Sandy M’s review of Sweetest Mistake (Sweet, Texas, Book 2) by Candis Terry
Contemporary Romance published by Avon 31 Dec 13
I hate it when I get behind in reading books I’ve anxiously waited to release. Such is the case with Candis Terry. She became a favorite of mine with her Sugar Shack series, one I had the best time reading. I’m having as much fun with this latest series, Sweet, Texas. This is a friends-to-lovers story and one that is quite emotional when it comes to family.
Jackson Wilder has just learned Abigail Morgan is back in town. She left years before without a word. Right when he needed her most – he lost brother in the war and his broken-hearted father not long afterward. Your best friend is supposed to be there for you in times like those. But Jackson had – and has – no idea why she left so abruptly. Telling himself to let it go doesn’t do any good. He’s on her doorstep just minutes after the learning the news.
Happy to be home and out of a marriage that sucked the soul right out of her, Abby comes face to face with Jackson again and that brings the past rushing back. She can’t blame him for his anger and mistrust now. Everyone else treats her like she never really left, especially Jackson’s mother – who is terrific fun and puts them in each other’s path as much as possible. Abby is a strong woman, despite her lack of confidence in the beginning. She admits her mistake in the way she left, she apologizes for it, now it’s up to Jackson. He does take a long time to let his issues go, and this can sometimes rub me the wrong way. But Ms. Terry brings it home how much Jackson was hurt by Abby’s departure, a refreshing turnaround from the heroine normally being the one stringing the reader along.
I really love the slow progression of the re-acquaintance of Jackson and Abby. He has to overcome his trust issues that came about from Abby’s abandonment and her need to be independent is a big issue to keep them apart. One of the best parts of this story for me is the feel of family, especially considering the losses the Wilders suffered. When Jackson takes Jared’s truck for a spin, it’s like his brother is sitting next to him just when he needs his older sibling the most. More wonderful scenes are those with Jackson and his daughter, Izzy. Young fathers are always a favorite of mine, and Jackson is perfect. Aside from his mother, another fun secondary character is Fiona, his ex. As much as bitches can be fun to read when dealing with an ex, it’s nice to have an amenable relationship full of a different kind of love.
Book 3 is already on the shelves – yes, I’m that far behind – and I hope to read it soon. I know I will enjoy myself immensely once I’m back in Sweet, Texas. Small-town romance has never been done better than by Candis Terry.
Grade: A
Summary:
WHEN FRIENDS BECOME LOVERS . . .
Firefighter and former Marine Jackson Wilder has tough guy down to an art, but he’s learned the hard way that promises were made to be broken. Abigail Morgan was once his best friend, his first kiss, his first love, his first everything. He’d just forgotten to mention all that to her and she blew out of his life. Five years later, she’s back and he’s battling a load of mistrust for her disappearing act. But for some reason he just can’t keep his lips—or his hands—to himself.
IT CAN LEAD TO DISASTER OR . . .
When her stint as a trophy wife abruptly ends, Abby returns home to Sweet, Texas, and comes face-to-face with Jackson—her biggest and sexiest mistake. Time and distance did nothing to squash her love for the act-first-think-later stubborn hunk of a man, and when he suggests they renew their old just-friends vow, Abby realizes she wants more. She’d cut and run once. Could she do it again? Or could she tempt him enough to break his promise?
THE SWEETEST MISTAKE.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
