365 books in 365 days Challenge ... Book #256

One Perfect Night - Rachael Johns
Contemporary Romance
Carina Press, 2011
eISBN: 9781426892912












My rating

From the back cover:

"Peppa Grant's fellow employees may call their new CEO Mr. McSexy, but she's also heard that he's aloof and distant. Cameron McCormac certainly seems cold toward Christmas when she meets him at the company's annual party...but he's also the sexiest man Peppa has ever seen. And when he offers to forgive the damage she accidentally caused to his expensive car in exchange for accompanying him to his family's holiday get-together, she agrees. 
Cameron needs a date to the family party to get his matchmaking relatives off his back. Their chemistry is instant and undeniable, leading to an incredible one-night stand. But Peppa wants love and family, while Cameron's only interested in temporary pleasure. When their relationship takes an unexpectedly serious turn, will he run the other way—or will he give love a second chance?"


This is the fabulous Rachael Johns's debut, I have been chomping at the bit to read it. It was my over Christmas read.

The hero Cameron first sees the heroine Peppa when she is the children's entertainer during the office Christmas party. When he approaches her he has not idea she is actually one of his employees, but he is very intrigued by her. Although he is not pleased when she admits to accidentally causing damage to his car, but spotting his moment to get to know her further he asks her to go with him to his family's party. Peppa is very, very attracted to Cameron, but is still getting over a difficult break-up and reluctant to get involved. However, neither of them can deny the desire simmering between them and they end up spending the night together, which quickly turns into an agreed short term affair. As Peppa and Cameron grow closer, Peppa becomes more and more frustrated by Cameron's refusal to open up emotionally to her. And Cameron feels the ever growing involvement with Peppa is a betrayal to his late wife. Everything comes crashing down eventually, with devastating results.

I thought this book was brilliant, and I enjoyed every word of it. This book is so much more than the title and blurb leads you to believe; it is deep, wrought with emotion and passion, as well as being touching, funny and flirty. The plot itself is a well used one, but Rachael Johns has managed to 'modern-it-up', with some individual touches and a writing style that makes me smile. Both the hero and heroine are well matched and there is plenty of pizazz to their individual personalities. Peppa is particularly appealing as she has plenty of sass (and I am so glad she stood up to the hero and kicked him out during a certain scene! I like my heroines to have a backbone!).
The issues raised, such as night terrors, bereavement, infertility, are handled well but don't overcrowd the actual story. This gives the book depth and a nice balance with the focus still on the romance.

This is a fun book to read, yet also very emotional. I think the word 'lovely' suits this book perfectly! I can't wait to read future stuff from Rachael.

Recommended.

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