Review: Truly Sweet by Candis Terry
Truly Sweet (Sweet, Texas #5)
by: Candis Terry
Publication Date: July 28, 2015
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 384 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Candis Terry returns to Sweet, Texas for the last time when former Marine Jake Wilder discovers how truly sweet love can be.
"When the one you've always wanted "
At sixteen, Annabelle Morgan hoped her crush on Jake Wilder was just a passing phase. Now she's twenty-nine and nothing has changed except Jake. The once-carefree marine has come home with a giant chip on his shoulder. He insists a single mom like Annie deserves more than he can offer. Yet no matter how gruff his gorgeous exterior may be, Jake's toe-curling kisses convince her that this attraction is definitely mutual.
"Becomes the one who wants you back "
Butting heads with feisty Annie was always a thrill. Add other body parts to the mix, and Jake is in serious trouble. He can't be a forever-and-family guy and Annie's not a friends-with-benefits kind of woman. But love has a way of changing the best-laid plans, and surrender has never been so tempting.
"The outcome is truly sweet."
"When the one you've always wanted "
At sixteen, Annabelle Morgan hoped her crush on Jake Wilder was just a passing phase. Now she's twenty-nine and nothing has changed except Jake. The once-carefree marine has come home with a giant chip on his shoulder. He insists a single mom like Annie deserves more than he can offer. Yet no matter how gruff his gorgeous exterior may be, Jake's toe-curling kisses convince her that this attraction is definitely mutual.
"Becomes the one who wants you back "
Butting heads with feisty Annie was always a thrill. Add other body parts to the mix, and Jake is in serious trouble. He can't be a forever-and-family guy and Annie's not a friends-with-benefits kind of woman. But love has a way of changing the best-laid plans, and surrender has never been so tempting.
"The outcome is truly sweet."
I have so much love for this series and finishing it was a very bittersweet moment for me. Candis Terry has created such a beautiful series that is filled with heart and soul. I have fallen in love with the Wilder clan and their significant others and friends. I am so pleased with the way all of the storylines have been resolved as there were a few that spanned a few books. I was hoping Annie would be the one to wrangle Jake's heart and sure enough, she was!
I really enjoyed this story, but I have to admit Jake drove me a bit crazy. His story is one we've seen before in romance, so it's not overly original, but it still packs an emotional punch. Jake is a former Marine, and after failing to save his best friend and some other men in his unit, he has survivors guilt and doesn't feel like he deserves to move forward and be happy with his life. He is attracted to Annie, but his guilt is always at the forefront of his mind and just when he gives in a little, he pulls way back and puts her in the friend zone.
Annie has always had a crush on Jake, but she never thought he really noticed her. Having grown up with two absentee parents who didn't have any investment in their kids, Annie flees to Seattle and ends up living with an aspiring musician who gets her pregnant and then ditches her. I felt for Annie, because she feels like people walk out on her and even after she confesses this to Jake, he ends up doing the same because he can't get a handle on his emotions.
Once Jake finally decided to go after Annie and make her his, I felt much happier because I really thought they made a great pair. They bicker and fight, but they also confide in one another. I liked seeing this dynamic first because it really solidified their relationship for me. And man, do they have some sexy times. And some incredibly sweet ones. I adored seeing Jake with Max and Hank, his new dog. There were a few scenes in this book that actually made me tear up- that's how much of an emotional impact it had.
The epilogue was perfection, as it was told in Mama Wilder's voice and it gave me all the warm and fuzzies to see her reflect upon her life and how her kids are settled and happy. It was a great ending to a wonderful series and I am beyond excited for Terry's next series, which is set in Oregon's wine country!
5 comments
Okay, I absolutely MUST read this series. The Sweet, Texas books have been in my TBR for awhile, but I think it's time. I am glad this was a good conclusion to the story, even if Jake was a bit obtuse. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I've yet to read this, but your review gives me a clear idea of its strengths and weaknesses. :)
ReplyDeleteMajanka @ I Heart Reading.
I think I'm going to be frustrated for Jake for ditching her after she confided all of that to him, but it does seem like their relationship is full of banter and sexual tension. I'm going to start this series next week! I need something cute in my life right now. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Jess!
This sounds like a really good series! So glad to hear this series closed out strong. Great review!
ReplyDeleteWasn't that epilogue just the best?! I love that we finally got to meet a certain character, although it was really sad too.
ReplyDeleteLove Annie and Jake together. I'm glad Annie always stood up for herself and didn't let Jake get in the way of what they could have. :D
Lovely review!
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