A Better Man

This story was so much fun to read. I found it impossible to put down once I started. Jordan and Lucy knew each other in high school, and after he asks her to a dance and never shows, Lucy picks up and moves on with her life. She becomes a teacher and when Jordan's little sister becomes a sullen, angst-ridden teen, Lucy contacts her brother for a conference, but the brother she wasn't expecting appears. Jordan had left his home behind for his NHL career and had not been around much, turning his sister into a brat in his presence. There ends up being quite a few layers to the story to keep your attention. Jordan is pretty yummy, even if at times he does a few bone-headed things. You still cheer for him to do right by his family and Lucy. His NHL career really makes him even yummier; I cannot resist a man in a hockey uniform. Lucy is a character you just want to be your best friend. It's obvious she cares deeply for those in her life. She is the teacher that you wish all of your high school teachers had been, so caring of her students and their well being. There is great chemistry and an interesting story. If you like contemporary romance, you should enjoy this tale. I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Finally I start a Candis Terry series at the very beginning… one of my ‘ooh I must’ grabs for contemporary romance. In this new series, Sunshine Creek Village, we get to meet a whole new family, and dive into the world of her making with A Better Man. Jordan spent most of his life dreaming of the ice and away: now a hockey star with his own set of commitments and issues, he’s thrust back home with the news of his parents’ death. Returning home to reconnect with his brothers (four) and seventeen year old baby sister. While Jordan loves his family, he’s been away chasing his own dreams which has created some distance between them all, and the anger he experiences from his sister Nicole (aptly nicknamed Baby Dragon) confuses and hurts him. Lucy never really left Sunshine Creek and now works as a creative writing teacher at the high school. Years ago she, like others, crushed on Jordan and was sorely disappointed. That, a difficult childhood and some decisions made with the inexperience of youth left her with one failed marriage and a serious guarded nature. While she’s concerned for Nicole, and wants to help the girl deal with everything on her plate, seeing Jordan some 15 years later was not in her plan. So many different elements come into play in this story: the family members (particularly Nicole) who felt abandoned by Jordan’s leaving. Jordan’s own lack of effort, not in a malicious way but in thinking ‘it’s family- they’ll always be there’ attitude. The struggles with the vineyard and running a business, the grief over the loss of their parents, Lucy’s trust issues, the budding relationship between Jordan and Lucy, and the questions behind Nicole’s anger and acting out. Each element is completely real and tangible: you can see the why and understand where it comes from, but then you always have other ideas of what should be done. Then, as the story unfolds, it is apparent that Terry has not only thought through ALL the possible options, but, it couldn’t have worked so well had any other choice or direction been taken. Jordan and Lucy are wonderful: she needs reassurances and honesty. Jordan is not the most intuitive or insightful, he needs more plain speaking and decided answers. This pushes Lucy to actually think about, and truly decide what is important for her: and put it into actual words. When you add in the family dynamics and the moments with Nicole, the story is so full it could burst, in all the best ways! Heart, redemption, resolution and hope all combine to start us on the journey with the Kincades. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

I was so excited that the day finally arrived to read the new series, Sunshine Creek by Candis Terry. I'm already in love with this small town and the Kincaid family. A second chance romance between hockey player, Jordan and school teacher, Lucy. Lucy was Jordan's tutor in high school, whom he stood up for senior prom. Jordan returns home after a family tragedy, only to find out Lucy is youngest sister, Nicole's teacher. Jordan has his hands full with his team, rebellious Nicole, the family winery and proving his love to Lucy. Loved the family dynamics, Jordan really stepped up to be Nicole's brother. The chemistry between Lucy and Jordan is hot along with great banter. Jordan is so patient with Nicole and Lucy. Can't wait for more of the Kincaid brothers. I highly recommend this book!!

4.5 Baskets Format: Galley copy Jordan has everything he's ever wanted. He's on the fast track with his hockey team headed for the Stanley Cup. One phone call from his brother brings his world swirling down. He heads home to help his family and support them after they've lost their parents. His little sister is angry and he has a meeting with her creative writing teacher to figure out what to do to help her get through and graduate. Lucy didn't expect Jordan to be the brother coming to the parent/teacher meeting for Nicki, Jordan's little sister. As much as she tries she can't stay away from Jordan even though her broke her heart when she was 17. Jordan and Lucy heat the pages up and their mutual concern for Nicki draw them closer than the potential that already lies between them. Jordan works his hardest to prove he'll be there for his family and that makes the hottie mctottie even more likable than he already is. Lucy has a huge heart but when she gets upset step back out of the way she's got some bite. A Better Man was a sweep me off my feet romance that left me ready for the next book in the series.