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One Night in Dallas
Over a decade ago, Avery Laniston fell in love with his brother Bran’s best friend but walked out on him and married his career instead. He’s regretted it ever since. After twelve years abroad, he returns for Bran’s wedding, hoping to make amends—only to get stranded in an airport with the man he left behind.
When Paul Gladwell finds himself stuck in Dallas with Avery on the way to Bran’s wedding, he decides a one-night stand might be the ticket to closure. Instead it rekindles a spark that threatens to burn him a second time. The romantic atmosphere at the wedding venue doesn’t help, nor does scheming from their friends and family. But the worst culprit is Paul’s heart, which refuses to listen to his head’s warning that Avery hasn’t changed.
Avery knows he hurt Paul before, and he’s determined to make it right. But he doesn’t know where his next job might take him, and Paul is hesitant to trust him again. Can Avery prove he’ll be the partner Paul deserves—that he can balance his career and his personal life? Or will he add one night in Dallas to his years of regrets?
When Paul Gladwell finds himself stuck in Dallas with Avery on the way to Bran’s wedding, he decides a one-night stand might be the ticket to closure. Instead it rekindles a spark that threatens to burn him a second time. The romantic atmosphere at the wedding venue doesn’t help, nor does scheming from their friends and family. But the worst culprit is Paul’s heart, which refuses to listen to his head’s warning that Avery hasn’t changed.
Avery knows he hurt Paul before, and he’s determined to make it right. But he doesn’t know where his next job might take him, and Paul is hesitant to trust him again. Can Avery prove he’ll be the partner Paul deserves—that he can balance his career and his personal life? Or will he add one night in Dallas to his years of regrets?
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
1 person is currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Bru Baker
43 books122 followersBru Baker writes sophisticated gay romantic fiction with strong characters, real-world problems, and plenty of humor.
Bru spent fifteen years writing for newspapers before making the jump to fiction. She now balances her time between writing and working at a Midwestern library in the reference department. Whether it’s creating her own characters or getting caught up in someone else’s, there’s no denying that Bru is happiest when she’s engrossed in a story. She and her husband have two children, which means a lot of her books get written from the sidelines of various sports practices.
Bru spent fifteen years writing for newspapers before making the jump to fiction. She now balances her time between writing and working at a Midwestern library in the reference department. Whether it’s creating her own characters or getting caught up in someone else’s, there’s no denying that Bru is happiest when she’s engrossed in a story. She and her husband have two children, which means a lot of her books get written from the sidelines of various sports practices.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 1, 2022
2.75 stars rounded up
Even until the very end (of happy ending) I wasn't sure whether these two are good for each other. They have communication problem, running away from problem, hiding away from problem... it happened all those years ago, and let's face it, it happened again at present time. Also, their "voice" seems a bit interchangable.
I'm rounding it up to my okay 3-stars because, hey, at least I finished it 😄
Even until the very end (of happy ending) I wasn't sure whether these two are good for each other. They have communication problem, running away from problem, hiding away from problem... it happened all those years ago, and let's face it, it happened again at present time. Also, their "voice" seems a bit interchangable.
I'm rounding it up to my okay 3-stars because, hey, at least I finished it 😄
October 26, 2022
I feel so good right now! I just finished one of the most delightful romances I’ve ever read. Why haven’t I read books by Bru Baker before? Where have I been hiding? The author painted the picture of the history of these two men, who were estranged for twelve years, with such clarity and in so few words, I’m amazed. Within the first chapter, I started rooting for this couple, and as I followed their journey, I couldn’t help but hope for a satisfying happy ending—and I was rewarded handsomely.
What makes this story great is both the setup and the characters themselves. They are mature adults now, so Paul is able to forgive Avery for walking out on him twelve years before. Granted, he required a tiny bit of groveling and a good explanation, but neither character wallowed in angst and overthinking for page after page, as I’ve seen in many other stories. Each character was personable and true to their past and present actions as they unfolded. Avery was determined and firm in his resolve and commitment to Paul. And Paul, though still troubled by thoughts of Avery’s previous abandonment, was hopeful for a better outlook this time.
Their major hurdle (Isn’t there always a hurdle?!) didn’t last long. In other words, the story kept moving forward. Again, no wallowing in long-term angst. The secondary characters were diverse and interesting and were necessary to plot development. The pace was fast, and though the title indicates they spent one night together, the full story moves far beyond that one night at the airport.
I enjoyed every moment and hated to put the book down. This is definitely going to the top of my “must reread” shelf.
What makes this story great is both the setup and the characters themselves. They are mature adults now, so Paul is able to forgive Avery for walking out on him twelve years before. Granted, he required a tiny bit of groveling and a good explanation, but neither character wallowed in angst and overthinking for page after page, as I’ve seen in many other stories. Each character was personable and true to their past and present actions as they unfolded. Avery was determined and firm in his resolve and commitment to Paul. And Paul, though still troubled by thoughts of Avery’s previous abandonment, was hopeful for a better outlook this time.
Their major hurdle (Isn’t there always a hurdle?!) didn’t last long. In other words, the story kept moving forward. Again, no wallowing in long-term angst. The secondary characters were diverse and interesting and were necessary to plot development. The pace was fast, and though the title indicates they spent one night together, the full story moves far beyond that one night at the airport.
I enjoyed every moment and hated to put the book down. This is definitely going to the top of my “must reread” shelf.
August 20, 2023
I really don't understand the reviews complaining about Paul and Avery not communicating with each other. They talked to each other in a fairly healthy manner throughout most of the book. The conflict came from past wounds, not from miscommunication.
The characters were likable, and I chuckled more than once at lines in the book.
Am I likely to read another one of Bru Baker's books? No. Can I recommend this one? Yes.
The characters were likable, and I chuckled more than once at lines in the book.
Am I likely to read another one of Bru Baker's books? No. Can I recommend this one? Yes.
November 2, 2022
A feel good romance!
I really enjoyed this love story. Light on angst, engaging characters and a nice amount of humor. I am so glad that Ms. Baker has published again after a “Covid hiatus”
I really enjoyed this love story. Light on angst, engaging characters and a nice amount of humor. I am so glad that Ms. Baker has published again after a “Covid hiatus”
May 30, 2024
Story pans out as expected, yes they could have talked more, they did work well together.
Easy to read, pacy writing. Enjoyed
Easy to read, pacy writing. Enjoyed
September 27, 2025
4.25 stars
May 9, 2023
I hate when second chance romances show a couple getting back together and not addressing the issues that made them not work in the first place. One Night in Dallas was guilty of that. For a lot of the book, I was not even rooting for Avery and Paul. I honestly did not understand the pull Avery had over Paul.
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January 20, 2023Paul is such a sucker. I had trouble getting into this book because of this. It’s like he doesn’t care about himself or that Avery didn’t care enough about him for 10 years to come back, even after he finished his PhD. I’m on chapter 10 and may not be able to finish.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews