One Mad Night by Julia London
Released: January 6, 2015
Novella
Sourcebooks
Reviewed by May
Chelsea Crawford is real good at her job, and she’s determined to win this big account and get the promotion she deserves. Just one thing stands in her way, or rather one very handsome man. Ian Rafferty, the new hire that has been competing directly with her for accounts and, she fears, the partner position she’s been working towards for years.
When the pair gets caught alone in the office during an epic snow storm they have to face their attraction, and they might be surprised to find that they make better friends than enemies.
This is a short story, and a simple one. Chelsea is the typical uptight business focused shrew and Ian is the playboy. It’s all very Rock Hudson and Doris Day in Pillow Talk – but without any of the charm of that classic oldie.
The story isn’t a bad one, and the writing was solid. I liked how the author focuses on the night that changes their lives, then shows us glimpses of an HEA. I think it was a good choice of characters and story for the short format as well.
My complaint is that I’m tired of these stereotypes in business setting romance. These two characters have been written and put onto the big screen so many times, in so many ways. Why does she have to be the uptight sensible one? Why does she battle her attraction with extreme rudeness and bitter behavior? How come he can’t be responsible and she the one who sleeps around? Why can’t we mix some things up? I think I would have loved this story if we’d seen some fresh characters or unexpected twists to the normal business professional characters.
If these character types bother you then this isn’t your book. However if you’re looking for a super quick read where one night together changes the lives of two workaholic marketing professionals – then this is a good choice for you.
Grade: C+
Hmm I thought she wrote historical romances.