ARC Review: Just This Night by Mari Madison

Just This Night
Author: Mari Madison
Series: An Exclusive Romance (Book 1)
Publication: Berkley (March 1, 2016)

Description: At News 9 San Diego, the hottest stories happen off camera. 

Betrayed and abandoned by his wife and left to raise their young daughter on his own, TV news photographer Jake "Mac" MacDonald has moved to San Diego for a fresh start. He’s sworn off women forever and devoted his life to his little girl. But when his brother-in-law drags him out to a night club, Mac can’t help but be drawn to the cute blonde who asks him to dance. Maybe he can make an exception...for just one night.

A hot fling is exactly what news reporter Elizabeth White had in mind when she brought Mac home. A quick cure to help her get over her ex-boyfriend. But things get awkward when her anonymous hookup turns out to be her newest colleague. Now they must put their attraction behind them and find a way to work together. But when someone starts sabotaging Beth’s career, she realizes Mac is the only one she can trust. And maybe their one night has the makings of an exclusive after all.

My Thoughts: Elizabeth White and Jake MacDonald are both having awful days. Her ex-fiance is marrying her sister and he is trying to get over the fact that his wife just took off for her career leaving him with his broken-hearted four-year-old daughter. Each are convinced to spend the evening at a club to take their minds off their trouble. They meet and hook up but a one-night stand isn't enough for either of them.

Beth is surprised when she sees Mac at Channel 9 where she is a reporter and his is a new photographer. Naturally, in a way that only happens in romances, they are assigned to be partners which is an uncomfortable situation for both of them. The situation gets even more complicated when Beth is promoted and then becomes the target of mean pranks designed to sabotage her work. And it becomes still more complicated when Mac's wandering wife wanders back to San Diego and wants to rekindle their marriage. 

The story was very emotionally intense as two people who love each other try very hard to do the right thing despite their breaking hearts. I loved the relationship between Beth and Mac and I really loved the relationship Mac had with his daughter Ashley.

This was a very nice romance novel.

Favorite Quote:

As I did, I smacked right into someone heading outside. Someone carrying my bedroom TV. I stumbled, almost losing my balance, as the girl shoved past me, taking the television and slamming it down onto the pavement with force. I let out a cry of horror as it exploded in a crash of breaking glass.

The person throwing the deranged yard sale was not a thief at all.

It was my roommate.

I got this ARC from the author's assistant in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.