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The Historic Arapahoe #1
Once Upon a Friendship
They're a team…not a couple!
Falling for Liam was unthinkable. He and Gabi had been best friends since college, nothing more. And crucially, now Liam was her client and needed her to be focused on his case. Gabi could never risk their friendship—or Liam's freedom—over these feelings. They could never be a couple, anyway. He was Liam Connelly, the handsome and privileged son of a billionaire. She was Gabrielle Miller, the girl who'd fought her way out of poverty and put herself through law school. They were unlikely friends to begin with. Anything more was impossible. Unless…he felt it, too.
Falling for Liam was unthinkable. He and Gabi had been best friends since college, nothing more. And crucially, now Liam was her client and needed her to be focused on his case. Gabi could never risk their friendship—or Liam's freedom—over these feelings. They could never be a couple, anyway. He was Liam Connelly, the handsome and privileged son of a billionaire. She was Gabrielle Miller, the girl who'd fought her way out of poverty and put herself through law school. They were unlikely friends to begin with. Anything more was impossible. Unless…he felt it, too.
376 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2015
5 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Tara Taylor Quinn
374 books1,458 followersTara Taylor Quinn began her love affair with Harlequin when she was fourteen years old and picked up a free promotional copy of a Harlequin Romance in a hometown grocery store. The relationship was solidified the year she was suspended from her high school typing class for hiding a Harlequin Romance behind the keys of her electric typewriter. Unaware that her instructor loomed close by, Ms. Quinn read blissfully on with one finger resting on the automatic repeating period key. She finished the book in the principal’s office. Forced to leave her romances in her locker after that, Ms. Quinn’s typing skills improved - a fact for which she is eternally grateful.
With over 80 original novels, published in more than twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author with more than seven million copies sold. She is a winner of the 2008 National Reader's Choice Award, four time finalist for the RWA Rita Award, a finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Bookseller’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion and appears regularly on the Waldenbooks bestsellers list. Ms. Quinn writes for Harlequin and MIRA Books. Reviewer, Cindy Penn, wordweaving.com says, “Amazing character development is the hallmark of author Tara Taylor Quinn’s work. Indeed, Taylor’s profound observations of human nature and intimate understanding of values and priorities lends extraordinary psychological depth to all her work.”
Tara Taylor Quinn was born and raised in Ohio. Though she wrote her first story at the age of seven, her professional writing career began ten years later when she was hired as a stringer with the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Wright State University and graduated from Harding College in Arkansas with a degree in English and Journalism. She published several magazine articles before turning to writing as a full-time occupation.
Ms. Quinn is a Past President of the Romance Writers of America and served for eight years on the Board of Directors of that association. She has a wide range of experience as a public speaker and workshop presenter for writers groups around the country.
When she’s not home with her owners, Jerry Lee and Taylor Marie, or fulfilling speaking engagements, Tara loves to travel with her husband, stopping wherever the spirit takes them. They’ve been spotted in casinos and quaint little small town antique shops all across the country..
With over 80 original novels, published in more than twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author with more than seven million copies sold. She is a winner of the 2008 National Reader's Choice Award, four time finalist for the RWA Rita Award, a finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Bookseller’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion and appears regularly on the Waldenbooks bestsellers list. Ms. Quinn writes for Harlequin and MIRA Books. Reviewer, Cindy Penn, wordweaving.com says, “Amazing character development is the hallmark of author Tara Taylor Quinn’s work. Indeed, Taylor’s profound observations of human nature and intimate understanding of values and priorities lends extraordinary psychological depth to all her work.”
Tara Taylor Quinn was born and raised in Ohio. Though she wrote her first story at the age of seven, her professional writing career began ten years later when she was hired as a stringer with the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Wright State University and graduated from Harding College in Arkansas with a degree in English and Journalism. She published several magazine articles before turning to writing as a full-time occupation.
Ms. Quinn is a Past President of the Romance Writers of America and served for eight years on the Board of Directors of that association. She has a wide range of experience as a public speaker and workshop presenter for writers groups around the country.
When she’s not home with her owners, Jerry Lee and Taylor Marie, or fulfilling speaking engagements, Tara loves to travel with her husband, stopping wherever the spirit takes them. They’ve been spotted in casinos and quaint little small town antique shops all across the country..
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 8, 2015
Liam, Gabi and Marie are a family of sorts. They met nine years ago when Liam was getting chewed out by his father for choosing to live in a dorm room rather than an upscale apartment (where his father could essentially spy on him). The three of them have now formed an LLC and are planning to buy a historic apartment building together. Liam's father advised him not to and when he does, Liam's life drastically changes.
Liam's father soon has some major legal issues to deal with and Liam turns to Gabi, who is now an attorney, to represent him and keep him out of the mess. As he and Gabi work together to figure out what's really going on, Liam learns his father's secrets and he doesn't know who he can trust.
I enjoyed the three main characters. Gabi and Liam fought their attraction for each other because they didn't want to ruin their friendship in the long run. Liam had a reputation for not dating any one woman for any length of time. Gabi is tough but made some mistakes along the way since she was emotionally involved. Liam took life in stride. For a guy who had lived the life of luxury, he handled losing privileges very well. I'm not sure how realistic that would be, but it definitely made him easy to like. Marie was in the background more but her presence reminded Gabi and Liam about what they had and what they didn't want to mess up.
I love a good romance, especially when there's a secondary storyline and this book delivered! I wasn't expecting the mystery so that was a pleasant surprise. I had a pretty good idea of who was behind the scheme early on but there were still some twists and turns along the way that I didn't see coming. The beginning was a little bit slow but it wasn't long before it picked up and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen to each character in the end. I hope there will be more because I would love to read Marie's story!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Liam's father soon has some major legal issues to deal with and Liam turns to Gabi, who is now an attorney, to represent him and keep him out of the mess. As he and Gabi work together to figure out what's really going on, Liam learns his father's secrets and he doesn't know who he can trust.
I enjoyed the three main characters. Gabi and Liam fought their attraction for each other because they didn't want to ruin their friendship in the long run. Liam had a reputation for not dating any one woman for any length of time. Gabi is tough but made some mistakes along the way since she was emotionally involved. Liam took life in stride. For a guy who had lived the life of luxury, he handled losing privileges very well. I'm not sure how realistic that would be, but it definitely made him easy to like. Marie was in the background more but her presence reminded Gabi and Liam about what they had and what they didn't want to mess up.
I love a good romance, especially when there's a secondary storyline and this book delivered! I wasn't expecting the mystery so that was a pleasant surprise. I had a pretty good idea of who was behind the scheme early on but there were still some twists and turns along the way that I didn't see coming. The beginning was a little bit slow but it wasn't long before it picked up and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen to each character in the end. I hope there will be more because I would love to read Marie's story!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
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January 12, 2016Miniseries: The Historic Arapahoe
July 9, 2015
Once Upon a Friendship is part of the Harlequin Heartwarming line which means it is sweet and clean. This book is more about friendship and family than romance though. The romance is barely there and when it does show up, it is mostly suppressed until the very end.
Gabi and Liam have been friends for a very long time and consequently, know each other very well. Neither one of them want to ruin the best friendship they've ever had by acting on the feelings of attraction that have suddenly bloomed after more than a decade of friendship. But Gabi is helping Liam fight a legal case and they are spending a lot of time together. It gets harder and harder for them to fight the attraction they feel.
I did enjoy the cast of characters here. It was easy to feel their camaraderie and loyalty to each other. Friendship is the best base for a romantic relationship, I think. Well, friendship and attraction. :) This was an easy going book. It was gentle in nature and never really got my heart pounding but it was solid and had a good flow to it.
Gabi and Liam have been friends for a very long time and consequently, know each other very well. Neither one of them want to ruin the best friendship they've ever had by acting on the feelings of attraction that have suddenly bloomed after more than a decade of friendship. But Gabi is helping Liam fight a legal case and they are spending a lot of time together. It gets harder and harder for them to fight the attraction they feel.
I did enjoy the cast of characters here. It was easy to feel their camaraderie and loyalty to each other. Friendship is the best base for a romantic relationship, I think. Well, friendship and attraction. :) This was an easy going book. It was gentle in nature and never really got my heart pounding but it was solid and had a good flow to it.
September 4, 2016
This story is about a friendship between 3 people that ends with 2 falling in love. This books is a sweet and clean romance. I recommenced this book.
June 30, 2023
worth a read
When the family you trust most is your best friends, when your father is not who he seems, when life is being taken over by circumstances … all here. With a good plot twist to end the story, too.
When the family you trust most is your best friends, when your father is not who he seems, when life is being taken over by circumstances … all here. With a good plot twist to end the story, too.
October 1, 2016
Dari sekian banyak judul-judul buku baru yang bertebaran di internet, cuma buku ini yang mencuri perhatianku, coz sinopsisnya bikin penasaran. So, dengan satu dan lain cara, akhirnya sampailah buku ini ke tanganku.
Dan ternyata, benar-benar mengecewakan. Boring abis dah! Romance-nya gak kerasa sama sekali, kasus yang dialami Liam benar-benar bikin ngantuk. Alhasil jadi loncat-loncat bacanya. 2 bintang cukup aku kira.
Dan ternyata, benar-benar mengecewakan. Boring abis dah! Romance-nya gak kerasa sama sekali, kasus yang dialami Liam benar-benar bikin ngantuk. Alhasil jadi loncat-loncat bacanya. 2 bintang cukup aku kira.
July 7, 2015
As I began reading Once Upon a Friendship, I wasn't sure how much I'd end up liking it. The prologue, which does a good job of setting up Liam's friendship with Gabi and Marie, went on longer than I thought necessary, and when the present day portion began, I just wasn't that interested.
The novel begins with the three friends purchasing an apartment building, and knowledge of that event is necessary for the story, but it did feel like the "set up" portion went on too long. Once the story got rolling, though—especially with the intrigue revolving around Liam's father and his possible illegal dealings—I started really caring about the story. Eventually, I was flying through the pages to see how everything would resolve—not that I had any doubts about whether Gabi and Liam would end up together, but I was so curious about how things would turn out with Liam's father.
I definitely felt the chemistry between Gabi and Liam, and I pulled for their happy ending. I also enjoyed a couple other non-romantic relationships that Liam developed throughout the novel. The touch of mystery also added to my enjoyment of the novel. And now I'm very curious about where Marie's story will go.
After a rough beginning, Once Upon a Friendship turned into a very enjoyable romance novel, and I look forward to continuing the series. 3-1/2 stars.
Content note: The Harlequin Heartwarming line, of which Once Upon a Friendship is a part, promises clean romances—no explicit sex or language, no sex outside of marriage, and traditional values. These are not inspirational romances, so they won't include much mention of God or faith. Basically, I consider these romances to be the book equivalent of Hallmark movies! Once Upon a Friendship does contain several mild curse words.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review through Prism Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The novel begins with the three friends purchasing an apartment building, and knowledge of that event is necessary for the story, but it did feel like the "set up" portion went on too long. Once the story got rolling, though—especially with the intrigue revolving around Liam's father and his possible illegal dealings—I started really caring about the story. Eventually, I was flying through the pages to see how everything would resolve—not that I had any doubts about whether Gabi and Liam would end up together, but I was so curious about how things would turn out with Liam's father.
I definitely felt the chemistry between Gabi and Liam, and I pulled for their happy ending. I also enjoyed a couple other non-romantic relationships that Liam developed throughout the novel. The touch of mystery also added to my enjoyment of the novel. And now I'm very curious about where Marie's story will go.
After a rough beginning, Once Upon a Friendship turned into a very enjoyable romance novel, and I look forward to continuing the series. 3-1/2 stars.
Content note: The Harlequin Heartwarming line, of which Once Upon a Friendship is a part, promises clean romances—no explicit sex or language, no sex outside of marriage, and traditional values. These are not inspirational romances, so they won't include much mention of God or faith. Basically, I consider these romances to be the book equivalent of Hallmark movies! Once Upon a Friendship does contain several mild curse words.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review through Prism Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 9, 2015
Once Upon a Friendship by Tara Taylor Quinn
Gabi and Marie were roommates in college, Liam moved in to the next dorm, the girls over heard an argument that Liam had with his father, Not that they were nosey or anything like that, but they went next door to check on their neighbor to make sure he was ok. A friendship developed from there. The three of them became friends, for the next 10 years they enjoyed a wonderful friendship. Then came more problems for Liam with his Dad that draws him closer to Gabi as he needed a lawyer that had nothing to do with his Dad and she of course was a lawyer and wanted to help. This story has a great mysteries to it. I loved the feel of the story, it is a book I didn’t want to stop reading, I wanted to get to the end as soon as possible, but I don’t do that I always read the book through.
I just love the way Tara Taylor Quinn writes, you can feel the emotion in her stories, the people seem real, and I love to read stories that seem real. I think it is wonderful that the story talked about Gabi working for as a lawyer to help other people that were down on their luck. I also liked that this was a clean story. Except for one part about an extramarital affair resulting in a child, you will have to read the book to find out more about that. But that isn’t the main part of the story. I can see this story being made into a movie that I would love to watch.
Thanks to Prism Book tours for giving me the chance to read this book and giving my honest review.
Gabi and Marie were roommates in college, Liam moved in to the next dorm, the girls over heard an argument that Liam had with his father, Not that they were nosey or anything like that, but they went next door to check on their neighbor to make sure he was ok. A friendship developed from there. The three of them became friends, for the next 10 years they enjoyed a wonderful friendship. Then came more problems for Liam with his Dad that draws him closer to Gabi as he needed a lawyer that had nothing to do with his Dad and she of course was a lawyer and wanted to help. This story has a great mysteries to it. I loved the feel of the story, it is a book I didn’t want to stop reading, I wanted to get to the end as soon as possible, but I don’t do that I always read the book through.
I just love the way Tara Taylor Quinn writes, you can feel the emotion in her stories, the people seem real, and I love to read stories that seem real. I think it is wonderful that the story talked about Gabi working for as a lawyer to help other people that were down on their luck. I also liked that this was a clean story. Except for one part about an extramarital affair resulting in a child, you will have to read the book to find out more about that. But that isn’t the main part of the story. I can see this story being made into a movie that I would love to watch.
Thanks to Prism Book tours for giving me the chance to read this book and giving my honest review.
July 6, 2015
True to Harlequin Heartwarming's style, Once Upon a Friendship is a clean story centered around traditional values of family, friendship, and personal growth. These are so rare nowadays, it's always a joy to find one!
The author weaves relatable characters and their relationship dynamics into a story line that I think will appeal to readers who enjoy being swept into a good legal drama. I thought she did a fabulous job of spinning intricate legal details together in a way that made the characters and their context feel genuine and believable.
I tend to be a sucker for friendship-turned-romance story lines. I appreciated that she put a little different spin on it. Most often we see it where one friend has secretly always been in love with the other and is waiting for him/her to realize it. This time, neither of them realizes it at first and both resist a possibility that scares them. I thought friendship really out-weighted romance in this one, which I found rather unique.
Parts of the characters' backstory reminded me a bit of the movie, Maid of Honor, while the main plot reminded me a lot of People Like Us. If you enjoy more plot-driven stories with a dash of mystery and a hint of romance sprinkled in, this book should be right up your alley.
(I received a free copy of Once Upon a Friendship in exchange for an honest review.)
The author weaves relatable characters and their relationship dynamics into a story line that I think will appeal to readers who enjoy being swept into a good legal drama. I thought she did a fabulous job of spinning intricate legal details together in a way that made the characters and their context feel genuine and believable.
I tend to be a sucker for friendship-turned-romance story lines. I appreciated that she put a little different spin on it. Most often we see it where one friend has secretly always been in love with the other and is waiting for him/her to realize it. This time, neither of them realizes it at first and both resist a possibility that scares them. I thought friendship really out-weighted romance in this one, which I found rather unique.
Parts of the characters' backstory reminded me a bit of the movie, Maid of Honor, while the main plot reminded me a lot of People Like Us. If you enjoy more plot-driven stories with a dash of mystery and a hint of romance sprinkled in, this book should be right up your alley.
(I received a free copy of Once Upon a Friendship in exchange for an honest review.)
September 29, 2015
Once Upon a Friendship is the first novel I've read by this author and I thought it was a cute and entertaining story. I liked how the main characters were all such good friends, so much so that Liam and Gabi were afraid to mess up their friendship with their growing attraction towards one another that they both fought it. I enjoyed that this wasn't just a romance, but a story about a father and son and their relationship with each other. I didn't see the ending coming, the part without the romance, and that's always nice. If you enjoy these type of books I recommend you give it a read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
August 11, 2016
This is the first book that I have read by Tara Taylor Quinn and I thought it was very good. This Heartwarming romance is a lovely of two people who finally come to realize that their decade old close friendship is turning into something more.
The title of this book hits the spot. This book definitely focuses more on the friendship aspect and how it that friendship can survive when romantic love gets thrown in. The characters are all believable and the situations they find them in are both heartbreaking and hopeful. This was a great book about relationships and how the characters dealt with the changing dynamics, with a bit of mystery thrown in. While there were a few slow spots in the beginning, things picked up as the book went along.
The title of this book hits the spot. This book definitely focuses more on the friendship aspect and how it that friendship can survive when romantic love gets thrown in. The characters are all believable and the situations they find them in are both heartbreaking and hopeful. This was a great book about relationships and how the characters dealt with the changing dynamics, with a bit of mystery thrown in. While there were a few slow spots in the beginning, things picked up as the book went along.
July 12, 2015
Wasn't sure if I would like this book when I first started, but within a page of starting to read, it started getting interesting. The writing skills of the author are remarkable. The characters are easy to love and the plot of the story intriguing! This is a highly recommended book! How two people from two completely classed families connect is great!
*received for an honest review*
*received for an honest review*
August 17, 2015
3.5 stars - Slow start with lots of backstory, but it did pick up steam as I got further into it and was an enjoyable read overall.
April 4, 2017
Gabi and Marie are best friends and roommates in college. Liam is in the dorm next door. The girls overhear and argument between Liam and his father and their bond is formed. Over the years the trio has an amazing friendship. As they grow into their individual fields, they grow closer as friends.
Gabi has become a lawyer and Liam finds himself needing her professional help. They become closer, but are afraid of ruining the remarkable friendship they have. Can their relationship grow without ruining their friendship?
I enjoyed this book, but then I truly enjoy all of Tara Taylor Quinn’s books. She writes about subjects that are very deep and thought provoking. This book, like her others, sucks you into the story and it is a “let down” when the story is over and your new friends are gone. I am looking forward to the next book in this series so that I can spend some more time with my new friends.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Gabi has become a lawyer and Liam finds himself needing her professional help. They become closer, but are afraid of ruining the remarkable friendship they have. Can their relationship grow without ruining their friendship?
I enjoyed this book, but then I truly enjoy all of Tara Taylor Quinn’s books. She writes about subjects that are very deep and thought provoking. This book, like her others, sucks you into the story and it is a “let down” when the story is over and your new friends are gone. I am looking forward to the next book in this series so that I can spend some more time with my new friends.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews