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.

Thanks so much to @berkleypub @berkleyromance for the free book! #BerkleyPartner

3.5 stars

This was a fun almost-fantastical read that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys dabbling in AU band mate fanfics. There is fame and drama; the stakes felt high for the characters but low to me personally.

What kept me from enjoying the book more was honestly Valerie's character. I understood her motivations and felt for her, but it was difficult to watch her make huge spur of the moment choices that harmed the people around her. I thought it was unrealistic how quickly people forgave each other, given the bad blood that happened in the past and present. I also felt that there was more telling than showing in regards to the bandmates' personalities and relationships.

Overall, there is definitely a demographic that I'd recommend this book to; I'm just not in it.

This angsty second-chance romance, set against the backdrop of a band reunion, was a perfect mix of emotional tension and nostalgic pop-punk energy. The dynamic between Caleb and Valerie, once childhood friends turned lovers, only to have their hearts broken, is compelling and full of drama. Their reunion with the rest of the band is charged with unresolved feelings, making for an electric read as they navigate their way back to each other. The music and band dynamics were one of the standout aspects of the story. The portrayal felt authentic and lively, adding a rich layer to the narrative.

The journey of forgiveness, not just between Caleb and Valerie but also with the band as a whole, was thoughtfully developed. Each character had to earn redemption, which added depth to their arcs. That said, the romance was undeniably the heart of the story, and Caleb's anxiety journey was portrayed with great care. The inclusion of therapy representation was a meaningful touch, and Valerie’s casual bi representation was done very well, providing further depth to her character.

Thank you to Berkley Romance for my free copy and digital arc. As a disabled bi person this story was everything to me.

This was such a romantic, immersive, delightful second chance romance! I loved following this band as they got back together, and the reasons for the estranged leads finding their way back together were believeable, satisfying, and so delicious. Can't wait for James's next novel!

For One Night Only, by Jessica James is a fun book for fans of rock stars, the music industry, second chance romances, and flawed people figuring things out.
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I was the biggest cheerleader throughout the book- cheering on Valerie (the main character), her band, and the relationship between Valerie and her band mate, Caleb. I wanted to be able to actually listen to the songs the Glitter Bats (the band) wrote and preformed.
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You can tell that the author is a concert fan. I am betting she is even a Swiftie, but other than a short paragraph praising TS, I have no proof. I do know she enjoys music and conveyed that in this book.
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This book comes out this Tuesday, so grab it if you want to read and rock at the same time. Thank you, @BerkleyPub for my advanced copy.

This one was not for me, unfortunately. I didn't really care about the characters or their relationship. I'm generally not a fan of second chance romances, so I should have avoided this one. The premise sounded really good and I thought that might counteract my dislike of the trope, but it didn't. If you are a fan of second chance romances, and lots of Taylor Swift references, this one might work for you.

I enjoyed this book a lot. There were moments of anxiety I experienced and needed to take a break from the book but those situations did matter in the story and were usually over within a few minutes. As a huge pop punk fan, I loved seeing the band be pop punk and have the look. Valerie was a complex character that had a lot of things going on and a lot of unresolved moments. I actually enjoyed this second chance romance between Valerie and Caleb. I really liked Caleb’s storyline and his sisters.

I really liked the bandmates and want stories about them too, there were hints for relationships building but nothing shown at the end as happening.

A few things I wish had been resolved a tiny bit more but I still felt satisfied by the ending.

*Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

🄱🄾🄾🄺 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆:

ᵁⁿʰⁱⁿᵍᵉᵈ ᵀʰᵒᵘᵍʰᵗˢ:
🎸Caleb it’s okay to say I can’t do this
🎸Valerie, girl remember people aren’t going to know your story unless you’re honest and share it.


ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🌶️🌶️


🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:

I loved Caleb Stone. His character had some death. The anxiety representation was also beautiful to see. I think this book was a bit slow to start but once it took off it was captivating. I loved seeing all the interpersonal relationships between the band mates and watching them navigate how to be a cohesive unit again with so many past hurts.

Thanks so much to @berkleypub @berkleyromance or @acebookspub for the free book!

#BerkleyPartner #AceBooksPartner #bookreview #newrelease #reading

As a bi person into pop punk (don’t hate me, I was pretty much born to be an emo/punk disaster), it became obvious to me that I needed to read this ASAP - what’s better than a Paramore-esque band with a bi-on-the-page chaos monster lead singer? (Nothing)

If you’re into angst, this book gives you a lot to chew on with Valerie, an act first think later singer-turned-actress battling bad press, an evil momager, and intense guilt about how her band, the Glitter Bats (I shan’t spoil you on the origin of the name but it is funny).

Valerie is in hot water again because her ex Theo has made it seem like she was cheating with her costar Roxanne when she’s caught making out with Roxanne during a drunken night out. She needs to do damage control, and what better way to do that than promise a one night only reunion of the Glitter Bats?

First, she has to get her childhood best friend, co-lead of the Glitter Bats and first love Caleb on board after he disappeared without a word to her six years ago after he wanted to go public with their secret relationship and she didn’t. Then, she has to earn the goodwill back from her band mates Riker, Jane and Keeley, harder than it seems! But hey, they’re a go!

Caleb is all messy curls and cut up band tees and tight pants and eyeliner, so what’s not to love? He’s also rough childhood hewn into an anxious mess, a panic disorder than shows itself now in the open. I thought this was an accurate portrayal of panic and anxiety, coming from a person who has tons of experience with both.

The found family aspect of the band is lovely, and difficult. I found myself pulling for Val and Caleb, but also the rest of the band, because show business isn’t easy, especially when you start as teenagers and get screwed by the industry.

This is one of the best rock star romances I’ve read, so you should read it too!

For One Night Only by Jessica James
Narrators: Mx Nicky Endres, Helen Laser, Colton Woods
Rating: 4 stars
Pub date: 1/7

Thank you, Berkley Romance and Netgalley, for my advanced copy and PRH Audio for my complimentary audiobook.

If you love second-chance romances and messy, emotional drama, For One Night Only needs to be on your radar. This book is all about rekindling old flames and healing old wounds, set to the vibes of a pop-punk band reunion.

Valerie Quinn, a former rock star turned actress, is trying to save her tanking TV show—and her reputation. Her big idea? Bring the Glitter Bats, her old band, back together for a one-night reunion concert. The catch? The band hasn’t spoken in six years, and things between Valerie and bassist Caleb Sloane ended in heartbreak.

From the moment Valerie shows up at Caleb’s door, the tension is real. There’s so much history between them—anger, hurt, and maybe just a spark of something more. Watching them work through their issues while pretending to be back together for the cameras is equal parts frustrating and heartwarming. The whole band has a found family vibe that makes you root for all of them, even when they’re being difficult. It’s messy, emotional, and totally worth the read.

The audiobook really takes things to the next level, with Mx Nicky Endres, Helen Laser, and Colton Woods bringing the Glitter Bats’ drama to life. If you love stories about love, friendship, and second chances, you need to check this one out!

A former teenage musician with the iconic indie pop/punk band the Glitter Bats in her early teens, Vanessa is facing becoming a social media pariah for her ex’s claims she is cheating on him with the female co-star of her music-themed television series, which is now in danger of not getting renewed for another season. The other woman backs out of the fledging relationship, and Vanessa, in danger of cancellation, needs money, and an image makeover. She convinces her old bandmates, including her former lover and love of her life, bassist Caleb–now a music teacher–to reunite for one last concert and go out on their terms. All agree, and give an exclusive to a fan/journalist to scoop the story.

General consensus is that it was Vanessa who broke up the band, and she had a reputation as a bit of a diva; fans and members are not necessarily warm to her at first, but soon the band is hitting their stride, and she and Caleb has resumed a friendship of sorts. It’s still precarious when they decide to promote a fake-dating story, slip back into a relationship: they never admitted or disclosed anything when last together, and don’t want to be ashamed of the rekindled relationship now, but everthing seems so fragile.

Excerpts of social media comments, interviews, and articles enhanced and furthered the plot in a clever way, but doid not detract from repetitive wording. I did not particulary like Vanessa’s character, acting in self-interests, immaturity, miscommunications, or manipulations. While I did feel for her and her mother’s embezelling of her money to act in HER best interests, Vanessa’s denouement was too little, too late for me. Caleb was a sympathetic character for both his suffering from anxiety and suffering from Vanessa’s attentions. I found supporting characters are erratic or one-dimensional. And, it did not deliver on the premise of Daisy Jones and the Six (loosely based on Fleetwood Mac), but a love story, as the former is based on a love triangle, and here, there’s no competition for Caleb’s affections, unless the pull of his career counts.

For (better) readalikes, try Wibberley and Austin-Broka’s The Break-Up Tour, about a Taylor swift like superstar who invites her high school accompianist, songwriting collaborater, and former flame to tour with her, or Tessa Bailey’s Wreck the Halls, about the children of former rock stars, now estranged, and a reunion tour.

I received a free advance reader's copy of #ForOneNightOnly via #NetGalley courtesy of #Berkley; review will post to HLBB 2/7/2025.

I am not quite sure what didn't hit the mark for me.

I enjoyed the angst and longing between Caleb and Valerie, however the rest of the relationships didn't necessarily make me feel anything other than a bit confused. They seemed very harsh and unresolved.

I was very excited to receive a copy of For One Night Only by Jessica James from Berkley publishing! I recently read and loved Darkhearts, which was a YA band romance and so I thought this might be kind of similar. Unfortunately, I just did not vibe with any of the non-main characters and I had a difficult time connecting with our FMC. I think she was supposed to be flawed and thus relatable, but she did not feel relatable to me. I found the plot to be interesting and engaging that the pacing over overall was pretty good, but this just wasn’t for me.

A second-chance contemporary romance, "For One Night Only" is full of emotional depth, extremely important mental health and LGBTQ+ representations, music, powerful and poignant messages, and so much more. The author does a beautiful job of storytelling, world-building, and writing characters with such depth. I love books surrounding music, and as soon as I heard about this book, I just knew I needed to read it, and I truly did not want to put this book down!

When Valerie convinces her former bandmates of Glitter Bats to do one more show, rumors begin to circulate once again surrounding her relationship with Caleb. Though they used to be together, the two have not been so in years. However, due to the rumors that they are once again dating, they decide to fake date for publicity. Soon, old feelings begin to resurface in many different ways and forms. Will the connection between them bring them together? Full of romance, tension, rebuilding of various relationships, and character development, this book truly has so much honesty and heart, and I hope this is the start of a series.

If you like Contemporary Romance, I highly recommend this book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the e-ARC of this book, and to Berkley Publishing Group for having me on the Blog Tour for the novel! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.