Lovin' los libros

 

 

I am so glad Terry decided to write Fiona's story! She is such an incredible woman with so much goodness inside of her that I felt it was important for us fans of the series to get her HEA. I love how unique Fiona's situation is. Having been married to Jackson Wilder, one of the infamous Wilder brothers, she still remains an important of his family. This isn't just because of the daughter they share together either. The Wilders genuinely LOVE Fiona. She fits in with them so well and it makes my heart burst with happiness that they embrace her as one of their own even though legally she isn't anymore. Now that Jackson has been reunited with his first love, Abby, their wedding is fast approaching and Fiona couldn't be happier for them. It's crazy to see how close Fiona and Abby are. You would think it would be awkward or there would be some underlying animosity there, but there genuinely isn't. Jackson and Fiona parted on good terms and remain close friends. This definitely helps keep things normal for their adorable daughter Izzy. Abby is already such an important part of Izzy's life, so I'm really glad Terry wrote their story the way she did.

 

However, my heart aches for Fiona as well. Things with Jackson might not have worked out, but she does long to fall in love and find the one person that she can trust with her heart and depend on for the rest of her life. Fiona isn't out looking for love though. She refuses to let herself go and just have fun. She wants to build her reputation in Sweet as a professional, independent woman. She isn't looking for a one night stand. I really admire her for that, but at the same time, she needs to put aside her reservations and take that leap of faith into the unknown.

 

Jackson's best friend Mike Halsey has had his eye on Fiona for awhile now, but knows he can't go there. It's against the guy code to go after your best friend's ex, so he decides to keep his distance from Fiona. Too bad matchmaker extraordinaire Jana Wilder has her own plan when it comes to pushing Mike and Fiona together. I just love that woman. Her meddling is so perfect, because no one can really be mad at the sweet talking southern woman.

 

I did feel this book was a lot slower paced than the previous ones in the series. Not only was there just not that much going on in the beginning, but I was really struggling to feel the connection between Fiona and Mike. Everything with them felt so awkward and forced. Mike is too busy fighting his attraction for Fiona because of Jackson and also because of the fact that he's got his own set of baggage to deal with. For someone who's attracted to Fiona, you would think he wouldn't be so abrupt and almost distant. I realize he's trying to keep his distance but it just felt off to me. Once I got to about the halfway point, I started to get more invested in Fiona and Mike's relationship. The scene where Fiona brings him lunch is the one that really got me on board with them.

 

I do like that they don't rush into anything. Both of them have been married before, so they are not looking to make the same mistakes. However, communication is key here. Fiona isn't afraid to tell Mike what she's looking for and if he can't give her that, then she'd cut her losses and move on.  

 

After that, I loved how their relationship progressed. Their time together was precious and while they were taking things slow, it was still steamy with anticipation. Mike really stepped up to the plate and decided to go all in with Fiona, even after his reservations about being the man she needed in her life. He decided he wanted to be that man and he was going to fight to win her heart.

 

For as long as it took to get into this one, I felt their conflict and the events concluding it went entirely too fast. I am grateful there is not this overabundance of drama, but I wouldn't have minded seeing things from Mike's perspective from when he had to go take care of some family business.

 

Jackson and Abby's wedding was adorable and I loved seeing how happy all of the other Sweet couples were. Terry also alluded to Jake and Annie and I am so for that match! Overall, while this wasn't my favorite of the Sweet, Texas books I am really glad I got to see Fiona get her HEA, because good grief that woman deserved one.