I thoroughly enjoyed this lighthearted romance!

One Night Standard contains:
🧜‍♀️MERMAID rep. Loved that our FMC was an actual REAL LIFE MERMAID!
🥪BRUNCH DADDY MMC. I had never heard this term before reading this book and BOY am I glad I did! 😅
💖Well adjusted, mature characters who had their flaws and issues but were able to have grown up conversations and deal with things and that was SO REFRESHING! 🍹
🌶️SPICE! A whooole heap of spice! Sex scenes went on for like 5% of the book and if that's your thing you'll love this! 😅
😌Low stakes and not a lot of conflict. Perfect for those times you need a book that's going to keep you hooked but not stress you out! 🥰

Fab romance read. Highly recommend to anyone who's into mermaids and brunch daddies!! 😅

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Standard’s Siren

Jamie and Coral were mer-mazing together. Talk about slipping in their first meeting. They really brought the spicy boil to the desert. A Siren calling a Sailor into the sea. Jamie quickly became a rock for Coral that she had been missing out on.

Get ready to grin throughout: Celiac representation, candor and care was sweetly represented. A Professional Mermaid and Developer Human that make it work.

I received a free copy of this book from E.F. Dodd and Sugar Beaver Books. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

I loved Jamie’s and Coral’s story! I totally fell in love with Jamie and Coral was brilliant as a sparky girl who knows what she wants.
I would definitely recommend One Night Standard, it was a steamy, romantic read which I couldn’t put down.

Coral just got the job of her dreams, starting as a full time mermaid at a new Las Vegas that just opened. And the best way to celebrate? Drinking and someone to spend the night. The next day she learned that the guy she had an amazing time with is the brother of her new boss. Apparently, he's in a pickle too, and it seems like faking a relationship is beneficial for both of them...

This was an adorable story The meet cute was flirty and cute, their whole dynamic was really good, and I really like their chemistry. As we go into the fake dating aspect of the book, that chemistry definitely continuous. I also really like the way they respect each other through out the book.

The beginning was a slow one for me. And I really didn't like that the characters tend to be so cliche. But as we get into the last third of the book, we actually get decent stories, emotions, and characteristics from them.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. It was entertaining and the character development was something to stay for.

Coral is a professional mermaid who’s just landed her dream job in Vegas while Jamie is there visiting his sister trying to lay low after an article has painted him as a a modern day rake.

Coral and Jamie decide one night together is the ideal way to start their stay in Vegas, however Coral’s one night stand with Jamie threatens to ruin her biggest gig ever when she finds out Jamie is her bosses brother.

This was such a fun read! There was lots of humour, the spice was spicy and the ending wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommend if you like feel good love stories!

- billionaire romance
- fake dating
- age gap
- forced proximity
- opposites attract

In the glitzy, over-the-top world of Vegas, where the extraordinary is everyday, "One Night Standard" by E.F. Dodd offers readers a spicy romance with fake-dating tropes, professional mermaids, and a dose of corporate drama. It's a lighthearted romp that thrives on its playful premise but stumbles when trying to anchor itself in reality.

The story kicks off when Jamie Standard, a Boston real estate mogul, seeks refuge in Las Vegas to escape a scandal that could tank his career. At the same time, Coral Triton (yes, the author wants you to believe that's a real name), a driven and confident professional mermaid (yes, you read that right), lands her dream job headlining and designing a live mermaid show at the chic L’Atelier hotel. Their paths cross at the airport and spark instant chemistry, leading to a steamy one-night stand.

Their fling takes a complicated turn when Jamie’s sister (and Coral’s new boss) proposes a fake relationship to repair Jamie's image while promoting the hotel’s upcoming show. What begins as a transactional arrangement quickly transforms into something deeper—but not without its share of complications.

What works: The book is undeniably fun. Coral is a refreshing lead—ambitious, unapologetic, and fiercely independent. Jamie, while embodying the "business bad boy" archetype, has moments of vulnerability that make him endearing also. There are spicy scenes a-plenty. Las Vegas doesn't show up in too many romance novels, so it was a nice change of setting.

What doesn't work: While the premise is engaging, the execution occasionally strains credulity. The novel’s portrayal of industries—hotels, media, business negotiations, and even professional mermaid performances—often feels cursory or outright misinformed. We hear a lot about silicone tails but how does Coral breathe? Is she holding her breath or is there an oxygen feed? Plus, the gossip scandal that sets the plot in motion feels overly contrived, the proposed solution of fake dating as PR damage control stretches believability, and the creep Coral rejected in a bar immediately getting on the local news to expose the fake relationship is beyond farfetched. Additionally, anyone who's ever been to Searchlight, Arizona, will be calling the author's bluff on that depiction.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I'm not sure what drew me to this book initially but the mermaid on the cover was intriguing. it sounded like something that I'd enjoy but my interest diminished so I couldn't finish this book. I may try again at some point but thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I wanted to read this in one day I enjoyed it that much. One Night Standard sets the ‘standard’ for how a man in love should treat his lady. Coral is the usual untrusting daughter of a “me me me” mother. Jamie is the bad boy will never settle down type. Joselyn has a plan for them both. And man was it a good one.

A while ago I ended up on mermaid-tok and became kind of obsessed, so jumped at the chance to read a book looking into mermaid careers! It definitely hit that spot and I think I enjoyed that side of it more than the romance.

I think the characters were developed nicely, but the ending was a little frustrating for me.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc. 🫶🏻

Boston real estate developer Jamie Standard is about to close one of the most important deals of his life when a gossip rag releases an article painting him as a modern day rake. The bad press threatens to torpedo the deal and tank the largest green building project his company has ever undertaken. With the deal circling the drain, his business partners advise him to escape the limelight and visit his sister, Jocelyn. She happens to be the hospitality manager of L ’Atelier, a hot new resort hotel on the Vegas Strip, so as exiles go, it’s top tier. Especially when he runs into a gorgeous redhead at the airport.

Coral Triton has reached the pinnacle of her career as a professional mermaid by landing a new job at L ’Atelier. Not just to headline a live action mermaid show, but also help create a vision for everything from set design to choreography. Things are on a definite up-swim for her, and only get better when the hot blond guy she bumped into at the airport turns up at her hotel. But, she’s in Vegas for a job – the job – not a guy, so anything beyond one night is out of the question. With a brief note and one last look, she bails the next morning. An interesting romance book filled with sweet and spicy moments!

Couldn’t get into this book…it was a bit odd but overall a quick simple read. I did love the aspects of the mermaid career.

This was my first adult read with a mermaid. Coral finally lands a spot in her career after years of pursuing what she loves. No strings attached, no names, nothing…and accidental run in to one night with Standard. Coral & Jamie’s first time catching the love bug, they couldn’t even fake it if they wanted to.

4 stars because I felt some parts towards the end were a drag.

oral is headed to Las Vegas to star in a mermaid show. At the airport, she meets Jamie who is in town to lay low from an article that paints him as a playboy. they meet again when he saves her from a bar fly. It leads to a night of passion.

E.F. Dodd is a great author who brings a lot of passion and spice to the writing but also gives the characters depth. Coral has a history that makes her not want to be in a relationship. Jamie seems more about work than wanting to commit to a relationship. They unlock something in each other that is very nice.

This book has a ton of spice and a little conflict in the end but not a real break up since they were really just faking.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sugar Beaver Books and EF Dodd for the e-ARC. This review is my own opinion.

"One Night Standard" by E.F. Dodd is a delightful and steamy romance that blends humor, charm, and a touch of Vegas glitz. Jamie and Coral's chemistry is undeniable, and their journey from a one-night stand to a fake relationship is filled with witty banter and heartfelt moments. Dodd's engaging writing and the unique premise of a professional mermaid add a refreshing twist to the romance genre. This book is a must-read for fans of fake dating tropes and feel-good love stories. Highly recommended!

This book is a captivating blend of romance, humor, and unexpected twists that kept me hooked from the very first page.

Dodd has a remarkable talent for creating characters that feel so real and relatable. The chemistry between the leads is off the charts, and their banter had me laughing out loud! I loved how their one-night encounter spiraled into something much deeper, exploring themes of love, trust, and vulnerability in such a refreshing way.

The writing is sharp and engaging, with a perfect balance of heartfelt moments and witty dialogue. I found myself completely immersed in their journey, cheering for them as they navigated the ups and downs of their relationship. The plot twists were unexpected and kept me on my toes, making it a thrilling read!

It was going smooth for me in the first few chapters but got lost interest and struggled as I went along the middle part of the book. The characters fell flat for me, but the story has a good concept and I was stunned at the spicy chapters—which I didn’t expect! It was so hot and I loved it!

Thank you Netgalley for giving me an advance reading copy of this book.

The characters are so fun and make you feel really invested in them. The fake dating trope works really well in this story and the spice is perfect! You won’t regret reading this book!

Love how the female character stays true to herself and doesn't sacrifice her dreams for a relationship, which is a refreshing and empowering narrative! I appreciate the story for how it respects both characters’ autonomy and personal goals. When characters don’t conform to traditional expectations—like women giving up their ambitions for a partner—it leads to a more satisfying and authentic story.

In One Night Standard, Coral just arrived in Las Vegas to start her dream job as a professional mermaid. She (quite literally) runs into Jamie Standard in the airport, smacking him with her mermaid tail bag and making a huge first impression. When they see each other again in the hotel bar later that night, they decide one amazing night together is the perfect way to kick off their stays in Vegas. What they don’t yet know is that Jamie is Coral’s new boss’s brother… and that they just might be the key to each other’s professional success.

I just genuinely enjoyed every second of this book. The premise is so fun - a professional mermaid? Business bad boy? Vegas? Sign me up! And (as always), E.F. Dodd’s writing is so witty and smart. The dialogue and banter had me laughing out loud from the very beginning! I adored Coral. She’s driven, feisty, and intelligent while genuinely caring for those around her. And Jamie ended up being an MMC I could really root for. Their chemistry jumped off the page and gave us such good tension. (That photoshoot scene? Wowza.) And if you’re looking for some good spice, this one has it in spades!

Though this is the second in E.F. Dodd’s Standard of Love series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone romance. Give One Night Standard a try if you love :
-One night stand
-Fake dating
-Great banter
-Lots of spice
-”What happens in Vegas…” vibes

One Night Standard by E F Dodd
Contemporary romance.
Coral Triton is a professional mermaid at the pinnacle of her career. Ever since she saw a mermaid movie as a child, she knew that’s what she wanted. She’s been hired to create a new live action mermaid show in Las Vegas including set design and choreography. Coral arrives in Las Vegas ready and excited to start her new life. Being rescued from a handsy creep by a devastatingly handsome man in the bar is just the adventure she needs for the night. And bonus, he’s taller than her six feet in heels and seems just as interested. Coral needs to keep this to only one night. Tomorrow is the start of her new job and there can’t be any distractions.

Boston real estate developer Jamie Standard was caught in a salacious gossip article rather than a column about including green space in his projects. His partners advise two weeks vacation would be timely so he goes to visit his sister as the hospitality manager at the newest resort in Las Vegas. He re-meets an amazing woman he had traded quips with at the airport. They go out for a fancy dessert, then share a night of passion with champagne. He’s enthralled and wants more but she’s gone by morning.
Walking through the lobby of the hotel that afternoon, he spots her swimming in a humongous tank in the lobby. As a mermaid. He’s mesmerized and is caught on social media trying to reach out to her. Not exactly the low profile he’s supposed to be keeping on his vacation. His sister comes up with a plan that puts Coral and Jamie together in a relationship to restore his reputation and at the same time advertising the upcoming unique show at the hotel.
What could go wrong?

A flirty romcom with plenty of heat, attraction and humor for a sensational story. Great banter and timing between passion, relationship building and business interests. With a few behind the scene sneak peaks of creating entertainment for a world tourist destination.
I liked both Coral and Jamie from the start and got the impression they’d be one of those perfect couples that everyone would watch and envy. Just like their favorites.
A joyful reading experience.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/6ab82e25-e4c7-4fdd-82bb-7f4f911ddccf