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More than Friends
There's nothing like teaming up to investigate your mother's shady new boyfriend to make you see your best friend in a whole new light . . .
Jenna Greene has been very clear with her She is not ready for marriage. Too bad he didn't listen. Turns out a rejected proposal is a sure way to lose a boyfriend—and a job. Because, yes, he'd also been her boss. But it seems the firing has come at the perfect time. Back on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, Jenna's widowed mother has returned from a cruise—with a new boyfriend in tow. Something isn't right, and Jenna decides to return home to find out what's going on.
Tyson Parker has a pretty great life on Chincoteague. He's gainfully employed at his parents' bed and breakfast—in the very home where he grew up with his three brothers, right across the street from his best friend, Jenna. He loves volunteering for the island's illustrious fire company and being one of the saltwater cowboys who cares for Chincoteague's wild ponies. If only he could've skipped the whole part where he'd married a two-timing woman. Still, he's elated to have his best friend back when Jenna returns to the island, even if it is only temporary. And he's happy to help her figure out what her mom's suspicious new beau might be up to. But soon his feelings for Jenna begin to shift into. . . something different.
Jenna expected to enjoy visiting her mom, Tyson, and his whole family. She'd expected to feel closer to her deceased father on the island where the foal they'd named years ago now roams the wild salt marshes of Assateague like its ancestors have for hundreds of years. What she didn't expect was for her feelings for her best friend to change. But she's always sworn she'd never date a firefighter. Plus, Tyson is fresh off a betrayal. And also, there's that teensy commitment problem she seems to have. Would she even have the courage to finally give her heart away? And should they really risk their beautiful friendship in the hopes they could someday be something more?
Jenna Greene has been very clear with her She is not ready for marriage. Too bad he didn't listen. Turns out a rejected proposal is a sure way to lose a boyfriend—and a job. Because, yes, he'd also been her boss. But it seems the firing has come at the perfect time. Back on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, Jenna's widowed mother has returned from a cruise—with a new boyfriend in tow. Something isn't right, and Jenna decides to return home to find out what's going on.
Tyson Parker has a pretty great life on Chincoteague. He's gainfully employed at his parents' bed and breakfast—in the very home where he grew up with his three brothers, right across the street from his best friend, Jenna. He loves volunteering for the island's illustrious fire company and being one of the saltwater cowboys who cares for Chincoteague's wild ponies. If only he could've skipped the whole part where he'd married a two-timing woman. Still, he's elated to have his best friend back when Jenna returns to the island, even if it is only temporary. And he's happy to help her figure out what her mom's suspicious new beau might be up to. But soon his feelings for Jenna begin to shift into. . . something different.
Jenna expected to enjoy visiting her mom, Tyson, and his whole family. She'd expected to feel closer to her deceased father on the island where the foal they'd named years ago now roams the wild salt marshes of Assateague like its ancestors have for hundreds of years. What she didn't expect was for her feelings for her best friend to change. But she's always sworn she'd never date a firefighter. Plus, Tyson is fresh off a betrayal. And also, there's that teensy commitment problem she seems to have. Would she even have the courage to finally give her heart away? And should they really risk their beautiful friendship in the hopes they could someday be something more?
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2026
153 people are currently reading
14473 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hunter
82 books4,903 followersDenise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest and four beautiful grandchildren.
Denise gives away books and gifts cards in every monthly newsletter! Subscribe here to be eligible: https://www.denisehunterbooks.com
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest and four beautiful grandchildren.
Denise gives away books and gifts cards in every monthly newsletter! Subscribe here to be eligible: https://www.denisehunterbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 463 reviews
April 29, 2026
𓂃𖦹⋆
1.00 star .ᐟ
— review journal ⸝⸝ 033 ⟡
⤿ started apr 20 ⋮ finished apr 28
book release : apr 16 ✓
⌗ ⋮ ꒰🏝️꒱ i. summary ⟢ ⸝⸝
after rejecting a marriage proposal from her boss, jenna greene travels home to the island of chincoteague. upon her return, she meets her mother’s new boyfriend, and when red flags start cropping up, she and her childhood best friend, tyson parker, decide to do a little digging. after their time apart, their feelings have started to change… maybe now they could be more than friends?
ᯓ thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me this e-arc. more than friends’ is out now!
⌗ ⋮ ꒰ 🐎 ꒱ ii. thoughts ⟢ ⸝⸝
i don’t know what to say other than…i didn’t like this very much. sure, maybe it’s my reading slump, but i get the impression i wouldn’t have liked this even if i was chomping down a novel every other day.
something (many things, if i’m being perfectly honest) about this book rubbed me the wrong way. i was particularly repelled by the sexist undertones that seemed to be sprinkled throughout the book. quotes like “Who was known more for her bra size than her IQ.” and “She was built like a filly: tall, lean, and all legs. But she could run like the wind and throw a football like a boy.” first of all, who’s to say a big-boobed girly can’t have one hell of an iq? and last time i checked, the vast majority of humans have arms…therefore i’d say pretty much anyone can throw a football, regardless of gender. but hey, maybe i’m part of the woke brigade!
potential spoiler …but i also didn’t love the fact that one of the main messages of this story was ‘if you have suspicions about your mother’s strange boyfriend who moves in after a week and consistently lies about his life, ignore it, because your instincts are wrong!’ because literally…what? if my mother invited a strange man into the house after a whopping seven days of knowing each other, you’re damn right i’m going to have questions??
look, i’m grateful to have been approved for this e-arc (even if i did read it post-release), but it definitely was not the book for me. i swear i like contemporary romance, guys…the last two have just been a little rough.
⌗ ⋮ ꒰🛶꒱ iii. writing style ⟢ ⸝⸝
a whole lotta tell and not a lot of show. approximately 75% exposition. i unfortunately felt like i was being spoon-fed each and every detail. denise, i promise my brain is larger than a baby carrot, i do know how to read between the lines. which, incidentally, i happened to do during the last 40% of the book, because i skimmed the hell out of it.
⌗ ⋮ . pre-read ⟢ ⸝⸝
the ‘edie-may reads arcs post-release’ saga continues… my slump is genuinely ruining my life. about 30% in so far and i’m…unsure. hopefully it goes up from here.
જ⁀➴ ₊˚⊹ 𖦹
— review journal ⸝⸝ 033 ⟡
⤿ started apr 20 ⋮ finished apr 28
book release : apr 16 ✓
⌗ ⋮ ꒰🏝️꒱ i. summary ⟢ ⸝⸝
after rejecting a marriage proposal from her boss, jenna greene travels home to the island of chincoteague. upon her return, she meets her mother’s new boyfriend, and when red flags start cropping up, she and her childhood best friend, tyson parker, decide to do a little digging. after their time apart, their feelings have started to change… maybe now they could be more than friends?
ᯓ thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me this e-arc. more than friends’ is out now!
⌗ ⋮ ꒰ 🐎 ꒱ ii. thoughts ⟢ ⸝⸝
i don’t know what to say other than…i didn’t like this very much. sure, maybe it’s my reading slump, but i get the impression i wouldn’t have liked this even if i was chomping down a novel every other day.
something (many things, if i’m being perfectly honest) about this book rubbed me the wrong way. i was particularly repelled by the sexist undertones that seemed to be sprinkled throughout the book. quotes like “Who was known more for her bra size than her IQ.” and “She was built like a filly: tall, lean, and all legs. But she could run like the wind and throw a football like a boy.” first of all, who’s to say a big-boobed girly can’t have one hell of an iq? and last time i checked, the vast majority of humans have arms…therefore i’d say pretty much anyone can throw a football, regardless of gender. but hey, maybe i’m part of the woke brigade!
potential spoiler …but i also didn’t love the fact that one of the main messages of this story was ‘if you have suspicions about your mother’s strange boyfriend who moves in after a week and consistently lies about his life, ignore it, because your instincts are wrong!’ because literally…what? if my mother invited a strange man into the house after a whopping seven days of knowing each other, you’re damn right i’m going to have questions??
look, i’m grateful to have been approved for this e-arc (even if i did read it post-release), but it definitely was not the book for me. i swear i like contemporary romance, guys…the last two have just been a little rough.
⌗ ⋮ ꒰🛶꒱ iii. writing style ⟢ ⸝⸝
a whole lotta tell and not a lot of show. approximately 75% exposition. i unfortunately felt like i was being spoon-fed each and every detail. denise, i promise my brain is larger than a baby carrot, i do know how to read between the lines. which, incidentally, i happened to do during the last 40% of the book, because i skimmed the hell out of it.
⌗ ⋮ . pre-read ⟢ ⸝⸝
the ‘edie-may reads arcs post-release’ saga continues… my slump is genuinely ruining my life. about 30% in so far and i’m…unsure. hopefully it goes up from here.
જ⁀➴ ₊˚⊹ 𖦹
April 14, 2026
I love ‘best-friends-first’ stories because that’s how my marriage started! I am all in for the tingly part of developing feelings, the comforting aspect of a shared history and mutual understanding, and the cozy feeling of turning the final page knowing that the romance is earned and satisfying.
Denise Hunter nailed the emotional pull of unspoken feelings, the slow burn vibes, and the fear her characters had of ruining something great.
Jenna and Tyson show us that when life threw them curveballs, they worked through them together to experience a home run!
We can never have enough reminders about how our response to life’s challenges makes all the difference to the outcome, nor enough encouragement to protect those we love and that’s why this book will resonate with so many readers. Life is never going to go exactly as planned and pivoting is the key to moving onward successfully. Hunter’s story about navigating life with the support of friends is one you’ll want to consider.
I enjoyed the wild Chincoteague ponies, the intergenerational story, a plot focusing on modern dilemmas, and the encouragement to let go of things we can’t control.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Denise Hunter nailed the emotional pull of unspoken feelings, the slow burn vibes, and the fear her characters had of ruining something great.
Jenna and Tyson show us that when life threw them curveballs, they worked through them together to experience a home run!
We can never have enough reminders about how our response to life’s challenges makes all the difference to the outcome, nor enough encouragement to protect those we love and that’s why this book will resonate with so many readers. Life is never going to go exactly as planned and pivoting is the key to moving onward successfully. Hunter’s story about navigating life with the support of friends is one you’ll want to consider.
I enjoyed the wild Chincoteague ponies, the intergenerational story, a plot focusing on modern dilemmas, and the encouragement to let go of things we can’t control.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story moves pretty slowly. It’s one of those reads where nothing is screaming for your attention, but it still quietly pulls you along, especially once the little threads of suspense start weaving in. It added just enough tension to keep me flipping pages when the pacing started to slow down.
But the heart of this book? Definitely the childhood friends-to-lovers, boy-across-the-street situation. And listen… I am WEAK for that. There’s something about history being baked into every interaction, the comfort, the familiarity, the oh… this has always been here, hasn’t it? that just gets me every time. It was sweet. Tyson being this steady, gentle presence just made it even better. He’s not loud or dramatic, just consistently good in a way that feels safe. 😌
Jenna’s journey of figuring herself out after everything falls apart felt real and grounded, and I liked the glimpse into life alongside a firefighter/first responder—it added a bit more depth to the story. 👏🏼
That being said… it was a little slow for my liking, and nothing really stood out as extraordinary. And the third act breakup? Yeah… I wasn’t a fan. 🥲 It felt unnecessary and took me out of it a bit. 🤷🏼♀️
Overall, it’s a cozy, comforting read with a touch of suspense that kept things interesting. Not something I’d reread, but still a solid 3 star experience. 😌
things to know about the book ↓
🩷 childhood friends to lovers
🩷 boy next door
🩷 small town setting
🩷 firefighter / first responder MMC
🩷 suspicious side plot / light suspense
🩷 clean romance
🩷 third act breakup
🩷 dual POV (third person)
spice rating: 🌶️
swearing: it took me a bit to get through this & I took breaks so I’m not 100% sure, but from what I remember, I don’t think there was any cursing. If there was it’s very mild
Thank you Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Denise Hunter for allowing me to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
ready for a lil bit of suspense 😝😝 also this cover is SO pretty 😻
But the heart of this book? Definitely the childhood friends-to-lovers, boy-across-the-street situation. And listen… I am WEAK for that. There’s something about history being baked into every interaction, the comfort, the familiarity, the oh… this has always been here, hasn’t it? that just gets me every time. It was sweet. Tyson being this steady, gentle presence just made it even better. He’s not loud or dramatic, just consistently good in a way that feels safe. 😌
Jenna’s journey of figuring herself out after everything falls apart felt real and grounded, and I liked the glimpse into life alongside a firefighter/first responder—it added a bit more depth to the story. 👏🏼
That being said… it was a little slow for my liking, and nothing really stood out as extraordinary. And the third act breakup? Yeah… I wasn’t a fan. 🥲 It felt unnecessary and took me out of it a bit. 🤷🏼♀️
Overall, it’s a cozy, comforting read with a touch of suspense that kept things interesting. Not something I’d reread, but still a solid 3 star experience. 😌
things to know about the book ↓
🩷 childhood friends to lovers
🩷 boy next door
🩷 small town setting
🩷 firefighter / first responder MMC
🩷 suspicious side plot / light suspense
🩷 clean romance
🩷 third act breakup
🩷 dual POV (third person)
spice rating: 🌶️
swearing: it took me a bit to get through this & I took breaks so I’m not 100% sure, but from what I remember, I don’t think there was any cursing. If there was it’s very mild
Thank you Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Denise Hunter for allowing me to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
ready for a lil bit of suspense 😝😝 also this cover is SO pretty 😻
April 29, 2026
More than Friends by Denise Hunter
3 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Denise's books - I have enjoyed several but sometimes they don't always work out for me either. More Than Friends has the set up of a cozy, small‑town best‑friends‑to‑lovers romance with wild ponies, a loyal firefighter hero, and a mother‑with‑a‑mysterious‑boyfriend subplot. And while I enjoyed the setting and the heart behind it, I struggled to fully connect with the romance and characters this time.
Jenna and Tyson’s lifelong friendship turned romance was just something I didn't connect with but I think it could be a good option for my friends who like clean romance. I didn't love the third act breakup in this one and some of the romantic parts came across as awkward or slightly cringe rather than swoony, which made it harder to root for them as a couple. (ex: "their lips mated in a sensuous dance" lol)
The side mystery involving Jenna’s mom’s new boyfriend adds to the book and I liked how that ended up, she realized what she needed to.
Overall, while it wasn't a favorite, I think many would enjoy. The narration by Kim Churchill is always great!
Content: Romance is clean with kisses only, just some more odd statements as mentioned above about lips mating and being like magnets haha.
Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary e-book and audiobook to read for review. All thoughts are my own.
3 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Denise's books - I have enjoyed several but sometimes they don't always work out for me either. More Than Friends has the set up of a cozy, small‑town best‑friends‑to‑lovers romance with wild ponies, a loyal firefighter hero, and a mother‑with‑a‑mysterious‑boyfriend subplot. And while I enjoyed the setting and the heart behind it, I struggled to fully connect with the romance and characters this time.
Jenna and Tyson’s lifelong friendship turned romance was just something I didn't connect with but I think it could be a good option for my friends who like clean romance. I didn't love the third act breakup in this one and some of the romantic parts came across as awkward or slightly cringe rather than swoony, which made it harder to root for them as a couple. (ex: "their lips mated in a sensuous dance" lol)
The side mystery involving Jenna’s mom’s new boyfriend adds to the book and I liked how that ended up, she realized what she needed to.
Overall, while it wasn't a favorite, I think many would enjoy. The narration by Kim Churchill is always great!
Content: Romance is clean with kisses only, just some more odd statements as mentioned above about lips mating and being like magnets haha.
Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary e-book and audiobook to read for review. All thoughts are my own.
April 14, 2026
More Than Friends by Denise Hunter
Contemporary romance. Closed door. Second chance, friends to lovers, and small town troupes.
When Jenna Green gets an unwanted proposal of marriage and loses her job, she returns to Chincoteague Island, Virginia to reassess. It’s fortuitous timing because her mother has brought home a new man from her recent cruise, saying she’s fallen in love. Jenna wants to know more about this man who may be taking advantage of her mother’s kindness.
Tyler Parker is Jenna’s best friend on the island. He’s happy with life as a firefighter, working at his parent’s B&B, and caring for the protected wild ponies. His feelings change when Jenna returns to the island, but neither is sure if they are ready for more and the changes a relationship would require.
Stay friends or put everything on the line?
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Kim Churchill who has also recorded several other books by this author. The performance is clear and easy to listen to as well as fits the personality of the heroine. There are separate voices for the two main characters that are noticeable, particularly during a conversation between the two. Strong emotional scenes held the voice nuances that you’d expect.
I listened at 1.7 for the best match to my reading and conversation speed.
Heartfelt and uplifting as the two move from friendship to more. So many hard decisions to make. Bonus wins around the small town island. I would love to see the generational wild ponies.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Thomas Nelson.
Contemporary romance. Closed door. Second chance, friends to lovers, and small town troupes.
When Jenna Green gets an unwanted proposal of marriage and loses her job, she returns to Chincoteague Island, Virginia to reassess. It’s fortuitous timing because her mother has brought home a new man from her recent cruise, saying she’s fallen in love. Jenna wants to know more about this man who may be taking advantage of her mother’s kindness.
Tyler Parker is Jenna’s best friend on the island. He’s happy with life as a firefighter, working at his parent’s B&B, and caring for the protected wild ponies. His feelings change when Jenna returns to the island, but neither is sure if they are ready for more and the changes a relationship would require.
Stay friends or put everything on the line?
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Kim Churchill who has also recorded several other books by this author. The performance is clear and easy to listen to as well as fits the personality of the heroine. There are separate voices for the two main characters that are noticeable, particularly during a conversation between the two. Strong emotional scenes held the voice nuances that you’d expect.
I listened at 1.7 for the best match to my reading and conversation speed.
Heartfelt and uplifting as the two move from friendship to more. So many hard decisions to make. Bonus wins around the small town island. I would love to see the generational wild ponies.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Thomas Nelson.
February 15, 2026
Contemporary romance fans will enjoy this story of a lasting friendship turned deeper.
The main characters experience real modern day problems that affect their relationship, with family and work situations creating complications. As their eyes are opened to their own personal struggles, they appreciate the support of genuine friendships. It is an engaging read in a beautiful setting, with the history of the Chincoteague ponies and the 'saltwater cowboys' annual roundup adding extra interest to the plot.
This author always writes a believable romance with all the emotional tension and draw of two people trying to figure out how to navigate life with a new aspect to their relationship. Yes, this is a 'kissing book', but kept on the low-spice end as promised. A few mentions of faith, but not anything detailed.
Recommend to readers looking for a well-written contemporary romance. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
The main characters experience real modern day problems that affect their relationship, with family and work situations creating complications. As their eyes are opened to their own personal struggles, they appreciate the support of genuine friendships. It is an engaging read in a beautiful setting, with the history of the Chincoteague ponies and the 'saltwater cowboys' annual roundup adding extra interest to the plot.
This author always writes a believable romance with all the emotional tension and draw of two people trying to figure out how to navigate life with a new aspect to their relationship. Yes, this is a 'kissing book', but kept on the low-spice end as promised. A few mentions of faith, but not anything detailed.
Recommend to readers looking for a well-written contemporary romance. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
April 21, 2026
***4.5/5 Stars***
More than Friends was a friends to lovers romance that will tug at your heart. With wild ponies, a coastal breeze, and stores I’d love to visit, I adored the small town this story took place in. The characters popped from the pages, and the audiobook was so effortless to listen to! This uplifting story was exactly what I needed in my life!
Jenna and Ty grew up across the street from each other, and I loved their friendship. They cared deeply for one another, but now tension and longing seemed to simmer between them. Along with the nervousness of ruining a great friendship. But they both had their own personal struggles too. Jenna had a lot of soul searching to do. To figure out where she belonged, and what career would bring her joy. And Ty was dealing with some heavy stuff that was haunting him from one of his calls as a firefighter and first responder. Their journey wasn’t always easy, but I was all for it!
This is my second book by Hunter and I am hooked! The characters she creates are easy to connect with, I love the setting, and each story is fun to listen to. I can’t wait to go binge all her other books!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
More than Friends was a friends to lovers romance that will tug at your heart. With wild ponies, a coastal breeze, and stores I’d love to visit, I adored the small town this story took place in. The characters popped from the pages, and the audiobook was so effortless to listen to! This uplifting story was exactly what I needed in my life!
Jenna and Ty grew up across the street from each other, and I loved their friendship. They cared deeply for one another, but now tension and longing seemed to simmer between them. Along with the nervousness of ruining a great friendship. But they both had their own personal struggles too. Jenna had a lot of soul searching to do. To figure out where she belonged, and what career would bring her joy. And Ty was dealing with some heavy stuff that was haunting him from one of his calls as a firefighter and first responder. Their journey wasn’t always easy, but I was all for it!
This is my second book by Hunter and I am hooked! The characters she creates are easy to connect with, I love the setting, and each story is fun to listen to. I can’t wait to go binge all her other books!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
May 5, 2026
Denise Hunter is one of my favorite romance authors. So, as per usual, I had to read this latest novel of hers. I listened to the audio book and thoroughly enjoyed the narrator's performance as she brought the lives of Jenna and Tyson to life. The heroine and hero are long time best friends. So, this is a friends to lovers trope. I loved getting to know them and seeing their romance grow from bud to blossom. I swooned on many occasions during this read. The book is a clean read that I highly recommend to all romance readers.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers, and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers, and this is my honest opinion.
February 6, 2026
Denise Hunter books just make me feel good while reading them. She is a comfort read for me and I will always read whatever she releases. This one is a best friends story that leaves you with a smile on your face.
March 31, 2026
This sweet, clean romance completely charmed me. Childhood friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and Denise Hunter handles it with so much heart. Her writing is soft and immersive, creating beautiful, cozy imagery that pulls you right into the story.
Thank you NetGalley for access to the ALC ❤️
Thank you NetGalley for access to the ALC ❤️
Read
April 27, 2026Denise Hunter never disappoints. I always love reading her stories.
February 8, 2026
I absolutely ADORED everything about this! Jenna and Tyson, ugh the best friends to lovers story. I need this on the big screen ASAP. The way they figured their lives out, the way Jenna’s mom found her own confidence and love, I just truly fell in love with them all. Thank you so much NetGalley for this ARC. Denise Hunter is such an impactful writer to me.. she brings that emotional desire in every chapter. 5 ⭐️ I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 4, 2026
There’s nothing I love more than a small town, friends-to-love romance because those are two of my own tropes. Jenna and Tyson are childhood friends and it was so satisfying to become acquainted with all the facets of themselves. The narration is immersive, the setting is comforting, and the characters are wonderful.
Volunteer firefighter, Tyson loves everything about the small town life, while Jenna escapes and is back home to regroup after a broken engagement and lost job. The way they reconnected is so heartwarming and sweet, especially as they team up. I loved the sweet message that sometimes a reroute in hopes and dreams is exactly what is needed.
Content: mild romance; very mild religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given*
Volunteer firefighter, Tyson loves everything about the small town life, while Jenna escapes and is back home to regroup after a broken engagement and lost job. The way they reconnected is so heartwarming and sweet, especially as they team up. I loved the sweet message that sometimes a reroute in hopes and dreams is exactly what is needed.
Content: mild romance; very mild religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given*
April 14, 2026
This story was a perfect read from beginning to end, with a fairytale setting, lovable characters and an immersive and magical plot. Jenna Greene returns to Chincoteague Island after a she loses her job in Alexandria and is comforted by family, friends, and her childhood best friend Tyson Parker. Feeling at loose ends, jobless and without a boyfriend, Jenna seeks solace in the familiar routine of working at the kayak business that she worked at in her youth. She and Ty fall into a familiar routine, too, of talking to each other frequently and sharing all of their challenges and dreams. This book has a dual storyline, one being Jenna’s story and the secondary one is the story of Jenna’s mom who meets a new guy on a cruise. Both stories are well crafted, offering drama as well as delightful budding romance. The plot is charming and refreshing and the setting painted a vivid picture of the pony swim from Assateague to Chincoteague, an event that we took our children to and thoroughly enjoyed so I was happy to relive those happy memories as I read this novel. Of course, the romance between Jenna and Tyson was destined from the start, but it wasn’t without a lot of bumps in the road and some possibility of imminent failure. The trope is friends to lovers and is told in a way that is absolutely fun, flirty and made me cheer for all of the characters who found their HEA. This book is a slam dunk winner for me and all that I enjoy about romance: clean, flirty, warmhearted and with appealing characters.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
November 21, 2025
This was such a sweet friends to lovers romance set on Assateague Island. I loved the touches of the wild ponies and the whole coastal vibe, especially since I live so close to the area. Jenna and Ty’s chemistry felt easy and familiar. Their families lived next door, so they pretty much grew up side by side. Now Jenna is back home and they finally get to figure out what has been simmering between them all these years.
There are a few fun subplots mixed in that I will not spoil, but they made the story feel fuller and kept me interested. Overall, this was a warm and enjoyable read, the kind you can settle into with a smile.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
There are a few fun subplots mixed in that I will not spoil, but they made the story feel fuller and kept me interested. Overall, this was a warm and enjoyable read, the kind you can settle into with a smile.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
April 20, 2026
Poor Jenna is definitely not having life pan out like she'd planned. She's just been dumped after not accepting a proposal...from her boss. Yep! So there goes her job and to make it even better, she heads home to discover her mom has a boyfriend she just met on a cruise! What???!!! Oh no! This isn't going to work! Recruiting her childhood friend who lives across the street will help her plans succeed! Until those plans backfire. In a very big way!!! And that leaves Jenna having to pick up the pieces. Fix what she's broken and really reevaluate what she wants in her life. What can she handle? She's had sorrows and they have changed her and what she allows in her life. For good reason. So now she needs to decide if she can let her guard down and allow for the love she's found to flourish and have a future!
Jenna and Tyson are such a cute couple! Childhood friends! Friends to more! She's going to see a different side of Tyson as she lets her guard down. And what she finds is better than she could have ever dreamed of! The chemistry was well written. And their adventures together were so fun!
Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses but nothing further. Mention of the death of a parent in the past. Firefighting and dangers of a fire.
I received a copy of the audiobook from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Jenna and Tyson are such a cute couple! Childhood friends! Friends to more! She's going to see a different side of Tyson as she lets her guard down. And what she finds is better than she could have ever dreamed of! The chemistry was well written. And their adventures together were so fun!
Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses but nothing further. Mention of the death of a parent in the past. Firefighting and dangers of a fire.
I received a copy of the audiobook from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
February 13, 2026
Thank you netgalley for the chance to read this! 3.5/5 stars
Set on Chincoteague / Assateague Island, this is an adorable story of a woman traveling back home and finding love with the boy across the street. It's a trope that works well for a reason and you are immediately drawn into the love of Jenna and Tyson. This is PG-13 at the absolute strongest (and even then, not much so) and does have some deeper storylines around finding yourself in your career, the reality of dating first responders, and finding 'home'. The third act 'break up' wasn't my favorite but you knew the completely rewarding happily ever after was coming.
For me, this is a book where setting is a character, and as someone who has visited and LOVED these barrier islands and their horses, it was SUCH an escapism / immersion for me. For that reason, it was SUCH a good beach read!
Set on Chincoteague / Assateague Island, this is an adorable story of a woman traveling back home and finding love with the boy across the street. It's a trope that works well for a reason and you are immediately drawn into the love of Jenna and Tyson. This is PG-13 at the absolute strongest (and even then, not much so) and does have some deeper storylines around finding yourself in your career, the reality of dating first responders, and finding 'home'. The third act 'break up' wasn't my favorite but you knew the completely rewarding happily ever after was coming.
For me, this is a book where setting is a character, and as someone who has visited and LOVED these barrier islands and their horses, it was SUCH an escapism / immersion for me. For that reason, it was SUCH a good beach read!
April 14, 2026
Tysm to Netgalley for the e-arc!! 3.5 stars rounded down.
What I loved:
How the characters tried to power through their trauma
The setting-oh my gosh the setting was so magical and now I wanna go there!!
The description-everything was so extremely descriptive which I loved, but it was so descriptive, where it was almost to a fault, which brings me to..
What I didn’t love:
Third act breakup-I’m just not a fan of this trope, but in this situation I found the problem quite dumb. I do think most of the conflicts in this book could’ve been solved by an open conversation.
Drama with Marissa-I feel like it got dragged and she was just so annoying in my opinion
Miscommunication-Every. Single. Conflict. In this book could’ve been solved by simply talking to each other (except for Marissa). Pacing-I felt like nothing really interesting happened for most of the book, but there would be 20 page stretches where I got really invested.
Side characters-I feel like Luke and Sofia were the same just male and female versions of each other. Seth was js a classic playboy, and I didn’t really get a lot from Alex
POV-I don’t think third person was the best pov for this because of how it alternates. I do love how it alternated and showed each characters POV, though. I would’ve liked it a lil more if it was first person.
Texting each other-I didn’t like how the texts were inconsistently formatted because sometimes it was italic, sometimes it was bold, and sometimes it was in a text bubble and I just found it confusing.
Overall, the book was really cute and cozy, I just think the writing style wasn’t for me.
Thanks again to Netgalley for the e-arc!
Expected pub date: 4/14/26
What I loved:
How the characters tried to power through their trauma
The setting-oh my gosh the setting was so magical and now I wanna go there!!
The description-everything was so extremely descriptive which I loved, but it was so descriptive, where it was almost to a fault, which brings me to..
What I didn’t love:
Third act breakup-I’m just not a fan of this trope, but in this situation I found the problem quite dumb. I do think most of the conflicts in this book could’ve been solved by an open conversation.
Drama with Marissa-I feel like it got dragged and she was just so annoying in my opinion
Miscommunication-Every. Single. Conflict. In this book could’ve been solved by simply talking to each other (except for Marissa). Pacing-I felt like nothing really interesting happened for most of the book, but there would be 20 page stretches where I got really invested.
Side characters-I feel like Luke and Sofia were the same just male and female versions of each other. Seth was js a classic playboy, and I didn’t really get a lot from Alex
POV-I don’t think third person was the best pov for this because of how it alternates. I do love how it alternated and showed each characters POV, though. I would’ve liked it a lil more if it was first person.
Texting each other-I didn’t like how the texts were inconsistently formatted because sometimes it was italic, sometimes it was bold, and sometimes it was in a text bubble and I just found it confusing.
Overall, the book was really cute and cozy, I just think the writing style wasn’t for me.
Thanks again to Netgalley for the e-arc!
Expected pub date: 4/14/26
March 25, 2026
This was such a sweet friends-to-lovers romance set on an Island, and the setting truly shines.
The wild ponies, the coastal atmosphere, the small-town routines, and even the barn and pasture scenes give the story a grounded, peaceful vibe that makes the journey feel even more immersive.
Jenna and Ty’s relationship felt easy and familiar in the best way. Growing up as next-door neighbors and best friends gave their chemistry a natural foundation and watching that friendship shift into something deeper was handled beautifully. Their connection never felt rushed, and the emotional development between them was believable and heartfelt. I especially appreciated how the story explored finding your place in life, career uncertainty, the realities of dating a first responder, and the idea of what “home” really means.
Several subplots are woven into the story in a way that adds richness without pulling focus from main story line, including a storyline involving Jenna’s mother that kept me engaged and curious to see how it would unfold. The pacing is slower than some of Hunter’s other titles, but the story remains clean and thoughtfully written, handling heavier themes with care and never feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
Denise Hunter remains one of those authors whose books I will always pick up. Even when the pace is gentler, her storytelling, sense of place, and emotional honesty shine through. This was a warm, comforting read with swoony moments and meaningful themes.
https://pinkstinx.blogspot.com/
The wild ponies, the coastal atmosphere, the small-town routines, and even the barn and pasture scenes give the story a grounded, peaceful vibe that makes the journey feel even more immersive.
Jenna and Ty’s relationship felt easy and familiar in the best way. Growing up as next-door neighbors and best friends gave their chemistry a natural foundation and watching that friendship shift into something deeper was handled beautifully. Their connection never felt rushed, and the emotional development between them was believable and heartfelt. I especially appreciated how the story explored finding your place in life, career uncertainty, the realities of dating a first responder, and the idea of what “home” really means.
Several subplots are woven into the story in a way that adds richness without pulling focus from main story line, including a storyline involving Jenna’s mother that kept me engaged and curious to see how it would unfold. The pacing is slower than some of Hunter’s other titles, but the story remains clean and thoughtfully written, handling heavier themes with care and never feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
Denise Hunter remains one of those authors whose books I will always pick up. Even when the pace is gentler, her storytelling, sense of place, and emotional honesty shine through. This was a warm, comforting read with swoony moments and meaningful themes.
https://pinkstinx.blogspot.com/
April 19, 2026
*audiobook and paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫 (4.5/5)
“Boy it sure is good when the truth prevails, isn’t it?!”
Thanks to @deniseahunter, @thomasnelsonfiction and @uplitreads for my #gifted copy of this one.
I was so happy to be selected to this book tour because I live in Maryland so I was familiar with so many of the places referenced in this book.
The first REAL kiss in this one just oozed with anticipation. I loved it. Tyson is just the best kind of friend and a total green flag!
Jenna and Tyson were a couple that I feel like everyone will want to root for. You’ll fall in love with Chincoteague Island and the small town vibes.
The mystery element for Jenna’s mom’s new bf added another layer to this story.
Just an all around good book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫 (4.5/5)
“Boy it sure is good when the truth prevails, isn’t it?!”
Thanks to @deniseahunter, @thomasnelsonfiction and @uplitreads for my #gifted copy of this one.
I was so happy to be selected to this book tour because I live in Maryland so I was familiar with so many of the places referenced in this book.
The first REAL kiss in this one just oozed with anticipation. I loved it. Tyson is just the best kind of friend and a total green flag!
Jenna and Tyson were a couple that I feel like everyone will want to root for. You’ll fall in love with Chincoteague Island and the small town vibes.
The mystery element for Jenna’s mom’s new bf added another layer to this story.
Just an all around good book.
April 12, 2026
4.5
This is my third(?) Denise Hunter book and it’s soooo not going to be my last. I really enjoy the stories Denise tells, and this one was no different!
And Kim Churchill is a great narrator, she just draws you in and you don’t want to pause!
The only thing that bothered me was there are too many characters with names of people in my life 🤣 it was so crazy they kept popping up! Of course that’s not anything Denise could have fixed tho lol!!!
Ready for the next one Denise!!!!
Thank you @netgalley!! Out this Tuesday 4/14!!
This is my third(?) Denise Hunter book and it’s soooo not going to be my last. I really enjoy the stories Denise tells, and this one was no different!
And Kim Churchill is a great narrator, she just draws you in and you don’t want to pause!
The only thing that bothered me was there are too many characters with names of people in my life 🤣 it was so crazy they kept popping up! Of course that’s not anything Denise could have fixed tho lol!!!
Ready for the next one Denise!!!!
Thank you @netgalley!! Out this Tuesday 4/14!!
April 22, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!!
A sweet, slow-burn friends-to-lovers novel that really shines in its character development and overall plot. I especially enjoyed the personalities of the main characters and how their relationship evolved naturally over time.
That said, a few of the kissing scenes and some snippets of dialogue between Jenna and Tyson felt a bit cringey.
Overall, though, the novel has a warm tone, and the ending was perfect—it wrapped everything up in a satisfying and heartfelt way!!
A sweet, slow-burn friends-to-lovers novel that really shines in its character development and overall plot. I especially enjoyed the personalities of the main characters and how their relationship evolved naturally over time.
That said, a few of the kissing scenes and some snippets of dialogue between Jenna and Tyson felt a bit cringey.
Overall, though, the novel has a warm tone, and the ending was perfect—it wrapped everything up in a satisfying and heartfelt way!!
February 22, 2026
Denise Hunter is one of those authors where I’ll read everything she writes. She has a way of telling stories, of coming up with such uniquely their own plots for every book. I really enjoyed this island setting and backdrop of Chincoteague’s wild ponies, which I had never heard about before. The development of feelings between Ty and Jenna was done beautifully. The issues they each had to face, believable. I also loved the mystery added with Jenna’s mom. Such a great story from start to finish. Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
March 21, 2026
4/5
More than friends is a sweet, cozy, closed door romance that takes place in Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Jenna returns to her hometown Chincoteague Island, Virginia after she refused the marriage proposal from her boyfriend, who also happens to be her boss. Now, at Chincoteague, she is single and without a job; and later finds out that her widow mother has returned from her cruise with a new boyfriend, who is starting to act a bit suspicious. Along with her recently divorced childhood best friend, Tyson, they start the investigate more about her mom’s new boyfriend to make sure he is not taking advantage of her. As she spends more time with Tyson, she realizes that she still has feelings for Tyson; but Jenna refuses to act on her feelings towards Tyson as she swore that she would never date a fire fighter due to her past trauma.
Overall, it was a good and entertaining read; and the narrator followed a good pace.
Thank you Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for providing this Audio ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
More than friends is a sweet, cozy, closed door romance that takes place in Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Jenna returns to her hometown Chincoteague Island, Virginia after she refused the marriage proposal from her boyfriend, who also happens to be her boss. Now, at Chincoteague, she is single and without a job; and later finds out that her widow mother has returned from her cruise with a new boyfriend, who is starting to act a bit suspicious. Along with her recently divorced childhood best friend, Tyson, they start the investigate more about her mom’s new boyfriend to make sure he is not taking advantage of her. As she spends more time with Tyson, she realizes that she still has feelings for Tyson; but Jenna refuses to act on her feelings towards Tyson as she swore that she would never date a fire fighter due to her past trauma.
Overall, it was a good and entertaining read; and the narrator followed a good pace.
Thank you Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for providing this Audio ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
April 8, 2026
I enjoyed this childhood friends to lovers romance! The characters and the setting were great, but I also felt like it was hard to connect with the characters because of the way the story was told. You could see the characters had a connection from the beginning, but I felt this almost lacked a depth that I was looking for. In a way, it felt like it did more telling than showing. I enjoyed the other little side stories that were weaved into this! Overall, I enjoyed the book, but it’s just not a standout to me!
March 23, 2026
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️
- Narration: Kim Churchill ✅
- This was my first Denise Hunter experience and if I didn't know the author's name I would be convinced a male wrote this (for reasons explained further down in my 🚨 section, but first I'll review the rest of the book). I found myself struggling to believe anything the characters were feeling for each other. Where was the depth of this relationship? Where was the growth and struggle as a couple? Where was the relationship just in general?! You watched some baseball games together; you had food with each other’s families, you went on a reconnaissance getaway, but else was there? Why do you love each other more than any other person? After reading it, I’m still not sure 🤷🏻♀️
Also, I wanted more from the friends to lovers trope. I wanted cute flash backs and to be walked through their friendship. The most loveable thing about this trope is seeing how one or both was really into the other while growing up, how they deeply cared from a young age, or had an unbreakable bond. Barely anything from their childhood friendship was fleshed out. It was mentioned here and there, and then they went to prom together but he wasn’t interested in her like that. Which, for a romance novel, I don’t think the majority of us want to hear. So she became a beautiful adult woman and then you noticed her like every other guy? 👍 Cool. Did he pursue her? Was there any chase? No. Actually, she was always the one coming to him. I guess he’s the same boy he was as a kid.
🚨 Spoilers Ahead 🚨
No one wants to read an "oh silly me, I'm just a crazy female" book. Something I can't support is when serious and real life issues for women are turned into a "crazy woman" narrative. Twice this happened. The first one was with Gordon. This girl watches this guy suddenly move into her mom’s house, use her mom’s money, lie about not having a credit card, lie about his whereabouts to someone else, plus go off and make suspicious phone calls in private that end with "I love you", all after her mom just met him weeks earlier on a cruise. This is shady 🚩🚩🚩 . And from her mom’s track record she knows her mom is gullible and falls quickly for men who show her interest. She has every right to be suspicious, she has every right to think this guy is lying and using her mom. When this all comes to light, Gordon explains things, AND THEN says he’s going to need some space and time because this is triggering past trauma from his ex and her trust issues. The women are left feeling stupid, full of regret, and like they overreacted. What about the trauma this mom and daughter have faced?! What about Gordon immediately apologizing for his shadiness and understanding how his actions would appear to someone else and cause stress in their life? What happened to caring enough about a person to discuss and work on this? But no, Gordon's hurt that he wasn't fully trusted (after knowing these women for several weeks), and he leaves just like that. It only takes one thing to push shady Gordon out of the picture (which frankly is another 🚩). It’s not until the FMC feels guilt over “ruining” her mom’s relationship and SHE apologizes, that he comes back and mends things. Give me a break. What did the women do wrong? I understand there being a misunderstanding, but DH makes it seem like a bad thing to have discernment and address what someone's actions are appearing to be.
Then we have another scenario where a woman lies about being abused and stalked to defame and punish a male colleague for breaking her heart. Please do not write things like this as a female author! I am well aware there are scenarios where this has happened in real life. I know there are women out here who have done this. But it’s rare. And history has shown that the majority of times when women have had this happen and they have stood up and said something, they are not believed, they’re accused of crying wolf, and their claims are pushed to the side. Why would you write something that supports that argument and takes credit away from real woman fighting and pleading for justice? I'm just tired of the crazy woman narrative, and I especially don't see the point of it in a romantic fiction setting. Stuff like this makes me hesitant to read anything else by DH and it would be embarrassing to recommend this book to patrons in my library system.
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the chance to listen and review.
- Narration: Kim Churchill ✅
- This was my first Denise Hunter experience and if I didn't know the author's name I would be convinced a male wrote this (for reasons explained further down in my 🚨 section, but first I'll review the rest of the book). I found myself struggling to believe anything the characters were feeling for each other. Where was the depth of this relationship? Where was the growth and struggle as a couple? Where was the relationship just in general?! You watched some baseball games together; you had food with each other’s families, you went on a reconnaissance getaway, but else was there? Why do you love each other more than any other person? After reading it, I’m still not sure 🤷🏻♀️
Also, I wanted more from the friends to lovers trope. I wanted cute flash backs and to be walked through their friendship. The most loveable thing about this trope is seeing how one or both was really into the other while growing up, how they deeply cared from a young age, or had an unbreakable bond. Barely anything from their childhood friendship was fleshed out. It was mentioned here and there, and then they went to prom together but he wasn’t interested in her like that. Which, for a romance novel, I don’t think the majority of us want to hear. So she became a beautiful adult woman and then you noticed her like every other guy? 👍 Cool. Did he pursue her? Was there any chase? No. Actually, she was always the one coming to him. I guess he’s the same boy he was as a kid.
🚨 Spoilers Ahead 🚨
No one wants to read an "oh silly me, I'm just a crazy female" book. Something I can't support is when serious and real life issues for women are turned into a "crazy woman" narrative. Twice this happened. The first one was with Gordon. This girl watches this guy suddenly move into her mom’s house, use her mom’s money, lie about not having a credit card, lie about his whereabouts to someone else, plus go off and make suspicious phone calls in private that end with "I love you", all after her mom just met him weeks earlier on a cruise. This is shady 🚩🚩🚩 . And from her mom’s track record she knows her mom is gullible and falls quickly for men who show her interest. She has every right to be suspicious, she has every right to think this guy is lying and using her mom. When this all comes to light, Gordon explains things, AND THEN says he’s going to need some space and time because this is triggering past trauma from his ex and her trust issues. The women are left feeling stupid, full of regret, and like they overreacted. What about the trauma this mom and daughter have faced?! What about Gordon immediately apologizing for his shadiness and understanding how his actions would appear to someone else and cause stress in their life? What happened to caring enough about a person to discuss and work on this? But no, Gordon's hurt that he wasn't fully trusted (after knowing these women for several weeks), and he leaves just like that. It only takes one thing to push shady Gordon out of the picture (which frankly is another 🚩). It’s not until the FMC feels guilt over “ruining” her mom’s relationship and SHE apologizes, that he comes back and mends things. Give me a break. What did the women do wrong? I understand there being a misunderstanding, but DH makes it seem like a bad thing to have discernment and address what someone's actions are appearing to be.
Then we have another scenario where a woman lies about being abused and stalked to defame and punish a male colleague for breaking her heart. Please do not write things like this as a female author! I am well aware there are scenarios where this has happened in real life. I know there are women out here who have done this. But it’s rare. And history has shown that the majority of times when women have had this happen and they have stood up and said something, they are not believed, they’re accused of crying wolf, and their claims are pushed to the side. Why would you write something that supports that argument and takes credit away from real woman fighting and pleading for justice? I'm just tired of the crazy woman narrative, and I especially don't see the point of it in a romantic fiction setting. Stuff like this makes me hesitant to read anything else by DH and it would be embarrassing to recommend this book to patrons in my library system.
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the chance to listen and review.
April 11, 2026
Review of an advanced copy audiobook:
Denise Hunter has done it again. Her books always bring a smile to my face.
This book showed the true value of a real friendship. Parts of it reminded me so much of my best guy friend and my friendship. That special bond that best friends share.
I loved that throughout this book no matter what the characters were facing, they trusted God to take care of them and help them make decisions.
This book is one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
Thanks NerGalley for the advanced copy.
Denise Hunter has done it again. Her books always bring a smile to my face.
This book showed the true value of a real friendship. Parts of it reminded me so much of my best guy friend and my friendship. That special bond that best friends share.
I loved that throughout this book no matter what the characters were facing, they trusted God to take care of them and help them make decisions.
This book is one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
Thanks NerGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beautifully written story with wonderful, layered characters and an original storyline. Emotional, inspirational, informative and insightful book. Loved this book. This story needs to be made into a movie! Definitely worth the read. This book was provided through NetGalley for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was an absolute pleasure to read. Cowboy romance AND firefighter in ONE?! Yes PLEASE.
Jenna and Tyson were best friends since they were kids and I absolutely loved their connection as friends and then as they turned to more. There was heartache and hurt and for goodness sake I wish someone would actually just smack Marissa at this point.
If you're looking for a swoony romance with some harder topics but not weighed down to feel like a drudgery, then definitely pick up this masterpiece!
Denise Hunter is an excellent author and I love everything she writes.
Jenna and Tyson were best friends since they were kids and I absolutely loved their connection as friends and then as they turned to more. There was heartache and hurt and for goodness sake I wish someone would actually just smack Marissa at this point.
If you're looking for a swoony romance with some harder topics but not weighed down to feel like a drudgery, then definitely pick up this masterpiece!
Denise Hunter is an excellent author and I love everything she writes.
March 21, 2026
This is my second Denise Hunter book and it was phenomenal. Her writing and storyline flows smoothly and keeps you interested. She proves you can write an amazing love story without spicy scenes. This story has all my favorite tropes. We have small town, friends to lovers, found family, and quirky side characters. NetGalley sent me the ALC. I wish that there were multiple narrators but it was a great listen.
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