by Candis Terry
Series: ,
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
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."
Truly Sweet is the last book in the Sweet, Texas series by Candis Terry and it was one of my favorites. Former Marine Jake Wilder has returned home after being honorable discharged. He carries with him a world of guilt and pain. Truly Sweet is a friends to lovers romance and it delivered all the swoons, tears and joy one comes to expect when embarking on one of Terry’s small-town romances.
We met Jake and Annabelle in earlier books and I was delighted to get their stories. Annabelle Morgan returned home to Sweet down on her luck and pregnant. The town and Wilder family took her under their wing. She is working at the local diner and living in her sister’s home while she raises her son Max.
Jake was injured during a mission in Afghanistan that went terribly wrong. He had planned on a career with the Marines but his injury has changed all that. He is trying to put on a brave face for his mother and brothers but guilt over the loss of some of his men troubles him. Craving a greasy burger, he stops at the local dinner and runs into Annabelle (Annie). In high school, the two of them confided in each other and teased each other relentlessly. I loved the banter between them and right away felt their connection. Jake has never thought about Annie as a woman but the way she fills out her jeans now- there is no denying it.
Annie has always been half in love with Jake, and seeing him suffering pains her, but a few rolls in the hay to soothe his wounds is not in the picture; not with Max to think about. I loved the slow building romance that unfolded. It was a mix of sweet and heat laced in humor and tenderness. Their emotions felt genuine and I quickly found myself rooting for them. Terry has a gift for creating couples that readers can relate to. We see growth in both Annie and Jake as they grow closer and I enjoyed their journey.
As the final book Truly Sweet has secondary storylines to tie up loose ends. The author updates us on the other brothers and of course we had to see Mother Wilder get her happy. Terry did a wonderful job of bringing it all together.
While each of the books involve one romance and can work as standalone, I would recommend reading the series in order. For fans of brothers and small-town romances with a little heat and a whole lotta heart Truly Sweet and the entire Sweet, Texas series is sure to make you smile.
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lindy
I love a good small town, friends to lovers romance! I think it’s wonderful that the finale was your favorite! Great Review Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Lindy!
Karen
Sounds like my kind of book 🙂
Karen @For What It’s Worth
kimbacaffeinate
This series was such fun Karen
kimbacaffeinate
I had to do a system restore and all of my replies were lost
Angela Adams
Sounds like an addition to my TBR list! Thanks for the post.
Braine Talk Supe
Characters like this Jake dude always has interesting development. Also, yay for the cameos! I’ve read her other series, I forgot the title but it has cupcakes and a bakeshop, lol, and it’s a lovely series too! She does write fab characters.
Cyn
This sounds like a cute read, I do love brothers series and I’ve been reading more westerns/cowboy/small town romances lately, so this sounds right up my alley right now! Thanks for the tip about starting from the beginning, I love seeing characters throughout the series (: Great review, Kim!
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh those things that usually work as standalones make me want to read the whole series. I like it when one story blends with another so I also see why you say to read in order. Hm… will have to check these out.
Kathy
This book looks like one of those that I could just cuddle with and keep a smile on my face. I haven’t read an Avon book in a long while. I might need to remedy that.
Brandi Breathes Books
Yes I enjoy books about both brothers and small towns
blodeuedd
And it sounds pretty sweet 🙂
Katherine
You had me at friends to lovers! That’s one of my favorites!
Bube
This series is one of my favorite!
I love every book,and Truly Sweet is really amazing book,Jake and Anna are amazing couple 🙂
Great review 🙂
Mary Kirkland
Oh this sounds really good. I like these types of stories and when the male is trying not to like the female and they finally get together, it’s usually really good.
Debbie Haupt
Thanks Kim you’ve got me curious and wanting 🙂 and I LOVE ex-military, wounded Veteran novels. They are especially touching.
Ramona
Ah, there’s nothing better than a skilled author who can wrap up a series to the reader’s satisfaction. Glad you enjoyed it, Kimba. Have a beautiful weekend! 🙂
Ramona
Hey, Kimba, I can’t seem to find your Sunday post – I get this error message. Is it my stupid computer again???
Laurel-Rain Snow
Sounds like a “sweet” story….glad you enjoyed the series, and thanks for sharing.
Jenny
I’ve only read one book in this series but I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to diving into the rest Kim. LOVE the premise of this one:)
Nick
I just bought the first book in this series the other day! I’m excited to read them. This sounds like it was yet another success. Small-town + slow burn romance? That’s the perfect combo!
Lovely review, Kim!
Aubrey Wynne
Looking forward to this series. And thanks for the suggestion to read them in order.
Rosa
I hadn’t heard about this series before, but it seems like a great read. I’m a sucker for small-town romances 🙂
Lover Of Romance
I am planning on starting this series soon, and I am super excited especially after reading your review. I do like the friends to lovers trope, though.
kindlemom1
I love that this was a series ender and also one of your favorites! Wonderful review Kim, I hope you have an amazing weekend!