If I Was Your Best Friend: A Novella

by Lucinda John

At a young age, Yssa was forced to use what she got to get what she wanted. Nothing in life was handed to her, she had to work for it. Although she was smart academically none of that mattered, school wasn't an option, bills had to be paid. Using her doting eyes, alluring smile, and firm back side, Yssa was determined to keep a roof over her head, food in her stomach and clothes on her back. When life takes a sharp right turn she finds herself running into Pierre. Pierre wasn't your typical guy. With a hardworking single mother his priority was school and sports. Being skilled in multiple sports landed him opportunities that would have him set for life, until he meets her. The moment his eyes met Yssa, the hood chick with the 'around the way girl' persona, he falls in love. Determined to help her out of her bind, Pierre goes out of his way to make Yssa see herself for the queen she truly is. He loves her, breathes her, cherishes her; however, in Yssa eyes he's just her best friend.Pierre isn't Yssa typical pick in guys, she was a hood chick that craved that hood love. He was too well mannered, too attentive, too motivating, too good for her tainted soul. Pierre's good boy ways was only enough to earn him a seat in the friend zone, where Yssa felt he was safe. When unfortunate events separate the two Yssa is forced to reevaluate herself and the choices she's made; however, her revaluations may be a little too late.

Genres: Friends To Lovers

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2020

Reviews

[Dee]

This is a new-to-me author, and this book has made me a fan. S/O to my book bestie Kellireads for letting me know about this author. I enjoyed the story, and the writing style is up to par for me. There were a few errors here and there that I spotted throughout the book, but that definitely didn't change my mind on how I felt about the author's pen game. The characters felt real, and their love felt even realer. I loved me some Pierre for Yssa. He was so patient with her. Yssa had some growing up to do, but when life deals you a hard hand, sometimes you make some bad decisions to survive the only way you know how. Still, Pierre stayed true and was a very good best friend despite holding in his true feelings. I'd definitely recommend!

[Dash Riley]

Lu Lu Lu!?

Baby, when I say Cherry was a thotfull, I mean she was a THOTFULL. I loved her though, she deserved everything she got in the end. Pierre was BAE even before he became "Swaggy P." He was the epitome of a good man and a best friend. Great job author!

[Candy Nicholas]

I enjoyed this book. It was a good read. I wasn't feeling the 8 year gap though. Like what were they doing while they were apart for 8 years? And to find out Yssa had become a stripper after they went their separate ways was a disappointment. However I'm happy she got her happily ever after.

[Dee Cherry]

Pierre was such a sincere & kind young man who definitely had love for Yssa. Though she was troubled with such a hard life, her love for him was also seen. Well told novella with a nice ending.

[Kina M]

💥💥💥

I love this standalone. It’s been quite a while since I read a standalone that I felt was complete with no questions unanswered. Although I’m confused about the whole first kid being Pierre son this book was sooo good. I loved Yssa even through her bad times. I have always been a sucker for honesty and ppl that live in their truth no matter what that truth is and she definitely was that person. There wasn’t no over the top action but that’s what I loved about the story the simplicity of it. Awe yes a black man that did not sell drugs,guns,prostitutes,etc. and he was a KING in every sense of the word. I love it. Good job to the author.

[Carol]

Very Cute Storyline.... Never know when or where a guardian angel will appear.. Yssa, truly did not know what she was worth, had nothing AZZ people in her life... At least she was honest with herself, and Pierre when she told him about how she lived. Her honesty was refreshing, and she made it thru.. The worst was her self esteem, and how she did not know her own worth. Her not being selfish enough to tell Pierre about Yassim, so that he could live out his DREAMS was selfless... Glad that he came back for her... Love Pierre bad skin and all, and that his MAMA put something in his head, as a boy, to a full Grown Man.... *** small thing... Editing is KEY****

[Shannon Jones]

Yes Lucinda Came Through

This was a really good read. I love stories that consists of best friends. Pierre had me from jump even though he had to grow into his looks. His mama definitely raised him all the way right. Yssa was something else but she has a backstory that makes you empathize with her. I couldn't stand Tommy at all. Long story short it's a bomb read and you will be missing out on something good if you don't cop this.

[Shronda]

Team Pierre & Yssa

Yssa had a trouble life and went through a lot. I was hoping that she didn’t go there with Tommy. I’m glad that Pierre was able to forgive her for the secret that she kept from him. And that he found out about his fiancée being on some sneaky stuff before marrying her. Pierre and Yssa loves each other and no matter how many years went passed. They were meant to be together.

[Cathy Bepfozeing]

my best author

I love your books so much that I subscribed to Amazon unlimited because of you but maybe is me It takes max 3 days to finish a book and find myself rereading old books please give us more books you and Sh’vonn Latrice are the reason I love to read these days. Thank you for the books your inspiration and your love for writing.
Your best reader.

Cathy Bep Fozeing

[Jasmine]

This is a friends to lovers, urban romance. First thing first, TRIGGER WARNINGS: this book deals with m under age child abuse, sexual assault, grooming, and child abandonment.

Overall, this story covers a lot but at the same time not enough. It’s a little over 100 pages and I feel like it needed an additional 100 to 150 pages to really flush out the story so it wouldn’t feel so rushed. This is my first read by this author. I will definitely look into what else she may have in her catalogue.

[Dionna Malone]

Friends snd Lovers

This Novella was absolutely beautifully written! The saying delayed but not denied comes to mind as I read Yssa and Pierre story! Yssa goes through storm after storm until she finally gets blessing after blessing! Never down play if I was your best friend, because real best friends got you through thick and thin!

[Carolyn Ivey]

A little confused

The reason I rated it a 4 was because near the end when Pierre came back, she stated that he was the father of Jr first child. How could that be if he left and didn't return till8 years later. When did they have sex again in order for her to get pregnant. Confusing and parts left out

[kim]

short and sweet like a cherry

I love the story line i felt bad for Yssa she had it rough..Pierre was a stand up guy through and through and glad they both got their happy ending and Tommy well what looks good isn’t always good for you.i recommend this book and it needs more stars then this a good quick read lucinda always puts out fire…

[Genova Brown]

Great read

I really liked Pierre and Yssa relationship from beginning to end. I guess the saying you have to lose before you win bcuz Yssa lost so many times but in the end she finally won!!!

[kali williamson]

Best friends make the best lovers

This was a really good quick read. I was a little upset with Yssa, but I'm glad things turned around and she was able to get her happy ending with Pierre

[Shaunphoo]

So good!

This was a good read. I knew that baby wasn't Tommy's when she said was talking about how much he looked like his father. I love how after 8 years they still loved each other and get together.

[Ava Marie]

Beautiful

I absolutely LOVED this story... it was well written and I’m so elated to know that Yssa got her happily ever after. In addition to discovering her worth!!
Loved her and Pierre

[avia]

soooooo good

soooooooooooooooooooo goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the very end!! Lucinda never fails me thank you soo much for a good read

[Gina]

Good Read !!!

I really enjoyed this story , the beginning was filled with so much rawness of life that I felt it so real . The pain that cherry experience was so sad I'm glad for the happy ending square gave her .

[Tarsha Cowans]

AWESOME....

Loved the storyline. Yess had a very hard life. Glad to see she came out on top. Pierre was s true friend. He saw someone in need and help her out. Awesome read. Glad they got their happy ever after......

[Denisha Shelton]

I love a happy hood ending

Lucinda has done it again. Presenting us with jaw dropping, jerking escapades of page turning sagas. This book right here was that deal. Pierre and Yssa weren't were meant and made for each other

[Aniya Walton]

Amazing

Good from beginning to end. Yssa definitely had it hard but she ended up meeting Pierre who took her in and wanted to see her do good . This was great and I’m glad they got their happy ending

[Tonii Tonii]

Great story

This was a short but great storyline. I loved Pierre and glad Yssa had someone like him in her life. This was my first time reading a book from this author. I have to check out her other books.

[Tunnion Peters]

Book worm

Omg that love story was so go. Yssa went through so much and growing that fast and still coming out on top. When she said her son was seven years old I knew It was Pierre's son. I'm just glad they found their way back to each other after eight years.

[Shonta]

So Good!!

OMG!! I read this book in 8 hours, it was so good. Yssa meeting Pierre was god sent. She had such a rough life and I'm glad she got her happy ending. Tommy just couldn't get it together. I really enjoyed the story.

[SHANNON FRASIER]

Lucinda you always come through 🔥🔥🔥

This standalone was great!! There's no other way to explain it. Very Very good book. Im so happy the two got they happy ever after. Thos is a must read!!!

[Tamarra Barnes]

AMAZING

This is an amazing story and message . I wish this was around when I was younger because I was lost but when I met my husband that all changed . I’m happy and a mother of 3 so this relates to me in some ways . Keep up the amazing work

[Shalonda]

❤️❤️❤️

Never disappointed when I read a book by my boo Lucinda. Absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I'm glad Cherry was able to get everything she deserved and realizing her worth and that she had a good man right in front of her.

[ittybitty]

Awwwww 😩😍

Yoooo, that was such a cute read! I loved me some Cherry and Square. Got me all in my feelings!!!! I felt for baby girl in my soul when Tony did her dirty man... when her mom told her story, I was in tears. This was such a good read!!!!! Yaaasssss boo ❤❤❤❤

[Keilani]

Love!

I loved, loved, loved this book. It was a great read, had the plot twist you look for in an novel. I just loved it, I'll be reading it again with no problem! Love your work Lucinda!