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Friends #2
More Than Friends
He's not perfect, but he's all I want...
I’m your average girl at your average high school, trying to figure out my place in life. After catching my now ex-boyfriend messing around with my now ex-best friend, I’ve made some big changes. No more band, no more backstabbing friends and no more boring old life. Now I have new friends, a new job and new interests.
But there’s a certain someone who’s interested in me, and I don’t get it. Jordan Tuttle could have anyone he wants. He’s the most popular boy in school. Rich, gorgeous, smart and the star quarterback, he’s perfect. Yet he acts like he wants no one else but…me.
So despite my fears and doubt, I let him get close. Probably too close. I discover that he’s not so perfect after all, but it doesn’t matter. I’m falling for him, even though he runs so hot and cold. I know someday he’s going to break my heart.
And I’m going to let him.
I’m your average girl at your average high school, trying to figure out my place in life. After catching my now ex-boyfriend messing around with my now ex-best friend, I’ve made some big changes. No more band, no more backstabbing friends and no more boring old life. Now I have new friends, a new job and new interests.
But there’s a certain someone who’s interested in me, and I don’t get it. Jordan Tuttle could have anyone he wants. He’s the most popular boy in school. Rich, gorgeous, smart and the star quarterback, he’s perfect. Yet he acts like he wants no one else but…me.
So despite my fears and doubt, I let him get close. Probably too close. I discover that he’s not so perfect after all, but it doesn’t matter. I’m falling for him, even though he runs so hot and cold. I know someday he’s going to break my heart.
And I’m going to let him.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2016
About the author
Monica Murphy
96 books16.2k followersNew York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
July 10, 2020
3.5 stars
Monica Murphy did it again! More teen angst and drama and an addicting read you won’t be able to put down! When I read Just Friends earlier this year, I was desperate to get the sequel. It ended on a bit of a cliffy and I needed to know what was going to happen between Livvy and Ryan. Then, I found out it was about a different couple and was like huh? However, I was excited to read More than Friends, which was about Amanda and Tuttle. Amanda was one of my favorite characters in the first book so I was ready to jump into her story.
Jordan and Amanda couldn’t be more different. Tuttle is Mr. Popular and the QB of their high school football team. Amanda used to be in the band, until her boyfriend and best friend hooked up behind her back. Now she’s not got a place. She’s kind of fallen into a friendship with Livvy and Jordan Tuttle has taken notice of her. Amanda likes Tuttle a lot, but she’s untrusting, and for good reasons. She was burned bad.
Amanda and Tuttle’s relationship is… complex. Amanda doesn’t trust. Tuttle has things in his life he’s not ready to open up about. It makes it hard for them to make things work.
I loved Tuttle. I understood him. He’s not a stuck up guy. He’s got a lot going on in his home life and that’s why he is the way he is. I felt how much he cared for Amanda and how devoted he was to her.
Amanda was different than I thought she would be from the first book. Being in her head was different than seeing her through Livvy’s eyes. She’s still one of the most likable ones in the book, but I have to say, I thought Tuttle shined much more brightly than her in this book. Regardless, I loved them together.
This book stressed me out, but not nearly as much as the first. The end has another cliffy, so I’m hoping another book will be out soon and it will be about Amanda and Tuttle again. If you love teenage (mature ya) angst and want characters who are a bit more down to earth and relatable than the first book in this series, More than Friends is one I recommend!
Monica Murphy did it again! More teen angst and drama and an addicting read you won’t be able to put down! When I read Just Friends earlier this year, I was desperate to get the sequel. It ended on a bit of a cliffy and I needed to know what was going to happen between Livvy and Ryan. Then, I found out it was about a different couple and was like huh? However, I was excited to read More than Friends, which was about Amanda and Tuttle. Amanda was one of my favorite characters in the first book so I was ready to jump into her story.
Jordan Tuttle could have anyone he wants. He’s the most popular boy in school. Rich, gorgeous, smart and the star quarterback, he’s perfect. Yet he acts like he wants no one else but…me.
Jordan and Amanda couldn’t be more different. Tuttle is Mr. Popular and the QB of their high school football team. Amanda used to be in the band, until her boyfriend and best friend hooked up behind her back. Now she’s not got a place. She’s kind of fallen into a friendship with Livvy and Jordan Tuttle has taken notice of her. Amanda likes Tuttle a lot, but she’s untrusting, and for good reasons. She was burned bad.
Amanda and Tuttle’s relationship is… complex. Amanda doesn’t trust. Tuttle has things in his life he’s not ready to open up about. It makes it hard for them to make things work.
I loved Tuttle. I understood him. He’s not a stuck up guy. He’s got a lot going on in his home life and that’s why he is the way he is. I felt how much he cared for Amanda and how devoted he was to her.
It doesn’t feel like she’s talking about Juliet and her feelings for Romeo. It feels like Mandy is talking about her feelings for me. She’s my missing puzzle pieces. She’s the only one I need.
Amanda was different than I thought she would be from the first book. Being in her head was different than seeing her through Livvy’s eyes. She’s still one of the most likable ones in the book, but I have to say, I thought Tuttle shined much more brightly than her in this book. Regardless, I loved them together.
This book stressed me out, but not nearly as much as the first. The end has another cliffy, so I’m hoping another book will be out soon and it will be about Amanda and Tuttle again. If you love teenage (mature ya) angst and want characters who are a bit more down to earth and relatable than the first book in this series, More than Friends is one I recommend!
“I don’t notice anyone else. Just you.”
November 7, 2016
4 STARS
“He's not perfect, but he's all I want...”
This story follows the previous book’s timeline yet the heroine of this book is Amanda Winters. Amanda is the nice friend that Livvy made for herself in the first book of this series, while the hero is the elusive Jordan Tuttle. Amanda and Jordan share a strong attraction and for the first portion of the story he works really hard for a chance with the skittish Amanda who’s been burned pretty badly before. She has insecurities and doubts about the hottest guy in school/football quarterback showing such interest in her.
”Better to stay safe and alone versus getting burned.”
Jordan is very swoon worthy and this reader was ready much earlier than the heroine to give him a chance. These two are pretty perfect for one another…
”We are not so different after all. When we are together, we are one and the same. We are like a puzzle, each of us made up of so many varied pieces. And those pieces only make sense when we come together. They say we can’t make our own choices, but they’re wrong. I choose him.”
There’s gossip about how Jordan treats girls in school, a dominating father, an adorable freshman quarterback, a sweet rain rescue, and of course Livvy, Em, Ryan and Dustin who are included in the mix as well. It seems Jordan is much more complex than I had originally thought and our sweet Amanda is put through the ringer.
”I want to be,” he whispers, and I step back, confused. “You want to be what?”
“Serious. About this. About us. About you.” He hesitates. “But I don’t know how.”
The story ends with a CLIFFHANGER and I’m anxiously awaiting a title and release date for more of Amanda and Jordan.
Monica Murphy writes the most addicting, frustrating group of high school seniors I have read to date. I dare you to try the first book and not get hooked on this bunch!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
“He's not perfect, but he's all I want...”
This story follows the previous book’s timeline yet the heroine of this book is Amanda Winters. Amanda is the nice friend that Livvy made for herself in the first book of this series, while the hero is the elusive Jordan Tuttle. Amanda and Jordan share a strong attraction and for the first portion of the story he works really hard for a chance with the skittish Amanda who’s been burned pretty badly before. She has insecurities and doubts about the hottest guy in school/football quarterback showing such interest in her.
”Better to stay safe and alone versus getting burned.”
Jordan is very swoon worthy and this reader was ready much earlier than the heroine to give him a chance. These two are pretty perfect for one another…
”We are not so different after all. When we are together, we are one and the same. We are like a puzzle, each of us made up of so many varied pieces. And those pieces only make sense when we come together. They say we can’t make our own choices, but they’re wrong. I choose him.”
There’s gossip about how Jordan treats girls in school, a dominating father, an adorable freshman quarterback, a sweet rain rescue, and of course Livvy, Em, Ryan and Dustin who are included in the mix as well. It seems Jordan is much more complex than I had originally thought and our sweet Amanda is put through the ringer.
”I want to be,” he whispers, and I step back, confused. “You want to be what?”
“Serious. About this. About us. About you.” He hesitates. “But I don’t know how.”
The story ends with a CLIFFHANGER and I’m anxiously awaiting a title and release date for more of Amanda and Jordan.
Monica Murphy writes the most addicting, frustrating group of high school seniors I have read to date. I dare you to try the first book and not get hooked on this bunch!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
November 13, 2016
"One day someone is going to hug you tight that all your broken pieces will stick back together."
There is something that shines in a young adult (YA) romance. Maybe it’s the movement, the faster pace, or the engagement of the characters with the reader. Perhaps it’s the childhood innocence resonating through the story. It could be the trip down memory lane it takes to those teenage years, sparking good and trying times. The glue that usually cements YA stories—with tough topics, some sexy scenes, and lots of depth—together is hope. Who doesn’t need a little hope?
After lighting my YA fire with Monica Murphy's Just Friends, that flame while fueled still yearned for more; I NEEDED More Than Friends. Fast and furiously, More Than Friends became my drug…my fix…my fascination. I could not put this all-consuming story down.
With the heady concoction of allure, addiction, and angst, I read this book with bated breaths. This story seduced me where I sank so hard. More Than Friends is a sweet and seductive coming of age romance that bleeds angst with passion penetrating straight through the pages.
I was anxious to meet More Than Friends. Amanda and Tuttle's story just begged to be read. I've wanted more Amanda and Tuttle since their explosive chemistry and cat and mouse game ensnared me in book one.
“He kisses me again. Another brief brush of lips on lips, yet I’m decimated.”
Once a high school girl messed around with a football player from school at a party on a rebound, a boy she's known since grade school. An unknown girl and the most popular guy at school have an unlikely connection, full of chemistry and ready to combust.
This pretty and extraordinary girl with dark hair and eyes plus endless legs, Amanda Winters, thinks she's only ordinary. Undeserving of attention from the most amazing guy at school.
“You didn’t even notice me.”
Though this insanely hot, tall, muscular quarterback thinks Amanda is the most amazing girl he’s ever known.
“I’ve always noticed you.”
Jordan Tuttle, this gorgeous guy plagued by family demons planted by a father he will never please is looking for someone who truly sees him, the young man behind the mask like an angel named Amanda.
“I have no real dreams. I just go through the motions…I don’t give a piece of myself to anyone…not a soul. I’d give her every piece of me. All she has to do is say the word and I’m hers.”
Oh did I break, my heart shattered into pieces, bleeding for this broken young man who made me sob and swoon.
“I know someday he’s going to break my heart. And I’m going to let him.”
I did not expect to love a YA story as much as a contemporary romance…but I did! I did not expect to become engrossed and entangled in story of high schoolers…but oh I was so tangled and twisted up in every part of this tale! I did not expect to fall in insta-love with More Than Friends…but I FELL IN LOVE SO HARD with this sweet and spellbinding story! I did not expect More Than Friends to be my best book by this author but oh now each romance by Monica Murphy romance becomes my new favorite of hers!
More Than Friends tormented me in the best way where I welcomed every ounce of angst! My pulse pounded. My heart beat out of my chest. My feelings flowed all over the pages. I laughed. I cried. I hoped. I FELL IN UTTER LOVE!
I sank so hard, fell so hard, and LOVED THIS STORY SO HARD! I gave myself to More Than Friends. Every tear. Every smile. Every laugh. Every gasp. I surrendered my heart and soul to this seductive story full of feels where they still remain.
★★★★★ more than amazing stars
There is something that shines in a young adult (YA) romance. Maybe it’s the movement, the faster pace, or the engagement of the characters with the reader. Perhaps it’s the childhood innocence resonating through the story. It could be the trip down memory lane it takes to those teenage years, sparking good and trying times. The glue that usually cements YA stories—with tough topics, some sexy scenes, and lots of depth—together is hope. Who doesn’t need a little hope?
After lighting my YA fire with Monica Murphy's Just Friends, that flame while fueled still yearned for more; I NEEDED More Than Friends. Fast and furiously, More Than Friends became my drug…my fix…my fascination. I could not put this all-consuming story down.
With the heady concoction of allure, addiction, and angst, I read this book with bated breaths. This story seduced me where I sank so hard. More Than Friends is a sweet and seductive coming of age romance that bleeds angst with passion penetrating straight through the pages.
I was anxious to meet More Than Friends. Amanda and Tuttle's story just begged to be read. I've wanted more Amanda and Tuttle since their explosive chemistry and cat and mouse game ensnared me in book one.
“He kisses me again. Another brief brush of lips on lips, yet I’m decimated.”
Once a high school girl messed around with a football player from school at a party on a rebound, a boy she's known since grade school. An unknown girl and the most popular guy at school have an unlikely connection, full of chemistry and ready to combust.
This pretty and extraordinary girl with dark hair and eyes plus endless legs, Amanda Winters, thinks she's only ordinary. Undeserving of attention from the most amazing guy at school.
“You didn’t even notice me.”
Though this insanely hot, tall, muscular quarterback thinks Amanda is the most amazing girl he’s ever known.
“I’ve always noticed you.”
Jordan Tuttle, this gorgeous guy plagued by family demons planted by a father he will never please is looking for someone who truly sees him, the young man behind the mask like an angel named Amanda.
“I have no real dreams. I just go through the motions…I don’t give a piece of myself to anyone…not a soul. I’d give her every piece of me. All she has to do is say the word and I’m hers.”
Oh did I break, my heart shattered into pieces, bleeding for this broken young man who made me sob and swoon.
“I know someday he’s going to break my heart. And I’m going to let him.”
I did not expect to love a YA story as much as a contemporary romance…but I did! I did not expect to become engrossed and entangled in story of high schoolers…but oh I was so tangled and twisted up in every part of this tale! I did not expect to fall in insta-love with More Than Friends…but I FELL IN LOVE SO HARD with this sweet and spellbinding story! I did not expect More Than Friends to be my best book by this author but oh now each romance by Monica Murphy romance becomes my new favorite of hers!
More Than Friends tormented me in the best way where I welcomed every ounce of angst! My pulse pounded. My heart beat out of my chest. My feelings flowed all over the pages. I laughed. I cried. I hoped. I FELL IN UTTER LOVE!
I sank so hard, fell so hard, and LOVED THIS STORY SO HARD! I gave myself to More Than Friends. Every tear. Every smile. Every laugh. Every gasp. I surrendered my heart and soul to this seductive story full of feels where they still remain.
★★★★★ more than amazing stars
November 16, 2016
4 stars!
Review at Of Pens and Pages
More than Friends is the sequel of Just Friends, but instead of reading it in Livvy's POV, we have it in Amanda's and Tuttle's perspectives. It's quite a relief since Amanda was my favorite in the group, and I was more invested in her and Tuttle's romance.
Amanda Walters still can't believe Jordan Tuttle, the star quarterback, is interested in her. Until recently, she never really stood out, and to suddenly have the interest of one of the most popular students in school was quite unnerving. Still, she's attracted to him, and can't stop feeling it for him. Tuttle is persistent in his pursuit, and thanks to a group project in Honors English, they discover their feelings and give in to the undeniable pull between them.
Having read Just Friends a few months ago, I really wanted to know what happened between Olivia and Ryan since the first book ended up in a bit of a cliffy. Although I'm really happy to read Amanda's story, I would have wanted to find out more about what happened after the cliffy in the first book. Livvy and Ryan––and most of the drama in the first book––took a back seat and let Amanda and Jordan become the driving force of this sequel. There were only brief mentions of Dustin, but there's more of Em. I'd love to read more about her and what's going on with her life.
Amanda seems like the only decent person in this bunch, and I'm so happy I got to read a story in her POV. Most of the people here are f*ed up. Amanda is relatable, and we had the same thoughts about everything that happened in this book. She isn't perfect, but she listens to reason and knows when to fight for herself and when to back down.
I love Jordan Tuttle. He's persistent, sweet, surprisingly deep, but still so flawed. His family is pretty much the opposite of Amanda's. As a matter of fact, he's the opposite of Amanda, but maybe that's why they work so well! He made me smile and swoon and made me want someone like him!
I hated Olivia in Just Friends, but started to like her in More than Friends. She started out as this self-absorbed girl who thought the worst about everyone despite being just as flawed. It was a relief to see her care more for Amanda than she first let on in this book. Her and Ryan both. I'm still not a huge fan though.
This book ends in another cliffy. I really want to read more about Amanda and Jordan. I'm rooting for their HEA! I also want to read more about Em, and maybe Livvy and Ryan, too.
Over all, I enjoyed More than Friends so much more than I did Just Friends. I'd recommend it to more mature teens as this story has a few mature scenes not fit for younger ones.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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Review at Of Pens and Pages
More than Friends is the sequel of Just Friends, but instead of reading it in Livvy's POV, we have it in Amanda's and Tuttle's perspectives. It's quite a relief since Amanda was my favorite in the group, and I was more invested in her and Tuttle's romance.
Amanda Walters still can't believe Jordan Tuttle, the star quarterback, is interested in her. Until recently, she never really stood out, and to suddenly have the interest of one of the most popular students in school was quite unnerving. Still, she's attracted to him, and can't stop feeling it for him. Tuttle is persistent in his pursuit, and thanks to a group project in Honors English, they discover their feelings and give in to the undeniable pull between them.
Stop pretending this isn't happening, Amanda. I'm tired of fighting it."
Having read Just Friends a few months ago, I really wanted to know what happened between Olivia and Ryan since the first book ended up in a bit of a cliffy. Although I'm really happy to read Amanda's story, I would have wanted to find out more about what happened after the cliffy in the first book. Livvy and Ryan––and most of the drama in the first book––took a back seat and let Amanda and Jordan become the driving force of this sequel. There were only brief mentions of Dustin, but there's more of Em. I'd love to read more about her and what's going on with her life.
Amanda seems like the only decent person in this bunch, and I'm so happy I got to read a story in her POV. Most of the people here are f*ed up. Amanda is relatable, and we had the same thoughts about everything that happened in this book. She isn't perfect, but she listens to reason and knows when to fight for herself and when to back down.
I love Jordan Tuttle. He's persistent, sweet, surprisingly deep, but still so flawed. His family is pretty much the opposite of Amanda's. As a matter of fact, he's the opposite of Amanda, but maybe that's why they work so well! He made me smile and swoon and made me want someone like him!
I hated Olivia in Just Friends, but started to like her in More than Friends. She started out as this self-absorbed girl who thought the worst about everyone despite being just as flawed. It was a relief to see her care more for Amanda than she first let on in this book. Her and Ryan both. I'm still not a huge fan though.
This book ends in another cliffy. I really want to read more about Amanda and Jordan. I'm rooting for their HEA! I also want to read more about Em, and maybe Livvy and Ryan, too.
Over all, I enjoyed More than Friends so much more than I did Just Friends. I'd recommend it to more mature teens as this story has a few mature scenes not fit for younger ones.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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November 17, 2016
More than Friends is the second full-length book in the Friends series. The first book focused on Olivia, her friends, her boyfriends, and was all from her POV. The ending leaves off on a cliffy which involves Olivia, Ryan, Tuttle, and Amanda. So to be honest, I was hoping we would get more of a conclusion for Ryan and Olivia before jumping into Amanda’s story.
However, the story continues to move forward for all characters, but this time we get Amanda and Tuttle’s point of view. We do get to see Olivia and Ryan as side characters, but it’s different when you are no longer reading from their point of view.
Amanda is Olivia’s new friend but doesn’t fit into Olivia's old group of friends. She recently quit the band, she makes good grades and is nice to everyone. So when the popular, man-whore Tuttle shows interest it’s hard to convince her his feelings are genuine. She isn’t like the other girls Tuttle dates/hooks up with, but he is relentless in pursuing her.
Tuttle is a bit of a mystery to me and I loved getting to read his thoughts. I really think Amanda is a great person and tries to do what’s right, so I naturally the protector in me wanted Tuttle to be the type of guy Amanda deserved. He definitely impressed me at times, but I was left wanting more. Now, this may not be fair as he is a high school student, so I am probably asking for too much maturity from him. I just wanted to see more sacrifice and give from him.
Regardless let’s talk about this series and how addictive it is, because once you start these books you can’t put them down. For all the angst lovers the teenage angst was off the charts and had this wimp anxiously turning the page as fast as possible to see what would happen next. I am so desperate for some conclusions, conclusions for everyone, so I hope this next installment provides me some much needed peace!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
However, the story continues to move forward for all characters, but this time we get Amanda and Tuttle’s point of view. We do get to see Olivia and Ryan as side characters, but it’s different when you are no longer reading from their point of view.
Amanda is Olivia’s new friend but doesn’t fit into Olivia's old group of friends. She recently quit the band, she makes good grades and is nice to everyone. So when the popular, man-whore Tuttle shows interest it’s hard to convince her his feelings are genuine. She isn’t like the other girls Tuttle dates/hooks up with, but he is relentless in pursuing her.
Tuttle is a bit of a mystery to me and I loved getting to read his thoughts. I really think Amanda is a great person and tries to do what’s right, so I naturally the protector in me wanted Tuttle to be the type of guy Amanda deserved. He definitely impressed me at times, but I was left wanting more. Now, this may not be fair as he is a high school student, so I am probably asking for too much maturity from him. I just wanted to see more sacrifice and give from him.
Regardless let’s talk about this series and how addictive it is, because once you start these books you can’t put them down. For all the angst lovers the teenage angst was off the charts and had this wimp anxiously turning the page as fast as possible to see what would happen next. I am so desperate for some conclusions, conclusions for everyone, so I hope this next installment provides me some much needed peace!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2016
4 Stars
Oh boy!! I'm not really one for YA reads I'll be honest I love some of the sexy in it. That's said sometimes I try them and being I read the last book in this series I really wanted to continue on with this series. This through is a different couple, with different troubles, and different issues...
Jordan Tuttle and Amanda are the kind of hero and heroine where opposites attract, Jordan is Rich, popular and the star Quarterback at their school. Amanda is a regular, normal down to earth teen with the normal worries and struggles that you have at 17 years of age. But Jordan actually is attracted to the beauty of her and doesn't want the bitchy, winy girls that want to hang on to him like normal. This read is full of sweet angst, lots of #CuddlewithTuttle moments and the everyday teenager worries. Yet Tuttle is also the cold hearted, hard BAD boy and has a deeper turmoil with his family, so there's more going on with him. I love a stubborn, angry and yet broken hero's and Jordan was definitely that.
This is book one of two, I didn't realise that but I feel this is just the beginning of some sweet delicious teenager love. Jordan just needs to open up and let Amanda in!!! I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a page turner and also an angst lover. It's YA but also has mature content so I'd still recommend it to people who love NA aswell as YA!!
That is all...
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog posts
Oh boy!! I'm not really one for YA reads I'll be honest I love some of the sexy in it. That's said sometimes I try them and being I read the last book in this series I really wanted to continue on with this series. This through is a different couple, with different troubles, and different issues...
Jordan Tuttle and Amanda are the kind of hero and heroine where opposites attract, Jordan is Rich, popular and the star Quarterback at their school. Amanda is a regular, normal down to earth teen with the normal worries and struggles that you have at 17 years of age. But Jordan actually is attracted to the beauty of her and doesn't want the bitchy, winy girls that want to hang on to him like normal. This read is full of sweet angst, lots of #CuddlewithTuttle moments and the everyday teenager worries. Yet Tuttle is also the cold hearted, hard BAD boy and has a deeper turmoil with his family, so there's more going on with him. I love a stubborn, angry and yet broken hero's and Jordan was definitely that.
This is book one of two, I didn't realise that but I feel this is just the beginning of some sweet delicious teenager love. Jordan just needs to open up and let Amanda in!!! I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a page turner and also an angst lover. It's YA but also has mature content so I'd still recommend it to people who love NA aswell as YA!!
That is all...
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog posts
November 14, 2016
Monica Murphy did amazing things with More Than Friends. This story picks up where the last one left off, just from a different characters POV. The story is told in dual POV and it does end in a cliffhanger. The good part about that... more of these freaking amazing characters!
I'll be honest and say that I had a very difficult time connecting with Olivia in Just Friends, that was not a problem in this book. Amanda is a very relatable character, and even though she is flawed and makes mistakes, she LEARNS from them! It was great reading her growth throughout the story.
Tuttle, oh Jordan. *Sigh*. He gave me all the feels and then some. His moments were hot, sweet, romantic, and sometimes frustrating. We got to know more about the mysterious Jordan, what makes him the moody broody closed off guy.
This couple is very hot and cold, but it's an enjoyable ride. Reading about them navigating how to deal with their feelings for each other and how hard Tuttle works to win Amanda over was great! Their relationship feels more mature, but still fitting for their age. Their relationship as a whole felt more relateable and I was able to root for them. I mean who doesn't want to #CuddleWithTuttle , *Sigh*.
The issues from the first book are all mostly resolved. While they are not forefront in the story, we get our answers. If you really loved the OTT drama of Olivia, Em, Ryan, and Dustin... you may be slightly disappointed in this book because Amanda and Tuttle are more realistic and they have feelings other than "he's hot, she's hot, put your hands in my pants." Yes some of that stuff still happens, just not to the extent of book one. I absolutely enjoyed how Murphy wrapped up the first story, it felt like things happen in high school. You hear them through the grape vine.
I thought this story was very entertaining, kept me wanting to see what would happen next! It gave me an even better perspective on some of the characters I wasn't a fan of in book one. Olivia was tolerable even LIKABLE, and that is really saying something coming from me.
There were also new characters thrown in the mix, and it made things really interesting. Hopefully we get more from a few of them, *cough* Eli *cough* ! I honestly can't wait to see where this story goes! It's going to be an interesting senior year to say the least!
Extremely well written, teenage angst done the right way!
*ARC copy*
*BEFORE READING*
Yeah I didn't like the first books POV, yes I'm going to read this one anyway because I loved Amanda and Tuttle. {all the feels}
The prequel called One Night is AMAZING, highly recommend reading it for free on most retailers before reading Just Friends and More than Friends!
November 18, 2016
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Amanda Winters is a 17 yr. old high school senior who recently made a lot of changes to her life. After catching her ex cheating, she started hanging out with a new group of friends. She quit band, has a new job & has recently shared some amazing kisses with the most popular, hottest guy in school. Jordan Tuttle is the guy every girl wants. He's rich, gorgeous, smart & the star quarterback. He's a mystery to most. Never lets anyone too close & is mostly known for throwing killer parties & casual hookups.
When Jordan lets Mandy know he's interested in something more with her, she questions his sincerity. He's Jordan Tuttle & they live such different lives. He pursues her hard & she continues to resist. She thinks they aren't a good match, & are just a bad idea. Jordan wants to be in her life & be with her. He's had a crush on her for years & she challenges him & makes him smile. He could have anyone he wants, & he's on a mission to make Mandy his girl. He's a distraction she doesn't need. She should be focused on school, her job, and her future, not Jordan Tuttle, but he's slowly getting to her, & working his way into her heart. As they start to go public as a couple, Mandy has to face her own insecurities & go after what she wants.
-Commitment is a dirty word in my vocabulary. I never wanted it before. Yet I want it with Amanda.
-I'd give her every piece of me. All she has to do is say the word and I'm hers.
I really loved Jordan Tuttle!!! In the last book he was more secretive & we didn't know much about him. We learn more about his life & family and find out how crazy he is about Mandy. I loved how he acted like nobody existed but her. He was all in & totally swoony. Jordan decides he wants a relationship with Mandy & will do whatever it takes to convince her what they have is real and he won't hurt her. At the same time Mandy tries to show Jordan she's someone he can count on & trust as well. I really enjoyed this story & love Tuttle & Mandy as a couple! :))
(ARC provided by author)
Amanda Winters is a 17 yr. old high school senior who recently made a lot of changes to her life. After catching her ex cheating, she started hanging out with a new group of friends. She quit band, has a new job & has recently shared some amazing kisses with the most popular, hottest guy in school. Jordan Tuttle is the guy every girl wants. He's rich, gorgeous, smart & the star quarterback. He's a mystery to most. Never lets anyone too close & is mostly known for throwing killer parties & casual hookups.
When Jordan lets Mandy know he's interested in something more with her, she questions his sincerity. He's Jordan Tuttle & they live such different lives. He pursues her hard & she continues to resist. She thinks they aren't a good match, & are just a bad idea. Jordan wants to be in her life & be with her. He's had a crush on her for years & she challenges him & makes him smile. He could have anyone he wants, & he's on a mission to make Mandy his girl. He's a distraction she doesn't need. She should be focused on school, her job, and her future, not Jordan Tuttle, but he's slowly getting to her, & working his way into her heart. As they start to go public as a couple, Mandy has to face her own insecurities & go after what she wants.
-Commitment is a dirty word in my vocabulary. I never wanted it before. Yet I want it with Amanda.
-I'd give her every piece of me. All she has to do is say the word and I'm hers.
I really loved Jordan Tuttle!!! In the last book he was more secretive & we didn't know much about him. We learn more about his life & family and find out how crazy he is about Mandy. I loved how he acted like nobody existed but her. He was all in & totally swoony. Jordan decides he wants a relationship with Mandy & will do whatever it takes to convince her what they have is real and he won't hurt her. At the same time Mandy tries to show Jordan she's someone he can count on & trust as well. I really enjoyed this story & love Tuttle & Mandy as a couple! :))
November 9, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
It’s no secret that Monica Murphy can write teen angst and drama like no other especially when she had readers on edge with Just Friends especially with the Livvy, Ryan, and Dustin love triangle. While readers were still reeling with that love triangle, secondary characters Amanda and Jordan were able to steal our hearts. This unexpected couple what made me so happy when I found out Monica Murphy was going to write book two on them.
“I was starting to wonder if I really was losing my mind when it came to Jordan Tuttle. But no. Jordan is real. He’s in my life because he wants to be here for some crazy reason.”
More Than Friends is Amanda and Jordan’s story. This couple was a fresh of breath of air. I absolutely love this couple the most. I think mostly it’s due to the fact that both Amanda and Jordan are relatable. They didn’t annoy me as much as Olivia did. The simple scenario of good girl Amanda falling for the popular football jock, Jordan Tuttle is something that young adult readers would enjoy.
It’s no secret that chemistry is there. Jordan and Amanda makes a cute couple. They fit together. While they make a great couple, Amanda and Jordan must tackle with their insecurities, jealousy, and family problems. I really loved Amanda in the first book but Jordan Tuttle completely caught me off guard when he made More Than Friends stand out. It is so true when they say don’t judge a book by it’s cover and that couldn’t be more true when it comes Jordan Tuttle. I loved that Monica Murphy slowly peeled off the facade of Jordan Tuttle and allowed readers to truly see the real Jordan Tuttle. Yes, he has popularity and money but his home life is a mess. And so will Jordan finally let Amanda get pass his guarded walls? Or will Amanda discover that they are better off as just friends?
“Only one word pounds through my head, throbs with my heart. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. She’s mine. And I’m never going to let her forget it.”
More Than Friends may have ended in a cliffhanger but it was not so angsty as Just Friends. If you are fan of high school coming of age drama, then this series is a must read. I consider this series a mixture of Sweet Valley High, Gossip Girls, and Beverly Hills 90210. With a fresh new voice and storytelling, Monica Murphy douses readers with all the feels of young love and self discovery. A must read for fans of angst, drama, and coming of age.
Monica Murphy
It’s no secret that Monica Murphy can write teen angst and drama like no other especially when she had readers on edge with Just Friends especially with the Livvy, Ryan, and Dustin love triangle. While readers were still reeling with that love triangle, secondary characters Amanda and Jordan were able to steal our hearts. This unexpected couple what made me so happy when I found out Monica Murphy was going to write book two on them.
“I was starting to wonder if I really was losing my mind when it came to Jordan Tuttle. But no. Jordan is real. He’s in my life because he wants to be here for some crazy reason.”More Than Friends is Amanda and Jordan’s story. This couple was a fresh of breath of air. I absolutely love this couple the most. I think mostly it’s due to the fact that both Amanda and Jordan are relatable. They didn’t annoy me as much as Olivia did. The simple scenario of good girl Amanda falling for the popular football jock, Jordan Tuttle is something that young adult readers would enjoy.
It’s no secret that chemistry is there. Jordan and Amanda makes a cute couple. They fit together. While they make a great couple, Amanda and Jordan must tackle with their insecurities, jealousy, and family problems. I really loved Amanda in the first book but Jordan Tuttle completely caught me off guard when he made More Than Friends stand out. It is so true when they say don’t judge a book by it’s cover and that couldn’t be more true when it comes Jordan Tuttle. I loved that Monica Murphy slowly peeled off the facade of Jordan Tuttle and allowed readers to truly see the real Jordan Tuttle. Yes, he has popularity and money but his home life is a mess. And so will Jordan finally let Amanda get pass his guarded walls? Or will Amanda discover that they are better off as just friends?
“Only one word pounds through my head, throbs with my heart. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. She’s mine. And I’m never going to let her forget it.”More Than Friends may have ended in a cliffhanger but it was not so angsty as Just Friends. If you are fan of high school coming of age drama, then this series is a must read. I consider this series a mixture of Sweet Valley High, Gossip Girls, and Beverly Hills 90210. With a fresh new voice and storytelling, Monica Murphy douses readers with all the feels of young love and self discovery. A must read for fans of angst, drama, and coming of age.
Monica Murphy
November 8, 2016
So glad I got to read and couldn't put down. Less drama than the first book, but I kept turning the pages. Oh Tuttle let me count the ways. But Amanda, I doubt we'd be friends. She's okay, but not my favorite person. I didn't think she was a very good friend to Livvy but she was to everyone else. And that was a contradiction in her character. Is she secretly jealous of Livvy like Em? I doubt it, but it almost comes across that way. I'm looking forward to how things wrap up between Amanda and Tuttle. But I'm still waiting for the conclusion of the Dustin/Livvy/Ryan/Emily square. This reader needs answers, lol.
November 18, 2016
Good freaking grief—that ending!!! We're left broken and aching and hanging again, but gosh did I devour every moment of reading this. It tore me apart; the cliffhanger frustrated me for sure, but then I'm glad at the same time since I know we'll get more of Tuttle and Amanda. Some time real soon, I hope! I mean, there's nothing I want more than that. Especially with how everything ended.
Jordan Tuttle is MY homecoming king. He's the ultimate guy girls dream and drool about having as a boyfriend in high school. He's the smart, popular quarterback of the school's football team. He's sweet, attentive, possessive, thoughtful, and I could go on and on about everything I loved desperately about him. Although he's got his own troubles, I still wanted him. He stole and owned my heart since he first appeared in Just Friends. And then he started pursuing and sticking with Amanda, which just made me crazier and wanting so much more of him. Honestly, when I was still reading the first book in this series, which was mainly focused on Amanda's friend, Livvy, I was already hoping and praying that we'll get a Tuttle book. He absolutely hooked me in that bad. Tuttle melted me and all of my insides. He gave me a massive case of the butterflies in my stomach with just being who he really is. And damn did Monica Murphy deliver. She gave us even more. It's not just a novella. No, it's a full length novel. And we'll even get another one!
I adored Amanda Winters. Despite knowing how much of a good girl with a kind heart she already is, I was still surprised with how much she held her own here. With how she put up and dealt with a hurricane like Jordan Tuttle. There was no way to stay out of all the drama surrounding high school life, but I think she took everything in stride. And I felt for her. My heart was with her from the first page of this book until the very last. It swelled and soared, then flopped and crumbled right alongside hers. While Jordan has his own issues, Amanda isn't completely flawless either. She has insecurities that run deep and it doesn't help when other people try and make all that creep out every time she has something good going along for her. Though I think the qualities that made Jordan crave her the most are the support and warmth and normalcy she silently offers. Some of the things he doesn't get from anybody in his life—not even from his own family.
Thank you, Monica Murphy, from the bottom of my heart, for giving Tuttle a chance to have his very own book. For listening to him when he was screaming out for you to share his own story with us. I loved this a million times more than Just Friends. While the drama in that book can easily rival any of the reality shows they show on the television these days, More than Friends is just the perfect blend of everything. It stirred up my all my emotions and transported me back to my high school days. It even ended up being a page-turner for me.
Oh, and I wouldn't mind cuddling with this Tuttle forever. At all. I'll definitely let him keep me. Or rather, I'll force him to be kept by me. Hah! #PropertyOf8 #CuddleWithTuttle
Jordan Tuttle is MY homecoming king. He's the ultimate guy girls dream and drool about having as a boyfriend in high school. He's the smart, popular quarterback of the school's football team. He's sweet, attentive, possessive, thoughtful, and I could go on and on about everything I loved desperately about him. Although he's got his own troubles, I still wanted him. He stole and owned my heart since he first appeared in Just Friends. And then he started pursuing and sticking with Amanda, which just made me crazier and wanting so much more of him. Honestly, when I was still reading the first book in this series, which was mainly focused on Amanda's friend, Livvy, I was already hoping and praying that we'll get a Tuttle book. He absolutely hooked me in that bad. Tuttle melted me and all of my insides. He gave me a massive case of the butterflies in my stomach with just being who he really is. And damn did Monica Murphy deliver. She gave us even more. It's not just a novella. No, it's a full length novel. And we'll even get another one!
I adored Amanda Winters. Despite knowing how much of a good girl with a kind heart she already is, I was still surprised with how much she held her own here. With how she put up and dealt with a hurricane like Jordan Tuttle. There was no way to stay out of all the drama surrounding high school life, but I think she took everything in stride. And I felt for her. My heart was with her from the first page of this book until the very last. It swelled and soared, then flopped and crumbled right alongside hers. While Jordan has his own issues, Amanda isn't completely flawless either. She has insecurities that run deep and it doesn't help when other people try and make all that creep out every time she has something good going along for her. Though I think the qualities that made Jordan crave her the most are the support and warmth and normalcy she silently offers. Some of the things he doesn't get from anybody in his life—not even from his own family.
Thank you, Monica Murphy, from the bottom of my heart, for giving Tuttle a chance to have his very own book. For listening to him when he was screaming out for you to share his own story with us. I loved this a million times more than Just Friends. While the drama in that book can easily rival any of the reality shows they show on the television these days, More than Friends is just the perfect blend of everything. It stirred up my all my emotions and transported me back to my high school days. It even ended up being a page-turner for me.
Oh, and I wouldn't mind cuddling with this Tuttle forever. At all. I'll definitely let him keep me. Or rather, I'll force him to be kept by me. Hah! #PropertyOf8 #CuddleWithTuttle
May 5, 2021
| Reader Fox Blog |
I received More Than Friends by Monica Murphy from a Goodreads giveaway, which I think is quite lucky as I doubt I’d have read it otherwise. And while this review is going to be quite scathing, I am glad that I read this book and I’ll tell you why. More Than Friends is a deeply problematic book. In fact, this book is so problematic that I find it to be more of an affront than the trash that is 50 Shades of Grey, and from me, that’s really saying something.
Within moments of starting this book, I found myself horrified at the level of abuse romanticizing that Monica Murphy does throughout her novel. And I would be doing an incredible disservice to all the young girls out there unfortunate enough to come across this book if I didn’t take the time to discuss this issue. The main love interest in this book has the makings of an extremely abusive boyfriend.
In the first 20% of the book, Jordan Tuttle ignores Amanda’s lack of consent, has absolutely no respect for her in any real way, treats and refers to her in possessive ways indicative of a predatory and borderline violent need for control, and is blatantly disrespectful to women in general (see random girl at a party who performed sexual acts for him prior and he doesn’t remember her name or even have the basic human decency to apologize for it, but rather makes a snarky, disrespectful comment instead if you need an example).
And somehow we, as readers, are supposed to find this behavior romantic. When Tuttle says, “I’d take more, but you scare easy,” we’re supposed to love him for it. When he’s described as “star[ing] at [her] like [she’s] a rare, exotic animal” we’re supposed to find it romantic. When he glares at her and tightly grips his desk while she’s talking to another boy, we’re supposed to see it as some sort of cute jealousy. Somehow this is supposed to be representative of how much he cares about the main character because a) he’s obsessed with her, and b) he doesn’t give a damn about other girls. For the love of everything good in the world, I need people to understand that this is not romantic. This is abusive.
What truly frustrates me about Jordan Tuttle’s disgusting behavior is how the author writes the main character’s reactions to it. I don’t care that this creep has liked Amanda since he was thirteen, there is absolutely no excuse for how he treats her. And throughout the awful things he does, not only does Amanda regularly question if she is in the wrong for her reactions to his predatory and coercive behavior, she is manipulated by those around her into seeing his actions as okay. When he kisses her and she pulls away, “trying to escape,” his response is to manipulate her into feeling bad to the point that she proceeds to call herself lame.
And when Amanda expresses concerns about his feelings for her, Murphy attempts to manipulate readers into feeling sorry for Tuttle as though Amanda is somehow the bad guy for recognizing his predatory and womanizing behavior and calling him out on it. She presents Jordan Tuttle as a misunderstood guy who genuinely cares about Amanda since he “thought [he’d] already show[n her how he felt]” when his actions tell an entirely different story when his thoughts show quite clearly that he sees her as an object he wishes to obtain.
Amanda is portrayed as viewing Jordan Tuttle as the bad guy she just can’t help being unreasonably upset with while simultaneously extremely drawn to while the abusively manipulating behavior of Tuttle is presented as something Amanda misunderstands. We’re regularly coerced into believing that Amanda is being unreasonable for not bending to his every whim, that she is entirely wrong to worry that he doesn’t want to be with her and only her. Her own thoughts are disturbingly toxic as she regularly references how “drunk” she is on him and is later criticized for being “rude” to Jordan. Predatory comments are referenced as cute or sweet, the moments of dark, “I should own you” like behavior made to imply the level at which he cares for her.
I left this book queasy and terrified. I already referenced that, at one point, Tuttle is described as glaring and gripping his desk tightly all because Amanda is speaking with a different boy in class at school. And how does the author have her main character respond to this enormous red flag? Amanda immediately wonders whether that means our dear abuser Jordan Tuttle is jealous. Is she creeped out? No. Scared? No. Instead, she calls herself a bitch for wanting to make him jealous.
And not only that but when this same boy later asks her to be his lab partner, Tuttle rudely interrupts by claiming her as his partner and is described as “looking intimidating as crap with his arms crossed in front of his broad chest and a glower on his face that could slay a thousand dragons.” Then, to make matters worse, not only does Amanda express a very clear and strong desire to not partner with Tuttle for the lab, she is subsequently forced into it by the teacher’s inept misreading of the situation.
Listen, if the boy you like acts in the same way as Jordan Tuttle, you desperately need to run immediately as far away from him as you possibly can. This is the beginning of an extremely abusive and unhealthy relationship and the author should be ashamed and disgusted with herself for misleading young women into believing that this sort of behavior is in any way romantic or okay. It genuinely terrifies me that a book was permitted to push actions of ignoring a woman’s right to give consent, predatory and controlling behavior, and manipulations as romantic actions of a love interest.
For every girl who has developed a deep misunderstanding of what a healthy relationship looks like because they have been subjected to a book like this that promotes abusive behavior as a sign that he cares, my heart breaks for you. No one deserves to be brainwashed to fall for such horrible and disgusting misrepresentations of romantic relationships. This is not what a healthy relationship looks like. And no one deserves to be treated so horribly.
If you decide to read this book, and frankly I urge all of you to do so if only for this purpose, I want you to take a serious look at how abusive it is and please spread the word so that no young girl has to go through an abusive relationship because some moron gave her the idea that harmful and possessive male behavior is romantic. I’m honestly furious and frankly, you should be, too.
| Reader Fox Links |
I’m cringing so much just thinking about this book. Unnecessary drama, abusive relationships, and a level of immaturity I haven’t seen in a book in a long time. DNF at 21%. Full review to come.
I received More Than Friends by Monica Murphy from a Goodreads giveaway, which I think is quite lucky as I doubt I’d have read it otherwise. And while this review is going to be quite scathing, I am glad that I read this book and I’ll tell you why. More Than Friends is a deeply problematic book. In fact, this book is so problematic that I find it to be more of an affront than the trash that is 50 Shades of Grey, and from me, that’s really saying something.
Within moments of starting this book, I found myself horrified at the level of abuse romanticizing that Monica Murphy does throughout her novel. And I would be doing an incredible disservice to all the young girls out there unfortunate enough to come across this book if I didn’t take the time to discuss this issue. The main love interest in this book has the makings of an extremely abusive boyfriend.
In the first 20% of the book, Jordan Tuttle ignores Amanda’s lack of consent, has absolutely no respect for her in any real way, treats and refers to her in possessive ways indicative of a predatory and borderline violent need for control, and is blatantly disrespectful to women in general (see random girl at a party who performed sexual acts for him prior and he doesn’t remember her name or even have the basic human decency to apologize for it, but rather makes a snarky, disrespectful comment instead if you need an example).
And somehow we, as readers, are supposed to find this behavior romantic. When Tuttle says, “I’d take more, but you scare easy,” we’re supposed to love him for it. When he’s described as “star[ing] at [her] like [she’s] a rare, exotic animal” we’re supposed to find it romantic. When he glares at her and tightly grips his desk while she’s talking to another boy, we’re supposed to see it as some sort of cute jealousy. Somehow this is supposed to be representative of how much he cares about the main character because a) he’s obsessed with her, and b) he doesn’t give a damn about other girls. For the love of everything good in the world, I need people to understand that this is not romantic. This is abusive.
What truly frustrates me about Jordan Tuttle’s disgusting behavior is how the author writes the main character’s reactions to it. I don’t care that this creep has liked Amanda since he was thirteen, there is absolutely no excuse for how he treats her. And throughout the awful things he does, not only does Amanda regularly question if she is in the wrong for her reactions to his predatory and coercive behavior, she is manipulated by those around her into seeing his actions as okay. When he kisses her and she pulls away, “trying to escape,” his response is to manipulate her into feeling bad to the point that she proceeds to call herself lame.
And when Amanda expresses concerns about his feelings for her, Murphy attempts to manipulate readers into feeling sorry for Tuttle as though Amanda is somehow the bad guy for recognizing his predatory and womanizing behavior and calling him out on it. She presents Jordan Tuttle as a misunderstood guy who genuinely cares about Amanda since he “thought [he’d] already show[n her how he felt]” when his actions tell an entirely different story when his thoughts show quite clearly that he sees her as an object he wishes to obtain.
Amanda is portrayed as viewing Jordan Tuttle as the bad guy she just can’t help being unreasonably upset with while simultaneously extremely drawn to while the abusively manipulating behavior of Tuttle is presented as something Amanda misunderstands. We’re regularly coerced into believing that Amanda is being unreasonable for not bending to his every whim, that she is entirely wrong to worry that he doesn’t want to be with her and only her. Her own thoughts are disturbingly toxic as she regularly references how “drunk” she is on him and is later criticized for being “rude” to Jordan. Predatory comments are referenced as cute or sweet, the moments of dark, “I should own you” like behavior made to imply the level at which he cares for her.
I left this book queasy and terrified. I already referenced that, at one point, Tuttle is described as glaring and gripping his desk tightly all because Amanda is speaking with a different boy in class at school. And how does the author have her main character respond to this enormous red flag? Amanda immediately wonders whether that means our dear abuser Jordan Tuttle is jealous. Is she creeped out? No. Scared? No. Instead, she calls herself a bitch for wanting to make him jealous.
And not only that but when this same boy later asks her to be his lab partner, Tuttle rudely interrupts by claiming her as his partner and is described as “looking intimidating as crap with his arms crossed in front of his broad chest and a glower on his face that could slay a thousand dragons.” Then, to make matters worse, not only does Amanda express a very clear and strong desire to not partner with Tuttle for the lab, she is subsequently forced into it by the teacher’s inept misreading of the situation.
Listen, if the boy you like acts in the same way as Jordan Tuttle, you desperately need to run immediately as far away from him as you possibly can. This is the beginning of an extremely abusive and unhealthy relationship and the author should be ashamed and disgusted with herself for misleading young women into believing that this sort of behavior is in any way romantic or okay. It genuinely terrifies me that a book was permitted to push actions of ignoring a woman’s right to give consent, predatory and controlling behavior, and manipulations as romantic actions of a love interest.
For every girl who has developed a deep misunderstanding of what a healthy relationship looks like because they have been subjected to a book like this that promotes abusive behavior as a sign that he cares, my heart breaks for you. No one deserves to be brainwashed to fall for such horrible and disgusting misrepresentations of romantic relationships. This is not what a healthy relationship looks like. And no one deserves to be treated so horribly.
If you decide to read this book, and frankly I urge all of you to do so if only for this purpose, I want you to take a serious look at how abusive it is and please spread the word so that no young girl has to go through an abusive relationship because some moron gave her the idea that harmful and possessive male behavior is romantic. I’m honestly furious and frankly, you should be, too.
| Reader Fox Links |
I’m cringing so much just thinking about this book. Unnecessary drama, abusive relationships, and a level of immaturity I haven’t seen in a book in a long time. DNF at 21%. Full review to come.
November 19, 2016
*Received an ARC of More Than Friends from the author for an honest review*
GAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! I just finished this book and the FEELS!!! ALL THE FEELS!!!!!!!! I just want to cuddle with Tuttle all the live long day and smother him with hugs and kisses!!!! he is adorable and sexy and SOOOOOOOOO complex and moody and is everything I love in my male lead characters!!! while I loved Just Friends by Monica Murphy , I have to say that her characters in this book just seem more complex, have more personality, are just MORE LOVEABLE!!!! Amanda is just so cute and I love what makes her tick and her honest to goodness insecurities that come out in her thought processes which are just so close to real life! she is also so complex and wholesome with also that perfect little spark that just had me cheering for her the whole way through!!!!! and can I also say what a GOOD FRIEND she is?!?!?!?
While the beginning of the book felt a little too YA for me (I really couldn't get with Amanda's thought process at first in terms of her and Jordan's relationship) the story quickly gathered and from about 20% to the very end I was fucking HOOKEEEEDDD!!!!! I raced home to finish it to see what was going to become of Jordan and Amanda and HOLY HELLLLL!!!!!!! and I have to say, THAT ending!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! laughed, i cried and i need MORRRREEEEE!!!!!!!!! I can't go into too much detail but I'm just uqyauwuushshwhw×&^!^@^@^@^@ (that is me cursing the wind right now!!!!!!!!!)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEEEEEEEE TUTTLE AND HE IS MINE AND THAT IS ALL!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm still reeling from this book and so my rating will most likely change but my anxieties are kicking in right now so I need to sit on it!!!! either way this book gets 4.5 stars for SURE!!!!!
*** literally second after I posted this I changed my rating to a 5 star because I LOVED this book and I'm so sad it's over!!!! I want more Tuttle and Amanda and when I'm this sad to see a book end and to leave this characters behind then those books are always 5 star worthy for me!!****
GAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! I just finished this book and the FEELS!!! ALL THE FEELS!!!!!!!! I just want to cuddle with Tuttle all the live long day and smother him with hugs and kisses!!!! he is adorable and sexy and SOOOOOOOOO complex and moody and is everything I love in my male lead characters!!! while I loved Just Friends by Monica Murphy , I have to say that her characters in this book just seem more complex, have more personality, are just MORE LOVEABLE!!!! Amanda is just so cute and I love what makes her tick and her honest to goodness insecurities that come out in her thought processes which are just so close to real life! she is also so complex and wholesome with also that perfect little spark that just had me cheering for her the whole way through!!!!! and can I also say what a GOOD FRIEND she is?!?!?!?
While the beginning of the book felt a little too YA for me (I really couldn't get with Amanda's thought process at first in terms of her and Jordan's relationship) the story quickly gathered and from about 20% to the very end I was fucking HOOKEEEEDDD!!!!! I raced home to finish it to see what was going to become of Jordan and Amanda and HOLY HELLLLL!!!!!!! and I have to say, THAT ending!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! laughed, i cried and i need MORRRREEEEE!!!!!!!!! I can't go into too much detail but I'm just uqyauwuushshwhw×&^!^@^@^@^@ (that is me cursing the wind right now!!!!!!!!!)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEEEEEEEE TUTTLE AND HE IS MINE AND THAT IS ALL!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm still reeling from this book and so my rating will most likely change but my anxieties are kicking in right now so I need to sit on it!!!! either way this book gets 4.5 stars for SURE!!!!!
*** literally second after I posted this I changed my rating to a 5 star because I LOVED this book and I'm so sad it's over!!!! I want more Tuttle and Amanda and when I'm this sad to see a book end and to leave this characters behind then those books are always 5 star worthy for me!!****
November 19, 2016
Title: More Than Friends
Author: Monica Murphy
Category: Romance
Series or Standalone: Part of a series, can be read as a standalone
POV Heroine's POV
Characters: 4
Plot: 4
Scorching level: 4
HEA: Not telling
March 16, 2017
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Since reading One Night on Wattpad I've been addicted to Jordon and Amanda's story. So when I found out they were going to have a whole book dedicated to them I was super excited to read it. This book. Oh this book!! So. Many. Feels.
Amanda is an ex-band "nerd" who got hurt by both her ex-boyfriend and her ex-best friend on the same night. It just so happens that on that night she also got wrapped up with Jordan Tuttle.
Jordan Tuttle is a mystery to everyone and everyone wants a piece of Tuttle. The girls want him to be theirs and the boys want to party at this house. Jordan doesn't like to let anyone in but he wants Amanda. Badly.
Watching these two go back-and-forth was exciting and frustrating. Exciting because I could relate to Amanda on so many levels. Her insecurity, jealousy and hesitation when it came to Jordan were understandable. Frustrating because it felt like the cliche: one step forward, two steps back. Once things got going, something (or someone) would cause them to go off course.
I really hope these two get their acts together because they are now my most favourite couple. I hope Amanda gets to #cuddlewithtuttle more.
Since reading One Night on Wattpad I've been addicted to Jordon and Amanda's story. So when I found out they were going to have a whole book dedicated to them I was super excited to read it. This book. Oh this book!! So. Many. Feels.
Amanda is an ex-band "nerd" who got hurt by both her ex-boyfriend and her ex-best friend on the same night. It just so happens that on that night she also got wrapped up with Jordan Tuttle.
Jordan Tuttle is a mystery to everyone and everyone wants a piece of Tuttle. The girls want him to be theirs and the boys want to party at this house. Jordan doesn't like to let anyone in but he wants Amanda. Badly.
Watching these two go back-and-forth was exciting and frustrating. Exciting because I could relate to Amanda on so many levels. Her insecurity, jealousy and hesitation when it came to Jordan were understandable. Frustrating because it felt like the cliche: one step forward, two steps back. Once things got going, something (or someone) would cause them to go off course.
I really hope these two get their acts together because they are now my most favourite couple. I hope Amanda gets to #cuddlewithtuttle more.
November 12, 2016
4.5 Stars.
I was over the moon when I discovered that this book was all about Amanda and Tuttle. My interest had been piqued by their relationship and I was hoping that I would get the chance to know what was going on with this intriguing couple. As soon as this book hit my kindle, I was ready for some Tuttle swooning and Monica did not disappoint. I adored "More Than Friends" and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Amanda and Tuttle's story was not going to be done and dusted in one book. The couple's relationship was a lot more challenging than I had initially thought.
"Everything's better as long as she's part of it.
And that's the scariest thing of all."
I already knew that I would love Amanda's character. Out of all the girls from this series, Amanda had so far been the most mature, choosing to avoid all of the silly drama's that surrounded her. Olivia's friendship with Amanda made me happy and I was certain that Amanda would be the good friend that Olivia needed. With this book, I was given the opportunity to get to know Amanda and how she truly felt about Tuttle. I admired how strong Amanda was when it came to boys. This girl was no pushover and she was determined to not allow Tuttle to walk all over her, even though he was utterly gorgeous and charming. Sometimes I wondered if she was being a little bit harsh on Tuttle over the course of the story, however Tuttle remained as crazy as ever about her, so her actions were definitely working.
"I'm kissing her tonight. I don't care what happens or how she acts towards me,
it's been too long and nothing is going to stop me."
I loved Jordan Tuttle. This boy was not some shallow teen looking for a quick fling. Tuttle pursued Amanda relentlessly and I was impressed with the reasons why he liked her so much. I genuinely believed that Tuttle's feelings for Amanda were sincere and I was excited to see if my belief in Tuttle would pay off. As the story progressed, I uncovered more and more about Tuttle and I was especially happy to read the chapters that were written from Tuttle's POV. I was eager to know what was going on inside his head. There are a lot of layers to Tuttle that need to be peeled back. I realised that things were not usually sunshine and rainbows in his world which made me feel extremely sad for him and I wished I could make it all better, or at least Amanda could. I wanted to cuddle with Tuttle to make him feel better.
"How can something that feels this good end up hurting us so bad."
As for the other characters from this series, I am still completely confused about my feelings towards Emily and Olivia. In this book, I saw a more of an unfriendly side to Olivia which I did not like and there were moments that left me feeling sorry for Emily. I felt as though I was swaying towards team Emily, which I did not expect to happen. Who know's what will happen next between Olivia and Emily but I'm looking forward to finding out.
I enjoyed everything about this story and I am so glad that Monica is writing another book for Amanda and Tuttle. This one left me with such a cliffhanger of an ending, but I am sure the wait for the next instalment will be worth it. I can't wait to find out. Team Tuttle all the way!
"I'd give her every piece of me. All she has to do is say the word and I'm hers."
I was over the moon when I discovered that this book was all about Amanda and Tuttle. My interest had been piqued by their relationship and I was hoping that I would get the chance to know what was going on with this intriguing couple. As soon as this book hit my kindle, I was ready for some Tuttle swooning and Monica did not disappoint. I adored "More Than Friends" and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Amanda and Tuttle's story was not going to be done and dusted in one book. The couple's relationship was a lot more challenging than I had initially thought.
"Everything's better as long as she's part of it.
And that's the scariest thing of all."
I already knew that I would love Amanda's character. Out of all the girls from this series, Amanda had so far been the most mature, choosing to avoid all of the silly drama's that surrounded her. Olivia's friendship with Amanda made me happy and I was certain that Amanda would be the good friend that Olivia needed. With this book, I was given the opportunity to get to know Amanda and how she truly felt about Tuttle. I admired how strong Amanda was when it came to boys. This girl was no pushover and she was determined to not allow Tuttle to walk all over her, even though he was utterly gorgeous and charming. Sometimes I wondered if she was being a little bit harsh on Tuttle over the course of the story, however Tuttle remained as crazy as ever about her, so her actions were definitely working.
"I'm kissing her tonight. I don't care what happens or how she acts towards me,
it's been too long and nothing is going to stop me."
I loved Jordan Tuttle. This boy was not some shallow teen looking for a quick fling. Tuttle pursued Amanda relentlessly and I was impressed with the reasons why he liked her so much. I genuinely believed that Tuttle's feelings for Amanda were sincere and I was excited to see if my belief in Tuttle would pay off. As the story progressed, I uncovered more and more about Tuttle and I was especially happy to read the chapters that were written from Tuttle's POV. I was eager to know what was going on inside his head. There are a lot of layers to Tuttle that need to be peeled back. I realised that things were not usually sunshine and rainbows in his world which made me feel extremely sad for him and I wished I could make it all better, or at least Amanda could. I wanted to cuddle with Tuttle to make him feel better.
"How can something that feels this good end up hurting us so bad."
As for the other characters from this series, I am still completely confused about my feelings towards Emily and Olivia. In this book, I saw a more of an unfriendly side to Olivia which I did not like and there were moments that left me feeling sorry for Emily. I felt as though I was swaying towards team Emily, which I did not expect to happen. Who know's what will happen next between Olivia and Emily but I'm looking forward to finding out.
I enjoyed everything about this story and I am so glad that Monica is writing another book for Amanda and Tuttle. This one left me with such a cliffhanger of an ending, but I am sure the wait for the next instalment will be worth it. I can't wait to find out. Team Tuttle all the way!
"I'd give her every piece of me. All she has to do is say the word and I'm hers."
November 28, 2016
One star off for cliffhangers...it's automatic. I just lose the vibe between book releases. Jane Austen never did it!!
I loved Jordan. He is brooder and has high walls but for some reason feels a connection to Amanda. She has self esteem issues typical to kids her age but she's bright and hard working and pretty. Part of her beauty is that she doesn't realize how pretty she is.
Her friend, Olivia is a great friend. I was ambivalent about Ryan but his brother, Eli, was a hoot and a handful!! Fun.
You write them, we will read them, MM.
I loved Jordan. He is brooder and has high walls but for some reason feels a connection to Amanda. She has self esteem issues typical to kids her age but she's bright and hard working and pretty. Part of her beauty is that she doesn't realize how pretty she is.
Her friend, Olivia is a great friend. I was ambivalent about Ryan but his brother, Eli, was a hoot and a handful!! Fun.
You write them, we will read them, MM.
November 18, 2016
More Than Friends (Friends #2) by Monica Murphy
3.5 stars!!!
As per book one, Just Friends, this was a book chock full of drama, drama, drama, teen angst, fickle friends, phoney friendships, bitter blood and more drama, drama, drama and I loved it. This book centres around the relationship between Amanda and Jordan Tuttle, a couple I thought had the potential to make it, but it seems both have their issues and love may not be as easy I thought.
I must admit, I was a little distracted by the fact that Livvy and Ryan’s relationship was not continued on from Just Friends and while they do make appearances this is definitely Amanda and Jordan’s book. Dustin is hardly mentioned and it took a while to mentally drop these other characters and get invested with Amanda and Jordan.
Jordan Tuttle is the star quarterback, Mr Popular, Mr Rich and everyone wants to know him, be him or be “with” him. However, as superficial as the above sounds, the real Jordan Tuttle is nothing like that. Jordan Tuttle is a complex character that has his own deep rooted issues, his ability to trust, his ability to love and his daddy issues are all holding him back in one way or another from the one thing he wants for himself…Amanda.
Amanda was the complete opposite of Jordan, her parents are catholic, she is down to earth, intelligent, has no idea just how beautiful she is and is the shy retiring wallflower, eager to be invisible, keep out of trouble and keep her head down. While she too likes/loves Jordan, the attention he brings is not wanted, the other girls vying for his attention is definitely not wanted, the rumours, the innuendo all bring out all her insecurities and it is this that holds her back. For Amanda, the biggest question is why her? With deep rooted trust issues, will she ever be able to put herself out there again?
This book was exhausting and incredibly infuriating. Both characters needed their heads to be bashed together, the pretentious, up their arses, bitchy girls need a huge dose of karma and certain parents need Parenting 101 lessons…stat!
For me though, Jordan was the star of this book, once we actually got to know him and he opened up a little, I loved what I saw. He is the victim of manipulation though, he needs to stand up for himself and take stock of his life, a life for him, not for his dad, their reputations or past family trends. Jordan and Amanda have the potential to be something special, I just want them to wake up and smell the freakin’ coffee.
So, now I am anxiously waiting for book 3 (drums fingers) …for characters that wind me up no end and stress me out, this series is a real page turner, high addicting, totally unputdownable and like Monica Murphy crack. BRING IT ON!!
www.theromancecover.com
3.5 stars!!!
“Everything’s better as long as she’s part of it. And that’s the scariest part of all.”
As per book one, Just Friends, this was a book chock full of drama, drama, drama, teen angst, fickle friends, phoney friendships, bitter blood and more drama, drama, drama and I loved it. This book centres around the relationship between Amanda and Jordan Tuttle, a couple I thought had the potential to make it, but it seems both have their issues and love may not be as easy I thought.
I must admit, I was a little distracted by the fact that Livvy and Ryan’s relationship was not continued on from Just Friends and while they do make appearances this is definitely Amanda and Jordan’s book. Dustin is hardly mentioned and it took a while to mentally drop these other characters and get invested with Amanda and Jordan.
Jordan Tuttle is the star quarterback, Mr Popular, Mr Rich and everyone wants to know him, be him or be “with” him. However, as superficial as the above sounds, the real Jordan Tuttle is nothing like that. Jordan Tuttle is a complex character that has his own deep rooted issues, his ability to trust, his ability to love and his daddy issues are all holding him back in one way or another from the one thing he wants for himself…Amanda.
“How I feel about you scares the hell out of me.”
Amanda was the complete opposite of Jordan, her parents are catholic, she is down to earth, intelligent, has no idea just how beautiful she is and is the shy retiring wallflower, eager to be invisible, keep out of trouble and keep her head down. While she too likes/loves Jordan, the attention he brings is not wanted, the other girls vying for his attention is definitely not wanted, the rumours, the innuendo all bring out all her insecurities and it is this that holds her back. For Amanda, the biggest question is why her? With deep rooted trust issues, will she ever be able to put herself out there again?
This book was exhausting and incredibly infuriating. Both characters needed their heads to be bashed together, the pretentious, up their arses, bitchy girls need a huge dose of karma and certain parents need Parenting 101 lessons…stat!
“The torture is slowly killing me. That I can be around her, yet not have her, is twisting me up inside. She is forbidden. Untouchable. Off limits. But she is everything to me. She is the sun and the moon and the stars—everything bright and shiny and unstoppable. But she is also the threatening calm before the storm, the wind that howls with anger, the rain that pounds the ground. She is love and light and sweetness and darkness and anger and passion. She is all I could ever want.”
For me though, Jordan was the star of this book, once we actually got to know him and he opened up a little, I loved what I saw. He is the victim of manipulation though, he needs to stand up for himself and take stock of his life, a life for him, not for his dad, their reputations or past family trends. Jordan and Amanda have the potential to be something special, I just want them to wake up and smell the freakin’ coffee.
“We are like a puzzle, each of us made up of so many varied pieces. And those pieces only make sense when we come together. They say we can’t make our own choices, but they’re wrong. I choose him.”
So, now I am anxiously waiting for book 3 (drums fingers) …for characters that wind me up no end and stress me out, this series is a real page turner, high addicting, totally unputdownable and like Monica Murphy crack. BRING IT ON!!
www.theromancecover.com
November 14, 2016
My Review:
Ryan, who?! OMG I want my own Tuttle! Hell, I want Jordan Tuttle! Ok, now that I got that off my chest, let's continue... More Than Friends gave me such feels I was obsessed, lusting && desperately in love with a high school fictional character && just like poor Amanda my brain was fighting in my heart!
I thought book one Just Friends were amazing (trust me it was) But More Than Friends was even more breathtaking, literally the relationship between Tuttle && Amanda was perfect when it was working, but god damn when it didn't I was psychotic I was yelling at these two like a mad woman hello stop being idiots your perfect for one another bleep everything && anyone else!
We also get more Livvy && Ryan in this book, but it lacks what I felt for them in Just Friends, I'm not going to lie Livvy irked my soul, she drove me nuts she was all Ryan all the time, Amanda was right to be cautious.
My Final Thoughts:
I'm in love with everything this series is I'm not going to lie, I lap it all up Monica Murphy speaks to my soul! I was in the biggest book slump && her writing pulled me right out! The cliffhanger though that is something Monica && I have to have a word about one word WHY?! (*insert ugly crying emoji here.)
Ryan, who?! OMG I want my own Tuttle! Hell, I want Jordan Tuttle! Ok, now that I got that off my chest, let's continue... More Than Friends gave me such feels I was obsessed, lusting && desperately in love with a high school fictional character && just like poor Amanda my brain was fighting in my heart!
I thought book one Just Friends were amazing (trust me it was) But More Than Friends was even more breathtaking, literally the relationship between Tuttle && Amanda was perfect when it was working, but god damn when it didn't I was psychotic I was yelling at these two like a mad woman hello stop being idiots your perfect for one another bleep everything && anyone else!
We also get more Livvy && Ryan in this book, but it lacks what I felt for them in Just Friends, I'm not going to lie Livvy irked my soul, she drove me nuts she was all Ryan all the time, Amanda was right to be cautious.
My Final Thoughts:
I'm in love with everything this series is I'm not going to lie, I lap it all up Monica Murphy speaks to my soul! I was in the biggest book slump && her writing pulled me right out! The cliffhanger though that is something Monica && I have to have a word about one word WHY?! (*insert ugly crying emoji here.)
December 29, 2016
3.75 stars.
Amanda and Tuttle's story was so much better than Liv's story. Though this book left you with a cliffhanger I felt like this story accomplished more IMO. I can't wait to read the conclusion of Amanda and Tuttle's story.
Amanda and Tuttle's story was so much better than Liv's story. Though this book left you with a cliffhanger I felt like this story accomplished more IMO. I can't wait to read the conclusion of Amanda and Tuttle's story.
November 22, 2016
Ugghghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 19, 2019
Disclaimer: This review MAY contain spoilers.
This was just as addicting as the first book and the prequel! I couldn't put it down. I still have some of the same feelings about this book as the last book. It isn't easy for me to rate or review since this is a "guilty pleasure" kind of book. My rating reflects my enjoyment of the book in this instance when I normally rate based on the merits of the book in terms of plot, writing, characters, etc.
So yes, I enjoyed this book a lot. More than the first book actually. I loved Amanda and Jordan's story. More so than Livvy/Ryan/Dustin/Em I think. Amanda and Jordan's story seemed to be more substantial. The one thing that I didn't like about this book was the blatant watering down of Livvy and Ryan's conclusion. The first book ends in a cliffhanger, and this book doesn't even start with the same characters. I felt cheated. I would have liked to finish their story with them instead of getting it from other POVs.
The plot is much the same as the first book. All about teenage drama in regards to their romantic lives. While the drama points in this book were just as heavy as the first book, they didn't feel as exaggerated. There is a different kind of drama going on with Amanda and Jordan than there was with Livvy/Ryan/Dustin/Em. More star-crossed lovers and less backstabbing friends. I felt like more actually took place in this besides the romance, whereas the first book's plot was pretty much only about the teenage romance.
I loved the characters in this. Mostly. I found that I liked Livvy less in this book. She felt more selfish and annoying in this book than the first one, but it may just be since this book is coming from different POVs. And I found that I liked Ryan more in this book. His feelings for Livvy seemed to cure his douchebaggery from the first book. It's almost like he was a different person. Amanda is definitely a much more complex character than Livvy was. The book actually delves into her family life, her problems outside of the romance, and how she spends her time when she isn't with Jordan. Jordan's character is easy to like. He is a troubled boy deep down. We only get to see a glimpse of his troubles and I think that it just hits the tip of the iceberg.
I loved the romance between Amanda and Jordan. It felt more real and less superficial than Livvy and Ryan's romance in the first book. It had a different feel overall from the first book because it is more about star-crossed lovers that won't admit their feelings and keep skirting around them instead. And then there is a little drama and a little heartache. I am anxious to read the next book. This book is much like the first book in terms of heated scenes. I recommend for mature teens. I personally wouldn't want my high school aged child reading this.
Another cliffhanger. Now, this is just torture.
Overall, this is an addictive series. I enjoyed this book very much and the series is extremely entertaining. If you are looking for a plot with some depth then you'll need to look elsewhere though. This story is mainly character driven. If you like angsty teenage romance with plenty of drama then you will enjoy this one.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
This was just as addicting as the first book and the prequel! I couldn't put it down. I still have some of the same feelings about this book as the last book. It isn't easy for me to rate or review since this is a "guilty pleasure" kind of book. My rating reflects my enjoyment of the book in this instance when I normally rate based on the merits of the book in terms of plot, writing, characters, etc.
So yes, I enjoyed this book a lot. More than the first book actually. I loved Amanda and Jordan's story. More so than Livvy/Ryan/Dustin/Em I think. Amanda and Jordan's story seemed to be more substantial. The one thing that I didn't like about this book was the blatant watering down of Livvy and Ryan's conclusion. The first book ends in a cliffhanger, and this book doesn't even start with the same characters. I felt cheated. I would have liked to finish their story with them instead of getting it from other POVs.
The plot is much the same as the first book. All about teenage drama in regards to their romantic lives. While the drama points in this book were just as heavy as the first book, they didn't feel as exaggerated. There is a different kind of drama going on with Amanda and Jordan than there was with Livvy/Ryan/Dustin/Em. More star-crossed lovers and less backstabbing friends. I felt like more actually took place in this besides the romance, whereas the first book's plot was pretty much only about the teenage romance.
I loved the characters in this. Mostly. I found that I liked Livvy less in this book. She felt more selfish and annoying in this book than the first one, but it may just be since this book is coming from different POVs. And I found that I liked Ryan more in this book. His feelings for Livvy seemed to cure his douchebaggery from the first book. It's almost like he was a different person. Amanda is definitely a much more complex character than Livvy was. The book actually delves into her family life, her problems outside of the romance, and how she spends her time when she isn't with Jordan. Jordan's character is easy to like. He is a troubled boy deep down. We only get to see a glimpse of his troubles and I think that it just hits the tip of the iceberg.
I loved the romance between Amanda and Jordan. It felt more real and less superficial than Livvy and Ryan's romance in the first book. It had a different feel overall from the first book because it is more about star-crossed lovers that won't admit their feelings and keep skirting around them instead. And then there is a little drama and a little heartache. I am anxious to read the next book. This book is much like the first book in terms of heated scenes. I recommend for mature teens. I personally wouldn't want my high school aged child reading this.
Another cliffhanger. Now, this is just torture.
Overall, this is an addictive series. I enjoyed this book very much and the series is extremely entertaining. If you are looking for a plot with some depth then you'll need to look elsewhere though. This story is mainly character driven. If you like angsty teenage romance with plenty of drama then you will enjoy this one.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
Want to read
July 21, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (7/21/2018)!💝
Blurb:
He’s not perfect, but he’s all I want…
I’m your average girl at your average high school, trying to figure out my place in life. After catching my now ex-boyfriend messing around with my now ex-best friend, I’ve made some big changes. No more band, no more backstabbing friends and no more boring old life. Now I have new friends, a new job and new interests.
But there’s a certain someone who’s interested in me, and I don’t get it. Jordan Tuttle could have anyone he wants. He’s the most popular boy in school. Rich, gorgeous, smart and the star quarterback, he’s perfect. Yet he acts like he wants no one else but…me. So despite my fears and doubt, I let him get close. Probably too close. I discover that he’s not so perfect after all, but it doesn’t matter. I’m falling for him, even though he runs so hot and cold. I know someday he’s going to break my heart.
And I’m going to let him.
Blurb:
He’s not perfect, but he’s all I want…
I’m your average girl at your average high school, trying to figure out my place in life. After catching my now ex-boyfriend messing around with my now ex-best friend, I’ve made some big changes. No more band, no more backstabbing friends and no more boring old life. Now I have new friends, a new job and new interests.
But there’s a certain someone who’s interested in me, and I don’t get it. Jordan Tuttle could have anyone he wants. He’s the most popular boy in school. Rich, gorgeous, smart and the star quarterback, he’s perfect. Yet he acts like he wants no one else but…me. So despite my fears and doubt, I let him get close. Probably too close. I discover that he’s not so perfect after all, but it doesn’t matter. I’m falling for him, even though he runs so hot and cold. I know someday he’s going to break my heart.
And I’m going to let him.
November 17, 2016
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
5 YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY KILLING ME CROWNS
Monica Murphy has completely scored with More than Friends, but let’s be honest, I was pulled in by Amanda and Tuttle from book one. Something about him just drew me in, and like Amanda, it is hard to resist. Just be prepared that this story will hurt, but in the best absolute way in which an author can hurt a reader.
Amanda and Tuttle make this entire story, and I love them both equally. For a teenager living among drama, and there is a lot of drama from her friends, Amanda is very levelheaded, sometimes maybe too safe, but she plans and is careful. She desperately tries to stay away from people and acts that will hurt her and others, but as Monica Murphy shows readers, sometimes it just can’t be helped. Her soul is also so kind, constantly assessing others’ feelings and trying to heal or make amends, even when she isn’t responsible. Her ownership of her mistakes is also another attribute that I just adore about her. There are so many times when she does something “wrong,” which isn’t surprising as she is a teenager, but I never hold it against her because she takes ownership and tries to rectify the error, as it often weighs heavily on her conscience. This desire to do the right thing is not adult driven but completely intrinsically motivated. My respect and admiration of Amanda as a character only serves to amp up the emotional investment and, ultimately, reaction of readers as this story unfolds.
Tuttle is just a complex boy. There are so many layers to him, and I feel as though Monica Murphy really only touched on the surface layers of who he really is. On the very top surface, readers see Tuttle, the insanely popular, good-looking, yet aloof hero. He often runs hot and cold, but the chase, really his chase of Amanda, just starts the reader's process of becoming enamored with him. Then, the author throws in his sweet talking, and the lines Monica Murphy wrote him had me outright sighing, freaking SIGHING (She has seriously set the bar high for high school boys all over the world). His passion for the things he loves and his respect of Amanda in and out of the bedroom is only one more reason to LOVE Jordan. What will ultimately make readers’ hearts ache with each twist and turn is the brokenness of Jordan Tuttle, and the author only scratches the surface of the story of his isolation. The little bit that readers see is enough to adequately explain his behavior and his aversion to relationships and even love, and make the reader's heart break not only for Jordan but for Mandy as well. This complex boy will own readers' hearts and leave them aching for more, even though they know the journey will be so rocky.
This plot is DRAMA, complete and utter drama, but it is also YA and takes place in high school so it's expected. They often react without though, basing decisions mainly on how they feel in the moment, so the interactions among the peers, their concerns over trivial acts, their focus on popularity are incredibly authentic. The arbitrary nature of their decisions and subsequent actions expectantly results in drama from the main characters as well as the secondary characters. Even with the all the drama in the story, I never felt as though it was over the top. Every part seemed necessary to either develop the relationship between Jordan and Mandy or to push the secondary plot line along for Blake, Kyla, Em, Livvy, Ryan, Dustin, and the other secondary characters. The drama of this group of friends has completely enthralled me from page one of this book, and I absolutely devoured this story in a few short hours.
Monica Murphy has absolutely done it again! This story has angst, drama, romance, and so much more, This tale of two lovers from opposites sides of the world of high school fighting to be together should absolutely be sitting in your bookshelf. Her words, this story, and these characters will absolutely capture your heart!
=====================
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
5 YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY KILLING ME CROWNS
Monica Murphy has completely scored with More than Friends, but let’s be honest, I was pulled in by Amanda and Tuttle from book one. Something about him just drew me in, and like Amanda, it is hard to resist. Just be prepared that this story will hurt, but in the best absolute way in which an author can hurt a reader.
Amanda and Tuttle make this entire story, and I love them both equally. For a teenager living among drama, and there is a lot of drama from her friends, Amanda is very levelheaded, sometimes maybe too safe, but she plans and is careful. She desperately tries to stay away from people and acts that will hurt her and others, but as Monica Murphy shows readers, sometimes it just can’t be helped. Her soul is also so kind, constantly assessing others’ feelings and trying to heal or make amends, even when she isn’t responsible. Her ownership of her mistakes is also another attribute that I just adore about her. There are so many times when she does something “wrong,” which isn’t surprising as she is a teenager, but I never hold it against her because she takes ownership and tries to rectify the error, as it often weighs heavily on her conscience. This desire to do the right thing is not adult driven but completely intrinsically motivated. My respect and admiration of Amanda as a character only serves to amp up the emotional investment and, ultimately, reaction of readers as this story unfolds.
Tuttle is just a complex boy. There are so many layers to him, and I feel as though Monica Murphy really only touched on the surface layers of who he really is. On the very top surface, readers see Tuttle, the insanely popular, good-looking, yet aloof hero. He often runs hot and cold, but the chase, really his chase of Amanda, just starts the reader's process of becoming enamored with him. Then, the author throws in his sweet talking, and the lines Monica Murphy wrote him had me outright sighing, freaking SIGHING (She has seriously set the bar high for high school boys all over the world). His passion for the things he loves and his respect of Amanda in and out of the bedroom is only one more reason to LOVE Jordan. What will ultimately make readers’ hearts ache with each twist and turn is the brokenness of Jordan Tuttle, and the author only scratches the surface of the story of his isolation. The little bit that readers see is enough to adequately explain his behavior and his aversion to relationships and even love, and make the reader's heart break not only for Jordan but for Mandy as well. This complex boy will own readers' hearts and leave them aching for more, even though they know the journey will be so rocky.
This plot is DRAMA, complete and utter drama, but it is also YA and takes place in high school so it's expected. They often react without though, basing decisions mainly on how they feel in the moment, so the interactions among the peers, their concerns over trivial acts, their focus on popularity are incredibly authentic. The arbitrary nature of their decisions and subsequent actions expectantly results in drama from the main characters as well as the secondary characters. Even with the all the drama in the story, I never felt as though it was over the top. Every part seemed necessary to either develop the relationship between Jordan and Mandy or to push the secondary plot line along for Blake, Kyla, Em, Livvy, Ryan, Dustin, and the other secondary characters. The drama of this group of friends has completely enthralled me from page one of this book, and I absolutely devoured this story in a few short hours.
Monica Murphy has absolutely done it again! This story has angst, drama, romance, and so much more, This tale of two lovers from opposites sides of the world of high school fighting to be together should absolutely be sitting in your bookshelf. Her words, this story, and these characters will absolutely capture your heart!
=====================
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
November 16, 2016
I am not quite sure how or why, but I totally loved the second installment of th Friends series.
Let me warn you. It's another rollercoaster of emotions and confusions and huge bitch fest. The absolute killer however? It ends on a cliffhanger!
Yep. And there is no indication when the next book will be published... I was totally going to rave about that. BUT Murphy did apologize for it first thing in the acknowledgments. Acknowledgments that made me love this book even more.
I am left pondering why on earth I enjoy the never ending drama so much. I usually can't stand bitchy characters. And yet I love this series...
Honestly I think this is all awed to Murphy's brilliant writing. It's uncanny how I wasn't sure if I am going to like this book after chapter one.. and then I got sucked in, and suddenly boom. It was finished. It's largely due to the fact that this is well written. Murphy manages to amp things up but doesn't become ridiculous. And while at first glance there is a lot of cliche, somehow there is more to each and every situation and character. I find myself interested in side stories and support cast. Murphy is always just on point. Masterfully done!
The storyline is a lot of back and forth, some swoony moments, a ton of drama, way too much high school politics and all kinds of relationships- you know teenage life all amped up to the max. But just like in the first book, not that much happens. It's a lot of back and forth and dramas... I totally have to admit, I gleefully gobble it all up, totally a guilty pleasure!
More Than Friends just like the previous novel Just Friends is totally character driven. This time however the story is told mostly from Amanda and sometimes from Jordan's POV. Amanda still is my favorite character in the series. She seems the only "normal"girl in a sea of ugly characters. I was initially a bit worried she might be too goodie for my taste. But as the story went on, different sides unfolded and the sweet girl became a kind, loyal, at times insecure, sometimes silly girl, that I can totally relate to, but more than that, I totally root for her. I want her to have her happy ending!! I love her inner dialogue btw. I like the fact that she is genuinely making new friends and more than that, I love how she put Livvy in her place at times
Tuttle, while totally a hot, tortured, brooding hero- I wanna just smack! I kept going between swooning over him to wanting to hit him. Hard. And I wasn't sure I would fall for the hype around him, but alas I did. As we get to hear his side of things, I can't help but feel for him. And while I think he needs to be hit. And very hard, while we at it. (He seems to bring out a violent streak in me just like in Amanda) I also totally hope he will be able to stand up for himself and make his own choices.
The support cast is just as dramatic and bitchy as in the first book. But somehow seeing them through Amanda's eyes showed different sides to them. Everything is less black and white, more grey. And somehow all the characters are getting more and more interesting, more complex and more likable.
Amazingly enough, I grew to really like Livvy this time around. It's amazing to see her from Amanda's POV. Mostly I was surprised by her loyalty and sweetness towards her new friend. I even quite like Ryan. And Em! A masterstroke by Murphy.
An eye opener when it comes to cast. Frustrating, infuriating, swoony and captivating sequel that makes me wanna beg for more!
When is the next book coming out?! (I really don't mind begging...)
Let me warn you. It's another rollercoaster of emotions and confusions and huge bitch fest. The absolute killer however? It ends on a cliffhanger!
Yep. And there is no indication when the next book will be published... I was totally going to rave about that. BUT Murphy did apologize for it first thing in the acknowledgments. Acknowledgments that made me love this book even more.
I am left pondering why on earth I enjoy the never ending drama so much. I usually can't stand bitchy characters. And yet I love this series...
Honestly I think this is all awed to Murphy's brilliant writing. It's uncanny how I wasn't sure if I am going to like this book after chapter one.. and then I got sucked in, and suddenly boom. It was finished. It's largely due to the fact that this is well written. Murphy manages to amp things up but doesn't become ridiculous. And while at first glance there is a lot of cliche, somehow there is more to each and every situation and character. I find myself interested in side stories and support cast. Murphy is always just on point. Masterfully done!
The storyline is a lot of back and forth, some swoony moments, a ton of drama, way too much high school politics and all kinds of relationships- you know teenage life all amped up to the max. But just like in the first book, not that much happens. It's a lot of back and forth and dramas... I totally have to admit, I gleefully gobble it all up, totally a guilty pleasure!
More Than Friends just like the previous novel Just Friends is totally character driven. This time however the story is told mostly from Amanda and sometimes from Jordan's POV. Amanda still is my favorite character in the series. She seems the only "normal"girl in a sea of ugly characters. I was initially a bit worried she might be too goodie for my taste. But as the story went on, different sides unfolded and the sweet girl became a kind, loyal, at times insecure, sometimes silly girl, that I can totally relate to, but more than that, I totally root for her. I want her to have her happy ending!! I love her inner dialogue btw. I like the fact that she is genuinely making new friends and more than that, I love how she put Livvy in her place at times
Tuttle, while totally a hot, tortured, brooding hero- I wanna just smack! I kept going between swooning over him to wanting to hit him. Hard. And I wasn't sure I would fall for the hype around him, but alas I did. As we get to hear his side of things, I can't help but feel for him. And while I think he needs to be hit. And very hard, while we at it. (He seems to bring out a violent streak in me just like in Amanda) I also totally hope he will be able to stand up for himself and make his own choices.
The support cast is just as dramatic and bitchy as in the first book. But somehow seeing them through Amanda's eyes showed different sides to them. Everything is less black and white, more grey. And somehow all the characters are getting more and more interesting, more complex and more likable.
Amazingly enough, I grew to really like Livvy this time around. It's amazing to see her from Amanda's POV. Mostly I was surprised by her loyalty and sweetness towards her new friend. I even quite like Ryan. And Em! A masterstroke by Murphy.
An eye opener when it comes to cast. Frustrating, infuriating, swoony and captivating sequel that makes me wanna beg for more!
When is the next book coming out?! (I really don't mind begging...)
November 14, 2016
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
Why, why, why? I've loved Amanda and Tuttle since I met them in Just Friends, but did you have to do that to me... again? Although I shouldn't be surprised since it seems to be Monica Murphy's signature move!! This book gives hope to all the good girls out there that they can snag the popular guy from school. So yes, I'm still hooked to this world, and I will be reading more, because... Jordan Tuttle!
Amanda and Tuttle crossed paths in Just Friends, and I could see that there was something brewing between them, and in More Than Friends I was able to see their connection grow into something more. Tuttle kept pursuing Amanda and it saddened me that she didn't think she was worthy of him, that she wasn't popular enough or beautiful enough. But Tuttle had that way of making her feel beautiful, and I swooned every time!
Jordan Tuttle was a wonderful guy, and I loved that he was putting Amanda first, but he was more complex than he let anyone believe. He was hiding his insecurities and his family problems behind his confident attitude and popular status. Amanda appealed to him in so many ways, how she challenged his mind, made him smile and was someone he thought he could never have. But he was relentless and showed her over and over how much she meant to him.
There were so many aspects that I loved about this book: how genuine the teenage drama was portrayed, the slow building romance and the sizzling chemistry between Amanda and Tuttle was intense. It was good to see Amanda think things through and she didn't rush into anything, to protect her heart. But Tuttle was always holding back which had to hurt.
I'm addicted to this world that Monica Murphy has created. She has a magical way of pulling you into the story so that you feel like you are right there with the characters, experiencing everything they are going through. I liked that I was still able to see Livvy and Ryan, and even Em as well, to see how their relationships were going. All the stories are far from over and I'm looking forward to continuing the journey... but stop leaving me hanging!! * wink *
Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Why, why, why? I've loved Amanda and Tuttle since I met them in Just Friends, but did you have to do that to me... again? Although I shouldn't be surprised since it seems to be Monica Murphy's signature move!! This book gives hope to all the good girls out there that they can snag the popular guy from school. So yes, I'm still hooked to this world, and I will be reading more, because... Jordan Tuttle!
Amanda and Tuttle crossed paths in Just Friends, and I could see that there was something brewing between them, and in More Than Friends I was able to see their connection grow into something more. Tuttle kept pursuing Amanda and it saddened me that she didn't think she was worthy of him, that she wasn't popular enough or beautiful enough. But Tuttle had that way of making her feel beautiful, and I swooned every time!
Jordan Tuttle was a wonderful guy, and I loved that he was putting Amanda first, but he was more complex than he let anyone believe. He was hiding his insecurities and his family problems behind his confident attitude and popular status. Amanda appealed to him in so many ways, how she challenged his mind, made him smile and was someone he thought he could never have. But he was relentless and showed her over and over how much she meant to him.
There were so many aspects that I loved about this book: how genuine the teenage drama was portrayed, the slow building romance and the sizzling chemistry between Amanda and Tuttle was intense. It was good to see Amanda think things through and she didn't rush into anything, to protect her heart. But Tuttle was always holding back which had to hurt.
I'm addicted to this world that Monica Murphy has created. She has a magical way of pulling you into the story so that you feel like you are right there with the characters, experiencing everything they are going through. I liked that I was still able to see Livvy and Ryan, and even Em as well, to see how their relationships were going. All the stories are far from over and I'm looking forward to continuing the journey... but stop leaving me hanging!! * wink *
Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2016
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of More than Friends by Monica Murphy. A huge thank you to the author for the free copy and for making my day!
I was first introduced to Amanda and Tuttle (I kept misreading it as turtle for some reason) in the novella, One Night. Although I did not manage to read Just Friends, I was immediately enthralled by the endless possibilities of their relationship and More Than Friends was a gift from the Gods, namely Monica Murphy. I have been a fan of Murphy's works since I first read her Second Chances series and there's just something about her writing that captured my attention. What I did not expect was to be completely absorbed by Tuttle and Amanda's story as if I'm a part of them.
I could totally understand what Tuttle sees in Amanda and why he had been smitten by her since he was twelve. It was not just her good looks, Amanda is such a great character that I don't know if anyone else in the series can live up to her (I wasn't really a big fan of Livvy, unfortunately). I like that Amanda is strong-minded and believes in taking a stand for herself, also she's a great friend who is always considerate of the people she cared about. Tuttle, on the other hand, is a lonely soul hiding behind his cool, playboy demeanor. It is absolutely beautiful to see how Amanda and Tuttle complement each other.
Between the heated passion, hidden desires and heartbreaking arguments, More than Friends is filled with teenage angst and drama, the kind that gets you more worked out than a 30 minutes cardio and yet you can't help but fall in love.
PS. This book ends with a cliffhanger ending, although Cliffhangers should be permanently banned, banished and exiled, this just means there's more to Tuttle and Amanda! A book couple that I'm not ready to give up just yet!
I was first introduced to Amanda and Tuttle (I kept misreading it as turtle for some reason) in the novella, One Night. Although I did not manage to read Just Friends, I was immediately enthralled by the endless possibilities of their relationship and More Than Friends was a gift from the Gods, namely Monica Murphy. I have been a fan of Murphy's works since I first read her Second Chances series and there's just something about her writing that captured my attention. What I did not expect was to be completely absorbed by Tuttle and Amanda's story as if I'm a part of them.
I could totally understand what Tuttle sees in Amanda and why he had been smitten by her since he was twelve. It was not just her good looks, Amanda is such a great character that I don't know if anyone else in the series can live up to her (I wasn't really a big fan of Livvy, unfortunately). I like that Amanda is strong-minded and believes in taking a stand for herself, also she's a great friend who is always considerate of the people she cared about. Tuttle, on the other hand, is a lonely soul hiding behind his cool, playboy demeanor. It is absolutely beautiful to see how Amanda and Tuttle complement each other.
Between the heated passion, hidden desires and heartbreaking arguments, More than Friends is filled with teenage angst and drama, the kind that gets you more worked out than a 30 minutes cardio and yet you can't help but fall in love.
PS. This book ends with a cliffhanger ending, although Cliffhangers should be permanently banned, banished and exiled, this just means there's more to Tuttle and Amanda! A book couple that I'm not ready to give up just yet!
December 15, 2016
OK SO WHO DO I PUT THIS
WHATS BEST THAT THE FIRST BOOK ENDING IN A CLIFFHANGING¡¡?????
THE FREAKING SECOND BOOK ENDING IN A TOTALLY DIFFERENT CLIFFHANGING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
i mean there is another book coming out maybe next year and i... just... can.... i dont even know how i feel, i mean, i come from a big angry ending from the first book thinking that this will be the end and i would be DONE with this
BUT hey there!!! guess WHAT this is NOT the end of this really petty saga
and what really piss me off is that i loved Amanda and kind of like Jordanpoor guy has so many daddy/mommy and family issues it wasn't funny
but i don't feel like there was the need to extend this story to a whole new book
i mean this was simple and boring and full of drama and angst there is not need ...
the worst is that i still gonna read this and hopefully its the last book... I KNOW....
WHATS BEST THAT THE FIRST BOOK ENDING IN A CLIFFHANGING¡¡?????
THE FREAKING SECOND BOOK ENDING IN A TOTALLY DIFFERENT CLIFFHANGING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
i mean there is another book coming out maybe next year and i... just... can.... i dont even know how i feel, i mean, i come from a big angry ending from the first book thinking that this will be the end and i would be DONE with this
BUT hey there!!! guess WHAT this is NOT the end of this really petty saga
and what really piss me off is that i loved Amanda and kind of like Jordan
but i don't feel like there was the need to extend this story to a whole new book
i mean this was simple and boring and full of drama and angst there is not need ...
the worst is that i still gonna read this and hopefully its the last book... I KNOW....
March 1, 2017
Wow ok I really thought Jordan and amanda story would come to end after this book. I was wrong so very wrong it's like there story only just beginning. And so I want more of olivia and ryan! I seriously want to see these two make it!! I truly adore ryan and jordan and I love amanda and olivia!
November 27, 2016
Wanna go back to high school?! Yeah I didn't think I did either until I dove into the FRIENDS series by Monica Murphy. I bet you're thinking high school=YA, but this series is so much more, kinda like NA but with high schoolers. And trust me, once you start you'll be addicted!! I binge read these books in just a few days!!
So in the prequel, One Night, we meet Olivia, Dustin and Emily, three inseparable best friends and we learn a bit about each character. There's angst, drama and many laugh out loud moments. It's the perfect start to the series and it's FREE!!
Next up is Just Friends and WOW. Here we get Olivia's story--and gah, she is reeling after returning from being with her dad all summer. So many things have changed, some good and some, well just NO. A new guy moves to town and holY hotness!! He's all golden tan, blond and built and ready for it, a quarterback!!! Picturing him in those pants all sweaty, mindgasm!! Anyway, I'm not gonna lie, she frustrated me and I wanted to shake her at times, but I couldn't stop reading. #CrackTastic
Trust me. You'll be addicted.
Then there's More Than Friends and I have to say, this was my FAVORITE!!
Amanda, Olivia's newest friend is smart, beautiful and has a heart of gold. She has low self esteem issues, especially after having her heart trampled on.
We got a glimpse of her in Just Friends, where she meets Jordan Tuttle at a party and OMG, the chemistry between these two was off the charts!!
What I wouldn't give to #CuddleWithTuttle because he is just that delicious. He's also a mystery, a puzzle that you want to solve.
"I'd give her a piece of me. All she has to do is say the word and I'm hers."
SWOON!!!
He wants Amanda, there's no doubt about that. But with all the crap he has going on in his life, he has no faith in love.
These two have a boatload of obstacles to overcome and I'm here on the side cheering for their HEA.
This series is a huge guilty pleasure. You truly need to take the plunge and get on the #FriendTrain. Once you get on you're not gonna want to get off!!
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