More Than Friends

More Than Friends

by Denise Hunter

Rating: ★★★★★

Book Review: 

Denise Hunter has done it again. 

"More Than Friends" is a great friends-to-lovers cliche set against the beautiful view of Chincoteague Island. It’s a story about coming home, finding yourself, and realizing that the person who has always been by your side might just be the one you've been searching for.

Story:

The story follows Jenna Greene, who returns to her hometown on Chincoteague Island after a disastrous breakup that also costs her career. She’s looking for a fresh start, but things get complicated when she discovers her widowed mother has a new boyfriend, Gordan Smith, who seems a bit too good to be true.

Jenna teams up with her childhood best friend, Tyson Parker, to look into Gordan's background. As they spend time together investigating, their competitive, one of the guys' dynamic that they’ve had since they were kids starts to shift into something much deeper. The story balances a sweet romance with a touch of mystery and the unique local culture of the "saltwater cowboys."

The Characters:

 

Jenna Greene: She is sharp, competitive, and incredibly resilient. Watching her navigate the loss of her professional identity while rediscovering her roots makes her a very like able lead.

Tyson Parker: Tyson is a dream hero, a volunteer firefighter, and a "saltwater cowboy" who looks after the island's wild ponies. He’s dealing with his own scars from a past divorce, which adds a layer of vulnerability to his character that is really moving.

Jenna’s Mom & Gordan Smith, the mystery man: The side plot involving Jenna’s mother adds a great deal of tension and gives Jenna and Tyson a reason to lean on each other.

The Ending

The ending is pure Denise Hunter magic.

This is a clean, heartwarming story that still handles real-life struggles with care.

It’s a slow burn that leads to a deeply emotional and satisfying conclusion. The resolution of both the romantic tension and the mystery involving Jenna’s mother feels earned, leaving you with that perfect happily ever after feeling as you close the book.

This is a straightforward, heart-tugging story that doesn't get bogged down in fluff. The tension with Jenna and Tyson is natural and believable. It’s got a great setting, characters you’ll actually like, and a plot that keeps you moving. If you’re a fan of Hallmark-style stories with a little more emotional depth and a great coastal vibe, which presents a beautiful setting on Chincoteague Island with the wild ponies. This makes for a wonderful story that you will enjoy reading. This is a must-read.

Thank you, #NetGalley , #DeniseHunter author, and #ThomasNelsonandZondervanFictionAudio publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

#MoreThanFriends

#DeniseHunter #ThomasNelsonandZondervanFictionAudio

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