Anything But Sweet by Candis Terry

July 22nd, 2013 Kimberly Review 75 Comments

22nd Jul
Anything But Sweet by Candis Terry
Anything But Sweet
by Candis Terry
Series: Sweet Texas #1
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

HE’S STUBBORN AND THOROUGHLY MALE . . .If Charlotte Brooks thinks she and her TV makeover show can turn Reno Wilder’s hometown upside down, he’ll be happy to prove her wrong. The x-Marine has seen too much turmoil and he likes Sweet, Texas, just the way it is. Traditional. Familiar. A little dull. Everything Charli isn’t. But instead of backing off from his scowls like everyone else, Charli digs in her skyscraper heels. SHE’S TENACIOUS AND WICKEDLY TEMPTING . . .Reno Wilder is a one-man unwelcoming committee, but Charli isn’t budging. It’s clear the gorgeous cowboy needs an overhaul just as much as Sweet. Someone needs to break him out of that gruff shell and show him how fun and rewarding a little change can be. THEY’RE ABOUT TO FIND THAT LOVE IS ANYTHING BUT PREDICTABLE.

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!

I highly recommend Anything But Sweet to fans of small town feel good romances. If you like Robyn Carr, Shannon Stacey and Bella Andre you will adore Candis Terry.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

75 Responses to “Anything But Sweet by Candis Terry”

  1. Melissa's Midnight Musings

    I like small town romances because of the interconnectedness of the characters, and the closeness of their relationships. It’s a bit ironic, because I’m a big city girl at heart.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      that is ironic, I am a small town girl who moved to the burbs and hate it 🙁

  2. Erika

    I do like small town romances and they are very sweet! I especially love when the characters are best friends first. Thanks!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I adore the friends to lovers troupe and you are welcome:)

  3. Anita Yancey

    I love small town romances. This one sounds so good. Thanks for having this giveaway.

  4. Naomi

    I have been reading a lot of Contemporary Romance lately, and this sounds like another one that I would enjoy. Argh!! I need more time in the day!!

  5. Lauren

    I have to agree, contemporary romance is always best in small towns! I think I’m going to really like Reno and Charli from the sounds of it. Lovely review, and thanks for the giveaway!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      there is just something romantic about small town settings, plus I love all the side stories.

  6. Gina

    Now you know I’m newer to this genre but I am thoroughly enjoying the sweet side of it all. Sounds like this one should be on my to read list. Adding now….thank you very much. ^_^

  7. Anita H.

    Great review! I do love small town romances. I’ve always thought growing up in a small town would be fun and every time I read a book with that setting, it just reinforces that view! Thanks for having this giveaway 😀

  8. Christine

    I do like small-town romances–they’re so sweet and wholesome! A perfect read for me 🙂

  9. Ada

    I do love small-town romances. There’s always so much more to the entire story when there are friends and family involved and it makes for a more intimate story.

  10. Melissa

    I love small town romances too!! Sounds like a nice read! PS Good luck with your move! Looks good so far! I almost think I should have just gone with a new fresh design!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      did you move already? I am really happy with the sleek look.

        • kimbacaffeinate

          Welcome, it’s an adjustment but there are so many things I love about it!

  11. HILLARY REYNA

    I think small town romances are cute. I don’t read a lot of contemporary romances, but the ones I do usually are about small town romances and they always make me sigh because I always wish I was the girl in the book :p Thanks for holding this giveaway!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I giggled because they make me sigh too and want to move there! good luck Hilary:)

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I was raised in a small town, so I know what you mean.

  12. Angela C.

    Small town romances are sweet. I’d like to read this; it sounds really good. 😀 Thanks for the great giveaway!

  13. Tanja

    As I can’t see my fist comment I’ll post another one! 😉

    So I do like stories set in small towns as mine is not that big. It’s easier to get to connect everything. I haven’t heard of this book before but it doesn’t sound like typical romance novel. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Great review 🙂

  14. Tanja

    I like books set in small towns too! It’s somehow easier to get to know and understand everything as I’m from the small town myself. I haven’t heard of this one but it doesn’t sound like typical romance story. I’m glad you enjoyed. Great review 🙂

  15. Melissa (Books and Things)

    *looks around* Oh shiny! New! 😀

    I do like small town romances… I always want to know where these towns are since the ones I visit don’t have any romance in it. I go to the wrong places… 🙂

    I think you found another cute read I will consider. You will get me into more contemp romance… yes, you will!

  16. Wayne Lecoy

    I entered your giveaway.
    It would be great to win a copy of
    Anything But Sweet by Candis Terry.
    In response to your question of
    Do you like small-town romances?
    I like small town romances because you can be alone more often and not everyone knows your business.
    Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!!

  17. Heidi

    I see you are moving. Hopefully it is going smoothly and no big issues. I think this sounds like an adorable book. I have loved my recent small town Texas reads and I would like another. Thanks for the chance to win!

  18. Barrie

    I love small town romances! They are more private and sweet!

  19. Candace

    I love small town stories! This one sounds adorable and I actually really love this cover!

    You’re switched over! Woo hoo!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, we have arrived! This was delightful and I hope you get the chance to try it Candace:)

  20. Nick

    Oh yay! You managed to move! 🙂
    This sounds like such a cute read and you know how I have soft spot for romances that are set in small-towns. I hadn’t heard of this before, but I’ll be sure to check it out. The characters and the romance sound amazing!
    Lovely review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I did, and I have the sweat to prove it..it’s 7:17 pm and I am still in my PJ’s, my teeth hurt from grinding them, but I am excited and the tweaking is getting down to the nitty-gritty. LOL You would enjoy this Nick!

  21. dhaupt3

    Look at you, I love the new look. Great review.
    Clean lines and very enjoyable look to the site Kim. Are you happy?
    Yes I know how you are 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You saw it during the process and it had a lot of tweaking done. I am still not happy with the fonts but it’s a work in progress. I do like the clean lines.

  22. Andrea

    You had me at Bella Andre and Robyn Carr! I love small town romances too, and this sounds like a good one. Adding to my tbr!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh yeah..love those authors too:) Enjoy Andrea!

  23. Giselle

    Blah WP stole my first comment!

    I love books set in a small town in makes it so easy for me to resonate with the story being from the smallest town every myself! Lol. This sounds like a super sweet read!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      sorry, probably got caught in one our tweaks. I grew up in a very small town too, and yes we had a Main St. LOL

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree and the whole book had a feel good vibe to it.

  24. Lindy Gomez

    I think romances that are slowly built up are the best! A marine/cowboy? Sign me up! LOL This sounds like a cute little story, especially with the backdrop of the small town, and everyone close to one another. Great Review Kimba!!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So do I Lindy, and yes to military men in cowboy boots 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Danny, this was sweet and was perfect for a lazy afternoon escape:)

  25. kindlemom1

    Oh gosh, you had me at “hot, ex-marine, cowboy”!