SWEET SURPRISE is Book four in the Sweet, Texas series by Candis Terry. Although it's part of a series, SWEET SURPRISE can still be understood and enjoyed by readers who may be new to the series. Although Fiona and Mike both have baggage and relationship issues, I like that they are both very transparent and honest with each other about what they want and what their boundaries are. This kind of emotional honesty is very refreshing in romantic fiction. Both characters are extremely likable and the chemistry between them is explosive.

It's been awhile since Mike and Fiona have been in serious romantic relationships. Mike has avoided serious relationships, while Fiona has avoided sexual relationships out of a desire to wait for the right guy for a healthy long-term relationship. Despite their very different attitude toward romance, they are both good people and believe they are acting with the best intentions. As I was reading SWEET SURPRISE, I was struck by the similarities between the hero and heroine. I think both Mike and Fiona have a little misplaced guilt over things that happened in the past. Their past struggles really pull you into the story and help give it an additional emotional resonance.

The complex, and extremely likable characters and character- driven stories are the strength of this Sweet, Texas series. Candis Terry does a wonderful job of adding nuances to recurring characters and giving them believability in a world of romantic fantasy. Fiona is a very strong woman and I love how committed she is to her daughter. Family plays such a huge role in SWEET SURPRISE, as well as the previous books in this series. I think it's great that Fiona and Mike are able to connect and place the same importance on family. There is plenty of heat between them but the fact that they like each other as well as lust after each other makes their romance burn hotter.

SWEET SURPRISE is a fun, sexy romance with textured characters. As a fan of the series, it's great to check in with other favorite characters and see how they've grown and what directions their lives are taking. Although I having read the previous stories makes for a richer believe SWEET SURPRISE does work as a stand-alone book, reading experience. As always, I eagerly await the next installment in this sizzling series.