Here All Along

by Lilly Avalon

An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.

Every time Hazel Bell goes on a date, she returns home unhappy and disenchanted about love. At least her best friend Adrian Williams is always there for her, even more so now that they're roommates. After both of them have a bad night out, they decide to just relax and forget the world for awhile. It's been a long time since they've been alone together. They certainly weren't counting on the close quarters bringing out hidden desires. Now it appears their platonic friendship is being put to the test—one that neither can resist. By the end of the night, will it be the end for Hazel and Adrian—or a new beginning?

*Here All Along is an 8000 word new adult erotica*

Genres: Romance, Short Stories, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Friends To Lovers

58 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2014

About the author

Lilly Avalon is the thirty-something author of romance books with sexytimes. She is an avid reader, a self-proclaimed mermaid, and a lover of animals. When she isn't writing, she can often be found smelling candles at the store, crocheting, learning German, and watching old sitcoms.

Lilly currently resides in Ohio with her husband and pet rodents. Lilly Avalon is a pen name.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Lilly Avalon news by subscribing to her newsletter.

Reviews

[• Lisa • · Rating 3 out of 5]

THREE 'IT'S YOU' STARS.



This is quite possibly the shortest book I have ever read, in fact I think I have conversations with myself that are longer than this story. However, Lilly Avalon surprisingly wrapped up emotion, love and connection into twenty eight delightful pages, here are my 'Here all along' thoughts ...

What's it all about?
Hazel Bell has a disastrous dating history, feeling downbeat she returns home after her latest attempt at dating to be comforted by her best friend and room mate, Adrian Williams. One thing leads to another and a relaxing evening of comfort and friendship turns into a night they both won't forget.

What did I like?
For twenty eight pages this author managed to squeeze in the basic necessaries; a brief history between the two characters, a heartfelt meet-cute, a few steamy sex scenes and an ending that actually gave a happily for now conclusion. The friends to lovers theme will always be a favourite of mine and what I read was well written, well edited, sweet, sexy and believable. Overall it had a loveable quality to it that delivered four chapters of fun and frolics.



Why not five?
It's difficult to judge an authors talent in just the short time that it took me to read this story. Believe it or not I didn't realise that I'd signed up to read a book that was so teeny tiny. To explain further, although I enjoyed this lovely but short glimpse into this authors characters lives it simply wasn't enough to form that attachment and connection that I crave from my books. I'm convinced that if this author wrote a full length novel i'd be first in line to read it. So with that being said, here's to championing authors who have obvious talent.

Final thoughts ...
You might be waiting to pick the kids up from school or taking the bus to work? Perhaps you are waiting for an appointment or manage to get a spare ten minutes in your busy work day? If that's you then you might want to grab this quick fix and fall in love in twenty eight loveable pages. Enjoy, kisses.



*Guest reviewer for Dirty girl romance book blog, ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.*

http://dirtygirlromance.blogspot.com

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite a sizzling hot cute book, it was entertaining although short you just fall in love with the characters ,Hazel and Adrian i would say they have the best of relationships because they are best friends. So when they hook up ,it was exactly what you want for them since they have such a good connection already .
Loved Adrian he was all seductive with Hazel but also very patient with her .

"It was because i needed to spend every second possible with you " aww so cute!

" you need to stop before i rip off every shred of clothing you have on " wow! Hot !

And thats just a little taste of hottie mr.Adrian

So... I give this book 5 sexi short stars ;)

Thx Lilly i had fun with this read ;)

[Kira Simion · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Only thing is the special girl cliché. That was a bit of a downer. :/ but otherwise, I enjoyed this short novella.

It was cute, not too short, but I still wanted it to be longer, and romantic.

[Lilly Avalon]

Hello lovelies!

Here All Along is now available on Amazon!

I loved writing the story of Adrian and Hazel, I've grown to adore them. Because I love them so much, I'm considering writing MORE about them.

If you want to know what to expect... it's a little bit of this...



And this...



I hope you enjoy this short story!



XOXO,
Lilly Avalon

[Medavis66 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, cute read. Hazel is suffering through one lousy date followed by another. Each time, she is left feeling unfulfilled. When she gets home this night, her roommate and best friend, Adrian, is home waiting for her. They exchange details about their dates (he had one, too) and then decide to settle on the couch with a drink and watch a movie. While talking, Hazel realizes she wants more than friendship with Adrian. Little does she know, he wants more, too. Confessions and kisses lead to more. Really fun best friend to lovers story. Very short, but very good.

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story. It's a story that anyone who's fallen in love should read. Hazel and Adrian have been friends and roommates for a long time. Life kept them from talking to each other or really spending much time together. One night they both end up stuck at home. While together, they remember they have this amazing friendship. So, when you feel them falling in love, it's a beautiful, sweet kind of love all of us have wished for!

I give this 5 beautiful, love story Stars!

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given by author in exchange for a honest review...

I really enjoyed this story, too bad it ended too soon.
What better way to figure out they belong together then by becoming friends first.

I actually l loved the story line it had which is why I was sad it ended so quick, I think this would have been a great full story!

Thks definitely deserves all 5 stars, I would love to read more from thks author in the future! :)

[Renegade ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3 1/2 stars

Sweet, sexy short read with decent flow.

A simple tale about roomies who become more.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a copy of Here All Along from the author in exchange for honest review**



First Impression

Ohhh...roommates/friends who are about to possibly cross that line? Count me in!

Opening Lines

I need a drink. Now.”
After tossing—fine, throwing—my purse and keys on the couch, I march straight into the kitchen.”

The Good

I wish I had known that you were here all along, Adrian.”

I'm a sucker for when an author takes advantage of inserting the title into the text of a book. So many authors miss out on that opportunity but not Lilly Avalon! While Here All Along is too short, its still a well written book that gives you just enough details but keeps you wanting more. I flipped through this quickly and loved the descriptions that Lilly Avalon provided, it gives readers get insight of what Hazel is feeling.

The In-Between

I would have loved to have seen more back story on both characters, I felt the little of information was given was certainly not enough for me to build a connection with Hazel or Adrian.

Lasting Impression

Overall, Here All Along was a light, quick and steamy read! A little too short for my liking but I look forward to the development between Hazel and Adrian in the next book!

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story about Adrian and Hazel. Friends for several years, each had been involved with other people over the course of their friendship. Circumstances have made them roommates - and they are both currently uninvolved. Will they let their true feelings come to the surface?

I enjoyed this short romantic story. Adrian's character comes across as a down to earth, friendly man who obviously cares for Hazel. Hazel in turn is bubbly and sweet and has hidden her feelings for Adrian deep down inside so as to not ruin their friendship. The sexual chemistry between them sizzles as they decide to see whether a deeper relationship is possible. Although I would have preferred less emphasis on the fact that alcohol was involved in the relaxing of their inhibitions towards each other, the two of them together were sweet and tender and obviously carried deep affection for each other, making the love scenes believable. The dialogue between them is engaging and humorous, making for a pleasant and well written tale. As the story takes place over one day, the happy for now ending fits perfectly. 4 enjoyable stars!

[Briana Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

4.5 stars
For a very short read, this book was something. Here All Along takes place over the course of a few hours and in those few hours, you meet Hazel and Adrian. They're best friends who live together who has never taken the next step. Until Hazel comes home from a disastrous date which has been happening for some time now. After the two decide to watch a movie, Hazel starts to realize that she's feeling something other than neutral feelings for Adrian and she let's him know it.

I'm left wanting more Hazel and Adrian and I can't wait for their next book.

[khulhet24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here All Along was the shortest story I have ever read. When I opened my copy, I was like "Is this for real? Or my copy had an error while downloading?" But then I just decided to read it and see where it goes. Even though it was short, still it was a good read. It has no heavy drama and super alpha male. Though I would prefer to read their past and their future more, I still enjoyed reading it. It was a sweet love story that buds from friendship and not just the love-at-first-sight thing.

Hopefully they will get their full story someday.

A copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review

[Krista Gervais · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

Here all along is a short sweet story about two friends (and roommates) becoming more. There's not much to say about this book. It was a short story so therefore things were really fast paced. The writing was fairly good but not a lot of time to really get into the characters. It would definitely be considered a good prologue story to future books about these characters. I really look forward to reading more about Hazel and Adrian. I think it could be something great.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Lilly

[Krystal Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review... I guess I didn't realize this book was only 28 pages when I started to read. It was good. .. sorry and sweet would be the best way to describe I guess. We read about Hazel and Adrian and watch thief relationship go from friend to roommate to lover in one night. Good writing and good emotion but I felt like it just started and it was done...I would be invested in a longer book from the author to get a real feel for her writing style.

[Dirty Dayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by author for an honest review...

this quite possibly is the shortest novella I have ever read. my kindle said you have 10 mins remaining in book on page 1. However the book is very well written and it appears to be a serial read.
the premise of the book is that Hazel Bell has a history of terrible dates and all along her best friend / roomate has been there all along for her and out of the blue they discover they have wanted each other.
friend love is adorable so it was a good read. hoping for a full length novel soon. this makes a quick aww story for anyone !

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is covered over 3 chapters all based on one night. After coming home from another fruitless date, Hazel stays home to watch a film with roommate and best friend Adrian. Soon, their feelings for each other cone out in a steamy and romantic way.
Short and to the point this book is well written and tells you just enough about the characters backgrounds to understand. A great quick read if you don't have time for a full novel, but want to read a bit of romance.

[Jelena · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 short and sweet stars

Given by author in exchange for a honest review

Sweet short story about two close friends Hazel and Adrian they are roommates too, and both have recently bad luck on dating. After another bad date when Hazel come back home, Adrian offer shoulder for crying and...
I liked it a lot even it was short. Definitely would like to read more about Hazel and Adrian. Very well written.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, characters were funny, sexy and flirty. Was surprised how much I felt I knew the characters and there past relationships in such a short story. Absolutely fabulous, can't wait for next one!! :-)

[book junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun sexy short story!! Nothing better when two best friends give in to their desires .. Def worth reading :)

[Les · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
very cute story but WAY to short. when it said the end I thought maybe part one or something. but a very nice quick love story

[Dragonglimer Lisa Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story, need more! Their story was exciting, and naughty! If I say anymore I will be giving parts for the story away.. I was picturing a little bit more but I still loved it!

[Donna Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet

My one and only issue with this book is that it was over way too fast. It drew me in right away and continued to draw me til the end

[Shawna Shauntia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here All Along is my first experience Ms. Lilly Avalon and the reason is most likely because this is her debut mini novel, but I enjoyed myself. I will say that this was a super short read. Something that you could consume on lunch break or waiting for an appt. or something like that. I was a tad disappointed because it was so short and mainly the reason was I wanted more.

So Hazel has been on countless dates which were all duds, she’s looking for that one guy to make her feel something and so far she has nothing. After another failed date she comes home needing a drink and discuss the debacle with her roommate Adrian.

I’m not sure how to feel about Adrian not much is said about his back story. So far he seems like a sweetie.

Hazel and Adrian not only have a great friendship that allows them to talk about the dates, but they also have this extreme attraction to each other. I understand why neither acted on it. Of course after a few drinks and some light conversation, these two throw caution to the wind and act on their desires and have some steamy sex.

Here All Along didn't exactly end with a cliffhanger,but I do believe it will be the start of a cute, hot and steamy series.

[Tiffany Do · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thanks to the author for giving me a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *

Hazel Bell and Adrian Williams have been best friends for a while and have been roommates for a few months. While both have had their share of bad luck in dating, they have never really considered anything more with one another, until now. Having been there for each other every step of the way, they never realized that whom and what they were looking for was right in front of them. They transgress the boundaries of their friendship into something more, something they both didn't realize they desired now.

For a short noveletta, I was really pleased by how the story went. It's one of those rare ones which start off with two people being best friends and end up with them passing over the boundaries of their friend relationship. I liked how Hazel was the one who even did anything at all instead of Adrian who was waiting for the right moment to even try anything. The realization that there was more than friendship with the both of them was great because usually it takes too long for both sides to try anything with one another, but this almost happened instananeously which was a bit new. I was a bit disappointed that it was so short though; I would've liked to see more interaction between the both of them and maybe the backstory behind them. All in all though, I liked this short read and how quick the pace went because there weren't too many surprises to it.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of Here All Along in exchange for an honest review.

When we meet Hazel, she's just come back home early from yet another disastrous date to find her best friend and roommate Adrian, also home from his own disastrous date. As they watch a movie together, Hazel is surprised to find herself seriously attracted to Adrian and puts it out there to him.

I loved this story. Sometimes a novella is too short for you to feel anything for the characters but that's the not the case with Here All Along. Even though we really don't know much about Hazel, other than her dating life, I could feel Hazel's disappointment that another date hasn't gone well, and also feel her appreciation that she has a great guy like Adrian in her life to take her mind off things and that they just feel so comfortable with each other.

The bedroom scenes were also very well written and very steamy! What girl wouldn't want to have an Adrian of her own; sexy and attractive and very attentive to Hazel's needs.

I will be very interested in seeing what else Lilly Avalon writes in the future.

[Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

Hazel and Adrian have been friends for a long time. Now, they’re roommates and everything is fine. Hazel is dating with a few guys in order of get over her ex-boyfriend, but each date is worse than another. Adrian’s dates don’t go well either. One Friday night after a new fail date, their chemistry take the reins.



Might you live with a sexy guy who is your friend and don't have anything? Would you be able of put in risk your friendship for a one-night stand? Decisions, decisions ;)

This is a pretty good short story, the actions arrive quickly; the plot and dialogues look good. Friends becoming in lovers always is sexy.



I really want to read the follow up of this story.

My rate is 3 lovely stars


'cause this book is

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: "Every time Hazel Bell goes on a date, she returns home unhappy and disenchanted about love. At least her best friend Adrian Williams is always there for her, even more so now that they're roommates. After both of them have a bad night out, they decide to just relax and forget the world for awhile. It's been a long time since they've been alone together. They certainly weren't counting on the close quarters bringing out hidden desires. Now it appears their platonic friendship is being put to the test—one that neither can resist. By the end of the night, will it be the end for Hazel and Adrian—or a new beginning?

*Here All Along is an 8000 word erotica short story*"

Synopsis: This is a fun and steamy quick read. It is a short story so you don't get a lot of backstory, just basically one scene, but you don't miss it at all. The characters are well developed and ones you can really enjoy and connect with. The storyline felt familiar like something I have read before but again I enjoyed it so much that I really didn't mind.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adrian and Hazel have been friends for years and when Hazel finds herself without a roommate she moves in with Adrian, because that is something friends do. And that is all they are, friends. It seems to Hazel that each weekend her dates end more disastrous than the last. And Adrian is always there to help her drown her sorrows, just like the good friend he is. Until one evening, one drink, one brush of skin, one look, and suddenly everything Hazel thought she knew about her friendship with Adrian changes. What she didn’t count on was maybe love was here all along.

This was a very short story, but the author did a great job of drawing you in and making you care about these two people and their happiness. I don’t think you will be disappointed. I am glad there will be a follow up novel to this story, because I want to know what happens next to these two.

*I did receive a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.*

[Rachael Hyndman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

A short, sweet read. When I first opened up the book I was honestly thinking that I wouldn't enjoy a book that was this short. Typically it takes longer than the number of these pages to fully develop a story and the characters. I found myself completely relating to Hazel. Who hasn't gone through plenty of frogs trying to find their prince and found themselves frustrated by the whole process? When her roommate Adrian tries to comfort her with a drunken movie fest at home, she suddenly sees that Adrian has feelings for her and acts upon it. Taking a leap, they discover that they can be so much more than friends and the sparks fly. I can't wait to see if the next book follows what happens next for this couple. I highly recommend this story!

[Babbling Chatter Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Lilly! :)

This was a really short story for me to even call it a novella. In my opinion this book was more of an extended teaser of sorts. The characters' back story was brief and other than knowing that Hazel and Adrian have been friends for some time I did not get a feel on who the characters were as a person. This story entailed a beginning and an end to a setting that took place one evening after Hazel has another bad date. With that being said the scene presented was full of wonder and emotions and I was able to see what the characters were experiencing. The book was way too short for my liking but well written to get a feel of the situation.