Scan barcode
A review by theespressoedition
One Night With You by Laura Jane Williams
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Laura Jane Williams, you sneaky genius, you've done it again. You've somehow created another beautifully-written romance with just the right doses of snark, wit, emotion, and wholesomeness.
Let me tell you that when I began this book, I was chortling. Yes, chortling. That's not a word I use often. In fact, I might even go so far as to say that I let out a guffaw! The early moments between our protagonists were absolutely hilarious. From the best friend/roommate hijinks to the uncomfortable flirting to the admission of social media profile stalking, it was a mess of hilarity and adorableness that I will never forget. Those opening chapters drew me in so fast and I absolutely had to know what happened next for Ruby and Nic.
I was a little wary moving forward. There was an almost insta-love vibe to those first few chapters that had me worrying that the rest of the book would fall flat. I mean, how could the rest of the story live up to the cuteness held in the early moments? But I had absolutely nothing to worry about because the rest of the story was just as phenomenal - if not more so. That's where the depth happened and it was more than I could have hoped for or expected.
There was no way I could have anticipated that I would adore these characters so much. Every single one of them, from Ruby's gang of misfit roommates (I especially loved Jackson) and the pals she made during her video project (don't even get me started on how badly I want to just sit and have a whisky with JP) to Nic and his brother Ollie. There was not a single member of this cast that went unnoticed or unappreciated. Every one of them made this story more enjoyable and emotional. Without giving any spoilers, just know that the final few chapters actually made me cry. Like legit crocodile tears!
The more challenging themes that were faced in this book were handled so well. They made me truly think long and hard about my own life. I absolutely love when a book can make me do that - especially an unsuspecting "rom-com," you know? The entire phrase "almost doesn't count" was on repeat in my head throughout the time I was reading this... and beyond. I'm still thinking about it on occasion. I love the realizations that Ruby came to about this phrase and how JP impacted her life so much.
If I look back at this, I'm slightly surprised to note that the romance wasn't actually what stood out to me the most. While the book is titled One Night With You, it focuses on far more than just Ruby and Nic's whirlwind one-night stand. I hope that those who choose to read this go into it with an open mind, willing to learn from it because there is so much to gain. Of course, the romance is adorable too and not to be forgotten, but I just love that there was such fantastic depth along with the swoony, steamy bedroom scenes.
This is another LJW book that I will be eagerly adding to my shelves! I'm so thankful that I got the chance to read it a little early because I loved every second of it and I'm thrilled to share it with all of you and tell you that you need to read it too!
Let me tell you that when I began this book, I was chortling. Yes, chortling. That's not a word I use often. In fact, I might even go so far as to say that I let out a guffaw! The early moments between our protagonists were absolutely hilarious. From the best friend/roommate hijinks to the uncomfortable flirting to the admission of social media profile stalking, it was a mess of hilarity and adorableness that I will never forget. Those opening chapters drew me in so fast and I absolutely had to know what happened next for Ruby and Nic.
I was a little wary moving forward. There was an almost insta-love vibe to those first few chapters that had me worrying that the rest of the book would fall flat. I mean, how could the rest of the story live up to the cuteness held in the early moments? But I had absolutely nothing to worry about because the rest of the story was just as phenomenal - if not more so. That's where the depth happened and it was more than I could have hoped for or expected.
There was no way I could have anticipated that I would adore these characters so much. Every single one of them, from Ruby's gang of misfit roommates (I especially loved Jackson) and the pals she made during her video project (don't even get me started on how badly I want to just sit and have a whisky with JP) to Nic and his brother Ollie. There was not a single member of this cast that went unnoticed or unappreciated. Every one of them made this story more enjoyable and emotional. Without giving any spoilers, just know that the final few chapters actually made me cry. Like legit crocodile tears!
The more challenging themes that were faced in this book were handled so well. They made me truly think long and hard about my own life. I absolutely love when a book can make me do that - especially an unsuspecting "rom-com," you know? The entire phrase "almost doesn't count" was on repeat in my head throughout the time I was reading this... and beyond. I'm still thinking about it on occasion. I love the realizations that Ruby came to about this phrase and how JP impacted her life so much.
If I look back at this, I'm slightly surprised to note that the romance wasn't actually what stood out to me the most. While the book is titled One Night With You, it focuses on far more than just Ruby and Nic's whirlwind one-night stand. I hope that those who choose to read this go into it with an open mind, willing to learn from it because there is so much to gain. Of course, the romance is adorable too and not to be forgotten, but I just love that there was such fantastic depth along with the swoony, steamy bedroom scenes.
This is another LJW book that I will be eagerly adding to my shelves! I'm so thankful that I got the chance to read it a little early because I loved every second of it and I'm thrilled to share it with all of you and tell you that you need to read it too!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Death, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol and Cursing