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Murphy International #3

Back in His Ex's Bed

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A reunion he never saw coming…

When one impulsive moment leads to another…

Though it has been nine years since Finn Murphy’s marriage combusted, his attraction to art dealer Beah Jenkinson has never dimmed. When work obligations throw them together in a London hotel, Finn hopes a casual affair will satisfy his yearnings. But as events lead them from Europe to Boston to plan their best friends’ wedding, he quickly discovers he and his ex have a lot of unfinished business…

From Harlequin A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.

Murphy International
Book 1: One Little Indiscretion
Book 2: Temptation at His Door
Book 3: Back in His Ex's Bed

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published June 2, 2020

36 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Joss Wood

634 books387 followers
Joss Wood loves books and travelling— especially to the wild places of Southern Africa and, well, anywhere.

She’s a wife, a mom to two teenagers, and is bossed around by two cats and a Great Dane X the size of a baby cow. After a career in local economic development, she now writes full time.


Be sure to follow Joss on BookBub for the latest on my releases https://www.bookbub.com/profile/joss-...

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,637 reviews267 followers
June 14, 2020
Back in His Ex’s Bed by Joss Wood is a sexy second chance/reunion romance in the author’s Murphy International series.

Finn Murphy and Beah’s Jenkinsen’s whirlwind marriage ended as quickly as it began when it became clear that the two of them were not ready for a long term commitment. But Beah kept working for Murphy International as an art dealer, cementing and building her reputation so that now, nine years later, she has enough of a client base that she could start her own business. Beah and Finn have seen each other periodically over the years, but mostly kept their distance, working on different continents. But the attraction between them still smolders.

When a current acquisition quest brings them together again, they can’t help succumbing to that attraction in a scorching night together. It’s supposed to be just one night, but then Finn gets a request that he can’t handle alone – to plan a wedding in the US for a friend whose fiancee has terminal pancreatic cancer. He knows nothing about wedding planning but he can’t let his friend down and Beah, who has met the couple in question from when they were married, is unable to say no to helping Finn with the task. Spending time together brings back both good and not so good memories, but they are different people now than they were. Is this their second chance to get things right?

So I’ll be honest, having a secondary character with stage 4 pancreatic cancer put a real damper on my enjoyment of this book. I read romance for the happy endings, and yes, Beah and Finn get theirs but knowing that a young, vibrant woman has a six month lease on life was a real bummer and if it weren’t for the fact that I like the author’s books and have read all the others in this series, I would probably have DNF-d this one at the start.

Beah and Finn had a lot of baggage going into their marriage the first time. Beah was abandoned by her father when her mother was diagnosed with cancer and she had to deal with both losses. Finn was used to the women in his life leaving him, so he’d emotionally closed himself off and wasn’t good at sharing his feelings. It’s no surprise their marriage ended quickly. But working together on some of the current client projects brings back the intensity of their feelings and for Finn, a chance to open up to Beah and really listen to her. The sex is plentiful and passionate but it’s the emotional connection that they build that gives their relationship the push to move forward.

There is a secondary romance in this novel for Beah’s friend Keely and her lawyer Dare. They’ve been characters in previous stories in this series but now their sexual tension comes to a head leading them into a steamy affair. Dare wants to make it more, but Keely is reluctant. I enjoyed the resolution of their story as Keely realizes that Dare is the one man who will stick by her if she’ll let him.

Because this is the final story in the Murphy International series, we get cameos from Finn’s brothers and while you don’t have to read the previous stories in the series to enjoy this one (if the terminal cancer part doesn’t bother you the way it did me) it helps to be familiar with the family. There is a nice epilogue that pulls everything together. While this isn’t my favorite of the series, I did enjoy Beah and Finn’s reunion and I’ll continue to look for more of this author’s books in the future.

This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-ba...

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.
44 reviews
May 15, 2020
This is the story of Beah, who works for an art auction house and Finn, who along with his brothers, runs the company that Beah works for. It is apparently the final book in the series about the auction house owning brothers and a sister. As well as telling Beah and Finn’s story, it ties up other threads including a fairly detailed side plot romance regarding a character Keely who is a thread through all the books.

This is a second-chance romance, as Beah and Finn had been married previously. Both characters are very precocious and successful in everything they do, Finn especially – he has double degrees, speaks extravagant numbers of languages, engages with extreme sports as well, of course, as being mega successful in business. The marriage broke up because they could not be open and honest with each other about emotions and so failed to communicate. This book is set about 9 years on from the break-up and finds them unable to avoid each due to business imperatives and so they are thrown together into the same continent and city for the first time.

There are a LOT of storylines. As well as the central romance there is some significant background relating to grief and parental loss; a sub-plot about illness; a bit of a career trajectory mystery and the aforementioned parallel romance side-plot.

The book easily stands alone and in fact, there is very little of the characters from the wider series included – I don’t think there is room left after all the storylines. This doesn’t detract from the book, though the brothers’ interaction is cute and is still cute in this book, there’s just less of it.

What did I like?
- I liked the sub/side plots. Some were more useful and well done than others. Most served the main plot, except the Keely parallel romance.
- The Keely parallel romance was a really welcome addition. On an obvious level it tied up the loose ends of the series, but it also served as a reminder that despite the central drama life goes on elsewhere and it helps with perspective. This whole series has been particularly good at that.
- It was brave to tackle grief and loss in a (fairly short form) romance.
- The sections describing how Beah and Finn fitted back into domestic familiarity were well sketched and authentic for me.
- Oh and I Iove the fact that the title is Back in HIS Ex’s Bed, not back in HER Ex’s Bed.

I was less fond of
- The main characters! My credibility was stretched regarding the characters many accomplishments. I do recognise though that many read these books for precisely this escapism. That aside, I just did not relate to them very much. I found Finn to be the sort of emotionally stunted alpha male who roamed around this genre in my early reading days – when I stole the books off my Grandma’s shelves. Beah was described as bright, breezy and warm, but I certainly didn’t feel that way about her and as a strong and successful survivor (of grief and marital breakdown) I don’t think she particularly came across that way either.
- I like to be shown the resolution of the emotional tension in the actions, mannerisms and conversations of the characters, as well as through their internal dialogue. This book does much of it through the internal dialogue and sometimes that internal dialogue felt too circular and out of sync with the action.

Overall
I liked the ‘busyness’ of the various storylines and the braveness of the issues tackled, but I did not get emotionally involved with the lead characters. It was a fun, rather than satisfying read for me.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author, in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
3,411 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2020
I am not sure that I even know where to begin writing a review for this because it is truly an awesome experience.

I loved everything about it - the characters, the plot, the emotion, the writing.
The author had a tremendous ability in telling the story that had me wanting this book to go on and on.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
May 29, 2020
When I learned that this book was the end of Murphy International, I panicked just a little. There was at least one more couple I needed answers about. But I needn’t have worried so much. This title gives us Finn and Beah, but also answers the question of what Keely and Dare have been up to. Now, I live and breathe for second chance stories, but these lovers just kept mucking it all up and I despaired of ever seeing them get it right. We’ve watched them pussyfoot around each other in the background of the previous books, so I was already pretty invested in seeing it all come right, for both couples. There’s lots of water under the bridges and it takes some extreme lengths to get past all the old hurts. There were a couple of things that I felt like I was missing to make this a perfect read, though. First was the emotional connection with the main characters. Finn was shut down and Beah had done something similar to protect herself from getting further hurt. This made me feel like I was on the outside trying desperately to get in. The other thing that I wanted more of was the presence of the larger Murphy clan. They play very little role in this book and I missed them. However, I loved the way this ended, and I hope these characters will make cameo appearances in the future.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Jeriann Fisher.
776 reviews
May 22, 2020
Back in His Ex's Bed tells the story of Beah Jenkinson & Finn Murphy. They've been divorced for 9 years after a very short marriage earlier in their twenties. They've spent the last nine years doing what they can to avoid each other even though she still works at the London office of their firm.

Finn is your typical emotionally stunted alpha male and Beah is focussed primarily improving how independent she can be. They still love each other but have a hard time communicating.

The story is well written but there is a lot happening in this small book. There is a secondary Romance between Keely and Dare, a subplot around planning a wedding for another couple, and the drama over whether or not Beah will stay at Murphy's. I definitely would have benefitted reading the stories about the other couples before reading this.

Arc provided by Booksprout.

Profile Image for Cj.
161 reviews
May 11, 2020
I received an ARC of this book. I must say I am not a prude, but If you want my honest opinion, it had way to much descriptive sex In it. The story itself was AAcgood story about at collectors and a Company that does auctions for people selling art for the rich and rich buying art. Also, about Finn and Beah, a divorced couple working for the same company and how the ignored each other for years, were trying to deny their feelings for each other. Also a side story about Keely and Dare. Keely thinks she’s not marriage material and Dare dares her to instead just sleep with him, date him and see where it takes them. There were some funny parts but I just Didn’t need all that Descriptive sex in a book
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,744 reviews31 followers
June 1, 2020
Finally it is Finn's turn for his book after feeling the simmering love/hate relationship through out the other two books. Finn and Beah have a past and we finally get to know how they came to marry as well as why they split which gives so much more clarity in regards to why they are still stewing over each other. But now they have to put their differences aside and help plan a wedding for their friends overseas which leads to revelations, friends with benefits as well as an opportunity for both of them to move on one way or the other. The fact we get also get Keely and Dares story as well is great and I must say Dare has a lot of will power! lol

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,048 reviews21 followers
June 1, 2020
I like second chance stories because they are about a range of emotions. The undeniable attraction and emotional pull that keeps the other person in your heart and giving you feelings that you can't quite let go and the desire not to go there again if things did not end well. This story of Beah and Finn who were married and then divorced but have not quite been able to fully move on has these elements and all the angst and hope that comes along with them having the opportunity to be back around one another and get back together. These tough independent people get in their own way enough to frustrate in this good read. I won't spoil it but encourage that this is a story to read and enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for CaroMommie.
668 reviews8 followers
May 22, 2020
Awww man, this made me cry 😢, but in a very very good way 😊. Finn and Bee make you work for that HEA, they are a true rollercoaster 🎢 ride of goodness 🙂.

Finn got issues, lots and lots of drama filled I love it issues, and poor Bee keeps her front and center and I loooooooved it 🙌🏾🙌🏾💃🏾. Their once marriage and everything that was dysfunctional with is a wonderful backstory for them to overcome.

And there’s a bonus that outweighs all bonus stories, Keely and Dare got some thangs going on and it is absolutely Remarkable❣️ Dare is that dude, that Alpha that we ALL deserve 🥳.

I really and truly believe you will thoroughly enjoy this book, enjoy.
58 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2020
Perfect ending to the series!!

This was such a great series, and this story wraps it all up so perfectly with getting to find out what happened with BOTH Beah and Finn and Dare and Keely. I love how all of the characters have such different backgrounds and personalities, yet they really all mesh so well together and you get a true feeling of family and the history of their friendships. I love a second chance romance, and these two really struggled to get it right the second time around, but of course everything worthwhile takes some work. Couldn’t have been happier with this end to the series. Looking for lots more from Joss Wood to come!
Profile Image for Casamore Jones.
Author 9 books2 followers
May 11, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book and I absolutely loved it. Joss Wood is becoming one of my faves in the harlequin desire line. She absolutely delivered on this third book in the Murphy International Series. So Beah has a second chance at love situation going on with her ex Finn. She’s absolutely sweet but often stands up for herself against the nerdy but absolutely handsome Finn! Now this book has another romance going on which was like a two for one special and the heat level was definitely a 9!!! You will definitely enjoy this.
3,719 reviews42 followers
May 14, 2020
This is the third book in The Murphy International Series. I have read many books by Joss Wood but I have to say that this one is one of my favourite books. This book takes you into the story right from the first page and you have to keep turning to see what happens next. The chemistry and connection between them is so hot that you can feel it sizzling of the page's. Joss Wood is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jess Holden .
562 reviews10 followers
June 14, 2020
Back In His Ex's Bed by Joss Woods is the Third Murphy International Book. This book is a second chance romance book. Beah and Finn have both continued to work for his family's company for the past nine years. These two managed to avoid each other as much as possible but when something places them at the same place at the same time. They may combust if they don't work out some kinks. This book is on fire and you will not be able to put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joyce M. H..
1,400 reviews19 followers
May 29, 2020
Two romance stories in one book.

Finn and Beah met at Murphy International and married at a very early age over nine years ago. Beah wanted attention which Finn couldn't give and they divorced but Bee continued to work at Murphy International and Ronan was her boss and after divorcing Finn she moved to the London office. Finn and Beah were both dealing with issues that needed to be overcome. Both were afraid of the people in their lives leaving them. Finn's parents died when he was you and Bee's mother died of cancer and her father left the family after finding out that Bee's mom had cancer and went to stay with his mistress of who he married days after Bee buried her mom. Finn is the adventurous type, taking risk and still handling his business at Murphy International.

Keely and Dare: Dare is Keely's late aunt Isobel lawyer and they are pretty much bed partners. Dare wants to take the relationship farther than the bed and gives Keely a ultimatum that she is so trying her best to resist. No more sex unless she agrees to publicly dating him with dinners, nights on the town, marriage and a family.
Keely is facing some issues of her own with the people in her life leaving her. Dare is determined to be in Keels life even to the point of walking away and waiting for Keels to come to him.

This is the end of the Murphy series. If you're looking for a great series to read during this lock down CoVid - 19 pandemic this would be a great series to start with.
Book # 1 One Little Indiscretion / Carrick and Sadie
Book # 2 Temptation at His Door / Ronan and Joa /
Book # 3 Back In His Ex’s Bed / Finn / Beah
There’s also a Murphy sister Tanna from a different series Love In Boston “ Second Chance Temptation” which can be read first to get some insight on the Murphy brothers.
6,157 reviews30 followers
June 1, 2020
Nine years apart.

Beah is now thirty and has been divorced from Finn Murphy for nine years. She’s grown but keeps work her main focus (thankfully she’s had a bit of arc since Finn).

Finn failed his marriage because of his fear. He fears love and intimacy but is an adrenaline junkie with his body. He’s been running from emotions for a decade.

He proposes an affair but wil he ever man up and grow up and ask for what he wants? Because Beah has.

4.5
4,947 reviews31 followers
June 2, 2020
This is the story with Finn and Beah who work for the same auction company. When they were younger they were married but it did not last long and since that time they have avoided each other until recently. They really love each other but when they married the first time they were not ready to fully commit to each other and their marriage which required work and compromise. Enjoyed reading their story.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,566 reviews36 followers
June 4, 2020
I could feel their chemistry right from the beginning. It made me question why things didn’t work out. The characters were perfectly matched and believable. I thought he was a bit immature throughout the entire story. But I also thought that given her reaction to their relationship the first time, she didn’t react in her best interest now. A good story with a lot of emotional drama that added excitement and definitely grabbed my attention.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,038 reviews
April 28, 2024
❌ Shelves: stupid-drama, ex-husband-wife, ex marriage, time-apart-or-separation/9years, H&h-have-been-seen-periodically/9years, both-with-others-after-meeting, both-not-celibates, second-chance, hero-doormat-idiot, heroine-annoying-unlikable, unbearable-secondary-characters, harlequin-desire, contemporary, not-safe, dnf.


Spanish Versión 🔎 Un Reencuentro Inesperado (Murphy International #3) Joss Wood

Profile Image for poppy.
4,590 reviews28 followers
May 23, 2020
This is the third book in the series but could be read on its own I have read several books from Joss and really enjoyed them so could not wait to read this one and it was another really good read they perfect book to curl up with and get lost in for a couple of hours this was a great addition to the series
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
May 30, 2020
It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You will not be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,142 reviews17 followers
June 3, 2020
I enjoyed this new "Murphy International" story! It's a fairly quick read that is interesting and captivating. The story develops nicely and is well written. I really like Finn and Beah. Their chemistry is undeniable but their second chance is not going to be easy. This is a good story about finding what you want out of life and second chances. I really love the characters.
10.8k reviews125 followers
June 5, 2020
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Joss Wood; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mrs Caroline Trevor.
443 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2020
I found this a really good book. Bhea is a great character. She is an art expert but she has been hurt in the past by Finn and is not interested in returning their past relationship. Can they overcome the problems. Also loved the little side story of Keely and Dare.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
2,958 reviews48 followers
June 3, 2020
Entertaining and interesting characters tell an engaging story. Love a good romance and following the journey of the characters. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for C.J. Miller.
Author 41 books34 followers
October 26, 2020
Two things about this book were tough for me. First, there's a lot of secondary character time on the page that takes up a good amount of emotional space. Second, the H/h are pretty much involved from the 2nd chapter, so it decreased the tension between them.
Profile Image for Riet De Bruin-Strijker.
212 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2020
I loved this book! Two romances in one story, a wonderful and sassy read! A second chance story and in between a new love blossoms between two hard-headed people, both being scared to put their heart on risk. Even in the second chance story, the fear of losing his heart is almost enough to

Though it has been nine years since Finn Murphy’s marriage combusted, his attraction to art dealer Beah Jenkinson has never dimmed. When work obligations throw them together in a London hotel, Finn hopes a casual affair will satisfy his yearnings. But as events lead them from Europe to Boston to plan their best friends’ wedding, he quickly discovers he and his ex have a lot of unfinished business…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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