Book Review-A Better Man by Candis Terry

I received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Better Man by Candis Terry
Series: Sunshine Creek Vinyard #1
Published by Avon on March 29th 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Sports, Small Town
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: Avon
ISBN: 0062351184

Meet the Kincade brothers: they’ll do what it takes to protect their legacy—but what happens when love gets in the way?
Hockey star Jordan Kincade wasted no time ditching Sunshine Valley and everyone who mattered for a career in the NHL—a truth Jordan confronts when his parents’ deaths bring him home. Now he’s back to make amends, which begins with keeping his younger sister from flunking out of school. It’s just his luck that the one person who can help is the girl whose heart he broke years ago.
Lucy Diamond has racked up a number of monumental mistakes in her life, the first involving a certain blue-eyed charmer. She has no intention of falling for Jordan Kincade again, but when he shows up asking her to help one of her students, Lucy just can’t say no. Worse, the longer he’s back, the more she sees how much he’s changed. And so when a blistering kiss turns to more, she can’t help but wonder if her heart will be crushed again . . . or if she’ll discover true love with a better man.

Summary

Welcome to Sunshine Creek Vineyard and the infamous Kincade brothers who will do anything to protect their own and their legacy. Jordan Kincade, is a hockey star, playing in the pros for fifteen years and is a star among his team and about to carry them to a big win for the team. But then Jordan gets a horrific call, where his parents have been killed in a crash while on vacation. Jordan returns home immediately, not having been home for a long time. His reunion with his family is bittersweet but the moment he comes home, he realizes what he has been missing, and that his family has always needed him; but especially now more than ever. His youngest sister, stares at him with anger and he doesn’t understand why. But he is going to get to the bottom of it, which leads him to one of her teachers…Lucy Diamond. Lucy had a crush on Jordan for a long time. In high school she was stood up by Jordan and was hurt and still hasn’t fully forgiven him for that. Now he is back in town asking for her help with his sister. As they start to work together, the chemistry between them builds, but can Lucy have the courage to stand by Jordan whether its in a small town or by his side in the city while he plays pro??

The Hero

Jordan Kincade, has always wanted to leave home ever since he was young. He dreamed about playing hockey and doing it pro and he is dang good at it. His family supported him, knowing it was his dream. But Jordan drifted away from those that loved him most because of his sport. Jordan is a bit clueless to certain matters, unless you give it to him straight. He has a thick head, and you need to really pound at that skull before he gets anything especially when it comes to important matters like family or love. Jordan knows that when he returns home, how things have changed and how much his family really needs him…and always has needed him. It takes a sister who is bitter against him for turn priorities around for him. Jordan was delicious though….he is a fighter. When he believes in something, nothing and no one can stand in his way. He is stubborn ,determined and quite passionate. We see his strong personality traits come through in the story brilliantly.

The Heroine

Lucy Diamond is shy and quiet. She loves the small town life, and has never wanted more than that. She is a teacher and loves helping her students bring out their creative methods in their development. Lucy has had a fascination with reading and the written word. But Lucy is very cautious especially around men. Her experiences with them have not been positive in any way. So she is very hesitent to even help Jordan out at times, because even though she feels for the teenage girl…he is the last man she wants to be around. But she gives in, and is slow to trust. Lucy is kind and compassionate. Being bold and daring is not easy for her, because she finds her ground with Jordan and she comes more into herself. We some growth in her confidence level as the story develops. I really liked Lucy so much, all around a good and gentle woman you want to be friends with.

Plot and Story Line

A Better Man is the first in the newest series from this author. Now first off I do want to say why have I  NOT read this author before now??!!! I was nervous, always am when trying out a new author. But really, I should trust this publishing company more, because rarely do they let me down in discovering new authors to enjoy. Candis Terry does such a admiring job in creating this small town culture and building the setting that you almost feel like its so real as you read. I do wish it was…I would move there. LOL 

So the story sets off at the beginning, with an exciting scene of Jordan playing with his team mates. We feel the energy and action while playing a thrilling game and Jordan aids them in the win despite his nature of being in the penalty box ALOT. I found that amusing, because while he is talented, he has a hard time with self control…his temper can get out of wack while playing. (which quite frankly, is typical right?). Then he receives a call from his brother, and his carefree man changes instantly. He comes to terms with certain aspects of himself, and needs to change. He is wanting to make amends. Now this is where I truly fell in love with his character. Because he becomes very honest and wanting to change and be better. The family here are just awesome…man love these brothers. They are just wonderful. Each family member is a bit different, but I love the range of personalities. Should make future books interesting.

The actual romance between Jordan and Lucy is so heartwarming and I loved it.

I need YOU. The woman who’s wrapped up my heart and made me think of things that have never even crossed my mind before. 

There were some moments I wasn’t always able to connect with them, but for the most part its sweet, fun and charming. But I did feel a more curiousness about Jordan and his sister’s relationship. Seeing how they would work things out and get to the bottom of some mysteries that crop up.

The Cover

What a perfect cover for spring….I love how sexy yet sweet it is. The backdrop is beautiful. I just want to step right into it.

Overall View

A Better Man is a truly engaging and fun romance. The tone of the story is sweet and lighthearted with a bit of mystery and self-growth thrown in the mix. Truly Charming!!

About Candis Terry

Growing up in Southern California, I was too busy reading books, hanging out at the beach, or finding ways to have a good time that wouldn’t land me on restriction to even consider writing a book. Oddly enough, a college drama teacher (who politely discouraged my inept acting abilities) encouraged me to develop the A+ character bio I’d created into a complete story. Right. Years later, in the midst of a bleary-eyed all-nighter (rocking my newborn, that is), I picked up a romance novel and fell in love with more than just the infant in my arms.

The diversities in my life have enhanced (or twisted) my worldview. From working in a Hollywood recording studio to a graphic designer in marketing; from schmoozing with the likes of Charleton Heston and Motley Crüe to giving up my beach bum ways and making the move to an Idaho farm. I’ve designed costumes for 80’s heavy metal videos and scooped up road apples left on the parade route by my daughter’s rodeo queening horse.

Only one thing has remained constant: my passion for writing stories about relationships, the push and pull in the search for love, and the security one finds in their own happily ever after. Though my stories are set in small towns, my wish is to give each of my characters a great big memorable love story rich with quirky characters, tons of fun, and a happy ending.

I’m married to a wonderful man who takes out the trash without being asked and who puts up with all my crazy ideas. To find inspiration, my family and I often grab our trailer and ATV and venture out to discover the off-road splendor of the Idaho wilderness. And when I need a fun dose of reality, I call upon my daughter and her little Mini-Me or one of our 3 furry troublemakers.

Life is good down on the farm!

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