The Art of Being Friends

The Art of Being Friends #1

by Jessica Sorensen

Raven:
Being ​the new girl is always hard, especially when you’re socially awkward. But when my family decides to move to Honeyton at the beginning of my senior year, I try to look at it as a chance to start over.

And it kind of looks like I might succeed. Not only do I make a new friend, but I also meet Hunter Hathingford.

Hunter is gorgeous, charming, and sweet. And while I’m definitely attracted to him, we both decide it’s a good idea for us to just be friends.

But not everything in this new town is what it seems. Everyone has secrets. Including Hunter.

Hunter:
I’m known as the biggest flirt in school, which is fine, even if it’s not entirely true. Sometimes I wish I could be myself and that I didn’t have to be Hunter Hathingford, son of the most wealthy and corrupt man in Honeyton. But since everyone in this town knows who I am, that doesn’t seem very realistic.

That is until a new girl moves to town.

Raven Wilowwynter is sweet, beautiful, and probably one of the most amusing girls I’ve ever met. And even though I can’t stop thinking about kissing her, we make a deal to just be friends.

But I’m worried how long that’ll last when she finds out the truth about who I really am.

This is the YA mystery romance version of my novel, A Pact Between the Forgotten (The Raven Four).

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, High School, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Abuse, Young Adult Contemporary

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2020

About the author

Jessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.


http://www.jessicasorensen.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica...

Reviews

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the first one I find out they continue with 3 more. Nope. I'm a one and done person. I like my happy endings. I adore this author but ill pass on the rest.

[Marissa Barba · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't suggest this book to anyone. The only reason why I could get through this book is because it's similar to every mafia romance story you can find on Wattpad. There was no plot, although the interactions between characters were nice to read about. The whole novel just seemed like an intro to the second book, which isn't even out yet. Not a good read in my opinion, but I still want to read the second just to actually find out what the plot is.

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start off, I just want to say that I've basically loved almost every Jessica Sorensen book I have ever read. I'm not really certain why this book doesn't get that great of reviews, but I actually didn't even look at any of them before buying this book.

So, I'm getting a little confused with all the Honeyton books. There are apparently so many books set in this town and it's all getting confusing with who is who. I'm expecting to find characters that I've read in other books to pop up in this one, but no one does.

The Art of Being Friends is a great introduction to this series. I feel like Jessica Sorensen sets up the town and character backgrounds really well. Since I'm already familiar with how Honeyton works, I understand that strange things always happen in that town. I think Raven is great! She always speaks her mind, even if it gets her into trouble. Hunter is an interesting character as well, and I love how easily he connects with Raven.

There are a lot of unexpended things that happen in this book, which I enjoyed. The writing is great, and there weren't as many errors as with most of this author's books. Also, the cover is amazing. I definitely enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m just mad about how this book just stops in the middle of the story

[Lizzi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the worst book I’ve ever read. The main character, Raven, is a “not like other girls” girl and is frankly annoying. The story reads like a poorly written fan fiction. The story introduces conflicts and doesn’t resolve any of them. The book stops abruptly but I’m not even upset, just glad it’s over. No likable characters. If this book wasn’t free on Apple Books I’d be extremely upset for wasting money. No one should buy or read this book. Any review over 2 stars I would just assume are misclicks or bots.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always left with mixed emotions when I finish any book by Jessica Sorensen, the first is excitement as I know that before I start any of her books I will love it and end up enjoying it and feeling for her damaged and broken characters. She was one of the first New Adult authors that I read many moons ago and an author, I will always love. The second is sadness as I also know that she is similar to the author Scarlett Haven who write a great first book and then they don't end up finishing the darn series and writes book 2 or a conclusion and you as a reader is left hanging and just hoping or in my case making up your ending of the series and conclusions. Years ago, we learn that Raven's parents were killed or murdered and Raven for some reason blames herself for it, she now lives with her uncle who is the sheriff, and his wife and child. The uncle is a sadistic brute who is not only abusive but corrupt towards Raven, his wife is the epitome of an evil stepmother and then her cousin is a manipulative barbie doll. I honestly really feel for Raven and my heart bleeds for her. She starts a new school in a small town called Honeyton and captures the attention of the three resident hotties Hunter, Jax, and Zay - these three are just as damaged as Raven and don't let anyone into their circle, but it seems that they might just make an exception for Raven and in return- she can help them dig up dirt on her family and even maybe learn more about her past. The other thing I loved about this book was Raven's full name - Ravenlee Wynterwillow overall, I loved this book but sadly I can't finish the series and find out the truth about Raven's family, but it certainly hit the spot to kick me out of my reading slump.

[Cemaliye Nouri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was interesting. It was like a murder mystery. I liked it. Raven’s uncle, aunt, and cousin treated her badly. They said some really mean stuff throughout the book. I don’t get it. I don’t understand why they were so mean to her. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out why. I gave this book 4 stars because there were some grammatical errors. But it wasn’t too bad. There weren’t that many errors in the novel. I enjoyed the murder mystery/romance novel. Loved how Hunter and Harlow got along with Raven so quickly. Loved how they clicked. That’s cool. The book ended on a cliffhanger. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I would love to see how this story ends. 😀📚❤️

[Alison Marden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I'm with the others - This isn't a book really as a teaser to an actual book. I can't help feeling like this is a money making exercise from the author to guarentee that we will keep purchasing the books to find out what happens. If this is going to be the case we'd be as well signing up to one of those apps that charge you per chapter!

In terms of the actual story, I'm enjoying the mystery behind the story and the links in the characters or possibility of so, I want to find out more about their pasts, their pain and the character relationships. This book doesn't even really get started before it ends though and I have highlighted several grammatical, spelling or word errors through the text as I went via the kindle notes app.

I want to keep reading but I am getting a little irritated by the shortness of the books - how long with this story draw out and will I tire of waiting/spending before getting to the conclusion?

[Nikki Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book

Great quick story. Im already sucked in. Was super exited to read the rest until i found out its been unfinished after book three since 2020. Which is depressing but not surprising, a few series by this author just didnt get finished or changed titles so who knows. Im going to read what is available bc im invested but this might be the end of my reading journey with Jessica Sorensen. fyi Callie and kayden, and Ella and Micah, shattered promises, and a “few” others are finished and great.

[Midnight Sun · Rating 2 out of 5]

I first read this book like 2 years ago and I loved it so much 😭😭 but then I realised I have to wait like a year for the second book to come out, so I kinda pushed it out of my mind. But since I was procrastinating studying for my exam, I picked it up again and I don’t regret that decision one bit <3

[Rheannon Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

This story definitely caught my attention. It is a slow burn but not so slow that I would lose interest. I wanna know more about Raven, her creepy family and the hot guys who she goes to school with

[Katherine Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thankfully kindle has books one and two combined, but this is the THIRD name this books has appeared under. Granted, this version seems to be better edited, but wtf? I just want to know how it ends. The cliffhangers suck.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only ok

Character development is not as good as her usual books characters. And the creepy violence is disturbing not her best work but I'm trying to follow here. It's only ok to me.

[NFLS · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was promising but I was annoyed to know that the story was breaking done into 4 installments. I always believe if any author doesn't have strong story plot, breaking down story only make it worse.

[TheLoneTrekkie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ghost Bird Fan Fic?

Basically a sped up version of the Ghost Bird chronicles. Definitely an ode to it. Even the book cover art are exactly the same, and absolutely nothing like described in the book. Hell, the author’s pen name is “Sorensen”.

[Dusty Kirkland · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. It’s kinda like a wattpad style book in my opinion, so if you don’t like that kinda thing then don’t read it. It was free on Apple Books I believe so that’s why I read it.

[Luz Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book. It ends with a cliffhanger. There is also a lot of mystery.

[Esanju · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the first book in a series this book is a good introduction to the storyline, The interactions between characters are pulling and make you build an attachment to them.

[Melody · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story line isn't terrible. Though the book just kinds of end in the middle of nowhere. I like the characters.

[Neelam · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

i am allowed to enjoy objectively bad books, like this one. anyway, it apparently devolves into a reverse harem and i'm not doing that to myself.

[Clare Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good sweet

Enjoyable short slow burn and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend to anyone looking for a sweet story

[Aj H · Rating 1 out of 5]

slop

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

WAY TOO SHORT!! Otherwise it was pretty good. I am really interested in finding out more about each one of the boys and Raven's past.

[Yoela O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in two days, but I easily could've finished it in one. It was a book that instantly drew me in and then left me hanging with a you've-got-to-be-joking-the-next-book-better-be-available expression on my face.

Ravenlee Wilowwynter is that girl that I would immediately befriend and reach out to because I know she needs a friend who would love her unconditionally. I loved her sarcasm and dry humor. I absolutely love her name and the way Hunter described it's meaning. My heart went out to Raven because of everything she went through (and we don't even know everything yet) and everything she has to go through. Her uncle is... a jerk. I'd say a lot worse but I'm not supposed to curse so... but he's a real horrific jerk. Her aunt is... annoying. I'd probably react the same way Raven did to her. Dixie May, Raven's cousin, is a real spoiled brat. I immediately disliked her, like within two sentences of Raven talking about her.

Hunter Hathingford and his friends Jax and Zay (talk about those names! Genius Jessica, I love 'em) are the type of boys I'd want to know and help. Their families... sounds real... again, no cursing but seriously anyone who's read this book probably knows what I want to say about the families in this book. They really suck. The kids go through so much... crap. The way Raven's uncle treated her, he literally cut her! He cut words into her skin! What kind of a sick psycho is this "sheriff"? He's such a... jerk (you know what I really, really, really want to say).

I am really curious to see what this series will hold for me and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book, and the next, and the next, and... all of them, I want all of them.

[Kayla Markel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who calls her little Raven?

Interesting, quick read. Was expecting more of a romance considering the books that led to the recommendation of this book were more on the romance side. This is mysterious, quirky and comforting in a way. I haven’t read many stories like this one recently and it’s fun jumping back into detective mode. Raven has an interesting background, Hunter brings the right amount of charm and Harlow needs to be my new best friend! I’m excited to start the next book in the series and dig up some answers about Ravens past!

[Je'Kiyah Spruill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear author email me jekiyahspruill8@gmail.com please!!!🤦

Great book. The book's not the problem here, its the stupid ass cliff hanger I can't even find the other book🙄 its bull I tell you. The second one best be free I spent almost 2 1/5 looking for it, smh. But I do love the book...but the second I best get free I did not have that kinda time to look for a book...tbh.😤 ANNOYANCE...like I said nice book.🤗🤗

[Christy deSade · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rewrite

This book was a rewrite of The Raven Four, by the same author.... or that book was a rewrite of this one. It was either because the author wasn't sure of her story or wanted to sell more copies by having a softer version and a harder version of the same cast of characters and basic story arc. Either way, it's not appreciated.

[Emily Jividen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Edition....

I read this edition before I realized it wasn't the original. This one takes the story a different way and I must say it is more realistic. I love how she made a friend on her first day, rather than being taken by the guys and threatened.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.