REVIEW: Truly Sweet by Candis Terry

In Truly Sweet (Sweet, Texas #5) by Candis Terry, Marine Lieutenant Jake Wilder wasn’t ready to cut his career short, but the injury he suffered while in Afghanistan made that decision for him. Being back in his hometown of Sweet, Texas, is comforting in most ways. But he’s still not able to let go of his guilt over losing a few of his fellow soldiers, including his best friend Eli, in the attack. Jake might have been looking for a distraction, but he didn’t think it would be the girl he spent his teen years playfully arguing with: Annie Morgan. He’s looking for casual, but soon he’s in too deep, too quickly with the sexy single mom.

‘If you’d asked him just weeks ago what he thought of Annabelle Morgan, he’d have told anyone that she was nothing but a pain in the ass. Now he knew she was the complete opposite. Now he knew she might very well be the only thing that could save his wretched soul.’

Annie has been pretty content to rebuild her life since returning to Sweet after her disastrous time in Seattle. At least she has her year old son Max to liven up her days. Things get even livelier when the object of her teenage-turned-adult crush, Jake, is back in town. They still bicker like enemies, but the chemistry between them is off-the-charts. Annie is nearing thirty and is ready to settle down, not be a booty call. And Jake is still hurting too much inside to feel like he can offer her stability. They could have something special if she could only get him to accept her love and support so he could begin to heal.

“Life isn’t always fair, Jake.” She squeezed his big hand. “And I don’t always have the answers. But I want to be that soft landing place for you. I want to be that heart that understands.”

Keep your tissues handy when you read Truly Sweet, the final book in the terrific Sweet, Texas series. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be laughing, crying, sighing, and most of all, rooting for Jake and Annie the whole way through to their happily-ever-after.

I am so, so very sad to see this series end. I absolutely adore the Wilder family. It seems funny to have grown so attached as I’ve read about each of the family members, but I guess that just goes to show how great of a job Candis Terry has done with every one of these books. It was bittersweet to watch the final loose ends get tied up here, but the heartfelt way it all was written made this a wonderful way to close things out. Everyone from Momma Wilder, their goat Miss Giddy, to the rest of the rowdy characters found happiness in their own special way. *happy sigh*

So this was, in essence, a wounded warrior AND a secret crush story. I know. Good premise, right? And it turned out every bit as fantastic as it sounds. Jake was probably my favorite Wilder, aside from his momma Jana, of course. (Love her!!) He was a war hero, although he’d never call himself that, who carried around survivor’s guilt and dealt with PTSD. Jake was caring and loyal almost to a fault. And even though he and Annie were confidants back in junior high, they did nothing but antagonize each other as they grew older. So their transition into something more after he returned was so much fun to watch!

Annie was an honorary member of the Wilder family after her parents left her and her sister Abby high and dry as kids. Her crush on Jake was understandable, I mean…there’s just something about those Wilder men, and it was so nicely described by author Candis Terry. I loved that Annie didn’t push Jake by mercilessly flirting or flaunting herself. She tried to be there for him during his transition back into civilian life. And I think Jake appreciated that. There were so many funny scenes they had bickering and getting each other wound up. But the times where he opened up to Annie were absolutely touching and made my day.

Candis Terry has done this series proud with Truly Sweet. This was the perfect way to say farewell to the rambunctious Wilder clan, with poignant moments of remembrance and healing, as well as with celebration and joy. Highly recommended.

Book Info:

Publication: July 28th 2015 | by Avon | Sweet, Texas #5

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…