Once Friends (2nd Edition) A second chance can last a lifetime. Fall in love with Sonja and Jay in this addictive contemporary romance by Z.L. Arkadie. Jay West was a famous movie star and the leading man of every girl’s dreams. He was also once the boy who lived next door to Sonja Hester and her first best friend. Then one day, something happened between them—something unexpected and confusing. … something happened between them—something unexpected and confusing. That was fifteen years ago. They hadn’t spoken since. Finally, he’s back in Sonja’s life and makes her a job offer she can’t afford to refuse. Now that they’re working together, they’re getting close. But will the forces that made Jay West into a superstar and his past mistakes make them go their separate ways yet again?
Dive into this emotional second-chance romance complete with twists and turns, a satisfying mystery, and an ending that will take your breath away.
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Fifteen years is a long time not to talk to someone who was your best friend but that is what happened to Jay West and Sonja Hester. Now they have a second chance, a well-written story I enjoyed reading.
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.
06/17/2021 I was disappointed that “Once Friends” (nook) is the first in a duet. I apparently did not realize that when I ordered the book. Jay’s and Sonja’s story is a bit more depressing than I am used to but they seemed to get back on track. Jay was in a downspin until he pulled himself up by his bootstraps. Sonja had lost her enthusiasm for life but after reconnecting with Jay, she was happier. The mystery of her grandmother added a twist.
A good second chance romance story. Engaging nicely developed characters. It is a well written. It has been a pleasure to read this book.
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 enjoyed this book it is a pretty good second chance romance and it held my interest all the way through. It has a lot going on and I cannot wait to read the next one. Well worth a read
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.
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 like this story It is well written, with great detail while the characters and plot development which is engaging.
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.
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 enjoy second chance romances, so I enjoyed this one with some little bits of mystery involved in it. I have 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.