Oh the melodrama... This was an interesting, if over the top, story about a band and a couple attempting to get past their history and reunite for one more show. The characters were interesting if a bit two-dimensional, the band lore was creative, the lyrics James wrote for their songs were surprisingly good. However, there are two big pieces to this story that I just could not believe were "real" and that kind of broke the spell: <spoiler>the way Valerie unilaterally announced, ON STAGE, that the band was getting back together for good; and the fact that even after the band reunited and made another album, Caleb still wanted to work as a high school teacher. WHAT. </spoiler> For an emo-style band readers should expect the sullen, whiny behavior from the main characters and the over-the-top constant drama, but man it still annoyed the crap out of me.

I wanted to love, and I did think it was a fun, quick read! I thought Valerie was a fun main character, who was messy and flawed and navigating fame in a way that felt real. I think her inability to get out of her own way was really relatable!! The band dynamic was really interesting, and it was cool to be shown tidbits from past media from fans and news outlets! I definitely wanted to know everyone MORE and think that fleshing out these characters further would've helped me connect with the story.

The romance part of this didn't fully work for me, I think second chance romances are hard to get right because I (personally) want to see what the relationship was, why it failed, and then see a clear contrast (for the better I'd hope!!!) to how these characters have grown and end up back together and I just didn't see that with this story.

Overall I think this was a fun read, and I am interested in further stories with these characters!

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the e-ARC and finished copy!

I really enjoyed this one! One of my most anticipated relases of 2025, and it did not disappoint. A really solid debut

For One Night Only by Jessica James had an interesting premise with an alluring story. While it didn't live entirely up to expectations, it was still a decent read.

Characterization was a major lack in this book. Both the main characters and the side characters were underdeveloped and read as one-dimensional. There were a few times throughout the book that I got confused over whose POV I was actually reading, even with the chapter headers. Valerie was incredibly selfish as a character, and even after an apology came, it did not feel as though much would change from her---and so suddenly, at that. With Caleb, he was way too back and forth. His character lived with anxiety pretty openly on-page. While I loved to see that (as someone who also lives with an anxiety disorder), it seemed as though it became his entire characterization and personality, rather than something he lives with.

It was pretty obvious from the start of the book how the plot would develop. Ex partners, one seeks the other out for something they want/need, they get back together in some way, shape or form that requires proximity, they end up falling back in love, baddah bing baddah boom. I was intrigued to find that there was a little bit of a fake dating aspect to the story, but again, it fell into an underdeveloped hole. It was clear that both Valerie and Caleb still held feelings for each other, so that specific necessary tension that is required for fake dating was missing.

Additionally, I feel like there are several points of the story that just never get the full conclusions they needed. What is going on with the other band mates (and their weird love square off)? Why does that one reporter seemingly target Valerie with only cruel intentions? And where there aren't plot holes, the points that are resolved are resolved too quickly/neatly. Valerie's apology, as previously mentioned, just felt too quickly accepted without proper and necessary further action. How is she going to be better and prevent a repeat offense in the future? With Caleb's back and forth tendency, how was he so quickly able to make a final judgment call at the end?

With the lacking of the characterization and the plot, I was also let down by the pacing. For a shorter page count, this book felt fairly long. And I primarily think that is the product of the above issues.

Overall, I think this book needed a few more rounds undergoing edits and revisions. It just wasn't what it needed to be and felt poorly written. For that, I give this book 2.5 stars. An extra half star was redacted for the unnecessary (and honestly ridiculous) Taylor Swift references. I don't know if I'll read further from this author in the future, but I'm not closing myself off to the possibility.

✔️ Second Chance
✔️ Friends to Lovers
✔️ Dating a Celebrity

I'm so glad that @swoon.studies ended its Second Chance immersion with For One Night Only. I really enjoyed this one.

Val and Caleb were best friends turned bandmates turned lovers until it all went wrong and the band (and the couple) broke up. Now, to help boost her profile, Valerie is trying to get the band back together for a reunion show though there are lots of unresolved feelings.

The plot was terrific and executed well - it lived up to the promise of the premise. I loved both Val and Caleb and completely understand where each of them was coming from and the things holding them back from being truly together.

There was good tension as well - I was on pins and needles waiting for the shoe to drop and when it did, my heart did too. I was on the emotional ride!

I also loved the band (is it too much to want everyone else to have their own book??).

Highly recommend this one!

Steam 🔥🔥
Banter 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
Swoon 💕💕💕💕💕

One of my closest friends wrote this book so obviously -- 5 stars. But even if she didn't write this, it would still be 5 stars. I love a good second chance romance but once you make it a rockstar romance with a come back tour? Forget about it, I'm sold.

This was absolutely lovely! I was pulled in from the beginning, and I was entertained throughout the story. I didn't care much for Valerie, though. I thought she was very unlikable, especially towards the end. Other than that this was so good! Could definitely recommend it!

I absolutely devoured this debut. The nostalgia is real inside this one. Remember that one time you bought your first guitar at Guitar Center, after spending the day watching 10 Things I Hate About you and then died your hair pink and found out you can write beautiful music with your best friend. ::swoon:: Put on a Paramore song, not Hayley’s solo stuff, and read the book. Go, now.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this Advanced Readers Copy of For One Night Only by Jessica James!

I enjoyed this spin on a love story. I love when stories that you see in real life or have thought about in real life come to fruition. As a huge *N Sync fan, I remember reading about and speculating about the connections that the band members had. Being able to read about it and it all come back to a happy ending made the teenage version of me so happy.

Read If You Like:
- Second-chance romance
- Fake dating tropes
- Behind-the-scenes music industry drama
- Steamy, slow-burn chemistry
- Found family dynamics

For One Night Only is a captivating romance that delves into the complexities of love, fame, and personal growth. The story follows Valerie Quinn, a former pop-punk sensation, and Caleb, her ex-bandmate and former lover. When Valerie's career faces a public scandal, she proposes a fake dating arrangement with Caleb to salvage her reputation and boost her show's ratings. As they navigate this arrangement, old feelings resurface, leading to a passionate and heartfelt reconnection.

The chemistry between Valerie and Caleb is electric, with their slow-burn romance unfolding against the backdrop of the music industry. The narrative skillfully intertwines their personal and professional lives, offering readers an authentic glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of being in the spotlight. The found family aspect adds depth to the story, highlighting the importance of support systems in overcoming obstacles.

Jessica James' debut novel is a testament to her storytelling prowess, blending humor, emotion, and sizzling romance. Fans of music-themed romances and second-chance love stories will find *For One Night Only* a compelling and satisfying read!

Thank you Berkley for my gifted eARC!

LOVED the representation is this book. I feel its difficult to find a romance novel that depicts anxiety in an authentic way that actually gets addressed individually with the character experiencing it AND the love interest. Will definitely be recommending this read to others.

I wish this book had gone deeper. I felt we were going through the motions more than anything else. We didn't get to see the ways the two main characters grew together in the past, and so that left a big hole in the center of what we were meant to understand about their relationship in the present. Side characters also felt lacking in grounding. Overall disappointed.

Jessica James delivers a fun, emotional, and wildly addictive rock star romance with For One Night Only. If you love second-chance love stories, fake dating schemes, and all the angst of a band reunion, this book is an absolute must-read!

💖 The Setup:
Valerie Quinn is desperate to save her career, and what better way to revive her public image than by staging a Glitter Bats reunion concert? The only catch? She hasn’t spoken to her ex-bandmate (and ex-situationship partner) Caleb Sloane in six years. Caleb has spent those years trying to leave the past—and the music industry—behind. But when Val knocks on his door, all his old feelings and frustrations come rushing back.

To keep the buzz going, they fake a reunion romance for the press, but as their chemistry reignites on and off the stage, it becomes clear their unfinished business is far from over. Can they survive one last show together without repeating their past mistakes?

🎶 Why You’ll Love It:
✔ Fake Dating & Second Chances – The tension between Valerie and Caleb is deliciously angsty yet electric, making every moment between them pulse with unresolved feelings and buried attraction.
✔ Rock Star Romance Vibes – If you love stories about bands, fame, and the messy reality behind the music industry, this book delivers on all fronts.
✔ Emotional Depth – It’s not just about the music and romance—both Valerie and Caleb are dealing with career struggles, personal demons, and the weight of their past choices.
✔ Explosive Chemistry – Their banter, longing glances, and tension-filled stage performances will have you swooning and screaming at the same time!
✔ Nostalgic Pop Punk Energy – If you ever obsessed over band breakups and reunion tours, you’ll LOVE the way the Glitter Bats’ drama plays out.

With fireworks on and off the stage, For One Night Only is a must-read for fans of rock star romance, second chances, and fake dating tropes. Jessica James captures the chaos of fame, the beauty of music, and the bittersweet nature of love lost and found. If you loved Daisy Jones & The Six but want more romance, more heat, and a happily ever after, this is the book for you!

Thank you to Berkley for the opportunity to ARC read this book!

I really enjoyed this book, it is a second chance, Rockstar romance and after so many fantasy books lately, I needed a book like this! It was fun, easy to read, and didn't require a spreadsheet to follow!

I enjoyed Caleb and Valerie's relationship and the ups and downs they faced, them attempting to let go of the past and move on between the two of them.

I loved that I was able to read about an MMC with anxiety, and I was able to relate with Caleb on that aspect! I did get frustrated a few times with Valerie because her selfishness in this book, but it all worked out in the end!

This book is a great pallete cleanser and I just know that if the Glitter Bats existed, myself and my daughter would likely be obsessed!

I enjoyed diving into the world of Glitter Bats! I'll be seeking out more musician romances based on how much I enjoyed this one. The past and present timelines were woven together really well and I got to know the characters both as they were and as they had become. Really enjoyed this one!

This was an enjoyable read - it was fast paced and I never felt bored while I was reading it. I

What I liked - the songwriting/band aspects were done really well. The connection the band members had with each other felt so real and I loved the moments when they were in the studio or rehearsing. I also thought the media portrayal of Valerie was done exceptionally well. It was so true to life how women are often villainized based on absolutely nothing real and how there's always a higher standard of how they have to act. The chemistry between Valerie and Caleb was also great - I enjoyed that they had never really gotten over one another.

What I didn't like so much - The conflict with both the record label and Val's mom got to be a bit too much and confusing. Additionally, what happened at the final concert felt like too much of a backslide for Valerie. I know we needed some major conflict but having both Valerie and Caleb react so similarly to what happened when the band originally broke up felt childish and a step too far. That said, I really enjoyed the end and how everything was resolved.

Overall, this was a quick cute read that I'd definitely recommend. Thank you to Berkley Romance for the eARC - all opinions are my own!

3.5 stars.

"For One Night Only" by Jessica James is a second chance, fake dating, rockstar/band romance with a hefty dose of music and found family. The story is told with a mix of present-day happenings and flashbacks as it tells how the main characters, Valerie and Caleb, got together when they were at the top of their music careers in a band called the Glitter Bats, only for things to blow up in their faces right on stage. Years later, a reunion concert might just be what they need to revive their souls and set things right. As readers learn what happened throughout this story in the past and learn what might happen in the future when the Glitter Bats are thrown together once again, we see that all of the characters are imperfect, complex, layered messes. I enjoyed watching Valerie and Caleb rekindle their romance slowly but surely. I also loved the rest of the Glitter Bats band because each character adds an interesting dimension to the story. James takes the time necessary to get us invested in each individual character, as well as the group as a whole. Some of the music written for this book is really good! I like the focus on fame and mental health, especially how and why Caleb stepped away from the limelight and how he never really wanted to come back into it after the Glitter Bats fell apart. All that being said, I found the third act to be a little frustrating and feels in direct conflict with the character growth, Val's in particular. It wasn't enough to ruin my enjoyment of the book as a whole, but it did hinder my enjoyment of the ending slightly, Still, this is a great book, and I cannot wait to read more Glitter Bats books!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jessica James, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Thanks so much to @berkleyromance for the free book! I am grateful to have received this book through Berkley’s Influencer Hub for Underrepresented Voices.

If you like celebrity romance, fake dating, and second chances, this novel might be for you!

This book ended up not working for me personally though. Valerie is a flawed and complicated character who sometimes hurts the people around her despite her best intentions. Her flaws are understandable – she became famous at a young age and didn’t have supportive parents to guide her. However, I would have liked to see more character growth from her. The part of the story focused on her growing and changing felt rushed to me. That lack of growth made it hard for me to understand why Caleb fell for her or to believe their happily ever after will last. I think it would have been more believable to me if I got see more of her and Caleb making a healthy, long-term relationship work. I disliked like that the book ended so quickly after them getting together at the end.

Despite the book not working for me, I am still thrilled to see a bisexual relationship featured in a book about a man and woman falling in love! Valerie deals with biphobia from the press, but Caleb is super supportive and validating of her identity.

ARC Book Review: For One Night Only by Jessica James
- disaster bisexual
- fake dating
- second chance romance
- anxiety rep
- celebrity romance

For One Night Only by Jessica James is a captivating, swoon-worthy romance that totally swept me off my feet. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the chemistry between the two main characters and the depth of their connection. It’s a perfect blend of heart, heat, and a bit of emotional vulnerability that kept me turning the pages.

The story follows two people who are clearly meant to be together, but they have their own baggage and insecurities to work through before they can have their happily-ever-after. I loved how real and relatable the characters felt, especially their emotional growth. They’re not just falling in love; they’re learning to open up to each other and face their own fears.

The romance itself is both passionate and tender, with just the right amount of tension. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. It’s the kind of love story that feels genuine and earned, and I really appreciated how the author took the time to build the relationship gradually instead of rushing it.

Jessica James’ writing is engaging and full of emotion, making this book a quick yet satisfying read. The pacing is just right, moving between moments of sweet romance and the more intense emotional scenes with ease. There’s also a nice balance of humor and lighthearted moments that keep the story from getting too heavy.

Overall, For One Night Only is a wonderful romance that’ll leave you with a big smile on your face. It’s a perfect read for anyone who loves a sweet, slow-burn love story with plenty of heart and chemistry. I highly recommend it for when you’re in the mood for a feel-good, emotionally satisfying read.