Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE: Just One Night

AUTHOR:  Felice Stevens

NARRATOR:  Kale Williams

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  8 hours and 31 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  December 13, 2022

BLURB:

In the rough and tumble world of New York City, these men don’t mind getting down and dirty—in business or each other.

It isn’t every day a gorgeous stranger shows up in my bedroom wearing not much more than an arrogant smile. When I discover he’s a high-priced escort and a surprise birthday present from my sister…now she’s gone too far.

Except I haven’t been able to stop kissing him long enough to tell him to leave.

No one has to know he’s spent the night. And when we’re done, he’s gone and out the door. Never to be seen again.

Well, not exactly.

Because for some crazy reason, I can’t quite forget Archer Strong.

It’s a job like all the others. Another evening of million-dollar seduction and fake desire that’s made me the most exclusive escort in New York City.

But after one kiss from billionaire real-estate mogul Madden Steele, I’m not pretending anything.

And when he wants to see me a second time, I break my rule of one and done.

Because just one night with Madden isn’t enough. I want to see him again.

And again.

Now he’s asking for something more. Something that could solve all my problems, and his. But it’s something I can’t give him.

Or can I?

With an enemy from inside Madden’s family scheming to take control of his company and destroy me, we’re in for a fight. Holding on to each other might be the biggest risk of our lives, but it’s the only way to reap the greatest reward—love.

From Lambda Literary Award-winning author Felice Stevens comes a passionate story of two men fighting the demons of their past and unexpected desire for each other. Expect steamy encounters, backstabbing relatives, lots of cuddling and junk food in bed.

REVIEW:

Archer Strong is a very high-end escort.  He sleeps with men for money.   Not because he can’t do anything else, but because he needs the money to pay for the care of his mother.  The only person who knows about it is his best friend Christine.  He has always been there for his mother and she needs round the clock care that costs a fortune.  He can’t stop this lifestyle until he knows that he has the mean to make sure that she will always have what she needs.

Christine has a friend whose sister wants Archer to be her brother’s birthday present.  His boyfriend dumped him soon after their father died and then sues him.  Said boyfriend has destroyed his trust in people and he’s not dated in the years since.  Tricia engages Archer against Archer’s better judgement.  Needless to say, Madden is furious.  He tries to kick Archer out, but he doesn’t exactly leave when asked – I mean he’ getting paid anyway 😉  The sex is EXPLOSIVE.  They agree to tell Tricia that Madden said no and Archer leaves 😉  But he leaves his card.

Well Madden can’t get Archer out of his mind.  He ends up calling Archer on another pretense, but they get together again – not on the clock.  They they run into each other at a party and spend the night together.  It’s another amazing night.  Madden just can’t seem to get enough of Archer and so he comes up with a way to get Archer all to himself.  Archer can’t turn down the gig.  Amazingly, they begin to open up to each other.

Both have been hurt in the past and have a lot on their shoulders.  Archer doesn’t share that he’s taking care of this mother, but he does share most of his family history.  Madden is dealing with running a company, his abandonment issues since his mother left and his sister butting into his life.  On top of that he’s got another family member trying to kick him out of his job and company in a completely vicious way.  She’s also prying into Archer.  It’s a bit of a cluster.  Madden is determined to make Archer his though.  For real.  But Archer has never relied on anyone.  Can he trust Madden with the one thing he has always kept to himself?  His heart?  Can Madden get over his ex’s betrayal and his feelings of being unworthy of love since his own mother left without a word? You’ll have to listen to find out 😀

Just when I think Kale Williams can’t get any better, he does!  This performance was just delicious.  The fire between Madden and Archer is just off the charts.  We BELIEVE the heat between them.  We feel the pressure that they are both under.  We are drawn into their dance around each other and their eventual recognition and acceptance that what is between them goes far beyond the amazing sex.  Every single scene of this book was just so perfectly conveyed at a spot on emotional pitch.  One of my absolute favorite performances from this narrator – simply superb.  This is a hard won HEA that is just beautifully written and performed.  Another wonderful collaboration between writer and narrator.  Highly recommended.

RATING:

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