I am convinced Jessica James sparkles magic into her words because I don't know how else to explain how I heard the music and felt the chemistry of the Glitter Bat's stage presence.

Valerie Quinn feels the pressure of the chopping block when she realizes that her only tie to "fame"might not be renewed for the next season. To up her image and generate hype (and ultimately save her show), Valerie plans the reunion of the Glitter Bats, her band that vanished from the public eye mid-tour six years ago. She knows that this also means reaching out to Caleb Sloane, a particular Glitter Bats bandmate that fans speculate as the source of the band's disappearance. This book takes on a dual-POV and switches between Valerie Quinn and her bandmate Caleb Sloane. For One Night Only blends the lively, heartful band elements of 'Daisy Jones & the Six' and the second chance romantic tension from 'People We Meet on Vacation'.

I am always hesitant when it comes to books with musical plot points because I feel like a lot of it has to do with HOW the author portrays the music on pages to make it feel alive to the reader. I can say with 1000% confidence that Jessica James understood the assignment and nailed it. I was captivated reading the scenes when the band played together, the way she switched from describing the music to how the band interacted with it was mesmerizing. The band! I loved how this story wasn't just about Val and Cal, it brought Keeley, Jane, Riker, and even Wade. Everyone had a place and it felt like they added to the story and I would even say there wouldn't be a story without them. Loved the found family element and found myself tearing up from the band interactions as well as Val and Cal's story.

The reason why this book was a 5 star for me is because of the exploration into the depth of the characters like Caleb and the mental health representation and the relationship conflict between Val and her mom. First for Cal, I appreciated the anxiety that went beyond the nerves of performing on stage. Also the nods to financial dependency and being forced to mature early made his character that much stronger. The relationship between Val and her mom had me screaming and raging for her. There were so many factors that were folded into this story and it was handled beautifully. We never stop growing and changing and the way each character approached that change was beautiful.

Last but not least! The mixed media. Jessica James your attention to detail will not go unnoticed!!! I absolutely loved the mixed media in this book and the world building was PEAK. The lyrics to the band music were like precious poetry breaks! I AM A GLITTERBUG!!! These pieces made me feel like the author wrote this as a love letter to being a fan and made this so special.

Such an amazing strong debut from Jessica James and I will be on the lookout for more her writing in the future. Thank you so much to Berkley and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book! #CalErie #GlitterBats5ever

For One Night Only is a solid debut that fans of Daisy Jones and the Six or Livy Hart's characters will enjoy!

When Valerie Quinn learns that the TV show she stars in may be cancelled, she needs to drum up some good press. Her solution? Getting the Glitter Bats back together for a one night show after they quickly stopped touring six years ago. Most haven't talked or seen one another in that time span, especially Caleb and Valerie. Getting him to rejoin the band is simple for him, he needs the money so that his younger sister can go to college and live out her dreams. But quickly, Valerie realizes that maybe there's more than just one show left in all of them. While Caleb wants nothing more than that, he just can't ignore the allure that is Valerie and their old feelings. Will this band truly make it to the one night concert or will things halt in their tracks?

I immediately fell in love with Jessica's book due to the cover and the premise of a rock band reuniting under somewhat messy circumstances. I REALLY loved the mental health representation and how therapy/anxiety pills are okay to take, especially when things are rocky. The LGBTQ quotes and overall joy that Jess gave these characters made my heart soar, we need more of that this upcoming year. For One Night Only is a solid debut and one that I'll recommend for others to read in the upcoming months. I also can't help but be curious.. will there be more glitter bats. What happened with two of those band mates? ;)

"For One Night Only" is a contemporary novel by Jessica James that explores the dynamics of a second-chance romance and its consequences. Focusing on the impact of impulsive decisions, the book combines romantic comedy elements with reflections on intimacy and commitment.

The story centers on Valerie Quinn, a woman caught between her ambitions, and Caleb Sloane, an important man in her life, and from Glitter Bats. What starts as a simple proposition turns into an emotional challenge that forces them to reconsider their priorities and desires.

Jessica James uses a fluid narrative style filled with quick-witted dialogues that give energy to the story. Although some situations feel predictable within the romantic genre, the book keeps the interest by delving into the character's inner conflicts. However, there could have been a bit more character development, but their interactions reflect both humor and vulnerability, managing to entertain the reader.

The book addresses themes such as the importance of taking risks, emotional barriers, and the idea that even the briefest encounters can transform a life. Although it doesn't stray from the classic formulas of romantic comedy, the narrative offers entertaining moments.

In conclusion, For One Night Only is a light and enjoyable read, ideal for those who enjoy romantic stories with a contemporary touch. While it doesn't reinvent the genre, the novel provides a pleasant and easy-to-enjoy experience, perfect for disconnecting and getting carried away by a simple yet effective plot.

This book feels like a Miley Cyrus fan fic except make it pop punk. The characters are super frustrating and inconsistent. This was kind of a mess.

The voice on this jumps off the page! Rich, dynamic characters that feel real, with a great romance that will have you rooting for them to get together. I need an encore!

What a gem!!! Loved this one from the start and loved the chemistry between Valerie and Caleb. Loved the music aspect of the story. I love a second chance romance and this one was amazing! Highly recommend

This was a standout second chance, rockstar, dual POV debut that had unexpectedly great mental health (anxiety and panic attack) rep in the MMC. I really enjoyed this on audio and would highly recommend for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. Great narration by Mx Nicky Endres, Helen Laser and Colton Woods truly made the audiobook an excellent experience. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

What an enjoyable romance! I truly appreciated the chemistry between the band members, even during their conflicts. Valerie and Caleb were a passionate couple seeking a second chance at love. I also enjoyed the interludes that followed each chapter. If you’re a fan of a lighter DJ & the 6 vibe, this will definitely be fun for you. I look forward to seeing more of the Glitter Bats in the future!

I really enjoyed For One Night Only. I like a good rockstar romance and the second chance romance set up worked well with the story. The getting the band back together plot line was fun to read as well. I think people will like the book and I would recommend it. I did feel a strong wave of second hand embarrassment during the main conflict/climax of the book scene but it didn’t impact my overall enjoyment of the book.

Valerie and Caleb tell this tale of second chances. Second chances at a music career and second chances at romance. They were part of a band but then Valerie went off to do her thing but she's had troubles. Can getting the Glitterbats (what a name!) save her? Well, Caleb is the problem until he isn'.t. I"m not sure what a pop punk band is these days but I was entertained by the various musical references. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A light read.

Valerie Quinn has been a household name since she was a teenager. She and her friends skyrocketed to fame with their band Glitter Bats, and she's spent the last few years starring in a musical TV show. But when Valerie starts making headlines for all the wrong reasons, her show is left on the chopping block. She needs to drum up some good press, and she needs it fast. So, Valerie decides the best thing to do is reunite the band for one last concert. The only problem? Valerie must convince Caleb Sloane, the bassist, and her ex, to agree. Caleb and Valerie haven't seen or spoken to one another since the night their Vegas show broke them and the band up. But Caleb quickly realizes he still can't say no to Valerie, and so what if all their fans and the media think they're back together? This time, instead of hiding from the relationship rumors, the pair decide to play into it. But is it pretend if they both never stopped loving one another?

I love a good fake dating scenario, so I was excited to pick this up. I loved the idea of these two bandmates falling in love and then falling apart, only to come back together years later. But honestly, I didn't like Valerie as a main character, so I found it hard to root for her. She was so selfish and impulsive. She made decisions that impacted those around her without even asking for their input. Caleb and the rest of their bandmates were doing her a favor by coming back together, and I didn't love how she treated them. I warmed up to her by the end, but it felt a little too little too late. Caleb made this story for me. He was such a sweet cinnamon roll, and I just wanted to hug him. As for the plot itself, it was a fun time. There were parts of the writing I found a smidge unimaginative (I mean, the streaming network for Valerie's show being called The Network, and the band's label being called Label Records? Come on), but it was easy to fly through, and I ended up finishing it in one sitting. I'm not sure how memorable it'll be for me, but I'm interested enough to pick up whatever James comes out with next.

I really wanted this to work. All of the tropes say it should. But I never settled in to Valerie and her personality. Thanks for letting me try

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for the advance copy of this book!

This book will be out Jan 7th, 2025.

"If the media sees me as a thunderstorm, he was always the sunshine streaming through the clouds after the rain, light shining on everyone around him.

This book had everything I could ever want in a contemporary romance. I had heard this book months ago after fellow author Alicia Thompson raved about it. Even though I never had the "look" of a scene kid, I was very into emo/pop punk music of the mid 2000s. So this scratch that itch as I don't believe there has every been a book about an indie pop punk band.

The book is told from two point of views - one from Valerie our fearless lead singer and the other from Caleb our strong and quiet bass player. Valerie is our FMC who is going through a lot. Her tv show is on the brink of cancellation, her reputation isn't the best and she feels in order to get in the good graces of the media she wants to reunite her old band The Glitterbats (sound familiar Justin Timberlake *cough*).

The tension between the group members is felt through the book. Some have stayed in touch more than others. We do learn why the group disbanded seemingly out of nowhere 6 years prior.

Valerie. Oh Valerie. She meant so well but just went about things wrongly. She was under so much pressure being a female entertainer and having everything she does scrutinize by everyone. She needed this reunion to work. She felt like she was out of options to rehab her career. I really loved Valerie as a character. She was complex but also wasn't afraid to let loose. I thought the way Jessica wrote the relationship between the female characters was so well done.

I loved the other band members! Even though we did not get their point of view specifically, we got to know more about them in each of the views. Keely was such a firecracker and told it as it is. I would like to say she was the unofficial spokesperson for the band. She was not afraid of stand up to Valerie. Riker like Caleb was quiet but together they complimented one another. Lastly Jane who was the mediator of the group. She always was the voice of reason whenever disagreements would happen. She had a beautiful soul.

"Every time she smiles it hits me, how lucky I am to be in her orbit. But it's never just been an orbit. We collide, again and again, like two stars in an explosion of light and color.

Caleb and Valerie. These two lovebirds. Caleb and Valerie were childhood friends turn bandmates turn lovers into strangers and then lovers again. They had quite a ride throughout the book. But one thing that rang true is the love and respect they had for each other. They would absolutely do anything for one another. So when Valerie shows up at his door and asks him to be apart of the reunion, even if he had hesitation, he knew he could not say no to her. I love the two of them together and knowing their history it just makes you want them to work things out.

I just wanted to squeeze Caleb. He just came off as the sweetest man. He wanted to leave this world behind him and was content with teaching but being back in the scene brought all these complicated feelings back to him. I loved his relationship with the other band members and the glimpses we got to see of him with his family.

One minor trait that Jessica gave Caleb is that he is a short king! I absolutely love that! Most male characters/love interests are tall and muscular but he is short but his confidence makes him appear taller.

"I could live a hundred lifetimes and never deserve Caleb Sloane."

There is some mixed media between the chapters. I normally am not a big fan of them but in this I didn't mind it. I would also have been okay if it wasn't in the book either. I do want to check out the audio of this to see how some of it translate as there are moments where the lyrics are shown.

I just ate this book up and didn't want to stop reading. The book gave me elements from Julie & the Phantoms (which i was so happy the author mentions them in the acknowledgements), Daisy Jones, Tessa Bailey's Wreck My Plans, Laura Hankin's The Daydreams and the style of the 80s Barbie and the Rockers. Other reviews also mentioned Jem (I did not watch this growing up). So if those are your jam - give this one a try! Plus who doesn't love a second chance romance!

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY by Jessica James is the pop-punk second chance romance book of your rockstar dreams. I loved reading about Valerie and Caleb and diving into their shared past, uncertain present, and hopeful future. Valerie is my girl - a true complicated queen with star power and a heart of gold. Her character arc was so lovely and satisfying and I had the best time watching Caleb soften her edges. And speaking of Caleb - my short king, kind hearted, soft angel - I loved him so much. Together, along with the rest of the Glitter Bats, they make FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY sing! I can't wait to read more from Jessica James and the Glitter Bats!

ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ || FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY [thank you to @berkleyromance and @netgalley for my #gifted copy!]

Title: For One Night Only
Author: Jessica James
Genre: Romance
Format: Digital
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Would I Recommend: 👍🏻

ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ:
When a tabloid-scarred pop punk star reunites her band—and her ex-situationship bassist—for one last show, old sparks and new tensions collide, forcing them to decide if their encore is for the fans or their hearts.

ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
This book was a lot of fun! Even if it did make me wish that the Glitter Bats were a real band so that I could listen to their songs. 😂

I really loved seeing the relationship from both POVs. You could see the push-and-pull of these two people who cared deeply for each other but weren’t sure if their goals aligned to be together (miscommunication galore). But ultimately realizing that their puzzle pieces weren’t perfect, but they fit together perfectly. (An odd analogy, but maybe you get it? Haha.)

If you’re looking for a celebrity romance with elements of self-discovery (and some steamy bits), then do yourself a favor and read this one!

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
Fake Dating
Celebrity Romance
Second Chance Romance
Found Family
Open Door
Dual POV

ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟꜱ:
GR: 4.33 ⭐️
# of Pages: 368
Pub Date: January 7, 2025

I had so much fun with this book! There’s just something about romances with a musical theme and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved how music was its own kind of love language for Valerie and Caleb. The way the author described how creating and performing music made them feel was so vivid—it gave the story so much heart.

Valerie and Caleb’s chemistry was absolutely electric! From the moment they reconnected, I was hooked on their push-and-pull dynamic. Watching them and the band slowly come back together was such a satisfying journey. I also really enjoyed the little extras—like news articles and fan chats woven throughout the story—they added a fresh, modern layer and made everything feel more real.

That said, I wish there had been more flashbacks or details about Valerie and Caleb’s relationship before the band broke up. I wanted to know more about how they fell for each other and what went wrong. And while I’ll admit Valerie frustrated me a lot in the beginning, her growth by the end was worth sticking it out for.

If you’re into books like 'Daisy Jones & The Six', I think you’ll really enjoy this one. It’s a heartfelt, fun read about love, second chances, and the power of music to bring people together. Definitely worth picking up!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The cover of this book initially caught my eye because it reminded me of one of my favorite dolls growing up, Jem. I'm really glad I requested For One Night Only because I adored this book!

I enjoyed going on the journey with the Glitter Bats as they reunite for a one-night only concert. Valerie, their singer and guitar player is looking to rehaul her image after some bad press and thinks getting the band back together, that broke up abruptly in the middle of their last tour will help. While bandmates Keely, Riker, and Jane are all on board, Caleb, Valerie's ex-boyfriend needs some convincing and he won't agree to doing anything outside of the one concert.

I wanted to dislike Valerie, she seemed so messy and self-absorbed at the beginning of the book, but she quickly won me over and my heart broke for her throughout the story. People in her life used her to further their careers and I loved that she started to speak up for herself to tell the world she wasn't really who the press made her out to be.

I liked the addition of the news articles and chats throughout the book that gave you insight into the characters and the fans as they awaited the return of their favorite band. If you enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six, I highly recommend reading this one!

Jessica James’s debut, FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY, completely stole my heart! It’s out on January 7th, and there’s no better way to support new authors than to pre-order their work!

When two former bandmates—and bedmates—are thrust back into each other’s lives in a fake dating scheme for publicity, they’ll be forced to face the music.

I am obsessed with Val and Caleb! There was angst over what they’d lost—as there should be in any great second chance romance—but there was also so much joy as they rediscovered a vital part of themselves that had been lost. Their band had been a little family, all of them a bit untethered without each other. Watching Val and Caleb fall back in love was beautiful, and the extra layer of the relationships with the rest of the band (who I LOVE and can’t wait for their books) added another layer that deepened the story. Plus, the only one microphone scenes?!?! Yes, please!

I was blown away by Jessica’s debut and will devour any future words she chooses to grace us with!

I live for reading messy romance books, especially if it’s between actors or musicians. You know that this is what typically happens if actors or musicians decide to have relationships. It’s bound to be messy between them, especially with the pressure of the media speculating. That’s what happens with these two former bandmates, aka former loves, Valerie and Caleb, reunited again after many years.

I have to say it. You may not like Valerie or Caleb because the both of them have flaws that have you wondering why. But not everyone is perfect. People have flaws. They just need to own their issues, which Valerie and Caleb do whenever they make a mistake. It’s definitely growth for them because the younger version of Valerie and Caleb wouldn’t handle it like they can do now.

Now, let’s get back to why Valerie and Caleb reunited again and how they are feeling for each other. Years have may have passed between Valerie and Caleb, but their love for each other doesn’t go away. It has always been there. It’s just Valerie and Caleb's communication with each other that needs work. Personally, Valerie and Caleb alone can handle their flaws and why they do what they do. As couple, Valerie and Caleb struggle with their expectations. They both think that they each want something else when they can honestly communicate what they want. It’s just harder to be vulnerable and honest since it may not align with what you may not want to hear. It’s something that Valerie and Caleb will experience a lot through this book.

Sorry to say that I could not get into this book. It is not a genre that I enjoy reading. DID NOT FINISH. Thanks to Berkley Publishing for te review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.