has Archer by his side. I loved the way these two supported each other, believed in each other. These are two strong willed men who can go nose to nose and neither back down. But they also support each other with that same fierceness. I loved how once Madden realized how he felt, he was all in and wouldn’t take no for an answer. This was such a wonderful book. I adored these two.
“Forever isn’t going to be long enough.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 2, 2022
Now that's how you write a millionaire and the escort romance!
There wasn't a single thing in this book I didn't absolutely love. Archer and Madden were so hot they could light up a country with the chemistry and sexual energy they gave off.
From their first meeting, and what an intriguing one it was, there are sparks flying and, while both men are holding secrets and keeping their bruised hearts tightly walled off, something about the other speaks to the hidden places longing for love.
As the narrative progresses, Felice takes the two men on a journey which goes into the past and deals with ancient hurts, as well as into the boardroom for a combative confrontation with family who should have Madden's back, not be trying to stab him in it.
One of the biggest things I loved about this story was how both men had such strong female support, Archer from his best friend and Mads from his older sister. This, coupled with the found family element, gave the story a wonderful warmth which worked well to contrast between the more angsty strands of the plot.
With its fast paced gallop through the trials and tribulations of learning how to trust someone, and the pressures Archer is facing with his mother's specialist care, the tensions come from both within and external forces, but never feel like they're just thrown in to cause problems.
I also very much appreciated there's no annoying Third Act break up. Here the two men are together from about 70% and working through all the difficulties which keep arising, having conversations and dealing with the realities of what's going on around them.
It made a really pleasant change for the I love yous to come and for the last few chapters of the book be both men actively working together for their future.
With an excellent Epilogue that gives a glimpse into life a year or so down the line, this book was a fabulous read from start to finish.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
There wasn't a single thing in this book I didn't absolutely love. Archer and Madden were so hot they could light up a country with the chemistry and sexual energy they gave off.
From their first meeting, and what an intriguing one it was, there are sparks flying and, while both men are holding secrets and keeping their bruised hearts tightly walled off, something about the other speaks to the hidden places longing for love.
As the narrative progresses, Felice takes the two men on a journey which goes into the past and deals with ancient hurts, as well as into the boardroom for a combative confrontation with family who should have Madden's back, not be trying to stab him in it.
One of the biggest things I loved about this story was how both men had such strong female support, Archer from his best friend and Mads from his older sister. This, coupled with the found family element, gave the story a wonderful warmth which worked well to contrast between the more angsty strands of the plot.
With its fast paced gallop through the trials and tribulations of learning how to trust someone, and the pressures Archer is facing with his mother's specialist care, the tensions come from both within and external forces, but never feel like they're just thrown in to cause problems.
I also very much appreciated there's no annoying Third Act break up. Here the two men are together from about 70% and working through all the difficulties which keep arising, having conversations and dealing with the realities of what's going on around them.
It made a really pleasant change for the I love yous to come and for the last few chapters of the book be both men actively working together for their future.
With an excellent Epilogue that gives a glimpse into life a year or so down the line, this book was a fabulous read from start to finish.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
January 23, 2023
4.25**** stars
Phew that was hot. And Kale Williams made it even hotter. I've come to really like this author’s books (admitted, it’s only my second so far). I love me some hookup with a stranger and escort/sex worker stories.
And I love me some equally strong minded, bossy men in the bedroom as well as outside of it. And Madden, the billionaire, and Archer, the high-prized escort, gave me exactly that.
Overall I absolutely loved it —a sexy, light read with lovable main characters. Entertaining and low on the angst as well as on the drama.
And just like that, I fell impossibly in love with Madden Steele.
Phew that was hot. And Kale Williams made it even hotter. I've come to really like this author’s books (admitted, it’s only my second so far). I love me some hookup with a stranger and escort/sex worker stories.
And I love me some equally strong minded, bossy men in the bedroom as well as outside of it. And Madden, the billionaire, and Archer, the high-prized escort, gave me exactly that.
Overall I absolutely loved it —a sexy, light read with lovable main characters. Entertaining and low on the angst as well as on the drama.
November 12, 2022
Too hot and so wholesome! I want this as a paperback! Can you please make it possible?!
Actually I am tired of dnfing and rating books with beautiful book covers low. I need more books like this!!!!
Actually I am tired of dnfing and rating books with beautiful book covers low. I need more books like this!!!!
January 18, 2023
4.5 stars
What a book, I was hooked from page one. I do think a little too much sex happened… but hey that’s how they met and they went for it haha, the scenes did get shorter as the book went on which was nice.
I though Archer and Madden were a great couple! I am glad this was a win, and that Felice Stevens as a big backlist I can get through! Archer though at times did a little too much running when he thought times would get too tough.. and that was annoying, but Madden was steadfast through the whole thing which I loved!
Kale Williams did a fabulous job narrating as always!
What a book, I was hooked from page one. I do think a little too much sex happened… but hey that’s how they met and they went for it haha, the scenes did get shorter as the book went on which was nice.
I though Archer and Madden were a great couple! I am glad this was a win, and that Felice Stevens as a big backlist I can get through! Archer though at times did a little too much running when he thought times would get too tough.. and that was annoying, but Madden was steadfast through the whole thing which I loved!
Kale Williams did a fabulous job narrating as always!
November 3, 2022
Unpopular opinion apparently and I’m sorry but this book was so bleah!!! It’s true that this author is a hit or miss for me and unfortunately this one here was a total miss. The writing is simplistic and totally lacking literary value, the characters were bratty, uninteresting and unlikable , there was no chemistry whatsoever and the sex, though in abundance, it was oh,so boring . The book has a certain over the top soap opera ish vibe and I couldn’t find it in me to care about the characters. The sister and the best friend were nosy and insufferable and the villains were very very bad , OTT bad , cartoonishly bad. Nothing worked for me here , I didn’t feel a single thing or emotion. Maybe it’s because this comes right after reading the beautiful prose in Subway Slayings and the sublime, profound and quiet romance in CS Poe’s book but I doubt it. It was just bad and I’m sorry to say that I almost DNF this one a few times. I really don’t know why I pushed myself to finish it.
January 27, 2023
Entertaining, hot, with two lovable main characters 💕
Who can resist a billionaire/highly-class-escort trope? Well I certainly can’t, and I certainly enjoyed the ride.
Asher is the escort who takes the assignment to surprise a guy in his apartment on his birthday. To say that said guy, Madden, isn’t happy about that, would be an understatement. But before he asks Asher to leave, they have sex. Because if course they’re attracted to each other despite everything.
Did I roll my eyes? Yes, I did. Did I continue listening (because I chose the audio version)? Yes, I did, too.
Because I fell in love pretty quickly with both, and I loved the dynamics between them (both are pretty self-assured and occasionally bossy). And even if the plot was a bit soap-opera-ish, I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t wait to see the evil witch aka Madden’s aunt put in her place.
Kale Williams, the narrator, was new to me, and he did a really good job - looking forward to listening to more books he’s in!
Who can resist a billionaire/highly-class-escort trope? Well I certainly can’t, and I certainly enjoyed the ride.
Asher is the escort who takes the assignment to surprise a guy in his apartment on his birthday. To say that said guy, Madden, isn’t happy about that, would be an understatement. But before he asks Asher to leave, they have sex. Because if course they’re attracted to each other despite everything.
Did I roll my eyes? Yes, I did. Did I continue listening (because I chose the audio version)? Yes, I did, too.
Because I fell in love pretty quickly with both, and I loved the dynamics between them (both are pretty self-assured and occasionally bossy). And even if the plot was a bit soap-opera-ish, I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t wait to see the evil witch aka Madden’s aunt put in her place.
Kale Williams, the narrator, was new to me, and he did a really good job - looking forward to listening to more books he’s in!
November 7, 2022
I should've dnf'd this one.
Cliche after Cliche - Madden, a millionaire with a heart of gold and serious trust issues, who doesn't want relationships but confesses all his secrets to Archer after only couple of meetings. Archer, an escort with a sad story who didn't have any other way to take care of his sick mother but to sell his body. But he never enjoyed sex with all those men before meeting Madden. I've read at least a dozen books like this. But the worst part was that there was zero chemistry between MCs. They constantly referred to the insane attraction between them. But I didn't feel any of it despite multiple sex scenes. The relationships wasn't convincing at all.
Plus, annoying meddling best friend (a millionaire, that could easily give/loan money to take care of the mother but instead helped to setup an escort business), even more annoying meddling sister (I honestly couldn't figure out why she believed an escort to be the best possible match for her millionaire brother - the most eligible gay bachelor in the city), Disney type villains - one dimensional and progressing from bad to worst with each scene. If I were an aunt, I would steel a lock of hair years ago and had my answer
2 stars only because I finished it - something kept my interest. Though, in hindsight, dnf would be a better choice
Cliche after Cliche - Madden, a millionaire with a heart of gold and serious trust issues, who doesn't want relationships but confesses all his secrets to Archer after only couple of meetings. Archer, an escort with a sad story who didn't have any other way to take care of his sick mother but to sell his body. But he never enjoyed sex with all those men before meeting Madden. I've read at least a dozen books like this. But the worst part was that there was zero chemistry between MCs. They constantly referred to the insane attraction between them. But I didn't feel any of it despite multiple sex scenes. The relationships wasn't convincing at all.
Plus, annoying meddling best friend (a millionaire, that could easily give/loan money to take care of the mother but instead helped to setup an escort business), even more annoying meddling sister (I honestly couldn't figure out why she believed an escort to be the best possible match for her millionaire brother - the most eligible gay bachelor in the city), Disney type villains - one dimensional and progressing from bad to worst with each scene. If I were an aunt, I would steel a lock of hair years ago and had my answer
2 stars only because I finished it - something kept my interest. Though, in hindsight, dnf would be a better choice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2022
So this is interesting because I do understand why people love this book but I am not one of them. I’m not sure if it’s just that I don’t vibe with the writing style or the story didn’t work for me. It’s probably a combo of both.
To be real blunt, the sex in this book was so awkward and inadequate. The scenes were maybe one paragraph. They’d touch each other and almost immediately climax. They were like two pump chumps. We never got to experience how deep and loving their physical connection was. Additionally the use of condoms the whole time, while responsible, seemed like a missed opportunity to have them discuss their safety and trust with each other. This should have been a convo considering Archer’s profession and even Madden since his ex was a cheater. My point is that the intimacy lacked emotion, passion, connection and depth.
There were so many redundant conversations and scenes. The constant back and forth between Archer staying or going was exhausting. Additionally, we know he was an escort but how many times can we call him a whore and prostitute?? Sex workers are demeaned and seen as less than human - I wanted more for him. Regardless of why he chose that profession, he was human and I feel like he was written as one dimensional at times.
Madden’s sister infuriated me - she hired him an escort and could not understand why he had an issue with that…even after he spelled it out for her. I know we needed the set up but for an intelligent person (as she’s portrayed), this made her look like an idiot.
Then there’s the issue of the aunt, Edwina. She was written about as vile as a character could be - so well done with that witch. However, the situation with her fell completely flat at the end was more than just a little anticlimactic.
I loved the premise of the book but in this case it just didn’t work for me.
To be real blunt, the sex in this book was so awkward and inadequate. The scenes were maybe one paragraph. They’d touch each other and almost immediately climax. They were like two pump chumps. We never got to experience how deep and loving their physical connection was. Additionally the use of condoms the whole time, while responsible, seemed like a missed opportunity to have them discuss their safety and trust with each other. This should have been a convo considering Archer’s profession and even Madden since his ex was a cheater. My point is that the intimacy lacked emotion, passion, connection and depth.
There were so many redundant conversations and scenes. The constant back and forth between Archer staying or going was exhausting. Additionally, we know he was an escort but how many times can we call him a whore and prostitute?? Sex workers are demeaned and seen as less than human - I wanted more for him. Regardless of why he chose that profession, he was human and I feel like he was written as one dimensional at times.
Madden’s sister infuriated me - she hired him an escort and could not understand why he had an issue with that…even after he spelled it out for her. I know we needed the set up but for an intelligent person (as she’s portrayed), this made her look like an idiot.
Then there’s the issue of the aunt, Edwina. She was written about as vile as a character could be - so well done with that witch. However, the situation with her fell completely flat at the end was more than just a little anticlimactic.
I loved the premise of the book but in this case it just didn’t work for me.
November 22, 2022
Real estate mogul and billionaire Madden Steele is celebrating his 30th birthday alone, like any other night. Having been badly betrayed and hurt by his boyfriend of four years, Madden has closed himself off from everything, except work and his sister.
His sister, Tricia, who has gotten to know Christine, who is Archer Strong's best friend.
Telling Christine how her brother has closed himself off, she tells her about Archer, the most exclusive escort in New York City. And Tricia gets her brother the most perfect birthday present.
Archer Strong, 33, has been an escort for eight years. While it was not his first choice for a career, Archer will not be made feel less. He has his own valid reasons to do what he does. Accepting the job to be Madden's birthday present, both Madden and Archer feel like Just One Night just isnt't enough.
Madden proposes an offer Archer just can't refuse, but scheming family members in the Steele Corporation are making it difficult to fully enjoy their time together.
I've not read that many Felice Stevens books, but the ones I have read were all sweet with a HEA. While this too had it's own HEA, it was not a sweet and easy road.
Told in dual POV, Archer and Madden's path to their HEA was emotional and rough but mesmerizing with hot, steamy and sexy times.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2022
If I don't mind the unrealistic dynamics it's a nice book and you can forget the world for some hours
Read
November 5, 2022DNF @40%
I'm not feeling this.
I keep finding myself putting it down and scrolling through SM. Not a good sign.
Madden's personality is inconsistent. Hot then cold, angry then calm between one minute and the next.
I'm also not warning up to Asher.
Might be me not the book... sigh.
I'm not feeling this.
I keep finding myself putting it down and scrolling through SM. Not a good sign.
Madden's personality is inconsistent. Hot then cold, angry then calm between one minute and the next.
I'm also not warning up to Asher.
Might be me not the book... sigh.
April 25, 2023
Now this was something else. Sure, it is a trope quite common in romance novels, but I was surprised. First, the whole setup was convincing. Solid characters with believable actions, except the hooker only contracting each client once. That is not just bad business but it comes down to risking meeting a violent stranger with every job.
The storyline was simple but what I admired most was how the author never went over the top with the drama. With every occurrence the characters behaved like people in real life. But that is the reason I did not gave 5 stars: I'd like to have my heartstrings pulled.
The narration was good, too.
The storyline was simple but what I admired most was how the author never went over the top with the drama. With every occurrence the characters behaved like people in real life. But that is the reason I did not gave 5 stars: I'd like to have my heartstrings pulled.
The narration was good, too.
September 30, 2023
Madden & Archer
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
Family Fucking Drama. I liked the rest of the book, but I am so over family drama for the sake of drama!!
Madden is a wealthy man who has family fucking drama; he has been hurt in the past and hasn't been able to move so his sister steps in and sends him a lovely birthday present in the name of Archer.
Now what I did love is that even though Archer is a sex worker he is so real. He doesn't mince words he tells it like it is. And you can take it or leave it.
They connect and it becomes more than just one night. Sigh, I loved that.
Overall a great book just really hated all the family fucking drama. The narration was delightful.
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
Family Fucking Drama. I liked the rest of the book, but I am so over family drama for the sake of drama!!
Madden is a wealthy man who has family fucking drama; he has been hurt in the past and hasn't been able to move so his sister steps in and sends him a lovely birthday present in the name of Archer.
Now what I did love is that even though Archer is a sex worker he is so real. He doesn't mince words he tells it like it is. And you can take it or leave it.
They connect and it becomes more than just one night. Sigh, I loved that.
Overall a great book just really hated all the family fucking drama. The narration was delightful.
November 4, 2022
I am a sucker for stories with sex workers who meet their person and the chemistry between Madden and Archer is palpable and the roller coaster of emotions and the amazing sexual attraction between these two men drew me in immediately, but the writer took us beyond the surface to look at the foundations of family, friendship, loyalty and honesty to give us a book that I devoured in one sitting! These characters had depth, heat and vulnerability and I just lapped up every page, barely noticing the world around me... the perfect escape!
January 27, 2023
This is a who's who in Whoville.
Never in my life did i have to make a sheet of characters in a book until now. These people are the SAME, i swear. The two MC's are interchangeable, if you would swap their professions it would change nothing since they have the same wall drying personality.
Their sisters or whatever they were idk i threw the sheet away but Trish i think and the other one was..... let's say Catherine are also the same person only differencing the names. And Catherine, oh god, she was the weird straight girl everyone knows who's obsessed with gay people and the way she talks is so high school brat.
I found this so hard to follow based on what i've written above but also the plot is ass instead of doing a paternity test maybe they should do a personality one cuz they have nothing going on other than having s*x like rabbits.
There is a part in this book where one of the MC's (i forgot the names) says that he will keep it fun and fresh so their relationship works in the future but they do the same thing in bed and their conversations are the same over and over again. If he just took the damn test earlier on this wouldn't have had to happen.
It could also have been much shorter since nothing happens and there are way too many smut scenes of which i cared for none and about 100% of them made me want to go to conversion therapy.
Their "romance" was not it. Maybe because they sounded like twins since they are the same but i didn't feel it, i didn't ship it and i don't support it. NO.
The writing is also bland. "i wouldn't leave you for a million dollars" <--- the peak of writing. And they use that phrase about 3 times if i counted correctly... Also for being in their thirties they acted like morons. Both of them.
Honestly, i usually say that maybe i am the only one that didn't like a book and others just viewed it differently but with this one? NO. I don't see how people can rate it anything above a 3⭐️. Someone also commented that they listened to the audio version of it 5x in one year and I'm flabbergasted as to how and why? I would rather shoot myself in the eardrums.
Anyway, no shade to the author. I will try more of their work because i refuse to believe this is as good as it gets.
Never in my life did i have to make a sheet of characters in a book until now. These people are the SAME, i swear. The two MC's are interchangeable, if you would swap their professions it would change nothing since they have the same wall drying personality.
Their sisters or whatever they were idk i threw the sheet away but Trish i think and the other one was..... let's say Catherine are also the same person only differencing the names. And Catherine, oh god, she was the weird straight girl everyone knows who's obsessed with gay people and the way she talks is so high school brat.
I found this so hard to follow based on what i've written above but also the plot is ass instead of doing a paternity test maybe they should do a personality one cuz they have nothing going on other than having s*x like rabbits.
There is a part in this book where one of the MC's (i forgot the names) says that he will keep it fun and fresh so their relationship works in the future but they do the same thing in bed and their conversations are the same over and over again. If he just took the damn test earlier on this wouldn't have had to happen.
It could also have been much shorter since nothing happens and there are way too many smut scenes of which i cared for none and about 100% of them made me want to go to conversion therapy.
Their "romance" was not it. Maybe because they sounded like twins since they are the same but i didn't feel it, i didn't ship it and i don't support it. NO.
The writing is also bland. "i wouldn't leave you for a million dollars" <--- the peak of writing. And they use that phrase about 3 times if i counted correctly... Also for being in their thirties they acted like morons. Both of them.
Honestly, i usually say that maybe i am the only one that didn't like a book and others just viewed it differently but with this one? NO. I don't see how people can rate it anything above a 3⭐️. Someone also commented that they listened to the audio version of it 5x in one year and I'm flabbergasted as to how and why? I would rather shoot myself in the eardrums.
Anyway, no shade to the author. I will try more of their work because i refuse to believe this is as good as it gets.
November 2, 2022
I love the depth Felice’s characters always have and the emotions that so well conveyed and written that it’s hard not to feel whatever the MCs are feeling at any given point in the book. Madden and Archer are complex characters who wanted and needed each other but were unwilling to face the obvious for a while, until they could no longer deny their connection. As usual, this was a beautifully written novel with loveable characters, both main and secondary.
July 18, 2023
I've given this a B for narration and a B- for content at AudioGals (3.75 stars rounded up)
Felice Stevens has some fun with the billionaire/escort trope in her standalone contemporary romance,Just One Night.It’s a sexy, undemanding listen with moderate levels of angst, and the narration by Kale Williams keeps things moving despite some slower pacing and repetitiveness in the second half.
Madden Steele, CEO of family-owned Steele Construction, was badly hurt when he discovered his boyfriend of four years was cheating on him and then sued him for ‘palimony’. Wanting nothing more than to close the door on that chapter of his life, Madden didn’t contest the suit and paid a seven figure sum to pull it tight shut, lock it and throw away the key. But that was two years ago, and Madden has retreated into a protective shell; he doesn’t date or socialise (other than when work-related) and his older sister Tricia is genuinely concerned for him. She decides that maybe what he needs to loosen him up is a night of fun and fantastic sex and to that end arranges him a very special thirtieth birthday present.
Archer Strong is one of the most highly paid escorts in New York City. He’s gorgeous, he’s charming, he’s discreet… and he’s incredibly good at what he does, leaving his clients extremely satisfied (although he’s rarely the same). He’s not too keen on the idea of being a birthday surprise – such things can go badly in his experience and he’s inclined to turn it down. But on learning his fee has been paid upfront – ten grand for the whole night – he changes his mind; at least, if things go pear-shaped, he can leave without losing out financially.
When Madden arrives home on the night of his birthday to find a shirtless stranger sitting in his bedroom sipping his finest brandy, his first instinct is (unsurprisingly) to throw him out. But once the man has explained who he is and why he’s there, Madden’s resolve falters; the guy is hot as hell, and he can’t ignore the bolt of desire that runs through him. Angry – at the situation and at himself – he calls Tricia to ask what she thinks she’s playing at; she tells him she thought he deserved a night of fun on his birthday, that Archer is who he says he is and that he should just let himself enjoy what’s on offer, even if it’s for just one night. Madden is still annoyed and not at all sure that he shouldn’t just send Archer away, but after all, it would be just a night. He allows himself to be persuaded – but next morning, insists that nobody can know they spent the night together; should Tricia ask, nothing happened between them.
Both men expect that to be it. Archer has already decided to take a break – he’s been in the business for eight years and needs a bit of time to work out what he might want to do when he has enough money saved to enable him to quit – and Madden has a company to run, together with some difficult family issues to deal with. But they can’t quite forget each other, and a few days later, at the end of a particularly trying day, Madden finally gives in and does the thing he’s been telling himself not to do ever since their night together and texts Archer. He can’t deny that the sex was fantastic and he’d enjoyed the man’s company, so why not do it again? It’s not as if it’s going to mean anything or go anywhere, right?
Well of course, we’ve all heard that before, but I liked the way their relationship develops. Both men are confident, used to having the upper hand and used to going it alone; they don’t open up about themselves often or easily (or, in Archer’s case, ever) and are determined to keep it that way. But the evenings they spend together very quickly become about more than just sex, and the more time they spend together talking and getting to know each other, the more Archer can see that Madden is tied up in knots and really needs someone to unburden himself to. In turn, Madden senses that there’s more to Archer than the gorgeous sex-god he presents to the world and that he, too, is in need of a sympathetic ear. I liked that they both felt able to confide in one another and that they support each other unreservedly; there’s one potential (small) bump along the way, but it’s smoothed over in a sensible way and not allowed to fester.
The conflict in the story is mostly external, due to the fact that Madden’s aunt Edwina – his late father’s sister – is trying to force him out of his position in the company, and is certainly not above using his relationship with Archer to paint him in a negative light. Madden is deeply hurt by all this; after his mother left, his aunt and uncle were always there for him and loved him like their own, but since his father’s death she’s become greedy and is insisting Madden take a DNA test to prove he is really his father’s son. Apart from dredging up some unpleasant memories about his past, this rift has the potential to cause real problems for the company and Madden’s vision for its future. Edwina is somewhat cartoonish, but I did like the drama!
I enjoyed Just One Night, even though the set up bothered me quite a bit. Tricia feeling it was okay to arrange for a complete stranger to have access to her brother’s home and then pay him to have sex with him was just not on. Her intentions may have good, but I absolutely didn’t blame Madden for being angry and wanting Archer to leave, and I applauded the conversation that he instigated later to tell her why what she did wasn’t okay.
Given this is a book in which one of the leads is a sex-worker, I suppose it’s not surprising that there are a lot of sex scenes in it – but after the third or fourth (or fifth or sixth…) I started to wish the author had applied the “less is more” principle and cut a few of them out, because they didn’t really add much to the overall story.
Kale Williams is a narrator I always enjoy listening to. He has a gorgeous voice, and I like the way he finds the heart of the story and characters and how he is able to convey the deepest of emotions in a manner that is understated and real. His characterisation of the two leads in this story fits their personalities really well, with Madden’s voice having a harsh edge that expertly conveys how tightly wound he is, while Archer’s is smoother and well-modulated, oozing charm and sex appeal. The handful of secondary characters are well differentiated, but there were times I found it difficult to tell the difference between Madden and Archer, especially when starting a new chapter. The story is told in alternating PoVs which switch between chapters, but it sometimes took a couple of minutes for me to be able to tell whose PoV we were in because the voices weren’t always distinct enough. It didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the narration or story, but it was a bit frustrating, especially as Mr. Williams is so very good at everything else!
Just One Night might not make my list of favourite listens, but I enjoyed the story and narration enough to offer a low-level recommendation to anyone looking for a sexy contemporary with just a smidge of drama.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
Felice Stevens has some fun with the billionaire/escort trope in her standalone contemporary romance,Just One Night.It’s a sexy, undemanding listen with moderate levels of angst, and the narration by Kale Williams keeps things moving despite some slower pacing and repetitiveness in the second half.
Madden Steele, CEO of family-owned Steele Construction, was badly hurt when he discovered his boyfriend of four years was cheating on him and then sued him for ‘palimony’. Wanting nothing more than to close the door on that chapter of his life, Madden didn’t contest the suit and paid a seven figure sum to pull it tight shut, lock it and throw away the key. But that was two years ago, and Madden has retreated into a protective shell; he doesn’t date or socialise (other than when work-related) and his older sister Tricia is genuinely concerned for him. She decides that maybe what he needs to loosen him up is a night of fun and fantastic sex and to that end arranges him a very special thirtieth birthday present.
Archer Strong is one of the most highly paid escorts in New York City. He’s gorgeous, he’s charming, he’s discreet… and he’s incredibly good at what he does, leaving his clients extremely satisfied (although he’s rarely the same). He’s not too keen on the idea of being a birthday surprise – such things can go badly in his experience and he’s inclined to turn it down. But on learning his fee has been paid upfront – ten grand for the whole night – he changes his mind; at least, if things go pear-shaped, he can leave without losing out financially.
When Madden arrives home on the night of his birthday to find a shirtless stranger sitting in his bedroom sipping his finest brandy, his first instinct is (unsurprisingly) to throw him out. But once the man has explained who he is and why he’s there, Madden’s resolve falters; the guy is hot as hell, and he can’t ignore the bolt of desire that runs through him. Angry – at the situation and at himself – he calls Tricia to ask what she thinks she’s playing at; she tells him she thought he deserved a night of fun on his birthday, that Archer is who he says he is and that he should just let himself enjoy what’s on offer, even if it’s for just one night. Madden is still annoyed and not at all sure that he shouldn’t just send Archer away, but after all, it would be just a night. He allows himself to be persuaded – but next morning, insists that nobody can know they spent the night together; should Tricia ask, nothing happened between them.
Both men expect that to be it. Archer has already decided to take a break – he’s been in the business for eight years and needs a bit of time to work out what he might want to do when he has enough money saved to enable him to quit – and Madden has a company to run, together with some difficult family issues to deal with. But they can’t quite forget each other, and a few days later, at the end of a particularly trying day, Madden finally gives in and does the thing he’s been telling himself not to do ever since their night together and texts Archer. He can’t deny that the sex was fantastic and he’d enjoyed the man’s company, so why not do it again? It’s not as if it’s going to mean anything or go anywhere, right?
Well of course, we’ve all heard that before, but I liked the way their relationship develops. Both men are confident, used to having the upper hand and used to going it alone; they don’t open up about themselves often or easily (or, in Archer’s case, ever) and are determined to keep it that way. But the evenings they spend together very quickly become about more than just sex, and the more time they spend together talking and getting to know each other, the more Archer can see that Madden is tied up in knots and really needs someone to unburden himself to. In turn, Madden senses that there’s more to Archer than the gorgeous sex-god he presents to the world and that he, too, is in need of a sympathetic ear. I liked that they both felt able to confide in one another and that they support each other unreservedly; there’s one potential (small) bump along the way, but it’s smoothed over in a sensible way and not allowed to fester.
The conflict in the story is mostly external, due to the fact that Madden’s aunt Edwina – his late father’s sister – is trying to force him out of his position in the company, and is certainly not above using his relationship with Archer to paint him in a negative light. Madden is deeply hurt by all this; after his mother left, his aunt and uncle were always there for him and loved him like their own, but since his father’s death she’s become greedy and is insisting Madden take a DNA test to prove he is really his father’s son. Apart from dredging up some unpleasant memories about his past, this rift has the potential to cause real problems for the company and Madden’s vision for its future. Edwina is somewhat cartoonish, but I did like the drama!
I enjoyed Just One Night, even though the set up bothered me quite a bit. Tricia feeling it was okay to arrange for a complete stranger to have access to her brother’s home and then pay him to have sex with him was just not on. Her intentions may have good, but I absolutely didn’t blame Madden for being angry and wanting Archer to leave, and I applauded the conversation that he instigated later to tell her why what she did wasn’t okay.
Given this is a book in which one of the leads is a sex-worker, I suppose it’s not surprising that there are a lot of sex scenes in it – but after the third or fourth (or fifth or sixth…) I started to wish the author had applied the “less is more” principle and cut a few of them out, because they didn’t really add much to the overall story.
Kale Williams is a narrator I always enjoy listening to. He has a gorgeous voice, and I like the way he finds the heart of the story and characters and how he is able to convey the deepest of emotions in a manner that is understated and real. His characterisation of the two leads in this story fits their personalities really well, with Madden’s voice having a harsh edge that expertly conveys how tightly wound he is, while Archer’s is smoother and well-modulated, oozing charm and sex appeal. The handful of secondary characters are well differentiated, but there were times I found it difficult to tell the difference between Madden and Archer, especially when starting a new chapter. The story is told in alternating PoVs which switch between chapters, but it sometimes took a couple of minutes for me to be able to tell whose PoV we were in because the voices weren’t always distinct enough. It didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the narration or story, but it was a bit frustrating, especially as Mr. Williams is so very good at everything else!
Just One Night might not make my list of favourite listens, but I enjoyed the story and narration enough to offer a low-level recommendation to anyone looking for a sexy contemporary with just a smidge of drama.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
October 16, 2022
Loved this book! So very good! I loved Archer and Madden!! Archer and his cockiness, Madden and his grumpiness, who would of that an Escort and a Real Estate Mangel would have the hottest night of there life because of a birthday gift from his sister gave him( Archer) . Madden was angry at first then gave in. Madden was at his nieces birthday party and happens to see Archer again and the hook up in a closet and can’t stop thinking of each other and Madden comes up with a proposal… Which leads to a lot of steamy nights, dinners, chatting and cuddling and so much more. I cried a few times of course as I always do. I sat up all night to finish the book it was so very good! A Must Recommended Read!!!
October 16, 2022
This has to be best book I’ve read in a while. I love Madden and Archer, they are so sweet together. I will be rereading this book because I know I won’t have enough of those two. The book had sorts of emotions where you reading along then speeding up to see the what’s going on. Love this type of story. I recommend it to everyone.
October 16, 2022
An inspirational and uplifting story. What started out as a business arrangement turned into a forever love. I liked how each man supported the other in their time of trials and travails. It made my heart feel full seeing the pair grow as a couple. What a super romantic ending!!!! Must read.
Read
November 2, 2025i mean it was a romance. i wasnt invested in the slightest but im just glad i finished it. this is the type of shit i would read pre goodreads account for some quick pleasure and let it sit in my google play library as a dirty little secret. so i dont rlly have any thoughts it did its job as trashy romance ill never think abt again
i will say being best friends with a native new yorker made this book a little ridiculous. early into the book they get food from a "quiet restaurant around times square" and now thats an oxymoron if i ever heard one. it made me want to pull out my messages where i texted her after passing by tourist central for a show abt how she's so correct and times square is probably the most annoying place to be, full of people always and so loud. there's more ny nonsense but that was the most egregious to me.
there's also a line where he says "when you're in me, it feels like a perfect storm" what kind of penetration are YALL having to be a perfect storm?????? come on now.
anyway. i really need to lock in on my chloe gong informed hater research so i should go do that and stop investing time in my favorite procrastination method..
i will say being best friends with a native new yorker made this book a little ridiculous. early into the book they get food from a "quiet restaurant around times square" and now thats an oxymoron if i ever heard one. it made me want to pull out my messages where i texted her after passing by tourist central for a show abt how she's so correct and times square is probably the most annoying place to be, full of people always and so loud. there's more ny nonsense but that was the most egregious to me.
there's also a line where he says "when you're in me, it feels like a perfect storm" what kind of penetration are YALL having to be a perfect storm?????? come on now.
anyway. i really need to lock in on my chloe gong informed hater research so i should go do that and stop investing time in my favorite procrastination method..
February 7, 2023
I listened to this roughly two weeks ago. Took some notes along the way. Just reviewed them to try to pull together a brief review and find I remember virtually nothing about this book. My lingering impressions are that I didn't love either MC and found them to often be immature in their interactions with each other. Running away--literally--when in a disagreement, getting defensive at the drop of a hat, not communicating. And then they'd get super sappy and exchange cheesy dialogue and what can I say it just wasn't a winning combo. I also recall feeling like the book had too many plot holes concerning the nefarious aunt. That's all I got.
November 2, 2022
Another Great Story
I always enjoy stories from Felice Stevens. This is another great one. I loved reading Madden and Archer's story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I always enjoy stories from Felice Stevens. This is another great one. I loved reading Madden and Archer's story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
April 2, 2024
4.25 🌟
January 15, 2023
Loved this from start to finish
Felice Stevens does it again. Great characters. Wonderful plotting. I enjoy books where the characters have to change and this was beautifully done.
Felice Stevens does it again. Great characters. Wonderful plotting. I enjoy books where the characters have to change and this was beautifully done.
November 3, 2022
Once in a while I get my hand on a book that really throws me through a loop. Just One Night is just that. I couldn't put it down and read it during my holiday trip when I couldn't sleep.
I fell in love with Archer and Madden and turned the pages as fast as I could because I really wanted to know what happens next. The rich developer and the escort is just one of the tropes I will read with anticipation and expectations. Felice Stevens delivered. Both characters are well developed and have seriously great supportive characters that lift the story to the next level. And the villains I loved to hate. I really recommend this book.
***** I won this ARC *****
I fell in love with Archer and Madden and turned the pages as fast as I could because I really wanted to know what happens next. The rich developer and the escort is just one of the tropes I will read with anticipation and expectations. Felice Stevens delivered. Both characters are well developed and have seriously great supportive characters that lift the story to the next level. And the villains I loved to hate. I really recommend this book.
***** I won this ARC *****
April 8, 2023
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
JUST ONE NIGHT is a standalone story in the Billionaire & Escort trope. Madden is the billionaire and Asher is the escort. Both of them are confident men, hiding their inner bruised selves from the world. However, both of them also have strong females in their lives. For Mads, it is his older sister; for Asher, his best friend. Both women know exactly what has gone on in the lives of their men and aren't prepared to stand by any longer.
I LOVED THIS STORY! And it's in a genre that usually doesn't do much for me - probably because I'm about as far away from being a billionaire as you can get! There are no unnecessary miscommunications or misunderstandings. Things happen, explanations and reasons given, BOOM, let's sort it out. I can't tell you how refreshing that was. Instead of all that angst, you get two adult men who know what they want, uniting in their feelings for each other, against those who seek to cause damage.
The pacing is smooth, the descriptions vivid, and the characters both lifelike and loveable. The steam is off the charts and I loved how their relationship grew. There is an epilogue that not only gives you everything you want but also left me wanting more from this pair. I did NOT want this book to finish!
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 18, 2022
I LOVED THIS STORY! And it's in a genre that usually doesn't do much for me - probably because I'm about as far away from being a billionaire as you can get! There are no unnecessary miscommunications or misunderstandings. Things happen, explanations and reasons given, BOOM, let's sort it out. I can't tell you how refreshing that was. Instead of all that angst, you get two adult men who know what they want, uniting in their feelings for each other, against those who seek to cause damage.
The pacing is smooth, the descriptions vivid, and the characters both lifelike and loveable. The steam is off the charts and I loved how their relationship grew. There is an epilogue that not only gives you everything you want but also left me wanting more from this pair. I did NOT want this book to finish!
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 18, 2022
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