Tuesday, December 13, 2016

More Than Friends (Kendrick Place #1) by Jody Holford - Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway



More Than Friends
Kendrick Place #1
Jody Holford
Releasing December 5, 2016
Entangled


Owen Burnett planned on a quiet, easygoing Christmas, hanging out with his best friend and neighbor, Gabby Michaelson. So when his mom pressures him to come home for the holidays, he tells a little white lie…that he’s spending the holidays with his new girlfriend. But when his family shows up unexpectedly, Owen pulls the best friend card and asks Gabby to play his fake girlfriend.

Gabby’s been hopelessly in love with her best friend Owen for what feels like forever, but playing his "fake" girlfriend when the entire boisterous Burnett clan visits is easier said than done. The more she tries to deny the attraction between them, the more obvious their chemistry becomes. But even though she's not the only one feeling it, putting their friendship on the line is a risk she can’t take.





He rolled to his side, once again adjusting his arm so he could prop himself up on his elbow. His other hand moved to Gabby’s waist, stroking the skin that had been taunting him for the past two nights. He could see the shine of her eyes in the dark. He felt her against him, everywhere. Her scent curled inside him. She was part of him and he hadn’t taken any time to realize what that actually meant.

“Owen?” Her voice was a whisper.

“There isn’t anything about you I would change.” He wanted to say more. He wanted to say the words that were tumbling inside his brain and his heart, words he’d held back or buried. But right in that moment, he wanted something more.

Bringing his hand to her face, he smoothed his thumb across her lips. He heard, felt, her breath quicken as he inched closer, until looking into her eyes began to consume him and he had to let his own close. His mouth touched hers—not for show or because anyone expected it, but because he needed to kiss her, needed to trace her lips with his tongue and memorize the taste of her. Of Gabby.

Her hand moved up his chest, around the back of his neck and into his hair where her fingers gripped, tightened, like she was afraid he’d get away. There was absolutely nowhere he’d rather be. Using his tongue and his teeth along the column of her neck as he’d wanted to earlier, his fingers drifted down, lowering the strap of her tank top. He nipped at her jaw, trailing kisses back up to her ear, telling her she was perfect.

She was everything. She was his.

How the hell could he have missed this? And how would they ever go back to the way it had been before?


I loved that it took place during Christmas, it made their love extra special. Even though Gabby was already in love with Owen, I enjoyed seeing Owen realize what he felt for her. Cute story about friendship turning into love! There were some interesting characters in their building, looking forward to seeing where their stories go.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.




Jody Holford is a multi-published author who has a soft spot for happily ever after. So much so, she tattooed the words on her arm. She’s a mom and a wife, a friend, sister, daughter, teacher, and book-lover. Her stories have a little bit of heat and a lot of heart. And maybe, some swoon-worthy moments that will make you smile.



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