Finished Reading October 24, 2020

3.5 Stars
Humor Romance

I really enjoyed this one.
Had a couple areas that didn't do it for me but for the most part it was a very good read.

Recommended by Hazel

March 15, 2020 Amz ( )

Love Austin and Holly and the entire Bailey family! Lessons from a One-Night Stand is sexy, hilarious and romantic. Loved the reversal of the "woman sleeps with man and finds out he's her boss" trope. Piper Rayne's books are always entertaining and this one is no exception. I can't wait to read about all the other Bailey siblings! ( )

Full review appeared at Reader's Edyn on 07/18/20

Holly is new to Alaska. She’s taken a principal job for the remainder of the year, but she is also there to try and connect with her father who abandoned her and her mother when she was a baby. To complicate an already complex situation, she engages in a one-night stand – the most amazing sex of her life – a quickly discovers Mr. Amazing is one of the teachers at her school. The attraction is palpable. Trying to stay away from Austin is proving difficult and before too long, she’s agreed to a casual relationship that will end at the end of the year because just like Holly, Austin is headed out as soon as the year is over as well. He’s got plans and she’s got to figure out her next move after she tests the waters with her father. But things never tend to work out as planned and before too long her emotions concerning Austin are completely caught up. He is exactly the guy she imagines herself with if they were to have a future. But Austin has had his life on hold for far too long and she refuses to be the reason he continues to hold back for. The resentment she is sure he would feel toward her eventually would be too much to bear. As much as it rips her heart out to do so, she encourages him to chase his dream. Meanwhile, she decides to call Lake Starlight her permanent home and try to figure out what this new life of hers will look like without Austin in it.

Austin is finally within reach of his dreams. Following the unexpected deaths of his parents, he ceases his course toward pro-baseball to returns home to care for his younger siblings. Now that the youngest of the Bailey’s is graduating high school, Austin sets his sights on coaching ball at the college level. But the arrival of Holly has him rethinking his plans. However, Holly never gives any indication that she could feel more for him, so he continues with their original plan. Enjoy one another for as long as they can and then part ways to continue on their vastly differing paths. Graduation arrives quicker than expected and before too long Austin is headed to California and away from Alaska. But the closer he gets to his flight, the more doubt surrounds him. Is he making the right decision? Could Holly be more invested than she let on? Is it possible his dreams have altered without him realizing it? And should he remain on course, or veer into uncharted territory and risk his heart and career?

I have not experienced a Piper Rayne book before this read and I can say with confidence that it will definitely not be the last. I was sucked into the Bailey vortex immediately and didn’t want it to stop. Austin and Holly are so flipping likable that I couldn’t help but fall in love with them both. Seriously, they were both perfect. I couldn’t find a single thing about them that I disliked. Austin is the perfect guy. He puts his life on hold and commits to raising his younger siblings – all 7 of them who are still underage at the time of their parents' tragic accident. He is well aware that he has to be a role model and that he will have to find a way to comingle the brother/parent personas. He will never have the relationship he would have had with them, but he doesn’t resent any of them for it. He, in fact, counts himself as lucky to have been able to step in and keep the family together and – for the most part – on course. But he also had his own dreams and now that the twins are in their senior year in high school, he is ready to leave the nest himself. While he is firm in his resolve, his siblings are less than thrilled about the idea despite understanding his decision. And then there is Holly. He could have never seen her coming and suddenly she tilts everything off Austin’s axis. But Holly also understands Austin’s sacrifice and his need to follow his dream so she puts on a brave face, knowing he is going to blast her heart to smithereens with his departure. I absolutely adored them.

The Bailey’s are a spectacular family with each member being introduced even if a bit briefly. Each one has their own unique personality and chosen path; each one sure to provide a stellar read in the future. I look forward to being able to embark on several journeys to come with this fantastic family. If I were to have any complaint, it would be with Holly’s father. He was basically a douchnozzle. Period. But he is also entangled with the Bailey family and I can’t help but wonder how that will come into play as the series progresses. It has to on some level and because of that, I am confident that we will see Austin and Holly again as the books continue within this delightful series. Nothing about his supposed family was ever confirmed and his reasoning for opening shop in this area of Alaska was never revealed. My instinct tells me that there is more to his story somewhere down the line. Even Holly’s mother joined the line-up of characters, as well as her best friend. So we’ve got a ridiculous amount of potential laid down with the foundation of this first book in series.

I found myself emotional in several scenes within this book regarding Holly. From her father’s rejection (or was it – maybe it wasn’t exactly what we thought) to her heart-wrenching goodbye to Austin, to her emotional wreckage of trying to move on with Austin’s departure from Lake Starlight. This book will hit you with all the feels. Holly and Austin share scorching hot chemistry that burns up the pages. Between their beautifully told story and the Bailey siblings, the enigma that is Grandma Dori, and the secondary characters added from Holly’s connections to the wonderful resident within Lake Starlight, you won’t want to end your time in this whimsical little town. I was wrecked from the emotional torment the last few chapters forced me into, but somewhat reinvigorated with the knowledge that the epilogue was not goodbye but see you later. If you are on the hunt for a great series involving a lovable family and their rise from the ashes after being dealt a horrific blow, following them through their failures and successes, then look no further. Piper Rayne is guaranteed to deliver. I don’t know how I have never experienced the writing of this duo before, but you can be sure I will be soaking in each book I can from here on out.

Kindle version purchased for my own personal library. ( )

4.4 stars

Fantastic read about a great collection of siblings. I loved Austin so much for jumping in for his family. I loved the humor, connection, and steam between him and Holly.

Truly perfect story and I can't wait to get the rest of the stories. ( )