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LOVE in the USA, The Hesters #1
Once Friends
LOVE in the USA is back! Meet the Hesters—sisters Sonja and Elaine and their cousins, sisters Robin and Theresa. It’s their time to fall in love and Fate has the right partner in mind for each—soulmates these women never saw coming.
Once Friends (Sonja & Jay)
I never thought I’d see Jay West outside my TV screen ever again. We first met when he was eleven and I was ten. Our older sisters forced us to play together while they ran upstairs to make unsolicited phone calls to cute boys. Finally, Jay asked me what was the name of the puppet I was holding in my hands.
I hung my head, embarrassed by what my sister called my perpetual state of geekdom and said, “Skinny Pig.”
He said, “cool!” And from that moment on we became best friends forever—or at least I thought.
Years later I developed boobs and he became a teenage heartthrob. Then came that night.
Something happened between us—something unexpected and confusing. That was fifteen years ago. We hadn’t spoken since then. Now here I am, staring into his deep blue eyes. He’s no longer a boy and I’m not a girl. I’m a woman and he’s a sexy man, who’s just offered me the position of a lifetime.
Should I take it?
If I say no, my mundane life will go on as is. If I say yes, I’ll have to trust Jay West won’t eventually leave me high and dry like he’d done so many years ago.
Once Friends (Sonja & Jay)
I never thought I’d see Jay West outside my TV screen ever again. We first met when he was eleven and I was ten. Our older sisters forced us to play together while they ran upstairs to make unsolicited phone calls to cute boys. Finally, Jay asked me what was the name of the puppet I was holding in my hands.
I hung my head, embarrassed by what my sister called my perpetual state of geekdom and said, “Skinny Pig.”
He said, “cool!” And from that moment on we became best friends forever—or at least I thought.
Years later I developed boobs and he became a teenage heartthrob. Then came that night.
Something happened between us—something unexpected and confusing. That was fifteen years ago. We hadn’t spoken since then. Now here I am, staring into his deep blue eyes. He’s no longer a boy and I’m not a girl. I’m a woman and he’s a sexy man, who’s just offered me the position of a lifetime.
Should I take it?
If I say no, my mundane life will go on as is. If I say yes, I’ll have to trust Jay West won’t eventually leave me high and dry like he’d done so many years ago.
272 pages, ebook
First published March 11, 2018
354 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Z.L. Arkadie
104 books498 followersZ.L. Arkadie is stepping into a new era of emotionally rich, upmarket romance that sweeps you away and thrills your heart in the best possible way. Her upcoming stories promise the kind of passion, longing, and intensity that pull you out of the everyday and into something unforgettable. For readers who crave stories that ache, soar, and stay with you—this is where it begins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 31, 2018
Jay and Sonja grew up together as best friends. And they stayed best friends until an incident that stepped over the line of friendship. After that, Jay withdrew from Sonja and her sisters' lives, and she never saw him again. He's now an A-list actor who's extremely unhappy, so unhappy that he's about to quit his career until a chance meeting with Sonja's sister, Elaine. Suddenly he's energized, running around getting his new project off the ground. Now if only Sonja will be as excited about that project, a project that directly involves her and her long ago written screenplay.
I liked the mystery aspect of Once Friends, but I have to say the romance/second chance aspect is pretty bad. There's little to no strength to their connection, and the bedroom scenes were awkward and rushed. I didn't feel the heat between the two, and I definitely didn't feel the love that was supposedly building. If not for the interesting side plot of Sonja's grandmother's story, I would be 2 starring this. But, because that mystery was really compelling, and I liked her grandmother, a lot, I can honestly feel fine with rating this 3 stars. However, I doubt I'll be reading the second part of Sonja and Jay's story because frankly, the first part isn't that interesting aside from her grandmother, whose story is mostly finished by the end of this first installment.
ARC via Booksprout for an honest review.
Full review posted on Live Through Books Blog.
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June 25, 2018💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (6/25/2018)!💝
Blurb:
LOVE in the USA is back! Meet the Hesters—sisters Sonja and Elaine and their cousins, sisters Robin and Theresa. It’s their time to fall in love and Fate has the right partner in mind for each—soulmates these women never saw coming.
Once Friends (Sonja & Jay)
I never thought I’d see Jay West outside my TV screen ever again. We first met when he was eleven and I was ten. Our older sisters forced us to play together while they ran upstairs to make unsolicited phone calls to cute boys. Finally, Jay asked me what was the name of the puppet I was holding in my hands.
I hung my head, embarrassed by what my sister called my perpetual state of geekdom and said, “Skinny Pig.”
He said, “cool!” And from that moment on we became best friends forever—or at least I thought.
Years later I developed boobs and he became a teenage heartthrob. Then came that night.
Something happened between us—something unexpected and confusing. That was fifteen years ago. We hadn’t spoken since then. Now here I am, staring into his deep blue eyes. He’s no longer a boy and I’m not a girl. I’m a woman and he’s a sexy man, who’s just offered me the position of a lifetime.
Should I take it?
If I say no, my mundane life will go on as is. If I say yes, I’ll have to trust Jay West won’t eventually leave me high and dry like he’d done so many years ago.
Blurb:
LOVE in the USA is back! Meet the Hesters—sisters Sonja and Elaine and their cousins, sisters Robin and Theresa. It’s their time to fall in love and Fate has the right partner in mind for each—soulmates these women never saw coming.
Once Friends (Sonja & Jay)
I never thought I’d see Jay West outside my TV screen ever again. We first met when he was eleven and I was ten. Our older sisters forced us to play together while they ran upstairs to make unsolicited phone calls to cute boys. Finally, Jay asked me what was the name of the puppet I was holding in my hands.
I hung my head, embarrassed by what my sister called my perpetual state of geekdom and said, “Skinny Pig.”
He said, “cool!” And from that moment on we became best friends forever—or at least I thought.
Years later I developed boobs and he became a teenage heartthrob. Then came that night.
Something happened between us—something unexpected and confusing. That was fifteen years ago. We hadn’t spoken since then. Now here I am, staring into his deep blue eyes. He’s no longer a boy and I’m not a girl. I’m a woman and he’s a sexy man, who’s just offered me the position of a lifetime.
Should I take it?
If I say no, my mundane life will go on as is. If I say yes, I’ll have to trust Jay West won’t eventually leave me high and dry like he’d done so many years ago.
June 21, 2018
It was ok.
While the story had some serious merit, it was ringed by awkward sex scenes and cursing. They both seemed forced and put in as an afterthought.
While the story had some serious merit, it was ringed by awkward sex scenes and cursing. They both seemed forced and put in as an afterthought.
August 26, 2018
Great book
This is the first time I have ever read anything by this author. And I must say I was very impressed with this book. I just pray that Jay stays loyal to Sonja. Now I am on to the second book.
This is the first time I have ever read anything by this author. And I must say I was very impressed with this book. I just pray that Jay stays loyal to Sonja. Now I am on to the second book.
November 7, 2018
SON
I was so bored reading this, I cant believe I even made it as far as I did. The "hey son" lines, really? Yeah, I'd be real turned on. Either way, I just couldn't hang in there. Did not finish, gave up at about the 60% mark.
I was so bored reading this, I cant believe I even made it as far as I did. The "hey son" lines, really? Yeah, I'd be real turned on. Either way, I just couldn't hang in there. Did not finish, gave up at about the 60% mark.
October 9, 2018
Sonya & Jay were friends as kids but as teenagers parted ways. She has never forgotten or forgiven him so when he needs her script for a tv series, as he is now a major actor & player, they reunite. However her grandmother has complicated the production of the show. So they go on a road trip together to unravel the mystery. Actually it's quite an unusual & twisted one.
There is some angst & a bit of drama in this & we are introduced to other family members, who will appear in future books. My only issue was Sonya gave into Jay too quickly, he was supposedly a changed man. The agents were a bit annoying as was her sister Elaine. Gran & the elderly neighbours were interesting characters.
This is a HFN as the next book continues this couples story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is some angst & a bit of drama in this & we are introduced to other family members, who will appear in future books. My only issue was Sonya gave into Jay too quickly, he was supposedly a changed man. The agents were a bit annoying as was her sister Elaine. Gran & the elderly neighbours were interesting characters.
This is a HFN as the next book continues this couples story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2018
Didn't know this was just the first part of Sonja and Jay's story but it was a good start Heartbreaking in places and I felt so bad for Sonja. Background should have been given more detail rather than the few flashbacks. I loved the part when they were kids and it would have been better to have started off with all of that and gotten them to the present rather than flashbacks here and there. Then they jump into bed. But I am hooked on these two and now have to read the other books to see if they can make it. Ending didn't quite get it for me but as it goes into another book, I can see why it ended that way. Still the mystery was interesting so am looking forward to the next book. Still I bought the book since I liked the mystery so much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2018
4 1/2 Stars
Many heartfelt and achy bits in this story as Sonja looks back at her history with Jay, and his bitter rejection of her.
Now many years later, they have a second chance at Love, and Jay has finally wised up enough to get back into Sonja’s life.
For Sonja, there’s a lot she’s been keeping inside. As she grows more confident in Jay’s love for her, she starts to appreciate the family that loves and supports her, no matter how pushy and overbearing they can be.
A well written contemporary romance that was rich and full of emotion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Many heartfelt and achy bits in this story as Sonja looks back at her history with Jay, and his bitter rejection of her.
Now many years later, they have a second chance at Love, and Jay has finally wised up enough to get back into Sonja’s life.
For Sonja, there’s a lot she’s been keeping inside. As she grows more confident in Jay’s love for her, she starts to appreciate the family that loves and supports her, no matter how pushy and overbearing they can be.
A well written contemporary romance that was rich and full of emotion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2018
That is the perfect title for the
Story of Sonya and Jay. Best friends as kids to just have it all fall apart. Then they meet again. I found the story to be alittle slow in the beginning. For some reason I had a hard time getting into it originally but then it does improve and the plot thickens as they navigate through their friendship. This story seems to be a prelude to other stories as you meet all of the Women in Sonya’s family and find out why they are the way they are.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Story of Sonya and Jay. Best friends as kids to just have it all fall apart. Then they meet again. I found the story to be alittle slow in the beginning. For some reason I had a hard time getting into it originally but then it does improve and the plot thickens as they navigate through their friendship. This story seems to be a prelude to other stories as you meet all of the Women in Sonya’s family and find out why they are the way they are.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2018
They were once friends and more.
But now, years later, Jay West, former child star and actor is on the downward spiral. Hooking up with random women, not remembering how he got home....lack of performance.
Sonja Hester is always busy. She’s constructive and enterprising. And she and Jay used to be everything. Until they’re not.
Now they both are in Hollywood and she has a chance to be a writer.
This is part of a series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But now, years later, Jay West, former child star and actor is on the downward spiral. Hooking up with random women, not remembering how he got home....lack of performance.
Sonja Hester is always busy. She’s constructive and enterprising. And she and Jay used to be everything. Until they’re not.
Now they both are in Hollywood and she has a chance to be a writer.
This is part of a series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2018
This is a quick easy read and very entertaining. Jay, a child star actor, and Sonja were best friends growing up and into their teens. When Sonja turned 15, they were going to hangout and watch movies all night. That was the first time Jay kissed her and things heated up between, then suddenly Jay pulled back and left. He distanced himself from her and then he moved away. His career took off and 15 years later, their paths cross again. Good storyline and characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2018
This book had lies and secrets from the pass. the twist and turns of the plot gave it a edge. The characters had learn that you can't hide from your pass for long. I liked how the main characters found that they still had feelings for each other after 15 years being apart. The story was beautifully written. It was a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2018
Filled with intrigue and a bit of mirth, we follow the reconnection of Jay and Sonja (two former childhood friends as they embark from a love lost to reuniting on a different level). Brought together through chances of a television script, they spend time together and learn more about one another. Definitely like!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2018
2nd chance for the story between Sonja & Jay, who met at the Beach a the age of 11 accompnyed their big sisters Riley & Elena. At that time Jay was already an actor. Then one day, his family & him ... Moved out, breaking her heart in the proces. Now after years, they'll get their 2nd chance, but .... Will Sonja trust hem her heart again, and trusting he won't breaks it again ?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2018
So I realized at some point in this book that I should have read the Love in the USA series first cuz there seems to be some backstories that I'm missing. But I really liked this book. It's a great second chance romance with a slight tinge of mystery. This book isn't action packed but a lot of stuff is happening, especially when Sonja starts learning some new information about her grandma. I had a few dropped jaw moments myself. Looking for to reading Now Lovers.
October 29, 2018
Sonja and Jay were friends when they were young but when they were older he moved away and didn't see each other for years and now he's back. Jay came back because he never forgot his friend and now he wants more than friendship. Enjoyed reading the story but do not like the fact that is a second part.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2018
This was a wonderful second chance at a relationship story that has just enough character development, mystery, and story depth to grab your attention and hold it until the cliffhanger ending. I received an advanced readers copy of this book and am gladly leaving this review. I also purchased this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2018
This is a well written second chance romance between Sonja and Jay. I loved their characters and the story line. The author does a great job building the story and keeping you glued to your seat. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC on this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC on this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
November 1, 2018
I enjoy second chance romances, so I enjoyed this one with some little bits of mystery involved in it. I've never read this writer before, but really enjoyed the style of writing and look forward to reading the next in series as I have to see what happens next since it ended in a cliffhanger!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2018
They had been friends when children but as they got older and a kiss changed all that. Now she only see him on tv. Then she meets him again and he offers her a job. What will she do? Will it break her again if she takes the chance? See what she will do
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2018
I enjoyed this book and was drawn into it from the beginning. I love to read about old friends who fate brings together and gives them a second chance.
I recommend you read this book to find out what fate has in store for these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I recommend you read this book to find out what fate has in store for these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2018
I loved this story! LOVE in the USA is a great series and I loved getting to know these characters. I also loved that some of my favourite characters from previous books appeared or were discussed!
I cannot wait for the next book!
I cannot wait for the next book!
April 1, 2018
Where to start. I adore the love in the USA series and I think I love this more. This is shaping up to be a fantastic series. Great to have old characters in this book - Vince. 2 people are reacquainted and go on the hunt for answers, can’t wait to read more from this series. Recommend this book
August 5, 2018
A cute friends to something more-kind of story with a really interesting deep dive into one of the characters’ pasts. I wasn’t expecting the story to go the way it did but was so glad when it did. Looking forward to reading the sequel.
October 19, 2018
I’m not sold on this story. No real problem with it but the character are somehow not really deep. And a lot of information are throw in different direction but not a real storyline is define.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2018
this is a Hollywood love story, and it is the best kind because not only is there plenty of steamy scenes and a wonderful plot but it all works out for them in the end
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2018
This is a sweet friends to lovers story! It does have a cliffhanger so make sure to pick up the second story. I did like the mystery and characters in this story. It definitely a story that keeps you hooked until the end.
June 19, 2018
3.5 Stars
October 29, 2018
This book was gripping, well written & the chemistry between the characters sizzled throughout this wonderful read.
Well done Z.L. I look forward to more!
Well done Z.L. I look forward to more!
October 31, 2018
Once Friends by Z.L. Arkadie is a good read; sweet and interesting second chance romance..,good storyline,interesting characters with great chemistry,well done
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews