Review: Sweet & Sexy Series Starter With Drool-Worthy Cowboys
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 21, 2014
As the first book in the Old Town Country Romance series, the groundwork is nicely laid out for what comes next as happiness will befall each brother when they least expect it, but when they need it most, as each is struggling with emotional and physical pain.  The first brother to meet his match is Cooper, who from the outside appears to have everything going for him.  Everyone in town and his own brothers think he's perfect and led a charmed life, but Cooper is feeling adrift with his sole focus on gaining wealth and separating himself as much as possible from his country boy past.  A quick visit home changes his life dramatically though and opens his eyes as to what's really important and helps him deal with the jealousy he's always felt towards his older brother Jake.  To win over city girl Riley, Cooper embraces his country boy persona and realizes how rich small town living really is.  He's more carefree and happier away from the bustle and stress of Wall Street and more expressive in his affections.  He comes to realize that things aren't as important as who you are and it's what's in your heart and soul that truly define you.Riley is all about work too.  She has goals for her future that involve an expensive car and reaching the top of her field by age 30 which leaves no room for love and family.  It's not hard to stay away from love as all of her dates are devoted to work and wealth in the attempt to impress.  Coming to a small town in the country has her forming all sorts of preconceived notions that are quickly blown away by the sexy, serious-minded, and intense Cooper.  Their attraction is instantaneous and takes a steamy yet sweet path to HEA as he shows her all the small yet satisfying things in life.  From a country fair to a sunset to a glimpse of family he shows her that happiness comes in small packages and she too comes to realize that chasing what you think you want leads to a dead end of unhappiness.  Riley is a likable heroine who's so uptight when we first see her but as she starts to experience life and affection she becomes carefree and fun-loving.  A small misunderstanding late in the story causes a slight ripple in her and Cooper's HEA but is thankfully quickly resolved and leads to a rousingly sweet and heartwarming epilogue.From start to finish I found myself fully immersed in this story and its engaging characters.  Each brother is vividly depicted and unique in their personality traits.  Each is emotionally, and in the case of Tucker physically, scarred which leads them to lashing out or internalizing their unhappiness.  There's friction between the brothers, particularly Jake and Cooper, and this dichotomy adds to the heartache the brothers are going through and has me hoping they'll be healed by some worthy heroine.  Cooper and Riley are wonderful together, sexy and sweet in their interactions which made their burgeoning romance delightful to witness.  The storyline is straightforward with no Big Misunderstandings to get in the way, just a heartwarming story that brings out the best in both the hero and heroine.  This book is a wonderful start to what promises to be a compelling series with to die for heroes and I can't wait for Tucker's story, which is next, as he's got many demons to overcome and I plan on being there!