ARC Review: Just One Night (The Kingston Family #1)

Just One Night (The Kingston Family #1)

by Carly Phillips

Blurb:

She’s the woman he can’t live without.

The one he can’t risk screwing up their relationship by sleeping with her.

Linc Kingston doesn’t accept anything less than perfection. Not in his billion-dollar business or in his personal life. He has it all. Except one thing. His personal assistant and best friend in his bed, moaning his name. No matter how much Linc wants her, she’s completely off-limits.

Jordan Greene grew up the daughter of the housekeeper at the Kingston estate, where she met and bonded with Linc at a young age, despite their economic differences. But no matter how close they are now or how much their attraction simmers beneath the surface, they’re still from two different worlds. Besides, Jordan isn’t about to risk losing her best friend for one sensual night.

Jordan might be the only woman who can handle Linc and his domineering, bossy attitude, but beneath that gruff exterior is a vulnerable man who, despite his wealth, has had a less-than-charmed life. And when Linc’s father dies, she’s there for him—unwavering in her friendship.

Until one night of passion and a positive pregnancy test changes everything.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 4

Review:

Another new spinoff kicks off with the amazing story of two longtime best friends that finally admit to themselves and one another how deep their feelings are. Carly Phillips jumps right into this new series with the amazing story of the oldest of the Kingston siblings, who we met in Dare to Stay, as he comes to terms with the drama and trauma left behind by the death of his father.  Linc and Jordan are wonderful characters to begin this series, and while I didn’t realize there would be so much timing overlap with Dare to Stay, I enjoyed seeing the story from Linc’s POV instead of just Aurora’s like we did in that story.  Carly has a fantastic skill that brings the love of family and weaves it into the lives and loves of each off her characters as she puts them through hell before they find their way to their much deserved HEAs. I am really looking forward to more of this series and getting to know this new family of interesting and dynamic characters. Carly strikes gold once again.

Linc Kingston is buried in paperwork and dealing with the disasters his father left behind with a sudden death when he stumbles across the awful and heartbreaking truth that his father hid for twenty years.  Apparently he has a half-sister out there somewhere that has been neglected and left to fend for herself far too long.  Determined to bring her into the family fold, Linc recruits the help of his best friend and assistant Jordan Greene, the one person he has always counted on to have his back, and together they will do whatever it takes to bring Aurora home. Jordan hates seeing the pain Linc is in, but she has to protect her heart at the same time, because the more vulnerable he is, the harder it is to deny to herself how deeply in love she is with him.  But once they cross the line, falling into one another’s arms and beds, the line becomes so blurred that only coming to terms with their deepest emotional pains and truths can lead them to the chance at a future together. If the consequences of their nights together don’t complicate things too much for them to handle.

Linc and Jordan were perfectly matched from the beginning, but that makes perfect sense as they have been best friends since they were children.  Honestly when you have loved someone and hidden it from one another so long the pain and deep seated need to protect your heart can be pretty difficult to overcome.  Linc has lusted after Jordan from the time he realized she was a woman, but their friendship meant too much to him to ever risk reaching for anything more.  He has hidden so long from his emotional connections with her, he honestly doesn’t understand how deep in he is, but I loved seeing him figure it out slowly.  Linc was the kind of strong and decisive guy that just doesn’t know how to give up on something he wants once he makes up his mind. He was a sweetheart too when he was in private moments with Jordan, reminding us that even the strongest of men can be mush with the women that own their hearts. Jordan was a strong woman for sure; having to keep her feelings for her best friend bottled up for decades, out of fear and the knowledge that he had no desire to be in a long-term relationship.  She knew that being with him would leave her shattered, but she couldn’t deny the need to have just those moments and memories to look back on, and when they were together she tried not to let him see how deeply he held her heart.  I hated to see the way they both allowed others to drive their relationship for so many years, letting their opinions be swayed by idiots that just didn’t matter.  I did love seeing Jordan—and Aurora—standup to just such an idiot and put her in her place (*cough* bitch *cough*).

Just One Night reminds readers that while just one night truly can change a life in extraordinary ways; sometimes the best love stories take decades to build.  Jordan and Linc’s love story was one that was reminiscent of some of my favorite Carly stories, bringing in pieces of her writing that make her one of my favorite authors, including empowering women and showing us that sometimes only by letting go of our fears can love bloom.  Jordan was such a strong woman in so many aspects and made Linc that much luckier to have earned her love.  I enjoyed getting to know her character and seeing her find her place in the Kingston family and finally letting go of past hang-ups.  Linc needed a swift kick in the butt several times, in my opinion, but he got them in subtle ways and in the end was a better man for them.  Once he finds a way to see Jordan for the wonderful woman and partner she is, he becomes a perfect partner and lover for her.  The passion between them was there every second as they worked through their emotional issues and I can see them sneaking in quickies in the office for many years to come.  I cannot wait for the next story (Just One Scandal) where we get to know more about Linc’s other sister Chloe and the rest of his siblings.  Another series that will be added to my forever bookshelf for sure. 

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.