Review and Giveaway: Something Sweeter (Sweet Texas #3) by Candis Terry

Series: Sweet, Texas #3

Genre: Contemp Roman

Series: Sweet, Texas #3

Genre: Contemp Roman

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 6/24/14

Format: eARC

Pages: 384

Source: Publisher

Rating:

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The men in Texas are hard to resist . . .

Seattle event planner Allison Lane is an expert at delivering the perfect wedding—even if she might not exactly believe in the whole "'til death do us part" thing. When her father decides to tie the knot with a woman he barely knows, Allison heads to Sweet, Texas, to make sure his new honey is the real deal. What she didn't expect to find at the local honky-tonk was a sexy Southern man as bent on charming her pants off as he is on blowing her "true love doesn't exist" theory all to hell.

And they always promise . . .

Veterinarian, former Marine, and Sweet's favorite playboy Jesse Wilder takes one look at Allison and knows she's a handful of trouble he can't deny. But even after a sizzling kiss and obvious mutual attraction, it seems Allison has no such problem. When Jesse uncovers her sweet side, can he crush his playboy image, melt her cynical heart, and change her mind about taking a trip down the aisle?

Review

 

Candis Terry's Sweet, Texas series is one I've been curious to try. A few of my blogging friends enjoy her books, I liked the cover, and Something Sweeter seemed right up my alley. And it really was.

 

In Something Sweeter, we get the love story of Allison and Jesse. Allison is in Sweet to see her father and determine why exactly he's remarrying after going through the hell of a bad marriage. When she accompanies her dad to meet the fiancée, she also meets the family, specifically the sons, one of whom, Jesse Wilder, she'd flirted with and ditched the night before. Awkward, right? Allison is irritated and embarrassed, but Jesse is intrigued. Allison just doesn't believe in lasting love. Her mother made her father's life hell for year, and ingrained in her that love doesn't last, but money does. I guess living with a sociopath like that will do some damage, because Allison firmly believes that love always fails. Good thing Jesse's there to show her the error of her mother's ways.

Jesse Wilder was much of what I expect out of a Texan romance hero. He was a little cocky, a lot flirtation, rugged and handsome, blunt but nice. And he was wrapped up in a sexy, sexy package. Jesse and his intense yet charmingly playful personality made Something Sweeter fun. Jesse is the Wilder family caretaker. Having lost an older brother in war, and father unexpectedly, Jesse does all he can to help his family out. Sure, he'd like to have a family someday, but just doesn't find the time. I like that he wasn't opposed to a lasting relationship, and that he was the pursuer to Allison. And boy, is Jesse persistent!

I can't review Something Sweeter without discussing the Wilder family. This is a family with deep roots in serving their country. Jesse's brothers were fun and I can only imagine how good their stories were (believe me, I'm going to find out!) There is also a sub-plot about older brother Jared, who died a few years prior in the line of duty. It was excellent, probably my favorite part of the story. Matriarch Jana Wilder was so endearing, a great mom and grandmother, and experiencing her own second chance love story. I love when I come across a strong family full of love and stories.

I snark on Texas a lot in real life, mostly with love. I think that's okay since my husband is a Texan. I like that state a lot, but mostly for it's barbecue brisket. And as a setting for books. Is there a "Texan Romance" sub-genre? If not, there should be. A Texan romance is a lot like anything Texan, you feel like you know what you're get going in. When you use the word "Texan" to describe someone or something, it tends to be self-explanatory. The state is a character itself, and Something Sweeter does it proud.

 

Favorite Quote

 

  "Is it going to be like this every time we're in the same room?" she asked.

  "Like what?"

  "Like a fuse has been lit, and we're just waiting for an explosion."

  "God, I hope so."

The Sweet, Texas Series
 

   

 

 

I have one copy of Something Sweeter to give away, courtesy of the publisher.
Must be 18+ years of age; open to US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

About the author: 

Growing up in Southern California, I was too busy reading books, hanging out at the beach, or finding ways to have a good time that wouldn’t land me on restriction to even consider writing a book. Oddly enough, a college drama teacher (who politely discouraged my inept acting abilities) encouraged me to develop the A+ character bio I’d created into a complete story. Right. Years later, in the midst of a bleary-eyed all-nighter (rocking my newborn, that is), I picked up a romance novel and fell in love with more than just the infant in my arms.

The diversities in my life have enhanced (or twisted) my worldview. From working in a Hollywood recording studio to a graphic designer in marketing; from schmoozing with the likes of Charleton Heston and Motley Crüe to giving up my beach bum ways and making the move to an Idaho farm. I’ve designed costumes for 80’s heavy metal videos and scooped up road apples left on the parade route by my daughter’s rodeo queening horse.

Only one thing has remained constant: my 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. Though my stories are set in small towns, my wish is to give each of my characters a great big memorable love story rich with quirky characters, tons of fun, and a happy ending.

I’m married to a wonderful man who takes out the trash without being asked and who puts up with all my crazy ideas. To find inspiration, my family and I often grab our trailer and ATV and venture out to discover the off-road splendor of the Idaho wilderness. And when I need a fun dose of reality, I call upon my daughter and her little Mini-Me or one of our 3 furry troublemakers.
Life is good down on the farm!

 

 

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