What do you think?
Rate this book
Once in a Lifetime
Twelve days, eight shows, six cities.
How many unknown artists land that kind of gig?
Becky and Pete have been friends all their lives, almost as long as they’ve been a pop-punk duo. They moved from their small Northern hometown to London in hopes to ‘make it’—yet almost a decade on, they’ve got little to show for their efforts. Pursuing their dream has taken its toll on both of them, and they’re desperately in need of a break.
Enter The Hacks—an American bubblegum-pop trio that has been around for nearly fifteen years. Brothers Todd, Tyler, and Tristan were barely out of the diapers when their first album became a worldwide sensation. Their chart-topping success is long gone, but they’ve managed to stay relevant and keep a loyal fanbase.
In an unexpected turn of events, Becky and Pete are hired to be the opening act in The Hacks’ UK tour. Even though they don’t fit in the same genre and the out-of-the-blue proposition raises a few suspicions, the duo sees it as an opportunity. Maybe they’ll get the visibility and the contacts they need to get a record deal. Maybe this is the chance they’ve been waiting for.
But expectations might not meet the reality of the music business, especially when the lines between personal and professional life start to blur. Ghosts from the past, surprises in the present, and dreams for the future will align to shift their perspectives irreversibly. Are Becky and Pete up for the challenge?
How many unknown artists land that kind of gig?
Becky and Pete have been friends all their lives, almost as long as they’ve been a pop-punk duo. They moved from their small Northern hometown to London in hopes to ‘make it’—yet almost a decade on, they’ve got little to show for their efforts. Pursuing their dream has taken its toll on both of them, and they’re desperately in need of a break.
Enter The Hacks—an American bubblegum-pop trio that has been around for nearly fifteen years. Brothers Todd, Tyler, and Tristan were barely out of the diapers when their first album became a worldwide sensation. Their chart-topping success is long gone, but they’ve managed to stay relevant and keep a loyal fanbase.
In an unexpected turn of events, Becky and Pete are hired to be the opening act in The Hacks’ UK tour. Even though they don’t fit in the same genre and the out-of-the-blue proposition raises a few suspicions, the duo sees it as an opportunity. Maybe they’ll get the visibility and the contacts they need to get a record deal. Maybe this is the chance they’ve been waiting for.
But expectations might not meet the reality of the music business, especially when the lines between personal and professional life start to blur. Ghosts from the past, surprises in the present, and dreams for the future will align to shift their perspectives irreversibly. Are Becky and Pete up for the challenge?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2020
3 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Luana Ferraz
13 books42 followersLuana Ferraz is a Brazilian writer and translator. She currently lives in São Paulo, but her mind wanders everywhere.
She's graduated in translation and interpretation and has been working in this area for years. She loves translation, as for her it is nothing more than reinterpreting stories, but her greatest passion is telling stories of her own.
Luana has been writing and creating stories for as long as she can remember. Her first creative work was a series of comics on a thief that wore a beanie and always ended up in jail. She was seven years old.
As a teenager, she started writing poems and even music - the quality of which was very questionable. She discovered fanfiction and ventured into that a little bit, until she found out how to create her own characters.
She is usually found wearing headphones and typing - in her notebook, phone or just writing down an idea on the Disney-themed notepad she keeps in her purse.
She is probably writing right now.
She's graduated in translation and interpretation and has been working in this area for years. She loves translation, as for her it is nothing more than reinterpreting stories, but her greatest passion is telling stories of her own.
Luana has been writing and creating stories for as long as she can remember. Her first creative work was a series of comics on a thief that wore a beanie and always ended up in jail. She was seven years old.
As a teenager, she started writing poems and even music - the quality of which was very questionable. She discovered fanfiction and ventured into that a little bit, until she found out how to create her own characters.
She is usually found wearing headphones and typing - in her notebook, phone or just writing down an idea on the Disney-themed notepad she keeps in her purse.
She is probably writing right now.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 2, 2020
London-based punk duo Becky and Pete are unexpectedly hired as the opening act for the UK tour of American pop group The Hacks, consisting of three brothers who've been in the business since they were children. It's the opportunity of a lifetime - and one that might bring about shifts in their personal as well as professional lives.
I was drawn to this book both because I found the concept - one story, told in two books from two different POVs - so unique and intriguing, and also because damn, I miss concerts, and immersing myself in a book capturing that atmosphere was the next best thing available.
A lot of serious themes are touched upon in this book, and to list them would in a way constitute spoilers, so I'll restrict myself to saying they were all relevant and all well handled. The characters are wonderfully complex, none of them without flaws and all feeling like actual threedimensional people. It's a book about friendship, family (of blood and of choice), love, music, and so much more - raw, realistic, bittersweet, and so very relatable.
I'm very much looking forward to exploring Pete's side of the story as well.
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
I was drawn to this book both because I found the concept - one story, told in two books from two different POVs - so unique and intriguing, and also because damn, I miss concerts, and immersing myself in a book capturing that atmosphere was the next best thing available.
A lot of serious themes are touched upon in this book, and to list them would in a way constitute spoilers, so I'll restrict myself to saying they were all relevant and all well handled. The characters are wonderfully complex, none of them without flaws and all feeling like actual threedimensional people. It's a book about friendship, family (of blood and of choice), love, music, and so much more - raw, realistic, bittersweet, and so very relatable.
I'm very much looking forward to exploring Pete's side of the story as well.
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
October 13, 2020
Loved, Loved, Loved! Ok, so I was living a little vicariously through the concerts, my last one having been in February of 2020 :( But I love the characters, maybe not Todd, and not Tyler at first. I think there is skillful leading of everyone through their issues in life. I like that the relationship was not a million "I walked away because of a misunderstanding/tiny problem, but wait, I'm coming back because I'm so wonderful" Nope, just a little old fashioned talking to each other. I can't wait to read Pete's story, and where is that playlist!?!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 27, 2021
This was my 'Quirky Blind Date with a Book' this month. I will admit when I received it and saw the cover I thought it was a children's book.
It was such an entertaining read. Becky's character was so interesting. Becky and Pete, a London based punk duo, not that well known hired as an opening act for a famous American pop band.
I enjoyed the diversity between the characters, the admiration and chemistry. There was angst, tears and happiness. Some of it fluffy and some angst.
There are flaw in the book, but I don't mind. I'm not writing a literature review here, I'm basing it on the fact that I felt the emotions and I was entertained.
A fun story from an unknown-to-me-author.
It was such an entertaining read. Becky's character was so interesting. Becky and Pete, a London based punk duo, not that well known hired as an opening act for a famous American pop band.
I enjoyed the diversity between the characters, the admiration and chemistry. There was angst, tears and happiness. Some of it fluffy and some angst.
There are flaw in the book, but I don't mind. I'm not writing a literature review here, I'm basing it on the fact that I felt the emotions and I was entertained.
A fun story from an unknown-to-me-author.
January 2, 2021
Once In A Lifetime (Becky): Review
Date Started: January 2, 2021
Date Ended: January 2, 2021 (12nn, PHT)
RATING: ★★★☆☆
C/Ws: Mentions of domestic violence, trauma, (bad) language
Description
Twelve days, eight shows, six cities.
How many unknown artists land that kind of gig?
Becky and Pete have been friends all their lives, almost as long as they’ve been a pop-punk duo. They moved from their small Northern hometown to London in hopes to ‘make it’—yet almost a decade on, they’ve got little to show for their efforts. Pursuing their dream has taken its toll on both of them, and they’re desperately in need of a break.
Enter The Hacks—an American bubble-gum-pop trio that has been around for nearly fifteen years. Brothers Todd, Tyler, and Tristan were barely out of the diapers when their first album became a worldwide sensation. Their chart-topping success is long gone, but they’ve managed to stay relevant and keep a loyal fanbase.
In an unexpected turn of events, Becky and Pete are hired to be the opening act in The Hacks’ UK tour. Even though they don’t fit in the same genre and the out-of-the-blue proposition raises a few suspicions, the duo sees it as an opportunity. Maybe they’ll get the visibility and the contacts they need to get a record deal. Maybe this is the chance they’ve been waiting for.
But expectations might not meet the reality of the music business, especially when the lines between personal and professional life start to blur. Ghosts from the past, surprises in the present, and dreams for the future will align to shift their perspectives irreversibly. Are Becky and Pete up for the challenge?
Review:
• It was good… but not as good as I thought it would be. I almost put it in my DNF shelf. Now hear me out…
• For the first few chapters, I feel like it lacks something, more feelings perhaps?
• The story has a lot of “fillers” and when I say fillers… these are some parts from the story that is not really necessary for the story. So, there’s that. The author was really descriptive…
• There are serious themes that are discussed, too… They were all addressed properly.
• Becky and Tyler (actually all of the characters) are all wonderfully made. They still have flaws and all, which I do like.
• Story was based in London… and concerts… which made me miss attending concerts by the way.
• Topics that you will encounter in the book: Family, music, love, relationships, dreams, and friendship. So, some parts of the stories are still relatable.
I was really expecting something more from the story since the author left it open. I’m not really planning on reading the sequel so this one’s on me. This was overall as I’ve said a good read. I’d still recommend this to other YA readers.
I received this arc for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily, fairly, and in all honesty.
Date Started: January 2, 2021
Date Ended: January 2, 2021 (12nn, PHT)
RATING: ★★★☆☆
C/Ws: Mentions of domestic violence, trauma, (bad) language
Description
Twelve days, eight shows, six cities.
How many unknown artists land that kind of gig?
Becky and Pete have been friends all their lives, almost as long as they’ve been a pop-punk duo. They moved from their small Northern hometown to London in hopes to ‘make it’—yet almost a decade on, they’ve got little to show for their efforts. Pursuing their dream has taken its toll on both of them, and they’re desperately in need of a break.
Enter The Hacks—an American bubble-gum-pop trio that has been around for nearly fifteen years. Brothers Todd, Tyler, and Tristan were barely out of the diapers when their first album became a worldwide sensation. Their chart-topping success is long gone, but they’ve managed to stay relevant and keep a loyal fanbase.
In an unexpected turn of events, Becky and Pete are hired to be the opening act in The Hacks’ UK tour. Even though they don’t fit in the same genre and the out-of-the-blue proposition raises a few suspicions, the duo sees it as an opportunity. Maybe they’ll get the visibility and the contacts they need to get a record deal. Maybe this is the chance they’ve been waiting for.
But expectations might not meet the reality of the music business, especially when the lines between personal and professional life start to blur. Ghosts from the past, surprises in the present, and dreams for the future will align to shift their perspectives irreversibly. Are Becky and Pete up for the challenge?
Review:
• It was good… but not as good as I thought it would be. I almost put it in my DNF shelf. Now hear me out…
• For the first few chapters, I feel like it lacks something, more feelings perhaps?
• The story has a lot of “fillers” and when I say fillers… these are some parts from the story that is not really necessary for the story. So, there’s that. The author was really descriptive…
• There are serious themes that are discussed, too… They were all addressed properly.
• Becky and Tyler (actually all of the characters) are all wonderfully made. They still have flaws and all, which I do like.
• Story was based in London… and concerts… which made me miss attending concerts by the way.
• Topics that you will encounter in the book: Family, music, love, relationships, dreams, and friendship. So, some parts of the stories are still relatable.
I was really expecting something more from the story since the author left it open. I’m not really planning on reading the sequel so this one’s on me. This was overall as I’ve said a good read. I’d still recommend this to other YA readers.
I received this arc for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily, fairly, and in all honesty.
December 11, 2020
To say this book was boring is an understatement. I read 78% of the book and at this point gave up, I didn’t even care about a happy ending. There are pages and pages of conversations with Taylor, Pete, Neil , grandma and more people. After I was past half the book and still at this point there was no story. I kept reading thinking there has to be something but I was wrong, there was nada! I gave this book two stars and I was generous but I wouldn’t buy this book or recommend it unless you run out of sleeping pills.
Read
October 11, 2020One tour. Two bands. Twelve days. Eight shows. Plus a lot of drama!
Becky and Peter are a pop-punk duo living in London. They live for their music, even if they haven't had their major breakthrough, yet. But, one day, a miracle happens. They are asked to play the opening act for The Hacks' UK tour- an American boy band made up of three brothers: Tristan, Todd and Tyler. Of course, their personal life comes to play and things don't end being so simple for them.
Honestly, I wasn't very impressed at first. The writing lacked a lot of things, especially a deepness in the emotions of the characters, and that prevented me to connect with the story. I was reading but not feeling anything, and I believe a story should communicate emotions to the reader. I mean, Tyler didn't even seem like character, but more of an emotionless object. Also, a lot of description which didn't lead anywhere.
Now, for the second half, well that's a completely other thing. I felt like a totally different writer had written it. Way better. The emotions I was searching for were there and more importantly, I felt it. Things felt way more connected and made much more sense than they did before.
Finally, I finished the book quite disappointed, which was quite unfortunate. I was really looking forward to the band's future and Becky's and Tyler's relationship, but it just stopped abruptly and left me wanting more. I needed some closure that I didn't get. Another chapter (maybe an epilogue) would have done the trick, but maybe the author wanted to let it open in case of a sequel. who knows?
Overall, it was a nice story about friendship and dreams coming true, but it didn't make to my list of great books. I still do recommend it to other young adult readers. Not exceptional, but still good.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
Becky and Peter are a pop-punk duo living in London. They live for their music, even if they haven't had their major breakthrough, yet. But, one day, a miracle happens. They are asked to play the opening act for The Hacks' UK tour- an American boy band made up of three brothers: Tristan, Todd and Tyler. Of course, their personal life comes to play and things don't end being so simple for them.
Honestly, I wasn't very impressed at first. The writing lacked a lot of things, especially a deepness in the emotions of the characters, and that prevented me to connect with the story. I was reading but not feeling anything, and I believe a story should communicate emotions to the reader. I mean, Tyler didn't even seem like character, but more of an emotionless object. Also, a lot of description which didn't lead anywhere.
Now, for the second half, well that's a completely other thing. I felt like a totally different writer had written it. Way better. The emotions I was searching for were there and more importantly, I felt it. Things felt way more connected and made much more sense than they did before.
Finally, I finished the book quite disappointed, which was quite unfortunate. I was really looking forward to the band's future and Becky's and Tyler's relationship, but it just stopped abruptly and left me wanting more. I needed some closure that I didn't get. Another chapter (maybe an epilogue) would have done the trick, but maybe the author wanted to let it open in case of a sequel. who knows?
Overall, it was a nice story about friendship and dreams coming true, but it didn't make to my list of great books. I still do recommend it to other young adult readers. Not exceptional, but still good.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
October 25, 2020
Once in a Lifetime ("Becky") is the story of a two-person band comprised of Becky and Pete, that gets an unexpected break to be the opening act for the popular and established band "The Hacks". While this book does appear to be part of a series, it stands on its own as is -- giving you a glimpse into this life-changing event that happens to this band.
What I liked best about this story is that it told a great story about more than just a band going on tour. It takes you through the head-games the industry can bring with it, along with the ways our past can shape and influence our present. It also shows how some people can come into our lives at just the right moment to bring great things.
In many ways it reminded me of Kylie Scott's "Stage Dive Series", and most specifically the first book in the series that told David and Ev's story. Not that in any way this is a copy of that book, but the emotional road that the book takes you through is very reminiscent to that book. It also sucked me into it in the same way, kept me reading until the book was over, and left me wanting to know what happens next in these characters journey.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
What I liked best about this story is that it told a great story about more than just a band going on tour. It takes you through the head-games the industry can bring with it, along with the ways our past can shape and influence our present. It also shows how some people can come into our lives at just the right moment to bring great things.
In many ways it reminded me of Kylie Scott's "Stage Dive Series", and most specifically the first book in the series that told David and Ev's story. Not that in any way this is a copy of that book, but the emotional road that the book takes you through is very reminiscent to that book. It also sucked me into it in the same way, kept me reading until the book was over, and left me wanting to know what happens next in these characters journey.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
February 7, 2021
Once In a Lifetime is the story of Becky, the singer and guitarist of an unnamed punk rock duo. With her best friend and bandmate Pete, Becky embarks on a 12-day tour with an American pop band. This band *must* have been based on Hanson. The author never says so, but that's all I pictured.
Becky is troubled and has a complicated history that the author does a wonderful job of peeling back layer by layer as the story unfolds. There are trigger warning at the beginning of the book, which are appreciated, but not necessary for me as they were mostly alluded to in flashback rather than an active plot point.
I enjoyed reading this story and Becky's journey to self-discovery. While she was troubled, watching the character develop while I read the story was meaningful as a reader. My biggest qualm is that I still have a lot of unanswered questions. I would have loved to know more about Becky and Pete's back story. I know they were "like siblings" but I felt like I needed more details. Maybe flashbacks would help? There were also some side characters that appeared but I struggled to keep them straight. They occasionally showed up, but seemed unnecessary to the plot. It slowed me down as a reader when I had to go back to figure out who that person was.
My overall review is 4/5 stars.
Becky is troubled and has a complicated history that the author does a wonderful job of peeling back layer by layer as the story unfolds. There are trigger warning at the beginning of the book, which are appreciated, but not necessary for me as they were mostly alluded to in flashback rather than an active plot point.
I enjoyed reading this story and Becky's journey to self-discovery. While she was troubled, watching the character develop while I read the story was meaningful as a reader. My biggest qualm is that I still have a lot of unanswered questions. I would have loved to know more about Becky and Pete's back story. I know they were "like siblings" but I felt like I needed more details. Maybe flashbacks would help? There were also some side characters that appeared but I struggled to keep them straight. They occasionally showed up, but seemed unnecessary to the plot. It slowed me down as a reader when I had to go back to figure out who that person was.
My overall review is 4/5 stars.
February 28, 2021
4.75 stars
ONCE IN A LIFE TIME is book 1 in a duet and is told from "Becky's POV". I am intrigued enough that I will be adding Peter's POV to my TBR. I went into this story blind, I downloaded from KU based on a recommendation from "Quirky Blind Date With a Book" didn't understand the title. NOW I get it.
This story is told in first person and almost reads like every teenage girls dream. Plucked out of oblivion, destined to do good things after a troubled past.
There were a few times that this story dragged and I wasn't sure where it was going, but it redeemed itself as the story continued. I enjoyed the exploration of friendships and appreciated that Becky and Peter's relationship was what it was.
I would consider this a clean read. I don't remember any overtly sexualized scenes (don't quote me on this) and i think it would be appropriate for all readers.
A note: There are trigger warnings in the beginning that I think prepared me for far worse than what was actually discussed.
All in all, I found this to be an enjoyable read that I read cover to cover in about 4 hours.
ONCE IN A LIFE TIME is book 1 in a duet and is told from "Becky's POV". I am intrigued enough that I will be adding Peter's POV to my TBR. I went into this story blind, I downloaded from KU based on a recommendation from "Quirky Blind Date With a Book" didn't understand the title. NOW I get it.
This story is told in first person and almost reads like every teenage girls dream. Plucked out of oblivion, destined to do good things after a troubled past.
There were a few times that this story dragged and I wasn't sure where it was going, but it redeemed itself as the story continued. I enjoyed the exploration of friendships and appreciated that Becky and Peter's relationship was what it was.
I would consider this a clean read. I don't remember any overtly sexualized scenes (don't quote me on this) and i think it would be appropriate for all readers.
A note: There are trigger warnings in the beginning that I think prepared me for far worse than what was actually discussed.
All in all, I found this to be an enjoyable read that I read cover to cover in about 4 hours.
October 25, 2020
First of all, this author's first book is absolutely one of my favorites! Now, OIALT was a surprise because it's so different from her first book but you can still notice it's the same author. I kind of loved Becky even though sometimes I wanted to slap her and I LOVE that the characters have their flaws and issues and you see yourself agreeing with them even when they're wrong lol
I'm going to read the second book now because the author left me dying to know what goes on in Pete's mind and I'm sure I'll love it just the same!
I'm going to read the second book now because the author left me dying to know what goes on in Pete's mind and I'm sure I'll love it just the same!
February 26, 2021
To be honest, this story felt like it dragged for me. It has a great premise and the middle to end picked up for me, but it fell flat and I didn't really connect with any of the characters. Becky and her band mate and friend Pete are offered the opportunity to open for a big name pop trio of brothers. As both Becky and Pete become more involved with the Hackley brothers, they find themselves questioning the lives they want. At the end of the tour both have been changed (good and bad) but have a new outlook on life. Becky and Tyler are all kinds of awkward, with an undercurrent of sweetness.
October 30, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
OMG!! I love Luana Ferraz. I mean, she has done it again. What an amazing novel. This was my second novel by her that I read and I have to say I loved reading the book. I loved everything about the book. It was amazing and perfect.
You have to read it!! I read it it one go and nothing could distract me because it was so damn good.
OMG!! I love Luana Ferraz. I mean, she has done it again. What an amazing novel. This was my second novel by her that I read and I have to say I loved reading the book. I loved everything about the book. It was amazing and perfect.
You have to read it!! I read it it one go and nothing could distract me because it was so damn good.
February 13, 2021
3.5 rounded up.
A cute romance. It is what it is.
There's a lot of typos and grammar issues, but since the author is Brazilian I'm assuming English isn't her first language...so it sort of made it better but it could have been edited much better...e.g. the word thighs was used instead of tights twice. So it took me out of the story a lot. But I'll still read the second book from Pete's POV.
A cute romance. It is what it is.
There's a lot of typos and grammar issues, but since the author is Brazilian I'm assuming English isn't her first language...so it sort of made it better but it could have been edited much better...e.g. the word thighs was used instead of tights twice. So it took me out of the story a lot. But I'll still read the second book from Pete's POV.
May 23, 2021
I read the Pete book first. One thing I wanted was to see the story from Becky's POV. I didn't even know that the author had written a book from Becky's POV until later.
It was sweet, sad, angry, and all the other emotions. I hope Tyler and Becky do get a happily ever after. I hope Pete gets one too.
It was sweet, sad, angry, and all the other emotions. I hope Tyler and Becky do get a happily ever after. I hope Pete gets one too.
February 11, 2021
At first when I started reading, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it. But I truly did. It was such a good story. I hope there's more to it because I would love to know about The Hackley Brothers backgrounds.
October 13, 2021
Loved it!
I always love rock star stories and this was a really good one. I can't wait to read the next one - and am hoping for more romance, not only for Becky and Tyler, but also for Pete and whoever.
I always love rock star stories and this was a really good one. I can't wait to read the next one - and am hoping for more romance, not only for Becky and Tyler, but also for Pete and whoever.
February 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this story, watching Becky grow and mature was beautiful.
Read
December 14, 2020
Once in a Lifetime is out in the world!
Once in a Lifetime is a companion duology—the same story told from two different POVs. You can read the series in whichever order you prefer!
CONTENT WARNINGS:
This story deals with some issues that might be harmful to some readers. Those include:
Once in a Lifetime is a companion duology—the same story told from two different POVs. You can read the series in whichever order you prefer!
CONTENT WARNINGS:
This story deals with some issues that might be harmful to some readers. Those include:
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews