This book was a solidly impressive debut novel for Jessica James. If you’re into second chance, rockstar/celebrity romance with a healthy dose of turmoil, add this one to your TBR.

Valerie Quinn was an incredibly complex character who was as frustrating as she was understandable. She routinely made choices that had me wanting to shake her but I knew exactly why she was making them. Her struggles were so real and the impact it had on her and the people she loved was visceral. I could feel the impulsive moves she was going to make coming and I felt like I was on the crash course right alongside her wishing I could stop her and knowing it was inevitable. Inevitable because it needed to happen to turn the corner and the way off that path. The resolution did not come without some intense self-reflection and facing hard truths, but it made it that much more worth it in the end.

I had such a soft spot for Caleb Sloane. His anxiety mirrored so much of what I’ve felt myself (minus the whole “rockstar” famous element of it all) and I felt like I channeled all the comfort and understanding to him that I wish I could give myself in my more anxious moments. He was such a genuine, kind person. I wanted to protect him from others and, in a way, himself. He had a bit of pathological people pleaser about him (again, can relate) especially when it came to people he loved. His internal conflict he had to face over determining what he wanted and needed for himself and what he was willing to do for others was so authentic. Also authentic was the letting it all build inside until it breaks and needing time and space to work through it but not being able to communicate that well in the face of heightened emotions and feeling like you’re spiraling (or so I might imagine…).

I don’t know if this is intended to potentially be a series but I was left with a lot of questions and loose ends with the other members of the band that I’d really like to know more about. I felt like there was a lot included in their story that didn’t get resolved and I’d love to see how some things play out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love a second chance romance and put it as 2 members of a pop punk rock band, it's so great. I love musical books, I love that the "getting the band back together" is not all a bed of roses especially as how they ended the first time.

Caleb deals with anxiety and is getting the help/medication he needs for that. Valerie is his best friend and she is a calming balm to him. They have a tough time trying to find the magic of the music they once had but I love how they both worked at it. I loved the band members- June, Keeley and Riker and how they didn't bend to anyone's opinion of them.

This book is filled with news clips, social media posts with comments, and a great reporter who once again is writing about the band that started her career. Great debut

For One Night Only by Jessica James gave me all the feels and then some. Valerie and Caleb’s chemistry practically leapt off the page—there’s nothing quite like the tension of old flames being thrown back together. Valerie’s mix of vulnerability and strength made me root for her instantly, and Caleb? Total swoon. His struggles felt real, and I loved seeing his softer, more honest side emerge as the story unfolded.

This book is a perfect mix of angst, romance, and second-chance magic. The music, the nostalgia, and all the messy emotions made it impossible to put down. If you love stories about complicated love and characters who get under your skin, For One Night Only is a must-read. It’s raw, it’s sweet, and it left me grinning like an idiot. ★★★★★

This was a solid debut! I really enjoyed the angst of seeing the band navigate their past hurts and try to find a way to work together again. I also loved that the representation for mental health and queer characters (the FMC is bi and a side character is also not straight). Caleb was an absolute sweetheart. He was down bad for Val and I fell hard for him once we got to see how sensitive he is. In addition to being really sweet this story is also quite sexy. Caleb and Val's chemistry was off the charts! Second chance is truly the hardest trope to pull off so it's a doozy to take on in a debut. This book didn't ~quite get there for me because I wanted to see that Val and Caleb had learned how to communicate well and we definitely didn't get to see that. However we did get some quality angst and pining so I'm really looking forward to this author's future books.

Shut the whole fuck up. I loved this book so much!

If life hadn't gotten in the way I could have eaten this whole book up in one sitting.

Jessica James debut was astounding! Rockstar second chance romance with a stunning cast of characters. I loved them all from page one!! Jane, Riker and Keely are some of my favorite side characters ever! Their personalities were all so great and I'm hoping they all get their own stories later! So many unresolved things I'd love to get more of!

Valerie was such an intriguing character. I loved her and I saw so much of myself in her. The constant need to feel relevant and enough. The pressure she put on herself to be this perfect girl. I think most girls can relate to her and the terrible and rash choices she often made.

Caleb my guy. Oh man I love him so much. He was such an amazing brother/caretaker and truly felt for everything he was going through and the choices he made.

I really think Val and Caleb were meant for each other in every way. They are so similar in so many ways. Down to the ways they hurt each other even without meaning to.

The musical aspect of this book was soooo well written. I love that I could tell the author has a background in music because everything felt so well researched and well accurate. The song lyrics didn't feel like an author just trying to write song. They actually felt like real music.

Can not say enough nice things about this book truly. So excited for more books from this debut author and hopefully more Glitter Bats in the future!

Big thanks to Berkley for the e-arc and to Jessica James for letting me be a part of her traveling arc program!

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