Corporate Attorney Benjamin Jenkins is one of Cincinnati’s most eligible bachelors, but he’s only interested in one woman—Makena Nichols. Though life took them in different directions, they’ve been friends for over forty years. Now Ben wants more than just friendship. He wants all of her.
Makena compares every man, including her ex-husband, to Ben. He’s her heart. She’s crazy about him, and what they share is more than love. But she’s not willing to risk their friendship for a romance that might not last. However, Ben is persistent, and her stubbornness is no match to his.
When a Jenkins’ family secret shatters Ben’s world, Makena is the one he turns to. But will their friendship survive a roller-coaster of emotions? Or will their eternal love bring them through this challenging time?
“Come here.” Ben pulled her close.
Makena didn’t protest. Instead she wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her chin on his shoulder. She might be afraid to risk their friendship for something more serious, but there was one thing she couldn’t deny. Being in Ben’s strong arms felt like home. Warm. Comfortable. Safe. It felt right. He felt right.
She inhaled his fresh scent, a combination of his natural redolence and the body wash in the guest bathroom. Makena loved everything about this man. He was intelligent, kind, honorable, and the most dependable man she knew. He was everything she desired. What if she was making a mistake by not taking their relationship to the next level? What if she kept the distance between them, and another woman came along and snagged his attention? She would never know if they could be more than friends if she didn’t give them a chance.
No. No. No, her common sense screamed inside of her. I can’t. We can’t, she told herself.
Ben moved slightly, and Makena’s head shot up. Their gazes collided, and before she could process what was happening, his mouth settled over hers. The realization that he was…that she was…that they were kissing each other, hit Makena like a two-by-four against her head.
The kiss was urgent, yet exploratory. She knew she should stop what he had started. She knew she should push him away. She even knew the last thing they should be doing was kissing. But man if she wasn’t enjoying the moment.
The kiss quickly grew more intense, sending the pit of her stomach into a tailspin. Ben’s hold on her tightened and he deepened their connection. Makena’s brain told her to back away, but the desire pulsing through her body said no, not yet.
“Well, it’s about time.”
Ben and Makena startled apart like two teenagers getting caught making out in the back seat of a car. She tried catching her breath as her heart practically pounded out of her chest and her hand hovered over her mouth.
Her daughter Ava stood at the opening of the kitchen, grinning like she was just notified that she had won Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes.
“Does that mean that you approve?” Ben asked, his grin matching Ava’s.
Makena swatted his arm as embarrassment swirled inside of her. “There’s nothing to approve. That ki— Uh, this,” she stammered, shocked that she hadn’t heard her daughter enter the house. “This is not what it looked like.”
Ava burst out laughing. “Well, it looked like a whole lotta something to me.” She strolled toward them, still grinning and walked into Ben’s arms, greeting him with a hug like usual. “Hey, Uncle Ben. Are those your famous pancakes I smell?” she asked, searching the kitchen.
“Yeah, there’s plenty left in the warming drawer. Help yourself. We’ve eaten.”
Ava’s gaze bounced from Ben to Makena. “Really? ’Cause you guys still look a little hungry to me.”
 | Carolyn Jenkins has never had a problem getting a man, but keeping one is another story. After two failed marriages and numerous short-term relationships, she’s ready to wave the white flag and give up on love. Yet, with Christmas quickly approaching, she dreads spending the holiday alone. Will a chance encounter with a handsome stranger make all of her Christmas wishes come true? After thirty years of a nearly perfect marriage, widower Lincoln Richwood struggles to move on with his life. The idea of dating at his age seems daunting … until he meets the vivacious Carolyn Jenkins. Normally a straitlaced kind of guy, there’s just something about the woman that tempts him to walk on the wild side. Opposites attract, but will their differences derail their relationship and keep them from embracing the love they both desire? A Jenkins Family Novella #1  |
 | Mona Lisa Gregory is ready to live her best life. She's moving on after thirty-five years of dating one man. Scrapping the holy matrimony fantasy, a carefree and no-strings-attached passion is her new obsession. But her perfect plan has one hiccup. Dexter Jenkins. Dex is an old-school guy who believes in falling in love with one woman and living happily-ever-after. He once had it all. A great job. Money in the bank. A happy, thirty-year marriage. He lost everything he held dear after one unfortunate accident. Guilt plagued him for years, but he has finally forgiven himself. Now he’s ready to give love a try again. Mona is not looking for long-term. But Dexter is unwilling to ignore the fierce passion they share whenever he holds her in his arms. He will do whatever it takes to make her the next Mrs. Jenkins. But will secrets from his past and her former lover keep them from having the life they deserve? Or will their love be strong enough to withstand every obstacle placed in their way? A Jenkins Family Novella #2 |
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Thanks so much for spotlighting MORE THAN LOVE and other books in the series! I appreciate you!!
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