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Sweet, Texas #1
Anything But Sweet
From Candis Terry, the sparkling new author Rachel Gibson calls "A fun and refreshing voice in contemporary romance," comes a sexy series set in Sweet, Texas about the wild, Wilder brothers, ex-marines who find love in a town that despite its name is… anything but sweet.
A man who doesn't like change . . .
For years Ex-Marine Reno Wilder managed to uphold his end of the Wilder Boys' wild reputation. But the scars of war and the deaths of those he loved have flipped the switch on his point of view. Now, to keep tradition and memories alive, he'll settle for a staid life of wash, rinse, repeat.
When the senior citizens of Sweet, Texas believe it's time for their little town to become a destination for tourists they contact a new TV makeover show. Their community is chosen to participate and everyone is pleased--except Reno.
A woman who wants to change everything . . .
Beneath her headstrong desire to upend Reno's peace and quiet, makeover show host and designer Charlotte Brooks has something to offer that has nothing to do with changing drapes and everything to do with showing him that change can be sexy, hot, and very, very sweet.
Face-off for a happily-ever-after . . .
Neither of them saw coming. Who will stand their ground? Who will find common ground? And who will let go of their past and grab hold of a future full of promise?
A man who doesn't like change . . .
For years Ex-Marine Reno Wilder managed to uphold his end of the Wilder Boys' wild reputation. But the scars of war and the deaths of those he loved have flipped the switch on his point of view. Now, to keep tradition and memories alive, he'll settle for a staid life of wash, rinse, repeat.
When the senior citizens of Sweet, Texas believe it's time for their little town to become a destination for tourists they contact a new TV makeover show. Their community is chosen to participate and everyone is pleased--except Reno.
A woman who wants to change everything . . .
Beneath her headstrong desire to upend Reno's peace and quiet, makeover show host and designer Charlotte Brooks has something to offer that has nothing to do with changing drapes and everything to do with showing him that change can be sexy, hot, and very, very sweet.
Face-off for a happily-ever-after . . .
Neither of them saw coming. Who will stand their ground? Who will find common ground? And who will let go of their past and grab hold of a future full of promise?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 25, 2013
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1833 people want to read
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November 20, 2015
Still a KINDLE FREEBIE!! 3-16-15 Don't miss out on this freebie. I adore the entire series. Book 1 is free, books 2-4 are just $0.99 each!
You can access them all through this link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009...
I need to get down to Sweet, Texas, and find me a cowboy to love!
Anything But Sweet has everything I want in a contemporary romance! It's romantic, humorous, passionate, poignant, and oh, so sexy! The characters are awesome and the story is simple but beautiful, and I really can't ask for more than that! Well, except maybe a sequel! There are some other Wilder brothers in need of some serious loving, and I - selfless wench that I am - volunteer to be the woman to give it to them.
I might write more of a review later, but really... I've said all that needs to be said. Just trust me on this and read the book. Every word, every page, every chapter, start to finish... a wonderful story!
4.5 Stars
Many thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
What a SWEET treat!
You can access them all through this link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009...
I need to get down to Sweet, Texas, and find me a cowboy to love!
Anything But Sweet has everything I want in a contemporary romance! It's romantic, humorous, passionate, poignant, and oh, so sexy! The characters are awesome and the story is simple but beautiful, and I really can't ask for more than that! Well, except maybe a sequel! There are some other Wilder brothers in need of some serious loving, and I - selfless wench that I am - volunteer to be the woman to give it to them.
I might write more of a review later, but really... I've said all that needs to be said. Just trust me on this and read the book. Every word, every page, every chapter, start to finish... a wonderful story!
4.5 Stars
Many thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
What a SWEET treat!
May 24, 2013
Candis Terry at her finest! ANYTHING BUT SWEET is heart-warmingly FANTASTIC!
Where do I even start...I absolutely loved everything about this book! Charli, our heroine, is definitely an unforgettable character. She is spunky, sweet and has a heart too big for her chest...loved her! And RENO WILDER....well, well, well....talk about wanting to lick...I mean...wanting to watch this guy break down those HUGE barriers he puts up and maybe just let himself fall for Charli.
Reno is everything I love in a hero...Broody...Check....Sexy as ALL GET OUT...Check...Big Ole Teddy Bear...Check....Looks amazing in a flannel shirt and snug jeans that fit JUST RIGHT across his fine ass...Check!
All I have to say is be prepared to Fall In Love! You will be flying through the pages, with every touch, every kiss, every funny as hell 'One Liner', and be falling so hard for Reno, right there with Charli, and want him to love her back so much...yes...I cried...you will understand how emotionally involved you will become while watching these two lost souls find each other...yep, Candis Terry will have you cracking up, tearing up and dyin for the next book in the Sweet Series...Can we say Sexy Brother Jackson....Yes...there are MORE Wilder Brothers and they are ALL SEXYYYYY!
ANYTHING BUT SWEET gripped tight to every heart-string I have and I don't think it has let go...I think Reno and Charli will stay with me a long time...and you better believe that they are making an appearance on Tasty's Top Couples of 2013.
I highly, highly recommend you Pre-Order ANYTHING BUT SWEET, and if you haven't read a Candis Terry romance, be prepared to add her to your Auto-Buy list!
Where do I even start...I absolutely loved everything about this book! Charli, our heroine, is definitely an unforgettable character. She is spunky, sweet and has a heart too big for her chest...loved her! And RENO WILDER....well, well, well....talk about wanting to lick...I mean...wanting to watch this guy break down those HUGE barriers he puts up and maybe just let himself fall for Charli.
"Just so you know, " she said in her most confident voice, "at the reveal meeting tonight in the community hall, I plan to present the big plan. I want to do you first."
That dark gaze traveled up and down her body like a singles-party cruise.
He was a big strong man. A man's man. With a TRESPASSING sign embedded in those dark eyes. Probably burned into his heart as well.
Reno is everything I love in a hero...Broody...Check....Sexy as ALL GET OUT...Check...Big Ole Teddy Bear...Check....Looks amazing in a flannel shirt and snug jeans that fit JUST RIGHT across his fine ass...Check!
"So you're against hairy chests? You prefer the smooth gym-rat type?"
"Well." She took another pull from her lemonade, licked her lips, and smiled. "If I get to play Goldilocks and have my pick, I do have a confession." She leaned in and whispered. "I've seen your chest. And it's just right."
All I have to say is be prepared to Fall In Love! You will be flying through the pages, with every touch, every kiss, every funny as hell 'One Liner', and be falling so hard for Reno, right there with Charli, and want him to love her back so much...yes...I cried...you will understand how emotionally involved you will become while watching these two lost souls find each other...yep, Candis Terry will have you cracking up, tearing up and dyin for the next book in the Sweet Series...Can we say Sexy Brother Jackson....Yes...there are MORE Wilder Brothers and they are ALL SEXYYYYY!
ANYTHING BUT SWEET gripped tight to every heart-string I have and I don't think it has let go...I think Reno and Charli will stay with me a long time...and you better believe that they are making an appearance on Tasty's Top Couples of 2013.
I highly, highly recommend you Pre-Order ANYTHING BUT SWEET, and if you haven't read a Candis Terry romance, be prepared to add her to your Auto-Buy list!
July 26, 2013
Review posted at Got Fiction? Books
So I’ve said before that I’m not much for small-town or Contemporary Romance, and this book is both. Yet. . .I really liked it!
Anything But Sweet is about a small town in Texas called Sweet where the townspeople have entered a town makeover reality show. And sure enough, they win! But sexy ex-Marine Reno Wilder wants nothing to do with the show. So what if there’s peeling paint and rusted awnings? It just gives the town character, right?
And his distaste for the show’s sexy host has nothing to do with his grumpy attitude.
Charli loves being a designer, and she loves her job as a TV host/designer, but she’s tired of travelling constantly and never really having a place to call her own. Sweet, Texas is looking more and more like a town she doesn’t want to leave. And it has everything to do with the grumpy Reno Wilder.
Charli is everything Reno never wanted, but never knew he needed. She pushes him to see past all the grief in his life, and she shows him that he’s allowed to be happy, he’s allowed to have a life, and his friends and family only want him to be happy. And she knows that she may or may not factor into his happiness, but she’ll be darned if she won’t try!
This was a cute and (dare I say it?) “sweet” story. The romance is slow, but once it takes off, the pages will singe your fingers! I loved Charli, Reno was a great hero, and the cast of characters were fantastic. From spunky elderly cowboys to mama bear Jana Wilder, there’s nothing better than a well-written supporting cast! And I really want to read the novella Home Sweet Home in the Crazy Sweet Fine anthology— It’s about Aiden and Paige, 2 of the awesome supporting characters I'd mentioned.
***Review copy provided by Avon Books and Avon Addicts
So I’ve said before that I’m not much for small-town or Contemporary Romance, and this book is both. Yet. . .I really liked it!
Anything But Sweet is about a small town in Texas called Sweet where the townspeople have entered a town makeover reality show. And sure enough, they win! But sexy ex-Marine Reno Wilder wants nothing to do with the show. So what if there’s peeling paint and rusted awnings? It just gives the town character, right?
And his distaste for the show’s sexy host has nothing to do with his grumpy attitude.
Charli loves being a designer, and she loves her job as a TV host/designer, but she’s tired of travelling constantly and never really having a place to call her own. Sweet, Texas is looking more and more like a town she doesn’t want to leave. And it has everything to do with the grumpy Reno Wilder.
Charli is everything Reno never wanted, but never knew he needed. She pushes him to see past all the grief in his life, and she shows him that he’s allowed to be happy, he’s allowed to have a life, and his friends and family only want him to be happy. And she knows that she may or may not factor into his happiness, but she’ll be darned if she won’t try!
This was a cute and (dare I say it?) “sweet” story. The romance is slow, but once it takes off, the pages will singe your fingers! I loved Charli, Reno was a great hero, and the cast of characters were fantastic. From spunky elderly cowboys to mama bear Jana Wilder, there’s nothing better than a well-written supporting cast! And I really want to read the novella Home Sweet Home in the Crazy Sweet Fine anthology— It’s about Aiden and Paige, 2 of the awesome supporting characters I'd mentioned.
***Review copy provided by Avon Books and Avon Addicts
November 10, 2014
Cute story. Was something different and completely refreshing from the normal things I had been reading this week during the power outage.
I absolutely love small town stories and this one takes places in a small town of Sweet, Texas. I am going to say this now because I loved the supporting characters in the book as well as Reno's mother and his brothers. They were an absolutely blast.
So change is coming into town in a form of Charlotte brooks, a show host and designer that sets her sights on towns in need of her 'help' and picks out a few places she is going to fix up. Of course Reno the ex-marine does not like change and his store just happened to be on the list that Charlotte wants to change when he battled so hard to preserve it. Sparks fly and soon Reno is found himself had to head with a woman who looks like she don't belong there. Charlotte is not one to back down from a challenge, even if it comes in a form of a hot rancher that makes her heart beat fast every time he flashes those dimples.
I loved Reno, he was so swoon worthy. Besides being stubborn, and I have to say I respected him for that - he is also hard-headed and ruggedly amazing. His an ex-marine and so are the rest of his brothers, but his favorite past time to escape is to paint - which I found endearing. Reno also has a lot of heart and his need to hold onto things and dislike change is a familiar feeling.
I had a hard time connecting to Charlie, I had to admit but she was actually a little too bubble and girly for my taste. It was an odd combo of a rancher and a girl like her but I have to admit the girl has a lot of passion for what she does. Of course the chemistry is there and the bickering between the two drives the storyline of the book. It was fast paced, sassy, witty and fun. I loved the story it was so different and I found myself laughing more then once. I hope there is going to be more of the series, because the writing was truly beautiful. Once I found myself immersed in Sweet, Texas I had a hard time leaving it. Looking forward to more from Candis Terry!
I absolutely love small town stories and this one takes places in a small town of Sweet, Texas. I am going to say this now because I loved the supporting characters in the book as well as Reno's mother and his brothers. They were an absolutely blast.
So change is coming into town in a form of Charlotte brooks, a show host and designer that sets her sights on towns in need of her 'help' and picks out a few places she is going to fix up. Of course Reno the ex-marine does not like change and his store just happened to be on the list that Charlotte wants to change when he battled so hard to preserve it. Sparks fly and soon Reno is found himself had to head with a woman who looks like she don't belong there. Charlotte is not one to back down from a challenge, even if it comes in a form of a hot rancher that makes her heart beat fast every time he flashes those dimples.
I loved Reno, he was so swoon worthy. Besides being stubborn, and I have to say I respected him for that - he is also hard-headed and ruggedly amazing. His an ex-marine and so are the rest of his brothers, but his favorite past time to escape is to paint - which I found endearing. Reno also has a lot of heart and his need to hold onto things and dislike change is a familiar feeling.
I had a hard time connecting to Charlie, I had to admit but she was actually a little too bubble and girly for my taste. It was an odd combo of a rancher and a girl like her but I have to admit the girl has a lot of passion for what she does. Of course the chemistry is there and the bickering between the two drives the storyline of the book. It was fast paced, sassy, witty and fun. I loved the story it was so different and I found myself laughing more then once. I hope there is going to be more of the series, because the writing was truly beautiful. Once I found myself immersed in Sweet, Texas I had a hard time leaving it. Looking forward to more from Candis Terry!
July 11, 2014
This is a good small-town romance that hits all the highlights and does them well. I liked Charli a lot and enjoyed her story as she struggles to convince Reno that a little change is a good thing and that you don't abandon the past just because life moves on. I liked her perky energy and her creativity in coming at challenges sideways. And I liked her building relationships with the people of Sweet with her open heart and honest joy in sharing their stories, hopes, and dreams.
Unfortunately, Reno is more than a little bit irrationally stubborn and I didn't enjoy him so much. Someone that determined to hurt both himself and those around him with his emotional constipation needs a swift kick in the chaps. Yeah, I get the attraction of the strong, independent cowboy type and Candis Terry does a good small-town tale (it's obvious that she knows and loves small-town Texas). And the banter (when Reno wasn't being a gloom-monkey) was solid and interesting. But gads was he frustrating when he'd retreat into his own despair and block Charli (and everyone else, really) out.
So yeah, I liked the novel and am open to reading more by Terry—particularly if it's set in Sweet. I acknowledge that I just didn't connect well with Reno in an otherwise fine read.
A note about Steamy: This was a mild-to-medium steam book. Two explicit scenes of a couple pages each.
Unfortunately, Reno is more than a little bit irrationally stubborn and I didn't enjoy him so much. Someone that determined to hurt both himself and those around him with his emotional constipation needs a swift kick in the chaps. Yeah, I get the attraction of the strong, independent cowboy type and Candis Terry does a good small-town tale (it's obvious that she knows and loves small-town Texas). And the banter (when Reno wasn't being a gloom-monkey) was solid and interesting. But gads was he frustrating when he'd retreat into his own despair and block Charli (and everyone else, really) out.
So yeah, I liked the novel and am open to reading more by Terry—particularly if it's set in Sweet. I acknowledge that I just didn't connect well with Reno in an otherwise fine read.
A note about Steamy: This was a mild-to-medium steam book. Two explicit scenes of a couple pages each.
September 24, 2014
I don't know, maybe it's me, I gotta lot of things going on at the moment, but this book was so boring, I'm dying here. The beginning - interesting. The heroine - awesome. Random funny things - check.
But round about 60% when they started talking about crazy love and how they possibly couldn't be in love because they've known each other for a short time, I was like insta-love, really? Gimme a break!
Then there was all this, well brainwashing seems a bit harsh, but I don't know what's the subtler way of saying manipulating someone's opinions by strongly suggesting some things are better than others. Like small towns are such a good place to live and big cities are bad and wrong, ranching and farming is so good for you, country music is just so meaningful, and all the Army propaganda. By the 70% mark I started skimming. Probably read only a fifth from then on.
Maybe I could've tolerated the bullshit this books spews better if the hero was a worthy one, but he turned out to be a giant douche. Dickhead. Jerk. Asshole. Count his brother Jackson in this string of insults, too.
Know what?! The more I'm into this review, the more I realize how this was anything but sweet. Screw this book, I have better things to do.
But round about 60% when they started talking about crazy love and how they possibly couldn't be in love because they've known each other for a short time, I was like insta-love, really? Gimme a break!
Then there was all this, well brainwashing seems a bit harsh, but I don't know what's the subtler way of saying manipulating someone's opinions by strongly suggesting some things are better than others. Like small towns are such a good place to live and big cities are bad and wrong, ranching and farming is so good for you, country music is just so meaningful, and all the Army propaganda. By the 70% mark I started skimming. Probably read only a fifth from then on.
Maybe I could've tolerated the bullshit this books spews better if the hero was a worthy one, but he turned out to be a giant douche. Dickhead. Jerk. Asshole. Count his brother Jackson in this string of insults, too.
Know what?! The more I'm into this review, the more I realize how this was anything but sweet. Screw this book, I have better things to do.
July 21, 2013
I loved this book. I have a soft spot for small town stories anyway and this one was particularly good. Charli has come to town with her makeover show to help give some of the businesses a boost. One of the businesses she wants to do is Reno's hardware store and he wants absolutely nothing to do with it. He likes his store and his town just the way they are and he has no problem telling her so. But Charli isn't going to give up - on the town or on Reno.
I loved both Charli and Reno. Charli is the daughter of a military man. Her mom died when she was eight and her dad was never around. They constantly moved around and she was left with a longing to belong somewhere. She never expected to have a job that also kept her on the move. One of the things that she loves about her job is spending time in the small towns and getting to know the people there, even though it always hurts to leave. She liked Sweet as soon as she arrived and couldn't understand what Reno's problem was. She won't give in to his refusal to change and finds ways to get him involved even as he resists. The more she gets to know him the more she realizes that there is more behind his resistance than just grouchiness. She knows she is falling in love with him, but she too worries about the risk to her heart. One of the things I like best about Charli is the way that she is so upbeat about her work. She can see the best in almost anything she looks at. Her love for small towns shows in everything she does, from the changes she makes to the way she makes friends with so many different people. I especially loved the way that she bonded with Reno's mom.
Reno is content with his store and his town just the way they are. He doesn't need some big city woman coming in and changing things around. He's had all the upheaval in his life he can stand and wants nothing more than for Charli to pack up and leave town. He does his best to be uncooperative, but somehow she always seems to get her way. Pretty soon he finds himself enjoying their interactions and the sizzle between them really starts to take off. But Reno refuses to think of a future between them. He uses his refusal to change as a way to protect himself. He clings to the memories of his father, brother and fiancee, thinking that keeping everything the same is the way to honor their memories. I loved seeing the way that Charli starts to chip away at his walls. Sometimes he'll think that a future is possible, but mostly he thinks he doesn't deserve to be happy. I loved seeing him finally let go of his fears.
I also loved the secondary characters. No one was perfect and no one was all bad. Everyone had their own lives and issues both good and bad. I loved Reno's mom and the way that she kept her boys in line when she needed to. She seemed to have that southern velvet covered steel that got her just where she wanted to be. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
I loved both Charli and Reno. Charli is the daughter of a military man. Her mom died when she was eight and her dad was never around. They constantly moved around and she was left with a longing to belong somewhere. She never expected to have a job that also kept her on the move. One of the things that she loves about her job is spending time in the small towns and getting to know the people there, even though it always hurts to leave. She liked Sweet as soon as she arrived and couldn't understand what Reno's problem was. She won't give in to his refusal to change and finds ways to get him involved even as he resists. The more she gets to know him the more she realizes that there is more behind his resistance than just grouchiness. She knows she is falling in love with him, but she too worries about the risk to her heart. One of the things I like best about Charli is the way that she is so upbeat about her work. She can see the best in almost anything she looks at. Her love for small towns shows in everything she does, from the changes she makes to the way she makes friends with so many different people. I especially loved the way that she bonded with Reno's mom.
Reno is content with his store and his town just the way they are. He doesn't need some big city woman coming in and changing things around. He's had all the upheaval in his life he can stand and wants nothing more than for Charli to pack up and leave town. He does his best to be uncooperative, but somehow she always seems to get her way. Pretty soon he finds himself enjoying their interactions and the sizzle between them really starts to take off. But Reno refuses to think of a future between them. He uses his refusal to change as a way to protect himself. He clings to the memories of his father, brother and fiancee, thinking that keeping everything the same is the way to honor their memories. I loved seeing the way that Charli starts to chip away at his walls. Sometimes he'll think that a future is possible, but mostly he thinks he doesn't deserve to be happy. I loved seeing him finally let go of his fears.
I also loved the secondary characters. No one was perfect and no one was all bad. Everyone had their own lives and issues both good and bad. I loved Reno's mom and the way that she kept her boys in line when she needed to. She seemed to have that southern velvet covered steel that got her just where she wanted to be. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
August 2, 2015
So adorable!
I want a Wilder brother for myself and I want to move to this cute town!
I want a Wilder brother for myself and I want to move to this cute town!
July 26, 2020
Sweet, TX is a small town where everyone knows the other and is supportive of local businesses. Except these businesses are a bit run down and in need of a makeover. Enter Charli's show, "My New Town." They rehab small towns to help increase tourist dollars. Reno likes things just the way they are thank you very much.
Charli was a military brat with a father who ignored her. Reno was one of 5 sons in a family loved him just as he was. They both have tragic backstories (Charli mom was killed by a drunk driver when she was a kid and Reno's brother Jared was killed while serving his country, his father died, and his fiance killed in an auto accident- and that's not touching on his childhood from birth to age 5). I thought Charli was really good at what she did and I liked her connection with Jana (Reno's mom). Reno was decent too, but it took longer for him to change. The interplay between the brothers and their mom (and the townfolk) was fun.
Lots of name dropping country music stars, country is King, and the opinion that all other music is trash and can go suck it. That annoyed me. I also didn't appreciate Charli's choice of a vehicle- a Hummer. No one *needs* a gas guzzling, environmental killing machine such as that. She didn't off road or haul shit. It was transportation for her and her (1) dog.
I read this for Romance-opoly Drive In Movie sun track.
Charli was a military brat with a father who ignored her. Reno was one of 5 sons in a family loved him just as he was. They both have tragic backstories (Charli mom was killed by a drunk driver when she was a kid and Reno's brother Jared was killed while serving his country, his father died, and his fiance killed in an auto accident- and that's not touching on his childhood from birth to age 5). I thought Charli was really good at what she did and I liked her connection with Jana (Reno's mom). Reno was decent too, but it took longer for him to change. The interplay between the brothers and their mom (and the townfolk) was fun.
Lots of name dropping country music stars, country is King, and the opinion that all other music is trash and can go suck it. That annoyed me. I also didn't appreciate Charli's choice of a vehicle- a Hummer. No one *needs* a gas guzzling, environmental killing machine such as that. She didn't off road or haul shit. It was transportation for her and her (1) dog.
I read this for Romance-opoly Drive In Movie sun track.
November 24, 2018
I am delighted to have discovered a new-to-me contemporary author who does really good small town romances with delightful characters and sexual tension. This book features a super grumpy hero who has been beaten down by life and losses (his brother followed by father & then fiancee) and our heroine who despite never having anyone has such a delightful outlook on life. I loved our sassy, sexy, hard-working and amazing heroine who didn't let anyone even the grumpy hero push her around. She came to town to make-over the town as part of her show and our grumpy hero is resistant to change. But she slowly makes everyone just fall for her, even helping the hero heal. She also has a delightful dog. LOVED this one!
January 18, 2014
As I started reading Anything But Sweet, I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. Candis Terry was a new to me author, and her books looked to be the sweet kind; you know the type, the ones that can sometimes be so sweet you need to brush your teeth after? But as the story went on, and I kept flipping the pages, I realized that this isn't one of those books. Instead, I fell in love with the small town of Sweet, Texas—and with many of the, at times quirky, characters that call it home.
I loved how Reno interacted with his family, how he didn't let his early childhood years, which were crappy, ruin his life. He found out what family really meant, and while he may have tried too hard at times to “fit” in with his brothers, he starts to realize now, years later, that he never had to do that.
Charli was great, as well, and even though I've always known where my home is, I still felt a very strong connection to her and her issues with feeling like she'll never have a place to settle down in.
4 STARS! This may have been my first journey into Terry's small town series, but it won't be my last! I'll be returning to Sweet again, as well as picking up her other books. Fun, charming, and the right amount of sexy, Anything But Sweet is a great book to escape into for the day! And yes, it is sweet, but I mean that in a good way! :D
~ * ~ * ~
For my full review, including favorite book quotes, please visit my blog, TBQ's Book Palace.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
TheBookQueen
July 18, 2013
This is the first book about reality TV that I've read, and I enjoyed it. I'm not a huge reality TV fan - except for HGTV, which is exactly what ANYTHING BUT SWEET is based on. The writing was quick, witty, and fun, and the characters were believable. Each back story was clearly well thought-out by the author, and she gives it to the reader in perfectly-rationed doses throughout the book; I felt I really understood where Reno and Charli came from, and what they hoped to achieve in their lives without having to suffer through the typical flashback mechanism.
Charli is a fun, admirable character who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go get it. In the overwhelmed market of stronger-than-thou alpha heroines, it's actually nice to see a sweet, nice woman who's career-driven but wants to find a life balance, who won't take any flack from anyone, and who loves her life but recognizes when it's time to change things up a bit. Charli is positive throughout almost the entire novel, and that is the best thing about her. She's not sticky-sweet, she's not cutesy, and she's not fake - all of which one might expect from a TV hostess. She broke every expectation I had of her, and I loved that.
Reno tends to fall into the more typical alpha hero mold. He's an ex-Marine (read: stubborn, handsome, brave, loyal) and a Texas cowboy (read: sexy, loves his family, shoulders lots of responsibilities). His gradual fall into Charli's arms is a slow, highly resistant one - and it's believable because Charli's positivity infuses everything and everyone around her in an honest way. She doesn't pressure Reno into anything, but she consistently disallows his stubborn ways to derail her own plans.
Sweet, Texas is a well-crafted place full of southern charm and welcoming people. You definitely get the feeling that once you decide to make a life in Sweet, the people would envelop you in its arms, offer you a glass of sweet tea and dance in the hot summer breeze late into the night. The Wilders are the backbone of this community, and I look forward to reading about Reno's brother, Jackson, in the next release (SWEETEST MISTAKE, January 2014).
This is a fun read, but there's no plot that drives any outer conflict, which is something I really love in my escapes from reality. However, this is a well-written, character-driven book - and I did enjoy it. It's a perfect book for a girls' night in, so I give it three and a half out of five stars.
(Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased and truthful review.)
Charli is a fun, admirable character who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go get it. In the overwhelmed market of stronger-than-thou alpha heroines, it's actually nice to see a sweet, nice woman who's career-driven but wants to find a life balance, who won't take any flack from anyone, and who loves her life but recognizes when it's time to change things up a bit. Charli is positive throughout almost the entire novel, and that is the best thing about her. She's not sticky-sweet, she's not cutesy, and she's not fake - all of which one might expect from a TV hostess. She broke every expectation I had of her, and I loved that.
Reno tends to fall into the more typical alpha hero mold. He's an ex-Marine (read: stubborn, handsome, brave, loyal) and a Texas cowboy (read: sexy, loves his family, shoulders lots of responsibilities). His gradual fall into Charli's arms is a slow, highly resistant one - and it's believable because Charli's positivity infuses everything and everyone around her in an honest way. She doesn't pressure Reno into anything, but she consistently disallows his stubborn ways to derail her own plans.
Sweet, Texas is a well-crafted place full of southern charm and welcoming people. You definitely get the feeling that once you decide to make a life in Sweet, the people would envelop you in its arms, offer you a glass of sweet tea and dance in the hot summer breeze late into the night. The Wilders are the backbone of this community, and I look forward to reading about Reno's brother, Jackson, in the next release (SWEETEST MISTAKE, January 2014).
This is a fun read, but there's no plot that drives any outer conflict, which is something I really love in my escapes from reality. However, this is a well-written, character-driven book - and I did enjoy it. It's a perfect book for a girls' night in, so I give it three and a half out of five stars.
(Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased and truthful review.)
July 1, 2013
I’ve really enjoyed Candis Terry’s Sugar Shack novels, so when I saw she had a new contemporary romance set in a small town in Texas, I went ahead and made the request for Anything But Sweet. Her contemporaries are sweet without being overly sentimental, and she keeps the small town, quirky residents to a minimum.
Charlotte “Charlie” Brooks is the host of a makeover show that has come to the town of Sweet, Texas, to do renovations on several stores and Reno Wilder is the owner of the hardware store that’s been selected. Reno isn’t impressed with Charlie’s little dog (who pees on Reno when they first meet), her big high heels, or her plans to transform his dad’s store. He makes it pretty clear that he’d prefer if she just packed her things and left Sweet, but Charlie just digs in and makes it understood that she’s not going anywhere.
I thought both characters were very well matched. Reno is a taciturn ex-marine that has suffered many losses, including his father, brother, and fiancé. He’s also not a blood relative of the Wilder family, but was adopted into their family as a small child and still carries around that baggage with him. Charlie, in contrast to Reno, is a little less damaged, but still has issues that stem from having a career military father. She is very good at her job, but is tired of the constant travel and being uprooted, and wants nothing more than to find a place where she can a home for herself. I liked how Charlie handled herself with Reno and his bad attitude. She was assertive, but not mean, and has a great sense of humor. In the book, you see how Reno is drawn to her wit and outlook on life and how it greatly differs from his own. The side characters are fun when they’re on the page, but they’re certainly less fleshed out than the main characters. I do look forward to reading more about the Wilder’s though. The brother’s interactions made for some terrific moments in the book.
The dialogue is really fun throughout the entire novel and it manages to keep a brisk pace all throughout the book. Charlie and Reno treat each other like adults and while you see that they’re attracted to one another, they don’t immediately jump into bed together. My ONLY quibble is with what happens at the end. It’s very predictable and somewhat trite. Had the ending been better, my rating would be even higher. While the book doesn’t break any new ground, it’s a lovely romance that is full of charm and humor, and if you’re a fan of contemporary books, I’d certainly recommend that you give Anything But Sweet a try.
Charlotte “Charlie” Brooks is the host of a makeover show that has come to the town of Sweet, Texas, to do renovations on several stores and Reno Wilder is the owner of the hardware store that’s been selected. Reno isn’t impressed with Charlie’s little dog (who pees on Reno when they first meet), her big high heels, or her plans to transform his dad’s store. He makes it pretty clear that he’d prefer if she just packed her things and left Sweet, but Charlie just digs in and makes it understood that she’s not going anywhere.
I thought both characters were very well matched. Reno is a taciturn ex-marine that has suffered many losses, including his father, brother, and fiancé. He’s also not a blood relative of the Wilder family, but was adopted into their family as a small child and still carries around that baggage with him. Charlie, in contrast to Reno, is a little less damaged, but still has issues that stem from having a career military father. She is very good at her job, but is tired of the constant travel and being uprooted, and wants nothing more than to find a place where she can a home for herself. I liked how Charlie handled herself with Reno and his bad attitude. She was assertive, but not mean, and has a great sense of humor. In the book, you see how Reno is drawn to her wit and outlook on life and how it greatly differs from his own. The side characters are fun when they’re on the page, but they’re certainly less fleshed out than the main characters. I do look forward to reading more about the Wilder’s though. The brother’s interactions made for some terrific moments in the book.
The dialogue is really fun throughout the entire novel and it manages to keep a brisk pace all throughout the book. Charlie and Reno treat each other like adults and while you see that they’re attracted to one another, they don’t immediately jump into bed together. My ONLY quibble is with what happens at the end. It’s very predictable and somewhat trite. Had the ending been better, my rating would be even higher. While the book doesn’t break any new ground, it’s a lovely romance that is full of charm and humor, and if you’re a fan of contemporary books, I’d certainly recommend that you give Anything But Sweet a try.
August 18, 2014
Charli Brooks, host of a makeover show for small-towns, My New Town came to Sweet, Texas, after being invited by the senior citizens who are frustrated with the lack of resourcefulness from their Mayor. Reno Wilder, ex-marine and owner of Wilder and Sons Hardware & Feed, is probably the only Sweet citizen who is not excited about the change. Reno doesn’t want any change. He wants the town to stay exactly as it is. He doesn’t see anything wrong with Sweet that needs a facelift. Knowing Reno’s reluctance, Charli sees it as a challenge, professionally and personally, to show Reno that changes are not always a bad thing.
I love Charli’s cheerful, high-spirited attitude. She is a military daughter, and her father is not exactly one who shows emotion – but Charli still grows up as a “rainbow after the rain” kind of person. She is not discouraged when she knows Reno doesn’t agree to the makeover. She makes it her mission to show Reno that she will enhance the town and its characteristics, not destroy it. I love that Charli is a determined woman – but, at the same time, compassionate and understanding. When Charli turns on the flirty mode, Reno doesn’t stand a chance *LOL*. This is the kind of feisty heroine that I just love in my books.
Reno is the protective, stubborn, and tortured hero. He experienced three loses in a short span of time: his older brother, Jared, who was killed in Afghanistan, his father, who died not long after Jared, and last, his fiancée, just days before their wedding. I think Reno’s personal grief and reasons why he despises change is written in layers that makes him a great three-dimensional character. It’s a guilty survivor attitude – Reno thinks that he doesn’t deserve to move on. He feels guilty if he can live his life while his other loved ones can’t.
The banter between Charli and Reno is lively. The romance that is built between the two of them is lovely. And, in between, we also have supporting characters that are just as terrific – and make me very curious about their own happy endings. There are Reno’s brothers and mother. There are other Citizens, including Reno’s friend, Aiden, and his fiancée, Paige. They round up the cast of this small town wonderfully.
Small town romance – where everyone knows everyone, and it’s a tight knit community – is one of my favorite kinds of romance. Anything But Sweet is that … and definitely has done its job to make me feel warm and fuzzy after reading it.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
I love Charli’s cheerful, high-spirited attitude. She is a military daughter, and her father is not exactly one who shows emotion – but Charli still grows up as a “rainbow after the rain” kind of person. She is not discouraged when she knows Reno doesn’t agree to the makeover. She makes it her mission to show Reno that she will enhance the town and its characteristics, not destroy it. I love that Charli is a determined woman – but, at the same time, compassionate and understanding. When Charli turns on the flirty mode, Reno doesn’t stand a chance *LOL*. This is the kind of feisty heroine that I just love in my books.
Reno is the protective, stubborn, and tortured hero. He experienced three loses in a short span of time: his older brother, Jared, who was killed in Afghanistan, his father, who died not long after Jared, and last, his fiancée, just days before their wedding. I think Reno’s personal grief and reasons why he despises change is written in layers that makes him a great three-dimensional character. It’s a guilty survivor attitude – Reno thinks that he doesn’t deserve to move on. He feels guilty if he can live his life while his other loved ones can’t.
The banter between Charli and Reno is lively. The romance that is built between the two of them is lovely. And, in between, we also have supporting characters that are just as terrific – and make me very curious about their own happy endings. There are Reno’s brothers and mother. There are other Citizens, including Reno’s friend, Aiden, and his fiancée, Paige. They round up the cast of this small town wonderfully.
Small town romance – where everyone knows everyone, and it’s a tight knit community – is one of my favorite kinds of romance. Anything But Sweet is that … and definitely has done its job to make me feel warm and fuzzy after reading it.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
May 25, 2013
This was a sweet read, I enjoyed it very much. A great story about a Man and a woman and living in a small close knit town.
Reno Wilder Dislikes change , and he dislikes Charli the minute she rolls into his little town and wants to do some changes to the business’. As time goes on we see that Charli is all about the heart of her changes and is not looking to do major changes, just some uplifting to some buildings in town to get more business for them.
She also wants to re-do the Hardware store in town which Reno Owns. Which he wants no part of her doing it. Will she get to do changes to the hardware store? Will Reno like these changes? Guess you will have to read it to find out
The people in town love Charli and love what she is doing to the town, but Reno is stubborn and does not like any of it . Slowly she gets him to come around, and talk to her, and slowly things start to heat up between these two people.
The town people in this book are great, loveable character’s. I love Reno’s Mom and his brother’s as well.
This is the first book I have read By Candis Terry and I enjoyed it a lot .
Book Blurb:
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
June 28, 2013
Candis Terry is a new-to-me author and I just loved my introduction to her with Anything But Sweet. It doesn’t hurt that I’m a sucker for contemporary, small town romances. Reno has had a lot of changes in his life the past few years, he’s lost many people that mean the world to him. He’s ready for his little town of Sweet, Texas to stay just the way it is to preserve their memories. Everything changes the day that Charlotte pulls in to town with her crew of the reality TV show, small town makeovers. Charlotte zeros in on Reno’s hardware store and knows it’s just the place to leave her mark but she has to work her way through one tough ex-marine first. One of the things that I love about small town romances are the secondary characters and how they get in to everyone’s business. That’s the case in Sweet and they each add their own charm and humor to the story. I loved how quiet and gruff Reno was but he really couldn’t deny that Charlotte rang his bell. I adored how confident and determined Charlotte was, not taking ‘no’ from Reno whether it was doing a remodel or opening up to the possibilities of something more. These two both had issues they needed to work through but I loved how they were able to open up to each other. Fun read and I’m excited to try more from Ms. Terry.
July 13, 2013
2 ½ stars. I skimmed parts. Didn’t do anything for me.
The characters are likeable. And the author has a nice writing style, she just needs a better plot.
I’m reminded of writing experts who say don’t write about ordinary people doing everyday ordinary things. That’s how this book felt. I want to be surprised, delighted, see something different - maybe an odd duck character. This book didn’t do that. The heroine comes to town, does her job, meets people, has some fun.
Also, I was disappointed with the major sources of conflict - see spoilers.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Length: 371 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: small town Sweet, Texas. Copyright: 2013. Genre: contemporary romance.
The characters are likeable. And the author has a nice writing style, she just needs a better plot.
I’m reminded of writing experts who say don’t write about ordinary people doing everyday ordinary things. That’s how this book felt. I want to be surprised, delighted, see something different - maybe an odd duck character. This book didn’t do that. The heroine comes to town, does her job, meets people, has some fun.
Also, I was disappointed with the major sources of conflict - see spoilers.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Length: 371 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: small town Sweet, Texas. Copyright: 2013. Genre: contemporary romance.
October 24, 2013
Great story idea, terrible execution. Weird dialog and some really bad vocab mistakes. Also, hero was kind of an asshole. Editor?
July 10, 2014
3.5 Stars
A fun, sweet, small town romance with a super sexy cowboy:)!
A fun, sweet, small town romance with a super sexy cowboy:)!
June 8, 2017
Sweet
Warmed up my heart, didn't want the story to end. Loved all the characters and especially Miss Giddy! Will continue the series, can't wait to see who is next
Warmed up my heart, didn't want the story to end. Loved all the characters and especially Miss Giddy! Will continue the series, can't wait to see who is next
December 19, 2017
I loved this book! Reno and Charli were the perfect characters to start off this series. Candis Terry is a phenomenal author and I cannot wait to see where the rest of series goes.
Sweet Texas is definitely a great town for a great series.
Sweet Texas is definitely a great town for a great series.
August 28, 2019
This was an unexpectedly good one! I was expecting the usual chick-lit.. But this book is a full package! Makes me want to pick another one of this author's book right away!
January 19, 2015
Candis always makes me smile with her stories, but there were times reading this one that I was grinning ear to ear and wiping away tears.
ANYTHING BUT SWEET by Candis Terry is everything I hoped it would be from this author who had me falling hard for a new generation of contemporary romance with her delightful and emotion-filled Sugar Shack Series. Candis conjures characters that pull you in with their hopes, their dreams, their torments, and their pasts, some of which will break your heart.
I love how she brings forth a subject that touched me deeply as someone who knows the heartbreak of it – child neglect and abandonment. When I read the lines, - “Just because a woman could give birth to a child didn’t make her a mother. Just because a man could get a woman pregnant didn’t make him a father. – I had to set my reader down for a while. It touched me so hard. It’s the truth. I’ve always said, “a womb does not a mother make.” It’s love and hard work that makes a parent. ANYTHING BUT SWEET is a story about a family who took in a little boy left on his own by a mother who didn’t care. He found himself enveloped in the love of a family who didn’t care that he wasn’t their son or brother by birth, it only mattered that he was there. It’s this sense of family love that draws Charli to the Wilders. They’ve suffered their losses, their relationships don’t always work out the way they want, but their love for each other stays strong. Charli understands the loss of a parent who loved her and left her with only a father who holds back his affection, so when she encounters this sense of belonging in the Wilders, she wants more. She wants Reno, his family, and his town filled with the most amazing characters to grace the pages of a book, for her own.
The torments of the past aside, ANYTHING BUT SWEET is filled with laughter, joy, wild nights, and a few tear inducing moments that will keep you well satisfied and turning the pages. From the first moment when Charli Brooks climbs down from her yellow Hummer, on through drunken good times, references to country rockin’ songs, and sweet temptations of the flesh that pull the dimples from Reno Wilder’s cheeks, clear to the happily-ever-after ending that I almost didn’t think Candis would pull off. Then again, as in those reality shows, it all comes down to the end reveal, right?
I highly recommend ANYTHING BUT SWEET by Candis Terry to any and all lovers of a good romance. This is a must read if you love tortured heroes and sassy heroines, sweet family interactions, and sexy men. I can’t wait for more from the Wilder brothers and Sweet, Texas.
***eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
ANYTHING BUT SWEET by Candis Terry is everything I hoped it would be from this author who had me falling hard for a new generation of contemporary romance with her delightful and emotion-filled Sugar Shack Series. Candis conjures characters that pull you in with their hopes, their dreams, their torments, and their pasts, some of which will break your heart.
I love how she brings forth a subject that touched me deeply as someone who knows the heartbreak of it – child neglect and abandonment. When I read the lines, - “Just because a woman could give birth to a child didn’t make her a mother. Just because a man could get a woman pregnant didn’t make him a father. – I had to set my reader down for a while. It touched me so hard. It’s the truth. I’ve always said, “a womb does not a mother make.” It’s love and hard work that makes a parent. ANYTHING BUT SWEET is a story about a family who took in a little boy left on his own by a mother who didn’t care. He found himself enveloped in the love of a family who didn’t care that he wasn’t their son or brother by birth, it only mattered that he was there. It’s this sense of family love that draws Charli to the Wilders. They’ve suffered their losses, their relationships don’t always work out the way they want, but their love for each other stays strong. Charli understands the loss of a parent who loved her and left her with only a father who holds back his affection, so when she encounters this sense of belonging in the Wilders, she wants more. She wants Reno, his family, and his town filled with the most amazing characters to grace the pages of a book, for her own.
The torments of the past aside, ANYTHING BUT SWEET is filled with laughter, joy, wild nights, and a few tear inducing moments that will keep you well satisfied and turning the pages. From the first moment when Charli Brooks climbs down from her yellow Hummer, on through drunken good times, references to country rockin’ songs, and sweet temptations of the flesh that pull the dimples from Reno Wilder’s cheeks, clear to the happily-ever-after ending that I almost didn’t think Candis would pull off. Then again, as in those reality shows, it all comes down to the end reveal, right?
I highly recommend ANYTHING BUT SWEET by Candis Terry to any and all lovers of a good romance. This is a must read if you love tortured heroes and sassy heroines, sweet family interactions, and sexy men. I can’t wait for more from the Wilder brothers and Sweet, Texas.
***eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
November 21, 2017
This was suggested as a good light read after a heavy dose of thriller and I’ve got to say, I’m so happy I tried this author and this series. The characters are amazing. I loved Reno’s bruises warrior and Charli’s strong personality. It was everything I love in a romance, so much so that I immediately bought the next book in the series.
April 22, 2013
There is no other word to use for this book other than sweet. Please excuse my use of the title word there, but it truly was.
Charlotte Brooks storms into the small town of Sweet, Texas. She's the host of a small-town makeover show and is determined to help the residents of Sweet. Everyone is on board except one stubborn man. Reno Wilder holds tight to the memories in the town that he grew up in. He's lost his father, his brother and someone else he loved, and he's not about to cave to the pushy but gorgeous Charli.
Reno is bound and determined not to let Charli in, but he just can't seem to help himself. Soon it seems like he's the last one in this small town who doesn't love everything about her... or is he just fooling himself?
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Is it your typical romance... why sure it is... it's pretty hard to find romances these days that stand out because they are different. But what this one had was heart and soul. The story wasn't rushed and the characters were completely believable for me. Charli's situation resonated with me for no reason other than I could sympathize for her. Having no true place to call home has to be hard... even if it is the way you grew up. We all want that one place that is ours and she immediately bonds with the residents of Sweet and could imagine this place her home. Plus there is a certain chemistry between her an Reno that she isn't going to pretend isn't there.
Reno... think alpha male, ex-marine, cowboy. Got that image in your head? He was ready to settle down and start a family, but things don't always happen as planned and now he spends his days at his deceased father's store and working his ranch. It seemed to me that he knew he wanted more but wasn't sure how to go about getting it. Even with Charli in his life he realizes that she's not there to stay and he won't ask her to. The weeks they get to know each other were written wonderfully and I really truly enjoyed the story.
If you're looking for a sweet romance with characters you can enjoy I definitely suggest picking up Anything But Sweet.
Thank you to Avon Books & Edelweiss for the Advance Copy for review.
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
Charlotte Brooks storms into the small town of Sweet, Texas. She's the host of a small-town makeover show and is determined to help the residents of Sweet. Everyone is on board except one stubborn man. Reno Wilder holds tight to the memories in the town that he grew up in. He's lost his father, his brother and someone else he loved, and he's not about to cave to the pushy but gorgeous Charli.
Reno is bound and determined not to let Charli in, but he just can't seem to help himself. Soon it seems like he's the last one in this small town who doesn't love everything about her... or is he just fooling himself?
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Is it your typical romance... why sure it is... it's pretty hard to find romances these days that stand out because they are different. But what this one had was heart and soul. The story wasn't rushed and the characters were completely believable for me. Charli's situation resonated with me for no reason other than I could sympathize for her. Having no true place to call home has to be hard... even if it is the way you grew up. We all want that one place that is ours and she immediately bonds with the residents of Sweet and could imagine this place her home. Plus there is a certain chemistry between her an Reno that she isn't going to pretend isn't there.
Reno... think alpha male, ex-marine, cowboy. Got that image in your head? He was ready to settle down and start a family, but things don't always happen as planned and now he spends his days at his deceased father's store and working his ranch. It seemed to me that he knew he wanted more but wasn't sure how to go about getting it. Even with Charli in his life he realizes that she's not there to stay and he won't ask her to. The weeks they get to know each other were written wonderfully and I really truly enjoyed the story.
If you're looking for a sweet romance with characters you can enjoy I definitely suggest picking up Anything But Sweet.
Thank you to Avon Books & Edelweiss for the Advance Copy for review.
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
July 3, 2013
Review from Backchatting Books
The blurb may state that “love is anything but predictable” but the relationship between Reno Wilder and Charlotte “Charli” Brooks is. We have a typical surly male who resists change and a bubbly, perky woman who is going to bring sparkle into his life. The thing is though that Terry’s characters rise above the usual shtick. Charli is the host of a TV makeover show and she breezes into Sweet, Texas determined to shake things up a bit. Rather than making over people or houses, her show makes over towns to help them improve their tourist dollars. Reno on the other hand is equally determined not to let her mess with either his town or his hardware shop. They butt heads from the moment her dog pees on him and sparks continue to fly during the renovations.
Reno is rude, dismissive and at times antagonistic. He is firmly in the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ camp. Part of this stems from fear that he would lose the ones he loved. He was abandoned by his birth mother and then adopted by his uncle and aunt. Reno’s adopted father, adopted brother and fiancé all died within a short space of time and he unconsciously uses physical things to help anchor his memories because without them he would feel adrift. Charli knows very little of this however and sees him as just another Luddite, albeit a hot one. She hasn’t exactly had a great upbringing as her father carted her from one set of barracks to another. Renovating places helps her leave her stamp on a place and belong somewhere, for a short time at least. Watching the two fall in love was a bit like viewing a complicated dance with both ‘dancers’ trying to lead - two steps forward, one step back and lots of fancy manoeuvring. The biggest let down would have to be the denouement which was very corny.
There is a very strong pro-US military theme that runs through this novel. Reno and all of his brothers were in the military, as was Charli’s father. Other minor characters have also served. Characters repeatedly call these men heroes and champion their commitment so I was surprised that Terry didn’t gloss over the sacrifices. Reno’s eldest brother died in Afghanistan and one of the other men suffers PTSD. I enjoyed this dash of realism.
"Anything But Sweet" is great read that only gets a bit too saccharine for my liking at the end.
The blurb may state that “love is anything but predictable” but the relationship between Reno Wilder and Charlotte “Charli” Brooks is. We have a typical surly male who resists change and a bubbly, perky woman who is going to bring sparkle into his life. The thing is though that Terry’s characters rise above the usual shtick. Charli is the host of a TV makeover show and she breezes into Sweet, Texas determined to shake things up a bit. Rather than making over people or houses, her show makes over towns to help them improve their tourist dollars. Reno on the other hand is equally determined not to let her mess with either his town or his hardware shop. They butt heads from the moment her dog pees on him and sparks continue to fly during the renovations.
Reno is rude, dismissive and at times antagonistic. He is firmly in the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ camp. Part of this stems from fear that he would lose the ones he loved. He was abandoned by his birth mother and then adopted by his uncle and aunt. Reno’s adopted father, adopted brother and fiancé all died within a short space of time and he unconsciously uses physical things to help anchor his memories because without them he would feel adrift. Charli knows very little of this however and sees him as just another Luddite, albeit a hot one. She hasn’t exactly had a great upbringing as her father carted her from one set of barracks to another. Renovating places helps her leave her stamp on a place and belong somewhere, for a short time at least. Watching the two fall in love was a bit like viewing a complicated dance with both ‘dancers’ trying to lead - two steps forward, one step back and lots of fancy manoeuvring. The biggest let down would have to be the denouement which was very corny.
There is a very strong pro-US military theme that runs through this novel. Reno and all of his brothers were in the military, as was Charli’s father. Other minor characters have also served. Characters repeatedly call these men heroes and champion their commitment so I was surprised that Terry didn’t gloss over the sacrifices. Reno’s eldest brother died in Afghanistan and one of the other men suffers PTSD. I enjoyed this dash of realism.
"Anything But Sweet" is great read that only gets a bit too saccharine for my liking at the end.
August 8, 2013
It’s not often that I read a contemporary romance novel. I find the ones that I get the most enjoyment out of are the ones set in small towns just like Sweet, Texas. The characters often have this neighborly feel to them. Many of the characters in Anything but Sweet felt like people I know. Any woman would want to run off to this town if not to grab themselves a Wilder man, then to get closer to their Mama. I love Jana. She was the sweetest treat that could have been added to this book. Her sons are many and they are all gorgeous.
Her son Reno is the love interest in this installment of Candis Terry’s Sweet, Texas series. Reno is the owner of Sweet’s hardware and feed store. Said store has just became mission number one for the tv show in town to renovate Main Street. Reno doesn’t like change. Experience has taught him that the changes in his life hurt. The sexy cowboy has had enough bad times in the past couple of years to last a lifetime. He is set in him comfortable little world and he doesn’t need Hollywood rolling into to town to tell him things need to be different.
Hollywood would be one Charlotte Brooks. Charli and I got off to a bad start and I never forgave her. The whole time Reno is calling her Fancy Pants I was referring to her as Missy Prissy. What kind of woman strolls into a town and thrusts her dog into the arms of a total stranger for no other reason than being bratty? Yeah, I hated Charli. I wanted construction materials to fall on her. She actually had the crass to tell Reno “It’s a man’s world out there Mr. Wilder. And it’s my job to make sure they’re doing it all wrong.”
I have every intention of reading more of the Sweet, Texas books. There’s a little mini blurb at the end of this one that tells anxious readers who the next hero will be. I think he will have a good love story to share. He is certainly deserving of one. I also hope his brother gives him the ribbing that he gave him in this one. After All turnabout is fair play.
Her son Reno is the love interest in this installment of Candis Terry’s Sweet, Texas series. Reno is the owner of Sweet’s hardware and feed store. Said store has just became mission number one for the tv show in town to renovate Main Street. Reno doesn’t like change. Experience has taught him that the changes in his life hurt. The sexy cowboy has had enough bad times in the past couple of years to last a lifetime. He is set in him comfortable little world and he doesn’t need Hollywood rolling into to town to tell him things need to be different.
Hollywood would be one Charlotte Brooks. Charli and I got off to a bad start and I never forgave her. The whole time Reno is calling her Fancy Pants I was referring to her as Missy Prissy. What kind of woman strolls into a town and thrusts her dog into the arms of a total stranger for no other reason than being bratty? Yeah, I hated Charli. I wanted construction materials to fall on her. She actually had the crass to tell Reno “It’s a man’s world out there Mr. Wilder. And it’s my job to make sure they’re doing it all wrong.”
I have every intention of reading more of the Sweet, Texas books. There’s a little mini blurb at the end of this one that tells anxious readers who the next hero will be. I think he will have a good love story to share. He is certainly deserving of one. I also hope his brother gives him the ribbing that he gave him in this one. After All turnabout is fair play.
August 9, 2016
This fun book has all the elements I love about a contemporary. A small southern town, a fun sassy heroine, hot ex military men and a great cast of supporting characters. The dialogue is fun and snappy, and the sex is hot.
Charli works for an Extreme Makeover style reality show, where instead of making over a home, the team goes from town to town and makes over the businesses to help boost tourism and breathe some new life into them. Having been on the move her whole life with a father in the marines Charli longs to put down roots somewhere and have something and someone to call hers.
Reno's past couple years have been filled with tragedy and heartache. In the span of two years he's lost his fiance, his father and his brother to war. Since he returned from the Marine's and Afghanistan, he's been working the family's ranch and running his father's hardware store. The last thing he wants is change.
What I like about this story is that even though Reno is a hot strong hero, Charli is the aggressor in their relationship. Reno wants her, but he doesn't want the strings he knows is sure to come with her. The only thing that didn't really work for me was the climax of the story where they are supposed to have had a fight-only it didn't really read as a fight- but then suddenly they aren't talking to each other. Maybe I missed something.
The story sets us up for stories that will involve the rest of Reno's brothers, also all ex military and I will definitely be checking those out as well.
It's a really fun contemporary though, and if you are a fan of Rachel Gibson or Susan Mallery-you should definitely give this author a try!
Charli works for an Extreme Makeover style reality show, where instead of making over a home, the team goes from town to town and makes over the businesses to help boost tourism and breathe some new life into them. Having been on the move her whole life with a father in the marines Charli longs to put down roots somewhere and have something and someone to call hers.
Reno's past couple years have been filled with tragedy and heartache. In the span of two years he's lost his fiance, his father and his brother to war. Since he returned from the Marine's and Afghanistan, he's been working the family's ranch and running his father's hardware store. The last thing he wants is change.
What I like about this story is that even though Reno is a hot strong hero, Charli is the aggressor in their relationship. Reno wants her, but he doesn't want the strings he knows is sure to come with her. The only thing that didn't really work for me was the climax of the story where they are supposed to have had a fight-only it didn't really read as a fight- but then suddenly they aren't talking to each other. Maybe I missed something.
The story sets us up for stories that will involve the rest of Reno's brothers, also all ex military and I will definitely be checking those out as well.
It's a really fun contemporary though, and if you are a fan of Rachel Gibson or Susan Mallery-you should definitely give this author a try!
March 5, 2014
I enjoyed this story by Candis Terry. She really captured the charms and quirks of Sweet Texas, and is a great example of a small town romance.
Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of the strong but silent, cranky/surly hero type. But Candis did a great job of going beyond the surface to show us what made Reno tick. His love for his family and community comes shining through. And while he has his fair share of stubborn male pride moments, you understand the motivation, and his fear of going through more pain, rejection, and loss. Reno has had more than his fair share of hard knocks in his life, and it was wonderful to see his come out the other side and truly start living his life and embracing love again.
I really loved Charli-she I liked that she wasn't the typical urban snob looking down her nose at small town USA. Instead, she rolled up her sleeves, fit right in, and was embraced. She was a really fun, smart determined character. I liked that she didn't let Reno's bad attitude faze her, and I love how often she just steamrolled over him, all with a smile on her face. I admired her passion and dedication to her work, and sympathized with how much she longed for roots and a place to call home. She is someone I definitely would want to have as a friend. I
I'm looking forward to what's next in this series-I hope one of Reno's brothers is next. I definitely want to visit Sweet Texas again.
Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of the strong but silent, cranky/surly hero type. But Candis did a great job of going beyond the surface to show us what made Reno tick. His love for his family and community comes shining through. And while he has his fair share of stubborn male pride moments, you understand the motivation, and his fear of going through more pain, rejection, and loss. Reno has had more than his fair share of hard knocks in his life, and it was wonderful to see his come out the other side and truly start living his life and embracing love again.
I really loved Charli-she I liked that she wasn't the typical urban snob looking down her nose at small town USA. Instead, she rolled up her sleeves, fit right in, and was embraced. She was a really fun, smart determined character. I liked that she didn't let Reno's bad attitude faze her, and I love how often she just steamrolled over him, all with a smile on her face. I admired her passion and dedication to her work, and sympathized with how much she longed for roots and a place to call home. She is someone I definitely would want to have as a friend. I
I'm looking forward to what's next in this series-I hope one of Reno's brothers is next. I definitely want to visit Sweet Texas again.
June 29, 2013
This book was everything I love in a book. It takes place in a small western town with lots of charm and there are cowboys involved. What's not to love?? After I read this book, I wanted to pack my belongings and move straight to Sweet, Texas. Reno and Charli are a great couple. From the beginning there are sparks between them, but you just know it's going to take some time to get the fire raging due to Reno's stubbornness. It's great fun watching their love evolve and to see Charli break through the stubborn wall that is Reno. And the physical scenes? Keep a fire extinguisher handy. They will make you want to spontaneously combust! Hot hot hot!! This book will make you laugh out loud in places and just make you fall in love with each and every character. I can't wait for the next Sweet, Texas book! I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a good contemporary romance. You will not be disappointed. And, if you haven't read Candis' Sugar Shack series, what the heck are you waiting for. It's a fun series with a fabulous meddling mom ghost. Definitely worth reading!!
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