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Kennedy Ink. #7
Murphy
Murphy- adoption specialist/social worker, is the man who helped Kingsley and Morgan get their babies, he didn't know they were going to be friends with the guy he went home with for a one-nighter on the night of his birthday and then promptly kicked out.
Cut-to, Michael Cruz is a whole lot of broody, sexy, lonely sheriff in Madison, and after a bout of family drama, he picks up a random man who was decent enough to share his table at a crowded restaurant with him. He didn't know that man was going to be his little brother's check-in, after getting into a little bit of trouble.
Family drama, homophobic step-parents, and a man convinced he doesn't want a relationship- will Murphy's caring attitude and willingness to be there for Cruz and his little brother be enough to change his mind?
m/m romance with a filthy mouthed sheriff and a HEA and no cheating.
Cut-to, Michael Cruz is a whole lot of broody, sexy, lonely sheriff in Madison, and after a bout of family drama, he picks up a random man who was decent enough to share his table at a crowded restaurant with him. He didn't know that man was going to be his little brother's check-in, after getting into a little bit of trouble.
Family drama, homophobic step-parents, and a man convinced he doesn't want a relationship- will Murphy's caring attitude and willingness to be there for Cruz and his little brother be enough to change his mind?
m/m romance with a filthy mouthed sheriff and a HEA and no cheating.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2017
72 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Wood
26 books309 followersJenny Wood- Stay at home mom with two amazing kids and the most supportive, ridiculously good looking, husband. :P
My love of writing comes from my love of reading and I count myself incredibly lucky to live in a place where I can do what I love and
hopefully, make some people happy while I do it.
Happy Reading!
My love of writing comes from my love of reading and I count myself incredibly lucky to live in a place where I can do what I love and
hopefully, make some people happy while I do it.
Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 26, 2017
**3.5 Stars**
Murphy and Cruz first meet on Murphy's birthday and share a night together. Cruz, unceremoniously, kicks Murphy out of his bed. He's an asshole. You understand his reasons...he's got a lot going on. But, he's still an asshole.
I loved Murphy. He's a social worker who after having a terrible childhood himself, is dedicated to helping other children find homes where they are loved. It really took me a long time to warm up to Cruz. I just didn't understand why he treated Murphy the way he did sometimes. He got better and he grew on me eventually, but it took a while.
I have to say, I did not like Cruz's mom and I think the book could have benefited by having things worked out a little more there. I'm sorry, but no man is going to come between me and my child and I just didn't understand how she could have let Jose act towards him the way he did. But then she's portrayed as a loving mom at times. It was sort of contradictory. It also takes up to about 60% or so before Cruz and Murphy ever really start to get together. I just wish they would have gotten together sooner and had some time before all the family drama happened. I didn't feel like they really developed as a couple.
This is another series that I love the characters and want to be a part of their circle of friends. I'm looking forward to more.
Murphy and Cruz first meet on Murphy's birthday and share a night together. Cruz, unceremoniously, kicks Murphy out of his bed. He's an asshole. You understand his reasons...he's got a lot going on. But, he's still an asshole.
I loved Murphy. He's a social worker who after having a terrible childhood himself, is dedicated to helping other children find homes where they are loved. It really took me a long time to warm up to Cruz. I just didn't understand why he treated Murphy the way he did sometimes. He got better and he grew on me eventually, but it took a while.
I have to say, I did not like Cruz's mom and I think the book could have benefited by having things worked out a little more there. I'm sorry, but no man is going to come between me and my child and I just didn't understand how she could have let Jose act towards him the way he did. But then she's portrayed as a loving mom at times. It was sort of contradictory. It also takes up to about 60% or so before Cruz and Murphy ever really start to get together. I just wish they would have gotten together sooner and had some time before all the family drama happened. I didn't feel like they really developed as a couple.
This is another series that I love the characters and want to be a part of their circle of friends. I'm looking forward to more.
October 20, 2019
3.5 Stars
I read my first Jenny Wood story back in January and have since knocked back 16 of her stories. The reason I bring this random fact up is because I just need to say that over the course of the year, and with the release of every subsequent book, Jenny's writing quality has improved by leaps and bounds, to the point that I feel it's really important to acknowledge these improvements and congratulate her on not only keeping at it (when it's clear writing is something she loves), but for also listening to the critiques of her readers and reviewers by obviously taking the time necessary to make each work better than the last. This is meant as praise and respect, not condescension, and I truly hope it's taken in the most positive of ways.
Now that's all out there, I better add a little about this specific story.
Murphy is book seven in Wood's addictive and romantic Kennedy Ink series. All the lovely couples from the previous books make brief appearances here, this time focusing on Morgan and Kingsley's social worker/adoption specialist, Murphy, and one of Wade's fellow town sheriff's, Cruz.
When the story begins, Murphy and Cruz have already met and spent a night together, which awkwardly ended with Murphy being asked to leave Cruz's bed after the job was done, so to speak. Weeks later they reconnect, through learning they share mutual friends (the Kennedy's and co.) and, later, when Cruz's younger brother is placed into his care and becomes one of Murphy's work cases. When given a second chance to not come across as a total asshole, Cruz begins actively pursuing Murphy and the two begin dating.
Initially, Cruz came across as a total asshole, particularly in his treatment of Murphy during/after their first night together. However, the dude clearly had issues and was dealing with some serious family dramas, including a dying homophobic step-father, so I was able to let his moody shit slide, to a point, and, thankfully, I learned to like the guy once he redeemed himself to cute do-gooder Murphy.
I also started this one thinking I was going to hate Cruz's teen brother, Mateo, but by the end the kid made good, turning his attitude completely around, showing love and support to his big bro against their ignorant extended family when it counted most.
Overall, this was another welcomed addition to the series and I look forward to seeing what Wood comes up with next for this lovable (and growing) book family.
I read my first Jenny Wood story back in January and have since knocked back 16 of her stories. The reason I bring this random fact up is because I just need to say that over the course of the year, and with the release of every subsequent book, Jenny's writing quality has improved by leaps and bounds, to the point that I feel it's really important to acknowledge these improvements and congratulate her on not only keeping at it (when it's clear writing is something she loves), but for also listening to the critiques of her readers and reviewers by obviously taking the time necessary to make each work better than the last. This is meant as praise and respect, not condescension, and I truly hope it's taken in the most positive of ways.
Now that's all out there, I better add a little about this specific story.
Murphy is book seven in Wood's addictive and romantic Kennedy Ink series. All the lovely couples from the previous books make brief appearances here, this time focusing on Morgan and Kingsley's social worker/adoption specialist, Murphy, and one of Wade's fellow town sheriff's, Cruz.
When the story begins, Murphy and Cruz have already met and spent a night together, which awkwardly ended with Murphy being asked to leave Cruz's bed after the job was done, so to speak. Weeks later they reconnect, through learning they share mutual friends (the Kennedy's and co.) and, later, when Cruz's younger brother is placed into his care and becomes one of Murphy's work cases. When given a second chance to not come across as a total asshole, Cruz begins actively pursuing Murphy and the two begin dating.
Initially, Cruz came across as a total asshole, particularly in his treatment of Murphy during/after their first night together. However, the dude clearly had issues and was dealing with some serious family dramas, including a dying homophobic step-father, so I was able to let his moody shit slide, to a point, and, thankfully, I learned to like the guy once he redeemed himself to cute do-gooder Murphy.
I also started this one thinking I was going to hate Cruz's teen brother, Mateo, but by the end the kid made good, turning his attitude completely around, showing love and support to his big bro against their ignorant extended family when it counted most.
Overall, this was another welcomed addition to the series and I look forward to seeing what Wood comes up with next for this lovable (and growing) book family.
November 26, 2023
Re-read Nov. 2023
* Re-read April 30, 2020 *
*** Jenny Wood's writing is fabulous, and her Kennedy Ink series has been amazing !
Murphy, new to town, is a social worker and much more.
He's an advocate with fostering, adoption and probation. He assisted Kingsley and Morgan with their twins, who will be born soon.
A one night stand, something Murphy has never done, has him with Michael
on Murphy's lonely birthday. What a hot sexy night... until he's asked to leave. Michael is "Cruz", a County Sheriff. So, they get off to a rocky start, Michael's fault, and then not seeing each other for a month.
The tight knit bunch of friends and family welcome Murphy with open arms. He's handling several difficult cases, while Michael Cruz is dealing with his troubled step-brother and Mom.
The cast of characters is absolutely as great as ever. We watch as Michael and Murphy wade into deeper water. I like that they are both older (32) and both big, tattooed, muscled men. I also loved Michael's Spanish accent!
Jenny Wood has us linked up with our MCs right away, as we love each man separately - and together. We get the hot sizzling bedroom action we love and a flowing story that never lets us go.
This is informative, compelling, incredibly sexy, and filled with deep emotion.
I highly recommend it.
ENJOY !
===============
* Re-read April 30, 2020 *
*** Jenny Wood's writing is fabulous, and her Kennedy Ink series has been amazing !
Murphy, new to town, is a social worker and much more.
He's an advocate with fostering, adoption and probation. He assisted Kingsley and Morgan with their twins, who will be born soon.
A one night stand, something Murphy has never done, has him with Michael
on Murphy's lonely birthday. What a hot sexy night... until he's asked to leave. Michael is "Cruz", a County Sheriff. So, they get off to a rocky start, Michael's fault, and then not seeing each other for a month.
The tight knit bunch of friends and family welcome Murphy with open arms. He's handling several difficult cases, while Michael Cruz is dealing with his troubled step-brother and Mom.
The cast of characters is absolutely as great as ever. We watch as Michael and Murphy wade into deeper water. I like that they are both older (32) and both big, tattooed, muscled men. I also loved Michael's Spanish accent!
Jenny Wood has us linked up with our MCs right away, as we love each man separately - and together. We get the hot sizzling bedroom action we love and a flowing story that never lets us go.
This is informative, compelling, incredibly sexy, and filled with deep emotion.
I highly recommend it.
ENJOY !
===============
November 23, 2017
I'm in love!
Murphy was so complex, I cried for him and laughed my ass off
a time or two with his antics. He wasn't afraid to be himself and I loved that.
Cruz seemed like a jerk, but once you understood what made him tick
you kinda got why he was the way he was.
I couldn't imagine living with that family, but he was a great big brother...
I would've loved to have met that stepdad of his and gave him a punch to the gut.
A chance meeting, a hot one night stand and a very dirty mouthed sheriff....sigh...
what's not to love?!
5 stars!
Murphy was so complex, I cried for him and laughed my ass off
a time or two with his antics. He wasn't afraid to be himself and I loved that.
Cruz seemed like a jerk, but once you understood what made him tick
you kinda got why he was the way he was.
I couldn't imagine living with that family, but he was a great big brother...
I would've loved to have met that stepdad of his and gave him a punch to the gut.
A chance meeting, a hot one night stand and a very dirty mouthed sheriff....sigh...
what's not to love?!
5 stars!
January 28, 2018
Ta seria jest niczym potajemne oglądanie powtórek na dobre i na złe. żenujące, ale każdy ma jakieś słabości ;) Ale matko jedyna, te okładki są coraz straszniejsze, a zawartość nie powala na nogi, choć zła nie jest. pewnie jak wyjdzie następna z trzystu kolejnych części to też przeczytam ;)
April 25, 2018
This series just keeps getting better every time. Well written with kick ass characters. I can not wait to see who is the next couple.
November 29, 2017
enny Wood tells a pretty good story. Certainly well enough to look past editing issues that still plague her novels. I’m not gonna lie, it’s distracting as heck when wrong words are used, in sentences with wrong tense, her novels are crying out for a jolly good edit, and I can’t believe that at this stage they are still as rough as they are. The only consolation is these latest works are significantly better put together than when she first started posting her novels.
In saying that even with these pet peeves of mine, the building and unfolding story of her leading men as they bumble their way together, surrounded by the nosy, interfering, and lovable Kings, more than made up for them. One such series that entirely captivated me was the Kennedy Ink one. Such lovely depth to all the leading men, great background, fabulous continued involvement of our sexy as sin Kings & co, frankly what’s not to love.
In Murphy, it was a joy to see a slight deviation to the tall hulking bearded giants that dominate the series, not that they’re not sexy, but a change is as good as holiday as well.
Murphy was typically tall and muscular, unbearded this time, but it was his softer personality that won me over and and made for a perfect ying and yang that existed between him and Michael. Which in the bedroom meant they fit together like they’d been soulmates for years, and it was all smoking hot.
Michael was angsty, prone to anger, protective when needed, and deliciously dominate. That he was able to read Murphy like a book made him sexier, even when he messed up. Two strong men who were literally like night to day, calm to volatile, impulsive to thoughtful, dominate to submissive, all deliciously yummy. It made for a very good dynamic between the two men and one I thought worked very well. I loved this installment, I read it immediately after ‘Perfect’, which rightly so, was very perfect. Thanks Ms. Wood for another great read.
Rant in coming: If I had one complaint apart from the not quite there editing, it was that I felt like all three men, Murphy, Michael and Teo all suffered with a chronic ‘Eyerolling’ Disorder. Such a shame really, because there are so many other expressions out there that could have been used and inserted time and again in place of ‘rolls eyes’ so that character individuality wasn’t lost. Reading all the eye rolling that took place x 3, for almost 2/3rds of the book, kind of came across as pure author laziness not to make each character individual. From a readers perspective giving them a separate tone, voice and personality would have really made this story that little bit better, and less aggravating to read, and I would have suffered less of my own ‘huffy in annoyance’ disorder. So star off for that and I forgive you for the editing.
In saying that even with these pet peeves of mine, the building and unfolding story of her leading men as they bumble their way together, surrounded by the nosy, interfering, and lovable Kings, more than made up for them. One such series that entirely captivated me was the Kennedy Ink one. Such lovely depth to all the leading men, great background, fabulous continued involvement of our sexy as sin Kings & co, frankly what’s not to love.
In Murphy, it was a joy to see a slight deviation to the tall hulking bearded giants that dominate the series, not that they’re not sexy, but a change is as good as holiday as well.
Murphy was typically tall and muscular, unbearded this time, but it was his softer personality that won me over and and made for a perfect ying and yang that existed between him and Michael. Which in the bedroom meant they fit together like they’d been soulmates for years, and it was all smoking hot.
Michael was angsty, prone to anger, protective when needed, and deliciously dominate. That he was able to read Murphy like a book made him sexier, even when he messed up. Two strong men who were literally like night to day, calm to volatile, impulsive to thoughtful, dominate to submissive, all deliciously yummy. It made for a very good dynamic between the two men and one I thought worked very well. I loved this installment, I read it immediately after ‘Perfect’, which rightly so, was very perfect. Thanks Ms. Wood for another great read.
Rant in coming: If I had one complaint apart from the not quite there editing, it was that I felt like all three men, Murphy, Michael and Teo all suffered with a chronic ‘Eyerolling’ Disorder. Such a shame really, because there are so many other expressions out there that could have been used and inserted time and again in place of ‘rolls eyes’ so that character individuality wasn’t lost. Reading all the eye rolling that took place x 3, for almost 2/3rds of the book, kind of came across as pure author laziness not to make each character individual. From a readers perspective giving them a separate tone, voice and personality would have really made this story that little bit better, and less aggravating to read, and I would have suffered less of my own ‘huffy in annoyance’ disorder. So star off for that and I forgive you for the editing.
November 28, 2017
I have read all of the Kennedy Ink series, and I love all the characters. So, as a lover of the characters that Jenny Wood as created in this world I can say that Murphy is probably one of my favorites. Behind Kingsley and Cameron.
While Jenny Wood still has a few editing problems in her stories, you can really tell that her editing is getting better, and I think that is amazing. It just goes to show that a author's writing can evolve with practice and experience. As a writer myself, I know I struggle with editing issues and typos. So, I know how hard it must be for Jenny Wood to catch the mistakes in her books. Especially since she is essentially doing all her writing, editing and promotions alone. I congratulate Jenny Wood on her success, and can't wait to see what she has in store for the next one.
While Jenny Wood still has a few editing problems in her stories, you can really tell that her editing is getting better, and I think that is amazing. It just goes to show that a author's writing can evolve with practice and experience. As a writer myself, I know I struggle with editing issues and typos. So, I know how hard it must be for Jenny Wood to catch the mistakes in her books. Especially since she is essentially doing all her writing, editing and promotions alone. I congratulate Jenny Wood on her success, and can't wait to see what she has in store for the next one.
November 27, 2017
Murphy (Kennedy Ink.)
It was fine. I appreciate the idea behind the story but the story itself felt a little weak though. A little flat across the board. Grammar and punctuation being all over the place didn't help any.
I just couldn't get into it like I wanted to.
I'll keep on reading 📖
It was fine. I appreciate the idea behind the story but the story itself felt a little weak though. A little flat across the board. Grammar and punctuation being all over the place didn't help any.
I just couldn't get into it like I wanted to.
I'll keep on reading 📖
November 27, 2017
I absolutely loved this - Murphy and Cruz's tale was sweet, sexy, snarky and full of romance. Whilst it is a standalone with enough backstory to follow if it's your first book, having the other Kennedy Ink characters weaved in let's you get completely immersed in the KI world. Great instalment and can't wait for the next one.
November 28, 2017
Fantastic
I loved Murphy and Cruz. Murphy was adorable and sweet. Cruz was sexy and broody with just enough sweet mixed in. A great sweet and sexy read with just enough drama to make it perfect. Another great couple for this crazy group of friends and family. Cant wait for the next one.
I loved Murphy and Cruz. Murphy was adorable and sweet. Cruz was sexy and broody with just enough sweet mixed in. A great sweet and sexy read with just enough drama to make it perfect. Another great couple for this crazy group of friends and family. Cant wait for the next one.
November 24, 2017
Loved this book. A great addition to the series. The story of Murphy (who we meet in bk 6.5 Perfect) and Cruz. Was a great read. I did cry, not only for Mateo's loss but for the torment that Cruz went thru with his stepfather. Highly recommend this book and the other books in the series.
November 25, 2017
Sweet read again, like all books in the series!!One error that got my attention: on his birthday Murphy goes to the restaurant in an Uber but when he and Cruz leave, he has his car. Didn’t stop me from enjoying the story, though! Up to the next one... I’m guessing Gannon???
February 14, 2018
I love these guys
I love all of the Kennedy clan. This last book was a little confusing in the beginning. Like how is Murphy’s birthday in October but he slept with Cruz a month before the twins were born and they they were born in April. Just a little confusing. But I loved it.
I love all of the Kennedy clan. This last book was a little confusing in the beginning. Like how is Murphy’s birthday in October but he slept with Cruz a month before the twins were born and they they were born in April. Just a little confusing. But I loved it.
March 9, 2020
Awesome
I really love how each book could be read alone but at the same time they all tie into each other. I love in this one how Cruz and Murphy met and again when they ran into each other later one. Keep up the great work.
I really love how each book could be read alone but at the same time they all tie into each other. I love in this one how Cruz and Murphy met and again when they ran into each other later one. Keep up the great work.
November 24, 2017
Another good one.
Cruz and Murphy are a perfect couple. The premise is sound and the storyline flows nicely. Their passion is strong and the spicy scenes are very well done.
Cruz and Murphy are a perfect couple. The premise is sound and the storyline flows nicely. Their passion is strong and the spicy scenes are very well done.
November 27, 2017
Sweet
The story was more than I expected, it was so sweet and at times sad. There were a few typos that you'll have to overlook if your a grammer nazi.
The story was more than I expected, it was so sweet and at times sad. There were a few typos that you'll have to overlook if your a grammer nazi.
December 2, 2017
Story good
As usual, the story and characters were good. The editing sucks. At the start Murphy gets a ride to the restaurant. His car later drives itself there, major goof.
As usual, the story and characters were good. The editing sucks. At the start Murphy gets a ride to the restaurant. His car later drives itself there, major goof.
December 4, 2017
3 stars
December 6, 2017
Did not like this one as much as the others in the series, but it wasn't bad. The book could have used better editing though.
December 12, 2017
Good addition
This is a good series with bad editing. I will continue to read it because I love the characters, but I also contunue be frustrated with the lack of proofreading.
This is a good series with bad editing. I will continue to read it because I love the characters, but I also contunue be frustrated with the lack of proofreading.
August 7, 2018
What a great series! I highly recommend reading it. These hot, sexy men with tattoos may look dangerous, but they have hearts of gold. I loved every book!
March 1, 2019
One night can become forever
September 17, 2019
3.5 stars
Another nice addition to the series.
Another nice addition to the series.
September 22, 2019
A quick, insta love read which gives you a look into the family of friends.
not-deserve-my-time-my-money
June 28, 2018Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews