Anything But Sweet (Sweet, Texas, #1)

by Candis Terry

[kimbacaffeinate]

When it comes to contemporary romance one of my personal favorites are those set in small-towns. Anything But Sweet by Candis Terry set in Sweet, Texas delivered a delicious tale with townsfolk that captured my heart, had me singing country western songs and swooning over a hot, ex-marine, cowboy. Three word review: romantic, captivating and hot.
Sweet, Texas is off the beaten track, where everyone knows everyone and tradition and family are everything. When townsfolk apply for and win a makeover from a TV makeover series the town is elated. Well everyone that is but Reno Wilder whose suffered loss and deliberately and stubbornly avoids change. When Charlotte Brooks the spunky, sexy and friendly host of the show and her team arrive, Reno has no intention of being part of the welcoming committee, but Charli has a way of getting under his skin. The tale that unfolds is romantic, filled with memorable moments and maybe just maybe change is a good thing.
Reno Wilder is yummy, honorable, a family man and his heart has been damaged. He is mourning the loss of loved ones and trying to honor his father’s memory. He is also stubborn, afraid and I just wanted to hug him. He takes care of his mama and siblings but keeps the world and his heart at a distance. Charlotte or “Charli” is bubbly, loves people and is a constant chatter box. Life wasn’t easy growing up as a military brat and she is envious of the small-town folks and the roots they have established. She loves interior and exterior decorating and thrives in helping people make their lives brighter. I loved watching these two tango as she took two steps forward and he jumped three steps back even as he wanted to turn things into a hip-hugging slow dance. Their banter was delicious and I couldn’t get enough. Terry mixed in other characters who added to the tale, with threads about them and I am desperately hoping we will see additional books in Sweet, Texas.
I loved the idea of the town makeover and getting to know the different townsfolk. Learning about Reno, his family and others held me captive as I devoured this tale. Terry created genuine characters that were fleshed out and I felt as if I knew them. The romance developed slowly but went it heated up-woozier! Terry gave us some scenes that curled my toes with just enough details to make the pages burn beneath my finger-tips. Filled with lessons of loss, love, family and taking chances this was a feel good tale, low on angst and high on realistic issues. It’s a book you will close with a smile on your face, hope in your heart and an unbelievable yearning to pack your bags and move to Sweet, Texas. Yeha!

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer