One Stormy Night

by Jules Bennett

She can’t risk another scandal. He’s her potential boss. But when the storm comes and the lights go out, all bets are off in USA TODAY bestselling author  Jules Bennett ’s captivating new romance!

All the rules change once the lights go out…

Up-and-coming plus-size model Mila Hale couldn’t chance another scandal ruining her newest job. That means keeping her eyes and hands off billionaire playboy—and her potential boss—Cruz Westbrook. Until a storm traps Mila and Cruz at his palatial estate. Now all bets are off. Their chemistry ignites into a whirlwind fling…but what will they do once the lights come back on?

From Harlequin  Passionate and provocative stories featuring rich, powerful heroes and scandalous family sagas.

You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance , part of the Business and Babies 

 Book 1: Friends...with Consequences
Book 2: One Stormy Night

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Jules Bennett has written for multiple publishing houses and currently has books with Harlequin and Kensington.

She loves to chat with readers through Twitter or her Fan Page on Facebook. You can also contact her through her website as well as stay up to date on her latest releases, book events, and awards. julesbennett.com

Reviews

[Rachel-RN · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mila is a model and is hired for a photo shoot at Cruz's home. Cruz happens to be a billionaire and a playboy. They get trapped together during a storm.
This was so-so. Assumptions (and presumptions) are made. Had a hard time getting into this (and I usually like forced proximity).

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and this couple. I liked Cruz from the previous book and can I just say that from the minute Mila shows up at Cruz’s house, I loved her character. Her independence and feistiness and yet still being in control but that would change being in the company of Cruz. I liked learning more about Mila and her past and how her past influences her life and the decisions she makes, and Cruz has fallen for Mila but there is that line of personal/business and can they walk that fine line. I appreciated Cruz and his surprises for Mila while they were stranded at his house and him trying to help her have fun and maybe take a step or two out of her comfort zone and just when you think all is good, sorry but no. Cruz makes some calls to help Mila out and he surprises her as well with a pretty major surprise, but he has majorly overstepped and Mila leaves. Of course, leave it to Nora to swoop in and take charge, as she does. I genuinely appreciated her taking the initiative and showing up to talk to Mila and help her see where Cruz was coming from. Did Cruz make a mistake, sure, but it was a good mistake to help Mila out not to hurt her. Once they have the opportunity to talk and realize they both made mistakes, I feel like they’re on a good path to see what happens next in their relationship. Loved the ending. Can I ask for another story that is a what happens next for both of these couples???? Thank you, Jules Bennett, for these two great books.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila is a plus size model. She is coming to have pictures taken for Opulence in the hopes of making her career explode. She lands at Cruz's house when an unexpected storm hits. When trying to leave she can't because of the storm. She ends up staying with Cruz..They are both attracted but keeping that to themselves as they do not want to cross professional lines.

They are forced together for a while. Sparks fly, but will they hold back on those sparks or let the fire consume them?

It was good to get to know more about Cruz and how he is close to his best friend Nora and his twin brother Zane.

It is great seeing people overcome what keeps them down. Their pasts that rule their lives til they realize it is the past. To over come and look forward to and make a future!

This is a wonderful book that snatches your attention from page one. A can't put down til you see what is going to happen next. A must read.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila is running fast from her past. Desperate to slay old demons and make it in the world of fashion as a plus sized model. With a dream to design plus sized clothes for women. Mila needs this spread with Opulance magazine. To launch her career as it has done for previous models. When Mila meets Cruz the attraction is intense. She cant give into it, she needs this campaign. Cruz feels the attraction too.When Mila arrives at Cruz's house ready to get to work. A bad storm puts their plans on hold.
When the bridge off his property is washed out. Mila is forced to spend the night. Cruz is still attracted to Mila yet tries to remain professional with her. As the storm rages on sparks fly between our hero and heroine . I really enjoyed the romance between Mila and Cruz, they really were made for each other. One Stormy Night will have you cheering on this couple as they work togther for a happily ever after.

[Veronica Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second story in the Business and Babies series. Mila Hale comes to Cruz's house to have pictures taken for Opulence hoping that this will get her career started. When unexpected storm starts, she is forced into staying with Cruz while waiting out the storm. This creates unexpected feelings and passion for the two of them. These two don't hesitate very long and decide to give into their feelings. Mila is dealing with her own demons which traces back to her past where her dad is concerned, she doesn't want to be controlled by a man. This is a story that grabs your attention from the very beginning until the end. A must read you want be able to put it down the attraction is fascinating, sultry and alluring. It was nice to catch up with Zane and Nora and glad all got there HEA.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

Flirty and exhilarating! Book two of the Business and Babies duet by Jules Bennett brings us the story of Zane's twin brother Cruz. The characters are relatable and easy to like and their chemistry is instantly off the charts hot. I enjoyed watching them overcome their hang-ups and obstacles to become a match.

Mila is a refreshing character. She knows what she's dealt with in life has skewed her outlook, so she goes above and beyond to make sure she never settles for less than she deserves.

Cruz is successful and kind-hearted, but watching him grow into the man that can let his partner prosper without his interference is very satisfying.

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the duet to anyone that enjoys a rich playboy who changes his ways and quickly hands over his heart when he meets "the one".

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila met Cruz when she came to his house for a photo shoot. There was a huge storm and the bridge was washed out, so she was stuck there for awhile. He was surprised she was always in makeup and perfectly attired, and he wanted to get her to relax a little. They were both attracted to each other but fought it for quite awhile. When they finally gave in, their chemistry was off the charts.. He was learning more and more about her and falling in love. They certainly had some ups and downs but they finally worked out their issues. It was a very sweet story with an HEA

I got this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mila Hale is on the rise as a top model. She is hired to do a photo shoot for a magazine owned by Cruz Westbrook, who just happens to be the most popular playboy billionaire and who is hands off to Mila. Until she is trapped in his home and when the lights go out, all her instincts to run and hide go a wash like the washed-out bridge that keeps her in his house. Can she keep things friendly or will she give in to short fling...

I loved this story. Mila has issues with her body and her self-esteem, and she wants to prove that she can be independent and do it on her own. I love this kind heroine that is not afraid to be tough but has that soft and vulnerable side that she hides from the world. Now Cruz is a great guy, just the kind of hero I love. He is one to save the world and the people he loves that he can help take that step in the right direction. That is what he wants to do for Mila... The instant attraction to Mila and his need to still be a gentleman and he lets her make up her mind whether to stay friends or take it to the bedroom.

Another great book by Jules Bennett. She knows how to write a great romance with lots of passion and heart.

Thanks to her and her team for the chance to read and give my honest review for a copy of this book.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mila has been on her own and wants no help getting to the top. She shows up at Cruz’s house in a storm for a modeling session, but the storm throws the plans awry. Stuck with him, they start a romance that eventually leads to a happy ending.

Overall, a good story, but Mila’s independence gets in her own way. Her past is talked about quite a bit and how it affects her. Cruz is a good guy and just wants to help her. I enjoyed seeing Zane and Nora again and enjoyed this short series.

Thanks to the author for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jenniekenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A GREAT STORY! Jules really draws you into the story, the area and you get all the feels. I loved Mila and Cruz from the start. They had great chemistry. They had to learn to be more open/communicate but I love the Nora visited Mila and helped her see that Cruz was only showing his love and helping. I love Jules stories.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate this author. She loves to bring people together.

Mila and Cruz had me from the start. I appreciate how he wants to help her and how she just wants to stand on her own. This causes a problem but they work it out with a little help from a friend.

As always I can't wait to see what Ms. Bennett has in store next!!

[Denise Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila is a plus size model which has a job that should launch her career .
Cruz is the boss of her latest job which she need to move her modeling to the next level. They are attracted to each other which is not a move that recommended between boss and employee . This is a sweet romance that I recommend !! A storm helps keep them at his house and let the fun begin !

[Wioletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading first book in series, I was wondering, what kind of heroine Jules Bennett find for Cruz.
Mila is that woman, she is the one for Cruz.
I loved, enjoyed every page of this book.
Thank you for another great book, Jules Bennett.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spicy hot and sweet romance between Mila and Cruz! Fun adventure, a few laughs and an overall good book. Enjoyed catching up with Zane and Nora as well.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story that sweeps you along with the characters. Sweet and sexy and at times intense this is a must read!

[Lindsay Thompson-Sublett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed their story. It had a good flow to it and I loved their connection. I'd recommend.

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Stormy Night is the second in the Business and Babies series but can be read as a stand alone. This is a story two people with different goals for their future fighting the attraction that threatens to burn them up. Cruz and his twin brother Zane grew up in foster care after their beloved mother passed away and their father gambled away everything they owned forgetting to take care of his sons. Now they own and operate Opulence, a magazine that launches the careers of up and coming models. Mila is hired for the next layout and as she arrives at Cruz's estate, a horrendous storm blows in which strands them alone together because the bridge washes out. Both have been battling the sparks of attraction since their first meeting in Miami but being alone gives them the opportunity to act. Mila is determined to prove her father wrong when he said she would fail, so as their attraction grows she is fighting the connection because she doesn't want to be under another's control. Cruz wants a wife and family but must prove to Mila that her happiness is just as important and that he wants a partner in life. This is an amazing story filled with a range of emotions and issues that are relatable and characters that will bring out all the feelings expected in a beautiful love story.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Judyrudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Stormy Night is the second book in Jules Bennett’s Business and Babies series. We met Cruz Westbrook in the first book. He and his brother own Opulence. He’s hired Mila Hale who is a plus-sized model seeking to make it big in the industry. Mila shows up at his home in the midst of a storm. When disaster hits and they are stranded, she reaches out to him. On thing leads to another and before they know it, they can’t be without the other. When Mila receives a tough message, she questions her future. Will she share her dreams with Cruz? Will he take a chance on a life with Mila? One Stormy Night is a standalone book is a fantastic read that I highly recommend. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review and this is my honest opinion.

[Harlequin Books]

Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Business and Babies (Book #2)