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The One Trilogy #1

The One Awakened

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It began a decade ago with a spilt drink and a missed opportunity amongst two people destined to be together. Now ten years on, sexually frustrated Lucia Myers is seeing her friend as though it were the first time…

She forms a plan… a proposition of sorts; one night of pleasure, I’m open to anything, with no ties - the text reads.

She wants to be awakened by someone she can truly trust; one with a skilled repertoire with the ladies and one who will never want more from her – cue Sebastian - the ultimate alpha player!

The heat between them is scorching; the constant fight for control undeniable, as they struggle between the blurred lines of the term ‘mates’. Together they sizzle, but apart they are broken.

Forces from their past and present try to destroy their future and all the while, Lucia has this feeling that she is being watched, by another…

377 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2014

25 people are currently reading
1380 people want to read

About the author

Alexandra North

7 books120 followers
ALEXANDRA NORTH...

... is a #1 Amazon bestselling author. She writes romance, with erotic themes, British humour, drama and often suspense; there is always a HEA at the end of a book/series.
Ms. North lives in the rambling lush hills of Yorkshire, United Kingdom with her swoon-worthy husband and two children, 15 and 9. She worked as a Graphic Designer & Illustrator, for over 18 years before she wrote her first book and now combines design and writing in this new path when creating her book covers and teasers.
Writing was always a hobby and took a back seat to University, work, parenthood and unfortunately later, chronic long-term illness. One day she woke and thought 'life's too short - I'm going to finish that blummin book!' She now devotes her time to writing love stories full of humour and naughtiness. When she isn't manically typing away or trying to be the model wife and mum, Alexandra can be found shoe shopping (shoes are her weakness), cosying up with back-to-back TV series and enjoying her very own Sebastian Silver.

Find her at the following social media sites;

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexandranor...
Twitter: @alexnorthbooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/alexnorthbooks

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.4k followers
August 15, 2017



★★★★ ½! The One Awakened, book 1 of 3. Lucia asks her best friend, Sebastian Silver to awaken her sexually!

“He could enjoy the challenge of bedding his long-term friend, and I could be awakened sexually.”

Books in The One trilogy should be read in order:
Book 1: The One Awakened
Book 2: The One Addicted
Book 3: The One Adored


The One Awakened (book 1) opens up to a decade past and two university students, Lucia Myer, Lu and Sebastian Silver, Seb meeting in a club. But it was clear to Lucia the Sebastian was much too good-looking, suave and too much a player so she opted for his safe friend.

Fast forward and much has changed for both, a friendship was forged as Lucia settled into a long-term relationship while Sebastian went on to become a successful architect traveling the world.

But now he is back home and Lucia is recovering from a bad breakup trying to juggle work and a child. She wants to get back in the dating scene again but feels a bit rusty so she asks Sebastian for help to liven up her sex life.

The story goes on to follow them in a bit of a back and forth; hot and cold. Sexual tension galore with a sexier than sin Sebastian Silver. But is it worth risking a ten-year old friendship for a night of passion? And once awakened can they walk away?



Eight words to describe Sebastian Silver, Seb: Swoon-worthy, noble, enigmatic, captivating, loyal, possessive, reflective and determined .



There were moments when I was more unclear to Lucia Myer, Lu’s appeal, but she is the one Sebastian wants. Six words to describe Lucia: Strong, smart, naïve, loyal, reliable and stubborn.

The One Awakened, told from dual POVs is a combination of second chance love and friends to lovers. The story is entirely driven by everything that is Sebastian Silver. It ends with a cliffy leading right to book 2, The One Addicted for the continuation of their saga.

Sex-on-a-stick hero Sebastian Silver! Interesting plot! Excellent story-telling! Hints of an epic love saga!

“Sebastian had shown me a different world of pleasure and awakened a part of me I hadn’t known existed.”

***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 3.75 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Plot rating: 4.5 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
************************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,632 reviews173 followers
July 20, 2016
Sebastian Silver OMG HOT



This is the first book from The One Trilogy an it's was so good I really enjoyed it the story is really hot an intense in parts an I was dyin to know what was goin to happen there is so much goin on in Lucia's life I don't know how's she's not in a mad house I feel sorry for her but there is parts where I want to knock some sense into her but to her defence she does have the gorgeous Sebastian Silver wanting her an that would make me do crazy things to



Lucia is a really strong woman an as been through quite some hard times an still is deal with some of them but something's are workin out really well her business is doin well an she as a great family to back her up but there is one thing that can turn her life crazy an that's Sebastian he as been her best friend for yrs there as alway been a spark there but things just didn't work out that way for them but they had alway been close really close an now he was back in her life thing were about to get a lil complained



I luvd the sexual chemistry between these to characters an I was dyin for them to get it on they should of been together a lot sooner they were just meant to be I'm dyin to know more about her I feel like there is so much more I want to know about her an her past an after the way this book ended I can't wait for more from this series an more of the gorgeous Sebastian Silver God he's so sexy an hot just give me more please



I m thing I m really goin to enjoy this series I luv so many of the characters there so good but there is a few that r goin to get on my nerves there is goin to b some big drama coming up I can feel it an after reading the ending it goin to b crazy I excited to c what goin to happen in this series I 've not read anything from this author before but I can't wait to read more of her stuff I would recommend this book it as everything in it xxx



Profile Image for ~Nichole~  Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews.
1,716 reviews626 followers
October 19, 2014
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I love coming across new authors. I love refreshing new styles of writing and adore Friends to Lovers story lines. When I read the synopsis of  The One Awakened..the only two things that scared me going in were 

1. It's a trilogy and 

2. It's gonna have angst. 

See I'm an big old fat angst CHICKEN 


 So.. I just prepared myself. 





And I dove right in anyway.

 I still wanted to see how this sexy story was going to play out. 

I loved the teasers that were floating around and I just had this feeling about Sebastian Silver.  


He's intense, sexy and bossy. Need I say more?

So as I said, I dove right in. 

Here is what I found. Alexandra North writes passionate scenes and tantalizing encounters with characters that beg you to pay attention. She is a master of  details. This is a very long book so there are many details but it wasn't boring. I believe I would have to describe this love story as a slow boil. Things had to move a certain pace to set build up.

 





Sebastian and Lucia met in a blaze of white hot attraction.


 

 But well. Things didn't turn out the way they could have or should have and years go by. They are the best of friends, both leading lives separately but sharing everything as best friends could. Lucia is now single. ..that is what turns this story into something special. She now sees Sebastian again as more

 (or let's say she finally accepts ) that Sebastian is more. 

Then the Proposition of one night of pleasure. 

Well things don't always go as we want them to and then story progresses with tons of push and pull and outside attacks...mystery and of course 


But the amazing love story kept me rooting for them and I wanted to scream several times and especially shake Lucia but I couldn't stop reading.

 Sexy love scenes, with scorching dialogue kept me riveted.


 




Sebastian knew how to cherish Lucia in the bedroom and went out of his way to 

 

shower her with adoration outside of it too. 


 

He helped her pull her inner vixen out and she reveled in his attention. 









  I hardly recognize the wanton woman staring back at me, flushed and brazen. 


 

 

 

I really enjoyed their sexy times together and also the times they let their friendship shine through. Sebastian could be sexy and funny and sometimes both at the same time. 


But it didn't take long for the friendship line to blur. 





 


 

 I want to fully believe when the drama hits that all is not what it seems. I do wish that Sebastian would open his mouth and speak when I need him to..because there was a moment there that I wanted to jack slap him badly.. But well of course ..the book had to come to an end and I'll have to say that this was me...when it did. I hope that Ms. North can dry my tears in the next one. . I so want to give a full 5 stars to Sebastian. ..please make it so. 

2 reviews
February 18, 2015
I absolutely LOVED this book. I very quickly got into all of the characters but especially loved Lucia & Sebastian - he's my new book boyfriend.

It was a perfect take on friends becoming lovers and I especially like the fact that although Seb was such a strong man, he had a romantic core. It's also very funny in places.

Even though you know that they are destined to be, there are so many twists and turns it keeps you guessing. (Won't say anymore as would be too many spoilers.)

I can't wait for Books 2 and 3 - the sex scenes are delicious!!!

I've found a new favourite author in Alexandra North - would highly recommend.

For readers who enjoy the likes of;

Sandi Lynn, Christina Lauren, Jennifer Probst, Jodi Ellen Mallpas, Tracey Wolff, & Kirsty Mosely
Profile Image for Nicole Emerald Book Reviews  McCurdy.
404 reviews61 followers
August 25, 2014
This book is why I follow blogs, I happened upon this gem of a read during Alexandra's take-over one evening and having read teaser excerpts and the synopsis for it I thought it looked quite good and decided to take a chance on a new author with a new book. Thank Facebook I did.

The concept for the book, best friends to lovers- although having been done before has a rather unique twist to it in Alexandra's story. Lucia is a hard-working single mum struggling with the guilt of wanting a healthy sex and social life whilst balancing the mummy side of everything, a problem that is rife with mummy's the world over.
Lucia is a terrific, independent and liberating character. She's infinitely likeable as her problems and hopes and dashed expectations become your own as well as her sexual frustrations and confusion over a seemingly impossible situation. The internal struggle she goes through dealing with her blossoming feelings for someone she considered a close friend for ten years is realistic and progressive rather than instantaneous, although the spark has always been underlying between our two protagonists nothing ever came of it.

Sebastian is our main man in question. Not only does he have a super sexy suave name, he also puts Mr. Grey and Mr. Cross to absolute shame and the best part of it all is he's British. We finally have a sophisticated, well written, dirty talking UK based hero! Hurrah! I loved watching Sebastian's feelings unravel before him, how that little spark he always held for his uni mate's girl (ex-girl technically)sizzled and ignited and exploded into a sensual fireball of sexual tension between the pair. There is a little bit of to-ing and fro-ing, will they, won't they, but rather than annoying and drawn out it creates friction and tension and poses some intelligent questions.

Alexandra has a recipe for absolute success here, her writing is impeccable, giving us insight into both Sebastian and Lucia's thoughts although mostly Lucia's. The supporting cast of characters are just as endearing and hilarious as our main heroes, add in a few brilliant dramatic twists and turns, hot sweaty sex and awkward post-sex friendship and The One Awakened needs to be on you e-reader! Seriously cannot wait to get my hands on the second book. Might have to start stalking Alexandra. I've a feeling this is going to be an incredibly addicting series.
Profile Image for C.J. Fallowfield.
Author 48 books760 followers
August 10, 2014
Lucia Myers is a single mum in desperate need for a sexual awakening and when her gorgeous, sexy and charismatic best friend Sebastian Silver rolls back into town, she thinks who better to get her back in the saddle but him? The trouble is can friends really become friends with benefits without someone getting hurt?


This was an amazing debut novel and it’s so refreshing to find other British authors who haven’t bowed under the pressure to give up their style, spellings, quirky expressions and humour. This is erotic romance with humour done right, steamy, explicit, detailed, witty with dashes of pure swoon worthy romance thrown in too and I loved every minute of it. I also liked that it wasn't your usual "sleazy" cover that graces so many erotic genre books nowadays.


From the moment Lucia propositions Seb you just know that the sex is going to be scorching, but tempestuous and that their “relationship” will be anything but smooth. Alexandra North has managed to add in some drama and tension as well with a very well written love to hate her rival for Seb’s affections and it seems a mystery stalker who will stop at nothing to make Lucia his.


I for one can’t wait for the second book in the series, this is my type of read - congratulations on a great debut novel!

** I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review **
Profile Image for Readingzmything.
613 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2016
3.5 Stars

What I liked about this book? The plot. It was interesting with a friends to lovers romance. The male mc was sexy as hell. The additional characters, they were genuine and added a nice touch. The whole single mother that's successful and independent. That I really liked. And the steamy sex scenes that were very well written.

What I didn't like? The punctuation. I swear it felt like the exclamation marks were all over the place and the question marks were in places that didn't seem like questions. So yeah, this book could use some editing. There was a lot of drawn out rambling that left me skimming just to get through some parts. Also, the female mc, I admired her strength as a single mother and being successful and independent but that's pretty much where it ended for me. Honestly, most of the drama could've been avoided if she'd just speak to Sebastian, her best friend/fwb. I hate misunderstandings that could be squashed with just just a simple conversation. Especially if you were supposedly best friends with the person in which this misunderstanding's involved.

With that being said, I'm still intrigued enough to continue this trilogy and see Lucia and Seb get their HEA.


10 reviews
July 27, 2014
Oh my lord.. Gideon, Jesse and Travis; please step aside and make way for Sebastian Silver :-). I think I got myself a new hero.

I finished this book within two days – sneaky reading during work -I just could not put it away. I really liked this authors writing style and was very pleased to learn that the heroine was an independent, successful mother! Finally something else than the coy, early 20’s girls u usually have as you lead female.

I always love a good friends become lover’s story, and ms North certainly kept it interesting with some twists and suspense. When you finally think all is ok with Lucia and Seb, there is a mayor twist and a bit of shocking cliff-hanger! I can’t stop wondering who that creepy bastard is! Ms. North certainly left me hanging at the end, wanting more.

Can’t wait for the next instalment! Hopefully she won’t let us wait too long.
Profile Image for Nathalie*.
680 reviews26 followers
August 16, 2015
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

4.5 stars this book is quiet good ;) lulu was great and strong but at times a tad annoying and Whiney .. The other characters are awesome !! I really liked seb I liked that he didn't get in a relationship if he wasn't ready for one he wanted to fuck around I like that
I am sooo going to read the next and I loved the little suspense at the end nice twist ;)
Profile Image for Sivutha.
634 reviews79 followers
August 25, 2014
Love the dual POV!! 5 steamy stars for Seb and Lu that are friends turn to lovers. Can't wait for the next book!! Hopefully it's about Nate and Abby. Def a recommendation
Profile Image for Jenn Green.
515 reviews23 followers
September 6, 2014
She was ready. It was time to take her before she was lost to me again.

★✩★✩★ 5 At a loss for words Stars ★✩★✩★

~this review may contain minor spoilers~

“Be honest with yourself. You and I were always going to happen one day. It's been in the post for over a decade. You knew it and I knew it; the only questions to consider now are, when, where, and how many times will you come?”

~A spilled drink ten years ago changes the course of two peoples lives~
Sebastian Silver met Lucia Myer while in college over a spilled drink at the local pub. The attraction is instant, but it just wasn't their time. Seb is an admitted playboy who does not do relationships, is no where near ready to settle down and no matter how much he wants Lucia, he is out with his friends and current Hook-up. Lucia cannot deny the chemistry between her and Seb, but he has player written all over him and she is just not a one-night stand kinda girl. She does however find common ground with his friend Niall and her and Sebastian eventually become the best of friends.

“I'd lost my zest and I needed to start dating again. Sex was an issue. So in Seb I saw a solution. He's my best friend, a major player and apparently fabulous in the sack and I trust him.”

A decade later they are still best friends. Sebastian is a successful business owner, traveling the world and very much still the Playboy he was in college, though he does regret his missed opportunity that fateful night all those years ago ~ he is grateful to have her in his life, he cares for her deeply and cherishes their friendship. Lucia is just starting to turn her life around after a painful break-up with her son's father a year ago. She is ready to start dating again, but is kinda scared to get 'back in the saddle again' as it were. When her best friend Sebastian shows up on her doorstep after being away for ten months, she is floored by her reaction; for the first time since that spilled drink all those years ago, she is seeing him in a whole new light. How could she have forgotten how drop-dead-sexy the man is? They chemistry is strong enough to knock her on her ass, but he is still the same player he always was and relationships are just not in his bag of tricks. However, there is one thing he is good at-his long line of conquests is proof of that; so she delivers him with a proposition that shocks them both. One night of no strings, passion-filled sex; just to get Lucia back in the game, with someone she trusts, without risking their friendship. Sebastian accepts; but only if she agrees to a month instead. And so begins their sexual awakening. Try as they might, feeling start to get thrown into the mix and put a strain on their decade-long friendship, their pasts and present crash into their sexual fueled bubble and threaten everything, and Lucia is starting to get the distinct impression that someone is watching her....

I hadn't heard from her, spoken to her, since we kissed one another goodbye yesterday morning.
Was that only yesterday?
God it felt like weeks ago. For fucks sake, she occupies my thoughts all day, every day. This was bordering on obsessive.
You're losing it mate.


It's not often that a book can take me by surprise, but this one did. I was expecting a sex-filled story about two friends finally seeing what's been right in front of them all along; and that's what I got....with so much more. There is enough angst and drama to choke on, the chemistry between Lulu & Seb is off-the-friggin-charts, the sex scenes were AhMazing, there are deceptions, catty bitches, and mystery lurking around every corner and the entire cast of characters is simply captivating. The emotions that this story will drag outta you will leave you reeling. The one thing that kinda drove me insane was Sebastian & Lucia's complete lack of communication at times; you would think two people being friends as long as they have wouldn't suffer quite so many misunderstandings, but I guess that's what happens when our emotions are running at such an intense and confusing level. You should know that the story takes place in England so the dialogue may take some adjustments, but it doesn't detract from the story & luckily for me, I read enough books from British authors that it doesn't even phase me anymore. But the thing that truly gutted me was That. Damn. Ending. Not only was it a cliffhanger, but it was a double-whammy! First the author does a tango on your heart and then she loads you up with a dose of fear and a shit-ton of questions. Well. Done. Now~B>when the hell is the next book coming out?! Welcome to my 'One-Click Addiction List' Ms. Alexandra North, get comfortable~your not going anywhere anytime soon.

“It's always a game with Seb – you know how he is – the chase – going in for the kill. Once he has it and it's maimed for life, there's nothing left to pursue.”

Click HERE to check out my FULL post @ Bookworm Betties

Happy Reading xo Jenn
Profile Image for Christina.
1,452 reviews100 followers
August 4, 2014
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Lucia is a single mom whose sole focus is her three-year-old son, Finn. Having split from her ex of ten years Niall, she has finally decided to make the leap back into the dating pool. But when Lucia’s best friend Sebastian returns after having been out of the country for nearly a year, Lucia begins to maybe she should ask her closest friend to be her “friend with benefits” to temper her entrance back into dating life. But will Lucia’s feelings for Sebastian mean the end of their relationship as best friends? After the proposed month of their FWB status, can they really go back to being just friends? And is that really what Lucia wants?

Sebastian met Lucia at university, and the two bonded over a spilled drink in a bar, ten years previous. While Sebastian was immediately taken with Lucia, when his friend Niall expressed an interest in her, Sebastian immediately put his feelings on hold. Despite the connection Sebastian and Lucia shared, he never even thought of making a move for her, especially after the birth of Lucia and Niall’s son. But when Sebastian returns, he begins to wonder if this is finally his opportunity to be with Lucia, and when she makes her FWB proposition, it seems he has the best of both worlds. He begins to make up rules for their arrangement, mostly to assure that they will remain friends after the month is over. But when Sebastian starts to break his own rules, he has to think about what he really wants with Lucia. Can he really commit to just one woman? Will his past conquests come back to haunt him?

Sebastian and Lucia’s story isn’t that easy though. Yes, they are trying to figure out just what level their relationship is at, but there are also several outside factors determining their fate. Lucia’s ex Niall, after having left her for the woman he had been cheating on, starts sniffing around and trying to restart things with her. Lucia of course is over it, especially given that Niall wants very little to do with their son. There’s also the guy that Lucia dated a couple of times casually, Leo, that seems to keep turning up at every social function Lucia attends. We won’t even get into the baggage Sebastian brings to the equation, being the womanizer that he is.

There seems to be a web of half-truths and lies that surrounds the group of friends, and those that they have brought into their fold. The tight-knit unit (that includes Lucia’s sister) seems to be the target of nefarious dealings with outsiders that have their own agendas in regards to their relationships, whether it is as an employee, friend, or lover. Throughout the book you’re often left wondering what a character’s motivation might be.

I absolutely loved this debut by Ms. North. It provided just the amount of history, angst, and heat to keep me glued to the pages. I loved the group dynamic that the characters had, incorporating their history together to truly exhibit the depth of their relationships. The heat and emotion between Lucia and Sebastian was palpable and there were several scenes in which I felt my gut wrenching just as Lucia’s must have been. The One Awakened is well written and the characters are very well developed; it’s hard to believe that this is Ms. North’s freshman effort. This is the first book in a trilogy and I am not so patiently awaiting the second installment, The One Addicted, with a release date TBD.
Profile Image for Monique Machuca-Austin.
310 reviews25 followers
August 29, 2014
MY KINDLE SIZZLED WITH THIS HOT 5-STAR REVIEW, A MUST READ! I WAS READY TO MAKE MY OWN DAMN PROPOSITION!

Ten years ago… Lucia Myers and Sebastian Silver bonded after a spilled drink in a bar while attending the university. Sebastian immediately feels a connection with Lucia, Sebastian’s friend; Niall proclaims his desires for Lucia so Sebastian steps aside. Even though Sebastian understood the connection was deep with Lucia, Sebastian stayed away from Lucia especially when she had a child from Niall.

Presently, Lucia is now raising her three-year-old son, Finn, as a single mother due to her Niall leaving ten years ago. Sebastian has returned from being away and just may think this could be a perfect opportunity to take his friendship with Lucia to the next level, when Lucia changes his plans. Lucia makes a proposition for Sebastian to help her with a one-night stand, which Sebastian agrees to only on his terms and his rules.

“Two friends, one proposition.”

Will Lucia’s proposition from her best friend Sebastian truly help her get her ‘spark’ back into the dating scene or will she light a fire she will be unable to control that will singe their friendship or inflame an internal love?

“Be honest with yourself. You and I were always going to happen one day. It’s been in the post for over a decade. You knew it and I knew it; the only questions to consider now are, when, where, and how many times will you come?” 


Sebastian is a rich alpha male who loves woman and loves to play the field too. He always gets whom he wants and when he wants, but his hearts has always wanted his best friend, Lucia. Sebastian writes the rules for the one-month arrangement and believes at the end, he will satisfied all his needs and still have his best friend too. Unfortunately, sometimes plans do not always work out especially when you start breaking the very rules you make. Will Lucia be able to satisfy his sexual appetite or will the past come back to haunt?

“I’m not even going to justify that with an answer Lucia. You and I both know that you are bull-shitting to stop yourself from truly feeling and getting hurt. With regards to not finishing the deed - we have already discussed this, but believe me I can perform. I can cross the f*cking finish line so many times that that line becomes blurred after a while. You’ll be so wet and wanton, you’ll be begging me to f*ck you then and there, again and again until I’m buried so deep inside you, we won’t know where you begin and I end.”

Alexandra North has done a magnificent job writing a captivating story that will have you feel as if you are on an intense roller coaster of COMPASSION, SADNESS, ANGER, DISTRUST, DECEPTION, LUST, JEALOUSY, FRIENDSHIP, SUSPENSE, HOT SEX SCENES, and LOVE. THE ONE AWAKENED not only captured my attention immediately, I devoured the book in a single night to crack a** dawn! THE ONE AWAKENED does end with a cliffhanger, so I cannot wait for Alexandra to give us her next novel in the series. Trust me you will not be disappointed!

"…extreme, intense, loving, tender, raw all rolled into one and I've never experienced anything like it, in my life..."

Alexandra North’s THE ONE AWAKENED is a serial novel, which unfolds in three parts, THE ONE AWAKENED (One Trilogy #1), receives - 5 AMAZING STARS!
7 reviews
August 14, 2015
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review... There may be spoilerish comments.

First thoughts were that the premise was refreshingly different from a lot of what I had read recently, which all seemed to follow a similar setup - younger, low-to-middle class female meets older, rich alpha-male stranger and it's lust at first sight and eventually love follows. Here we have a single mom rediscovering herself after being in a really shitty relationship for far too long and finally hooking up with the guy who missed his chance with her in the very beginning and settled for just being her friend... Love is essentially there at the start even if it takes them a bit to realize it. He still ends up being the rich, alpha male type, but they had started out on more equal footing and he only recently became very wealthy, so that isn't really a factor in the relationship. Also, the fact that they have been friends for awhile also means that their social circle is made up of all the same people so you have all the supporting characters actually rooting for them and seeing their relationship more clearly than they do themselves, which is feedback they both need since they're both so stubborn and independent.

I ended up liking the book and characters pretty well... Enough to read the second book. The 3-star rating is for several reasons:

1) I appreciate that the book is self-published, but it really could benefit from a good editor and type setter. There were several times I had to re-read passages because I couldn't figure out who was saying what and then there was some misplaced or missing punctuation and other little errors. And some of the narrative in the first half or so could possibly stand some tightening up... It's a little draggy and rambling. (Although after reading the second book, I maybe understand the purpose of some of that better.)

2) I get that it is a British writer, but as an American reader, some of the slang and little sayings and culture references were completely lost on me. I couldn't really even figure them out from context. I felt like I was missing out on understanding what was going on. I'd be going along feeling like I was in the narrator's shoes and then all of a sudden I would be distanced from the story but a phrase that was complete nonsense to me.

3) Lucia really turned me off at first. I found her really hard to sympathize with as she seemed like a real bitch... She was a bit full of herself at times and she really played with men and used at least one to mess with another. She seemed to become more tolerable as the book went on, but I almost gave up on the book because she reminded me of so many catty girls who I didn't like.

I appreciate the fact that it was a full-length book. So many multi-book series are made up of a bunch of short books. Makes this a true trilogy.

Overall, the author laid the groundwork for an interesting trilogy with a fun cast of characters and, despite a kind of slow start, things really heated up in the last third of the book and made for a very intriguing sequel.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
59 reviews
May 10, 2015
The premise for this book had a lot of potential, but it didn't really work for me. My biggest issue was the hot/cold behaviour of both Lucia and Sebastian - even though we got to see both their POVs, I couldn't understand why they were acting the way they were half the time. For people who had been best friends for 10 years, they sure didn't communicate well, and I was confused as to where all the drama was coming from - just hook up already! Beyond that aspect of the story, I really didn't connect with any of the characters. I found all of the extras (friends, coworkers) to be caricatures - the dialog didn't seem natural to me, and they all seemed much more young and immature than their supposed ages. Sebastian was the most real to me, but he wasn't well-developed enough - his supposed player background didn't ring true, and I would have liked more evidence of it. I also felt many of the plot points were weak - in the prologue, Lucia and Abby were looking to have some fun at the bar, not find any lasting relationships. How in the world had Lucia ended up in a 10-year relationship with Niall, especially since he has no redeeming qualities in the few times we see him in the present? How did Lucia put her attraction to Sebastian on the back burner for 10 years, when it's clearly sizzling after they finally connect? Finn is adorable (although maybe a little too precocious for a 3yo), but was it necessary for Lucia to be a single mom? Just seemed an unnecessary complication. And finally, I felt that the story needed a thorough editing - lots of little grammar things, commas misused, confusing dialog where I wasn't sure who was speaking, continuity errors (or at least ambiguity, where I had to go back to see if I'd misunderstood something), etc. A lot of the text just didn't flow for me - I had to reread it to figure out what I'd missed, what I had envisioned incorrectly, etc. For a good book, I can overlook poor editing, but for this book, it just pushed it over the edge and made it difficult to read.

I give it 2.5 stars because I do like the idea of the story a lot, and I did move on to read book 2 in the series to see what happened next. A good editing would help a lot (and bump my rating to 3 stars), but the lack of connection with the characters and the inauthenticity of many of the plotlines and character choices made for a somewhat disappointing read.
20 reviews
August 8, 2015
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

5 Amazing MAHOOSIVE Stars!!! Sebastian Silver is my new book love!

We meet Lucia & Sebastian in their college days at The Cave. Instant fireworks are evident but neither act...in fact Lucia ends up leaving with, Niall, a friend of Sebastian's. For 10 years he's regretted not stepping up to claim Lucia that night and promised himself if he ever got the chance to claim her again, he'd take it. They're best friends & he's Godfather to Lucia's adorable 3 year old son Finn. Lucia has suffered thru humiliation with Finn's father, Niall, and now that she's broken free of him, she's ready to have one night of passion and who better to help her get back into the game but her gorgeous, charming best friend Sebastian Silver. She knows he's a player but his experience will work in her favor. She proposes one night but he wants an entire month. He's the perfect combination of a domineering alpha & romantic. Plus the way he treated little Finn made me swoon even more.

Not only do these two have blazing hot sex, it's clear to everyone else that they are soul mates. It takes them a little longer to figure this out. They aren't great at communicating with each other and they'd avoid a lot of angst if they'd just talk. "Together they are perfect; apart they are a landslide."

There was additional angst provided by exes & co-workers but their friendship is what got them thru each obstacle and boy did they have quite a few. A few additional twists and characters made this book so much more than an erotic read.
Profile Image for Laura White.
119 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2014
I was sent this as an arc in return for an honest review.
So here we go!

Lucia is a single mum to a beautiful 3 year old boy called Finn and he is her whole world along with her passion for designing.
She split from her ex partner of ten years who treated her like complete rubbish and she is a happy girl except all her friends think she should jump back on the man train!

Enter her best friend Sebastian who has been away for the last year.
He is her little boys godfather and they both have such a great friendship.

One night Lucia surprises herself by inviting Sebastian to become lovers for just one night, she trusts him more than anyone and she knows he will look after her.
After some thought he knows it cannot happen for just one night and tells her they will need a month or more!

The crazy journey that develops will leave you with all kinds of emotions, in fact I'll be surprised if there is any emotion you don't feel during this wonderful and clever read!

This book is brilliant, it captures you from the start,
The characters are believable and deep.
The chemistry the pair give off is incredible!
The friends to lovers story line has been done before but this story is unique and you will love it just like i did!

I will definately recommend.
Very much enjoyed!





Profile Image for Shirley Verdin.
159 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2015
I was given this ARC for an honest review.
To have a friend that will always be there for you is what Lucia had within Sebastian. The first day they met both realized they had a special connection but never acted on it. Instead Lucia ended up talking with his friend Niall. They later became a couple and had a wonderful baby boy. Niall was growing tired on Lucia being pregnant and was never there for her, especially during her delivery. Niall confided in Sebastian and told him where he was during the delivery, making Seb really angry and removing him off the friend list. Remaining Lucia's close friend, Sebastian became their son, Finn's godfather. Lucia always knew Niall was distant, she later left Niall. Her and Finn made it on their own with no Niall in the first 3 years of his life while Sebastian remained closed to Finn. After a long 9 months of tending to business in Dubai, Seb returned. On his first stop was to see Finn and Lucia. Never forgetting how much Lucia meant to him he wanted to make her his and at the same time Lucia realized really how much Seb meant to her. She gave him a proposition that would forever change their lives. This story was emotional and left you wanting more. Hard to put down!
Profile Image for Megan.
10 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2014
I need the second book NOW!!! Solid 4.5 stars and a must read!

There is never a dull moment in this book - a hard task to accomplish as the book is of good length. Ms. North’s writing is superb in that she has mastered the ability to give the readers the back story of Sebastian and Lucia’s friendship/relationship without the reader becoming antsy about getting the present story moving. It hard to believe that this is a debut novel! Sebastian is to die for! I can’t wait to read more about him, and what actions he will take to redeem himself in the second book.

Don’t get me wrong – this story is not a fairytale. Both Sebastian and Lu have flaws of their own but that is what makes these characters so believable. There is also a lot of witty dialogue and it made me laugh out loud a few times. A book that can achieve this is definitely a keeper.

I was totally emotionally invested throughout the book. The secondary characters were interesting as well – maybe Nathan and Abby will get a book of their own? Need a placeholder for the second book so that I can add it to my TBR list.
Profile Image for Noelle.
112 reviews
April 22, 2015
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review. Thanks again!

Perfect friends to lovers romance. Lucia is a single mom to her three girl old son. She and Sebastian have been friends for 10 years. He met Lucia first but she ended up being with his friend, Niall. When he gets back from being out of the country for a year, they start a friends with benefits relationship for a month only. Sebastian always regretted not making a move 10 years ago and now is his chance to finally have her.

I loved all of the drama in this book. This couple had to get through a lot. There were so many past relationships trying to tear them apart. Crazy ex's and stalkers. There was so much jealousy and angst. Exactly what I want while reading a book. This book was perfect for me!

Sebastian was so hot! The sex was scorching the pages. He was a mix between controlling hot alpha and sweet/ gentle. I think I have a new book boyfriend!

I will definitely be reading the next book! Can't wait!
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,132 reviews39 followers
July 26, 2015
**copy provided by author**
thank you - thank you

Lucia

Meets Sebastian at Uni / Thinks he's hot / Decides he's a player / Become best friends / Marries his friend / Has a son-godfather is Sebastian / Single again

Sebastian

Meets Lucia / Best friends / Thinks she is beautiful / Becomes a millionaire / Becomes a godfather / Always there for Lucia and her son


After 10 years since first meeting Sebastian and a divorce, Lucia wants to get back into dating, but would like someone she can trust. Upon returning home from months away on business, Sebastian visits Lucia and his godson and she has an idea. Lucia propositions Sebastian to help her with a one night stand. Sebastian agrees but on his terms and rules. Can these best friends survive crossing the line???

I loved Lucia and Sebastian's story. This story has lots of great characters and keeps you interested to the end - which has a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book. Alexandra North writes a great story with lots of detail.


Profile Image for Melou53.
245 reviews
August 8, 2015
This was a really a good read for me, that I throughly enjoyed. This was well written for a debut book. It keeps you interested and the flow is well done. This is the first book in the series, and I look forward to reading the next one, The One Addicted.

It starts out as a lust interest and turns into just friends when Sebastian Silver’s runs into (literally) Lucia. This story starts ten years later after that night when Sebastian let Lucia walk out of his life with another man. They remain friends in all that time, but later a proposition leads them to explore what they felt that first time at the bar they met in.

Lucia needs to get back in the groove, and who better to get her there than her best friend, the player, Sebastian. He’s knows her better than anybody, even her ex-husband.

Story has all the good stuff, a BFF, a hot stud, angst, drama, and even some suspense. Appreciate author giving me the opportunity to read.

**Received from author for an honest review**
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,955 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2015
I wrote a beautiful review and lost it before I got it posted so I will try once again to articulate my love for this book and the author.

I found this debut novel a breath of fresh air. The characters were solid with great background and thorough details. The authors quirky British slang added a bit of humor and authenticity. But don't be fooled there was a deep erotic romance that lures you into to the explicit details of their journey. A journey which began as friends but with a proposition given by Lucia to her best friend Sebastian it becomes so much more. It is not smooth and that makes it so much more enticing.

Yet.....as the book progresses we learn that Lucia has more to endure with a stalker waiting and watching her and waiting to make his move. Boring? No way! Engaging, addictive and and one of the best debut books I've read in a long time.

This trilogy will have you immediately opening the second book "The One Addicted" in eager anticipation to the harrowing end to this book.


Profile Image for Moon Reviews.
603 reviews13 followers
August 6, 2014
I received this book in exchange of an honest review!

MUST READ ALERT!!!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! And I NEED THE SECOND ONE IMMEDIATELY!!!! Well written, with a great story full of ups and downs, with female characters that are witty, lovely, sexy, funny and totally adorable, and male characters that are sexy, sizzling hot, especially our amazing alpha Sebastian!!! To say that i devoured this book is an understatement! To say that i liked Sebastian and Lucia is defying reality! I ADORED them! This book is a solid competition to all those alphas out there!! Completely addictive, you won't be able to put it down! Be ready for a super sexy rolllercoaster ride!!!! And a cliffhanger that will multiply the butterflies!!!! Alexandra North chapeau bas!!!! Pull me out of my misery and give me a release date for the sequel please!?!?! "At the mo", and while i wait, i'll be holding two thumbs high in the air with blazing lighters!!!!
Profile Image for Jo.
1,491 reviews12 followers
October 12, 2014
Firstly I must say that I love that this book is obviously written by a Brit – who else would put a Holby City reference in their story narrative??

I really enjoyed this book. The story immediately drew me in, and the characters were so well defined that it was impossible not to be affected by the events.

The relationship between the Lucia and Sebastian is described with humour, frustation and a degree of sexual tension that may, frankly, leave you hot and bothered. And the ending?? Lets just stay that this was another book where, had I been in public, I would have had some funny looks.

In summary, a scorching tale of friendship moving into the ever nebulous “more” territory which will suck you in, take you through an emotional spin cycle with Lucia and throw you out on the other side leaving you wanting more. I must say, I cant wait to get my mitts on the second book!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Shelly.
323 reviews21 followers
August 19, 2015
3.5 Stars

When I read what the book was about I was so excited and knew it was something right up my ally. However, I was disappointed in the book and I hate saying that, I hung on hoping that it would get better but didn't get there. Part of the reasoning is Lucia, she has no back bone and her confidence in herself is severally lacking to the point she just became annoying. But the biggest hang up was they never talked period, not as friends, lovers, or a couple and that's hard for me because ever relationship needs that. I am still going to give the second book a shot with the hopes it gets better or that Lucia's character has gone through a major change and pulled her head out of her arse.
567 reviews10 followers
January 1, 2016
Complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review.
I was so glad to have the opportunity to read this story via the ARR Program after reading the short description I was totally hooked, so bad that I needed to read first the second book before making my review because I just couldn’t stop reading.

Lots of people have a crush on their best friend but it’s not for everybody to turn this over in a lover relationship like Lucia and Sebastian. I loved the way it was written especially because it was written in the British way, lots of humor and great phrases. You get everything humor, tears, regrets, jealousy and last but not least a stalker and a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Toni.
272 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2015
This book is a brilliant read following the life and loves of Lucia Myers. She is a hardworking and loving single mom who will do everything for her son. But after breaking up with her sons father she is a little lost and frustrated with her sex life. For years she has always felt something for her sexy friend Sebastian Silver. Will they do anything about it ? There are a lot of twists and turns in their story, will they get together, won't they. Alexandra writes that well that she makes you fall in love with the characters especially Sebastian, he is charming and very sexy and the chemistry between the two is so intense. This is a must read and I cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Fiordiligii.
1,797 reviews26 followers
July 2, 2016
This trilogy had some real potential and I was preparing myself for a 15-hour reading marathon. I absolutely loved the heroine's snarkiness and how she coped with her dickwad of an ex-husband. The hero is really yummy and who doesn't like a friends to lovers romance, no? Unfortunately, I couldn't stand the hero AT ALL after he decides to do the deed with his best friend. He's obnoxious, alpha-hole-ish, possessive and obsessive and practically expects the heroine to roll over and say thanks for his attention. DNF because there are too many possessive alphas out there that don't annoy the shit out of me.
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