Member Reviews
I was expecting a lighthearted rom-com, however this book is not quite so funny. I could not engage with Ruby, which made reading the book quite difficult. This story had a lack of focus that an editor could have helped. I didn't enjoy the wandering plot points that really had nothing to do with the story. This book wasn't for me.
Thank you to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick, cute read with a predictable happy end - just with a few bumps along the way. As in her other books, the author does a fantastic job of including secondary characters and friends in the narrative, and of allowing space for questions and quiet crises of identity, self-worth. At the same time, the voices of the characters (both inner and outward) were funny, quirky and heart-warming. Not an earth-shatteringly important read, more like rom-com comfort food - and that definitely has a place in my reading diet.
Ruby is leaving.
Nic is arriving.
When a chance meeting throws them together, it’s clear this could be something special. But with the timing off, they agree just one night and after that they’ll never see each other again.
Will they?
I have read a couple of books by Williams now and I have to say I find them hit and miss. Unfortunately, this one fell into the so-so category for me as it just didn’t seem to get anywhere.
I felt the premise of the story was a good one, but it seemed to go off on several different tangents and with it I lost focus frequently. The second half of the book was better, it felt more real and emotional, but it wasn’t enough to win me back.
As for the protagonists, Ruby was self-absorbed and therefore hard to like, and Nic was just too nice!
This was an ok read, maybe to flick through quickly on the beach over the summer but if you’re looking for a rom-com that has a lot of laughs along with some character arcs this probably isn’t the one for you.
I have read the author's book before so I delightful to see her next one coming. And have to say it straight: it is HER best one!
"One night with you" is not just a story about two lovely heart in the big city. It is for more than that.
There are two (at least) love stories here. The old one, with a huge impact and the new one who is looking for a chance. Different times, different circumstances, but the feeling and emotions stay the same.
For me, it is also a very interesting perspective on being simple and starting a relationship. We all have past, expecatations how our live should be look like, so being with other person is not only a choice of the heart, but also a voice of common sense.
Still, this book was a great entertainment for me. It is funny, romantic and kinda nostalgic at the same time. Definitely love it!
Perfect summer read.
From the moment the characters were introduced I was very much invested to their story. I also love the first impressions they had for each other. It was very adorable but also full of sexual tension.
I really love Nic’s personality, he is shy but very charming and funny. I love how patient he was with Ruby, it was nice seeing them fall in love with each other. The bromance between him and Jackson was chef kiss!! I adore them and their relationship so much.
Although there was an instant attraction between Ruby and Nic, I appreciated that they took things slow when it comes to dating. I love that they were always so rational and mature when it came to handling their relationship and problems.
Perfect read if you’re looking for a light quick romance read!
And she does it again! Laura writes the most wholesome romance novels. There should be a separate sub category in the romance genre for her.
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Her stories are warm and fuzzy and will initially take you for a whirlwind romantic story and then from that high, real life will hit you and that's why I adore her books. You don't just live in this big dramatic love story, its a love which exists within the real world, with all its technicalities.
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I would also like to add that this book is as much Nic & Ruby as it is JP &. Amelia. It's also about not being so cautious that you stop letting love in, about letting you heart love with all its might and becoming stronger in the process. Stronger not in the way you become hard hearted but stronger in a way that you start accepting love more.
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Love you Laura for writing these books!
This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided by the publishers.
Let me preface this by saying, I wanted to like this novel as much as I liked the other books I've read by Ms Williams. Unfortunately, I found it very hard to like.
It was Nic's first night in London and Ruby's last. There is chemistry between them which ends in a ONS: This is followed by lots of information about Ruby's life in Manchester and her Master's studies in film, especially her amateur documentary on the nonagenarian JP trying to find his first love. We get to see Nic chapters, but we don't learn much about him other than him pining for Ruby; he also somehow turns from an introvert to an extrovert without much of an explanation. There are Ruby's mates and Nic's, but the only secondary character that really stood out for me was JP.
I'm still looking forward to Ms Williams' next book.
While this book was enjoyable enough, it also didn’t blow me away. I thought it started out great, but then slowed down way too much by the middle. The ending was a bit disappointing as well.
When I love a book, I can struggle with writing a review. Putting my thoughts down on paper (as it were) is an impossible feat, so forgive me if this seems rather basic.
Okay, so this may sound a little OTT, but I have no other way to describe this book other than pure Romcom perfection!
I have nothing but love for this book and everything in it. Yes, it’s hilarious and has plenty of moments of gorgeous love, but it is more than a romcom. It’s a beautiful reflection of real life.
Nic and Ruby are the central characters, but as with real life, it’s never straightforward, and we can find our life taking a completely different route to the one we had planned or expected. That life’s complexities make us realise we never know what can happen. From chance encounters to love long gone but never forgotten and, of course, how a goodbye can turn into a hello. It is all part of life’s rich tapestry and is reflected beautifully in this book.
The whole crew are brilliant. There isn’t a character I didn’t love. JP especially stole my heart. He is adorable.
This book has love, friendships, fallouts, heartbreak and surprises galore.
Honestly, I could gush about this book all day, every day. It’s one of my top favourite romcoms, and Laura Jane Williams is now a firm favourite author.
I cannot leave this review without mentioning the brilliant imagery. Now, I know that may seem like a fantasy book term, but LJW words bring these characters to life. As I have an arc, there’s no guarantee this line will be in the book but using it as an example of the delightful imagery and how these few words make the character come alive.
-I bob my head from side to side and exaggerate my chewing, the universal sign for ‘Hold on - my mouth is full’-
I can easily picture that in my head and instantly laugh with the image but also knowing that, yes, I’ve done that too! It’s pure brilliance!
And another shout out for fabulous LGBTQ rep.
A massive thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins for the arc ebook. It was a pure joy to read.
And thank you, Laura Jane Williams. Your stories are funny as hell and have so much heart.
This book covers the wavering friendship between Nic & Ruby, who meet when he buys her sofa from her. They meet at turning points in their lives, where a friendship/ relationship seems impossible. Nothing is straight forward, but there is a 'tie' between them that stays connected.
I loved the characters in this book. They are witty, likeable & relatable. The story is so good, such a wonderful narrative of people's lives, who feel they shouldn't be connected but flourish together. Very heart-warming & uplifting. Give this book a go, you will not be disappointed!
One Night With You by Laura Jane Williams is a delightful story about friendship, romance, and being true to yourself.
Ruby lives in a flat in London with her best friends, Jackson and Candice. After a recent breakup, Ruby decides to move to Manchester to attend a prestigious film school to pursue her dream of making documentaries. On her last night in London, she meets Nic, who came over to buy her couch, and they are immediately attracted to each other. They spend her last night in London, and his first night in London together.
Ruby has decided to dedicate her year at film school to be the Year of Ruby, where she totally dedicates her time to being the best version of herself. She has vowed to avoid relationships, and focus on herself. She enjoys living in Manchester and the film school and her film school friends. She runs into Nic a few times as he befriended her roommates back in London. They develop a friendship and their attraction to each other doesn’t go away.
I enjoyed Ruby’s friendship with Jackson and Candice, as they have a good solid bond at the beginning of the book. I enjoyed the chemistry between Ruby and Nic, and enjoyed following them as they each explored their new cities. I will say I thought the book bogged down a bit in the middle, there was a bit too much of will they, won’t they and it seemed like forever before they could get together.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romcom. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publishing team for arranging this arc! I've read every Laura Jane Williams novel since 'Becoming' and can safely say this is my favourite one! In my opinion, this is Laura's best romance novel with Avon. By far, the most endearing & the most relatable. If you're a twenty-something and you live in London, this will make you smile.
Passing ships / right person wrong time / strangers to lovers to strangers to friends to lovers... A brilliant formula overall. Great spicy scenes, and though they're few and far between, it's just enough to leave you wanting more.
Ruby & Nic have strong character arcs, as do the side character's (who can so often get forgotten), and it makes for a very enjoyable read. I'd recommend this to anyone but especially fans of Dolly Alderton, Bryony Gordon and Tessa Bailey.
I thought that this story was good but it could have been better
I didn't find that the story line "did it" for me and it didn't make me want to rush to see what happened next, I did carry on reading the story but it wasn't one for me.
It is 3 stars from me for this one - it could well be that this book is enjoyed more by other readers so I would encourage them to give the book a go as it could be a 5 star read for them
What happens if you meet the love of your life but they're moving hundreds of miles away the next day? That's the case for Ruby and Nic, when a chance meeting over a second hand sofa introduces them to each other.
This is a classic girl meets boy love story but with a modern twist. What I loved about One Night With You is that the heroine, Ruby, doesn't give up her life goals in pursuit of love. Plus the romance is not all plain sailing, with plenty of bumps along the way.
One Night With You is a thoroughly enjoyable read, with strong characters and plenty of drama.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
Nic is moving to London, whilst Ruby is moving away from it. They meet when Nic reaches her house to buy a sofa and straightaway they like one another..
Then Nic is asked to come back for Pizza with her and the people she lives with.
When Ruby happen when Ruby is in London, are Nic and she going to see one another to send time together to explore their feelings?
The story had parts of sadness, but also some funny, light-hearted moments. A book that will give you all the feels.
I recommend this book.
Well, as a huge Larua Jane Williams fan, I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed... This book did not work for me.
I really feel like this book should have been split into two.
I loved the J.P. storyline, and the whole grandson/French love could have been quite interesting to follow.
But the Ruby and Nic storyline was way to problematic for me... I actually rooted for them not to get together in the end, because who needs all that drama. Other than the very first moment the two met, the chemistry between them was missing... It felt more like "meh - I'll take it" - as opposed to chasing the true love of your life.
I really enjoyed this book! Definitely deeper than I was originally expecting. It was a very interesting premise but then took a few turns I wasn't totally sure about. I think I liked the ending but it came a little fast and maybe a little too neatly tied up? The characters were definitely likeable - my favorite was JP. 3.5 stars.
This book was fine but unfortunately for me nothing too out of the ordinary.
We follow Ruby and Nic who meet one night when Nic buys Ruby’s sofa. He’s just moved to London, she’s moving to Manchester to complete a masters degree.
It’s a case of wrong place, wrong time and lots of pining thereafter.
The story was enjoyable enough and the romance between Ruby and Nic was sweet. I believed they really did like each other and I wanted them to get together but sadly I wasn’t that fussed about the other bulk of the book which builds on Ruby’s degree in film studies and her making a documentary to find a sweet old man’s lost love.
I actually really loved lots of the side characters. Ruby’s film buddy Harry is great and so is her friend Jackson.
There were a few too many ‘shocks’ (TW for miscarriage which I wished I’d seen before reading!) in what I was expecting to be quite a fluffy romance. I also felt that a few jumps in time/ a few reveals we’re done in quite a jarring way and it threw off the rhythm of the book.
All in all a pleasant read but not one that will stick with me.
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy in exchange for honest review.
Thank You NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange of honest review.
TW: death, miscarriage
Tropes: Right person wrong time, one night stand
This is my first time reading Laura Jane Williams book, But definitely I will read her books.
The book is a cute easy read book. I love JP and his story on finding true love and him being the best example.
Cheers to finding yourself and loving yourself more.
This is a new author to me and one that I will look out for from now on. This is a very enjoyable story about Ruby and Nic, and one that I raced through
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC and for introducing me to another author