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 that will keep readers turning the pages late into the night.

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.

Book is fantastic loved it ❤️

Truth be told, I love Denise’s books, and this one was another amazing read. If you’re a fan of the friends to more trope, you need to grab this one because it delivers all the feels.

When life throws Jenna a curveball... now single, jobless, and heading home to live with her mom (temporarily), she never expects to find herself right back in the orbit of her childhood friend, Tyson. He let her in on a little secret about her mom’s new boyfriend, which makes this timing perfect for Jenna to come home, figure out her next steps, and maybe do a little investigating.

What she didn’t expect was that reconnecting with Tyson would stir up feelings she never saw coming. They’ve always been just friends, always there for each other through every breakup and heartbreak, but this time, something’s different. As they dig into her mom’s mystery man, the connection between them deepens, and suddenly friendship doesn’t feel like enough!

But Jenna has a million reasons to keep her heart guarded, and Tyson worries just as much about risking their friendship. Their friendship is everything, but them as a couple... THAT IS LOVE! Tyson is such a good man, patient and understanding even when Jenna’s indecision breaks his heart.

I loved this story. I need it in print ASAP!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest thoughts.

I enjoyed reading this book. Jenna dates a guy for several years, and when he
purposes at a restaurant and every body is looking on starts the plot.
Then her Mom return's from a cruise with a guy she met on the cruise.
Jenna going home to find out what is going on, with her Mom.
Ty lives across the street and greets her in a hug. Jenna thoughts of how she could
talk to him about what was going on in her life, and he would understand
I enjoyed her books and read them from cover to cover in one sitting.
Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Mercer for my arc cooy.

Jenna quickly discovers that working for your boyfriend is never a good idea. When she refuses his proposal, he retaliates by firing her. With no job prospects, Jenna returns home to Chincoteague Island, Virginia, to live with her widowed mother—only to be stunned when her mom arrives back from a cruise with a new boyfriend in tow. Jenna’s suspicions grow as she notices him relying on her mother financially and overhears a few unsettling phone calls.
Determined to uncover the truth, Jenna enlists the help of her childhood best friend, Tyson. Still healing from a painful divorce, Tyson is a respected saltwater cowboy who cares for the island’s wild ponies, helps at his parents’ bed-and-breakfast, and volunteers as a firefighter. As the two dig deeper into the mystery surrounding her mother’s new companion, their friendship begins to shift in unexpected ways. Yet Jenna’s past wounds threaten to hold her back from embracing what’s right in front of her.
Denise Hunter delivers another warm, engaging story filled with lovable, relatable characters and plenty of emotional twists. I was captivated from the first page and read straight through to the end—it was simply impossible to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sigh… another book by Denise Hunter that I hate to see come to an end.
Hunter has truly become one of my very favorite authors. Her novels are always beautifully written with memorable characters you can’t help but root for, and More Than Friends is no exception.

This story follows Jenna and Ty in a charming friends-to-romance journey. While some parts of the plot are predictably sweet and comforting—just what I love from Hunter—there are also a few mystery elements and surprises tucked in along the way that kept me turning the pages. I especially loved the references to the Chincoteague ponies, their unique history, and the tradition of Pony Penning—such a delightful and unexpected touch.

I absolutely loved this story and hope Hunter expands the series to follow the other wonderful characters we meet along the way.
A full 5 stars from me!

Thanks NetGalley for the preview.

More Than Friends by Denise Hunter. Hunter writes another wonderful friends to more romance. Loved the characters and she brought all the feels with this story! I didn’t want to put it down. This should be your next read. Her books never disappoint. Thank you to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelsonFiction for this Arc. This is my honest review.

I always enjoy Denise Hunter’s books and More Than Friends was no exception. Well written plot with excellent characters. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. This is my unbiased review.

More than Friends by Denise Hunter is a sweet friends to lovers clean small town romance. I enjoyed reading this as well as learning about the Chincoteague ponies on Assateague Island. Lovely read
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Just finished, and what a lovely story! I enjoyed the setting and the story line, and of course the ponies. Beautifully written and thought-provoking read by Denise Hunter. Highly recommended.

MORE THAN FRIENDS by DENISE HUNTER is a beautifully written love story with great characters, that takes place on Chincoteague Island where the wild ponies are an important part of island life. I loved reading about the pony penning days, the pony swim and the buy back ponies…
When Jenna Greene refuses her boyfriend’s proposal and loses her job in Alexandria, she goes home to the island where she finds a suspicious man living at her mother’s. She also finds that her recently divorced childhood friend, Tyson Parker, is becoming more than a friend to her…….
Tyson is a volunteer fire fighter, and Jenna has been traumatised by her fire fighter father’s death. Tyson, after being hurt by his ex wife, went “dating mad” for a while and is now wary of getting into any relationship, especially one that could ruin their easy friendship……
This is a story about overcoming fear, guilt and rejection.
I highly recommend this most enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Jenna visits her mom after a failed relationship leaves her without a job. Her ulterior motive is to make sure the new man in her mom's life isn't scamming her. She enlists the help of her childhood friend, Tyson, to help solve the mysteries surrounding her mom's new boyfriend. With the time spent together, their friendship evolves into a romantic relationship. This is a cute, sweet romance with a few interesting subplots woven together. I recommend this book!

What I liked
‣ the writing
‣ the ending
‣ island vibes
‣ ponies!!!
‣ friends to lovers
‣ perfectly paced


Review

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson!!)

Absolutely adorable book, and so real at times. I loved the romance and the chemistry these two shared.

I might or might not have binge read the last half or so. One of the best romance books I've read so far. I can't even think of anything bad to say about the book at this moment.

A sweet cozy romance that will delight fans of Denise Hunter.

I'm so amazed at how this author continues to deliver. She does a small town atmosphere so beautifully, and this is a great premise as Jenna and Tyson investigate the mom's suspicious new boyfriend. The longtime friendship between Jenna and Tyson means we are immediately invested in their relationship.

I especially admired how Tyson has always served as a "safe place" for Jenna to land. Their dynamic is relatable, and I found myself cheering them on.

The investigation keeps the story going and gives them a believable reason to work together.

Jenna's interiority is explored quite a bit -- but for a good reason.

The ending is very satisfactory.

Another winner from Denise Hunter!

Another wonderful story that I very much enjoyed.
I finished it in the early morning hours. Very good!
Wonderful characters that I loved instantly getting to know. I very much enjoyed Jenna and Tyson's journey
What better way to heal your heart than to return back to where you grew up?
There's a bit of mystery involved that kept me turning the pages to see what happened next.
I loved visiting Chincoteague Island, Virginia. So beautiful! I was sad when the story ended .I didn't want to leave. I got to visit a place I'd not visited in a long time. Not since the Misty stories.
This is my favorite Denise Hunter story ever!!
5 stars for keeping me interested. I just loved this novel. This is her best yet.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Who doesn't love a friends to more trope?! I adored this story so much. The author writes stories that really pull on your heart strings and really makes you love everything about the story and characters! I highly recommend this book!

I went into I went into More Than Friends thinking I’d just read a few chapters before bed… and then suddenly it was way too late at night and I was still turning pages. There’s just something about Denise Hunter’s writing that pulls you in without you even noticing, and this story hooked me fast.

One of my favorite parts was the whole horse angle — the ranch setting, the routines, the way the horses are woven into the characters’ lives. It gives the story this grounded, peaceful vibe that makes the romance feel even sweeter. Plus, the scenes in the barn and out in the pasture were some of the most vivid in the book.

The friends-to-lovers part is done really well. It’s slow and natural, with little moments where you can feel the shift happening before the characters even realize it. I also enjoyed the parallel story with the main characters mother.

Overall, it’s a warm, easy read that left me smiling. If you like small-town romance, gentle chemistry, and stories where animals quietly steal the show, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts

I loved getting lost in this book! Sometimes we really don't see what is in front of us!
Can friends of many years move into a relationship? Or if things go wrong will that end a friendship?
This is a story about relationships, or maybe just friendship, it is also a story about what happens when the relationship ends.
There is a lot going on here, right from the beginning with a marriage proposal, to the end with the epilogue, which I loved!
Mom coming home from a cruise and a new friend with her, also Jenna coming home to the Island she loves and misses, Chincoteague Island, Virginia. but without a job.
When the final page was turned, I wanted to stay! Looking forward to my next read by this go to author!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

This book is fantastic! I couldn't put it down. The wonderful story of Jenna & Tyson that started as friendship, then turned into love, was a joy to read!!

This book was so refreshing! A tender love story for sure filled with challenges and consequences to decisions made. A story of love and forgiveness and a good reminder to stay humble and keep the communication channels open. Denise Hunter has a way to capture the moment and make it real.

As always Denise Hunter gives us another great read! Quick and easy read that was good for the heart! Very cute friends to lover’s book.

: "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Denise Hunter can always be counted on to bring a heartfelt, realistic story to life. I very much enjoyed this story of best friends Jenna and Tyson as they dance around their feelings for each other, Jenna’s mom’s whirlwind romance with a man she just met, which raised all kinds of red flags for Jenna, and all the information centering around the Chincoteague horses and annual pony swim. There were issues of trust, forgiveness, and the love of friends and family. This is a feel-good emotional story that was compelling and easy to read.

Book Review: “More than Friends” by Denise Hunter- (Releases April 2026)

I stand by what I’ve said in the past. I haven’t yet found a Denise Hunter book that I haven’t liked! This slow burn was seriously so good!

Having just broken up with her boyfriend and losing her job, Jenna Greene is heading home to Assateague Island. She planned on staying with her mom for awhile, working on the island, and maybe spending time with some old friends.

When Jenna’s mom reveals that she is dating someone new, all Jenna can see is red flags. Fears of her past insecurities pop up and Jenna is immediately worried about her mom.

Meanwhile, all this extra time spent with her friend Tyson is showing her exactly the type of man he is….and how all of her previous relationships with men have been lacking. Tyson is the real deal, but wouldn’t it be safer to just stay friends? Especially when he’s a firefighter and she doesn’t know if her heart can take any more heartache from dangerous jobs?

You guys, I LOVED this book! It started out a little slow, but quickly picked up the pace once Jenna got to Assateague Island! It has all my favorite elements I’ve come to know Denise Hunter by! Slow burn, no spice romance with plenty of swoon-worthy moments, twists and turns that you don’t see coming… this is the perfect book to pick up on a cozy rainy or snowy day! I love that this book is spice free, with no foul language, ensuring I can safely share it with my teenagers! I rate this book as 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #readersofig #readers #readersgonnaread #morethanfriends #denisehunter #cleanfiction #cleanromance #tyson #jenna #assateague #wildponies #assateagueisland #assateagueponies

More than Friends is my favorite troupe, friends to lovers. Jenna and Tyson are the best of friends and that lays the foundation for the best relationship either of them have ever experienced. The backdrop of the story is Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Now I want to go on vacation there. A story filled with love, sacrifice and faith.

Another winner by Denise Hunter! If you love second chance romance then you'll love this one. It's is also a fun and unique setting.

More Than Friends, by Denise Hunter, tells of the trials of Jenna Greene. From her lost job after she breaks things off with her boyfriend/boss to moving in with her mother and having to deal with her new boyfriend. Jenna’s life seems out of control!

Enter Tyson Parker, her childhood best friend. You sense that things are about to get very interesting!

This was a sweet story and Denise Hunter doesn’t disappoint. A broken engagement Jenna returns back home and her mom is dating a man that doesn’t seem on the up and up , her childhood best friend Tyson helps her and old feelings come back up.
It was a really good story and I really enjoyed it
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for my copy

Loved this story about 2 BFF living close to each other when they were young. Jenna moves off of Chincategee Island but comes back in July for the Pony swim and auction. She comes back this time because where she worked her boyfriend was her boss. When she didn't accept his proposal , he fired her. when she returned home, her mother had Gordan,., who she met on the cruise ship there living over the garage. Threw up red flags for Jenna so she turned to her best friend Tyson. They spent a lot of time together,. See how that works out. She worked some at Miss Molly's kayak tours as she did when she was in school . She went back to Alexandria to work. See how that works. A REAT READ.

I loved this story. Such a sweet story of transitioning from friends to a relationship. The characters were well developed and it was a joy to read. So thankful I was able to read this book! I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

This was so cute and heartwarming and heartfelt.

Jenna has had her whole life turned upside down - she broke up with her boyfriend, she’s lost her job - and what do you do when that happens? You go home. And for Jenna, that’s Chincoteague Island - to her mother and her best friend Tyson. With Jenna working to rebuild her life and trying to safeguard her mother from a potentially damaging relationship - and Tyson trying to recover from a divorce, is it any wonder their relationship evolves to “more than friends”?

It’s sweet and believable and makes you want to keep reading.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

A sweet friends to lovers romance. There is a bit of a challenging relationship that causes strife within the family. Some firefighting excitement and the wonderful ponies of the island. I can remember reading Misty of Chincoteague in my youth and wanting to visit. Never happened, but now it feels as if it did. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

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 ⭐️

Life knocks Jenna flat—and I mean flat: newly single, newly unemployed, and temporarily moving back in with her mom. Not exactly the comeback arc she envisioned. What she definitely didn’t expect? Falling right back into the orbit of her childhood best friend, Tyson. 👀
Tyson casually drops a little hmm that’s suspicious secret about Jenna’s mom’s new boyfriend, making Jenna’s return home the perfect time to regroup, rethink her future… and maybe play amateur detective. But while they’re poking around the mystery man, something else starts bubbling up—feelings Jenna never saw coming.
They’ve always been just friends. The safe kind. The “been through every breakup together” kind. But this time? The chemistry hits different. Friendship suddenly feels like it’s falling short, and the emotional tension is chef’s kiss.
Jenna has a million reasons to keep her guard up, and Tyson—sweet, patient, emotionally mature Tyson—worries just as much about risking the one thing they both treasure most: their friendship. But honestly? Them as a couple is everything. Tyson is the kind of man who quietly wrecks your heart by being good, steady, and understanding—even when Jenna’s hesitation hurts him.
Denise Hunter does what she always does best: delivers a heartfelt, engaging story with strong characters you genuinely care about. More Than Friends is a warm, emotional friends-to-lovers romance that hits all the right notes.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. This is my unbiased review—and yes, I loved it. 💕

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.

ARC Review for NetGalley
• Slow Burn
• Friends To Lovers
• Small Town
• Second Chances
@deniseahunter beautifully captures the ache of the quiet longing that grows between two people who have shared years of friendship, missteps, and unspoken hope. There's a gentleness to this story, a slow unfolding that honors both vulnerability and timing. I loved how faith is woven naturally into the pages with sweet prayers.
This story is about second chances, honest conversations, and the courage it takes to risk more when friendship feels safer. Warm, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying, More Than Friends is a reminder that some love stories are worth the wait-and that God is often moving, even when you think He isn't.
This book left me longing for a nice summer breeze during this winter season.
I loved this book so much!
Thank you @thomasnelson & @netgalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Denise Hunter hits out of the park with this book again. The characters are very well developed. It has twists and turns. My favorite part is when Jenna and Ty's friendship transforms into a couple. I knew that they couldn't be friends long because they have a lot of feelings for one another. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. # More than Friends # #Netgalley#

More than Friends is a heartwarming, cozy read by Denise Hunter. I loved the setting on Chincoteague Island in Virginia, especially the history and story of the Chincoteague ponies. It is home to both Jenna and Tyson who have been best friends since they were 12 years old. Jenna moved away for college and work but returned home following the breakup with her boyfriend. Tyson has a year behind him following his divorce. They are there for each other when life throws curve balls. Adding to the story, Jenna’s mom comes home from a cruise with Gordon, a man she just met. Red flags pop up everywhere for Jenna when he moves into her mom’s apartment above the garage. Jenna and Ty do a little sleuthing to try to figure out who Gordon really is. This is a friends’ to lovers story with a few twists thrown into the mix. It is an easy to read book giving out lots of warm, emotional feels. I highly recommend it.

This book is so well written you are on an emotional roller coaster with Jenna and Tyson. They are sweet and caring friends since high school and very much invested in their families, careers and friends. You will fall in love with them and not want their story to end.

Another fun lighthearted romance by Denise Hunter. Easy flowing conversations, an inviting setting and likable characters are what make this book an enjoyable relaxing read. The side stories also invited you into the workings of relationships that surrounded the main characters. They helped the story flow and added to the building of the main characters personalities. The setting was part of the story yet didn't take over. The story itself was relatable and believable. I enjoyed reading the book and found it to be an easygoing story that filled a few hours with wholesome entertainment.

There was plenty to enjoy in this sweet romance. What especially stood out to me was the unique setting of Chincoteague Island, Virginia, and the wild ponies there. It was interesting to learn about the traditions of this island. The friends-to-more trope was also done really well, with the bonus of a few unexpected twists in the story. If you enjoy contemporary, small-town, sweet romances, this is the book for you.

More Than Friends by Denise Hunter is a heartwarming friends to lovers story.

When Jenna Greene ends things with her boyfriend, she is fired from her job for refusing his marriage proposal, she is stuck without hope of finding a new job. She returns home to find her mother has brought home a man from a cruise. Jenna is immediately suspicious. Jenna's long time friend, Tyson Parker, tries to help Jenna play detective to find out where this man is coming from.

The story is a departure from others as it is central in Chincoteague, Virginia, where the wild ponies live. Jenna takes on a part time job as a tour guide. Tyson is a volunteer firefighter, which opens Jenna's wounds as she lost her father in a fire.

This is a heartwarming story and a reminder that some love stories are worth the time and patience for feelings to come full circle. Clean, well written characters and interesting. A worth while read.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review.

This was a fantastic read, and I enjoyed it a lot. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

I greatly enjoyed this Heartwarming and heartbreaking read. Characters and storyline kept me from the first page to the last. I could not lay this book down. Jenna and Ty’s story is precious to read and cheer them on. Highly recommend this book. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher and I am freely sharing my review. #denisehunter @denisehunter #netgallay @netgalley #harpercollinspublisher @harpercollinspublisher

More Than Just Friends by Denise Hunter is a Christian Contemporary Christian romance. I enjoyed reading this story very much. It is well written and easy to read. I quickly got caught up in the story that kept my interest to the very end. This is a nice story of going home, finding the person and the life God meant for you.

This is a fun story to read. Jenna finds herself without a job and boyfriend and able to quickly go home to check on her mother. Her childhood friend, Tyson, is still there as is the job she loved and excelled in. But her mother has a new boyfriend Jenna is suspicious of and the business she work for is now for sale. The mystery behind her mother’s boyfriend adds to keeping the story interesting. I enjoyed the background story of the ponies and how they help the town.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

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.

Denise Hunter brings us along as Jenna and her Mom's, life unfolds from where they are now. Jenna and her BFF from childhood, start hanging out, her mother and the man that came home with her after the cruise, are getting to know each other. I found that it was slow paced, that was laid back, and I just enjoyed it. The community, the kayaking that goes gently through the water, the Chincoteague's wild ponies, possibly gently falling in love.
It was nice to slow down, get out of the chaos of life, and just enjoy watching their life unfold.
I received an ARC from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I enjoy books that take me away, to some place relaxing, enjoyable, and calm, this book did all three.

I loved this book. It’s the first book I’ve read of Denise Hunter and she didn’t disappoint. I definitely want to read more of her books!

I loved this book. It kept my interest because of the factual aspects of the wild Chincoteague ponies that were included in the great story of friendship and family. Jenna returns home after turning down her now ex-boyfriend’s proposal. Her bff from school Tyson is a volunteer firefighter and going through a divorce; they reconnect and find out that their feelings have changed. Working together to solve the mystery of her mother’s new vacation boyfriend draws them closer together. Can they work through their old traumas to find love with each other? You’ll have to read this story to find out. I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I loved this story from the very start. The opening scene set me up for a fun read. I was not disappointed throughout the story.

We start with meeting Jenna, who based on the opening, returns home to see her mom and find out what's going on there. We soon after meet Tyson, her friend. They relate vey well. The setting of an island, and beach always appeals to me. This one is more special as it includes a lot about the wild ponies on Chincoteague and the pony buy back. There's a lot of history for Jenna and I fell in love with Dream.

The story has people who have been damaged, hurt, disappointed for good reasons. There are side couples who play into the story and I liked them all.

This is a low spice Christian Fiction and I appreciated it for that.

I love reading Denise Hunter so I was looking forward to reading her newest novel set to release in April 2026.

Denise Hunter is a must read for me. Her stories are heartfelt and features realistic characters with complex histories and just a joy to read.

Jenna returns home after a broken engagement and losing her job. She reconnects with her lifelong best friend, who is also a ‘saltwater cowboy’ and a go red fighter. This novel takes place in Virginia, on Chincoteague Island, which features the famous Chincoteague ponies. I have never heard of this place before so it was interesting to read about the history - it was beautifully written and felt like I was there.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I always enjoy reading Denise Hunter books because I know I will be drawn into a world of romance, chemistry and a friendly wrap-around community. More than Friends brings all that along with fascinating details about the history of Chincoteague Island (I always love it when I learn interesting historical facts while I read fiction!). I found this book to be one I didn't want to put down, I was so pleased I started reading on the weekend, as I was drawn in to Jenna and Tyson's story.

Jenna has hit rock bottom - a marriage proposal rejection sees her losing her relationship and job and since it was very public no one is hiring her. She heads back home to Chincoteague Island where her mother and oldest & best friend Tyson is still living. Together they enjoy hanging out, investigating her mothers new boyfriend and avoiding the chemistry sizzling just beneath the surface.

This book has great characters, wonderful emotions and some totally relatable problems. I really enjoyed the storyline and the way Jenna had to work to find herself and discover what makes her tick best. There are challenges and joys being involved in the fire brigade/first responders and I thought these were carefully and tastefully discussed throughout the book. This is a book I know I will pick up again when I want a satisfying comfort read. I received a complimentary copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

⭐friends to more
⭐finding yourself
⭐sweet & clean

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.

Denise Hunter is always a win in my book!

More than Fiends by Denise Hunter is another winner - you can never go wrong with her books - maybe that's why movies are often made?? ;) In this one, set in a small town island, Chincoteague, on the Eastern coast of Virginia, Jenna Greene returns home after losing her boyfriend and her job. Ready to find peace and breathe, her mom comes home with a new boyfriend, however, Jenna feels something is off.

Tyson Parker was Jenna's best friend growing up and he's never left the island. He's always loved being there and now he's a firefighter. Tyson's ex-wife broke him, when she cheated on him and now as his friendship rekindles with Jenna, feelings begin to grow. Jenna gets his help to uncover the secrets of her mom's boyfriend and when feelings develop between the two - can they trust to find where this leads?

I really enjoyed this wonderful friends to more romance taking place around Chincoteague and Assoteague Islands, and the famous ponies, which play a big part of the story. Themes of grief, fear, second chance romance, with suspicions of a con job. Clean/cozy with light faith thread. Kayaking, history tour guide, firefighting, a few tears, but mostly joy! Such an enjoyable story!

Great for lovers of romance + women’s fiction

Love the author and her writing style

Fun romance that’s unique but classic in vibes

More Than Friends is my favorite Denise Hunter book yet! It had all the elements I love in a romance—memorable characters, sweet and wonderful chemistry, meaningful character transformation, and a beautiful, unforgettable setting that made me wish I could visit the island and see the ponies myself. I even looked up the Chincoteague Pony and the Chincoteague Island setting and was amazed that it’s a real place. Now I definitely want to visit!

I found myself thinking about the book whenever I wasn’t reading it because I truly enjoyed spending time with these characters. Tyson’s playful rivalry and brotherly bond with his brothers had me laughing many times, and the sibling dynamics even made me think of my own siblings. I’m already hoping we’ll get to read Seth’s story soon.

I also appreciated Jenna’s deep love and concern for her mother, which made her character shine even more. And it was so sweet to watch the gradual blossoming from friendship into something deeper. I always enjoy stories where romantic partners start off as friends, though that shift can be difficult to navigate. Denise Hunter handled it beautifully—it never felt rushed, and their fears and uncertainties were shown naturally through the story.

For me, this was an amazing read and one I could easily revisit just to spend more time with the characters and the unforgettable island setting. Highly recommended!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jenna and Ty have been best friends since childhood. When Jenna returns to the island after she loses her job in the city, things begin to heat up between them. They are both afraid to take the next step and ruin their friendship. Despite their best efforts, the pull is too strong. Then when tragedy strikes, things fall apart. Are they able to repair the damage between them and start over? You'll have to read this book to find out. Sweet story with wonderful characters. I loved the setting on Chincoteague Island and learning about the ponies and the history behind that. Very interesting. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own. #morethanfriends #netgalley #thomasnelsonfiction

Jenna and Tyson were friends since age 12. Jenna broke up with her ex, lost her job, and decided to go home to see her mom. She is surprised to find her mother brought home a guy from a cruise. Jenna has always shared her thoughts with her best friend Tyson. This time being together makes them wonder if they are more than friends. This takes place close to Chincoteague Island. I loved the traditions of the wild horses. Tyson works with the horses, helps his parents at their Bed and Breakfast, and is a volunteer firefighter. Between Tyson's jobs and trying to figure out why mom's boyfriend is still around allows for a lot of excitement. Great book with wonderful characters.

Alexandria, Virginia. Jenna Greene has made it clear to the guy she’s been dating for two years that she’s not ready to get married, Jenna can’t believe it when he proposes, and when she doesn’t say “yes” he fires her.

Jenna returns home to Chincoteague Island, her widowed mother Dee has returned from a cruise, with a boyfriend and this sets of alarm bells for her daughter.

Tyson Parker is divorced, works at his parents' bed and breakfast, and is a volunteer firefighter. Jenna lived right across the street, being athletic she hung out with the three boys growing up and she’s a good friends with the whole family. He’s very happy when Jenna returns, she convinces him to help her find out more about the elusive Gordon, after spending time with her, Tyson notices Jenna is a very attractive woman and she’s noted he’s very handsome man.

However, Jenna has vowed never to become involved with a first responder, as she still hasn’t got over the loss of her dad who was a firefighter eighteen years ago and besides she and Tyson don’t have a great track record in finding love and nothing worse than being in a rebound relationship or a second choice.

I received a complimentary copy of More than Friends from Thomas Nelson and all opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This is the first novel I have read by award winning writer Denise Hunter and it won’t be my last.

Unbeknownst to me for over a hundred years and in late July saltwater cowboys have been swimming wild Chincoteague ponies across the Assateague Channel, and I can understand why it attracts tourists and animal enthusiasts. To keep the herd numbers under control and they are taken to the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds and some of the foals are auctioned off for a good reason and cause.

Combine this with a friends to possible lovers narrative it’s a winner, and it also includes other relevant topics such as grief and loss, abandonment and change, how it’s important to get professional help to deal with this.

I highly recommend, for fans of clean and wholesome romantic fiction and five stars from me.

If you’re looking for a sweet, small-town romance to get lost in, More Than Friends by Denise Hunter is such a cozy read. Jenna returns to her mom’s house on Chincoteague Island after a broken engagement and ends up leaning on her childhood best friend, Tyson—a swoony saltwater cowboy and volunteer firefighter—for help when things get a little mysterious around her mom’s new boyfriend.

I loved the friends-to-more storyline—it’s funny, tender, and full of those “aw, finally!” moments that make you root for the couple. Tyson is charming, grounded, and just the right mix of protective and swoony, and Jenna’s mix of determination and vulnerability makes her so relatable.

If you’re a fan of Debbie Macomber or Hallmark-style romance, this one’s a perfect escape: warm, funny, and heartfelt, with a touch of mystery to keep you turning pages late into the night.

Not really a second chance romance, but rather a first chance at a romance between long standing friends. Loved the setting at Chincoteague and the wild ponies. I was rooting for Jenna and Tyson the whole time—hoping they could find their way to each other. As their feelings develop Jenna must face feelings about romance with a first responder in light of the loss of her father. A great beach read.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own