At a Glance
Book Summary
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?
My Thoughts
Another sweet, cute, and lighthearted romance from one of my favorite romance authors. Denise Hunter never disappoints! I really enjoy her stories because they always feel real and authentic. Her characters are easy to connect with and root for, and I always find myself completely immersed in their stories. I also love that I never have to worry about language or spice in her books. They are completely clean reads, which I really appreciate.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration. The narrator did a wonderful job bringing the characters and story to life. Set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, this is the perfect beach read for a warm summer day when you want something lighthearted, sweet, and fun.
This is another fluffy, feel-good romance featuring Jenna and Tyson, childhood friends who finally begin to realize their feelings for each other. Friends-to-more is one of my favorite romance tropes, so I loved watching their relationship gradually turn into something more. I also loved Tyson as the firefighter hero.
There was enough happening outside of the romance to keep the story interesting, including a side mystery involving Jenna’s mom and her mysterious boyfriend. I enjoyed that storyline and thought it added another layer to the book without taking away from the romance.
My biggest complaint is that the story doesn’t have a lot of emotional depth. We never get quite as deep with the characters or their relationship as I would have liked. I think a little more character development and emotional connection would have made the romance even stronger. However, that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story for what it was: a sweet, easygoing romance that was simply fun to read.
I also appreciated that there were more references to God and stronger faith elements in this story than in some of Hunter’s previous books. I enjoyed seeing that woven naturally into the characters’ lives and the overall story.
If you’re looking for a fluffy summertime beach read with friends-to-more romance, a firefighter hero, a little mystery, and cozy small-town vibes, this is a great one to pick up. Definitely recommend! I’ll continue picking up anything Denise Hunter writes.
**This book is part of a summer romance Try a Chapter episode, which you can listen to here.
