Review: Just One Night by Carly Phillips

JUST ONE NIGHT

by Carly Phillips

Series: The Kingston Family #1

Publication date: April 20, 2021

Format: Kindle

Source: Newsletter Freebie

3.75 Stars

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.

GOODREADS | AMAZON*

*At the time of this post, Just One Night is currently available for free on most platforms:

Kindle, Nook, Apple, Kobo, and Google Play.

Carly Phillips is an author who had been on my radar for a long time. Since her Kingston Family series was offered on audio on Hoopla, I decided to give it a try.

Linc and Jordan had been friends since childhood. His family had mega-money and social status, while Jordan’s mother worked as the family’s domestic help. Even so, their bond was strong and years later, when Linc was at the helm of his late father’s company, Jordan was by his side as his personal assistant. When Linc learned some shocking news, he wanted Jordan by his side, as both his assistant and his trusted best friend.  A fleeting encounter led to some life changing news, and both Linc and Jordan had to navigate new waters.

I’m a big fan of the friends to lovers trope so already this had that going for it. Linc and Jordan both had some more-than-friendship feelings happening but neither one would say anything or make a move for fear of compromising their friendship. After an out of town hookup, Jordan insisted they put it behind them and move on, even though Linc was (privately) willing to see where things went.

Even though I wasn’t super invested, I did enjoy this one. Linc and Jordan were so obviously good together, so it was easy to pull for them. I did wish that Jordan had shared the pregnancy news with Linc long before she did. Based on her history, I could kind of understand it, but I still wished she had talked to him sooner. (Side note: I feel like a lot of books I’ve read lately have employed the surprise pregnancy trope. It’s not something that bothers me, but I know some readers like to steer clear. So, heads up that it’s definitely used here.) There was some typical rich mean girl drama, a side plot concerning Linc’s business that I enjoyed, and a likable cast of characters. Overall, a solid read and I’m sure at some point I’ll continue the series. ⭐⭐⭐.75

Have you read anything by Carly Phillips?