Title: Anything But Sweet by Candis Terry
Sweet, Texas Series Book One
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
A man who doesn’t like change . . .
The Wilder family is something of a Sweet, TX institution: between their yearly BBQ blow-outs and their Hardware and Feed store, they’re an institution—an institution that ex-marine Reno Wilder has tried to preserve, in honor of his lost loved ones. But it seems like he’s the only one who’s got any respect left for traditions when a new TV makeover show rolls in to renovate Sweet to bring in more tourists. Everyone is pleased except Reno—and this cowboy is determined to keep everything just the way he likes it.
A woman who wants to change everything . . .
Inquisitive. Stubborn. Smart. Drop dead gorgeous. That would be makeover show host and designer, Charlotte Brooks—the woman Reno has declared war against. And yet, he can’t seem to keep away from her, or to get her off his mind. Charlotte isn’t afraid to back down from a challenge—of any kind—and she’s promised to prove to Reno that change can be sexy, hot, and very, very sweet, if Reno and Charli learn to let go of their pasts and grab hold of a future full of promise.
Purchase Links: B&N * Amazon * IndieBound * Powell’s Books * BAM
The Review:
Anything But Sweet is a fun, sexy and poignant romance. Unforgettable, charming characters, a delightful small town atmosphere and close family bonds are the perfect combination in this first installment of Candis Terry’s newest series Sweet, Texas.
Clinging tightly his memories and traditions of the past, Reno Wilder is not a fan of change. So when Charlotte “Charli” Brooks rolls into town with her makeover show, Reno is dead set against helping with any of the upcoming projects. Sparks are soon flying between these two strong willed individuals as they butt heads over Charli’s renovations and fight their scorching attraction for one another.
Charli and Reno’s respective pasts continue to play a huge role in their lives. Reno has had his fair share of losses and he closely protects his heart from further pain. He is close to his brothers and will do just about anything for his mother. Despite his opposition to the town’s makeover, Reno shows his sweet and caring side when he gives in and lends Charli a hand when she needs it.
Growing up a military kid who constantly moved, Charli longs to find a place called home and set down roots. She feels an instant connection to Sweet and her rapport with the townspeople perfectly showcases her open and giving personality. Charli is vibrant and enthusiastic and she is not afraid to go after what she wants. Even if that something is a sexy yet reluctant cowboy who puts up a valiant fight he has NO chance of winning :).
Charli and Reno do not fall into a relationship right away. They start off on the wrong foot and both are harboring misconceptions about each other. Their paths continually cross and despite the tension between them, Charli and Reno soon form a fragile friendship and rethink their first impressions of each other. Underlying all of their interactions is a delicious sexual tension that is sizzling hot.
The secondary cast of characters is well-developed and likable. Reno’s brothers, Jackson and Jesse, want Reno to be happy and they don’t hesitate to speak their minds. Their mother, Jana, is a strong influence in their lives and she, too, has a past to overcome. The town is full of eccentric but loveable people that add to the story’s uniqueness and overall appeal.
Anything But Sweet is a warm, witty and emotional novel. The characters are engaging and genuine and they are dealing with realistic problems. Reno and Charli’s romance is sweet yet sexy and the conflict between them is believable. Candis Terry’s heartwarming and touching ending will bring tears to your eyes and leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Sweet, Texas series.
Author Bio
Candis Terry was born and raised near the sunny beaches of Southern California and now makes her home on an Idaho farm. She’s experienced life in such diverse ways as working in a Hollywood recording studio to chasing down wayward steers. Only one thing has remained the same: her passion for writing stories about relationships, the push and pull in the search for love, and the security one finds in their own happily ever after.
Author Links: Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads
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