Review: A Better Man by Candis Terry
A Better Man (Sunshine Creek Vineyard #1)
by: Candis Terry
Publication Date: March 29, 2016
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 368 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars
Meet the Kincade brothers: they’ll do what it takes to protect their legacy—but what happens when love gets in the way?
Hockey star Jordan Kincade wasted no time ditching Sunshine Valley and everyone who mattered for a career in the NHL—a truth Jordan confronts when his parents’ deaths bring him home. Now he’s back to make amends, which begins with keeping his younger sister from flunking out of school. It’s just his luck that the one person who can help is the girl whose heart he broke years ago.
Lucy Diamond has racked up a number of monumental mistakes in her life, the first involving a certain blue-eyed charmer. She has no intention of falling for Jordan Kincade again, but when he shows up asking her to help one of her students, Lucy just can’t say no. Worse, the longer he’s back, the more she sees how much he’s changed. And so when a blistering kiss turns to more, she can’t help but wonder if her heart will be crushed again . . . or if she’ll discover true love with a better man.
Hockey star Jordan Kincade wasted no time ditching Sunshine Valley and everyone who mattered for a career in the NHL—a truth Jordan confronts when his parents’ deaths bring him home. Now he’s back to make amends, which begins with keeping his younger sister from flunking out of school. It’s just his luck that the one person who can help is the girl whose heart he broke years ago.
Lucy Diamond has racked up a number of monumental mistakes in her life, the first involving a certain blue-eyed charmer. She has no intention of falling for Jordan Kincade again, but when he shows up asking her to help one of her students, Lucy just can’t say no. Worse, the longer he’s back, the more she sees how much he’s changed. And so when a blistering kiss turns to more, she can’t help but wonder if her heart will be crushed again . . . or if she’ll discover true love with a better man.
I adored Candis Terry's Sweet, Texas series, so I was beyond excited for a new one by her! While A Better Man was an enjoyable read, it wasn't my favorite of Terry's books. I am definitely interested in the Kincade brothers, especially Ryan, and I think this series has real potential. However, I felt like something was missing in this one. I was engaged but I wasn't fascinated. The romance was cute, but it wasn't anything to write home about. I liked Lucy and Jordan together and they definitely had some sweet, sexy moments together. It's hard not to compare books, but when I finished reading this one, I just felt I lacked the satisfaction that I felt upon finishing her Sweet books.
I did really enjoy the family dynamic in this one. Jordan has been the absent brother for so long due to his career in the NHL. This has definitely caused some rifts between himself and his siblings and after tragedy strikes he wants to make amends and be a better brother. The sacrifices he was willing to make on their part was quite admirable and you couldn't help but feel warm and fuzzy over it. I loved his relationship with his baby sister Nicole. She is a central part of the story because of how angry and withdrawn she is, and Jordan is determined to get her back on track. He enlists the help of her creative writing teacher, Lucy, and the two work together to figure out how to best get through to her.
I did like that there was a hint of a second chance romance in this one though. Lucy and Jordan had a missed opportunity in high school after he stood her up before the big dance he invited her to. He genuinely liked the brainy girl, but circumstances prevented him from following through and she has resented him since that day. Lucy has been through a lot in her life and it takes some work on Jordan's part to get her to open again. My heart hurt for her as she is such a good person and never deserved the hurt that was inflicted upon her.
Overall, while this wasn't my favorite of Terry's books, I do want to continue the series. I liked meeting Jordan's brothers and look forward to hearing their different voices and stories, as well as watching them fall in love.
6 comments
Though this one wasn't your favorite by the author, I'm glad you still enjoyed it! I love the sound of the 'hint' second chance romance; I love second chance romances so so much! Sounds like a fun and sweet series. Lovely review
ReplyDeleteI really need to try out Candice Terry! I've heard such good things about the Sweet, Texas series, and now I know you love it too. I'm sorry this one didn't wow you. It's always so weird when you read a book by an author you love, and you like that book, but it isn't amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis one didn't leave a great impression on me too, Jess. Something about it was definitely missing compared to her other series. Did some of the romance scenes seem cheesy to you? Like the prom date?
ReplyDeleteI did like the family part and I'll be checking out some of the other siblings' books for sure. I'm sorry this wasn't the best book for you but I'm glad there were still some promising parts.
Wonderful review! :)
Sorry this one didn't quite live up to the others by this author for you. I am still interested in checking the others out in the series though. Great review!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Jessica! I think those 3 star reviews are the hardest to write and you did a great job with this one!!
ReplyDeleteHmm. Maybe I should try the Sweet books, at least first? I do like second chance romance though... :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteLeave me some comment love! And I will get around to commenting back!
My blog is an award-free blog, however, as I just do not have the time to follow-up.