Who knew that returning home after a broken engagement could be the best decision you ever made? Denise Hunter is back with another heartwarming contemporary romance with a sweet friends-to-more story, featuring a saltwater cowboy. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Hallmark movies.
Jenna Greene just ended things with her boyfriend . . . which also ended her career. (That’s the risk a girl takes when her boyfriend doubles as her boss.) With no income and no job prospects in sight, Jenna is forced to return to her mother’s house on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, to figure out what’s next. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Jenna’s widowed mother has just returned from a cruise–with a brand-new boyfriend in tow. But there’s something off about the guy. His story doesn’t quite add up, and he keeps sneaking off to make suspicious phone calls and borrowing money from her too-trusting mother.
In search of some investigative help, Jenna turns to her childhood BFF, Tyson Parker, who lives and works in town. Still reeling from his wife’s infidelity, Tyson is doing his best to heal from the pain of divorce. He’s made a name for himself on the island as a volunteer firefighter and one of the much-admired saltwater cowboys who looks after Chincoteague’s wild ponies. Oh, and he turned out to be more than a tiny bit attractive–besides being almost-too-good-to-be-true sweet and caring.
Growing up, the uber-competitive Jenna was always accepted as one of the guys. But things have changed between her and Tyson, and he’s now looking at her through new eyes. Jenna suddenly feels like a leading lady on a movie set–only with way less composure.
But Jenna also has old wounds that make these new feelings seem fraught with peril. Is she willing to open her heart and see where love might lead? Or will she let her hesitant heart hold her back?
More Than Friends is a charming, can’t-put-it-down romance, full of laugh-out-loud moments, tender emotion, and the kind of small-town warmth Denise Hunter does best. With its beloved friends-to-more arc, swoony yet grounded hero, and gentle thread of healing and hope, this story will have readers rooting for love on every page. If you’re longing for a feel-good romance that blends heart, humor, and just enough mystery to keep you reading past your bedtime, More Than Friends is the perfect escape to Chincoteague Island.
-
Sexual Content - 1/5
1/5
-
Violence - 0/5
0/5
-
Language - 0/5
0/5
-
Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
0/5
Summary
reviewed by Donna
More than Friends by Denise Hunter is a cozy, feel-good romance with unmistakable Hallmark vibes. Set in a charming small-town backdrop, this story follows lifelong best friends Jenna and Tyson as their relationship begins to shift into something more.
Jenna returns home after making the difficult decision to turn down her boyfriend’s proposal. As she reconnects with Tyson, the comfort and familiarity of their friendship slowly deepen into romantic feelings. Hunter does a lovely job weaving in sweet glimpses of their shared history, with stories from their childhood adding warmth and depth to their connection.
A secondary storyline involving Jenna’s mom and a man she meets on a cruise introduces a subtle layer of mystery. Without giving anything away, this thread keeps you guessing—whether it’s a cautionary tale about trusting too quickly or the beginning of another heartfelt romance. It adds an interesting dynamic to the overall story.
One of the standout elements for me was the setting. The references to Chincoteague Island and the Saltwater Cowboys were so intriguing that I found myself diving into YouTube videos to learn more. It’s a fascinating place and definitely made its way onto my bucket list.
Overall, this is an enjoyable and heartwarming read that I would recommend, especially for fans of friends-to-lovers romances. That said, if this is your first Denise Hunter book, it may not be her strongest—she has other titles that showcase her storytelling at an even higher level.