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For One Night Only
Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 10:34:07
5 copies available
U.S. only
GLITTER BATS REUNION CONCERT—SOLD OUT! 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. After her recurring role in tabloid headlines, Valerie Quinn’s musical TV show is on the network chopping block. Desperate for good press, she hastily reassembles her wildly beloved pop punk band, Glitter Bats. A reunion concert could be the former lead vocalist’s ticket to a media makeover, especially if it renews public speculation around her iconic situationship with bassist Caleb Sloane.The only problem? They haven’t spoken in six years. Caleb had the makings of a rock god, but fallout from the messy Glitter Bats breakup left him broke, anxious, and resentful of the industry. But when Valerie shows up at Caleb’s doorstep with that devastating smile and a plea for help, he reluctantly agrees to put on one last show. So what if the fandom assumes the two of them are back together too? They’ll play along. You know...for the press. Making music together not only revives the harmony between them, but also the discord that led to the band’s downfall. With their futures—and the Glitter Bats—in the balance, can they survive a romantic reprise?
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 7, 2025
About the author
Jessica James
1 book89 followersJessica James is a writer who also loves going to concerts, baking new recipes, spending time in local coffee shops, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her spouse and dogs. In addition to writing, Jessica has a passion for singing. While she’s never been a rock star, she’s a mezzo-soprano with a BA in Music and a healthy Broadway obsession. For One Night Only is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 2, 2024
I wrote it!
FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY is a second chance rockstar romance about Valerie Quinn, a bisexual disaster of an actress with a bad reputation who, in a desperate bid for some good press, reunites the band that made her famous…which means facing co-founder Caleb Sloane, the anxious cinnamon roll whose heart she broke six years ago when she drove him from the industry.
FONO is my love letter to fandom and music. It’s about first love, found family, second chances (both of the heart and in life) and how to navigate the clash of love and ambition.
It’s steamy and fun and emotional and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY is a second chance rockstar romance about Valerie Quinn, a bisexual disaster of an actress with a bad reputation who, in a desperate bid for some good press, reunites the band that made her famous…which means facing co-founder Caleb Sloane, the anxious cinnamon roll whose heart she broke six years ago when she drove him from the industry.
FONO is my love letter to fandom and music. It’s about first love, found family, second chances (both of the heart and in life) and how to navigate the clash of love and ambition.
It’s steamy and fun and emotional and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Read
August 19, 2024so, my conundrum is that i really loved how the author described music, and chemistry between the leads, and the friendship group, but i really hated the TSwift references (this is a pop punk band, i don't get it at all) and overall the pop culture references and pacing were not for me.
I am also not a huge fan of included materials like fake interviews, articles, tweets, etc etc to build out the past (a la Daisy Jones sort of) and it was all pretty skippable to me.
i know certain readers will love this, i just didn't.
professional review to come for Library Journal.
I am also not a huge fan of included materials like fake interviews, articles, tweets, etc etc to build out the past (a la Daisy Jones sort of) and it was all pretty skippable to me.
i know certain readers will love this, i just didn't.
professional review to come for Library Journal.
September 22, 2024
It took a few chapters for me to get into it, but once I was hooked I couldn't stop.
I was a music education major at one point in my life and once even had dreams of being in Valerie's place, so I was super into reading this perspective from a character.
The way the author describes how music make Caleb & Valerie feel throughout the novel was written really well and I enjoyed it the most out of anything I enjoyed. I found Valerie to be pretty annoying until nearly the end of the book, but that's kind of part of her story and her growth. Caleb was sweet and reserved and deserved to not be treated like garbage time and time again.
When we finally learn what their last night together before the band broke up, you're at a point where you're rooting for them to make it work.
I DO have gripes with the music references being modern pop stars and not any bands or artists who would have inspired a POP PUNK band. Teen bands almost always start as cover bands, did they not have any of those influences in their own music?
Genuinely enjoyed reading and am excited to see what comes next from Jessica James.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was a music education major at one point in my life and once even had dreams of being in Valerie's place, so I was super into reading this perspective from a character.
The way the author describes how music make Caleb & Valerie feel throughout the novel was written really well and I enjoyed it the most out of anything I enjoyed. I found Valerie to be pretty annoying until nearly the end of the book, but that's kind of part of her story and her growth. Caleb was sweet and reserved and deserved to not be treated like garbage time and time again.
When we finally learn what their last night together before the band broke up, you're at a point where you're rooting for them to make it work.
I DO have gripes with the music references being modern pop stars and not any bands or artists who would have inspired a POP PUNK band. Teen bands almost always start as cover bands, did they not have any of those influences in their own music?
Genuinely enjoyed reading and am excited to see what comes next from Jessica James.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2024
Really disappointed I did not like this one more. It seemed right up my alley. But it definitely had an audience! The author repeated many phrases that stood out like “biting her lip” and “swallowed thickly” which took me out of the story because I couldn’t stop seeing them. The characters also felt really immature for people in their late 20s…I don’t know. I struggled I’m sorry!!
July 10, 2024
this book is going to take the world by storm
July 26, 2024
This was music to my ears (eyes?)
I confess, the beautiful artwork on the cover is what initially piqued my interest. The characters were well fleshed out and oh so charming. Valerie and Caleb's romance was raw and honest, and I fell in love with them as a pair almost immediately. Romances with a musical theme just hit so strongly with me; I love how music is its own love language. Using elements of social media was a nice touch in fleshing out the story as well. It made it seem more authentic.
I related so hard to Valerie's struggles with self-worth and a controlling, narcissistic mother. Caleb's anxiety challenges also hit so close to home.
Also, can we talk about the songwriting? I need these songs recorded for real. Glitterbug Nichole reporting for duty!
This debut from Jessica James really made my heart sing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I confess, the beautiful artwork on the cover is what initially piqued my interest. The characters were well fleshed out and oh so charming. Valerie and Caleb's romance was raw and honest, and I fell in love with them as a pair almost immediately. Romances with a musical theme just hit so strongly with me; I love how music is its own love language. Using elements of social media was a nice touch in fleshing out the story as well. It made it seem more authentic.
I related so hard to Valerie's struggles with self-worth and a controlling, narcissistic mother. Caleb's anxiety challenges also hit so close to home.
Also, can we talk about the songwriting? I need these songs recorded for real. Glitterbug Nichole reporting for duty!
This debut from Jessica James really made my heart sing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2024
I absolutely adored this book!
I mean, I've always had a thing for books centering around the arts in some regard, but there's something so very special about an author who can make you *feel* the music on the page without your hearing a sound. And Jess is phenomenal at this.
The lyrics. THE LYRICS.
The Glitter Bats (what a clever name, right?) are SO full of charm. I'm not sure how someone could pick up this book and not absolutely adore each and every one of them.
I loved Val so much--I felt so close to her passion--and I love how we could FEEL the history between her and Caleb between the lines of every page, before we even know it in full. There's so much wound up tension and hurt, and of course I was churning through pages SO FAST to see what becomes of them. One thing I especially loved, though, was seeing how they had already grown so much through the years (especially with communication), so that when they reconnect, it really is a different experience. Like, so many books that do this trope do it in such a way that the years have barely changed the main characters. But this? It's excellent. And yet there's still that glorious thread of tension.
Anyway, I never really reveal plot points in my reviews, but I needed to scream about all the beauty that is this book, and believe me when I say you need to own a copy. (And like, come on, that cover? It might be my favorite romance cover in the history of ever.
I mean, I've always had a thing for books centering around the arts in some regard, but there's something so very special about an author who can make you *feel* the music on the page without your hearing a sound. And Jess is phenomenal at this.
The lyrics. THE LYRICS.
The Glitter Bats (what a clever name, right?) are SO full of charm. I'm not sure how someone could pick up this book and not absolutely adore each and every one of them.
I loved Val so much--I felt so close to her passion--and I love how we could FEEL the history between her and Caleb between the lines of every page, before we even know it in full. There's so much wound up tension and hurt, and of course I was churning through pages SO FAST to see what becomes of them. One thing I especially loved, though, was seeing how they had already grown so much through the years (especially with communication), so that when they reconnect, it really is a different experience. Like, so many books that do this trope do it in such a way that the years have barely changed the main characters. But this? It's excellent. And yet there's still that glorious thread of tension.
Anyway, I never really reveal plot points in my reviews, but I needed to scream about all the beauty that is this book, and believe me when I say you need to own a copy. (And like, come on, that cover? It might be my favorite romance cover in the history of ever.
July 28, 2024
I was able to snag an eARC of “For One Night Only” a few weeks ago and I’m glad I got the chance to read it! 💕 This is Jessica James’ debut novel, that comes out in January 2025.
I loved the representation this novel had, it’s what first pulled me in. Valerie is a bi-girl whose reputation has been on blast by the media. Her only hope at saving it is to get the band she started in high school back together after a six year hiatus. It’s a tough journey with lots of ups and downs and plenty of mistakes. Her band mate, and former lover, Caleb, has anxiety and they both struggle to navigate their relationship (both in and out of the public eye).
I loved how the characters were shown and that we got to see their thought process behind actions and how they affected not only themselves but those around them.
The only thing I didn’t like is that there is little character growth and I felt like no one learned from their mistakes and kept making them over and over again. It was really hard for me to keep reading and I struggled with wanting to pick it up again each time I stopped.
Overall I thought this was a cute read and I’d definitely pick it up if you want a cute romance with lots of representation, a behind the scenes look at celebrities lives, and a friend group rediscovering themselves again.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Romance for the eARC of this book :)
I loved the representation this novel had, it’s what first pulled me in. Valerie is a bi-girl whose reputation has been on blast by the media. Her only hope at saving it is to get the band she started in high school back together after a six year hiatus. It’s a tough journey with lots of ups and downs and plenty of mistakes. Her band mate, and former lover, Caleb, has anxiety and they both struggle to navigate their relationship (both in and out of the public eye).
I loved how the characters were shown and that we got to see their thought process behind actions and how they affected not only themselves but those around them.
The only thing I didn’t like is that there is little character growth and I felt like no one learned from their mistakes and kept making them over and over again. It was really hard for me to keep reading and I struggled with wanting to pick it up again each time I stopped.
Overall I thought this was a cute read and I’d definitely pick it up if you want a cute romance with lots of representation, a behind the scenes look at celebrities lives, and a friend group rediscovering themselves again.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Romance for the eARC of this book :)
August 9, 2024
I have been looking forward to reading this book ever since I heard the premise (second chance romance amid a "let's get the band back together" backdrop!) and saw this absolutely STUNNING cover. I'm happy to say, Jessica James DID NOT disappoint!
It's always fun and a bit nerve-wracking to read a debut because you can approach the book without any preconceived expectations, and James met every one of mine and more. If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be longing:
Valerie longing for the renewal of her tv show
Caleb longing to have his "normal life" AND somehow his career in the entertainment industry
Valerie and Caleb longing for each other
The whole band longing for the friendships-- and magic-- they once had together
And longing is universal, right? We all know what it's like to pine for something (or someone) we can't have. Given this, James' characters are refreshingly real-- showing, with vulnerability, a really relatable navigation of the tension that exists between wanting, having, and letting go.
I may be biased because I love a second chance romance AND I love pop culture, but this book was just a fun, funny, heartwarming, steamy, satisfying read. Will be recommending to friends!
It's always fun and a bit nerve-wracking to read a debut because you can approach the book without any preconceived expectations, and James met every one of mine and more. If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be longing:
Valerie longing for the renewal of her tv show
Caleb longing to have his "normal life" AND somehow his career in the entertainment industry
Valerie and Caleb longing for each other
The whole band longing for the friendships-- and magic-- they once had together
And longing is universal, right? We all know what it's like to pine for something (or someone) we can't have. Given this, James' characters are refreshingly real-- showing, with vulnerability, a really relatable navigation of the tension that exists between wanting, having, and letting go.
I may be biased because I love a second chance romance AND I love pop culture, but this book was just a fun, funny, heartwarming, steamy, satisfying read. Will be recommending to friends!
September 3, 2024
Friends to lovers, second chance, close proximity...all wrapped up in a story about a rock star turned actress who needs to get the band back together in order to clean up her image and save her TV show. But the band didn't end in good terms, especially with Caleb. Can they put the past aside in order to put on one last show?
This was very readable, but it felt like a mess. First, this is a story about adults with lots of sex, but the rest felt like we were reading about teenagers. Valerie in particular makes so many selfish decisions, it feels like we're reading about a teenager. The stuff with the contract was weird too. How could at least some part of that not be illegal? And how do you keep letting your mom into your life after that? Anyway, I don't recommend this one.
Release Date: 1/7/2025
This was very readable, but it felt like a mess. First, this is a story about adults with lots of sex, but the rest felt like we were reading about teenagers. Valerie in particular makes so many selfish decisions, it feels like we're reading about a teenager. The stuff with the contract was weird too. How could at least some part of that not be illegal? And how do you keep letting your mom into your life after that? Anyway, I don't recommend this one.
Release Date: 1/7/2025
July 4, 2024
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 If you could see any band, from any era, reunite for one night only, who would it be? After a pretty epic break-up of the band and a relationship between bandmates Valerie and Caleb, the Glitter Bats are back together! Told in dual perspectives and with media coverage interspersed, Jessica James absolutely brings the riveting buzz of this highly anticipated reunion to life in an explosively fun manner! The characters have the perfect balance of naive invincibility and vulnerability that comes with stardom at a young age mixed with a youthful hope. After reading this five star book, I would definitely vote to see the reunion of Glitter Bats as my top band reunion for a night (second choice would be Fleetwood Mac for the Rumors Tour…)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 15, 2024
If you love rockstar romance, FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY delivers and *then some*. I was entranced by Caleb and Valerie, and the delicious second-chance sexual tension they brought to every scene. Jessica’s prose glitters on the page, and the exploration of Caleb’s anxiety was nuanced and hit close to home. This is a love story that feels both fresh and nostalgic, thoroughly modern and speckled with pop culture references but still artistic and timeless. Fans of Elissa Sussman, Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka, and Falon Ballard are going to be obsessed with the behind-the-scenes celebrity drama and found family of the Glitter Bats and #CalErie’s swoony love story. I can’t wait for Jessica’s next romance!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 21, 2024
Pheewww! I need to take a cold shower because this book is HOT! Spice aside, I absolutely fell in love with Valerie, Caleb and the rest of the Glitterbats crew. Caleb was the ultimate romantic icon--swoonworthy and such a beautifully crafted character. Valerie's struggles with the need for validation felt so relatable to me. I thought her arc was handled so well. The entire Glitterbats crew were so much fun to be with! All of their dialogue was lively and authentic. I loved spending time with them on the page, and as someone who doesn't know much about the music world, this really captured the essence of the process. Gorgeous debut. Devoured this book!
July 21, 2024
This story is so much different than any other story I’ve read and I loved it! I’ve wanted a book focused on people in Hollywood and the life they live and show that process and I loved every minute of this book. It took me two days to finish.
The relationship between Valerie and the rest of the Glitter Bats was really believable and felt organic. And the chemistry between Valerie and Caleb keeps you entertained the whole time.
But the whole plot line was is very original and something I haven’t seen in a book but I wish there was more like it! Definitely recommend this book!
The relationship between Valerie and the rest of the Glitter Bats was really believable and felt organic. And the chemistry between Valerie and Caleb keeps you entertained the whole time.
But the whole plot line was is very original and something I haven’t seen in a book but I wish there was more like it! Definitely recommend this book!
August 20, 2024
I went into this yearning for a fake dating trope, but because these are exes fake dating I feel like you miss all the fun. They’re just residually still in love with each other so while there’s definitely pining, we just skipped over the best parts of dating and falling in love. Loved Caleb. Strongly disliked Valerie. As a reality dating show would say, “she’s not here for the right reasons.”
Also … my face reading the fake band’s lyrics 😬
Also… my fave reading the ending 😬🫠😑
Free ARC from NetGalley, Berkley Romance & Penguin Random House
Also … my face reading the fake band’s lyrics 😬
Also… my fave reading the ending 😬🫠😑
Free ARC from NetGalley, Berkley Romance & Penguin Random House
May 6, 2024
Move over Taylor Swift, Valerie Quinn’s journey to reclaim her reputation and her true love is pitch-perfect! FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY is an edgy, steamy romp right for anyone who likes a little backstage drama alongside their fizzy romance.
August 20, 2024
Loved the cover and the description for this debut novel.
TROPES:
Dual POV
Second Chance Romance
Celebrity/Rock Star Romance
Bisexual FMC
Third Act Breakups
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC.
TROPES:
Dual POV
Second Chance Romance
Celebrity/Rock Star Romance
Bisexual FMC
Third Act Breakups
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC.
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August 30, 2024I won a NetGalley widget from Berkley Marketing via the Shelf Awareness newsletter.
September 25, 2024
CalErie forever 🫶🏻
July 20, 2024
I don't know what I'm more obsessed with: the book or its gorgeous cover. This was SUCH a fun story. The romance is top notch, with characters who leap off the page, but what I especially loved is how fleshed out and engrossing the plot involving the band getting back together was. It was the perfect backdrop for Caleb and Valerie's reunion, and I loved getting to experience it through both of their POVs. This book is fun, flirty, and sure to be a winner.
August 19, 2024
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this one ever since I first laid eyes on this glorious cover! It just SCREAMS Jem and the Holograms, and since that is actually an entire facet of my personality, I couldn’t get my hands on this fast enough. Throw in some Taylor Swift love AND 10 Things I Hate About You mention?? This book had my name written allllllll over it.
I had a lot of fun with this. Valerie and Caleb’s chemistry was electrifying from the start, and I loved seeing both them and the band come back together! Loved Keeley, Jane, and Riker, too. The dynamic was really thrilling and I was invested throughout.
The only reason I’m not giving this a full five stars is that the last bit was a little shaky for me. Valerie’s impulsive actions disappointed me, and though I understand the reasoning behind it, I can’t help wishing the conflict was something different. I will say that the aftermath was handled pretty well and I did love the actual ending! Also a small nitpick but I really wish we got more details about Val and Caleb’s relationship before the band broke up, like how they got together!
Overall, very very fun. Will definitely look out for more from this author in the future!
I had a lot of fun with this. Valerie and Caleb’s chemistry was electrifying from the start, and I loved seeing both them and the band come back together! Loved Keeley, Jane, and Riker, too. The dynamic was really thrilling and I was invested throughout.
The only reason I’m not giving this a full five stars is that the last bit was a little shaky for me. Valerie’s impulsive actions disappointed me, and though I understand the reasoning behind it, I can’t help wishing the conflict was something different. I will say that the aftermath was handled pretty well and I did love the actual ending! Also a small nitpick but I really wish we got more details about Val and Caleb’s relationship before the band broke up, like how they got together!
Overall, very very fun. Will definitely look out for more from this author in the future!
July 7, 2024
Jessica James's rocking debut For One Night Only will have you in your Happily Ever After Era. Exes, and former bandmates, Valerie and Caleb fake date in perfect harmony, finally free to explore their old feelings and unspoken regrets. They light a spark on the page as much as they would if they were really on stage.
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