My That One Night Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
I read That One Night by Emily Rath because I wanted a sharp, high-heat novella that sets the stage for a bigger romance. This is the prequel to the Jacksonville Rays “Pucking Around” series, and it doesn’t waste time getting to the good stuff. Rachel Price is in Seattle for her brother’s wedding, only to get hit with crushing news—her dream Barkley Fellowship fell through. Ready to drown her disappointment, she heads to the hotel bar, only to get cornered by a persistent stranger. That’s when Jake, a charming, down-on-his-luck athlete, steps in and pretends to be her rescue.
Neither is looking for more than escape, but instant chemistry pulls them together. They decide to keep things anonymous for just one wild night—no names, no promises, just the chance to forget the world for a little while. Everything feels raw, immediate, and urgent. The only rule: one night only. But even as the sun rises, it’s obvious their story isn’t over—the rest plays out in the next book. Every page made me want to pick up “Pucking Around” to see what comes next.
Why I Love This Book
I love how blunt and bold this novella is. The connection between Rachel and Jake is electric—they slip into physical intimacy quickly, but there’s an emotional pulse under every scene. The story balances serious vulnerability (Rachel’s disappointment, Jake’s loneliness) with a heavy dose of humor, playful banter, and dirty talk that never feels awkward. I appreciate how the author lets both leads set clear boundaries and actively check in on each other’s comfort, even as things get intense.
The pacing keeps the story tight—everything happens in a single night, so every glance, touch, and confession matters. Rachel’s voice is sharp and funny, and Jake’s puppy-dog energy is surprisingly infectious. There’s no filler; just two people grabbing happiness where they find it, wrapped in steam and late-night honesty. It’s all about the what-if that leaves me hungry for more.
Who Will Like This Book
If you want a spicy novella with instant chemistry, one-night-stand magic, and no strings (until there are), this is for you. Perfect if you like strong, curvy heroines; sweet but sexy athletes; and a story that gets straight to the point. The open-door scenes are straightforward and wild, with a focus on pleasure and consent. Fans of “why choose,” hockey romance, and contemporary sports romance will be hooked—and after this, it’s impossible not to read the series.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Explicit sexual content, dirty talk, choking, impact play, praise, and kink. No dark themes or violence, but not for the faint of heart or readers looking for sweetness without spice. Always check the author’s official content warnings before starting.
Tagged As
sports romance, hockey, one night stand, curvy heroine, instant chemistry, anonymous encounter, contemporary, open-door romance, explicit, dirty talk, praise kink, consent, dual pov, novella, prequel, series, indie romance, kindle unlimited
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Insanely Hot
